SHEPHERD S VOICE. the. COMING Special Picture Issue see pages 9-11 EVENTS

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1 SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN the CHURCH SHEPHERD S VOICE CASPIAN WAY, CLERMONT, FLORIDA JANUARY, 2014 COMING Special Picture Issue see pages 9-11 EVENTS Congregational Meeting Jan 26 Remove decorations Jan 5 Thrivent Luncheon Jan 7 Mid Week Worship & Bible Study resumes Jan 8 Congregational Meeting Jan 26 Souper Bowl of Caring Feb 2 New Member Classes Begin Feb 2 Mark your calendars now and plan to attend our annual meeting on Sunday, January 26 starting about 11:30 or so (after we set up and have some fellowship time after the second service). The reports will be mailed to you on Friday, January 10 and hard copies of this report will be available beginning after each service on Sunday, January 12. Council members will also be available after each service on January 12 and 19 to answer any questions you might have. We urgently ask you to attend this important meeting as we will be introducing and discussing some new things. The meeting will include the Interim Pastor Plan, Council Structure, church staffing, Mission Insite Discoveries, Voting for Council Members and other items of interest.

2 Who Moved My Cheese?. is the name of a book published in Written by Spencer Johnson, MD, the book became popular in the corporate world as a way to prepare employees and executives for change. This 94 page story has been called the World s Greatest Management Method. Who Moved My Cheese? is a simple parable that helps us better understand change. As Christians we understand a bit about change. After all, we are changed forever in our Baptism, marked with the cross of Christ, and made a child of God. Our sins are forgiven and we are gifted with God s Holy Spirit. We become members of God s family, the Body of Christ, in the world. As time passes, however, we often become comfortable in our expectations of how the Body of Christ, the Church, should operate. Unfortunately, the world is always changing and we can lose sight of new languages, new music, new ethnic groups in our presence, and the importance of reaching out to those who have not yet met the Lord Jesus Christ. With these kinds of world-wide changes, we must face the scary fact that we too may need to change; we, too, might need to do some things differently. Why? Simply stated, we are to find new, effective and faithful ways for new people to hear God s message of love and grace. Does our message change: NO! Some of our methods of presenting that message, however, might need some updating. So what s the connection to cheese, you ask? In this parable, cheese is a metaphor for what we want in life: a job, possessions, health, relationships, etc. The maze in the story is where you look for what you want: the family you live in, the place where you work. The four characters are faced with unexpected change and they each respond differently. They learn some interesting concepts through their experiences, though, that can perhaps help us today at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church: 1. They keep moving my cheese! (Change happens whether we like it or not) 2

3 Who Moved My Cheese? continued from page 2 2. Get ready for the cheese to move (Anticipating change helps in a necessary transition) 3. Smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old! (Monitor change so that you don t keep doing the same things and expect different results) 4. The quicker you let go of the old cheese, the sooner you can enjoy the new cheese (If you do not change, you become extinct) proposed plans. As we partner together in ministry, we can seek God s will for ways to Make known God s grace. When the cheese moves, let s do it together in His name! For those who are visual or don t mind a bit of homework, please watch the eleven minute movie found at the following web site: +who+moved+my +cheese&form=vire7#view=detail&mid=8 A65F4E0461E A65F4E0461E Move with the Cheese (When you move beyond your fear, you feel free to serve) 6. Savor the adventure and taste the new cheese (Enjoy change for the sake of sharing the Good News in the world) 7. They keep moving my cheese (Change happens--it is safer to search in the maze than remain in a cheeseless situation) In 2014, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church will experience the moving of our cheese in a variety of ways so as to better serve our God. Demographics of the surrounding community will be considered, leadership development and growing disciples through nurture and care will get focused attention, and a new worship style will be offered. Come to the annual meeting on January 26 th after the second service and hear the A special thanks from the Pastor. I can t thank you enough for all the cards, sweet treats, and Christmas gifts. I feel blessed for being a part of this wonderful family of God! May our partnership in ministry continue to be focused on the work before us: To Make Known God s Grace. 3

