GOOD TIDINGS. Pastor Katie s Corner. Volume 18, No. 4. April 2018

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1 1 Lutheran Church of Our Saviour Volume 18, No. 4 Pastor Katie s Corner Prisca and Aquila. Epaenetus. Andronicus and Junia, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas. Philologus, Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas. Who are these people? April 2018 They are unsung New Testament heroes and sheroes. They are saints, coworkers, ministers, compatriots, worker-bees, church-goers, and Christ followers that Paul thanks and greets at the end of his letter to the Romans. And they are not the only people he thanks in his letters. Paul gives personal shout-outs to and passes along individual greetings at the end of 1 Corinthians and 2 Timothy. The author of the letter to the Colossians follows Paul s lead as well. Paul knew that everyone loves a little flattery, right? Naming and recognizing these individuals validated their work, increased their esteem (including self-esteem), and bolstered their reputation in the community. But Paul also thanked and greeted these individuals because he had real relationships with them. He missed them while he was away from their churches. He knew how hard they were working for the Kingdom. He witnessed how they served the community. He saw how they loved Jesus. We ll never hear their stories of faith. We ll never know exactly what they did, in what ministries they served, or how they worshipped Christ. And yet, we have these first Christians to thank for sharing the gospel and building the church. As heirs of Christ s promise and saints millennia after them, our lives of faith are entangled with the roots that took place with Julia, Patrobas, and Epaenetus in Rome. The church that we are at today started from seeds planted by Prisca, Hermas, Philologus on another continent. During the Easter Season (the Sundays after Easter), we hear stories of the budding church. Our lectionary will substitute a reading from Acts for the lesson from the Hebrew Bible in our lectionary. These stories from Acts will remind us of whose shoulders-of-faith on which we stand. They will give us the first sightings of the resurrected Christ, so we too can find the resurrection in our midst. They will show us how Jesus first, clueless, disorganized followers both famous and unnamed became Christ s church and beloved community. As we hear their stories, may we give thanks to God not only for the unsung heroes and sheroes of those first centuries, but also for the overlooked servants in our time and in our church. May we be reminded of who has come before in this faithful journey, who saw and lived what we can only envision, and carry their steadfastness in all that we do. Your servant, Pastor Katie

2 2 VOLUME 18, NO.4 A Monthly Message from our Council President: Rejoice for Christ is Risen! It s hard to believe that the first quarter of 2018 is already over. We at LCOS should also rejoice for the changes we ve seen during this time, and we have several folks we can thank for that. Here s a list of some of the exciting changes: We have a new Music Leadership team consisting of Susan Kish and Kenny Taggart, and for that we give thanks to God. We ve also gained several new Choir members. Thank you Rob, Cindy, Artie, Sarah, and Laura for lending your support to the choir. Susan is also working with the Sunday School and getting the Children s Handbell Choir started again. Hopefully, we ll see them in action soon. Our Sunday School has grown to where they can now meet each week here at LCOS. Our thanks go to the parents who worked with St. Luke s United Methodist to keep the Sunday School going when we were struggling with a shortage of students and teachers. As the Sunday School has grown in numbers, so has the use of the nursery. This growth has necessitated the need for a Nursery Assistant to work with Dela on most Sundays. Fortunately, several volunteers were willing to step up to assist Dela in handling the increased work load. Our thanks go to Diane Beall, Karen Watkins, Ellen Shaffer, Toni Wilson, Kelly Strunk, and Mary Dumont for contributing to this much-needed service. Of course, more volunteers would be welcome; but, bear in mind, our Child Protection Policy requires that all volunteers working with children or youth have a background check. In other nursery news, by now, a foam tile floor should be installed in the nursery, providing the children with a safer, more comfortable play area. Thanks to the leadership of Marty and Cindy Vik, a revitalized Stewardship Team is working to educate our members on the benefits of offering to the Lord what He has given us; ourselves, our time and our possessions; and signs of God s gracious love. We should also thank Jacquie Evans, who has willingly accepted the responsibility of coordinating the funeral services that are to be held at LCOS. I know this is a big help to Pastor Katie, and allows her more time to visit with the families who have lost loved ones. Finally, I want to extend my utmost gratitude to a group of members who have worked tirelessly for many years to make worship at LCOS the joyous experience it is. The people I m referring to are the members of the Altar Guild. These seven ladies work behind the scenes to make sure everything needed for worship is prepared, and the worship space is always set up properly. They go about their work quietly with little or no direction. At LCOS we share Communion at the Lord s table every week. The importance of this Sacrament cannot be overstated, and these are the people who make it possible. So, many thanks to you, Pat Dorton, Ellen Shaffer, Diane Beall, Jackie Casey, Jeanette Montez, Betty Spivey, and Shirley Hawthorne for helping to enrich the spiritual lives of all of us. Thanks to God for all he has provided for us, Walt Strohecker Church Council President wstroheck@aol.com

