November 2022 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
Right now, before you go any further into this article, recall 5 things for which you give thanks! We can all easily name at least 5 things we are thankful for in our daily lives. If you are like me, you probably can name God/Jesus, family, home, friends, and … your church?? Of course, I would hope your church congregation would make your list of 5 things on a Thanksgiving list!
We are in the season of Thanksgiving, as we usher in the month of November! We have much to give God thanks for and it can be easy to list 50 things, rather than just 5. The idea of such a list first came from Oprah Winfrey. She suggested that each night, we should take out a journal or tablet, and write down 5 things for which we give thanks.
She suggested this will really change your life as you bring to mind everyday things we are thankful for. In fact, Oprah suggests a “different” set of 5 things each night. You and I can do that because God has given us so, so much and we are a blessed people. Our Bible teaches us to “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Th. 5: 16-18). Let us live lives of gratitude, always giving God the thanks and praise!
I pray you and yours have a blessed and “thankful” Thanksgiving season.
Pastor Doug
Council Thoughts
Wouldn't it be great to invite the community to a Community Event to share our story, His Word, and have lots of fun with new friends? How about an early summer Strawberry Festival or a fall hayride and cook-out? We have the space, even if ICCS can move forward with the land deal. We would still have 10 acres, which is more than enough to do any community event.
I had a "friend of the congregation" suggest to me, we must show the community who we are and what we have to offer. We need to show them where we want to be in 5 years, ask them to join us in making things happen within the community. Maybe it means some of the school families or staff want to help with the garden and grow more for families in need. I challenge each of you to consider what activities like this could mean for Faith Lutheran Church. Maybe we will have a member's daughter arrange pony rides or face painting. Maybe our families could help in multiple ways with music, a bonfire, or maybe we ask a farmer to give hayrides or find some creative people to do crafts with our community. Young or old...reach within to find that extra boost of energy to show the community Faith has something to offer...because we do!
When we initially moved out here to Avon several years ago, we thought if we built a building "people would just show up". Well, it doesn't and hasn't worked like that. We need to think out of the box. Perhaps take the advice of our "friends" and put ourselves out there to share our gifts with others. We have several people who have a strong interest in prioritizing a memorial/prayer garden to honor those who have gone before us. Give everyone at Faith and in the community a place to sit and pray quietly outdoors. Watch for more in the spring.
You too, can be a part of it. Faith is so blessed to have several members who set aside time to volunteer in so many ways. Please look within, pray, and prioritize Faith in your lives to volunteer to take care of the grounds, visiting those who can't make it or cooking for those who need food due to illness or a new baby, send a card to uplift someone's spirits, or any other type of volunteer opportunity. Perhaps you could take an hour or so and offer to be put on the cleaning list once every 6-8 weeks. We really can't afford to pay to have the church cleaned and our volunteers are great. We need more, so no one must clean except once every 2 months. If everyone who is able, volunteers to do just one more thing on a Sunday morning or volunteer to help with a project. We could spread it out with more people and do it less times, right? :)
Thanks for the consideration for any or all of these ideas. There aren't my ideas...I am just sharing ideas I have heard about from others who are excited to get out there and get things done! There are so many ways - big or little - that "YOU" could be on the bus to just give a little time or money and be a part of the excitement of working with the community. It may be a little cold right now, but YES folks, spring will be here before we know it! Let's start now with baby steps to plan ahead :)! God bless our Faith family!
Sincerely,
Janice Lee President
Faith Church Council
Council Meeting Highlights - October 2022
This month, our budget has reached a negative point of $1280.00.
Land sale update, at this point, there is nothing to report. The buyers are waiting for the famer to harvest the corn to do surveys.
Christmas/Advent schedule: Christmas Eve service will be at 5:00 pm and the weekly bible study Slot will be used for a midweek service/study.
Christmas Caroling will be on December 11, 2022, after church. A light lunch will be provided for carolers.
The nominating committee will be looking for people to fill the Vice President and Financial Analyst positions.
The Food Pantry budget is empty. Maybe congregation could help.
Jack and Bobbie Seitz will be accepted as new members.
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.
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
Greetings and God's Blessings.
We made it through another month with 113 families and/or 457 individuals! Our resources are low, but we are managing to keep our heads above water. The coalition has distributed canned chicken, green beans, baked beans, applesauce, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, salsa, beef broth and chicken broth. This is from the grant obtained by the coalition to buy food for all the pantries in the coalition. This helps with some food, but we need to continue to ask for donations. Monetary and/or items such as peanut butter, cans of tuna fish, and canned soups (chicken noodle, cream of mushroom, and cream of chicken).
We are very grateful that the congregation has helped and supported the food pantry. We are also grateful for the volunteers that help serve.
God's Blessings to all.
Debbie Mohr
The next food pantries will be held on Friday, November 4, from 5-7 p.m. and Saturday, November 19, 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!
Women of the ELCA
Dear Women of I-K Synod WELCA ~
Did you know that as a woman and member of a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America that you are automatically a member of the Women of the ELCA (WELCA) organization? This entitles you to participate with WELCA on a Synodical level, even if your congregation no longer supports a formal WELCA group.
As such you are cordially invited to a Retreat sponsored by the I-K Synodical Women's group. It is November 4 & 5, 2022, in at the Benedictine Inn Retreat and Conference Center in Beech Grove. The Retreat will begin at 6:00 PM with dinner Friday and wrap up by 4:00 PM on Saturday.
The Retreat, themed Shalom and the Brickyard, opens Friday evening at 6:00 PM with a group dinner and an introduction titled Peace. The evening will include group and breakout activities.
