August Newsletter 2016 - St Paul Lutheran Church

The Connection
Pastor - Rev. Aaron Chittick
St. Paul Lutheran Church
Sonshine Kids Preschool
www.stpaulcoldwater.com
[email protected]
Worship Coordinator - Larry Bruce
August 2016
Preschool Staff
3 year old teacher - Lisa Dove
Church Secretary - Renee Taden
[email protected]
4 year old teacher - Courtney Eaton
Administrative Assistant - Laura Oswood
[email protected]
Assistant - Michele Broughman
The deadline for the
September issue of
The Connection will be
August 22.
Please have all items to the
church office by 8:30am.
Thank you.
Inside this issue:
Neighborfest
1
Preschool News
Family Promise
Pastor’s Note
2
3
Welcome
Rock Party
Neighborfest Pictures
4, 5
Letter about the
6, 7
LCMS Convention
Voters’ Meeting
August 28
Youth Group
Kids College
The Neighborfest Committee would like to thank our St. Paul
family for another successful Neighborfest. We broke another record for lunches served and food collected for the
pantry. Sixteen children
received car seat checks
and 10 received free
new car seats. Six more
car seats were destroyed because they
were determined to be
unsafe.
Thank you to everyone
who sent prayers,
spread the word, offered encouragement,
donated food and other items, rolled up your sleeves and applied elbow grease,
and shared the love of our Lord. We are truly blessed!!
Check out the pictures on pages 4 and 5. Looks like everyone had fun!
Rummage Sale
Member News
NEIGHBORFEST THANK YOU
8
Preschool News
Our first day of preschool for this year is coming quickly. We have already started getting
things ready. Our first order of business will be
our open house for enrolled families on August
25 from 5-7 PM. This will be a time for parents
and children to see their classroom and start to
make new friends. We ask that you keep us and our 24 beautiful little
students in your prayers. We look forward to helping them learn and
grow in every way that they need. Our first day of preschool for the
3 year olds is September 6 and for the 4 year olds, September 7.
Thank you,
Courtney Eaton, Lisa Dove and Michele Broughman
St. Paul is scheduled to
serve the homeless through
the Family Promise program on August 17th, 18th
and 19th. Volunteers are needed to make and serve meals;
and to chaperone overnight. Please contact Alice Conrad for
more information. Sign up on the bulletin board today.
The Connection
Page 2
Greetings in the name of Christ,
I am very happy to be back in Coldwater and worshiping with my family here. Going to
New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering was a wonderful experience, though, and I want to
tell you all about it.
The city itself was a great place to visit. Despite the heat, walking around the city and finding our way to
the interesting sites was very easy. We got to see Bourbon St. and try some authentic Cajun food. All of the
youth tried Gator bites, but there was some debate over whether blackened or fried was tastier. Tyler made
sure to get a cheeseburger at every place we stopped, so be sure to ask him for his in depth critique. The Riverwalk next to the Super Dome had a lot of good food and shopping, too. Be sure to ask Nikole to show off her new
crocs, and ask her about them winning her an award. Blake also got a new Pokémon wool cap, and it was so cool
that he wore it out in the 100 degree heat all day without breaking a sweat.
Probably the best part of the trip was the mass events that took place every night. We would walk down
to the Super Dome nice and early to get good seats, and they would play live music to sing along to while we waited. Each night had its own theme that went along with the general theme ‘In Christ Alone.” We used the book of
Philippians as a guide as well. Each night “Paul” would come out and act out a different part of the book. There
was lots more music, and skits that explained the theme of the night in greater detail. We also stayed after the
event when we could to see Rend Collective and the Skit Guys preform. By the time we got to the hotel there was
barely enough time to talk a little about our day and pray together before passing out from exhaustion, sometimes as late as 2:00a.m.
