July 2017Pastor Dan’s Installation Service • Thursday, July 20 at 7:00pmYes, that’s a Thursday evening this summer! Bishop Claire Burkat will preside. Plan to come to this special event and help us celebrate. Pastor Dan has been here since January 2016, but his 18 months of service were part of a term call, not a permanent call. This is the final step in officially calling Reverend B. Daniel Whitener as pastor of the Lutheran Church of God’s Love.

Appetizers at 6:00pm Service at 7:00pm Dessert at 8:30pmA goodwill offering will benefit “Forward Together in Faith,” a synod-led campaign for Southeastern Pennsylvania. The goal of this fundraising initiative is to equip leaders and congregations for the future of ministry through cultural changes to increase networking, innovation, and communication throughout the synod. One aspect provides funds for seminarians, an essential tool in attracting new pastors. A very large percent of current pastors in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod will be retiring within ten years. A congregational communications assessment is another output of this initiative, and is available to congregations at a small cost to help update methods of communication within congregations.

We welcome our newest members who joined our family of faith on June 18:

Tim, Marcy, and Caitlyn Cook

George, Julie, and Kaitlyn Eastburn

Welcome to Susan McDonnell • Communications SpecialistWe are delighted that Susan McDonnell has accepted the Congregation Council’s invitation to serve in the 20-hour/week position of Communications Specialist, effective July 1, 2017. We are grateful to the members of the Search Committee under the leadership of Ed Pazicky who conducted a thorough process with faithfulness and professionalism.

The Communications Specialist position provides overall direction and oversight for all the ways our congregation communicates the gospel and the mission of the church both within and beyond itself to the wider community. Susan will also carry out shared office responsibilities in close cooperation with our Office Manager, Kay Rozolis. She comes with a deep and contagious faith, an understanding of the congregational dynamics at God’s Love, and considerable nonprofit publicity experience. We are truly blessed that Susan answered God’s call to serve in this way!

Concurrent with the beginning of Susan’s service as a member of the staff, she has

Would you like to designate flowers for the altar 2017? Pick a Sunday and let us know the wording for the bulletin. Simply find a green colored form called “Altar Flowers for 2017” on the kiosk (located between the glass doors). Fill it out, and submit it in the offering plate with a check for $35. Call the church office if you have any questions.

tendered her resignation from the Congregation Council and the office of President. John Tidd (who was serving as Vice-President) will assume the role of President. As Communications Specialist, Susan will certainly work closely with the Council, but she feels this is most appropriately done in a non-voting capacity. We give thanks to God for her service on the Congregation Council these past three and a half years and as President for the past year and a half. Susan will be officially welcomed to the staff with the Order for the Installation of Lay Professional Staff at the worship service on Sunday, July 2.

We also offer a hearty thanks to Kay for working extra hours and days in the church office during the interim period of six months following the retirement of Ken Weisensale. Pastor Dan

Appalachia Service ProjectThis year’s crew of workers is headed to Cocke County in Tennesee from July 15 to 22. Our home base will be Centerview Elementary School in Newport. We plan to work on three homes in the Appalachia Mountains.

Our team members are: Stacey Sottung, Jim Humbert, Megan Orr, Ed Packer, Mike O'Neill, Gabi Canamucio, Lexi Canamucio, Billy Smith, Jackson Tini, Matt Humbert, Sam Humbert, Kate Klock, Anders Pesti, Anna Pesti, Sam Orr, Andie DeChirico, Jordan DeChirico, Andrea Bauer.

Some fun facts specifically about Cocke County:

Population: 35,162 Terrain: Mountainous. You can see the Smoky

Mountains in the distance, and you will likely enjoy some switchback roads!

County Seat: Newport, TN Major Employers: Cocke County School System,

The State of Tennessee (forestry service, prison, etc.)

Per Capita Income: $18,113Thank you very much for all of your support!

