December 2024 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
A note from Pastor Doug
To the Family of Faith:
Little Drummer boy is my favorite Christmas hymn every year. It's such a simple song, about a poor boy who has no gifts for the King.
Except his drum. And, with Mary's approval, he plays for the Lord. In the lyrics: "I played my drum for him... Then he smiled at me... pa rum pa pum pum...
The little boy brought all he had to the King, and so do you and I. We don't have to bring gifts "fit for a King", but just ourselves.
There is a picture on Facebook of a little boy holding up his heart (in red, with outstretched hands) to Jesus. The boy says "This is all I have," and Jesus says "It's all I've ever wanted!" Amen.
This Holiday season and New Year let's just bring our forgiven and loved hearts in all we do! In daily life, just be yourself, everyone else is taken! In serving the Lord at church, bring your heart it's all you have and it's enough.
In singing, worship, working and loving one another let's just bring our hearts. And, like in the song, "He smiled at me, me and my heart!" (Drum).
Pastor Doug
Holiday Schedule
White Elephant Exchange: St. Andrews is hosting a pitch-in and white elephant exchange on December 7th, 10:30am. Please do NOT purchase anything new. The idea is to "exchange" a seldom used or unneeded item that someone else might enjoy.
Christmas Caroling: Sunday, December 15th, after worship service, we will be Christmas caroling. Please join us as we sing to our homebound members. Know that your voice and Christmas spirit are needed; please see Julie Muncy for details.
Christmas Eve: 5 pm Faith 9 pm St. Andrew’s Come and join your family of faith for all that you hope for in Christmas Eve service: the great Christmas hymns of the season, Holy Communion, candlelight singing of Silent Night, and much more!
Worship Together: Sunday, December 29, 2024, combined worship service at 10am, St. Andrews in Speedway. What a great way to end the year, worship together with our St. Andrews sister congregation.
Council Thoughts
I would like to begin by thanking the 2024 Council members for their time and input this year.
Vice President – Teresa Kofodimus
Financial Analyst – Karen Anderson
Recording Secretary – Janice Damrow
Council At-Large – Sara Curry
Council At-Large – Samuel Muncy
2025 Council as of this writing will be:
President – Teresa Kofodimus
Vice President – Open
Financial Analyst - Open
Recording Secretary – Janice Damrow
Council At-Large – Samuel Muncy
Council At-Large – Sara Curry
Of course Pastor Doug is also on Council.
We have 2 openings for the 2025 Council.
December usually brings cold weather outside, but inside our church we have a warm, strong, and friendly family that truly cares about each other!
Please remember December 8 we will have a congregation meeting to elect the 2025 Council and approve the 2025 Budget.
Kevin Westwick
President
Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 8th, Faith will be holding our congregational meeting after Worship. The meeting agenda has been sent out via email as well as the proposed 2024 budget. We will be saying goodbye to Annika and welcoming Kaleb Dufree as our new Music Coordinator, who starts Sunday, December 15th.
Message from Annika Cahill
As we approach the season of Advent, a time marked by anticipation and reflection, I’m reminded of the beauty of change and growth. Advent is a season that invites us to pause and prepare our hearts, embracing both the joyful and challenging aspects of transition. In this spirit, I find myself especially grateful for my role as a pianist at Faith Lutheran Church. It’s a gift to share music that uplifts and inspires others during worship.
Though I am sad that I will be leaving this position, I’m thrilled to see my piano studio growing in Indianapolis. Each new student brings an opportunity to inspire a lifelong appreciation for music, and I'm honored to guide these young learners. Watching them develop their skills and confidence is incredibly rewarding, and it deepens my passion for music education. As we move through Advent, I look forward to nurturing this new generation of musicians, helping them find their own voices and express themselves through music. This season, I feel a profound sense of gratitude for the growth in my career and the chance to serve others through both faith and music.
Food Pantry
Our food pantry continues help our community in need here in Hendricks County. We recently received three boxes of non-perishable food items from Chewy Fulfillment Center, located in Clayton, Indiana. We thank them for their donation.
The next food pantry will be held on Saturday, December 21st, from 9-11am. We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors. All volunteers are welcome and needed!
Faith Financial Givings
Faithful Faith Members...with the various giving options (traditional envelopes, direct deposit, Vanco Mobile or Vanco On-line via link from Faith’s website), we have reduced the number of offering envelopes for the congregation. Please let either the church office know or send email to bkochersperger@foxcontractors.com.
**Don’t forget your extra giving for Advent. Please use Vanco app or through website.**
LINK
December
Celebrations
We’d like to honor and celebrate with you!
Please contact Dee Dee to make sure we have
your birthday and anniversary on file.
Birthdays
Jacob Benning 12-04
Samuel Muncy 12-07
Jordan Kochersperger 12-20
Jeffery Becker 12-30
Brian Moench 12-31
Anniversaries
Gil & Joyce Sams 12-27
Vince & Jodi Draper 12-28
Prayer Wall
It is written in Philippians 4:6, that we are not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving we are to present our requests to God. You don’t have to be a “Prayer Warrior” to pray. Would you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Our Homebound Members: Martha Siemers, Carol Westwick, Judy Vogel, and Estelle Boyd.
Continued Prayers: Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), Bobbie Seitz and family.
For special intention: Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench; Unknown needs to all who are troubled in mind, body, and spirit.
Prayers of comfort and healing to those Faith Family members who aren’t able to attend due to health concerns. If you need food or anything, please let a Council member know so we can be there for YOU.
Higher Education Students: Annika Cahill, Kaleb Dufree, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, Jacob Benning, Karissa Draper, Scott Brunton, Lily Brunton and all students in Hendricks County!
Military Service Members: All Service Men and Women fighting for our freedoms and their families who have also sacrificed
Current Events: Peace for our troubled world
Leadership and Local Organizations:
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
I-K Synod Bishop Tim Graham
Lutheran Child and Family Services
Family Promise
Sheltering Wings
Faith’s Food Pantry
As a family of Faith, we want to pray and celebrate WITH you. Please submit your requests to the office by phone 317.272.1022 or by email at flc.avon@att.net.
If you would like to add details to your petitions, you are welcome to do so but you do NOT have to.