February 2018 OUR MISSION To welcome and lead all to Christ

Transcription

1 REFLECTIONS Lutheran Church of the Resurrection 525 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL Phone: (321) Website: Follow us on Facebook February 2018 OUR MISSION To welcome and lead all to Christ

2 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Have you ever felt that prayer wasn t one of your greatest strengths? Perhaps you feel a bit guilty that the only time you get on your knees is when all else fails. Well, you re by no means alone. I feel that way myself from time to time. Through daily, intentional, prayer we can grow closer to the source of all good things. We can begin to fully enjoy the peace and joy found in the father/child relationship that God has made possible for each of us through Christ. Having just finished presenting the sermon series, Prayer Life, I have a much better idea how to make that intention a reality. If you would like to review the messages, they are available on the church website under the sermons tab. The church website is One thing that I promised during the series is that I would share some passages that would be good starters for the ACTS Prayer Form. ACTS stands for Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Read through each passage below (considering one a day) and ask: how does this passage inspire me to praise God for who God is (adoration); what mistakes does the passage inspire me to confess (confession); for what in this passage and in my life in general should I give thanks (thanksgiving); and then, what does it inspire me to ask of God for myself and others (supplication). Here are some possible ACTS starter verses Matthew 6:25-33; 7:1-11; 18:1-7; 20:1-16; Mark 14:32-38; Luke 10:25-37; 13:10-17; 19:1-10; John:8:1-11 that s just a start! Almost any parable or teaching of Jesus will make a good source for praying the ACTS Prayer Form. The best part: the first three things you do build your relationship with the Father before you ask for anything! I hope this enhances your relationship with your Heavenly Father. Pastor Jay

3 Council Members Dr. Michael Miller, President Jim Stark, Vice-President Ann Fosburr, Secretary Jenn Billingham, Fellowship Property, Mitch Wilson (Buildings) Ben Troemel (Grounds) Alfred Domschke (Administration) Bill Bond, Stewardship Marilyn Sorenson, Social Ministry Kathy Lueders, Evangelism Christian Education Debbie Rescott, Treasurer (Advisor) Michelle Davis, Financial Sec. (Advisor) Angelika Domschke, Worship The Church Council meeting was held on January 9th and here are some highlights of discussions and decisions. The meeting began with a devotion and prayer led by Pastor Jay Diane Stees was present as a guest to inform us that a grant to revitalize our drop off area between the fellowship hall and church sanctuary had been approved. Work will begin soon, and volunteers from the congregation will be needed. As work dates are set they will be announced. The deadline for completing the project is April 30 th. - The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed as was the agenda for the evenings meeting. - Pastor presented his report. It focused on the excellent attendance at Christmas Eve worship. He thanked our musicians, worship assistants, altar guild members, and all who make the beautiful service possible. He also commented on the popularity of the Connections Band events each month in the community. - The Treasurer s report is posted on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall for review. Giving covered all of our expenses for the year Evangelism Kathy Lueders was welcomed as the new Evangelism Chair. She presented Libby VanZino s report for December. - Worship Positive feedback was received for the Children s Church Advent play held December 17 th at the 8:30 service. Preparations are underway for the Lenten midweek services and a possible Good Friday cantata. A camera and monitor will soon be placed in the choir loft so that musicians can see what s happening in the front of the church during worship. - Fellowship sign up sheets have been posted in the fellowship hall for the coffee hour. The completion of baseboards was delayed due to the weather. Should be completed when things warm up. - Social Ministry In 2017, 98 bicycles were given away by the bike shop! Innumerable others were repaired. For some reason, the Friends Christmas party was less well attended this year. Many unique and helpful gifts were given. The most popular were flashlights. The middle A/C unit in the food pantry needs to be replaced and the floors also need repair. The committee is searching for a 2-3 person advisory committee. -Property Kayaks recently donated to the church will soon be moved from the property shed to the rack by the dock. This will be a part of cleaning out the property shed. A co-grounds chair is being sought. Lights in the outside bathrooms were fixed and fluorescent lights for security was installed in four strategic locations. Old Business -Jim Stark presented changes to the church constitution. A question was raised and discussed about C8.02.d. The council decided to limit associate membership to ELCA Lutherans. Changes to the constitution need to be approved by the congregation at the February 18 th congregational meeting. The updated constitution will be sent electronically to all members with , and hardcopies will be available on the tables in the fellowship hall and narthex. Continued on next page.