4 Confirmation Retreat at Luther Springs, Hawthorne, Florida: Coming Soon! Check it out HERE See Debbie Kiely, Confirmation Teacher, to register. We are still studying the Book of Exodus at our Wednesday Evening (7:30 pm) Bible Studies which resumes beginning January 8 after our mid-week worship (which begins at 7 pm). All are welcome. Coming Soon--Souper Bowl Sunday--- February 2, 2013 Council liaison positions open in 2014: Property and Finance. Please see Pastor Nancy or any council member if you are interested and want additional information on these positions. Did you know? Aimee Markussen is our new kitchen coordinator. Check with Aimee if you notice supplies are low or you need something for a special event. We will be putting away decorations on Jan 5 after the second service. We need volunteers to help. Lunch Bunch on January 15 at 11:30 am. We are still collecting coupons for our Troops. Don t forget to bring them in. Interest Survey: Book Blog What is a Book Blog? Simple -- read an agreed upon book and blog about it with Pastor Nancy and other people reading the same book via the Shepherd of the Hills web page. How do we get the books? Books are purchased by the reader; they may be ordered through church office. What books can we discuss? We will discuss one at a time--titles to choose at this time: 1. Jesus Calling by Sara Young: Daily devotions with scriptures 2. If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg 3. Scarred by Struggle, Transformed by Hope by Joan Chittister 4. On God s Side by Jim Wallis Call the Church Office: Give your name and which book you wish to blog about. Church Office Hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Closed holidays Office phone : Emergency phone: shephillsclermont.org 4

5 African-American and Latino congregations in the ELCA and LCMS, and as a leader at national and local events for all ages. David currently lives in Orlando with his wife, Janet, and their two boys. Bob Baker, Keynote Speaker Seniorfest at Hope Lutheran Church, The Villages February 18, :30-4 pm Workshops, Keynote Speaker, Worship and Music. Travel Hosts: Pastor Nancy and Sara Holton. Car pools arranged (leave church by 7:30 am) A signup sheet and more information will be released this month. David Ludwig, Worship & Music Trained in theology and music, David Ludwig is a composer, pianist and organist, singer and worship leader. He currently serves serves as Worship and Arts Director at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Winter Park. A graduate of Valparaiso University and The Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, David has served as music minister in Anglo, Bob has been Executive Director of Lutherhaven Ministries since 1996 and on staff there since Lutherhaven Ministries is uniquely pan- Lutheran and is among the largest Christian camp and retreat ministries in the nation. They operate Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d Alene, Shoshone Mountain Retreat on the North Fork of the Coeur d Alene River on the Montana- Idaho border, and 30 week-long Day Camps in communities throughout the Northwest. Each summer, over 4,000 children, youth, adults and families attend a Lutherhaven Ministries camp, while more than 13,000 guests of all ages and abilities come to one of the camps annually for retreat, renewal and leadership programming. Bob is a frequent speaker around the nation and was a presenter at the week-long ALOA Colorama Lutherhostel in northern Wisconsin last year. Before coming to Idaho, Bob served for 8 years in youth and family ministries in a Lutheran parish in western Montana; before that he worked one amazing decade in a remote backcountry wilderness ranger station in Glacier National Park. His wife, Chris, is a Charter school English teacher and they have three adult kids: Daniel, David, and Katie. All three kids work for Christian ministries. 5

6 New! Small Group for Women Coping with the grief of losing a spouse Group led by Pastor Nancy (once a week for 6-8 weeks). Date, day of week, and time to be determined by participants. If you are interested in participating in this support group, please contact the church office. A date will be set to meet after mid- January We need help with landscaping, our memorial garden. If you can help please contact Carol Rosum. New classes New Member Classes Begin First Sunday in February Dates: Sundays 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23 Time: 9 am in education area Received into Membership: Sunday 3/2 Curriculum: Baptized We Live Facilitator: Pastor Nancy Come and meet new people and learn what it means to be a Lutheran Christian in today s world. Please contact Pastor Nancy if you believe your child is ready to receive communion. The ELCA recommends fifth grade (or age 10) as a general guideline. Some children, however, may be ready sooner. Classes will be established when a need is identified. 6

7 Getting Ready for Christmas took many hands and lots of commitment: Thank you to John Mei for fixing the sink in the men s room and the water damage in the choir room. John also caulked all the windows in the building at ground level. Thanks to Pastor Nancy for redecorating the ladies room; all new items were donated by a local vendor. Thank you to all who volunteered to move the sanctuary around---4 times!!!! Chairs up, chairs down, Organ over there and piano over here. And the pulpit needs wheels; it has been in three different locations! Thank you to the choir for sharing their heavenly voices during the cantata and to Sara Holton for her exceptional musical leadership. Thanks to Marc Faraci, Joe Foryan, Sara Holton, and Larry Holihan for orchestrating the placement of new spot lights and adjusting the powerpoint projector for a clearer projection. Thank you to Pastor Nancy for arranging to have film installed on the big diamond window to prevent glare from fading the powerpoint projections. Thanks to Michelle Candage for working on pest control and negotiating a review of the cell tower contract. Many thanks to Jim Johnson for ordering and replacing the non-working emergency lights around the facility. The Altar guild is full of unsung heroes who week after week make sure the candles are filled with oil, wax candles are replaced, the paraments are changed, communion is set, wine and wafers are ordered, and the candelabras are shined and sparkling. Candle holders are painstakingly cleaned and made ready to use for the candlelight service. Thanks go to Larry Holihan for creating our powerpoints and making sure our videos play correctly. Thanks to Wayne Ahlers for making sure our sound system functions correctly and for ordering new hearing aide devices. Thank you to Barbara West and Sara Holton for preparing and proofing the bulletins. Thank you to Barbara West for being the anchor in the office, directing traffic around the building, and hunting down necessary records on various projects. Thanks to all our special music presenters: voice and instruments. 7

