1525 North Power Road JAN/FEB/MAR 2018 Mesa AZ 85205
Fax: Office:
(480) 832-2583 (480) 981-6199
From Pastor Steve “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) The preacher of this verse acknowledges that life is filled with changing seasons. On December 31, we bid farewell to Pastor Ken Lentz, who graciously accepted the assignment to serve Love of Christ through an interim period that had significant changes in the Sr. Pastor leadership. We give thanks to God for his service, his teaching ability, his magic with a message, and his love for Christ and this community. During January it is anticipated that the Board will contract additional pastoral support for 15 hours/week beginning February 1, with ELCA candidate for ordained ministry, Nanette Christofferson. I have known Nanette for many years when she and her family were active members of Peace Lutheran Church, Peoria, AZ. In fact, I asked Nanette to serve on my staff at Peace shortly before I was elected bishop of the Grand Canyon Synod. She brings great gifts as a professional educator, with a strong background in faith formation and leadership development. She received her Ministry of Divinity degree from Fuller Seminary and from January-August 2018 she will be completing coursework at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, MN in order to be approved to begin a one year full-time internship at Love of Christ on September 1. Once the details have been worked out, a formal introduction to Nanette will be made to the congregation, but trust me when I say I think we are very fortunate to have such a quality Christian leader who is open to join the staff at LoC. With Ken’s departure I will be offering a Monday morning Bible Study class. More details of that will be included in this newsletter and other communica-
tions. We have also been training a team of volunteers who will assist the office in making contact with all visitors, new member prospects, and those with irregular attendance at worship. I have been forewarned that with the arrival of the winter quarter we will be blessed with many winter visitors who seek to make Love of Christ their worship place while enjoying the milder climate Mesa and the surrounding area offer. I look forward to the energy and the gifts these seasonal visitors bring to our community. Another change that will happen in the first quarter will be the election of new Board Members at our Congregational Meeting, Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 11:30am. I am grateful for each of the individuals who have prayerfully opened themselves up to be considered for serving as we continue to anticipate the Lord leading Love of Christ to do amazing things for the sake of Jesus Christ. As I start 2018, I am grateful for the many words and acts of support that you have provided me since starting this call in mid-August 2017. I feel so blessed to have partners in mission and ministry who love the Lord and care deeply about our carrying out the mission of Christ through this community. May the year 2018 be another year filled with gratitude for God’s abundant blessings and for our abundantly sharing those blessings with our neighbors and the world in which we are privileged to dwell. In Christ’s service,
Pastor Steve Talmage
New Member Classes
Monday, January 22nd & January 29th 6:00pm to 8:00pm Dinner served at 6:00pm
1 2. 3.
Contact
[email protected] or 480-981-6199 x15. Come to class: Monday, Jan. 22nd & Jan. 29th in Fellowship Hall (Dinner & child care provided) Be received on Sunday, February 4th. See you there! 1
From the Desk of Pastor Ken Two young boys raced outdoors to enjoy the first heavy snowfall of the season. They threw snowballs, made a snowman, and happily screamed as they rode their sleds down the hills between the wooded groves. They arrived at the edge of a large freshly covered field. One boy challenged the other. “Let’s see who can make the straightest tracks across that field.” They began their journey across the trackless expanse. When they reached the other side, they observed that the track lines were different. One line was almost perfectly straight and the other zigzagged crazily. The zigzagger asked the other, “Why are your tracks so straight when mine are so crooked? His friend answered, “It’s simple. I picked out a post on the other side of the field and kept my eyes on it, always walking straight towards it.”
My little family of three siblings have decided that we need to spend our “golden years” together in the state of Florida. I love alligators, hurricanes, fire ants, humidity, and snakes so I can’t wait to get back to Florida! (just kidding) I will of course, take with me many memories of events and committed believers who have blessed me in the last 15 years. Most vivid, of course, will be the memories of LOC, memories of community outreach, well organized spirited and inspirational worship, care of the homebound and troubled members, and the affection and energy of the little preschoolers who love bible stories mixed with a little magic. My prayers are with you as you walk the straight line to the future ministry and mission of LOC, perhaps not a straight line through snow but through the Sonoran sand.
Those with well-defined goals in life walk purposely and tend to achieve more while those who establish no goals tend to leave behind an ill-defined legacy. Congregations with good leaders and clear, welldefined mission goals will leave behind a legacy of straight lines. Words can barely express the adventure and the excitement of my time with Love of Christ, a journey for me which began in July, 2016. I have tried to live up to my task as “bridge pastor,” helping wherever necessary to keep Love of Christ straight and steady on the tracks.
Blessings in the years to come. Your brother in Christ,
Pastor Ken Lentz
Thanks to LOCs board and staff, no time was lost, no opportunity ignored, and no task left on the back shelf in the interim time between called pastors. I have learned much from LOC’s dedicated staff, a dedication which led to the acceptance of the call to be senior pastor by Stephen Talmage. I served for eleven years, while Steve was bishop, as interim pastor. We worked together as a team addressing congregational decisions and issues along the way. How lucky have I been to have had the opportunity to work with him in the last four months! LOC was my fourteenth assignment!
We will miss you Pastor Ken. LOC Staff
Ending the Year Well First, thank you so much for your faithful generosity throughout the year. Typically, the last month of the year takes us over the top! To do that this year, we need everyone to prayerfully consider making sure that you are up to date on your estimate of giving. By ending the year well, we begin the new year with a strong foundation for our mission and ministries. Year-end giving may be received until Jan. 4, 2018. Please date your donations Dec. 31, 2017
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Our office will be closed Monday, January 1st in observance of New Year’s Day and Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King Day. Poinsettias Thank You! Thank you so very much for ordering Poinsettias. It makes our Christmas decorating so festive.
Thanksgiving Turkeys and Christmas Ham Thank You! Thank you so very much for the Thanksgiving Turkeys and Christmas Hams. We served many families this year with your generous donations.
Angel Tree Thank You!
Angel Tree Christmas Thank you so very much everyone for your generosity during our Angel Tree gift gathering. For the people who took an Angel from the tree, volunteers that came to wrap all the gifts, for the donations of wrapping paper, ribbon and boxes. You are greatly appreciated. We handed out 166 gifts to children in need this Christmas season.
Christmas Cantata December December December 17th 17th 17th 999:00 :00 & 10:45 am :00& &10:45 10:45am am In our Center of Compassion
Featuring: Orchestra, Band, Handbells, Full Choir, Soloists, Children’s Choir Youth Handbell Choir Directed by Jung Csuy
CHRISTMAS CANTATA CD AND DVD AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE CD $10 EA
Fax 480 832-2583
DVD $15 EA
BOTH $20
Office 480 981-6199
1525 North Power Road, Mesa AZ 85205
Youth Bell Choir (Soul Ringers) will resume rehearsing on Tuesday, January 16th from 5:15pm~6:15pm. This will continue until Tuesday, March 20th. (NO REHEARSAL on Feb. 20th & March 13th).