4 Continued from previous page. - Pastor explained that a new stewardship education program will begin on January 20/21 at all services. The program is called Make It Simple and will conclude with a consecration Sunday in late February. - A house was donated to the church just before the end of the year. The council, after discussion, decided to sell the house. A group from the council will meet with the long-time renters to see if they want to buy the house. The council also approved naming the conference center in honor of the donors, Rick and Karen Volkmann. New Business - Saturday Night Musician. Angelika explained that in Ken Green s absence we have needed to pay a guitarist to play on Saturday evenings. She requested that funds be taken from the Emergency Fund until an increase to the budget can be approved at the February 18 th congregational meeting. $400 would be needed to cover that expense until the meeting is held. The motion was approved. - The audit committee, consisting of Don Schaller, Gary Bokerman, and Rick Kniseley, is working to review the church s financial records. A report on findings will be presented at the February 18 th meeting. February Birthdays 2/1 Eric Pauley 2/3 Nola Copeland Lorrie Quilling 2/5 Marlene White 2/6 Arlina Fosburr 2/7 Judy Rose 2/8 Pete Atkins Helen Susko 2/10 Sue Hall Bryce Schrecengost 2/11 Mark Noegel 2/14 Russell Bensen Phyllis Dyrdahl Ali Redd 2/17 Cooper Janke Dave LeGoullon 2/18 Paul Clausen Alfred Domschke 2/20 Deborah Kellogg Michelle Kirkpatrick 2/21 Steve Roney Sue Roney Anna Stark John Stark 2/22 Yaeta Crowell Stan Jones 2/25 Carole Jongebloed 2/26 Dean Kellogg 2/28 Lois Brantley February Anniversaries 2/3 Rick & Lou Ann Janke 2/10 Myron & Beverly Musselman 2/13 George & Gail Bell 2/14 Ray & Lynn Taylor 2/15 Bob & Sandra Whittle 2/21 Keith & Sharon Lard 2/23 Bill & Diane Pryor

5 The Saturday morning work crew keeps our property safe and beautiful. The time of service runs from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. If you would like to help out, just show up at the maintenance shed on the west side of our property. The morning concludes with donuts and coffee. You may also do tasks on your own schedule just call the office for details. Thanks! Open Invitation to Join Our Prayer Chain: The Prayer Chain is an excellent way for you to serve those in need, by praying for them. The duty of a Prayer Chain member is simply to converse with God on behalf of the person the prayer is requested for, and pass on the request to the next person on your Prayer Chain List. If interested please call Marge Hinds through the church office. Healing prayers with the laying on of hands and anointing is held immediately following 8:30 worship on the third Sunday of the month for February. Book Club will resume on February 13, 2018 with Fallen Angels by Patricia Hickman. Please bring a sandwich and drink for yourself. Eat, Pray, Love! Women s Fellowship Group will be meeting Thursday, February 8th, 15th, & 27th. We meet at 9:00 am in the Ministry Center Breakroom. All women are invited to join us. I ll have the coffee brewing and look forward to seeing you! Eat, Pray, Love is currently in the middle of reading Understanding Spiritual Gift by Kay Arthur. We will be finishing that up and starting a book by Liz Curtis Higgs, The Women of Easter. This book is available on Amazon. I can be reached via at 3eatpryalove@gmail.com or through the church office Ladies Fellowship. Please join us on Thursday, February 1st at 9:00am for a time of fellowship, breakfast, and to connect with women of our church of all ages. We will be meeting at Southern Charm Café located at 8501 Astronaut Blvd. Suite 7, Cape Canaveral. Our reservation will be under Sarah in the new larger room. ladiesbreakfastfellowship@gmail.com. Memorial Garden. LCR is looking for volunteers to serve on the Memorial Garden Committee. This committee oversees the applications for and maintenance of the memorial garden. If you have questions about this committee please contact the church office or Pastor Jay. Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, February 18th immediately following the 8:30 a.m. worship service. The meeting will be held in the church fellowship hall. Adult Sunday School. Starting Sunday, January 28th at 10:00 am, Pastor Dan Lambrides will be starting an adult Sunday School on the topic of Hope in a Cynical Age. This will be a four week study. Please attend.

