LEAVES FROM THE FOREST

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1 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST AUGUST 2018 Sunday Worship 9:30 am Communion 2nd & 4th Sunday of each month Sunday School 10:45 am Bible Class 11:00 am Sunday Worship and Bible Class Closed Captioned for the Hearing Impaired Pastor: Rev. Glenn E. Fischer Founding Pastor: Rev. Milton Lehr Church Office Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (352) forestoakslutheran.com Food Pantry - Tuesday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Not To Be Missed: August Servant Schedule 2 Church Directory 2 Financial Reports 3 Record of Fellowship 3 The Lord s Prayer 4 Quilting for Charity 5 Church Life 7 Women s Guild News 8 Memorial & Honor Gifts 8 Birthdays/Anniversaries 10 New Members 10 Calendar 11 LET US PRAY--- Let my prayer be counted as incense before you, and the lifting up of my hands as an evening sacrifice. Psalm 141:2 How many times do we hear in a mass or service Let us pray? Many times, if you listen and follow directions. It says Let us pray. So, the command is for everyone to pray, not just the Pastor. For some individuals prayer comes easy. God does not judge your prayers, He judges your sincerity. Why do we always pick the Pastor to pray at a luncheon? His prayer goes directly to God the way our prayers do. We all can pray. It does not have to be fancy or using great language, it just has to be sincere. Every day we should pray that we are thankful for a good night s sleep and that we have our daily bread. We have so much to be thankful for. Our life, our friends, our church, our country, our shelter, and our family. We need to pray for others. Not just ourselves. I try to keep our church in my daily prayers each day. Every day I read in the newspaper (yes, I still get the paper) about all the bad things that have happened. Not too many good articles about people doing their best for their neighbor, but that does not sell news. When I hear or read about someone going out of their way to do good, I pray that they continue in their quest to be the best at what they do. It is difficult to read all the bad news or listen to it each day, but, it is a reminder that Satan is at work in every aspect of life. Pray that Satan stay in his depths and that he does not interfere in our work. Let us lean on those everlasting arms of God trusting that He will not let us fall. Gracious and merciful God, we thank you for your steadfast commitment to your people, even when we stray. Help us discern your will and listen to your still quiet voice. Help us pray on behalf of your children and serve them, so that everything that we do shows our love for you. Norma Karpiscak From the Editor: Whether you re taking an August vacation or going back to school, please be careful and watchful of others, especially the children headed to and from school. The newsletter needs your articles and pictures! Please them to folc25news@outlook.com. For those unable to , you may place it in the newsletter box behind the church office. The deadline for the September newsletter is August 19.

2 Page 2 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST SERVANT SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST Serving on the Altar Guild: Roy & Alma Martin Bonnie Wright Marcy Stortzum Serving as Ushers: Roy Martin Bob Turffs Dani Villarrubia Bob Villarrubia Serving as Lay Readers: August 5: Keith Higgins August 12: Marge Pritchard August 19: Larry Schmitz August 26: Norma Miller Serving as Counters: Darleen Keck Caroline Hilpertshauser Serving as Greeters: Gerry Ellis Carol Podstawski As you fulfill your commitment to serve, you are fulfilling God s words in 1 Peter 4:10: Each one should use the gift he received to serve others, faithfully administering God s grace in its various forms. Thank you. May God continue to bless you as you serve. Our church library is happy once again happy to learn that Anita Hale and Lil Heier have agreed to share the responsibility of caring for it. They have some exciting ideas to pique your interest so watch for more information. Thank you to both women for using your time and talent in sharing Christ s love in the service of your congregation. Our Annual Voters Assembly meeting is a few months away, but you are encouraged to think about serving your congregation as an officer of the church and Church Council member. The following offices will be voted on at the meeting: Vice President Finance Committee Chair Treasurer Property Chair All of these are two-year terms. The Assistant Treasurer and Christian Education Ministry positions have remained vacant for several years. If you are interested in serving by filling any of these positions, please see Pastor Fischer or one of the Council Members. Ellouis Emke is chairing efforts for our new pictorial directory. She will be working to secure dates for pictures to be taken next year. Watch for additional information. Our 2018 Vacation Bible School was Super and Heroic! We praise God for the children and volunteers who attended. There will be a special edition VBS newsletter available either via or at the Welcome Center. September is coming! Time for many of our FOLC activities and groups to start again. What will you do? Think about the many opportunities for you to serve and participate and join in. Members and regular visitors who want to be included in the Directory should pick up a Membership Information form at the Welcome Center and return it to the office, so that we have your correct information for the Directory. The handbell choir will begin rehearsals on August 30th at 5:30pm. If you are interested in playing, see Skip Guthrie or contact him at It s not just about giving money. It s about giving everything. God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God s many kinds of blessings. 1 Peter 4:10

