July Newsle*er Our Mission: “Reaching those who don’t yet know Christ by strengthening and equipping those who do.”
What’s going on at Family of Christ this month?
Pastor’s Page Facility Updates July Calendar of Events Bible Studies • Adult Ministry • Women’s Ministry • Men’s Ministry Upcoming Events • Pastor’s Bible Study • New Member Class • Outreach and Missions Committee • Lutheran National Youth Gathering Ministry Updates • Worship Arts • Children’s Ministry • Student Ministry • Ministry Support • LifeGroups • Men’s Ministry • Women’s Ministry • Stephen Ministry Birthdays and Anniversaries
For complete announcements and contact information, visit our website at www.foccs.net.
Pastor’s Page
An Ugly Scar
I have had a great first few months with you here at FOC, and one of the joys I have had is hanging out with the kids in the classrooms at the CDC. They are anxious to share stories, to show me their shoes, and even tell me about their “ouchies” and “boo boos.” They show me their knees and their hands, and every once in a while, a band-aid. Often the band-aid isn’t actually covering an injury, they just like band-aids! But that has me thinking: What are YOUR scars? Some may very well be physical, others emotional or spiritual. Scars mean that you went through something painful, something difficult. Through the call process and even now that I am here, I have heard many of your stories. Those stories include painful moments and the hurt is still here today. The past two years at the church have seen challenging times. It would be easy to regard these as ugly scars that remind you of days you’d rather forget. There is something pretty important you need to remember about scars: The fact that they are scars and no longer wounds means that healing has occurred! No matter how unsightly or how painful it was, the scar should tell you that time has passed and that you are getting better. In many ways, that is what our Lord does for us: He brings us healing! Psalm 147:2 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Again in Jeremiah 17:14 we read, “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise”. All of us have scars. My body bears physical scars, and my soul has spiritual scars. But thanks be to God that He has sustained me, strengthened me and healed me. He is doing the same for you! If you need help and feel like your wound is not healing, please reach out to me. I can’t promise I can heal you, but I know our Lord can, in His time. There are many ways God heals you: Through His Word, through prayer, through worship, and through communion. It’s medicine for the soul! The most powerful way we are healed is through Christ, as Isaiah the prophet writes, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed”. Yes, our Lord Jesus has scars, and we will see that in heaven one day. There is no such thing as an ugly scar. Because signs of healing is are beautiful! In Christ, Pastor Moreno
Facility Updates Facility Improvements: Over the past few months, we were able to make some important improvements to our building! • West parking lot removed and replaced. • East Parking lot sealed and striped. • Security cameras installed in all classrooms. • Sound Booth extended.
Volunteer Opportunities: Would you like to help us spruce up the interior of the building this month — painting, patching holes, etc.? If yes, please contact Sharon Monteleone - 719.301.7096. We could really use your help!
Calendar of Events - July 2019 SUN
MON
TUES
Kempo Karate
6:00 pm Security Team 6:30 pm Trace
7:00 pm Bibles & Brews 7:30 pm
AA
6:00 pm
WED
THURS
FRI
Wild Wednesday 3:45 pm
Fourth of July Parade 10:00 am Church Office Closed
6:00 pm AA 7:00 pm
SAT
Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am
Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am Women’s Bible Study Group
9:00 am
Honduras Mission Trip
1 Classic Service 8:00 am Adult Bible Study 9:15 am
Modern Service 10:15 am Pastor’s Bible Study 5 pm IMPACT 5 pm
2
BOD Meeting 6:00 pm
Kempo Karate 6:00 pm
AA
6:00 pm
Trace
7:00 pm
3 Wild Wednesday 6:30 pm
4 Kempo Karate
6:00 pm AA 7:00 pm
5
6 Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am
Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am
Women’s Bible Study Group
9:00 am
Honduras Mission Trip
