N E W S C A S T E R
THE GOOD
N E W S C A S T E R
“Gathered to Grow & Glorify”
July 2013 Revitalization!
August 10th. Remember that date. This August 10th the council and elders will meet at Hope Lutheran Church on North Wickham Road from 9 am until 3 pm. The council and elders will be discussing the book, “Comeback Churches” and will enter into a discussion about vision and ministry plans for the future of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. All of this is about the idea of revitalization. It is about changing the graph from a declining line to an inclining line. It is the difference between life and death.
Here are five tips for church revitalization: Realize you are trapped in a habitual routine. Become aware of what you are doing now that is not working. Doing the same things and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Become more open to other points of view. Focus on the solution not the problem. Allow others to assist you with the big ideas that might help the revitalization of the church. Examine your daily thinking and how it has or has not served you. Realize there is a choice of which path or action to take. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake; at least you will learn what does not work! Assess your next steps for change. Ask the question: are we doing these things out of preference, practice, pattern or panic? Talk about your ideas with others. Appraise your revitalization plans by whether they fit your beliefs and core values. Then act accordingly. What are core values? They often are unwritten statements that guide who we are and what we do. They inspire our words and actions. They are the foundation for developing relationships, church systems, ministries, and strategies. They are the four to seven key statements that distinguish a church. Remember what core values do? They clarify expectations. They clarify roles and relationships. Core values offer a compass for strategic planning. They help in sharpening our mission statement. Take a minute and consider are your beliefs and core values reflective of the beliefs and values of Jesus? Ask yourself how do these beliefs and core values reflect God’s Word? What are the core values of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer? Write them down and share them with me. Pastor Craig
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 12 East Avenue A — Melbourne, Florida 32901 E-Mails: [email protected] — [email protected]
Phone/Fax: (321) 723-4152 Website: www.lcrmelbourne.org
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift that is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6). “Of these things put them in remembrance…” (2 Timothy 2:14). Here are seven biblical truths we pastors need to keep telling our people in the hope that eventually most will “get it.” (The list is not meant to be exhaustive. You’ll think of other essential truths that need hammering home again and again.)
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the only Savior. 2. The church is an essential part of the Lord’s plan, for now and forever. 3. Salvation is all about the cross. 4. We are not saved by good works, but saved “for” good works. (Ephesians 2:10) 5. If you have faith, you will pray. 6. A church exists by evangelism and missions as a fire exists by burning. 7. The Bible is the inspired word of God and the spiritual nutrition of believers. There is always someone making lists! I found this list in my E-mail this past week. It is from a pastor who wrote this article about seven things pastors should keep saying to their congregation. I think you have heard me mention some, if not all of these, at one time or another. Peter Steinke has said, “Try to keep the main thing the main thing!” We are trying Peter!
Office Angels Many thanks to Thelma Moyer, Martha Sinclair, Elisa Sheppard and Linda Miller for taking care of the office while I was on vacation!
Are You Ready For Our Next Big Storm? In our narthex you can find a publication called “Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders. This publication is free and I would encourage you to pick up a copy. Here are some of the headings within this publication: Hurricane Watches and Warnings; What You need to Know About Your Insurance; Manufactured Homes and Hurricanes—the Facts; Know Your Flood Insurance Options; Are You Prepared for Tornadoes?; Taking Measures to Prevent Home Fires; Disaster Preparedness for Elders with Hearing Loss; Have a Disaster Plan for Yourself and Your Pets; Be Prepared to Keep in Touch with Your Family; How to Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit; Special Needs Registry Contact Numbers; Hazardous Materials Incidents; Heat Stress and Heat Stroke; Do You Know About 511?; Disaster and Recovery Assistance for Seniors; and Keeping Safe After a Disaster: What to Do. These are just a few of the things you can find out about through reading this publication. Please pick up your copy and perhaps share one with a friend! Pastor Craig
Are You Eating Enough Ice Cream?? With the hot weather upon us the “Bazaar Group” is really concerned that everyone is buying plenty of ice cream...and in the gallon (or five quart) size containers which have a handle. We want you to have a refreshing summer, and we need the empty containers for the “”Bazaar”. We decorate those buckets and use them as “shopping baskets”. So, please bring the empty containers to church and leave them in the office or the kitchen...just anywhere where we can find them. Thanks for your help!! The “Bazaar Group”
