Dear Disciples,

I would share two Bible passages which mean so much to me at this �me:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forev-

er.” (Ps.118:1)

“For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleas-

ure.” (Philippians 2:13)

My life and ministry changed so suddenly during that third service on Sun-

day, July 5. I never realized what the Lord had planned for my life. Sudden-

ly I was no longer “in control” and this peace fell upon me that I cannot

explain. From the trip to the ER, stay in ICU, the �me I coded, the pace-

maker surgery, and the valve replacement surgery I had no fear. Two bible

passages – “Be s�ll and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10a) and “Give thanks

…” (Ps. 118:1) kept coming into my thoughts. I know the Lord was speaking

to me through His word to bring me the comfort and peace He had for me.

As I go through these days of healing and restora�on, these passages keep

me focused on what God has ahead for me in life and ministry.

The passage from Philippians reflects what each of you has meant to Carol

and myself. The care and love you con�nue to share in so many ways –

leaves us speechless. From the ceaseless prayers, the mul�tude of cards,

the privilege to live in the parish house, the meals on Thursday evenings,

and the visits, we are blessed beyond blessings. God is at work in you! I

already knew this in my mind, as I have watched the mul�tude of serving

you have shared over the months we have been together, but being a re-

cipient moves it from mind to heart – God is at work in you to do for His

good pleasure. Please know that neither Carol nor I will ever be able to find

the ac�ons or words to acknowledge or begin to repay you for the gener-

osity of your spirit and love. All we can say is “THANK YOU” and “To God

Alone Be the Glory.”

As you move forward in the months ahead with the changes that may

come as you proceed though the Call process, my hope and prayer for you

will con�nue to be that you also hear His voice in the Call process. I pray

you will not act not out of impa�ence and fear but that all your decisions

are based on the same peace I found in my life crisis moments.

Carol and I look forward to sharing and serving with you in the months

ahead. Whatever the Lord has planned for us, each of you, and the com-

munity of faith known as LCOS, we look forward to sharing that with you.

Again, thanks for your servant hearts, which share unspeakable love and

care. May the Lord richly guide and bless each of you, as God works in you

to will and do for His good pleasure.

Blessings,

Pr. Les

VOLUME 37 , ISSUE 8

AUGUST 2015

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The Voice

THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR

Stewardship 3

Why Do We Do That? 4

Call Committee 4

Council Minutes 5-6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

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27-3

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ffice

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com

Stars

Most merciful God

Look kindly upon

An impudent child

Who wants sitting on.

This evening late

I went to the door

And then to the gate

There were more stars--more

Than I could have expected,

Even I!

I was amazed,

Almighty, August!

I was utterly dazed,

Omnipotent! Just

In a word I was floored,

Good God of Hosts--Lord!

That at this time of day

They should still blaze away,

That thou hadst not rejected

Or at least circumspected

Their white silver beauty--

Was it spite? Was it duty?

Katherine Mansfield

1888-1923

VOLUME 37 , ISSUE 8 PAGE 2

THE BOARD OF PROPERTY is happy to announce that we have received our building permit

to construct a 24’ x 40’ pole shed behind the Parish House. We are using money that was

donated anonymously over a year ago to complete this project. The new shed will replace

the three smaller sheds. The new shed offers more storage capacity than the three exis�ng

sheds, and each board will be assigned a sec�on to store what they need to. We also want

to draw your aJen�on to the fact that there are 26 numbered parking spaces in the upper

back parking lot. The employees of Big Fish Grill and Arenas are allowed to park in those

spots during the week when the church is less busy, but not un�l the aKernoon on Sundays.

–Merv Nester.

“Tis the season to be…….singing!” That line reminds me of a ques�on I saw in “The Choir Test” which was shown to me by a choir member.

Here it is.

Inevitably that dreaded sneeze occurs toward the end of a very quiet arrangement of “Silent Night”.

What should you do?

a. As you sneeze, come down on your neighbor’s foot to create a diversion.

b. Cram your stole into your mouth to muffle the noise.

c. Try to make it harmonize

d. Doesn’t really maJer because you just know you are in trouble.

Hmmm, lots of good answers there. And if you have other ques�ons about singing in the Chancel Choir,

I have lots of good answers for that, too. We resume rehearsals at 7:00, on Thursday, September 10th.

