June Newsletter


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www.thanks-giving.org

June 2015

Volume 31, No. 6

Our personal health is important to each of us. If we are wise, we take care of our bodies by eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, and “listening” to our bodies. In these ways we can regularly assess our general health. But it is also important to have an annual checkup by a health professional, who has the training and diagnostic tools to do a much more thorough assessment of our overall health and well-being. In some cases, the physician confirms that we are in good health and we leave feeling thankful and encouraged. But in other cases, the examination and tests reveal some signs or results which indicate minor or even major health issues which need to be addressed. Regardless of the outcomes, having a regular checkup is simply a wise thing to do. The Bible refers to the Christian Church as the Body of Christ. As a congregation belonging to Christ, we too are part of His Body. It shouldn’t surprise us therefore, that the scriptures direct us in many different ways to love, care, and encourage one-another. It can also be a wise decision, however, to periodically pursue a comprehensive checkup with a professional church consultant. That is exactly what we are going to do during the summer months! The Congregation Council has commissioned Dr. James Pence, of Walkalong Consulting, to help us assess the overall health and well-being of our church’s current ministry and mission; and then to guide us as we create a strategic plan around our discernment of God’s preferred future for us. We will be using online scientific assessment tools to survey the congregation, and the results will be used to inform and guide us in evidence-based strategic planning as we move forward. Jim will be with us for two weekends in June working closely with staff and lay leaders. In addition, he will be available to the entire congregation to explain in greater detail the consulting process, including the use of the online assessments. We are very excited about working with Jim, but we need your help! Here is how you can participate. Phase 1 – Q&A Time with Dr. Pence on Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7 – Jim will be available after the Saturday night service, and on Sunday morning at 9:30 and 11 am for a short overview of the consulting process and to answer any questions you may have. Phase 2 – June 9 – 21 – Online Congregation-Wide Assessments! This is where your participation is critical! During this time we will be asking you to take an online assessment. T!LC is purchasing these from Holy Cow Consulting, and your answers will be completely anonymous. For your convenience, there will also be computers set up in the church lobby the weekends of June 14 and 21. Our goal is to have 750 people participate in these assessments, which would give us a great cross-section of the congregation. Holy Cow Consultants will then score the assessments and send them to Dr. Pence, who will present and interpret the results to us in Phase 3 of the consulting process. Phase 3 – Q&A Time with Dr. Pence on Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28. – Jim will be available after the Saturday night service, and on Sunday morning at 9:30 and 11:00 am for a short summary presentation of the assessment results, describe the next steps involved in writing a strategic plan, and answer any questions you may have.

What do we do with the results of the assessments? Based on the results of the assessments, a T!LC Planning Team – appointed by the Congregation Council – will write an evidence-based strategic plan during the month of July. Dr. Pence will be accessible to the team during this time via phone calls and emails. The new strategic plan will be publicized in August, and will include both a summary of the evidence and recommendations for implementation and accountability. Why are we doing all this? Perhaps the best answer is that we want to be a great church, bearing as much fruit as possible for God’s kingdom. We know that God is doing some amazing things at T!LC; but we want to have a comprehensive checkup to see where we may be missing the mark, and what we can do to strengthen our overall health and vitality as God’s people! I am looking forward to learning what is healthy and going well at T!LC, but I am also looking forward to learning where we are unhealthy and what we can and need to do to moving forward. I hope you will commit to participating in this important process! Your Covenant / Kingdom Partner, Pastor Glenn Harless

Thanks!Cycle is a fun bicycling group of couples and singles interested in biking....casual pace (the average pace is 10 mph). Suggestions regarding locations to begin our rides, directions to get there and the route to be taken are always welcome! With this information we can have a variety of bicycle trips. June 7, Sunday, at 2:00 We will plan on riding the Bellevue Loop Trail. We will begin at the trailhead behind Culvers located near 36th and 370. There is a parking lot for riders located behind Culvers, 3602 Raynor Parkway, Bellevue. This is also near the Marcus Twin Creek theaters. We will return to Culvers for a light snack/cool drink.

June 14, Sunday, at 2:00 -

We will plan on riding the West Papio Trail. Park in the Hobby Lobby (closed on Sundays) at 13780 Millard Avenue (138th & P) in Millard. There is plenty of parking.

June 21, Father’s Day – No scheduled bike ride June 28, Sunday at 2:00 - We will ride from Mineola to Malvern. Take 80 East to I-29 South, to exit 47. Make a right on to Highway 92 (East). Turn right on Harry Langdon Blvd (Wabash Trail Road). The Harry Langdon Blvd turns into the Wabash Trail Road (also known as Highway 275. Go for 8 miles. You will then see H12, Mineola. In 4.7 miles you will come into Mineola and this road will be called 4th Street. Stay on 4th Street and as curves it turns into Railroad Street. You will see the trailhead right there.

Summer quilting will start on Thursday, June 18th and run every Thursday until August 20th. We will meet from 1:30-3:30pm in the Mission Room next to the Heritage Sanctuary. We will make baby quilts that will later be donated throughout the community. If you can tie a knot & pin a border, we need you! For more information, please contact Karen Rowell at 402-291-2401 or email at [email protected].