7
8
Classic Service AA
8:00 am 6:00 pm Adult Bible Study 9:15 am
Modern Service 10:15 am Pastor’s Bible Study 5 pm IMPACT 5 pm
9
10
Kempo Karate
Wild 6:00 pm Wednesday Elders’ Meeting 11:30 am 6:00 pm Security Team 6:30 pm Trace
7:00 pm Bibles & Brews 7:30 pm
11 Kempo Karate
6:00 pm AA 7:00 pm
12 Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am
13 Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am Women’s Bible Study Group
9:00 am
Atlanta Mission Trip
14 Classic Service AA
8:00 am 6:00 pm Adult Bible Study 9:15 am
Modern Service 10:15 am
New Member Class 1 pm Pastor’s Bible Study 5 pm IMPACT 5 pm 21 Classic Service AA
8:00 am 6:00 pm Adult Bible Study 9:15 am
Modern Service 10:15 am Pastor’s Bible Study 5 pm IMPACT 5 pm 28
15
16 Kempo Karate 6:00 pm Trace
7:00 pm
22
Wild Wednesday 6:00 pm
23
Trace 7:00 pm
30
18 Kempo Karate
6:00 pm
New Member Class 7:00 pm
Kempo Karate 6:00 pm
29
17
24 Wild Wednesday 1:00 pm
31
AA 7:00 pm
19
20 Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am
Men’s Bible Study Group
8:00 am
Women’s Bible Study Group
9:00 am
25
26
27
Adult Ministry Adult Bible Study - “Being Christian in a Secular Society” A Topical Study of Contemporary Issues
Join us for this class on Sunday mornings between our worship services from 9:15 - 10:00 am. Those attending this class will take part in important discussions about what it means to have a Christian worldview and how to discern between what the Bible says and what our culture teaches.
Bible Studies
COORDINATOR: Ron Moody |
[email protected]
Women’s Ministry JEWELS Tuesday Morning Bible Study
Throughout July and August, JEWELS is not meeting at FOC. They invite you to join them for their summer independent study: “Anxious for Nothing” by Max Lucado. Contact them for access to the study materials! COORDINATORS:
Catherine Allen |
[email protected] Tammy McLeran |
[email protected] Christie Ramshur |
[email protected]
Saturday Morning Women’s Inductive Bible Study Want to learn how to study the Bible inductively?
You’re invited you to learn the basics of Inductive Bible Study (observation, interpretation, and application) weekly on Saturday mornings in the (North) Kitchen Cafe from 9:00 - 11:00 am. COORDINATOR: Cris Bonser |
[email protected]
Men’s Ministry Men’s Tuesday Night Study: Bibles & Brews This group of men meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the Bourbon Brothers Library Room from 7:30 - 9:30 pm. Buy a brew or any other drink or appetizer you’d like and spend some quality time studying God’s word with some other guys! COORDINATOR: Wayne Pittman |
[email protected]
Friday Morning Men's Bible Study
This group of men meets weekly at the Village Inn in Monument on Friday mornings at 8:00 am to enjoy fellowship, spend time in prayer and discuss God’s Word and the impact it has on their lives. COORDINATOR: Bill George |
[email protected]
Saturday Morning Men's Bible Study
This group is based on Proverbs 27:17, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Every Saturday morning at 8:00 am, join the men of Family of Christ as they meet in the Cafe next to the South Sanctuary to discuss the Word, God’s impact on their lives, and how they as men can become the “MEN” that God has truly intended them to be. Their door is always open for more men to join! (Coffee and pastries are provided.) COORDINATOR: Tom Keithley |
[email protected]
Upcoming Events
Pastor’s Bible Study Join Pastor Moreno as he leads a Bible Study on the book “Spirituality of the Cross” by Gene Edward Veith. This book provides an insightful look into how distinct the Lutheran faith is, especially in our current context. The church has copies you can borrow, or you can buy your own. Please let Pastor Moreno know if you can make it to the study. This great class will meet weekly on Sunday nights from 5:00 to 6:30 pm. We look forward to seeing you there!
New Member ClaI
So you've been with us for a while, and you're considering becoming a member of Family of Christ Lutheran Church… What does that even mean? Well, to put it simply, it means that you are putting down roots and choosing to plug into our community by serving, giving, supporting, and participating in life together. You are choosing us, and we are choosing and welcoming you!
