Loving, Learning, Living and Serving In Christ June 2021 Issue
Pastor Terry’s Reflections
On May 14, the CDC modified its guidelines to no longer require masks and social distancing for those who are vaccinated. Then on May 17, our Synodical Bishop, Bishop Pedro Suarez sent a message regarding this announcement and its im-pact on congregations. You can read that article here: https://fbsynod.com/2021/05/17/a-message-on-easing-covid-guidelines-from-bishop-pedro-suarez/
Throughout the pandemic the Worship Team has been very diligent in keeping up with the latest information, recommendations and Coronavirus data in our area. This team recently announced that we would be relaxing most of our guidelines effective Sunday, June 6.
So, in good Lutheran style, what does this mean? All of our guidelines will return to pre-pandemic conditions except:
Wearing of masks will be optional
Hymnals will not be placed back in the seats but will be made available at the welcome desk for those who desire them.
No bulletins will be printed except for a few for the visually impaired. (Bulletins are not used at the Journey and will be available at the 11:00 service upon request for these indi-viduals at the welcome desk)
Offering plates will not be passed and will re-main at the back of the sanctuary.
Sharing the Peace will remain the same as it is today.
Holy Communion – This will be done in a con-tinuous manner at the Journey and will re-turn to the communion rail at the 11:00 ser-vice. In both cases, the wine and grape juice will only be provided in the trays – No common cup or intinction.
Check-in lists will be maintained for
another month for
the purpose of doing
contact tracing, if
necessary.
Small Hand sanitizer bottles will be provided in the seats for the convenience of all.
I personally want to thank you for your diligence in observing our guidelines throughout the pan-demic. We have been following these guidelines for such a long time that it may be a bit difficult and strange for a while adjusting to the new normal. Please continue to be considerate of others and the choices they make in this regard.
I am so looking forward to this change and see-ing everyone’s smiles again. This is an exciting time and I envision this transition as a time of re-engagement for all of us.
Here is my ask: Please visit the bulletin board labeled Ministry Opportunities and sign up for one of the volunteer opportunities. Many hands make light work They include:
Greeters
Ushers
Readers at 11:00
Communion Assistants
Computer Operators
Live Stream Operators
Volunteer Coordinator
Trustee to open church building and prepare for Sunday worship
.
God loves you and so do I!
Pastor Terry
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We Are Praying For You
The staff prays for 7 church families or
individuals every week and then sends out
postcards letting them know that they have
been prayed for. You are invited to join with us in praying for
these families and individuals as well. This month we prayed for the following:
Joan Endler
Bob and Beverly Engel
Richard Erwin
Carole, Scott, Miles & Melody Fetterman
Greg and Lynn Fisher
Debbi Fredericks
Anna Frei
Tara Friedrichs
Diane and Harris Hostager
Matt and Margi Furey
Don and Barb Gangnagel
Don and Sally Garrison
Ron Gerdes
Paul and Mary Gieschen
Howard Gollnick
Gary, Cheryl & Aaron Graham
Louise Gray
Carolyn Greendonner
Ron and Sandy Guppy
Eric and Ruth Guth
Michael Gutzler
Maureen Halsey
Rise Haneberg
Karen Hansing
Randy and Ellen Hanson
Jim and Robin Hanusa
June Hartlieb
Congratulations to the following youth who
Affirmed their Baptism in the Rite of Confirmation
on Sunday, May 23, during the 11:00 am worship service.
Melody Fetterman, Emily Holst, Brooke Palmtag,
Katie Powers, Emma Schwarzbauer
Brooke Palmtag blew life into her balloon (included in her confirmation gift) to remind her that God breathes the Holy Spirit into us!
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CALENDAR
May 30
11:00 am Senior Recognition Sunday
12:30 pm Senior Recognition Pizza Party for Youth Families
June 13
12:30 pm VBS Volunteer Training
June 20 – 24
6:00 – 8:00 pm VBS
Luther Springs Day Camp
at Living Lord Lutheran Church
June 7 – 11
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
The children participating in Day Camp will enjoy daily Bible lessons, crafts,
snacks, fun activities, singing, and games led by counselors from Camp Luther
Springs.
Our theme this year is “This is Our Prayer.”
