Pastor. St. Thomas Lutheran Church Newsletter. Pastor Hagerty writes

Transcription

1 St. Thomas Lutheran Church Newsletter Date: February 2019 Pastor: The Rev. Larry Hagerty Address: 215 St. Thomas Church Rd. Chapin, SC Office: Web: (church office): (Pastor): Pastor Hagerty writes We remain in the season of the Sundays after Epiphany on the church calendar throughout the month of February. These Sundays have an important role in keeping us focused on our shared belief that God is truly with us. The Lord Jesus Christ continues to be made known in the world. Our faith is nurtured and strengthened as we listen to the lectionary readings. It s no wonder Martin Luther believed that faith comes through the ears. Each Sunday, we worshipers witness Christ revealed not only through the scripture readings, but also in the hymns we sing, our fellowship, and even in the ritual of standing up and sitting down together as a community of faith. The first of the four Sundays during this month will be Souper Bowl Sunday on February 3rd. The children and youth will lead us in worship at our one worship service at 10:30 am. A soup and sandwich luncheon in the parish hall will follow worship. Donations will be received for the social ministries within our congregation. Our third Sunday of February will feature the baptism of Beckham Powell at the 10:30 am service on February 17th. In the afternoon, from 4 pm to 6 pm, all interested persons in our Farming Church process are invited to a visioning training session led by the Rev. Dr. Mark Tidsworth. It will be held at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in West Columbia. We will follow this up with a visioning meeting of our church council on Wednesday, February 20 th at Saint Thomas at 6:30 pm. The fourth Sunday in February will be Bold Women s Sunday and our women will lead our 10:30 am service on February 24 th. All are invited to the 2019 SC Synod Leadership Day at Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Columbia on Thursday, February 28 th from 5 pm to 8 pm. A Soup & Sandwich Supper will be held from 5 pm to 6 pm. This will be followed by a presentation and discussion of Peacemaking in our churches and communities from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Synod rostered leaders, church council members and congregational members are invited to spend time with our Bishop's Staff. The registration deadline is February 17 th. Please let me know if you would like to attend. See you at church! Pastor

2 CHURCH COUNCIL President Lyn Odom Vice President Fred Falls Secretary Connie Steele Youth and Children s Ministry Alice Lindler Christian Education Debbie Morrell Tracey Hagerty Worship and Music Lib Derrick Property Martha Derrick Donall Stoudemire Evangelism and Outreach Ministry Lee Wessinger Finance and Stewardship Fred Falls Cemetery Donall Stoudemire STAFF Pastor The Rev. Larry Hagerty Director of Music Ginny Lindler Organist Marie Stoudemire Administrative Assistant Sharon Dickert Sexton James Eskew LEADERS Treasurer Alicia Amick Memorial Fund Treasurer Anne Shealy Church Council Minutes January 13, 2019 Called to order: at 11:36 am by Lyn Odom Check Roll: Pastor Hagerty, Lyn Odom, Fred Falls, Connie Steele, Lib Derrick, Martha Derrick, Tracey Hagerty, Alice Lindler, Ginny Lindler, Donall Stoudemire, Debbie Morell, Lee Wessinger, and guest presenter Alicia Amick. Excused: None Absent: None Opening prayer: Pastor Hagerty Presentation by Treasurer Alicia Amick gave an overview of the treasurer s reports. The consolidated fund activity report shows activity and balance in each or our funds. The Treasurer s report shows period activity, previous year-todate (YTD) activity, YTD balance, the pro -rated amount over or under budget for each line item, and the actual annual budget. The list of chart of accounts report shows our assets and liabilities. Council thanked Alicia for all of her work on behalf of Saint Thomas and her explanation. December 2018 Council minutes: Submitted, reviewed and approved. One correction in the written pastor s report was to change item #10 from Pastoral Care in November to Pastoral Care in December. REPORTS: Pastor s Report: Pastor noted the many 2

