Lutheran Church of Our Saviour GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 Pastor Katie s Corner February fourteenth conjures up images of pink hearts, red roses, and dark chocolates. But, might it also bring up the radical life and gory death of one of the early Christian martyrs? Valentine was a priest in Rome in the third century, a time when the Roman emperor persecuted Christians. Much of the church was underground at that point, trying to stay out of the empire s sight and mind. Valentine was part of that underground life, and part of resisting the emperor s oppressive grasp. He helped Christians escape persecution, and he helped Christians get married, which prevented young Christian men from going to war. He faced arrest and imprisonment, and he even tried to convert the emperor, a failed effort that got him condemned to death. One story about Valentine shows his devotion and commitment to Christ s radical enemy-love. While in jail, he healed his jailor s daughter, who was blind. Legend has it that on his day of execution, he wrote the daughter a note of thanks for her appreciation and devotion and signed it, Your Valentine. He was then beaten with stones, clubbed, and beheaded on February 14, 269 AD. Perhaps this is where we get our tradition of writing loved ones notes of affection and love on the fourteenth of February, except that we tend to write notes to people we already love... not to enemies who need outreach and restoration. We tend to feel affectionate and romantic on the holiday, not resolved and defiant, as Valentine was in the face of religious persecution. The holiday s sentimental love from Hallmark is not the same love of Christ that Valentine lived until this martyrdom. Maybe this year, instead of only thinking of our valentines, we could also think of our enemies, the persecuted, and Christ s radical neighbor-love this year on February 14, 2019. Say a prayer for those condemned because of their religion. Reach out to that person you know doesn t deserve it. Worship not the cupid-love but the selfless, other-directed agape love of Jesus, and partake not in chocolate but in bread and wine on Sunday. For that is a celebration of love just as well, if not better. Your servant, Pastor Katie This note was inspired by this blog post from Christian author Shane Claiborne: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/faithforward/2014/02/happy-st-valentines-day/ February 2019 President s Message.... 2 Council s Corner.... 4 Fellowship.... 5 Announcements & Upcoming Events.... 6 Options for Giving.... 10 Calendars.... 11 Thank-You s.... 15 Children s Page.... 16 MONTHLY ATTENDANCE January 6th: 148 13th: N/A 20th: 90 27th: 90 Avg.: 109.3
Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 2 A Monthly Message from our Council President: We should only have one more month of cold weather, barring the occasional March snow storm. When it is cold, we should be reminded how fortunate we are and think of those who are homeless and hungry. For many years, the LCOS Outreach Ministry has supported Richmond Friends of the Homeless. The LCOS congregation has been very generous with our time and contributions. Perhaps there are some in the congregation that are not familiar with Richmond Friends. Richmond Friends of the Homeless was begun in 1986 after the founder, Shawnee Hanson, witnessed a young child eating from a trash can off Jefferson Davis Highway. The first program site was opened in south Richmond and provided a nutritious hot lunch every Monday through Friday. In 2002, they opened a second site in Jackson Ward/ Gilpin Court, where lunch is provided Monday through Friday as well. In 2008, they opened a third site to provide a Saturday and Sunday meal in south Richmond. Breakfast and a Book began in 2009, providing a child-friendly breakfast and age-appropriate book for each child who comes in to lunch, so they will have something to take home with them for the next morning. Richmond Friends continue to partner with over 103 local churches, synagogues, businesses, civic groups, and schools to serve the homeless and hungry in the Richmond area community. Members of LCOS serve meals donated by our congregation on the second Wednesday of each month. Those who wish to provide a meal can sign up in the narthex. If you are interested in serving meals, please contact Clare Haack, Chairperson of the Outreach Committee. Called by God to serve as a prophet, Isaiah felt ill-equipped, reluctant, and that he was a poor choice for the task until God s spirit moved him to reply, Here I am; send me! Pray we are open to the work God is calling us to do in our congregations and communities, and in spite of our hesitations and insecurities, are able to trust God s forgiveness and empowering love by responding, Here I am; send me! God bless, Paul Dugent Acting Council President 739-7893 pjdugent@verizon.net
3 GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 Financial Update (through December 31, 2018) The Average Monthly Giving for 2018 = $18,136 The Average Monthly Expenses for 2018 = $18,806
C ouncil s orner Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 4 Your Church Council meets monthly, usually on the 2nd or 3rd Sunday of each month. The following are just a few highlights from our January meeting. A full copy of Council's meeting minutes may be found on the bulletin board in the narthex. If you have any questions, please contact a Council member. A this first meeting of the year, Council welcomed three new members: Renae Schumann, Kelly Strunk, & Helen Weaver Council elected its 2019 officers: Paul Dugent, President; Walt Strohecker, Vice President; & Gail Kimpfler, Secretary Pastor Katie distributed new member orientation packets for all to review New Council liaisons to the ministry teams have been appointed: Helen Weaver, Worship & Music; Gail Kimpfler, Outreach; Michael Scheivert, Property; Renae Schumann, Stewardship; Jules Roinnel, Fellowship; Kelly Strunk, Preschool Council is preparing information for distribution on the various ways to make offerings; emphasis will be on encouraging recurring donations through Simply Giving, Vanco online, or ACH banking transactions Continuing to research the optimum purchase of replacing picnic tables for the playground Thanks to the efforts of Michael Scheivert & the Property Team, all the parking lot lights are now functioning! A meeting is still planned for Council to meet with the Chesterfield County Police Department for a security assessment of the church & property Fellowship plans for a "Back to the 50's" social event on February 23rd are in the works; everyone, including children, friends, & relatives are invited Council is still searching for a person willing to serve as our Treasurer someone who has some financial or accounting experience & has expertise with Excel or other applicable software. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Bruce Hale or a Council member. 2019 Church Council Class of 2020 Walt Strohecker (Vice President) 681-0433 wmstrohecker@gmail.com Michael Scheivert 743-8180 mjsrscheivert@comcast.net Bill Walker 745-1069 wrw24red@comcast.net Class of 2021 Paul Dugent (President) 739-7893 pjdugent@verizon.net Gail Kimpfler (Secretary) 739-7291 gtwr@hotmail.com Jules Roinnel 608-1261 julesroinnel@comcast.net Class of 2022 Renae Schumann 728-0972 renae.schumann@gmail.com Kelly Strunk 239-9603 kellystrunk26@yahoo.com Helen Weaver 467-8026 hkweaver@comcast.net Bruce Hale (Treasurer) 739-9492 treasurerlcos@gmail.com
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Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 6 ANNOUNCEMENTS KEYHOLDERS: A REMINDER Under section H of the Keyholders Policy, unless you have completed a Virginia State Police Criminal and Sex Offender Background Check, you are not permitted to use your key while The Giving Tree Preschool is in session (9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, & Thursdays; 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Wednesdays). If you wish to enter the building during these times, please ring the doorbell! Thank you! NEW MEMBERS EVENT Are you considering membership at LCOS? Have you been worshipping with us for a while and wondering what s next? Keep your eyes open for a New Members Event, hosted by the Evangelism Team and featuring our Council Members, coming soon. Invites will be sent directly, with information in the weekly email and announcements. Questions? Contact Pastor Katie at 276-4271 or pastorkatie@lcosva.org. Lenten Devotionals If you are interested in devotionals for Lent, please email admin@lcosva.org or sign up in the narthex by February 15. Also, please indicate if you are a family with children, as there are options for family-oriented devotionals. Blessed Are Those Who Mourn A gathering for those experiencing grief. Sunday, March 24 with lunch after worship (This event is the rescheduled Blue Christmas Gathering.) Join Craig Nelson, LCOS member and widower, and Pastor Katie for a conversation about facing holidays, anniversaries, and the future after the death of a loved-one. Please RSVP to admin@lcosva.org or sign up on the blue bulletin board. Medicare Talk - The A, B, C, & D of Medicare 2019 Saturday, March 16 10-11:30 a.m. at LCOS Hear from LCOS members who have professional expertise with Medicare, including Craig Nelson, retired occupational therapist and facility administrator and Cindy Vik, family practice administrator.
