March 2022 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
As we approach Lent, we are often asked “What will you be giving up for Lent?” And we aren’t sure how to answer whether chocolate, caffeine, or something else. Many of us give up something important to our lives in an attempt to “suffer” similar to Jesus.
No matter what we give up, we’ll never come close to that level of suffering of course. But what about another approach to the 40 days leading up to Easter? What about taking something on, rather than giving up??
A Seminary professor gave a beautiful Ash Wednesday sermon on this idea of taking something on rather than giving up. Her idea was to take on more time in prayer, Bible reading, serving the church, community, or your neighborhood.
The ideas are endless and the possibilities rich. We already probably feel like our lives are full, if not overflowing with endless tasks and worry, etc. Take the higher road, spiritually, and talk to God about what you can do for Lent that will be moving spiritually.
Look forward to our times together on Sunday exploring Spiritual Gifts and see how the Lord is leading. I pray for you and yours to have a wonderful Lenten journey filled with the Spirit!
Pastor Doug
Council Thoughts
How does it feel being a part of the Faith family? Do you feel loved? Do you feel needed? We sure hope so because EVERYONE is loved and needed at Faith. Some offer cards, prayers, friendly smiles, develop worship service, mow grass, clean the inside of the church, greet, usher, money counter, cantor, beautiful voices, food preparation, offer flowers, garden, adult forum, video technicians, scheduling volunteers, food pantry, along with so many other tasks. All gifts, tasks completed, and offer of kindness are important and appreciated.
Everyone has a role at Faith. Everyone has spiritual gifts to offer. Reach out as the Spirit guides you!
“We need YOU and appreciate YOU!”
In Christ’s Name,
Janice Lee, Council President
Council Meeting Highlights - February 2022
We will be nailing down the duties for an office assistant and hope to post the position again.
Julie is contacting a couple of people to take the position of property manager.
The Annual Meeting will be held via zoom on the 20th.
Anniversary celebration has been put on hold due to COVID and planning will resume soon.
We will be re-opening for in-person worship on the 27th - we will continue wearing masks for the time being - no coffee hours, no soup suppers for Lent, and no choir.
Lenten services will be virtual.
Joint council with St. Andrew’s will be on the 28th.
New Faith Mask Guideline Update
Faith’s Church Council voted Thursday evening, March 3, 2022, to change the Covid guidelines that were originally set based on new CDC guidelines and State Health report. The new update is showing Hendricks County as yellow (1) and Marion County as blue (.5) which is the lowest (best) on their chart. Based on all of the data and information, Faith Council voted to make masks optional for worship, food pantry, etc., effective as of 3/3/2022. Please note everyone should feel comfortable wearing a mask if they choose to do so. We will continue with choir (masks optional), using hymnals, singing, (robustly as we do), and maintain the same practices for communion and offering, at least for now. We will continue with chairs spaced out as well. Coffee Fellowship with resume Sunday, March 13.
To protect others, please stay home if you:
Have symptoms of an illness or virus
Test positive for COVID
Have been exposed to someone who is showing signs of COVID or contagious illness.
If the data changes in the future to cause the Church Council concern, we will re-evaluate again, but praying we don’t have to address that again. Thanks so much for your time! If you have any questions, please contact a Faith Church Council member.
Blessings,
Janice Lee, President
Daylight Saving Time:
March 13th - Don’t forget to turn your clock forward!
Kentucky Disaster Relief - Thank You!
A fellow church from Benton, Kentucky sent us a thank you card for our donation to support the people affected by the tornadoes in their community.
“Dear Faith Lutheran Church, We are so thankful for your financial support during the very difficult time for the people affected by the tornadoes in KY. You can be assured that 100% will be used for helping those in need. You are God’s hands in the world. Thank you so much, God bless you.
