The Lamplighter
The Newsletter of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church Conover NC
May 2019
FROM THE PASTOR
I’m not trying to start a Ford vs. Chevy controversy among St. Luke’s members and friends—but it was Henry Ford who said: “Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” I recall learning that quote early in High School. Mr. Ford’s pithy advice continues to come to mind as I think about life and goals, changes around me and hopes for this world’s people. As we here at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church move into the future that we have because of the Risen Christ we will try various things – some may work, some may not. Some of our efforts may “fail.” We will “begin again” as we need. The measuring stick is not some assembly line production but our living out of the gift of faith and into the promise of the faithful God we know is with us, for us, among us.
Another quote I remember hearing long ago is attributed to Benjamin Franklin, “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” We have set an ambitious bunch of goals. God shows up in Word and Sacrament, in the community gathered, in our work as part of the church, in surprising ways. And the Spirit is active and blows where the Spirit wills – but I also believe the Spirit likes God’s people to do some good planning. The invitation is for each of us to continue to work together to continue to make St. Luke’s a vital ministry of God’s church. The “4 Key Values” and “4 Vital Behaviors” that Council discerned needed to be our focal points (see March and April Newsletters) and the goals adopted by the congregation at the April 14 meeting are included in this newsletter, and are being put in bulletins as inserts, and are on clip boards in the narthex. The lists on the clipboards are divided up by committees with Council Liaison and Committee Chair listed and slots to sign up to help. You are invited to find your place and share your God given gifts as we live into the wondrous future that we have because of the risen Lord Jesus.
Grace and Peace to you all in this Easter Season.
Pastor Russell Makant
CALENDAR
May 1 *Fire & Disaster presentation (6:30 PM)
May 7 *Social Ministry/Evangelism meeting
May 8 *Senior’s Group Trip (8:45 AM)
May 20 June/July newsletter DEADLINE
May 28 Church Council meeting (6:30 PM)
May 31-Jun.1 *NC Synod Assembly - Greensboro
Jun. 2 * Worship on the Lake
Jun. 9 Pentecost
Jun. 16 Summer Schedule begins
*See Notes for More Information
PARISH NOTES
Special Presentation
The congregation is invited to attend a presentation on May 1 at 6:30 PM on St. Luke's Fire & Disaster Policy. This will be led by Mark Sigmon. Each year we need to be reminded of procedures that need to take place should we have a fire, natural or man-made disaster, or someone on the grounds with the intention of harming others, when the building is occupied. Responsible parties would be the Council, Property Committee, and Ushers. Yet each one of us needs to be aware of what is expected should any disaster occur.
Family Movies Return
Family movies will return following Easter. They will be shown following worship roughly once a month.
Social Ministry News
For the month of May, the Social Ministry will be collecting items for Safe Harbor Women’s Shelter. The needs for the shelter are: toiletries (shampoo, body wash, hairspray, etc.),
bottled water, storage/freezer/trash bags of all sizes, paper towels, tissues and Lysol Wipes.
Synod Assembly
This year’s Synod Assembly will be held May 31-June 1 in Greensboro. Our representatives this year will be Lynn & Joyce Baker. Please keep them in your prayers as the deliberate the business of the NC Synod.
Seniors Group News
On Wednesday, May 8, the Seniors Group will be visiting Shelton Vineyards in Dobson. Please be at the church by 8:45 AM so we can leave by 9 AM. All members of the congregation 60 years of age and older, and their guests, are invited to attend. Please RSVP by Sunday, May 5.
VBS Meetings
Planning meetings for our upcoming Vacation Bible School are now being held monthly at St. Stephens ELCA. For more information, contact Joyce Hefner.
Lake Service Coming Up
Our annual Worship on the Lake will be held on June 2 at 9:30AM at the Sigmon property on Lake Lookout. After worship we will be grilling burgers and hot dogs with all the fixings. We ask the congregation to bring a dessert or fruit. Bring your fishing tackle, Frisbee, ball, or cornhole boards for some fun after the meal. Watch the bulletin for more information.
