SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER & WEEKLY UPDATES/ANNOUNCEMENTS

SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

C o n n e c t i o n s

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor

and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn, 3

and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

instead of ashes Isaiah 61

King of Glory Lutheran Church 2085 E. Southern Ave, Tempe AZ 85282

480-838-0477 emai l : in fo@kogaz.org www.kogaz.org

From Pastor Paul and Executive Council: King of Glory Lutheran Church is happy to announce our first limited, on campus, worship experience since March! We are thankful for the ability to offer a worship experience for those looking to commune with others on campus in this time of need. Note: the weekly Online Worship Service will continue for those who are unable to be with us in person.

Sundays at 10:00am beginning September 13th, 2020 RSVP Required & Confirmed at Door

The RSVP form will be available Monday, September 7th, 8:00am, via email, from the KOG website or by calling the office and leaving a message.

Seating will be on a first-reserved availability until capacity is reached. A wait list will be offered once the limit has been reached.

Guidelines for Return to Limited Capacity Sanctuary Worship Services

The capacity for each service will be 75, which is less than 25% of seating capacity to allow for ample physical distancing as recommended by the Governor’s office. Therefore, we are asking everyone to RSVP when the links become available so that we stay within that capacity. Each attendee will be confirmed upon arrival. • When the registrations exceed 75, we anticipate adding a second service and participants will be notified of the option. Masks that cover nose and mouth are required and one of our friendly volunteers will do a no-contact temperature check as you come in.

We appreciate your help in our goal to keep all attending healthy and safe. We encourage every member to self-evaluate prior to attending each Service. Just a reminder, if you feel sick, have a temperature over 100.5 degrees, are coughing, sneezing, or have a cold, please choose the online participation.

• Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. If you are in this category, we encourage you to wait to return. *Please note: If you start to feel ill during a service or in the days following, please report that to the church office. It will assist in protecting others should a case arise in the congregation. General Service Protocol • Please arrive no more than 10 minutes before the service and enter the Sanctuary through the clearly marked doors. • Hand sanitizer is available before and after each service. • Holy Communion will be offered weekly and will be offered in individual cups. Marked trash bins will be available for their disposal. • At first, we will not offer nursery care or Sunday School, though we love having families worship together and designated space is available for parents if your children need special care. • Food and drinks will not be served for the time being. • We ask that you keep a social distance of at least 6' from those who do not live under your roof. • You will be ushered to your seats and we ask that you remain there as your reserved place. • At the end of the service, please follow the pastor's instructions for dismissal. • While we all miss each other, we ask you not congregate before or after the service and avoid close contact with others before, during, or after the service. • At this time, we will not have hymnals, attendance cards, paper or pens in the pew backs. Your paper bulletin is yours to keep and will not be reused. • We are grateful for your continued generosity and ask that you give your offering on our website or at offering stations as you enter or exit the Sanctuary. These guidelines represent changes to the last time we met on campus, and change is often uncomfortable. The Coronavirus has forced change upon each of us to varying degrees, and we have learned to adapt to these changes. We appreciate your help, patience, understanding, participation, and prayers as we navigate these uncharted waters. Remember, we are all doing something we have never done before. As we have seen over the past few months, things can and do change quickly. These guidelines are subject to change as the guidance from our state and federal government changes. We will continue to update you, so please check your email and KOG social media regularly for further developments. Thank you and God Bless You!

Drive-Thru Communion

Sunday, September 6

10:00-11:00am

Sunday Services

September 6 - 10:00-11:00am Drive-Thru Communion 8:00am Online Service will be the recording from the Campfire Service on August 30th with Pastor Rachael and her team. September 13 - 10:00am Reconvening In-person Registration is needed for the Worship Service to plan appropriately, as seating is limited. Masks that cover nose and mouth are required. Update: The RSVP Form to reserve your seat will be emailed on Monday, September 7, at 8:00am. It will also be available from the website. (see page 2) The service will still be available online at 8:00am. It can also be watched later from the KOG website or YouTube channel.

Music & Worship The music for the Worship Services during the past few months while we’ve been apart has been a wonderful variety. If you would like to be a part of upcoming services, we are always looking for new participants in weekly Worship. If you would like to serve as a Lector, reading Scripture for either in-person or virtual Worship, contact David White: davidw@kogaz.org

Confirmation & Youth Class September 13, 10:00am

We will attend the Worship service.

