god’s work, our hands
TRANSCRIPT
Lord of Life Lutheran Church, 9700 Neenah Ave, Austin, Texas 78717 Phone 512.671.6100 Fax 512.671.6103 www.lordoflifeaustin.org
August 2014 Edition Volume No. 1408
WHAT IS YOUR PASSION?
I greet you in the name of the One who can do all things but fail! Probably ten years ago now, our urban clergy group met with a counselor who specialized in group dynamics. Her charge was to assist the pastors in becoming a more cohesive and effective cadre of church leaders. Following the obligatory time set aside for introductions, the counselor cut to the chase. She began by asked each of us to answer the following question: “What is your passion?” Tuesday morning of this week, I received an email about Sunday worship from a member and included in the body of the text was the phrase, “Your passion shines through…” I was both humbled and honored by that statement as it gave me pause for reflection. I realized the answer I gave to that counselor all those years ago in a totally different context was still true for me and apparently it manifested itself in how I live my life in the public arena of the church. For that I am thankful and can only say, “To God be the glory!” Many members/disciples have heard that on Sunday, August 17, 2014 we will have a special worship service that hopefully will be filled with honest dialog and discussion. Notice there is no mention about decision and/or vote, simply dialog and discussion! The focus of the discussion will be one question: Do we continue with two Sunday morning worship services for the foreseeable future?
The following paragraph has to do with passion. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines passion as: a strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something; a strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept. To help you formulate your response, I suggest you approach your thoughts concerning the question using the following formula/strategy: instead of thinking in a simple yes/no fashion, take the time to organize your ideas around providing helpful information for others to receive and digest; maybe couch your thoughts and responses using “why” and/or “why not”. Answer for yourself, do we need two worship services, why and/or why not. Give some thought to things like: if we return to two worship services, do they remain identical – why/why not; if there is only one worship service, what is the best time for worship. The purpose of this exercise is to gather information that will help the ministry of Lord of Life as we look to the future. Where will we be in three years, five years? What will we look like? I will repeat the sentence from above: Notice there is no mention about decision and/or vote, simply dialog and discussion! I ask that you be in prayer concerning this congregational discussion. We will conclude the worship as we
normally do, approaching the table our Lord prepares and remembering that in Him is where we find our unity and our identity. I hope to see you on August 17 and invite you to let your passion shine through. In the name of Jesus, Pr. Skip
What Is Your Passion? 1
Global Initiatives 2
Kindred Sisters 2
Prayer List 2
Bowling Night 2
Scouts on 4th of July 2
Sunday Readings 2
Birthdays/Anniversaries 2
Missional River Report 3
Council Highlights 4
Harvest Festival 4
Library Notes 5
Celebration Sunday 5
Children’s Worship Bags 5
State of the Church 5
Worship Leadership 6
Calendar 7
God’s Work, Our Hands
Inside this issue:
Page 2 Life-Lines
PRAYER LIST
Ann Willman, Angie Parr,
Herman & Olga Haenel, Walter & Maxine Krizov, Illa May Bartholomew,
Linda Vaughn, Mel Wolf,
Ann Bender, Norma Neeley,
Todd Snook, Dot Harrington
SUNDAY READINGS
August 3 Isaiah 55:1-5 Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 Romans 9:1-5 Matthew 14:13-24 August 10 I Kings 19:9-18 Psalm 85:8-13 Romans 10:5-15 Matthew 14:22-33 August 17 Isaiah 56:1, 6-8 Psalm 67 Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32 Matthew 15:10-28 August 24 Isaiah 51:1-6 Psalm 138 Romans 12:1-8 Matthew 16:13-20 August 31 Jeremiah 15:15-21 Psalm 26:1-8 Romans 12:9-21 Matthew 16:21-28
Simpson, Heather 08/18 Neeley, Charles 08/21 Simon, Allie 08/21 Covington, Frank 08/22 Rosas, Daniel 08/22 Klinker, Theodore 08/24 Mathews, Troy 08/26 Lopez, Malcolm 08/28 Krizov, Maxine 08/29 Prather, Gilbert 08/30 Anniversaries: Deb & Christopher Grunska 08/18/1979 Alan & Susan Breyer 08/19/1967 Mark & Wendy Waggoner 08/23/1980
Birthdays: Gold, Matthew 08/01 Klotz, Mike 08/04 Kattawar, Michelle 08/05 Gold, Beckham 08/08 Haskins, Lloyd 08/08 Caldwell, Douglas 08/10 Brown, Rachel 08/13 Forseth, Joanne 08/13 Carter, Darrell 08/14 Carter, Shaleen 08/15 Hart, David 08/15 Scott,, Abigail 08/16 Parr, Angelica 08/18
KINDRED SISTERS
Kindred Sisters will meet again on August 5th, 2014. We will have a luncheon meeting at 11:30 a.m. at Luby's at 13817 N. Highway 183, Austin, TX. We will enjoy our lunch (Dutch Treat) and fellowship, followed by devotions. Then we will plan future meetings for the next year. We welcome suggestions of topics and/or programs or speakers for these future meetings. All women and friends of LOLLC are cordially invited to attend. We hope to see you there! If there are any questions, please call Joanne Forseth at 512-986-7387.