3 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Page 3 Forest Oaks Lutheran Church June 2018 Financial Reports General Fund Operations Income $24,732 Disbursements $21,122 Year-to-Date Accounting Income $145,822 Disbursements $127,721 Budget $132,210 Debt Reduction Loan Principal $3,124 Additional Principal $833 Year-to-Date Loan Activity Principal $18,688 Additional Principal $5,768 Loan Balance (Aug 1) $298,624 Accounting Fund Balances General $54,385 Needy Family $202 Memorial Garden $2,742 Endowment Fund $23,987 Major Rep. Income $929 Major Rep. Balance $17,625 Financial Report - June June was a surprisingly good month for income as we exceeded our budget handily. Our expenses were slightly higher but that was due to our quarterly insurance premium. Our problem is again with the Major Repair Fund as we were well short of budget. Although the carpet is the last expense from this fund this year, we do need to keep up the balance for next year and if there has to be any air conditioners replaced. Any questions, please contact Jesse Ward at Our Worship Services Attendance Were you among these? May Sunday Services June Sunday Services Listed below are the number of Communicants who worshipped at God s Altar in 2018 to receive Christ s Body and Blood: May May June 3 99 June Pastor s 2017 Bible Class May no class no class June no class Children s Sunday School May June Body and Soul Bible Study - Thursday 9 AM Conference Room It s there every Sunday at the end of each pew: that little red book, usually open to a blank page ready for you to fill it in and then pass to the person sitting next to you...visitor and member alike. Please remember to put your name in the book each and every Sunday. It helps us to keep an accurate account of attendance each week. Thank you for your cooperation.

4 Page 4 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Several years ago, the Finance Committee chose the butterfly to represent the major repairs and replacements taking place with our facilities. The butterfly represents renewal and that is exactly what has been taking place with our buildings. Since we instituted the Major Repair and Replacement Program, otherwise known as the 7-year plan, we have replaced the roof and gutters, painted the outside and inside of the church building, and are about to replace the carpet in August. Our facilities have undergone quite a wonderful change. Roy Martin, our Properties Chairperson, has done an outstanding job of ensuring that the work contracted is done to our specification and satisfaction. He has also gotten our sprinkler system in working order, has investigated air conditioning companies and is checking into security systems. It is time for the Finance Committee to begin looking at the budget for next year and the next 7-year plan. Before any major action takes place, the Voters of our church will, of course, be part of the approval process. While all of this is being discussed, let s not forget that future projects have to be funded. Your response to this has been great and we thank you for that. Your continued financial support is also very much appreciated. The true meaning of the Lord s Prayer I cannot pray Our, if my faith has no room for others and their need. I cannot pray Father, if I do not demonstrate this relationship to God in my daily living. I cannot pray who art in heaven, if all of my interests and pursuits are in earthly things. I cannot pray hallowed be thy name, if I am not striving, with God's help, to be holy. I cannot pray thy kingdom come, if I am unwilling to accept God's rule in my life. I cannot pray thy will be done, if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life. I cannot pray on earth as it is in Heaven, unless I am truly ready to give myself to God's service here and now. I cannot pray give us this day our daily bread, without expending honest effort for it, or if I would withhold from my neighbor the bread that I receive. I cannot pray forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us, if I continue to harbor a grudge against anyone. I cannot pray lead us not into temptation, if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted. I cannot pray deliver us from evil, if I am not prepared to fight evil with my life and my prayer. I cannot pray thine is the kingdom, if I am unwilling to obey the King. I cannot pray thine is the power and the glory, if I am seeking power for myself and my own glory first. I cannot pray forever and ever, if I am too anxious about each day's affairs. I cannot pray Amen, unless I honestly say, "Cost what it may, this is my prayer." Being Available for Service In every church there are people who continually rise to the occasion to get the work done. Although God calls each of us to follow and serve Him, many of us are much more concerned about our lives and goals than assisting in the Lord s work. If we focus on I, me, mine, and myself, we take care of number one to the exclusion of helping and serving. In our prayers, we should be asking Him, What do You want to achieve through me today? Prayer: Lord, with the same strength that You used to raise Jesus from the dead, parted the Red Sea, and restored sight to the blind, transform me into a person who is eager and willing to do Your will. Change me, Lord, into a person who depends on Your strength and wisdom. I pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen

5 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Page 5 QUILTING FOR CHARITY HAPPY NATIONAL SISTER S DAY! Yes, my friends. There is a National Sister s Day! It is celebrated on August 4 th this year and on the first Sunday in August every year. Why haven t I heard of it before? Am I the only one who has been kept in the dark on this holiday? According to my source, sisters are ones you confide in, ask questions of and those who guide younger ones, helping them either way, during bad times, or, celebrating with them in the good times. Sisters may not be the ones born of the same mother or father, but those close enough that they might as well share your blood. Sisterhood has been around for many centuries in churches and through out the world. The bonds of sisterhood transcend even friendship. Our quilting group has become as a family of sisters. We work, pray, celebrate and grieve together. I observe my sisters helping others on a daily basis. As a group, we reach out to others trying to make life better for them. As an unintended result, our lives are made better, too. Thank God for my sisters! Since I last wrote you, we have continued in our quest and have been productive. Below are some examples of recent completions: Barb made these two lovely quilt tops. Dani made these 3 quilts. The 2 with sports squares are for 2 Habitat for Humanity boys. Alma contributed this one. Dani made the afghans shown here. I was away for 2 weeks at the end of June and the ladies proved they could get along very well without me. Much of the work shown above was done in my absence. I had some catching up to do and photos to take when I returned. That was a very good thing. We had the privilege of celebrating 2 birthdays in July. Dani s birthday was on July 6 th and Marge had one on July 14 th. See below: Happy Birthday, Dani! Now make a wish and blow. Marge, it is your turn. Happy Birthday!

6 Page 6 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST On July 16 th, a friend of the church stopped by while we were quilting. Her name was Miriam. Her mother, who was a passionate quilter, passed away recently leaving many wonderful quilting books and patterns which Miriam graciously donated to our group. There was also a box of wonderful quilt squares, all neatly pressed and ready for use. We thank Miriam for thinking of us and look forward to creating many lovely quilts due to her kindness. God has richly blessed us. We see and feel it more all the time. He brings lovely ladies to us and shares them with us. One special lady blesses us frequently with her generosity. This month Diane Trumbauer donated a large number of dolls she received when one of her clients passed away. Diane had cleaned and dressed each doll to perfection. The dolls expressions, hair and eyes made them appear real. The only thing Diane asked was that we find them a home with someone who would appreciate them. The suggestion was made that patients in Memory Care often find love to share with a baby doll. It seems to bring them comfort when they can care for a doll and cuddle them. After doing some investigation, I was able to find new homes for the dolls. The Residence at Timber Pines Memory Care manager, Maria arranged for an adoption day and many of the residents under her care have new babies. The dolls can be seen below: CAN YOU FIND A REAL BABY? BABY READY TO BE ADOPTED WEARS THE TAG SHOWN ABOVE. Perhaps you can now understand what keeps us working together to share the love of God with others. Our group meets in the Fellowship Hall every Monday between!:00 and 4:00 PM. You are welcome to join in whenever you can. Many who contribute to our group efforts are not able to be there when we meet but still find ways to support us. God provides us with all we need through the generousity of so many of you. We thank you all. Next week is the dedication of the latest Habitat for Humanity Home and the groundbreaking of a new one. I will share the story and photos with you next month, God willing. Until then, may God continue to bless you and all my special sisters. Karen MARIA OF THE RESIDENCE MEMORY CARE UNIT.

7 Food Pantry: Our needs seem to change, cereal was always my biggest request. This has changed drastically. We are receiving boxes a week from Feeding America Tampa Bay. A big need is stove top, spaghetti-os, canned chili. I always suggest you keep your eyes out for buy one get one free. As always keep bringing in the plastic bags. School Supplies: School will be starting soon and many families have a difficult time providing their children with school supplies. Once again we are asking for donations of school supplies to distribute to our food pantry children. Just place them in the food pantry basket in the Narthex. Fellowship Coffee Hour: We are in need of some help with financing our coffee hour. I realize we get busy and forget to drop a donation LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Page 7 to cover the cost of coffee and creamers. Last week we collected $7. I think we had 50 or more, so this equates to 14 cents a cup. I don t know where you go for breakfast, but I think a beverage is close to a Dollar. We have been fortunate with bakery contributions, but many times Herta will go and add pastries so again the cost goes up. Please keep us in mind. Volunteers: I think we overtaxed our volunteers with VBS. They worked the pantry, we had our produce drop, and our Friday delivery. At the same time many joined us daily to put on a beautiful lunch for the kids. Great job by everyone. Blood Drive: Thanks to all who contributed to the blood drive. Remember the last drive of the year will be October 14 th. Be sure and put that date on your calendar. Oktoberfest: I have been asked about the Octoberfest, and yes we will have it on October 26 th more info coming so be sure and mark your calendar. Thank you. Lonnie Benmore BODY AND SOUL FOOD MINISTRY NEEDS: cereal saltine crackers canned soup peanut butter jelly bars of soap canned chili and canned beef stew canned yams toilet paper canned sloppy-joe mix pancake mix canned fruit canned pasta (Spaghetti-os) canned potatoes Volunteers stuffing Mix plastic bags In June, we served 340 families with a total of 839 people, including 208 children and 269 seniors. There were 304 repeat families and 36 new families. The families that we served in June came from the following zip codes: Homeless 1 Please remember our food ministry and the people we serve when you shop and in your prayers.

