Hometown News - MAR/APR 2011

8/7/2019 Hometown News - MAR/APR 2011

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TO GOD BE THE GLORY

MARCH/APRIL 2011

1711 Grant StreetHopewell, VA 23860

www.nazluthchurch.com

The Hometown News is

a publication of

Nazareth Evangelical

Lutheran Church.

Member of the

Lutheran Church

Missouri Synod.

Inside this issue:

Missions & Outreach 3

Council Meeting Notes 6

Congregational Meeting 7

The Story of The Story 8

A Simple Church? 9

Vocatio: HS Youth 10

The Hometown NewsThe Newsletter of Nazareth LutheranChurch

Now you are the body of Christ, and

each one of you is a part of it.- 1 Cor. 12:27

A message from Pastor Voss

When Benjamin Franklin was about

to die, he asked that a picture of Christon the Cross should be so placed in his

bedroom that he could look upon the

body of our silent sufferer.

Why did he choose to do this? A

clue can be given by what Mr. Franklin

desire to be written on his gravestone:The body of Benjamin Franklin, Print-

er, like the cover of an old book, its con-

tents torn out and stripped of its letter-ing and gilding, lies here Yet the

Work itself shall not be lost; for it will,

as he believed, appear once more in anew and more beautiful edition, correct-

ed and amended by the Author.

The body of Christ would rise from

the deada glorious body-eternally

seated at the right hand of God the Fa-ther and by faith, we are bound to the

body of Christ. This brought Benjamin

Franklin peace at the end of his life, butshould also be encouraging to us who

still have a pilgrimage left on earth.

The body of Christ lives among us,

as Saint Paul says, through us. We are

the body. People will know Christthrough our speaking His Words and

giving in His name and walking a mile

in someones shoes as He often did withgreat empathy.

Lent is a time for us to look uponthe cross, like Ben Franklin, and appre-

ciate that Christ gave His body up for

us. It is a time for God to renew us tobe more like Jesus to our family and

friends and to strangersto be the body

of Christ, today.

This Lenten Season, joinyour friends at NazarethLutheran Church to hearthe Gospel message from

a different messengereach Wednesday.


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Page 2 The Hometown News

Sincere Thanks...

April 3 Tina Doane

April 3 Jennifer Roberts

April 8 Joseph Roberts

April 8 Samuel Roberts

April 9 Bob Dry

April 12 Bruce Layne

April 16 Kyra McKinzie

April 18 Jordan Layne

April 25 Rowena Carter

April 25 Mark Antunes

April 28 Jean Joyner

March 4 Lauren Anne Carroll

March 6 Tracy Koren

March 10 Jean Koren

March 11 Henry Voss

March 17 Janet Antol

March 17 Madison Van Worth

March 18 William Koren

March 18 Michael Lineman

March 21 Gerald Koren

March 21 Ann Hanford

March 23 Leanne Eckstein

March 25 Logan Peden

March 28 Paula McKinzie

March 30 Kathy Petik

Dear Friends at Nazareth Lutheran Church,

I wanted you to know how much our family appreciated the support you gave us this Christmas.The children had a wonderful time and I hope that when they grow up they can return the gifts one

day.

Love, The Lozano Family

Gospel Message Balloon LaunchJanuary 30, 2011

PASTORS CORNER

Please note that inthis issue, Pastorsupdates are spreadthroughout thenewsletter itself.Specifically, look for

The Story Biblestudy, CDC Meeting,Vocatio for H.S.youth and many oth-er interesting events

and updates!


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Missions and Outreach

Greeters for Nazareth

In March we would like to have greeters starting at 10:30a.m. in the Narthex on Sun-days to welcome New Comers to Nazareth. We are looking for anyone that is a member of

our congregation to assist with this much needed task.

Their responsibilities on that morning would be to introduce themselves and have theguest sign our Guest Book. Then answer any questions about Nazareth they may have.