3 3 VOLUME 18, NO.4 Financial Update (through February 28, 2018)

4 4 VOLUME 18 NO.4 Rooted Growing Giving The Generous Family 1 Corinthians : 4 There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Thank you to everybody who participated on Palm Sunday by sharing their Time and Talent and Commitment sheets. There are so many ways this will help LCOS move forward. We know a little more about this family, to be sure. We bakers and trombone players. Sitting next to you might be a worship steward or a copy writer. Our congregation has Bible studying musicians. And the next time we need to throw a party, we can talk with event planners and chefs and decorators and all, right within our family. 50 families filled out Time and Talent sheets along with updating contact information. This information will help us reach out to the right people when it is time for a new project or new approaches. The families have also made financial commitments. This seems like a typical thing for a Stewardship campaign, even if it is just a kick-off. But this LCOS family is anything but typical. The monetary support will go to all the budget items that just are not that exciting. Paying the mortgage and the salaries and the electric bill doesn t energize very many people. But, oh, the things that we can do because those items are in place. This family has a building we can use to share worship every Sunday. This building also houses a preschool during the week where we touch young lives and young families each day. Our families are loved and supported as youth travel to Houston this summer for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service, and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their daily lives. Richmond Friends of the Homeless, CCHASM, CARITAS, and so many other programs benefit because we are here as a family each week and support them throughout the year. If you could not make it on Palm Sunday and yet you want to pledge your time, talent, and treasure, the forms will be available on our website and in the narthex at church. So, Thank You again for the treasure that supports this church, for the time so many of you spend sustaining these programs, and the talents all of you bring to this family.

5 5 Our New Staff! VOLUME 18 NO.4 Administrative Assistant Kayleigh Dumont, born and raised in the Midlothian area, is a long-established member of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour. She received her AS degree in general studies from John Tyler Community College in 2014 and transferred to Virginia Commonwealth University that fall, where she graduated summa cum laude in May 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in English, including two minors in creative writing and psychology. Her attachment to writing and editing has extended beyond her studies. In 2016 she served as a copyediting intern at Blackbird: an online journal of literature and the arts, and as an editorial intern at Virginia Living Magazine during the summer after graduation, where she oversaw the 2017 Made in Virginia Awards. Kayleigh also worked at both VCU Writing Center campus locations as a writing consultant, from her last semester into the end of 2017; during this time, she won the Undergraduate J. E. Whitesell Award for her critical essay analyzing the use of character and form in Virginia Woolf s 1922 novel, Jacob s Room. Currently, she resides in Powhatan with a part-time position at Target, and, in the future, plans to further her education in English by pursuing a master s degree. Choir Director Susan Kish became our music director in January She is perhaps best known in our community for her prior role as choral director at Manchester High School, where she taught for 33 years and grew the choral program from 60 students in her first year to its all-time high of over 400 students in 11 choirs. Growing up in a large Disciples of Christ congregation, she was playing the organ by the age of 15 and studied sacred music and hymnody as part of her major in organ and music education at Lynchburg College. A Lutheran for over 30 years, she loves sharing the great hymns and choral music of the church at LCOS while directing the voice and bell choirs and working with the Sunday School and preschool kids. Susan is married to Rick, and has three daughters and sons in law, four stepsons, and six grandchildren, five and under. Accompanist Kenneth Taggart grew up in Chesterfield, just a few miles from LCOS. He studied piano as a child and began playing the organ for his church in middle school. Kenneth attended Eastern Mennonite University and VCU, where he studied organ and majored in music, with a minor in religious studies. After college, Kenneth served as the music director for Main Street United Methodist Church in Bedford, Virginia for eight years. While there, he joined the volunteer fire department. He now works for Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management as a firefighter/medic. Kenneth resides in Woodlake with his wife, Macie, and daughter, Cassie.

