Voices of the Valley - lord-of-the

Voices of the Valley
The Monthly Newsletter of Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church
“That You May Know, Live, and Share the Love of Christ.”
November 2016
Volume 20, Number 11
______________________
ALL ARE WELCOME
As a community of the people of God, the people of Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church are called to
welcome all people, regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental
ability, race or sexual orientation. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female.” - Galatians 3:28
Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church
PO Box 843 Granby, CO 80446
(970) 887-9252
email: [email protected] website: lordofthevalley.org
Church Office Hours – Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Rev. Brian Bergum – Pastor (531-4312)
[email protected]
Kris Kuhnel - Newsletter Editor / Office Administrator
Church Council Members:
Geoff Jurgensen 531-1325
Tom Mark 303-949-7214
Susan Odneal 816-210-4792
Raymond Covington 970-846-9187
Chris Tinkum 887-3114
Bob Means 627-8978
Penny Dibble 887-3934
Greg Orzech 720-810-4966
Rick Riemenschneider 726-9303
The church council meets the second Monday of each month. All church council meetings throughout the year
are open to anyone. If you have something that you would like to present in front of the church council, or an
item of concern please contact one of the church council members listed above.
The next Church Council Meeting is on Monday, November 14th at 6:30 PM
Mission Nicaragua Volunteer
Opportunities at Holiday Craft Fairs
Mission Nicaragua has a few opportunites to volunteer at local Holiday Craft Fairs
this month. Are you available to work a couple of hours at our booth selling fair
trade coffee and chocolate? It is a great time to share with the community about our
Mission Nicaragua. We will have booths at the following craft fairs: Holiday Art &
Craft Fair at the Inn at SilverCreek November 12th and 13th, Local Artist and Craft
Sale at the Fraser Valley Metropolitan Recreation Center in Fraser November 19th,
Olde Fashioned Holiday Craft Bazaar in Grand Lake November 25th and 26th,
Kremmling Craft Fair December 3rd, Tommel Fest at Devils Thumb December 10th.
If interested in volunteering please see the signup sheets at the back of the
sanctuary. Signup for the craft fairs in December will be available later in the
month. Thank you!
Christmas Decorating
We will be decorating LOTV for Christmas on Friday, November 25th at 10:00 am.
We are looking for six to eight volunteers to assist. Please call the church office if
you are available, 887-9252. Thank you!
Looking For a Way to Deepen Your Worship Experience?
The Thanksgiving holiday is only weeks away. Lord of the Valley has partnered over
the years with Mountain Family Center to assist families with their holiday
celebration by providing Thanksgiving baskets. Each basket provides all that is
needed for a Thanksgiving Day dinner. Last year we received gifts to support the
cost of about 30 baskets (estimating the average cost is about $40). I want to
challenge our congregation to grow to 40 households this year! Mountain Family
Center estimates serving a total of 270 households this year, a number similar to
last year.
In addition to providing funds to support some of these families, there is a need for
volunteers to help pack the nonperishable portions of the baskets. This will happen
on Wednesday, November 16 at 10am at the convention room at the Inn at
SilverCreek, just across the highway from Lord of the Valley. I am planning to be
there and I invite you to join me, if your schedule allows. Please let me know by
November 10th so I can call in the number of volunteers we will bring. There is a
signup sheet in the back of the sanctuary.
We hear the voice of Jesus in scripture call us to be mindful of the needs in the lives
of our neighbors. We have before us a couple opportunities to reach out with care
for our neighbors. There are still more opportunities to come.
For many people, looking at the Bible readings before Sunday helps put the message in
context of their lives. As you read the lessons, ask yourself: Is there anything in the
readings that relate to your life right now? Is there anything that surprises you in the
readings? Disturbs you? Try doing this for a couple of weeks, see if following this on a
weekly basis strengthens your personal faith life, and deepens your worship experience.
The Lessons for Worship in November
These are the Bible readings that we will hear during our worship services this month. They are
provided that you might use them for personal devotion and meditation.
