1

APR/MAY/JUN 2018

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; (1Cor.1:27) Easter 2018 lands on Sunday, April 1, traditionally called April Fool’s Day. It is appropriate that the 2 billion Christians in the world will gather in various places around the globe to worship and sing praise to our God who chooses what is foolish and what appears weak to demonstrate where real love, eternal hope, and deep joy can be found. The mystery of the cross and empty tomb continue to draw people into questions about who is this God who lowers oneself to our level in order to reach all of humanity with a basic message of ever-lasting love and forgiveness. The mystery of the cross and empty tomb, along with the encounters by follow-ers of Jesus with the Risen Christ, will move women and men across the centuries to risk their lives, their for-tunes, their security and comfort, for the sole purpose of helping others to discover a God who will go to death, and even hell and back, in order to communicate how precious and valuable each person is! I do grieve the trend lines of people leaving the Church, or people increasingly feeling no need to belong to a community of believers. But I cannot help but trust that as each of us has been created in the image of God, that within our core being is a quest for meaning and purpose that at its center is a spiritual quest, which I believe can be satis-fied in the One who chose what is foolish and what ap-pears weak, but in reality is so much more.

As we travel through the Season of Easter and enter the longer Church Season of Pentecost, I encourage the faithful at Love of Christ to commit to reading Luke’s story of the birth and mission of the early Christian movement recorded in the Book of Acts. During the month of April on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6PM, I will be teaching a short-course on how the good news of Easter and the power of the Holy Spirit given on Pentecost will move ordinary men and women to go beyond their comfort zones, overturn the status quo, and cross firmly held boundaries. I believe the Book of Acts has many parallels with 21st Century America as we live in a post-Christian culture, where more and more of the young adults and children we are privileged to en-gage will have had no exposure to or any positive en-counter with the real message of Easter. Like our ances-tors in the faith during the first three centuries of the early Church, engaging in relationships with those out-side the Church through acts of generous hospitality, compassion, and sacrificial service just may be used by the Holy Spirit to draw someone into the discovery of how Jesus, through a cross and a tomb, uses what may be foolish and weak, to offer the ultimate in wisdom and strength. Christ is Risen. Alleluia!

Pastor Steve Talmage

1525 North Power Road

Mesa AZ 85205

Fax: (480) 832-2583

Office: (480) 981-6199

Easter april 1 6:00 a.m. Sunrise COC Patio (outside)

7:50 a.m. in our Sanctuary Brass Ensemble, Bell Choir, Women’s Ensemble

9:00 a.m. In the Center of Compassion LOC Band, Trumpets

*10:45 a.m. in the Center of Compassion

Chancel Choir, Brass Ensemble, Bell Choir

*Note special time for late service

Holy Communion at all services

From Pastor Steve

2

Upcoming Adult Faith Formation and Integration

Opportunities

LoC Men’s Retreat 6:30PM Friday, July 20-11AM Sunday, July 22, 2018 Dave and Jeanne Spice’s Cabin-Heber/Overgaard Registration Cost: $50-Limited to the first 20 men to register Pastor Steve Talmage will be gleaning insights from The Mask of Masculinity: How Men Can Embrace Vulnerability, Build Strong Relationships, and Live their Fullest Lives. Time will also be provided for outdoor recreation, good food, and an opportunity to meet other men at Love of Christ. Plan now to escape the heat and build some new relationships with other Christian men. More details will be provided through the ENews and Bulletin an-nouncements later this Spring.

Future Retreat Opportunities LoC Women’s Retreat-Date (TBD) Pastoral Assistant Nanette Christofferson will be forming a team to help plan

a retreat for the women at LoC in late August or September. Be on the lookout for announcements offering ways in which you might be able to participate.

2/25/18 Annual Meeting ReCap At the 2/25/18 meeting the following were elected to serve on the Board of Love of Christ Lutheran Church: Clyde Anderson, Patti DeLaney, Allen Gjersvig, Karen Humbert, Michael Obert, and Dan Wilke. They join Melissa Weiss-Riner, who has two years remaining and Nicole Cumberledge who has one year remaining on ex-isting terms to serve on the Board. The congregation acknowledged and thanked the candidates who offered their names to serve and were not elected as well as ex-tended our gratitude to outgoing Board Members, Beth Hesse, Dave Spice, and Ted Trembath. At the Board Re-treat on March 3, the following terms were assigned to the newly elected: 1 Year Term, with eligibility to be elected for two succeeding three year terms: Clyde An-derson and Dan Wilke; 2 Year Term, with eligibility to be elected for one more succeeding three year term: Al Gjersvig and Mike Obert; 3 Year Term, with eligibility to be elected for one more succeeding three year term: Karen Humbert; and second 3 Year Term, not eligible for re-election: Patti Delaney. Also at the Board Retreat the following were elected to serve as officers for the 2018-2019 term: President, Patti DeLaney; Vice-President, Melissa Weiss-Riner; Secretary, Karen Humbert; and Treasurer, Mike Obert. Voting members also approved the 2018 Mission Spend-ing Plan (Budget) of $1,036,671.00. Through careful stewardship of all gifts given to the congregation we were able to meet all expenses, address some unex-pected expenses, and end the year with our income ex-ceeding our expenses! Thank you to all the households of this community who continue their strong financial support and even are increasing their financial support

to carryout Christ’s mission through LoC. There was some discussion regarding staffing at Love of Christ. It was noted that in Spring of 2017 the Board re-organized the staffing at LoC to better address and serve the priorities that came through the developing of the Ministry Site Profile during the Call process. Jung Csuy, Director of Music Ministry and Renee Bennett, Director of Christian Education were both given additional re-sponsibilities and raised to full-time status. The addition of Pastoral Assistant Nanette Christofferson in February 2018 is an attempt to grow back into having two full-time pastors serve Love of Christ. In September, Nanette will begin serving as a full-time intern until August 2019 and then it is hoped that this will position the congregation to be ready to issue a call for a second pastor in Fall of 2019 or early 2020. Many members of the congregation may not be aware that when Pastor Allert was serving as the Associate Pastor at Love of Christ, his salary was sig-nificantly supported by funds from the last Capital Cam-paign which concluded December 2016. With the unex-pected death of Pastor John Albrecht, Pastor Steve met with our Stephen Ministers and since February we have been developing a team of Pastoral Callers to regularly reach out to those on our weekly prayer list, and a small Crisis Response Team has been raised to help be on-call when emergencies sadly impact one of our households and when Pastor Steve may not readily be available. Re-tired Pastor Tom McFarland has also agreed to help serve as needed in the area of pulpit supply, teaching, and pastoral care. We will also be hoping to expand our Agape Callers so that every homebound member is re-ceiving Communion on a monthly basis.

3

Cursillo Retreats

Cursillo has its roots in the Catholic Church.