Some of the things that person could do are the following:

1. Assist them in getting a Bulletin (review it with them), showing them the

Hymnals in the pews.

2. Helping them locate the Nursery or Restrooms, and/or give them a

quiet bag for their children that are too old for the Nursery.

3. Sharing the times of our Sunday School and Services, and finding out if

they have a Church Home.

4. If there is something scheduled after the service, make them aware ofwhat is going on, and where to go, if they are interested in participating,

then they can.

The overall desire is to make the newcomer feel welcome, and show we would love

for them to come back and worship with us again.

There will be a sign-up sheet in the upstairs Sunday School Class outside of theNursery starting in February. Please keep your eye out for it and sign up.

Evangelical Outreach and Mission Board

Nazareth Lutherans 9th Annual Easter Faire

Mark your calendars for the Easter Faire. It is scheduled forSaturday, April 16, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. A volunteer and dona-tion board will be going up in the Narthex in March. Start sharingthe date with friends and family. Kids, start practicing your egg find-ing skills. This is a celebration of what Jesus has done for us by dyingon the cross and the renewal of life we all have because of his sacri-fice. The Evangelical Outreach and Mission Board is looking forward

to celebrating with all of you!


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Page 4MAR/APR 2011

For our Brothers and Sisters in Christ in Nursing Homes -

Velma Fleming, HHCC (227)For our Brothers and Sisters in Christ who are home-bound -

Mary Petik `For our members and friends serving our country in the military -

Bruce Layne Danny Petik Chris Graham Dustin Petik James Ecken-rode David Petik Jeff & Stacey Crosson Jeffrey Head SteveFoxx Brandon Edwards Mike McKinzie Stacey Wells Military Chaplains

For our members and friends away at college Landry Doane Casey Davis

For our members who are sick, hospitalized, in need of spiritual care or recuperating -Evelyn Rayner Rowena Carter Annette Dry Kathy Beahm MarilynAntunes Joey Reierson Barney Hampton Cindy Fistler Joe Hilton Ti-na Doane Jennifer Shelton Bea Schulz

For our friends who are sick, hospitalized or recuperatingJonathan Weston Rita Joyner Jeff Walter Kay Slade Bernard Carter .Carolyn Kennedy Pat MacDonald Will McLaughlin Zachery Gilkey JesGreeno Jason Bell Evelyn Lipp Phil Justice Lou Eller Julie GentryChase & Charlie Bennett

Pray for One Another Prayer List updated February 20

Bible Study and Adult Confirmation

WEDNESDAYS 7:00 PMWednesday evening Bible

studies are on break until

after Lent.

CONFIRMATIONOur conirmation program

continues each Sunday

morning for youth in grades

7-11. Those students inter-

ested in beginning Conirma-

tion instruction should con-

tact Pastor Voss about begin-

ning their studies next fall.

Whether you are young or old,

visitor or pillar, we have a Bible

Study for you!

SUNDAYS 9:30 AMBible Study

Al Schneider begins a new Bible

study this Sunday. Meet in the

Old Church Room.

Cindy Reierson hosts a Bible

study for adults that is connect-

ed with the childrens Sunday

school lessons. Meet in the un-

dercroft.

Arnie Slimmen is leading

an adult Conirmation Bi-

ble Study for those who

desire to become mem-

bers of the Lutheran

ChurchMissouri Synod,

or for those who desire a

refresher in Lutheran doc-

trine. Please speak to Ar-nie about the next session

if you know of anyone who

is interested. Meet in the

Conference room.


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News and Notes

CHURCH CHOIR

Calling All Choir Members, Past and Present! Please look around at home and weed out any old mu-

sic you have! We are particularly looking for a music songbook called "Carols Alive". Any questionsplease see Cindy R. Many Thanks!

