August 2014 newsletter - The Lutheran Church of Our Savior

TOGETHER
Being rooted and established in the Word of God, we seek to
love the Lord and make disciples, so that all people may be
filled to the measure of the fullness of God.
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior
27
As for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in
you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His
anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie,
and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him. [1st John 2:27]
Greetings in the name of the Lord! What a blessing to be back from vacation and to be
serving back in the midst of the congregation. Beth, Olivia, Faith, Hope and I missed you!
For this August Newsletter I was led to write on the above Scripture. During a vacation
you are given time to reflect upon the church and upon what the church needs. And while I
was on vacation I asked the Lord what our congregation needs in order to grow; and when I say
that I do not mean numerically. I wanted to know how we as a congregation could grow more
in maturity in our relationship with the Lord. And the Lord, through the Scriptures, showed me
that we as a people need to be more accountable to one another as a church family; and one of
the things we need to go deeper in accountability to one another is our study of the Word of
God.
Often I am surprised when I speak to longstanding churchgoers of all denominations.
Some of the most basic principles of Scriptures are misunderstood. The writer to the Hebrews
had the same lament when he wrote, remarking in Hebrews 5:12-14 these words, “12 For
though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you
the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not
solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice
have their senses trained to discern good and evil.”
The one major difference between those who are maturing in the Word and those who
are remaining infants, I have found to be singular – the time they spend alone in the Word of
God. Those who spend time regularly in the Bible mature far quicker than those who only hear
the Bible on Sunday’s or Wednesdays. Those who spend time with the Lord personally during
church mature far slower than those who spend daily time in His Word with Him. The reason
should be self-evident; any relationship that matures needs time. And what the above Scripture
in 1st John tells us is that you do not need a pastor to teach you every time you open the Bible –
you have an anointing from God – the Holy Spirit.
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 2
If you trust in Jesus Christ, you have the Holy Spirit to teach you – and He lives inside
of you and desires for you to mature even more than you desire maturation. And if we, as a
people, would open our Bibles expecting for the Lord to speak to us through the pages of Scripture, I am convinced that He would; and we would mature and we would become accustomed to
the Word of righteousness.
If we were to only eat regular food one hour a week we would die. In the same way,
Jesus Himself says, “man does not live on bread alone, but by every Word that comes from
the mouth of God.” The Word of God is our spiritual food; and if we want to mature in our
spirits, we need to daily spend time in the Word of God.
Do not be intimidated by the Bible. The Bible was written for people to read. It is not a
book only for pastors and teachers and priests and popes. It is 66 books compiled together for
the common man and woman to read to be encouraged by the Word of God.
So I have a recommendation as your pastor. If you are not familiar with the Scripture,
begin in the book of John. Read through it slowly for 15-30 minutes per day. Pray beforehand
that the Lord would guide and teach you; and I am convinced that He will.
God bless you on your journey closer to the Lord.
Your pastor and friend,
Pastor Christopher Ogne
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 3
Notes from Editor:
Betty Ellis
Christian symbol
The Burning Bush—In Exodus 3, God speaks to Moses from a bush that is burning
but not consumed. When Moses asks what he should say if the Egyptians question
who sent him to lead the Israelites out of slavery, God states, “I AM WHO I AM.”
Centuries later, when people wonder who Jesus is, His answers hint at his divinity:
“I AM the light of the world; I AM the good shepherd; I AM the bread of life”
and, perhaps most profoundly, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). On Pentecost, God’s Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles as fire. Thus the burning bush is
a powerful symbol of God’s presence echoed through time. Our children, during
VBS, went on an adventure with Moses—ask them about “the burning bush”. I
am sure they can tell you all about it.
Twenty-four Seasoned Citizens met at Marty Jansen’s home on Cobb Island
July 29th for a picnic and crab feast. Laughter and story tellin’ filled
Marty’s house with “merriment” - what a lovely afternoon. Thanks Marty
for being such a gracious hostess!!
On July 18th nine folks took a boat cruise from Point Lookout to Smith Island. After docking at Smith Island the group enjoyed a wonderful seafood
lunch a the Bay Side Restaurant and a stroll around Smith Island. It was a
day of cool temperatures; and smoooooth sailin’. Everyone is looking forward to doing this trip again!!
Some up-coming events:
th
 August 14 , 6pm - dinner at The Port Tobacco Marina Restaurant
nd
 August 22 , 3:30pm - Ride the National Wheel at the National Harbor. The price is $15 per person. Each air-conditional gondola holds
6 people. After gondolas are loaded the wheel makes three revolutions which are smooth and easy making it a carefree ride even if you
are afraid of heights.
 September 19—October 12—Godspell at the Port Tobacco Players
 Visit: Ingleside Winery; three remaining covered bridges in Maryland; the National Zoo; Monticello; Wolf Trap, Smithsonian; and the
Spy Museum.
Page 2014-8
Page 4
Congregational Meeting Minutes
Lutheran Church of Our Savior
Bryans Road, MD
July 15, 2014
Council Attendees: President:
V. Pres:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Worship:
Head Elder
Discipleship:
Outreach:
Member at Large
Andrei Sapsai
Keith Tregoning
Paula Tregoning
Lynn Wells
Pastor Ogne
Michael Ellis
Sean Donaldson
Shea Gronau
Steve Holton
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
The meeting was conducted virtually, only reviewing monthly reports.
Secretary: The minutes were approved electronically by the council on July 22, 20144.
Treasurers Report: Lynn Wells (As of June 30, 2014)
Cash Accounts




