planning for mission in god’s world - spirit of life lutheran...
TRANSCRIPT
First, I’d like to officially welcome Carl
Brewer as our new music leader. We are blessed
to have him with us. I look forward to the time
ahead as we learn each other and celebrate Jesus
through music. Also a big thanks to the Praise
Team, Kristina Aldred, Casey Carlson and
Vonda Miller who are helping so much with the
transition.
Second – Synod Assembly. Every other
year the Assembly is scheduled to encourage
members of every congregation to attend
workshops on Saturday. This year, that day is
Saturday, June 11; the venue is the Hilton
Daytona Beach Resort; registration for non-
voting participants is $25.00 or $100/ 5 members
of the same congregation. Workshops are listed
on the Synod website (FBSynod.org) and
registration closes on April 30. See me if you
have questions or are interested in attending.
We are also receiving new members this
month. Most have worshipped with us regularly
over the past several months and we look
forward to the “official” welcome and reception.
This month is always a transition time.
School is over for the year, there are graduates to
celebrate, and vacation planning starts. We will
celebrate the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism with
a number of our young adults, VBS is in the
planning stages, and as we move, liturgically,
from Easter season to the Pentecost season, our
focus shifts to the healing power of Christ’s
presence. The “symbol” for that blessing is the
Tree of Life. Keep an eye out for visual
representations.
Thanks also to the women of Ruth Circle
for planning and hosting our Mother’s Day
luncheon on May 7. All ages welcome!
Christ’s resurrection is the promise of new
life for you and for me. The celebration of
Pentecost reminds us that we are gifted with and by
the Holy Spirit. Part of that gift is the privilege of
being a part of God’s mission in the world. “God’s
Work. Our Hands.” Has been an annual event for
all congregations of the ELCA across the country.
We’ll be planning our “labors of love” soon – give
us your ideas for service projects.
Keep up with Spirit of Life through our
website – Spiritoflifejacksonville.org – through our
Facebook page – “like” us at Spirit of Life – and
through our regular “eblasts”. We are updating the
directory so give us your email address, any
changes in phone numbers, addresses or other
contact information.
As always, I give thanks for you always in
my prayers and am more than blessed to be your
pastor.
In his love.
Pastor Ellen
P lann ing for Miss ion in God ’s World
Newsletter of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church
2636 New Berlin Rd.
Jacksonville, FL 32226
904-757-9114
Email: [email protected]
Spiritoflifejacksonville.org
The
Dove
May
2016
Page 2 The Dove
Worship and Music
What's Brewing in the music ministry?
Thank you for your warm welcome! Our praise team is off to a great start thanks to all the hard work by all of its' members. Be sure to let them know what a great job they are doing. By the way, I'm still looking for a bass player. I'm selecting music that is easy to sing for you and thematic to worship. Al-though we are not professional musicians, our goal is to provide music that en-hances the worship experience! In regards to the second service, are you singing during the service??? Pastor
Cross is assisting me greatly in selecting hymns for each service until I become familiar with our hymnal and order of worship. If you have a favorite hymn, write it down and give it to me. It is my desire to select hymns that are mean-ingful to you and fit the message of the day. Once again, thank you for all that you do to contribute to the music ministry at Spirit of Life Lutheran Church! Blessings,
Carl
Get Your SOL T-Shirt
Spirit of Life t-shirts will be red with white lettering, logo at right will be printed on front left pocket side and the back which will also include our
address and phone number. Orders are being accepted for sizes Youth XS - Adult 4XL (extra charge for sizes larger than 2XL). $13 each. The sizes run pretty true, there is a sizing chart on the narthex table or can be viewed at http://www.customink.com./ If you are interested: please pay by cash or check and notate the size and number of shirts you'd like to order. Orders will be accepted until May 22nd.
They are great to wear everyday! Or wear one while volunteering or during special events. Questions ? See or call Vonda at the church 904-757-9114 or her cell 904-483-7948
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Ministry Support Property
Leadership Team Member: Bob Hoyle [email protected] (410)-596-2986
SUMMER IS AROUNG THE CORNER!
Our church is getting a wonderful “Curb Appeal”. Thank you to everyone who have adopted a bed. Sum-
mer is quickly approaching and some beds still need a host family! Please contact me if interested.
Steve has found a source for a bucket lift....soon the portico will be cleaned and light bulbs replaced. When funds are available the fire code violations will be addressed....donations welcome!!! Please mark yor dona-tion for “Property”. Please, any thoughts, ideas or suggestions are always welcome! Bob Hoyle
Financial Management
Leadership Team Member: Vonda Miller (904)483-7918
INCOME EXPENSES
Envelope offerings $10,698.16 $13,770.80
FTD Offerings $ 645.00
Interest Income $ 2.03
Trivant Choice $ $ 56.00 3/31/16 Carryover Balance
Special Offering $ 100.00 $2,192.77
Balance $11,499.16
Feb. Carryover Funds $ 4,462.41
TOTAL $15,963.60
Food Pantry Donation: $ 167.19
Coming soon: In our Narthex, there will be a kiosk to hold the ipad and square scanner so members can
make electronic offerings. It will also be used for the Pumpkin Patch or other special events.