Excerpts from the Florida-Georgia District’s report to be given at the Synodical Convention, July 20-25: The district’s focus in the current triennium is on revitalizing the church. We work together under the assumption that “revitalization” means to give new life or energy to somebody or something, or to restore to health. Very few churches can claim they don’t need new life or energy. In fact, we have had no churches say to us, “Please come and help us because we have too much life of energy!” How can a church be revitalized? God has called us, as stewards, to be about His mission, reaching souls with the grace of Jesus Christ. We do not compromise our doctrine and practice, but we may need to adjust and revitalize our sense of intentionality for the Gospel and care of the lost if we are serious about connecting people to Jesus. We have introduced a new vision statement for the district: “The people of the Florida-Georgia District are equipped, empowered, engaged….connecting people to Jesus!” We want to equip people so that can better understand their roles as stewards. Paul says in Ephesians that we are “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12[ESV]). Our desire is to continue to offer opportunities to equip leaders in our congregations to lead revitalization efforts for the sake of the Gospel in a responsible way. Congregations are empowered by the Word and the Sacraments in their witness, mercy and life together. We want people to be empowered by allowing the Word of God and participation in the Sacrament of the Altar to be a regular part of their weekly life and practice. In the waters of Holy Baptism, God gifted each of us so that we are equipped to serve our neighbors. We want to see that our people are engaged with their faith, engaged in their church, and engaged in their community for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we want to have a lasting impact of Jesus, we must engage our communities. Church no longer happens only within the confines of the walls of the building. As we are out in the world, showing the love of Jesus in word and deed, our witness will draw people to Jesus and His Church, our acts of mercy will increase, and our life together will be blessed. This is being stewards of God’s grace, empowered by the Word. We humbly seek your prayerful support in the efforts of the Florida-Georgia District to help its people be equipped, empowered, and engaged….connecting people to Jesus. Gregory S. Walton, President edited for length and content
COUPONERS WANTED!!! Sunday, July 14th 2 - 5 PM Redeemer Fellowship Hall If you haven’t already done so, pick up a flyer (pink) in the narthex for all pertinent information. Good News on the “Organ Fund”! As of June 23rd the funds raised toward the cost of our new organ have reached $20,354! We're over half-way there! That's just wonderful. Before the end of July we hope to be listening to this fabulous instrument on Sunday mornings, and other special occasions. What a blessing! Check our website www.lcrmelbourne.org for up to date progress on this fund.
Financial Data Total income for May was $12,036. Our expenses were $16,010 which means we were behind by $3,974. Our YTD income is $73,375 and our expenses were $90,122 which means we are currently behind in the amount of $16,747. The Candlelighters of Brevard was the recipient of $142 for our May thank offering. We added $265 to the Improvement Fund.
Temple Talk for July 2013 – Community Services Council The Social Ministries Committee has selected the Community Services Council of Brevard County as the recipient of the July Thank Offering. This agency is a non-profit organization created to promote the general welfare of Brevard County through coordinated community services for both public and private agencies. These services include Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), Brevard Achievement Center and Circles of Care. One additional organization, Aging Matters moved away from the rest of the organizations to provide direct services to the senior citizens of Brevard County. The organizations under this umbrella of services include, The Brevard Community Kitchen which prepares the dinners for Meals on Wheels, provides lunches for the summer school lunch program and prepares hot meals during local disasters. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a program for individuals over 55 to volunteer their management and executive skills to local non-profit and/or government organizations. The Sunflower House gives seniors a place to meet for educational, recreational and social activities. Seniors at Lunch is another program for meals for seniors, this one for those who can get away from their house for lunch. Transportation is also provided if necessary. The above programs receive some assistance from various agencies, such as the United Way, however, they rely heavily on donations.
Hold this Date!! We are planning another afternoon at the Melbourne Civic Theatre. The play is “The Cocktail Hour”. We plan to go to the September 29th performance, a Sunday, at 2 P.M. This is a comedy, with some touching moments as well, and we have been assured that the language is non-offensive. We'll be taking reservations in late August, but we just want to give you a “heads up” so that you can plan to attend. This event is sponsored by the local chapter of “Thrivent Financial for Lutherans”. The advocates from all of the local Lutheran churches will be encouraging folks to join us. Last year we filled 40 of their 100 seats! We hope to see you there. Questions?? Call Thelma Moyer (259-3884) or Candy Koshinski (723-4152).