Operating Fund 1: $67,118.20 *
Operating Fund 2: $114,641.20
Savings: $59,580.54
Memorial Fund: $1,419.74
Budget and Revenue Estimates for 2014
 2014 Yearly Operating Budget: $383,191.00
 2014 Yearly Revenue Estimate: $383,988.00 ( 5% increase over actual 2013 income)
Operating



Operating Revenue thru week 27: $183,837.70
Operating Expenditures thru week 27: $185,702.45
Net Operating Income (Loss) thru 5/31/14: ( $ 1,864.75)
Operating – Averages
 Average giving per wk thru week 27: $6,808.80
 Average Expenditures per wk thru week 27: $6,877.87
 Average Budget per wk: $7,230.01
LWML - Balance $99.10
 Balance carried over from 2013: 81.95
Income:
 Mites thru week 27: $285.44
 Other income thru week 27: $167.15
Expenses
 Mites thru week 27: $142.72
 Donations to:
 Brandywine Mission thru week 27: $142.72
 Other thru week 27: $150.00
Memorial Fund -Balance $ 1,419.74
 Balance carried over from 2013: $2,328.74
Income
 Memorial Fund Donations thru week 27:
 Undesignated $200.00
Expense
 Memorial Fund designated Banner thru week 27: $1,109.00
* The excess from 2013 will be deposited into savings. Pending finalized 2013 books.
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 5
Worship: Pastor

The choir remains off until after Labor Day.

Thank you to Pastor Paul Liersemann, Gary Pomrenke, Michael Ellis, and Jim Ammons for filling
in for me during vacation. I will be on the youth mission trip leaving Monday, July 21 and returning
Saturday July 26. Gary Pomrenke will be preaching Wednesday, July 23.

The video equipment is in for streaming sermons and by the printing of this newsletter should be
running. Scott Young ran the electrical for its usage. Thank you Scott!

New Bible’s were ordered and placed in the pews. They are the ESV translation. The Synod is now
exclusively using ESV for their translational purposes. This is why the switch was made.

We are still looking for cantors and prayer warriors for communion. If you are interested, please
speak to Pastor.

Jim Ammons and Jennifer Young will be leaving the first week of August for a week of raining in
Pittsburgh for Stevens Ministry. They will be returning and equipping us as a congregation to help
our members in times of grief and strain. Please Pray for Jim and Jennifer in this task!