November 6th – All Saints Sunday
Daniel 7: 1-3, 15-18
Ephesians 1: 11-23
Luke 6: 20-31
November 13th –Twenty Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
Malachi 4: 1-2a
2 Thessalonians 3: 6-13
Luke 21: 5-19
November 20th– Christ the King
Jeremiah 23; 1-6
Colossians 1: 11-20
Luke 23: 33-43
November 27th- First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2: 1-5
Romans 13: 11-14
Matthew 24: 36-44
Ministers of Worship in November
Our Mission Nicaragua team is in need of people to help with sales of coffee, tea and
chocolates at several events in the weeks ahead (see the announcement of dates
elsewhere in this newsletter). In addition to supporting the ministry we share with
the people of several Nicaraguan villages each summer, the sale of these products
assist the growers and producers who live in low income part of the world.
Greeters – Geoff and Yolanda Jurgensen family
Ushers – Jerry Stahl, Terry Jonason
Readers – Penny Dibble, Edna Anderson
Communion Assistant –Penny D., Carolyn S., Jerry A.
Acolyte –Marie Jurgensen
So we will once again share the Love of Christ with our neighbors during this season
of giving thanks. Of course it is true that Christ’s love is shared every time we gather
in worship and receive that gracious taste of grace in the sacrament of Holy
Communion, and are reminded of all that God has done for us in and through Jesus
Christ.
G- Harry and Lucette Kottcamp
U – Greg Orzech, Raymond Covington
R –Carmen Covington, Lori Orzech
CA –Lucette K., Harry K., Carmen C.
A –Ruby Yoder
Yes we have much for which we can give thanks, and we are given many ways to say
thank you to the God who gives us life!
A blessed Thanksgiving to you!
Pastor Brian Bergum
November 6
November 20
November 13
G – Steve and Marla Gall
U – Bob Means, Steve Gall
R – Kathy Means, Chris Tinkum
CA – Malra Gall, Chris Tinkum, Kathy Means
A – Henry Bergen
November 27
G – Jerry and Carolyn Stahl
U – Jerry Stahl, Steve Peters
R – Pat Edwards, Carolyn Stahl
CA – Charlene H., Pat E., Carolyn S.
A –Luke Peters
If you are unable to help be a worship minister on the particular day,
please try and find a replacement to take your place or to switch
days with you. Thank you for sharing in the ministry of Lord of the
Valley.
what numbers are for and how they should be used. What’s normal?
Finding it challenging to balance a checkbook.
7. Misplacing things. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in
unusual places: an iron in the freezer or a wristwatch in the sugar bowl.
What’s normal? Misplacing keys or a wallet temporarily.
8. Changes in mood or behavior. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may
show rapid mood swings – from calm to tears to anger – for no apparent
reason. What’s normal? Occasionally feeling sad or moody.
9. Changes in personality. The personalities of people with dementia can
change dramatically. They may become extremely confused, suspicious,
fearful or dependent on a family member. What’s normal? People’s
personalities do change somewhat with age.
10. Loss of initiative. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may become very
passive, sitting in front of the TV for hours, sleeping more than usual or not
wanting to do usual activities. What’s normal? Sometimes feeling weary of
work or social obligations.
Provided courtesy of www.WellnessProposals.com
Monthly Blood Pressure Checks
Don’t forget that we offer free blood pressure checks following our
worship service once a month. The next free blood pressure check
will be on Sunday November 6th and December 4th.
City Market Community Rewards
Thank you to our families who have signed up for the City Market Rewards program.
If you haven’t signed up go to: www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com. Once
there, click on City Market Community Rewards found under the Community tab. On
the next page click Enroll Now and sign in to your account or create an account.
Once you sign in to your account you will have the opportunity to View All
Organizations and select Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church. This is a quick and
simple way to support Lord of the Valley Lutheran Church while doing your grocery
shopping! A reminder: your enrollment in the Community Rewards will
expire after one year. It is easy to re-enroll by signing into your account.
President’s Column
Time flies,
I can recall a few years ago after church, chatting with a representative of the
synod regarding the congregation calling Pastor Brian. Well Pastor Brian’s call letter
was signed in December 2010. This leads into the idea of a sabbatical. The ELCA
recommends a pastoral sabbatical of up to three months, after six years of service. The
council has started discussions with Pastor, when would he like to take a sabbatical,
how long, and what does he want to do? As a council, we need to consider how to pay
for it, and the effect on the congregation. Right now, we are in the consideration stage.
