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15600 North Tamiami Trail Naples, Florida 34110-6245

(239) 597-1043

Rev. Thomas J. Slater, Pastor

A Newsletter of the People of

CHRISTUS VICTOR LUTHERAN CHURCH

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Thanks Be To God, who gives us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ" (I Cor. 15:57)

Don't just live...live victoriously!

Pastor Tom’s Page

During the month of August we will welcome our 21st Intern, Laura Dunklin.

Please take the time to say hello to her and embrace her as part of the Christus

Victor family. Her bio is included in this newsletter. May we, once again, be a

congregation that opens ourselves up to be a fertile place for learning,

conversation, and growth during this vital Internship year. Thank you all for participating

in this important missional ministry of the church.

In 2016 the Churchwide Assembly met in New Orleans and voted to approve changes to

the ELCA Model Constitution. On Sunday, August 20th at 9:30 a.m., I will review these

changes with everyone interested in hearing about them. I will lead another conversation

about the changes on Sunday, September 17th during the Adult Forum twice at 9:30 a.m.

Then on Sunday, September 24th, we will hold a Special Congregational Meeting after each

worship service to vote on the changes to our constitution. Come and hear about the

exciting changes within the church.

God’s blessing to all,

Pastor Tom

Sick or Hospitalized? Please tell us if you or someone you know in the congregation will be hospitalized or in need of a visit as we are not routinely notified by local hospitals when members are admitted. The office number is 597-1043. Prayer for one another is understanding love.

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President’s Page By Phyllis Nichols

Council Meeting Council approved the following new slogan and goals for 2018.

2018 Slogan: Being Seen in 2018 2018 Goals: Active invitation Active involvement

Active initiatives

One of the focused topics for our July meeting centered on Property. Several sections of our parking lot curbing had been replaced in May. The areas identified as still needing attention have now been corrected. Repaving of the parking lot was also completed in May. There are plans to correct the areas of the pavement where water pools in the next couple months. The technology team has worked to identify a fix with the sound system in the Sanctuary which will prevent system feedback and dropped sound situations. Council approved the purchase and installation of a digital signal processor. During our property walk around in May, it was noted that many of our parking and directional signs were damaged or faded. Council approved a proposal to replace these signs. Our second focused topic was an update on the Florida-Bahamas Synod and the process for selection of a new Bishop for our Synod in October. Pastor Tom also presented a description and a list of duties for a Synod Parish Deacon at CVLC. The Synod Parish Deacon is a volunteer position and serves at the discretion of the Pastor. Applicants for this position receive approval from the Synod. Council passed a motion in support of this position at CVLC.

God's Work Our Hands - September 30, 2017 For the fourth consecutive year, we are planning another project day to help others. This year's event will be at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Myers. We have held our God's Work Our Hands day at Faith Lutheran Church in Lehigh Acres for the last two years. Members from Faith Lutheran Church will join us this year for our work day at Redeemer. Pastor Tom coordinates this event. He'll have a list of the requested projects. Even if you don't have a particular trade skill, there are many tasks you can work on during this event. The signup sheet will be on the board in the Narthex. I hope many of you will join us during this fun and rewarding day.

Many thanks to all who assist in carrying out our CVLC mission. 2017 Slogan: Re-think to re-engage 2017 Goals: Re-think staffing, Re-think ministries, Re-engage members and community

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Intern’s Article by Laura Dunklin Hello! I am both honored and delighted to be serving as Intern at Christus

Victor this upcoming year. I am finishing up my second year of study at the

Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. I’ll be wrapping up my studies

this year with a trip to South Africa with the seminary for a multicultural study experience.

A little more about me… I was born and raised in South Carolina and received my

Bachelor of Arts in History and Religious Studies from the University of South Carolina.

During my summers in college, I worked as a counselor and area director at Camp

Lutheridge in Arden, North Carolina. I enjoy cheering on the South Carolina Gamecocks and

the New Orleans Saints, spending time outdoors, cooking, and traveling.

After returning from South Africa, I will spend time with family at home in Florence,

South Carolina before moving down to Naples in late July. I have very much enjoyed getting

to know Pastor Tom at Intern Matching and Team Building and could not be more excited

to meet all of you! Looking forward to our year of ministry together!

