Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Crestview Hills, Kentucky
Click here to fill out the 2008 time and talent form online. |
2718 Dixie Highway |
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Newsletter of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 2718 Dixie Highway Volume XXVI, No. 1 From the Pastor, Psalm 98 says, "O, sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. Make a joyful noise to the Lord all the earth, break forth into joyous song and sing praises." God has done marvelous things here at Gloria Dei. What a joy it is to be a part of such a dynamic and loving congregation. Like St. Paul, I thank God for you every day. No wonder my heart is full of "a new song". That's why I am so certain that 2008 will be a year that is filled to overflowing with God's "new song" for Gloria Dei. On November 11, we passed the new building project without a dissenting vote. The vote was a long time coming. For more than two years we have worked on this; talked to as many people as we could, listened to the discipleship teams, revamped, revised, revisited, talked and listened some more. The plan is just lovely. It is also very practical and will give us versatile and usable space. Nearly everything that we are adding will have multi-function ability and will enhance our ministry by enhancing the variety of offerings for worship, fellowship and ongoing ministry. Of course, everything worth doing requires something of us. Martin Luther once said, "A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing, and suffers nothing, is worth nothing." Actually, that's just how I feel about our building project. I have been reflecting on how wonderful it is to be able to have something important and meaningful to do with my time and my money. I consider this project a gift to my life. I will be so glad to be able to contribute to this project because I believe that it is God who has been leading us. I also believe that it will be a visible sign of God's blessings for everyone in our community to see a people at work in the kingdom. But most of all I am delighted with this opportunity to give of myself because I know that it will go on long after I am gone from this place and even after I am gone from this earth. What a legacy to be able to say that I was a part of this good work, this good thing that God is doing in Northern Kentucky. Our world is over come with selfishness. We get messages every day from the world around us that encourage us to want something for nothing and to care for ourselves first. The world advises us to take care of number one, to put our self ahead of everyone else. But these are just the world's realities. God's reality is something different, something wonderful, something that can bring only good into our lives. God desires that we would be committed to God's agenda and that means that we live outside of ourselves, for reasons that are not self serving. When we are on God's agenda, our purpose in life is not to "get" for our self or save up for our own well being, but rather to care for others and care for the sake of the witness to Jesus that we make. The world will be watching to see how we treat one another in this time…as well as what we give for the sake of perfect strangers, for the sake of our children's children, for the sake all the believers who will follow us in this place. I rejoice to simply have the privilege of participating with all of you in God's work here. I am thankful for this opportunity because it gives something, costs something, and suffers something for the sake of God's kingdom, and so it is worth everything. God constantly calls us to a new song. Will you come and sing too? -Pastor Vicki Pastor Vicki P.S. Please pray for our building project and everyone involved in it.
What is the Book of Faith? The Book of Faith is an initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The Book of Faith initiative invites the whole church to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, and empowered by the Word.Open Scripture. Join the Conversation. There are many opportunities at Gloria Dei for education and faith development, and in the coming months we’ll be exploring ways to expand our offerings. This month we’re highlighting just a few of the programs. So begin the new year in the Book of Faith. Open Scripture. Join the Conversation.
Red Letter Bible Study Each week Pastor Vicki provides an on-line Bible study designed to help us focus on the teachings and words of Jesus and what they mean for our lives. The lesson is based on the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday. You will be amazed how this Bible study deepens your worship experience. Check it out at www.gloriadei-nky.org. Prayer Enrichment Meetings will resume on Sunday, Jan. 6 at 10 a.m. The group will begin a new DVD series titled “Be Still.” You are invited to discover new ways to enrich your prayer life and discover the true peace and joy it brings. For more info, see Paul or Lynne Goodridge
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Confirmation Retreat: February 9-10 at Great Wolf Lodge Cost is $50 a person and we will sign up in class on January 9th. If you are an adult that would like to go, please let Rebecca know!
Got the Acting Bug? Interested in being part of an Easter Play? Come to the informational meeting on January 21st at 7pm. All ages are welcome to attend. If you are unable to make this meeting, but are interested in participating, please email or call Rebecca. 331-4694 or youth@gloriadei-nky.org
New Church Council, Officers, and Committee Liaisons for 2008
We are delighted that God has blessed us with so many talented and committed people for the leadership of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. We have made some changes in the structure of the Discipleship Teams, as follows: Nurture has been renamed “Fellowship” in order that it might focus on fellowship events and atmosphere. Education has been separated from the Nurture Team and will now have its own Team. Outreach has been renamed “Nurture and Outreach” and will be responsible for sharing the gospel out side our walls (evangelism) and also for the Pastoral Care ministries of the congregation. Personnel has been renamed “Human Resources” to more fully describe its mission. Safety and Boundaries has been dissolved with responsibilities delegated to Property and Human Resources as appropriate.
