FAITH at WORK Faith Lutheran Church July 2016

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1 FAITH at WORK Faith Lutheran Church July 2016 Sisters and brothers in Christ, Summer is an interesting time for new beginnings. It is the season of fullness and richness of growth, when the days wax long. It's a time when many of us travel, going to the mountains or the coast, celebrating the glory of God's creation. This is a wonderful time to begin as the pastor at Faith Lutheran Church. It's an in between time where we can get to know each other a bit better before fall programming kicks off with the school year. As I write this, we are in the midst of Vacation Bible School where 15 leaders are working together with 16 children to grow together in faith. It's been a great way to jump in and get my feet wet and learn a bit about what goes on at Faith Lutheran Church. During the next weeks and months of the summer, I'm going to try to learn the story of this community better: about what feeds you, what you yearn for and what brought you to this place. I'm excited to join you for this stage of our life in Christ together, excited to be your 9 th called pastor and excited to be called to my third congregation. Together let's grow in faith in Christ. Peace in Christ, Pastor Mark Together let's grow in faith in Christ. -Pastor Mark Faith Lutheran Church 930 Queen Ave SW, Albany OR faithalbany@proaxis.com website: or In This Issue Church Announcements and Events Community Announcements and Events Calendars Prayer needs

2 Walk, Talk and Pray: At 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, a group from the church will be meeting at Simpson Park (Talking Waters Parking Lot) to walk together, pray together and share fellowship. This is an informal group, but if anyone wants to join, all you have to do is show up on a Tuesday. In July the group will be meeting on July 12, 19 and 26. Note that the group will NOT be meeting on Tuesday July 5th. FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 2016 STAFF Pastor The Rev. Mark B. Office Manager Carol O. Organist/Pianist Cheryl B. Custodian Terry B. BRING YOUR CAR IN FOR A WASH! The FLYouth Group will be holding a car wash to raise funds for their upcoming camping trip. Saturday, July 16 9am 2pm in our parking lot Do you need a name tag? Write your name on the sign up sheet posted on the name tag display. CHURCH COUNCIL President Claus S. Vice President John D. Secretary Mary S. G. Treasurer Alice W. Financial Secretary JoAnn P. Education Dixie D. Evangelism & Mission Beth H. Fellowship & Social Concerns Peggy P. Property Management Charles B. Stewardship & Resources John B. Worship & Music Bob B. Youth Committee Vacant Youth Facilitator Isabella K. Mission Endowment Fund Jon A. Preschool Board John D. Coffee/Office Hours One of the things that I spoke to the executive committee and council about was regular office hours, times that folks from the congregation could drop by and know that the pastor was going to be here. To be clear the office is where I am when not visiting folks homes or hospitals or attending synod events etc. As I work on this newsletter I'm in the office. Office hours are merely time that I commit to being at the FLC office unless an emergency (e.g. needing to go to see someone in the hospital, etc.) pulls me out. Coffee hours are kind of the opposite times that I will be at the Starbucks near Fred Meyer so people can drop by while they are out. They also give me an opportunity to engage with people in the community, to pray with them and gently ask if folks have a church home. At this point I'm still learning (it's my second day on the job) so these are a rough draft of hours they might change in coming months. And my weekly schedule will be in the bulletins and Drawn to Faiths, reflecting any changes. Office Hours Tuesdays 9:00 11:00 Wednesdays 2:00 4:00 Coffee Hours Thursdays 10:00 12:00 (starting July 7th)

3 Deep Sea Discovery a splashing success On June 20 FLC Youth Coordinator Isabella Kenny was confidently prepared for the seven students signed up for the 2016 FLC Vacation Bible School. She had five crew leaders including Jordon Weber, Kris Williams, Nathan Melhorn, Nena Mondoza and Pastor Mark. The education committee selected a solid but fun theme, and Isabella pursuaded another handful of adults willing to craft, feed and clean up after the children. The week would be a snap so she imagined. But what Isabella and her crew didn t expect was a last minute rush of children 16 in all -- ages three through seven. Happily two of the girls who came from the church neighborhood were accompanied by three older sisters, who willingly dove right into the deep end to help out. A handful of other children had experienced our preschool and their parents decided VBS would be a good follow up activity, and at least one grandmother brought her three year old to the fray. It was my pleasure to observe all of this activity as a support clean up crew member. It was so inspiring to see the high school/college age leaders take it all in stride. I marvelled at the creative snacks prepared by Cynthia Boneville, Dixie Duehn and Cythia s two older sons; the liveliness of Pastor Mark; the crazy sea-themed crafts organized by Nancy George (who knew how many things you can make out of a paper plate?); and the children themselves who showed kindess to each other even when the noise was nearly at Sea World levels. When I reflect about the significant times of my childhood, I do remember VBS when individuals like Isabella demonstrated God s love with patience, intelligence and love. We are so fortunate to have her in our midst, and all the other amazing believers who made this year s event a triumph. I would just urge you to let Isabella know now if the kids in your circle want to go to Day Camp (first through sixth grades). She can easily swim with the tide, but she sure would like to know if she needs to rent a pair of water skis! ~ Kim Sass Pastor Mark is glad to visit folks at their home, particularly those who have trouble getting to church nowadays. If you or someone you know would appreciate a visit, feel free to contact the church office or Pastor Mark to let us know. Additionally, if you are in the hospital, please contact us so that we can come see you.

