God s Work, Our Hands

Transcription

1 Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, Texas Phone Fax God s Work, Our Hands June 2014 Edition Inside this issue: Mission Statement 1 Graduates 1 Kindred Sisters 2 Prayer List 2 Sunday Readings 2 Summer Pledge 2 Birthdays/Anniversaries 2 Donation Opportunities 3 Closing Celebration 3 Bible 3 State of the Church 3 Library Notes 4 Habitat for Humanity 4 Global Initiatives 4 Life Straws 4 Round Rock Express 4 Property Assistants 4 Council Highlights 5 Confirmation 5 Baptismal Festivals 5 Worship Leadership 6 Calendar 7 GRADUATES Congratulations graduates! Dylan Saegert Bobby Scott Shane Willenborg Lindsey Prather Christine Simon MISSION STATEMENT By now, you have probably seen the new Lord of Life Lutheran Church mission statement floating around; you may even be wearing it on a t-shirt! Now that we have experienced the big reveal, we want to take a few minutes to share the journey upon which we embarked to create the statement. The journey officially started on February 1st of this year when outgoing 2013 Council members and incoming 2014 Council members held a joint retreat to begin to look at the future of LOLLC. Pastor Bill Krejci facilitated the day-long retreat consisting of prayer, brainstorming, and a lot of meaty discussion regarding the mission and vision of LOLLC moving forward. As the day wrapped up, we left with the goal of creating a new mission statement for LOLLC that would represent what we as a congregation are about. As Council convened for our regular February meeting, we all expressed how valuable the retreat had been for each of us and agreed to research other mission statements and come up with ideas. At that time, we didn t know exactly how the mission statement would unfold, but we did know several things. We wanted the statement to be meaningful. We also wanted it to be short, easy to remember and easy to embrace as individuals and as a congregation. We left that meeting with an assignment to pray about, research, and create possible mission statements. When Council met in March, we had the opportunity to share ideas. In that sharing, several themes started to emerge. The mission statement needed to appeal to current members as well as to the community. We wanted it to involve all aspects of discipleship. It was during this discussion that the actual mission statement began to take shape. God, Love, Community were all words that were bandied about. We wanted the mission statement to be in line with the Missional River ministry that LOLLC was undertaking. Most importantly, we wanted it to be somehow focused on scripture. As the meeting adjourned that evening, Denise Sheehan offered to design some logos incorporating the various mission statements we had discussed. On April 1st, we got to see the fruits of our labors as Denise sent us eight possible designs to discuss at the April Council. And discuss we did. Interestingly, we all were drawn to one of the eight designs: Learn. Love. Live. God s Will. God s Way. We were almost there, but something was missing. The last piece fell into place when we revisited the importance of scripture God s Word in the day-to-day life of LOLLC. At that point, we had our mission statement. Learn. Love. Live. God s Word. God s Will. God s Way.