6 FEBRUARY MINISTRY CENTER EVENTS Compassionate Friends Tuesday, February 6th A Special Occasion Music-Music Lessons Afternoons-By Appointment Greeting Card Ministry Saturday, February 3rd Book Club February 12th Location: Ministry Center Contact: Church Office 6:00 p.m. Location: Ministry Center Contact: Joe & Lynn Gray Location: Ministry Center Contact: Heather Sisson or Church Office 10:00 pm Location: Ministry Center Contact: Julie Palm 12:00 noon J-Walkers Youth Group Location: Ministry Center Sunday, February 4th (1:45 to 3:00 pm) Cocoa Beach Escape Room Friday, February 9th (6:00 to 9:00 pm) Confirmation Class Saturday, February 10th (9:30 am to 12:30 pm) Confirmation Class Sunday, February 11th (12:30 to 2:00 pm) ELCA Youth Gathering Luncheon and Fellowship Saturday, February 17th (10:00 am to 12:30 pm) Youth Service Day EFSC Lab School Thursday, February 8th & 22nd Tuesday, February 13th & 27th Wednesday, February 21st Eat, Pray, Love Women s Fellowship Group Thursday, February 8th, 15th & 22nd Location: Ministry Center Conference Center 6:00 pm Location: Ministry Center Contact: Libby VanZino 9:00 am Tiger & Wolf Scouts Location: Ministry Center-Rm #3 Wednesday, February 14th & 21th Contact: Church Office Thursday, February 8th & 22nd 6:00 pm Women s Monday Morning Bible Study Mondays, February 5th, 12th, 19th, & 26st Location: Contact Church Office Contact: Marge Hinds 10:00 am RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH

7 First Communion If you would like for your child to participate in the classes, please let the pastor know. The course consists of three short sessions directly after the 8:30 am worship on Sunday, March 4rd, 11th, and 25th with First Communion received on Easter Sunday, April 1st. Make It Simple The people of Resurrection are generous. That s not news. What is new is a stewardship awareness program that began last month called, Make It Simple. This program reminds us what it means to be followers of Jesus, acting together, sharing what we have to care for others and spread the good news of God s love with all people. If you are like most folks, you don t give much thought to how much of your time, talents, and treasure you are giving to the Lord. This program will get us to stop and think about our blessings and how best to share them. Watch for more information and how to participate in Consecration Sunday, February 25 th.

8 SOCIAL MINISTRIES AT LCR Food Pantry: The featured items for the Food Pantry are listed below: (Please bring them to the shopping cart in the Sanctuary or basket in the Fellowship Hall) 2/4 - Canned Fruit 2/11 - Canned Tuna 2/18 - Jelly 2/25 - Pork n Beans Thank you for your gifts and would love to boost this month s donation. We are in need of razors, deodorant, and toothpaste. Please give from the heart. PANTRY HOURS: The first 4 Saturdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. BIKE MINISTRY: 2nd and 3rd Saturday of every month. 10:00-12:00 noon. LCR does not accept clothing donations: If you have clothing donations we suggest Cocoa Beach Community Church Thrift Shop. Have an overflowing piggy bank at home?? Share your coins with the Laundry Ministry at LCR. Each month we give the gift of clean clothes to our homeless friends and pantry clients at a local laundromat. Your coins bring smiles to many faces! We never realized that the homeless see their clothing as disposable, but it makes sense. Imagine wearing the same clothes in this heat for weeks at a time! Such clothes get to the point where they are unwearable. Now, the homeless and those in economic distress have a chance to wash and renew that clothing. One less shirt in a landfill, and good stewardship of God s gifts! The giving of loose change to the laundry buckets in the church narthex and fellowship hall has fallen off over the summer time to raid the piggy bank! LCR is doing GREAT things! Thank you for your financial support now, but have you thought about leaving a legacy after you leave this world? Contact your financial consultant or church office for ideas. Thank you!

