August 2024 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Family of Faith:
In the Bible, Proverbs 4: 20-22 says “People should meditate on God’s Word, day and night, and keep it in their hearts.” And all God’s people said, “Amen!” Yes, we know that’s true but to actually “meditate” on the Bible and study that same Bible is often a daunting task for many. I am writing about this now in your August newsletter to encourage you to come and join in both upcoming Bible studies.
This month, both online Zoom options for the study of God’s Word return from a summer break. The Wednesday night 7pm Bible study with me looks at, meditates on and studies the Bible stories for the coming Sunday. Personally, I find there is no other way to better prepare for Sunday than to read over, study, discuss the Bible lessons that will be read and preached on this week. Just imagine as you hear the lector you are drawn in more deeply to the Scripture. Just imagine as I proclaim the Good News you are already acquainted and knowledgeable with the story to come.
Sunday night Faith Formation offers study in a more relaxed way in group sharing and input on whatever topic/book of the Bible or resource we are studying. All of you from both churches are welcomed and invited. The Zoom links come out during the day Sunday or Wednesday!
I especially appeal to those of you who came one time to one of the studies and didn’t return. I have owned the fact I am not a Bible scholar, I am not “all knowing” as it relates to Biblical geography, etc. I have always said I know where to find information to answer questions and will research a topic/question and have answers the next week.
Please prayerfully consider growing in God’s Word by joining us Sunday nights in Faith Formation at 7pm studying a variety of topics and Bible related books. Just ask me where we are, and I’ll help get you connected! BOTTOM LINE: YOU DO NOT NEED ANYTHING TO JOIN US Sunday or Wednesday nights at 7pm on Zoom as we study and grow together in God’s Word-Jesus!
Pastor Doug
Council Meeting Highlights - July 2023
Fruit 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 Zoom
Wednesday night zoom, 7pm Bible study meditates on and studies the Bible stories for the coming Sunday. Personally, I find there is no other way to better prepare for Sunday than to read over, study, discuss the Bible lessons that will be read and preached on this week. Just imagine as you hear the lector you are drawn in more deeply to the Scripture. Just imagine as I proclaim the Good News you are already acquainted and knowledgeable with the story to come.
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
Sunday night Faith Formation offers study in a more relaxed way in group sharing and input on whatever topic/book of the Bible or resource we are studying. All of you from both churches are welcomed and invited.
Food Pantry Date
The next food pantry will be held Saturday, August 17 from 9-11am. We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors. All volunteers are welcome and needed!
Worship Time Change
Faith Lutheran 9am worship
St. Andrews 11am worship
As always, I remind you that if the other time slot works for you on a “given” day, you may certainly worship at the other church as many of you have done. It’s the same God!
September, we will “switch” worship times. Faith will go to 11am. St. Andrew’s will go to 9am.
God's Work Our Hands Sunday
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.
VIA DE CRISTO (SPANISH FOR “WAY OF CHRIST”)
A three day retreat to grow in your Christian faith by listening to talks on the Christian life, reflecting on those talks at table with brothers and sisters in Christ and enjoying worship and fellowship.
There are Co-Ed weekends coming up in October 17-20 South in Seymour at Camp Lakeview with all the comforts of home: dormitory sleeping(women and men in different cabins of course!), 3 wonderous meals a day plus snacks and coffee/water/soft drinks! Then up north in North Webster is a camp called Epworth and the Co-Ed weekend is November 14-17.
Please let Pastor Doug know of your interest and he can fill in all the blanks or answer questions. Pray about this and see if your heart is calling you to get away!
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. Please let either the church office know or send email to bkochersperger@foxcontractors.com.
Teresa Kofodimos is Preforming in “The Sound of Music”
Hendricks Civic Theater is presenting "The Sound of Music," and Faith's own Teresa Kofodimos is thrilled to be singing in the nuns' chorus! Show dates August 2-4 (Friday & Saturday 7:30 p.m., and Sunday 2:30 p.m.) at Hendricks Live! performing arts center in Plainfield. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.hendrickslive.org/tickets-sound-of-music.
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 everyone who came to St Andrews for the Bishops visit and brought food to contribute.
● Thank you to the many who volunteer to help with the Food Pantry.
● 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.
August 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
Julie Snyder 8/4
Debbie Mohr 8/9
Dee Kochersperger 8/10
Katlyn VanDam 8/11
Jay Anderson 8/18
Elaine Graff 8/19
Ron Graff 8/22
Christine Nitz 8/25
Jim Orebaugh 8/29
ANNIVERSARIES
Andy and Andrea Burks 8/3
Dale and Darlene Olson 8/29
Jay and Karen Anderson 8/30
Pastor’s Office Hours
Office hours are by appointment during the summer. Regular office hours will resume in September, Tuesdays 11-1pm.
Worship Assistants - August 2024
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
August 4
Christine Nitz
Jim Orebaugh
Jay Anderson
Karen Anderson
John Kofodimos
Janice Lee
Mona Etter
Becky Albaugh
Janice Lee
Curry 7/29 - 8/4
August 11
Christine Nitz
Jay Anderson
Kim Orebaugh
Teresa Kofodimos
Kevin Westwick
July Muncy
Elaine Graff
Janice Lee
Becky Albaugh
Albaugh 8/5 - 8/11
August 18
Christine Nitz
Lori WB
Debbie Hacker
Brian K.
John Kofodimos
Jay Anderson
Janice Lee
Nikki Lee
Debbie Hacker
Hacker 8/12 - 8/18
August 25
Chrisine Nitz
Samuel Muncy
Phil Zillinger
Jim Orebaugh
Kevin Westwick
Gil Sams
Nikki Lee
Julie Muncy
Kevin Westwick
Etter 8/19 - 8/25
Daily Readings & Devotions
August 1
August 2
August 3
August 4
August 5
August 6
August 7
August 8
August 9
August 10
August 11
August 12
August 13
August 14
August 15
August 16
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
Psalm 78:23-29
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35
Numbers 11:16-23, 31-32
Psalm 107:1-3, 33-43
Mark 8:1-10
1 Kings 19:4-8
Psalm 34: 1-8
Ephesians 4:25—5:2
John 6:35, 41-51
Psalm 81
Ruth 2:1-23
Jeremiah 31:1-6
Luke 6:46-55
Psalm 34:9-14
August 17
August 18
August 19
August 20
August 21
August 22
August 23
August 24
August 25
August 26
August 27
August 28
August 29
August 30
August 31
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
Acts 6:1-7
Genesis 45:1-15
Mark 8:14-21
Joshua 24: 1-2a, 14-18
Psalm 34:15-22
John 1:43-51
John 6:56-69
Nehemiah 9:1-15
Psalm 119:97-104
John 15:16-25
Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9
Psalm 15
James 1:
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), and Martha Siemers.
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.