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TRANSCRIPT
June 2012
Newsletter
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Christ Lutheran Church
Carlton Ave & Nassau Street
P.O. Box 205
Islip Terrace, NY 11752-0205 Reverend William C. Munz, Pastor
Phone: (631) 581-1710
Worship: Sundays 8:45 and 10:45 A.M.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
P A I D Permit No. 20
Islip Terrace, NY 11752
Dated Material - Please Rush
LOOKING UP AND REACHING OUT
CHURCH WORK DAY
JUNE 2
Beginning at 9:00 am
RUMMAGE SALE JUNE 9
9:00 am to 3:00 PM
SUNDAY SCHOOL
RECOGNITION SERVICE
JUNE 17 at 10:45 am
SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE BEGINS JUNE 24
SUNDAYS at 9:30 am
THURSDAYS at 7:00 pm
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Thank you for the many prayers, cards, visits and calls
during my recent hospitalization and in the weeks since. An
unexpected blood clot in my leg kept me in the hospital for five
days and will necessitate special medication for a number of
months. I’m grateful to Karl Von Seggern, who led the worship
service the Sunday I was at the hospital, Judy Gauthier, who filled in at the last minute
with a children’s sermon, and Elizabeth and Rachel, who delivered the sermon I
finished in the hospital bed.
Special thanks to Anita Kindberg and Joan Heitz, who after many years of
faithful service have recently retired from the duties of being counters of our weekly
offerings. They have been there every week to count the offerings and handle the often
complex task of directing the funds to the properly designated account. We are deeply
grateful for the dedication they have had to this important work for so long. Janet Ross,
who has worked with Anita and Joan for a number of years, will continue to serve.
Joining her are several new counters: Helen Gronus, Karen Carrier, Nancy and Ken
Hill, and Phyllis and John Kobel.
Thank you also to members of our choir, who sang with the joint choir at the
Western Suffolk Conference Ascension Eve Service held at Abiding Presence Lutheran
Church in Ft. Salonga. It was a special evening of praise, marking a most significant
day in the Church year. We hope to share in other Conference services.
The following day Peter Sharrock and I represented the congregation at the annu-
al Synod Assembly, held this year in Tarrytown. It was energizing to hear about many
efforts to proclaim the Gospel, which are being done locally by our Metropolitan Synod
and across the nation and around the world by our Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. Most congregations are experiencing some of the same challenges as we, in-
cluding financial shortfalls, but more important is the faithfulness with which we are all
working to carry on the mission to which we are committed.
The summer worship schedule will begin on Sunday, June 24 with one service
at 9:30 A.M. This year we’ll switch back to Thursday evenings for the midweek ser-
vice, but at the earlier time of 7:00 P.M. The first Thursday service will be on June 28.
SHOE DRIVE LETS TURN OUR OLD SHOES INTO CLEAN WATER!
Bring your used and new shoes to Christ Lutheran Church, Islip Terrace. Christ
Lutheran Church with George The Shoeman Hutchings will turn your shoes into
clean drinking water.
Shoeman Water Projects picks up used and new
shoes year round from businesses, churches,
schools, and shoe drives. Once collected, The
Shoeman gives a second life to the shoes, selling
them to exporters. The money from the sale of the
shoes is used to purchase well drilling rigs, water
purification systems, and other supplies to bring
clean, fresh water to those in need.
Having collected over 1.5 million pairs of shoes
Since August of 2008, the non-profit Shoeman
Water Projects has sent four water drilling rigs to
Kenya and teams to Haiti to assemble water purification systems and repair
pumps.
To participate, give your shoes the boot by donating your used and new shoes,
tied or rubber-banded into pairs into our drop off bin at Christ Lutheran
Church. For moreinformation about the Christ Lutheran Church shoe drive
contact Deacon Janet O’Mara at [email protected] or call the church office
at 631-581-1710.
Thank you to Trinity, Long Island City, St Peters RC Church,Islip Terrace, Our
Savior, Patchogue and Shelter Rock Elementary School in Manhasset for donat-
ing shoes!