Lord of the Valley has a reputation as being a very friendly, welcoming
congregation. I see this every Sunday, visitors have to keep their heads down and race
out the door if they don’t want to meet anyone. Keep up the welcoming behaviors.
With regards to finances, we have been about $800 short of cash even for the
past three months. We are entering our slow season for the next few months, so
remember us as you can. Our treasurer Susan Odneal has provided some data about
our financials.
The council approved a proposal from Rich Klinger to totally revamp our
website using Wordpress.com software. Again, the goal is to make this an easy to
update website with lots of pictures, hopefully by the end of this year. Thank you Rich
for stepping up to this task.
Lastly, the church council meets on Monday evenings, second Monday of the
month at 6:30 PM. Questions comments, concerns are welcome at the meeting or talk to
Pastor or any council member.
Yours in Christ,
Tom Mark
303 949 7214
[email protected]
Enjoy the Convenience of Electronic Giving
We want to remind you that we offer electronic giving as a way to automate your
regular weekly offering. Electronic giving offers convenience for our members and
provides donation consistency for our congregation. Direct Debit Giving is used to
automatically transfer funds from your checking or saving account to the church’s bank
account. As you contemplate future contributions, please consider electronic giving.
Authorization forms are available at the back of the sanctuary. Please call the church
office for more information, 887-9252.
Financial Statement 1Q2016 v. 1Q2015
1Q2016
1Q2015
Income: $53,312.32
$57,491.00*
Expense: $53,980.93**
$52,488.13
Net:
$-668.61
$5,002.87
* 1Q2015 income includes $4,100 designated to highway sign project
**1Q2016 expense includes $999.95 onetime charge for purchase/installation of
security cameras, TV monitors
Each quarter your Church Council will provide an overview of the financial health of
our church. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask any of us. --Tom
Mark (President), Bob Means (Vice President), Penny Dibble (Secretary), Susan
Odneal (Treasurer), Ray Covington, Geoff Jurgensen, Greg Orzech, Rick
Riemenschneider, and Chris Tinkum.
Confirmation Class
Our Confirmation Class will meet on November 13th and 27th from 4:30 pm to 6:00
pm. Our students continue an overview of the main stories and characters of the
Bible.
Supplies Needed for Mission Nicaragua
Supplies needed are: pens, pencils, loose leaf paper, rulers, crayons, markers, glue
sticks, scissors and construction paper. New or used Spanish children’s books are
also greatly needed. Place donations in the donation box in the fellowship room.
Thank you!
Mission Nicaragua Fair Trade Coffee Sales
Our Mission Nicaragua Team will have Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Coffee and
Chocolates available for purchase on Sunday, November 13th and 27th in the
fellowship room following worship.
The church office will be closed the week of November 21 -25 for staff vacations.
Lord of the Valley’s
Health and Wellness Ministry
Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness
Alzheimer’s is a progressive and fatal brain disease. As many as 5 million Americans are living
with Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory,
thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s
gets worse over time, and it is fatal. Today it is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United
States.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s:
1. Memory loss. Forgetting recently learned information is one of the most
common early signs of dementia. A person begins to forget more often and is
unable to recall the information later. What’s normal? Forgetting names or
appointments occasionally.
2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks. People with dementia often find it
hard to plan or complete everyday tasks. Individuals may lose track of the
steps involved in preparing a meal, placing a telephone call or playing a
game. What’s normal? Occasionally forgetting why you came into a room or
what you planned to say.
3. Problems with language. People with Alzheimer’s disease often forget
simple words or substitute unusual words, making their speech or writing
hard to understand. They may be unable to find the toothbrush, for example,
and instead ask for “that thing for my mouth.” What’s normal? Sometimes
having trouble finding the right word.
4. Disorientation to time and place. People with Alzheimer’s disease can
become lost in their own neighborhood, forget where they are and how they
got there, and not know how to get back home. What’s normal? Forgetting
the day of the week or where you were going.
