February 2022 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
Welcome to February! Isn’t this a weird little month? We can’t spell the word and some can easily mispronounce! If it is a leap year, and you have a birthday at the end of the month, when do you celebrate? We have that odd deal called “Groundhog Day?” I love the move, but can you imagine having to explain this to someone?
Valentine’s Day saves the month a little, doesn’t it? A time to celebrate and recognize those we love. President’s Day is always a reminder to pray for our President, no matter your political views. My daughter, niece and nephew have birthdays in the month so that’s good.
I really see February as the “gateway” to spring, the light, the colors and better weather are around the bend. It might be a “long” bend in Indiana, but it is coming and we just have to be patient. Of course, you know the prayer of patience, right? “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me now!!!”
As I write this we are currently not meeting in person due to Covid and we are virtual only. So hard…I record on a Wednesday and it throws off my entire week! I barely have the sermon together for Sunday, let alone 4 days earlier! (LOL). Patience again is the name of the game. We are operating based on the data about the Omicron variant and attempting to make safe decisions for all. We will persevere and stay patient with one another.
Perhaps patience is a good idea for everyday life, not just during Covid or the month of February. The Bible has a lot to say about patience. As you got ready for the day did you consider “putting on patience?” Colossians 3:12: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourself with compassion, kindness…and patience.”
And all God’s people said “Amen!”
Pastor Doug
Faith’s Annual Meeting Date Changed
To allow more time for finalizing of reports, the decision was made to postpone Faith’s Annual Meeting to February 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. The meeting will be fully virtual. A link and the meeting materials will be sent out the week prior. With the recorded worship service, you will be able to view the service either before or after the meeting, but this will allow us to gather (virtually) at 11:00 a.m.
Council Meeting Highlights - January 2022
Pastor’s compensation package was discussed.
In-person worship will have a one-week lag time once the county turns orange so worship planners will have time to make adjustments.
Annual Meeting is still planned for February 13th - snags with mics are still being worked on so that those participating from home will have a voice.
Audit date is dependent on financial reports coming in.
Persons suggested for the audit committee are Phil Zillinger, Willy Frizzell, Gil Sams, Jennifer Benning, and Don Damrow.
It was discussed as to whether the 75th Anniversary should be kept in February or whether it should be moved until later in the year to due to present COVID situation.
As both St. Andrews and Faith are looking for an administrative assistant, maybe we could hire one person to do the job for both churches.
Our to-do list was revisited - we need to prioritize the list and start working on it again.
Faith Anniversary Kickoff Cancelled
Since uncertainty around in-person events made planning difficult, the decision was also made to cancel the February 27th 75th Anniversary Kickoff. The Synod’s travel guidelines also made it unlikely that the Bishop would have been able to attend. The Council will go back to the drawing board for Anniversary planning (ideas & suggestions welcome!)
Faith’s Reopening Strategy
The Council will be discussing Faith’s reopening strategy at our upcoming February 15th meeting.
In-Person Adult Forum Bible Study
In-person Bible Study will resume once we return to in-person services Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is invited! Please see Debbie Hacker for additional information.
Wednesday night Zoom/Virtual Bible Study
Weekday Zoom Bible Study is led by Pastor Doug on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. Ask PD for any questions. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND INVITED! Each week the Zoom link is sent out Wednesday mornings. The Wednesday night Bible Study looks at the lessons for the coming Sunday. Jump in at 7 p.m. on Zoom and join the conversation. You will be glad you did.
Friendship Bible Study
Friendship Bible Study is continuing every Tuesday at 7pm via Zoom! Please email Janice Damrow for more details!
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
Faith Formation: Is studying the New Testament each Sunday evening, 7 p.m., on Zoom. Reach out to the Pastor for information on which passages specifically, or just join and “wing it!” All are welcome! The Zoom link is sent out with the Sunday morning email.
Food Pantry Date
The second February food pantry will be held on Saturday, February 19th from 9 - 11 a.m. We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors. All hands are welcomed and needed!
Fellowship
Hi Everyone! Thank you to everyone who is on the volunteer list to be scheduled for Coffee Fellowship. If you are not currently signed up as a volunteer, but would like to be or have any questions about Coffee Fellowship, please feel free to email the church email at: flc.avon@att.net to be included or with any questions! We invite EVERYONE to stay each week to enjoy goodies and fellowship with one another!
Nikki Lee
Joint Council Meeting
The first meeting of both Councils from each church will be held Monday, February 28th, at 6:30 p.m. Please pray for your Council and Pastor Doug as they come together to discuss our shared ministry together.
Stewardship (G3)
G3 is “Give as God has Given us.”
A Good Day to all of Faith,
This month we will focus on a portion of the saying, ‘Time, Talent and Treasures.’
