1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

THE ANNOUNCER
Ascension Lutheran Church of Shelby
November 2014
300 N. Lafayette St.
Shelby, NC 28150
Our Vision is to be an extension of the hands of Christ: Our hands extend to a ministry pointing to Jesus, a ministry of
prayer, a ministry of outreach, a ministry of affirmation and a ministry of calling others to service.
From the Pastor
THANKSGIVING
A few years ago, I was part of a discipleship group or small group that met for prayer and conversation via conference call once a
week for a semester. The faculty advisor invited us to dinner when we were all on campus the next summer, and she introduced
us to One Hundred Graces a book of mealtime prayers. She invited her dinner guests to pick a number and read the grace that was
printed on that page. The collection spans faith traditions and geography, and even time, with some of the prayers written in an
older, more formal English than we speak today. When I brought home our copy of the book, our daughters quickly figured out
which prayers were the shortest and memorized those page numbers. While that makes us laugh, I savor this little volume, especially at this time of year, when we are trying to preserve this autumn space that provides us with the freedom and opportunity
for thanksgiving.
This month, we will give thanks for the saints who have gone before us on All Saints Sunday (November 2); we will give thanks to
the veterans of the armed services (November 9); we will give thanks for this congregation, its gifts and ministries at the annual
congregation meeting (November 16), and we will pause to give thanks for the Church and celebrate its liturgical seasons
(November 23), before the Advent season begins on November 30.
Throughout this month, in our liturgy, worship and music, and in our labor and steadfastness, we will give thanks for all the ways
God has been generous to us. I think what I treasure about the words I find in my little book of graces is that the words are both
ritual and tradition, but they are also story: the table grace that my father uses (“Bless, O Lord, this food to our use and us to Thy
loving service”) is on page 21, and the prayer from Psalm 19 that we say before I preach is on page 82. As we enjoy the season, I
hope you will set aside time reflect on your story, the ways God has been generous to you in the last year, and give thanks.
+Pr. Christina
P.S. Look on p. 2 for some of the special ways you can join us in thanksgiving this month.
Website-www.ascensionlutheranshelby.com Phone-704-487-5679 [email protected]
LEADERSHIP
CHURCH OFFICERS & CONTACT
Council President —Lisa Philbeck
[email protected]
Council Vice President/Worship & Music—Otto Olsen
[email protected]
Secretary/Worship & Music— Carol Berger
Here are some of the special ways you can join us in thanksgiving
this month:
Youth Scavenger Hunt
On Sunday, November 23, after worship, our youth will be participating in a scavenger hunt that will collect food donations for
the food pantry at Episcopal Church of the Holy Redeemer on
Sumter Street. The Shepherd’s Table food pantry is open every
Wednesday evening, beginning at 5 p.m. Help our youth make a
difference in our community by volunteering

to have groceries available for the youth to find at your
house on Sunday afternoon. You’ll find the list of items
they’ll be looking for in this newsletter; or

to drive one of the teams of kids for the afternoon. We’ll be
out from 1-3 and then return to the church to count items
and celebrate the abundance!
[email protected]
Treasurer— Greg Blalock
[email protected]
MINISTRY TEAM LEADERS
Finance— Daryl Cook
[email protected]
Property— J.L. Setzer
[email protected]
Scott Stone
[email protected]
Fellowship / Outreach— Mark Costner
[email protected]
Kelly Smolzer
[email protected]
Stewardship— Lyle Sturgis
Community Thanksgiving Service
On Tuesday, November 25, area congregations are collaborating
to lead a community-wide Thanksgiving Service. Worship will be
at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer on Sumter
Street, and Pastor Christina will be preaching. A collection will be
taken up to support The Abuse Prevention Council and the
Cleveland County Rescue Mission. Worshipers are asked to
please bring a non-perishable food item and/or personal supplies such as tissues, shampoo, soap, shaving cream, etc.
Sponsor a Holiday Meal Deadline: November 14, 2014
Hospice Cleveland County will again order Holiday Meals for
their "140 in home" patients and families who need them.
Please be reminded that many Hospice families will be unable
to celebrate as they have in the past do to unforeseen bills, etc.
The complete meal includes, and 8-10 lb. Turkey or Ham, three
(3) sides, rolls, desert and a 2 liter drink/tea and will serve six (6)
people. Complete meals are $50.00 each. If you would like to
donate a meal please mail your donation or bring by their Shelby
or Kings Mountain facilities.