Registration forms are available on our website
www.livinglordfl.org
For more information
Please contact Deacon Tara
Calling all Heroes to Join us for
“The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything”
A VeggieTales VBS
June 20 – 24, (Sunday – Thursday)
6:00 – 8:00 PM
For Children 4 Years Old – Completed 5th Grade
We will kick off our week of Bible Adventure
with a special Family Night, honoring our Pirate Dads!
Kids will set sail into a week of Bible learning that is seriously fun!
As they experience stories of some of the greatest heroes of the Bible, kids will learn what it means to be
a true hero of God.
Cost: $10/child, Family Max: $25 Please return the VBS Registration Form with
payment by June 11.
Turn in registration and payment to the office or mail to:
Attn: Deacon Tara Friedrichs
Living Lord Lutheran Church
11107 Palmbrush Trail, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
Donations needed for Day Camp.
We still need donations of drinks and snacks for the children. All lunch and dinner meals have been covered. Please turn in donations no later than Sunday, June 6. There is a sign-up on the sheet in the Narthex or contact Deacon Tara at [email protected] or (813) 947-9789 to sign-up.
Volunteers needed for Day Camp
Volunteers are still needed for Monday and Tuesday to help with snacks and lunch or as a general helper, we could also use a person to help with any first aid needs. Please let Deacon Tara know if you would like to help. [email protected] or (813) 947-9789
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WE DID IT!! All God's Children
Preschool is ending our 2020/2021 school year on a high note. Although this was a year of uncer-tainty and unprecedented challenges, AGC's staff, students and parents made it a year to remember. We all came together as a united team and faced the challenges of the
pandemic head on. Making sure that we followed health and safety protocols, having open communication and a positive outlook gave AGC the ability to be successful all year long. I want to thank our families for believing in us and trusting us with their precious children day after day. Our last month has been one for the memory books. Besides all of the end of the year parties and fun, the teachers were still hard at work making sure that each of their students were ready to move forward, whether it was the next preschool grade or kindergarten, they instilled so many important skills that each child can take along with them. The school has been filled with laughter, music and smiles as each class celebrated spring, the year coming to an end as well as new beginnings. We have had luaus, picnics, barbecues and dance parties. One of the most joyous moments this past month was the VPK graduation ceremony. Although it was a bit different, it was a magical day for everyone at AGC. The graduates sang, got their di-plomas and shared what they wanted to be when they grew up. Our families were able to watch their graduates and share in their special moment. There were many tears, some of joy and some of sadness as we said goodbye to children and families that have been a part of the AGC family and supported our preschool through thick and thin. We wish all of our graduates the best of luck and know that they will do awesome in kindergarten. From the entire All God's Children Preschool staff, we wish you all a fantastic summer filled with magic, laughter, love and most impor-tantly memories. We look forward to the next adventure that awaits us all.
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Weekly Bible Study with Pastor Terry
Pastor’s Bible Study is held on Wednes-days at 1:00pm. All are invited to join this time of study. Each week, we discuss the Gospel Lesson for the upcoming week. The Zoom Link is as follows: Topic: Bible Study Time: Jan 6, 2021 01:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Every week on Wed, until Dec 15, 2021 50 occurrence(s)
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89205762731?pwd=OXR6UXQrS3UxVlBzTzBtQWV1U2JtZz09
Meeting ID: 892 0576 2731 Passcode: 717976
High School Senior Recognition
& College Scholarship Presentation
Sunday, May 30, at 11:00 am Worship Service
Jacob Byrd
Jacob Byrd is graduating from Lakewood Ranch High School.
During high school, Jake was on two swim teams,
helped coach, and worked as a lifeguard.
He will be receiving a scholarship from Living Lord
to attend Manatee Technical College to train in the
Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician combined program.
He plans to be a Firefighter/EMT First Responder
Matthew Powers
January 19, 2003—September 15, 2018
In the hope of the resurrection, we remember Matthew Powers, who would
have graduated from
Lakewood Ranch High School this year.
Matthew played clarinet in the high school band.
The beautiful stained glass window over the entrance to the sanctuary was given in
memory of Matthew.
Matthew’s confirmation verse, Philippians 4:13, is included in the window.
Day Camp Volunteer Training
June 6 at 1:30 pm
Come meet the counselors from Luther Springs as we prepare for our fun-filled week
of Day Camp.
VBS Volunteer Training
June 13 at 12:30 pm
All volunteers who will be helping with Vaca-tion Bible School are encouraged to attend an
overview and training session
on Sunday, June 13 at 12:30 pm.
