ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH

Transcription

1 1 ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH Newsletter Sept/Oct 2017 THE CALL PROCESS The long and arduous journey of calling a new Pastor is upon us. The congregation has been asked to complete the SWOT form which was being placed in the bulletin each week and can be located in this newsletter as well. In addition, on October 1, 2017, at the Congregational Meeting, we will be conducting cottage style meetings, led by council members, to get as much input as possible for our call committee to use in creating our Ministry Site Profile. God is with us and he will help us find our way.. - Allison Leisring Share your thoughts about our congregation Q: What would you tell someone about our church which you are proud of? What makes us unique? Q: What does our church need to work on that may give an unfavorable impression? Consider the demographics around us Q: What opportunities does our church have in our community? Q: What about our area may hinder our future growth? In This Issue The Call Process Congregational Meeting Middle KY CAP Homebound Multiple interest items Please review the Discernment Process provided by the ELCA

2 2

3 3 SWOT ANALYSIS INTERNAL (Within our Congregation) EXTERNAL (Outside our Congregation) FAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE FAVORABLE UNFAVORABLE STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES OPPORTUNITIES THREATS Please use the form above to gather your thoughts and ideas. Either bring them with you to the congregational meeting on October 1, 2017, give them to a council member or put your responses into the offering plate on Sunday. Each idea is unique and important. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING October 1, 2017, following worship service A congregational meeting is being called on October 1, 2017, immediately following service in the fellowship hall for several reasons. The first part will be conducted to gather our SWOT information for use by the call committee. Our vacancy pastor Rev. Barry Riehle, will be present for the business section. New Signage In a prior council retreat, it was determined that a concern of many is the lack of visual signage for St. John s. It is being recommended that a two sided sign, as seen in the photo, be installed in the current location of our existing sign. The cost of this sign (not installed) is $6, It is lighted and contains 4 rows of 4 letters. Council is recommending the sign be paid from funds in the Memorial Fund, with a current balance of $7, Additional Concrete Work The rear walkway was previously raised to eliminate a trip hazard. This was a partial budgeted item. It was anticipated that additional concrete work would be necessary. The council is recommending concrete work on the parsonage steps, wings on the parsonage driveway, and repair of cracked concrete near the lower entrance, with additional drainage. Two bids were received and the bid of $3,500 is recommended. Council is requesting approval of $4,000 for concrete work. The additional $500 is a buffer to cover any additional costs for the drainage. All bids were approved and recommended by the Property Committee prior to Council s approval.

4 4 Middle Kentucky Community Action Partnership During the month of August, 2017, St. John Lutheran Church members made the trek to Beattyville, Kentucky on two different occasions. On August 3, three members of Modern Lutheran Women headed south to distribute school kits to 80 Headstart pupils in Beattyville, KY. The kits had been purchased through the generosity of St. John Lutheran members and the Modern Lutheran Women treasury. The contributions from the congregation exceeded all expectations. And what a joy it was to place the school kits in the children s hands and Nancy Enzweiler, Vera Stuck and Carolyn Dreyer, members of Modern Lutheran Women wish them well on a big step ahead! A big thanks to all who supported this project. The second trip of the Mission Support Trailer was made on August 25, Sue and Dennis Heiert took the loaded trailer down on Friday. They also delivered coats donated by the Modern Lutheran Women and the socks and underclothes which were collected. From the congregation. The staff and volunteers who help unload the trailer assured us that even if we feel some of the items being sent may not be useful, they indicated 99% of the items in the trailer will be used in some way. As always, they thanked all who donate to this worthy cause. The trailer is back in its parking Photo Caption spot ready to be loaded up. It is time to start thinking about the toy drive! Distribution of school kits to Headstart pupils and parents in Beattyville

5 5 HERITAGE SUNDAY On September 10, 2017, we celebrated our heritage by using the liturgy from over 50 years ago. The hymns also include favorites from our old red hymnal, Service Book and Hymnal. It is important that we remember with reverence the history of our congregation, which was established in May we also look forward with excitement the things that are in our future. Rev. Dennis Zimmerman, supply pastor, lead the worship. HOME BOUND MEMBERS Take the time to remember those who are unable to attend perhaps sending a card or a telephone call to show they are in our thoughts. MILTON CHALK 182 Dogwood Drive Highland Heights, KY GERALD BENSON Highland Springs Room # Highland Avenue Ft. Thomas, KY RUBY EMMELHAINZ 2335 Darlington Road Melbourne, KY BERNARD (SONNY) SMITH 226 Vater Road Butler, KY Update your Personal Information: Please inform the church office (office@tugforklutheran.com) of any address or phone number change. Your assistance is appreciated. It is important to keep our records updated. Newsletter by There are 90 newsletters being printed and sent out by U.S. Postal Service. Please consider receiving your newsletter by . It will be a shorter response time as well as eliminating the cost of paper, printing and postage. If you are willing to make this change, please the church office (office@tugforklutheran.com) with your information and the change will be made immediately. Pastoral Needs: During our transition, if you need emergency pastoral assistance, please call our vacancy pastor Rev. Barry Riehle at or our council president Lou Sauser, Jr. at

6 6 Furniture in Preparation of Renovation Project ThyssenKrupp Elevator has made a donation of office furniture including a conference room table and chairs, several sets of office desks, chairs and filing cabinets. Most of the furniture is in place. Take the time to walk through the educational wing and the basement to see the new items. There is still some cleaning and straightening which needs completed to improve the appearance of our entire facility. The remainder of the office furniture is located in the basement with signage listing what is available. Please advise Karen Castle on items you may want. Donations are being accepted for the building fund for the surplus furniture. After 30 days, the surplus will be disposed. The clean-up is taking place in anticipation of construction of the wheelchair lift (elevator) and upstairs restroom. Bids for the renovation project are being secured. GIVING FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST, 2017 WEEK CURRENT EXPENSES DESIGNATED GIVING 8/6/2017 $ $ /13/2017 $ $ /20/2017 $ $ /27/2017 $ $ TOTAL $2, $1, Our monthly budget is $13, In addition to the donations toward current expenses of $2,796.00, each month a $5,500 withdrawal from our trust account as well as parsonage rental (for August $1,110.29) are applied toward budget expenses. The three totals combined for August, 2017 equals $9, Be sure to review the insert in the newsletter which helps in explaining how to mark your giving envelope to assure proper designation of your gifts. To the great people of St. John, Letter of Thanks from Pastor Phil Thank you for everything you did for my retirement celebration: The plaque, the book of memories, the clock, the cake, and the meal and worship service. Thank you most though for these past 16 years and all the life events you ve shared with me. You ve helped shape me as a pastor and person as we ve grown together. I pray God s richest blessing on you as you go forward into your future and please know you ll always be in my heart and prayers. Pastor Phil

7 7 which may give you further insight.

8 8 Newsletter Information If you have an article you would like to have in St. John Lutheran s newsletter, please prepare and forward it to the office address: office@tugforklutheran.com. Deadline for next publication is October 10, Cemetery Committee The Cemetery Committee has met recently and officers have been elected consisting of: President: Mike Castle Treasurer: Kimber Fender Vice President: D J Heiert Secretary: Amy Lange If you have any questions pertaining to the cemetery, please contact one of the above. A cemetery meeting is scheduled for October 3, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. St. Luke Lutheran Luther Rose Bazaar 4800 Alexandria Pike Cold Spring, KY CRAFTS, RAFFLE BASKETS LUNCH AVAILABLE FOR A SMALL PRICE AND EXCELLENT BAKE SALE TABLE Free Admission Saturday, October 14, :00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Spaces available, $30 inside and $15 outside. Call church for application. Larry David Fillhardt It is with our deepest sympathy that we report Larry David Fillhardt, age 62, of Melbourne, KY, passed away Friday, September 1, 2017 at the VA Hospital Cincinnati, OH. Dave proudly served in the United States Army, Special Forces and worked 30 years as a conductor for CSX Railroad. Dave has been a member of St. John for his entire life. Dave is survived by his wife, Jeanie Fillhardt (nee Fielders); three children, Davey (Amber) Fillhardt, Danny (Christie) Fillhardt and Amy Lambdin; his mother, Dolores Fillhardt; four siblings, Kathy (Daryl) Moore, Cherie (Ron) Black, Laurie (Tim) Flaherty and Kirt Fillhardt; four grandchildren, Daren, Sydney, Luke and Hunter. May his family find consolation in Christ s words of encouragement recorded in John 11, I am the resurrection and the life, whoever believes in me will have everlasting life.

9 9 ELCA DISASTER RELIEF HURRICANES: HARVEY AND IRMA "Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God." Isaiah 41:10 Photo Caption Donations may be made by writing Disaster Relief on your giving envelope in the third box. The funds will be forwarded to the ELCA along with our monthly designated gifts. This season has seen some of the worst hurricanes on record, and there may be more to come. From Texas to the Dominican Republic, Lutheran Disaster Response is there. As a church, we re standing by our neighbors who have already been affected, and we are ready to assist in additional locations as disaster strikes. The road to recovery is long, and Lutheran Disaster Response will be there to accompany those affected in every phase. Your gifts will be used entirely (100 percent) for direct response. Together, we can help provide immediate and long-lasting support for those whose homes have been devastated or who have been otherwise affected by hurricanes. Give now to support survivors of disasters. Article from: Lutheran Disaster Response <Lutheran.DisasterResponse@elca.org>

10 10 CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SCHMIDT FAMILY On August 30, 2017, it became official. The Schmidt family is excited to announce the adoption of Nevea Elizabeth Schmidt. Hollie, Brian, Evan and Nevea are seen here in the courtroom on adoption day. The adoption process was very lengthy but the rewards far exceed any difficulties that they faced. From left, Hollie, Nevea, Evan and Brian May God richly bless and keep you forever more Halloween Party It is that time of year when the children of all ages enjoy the time honored tradition of Halloween. On October 21, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. we will begin our party with the annual chili cook off in the Fellowship Hall. It will be followed by the costume judging as well as the Haunted Trail Walk. We will again try Trunk or Treating in the parking lot behind the church as the children are lead to the Haunted Trail Walk and the firepit for smores. Of course, this is dependent upon the weather. If the weather fails to cooperate, the candy distribution will be moved downstairs. Please see Kelly Leisring, Hollie Schmidt or Sarah Perkins if you would like to assist. Dress in your best costume and enjoy the evening. BREAD OF LIFE FOOD PANTRY The Food Pantry of St. John Lutheran Church is open on the second and fourth Monday of the month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. USDA commodities are provided to those meeting the government criteria. Donation needs vary, but they are always in need of laundry detergent, personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes) as well as paper products (toilet paper and paper towels). We are very fortunate to have the support of the entire community with donations and volunteers. All help is appreciated and welcome! MODERN LUTHERAN WOMEN Have you ever thought about joining the women s group at St. John Lutheran? Meetings are open to all women who would like to join. Meetings are held on the first Sunday of the month, after worship, at 11:15 a.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. The meetings consist of devotions, lessons and opportunities to serve, help other people and enjoy the fellowship of those with similar interests. Come to a meeting and see what it is all about! The Food

11 September 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat XIII Sunday after Pentecost 10 XIV Sunday after Pentecost 17 XV Sunday after Pentecost 24 XVI Sunday after Pentecost 11:15am Bake Sale 11:30am St. John 4 Labor Day 11 1:00pm-3:00pm Bread of Life Food Pantry :00am Young@Heart Seniors Luncheon 12 7:00pm Church Council :00pm-3:00pm Bread of Life Food Pantry :00 Church Council meeting with interim pastor

12 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 12 October 1 XVII Sunday after Pentecost 8 XVIII Sunday after Pentecost 15 XIX Sunday after Pentecost 22 XX Sunday after Pentecost 29 XXI Sunday after Pentecost 11:15am Modern Lutheran Women 11:15 Congregational Meeting 11:15am Bake Sale 12:00pm Herbst Tour Reformation Sunday Columbus Day 1:00pm-3:00pm Bread of Life Food Pantry 6:30 Cemetery Committee Meeting 7:30 Property Committee Meeting 10 7:00pm Church Council 4 11:00am Young@Heart Seniors Luncheon :00pm-3:00pm Bread of Life Food Pantry Halloween :30 Halloween Party 28

13 13 This information is being provided in order that those opening the envelopes on Sunday morning can be sure they understand your desired designations. If there are any other funds you wish to donate to, like disaster relief, write that information in the third box on the right. The abbreviation for DISASTER RE- LIEF is D.R. Thanks for your assistance.

14 Interim Pastor The council has been in contact with the ELCA Synod office requesting an interim pastor. This will give stability to our congregation until a permanent pastor is found. We have been provided with a name and we will be meeting with him on September 20, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Discussions will include our needs and wants and the availability of the pastor. We will keep you informed as this progresses. Support Each Other As we proceed forward, you may want to consider volunteering for readers, greeters, leaders or communion assistants. If you are able to help in any of these areas, there is a sign up sheet on a clipboard located on the administrative office desk. We have been short on volunteers and your service would be appreciated. Contact Us Give us a call for more information about our services. St. John Lutheran Church 5977 Lower Tug Fork Rd. Melbourne, KY office@tugforklutheran.com Visit us on the web at Member of ELCA, Indiana- Kentucky Synod Mission Statement: Empowered by the Spirit, we gather, grow and serve. ST. JOHN EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5977 Lower Tug Fork Road Melbourne, KY Website: tugforklutheran.com PLACE STAMP HERE