2 Page 2 PRAYER LIST Ann Willman, Angie Parr, Doug & Brenda Searcy, Herman & Olga Haenel, Summer Simon, Linda Vaughn, Mel Wolf, Carol Bender, Cindy Tarsi, Mike Kope, Anita Hagens, Todd Snook, Dot Harrington SUNDAY READINGS June 1 Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10, Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11 John 17:1-11 June 8 Acts 2:1-21 Psalm 104: Corinthians 12:3b-13 John 20:19-23 June 15 Genesis 1:1-2:4a Psalm 8 2 Corinthians 13:11-13 Matthew 28:16-20 June 22 Jeremiah 20:7-13 Psalm 69:7-18 Romans 6:1-11 Matthew 10:24-39 June 29 Acts 12:1-11 Psalm 87:1-3, 5-7 Timothy 4:6-8, John 21:15-19 Birthdays: Simpson, Dustin 06/02 Grunska, Christopher 06/03 Hart, Amy 06/03 Scott, Jennifer 06/04 Prather, Lindsey 06/05 Harrington, Dorothy 06/07 Smith, Timothy 06/07 Brown, Michael 06/14 Willenborg, Avery 06/21 Estes, William 06/23 Fink, Richard 06/25 Duarte, Nathaniel 06/26 Duarte, Nicolas 06/26 KINDRED SISTERS Smith, Chapin 06/27 Crawford, Dorothy 06/28 Rohne, Jr., Paul 06/28 Life-Lines Our May meeting was held on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Koinonia Cafe at LOLLC. We had a very interesting and informative presentation of Scrapbooking presented by Barbara Dailey She brought the LOLLC Scrapbooks that she and some of the other ladies on that committee had worked many hours on. These scrapbooks have meant so much to our church in preserving the history and memories of our LOLLC from the very beginning of its inception! She also brought some of her personal scrapbooking to share with us! Thank you so much, Barbara, and also to hostess Rea for the delicious desserts! Our June meeting will be on Tuesday, June 3, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at the Koinonia Cafe at LOLLC. Marge Kretschmar will be guiding us in a. Please bring your own sack lunch, and beverages and dessert will be provided by our hostess for June, Kaye Oberg. All ladies and friends of LOLLC are cordially invited to attend. We hope you can join us! If there are any questions, please call Joanne Forseth at , or at joforseth@gmail.com. Please note that there will not be a Kindred Sisters meeting in the month of July! There will be a new sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the Koinonia Cafe for future monthly Hostesses and Programs. Thank you in advance! Have a Blessed and enjoyable summer! SUMMER PLEDGE No, it s not about money! Rather, it concerns your stewardship of time. The question is, Are you ready to take the pledge? During the summer, if I m in town, I m in church! See you Sunday! Anniversaries: Gregory and Kori Weston 06/06/1998 David and Amy Hart 06/10/2005 Gary and Marilee Parsons 06/11/1994 Robert and Linda Lane 06/22/1992 Jim and Cindy Tarsi 06/24/1990 Patrick Egan 06/25/1991 Russell and Angie Parr 06/30/1984

3 Page 3 DONATION OPPORTUITIES Collection drives for "God's Work, Our Hands" Sunday Lord of Life will participate, along with congregations across the country, in a national ELCA day of service on Sept 7. LOLC will be holding a series of collections for those in need over the summer. As families prepare for a new school year, we will have "Sock it to Me Sunday" on June 15 (collecting new socks for all ages), "Undie Sunday" on July 13 (new underwear for all ages) and "Soap up the Sunday" on Aug 17 (soap, toothpaste/brushes, lotion, deodorant, etc.) A final non-perishable food collection will cap off our drive on Sept 7. These drives will also tie in to the "Robin on the Roof" campaign to increase our charitable giving over the summer. Start collecting now to show God how our hands, can do His work! VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL CLOSING CELEBRATION Mark your calendars for Sunday, June 29, 9:30 a.m. The theme of the day is, Workshop of Wonders: Imagine & Build with God. As a ministry of LOLLC, everyone is encouraged to be present to celebrate with the children of Bible. We will hear the singers, receive a word from Rivet, acknowledge the participants and thank the staff. Rumor has it there may even be a cake involved. Rivet says all the cool people will be present! Don t take the chance of being considered un-cool, make plans now to be a part of this great ministry. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL Join us for 2014 at Lord of Life! We will be experiencing a great program called "Workshop of Wonders: Imagine and Build with God". Children from 4 years old up to 4th grade graduates are invited to attend. Older children are welcomed as helpers. We will have Bible storytelling, super science, cool crafts, great games, delicious snacks, music, and more. Explore and experience how the ordinary becomes extraordinary with God! This week-long Bible camp will run from 9:00 am - Noon, June 23th - 27th. Registration is $20 per child or $50 max per family. You may register up to the first day of but if you can, please register by June 16th to help us in our planning. Donation boards will be up soon if you would like to help purchase supplies. Please contact Laura Lopez at laurazepol@yahoo.com or if you would like more information. REGISTRATION IS NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE. Income for Apr.: $28,125 Income YTD: $106,920 Expenses for Apr.: $26,503 Expenses YTD: $97,539 Net Gain for Apr.: $1,622 Net Gain YTD: $9,381 Worship Attendance 4/6/ /13/ /20/ /27/ Weekly Average 161 YTD Total 1433 Weekly Average 122