OUR GOAL IS 5,000 PAIRS OF SHOES!
WE ARE HALFWAY THERE!
COUNCIL NOTES Jason Terhune has been elected to fill the term of Pat Fuzia until the next annual
congregational meeting.
With the approval of the revised congregational constitution at the special
congregational meeting in April, it will be checked by the Synod and presented for a final
ratification at the next annual congregational meeting. Copies are available on the narthex table.
Pastor gave a summary of discussions at the Synod Assembly including a report
concerning criteria for Congregational viability Norms. Unfortunately there sometimes are
situations in which a congregation is no longer viable to function by holding worship services,
maintaining its property and providing pastoral care for its members. It was important that
representatives from all the congregations of our Synod agreed on a list of criteria by which a
congregation is considered viable.
Another important document approved was the outline of a Strategic Plan for the
Metropolitan Synod for the next ten years. A proposal was also adopted for a new Procedure
for the Election of a Bishop. Instead of names being proposed for the first time at the Assem-
bly where the election is to take place, names will be submitted to a nominating committee
which will put forth up to seven nominees, who will participate in hearings several months
before the Assembly, in order to provide the opportunity for the congregations to be much better
acquainted with the candidates and their qualifications.
The Outreach Ministry Team is coordinating the Rummage Sale on Saturday, June 9th
from 9 AM to 3 PM. The Sons of Amvets in East Islip will contribute $100 every three months
toward our Peanut Butter & Jelly Gang in memory of former Amvet and church member David
Johnson.
A Property Committee motion was approved to repair the chimney for a cost of
$3,400. The bricks and mortar have deteriorated over the years due to chemical reaction with
the exhaust fumes. The repair will include lowering the chimney stack. We’re very grateful to
Karen Seitz who is covering the cost as a memorial to her mother who recently passed away in
North Carolina.
Tom Primiano will be the new chairperson of the Education Committee, taking over
from Janet O’Mara, who has headed the committee for many years.
Jr. Youth had a great outing at Adventureland, and the Sr. Youth are planning their
annual camping trip from June 8-10.
Corrections to the draft of the Directory have been made and it has been returned for
the final printing.
The plaque for the memorial dogwood tree planted by the Council in memory of
Council member Pat Fuzia has been placed.
WOMEN’S MINISTRY AT CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FOR THIS SUMMER EVENTS
11th
ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT
at the Blue Gentian Lodge in Londonderry, VT.
NOTE: Different weekend this summer!
Fri. Aug. 17 – Sun., Aug. 19
With option to stay over until Monday- 8/20
This year’s topic: What In the World in Going On?
A LOOK AT CURRENT EVENTS ON THE WORLD SCENE:
Why we should care, what we should know,
A who, what , when, where and why for the concerned Christian
Plus time to relax at the pool, go for walks, explore Vermont shops and towns, go to the Satur-
day morning Farmers’ & Craft market, try a new craft, enjoy conversations & good times
with others.
COME AGAIN or JOIN US FOR YOUR FIRST TIME!
Sunday Volunteers
Bring a Smile to our Congregation as a Greeter or Usher.
Encourage our teens to become acolytes.
Sing with the choir and bring the joy of music to our ears!
Pick up a bell and learn how to ring!
Feed the flock at Coffee Hour.
Assist in the Nursery to make church a pleasant place for our youngest members
Assist with the beauty of the Altar on Altar Guild.
Share the Word of the Lord as an Assistant Minister.
Speak with Pastor Today and your Sunday Worship experience will be ever more meaningful!