On Sunday, September, 10th, we will once again participate in the ELCA’s “God’s Work, Our Hands” by taking up a special offering during worship services to go towards buying supplies to help a neighboring congregation. This year we will be helping Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ft. Myers on Saturday, September 30th. Faith Lutheran in Lehigh Acres, who we’ve worked with the last two years, has indicated that they would like to send workers to Redeemer as well. So our outreach continues to grow as we seek to serve God and one of God’s churches of the Florida– Bahamas Synod. Please save these dates!

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Music Notes by Joyce Reitz, Director of Music

First of all, I want to thank everyone who joined with the choir to give Intern Pam a good send off. I so appreciated it and I am sure everyone in the congregation also did. Now we welcome Intern Laura Dunklin to Christus Victor. We are happy that you will be with us for the year and I hope you will consider helping with one of our choirs. I will be taking a Sunday off on the 13th. Thank you H.G. Fisher for filling in for me while I head back to PA to visit old friends and relatives for a few days. I also want to thank Greg Olsen for playing the trombone on July 2nd. It added so much to our service.

Until next time, keep a song in your hearts! God Bless, Joyce Musicbyjoyleen@aol.com

Thank you ALL for your thoughts and prayers. I am happy to report that you may now

remove me from your prayer lists!

John Groth

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August 6th and August 13th have been

designated as the Annual “Undy Sunday” Drive by the Catholic Charities of Collier County. This supplies necessary new underwear and socks to needy school kids. Collection boxes will be in the narthex for you to deposit your gifts. All children’s sizes of underwear and socks are needed. Cash donations may be placed in

pew envelopes marked “Undy Sunday” Let’s help out the needy kids with our gifts. Thank you!

Christus Victor Lutheran Church is pleased to offer a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings, will host

their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on Monday, August 21, 2017. Five screenings will be offered that scan for potential health problems related to:

blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which can lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening, for men and women, used to assess the risk of osteoporosis. Reg-ister for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening from $149 ($139 with our member discount). All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to com-plete. In order to register for this event and to receive a $10 discount off any package priced above $129, please call 1-888-653-6450 or visit www.lifelinescreening.com/communitycircle.

The first 7 people to pre-register on the sign-up sheet located on the table under the intern photos will receive a $25 discount off of any package priced at $139 or more! Learn your risk of having stroke or vascular disease. There is no time like the present to take action!

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Welcome Luau August 6th, 2017

Pork Roast Chef's specialty potatoes Green beans Fruit salad Dinner rolls Cake!! Sign up sheet is in the narthex.

Be sure to wear your Hawaiian garb!!

*Café Figaro Wiggins Pass Crossing Plaza 13510 Tamiami Trail North Unit 7 Naples, FL 34110 239-594-2000 (behind Walgreen’s)

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Welcome Luau We are excited to have Laura Dunklin with us this year. Laura begins her Internship experience on Tuesday, August 1st. Our annual Welcome Luau will be held on Sunday, August 6th immediately following the 10:45 a.m. worship service. Come out and enjoy the festivities and watch Intern Laura teach us how to hula. There is a sign-up sheet in the lobby of the church. Come one, come all!!!!

New Intern’s Pantry We are very excited about our new Intern, Laura Dunklin who will be arriving in August. To help her get settled, we would like to present her with a congregational gift at the Luau: A Publix Gift Certificate. Please use a pew envelope for your contribution – indicate "Intern's Pantry" and place it in the offering plate. We will be collecting contributions to purchase a single gift certificate for her. If you have already gone to your northern address you may mail your donation directly to the church office with a notation “Intern’s Pantry” at 15600 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL 34110. Thank you so very much for your participation. We know Laura will greatly appreciate it.

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Middle School and High School students are invited for fun and music at Rock the Universe in Orlando on September 9th. Cost is $50/person. We will leave in the morning on Saturday, September 9th, spend the day at Universal Studios, then listen to some great Christian bands like Andy Mineo, for KING & COUNTRY, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Casting Crowns. We will return early on Sunday, September 10th. Register now to reserve your space! Registration forms are on the credenza in the narthex.