We will be hosting the 10th Annual Isaac Hall Superhero Blood Monday, June 15, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Please consider donating blood in memory of Isaac’s brave fight against cancer and help save a life. Appointments run every 15 minutes. You can go online at www.redcrossblood.org and search for ThanksgivingLutheranBellevueNE to make your own appointment. You may also call Juanita Jenison at 402-884-7523 to make an appointment or ask questions. Baked goods are needed for the Blood drive as well. If you are able to bake please let Juanita know.

TG!IF—Thank God! It’s Friday Led by Adam and Tina Haeder and family TG!IF is a Lifegroup connected with Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church started by Adam and Tina Haeder in the Quail Creek Neighborhood in September 2012. The Haeder’s moved into their home at 11704 Quail Drive on March 3, 2007. At that time, Adam worked in downtown Omaha while Tina stayed home with their family of four children. Knowing they would be in Quail Creek for many years, Adam and Tina and their family sought to build more than just an acquaintance with their neighbors. They were looking to build a community of people with whom they could share the ups and downs of life, the challenges and joys of family, and be a blessing to each other through it all. Two and a half years later, the Haeder’s continue to encourage more people to join them in the “community” they have named TG!IF—Thank God! It’s Friday. Friday night gatherings include Driveway Dogs where an open invitation is extended to friends and neighbors to get together in the Haeder driveway to share a hotdog and some conversation. This has allowed the opportunity for many people to get to know each other in a low-key, comfortable environment. In addition, many families gather together on another Friday night for a discussion group which centers around the Christian faith. Other faith events include Thanksgiving and Easter dinners, Christmas gatherings, and more. TG!IF also seeks to serve their community and world through projects like Kids Against Hunger Packing Event, neighborhood clean-up, household goods drives to donate to those in need, Easter egg stuffing, Good Samaritan Shoebox donation, and many more. As the community has grown and relationships have become stronger, many families now gather together for birthday parties, firepits, exercising, poker nights, movie nights, and more. As stated earlier, this Lifegroup is connected with the Christian Church. Adam and Tina make clear their strong belief in God, Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in bringing them to Quail Creek and leading them to connect with their neighbors. While they do believe they are on mission to serve their Father, they also understand that not everyone is of like-mind, yet seek to welcome everyone into this community. “It is not our job to make everyone into a Christian. It is our job to love everyone, judgement-free, right where they are. That is what we are called to do, that is what we have done, and what we will keep doing, with God’s guidance and blessing.” As they look back over the years of living in Quail Creek, the Haeder’s are deeply thankful for their neighbors. But, most of them aren’t really neighbors anymore; most of them are family. The children act like siblings, bickering and laughing all at the same time. Gatherings move from home to home, joys and sorrows are shared, challenges worked through. Older couples act as grandparents, younger families seek advice. All the while, no one believes our community is full. Families are regularly inviting new friends and neighbors to join in the festivities, seeking to continue to grow the community. One Haeder motto is “Everything we’ve been given is ours to share.” TG!IF wants everyone to share with them the love and support that they have found with each other. For more information on what is happening with TG!IF, email [email protected]

UPDATE from T!LC’s Operations Manager, Harold Carlson Any Questions or Comments about the information below can be directed to Harold Carlson: [email protected] Staying the Course Is the name of our 2-year capital campaign that began the weekend of May 4, 2014. Like our former capital campaign, the goal of Staying the Course will be debt reduction as we continue to retire the mortgage on the Family Life Center. Estimates of giving received were; 102 estimates of giving for $249,074 over a 2-year period. Actual contributions received through March 2015 were $209,378.08 or 84.1% of the estimates of giving. Additional principal payments from the Pathway to Freedom campaign and Staying the Course campaign (May 2012 April 2015) now total $641,537.36 and has saved approximately $496,366 in interest payments over the loan period and effectively reduces the loan period by sixteen years and two months. We will continue to make regular additional principal payments from the Staying the Course capital campaign as they are received.

Karen Rowell, Diane Heying, Tracy Gramps, Barbara Johnson, Fran Taylor, Don and Nancy Smith, Harold Carlson, and Pastor Glenn; the purpose of which was to research and create a plan to rejuvenate the heritage Sanctuary. The task force engaged the services of Kristine Dorn, a design specialist from Bahr, Vermeer, Hacker (BVH) – the same architectural firm which designed our Family Life Center – to help lead us through the dis cernment process. On Sunday morning, April 19th, Kristine and the task force presented the rejuvenation proposal at an open meeting in the Heritage Sanctuary. The proposal was well received and generated much enthusiasm for moving forward.