Job Opening for a Part-Time Contemporary Worship Leader – If you know of anyone who might be interested in leading the music at our Contemporary Worship Service, please have them contact Jung Csuy
[email protected] , Walter Scott
[email protected] , or go to the news section of our website loveofchristchurch.net for a full job description.
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Wednesdays 6:00-7:30PM January 10-February 7 in the Fellowship Hall Many Christians struggle with the amount of violence in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. How do we make sense of God being love and read texts attributing horrific acts being done with God’s direction and under God’s name? We will be drawing from Gregory Boyd’s book, CrossVision: How the Crucifixion of Jesus Makes Sense of Old Testament Violence.
Weekday Bible Studies starting in January led by Pastor Steve Talmage Monday January 22-March 19, 2018 10-11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall Preparing for Sunday Worship Each week we will look at the assigned readings from Revised Common Lectionary for the upcoming Sunday paying particular attention to the text from which the weekly sermon is being prepared. In the Revised Common Lectionary, readings are prescribed for each Sunday: a passage typically from the Old Testament or the Acts of the Apostles, a passage from one of the Psalms, another from either the Epistles or the Book of Revelation, and finally, a passage from one of the four Gospels.
JOIN US ON WEDNESDAY NIGHTS - We have lots of great things happening!! 5:30 p.m. Family Friendly Dinner in CoC 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. - All Programming Please join us for a family-friendly dinner in the CoC beginning at 5:30 p.m. with programming for everyone starting at 6 p.m. Children (ages 4 – 6th grade) music/drama as well as small group prayer time, games, activities. Youth – (7th grade and up) we have a great combination of social time coupled with worship time geared toward the needs of the teenagers of the congregation and their friends. Adults we will have many options for ways to connect and fill your bucket mid-week!! Pastor’s Adult Study - (Fellowship Hall) (See Above article for full details) Ladies Crafting Nights – held every other month or so. Is there an activity you would like to see on Wednesday nights? Please let us know!! We would love to help make that happen!! Child care is available for children ages 3 and under. Questions - please contact Heather at
[email protected] or 480-981-6199, ext. 12.
Kevin Saunders’ The Bible Between the Lines Tuesdays, 10-11:30am In our Center of Compassion ArizonaBibleClass.com. 4
FAB (Friends & Believers) January 20th, 5:30PM at Love of Christ in the Fellowship Hall Contact Karen Leonard 480-773-2790 February 17, 2018 – Hale Theater “No, No Nanette” March 24, 2018 – Saguaro Lake Boat Tour April 21, 2018 – Boyce Thompson Park Tour / Lunch May 19, 2018 – Cinco de Mayo Celebration/potluck at LOC
New Member Classes Jan. 22 & Jan. 29—details on Page 1 Easter Flowers
Easter Lily or Mum
-Recap of Dec. Cong. Meeting
Order by March 11 We will be decorating our chancel areas with Easter flowers. Please fill out the form below with the needed information and include your Easter flower check. Return it to the church office or place in the Sunday offering by March 11.
Easter Flowers Name ________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Phone_______________________________________
-Upcoming Annual Congregational Meeting Feb. 25, 11:30am On Sunday, December 3, a quorum of voting members of LoC met and acted on the following two items: 1-To elect to the Nominating Team until 2/25/2018: Lars Hansen Art Schenkel Charlotte Kraus Penny Day Jackie McGarry
(___)Easter Lily (___)White Mum (___)Purple Mum ____ Given to the glory of God. ____ Given in honor of __________________________ _____________________________________________ ____ Given in loving memory of: __________________ _____________________________________________ Please make check out to “Love of Christ Flowers” The cost is $18.00 per plant. Thank you for sharing this Easter blessing to decorate our chancel on Easter Sunday.
2-To change the Constitution to have new Board member terms to begin on March 1 and ending on the last day of February. On Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 11:30 in the Sanctuary all voting members of LoC are asked to attend the Annual meeting of the congregation. At this time new Board members will be elected, voting members will be asked to approve the proposed 2018 Mission Spending Plan, and they will receive the annual reports of the staff and leadership. A mailing will be distributed to all voting members in early February with more specifics. 5
The office will close Monday, February 19 for the Presidents’ Day Holiday.
Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday February 4 This is a fun event where youth of the congregation raise funds entirely for the local food bank here in Mesa. Bring your change! Support your team! We need YOU!! We are planning our God’s work. Our Hands. Weekend of February 10th!! [This event is formerly known as Compassion Weekend – historically held in October]. If you are willing to be the contact person for a project, please contact Heather Parker
[email protected] or 480-981-6199, ext. 12. If you have a project in mind that you would like to do, that’s great, but if you do not have a project idea – we will help you find one. We would love to have at least 4 or 5 projects for people to be involved in to help us do God’s work with Our hands in our community. This will be a great event for everyone to participate in!! We will be planning to join together for breakfast prior to everyone dispersing to their project locations, and then after we have transformed areas in the community, we will all come back together for a meal for dinner, fellowship and sharing the blessings that we have been able to share (and likely received as well) as part of the event. Please let us know if you are willing to help!!
Scout Sunday, Pancake Breakfast, & Cookies! Feb. 11
LOC Troop 301 Please join LOC Troop 301 for our Scout Sunday breakfast on Sunday, February 11th. The Scouts will be serving pancakes, bacon or sausage, juice, and coffee from 7:30 am to 11:00 am in the COC Rms. 48-50. All donations will go toward the purchase of Troop gear and camping scholarships. Please come hungry and enjoy a good breakfast. For more information contact Keith Beeman Scoutmaster Troop 301 (480) 227-7974 or email to
[email protected] Girl Scout Troop 1775 will be selling cookies for $5/$6 a box*, at all three services on Scout Sunday, February 11. We hope you can donate an extra box of cookies to the I-HELP ladies. Your purchase helps pay for field trips, supplies, badges and more! Thanks for your support! . *The core 6 (Thin Mints, Savannah Smiles, Tagalongs, Do-Si-dos, Samoas, and Trefoils) are $5/box and the S'Mores and Gluten Free Toffee-Tastics are $6/box .
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Ash Wednesday, Lenten Services and Soup Suppers! Prepare for Holy Week by participating in Mid-Week Lenten Worship February 14-March 21, 2018. Lent starts with Ash Wednesday, February 14, 2018. We will be offering the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Communion at both our Noon and 7:00PM services in the Sanctuary. Soup Supper will be offered at 6:00PM in the Fellowship Hall adjoining the Sanctuary followed by Wednesday night worship at 6:45PM beginning February 21. Our Lenten worship focus will be on the Christian teaching of Atonement. Atonement is the teaching of the doctrine concerning the reconciliation of God and humankind, especially as accomplished through the life, suffering, and death of Christ. Each week, as we contemplate Jesus’ journey to the cross, we will look at the traditional teachings of atonement and explore some other explanations that Christians have come to see in God’s amazing act of love expressed through the cross.