4 Page 4 LIBRARY NOTES By: Donna Estes HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OUR LOL DADS! What Makes a Dad God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it... Dad HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Life-Lines On Saturday, May 3rd a team of Lord of Life volunteers participated in a Habitat Build along with the Thrivent North Travis County Chapter. The weather was hot and the work was exhausting, but I believe we would all agree that it was a Saturday well spent in service for our God. A joyous time was had by all as we picked up trash, dug holes for fence posts, built a fence, painted, transported concrete and hung doors. Some of us even got new nicknames! What a blessing to be able to meet the homeowner. Ms. Sharon was very thankful for our help and kept us in stitches with her humor. Her house will be dedicated and keys turned over on June 12pm. If you are able I would encourage you to attend this momentous occasion. Thank you to all who participated in the build and a shout out to Diane Saegert and family for providing the delicious lunch. It is because of all of you and your love for God s Kingdom that this event was a huge success. I expect to see you all again next year and bring a friend! Author Unknown GLOBAL INITIATIVES Through the benevolence we pay to the ELCA we are supporting these global initiatives. A link is available on our website under Giving, so you can keep up-to-date on what the ELCA is doing to reach the world for Christ. LIFE STRAWS The Synod offering totaled $140,000! So with our help, 14,000 people in Africa will be able to drink clean water for a year. Our church contributed $2,355 or Life Straws to this effort. We broke our 100 straw goal on the first day and our 200 straw goal the week before the Synod assembly. Thank you all for your enthusiasm and generosity! PROPERTY ASSISTANTS The church is looking for individuals who would like to assist us with keeping the property looking nice by mowing and trimming. If you are interested please see Mike Brown or contact him via at property@lordoflifeaustin.org or by phone at ROUND ROCK EXPRESS Round Rock Express baseball game. There are two opportunities to enjoy a night of baseball, singing, dancing or just shooting the breeze with others from Lord of Life. Oh! And did I mention a fabulous fireworks display after the games? June 20 is the first chance to go and is fast approaching. The tickets for this game need to be requested and paid for by June 9. Nick will pass the tickets out on June 14 at church and they can available for pick up at his house. The tickets are $8.00 each, half the normal price. August 1, is the second and last chance for fun at this price. These need to be ordered and paid for by July 17. Again the tickets are half price at $8.00. The seats are shaded in section 115 which is behind the third base dugout. See you there!

5 Page 5 COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Kids Day Out / Mother s Day Out The Kids Day Out / Mother s Day Out program finished a successful year on May 22. Plans are progressing to install smoke alarms on the grounds. This will allow an expanded KDO/MDO program, and will provide additional safety and security for everyone on the Lord of Life grounds. Relationship between Church Council and Ministries There was much discussion about the relationship among Church Council, ministry groups, and the congregation. We are talking about giving more freedom for the various ministries to act without seeking Council approval beforehand. Along with having ministries do more on their own, this will allow Council to spend time on strategic planning. Expectations of Members Council reviewed some expectations of members documents from other churches, and used them to start thinking about how we explain to our congregants and leaders what expectations we hope they strive toward. Healthy Congregations Workshop - at Triumphant Love on May 31 Parts 2 and 3 of the Healthy Congregations Workshop will be held on May 31 at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church on Great Hills Trail. The workshop is very insightful. If you are interested in attending, please talk with a Council member or. T-shirts - get yours! The first batch of the new Lord of Life T-shirts with our mission statement is about sold out. Denise Sheehan is going to order more, so please let her know if you are interested in getting one of your own. If you would like more information on any of these items, or on any other church matters, please contact a member of Council. Thank you for your prayers and your involvement in Lord of Life. Jim Tarsi Council Secretary CONFIRMATION AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM On Sunday, June 8, Zachary Klotz, Breanna Sellers, and Tara Sellers will affirm their baptismal vows in the rite of confirmation and thus become young adult members of Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Having successfully completed their confirmation studies, the confirmands will publicly confess their faith and state their desire to become voting members of this congregation. Everyone is encouraged to be present to officially receive these young adults and celebrate this milestone in their lives. You are also encouraged to lift them up in prayer as they make their final preparations. BAPTISMAL FESTIVALS The next celebration of Holy Baptism will be Sunday, June 15 during our 9:30 a.m. worship service. Everyone who has not been baptized is invited to join in the Festival of Baptism. Please call the church office to schedule a pre-baptism appointment with. The remaining Festivals of Baptism in 2014 will also be held on Sunday, September 14, Holy Cross Day and Sunday, November 2, All Saints Sunday. Again, those desiring to participate should call for a pre-baptism appointment.