Afterwards we will enjoy lunch together. You can bring a dessert to share. Please let Christy know you’ll be there. (Register on kogaz.org on September 7.) September 20th, 9:00am Confirmation-Why should I read the Bible? September 20th, 4:00pm High School-Why do we pray? September 27th, 9:00am Confirmation-Adam and Eve Classes are in-person or by Zoom. For the Zoom link or more information on Confirmation or Youth Class, contact Christy: Christyh@kogaz.org High School Zoom is Sunday, September 13 & 27, at 7:30pm. For information on High School Zoom, contact Christine Sani: christines@kogaz.org

Children’s Ministry Families can join together in worship at 8:00am for our

children's sermon in the service or on KOG's You Tube channel.

As we resume In-person Worship, we will be providing a small activity bag of items for children to enjoy during the service. Mom’s Together Zoom is Sunday, September 6 & 20, at 8:00pm For more information on the above, contact Christine Sani: Christines@kogaz.org Monday Night Zoom Bible Study is at 7:00pm, currently studying the book of Philippians. Prayer Ministry will meet

Wednesday, September 23rd, at 7:00pm in the Learning Center.

Women’s Bible Study on Ecclesiastes 3 was mailed out for independent study. Please let the church office know if you didn’t get one and would like it. To participate in any of the above, contact Pastor Rachael: rachaeld@kogaz.org

Adult Recreation Opportunities

On KOG Campus

Wednesdays

10:00 am Dominoes

12:30 pm Care Cards Ministry

Thursdays

9:00 am Stitch A Smile

Health Ministry

Thanks to all who participated in the Blood Drive on Saturday, August 22. Through your time and efforts, we donated 29 units to Vitalant Blood Services. The Flu Vaccination clinic will be available again this year. Walgreen’s Pharmacy staff will be present to administer the vaccine.

October 4, 9:00am-Noon Influenza is a serious respiratory disease that can result in hospitalization and may cause death. The flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19 (no vaccine available yet). The vaccination should be received by those who have diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung diseases, 65 years and older, anyone wanting to avoid the flu. Protect yourself and loved ones from the flu by getting your vaccination. Walgreen’s will vaccinate children over the age of 6 through senior adults (high dose available for those over 65 years). Medicare and most insurances will be honored; please bring your insurance card. To provide a safe place, the clinic at KOG will be adhering to CDC guidelines. To help maintain physical distancing, please register for a time to receive your shot. Registration information will be available in next Friday’s Weekly News. We ask that you wear a mask during the time you are in the clinic and complete paperwork before arrival. Once you register, forms will be emailed or mailed to you Get your Flu Shot – Not the Flu. Contact Karen Hernandez, Director of Health Ministries, karenh@kogaz.org

Paz de Cristo On August 9th, 11 volunteers gathered safely at Paz de Cristo for our monthly preparation and serving meals to those experiencing food shortage. About 100 people were fed a hot dinner and received a to-go lunch for the following day. We continue to serve in this way.

In August, our KOG team included: Jon Cox, Tom Cox, Todd Davis, Pastor Paul Finley, Jennifer Howard, Phillip Howard, Lauren Keller, Mark Keller, Don Mordhorst and Coordinators, Gloria Aksentowitz & Jennifer Grigsby. Ann Veeh will coordinate in September – and we have already filled that team! The special health precautions taken this summer will continue for the foreseeable future. We will get full details to you if you would like to serve October 11, November 8, or December 13. We typically have a mixture of KOG members and friends each time and we welcome all! Contact: Gloria Aksentowitz gloriaja@cox.net 480-650-3563

Gathering Humanity During these challenging times, KOG has continued their outreach to the refugee community in numerous ways: The Umuhoza family, who KOG co-sponsors through LSS-SW, remains healthy and Julienne remains employed. Food and essential items have been delivered to the family on two occasions. I have continued to assist in coordinating their application for a subsidized housing unit and KOG has provided financial assistance due to rent increases. This opportunity for affordable housing will be a wonderful asset to the family. Julienne is eager to start school once the family transitions to their new home. Although Gathering Humanity's refugee baby showers have been cancelled due to COVID-19, we have collaborated from home to arrange and deliver baby clothing to four expecting refugee mothers. I look forward to continue serving as these needs arise. Thank you for your support. -Erica Hansen

Strength for Everyday Living Fall semester starts September 14, 9:00-10:30am and meets Mondays and Thursdays. Masks and physical distancing will be followed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes; bring large towel and/or yoga mat. Sign up on the KOG website, www.kogaz.org, (Giving page) $25. for the semester.