NURSERY POLICYWe are reminding folks of our original nursery policy, since we will begin using it again. This policy

states that the nursery is for children aged 4 and under. We know that 4s become 5s overnight, and

this has resulted in some confusion. The 5s have become accustomed to staying in the nursery, and

sometimes they bring their older friends. This places a burden on our volunteer staff. Also, many 5s

are capable of enjoying the whole service. Thank you for your help!CHILDCARE

James Eckenrodes mom has a childcare service, and she currently has some openings. If you needthis service or would like more information, please call Elke at 530-1254 or on her cell at 691-8369.

She will care for newborns on up in age. Hours are 6:30am to 6:00pm.

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So you begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are

easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis once said, a sweet duty.

2. The next nger is the poinng nger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes

teachers, doctors, and pastors. They need support and wisdom in poinng others in the right direc-

on. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next nger is the tallest one. It reminds us of our leaders. Pay for the president, congress, and

the courts, leaders in business and industry, and administrators at every level. These people shape

our naon and guide public opinion. They need Gods guidance.

4. The fourth nger is our ring nger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest nger, as

any piano teacher will tesfy. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in

pain, including those under persecuon. All of these need your prayers day and night.

5. Lastly comes our lile nger, the smallest one of all, which is where we should place ourselves in

relaon to God and others. As the Bible says, the least shall be the greatest among you. Your

pinky should remind you to pray for yourself. By the me you have prayed for the other groups,

your own needs will be put into proper perspecve and you will be able to pray for yourself more

eecvely.

Dont tell God how big your storm is Tell the storm how big your God is. Found and submied by Gene Fistler

CONTESTWe are going to rename our newsletter.

What do you think it should be named? Send your submission [email protected] and a panel of Editors will pick the winner!


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Nazareth Lutheran Church Council Meeting- January 17, 2011

The regular meeting of Nazareth Lutheran Church council was held January 17, 2011. Minutes were

approved in the February meeting.

Board of Elders: no report

Board of Deacons: Karen Van Worth noted that we will be having a Congregational Assembly Meet-

ing on February 6th.

Board of Evangelism and Missions: Kara Canada reported that the Easter Fair is scheduled forApril 16th. She wanted to speak to some of the other boards about having banners made to put on thetable for receptions for new members, baptism and confirmation. She would also like to recognize

some of the older members at Valentines. Report Attached

Church Properties: no report

Board of Maintenance: Jim Morris reported that we had some heating problems on Sunday. That isbeing taken care of. The hot water heaters need replacing. It will cost approximately $300.00, he is do-

ing some research on this.

Board of Finance: Janet Antol stated that they met on Sunday and that it was decided to meet quar-

terly.

Board of Stewardship: no report

Board of Christian Education: It was noted that the Sunday School teachers will meet Sunday Janu-

ary 23rd.

Youth: Ann Hanford reviewed the attached report. The Youth would like to sponsor a Servant Event

at the church. Tentative dates are July 14

th

, 15

th

and 16

th

of July. They have contacted Captives Free andare waiting for a response from them.

Parochial Report: Karen Van Worth reviewed the attached report.

Auxillary Reports:

Girl Scouts: Karen Van Worth reported that it is cookie time. The amount has gone up to $ 3.75/

box this year. They do have the Gift of Caring where boxes may be purchased to send to the troops.

Pastors Report: Clint Reierson read the attached report.

Old Business: There was no old business.

New Business:

Pastor Voss submitted a motion in writing which states I would like to make a motion that the offer-ings from the youth worship go toward the youth mission project this summer. This was 2nd by KarenVan Worth. A discussion was then held. It was noted that the regular offering is given by our membersto the budget. A vote was then taken and was declined. Kay Grochowski moved to insert a specialenvelope in the worship folder on the 30th for Youth Mission Project, 2nd by Louis Hanford, motion car-

ried.

Ann Hanford asked the council to endorse a Servant Event to be held here at Nazareth. 2nd by Karen

Van Worth. Motion carried.