3 good things listed for the Advent and Christmas seasons, as well as a list of several activities to give us a good start for the year No additional items were added to what was written in the report. Memorial Fund Report: Submitted and reviewed with a $10, balance and $9, in the undesignated fund. Treasurer s Report: We ended the year of 2018 with a current fund balance of $5, Our current fund income was $210,124 and our current fund expenses totaled $215,239. Our budget for 2018 was $230,153. Stewardship & Finance Report: During the next stewardship and finance committee meeting, stewardship education resources from the SC Synod will be explored. A recommendation will then be made to church council to implement a stewardship education program for the congregation. Fred will schedule the next meeting. Evangelism & Outreach: No report at this time. Property Report: 1. Contracts for lawn care and sexton will be finalized. 2. Water leakage issue at front entrance was discussed and is being addressed. 3. Deborah Morell will finish getting quotes for shingles vs metal roof for the storage shed. Christian Education Report: 1. The Tuesday morning Pastor s class at 10:30 am is studying the Book of Luke. 2. Ginny Lindler will begin a Women s Bible study on Ruth at 6 pm on February 4 th. 3. Regular Sunday School and Confirmation classes are being held. Cemetery Report: No report at this time. Youth Report: 1. Alice thanked Ginny and Holly for their work on the children s Christmas program. 2. Alice also thanked Margaret Epting for the goody bags. 3. A KICS/Youth committee meeting will be held on January 20 th to plan activities for Worship and Music: 1. Piano and organ have been serviced and has been funded by private anonymous donation. 2. Temperature in church will go no lower than 62 degrees during these cold winter months and will be set reach 68 degrees by 3 am on Sunday morning. This is needed for proper maintenance and performance of the organ and will help avoid major repair expense. 3. Pastor will meet with Dutch Fork Cluster pastors about a possible pulpit exchange for Wednesday evening Lenten services and bring it to the worship and music committee. 3

4 Old Business: 1. The Alice safety training remains on hold due to illness of the instructor. 2. The formation of a Staff Support Committee is ongoing. Donall has a couple of people who may be interested. 3. Pastor Hagerty has forwarded to the new council members the links to past Farming Church webinars so they can become familiar with the process and where we are in that process. The council was asked what times would be convenient for future Farming Church meetings. It was suggested to try the third Wednesday of the month, with the next meeting scheduled to be held on February 20 th at 6:30 pm. Janet Tapp and pastor have a video conference coaching session with Mark Tidsworth on Thursday, January 17 th at 6 pm. The emphasis of the next few Farming Church meetings will be on visioning. New Business: 1. Rick Rennebaum was nominated to serve as our parliamentarian and was approved by council. 2. Council minutes will now be ed to council for approval prior to printing in the newsletter. 3. Average worship attendance for 2019 will be included in the weekly bulletins. 4. The Audit Committee needs to meet and update the audit of our books. Fred will be contacting two other people to serve on the committee. 5. The duties of the Keeper of the Keys for the early service and beginning of Sunday School was discussed. The early service ushers and Pastor will handle. Save the Dates: Tuesday, March 5th at 5:45 pm Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras Pancake and Sausage Supper Ash Wednesday, March 6th Worship at 7:00 pm with an imposition of ashes and Holy Communion. Wednesday Evenings during Lent March 13th through April 10th: The Dutch Fork Cluster of Lutheran Churches will take turns hosting and having guest preachers from the cluster. A meal will be provided by the host church at 6:00 pm and the Lenten worship service will be held at 7:00 pm. Palm Sunday Worship at 10:30 am, on April 14th, with one service only Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20th from 10 am to 12 pm Easter Sunday Worship at 8:00 am on April 21st, with Easter breakfast to follow in the parish hall. 4

