Faith Lutheran Church Messenger
1000 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 266-7621 or (859) 266-9600
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.faithlutheranchurch.com
July 2015
A Message from Pastor Mark
I’m excited to be called as your
pastor at Faith Lutheran Church. I’m
looking forward to being with you soon,
listening to your stories, and discerning
together what wonderful things God may
be up to next!
In these preliminary days I have
been blessed and enriched by Faith’s
talented and gi ed leaders, and most
recently at the Leadership Retreat I
a ended June 13 at Faith House. One of
the ini a ves to arise from our retreat
was prepara on for some “Holy Conversa ons” involving as many people as
possible within the congrega on and
community to share where and how they
see God moving in their lives.
As in all holy conversa ons, it is a
good thing to start with the basics: who
is this one with whom I am talking? So
let me introduce myself. I’ve served pastorates in both Florida and Indiana, and
for the last 4 years I have been called by
the IK Synod Council to specialized ministry as Execu ve Director of Habitat for
Humanity of the Kokomo Community.
I’ve also received training in Spiritual Direc on (2004-2006). Plus I served on the
IK Synod Conflict Management team for
many years.
I do not come to Lexington
alone, my wife of 32 years travels with
me. Susan and I enjoy being together in
the great outdoors - hiking, biking and
kayaking being our three main modes of
traversing through nature. We’re look-
ing forward to
exploring
God’s creaon in the
Bluegrass
Region. I
also enjoy
racquetball
and golf.
We have three children whom
you will likely see on occasion. Ben and
his wife, Tracie, and son, Ethan (10
months old), live in Ft. Wayne, Indiana,
where Ben is a pastor at Trinity English
Lutheran Church, specifically in outreach
to young adults. Our daughter, Rebecca,
is an Occupa onal Therapist in Indianapolis. Anna is working for Lutheran Outdoor Ministries this summer as Director
of Luther Road Day Camp, and will be in
the ELCA Young Adult Global Mission
program beginning in August for a oneyear s nt in South Africa.
This brief introduc on is the first
step. May our con nued conversa ons
take flight, encouraged by the Spirit’s
unending desire to draw us into community. I’m looking forward to being with
you soon listening together to your stories, and listening to God.
Be filled with Love, Faith and Hope!
-Pastor Mark
Mission Statement: As followers of Jesus Christ, we embrace, reflect and proclaim God’s unconditional love.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY 2015
I-K Synod Assembly
Delegate’s Report for 2015
During the period of June 5th thru
7th, it was our privilege to a end
the I-K Synod Assembly in Indianapolis. During Saturday’s Evening
Prayer the assembled held a period for “Remembrance of the Faithful Departed” in which our
own loved one Bonnie Harstad was remembered and received a
bell toll and a candle was lit in her honor.
There were several from our area in a endance. During the
Saturday Banquet, Faith Lutheran’s delegates (Ray & Leslie
Hughes) as well as Pr Mar n, Pr Lockhart, and AIM Rick Frederick
gave out a big hoorah when we heard that a Triple Crown winner was crowned.
We also are very excited about the fact that our own Pr. Dana
Lockhart was elected to be an At-Large Clergy Synod Council
Member.
Addi onally, there were two Resolu ons “Approved” by vo ng
members: R-15-02 Resolu on Concerning a Time of Discernment Regarding becoming a Reconciling in Christ Synod and R-01
-15 Resolu on re: Vote at Synod Assembly for Re red Associates
in Ministry, Deaconesses, and Diaconal Ministers.
It was our pleasure to listen and enjoy the Assembly Key Note
Speaker, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Peterson, Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Dr
Peterson’s topic was “New Synod for a New Day”. Her presentaon was both informing and enlightening.
During the course of the Assembly offerings were taken during
worship services in support of the following: Shalom Ministry, a
parallel mission start growing out of Salem Lutheran Church,
Indianapolis ($3,971.30); ELCA Malaria Campaign in which
$4,112.15 was raised. Also, a gi of $423.00 ($500.00 was the
goal) was made toward purchasing a tree to be planted in the
Luthergarten at Wi enberg, Germany this October to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reforma on.
In closing, we would like to men on that next year’s Assembly
with be held June 9-11, 2016 in South Bend, IN. We would also
like to take this opportunity to thank the congrega on for allowing us to represent you at this year’s IK Synod Assembly.
