JULY AND AUGUST 2017 NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 JULY AND AUGUST 2017 NEWSLETTER 3305 Lawrenceville Highway Lawrenceville, GA

2 Dear Friends in Christ, As some of you know, we are in the process of completing the paperwork for our new interim pastor. The Rev. Michael D. Millum will begin his interim ministry at Amazing Grace on Monday, September 11, Pastor Millum has been serving an ELCA congregation in Connecticut for the last 15 years and has been a rostered minister for 28 years. In addition to his work with congregations, he has also been a Director at the Community Mental Health Affiliates, and a Director of a YWCA, focusing on teens. We look forward to welcoming him and his family to Georgia and into the community of Amazing Grace. AGLC President Upcoming Blood Drives Opportunities to donate blood for those in need will be on Sunday, August 20 from 9 am 1 pm and/or also on Sunday, October 29 from 9 am 1 pm.

3 Lots of Ministry Dates! + August 2, Backpacks and School Supplies Given Out, Fellowship Hall, Time TBA + August 5, Lutheranch Lutheranch, from 11 am - 2 pm + August 12, Fish Amazing 6:30 pm + August 13, Rally Sunday & Return to Two Worship Services, 8:30 & 11 am + August 16, Homework Help Begins for the new School Year, Time TBA + August 20, Campus Ministry Sunday & Blood Drive from 9 am 1 pm + August 26, Low Country Boil to support Lutheran Campus Living Grace Lutheran Church, from 4-7 pm + August 27, Town Hall Meeting, Time TBA + September 10, God's Work, Our Hands Day + September 23, Amazing Grace, from 5 9 pm + October 14, Arts & Crafts Festival on the front lawn from 9 am - 4 pm + October 29, 500th Reformation & Blood Drive from 9 am 1 pm For more information about these ministry events, please refer to future Wednesday Amazing Grace s, the website (tisgrace.org), Amazing Grace's Facebook page, the Sunday Bulletin, the monthly newsletter, and posted information in the Narthex.

4 Return to Two Worship Services Starting on Sunday August 13, we will return to two worship services at 8:30 am and 11:00 am. God s Work, Our Hands Day 2017 Please plan to join us for God s Work, Our Hands on Sunday, September 10. Details coming soon! Town Hall Meeting On Sunday, August 27, please join us for a Town Hall discussion. Time, Location and further details coming soon!

5 Men's Night Out at the Gwinnett Braves Men, please join us on Thursday, August 10 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are 4 for $40:00 with a hotdog and a soda. Last day to signup is Sunday, July 30. See Bob MacKinnon for tickets. Men s Retreat at Lutheranch It is time to start the planning for our annual men s retreat at Lutheranch. The dates for the retreat are January 26-28, The cost this year will be $ Mark your calendars now for a weekend of Bible study, food, and fellowship. The Bible studies will be led by Tom Balog Executive Director of the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry. Tom was the guest preacher at AGLC on Sunday June 25 th. If you have any questions about the retreat, just ask around, we have a large group of men who have attended past retreats. We have 25 beds available for the retreat so start thinking about being part of a very enjoyable retreat experience. Men's Breakfast A Men's weekly breakfast is now on Friday 8:00 AM at the IHOP on Hwy. 29. All men are welcome.

6 We Needed Your Help! We asked this of You: We have a group of Homework Help Families that are going to LutheRidge July for Family Week. There are over 40 adults and children that will be attending from AGLC, and we are borrowing an enclosed trailer to transport luggage. What we need is someone who has a vehicle and can pull the trailer to LutheRidge on Sunday July 23, leaving around 1 PM. A member has volunteered to ride along and help with driving, so you will have company! LutheRidge is located near Asheville, NC, which is about 3 hours from Amazing Grace (roughly 175 miles). If you Would like to volunteer to help, or for more information, please contact Liz (770) llinke227@gmail.com And Here s How You Responded! A BIG Thank you to the wonderful drivers who will be/are driving the luggage trailers to and from the camp! Also, a HUGE Thank you to everyone who purchased tamales on Friday, July 14 as a final fundraiser for the camp. $691 was raised! And an amazing total of $1,687 was raised for all (four) of the tamale fundraisers for the camp!! The families are so thankful for your support! Please pray for safe travels and for an awesome week of fellowship and ministry for the families who will be attending the Lutheridge family camp in North Carolina the week of July Sign-up for Lutheranch Dedication Join us for a Lutheranch Dedication on August 5 from 11 am to 2 pm. To show your interest, please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. If there is enough interest we can carpool together to the event.