It is a retreat centered on the events of Holy

Week with talks and worship grounded in

God’s amazing grace. Through a Cursillo

weekend, men gather with other men and

women gather with other women, to experi-

ence an opportunity to affirm and strengthen

their relationship with Christ and share in

intentional Christian Community. The Lu-

theran Cursillo Movement of Arizona in-

vites men and women from across Lutheran

denominations to share in this retreat as it

reflects our Lutheran lens for understanding

what God has done for the world through Je-

sus Christ. The retreats are offered at 1st

Evangelical Lutheran Church, 142 N Date,

Mesa, AZ 85201. There is no charge to at-

tend one of these retreats. The Cursillo Com-

munity practice a pay it forward philosophy,

so that no one is denied an opportunity to at-

tend a weekend due to finances. Previous

weekend participants make a gift to Cursillo

to provide for an upcoming weekend. If you

would like to learn more about a Cursillo

Weekend Retreat you are welcome to speak

with our LoC Parish Representatives: Clyde

and Sally Anderson moose308lover@cox.net

or moose3081947@cox.net) or you can

speak to Pastor Steve Talmage.

Blood Drive Update…

Thanks to everyone who supported the blood drive on March 4th. We exceeded the goal of donors! 23 of the 28 slots were filled!

Thank YOU!

Job Opening for a Part-Time Contemporary Worship Leader – If you know of anyone who might be interested in leading the music

at our Contemporary Worship Service, please have them contact Jung Csuy jung-music@loclc.org , or go to the news section of our website loveofchrist-church.net for a full job description.

Dates for the next

Weekend Retreat

Men’s Weekend, 5PM Thursday, October 4 thru 5PM Sunday, Oct. 7

Women’s Weekend, 5PM Thursday, Oct. 11

thru 5PM Sunday, October 14

4

A Note from Nanette:

Romans 1: 16-17 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to

the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, and it is written, “the

righteous shall live by faith.”

Hello Love of Christ!

I am writing to you from Luther Seminary heading into my final 6 weeks of classes. The

verse from Romans 1:16-17 that is printed above might be one of the verses you memorized for

Confirmation. It is a heady verse and one that deserves some unpacking! This verse is one of

many that I have been studying through a class called “Righteousness”. In this class we are exam-

ining how Paul used this word in both Galatians and Romans. We then take a look at Luther’s

commentaries as well as contemporary scholars to help shed light and another perspective onto its

meaning. (I personally find it pretty amazing that there can be a semester long class on one word!) Our examina-

tions so far have led us to extrapolate this word into three different perspectives. These insights include faith, gift,

and new creation. Of course these terms are all dependent upon how they are used within the context of Scripture.

My other classes include Lutheran Confessions, Reformation/Lutheran Church History and Paul, The Epistles.

When I think about my experiences with seminary, it has invited me into a wrestling match. What I mean

by this is that studying the Bible often causes me to wrestle with the text at hand and flesh out what this means to

us as Christians and as Christians using a Lutheran theology. There is a joke amongst seminarians that we come to

seminary to find answers when in fact we end up leaving with more questions!

However, when I stop and think about it, having questions about our faith is really important. For often it

is through the questions that we discover and our journey is deepened. For it is through the questions that not only

grows our relationship with God but with each other as we struggle for meaning and purpose, or as we struggle with

a God that can seem hidden and mystic. This struggle is probably why I am a Lutheran as we seem to be able to

live in the tension of head and heart.

While seminary has been an important part of my journey to becoming a pastor, I must admit that I am

excited to be done with school and begin a new journey to do what I know God is calling me to and that is to jour-

ney deeper with all of you into what it means to be disciples of Christ and to share the love of Christ.

Blessings,

Nanette Christofferson

I-HELP—LOC continues to provide shelter, dinner and a bagged lunch to the I-HELP single homeless women twice a month.

The purpose of this program is to find adequate housing, special services for those in need, and support for those looking for employ-ment. The needs are ongoing. For all the successes in this program, other single homeless women seeking assistance replace them. Because of your ongoing support, we have been able to provide a loving, supportive environment for these ladies. We continue to need your assistance and are always appreciative of your donations. For those seeking employment, business casual cloth-ing in all sizes is welcome. You are our silent heroes! Jackie Rensel— 602 489 1832. The I-HELP Program is looking for a few dependable Domestic Engineer volunteers to pick up laundry on the second and fourth Saturdays at 8am following the hosting of the homeless ladies at Love of Christ. Laundry needs to be returned within a week’s time to the front areas of the Center of Compassion or the Sanctuary. Anyone, men or women, interested in helping the I-HELP program by doing laundry, please contact Jackie Rensel, Volunteer Coordinator. I-HELP is also in need of water donations. They use approximately 1-2 cases of water each time the ladies stay at the church (twice a month). Bring your water donations to the church office during the week, or place in the I-Help box on Sundays.

We are now waiting until fall (October) to start our 15th home in partnership with Habitat for Hu-manity. There are special designated giving envelopes on the Habitat kiosk in the Center of Com-passion and also outside the Sanctuary. Please make your checks out to Love of Christ Lutheran, and write “Habitat-AZ” in the information space. If you need a confirmation letter, please advise the office. For additional information on the Christian principles that guide Habitat for Humanity, please pick up one of the tri-fold brochures, visit www.habitatcaz.org or call Clark Wirthlin at 480-985-8757.

5

Bonnie & Gary Haraseth 4202 E. Broadway Rd. Unit 185 Mesa, AZ 85206 602-920-5307 701-370-1183 Azsungal68@yahoo.com gholdhare@gmail.com Dave & Connie Lehrke 641 Leisure World Mesa, AZ 85206 218-205-0850 cmlehrke@yahoo.com davelehrke@yahoo.com Diana Martin 7445 East Eagle Crest Drive Unit 1033 Mesa, Arizona 85207 480-361-5758 Jdm.rfriends@gmail.com

Donald McPherson 6202 E. Mckellips Rd Unit 27 Mesa, AZ 85215 602-432-4648 Donaldmcpher-

son35@yahoo.com Victor & Aimee Olmedo

(Kenny & Jessie) 4165 North Street Elias Mesa, AZ 85215 415-559-1615 925-639-7959 vicamtrak@yahoo.com apolmedo22@gmail.com Rev. Roger and Cheryl Thompson 1637 N. Luther Mesa, AZ 85207 fishpast@aol.com 2/11/2018

Welcome New Members! We are glad you are here!

JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - We have lots of great

things happening through the end of the year!! Our last WOW for

the season will be May 16th!! Happy Summer!!

We will return to WOW on September 12th!!

5:30 p.m. Family Friendly Dinner in CoC

6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - All Programming Please join us for a family-friendly dinner in the CoC beginning at 5:30 p.m. with programming for everyone starting at 6 p.m. Children (ages 4 – 6th grade) music/drama as well as small group prayer time, games, activities. Youth – (7th grade and up) we have a great combination of social time coupled with worship time geared toward the needs of the teenagers of the congregation and their friends. Adults we will have many options for ways to connect and fill your bucket mid-week!! Pastor’s Adult Study - (Fellowship Hall) New Study Begins April 4th! See Page 6 for details. Ladies Crafting Nights – held every other month or so. Is there an activity you would like to see on Wednesday nights? Please let us know!! We would love to help make that happen!! Child care is available for children ages 3 and under. Questions - please contact Heather at heatherparker@loclc.org or 480-981-6199, ext. 12.

