The “Weekly Reader” for 2 June 2019

Lord of Life Lutheran Church * 2480 W Dublin-Granville Rd * Columbus, OH 43235 * (614) 889-2292

www.acceptingall.com

Show Your PPPRRRIIIDDDEEE on Sunday June 9th!

Wear your ELCA Pride t-shirts to worship at LoL next Sunday as we prepare to march on June 15th in the Columbus Pride Parade. We will be distributing this year's t-shirts that morning and we would love to see everyone decked out in our shirts from previous years too. Help us remember on Sunday and as we march on Saturday - there is a place for you here!

Pride is just around the corner! LoL will again be joining with other ELCA congregations and the greater Columbus community to march in the Columbus Pride Parade on Saturday, June 15, 2019 to show our support with and for our LGBTQ family in Christ. Stay tuned for more information about time and location for parade step-off in an upcoming Weekly Reader announcement.

Questions can be directed to: Jody Davis or Kriss Buss on Realm.

2

Do you love to cook for others? We would like to get a team together to make meals in the future for those who might need this service, for illnesses, new babies, surgeries. If you could help with a meal, or part of a meal, for as little as one time a year, please contact: Mary Ann Erdmann in Realm.

3

Welcome Abigail as our new Nursery Coordinator!

As many of you are aware, we were able to fill the Childcare (Nursery) Coordinator position. We hired Abigail Evans, who comes to us as a Nanny and as a Recreation Leader for Care After School. Abigail, a graduate of Thomas Worthington High School, is currently enrolled at Columbus State seeking an Associates Degree in Childhood Education. We were pleased that she was able to join us on Sunday May 19 for her an orientation to the Nursery. Please stop by the Nursery to welcome Abigail today.

4

Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study

This summer we will be reading the book of Esther, while discussing commitment to our beliefs, even when that takes us into difficult and sometimes dangerous places with friends and family. We will be reviewing the idea that God’s presence is with us no matter where we are or we where we go. In the book of Esther, God is never mentioned, but his presence hovers over the entire book. Our theme verse this month is “for just such a time as this.” Timing is indeed everything.

We meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at 1 pm in the Fishbowl. We welcome everyone. Stop by to explore this small group as we read, reflect and share our thoughts on the Bible and relevant issues today. If you have questions, contact Cyndee Schoenhoff in Realm.

Everyone is broken. Everyone has wounds. But when we come together, when we connect, when we are healers and advocates for each other, God’s love becomes our love, too. All our brokenness can receive healing through God’s love and our togetherness—in the body of Christ, in the body of this world and in our own individual physical bodies. (From Daily Grace May 26, 2019)

Adult Nurture Opportunity: The Road to Hell

It is said the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. It is also paved with suspicion, sadism, and occasionally even compassion.

Where do our ideas of Hell come from? How have they changed over time? Where is it? Why is it? Who goes there (depends on who you ask)? Who is Satan / Lucifer / Beelzebub / The Accuser? Join Pastor Martin in Room 214 during the month of June, 9:45 AM for this guided tour of the infernal regions!

5

Panera Book Club

Please join the Lord of Life book club Sundays during the education hour at Panera Bread down the street from Lord of Life at 2750 Martin Road, Dublin 43017. The group's next book will be "Chasing Fireflies" by Charles Martin and will start on May 26th. Please have the first two chapters read for that day to begin discussion. ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN ANY TIME!

6

7

BREAKFAST IS SERVED!

On Sunday, June 9, the Habitat Team invites you to stay after 8:30 a.m. worship or come 30 minutes before 11:00 a.m. worship to enjoy a continental breakfast in the Gathering Space. Also, hear a brief presentation on the various ways you can support Habitat as we join other local churches in building two homes in the Linden neighborhood this year.

Mission Team Gives Thanks for Amy's Years of Service!

The Mission Team would like to share its deepest thanks for the many blessings Amy Seeds has provided to its ministries and work over the past seven years. Amy began her work in 2012 by beginning the Faith Mission Ministry. Within about a year, Amy moved into leadership of the Mission, during which time she has supported the growth and development of many ministries at Lord of Life. Though Amy is stepping aside from leadership at this time to focus her energies on the needs of her family, her spirit of joyful service, and her generous heart of leadership will remain with those who have had the gift of working with her during these last years. We wish her all the best and look forward to continuing to serve with her at Mission Team events.

8

Best Practices, Procedures, and Guidelines Non-Violent Intrusion

It may be difficult to determine where the line is between Accepting All and protecting the safety of our parishioners. The way strangers look or act may make us uncomfortable or raise a red flag. Other times, individuals requesting monetary assistance or something of value approach us on church property. Both of these situations can be uncomfortable.

Non-violent Intruder Start by introducing yourself and asking some surface level questions—things like, “Is this your first time here?” “How did you hear about us?” and even “Do you live/work close by?” All of these are questions the other person would find easy to answer because they don’t require much thought. Typically, their answers will ease any concerns. Talking to strangers is hard but many times the person just needs a sense of love or support. If the individual appears agitated, confrontational or hostile, excuse yourself and seek help and support from the Pastor, an Usher, or anyone available you think can help. Contact law enforcement if necessary. The most important priority in the face of a confrontational and hostile individual is to protect yourself and others.

