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July 2015 Newsletter
Inside this Issue
Pastor’s
Reflections
From the President
Financial Report
Daily
Lectionary
Stewardship
Stephen Ministries
Vacation Bible
School
July
Announcements
Jews For Jesus
Congregational
Survey
The Gerikes
Shoes for Kids
Calendar
Birthdays/
Anniversaries
Pastor Redmann’s Reflections
My first thoughts for our reflections on
1/2 this past month go to the amazing
Vacation Bible School; to our terrific
3 staff and volunteers; to Miss Gloria and
her great organizational skills and my
4 heart rejoices in what the LORD has
done!
5
14
But when Jesus saw it, he was much
6 displeased, and said unto them, Suffer
the little children to come unto me, and
7 forbid them not: for of such is the
kingdom of God. 15 Verily I say unto
8/9 you, Whosoever shall not receive the
kingdom of God as a little child, he
shall not enter therein. 16 And he took
10/11
them up in his arms, put his hands
upon them, and blessed them (Mark
12/13
10:14-16 KJV).
14
Once a year we have a terrific
opportunity to do just that through our
Vacation Bible School (VBS). This year
was no exception. It was terrific.
I noted with curiosity that of our five
lessons, three of them came from the Old
Testament. I thought that was great. It
also bespeaks volumes of what we may
learn from a close reading of the Old
Testament. Our God is the same
yesterday, today, and forever! The Bible
stories of the Old Testament are
contemporary for today!
Who has not heard of the legendary story
of David and Goliath? The legend has
grown exponentially. Whenever we are
up against unrelenting and superior odds
we are David preparing to battle Goliath.
Grab your slingshots, boys!
3
and [Jesus] said, “Truly, I say to you,
unless you turn and become like
15 children, you will never enter the
4
16 kingdom of heaven. Whoever
humbles himself like this child is the
17 greatest in the kingdom of heaven
(Matthew 18: 3-4 ESV).
And the children taught us that the
“lesson connection” was that Jesus Gives
Me Courage. That would be courage for
the living of these days. Courage to face
our sadness and sorrow. Courage to
challenge our old evil foe and defeat our
18
addiction or our bad habit or our apathy
and our silence when what the LORD
For the past several years we have
dedicated much time, energy, resources, really wants is our faithful confession.
prayer, and longing to our Lutheran Child Courage to stand when others around us
Development Center. How I long for the are falling and succumbing to cultures’
LORD to grant children in HIS preschool new norms. Courage to fight city hall and
persevere in the campaign to build a
program. As you see from God’s Holy
Cross Monument Prayer Park. Courage to
Word, above, it is clear that the LORD
face our sickness, our illness, our dying
has a very high opinion of all dear
children. Of course, it is not that they are with grace and dignity knowing that we
are preparing to see our Lord and Savior,
“innocent” in and of themselves. We
Jesus.
know from God’s Word that we are all
born sinful and in sin did our mother’s
Beloved in the Lord, this message of
conceive us (Psalm 51). Nevertheless,
salvation is the ONE THING NEEDFUL
God desires that we make special effort
of which Mary is commended and Martha
to bring little children to HIM.
is quieted: 41 But the Lord answered
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her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and
troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is
necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion,
which will not be taken away from her” (Luke
10:41-42 ESV).
What great joy these little children bring to our
campus; to our mission and ministry; to my,
personally.
So, dear friends in Christ,
I am so richly blessed to be on campus each day when 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,
I can stroll across the “yellow brick road” to the child 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making
development center and greet our teachers and staff
my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership
and receive a hug from almost all of our children. I
in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I
can hear our teachers reading Bible stories. I can hear am sure of this, that he who began a good work in
the Christian music playing. I can see the artwork
you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus
posted related to the Bible lesson.
Christ (Philippians 1:3-6).
I am equally so richly blessed because I am filled with In Christian love and service,
contentment that we ARE about the pursuit of the
Great Commission.
18
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority
in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go Rev. Kenneth Redmann, Pastor
Lutheran Church of the Cross
therefore and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of
the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to
observe all that I have commanded you. And
behold, I am with you always, to the end of the
age” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV).
