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Pastor Brock Cain Web: http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org
Phone: 228.467.6771
E-mail: [email protected] Laurie Green, Editor
309 Hwy 90 – Waveland, Mississippi – 39576 E-mail: [email protected]
May 2015, Vol. 15, Issue 5
“And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.”
Acts 2:47, ESV
One of the finer joys in life is watching a child
learn and grow. From the time of infancy all the
way through school, children are learning how
to crawl, walk, speak, care for themselves, and
question the vast world around them. For the
folks blessed to watch this growth, every step is
a celebration. The first tooth and the first letter
to Santa are milestones that show healthy
patterns of development. If you’re a person
privileged to observe this growth, you probably
also know that your help is needed at every step
along the way. While we have an amazing
capacity to learn independently, mankind was
put here to be in fellowship and relationship
with others. Receiving help and being blessed
by the gifts of others are parts of healthy
growth.
Our adult Sunday school class has, for the past
several weeks, been studying the weekly lessons
from Acts and 1 John that describe the challenges
and blessings that the church experienced in its
infancy. As we study this narrative, we encounter
many individuals who proved influential in the
church’s growth and development, many who
provided aid as the body of Christ took its first
steps into the world as a new kind of church. But
none of it would have been possible without the
one most influential factor in nurturing and
growing the church: the Holy Spirit. The gift of
faith, the power to heal and baptize, the presence
of Christ in his meal… These things are the gift
of the Spirit working through the proclaimed
Word of God and those who hear it. As Jesus’
church toddled into the world, the Spirit worked
in every step, every word, and every heart that
learned to trust the promise of the cross and
empty tomb.
In the church of today, as we baptize, confirm,
and welcome new members to the body of
Christ, that Spirit is present and active in all the
ways God’s children connect with Him and with
one another. The work of the Spirit in those first
days of the church is not obsolete, ancient work
that has no relevance for us. It is the breath of
life and the Word of hope and promise that
sustain us and continue to nurture and grow
Jesus’ church. When we read of the infancy of
our beloved institution, we read our own story
of faith, how the Spirit found its way into our
hearts, and the mission we share with all who
have come before and will follow.
Our lessons from those early days are a glimpse
into the childhood of this body. Let’s celebrate
the milestones and growth we’ve seen, and all
the wonderful things the Spirit has in store for
our future!
God’s Peace,
Pastor Brock
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will
remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.”
John 14:26-27a, NIV
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Dear Lord, Thank you for the time You have given us with our loved ones. Please bless the
coming year as we celebrate with the ones still here and honor those who are now with You. Guide us as we treasure these memories and make new ones.
Amen.
Gail & Hank Washington 2nd
David and Linda Rein 8th
David & Pearl Dellinger (In
Memory of Pearl) 17th
Al & Sylvia Herbert (In
Memory of Sylvia) 19th
Arlie & Dorothy Asmus (In
Memory of Arlie) 20th
George & Dorothy Kessner 27th
Cory & Donna Bielstein 28th
MAY BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Rev. Gary Faith 1st McKenzie Breland 23rd
Bruce M. Rushing 1st Scott Carter, Sr. 25th
JoAnne Koerber 2nd Marjorie Tackebury 25th
Haleigh Taylor 2nd Lincoln Thomas Faith 27th
Gay Lynn Larre 3rd Grey Saylor 27th
Elmore Bauer 4th Mark Androff 27th
Dick Peterson 7th Bonnie E. Myers 28th
Scott Carter, Jr. 15th Lucy Myers 28th
Laurie Green 16th Joey Cucurullo 30th
Fred Janssen 16th
Marie Hailes 18th
Karla Condiff 21st
Matthew Sekinger, Jr. 22nd
The boys and I planted a garden last Saturday. I had looked at the area many times, envisioning beautiful grass and flowers. Until recently, I just didn’t have the umph to put my thoughts to work. We started by stripping the weeds and what-not down to bare soil. With a quick trip to our neighborhood home improvement store, well as quick as one can be with a 4 and 6 year old, we had all we needed to bring the idea to life. We bought stepping stones, a bird feeder, a bird bath, a seated fairy for whimsy, grass seeds, and a mixture of garden flowers. Gracen picked out a colorful hummingbird on a stick. Its wings were attached with springs. He got hours of fun out of that thing. It ate from the feeder and drank water from the bird bath several times under his direction. It also dive-bombed his big brother Lawson. The smell of dirt was excellent! The digging churned up earthworms and beetles, roly-polies and centipedes. It was a little boy’s dream. Every day we watered dirt. It was so peaceful watching the grass grow. There was nothing to see but brown for a long time, but we knew that God was working in places we couldn’t see. On the fourth day, I was so excited to show the boys, tiny little points of green began breaking through the surface. It’s become a special place to look upon with new sites to take in each morning and afternoon. God reminded me, with this garden, that when things don’t seem to be happening in my life, He is working where I can't see. He is bringing things to life. Just below the surface, He is growing a breakthrough. I just have to water it with faith and enjoy watching the grass grow. May His grace shine upon you like the sun in spring!
