REFLECTIONS Lutheran Church of the Resurrection 525 Minutemen Causeway, Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Phone: (321) 783-0852 email: office@lcorcb.org Website: www.lcorcb.org Follow us on Facebook January 2017 OUR MISSION To welcome and lead all to Christ
Dear Friends in Christ, It s hard to believe that by the time you read this we will be putting the final touches on 2016! This has been a wonderful year at Resurrection. We ve made new friends, started new ministries, and renovated our kitchen. Our Christmas party was the best attended in our history and all four services were well represented. So what should our focus be in 2017? Did you realize that the New Year will bring the 500th anniversary of the Reformation? And that begs the question: what does it mean to be a Lutheran today? Throughout the year we will be examining our heritage and identity. We will begin with a sermon series (starting January 8 th ) on the similarities and differences between ourselves and other Christian churches in Cocoa Beach. You will discover that we have a unique perspective on the faith. We will examine, together, the history of local denominations as we strengthen our own sense of identity. Then, during Lent, we will study the Small Catechism together in groups and in worship. These teachings (a summary of the core of our beliefs) are not just for church knowledge but can lead to stronger faith and witness in everyday life. Thank you for all you ve done to make Resurrection a vibrant and impactful Christian congregation. We have made a real difference in Cocoa Beach and we have worshipped the Lord!! Resolve to be more involved than ever in 2017. I will. Peace, Pastor Jay
Council Members Alfred Domschke, President Libby VanZino, Vice-President Michael Miller, Secretary Jenn Billingham, Fellowship Property, Mitch Wilson (Buildings) Ben Troemel (Grounds) Libby VanZino (Administration) Jim Stark, Stewardship Marilyn Sorenson, Social Ministry Marcia Wilson, Evangelism Carole Glynn, Christian Education Debbie Rescott, Treasurer (Advisor) Michelle Davis, Financial Sec. (Advisor) Angelika Domschke, Worship The Church Council meeting was held on December 13th and here are some highlights of discussions and decisions. The meeting opened with a story and prayer presented by Pastor Jay. The minutes of the last meeting were reviewed and approved. The agenda was set. -Financial report no report. -Treasurer s report (available on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall) -Evangelism Committee no report. -Worship Committee plans and decorations for Christmas well underway. It was decided to have only one regular weekend worship service on the two holiday weekends: 10:00am on Sunday the 25 th, and Sunday the 1 st. The service on Christmas Day will be Lessons and Carols. A sermon series, to begin January 8 th, will be on Lutheran identity as compared with other local Christians. -Fellowship Committee over 90 people attended the annual Christmas party. There were many positive comments about the new kitchen. Thanks to all who helped make the evening so special. The backsplash will be installed in the kitchen. Fellowship time will not be held on December 25 th or January 1 st. -Social Ministry The Card Ministry held a very nice holiday card party. It s wonderful to have Su Wilson back as the leader of Laundry Day. Thanks to Tim Timothy for picking up 600 pounds of donated food from the Cocoa Beach Health and Fitness. We also received food from the Turkey Trot and funds from the 18 Holers Golf Club. Numerous Thanksgiving gift baskets were given out, and we are averaging 20 to 25 people at the food pantry each week. One man, as a result of this fellowship, has been drug free for four weeks! The annual Friends Christmas party will be held on December 18 th from 2:00 to 4:00pm. The pantry will be closed on the 24 th and 31 st. -Christian Education During the month of November no children attended the 11:00 Children s Church. The teachers were well prepared and dedicated but we are having trouble getting the kids to the classes. This program will be reevaluated in the New Year. The J-Walkers youth group has had numerous activities this fall. A children s Christmas play will be offered at the 7:00 Christmas Eve service. -Property Committee- Reports were received from the grounds crew and buildings. There are many projects on the calendar for the New Year. Old Business - Kitchen remodel report done, except for the backsplash and punch list. A metal prep table is being donated. - Roof repair sanctuary has been completed. Two more bids will be sought on the flat roof. - Pew repair nine pews water damaged in the back of the church. The estimate to repair them is around $5,000. Bids will be sought to see if a carpenter can do it less expensively. Continue on next page
Continued from previous page New Business - Thank you to all council members and officers ending their terms. Thanks to Marcia Wilson (evangelism) and to Alfred Domschke (president) and Libby VanZino (vice president). - Election of officers and appointment of committee positions. President, Dr. Michael Miller; Vice President, Jim Stark; Secretary, Ann Fosburr. New positions: Bill Bond, Budget and Finance; Libby VanZino, Evangelism. - Audit committee has begun its work. - A report was received from the Youth Activity Coordinator. -Pastor s 2017 housing allowance was set. The next LCR Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. January Birthdays 1/1 Daniel Lambrides 1/2 Michael Hall 1/3 Caryl Grzyll 1/4 Sandy Morgan Red Redd 1/5 Ruth Greer 1/7 Barbara Rathbun 1/9 Michelle Davis 1/16 Rory O Connor 1/17 Bill Fish Ann Fosburr Pastor John Lynch Logan Noegel 1/18 Don Hamann 1/19 Pat Wells 1/20 Jean Freeman 1/25 Richmond Oldford 1/28 John Roberts 1/29 Olivia Fosburr 1/31 Jane Lambrides Any birthdates or anniversaries that were missed this year please contact the church office to provide us your special dates. January Anniversaries 1/1 Linda & Gary Johnson 1/3 Isabel & Dave Laramie 1//4 Karen & Herbert Snyder 1/7 Carole & Patrick Glynn 1/10 Mary & Bill Bond 1/16 Debbie & Russell Bensen 1/22 Kara & Pat Wells 1/25 Ruth & Richard Rakoff
Come join the Saturday lawn crew. We go from 8:00-10:00 a.m. and provide the donuts and coffee. Hope to see you Saturday mornings. Please sign up to give two hours a month to the lawn crew. Signup when you come to worship. Open Invitation to Join Our Prayer Chain: The Prayer Chain is an excellent way for you to serve those in need, by praying for them. The duty of a Prayer Chain member is simply to converse with God on behalf of the person the prayer is requested for, and pass on the request to the next person on your Prayer Chain List. If interested please call Marge Hinds through the church office. Healing prayers with the laying on of hands and anointing is held immediately following 8:30 Traditional worship on the third Sunday of each month. Book Club will be held on Monday, January 9th at 12:00 noon. January s book will be Country by Danielle Steel. Please bring a sandwich and drink yourself. Eat, Pray, Love! Women s Fellowship Group will be starting a new book in January. "Fearless", by Max Lucado. Please join us starting January 12th in the Ministry Center. Coffee at 9:15 discussion starts at 9:30. The book is available on Amazon and other online book retailers. Please plan on joining us! If you have any questions please contact the church office or email LibbyVanZino at 3eatpraylove@gmail.com. Pantry Garden: Looking for an opportunity to give back to your community? Want a chance to enrich not only your life but your neighbor s? Are you a student needing to fulfill your community hours? The LCR Pantry Garden is growing a fresh new crop of vegetables for our friends! It's rewarding to know a little of your time can help provide fresh produce to families who do not have access to an adequate food supply. Contact the church office or come on out Saturday mornings before 9am. Adult Bible Study: Pastor John Lynch will resume his series on the Book of Revelation on January 8th at 10:00 a.m. in the conference Center. Ladies Breakfast Fellowship. On Thursday, January 5th, we will be meeting at Victoria s Family Restaurant at 9:00 am The address is 370 N. Courtenay Pkwy., Merritt Island. This is a time for us to connect with our fellow women of LCR and to enjoy breakfast and time with one another. New members and friends are always welcome! ladiesbreakfastfellowship@gmail.com. Hit & Giggle Golf Group: We are looking for older golfers who just don t want the stress of playing 18 holes any longer. We also don t like getting up early. So we have a group of older ladies who would like to come and join us to play just 9 holes and have lunch with no stress. Some days we don t even keep score. We just want to get some exercise on the golf course. We call our group HIT AND GIGGLE. We have a few openings so if you would like to join our little group please give me or the church office a call. Diane Vitz New Members will be received into the congregation in late January. If you are interested in joining our congregation, please speak with the pastor. We would be honored to welcome you into our church family!
JANUARY MINISTRY CENTER EVENTS Compassionate Friends Tuesday, January 3rd A Special Occasion Music-Music Lessons Afternoons-By Appointment Greeting Card Ministry Resume in February Contact: Church Office 6:00 p.m. Contact: Joe & Lynn Gray-321.544.4062 Contact: Molly Andrews or Church Office Prayer Shawl Ministry -Rm #3 Monday, January 9th Contact: Lynn Gray or Church Office 2:30-4:30 p.m. Women s Bible Study Monday, January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 31st Book Club Monday, January 9th J-Walkers Youth Group Sunday, January 8th (6:00 to 7:00 p.m.) Youth Back to School Meeting Contact: Church Office 9:30 a.m. Contact: Julie Palm 12:00 noon EFSC Lab School Tuesday, January 10th & 24th Conference Center 6:00 p.m. Tiger & Cub Scouts Locations: Ministry Center-Rm #3 Wednesday, January 11th & 25th Contact: Church Office Thursday, January 12th & 26th 6:00 p.m. Eat, Pray, Love Women s Fellowship Group Thursday, January 12th, 19th, 26st Contact: Libby VanZino 9:30 a.m. RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH - 321.783.0852 lcorcb.org
SOCIAL MINISTRIES AT LCR Food Pantry: The featured items for the Food Pantry are listed below: (Please bring them to the shopping cart in the Sanctuary or basket in the Fellowship Hall) 1/1/- Spam 1/8 - Soup 1/15 - Peanut Butter 1/22 - Jelly 1/29 - Vegetables We will also need toothbrushes, deodorant and toothpaste. Thank you for your gifts and would love to boost this month s donation. We are in need of sunscreen and bug spray. Please give from the heart. PANTRY HOURS: The first 4 Saturdays of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Bike Ministry: 2nd and 3rd Saturday of every m onth. 10:00-12:00 noon. LCR does not accept clothing donations: If you have clothing donations we suggest Cocoa Beach Community Church Thrift Shop. Have an overflowing piggy bank at home?? Share your coins with the Laundry Ministry at LCR. Each month we give the gift of clean clothes to our homeless friends and pantry clients at a local laundromat. Your coins bring smiles to many faces! We never realized that the homeless see their clothing as disposable, but it makes sense. Imagine wearing the same clothes in this heat for weeks at a time! Such clothes get to the point where they are unwearable. Now, the homeless and those in economic distress have a chance to wash and renew that clothing. One less shirt in a landfill, and good stewardship of God s gifts! The giving of loose change to the laundry buckets in the church narthex and fellowship hall has fallen off over the summer time to raid the piggy bank! NEEDED: The Bike Ministry are in need of new and used bikes in any condition. We can pick up your donated bike or you may drop it off. We repair them and give them to those in need in the community. LCR is doing GREAT things! Thank you for your financial support now, but have you thought about leaving a legacy after you leave this world? Contact your financial consultant or church office for ideas. Thank you!
JANUARY J-WALKER S NEWS! Sunday, January 8, 2017 (6:00 to 7:00 p.m.) Youth back to school meeting Parents and youth! Please join Pastor Jay and I on Sunday, January 8th at 6:00 p.m. in the ministry center to discuss your schedules and hopes for our youth group in 2017! We need your presence, input, and schedules of you and your kids. Please bring your ideas and calendars. We are here for you and your families and want to be accommodating to your schedules and desires, so plan on attending! We will have light refreshments and a game area for our youth while we discuss. For your information: J-Walkers Instagram: www.instagram.com/lcryouth Thank you to all who made a pledge toward the proposed fellowship hall expansion. Unfortunately, the total pledged by the end of the year was not enough to go forward with the project at this time. Just under $30,000 was pledged toward a project estimated to cost $500,000. However, now that we have a beautiful new kitchen, it has been suggested that we replace the flooring in the existing hall. As soon as we get a few estimates we will contact all who pledged to see if they would help support replacing the flooring. We would need to cover the total cost of the flooring as the council has decided not to add to the existing church debt. Also, on the 2017 pledge cards that were recently distributed there was the opportunity to pledge to the Building Fund. This was not a pledge toward the fellowship hall expansion, but ongoing service of our debt. Although the mortgage was added to the operating budget of the church last year, any help to make those monthly payments and pay down the debt is much appreciated!