If you would like to contribute financially to this project you will find envelopes for this purpose on the reading rack outside of the Heritage sanctuary and at the Welcome Center. Please Heritage Sanctuary Rejuvenation know that any size gift is During this last year, a task force welcomed! If you have any was assembled made up of questions please feel free to

Estimates of Giving Non-pledged Giving Other Revenue Ministry Challenge From Savings Acct. Total Income

April

VBS Special Offering Special offerings for Vacation Bible School (VBS) were received t he l as t two weekends in May and will allow us to offer this wonderful outreach ministry at no cost to children in our community. Thank you for your generous support of this wonderful ministry. Simply Giving Did you know that T!LC has the ability to receive electronic funds transfers (EFT) through a program called Simply Giving? Simply Giving is a safe and reliable electronic funds transfer program. To enroll go to our website (www.thanksgiving.org) and click on “Give” at the top right hand corner at the top of the home page. You can also contact our Simply Giving Coordinator, Harold Carlson at the church office at 4 0 2 - 2 9 2 - 2 6 9 5 o r [email protected] for more information about the Simply Giving program.

Thanksgiving! Lutheran Church General Fund - April 2015

GENERAL FUND Line Item

contact members of the task force.

Income April

YTD

YTD

Actual 95,743.95 39,164.28 25,171.97 0.00 0.00

Budget 105,642.00 32,051.00 18,426.00 0.00 0.00

Actual 406,706.41 189,597.74 84,659.63 0.00 0.00

Budget 433,139.00 110,813.00 82,774.00 0.00 0.00

160,080.20

156,119.00

680,963.78

626,726.00

Line Item Facility/Operations Ministry Personnel

Total Expense

April

Expense April

YTD

YTD

Actual 40,932.18 38,522.82 75,839.15

Budget 38,559.00 38,567.00 81,333.00

Actual 154,773.56 167,838.46 330,177.57

Budget 139,961.00 160,728.00 326,617.00

155,294.15

158,459.00

652,789.59

627,306.00

The Forgiveness Cross ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who have trespassed against us”

Matthew 6:12

A.J. Jones grew up in an abusive household with an alcoholic father. For much of her life she held on to anger, hatred, resentment, and unforgiveness. Bitterness grew in her heart. A bitterness that impacted her ability to love and be loved. She shares her journey of learning to forgive in her book Finding Father. A. J. writes, “to forgive is to set the prisoner free and realize the prisoner is you”. Others have said that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. We want the other person to suffer as much or more than we have but in reality we are only hurting ourselves when we hold on to unforgiveness. Forgiveness is key to experiencing the love and joy that God has for us in His Kingdom. In order to make room in our hearts for God’s Kingdom we first must empty our hearts of all unforgiveness. This is what we pray when we pray The Lord’s Prayer. Jesus is serious about forgiveness. It is non-negotiable in His Kingdom. If we aspire to be like Jesus, we too must choose to forgive just as He did. But how do we do that? What does that really mean? A.J. discovered that forgiveness is a process. It doesn’t mean that what happened was right or that there will not be some form of consequences. It does mean that we release the person to The Lord. It starts with a choice (even if the feeling isn’t there) and progresses to being able to forgive from the heart as we seek The Lord in prayer for healing and empowerment from His Holy Spirit. Some prayer starters from A.J.’s teachings include: • Thank Jesus for dying in your place so that you could be forgiven • By an act of your will choose to forgive ______ for ________ • Give the gift of unconditional forgiveness (whether they ask for forgiveness or not) • Entrust them, release them, to The Father, ask for the Father to bless them • Ask for forgiveness for any of your ungodly attitudes & choose to repent • Give permission to Jesus to move powerfully in your life…to enable you to forgive • Forgive yourself • Ask God to reveal to you His love and how He sees you • Forgive God for any resentments you may hold against Him (of course God does not need forgiveness as He is perfect but we may need to release feelings, ideas that we have that blame God) • Pray for blessings on those you release Betsy and Chester Kylstra, founders of Restoring the Foundations (RTF), share a teaching aid that they title The Forgiveness Cross. Each section of the cross is a reminder as follows: • Horizontal Bar: Speak out forgiveness to those who have hurt us & ask for forgiveness when we have hurt others • Vertical Bar: Look up and ask the Lord for forgiveness & receive His forgiveness. Release the Lord from any judgments we may have against Him. • Circle: Complete the forgiveness process by choosing to forgive ourselves because Christ died to purchase that forgiveness for us. Is there someone that the Lord is prompting you to forgive as you consider The Forgiveness Cross? May the Lord bless you and heal your heart as you grow in forgiveness!!

wsletter e N y r t is in Children’s M

2015

BLAST into summer with an EXPLOSIVE VBS program! Thanksgiving! is hosting B.A.S.I.C. Elements Science VBS June 22-26, 2015 from 9:00am-12:00pm Please pray about how God has gifted you and how you might share your gift through the VBS experience. There are many opportunities for both adults and youth to serve before and during VBS. Decorations



Large Group Worship

Skits and Dramas





Preschool

Small Group Leaders

♦ ♦

Promotions



Science Devotionals

Science Projects



Snacks

Contact Lisa Witkop ([email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to volunteer your time, gifts and/or talents Volunteer training sessions on Tuesday, June 16th- 6-8pm or June 20th- 9-11am in the Lower Level Gathering Room. If you are unable to volunteer directly with the above VBS activities, please consider donating project supplies or snacks. Individual donation bags with a list of items and instructions are located in the church lobby. VBS is a wonderful opportunity for individuals, families, missional communities or small groups to come together and support this missional outreach.

