July. is VBS month! July

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1 July is VBS month! Focus on Christ is published monthly by Christ Lutheran Church, Second & Walnut Streets, P.O. Box 549, Stover, Missouri for the purpose of informing members and friends of news and activities within our church and community. Information for and questions about this publication should be directed to Tracey Durant, Church Secretary. Deadline for information to be included is the Wednesday following the monthly church council meeting unless otherwise posted. Copyright 2000 by Christ Lutheran Church. Vol July 2018

2 A Word From Pastor Tom Normal By Rev. Tom Tuura Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church What I've learned from aviation, is that planes are lost not in the storms, or when the engines quit, but when the training is neglected under blue skies, and calm winds, when the engines are running. It's too late when the storm hits. You are either prepared, or not. Captain Sullenberger who made the emergency landing in the Hudson, said in an interview with Air and Space, that they didn't have time to get through page one of the engine restart checklist. That day however started like any other--normal. Normal is good. In the space shuttle days, the astronauts talking to ground control about their systems working correctly, called it nominal. How do you handle emergencies? Unfortunately, some emergencies are catastrophic and there just isn't time to do anything. There are three phases in these unfolding events, that determine whether they are catastrophic, or miraculous. The first is what we might call the nominal phase. What are the conditions prior to the event? To me, this is the most important phase. And the reason is clear in the next two phases. It is the daily discipline that take place here that determine the outcomes. Where many of us are now. The second phase is common to all emergencies. The year 2009 gave us two events to learn from. The first was US Air flight 1549 which I already referred, and Air France flight 447. While there are notable and obvious differences, notwithstanding the outcomes, there are a couple of crucial similarities, and lessons learned. In both cases, there was mere seconds to save the ship. The transfer of a routine flight when everything is "peachy" to certain perishing of all on board took place in seconds. It is mind numbing how quickly we have to be called on to that transition. One moment peace and quiet, or the wonderful scream of jet engines, to chaos and a much more ominous silence from the engines. Unfortunately not all captains realize this. Recent mass tragedies of cruise ships and ferries tell us this. That screeching noise of rocks on the hull, or listing to port are ominous harbingers of something wrong. Both flights took off normally, with a period of nominal performance. Admitted Captain Sullenberger's normal flight was measured in only seconds. Flight 447's flight plan was normal for several hours. Passengers had time to watch a movie, be served their refreshments, and settle in for a good sleep. The other similarity is the suddenness to which the pilots needed to declare an emergency. Experiencing an emergency, is not the same as declaring and emergency. It may be surprising, but just declaring an emergency is a big issue. Certain things happen when those words are stated. And too many of us think we can han- 2

3 dle a situation, which really is an emergency. For Captain Sullenberger, it was obvious--the engines quit not long after takeoff--talk about an awkward silence. For the pilots of flight 447 it was "kinda" obvious, and "kinda" not. However, for them, after some three to four hours in the air, they were all dead in three and a half minutes. The last question heard on the black boxes in the cockpit, was "What is happening?" It would be over three years before they knew the answer to the pilots' question after recovering the wreckage from the Atlantic. Realizing an emergency saves lives. Both cases held grave consequences for the passengers and crew. That is the last similarity between these two fateful flights. It is the consequences that are often the unseen factor in these situations. We live in a day and age when consequences seemingly can be "ducked", postponed or avoided altogether. But there are always consequences to our actions, or inactions. Not every person, or ship captain, for that matter takes preparation seriously. Including all of us at one time or another. We've seen catastrophe's over the last hundred years beginning with the Titanic, and more recently, Asiana 777 crash in San Francisco, a cruise ship, and just four years ago, the South Korean ferry MV Sewol. Each of those has a different reason why they ended badly. The only one of these situations that ended without loss of life, was one in which there was advance preparation. All others were catastrophic. The Bible tells us there is an emergency coming. It is certain. Unlike air travel, one's chance of emergency is almost nil. But for each of us, there is a crisis coming. We are going to die and face judgment. Some of us will have time to prepare, and some of us will not. So how prepared are you and I for our certain emergency? We are in a period of calm--normal. We have blue skies and calm winds above. Now is the day of salvation, according to Hebrews chapter three. Here is the warning from chapter two, Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him... We can look to the Cross of Calvary, where Jesus faced judgment for us. That's the beginning of the heeding mentioned in the above text. The rest is daily walking and surrender to Christ. As a congregation too, as leadership, we are in preparation mode while things are seeming normal, The horizon is screaming change. The landscape is changing before our eyes. And if we are not careful, we will be caught unprepared. The only preparation is that of the soldier, in Ephesians 6. Not only is there persecution increasing at an exponential rate, critical academics are ratcheting up attacks. Because of our 3