Ash Wednesday Services Feb. 14th, Noon & 7pm In our Sanctuary Midweek Lenten Services Feb. 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21, 6:45pm Supper each week at 6pm In our Sanctuary Soup In our Fellowship Hall. First Holy Communion Instruction Feb. 17th, 10— Noon First Holy Communion Instruction...if you have a child in 3rd grade or older that would like to receive their First Holy Communion, a mandatory instruction class for parent and child will be held on Saturday, February 17th from 10-Noon in the Sanctuary. The children will receive their First Communion on Maundy Thursday (March 29) at the evening service. If your child is interested, please let Renee know-3rd graders will get the informational letter automatically so you do not need to contact her if your child is in 3rd grade.
Lenten Soup Suppers Begin Feb. 21st, 6pm Lenten Soup Suppers begin on Wed. Feb. 21st 6pm in the Fellowship Hall. Contact Barb Weldon at 480-854-9317 or Dianne Oien at 480-981-6199 x15.
Rummage Sale Feb. 23rd and 24th See Page 8 for details.
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NEWS!! The music ministry is running the rummage sale in February! When you’re cleaning out closets this season, take the great things that you no longer want and save them for the rummage sale. It will be held on February 23 & 24 (Friday & Saturday), 2018 from 6AM ~1PM. If you have any articles that are in great condition and think that we can sell them, drop them off at the church. With such a huge sale, we also need many helpers during the week of Feb. 19~22 (Monday~ Thursday). We will be sorting, organizing, pricing, and receiving the items as they come in. If you can spare a little time, it will make a big difference. I am so blessed with our generous congregation (I honestly think of all of you as my family). Last year we had so many helpers from the congregation that the preparation for sale went very smoothly. Many people generously gave 2~3 hours any day that they could and we were ready to sell by Friday. That is why we decided to have two days of sale this year! Please make that happen this year as well! We also need strong macho youth/men to pick up the big items on Sunday, Feb. 18th and Monday, Feb. 19th. There will be a sign-up sheet on the ministry table. Thank you for your support of the Music Ministry! I am looking forward to having a great year! Jung Csuy
LOC Blood Drive March 4—7:30 to 11:30 am Sign up at the Ministry Tables on Sundays or you can go to www.BloodHero.com (*enter blood drive name). If you do give before March 4, consider giving in the name of *Love of Christ Lutheran Church. LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS (6pm) and LENTEN WORSHIP (6:45pm) CONTINUE ON WEDNESDAY EVENINGS LENTEN CANTATA, MARCH 25, 9 AND 10:45 A.M. (Full details on page 9)
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LAST SUPPER DRAMA First holy communion March 29, 7pm In the center of compassion
& CALLING FOR SINGERS! Lenten Cantata is scheduled on Palm Sunday! Performance: Sunday, March 25 at 9am and 10:45am in COC Lenten Cantata rehearsals: February 1, 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8 from 7pm ~8:30pm & March 15, 22 from 6:30pm~8:30pm in the Sanctuary Dress rehearsal: Saturday, March 24th from 9am~12pm Jung Csuy, Director of Music, 480-981-6199 ext. 32.
HOLY WEEK Palm Sunday — MARCH 25 7:50 in our Sanctuary 9:00 a.m. & 10:45 - LENTEN CANTATA in our Center of Compassion
LOOKING AHEAD TO APRIL…
Easter April 1
Holy Thursday — MARCH 29
6:00 a.m. Sunrise COC Patio 7:50 a.m. in our Sanctuary Brass Ensemble, Bell Choir, Women’s Ensemble 9:00 a.m. In the Center of Compassion LOC Band, Trumpets *10:45 a.m. in the Center of Compassion Chancel Choir, Brass Ensemble, Bell Choir
12:00 Noon - Holy Communion in the Sanctuary 7:00 p.m. “Last Supper” Drama in the COC Childcare available
Good Friday—MARCH 30 12:00 Noon in the Sanctuary A Service of The Seven Last Words of Christ by our Youth 7:00 pm – in the Center of Compassion The Dramatic “Service of the Cross”
*Note special time for late service Holy Communion at all services Childcare available
Resurrection Celebration—SAT., MARCH 31 For 3 year olds—4th grade, 9-11am 9
Welcome, New Members! On Sunday, Nov. 5 we welcomed into the membership and ministry the following new members. Mike & Erika Barker (Madison & Tre) 19086 E. Ryan Rd Queen Creek, AZ 85142 970-231-6214
[email protected]
Kurt Kahlenbeck 1235 N. Sunnyvale #27 Mesa, AZ 85205 480-622-4297
[email protected]
Andy & Jennifer Beck (Suzie & Alex) 2409 N. Tierra Alta Circle Mesa, AZ 85207 480-327-8080
[email protected]
Ann Nelson 8537 E. Kenwood St. Mesa, AZ 85207 480-354-1239
[email protected] Kathy Overturf 2318 E. Diamond Ave. Mesa, AZ 85204 480-898-0965
[email protected]
Jim & Sandy Boese 2083 Leisure World Mesa, AZ 85206 218-349-2124
[email protected] [email protected]
Ivan Ontiveros 900 W. Broadway Avenue #35 Apache Junction, AZ 85120 480-526-0117
[email protected]
Michelle Bradford (Sydney & Kylee) 5636 E. Fox St. Mesa AZ 85205 602-738-2624
[email protected]
Shane & Melissa Perley (Connor, Avery, Riley, Sawyer, Alicia) 6137 E. Fairfield St. Mesa, AZ 85205 480-814-8938
[email protected]
David Brake 2526 S. Jefferson Mesa, AZ 85203 480 235 1340
Barbara Price 6209 E. Mckellips Rd Unit 451 Mesa, AZ 85215 480-985-6982
Darrell & Jantell Cansler (Isaac & Simon) 6718 E. Indigo St. Mesa, AZ 85205 602-354-0840 or 602-910-8185 darrell.canslersrpnet.com Roger & Pamela Dean 186 Leisure World Mesa, AZ 85206 316-633-9865
[email protected]
Pastor Steve & Barbara Talmage 1076 W. Stacey Tempe, AZ 85284 623-294-0863
Barb Gosney 2223 N. Middlecoff Drive Mesa, AZ 85215-2633 480-231-3747
[email protected] Helen Hunter (Associate) 3104 E. Broadway Rd. #218 Mesa, AZ 85204 480-219-7161
[email protected]
Paul & Maggie Werlink 5445 E. Mckellips Rd #35 Mesa, AZ 85215 425-387-5120
[email protected] [email protected]
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Thank You For bringing food where there was hunger, For bringing clean water where there was disease, For bringing education where there was none, For breaking the terrible cycle of poverty, For bringing hope where there was despair.
