June 2022 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
The month of June always reminds me of Father’s Day. At least all my life, my two brothers and I would discuss what to do for my dad for Father’s Day! We could never figure out what to get him and sometimes we would go in together for one gift. He was simple to buy for, a book, the latest Mike Car Wash gift card, etc.
For the last 31 years, I have been a recipient of Father’s Day gifts from my daughter, Emily. It’s been handwritten “Daddy” notes for a while, but eventually gifts moved up to dinners out, Christian items of some kind like a book, or any other miscellaneous T-shirts or my funny/cartoon ties!!
Some 22 years ago the gifts “doubled” with the addition of my son, Joel. I began over time to tell the difference right away between young men and women! My daughter would give me the greatest cards, underlining parts of the card, writing a beautiful note and do all of that with a flourish. Her gifts would be in beautiful gift bags or wrapped boxes with a bow and all. My son, on the other hand, would get a more humorous message on a card and write “Joel” at the bottom! Such a difference in expressions!
For the last several years, we have enjoyed going together every June (and in November at my birthday) to Top Golf in Fishers. It’s a large venue outdoor (temperature controlled) driving range complete with restaurant and bar! What else do you need? As this month comes along, I pray for all the dads and Granddads of the congregation. May we still, as able, spend time with our children and grandchildren. May we be men of prayer for and with our children and their children. May we use words of encouragement and support wherever possible.
Do any men have an interest in a Men’s ministry? Men’s Bible Study? I know St. Andrews has a history of men’s Bible study and breakfast one Saturday a month. We could all meet and eat and then work on the property once a month. Let me know if interested, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another!” Proverbs 27:17
God bless all the men of our congregations, Dads and Grandads as well,
Pastor Doug
Council Thoughts
As Faith’s Church Council discusses ways to move forward, we are focused on what you think God is calling us to do. COVID changed the way people work, live life with family and friends, and in some situations the way we worship. We know the one true promise is from God to have the last word. God loves us all. With God’s love and the promise of forgiveness, we have the opportunity to share His love with everyone. We have an opportunity to focus on building what Faith started 75 years ago. A few years ago, many of us drew pictures and wrote words that we felt God was calling us to do for Faith’s mission. As COVID affected people in many different ways, Faith’s Church Council wants to revisit and hear from you. In the near future, you will be asked to provide your input and share your thoughts as to what you think God is calling us to do to carry out Faith’s ministries. Has anything changed from your perspective over the last few years? Please pray about Faith’s mission and ministries so you can help guide our continued journey of Faith.
God’s blessings to each of you!
Janice Lee, Faith Council President
Council Meeting Highlights - April 2022
Notification - no open burning of trash shall be allowed on Faith property per Avon and State open fire burn requirements. See a Council member for any questions.
Dee Dee Kochersperger has accepted Faith’s position of Administrative Assistant position (formerly known as Church Secretary). We welcome Dee Dee as she has begun training with Nikki the week of May 23rd. Nikki will continue to support the position while she works her full-time job as well while Dee Dee learns the multiple tasks including some expansion of the position.
Save the date - July 31st - Stewardship joint lay service with St. Andrew’s centered on nature at Faith’s church property. More details to come. Debbie Hacker is the lead as Stewardship Coordinator.
Faith’s 75th Anniversary - Karen Anderson (Anniversary Lead Planner) is planning on a full reunion type event on September 18th for Faith to celebrate 75 years! A pitch-in is being planned. More details to come on this event.
If you have any questions, contact a Faith Council member. God Bless!
Wednesday Night Zoom
Weekday Zoom Bible Study is led by Pastor Doug on Wednesday nights at 7 p.m. Ask Pastor Doug if you have any questions. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND INVITED! Each week the Zoom link is sent out Wednesday mornings. The Wednesday night Bible study is studying the Bible lessons for the coming Sunday. Come join the conversation. You will be glad you did.
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
Faith Formation: We meet each Sunday evening, 7 p.m., on Zoom. Reach out to 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 next food pantries will be held on Friday, June 3rd, from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, June 18th 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!
Faith’s 75th Anniversary
Our 75th year is here. We are planning on having a gathering on September 18th, when we will invite our former members and friends. Right now we are looking for your Faith family memories that we would like to share. Several remember young Will Stolz singing “This Little Light of Mine” with such enthusiasm. What are some of your stories that you are willing to share - either share or have us read? Please email Karen Anderson (kajalekama@aol.com) and flc.avon@att.net with your stories and contact information for former members and friends.