[email protected]
Hospice Cleveland County
Youth / Education— Bob Bryant
Holiday Meals
[email protected]
951 Wendover Heights Dr.
Shelby, NC 28150
STAFF:
Rev. Christina Auch, Pastor
[email protected]
Renee Kimray, Secretary: 704-600-6349
Stephen White, Lead Organist
You may order a meal “In Honor of” or “In memory of” a loved
one, living or deceased.
Questions: Call Sharon Martin, Coordinator of Community Outreach: 704-751-3591 or Rachel Hill, Director of Social Work: 704751-3587
EDUCATION MINISTRY
“WELCOME TO GOD’S HOUSE”
“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has
welcomed you, for the Glory of God.”
Romans 15:7
Daylight saving time ends! Nov. 1st, turn your
clocks back an hour before going to bed.
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
The adult Bible study discussion meets each Sunday in the
Mattie Blanton room in the Fellowship Building. “We meet at
9:45am God’s time, 10:00am our time” as our own Lyle Sturgis
says. Discussion is led by Lyle Sturgis.
STEWARDSHIP
TREASURER’S REPORT
CROSS + GEN FAITH FORMATION
(Sundays at 9:45 in the fellowship hall) is based on Faith 5, a
pattern for practicing faith that encourages us to gather together, share our highs and lows, listen to God's Word, pray togethActual
er, and send each other out with a blessing before worship. How
Ascension Unified Fund vs.
many generations will you will learn and pray with? Join us on
2014
Actual Budget Budget
Sunday morning and find out.
Unified receipts through
$
$
$
9/30/2014
102,531 118,871 (16,340)
FIRST COMMUNION
We will celebrate First Communion at the Maundy Thursday
service on April 2, 2015. Two classes will be held on Sundays in
March. Parents: if you are interested in having your child partici$
$
$
pate, please contact Pastor Christina by Sunday, March 1. Please Unified disbursements
(93,388) (118,871) 25,483
through 9/30/2014
know that all who have been baptized are welcome to receive
Holy Communion, whether or not you have received this forSurplus or (deficit) year-to $
$
$
-date
9,143
9,143
mation and instruction first.
FLOWERS
If you would like to put flowers on the
altar, please call the office 704-487-5679
Transfers from Emergency $
Reserve
Designated items - net
Year-to-date change
$
(7,430)
$
1,713
NEED A GIFT?
Beginning cash balance We still have cook books and car mag- 1/1/2014
nets. They are $5 each, contact the
office to reserve yours.
Ending cash balance 9/30/2014
$
40,683
$
42,396
YOUTH
Generally, on the fourth Sunday of the month, children and
youth will have afternoon activities after worship. Save the date
for these activities and watch for more details:
November 23
Scavenger Hunt (1-4)
December 6
Christmas Pageant Rehearsal (10 a.m.)
December 7
Christmas Pageant (6 p.m.) with covered dish
afterwards
December 21
Caroling (3:30 p.m.)
February 1
Souper Bowl Sunday (worship)
February 1
Super Bowl Party
Join volunteers monthly at 7 p.m. in the conference room for
planning meetings on November 5, December 10, January 7,
February 4 and March 4.
YOUTH CONNECTION!
Would you like to receive weekly text messages with a Bible text and a question? These were developed by other youth just for you. Email Pastor Christina at [email protected] with your cell number as well as
your service provider. (such as Verizon, AT&T, etc.) She'll get you signed up
with the synod.
WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PASTOR CHRISTINA’S
FAMILY?
J/V Football is wrapping up its season and, beginning Nov. 3,
Jamie will be coaching wrestling for the Greenies. In addition to
coaching and teaching, he typically spends Monday night in the
dorm where he serves as a houseparent, tutors 2-3 evenings
each week and spends one Thursday and one weekend each
month in the dorm. One of our favorite campouts moved this
fall to beat the freeze, but Jamie still made it to the Parkway and
other places to camp when he wasn’t working.
Our girls’ fall semesters have started well. Casey finally made it
to New York for a weekend and she enjoyed the beach weather
which lasted longer in Wilmington. She is competing on UNCW’s
club gymnastics again, recovering skills she had as a competitive
gymnast in middle school, and she is working on the university
newspaper. At Salem Academy, Emma is dancing and playing her
flute, and has connected with the youth and pastors at Augsburg, a downtown Lutheran congregation.
After years of traveling to north Georgia for Thanksgiving dinner,
Casey & I are planning to start the day with a Turkey Trot 5K in
Asheville, and then we’ll celebrate both a traditional and vegan
Thanksgiving with the girls and Casey’s roommate from New
Hampshire.