From the Sass Family:
This week the Sass family has been blessed with two beautiful twin girls
who are healthy. Our daughter Kathryn and husband, James Kirkpatrick, are the
blessed parents of Vivian Grace and Olivia Isabella through adoption.
The babies were born in Omaha, Neb. on June 10th.
There is legal paperwork to be concluded before they
leave for Naperville, but will be back in time for their
baptism on July 11th. That also happens to be my
(Herb’s) birthday! The girls will be baptized at the
5:30pm service at St. John the Divine in Wheaton, IL.
God’s Blessings, Herb & Barbara
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WORK AND REST
This month and in particular the 4th of July weekend, provides many people with time away
from work distractions and gives them a time to reflect on God’s gifts. We at Lutheran
Church of the Cross are blessed with people with various gifts. When we put these gifts
together, we do amazing things and we get many things done that give us great satisfaction
in our lives. We are reminded that God established this pattern of work. He worked for six
days and rested on the seventh. We should follow God’s example and accept His gift of rest
from our labor by taking time to rest and time to worship. Even though we work throughout
the week in our normal pattern of daily life, the work of the church must go on. I want to
thank all our volunteers as well as our staff for the great work that you all do at Lutheran
Church of the Cross and the Lutheran Child Development Center. I ask all, to take the time
to find your true rest in God. Through prayer, meditation, and hearing the Word of God, that
you find that rest God wants to give us.
BOARD/COMMITTEE FOCUS
This month I am focusing on our Board of Elders:
They are charged with:
1. Assisting the Pastor in all matters pertaining to the spiritual welfare of the
congregation.
2. Consider complaints and grievances of members of the congregation if Matthew 18:1516 has been fully observed and shall report to the Church Council those which cannot
be otherwise resolved, in accordance with Matthew 18: 17-18.
3. Make every effort to induce members who have been negligent in their attendance at
services, in the use of Scripture, in the use of the Sacraments, and the financial
support of the church, to mend their sinful ways and fully enjoy the right and
privileges of their membership.
4. Set an example of Christian conduct and life.
5. See to it that all regular services, funeral services, weddings, and any other special
services are conducted in such a manner as to avoid needless disturbances and to
foster an attitude conducive to worship among those in attendance.
6. Directs the work of the Head Usher.
The members of the Board of Elders are:
Head Elder: Noel Hyde
Assistant Head Elder: John Phillipp
Secretary: John Vogel
Year round Elders: John Jacobsen, Ron Nottingham, Fred Spier, Mike Barzona, Steve
Nelson, David Obermier and Herb Sass.
Winter Elders: Ron Ball and Len Rutter
Luke 11:28 “He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and
obey it.”
David Gruntman
President
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2015
5/31/2015
Year to Date
5/31/2014
$7,500
$32,812
$5,293
$20,771
$164,248
$23,844
$10,814
$54,640
$7,753
$39,085
$251,700
$36,890
INCOME
Designated Funds Income
Memorials, Benevolent Funds, Mortgage Principal
General Fund Income
Envelopes, Plate, Sunday School, Mortgage payLCDC Income
Weekly Fees, Gifts, VPK, Fed. Lunch Program
TOTAL INCOME
Checking Account Balance as of May 31, 2015
$5,390
EXPENSES
$8,260
$58,942
$146
$26,165
$165,261
$25,208
$10,584
$60,185
$11,694
TOTAL EXPENSES
$45,009
$284,388
$37,048
LCEF Line of Credit
$0
Designated Fund Expenses
Memorials, Cross Monument, Benevolent Funds
General Fund Expenses
Salaries, Utilities, Maintenance, RE Taxes, Supplies
LCDC Expenses
Salaries, Food, Supplies, Licensure
LCEF Mortgage Balance
Cross Monument Fund Bal.
Scrip Inventory and Cash
$614,581
$2,120
$10,685.00
Page 5
DAILY LECTIONARY
This outline is a devotional reading plan that covers the entire Sacred Scriptures each year. The
selections are based on ancient models and are generally in harmony with the liturgical church year.
