community lutheran church · the woc (women of community) 2 the fence was made of rough wooden...
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COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH JUNE 2017 NEWSLETTER
4960 U.S. Highway 220 North Summerfield, NC 27358
[email protected] 336-643-7667
Pastor Chris Johnson: 336-603-8062
E-mail: [email protected]
THANK YOU TO COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
FOR A VERY SUCCESSFUL YARD SALE!
The Women of Community (WOC) would like to thank every-one for their support and help with this year's yard sale. A special thanks goes to Tim Sronce for smoking and preparing the barbecued pork butts for sale. The proceeds
from his delicious contribution and a lot of his time and effort was responsible for one fifth of this year's total profit. Also, thank you to the Men's Bible & Biscuit for their
time in working in the canteen and preparing and serving such delicious food for breakfast, lunch and snacks. And, everyone who contributed items for sale, helped
set them up for display, worked at the sale, contributed baked goods for sale, shopped and then, after the sale, helped to bag, box and move everything left from the sale outside to the portico for pickup by the Kidney Foundation, and those who cleaned the church after the sale--THANK YOU. Although the final totals are still not
available, we do know approximately $2700 has been raised through this sale for con-tribution to two groups in our local communities that fight hunger--the Back Pack Club serving Oak Ridge, Summerfield and Stokesdale and the Good Samaritan Ministries of
Stokesdale Food Pantry serving Stokesdale, Summerfield, Oak Ridge and other sur-rounding communities. You have helped to make a difference in the lives of those in
need in our local communities. God bless you!
Thanks again!
The WOC (Women of Community)
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The fence was made of rough wooden planks. The plant in front of the fence was a rose bush. My
wish was to avoid the fence and thorny rose bush as I was learning to ride my bike. My dad had just
let go of the back of my seat and I was on my own. I don’t know whether it was because of my lack
of control or just the anxiety from being on my own, but I went right into the rose bush and fence.
Being on one’s own is hard and scary at first. That moment when dad’s hand left the seat and I had
no further support seemed frightening. And it’s something like what the disciples might be feeling
during Jesus’ farewell address when he says he won’t be with them anymore, that he won’t be in the
world anymore, but that they still will. This is the moment of the hand leaving the bicycle seat when
they realize they’re on their own.
And as we enter Pentecost, following our remembrance of the stories of Easter and the Ascension,
we are reminded that this is a lot like the world we the church enter this season. Jesus is with us no
longer in the same way and, while we affirm the presence of the Spirit with us, it’s not the same as
having someone to direct us and protect us every step of the way.
The church has entered a different world in 21st century America, where our old assumptions don’t
work and we’re still seeking direction and a way forward. We seek ways to hold onto our members
while seeking new ones. And we wish for someone to tell us how to do it. But the hand has left the
seat of the bicycle and we’re on our own.
We try new things, explore new directions, and sometimes we ride right into the fence and rose
bush. But we keep at it. That’s perhaps how we can see the Spirit’s role with us: that which gives us
courage to keep trying.
I did end my bike career with that fence and rose bush. I’ve spent many hours on my bike over the
years, mostly successfully. And the Spirit urges churches to do the same today, to keep on going,
even when we face challenges. Pentecost is about the Spirit and its ongoing presence with the
church from the beginning until now. Yes, there’s no one holding the bicycle seat for us anymore;
yes, Jesus doesn’t literally stand with us and direct us anymore; but we’re not left entirely alone.
We need you. We need all of you to stand with us in community to help us move forward and find
our new direction. We need people to be in worship as much as possible. We need people to stand
with the Spirit as we seek our way forward. Together, as a community, the Spirit is with us and can
help us find our way past the obstacles, fences and rose bushes, into a future filled with hope.
Peace be with you all!