Goals for 2019 through (about) Pentecost, 2020
Stewardship Committee
• Complete LENT CHALLENGE for building loan
• Create a plan for other fundraisers to reduce our building fund loan
• Send out quarterly contributions report
• Explore alternate plans/possibilities for contributions (example: bank draft)
• Prepare 2020 spending plan (budget)
• Present quarterly updates on church finances (Temple Talks)
Worship and Music Committee
• Continue to provide quality LUTHERAN worship services, blending music styles as able
• Continue to learn new music, hymns, songs, etc.
• Continue to incorporate various leaders of all ages in worship as able
• Continue to hold shared worship services with other congregations to build relationships
(for example: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Thanksgiving—other special services)
• Purchase & dedicate new white paraments for altar, pulpit, & ambo, and new white banners
• Increase number of helpers for worship services (e.g. readers, prayer assistant, acolyte, etc.)
• Hold training sessions for altar guild and worship assistants as appropriate and needed
• Summertime of 2019 – learn new setting in ELW (either setting 1 or setting 2)
• Try Narrative Lectionary for Fall of 2019 through Easter season of 2020
Christian Education Committee
• Monthly movie and / or some kind of learning activity – intergenerational, child friendly
• Pastor offering summer learning opportunities, including about Lutheran “basics”
• Plan for VBS, shared with other congregations (July 2019 at St. Stephens)
• Plan for Sunday school classes (2019-2020)
Social Ministry Committee
• Continue monthly collection projects for various groups (CCM, schools, etc.)
• Hold an “Old Fashion Day” festival type event (with other committees) that would include things like bake sale / hamburgers, bouncy house, fire trucks, bloodmobile, various booths in the fellowship hall for groups (hospice info, Living Will, blood screening, Children’s Advocacy) etc.
Evangelism Committee
• Create new bifold brochure for visitors; update other welcome packets
• Invite cards for Easter
• Explore idea / start a quilting group with brief Bible study component
• Work with Social Ministry Committee on Festival / Old Fashion Day idea
Property Committee
• Continue to maintain buildings and grounds (including cemetery)
MEMBERS BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH
5/17 - Vince Burch 5/17 - Linda Keller
5/17 - Brenda Sluder 5/18 - Heather Eckert
5/20 - Tanner Kanipe 5/23 - Jonathan Austin
5/25 - Samantha Keller 5/30 - Tami Hefner
MEMBERS Anniversaries THIS MONTH
5/2 - Bill & Carol Davis 5/4 - Rosco & Carolyn Troutman
5/11 - Charles & Joyce Bolick
Serving This Month (May)
Ushers – Ronald Craig, Callie Huffman
Reader– Gary Deal
Communion Assistant – Gary Deal
Prayer Assistant – Brenda Sluder
Greeter – Lana Craig
Offering Counters – Joyce Baker, Janie Dellinger
Flowers – 5/5 – Eva Bass; 5/12 – Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie Collins; 5/19 – Mr. & Mrs. Mickey Miller; 5/26 – Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Baker.
Bucket Money
The money taken up in the buckets during this quarter (April -June) will be donated to Women’s Resource Center of Hickory.
**DON’T FORGET TO BRING CANNED GOODS
AND MEDICINE BOTTLES FOR CCM **
Remember in Your Prayers
Those among us who are:
Serving in the military
Are homebound or are in nursing facilities
Sick or chronically ill
Nearing death or have recently passed away
Bereaved
Dealing with drug or alcohol addiction and their families
Victims of violence or hate
Disaster victims
The Church Council and all groups in the congregation
Prayer Partners: The Children’s Advocacy Center, St. Stephens Volunteer Fire Department, Sipe’s Orchard Home, St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog Organization
We will pray for individuals in our weekly worship and our personal prayer life.
