Active in Faith. August 2014 Monthly publication for members and friends of

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1 Active in Faith August 2014 Monthly publication for members and friends of Faith Lutheran Church 4005 Palm Drive, Punta Gorda, FL Pastor: Rev. Dana Alan Narring, MDiv Mission and Vision Statement: Empowering All People to Know Jesus Christ! Our churches teach that the remembrance of the saints is to be commended in order that we imitate their faith and good works according to our calling. Augsburg Confession 21. Joanna, Mary and Salome Myrrhbearers August 3 St. Mary, Mother of our Lord August 15 Isaac August 16 Samuel August 20 St. Bartholomew, Apostle August 24 The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist August 29 Purple Heart Day: August 7 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1 ESV) Worship Services Saturday Sunday 5:30 Praise and Worship Service 9:30 Worship Service Weekly Bible Studies/Devotions Thursday 10:30 to 11:30 AM Pastor Clyde s Thursday Bible class will resume in the fall. Join the family of Faith Are you considering becoming a full member or an associate member? Please Pastor or call the church office. 1

2 Pastor s Message Greetings in Christ, Please enjoy this Stewardship message... The Dog Days of August Major league baseball players sometimes refer to August as the dog days of summer. August does seem to be one of those months that you simply want to get through. In the wheat growing regions of our country from Texas up to Canada the crops have been harvested and the fields are bare except for stubble and straw. The days are hot and dry accompanied with winds. It s enough to make people long for September when things start all over again. If we can just get through August then things will get back to normal. Living and working as God s stewards can sometimes feel like the dog days of August. Managing all of life and life s resources seems like a never-ending job. And it is because we are stewards from birth to death. We are tempted to think of ourselves as owners rather than stewards or managers. But God is the true Owner of all things and He has entrusted to us a portion of that which belongs to Him with the expectation that we will manage those gifts wisely for His purposes. That can seem like chasing the wind always managing and never owning. But for us as God s children and stewards it is not so much an obligation as it is a privilege. In life we normally want to get ahead and in that process may sacrifice our health and family in chasing after more and more. Jesus taught us that life is not a matter of accumulating material things but is rather the seeking first of His kingdom and His righteousness. Then, since our Heavenly Father knows what we need, He will provide it so we can be content and confident. St. Paul learned that truth well and gave us some wise counsel in Philippians 3:11b-12: I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. St. Paul knew that God is the Owner and Giver of life and everything associated with life. In most cases God blesses us beyond measure. However, He does not give us more than we can handle. When Jesus told the parable of the three stewards He indicated that the master gave each one a different amount to manage according to the individual steward s ability (Matthew 25:15). Likewise, God gives us only as much as we can manage for His purposes. So when we think about the wise management of time, abilities, money, relationships and all the other things in life, we can do so without worry or the feeling that life as God s stewards is like enduring the dog days of August. Because Jesus redeemed us to be God s children we can live each day and work each day in a free and joyful way confident of the truth that we can do everything through Christ who gives us strength. (Philippians 4:13) Don t just endure the dog days of August but make the most of each day as God s redeemed stewards. Blessings in Christ, Pastor 2

3 Message from the President Dear Members and Friends of Faith, The Board of Directors are working on many items, but most importantly we need two members to chair the Stewardship and Fellowship boards. Both committees have people serving on them but we need two shepherds to lead. (For descriptions for each positions see page 7.) The BOD met with 11 members of the church and reviewed the condition of the parsonage, which is in need of much repair inside and outside. Two representatives from the District LCEF (Lutheran Church Extension Fund) and the District CEF representative of the Architectural Advisory Committee visited Faith to give us professional advice as to what we could do and the cost of some of the suggestions from our members. Also, they were able to answer questions as to what we can do to rehab our assets. Members asked many questions regarding both short term and long term matters as well as cost concerns. The parsonage is an asset to the church and the BOD feels that we need to act on its future. Now you know the rest of the STORY! The BOD has received a proposal from a member s associate, who is a fully licensed and insured contractor and would be willing to make repairs to the parsonage. It seems reasonable to explore this route AF- TER we get the estimate on mold remediation. On another subject, as of now all members have the ability to make their church donations electronically. This opportunity was made possible after many hours effort by Leonora. (Read more about on page 4.) In closing for this month I make personal request for two shepherds to step up and help with stewardship and fellowship. Call me at with any questions until then... Yours in Christ, Bob Hall The Stewardship and Fellowship Boards need chairperson. See page 7. Altar Guild: If you have time to help one weekend every few months please call the church office or Linda Daut Ushers and readers are needed! Many of the ushers have retired due to illnesses or having moved. Please call Joyce Jandola:

4 Wandering Editors Note Altar Guild What are you doing this summer? Where did you go? Like many of you we travelled north and travelled some more. It has been a summer of reunions and surprise visitors. It also included medical check ups. How is it going for you? Soon we will all gather together at Faith and find ways to serve the Lord. There are many positions to be filled. Return refreshed and restored. Terry and Naomi Weslock Editors Memorial funds were available to refurbish the tarnished flower stands and the chalice. It is fitting that we worship our Lord with the new enhanced beauty to glorify His name. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness. (Psalm 29:2 ESV) Electronic Online Giving Linda Daut Chairperson Faith Lutheran is pleased to announce the introduction of an electronic option for making offerings, altar flower payments, and building fund donations. Contributions can now be debited automatically from your checking or savings account. Our new electronic giving program offers convenience for you and much-needed donation consistency for our congregation. When traveling, illness, or other circumstances prevent you from attending services, this program will allow your weekly offerings to continue on an uninterrupted basis. To donate online go to our website at: On our home page under the heading Online Giving, click on Make a Donation to Faith Lutheran. You will be brought into the online giving page. Unfortunately due to processing fees charged to Faith we have closed the option to use credit and debit cards. Leonora Suglio 4

5 ...meanwhile in Punta Gorda. The annual church picnic was held at at Gilchrist Park on July 20. A military send off was included at the picnic for David Cope, son of Dave and Shelly Cope, who will be joining the Air Force in August. David is going to Lackland Air Force Base TX for his basic training from 7/21/14 to 9/21/14. He will graduate on 9/19/14 and then heads for Shepherd Air Force Base TX for his schooling in Aerospace Propulsion for 56 days. We do not know where he will be stationed after that. Prayer of blessing by Pastor Narring. The Cope family on the right. 5

6 Ladies, you are invited to a free two day event at Faith Lutheran Church, Sebring, FL on Friday, August 22nd at 6:30pm, and Women's Conference on Saturday, August 23rd from 10am - 4pm. Erik Estrada, Jessica Lynch and Brandy Allison will be speaking and performing at Faith Lutheran Church, Sebring with the Producers Edition of the film Virtuous! The culture war raging against women in America today is fierce. The conference is designed to make the film come to life as audiences personally hear from the actresses. You will hear their personal testimonies and stories as depicted in the film. It is a powerful combination of film and reality! Never before has a film gone on tour to speak to the audience about its message. Be a part of history! Join us to help change the world through film! Faith Lutheran Church 2740 Lakeview Drive, Sebring, FL (863) More information can be found at our Facebook page: FaithLutheranSebring under the events section. There is no charge for the event. Rev. Dr. James Cotter (winter Pastor at Lutheran Church of the Cross) and his wife Donna are taking a group on tour of the Holy Land in April It is a unique opportunity for a Lutheran pastor to lead a tour. Pastor Cotter has arranged specific stops that will enrich the journey. He has also planned the locations to be accessible. There will not be too much walking. Please see the flyer on the Narthex bulletin board or call:

7 Faith Lutheran has two open positions on our Board of Directors. We have provided a brief description of both positions. Please read through these two positions. The person who fills either position must be able to meet once per month at our Board of Director s meeting and submit a brief report monthly. Exceptions are made for times you are out of town. These meetings are scheduled to last 1 1 1/2 hours. Board of Stewardship The basic objectives of this Board are to initiate programs for the development of good stewardship attitudes in the members of the congregation in regard to time, talents and treasures; to provide for the training and utilization of members of the congregation for the work of Christ s Kingdom; and to promote the financial stability of the congregation and its work through a developed program of dedicated, proportionate, first-fruits giving. An annual stewardship emphasis and program for the congregation that is coordinated with the Board and Pastor. Chair of Stewardship is responsible for the organization of offering counters. Ordering and distribution of yearly giving envelopes. Distribution of yearly giving statements. Board of Fellowship The basic objectives of this board are the strengthening of the fellowship between congregation members, spiritually and socially; the integration of new members into the life of the congregation and the general buildup of mutual cooperation, support, trust and enjoyment among members of the congregation. Some responsibilities of this board include: 1. Plan, supervise and implement larger gatherings of the congregation from time to time through the year which will further the goals of the congregation. a. Plan and coordinate 1 meal per month during the winter months b. Summer picnic 2. Assimilate new members into the congregation a. coordinate a meal to welcome new members twice per year 3. Provide for the integration of new members and their families into the congregation through periodic fellowship nights 4. Coordinate the Lenten/Advent meals with other groups 5. Stock kitchen supplies 6. Coordinate meals for Funerals and Memorial Services when requested with help from Board of Missions. If you would like to volunteer for one of the positions or wish to have more information, please contact the office ( ). 7