Jim Ammons will be coming on board and is being hired in August per the congregational vote.
This hire will be part time and will entail him assisting in compassion ministry and member care.
We praise God for the ministry of Jim and we look forward to his ministry!

Kathy Frye continues to work with the kids on Wednesday evening with developing a children’s
choir. All interested children, please speak to Kathy.

Congratulations to Gary and Tracy Pomrenke on their wedding, July 19th. Thank you to all those
who participated and worked on the reception, with a special thank you to Rosa Ammons.
Discipleship: Sean Donaldson


Sunday Bible Studies

Sunday School led by Dianne Bicknell - Avg. weekly attendance 8-10 kids from grades
PreK – 12

Adult Bible Study led by Pastor Ogne - Avg. weekly attendance 25 currently studying the
book of Revelation.

Defending Your Faith will resume in September.
Wednesday Bible Studies

Ladies Afternoon Bible Study led by Bev Linde. Currently studying the book of Isaiah with
the aid of a book titled "Be Comforted" by Warren W Wiersbe. Avg. weekly attendance 46. Will resume after Labor Day.

Children’s Bible Study led by Donna Simonton – Avg. weekly attendance 6-8.

Confirmation led by Pastor – Avg. weekly attendance 6.

Youth Group led by Bryan Mays – Avg. weekly attendance 8-12 - Studying Romans 13-14
in the coming month.

Young Adult Bible Study led by Sean Donaldson – Avg. weekly attendance 2-3 - Studying
Romans 13-14 in the coming month.

Adult Women's Bible Study led by Doris Simmons. Currently going through the book of
John – Avg. weekly attendance 2-3

Adult Bible Study led by Graham Bartholomew – Avg. weekly attendance 5-7. In the coming month bible studies will be focused on the Gospel of Luke.
Friday Bible Study

Stay At Home Moms Bible Study, 9am coordinated by Jordan Wells - currently doing a
book study called "Help Meet" Avg. weekly attendance 18

Women's Bible Study, 7-10pm led by Heather Rinn will be meeting sporadically throughout
the summer and will reconvene regular weekly meetings in September.
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 6
Outreach: Shea Gronau



Report for June 2014
 E-72 occurred on the 14th of the month, and resulted in speaking with 9 different people.
Events for July 2014
 E-72 will be going out on 12th and 26th.
 VBS July 14-18 week, Day 1 we had 47 kids!!
 Harvest Party Planning on July 26th at 1pm.
Upcoming Events
 E-72 will go out on August 9th and 23rd
 Harvest Party check-in meeting on the Aug 23rd at 1pm
 September 27th Mission U 101 course 9am-2pm (http://www.whatsmissionu.com/
about.asp)
Old Business


Property Projects
 Assessment has begun
 Fire inspection schedule and records.
Positions requiring replacement: Council Secretary
New Business



