July 2022 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Dear Friends:
I am writing this in mid-June, when the weather is more like July or August!! It’s hot, and it’s Indiana summer at its best!
I hope and pray your summer is going well. As we get busier with outdoor activities, vacation and travel please remember your church in your tithes and offering!! I imagine many will vacation over July 3rd because of the Holiday.
Isn’t that true, anytime?? Whether you are traveling, or not, remember your church in your prayers! Pray for the Council, pray for our members in need, the shut ins, or the sick, and church finances!
Pray that our feeding and clothing-related ministries meet the needs of many!! Pray for good attendance! Invite someone to come with you, and make sure you are coming on Sunday mornings!
And as you pray, lift up prayer for the bigger, deeper questions. As we approach Fall, we will soul search and determine together how God is calling us forward!!
And we’ll give thanks for cooler weather!! God’s peace,
Pastor Doug
Council Thoughts
As we look around our world these days, there are multiple ways for each of us to help others. We not only have outreach work we can do, but “inreach” as well. Faith members have always opened our hearts to those in need no matter who is in need. My philosophy about life is I can always do better. If you find yourself wanting to do better too, consider sending a card to someone who can’t make it to church, or signing up to be a greeter, usher, or to bring in fellowship goodies. If you have time and want to help bag up food for those in our drive through food pantry on one of the food pantry dates, one of us will be happy to give you details. It would be good to spread out the tasks so more people are involved. Maybe we could each share information about Faith with a friend, neighbor or co-worker. We just never know when someone needs a helping or inviting hand. We love, serve, and gather in Christ!
Janice Lee,
Faith Council President
Council Meeting Highlights - June 2022
Save the date - July 31st - Stewardship joint lay service with St. Andrew’s centered on nature at Faith’s church property. Debbie Hacker is the lead as Stewardship Coordinator. Nikki Lee, Fellowship Coordinator, will be coordinating light pre-service refreshments. For more details, see Debbie’s article in the newsletter.
Faith’s 75th Anniversary - Karen Anderson (Anniversary Lead Planner) is planning on a fall reunion type event. Details are in Karen’s newsletter article.
Council will be sending out a survey for everyone to complete and share how you view the church priorities at the current time. Let us all pray and discern about where God is leading us and what we can do to spread His word.
Council is reviewing the various designated funds to evaluated how they can best be used as allowable. If you have any questions contact a Faith Council member.
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, July 1st, from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, June 16th 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.
Joint Worship Stewardship Event
July 31st is the 5th Sunday of the month. Faith and St. Andrew’s will share putting together a Worship Service concerning being Good Stewards thru our environment. Faith with host the worship service at 10am. A fellowship/light refreshment will start the day from 9:15am - 10am. Then, we will share tours of the grounds and including kids activities for an hour.
We look forward to sharing time with you and talking about God’s environment. Please join us.
Debbie Hacker
Stewardship Coordinator
Independence Day
The first Monday in July is Independence Day! The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4th, 1776 - and thus, America was born. American citizens celebrate America’s birthday with festivals, parades, fireworks, barbeques, fireworks, sparklers, and other festive activities.
We want to thank all our service members (both current and retired) and their families for everything they have done and continue to do for our country. It is an incredible sacrifice. We hope everyone enjoys the holiday with their family.
2022 IK-Synod Assembly
The theme for the 35th Annual assembly that Joyce and I attended as representatives for Faith Lutheran at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, IN Thursday, June 9th thru Saturday, June 11.th.
Thursday’s activities began with registration at 11:00, Orientation 12:00 and formal opening by Bishop William O. Gafkjen at 1:00. Other activities included a special spiritual practice presentation by Lisa Kramme and a very talented musician Pastor John Tirro.
Our guest speaker Rev. Dr. Chad Abbott addressed the assembly at 2:30. The next order of business at 3:30 was the introduction of the election process and the first ballot for the office of Bishop of the IN/KY Synod.
The first day continued with dinner, first ballot results at 6:00 with Bishop Gafkjen being re-elected (or fondly referred to during the assembly as being recalled) for this third 6 year term. The evening concluded with a gathering worship service at 7:30.
Friday began again with spiritual practices and music. Our key note speaker Dr. Anthony Bateza spoke to the assembly at 10:00. Other activity after included a resolution presentation, treasurers report along with a report from Bishop Gafkjen. Various breakout sessions at 2:30 and 4:00. I was asked by Pastor Nancy Nyland to make a presentation regarding shared ministry which I did a both sessions. Joyce attended session on 50-40-10: Celebration and Challenge of ordained women in ministry and Meet Pastor John Tirro. Upon the return from breakout sessions we voted to adopt compensation standards and reviewed a resolution agenda.
The evening activity included a dinner banquet during which Pastors were recognized for the years of service in ministry form 25 thru 75 years. Congregational anniversaries were recognized from 25 thru 200 years. Faith Lutheran was recognized for our 75 years and Pastor Doug, Joyce and I were called to the front and presented a certificate of recognition. To conclude the evening we attended a service in remembrance of the faithful departed which included our very own Pastor Joel Vogel. The remembrance was: for Joel Vogel and the ministry he offered, we praise and bless your glorious name O Lord. Let us bless the Lord. A bell was tolled at the conclusion of each remembrance.
Saturday began at 8:30 with spiritual practices. Business activity included adoption of budget, formalization of the Bishop election, council members and a proposed resolution. Upon a standing ovation for Bishop Gafkjen a motion to adjourn the meeting was made.
We attended the sending worship that began at 11:00 and included the installation of Bishop Gafkjen, the Synod council and committee memebers.
This time also allowed us to visit with Jan Smith, President and Jenifer Baker, Vice President of the church council representing St. Andrews Lutheran Church and Pastor Doug.