Ever Faithful,
Ray & Leslie Hughes
Page 2
“Do You Know…
...that God requires us to do jus ce, love
mercy and walk humbly with our God
(Micah 6:6)?”
...that as a member of the Lutheran Church, you make a
promise to do jus ce through your affirma on of bapsm?”
...that doing jus ce” is hard work requiring most of us to
step w - a - y outside our comfort zones?”
...that Faith is one of only a few churches in the I-K Synod
that is ac vely and consistently involved in jus ce ministry?”
...that Faith is one of the founding churches of BUILD and
was instrumental in star ng the organiza on in Lexington?”
...that a member of Faith has sat on each of the BUILD
steering commi ees doing issue work for the past five
years?”
...that two members of Faith sit on the Board of Directors
of BUILD?”
...that there is a jus ce ministry team at Faith that works
very hard at holding our church accountable for carrying
out our obliga on to “do jus ce?””
...that the Jus ce Ministry Team needs your help to assure that the injus ces that are alive and well and a part
of the regular way of opera ng in Lexington are iden fied, researched and addressed?”
...that inves ng in BUILD is an excellent way to move our
efforts forward?”
Truly, your investment in BUILD will help to insure that all
our brothers and sisters in our community have equal
access to housing, are treated equally by and through the
legal system, are not taken advantage of because of their
circumstances, and are treated with the respect we all
deserve. This is the me of BUILD’s investment drive. It is
the me when you can make a difference in our community and help to move us closer to being a city of God.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY 2015
Congratulations to
Faith’s High School
Graduates—2015
Nate Bower
Christopher Fenton-Wells
William Holmes
Jacob Horrell
Eva Luckey
Madison Palmer
Drew Sorenson
Brandi Zink
Page 3
FLY….July events.
7/15-7/19 - NYG—depart church at 7:30
a.m. on the 15th; return around 7 p.m. on
the 19th. (Read more below)
7/26 - 6:00-9:00- Guardians of the Galaxy; pizza and Graeters (the church will
pay for pizza; please bring your own
money for Graeter's).
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—JULY 7—10 —- Tuesday—Friday — 6:00 pm—8:30 PM
3 YR. OLDS—5TH GRADE
Register online at www.faithlutheranchurch.com
If you can help with VBS, or have ques ons, please contact Bryna Reed, 489-8128
Eight of Faith’s high school students, accompanied by Kevin Lentz and Leah Hower, will be a ending 2015 Na onal Youth Gathering in Detroit, MI. The youth
a ending are Paige Barricklow, Nate Bower, William Holmes, Ella Johnson, Rose
Johnson, Eva Luckey, Drew Sorenson, and Josephine Wendroth. We will drive in
two vans and arrive midday on Wednesday, July 15th. We’ll check in, get se led,
and then head to Ford Field for the evening Main Stage Event. This event will happen every night (Weds.-Sat.) and feature music and speakers.
The three full days (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) will each be designated to a different focus: Proclaim Jus ce
(service), Proclaim Community (interac ve learning), Proclaim Story (ac vi es with other youth from our synod. To follow our i nerary, the presen ng speakers, the musicians and informa on about each of them, follow this link:
www.faithlutheranchurch.com/docs/NYGInfo.pdf
JOHNSON DESHOMMES
Johnson Deshommes, one of Grace
Missions, Inc. scholarship students in
Hai will be visi ng Lexington during
the month of August. Johnson is
making his first trip to “America. “
Johnson never refers to us as the
United States, but as America.
A VISIT FROM OUR
MISSIONARY IN CHILE
Karen Anderson, our missionary
in Chile, will be at Faith Lutheran
on August 9, 2015. She will
speak at all services.
Read more:
www.faithlutheranchurch.com/docs/KarenAnderson.pdf
Read more about Johnson:
www.faithlutheranchurch.com/docs/JohnsonDeshommes.pdf
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY 2015
Page 4
A Farewell from Pastor Martin
"But as for you, con nue in what you have learned and firmly
believed knowing from who you learned it, and how from childhood you have known the sacred wri ngs that are able to instruct you for salva on through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture
is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correc on, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who
believes in God may be proficient, equipped for every good
work." 2 Timothy 3:14-17
Several years ago, the decision was made for Inten onal Interim
Pastors to receive a sabba cal leave a er serving the church
a er seven years, under this specialized call. As I have received
financial support for a sabba cal leave for renewal and refreshing in the ministry our Savior Jesus has called me to, I am not at
all ready to take a sabba cal, for what I con nue to receive under this specialized call. Inten onal Interim Ministry can be at
mes like a sabba cal leave, with all of the renewal and refreshment that can come from this call. As I come to the close of an
Inten onal Interim Ministry that has been shared with a congrega on, I prayerfully reflect upon what we have been able to
share, grow and learn together for whatever length of me and
how can this be used for upcoming calls to serve as an Inten onal Interim Pastor, in sharing the good news and love of our Savior Jesus.