Pizza will be served. For more information: Please contact
Deacon Tara [email protected]
(813) 947-9789
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Congregation Council Minutes Wednesday April 14, 2021 - 7pm
Participants (Zoom) Pastor Terry Couter, Greg Fisher, Kim Schmidt, Terry Dansbury, Bill McConnell, Rhoda Olsen, Deacon Tara Friedrich, Mary Hunter, Patty Kunkel, Rich Jones, Barb Sahr and Robert Powers who joined us later in the meeting. Absent: Karla Schrand
The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm. Pastor opened the meeting with The Prayer of Comfort. Proceeded to ask each one attending to share with all how we felt God’s presence in our lives that week. All responded. Mentioned that Robert Powers was our new Youth Representative. Pastor asked if we all received his report and asked if any of us had questions.
The minutes were approved unanimously without modification; motion by Rhoda Olsen, seconded by Patty Kunkel.
Deacon Tara gave her report and mentioned that the youth were going miniature golfing and kayaking. She told us that Faith Formation is meeting weekly on zoom. As of that night there were only 2 students signed up for day camp. She was hoping to have 24 students sign up this year. The cost is $50 for the week of June 7 to 11 and is from 9am to 4pm. She asked that the church advertise for her. The students may be required to wear masks and there will be hand sanitizer for them to use. VBS will begin on Sunday, June 20 6-8pm. Volunteers are needed to help with VBS. Games will be outside the building.
Greg Fisher brought up a motion to allow the use of a bounce house for day camp. Bill McConnell and Rich Jones seconded so the motion carried.
Mary Hunter mentioned that at their board meeting saw the remodeling plans set for the 2 classrooms. Fall enrollment is full. Summer camp has 22 students enrolled leaving one open spot. She spoke about the fund raiser that was to be held on May 1. Preschool graduation will be on May 20. Mary was asked why the church was not promoting more religious teaching at AGC and she noted that parents do not want religion pushed on their children. However, brochures about our church might be handed out for children to bring home to their parents.
Greg went over the financial statistics. He said that our church has met expectations for the first three months of 2021.
Bill McConnell mentioned that the first PPP loan of $71,000 for last year was forgiven. Second loan was filed wrong, was approved, however; was not accepted through the bank.
Terry Dansbury brought up starting to serve coffee, lemonade and wrapped cookies to the church family after the 9am service and before the 11am service. The council decided to try this for two weeks to see how it was received. We would serve refreshments on May 2(starting date of “The Journey”) and May 9(Mother’s Day). Terry would discuss this will Ellen Hanson. We would set up a table outside the front of the church.
Robert Powers mentioned that he thought it a good idea to use instagram to reach the younger generations to advertise our services.
Patty Kunkel told us she was working on the website to list faith formation times. She would send information to Maggie.
Barb Sahr mentioned Music on Main Street as a way to reach people by having a table. This is held every first Friday. She would try to get information on this event.
Rhoda Olson spoke about the new service starting May 2, The Journey, and told us that this service would be in person and live-streamed. She asked the council to please attend this service at least once to be able to speak to others about it. Rhoda asked us to show support for this service and pray for its success.
Greg Fisher brought us up to date on the expansion status and told us the congregation meeting for this would be on May 16. We decided that as it was getting late we would resume talking about this item on a zoom call April 28.
The next meeting was scheduled for May 12, 2021. The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:15pm.
Respectfully submitted, Terry Dansbury
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FAITH COMMUNITY NURSES Summer in Florida should be a time of rest and relaxation. It is a time to be safe in your home and out of doors. During the "Lazy Days of Summer living may not be easy but life should feel less chaotic. There are many opportunities to improve your personal health and enhance your summer days.
1. Give your diet a berry boost: blackberries, blueberries, rasberries and strawberries daily which may prevent damage to tissues and reduce the risks of age-related illnesses. A bonus to adding berries may reduce cholesterol and prevent some cancers.
2. Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B rays. Sunglasses can also prevent cataracts as well as wrinkles around the eyes. A cataract occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy due to proteins clumping together in the lens.
3. Sun exposure: Always use sunscreen when working or playing outside. Sunburns significantly increase one's life time risk of developing skin cancer. The sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 if not higher. Use the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours even on cloudy days and afer swimming or sweating. A good broad brim hat will also protect you.
4. Vacation Time: Improve your Heart Health by using the summer slower schedule to unwind, change your thoughts, and activity. The benefit can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones which can reduce weight.