7 Vacation Bible School (VBS) Update Vacation Bible School met on Wednesdays, July 12 and July 19 for the final weeks of Vacation Bible School (VBS) where the children worked with Adult Volunteers on various service projects. The afternoons ended with a brief informal worship service for Children and Adults. The children who attended VBS will sing a few songs which they learned through the summer during worship on Sunday, July 30! worship on Sunday, July 2! AFFIRM Update Thank you to D J Ladd Thomas, Kaleigh Marzec, Madelyn Ladd-Thomas, Nicole Speddon, Emma Ladd-Thomas and Miraim Seeke who spoke so well about their awesome experiences at AFFIRM during Thank You Thank you to my Amazing Grace family for the outpouring of support during this difficult time. We truly appreciate the beautiful flowers, the kind words and support received this week. God has truly blessed us with an amazing community. Sara will be missed but there's much comfort that she has returned home to the good Lord. Thanks again from the Bidessy and Kuldip family.

8 Arts & Crafts Festival Planning Meetings We had our official Kick-Off meeting for the Arts & Crafts Festival on Sunday, July 16 after worship. Next, please join us on Saturday, July 6:00 pm at Olive Garden, off of Pleasant Hill Road by Gwinnett Place Mall, for a dinner planning meeting. Emergency Pastor Contact For Pastoral Emergencies, please contact Pastor Devin or at pastordevinstrong@gmail.com. Campus Ministry Sunday August 20 will be Campus Ministry Sunday. Come to meet and also hear from students of the rewards of Lutheran Campus Ministry, led by Pastor Devin Strong. Pastor Devin's students will be participating in the sermon and will also help lead Adult Sunday School on Sunday, August 20. Your support of these students is VERY much appreciated!

9 August 2, Time TBA Children are invited to pick up a back pack and school supplies for the School Year! Volunteers are appreciated to help donate and distribute supplies. August 16, Time TBA Homework Help Returns! Children & Adult Volunteers are welcome!

10 Rally Day and Return to two worship 8:30 & 11:00 am Come to hear about how you can help with ministries at Amazing Grace! August 13

11 Saturday October 14 9 am 4 pm We are seeking vendors volunteers, and customers. To participate in any of these ways, please contact Sharon Ritchie at or Nannette Stariha at

12 Amazing Grace Annual Fish Fry August 6:30 pm Fish, BBQ, and Hush Puppies are provided. Please bring drinks, a side dish, or dessert to share.

13 Grace House Campus Ministry LOW Country Boil Delicious food and spirits Fellowship and music Plus a Live Auction! Tickets: Adults - $50, Students and everyone under 21 FREE! Saturday, August 26 th 4-7PM Living Grace Lutheran Church 1812 CooledgeRd. Tucker, GA Have something you can make / donate to the auction? E--mail Devin@ GracePeople.org. Get your tickets