5 Pastor s Report January Highlights 1. Time and Talent Sheets were included in the worship bulletins and newsletter. 2. The Lutheran Men in Mission met to share a meal on Wednesday, January 9th. 3. Pastor s Class on the Gospel of Luke continued on Tuesdays at 10:30 am. 4. Fellowship Breakfasts were held at 8:30 am on Thursdays on Jan. 10th and 24th. 5. Game Nights were held on Thursday evenings, Jan 10th & 24th at 6:00 pm. 6. The Young at Heart enjoyed a white elephant gift exchange and covered dish luncheon on Tuesday, January 15th. 7. The Dutch Fork Cluster pastors met on January 17th to plan a Lenten Wednesday evening service and meal rotation between March 13th and April 10th. 8. Farming Church coaching by Mark Tidsworth was done for pastor and Janet Tapp via webinar on January 17th. 9. Feeding the Homeless took place on Sunday, January 20th at Finlay Park. 10. WELCA met on Monday, January 21st. 11. Acolyte and Crucifer Training was held on Sunday, January 27th after the 10:30 am service. A lunch was provided in the Parish Hall. 12. Pastor attended a preacher s retreat at Lutheranch from Jan. 31st to Feb. 2nd. 13. Pastoral Care in January included pr oviding five shut-in visits with Holy Communion, seven counseling sessions, six hospital visits, and attending the funeral of Eloise Rowland. Upcoming Events in February 1. Souper Bowl Sunday and Youth Sunday will be held on February 3rd. 2. The Lutheran Men in Mission will meet on Wednesday, February 6th at 5:30 pm and will share a meal. 3. Outreach / Evangelism Committee will meet on February 13th at 5:30 pm. 4. Game Nights will be held on Thursday, February 14th and 28th at 6 pm and begin with covered dish meals. 5. The LMM Annual Convention will be held at Wittenberg LC in Leesville, SC on Saturday February 16th at 1 pm. 6. Holy Baptism of Beckham Powell will take place on February 17th at the 10:30 am service. 7. Feeding the Homeless will take place on Sunday, February 17th at 1:00 PM at Finlay Park. 8. A Farming Church Visioning Meeting and training session will be held at Our Saviour LC in West Columbia: 4 to 6 pm 9. Young at Heart will meet Tuesday, February 19th at 11:30 am for lunch and a program to be announced. 10. A Farming Church meeting will be held with church council on Wednesday, February 20th at 6:30 pm. 11. WELCA Sunday will be held on Sunday, February 24 th at 10:30 am. 12. SC Synod Leadership Day will be held at Ebenezer LC Columbia, SC from 5:00 pm 8:00 pm. 5

6 Pastor s Class: The Gospel of Luke Pastor will continue the eight session study of the Gospel of Luke. The class is being offered on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 AM. It s not too late to participate. Lesson #7 will be held on February 5th. The remaining lessons in the 8-session course are as follows: Luke 7. Ah, Holy Jesus, How Hast Thou Offended? (Luke 23:26-49) 8. How Did Jesus Resurrection Change the World? (Luke 24:13-35) Women's Bible Study The Book of Ruth Bible Study will be held on Monday evenings at 6:00 pm and will be led by Ginny Lindler. Christian Education Our Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults meet at 9:15 AM. 4K through 1st grade, using Deep Blue At Home with God Early Elementary taught by Sue Odom. 2nd through 4th grade, using Deep Blue At Home with God Middle Elementary taught by Valerie White Deep Blue Connects: At Home with God helps families grow in faith together as children take what they've learned in Sunday school and dive deeper into the stories at home with their families. 5th through 9th grade confirmation using: Here We Stand taught by Pastor Hagerty. We are studying Luther s Small Catechism. Augsburg Adult Bible Studies taught by Fred Falls. 6