September 9, 2017

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Children and Youth: Sunday School is 9:30-10:30 in the Education Wing. Join other children your age for a fun-filled Bible lesson!

September 10: Sunday School Kickoff! Bounce into the new Sunday School year, with fun and games… and a bounce house… during our regular Sunday School time 9:30-10:30!

Adults: Sunday School is 9:30-10:30 in the Adult Classroom.

September 10: Join Pastor Tom and Intern Laura for our Round Table Pulpit. Each week we will look ahead to the next Sunday’s readings and each person can share how the Word of God touches their heart and encourages them to share God’s love with others. Come and be a part of this cooperative concept in learning, while you are being fed by God’s Word.

Youth Group: Middle and High School youth meet on Wednesday nights 6:15-7:30 for

fellowship and a lesson. Beginning September 13, 2017.

September 9: Rock the Universe Registration forms are on the credenza in the Narthex

September 13: Youth Group Join us for the first Youth Group meeting of the new school

year. Bring your ideas of what you’d like to do this year! Remember, this is YOUR Youth

Group!

WE WANT YOU…. To join our Education Team!

Our team works best with a lot of different voices. Teachers, helpers, planners, and supporters are all welcome!!!

Come to the next Education Team meeting on Aug 22nd at 6pm Or contact Susan O’Brien susanobrien@cvlcfl.org or 239-597-1043

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The “Restaurant Review Group” LET’S GO TO LUNCH

THE OTHER SIDE BISTRO in ESTERO!

Tuesday, August 15th

From the Chef…

“The road I have traveled to get to this point is much like chefs across our country. I am the

youngest of seven, was born and raised in Ft. Myers and my mother had a full-time job

keeping us all fed. She was an excellent cook and for a time owned a small restaurant on

Sanibel. On my mother’s apron, I learned the basics of preparing natural wholesome foods.

As a teenager, I worked my way up in restaurants: dishwashing, prep, line cook, even

bartending and serving. I achieved a point in my culinary career where I wanted formal

training; this is when I attended The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago. While in

Chicago, my love and appreciation of great food, simply prepared, flourished. I have

worked through the years at restaurants and hotels, opening two restaurants of my own

with critical success. I won Best Chef Ft. Myers Beach in 2003, Top Ten South West Florida

restaurants in 2008, won three American Culinary Federation events, and continue to reach

for success. Food is one of the passions of my life… I am always striving to learn more and

have been fortunate to work with countless chefs that have imparted their knowledge and

wisdom to me. I believe that no chef can truly ever stop learning new ways to please the

palates of our guests. ~Brian McCarley C.E.C “Chef Brian”

Sign up is in the Narthex to join us. We’ll be leaving the Church at 11:15 am to carpool, or indicate you’d rather just meet us there – No Problem.

It’s fun! JOIN US!

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CAN WE TALK …what’s SENIOR MINISTRY all about anyways??? With the one year anniversary of this New Ministry here at Christus Victor, – it began in August of 2016 – let’s go back and review the Mission and Purpose of why we began this Ministry and what’s been accomplished:

The Primary “Mission and Purpose” of Senior Ministry is Outlined Below… These THREADS OF CONNECTION are designed to help congregational members enrich their lives with opportunities to engage in activities that help them live better to live longer. For example, (some activities we do fit into more than one category) to name a few…

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Under Continuation of Knowledge and Education: Cooking Classes Lunch and Learn: The continuation of the TED Talks Aging in Grace Bible Study The Seasoned Circle Series – Hope is NOT a Plan Learning to play Mah Jongg

Under Connections: Social & Fun Book Club Restaurant Review Group Pray & Stretch Ladies Christmas Luncheon

Under Outreach & Serving we provided: Meals of Mercy Volunteer Opportunities Prayer Shawls Making of the Finger Labyrinth’s for the WELCA Convention

Under Health Information we provided: Newsletter Articles Information on the Senior Ministry Bulletin Board

These events were a wonderful addition to the many other opportunities Christus Victor Provides for Outreach (Relay for Life, No Bake Sunday, the Giving Tree, etc.), Social Events (Intern “Affairs”, Church Picnic, etc.), and Education & Learning (Intern’s Bible Study & the Women’s Workshop, etc.).