PLEASE KEEP THESE PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS
Frances Quervalu, Henry Bouchard, George Shock, Henry Muller, Noreen
Baker,Stacy Hajek, Elijah Rosario, Amy Mannino, Karen Shimberg, John
Melfi, Michael Kidd, Sally Sukhu, Lillian Sheridan, Ron Fuzia, Barbara
Krause, Michael Maher, Jean Musa, Janice Fuzia, Melissa Miller, Jerry
Ross, Dolores Johnson, George Voigt, Pat Lagrange, Ken Schultheis, Wes
ton Gettinger, Lars Frantzen, Robert Price, Leanne Junker, Nicole Rud
olph, Asen Traykov, Rebecca Carioscia, Charles Hubbard, Michelle
Krebs, Pat DeAngelis, Charles Moonsammy, Marissa O’Toole, John Musa, Amanda Johnson, Mil-
lie Ramos, Nora-Jo Cervenka, Sara Christiansen, Judy O’Neill, Charlie Manfredi, Brian Doherty,
Bill Bloom, Heather Panzner, Bill Muller, Anne DeFranza, Robert Weidmann, Iyla & Alina Gaudio,
Edna Muller, Dick Guenste, Frances Sank, Thomas O’Neill, Claire Jost, Marisa Carney, Jeffery
Belford, Dorothy Heusel, Cathy Bouchard, Claudia Morris, Christine Porter, George Pepino, May
Lobacz, Nancy Cervenka, Karen Sussman, Petya Licheva, Linda Hollamby, Linda Hanna, Helen
Gronus, Donna Costello, Pat Geist, Marion Lonegro, Justin Coco, Leigh & Dalton Families, Jimmy
Smith, Michelle Diaz, Judy Lee Laddaga-Lazano, Thorleif Berntsen, Barbara Johnson.
Alma DeGrasse.Tom Connors, Rose Donello, Marisa Carne, Joan McDonald, Tricia Ciccone, Barry &
Concetta Kadane, Michael Schimmoller, Iris Simmons, Joseph Fuzia, Paul White, Santino Recine, George
Seitz, William Carrier, Ryan Hall, Teri Dahl, JohnstoneFamily, Joe Palazzolo, Brian Seitz, Alice Haneggi,
Lester Vellia, Christian Jean-Pierre, Marie vonBargen, Melissa Gallagher, Carl Wright, Helen Ganrude,
John Flynn, Heather McNamara, Amanda Lauckhardt, Hedy Jorgensen, Maureen Doherty, Kari Dinges,
Suzie Whight, Neil Blam, Fred Zhangli, Heidi Smith, Diane Lorelli, Nicole Marty, Chuck Jernigan, Larry
Hanna, Fortunado Paturso, Marie Licatta, Louise Walters, Paul Harrington, Ellen Bevers, Heather
Panzner, Todd Panzner, Kit Weydig, Helen Cacavas, Sandy Huck, Cathy Murray Jean Diwby, Benjamin
Archer, Marie Whitehead, Lauren McCormack, Banfalvy family, Fred Miller, Kathleen Connors, Robert
Curran, Deanne Diaz, Sophia Montorano, Ellen Healion, Robert Sharrock, Lisa McWilliams, Dean Fran-
ciotti.
If you or someone you asked to be placed on the prayer list should
be removed from the list, please let the church office or Pastor know.
SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Matthew Gallino, Melonie Longacre, Gregory Longacre, Bryan
Bouchard, Justin Holke, Michael Beiner, Brian McClain, Daniel Eichner, Jack Carioscia, Sean
Moller, Christopher Gaudio, Daniel Riley. AFGHANISTAN: Evan Book, Peter Turo, Travis
Montgomery.
CELEBRATING NEW BIRTHS
IN THE CHRIST LUTHERAN FAMILY!
Charles August Fisher
7 lbs. 4 oz., 21” long
Allison & Douglas, Parents
Grandparents - Lynn & George Fisher
Ryan William Munz
6 lb. 11 oz., 20.5” long
Aaron & Kate Parents
Grandparents - Elizabeth & William Munz
Ryan Lucas Cunningham
7 lbs. 3 oz., 20” lonh
Ross & Megan, Parents
Grandparents - Betsy & Alan Cunningham
Matthew Young Christiansen
Daniel & Gloria, Parents
Grandfather - Alan Christiansen
Great Aunt - Nancy Cervenka
Welcome to Pinecrest! Pinecrest - one of the oldest camping programs in the Lutheran
Church - was organized in 1927 to provide leadership training for
Lutheran youth, and has remained relevant to young adults aged 15 and older through the active
involvement of campers.