Kevin Saunders’ The Bible Between the Lines ArizonaBibleClass.com Resumes April 3rd

Tuesdays, 10-11:30am in our Center of Compassion

6

Wednesday Nights April 4-25

6:00PM-7:30PM in the Fellowship Hall

Come join Pastor Steve Talmage as he un-

packs and leads a discussion around stories

from the Book of Acts that are in response to

Jesus’ promise found in Acts 1:8 “But you will

receive power when the Holy Spirit has

come upon you; and you will be my wit-

nesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the

earth.”

FAB (Friends & Believers) Saturday April 21st Boyce Thompson Park Tour/Lunch

Contact Karen Leonard 480-773-2790 Watch for details on the ministry table, bulletin and website

People On The Go! We enjoy attending a variety of events! We are open to any suggestions that anyone has for upcoming events. We also welcome any help in planning for events! The more ideas and more people involved equal more fun and fellow-ship. With any questions, comments or suggestions, you can contact Dianne Oien at dianneoien@loclc.org or 480-981-6199 x15 or Barb Weldon at barbweldon@yahoo.com.

Saturday, April 14th – Highland High School Jazz Festival – 7:30pm to 9pm – Cost: $20 For this upcoming event more information in the bulletin, ENews and website on when to sign up!

Grand Canyon Synod Assembly

News At the June 14-16, 2018 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Oro Valley, AZ voting members from across the synod including Pastor Steve Talmage, Karen and Lee Humbert, Dan and Tami Wilke, and Clyde Anderson will be electing a new bishop to serve six years. Please keep all the voting members and candidates in your prayers that the Holy Spirit will identi-fy the right person with the right gifts to lead our Synod. We also want to give thanks for Bishop Lowell Almen, who will complete his service as Interim bishop on Au-gust 31. The Grand Canyon Synod is one of 65 synods in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The ELCA is a church of more than 4 million members who actively participate in God’s work in the world. We be-

lieve that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. There are approximately 89 congregations in the Grand Canyon Synod, including new mission starts. The territory of this synod is the State of Arizona; the counties of Clark, Esmeralda, Lincoln, and Nye in the State of Nevada; and New Promise Lutheran Church, in St. George, Utah. If you are interested in learning more about the election

process, members of LoC are invited to attend an infor-mation gathering on Saturday, April 28, 2018, 9:00-11:30AM at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 2745 N. 32nd St, Mesa, AZ. For more information about the synod profile you can go to http://www.gcsynod.org/2018-grand-canyon-synod-assembly/

7

New Member Classes

Wednesdays, May 2nd and 9th

5:30pm to 7:30pm Dinner served at 5:30pm

1 Contact dianneoien@loclc.org or 480-981-6199 x15.

2. Come to class: Wednesdays, May 2nd & 9th in Fellowship Hall (Dinner & child care provided) 3. Be received on Sunday, May 13.

See you there!

People On The Go! We enjoy attending a variety of events! We are open to any suggestions that anyone has for upcoming events. We also welcome any help in planning for events! The more ideas and more people involved equal more fun and fellow-ship. With any questions, comments or suggestions, you can contact Dianne Oien at dianneoien@loclc.org or 480-981-6199 x15 or Barb Weldon at barbweldon@yahoo.com.

Thursday, May 10th – Hale Theatre – “Importance of being Ernest” – 7PM - Cost: $24

Thursday, June 14th – Hale Theatre – “Big Fish” – 7PM – Cost: $24 For these upcoming events, more information is listed in the bulletins, ENews and website on when to sign

up for each event!

F.A.B. (Friends & Believers!)

May 19, 5:30pm

Cinco de Mayo Celebra-

tion/potluck at LOC

Grace in the City

Mark your Calendar Sunday June 17th!

We will once again be supporting Grace Lutheran Church with their summer heat respite program

by collecting cases of water on Sundays. Set the water by your car and we’ll pick it up. If you are able to help pick up water on Sunday mornings, contact the church office, 480 981 6199.

GRAND CANYON SYNOD ASSEMBLY

June 14th thru 16th! Resurrection Lutheran Church

Oro Valley, AZ

8

Coming in July...

Back--- to The Cross! Music Camp: July 23-27, 9:00 a.m. ~ 3:00 p.m.

Performance: Sunday, July 29 at 9:00 a.m. (Dress rehearsal on Friday, July 27)

Pre-registration begins after Easter for those entering 1st~8th grade The cost is $50 per child or $80 maximum per household.

The registration form is available at the Children’s Ministry table. Music Camp Auditions!!!

LOC kids entering 4th -8th grades are invited to informal auditions

For speaking parts and soloist parts in this year’s exciting mission adventure through time…

Auditions are: Sunday, May 20th in the Green Room, following the 9:00 service

Questions? Contact Jung Csuy at 480-981-6199 (ext.32) jungmusic@loclc.org

Summer Chime Choir, July 30~August 2, 4~6PM The Chime Choir is a wonderful way for kids with some music experience to learn more about music,

have fun, and learn about working together to praise God through music. This chime choir is for children going into 4th grade and older.

The rehearsal begins July 30~ August 2 from 4:00 ~ 6:00pm in the Green Room. There will be performances at the 9 am and 10:30 am services on Sunday, August 5th. This time is dedicated to learning music reading concepts and repertoire for a performance at the worship ser-

vices this summer. A light dinner will be provided.

If you are interested in joining, please contact Jung Csuy at 480-981-6199 ext.32 or email at jungmusic@loclc.org

Back to School Clothing & Backpack Round-Up Coming

July 8, 15 & 22!

In July we will be collecting backpacks, school supplies and clothing for Lutheran

Social Services and LaMesita Women’s Shelter/New Leaf Foundation.

Vacation bible school

July 9-13, 5:30-8pm Pre-K thru 6th Grade

PRE-REGISTRATION BEGINS APRIL 22 This year’s theme is "Shipwrecked, Rescued by Jesus"

The cost is $20 per child, $50 max per household (dinner included) T-shirts and Music CDs are also available to purchase. Sign up at the Children’s Ministry Table or in the church office. Download a registration form online at LoveofChrist-Church.net .

Team VBS! Servant opportunities… We are looking for people who are interested in volunteering in both Elementary and Preschool/Kindergarten areas. Crew Lead-ers, Station Leaders, Crafts, Game and Kitchen People. If you are interested, For Grades 1-6 Area / For the Preschool/Kindergarten Area contact Renee Bennett at reneebennett@loclc.org

9

Morning Java Thursday 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.

Join other men of the congregation for a morning devotion, a little coffee, some breakfast (optional). Village

Inn, (Southwest corner of Recker and McKellips).

Men’s Morning Java!

Remember the Cookie Monster Ministry?

They’re Still Going Strong! Wanna feel good while doing God’s work? We don’t make cold calls. We just simp-ly leave a bag of cookies and a note with our church’s first time visitors to let them know we appreciate them worshiping with us. We are looking for someone in Lei-

sure World to distribute cookies to their community. If you can help out contact Steven Aman at luckybuttaman@gmail.com

Books!