St. Matthew by the Lake Church”
Lenten Game Plan
Here are your highlights:
Sunday Sermons highlight Spiritual Gifts “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:4-7)
Wednesday, March 9 - April 13 - Study of the book “Understanding Spiritual Gifts”
Maundy Thursday, April 14, Agape’ (love) meal & service at Faith Lutheran (Time TBD)
Good Friday service at noon at St. Andrews
Also, Speedway Ministerial Group invites all to a 7 p.m. in person and Facebook worship service at John Knox Presbyterian in Speedway, 3000 N. High School Road.
Easter Celebration of the Resurrection - April 17th 9 a.m. for St. Andrews, 11 a.m. for Faith.
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.
Virtual Lent Discussion/Wednesday Night Zoom
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. During Lent, March 9 to April 13, FF is studying the book “Understanding Spiritual Gifts.” Come 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: During Lent, March 9 to April 13, FF is studying the book “Understanding Spiritual Gifts,” 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 March food pantries will be held on Friday, March 4, from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, March 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
Lifting Each Other Up
“In-reach”… Is “in-reach” a read word, but you understand the concept. We need to be there for each other. One of the easiest ways to do that is to lift each up in good spirits and His word and love. Let us all find ways to lift each other up and remind one another he/she is appreciated. Maybe we can all take a moment and send a text, email, or card to someone who we haven’t talked to in awhile.
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.
Vanco Mobile App Information
Vanco Mobile is replacing our GivePlus Mobile app. Vanco Mobile has created a webpage to assist with the transition to this new app. Please contact the church office for the link to the new webpage.
Hymn History with Douglas featuring “I Sing the Mighty Power of God” (1715)
As Isaac Watts quietly pastored Mark Lane Chapel in London, the growing popularity of his hymns was causing a tempest. “Christian congregations have shut out divinely-inspired Psalms,” one man complained, “and taken in Watts’ flights of fancy.” The issue of singing hymns versus Psalms split churches, including the one in Bedford, England, once pastored by John Bunyan.
The controversy jumped the Atlantic. In May 1789, Reverend Adam Rankin told the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, meeting in Philadelphia, “I have ridden on horseback all the way from my home in Kentucky to ask this body to refuse the great and pernicious error of adopting the use of Isaac Watts’ hymns in public worship in preference to the Psalms of David.” We do not know Isaac Watts’ reactions; however, Dr. Samuel Johnson later reported that “by his natural temper he was quick of resentment; but, by his established and habitual practice, he was gentle, modest, and inoffensive.” But in 1712, Watts suffered a breakdown from which he never fully recovered. He asked his church to discontinue his salary, but they raised it and hire a co-pastor who assumed the bulk of pastoral duties. Watts remained as pastor the rest of his life, preaching whenever he could.
A wealthy couple in the church, Sir Thomas and Lady Abney, invited him to spend a week on their estate. Isaac accepted and ended up living with them until his death 36 years later. He enjoyed the children in the home, and in 1715, he published Divine and Moral Songs for Children. It sold 80,000 copies in a year and has been selling ever since. In his preface, he said, “Children of high and low degree, of the Church of England of dissenters, baptized in infancy or not, may all join together in these songs. And as I have endeavored to sink the language to the level of a child’s understanding…to profit all, if possible, and offend none.”
One hymn in this volume, intended for children, became popular with adults. Originally entitled, “Praise for Creation and Providence,” it said:
I sing the mighty power of God, that made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad, and built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained the sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at God’s command, and all the stars obey.
“He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and hath stretched out the heaven by his understanding.”
Jeremiah 51:15
Garden of Faith Fun
Have you been dreaming of warmer weather? Spring flowers? Fresh vegetables that you have grown yourself? Now is your chance to plan! Spring is just around the corner and there are raised garden beds waiting for you in our Garden of Faith!
I will weed the raised garden beds the first time and then you can start planting flowers and vegetables.
Let Lori Westwick Becker know if you are interested, or have questions, in a raised bed for your planting, your produce, and your pleasure!