Talents This Month of February we Celebrate our first big ‘snow storm’ of the season. Celebrate Black History Month in the evolving time of anti racism and the Pandemic. Celebrate on Fat Tuesday and then start in March during Lent, the reflection of ‘who am I and what TALENTS do I have and can use for the service of others.
During the Adult Forum starting in March we will discuss through a guide book our many Skills and Talents.
And the electronic giving has changed to Vanco.
Vanco, which utilized the GIVEPLUS+ Mobile app to make donations to church, is ending its use of the GIVEPLUS+ Mobile app. They are switching to their new Vanco Mobile app (WHICH IS FREE). If you currently use the GIVEPLUS+ Mobile app to make online donations, you should have received an email from them. Your current GIVEPLUS+ sign in information will be the same for the Vanco app, and if you have recurring gifts set up, they will be continued to be made as scheduled.
Faith would also like to transition current direct deposit members to the new Vanco Mobile App or the Vanco Website (accessible via Faith’s website).
For more information or assistance making this transition - please contact Brian Kochersperger.
Reflection questions:
Have you been praying about increasing you annual gift to the church?
How can you give of your time this coming year?
What ministry do you want to continue at Faith?
I look forward to talking about how we can share our abundance going forward.
On our Path to Serving others,
Debbie Hacker
Stewardship Coordinator
Faith Giving Information
Faithful Faith Members…with the various giving options (traditional envelopes, direct deposit, Vanco Mobile, 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 an email to bkochersperger@foxcontractors.com. Envelopes are in! If you would like your envelopes, contact Brian Kochersperger to make arrangements.
Hymn History with Douglas featuring “Jesus Loves Me” (1860)
Anna and Susan Warner lived in a lovely townhouse in New York City where their father, Henry Whiting Warner, was a successful lawyer, but the “Panic of 1837” wrecked the family’s finances, forcing them to move into a ramshackle Revolutionary War-era home on Constitution Island on the Hudson, right across from the Military Academy at West Point. Needing to contribute to the family income, Anna and Susan began writing poems and stories for publication. Anna wrote “Robinson Crusoe’s Farmyard,” and Susan wrote, “The Wide, Wide World.” The girls launched parallel literary careers, which resulted in 106 publications, eighteen of them co-authored.
One of their most successful joint projects was a novel titled Say and Seal in which a little boy named Johnny Fox is dying. His Sunday School teacher, John Linden, comforts him by taking him in his arms, rocking him, and making up a little song: “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so…” The novel became a best-seller, second only to Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and when hymn writer William Bradbury read the words of John Linden’s little song (written by Anna), he composed a childlike musical score to go along with them. “Jesus Loves Me,” soon became the best-known children’s hymn on earth.
Despite their success, the Warner sisters never seemed able to recover from the staggering financial reverses of 1836. Years later, a friend wrote, “One day when sitting with Miss Anna in the old living room she took from one of the cases a shell so delicate that it looked like lace working and holding it in her hand, with eyes dimmed with tears, she said, ‘There was a time when I was very perplexed, bills were unpaid, necessities must be had, and someone sent me this exquisite thing. As I held it I realized that if God could make this beautiful home for a little creature, He would take care of me.’
“For forty years, Susan and Anna conducted Bible classes for cadets at West Point, and both were buried with full military honors. They are the only civilians buried in the military cemetery at West Point. To this day, their home on Constitution Island is maintained by West Point as a museum to their memory.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, maybe able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God.”
Ephesians 3:17-19
Garden of Faith Fun
Spring is just around the corner…I am sure of it! I would like to keep the garden going in honor of Dale Olson’s dream and everyone’s hard work to create it. We have several raised beds that are a perfect size for one person or a family to plant flowers and/or vegetables. I will weed the raised beds in the Spring when it gets a little warmer and YOU and your family can plant them! If you would like to try your ‘green thumb’, this is a perfect opportunity! I will assign you a raised bed, weed it the first time, and then it is all yours to plant…and maintain. This will be FUN!!! Please let me know if you have any questions: Lori Westwick Becker (lkwb29@gmail.com) 317-908-3317
Valentine’s Day History
According to History.com, “the history of Valentine’s Day - and the story of its patron saint-is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
“The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. Still others insisted that it was Saint Valentine of Terni, a bishop, who was the true namesake of the holiday. He, too, was beheaded by Claudius II outside Rome.
“Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl - possibly his jailor’s daughter - who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and - most importantly - romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France.
“While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial - which probably occurred around A.D. 270 - other claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, of February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.”
President’s Day History
According to History.com, “Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February. Originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington, the holiday became popularly known as Presidents’ Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln and other figures, Presidents’ Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.”
Black History Month
According to History.com, “Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history. The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States.
“That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNHL), and organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by Black Americans and other peoples of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.