5. Swimming safety: Swimming lessons are important for every member of the family. Swim in designated areas by lifeguards. Swim with a buddy whether at the beach or pool. Never leave a child unattended near water especially a home pool. Clear the pool of toys which may entice a child to enter the water. Avoid alcohol use. It impairs judgment, balance and coordination. Always wear a life jacket during boating, paddle boarding, jet skies, and other water craft. It is important to make a trip plan before setting out on the water. When possible notify others of the plan.
6. Summer Celebrations (Fireworks): Always follow the local laws regarding the use of fireworks. Never give fireworks to children alone. Wear safety glasses when shooting off fireworks. Always set off fireworks in a clear area and away from buildings and groups of people. Remember the fireworks and alcohol do not mix. If you still want to set off your own fireworks have a bucket of water and a water hose nearby for safety. But when possible attend an organized fireworks function which would be supervised and safe. This also takes out the stress and provides more fun for the whole family.
Summer is to be enjoyed by the entire family with a side benefit of improving your personal health. It is time to make memories. God Bless You and keep you safe this summer and always.
Children’s Faith Formation will not meet over Summer
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ELCA World Hunger Collection
Online People
Reached Total
4‐Apr Maundy Thursday
Good Friday 736 973
11‐Apr 340 434
18‐Apr 244 356
25‐Apr 384 476
In‐Person At‐tendance
237
94
112
92
Thank you to all who donated to the Education Team’s ELCA World Hunger Collection. If you still have a piggy bank or envelope, please turn them in soon. Checks can be made out to LLLC with ELCA World Hunger in the memo.
WORSHIP ATTENDANCE APRIL 2021
06/01 Guppy, Sandy & Ron 06/02 Zenner, Jean & Mike
06/05 Black, Tricia & Dan 06/05 Courter, Ann & Terry 06/06 Graham, Cheryl & Gary 06/07 Chan, Susan & William 06/15 Kushner, Joan & Jim 06/16 Williams, Linda & Vaughn 06/16 Hanusa, Robin & Jim 06/20 Burner, Sherry & Dick 06/20 Baar, Mrs. James Barr & James 06/26 Fisher, Lynn & Greg 06/28 Allen, Warick & Shannon
06/01 Hartlieb June 06/01 Kim Sun 06/01 Layrisse Alexandra 06/02 Pinsonneault Amy 06/02 Scott Carolyn 06/03 Graham Aaron 06/04 Dansbury Matthew 06/08 Schwarzbauer Emma 06/10 Brennan Vicki 06/11 Brown Kathie 06/11 Griffon Lily 06/12 Schwarzbauer Carolyn 06/12 Serra Virginia 06/14 Guppy Sandy 06/14 Sanders Edward 06/14 Sciturro Mari 06/17 Mork Bill 06/19 Fetterman Melody 06/21 Marquardt Paul 06/23 Reimer Sindy 06/24 Miller Barb 06/25 Hansing Karen 06/25 Kushner Jim 06/26 Miller Deb 06/27 Henkelmann Roger 06/29 Kurtz Hadley 06/30 Mulligan Julia 06/30 Pinkerton John 06/30 Powers Katie
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Who do I contact If I am interested in a particular ministry?