Only business conducted by the council was to review reports electronically.
Excellence in Discipleship will be discussed at the August council meeting.
The council approve the following automatic door opener option:
 Video Communication with On/Off switch - $1,800.00
 This will be taken out of the renovation fund.
Respectfully submitted,
Paula Tregoning,
Council Secretary
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 7
2014 LWML Chesapeake District Convention
September 26-28, 2014
Richmond, VA
“Theme: “Quenched! By the Water of Life”
“...whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty
again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water
welling up to eternal life. John 4:14.
Bible Studies * Worship * Enrichment Sessions * Elections * Mission Grants
* Entertainment * Awesome Music and much more. The registration form
may be found in the May Mite Brigade or at www.lwmlchesapeake.org.
LWML will be collecting and taking the items listed below to the convention.
If you would care to donate, there is a collection tub in the outer Narthex.
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 8
Issue 2014-8
Page 9
Bible Quiz
Why did the Pharisees protest one day when Jesus’ disciples
plucked and ate grain directly from the field?
A. Because a banquet was awaiting them; they didn’t want the
disciples to spoil their appetites.
B. Because it wasn’t the disciples’ field; they had no right to
the grain.
C. Because it was the Sabbath and such “work” was prohibited.
D. Because the grain wasn’t yet ripe.
Answer: C (See Matthew 12:1-2.)
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 10
Leadership Directory
7457
Position
Name
Phone Number
Pastor
Christopher Ogne
(H) (301) 375-7182
(O) (301) 375-7507
Pastoral Assistants
Jim Ammons
Michael Ellis
Gary Pomrenke
(301) 743-3931
(301) 743-3688
(240) 424-2451
Head Elder/
Michael Ellis
(301) 743-3688
President
Andrei Sapsai
(301) 645-3237
Vice President
Keith Tregoning
(301) 932-5123
Treasurer
Lynn Wells
301-883-1173
Financial Secretary
Carol Nelson
(301) 743-5651
Secretary
Paula Tregoning
(301) 932-5123
Member at Large/Prop. Steve Holton
(301) 375-6036
Discipleship
Sean Donaldson
(301) 283-2008
Outreach
Shea Gronau
(301)375-9125
Education
Diane Bicknell
(301) 653-9154
LWML
Jennifer Young
(301)375-7150
Altar Guild
Wanda Welch
(301 375-7457
Youth Group Leader
Bryan Mays
Sean Donaldson
(301) 848-5659
(301)283-2008
Seasoned Citizens Fellow. Bev Linde
(301) 283-3248
Praise & Worship Leader
Scott Wells
301-883-1173
Van Manager
Graham Bartholomew
(Call to arrange a ride.)
(301) 717-2048
Bookkeeper
Patty Stine
(301)751-6162
Bulletin Publication
Joan Lane
(301) 743-3115
Office Manager/
Organist /Choir Director
Betty Ellis
(H) (301) 743-3688
(O) (301) 375-7507
2
3
5
8
9
10
16
17
18
20
23
26
30
Gary Pomrenke
Charity MacAulay
Jordan Wells
Shea Gronau
Harold Nelson
Tina Donaldson
Mathew Simmons
Kyree Poindexter
Brendan Utt
Kendall Gerald
Abbey Welch
Norma Costello
Chris Killillay
Isaac Young
Barbara DeVoe
Nancy Cronrath
Dereck Gross
Jason Downing
Beth Ogne
James Donaldson
Lydia Ortiz-Hendricks
Yolanda Gardner
A 90-10 split
(All that we have is thine alone a trust oh Lord from Thee!)
When the weather prediction is for a 10 percent chance of rain, do we sigh and grumble
and stay indoors? Or do we go ahead and picnic, golf or hike because the chance of bad
weather is so low?
When doctors say our child has a 90 percent chance of full recovery from a deadly illness, don’t we rejoice at the great prognosis? We quickly decide we can live with the
slight chance of some impairment.
When a really tough exam comes back with a 90 percent grade, aren’t we glad to have done well?