Summer’s blog is an online journal available at http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org/blog.php
“Watching the Grass Grow”
by Summer Gallotte
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MAY WEEKLY HELPERS Flower Donations
Please consider donating flowers in
celebration of marriages, anniversaries,
baptisms and birthdays, or to say
“Congratulations” or “Thank you.” You
may sign up on the flower chart posted on the
wall outside the sanctuary. Your donation
will be included in the Sunday bulletin
and/or here in the Pine Cone.
After the morning worship, you may take
home the flowers you have donated or, if
you prefer, the blooms can be delivered to
shut-ins, hospitals, or other facilities,
bringing beauty and community to those
who cannot be physically present in
church.
Date Flowers provided by In Honor/Memory of
5/3 Juanita Weary
5/10 Juanita Weary In Memory of Mother Barbara Powell
5/17 Juanita Weary In Celebration of Confirmands
5/24 Juanita Weary
5/31 Juanita Weary
Sunday Worship Service Helpers
Date/Time Greeters Altar
Assistant Ushers Nursery Staff Readers Acolytes
5/3
8:30 Juanita Weary &
Cappy Kelso Dave Kelso
Juanita Weary &
Cappy Kelso
Laura
King
Reece or
Mariya
10:30 Cassie Breland &
Driscolls
Gene
Jackson
Leo & Marha
Driscoll Haleigh Hanley
Penny
Allen Mallory
5/10
8:30 Nolin & Ginny
Briley Dave Kelso
Nolin & Ginny
Briley
Nolin
Briley
Reece or
Mariya
10:30 Cassie Breland Gene
Jackson
Bruce & Debra
Rushing NA – Mother’s Day Betty Ho Mallory
5/17
8:30 Vernon Paroli &
Mike Meyers Dave Kelso
Vernon Paroli &
Mark Meyers
Shirley
Halterman
Reece or
Mariya
10:30 Cassie Breland Gene
Jackson
Bruce Prestien &
Hope Roche Jennifer Loveday
Paula
Carter Mallory
5/24
8:30
Shirley
Halterman &
Matt Sekinger
Dave Kelso Shirley Halterman
& Matt Sekinger
Gene
Halterman
Reece or
Mariya
10:30 Cassie Breland Gene
Jackson
Laurie Green &
Becky Wilde Jessica Smith
Nan
Bousfield Mallory
5/31
8:30 Terry & Sasha
King Dave Kelso
Terry & Sasha
King
Sasha
King
Reece or
Mariya
10:30 Cassie Breland Gene
Jackson
Russ Urban &
Brandon Witt Aubrey Green
Lance
Kennedy Mallory
Wednesday Night Grub 5/6 Laura & Terri King
5/13 Shanna Dixon
5/20 Donate- Lee Stevens, Cooking-Shanna
5/27 Tina Peters
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Devotion for Children: Jesus: Our Ultimate Healer Read: John 9:1-12 (NLT)
This is a beautiful story of a man who was born blind — then Jesus healed him.
Back in those days, many people thought that if a person was born blind, it must have been because they or
their parents had sinned. Jesus answered them by saying it was not the result of anybody's sin. We too,
must understand that someone's sickness, injury or disability, is not the judgement of God upon their lives
because they have sinned — after all, we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (Romans 3: 23).
We don't always know the reasons why God allows some people to live with sickness or disability. We also
don't know why God chooses to heal some and not others. In this story, Jesus healed the blind man so the
'works of God should be revealed' - v:3, and boy, did it cause a lot of talk in town! Jesus is our ultimate
healer. He made ointment out of mud, rubbed it on the blind man's eyes and told him to wash — he came
back seeing. But there is more to the healing of our bodies; God can heal the hurts inside of us as well when
we give them over to Him.