As part of our 75th anniversary celebration this year, we are highlighting some memories of what it has been like growing with the church. Here is a story from Vi Hughes about her journey to Faith Lutheran Church:
“In the mid 1940’s, St. Matthews Lutheran Church was one of a small group of ALC (American Lutheran Church) congregations in central Indiana. At the same time, in southeastern Indiana, just west of Cincinnati, there was a group of five ALC churches which were a part of the Ohio Synod. My family were members of Trinity Lutheran Church, outside of Brookville, Indiana. Trinity was founded in the 185-’s by my great, great, great grandfather and his close family. The move from one part of Indiana to Danville (to attend college) seemed like a long trip.
I missed my familiar church. Fortunately, my mother was an avid reader of the Lutheran Standard magazine. It had a tiny news item about St. Matthews starting a new congregation on the west side of Indianapolis. Our first visit to the new services was in the front room of the parsonage on West Morris Street. I was HOME AGAIN.
Faith Lutheran Church had started its next 75 years of services. First, the services were held in the parsonage. The a cement block building was erected next door. It was in this building I became a member. Also, our oldest child, Marlene, was baptized there. In 1955, we made the next big step which was to the Gregory Drive location.
So much took place in that short time. So many people worshiped, prayed, and worked. Many moved into the neighborhood. Many moved on to other places. Many went to their Eternal Heavenly home. Some children at that time are still worshiping with us. Pastors who led the flock are fondly remembered for their caring and devoted leadership.
THANK GOD for bringing me and all of us to this place at this time.”
Special Note In Loving Memory of Pastor Joel
We received a special note from a former, long-time member, reminiscing on her memories of Faith, and specifically her memories of Pastor Joel. In honor of his memory, they made a donation to the Joel Vogel Memorial Fund. Below is her letter:
“Dear Faith Lutheran Church, Greetings to you upon the memory of Pastor Vogel, aka in our home “Pastor GoGo.” We, Susan and Joe Boatman and our three children Analisa, Jeremy, and Edward enjoyed membership and communication with you for about 10 years - the late 80’s and early 90s. Pastor GoGo and wife Judy were favorites in our home as we worshiped, loved Bible School, put everyone through the wringer in Sunday School and confirmation, and performed epic Christmas programs. We are now retired while our children are respectable, grown adults with families of their own. Faith Lutheran Church is fondly remembered. Please accept this small gift to honor Pastor GoGo! Greetings to Judy, The Masseys, and Beckers, and anyone else who has a good memory for times pasts.
-Susan Boatman-
Joint Council Meeting
Monday, June 6th, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom! Please pray for the Council members by name: Janice, Teresa, Jim, Becky, Sara, Julie, and Jan, Jennifer, Michael, Mary Lee, Audra, Mark and Suzy as they all come together to pray, discuss joint issues or concerns in our Shared Ministry and to build relationships with each other in Christian love.
2022 IK-Synod Assembly
June 9-11 - Pastor and representatives from Faith (Gil and Joyce Sams) will attend this annual meeting of the churches in IK Synod in Muncie, IN. Please pray for them, for our Bishop Bill Gafkjen running for office of the Bishop for the 3rd time, as they gather to worship our Lord and honor the business of our Synod.
History of Father’s Day
Father’s Day was inaugurated in the United States in the early 20th century to complement Mother’s Day in celebrating fathers, fathering, and fatherhood. Father’s Day was founded in Spokane, Washington at the YMCA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, who was born in Arkansas. Sonora’s father, the Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, was a single parent who raised his six children there.
After hearing a sermon about Anna Jarvis’s Mother’s Day at Central Methodist Episcopal Church in 1909, she told her pastor that fathers should have a similar holiday honoring them. Although she initially suggested June 5, her father’s birthday, the pastors of Spokane Ministerial Alliance did not have enough time to prepare their sermons, and the celebration was deferred to the third Sunday of June.
A bill to accord national recognition of the holiday was introduced in Congress in 1913. In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson went to Spokane to speak in a Father’s Day celebration and wanted to make it official, but Congress resisted, fearing that it would become commercialized. US President Calvin Colidge recommended in 1924 that the day be observed by the nation but stopped short of issuing a national proclamation. Two earlier attempts to formally recognize the holiday had been defeated by Congress.
In 1957, Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith wrote a proposal accusing Congress of ignoring fathers for 40 years while honoring mothers, thus “[singling] out just one of our two parents”. In 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day. Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when President Nixon signed it into law in 1972.
History of Flay Day
According to History.com, “When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, the colonists weren’t fighting united under a single flag. Instead, most regiments participating in the war for independence against the British fought under their own flags. In June of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create the Continental Army - a unified colonial fighting force - with the hopes of a more organized battle against its colonial oppressors. This led to the creation of what was, essentially, the first “American” flag, the Continental Colors.