Saturday begins with breakfast and a study of Fidelity. The song for the study is "Dona, Nobis, Pacem". (Fun side note: I attended a musical, "Nunsense", last weekend that had these words as part of the stage backdrop.)
Part 2 on Saturday will include a discussion of The Brickyard. Hint: it isn't what you are thinking.
Parts 3 and 4 will be a group discussion and short business meeting.
Of course, lunch will be served, and the retreat will end with a closing worship to include communion. You'll be on your way home at 4:00 PM.
This retreat will give you an interesting Bible study, a chance to meet other women from the I-K Synod, an opportunity to stroll the beautiful groups of the Center (There is also a labyrinth), and some wonderful food.
Attached is the KINswoman Newsletter with more information and registration form. This information is also available on the synod website - KINswoman-2022-Special-Retreat Edition.pdf (iksynod.org)
Blessings Beverly Ledwon I-K Synod WELCA Board non-voting member
KINswoman 2022 Special Retreat.pdf 921kB
Did you know you can give thru Kroger?
Dear FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH,
The Kroger Co. Family of Stores is committed to bringing hope and help to the local neighborhoods we call home. Our stores are on a mission to not just part of, but to help create a stronger community. We recognize that every community has unique causes that need support. Thank you for being such an important organization in our community.
We encourage you to ask your supporters to link their rewards card to your organization. Community Rewards is easy to use, The more your supporters shop with us, the more money your organization will earn!
We are committed to carefully protecting our customer's personal information. In order to meet their expectation of privacy, we have adopted a simple policy to never share a customer's personal information. Our privacy policy applies to Community Rewards participation as well.
Thank you for being such an important organization in our community,
Community Rewards Staff
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.
Don’t forget you extra giving for Advent!
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16).
Thanks to: Phil Zillinger for continually addressing and treating our well issues.
Thank you to Ron Graff for all he does for the church property.
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. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Lee.
November 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
Martha Siemers 11-01
Amy Westwick 11-03
Gavin Baldwin 11-05
Jennifer Benning 11-08
Todd Basicker 11-09
Gil Sams 11-12
Jerry Curry 11-15
Aydan Baldwin 11-17
Rita Cheney 11-17
David Christensen 11-18
Judy Vogel 11-18
Lindsey Basicker 11-22
Annika Cahill 11-28
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 - November 2022
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
Altar Flowers
November 6
Becky A. Debbie H.
Phil Zillinger
Jay Anderson
Brian K.
Kevin Westwick
Janice Lee
Mona Etter
Joyce Sams
Julie Muncy
Lee 10/31 - 11/6
November 13
Becky A. Debbie H.
Brian K.
Lori W. B.
Karen Anderson
Kevin Westwick
Samuel Muncy
Becky Albaugh
Jodi Draper
Kevin Westwick
Etter 11/7 - 11/13
November 20
Becky A. Debbie H.
Karen Anderson
Willy Frizzell
Jim Orebaugh
John Kofodimos
Lori W. B,
Nikki Lee
Janice Lee
Debbie Hacker
Albaugh 11/14 - 11/20
November 27
Becky A. Debbie H.
Jim Orebaugh
Brian K.
Teresa Kofodimos
John Kofodimos
Nikki Lee
Gil Sams
Vi Hughes
Janice Lee
Hacker 11/21 - 11/27
Daily Readings & Devotions
November 1
November 2
November 3
November 4
November 5
November 6
November 7
November 8
November 9
November 10
November 11
November 12
November 13
November 14
November 15
November 16
Luke 6:20-31
Psalm 50
Job 19:23-27a
Psalm 17:1-9
2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17
Luke 20:27-39
2 Peter 1:16-21
2 John 1-13
Psalm 123
Malachi 4:1-2a
Psalm 98
2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Luke 21:5-19
Ephesians 4:22 - 5:2
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
Psalm 141
November 17
November 18
November 19
November 20
November 21
November 22
November 23
November 24
November 25
November 26
November 27
November 28
November 29
November 30
Jeremiah 23:1-6
Psalm 46
Colossians 1:11-20
Luke 23:33-43
Psalm 24
Revelation 22:8-21
Isaiah 60:8-16
John 2:1-5
Isaiah 2:1-5
Romans 13:11-14
Matthew 24:36-44
Romans 6:1-11
Psalm 124
John 1:35-42
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
September 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 9/1/2022
$46,889.69
$(89.87)
$28,358.02
$8,402.15
$1723.31
$4,086.63
$650.81
$134.80
$1,732.49
$230.00
$10.00
$ -
$ -
$1,362.25
$975.00
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$1,312.21
$377.09
$12,364.83
$108,519.41
Deposits for the month of Sept.
$10,443.40
$4,824.57
$ 2.14
$948.66
$757.14
$ .30
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 100.00
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 38.40
$ -
$4.96
$17,119.57
Disbursement for September
$11,949.90
$4,915.28
$ -
$ -
$582.65
$ 100.00
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$17,547.83
Ending Balance 9/30/2022
$45,383.19
$(180.58)
$28,360.16
$9,350.81
$1,897.80
$3,986.93
$650.81
$134.80
$1,732.49
$230.00
$10.00
$ -
$ 100.00
$1,362.25
$975.00
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$1,350.61
$377.09
$12,369.79
$108,091.15
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: Deb Graff (Jay Anderson’s aunt), Clair Anderson (Jay Anderson’s father), Joan (friend of Daren Anderson) 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, Annika Cahill, 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.