Remember, the next time you feel unwell, ask God to touch you and help you feel better. But even more so,
if you know someone who struggles with sickness, has an injury or disability they live with each day, pray
for them too, that Jesus may be with them and fill them with His joy, peace and love.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me
to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free. ~
Luke 4:18 (NLT)
Lord, I thank you that you heal
Our sickness and disease
And that you care for those who struggle
With disabilities
© By M.S.Lowndes (http://www.heavensinspirations.com/jesus-ultimate-healer.html)
Activity Learn how life would be like if you were blind…
Take a blindfold and put over eyes and try to complete your daily task. For example:
Writing or drawing
Brushing your teeth
Getting dressed
Eating dinner
Use your imagination!
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Budget
Noise Offering
Last month’s noise offering went to the Hancock Food Pantry. The Pantry was founded in 1986
by area churches to provide food and personal hygiene products for Hancock residents who have
an immediate crisis, or emergency, need. It is the only full-time pantry in the county, despite
being 100% operated by volunteers. Qualifying heads of household can receive provisions once
every 90 days by presenting documents at the Pantry building on Hwy 603. More information on
seeking assistance or offering support to the Pantry can be found online at
http://www.hancockcountyfoodpantry.org or by calling 228-467-2790. Lutheran Church of the Pines raised
$167.63 for this mission through its Noise Offering last month.
May’s noise offering will again go to the Hancock Food Pantry.
Congratulations and Welcome to our new members at Lutheran Church of the Pines!
Magan Bourn Billy & Jennifer Loveday
Nancy Buff Richard & Vicki Hackmann
Matt Sekinger Ruth Paterson Karen Orris
Keep up the great giving!
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Excuse me while I Puntificate on my job search…
1. My first job was working in an Orange Juice factory, but I got canned. Couldn't concentrate.
2. Then I worked in the woods as a Lumberjack, but just couldn't hack it , so they gave me the ax .
3. After that, I tried being a Tailor, but wasn't suited for it --mainly because it was a sew-sew job, and people liked to hem and haw about the price.
4. Next, I tried working in a Muffler Factory, but that was too exhausting.
5. Then, I tried being a Chef - figured it would add a little spice to my life, but just didn't have the thyme.
6. Next, I attempted being a Deli Worker, but any way I sliced it.... couldn't cut the mustard.
7. My best job was a Musician, but eventually found I wasn't noteworthy.
8. I studied a long time to become a Doctor, but didn't have any patience.
9. Next, was a job in a Shoe Factory. Tried hard but just didn't fit in.
10. I became a Professional Fisherman, but discovered I couldn't live on my net income.
11. Managed to get a good job working for a Pool Maintenance Company, but the
work was just too draining.
12. So then I got a job in a Workout Center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job..
13. After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a Historian - until I realized there was no future in it.
14. My last job was working in Starbucks, but had to quit because it was the same old grind.
15. SO, I TRIED RETIREMENT AND I FOUND I'M PERFECT FOR THE
JOB!
From our subscribers…
Thank you, Mr. Gene!
cribers…
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Christianity in the News!
Utah officers say mysterious voice called them to rescue baby
trapped inside car
Published March 10, 2015 FoxNews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/10/utah-officers-say-mysterious-voice-pushed-them-to-rescue-toddler-trapped-inside/
Four police officers rushing to an overturned car in an icy Utah river say they all heard the same thing: a
mysterious female voice calling out “Help,” from inside the vehicle. But the driver of the car was dead and her
18-month-old daughter, while still alive, couldn’t have been the speaker. It was a mystery that continues to
haunt the officers – and may never be explained. Officer Jared Warner of the Spanish Fork Police Department
was one of the first who came to the rescue of tiny Lily Groesback, who was strapped in a seat in the back of
her mother’s car, which was precariously hanging upside down in 40-degree water.
“We’ve gotten together and just talk about it and all four of us can swear that we heard somebody inside the car
saying, ‘Help,’” Warner told Deseret News. But when they flipped over the midsized car, they discovered a 25-
year-old woman dead in the front seat and Lily unconscious in her car seat. “The only people in there were the
deceased mother and the child,” Officer Bryan Dewitt told the paper. Officer Tyler Beddoes said they can't
explain it, but have no doubt they heard it. "It wasn't just something that was just in our heads. To me it was
plain as day cause I remember hearing a voice," Beddoes told the Deseret News. "I think it was Dewitt who
said, 'We're trying. We're trying our best to get in there.' How do you explain that? I don't know," he said.