And we seldom go past 8:00.

In this hot month of August, why not find a cool spot and take �me to think about who you might invite

to sing in our Choir. Is it someone you hear from your pew on a Sunday? A neighbor or friend from your

community? A young adult you know? Is it you! Our altos are s�ll looking for some addi�onal voices.

Remember, Choir is not just music. Choir is a great place to connect or reconnect with people. Although,

if we spent as much �me rehearsing and we do laughing and connec�ng, we could get a lot more singing

done!

Enjoy the rest of summer and “May the Peace and Joy of September be upon you soon”!

Tim VezzeQ

THE VOICE PAGE 3

GOT DONUTS? Now that I have your aJen�on, I want to invite all men of LCOS to the Wednesday

morning men’s Bible study. We are working our way through the en�re Bible and are now studying

the Books of Samuel. Come and enjoy a cup of coffee, a donut (of course), a couple good jokes and

great conversa�on and sharing of God’s inspired Word. There are no “experts” in the group, only

those who want to learn more about the Bible and how it applies to their life and faith each day. I

hope to see you at 8 AM next Wednesday morning in Room #2. -Jim McDonald (947-4547).

THANK YOU LCOS Family, when you are a member of a congrega�on for 30 years and move to a

new state, you wonder what the church will be like. The love, care and concern shown for Larry

during his recovery has been overwhelming and greatly appreciated. We thank God for all of you.

We thank all of you for your support. Sandy & Larry Purdy

God Calls Us to be His Workers

In spite of our foolish and sinful ways, God calls us to be His workers. Scripture tells us that

Jesus did not pick people from society’s elite when He chose his workers. Jesus’ disciples were

peasants, fishermen, and even a tax collector. Paul wrote, “Brothers, think of what you when you

were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influen�al; not many

were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose

the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the

despised things . . .” (1 Corinthians 1:26-28). The majority of God’s work was done and con�nues

to be done by the lowly and oppressed people.

Certainly, God can use celebri�es and very successful people in His work. However, we

need to remember that, even though we may not have accomplished anything of worldly

significance, broken any records, or won any awards, God can use and transform us into effec�ve

workers in His kingdom. “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength” (Philippians

4:13). Society gives many accolades to those who succeed, but there is no greater honor or

privilege than to be chosen as God’s vehicle to spread the Gospel. As John states in his Gospel, it is

Jesus Who does the choosing. “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go

and bear fruit” (John 15:16).

So why does God elevate the foolish and the lowly to be His workers? A reason may be

found in 1 Corinthians 1:29: “so that no one may boast before Him.” It is only by God’s grace that

we are saved, called, and equipped to be in His service. If we come into God’s work with

impressive creden�als, we risk taking the glory and credit for ourselves. God desires the weak and

the lowly. As Paul said, “Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that

Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in

hardships, in persecu�ons, in difficul�es. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians

12:9-10). God uses ordinary people to do extra-ordinary things. Are you ready for duty?

Do you some�mes ask, “What ordinary things can I do that the Lord will find extra-

ordinary?” Do you sew, paint, cook or fix things? Can I use the phone, write notes or use the

computer? Believe it or not, all of those “ordinary things” are giKs and talents that the Lord can

use right here in LCOS and in the world outside our doors. In September, we will ask all of our

members to iden�fy those “ordinary things” and help you to find ways to use them for the Glory of

God. Stay tuned for more details.

Board of Stewardship

VOLUME 37 , ISSUE 8 PAGE 4

Why do we do that? Why do we worship the way we do at LCOS? Why do we pray the

prayers we pray, repeat the creeds we recite, work through the litur-

gy, and sing the songs we sing? All of the elements of our Sunday

services replicate acts of worship found in Scripture and in the his-

torical development of the Chris�an Church. Seeing what we do in

this light can help us see our tradi�ons as more than “we’ve always

done it that way.” Instead, we can see that the Church has been

“doing it that way” for a sacred reason for a long �me.

Each month in 2015, we will explain a por�on of our worship service. When you understand the

“why”, hopefully it will add a new level of meaning to the oKen repeated words and give you a re-

newed sense of peace and connectedness with God when you par�cipate in worship.