These past fourteen months have been a real healing me for
me in the confirma on, affirma on and new blessings of God's
call upon my life, as an Inten onal Interim Pastor, let alone
ge ng to live in the wonderful state of Kentucky for the en re
me! In the ministry we have shared since the middle of Lent,
Holy Week, Easter and the call and acceptance of Pastor Mark
Sloss to be the new pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, I have
grown in a new apprecia on for liturgy and music and bringing
everything together in an inspired, Christ-centered and Spirit
lead and sent worship services every Sunday. I have grown in
working with the diversity of gi s given by the Holy Spirit to the
church council and to several of the commi ees I have been
involved with. I have grown in what Faith and the Lexington
community has to offer; in countless places to eat and visit and
of course such an apprecia on for horses, horse racing and a
Triple Crown winner! What I have been able to share is how
Faith Lutheran Church has some new addi ons to your Holy
Week observance, in the foot washing of the Maundy Thursday
Service, in the Sta ons of the Cross and the Tenebrae Service of
Darkness of Good Friday. What I have been able to share are
some ministries of Faith Lutheran Church that need a new focus,
growth, purpose and energy to enhance the en re ministry our
Savior is calling you to. Finally, I have been able to share an apprecia on in the ministry we have shared for a short period of
me and how through the Holy Spirit what we were able to accomplish to prepare for you to be ready, excited and eager for
the new ministry that is before you with Pastor Mark Sloss.
As the new ministry with Pastor Mark begins July 1st, you will
remain in my thoughts, prayers and apprecia on. What I receive
from the Inten onal Interim Ministry we have shared will certainly bless where our Savior is calling me at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Muncie, Indiana. What I have done when I le Louisville in
changing colors from red to blue, I will need to return to the red
of Ball State University. In the weeks and months to come, I will
see how being at Faith Lutheran, Lexington KY with University of
Kentucky has prepared for me to be at Holy Trinity Lutheran,
Muncie IN with Ball State University. Finally, I thank the Holy
Spirit and all of you in the ministry we have shared and what we
have accomplished together and how we con nue to embrace,
reflect and proclaim God's uncondi onal love through our Savior
Jesus Christ!
Indiana-Kentucky Synod Assembly Report
from Pastor Mar n
From Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 7, the Indiana-Kentucky
Synod had our Synod Assembly in
Indianapolis, about two miles from where I live. Throughout this
year's assembly, the central theme was "Breathe Spirit Breathe"
focusing upon what we receive through the Holy Spirit. Bishop
Ga ken's opening sermon spoke of how through our breath, we
breath in the life-giving Spirit and breath out blessings. Our keynote speaker Dr. Cheryl Peterson from Trinity Seminary shared
how we need to be open, ready and available to what the Holy
Spirit is already doing in each of our congrega ons. Through the
I-K Synod, we were invited for Holy Conversa ons where we
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY 2015
would share with someone we did not know, what new thing
God was doing in our lives. Out of the 364 people who
a ended the synod assembly, I sat next to and share what
new thing God is doing, with a woman who would be the call
commi ee chairperson and her husband on the church council of where I would interview the next Monday and be
offered and accepted to be their new Inten onal Interim Pastor. God's ming, placement and sense of humor was once
again alive through the Holy Spirit throughout the synod assembly. During the Saturday Banquet, I received a beau ful
Hai an cross given by Grace Missions, Inc and Karen Rider
and Pat Mundt.
Beyond the central theme "Breathe Spirit Breathe," there
was a lot of business that occurred during the synod assembly. The 2016 I-K Synod Budget was approved with a large
decrease in support of the ELCA from 52% down to 43%, due
to a con nued decrease of congrega onal and other synod
financial support. Clergy and laity were elected to a ended
the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, and several leadership posions throughout the synod. Faith Lutheran and University of
Kentucky Campus Minister Pastor Dana Lockhart was elected
to serve on the synod council. Two resolu ons were voted
upon and accepted: one providing a year of discernment for
the I-K Synod to become a Reconciled in Christ Synod and the
other providing re red associates of ministry, deaconesses
and diaconal ministers to receive voice and vo ng privileges
at synod assemblies.
Finally, I want to thank Faith Lutheran Church for your support and prayers for Ray and Leslie Hughes and myself during
this year's synod assembly, and as we con nue to "Breathe
Spirit Breathe!"
Pastor Mar n
Page 5
“Lutheran Campus Ministry gives thanks for a successful
academic year!”
Dear friends at Faith Lutheran,
This summer the student leaders, board, and I are busy
working on plans for the 2015/2016 academic year. As we
look forward to next year, I want to give thanks for the
amazing welcome that I have received from the Lutheran
congrega ons in Lexington. I stepped into big shoes when I
succeeded Pastor Barry Neese last August, and I am very
thankful that the strong rela onships he built during his
years as campus pastor have con nued. Thank you for
your support of campus ministry!
I specifically want to thank the local Lutheran congregaons for including us in the Lenten service rota on. What
an incredible example of Lutherans coming together to
glorify God! The offering from the rota ng Lenten services
was given as a gi to campus ministry. All together, we
received over $1800 in support from those services!
Thanks be to God!
I also give thanks for the generous gi s of snacks and beverages during our finals week open house. We kept the
chapel open all during finals as place for study, prayer,
group project mee ngs, etc. We offered free wifi and
prin ng, as well as an abundance of snacks. The chapel
was full each night: we averaged 11 students each night,
with 22 students coming at least once, and 9 new visitors.
Your generosity help make the chapel a place students
could come to study and refuel during a cri cal me in the
semester! We will con nue this ministry of hospitality next
year!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Dana
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY 2015
Page 6
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Financial Secretary's Report
May 1-31, 2015
The following is the list of persons who have said they would
like to be listed. Please keep
them in your prayers. In the
future, when pu ng people on
the prayer list, please inform
the church office if you would
like their names and concerns
to be shared in this way.
Jim and Carol Larson's friend
Silvia, dealing with cancer issues.
Steve Carter, complica ons
with his transplant.
Sydney and Adeline Taber,
daughters of Leslie Taber, connued growth as premature
infants.
Randy Will, son of Eileen Will,
spinal cord injury.
Henning Egner, dealing with
cancer issues.
Ray Sprague, dealing with cancer issues.
Carolyn Carden, surgery
INCOME TOWARD BUDGET
Offering Envelopes
Loose Offering
Use of Building
$ 36,915.00
529.00
130.00
37,574.00
Total Income Toward Budget
37,574.00
RESTRICTED MONEY
Reimbursements
CC Reimb - Workman's Comp
CC Reimb - Custodial
423.00
370.00
793.00
Special Funds
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Sunday School Offering
Geraniums
Confirmation Camp
17.00
8.00
320.00
315.00
660.00
Pass Thru Monies
World Hunger
LWR-Fair Trade Sale Proceeds
BUILD
ELCA Disaster Response Fund
God's Pantry
80.00
331.00
26.00
187.00
26.00
650.00
Total Restricted Money
2,103.00
TOTAL MAY RECEIPTS
39,677.00
Comparison to Budget
May
Contributions
37,574.00
Budget
35,207.67
Percent of Budget
106.7%
Year-to-Date
182,570.36
176,038.35
103.7%
Mary S. Hemken, Financial Secretary, [email protected]
PLAY BALL!
The Parish Life Commi ee invites everyone to a night at
the Lexington Legends on Saturday, July 25th at 7:05pm.