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CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Help Wanted: Social Media Volunteer

THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 6PM

All members are invited to this very important meeng. We will be given a presentaon by

LCMS District Representaves: Steve Heemann, Sally Hiller, Rev. Glenn Lucas, and Bill Nau,

Rev. Art Umbach.

We will hear about:

Using a Child Development Center as a Mission Strategy

Thoughts about a commitment to a CDC as a ministry to children and their families

Project plan specics and meline - the Ministry and Business Plan

Capitalizaon of the project and the loan process

Proposed working relaonship with Open Arms Inc

Moving Forward with the feasibility study

Use of the Financial Model as presented by Bill Nau

This meeng will be the perfect me to ask quesons about a Child Development Centerfor our church. It will be a major step in helping us to decide if God desires that we move

forward with comming to the development of a CDC. We will present the informaon we

receive at this meeng at the next Voters meeng for discussion/vote as needed.

ed people to worshipvia our automatedmessaging system, Ver-

tical Response.

If you have any inter-est, please let PastorVoss know at 458-

7994. Thank you!

Do you know how toTwitter and isFacebook one of

your favorite activities?Would you be willingto give 5-10 minutes ofyour day to helpingyour church get theword out via social me-

dia?We are looking forsomeone to send outcongregational updatesand Gospel messagesvia our Twitter andFacebook accounts aswell as send out aweekly e-mail to invit-

Page 7MAR/APR 2011


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Page 8MAR/APR 2011

The borrower is slave to the lender.- Proverbs 22:7

If you are the typical American, you are in debt andyou arent making much progress in digging yourselfout. So many of us do not know how to manage themoney that God has entrusted us with. FinancialPeace University is an opportunity to grow with fel-low friends in Christ who desire to make long-term,

Godly changes in how we manage money.

Financial Peace University will include instruction onwhat the Bible says about managing money. This isabout making real and lasting changes so that welive as responsible stewards of our finances instead

of living in fear.

STARTING WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1

To learn more about Financial Peace University, ob-tain information from our website or the church of-

fice. Check our homepage:

www.nazluthchurch.comClass is open to the public. Childcare is available.

$97 per family includes books and workbooks.

Grants are possible.

Do you think it would be a great idea to gothrough the Bible as a congregation from Sept.2011Sept. 2012? This means we would allstudy the Bible, from beginning to end in ouradult and youth Bible classes and sermons.Please review the materials that we would use ifwe went on this journey together the next timeyou are in the Narthex and leave your feedback

in the comment box!

TEACHERSAll teachers are encouraged to attend a meet-ing to review the materials and share yourthoughts. Sunday, March 20th, at 9:00 AM in the

undercroft.

THE STORY

Reading through the

Bible in One Year


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WHO? The Entire Congregation

WHAT? A book study on how to make our mission to drive all that we do.

WHERE? Online or at church

WHEN? Starting Sunday April 3

WHY? Because our future plans depend upon focusing on Gods Mission

HOW? Leave your name with the church office to receive more information.

You are invited to take part in a book study that will allow us review how effectively weare doing what our Mission statement says we are. Are we effectively reaching out

and sharing the Good News and serving joyfully?

We will ask the following questions and prayerfully provide answers:

Does our current church structure effectively serve our mission?

Are we a maintenance minded church or a mission minded church?

Do we help people move from worshipping to serving Christ?

Do our Bible studies serve all according to their need?

Is our Worship welcoming to those who do not know Christ?

Please leave your name with Church office for your book today. This book study will onlytake about 30 minutes of your time each week but will help change our future in Christ

and for Christforever.

PREPARINGFOR THE

FUTURE


10/12


VOCATIO: FOR H.S. YOUTH

Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, will host a visitation event in June forhigh school youth. On June 19-24, the 12th annual Vocatio will be heldon the Seminary campus. The event is designed to identify, inform, and

encourage youth with respect to church work vocations.