The average reading is three chapters daily. A seasonal canticle is assigned for each month and is
scheduled to replace the psalm on the first and last days of the month. All of the psalms are read twice
Month
Day
Book
Chapter
Verses
Month
Day
Book
Chapter
Verses
July
1
Joshua
6
6-27
July
22
1 Sam.
5
1-6:3,10-16
Acts
10
18-33
Acts
18
1-11,23-28
1 Sam.
6
19-7:17
Acts
19
1-22
July
July
July
2
3
4
Joshua
7
1-26
Acts
10
34-48
Joshua
8
1-28
Acts
11
1-18
Joshua
10
1-25
Acts
11
19-30
July
5
Joshua
23
1-16
Acts
12
1-25
July
6
Joshua
24
1-31
Acts
13
1-12
July
7
Judg.
2
6-23
Acts
13
13-41
July
8
Judg.
3
7-31
Acts
13
42-52
July
July
July
July
9
10
11
12
Judg.
4
1-24
Acts
14
1-18
Judg.
6
1-24
Acts
14
19-15:5
Judg.
6
25-40
Acts
15
6-21
Judg.
7
1-23
Gal.
1
1-24
13
1-25
July
13
Judg.
Gal.
2
1-21
July
14
Judg.
14
1-20
Gal.
3
1-22
July
15
Judg.
15
1-16:3
Gal.
3
23-4:11
July
16
Judg.
16
4-30
Gal.
4
12-31
1 Sam.
1
1-20
Gal.
5
1-26
1 Sam.
1
21-2:17
Gal.
6
1-18
1 Sam.
2
18-36
Acts
15
22-41
1-21
July
July
July
17
18
19
July
20
1 Sam.
3
Acts
16
1-22
July
21
1 Sam.
4
1-22
Acts
16
23-40
July
July
July
23
24
25
1 Sam.
8
1-22
Acts
21
15-36
1 Sam.
9
1-27
Acts
21
37-22:16
July
26
1 Sam.
10
1-27
Acts
22
17-29
July
27
1 Sam.
12
1-25
Acts
22
30-23:11
July
28
1 Sam.
13
1-18
Acts
23
12-35
July
29
1 Sam.
14
47-15:9
Acts
24
1-23
July
July
August
August
30
31
1
2
1 Sam.
15
10-35
Acts
24
24-25:12
1 Sam.
16
1-23
Acts
25
13-27
1 Sam.
17
1-19
Acts
26
1-23
1 Sam.
17
20-47
Acts
26
24-27:8
48-18:9
August
3
1 Sam.
17
Acts
27
9-26
August
4
1 Sam.
18
10-30
Acts
27
27-44
August
5
1 Sam.
19
1-24
Acts
28
1-15
August
6
1 Sam.
20
1-23
Acts
28
16-31
1 Sam.
20
24-42
1 Cor.
1
1-25
1 Sam.
24
1-22
1 Cor.
1
26-2:16
1 Sam.
25
1-22
1 Cor.
3
1-23
25
23-44
August
August
August
7
8
9
August
10
1 Sam.
1 Cor.
4
1-21
August
11
1 Sam.
26
1-25
1 Cor.
5
1-13
Page 6
The lazy days of summer are here! Whether it is in Florida, where those who don’t have
to go out stay in the shade between late morning and late afternoon, or in the more
temperate climate in the north, where the full day can be enjoyed outside as there are
not enough of them year around, it is a time when most of us relax a bit, dream a bit, and
refresh a bit.
Unfortunately for the world, the attacks of Satan and his minions don’t ever cease. Satan
never takes time off. We Christians are under relentless attack by modern culture and
even at times by our own government. To resist those attacks we need to refresh our
faith daily, by prayer and being the in Word, and by encouraging each other. Our God
never rests, either. Stronger than Satan, He is with us all the time, and is the Strength
we can rely upon.
Our congregation, and all its ministries, is one of resources we rely upon to help us in
our daily lives. More than just a Sunday worship service, LCC acts in dozens of ways to
help us in all we do. Whether it is our LCDC and its sharing the gospel with the littlest
among us, our Stephen Ministers, elders, and pastor in their home and hospital visits,
our support of district and synod mission efforts, or our witness by our cross and prayer
park, all during this quiet summer of our lives we steward our most precious gift—the
saving message of salvation through Christ alone. We utilize our time, talent, and
treasure to testify to God’s love for us, and His strong support for us in all our trials.