Communion Liturgy

Depending upon the �me of the year, we use different texts and tunes for our Communion liturgy.

The components, however, don’t change.

Agnus Dei

Standing in the presence of Christ, we sing to Him in the great Communion hymn, the Agnus Dei,

La�n for “Lamb of God”. John the Bap�st foresaw Jesus’ death on Calvary, and at Jesus’ Bap�sm,

John cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). In Je-

sus’ presence, we too, cry out and sing the praise of Christ, the “Lamb of God”, who in His death on

Calvary, bore our sins and those of the whole world. It is this Christ who has washed us clean by His

blood, bringing us His merciful salva�on and peace.

Nunc Dimi's

At the close of Holy Communion, the congrega�on rises to sing the Nunc DimiQs, La�n for “now let

your servant depart”. This hymn is Simeon’s prayer of thanksgiving for being allowed to see the Mes-

siah before he died. With the incarnate Christ in his arms, Simeon rejoiced and made his confession

(Luke 2:28-32). The use of this song as a post-communion hymn is a unique element of Lutheran lit-

urgy. Having seen Christ in the Sacrament, we join Simeon in his song.

Call Commi(ee update - Pastor Seth Korte and his wife will be visi�ng LCOS on Saturday/Sunday Au-

gust 15/16. Saturday will be a day of mee�ngs with the church leadership to discuss our congrega�on

so Pastor Korte gains a beJer understanding of LCOS and we get to know him, as well as showing him

the greater Rehoboth Beach/Lewes area. A recep�on for Pastor Korte and his wife will be held imme-

diately following the late service on Sunday August 16th �ll 2 PM. This will be a great opportunity for

them to meet our congrega�on and for us to get to know them. I highly encourage all parishioners to

aJend this recep�on to meet Pastor Korte so you will have met and goJen to know him before a

congrega�onal vote, should his site visit result in a call to him. The call commiJee will meet aKer

Pastor Korte's visit to determine if we will move forward. Please pray for your call commiJee and

Pastor Korte as we enter this important phase of our process. Also, please note that per District and

Synod direc�ves, Pastor Korte cannot preach while visi�ng LCOS.

In His Service,

ScoJ Freber

Call CommiJee Chair

THE VOICE PAGE 5

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR COUNCIL MINUTES JULY13, 2015

For Approval September 14, 2015

The following boards did not meet in June: Congrega�onal Life, Educa�on, Elders, and Worship.

Board of Property:

� Working on disposi�on of the trailer we have been using for the parade float. There are �tle

and insurance issues.

� Exploring several op�ons for our irriga�on system which needs serious aJen�on.

� Replacing of trim on the educa�on building as needed and pain�ng of the en�re building by

LCOS volunteers

� We have ordered a new pole shed which will replace the 3 storage sheds now on the proper-

ty. This new building will have more space in it than the current 3 sheds combined and will

have assigned space for all LCOS boards.

� Several folks have been recruited to tend the garden areas around the church building, the

labyrinth and the memorial garden on an ongoing basis. There was also discussion about fu-

ture landscaping projects.

Board of Social Ministry

� Gearing up for the Flea Market on June 27th. Several vendors as well as area for dona�ons to

Social Ministry will be set up. The Fellowship Hall should be filled. Bake sale will benefit Sand

Dollars. Total profit otherwise will go to the Lord's Cupboard. Need many hands to set up,

run, take down the tables and reset the room. Those who wish may leave up their displays

through church �me on Sunday.

� Good Samaritan fund helped several families this month with rent, electricity and shelter.

Wai�ng for reports to see where our budget stands.

� Approved a Helping Hands project. Will apply for a Thrivent Ac�on Team grant to help offset

expenditures.

� Council is working on restructuring church boards so Social Ministry responsibili�es might

change a bit.

� Voted to send Apple of His Eye (Jewish Chris�ans) a dona�on of $100 and Lutheran World

Relief $125 for water support in Tanzania. The $125 will be matched by another organiza�on.

During the month of August there will be clothing, shoes and medical supplies collec�on for

the Orphan Grain Train. It will be picked up in September.

� We will again have T-shirts for sale aKer services.

� Will sponsor an Italian Night with food, entertainment and a silent auc�on aKer the first of

the year.