Pinecrest meets annually in late August for a one-week session of morning classes, afternoon activ-
ities and free time, evening programs, plus a variety of worship experiences. An annual activities
theme guides the program throughout the week in group competition, athletic contests, and indi-
vidual talent opportunities
http://pinecrestllm.org
Christ Lutheran Church can earn a donation every time you search the Internet and shop online!!! Search the web with Yahoo-powered GoodSearch.com and they’ll donate about a penny to your cause each time you search!
Community Notes and Information
Child Care - Elder Care - A friend of the congregation is looking for work helping with the care of chil-
dren or the elderly. If you may be seeking such assistance, please speak to Pastor.
Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry - Open on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30
Cub Scout Pack 38 - For boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. Call June Connel 650-5161 for more
information
Boy Scout Troop 327 - For boys from 5th grade to the age of 18. Meets every Friday night in the
Wolpert Building from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Call Ralph Savarese, Scoutmaster at 277-4821for more infor-
mation.
Homemakers - Meets at Christ Lutheran Church every Tuesday morning. Call Barbara Framento at 277-
3279 for more information.
AAA - High Noon Group - meets every weekday at 12:00 noon in the Wolpert Building.
AAA - Evening Group - Meets Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Wolpert Building at 8:00 pm
Barbara Doyle -- Aunt of John Newhoff
2012 HOLIDAY FAIR
It is never too soon to start thinking about our annual autumn
fundraiser!! This year the FAIR falls on Friday, November 9th and Sat-
urday, November 10th. We have started to talk a little about what kind
of main prize to have, now to improve on the floor plan and of course
the craft circle has been working hard for the past several months on all
kinds of beautiful items for our tables. Now is the time to start think-
ing about how you can help too. Start working on a project or two at
home (crafts, knitted items, handmade jewelry), pick up and put aside a
few nice little gifts for the Children’s Table, or maybe start collecting
some items for a Theme Basket you might like to put together. Please
help make this special event the best one ever by joining us on JUNE
10th at 10:00 am (between church services) in the fellowship hall for
our next FAIR MEETING. Get in on the fun and become part of the
Fair Committee -- everyone is welcome!!!
The Holiday Fair Committee
FATHER’ S DAY MEMORIALS FOR THE GARDEN FUND
Please print
In memory of _______________________ Given by __________________
In honor of _________________________ Given by __________________
Please print all information for accuracy in the bulletin.
Place your donation of any amount in a yellow pew envelope and mark
Father’s Day on outside of envelope.
Father’s Day Memorials are due Sunday, June 10th
MEMORIALS
Memorial Fund Hymnal Donation
in Memory of Peter Smith
By Al & Dot Smith
THE SYMPATHIES OF THE CONGREGATION
are extended to the families of:
HYMNAL MEMORIAL FUND
There are many ways to celebrate an Anniversary or a Birthday or the Memory of a
Loved One.
Our new cranberry Lutheran Hymnal may be dedicated to a loved one’s memory, or in celebration of a
milestone event in someone’s life such as: graduations, birthdays, or anniversaries.
Donate $20 today to celebrate your loved ones and friends. Place your donation in a yellow pew enve-
lope and mark it accordingly and a lovely new hymnal will be placed in our pews with a name plate to
honor your donation.
YOUTH MINISTRY AT CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
Vacation Bible School Returns to Christ Lutheran Church Please complete the following survey to indicate your interest.