Whether you are a lifelong church-goer, new to knowing and loving Jesus, or you just want to know more about "who we are," you are invited to join us in a few "next steps" in order to discover more! Here's where to go from here: Our next New Member Class will be offered in July! The class will run for four weeks and two of the same session will be offered each week. Our first class will be held on Sunday, July 21, from 1:00 - 2:30 pm. The same session will also take place that week on Wednesday, July 24, from 7:00 - 8:30 pm for those who are unable to make it on Sunday. If you’re interested in becoming a member of Family of Christ, or would like more information, please let us know by contacting the Church Office - offi
[email protected] or 719.481.2255.
Outreach and MiIions Commi*L Do you have a passion to seek and save the lost? Do you think we can partner with community groups to make a difference? Are you excited to see us get involved in the community? If so, please don’t hesitate to contact Pastor Moreno -
[email protected] to take part in an emerging committee that will help FOC become an active ministry presence throughout Monument and Colorado Springs!
Lutheran National Youth Gathering July 11-15 there will be thousands of Lutheran high schoolers from all over the world gathering in Minneapolis for the National Youth Gathering! Pastor Mark is one of the featured speakers for the Bible study in the morning sessions. Please pray for all of the youth that are attending — that God may shape and mold them and that this experience is spiritually formative! The theme for the Youth Gathering this year is REAL PRESENT GOD based on Psalm 46!
Ministry Updates
Worship Arts Job Opening - AV Technician: Our current AV Technician, Michael
Cullinane, has recently let us know that he won’t be able to continue in his position, due to family commitments, as of the end of June. We’re looking for an experienced AV Technician to manage that critical component of our worship services at Family of Christ. Please pray with us about that, and please pass the word along, if you’re aware of any interested individuals!
Volunteer Opportunities: We’ve been excited and grateful to have new team members join not only our Band and Vocal team but also to have had additions to the Chancel Choir. Our Tech Team, which handles live stream and all audio and visual elements of our service, has also added some team members but lost a few as well. If you’re interested in being trained for this area of service, we’d love your help! Contact Shannon -
[email protected].
Children’s Ministry Our Children’s Ministry helps kids and their families connect to God, find their place in HIS big story and respond to HIM through the power of the Holy Spirit. Here’s what’s been happening so far this summer:
2019 Vacation Bible School: We had an incredible week with our ROAR Vacation Bible School program! 230 kids participated and 112 volunteered! Of the kids registered, about half of them did not list a church home or entered “none.” We love that our VBS is such an amazing community mission opportunity for FOC!
Job Opening - Children’s Ministry Director: Our Staff and families have been incredibly blessed to have had Sonja Genke leading our Children’s Ministry! She’s been an amazing part of our team and will definitely be missed as she moves on to devote more time to her family. As Sonja transitions from this position, we’re looking to hire a full-time Children’s Ministry Director. For more information about this important position and to apply, contact Pastor Moreno -
[email protected]. We look forward to all that God has in store for the future of our Children’s Ministry!
Student Ministry At Family of Christ, we are passionate about helping students grow closer to Jesus by equipping them to live out their faith intentionally in their everyday lives. Check out how your students can get involved!
Wild Wednesdays are a blast! Junior High and High School students are invited to take part in a variety
of awesome activities throughout the summer. Here’s what’s going on this month: July 3 - Bowling · July 10 - Painting & Snacking · July 17 - Hiking · July 24 - DIY Dinner & Boardgames · July 31 - Rope Course
Mission Trips: We have two teams of students heading out on Mission Trips this month! Please be praying
for these students as they serve in Siguatepeque, Honduras and Atlanta, Georgia. They will be sharing God’s love through VBS programs they’ve planned along with team service projects in the local communities.
Quote for Thought: “If you have been struggling and hungry for a deeper faith, a life with God not merely a life full of knowledge about him, you must pray. Faith requires prayer. Prayer requires listening. Listening requires silence. Silence requires boredom. And boredom, as we will learn in the coming days, is not something our culture or the church celebrates.” ― Skye Jethani, WITH GOD DAILY: From Head to Heart
Ministry Updates
Ministry Support 2019 July 4th Parade - “Pioneer Days” As “the Lutheran Church on Baptist Road,” we at FOC are excited to
participate in another year of the wonderful July 4th Parade in Monument! A great big THANK YOU to all those who volunteered their time to help build our “Pioneer Days” float and hand out 3,000 popsicles to the THOUSANDS of people that love and support this big small-town event. You each helped make this “monumental” event so fun and memorable!