There was a lot to learn at the event too. After studying the Bible, we would get to go to different learning centers, depending on what was most interesting to us. The youth will be sharing with you all what they
learned soon during our fellowship hour, so keep a look out for that this month. I got to see a few presentations
on using movies to talk about the gospel message. I learned some new games, activities, and children sermon ideas
from some very dedicated DCE’s. There was also some improv comedy and an illusionist. When we weren’t in the
learning centers, we were playing in the Experiential Learning Center. We got lots of free stuff there, and got to
become bowling balls, Pac-men/women, and race through giant obstacle courses. The boys and I tried to knock
each other off of inflatable towers with a big inflatable balloon. Quentin said it was cheating for me to get off
my tower to get a better shot at him, but he got some pretty good shots on me, too.
We all learned a lot and had a great time doing it. I am so glad to be a part of a congregation that cares
so much about God’s Word that it makes sure their youth get to hear about it every chance they get. Thank you
for allowing me to be a part of this wonderful trip.
Keep an eye on the bulletin board and the worship folder. There is so much joy to take part in this month,
and God has so much more planned for the future.
Blessings on your August,
Pastor Aaron
POBLO Presentation
(People Of the Book Lutheran Outreach)
A guest from POBLO will be here Sunday,
August 7, while Pastor Aaron is out of town. An
ordained minister will lead us in worship. Then he
will share with us information about this outreach
organization and some of the people they have
helped during the Bible Study hour.
Bring your stuff: August 14-24
Set up: August 23, 24, 25
Dates of sale: August 26, 27
The Rummage Sale will be here soon.
Please sign up on the bulletin board for
the time you can help. We need all
hands on deck so we can keep having
fun and sharing God’s love at
Neighborfest.
“POBLO International is a Christian organization working to transform the way missions is approached in
the United States by responding to the changing demographics that have brought the mission field to our
own front yard. We serve immigrants and refugees.
We train and educate churches on how to engage in
cross-cultural outreach. We share the Gospel message. We love people.”
~ www.poblo.org
Page 3
The Connection
Member News
Upcoming Events
August
1
2-9
6
7
14-24
17, 18, 19
20
21
22
23, 24 25
26, 27
28
Larry’s 1st Day
Pastor out of town
1
Concert @ Fairgrounds
3
POBLO guest
Bring stuff for rummage sale
3
Family Promise
17
Landscape Rock Party
30
Voters’ Meeting & Ice Cream Social
Newsletter Deadline
Set up rummage sale
Rummage Sale
Officer & Sunday School Teacher Installation
Sunday School Teacher Training
August Anniversaries
Dan & Tammy Johnson
Keith & Mary Bollwahn
Bob Malcolm & Patty Pipe
Damon & Betsy Cramer
Larry Parks & Barb Vainner
Congratulations, Connor Dwyer.
Connor graduated from Trine University this spring with a degree in
Golf Management. Coldwater High School Alum and member of St. Paul,
Connor was awarded with his second Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-American
Scholar honor.
We welcome to our church family the
Powell family: Jimmy & Ashley were married in 2011. The Powells usually sit up
front on the pulpit side of the sanctuary.
You can’t miss their adorable kids: 3 year
old Makenzie, and 1 year old Hunter.
August Birthdays
1 Bill Mirgain
2 Carmen Bruce
10 McKenna Vainner
12 Carl Hunker
12 Payton Hines
17 Madison Moore
20 Mark James
22 Kay Guenther
22 Sienna Brown
23 Hayden Downs
24 Melissa Chittick
25 Diane Harmon
25 Elise Smith
30 Becca Harmon
Attention! Attention!
Sally Stewart has a new email address:
[email protected]
The Kitchen Fairies
paid us a visit and
cleaned out the
cupboards. They are
organized and labeled.
Check it out!
Please remember to inform the office
any time you get a new: address,
phone number, email address, spouse,
child, pet...ok, maybe not pets.
Thank you!!
It’s a Rock Party!!! Landscape rock, that is.
You are all invited to help keep our church beautiful!