9 Lenten Worship 2018 Ash Wednesday this year falls on Valentine s Day. An appropriate date as we think about the greatest love, the Heavenly Father s love for us in Jesus Christ. Our 40 day Lenten journey begins on that day with a service of Holy Communion and the imposition of ashes at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. For the Wednesdays that follow, until Holy Week, we will gather for a light soup and sandwich supper at 6:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please bring one sandwich to share (when you arrive, it will be cut into quarters to be shared). Please do not bring more than one sandwich if everyone brings one, nothing will go to waste. There will be a sign up available to bring soup. Once again, please don t bring soup unless you ve signed up for a specific date. Thanks! This time of fellowship will be followed by a brief Lenten service in the sanctuary. If you would like to join the choir, they will meet immediately after the service for practice at 7:30 p.m. We invite you to join us in our fellowship and worship. Lent helps us to prepare our hearts and lives to fully appreciate and live-out the Easter good news!

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11 EVANGELISM NOTE As I start my first monthly newsletter input, the verse from my daily devotion ran through my head. The verse, Let us not love with words and speech but with actions and in truth. As a fairly new member of this congregation, I have been struck with how many ways our congregation does just that. My husband and I sponsor the monthly youth Burger Bash at the church (third Saturday of the month) and while we are out there making burgers, I see the food pantry support, the lawn crew, the bicycle crew, and the great folks who clean the church. All of those people, through their activities, are showing love and being true to the love that God gives us. As Evangelism Chair, I hope there are people in our church that have ideas for either leveraging off of the existing activities we as a Congregation conduct or through new efforts, to show through our actions and our words that we are a welcoming congregation and are here for those in the community. I am filling big shoes. Libby VanZino has done a fabulous job as chair, and I am grateful that she is willing to still support our committee. She has worked to get ads and on the calendar of the Cocoa Beach Explorer as one more way to reach the community. We are working on an upcoming Explorer article that will illustrate some of the ways we help our community. I am open to other suggestions and as always, any help. Feel free to contact me at lejkhorne@gmail.com. God Bless, Kathy Lueders.

12 Bad Girls Revisited! You may know that there are two ladies study groups among us. Eat, Pray, Love meets on Thursday mornings and a smaller group meets on Mondays. The Monday ladies will begin the series, previously visited by Eat, Pray, Love, starting Monday, January 29th into February at 10:00 a.m. Please contact the church office for information. NOVUS WAY OUTDOOR MINISTRIES LUTHER SPRINGS DAY FEBRUARY 11, 2018 Our church calendar designates the second Sunday of February as "LUTHER SPRINGS DAY." It signals an official recognition of, appreciation for, and support of Luther Springs, 350 acres of pristine woodland on the shore of Lake Vause, east of Gainesville, Florida. It is a place to get inspired at Christian youth camps, family camping, recreational activities, by attending leadership conferences and year-round programs for all ages. It is also a unique place to just kick back and relax amid tall pines or rock away on the veranda of a cabin with a good book. Canoeing on the lake or relaxing by the pool is not to be overlooked either. One can attend the multi-purpose sanctuary or worship at the out-door chapel for a unique meaningful experience. It is a place to grow in faith in Jesus Christ our Lord unhampered by every day cares and influences of the world in which we live. At Luther Springs the pace slows and if one wishes, he or she of any age, can commune with nature and behold the handy-work of God's great creation in the trees of the forest, the serenity of the lake and the fellowship of camp fire sings. Luther Springs is also a place where one can put his or her time and talents to work on service projects, It is a most worthy place to direct proceeds from one's treasury. Luther Springs is one of four multi-purpose Christian camps, recreational facilities and conference centers owned and operated by Novus Way, Inc. of Arden, NC. Novus Way in turn is owned by the Florida Bahama Synod and other southeastern synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Contributions to Luther Springs are encouraged to be made through our Church during the months of February and March. At the end of that period 100% of all donations earmarked for Luther Springs will be forwarded to Novus Way for Luther Springs operations. This year a family of our congregation has pledged to match dollar for dollar all contributions offered to Luther Springs in February and March.