Please don’t forget that our work goes on all through the summer, albeit with lower
attendance both from our associate members and from our local members who also
travel and visit during these months. Your weekly support is critical, necessary, and is a
portion of the service we owe to God, as in Him we live, move, have our being, and yes,
even relax and refresh, due to His blessings to us. We are under budget in our expenses
for this year, but we are also lagging budget in contributions, and will begin to access
our line of credit heavily after a nearly two month period when we did not draw on it.
As you contemplate all the good things the Lord has brought to you, don’t forget that
the needs of our church continue, daily and weekly. God’s blessings upon your summer!
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By Joyce Spier & David Gruntman, Stephen Leaders
The Quality of Age
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should
go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide . . . John 15:16 (ESV)
Nearly a century ago, Zinfandel grapes were planted in California. Today
the trunks of these grape vines are gnarled and their branches produce less
fruit. The high quality of the grapes, however, still remains the same.
As we get older our bodies can get gnarled and minds sometimes struggle to
remember. But our steadfast faith in God together with years of life
experiences make each of us uniquely capable of still being of service to God.
Moses was 80, Aaren was 83 and Miriam was 85 years of age when God had
them lead his people from Egypt to the Promised Land. God has a plan for
each one of us, whatever our age or health, to serve him every day of our
life.
As Stephen Ministers we have seen how God uses each of us - our time, our
individual life experiences and our training. According to His plan, He
selects the right Stephen Minister at just the right time to reach out in
Christian love to people who need a friend who will listen, care, pray,
support and encourage them. If you would like the support of a Stephen
Minister, please contact one of your Stephen Leaders:
Joyce Spier at 941-627-0541 or David Gruntman at 410-303-0044.
The Stephen Series logo symbolizes that we all are broken people and
that it is through the cross of Jesus that we are made whole.
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PLEASE THANK ART GROEN AND WELCOME SEAN BRYAN
As you are all aware, the Lord, in His infinite mercy and grace, has called Mike Rogers to be
with Him in heaven. Art Groen has graciously stepped in to fulfill the custodial needs of the
congregation in these past several weeks. Art has found it necessary, at this time, to tender his
resignation effective July 4th. This was not an easy decision for Art and he cited health
considerations as his primary need to retire. When you see Art,
please thank him for his great service to our Lord and to our
church. In consultation with Gerry Hougan, Head Trustee, Sean
Bryan was asked to be our interim custodian. Gerry Hougan and
David Gruntman will assemble the details of the job and write a
revised job description. It is more involved than it may seem at first
glance as Mike was engaged in almost every aspect of the campus
plant facility PLUS all his voluntary work as a dedicated
churchman. Therefore, we will strive to separate the volunteerism
from the compensated duties. We will seek to recreate all the job
duties including but not limited to, scheduling regular maintenance
work (fire extinguishers, kitchen grease pit, A/C units, mowing,
etc.). Many things Gerry and the Board of Trustees are caring for but Mike was frequently
called upon to open the doors, etc. Ordering supplies and equipment; opening doors for visiting
groups; trouble shooting the numerous upkeep issues on and around the campus. We THINK
the final position will require 20-25 hours per week. Sean has accepted the position. The plan
is for Sean to work with Art until the fourth. Gerry and David are developing the new job
description and job expectations. When you see Sean please welcome him aboard! It has been
remarkable how the LORD provides in yet another important way.
Thanks, Pastor Redmann
UPDATE FOR YOUR BUSINESS DIRECTORY:
David Obermier’s business contact information has changed. Please update your business directory with the following information:
David W. Obermier, Community Liaison; Licensed Pre-arrangement Specialist
Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Cemetery, Crematory: 9400 Indian Spring Cemetery Rd.,
Punta Gorda, FL 33950: Phone: 941-639-1171 Fax: 941-637-1795
Page 11
Got SCRIP ?
It is always convenient to buy grocery, pharmacy or Wal-Mart SCRIP
because we all frequent these stores. Thanks for using SCRIP for volume
shopping. However, the BIG percentage SCRIP cards are the restaurants.
Following are businesses that pay well and we currently have their cards in
stock. Applebee’s 8%, Olive Garden 9%, Outback 8%, Longhorn 9%, Ruby Tuesday 8%,
Chili’s 11%, Sweet Tomatoes, 8% and Cracker Barrel 9%. A mix of volume SCRIP and high
paying SCRIP makes for good profit. Thanks again for your patronage.
LCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Picture this: You know there is a church council meeting going on at church. You know Pastor
mentioned it during Sunday’s service. A week later you find yourself asking: What was the
time? Was it a Thursday, Tuesday? Did it get cancelled or was it changed? WHO KNOWS? So
you run to your trusty newsletter calendar and you can’t find this meeting anywhere! Why..?
Why is this very important meeting not listed on the calendar?
Allow me to explain: Each month this calendar is printed at the end of the proceeding month.
Any changes that occur after it is printed are not reflected here.
SOOOOO how am I to know of any changes or additions that occur? You ask.
Simple! Log on to www.lccross.org and click the link on the left for
Church Calendar. We are now up and running with a real time
virtual calendar. So any events, meetings or dates that are important
to know will be posted in real time! You will never have to find
yourself sitting in an empty church parking lot thinking “Where is
everybody? Am I early?” only to find the meeting was cancelled!
With this real time information we also ask that anyone who has a meeting, event or note for
the calendar, please be sure you are submitting it to the church secretary. Our real time
calendar is only as good as the information being provided. In an effort to keep our church
family informed and up to date it is important to submit calendar events to the secretary as
soon as you are able.
Calendar submissions can be given several ways: by calling the office (941) 627-6060, via fax
to (941) 627-5467 or via email at secretary@lccross.org.
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WE NEED YOUR INPUT!
During our Vision Weekend, it was
mentioned that communication within
our congregation could improve. The
Board of Christian Education has
been given the task of addressing this
issue. We need your help please. A
short questionnaire is available in the
Narthex. It will also be in the newsletter. Please take the time to fill
it out and leave your answers in the box labeled questionnaires.
Thank you for your cooperation! Nikki Chouinard
Cut along the dotted line to submit this questionnaire.
QUESTIONNAIRE REGARDING COMMUNICATION WITHIN OUR CHURCH
1.
Do you access the internet?
Yes_______
2.
How do you read the newsletter? Hard Copy_______
Internet_______
3.
Do you read the worship folder?
No_______
4.
Do you have any recommendations as to how we can increase communication in our
church?
Yes_______
No _______
Page 15
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KKI
I
N
T
AC
CONT RD WITH
INA
CHOU TIONS
QUES
691
9
6
8
941-2
The final date to drop off your New Shoe donations to LCC will be
Sunday, July 19th!
Page 17
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Lutheran Church of the Cross
& Lutheran Child Development Center
2300 Luther Rd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33983
(941) 627-6060: Church Office
(941) 627-5821 LCDC
Fax: (941) 627-5467
http://www.lccross.org
http://www.lutheranchilddevelopmentcenter.org
July 21
July 1
July 2
July 3
July 4
July 5
July 6
July 7
July 9
July 11
July 12
July 13
July 16
July 18
July 19
Lavonne Sandersfeld+
Eloisa Campos Morais
Jessica Douglas
Donald Drinkwater
Cheryl Fullington
Lisa Stewart
Joyce Darcy+
Raymond Renusch
Roy Schanne+
Danielle Bryan
Ken Dunlap
Karen Kieling
Louise Schildhauer+
Gage Strelau
Pat Gilreath
Joy Hougan
Vicki Thorpe
Rozanne Phillipp
Herbert Sass
Katherine Allen
Linda Smith
Michael Brown
Jeanette Christies
Gloria Brown
Noah Bryan
Virginia Marten
Krista Wrightsman
July 22
July 23
July 25
July 27
July 28
July 30
July 31
Donna Dougherty
Bob Johnson
Karen Devan+
Richard Douglas
Chenoa Lingard
Mckenzie Redmon
Jacob Bailey
Gary Brown
Edward Westcott
Jacob Bracke
Julaine Wilcox
Aiden Junius
Richard Krumrei
“+” = Associate Member
“” = Baptized Member
July 3
July 16
July 22
July 24
July 29
July 30
Charlie & Marilyn Budde
Patrick & Caitlyn Junius
Howard & Anita Meissner+
Richard & Jessica Douglas
Dick & Shirley+ Glover
John & Joyce Leppek
Steve & Lori Nelson