6 VOLUME 18, NO.4 Esther Circle A Thank You from Outreach: The Outreach Ministry Team would like to extend a warm thank you to the congregation for supporting our projects this past month at RFOH. Because of your generosity, we were able to make 75 Easter goodie bags, which also included a toothbrush and toothpaste. We have always heard back from RFOH that the children are delighted with this gift. We were also able to put together a huge basket of items for the silent auction to be used at the RFOH annual fundraiser. We received so many beautiful, useful items that are sure to get a lot of attention at this event. Thanks again for all you do for this organization! Ladies, are you looking for a way to connect with your sisters in Christ at LCOS? Come join the Esther Circle the 3rd Saturday of the month at 8:30am for breakfast and conversation. This year we are discussing the book Engaging Others, Knowing Ourselves. The schedule and reading assignments are listed to the right. We would love for you to join us! Contact Helen Weaver or Sharon Leininger if you have questions or want more information. OUTREACH Richmond Friends of the Homeless Annual Fundraiser: Richmond Friends of the Homeless is holding its annual fundraiser this year on Saturday, April 7th. As many of you know, LCOS has been a supporter of RFOH for many years through donations of casseroles for its lunch program for the homeless and underprivileged, among other things. In addition to a live auction, the fundraiser, "Party with a Purpose," will raffle off various themed gift baskets. This year, donations of cooking items from the congregation will be assembled into a large decorated gift basket to be raffled off on the night of the event. See the RFOH flyer with details about the fundraiser and/or contact Gail Kimpfler or Jules Roinnel for additional information. ANNOUNCEMENTS Apartment Wanted: LCOS member Diane Fleming is looking for an apartment or room to rent by May 1st. She has her own furniture and could even help with cooking or other household chores for the right situation. Please contact her at or dianefleming57@gmail.com. Month Date Venue Engaging Others, Knowing Ourselves book study March 17 Brickhouse Diner Chapter 1 April 21 Crazy Greek Chapter 1: Case Studies May 19 The Egg and I Chapter 2 Intro & Part 1 June 16 Off the Grid Café Chapter 2 Part 2 July 21 Waterford Grill Chapter 2 Part 3 & Case Studies August 18 Brickhouse Diner Chapter 3 September 15 Crazy Greek Chapter 3: Case Studies Roastology October 20 (Adbibo) Chapter 4 November 17 Off the Grid Café Chapter 4 Case Studies December OFF Lutheran Family Services is planning their annual Foster Parent Appreciation event, and they're looking for relaxation specialists. Do you know someone who is a yoga teacher, masseuse, chiropractor, or other self-care therapist? Please contact Maurice Gallimore at MGallimore@lfsva.org. 6