SPECIAL OBSERVANCES COMING UP:
Nov. 2nd-All Saints’ Sunday *
Nov. 9th-Recognition of Veterans during Worship
Let’s Celebrate with Cleveland County Rescue Mission! Plan to
eat Alston Bridges BBQ and tour the Men’s Shelter at their new
location (110 Buffalo Street, Shelby) during their BBQ Luncheon
& Open House on Sunday, November 9 from 1 – 4 p.m. Carryout or Eat-In. Tickets ($10 each) available in the church
office.
CCRM has raised 90% of the money they need to move into their
new facility, and are hoping to receive their certificate of occupancy before the New Year. When it reaches its full operation as
a 24-hour shelter, it will host 80 beds, provide laundry and
shower facilities, and both a nurses’ station and a police substation. The facility will have a fully commercial kitchen and serve
three meals each day. Clients will participate in an intake process with licensed counselors and be connected to appropriate
services through the Veterans’ Administration or Department of
Social Services as needed. Importantly, the facility will also provide clients with a permanent physical mailing address, workplace development and education opportunities.
Please celebrate with Cleveland County Rescue Mission as they
work to provide basic services and engage clients in moving out
of homelessness and into permanent housing.
Nov. 23rd-Christ the King Sunday* (Celebration of the Church
Year)
Dec. 4th-Nativity of Our Lord 7pm* (Christmas Eve with Candlelight)
*Services marked with an asterisk will include Holy Communion
CELEBRATE THE SEASONS OF ADVENT AND
CHRISTMAS
Nov. 30th-Advent 1
Dec. 6th-Play rehearsal for children and youth (all ages) 10am
Dec. 7th– Advent 2
Dec. 7th-Christmas Play and Meal @ 6 pm
Dec. 14th-Advent 3/Hanging of the Greens
Dec. 14th-Shelby Christmas Parade 3 pm
WORSHIP & MUSIC
Dec. 21st-Advent 4 and Youth group Caroling 3:30 pm
There will be a "run-through" of the Seasons of the Church
service for participating readers on Sunday, November 16 direct- Dec. 24th-Nativity of Our Lord
ly after the 11:00 a.m. service.
Christmas Eve service w/Candlelight & Holy Communion 7pm
All church members are invited to bring harvest fruits and
vegetables to decorate the altar on Saturday, November 22 at Dec. 28th-Lessons & Carols
9:30 a.m. This will help prepare our chancel area for the Seasons of the Church service on Sunday, November 23. Items may ALL SERVICES IN ADVENT WILL INCLUDE HOLY COMMUNION
then be picked up after the service.
JOIN US DURING ADVENT
Wednesday mornings 11:30 a.m.
ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING
On November 16th at 10:45, Ascension will be holding our annual congregation meeting. We will be voting on the budget and
five council members for 2015.
December 3, 10, 17
Spoken Prayer and Lectionary Bible Study
Maddie Blanton Classroom
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Willi Lacy 11/6
VETERANS
Judy Bridges 11/8
Zach Smolzer 11/14
Attention Everyone!
Anna McCall 11/22
We will recognize veterans on Sunday, November 9th. If you are
a veteran, your presence there will greatly add to the event. If
you are not a veteran, please plan on attending as a show of
support! In summary, please be there on November 9th to help
make the day special.
Renee Buchanan 11/24
Eleanor Hendrick 11/27
A conference, called "Forward Together: A Renewed Church for
a New Age," to be held at Christ, Charlotte, January 29-31, 2015,
PRAYER REQUESTS
will provide inspiration and challenge that builds on the synod's
Forward Together initiative, a mission effort that encourages
every congregation to ask who God is calling them to be and
Sherri Atkins (niece of Clarann Schiavo), Roland Rohrer (friend of
what God is calling them to do.
Renee Kimray), Hezekiah Lubas (friend of Renee Kimray), David
Expected outcomes for the conference are:
Ware (friend of DP & Lin Washburn), Woody Tracy (friend of the
Davis’), Sandy Humphries (cousin of Carol Ann Peeler), Dennis
Passionate Curiosity to know your neighbor
Bumgardner (friend of Jean Sturgis), Robert Kazmirski (brother of
Dolores Gold), Minnie Williams (mother of Dave Williams),
Faith-based Confidence in our God of abundance
Shane Bowen (nephew of Sandra Waldrop), Pastor Gary Weant,
Imaginative Courage to go on an adventure with God in mission Phyllis Jackson, Bob Southards (friend of Bill Bridges), Brandon,
Maggie and Sky Janes (friends of Lyn Paul), Alex Case, Eric
Inspired Commitment to a renewed church for a new age
Suydam (cousin of Renee Kimray), Dub Brady, Pete Hudson
(brother of Donna Wilson), Chad Wilson (son the of Wilson’s),
Keynote speakers are the Rev. Dr. David Lose and Andrew Root, Steve & Nina Morton (daughter & son-in-law of Barbara Davis),
PhD and Peter Mayer will perform in concert on Friday night.