14 The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry Food Bank It is almost time to start thinking about going back to school for our families! If you look at the stores, school supplies are for sale everywhere enticing our children to start looking for that brand new backpack and just the right pens, pencils, paper and all other things related to school needs!! The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry started a new policy this summer with families who have school-age children at home! These families are invited to come to pick up groceries every two weeks this summer to help them keep their families fed! I believe that the communities donations and the Coop s ability to buy canned food from the Atlanta Food Bank has helped many families more able to make it through their tough times of the summer months when the breakfasts and lunches of the school system was not available to those who needed them! Items like canned or dry milk, vegetables, canned meats, soups, and the like are always needed. Personal items as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoos, and many other things we take for granted are also needed as well! Please look around bargain stores for these kinds of items! Many brand names are found on Big Lots and Dollar stores shelves! I am keeping Amazing Grace in my thoughts and prayers for you to open up your hearts and buy just a few items each week or month to help some people in the Lawrenceville and Dacula areas to get by a rough spell! Paul reminds us in Romans 12:13 which states When God s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. I know I have said this too often, but anything that you need at your house is probably needed at someone else s house also! Please pick up a few items each week that could be helpful in feeding a hungry family or two! I feel so good when I bring in items for the Coop Food Bank! Since my last report, 82 items have been delivered to the Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry Food Bank from Amazing Grace Lutheran Church! Thank You, Amazing Grace, for remembering our hungry brothers and sisters! God Bless You Always, Linda MacKinnon

15 Amazing Grace Lutheran Church Council Minutes June 13 7:00PM In Attendance: Pastor Scott, Elaine Schwartz, Lisa Larsen-Moss, Liz Linke, Marilyn DelCampo, Bob MacKinnon, Wayne Linke, Debbie Teal, David Rager, Trish Ladd-Thomas, Angie Rhilinger Absent: Philip Speddon, Mimi Layton Opening Devotional: Pastor Scott Spiritual Autobiography: None for June Council Member Introductions Secretary s Minutes: The May Council minutes were approved via on May 22, A motion was made by Mimi Layton and seconded by Elaine Schwartz, and the motion carried. Combined Treasurer and Financial Administrator s Report for May May 2017 regular giving was $20, plus $7.46 interest, plus $80.00 rental income, for a total of $21,074.03, which is $6, over budget. Expenses were $17,592.20, which was $ under budget. We had our best month in a long time. Our cash position actually improved slightly. Let's pray for more months like this!! May 2017 YTD Income was $1, more than May 2016 YTD Income. May 2017 YTD Expenses were $8, less than May 2016 YTD Expenses Year to Date Giving/Income is $3, over budget Year to Date Expenses are $3, under budget. Dedicated Accounts We have a balance of $41, in various accounts, which includes May 2017 receipts of $1, and expenses of $3, The balance of the Old Capital Campaign Dedicated Account, which is included in above balance, still equals $ May 2017 cash on hand is $ 99, which includes $41, Dedicated; therefore, not in reserve/not liquid for general expenses. A motion was made by David Rager and seconded by Wayne Linke to move the box of financial information displayed in the weekly bulletin from the last page to become the last announcement on the inside pages. After discussion, a vote was held and the motion carried. A motion was made by Liz Linke and seconded by Trish Ladd-Thomas to accept the reports, and the motion carried. Pastor s Report for June Membership Changes: Leah Kinsley Spencer was baptized June 11. Miriam Seeke was confirmed, but will be transferring membership along with my family. Luther s Five Favorite Verses It bears repeating: small groups are a part of the DNA of Amazing Grace, and are something that should continue. New software We were signed up and ready to begin with Breeze, but Tracie and Elaine spoke and decided to delay implementation. I have been assured by Elaine that this is only a delay. Youth I will be attending Affirm next week. Six youth are attending.

