The View. Pastor. with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

Transcription

1 January 2016 The View Vol. 61 No.1 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14) What will the New Year be like? What major events will take place in the world during 2016? What will 2016 bring to the United States of America? What will take place with you and your family this New Year? The answer for all these questions are only fully known by our Lord and Savior. For 2016 I would expect the world to see.wars and rumor of wars. Nation will rise against nation. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. You will be hated by nations because you believe in Jesus. Many will fall away, betray one another and hate one another. Lawlessness will be increased and the love of many will grow cold. How is that for prophesies/ predictions for the New Year? These sound rather cloudy, don t they? These are quotes from Jesus when He spoke to His disciples concerning the signs of the coming of the end of the age. (Matthew 24) The end of the age could come very soon, maybe even in 2016?! Are you ready? Jesus said, the one who endures to the end will be saved. In the year 2016 the United States will have a change in leadership with a new president. This president will be either a Democrat or Republican. Hendersonville will have snow, rain, heat and cold. Within some of your families there will be experiences of births, deaths, taxes, marriages, sicknesses, changes of jobs, loss of jobs, sad times and happy times. How is that for prophesies/ predictions for the New Year? Prayerfully, this year Mt. Pisgah will have in their midst a wonderful new shepherd to lead you in Christ. I feel pretty confident about these prophesies/predictions. But, then, I should because these things happen every year, year in and year out. These are no brainers. I also feel confident about the next prophesy. St. Paul wrote, The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. The sad truth is many people don t know this, don t understand this, or don t allow this to be true. I fervently pray you realize this truth! Knowing God is with you will bring you blessings in all situations! For knowing He is with you, you will turn to Him in all your needs and He will give you peace which surpasses all human understanding. (Philippians 4:7) For the year 2016, and always, 24 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:24 26, ESV) Let it be so! Happy and Blessed New Year, Pastor

2 MISSION OF THE MONTH January 2016 Hendersonville Rescue Mission Our story began in 1981 with a man named George Cox and a Little Debbie food truck... our modern day story of the "fishes and loaves"! George was studying at Fruitland Bible Institute and driving a Little Debbie truck for a living at the time, and everyday he went through 7th Avenue seeing the people in need and feeling God's tug to do something to help; he just wasn't sure what. Then one day at church, a fellow member handed him $50 and said, "George this is for your ministry." Mr. Cox took that money and purchased a commercial sized coffee maker, and with his expired yet edible Little Debbie cakes, set up shop in the area that would soon become home to the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. He worked tirelessly to feed those in need and prayed for further guidance on what to do next. Through his prayer and generous donations from the community, HRM no longer just serves delicious hot, balanced meals to the public, but also provides shelter, guidance, education, support and hope to those looking to better their lives. Our Mission Today: The general purpose of the Hendersonville Rescue Mission shall be to minister to needy persons by way of presenting the Gospel of Jesus Christ to them and helping to provide for their spiritual and physical needs. The following testimonials are from men and women who have found hope at the Hendersonville Rescue Mission: There are many ways the Hendersonville Rescue Mission has given me inspiration: 1. Gave me hope where there was none. 2. That with God, I can do anything. 3. Don't give up and never stop trying. 4. Not to be so down on myself. 5. That I can change my life. 6. I don't have to lie or be ashamed. 7. I can start to like the new me. 8. THAT I AM SOMEBODY. Johnnnie M. When I was facing eviction, my children were scared, and I was, too. We came to the mission, though I felt I had failed the children by becoming homeless. Everyone at the mission made me feel better, and I was told that God had a plan for me. I feel good learning more about God and what He does for us. Now, I have a good job and am actively looking for housing. I know with God I can do anything, but without Him, my life would be full of sin and depression. After accepting God into my life, I am a new person with a new outlook on life. Being here at the mission has really opened my eyes to the Lord, and I thank Him and the mission for this blessing. Now, instead of feeling like a failure, I know God has a plan. My life and my children's future will all come together in His time. Vicki R. It is with giving praise and honor to God that we let you know that He has blessed us with a place to live. It has indeed been a blessing to have been allowed to move into the mission when we had no place to go. We truly thank God for all of you and the wonderful work you do. That God will continue to bless all of you is our prayer. We will stay in touch with you in order to give back as we have been given. With love and sincere appreciation, Michael and Deborah S. Volunteers and donors are such a vital part of our ministry, and we couldn't keep our doors open without you. Our volunteers help out in the following areas: front desk, meal servers, chapel speakers, devotions, clothing closet, clinic. Call us at or us at office@hendersonvillerescuemission.com. For information on donating items such as food or clothing, call us at or us at volunteer@hendersonvillerescuemission.com.

