the Daily Disciple Newsletter of First Church of New Knoxville | July / August 2020

Over the years we have always had a list in the bulletin of people who need prayer.

It is a great way to lift up the needs of our church family and friends.

Beginning June 28, the list will be new each Sunday. Names will be in the bulletin for one week only. Each week we will start over with

a new list.

You may call the office with a name, drop your request in the offering plate or submit it via

our website via the “contact us” link.

We hope this will keep the weekly list current and focused. Please remember we are bound by privacy laws and cannot post personal or

medical information so names only. ☺

As most of you know already Vacation Bible School 2020 was cancelled. Pastor Joel and Pastor Tory were in

constant communication with the New Knoxville UMC during the pandemic regarding plans for VBS. When it first

became clear that the original dates in early June would not work, we tentatively rescheduled VBS for mid-July. We held out hope that the extra time would allow us to host

VBS as usual. However, after meeting with Pastor Dennis at the end of May we decided together that it would not be possible to safely and responsibly move forward with VBS

this year.

We know this came as a disappointment for many. We are sad about it, too. But we also believe it is the best decision for the health and safety of our children, volunteers, and

families.

Thank you for your understanding. Let’s commit to pray for all of the kids, helpers and teachers who would have been involved with VBS this year, that they may still know and

experience the love of Christ this summer.

____________________________________________

Dear Church,

2020 has been a year many people would like to forget. I’m sure none of you factored in a global pandemic and nationwide protests and riots when you made your new year’s resolutions. I know I didn’t. But we cannot control what happens in the world. We can only decide how we can respond to the circumstances we have been given.

First, I encourage you not to antagonize people who disagree with you. It is not helpful to paint with broad brushstrokes and judge entire groups of people based on the actions of a few. The rioting, looting, and violence that has taken place is wrong and sinful, but it’s unhelpful to lump the peaceful protesters

in with that group. In the same way, we cannot and should not judge all police and law enforcement officers based on the sinful and wrong actions of some individuals. There are many, many good police officers that want nothing more than to serve and protect their communities.

Second, we must be willing to talk about these issues. Whether it’s how to navigate the pandemic or respond to the protests, we should be willing to have hard conversations. It does not do anyone any good to ignore the situation and sweep it under the rug. God often uses uncomfortable conversations to challenge us and solidify our faith.

Third, we must be ground ourselves in God’s Word and prayer. Our primary source for shaping our point of view must be the Bible. There is not a single political party or news organization that has all the answers. Therefore, we must allow the Bible to inform how we understand what is going on in the world today, not the other way around. As you read scripture, pray that God will help you understand how it applies to the situations and challenges that you face. God’s Word is always relevant. In addition to praying for yourself, pray also for our nation. Pray that people will see, experience, and trust the message of the Gospel. In Christ, Pastor Joel Bucklin

Building Access and Social Distancing Update

It has been such a blessing to hold in-person worship services again. The joy and encouragement we receive from being with other believers is not something we should ever take for granted again. Some of you have chosen to continue to worship at home, and I respect and encourage that decision, too. Stay connected through Facebook and the radio. When you are ready to come back, we will have even more reason to celebrate.

First Church Family, I personally want to thank you for abiding by the social distancing guidelines that we currently have in place. Blocking off every other pew, limiting the number of entrances, and encouraging hand sanitization are all important and necessary steps. It is not always convenient, but it helps ensure a safe environment, especially for the more vulnerable among us. We will continue to practice these social distancing measures, including keeping the church locked during the week, throughout the summer. We hope that we will be able to resume normal ministry, including Sunday School and nursery care, in September. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this season together. Pastor Joel

Dear First Church family,

Our summer schedule is in full swing for our students. We knew going

into the summer that things were going to be different with everything going on

in our world. We intentionally planned for a low-key, relational summer filled

with lots of time spent together. Our first event was a youth group cookout to

celebrate the start of summer. We had 21 students and 5 leaders come to the

cookout. It felt like a big family reunion. This summer our students will be

studying the book of James at Backyard Bible Study. I am excited to see how our

students grow and apply the things they learn in the book of James to their daily

lives.