REGISTER TODAY! B.A.S.I.C. VBS will connect the world of science to our journey of faith by investigating what it means to Believe, Ask, Serve, Impact, Celebrate Each day the kids will hear the Word of God through science devotionals, play exciting science games, enjoy tasty science-themed snacks, and be entertained with crazy science skits and videos. Online registration is available at http://www.thanks-giving.org/vacation-bible-school-2015/ There is also a VBS table set up in the church lobby during the Saturday/Sunday services to assist with registration questions.

June 2015 www.thanks-giving.org

For 5th and 6th Grade Students!

Molly Miller [email protected]

For 7th and 8th Grade Students!

Gary Olson & Molly Miller [email protected]

For 9th—12th Grade Students!

Gary Olson & Jon Miller [email protected]

Recently asked our 5th and 6th grade students for their input on this last year. I asked them what they learned, what was their favorite part, and what they want to do next year. Their favorite part varied from bowling to skits, paintballing to making movies, and retreats to silly games we played in Sunday school. However, there was a common thread holding all their answers together about what they learned…..and it was “Kairos”. These young students are learning the importance of listening to God’s voice and how He speaks to all of us. I’m sure many of you have learned the Kairos circle and you might use words such as observe, reflect, discuss, plan, account, and act but in 5th and 6th grade we use the words on the kairos circle found below. They help us learn to hear God’s voice. Where do you hear God’s voice? As Club 56, we challenge you to encounter God this week and listen to His voice.

Eighteen students of our Jr. High students and four brave adults took on the 30 Hour Famine April 24-25. We all began fasting at lunch on Friday and did not eat again until Saturday night. Throughout the weekend we learned about hunger and served those who are hungry. Saturday afternoon was probably the hardest part because we packed snack bags of Cheese-Itz, graham crackers, popcorn, and other tasty treats for the Open Door Mission. It was a great weekend, but don’t just take my word for it; listen to what Ahren Marburger had to say about it: “The 30-Hour Famine is a good test of how much will power you have not to eat. I was surprised at how I made it all the way though because I eat a lot of food. The hardest part was when we were packing the snack bags because it had some of my favorite foods in them. It was really tempting to eat the snacks. I felt that God was at work, helping each of us not to eat for 30 hours.” Some students like Rachel Sager, were surprised with the weekend, “I wasn’t even that hungry. Going 30 hours without food I thought I would be pretty starving throughout the time. Probably towards the end I got overwhelmed and felt like giving up, but I kept going because I knew other people had gone longer without food.” All of the students probably felt like giving up at some point, but praise God, none of them did! We spent time living life up, in, and out together. Up, through our prayers for the nations. In, spending time together in community and out, serving others by making snack bags. It was a great weekend!

This summer, our High School students will have the opportunity to attend a summer camp called MOVE 2015 with an organization called Christ in Youth, at The University of Nebraska, Lincoln July 6-10 2015. I polled several of our students who have been on our High School summer trips in the past and compiled a “Top Ten” list of reason they enjoyed those trips and want to go again. 1. The summer trip recharges my batteries for God! 2. They always help us grow closer together as a group 3. I want to make a difference in the world 4. We always go someplace cool! 5. I like the free time to just hang out 6. It’s a time to grow closer to God 7. We learn how to share God with others 8. You get to hear what others are thinking during our devotional times 9. The worship time was really amazing 10. I can just forget about everything else for awhile The cost is $200 per student (scholarships are available). There are still a limited number of seats available! Please check the Sr. High web page for more details. Or call the church office.

Congratulations to our 2015 Graduates! Bellevue East High School (May 23, 2015)

COLLEGE GRADUATES

Mary Osborn, daughter of Tracy & Angie Osborn. Plans to attend UNO in the fall. Asper Pokorny, daughter of Mary Ann Kleckner. Will attend UNL majoring in Psychology.

Matthew Clark, son of Charlaine & Bill Schmidt. Graduated from North Carolina State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. Will be returning to active duty with the US Army in Fort Bragg, NC. Karli Green, daughter of Rod & Val Green. Graduating from Creighton University with a BS in Exercise Science, magna cum laude. She will attend Washington University in St Louis to obtain her doctorate in occupational therapy. Kristin Hanna, daughter of Fred & Laurie Hanna. Graduated from UNO/UNL Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction with a BS in Architectural Engineering. She has an internship this summer at Henderson Engineers Inc in Kansas City and will return to UNO this fall to complete her Masters degree. Brianna Hitt, daughter of James & Talani Kallman, graduated from UNL with a Masters of Science in Statistics. She will be continuing on for her PHD in Statistics. Emily Osborn, daughter of Tracy & Angie Osborn, graduated from UNO with a degree in Marketing. She is currently looking for a job in the Omaha area. Rachel Pasteka, daughter of Jan & Frank Pasteka, graduated from Iowa Western CC in Council Bluffs with an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. She will attend Central Community College in the fall to attain an Occupational Therapy Assistant degree. Abigail Schmidt, daughter of Bill & Charlaine Schmidt, will graduate from the University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland, UK with a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She has accepted an internship in Emergency Small Animal Medicine at Lakeshore Veterinary Specialists in Glendale, WI. Natalie Strohmyer, daughter of Jeff & Lisa Strohmyer, graduated from the University of Kansas with a BA in Religious Studies. She will be attending Medical School at UNMC. Megan Summerfield, daughter of Ken & Nancy Summerfield, graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Criminal Justice.