SO, WHAT’S AHEAD...?? GOOD QUESTION!!

As I’m preparing to finalize my visitations to all the Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Continuous Care facilities between Pine Ridge Road to the South and Broadway to the North, this will allow me to organize a great deal of information on these facilities for use by members of our congregation. Here’s how:

Need to start the process of changing your residency, (a neighbor or a family member’s residency) to one of these facilities…BEGIN YOUR SEARCH by seeing what I’ve

gathered…let’s talk. I have QUESTIONS you can ask if you must visit any of these facilities I have QUESTIONS you can ask if you need a Rehab Center I have INFORMATION on Home Health Care Companies I have INFORMATION on obtaining Grocery Options I have ARTICLES on a wide variety of HEALTH, RETIREMENT, AND DAILY LIVING topics.

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This MINISTRY was started with YOU in mind! God has provided this overall opportunity for members to see in action the concept of how “THE CHURCH” is more than just a Sunday Morning Worship Opportunity … we’re here to serve! HELP US DETERMINE WHAT COMES NEXT…

Have a thought about how Senior Ministry can expand its ideas?

…We want to hear from you! Have a suggestion about an activity Senior Ministry might include?

…We want to hear from you! Have a thought on how YOU could serve within this Ministry?

…We want to hear from you!

A CHURCH our size has many people, with many talents. Sadly, many a GREAT IDEA has fallen by the wayside for lack of

VOLUNTEERS. No matter your age, God calls each of us to participate in the world – bringing OUR light, and SHINING our talents on those who

need to hear and see what we can provide. NO-ONE should use the excuse: “Been there, Done that”!

EVERYONE, can contribute to the Ministries of the Church – pick ONE thing you enjoy and share your time & talent to make it successful!

The SENIOR MINISTRY TEAM has been a true blessing as I’ve started this Ministry! They’ve not only shared their ideas & thoughts on a variety of issues, but have been encouragers & supporters when I just wasn’t sure which way to go.

Team Members include: Susan Tinkle Ginny Engler Jane Dougherty Rebecca Stearns (Who has recently moved her considerable talents to the Education

Ministry, but she was invaluable in our “startup” efforts!)

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of this New Ministry the past year, and look forward to the many ways God can use it to serve our Church Members and BEYOND our doors. I hope you’ll use the services we’re gathering, and share with us your thoughts on future directions! God’s Peace, …Sherry Slater

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Matthew 25:35-40: “‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something

to drink. I was a stranger and you invited me in. I needed clothes and you clothed me.

I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you visited me.’”

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something

to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you?

When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did

for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ “

Do you know of anyone in our Church Family who is in need or who would enjoy a home cooked meal? Anybody from the Church Family recuperating from surgery, illness, or grief at home? Who lives alone and would enjoy a meal prepared lovingly for you on occasion? Well, our Church Family has a program entitled Meals of Mercy that will HELP! Not only will a meal be prepared with love by one of the volunteers, but it will also be delivered to the home of the person in need. This program is designed to feed and nourish all members not only by providing physical food, but by providing Spiritual food as well. Just imagine that while recovering, grieving, or living alone, someone caring for you and visiting you with a home cooked meal. If you know of anyone or if you are a person in need, please contact Pastor Tom at the church by phone (239-597-1043) or by e-mail (PastorSlater@ChristusVictorFL.org.) Or contact Ruth Keller by phone (239-597-0732) or by e-mail (yorktown101@comcast.net.) Please let us know if a special diet is necessary.

Meals of Mercy is in need of volunteers to make casseroles!! If anyone is interested in making a home cooked meal for those in need in our Church Family, please sign up in the Narthex. Thank you!

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Stewardship is about Endurance

Luke 21:5-8 5 When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, he said, 6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down." 7 They asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?" 8 And he said, "Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, "I am he!' and, "The time is near!' Do not go after them.