8 Page 8 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Memorial and Honor Gifts - through July 22, 2018 Praise God for blessing us through those He s placed in our lives! With Gifts in Memory and Gifts in Honor, you demonstrate your love and appreciation for someone, while contributing to drawing people to Christ and expanding the reach of the Gospel through various ministries at Forest Oaks. GIFTS IN MEMORY: A memorial gift is a meaningful way for you to celebrate the life of a dear one who has passed on, or express to their family how much they meant to you. We extend our deepest sympathy to families who have recently lost loved ones. Hoping all things that made your loved one a special gift from God will forever bless your life in beautiful memories. God is our refuge and strength...psalm 46:1. In Memory of: Contribution for: Given By: Harold Dean Unspecified Ms. Audrey Dean Gussie Garbinski Church Life Ms. Nancy Stentz Food Pantry Ms. Nancy Stentz Music Ms. Nancy Stentz Jerry Hite Future Maintenance Ms. Darleen Keck Murton Ellis Leach Memorial Garden Ms. Pat Hartzer Loved Ones Future Maintenance Ms. Darleen Keck General Fund Ms. Margot Hoyt Mary Ann Mielke Future Maintenance Mr. & Mrs. John Eicher Joy Smith Future Maintenance Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Postel, Ms. Vivian Witte Unspecified Ms. Darleen Keck Robert Alcorn (Diane Trumbauer s brother) VBS Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Postel GIFTS IN HONOR: An honor gift marks a special occasion or acknowledges someone who has had a significant impact in your life or to praise God for His blessings. It s a great idea for birthdays or anniversaries, or just as a way to say thanks. In Honor of: Contribution for: Given By: Susan Brkal s (John Karpiscak s Aunt) 99 th Birthday Future Maintenance Ms. Norma Karpiscak Derald Kading Future Maintenance Mrs. Mary Lou Kading Granddaughter Lauren Johnson Food Pantry Mr. & Mrs. Wil Heier Vacation Bible School VBS Mr. & Mrs. Derald Kading ATTENTION Women s Guild Officers and Committee Chairwomen: There will be a planning meeting on Wednesday, August 15 th at 10:00am in the Conference Room. Prayerfully think of how or what you want to do in the Women s Guild this Fall. Bring all your new ideas for the next year s calendar. Your President, Bonnie Wright God encourages us to study His Word with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It s for our own good and the good of the Church. Come and share faith! Get in the Word! Pastor s Bible Study: Sunday after Fellowship Body and Soul Bible Class: Thursday 9:00am

9 LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Page 9 If you know of a FOLC member, a family member or friend who is ill or in the hospital, please let the church office ( ) and Marilyn Nibert ( ) know right away. The names will be placed on the Prayer List for one month and will be removed if the office or Marilyn is not updated. Lyla, our church secretary, is a Notary Public and can notarize your documents. There is no charge for this service, but PLEASE CALL first, if you want her to notarize something for you, to make sure she will be in the office and have her notary seal with her. Our Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm (Monday is Pastor s Day off) *Hours may vary occasionally. PLEASE NOTE: The church office is closed Saturday and Sunday. If you call on these days, you will get our answering machine. No one will answer the phone, so please leave a message and your call will be returned on Monday....be aware of the groups meeting in the Fellowship Hall and Conference Room. It is very important to check with the Secretary in the church office before you schedule a meeting or event. Our members always take precedence over the outside groups/ organizations that meet here. We just have to be sure and alert them to any changes that have to be made. Another reason for checking first before scheduling is that you may not be aware of another church meeting or activity that is already on the calendar. Thank you for your kind consideration and cooperation in the scheduling process! ATTENTION! All articles for the weekly Bulletin MUST be in by 1:00PM on Wednesday if you want it included for that week. Please send or give your item to Lyla in writing. Thank you. AUGUST 19 Please let us know if your address, address or phone number has changed. If you have an address, please send an to our office: folcoffice2@tampabay.rr.com and your name will be added to our contact list. That way we can let you know of sick members and cancellations of church activities. You can also get our newsletter and send in any prayer requests or information to the church. Please Notify the Church Office When You or a member of your family is hospitalized You have a change of address Your phone number has changed Your address has changed You want to use the conference room for a meeting Your board or committee changes a meeting date or time Members of your family are students attending school away from home or are living at a different address Your help with all of the above is very much appreciated! We are still collecting the following items: 1. UPCs from Campbell s soup labels. The Sunday School gets free stuff for all we send in. 2. Used ink cartridges 3. Used eyeglasses 4. Coupons for Food Pantry 5. Labels for Education 6. Aluminum cans for F.O.C.U.S. 7. Box Tops for Education* 8. Aluminum Tabs from soda cans* Containers are next to the double doors or in the hallway that leads to the Fellowship Hall. *Donation boxes are at the Welcome Center.