8 Lutheran Women s Missionary League Serve the Lord with gladness. Psalm 100:2 Breaking News: Looking Ahead Before Laura Meyer moved she left us a challenge: to continue the Christmas projects for the immigrant children in Immokalee. It is a short term project which starts in October. Pastor Selle will provide us with needs that will benefit the children. Last year we collected over 75 pairs of shoes. Who will volunteer to carry on this worthy project? Please call Naomi Weslock ( ) if you are interested. Naomi Weslock s term as president will be up this coming November. We have not had a vicepresident and secretary for two years. Arlene Wells has served faithfully as treasurer for many years. She is looking to have someone take over this responsibility. At our November meeting we will discuss who will step up and fill the positions. Please prayerfully consider serving the Lord with gladness. Please call Naomi Weslock ( ) if you are interested in serving. Also, Faith is scheduled to host the LWML Sarasota Zone Fall Rally in During the fall/ winter months in 2015 we will need to form a committee to select speaker(s), lunch, mission outreach project, etc. Please join with the ladies of our Sarasota Zone (several of our area churches are sending their representatives!) and attend a great weekend in Jacksonville (9/26-9/28). Lutheran Church of The Cross has a $10,000 grant request for their Lutheran Child Development Center that will be voted on by the attendees. Let s show our support to our sister congregation and help them reach their goal! Please respond to the flyer on the LWML table or contact Pastor Narring regarding carpooling. There are monies available if your budget is tight. Thank you! Pastor Future dates to put on your calendar November 1: Fall Rally at Beautiful Savior, Sarasota. November 19: Fellowship, devotion and meeting. Guest speaker from Charlotte County Homeless Coalition will inform us about the programs that are available to those in need. December 6: Cookie Walk 8 Naomi Weslock President

9 The Reverend Kenneth Wessel January 30, 1928 July 9, 2014 George Doeren October 8, 1919 July 21, 2014 Dale Bensch 8/1 Steve Schroeder 8/3 David Cope 8/4 Charlotte Puska 8/4 Shirley Wolff 8/6 Stan Smith 8/8 Barb Ollek 8/10 Sandy Holbrook 8/13 Tom Miller 8/13 Marjorie Sterriker 8/14 Florence Hovel 8/17 Sally Wood 8/17 Lois Arens 8/18 Marge Bartelson 8/20 Otto Brauner 8/20 Marvin Hovel 8/20 Danial Kukuk 8/22 Peggy Whipple 8/23 Charlotte Read 8/24 Anna Speilhaupter 8/26 Joanna Waterman 8/26 Richard Darcy 8/29 Vivian Gallina 8/30 Joyce Scott 8/31 Gene and Florence Hovel 8/2 (62 yrs.) Jack and Tuni Miller 8/19 (47 yrs.) Jan and Arlene Wells 8/3 (57 yrs.) Otto and Ellie Brauner 8/20 (54 yrs.) Roger and Carole Thalacker 8/5 (53 yrs.) Robert and Sherry Schwalm 8/20 (54 yrs.) George and Dee Buono 8/9 (40 yrs.) Harvey and Marjorie Sterriker 8/20 (54 yrs.) Bill and Barbara Boehm 8/11 (36 yrs.) Jack and Diane Wilson 8/20 (8 yrs.) Richard and Joyce Darcy 8/15 (50 yrs.) Charles and Audrea Trumpey 8/24 (57 yrs.) Don and Peggy Kelner 8/15 (33 yrs.) 9

10 Our prayer list is on the glass table in the narthex. If you, or someone you know, would like prayers, or you wish to be removed from our prayer list (names will remain on for 4 wks.), please call Doris Hinze at or the office. August Ushers and Readers Schedule Date Ushers Reader Sunday, August 3 Ron and Flo Norsell Bob and Kathy Page Kathy Page Sunday, August 10 Sunday, August 17 Sunday, August 24 Sunday, August 31 Hal and Joyce Jandola Pete and Linda Daut Dave and Shelly Cope Stan Smith and Joan Gregory John and Lois Arens Sam Jackson and Cheryl Kampa Doris Hinze, and Shirley Cyr George and Sherrie Marks Joyce Jandola Dave Cope John Arens Kay Oetting Unless indicated the Saturday ushers are Dick and Sandy Lehman and the reader is Dick Lehman. View weekly announcements and calendar at: The church s office address is: faithadmin88@embarqmail.com Church office hours are 9am-2pm Monday-Friday Deadline for September newsletter is August 22 Please all announcements, articles and photos to wanderingweslocks@netzero.com Editor will reserve the right to proofread and edit all articles for the monthly newsletter. Please like us on Facebook. Our address is 10