Bellevue West High School (May 23, 2015) Richard Carlson, son of Wayne & Wendy Carlson, grandson of Harold & Nancy Carlson. Will be attending Metropolitan Community College. Seth Haer, son of Eddie & Shelly Haer. Plans to attend Metro Community College. Megan Hanna, daughter of Fred & Laurie Hanna. Will attend UNO in the fall. She plans to become an elementary school teacher. Kaili Sager, daughter of Geoff & Lisa Sager. Will attend Northwest Missouri State University to study business. Kjersten Schuttler, daughter of Chris & Sheri Schuttler. Plans to attend Wayne State College in the fall and major in Science Education.

Cornerstone Christian School (May 24, 2015) Megan Wegner, daughter of Rob & Janine Wegner. Will attend North Central University in the fall with a major in Missions and a minor in Worship.

Millard West High School (May 24, 2015) Andrew Jeppesen, son of John and Barb Jeppesen. Attending UNO to study Biology and wildlife management.

Papillion LaVista South High School (May 10, 2015) Ashlynn Gould, daughter of Todd & Kristi Gould. Attending Kearney University and will major in Nursing. Aubree Gould, daughter of Todd & Kristi Gould. Will attend Metropolitan Community College and study Psychology. Dalan Hardester, son of Bruce & Renee Hardester. Attending Metro Community College in Construction Technology. Cole Lempke, son of David & Melanie Lempke. Plans to attend UNL in Secondary Education.

The T!LC Library Corner It’s Your Library June 2015 Over the summer months the library will be incorporating new donations. These books will be appearing on the cart during the coming months and featured in the monthly Newsletter. The fictional and spiritual growth area are growing with new books that will fill your heart and mind with the love of God. Reference books will enhance your bible study that you may be doing on your own this summer. Books that can help you expand your knowledge of the people, places and times from ancient history are located in the reference section. We also have a huge selection of study guides for you who want to undertake a bible study of your own over the summer months. They can be found on the small cart in the library by the window. Feel free to take and enjoy. The library is free and no late fee are charged if you keep a book, DVD or CD beyond the due back date. Once again, the only rule in utilizing the library is that they be returned when you are done. Please look around your home to make sure that you do not have any item that has been kept and forgotten about as we move into the reading season of summer. The books listed below can be found on the library cart across from the Welcome Center as well as many additional books for all ages in the Library. IT IS WELL with MY SOUL by Shelly Beach – “This book is an insightful devotional designed to offer encouragement to those who are receiving care. You’ll explore biblical perspectives on issues associated with some of Life’s most difficult stages.” MY FATHER’S WORLD by Michael Phillips/Judith Pella –If you have enjoyed her books, here is another one in the Journals of Corrie Belle Hollister. MY SOUL THIRSTS for GOD by Our Daily Bread writings. – “Enjoy the rich teaching and practical life applications of twenty-one favorite Our Daily Bread writers.” REBEKAH- WOMEN OF GENESIS by Orson Scott Card – Learn more about this lady in the bible. Delight Yourself in the Lord…Even on Bad Hair Days and Be Still..and Let your Nail Polish Dry By six various authors. “These two books reminds us that joy and hope in the Lord is the opening line to every story of redemption, provision or happily-ever-after. Even on the worst of days. Children’s Letters to God complied by Stuart Hample and Eric Marshall – “Fervent wishes, confessions confidences, praise and thanks” written by a variety of young ones sending a message to Jesus!” LOVING GOD by Charles Colson – “This is not a how-to manual. Colson is in the business of calling all believers to a better and more committed relationship with the Father of Love and Author of Life.” For those who have donated to our library, thank you. A special thanks to Pastor Bruce for passing along many books from his mother’s collection. Any additional books/DVD’s and CD’s you wish to donate to our library for fall book sale are always appreciated. At this time, we are looking at a really good variety of books for your choosing at the sale so keep them coming. God’s peace, Vicki D

JUNE WORSHIP ASSISTANTS Heritage (Traditional) Worship: Sun 8:15am Jubilation! (Contemporary) Worship: Sat 5:30pm, Sun 9:30 & 11:00am Time

Worship Assistant Team

Ushers All of June

June 6 & 7 Holy Communion 5:30pm Jubilation Service

Saturday Night Worship Team

Johann Onnen, Steve Tyler

8:15am Heritage Service

Team 1 Molly & Gary Baumert

Rick Power, Gerry Leseberg, Chuck McNeill, Marcus Leseberg

9:30am & 11:00am Jubilation Services

Team 2 Finerty & Boever

9:30am Terry Morgan, Steve & Nora Wright 11:00am Al & Jeanne Zamiska, Rob Madden Tom Tritsch