Who Doesn’t Love a Pig? OK, it does seem a little strange to give someone you love a pig or a goat for Christmas, until you realize the lives that it changes. You stepped up to the challenge, donating over $5,000 during the church’s ELCA Good Gifts campaign. The first $3,000 was matched by a very generous donation from one of our members resulting in more than $8,000 of life changing support to God’s most vulnerable. As we all learned during this campaign, ELCA World Missions is there, alongside those in need, before, during, and after, insuring that your gifts are providing the greatest impact on people’s lives.
People On The Go!
We enjoy attending a variety of events! We are open to any suggestions that anyone has for upcoming events. We also welcome any help in planning for events! The more ideas and more people involved equal more fun and fellowship. With any questions, comments or suggestions, you can contact Dianne Oien at
[email protected] or 480-981-6199 x15 or Barb Weldon at
[email protected]. Upcoming events – January – March - mark your calendars now!
January 9th – Bee Gees at Las Palmas – Cost: $20 January 18th – Magda Herzberger survivor of a concentration camp during WWII at 1:00 in Fellowship Hall – dessert – cost $3 January 24th – Meet Pastor Steve from 10 to noon in fellowship hall. January 30th – Lunch at the EVIT (East Valley Institute - Bistro) 12:30 – Cost: will be determined February 5th – Dueling pianos at Fountain of the Sun – Cost: $20 February 17th - Hale Theatre – No, No, Nanette – 3PM – Cost: $24 February 26th – Noon lunch followed by Dawn Blake of the Mesa Police Dept. – Cost: $6 March 2nd – Rock Me Gently at Las Palmas – Cost: $20 March 6th - Hale Theatre – Life Could be A Dream – Cost: $24 March 24th – Saguaro Lake Boat ride – joint event with FAB team
For all these upcoming events, more information in the bulletin on when to sign up for each event!
Caring Ministries Listening, Strengthening, Encouraging, Refreshing, Restoring, Caring Our church has many members who dedicate themselves to helping others in our congregation through many caring ministries. As our congregation continues to grow, there are limitless needs for caring as well as limitless opportunities to serve others who need care. If you are in need of support either through prayer or other caring services offered by the church, please reach out by contacting the church. Likewise, if you have compassion and gifts in providing caring support to others, please consider sharing your gifts by contacting the church. Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” 11
Prayer Chapel & Prayer Voices you request to have your prayers on the weekly prayer requests for the church.
Come 7:30 am-12 pm
Special Opportunity: The Prayer Chapel is “Looking for a Few Good People” to help run the chapel on Sunday mornings. If this is your passion, please contact Rick Otto rrotto1946 @gmail.com.
Stained Glass room across from Sanctuary Narthex Contact Person: Barbara Otto 480.390.9631 Come for Prayer following or during each Worship Service. Bring your prayer concerns for yourself or family and friends. Prayer Team members will be available to speak with and pray for you. Your shared concerns in the Chapel will remain in the Chapel. They will not be shared with others unless
PRAYER VOICES Please join us as we pray for each other, our Love of Christ family, Staff, Servant Volunteers, Missions, Ministries, Small Groups, Activities, and Events. If you are interested in attending, please call Barbara Otto at 480.390.9631.
Books! Barb and I would like to thank everyone who shopped and/or donated to the Book Nook in 2017. By shopping and donating, you have helped us donate $2,000.00 toward small groups at LOC. Some of the groups were I-Help, the Music Department to help fund the cantata and children’s musicals, VBS, Adopt a Family, and the Navajo Mission trip, just to name a few. Please continue to shop and give your gently used books, both spiritual and secular, to the Book Nook. We do ask that donated books not be older than 2008 due to our lack of space. Spiritual books that are currently of interest have no dated limit on them. We are also looking for small items and collections that could be sold as gifts. Thank you, Penny and Barb
vice. We meet in the Nursery located next to the Book Nook in the COC. We will be reviewing The Woman In Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware. Here is a synopsis of the book: In this tightly wound story, Lo Blacklock, a journalist who writes for a travel magazine, has just been given the assignment of a lifetime: a week on a luxury cruise with only a handful of cabins. At first, Lo's stay is nothing but pleasant: the cabins are plush, the dinner parties are sparkling, and guests are elegant. But as the week wears on, frigid winds whip the deck, gray skies fall and Lo witnesses what she can only describe as a nightmare: a woman being thrown overboard. The problem? All passengers remain accounted for and so the ship sails on as if nothing has happened despite Lo's desperate attempts to convey that something (or someone) has gone terribly, terribly wrong. Be sure and grab a cup of coffee in the COC and join us as we unravel this mystery. We welcome all interested readers! The book is in paperback and if at all possible we will have copies available in the Book Nook. If you have any questions please contact Penny Day at
[email protected] or Barbara Hummel at
[email protected]. See you on January 21, 2018.
The next meeting of the LOC Book Club will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2018 after the 9:00 am ser-
Free Martial Arts! New Students are Welcome!
Monday and Thursday: 6:00pm-6:45pm - Dragon Class (Ages 5-8) 6:45pm—8pm—Family Class (Beginner and above)
For more information please contact Joe Bogushefsky at 480-455-9829 or email to
[email protected]. 12
Preschool Full & Half Day Preschool
LOVE OF CHRIST PRESCHOOL EARLY REGISTRATION STARTS MARCH 1 Flexible Scheduling, Affordable Rates, Phonics based curriculum, and Christian atmosphere, Contact Preschool Director at (480)981-6199#33 or
[email protected] for tours and information.