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Charles and June Berry ….
Married 65 years on April 14, 2016. They met at Newberry College over a ping pong game. Dad took Mom's ball and wouldn't give it back until she said she would go out with him. How debonair of him :) And so as history would have it they produced 4 beautiful/successful children who love them dearly... They are very family oriented, always there for any event recognizing their kids, grandkids, and/or great grandkids. They love to travel and have seen most of the United States, Alaska and Hawaii included. They toured Europe, England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and Turkey with Dad's sister and husband. If anyone knows a Berry they know their passion for sports, any sport. My parents are season ticket hold-ers for the Florida Gators, and love to travel to see the Chicago Cubs play. They started their spiritual life together at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on the southside of Jacksonville, then moved to St. James Lutheran Church on the northside, and now at Spirit of Life. My parents lived out their faith in their own lives. As such, we (their children) are who we are today be-
cause of the example they set in living a Godly life. Joan B. Fowler
Newsletter of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church Page 5
Fellowship of Prayer (Requests for Prayer) To join us in giving prayers for those in need, or need a special prayer contact please call the church office
or email [email protected]
Our Members: Robin Blackburn, and Frances Bock, Dody Hicken, Gene Robertson.
Our Military Service Members: Brenda, Brian, Eric, Jacobye, James, Jared, Jeff, Josh, and Tate
Our Friends and Family: Lynn Beck, Kathryn Brewer, Jerry Burns, Delores CarlesiPat Chris, George &
Millie Compton, Lauren, Spencer, Zoey & Emily Gray, Hardesty Family, Kirby Hutson, Stephanie Kinter,
Larry McMillon, Carol Nordiser, Dewitt Patton, Lois Phelps, Kathy Richardson, Erin Ruddock, Gina Flynn
Sell, Ann Sheldon, Earl Smith, John Paul Sullivan, Pastor James, Bob & Terri Ramer, Wilma Tison, Bob
Verbridge, Ricky Wilson, Dave Winter, Karlene Zink and those who have not heard the Gospel.
Congregational Life Leadership Team Member: Kristina Aldred [email protected]
Communication
Need something placed in the next Newsletter or on our website?
Want to be get eBlasts?
Have pictures of events you want to share?
Have suggestion for the Power Points used during the Services?
Contact Kristina at [email protected]
Ruth Circle Women of the ELCA (WELCA)
Dawn Martin—(904)518-6903
Our next monthly meeting will be May 6 from 10-12
Thank you for your donations!!!!
Our Easter Baskets brought in $196 that will be going towards carpet cleaning in the statuary.
The ELCA Good Gifts: Buck A Pig or Whole Pig for $30 brought in $375. The Circle voted to add $15 so
that we had an even $390 which will buy 13 pigs. A pig in the pen is money in the bank! A piglet is a
perfect financial investment for many people around the world. That’s because within months this little
piglet can grow to nearly 200 pounds and grab a great price at the market. Should a family have a failed
harvest, medical expense or other unexpected need, this gift can be cashed in to make all the difference.
Next year we will be collecting for “Bees”.
A discussion of Easter Hats turned into a “Mother / Daughter Luncheon”. In honor of Mother’s Day, The
Ruth Circle will be sponsoring a Mother – Daughter luncheon at the church on Saturday, May 7th, 2016 at
11:30 am. If you don’t have a daughter or mother who can attend with you, please adopt one for the day and
bring her. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex. Deadline to signup is May 1, 2016.
The WELCA Spring Gathering of the First Coast Gathering was held at St. Andrews by the Sea. Five of our
ladies attended. The theme was “Broken & Whole” We certainly are broken people, and through Jesus we
become whole.
All are welcome to join us at our next meeting.
Newsletter of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church Page 6
Education / Youth Leadership Team Members: Bob Verbridge [email protected] &
Curtis [email protected]
“That Church” Youth Group—Curtis Haugen
It’s Elementary—Bob Verbridge
Boy Scouts—Gary Miner
The Boy Scouts meet on Tuesdays from 7:00pm until 8:00 pm.
Spirit of Life has been granted a Boy Scout Charter!!!
Boy Scouting is for boys 11-17 years of age. Boys may become Boy Scouts if they have earned the “Cub
Scouting Arrow of Light” award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the 5th grade and are at
least 10 years old. If you are interested, please call or text Gary Minar at 904-334-7492.
Please keep Bob Verbridge in your thoughts and prayers.
Confirmation Class—Pastor Ellen
May 5th @ 6pm
We met a couple of times in April, and are currently planning our schedule for the summer. Brittany Hoyle
will need the assistance of all Youth this summer to help construct the VBS decorations. She will probably
meet at the church during the week and times will be announced at church and put in the bulletin.