June 13 & 14 5:30pm Jubilation Service

Saturday Night Worship Team

8:15am Heritage Service

Team 2 Shelly Haer & Melissa Polson

9:30am & 11:00am Jubilation Services

Team 3 Rhonda Wiebers & Chrys Frey

June 20 & 21 Holy Communion 5:30pm Jubilation Service

Saturday Night Worship Team

8:15am Heritage Service

Team 3 Diane Heying & Tami Maxwell

9:30am & 11:00am Jubilation Services

Team 4 Deb Brandt

June 27 & 28 5:30pm Jubilation Service

Saturday Night Worship Team

8:15am Heritage Service

Team 1 Molly & Gary Baumert

9:30am & 11:00am Jubilation Services

Team 5 Lisa Sager

QUESTIONS OR NEED A REPLACEMENT? PLEASE CALL ONE OF THE FOLLOWING: Alter Guild: Karla Koval—712-323-4559 Usher Director: Kirk Engelbart 402-292-6249; Usher Captains (5:30) Steve Tyler 402-291-7192 (8:15) Tom Riggs 402-292-3653 (9:30) Terry Wilson 402-215-5135 (11:00) Craig Christians 402-658-9647

WE APPRECIATE OUR VOLUNTEERS

June BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 06/01 Natalie Neumann 06/01 Erik Johnson 06/01 James McCart 06/01 Scott Vance 06/01 Christopher Andersen 06/01 Molly Miller 06/02 Carla Hall 06/02 Lynn West 06/02 Michael Homme 06/02 Leonora Wedel 06/02 Bob Hovey 06/03 Jacob Graff 06/03 Destiny Grutel 06/04 Shirley Hindman 06/04 Jakob Lansman 06/04 LeighAnn Lansman 06/04 Amy Gambino 06/04 Myrna Budd 06/04 Barrett Williams 06/05 Jennifer Conley 06/05 Landon Cameron 06/05 Suzanne Harless 06/05 Frank Pasteka 06/05 Dawn Atkinson 06/05 Katherine Kramer 06/05 Laurel Garner 06/05 Morgan McArthur 06/05 Hannah McArthur 06/06 Robert Ramsey 06/06 Andrew Grutel 06/06 Amanda Harlow 06/06 Lucas Peterson 06/06 Donna Frederick 06/07 Zachary Hayes 06/07 Nancy Summerfield 06/07 Cindy Sand 06/07 Tiffanie Totman 06/07 Arabella Kallhoff 06/07 Aidan Betz 06/08 Kenneth Hofman 06/08 Cassie Leaders 06/08 Eleanor Benson 06/08 Sean Irwin 06/08 Martha Zubke 06/08 Brian Hanna 06/08 Kevin Carlson 06/08 Elena Carlson 06/08 Bill Richards 06/08 Natalie Bang 06/09 Karol Purdham 06/09 Hunter Kulper 06/09 Dorothy List 06/09 Rodney McKnight 06/09 Sydney Boyce 06/10 Ashlynn Cutinella 06/10 Donald Roubinek 06/10 Julie Grancer 06/10 Sharla Mruz 06/10 Christopher Copeland 06/10 Emily Beckham 06/11 Caleb Turner 06/11 Barry Branson 06/11 Jamie Kramer