Youth Ministry
WEDNESDAY, January 3 7-12th grade Meet at church 9:00AM $10 Winterfest 2018! 10-12th grade January 13-14 Limited to 10 youth Payment of $60 and application due January 3 All Parent Mid-Year Orientation and Potluck All parents of 3 yr olds through 12th grade
Sunday, January 28, 11AM (no Confirmation or Sunday School)
A-L Side dish (serve 4-6), M-R Main dish (serve 4-6), S-Z dessert “Souper” Bowl of Caring! We need your spare change All money goes to Food Bank Sunday, February 4 13
Youth Ministry Continued
Attention all 3rd Graders! First Communion Class Saturday, February 17 10AM-Noon Parents attend class with children All 7-12th grade youth Citrus Picking Service Project— Saturday, March 10
Youth car wash fundraiser Sunday, Mar. 18 7:30am-11:00am *all proceeds go toward Houston Trip* Easter Resurrection Egg Hunt th 3yr olds – 4 grade, Saturday, March 31 9-11am
3 7 10 13-14 14 17 21 24 28 31
Top Golf Confirmation and Sunday School/Houston Meeting WOW 5:30-7:00, Youth Group Movie Night 6-8PM Winterfest Confirmation and Sunday School WOW and Youth Group Confirmation and Sunday School WOW and Youth Group All Parent Orientation and Potluck (No class) WOW and Youth Group
4 7 11 14 17 18 21 25 28
Souper Bowl of Caring WOW and Youth Group Sunday School and Confirmation ASH WEDNESDAY no WOW or Youth Group First Communion Class Sunday School and Confirmation WOW and Youth Group Sunday School and Confirmation WOW and Youth Group
4 7 10 11-16 18 21 25 25-29 29 31
Sunday School and Confirmation WOW and Youth Group Citrus Picking Spring Break No WOW, Y Group, Sunday School or Confirmation Sunday School and Confirmation WOW and Youth Group PALM SUNDAY no Sunday School or Confirmation HOLY WEEK no WOW or Youth Group Last Supper Celebration and First Communion Easter Saturday Resurrection Celebration
National Youth Gathering in Houston! June 25-July 1 Please pray for us! 43 youth and adults will be attending. Thank you Love of Christ for your generosity. 14
Women’s Ministry
Naomi Circle They meet the 2nd Monday of the month September—May. We will meet on January 8 at 1 pm in the Fellowship Hall. All women Welcome! See you there!
Crafting & Chatting Women of LOC
“Care, Share & Prayer” Women’s Bible Study—
We welcome all Ladies/their friends for our Sunday afternoons. Meets the 2nd Sunday of the month at 1pm. Join with other LOC women We have become a “Sisterhood” and support many projects for a bible study group Thursin the church, in the community and enjoy our times todays at 1:00pm in the Leadership room (next to gether with work and laughter. We craft, chat, coupon, the office). Meets every Thursday. Contact chat, crochet, chat, knit, scrapbook and a whole lot more!!! Alice Lacey at 480-641-0021 with questions.
BLESSING BAG ITEMS NEEDED:
The small personal hygiene items picked up from hotels, washcloths, socks, chap stick, sunscreen, small packages of tissues or snack items & bottles of water. Please bring them in to us at the church. You may contact Karen Wenzel 480-890-8692, Barbie Berry 602-705-3139 or Karla Harvey 480-262-7666 with questions. EXPLORE ARIZONA….. EXPLORE ARIZONA….. On January 20th, 2018, the LOC Women’s Hiking Group will be traveling to Oracle and hiking the easy 5 mile Windmill Loop Trail after touring the Kannally Ranch House. This is a Mediterranean-Revival Style ranch house built 1929-1933. This trail takes us to an old homestead site. We will meet at 7:00 am in the COC parking lot and return by 6:00 pm. On February 17th, the LOC Women’s Hiking Group will be traveling to Camp Verde and hiking the easy 7 mile Bell Trail on Beaver Creek. The hike takes you to the “Tongue of the Beaver” a favorite local swimming hole. Added bonus: this trail will make you feel like you’re in Sedona. We will meet at 7:00 am in the COC parking lot and return by 6:00 pm. EXPLORE ARIZONA….. On March 17th, the LOC Women’s Hiking Group will be traveling north of Black Canyon City and hiking the easy Drinking Snake Trail. This 4.8 mile cuts through the foothills and grasslands fed by Big Bug and Antelope creeks. We will also pass by the ghost town of Cordes. We will meet at 7:00 am in the COC parking lot and return by 6:00 pm. Call Pat Shaw at 981-1325 for more information.
Subscribe to “Gather Magazine” The magazine of Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America — guides you as you live and experience your faith every day. It offers a mix of articles, theological reflections, devotions, and stories of comfort and challenge that help readers grow in faith and engage in ministry and action. Gather is published 10 times a year with combined issues in January/February and July/August. It’s only $15 a year. – Subscribe online at: www.gathermagazine.org or by calling 1 (800) 328-4648.
Remember the Cookie Monster Ministry? They’re Still Going Strong! Wanna feel good while doing God’s work? We don’t make cold calls. We just simply leave a bag of cookies and a note with our church’s first time visitors to let them know we appreciate them worshiping with us. If you can help out contact Steven Aman at
[email protected] 15
Winter (is in the air) God’s LOC bumper crop!
An Oasis in the Desert
Our Sponsors Updates:
Troop 301
“Winter” for desert gardeners is a really exciting season when we get to grow all of the salad vegetables. Remember, you get to decide what you plant, keep, and share. Join up and receive an 8 foot box with top grade organic soil, watering system, composting available, garden tools. All plants and supplies are organic and sustainable. It’s the perfect way to have fun, meet other gardeners and share information and produce. Plots available. We are a “Community of Gardeners” with an emphasis on community. New to gardening or a little unsure? We can team you up with one of our existing gardeners to learn the ropes. We all love to share information. 1st Saturday Morning of January, February and March – we will meet in the garden at 8:00. See you there! Join us Stop by the ministry table to pick up more information or just join us in the garden on Sunday mornings after service. We have lots of fun.
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gation attended FMSC’s “Hope Filled Holiday” event at the Phoenix Convention Center where they joined others across the valley in packing over 2 million meals. What a follow-up to our event! OK, did someone mention 2018? Our church has set a tentative date for our next meal packing event at Love of Christ. November 1-3, 2018 Mark Your Calendar!