“President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to “seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.” Today, Black History Month is a time to honor the contributions and legacy of African Americans across U.S. history and society - from activists and civil rights pioneers such as Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Marcus Garvey, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcom X and Rosa Parks to leaders in industry, politics, science, culture and more.”
Pastor’s Office Hour
Just a reminder that Pastor Doug’s office hours are as followed (but are subject to change):
Faith: 9am - 12pm Wednesdays
St. Andrew’s: 9am - 12pm Thursdays
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16)
Thank you to everyone who helped with our January food pantries.
Thanks to Kelli Steurer from St. Andrew’s for her assistance in assembling the worship video the last several weeks.
Thank you to MJ from St. Andrew’s and Nikki Lee from Faith for assembling the weekly bulletins.
Thank you to Douglas Perez from Faith and Ed Bailey from St. Andrew’s for the musical accompaniment during our virtual services.
Building Security
If you are the last person to leave the building, please check the list on the alarm, lock, alarm the building, and check the doors to protect people and property. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Lee.
February Celebrations
We’d like to honor and celebrate with you!
Please contact the office to make sure we have
your birthday and anniversary on file.
BIRTHDAYS
Masako Knight 2/7
Julie Thomas 2/19
ANNIVERSARIES
Brian & Deanna Kochersperger 2/21
HOMEBOUND
Martha Siemers
Worship Assistants - February 2022
PLEASE NOTE: The worship assistants listed below are assigned with the assumption that we will be returning to in-person worship.
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Altar Flowers
February 20
Mona Etter
Lori W. Becker
Phil Zillinger
Brian K.
Kevin W.
Jay Anderson
Becky A.
Joyce Sams
Phil Zilinger
Etter 2/14 - 2/20
February 27
Mona Etter
Phil Zillinger
Sara Curry
Willy Frizzell
John K.
Jacob B.
Nikki Lee
Sara Curry
Janice Lee
Lee 2/21 - 2/27
Daily Readings & Devotions
Tuesday, February 1
Wed., February 2
Thurs., February 3
Friday, February 4
Sat., February 5
Sunday, February 6
Mon., February 7
Tuesday, February 8
Wed., February 9
Thurs., February 10
Friday, February 11
Sat., February 12
Sun., February 13
Mon., February 14
Hebrews 2:14-18
Luke 2:22-40
Isaiah 6:1-8 [9-13]
Psalm 138
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Luke 5:1-11
Psalm 115
1 Samuel 9:15-10:1b
Luke 5:27-32
Jeremiah 17:5-10
Psalm 1
1 Corinthians 15:12-20
Luke 6:17-26
1 Corinthians 15:20-26
Tues., February 15
Wed., February 16
Thurs., February 17
Friday, February 18
Sat., February 19
Sunday, February 20
Mon., February 21
Tues., February 22
Wed., February 23
Thurs., February 24
Friday, February 25
Sat., February 26
Sunday, February 27
Monday, February 28
Ezra 1:1-11
Luke 11:37-52
Genesis 45:3-11, 15
Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40
1 Corinthians 15:35-38
Luke 6:27-38
Psalm 38:8-22
1 Corinthians 11:17-22
Acts 10:9-23
Exodus 34:29-35
Psalm 99
2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2
Luke 9:28-36 [37-43a]
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Daily readings are provided by the Christ in Our Homes published by Augsburg Fortress. Copies of this quarter’s books are available for pickup. If you would like a copy and can’t make it to the church, please contact Pastor Doug or the church office.
Faith Financials
December 2021 Offerings
Account Name
Advent
Budget Giving
Building Fund
Christmas
Christmas Eve
Food Pantry
Garden of Faith
Misc.
St. Andrew’s
December Total
Amount
$36.00
$10,047.07
$50.00
$125.00
$175.00
$374.14
$38.40
$351.00
$4,274.57
$17,754.78
In the spirit of giving, we thank you for your generosity!
Prayer Wall
“Through Christ we can do all things”
Philippians 4:13
Join us in prayer for our brother and sisters in Christ for good health, healing, safety, strength, courage, peace, clear minds, renewed spirit, and for all their unknown needs.
Our Homebound Members: Martha Siemers
Continued Prayers: Don Damrow, Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), Vince Draper, Jodi Draper, Brian Kochersperger’s mom, Karen Anderson and family, Donna Brown (cancer patient-friend of Sara Curry), For a special intention, Masako Knight and family (health concerns), Jim Boyd (health concerns), Chris Burgan (daughter of Joyce and Gil Sams), Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench, 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: Douglas Perez, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, Lindsay Basicker, All students navigating their “new normals”
Military Service Members: All Service Men and Women fighting for our freedoms
Current Events:
Continued Covid-19 struggles and Peace for our troubled world
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 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.