Apostles Lutheran Church, ELCA

Transcription

1 Apostles Lutheran Church, ELCA The Epistle June & July 2018 The mission of Apostles Lutheran Church is to be and make disciples for Christ. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Christmas in July Cover ELCA Youth Gathering 2 & 3 Summer Giving 4 Photo Directory Update 4 Women s Night Out 4 Prayer Shawl Ministry 4 Confirmation 5 June & July Calendar 6 & 7 Children s Ministry 8 Vacation Bible School Parent s Night Sunday School News Community Outreach 9 Hurricane Preparedness Feeding the Homeless Nurse s Notes Summer Safety 10 Food Pantry 11 Birthdays 11 Last summer we began a very successful ministry here at Apostles Christmas In July. Due to your generosity, we were able to supply Wimauma Elementary School with many needed school supplies. This year, throughout the month of July, the Community Outreach Team will oversee this ministry. Our congregation will gather together back-to-school items and snacks in a partnership with our neighbors at Yates Elementary School. The list of suggested items will be available in the lobby in late June. A designated Christmas in July drop-off area will be available starting on Sunday, July 1 st. Just look for the Christmas Tree! Items can be dropped off in the lobby on Sunday mornings or in our church office during the week. We will deliver the items during the first week of school. We will not promote the ministries of Apostles; just simply donate school items to further enhance the education experience of the students. July 20, 2018 You are invited to join in this exciting, ministry that will bless many children as they begin a new school year!

2 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 2 Houston, We Have a Gathering The city of Houston will be welcoming 30,000 teens and adult chaperones to the National Youth Gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Offered in a different city every 3 years, this unique trip focused on nurturing the faith in teens while providing a myriad of events for learning, outreach and fun! These 11 teens from Apostles will be attending: Lauren Adams, Tony Agar-Rentz, Dezrae Brown, Jakob Brown, Kayla DiLeo, Joshua DiLeo, Lacey Hirschfield, Maddie Nardin, Ashley Piccillo, Abagail Weber, Margaret Weber. Some details for about the gathering: Cost: $1200/person: This includes Gathering registration, travel, transfers, and hotel accommodations. Daily Themes: Wednesday: God s Call Changes Everything (Exodus 3:1-16) Thursday: God s Love Changes Everything (John 4:1-42) Friday: God s Grace Changes Everything (Acts 8:26-40) Saturday: God s Hope Changes Everything (Luke 24:13-25) Sunday: Jesus Changes Everything (Mark 5:21-42) Synod Rotation Days Thursday: Synod Day (Participants from the Florida-Bahamas Synod meet in the afternoon for worship, Bible study, learning and more) Friday: Service Learning (Participants wear orange Youth Gathering t-shirts and work at a service learning site in Houston; school, food pantry, etc.) Saturday Interactive Learning: learning and activities in a 700,000 sq. ft. space (themes of advocacy, mission work, refugee challenges, teens and faith, life in rural Africa, music in ministry, etc.)

3 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 3 Notable Speakers Bishop Elizabeth Eaton: Presiding Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Bishop Eaton will be preaching within the Sunday morning worship. Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber (opposite photo): Nadia Bolz-Weber is an ELCA pastor and works as the founding pastor of House for All Sinners and Saints in Denver, Colorado. She is the author of two New York Times bestselling memoirs: Pastrix; The Cranky, Beautiful Faith of a Sinner & Saint (2013) and Accidental Saints; Finding God in All the Wrong People (2015). Carson McMullar: Carson McCullar is an 18 year old senior at Archway Academy in Houston, Texas. He has just over 2 years of continuous sobriety and recovery from drugs and alcohol. Without the help of God and those who love him, he wouldn t be around to share his experience, strength, and hope with the other addicts and alcoholics who need it most. Jamie and Rebekah Bruesehoff Jamie and Rebekah Bruesehoff are a mother-daughter team advocating for transgender children and youth. Jamie is a writer, speaker, and educator who is passionate about sharing her family s story to create positive change. Rebekah, eleven years old, spreads her message of hope for trans kids internationally through public speaking, television appearances, and social media. Michaela Shelley, Student Michaela Shelley is a student at Converse College from Spartanburg, South Carolina who lives with Mitochondrial Disease. She advocates and raises awareness for the needs of teenagers and young adults who are struggling with chronic illnesses. Special Offering Our group is gathering financial gifts to assist us addressing our overall meal costs. If you would be willing to share a portion of what you have received to support us, you can bring your gift to our church office during the week or on Sunday morning. Please place it in a designated envelope with Youth Gathering Meals on it. Our goal is to reach $1000 by June 24th! Thank you for your support!