Church Officers for 2008 include: President Todd Kuhse Vice President Steve Kieffner Secretary Amy Honnerlaw Treasurer Gabrielle Vosmeier Financial Secretary Paula Ebert
Committee Chairs and Liaisons for 2008 include: Communications Lisa Huddleston (chair) Amy Honnerlaw (liaison) Finance Bob Frey (chair) Steve Kieffner (liaison) Spiritual Gifts Sara Kieffner (chair) Jennifer Ables (liaison) Nurture and Outreach (formerly called Outreach) Mary Land (chair) Kelli Sittason (liaison) Human Resources (formerly called Personnel) Fred Miller (chair) Doug Ebert (liaison) Social Ministries Donna Bianchi (chair) Hansel Ramathal (liaison) Property Paul Lorenz (chair) Craig Bluemlein (liaison) Worship and Music Jim Bianchi (chair) Shelley Dick (liaison) Education Claudia Miller (chair) Denise Bosma (liaison) Fellowship (formerly called Nurture) Jenny Bunnell (chair) Don Shattuck (liaison) Please pray for the leaders of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, their teams, and everyone who will be affected by their ministry.
Committee Meeting Dates Set for 2008
February 11, April 7, June 2, September 8, and November 3. Committee Chairs and Council will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall with respective committees meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Leadership Retreat
The Leadership Retreat will take place at the home of Steve & Sara Kieffner January 11-12. Contact Sara at 341-5131 for more info.
The Power of Prayer “But who are you, a mere man, to criticize and contradict and answer back to God? Will what is formed say to Him that formed it, Why have You made me thus?” (Romans 9:20)
He Is Not On Trial How often do we bring our plans before God and ask for His blessing when we fail to include Him from the very start? Then when the outcomes are not as we planned, we begin to criticize and question God. We ask him, “Why?” We cross-examine his motives and offer plea bargains, and in our ignorance, dare to call this prayer. We fearlessly inform him what we, in our limited human wisdom, believe he should be doing in our lives. But, most of all, we fail to honor God by giving “THY WILL BE DONE” the least bit of consideration. As Joyce Meyer writes in her book, Be Anxious for Nothing, “It is not our place to cross-examine God. He is not on trial.” “Lord,” we say, “I don’t understand why You don’t answer my prayers.” “Yet it never occurs to us that maybe we are praying out of the will of God. It has been noted that the biggest problem for most Christians is their inability to distinguish between God’s will and personal ambition...For years I struggled with these matters, usually because I already had my mind made up about the way things were supposed to be, even before I went to God in prayer about them. Too often my prayers were really just PR sessions in which I tried to manipulate God to get what I wanted from Him.” It would be interesting to take note how many times we have already made up our minds before going to God in prayer. It is no wonder that it often seems as though God is saying “no” to our prayers and we are frequently asking “why?” Although it is not always easy to know God’s will, if we make it our goal to seek it, we will discover that this is the only way to experience true fulfillment, peace and harmony in our lives. Ultimately, we must make the effort to remember it is not our place, or in our best interest, to cross examine God for “he is not on trial.” He alone has the best intentions for us, and we can take comfort knowing the future is always safely in his hands. Comings and Goings
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever. (Psalm 121:8)
Exploring Your Faith Through Writing: All people interested in writing are invited to participate in a new group that will meet two times per month beginning in late January, 2008, at Gloria Dei. A variety of writing prompts and suggestions will be offered during the eight sessions. All people are invited no matter what your commitment to writing has or has not been in the past. Sandy Gaines has previously facilitated writing groups and is excited about beginning a group at Gloria Dei. Please call Walda Helvie at 344-0103 or Sandy Gaines at 371-0377 to register for the group. Call us if you have any questions. The group will be limited to 6 people, so call soon.