Endurance resides not in our own strength. Our endurance stems from faith in Christ Jesus. For faith in Jesus is what God regards and reckons as righteousness. As long as we know that God in Jesus regards us as righteous, as good, as welcome children, then we need not fear if the piled up stones of our accomplishments get knocked down. To endure is to have faith in Jesus given to us anew today, and then to have that same faith in Jesus given to us the next day, and each day after. Such new faith each day knows that it is not us but Jesus on the cross that God regards as our righteousness. When consumerism or the desire of affluence threaten us with their disdain, contempt and temptation, Jesus promises to give us his words of love and mercy that such mockery and disbelief will not be able to withstand. In the end only the witness to Jesus as the true meaning of life is what counts for endurance.

Stewardship is a work of faith, labor of love, and endurance in hope.

Stewardship fosters sustainability – its highest aim is cultural endurance. It holds common values and a shared vision for a community as its highest priority, and works tirelessly to en-sure this work and its principles are carried on by generations to come. It is working with and passing the torch to evolving followers.

Aristotle’s words, “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” embodies the philosophy of stewardship. Stewards think in terms of “we” rather than “I.” This principle cre-ates synergy - the miracle that can only come from the recognition of our inter-connectedness and in working together to achieve things we cannot achieve alone. It is a work of faith that builds hope.

Stewardship is a labor of love and most certainly is about loving God. At the same time it is about loving your neighbor. It is that faith, that love of God and that love of your neighbor that is directly linked to God.

Hebrews 11:1-3 1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the men of old received divine approval. 3 By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear.

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SECRET PAL PROJECT We’ll be starting a new SECRET PAL PROJECT in August and are still looking for a few good people who would be interested in being part of this program.

→WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO? First, you’ll be matched up with an individual from the church who we know would appreciate having a Secret Pal. Then once or twice a month you’ll send out a card or letter with something clever, inspirational, or just plain fun and informative to your Secret Pal to let them know you’re thinking of them. Sherry will even provide some suggestions if you are uncertain what to send. →HOW LONG WITH THIS PROJECT LAST? The project will last from August through Febru-ary 2018 – so that’s just seven months! →HOW WILL MY SECRET PAL FIND OUT ABOUT ME? In February, we’ll have a “meet and greet” event for you to reveal who you are. If you both can’t come to the event, then you can just send an announcement to your Pal and reveal who you are. →WHAT’S THE PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT? #1 = COMMUNITY / #2 = CONNECTIONS Life can be lonely and what a joy to go the mailbox and get something in that box besides bills and junk mail! You get the joy of knowing you’re brightening someone else’s day and making life just a little bit sweeter by letting them know they are being thought about. Sound intriguing and want to participate?? Write Sherry at seniorministry@cvlcfl.org and let her know you’re interested in participating, or call her at 597-1043 or 450-0859 for more information.

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Gifts, Grants and Memorials Education Fund Applications are available on the information desk in the Narthex. Education Grants are available to voting members of Christus Victor Lutheran Church. The grant may be used for persons accepted or enrolled in a school of higher education, any post-secondary course of study, including but not limited to, a public or private university, trade, technical or vocational training program. All applications must be received on or before October 1.

Café of Life is in need of diapers, cleaning supplies and personal items,

i.e. shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc. There is a box in the Library/Outreach Room to place your donated items. Thank you!

Parish Life Meeting Monday, August 7, 2017, 1:00 p.m.

Please join us to discuss upcoming events!!

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Looking Ahead: Women’s Christmas Luncheon December 2017

• Do you have any interesting ideas for a program for a Christmas

Luncheon that you could lead?

• Do you have any wonderful traditions or stories that would make a great

program?

• Any collection of interesting items that would make a great program?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then I’d love to talk with you… The Women’s Christmas Luncheon was so successful last year that we’d like to continue the effort, but need a -- fun/interesting/different/creative -- idea for a program. Could you help? Call Sherry and let’s talk!!

LET’S GET READY FOR THE 2018 BOOK CLUB! Dates for the CLUB will be selected closer to the time, but you can get started reading now…

→January’s Book: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman →February’s Book: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton →March’s Book: Girl Underwater by Claire Kells

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY…

For all of you that participate in crocheting/knitting prayer shawls, sensory pads, throws, and more – THANK YOU! Your efforts are being enjoyed in many different places, by many different people.