06/11 Gerald Leseberg 06/22 McKensi Drew 06/11 Paige Struthers 06/23 Stephen Graf 06/11 Zachary Plambeck 06/23 Molly Church 06/12 Richard Pitts 06/23 Sharon Mears 06/13 Diane Wink 06/23 Linda Vacek 06/13 Shelby Zivny 06/23 Kyla Balaberda 06/13 Justin Lachowicz 06/23 Amanda Shapland 06/13 Katie West 06/23 Jennifer Sorensen 06/13 Diane Heying 06/24 Jay Davis 06/13 Karol Lien 06/24 Erica Hansen 06/14 Ainsley Smith 06/25 Shawna Biodrowski 06/14 Jason Weber 06/25 Jonathan Tritsch 06/14 Haisley Cinfel 06/25 Kason Heiden 06/14 Aidan Scott 06/25 Jolie Heiden 06/15 Ruth Schindler 06/25 Tiffiny Rohn 06/15 Joseph Nichols 06/25 Sara Conley 06/15 Justin Blackwell 06/25 Jerry McDonald 06/15 Swayer Smith 06/25 Chris Svendsen 06/16 Avery Fjell 06/26 Zeke Schnitker 06/16 Don Waggoner 06/26 Campbell Wallman 06/16 Emily Wiebelhaus 06/26 John Plambeck 06/16 Ella Ferguson 06/26 Sean Betz 06/17 Taryn Roberts 06/27 John Jeppesen 06/17 Matt Carnley 06/27 Michelle Boyce 06/17 Ryan Meyer 06/27 Bradley McDonald 06/17 Dorothy Laabs 06/27 Heather Loutzenhiser 06/17 Thomas Atkinson 06/27 Katie Clark 06/17 Terry Wilson 06/28 Dawn Liberty 06/17 Alexandra Triggs 06/28 Phyllis Tyson 06/17 David Cubbage 06/28 Robert Schindler 06/17 Ryan Zubke 06/28 Caitlyn Smith 06/17 Samantha Creamer 06/28 Eric Allen 06/17 Jill O'Donnell 06/29 Kaylee Stankus 06/18 Bev Jorgensen 06/29 Clayton Christensen 06/18 Nancy Smith 06/29 Alyssa Tackett 06/18 Michael Albracht 06/29 Diane Habrock 06/18 Roger Johnson 06/29 Mark Schlange 06/19 Cooper Brown 06/29 Jerry Zubke 06/19 Pam Grutel 06/29 Christopher Kalk 06/19 Jessica Strohmyer 06/29 Bryan Beckham 06/19 Avery Taylor 06/30 Kay Brooks 06/19 Zachary Wolken 06/30 Megan Gillen 06/20 Morgan VanOrman 06/30 Connie Jenson 06/20 Addison Biodrowski 06/30 Meagan Cinfel 06/20 Logan Cameron 06/30 Cheryl Friedenbach 06/20 Angela Gilfillan 06/30 Jenny Marburger 06/20 Tyler Wells HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! 06/20 Louis McCollor 06/18/1955 Don & Carol Roubinek 06/20 Larry Walls 06/10/1956 Alden & Corinne Schmitz 06/20 Gracie Davis 06/20/1959 Bill & Helen Moses 06/20 Trevor Walters 06/27/1959 Charlie & Marion Trumble 06/21 Kevin Stork 06/15/1962 Don & Doris Waggoner 06/21 Isabella Gilfillan 06/23/1963 Gene & Joyce Hahn 06/21 Jill Stephens 06/21 Michael Frederick 06/04/1967 John & Fran Taylor 06/21 Emberlyn Ecklund 06/17/1967 Myron & Sandy Ballain 06/08/1968 Ken & Sue Tonn 06/21 Brenda Wood 06/08/1968 Chuck & Maxine Scott 06/22 Kelly Hine 06/07/1969 Bob & Dixie Gillespie 06/22 Spencer Zivny 06/21/1969 Bill & Barb Helwig 06/22 Sophie House 06/06/1970 Kermit & Lynn Erickson 06/22 Dominic Gillen 06/22 Frank III Mitchell 06/14/1972 Frank & Penny Mitchell 06/17/1972 Jim & Sarah Biermann 06/22 Allen Dick 06/16/1973 Dennis & Starla Lutterman 06/22 Bryan Hutzell 06/06/1974 Phill & Karen Rowell 06/15/1974 Bill & Carol Clausen

06/16/1974 Ron & Patty Barnes 06/12/1975 Debbie & Mark Dreier 06/25/1978 Roger & Dorothy Laabs 06/30/1979 Doug & Karen Roe 06/21/1980 Don & Marilyn Glasnapp 06/27/1980 Ed & Kathy Hanline 06/28/1980 John & Lynn West 06/20/1981 Bill & Cheryl Smith 06/20/1981 Thomas & Laura Flynn 06/27/1981 Gregg & Sue Hoogeveen 06/04/1982 Kirk & Cynthia Maynard 06/12/1982 Rick & Suzanne Patterson 06/19/1982 Barry & Patricia Branson 06/26/1982 Tod & Wendy Ellis 06/18/1983 Bob & Tami Maxwell 06/18/1983 Ingrid & Tom Furby 06/16/1984 Steve & Jill Tyler 06/22/1985 Larry & Diane Habrock 06/06/1987 William & Jean Morris 06/11/1988 Joe & Kathy Sell 06/12/1988 Patrick & Carol Schuster 06/09/1990 Mike & Carolyn Johnson 06/23/1990 Tom & Barb Harter 06/26/1990 Thomas & Diane Lansman 06/30/1990 Tracy & Angie Osborn 06/30/1990 Keith & Kari Balaberda 06/01/1991 Ozzie & Juanita Jenison 06/06/1992 Jeff & Lisa Needham 06/06/1992 Skip & Barb Howery 06/19/1992 Dan & Lisa Zaloudek 06/11/1993 William & Jan Elliott 06/12/1993 Phil & Chris Tackett 06/26/1993 Darrin & Christy Finley 06/11/1994 Rick & Sherri Hull 06/22/1994 Allen & Cheryl Dick 06/01/1996 Adam & Tina Haeder 06/01/1996 Derrin & Vicki Hansen 06/15/1996 Mark & Wendy Ahlers 06/07/1997 Ryan & Karen Kerstetter 06/02/1998 William & Elizabeth Wayt 06/06/1998 Chris & Venus Buck 06/13/1998 Phil & Jenny Marburger 06/20/1998 Troy & Lynn Spady 06/21/1998 Roger & Barbara Johnson 06/27/1998 Brian & Leah Jorgensen 06/05/1999 Brian & Amy Schram 06/26/1999 Gary & Traci Johnson 06/26/1999 Curt & Amy Turnipseed 06/27/2000 Chris & Tren Svendsen 06/08/2002 Ryan & Jana Meyer 06/07/2003 Shaun & Angela Gilfillan 06/18/2005 Brian & Tessie Childers 06/09/2006 Kevin & Jill O'Donnell 06/14/2008 Andre & Amy Gambino 06/28/2008 Chad & Melissa Williams 06/13/2009 Adam & Sara Fjell 06/20/2009 Adam & Kimberly Ecklund 06/27/2009 Ken & Sara Carlson 06/27/2009 David & Cami Madden 06/26/2010 Christopher & Colleen Griffith 06/03/2011 Allisan & Christain Natho 06/03/2011 Heather & Jason Loutzenhiser 06/22/2011 Tony & Amber Zakaras 06/16/2012 Logan & Brooke Harre 06/30/2012 John & Madison Creech 06/14/2013 Allen & Chong Cha Furby 06/28/2014 Nick & Alissa Hinz