I am excited for all that we have planned this summer, but I am also excited for the fall! The youth

leadership team and the Sunday school leadership team and I are busy planning and preparing for the fall.

We cannot wait for the coming year. We will be updating you on our fall plans as we get closer to the start

of the school year.

Pastor Tory Breitigan Facebook: FirstChurchNKYouthGroup

Instagram: firstchurchnk_youthgroup

Jr. / Sr. High Youth Schedule for Summer

Service Times Update

Sunday morning worship will remain at 10:15 am for the rest of the summer. The later time slot allows the in-person worship service, radio broadcast, and Facebook Live stream to all happen simultaneously. It is much simpler for everyone involved, especially our Sound Technicians, when everything happens at once.

We will continue to evaluate our options throughout the summer as we prepare to relaunch Sunday School in the fall. It is possible we will return to our previous service times (9 am church and 10:15 am Sunday School), and it is also a possibility to have Sunday School at 9 am and church at 10:15 am. There are pros and cons for both options. If you and your family have a preference, I encourage you to reach out to me or one of our Elders. We’d love to hear from you and we want to gather as much information as possible as we prayerfully consider the options. Pastor Joel

July 5—No Bible Study

July 9—Cookout / Bonfire at Breitigans 7-8:30p

July 12—Pool Party with UMC —6:15-8:15p

July 16—Water Day at NK Park. Time TBD

July 19—Bible Study at Breitigan’s—7-8:30p

July 26—Bible Study at D & J Bambauer’s—7-8:30p

August 2—No Bible Study (Fair Week)

August 9—Bible Study at Breitigan’s—7-8:30p

August 16—Bible Study at J & S Schrolucke’s 7-8:30p

August 23—Bible Study at Breitigan’s—7-8:30 p

* All events are subject to change - keep your eyes

on the youth FB page for updates or changes.

Dear Pastor Joel, Pastor Tory and Staff, We thank you for bringing our Sunday service to us weekly by radio and online. It has been nice to be able to worship with you every week during the pandemic. God willing we will be together again soon in the coming weeks. Take care and God bless each of you. Fred & Diane Piehl

Hello Friends at First Church, Lee and I want to thank all of you who have sent cards for our 64th wedding anniversary. It was a quiet one as we are only allowed “window visits” due to the virus. We are hoping these restrictions will be lifted soon, but we are thankful for the safety that is provided by the staff. We think of you often, but this is our home now and we have adjusted well. Our home is open to visitors anytime, so if you come this way, please feel free to stop in. Love to you all, Lee & Jo Ann Kuhlman

Dear First Church, Thank you for your prayers for my mom Kari Farr. Your prayers and support meant so much. She fought her health battles valiantly and entered into Christ's care on May11th. We were finally able to schedule her memorial June 27th in Indianapolis. Nikki and Aaron Rohrbaugh

Dear First Church Family, Thank you for the lovely rose arrangement for our 56th anniversary. We are enjoying it. God be with us all. Larry & Becky Longworth

Dear First Church, I just wanted to thank you for the book and the card for graduation. Thank you for all the support you have given me over the years as well. Sincerely Dylan Koenig

Dear Friends at First Church, Thank you for

making our program go, and our students grow—

physically, mentally and emotionally. Your

generosity is deeply appreciated. Thank you so

much for your continuing support, especially

during such trying times! Sincerely, Bev

Thompson and the Equestrian Therapy Program

staff. PS… the horses thank you too!

Happy Anniversary to the following couples

celebrating 50+ Wedding Anniversaries

in July & August

Wayne & Nancy Bambauer, 60 years on July 16.

Jerry & Sue Lehman, 55 years on August 6.

Orville & Bonnie Heidt, 52 years on August 24.

Gary & Emily Wiedeman, 58 years on August 26.

Robert & Sandi Deerhake, 61 years on August 29.