4 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 4 Breaking the Summer Trend The summer trend in many congregations is the reality of a decline in overall financial giving. Why does this happen? Perhaps because people are away on vacation and thereby not present to give their offering on Sunday mornings. It could be because some are accustomed to giving in the Spring around Easter and then resume in the Fall. This summer, let s break that summer trend and continue with financial strength that has been present among us already this year! We have the option of on-line giving is safe and secure; it can be set-up via our church website. If you have questions about on-line giving, contact Liz Jimenez (office administrator) in our church office. Thank you for your generosity this summer! Photo Directory Update The updated photo directory has been reviewed by our staff and revisions have been submitted to Life Touch Photography. The new directories will have the family photo additions of those families not photographed last fall. In addition, the cover will have a beautiful photo of our Altar area from this past Easter morning which makes the directory more reflective of our congregation. We will keep everyone posted as to when the final directories are expected to be delivered to our office and distributed to those that had their photos submitted in the directory. The Apostles Prayer Shawl Ministry will meet for a Sit 'n' Stitch on Saturday, June 9 from 10 am to noon in the Café and Vestry. Everyone is welcome! We will knit & crochet prayer shawls and pocket prayer shawls. There will be patterns, yarn, crochet hooks, and knitting needles available if you are in need of materials to get you started. If you need a refresher on how to knit, we can help with that too! Stop by for a while or stay the whole time--we'd love to have you join us! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Helena Berg, helenaksberg@gmail.com or Women s Night Out for Summer Women's Night Out has been a monthly activity here at Apostles for over 20 years. It's been a time where women of varied ages and family lifestyles (single, married, divorced, widowed, kids, no kids) have enjoyed different restaurants, laughed, shared stories and difficulties, and prayers. Women's Night Out is a time to relax and enjoy fellowship with other ladies from our church and their friends. For July & August we will take some road trips! July 8 Circles Waterfront Restaurant 1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach August 5 Columbia Restaurant 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa Meet at the church parking lot at 5:30 to carpool. Contact Debbie Nickeson ( or debkn44@aol.com) if you would like to join in the summer fun.

5 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 5 On Pentecost, Sunday, May 20 Apostles celebrated the confirmation of eight of our youth: Back Row from left: Sydni Burge, Brandon Schoening, Pastor Jim, Megan Kiester, Joshua Cooper Front Row from left: Kaya Di Leo, Lauren Adams, Caleb Amaden, Jade Kidd Please keep these young people in your prayers as they continue on their journey of faith.

6 27 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 10:00 AM "Whirl for Kids!" (Vestry) 10:00 AM Adult Education 10:45 AM Baptism of Lincoln Allen Blanton 7:30 PM A. A. (TH ) 28 Memorial Day - Office Closed A.A. 29 A. A. 9:00 AM M. O. W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop A. A. 9:30 AM - Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 31 A. A. A.A. 10:30 AM 8:00 PM Rebecca's A.A. Circle 1 2 A.A. 8:00 AM A-Men Breakfast & Bible Study- 3 A.A. 10:00 AM Congregational Meeting 11:50 AM Youth Gathering Meeting 5:30 PM Women's Night Out "Potluck & Movie" (Vestry & Cafe) 4 5 A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop A.A. 9:00 AM Sew On & Sew Forth 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 7:00 PM Operations Team Mtg. (Conference Room) 7 A.A. 10:30 AM Rebecca's Circle 8 A.A. 8:00 PM A.A. 9 A.A. 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Sit-n-Stitch (Cafe & Vestry) 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Parent s Night Out A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 A.A. 9:30 AM - Hallelujah Quilters (NT) A.A. A.A. 8:00 PM A.A. A.A A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 A.A. 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) A.A. A.A. 8:00 PM A.A. A.A A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 A.A. 9:30 AM - Hallelujah Quilters (NT) A.A. A.A. 8:00 PM A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM Feeding People who are Homeless at Church of the Nazarene

7 1 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 3:00 PM Robinson Wedding 2 A.A. 3 A.A. Independence Day Holiday - 9:00 AM M.O.W. Office Closed 7:30 PM BSA A.A. Troop A.A. A.A. 10:30 AM 8:00 PM Rebecca's Circle A.A. 6 7 A.A. 8:00 AM A-Men Breakfast & Bible Study- 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Parent s Night Out 8 6:00 PM Women's Night Out at Circle's Restaurant in Apollo Beach A.A. 16 A.A. 23 A.A A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM BSA Hallelujah Troop 110 Quilters (NT) A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 9:30 AM - 7:30 PM BSA Hallelujah Troop 110 Quilters (NT) A.A. A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 9:30 AM 7:30 PM BSA Hallelujah Troop 110 Quilters (NT) A.A. A.A. 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 9:00 PM USF A.A. Reading Program A.A. A.A. 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 9:00 PM USF A.A. Reading Program A.A. A.A. 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM 9:00 PM USF A.A. Reading Program 14 A.A. 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM USF Reading Program 21 A.A. 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM USF Reading Program 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM VBS - "Friends in God's Word" 28 A.A. 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM USF Reading Program 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM VBS - "Friends in God's Word" A.A. 31 A.A. 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop A. A. 9:00 AM -Sew On & Sew Forth 9:30 AM - Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 7:00 PM Operations Team Mtg. (Conference Room) 2 A. A. 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM USF Reading Program 3 A.A. 8:00 PM A.A. 4 A. A. 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM USF Reading Program 8:00 AM A-Men Breakfast & Bible Study-