We have been very busy getting the outside of St. Paul looking better, but there is still a little more to do and we
would really appreciate extra help with the next task.
We are having rock delivered on August 20th and need all hands on deck to spread rock into place over current landscape rock. We will have a loader move the rock to the location, but will need help shoveling it back into position.
When: Saturday, August 20th at 8:30 am - ?
Tools needed- shovels and muscles. (Rakes may not be sturdy enough to push rock into place.)
Donuts, Juice, Coffee and bottled water will be provided
Any questions please contact Tammy Johnson, Sally Stewart. Kevin Luckert or Bill Tunison
(Beautification Committee)
Donations
for Humane
Society =
$87,
towels,
rugs,
2 collars
454 people came
132lbs of food was donated for the food pantry
Page 6
The Connection
To the Congregations of the LCMS Michigan District, Circuit 44 7/22/2016
Dear Friends in Christ,
Literally the word synod means coming together. The disciples of Christ Jesus our Lord have
been coming together to discuss important matters of Church and Ministry since His Ascension. In Acts 1, the disciples came together to cast lots for the successor of Judas. In Acts 15,
the Church convened in Jerusalem to discuss the function of circumcision in the New Testament era. Through the means of grace, God the Holy Spirit guided the work of these synods to
bless his people.
This July 9–14, delegates and visitors from around the world came together in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin for the 66th regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. According to our synodical bylaw 3.1.1, “the national convention of the Synod shall afford an opportunity for worship, nurture, inspiration, fellowship, and communication of vital information.” This summer’s synodical convention was no exception. I would note that it was a
great honor to represent you this summer as a voting delegate; this was my first convention.
The convention theme “Upon This Rock: Repent, Confess, Rejoice” was drawn from Jesus’
words, “On this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against
it” (Matt 16:18). “This rock” refers to Peter’s confession: “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God” (Matt 16:16). In Jesus we too are given a rock solid confession (John 14:6). In his
epistle to the Church, St. Peter tells all disciples that they are “living stones” built on Christ (1
Pet 2:4-5). By faith, God has established us on Jesus Christ the rock that shall never be moved.
The convention worship, led by chaplains Rev. William Weeden and Rev. Peter Bender, was a
blessing to my own soul as it was structured around the three-fold theme: Repent, Confess,
Rejoice. Most especially the robust singing of hymns and Christ-focused preaching refreshed
me for ministry in the coming days.
Beyond this, much business was conducted in the span of five days. I would personally encourage you to review the official news of the convention posted at: http://blogs.lcms.org/
tag/2016-lcmsconvention. If any of the convention stories are of specific interest or concern to
you, please feel free to contact me. I will do my best to explain the significance of the subject
matter, the will of the voting body in convention, and the implications for our congregation’s
ministry. Also, the official Convention Proceedings shall be published in the coming months
and distributed to every congregation.
In the course of convention, 18 different floor committees presented resolutions and recommendations for the future work of our Church body. Concerning specific items of business. I
would like to inform you of the following decisions:
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Page 7
- Concerning our National Mission Resolution 1-01 moved to expand our synod’s evangelism work here in the United States. Specifically, we resolved to encourage use of the
newly-developed Every One His Witness Lutheran evangelism program.
- In the same vein, Resolution 2-01 gave thanks to “God for Faithful Service of LCMS
Missionaries” and Resolution 2-02 recognized the increased number of Lutheran missionaries that have entered the field in the past 3 years.
- One difficult issue that we faced addressed biblical and confessional standards for the
office of public Word and Sacrament ministry. Resolution 13-02A instituted a plan to
regularize the status of Licensed Lay Deacons who are currently involved in preaching
and consecrating the Lord’s Supper. It was decided that deacons currently serving in such
a role can choose (by July 1, 2018) to either pursue:1) apply to one of the Synod’s seminaries for admission into an alternate-route program; 2) apply for entrance into a Specific
Ministry Pastor (SMP) program; or 3) apply to the regional colloquy committee for admission to the SMP roster, unless granted a waiver by the applicant’s district president,
the plenary of the Council of Presidents, and the appropriate regional colloquy committee. Happily, the synod pledged much funding to ensure the continuing education of these
men. The resolution states that care must be taken to ensure that no congregation is left
without a man to serve it the public ministry during this process.