Would you prefer a July_____ or August ______ session
3 weekdays _______ or 3 weekend days__________
Return to the office by June 10th
CALLING ALL JUNIOR YOUTH MEMBERS
Come join us for your end of the year
BOWLING PARTY
To be held on June 2nd at the
EAST ISLIP BOWLING ALLEY 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM $7.00 per Bowler
Please see signup sheet on the Junior Youth Group Board
Any Questions please contact Linda Smith 383-4713
Sr. Youth Group
Annual Camping Trip
Friday, June 9th--meet at 6 pm in the church parking lot
Camp at Sears Bellows in Hampton Bays
Sunday, June 10th -- 2 pm arrive back at church
Contact Karl Von Seggern for more information
631-581-4165
Become a STEWARD BOOSTER for $10 and have your name printed
in the issue with the designation of your choice.
In memory of ___________________________
In honor of _____________________________
In thanksgiving for ___________________________
On the occasion of ____________________________
Your Name____________________________
STEWARD BOOSTERS for June
In Honor of the marriage of Rich & Lara Burns
Given by Jean & Kory Burns
A monthly publication by and for the
members of Christ Lutheran Church,
Islip Terrace, NY.
Submissions should be made by the
20th of each month.
Pastor, Rev. William C. Munz, (631)581-1710, [email protected]
Deacon: Janet O’Mara
Congregation Officers:
President: Chris Swaine
Vice President: Alan Cunningham
Secretary: Helen Carioscia
Treasurer: Ricci Ordway
Assistant Treasurer: Gail Callis Financial Secretary: Ellen McManus
Parish Coordinator: Madeline Sharrock
CHRISTLUTHERANIT.ORG Your Passport to Everything at Christ Lutheran Church!
CHECK OUT OUR HOMEPAGE ON THE WORLD-
WIDE WEB!
Miss a special event or need a little inspiration--check
out the links to listen to the Festival Choir sing the Palm
Sunday Cantata or the fabulous voices of the Central
Islip High School Concert Choir. Need to check a date
check out the on-line calendar of events. Much more is
waiting for you. Go on-line today!
P&J SCHEDULE SUMMER 2012
Week of May 27 - June 2 - Homemakers Week of June 3 - 9 - Fisher, Cunningham Week of June 10 - 16 - OʼMara,Baker,McWilliams,Musa Week of June 17 - 23 - McManus,Lambdin,Carioscia,Coco Week of June 24 - 30 - Craft Circle Week of July 1 - 7 - Connors,Terhune, Rotolo Week of July 8 - 14 - Newhoff,Swaine,Smith Week of July 15 - 21 - Von Seggern and Girl Scouts Week of July 22 - 28 - Sharrock,Karika Week of July 29 - Aug 4 - Book Group Week of Aug 5 - Aug 11 - Gauthier, Birsner, Eichner Week of Aug 12 - Aug 18- OʼToole,Picece,Deangelis,Krebs Week of Aug 19 - Aug 25 - Fisher, Cunningham Week of Aug 26 - Sept 1 - OʼMara,Baker,McWilliams,Musa Week of Sept 2 - Sept 8 - Homemakers
If you cannot make the week you are scheduled,
please switch with another group! There is more of a need in the summer than any other time of year!
People are counting on us! Thank you to the Sons of Am Vets for their monetary
donations each month. They are resuming this in memory of David Johnson, Sr.
Please continue to donate peanut butter and jelly! We are running low on peanut butter, please donate!
Thank you for all your support!!!!
DEACONʼS CORNER JUNE 2012 Its hard to believe, but its almost June and the summer is upon us! As some of you know, I am a big fan of summer! The summer is a great time to slow down and enjoy Godʼs creation. However, contrary to popular opinion, Christ Lutheran Church does not close down for the summer! Worship is essential in the life of a Christian and our summer schedule has two options: one Sunday morning Service and one Service during the week in the evening.
Additionally, the church office remains open during the summer with the regular office hours of 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Our financial obligations also do not take a break during the summer months. If you plan on being away, please consider giving your offering electronically. E-giving helps to prevent congregation mem-bers from falling behind in their commitments.