Stacey Sottung, Coordinator

Robotic PetsThe Pet Ministry is thrilled to announce that a cat and a dog have taken up residence in Pastor Dan’s office!  No, they're not real but robotic. Thanks to Patti Levenberg, who passed along an article to me from the Philadelphia Inquirer (March 12, 2017). It reports how life-like robotic cats and dogs with realistic fake fur are having a soothing and comforting effect on seniors with dementia and other cognitive issues. I did some research and shared it with Pastor Dan, who was intrigued.Research shows that the response of residents in nursing homes has been overwhelmingly positive. They become calmer and more content while stroking, petting, or otherwise interacting with one of the animals. The cat purrs, raises its paw, blinks, nuzzles, and falls asleep. Not to be out done, the dog woofs, responds to motion and sound, and even has a heartbeat! As the Director of Recreation at the Abramson Center for Jewish Life reported, “The reaction from residents has been absolutely tremendous. The residents fall in love almost instantly.” As of March 2017, the Center had “adopted” 14 of the furry critters.Hasbro Toys introduced the battery-powered “Joy for All Companion Pets” in 2015 and sells them online through Target for approximately $100 each. Anyone who thinks that such a “pet” could be helpful to their loved one is welcome to examine them in Pastor Dan's office and even borrow them to gauge their effect. An additional virtue: they don’t eat, chew the furniture, or pee on the carpet!I am posting the Inquirer article on the Pet Ministry table; please take one. Contact Diana at dpazicky@aol.com or Pastor Dan for more information.

From the Financial SecretaryThanks to all who have kept their pledges and gifts up to date as we move into the summer months. At midyear we have received just under 94% of the amount projected to balance our budget that was

approved at the annual meeting. Although we are currently saving money on the salary that was budgeted to Pastor Marissa, Church Council wants to use those savings to significantly pay down our mortgage, and not end the year in a deficit position.

Enjoy your summer vacation and continue to keep your giving up to date. While away, mail in your envelope, or catch up when you return. The bills continue to come in during the summer. Questions, please contact me at plevenberg77@verizon.net or 215 860-0136.

2017 Actual Current Giv-ing

2017 Projected Giving

$170,000 $180,000 $190,000 $200,000

$181,984

$194,472

Envelope Giving through June 2017

From The Outreach Program“Thank you for your generous contribution of $2,500 to Outreach in support of the Kids Care Packaging Event.” [Kate Klock, a member and tenth grader, organized 66 youth and adults to assemble 10,000 macaroni and cheese meals on June 3. These meals were later delivered to the Emergency Relief Association of Lower Bucks County to feed the hungry in our area.]

From Tom Baust, Friend of God’s Love and former employee/musician“Thank you so much for the cards and calls. We are still planning on the bone marrow transplant, perhaps as soon as August. Please continue to pray.”

“Christmas in July” Global CollectionMerry Christmas! Even though it’s the middle of summer we are spreading Christmas cheer by financially supporting two global missions.1. Life in Abundance: If this name sounds

familiar, it is! Our CAN went to Africa for this organization. Life in Abundance seeks to restore health, renew hope and inspire lasting transformation for the world’s most vulnerable families.

2. ELCA’s Good Gifts: God is calling us into the world—together. Help purchase animals for farmers in 3rd world countries. With generous, loving hands, we can make a difference.

Here’s how it works:1. In the Commons, choose your gift by picking an

ornament.

2. Turn the ornament over and look for the number on the back. Write your name under the corresponding ornament number.

3. Place your payment in the offering plate. Be sure to include your ornament number with your payment.

4. Write your name of the back of the ornament and hang it on the tree.

The goal is to completely decorate the tree! Just remember, your gift carries God’s love to others, making a difference in their lives and around the world! Any questions, contact Sandy Anthony at sandyanthony@msn.com or 215-757-4709.

Reformation 500Pastor Dan has selected resource materials that relate to Martin Luther and the upcoming 500th

anniversary of the Reformation (October 2017). Look over the items on the table in the Commons. One side has resources you may take and keep; the other side has materials that you may borrow (honor system). During the summer months, on loan materials are related to the witness, life, and thought of one of the most faithful Christian interpreters of Lutheran teaching in the 20th century—Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Feel free to borrow these books and don’t worry if they get traces of Jersey shore sand or Pocono dust in them!

