Psalm 66:5 says, “Come and see what God has done.”

As I sit in my little corner of the kitchen (in case you wonder, I am having a good time with this kitchen thing.  For me it’s a bit like camping…complete with the walk to the rest room!) I am acutely aware of the wondrous things that God has done and is doing in our midst.  I think about the fact that God has called such a wonderful group of people together for the purpose of sharing the Gospel and I am awed and thankful. 

I am thankful for the great worship that we share here at Gloria Dei and for the fact that when I look out at you on a Sunday morning I see the faces of people who really do want to be here.  I am thankful for the wonderful staff with which God has blessed us, each with different gifts.  I am thankful for the building crew who work hard and are very polite.  I am thankful for my delightful and loving family who make my life more wonderful than they could ever know.  I am thankful for so many of you who spend so many hours working on the personnel team, or the building team, or the worship and music team, or pulling weeds and watering plants, or setting up the altar, or the countless other activities that happen here so cheerfully.  I am thankful for the simple decency and dignity with which you conduct your lives and to which I am so often privy.  I am thankful that I love and enjoy you all enough that I really miss you when I am away.  I am thankful that the new garden-worship center is so beautiful.  I am thankful for the many opportunities for prayer and conversation and the privilege of holding the precious body and blood of our Lord in my shaking, awe-struck hands.  I am even thankful for the struggles, large and small, that ministry presents.  How could I ever appreciate the goodness of God without some difficulties to compare and shape me and to help me see how profoundly much I need God? 

Mostly, I am thankful for Jesus!  I cannot even imagine my life without an ongoing relationship with him.  I can’t think how I would face the day if I couldn’t count on his correction and friendship.  I can’t envision how I would make decisions without his guidance.  I can’t picture how I would have the courage to get out of bed, into my car, onto a congested highway and live without being paralyzed by fear except that he has promised that no matter what happens to me in this life time he is going to deliver me into eternal life.

Gratitude changes us!  And we live in a world that is far too short on gratitude.  I am convinced that the world would be different if every last one of us got up every morning and made a list of things for which we are grateful and then took a few minutes to thank God for those things.  It might just make us more courteous and less edgy, more peaceful and less anxious, more interested (and interesting) and less dissatisfied.

We have a tradition in our county called Thanksgiving.  It is a day that we set aside for eating, watching football, gathering with family and giving thanks.  But what if we made every day a day for giving thanks?  How would your life be different if you spent just five minutes each morning thanking God for everything you can think of in five minutes time?  It may not be November, but it is a perfect time for giving thanks.  What are you thankful for?

-Pastor Vicki

Rally Day for Sunday School is Sunday, September 7 at 9:50 a.m. Be sure to attend to get your children signed up and plan to stay for some activities, music, and refreshments. Sign-ups are also available on the website. All teachers are requested to attend Rally Day to meet children from their classes.

A few teachers are still needed to help out this year with co-teaching the classes. If you can help out (including substitutes) please be sure to contact Sean Honnerlaw, Nancy Mlinarik, Claudia Miller, or Rebecca Brode for details about how you can help. This year, Sunday school will run from 9:50 to 10:50 each morning, immediately following the 9:00 service. All children will report to the Fellowship Hall for music during the first 20 minutes each week.

On September 7, we will begin a new year with the series "Faith Lessons on the Prophets and Kings of Israel."  Filmed on location in Israel, Faith Lessons is a unique video series that brings God's word to life with astounding relevance.  This Prophets and Kings series focuses on God's faithfulness to His people of the Old Testament in the wayward times of the kings and prophets, and now to us in our society today.

Join us each Sunday in September at 9:50 a.m. in Room F-1 of the Fellowship Hall.

Committee Meeting Night 

The next meeting night for the leadership committees is Monday, September 8.  The evening will begin in the fellowship hall at 6:00 p.m. with a dinner meeting among the discipleship committee chairs and council members.  Then at 7:15 p.m. all the individual discipleship committees meetings will begin.

Seminary Notes

Long before I began working at Gloria Dei, I sat in your sanctuary for a workshop introducing the new ELW hymnal.  As I sang new and old songs of faith from the hymnal with the other leaders and lay people, I felt God’s Spirit calling me to become a pastor. 

I began seminary last September.  My journey toward ordination continued as I began working at Gloria Dei and began my Ministry in Context work as well.  Over the school year, I was able to observe the workings of a multiple-staff congregation, gain experience in leading worship, and observe the capital campaign and building program. 

My journey will take me in new directions this fall.  My resignation from Gloria Dei will allow me to focus on my seminary studies during the week and spend more time with my wife on the weekends, as we begin our second year of marriage.

I would like to thank everyone at Gloria Dei who made me feel welcome in a large congregation and those who affirmed my gifts for ministry.  I am grateful for the experience.  I ask you for your continued prayers and support.