Marionette ShowIt was a dark and stormy night. Still, 93 people ventured out to enjoy “Jack and the Beanstalk,” our twelfth annual production by the Frisch Marionette Company. Some families said they never missed the show and would be back next year. The presentation is not only an enjoyable Christmas-time activity for all ages, but also a fundraiser that supports Angel Tree. With additional funds from Thrivent, we were able to donate $500 this year. Many thanks to those who once again made the show a success. We thank Jane Auge, Bonnie Handahl and Kyra Lorenz for refreshments; Bob Handahl for organizing the event and set-up; Shawn and Amy Honnerlaw for clean-up; Thrivent for financial support; and all who attended.
locations. Each “Lutheran Life Saver” will receive free gifts and refreshments along with a chance to win a $100 Marriott Hotel gift certificate and one of over $500 worth of other gift certificates. There will be special first-time donor drawings and a special early bird drawing too. Watch for more information or visit us at www.lutheransonline.com/rfo270.
Ruth
Circle -
is planning for an exciting year ahead. We will be having our planning meeting
on
Mary Circle - will meet on Thursday, January 24, at the home of Jane Pfarner at 7:00 p.m. Jane will have devotions and the program will be given by Marie McMillen
Martha Circle – will meet on Monday, January 28 beginning with desserts and refreshments at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joy Shattuck, 238 Farmington Drive in Lakeside Park. Tollie Chavis will co-host and give the devotions. Pat Mehling will have the program. All ladies are welcome to come join us for one meeting or every month. Call Lisa Miller at 331-8655for carpool information.
Ladies! Mark your calendars for Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 for the women’s retreat in 2008 at Queen Anne’s convent in Melbourne. This is a great time for our ladies, young and old, to enjoy Christian fellowship, and to learn from several of Pastor Vicki’s excellent lessons. It is a great time for sisters, mothers and daughters, mothers and daughters-in-laws, friends, grandma’s and daughter and granddaughters, or any other combination I may have omitted. Please mark your calendars and save that time to join us. We would love to see you there. Questions can be directed to Geneva Reimer, 356-7911, or any lady who has attended in the past.
Recent Memorial Gifts
Several individuals have made donations to the Memorial Fund to remember or honor someone or just to make a loving donation. William Lloyd was remembered by the following: Advanced Insulation Concepts, Robert and Wendi Herbert, Mary Ann Hickman, Joyce Tappan, Jan and Joy Merder, and Gerald and Bonnie Thelem. James and Margie Conner and Brad Perkins and Gail and Warren Cato made donations to Pastor’s fund in Evangelism. Eli Bunnell was honored with a donation by Paula and Doug Ebert. Violet Leers was remembered with donations by Mr. And Mrs. Richard Eckert and the Gloria Dei Seniors. -Geneva Reimer, Memorial Secretary
What The New Year Offers v A fresh start in the totality of our life. v A chance to do good things for others, especially older members of our family. v An opportunity to plan better for the future, including the use of our time, talent, and possessions. v A challenge to read helpful books about living according to God’s plan. v A chance to better control stress and anxiety in body and spirit.
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 8:00 a.m., 9:00 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. Sunday School for all ages begins at 9:50 a.m. 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
Todd Kuhse…...……………………………….……..President Steve Kieffner.…..………………………..……Vice President Amy Honnerlaw……………..…………………..…..Secretary Gabrielle Vosmeier…...………………………...……Treasurer Paula Ebert……………………………...…Financial Secretary CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Vicki Garber…………………………….…Senior Pastor Rebecca Brode…...……Director of Youth & Group Ministries Tom Pairan….....Volunteer & Christian Education coordinator Debbie Hoydal……………………………....Church Secretary Terri Chapman…………………………………..…..Custodian
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Peggy Fisher & Dolores Kreutzjans…..….Preschool Directors Vance Wolverton……………………..Chancel Choir Director Peggy Wolverton……………………………………. Organist Mindy Barrett………………………Children’s Choir Director Lynn & Paul Goodridge……………….…Praise Band Leaders Bob & Bonnie Handahl…..Adult Sunday School Coordinators Denise Bosma. ……Children’s Sunday School Superintendent Nancy Mlinarik……Children’s Sunday School Superintendent
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After
a faithful and prayerful search God has blessed us with two wonderful new
additions to our staff. Peggy Wolverton has been chosen and has accepted the
position as our new church organist. Peggy has many years of organ experience
and is a gifted and enthusiastic musician. In addition to her work here, she
also currently teaches at Northern Kentucky University and gives private music
lessons. Vance Wolverton has been chosen and has accepted the position as Choir
Director. Vance is a music education professor at Northern Kentucky University
and has many years of experience as a vocal and choir instructor and director.
Both Peggy and Vance will serve in a part time capacity with us. Please pray
for Peggy and Vance in their ministry among us.
Please
mark these dates on your calendar for the 2008 Committee Meeting nights:
