THE SHIP`S MESSENGER - Marco Lutheran Church

THE SHIP’S
MESSENGER
March 2015
MARCO LUTHERAN CHURCH
2015 The next waypoint on our journey...
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
By Pastor Kevin
The history of Marco Lutheran Church includes many
wonderful servants of our Lord Jesus who regularly brought
authentic and vibrant messages in worship and Bible Study,
servants who led this congregation to where we are today.
Many of those servants now enjoy God’s gift of eternity, fully
and completely. Among those servants are Pastor Ted Klees,
Pastor Roger and Lois Stoehr, Pastor Paul Hoffmaster, Pastor Harold Popp and now
Pastor Paul Koepchen.
The unique ministry to Marco Lutheran Church of Pastor Paul Koepchen lay in his
grace-filled compassionate ministry to our congregation upon the loss of Pastor
Klees and Pastor Roger and Lois Stoehr. It was Pastor Paul Koepchen who lifted up
our congregation in those challenging days. His gentle nature, strong faith, and solid
witness served as an anchor to the cross and empty tomb of our Lord Jesus, guiding
and shaping our congregation as Marco Lutheran dealt with the loss of servants in
the public ministry, twice in a span of five years. Pastor Paul Koepchen now enjoys
the fulfillment of the same promise to which he pointed so many in his compassionate ministry. A memorial service is to be held on Saturday, February 28, 11 am at
Zion Lutheran Church 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Myers, FL. May God surround
Jackie with His love, grace and comfort! And may each of us thank God for the gift
given to Marco Lutheran Church through Pastor Paul and Jackie Koepchen.
As we move through this Lenten season, casting our stones at the foot of the cross, looking
forward to the Triumphal Entry of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, sharing an
intimate Passover meal with His disciples, suffering on the old rugged cross on a hill far away,
and visiting anew the Empty Tomb of our Risen Savior, may we be further empowered with
the message of hope and comfort that belongs to the people of God as we trust in Him who
has claimed us forever!
The vibrant nature of the message proclaimed is enhanced through our ongoing study of
THE STORY. Thank you for your engagement and support of this magnificent experience!
In January of 2016 we will continue with these chapters:
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 22
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 30
A Few Good Men and Women
The Faith of a Foreign Woman
Standing Tall, Falling Hard
Daniel in Exile
The Return Home
The Queen of Beauty and Courage
The Birth of the King
The Hour of Darkness
The Resurrection
Paul’s Final Days
Peace and Joy,
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS
Thank you for supporting and participating in the Educational Seminar Series that concludes
on Friday, March 6 with the Haggai Project. Should you have an idea or suggestion for a
future speaker, please contact Chris High, Board of Education Chair or Pastor Kevin.
INTERFAITH EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
This year’s educational events are drawing to a close. The emphasis has been on sharing the
worship styles of the various houses of worship on Marco Island. Two events remain for
your consideration.
March 4 at JCMI 7 pm
March 11 at San Marco Catholic Church 7 pm
COUNCIL QUARTERS
By Ron Groenke, President
Thanks for your many prayers for our grandson Jake Groenke who is going through cancer treatment at Johns Hopkins Cancer Center in Baltimore, Maryland. The doctors are hopeful that Jake
will complete the treatment and become a cancer survivor. This brings up the question “Why?”
We really do not know what is in God’s plan for us.
We all have tribulations in life as written in Acts 14:22. onfirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting
them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Jake is a wonderful 20-year-old student at the University of South Carolina majoring in Civil Engineering and Architecture. It is with trust in our Lord and Savior that this divergence from his studies at this time is for a bigger event later on. All we can do is pray for recovery and trust that God
will let Jake experience many more years here on earth. I believe that Jake is being prepared for
something greater later in life.
The financial status for the first month of 2015 is below plan. There has been excellent attendance
during the month but overall gifts of treasure are below expectations and past January’s. It is
hoped that this is an anomaly and that after commitment Sunday things will improve.
We still have need for members to assist the Board of Finance and Administration in performing
a review of the financial activity during 2014. This is a very important task to make sure the resources provided by the Lord are used to his glory.
In Christ’s Service,
Ron Groenke
Help from the Bible
When looking for courage - Read Joshua 1
BLESSINGS = Time + Talent + Treasure
A PRAYER FOR HEALING
O Father of mercies and God of all comfort, our
only help in time of need: We humbly beseech
thee to behold, visit, and relieve thy sick servant
Jake for whom our prayers are desired.
Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy; comfort him with a sense of thy goodness; preserve
him from the temptations of the enemy; and give
him patience under his affliction.
In thy good time, restore him to health, and enable
him to lead the residue of his life in thy fear, and
to thy glory; and grant that finally he may dwell
with thee in life everlasting; through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
PARISH NURSE UPDATE
By Gail Cacciola
Can You Recognize a Heart Attack?
February was American Heart Month. Roughly 325,0000 die
annually of coronary attack before they even get to a hospital.
Learn the heart attack warning signs to recognize in yourself and
others. It could save a life.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1. Chest Discomfort
(CDC), heart disease is the nation’s number one killer,
A sensation in the center of the chest
responsible for 1 in 4 deaths each year in the United States.
that feels like pressure, fullness,
squeezing or pain. This can last more
The American Heart Association states that exercising 30
than a few minutes, or, go away and
minutes a day reduces heart disease by 30 to 40 percent.
then return.
Start the journey to a healthier heart with simple changes in
2. Upper Body Discomfort
your daily routine, such as parking in the furthest spot rather
Symptoms can include pain or
than the closest”.
discomfort in one or both arms, the
Because of our wonderful weather and outdoor lifestyle, we
back, neck, jaw or stomach.
have every opportunity to exercise. You
Shortness of Breath
might consider one of our yoga classes to add 3.
This may be accompanied by
to your regime. A pedometer or fitbit or other
chest discomfort. Additional signs
recording devices are fun to use and to find
may include cold sweat, nausea or
lightheadedness.
out how much you are actually walking. In our
Lenten Challenge, the goal is 10,000 steps
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not wait more
per day, which is about 5 miles.
than five minutes to call 9-1-1 to ensure rapid treatment.
We are offering a CPR/AED class on
Friday, March 6 from 9-12.
Sign up in the hallway or call Shirley Rhodes.
We also have an Emergency Procedure that ushers and Lay Ministers are trained in to provide help in a cardiac or other
type of emergency. If you are interested in learning about it, please contact me.
9 1 1
Sailing Solo
Our group is sailing along. If you are an active single or know of anyone who is, please invite them. We meet once a
month on the 4th Sunday at 4:00pm for friendship and activities. Each month we will have a program, will offer a different
day trip and have small groups formed to share in common interests. The day trip in March is to South Beach with a
tour, lunch and shopping opportunity.
Lenten Challenge
Our group of about 70 people have started a healthy life style/weight loss journey that continues until April 1. There is
still time to come aboard. Please give me a call.
While there are many things in our life that we cannot control, exercise, diet, and life style are in our hands to determine.
Group support makes these challenges and changes much easier to achieve.
If you would like individual help, please get in touch with me and let’s get together.
Yours in Christ’s love,
Gail
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12
Parish nurses combine ministry with the art and science of nursing, ever mindful of the strong relationship between faith and health. Churches are,
and have always been, places of healing. Parish Nurses understand the meaning of health: harmony of body, mind, and spirit and living in
relationship with God and with each other. Through their actions, the Parish Nurse can reaffirm the church’s role in ministering to the whole
person: body, mind, and spirit. They become God’s instruments of healing.
WOMEN OF MARCO
By Cea Horton
Our next meeting is on Monday March 2sd at 9:30 AM. Please come and hear more about the
rummage sale and to vote on our mission projects, also making plans for the spring rally.
Our L.W.M.L. spring rally is here at Marco Lutheran Church on Saturday March 21st from
8:50am—1:00pm. There will be a continental breakfast and lunch at a cost of $5.00. Our guest
speaker is Dave Tobias, Interim Executive Director of Grace Place. You can make a check out
to Women of Marco for $5.00 or place cash in an envelope with your name and put in the
women’s box in the copy room. Make sure to signup—the sheet is on bulletin board. Please join
us to learn more about Grace Place and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League.
We really need people to sign-up to make coffee and
serve on Sunday morning!
$$$ THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS $$$
Thrivent members --- Time to call 1-800-847-4836 and when prompted say “Thrivent Choice”
and tell them where you want your money to go. You will not get a notice in the mail this
year!! You will lose your Dollars if you do not use them by the middle of March 2015!!