Robert Morin, Jean Roberts (friend of Jean Sturgis), Deborah
Powell (friend of Sandra Waldrop), Family of Coach Tommy
Are you interested in exploring what God is doing, and where
Teague, Curtis Gaston (son of Kitty Gaston, friend of Lin WashGod may be leading our congregation to participate in mission
burn)
here in Shelby and Cleveland County? Call Pastor Christina or
email her to learn more.
Members: Bruce Long
Home Bound: Fred Simmons, Max Moser, Fred & Drucilla
Morgan
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY
Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Blalock 11/03
PRAYER REQUEST FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN
THE NARTHEX.
Just drop your prayer request in the offering plate.
NARTHEX
Find this information in the Narthex
Special notices
Usher schedule
Service Assistant schedules, etc.
STAY CONNECTED
Provide your email to receive the weekly eNews on Thursdays.
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter (@alutheran)
BACKPACK PROGRAM
Please donate to the backpack program for Graham
Elementary students.
You can donate money and volunteers will shop for needed
items, stuff the backpacks and deliver them to Graham Elementary School for distribution. Or pick up extra groceries the next
time you go to the store!
Please buy items that are individual, non-perishable, PEANUT
-FREE, child-friendly and easy to prepare. Each bag will have at
least 2 breakfast meals, 2 lunch meals, 2 dinner meals, 2 snacks.
Breakfast (2)
Individual boxes of cereal
Individually wrapped breakfast bars
Powdered Milk
Lunch (2) and Dinner (2)
Canned Ravioli, Spaghetti, Meatballs
Chicken Noodle Soup
Ramen Noodles
Canned Vegetables in easy-to-open cans
Beans and Weenies
Vienna Sausages
Fruit (2)
Individual containers of applesauce, mixed fruit, pears, peaches
Listen to Pastor Christina’s sermons (a link to an .mp3 file is post- Snacks (2)
Individually wrapped cookies, bags of chips, fruit snacks, puded on the Facebook page by Monday afternoon)
dings
Drinks (2)
Powdered drink mix
DOES THE CHURCH OFFICE HAVE YOUR
PREFERRED PHONE NUMBER?
Please email or call the office and provide your number. We are
updating the phone tree and numbers.
DOES THE CHURCH OFFICE HAVE YOUR
PREFERRED EMAIL?
Please email the office at [email protected] to provide your preferred email to keep up with congregation events
and news. A new, brief weekly e-newsletter is sent to all active
members. Email the office to sign up.
Remember, it’s as easy as P-I-E! (peanut-free, individually
wrapped and easy-to-prepare)
Questions?
Call Clarann Schiavo at (704) 480-9685 or the church office.
Bldg with Dave Williams accompanying them. They concluded
that additional work needs to be done to the roof to stop the
Following is a list of activities during the period since the 09 Sep- leaks. Dave Williams, 30 September 2014.
tember 2014 Church Council meeting.
9. Ascension was billed for using 46,000 gallons of water during
1. H&H Pest Control did regular maintenance on Monday, Septhe September 2014 billing period. Item 3, above, contributed to
tember 22, 2014.
this usage. The commode in the pastor’s office leaked also. Parts
have been purchased to repair defective fixtures; and the oth2. A search is underway to secure a lockable thermostat cover
ers have been inspected and some adjusted for proper operafor the Sanctuary temperature controller. Size and mounting
tion. Dave Williams and J L Setzer.
methods are the problems that must be resolved.
ASCENSION PROPERTY COMMITTEE REPORT
3. The flush valve on the urinal in the men’s restroom on the
first floor of the Ed Bldg failed in the open position resulting in
the water running continuously.
The water was shut off at the valve. A repair kit was procured
and installed. It did not correct the problem. Additional repair
parts were ordered and installed. They did not correct the problem. Two additional repair kits were ordered and installed. The
valve now functions correctly. Dave Williams and J L Setzer.
4. The bulletin board frame and north wall of the entrance hallway of the second floor of the Ed Bldg were painted during the
morning of 09 September 2014. Adhesive was later purchased
and used to attach the loose plastic base to the wall. A portion
of loose base in the nursery was also secured to the wall. Dave
Williams and J L Setzer.