7 7 VOLUME 18, NO.4 Youth Group The combined youth group from LCOS and St. Luke s UMC are currently conducting a fundraiser to meet travel expenses to the National Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas in June youth members and 2 adult chaperones plan to attend this gathering. Envelopes in the narthex are labeled from $10 - $60. Anyone wishing to contribute can select an envelope and follow the instructions on the enclosed card. Thank you for your support of our youth! First Communion Instruction This month, Pastor Katie will be teaching three Sunday School classes to the children about Holy Communion. These classes will serve as First Communion instruction for any family that would like to participate. There is no age minimum for receiving Communion. The classes are at 9:15am on April 15, 22, and 29. First Communion Sunday will be May 6. If you would like your child to be part of the First Communion ceremony on May 6, please plan to attend all three classes in April and worship that first Sunday in May. Contact Pastor Katie with any questions. The vision of Encounter RVA is to bridge divides, deepen understanding, foster diverse relationships, and move our community forward in these troubled and divisive times. In this program, Rabbi Michael Knopf of Temple Beth El will host a series of public conversations featuring local religious, civic, and thought leaders from backgrounds as diverse as possible. Encounter RVA Session 5 speakers are Father Michael Renninger, pastor of St Mary's Catholic Church / St Mary's Catholic School, and Reverend Kathryn Pocalyko, Pastor of Lutheran Church of Our Saviour. They will compare/contrast their approaches to Christianity, the meaning of the Protestant Reformation 500 years later, challenges and opportunities of a divided Christian world, and other topics. All sessions include an audience Q & A portion. Ask us questions in advance by ing Rabbi.Knopf@bethelrichmond.org or through social media using #EncounterRVA Read more about Encounter RVA at bethelrichmond.org/encounter. THE GIVING TREE PRESCHOOL The children will learn about the Care of Our World in recognition of Earth Day. They will also discover the many changes the spring season brings, and learn about the many ways farmers are important to us. The Bible story for the two- and three-year-olds is Noah and the Ark, while the four s class will learn about the story Jesus Calms the Storm. It s a big month for our four-year-olds as they register for Kindergarten on the 19th! They have acquired many skills this year in order to be successful on their next education adventure!

8 8 VOLUME 18 NO.4 BIRTHDAYS Sarah Haack 04/01 Callie Mills 04/01 Heather Black 04/03 Mattea Falk 04/07 Richard Leininger 04/07 Shirley Hawthorne 04/08 Ben Watkins 04/08 Jerry Simmons 04/09 Wanda Crowder 04/12 Sharon Leininger 04/12 Chris Mayer 04/13 David Mooney 04/13 Robert Krasley 04/15 Alice Harms 04/17 Jack Frost 04/21 Jules Roinnel 04/21 Eric Early 04/22 Valerie Thorp-Gray 04/22 Scott Archer 04/23 Katey Archer 04/23 Joe Cherneski 04/24 Jenette Lineberger 04/25 Tyler Muench 04/26 Bill Walker 04/27 Matthew Cherneski 04/28 Samuel Hawthorne 04/28 ANNIVERSARIES Michael & Robin Scheivert 04/04 Jules & Nancy Roinnel 04/11 Bruce & Shelly Hale 04/16 Allen & Georgia Smith 04/17 Stacey & Brian Worthington 04/24 MAY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE The deadline for the May newsletter is April 20th. Please or call with your information. APRIL: or Sunday, 1st: Easter Day Saturday, 7th: RFOH Party with a Purpose Fundraiser MAY: Thursday, 10th: Ascension of Our Lord Sunday, 20th: Pentacost Did we miss an anniversary or birthday? Please let us know! admin@lcosva.org or call CONFIRMATION CLASS SCHEDULE APRIL & MAY 2018 April: 1 - OFF 8 - OFF 15 - Reformation History 22 - Lutherans Wesleyanism/Ecumenism 101 May: 6 - Preparing for Confirmation Service 13 - OFF 20 - Confirmation Ceremony in Worship

9 1 April 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Food Pantry Sunday 8:00 AM Easter Worship Service 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Easter Worship Service 8 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 15 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 4:30 PM Confirmation Luke's UMC 22 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 4:30 PM Confirmation Luke's UMC 29 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 4:30 PM Confirmation Luke's UMC 2 Office Closed - Easter :15 PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal 17 7:15 PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal 24 7:15 PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal 1 7:15 PM Handbell Choir Rehearsal :30 AM Richmond Friends of the Homeless 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 18 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 25 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 2 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal :00 AM Rebecca Circle 6 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 13 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 20 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 27 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 4 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting :30 AM Esther Circle VOLUME 18, NO.4