GLOBAL INITIATIVES
www.elca.org/global - l inks Through the benevolence we pay to the ELCA we are support ing these global initiatives. A link is available on our website under “Giving”, so you can keep up-to-date on what the ELCA is doing to reach the world for Christ.
BOWING NIGHT
Lord of Life Family Fellowship - Sunday Night Bowling August 17, 5PM to 7Pm - Highland Lanes, 183 and Burnet Road $10 per person, includes shoe rental. Sign up sheet in the cafe See Marge Kretschmar or Rex Schroeder for more details.
SCOUTS IN JULY 4th PARADE
On July 4th the three cub scout packs sponsored by the church marched together in the Cedar Park 4th of July parade.
Page 3 Volume No. 1408
MISSIONAL RIVER GUIDING TEAM REPORT
Prepared by: Donna Hagens, Felicia Wachsmann, Mark Waggoner, Dick Fink, Jane Triplett Horner (Missional Network)
There were at least 53 participants in “Listening” interviews facilitated by members of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church (LOLLC), Austin’s Missional River Guiding Team.
• Of those participants, approximately 21 of these members have been part of our church for ten or more years, 20 have attended for three to ten years, and the remaining less than three years.
• 13 men and 40 women participated. • Of those interviewed, 41 were adults and 12 were 18 and younger.
This report provides an overview of the primary themes, impressions, and characteristics of the congregation noted from the participant’s responses to a set of ten questions provided. When do you feel engaged and alive: Participants express they feel most engaged and alive when they are doing things for others, doing things as a group, participating, and contributing. A range of descriptions were used to describe these experiences including wonderful, fun, feeling needed, connected, useful, engaged, making a difference in someone’s life, a sense of fellowship, good working together, contributing, and sense of accomplishment. Fellowship activities are a consistent theme, and examples include: singing in the choir, going to hockey games, planning Worship service together, and hanging out together. Working together and participating is also a strong theme: working in the kitchen, participating in soup drives, BBQ/bake sale, helping with kindred sisters, Vacation Bible School, Sunday School. Reaching out to others also stands out: visiting and sharing presence, caroling to shut-ins, getting to know and working with kids during Vacation Bible School, and listening to younger kids. Life giving characteristics of LOLLC: The life giving characteristics of the congregation includes an overall sense of belonging where there is no judgment, you are accepted under all circumstances, and the overall closeness of everyone. Others describe LOLLC as open, welcoming, and giving. When we are at our best: Fellowship, sharing, working together and being together are underlying themes that continue when participants were asked when this congregation is at its best. Examples of specific activities mentioned: Fall festivals, birthday bags, BBQ/bake sale, confirmation camp, working in Sunday School, and potlucks. In addition, Lenten services, Communion, Christmas candlelight, Seder service, Reenactment of Last Supper, and Holden Evening Prayer were also noted as being times when we are at our best. When God was most real and alive for you: Some participants went on to share why these experiences are so important to them. Youth mentioned that their favorite part of confirmation camp was when “..we slept outside. We could look up at the stars.” When it was “peaceful - not having cell phones.” Some noted when doing for others that “I get more out of it than I give.” Many noted that they feel God’s presence, “The Holy Spirit is here!” Others said when the congregation responds in times of need, it says that God gives us energy during these times, and that God is alive and well in this church. Significant Worship Experiences: The most significant worship experiences of our church include Baptism, Holden Evening Prayer, and outdoor Easter services. A number of folks mentioned how important music is for them, and several mentioned the Christmas Cantata. Pastor Skip’s sermons also make a significant contribution to the worship experience. Examples as quoted by members: “Anytime Pastor Skip preaches [it is] 3x times better than anyone.” “The message with this Pastor keeps you listening”. Some others stated they like welcoming the Holy Spirit at the beginning of the service. Wishes: Folks provided a long list of wishes for LOLLC. More young families and youth, community outreach, and improved facilities (space and access) are the themes noted most often. Community outreach comments included some specific ideas: after school care and offering flu shots open to the neighborhood. General comments included the Church to be actively involved in a lot of things, have meaningful ways to connect to neighbors, and greater service involvement. There is also a desire to increase participation in Bible study, “Be a church that really studies the Bible”, as well as a wish for continuity in pastoral leadership. Financial security was noted as a specific concern in one comment. In conclusion, there is an overall sense from these interviews that Lord of Life is a relational church that its members love, and where fellowship, participation, and service are very important. This is a welcoming, open and friendly congregation that provides a caring and supportive community to its members. It is a congregation that aspires to extend its outreach in the neighboring community.