Come 7:30 am-12 pm Stained Glass room across from

Sanctuary Narthex Contact Person: Barbara Otto 480.390.9631

Come for Prayer following or during each Worship Service. Bring your prayer concerns for yourself or family and friends. Prayer Team members will be available to speak with and pray for you. Your shared concerns in the Chapel will remain in the Chapel. They will not be shared with others unless

you request to have your prayers on the weekly prayer requests for the church. Special Opportunity: The Prayer Chapel is “Looking for a Few Good People” to help run the chapel on Sunday mornings. If this is your passion, please contact Rick Otto rrotto1946 @gmail.com. PRAYER VOICES Please join us as we pray for each other, our Love of Christ family, Staff, Servant Volunteers, Mis-sions, Ministries, Small Groups, Activities, and Events. If you are interested in attending, please call Barbara Otto at 480.390.9631.

Prayer Chapel & Prayer Voices

Watch for our next book review coming soon to our bulletins and website. If you have any questions, please contact Penny Day at ptdayster@gmail.com or Barbara Hummel at otemporium@aol.com.

If you are reading the Bible, taking a Bible class, or interested in knowing more about the Bible, stop into the Book Nook or Book Nook Too and look through our large collection of accordion pamphlets from Rose Publishing. We have several about the Old and the New Testament, as well as general information surrounding the Bible that will broaden your knowledge about these areas and much more. Let us show you what is available.

10

Youth Ministry

Preschool Full & Half Day Preschool

LOVE OF CHRIST PRESCHOOL

NOW REGISTERING

FOR SUMMER AND FALL 2018 Flexible Scheduling, Affordable Rates, Phonics based curriculum, and

Christian atmosphere,

Contact Preschool Director at (480)981-6199#33

or janiceherron@loclc.org for tours and information.

Maddy Barker Michael Tre Barker Kinzley Blikre Andrew Burchfield Joshua Csuy Kjernan Dockery Addison Elser James Elser Aleisha Ferrante

Gabriel Gross Ellie Kok Jessie Olmedo Riley Perley Avery Perley Davis Sterling Katie Weatherly Brooklyn Weaver

FLYTE 5/6TH

GRADE

LOCK-IN

APRIL 27

7PM-8AM

FRIENDS INVITED!!!!

PERMISSION SLIP DUE

APRIL 15

SEE CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TABLE

Healthy relationships

Workshop lock-in

Friday, April 20 7PM – 8AM, Saturday,

April 21

7-9th

grade

Registration form at youth table

We will be discussing healthy and unhealthy relationships. Food and beverages will be provided. Have your child bring a sleeping bag and toiletries. This will be a fun and informative evening for our 7-9th grad-ers.

Congratulations to our young people who re-

ceived their First Holy Communion during the

Last Supper Service March 29th

11

National Youth Gathering in Houston!

Thank you Love of Christ for your generosity. National Youth Gathering in Houston (where we will gather with 30,000 youth from around the country to do acts of “service” for

the people of Houston, TX) June 25-July 1

44 Youth and Adults will be attending

A special thank you for recent donations to our National Youth

Gathering Houston trip fund by The Book Nook, The Weatherlys,

Women’s Crafting and Naomi Circle. Please prayerfully consider

providing a donation during our carwash fund raiser on Sunday,

March 18!

We are investigating airfare for our trip to Houston. Right now it looks

like American Airlines at $320 per person (plus tax) is our best bet. We

now have 44 of us going!!!! This will be our largest group, ever! Your

generosity during our dinner auction is allowing us to fund 80% of the

trip. We are going to have a Car Wash fundraiser on March 18 specifi-

cally to raise money for the airfare. If you would like to make a donation

toward this trip, please contact Renee Bennett at reneeben-

nett@loclc.org or 480 981-6199 X18.

Youth Ministry Continued

Vbs 2018

July 9-13 Look for ways you can help!

Sunday, May 6

3-5pm

For all graduating seniors

Campfirmation 2018 June 15-18

Open to all incoming 7-9th graders

Jr counselor positions open for

10-12th graders

Student cost $150 (includes horseback riding and t-shirt) JC $75

Attention parents of seniors- Graduation celebration Sunday will be May 6 at the 9:00 service. Please contact Renee Bennett at reneebennett@loclc.org by April 15 with the full name of your graduating senior and what their future plans are. Please confirm that your youth will be attending this ceremony. I will be ordering them a Bible that we place in the COC for a few weeks prior to the graduation for the congregation to sign. I need to know how many to order!

Attention parents of 6th graders- Graduation celebration Sunday will be May 6 at the 9:00 service. Your 6th grader will be recognized in front of the church as they are welcomed into our 7th grade program! Please submit to Renee Bennett your 6th grader’s full name reneebennett@loclc.org

12

Women’s Ministry

Crafting & Chatting Women of LOC We welcome all Ladies/their friends for our Sunday after-noons. Meets the 2nd Sunday of the month at 1pm. We have become a “Sisterhood” and support many projects in the church, in the community and enjoy our times together with work and laughter. We craft, chat, coupon, chat, crochet, chat, knit, scrap-book and a whole lot more!!!Contacts are: Karen Wenzel 480 890

8692, Karla Harvey 480 262 7666 or Barbie Berry 480 705 3139.

Naomi Circle They meet the 2nd Monday of the month September—May. We will meet on April 9 at 11:30am for our Salad luncheon. Bring salad to share. We will also meet May 14 at 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall.

BLESSING BAG ITEMS NEEDED: The small personal hygiene items picked up from hotels, wash-

cloths, socks, chap stick, sunscreen, small packages of tissues or snack items & bottles of water. Please bring them in to us at the church. You may contact Karen Wenzel 480-890-8692, Barbie Berry 602-705-3139 or Karla Harvey 480-262-7666 with ques-tions.

All women Welcome!

See you there!

Subscribe to “Gather Magazine” The magazine of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — guides you as you live and experience

your faith every day. It offers a mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions, and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith and engage in ministry and action. Gather is published 10 times a year with combined issues in January/February and July/August. It’s only $15 a year. – Subscribe online at: www.gathermagazine.org or

by calling 1 (800) 328-4648.

EXPLORE ARIZONA….. On April 14th the LOC Women’s Hiking Group will be traveling to Sedona and hiking the easy 4 mile Devil’s Bridge Trail. This trail takes you to Sedona’s oldest and tallest arch. You can even take a trail that goes up onto the arch and be greeted with red-rock-filled views. We will

meet at 7:00 am in the COC parking lot and return by 6:00 pm.

On May 12th the LOC Women’s Hiking Group will be traveling to Prescott and hiking the easy 4 mile Thumb Butte Trail. Thumb Butte is Prescott’s iconic natural landmark and can be seen for miles and miles. We can make this hike shorter or longer depending on all the connecting trails from the picnic area. We will meet at 7:00 am in the COC parking lot and return by 6:00 pm.

Summer’s coming so it’s time to get out of the heat…..On June 9th – 10th the LOC Women’s Hiking Group will be trav-eling to the White Mountains and hiking the trails around Alpine. There are many trails that follow the creeks, water-falls, and lots of trees. We will meet at 7:00 am on Saturday in the COC parking lot, stay in Eager, and return on Sun-day by 6:00 pm. Cost: $110.00

Call Pat Shaw at 981-1325 for more information.