ARE YOU IN NEED OF PRAYER? VISIT OUR NEW! PRAYER REQUESTS LINK ON T!LC WEBSITE You can now submit prayer requests to the T!LC Prayer Team through the website at: www.thanks-giving.org, on the homepage under Daily Links/Prayer Requests.

Dates to Remember: June 6—Usher Breakfast and Meeting June 14—Sr. High Mission Trip Training

For Care Ministry Assistance . .

June 15—T!LC Blood Drive 1-7pm

During Church Office Hours: Please call 402.292.2695 All Other Times: Please call our dedicated 24/7 voice mail number 402.292.7633 and leave a message. Rhonda Rupert, Care Ministry Coordinator will contact you.

June 16—VBS Volunteer Training 6pm June 18—Summer Quilting begins 1:30pm June 20—VBS Volunteer Training 9am June 21—Father’s Day June 22-26—Vacation Bible School June 28 - First Steps 9:30am

The July Newsletter Deadline is: June 19

June 28—Sr. High Mission Trip Training July 3—T!LC Offices Closed—Happy 4th of July!

BAPTISMS

GODS PEACE AND COMFORT

May 17, 2015 Dylan Thomas Bullard son of Gina & Thomas. Sponsor is Kathy Bullard Gina Ynez Bullard Sponsor is Kathy Bullard.

Jill & Steve Tyler in the death of Jill’s sister JoAnne Suess on May 3, 2015

Garrett Michael Turner, son of Laurie Grovum. Sponsors are Nancy Grovum and Brenda Fulton.

WEDDINGS Macy Hagen and Kyle Mercier were married on May 29, 2015. Macy’s parents are TLC members John and Lisa Hagen.

Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Bellevue NE 68005 Permit No. 64

THANKSGIVING! LUTHERAN CHURCH 3702 S 370 PLAZA BELLEVUE NE 68123-1206

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

2015

OUR VISION STATEMENT Our Vision is for All People to Live Transformed Lives by Belonging to the Family of God, Believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and Becoming Spirit-Empowered Servants of Christ!

OUR MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to reach out and gather people into the family of God, equipping them to be disciples of Jesus Christ in our community, nation, and world.

OUR IDENTITY STATEMENT We are followers of Christ who aspire to Be Like Jesus in every way, living life Up, In and Out!

CHURCH OFFICE Hours: Monday-Friday - 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Phone: 402.292.2695 Fax: 402.292.0248 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.thanks-giving.org Care Ministry: 402-292.7633 T!LC Preschool: 402.292.0315

WORSHIP SCHEDULE 5:30 p.m. Saturday Jubilation! Service Sunday: 8:15 a.m. Heritage Services 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. Jubilation! Services Nursery Available for All Services Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Weekends

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION September through May….. ∗ Saturday Night Kidz Church (during 5:30 Worship) ∗ Children’s Sunday School 9:30am ∗ Youth Sunday School 9:30am ∗ Adult Sunday School 9:30am ∗ Wednesday Night Awana (PreK—6th grade) ∗ Confirmation (Grades 7 & 8) ∗ Numerous Weekly Senior High Youth and Adult Small Group Bible Studies

T!LC STAFF Pastors: Rev. Glenn J. Harless, Senior Pastor Rev. David S. Witkop, Executive Pastor Rev. Bruce L. Kotila, Pastor of Discipleship Training Operations Manager Harold Carlson Facility Manager Ambrose Heying Office Manager Sara Zivny Care Ministries Coordinator Rhonda Rupert RTF Ministry Director Lisa Zaloudek Worship & Music Coordinator Michael Treachler Handbell Choir Director Liane Kirmis Preschool Director Dana Crosgrove Children’s Ministry Director Kidz Church Leaders Richard Zolnowski/Traci Johnson Awana Director Lisa Sager, Meagan Cinfel Student Ministry Director Pastor David Witkop Student Ministry Admin Asst. Kelly Marz Nursery Director Bonnie Carpenter Kids of the King Director Ryan Cinfel

Life Change through Life in Christ!