Our Shoe Drive continues! To date we have 2,520 pairs of shoes counted, tied together and bagged! This means we are halfway to our goal of 5,000 pairs of shoes! Please remem-ber, each pair of shoes donated is helping to save lives!
Our P&J groups continue to make sandwiches during the summer, helping to fill an in-creased need for sandwiches. Please continue to support our P&J ministry by participating in a group and/or donating much needed supplies. Currently, there is more of a need for peanut butter than jelly. I would like to thank the Sons of Am Vets for resuming their sup-port. Their are giving enough monetary support to purchase the additional supplies we need to make the sandwiches.
While you are enjoying Godʼs creation this summer, please keep in mind our responsibility for caring for it! Reusable water bottles filled with tap water are a much bet-ter alternative than buying bottled water. That is just one suggestion, many people in our congregation have great ideas, it is a topic we should all be discussing.
I hope everyone has a chance to “recharge” over the summer months while at the same time participating in the mission of our congregation. Have a wonderful summer! In Christ, Janet
A Stewardship Minute
Inspiring a deeper understanding of true givingInspiring a deeper understanding of true givingInspiring a deeper understanding of true giving An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation
JUNE 2012
Justice means exercising fairness in all our actions. The Old Testament
prophets were profoundly emphatic about showing our obedience to God
by being just, by being fair, in all our dealings as we live out our lives. The
prophet Micah said: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice,
and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
A Christian minister tells of sitting next to a woman in the waiting room
of a hospital. He said to his wife later that he could scarcely remain in his
seat because she reeked of the acrid smell of tobacco. But, when the woman
said to her husband who was sitting on her other side, “I feel so sorry for
my mother. She has so little money to live on,” the pastor had the following
thought: “If she simply quit smoking and gave her mother the money she
spent for a pack of cigarettes each day, she could at least help her mother
have a meal or two daily.” Obviously, the woman had a kind thought re-
garding her mother’s welfare, but apparently she did not consider how she
might help relieve her mother’s woes.
Perhaps each of us should examine ourselves and consider how we are
treating others. Are we concerned about justice for them? Are we kind and
thoughtful to them? And do we practice being righteous in our lives to
make sure we honor Christ in our everyday lives?
Prayer: Lord, enable us to be complete stewards in every way. Help us to
be found worthy of living in eternity with you. In your name we pray.
Amen.
Parish Publishing, LLC (888) 320-5576 www.parishpublishing.org
Graduates Name_________________________________
School Graduating From___________________________
If attending college in the fall where?_______________________________________________
Degree and/or major ____________________________________________________________
CHRIST LUTHERAN 2nd Annual Golf Outing
The Golf Outing Committee is excited about this year’s 2nd Christ Lutheran
Annual Golf Outing to be held on Sept. 26 2012. If anyone is interested in
joining the Golf Outing Committee or donating items for the raffle such as:
Tickets to a sporting event or Broadway show (must be after Sept. 26th)
Gift certificate to a restaurant
Liquor basket
Golfing items (new or unused) or any other
great ideas.
Please see Chris Swaine or Jim Musa. Thank you.
SATURDAY, JUNE 9th In Front of and in the Wolpert Building
Christ Lutheran Church
9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Shop for Bargains and Support the Missions of Christ Lutheran Church
Graduation Announcements
Coming Soon!
We want to celebrate all the graduates this spring,
whether it be elementary school, high school, or
college!
Please let the office know so we may announce
them in the summer issue of THE STEWARD.
KITCHEN KORNER
Help stock the church kitchen with supplies for
our weekly coffee hours. Donations will help offset the
cost of our weekly time to catch up and chat with each
other.
The following items may be donated:
Regular & Decaf Coffee
Napkins
Paper Towels
6”Plates
Dishwasher
Liquid Dish Detergent
Items may be brought to the church kitchen and left on the counter.
BECOME AN E-GIVER!