A lot of choice dollars that were available last year for charities were not used. If you give the
choice dollars to Marco Lutheran, call Ron Groenke and tell him the amount and how you want
it used. There are a lot of needy programs, including Amigos En Christo, Concordia Seminaries,
Lutheran Hour, Lutheran World Relief, or visit the web for more, thrivent.com/choicedollars
More information call Cea Horton.NOTE -YOU WILL LOSE YOUR
DOLLARS IF YOU DO NOT USE THEM BY THE END OF MARCH.
AMIGOS EN CRISTO FUNDRAISER
Wednesday March 25, 2015 at Spanish Wells Golf & Country Club in Bonita Springs
from noon to 1:00 PM. Our theme for the 2015 event is “Children of Amigos”, Christian
Children’s book author Mary Simon will serve as master of ceremonies,. There will also be a
speaker telling about the works at the Amigo Center & Immokalee projects. I’m trying to get 1
or 2 tables of 10 together. Please give some serious consideration to attending, this is an ongoing mission project that we have long supported and a good way to learn more about Amigos
En Cristo. There is no pressure to give or make a pledge. They do ask you to keep them in your
prayers. Call Cea Horton to reserve a seat and then we will make plans to car pool.
TABS~~~TABS~~~TABS
Just a short reminder that I am still collecting can tabs. They are used for St. Jude hospital to
help defray the cost of transporting children. The collection jar is outside the kitchen.
DAY OUT CLUB
By Lisa Hammond
“HOW TO HELP PREVENT FALLS”
Did you know that falls due to dizziness
and balance disorders are the number 1
cause of injury and death for people over 65?
That half of all falls occur in the home environment
with 33% happening in the bedroom? Falls are the # 1 fear of seniors?
Let’s talk about some things we can do to help prevent falls!
Our guest, Marilyn Garazin, will enlighten us about this important topic for
our MLC members. Please call Flo Hendricks for reservations as a
wonderful meal will be served.
Join us! Monday, March 9th at 10:00am
March is "LACES OF LOVE" time here at Marco Lutheran Church sponsored by your
Board of Human Care and the generosity of our parishioners.
We ask that you donate one (or more) pairs of new sneakers for a
needy child in the area. All sizes are needed. So bring them to
church on any Sunday in March and drop them in the Laces of
Love box in the Narthex and lobby.
Financial gifts are also accepted by making your check payable
to Marco Lutheran Church and in the memo line write “Laces
of Love.” The Board of Human Care will use these funds to
purchase additional sneakers.
Laces of Love will be included in the Mission and Ministry matching program as approved by the council. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar and $20 per pair
of shoes donated. What an exciting opportunity to double your donation!
TOUCH A CHILDS LIFE......YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE !!!!
MARCO LUTHERAN CHURCH FOUNDATION
The Marco Lutheran Church Foundation is
excited to announce that it now has a web
site. Check it out at www.mlcflegacy.org
On Sunday February 22 at the 11am service,
Marco Lutheran Church Foundation awarded
The 2015 grants totaling $105,000.
The recipients are as follows:
ST. MATTHEW’S HOUSE
“He Has Risen Easter Dinner”
2,500
WORLD GOSPEL OUTREACH
“Expansion of Residential Program for Children at Risk”
15,000
HAGGAI INSTITUTE
“Sponsor a Leader”
12,000
SPIRIT OF NAPLES
“Creation of Educational Courses for 2015”
5,000
168 FILM PROJECT
“Evangelism Worldwide Outreach”
5,000
PEACE LEARNING CENTER
“Peace Early Learning Center Scholarship Fund”
CONCORDIA SEMINARY
“Adopt-A-Student Program”
10,000
8,500
POBLO INTERNATIONAL
“Missions Outreach to Arab Muslims”
HOPE SEEDS, INC.
“Camera, Computer & Projectors”
10,000
7,000
MARCO LUTHERAN CHURCH
“MLC Assistant Pastor Support”
20,000
LCMS JOINT SEMINARY FUND
“Pastoral Education”
10,000
TOTAL AMOUNT FUNDED:
$105,000
2015 Educational
Seminars
The theme for our
2014-15 Educational
Workshops is
INDIGENOUS MINISTRY.
The schedule is 10:00am—12:00pm
with a 15minute break, lunch and a
question & answer period. There is no fee for these
Interesting presentations. Join us for the last in the series:
March 6, 2015
THE HAGGAI INSTITUTE
Speaker: Susan Hickey
Please contact 394-0332 to make your reservations
...Life is Fragile...Handle with Prayer...
