Bates embodied the spirit of thankfulness to God for all she had experienced and been given.

Transcription

1 West Lake Christian Church 936 Highway O Laurie, MO July 2017 Sharing the Light of Christ Volume 29 No 7 America the Beautiful Katharine Lee Bates ( ) wrote, edited and taught English in her native Massachusetts. Occasionally, she wrote hymns, too. On a trip to Colorado, Bates was greatly impressed by amber waves of grain, fruited plains and purple mountain majesties. She believed that God had definitely shed his grace all across this land. A visit to the summit of Pikes Peak inspired Bates to write her most famous poem-hymn, America the Beautiful. Bates also realized that patriotism was an important part of America. She was grateful for heroes who more than self their country loved and mercy more than life. She wanted all Americans to realize how God had shed his grace on them and had crowned what was good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. Bates embodied the spirit of thankfulness to God for all she had experienced and been given. We Thank You God For the many gifts that you give us. For giving us the men and women who have fought for our freedom. For being able to worship and give you honor and praise in our churches. Amen ON THE INSIDE OF THIS JUNE ISSUE 2 Kelly s Corner 2 From Your Moderator 3 Applying Bible Principles 3 CWF News 3 CWF Meeting 4 Prayer Needs 4 Laurie Care Center 4 Birthdays 4 Anniversaries 5 From the Church Mouse 5 Church Directory Changes and New Members 5 True Spirituality Class 6 Children s Corner 6 Bunco Party 6 You re Already Amazing- Women s Study 7 Supper & Soul 7 Fellowship Dinners 7 Pizza with the Pastor 7 Parish Nurse 8 Thank you s 8 Upcoming Community Events 8 Exercise 8 Crafters 9 Calendar 10 July Events 1

2 On either side of the baptistry of West Lake Christian Church stands a flag. One is the symbol of our great nation. It represents the ideals of this country set forth by our Founding Fathers in our Constitution and the sacrifices made to keep our Republic free. This month we celebrate our independence as a nation and the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States of America. So many have sacrificed so much to keep our country free and to make sure our flag flies high, so Independence Day is a time for celebration and thankfulness. But what about the other flag? You may not even be aware there is another flag. There is no special day for celebration. It doesn t get carried and waved in parades and I doubt there is very many of us who even own one. What flag you ask? It is the Christian flag placed opposite our national symbol to represent our freedom in Christ. The Christian flag is the only free flag in the world. It is different from every other flag, religious or secular, ancient or modern. It is uncontrolled, independent, and universal. Unlike all national flags and all denominational flags of various churches, it has no earthly bonds or allegiances. Christ and Christ alone is its Master. Without limitation, it exists for all the world's people regardless of sex, race, national boundary, economic condition, affluence, or poverty, politics, slavery or freedom. It cannot be restricted by any nation or denomination. This unique, universal quality makes it like the air we breathe, belonging to all and yet owned by none. For those who want it, wherever and whenever, it is freely theirs. The "Christian Flag" was conceived by Charles Overton, who in 1897 was superintendent of the Congregational Sunday School at Brighton Chapel, Coney Island, New York. On 26 September of that year, he gave a sermon musing about what kind of flag might represent the Christian faith, in the same way as the American flag represents the United States. Following on from that, he designed the emblem and formed a group (the Christian Flag Extension Society) to promote it. This included efforts to have the flag officially recognized by the US government and adopted in its military chaplaincies. According to Overton: It is truly symbolic. The ground, which is five-sixths of the whole, is white, the universal peace color, representing peace, purity, and innocence. In the upper corner is a blue square, the color of the unclouded sky, emblematic of heaven, the home of the Christian, also a symbol of faith and truth. In the center of the blue is the cross, the ensign and chosen symbol of Christianity. The cross is red, typical of Christ's blood. It stands for no creed or denomination, but for Christianity. So as we pledge allegiance to our nation s flag and celebrate our freedom as Americans, let us glance to the other flag, often unobserved and forgotten, and remember that true freedom is found only in Jesus Christ, is for all God s children and recognizes no borders or boundaries. Celebrate your freedoms today and every day. Blessings, Kelly From Your Moderator Carroll Rinker Nature has a way of letting us see the power of the universe. Can you imagine how much energy was in the atmosphere that pulled up or toppled so many large trees over Memorial Day Weekend? Yet with all of that this area did not suffer any loss of lives. Fortunately, our church did not suffer any damage of significance. Luckily, COMO had been trimming trees along the right of way. Otherwise, more interruptions might have occurred. Another force of nature was the number of volunteers who stepped up to cleanup tree limbs and branches that littered our campus following the storm. Thanks to all who pitched in. There is such a good feeling in the church as you come to each event that is held. Whether it is worship or Sunday school on Sunday or Wednesday, CWF or CMF meetings, Bible Study or crafts..people are smiling and talking to each other. Every gathering is a pleasure to attend. How do we share that positive feeling with the greater community? Have you had a chance to invite friends, neighbors, or strangers to visit our church? Kelly and the staff are working hard to make this a positive environment for all. Your job is to share this feeling with the greater community. What will you do for God s service? 2

3 Applying Bible Principles Christian Women s Fe owship In 1935, Dr. R. A. Forrest, president of Toccoa Falls College in Georgia, embarked on a trip to visit former students who were serving the Lord on the mission field. R. G. LeTourneau, a prominent Christian businessman, heard him speak in Omaha and was very encouraged by what he heard. The night before Dr. Forrest sailed to Japan, a letter arrived at his hotel containing a check from Mr. LeTourneau for $1,000. Mr. LeTourneau thought it would be nice if Dr. Forrest had some money in his pocket as he went around the world to give to folks in a tough spot. Dr. Forrest was elated and kept a detailed accounting of how he used that money to minister to people in need. When he returned to New York, he mailed the records to Mr. LeTourneau. A few days later, a reply came from Mr. LeTourneau that simply read, Come see me. When Dr. Forrest arrived at Mr. LeTourneau s office in Peoria, he found a man who was deeply moved by Dr. Forrest s record of changed lives. He said, If you can be trusted with $1,000 and make that kind of impact, you can be trusted with $10,000 and gave him a check in that amount. Dr. Forrest had received freely, and he gave freely (Matt. 10:8). He typified the kind of giving that God expects each of us to demonstrate as we respond to His good gifts by giving back to Him what was rightfully His in the first place. Charles Stanley wrote this: When God deals with us, it is always in abundant grace. He is lavish with His love and forgiveness. None of us can ever repay Christ for what He did for us at Calvary. He generously gave His life so we could enjoy eternal life. He went on to say, There are two kinds of people: givers and keepers....if you decide to be a keeper, you will miss God s richest blessings. But when you give yourself away, you will reap the goodness of God. That s because it is impossible to outgive God who has a unique accounting system. He never divides; He always multiplies. Will you trust Him today by giving generously to Him who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment (1 Tim. 6:17)? 3 CWF NEWS What a great job Sharon Hofer did of organizing the Treasures and Treats sale in June! It was highly successful due to the hard work of many volunteers both women and men who came out to set up the sale, manage the sale and clean up after the sale. A big thank you to all who contributed to the bake sale. Now comes our wonderful opportunity to allocate the proceeds from this event to worthy causes within the church and out in the community. We will make those decisions at our business meeting in July. If you know of a worthy cause, come to that meeting and share that information. The crafters are hard at work each Monday getting ready for our next big event on Labor Day weekend. Again, that will be an opportunity to donate baked goods. Remember that all women of the church are members of the Christian Women s Fellowship. We have a lot of fun, work together on worthy projects and get to know each other better through the sharing. Join us at our next meeting on July 11, at 1:00 PM for a business meeting only. Carroll Rinker, President Christian Symbol Sparrow JULY Business Meeting 1:00 p.m. Birds in general symbolize God s presence. Sparrows represent God s concern and care even for those thought insignificant. In Jesus words, Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father s care. So don t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows (Matthew 10:29, 31, NIV).