For some, this flag, which was comprised of 13 red and white alternating stripes and a Union Jack in the corner, was too similar to that of the British. George Washington soon realized that flying a flag that was even remotely close to the British flag was not a great confidence-builder for the revolutionary effort, so he turned his efforts toward creating a new symbol of freedom for the soon-to-be fledgling nation.
One June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress took a break from writing the Articles of Confederation and passed a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white,” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.”
Over 100 years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson marked the anniversary of that decree by officially establishing June 14 as Flag Day.
Via de Cristo Ultreya
The word “Ultreya” is Spanish for “onward” and is essentially a reunion of those who have attended a three day weekend. Via de Cristo is our Lutheran expression of this three day event and weekends are held in the Spring and Fall. You can visit www.inkyvdc.org or join others who have attended on June 26th, 3 p.m. for worship and business meeting followed by a pitch in dinner.
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
We’ve been telling you for a while that Vanco Mobile is replacing your church’s GivePlus Mobile app. To help members transition to Vanco Mobile, we built a webpage with all the details showing you how to start using the new app. Visit this page today! (Remember, GivePlus will stop working on April 30th.)
Hymn History with Douglas featuring “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” (1907)
Many have found this hymn to be very therapeutic. “Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the dark of doubt away,” it says. “Giver of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day.” Notice how every phrase of this prayer is bursting with exuberance. The Lord is our “wellspring of the joy of living” and our “ocean depth of happy rest,” and we ask Him to, “Lift us to the joy divine.”
The author of the hymn, Henry Jackson van Dyke, was born in Pennsylvania in 1852 and became the pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City. Henry later became a professor of English literature at Princeton and the author of several books, including the still popular “The Other Wise Man.” He went on to occupy several eminent positions, including:
American Ambassador to the Netherlands and Luxembourg (appointed by his friend, Woodrow Wilson)
Lieutenant Commander in the United States Navy Chaplains Corps during World War I
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
Commander of the Legion of Honor
President of the National Institute of Arts and Letters
Chairman of the committee that compiled the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship
In 1907, Henry van Dyke was invited to preach at Williams College in Massachusetts, and at breakfast one morning, he handed the college president a piece of paper, saying, “Here is a hymn for you. Your mountains (the Berkshires) were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethoven’s ‘Hymn of Joy’”.
When he was later asked about his hymn, van Dyke replied, “These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time - hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thought of the age and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy religion, or any revolution on Earth overthrow the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, this is a hymn of trust and joy and hope.”
“For I know the thought that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Jeremiah 29:11
Guest Worship Preacher - June 5th
Guest Preacher on June 5th will be Don Boden, Executive Director of Connection Ministries, (connection-ministries.org). Don organizes and runs the Friendship Bible Studies in churches throughout our Mission Territory. He is enthusiastic to share Christian love with people of intellectual disabilities. We will collect a free will offering in support of this ministry and their Summer Camp program called “Summer Friendship Gathering”. This camp will run from July 12-14th at Messiah Lutheran, Brownsburg, Don will bring the message to both churches June 5th.
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16)
Than you to everyone who helped prepare for and clean up from Pastor Doug’s Installation Service, especially for Faith’s Joint Event Planning Committee members: Julie Muncy, Becky Albaugh, Brian Kochersperger, Nikki Lee, and Douglas Perez, who spent several weeks working with St. Andrew’s members to prepare for the event.
Thank you to Ron Graff for all he does for the church property.
Thank you to Vince Draper and Ron Graff for cleaning up the garden and shed area.
Thanks to Bill Self, Dave Lee, and Ron Graff for putting together our new arm chairs that Brian K order for us.
Thanks to Christine, Lori and Mona for the extra care you give to the garden and landscape.
Thanks to Vi Hughes for her continued juggling act every month scheduling worship assistants.
Thanks to John Kofodimos and Kevin Westwick for their commitment to streaming our worship service on Facebook Live.
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.
Congratulations Becky!!
Congratulations to our very own Becky Albaugh for celebrating her retirement from Avon School! Becky worked for 42 years as a Special Education Assistant at Avon High School. In Becky’s words:
“What I do here has never seemed like a job to me. When I first started, it was something for me to do while my kids were in school and still be available for them when they were home. It very soon became more of a passion and a purpose. It is just part of what makes me who I am.”