2018? Before we jump to 2018, let’s take a look at the lives that have been changed in 2017! First off, as a congregation, you packed 155,520 meals (426 kids fed for a year) at our recent November meal packing event here at Love of Christ with all meals being shipped to the Philippines. Did you know that brings our congregation’s total to over 1.6 million meals packed with your hands since partnering with Feed My Starving Children in 2008, including over 13,000 volunteer hours? But this wasn’t all for 2017. Our youth and several members of our congre-
Contact Walter Scott at
[email protected] “Whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” Matt.25:40
Municipal red tape (!) and a low cash balance has caused our coalition of eight Lutheran congregations, Lutherans Building for Christ, to re-think its goals for 2018, and we will be doing some major repairs and up-grades to current Habitat for Humanity homes while we bolster our reserves in order to fully sponsor a home in the fall of 2018. Habitat for Humanity is an international, nonprofit, faith-based organization with the goal of eliminating sub-standard housing through out the world. With partners like us, they facilitate the construction of simple, decent, affordable homes to families in need. The families with which we partner are selected without regard to race, ethnicity, or religion. The families must be United States citizens or on permanent residency status, demonstrate a need for adequate housing, have a twoyear history of stable income between 30 and 65 percent of the median income, have a good credit history, complete 100 hours of “sweat equity” on a fellow Habitat owner’s house, and an additional 300 hours on their own home before taking occupancy, and complete classes on home maintenance, financing, and home ownership. The homes are NOT given to the homeowners. At the time of the home completion and dedication, the homeowners make their first payment on a profit-free mortgage, and the average payment is about 25%
of their income, which includes the principal, property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, and a maintenance account. These funds are then used by Habitat to build even more homes. The results are incredible – families living in sub-standard housing and caught up in a cycle of poverty become homeowners, tax-payers, and contributors to the wellbeing of their neighborhoods! We need your prayers and extra-mile blessings before the end of the year! The really GREAT news is that the State of Arizona will provide you with a dollar-for-dollar tax CREDIT of up to $800.00 for a couple filing jointly, or $400.00 for an individual. Therefore, your contribution costs you nothing because it is credited against the State taxes you would otherwise pay, AND it can also be used as a deduction on your Federal Tax return! It is very similar to the School tax credit with which you may be familiar, and you can do BOTH! So, like most blessings, you actually get back more than you give! There are special designated giving envelopes on the Habitat kiosk in the Center of Compassion and also outside the Sanctuary. Please make your checks out to Love of Christ Lutheran, and write “Habitat-AZ” in the information space. If you need a confirmation letter, please advise the office. For additional information on the Christian principles that guide Habitat for Humanity, please pick up one of the tri-fold brochures, visit www.habitatcaz.org or call Clark Wirthlin at 480-985-8757. 17
African Orphan Mission Project Once again the African Orphans Project (AOP) was responsible for brightening the holidays for 45 families in Shongweni, South Africa. Each family living in the homes that we built received a gift of essential food items such as flour, rice, oil and more. These gifts also were given to the crèche, teachers in our day school and Pastor Thwala. Our gifts were accepted in a thank you letter from Avi Products Ltd on behalf of the Shongweni beneficiaries. The AOP also received a report that everything is going well at the Shongweni sewing group. The ladies are still working hard and the trainer, Thandi from Embocraft, still comes to them once a month for mentoring. The news for 2018 is that our plans are going ahead for a day school in the Durbin area. The German missionary group has completed the purchase of the Renshaw Road Church and the existing crèche is under their control. It has been operating in the basement of the church and it will be remodeled and expanded in the church hall. Partial funding for the remodel will be done by the German group and we (AOP) will fund the balance. As a result, there is a need for equipment and supplies and some funding for new teachers for the extra classrooms. We (AOP) have reviewed their needs
and have decided to be responsible for some of the finances including the following: 50% of the teacher's salary for the first year along with tables, chairs, cabinets, mattresses and blankets, toys, carpeting and shelves. This is meant to be a temporary short time fix to allow for an increase in the number of children and new teachers. We will be meeting with the representatives in 2018 to discuss the building of permanent classrooms on the church property. The Lord has blessed the African Orphans Project with dedicated volunteers and leaders to accomplish impossible tasks and funds to carry out his mission of providing shelter to innocent orphaned children. Please continue to keep the AOP in your prayers. Ken Ondrejko 602-692-7492
[email protected]
I-Help LOC continues to provide shelter, dinner and a bagged lunch to the I-HELP single homeless women twice a month. The purpose of this program is to find adequate housing, special services for those in need, and support for those looking for employment. The needs are ongoing. For all the successes in this program, other single homeless women seeking assistance replace them. Because of your ongoing support, we have been able to provide a loving, supportive environment for these ladies. We continue to need your assistance and are always appreciative of your donations. For those seeking employment, business casual clothing in all sizes is welcome. You are our silent heroes!
LOC is now in its 7th year of hosting homeless ladies enrolled in this program on the second and fourth Friday nights in the ADC Rooms. You can be a part of this blessing those nights by helping to set up from 5-6:30pm or hosting from 6:30-8pm. Please contact Jackie Rensel at 602 489 1832. Donations are needed for the sack lunches of fruit cups, granola bars and chicken or tuna snack packs. Shower room needs are deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste and combs. I-HELP bins provided by the Girl Scouts are for this. Thank you for the many donations of the travel soaps, shampoo and lotions.
STEPHEN MINISTRY—Are you facing changes in your life? Did your last child just leave for college? You just received your last paycheck? Did you have a loss of any kind? The Stephen Ministry team provides compassionate and confidential care in times of challenge in our lives. If you are facing one of life's challenges and would like to consider having a Stephen Minister, please call our office 480 584 6203 or contact any Stephen Minister you see wearing a blue name tag. We are waiting to be caring and supportive of your needs. 18
Don’t Forget About Us!!!
OVERFLOW SUNDAY! The Food Bank Needs YOU!
On the last Sunday of each month we would like everyone to bring a bag of non perishable items for the Food Bank and overflow the Feed My Sheep box! THE FOOD BANK REALLY APPRECIATES AND NEEDS OUR SUPPORT!
available to those who are interested. You can give online by either check or credit/debit card. We believe that living “debt free” is a worthy goal for all Christians. Online giving does involve the use of credit and debit transactions and makes no distinction between the two. We offer this option only as a convenience and we strongly urge you to use your credit card only as a payment method, never to incur debt. However, if you intend to pay off your balance each month, we believe that is an issue of conscience and leave that between you, God, and your frequent flier miles. With online giving, you can give your tithe to Love of Christ and also support our missionaries and mission trips. Online giving will be counted toward your regular yearly giving and will appear in your year-end giving statement for tax purposes, along with all other contributions. “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 For more information visit us online at loveofchristchurch.net or contact Dick Beckman at 480-981-6199 x21.
Online Giving Did you know that you can go onto our website (loveofchristchurch.net) or scan the QR Code to the right and make a contribution? Download any free QR code app. Scan QR Code printed here. Register (one time only) Indicate the amount you would like to contribute. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Jesus, Matthew 6:21 Jesus taught that how we handle our money is an indicator of our hearts, and Paul taught that we should give cheerfully and sacrificially in response to the love of God. Giving is a central theme of the Bible, and at Love of Christ we invite our regular attendees and members to give in our weekend services or by mailing in their contributions. We are now pleased to offer the option of giving online. In our digital age with online shopping, online bill pay, Ebay, and Amazon, Love of Christ has chosen to make online tithing and giving
Are you a “Thrivent Financial for Lutherans” member?
The SIMPLY GIVING Program What’s the easiest way to prepare your offering? By using Simply Giving you have an easy way to have your offering transferred automatically from your account on a regular basis. This makes it easy for you to know you are always current and it also assists the church with our recordkeeping. Visit the Ministry Tables on Sunday for a brochure or contact Dick Beckman at 480 981 6199 x21.