Family of Christ has been Celebrating for 25 years!
God has blessed Family of Christ in so many ways, and we need your help to relive the moments from the past years by sharing your photos, and memories, for our Silver Anniversary celebration coming up on Sunday, October 27! To share pictures on our OneDrive, email
[email protected] for the link.
Habitat for Humanity – July Date TBD
Eric Stolp will be our direct Thrivent representative for Family of Christ as we continue to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Eric is the Community Engagement Leader for Thrivent and is excited for us to join them. Thrivent Financial Services works with Habitat for Humanity to help build decent and affordable homes here in Colorado Springs to allow families in need of a better place to live. Habitat homebuyers help build their own homes alongside volunteers — thus allowing them an affordable mortgage. If you have a heart for this ministry, please prayerfully consider joining the team led by Eric Stolp -
[email protected].
Ronald McDonald House
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado keeps families with critically ill children close to each other and provides the care and resources they need, when they need it most. They are seeking items to “Fill the House With Love!” Supplies needed include Clorox wipes, all-purpose cleaner, paper towels & dish soap. FOC will be collecting donations throughout July & August. Please drop your donations in the “The Ronald McDonald House” donation box found in the South Cafe. The supplies you give will help provide families with the resources they need to thrive. LifeGroups - be on the lookout for opportunities to serve in the house!
LifeGroups God created us to live in community and to do life together. That's how we're wired! We learn and grow from each other, bear one another's burdens, and offer encouragement along the way. We each come to the table with a wide variety of gifts and abilities, given to us in order to help us serve and love others well. In a healthy, vibrant community, such as this, people can share honestly, pose challenging questions, confess struggles and doubts, and trust that they will always be met with love and support. At Family of Christ, you can START a new group with your family, church friends, neighbors, co-workers etc. – or maybe someone who doesn't attend church. We are happy to support you and provide training as needed, if you'd like to kick-off a new group. Or, if starting a group doesn't sound like your cup of tea, you can simply JOIN an already existing group and get to know other folks from your area.
No question, it can be hard to step out and start or join a new group! We hope to make it as easy as possible for you. LifeGroups are so important because, ultimately, we all need each other! To learn more about starting or joining a LifeGroup, contact Cris -
[email protected]. “24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
— Hebrews 10:24-25
Ministry Updates
Men’s Ministry Join the men of Family of Christ as they work together to deepen their relationship with God through intentional connection with each other. FOC Band of Brothers USA – Colorado Springs Outpost ONE King, ONE Kingdom, ONE Force of Men
- SUIT UP “Suit Up” Men’s Bible Study Opportunities: • Friday Mornings - 8:00 am at the Village Inn in Monument: Study on the book of Hebrews. Coordinator: Bill George -
[email protected] • Saturday Mornings - 8:00 am at FOC: Study on the Book of Acts through a leadership lens. Coordinator: Tom Keithley -
[email protected] • Bible & Brews - 1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 7:30 pm at the Bourbon Brothers (Library Room) in Colorado Springs.
Coordinator: Wayne Pittman -
[email protected] Please Note: “Peak Challenge” is full this year. Save the dates for the last weekend in July for the next event coming up in the summer of 2020.
Women’s Ministry
FOC Men’s Ministry: John Harris - Brian Wanamaker - Scott Miller - Jordan Hengst - Tom Keithley
As women, we are deeply in need of genuine connection with other women. Our Women's Ministry at Family of Christ helps create opportunities for women to spend time building bonds with each other so we can walk hand in hand and grow together in our relationship with the Lord. In addition to our Bible studies, here are some ways you can be part of our Women’s Ministry:
Crochet & Knitting Group: Starting in September, our Crochet & Knitting Group will be meeting at FOC
on the first Wednesday of every month from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. They will not be meeting in July or August. These ladies enjoy fellowship and lunch together while making beautiful baptismal blankets for the babies joining our church family.