“Care, Share & Prayer” Women’s Bible Study— Join with other

LOC women for a bible study group Thursdays at 1:00pm in the Leadership room (next to the office). Meets every Thursday. Contact Connie Lehrke at 218.205.0820 with questions.

Save the Date ~ Grand Canyon Synod 2018 WELCA

Convention/Gathering Friday – Sunday, November 9 – 11, 2018 Crowne Plaza Airport Hotel, Phoenix, AZ

More Information To Come

13

Our Sponsors

Troop 301

Updates:

“Spring” For desert gardeners Spring comes early and is a really exciting sea-son with the start of new growth. Remember, you get to decide what you plant, keep, and share.

Join up and receive an 8 foot box with top grade organic soil, watering sys-tem, composting available, garden tools. All plants and supplies are organic and sustainable. It’s the perfect way to have fun, meet other gardeners and share information and produce. Plots available.

We are a “Community of Gardeners” with an emphasis on community. New to gardening or a little unsure? We can team you up with one of our existing gardeners to learn the ropes. We all love to share information.

1st Saturday Morning of April, May and June – we will meet in the garden at 8:00. See you there!

Join us

Stop by the ministry table to pick up more information or just join us in the gar-den on Sunday mornings after service. We have lots of fun.

Spring (is in the air)

God’s LOC bumper crop! An Oasis in the Desert

New Students are Welcome!

Mondays and Thursdays:

6:45pm-8:00pm – Family Class (Beginner and above)

For more information please contact Joe Bogushefsky at

480-455-9829 or email to

joe@centerforhumaneliving.com.

Free Martial Arts!

14

Caring Ministries

Listening, Strengthening, Encouraging, Refreshing, Restoring, Caring

Our church has many members who dedicate themselves to helping others in our congregation through many caring min-

istries. As our congregation continues to grow, there are limitless needs for caring as well as limitless opportunities to serve

others who need care. If you are in need of support either through prayer or other caring services offered by the church,

please reach out by contacting the church. Likewise, if you have compassion and gifts in providing caring support to oth-

ers, please consider sharing your gifts by contacting the church.

Galatians 6:2

“Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

November 1-3, 2018 Mark Your Calendar for our next Packing Event!

In Uganda: Joy and Confidence Replace Painful Stigma

“When Joseph was about 20 years old, he was beaten by people and was set on fire. The reason to this time is unknown to me, and I grieved and felt very sad. We got his ash and buried him.” So begins Joel Tonny Mwesigwa’s story as to how he became the director of the Boanerges Deaf Initiative in Uganda. His brother, Joseph, lost his hearing after a childhood illness. In Uganda, being deaf is seen as a curse, taboo or a shame to the family. A common name for the deaf in Uganda

is “kasiru,” meaning a foolish one, Joel explains in a written testimony.

“My family’s, like many other families, attitude towards Joseph changed,” he writes. “[Joseph] ceased to be that special child he was. School stopped, and no one would care if he is home or not. I saw his life changing from bad to worse eve-ry day. I learned many things about how deaf people are treated. To me he remained a friend, but with a great barrier:

no language and no communication.”

Years later, as a Sunday school teacher, a deaf boy began to cling to Joel. Then another deaf boy would come around, and another. He realized God was calling him to serve deaf children in Uganda and started the Boanerges Deaf Initiative

(BDI). He heard God say, “This is the ministry I give you.”

“It was hard to take, but I had the pain in my heart for Joseph and I thought they may end up like Joseph if I don’t serve them,” Joel said. “I started seeing Joseph in each one of them and I loved serving them, even to this very moment.”

Many Ugandans believe that educating a deaf child is a waste of money, time and resources, according to BDI. The or-ganization believes that change in Uganda will come through providing education to deaf children. They provide love,

acceptance and an education to deaf children and their families and aim to glorify Christ in all that they do.

BDI is showing Christ’s love to 55 children in their program and they serve MannaPack Rice for lunch and dinner every day of the week thanks to the support of Feed My Starving Children and the meals you pack.

Contact Walter Scott at waltchef@cox.net

“Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” Matt.25:40

15

Online Giving Did you know that you can go onto our website (loveofchristchurch.net) or scan the QR Code to the right and make a con-tribution?

Download any free QR code app.

Scan QR Code printed here.

Register (one time only)

Indicate the amount you would like to contribute. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –

Jesus, Matthew 6:21 Jesus taught that how we handle our money is an indicator of our hearts, and Paul taught that we should give cheerfully and sacrificially in response to the love of God. Giv-ing is a central theme of the Bible, and at Love of Christ we invite our regular attendees and members to give in our weekend services or by mailing in their contributions. We are now pleased to offer the option of giving online. In our digital age with online shopping, online bill pay, Ebay, and Amazon,

Love of Christ has chosen to make online tithing and giving available to those who are interested. You can give online by either check or credit/debit card. We believe that living “debt free” is a worthy goal for all Christians. Online giving does involve the use of credit and debit transactions and makes no distinction between the two. We offer this option only as a convenience and we strongly urge you to use your credit card only as a payment method, never to incur debt. However, if you intend to pay off your balance each month, we believe that is an issue of conscience and leave that between you, God, and your fre-quent flier miles. With online giving, you can give your tithe to Love of Christ and also support our missionaries and mis-sion trips. Online giving will be counted toward your regular yearly giving and will appear in your year-end giving state-ment for tax purposes, along with all other contributions.

“Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion,

for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

The SIMPLY GIVING Program What’s the easiest way to prepare your offer-ing? By using Simply Giving you have an easy way to have your offering transferred automati-cally from your account on a regular basis. This makes it easy for you to know you are always current and it also assists the church with our recordkeeping. Visit the Ministry Tables on Sunday for a brochure or contact Dick Beckman at 480 981 6199 x21.

Are you a “Thrivent Financial for Lutherans” member?

If you are, then you may be eligible to participate in their “Thrivent Choice” program! Eligible members are designated Choice Dollars, based on insurance premiums, contract values

and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership. Choice Dollars can be directed to Lutheran organizations you prefer nationwide, including your local Lu-theran congregation (LOC!). If you are eligible to direct Choice Dollars, you will receive a letter in the mail at the point you become eligible. Eligible members may direct Choice Dollars by contacting Rick Aussprung of Thrivent at 480 396 5333.

Don’t Forget About Us!!!

OVERFLOW SUNDAY! The Food Bank Needs YOU!

On the last Sunday of each month we would like everyone to bring a bag of non perishable items for the Food Bank and overflow the Feed My Sheep box! THE FOOD BANK REALLY AP-PRECIATES AND NEEDS OUR SUPPORT!

STEPHEN MINISTRY—Are you facing changes in your life?

Did your last child just leave for college? You just received your last paycheck? Did you have a loss of any kind? The Stephen Ministry team provides compassionate and confiden-tial care in times of challenge in our lives. If you are facing one of life's challenges and would like to consider having a Stephen Minister, please call our office 480 584 6203 or

contact any Stephen Minister you see wearing a blue name tag. We are waiting to be caring and supportive of your needs.