VBS – “Cave Quest”
July 11-15
6-8:30pm
Thanks to everybody for their support, sorry we don’t have a lot to report for April, however I should have
a write up next month about our Youth (Eli, Danielle and Hunter) that went to the River Rat Ramble!
Currently no dates set for May, but will be posted in the bulletin.
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April marked another month of growth for the Food Pantry in many ways. We continue to see new faces every week, and we also have some new volunteers that are making our work easier. Lutheran Social Services continues to lead the way in our journey, as they are relentless in finding addi-tional sources of food and equipment for us. We have been blessed with more shipments of free snack foods and produce. We now also have a small network of churches and ministries that we are working with to cascade food to when we have more than we can use, and in return we are receiving bread and pas-tries, produce, and other donations. By doing this we are expanding our reach outside of the immediate neighborhood and feeding families that might not have the means to travel to our pantry.
Other big news is that we have partnered with Wellcare of Florida to provide information booths during our Food Pantry days in May. Wellcare is an insurance company that provides a free information service. They set up information booths at events and provide free Medicare/Medicade information to anyone who desires it. Wellcare will be working with us all five Tuesdays in May, and in return will make a donation to our Food Pantry. This should be a win for both of us, and it also gets us closer to one of our other goals; to of-fer services other than food to our clients and their families. We are on our way!!! Here are the numbers we reported for the first quarter of 2016: Households Served: 848 Individuals Served: 2,511 Seniors Served: 511 Children Served: 631 Individuals with Disabilities Served: 451 Veterans Served: 107
Emergency Food Pantry Steve Carlson [email protected] (904)654-6462
Matthew 25:35. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me"
As part of our ongoing outreach effort with the Food Pantry, we are collecting religious material to give to our clients when they pick up their food. For example, many of us get a monthly Guidepost magazine, have many devotional materials, or other publications that get read and discarded. Do you have an old Bible or perhaps want to donate an inexpen-sive Bible? Copies of Luther's Small Catechism? If you are able to donate any items such as the ones mentioned, please bring them to church and place in the container in the Narthex. We will then cascade them to our clients as appropriate. As always, if you wish to work with us in our mission to end hunger in our community, please feel free to bring in food donations, volunteer to work at the Food Pantry, or we also are happy to accept monetary do-nations. Just write "Food Pantry" on the memo line of your check and it will be credited to the Food Pan-try. Your's in Christ. PAX Steve Carlson
Items Needed
Peanut Butter and Jelly Spaghetti Noodles and Sauce
Caned Vegtables
Food Pantry (continued) Steve Carlson [email protected] (904)654-6462
Newsletter of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church Page 9
Newsletter of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church Page 10
Faith Into Action Team Leader: Caroline Rademacher
Caroline Rademacher—[email protected]
and
Maggie Spruill - [email protected]
Our next meeting will be May 9th at 6:30pm.
Doing any Spring Cleaning?
Please be sure to save your clothes for the August clothing giveaway!
Thrivent Night at the Sharks
May 21st
@ 7:00pm
There will be a special parking area for a pre-game tailgate party. Food will be provided at no additional cost. There will be a special part of the parking lot reserved for our group. There will be three different costs for the tickets. They are $14, $19, and $23. Approximate Sections are 121 (higher), 121 (lower), & 100 respectively. If you are interested, flyers are available on the table in the Narthex. Please advise Vonda if you want to join the fun so that we may have an accurate head count.
Page 11 The Dove
Sacristans—Dawn Martin (904)518-6903
Flowers
Flowers are part of the beauty and frailty of creation. Fresh flowers are a symbol of life, our joy in Christ
and human frailty. There is a “Flower Chart” in the hallway to the office. You can sign up to bring flowers
for a special day or in memory of someone or … just because. Just put your name on the chart and bring the
flowers in on the day you designated.
You can also provide funds prior to the designated Sunday and a purchase will be made, The flowers will
be placed at the alter and whomever you wish to remember or honor will be printed in the bulletin.
This Month’s Birthdays and Anniversaries Are we missing your important event? Please let us know! Send us an email
[email protected] or call the church office at (904) 757-9114.
BIRTHDAYS
02 Penny Roehrig
03 Bonnie Messick
05 Debby Speicher
09 Carol Berry
11 Tom Beck
15 Dan Nichols
21 Brandon Duke
22 Mary Elwood
23 Trey Minar
24 Jasmine Roziers
27 Nathan Riley
ANNIVERSARIES
07 Dale & Kim McLarty
21 Ronnie & Cathy Barnes
22 Tristin & Jen Ochoa
25 Chad & Samantha Gullett
29 Robert & Mary Williams
Worship & Music
Spirit of Life Lutheran Church
2636 New Berlin Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Community, Faith and Service
Pastor Ellen Cross
2636 New Berlin Road
Jacksonville, Florida 32226
Phone: 904-757-9114
E-mail:
Community, Faith and Service
This is Christ’s Church.
There is a place for you here. We are the church that shares a
living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace
you as a whole person— questions, complexities and all.
Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the World!
Spirit of Life
Lutheran Church
Www.SpiritofLifeJacksonville.org