5. The Property Committee has received no information on the
following September entry. ---We received a check on 19 August
2014 from the Dover Foundation for the amount of $3945.00 to
be used in the painting and carpet repair/replacement on the
third floor of the Ed Bldg. There is some amount of memorial gift
money that will be added to this sum.
The Property Committee must have a “needs list” from
the church committees to prepare a scope of work to be done
with the available funds. A sketch of the third floor room arrangement has been prepared with the rooms designated with
numbers. Requests should refer to these numbers. Some items
listed should be:
A. Ceiling repair
B. Painting
TEMPLE TALK
The meeting opened at 8:00 p.m. with a devotion and prayer by
Pastor Christina.
a) Chairman's Moment: An updated copier contract will be
awarded to Berry Business Machines of Shelby per Council's
unanimous vote. A base charge of $64.00 per month will cover
parts, toner, labor, mileage for repairs and 4,000 copies with an
overage of .0175 cent per additional copy. With this contract we
will continue to be serviced by our standing technicians with
whom we have a good working relationship.
b) Treasurer Report: Per Greg Blalock the year to date surplus
continues with receipts at $102,532 and disbursements at
$93,388. The monthly Columbarium Fund is just under $3,000
indicating an estimated nine months to pay off the loan. Beginning cash balance on 1-1-2014 was $40,683. Balance as of 9-32014 is $42,396.
c) Finance - Nothing to report at this time.
C. Carpet
d) Property: The flush valve in the 1st floor men's restroom of
the Ed BLdg is finally repaired and working properly. On September 9 all restrooms were checked for leaks with only one need6. The maple tree at the intersection of Marietta and Lafayette
Streets is dying and will need to be removed in the future before ing a flapper valve repair. Property will then check with Shelby
it decays and damages the adjacent power lines. One quotation Water Dept. regarding the odd pattern of our meter readings.
in the amount of $400.00 has been received for its removal. Oth- The maple tree at the intersection of Marietta and Lafayette was
er options are being explored.
removed on Oct. 7 and the lawn reseeded. Property is still seeking input from the other church committees regarding what re7. A book rack was removed from the back of a pew located in
the Fellowship Hall, modified, and installed in the Pulpit located pairs need to be made in the Ed Bldg. classrooms.
in the Sanctuary. Dave Williams and J L Setzer.
D. Other
8. Fred Cline and two associates inspected the roof of the Ed
e) Stewardship: A motion was made and unanimously approved
to hold a loose change collection or "noisy offering" on 3/29,
5/31, 8/30 and 11/29 of 2015. These offerings are designated
for Benevolence, Hospice, Outreach and Lay Ministry needs.
Twelve small tin buckets costing $42.12 will be purchased so
that the youth may help with these collections during the Children's Sermon.
f) Fellowship / Outreach will be participating in the Trunk or
Treat event by cooking and serving hot dogs to those attending.
g) Worship and Music has nothing to report at this time.
h) Pastor's Report: Council unanimously approved a $25.00
continuing ed on-line workshop for Pastor Christina to study The
Gospel of Mark. Council also voted to adopt revisions to our
current Wedding Policy for Ascension members as well as
adopting a new Wedding Policy for non-members. These will be
printed and available for viewing. Pastor asked for volunteers to
join her in attending a "Small Congregations" workshop to be
held at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hickory on October 25, 2014. The purpose of this workshop is to build relationships with other small congregations and to talk about possibilities for future ministries.
- A reminder: Bread for the World Sunday and Dallas, N.C. CROP
Walk will be held next Sunday, October 19th.
- A recommendation was made and approved by Council for
Pastor Christina to serve as our congregational representative to
the board of Opportunity House, a non-denominational outreach ministry in Cleveland County. As our representative Pastor
Christina will attend four yearly meetings. Opportunity House
currently provides interdenominational worship services, ministry and meals every Tuesday evening at 6:30 p.m. at Putnam
Baptist Church in Shelby.
i) Education / Youth Ministry: Trunk or Treat will be held on Saturday, November 1st with meal and games beginning at 5 p.m.
Candy distribution will begin at 6 p.m. A one rehearsal Christmas Play that includes traditional carols and is based on the
birth narratives of Jesus in the gospels of Luke and Matthew will
be performed by our Youth on Sunday, Dec. 7 at 6 p.m. A p.m. A
covered dish and visit from Santa will follow. Please let Bob Bryant or Pastor Christina know if you would like to help in any
way. We will be using the ELCA's "Catch the Buzz" curriculum
for our 2015 VBS on June 21-25. VBS will wrap up with a service
project at the first Shelby Alive! Thursday night concert.
yes, 0 votes no
We will have an Annual Congregation meeting November 16th at
10:45. We will vote on 5 new council members. Followed by
voting on the budget.