HELP NEEDED! If you enjoy crocheting and/or knitting, we need your amazing crafting talents to help make more blankets for the children being Baptized! Simply make them at home and bring them to FOC. For more information about this group and the opportunity to create special baptismal blankets, reach out to the Coordinator, Connie Stout -
[email protected] or 719.357.3379 (please leave a message.)
Stephen Ministry We have a Stephen Ministry here at Family of Christ to care for those in our congregation and community.
Fall Stephen Minister Training Session: if you’re interested in becoming a Stephen Minister, or if you
would like more information about Stephen Ministry, please pass your name and contact information along to the Church Office. We strive to meet potential class members’ work-life requirements/restrictions by gathering bad days/dates and then creating a flexible schedule acceptable to all class members. We typically complete two modules for each session, which means at least nine class sessions. With pre-class reading and actual class times, this comes to approximately 50 hours, and ALL modules must be completed to become a trained and commissioned Stephen Minister.
Our Stephen Ministry offers HELP, HOPE, & HEALING. To learn more about the one-to-one care a Stephen Minister can provide and to receive help through any on-going challenges, please contact the Church Office. One of our Stephen Leaders will reach out to you within 48-hours.
Birthdays 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 23 24 26 27 28 29 30
Connie Bresnihan, Kian Byrd, Debbie Crane, Dusty Gutzmann, Bella Vezzani Sara George, Albert Kleynhans, Sydney Knight, Allison Lawson, Mike Riebau, Gabriel Stilwell Karen Achten, Malerin Lage Jen David, Renna Lage, Nick Lehmann, Ailene Smith Kaelen Spencer Kaydence Abbot, Katie Davis, Jeremiah Lampley, Kaitlyn Lewis Mike Laib, Brendan Ross Colin Nowak, Cindy Langseth, Lindsay Skarda, Carol Reily Erica Austin, Mike Davis, Israel Flemming, Chad LaFave, Suzanna McNabb, Caleb Meyer, Ashlee Skabo, Judy Webb Leland Brinkman, Jocelyn LaBandt, Anna Pruneski Karissa Hengst, Matthew Miller Easton Conway Amelia Hansen, Kathy Rowley Raymond Kline, Megan Lawson, Amy Lewis Caleb Hellmers Jay Knopp Aubriana Croak, Steve Johnson, Kurt Reno Ara Gevorkian, Sonia Chizzo, Kaiden Soliz Jay Janisse, Adriana Pegel Arlene Housley, David McConnaughey Hayden Lawson Lynn Jack Jake Kingsford, Lauren Sandal Sonia Cawthern, Steve Eubanks, Heather Becker, Pat Pittman Wayne Pittman, Steven Smith Kathy Davis, John Hawkinson
Anniversaries 1 Anthony & Cindy Perone 4 years 1 Scott & Natasha Voth 8 years 2 Joe & Tiffany Brown 20 years 3 David & Annie McCarty 16 years 5 Rod & Rebecca Walker 28 years 8 Daniel & Katie Mariotti 8 years 11 Karl & Christine Berg 32 years 14 Ken & Pam Garwood 24 years 15 Pat & Tracy Schumaker 19 years 16 Dwayne & Pat Brech 53 years 16 Mark & Wendy Collison 36 years 17 Steve & Sherri Faranda 37 years 17 Rick & Mara Workentine 4 years 18 Ted Gates & Ellen Otto 15 years
19 Dusty & Amanda Gutzmann 5 years 20 Gabe & Jenny Hergenreter 13 years 20 Tim & DeAnna Skrastins 23 years 21 Matt & Darla McGettigan 29 years 22 Patrick & Mashawn Bennett 23 years 22 Tim & Connie Lawson 4 years 24 John & Alice Klopsch 15 years 25 Mark & Maureen Phaneuf 21 years 26 John & Mary Grace Becker 39 years 27 David & Alecia Alley 9 years 28 Brian & LeAnne Brech 21 years 28 Chris & Sarah Dahl 23 years 29 Larry & Connie Stout 36 years 30 Bob & Lois Cavera 31 years
Birthdays and
Anniversaries
We hope you enjoyed our July Newsletter!
Family of Christ Lutheran Church
675 W Baptist Road Colorado Springs, CO 80921 719.481.2255 · www.foccs.net
