Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Crestview Hills, Kentucky
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2718 Dixie Highway |
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Newsletter of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 2718 Dixie Hwy. Volume XXIV, No. 4 From The Pastor,
This year’s Lenten Prayer Vigil was a modified labyrinthal prayer. We set up 61 stations, all around the church. Each station had a suggestion of a prayer focus and people just went at their own pace, walking from one station to the next when they were ready to move on to the next prayer. I designed that type of prayer experience because I wanted to give us two images to lead us into lent, that lent is a journey of prayer and trust in Christ and that we can and should and need to fill this entire sanctuary, as well as our whole lives, with prayer. Three of the stations, the first, the middle and the last, were at the baptismal font. I did that because I wanted to have the whole Vigil grounded in and surrounded by baptism, just as our Lenten journey and everything that we do in this church (the entire place, like the prayer) is grounded in and surrounded by our baptism. Before we began the walking part of the prayer we spent time in prayer asking God to reveal anything in our lives that needed to be forgiven or healed, or that we needed to give over to God. I asked people to jot those things down on yellow “Post Its”. They were to carry the “Post Its” with them as they made their journey as a reminder that unresolved stuff is a burden that we carry with us. Then when they came to station 39, the station at the font in the middle of the prayer journey, they were instructed to dip the paper in the baptismal water and then to throw the paper into the waste basket as a reminder that in Christ, through our baptismal connection with Christ, our sins truly are forgiven and we can give over all of those troubling things and make the rest of our journey with much less burden. The most interesting thing about that, something that I hadn’t known to think about before hand, was the fact that little by little the yellow color from the “Post Its” bled into the baptismal water. I had no idea that “Post Its” would fade. As the water became more tinged by yellow, it reminded me that in Christ we can leave not only our sin but we can also leave the stain of our sin, the way that it mars our lives and tinges everything that we do and say and think. So many of us carry the burden of old hurts and unforgiven sins with us day after day. Wouldn’t that burden be a wonderful thing to give up for Lent? Live in your baptism and walk a little lighter!
-Pastor Vicki
Palm Sunday Services April 9: 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Prayer Services April 10, 11, and 12: 7:00 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service April 13: 7:00 p.m. Good Friday Service April 14: 7:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Service April 15: 7:00 p.m. Easter Sunday Services April 16: 8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Our Easter breakfast has not only been a popular event for many years, but has also enabled us to bring the marionette show to Gloria Dei and to support ministries such as Angel Tree. Since 1988, the Hegna and Hanson families have been in charge of the annual breakfast. We want to thank Len Hegna, Dave and Mary Anne Hanson, and Garry and Nona Hanson for their service to us during the past 19 Easter mornings. Len and Dave have asked that this year be their last to head and plan the breakfast. As always, we welcome any men of the church who like cooking to volunteer. We also welcome any who have an interest to be in charge going forward. To be involved in any way, contact Len Hegna (282-1768), Dave Hanson (491-0934) or Bob Handahl (331-7137).
Friendship Bible Class News
The Friendship Bible Class (Bible class for mentally impaired adults) has been meeting for almost two years. We have six students enrolled in our Thursday evening classes. Without our three volunteers- Dick Mueller, Bill Schein, and Margaret Berwanger- this class would not be in existence. Thank you for being so dedicated. Our focus has been on Bible stories from the Old Testament. These stories show us how much God loves us, how God works in our lives and that God always keeps His promises. God wants us to take care of our earth, love each other, and help people in need. Our class has saved $60.00 from our weekly offering to purchase two pigs (Mr. And Mrs. Piggy were the names chosen by the students) that World Hunger Appeal will give to a needy family either in Central America or Africa.
During Lent we have been studying Jesus’ last days, the Last Supper, Jesus’ death and resurrection. Each one of us has the 40-Day World Hunger Calendar to do at home. It has many ideas that relate to world hunger, taking care of our earth and living simply. If you would like a copy see me, it can be done for any 40-day period throughout the year. Thanks to Judy Millar who has gathered materials and sewed crafts for our class projects in Lent. Hannah Circle has been so gracious in keeping a cabinet in the kitchen stocked with snack items. Thank you- the students love snack time. We need more volunteers, especially when one of us can’t make it to class. If you could help us, just one time per month, it would be appreciated. We end our class in mid May and resume classes in mid October. We pray, sing, learn about God, talk, have one on one mentoring sessions with the students, have snacks and enjoy each others company. Come and join us, it is an uplifting way to spend a Thursday evening. -Walda Helvie
April 2 and 9: “The Passion of Christ: Following His Last Week” April 16: Easter (no class) April 23: “On the Road to Emmaus” April 30: “Jesus Reinstates Peter”
Share your thoughts and maybe gain a new perspective on what the Lord has done for us. We meet each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the Conference Room.