3 Community Concerns This year, Community Concerns will be focusing on all the ways that we can help our community and our world with both physical and spiritual needs. The Mission of the Month will continue, but we will also explore other ways to serve beyond the sharing of our treasures. Monthly collection of foodstuffs for IAM (Interfaith Assistance Ministry) will continue. Please consider regularly contributing. The collection bins are located in the hallway across from the Women s restroom. In January, the Mission of the Month will be the Hendersonville Rescue Mission. Please see the write-up elsewhere in this newsletter and on the hallway bulletin board for more information about this important ministry to our neighbors in Henderson County. January also brings Life Sunday celebrations to many of our churches. Lutherans for Life works to equip Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices for life. To learn more, please visit their website at I was fortunate and blessed to have been a participant in Vision Henderson County in Not only did I learn a lot about local government, commerce, and county history, I also learned about many of the local nonprofits in the county that help our neighbors live better lives. In the coming year I will be sharing some of what I ve learned with you and how we can support these organizations with prayer, money, and helping hands. Community Concerns Chair, Kathy Kirchoefer 2016 Haiti Mission trip planned for March Dr. Volk will be heading to Laotchikit in March of 2016 to replenish supplies in the clinic. If you are interested in joining him please contact him (828) jvvolkmd@ioa.com. Our Missionaries: Please continue to keep our Missionary families in your prayers Sri Lanka Dominican Republic Rev. Roger and Amy James The Lohmeyer Family

4 CHURCH FINANCES We are continuing to show a positive financial picture as of November We are running $85,223 over the proposed budget for the year. Of course, as we have said in the past, we have saved at least $53,520 by not having a full time pastor. Preschool is also showing a positive net income. They are having a good year with enrollment and with finances. As we look to the year 2016, we know that we have some big expenses to contend with, such as fixing the roof, patch and paint the sanctuary, and replacing the carpeting in the sanctuary. With your continued financial support and God s blessing we will return Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church to a beautiful house of worship. Income and Expense Year to date as of November 30, 2015 Church Exclusive Of Preschool Preschool Income $222,123 $462,479 Expenses $166,399 $451,577 Net Income $ 55,785 $ 10,902 Dedicated Income - Year to Date $ 56,855 Cash on hand Operational Accounts $126,760 Dedicated Accounts $111,977 ORGAN REPLACEMENT FUND The Church will be ordering a new organ the first of January 2016 and it will take 4 to 5 months for the organ to be delivered. The cost of the organ will be $104,525 and we have an individual who is donating $80,000 of the cost. So the Church will have to fund the extra $24,525. There has been a separate dedicated account set up for donations for the organ. If you would care to donate, just mark Organ Fund on your check or envelope. Thank you to the following members who recently directed Choice Dollars to MPLC through Thrivent: John & Audrey Frost NEW CHURCH OFFICE HOURS BEGINNING JANUARY 7th M-W-F 8:00AM - 3:35PM T & TH 8:00AM - 11:40AM REMINDER The January Council Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 7th at 7:00pm (NEW TIME) in the Church Library.

