From the Pastor June 2016

Transcription

1 A Newsletter for members of Trinity Lutheran Church to promote communication of information in the congregation From the Pastor June 2016 Dear Friends, The entirety of June, July and August can feel like a hot, sleepy afternoon when it seems pointless to do anything else except take a nap. Many people are away from Trinity during this time, traveling or returning up North. Our attendance is lower during these months. But, exciting things are still happening in church. Christ is still being made known in this place. Each weekend he continues to reveal himself to us in the proclamation of the Scriptures and in the Sacraments. Encountering his presence in these things helps us to recognize him everywhere else in the world. As our congregation begins to consider the future, we will want to listen attentively to the direction our Lord Jesus provides us through the Bible. One of the ways we will do this is through the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Adult Bible Class. During the month of June this class will be devoted to unpacking the Trinity Conversations that took place in March. Many of you have expressed interest in knowing what was heard in those conversations. During the Sunday Adult Bible Class we will attempt to draw out what those conversations might mean for the future of our congregation. Another opportunity will be available at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays beginning June 14. For the first minutes of this time will allow people to provide feedback on the sermon from the previous Sunday. The remaining minutes we will focus on the Bible Readings to be heard in church the upcoming weekend. Participants will have an opportunity to ask about things from those readings they do not understand or share how the sermon could help others better understand what the readings are saying. If there is enough interest, a similar opportunity will offered on Wednesday evenings (please sign-up on the sheet in the narthex). Finally, the Council has scheduled a feedback session for Saturday, June 18 at 3 p.m. This is another opportunity to hear the report from Trinity Conversations and comment upon the future direction of our congregation. A separate letter with more information about this will be forthcoming. I pray that those travelling during these months arrive safely at their destination and have a joyful homecoming. Likewise, it is my hope that this Summer will be a time of discernment and growth for all of us at Trinity. In Christ, Pastor David Rike Florida Bahamas Synod Assembly Daytona Beach June 10-12, 2016 Brian and Mary Mathews will attend as voting members representing Trinity Lutheran Church. SPECIAL BISHOP S OFFERINGS: The offerings received will be given for World Hunger and Luther Springs Mission Possible. A basket will be placed at the back of the church for the Bishop s offerings. Thank you for your generosity.

2 With Sincere Thanks and Gratitude Some of you have noticed the framed piece of artwork that recently appeared in the narthex of the church. Trudy Miller graciously purchased and framed this photographic copy of the painting above the altar in the town church in Weimar, Germany. The original painting was begun by Lucas Cranach (the Elder) and finished by his son in the 1550 s. In the center of the work is a depiction of Jesus, hanging on the cross. But, the significance of this event is made clear by a number of other biblical depictions (melding New and Old Testaments) painted in the background and foreground. In the upper right corner a number of tents can be seen. Among the tents are the Israelites who rebelled against the Lord. They have been bitten by poisonous serpents. In the midst of those people is a pole upon which Moses was commanded by God to place a bronze serpent; God promised that any who looked upon the bronze serpent would live (Numbers 21:4-9). This scene anticipates what would be proclaimed in the Gospel: Just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up so, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. (John 3:14-15) To the left of this and closer to the cross are some sheep and shepherds, receiving the announcement from the angel that Jesus was born. The banner carried by the angel reads, Glory to God in the highest. (Luke 2:14). Beneath these two scenes is a path. And, upon that path one sees Moses with two tablets, containing the Ten Commandments. While Moses is pointing to the Commandments one can see the function of the Law: it always accuses us of our sins. So, to the left of the cross is a visual depiction of what Paul proclaimed: just as sin came into the world through one man [Adam], and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned - so, one man s [Christ s] act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all. (Romans 5:12,18). The old sinner in each of us, symbolized here by Adam, is being chased into the fires of destruction by a skeleton (carrying a spear) and a monster (carrying a club). The skeleton represents death and the monster the devil. As the path winds around the left side of the cross into the foreground the eye is drawn to a large image of the risen Christ with the open grave behind him. He is trampling the very same death and the devil that were previously chasing the old sinner. At the bottom of the painting in front of the cross is a lamb, carrying a banner that reads, The Lamb of the God (John 1:29). To the right of the cross stand three figures. Closest to the cross is John the Baptist. He is pointing to the crucified Christ on the cross with his right hand and, at the same time, with his left hand he is pointing to the Lamb in order to make clear that Jesus is the Lamb of God. To the far right, Martin Luther is holding a Bible and pointing the verse printed there. In between these two the artist, Lucas Cranach, has depicted himself. More than that, the blood from the pierced side of Jesus is cleansing Cranach from his sin (see 1 John 1:7). The point is to show the teaching that we are justified or vindicated by what God has done for us through Jesus. Further, the painting embodies the idea that each of us proclaims the gospel through our daily work. John the Baptist was called by God to point the way to Christ Jesus. Martin Luther was called by God to study and proclaim the message of the Holy Scriptures. As an artist, Lucas Cranach who proclaimed Christ through his work. This image stands at the door of our church. As we enter it reminds us of the undeserved grace God has wonderfully given us through Christ Jesus. As we leave, it reminds us of our calling to praise and proclaim Christ by doing our daily work the best that we can.

3 Church Outreach Chisholm Elementary Receives Gifts From Trinity Lutheran Church, NSB (L-R) Larry Muchow, Linda Muchow, Gladys Bachman, Rev. David Rike of Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church, NSB with books donated to Chisholm Elementary School for a Summer Reading Program by Trinity s Women of the E.L.C.A. Gladys Bachman and Linda Muchow coordinated a book collection by the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church to coincide with the annual Daughters Luncheon held Mother s Day weekend at Trinity Lutheran Church of NSB. Along with the books, the ladies also donated handknitted caps for Chisholm students to wear in the winter months. (L-R) Larry Muchow and Rev. David Rike of Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church with School Counselor, Marla DeLoach Griffin as she receives a contribution to help send the Chisholm Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team to international competition in Iowa. (L- R) Larry Muchow and Rev. David Rike of Trinity Lutheran Evangelical Church with School Counselor, Marla DeLoach Griffin as she receives a contribution to help send the Chisholm Elementary Odyssey of the Mind team to international competition in Iowa. Thrivent Mission Workshop Activities (L-R) Betty Still, Gladys Bachman, Raeann Purcell, Linda Muchow, Sonya Etters, Mary Mathews and Cheryl Tucker were on hand to assembly Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief and Hygiene Kits for distribution to our local homeless population thru food pantries.

4 Cantor s Notes -- June Summer Choir will again sing for our summer worship services Saturday night and Sunday morning and YOU are invited to participate. Here is how it works: you may sing at the service time/day of your choice no previous choir experience is necessary; being able to carry a tune is desirable practice in the fellowship hall 40 minutes before the service (Saturdays at 4:20pm or Sundays at 8:50am); no midweek rehearsals during the summer music will be easy and quick to learn we will not wear choir robes during the service you may sit in the choir area or sit in the congregation and just come over to the choir area when we sing (usually at the time of the offering) you may sing every week, occasionally, just once, or whatever is best for you your musical leadership is greatly appreciated! + At the end of June I will be attending a conference of the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians (ALCM) at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Franklin, TN (Nashville area) at which the theme will be Soli Deo Gloria! Bach For Everyone. This will be an intensive two and a half day hands-on encounter with the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Rick Erickson, Director of the Bach Society Houston, will lead conference participants in preparing Cantata No. 4, Christ lag in Todesbanden, for a public Vespers service on Tuesday evening. Rehearsals will deal not only with musical issues, but also homiletical and translation issues. Two morning prayer services and a closing Eucharist will use Bach s music in a variety of very practical ways, and will be led by ELCA Bishop Julian Gordy. There will also be Bach Breaks, offering workshops on other topics, reading sessions of newly published music, and Bible studies. + A Hymn Festival honoring the spirit of the Summer Olympics will be held at Trinity on Sunday, July 31 at 3:30 pm. We will sing hymns from several countries participating in the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is a fun, free event, open to the public. Please help spread the word. Bring your friends and neighbors! Leaders for the event will be Cantor Brian, organ/piano; Tom Macklin, trumpet (Orlando Philharmonic); and Pastor Chuck Weinrich, narrator. + As you travel during the summer months, please bring back bulletins from the churches where you worship when you are away. It is always interesting to see what others are doing. Be sure to put your name on the bulletin so I know who it s from. Thank you! Cantate Domino! (Sing to the Lord!) Brian Larson Celebrating Birthdays in June 1 Lorraine Bauknecht 15 Kimberly Roe 19 John (JJ) Jacobson Veronica Hughes 16 Skip Barnes 20 Millie Hager 3 Dan Valenzisi Muriel Krawetzki 21 Wendy Rose 6 Les Haughwout 17 Linda Arbesman Beverly Swanson 8 Robert Schaff 18 Linda Avis 23 Jim O'Brien 10 Nancy Case Carolyn Ruggiero 27 Susan Placek 12 Brian Mathews 19 Else Abel 28 Barbara Kershaw 14 Don Erickson Dale Buzby 29 Laura Jones

5 Church News & Updates On behalf of the church council I would like to thank all those who participated in Trinity Conversations with a special thanks to Ed Pfeiffer, Pastor Janet Grill, Gretchen Marz, Bill Hinkle, Paula Bernbaum, Garnet Crowe and Linda Muchow. As we continue to go forward, thank you. Larry Muchow, Council President I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone at Trinity Lutheran Church for you loving support at the Memorial Service for our sister Lisa Smith. All the members who attended were so warm and welcoming. Our family felt surrounded by all your love. The music was beautiful and the choir did such a wonderful job. Special thanks to Pastor. It was a perfect message your gave and I am sure it touched many souls that days. With grateful heart, I keep your church and all the members in my prayers. Many blessings. Sincerely, Teresa Wagner The Property Committee has had 3 property clean-up days. We are pleased with the response and we certainly hope you are pleased with the results. My thanks to all those who have helped with this project. Gary Hopkins, Chuck McCain, Annette Sowder, Mary Mathews, Joe Kellermaier, Terry Roe, Al Shroth, thank you for the latest work day help! Our thought was to ask members or groups from the church to sponsor an island. If you wish to donate to help offset the cost for plants and mulch we would be so grateful. I have received some donations from choir members and purchased the plants and mulch for the southwest planter. Hopefully I will receive more to complete that island. Please let any Property Committee member know if your group may be interested in a sponsorship. Other projects completed include the lighting issue in the Sanctuary. Thanks to Brian Larson for working with our contractor on this issue. Our contactor is currently replacing the bad fascia boards and repairing any bad gutters. As funds are available we will continue with the pressure washing and painting of the exterior. The Committee will not engage in any major projects until the funds are available. Thank you, Gail Roe Bring a Friend Picnic on Wednesday, June 29 th, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Menu: Hamburg s, Hot Dogs, Potato and Macaroni Salad, Soda, and Ice Cream with multiple toppings. Tickets: To be sold June 18, 19, 25, 26 after services. $3 Adult $1 Children (under 12) Women of the ELCA News: The Daughter's Luncheon was awesome, with a Welcome and Blessing by President Raeann Purcell. A short meeting of WELCA was held in accordance with the By Laws of the organization. The Program by Mary Maier Circle ladies was comical and entertaining with tales of woe of their husbands, (in biblical days) as Mrs. Noah (Karen Beiersdorf), Mrs. Jonah (Else Abel), Mrs. Jacob (Pat Droz), Mrs. Joshua (Judy Driesbaugh), Mrs. Moses (Murace Bullock), and Narrator, Jan Syverson, Circle President. The Luncheon was outstanding by the Lydia Circle who served us homemade soup and salad, along with scrumptious desserts, and beverages. Barbara Kaufmann, pianist, accompanied all who sang, I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY (AND) LISTEN, GOD IS CALLING. It was a good time, enjoyed by many.

6 Church News & Updates TREASURER S REPORT 2016 GENERAL OFFERINGS BUDGETED EXPENSE ACTUAL EXPENSE Offering +/- DIFF from Actual Expense APR $23, $28, $26, $3, Y-T-D $113, $112, $105, $8, General Offerings: donations that are received for the General Fund. This does not include donations for specific items such as the Flower Fund, Memorials, Loan Repayment, etc. Budgeted Expense: how much we have budgeted to spend on an annual basis divided by 12 (months) Actual Expense: how much we actually spent during the month (this will vary depending upon when bills are paid) * MAY ESTIMATED GENERAL OFFERINGS = $29,500. This is about $1,250 over what is needed for our budgeted monthly expense and will help as we go into the slower summer months. Please note that there were 5 Sundays in the month of May. COMMENTS: Income and Expense: At the end of the first quarter, our General Fund Balance was $11, The shortfall that we experienced during the month of April leaves our General Fund Balance at $8, While the estimated income in May will help to increase the General Fund Balance to help us during the slower summer months. Thank you for your continuing generosity. Property Improvement Loan: We have started to pay off our $25,000 loan for the air conditioning repair and partial replacement and for the fire sprinkler system repair. Our payments are $475 per month and will continue for five years at an interest rate of 5.25%. The good news is that there is no penalty for paying off the loan early. If you re so inclined, please give toward paying off the loan as soon as possible. Even a dollar or two a week will help!!! Watch for a chart posted on the porch bulletin board that will show how well we are doing to paying off the loan! Property and Liability Insurance: We were able to secure property and liability insurance for $10,339. This is $4,615 lower than the cost last year and includes increased coverage as well as a more comprehensive liability insurance. Our intention is to finance the payments in order to assure adequate cash flow. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy summer!!!

7 June 2016 JUNE 4 & 5 JUNE 11 & 12 JUNE 18 & 19 JUNE 25 & 26 CONTACT LAY 5 PM TERRY ROE PAULA BERNBAUM MARY MATHEWS COLLEEN SUMNER MARY MATHEWS ASSISTING MINISTERS 9:30 AM DAVE FALLER JIM SWANSON GRACE KELLERMEIER BILL HINKLE LECTORS 5 PM 9:30 AM DAVE FASANELLO PAULA BERNBAUM KATE MINGLE COLLEEN SUMNER MARY MATHEWS GRACE KELLERMEIER JOE KELLERMEIER JOHN KING BILL HINKLE USHERS 5 PM 9:30 AM HOPE BAUMAN JACKIE KAUFMANN GORDON & VIVIAN HECK BETTY SROCK, SANDI WIRTH HOPE BAUMAN JACKIE KAUFMANN JOHN KING, BARBARA REILLY ANNETTE SOWDER HOPE BAUMAN JACKIE KAUFMANN LINDA AVIS, JOHN KING JIM STANLEY HOPE BAUMAN JACKIE KAUFMANN LINDA AVIS, BETTY SROCK KERRY & SANDI WIRTH HOPE BAUMAN SANDI WIRTH ALTAR GUILD 5 PM CRAIG & MERRY PARKER CRAIG & MERRY PARKER CRAIG & MERRY PARKER CRAIG & MERRY PARKER 9:30 AM BILL & EVELYN HINKLE BILL & EVELYN HINKLE BILL & EVELYN HINKLE BILL & EVELYN HINKLE BILL & EVELYN HINKLE FLOWERS LINDA MUCHOW GLADYS BACHMAN MARIE SMITH ANNA LYNN RADOFF MARTHA CIRCLE FLOWER DEDICATION FROM ANNETTE SOWDER IN MEMORY OF HER DAUGHTER CLOEY AND HER PARENTS FROM ED & SHARON PFEIFFER IN HONOR OF THEIR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FROM BILL & EVELYN HINKLE IN HONOR OF THEIR 52ND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY FROM CHUCK & CAROL WEINRICH IN HONOR OF THEIR 51ST WEDDING ANNIVERSARY ETERNAL CANDLE FROM JACK BRIGHT IN MEMORY OF KATHLEEN BRIGHT FROM JACK BRIGHT IN MEMORY OF KATHLEEN BRIGHT FROM JACK BRIGHT IN MEMORY OF KATHLEEN BRIGHT FROM JACK BRIGHT IN MEMORY OF KATHLEEN BRIGHT

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10 Council Larry Muchow President John King Vice President Jim Wells - Secretary Gary Hopkins Treasurer Grace Kellermeier Sandi Wirth Nancy Case Annette Sowder Mary Mathews Else Abel Ed Pfeiffer Administrative Information Office Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Mon-Fri) Office Phone: (386) Office trinitylutheran@cfl.rr.com Trinity Web Page: Florida-Bahamas Synod Web Page: ELCA Web Page: Summer Worship Services Saturday at 5 pm Sunday at 9:30 am Pastor Rev. David A. B. Rike Cantor: Brian Larson Office Administrator Phyllis D Alessio Custodian Laura Jones Missionary Rev. Kevin Jacobson Editorial Policy - In order to maintain consistency and unity of church policy and to conform to layout requirements, the pastor, editor, and office staff reserve the right to edit for space and content all material for the Beacon, the Annual Congregational Report, and other official publications of Trinity. (Adopted ) Trinity Lutheran Church 485 Turnbull Bay Road New Smyrna Beach, FL June 2016 The Mission of Trinity Lutheran Church is to make Christ known to our neighbors and the world through word and deed.