July 2024 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
Bishop Bill Gafkjen is retiring September 1, and he is visiting us on July 21, 10:00 A.M. at St. Andrews (note location change).
It was important to me that we pay our respects for his 14 years as our Bishop. He guided us wonderfully through Covid with his letters of encouragement as we walked together thru what he called the "wilderness" of Covid.
Bishop Gafkjen has been my Pastor through difficult times, in my transition from Pastor to Chaplain and back again. He will preach and preside over Holy Communion on that Sunday. We will be blessed. Our gift to him will be monetary donations.
A fund has been established in his name to financially assist leaders in our Synod. You and I are invited to donate to that fund. Envelopes are available at church, you can donate electronically using "Other" then typing in "Bishops Fund’s or write the same thing in memo line of your check. Thank you in advance.
Let us pray for Bishop Gafkjen as he retires to spend time with a new grandbaby and his family. And let us also pray for our new Bishop-Elect Tim Graham in his transition as our new Bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the ELCA!
Gratefully yours,
Pastor Doug
Fruits of the Spirit Summer Sermon Series
Fruits of the Spirit Summer Sermon Series Continues, from Galatians 5:22:
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
· July 7 Kindness
· July 14 Goodness
· July 21 Bishop Visit
· July 28 Faithfulness
· August 4 Gentleness
· August 11 Self Control
Wednesday Night Bible Study Zoom
Wednesday night zoom bible study is on summer break. Bible study will resume the first Wednesday in August.
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
Faith Formation: Is on summer vacation and will resume on August 4, 2024.
Food Pantry Date
The next food pantry will be held Saturday, July 20 from 9-11am. We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors. All volunteers are welcome and needed!
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.
Alliance Churches Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA
On June 11, Paster Doug, Phil Zillinger and I attended an Alliance meeting with council members from St. Andrews, Messiah in Brownsburg, and St. Stevens in Plainfield, as well as Pastor Nancy Nyland from the Synod who will guide us through the process. An Alliance is not a Shared Ministry, but a union or association formed for mutual benefit. Led by the Spirit, Alliance Churches will partner together to discover mutual benefits for strong leadership, vital mission and ministry, engagement in the community, renewed viability and long-term sustainability. In the Alliance Model, a covenant will be created to guide the vision, mission, and day to day operation of the model. An exit strategy will be put in place if at any time a council/congregation wants to end their Alliance.
The landscape for congregations has changed dramatically over the past generation. As a result, many congregations are experiencing change in membership, resources, energy, and creativity. Congregations are looking for new and creative ways to re-ignite their mission and ministry. Alliances has the potential for this. As the Body of Christ, we are better together. The
Partnership Model is the model we will follow, in which churches partner with one another. The churches strive to find a balance between autonomy and unity. Congregations reflect on their needs and assets and form an alliance that is mutually beneficial. These congregations may share a mission, a budget, staff, council, and other resources while allowing space for expressing their unique personality and purpose in God’s mission at different sites in terms of programming, worship and service. Our plan is to meet monthly to form a closer relationship with the other 3 councils, then expand to more members of each congregation. We will keep you updated on our progress. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask a Council member.
Kevin Westwick
President, Faith Lutheran Church
Faith Giving Information
Faithful Faith Members...with the various giving options (traditional envelopes, directdeposit, Vanco Mobile or 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 email to bkochersperger@foxcontractors.com.
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 Becky, Mona and Julie for helping with the monthly Supper and Service meals.
● Thanks and praise to the “lunch crew” and all who helped with the funeral luncheon for Gil and Joyce Sams and family.
● Thank you to the many who volunteer to help with the Food Pantry.
● Thank you Brian for the new mailbox. ● Pastor Doug, thank you for all you do, we appreciate you!
● Thanks to Phil and Vince for continually addressing and treating our well.
● Thank you to Ron and the property team for cutting the grass and outside work.
● Sincere thanks to the ladies who prepare fellowship snacks each Sunday!
● Thanks and praise to the Facebook “guys” who record each week: John, Kevin and Brian. We’d be lost without you all.
● Thanks to all our Council Members for your continual service, thank you!
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.
July 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
Tommy Funk 7/8
Sara Curry 7/11
Carol Westwick 7/11
Willy Frizzell 7/17
Pat Ingram 7/24
Pastor’s NEW Office Hours
Office hours are by appointment during the summer. Regular office hours will resume in September.
Worship Assistants - July 2024
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
July 7
Becky/Debbie
Phil Z
Samuel M
Brian K
Kevin W
Nikki L
Becky A
Janice L
Jim O
Albaugh
July 14
Becky/Debbie
Brian K
Teresa K
Karen A
Kevin W
Phil Z
Jay A
Karen A
Kevin W
Hacker
July 21
Becky/Debbie
June 28
Becky/Debbie
Karen A
Lori WB
Teresa K
John K
Samuel M
Julie M
Mona E
Kevin W
Lee
Daily Readings & Devotions
July 1
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
July 6
July 7
July 8
July 9
July 10
July 11
July 12
July 13
July 14
July 15
July 16
Psalm 88
2 Corinthians 9:1-5
John 14:1-7
Ezekiel 2:1-5
Psalm 123
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13
Ezekiel 2:8-3:11
James 5:7-12
Psalm 119:81-88
Amos 7:7-15
Psalm 85:8-13
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29
Psalm 142
Acts 23:12-35
July 17
July 18
July 19
July 20
July 21
July 22
July 23
July 24
July 25
July 26
July 27
July 28
July 29
July 30
July 31
Amos 9:11-15
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 23
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56
John 20:1-2, 11-18
Psalm 100
Luke 15:1-7
Mark 10:35-45
2 Kings 4:42-44
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21
Genesis 18:1-15
Romans 15:22-33
Mark 6:35-44
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.
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, Carol Westwick, Estelle Boyd, and Judy Vogel
Continued Prayers: Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), Gil and Joyce Sams, Jim and Kim Orebaugh.
For special intention: Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench, Unknown needs to all who 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: Annika Cahill, Douglas Perez, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, Jacob Benning, Karissa Draper 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.