5. Poor or decreased judgement. Those with Alzheimer’s may dress
inappropriately, wearing several layers on a warm day or little clothing in the
cold. They may show poor judgment, like giving away large sums of money
to telemarketers. What’s normal? Making a questionable or debatable
decision from time to time.
6. Problems with abstract thinking. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may
have unusual difficulty performing complex mental tasks, like forgetting
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Mission Nicaragua
Our first Mission Nicaragua planning meeting will be held on Sunday, November 6th
following worship at 10:45 am. Meeting are open to anyone interested in learning
more about the Mission Nicaragua Team.
Our Team Mission Nicaragua Members Deanna Dirks and Ron Haase share their stories of
their experiences on the Mission Trip (Part 2: Devotions / Evening Fellowship)
Once the team arrived in Somoto we were able to engage in group devotions and
fellowship time. This was a very special time as it nourished our hearts and minds with
spiritual food. In the mornings before we set out for clinic a team member lead us in
devotions. The devotions varied from person to person. Some shared a special Bible
passage that spoke to them in some way related to this mission. Others shared
something they have read that fit the situation, or words they had heard in the sermon
on Sunday. The book, Jesus Calling, was especially useful for some devotions shared.
Almost always the devotions were words of encouragement to help us go out and serve
the Lord or to be God’s hands as we conducted the clinics. In the morning we also took
time to read aloud the letters from home. These letters reminded some of us of Saint
Paul writing to those he had worked with and where he reminded them of his
continued prayers for their work for the Lord, etc. Each team member received a letter
from someone special who prayed for him or her, and who remembered them
especially while they were away from home.
After a busy day at clinic and a delicious meal with fellow team members we had a
time of fellowship that included reflection on God’s word and songs of praise and
worship. This has been a unique opportunity for us to join with our Nicaragua friends
in worshiping God and meditating upon his word. This past year we focused on God’s
call, being one body with many parts (1 Cor. 12: 12, Rm 12), what message we were
sending, “What shirt are wearing?” meaning being thoughtful about how we reflect or
sometimes fail to reflect God’s love to others, and being willing to share God’s peace
with anyone. A story was shared about Ron and Deanna sitting behind someone in
church the previous Sunday who was constantly wiping his nose on his hand during
the service before sharing the peace. The music portion of our time together was
always interesting. We seemed to do best when we joined our voices in “Spanglish”…
Pastor Jose Ramon is our Nicaraguan friend who plays guitar by ear to accompany our
singing. Two songs were sung more frequently by our group, Alabara and Lord, You
Have Come to the Lakeshore. On our final evening in Somoto we try to celebrate. We
celebrate the work the Lord has done, the friendships we have made, and the
bittersweet departure until we meet again.
Women’s Bible Study
The Women’s Bible Study sessions continue in November on Tuesday, November 1st
and 15th at 11:00 am. All women of LOTV are invited for a time of sharing, study and
support while enjoying a light lunch. For more information please call Pat Edwards
at 887-2238 or Lucette Kottcamp at 887-9047.
On Wednesday mornings at 7:00 we have a group
of men who gather at Lord of the Valley for
breakfast, conversation, prayer and study. This
group welcomes men to join them whether for a
week or two, a season or year round. They take
turns providing breakfast for each other.
Sometimes the conversations linger, but they
understand if some need to leave earlier. They
seek to offer an encouraging, supportive time
together.
Home Devotions / Living Lutheran Magazine
Located on the table at the back of the sanctuary are home devotionals you are
invited to take and use at home. They are free, and they are a simple way to spend a
few minutes each day focusing on your relationship with God. Also, at the table you
will find information relating to our ministry at LOTV, the November issue of Living
Lutheran Magazine. Feel free to take what you might find useful.
Sunday Morning Fellowship
We would like to thank those who have generously hosted Sunday morning
fellowship in the past few months. It is an important part of our ministry as it is a
time to share in conversation and welcome guests. We have a few Sunday’s
available in November and December for those interested in hosting Sunday
Morning fellowship. Please see the signup sheet at the back of the sanctuary as well
as a list of responsibilities.