10 Page 10 August Birthdays* 01 Margot Hoyt 02 Yvonne Salter Mary Lou Thompson 03 Beverly Shikles 04 Laverne Spencer 05 Kathleen Guarante 07 Don Mourand 08 Will Robinson 11 Dorothy Blanchard 14 Jean Erber 16 Barbara Dix Ken Hoven Joan Kovar 17 Gerry Ellis Linda McPhillips Anita Mutschler 18 Esther Bauerle Eleanore Lataxes 19 Betty Neumann Alexia Villarrubia 22 Gloria Stokes 26 Ken Wright LEAVES FROM THE FOREST Praying God will bless you with a very special day, and through all of your tomorrows, bring many more your way. God Bless your day! * If you don t see your birthday or anniversary listed or you prefer not to have it included please contact the church office. Call, , or write it down and leave it in Lyla s box in the hallway. Thank you. August Anniversary* Blessings to: 01 Don & Laverne Spencer 06 Skip & Sue Guthrie Donald & Bonnie Straub 08 Will & Arline Robinson 09 Burt & Cheryl Onder 17 Gus & Janet Luers 20 Dale & Beverly Shikles 24 Butch & Judith Almstedt 27 John Hoch & Cathy Walter Roy & Alma Martin 31 Hans & Anita Mutschler Ron & Barbara Stamer A special thank you to Larry Schmitz, our very patriotically-dressed cook for our picnic. Thank you to everyone who participated in sharing a dish and fellowship with one another. Elaine and Phil Pratzner Kathy Hougen Juliana Celia Born: July 18 6 lbs 14 oz Congratulations to the Villarrubia Family

11 Forest Oaks Lutheran Church 2018 S U N D A Y M O N D A Y T U E S D A Y W E D N E S D A Y T H U R S D A Y F R I D A Y S A T U R D A Y **Holy Communion will be Celebrated at this service 1 W.I.S.E.-6:30pm 2 Body & Soul Bible Study 9:00am 3 H.C.I.G. Mtg-6:30pm 4 5 Worship-9:30 am Fellowship after service Sunday School-10:45am Bible Class-11:00am 6 Quilters-1:00pm 7 TOPS-8:00am Food Ministry-9:00am 8 W.I.S.E.-6:30pm 9 Body & Soul Bible Study 9:00am Accordion Club-1:00pm Mites Sunday Worship-9:30 am ** Fellowship after service Sunday School-10:45am Bible Class-11:00am 13 Quilters-1:00pm 14 TOPS-8:00am Food Ministry-9:00am Finance Comm.-9:00am 15 Women s Guild Officers Planning Mtg.-10:00am Lunch Bunch-12:30pm W.I.S.E.-6:30pm 16 Body & Soul Bible Study 9:00am Produce Drop-9:30am :00am 19 Nametag Sunday Worship-9:30 am Fellowship after service Sunday School-10:45am Bible Class-11:00am Newsletter Deadline 20 Quilters-1:00pm 21 TOPS-8:00am Food Ministry-9:00am 22 W.I.S.E.-6:30pm 23 Body & Soul Bible Study 9:00am Accordion Club-1:00pm Worship-9:30 am ** Fellowship after service Sunday School-10:45am Bible Class-11:00am 27 Quilters-1:00pm 28 Food Ministry-9:00am 29 W.I.S.E.-6:30pm 30 Body & Soul Bible Study 9:00am Handbells-5:30pm 31