SAVE THE DATE Find out How to Relate to Your Muslim Neighbors The LWML at Faith ‘Viera’ Lutheran Church is having a guest speaker after their Fall Rally on Saturday, October 19th at 1:30 PM. The Guest Speaker is Julie Dass from Faith Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida. She was born and raised in Pakistan, will serve as a resource to congregations, regarding the evangelization of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and non-believers. There will be a question and answer period after she speaks. Her information needs to be shared with all.
Back-to-School Supply Drive Help Brevard County children be prepared to succeed in the classroom and reach their dreams. Suggested donations are: Backpacks (no wheels), #2 pencils, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, erasers, pens (red, blue or black), highlighters, Loose-leaf notebook paper & spiral notebooks (wide and college ruled), scissors, glue (sticks and liquid), pocket folders, composition books, crayons (24 ct.), basic 4 function calculators, markers (washable), 3 ring binders, rulers, pencil boxes/pouches and protractors. Cash contributions* are welcome. Make checks payable to: Brevard Schools Foundation. *The cost to supply one child with a backpack filled with supplies is $35. Bring in your donations by July 14th! And thanks for participating
Newscaster Deadline For August will be July 15th!
Those Serving in July 2013
Elder:
F. Oelschlager
Communion Asst.:
E. Sorensen
Ushers July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
D. & E. Sheppard, R. & R. Thron R. Diebel, A. Ulmer, H. Morrison, C. Koelsch T. Brown, N. Nichols, L. Seiler D. Koshinski, E. Moravecky, D. Moyer, M. Treanor Greeters
July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
M. Treanor D. & E. Sheppard R. & L. Hand N. & R. Nichols
Counters July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
C. & D. Koshinski C. Nord, I. Dembrowski E. & D. Sorensen D. & T. Moyer
Altar Care July 7 July 14 July 21
July 28
T. Moyer A. Benzing S. Storey N. & R. Nichols J. McPhaden D. Hearndon E. & D. Sorensen M. Treanor
Flowers July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
A. Ulmer E. & D. Sorensen F. & I. Oelschlager J. McPhaden
N E W S C A S T E R
“Gathered to Grow & Glorify”
July 2013 Revitalization!
August 10th. Remember that date. This August 10th the council and elders will meet at Hope Lutheran Church on North Wickham Road from 9 am until 3 pm. The council and elders will be discussing the book, “Comeback Churches” and will enter into a discussion about vision and ministry plans for the future of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. All of this is about the idea of revitalization. It is about changing the graph from a declining line to an inclining line. It is the difference between life and death.
Here are five tips for church revitalization: Realize you are trapped in a habitual routine. Become aware of what you are doing now that is not working. Doing the same things and expecting different results is the definition of insanity. Become more open to other points of view. Focus on the solution not the problem. Allow others to assist you with the big ideas that might help the revitalization of the church. Examine your daily thinking and how it has or has not served you. Realize there is a choice of which path or action to take. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake; at least you will learn what does not work! Assess your next steps for change. Ask the question: are we doing these things out of preference, practice, pattern or panic? Talk about your ideas with others. Appraise your revitalization plans by whether they fit your beliefs and core values. Then act accordingly. What are core values? They often are unwritten statements that guide who we are and what we do. They inspire our words and actions. They are the foundation for developing relationships, church systems, ministries, and strategies. They are the four to seven key statements that distinguish a church. Remember what core values do? They clarify expectations. They clarify roles and relationships. Core values offer a compass for strategic planning. They help in sharpening our mission statement. Take a minute and consider are your beliefs and core values reflective of the beliefs and values of Jesus? Ask yourself how do these beliefs and core values reflect God’s Word? What are the core values of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer? Write them down and share them with me. Pastor Craig
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer 12 East Avenue A — Melbourne, Florida 32901 E-Mails: [email protected] — [email protected]
Phone/Fax: (321) 723-4152 Website: www.lcrmelbourne.org
Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift that is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6). “Of these things put them in remembrance…” (2 Timothy 2:14). Here are seven biblical truths we pastors need to keep telling our people in the hope that eventually most will “get it.” (The list is not meant to be exhaustive. You’ll think of other essential truths that need hammering home again and again.)
1. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the only Savior. 2. The church is an essential part of the Lord’s plan, for now and forever. 3. Salvation is all about the cross. 4. We are not saved by good works, but saved “for” good works. (Ephesians 2:10) 5. If you have faith, you will pray. 6. A church exists by evangelism and missions as a fire exists by burning. 7. The Bible is the inspired word of God and the spiritual nutrition of believers. There is always someone making lists! I found this list in my E-mail this past week. It is from a pastor who wrote this article about seven things pastors should keep saying to their congregation. I think you have heard me mention some, if not all of these, at one time or another. Peter Steinke has said, “Try to keep the main thing the main thing!” We are trying Peter!
Office Angels Many thanks to Thelma Moyer, Martha Sinclair, Elisa Sheppard and Linda Miller for taking care of the office while I was on vacation!
Are You Ready For Our Next Big Storm? In our narthex you can find a publication called “Disaster Preparedness Guide for Elders. This publication is free and I would encourage you to pick up a copy. Here are some of the headings within this publication: Hurricane Watches and Warnings; What You need to Know About Your Insurance; Manufactured Homes and Hurricanes—the Facts; Know Your Flood Insurance Options; Are You Prepared for Tornadoes?; Taking Measures to Prevent Home Fires; Disaster Preparedness for Elders with Hearing Loss; Have a Disaster Plan for Yourself and Your Pets; Be Prepared to Keep in Touch with Your Family; How to Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit; Special Needs Registry Contact Numbers; Hazardous Materials Incidents; Heat Stress and Heat Stroke; Do You Know About 511?; Disaster and Recovery Assistance for Seniors; and Keeping Safe After a Disaster: What to Do. These are just a few of the things you can find out about through reading this publication. Please pick up your copy and perhaps share one with a friend! Pastor Craig
Are You Eating Enough Ice Cream?? With the hot weather upon us the “Bazaar Group” is really concerned that everyone is buying plenty of ice cream...and in the gallon (or five quart) size containers which have a handle. We want you to have a refreshing summer, and we need the empty containers for the “”Bazaar”. We decorate those buckets and use them as “shopping baskets”. So, please bring the empty containers to church and leave them in the office or the kitchen...just anywhere where we can find them. Thanks for your help!! The “Bazaar Group”
Excerpts from the Florida-Georgia District’s report to be given at the Synodical Convention, July 20-25: The district’s focus in the current triennium is on revitalizing the church. We work together under the assumption that “revitalization” means to give new life or energy to somebody or something, or to restore to health. Very few churches can claim they don’t need new life or energy. In fact, we have had no churches say to us, “Please come and help us because we have too much life of energy!” How can a church be revitalized? God has called us, as stewards, to be about His mission, reaching souls with the grace of Jesus Christ. We do not compromise our doctrine and practice, but we may need to adjust and revitalize our sense of intentionality for the Gospel and care of the lost if we are serious about connecting people to Jesus. We have introduced a new vision statement for the district: “The people of the Florida-Georgia District are equipped, empowered, engaged….connecting people to Jesus!” We want to equip people so that can better understand their roles as stewards. Paul says in Ephesians that we are “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12[ESV]). Our desire is to continue to offer opportunities to equip leaders in our congregations to lead revitalization efforts for the sake of the Gospel in a responsible way. Congregations are empowered by the Word and the Sacraments in their witness, mercy and life together. We want people to be empowered by allowing the Word of God and participation in the Sacrament of the Altar to be a regular part of their weekly life and practice. In the waters of Holy Baptism, God gifted each of us so that we are equipped to serve our neighbors. We want to see that our people are engaged with their faith, engaged in their church, and engaged in their community for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. If we want to have a lasting impact of Jesus, we must engage our communities. Church no longer happens only within the confines of the walls of the building. As we are out in the world, showing the love of Jesus in word and deed, our witness will draw people to Jesus and His Church, our acts of mercy will increase, and our life together will be blessed. This is being stewards of God’s grace, empowered by the Word. We humbly seek your prayerful support in the efforts of the Florida-Georgia District to help its people be equipped, empowered, and engaged….connecting people to Jesus. Gregory S. Walton, President edited for length and content
COUPONERS WANTED!!! Sunday, July 14th 2 - 5 PM Redeemer Fellowship Hall If you haven’t already done so, pick up a flyer (pink) in the narthex for all pertinent information. Good News on the “Organ Fund”! As of June 23rd the funds raised toward the cost of our new organ have reached $20,354! We're over half-way there! That's just wonderful. Before the end of July we hope to be listening to this fabulous instrument on Sunday mornings, and other special occasions. What a blessing! Check our website www.lcrmelbourne.org for up to date progress on this fund.