4 Biblical/Theological positions, we could find ourselves on the wrong end of the law, facing legal costs, defense and issues we've never dreamed of. We need to pray. It's all around us, and we have to decide NOW what our position is. In 2014, the Wall Street Journal had a story about a Washington DC couple who were scheduled to go to Granada, Spain for vacation. After departure, watching the monitor on the seat in front of them, they were horrified to discover they were headed to the Caribbean. They sued British Airways. How much worse would it be to discover you are headed to Hell because of bad scheduling? Trust Christ today. Nothing else is more important. Realize the situation, and declare an emergency. Your emergency will not be catastrophic, but miraculous. That s my view from the Blackberry Patch Pulpit Pastor Tom ### Christ Lutheran Church Regular Council Meeting June 17, 2018 The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Ed Viebrock. Pastor Tom Tuura led us in prayer. The following members were present: Ed Viebrock, Tom Propst, Sharla Propst, Cheryl Nolting, Judy Rehmer, Nancy Witte, John Menning, Gaylene Bauer and Pastor Tom Tuura. The minutes were submitted by Nancy Witte for the following meetings: Special Congregational Meeting on April 29, 2018 Special Council Meeting on May 20, 2018 Regular Council Meeting on May 20, 2018 Special Congregational Meeting on May 27, 2018 ]Treasurer s Report submitted by Sharla Propst. Financial Secretary s Report submitted by Cheryl Nolting. The motion was made by Tom Propst and second by Cheryl Nolting to accept reports and minutes as submitted. Motion carried. Pastor reported that he is finishing up with details on the confirmation class. During the month he had made 19 calls and was counseling with some individuals. Also, he has been attending the various committee meetings during the week. Deacons Report meeting was postponed so no report at this time Trustee s Report none Christian Education Committee Report none Youth Committee Report the groups have been meeting and enjoying fellowship together OLD BUSINESS: Report on library project nothing to report at this time. Report on 150 th Anniversary Celebration 4

5 Judy Rehmer reported that they would like to use the Lifetouch Company to make the church pictorial directory and there will not be any fees charged for this directory. The motion was made by Judy Rehmer and seconded by Tom Propst to allow the Lifetouch Company to photograph members and then furnish the church pictorial directory to members of the congregation at no charge. Motion carried. There will be more information available after finalizing details. More ideas are being discussed by the committee with maybe putting together a cookbook. Summer maintenance projects Ed advised that he had been in contact with Steve Fischer and they will be getting a bid from JD Knight Construction Company to see what they would charge for caulking the windows. Report on fundraisers for victims Council was advised that the Tate Viebrock family would like to have a benefit in the fall. Some suggestions for the event would be to have a silent auction, meal, and maybe a band for entertainment. The event would be held on a Sunday afternoon and the youth would be involved with the project. The motion was made by Nancy Witte and seconded by Gaylene Bauer to approve this event and appoint a committee to organize the event. Motion carried. The following were appointed on the committee to organize: Cheryl Nolting, Joyce Bauer, Judy Rehmer, and Desirae Heimsoth. NEW BUSINESS: Discuss possibility of elevator for basement Information was presented by David and Jo Warnke on size of elevator that would fit, the possible location for the elevator and other facts pertaining to installation. Also, they discussed possible funding that would be available to pay for the elevator. They advised that they would like to be on committee and also have (1) Trustee on committee so that they can obtain more information to present to the council. The motion was made by Tom Propst and second by John Menning to form a committee to check on costs for installing an elevator in basement. Motion carried. Council appointed the following members to the committee: David Warnke, Jo Warnke, Carlene Nolting, Ken Rehmer, and Trustee as appointed. Accept new members/designate new member Sunday. The motion was made by Tom Propst and seconded by John Menning to accept family members Travis, Sacha, Sandalyn and Teagan Morris into membership at Christ Lutheran Church. Motion carried. No date has been set for the Sunday recognition service. The motion was made by Tom Propst and second by John Menning to adjourn. Motion carried. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. 5

6 The next regular meeting is July 15, Respectively submitted by Nancy Witte Recording Secretary Special Congregational Meeting May 27, 2018 The special Congregational Meeting was called to order by Chairman Ed Viebrock with a total of 36 voting members present. The purpose of the meeting was to present to the congregation information about the main air-conditioner not working properly in the sanctuary area. Trustee Steve Fischer spoke on behalf of the council advising that he had the airconditioners checked by Kreider Contracting Services. The problem with the main air-conditioner could be patched to continue working but we don t know for how long. The council had a special Council Meeting on May 20, 2018 and voted to recommend to the congregation the approval for replacing this air-conditioner. We have received (2) bids for replacing: Kreider Contracting Services - $3, Achieve Heating & Air Conditioning - $4, Steve advised that he had also contacted two other sources but they didn t return his call. Discussion was held on how old the unit was and what other problems would have to be fixed later on. The motion was made by Vernita Garber and seconded by Stuart Hagedorn to purchase the unit from Kreider Contracting Services as bid submitted. The motion was passed by a show of hands of all in favor with none opposed. The motion was made by Jim Goetze and second by Stuart Hagedorn to adjourn. Motion approved. We closed with the Lord s Prayer by Pastor Tom Tuura. Respectively submitted by, Nancy Witte Recording Secretary Special Congregational Meeting June 17, 2018 The meeting was called to order by Chairman, Ed Viebrock Pastor Tom Tuura opened the meeting with prayer. There were 31 voting members present. The meeting was called to bring to the congregation the proposal to raise the current spending ceiling from $ to $1,500 and also to add an Emergency Clause policy. The new wording was read for each policy to the congregation. Ted Durant spoke on behalf of the council and gave examples of why the amount needs to be increased for the spending ceiling and the purpose of the emergency clause. The congregation was asked if they have any questions or comments on said proposals. No questions were asked or any comments. The motion was made by Jim Goetze and 6

7 second by Joyce Bauer to adopt the raise for the spending ceiling amount from $ to $1,500 as per the proposal submitted. The motion was approved by a show of hands. The motion was made by Tracy Durant and seconded by Jean Hagedorn to adopt the Emergency Clause proposal as submitted. The motion was approved by a show of hands. These two proposals that are now approved will have to be ratified at the annual meeting in January 2019 and approved by the congregation at that time. Motion by Tom Propst and seconded by Joyce Bauer to adjourn. Motion carried. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. After the adjournment of this meeting the congregation was read the wording from our current Constitution in regard to memorial funds. This information was to help clarify questions that members might have. Respectively submitted by Nancy Witte Recording Secretary Please refer to the calendar for committee meeting days and times. If your committee is not listed, please make sure the information for your meetings are being sent to the general , or you can text them directly to Tracey at A simple note placed in the mailbox next to Pastor s office works great, too! Worship Committee Worship Committee - June 21, 2018 Present: Pastor, Judy R, Tom, Tracey, Mary Jo Prayer - We are called to worship with our lives and not just on Sunday. Gathering Review: The attendance has dropped perhaps due to the heat. Tracey will develop a Facebook event that will appear weekly as a reminder. She will announce in the bulletin that the Gathering will go inside when the weather is too uncomfortable. Ice cream will be served at each Gathering. Durants will provide a lite picnic supper on July 1st and Jacksons on August 5th. Tom will spray for flies. Church Chorus Music: To save ink and paper each week, Tracey suggested that we print a small booklet with the chorus words in it. She will do a prototype to see how and if it works. The Celebration Hymnal has many of the chorus that we sing. The Worship Committee will pray about asking the Council for permission to buy these for the congregation and this will be discussed at the next meeting. Pastor will ask Ruth to select the chorus music for the Sundays that she plays in July. Taping the Service: The committee has still not resolved the issue of taping the entire service for those not able to attend. The option of using CD s will be further explored. There is always discussion on the need for better Audio visual capabilities in the sanctuary. It will be helpful to have a young person on the worship committee as we set goals for the future. Mary Jo will follow up on this. Next Meeting: July 24th - 1:00pm at the church Submitted by Mary Jo 7

8 Acolytes Sun Mon Tue W Brett Nolting Emily Bauer Saydi Hagedorn Austin Menning Kyp Bellis Call to Fall Sunday 10:15 am.. - Worship/ Holy Communion 6:30 pm - The Gathering outdoor evening worship Altar Care Connie Viebrock Pam Witte :30 am Me Study Break 8 10:15 am. - Worship/ Communion 6:30 pm - The Gathering outdoor evening worship :30 am Me Study Break New membe 15 VBS Kickoff! 10:15 am. - Worship 6:30 pm - The Gathering outdoor evening worship 16 6:30pm VBS 17 6:30pm VBS 18 6:30 am Me Study Break 6:30pm VB 22 10:15 am. - Worship 6:30 pm - The Gathering outdoor evening worship :00pm Worship Committee meeting 25 6:30 am Me Study Break New membe 29 New Member Sunday 10:15 am. - Worship 6:30 pm - The Gathering outdoor evening worship

9 018 ed Thu Fri STRENGTH n s Bible fast n s Bible fast r instruction 12 1:00pm - Women s Work Day Group n s Bible fast 19 6:30pm VBS 20 6:30pm VBS 21 S n s Bible fast r instruction 26 1:00pm - Women s Work Day Group Reminder: all articles, photos, minutes, and other entries for the newsletter MUST be turned in by the deadline. Any and all ideas are welcome! Please send your entries to the general at Clc.stovermo@gmail.com Or put a physical copy in the secretary s box. 9

10 Hope Meet the VBS buddies This year s theme of Shipwrecked has some fun and loveable characters known as buddies. These buddies help our children to remember the stories and lessons they learn throughout the VBS week, and help retain that information with music, props, and games. Shipwrecked? Jesus rescues!!! VBS is July 16-20, with the kickoff party on July 15th. Bible Point: When you're lonely...jesus rescues! Key Bible Verse: "The Lord will hold me close." (Psalm 27:10) Bible Story: Jesus tells parables about lost things. (Luke 15) Beacon Bible Point: When you worry...jesus rescues! Key Bible Verse: "The Lord comes to the rescue each time." (Psalm 34:19) Bible Story: Martha worries and complains. (Luke 10:38-42) Rae Bible Point: When you struggle...jesus rescues! Key Bible Verse: "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10) Bible Story: Jesus' friends try to rescue him in the garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:39-54, Matthew 26:36-56) Guac Bible Point: When you do wrong...jesus rescues! Key Bible Verse: "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Bible Story: Jesus welcomes a criminal before dying and coming back to life. (Luke 23:26-24:12) Moe Bible Point: When you're powerless...jesus rescues! Key Bible Verse: "This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead." (Ephesians 1:19-20) Bible Story: Peter and John heal a lame man in Jesus' name. (Acts 3:1-26) 10

11 Summer is grrrrreat! Ruth Circle Update: If you know of someone who would enjoy receiving a card due to illness or another life event, please contact Mary Jo by calling or texting her at works too at mjacksonz@aol.com Look at what s new from Ruth s Circle! Attending a July celebration? Check out our card selection first! We have cards for every occasion, and some for just because. Need a card for someone who has lost a pet? We have those too! Also, we have free posters available in the library for anyone to take home. These may be a great way to brighten up a room of someone who needs it most, like a family member in a care center, or perhaps a soon-to-be college student s dorm. 11

12 Luther League Our Junior Lutherans spending a June afternoon packing layettes (baby bundles) for the Festival of Sharing, and learning bible stories. These kids are creating lasting memories to cherish and share. Thanks to all the adults who pitched in to make this a great day of fellowship! Congratulations Cora Oelrichs, our June winner! Stop by the secretary s office to claim your giant candy bar. Great job kids, keep up the good work on completing those bulletins and learning God s word. swimming with friends, Congratulations to our 2018 Confirmands Kole Viebrock, Austin Menning, Kyp Bellis, Sandalyn Morris, and Taylor Smith....for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 12

13 A Note from Luther League Luther League is for any youth going into the 7th grade and up. If you will be in the 7th grade in the fall, please come and join the Luther League. Sunday, July 8th,at 3:30 pm Luther League will meet a the church. We will begin with a brief Bible lesson, after which we will have a scavenger hunt. The hunt will take place in the city limits of Stover, but each group will need a driver and a cell phone. Parents of Luther League youth ate welcome to attend and help shuttle the kids from place to place, or just watch them enjoy the fun of the hunt. The hunt will end at the home of Joyce Bauer, where we will eat supper and swim in her pool. Please come and join us for this fun event. (remember your swimsuit!) On behalf of the youth, we want to give a big thank you to Joyce Bauer. She is always very supportive and ready to help with any youth activity. She has opened her home and the use of her pool numerous times. She has cooked us meals and been there to serve them and clean up after us more times than you could count. We know we can count on her for whatever we may need, and for this we are grateful. You are a blessing to the youth, Joyce, and we love you and appreciate all you do for us. 13

14 Women s Work Days Thursday July 12 Thursday July 26 Thursday August 9 Thursday August 23 UPCOMING EVENTS July 1,8,15,22,29 - The Gathering outdoor worship service, 6:30 pm. July V.B.S. at 6:30pm July 11th and 25th - New member instruction July 29th - New Member Sunday July is here with the excitement of VBS, new members joining the church, and fireworks filling the sky. What a blessing! This is the first month since January that I have been able to catch my breath and actually work on other office stuff besides newsletters and bulletins. The special meetings we have held, Lenten season, and several baptisms/ funerals/births/confirmations have kept me very busy until now! This much needed pause will allow me to catch up on directories, file compilations, photo purging, and music organizing. I even have an idea to help save more $ on paper and ink! Stay tuned. (That s a hint in case you didn t catch on) Have a safe and terrific 4th everyone! Tracey Those VBS buddies are so darn cute!!! I have hidden them throughout this newsletter; How many can you find? Please consider donating a pair of closed toe shoes to our mission for Nicaragua. Bacteria in the soil enters into the bare feet of the indigenous people causing sickness and disease. We would like to see each person have at least one pair of shoes to prevent this problem. Can you help? 14

15 CLC Birthdays July 1 Alyson Menning 3 Bradley Nolting 4 Jessica Smith 7 Sharla Propst 10 Ken Bauer Ken Rehmer 14 Jensen Bauer Adrian Chinn 16 Vernita Garber 18 Steve Fischer 20 Pam Witte 21 Rob Viebrock Ruth Leeper 27 Jaylea Bellis 28 Nancy Witte August 2 Penni Wilson Tanna Bellis 4 John Davis 9 Brenden Bauer Jean Hagedorn 11 Hailey Moesch 12 Justin Bauer 14 Mary Jo Jackson Carley Nolting 17 Dustin Koeller, Jr. 19 Tara Bauer 27 Esther Boeschen Marie Dempster David Warnke 29 Judy Tuura 15

16 Address Corrections Please check your mailing label to be sure your name and address are correct. If you have changes, please leave a message at Parish Newsletter of Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box 549 Stover, MO (573)