If you are, then you may be eligible to participate in their “Thrivent Choice” program! Eligible members are designated Choice Dollars, based on insurance premiums, contract values and Thrivent Financial volunteer leadership. Choice Dollars can be directed to Lutheran organizations you prefer nationwide, including your local Lutheran congregation (LOC!). If you are eligible to direct Choice Dollars, you will receive a letter in the mail at the point you become eligible. Eligible members may direct Choice Dollars by contacting Rick Aussprung of Thrivent at 480 396 5333. 19
Missions: Local Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is excited to introduce our new look. New logos have been developed for the four focus areas of LSS-SW: I-HELP, Aging and Disabilities, Refugee Focus and Child and Family Services. Along with the new look is a renewed emphasis on congregational and community relationships. We will continue to work with Love of Christ to honor our mission of “Showing kindness, doing justice and serving those in need”. At Love of Christ: 1525 N. Power Rd., Room #47, Mesa, AZ 85205 480.396.3795
LSS In Home Care @ LOC
Top Food Bank Needs Mac & Cheese, Pork & Beans, Cereal, Peanut Butter/Jelly & Tuna. NON PERISHABLES ONLY. LOC donation boxes are located in the Sanctuary and COC narthexes. Lutheran Social Services Assistance Robert Sanders Phone 480 284-1081 Email
[email protected] Food Banks: Victory Lutheran Church Phone 480 654-4539 5946 E. University Drive Mesa AZ 85205 Hours: Mon-Wed-Fri 9:00-11:30 AM First Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone 480 332-5589 142 N. Date Street, Mesa AZ 85201 Hours: Tues-Thurs 9:00-11:15 AM Closed Second Tuesday each month
Announcements LSS is utilizing the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) to help prevent individuals from eviction and utility shut-off. Clients must have a five day eviction notice and recent loss of employment.
Luminaria Home Care provides nonmedical in-home care to seniors and individuals with Developmental Disabilities. Our goal is to enable the people we serve to remain in their homes and maintain their highest level of independence. Luminaria Home Care has been blessed with an ongoing relation-
ship with Love of Christ Lutheran Church and we are thankful for all you have done for us. Please come by and say “HI” any time. Regional Director; Rebecca Johnston, Care Coordinators; Nikki Commans and Danielle Johnston.
LSS Connectors You can make a positive difference in our church and in our community by volunteering as a Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest (LSSSW) Connector. Connectors educate individuals about how they can be involved in the vital safety net services LSS-SW provides to individuals in need across AZ. Expand awareness and community involvement in services that support older adults, individuals with disabilities, foster children, families who are hungry and in need, newly resettled refugees and individuals experiencing homelessness.
Change for Change “Supporting Love of Christ’s ministries one coin at a time”
Mesa area clients contact Neighborhood Services Department at 20 E. Main Street, Suite 250 or call 480-644-2168. The hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. We continue to see an overwhelming need for assistance. We appreciate your continued donations to our food banks and financial assistance that helps clients with their utility bills. Thank you for your generosity!
Please take a moment to drop some change in the jug All donations support the “Lutheran Food Bank” Keep up the good work!
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Info on Volunteering! There are so many activities, events, and ways to serve our Lord in the Love of Christ faith community. Where do you start to find where you are needed, or what might fit your skills and time available for service? Many times, new members to our church, or those whose life situation has changed, want to do something different in service, but don’t exactly know what is involved in a particular area. A team will be coordinating with the Ministry leaders to define needs within their areas. Volunteer opportunities might include an overview of the Ministry, different parts of the serving and times help is needed; sign-ups might be a rotating basis, or a one-time need. The first emphasis for the team & leaders will be in the area of worship services. Help is needed for the Ushering, Altar Guild, Greeters, special physical set-ups & visitor information in the Sanctuary. Look for the first part of the new service description opportunities to begin after the first of the year. For information or suggestions, contact Dianne Oien at
[email protected] or 480-981-6199 x15.
Volunteer Security…thanks to Karen & Brian Thompson, Joe Holmwood, Joe & Jodi Bogushefsky & Dave Dohrmann! Thanks for serving in this ministry. Currently we need volunteers to cover Wednesday and Saturday evenings! If you have 30 minutes to spare, we can certainly use your help. If you can’t commit to every week but can commit to a couple days a month, that would be great! If interested, you can contact Dianne Oien at
[email protected]. or 480-981-6199 x15.
Did You Know?
Your Business in our Directory! If you are a business owner and a member of Love of Christ, we are offering an online business directory to you and your business. To list your business, you must submit a Business Directory form on the Love of Christ website at www.loveofchristchurch.net. To get started: Must be a member of LOC to submit your business on LOC’s website. Access LOC’s website at loveofchristchurch.net and go to the “Find It Here” section on the main page Then click on Business Directory Read and follow the instructions on the page. One time donation of $20 is requested. These funds will be used for Children’s Fellowship Ministry (place this info in the memo line on the check). Make check out to LOC. ***Remember to check out the variety of businesses or services that are available from LOC members!***
On Facebook?
"Like" Love of Christ Lutheran Church, Mesa AZ and visit our page to find out what's happening at the church! Become a member of the group if you'd like a weekly scoop. Here's the link if you can't find us: http://www.facebook.com/ LOCLC.
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Holy Grounds Update! Do you love coffee? Do you enjoy drinking the coffee following the 9:00 service? Well we could sure use about four more members to sign up for once a month or every other month to make coffee. You might ask “what is involved?” The tables and chairs are setup by our facility team, so on Sunday the tables need to be decorated, coffee brewed, set up, and clean up! If interested or just want more info you can contact Dianne Oien at
[email protected] or 480-9816199 x15.
LOC 2017 Church Board Members & Officers
Shut-In & Spouse Birthdays!
Board President Board Vice President Board Treasurer Board Secretary Board Member Board Member Ex-Officio
Happy Birthday to everyone celebrating a Birthday
Melissa Riner Patti DeLaney Ted Trembath Nicole Cumberledge Beth Hesse Dave Spice Senior Pastor Steve Talmage
Church Directory Ext. / Phone
Email
LOC Office …………………………………...480 981-6199 Senior Pastor Steve Talmage X35
[email protected] Pr. John Albrecht Sep-May480 386 4807
[email protected] Darlene Fleischhauer x10
[email protected] Church Secretary Dick Beckman, Finance x21
[email protected] Karla Harvey Stephen Ministry 480 584 6203 Joey Bogushefsky, Audio Visual Mark Cloud, Facilities Dir. of Music Jung Eun Csuy, …………….....x32
[email protected] Gary Fuller-Facilities Janice Herron, Preschool ……..x33
[email protected] Children’s Min. Dir. Renee Bennett x19
[email protected] Children’s Music Ministry—Brooke Osterman & Laura Ontiveros JaeEun Lee…………………………………… 7:50 & 10:30 Pianist Dianne Oien ………………………...x15
[email protected] Ivan Ontiveros, Audio Visual Heather Parker (WOW)………...x12
[email protected] Tim Rosenow, Facilities Walter Scott, Small Groups …..x27
[email protected] Adam Stein…………………….Contemporary Worship Leader x32
[email protected] Brian Thompson-Facilities
Worship & Care Directory
Prayers of Sympathy and Comfort to… Karen Humbert upon the death of her brother in law James Railbe. Mike & Betty McCahan and Carrie & Jerry McCahan upon the death of grandson and nephew Luke Williams. Tami Wilke, family & friends upon the death of her brother. Amy Schenkel upon the death of her mother, Barbara Erisman. Lois Kluge upon the death of her friend Judy Moses. Alice Lacey, family & friends upon the death of her sister.