"Please sign up to sponsor
an Easter Lily on the
bulletin board in the
hallway. We will need 60
plants to fill the chancel
tree on Easter morning.
Gentle Yoga Classes
YOGA
MEN’S BIBLE CLASS
With Marv Roloff
Tuesdays at 8:30am
WOMEN OF THE
WORD
With Carolyn Ohman
Wednesdays at 10:00am
BIBLE CLASS
With Pete Grund
Thursdays
Refreshments at 9:30am
Class 10:00am
Something New
New!!
Chair Yoga
Thursdays at 2:00
$5 no reservations
Something New!
Something New!
What are
you doing
?
Something New!
Mondays at 1:30 and Thursdays at 12:30
Bring your own mat, belt & blocks
PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS
June Califano, Carmine Voglino
PRAYERS FOR FRIENDS &
FAMILY
Kem Gursoy (friend of the
Dukelows), Carol Campau
(friend of the Carlens), Tracy
Rucka (daughter of Al Rucka), June Bissel
(daughter of the Silcocks), Ned & Gene (friends
of Glen & Lavonne Johnson), Alec Ninker,
(grandson of Ninkers), Andrea Sager (daughter of
Rooksberrys), Sara Santiago (daughter of the
Goepferts), Ed Denison (friend of Lisa
Hammond).
PRAYERS FOR COMFORT
Marty Ivins, Marge Engle, Don Holmes, Peter
Perske, Eugene Deschene.
RUMMAGE SALE SUCCESS!
Thank you to each and every rummage sale volunteer for sharing
your talent, time, and energy during rummage sale week. It takes
many hands working together to put our big sale together and you
did it beautifully, ministering to each other and to the hundreds of
shoppers. Thanks to your efforts we made $13,000 which will add
to Marco Lutheran’s community outreach. Special thanks to Larry,
Sandy, and Vicki who were always eager to help. Bless you all!!
Allan & Jan Liebrenz and Steve & Suzi Pauly, Co-chairs.
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown
him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” Hebrews 6:10
Artist Series 2015
Currently sold out, but contact Sandy
to be put on the wait list.
Perfect Gentlemen
March 3, 2015—7:30pm
Creative! Imaginative! The Perfect Gentlemen offer the perfect blend of harmony and humor,
recreating sounds of some of our most legendary music. Amazingly Original!
Let’s Hang On
March 24, 2015—7:30pm
Relive those golden years of music with the sounds of Frankie Valli, the Four Seasons and much,
much more! Great harmonies, lively choreography and some of the greatest songs of the 60’s.
Be Kind, Be Thoughtful, Be Genuine.
But Most of All, be THANKFUL.
Grief recovery
Please come to the support class
here at Marco Lutheran Church
Classes to be held each
Thursday morning, from
January 8th - April 9, 2015
At 9:30am in the
Conference Room.
YOUR JOURNEY FROM
MOURNING TO JOY
Why Do We Grieve?
We grieve because we have loved someone so
deeply. When that loved -one dies, we feel a part
of us has died also and we can’t go on.
The pain can be unbearable!
Grieving is Healthy
Grieving the death of someone you love and adore
is not only healthy, it is normal and pleasing to
God. In the account of the story of the death of
Lazarus found in the book of John chapter 11, the
writers record that when Jesus went to be with the
sisters of Lazarus, He wept.