16 Synod Assembly Amazing Grace was well represented. Special thanks to Liz Linke and Elaine Schwartz for their awesome ministry there! Recommendations Going Forward I believe that the following will allow Amazing Grace to continue the current momentum: Worship: I ask Debbie Teal to take over the scheduling of Worship Assistants. Discipleship: I ask John Ferguson to continue with plans for Walk Thru the Bible in the fall, and to continue meeting regularly with teachers Outreach: keep being awesome! Property: continue to work on the grounds of the church Nurture: keep being awesome! In conclusion, I want to thank the Council (current and past) and all the members of Amazing Grace. I love you all, and being your pastor. I believe in God, and in you. You re amazing! A motion was made by Trish Ladd-Thomas and seconded by Lisa Larsen-Moss to accept the report, and the motion carried. COMMISSION REPORTS No Report Submitted Nurture Philip Speddon Discipleship John Ferguson No Report Submitted Outreach Bob MacKinnon Blood Drive June 25 9:00AM-1:00PM Adult help needed on Wednesdays for VBS we had at least one new family on 6/7, and they were in church 6/11 Worship & Music Trish Ladd-Thomas Luther s Five Verses have concluded and mid-week grace is now a part of VBS for the summer. We will have one service at 10AM during the summer months. Leah Spencer was baptized. Madelyn Ladd-Thomas played trumpet for Pentecost. We had several languages represented during the readings, and Miriam Seeke was confirmed. Property David Rager Replaced broken sign post at main entrance Narthex painted Front entrance pressure washed Pine straw procured for VBS A motion to accept the commission reports was made by Trish Ladd-Thomas and seconded by Debbie Teal and the motion carried.

17 New Business Responsibility of Council Members Synod Assembly Report ELCA Update on Congregational Leaders Pastor Seeke accepting New Call Supply Pastors, Interim Pastor, Call Committee? Council will meet with Michelle Angalet June 22 Pastor Scott s exit interview with the council will be June 29 Pastor Devin Strong is available as a supply pastor for several Sundays, and is willing to be an emergency pastor on an as needed basis A motion to pay an honorarium of $50 to non-rostered supply persons, or to the charity of their choice, was made by Elaine Schwartz and seconded by Lisa Larsen-Moss. After discussion, a vote was held and the motion carried, with one abstention. Old Business Capital Campaign Update the committee is ready to get to work! David Rager is going to send an updated priority/rank order of the campaign items. VBS update more adults are needed to help out on Wednesday nights! Luther s Five Verses Review See Pastor s Report A motion was made to move into an executive session by Trish Ladd-Thomas and seconded by Lisa Larsen-Moss, and the motion passed. Staff Update Breeze Membership Software Elaine will Tracie to get her logins and passwords for the office computer and any programs on it which require a login and password, since the computer and any programs or documents on it are church property. A motion was made to move out of executive session by Elaine Schwartz and seconded by Debbie Teal, and the motion passed. Thank You s David Berfield for replacing sign post Bob Lee for painting the Narthex Michael Calabrese for pressure washing the front entrance Thanks to the Grace Gang for getting the military boxes Jackie Rager for confirmation stole for Miriam Seeke Trish Ladd-Thomas for the confirmation reception Linda MacKinnon for baptismal cloth for Leah Spencer Pastor Scott for his service at Amazing Grace Outgoing council members for their service over the last term Spiritual Autobiography for next month: Lisa Larsen-Moss Closing Prayer Motion to adjourn was made by Pastor Scott Seeke and seconded by Marilyn DelCampo and the motion carried. Respectfully submitted by Liz Linke.

18 Amazing Grace Lutheran Church Special Council Meeting June 22 7:00PM Members of the Congregation Council met with Michelle Angalet, a representative from the ELCA Southeastern Synod Office. The following items were discussed: Exit Interview with Pastor Seeke by Congregation Council scheduled for 6/29/17 at 7:00PM Process of calling a pastor Supply Pastors Interim pastor Q&A Amazing Grace Lutheran Church Council Minutes July 11 7:00PM In Attendance: Elaine Schwartz, Lisa Larsen-Moss, Liz Linke, Trish Ladd-Thomas, Marilyn DelCampo, Wayne Linke, Lee Bennett, David Rager, Debbie Teal Absent: John Ferguson Guests: Tracie Crowe Opening Devotional: Liz Linke Spiritual Autobiography: Lisa Larsen-Moss Vote for Property Chair: Debbie Teal nominated Lee Bennett for the property commission vacancy, seconded by Trish Ladd-Thomas, and the council voted in favor unanimously. Secretary s Minutes: The June Council minutes were approved via on June 16, A motion was made by David Rager and seconded by Scott Seeke, and the motion carried. Combined Treasurer and Financial Administrator s Report for June A motion was made by Lisa Larsen-Moss and seconded by Lee Bennett to table the Financial Administrator s Report until July s meeting, and the motion carried. Pastor s Report Update on Call Process Church Password Policy The executive council should have access to all passwords used on church property computers, laptops, , software, etc. Lisa Larsen-Moss will write a proposed policy regarding logins and passwords for all church property computers, laptops, , software, etc. and bring back to council. Removing Scott from publications If anyone sees Scott s name on church related publications, please send an to Tracie Crowe and cc Elaine Schwartz and they will make sure that his name is removed.