4 Cathy Aldermann Don Bell Helen Caldwell Kelly Caldwell Angela Flores Steve Forbes Jan Hoppe Mike Harris Anita Hohnecker Bob Huckriede Shirley Hunter Dona Johnson Roy Johnson Nancy Kunkel Jon Keck John Mann Holly Porter Gail & Pete Renick Judy Rockwell Marilyn Rothove Randy Shackelford Tim Stealey Todd Szilagyi Debbie Teal Charles Thrams Chris Turner Mark Woodson Bob Yates 1. Nancy Pate 2. Charles Wilson 2. Kelly Caldwell 6. Tony Smith 6. Roy Snitker 13..Shelby Conley 18..Jim Arnold 19..Walt Hicklin 24..Joe Proch 30...Richard and Lois Fenwick If your birthday or anniversary is not included, please notify the church office. we pray... Remember those at: Laurie Care Center & The Knolls Residents Helen Blackwell, Helen Caldwell, Maxine Ellis, Stanley Field, Freida Shackelford, The above people 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. A pilgrim s progress In A Million Steps, Kurt Koontz describes his month-long pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago ( Way of St. James ), a 490-mile route from southern France through northern Spain. Since the ninth century, millions have undertaken this challenging trek that the Apostle James walked. As Koontz hiked downhill one morning, he was awed by a gorgeous sunrise. The path was so steep, he writes, that I could descend a bit and relive the sunrise over and over. I took a gazillion photos and must have looked back at least 40 times. Yet the experience made Koontz realize that going forward is difficult when you are always looking backward. We can t dwell on the past so completely that our progress and growth are impeded. Jesus says, No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62, NRSV). As we walk the path of faith, may we give thanks for God s past gifts while focusing on Jesus, who leads us ever forward. 4

5 From the Church Mouse Church Directory Changes & Additions As promised, we will be featuring a bio of a new member or current member of West Lake Christian Church. Our July article is about Irene Toth, one or our newest members! Irene Toth lived in the Allentown, Pennsylvania area for 27 years. She and her late husband Frank were married in His love of fishing brought them to the lake in 2006 after he retired. He fished almost daily until his death in April Irene graduated from Rutgers University with a BS in pharmacy and works full-time at the Wal-Mart Pharmacy in Versailles. She has no children but keeps very busy with activities. Irene enjoys trying to play golf, reading,baking, trying new recipes, listening to music, doing counted cross stitch, going to Broadway shows, and spoiling Grunt, her French bulldog! She was baptized at St. John s Ukrainian Catholic Church, a Byzantine Catholic Church, in Newark, NJ and was fluent in Ukrainian at one time, but now it is a struggle. Irene hopes to take online classes and regain her knowledge with the plans of visiting the Ukraine in 2 or 3 years, with her brother. Welcome Irene - we are so glad to have you here! Thursday, July 13, 11 a.m. Copies of the monthly Board Minutes and Financials are always available in the church office. 5 CHANGES: NEW ADDRESS & PHONE: NIP MOHLER amber Vista Dr. Ellisville, MO Home Cell NEW ADDRESS: GREG & DONNA KISSELL NO Post office box anymore, please use: 186 Sunset Palms Dr. Unit 5K Camdenton, MO NEW PHONE NUMBER: TOM HAYWOOD NEW ROY & BETTY SNITKER snitkerroybetty@gmail.com Please make note of the above changes so you will always have the most current information. If you have a change in your phone, or mailing address, please call Jan at the office Thank you. True Spirituality or Becoming a Romans 12 Christian Experiencing God's grace, not earning His love through performance. God's Dream for Your Life Would you like to know what God s dream for your life is? "What does living like a Christian really mean? How to Give God What He Wants the Most What causes God s blessings to flow to you and me? What does God want from you the most? How to Get God's Best for Your Life Do you want to get God s best but don t know how? You want to do life differently, but you just can t seem to make it stick. How to Come to Grips with the Real You Who am I? Where do I belong? And what am I supposed to do? God has designed you and created you for a specific and unique purpose. How to Experience Authentic Community We long to be connected with others How to Overcome the Evil Aimed at You How do you love those who have hurt you? Jesus said we re to love our enemies - but how far do you take that? Topic covered on Sunday mornings at 9am Choir room Kent Elliott Why not join us?

6 V acation Bible School will be at the Shrine of St. Patrick during the week of July from 9 a.m. to Noon. Ages are for those entering kindergarten on up! Area churches join forces to make a wonderful experience to bring Christ to the children in our area. Children of all faiths are invited so tell your neighbors and grandchildren to not miss this event! This year s theme is Maker Fun Factory Created by God, built for a Purpose! Pre-register early at St. Patrick Catholic Church on Saturday, July 15 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Those who preregister early will receive their VBS T-shirt that night and tour the Maker Fun Factory Facility! Presented by: FISHING FOR WOMEN WEST LAKE CHRISTIAN CHURCH DATE: JULY 27 th, 2017 TIME: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register Now (Bring a Friend!!!)This is a free event but we must have a count on the number attending so call now for your ticket! V B S Coming Soon! SAVE THE DATE: Please save your paper towel roll tubes for Vacation Bible School! A monetary donation would also be helpful to purchase items that are needed to help defray costs. A donation tree is in the entryway with envelopes so you can place your gift. Any donation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for all your support. Presented by: Fishing for Women West Lake Christian Church August 24 to September 28 (6 week course) Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Registration starts soon 6

7 FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES Supper & Soul Services Come join us every Wednesday at 6:30 as we share a potluck meal and fellowship. Afterward we join our hearts and prayers at a casual Worship Service in the Loehr Center. Everyone is welcome! J uly Supper & Soul Servers: July 5: **Jo Herndon & Tony Smith, Joyce & Herb Keck, Nancy Caldwell. July 12: **Norma J. & Rick Pace, Mary Ellen Flinn, Pam & Chuck Folker, July 19: **Carroll Rinker, Charlie & Chris Turner, Gregg Kissell, Joe Proch. July 26: **Mike & Beckie Huckriede, Mike & Sue Thrams, Jack & Susan Chapman. SUMMER FELLOWSHIP DINNERS Our next Fellowship dinner will be Sunday, July 16 after the Sunday Worship Service. Remember to bring a dish or two of your favorite foods for the Fellowship Dinner! Sign up sheet on credenza for kitchen helpers. Upcoming: PIZZA WITH THE PASTOR Will be Sunday, August 13 after the 10:30 worship service. If you are a new member or visitor and want to find out more about what West Lake Christian Church is about and who we are as a church family, come join us on the following dates to share pizza with Pastor Kelly. This is a casual way to ask questions, meet other members and get a tour of the church. From Our Parish Nurse Betty Greenley June 2017 Summer Safety- Water- LRHS Parish Nurse Network Wellness Tip of the Month Water Safety Between the lake, pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs, we are exposed to lots of water every day and we need to keep ourselves and our kids safe. Safety Tips Lake/Beach Make sure there is adult supervision. Wear a life jacket when near the lake. Never swim alone. Wear foot protection- such as water shoes Watch out for obstacles in the water- such as rocks, broken glass, trash, or weeds. Watch for large waves or undertows. Get out of the water during bad weather, especially lightning. Watch alcohol consumption and assign or hire a designated driver when boating. Pool/Hot tubs 1. Do not allow children to use a hot tub- they may get overheated or drown more easily. 2. Place a fence around the pool and hot tub. 3. Do not allow children in the pool without adult supervision. 4. No running or pushing around the pool 5. No diving in undesignated areas. Bathtubs Make sure there is adult supervision. Put away all electrical appliances. Be aware of the temperature of the waterchildren may burn more easily as they have thinner skin. How to be prepared in case of emergency Take a cell phone with you with 911 keyed in. Learn CPR Have emergency flotation devices available. Have children wear flotation devices when near the lake/docks Remove all toys from the water at the end of the day. Resource: Lake Regional Health System 54 Hospital Drive Osage Beach, MO Becky Beck RN Parish Nurse Coordinator 7

8 U P C O M I N G ELKS BLOOD DRIVE; E V E N T S Laurie Elks are sponsoring another blood drive on July 27th 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Elk s Lodge - upstairs banquet hall Circulation Day - hosted by Unity Church in Sunrise Beach This is a day for the community since 2002 in our area where people share the items that they no longer need or plan to use with people who can use them. In other words, it keeps things in circulation. You are invited to come and share good useable household items that you may have. THIS IS NOT A SALE EVENT! It is a GIVING activity. If you want to participate by donating and/or working this event, join them on September 22 to set up from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and work the event on Saturday, September 23 from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday is the day open to the community for free for the taking! This will take place at the Training Center at the Sunrise Beach Fire Department on Highway 5. Contact Judy Kleuser at if you would like to help or have questions. Why Grandma gave: One Sunday as she was getting ready for church, a grandmother received a call from her daughter. Can you watch the kids while we re out of town next week? the daughter asked. Grandma was so thrilled she put an extra $5 into the offering plate that morning. The next Sunday, after her three young grandchildren had returned home, she put in an extra $20. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thank you letters were received from CADV and Food for Morgan County. They are always so grateful for our support. Thank you everyone! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ WLCC CRAFTERS! JOIN US for Exercise Class! If you would like to set up a Craft table at the Craft and Bake sale on Friday, September 1 and Saturday, September 2 with your own items, call to reserve your table for $5.00. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. There is no charge, so bring a friend and get your body moving! You can contact Diane Gilmore or the office for more information. 8

9 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday Schedule 9:00 A.M. ADULT STUDY UPSTAIRS CLASSROOM DOWNSTAIRS CHOIR ROOM 10:30 A.M. WORSHIP SERVICE 2 3 9:00 CRAFTS 9:30 PRAYER 4 Office Closed 5 5:00 PRAISE TEAM 6:30 SUPPER & SOUL 6 7 9:30 WATERCOLOR CFC FOOD DRIVE 9:00 CRAFTS 9:30 PRAYER CWF 1:00 Bus. Mtg. LYNCH/PETERSON OUTDOOR 4 P.M. 5:00 PRAISE TEAM 6:30 SUPPER & SOUL 11:00 BOARD MEETING LIBRARY 9:30 WATERCOLOR VBS pre-register at St. Patrick Church 6:00-7:30 p.m :30 Fellowship Dinner 9:00 CRAFTS 9:30 PRAYER p.m. Laurie Care Center Worship Service VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MONDAY - FRIDAY, 9 A.M. TO NOON ST. PATRICK CHURCH, LAURIE 9:00 CRAFTS 9:30 PRAYER 31 9:00 CRAFTS 9:30 PRAYER NO CHURCH GROWTH MTG. 5:00 PRAISE TEAM 6:30 SUPPER & SOUL :00 PRAISE TEAM 6:30 SUPPER & SOUL Newsletter Deadline! 27 Fold Newsletter 4:30 HAPPY HOUR SUPPORT GROUP 6:30 ELDERS MEETING 6:30-8:30* BUNCO PARTY All Women invited! 9:30 WATERCOLOR 28 9:30 WATERCOLOR 6:00 DOMINOES 29 9

10 CHURCH STAFF 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: Face book : Office Hours: Mon-Thu 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Ministry Team Kelly Caldwell, Pastor, Pastor@westlakechristianchurch.org Jan Martin, Church Secretary Westlakechristianchurch@gmail.com Marilyn Rothove, Financial Associate Marilyn@westlakechristianchurch.org Chris Turner, Music Coordinator Betty Greenley, Parish Nurse JULY Events Fourth of July July 4, Holiday - Office is closed Vacation Bible School July 15, 6-7:30 p.m. Early Registration Those registering early will see the decorated classrooms and sets. Receive your free t-shirt before Monday July 17-21, Vacation Bible School Week Fellowship Dinner July 16 - bring a potluck dish to share after 10:30 a.m. worship service. Bunco Party July 27-6:30-8:30 p.m. *Free* Laurie Care Center Worship Service July 30, 2 p.m. Come Worship with us at the Laurie Care Center as we bring Christ to those at the Knolls and the Laurie Care Center. 10 AUGUST Events Pizza with the Pastor August 13, after 10:30 Worship Service For Visitors and New Members of the congregation who want to find out more about what we do here at WLCC. Talk with Pastor Kelly and other members while enjoying pizza and a tour! Fellowship Dinner August 20 - after 10:30 a.m. worship service. bring a potluck dish to share Fishing for Women- August 24, 9 a.m.-10:45 a.m. You re Already Amazing, Embracing Who You Are, Becoming All God Created You to Be Six week study by Holly Gerth for all women, friends and neighbors Newsletter Deadline & Folding August 23 - noon deadline and August 30, 9 a.m. fold