Vacation Bible School COST? $70 per camper, campers bring their

own lunch; checks payable to The Lutheran Church of God’s Love

WHO? Children entering K – 5th grade WHEN? August 7 – 11 (M – F) 9am to 3pm WHERE? God’s Love Lutheran Church SIGN UP: ww.godslovenewtown.org Go to

About Us; click the Education tab

VBS will be staffed by four Bear Creek Camp counselors (college-aged adults) along with God’s Love volunteers. Campers will explore, celebrate and grow in God’s creation while learning about God’s love for us. Each day campers will experience Jesus through songs, bible study, games, crafts and other activities.

Community Family Fun Day and Petting ZooSeptember 30 from 11:00am – 3:00pmLet’s show families in our local community what a great place God’s Love is!

This event, being held on the church grounds, will feature activities for kids (moon bounce, face painting, and crafts); a Blessing of the Animals; live music; and tours of the church.

Help spread the word with your friends and neighbors! Please consider volunteering to help. The next organizational meeting will be Sunday, July 16 around 10:45am after worship. More info, contact Carol Zetterberg at 215-757-4721 or Diana Pazicky at dpazicky@aol.com.

God’s Caring StitchersWe are meeting once a month this summer, working on many different projects for Christmas giving.Join us on July 21 and/or August 18 at 1:00pm in Room A1/A2.Questions, please contact Cindy Sundstrom at cscrafter1@verizon.net or 215-493-2484.

Kitchen Remodel Payoff StatusOur kitchen appeal fund has generated $7,040 in gifts/pledges in the month of June. Thank you to everyone who has contributed! In one month, we have reduced the $14,000 balance on the renovation fund by half!

Please join the 40 families who have made gifts/pledges to date. Every gift helps!

We CAN2 do it again!Preliminary planning meetings have taken place on May 16 and June 22.

If you are interested in being part of the planning process, please contact Jon Hangeland atjhangeland84@gmail.com

July CollectionsThis month we will collect non-perishables for the Emergency Relief Association of Lower Bucks County in Levittown.. Collection box is in the Commons. Thanks!

Red Cross Blood DriveThursday, July 27 from 2pm – 7pm

We will host the blood drive in the Modular Units.Go to redcrossblood.org

or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to set up an appointment.May 28 June 4 June 11 June 18 June 25

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Worship Attendance 2017

Pray for Worship Leaders July 2: Larry Zetterberg July 9: Todd & Carol Stranahan July 16: Andy Senft July 23: John Shultz July 30: Bob Loven

July 3: Fran & Kathy July 10: Ed & Nancy July 17: Eileen & Joyce & Bud July 24: Fran & Kathy July 31: Ed & Nancy

July 2017Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1Car Wash Noon to 3pmat the Church

2Worship 9:30am

3Counters 9:30am

4OFFICE CLOSEDHappy 4th of July!

5

Service in Café 7pm

6 7 8

9Worship 9:30am

10Counters 9:30am

11 Invest Comm 9am

Rejoice! 7:30pm

12

Service in Café 7pm

13 14 15ASP Trip to Tennessee

16Worship 9:30am

Worship MinistryMeeting 10:30am

17Counters 9:30am

18

Rejoice! 7:30pm

19

Service in Café 7pm

20Pr Dan’s Installation Appetizers 6pm Service 7pm Dessert 8:30pm

21

Knit & Crochet 1pm

22

ASP Trip to Tennessee ASP Trip Returns23Worship 9:30am

Service Team Meeting 10:30am

24Counters 9:30am

25

Rejoice! 7:30pm

26

Service in Café 7pm

27Blood Drive 2 – 7pmIn the Mods

Gal’s Book Club 7pm

28 29

30Worship 9:30am

31Counters 9:30am

Lutheran Church of God’s Love791 Newtown-Yardley RoadNewtown, PA 18940215.968.4335www.godslovenewtown.org

Rev. B. Daniel Whitenerprdanw@verizon.net

Kay Rozolisgods_love@verizon.net