KOG continues to serve the Community

Missions Stories

In January, 2018, King of Glory hosted the Harvest Connection Seminar led by Pastor Bill Moberly. Mark Keller and his daughter, Lauren, attended. In response, they decided to serve on a short term mission team and did so again in 2019. Since the 2018 ALWM team was full, Pastor Bill connected them with Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Irvine. This is their story.

Lauren (17) This was my second mission trip to Ecuador with GSLC. Last year I was fortunate enough to go with my dad, and this year I decided to share my love of missions with my mom. It was an amazing experience to have with both parents, and I really felt like it brought us closer together. This year was truly a humbling and amazing experience. To be able to stay with the community taught me valuable lessons of friendship and love from my team and Ecuadorians. What I really loved was when everybody came together to serve God. We distributed water filters, making sure each family had the proper instructions for clean water. I also was super impressed when the community came together to help build the playground. On dedication day my heart burst with joy when all the kids stormed the playground. I truly loved this mission trip with my entire heart and I can’t wait to go next year.

Mark—This was my first mission trip with ALWM and first time to Vietnam and Cambodia. We were greeted by our Cambodian host Pastor Sam Chim of ALWM. Little did we know that we would use many methods of transportation, including tuk-tuks, bus and a small motorized boat! We were welcomed in all the churches and amazed by the friendliness of all the new people we met along the way. In the eyeglass outreach, it was a real joy to witness happiness in the folks who received new reading glasses. The non-verbal expressions were priceless in the process of fitting them. It was a whole new world for all. Pastor Sam and Pastor Bill’s long-term relationship and commitment was evident in on-going water filtration projects, providing members of the church and locals a healthy, viable water source and sustaining income source.

Then on to Vietnam! The visits to the churches and health outreach clinics were a real testament to see God’s power and goodness. Working side-by-side with Dr. Hang and the ALWM/Vital Links team, who warmly welcomed us, was truly an amazing experience. Once again, the spiritual and physical power of all of us coming together to God’s work in helping with clinics, eyeglasses, outreach and conversational English sessions with several college students were so inspiring and indeed highlights of this part of the mission trip.

(From Answering the Call Global Missions information.)

KOG PRESCHOOL KOG Preschool has had a great start to the school year and the fun continues for all the preschoolers into the month of September. The pre-kindergarten children will learn about bike and scooter safety during “Bike and Trike” day. On this day, the children will bring their bikes and scooters to school, decorate them and then ride them around the school. The teacher takes this day to instruct the children on how to handle their bike safely, the importance of wearing a helmet as well as the importance of looking out for their friends. It is a very fun day! The 3’s class will be learning about how unique God made them, apples and the five senses. They will have a Teddy Bear Picnic Day where they can bring their favorite teddy bear. The children will make a fun train car for them from a shoe box and the whole class will have a teddy bear parade. It is a special day for them! Also this month, the preschoolers will have their school picture taken. Many new friendships are beginning to grow and everyone has settled into the school routines. We praise God that we have all stayed healthy and safe during the first month of preschool.

The Shining Stars are ready to have fun on their scooters!

Your financial contributions support all of the many KOG ministries. King of Glory has provided facilities for a Christian-based Scouting ministry for all youths from Kindergarten through High School. King of Glory Preschool gives children a positive and successful first school experience, within a faith-based environment. No outside funding is used for the Preschool. The Health Ministry maintains contact with shut-ins, coordinates funeral services and has implemented the Tele-coil Hearing Loop System on campus. The Music Ministry has a variety of choirs and education classes, as well as the 55-rank organ and sanctuary grand piano all of which are enjoyed in each service.

The KOG campus facilitates outside programs such as I-Help Tempe, German classes, a Korean-speaking church group and daily AA meetings, thus giving back to the community in many ways. Your contribution can be given securely in any of the following ways:

Scan code

Lives are changed for eternity as we give unto the Lord.