June 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
Karli Thomas 6/23
Mona Etter 6/24
Kim Orebaugh 6/29
Karissa Draper 6/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Steve & Becky Albaugh 6/4
Joel & Judy Vogel 6/11
Lothar & Christine Nitz 6/22
HOMEBOUND
Martha Siemers
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
Worship Assistants - June 2022
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Altar Flowers
June 5
Mona E.
Karen A.
Lori B.
N/A
John K.
Phil Z.
Jay A.
Janice L.
Jim O.
Etter 5/30 - 6/5
June 12
Mona E.
Jim O.
Karen A.
N/A
Kevin W.
Lori B.
Julie M.
Julie M.
Phil Z.
Lee 6/6 - 6/12
June 19
Mona E.
Lori B.
Phil Z.
N/A
John K.
Kevin W.
Nikki L.
Becky A.
Janice L.
Curry 6/13 - 6/19
June 26
Mona E.
Phil Z.
Teresa K.
N/A
Kevin W.
Ron G.
Elaine G.
Nikki L.
Debbie H.
Hacker 6/20 - 6/26
Daily Readings & Devotions
Wednesday, June 1
Thursday, June 2
Friday, June 3
Saturday, June 4
Sunday, June 5
Monday, June 6
Tuesday, June 7
Wednesday, June 8
Thursday, June 9
Friday, June 10
Saturday, June 11
Sunday, June 12
Monday, June 13
Tuesday, June 14
Wednesday, June 15
Genesis 11:1-9
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:14-17
Acts 2:1-21
John 14:8-17, 25-27
1 Corinthians 2:1-11
Ezekiel 11:14-25
Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31
Psalm 8
Romans 5:1-5
Acts 11:19-30
John 16:12-15
Psalm 124
Proverbs 7:1-4
Ephesians 4:7-16
Thursday, June 16
Friday, June 17
Saturday, June 18
Sunday, June 19
Monday, June 20
Tuesday, June 21
Wednesday, June 22
Thursday, June 23
Friday, June 24
Saturday, June 25
Sunday, June 26
Monday, June 27
Tuesday, June 28
Wednesday, June 29
Thursday, June 30
Isaiah 65:1-9
Psalm 22:19-28
Galatians 3:23-29
Luke 8:26-39
Psalm 64
Ephesians 2:11-22
1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21
Psalm 16
Luke 1:57-80
Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Luke 9:51-62
Psalm 140
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 17-18
John 21:15-19
Isaiah 66:10-14
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 4/1/2022 - 4/30/2022
Account Name Amount
Budget Giving $ 12,219.01
Building Fund $ 180.00
Easter $ 220.00
Food Pantry $ 68.00
Garden of Faith $ 38.40
Initial Offering $ 7.00
Lent $ 185.00
Maundy Thursday $ 75.00
Palm Sunday $ 10.00
St. Andrew’s $ 4,494.45
April Total $ 17,407.45
Faith Financial
April 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 4/1/2022
$52,287.28
$ -
$28,355.90
$7,521.65
$7,397.61
$3,936.54
$650.81
$115.80
$1,895.00
$210.00
$10.00
$567.97
$ -
$1,362.25
$975.00
$ -
$ -
($27.40)
$ -
$349.47
$1,101.01
$377.09
$12,343.61
$119,080.40
Deposits 04/2022
$12,441.01
$4,494.53
$ -
$180.00
$68.51
$98.41
$ -
$ -
$120.00
$ -
$ -
$185.00
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 38.40
$ -
$3.96
$17,411.41
Disbursement 04/2022
$12,784.26
$4,494.52
$ -
$ -
$1,609.70
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$18,888.48
Ending Balance 4/30/2022
$51,944.03
$0.01
$28,355.90
$7,701.65
$5,856.42
$3,936.54
$650.81
$115.80
$1,895.00
$210.00
$10.00
$752.97
$ -
$1,362.25
$975.00
$ -
$ -
($27.40)
$ -
$ -
$1,139.41
$377.09
$12,347.57
$117,603.33
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: Janice Damrow (recovering from knee surgery), Deb Graff (Jay Anderson’s aunt), Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), Vince Draper, Jodi Draper, Brian Kochersperger’s mom, Donna Brown (cancer patient-friend of Sara Curry); For special intention, Masako Knight (health concerns), Jim and Estelle Boyd (health concerns), Chris Burgan (daughter of Joyce and Gil Sams), Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench, Tim Schults (brother of Karen Anderson), Dan Weaver (father of Dee Dee Kochersperger); Unknown needs to all wo 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: Douglas Perez, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, Lindsay Basicker, 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:
Prayers of comfort for those who have experienced a loss due to the mass shootings 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.