Board of Stewardship

Al D’Annunzio has stepped down from the du�es of Talent & Service Coordinator due to the

many du�es of his new posi�on as Vice President of Church Council. Jim McDonald said he

would step into that posi�on to assist PaQ Brown.

Discussed the schedule for the next Stewardship campaign. A final decision will be made in the

July mee�ng.

Time & Talent campaign will go forward in September with workshops that �e in the What on

Earth Am I Here For program that we held in the Spring.

Council M

eeting M

inutes (J

uly 13th, 2

015)

VOLUME 37 , ISSUE 8 PAGE 6

Financial Stewardship: We will be looking for a theme for this program, sugges�ng that it take place

during Lent and invi�ng members to take a “Step Up” in the level of their financial stewardship

through the congrega�on.

The Endowment CommiJee is considering hos�ng a workshop on using IRA Required Minimum Dis-

tribu�ons as a way of dona�ng to the church.

Financial Review

Financial Secretary’s Report: SubmiJed by Dick Steinle

General Funds $27,928.53

GF Weekly Goal $9,500.00

Average GF Received Weekly $6,982.13

AJendance for Month: 8 AM: 236; 945

AM: 220 1115

AM: 289.

Total church aJendance 745.

Current Pastor’s Status/Needs Ahead: Reported by Sr. Deb

The Stanos are overwhelmed with the love, care, and outpouring of support from the District, our

congrega�on, and area. This is not normal for a vacancy Pastor. They cannot thank everyone enough

for everything that has been done for them.

The Elders have made arrangements to have our services covered un�l the end of August.

Call Commi(ee Report: SubmiJed by ScoJ Freber

We have received from the District President’s office, the names of 8 possible candidates to consider

for our permanent Pastor. Over the next several weeks, we will review this list and narrow it down,

through discussion, prayer, and yes, undoubtedly arguments, to determine who the Call CommiJee

will interview. We’re all really excited to move into this next phase. When we have completed our

interviews, we will then hold a call service to present to the Congrega�on, a short list of candidates

for your considera�on and vote. Under District guidelines, we are not permiJed, at this stage, to re-

lease the names of the men being interviewed. When the preliminary interviews have been complet-

ed and the Call CommiJee determines the candidates that will be on the list at our call service, then

we will be releasing the names for your informa�on. They want to be sure we get the right Pastor

rather than hurry the process. Please keep this CommiJee in your thoughts and prayers as we move

into this important phase.

Old Business

Cons�tu�on/By-Laws- Replacement: Reported by Jim McDonald

Jim read the new By-Laws and changes. It was decided the Secretary would send out a copy to all

Board members. They could review and get back to Al D’Annunzio, ScoJ Freber, and Jim McDonald

with any comments they may have within 1 week, July 22nd. The Council members will then do an

electronic vote by July 28th. The new By-Laws will then be sent to the District for approval. The Con-

grega�on will vote on the new By-Laws at the November Congrega�onal mee�ng. The new By-laws

will then go into effect January 1, 2016.

RespecYully SubmiJed

Shirley Fleegle, Recording Secretary

The next mee�ng will be Monday, September 14, 2015 at 6:00 pm.

Council Meeting M

inutes (July 13th, 2015)

THE VOICE PAGE 7

BOARD OF EDUCATION NOTES

The Board of Educa�on is looking for Congrega�on members to teach Sunday School this

fall. The curriculum is in place and all that is needed are facilitators and students. A com-

mitment of 1 month, 2 months, up to 9 months makes this program very flexible. If you

would like to be a part of this exci�ng new year in Educa�on please contact any Board of

Educa�on member and they will be happy to answer any ques�ons you may have. Gwen

Holtgrewe, Marge Kunkle, MaJ or Vicki Miller, Sheila Gailbrath, Nicole Welling , Geri Haga

Jacobson, Renee BenneJ or Jim McDonnell.

Young Children

Deep Blue is the new awe-

inspiring resource for chil-

dren which includes adven-

ture, exci�ng stories, sci-

ence experiments, arts and

craKs, animated video sto-

rytelling, and ac�ve games-

all combined into a living–faith experience that will help children discover what it means

to be a disciple of Jesus Christ today! Deep Blue One Room Sunday School is ideal for

churches where children of various ages learn togetherAs a group

Middle School- aged youth

Invite your youth into a larger story

Experience the fullness of the biblical narra�ve in 36 sessions that use

storytelling, crea�ve reflec�on, and dialogue.