The meeting closed at 9:06pm
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD IS HERE!
Last year Ascension members filled 37 Shoeboxes and changed
lives in many countries. Several years ago, a young girl received
a writing tablet and used it for 3 years by erasing the pages and
reusing. Another young girl received a pack of 6 toothbrushes
and was so excited because she lived in an orphanage and had
been sharing a toothbrush with 12 other girls. On October 19,
OCC shoeboxes will be available and should be returned by November 9, 2014. As you shop for your shoe box items the following list should be helpful. Please consider packing 1 or more
shoeboxes this year. This is our chance to be missionaries and
reach children all over the world, giving them an opportunity to
know God’s love.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX LIST
PRIORITY ITEMS:
ADDITIONAL FILLERS:
WASH CLOTH
PERSONAL NOTE/PHOTO
SOAP
JUMP ROPE/PUZZLE
TOOTHPASTE
MATCHBOX CARS
TOOTHBRUSH
FLASHLIGHT & BATTERIES
PENCILS/SHARPENER
HAIR BOWS/JEWELRY/
SEWING KIT
COLORING BOOK
ETCH-A-SKETCH
CRAYONS OR COLORED PENCILS
NOTEBOOK/PICTURE BOOK
COMB OR HAIRBRUSH
T SHIRT/BALL CAP
BALL
FLIP FLOPS/SCARF/GLOVES
CANDY
SMALL TOOLS
STUFFED ANIMAL OR DOLL
DEFLATED BALL W/PUMP
SCHOOL SUPPLIES/STICKERS
Other Business: Kevin Lacey will install an 8.0 upgrade to our
Phone Tree Program. Thanks to Ray and Willi Lacey for donating
the cost of the new tower.
Pastor's insurance info – Silver Plan (same as last year) 6 votes
SMALL BLANKET
(CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE)
Please don’t pack any used or damaged items, toy soldiers, chocolate, food, liquids (bubbles), lotion, medicines, vitamins, breakables or aerosol cans.
“Every shoe box offers an opportunity to share the Good News
of Jesus Christ with a child.”
-Franklin Graham
#6 3/4 envelopes
#90 clasp envelopes (9 x 12)
B/R Ribbon ink (Canon MP11 DX)
Postage (49 cents, 20 cents, 2 cents or 1 cents)
Legal pads (yellow & white)
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder
them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
Post its
National Collection Week , Third Week of November
THANK YOU
For your enthusiastic support for this year’s Operation Christmas
Child Shoebox project. Each shoebox you pack will make a positive difference in a child’s life somewhere in the world. You will
find that it is not as hard to pack a shoe box as many might think
but what God will do with the contents of your shoebox is truly
amazing. Children that receive a shoebox are offered the chance
to hear the good news of our Savior Jesus Christ. The goal of
this training is that every child that receives a shoebox can have
the same walk with Jesus that each of us have here at Ascension
Lutheran Church.
Please return your boxes to the narthex between now and November 9, 2014. We also need 15 volunteers to work at the
Charlotte Processing Center on the evening of December 2,
2014, checking and packing shoeboxes to be shipped all over the
world. We will work as an Ascension group with approximately
1200 other volunteers that evening. Please contact Lin and DP
704 538-1676 or [email protected]
HOSPICE
We ask for some of your treasures.
For residents’ entertainment –a popcorn machine
for activities, board games, fingernail polish, etc.
For residents’ rooms – new bedspreads and blinds
For facility – lateral file cabinets for business office,
an electrical outlet on porch for fan or a ceiling fan.
Donations, which are tax deductible, should be
mailed to Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover
Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150
A MESSAGE FROM THE NORTH CAROLINA SYNOD
September 24, 2014
Dear Partners in Ministry,
Grace and peace to you in the name if the Risen Christ!