13 LCR Awarded Keep Brevard Beautiful Florida Friendly Landscape Grant! Keep Brevard Beautiful (KBB), a local non-profit organization whose mission is to develop, motivate, educate and activate community partners to reduce litter, recycle, beautify, and sustain the environment for the benefit of Brevard County, has awarded Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (LCR) a Florida Friendly Landscape Grant in the sum of $910 to refresh the landscaping in the three beds by the covered drop off area. The Florida Friendly Landscape Grant awards local non-profits with funding to undertake beautification projects on public land that showcase creative landscaping with native plants and feature minimal supplementary irrigation and other required maintenance. The landscape plan includes a prayer labyrinth and two trinity symbols made of crushed coquina and/or river rocks. Florida native plants and mulch will replace the old mostly non-native landscaping and sod. There will be future memorial opportunities around this area in which to honor loved ones through engraved pavers and/or a statue (to be determined). Keep Brevard Beautiful administers up to $10,000 in grant funding annually from the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners to a variety of local projects. Grant awardees must contribute at least 50% match via in-kind donations or services. Our match includes volunteer labor and in-kind consulting services from Maple Street Natives, the Florida native plant nursery in Melbourne that supplied the plants used for the landscape around the Ministry Building.

14 The deadline for completing the project is April 30 th, however, we are going to try to have the bulk of it completed by Easter (April 1 st ). Workdays are needed to remove the wooden beam borders, sod, and existing landscaping, and to design and install the labyrinth and trinity symbols, new landscaping, and mulch. Volunteers are needed to help on workdays tentatively scheduled for Saturdays starting February 24 th and extending through the end of March. Some work may be done on other days too. Announcements will be made prior to church services. We d like to borrow a truck for hauling mulch. Donations for materials are welcome too! dianestees@cfl.rr.com if you have a truck to share, to confirm workday dates/times and to volunteer. Upcoming Event Sat, Feb 10 th 7 th Annual Pioneer Day, 10 am 4 pm at Sam s House/Pine Island Conservation Area and St. Luke s Episcopal Church (north end of Tropical Trail in north Merritt Island). Celebrating the early settlers of Merritt Island at two of their historic sites will take you back in time through art, music, food, presentations, archaeology, and nature. Family-friendly activities and events include Florida living history demonstrations, educational exhibits, a pioneer parade, talks on Florida s Ancient Canoes from a state archaeologist, pioneer cemetery tours, a cemetery stroll where actors in period attire talk about life in their day, live music, crafts fair and farmer s market vendors, guided trail hikes, children s crafts and games, homemade soups, and a fish fry dinner. Park at St. Luke s ($1 donation). Shuttle buses ferry visitors to Sam s House and back. Limited parking at Sam's is available for the disabled. Over 1600 attended last year. Several from LCR will be volunteering there! Lynn and Joe Gray (and students) play 10 am 12 pm behind the 1888 two-story Sam s House. Many exhibitors and volunteers will be in 19 th century attire. Students can earn community service hours by volunteering that day. dianestees@cfl.rr.com if interested. Go to for event schedules at both sites.

15 FEBRUARY J-WALKER S NEWS! Sunday, February 4th (1:45 to 3:00 pm) Lunch & Cocoa Beach Escape Room We will meet at church after the 11:00 a.m. service at around 12:15 p.m. Please bring money for lunch out together and $29.00 for your admission to Cocoa Beach Escape Room. We will be doing Rocket Science at 1:45 p.m. This will be a great team-building activity! I can pre-order tickets, so please let Sarah know if you definitely plan on going. Friday, February 9th (6:00 to 9:00 p.m. & Saturday February 10th (9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Confirmation Classes First year and second year confirmation students will be meeting at 6:00 p.m. on Friday night, February 9th in the Fellowship Hall to discuss Holy Communion and Confession. Dinner will be provided: please let Sarah know your toppings for pizza. We will be meeting again on Saturday, February 10th at 9:30 a.m. to discuss Baptism. Please wear your bathing suit or clothes for the beach and comfortable walking shoes. We will be having lunch at Subway afterwards! Sunday, February 11th (12:30 to 2:00 p.m.) ELCA Youth Gather Youth Luncheon and Fellowship meeting For those of us attending the 2018 Gathering in Houston, participation is mandatory! We will need to meet at Advent Lutheran at 12:30 p.m.! Lunch will be provided. Saturday, February 17th (10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) Youth Service Saturday Come out to prepare lunch for our friends! We meet under the tree in front of our Memorial Garden, and will be grilling and serving hamburgers outside, under the trees. Please invite your friends. This can count towards service hours too! For your information: J-Walkers Instagram: