March 2021 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor Doug’s “Peace”
Friends in Christ:
If I were to ask you what is your favorite story, what would you say?? Personally, I would answer with “The Mitford Series” a series about the life and times of a country priest, Fr. Tim!
According to a PBS “The Great American Read” winner of America’s best loved novel is “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee! Special mention to a few others: Outlander by Diana Galbaldon, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and others you would know.
All of us love a story! And I am sure if asked we could all name a favorite read. When driving I love books on tape to listen to and would frequently check them out at our library. Now with the advent of online choices you can listen or read a story anytime.
We are reading a story together. I hope you have a copy of the Lenten devotional we are using (copies still available at either church) called “To tell a Story.” This is a story of Jesus as told to us by the Gospel writer Mark.
We kind of know the story of Jesus, don’t we?? I mean he came on the scene at the age of 30, ministered and taught for 3 years. He was killed horribly on the Cross on Good Friday, and then defeated death and rose again on Easter!
We may think we know this from years and years of church, but I promise each time you open the Scriptures God will renew your heart. Let us all be renewed in the love of God this Lent, Holy Week and Easter!
I pray your story continues to enfold in, with, and around the story of Jesus! Our personal stories all come from God and our story begins and ends with God. And, as Paul Harvey used to say, “Now you know the rest of the story!”
Blessed March,
Pr. Doug
A Note from Council Vice President - Janice Lee
We can’t believe it is March already! Soon we will be seeing crocuses coming up probably too soon, but they will definitely bring us hope for more signs of spring.
We continue to pray for Faith’s Council President Julie, Chuck, Taylor, Samuel, and their entire family. Julie and Chuck are slowly feeling better and dealing with new realities in the wake of their health struggles, her mother’s death, and Chuck’s brother’s death in the last few months. We look forward to them returning to their new ‘norm’ as soon as they are able.
As late winter comes to an end, we look to Him for hope and guidance on more ways to spread His word throughout the community. Our community involvement has continued with the Faith Food Pantry even with Covid concerns. Faith is blessed with donation opportunities from local stores and from our Faith family. The Food Pantry team is hard at work in providing food and essentials for many families. Friendship Bible Study continues as a joint venture with St. Andrews and Faith. Pastor Doug’s ever-changing clever signage also keeps 100 North drivers aware of God’s presence in all of our lives.
As the Faith Council continues to work on the day-to-day business of the church like holding in-person vs virtual worship services, difficult decisions have to be made some days. The decisions are always made with the facts available, recommendations by subject matter experts, and with everyone’s best interest in mind. We look forward to seeing those that are comfortable returning in-person yet continuing our virtual worship service for those that are not. We will continue to require masks under the Governor’s Executive Order, social distance with the chair spacing, and ask everyone to re-connect…but six feet apart… keeping all as safe as possible. The virtual Sunday morning Fellowship hour looks different, but it is great to see everyone who can join the Zoom call currently at 11 am. Look for the link in your email. If you are not receiving it for some reason, please reach out to the church at flc.avon@att.net.
The Faith Council is excited to resume working on our “to-do list” of your vision for Faith. Those ideas include physical property enhancements as well as outreach projects and community events (when we can). We will work together as a church to achieve goals as resources allow. Prioritizing God and God’s Word in our lives in 2021 can certainly help us all achieve more goals together.
With His love and guidance,
Janice Lee
Council Vice-President
Council Meeting Highlights - February 2021
The Audit Committee and statement were approved.
Still waiting on the rate change for the mortgage loan.
Annual Meeting Agenda discussed.
Return to In-Person Worship will be revisited on February 22.
A heater has been installed in the shed.
Garden planting decisions will be made by those working in the garden.
Annual Congregational Meeting Highlights
February 2021
All Ministry Team reports were approved and accepted.
Annual report for 2020 was approved and accepted.
Discussion and clarification of Facebook Vimeo recordings.
Discussion of change in terms on our mortgage loan - Bank’s proposal of a change in terms on our mortgage was approved.
Notification and discussion on a change in cost of Pastor’s insurance.
Council has not forgotten Faith’s Master Plan.
We are RETURNING to IN-PERSON WORSHIP
We will joyfully return to in-person worship services beginning Sunday, March 7th at 9am. Faith’s Church Council discussed and voted on these issues while carefully considering the COVID-19 current situation in Hendricks County. As the county numbers have decreased and proceeded to yellow (to-this-date), we will continue to require masks (required by the state) and social distancing (recommended by the state, CDC and ELCA Synod.) We ask that everyone abide by these requirements until further notice. Virtual worship service will still be offered on Facebook and by email. It has been a difficult decision to make, but we feel that given the current numbers and requirements that we can do this safely for anyone wanting to attend. It’s up to each individual. We will continue to offer virtual Fellowship at 11am (while worshipping at 9am) via the email link sent out each week. Please watch the emails for all church communication. If you have any questions or needs, please reach out to Janice Lee, 2021 Council Vice-President at jalee306@sbcglobal.net
Thanks and God Bless!
Janice Lee
Lenten Services - “A Story to Tell”
Lent-tune in on Wednesdays at 7pm for our Lenten services.
Each Wednesday in March (3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th) join Faith and St. Andrew’s as we listen to a member of each congregation tell a story, hear a devotional from Pastor Doug and enjoy music from our talented musicians.
Lent is a special time of year and we hope you will join us as we prepare for Easter. This year we are using a devotional called “To Tell a Story”; it’s not too late to pick up a devotional!
Faith Formation
Every Sunday Evening
at 7:00pm via Zoom
Join our sister congregation, St. Andrew’s, via Zoom at 7pm as we dive deeper into our Lenten Devotional, “A Story to Tell.” Devotionals are still available for pick up at each church. Each Sunday night class “stands alone” meaning you don’t have to attend the week before. So….It’s not too late to join the wonderfully rich discussions!
The four synod priorities are:
Support and develop missional leadership
Form and send faith-filled disciples
Cultivate congregations and centers for mission
Broaden and deepen collaboration and communication
What you need to know:
Dates: June 11 - June 12
Where: Virtual
Who: Faith needs 2 voting representatives
What: I-K Synod Assembly
(visit www.iksynod.org2021Assembly/ for more information)
Contact Pastor Doug if you are interested in being a faithful representative for Faith!
I-K Synod Assembly
The 33rd Annual Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly will be held virtually Friday, June 11 - Saturday, June 12.
Hymn History with Douglas featuring “I Love to Tell the Story” (1866)
William Wilberforce, the Christian statesman and abolitionist, led a fierce campaign in nineteenth-century England to eradicate slavery from the British Empire. The geographical center of the campaign was a wealthy neighborhood in the south of London known as Clapham, where a group of Anglican evangelicals lived. The “Clapham Sect” also advocated prison reform, education for children, and the expansion of missionary efforts overseas. Though lampooned for their efforts, they changed the world.
Arabella Katherine Hankey was born into this environment in 1834. Her father was a banker in Clapham and a leader in the Clapham Group. Early in life, Kate became involved in religious work. As a young girl, she taught Sunday school, and she was eighteen when she organized a Bible study for factory girls in London. When her brother became ill in Africa, Kate traveled there to bring him home. That trip sparked a passion for foreign missions, and in later life, Kate devoted all proceeds from her writing to missionary work.
During the winter of 1865-1866, thirty-year-old Kate became seriously ill. The doctors warned her to abandon her Christian activities and remain in bed for a full year. To occupy her time, Kate wrote a poem of one hundred stanzas entitled “The Old, Old Story.” She began the first section, “The Story Wanted,” on January 29, 1866. Later that year, she wrote a second section entitled “The Story Told.”
The following year at the international convention of the Young Men’s Christian Association, Major General Russell ended his powerful sermon by quoting from Kate’s poem; it left the audience breathless. Songwriter William Doane, in the crowd that day, put a portion of Kate’s poem to music, giving birth to the hymn, “Tell Me the Old, Old Story.”
Another composer, William G. Fischer, set a second portion of Kate’s poem to a musical score he named HANKEY, and thus, we have this hymn, “I Love to Tell the Story.” It was first published in an American hymnbook in 1869 and was later popularized around the world in the great evangelistic campaigns of D.L. Moody and Ira Sankey.
“And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.”
Mark 13:26
Faith’s
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.
Will you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Our Homebound Members: Pastor Doug’s recovery from Hernia Surgery, Gil Sams for continued healing from open heart surgery. Muncy Family for Chuck and Julie’s continued Covid-19 recovery, the loss of Chuck’s brother, as well as, the loss of Julie’s mom, Joan. Christina Burgan (daughter of Joyce and Gil Sams), Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench, Jodi Draper, Vince Draper, Sara Curry, Sam Muncy, Tim Schults (brother of Karen Anderson), Dan Weaver (father of DeeDee Kochersperger), Dave Lee’s Mother, Jackie, and his brother and sister-in-law for health concerns, unknown needs for all wo are troubled in mind, body, and spirit.
Students: Amy Westwick (Paramedic School), Douglas Perez, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, Lauren Basicker, All students navigating their “new normals”
Military Service Members: Corporal (JJ) James, All Service Men and Women fighting for our freedoms
Current Events: Continued struggles with Covid-19, Peace for our troubled world, Let us pray for all our siblings in Christ in Texas with freezing weather, power outages, and problems with water! (Pastor invites us all to consider a donation to Lutheran World Relief at www.lwr.org)
Leadership and Local Organizations: ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, I-K Synod Bishop Bill Gafkjen, 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 Sheilah at 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.
Midweek Moment with Pastor Doug
Each Wednesday you are invited to join Pastor Doug for a Midweek Moment. It is a moment to pause and take a breath and listen. Check your inbox or our Facebook page on Wednesdays, you never know when or how God is going to speak to you - Pastor Doug’s message might be just what you need in the middle of your week!
If you have a topic you’d like him to reflect on drop him an email at douggivan@yahoo.com
Birthdays
Donald Synder 3/14
David Lee 3/15
Michelle Becker 3/17
Dale Benning 3/17
Angie Frizzell 3/17
Andrea Burks 3/19
Dale Olson 3/20
Debbie Hacker 3/23
Estelle Boyd 3/29
March
Celebrations
We’d like to honor and celebrate with you!
Please contact Sheilah to make sure we have
your birthday and anniversary on file.
Worship Assistants - March 2021
Sunday, March 7
Sunday, March 21
Altar Guild
Assisting Minister
Lector
Usher
Greeter
Money Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Brian Kochersperger
Debbie Hacker
Ron Graff
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Professional (3/1 - 3/7)
Altar Guild
Assisting Minister
Lector
Usher
Greeter
Money Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Karen Anderson
Lori Becker
Jay Anderson
Janice Lee
Janice Lee
Professional (3/15 - 3/21
Sunday, March 14
Sunday, March 28 - Palm Sunday
Altar Guild
Assisting Minister
Lector
Usher
Greeter
Money Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Phil Zillinger
Sara Curry
Kevin Westwick
Mona Etter
Becky Albaugh
Hacker (3/8 - 3/14)
Altar Guild
Assisting Minister
Lector
Usher
Greeter
Money Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Jim Orebaugh
Phil Zillinger
Phil Zillinger
Nikki Lee
Kevin Westwick
Albaugh (3/22 - 3/28)
Daily Readings & Devotions
Monday, March 1
Tuesday, March 2
Wednesday, March 3
Thursday, March 4
Friday, March 5
Saturday, March 6
Sunday, March 7
Monday, March 8
Tuesday, March 9
Wednesday, March 10
Thursday, March 11
Friday, March 12
Saturday, March 13
Sunday, March 14
Monday, March 15
Tuesday, March 16
Psalm 105:1-11, and 37-45
Hebrews 11:1-3, and 13-19
Jeremiah 30:12-22
Exodus 19:1-9a
Psalm 19
Mark 9:2-8
John 2:13-22
1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Hebrews 9:23-28
Psalm 84
Ephesians 1:3-6
Ephesians 1:7-14
John 3:1-13
John 3:14-21
Hebrews 3:14-21
Numbers 20:1-13
Wednesday, March 17
Thursday, March 18
Friday, March 19
Saturday, March 20
Sunday, March 21
Monday, March 22
Tuesday, March 23
Wednesday, March 24
Thursday, March 25
Friday, March 26
Saturday, March 27
Sunday, March 28
Monday, March 29
Tuesday, March 30
Wednesday, March 31
Psalm 107:1-16
Hebrews 4:1-13
Hebrews 4:14 - 5:4
John 12:1-11
John 12:20-33
Isaiah 43:8-13
Isaiah 44:1-8
Psalm 119:9-16
Philippians 2:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 13-29
Mark 10:32-34, 46-52
Mark 14:1 - 15:47
Isaiah 42:1-9
Isaiah 49:1-7
John 13:21-32
Faith Financials
January 2020 Offerings
Account Name
Budget Giving
Christmas
Food Pantry
Garden of Faith
Memorial
Misc
St. Andrews
January Total
Amount
$11,032.65
$10.00
$611.52
$88.40
$100.00
$50.00
$3,090.13
$14,832.70
In the spirit of giving, we thank you for your generosity!
Operating Budget
Budget
St. Andrew’s Pastor Comp
Budget Reserve
Capital Improvements
Building Fund
Special Accounts
Food Pantry
Memorial Fund
Funeral Expenses
Flower Fund
Sunday School
Pass Thru
SonRise Bible Study
Lent
Advent
Youth Gathering
Undesignated Funds
Youth Designated
Computer Fund
AV Grant
Property Accounts
Trail Construction
Butterfly Garden
Garden of Faith
Garden Shed
Investment Accounts
Endowment Fund
Total of All Accounts
Beginning Balance 1/1/2021
$55,588.57
-$581.39
$28,345.40
$8,334.63
$10,191.79
$2,054.21
$530.69
$115.80
$1,535.00
$150.00
$10.00
$ -
$250.00
$1,002.25
$275.00
$80.00
$ -
$122.50
$138.91
$349.47
-$43.34
$377.09
$12,265.04
$121,091.62
Deposits January 2021
$11,042.65
$3,090.13
$ -
$ -
$611.52
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$88.40
$ -
$7.60
$14,840.30
Disbursements January 2021
$10,678.88
$3,964.47
$ -
$ -
$622.04
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$149.90
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$15,415.29
Ending Balance 1/31/2021
$55,952.34
-$1,455.73
$28,345.40
$8,334.63
$10,181.27
$2,054.21
$530.69
$115.80
$1,535.00
$150.00
$10.00
$ -
$250.00
$1,002.25
$275.00
$80.00
$ -
$27.40
$138.91
$349.47
$45.06
$377.09
$12,272.64
$120,516.63
Prayer Wall
We, as Christian brothers and sisters, are called to pray for each other on all occasions. God’s word says in Ephesians 6 (18) we are to keep this in mind, be alert, and always keep praying for all the saints.
That means YOU!
Our Homebound Members:
Flora Christiansen and Martha Siemers
Continued Prayers:
Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench, Jodi Draper, Vince Draper, Sara Curry, Sam Muncy, Tim Schults (brother of Karen Anderson), Dan Weaver (father of Dee Dee Kochersperger), Unknown needs to all who are troubled in mind, body, and spirit.
Students:
Michelle Becker, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, Lauren Basicker, All students navigating their “new normals”
Military Service Members:
Lance Corporal (JJ James), All Service Men and Women fighting for our freedoms
Current Events:
Continued Covid-19 struggles California Wildfires
Peace for our troubled world Those affected by Hurricane Laura
Pastor invites us all to consider a donation to Lutheran World Relief at www.lwr.org
Leadership and Local Organizations:
ELCA Bishop: Elizabeth Eaton
I-K Synod: Bill Gafkjen
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 Sheilah at 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.