19 COMMISSION REPORTS Nurture Marilyn DelCampo Potluck for Pastor Scott s last Sunday was held after worship on July 2 in the Fellowship Hall Discipleship John Ferguson Nothing to Report for July Outreach Wayne Linke We had a blood drive 6/25 VBS made cards for shut-ins VBS purchased contents and assembled 50 Grace Bags that were given out after church at no charge so people can have the experience of handing them out Materials have been purchased to make 40 Heart Signs Worship & Music Debbie Teal We continue our 10am Summer worship service time, with the sanctuary being mostly filled! We rejoiced with Cole, Kristen and their families on June 11 when Kinsley Spencer was baptized We had a special service on July 2 nd to wish Pastor Scott and his family farewell. Lois gathered musicians and singers to perform a Goodbye song; this was followed with a Potluck lunch to see them off with love! The Youth that attended AFFIRM also told us about their groups and their purpose, along with their Highs and Lows of their week at AFFIRM. They did a great job, and they also thanked the Congregation for their financial support and love and prayers. Property David Rager/Lee Bennett Purchase pine straw for VBS Community Service Project. Ants in the Nursery. Purchased post and signs for handicap parking space by office and the music director space. Parry Moss to install them. Had the company that replaced gutter come out and check them since we were having problems with gutters overflowing during heavy rain. They cleaned debris out of gutters and did not charge us. Gutters were cleaned out back in December when tree hit sanctuary and gutter had to be replaced. Alarm company has a list of people to contact when the alarm goes off. Currently Wayne Linke, Terry Plaster, and David Rager are the contacts; David Rager will contact the alarm company and have his name removed and add Lee Bennett. Tracie ed to report that the water from the fountain tastes unclean. David and Lee will look at the fountain and see what s going on. A motion to accept the commission reports was made by Trish Ladd-Thomas and seconded by Marilyn DelCampo and the motion carried with one abstention.

20 New Business Refugee Sunday - was in June. It is a day when churches uplift refugees in the community and make their congregations more aware of the struggles refugees face on a daily basis. We will be looking into participating in a Refugee Sunday in the future. New financial secretary Shirley will be resigning at the end of the year; she will put together the 4 th quarter/end of year statements and train her replacement. If we go forward with a new membership software program, Trish will go through the training along with Shirley s replacement. Trish and Debbie will write up a request for a new financial secretary to be published in the newsletter and bulletins. Homework Help/Choir/Midweek Grace Council discussed making Midweek Grace a seasonal worship service due to the declining number of attendees. A motion was made by Elaine Schwartz and seconded by Wayne Linke to suspend Midweek Grace until further notice, and the motion carried unanimously. How to Keep Structure when Pastor leaves discussion, not action needed at this time Teaching Conflict Resolution to Congregation tabled until August Removing scripture from screens motion withdrawn. Election Forms given to Lee to fill out allows AGLC to remain a polling location. Rally Day/Ministry Sunday 08/13/17 Kick-Off for Sunday School, return to 2 services, and ministry sign-ups. Each commission chair will present a temple talk during the announcements during worship on the Sundays leading up to Rally Day. 7/16 Property - Lee Bennett 7/23 Outreach - Wayne Linke 7/30 Worship & Music Debbie Teal 8/6 Nurture & Discipleship Marilyn DelCampo & John Ferguson 8/13 Financial Administrator Trish Ladd-Thomas God s Work Our Hands 09/10/17 Reformation /29/17 Church Calendar It is imperative that anyone wanting to schedule an event at the church contact Tracie or go into the office to check the church calendar to make sure that there is not already another event or activity planned. Wayne will make an announcement about the church food and drink policy that there shouldn t be food or drink in the sanctuary or the nursery. Also, it is important to remember that this is God s house, and a shared space, and we all need to take ownership of keeping up our building, i.e., cleaning up after ourselves, etc. The head football coach at Berkmar contacted the church office about coming to a community meeting on Tuesday 7/18 at the school to discuss community-school partnerships. Lee, Debbie, and Trish have volunteered to go to the meeting as representatives from Amazing Grace.