OFFICE NEEDS
HP Ink #971 or 971 xl (cyan, magenta, yellow)
HP Ink #970 or 970 xl (black)
Wite-out correction tape
Small paper clips
staples
2 inch notebook
#10 envelopes
I will be completing my third six-year term as bishop of the NC
Synod in July of 2015. Rita and I, as well as Sarah Rita, Joseph,
Sarah and Lucia have been blessed by your prayers, thoughts
and well wishes. At the completion of this term, I will retire with
thanksgiving to God for the opportunity to have served the Risen
Lord through this office for you and for the many ministries we
have shared.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Dr. Leonard H. Bolick
Bishop of the NC Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America
HERITAGE OAKS WISH LIST
·
Soup Kettle Warmer – $85
·
Commercial Grade Microwave -- $180
Lotion-mild, non-scented
Combs & brushes
Crossword puzzle books
Seek & find (large print)
·
Cambro Food Delivery Cart (20 trays) to keep food being
transported more sanitary and to hold temperatures longer -$1,700
·
120V Electric Steam Table (3 wells) to hold food in the kitchen at proper temperatures -- $1,100
·
120V 20-lb. Dual Tank Electric Countertop Fryer -- $225
Disposable wipes
Dish towels/Wash cloths
Devotional books (small)
Lip balm
Finger nail clippers
·
Bathroom remodel materials -- $1,500
First aid supplies
·
Board games for activities with residents
·
Plastic hangers
Socks (medium & large)
Sugar free hard candy
·
Closet Project – Doors are needed, along with installation,
to complete a storage closet for donated clothing and other
items that must be secured. This would be a great project for
someone or a group with remodeling skills.
Heritage Oaks Assisted Living Center in Gastonia is a ministry
of the Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland Lutheran Foundation and Lutheran churches in the three-county area. If you would like
grant a wish or know more about Heritage Oaks, please contact
Jennie Lambert, Ascension’s representative on the Heritage Oaks
Board of Directors.
Shaving cream
Magnifying glass
Mouth wash
Lysol spray
Pens/pads for writing
Bendable straws
Shampoo/crème rinse
A MESSAGE FROM CARE SOLUTIONS
Safety pins/bobby pins
Care Solutions’ Shoeboxes for Seniors Project
Socks/slippers (non-skid)
Would you be willing to fill a shoebox for an older adult living on
a very limited income and often unable to afford extra items that
they need and would like? If you would, please bring the appropriate items for older and disabled adults to the church office by
Nov. 23rd. Boxes will be delivered to Care Solutions by Dec. 2nd.
Toothbrushes/tooth paste
A lot of these items (if not all) can be purchased at Dollar Tree
including a shoe size reusable container. If you prefer purchasing $25.00 grocery cards, tuck them in the boxes as an added
treat! If you have any questions call the office.
Some suggested items:
Chocolate Candy
Kleenex/individual packs
Peppermint candy
Vaseline
Q tips
REMEMBERING ALL THE SAINTS
A new pall rests atop the ossuary when it is used for funerals
at Ascension.
While the pall is new for the ossuary, it carries the history of
our congregation written by the many Ascension saints who
have entered the Church Triumphant.
Years ago, our church basement flooded. The pall that had
covered caskets at Ascension funerals was severely damaged by
the water and could no longer be used. A thoughtful person
carefully folded it and tucked it far back in a corner of a storage
room in the Fellowship Hall.
An alternative to traditional burial is cremation. The old superstitions that the fires of cremation are symbolic of the fires of
hell or that cremation somehow makes resurrection impossible
are mistaken. The Bible says, “Then shall the dust return to the
earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave
it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7) and our liturgy says “Ashes to ashes, dust
to dust.”
As you think about your resting place, Ascension's Columbarium
offers a simple solution for those who choose cremation. Inurnment is available to members of Ascension as well as family
members, and members of other Christian traditions.
Think about it...ask about it...do something about it. Pastor
Christina would welcome conversations about the Columbarium
There it remained, out of sight and slowly deteriorating – until and has resources available for end-of-life planning. It will give
it was discovered by two Ascension members searching every
you peace of mind and give your family or loved ones guidance
nook and cranny for old paraments.
about your wishes. You can find more information about the
columbarium fees and policies (as presented to the congregaUpon close examination, the two “detectives” found that the
tion in 2005) and fees on the congregation website at http://
center portion of the pall had not been damaged in the baseascensionlutheranshelby.com/
ment flood. They came up with the idea of re-purposing a piece
of Ascension history and turning it into an ossuary pall.
The beautifully embroidered pall, with only a small amount of
stitching, could be preserved and used once again in a way
closely replicating its original purpose.
A search through memorial books and conversations with
long-time Ascension members and former Pastor David Lohr
failed to turn up the age of the pall or how it came to Ascension.
It pre-dates the 1978 beginning of Pastor Lohr’s ministry in Shelby.
Our loving sympathy goes to the family
and friends of Dale McKillop upon the
death of his mother, Margaret McKillop.
The re-purposed ossuary pall now joins the casket pall given
to Ascension by Ann Berger after the basement flood.
A third pall – one that covers a container holding cremated
remains inside the ossuary – has been given to Ascension by Gail
and Dale McKillop in memory of Dale’s mother, Margaret B.
McKillop.