Electronic giving or E-Giving is simply another way to give your offering to the church. It is an alterna-tive to writing a check, putting it in your offering envelope and bringing it to church to put in the offer-ing plate. Once a reccurring payment is set up online, the funds are automatically deducted from your checking account, a check is issued by the bank and mailed to the church where it is placed in the of-fering plate along with the rest of the offering envelopes.
This is not going to be for everyone. But, for those people who already handling most of their finances online, this will appeal to them. It is particularly good during the summer months when many of us are out of town, either on vacation or visiting family. The benefit to our congregation is obvious, this can help with our usual slump in giving during the summer. This way of giving can also benefit each member. By scheduling your offering to be deducted directly from your checking account, it makes it a little easier to be a good steward. We all have the best of intentions when we complete our commit-ment card each year. But, sometimes things get in the way of our best intentions and we may fall be-hind in our offering. Once we fall behind, it becomes difficult to catch up. Churches who have institut-ed an E-Giving program report a reduction in seasonal donation slumps.
Because the symbolic act of giving can be an important part of stewardship, there will be cards availa-ble in the pews for E-Givers. These cards will indicate that the person has given their offering electron-ically and can be placed in the offering plate.
Instructions for setting up repeating payments 1. Go to your bankʼs online site and access your accounts 2. Go to payments/transfers 3. Add Christ Lutheran Church as a Payee 4. Check “No” for account number 5. Enter: Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box #205 Islip Terrace, NY 11752 Phone # - 631-581-1710 6. In Memo field or payment description put envelope # 7. Click on” Schedule a repeating payment” 8. Select Christ Lutheran Church 9. Put in amount of offering and select a day to start 10. Select frequency (weekly, monthly) If you have any questions on how to become an E-Giver, please speak to Karl Von Seggern, Ricci Ord-way, Ellen McManus or Janet OʼMara Happy Giving! Janet OʼMara
Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly, May17-19, 2012
For those of you who have never attended a Synod Assembly, I strongly suggest that you take the time and
be part of a group of very passionate, inspiring, funny, interesting and dedicated people who assemble each year to
discuss the health of the Metropolitan New York Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
I would like to give a short synopsis of the major points of the assembly in which all of us will have a vest-
ed interest in the future.
Bishop Robert Rimbo presided over the assembly with a combination of ….control, wit and compassion.
Bishop Rimbo spoke of our Mission Statement:
“Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.”
From this Mission Statement the Vision Statement of Claimed, Gathered and Sent was the foundation of
many of the discussions during the assembly.
Vision Statement
CLAIMED: by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we are a new creation through God’s living Word by the pow-
er of the Holy Spirit;
GATHERED: by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will live among God’s faithful people, hear God’s Word
and share Christ’s supper;
SENT: by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and
deed, serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus and strive for justice and peace in the world.
The main resolution discussion was on Congregational Viability Norms. In a nutshell, a committee was
formed to formulate a list of “norms” that demonstrate 10 essential points that are needed for a congregation to
flourish. We have all heard of churches in decline that have been forced to close their doors. The main intent of
this resolution is for the Synod Council to establish a process to regularly review the viability of the congregations
of our Metropolitan New York Synod and prayerfully address appropriate action through pastoral care. After hours
of discussion and proposed amendment’s to the original document, the resolution was passed. The main point I got
from this resolution was that there is now a process to identify and notify a congregation in possible distress, even
when the congregation in question may not think that there is a problem.
There was much discussion about the viability of a congregation. Is a congregation viable if it can pay the
bills? Is it viable if the pews are full? Well, I have to tell you that the most profound statement of the assembly for
me was, “We are the inside of a donut” (yes, you read this correctly) The culture in our churches do not reflect the
surrounding communities around them. We are the inside of a donut. “The inside circle does not reflect what is all
around us” Discussion ensued about what a congregation can do. There was a statement that again made me think
of our own congregation. “All of us must re-think what we are doing to enhance outreach to survive the long haul”
Churches spoke of what they are doing “out of the box” to bring in new life to their congregations. I had dinner
with a pastor who told us a story of someone coming up to him and saying “Hey, you’re the U-tube Pastor”. One of
his church parishioners started regularly recording his sermons and posting them on U-tube. To the delight of many
people it has been a great success. This was one of the many success stories of congregations thinking out of the
box and into the lives of people who need a reason to worship in a congregation like ours and feel the joy we feel.