Church Council
President Greg Fisher 567-5357
Vice President Kim Schmidt 747-9594
Administration
Rich Jones
614-570-6540
Education Kim Schmidt 747-9594
Evangelism Patty Kunkel 748-6669
Parish Life Terry Dansbury 919-749-3583
Finance
Property
Bill McConnell
Greg Fisher
751-8053
567-5357
Stewardship John Saum 753-1393
Worship & Music
Member At Large
Rhoda Olson
Barbara Sahr
201-6304
314-517-8887
Altar Guild
Marlene Saum
753-1393
Faith Community Nurses
Karen Hansing 748-5806
Fellowship Ellen Hanson 981-9048
Outreach Cheryl Graham 744-2742
Elaine Seamon 351-0863
New Members Patty Kunkel 748-6669
Stephen Ministry Helen Howe 213-9702
Youth Ministry Tara Friedrichs 813-947-9789
Worship Assistants Celeste Betjemann 219-617-3458
The Family of Ken Baar Theo Bullington
Family of Martha Eldridge Roy & Cindy Wells
Rob Babel Kristine Mylett Julie Magestro
Kristen Anderson
Josh Myers Behler Family of Bud Coffman
Chris Mork Tim Parker
Shirley Smith Jeanette Knight
Cason Pope Will
Wyly Pope
Gordy Havey
Linda Henkelmann
Dallas Swearingen
Mary Doolin
Susanna Scott
Janet Castner
Jacob Rodriguez
Suzanne Dietzel
Family of Ken Hartlieb
Joanne Mayer
Nora Zec
Mike and Jan Sandberg
Susan Wollage
Liz Howell
Steve Pierannunzi
Russ North
Family of Ryan Williams
Family of Jim Werdes
Ralph Schimmoller
Cleo Neynaber
Family of John DeGeorge
Marcia Dryjowicz
Tim Mumford
Ron Guppy
Tina Lipscomb
John Pinkerton
Sharon Lentz
Garianna Hughes
Vaughn Williams
Dick & Vidra Bernard
Family of Jerry Tomasso
Calvin
Tony Zubricky
Deanna Anderson
Ivory Anderson
Rade Mallkovich
Kevin D’Aprix & Family
Robert Loviska
Joe Kitchie
Florine Combass
Lon Anderson
Nan Fisher
Ester Thomas
Sharlene Jones
Shirley Kitsmiller
Linda Couch
Family of Aliene Mezey
George
Family of Mary Schwab
Darrell Dinger
Ivan Ledford
Gene Rahn
Julie Berg
Sophia Sahr Family of Mike Anuszewski, Sr.
Jimmy Woodworth
Mike Tetmeyer
Beth Long
Ray Rankl
Rosemary Reid
Randy Hanson
Vickie Zec
Joan Jones
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Ask The Weatherman By: Bill Mork
What is the NOAA hurricane forecast? On 20 May, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center predicted another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not antici-pate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020 with a record 30 named storms, 13 hurricanes, and 6 major hurricanes. For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4, or 5 with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. The Atlan-tic hurricane season extends from 1 Jun to 30 Nov. Warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropi-cal Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon are factors in this year’s activity.
Was there an early tropical storm? Subtropical storm Ana was the first named storm of the 2021 hurricane sea-son and makes 2021 the 7th straight year that a named storm formed in the month of May. Advisories began on 22 May with dissipation and the last advisory early on 24 May. Ana developed northeast of Bermuda with max winds of 45 mph and drifted slowly northeast. The Bermuda Weather Service only briefly had a Tropical Storm Watch for Bermuda.
Is Florida the lightning capital of the U.S.? Not always. A new analysis from Vaisala, a Finnish environ-mental monitoring company, says Oklahoma has overtaken Florida, at least in recent years, boasting more light-ning flashes per square kilometer than any other state in the country. In reality, OK and FL are neck and neck with 83.4 lightning flashes per square km averaged over the past 5 years in OK, compared to 82.8 in FL. Golf-ers and fishermen beware.
How dry I am! Here in Parrish, there has only been 0.03 inches of rain so far in May. It has been 35 days since we had significant rainfall, 2.31 inches on 19-20 Apr. Driest May on record in Parrish is in 2000 when there was no rain. The longest rainless streak in Parrish since we moved here in 2005 was 41 days, 7 Apr-18 May 2008. But we are blessed this month with cool nights and low dew points most days. Low temp was 64 on 24 May, coolest of the month. NWS defines our rainy season as 25 May to 10 Oct. We are a little late, but we will soon have dew points above 70 and Gulf water temps above 82. That will set the stage for the rainy season.
How severe is the drought on the California-Oregon border? The water crisis on the CA-OR border went from dire to catastrophic as federal regulators shut off irrigation water to farmers from the Upper Klamath Lake and said they would not send extra water to dying salmon downstream or to the half-dozen wildlife refuges re-lied upon each year by millions of migrating birds in the West. This disaster is a first for the 114-year-old Klamath Reclamation Project.
How wet has it been on the Gulf Coast? Heavy rain and thunderstorms have plagued the LA/MS Gulf Coast with totals since early March of 35.43 inches in New Orleans, 31.50 in Lake Charles, 30.72 in Lafayette, 30.70 in Baton Rouge, and 30.26 in Gulfport MS. Flash flooding was extreme in Lake Charles on 17 May with 12.49 inches of rain, third wettest day on record.
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“Loving, Learning, Living and Serving in Christ”
A congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Visit our web-site—www.livinglordfl.org
Living Lord Lutheran Church
11107 Palmbrush Trail
Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
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