7 Please join us on Tuesday, February 20th at 11:30 AM Scene from the January Young at Heart 7

8 St. Thomas WELCA News Officers for 2019: Beth Ervin - President, Christy Brasington - Secretary, Debbie Rennhack - Treasurer We are meeting quarterly - next meeting is Wednesday, April 24th at 7:00pm. We invite all ladies to attend who would like to contribute to the planning/assisting of the Golden Agers Luncheon, Senior graduation gifts, and WELCA convention. Bold Women s Sunday is scheduled for Sunday, February 24th at the 10:30 service. Our own St. Thomas ladies/young women will be leading our service. If you would like to be a part of the service, please let Beth Ervin know. There is a spot for everyone!! We Care donations totaled about 130 pounds for November Don t forget to bring donations to narthex and place on cart. Lenten Meal for our cluster is planned for Wednesday, April 10th at 6:00pm. A sign up sheet will be in the narthex to volunteer to bring a soup, sandwiches, or a dessert. We plan to provide food for at least 100 people. All food will need to be at the church by 5:30pm. Please contact Beth Ervin if you have any questions. Thank you for all your support of WELCA. 8/1969 Vic & Ciel Englert 10/1979 Norman & Linda Wilson 1 Tony Ervin Larry Monts 2 Sherri Johnson 3 Wade Amick Kay Bickley Cindy McCaslin 4 Derrick Comalander 8 Christy Brasington Harry Freeman Debbie Monts 9 Rev Jim Nichols 10 Robert Bickley 11 O Neal Bickley Roger Edwards 12 Lee Wessinger 13 Monroe Meetze 14 Bethany Hobbs Logan McCartha 15 Richard Miller Nancy Monts Marie Sandel 16 Lucy Wingard 17 Bonnie Amick 19 Joe Epting Logan Miller Bill Sandel 23 Alice Lindler 24 Marge Gray Chase Starnes 28 Clara Bickley Ashley Comalander Carolyn Hagerty 10

9 RELAY FOR LIFE Save the date May 3, 2019 THEME: Give Cancer the Boot! Register as a SURVIVOR or TEAM member of ST. THOMAS CHURCH TEAM - call , online or see Beth Ervin for a form to complete. WE NEED YOU ON OUR TEAM! Invite friends and family. Please support our team - opportunities to help us raise money: Save your Panera Bread receipts - please give them to Beth Ervin or Susan Waites. Panera will donate 15% of your purchase to our team now through May 10th. Thirty-one : Buy a large utility tote $40 (tax and shipping included) - $14 will be donated to our team. There are 26 different colors/designs available. Contact Beth Ervin if you are interested. You can take it to work and spread the word! All orders due by February 4th. Attraction Book Fundraiser - $20 includes coupons to dining and retail stores. Use 1 or 2 coupons and you have paid for this book. $10 will be donated to our team for every book sold. A copy of the book will be available to preview and purchase. Contact Beth Ervin or Susan Waites. Relay Sponsors needed - from $100 to $5,000. If you know a business that is interested in being a part of Relay - please contact Beth Ervin. All sponsorships need to be turned in by April 1st. Luminary bags - luminary bags are available for $10 donation in honor or in memory of a loved one, friend, or family member. Bags are available for you to decorate or we can decorate them for you. With each bag we ask you to donate one canned good that will be used to elevate the candle and secure the bag on the field during the luminary ceremony. All canned goods will be donated to WeCare after Relay ends. A large purple plastic bucket will be available after the 10:30 church service to place donations of loose change or bills. You can also place donations in the offering plate. Please designate for Relay for LIfe and/or make checks out to ACS - Relay for Life. Thank you for all your support!!! 11

10 MEMORIALS Given to the glory of God and in memory of: Jackie Kirby by Richard Matney, Sr., Deb Morell Heyward & Louetta Slice by Joyce Evans Given to the glory of God and in honor of: Lee Lindler on her 91st Birthday by Joyce Evans We extend our deep condolences to the family of Eloise Rowland, who died on January 16th. We also extend our deep condolences to the family of Coach W. F. Sullivan, who died on January 21st. WE CARE NEEDS YOU!!! Please help stop hunger in Chapin by donating to We Care! February Pantry Needs Grits, Vienna Sausages, Instant Potatoes, Canned Potatoes/Yams, Spaghetti Sauce, Canned Fruit, Jelly/Jam, Pancake Mix/Syrup, Rice, Chili Beans In case you did not hear, we gave out almost $1 million worth of food in Your generosity helped make that happen. Thanks for all you do for the We Care Center!!!! PO Box 491 Chapin SC The next LMM Meeting at St Thomas will be held in the Parish Hall on Wednesday, February 6th at 5:30 pm. The Lutheran Men in Mission State Convention will take place at Wittenberg Lutheran Church in Leesville, SC on Saturday, February 16th at 1:00 pm. 12