Vocatio provides a unique opportunity for high school youth to partici-pate in Bible study, worship, prayer, and discussion. Additionally, youthwill be able to gain college and Seminary information pertaining to a vari-

ety of church work vocations.

Activities during Vocatio will focus on the Bible verse, For we are hisworkmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God pre-pared beforehand, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). The

high school participants will delve into this theme through the four disci-plines of the formation of ministry: exegetical, systematic, historical, andpractical. Seminary professors will lead Bible studies and discussions

about vocation throughout the week.

Participants will have the opportunity to participate in a Servant Event.Past events have included work at St. Louis area congregations and theSaxon Lutheran Memorial. They will also have the opportunity to attendan event in the St. Louis area such as a St. Louis Cardinals game or the

Muny outdoor musical theater.

A $50 registration fee to attend Vocatio is the only charge for youth, in

addition to travel costs. All activities, meals during the event, and on-campus lodging are provided at no cost to participants. Scholarships areavailable to ensure that travel costs do not prevent youth from attend-ing. Vocatio registration is limited to high school youth entering 9th,

10th, 11th, and 12th grade.

Vocatio is made possible by a grant Concordia Seminary received to as-sist in the process of identifying, informing and encouraging high schoolyouth toward service in church work careers. The grant is from the LillyEndowment Inc., headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind.

FOR MORE INFORMATIONFor more information on Vocatio, or to request a registration form,contact the Admissions Office, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place,

St. Louis, MO 63105; [email protected];

IF REGISTERINGIf you are interested in attending, please contact Pastor Voss so he canassist you by answering further questions and, if need, be, discussing op-

tions for funding your trip.


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In view of the current turmoil in Egypt, it is interesng to consider Chrisans in that part of the world. Chris-

ans in North Africa? Think Philip and the Ethiopian (Acts 8:26-38) and John Mark who evangelized Egypt.There were Chrisans in this part of the world long before there were any in Europe.

The following is summarized from www.GotQuesons.org. Copyright 2002-2011 GotQuesons Ministries.

Copc means Egypan, and Chrisans living in Egypt idenfy themselves as Copc Chrisans.

As a denominaon, they originated in the city of Alexandria, one of the most faithful, respect-

ed, and fruiul cies during the Apostolic Period. Proudly, the Copc Chrisans acknowledge

and herald John Mark (author of the Gospel of Mark) as their founder and rst bishop some-

me between A.D. 42 and A.D. 62.

Tradion says that when John Mark arrived on a missionary journey to Egypt, the Copc form

of religion of that day was god-centered worship, but focused on the pyramids. However,

John Mark and the Gospel message were well received by the Copc people as they also be-

lieved in eternal life. The Copc people, under Roman rule, consisted of Greeks, Jews and

Egypans; therefore, Chrisanity had to take into account the dierent cultural, language, and

religious backgrounds of the people when evangelizing them.

The Copc Chrisans were originally well founded in theology, and other churches in cies

throughout the Roman empire looked up to them with admiraon and respect.

When the Copc Chrisans were under the rule of the Romans, they suered severe persecu-

on and death for their belief in Christ, while refusing to worship the emperor. However, by

A.D.641, yet another tribulaon began when the Arab con-

quest took place, overthrowing the Roman rule in Egypt at

rst , relieving the Copc Church from persecuon. What ap-

peared to be their liberty became yet another bondage. The

societal strength and control of the Arabs caused the Copts to

endure a major language and cultural change as well as to con-

front the Islamic faith. Unfortunately, over the centuries,

Chrisanity lost foothold, and most Copts converted to Islam.

Today, there is a small populaon of Copc Chrisans remain-

ing in Alexandria, but most are located elsewhere. Esmates

of the current populaon of the Copc Church range from 10

million to 60 million worldwide. +++

The Hometown News

Christianity in Northern Africa

St. Marks Copc Chrisan

Church,

Alexandria, Egypt
http://www.gotquestions.org/http://www.gotquestions.org/


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Hometown News - MAR/APR 2011