Dear First Church, We want to thank the First Church community for celebrating our 54th wedding anniversary with us. In these days of turmoil and uncertainty, it is reassuring to know that we are not forgetting the meaningful and happy times in of our lives. Thanks for the red rose. Tom and Diane Fledderjohann Dear First Church Staff, Just want to express much appreciation to First Church for the extra efforts in providing worship in these unprecedented times. Thank you, also, to those working behind the scenes from our custodians to the sound crew. It does not go unnoticed. And, congratulations, Erik, on your retirement! Thank you for your years of dedication to the music department. Thanks again, Deb and John Katterheinrich Dear First Church, Thank you so much for the beautiful rose in honor of our wedding anniversary. Bill and Edythe Henschen

May / June facts & figures

May 3—General Fund $880.00

May 10 —Camp Scholarships $630.00

May 17 —Katie Miller, Young Life $1,295.00

May 24 —Mark Burd, Revive Ohio $1,336.00

(Attendance 120)

May 31 — Radio Fund $1,005.00

(Attendance 108)

June 7 —General Fund $1,343.00

(Attendance 147)

June 14 —Gospel Tent $1,430.00

(Attendance 126 )

June 21 —Those In Need Fund $1,369.00

(Attendance 109)

Misc. Gifts

Soup Kitchen—$20.00

*The monetary totals represented here are from Sunday offerings, online gifts, and gifts sent via the

mail or dropped off at the office.

Heating System Loan

Balance as of 6/9/2020

Heating System Pledges not

yet paid - due by 12/31/2023

$185,451.00

___________________________________________________

Heating System Loan Interest

Paid in June of 2020

$2,404.12

$156,000.00 still owed

Designated Offerings July/August

July 5 General Fund

July 12 Radio Ministry Fund

July 19 3C Church in Kusel, Germany

July 26 Those in Need Fund

August 2 General Fund

August 9 Radio Ministry Fund

August 16 Global Missions Fund

August 23 Jr./Sr. High Youth Ministry Fund

August 20 Samaritan’s Purse Disaster Relief

Many of you have taken advantage of online giving during

this time. Please call the office and talk to Connie if you have

questions about online giving or would like to get it set up.

Financial Snapshot for May 2020

General Operating Fund Balance $61,003.26

Benevolent Fund Balance $33,448.55

VBS Fund Balance $7,957.63

Seminary Student Ed. Grant Fund Balance $13,285.66

Radio Ministry Fund Balance $36,762.98

Music Ministry Fund Balance $2,231.62

Bequest & Endowment Fund Balance $85,562.06

Camp Fund Balance $11,673.75

Building Maintenance Fund Balance $143,130.56

Held for Elevator: $87,175.57

Held for Sanctuary Painting $23,053.00

Jr. High Youth Fund Balance $1,895.31

Sr. High Youth Fund Balance $4,333.03

Organ Concert Series Fund Balance $686.59

Global Missions Fund Balance $4,500.36

Christian Women’s Fund Balance $8,994.04

Outreach & Evangelism Fund Balance $4,789.77

Sunday School Fund Balance $2,441.59

Temporary Undesignated Gifts Balance $20,000.00

Those In Need Fund Balance $2,149.38

Building Technology & Improvements Bal. $33,206.37

Full detail is available by calling the treasurer, Connie Schroer

at the church office. 419-753-2446

We extend our love and sympathy to the families of Lynn Hirschfeld, Roger Eversman & Donald Meckstroth

who have entered into Christ’s care.

Lynn Hirschfeld resided in Sun City, Florida. He was 75. He served as Choir Director of First Church for many

years. Friends may greet the family on Friday, July 3rd at Gilberg Hartwig Funeral home in New Bremen .

Roger Eversman entered Christ’s care on Sunday, June 21st. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:30

am on Saturday, June 27 at First Church of New Knoxville. Christian burial will follow at Pilger Ruhe.

Donald Meckstroth from Winterpark, Florida died on Father’s Day, June 21. He was 100 years and six months old. He was the oldest son of Rev. R.B. Meckstroth who

was confirmed at First Church and served various congregations as a pastor until his retirement in 1958.

Senior Pastor Joel Bucklin P.O. Box 339 200 W. Bremen St. New Knoxville, OH 45871-0339 419-753-2446 Office e-mail: firstchurchnk@nktelco.net Church Website: www.firstchurchnk.org Return Service Requested

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