8 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 8 Free Two Day VBS Saturday, July 21 st & 28 th 9:00am-Noon Grab a friend or come make new ones and join the fun at Apostles Lutheran VBS! SUNDAY SCHOOL Thank you to all the teachers and children who made this past year in Sunday School so much fun! As our school year comes to an end, we are already planning for next year! We are looking forward to a new curriculum, Whirl Kids, that will bring a refreshing change to Sunday School. Sunday School will take the summer off and return on September 16 th from 10-10:30 AM. We will have music and crafts as we learn Bible stories! Please Ana Blanton, ana@apostleslutheran.net, if you would like to volunteer in the classroom for a Sunday or two! Volunteer training will be on 9/9! We are having TWO Parents Night this summer! Each Saturday there will be special themes reinforced through Bible stories, fun activities and games. Saturday, July 21 st we have the themes of Caring and Love! Your kids will learn how friends care for each other and how to love one another, even when it s hard. On Saturday, July 28 th we have the themes of Loyalty and Trust! Kids will learn how friends stand by each other & that Jesus is our friend. They can come one or both days! The program is FREE and for children entering Pre-K through 5th grade! REGISTER NOW at or grab a form in the lobby! Ana Blanton, Children's Ministry Director, ana@apostleslutheran.net if you have questions. The first will be Saturday, June 9 th from 5-8pm. The second is on Saturday, July 7 th from 5-8pm. Come drop your kids off for a night of pizza and a movie! The cost is $5 per child, per night to cover the pizza and drinks. Please Ana Blanton at ana@apostleslutheran.net if you want to drop your kids off while you have a night out!

9 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 9 Are You Ready for Storm Season? Hurricane season begins on June 1 st. Now is the time for us to check our evacuation zone, develop a plan and build a supply kit, secure homes, and stay informed by signing up for real-time emergency alerts. Here are some practical tips everyone should keep in mind when preparing a hurricane checklist: Have a plan: Compile a plan that touches on all likely needs, from acquiring sandbags to confirming where you will go during an evacuation. Share your efforts with family members. Register for alerts: HCFL Alert is Hillsborough County s official mass notification system. Register or update your contact information to ensure that you receive alerts in real time. Know your zone: The Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT) assists in determining if you are in one of the five evacuation zones. Pack an evacuation kit: Everyone s kit should have water, food, medication, hygiene items, important papers, clothing, blankets or sleeping bags, a battery radio & flashlight, a first-aid kit, and cash. Prepare your pets: Find pet-friendly evacuation shelters. Bring necessary supplies, including a pet carrier, food, medications, and proof of current rabies vaccination and registration tag. Register for Special Needs Disaster Assistance: Residents with special needs can register for Hillsborough County programs that help these individuals prepare before and after storms. Get your property storm-ready: Take steps to get your residence or property ready for hurricanes and other inclement weather. Tax-free days, to purchase hurricane supplies, are from June 1 st -June 7 th. Would you like to be part of this outreach? Each Saturday morning, the Church of the Nazarene on Kingsway Rd. cooks a breakfast to feed people in our community who are homeless. Every month with a 5th Saturday, a group from Apostles hosts this breakfast. On Saturday, June 30 th at 9:00 AM, the people of Apostles will have the opportunity to help those in our community who are in need. We need people to help serve breakfast, bake ahead breakfast casseroles, make peanut butter & jelly sandwiches for people to take away, bring bananas, cookies, tea, water or lemonade. Also, they are always looking for personal hygiene products, new white, cotton socks or underwear, ponchos or rain jackets. Just drop donations off in the church office on Sunday mornings. Call coordinator Don Desmarais at or Liz Jimenez in the church office at to volunteer or for more information.