16

Top Food Bank Needs Mac & Cheese, Pork & Beans, Cereal,

Peanut Butter/Jelly & Tuna. NON PERISHABLES ONLY.

LOC donation boxes are located in the Sanctuary and COC narthexes.

Lutheran Social Services Assistance

Robert Sanders Phone 480 284-1081

Email rsanders@lss-sw.org

Food Banks: Victory Lutheran Church

Phone 480 654-4539 5946 E. University Drive

Mesa AZ 85205 Hours: Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00-11:30 AM

First Evangelical Lutheran Church

Phone 480 332-5589 142 N. Date Street, Mesa AZ 85201 Hours: Tues-Thurs 9:00-11:15 AM

Closed Second Tuesday each month

Announcements LSS is utilizing the Homelessness

Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to help prevent individuals from eviction and utility shut-off. Clients must have a five day eviction notice and recent

loss of employment.

Mesa area clients contact Neighborhood Services Department at 20 E. Main Street, Suite 250 or call 480-644-2168. The hours

are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

We continue to see an overwhelming need for assistance. We appreciate your

continued donations to our food banks and financial assistance that helps clients with their utility bills. Thank you for your

generosity!

LSS In Home Care @ LOC

Luminaria Home Care provides non-medical in-home care to seniors and individuals with Developmental Disabil-ities. Our goal is to enable the people we serve to remain in their homes and maintain their highest level of inde-pendence. Luminaria Home Care has been blessed with an ongoing relation-

ship with Love of Christ Lutheran Church and we are thankful for all you have done for us. Please come by and say “HI” any time. Regional Director; Rebecca Johnston, Care Coordinators; Nikki Commans and Danielle Johnston.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is excited to introduce our new look. New logos have been developed for the four focus areas of LSS-SW: I-HELP, Aging and Disabilities, Refugee Focus and Child and Family Services. Along with the new look is a renewed emphasis on congregational and com-munity relationships. We will continue to work with Love of Christ to honor our mission of “Showing kindness, doing justice and serving those in need”.

Missions: Local

At Love of Christ: 1525 N. Power Rd., Room

#47, Mesa, AZ 85205 480.396.3795

You can make a positive difference in our church and in our communi-ty by volunteering as a Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSS-SW) Connector. Connectors educate individuals about how they can be involved in the vital safety net services LSS-SW provides to individ-uals in need across AZ. Expand awareness and community involve-ment in services that support older adults, individuals with disabilities, foster children, families who are hungry and in need, newly resettled refugees and individuals experiencing homelessness.

LSS Connectors

Change for Change “Supporting Love of Christ’s ministries

one coin at a time”

Please take a moment to drop some change in the jug

All donations support the “Lutheran Food Bank”

Keep up the good work!

17

On Facebook? "Like"

Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa AZ and visit our page to find out what's happening at the church! Become a member of the group if you'd like a weekly scoop. Here's the link if you can't find us: http://www.facebook.com/LOCLC.

Your Business in our Directory! If you are a business owner and a member of Love of Christ, we are offering an online business directory to you and your business. To list your business, you must submit a Business Directory form on the Love of Christ website at www.loveofchristchurch.net.

To get started: Must be a member of LOC to submit your business on LOC’s website. Access LOC’s website at

loveofchristchurch.net and go to the “Find It Here” section on the main page

Then click on Business Directory Read and follow the instructions on the page. One time donation of $20 is requested.

These funds will be used for Children’s Fellowship Ministry (place this info in the memo line on the check). Make check out to LOC. ***Remember to check out the variety of businesses or services that are available from LOC members!***

Did You Know?

Holy

Grounds

Update! Do you love coffee? Do you enjoy drinking the coffee following the 9:00 service? Well we could sure use about four more members to sign up for once a month or every other month to make coffee. You might ask “what is involved?” The tables and chairs are setup by our facility team, so on Sunday the tables need to be decorated, coffee brewed, set up, and clean up! If interested or just want more info you can contact Dianne Oien at dianneoien@loclc.org or 480-981-6199 x15.

GREETERS & USHERS are needed at all three services!

Serving Opportunities

Volunteer Security… Thanks to Karen & Brian Thompson, Joe Holmwood, Joe & Jodi Bogushefsky & Dave Dohrmann! Thanks for serving in this ministry. Currently we need volunteers to cover Wednesday and Saturday evenings! If you have 30 minutes to spare, we can certainly use your help. If you can’t commit to every week but can commit to a couple days a month, that would be great! If interested, you can contact Dianne Oien at dianneoien@loclc.org. or 480-981-6199 x15.

Altar Guild Servants Needed

Can you help out one or two Sun-days a month?

Please sign up to serve on the Altar

Guild to set up communion for one of our three services. If you have any questions you can contact Donna Johnson at 480-326-8370 for the 9:00 service or Dianne Oien at 480-981-6199 x15 for the 7:50 & 10:30 services.

Ride to Church

We would like to create a list of people that drive and would be willing to pick up someone that does not drive for church on Sunday. If you want to be a servant in this capacity, please call Darlene at 480 981 6199 X10 to add your name to the list.

Can you help

with a ride

to church?

18

Shut-In & Spouse Birthdays!

Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating a Birthday in April, May and June!

LOC 2018 Church Board Members & Officers

Church Board President Patti DeLaney Church Board Vice President Melissa Riner Church Board Treasurer Michael Obert Church Board Secretary Karen Humbert Church Board Member Clyde Anderson Church Board Member Al Gjersvig Church Board Member Nicole Cumberledge Church Board Member Dan Wilke Ex Officio Pastor Steve Talmage

Altar Flowers

The Altar Flower Charts are at the Ministry Tables on Sunday morn-ings. Altar flowers are $30 per arrangement and may be taken home following the service you attend. To give flowers in honor of a special occasion, in memory of a loved one, or to the Glory of God, please sign the Flower Chart at the service you worship, or call Darlene at 480 981-6199 x 10, or email Darlene@loclc.org.

Columbarium: A final resting place. This is a great oppor-tunity to take advantage of our special pricing for purchas-ing a niche in the new section of our columbarium to the first 40 people. SPECIAL PRICING----NICHE FOR TWO PARTIES $1,000.00 SPECIAL PRICING----NICHE FOR ONE PARTY $ 700.00 Once the first 40 limit is reached, the pricing will be $1,500.00 for a two-party niche and $900.00 for a one-party niche. If you are interested in purchasing a niche, please call the church office and talk to either Dick Beckman or Dar-lene Fleischhauer at 480-981-6199.

Stephen Ministry Leaders: Karla Harvey Chuck Cusack Jim Johnson Char Kraus

Phone Number:

480 584 6203

Worship & Care Directory Phone/Ext.