The vibe throughout the 450 or so attendees at the conference was that, for the most part, what we are doing now is
not working and we had better utilize the resources we have at our disposal NOW, because if we miss the bus now
we might not have anyone to get on later.
It’s my opinion that we need to ensure that the appearance of our donut is just as beautiful and enticing on
the outside as it is on the inside. Together, through Faith, Ministry and Leadership we can make it happen.
I look forward to hearing about any ideas or suggestions you may have.
“Leadership drives implementation”
Yours in Christ,
Peter Sharrock God’s Work, Our Hands.
DONATIONS NEEDED!!
Please consider purchasing an extra or two
of the following items and donate them to
the maintenance and cleaning supplies
regularly used by our sexton and property
committee volunteers:
Pinesol or other mop soap
Oreck XL Upright vacuum bags
Windex Spray
Toilet paper Clorox Cleanup Spray
Broom Small, medium & large garbage bags
Hand soap (refill or small dispenser) Dust pan
PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE
Property Work Days &
Spring Cleaning
Saturday, June 2nd
Saturday, July 14th Beginning at 9:00 am
Chores and tasks for all ages and abilities!
SUMMER FUN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS!
Christian camping is a fabulous way to spend time in God’s wondrous world.
Check out these camping opportunities for children, teens and families:
Welcome to Camp Ma-He-Tu Best. Camp. Ever. Camp Ma-He-Tu is a sleep away camp for girls ages 7-15. Established
in 1937 and now celebrating our 75th summer, we are located along
the shores of Lake Kanawaukee in Harriman State Park, Bear
Mountain, just 40 miles north of New York City.
At Ma-He-Tu, all of our campers from youngest to oldest find a place where they can be themselves; a place where they belong. Campers safely enjoy exciting adventures, learn new skills and make life-long friends in a supportive and caring environment.
Not ready to let your daughter go to camp on her own or do you need a break? Check out Ma-He-Tu’s Women in the Woods - June 30th to July 4th 2012
Girls of ALL ages just wanna have fun! Mothers and daughters - Aunts and nieces - Friends
young... and not so young.... All women and girls are welcome. Come spend one day, or even a
few playing, laughing, singing and relaxing Ma-He-Tu style.
Check out the website at http://www.mahetu.org
FELLOWSHIP AT THE SWAINE’S 120 Floral Park Street, Islip Terrace, NY
FRIDAY, JUNE 29th at 6:00 pm
Support our Food Pantry -- Bring non-perishable items
Come for Fellowship
Wine and Light Appetizers
Questions: call 631-277-9168
EDUCATION NEWS JUNE 2012
As we complete another year of Sunday School and Confirmation classes here
at Christ Lutheran Church, I would like to thank everyone involved with our education
program. Thank you to our Sunday School Superintendent, Holly Von Seggern for
overseeing our Sunday School program. Thanks to all our wonderful Sunday School
teachers who are there week after week teaching our youngest members. Thanks to
Laura Primiano for her tireless leadership of our children’s music program.
Thank you to Pastor and our Confirmation teachers who are spending every
Tuesday evening working with the youth of our congregation to help them grow in faith.
Thank you to Pastor for the high quality Adult Education classes he provides several
times during the year.
I have been the chairperson of our Christian Education Committee for 13 years
and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 11 years. I started both positions when
my children were still in Sunday School and Confirmation. Now I am the mother of
three young adults and feel that it is time for someone else to take over. I am happy to
report that Tom Primiano has agreed to take over as Chairperson of our Christian Edu-
cation Committee. Holly Von Seggern will continue as Sunday School Superintendent.
Please give both these people support and encouragement as they oversee the
education program here at Christ Lutheran.
Faithfully,
Janet O’Mara