Pastor Chris
Community Matters, June 2017
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Council Highlights
Only a brief report this month. As we have communicated in the past, this portion of the year
has usually been financially challenging for us historically. We did close out April with a
positive balance in our General Fund checking account, however, our treasurer, Traudl
Shelton, was concerned as we approached the end of May. That is why I sent out the email re-
minder asking our members to check their pledge status during the last week of May. Traudl
and I would like to thank everyone for your response during the last Sunday of May and that re-
sponse should allow us to fulfill our immediate commitments. As people begin making plans for
the summer, please remember that we will still have bills to pay. Your regular attention to
the offerings that support our Mission Plan will be necessary and appreciated.
This past month, Bob and Donna Hoekstra informed Pastor and many of the groups that they
have been associated with that they will be selling their house and relocating to a new home
closer to their daughter farther south of the city of Greensboro. Sadly, that move will take them
away from our community here and they will be looking for a new church home. Bob and Don-
na have been very important parts of our community in too many ways to count. We will all
miss them but we know they will be a blessing to the new community that they will find and we
wish them God speed in their new adventure.
As I write this report, the committee charged with searching for a new Music Director is
making their recommendation to the council on how to fill that position.
Finally, I’d like everyone to take some joy in a regular ministry in which our youth as well as all
the rest of us have been involved. The first Sunday of each month our young people have col-
lected contributions to our “noisy offering.” As we approached the end of the school year, it
seemed like a good time to look for a way to put those contributions to work. The Houghtby
family has a special relationship with the director of an organization that serves children at a
school in Haiti and had a great suggestion. Food is not something that many of these children
can take for granted, and at the end of the year the school tries to provide a chicken dinner for
all their students. This year our noisy offering will pay for that dinner for the children. Thank
you to the Houghtby family for being instrumental in making this happen and thanks to all of
you in our community for the “noisy offering” contributions that made it possible.
May the Peace of the Lord be with all of you,
Ron Nimmer
Council President
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Weaver House time again….
The opportunity to serve at Weaver House is
coming up again! Yes, Saturday evening, June
24, is the date. Mark your calendars now and
plan to help. Watch for the sign-up which will be
posted on the “Volunteer Bulletin Board” in the
Fellowship Hall. This is our “hands on” minis-
try…we bless others by serving them and they
bless us!
Cooks arrive at 5:00. Servers arrive at 6:00. We’ll be finished about 8:00
Questions? Contact Bob Arthofer (336-643-2052)
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NOISY OFFERING:
DO YOU KNOW WHERE
YOUR POCKET CHANGE GOES?
“FOUNTAIN OF CHRIST MINISTRIES IN HAITI”
FOUNDER, COOKIE
Through the Direction & Hand of God, Fountain of Christ Ministry has part-nered with the community of Fontaine, Haiti. Through the sacrifice of many, God through us has established a vital Mission Grounds in the heart of the impoverished remote community of Fontaine.
THE NEED
The Children of Fontaine, Haiti are empty thrice, spiritually, educationally & sustainably. They are in dire need of the Gospel and education for their Spir-itual and educational well-being. In addition, they are in fundamental need of food as most all of the Children in the community may go without a meal for
days at a time.
DID YOU KNOW THESE FACTS?
Haiti is the poorest nation in the Western hemisphere
50% of the adults are illiterate and most have never finished school
24% of all children under 5 years of age are severely malnourished
Life expectancy is 54 yrs. Old
76% of Haitians live on less than $2 US dollars per day and 56% on less
than $1 US dollar per day.
One third of newborn babies are underweight. Acute undernutrition among the children under 5 is 5% and a third of them suffer from
chronic undernutrition
50% of pregnant women and two thirds of children under 5 are affected by
anemia
One in five Haitians die before 40 yrs. of age
(World Food Program, July 2010)
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Good morning JoAnn, I received the shoes yesterday. Thank you so much. You always seem to collect such good shoes and are always thinking of the Haitian people. What a joy for them as I know they have you all in their prayers. I will try and take as many as I can on this trip.
You mentioned collecting coins and doing something special. For the end of the year celebration we always try to give the kids a meal with chicken. This costs around $300.00. It is such a blessing for them. This is always an extra cost for FOC.