Other ways you can make a difference financially:

Thrivent—Love & Money Webinar Friday, September, 11, 6:30-7:30 pm Pacific Time Thrivent is a Member Network in a region (ours is Southwest Region) that brings members—Christians who value being wise with money and living generously—together. When a couple begins to understand each other’s unique attitudes and behaviors towards money, they can take action to align their values and practice wise habits. The result is a life that is more content, confident and generous together. Join this exclusive webinar opportunity to hear stories, tips and tools for building shared money habits while having fun! This lighthearted webinar will feature an interactive panel discussion facilitated by John Busacker, Founder and President of Life-Worth, LLC. For more information and to RSVP, go to http://bit.ly/LMEM0911. Please share this link with other couples because you do not need to be a Thrivent member to attend. Amazon Smile Program When shopping on Amazon, purchase through AmazonSmile instead of Amazon.com, and a portion of your purchase will go to King of Glory. Simply visit amazonsmile.com, sign in to your amazon.com account, then type King of Glory Lutheran Church, Tempe, AZ in the search box to sign up. KOG KA$H Gift cards can be purchased in the church office for Applebee’s, Burger King, Chipotle, Dairy Queen, Dutch Bros., Home Depot, iTunes, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Olive Garden, Panera, Safeway, Sprouts, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Target, Texas Roadhouse, Walgreens, Walmart, Wendy’s and more. Each purchase provides funding to support our youth for retreats and mission trips. We are able to purchase the cards at discounted rates and then sell them for face value, so there is no additional cost to you and the KOG KA$H Program receives 1%-25% of the card value. Fry’s Community Rewards Program By enrolling in Fry’s Community Rewards program, you can support King of Glory. To get started, sign up with your V.I.P Card and Account Summary page and select King of Glory. Once you have enrolled, you’ll earn rewards for King of Glory every time you shop and use your V.I.P Card. Tax Savings Opportunity Individuals who are 70½ or older can make gifts of up to $100,000 directly from their IRA to KOG without paying federal income tax on the withdrawal. This option provides tax savings to donors even if they do not itemize deductions. Please consult your financial advisor or tax professional before making a gift.

For prayer or encouragement, please reach out by calling the church office 480-838-0477 or emailing us at info@kogaz.org. Messages are checked throughout the day.

RUUD Contributions—Financial Gifts to Celebrate the Lives of those we Love

In Memory of: Sandy Richter from Ed & Eileen Parker; Val Rosenbaum; Lois Sahl; Ed & LoAnn Bell

In Memory of: Bob Bacher from Ed & LoAnn Bell

In Memory of: Ruth Spencer, Lola Church, Linda Long, Sandy Blome, Helen Pipho, Rick Senese from Lois Sahl

In Celebration of: Mae & Ron Easton’s Anniversary from Lois Sahl

Celebrations in September

Birthday Blessings to: Gerry Budgett (92) September 3

Anniversary Congrats to: David & Nancy Pearson (51) September 4; John & Susan Brieske (59) September 9; Ed & Eileen Parker (54) September 17; Ken & Elaine Bader (60) September 25

Prayer request information is sent via email contacts. If you would like to be part of the regular weekly email list,

please contact the church office. Thank you.

King of Glory Lutheran Church 2085 E. Southern Ave. Tempe, AZ 85282

Ministers All People of Christ’s Church Senior Pastor Rev. Paul Finley pastorpaul@kogaz.org Assistant Pastor Rev. Rachael Dales rachaeld@kogaz.org Dir. of Music & Organist David White davidw@kogaz.org Dir. of Health Ministry Karen Hernandez karenh@kogaz.org Dir. of Children's & Family Christine Sani christines@kogaz.org Business Coordinator Vicki Hegebush vickih@kogaz.org Dir. of Audio/Visual Justin Poirot justinpoirot@gmail.com Membership Gina Bouk ginab@kogaz.org Bookkeeper Keith Hyink keithh@kogaz.org Confirmation Coordinator Christy Hegebush cahegebush@gmail.com Crossover (gr.5-6) Kathy Connors kjconnors@cox.net Dir. of Communications Nadine Patton nadinep@kogaz.org Pastoral Intern Frederick Sibben Frederick@kogaz.org Building & Grounds Lee Montei info@kogaz.org

Mark Sahl, President msahl@kogaz.org

Keith Norgren, Vice-President knorgren@kogaz.org

Mike Connors, Treasurer mconnors@kogaz.org

Patty Hagenson, Secretary phagenson@kogaz.org

Members-At-Large:

Cheryl Foster cfoster@kogaz.org

Larry Hellem lhellem@kogaz.org

KOG Executive Council

Next Council Meeting is September 15, 4:00pm.

The Weekly Updates/Announcements page is included in this edition of Connections. Watch for it every Friday in your email. As events change and programs reconvene, you’ll be informed weekly.

Partners in Ministry

KOG’s multi-talented leaders are amazing at the Campfire Service on the KOG Patio August 30th. Watch the Service on our YouTube channel beginning Sunday at 8:00am.