7 GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 Acolyte Training with Barbara Dowdy: February 10, 17, 24 after worship. OUTREACH Richmond Friends of the Homeless: The Outreach Ministry Team will be returning to our regular casserole menu in February. Recipe ideas and suggestions can be found on the shelf under the large bulletin board or on the sign-up sheet. You are also welcome to provide one of your favorites! We ask that the pans not be filled to the top as spilling does occur while they are being transported to our serving location. Casseroles should be at LCOS by 10 a.m. on the serving day. Please use the sign-up sheet so we know what kind of variety we will be receiving. We always serve the second Wednesday of each month starting around 11:30 a.m. at Broomfield CME Church, 609 Jeff Davis Highway. New faces are always welcome to help us serve, transport items, or provide a meal! The next serving date is February 13. Thank you for supporting this ministry throughout the year. THE GIVING TREE PRESCHOOL This month our children will learn about dental health and the proper care of their teeth. They will also explore Our Feelings, be it happy, sad, being afraid or mad. The Bible story this month is Jesus Blesses the Children and how we are all important, no matter how small. Jeff Beatman, a retired Chesterfield County Public School principal, will visit and entertain the children with stories and songs. At the last count, 105 donated hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, and socks were given to Richmond Friends of the Homeless last month. This is the most ever distributed! Thank you to LCOS members and preschool families!
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9 GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 The Virginia Synod and the Presbytery of the James are offering a one-day Stewardship education event with Charles R. Lane, the author of Ask, Thank, Tell and Embracing Stewardship, at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church in Richmond on Saturday, March 23, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The cost of the event is $15 per person. For a look at the outline of the day, download the Ask, Thank, Tell: Growing Generous Stewardship Preliminary Schedule at https://www.vasynod.org/wpcontent/uploads/2018/12/march-23-2019-generous-stewardship-schedule.pdf. There is time built into the schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. for congregational groups to work together on specific ideas for their congregation, so plan to bring a team. If you are registering more than one person, fill out the Attendee #1 Info and then click the Add Attendee button at the end of that section to register additional attendees. For this event, you have two options to participate: you can register and participate inperson or by simulcast. For those who plan to attend in-person, please select the Ask, Thank, Tell: In-Person ticket and make sure to let us know if you have dietary restrictions for lunch. For those planning to attend through the online simulcast, please select the Ask, Thank, Tell: Simulcast ticket. A link to access the event will be emailed to you after registration. Registration for the in-person participation closes on Monday, March 18. Registration for the simulcast closes on Thursday, March 21. Register at https://www.vasynod.org/event/ask-thank-tell-growing-generousstewardship. Please talk to Pastor Katie if you are interested in going, as she plans to attend.
Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 10 OPTIONS FOR GIVING Giving Options How For Congregant For LCOS Giving Envelopes & Checks Placed in the Offering Plates. Easy. But, if not at service, must mail or bring next time with missing offering. No fees. But, offerings may not be consistent. ACH Transaction Recurring payment from the congregant s bank. No need to remember when coming to church, but need to set up each time (unless recurring). No fees. If not recurring, offerings may not be consistent. Simply Giving Paperwork through Financial Secretary (Stacy McCoy); offerings from checking account on a regular basis. Once completed, no further action is needed unless a change is desired. Consistent & predictable income. Small fee per transaction, but not significant congregant can add a few dollars to cover the fee. Vanco Online Register through LCOS website; set up through checking, savings, or credit card on a regular or one-time basis. Flexible in timing, source, & amount; changes made immediately. Consistent & predictable income; ability to receive a one-time transaction. Monthly flat fee, plus credit card & transaction fees congregant can check the box to add a few dollars to cover the fees. AmazonSmile Through eligible Amazon purchases on foundation s website: smile.amazon.com (not Amazon s website). Instructions are on LCOS website. Once completed, no further action is needed. But, must remember to use correct website. No fees & automatically deposited to bank. But, funds may not be consistent; small amounts (0.5%).
11 GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 BIRTHDAYS Kelly Strunk 2/2 Carson Haack 2/3 Kara Dorton 2/5 Connor Hilton 2/6 Pat Dorton 2/8 Matthew Dorton 2/13 Sarah Smith 2/14 Frances Peterson 2/15 Marion Schwenk 2/15 Ellis Gray 2/17 Kenny Taggart 2/17 Brenda Waldridge 2/17 Bethany Nell 2/18 Katie Shaffer 2/18 Susan McCoy 2/19 Victoria Ward 2/19 Jean Webber 2/19 Millie Burks 2/22 Diane Beall 2/25 Jeffrey Beall 2/28 ANNIVERSARIES Artie & Kelly Strunk 2/12 2018 ANNUAL REPORT Did we miss an anniversary or birthday? Please let us know! Email admin@lcosva.org or call 276-4271 Ministry Teams: Your reports are due no later than Friday, March 1! Please send to admin@lcosva.org. IN OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS: Jan, Tim, Whitten, Sandy, Joe, Wanda, Charles, Helen, Ruth, Rachel, & Cindy MARCH NEWSLETTER DEADLINE The deadline for our March newsletter is February 22. Please email or call with your information. admin@lcosva.org or 276-4271.
27 February 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM S.O.F.T. (Intergenerational Discussion Group) 10:30 AM Worship Service 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Youth Group 3 Food Pantry Sunday 9:15 AM "Off Topic" Bible Study 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM - 1:30 PM Youth Group 10:30 AM Worship Service 10 9:15 AM "Off Topic" Bible Study 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM Youth Group 17 Eat & Greet (after worship) Youth Group Retreat 9:15 AM "Off Topic" Bible Study 9:15 AM Sunday School 10:30 AM Worship Service 24 9:15 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM S.O.F.T. (Intergenerational Discussion Group) 10:30 AM Worship Service 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Youth Group 28 4 11 18 25 29 7:15 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal 5 7:15 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal 12 7:15 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal 19 7:15 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal 26 7:15 PM Bell Choir Rehearsal 30 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 13 10:00 AM Richmond Friends of the Homeless 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 20 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 27 7:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 31 7 14 21 28 1 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 8 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 15 Office Closed Youth Group Retreat 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 22 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 1 Office Closed 8:00 PM - 9:00 PM AA Meeting 2 9 16 Youth Group Retreat 8:30 AM Esther Circle 23 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Back to the Fabulous 50s 2 Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 12
13 GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 FEBRUARY 2019 WORSHIP STEWARD DUTIES 3-Feb COORDINATOR 10:30AM SERVICE Kelly Strunk & Jules Roinnel Sam & Shirley Hawthorne Toni Wilson & Chuck Waldridge ASSISTING MINISTER Barbara Dowdy POURING CHALICE Jackie Casey & Valerie Thorp-Gray COMMON CUP Pat Dorton & Gail Kimpfler Lucas Cochran Liam James 10-Feb COORDINATOR Renae Schumann & Gail Kimpfler Maurice Beall & Richmond Zehmer Judy Zehmer & Dino Montez If you can not be here on your assigned week it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Please notify the church office at 804-276-4271 or at admin@lcosva.org, when you have found a replacement. - Thank you. ASSISTING MINISTER Lucas Cochran POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP 17-Feb COORDINATOR Rachel Doyle & Diane Beall Kaarina Modiri & Jeannette Montez Kayleigh Dumont Alex Wilson Paul Dugent Frank Watkins & Don Harmon Ellen Shaffer & Terry Sprinkle ASSISTING MINISTER Karen Watkins POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP 24-Feb COORDINATOR Sharon Leininger & Jane Avery Lucas Cochran & Earl Shaffer Stacy McCoy Bryce Weaver Helen Weaver & Michael Scheivert Bill Walker & Jack Frost Anne Frost & Bethany Nell ASSISTING MINISTER Cindy Vik POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP Lucas Cochran & Jim Burnish Gail Kimpfler & Susan McCoy Josh Walker Henry Weaver
Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 14 3-Mar COORDINATOR MARCH 2019 WORSHIP STEWARD DUTIES 10:30AM SERVICE Kelly Strunk Richmond & Judy Zehmer ASSISTING MINISTER Stacy McCoy POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP 10-Mar COORDINATOR Delores Harris & Kaarina Modiri Jackie Casey & Barbara Dowdy Sharon Johnson & Susan McCoy Lucas Cochran Liam James Helen Weaver ASSISTING MINISTER Bill Walker POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP 17-Mar COORDINATOR Chuck & Brenda Waldridge Valerie Thorp-Gray & Bethany Nell Jim Burnish & Rachel Doyle Lucas Cochran & Diane Beall Josh Walker Bryce Weaver Michael Scheivert Don Harmon & Dino Montez Toni Wilson & Pat Dorton ASSISTING MINISTER Lucas Cochran POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP 24-Mar COORDINATOR Sharon Leininger & Jeannette Montez Gail Kimpfler & Judy Zehmer Liam James Alex Wilson Renae Schumann ASSISTING MINISTER Helen Weaver POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP 31-Mar COORDINATOR Frank Watkins & Earl Shaffer Marchia Swanson & Terry Sprinkle Lucas Cochran & Cindy Vik Karen Watkins & Kaarina Modiri Kayleigh Dumont Henry Weaver Paul Dugent Jack & Anne Frost Maurice & Diane Beall ASSISTING MINISTER Michael Scheivert POURING CHALICE COMMON CUP Jane Avery & Jacquie Evans Jules & Nancy Roinnel Stacy McCoy If you can not be here on your assigned week it is your responsibility to find a replacement. Please notify the church office at 804-276- 4271 or at admin@lcosva.org, when you have found a replacement. - Thank you. Lucas Cochran
15 GOOD TIDINGS Vol. 19 No. 2 Thank You Richmond Friends of the Homeless The Outreach Ministry served 84 Richmond Friends of the Homeless on January 9, 2019. Those who prepared casseroles were: Margie Aunins, Jane Avery, Diane Beall, Jackie Casey, Kayleigh Dumont, Jacquie Evans, Sandy French, Clare Haack, Shirley Hawthorne, Cindy Huston, Sharon Johnson, Gail Kimpfler, Kaarina Modiri, Betty Spivey Pavick, Betty Rickmond, Jules Roinnel, Robin Scheivert, & Terry Sprinkle. Those who helped serve were: Margie Aunins, Jane Avery, Sandy French, Shirley Hawthorne, Gail Kimpfler, Betty Spivey Pavick, Betty Rickmond, Jules Roinnel, & Pastor Katie. Thank you to all who prepare casseroles and serve each month. We always serve RFOH the second Wednesday of each month and welcome new helpers all the time! We could not provide this ministry without your support. THANKS THIS MONTH GO TO... Walt & Carmen Strohecker, for responding to the call to restart our Evangelism Committee... Helen Weaver, for chaperoning & helping coordinate the LCOS-side of our joint youth group... Michael Scheivert, for donating his professional locksmith services to re-key our building s locks... & Michael & Jim Burnish, for helping the electrician get all of our parking lot lights in working order. Thank you, all! Thank you for the very generous gift at Christmas. Your expression of love was much appreciated. LCOS is such a caring place. I have enjoyed serving the past year and look forward to many more with you. Kenny Taggart Thank you very much for my Christmas gift. You all are always so generous. I love this job and our kids, and I wish you the happiest New Year! Dela Dear LCOS Congregation, Thank you so much for your generosity at Christmas time! It [your gift] was unexpected and made me feel so appreciated! I love being back at LCOS with all of you. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and for your support throughout the year as well. Love, Susan Kish Thanks be to you and to God, dear LCOS, for your generous gift at Christmas time. I feel very appreciated and special to know that you thought of my family when considering your Christmas gifts. It continues to be our joy to tithe ten percent back to LCOS, and we ask that God continue to bless us with warmth and welcome and joy in this beloved community. + Pastor Katie Want to make a contribution? Go to lcosva.org/giving for more information on ways to give to LCOS. Like us on Facebook! @LCOSva.org Don t forget to read our weekly emails! Not subscribed? Contact the church office or click the side menu on our website! Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and generosity! The children and I will be sure to pay it forward with future acts of kindness. With love, Jessica S. & Family Christmas Mother Family #3042
Vol. 19 No. 2 GOOD TIDINGS 16 Jeremiah 17:7-8 7 Blessed are those who trust in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. (From Spark Bible NRSV. Augsburg Fortress, 2009. 836.) ( 7... the person who trusts in the Lord will be blessed. The Lord will show him that he can be trusted. 8 He will be strong, like a tree planted near water. That tree has large roots that find the water. It is not afraid when the days are hot. Its leaves are always green. It does not worry in a year when no rain comes. That tree always produces fruit. ) (From Bible Gateway. International Children s Bible (ICB). Copyright 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson, a division of Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. Accessed January 15, 2019. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jeremiah+17%3a5-10&version=icb.)