8 continued Thanks to the Rev. Steve Tolander for his inspiring message on Christmas Day. Thank you to Marie and Jim Johnson for being flexible, supportive and understanding as they tried to clean around all the activities and groups using the facility. Thank you to Sara Holton for coordinating the Steel Drum Concert and the publicity for the Concert, Choir Cantata and Christmas Services. Thank you to our ushers, acolytes, greeters, lectors, cookie bakers, power point operators, and kitchen helpers. Thank you to Stacy Keith for making the labels for the poinsettia and to Ruth Monzillo and Nancy Humbryd for arranging the poinsettias around the altar area. Thank you to Judy Lojko and Michelle Candage for coordinating the pressure cleaning of our exterior walls and steeple. Thrivent Luncheon at Shepherd of the Hills! Date: January 7, 2014 All Thrivent Members Welcome Contact Carol Rosum for details and to make your reservation Note for your calendars! Sunday, May 18, 2014 Happy 95 th Birthday to Zion Lutheran Church, Groveland. On May 17, 1919, Pastor G. F. Swanbom and twelve persons gathered to organize Zion Augustana Lutheran Church. There were fifteen charter members. 8

9 Pictures of the Month Our toy boxes.... added to the Toy Drive at the Neighborhood Center Marc Faraci & Joe Foryan replace bulbs before Christmas celebrations 9

10 Pictures of the Month Christmas Cantata and Advent/Christmas services Our Christmas Cantata, Mary Did You Know, received rave reviews. The beautiful sanctuary at Christmas 10

11 Pictures of the Month Sunsations Steel Band Our members provided eye candy to the Twelve Days of Christmas 11

12 New Year Reflection The staff of the Florida-Bahamas Synod wishes everyone a Happy New Year! Pastor Jim Graeser, assistant to Bishop Schaefer, begins 2014 with the following reflection. IDEO is an innovative design firm that is getting some notice of late, particularly due to some unconventional thinking from its CEO Tim Brown. In fact, IDEO is getting involved in management consulting now because of how this unconventional thinking has impacted business. I don t know much about this company I m hoping it isn t some horribly unethical organization that I m about to quote; that would be embarrassing. So forgive me if I didn t do enough research before writing. Still, this is one of the company s key philosophies that caught my eye: "Fail early and often to succeed sooner." Go back and reread that. Now do it again. Maybe once more. Maybe this isn t radical thinking for you or, at least, anything new. We probably remember the storied legends of Thomas Edison and the number of failed inventions he made as compared to his successful ones. I wonder, however, if we are really given permission to fail anymore Of course, I m not talking about failure for the sake of failure. But, are we given permission to risk and take chances even if failure comes? Do we risk dreaming any more and experimenting for the sake of discovering something new, knowing full well the chances of failure are far greater than success? Do we celebrate those who will face failure after failure on their way to something bigger than themselves? A new year often starts us dreaming again, evaluating again, setting goals again. Too often I think we aim cautiously, because we fear looking like failures. In the church year, January brings the festival of Epiphany, which encompasses several themes, one of which being baptism. We will hear again the account of Jesus baptism and be reminded of our own. Baptism says lots of things to us; one thing I think it says is Be free. Be free to risk. Know that in the midst of your faults and failings, the God who comes to you at Christmas comes already knowing your blemishes and failures. And comes anyway. And loves you anyway. What new risks might you take knowing that God waits to celebrate the successes when they come that God waits to discover with you something new? What new risks might you take knowing that God waits to cry with you when failure comes that God waits to hold you in the difficult times? Fear not! the angels said Christmas Eve. God comes to free us from our fears to have life abundantly is the way Jesus put it. Abundance doesn t mean a life without failures but that joys may come more often Pr. Jim Graeser Assistant to the Bishop, North Region 12

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14 SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS LUTHERAN the SHEPHERD S VOICE CHURCH the SHEPHERD S VOICE Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Caspian Way Clermont, Florida Phone: Web: Click HERE to view the church calendar