Information/Visitors Dianne Oien x15 Landscaping Dick Beckman x21 Secretary Darlene Fleischhauer x10 Readers: Sharon Randall 480 628 5829 or rndllshar@aol.com Ushers 7:50 Service Elaine Warwick 986-4873 Ushers 9:00 Service Jeff Milan 814-7514 Greeters 7:50, 9:00, 10:30 Dianne Oien 480 981 6199 X15

Church Directory Ext. / Phone Email

LOC Office …………………………………...480 981-6199 Senior Pastor Steve Talmage x35 stevetalmage@loclc.org Nanette Christofferson, x36 Pastoral Assistant Nanette@loclc.org Darlene Fleischhauer x10 darlene@loclc.org Church Secretary Dick Beckman, Finance x21 dickbeckman@loclc.org Karla Harvey Stephen Ministry 480 584 6203 Joey Bogushefsky, Audio Visual Mark Cloud, Facilities Dir. of Music Jung Eun Csuy, …………….....x32 jungmusic@loclc.org Gary Fuller-Facilities Janice Herron, Preschool ……..x33 janiceherron@loclc.org Children’s Min. Dir. Renee Bennett x18 reneebennett@loclc.org Children’s Music Ministry—Brooke Osterman & Laura Ontiveros JaeEun Lee…………………………………… 7:50 & 10:30 Pianist Dianne Oien ………………………...x15 dianneoien@loclc.org Ivan Ontiveros, Audio Visual Heather Parker (WOW)………...x12 heatherparker@loclc.org Tim Rosenow, Facilities Adam Stein…………………….Contemporary Worship Leader x32 adamstein@loclc.org Brian Thompson-Facilities

Prayers of Sympathy and Comfort to…

Barbara Carlson upon the death of her dear husband Jack. DaNell Albrecht, family & friends upon the death of her dear father, Pas-tor John. Carole Heider, family & friends upon the death of her husband, Jon. Linda Klemmer, family & friends upon the death of her daughter, Joline. Bob Ovsak, family & friends upon the death of his dear wife, Julie. The Hanson & Barta families upon the death of daughter and sister, Deborah. Sandy Deist, Terry Holiday & Katrina Deist-Zemar upon the passing of sister & aunt, Sue and granddaughter and cousin Wesley. Leila Jo Wiebe, family & friends upon the death of her dear husband, Stephen. Connie Rients upon the death of her grandnephew Ricky Miller. Rick & Karen Aussprung, family & friends upon the death of Rick’s father, Bill. The family & friends of Sara Graf upon her death. The family & friends of Jack Tucker upon his death. Clyde Anderson, family & friends upon the death of his brother Gerald. Jeff Bennett, family & friends upon the death of his dad, Bob. Krystine Savage, family & friends upon the death of her mother, Grace. Amy Peters, family & friends upon the death of her brother-in-law Bill Carr. Kathy Overturf, family & friends upon the death of her dear brother, Roger Varner. Teresa Ravia, family & friends upon the death of her nephew. Laura Hamilton, family & friends upon the death of her dear mother Elsie Harrison. Suzanne Cadman, family & friends upon the death of Carl Herron. Virginia Anderson & Barbara Madden upon the death of mother and sister, Marian Szuluga. The family & friends of June Ham upon her passing. Cheryl Mertens, family & friends upon the death of her dear husband, Gary. Kathy Grant, family & friends upon the death of husband, Billy Beddie. Sally Anderson, family & friends upon the death of her sister-in-law Christy. The Molzahn Family upon the death of Doug & Helen Molzahn. Cards may be sent to their daughter Susie Parker, 6728, 189th St., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

Relocating...Charter Member Bill Horton has recently relocated

to be closer to his children. His new address is: 40 Orange Tree

Circle, #158, Vacaville, CA 95687, 707-564-8833.

19

“LOC Compassionate Cooks” — Do you enjoy cooking? Share your gift with a family in need of assistance by providing meals. To help this very active group contact Tami Wilke 480-464-2577 tamirn@centurylink.net or Heather Parker 480-988-6477 tsgourmet@cox.net. Prayer Group “Prayer Voices” — Join the prayer group for coffee and prayer. Contact Barbara Otto 480.390.9631. See Page 9 Women’s Hiking Group —Look for the sign-up sheet on the ministries’ table on Sunday mornings. For questions, call Pat Shaw at 480.981.1325. See Page 12 Crafting Chatting, & Couponing Women of LOC – Meets at various locations the second Sunday of each month at 1pm.

Please contact: Karen Wenzel, 480.890.8692 Karla Harvey, 480.262.7666 Barbie Berry, kreativebarbie@yahoo.com.

Naomi Circle - Join us for fellowship and Bible study on the 2nd Monday of each month, 1 p.m. (Sept.-May). All women are invited. Page 12 Men’s Monday Evening Study Group Meets weekly Monday from 6:30—8:00 pm in the leadership room. Contact the church office.

Men’s “Early Riser” Study Group — Every Thursday morning 6:30 a.m.-7:30 a.m. at the Village Inn on

McKellips and Recker Rd. Contact Jim Shepherd at azshep@gmail.com.

“Care, Share, & Prayer” Women’s Bible Study Group – Join with other

LOC women for a bible study group Thursdays at 1:00pm in the Leadership room (next to the office). (June—August meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays). Contact Connie Lehrke at 218.205.0820 for more information.

Dave Ramsey “Financial Peace University” Contact the church office.

Kevin Saunders Bible Study Class—Tuesday mornings 10am in the COC.

Bible Studies, Small Groups

APRIL April 1, Easter Worship 1 April 2, Easter Monday Office Closed April 4-25, Bible Study, Wednesdays 6 April 9, Naomi Circle Salad Luncheon 12 April 13-14, 27-28, I-Help 4 April 14, People Highland Hi Jazz 6 April 14, Women’s Hiking Group 12 April 21, F.A.B. 6 April 21, Healthy Relationships 10 April 27, 5/6th Grade Lock-In 10 April 28, Synod Election Process 6 April 29, Overflow Sunday 15

MAY May 2 & 9, Membership Classes 7 May 6, Graduation Celebration Sunday 11 May 6, Seniors to Top Golf 11 May 6, Last Day of SS/Confirmation May 11-12, 25-26, I-Help 4 May 12, Women’s Hiking Group 12 May 14, Naomi Circle 12 May 19, F.A.B. 7 May 27, Overflow Sunday 15 May 28, Memorial Day Office Closed

JUNE June 7, Newsletter deadline for July/Aug/Sep June 8-9, 22-23, I-Help 4 June 9-10th, Women’s Hiking Group 12

June 14, People to Hale Theater 7 June 14-16, Synod Assembly 6 June 15-18, Campfirmation 11 June 17, Water Project Begins 7 June 24, Overflow Sunday 15 June 25-July 1,National Youth Gathering11

JULY July 9-13, Vacation Bible School 8/11 July, 9,16 & 23 School Supplies/Clothing8 July 23-27, Music Camp 8 July 20-22, Men’s Retreat 2 July 30-Aug. 2, Chime Choir 8

OCT. Oct. 4-7, Cursillo Men’s Retreat 3 Oct. 11-14, Cursillo Women’s Retreat 3

NOV. Nov. 1-3, Feed My Starving Children 14 Nov. 9-11, WELCA Convention 12 African Orphan Mission 20 Altar Flowers 18 Annual Meeting Recap 2 Bible Studies/Small Groups 19 Blessing Bags 12 Blood Drive Results 3 Book Nook/Club 9 Care, Share, Prayer 12 Caring Ministry 14