The Legends will take on the Hickory Crawdads with fireworks and a concert by Royal Tailor following the game. There will be reserved group sea ng on the 3rd base side (shady, just like we like it) of the
park. Tickets will be on sale a er services on Sunday, through July 5th. Ticket
price is $7.00 a piece and must be paid for at the me of reserva on. The
deadline is more strict because of the post- game concert that is expected to
draw more people. Please join us for what has become an enjoyable event
for all who a end.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY BIRTHDAYS
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
24
25
26
27
29
31
Scharlene Aus n
Mark Bubenzer
Brenden Talbert
Catron Arnold
Dolly Greth
Bill Silvia
Nancy George
Gene Templar
Adelia Brown
Muzzy Hemken
Anne Larson
Rebecca Chapman
Lukas Matson
Shiraz Phipps
Al Akers
Lily Kate Dugger
Jennifer Carey
Steve Rosenberg
Jim Conn
Ellie Rexroad
Melinda Wilson
Adam Carey
Angelo Carriero
Bri Fugmann
Jennifer Palmer
Brian Brown
Jacob Horrell
Leslie Hughes
Storm Cur s
Paul Patrick
Aubrey Reynolds
Angela Joseph
Jim Stephens
Hudson Palmer
Len Rood
Raeanne Augsburg
Lori Ratliff
Adeline Taber
Sydney Taber
Gracie Arne
Jeremy Mar nez
Sherry Whaley
Tuesday Hadden
Mason Picke
Drew Sorenson
Do e Cassel
Miles Johnson
Pat True
JULY 2015
JULY ANNIVERSARIES
3
7
9
13
16
17
19
20
22
24
26
31
Teddy & Candace Branton
Dan & Melody Kazee
Henning & Kathy Egner
Mike & Anna Shannon
Jason & Susan Rexroad
Ma & Amanda Terry
Richard Carey & Janet Eldred
Jonathan Allison & Anna Bosch
Chris Tudor & Parveen Majumder
Will & Carolyn Holmes
Gordon & Bert Grotrian
Ralf & Cate Townsend
Tim & Carla Guthrie
James & Joyce Forrest
Page 7
I want to thank the
good people at Faith
Lutheran for the generous monetary gi
presented to me on
May 24. The smiles,
handshakes and hugs a erwards were the greatest gi of all. Holly, Shari and I were blessed to
be a part of the community at Faith. God bless
you in this exci ng me of new visions and
dreams under the leadership of Pastor Mark and
Cantor Tom.
Clif Cason
Thank you to everyone who prayed me through
my surgeries; and for all the thoughtful cards
and calls.
Worship Servants'
Day of Renewal
Calling all acolytes, ushers, greeters, communion ministers, and sacristans (and anyone interested in those ministries): Faith’s
biennial Worship Servants’ Day of Renewal
is scheduled for Saturday, August 15. Mark
your calendar for a day of review (for old
hands), training (for new hands), and fellowship (lunch provided). Schedule and
details to come – talk to any worship team
member to find out more.
I got my “clean bill of health” and am feeling
fine.
God is good!
Carolyn Carden
The OWLs will meet on
July 16th
12:30 p.m. at
Su on’s Restaurant
110 N. Locust Hill Rd., in the Richmond Road
Kroger parking lot.
The Older, Wiser
Lutherans meet on the 3rd Thursday of each
month for lunch and fellowship.
A endance
Narthex Cleanup for
July will be:
FINANCE COMMITTEE
May 24
May 31
June 7
June 14
June 21
Worship
183
188
158
184
153
NEWSLETTER ARTICLES ARE DUE THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH.ARTICLES MAY BE EDITED AS TO SIZE, CONTENT AND TIMELINESS.
Marian Lundborg, Messenger Editor, [email protected]
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
JULY 2015
Page 8
Service Schedule
Faith Lutheran Church Council—2015
Sunday Worship 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
(Nursery provided during the 8:30 and 11:00 AM services)
Sunday School (Sept. through May)
9:45 AM
Staff
Mark Sloss, Pastor
[email protected]
Tom White, Cantor (Director of Music Ministries)
[email protected]
Office hours: Mon – Thu 10 – 5 (Friday – off)
Ruth Lundborg, Parish Administrator
offi[email protected]
Monday—Thursday 8:00—4:00, Friday 8:00—1:00
Charla Heersche, Child Care Director
[email protected]
Bryna Reed, Coordinator of Educa onal Ministries
[email protected]
Kevin Lentz, Coordinator of Youth Ministries
[email protected]
Brian Lundborg, Sexton
H. Gene Templar, Pastor Emeritus
Marian Lundborg, Messenger Editor [email protected]
(859) 266-7621 or (859) 266-9600
266-7621
Tim Sorenson, President
David Templar, Vice President
Debbie Rosenberg, Treasurer
Sandra Palmer, Secretary
266-7621
266-7621
268-0108
489-8128
948-5159
388-4022
Elaine Billington
Charlie Hamilton
Jeremy Mar nez
Adrienne Matson
Jim McGrath
Pat Mundt
Diane Nicely
Mary Ann Patrick
Wayne Schedler
559-3784
e-mail: offi[email protected]
website: h p://www.faithlutheranchurch.com