11 A Record of Our Faithfulness Through 1/27/ Budgeted income $ 222, Monthly Need $ 18,521 January Actual Income $ 20, Attendance: 8:00 AM worship average 18 10:30 AM worship average overall worship average 85 Dear congregation - I thank God for your faithfulness to Saint Thomas during a bitter cold January! We look forward to a great year of ministry here at our church. As we approach the season of Lent, continue to prepare your hearts and minds to love God and to love one another. Thank you for your generosity! We are off to a good start in Prayerfully consider continuing to give to our ministry in proportion to how God has blessed you. Thank you again!!! God s peace, Pastor Game Nights Game Nights will be held on Thursday, February 14h & 28th in the Parish Hall. The covered dish meals begin at 6:00 pm. Come join us for lots of fun and fellowship! FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST The Fellowship Breakfast will meet on Thursday, February 14h & 28th at 8:30 am at Palmetto Roads in Hilton. Everyone is invited to come share in this Dutch Treat time of good food and fellowship. HEIFER Gifts Keep Giving! Not every person goes to sleep at night in a comfortable home with a well-fed body. Our gifts to Heifer can change that - pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and bills given can change lives! If your Valentine has everything consider giving a gift in their honor to Heifer. It will change the world for another family with needs that we at St. Thomas cannot comprehend. ~ Lib 13

12 WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER If you have a name which you would like to have listed, please indicate by filling out a pew card or by calling the church office. Names will then remain on the prayer list for four weeks, unless we are STLC, Staff, Pastor & their families SC Synod, Bishop, Staff & their families Annette Falls (overlapping auto immune disease) Debbie Wise (health issues / cancer treatments / daughter of Rose Bickley) Lucas Powell (recovery from chemotherapy and radiation treatments) Lynnox Givins (3 year old girl in ICU in Greenville / foster child of Alicia Amick s niece) Cheryl Bedenbaugh (Continued prayers for upcoming tests & scans / mother of Holly Wessinger) Thomas Jaco (2 year old child recovering from eye removal surgery and chemo/ child of a friend of Margaret Epting) Bernie Hoefer (staying at Carolina Gardens in Lexington, room 318 / cerebellar ataxia / balance issues) Susan Jones Kirby (health issues / medical testing / wife of Paul Kirby) Nancy Shealy Dimaccio (cancer / chemo treatments / classmate of Margaret Epting) Clayton Cook (colon and lung cancer / chemo & radiation / brother in law of Sharon Dickert) Rev. Beverly Aurand (breast cancer / chemo treatments) Charlie Dickert (health issues / husband of Sharon Dickert) Family of Paul Youmans (who died Dec 3rd / 34 year old son of Hugh and Martha Waites Youmans) Andrew Connelly (recovery and hospitalization from auto accident of December 5th / former organist at St. Thomas) Hope Grasso (granddaughter of Rev. Lynne O Shea / newborn baby with medical issues) Family of Jackie Kirby (who died December 15th) Family of Gordon Hipp (who died on December 21st / brother of Evelyn Evans) Christopher Webb (recovery from kidney transplant surgery on January 2nd at MUSC / grandson of Christy Brasington) Marge Gray (recovery of sight in right eye following treatment for staph infection) Family of Gina Pound (who died on January 9th / niece of Edith & James. Wessinger) Family of Eloise Rowland (sister of Carl David & Jim Lindler who died on January 16th) Jim Lindler (upcoming back surgery on February 1st) Family of Coach W. F. Sullivan (who died on January 21st / Chapin High School teacher and coach) Beth Ervin (recovery from 14

13 Date Flowers Greeter Lay Reader 10:30 am 3 The Waites Family Ronnie Lindler 10 Open Ronnie Lindler Youth Beth Ervin Acolyte/Crucifer 10:30 am A: Alexander Ervin A: Sara Elizabeth Wessinger A: Meshack Lameck A: Karen Lameck 17 Open Ronnie Lindler 24 WELCA Ronnie Lindler Debbie Rennhack Beth Bedenbaugh A: Adam Bedenbaugh A: McKenzie Metts A: Gracie Derrick March 3 Open TBA Anne Shealy C: Gracie Rennhack A: Sara Elizabeth Wessinger A: Andrew Lindler Early Ushers: O Neal Bickley & Albert Stoudemire Late Ushers: Captain Ronnie Lindler, Zachary Lindler, Andrew Lindler, George Lindler, Richard Lindler Altar Guild: Betty Koon & Debbie Rennhack, Betty Wessinger, Martha Derrick, Keepers of the Keys and Offering Courier: Lyn Odom Nursery Keeper: On-call list Funeral Crucifers: Harrison Bedenbaugh, Fred Falls New 2019 Flower Chart is Posted! Our new flower chart is posted on the Cry Room door. If you would like to put flowers in the church in honor or memory of someone, please sign up on the calendar for your special date and PLEASE 15