When a politician runs for office, 90 percent of the vote would be considered an overwhelming mandate.
Why then, when God gives us 100 percent of our material blessings, are we so horrified at the thought of
giving him 10 percent back?
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 11
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1
2
10am Mom’s
Bible Study
8am Men’s
Prayer Breakfast
7pm Youth Night
7pm Victory in the
Word Bible S. w/Rev
Goodall (comm. class- 8pm Sat. Night
Luther Rm)
Alive (AA)
3
4
8:30am Traditional
Serv.
9:45am Sunday Sch.
11:00am Praise Serv.
6
12:45 Reflections
at Sr. Ctr in
Indian Head
in use by Rev Goodall
6:30pm Praise
Team Prac.
10
11
4-6pm Fellowship Rm
5
5:45pm Meal
6:15pm Bible S.
7:15pm Praise Srv.
12
13
8:30am Traditional
Serv.
9:45am Sunday Sch.
11:00 am Praise Srv.
2:00pm Srv. Charlotte Hall Vets Hm
in use by Rev Goodall
7:00PM LWML
Meeting
6pm Elders
7pm Council
5:45pm Meal
6:15pm Bible S.
7:15pm Praise Srv.
17
18
19
20
4-6pm Fellowship Rm
8:30am Traditional
Serv.
9:45am Sunday Sch.
11:00am Praise Srv.
in use by Rev Goodall
24/31
25
27
9
7pm Victory in the
Word Bible S. w/Rev
Goodall (comm. class- 8pm Sat. Night
Alive (AA)
Luther Rm)
14
15
16
10am Mom’s
Bible Study
9am Prayer
7pm Victory in the
Word Bible S. w/Rev
Goodall (comm. class- 8pm Sat. Night
Luther Rm)
Alive (AA)
21
22
23
10am Mom’s
Bible Study
9am Prayer
10:15am E72
1:00pm Harvest Fest.
plan. Meeting
7:00pm Victory in the
Word Bible S. w/Rev 4pm Church Picnic
Goodall (comm. class- 8pm Sat. Night
Alive (AA)
Luther Rm)
5:45pm Meal
6:15pm Bible S.
7:15pm Praise Srv.
26
8
9am Prayer
10am Mom’s
Bible Study
10am to 2pm Com- 10am to 2pm Com- 10am to 2pm Compassion Trailer
passion Trailer
passion Trailer
10:15am E72
LWML
Mites Due
6:30pm Praise
Team Prac.
4-6pm Fellowship Rm
7
28
8:30am Traditional
Serv.
9:45am Sunday Sch.
11:00am Praise Srv.
29
30
10am Mom’s
Bible Study
9am Prayer
4-6pm Fellowship Rm
in use by Rev Goodal
31
2:00pm Srv. Charlotte Hall Vets Hm
5:45pm Meal
6:15pm Bible S.
7:15pm Praise Srv.
7:00pm Victory in the
Word Bible S. w/Rev
Goodall (comm. class- 8pm Sat. Night
Alive (AA)
Luther Rm)
Children talking to God in prayer!
Dear God, Thank you for the baby brother but what
I asked for was a puppy. I never asked for anything
before. You can look it up.
Joyce
Issue No. 2014-8
Page 12
Sunday
8:30am Traditional Service
9:45am Sunday School for “all”
11:00am Praise & Worship Service
Wednesday
5:45pm Light Supper
6:15pm Bible Studies for all”
7:15pm Praise & Worship Service
Love makes our friends a little dearer.
Joy makes our hearts a little lighter.
Faith makes our paths a little clearer.
Sun 12:30 Defending Your Faith
(will resume in Sep)
2:00 Charlotte Hall Veterans
Home (2nd & 5th Sun)
Wed 1:00 Women’s Bible Study (will
resume Sep 3)
6:15 Bible Study for all
Fri 9:00 Mom’s Bible Study (Call
Jordan Wells—301-645-1605
7:00 Women’s Bible Study
meets periodically during summer—(Call Heather Rinn—
301-843-7017 )
reg. schedule in Sep. –Call
Hope makes our lives a little brighter.
Peace brings us all a little nearer.
—Author unknown
7:00
Victory in the Word Bible
Study w/Rev Goodall (comm.)
The Lutheran Church of Our Savior
7365 Indian Head Highway
Bryans Road, Maryland 20616
Phone:
301(375-7507)
Fax:
301(375-8077)
Email:
[email protected]
Website: www.lcoos.org
Jesus died to save:
Time to
make up!
After an evening filled with vigorous sibling disagreements, two children finally turned in for the night. A few
hours later, a major thunderstorm woke them up. When
their father heard the children conversing upstairs, he called
to see what was happening.
A small, timid voice answered, “We’re in the closet forgiving one another!”