Suzanne Roach recently shared a Prayer Shawl with her brother and his wife – Jim and Kay Pushman in Michigan – for their 60th wedding anniversary. A great blessing to celebrate for sure!! Interested in joining our group? Let Sherry know…we can always use more help for this wonderful ministry. Want to donate some yarn to the cause? We’d love it – Medium Weight in any color works. The Group appreciates it!

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SENIOR MINISTRY HAPPENINGS…

Our Parish Nurse, Ginny Engler, will be taking Blood Pressures in the Outreach Room on Sunday, August 20th. We encourage you to take advantage of this service and monitor your blood pressure!

The MAH JONGG GROUP … So…There are still a few hardy souls who want to continue playing Mah Jongg over the summer if there are enough players to keep it going. This would only be for those who already know how to play Mah Jongg.

We’d be meeting at our normal time…every Wednesday Afternoon at 1 pm. If you are interested in being part of this group, please let Sherry know by calling 597-1043. We’ll put out an e-mail each week to see if there are 3-4, or more, people who’d like to play. If you’re missing your community group, consider joining us. It’s just for fun!!

PELOTON RIDES: Here’s wishing a wonderful summer to all the riders

who’ve joined us in our journeys this season. We hope the next few months are filled with many bike rides in a variety of places. Special “thank you’s” to Betty and Chuck Wilson for their great choices in where to ride!! We’ll be back in the fall - watch for our announcement of when and

where, and then plan to join us…it’s fun!

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We are in need of “goodies” to enjoy with our coffee. There is a sign up sheet in the narthex. Thank you! Please join us for coffee and fellowship after each service.

We are also in need of volunteers to clean up after Coffee Fellowship after the last service. There is a sign-up sheet in the narthex. Thank you!!

Saturday, August 5th and at the same time we will clean our section of

Old 41. We meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Banyan tree across from the Band Shell on old US 41. It is a great experience… bring the kids!

Thank you Stephen Stidinger for the wonderful and informative postings on the ChristusVictor Facebook page!!! Now all the congregation has to do is. . .

Or visit: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UCGS9TN9p5QWOIMlE0mGCCdw

Click the YouTube icon to listen to last week’s sermon.

AND

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AUGUST IS National Immunization Awareness Month Don’t know much about this?

Go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hodb65EkorM&feature=youtube

for a presentation of…Our Best Shot: The Importance of Vaccines for Older Adults

This short-animated film gives an overview of how vaccines work, highlights the importance of vaccination, debunks com-mon myths and misconceptions, addresses the need for vac-cination later in life, encourages communication with health

care professionals, and reminds older adults of their influential role in increasing the im-munity of their families and social circles.

There is more information available on this topic at the Senior Ministry Bulletin Board in the Café. Please help yourself to any information you find there!

August is National Immunization Awareness Month

This provides the opportunity to remind the community of the importance of immun-

izations. Make sure that your family and friends are up-to-date on their immunizations. In August, parents are enrolling children in school, older students are entering college and adults and the health care community are preparing for the upcoming flu season. This makes it a particularly good time to focus attention on the value of immunization. Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country. Vaccines have reduced and, in some cases, eliminated many diseases that once routinely killed or harmed tens of thousands of infants, children and adults. The viruses and bacteria that cause vaccine-preventable diseases and death still exist and can infect people who are not protected by vaccines. Vaccine-preventable diseases have a costly impact, resulting in doctors' visits, hospitalizations and premature deaths. Sick children can also cause parents to lose time from work. Maintaining high immunization rates protects the entire community by interrupting the transmission of disease-causing bacteria or viruses. This reduces the risk that unimmunized people will be exposed to disease-causing agents. This type of protection is known as community immunity, and embodies the concept that protecting the majority with safe, effective vaccines also protects those who cannot be immunized for medical reasons.

Ginny Engler, Parish Nurse

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CVLC IS GOING GREEN

Our church is in the beginning stages of going GREEN. There was encouragement for this to occur from the Synod Assembly. As good Stewards of the earth we should take care of God’s Creation. You may have noticed that we have Recycle Bins and Trash Bins. Thanks to all who use these containers as directed! So this is one way that we will be going GREEN. We will also begin using Paper Plates for Meals and Desserts instead of Styrofoam. The paper products that have had food on them will still go into the Trash Bin. But, they will break down in the Landfills, unlike the Styrofoam. This is another way we will be going GREEN. All Plastic Bottles, Cans, and Clean Aluminum Pans will go into the Recycle Bin. Another way CVLC is going GREEN. We, as a church, are already recycling bulletins and other papers in the office and in church. Great work on going GREEN!!! Genesis 2:15 “The Lord God took the man and put him in the

Garden of Eden to work it and keep it.”