- Resolution 14-02A confesses the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman
as an estate which cannot be altered. The resolution also charges pastors, commissioned
workers and congregations to provide responsible care with mercy, gentleness and respect to those wounded by sins (specifically those against the 6th Commandment).
- Resolution 16-02 sought to “strengthen and support the Lutheran family in living out
God’s design” through the Lutheran Family Initiative. As our culture becomes increasingly hostile towards traditional families, this initiative will be of great service to the
Church.
- Floor committee 18 presented items of business pertaining to Church worker wellness.
Resolution 18-04, encouraged Congregations, Ministries, and Church Workers to Develop an Intentional Wellness Care Plan. We pray that God would continue to bless our
Church workers with the good health needed to serve in their calling.
Finally, we should note that all incumbent vice-presidents of synod (Praesidium) were reelected to another term of service of partnership with our Reverend President Matthew C. Harrison. Our region’s vice president is Rev. Dr. John C. Wohlrabe Jr.
May your congregation ever find your strength in the Rock Jesus who shall not be moved!
Your Servant,
Pastor Scott Johnson
LCMS Voting Delegate, Michigan District, Circuit 44
Associate Pastor, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Hillsdale, MI
[email protected]
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Page 8
Voters’ Meeting and
Ice Cream Social
August 21
6:00pm
Please come to make your voice
heard on important decisions that
need to be made.
Also, there’s gonna be ice cream. Who
doesn’t want ice cream? Come and get it!
Officer Installation and
Sunday School Teacher
Installation
Sunday, August 28
During 9:00am worship
All of our Elected Officers and all of
our Sunday School Teachers will be
Installed. Please plan to be there.
New Calendar Style
This month marks the beginning of
our new calendar style for the
monthly newsletter. This calendar
comes from the online Google calendar, which can be found on our website. This new style comes with some
benefits, some changes, and some
limitations. We are limited with the
information we can include, but we only have to maintain one
calendar, which leads to fewer mistakes and less confusion.
Also, we are just learning about Google calendar, so please
bear with us through this time of transition. Thank you!!
LWML on a Bus Trip
Join the
to
Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne
and tour Multi-Media Studios on Sept 30
(Friday). Learn how Worship for Shut-Ins is
filmed. See your M ite M oney in action. Limited Seating on bus. Register before
Aug 20 for $25.00 after that $30.00. See flyer
itinerary for details and ingathering information. Questions? Ask your LWML Representative, Jacque Osborn, or Renita
269-251-4504
[email protected]
August 28
Also on this Sunday, there will not be
Bible Study. Pastor and our Sunday
School Teachers will be having a
Teacher Training. If you are a Sunday
School Teacher, please plan to come
to this important event.
Branch Community Kids College
August 15-19
9:00am-noon
Coldwater High School
Kids College is free for ages 7-14.
Pick up a brochure from the bulletin board.
Preregistration should be post-marked
by August 9, or register at the door.
For more information contact:
Sharon McMeen 517-227-7540 or
Wanda DeBolt 517-238-2872
Saturday, August 6, 2016 @ 7:00pm
Branch County Fair Presents
Hawk Nelson
Also Showing - John Tibbs & Cody Collier
Tickets are available at the Fair Office or
at the Lamp Post Christian Book
Store beginning June 1, 2016
Prices are: $15.00 PreSale & $20.00 at the Gate
Children 12 & Under are $10.00
There is no charge to enter the fairgrounds
on this day.
August 19 & 20
CAMPING at EnGedi Campground