Life-Lines Page 4
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Cub Scouts – Storage Shed on Property The Cub Scout pack discussed having a storage shed on the grounds. Having once been in Cub Scouts, I can personally see the benefit to having on site storage. Our Property Ministry will look into how to best fill this need. Worship times The council discussed the idea of whether to return to two services or stay at one service throughout the year. We will have a discussion as part of the August 17 worship service, to get congregation feedback. No decision or vote will be taken; we just want to get everyone’s thoughts. Expectations of Members Council discussed what we as a congregation expect of our members. We have notes from what other churches do, and we will discuss that as part of the stewardship emphasis throughout the year. Service/Outreach Project We are looking at a congregation-wide service project. This will be planned in conjunction with the Missional River team. If you have ideas, please let a member of Council know. Stewardship Ministry The Stewardship Ministry is panning how to conduct stewardship throughout the year, so that it becomes an ongoing goal and not just a once-a-year pledge drive. Sunday School superintendent A superintendent is needed for Sunday school. If you are interested or want to know more about helping the Sunday school, please let Jennifer Rosas or any council member know. Youth coordinator We are still looking into getting a youth coordinator. If you have suggestions on where we can look for candidates, please let Jennifer Rosas or a council member know. If you would like more information on any of these items, or on any other church matters, please contact a member of Council. Thank you for your prayers and your involvement in Lord of Life. Jim Tarsi Council Secretary
LIBRARY NOTES
2 Suggested Reading Books by: Donna Estes
SONG OF SOLOMON - by: Toni Morrison I first read this book many years ago when it was on Oprah's book club list. It is such a good read. It is about an African-American man, Macon "Milkman" Dead III. The story tells about his life from birth to adulthood. It also tells of his mother's upbringing as the daughter of the town's only black doctor as well as that of his two sisters, First Corinthians and Magdelene "Lena". His father's sister, Pilate, is somewhat of a mystical character, & the story strongly implies that she is "Divine" - a female Christ. His best friend is called "Guitar" and they have a falling out which leads to tragic circumstances. You won't be disappointed if you read this book MULBERRY PARK - by: Judy Duarte This story is about a young woman, Claire Harper, who finds a letter that falls from a tree in the park. The letter addressed to God is written by a little seven year old girl named Analisa, asking God to please look after her parents in heaven. Claire is grieving the death of her son from a hit & run and on impulse decides to reply back to Analisa's letter hoping to preserve Analisa's innocent belief in answered prayers. The letters from Analisa continue to appear daily, and Claire answers each of them. Friendships grow and soon everyone discovers how far just one simple little letter can reach. This is a very uplifting story of unflinching faith and how extending an open, loving hand to broken people can help others heal. **************************************************
CHILDREN'S WORSHIP BAGS DO YOU HAVE ONE AT HOME?