Financial Data Total income for May was $12,036. Our expenses were $16,010 which means we were behind by $3,974. Our YTD income is $73,375 and our expenses were $90,122 which means we are currently behind in the amount of $16,747. The Candlelighters of Brevard was the recipient of $142 for our May thank offering. We added $265 to the Improvement Fund.
Temple Talk for July 2013 – Community Services Council The Social Ministries Committee has selected the Community Services Council of Brevard County as the recipient of the July Thank Offering. This agency is a non-profit organization created to promote the general welfare of Brevard County through coordinated community services for both public and private agencies. These services include Space Coast Area Transit (SCAT), Brevard Achievement Center and Circles of Care. One additional organization, Aging Matters moved away from the rest of the organizations to provide direct services to the senior citizens of Brevard County. The organizations under this umbrella of services include, The Brevard Community Kitchen which prepares the dinners for Meals on Wheels, provides lunches for the summer school lunch program and prepares hot meals during local disasters. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is a program for individuals over 55 to volunteer their management and executive skills to local non-profit and/or government organizations. The Sunflower House gives seniors a place to meet for educational, recreational and social activities. Seniors at Lunch is another program for meals for seniors, this one for those who can get away from their house for lunch. Transportation is also provided if necessary. The above programs receive some assistance from various agencies, such as the United Way, however, they rely heavily on donations.
Hold this Date!! We are planning another afternoon at the Melbourne Civic Theatre. The play is “The Cocktail Hour”. We plan to go to the September 29th performance, a Sunday, at 2 P.M. This is a comedy, with some touching moments as well, and we have been assured that the language is non-offensive. We'll be taking reservations in late August, but we just want to give you a “heads up” so that you can plan to attend. This event is sponsored by the local chapter of “Thrivent Financial for Lutherans”. The advocates from all of the local Lutheran churches will be encouraging folks to join us. Last year we filled 40 of their 100 seats! We hope to see you there. Questions?? Call Thelma Moyer (259-3884) or Candy Koshinski (723-4152).
SAVE THE DATE Find out How to Relate to Your Muslim Neighbors The LWML at Faith ‘Viera’ Lutheran Church is having a guest speaker after their Fall Rally on Saturday, October 19th at 1:30 PM. The Guest Speaker is Julie Dass from Faith Lutheran Church in Naples, Florida. She was born and raised in Pakistan, will serve as a resource to congregations, regarding the evangelization of Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs and non-believers. There will be a question and answer period after she speaks. Her information needs to be shared with all.
Back-to-School Supply Drive Help Brevard County children be prepared to succeed in the classroom and reach their dreams. Suggested donations are: Backpacks (no wheels), #2 pencils, colored pencils, mechanical pencils, erasers, pens (red, blue or black), highlighters, Loose-leaf notebook paper & spiral notebooks (wide and college ruled), scissors, glue (sticks and liquid), pocket folders, composition books, crayons (24 ct.), basic 4 function calculators, markers (washable), 3 ring binders, rulers, pencil boxes/pouches and protractors. Cash contributions* are welcome. Make checks payable to: Brevard Schools Foundation. *The cost to supply one child with a backpack filled with supplies is $35. Bring in your donations by July 14th! And thanks for participating
Newscaster Deadline For August will be July 15th!
Those Serving in July 2013
Elder:
F. Oelschlager
Communion Asst.:
E. Sorensen
Ushers July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
D. & E. Sheppard, R. & R. Thron R. Diebel, A. Ulmer, H. Morrison, C. Koelsch T. Brown, N. Nichols, L. Seiler D. Koshinski, E. Moravecky, D. Moyer, M. Treanor Greeters
July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
M. Treanor D. & E. Sheppard R. & L. Hand N. & R. Nichols
Counters July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
C. & D. Koshinski C. Nord, I. Dembrowski E. & D. Sorensen D. & T. Moyer
Altar Care July 7 July 14 July 21
July 28
T. Moyer A. Benzing S. Storey N. & R. Nichols J. McPhaden D. Hearndon E. & D. Sorensen M. Treanor
Flowers July 7 July 14 July 21 July 28
A. Ulmer E. & D. Sorensen F. & I. Oelschlager J. McPhaden