In closing, Joyce and I want to thank the Faith Lutheran Church congregation for allowing us to attend the 35th Annual Synod assembly as your representatives and share in the recognition of 75 years of ministry.
Special Thank You’s from Family Promise
Faith served serval families meals through Family Promise on May 30th. Two of these families sent special thank you notes to Faith expressing their gratitude for the time and effort put into the meals we served. Below are their messages:
“Please let this weeks food volunteers know how grateful we are for them! We could tell it was very thought out, so nicely packaged and prepared. We sincerely appreciate them. We know it’s for one very costly and time consuming. And I see the same is done for multiple families, not just ours. So I wanted them to know we are very thankful and their service doesn’t go unnoticed. I pray soon we can give back to others too. This is a very tough chapter in our lives and we are trying so hard to simply rebuild our lives and wouldn’t be able to do so without the support so kindly received. My kids get so excited to see what meal we receive each day. It might not mean much to some but to us a warm meal that is more than noodles or cereal is like going out to eat for us right now. Family Promise and all the volunteers have truly been our Godsend blessing since getting to Indy we truly love you guys!”
“volunteer, My family would like to thank you for your week of providing meals for us. You truly have a servant’s heart. The thought and preparation you put into each day was beyond caring and giving. We will forever be thankful of your service and you truly left a positive mark on our hearts! Wish we could give you something more than this card. But just know as soon as we are stable we too will be giving back to another family. Thank you.”
Ed Bailey’s 50th Anniversary
The entire congregation as well as former members and friends are invited to join us on July 10 as we celebrate Ed Baily and his 50 years of Music Ministry at St. Andrew’s during the 11am worship service.
Lunch in Fellowship Hall will follow the service.
National Gathering for Via de Cristo
Pastor Doug will be on vacation July 18-25th attending the National Gathering for Via de Cristo in Texas! Pastor Heather Apel, Assistant to the Bishop, will supply both congregations on the 24th.
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.
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.)
Connection Ministries
Connection Ministries is having their Summer Friendship Gathering July 12-14 evenings at Messiah in Brownsburg.
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 Ron Graff for all he does for the church property.
Thank you to all who provided meals for the families served through Family Promise on May 30th.
Thank you to Ed Bailey for playing the piano for us while Douglas was on vacation.
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.
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
Vince Draper 7/3
Carolyn Moench 7/3
Sara Curry 7/11
Carol Westwick 7/11
Elizabeth James 7/16
Willy Frizzell 7/17
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 - July 2022
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Altar Flowers
July 3
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Jim O.
Kim O.
N/A
John K.
Nikki L.
Mona E.
Vi H.
Julie M.
Hacker 6/27 - 7/3
July 10
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Brian K.
Willy F.
N/A
Kevin W.
Jacob B.
Julie M.
Mona E.
Jim O.
Etter 7/4 - 7/10
July 17
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Lori W. B.
Debbie H.
N/A
John K.
Gil S.
Becky A.
Joyce S.
Kevin W.
Lee 7/11 - 7/17
June 24
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Phil Z.
Jim O.
N/A
Kevin W.
Jay A.
Joyce S.
Julie M.
Karen A.
Albaugh 7/18 - 7/24
July 31
Becky A.
Debbie H.
Joint Service
@ Faith 10:00
N/A
Brian K.
Joint Service
at Faith with
St. Andrews
Hacker 7/25 - 7/31
Daily Readings & Devotions
Friday, July 1
Saturday, July 2
Sunday, July 3
Monday, July 4
Tuesday, July 5
Wednesday, July 6
Thursday, July 7
Friday, July 8
Saturday, July 9
Sunday, July 10
Monday, July 11
Tuesday, July 12
Wednesday, July 13
Thursday, July 14
Friday, July 15
Saturday, July 16
Psalm 66:1-9
Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16
Luke 10:1-11, 16-20
John 14:1-7
Psalm 119:73-80
James 2:14-26
Deuteronomy 30:9-14
Psalm 25:1-10
Colossians 1:1-4
Luke 10:25-37
James 2:1-8
1 John 3:11-17
Ecclesiastes 9:13-18
Genesis 18:1-10a
Psalm 15
Colossians 1:15-28
Sunday, July 17
Monday, July 18
Tuesday, July 19
Wednesday, July 20
Thursday, July 21
Friday, July 22
Saturday, July 23
Sunday, July 24
Monday, July 25
Tuesday, July 26
Wednesday, July 27
Thursday, July 28
Friday, July 29
Saturday, July 30
Sunday, July 31
Luke 10:38-42
Exodus 18:13-23
1 John 2:1-6
John 6:41-51
Genesis 18:20-32
John 20:1-2, 11-18
Colossians 2:6-15,16-19
Luke 11:1-13
Mark 10:35-45
Psalm 55:16-23
Matthew 5:43-48
Eccl. 1:2, 12-14, 2:18-23
Psalm 49:1-12
Colossians 3:1-11
Luke 12:13-21
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
May 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 5/1/2022
$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
$12,347.657
$117,603.33
Deposits 05/2022
$9,748.86
$4,519.03
$ -
$200.00
$203.33
$100.00
$ -
$ 40.00
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 38.40
$ -
$4.09
$14,853.71
Disbursement 05/2022
$10,927.59
$4,519.02
$ -
$ -
$1,276.87
$ -
$ -
$104.40
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$16,827.88
Ending Balance 5/30/2022
$50,765.30
$0.02
$28,355.90
$7,901.65
$4,782.88
$4,036.82
$650.81
$51.40
$1,895.00
$210.00
$10.00
$752.97
$ -
$1,362.25
$975.00
$ -
$ -
($27.40)
$ -
$ -
$1,177.81
$377.09
$12,351.66
$115,629.16
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: Estelle Boyd, 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.