Misconceptions About Grief
“If I keep busy enough, I won’t think about my
grief and it won’t hurt so much. If I talk about my
loss it makes me cry and others will think I am
weak. I’ll just stay home and “hide” then I
don’t have to FACE others with my sadness.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
TED HENNING
DICK JOHNSON
BRUCE STONE
BARBARA MESSNER
BETTY CLARK
BOB HELBERG
THURLEY CORDES
BILL HORTON
JUDY LAPINOJA
PAUL GRIFFITH
GENEVA MATEER
LORRAINE NEUMANN
ROXANNE DAGGETT
AL RUCKA
BILL SILVER
JOAN MAACK
PAT MEIER
GARY ZIMMERMAN
CAROL ERB
EMILY SAVAGE
ROBERT MCLAUGHLIN
LUCILLE GAITA
DAVID MC KENZIE
JAMES JONES
LEE LINDBERG
JACK SLOOTKE
STARR MEIER
GERALDINE BELTRAME
ASHTON GREUSEL
ROGER MUBLEY
JOHN MINUITTI
WILMA VOGLINO
KARL PLATH
CHRIS CARILLO
AL JANSEN
JACK MAHR
BETTY FRY
CARL ZAHRTE
JANE CAPOZZI
AUDREY LAPP
3/1
3/2
3/3
3/4
3/5
3/6
3/7
3/7
3/8
3/9
3/9
3/9
3/10
3/11
3/11
3/12
3/16
3/16
3/18
3/18
3/19
3/20
3/20
3/21
3/21
3/21
3/22
3/23
3/23
3/24
3/26
3/26
3/27
3/28
3/28
3/28
3/29
3/29
3/30
3/30
“Today you are YOU, that is
truer than true. There is no
one alive who is YOUER
than YOU.” Dr. Seuss
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
PAUL & JUDY GRIFFITH
JOEL & LYNN ARVILLA
HERB & MARIANNE GLESMANN
AL & PAM WILKE
Lean on each
other’s strengths.
Forgive each
other’s
weaknesses.
3/7
3/18
3/18
3/30
51 YEARS
45 YEARS
64 YEARS
52 YEARS
The Ship’s Course March 2015
SUN
1
8:00
WORSHIP
9:30 BIBLE CLASS
11:00
WORSHIP
8
MON
2
9:00
CHESS
9:30 WOMEN
OF MARCO
1:30 YOGA
1:30 PCP
9
TUES
3
4
8:30 MEN’S
BIBLE CLASS
7:30
ARTIST
SERIES
10
9:00
CHESS
8:00
WORSHIP
9:30 BIBLE CLASS
11:00 BIBLE CLASS
1:00 PCP
THURS
5
12
10:00
WOW
10:30 LENTEN
CHALLENGE
1:00 PRAYER
SHAWL
7:00 WORSHIP
9:30 BIBLE
CLASS
9:30 GRIEF
SHARE
12:30
YOGA
2:00 CHAIR
YOGA
7:00 CHOIR
1:30 YOGA
15
8:00
WORSHIP
9:30 BIBLE CLASS
11:00 WORSHIP
22
8:00
WORSHIP
11:00 WORSHIP
4:00 SAILING
SOLO
16
17
9:00
CHESS
18
8:30
MEN’S BIBLE
CLASS
1:30 YOGA
6:30
COUNCIL
23
9:00
CHESS
1:00 POINT
COUNTERPOINT
2:00 STEPHEN
MINISTRY
24
8:30 MEN’S
BIBLE CLASS
7:30 ARTIST
SERIES
1:30 YOGA
29
30
9:00 CHESS
1:30 YOGA
8:00
WORSHIP
11:00 WORSHIP
31
8:30
MEN’S
BIBLE
CLASS
9:30 BIBLE
CLASS
9:30 GRIEF
SHARE
12:30
YOGA
2:00 CHAIR
YOGA
10:00
WOW
10:30 LENTEN
CHALLENGE
1:00 PRAYER
SHAWL
11
8:30
MEN’S
BIBLE
CLASS
10:00
DOC
WED
GG10:00
10:00
WOW
10:30 LENTEN
CHALLENGE
1:00 PRAYER
SHAWL
7:00 WORSHIP
25
10:00
WOW
10:30 LENTEN
CHALLENGE
1:00 PRAYER
SHAWL
7:00 WORSHIP
19
FRI
6
7
9:00 CPR/AED
10:00
EDUATIONAL
SEMINAR
13
20
9:30 BIBLE
CLASS
9:30 GRIEF
SHARE
12:30
YOGA
2:00 CHAIR
YOGA
14
10:00
CHOIR
5:00
WORSHIP
6:30 MOVIE
THE GOSPEL
OF JOHN
9:00 AARP
9:30 BIBLE
CLASS
9:30 GRIEF
SHARE
12:30
YOGA
2:00 CHAIR
YOGA
26
10:00
CHOIR
5:00
WORSHIP
21
9:00 LWML
SPRING RALLY
3:30
CHOIR
5:00
WORSHIP
27
28
10:00
CHOIR
5:00
WORSHIP
OUR MISSION:
The journey of the Ship is the life of the church,
charted by the Captain, Jesus Christ, who determines
our final destination, the port of heaven, a place
prepared for all who follow Christ and his direction to
make disciples and bring the Gospel to all humanity by
loving God by loving one another.

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