Call or text: (317) 908-3317 Email: lkwb29@gmail.com
Pastor’s Office Hours
Just a reminder that Pastor Doug’s office hours are as follows (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 February food pantries.
A big thank you to Joyce Sams and Becky Albaugh for cleaning floors, bathrooms, and the rest of the building in preparation for our return to in-person worship.
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.
March 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
Zane James 3/6
Don Synder 3/14
David Lee 3/15
Michelle Becker 3/17
Dale Olson 3/20
Debbie Hacker 3/23
Estelle Boyd 3/29
HOMEBOUND
Martha Siemers
Worship Assistants - March 2022
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Altar Flowers
March 6
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Samuel M.
Lori W. Becker
NA
Kevin W.
Phil Z.
Nikki Lee
NA
Becky A.
Curry 2/28 - 3/6
March 13
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Brian K.
Willie F.
NA
John K.
Lori W. Becker
Becky A.
Mona E.
Karen A.
Albaugh 3/7 - 3/13
March 20
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Karen A.
Phil Z.
NA
John K.
Jay A.
Mona E.
Becky A.
Julie M.
Hacker 3/14 - 3/20
March 27
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Lori W. Becker
Debbie H.
NA
Kevin W.
Julie M.
Joyce S.
Sara C.
Debbie H.
Etter 3/21 - 3/27
Daily Readings & Devotions
Tuesday, March 1
Wednesday, March 2
Thursday, March 3
Friday, March 4
Saturday, March 5
Sunday, March 6
Monday, March 7
Tuesday, March 8
Wednesday, March 9
Thursday, March 10
Friday, March 11
Saturday, March 12
Sunday, March 13
Monday, March 14
Tuesday, March 15
Wed., March 16
Psalm 51:1-17
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21
Deuteronomy 26:1-11
Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16
Romans 10:8b-13
Luke 4:1-13
1 John 2:1-6
Psalm 17
Job 1:1-3, 6-22
Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18
Psalm 27
Philippians 3:17-4:1
Luke 13:31-35
Psalm 105:1-15
Numbers 14:10b-24
Luke 13:22-31
Thursday, March 17
Friday, March 18
Saturday, March 19
Sunday, March 20
Monday, March 21
Tuesday, March 22
Wed., March 23
Thursday, March 24
Friday, March 25
Saturday, March 26
Sunday, March 27
Monday, March 28
Tuesday, March 29
Wed., March 30
Thursday, March 31
2 Samuel 7:4, 8-16
Romans 4:13-18
Matthew 1:16, 18-21, 24a
Luke 13:1-9
Isaiah 55:1-9
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Isaiah 7:10-14
Luke 1:26-38
Psalm 40:5-10
Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Joshua 5:9-12
Psalm 32
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Isaiah 43:19-21
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 Financial
January 2022
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 Gifts
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 1/1/2022
$46,796.09
($131.47)
$28,353.92
$7,066.40
$7,179.09
$3,838.13
$650.81
$115.80
$1,775.00
$213.29
$10.00
$570.00
$296.00
$1,142.25
$975.00
$80.00
$ -
($27.40)
$138.91
$349.47
$574.23
$377.09
$12,329.81
$112,772.42
Deposits 01/2022
$9,752.17
$2,790.12
$ -
$100.00
$157.72
$98.41
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$28.80
$ -
$5.10
$12,932.32
Disbursement 01/2022
$11,492.37
$4,315.66
$ -
$139.13
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$15,947.16
Ending Balance 1/31/2022
$45,055.89
($1,657.01)
$28,353.92
$7,166.40
$7,197.68
$3,936.54
$650.81
$115.80
$1,775.00
$213.29
$10.00
$570.00
$296.00
$1,142.25
$975.00
$80.00
$ -
($27.40)
$138.91
$349.47
$603.03
$377.09
$12,334.91
$109,757.58
Respectfully Submitted by: Lori Westwick Becker
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, and all students in Avon!
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.