5 MPLC MEDIA RESOURCES Did you know...that you never have to miss a sermon? Webmaster Steve Kirchoefer has been audio recording sermons for a couple of years and now is making videorecording the service for our shut-ins. Our weekly bulletins and monthly newsletters are also available on the website. See the details below: Media resources available from Mt. Pisgah s website Sermons: Video and audio of the 10:45 am sermons are available, with audio archives going back two years. Church Newsletter: Available with archives going back two years. Weekly Bulletins: Available with archives going back one year. Church Calendar: Available with archives going back two years. In addition to what is directly available from the website, one can obtain DVD recordings of the 10:45 Sunday Services. Requests should made to the church office. A convenient link for making requests is available on the website. Submitted by Community Concerns Chair, Kathy Kirchoefer MPLC Quilter s Ministry delivers lap robes to the Veteran s Administration

6 Thank you Mt. Pisgah! Margi and I cannot fully express our appreciation and gratitude for all your cards, your gifts (overwhelming), your best wishes, and your love given us this Christmas season! Thank you for sharing the love of our Lord and Savior with us! It has been a joy to worship and praise our Lord with you this year and this Christmas season! THANK YOU for everything! Yours in Christ, Pastor Your generous gift this Christmastide made my heart sing! It is a privilege to lead our choir in worship and I thank you for allowing me the joy of doing so. I pray God will bestow upon Mt. Pisgah many rich blessings this year. Lois THANK YOU Mt. Pisgah family for the Christmas cards and gifts! I am so grateful for your kind thoughts and generosity during the Christmas season and all throughout the year. With Joy in Christ - Carol Service Opportunities at Mount Pisgah Greeters and Ushers Serve on Sundays at 7:45 a.m. Contact Tony Selius at or anth5489@bellsouth.net Serve on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Contact Chuck Ginter Quilting Group Meets on 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays at 9:00 a.m. Contact Jan Tharp at or hvilletharps@bellsouth.net Newsletter Coordinator To coordinate the submission of articles about church activities and issues for the monthly newsletter, The View. Although the church secretary does the formatting and composition, some basic computer skills are needed to submit articles. Contact Jim Volk at or jvvolkmd@ioa.com Altar Guild 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 10:00 a.m. Contact Ann Cheadle at Members Needed to Count the Offering on Mondays at 11:00 a.m. Time is flexible in accord with participant needs. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Prayer Shawl Ministry Meets on 1 st Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. Contact Jean Siebold at or jsiebold@bellsouth.net Memorial Garden A person or committee to oversee the management of the Memorial Garden; maintenance of the Garden, facilitate advance purchase contracts, arrange for inurnments and handle finances. Contact Jim Volk or jvvolkmd@ioa.com Please see the flyers in the hall for the IAM January food and clothing needs.

7 January 2016 SUN MON TUES WED THUR FRI SAT Communion 8am Communion 10:45am Ladies Bible Study 10AM Prayer Shawl Ministry 1pm 7 Quilter s Ministry 9am Church Council 7:00PM 8 Men s Bible Study 8 am 9 10 Worship 8am Worship 10:45am 11 Ladies Guild 1:00 PM Ladies Bible Study 10AM Men s Bible Study 8 am Communion 8am Communion 10:45am Ladies Bible Study 10AM 21 Quilter s Ministry 9am 22 Men s Bible Study 8 am Worship 8am Worship 10:45am Ladies Bible Study 10AM Men s Bible Study 8 am Worship 8am Worship 10:45am JANUARY 11 Linda Corn 16 Adell Keeney 19 Dee Mooney 19 Rick Sanborn 20 Bill Weege 21 Geri Ellerson 23 Don Tatreau 24 Mary Rappley 25 Michele Maloney 26 Eleanor Claycomb Birthday Blessings! 1 John Frost 3 Hank Clancy 4 Bill Kruse 5 Debbie Leger 8 Vickie Amato 9 Peyton Alford 9 Dorthea Ver Bryck 10 Diane Luecke 14 Rudy Eidam 17 Brendan Keeney FEBRUARY 17 Suzanne Reid 19 Muriel Bosker 20 Madeline Biddle 20 Mary Matthews 20 Don Ryel 20 Zach White 21 Ivalee Rymer 24 Wally Rose Mincer 25 Kay Leyrer Weekly Bible Studies Women s Bible Study: led by Pastor McLain in the church library will resume on January 6, :00 a.m. Men s Bible Study at Denny s Restaurant (with breakfast). 9:15 a.m. Adult Bible Study Pastor McLain

8 Mt. Pisgah Lutheran Church & Preschool 2606 Chimney Rock Road Hendersonville, NC PH FAX Rev. Philip McLain Vacancy Pastor