10 VOLUME 18 NO.4 1-Apr COORDINATOR APRIL 2018 WORSHIP STEWARD DUTIES 10:30AM SERVICE Walt Strohecker Brenda & Chuck Waldridge Diane & Maurice Beall ASSISTING MINISTER Michael Scheivert 8-Apr COORDINATOR Jacquie Evans & Rachel Doyle Carmen Strohecker & Gail Kimpfler Josh Walker Alex Wilson Paul Dugent Sam & Shirley Hawthorne Anne & Jack Frost ASSISTING MINISTER Helen Weaver 15-Apr COORDINATOR Jackie Casey & Linda Dugent Kaarina Modiri & Jeannette Montez Liam James Bryce Weaver Gail Kimpfler Judy & Richmond Zehmer Dee & John Plaschko ASSISTING MINISTER Stacy McCoy 22-Apr COORDINATOR Bill Walker & Sharon Leininger Jules & Nancy Roinnel Kayleigh Dumont Alex Wilson Jules Roinnel Frank Watkins & Jim Burnish ASSISTING MINISTER Barbara Dowdy 29-Apr COORDINATOR Delores Harris & Kaarina Modiri Brenda & Chuck Waldridge Bethany Nell & Rachel Doyle Michael Scheivert Henry Weaver Sharon Johnson ASSISTING MINISTER Cindy Vik Dino & Jeannette Montez Earl & Ellen Shaffer Karen Watkins & Jane Avery Sharon Johnson & Marchia Swanson Josh Walker Abigail Ward 10 If you can not be here on your assigned week it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Please notify the church office at or at admin@lcosva.org, when you have found a replacement. - Thank you.

11 11 MAY 2018 WORSHIP STEWARD DUTIES VOLUME 18, NO.4 6-May COORDINATOR Gail Kimpfler 10:30AM SERVICE Earl Shaffer & Paul Dugent Anne & Jack Frost ASSISTING MINISTER Stacy McCoy Linda Dugent & Jackie Casey Cindy Vik & Diane Beall Liam James Bryce Weaver 13-May COORDINATOR Carmen Strohecker Judy & Richmond Zehmer If you can not be here on your assigned week it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Please notify the church office at or at admin@lcosva.org, when you have found a replacement. - Thank you. Sam & Shirley Hawthorne ASSISTING MINISTER Michael Scheivert 20-May COORDINATOR Jacquie Evans & Rachel Doyle Kaarina Modiri & Sharon Johnson Josh Walker Abigail Ward Walt Strohecker Dino Montez & Jim Burnish Marchia Swanson & Bethany Nell ASSISTING MINISTER Barbara Dowdy 27-May COORDINATOR Sharon Leininger & Jane Avery Gail Kimpfler & Jeannette Montez Michael Scheivert Liam James Jules Roinnel Brenda & Chuck Waldridge Diane & Maurice Beall ASSISTING MINISTER Helen Weaver Karen Watkins & Bill Walker Nancy Roinnel & Carmen Strohecker Josh Walker Henry Weaver

12 12 Richmond Friends of the Homeless The Outreach Ministry served 82 Richmond Friends of the Homeless on March 14, Those who prepared casseroles were: Margie Aunins, Jane Avery, Diane Beall, Cheryl Berdell, Kayleigh Dumont, Jacquie Evans, Sandy French, Clare Haack, Shirley Hawthorne, Cindy Huston, Kaarina Modiri, Jules Roinnel, Robin Scheivert, Betty Spivey, and Rose Talley. Those who helped serve were: Margie Aunins, Jacquie Evans, Sandy French, Shirley Hawthorne, Jules Roinnel, and Betty Spivey. Thank you to all who prepare casseroles and serve each month. We always serve RFOH the second Wednesday of each month and welcome new helpers all the time! We could not provide this ministry without your support. Thanks this month go to... Jacquie Evans, for coordinating Helen Warlick s funeral reception, and to all those who donated food for the event... Luz Pulskamp, for organizing a Paint Night for the young families and to Rachel Doyle for being the paint instructor for it... Walt and Carmen Strohecker, for coordinating the purchase of and installing padded floor tiles in the nursery... Karen Watkins and Barbara Dowdy, for cleaning and polishing our handbells. A big thank you for helping Christ s ministry and mission at LCOS! Thank you for your cards, thoughts, and prayers during my recent surgeries and treatments. They provided me comfort and joy and hope during the past few months. I am most grateful. - Eric Alfredson LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR 9601 Hull Street Road North Chesterfield, Phone: Fax: