West Lake. Christian Church. 936 Highway O Laurie, MO Elders Plan A Souper Sunday!

Transcription

1 West Lake Christian Church 936 Highway O Laurie, MO February 2016 Sharing the Light of Christ Volume 28, No. 2 Elders Plan A Souper Sunday! In this Issue: Page 2 Kelly s Corner White Elephant Auction Page 3 CWF News Directory Password New Board Meeting Day Lenten Devotionals Page 4 Applying Bible Principles In Need of Prayer Page Officers/Committees Page 6 Excellence in Evangelism Page 7 Supper & Soul Parish Nurse Page 8 A Note of Thanks Birthdays & Anniversaries Directory Changes Page 9 February Calendar Page 10 Valentine This Super Bowl Sunday, February 7, our Elders are asking the congregation to bring cans of soup with a dollar bill (or higher) wrapped around it with a rubber band. Souper Bowl of Caring is a national event to turn our nation s biggest weekend of football into its largest weekend of giving. The soup and money will all be donated to the Community For Christ food pantry in Sunrise Beach. Let s all help make this a Super, Souper Bowl of Caring! Although Lent starts early this year, before spring appears in many areas, it s an appropriate time for spring cleaning. Indeed, Lent comes from old German and English words for spring. So, while it might be too soon to open windows or hang clothes on the line, now is the ideal time for some spiritual spring cleaning. Lent calls us to examine our beliefs, confess and dispose of old grudges and selfish habits, dust off our Bibles for a new routine of study and prayer, air out our hearts and brighten up our attitudes. Lent cleaning lets the Holy spirit freshen our faith - and it s never too early for that. Many of us have trouble with the concept of sin. It is difficult to accept that even when we are trying to be good; there are areas of our life that remain against God s ideal for us. We may still harbor lusts, or tell lies, or make hurtful comments to others. As hard as it is to accept our failures, it may be even harder to confess them, even privately in prayer to God. However, that is what God asks us to do: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) The season of Lent begins with our Ash Wednesday Service on February 10 at 6:30 p.m. Bring your family, invite a friend, and come experience a unique service on confession and forgiveness.

2 We have entered an election year, as one enters the midst of a violent thunderstorm. It is difficult to avoid, often overwhelming, and the potential damage is impossible to predict Political contests are great revealers of men's souls. Labels become hysterically important in defining one's political views and perceived benefit or damage to the future of the nation, extending so far as to paint a person as good or evil. The two prominent political labels are Liberal and Conservative. No matter one's party affiliation, core beliefs tend to distill into one or the other category. Conservatives are generally cautious of change, preferring to stand by proven traditions. Liberals sometimes are less cautious, and more generous with new ideas. I hate to disappoint readers who think I am going to endorse one faction over another; that is not my purpose. However, I will maintain that "Liberal is good"--but not in the political sense of "liberal-ism." It is "liberal-ity," the character trait of "generosity," of which I speak. The bible calls us to be liberal with our resources, just as God is liberal with His resources. In the midst of verses contrasting the generous and stingy man, Proverbs says, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." (11:25). Becoming "fat" may be against the doctor's orders, but the idea is that a generous person need not see philanthropy as a losing proposition. Jesus taught, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you" (Luke 6:38). It may not mean Corvettes and Jaguars, but the rewards are great. Paul's words echo that sentiment: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously" (2 Corinthians 9:6). Times were bad for the early church. Due to persecution and oppression, most Christians had little to live on. Yet, when there was a need, they dug deeply into their handbags and hearts: "In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity" (2 Corinthians 8:2). Page 2 God doesn't hold back or hold us in contempt when supplying us with anything we need; therefore, we should have the same attitude when meeting the needs of others. When it comes to sharing what little or much God has generously given us, "Liberal is good." Love in Jesus Kelly Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. (Ruth 1:16) In a world where communities are being displaced by the catastrophes of war, famine and natural disasters, the Church is called to reclaim the spiritual disciple of solidarity. Ruth s promise to Naomi defines what solidarity entails. Week of Compassion (WOC) is the relief, refugee, and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). For seven decades WOC has been responding to people in need. Each year we have the opportunity to respond to this need as well. On Sunday, February 21, following the worship service, we will have our monthly Fellowship Dinner followed by a White Elephant Auction. We need you to bring in wrapped White Elephant gifts which will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Week of Compassion. If you are unable to stay for the auction, special offering envelopes for WOC will be available in your bulletin on that Sunday. Please remember to bring a dish or two filled with your favorite foods for the Fellowship Dinner, then stay and bid for a good cause!

3 Christian Women s Fe owship The frosty snowmen, shared by Sandy Schaefer at our January meeting, were quite appropriate for this frosty time of year. The place settings added to the snowman theme. It was great to see some new faces at the meeting. We are looking forward to seeing many new faces as the year continues. New officers for 2016 were elected. President: Carroll Rinker Vice President: Beckie Huckriede Secretary: Sandy Schaefer Treasurer: Mary Ellen Flinn Diane Gilmore and Mary Ellen Flinn have graciously agreed to head up the craft group. We will miss Doris Yates and Pat Roberts who did such a wonderful job with the crafts and the yard sale. Our prayers are with Doris as she fights to recover from her illness. We also want to thank Mary Cline for taking on the treasurer s job while Doris has been in Kansas City. We made plans for the upcoming year. A date for the Mother-Daughter Luncheon was established for April 23. The theme will revolve around farm wives as we have a humorous speaker for that event. Be sure to put that date on your calendar. No firm dates were set for the yard sale or the craft sale. The women decided to help in the purchase of a water softener for the church. We would also like to explore methods to deaden the sounds coming from the kitchen during gatherings. We will continue to support many good causes both within and outside our church. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 9 at 11:30 a.m. The hostesses will be Diane Gilmore and Gail Renick. All women of the church are members and are encouraged to be a part of this active group. See you there. Carroll Rinker, President CWF News Please join us in congratulating Joy Baze for being voted Laurie- Sunrise Beach Rotary Volunteer of the Year! To provide security from our website as you access the Instant Church Directory, you will need a password which you will find in the Communications mailbox in the office. DAY & TIME CHANGE At the January meeting, the Board voted to change the monthly meeting time to 10:00 a.m. on the 2nd Thursday of each month. Our next Board meeting will be on February 11, On the credenza in the entryway are a variety of devotional books for Lent. Lent will begin with our Ash Wednesday Service on February 10. Be sure to choose a book for your Lenten devotions. Teddy Bear Ministry is coming soon! Page 3

4 Applying Bible Principles A wise person once observed, Half of any task is having the right tool, and the other half is knowing what to do with it. Although we don t often consider it as such, money is a tool which God uses in our lives as a means of spiritual growth. You see, money is not an end in and of itself. It is a means to an end. And in God s hands, one of its primary ends is to instruct us and to help us grow spiritually. God especially wants us to avoid our natural tendency which is a bent toward selfishness, greed, and hoarding. That s why the Lord Jesus said, Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions (Luke 12:15). Well, if an individual s life does not consist in having a lot of possessions, in what does it consist? Jesus provided an insightful answer to that question in Matthew 6:20-21, where He said,... store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Now, according to Jesus teaching in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25), there is nothing wrong with saving. There is nothing wrong with investing or earning interest on investments. There is nothing wrong with being a wise steward by planning for the future. In fact, Jesus taught that those who do so are to be commended. But our primary emphasis as God s children is to make our investments in the Bank of Heaven. When we do that, our investments are secure. They are not affected by inflation, by theft, by wear and tear, or anything of the kind. There is only one way to make deposits in this special bank : By giving to the Lord s work. Although the money is used here, it is credited to your eternal account. Each time you give your tithes and offerings at West Lake Christian Church, you are giving to the Lord by investing for eternity. You are storing up treasures in heaven that will glorify God forever. The following names have been in need of our prayers. Please call the church office if you would like a name on the prayer list. Names will be taken off the list after one month, but you are always welcome to request that the name be added again. Cheryl Alderson Kathryn Casteel Dan Evers - Joe & Peggy Proch s son Courtney Field Jean Garber Carolyn Gibson - concern from the Hanrahans Arnold Hancock Dick Haxel Maddox Hoskins - Gerri Beard s great-grandson Maggie Houdek Mike Jones - friend of the Hofers Mel & Jane McKeown Frank Mercer - Shawna McBrien s brother Stg. Gary Ogle - Diana Hediger s son Rick Pace Susan Thrams Aiden & Amanda Williams Mick Williams Doris Yates The Knolls & Laurie Care Center Helen Blackwell Maxine Ellis Stanley Field Lorene Wilcox Page 4

5 West Lake Christian Church 2016 Officers and Committee Members OFFICERS MODERATOR Kent Elliott VICE-MODERATOR Carroll Rinker BOARD SECRETARY Sharon King TREASURER Charlie Turner FINANCIAL ASSOCIATE Marilyn Rothove DIACONATES Ed & Nancy Milburn, Co-Chairs Bobbie Aubuchon Joy Baze Mary Cline Kent Elliott Mary Ellen Flinn Diane Gilmore John & Lisa Harris James Harrod Mike & Beckie Huckriede Norma Johnson & Rick Pace Greg & Donna Kissell Ed Mock Joe & Peggy Proch Norm Richardson Ron & Marilyn Rothove Randy & Karen Shackelford Betty Snitker Charlie & Chris Turner Sue Wentz Kathie Williams ELDERS Cindy Hoch, Chair Jim Arnold Gerri Beard Jack & Susan Chapman Carol Easter Kent & Mary Elliott Herb & Joyce Keck Peggy Lippitt Carrol Lowrance Mel McKeown Nip Mohler Carroll Rinker Mike & Susan Thrams Church Secretary Sandy White Custodian Scott Huckriede Parrish Nurse Betty Greenley Christian Men s Fellowship Greg Kissell Christian Women s Fellowship Carroll Rinker, President Page 5 COMMITTEES BUILDING & GROUNDS Nip Mohler, Chair Richard Greve Gil Hoch Norm Richardson Ron Rothove Bruce Schaefer CHURCH GROWTH Norma Johnson, Chair Jim Arnold Kathryn Casteel Susan Chapman Pam Cummins Kent Elliott Rich & Lois Fenwick Suzie Gazaway James Harrod Mel McKeown Bobbie Miles Ed Mock Rick Pace ` Marilyn Rothove COMMUNICATIONS Mary Elliott, Chair Susan Chapman John & Lisa Harris Cindy Hoch Ed Mock Coleen Modglin Carroll Rinker EDUCATION Carrol Lowrance, Chair STEWARDSHIP Joe Proch, Chair Kent Elliott Ed Mock WORSHIP Chris Turner, Chair Jack Chapman Nancy Clark Cindy Hoch Diane Gilmore Dona Johnson, Music Coordinator Sharon King Nancy Milburn Diane Miles Karen Storm

6 Page 6 W E E X C E L I N E VA N G E L I S M

7 Our casual Wednesday evening worship services will start up again on February 17 at 6:30 p.m. in Loehr Center. Come join us! From Our Parish Nurse Betty Greenley Visiting the Doctor LRHS Parish Nurse Network Wellness Tip of the Month Many people visit their doctor and then return home not knowing what the doctor recommends or why they may be on medications. Here are some suggestions for making that visit more successful Before your visit 1. Think about and write down the reason for your visit. 2. Write down any symptoms you are experiencing now or in the recent past. 3. When did they start? 4. Do you see any connection between these symptoms and any food, medications or exercise? 5. Write down any questions you might have. 6. Have a current list of any medications including over the counter medications and supplements. 7. Have your ID and insurance cards with you. 8. If you need support physically or emotionally, ask someone to go with you. 9. Make arrangements for transportation. During your visit 1. Present your list of symptoms and questions to the doctor. 2. Ask for further explanations if you don t understand the directions. Page 7 3. Ask for written materials if it will help you understand better. 4. Ask for all treatment options that are available. 5. Ask for resources that would help you make lifestyle changes. 6. If tests are ordered, ask for explanations about the tests. 7. Ask for information about any new medication. 8. What is it for? 9. How long before I will be able to tell if it is working for me? 10. What side effects could I see? 11. Does it come in generic form? If not, how much will it cost? 11. Is there an alternative if the medicine is too expensive? 12. When should I return for an appointment? After your visit 1. Do you have any questions about the instructions? 2. Monitor your symptoms to see if things have improved. 3. Call the doctor s office if necessary to clear up any questions. 4. Call the doctor before you stop taking any medicine.

8 A NOTE OF THANKS December 30, 2015 To all our West Lake Christian Church friends, We wish to thank each and every one of you for all of the beautiful cards, prayers and calls. What a blessing they have been. They have sustained me through this rough time in my life. Please continue praying for me as I don t know what lies in the future. All I can say is you are the greatest bunch of people around. And Kelly, that CD with the cute group of singers put a warmth in my stomach and a tear in my eyes. It was a blessing to us and great job! God bless you all! Doris and Bob Yates Dear Friends at West Lake Christian Church, Thank you for helping me with the Salvation Army Bell Ringing. It was the best year for weather, volunteers and donations! Total amount collected from G2M alone was $8,848.14! Wow. God bless you all. Hugs! Nancy Pate Bell Ringer I want to thank Pastor Kelly and our church family for all the prayers, cards and calls for my knee surgery. I am doing very well and miss all of you. I am so blessed to be part of a loving church and church family. With much love and thanks, Susan Thrams We hope all is going well with all in the congregation. Jan and I are keeping very busy. We miss you all. Your brother and sister in Christ, Keith and Jan Robinson Letters of appreciation for our monthly donations were received by the following organizations: Feeding America (Invest an Acre) Habitat for Humanity (Lake of the Ozarks) Medical Missions For Christ Clinic LAMB House Citizens Against Domestic Violence (CADV) 1. Verna Flieger 1. Kay Kastner 3. Judy McGinnis 3. Jan Robinson 4. Joyce Keck 8. Bill Rosche 10. Rick Pace 11. Kent Elliott 13. Bob Lindsey 15. Sheri Blackwell 17. Peggy Proch 20. Sheryl Sandhaus 3 Walt & Lynn Hicklin 16 Larry & Mary Jepsen If your birthday or anniversary is not included, please notify the church office. Copies of the monthly Board Minutes and Financials are always available in the church office. Church Directory Changes New Address: John & Lisa Harris Blue Anchor Dr. #154 Gravois Mills, MO New Phone: Kathie Williams Add remove Please be sure to make these additions in your directory so that you will always have the most current information. Page 8

9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Worship Worship Fellow Fellow ship ship Service Service Sunday Mornings 9:00 Small Group Study 9:30 Parables, Children 10:30 Sanctuary Worship 9:30 Prayer Team 7:00 NA :30 Prayer Team 11:30 CWF 9:30 Newcomers Bd. 10:00 Board Meeting 6:30 Service 7:00 NA Community For Christ Food Drive 9:30 Prayer Team Noon Newsletter Deadline 4:00 Church Growth 5:00 Praise Team CMF 6:30 Supper & Soul 7:00 NA :45 Fellowship Dinner & White Elephant Auction 9:30 Prayer Team 9:00 Newsletter Folding 5:00 Praise Team 6:30 Supper & Soul 6:00 Elders 7:00 NA :30 Prayer Team Page 9

10 West Lake Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) 936 Hwy. O Laurie, MO (573) Address Service Requested Presorted Standard Non-Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Permit No. 14 Website: Phone: Fax: Office Hours: Mon-Thu 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ministry Team Kelly Caldwell, Pastor Pastor@westlakechristianchurch.org Sandy White, Church Secretary Westlakechristianchurch@gmail.com Marilyn Rothove, Financial Associate Marilyn@westlakechristianchurch.org Dona Johnson, Music Coordinator Betty Greenley, Parish Nurse On Valentine s Day, we remember that God is the source of all love in the world. His perfect love for us has made all human love possible. Page 10