14 St. Thomas Lutheran Church 215 St. Thomas Church Road Chapin, SC Forwarding Service Requested STLC Newsletter February 2019 Non-Profit Organ. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Chapin, SC Permit No. 7 Pastor The Rev. Larry Hagerty Director of Music Ginny Lindler Organist Marie Stoudemire Administrative Assistant Sharon Dickert Council President Lyn Odom Council Vice President Fred Falls Council Secretary Connie Steele Treasurer Alicia Amick Memorial Fund Treasurer Anne Shealy Recording Treasurer Alicia Amick Church Office Hours Monday-Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Pastor s Availability Tuesday through Sunday 8 AM to 9 PM Feel free to call Pastor s cell: to talk or to make an appointment Church Phone: (803) Office sttom215@yahoo.com Pastor s vichagerty@yahoo.com Web: In Case of Emergency, Call Any Time: Pastor Hagerty Cell Lyn Odom Cell

15 SUNDAY SCHEDULE Worship Services: 8 am & 10:30 am Children s Sunday School and confirmation at 9:15 am Adult Sunday School at 9:15 am TUESDAY SCHEDULE Adult Choir 6:30 pm WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE HS Donuts and Devotions 8 am at Mount Horeb Lutheran Church February 2019 Offered Every Sunday Sun Mon Tue Wed 3 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Souper Bowl / Youth Sunday (10:30 am service only) Soup and Sandwich lunch to follow 4 Women s Bible Study Book of Ruth 6:00 pm 5 Fitness Works 9:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Gospel of Luke, Lesson #7 6 LMM Meeting and share-a-meal 5:30 pm Thu Fri Sat 7 8 Fitness Works 9:00 am 9 10 Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Church Council 11:40 am 11 Women s Bible Study Book of Ruth 6:00 pm 12 Fitness Works 9:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Gospel of Luke, Lesson #8 13 Outreach / Evangelism Committee meeting 5:30 pm. 14 Fellowship Breakfast 8:30 am at Palmetto Roads Game Night STLC 6 pm with covered dish 15 Fitness Works 9:00 am Sixth Sunday after Epiphany Beckham Powell Baptism Feeding the homeless 1 pm Farming Church Visioning Meeting at Our Saviour LC in West Columbia: 4 to 6 pm 18 Women s Bible Study Book of Ruth 6:00 pm 19 Fitness Works 9:00 am Young at Heart 11:30 am 20 Farming Church Meeting on Visioning 6:30 pm Fitness Works 9:00 am 16 Lutheran Men in Mission State Convention 1:00 6:00 pm Wittenberg LC Leesville, SC 24 Seventh Sunday after Epiphany 8:00 am worship service WELCA Bold Women s Sunday Service at 10:30 am 25 Women s Bible Study Book of Ruth 6:00 pm 26 Fitness Works 9:00 am Bible Study 10:30 am Fellowship Breakfast 8:30 am at Palmetto Roads Game Night STLC 6 pm with covered dish SC Synod Leadership Day Ebenezer LC Columbia, SC 5:00 pm 8:00 pm March 1 Fitness Works 9:00 am March 2 March 3 Transfiguration of Our Lord March 4 March 5 Fitness Works 9:00 am 8 Bible Study 10:30 am Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras Sausage & Pancake Supper 5:45 pm March 6 Ash Wednesday Service with Holy Communion and imposition of ashes 7:00 pm March 7 March 8 Fitness Works 9:00 am 9 March 9