Don’t forget to set your clocks FORWARD one hour before you go to bed on Saturday, April 1. otherwise, you’ll be one hour late for church!
March Update from the Praise Band
Hello everyone! We can’t believe six months have passed since we began this awesome adventure with God to begin a new ministry at Gloria Dei. Paul & I wanted to take a moment to fill you all in on some immediate reminders and news within the Praise Band/Contemporary Music Ministry at GDLC.
For those of you who may not already know, Amy & her husband, Andy became parents of a little baby girl, Ava, in February. We thank God for her safe arrival into the world & send our congratulations to the proud parents! Then, this past week, we welcomed our Youth Director, Rebecca Brode into the Praise Band. She is a DRUMMER/PERCUSSIONIST who sings & also plays guitar, among her other talents. We also had Bob Mueller join us on the song, "I CAN ONLY IMAGINE". He will also be joining us from time to time to help lead worship. We are so thankful to God, who in his perfect timing, continues to bless us with individuals like yourselves with outstanding talent and hearts on fire for his Son, Jesus Christ. We praise him for each one of you involved with the worship team of the contemporary music ministry here at GDLC and thank you all for serving in any way you can; whether it be worship leading, ushering, communion assisting or reading. You are ALL valuable to us & to God!
-Lynne & Paul Goodridge
The Eastside Christian Church in Milford, OH is hosting a special event on Saturday, April 1 entitled Help Build Hope. On that day, over 1200 volunteers from the tri-state area will gather in the church parking lot to help frame 20 homes for Hurricane Katrina victims. The day will be divided into three convenient four-hour building sessions: 8:00 a.m.-noon, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for one, two, or all three sessions. If you are interested in participating, please call Donna or Jim Bianchi at 491-7707 or contact the church office.
2005 Financial Report
The Discipleship of Finance Committee is pleased to report that 2005 was a blessed year for the Church finances. The general fund income was $462,197, which was 8.9% greater than 2004 due to increased giving/offerings. The operating expenses of the Church were $396,703, which was 9.7% less than 2004. The expense reduction was the primary result of a lesser mortgage payment and lower personnel costs. The result was a $65,454 surplus for the general fund. This surplus increases the cash position of the Church to $145,708 as of December 31, 2005.
During the annual Congregation meeting, the Congregation approved donating 10% of the surplus generated in 2005 to others in need. Pursuant to the recommendation made by Gloria Dei’s Discipleship of Social Ministries Committee, the Church Council approved the following donations:
The 2005 year-end Treasurer’s Report is posted with the Council meeting minutes in the Church office. The general fund financial and accounting records annual review is being conducted by Gerry Pfarner and is in process. In 2006 the Church Treasurer is Kurt and Kay Freyberger, Bob Frey is the Chair of the Discipleship of Finance Committee and Steve Kieffner is the Finance Liaison Council Member. Don’t hesitate to contact anyone of the above, Pastor Vicki or the Council President with questions or commentary.
April Youth and Family Events
1st Building Hope in Milford, Ohio 1-5 p.m. - Building houses to help victims of Hurricane Katrina - Meet at Gloria Dei, and we will carpool up there
2nd Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
4th Young Adult Gathering at Boarders, 7:00 p.m.
6th High School Bible Study at Panera, 7:00 p.m.
8th Taste of Spring at Gloria Dei, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Tye dye, egg dye, planting flowers, playing outside - Open for all youth, bring a sack lunch
9th Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
12th Middle/High School Youth Serving Lenten Dinner, 5:00 p.m.
16th Easter Egg Hunt, 10:15 a.m. - Meet in the Conference Room
18th Young Adult Gathering at Boarders, 7:00 p.m.
20th High School Bible Study at Panera, 7:00 p.m.
21st Family Ministry Bowling Outing at Sports of All Sorts, 7:00 p.m. - Please sign up at church
23rd Confirmation, 6:30 p.m.
25th Young Adult Gathering at Boarders, 7:00 p.m.
27th High School Bible Study at Panera, 7:00 p.m.