10 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 10 If you do spend too much time in the sun and become sunburned, calm skin irritation and heat by taking cool baths then applying a moisturizing skin cream that contains aloe. Have a Sun-Safe Summer Hot, sunny days are going to be a way of life for the next several months. It is natural to want to take advantage of the beautiful days. It should also be second nature to take steps to protect yourself and family from the sun and heat when you go outside. Here are some things you can do to make sure you have a healthier summer. Sun Exposure: Limit sun exposure during the hours from 10am 4pm. Be sensible about the amount of time you spend in the sun. Avoid over-exposure that will result in sunburned skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher: Reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or sweating. Because of where we live, sun damage to eyes can occur anytime during the year, but especially in the summertime, so be sure to wear UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats whenever you're outside. Some medications may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Be sure to check with your doctor about the medications you are taking and exposure to the sun. Heat Exposure: Conditions such as age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, excessive sunburn, prescription drugs and alcohol can all increase heat stress on the body. Reduce the risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of water on hot days. Don t wait until you re thirsty. Keep a water bottle close at hand and drink often. Elderly people, infants, young children and people with chronic medical conditions are more sensitive to excessive heat and heat stress. Sensitive people should limit their time in direct sun and should seek shade and air-conditioned indoors spaces during the hottest part of the day. Avoid heavy meals that can add stress to your body. If you feel light-headed, confused, weak or faint, you should seek a cool place immediately and get help. These symptoms could be signs of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke, both of which can be serious medical conditions. Have a healthy summer, Judy Information from the American Cancer Society, Sun Safety 101. Action Steps for Sun Safety, Sun Wise Program. Centers for Disease Control, Extreme Heat: A Personal Prevention Guide to Promote Your Health & Safety.

11 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page James Hoke Liz Knapp 3. Kylie Fredrickson Alisa Kane Michele Van Epps 6. Katie Brown 7. Amber Kidd 8. Daven Williamson Karla Kiester Debbie Nickeson Margaret Weber 10. Jemy Hinton 11. Roger Seibert 12. Terry Criswell 14. Jeffrey Solin 15. Ross Chinander 17. Mike Corbett Tom Lair Kathleen Robinson 18. Evan Weber Liz Jimenez 19. Peggy Ballweg 20. Kevin Smith 21. Hannah Eich Dylan McCandless 23. Desiree Quintana Matthew Pilarski 24. David Greenwood Cole Ladewig Mena Ryan 27. Bert Seibert 29. Larry Klumb 1. Terry Desmond 3. Eric Schwarz Doni Jimenez 4. Julio Jimenez 6. Arlo Strong Jim Cash Joshua Welty 7. Megan Berg 8. Donna Carpenter 9. Keeghan Ball Sasha Banks Sawyer Dossett 10. Emme Anderson Marissa Nowik 11. Emily Lovering 12. Marie Bird Traudel Deeds Lilly Ladewig Nicole Lucero Lucille Ranum Jim Zink 14. Nicole Adams 15. Tommie Lair Michelle Page David Thiele 16. Lillian Davis Ray Marcellus 18. Phyllis Weber 19. Trey Pritchard Roger Fredrickson 20. Connie Dossin Ryan Fredrickson Keifer Lindow 23. Samantha Rentz 25. Holden Rooksberry 26. Charlotte Canham Mike Weber 27. Alison Alford 29. Edyth McNair 30. Don Desmarais Maurya Brooks 31. Lynn Stohl If we missed your birthday, or if there are any corrections, please call the office at or to Living Christ's Love Living Christ s Love is Apostles food pantry. Each week we ask for donations of specific non-perishables. Offerings can be placed in the basket in the Lobby. June 3 Canned meats (chicken or ham) June 10 Macaroni & cheese June 17 Rice-a-Roni (or similar) June 24 Juice boxes July 1 Shower wash July 8 Deodorant July 15 Shampoo July 22 Canned pasta (beef-a-roni; spaghetti o s) July 29 Crackers As always we will accept, with grateful hearts, whatever you donate. Thank you to those of you who faithfully support Living Christ s Love.

12 APOSTLES EPISTLE June & July Page 12 OFFICE STAFF Rev. Jim Page II Ana Blanton Liz Jimenez Charles Coakwell José Rivera Sandra Collins Holly Smith Pastor Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries Office Administrator Organist and Choir Director Music Director for Contemporary Worship Preschool Director Maintenance Our Vision The Vision of Apostles Lutheran Church is to: 1) Introduce people to Jesus Christ 2) Disciple members, and 3) Serve the needs of people in our community and the world. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED These ministries are undertaken in faith TO THE GLORY OF GOD DATED MATERIAL Sunday Worship Services Address Label Here 8:45 am Traditional Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Permit No Tampa, Florida June/July 2018 Apostles Lutheran Church 200 Kingsway Road Brandon, FL Phone: (813) Fax: (813) Website: ApostlesLutheran.net 10:45 am Contemporary