21 Old Business Breeze membership Software tabled until a new financial secretary in place. At that time, we will look into moving forward with either Breeze or another software program. Thank You s Bob MacKinnon and Art Scott for getting pine straw Bob MacKinnon for spraying for ants Christian Kilundu and his family for cleaning the sanctuary and floors in the narthex/hallway Lud and Doug for coordinating Pastor Scott s farewell potluck and Marilyn for cleaning up after Lois and choir for Pastor Scott s sending song VBS for making Grace Bags Everyone who donated during the blood drive David and Jackie Rager for their many years of volunteering and service during their membership Spiritual Autobiography for next month: Wayne Linke Closing Prayer Motion to adjourn was made by Lee Bennett and seconded by Lisa Larsen-Moss and the motion carried. Respectfully submitted by Liz Linke.

22 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat am Worship Service ; 11 am Pastor Scott s Farewell Potluck 3 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort; 7pm Prayer Discernment 4 11 am Good Old Guys Meet 5 No VBS No Worship 6 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA am Worship Service 10 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort am Good Old Guys Meet 7pm Council Meeting; 12 4:00 pm Vacation Bible School; 5:30 pm Worship 13 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 14 8:00 am Men s am Worship Service; 11 am Arts & Crafts Festival Official Kick-Off Meeting 17 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort ; 7pm Prayer Discernment am Good Old Guys Meet 19 4:00 pm Vacation Bible School; 5:30 pm Midweek Grace 20 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 21 8:00 am Men s am Worship Service; Lutheridge Family Camp Begins 24 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort am Good Old Guys Meet 26 No VBS No Worship 27 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 28 8:00 am Men s 29 6 PM Arts & Crafts Festival Olive Garden am Worship Service 31 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort

23 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 11 am Good Old Guys Meet 2 Backpacks and School Supplies Given Out, Time TBA 3 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 4 8:00 am Men s 5 11 am 2 pm Lutheranch Lutheranch 6 10 am Worship Service 7 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort; 7pm Prayer Discernment 8 11 am Good Old Guys Meet; 7 pm Council Meeting 9 No Ministries 10 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 11 8:00 am Men s 12 6:30 pm Fish Fry On the Front Lawn 13 Rally Sunday 8:30 am Worship Service 11:00 Worship Service 14 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort am Good Old Guys Meet 16 Homework Help, Time TBA 17 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 18 8:00 am Men s Campus Ministry Sunday 8:30 am Worship Service 11:00 Worship Service ; 9 am 1 pm Blood Drive 21 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort ; 7pm Prayer Discernment am Good Old Guys Meet 23 Homework Help, Time TBA 24 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA 25 8:00 am Men s 26 4 pm 7 pm Low Country Living Grace Lutheran Church 27 8:30 am Worship Service 11:00 Worship Service Town Hall Meeting, Time TBA 28 6:30 pm Peachtree Trombone Consort am Good Old Guys Meet 30 Homework Help, Time TBA 31 7 pm Men s Barnabas ; 7:30 pm NA