6 Page 6 Worship Leaders for June 2014 JUNE 1, 2014 Seventh Sunday of Easter Color: White Assisting Minister: Chuck Neeley Lector: Marge Kretschmar Communion Assistant: Max Kretschmar Acolyte: Oscar Lopez Media Assistant: Lloyd Haskisn Ushers: Max Kretschmar, Mike Brown, Gib Prather, Lee Penland Altar Guild: Barb Petry Flowers: Cindy Wallace, to the glory of God Life-Lines JUNE 8, 2014 Pentecost Color: Red Assisting Minister: Rex Schroeder Lector: John Paul Crawford Communion Assistant: Deb Grunska Acolyte: Carter Parsons Media Assistant: Connor Sheehan Ushers: Max Kretschmar, Mike Brown, Gib Prather, Lee Penland Altar Guild: Kori Weston Bread: Tim & Diane Smith Flowers: Tim & Diane Smith, in memory of Tim s mom, Patricia Smith JUNE 15, 2014 Holy Trinity Color: White Assisting Minister: John Paul Crawford Lector: Nick Ferriola Communion Assistant: Nell Pennington Acolyte: Bryce Sheehan Media Assistant: Dick Fink Ushers: Dustin Simpson, Ben Eckermann, Clayton Wachsmann, Shane Willenborg Altar Guild: Tim & Diane Smith Bread: Tim & Diane Smith Flowers: Diana & Donna Hagens, in memory of Anna Mae Welhausen JUNE 22, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green Assisting Minister: Marilee Parsons Lector: Mindy Penland Communion Assistant: Shari Willenborg Acolyte: Dakota Simpson Media Assistant: Rex Schroeder Ushers: Dustin Simpson, Ben Eckermann, Clayton Wachsmann, Shane Willenborg Altar Guild: Deb Grunska Bread: Deb Grunska Flowers: Jim & Cindy Tarsi, in celebration of their 24th Anniversary JUNE 29, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green Assisting Minister: Diane Smith Lector: Deb Grunska Communion Assistant: Mike Kamensky Acolyte: Chapin Smith Media Assistant: Chuck Neeley Ushers: Max Kretschmar, Shawn Simon, Eric Warnsman, Clayton Wachsmann Altar Guild: Dee Smith & Cindy Wallace Bread: Cindy Wallace Flowers: Horace & Nell Pennington, in celebration of James & Jennifer Pennington s 23rd Anniversary

7 Page 7 J u n e Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 1:30 Holy Open 5:00 Emmanuel Indian Fellowship Gathering :30am Kindred Sisters 4 5 Cub Scout Pack 7:00pm Finance Ministry Pentecost 9 7:30pm Stephen Ministry :00pm Church Council 13 6:00pm Scouts Lock-In :00 Emmanuel Indian Fellowship Gathering 16 TIFA :00am 19 5:00pm Wedding Rehearsal Cub Scout Leader