Would everyone please check to see if perhaps their children might have taken a worship bag home. We are down to only 11 bags from a total of 24. Each little bag has a book, children's bulletin, crayons, little games etc in them. These little bags are in a basket to the left of the door when you enter the Narthex, and all children are welcome to take one to use during worship....but please ensure they are returned to the basket at the end of service. Please see Donna Estes if you have questions. Thanks so much!
Worship Attendance
6/1/2014 114
6/8/2014 123
6/15/2014 82
6/22/2014 113
6/29/2014 133
Weekly Average 113
YTD Total 2,457
Weekly Average 98
Income for June: $25,991 Income YTD: $157,043
Expenses for June: $22,495 Expenses YTD: $142,334
Net Gain for June: $3,496 Net Gain YTD: $14,709
Page 5 Volume No. 1408
Worship Leaders for August 2014
AUGUST 3, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green
Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: Marilee Parsons
Lector: John Paul Crawford Communion Assistant: Dorothy Crawford
Acolyte: Oscar Lopez Media Assistant: Dick Fink
Ushers: Horace & Nell Pennington, Bob & Linda Lane
Altar Guild: Deanna & Lauren Brown
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins
Flowers: The Simpson family, in honor of Robert & Jean Rowlett
AUGUST 10, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green
Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: Mindy Penland
Lector: Debbie Grunska Communion Assistant: Dorothy Crawford
Acolyte: Carter Parsons Media Assistant: Rex Schroeder
Ushers: Dave & Erica Smith, Mike Petry
Altar Guild: Barb Petry
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins
Flowers: The Tony Lopez Family
AUGUST 17, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green
Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: Rex Schroeder
Lector: Nick Ferriola Communion Assistant: Mike Kamensky
Acolyte: Chapin Smith Media Assistant: Chuck Neeley
Ushers: Dave & Erica Smith, Mike Petry
Altar Guild: Jim Tarsi & Lyn Caldwell
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins
Flowers: Alan & Susan Breyer, in celebration of their 47th Anniversary
AUGUST 24, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green
Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: Lloyd Haskins
Lector: Mike Petry Communion Assistant: Shari Willenborg
Acolyte: Dakota Simpson Media Assistant: Raina Parsons
Ushers: Gary Parsons, Brad Sheehan, Tim Smith, Mike Kamensky
Altar Guild: Deb Grunska
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins
Flowers: Mark & Wendy Waggoner, in celebration of their 34th Anniversary
AUGUST 31, 2014 Time after Pentecost Color: Green
Presiding Minister: Pastor Skip Wachsmann Assisting Minister: John Paul Crawford
Lector: Jennifer Rosas Communion Assistant: Nell Pennington
Acolyte: Bryce Sheehan Media Assistant: Lloyd Haskins
Ushers: Gary Parsons, Brad Sheehan, Tim Smith, Mike Kamensky
Altar Guild: Tim & Diane Smith
Tellers: Julia Neeley, Barb Haskins
Flowers: Stacey Matthews, in celebration of Troy’s birthday
Life-Lines Page 6
August 2014
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
3
8:30 Adult Sunday
School
9:00 Coffee on the
Deck
9:30 Summer Service
10:30 Missional River
Open Forum
5:00 Indian Gathering
4
7:00pm
Education
Ministry Meeting
5
10:30am
Kindred Sisters
6:30pm
Bible Study
6
10:00am
Bible Study
7
7:00pm
Finance Ministry
Meeting
1
______________
8
2
_____________
9
10
8:30 Adult Sunday
School
9:00 Coffee on the
Deck
9:30 Summer Service
11 12
6:30pm
Bible Study
13
10:00am
Bible Study
14
7:00pm
Church Council
Meeting
15 16
17
8:30 Adult Sunday
School
9:00 Coffee on the
Deck
9:30 Summer Service
5:00 Indian Gathering
5:00 Bowling Night
18
6:30pm
TIFA Meeting
19
6:30pm
Bible Study
20
10:00am
Bible Study
21
6:30pm
Cub Scout
Leader Meeting
22 23
24
8:30 Adult Sunday
School
9:00 Coffee on the
Deck
9:30 Summer Service
1:30 Choir Caroling
25
26
6:30pm
Bible Study
27
10:00am
Bible Study
6:30pm
LOLKDO Open
House
28 29 30
31
8:30 Adult Sunday
School
9:00 Coffee on the
Deck
9:30 Summer Service
Page 7 Volume No. 1408