In Christ,

Tom Pairan

Finance News

Welcome back from your summer vacations.   Please catch up with your giving if you have fallen behind.  Thanks for your continuing contributions to the Building Campaign, keep up the good work, it looks like we are right on track. Prayerfully consider your contributions to our operating budget for 2009.   The work that we can do in the name of the Lord both here
and the church at large depends on it.  

The Power of Prayer

“He said, ‘Come.’  So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus.”  (Matthew 14: 29…)

A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE

          Have you ever sensed God leading you to a particular mission and obediently followed in faith?  But then, as you prayerfully responded to his calling, things just didn’t appear to be unfolding as you expected?   You were certain God said, “Now is the time,” but still find yourself questioning if he truly meant it.  Don’t let this second guessing shed doubt on your prayers and what you believe to be an affirmation from God.  See it more as a test of your commitment to the purpose at hand and continue to trust in His power and leading.        

          In his book, Why Drown When You Can Walk On Water? David D. Ireland, Ph. D. shares the following illustration:

          A friend was flying from San Francisco to Los Angeles.  The plane unexpectedly stopped in Sacramento on the way.  The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if passengers wanted to get off the aircraft, they would re-board in thirty minutes.  Everybody got off the plane except one gentleman who was blind.  My friend noticed him as he walked by, and could tell he had flown before because his seeing-eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of him throughout the entire flight.  He could also tell the man had flown this same flight before because the pilot approached him and called him by name, saying, “Keith, we’re in Sacramento for almost an hour.  Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?”

          Keith replied, “No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs.”

          Imagine this:  All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they saw the pilot walk off the plane with the seeing-eye dog!  The pilot was even wearing sunglasses.  People scattered.  They not only tried to change planes but also tried to change airlines.  They had lost their confidence.

         The lesson in the story:  Don’t lose confidence and change your plans midstream because things aren’t what they appear to be.  Trust God’s leadership to bring His promise to fruition through your use of faith.

          So, next time you pray about a particular leading from God and follow what you believe to be your calling, remember that our view of the future can be very short sighted.  Just trust that small voice of God in your heart, and watch his miracles unfold around you in ways you never thought possible.

The Men’s Reading Fellowship will meet Tuesday, August 26^th @ 6:30 PM at the Boone County Main Library on Rt. 18   The books for discussion are “Active Liberty” by Stephen Breyer and “First Principles: The Jurisprudence of Clarence Thomas.”  Read the book(s) and come share your thoughts.  If you have any questions, call Ed Budrick at 727-6543.

Do you enjoy music?  Like to sing?  The chancel Choir needs you!  The members of Chancel choir are looking forward to an exciting fall season.  Practice begins on Saturday, September 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a choir retreat.  The Chancel choir practices on Wednesday evenings from 7:30 -9:00 p.m. and sing at the 11:00 services.  As a special celebration, the Chancel Choir is planning a Christmas Cantata on December 14 with string quartet, harp, flute, and oboe. If you are interested in being a member or if you have questions, please contact Vance Wolverton, Chancel Choir Director, at choir@gloriadei-nky.org  or 384-8758.

Stories to Tell & Gifts to Share 

      The title above is Gloria Dei’s stewardship theme for this year.  We recognize that God has showered us with gifts of grace that literally fill our lives. In response we live, joyfully sharing God’s gifts and giving thanks for all that God has given—especially the gift of forgiveness and life in Jesus Christ.

      It’s the part of the stewardship program we usually don’t like to hear about: giving our money to the church.   One of our stories at Gloria Dei is about the generosity of our members – whether for the general operation of our congregation and the church at large, for the renovation of our facilities, or the support of social ministry in our community and around the world.

      We know that giving can be a joy. When we focus, not on what we are giving, but on the giver and the gifts God brings into our lives, we respond in joy. 

      The little boy in the story about Jesus feeding the 5,000 willingly gave his lunch for others. And as he gave joyfully, Jesus used what he gave to do miracles.

      God does the same today. That which is given in joy gives joy. And that which is given in joy can be multiplied to reach many.  Think of the many opportunities we have had over the last several years to experience this joy.   That’s the story we have to tell about the gifts we have to share.

Because God has given so graciously, we can respond as Paul encourages: “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

Overwhelmed by too much stuff?

Are your house and closets crowded with too much ‘stuff’?   United Ministries takes donations of clothing, furniture, kitchen items, toys, bedding, books, music – in short, anything that can be sold at a yard sale, and turns them into utility payments and food for families in our community!   The items you donate are either given to clients or sold at the United Ministries Thrift Store.   End the clutter in your house and bring unused items that can be enjoyed by someone else to:  United Ministries, 525 Graves Ave., Erlanger, open 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.  