Nobody knows exactly how the infant survived hanging upside down for nearly 14 hours in her car seat with no
food or water. As she dangled, icy water rushed just below her head through broken car windows as the vehicle
sat perched on the bank and rocks. The temperatures were near freezing throughout the night and through the
morning. "It's heartbreaking. Was she crying most the night?" said Beddoes, a 30-year-old father of two. "It's a
miracle. . . She was needed for sure elsewhere." Police believe the accident occurred when the baby's mother,
25-year-old Lynn Groesbeck, struck a cement barrier on a bridge and careened into the river late Friday in
Spanish Fork, about 50 miles south of Salt Lake City.
She was driving to her home in Springville after visiting her parents in Salem, Spanish Fork police Lt. Matt
Johnson said. Investigators don’t know what caused the crash, he said. There were no skid marks or signs of
mechanical failures in the car. Police don’t suspect drugs or alcohol as a factor but are awaiting toxicology test
results. Maybe Lynn Groesbeck was tired or distracted, Johnson said, adding authorities weren’t ruling anything
out. Beddoes said the family has thanked him and the other officers for helping to save little Lily. As he recalls
the events of those chaotic moments, on a frigid but sunny day, Beddoes still can’t believe the girl survived –
and still can’t make sense of that undeniable voice coming from the car.
“We all got together and we all heard the same type of thing,” Beddoes said. “We just can’t grasp what we were
hearing.”
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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
` 1
Philip and James, Apostles
2 Ladies Night 6pm
3 Worship Service 8:30am
SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am
Teen Night 6-7:30
Fifth Sunday of Easter (White)
4 Lutheranism 101
6p -7:30pm
5 Jr Confirmation
4pm-5pm
6 Adult Bible Study 1pm
Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm
Worship Service 6:30pm
7 Lifetree Café
7pm-8pm
National Day of Prayer
8 9
Council Meeting 9am
10 Worship Service 8:30am
SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am
No Teen Night
Happy Mothers’ Day Sixth Sunday of Easter (White)
11 Lutheranism 101
6p -7:30pm
12 Jr Confirmation
4pm-5pm
13
Adult Bible Study 1pm
Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm
Worship Service 6:30pm
14 Lifetree Café
7pm-8pm
15
Ascension of our Lord
16
Mathias, Apostle (transferred)
17 Worship Service 8:30am
SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am
Jr Confirmation 10:30am
Teen Night 6-7:30
Seventh Sunday of Easter (White)
18 Lutheranism 101
6p -7:30pm
19
20 Adult Bible Study 1pm
Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm
Worship Service 6:30pm
21 Lifetree Café
7pm-8pm
22 23
Vigil of Pentecost
24/31 Worship Service 8:30am
SS/Adult Bible School 9:15am Worship Service 10:30am
Teen Night 6-7:30
May 24: Day of Pentecost (Red)
May 31: The Holy Trinity / First Sunday after Pentecost (White)
25 Lutheranism 101
Canceled
Memorial Day (observed)
26
27 Adult Bible Study 1pm
Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm
Worship Service 6:30pm
28 Lifetree Café
7pm-8pm
29 30
MAY 2015
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May Message Board
SEND ME YOUR PICTURES!
Whether it’s pictures of personal or family
events or if you were taking pictures at a
church event, send them to me and I
would love to include them in the
newsletter! You can text them to me at
228-304-0816, email them to me at
[email protected], or leave them in
my mailbox in Mrs. Liane’s office.
- Laurie
If you have announcements for upcoming
events or general messages for the
congregation, be sure you let the editor
know. You can call me or text me at 228-
304-0816, email me at
[email protected], or leave me a
note in the newsletter mailbox of Mrs.
Liane’s office!
- Laurie
Ladies Retreat
June 13, 2015
$5 Registration
See Hope for details (216-0053)
Save the date!!!
Teen Night
Sundays at 6pm
Bring a friend!!
(No Teen Night May
9th)
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Mark you calendars for an extravagant
Italian dining experience brought to you
by The Pines Youth Group on June 20,
2015. We are sure this will be an enjoyable
night out for you. Stay tuned for more
information.
Counting it all Joy,
Hope
Haltermans’ Bible
study is over for the
summer
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Lutheran Church of the Pines
309 Highway 90 Waveland, MS 39576-2622
http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org
Sent with love and a prayer for:
Worship Opportunities:
Worship with Holy Communion 8:30am
Sunday School & Adult Bible Class 9:15am
Worship with Holy Communion 10:30am
Wednesday Contemporary Service 6:30pm
(Contemporary Service with a light meal
before at 5:45pm)
Topics this month:
5/7 – What Makes Relationships Tick?
5/14 – Can God Love a Mess Like Me?
5/21 – Where’s the Justice?
5/28 – How to Pay Attention
Thursdays – 7pm-8pm