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A very Happy Birthday to each and every one of you! May the year ahead be filled with wonderful memories to cherish, and opportuni-ties to serve God wherever He places them.

If your birthday is incorrect or missing, please contact the church office (597-1043) so we can change or update our records. Thank you.

1 Gisela Heiny David Hengel 2 Kathy Savela David Peluchette 4 Craig Engdahl Elaine Morrison 5 Glen A. Temanson 6 Taylor LaMure 7 Sean Engler 8 Jill Schmieg

9 Katy Gidwani Jim Oberman 11 Shirley Grigar 12 Abigail Kennedy Kay Taylor 14 Gisela Grindle 15 Doug Knitt 16 Christoffer Engler Wes Johnson 18 Judy Boucher 19 George Koch 20 Eugene Close Rosie Glendenning 22 Dan Riddle Jordan Ruhl

25 Carolyn Helgason

26 James Mennen Dede Morrison 28 Bob Hughes 29 Lacie Ruhl 30 Merma Harris 31 Lola Palmer

THE FOOD COLLECTION for the month of August is canned spaghetti. Please leave your donations in the grocery carts in the Outreach Center and thank you for your continued support.

August

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for September is

August 24, 2017

CHURCH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

Phyllis Nichols pnichols1948@yahoo.com President David Peluchette dpeluchett@comcast.net Vice President Richard Dougherty rhdougherty@outlook.com Treasurer Jim Dupré jfdupré@comcast.net Secretary

Helen Wright whelen2008@comcast.com Administrative Committees Liaison Janice Lorimer Janice@keystosuccess1.com Spiritual Ministries Liaison Pastor Thomas J. Slater pastorslater@cvlcfl.org Paul Bartholomew poja2@aol.com Associate Member Representative

Financial Report June 2017

Overall General Operating Donation Income vs. Expenditures

Donations from Select General Operating Funds for the Month

Select Funds Collected YTD Comparison

In Christ, Richard Dougherty, Treasurer

Operating Income Operating Expenditures Net Operating Income

348,534.01$ 208,032.24$ 140,501.77$

349,414.85$ 219,630.56$ 129,784.29$

Year-to-Date

Previous YTD

June 2017 June 2016 $ Change % Change

31,818.60$ 34,017.93$ (2,199.33)$ -6.47%

497.00$ 195.00$ 302.00$ 154.87%

32,159.60$ 34,625.95$ (2,466.35)$ -7.12%

Current Envelope

Loose Offering

Total General Category

Jan.-June '17 Jan.-June '16 $ Change % Change

308,211.19$ 305,567.06$ 2,644.13$ 0.87%

20,879.41$ 20,950.35$ (70.94)$ -0.34%

348,534.01$ 349,414.85$ (880.84)$ -0.25%

Associate Pastor 2,252.50$ 4,052.50$ (1,800.00)$ -44.42%

7,861.00$ 7,085.00$ 776.00$ 10.95%

261,960.53$ 31,446.48$ 230,514.05$ 733.04%

ELCA Hunger

Current- Envelope

Loose Offering

Total General Category

Total Dedicated Income

26

SHARING CHRIST THAT ALL MIGHT LIVE VICTORIOUSLY!!

Sunday Worship Services – January through April 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. May through December 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Church Office Hours – Monday thru Thursday 8:00 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Phone (239)597-1043 Fax (239) 597-6028 Web page: www.christusvictorfl.org E-mail: ChristusVictor@cvlcfl.org

THE REV. THOMAS J. SLATER, PASTOR cell - 239-450-0699

Intern Laura Dunklin (h) 239-947-0273

Dawn King Joyce Reitz Susan O’Brien Office Administrator Director of Music Director of Education & Youth Sherry Slater Director of Senior Ministries