May 2024 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
A blessed month of May to you and yours! We have so much that usually goes on in the month of May when we live on the westside especially! On May 4th join me in saying to everyone "May the 4th be with you!" (And a good Lutheran will say "and also with you!). Cinco de Mayo celebrates Mexico's war victory over the French, we celebrate Mother's Day, graduations (Congratulations Annika Cahill at Faith), and Memorial Day and the Indy 500.
Just as there is much to celebrate in May can we also reflect on "celebrating" (or giving praise) to God for the many blessings. Often in our everyday prayer life we are lifting up those who are sick, hospitalized and in various types of need. This is good and true and a reason for us to talk to God about those needs.
But we also want to remember "praises" (to express admiration, or pay tribute to, compliment, or applaud someone) to our God. Yes, the needs are heavy in our lives, church and the world. And, we also have things to thank God for everyday! I once heard it said that if we have a bed to sleep in, food to eat and clothes on our backs we are way, way ahead of most of the world's population.
Join me in giving thanks and praise to God for the many blessings, and gifts, of each and every day. We can give these thanks while we are with our personal friends and family, while at a graveside remembering a mother gone on to be with the Lord or gathered with family for a cookout on Memorial Day!
Try this ACTS formula for prayer this month: Adoration (praise, love, adoring God) Confession (confessing sin, talking to God) Thanksgiving, and Supplication (requests and needs to lift up to the Lord).
See you Sunday!
Pastor Doug
Worship Time Change:
Per the Shared Ministry Agreement, we change worship times starting in the month of May. Beginning Sunday May 5th, Faith Lutheran moves to 9am worship and St. Andrews Lutheran to 11am! Thank you, one and all, for your flexibility and understanding. 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!
Via De Cristo 2024
Pastor Doug will be serving on a Co-Ed weekend up in northern Indiana the weekend of May 2-5, 2024. Via De Cristo, is a Christian 3 day program designed to build up your faith and strengthen leadership from all that attend.
Please visit http://www.inkyvdc.org for local information about this or the National web site http://www.viadecristo.org. Exists to build Christian leaders for the local church for almost 50 years internationally. Please let Pastor know if interested or have questions.
Musical Notes with Annika
Following Easter, Lutheran music experiences a profound resurgence, deeply rooted in the rich tradition of hymnody and sacred choral compositions. Drawing from the theological significance of Christ's resurrection, Lutheran composers craft intricate melodies and harmonies that reflect themes of redemption, hope, and the victory of light over darkness.
Post-Easter, Lutheran churches reverberate with the sounds of chorales and cantatas, echoing the joyous proclamation of Christ's triumph over death. Composers such as Johann Sebastian Bach, a devout Lutheran himself, are celebrated for their masterful compositions that capture the essence of the Easter message with unparalleled depth and reverence.
Musical ensembles within Lutheran communities often take center stage during this time, presenting elaborate performances of oratorios and sacred music that inspire congregants and audiences alike. The post-Easter period also marks a time of reflection and renewal, as congregations unite in song to express gratitude for the gift of salvation and to reaffirm their faith.
Furthermore, music education in Lutheran schools and institutions emphasizes the importance of hymnody and sacred music, ensuring that future generations carry forward the legacy of Lutheran musical heritage. Through a blend of tradition and innovation, post-Easter Lutheran music continues to resonate with believers, offering solace, inspiration, and a profound connection to the divine.
Wednesday Night Zoom
Weekday Zoom Bible Study is led by Pastor Doug on Wednesday nights at 7pm. Ask Pastor Doug if you have any questions. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND INVITED! Each week the Zoom link is sent out on Wednesday. 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, 7pm, on Zoom. Faith Formation invites members of both churches who have never joined in, to come and see what's happening! This is a fun, lighthearted look at our faith journey. The Zoom link is sent out with the Sunday morning email.
Memorial Garden
The Memorial Garden Committee appreciated the opportunity to present ideas for the garden at the meeting on April 21st.
The concepts we have so far are from discussions and dreaming! Starting years ago from discussions including religious, spiritual and meditative concepts, the actual site of the garden, plants, trees, seating, materials and the use of water to create an atmosphere to honor loved ones who have passed, a place to find peacefulness, and a place to connect with God.
The garden is a progressive project. It is for the entire Faith community, and we want YOUR input to help create a place of holiness, beauty and solace.
The Memorial Garden Committee
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.
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 everyone who reached out to me after the death of my dad. Thank you, Dee Dee.
● Thanks to Christine Nintz for arranging our Palm Branches for Palm Sunday and the lilies for Easter!
● Thank you to Nikki Lee, Janice Lee and others for arranging the meal on Easter Sunday.
● 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!
● We appreciate John K. who gives time every Sunday with Kevin, Brian and others to run the Facebook live set up. Praise and thanks to God for Annika Cahill, our gifted musician, the choir, lectors, and worship assistants who help with the services.
● Thank you, Lord, for Janice Lee and the Food Pantry volunteer team who help feed the hungry every month at church. Many have financially donated and brought food and it's a blessing.
● 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.
May 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
JJ James May 06
Phil Zillinger May 10
Vi Hughes May 17
Matt Hacker May 20
Matthew Becker May 23
Karen Anderson May 27
Jim Justus May 28
Lou Ann Funk May 31
ANNIVERSARIES
David & Janice Lee May 07
Kevin & Lynnette Westwick May 21
Ron & Elaine Graff May 23
Worship Assistants - May 2024
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
May 5
Lori W. Becker
Phil Zillinger
Sara Curry
Teresa K
Kevin W.
Ron Graff
Becky A.
Karen A.
Janice Lee
Hacker 4.29 - 5.5
May 12
Lori W. Becker
Karen A.
Samuel M.
Brian K.
Kevin W.
Phil Zillinger
Jay Anderson
Mona Etter
Kevin W.
Etter 5.6 - 5.12
May 19
Lori W. Becker
Brian K.
Teresa K.
Jim O.
John K.
Gil Sams
Nikki Lee
Janice Lee
Jim O.
Lee 5.13 - 5.19
May 26
Lori W. Becker
Samuel M.
Lori W. Becker
Karen A.
Kevin W.
Nikki Lee
Janice Lee
Vi Hughes
Julie Muncy
Curry 5.20 - 5.26
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: Gil and Joyce Sams daughter Chris Burgan, Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support).
For Special Intention: Lou Ann Funk and Carolyn Moench; Unknown needs to all who are troubled in mind, body, and spirit.
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
Current Events:
Continued Covid-19 struggles 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.