28th Youth Game and Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. - For elementary youth - Bring a snack and friends
29th Adult Outing at Jillian’s Hibachi Grill, 8:00 p.m. - Please email Rebecca if you are interested, youth@gloria dei-nky.org
30th Confirmation Roller Skating Outing at Florence Fundome, 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Check out all events at www.gloriadei-nky.org/youth_calendar.htm
Greetings! Happy Spring! The joy and grace of Easter is soon here. I get so excited during this time of the year. Everything dead is becoming new again. It is great to be alive. I am very excited about all the great things happening with the youth and families ministry. I have had wonderful support from volunteers and youth attending events. I am looking forward to the ministry that is to come. You can check out the calendar online. It is planned until September 2006. All you have to do is go to: www.gloriadei-nky.org/youth_calendar.htm. Make sure you check it often, as events can change or more might get added. If you have suggestions for events or ideas for projects, please let me know. I will be glad to explore them with you. God is most certainly good and I see Him in this community. I am blessed to be here, and to minister with you. Enjoy the blessing of Easter.
Grace and Peace, Rebecca
Something new…
Adult Outings are open for anyone. It is a chance for folks to get together and enjoy a night out. This month is at Jillian’s in Covington. The Hibachi Grill is a fun filled dinner, with an anything goes kind of attitude. Afterwards, enjoy games at Jillian’s. this is a great opportunity for parents to have a night out without the kids. If you are interested, please email Rebecca at youth@gloriadei-nky.org.
From the Nominating Committee
Isaiah 64:8 says: Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter, we are the work of your hand. We are all God’s servants here on earth. It is He that makes it possible for us to do great things for our church and community. Please take the time to complete your 2006 Time and Talent Survey if you haven’t already done so. If you would like to update your survey or make any changes, please notify the office. The potter needs ample clay to build successfully!
Gloria Dei Seniors
The Gloria Dei Seniors have many exciting things planned for 2006 and you do not have to be a senior to join us. April 9 – Cincinnati Museum Center and the Omnimax theater. May 12 – Dinner at Green Derby and see the production of “Enchanted Garden” at the Stained Glass Theater. June 21-22 – Overnighter to see the outdoor drama of “Johnny Appleseed” in Mansfield, Ohio. A $50 deposit needs to be paid by April 10. Call Charlotte Davis at 342-8883 for a registration form.
Interfaith Hospitality Network
Golfers: We need you for the 3rd Annual Golf Outing for the Interfaith Hospitality Network to be held on Friday, May 12 at A.J. Jolly Golf Course. You and 39 other fanatical golfers will tee off at dawn to play 100 holes of golf. Proceeds will benefit IHN of Northern Kentucky. Golfers get lots of golf goodies and the reward of doing something fun that benefits homeless children and their families. Interested? Contact Donna Kimball at 356-3480 or the IHN office at 431-6840 for more details.
WELCA Circle News
Martha Circle - will meet on Monday, April 24 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joy Shattuck. Tollie Chavis will co-host and give devotions. Debby Rieselmann will give the program.
Mary Circle – will meet on Thursday, April 20 beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Gail Cato. Need directions or a ride? Call Gail at 657-6390.
Hannah Circle and Ruth Circle – will meet on Thursday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the church conference room to make Palm crosses. All ladies are welcome to come help. MISSION STATEMENT
The family of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church accepts the call of our Lord Jesus to "go therefore and make disciples" and to fulfill this call by: · Evolving the highest-quality worship experience · Establishing community outreach that is Christ-centered · Fostering spiritual growth · Maximizing human and financial resources · Transmitting our love for Christ to those in need
SUNDAY SERVICES
Sunday worship services for everyone are offered at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. Holy Communion is celebrated every Sunday at all services. A nursery is also provided at all services.
GLORIA DEI NEWS
The Newsletter of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is published monthly. The deadline for articles is the 15th of the month. Articles may be e-mailed to the editor, Val Eason, at newsletter@gloriadei-nky.org or faxed to 578-0273.
CHURCH OFFICERS
Duane Skavdahl……………………………….……..President Steve Kieffner.…..………………………..……Vice President Lisa Huddleston...………………………………..…..Secretary Kurt & Kay Freyberger………………………...……Treasurer Paula Ebert……………………………...…Financial Secretary CHURCH STAFF
Vicki Garber………………………………….…Senior Pastor Rebecca Brode…...……Director of Youth & Group Ministries Debbie Hoydal……………………………....Church Secretary Terri Chapman…………………………………..…..Custodian
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Peggy Fisher & Dolores Kreutzjans…..….Preschool Directors Anita Carmack……………………...………….Music Director Ron Carmack………...…………………Senior Choir Director Mindy Barrett………………………Children’s Choir Director Bob & Bonnie Handahl…..Adult Sunday School Coordinators Terri Stinebruner …Children’s Sunday School Superintendent Nancy Mlinarik……Children’s Sunday School Superintendent |
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