Phone/Ext.
Information/Visitors Dianne Oien x15 Landscaping Dick Beckman x21 Secretary Darlene Fleischhauer x10 Readers: Sharon Randall 480 628 5829 or
[email protected] Ushers 7:50 Service Elaine Warwick 986-4873 Ushers 9:00 Service Jeff Milan 814-7514 Greeters 7:50, 9:00, 10:30 Dianne Oien 480 981 6199 X15
Stephen Ministry Leaders: Karla Harvey Phone Number: Chuck Cusack 480 584 6203 Jim Johnson Char Kraus
Altar Flowers
JANUARY 8 Carol Johnson, Good Shepherd Villa, 5848 E. University Dr. #1012, Mesa, AZ 85205 16 Cora Lufkin, 2713 N. 26th St., Phoenix, 85008-1017 FEBRUARY 26 Carl Herron, Fellowship Square 6945 E. Main St., Unit #4368, Mesa 85207 MARCH 7 Bob Nitschke & Carolyn (Feb. 22) 7745 Butte St., Mesa, AZ 85207 29 Elaine Lalim 4164 Fellowship Square 6945 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207
Columbarium: A final resting place. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of our special pricing for purchasing a niche in the new section of our columbarium to the first 40 people. SPECIAL PRICING----NICHE FOR TWO PARTIES $1,000.00 SPECIAL PRICING----NICHE FOR ONE PARTY $ 700.00 Once the first 40 limit is reached, the pricing will be $1,500.00 for a two-party niche and $900.00 for a oneparty niche. If you are interested in purchasing a niche, please call the church office and talk to either Dick Beckman or Darlene Fleischhauer at 480-981-6199.
The Altar Flower Charts are at the Ministry Tables on Sunday mornings. Altar flowers are $30 per arrangement and may be taken home following the service you attend. To give flowers in honor of a special occasion, in memory of a loved one, or to the Glory of God, please sign the Flower Chart at the service you worship, or call Darlene at 480 981-6199 x 10, or email
[email protected]. 22
Bible Studies, Small Groups “LOC Compassionate Cooks” — Do you enjoy cooking? Share your gift with a family in need of assistance by providing meals. To help this very active group contact Tami Wilke 480464-2577
[email protected] or Heather Parker 480-988-6477
[email protected]. Prayer Group “Prayer Voices” — Join the prayer group for coffee and prayer. Contact Barbara Otto 480.390.9631. See Page 12 Women’s Hiking Group —Look for the sign-up sheet on the ministries’ table on Sunday mornings. For questions, call Pat Shaw at 480.981.1325. See Page 15 Crafting Chatting, & Couponing Women of LOC – Meets at various locations the second Sunday of each month at 1pm.
African Orphan Project Altar Flowers Ash Wednesday Services Birthdays Blood Drive Board/Staff Book Nook/Club Business Directory CD/DVD Purchase Calling for Singers Caring Ministries Columbarium Community Garden Congregational Meeting News Contemporary Worship Leader Cookie Ministry Easter Flower Order Form Ending the Year Face Book Feed My Starving Children Food Bank Friends and Believers
18 22 7 22 8 22 12 21 3 9 11 22 16 5 3 15 5 2 21 17 19 5
Please contact: Karen Wenzel, 480.890.8692 Karla Harvey, 480.262.7666 Barbie Berry,
[email protected]. Naomi Circle - Join us for fellowship and Bible study on the 2nd Monday of each month, 1 p.m. (Sept.-May). All women are invited. Page 15 Men’s Monday Evening Study Group Meets weekly Monday from 6:30—8:00 pm in the leadership room. Contact Walter Scott 480.981.6199.
Thursdays at 1:00pm in the Leadership room (next to the office). (June—August meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays). Contact Alice Lacey at 480-641-0021 for more information. Dave Ramsey “Financial Peace University” Contact Walter Scott at
[email protected]. Kevin Saunders Bible Study Class— Tuesday mornings 10am in the COC.
Men’s “Early Riser” Study Group — Every Thursday morning 6:30 a.m.7:30 a.m. at the Village Inn on McKellips and Recker Rd. Contact Jim Shepherd at
[email protected]. “Care, Share, & Prayer” Women’s Bible Study Group – Join with other LOC women for a bible study group
Habitat for Humanity Holy Grounds Holy Week God’s Work, our Hands I-Help Kevin Saunders Lenten Soup/Services Lutheran Social Min. Martial Arts New Members New Members Class Online Giving Pastor Ken Pastor Steve Pastor Steve Wed Bible Study Pastor Steve Mon. Bible Study People on the Go Prayer Chapel Preschool Rummage Sale St. Olaf Choir in Concert Scout Sunday/Pancakes/Cookies
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17 21 9 6 18 4 7 20 12 10 1 19 2 1 4 4 11 12 13 8 6 6
Souper Bowl of Caring Stephen Ministry Sympathies Thank Yous Thrivent Volunteering Volunteer Security WOW Women’s Ministry Youth Bell Choir Youth Ministry
6/13 18 22 3/11 19 21 21 4 15 3 13/14
2018
Fax 480 832-2583
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
Office 480 981-6199
Paid
1525 North Power Road, Mesa AZ 85205
Mesa, Arizona PERMIT #55
Time Valued for Immediate delivery — Return Service Requested
Worship and Communion
VISIT OUR WEBSITE! IF YOU HAVE AN IPHONE OR SIMILAR DEVICE, SCAN THE ABOVE QR CODE. IF NOT, JUST TYPE LOVEOFCHRISTCHURCH.NET.
Sunday Morning Holy Communion during Sunday worship every Sunday. (2nd, 4th, 5th Sundays by intinction.) 7:50 & 10:30 A.M.Traditional Worship Services, Sanctuary 9:00 AM
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER Our newsletter is truly a quarterly newsletter: Jan/Feb/Mar which came out Dec. 19, 2017; April/May/June which will come out March 20th; July/Aug/Sept which will come out June 19 and Oct/Nov/Dec which will come out Sept. 25th. If you have any questions, please contact Darlene at 480 981 6199 or
[email protected].
Contemporary Worship Service, Center of Compassion (casual attire)
10:15-10:35 A.M
Sunday School (3 yr. old-4th grade)
10:30 A.M.
Confirmation (Sept. - May)
7:30AM-12:30 PM Prayer Chapel— See page 12
Weekdays at LOC: Weekday Preschool Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. The Bible Between the Lines Wednesdays: WOW (Sept. - May)
Website: www.LoveofChristChurch.Net Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LOCLC Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Grand Synod
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