Panhandling Members shall not hand out cash. Direct the requestor to the Pastor or any member of the Mission Team. Individuals can also be directed to Lutheran Social Services (LSS). LSS cards which include addresses, phone numbers and shelter/free meal information are available in the Narthex and Church Office.

A Note from the Parish Business Administrator

A big “Thank You” to Bob Price for the many hours spent cleaning all the “lower” level gutters of the church buildings. This was no easy task as it appeared the gutters hadn’t been cleaned in years, and this happened over a matter of several days spread out over several weeks.

So when you see Bob, please be sure to thank him for all he does in maintaining our church facilities!

9

What Is Stephen Ministry? Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2, NRSV).

Stephen Ministry is the one-to-one lay caring ministry that takes place in congregations that use the Stephen Series system. Lord of Life is a Stephen Ministry Congregation. Stephen Ministry congregations equip and empower lay caregivers—called Stephen Ministers—to provide high quality, confidential, Christ-centered care to people who are hurting.

How Stephen Ministry Works

The best way to understand how Stephen Ministry works is to learn about three groups of people involved in this ministry: Stephen Leaders, Stephen Ministers, and care receivers.

Stephen Leaders

Stephen Leaders establish and direct Stephen Ministry in a congregation. They build awareness of Stephen Ministry within the congregation and community. People learn to serve as Stephen Leaders by attending a one-week conference that introduces the resources used to lead Stephen Ministry, and to develops key skills, for caring.

Stephen Ministers

Stephen Ministers provide Christ-centered care to people who are hurting They receive 50 hours of training and monthly Continuing Education

Care Receivers

Care Receivers anyone (friend, neighbor co-worked, relative, you) going through a difficult time—emotionally, spiritually, or relationally? Are you lonely, experiencing a crisis, or simply stressed by everyday life? All including names are very confidential.

Contact: Jan Hoffman - Coordinator at 614-226-3148 or jan@consultjan.com

Or Nancy Lentsch at 614-562-8851 or nlentsch@yahoo.com or Bill Hoffman at 614-313-3039 bill@consultjan.com.

10

On May 4th, we took the first step in our stewardship journey, "See the vision...live the vision." This was followed up by two weeks of prayer and discernment, then a commitment Sunday where we pledged our generosity on the altar of God. A huge thank you to all who attended the

event and made a commitment. But this is not the end. Stewardship is a lifelong journey and a vital part of being a disciple of Christ.

This summer members of the congregation will be sharing glimpses of how their generosity of time, talent, and resources has impacted their relationship with God, and how the continued support of our congregation furthers the ministries of Lord of Life.

If you missed commitment Sunday - you can make a commitment anytime! Financial commitments can be made at any time. You can find commitment cards in the kiosk located in the "Welcome" area of the narthex (by the coffee bar). Once completed, place it in the offering plate! (**Please note, your commitment and your giving is confidential; only seen by you and the bookkeeper. **)

We are blessed to partner in ministry with you!

11

Last Sunday’s Spiritual Arithmetic

Worship Attendance: 5/19 - 175 5/26 - 130 Operating Fund Giving (5/19) $14,777 (5/26) $17,158

OUR MISSION

To reach people with

the love of Jesus Christ.

OUR VISION

Lord of Life Lutheran Church is a community of Christ where we experience God's grace, comfort and acceptance through each other. From here, everyone is empowered to share, teach and give what each has received.

OUR VALUES

1. The Gospel calls us to unconditional regard for all people.

2. Prayer is necessary for our relationship with God, one another, and the world.

3. Scripture provides the foundation for our lives of faith.

4. The authority for our ministry is founded in Jesus Christ, the head of the Church which is the Body of Christ on earth. An elected Congregation Council provides administrative authority; our called pastor (s) provides the spiritual authority of the Office of Word and Sacrament Ministry.

5. Each member is uniquely gifted by God for ministry and is expected to mature in discipleship of Jesus Christ.

6. Any ministry based on our Mission, Vision and Core Values is valid for our congregation, and may, at any time, evolve or end.

LoL is on

Find us at www.facebook.com/AcceptingAll or search for Lord of Life Lutheran and “like” us for daily updates and inspirations

@ Lord of Life Church

Sunday 8:30 AM Traditional Worship

9:45 AM Adult Education Class, Rm 214

11:00 AM crossCurrent Worship

Mon. 5:30 PM Stephen Ministry Training, Fishbowl

7:00 PM crossCurrent Rehearsal

Tues. 8:30 AM LSS Staff, Gath Space

10:30 AM Weekly Staff Meeting

1:00 PM Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study, Fishbowl

5:30 PM Stephen Ministry Training, Fishbowl

8:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

Weds. 7:00 PM Mission Team Meeting, Fishbowl

Thurs. 11:00 AM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

6:30 PM Alliance Choir*, Gath Space

Fri. 8:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

Sat. 8:30 AM Stephen Ministry Training, Fishbowl

8:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

Sunday 8:30 AM Traditional Worship

9:45 AM Adult Education Class, Rm 214

9:45 AM Habitat for Humanity Breakfast, Gath Space

11:15 AM crossCurrent Worship

Check us out on the web at:

www.acceptingall.com

12