Confirmed Youth and Young Adults

Seven big conversa9ons about faith

This youth and young adult educa�on

course imagina�vely explores central

topics of Chris�anity

The Lutheran Church of Our Savior Those Who Serve - August 2015

Recovery

Margaret Pearson

Suzanne Sanford

Debbi Combs

Kurt Fetterman

Cathy Spross

Bill Emery

Duke Slusser

Joe Eibling

Keri Davis

Gloria Jacobson

Edward Roshko

Cindi Grayer

Lisa Hayden

Paul Hoepfl

Richard Hoepfl

Julie Lewis

Donald Leister

Larry Purdy

Clark Hamm

Dave Kiefer

Tom Harden

Kathy Holstrom

Bruce Powell

Karen Moody

Brenda Neighbors

Frank Long

Bob Smith

Joan Hansel

Spencer Schneider

Kyle Hamm

Chester Heydt

Lloyd & Judie Wismer

Jennifer Marchetti

Sharon Paul

Penny Gross

Anne Johns

Elisabeth Dean

Barbara Miller

Gayle Frohlich

Jean Vareha

Jacqueline Mizerack

Christina

Cancer

Bob Kardash

George Hutzelman

Fred Oeffner

Brooke Steinle

Candy Todd

Jean Kiefer

Moe Lewis

Francis Heck III

John Fierick

Frank Neimzack

John Malkus

Ron Pokoyski

Maravene Loeschke

Nancy Richardson

Rebecca Smith

Nancy Friedl

Bill Lemeres

John Komarnicki

Carol Maneckshaw

Pamela Pointek

Chuck Saponski

Bradely Egolf

Anita Simmons

Matthew Schmale

Todd Conn

Shut Ins

Melly & Linus Adams

Jean Bitting

Fred & Kris Dorka

Deanna Haines

Ron Johnson

Mike & Eleanor Kardash

Betty Lou Cassell

Carole Garwood

Armed Forces

Brian Akerstrom

Richard Ashton

Robert Ashton

Brandon Bartlett

Ryan Botts

Taylor Botts

Robert Canario

Jeffrey Fleegle

Fred Gellert

John Gellert

Kyle Hamm

Levi Jacobson-Haga

Matthew Hubbard

Ben Johnson

Cody Johnson

Brad Leary

Davonte Lilly

Dan Lorenz

Franklin Messick

Shawn Morgan

Matthew Murray

For Our Prayers– August 2015

Altar Assistants Readers

2-Aug 8:00 Barbara Morris & Lou Jones Aug-02 8:00 Barbara Morris

9-Aug 11:15 Ken Dietel & Jan Effinger 9:45 Donna Egolf

16-Aug 8:00 Deb Lennox & Ken Dietel 11:15 Linda Gonder

23-Aug 11:15 Mel Ettinger & Marge Kunkle Aug-09 8:00 Lana Browne

30-Aug 8:00 Pat Campbell-White & Lou Jones 9:45 Scott Freber

11:15 Barbara Morris & 11:15 Marcia Pokoyski

Aug-16 8:00 Karen Fricia

Ushers 9:45 High School

Aug-02 8:00 Pete & Carole Peterson 11:15 Nancy Turner

11:15 George & Florence Kruer Aug-23 8:00 Jan Effinger

Aug-09 8:00 Ken & Judy Steinmann 9:45 Bill Martin

11:15 Paul & Georgette Smith 11:15 Karen Moody

Aug-16 8:00 Bob & Donna Fellows 30-Aug 8:00 Carol Baker

11:15 Nancy Turner & Marcia Pokoyski 9:45 Jim McDonald

Aug-23 8:00 Bill Noweck & Pete Peterson 11:15 Meldene Gruber

11:15 Bill & Melonie Ettinger

30-Aug 8:00 Lana Browne & Lou Jones Crucifers

11:15 Fern Bennett & Marge Kunkle 2-Aug 11:15 Marcia Pokoyski

9-Aug 8:00 Dottie Blakely

16-Aug 11:15 Pat Campbell-White

23-Aug 8:00 Lana Browne