The internal pall and the re-purposed ossuary pall were first
used on Oct. 26 for Mrs. McKillop’s funeral at Ascension. Her
remains now rest with those of her husband Bill in our columbarium.
These new palls will be dedicated to the glory of God during
our worship on All Saints Sunday, November 2.
MEMORIALS
Ruth Wilkie by Ludy Wilkie
Marge McKillop by :
Mr. & Mrs. Calvin Blalock
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT...
Have you thought about a “final” resting place? Do you have a
“final resting place”?
Death is something we really don't want to talk or think about it,
but it is unavoidable. Years ago it was simple to reserve a
“place” rather quickly in the cemetery of your choice. Today,
that is more difficult as cemeteries are becoming overcrowded
and the cost for burial services can be prohibitively high.
Mr. & Mrs. Lee Barry
Mr. & Mrs. Dave Lambert
Ray Valentine
Nov. 2, 2014
Nov. 9, 2014
Nov. 16, 2014
Nov. 23, 2014
Nov. 30, 2014
Ray Lacy
Ray Lacy
Ray Lacy
Ray Lacy
Ray Lacy
Rick Washburn Rick Washburn
Rick Washburn
Rick Washburn Rick Washburn
Bob Bryant
Dave Lambert
Dale Guffey
Bob Bryant
Judy Bridges
Larry Wilson
Dave Lambert
Renee Kimray
DP & Lin
Ray Lacy
Ludy Wilkie
Allen Philbeck
Alex Seagle
Washburn
Jake Smolzer
ACOLYTE
Devyn Paul
Toni Gunderson Chase Buchanan Rainey Wallen
Devyn Paul
NURSERY
TBD
Kelly & Zach
Smolzer
TBD
Libby Stone
TBD
CRUCIFER
Parker Hart
Otto Olsen
Samantha
Parker Hart
TBD
B
B
TABULATORS
READERS
USHERS
Hoffman
TORCH
BEARERS
Brooke
Buchanan
Carol Berger
ALTAR
GUILD TEAM B
COMMUNION Carol Berger
ASSISTANTS Lyle & Jean
Sturgis
B
B
Carol Berger
Brett & Michele Carol Berger
Wallen
Becky Stillwell
Lyle & Jean
Carol Berger
Elizabeth Hoffman
Sturgis
Sun
Mon
November 2014
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
1
OCT. 29
COUNCIL
REPORTS DUE
2
3
Daylight savings
Faith Formation
Worship
Communion
All Saints Obs.
9
10
4
5
Council meet
Youth meet
11
12
Faith Formation
Worship
Coffee Hour
Veterans Obs.
Sat
Adventurers’
Trunk or Treat
Set clock back 1
hour
6
7
8
13
14
15
Quilters Guild
Property
Committee
FAITH ALIVE!
16
17
18
19
Faith Formation
Worship
Communion
Annual Meeting
20
21
22
28
29
Article deadline
FAITH ALIVE!
23
26
27
Faith Formation
Worship
Communion
Youth Thanksgiving
Project
Newsletter released
Office closed
30
DEC. 3
COUNCIL
REPORTS DUE
Faith formation
Worship
Communion
24
25
Oct. 29th-COUNCIL REPORTS DUE
Nov. 1st-Adventurer’s Group at Parkway House in Cherryville @ 9 am, Trunk or Treat @ 5pm,
Set clock back 1 hour
Nov. 2nd-All Saints’ Observed, Faith Formation @ 9:45, Worship @ 11:00 am, Communion
Comfirmation 12:30 pm
Nov. 4th-Council Meets @ 7 pm
Nov. 5th-Youth Meets @ 7 pm
Nov. 9th-Faith Formation @ 9:45 am, Recognition of Veterans, Worship @ 11, Confirmation
12:30 pm, Coffee Hour
Nov. 13th–Quilters Guild (fellowship hall) @ 6 pm
Nov. 14-16th-Faith Alive! For more information see Pastor Christina
Nov. 15th-Property Committee workday @ 9am
Nov. 16th-Faith Formation @ 9:45 am, Congregation Annual Meeting @ 10:45 am, Worship
@ 11 am, Communion
Nov. 20th-Deadline for articles
Nov. 23rd-Faith Formation @ 9:45 am, Worship @ 11 am, Communion, Youth Scavenger
Hunt @ 1– 4 pm
Nov.26th-Newsletter released
Nov.27th-Office closed for Thanksgiving
Nov. 30th-Faith Formation @ 9:45 am, Worship @ 11 am, Communion, Confirmation
12:30pm
Dec.3rd-COUNCIL REPORTS DUE