September 2024 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
This month I’ll celebrate 24 years of ordained ministry in our ELCA! If I have heard it once, I have heard this phrase a thousand times: “Pastor, I know your so busy…” And I always crack a joke asking how you know I am busy? I could have golf clubs in my trunk. Yes, life in busy but there is nothing….NO THING ….that would ever get in the way of your personal, spiritual needs.
From the beginning of our now four years together I have widely and consistently communicated my dedication to you, the family of faith. I always have my cell phone with me and if I am not able to answer when you call, I call back as soon as possible. I have my email and texting as well and now will announce “Office Hours” as another way to talk with me if you would like.
Starting the second week of this month, I will hold Office hours Tuesdays at Faith 11- 2, and Thursdays at St. Andrews 11-2. These are the times I am planning to be at the building and available if you would like to just drop in. (These are subject to last minute change based on emergencies and related events! I seek your patience and grace with these hours.)
I welcome anyone to drop in if you would like to chat. As always, you can call and arrange time on other days and hours as well. Bottom line, I am your Pastor and I take great pride in my role to be your spiritual advisor/encourager. I am praying for you and appreciate your prayers for me.
God be with you until we meet again,
Pastor Doug.
Wednesday Night Zoom
In Pastor’s opinion, one of the best things you can do to prepare for Sunday is to study the Bible lessons scheduled for that day. Every Wednesday evening at 7pm, a group from both churches reads and discusses the lessons! Join in, the link is sent out on email every Wednesday.
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
Faith Formation: has moved to the 2nd and 4th Sunday evenings at 7pm starting September 8th. We will begin on that date studying a book called "Forty Foundations of Faith" by Stephen Siroky (available on Amazon for @$17). Everyone is invited to join us in the study of this book, and join in as you can starting Sept. 8.
LENS Refection Meeting
We have a new Bible study every other Sunday morning at 9am, Emmy's Pancake House & Grill, starting September 1st. The LENS program is a Bible study that engage discussion of connecting world events with the Bible, faith and everyday life.
Gods work Our hands
This year God's Work Our Hands Sunday will be held on September 8th. If you have a suggestion for a non-profit in Hendricks County (i.e. Family Promise, or Sheltering Wings) that we could assist, please let Becky or Julie know.
We'll compile the list and once a group has been determined, we'll contact them to see what assistance we can provide. We're hoping to identify our group soon so that we'll have plenty of planning time. If you're interested in some of the projects that other congregations have done in the past few years, take a minute to look at https://www.elca.org/dayofservice.
Faith Giving Information
Faithful Faith Members...with the various giving options (traditional envelopes, direct deposit, Vanco Mobile or Vanco On-line via link from Faith’s website), we have reduced the number of offering envelopes for the congregation.
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16)
Pastor Doug, thank you for all you do, we appreciate you!
Thank you to Julie Muncy and Becky Albaugh for organizing the summer supper and service.
Janice Lee, thank you for taking care of the food pantry.
Thanks to Phil Zillinger for continually addressing and treating our well issues.
Thank you to Ron Graff 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.
September 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
Troy Funk 9/18
Samuel Burks 9/22
Darlene Olson 9/26
Janice Damrow 9/27
Lori Westwick Becker 9/29
Lauren Holiday 9/30
Anniversaries
Leigh and Dan Schramm 9/01
Jim and Kim Orebaugh 9/08
Julie and Chuck Muncy 9/17
Pastor’s Office Hours
Just a reminder that Pastor Doug’s office hours are as follows (but are subject to change):
Tuesday: Faith 11a - 1p
If something urgent comes up, I will leave a note on the door. This is my attempt to be readily available at a set time and place. Always remember, you may contact me anytime day or night!
Worship Assistants - September 2024
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
September 1
Lori W. B.
Jim Orebaugh
Teresa Kofodimos
Karen Anderson
John Kofodimos
Ron Graff
Julie Muncy
Joyce Sams
Karen Anderson
Lee 8.26 - 9.01
September 15
Lori W. B.
Janice Damrow
Samuel Muncy
Jim Orebaugh
Brian K.
Lori W. B.
Becky Albaugh
Karen Anderson
Jim Orebaugh
Albaugh 9.09 - 9.15
September 22
Lori W. B.
Brian K.
Jim Orebaugh
Janice Damrow
John Kofodimos
Nikki Lee
Mona Etter
Becky Albaugh
Janice Lee
Hacker 9.16 - 9.22
September 29
Lori W. B.
Jay Anderson
Karen Anderson
Brian K.
Kevin Westwick
Ron Graff
Jay Anderson
Sara Curry
Julie Muncy
Etter 9.23 - 9.29
Daily Readings & Devotions
September 1
September 2
September 3
September 4
September 5
September 6
September 7
September 8
September 9
September 10
September 11
September 12
September 13
September 14
September 15
September 16
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
1 Timothy 4:6-16
Deuteronomy 4:15-20
Psalm 106:1-6, 13-23, 47-48
Isaiah 35:4-7a
Psalm 146
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Mark 7:24-37
Hebrews 11:2—12:2
Isaiah 38:10-20
Matthew 17:14-21
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 116:1-9
John 3:13-17
Mark 8:27-38
Romans 3:9-20
September 17
September 18
September 19
September 20
September 21
September 22
September 23
September 24
September 25
September 26
September 27
September 28
September 29
September 30
Colossians 3:1-11
Psalm 119:169-176
Jeremiah 11:18-20
Psalm 54
Matthew 9:9-13
Mark 9:30-37
James 4:8-17
Psalm 139:1-18
John 8:21-38
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29
Psalm 19:7-14
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50
Luke 10:17-20
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, Judy Vogel, and Estelle Boyd.
Continued Prayers: Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), Martha Siemers.
For special intention: Phil Zillinger, 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.