Fort Thomas Tour of Homes

You are invited to tour seven historical homes in the “Fort Thomas Tour of Homes”, presented by the Charities Guild of Northern Kentucky and kypost.com.  The event will be held Saturday, October 4 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. followed by a reception at the Highlands Country Club from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Charities Guild of Northern Kentucky has provided funding for charitable organizations in Northern Kentucky for over 20 years.  Your support of this year’s event will benefit, Shoulder to Shoulder, Inc., a social service agency located in Newport that provides services to the poor and needy in Northern Kentucky.    The Charities Guild of Northern Kentucky is pleased to have the support of kypost.com for this year’s event.  Kypost.com is an on-line provider of news, information, and social networking, striving to make Northern Kentucky a great place to live. 

Event tickets are $40 and available at Citizen’s Bank in Fort Thomas or online at www.charitiesguild.com.  For more information, please contact Kay Freyberger at 859-781-4650. 

Nursery Attendant Position Available:

Hours are Sundays 8:45 a.m. -12:15 p.m.  Pay will be discussed with whoever is interested.  Please contact Jim Bianchi at 491-7707 or Shelley Dick at 344-8334.

Hannah Circle – will meet at the Knotty Pine on the Bayou in Wilder on Thursday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m.  Our service project for September is still being decided.  Please watch the Sunday Bulletin for additional information.  Please contact Tina Smith at 261-6030 or hannah@gloriadei-nky.org if you have any questions.  Hannah Circle welcomes all women of the church to our meeting. 

Martha Circle – will meet on Monday, September 22 at the home of Joy Shattuck, 238 Farmington in Lakeside Park.  Jean McCarter will co-host and give the devotions.  The program will be making diapers from tee shirts to send to hospitals in developing countries.  All ladies are always welcome to join Martha Circle.  Call President Lisa Miller at 331-8655 for car pool information.

Ruth Circle – will meet on Thursday, September 4 for a birthday party celebration at the home of Sue Abramis, 530 Lookout Drive in Taylor Mill.  Donna Kimball will give the devotions. 

Mary Circle - will meet on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the home of Shirley Benken, 831 Fawn Hill Drive in Edgewood.  Call 331-4956 for directions or meet at church at 6:30 p.m. to car pool.  We will continue our Bible Study,  “Come to the Waters – Baptism, Renewal and New Life”.  Our service donation will be collecting cans of soup for United Ministry.

Quilters - will meet on Thursday, September 4 at 6:30 p.m. in room F2.  All interested women are welcome. Come ready and willing to work as it’s time to get quilts ready for the cold winter months.  We have new ideas from the Triennial convention to share with you.  Meet before-hand at Bob Evans (off Orphanage Rd.) for supper at 5:00 p.m. if you are able. 

Stitchers - will meet on Monday, September 8 and 22.  If you would like to join this group to make premie hats and chemo hats at 7:00 p.m. Yarn is provided.

Labor Day, first celebrated in 1882, provides a day of rest for working Americans, showing their importance to the country’s well-being.

Christians see work as a gift and command from God.  Adam was put in the garden to “till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15).  Even Jesus chose workers to help carry out his mission.

Rest is just as significant as work.  God commanded us to rest one day each week (Exodus 20:10).  The Sabbath is a time for worship, family activities, renewal and recuperation.

My Church

My church is composed of people like me.  We make it what it is.  It will be friendly, if I am.  Its pews will be filled, if I help fill them.  It will do great work, if I work.  It will make generous gifts to many causes, if I am a generous giver.  It will bring other people into its worship and fellowship, if I bring them.

My church will be a church of loyalty and love, of fearlessness and faith, and a church with ka noble spirit, if I, who make it what it is, am filled with those blessings.

Therefore, with the help of God, I shall dedicate myself to the task of being all the things that I want my church to be!

MISSION STATEMENT

We are saved by Grace through Faith and are called by the Holy Spirit to make Christ known.  In joyful response, we strive to…

v      Love God

v      Love others as God loves them

v      Live as disciples

v      Grow spiritually

v      Share the good news

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.  There will be no Sunday School during the summer months.

GLORIA DEI NEWS 

The Newsletter of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is published monthly.  The deadline for articles is the 15^th 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

Gabriele Vosmeier & Kurt Freyberger……....…Co-Treasurers

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

Vance Wolverton……………………..Chancel Choir Director

Peggy Wolverton……………………………………. Organist

Mindy Barrett………………………Children’s Choir Director

Lynne & Paul Goodridge…….……….…Praise Band Leaders

Bob & Bonnie Handahl…..Adult Sunday School Coordinators

Shawn Honnerlaw...Children’s Sunday School Superintendent

Nancy Mlinarik……Children’s Sunday School Superintendent

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