If you feel led in this area to help give the kids a meal with meat any amount helps to cover the costs. This really is special for them as they very rarely get meat and it is such a treat for them. FOC does it for them when they can. Just a thought and I think a wonderful opportunity for God's servants to-gether to bring such joy to so many who have nothing. Thank you JoAnn for your loving heart and beautiful servant hood. I pray for God to raise up more servants with a heart and commitment like yours to become leaders in FOC Ministries. I pray your day is blessed and filled with God's grace. In His Love, Cookie
FOUNTAIN OF CHRIST MINISTRIES CONTINUED
Please read the following letter that the founder of Fountain of Christ Ministry, Cookie, wrote to JoAnn Houghtby: JoAnn gathered children's shoes at our Yard Sale and at other areas.
JoAnn contacted Ron Nimmer and Traudl Shelton regarding our Noisy Offering
collections. We had $300 to provide this special meal. JoAnn contacted Cookie with
the news.
Cookie replied:
Awesome! Please tell everyone THANK YOU from FOC and the kiddos at Fountain of Christ school. I will be sure and get pictures for you. Blessings and love to Community Lutheran Church. Talk to you soon!
Cookie, Founder of Fountain of Christ Ministries.
(Your “ NOISY OFFERING” pocket change does make a difference and it definitely put a smile on their faces and fill their tummies!)
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Donna Hoekstra, Nancy
Shellaway and Judy
Arthofer ...having fun
sorting cloths
Gretchen Hauch purchasing some
delicious homemade goodies.
Myra
Aderholdt
and Elaine
Heinl
pricing
items.
Myra Aderholdt checking
with our “bean counter” on
how much money
we collected!
YARD SALE PICTURES
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Dick Howard … ‘Can
someone give me a hand
here? Jim Womble ready for
action… HOTDOGS
ANYONE?
Richard Pozzo, Bob Hoekstra, Charles Russ, Dick Howard and
Jim Womble prepare BBQ sandwiches and hotdogs!
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Gretchen Hauch laughing
There is
nothing like
a SELFIE to
capture
those special
moments of
fun.
Jeannette Snipes…. Looking
for some treasures!
Elaine Heinl organizing all of the kitchen
donations… and there was a room full
of goodies..! Thank you Elaine and
Chris for those sturdy, eye-catching ,
yard sale signs.
Our Bible and Biscuiteers
holding down the kitchen!
10
Our CLC fellowship hall was turned
into a mini thrift shop!
Just look at the clothes… can
you locate Mary Ellen
Weikert? She is organizing
accessories.
We all enjoy
those special
decorations for
holidays!
Oh… and
everyone needs
exercise
equipment!
11
COMMUNITY WALK
If anyone has not walked out to the Community Walk
garden, please do so, as you may be pleasantly sur-
prised. Due to the generous donation of CLC mem-
bers, there is now a brick paver for every called pas-
tor. Additionally there are new brick pavers for
members of CLC.
With summer approaching we will need volunteers to
help with the upkeep of the garden. Please let Carol
Womble or Lisa Phillips know if you can help with
Weeding the garden selection of new plants
for the garden ideas for improvement of the curb
appeal of the outside areas of the church.
You can email Carol at [email protected]; Lisa
Phillips at [email protected]
Thank you!
12
Founders’ Day!
Here we are! Folks enjoyed playing Bible Trivia, getting
cold water, face painting, and a craft for kids!
Face Painting….
Both Beths at work! (Beth Sronce and Beth Woodard)
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Billie Howard waiting for a “customer”!
Jeannette Snipes helping with a craft!
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Thank you
It is with sincere gratitude that we send our thanks and appreciation to
all the wonderful people at Community
Lutheran Church. Dad was very fond of all of you and your cards, calls,
support and prayers meant so much to him during his illness. He will so be
missed, but we take special comfort in knowing he was loved by so many.
We would like to offer a special thanks to the wonderful ladies who hosted
and prepared meals for the family after the service.
Everything was wonderful.
You are a very extraordinary group and it is easy to see why Dad spoke
highly of you all and loved his Church Family!
Sincerely,
The Family of Mike Polinsky
15
JUNE YOGA SESSIONS:
May/June Session (only two sessions left)
Class 3 Saturday, June 3rd, 8:30am-9:30am
Class 4 Tuesday, June 6th, 5:30pm-6:30pm
NEXT SESSION BEGINS:
SATURDAYS: 8:30am-9:30am
TUESDAY EVENINGS: 5:30am-6:30pm
Saturday morning, June 10, 8:30am
Tuesday evening: June 20, 5:30pm
Saturday morning, June 24, 8:30am
Tuesday evening: June 27, 5:30pm
4 classes for $20 or drop in $7.
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SONSHINE ROOM:
JUNE 2017
The Sonshine Room is located and operated by Summerfield
United Methodist Church on Scalesville Road.
Items are used in their food pantry to feed the
Local, hungry adults and children.
Volunteers are also needed on the last Tuesday
of every month between 1:30pm-3:30pm.
JUNE ITEMS NEEDED: DEODORANT
We exceeded our goal for MAY!
53 BARS OF SOAP Thank you!
17
JUNE ANNIVERSARIES AND BIRTHDAYS
Gary & Margaret Olson 5
John & Marsha Lawrence 9
Bob & Judy Arthofer 9
Frank & Jeanette Snipes 19
Traudl Shelton 6
Jay Vodenichar 6
David Fischer 7
Jordon Oakley 9
Cassie Fischer 10
Marie Lewis 13
Mary Keith 14
Judy Arthofer 17
Eric Harrington 18
Katrina Weirick 19
Pat Whittle 21
Dick Howard 22
Lydia Spencer 27
Bob Hagmann 28
Bob Hoekstra 29
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WELCOME STATEMENT
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, You are welcome here! If you are young or old,
You are welcome! If you have brown skin, black skin, white skin,
yellow skin or any color of skin You are welcome!
If you are married or single You are welcome!
If you are lesbian, gay, or straight You are welcome!
If you are bisexual or transgender You are welcome!
If you cannot hear or see You are welcome!
If you are sick or well You are welcome!
If you are a man or a woman You are welcome!
If you are happy or sad You are welcome!
If you are rich or poor, powerful or weak You are welcome!
If you believe in God some of the time or none of the time or all of the time You are welcome!
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey You are welcome here! So be it!
Adapted from Gordon Brown, Shaping Sanctuary
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Ron Nimmer, President
518- 491-8851
Liaison of Youth
Katrina Weirick , Vice-President
336-340-8686 [email protected]
Liaison for Fellowship
Lisa Phillips, Secretary
(336) 427-4122
Liaison for Discipleship
Carol Seaman 336-404-2787
Liaison for Mutual Ministry
Brent Spencer
336-644-7000 [email protected]
Liaison for Worship & Music
Traudl Shelton
336-508-1502 [email protected]
Treasurer
Emery Thibodeaux
540-849-0597
Liaison for Outreach
Dennis Carignan
336-643-0165 [email protected]
Liaison for Property
Jeannette Snipes
336-772-7150
Liaison for Servant Ministry
STRENGHTHENING FAITH
SERVING OTHERS
SHARING CHRIST
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Discipleship:
Judy Arthofer & Kim Cooley
Faith Formation & Youth: Abria Vodenichar
Fellowship:
Vacant
Finance:
Anthony Bravo
Outreach:
Judy Arthofer
Property:
Dennis Carignan
Servant Ministry
Marie Lewis & Janet Weitz
Worship & Music:
Carol Womble
Administrative Assistant
Janet Weitz
Music Director
Open
MISSION STATEMENT We believe God calls us to live our Christian life together as we strengthen faith, serve oth-
ers and share Christ. We welcome all to share Christ through worship and witness, to serve
others through giving, caring and loving, and to strengthen faith by learning
to live Christ-like lives.
2017 TEAM LEADERS AND STAFF
COMMUNITY LUTHERAN CHURCH
Next Issue: JULY
DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: JUNE 21, 2017
(No Exceptions Please!)
SUNDAY
9:00am Seekers Service with Holy Communion
10:00am Worship with Holy communion
WEDNESDAY: WATCH FOR INFORMATION REGARDING MOVIE NIGHT