4 Strange to see how eating a good dinner and feasting reconciles people. Samuel Pepys All great change in America begins at the dinner table. Ronald Reagan One of the best ways to get to know people is to meet with them informally, around a table, to hear their story, to talk together. Much of Jesus' ministry occurred at the dinner table (e.g. Mark 2, Luke 7 and 19 all recount Jesus teaching in someone's home over meals). Martin Luther commonly did table talks he invited neighbors, merchants, travelers and friends over to eat, to learn from them and to teach them about grace. I think one of the great ways to get to know people is to sit with the around a table for coffee, for a meal or just to chat. There's going to be a signup sheet out in the narthex with a couple of times every week for me to come by your home for coffee or tea and to get to know you. I think it's important for me to touch base with the congregation of Faith Lutheran Church, to learn their story as we begin to grow together in faith (and at Faith). Pastor Mark Friday, July 15 Contact Isabella for details or to sign up! 6th grade Join the fun this Summer!! Lutherwood Day Camp July 25 29, 9am 3pm Children entering 1st For more information: check out our website at at faithalbany@proaxis.com, or call the church office at (541) The Annual Church picnic will be held on July 24 th. It will be served in our backyard. Please plan to attend. Each family is asked to bring a main dish plus a dessert or a salad to share. This event will kick off the Day Camp and the Lutherwood staff will be with us. Come meet them and be sure to invite any young folks you know to come too. Plates and silverware, beverages are provided.

5 Pastor Mark made a commitment to be with his family July 22 nd August 3 rd. The council and executive committee knew about this commitment before extending the call. He will be out of communication during this time (he will be here the remainder of the Sundays of 2016). During those dates, the pastor to contact for emergencies is: On call pastor (for pastoral care emergencies): Pastor Laura O'Brien of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (503) On July 24 th and 31 st worship will be led by Pastor Linda Easterling. A short note from Council Prez Claus Dearest Family of Faith: I am elated with the first official full week of shepherding by our new pastor. His energy, enthusiasm and spiritual zeal will bring us together in revitalizing new ways. The star I received today from Peter during services says generosity one of the fruits of the Spirit. [If you weren t in church, you better find out what happened -- and drop by the church office to find out what special fruit you might adopt and learn from!] I would draw your attention to three generous women who gave their time and talents to hold us together almost seamlessly during the last nine months: Alice Weber, as our church treasurer, literally worked daily: to figure out bills -- without a pastor around to ask questions of to assist Pastor Dawn with financial issues around her disability claim and eventual retirement found, engaged and paid supply pastors worked to help our new financial secretary JoAnn Perry researched a rough draft call contract for us to review with Pastor Mark; organized all our suggestions and came up with a document that all could agree with Mary Sabaka Gamet, our council secretary created timely minutes of our meetings and reminded us of things we all needed to do undertook the rigors of our church profile paperwork that was requested by the bishop the synod made no changes and we suspect that is rare she and her husband Gordy agreed to go to the synod retreat last spring and kept us in touch with the larger church Finally, Carol Olufson willingly stepped into the church office manager position when Carolyn Duehn decided to finish her graduate studies accepted all the details of our church office, and with grace she made it all happen from newsletters to bulletins to phone calls and more you could actually call her our daily pastor and I am happy to report that this temp job suites her fine and she has agreed to carry on. at least until the fall For all of you in our church: your generous patience and kindnesses during our year of transition is deeply appreciated. My star generosity is on the refrigerator next to Kim s joy star. These two say it all. We are blessed to be in this church at this time. Away we go! C.S.

6 July For the most up-to-date version, visit our online calendar

7 Worship Leader Team July July ASSISTING MINISTERS Janice Lee- Virnig Diane Collet Shirley Karstens Terry Virnig Jackye Brown LECTOR Wally Oster Gordy Gamet Mary Gamet Charles Elaine Wogomon KID S WORSHIP Pastor Mark Diane Collet Carol Olufson USHERS John/Paula Daniels Bob/Jan Christensen Jon/ RoseMary Aaberg Camp Lutherwood Staff Al Norby Dick Olsen Diane Collet Claus/Kim Sass ACOLYTES SOUND TECHNICIAN Dexter Aaron Dexter John Berg Stan Blum Jordan Weber Aaron Stan Blum Dexter John Berg READINGS Isaiah 66:10-14 Psalm 66: 1-9 Gal 6: 7-16 Luke 10:1-11, Deut 30:9-14 Psalm 25: 1-10 Col 1:1-14 Luke 10:25-37 Genesis 18: 1-10a Psalm 15 Col 1:15-28 Luke 10:38-42 Genesis 18:20-32 Psalm 138 Col 2:6-15 Luke 11:1-13 Eccles 1:2,12-14, 2:18-23 Psalm 49: 1-12 Col 3: 1-11 Luke 12:13-21 PLEASE REMEMBER IN PRAYER THOSE NEEDING STRENGTH, GUIDANCE AND HEALING: Shirley B Frank B Eleanor B Austin B Weldon B Gary C David C Izzy C Rita E Micah F Karen G Joannie G Pr. Dawn G Jamie G Cindy H Courtney H Beth & Michael H Bonnie K Dave L Cher M Craig M Howard M Heidi M Pat N Betty P Kathy R Penelope R Ella Q Nona S Helen S Body S SangSau T Alice V Linda Gail V Charles W Linda W Carl W Cheryl W Tonya Z Brandon Keely Susie & Family REMEMBER OUR HOMEBOUND: Bernice H., Evelyn M. OUR SYMPATHY & PRAYERS TO THOSE WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF LOVED ONES

8 Faith Lutheran Church 930 Queen Ave SW Albany Oregon Sunday School 9 am Worship 10:15 am Sundays Upcoming events: July 15: Youth Lock in July 16: Car Wash Fundraiser July 24: Church Picnic July 25-29: Day Camp faithalbany.org faithalbany@ proaxis.com Faith at Work Faith Lutheran Church 930 Queen Ave SW Albany, OR PLACE STAMP HERE