Change for Change 16 Columbarium Information 18 Community Garden 13 Contemporary Worship Leader Position 3 Cookie Ministry 9 Crafting & Chatting Women of LOC 12 First Communion Youth 10 Gather Magazine Subscription 12 Grand Canyon Synod Assembly News 6/7 Habitat for Humanity 4 I-Help 4 Kevin Saunders Bible Study 5 Lutheran Social Services 16 Martial Arts 13 Men’s Morning Java 9 New Members Received on Feb. 11 5 Online Giving 15 Prayer Chapel/Voices 9 Preschool 10 Serving Opportunities 17 Simply Giving Program 15 Staff & Church Board 18 Stephen Ministry 15/18 Sympathy 18 Thrivent for Lutherans 15 Women’s Retreat 2 WOW 5

20

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS BACK! We are now waiting until fall (October) to start our 15th home in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. We hope this summer to be offered some major repairs and up-grades to current Habitat for Humanity homes that require indoor labor.

Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-profit, faith-based organization with the goal of eliminating sub-standard housing throughout the world. With partners like us, they facilitate the construction of simple, decent, affordable homes to families in need. The families with which we partner are selected without regard to race, ethnicity, or religion. The families must be United States citizens or on permanent residency status, demonstrate a need for adequate housing, have a two-year history of stable income between 30 and 65 percent of the median income, have a good credit history, complete 100 hours of “sweat equity” on a fellow Habitat owner’s house, and an additional 300 hours on their own home before taking occupancy, and complete classes on home maintenance, financing, and home ownership. The homes are NOT giv-en to the homeowners. At the time of the home comple-tion and dedication, the homeowners make their first payment on a profit-free mortgage, and the average pay-ment is about 25% of their income, which includes the principal, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and a maintenance account. These funds are then used by Habi-

tat to build even more homes. The results are incredible – families living in sub-standard housing and caught up in a cycle of poverty become home-owners, tax-payers, and contributors to the well-being of their neighborhoods! We need your prayers and extra-mile blessings before the end of the year! The really GREAT news is that the State of Arizona will provide you with a dollar-for-dollar tax CREDIT of up to $800.00 for a couple filing jointly, or $400.00 for an individual. Therefore, your contribution costs you nothing because it is credited against the State taxes you would otherwise pay, AND it can also be used as a deduction on your Federal Tax return! It is very simi-lar to the School tax credit with which you may be famil-iar, and you can do BOTH! So, like most blessings, you actually get back more than you give! There are special designated giving envelopes on the Hab-itat kiosk in the Center of Compassion and also outside the Sanctuary. Please make your checks out to Love of Christ Lutheran, and write “Habitat-AZ” in the infor-mation space. If you need a confirmation letter, please advise the office. For additional information on the Chris-tian principles that guide Habitat for Humanity, please pick up one of the tri-fold brochures, visit www.habitatcaz.org or call Clark Wirthlin at 480-985-8757.

> Thank You for the seventh (7th) year our congregation has continued hosting homeless ladies enrolled in the I-

HELP program and you have stepped up to help. The pur-pose of the I-HELP program is to help these ladies help themselves through individual planning to get back on their feet. Jackie Rensel provides coordination for our

congregation’s involvement in the program. Our congre-gation hosts the ladies on the second and fourth Friday nights each month in the ADC rooms. Continuing needs

include:

> Set up from 5-6:30 PM or hosting from 6:30-8 PM. You can be a part of this blessing helping on site. This short

time commitment twice a month makes a huge difference in these ladies lives.

> Laundry. Linens and towels are picked up on the Satur-day following our host night. They are returned to the

Sanctuary or COC entries the following week.

> Cash donations are needed to support the meals we pro-vide to the ladies when we host them. The average cost

for groceries runs from $50-$60 to feed 15 women. 25 ladies are normally the maximum number sheltered.

> Supplies for the snack lunches we send the ladies off

with, including: fruit cups, granola bars, chicken or tuna snack packs, drink mix, chips and cookies.

> Shower room needs are TRAVEL SIZED:

> Deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, combs, soap, shampoo, and lotion. (These gals have a small travel size suitcase to put everything in. Large toothpaste, deodor-

ants, etc. are too big for them to pack with their other be-longings. They also get supplies from the other churches )

I-HELP is running short on travel sized toothpaste, tooth-brushes and floss. If you have a family dentist, the next time you go in for a check up ask if they have extra free

samples for our homeless gals. > Seasonally appropriate clothing sizes 6-26, new under-

wear and new socks. > Please contact Jackie Rensel 602/489-1832 for more in-

formation.

I-Help

21

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

Paid Mesa, Arizona

PERMIT #55

2018

Time Valued for Immediate delivery — Return Service Requested

Fax 480 832-2583 Office 480 981-6199

1525 North Power Road, Mesa AZ 85205

Worship and Communion

Sunday Morning Holy Communion during Sunday worship every Sunday.

(2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays by intinction.)

7:50 & 10:30 A.M.Traditional Worship Services, Sanctuary

9:00 AM Contemporary Worship Service,

Center of Compassion (casual attire)

10:15-10:35 A.M Sunday School (3 yr. old-4th grade)

10:30 A.M. Confirmation (Sept. - May)

7:30AM-12:30 PM Prayer Chapel— See page 9

Weekdays at LOC: Weekday Preschool

Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. The Bible Between the Lines

Wednesdays: WOW (Sept. - May)

Website:

www.LoveofChristChurch.Net

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LOCLC

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

(ELCA) Grand Synod

MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Our newsletter is truly a quarterly newsletter: Jan/Feb/Mar which came out Dec. 19, 2017; April/May/June which you are now receiving; July/Aug/Sept which will come out June 19 and Oct/Nov/Dec which will come out Sept. 25th. If you have any questions, please contact Darlene at 480 981 6199 or darlene@loclc.org.

The Lord has blessed the African Orphans Project with dedicated volunteers and leaders to accomplish impossible tasks and funds to carry out his mis-sion of providing shelter to innocent orphaned children. Please continue to keep the AOP in your prayers. Ken Ondrejko 602-692-7492 kennethon-drejko@gmail.com

A great big “Thank You!” to everyone that made our Rummage Sale another fantastic success! The music ministry is so blessed with an amazing group of volunteers that served during the Rummage Sale week. A special thanks to Ivan and Laura Ontiveros, Erol Kok, Mike, Marisa, Alexander, Derek,

Matthew Valdez, Carlos and Sarah Clayton, Kurt Kahlenbeck, Tom Ammentorp, Gary Gerber, and Rick Aussprung for two days of big item pickups. Another huge thank you to Lori Nielson, Tracy Peterson. and Norma Johnson for leading the sale and Sandy Grassia for providing lunch to the volunteers. Thank you to our volunteers, members, shoppers, staff, and to the Thrivent ac-tion team for your love and support that you continue to give to the music ministry!