October 2025 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends-
I have a book right here on my desk that I received as a gift a few weeks ago. It's called "As a man Thinketh" written by James Allen in 1903. (For my purpose here, I'll use "people" instead of "man").
As the title suggests, it's about our thought life and the "garden" of the mind! How's your garden today.... Your garden of the mind?
In the book, Mr. Allen writes: "Just as a gardener cultivates a plot, keeping it free from weeds, and growing flowers and fruit, so may a person with their mind.". Pg 29.
The Apostle Paul says it this way in Philippians 4:8 "Whatever things are true, pure, lovely, and whatever things are right think about such things."
I imagine the basic premise for us is to "water and plant" positive, encouraging thoughts in our minds. And, most certainly, in the minds of those we know and love.
Jesus is "true, pure, lovely and right" so.... think about Jesus every day and then notice your garden and how it will flourish!!
Blessed October!!
Pastor Doug
Pastor’s Office Hours
Pastor’s office hours: Tuesdays 11-1pm.
Come in and say “Hi” or schedule an appointment.
Joint Worship/Chili Cookoff
Joint Worship at St Andrews Sunday, October 26, 2025, Reformation Sunday at 10am.
After service, we will hold our world-famous annual Chili Cook off!! More information will be provided closer to the date.
Wednesday Night Zoom
Wednesday night zoom, 7pm Bible study meditates on and studies the Bible stories for the coming Sunday. Personally, I find there is no other way to better prepare for Sunday than to read over, study, discuss the Bible lessons that will be read and preached on this week. Just imagine as you hear the lector you are drawn in more deeply to the Scripture. Just imagine as I proclaim the Good News you are already acquainted and knowledgeable with the story to come.
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
Sunday night Faith Formation, 7pm on zoom, offers study in a more relaxed way in group sharing and input on whatever topic/book of the Bible or resource we are studying. All of you from both churches are welcomed and invited.
Memorial Garden Progress - a New Cross
The committee wants to thank the congregation for its continued support, we’re proud to share our phase one progress shown below and are meeting in October to plan out phase 2.
We are grateful for the vision of the original memorial garden team planting the seed that the current committee has nurtured into the current project. Please continue to support this endeavor with us.
Our thanks to the property committee and finance committee for their work and advice with the memorial garden project.
Our thanks to Indy Decorative Concrete for their enthusiasm, professionalism, and concrete artistry. They communicated well and were good partners in accomplishing our goal.
Council News
Photo Directory: Get ready to smile for the camera! We are creating a photo directory to help put names with faces, for long-time members and new folks as well. John Kofodimos will be available to take pictures after service on the following Sundays: Oct. 12; Oct. 19; and Nov. 2. 2026
Council: The following positions are open for next year's Council: President; Vice President; Secretary; and At-Large. All are two-year terms, with the exception of President, which will be a one-year term. (Becky Albaugh was specially appointed as VP for one year only.) The 2026 Vice President will serve as President the following year. Meetings are once a month via Zoom, plus quarterly Joint Council meetings with St. Andrew's via Zoom (once per year in-person).
Please prayerfully consider how you might be called to serve. Ask any Council member any questions and let Teresa Kofodimos know if you are interested!
Food Pantry
The next food pantry will be held Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 9-11am.
Food Pantry is thriving with volunteers serving the Hendricks and western edge of Marion County. Through rain, snow, or sleet, the team delivers food to those that need it. Thanks to those who contribute, volunteer and pray for Faith’s Food Pantry! Your gifts are appreciated! We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors.
All volunteers are welcome and needed!
Faith Giving Information
Faithful Faith Members...with the various giving options (traditional envelopes, direct deposit, Vanco Mobile or Vanco On-line via link from Faith’s website), we have reduced the number of offering envelopes for the congregation. If you need additional help, please let the church office know.
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16).
Thanks to all who participated in Supper and Service this year.
Thank you to all who helped with Gods Work Our Hands last month.
Thank you to the many who volunteer to help with the Food Pantry.
Pastor Doug, thank you for all you do, we appreciate you!
Thanks to Phil for continually addressing and treating our well.
Thank you to Ron and the property team for cutting the grass and outside work.
Sincere thanks to the ladies who prepare fellowship snacks each Sunday!
Thanks and praise to the Facebook “guys” who record each week: John Kofodimos and Kevin Westwick. We’d be lost without you all.
Thanks to all our Council Members for your continual service, thank you!
Building Security
If you are the last person to leave the building, please check the list on the alarm, lock, alarm the building, and check the doors to protect people and property.
October Celebrations
We’d like to honor and celebrate with you!
Please contact the office to make sure we have
your birthday and anniversary on file.
BIRTHDAYS
Matthew Benning 10/04
Brian Kochersperger 10/09
Donna Teyema 10/19
Maddie Anderson 10/22
Ken Teyema 10/26
Janice Lee 10/27
Anniversaries
John & Teresa Kofodimos 10/15
Worship Time Change
Faith Lutheran 9am
St. Andrews 11am worship
As always, I remind you that if the other time slot works for you on a “given” day, you may certainly worship at the other church as many of you have done. It’s the same God!
The theory behind this quarterly change is for each congregation to experience the church seasons at different times during the year.
Worship Assistants - October 2025
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
October 5
Mona Etter
Jim Orebaugh
Samuel Muncy
Janice Damrow
John Kofodimos
Phil Zillinger
Julie Muncy
Sara Curry
Debbie Hacker
Lee 9.29 - 10.05
October 12
Mona Etter
Lori W. Becker
Teresa Kofodimos
Brian K.
John Kofodimos
Julie Muncy
Nikki Lee
Becky Albaugh
Jim Orebaugh
Curry 10.06 - 10.12
October 19
Mona Etter
Samuel Muncy
Brian K.
Teresa Kofodimos
Kevin Westwick
Ron Graff
Becky Albaugh
Nikki Lee
Jim Orebaugh
Albaugh 10.13 - 10.19
October 26
Joint Worship with St. Andrews
Prayer Wall
“Through Christ we can do all things”
Philippians 4:13
Join us in prayer for our brother and sisters in Christ for good health, healing, safety, strength, courage, peace, clear minds, renewed spirit, and for all their unknown needs.
Our Homebound Members: Martha Siemers, Carol Westwick, Estelle Boyd, and Judy Vogel.
Continued Prayers: Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), Martha Siemers.
For special intention: Jay and Karen Anderson, two deaths in family. Barbara Osborne, Dee Dee Kochersperger’s aunt. Amy Westwick, who is recovering from ankle surgery.
Unknown needs to all who are troubled in mind, body, and spirit. Prayers of comfort and healing to those Faith Family members who aren’t able to attend due to health concerns.
Higher Education Students: Kaleb Durfee, Maddie Anderson, Amy Westwick, Jacob Benning, Karissa Draper, Scott Brunton, Lily Brunton and all students in Hendricks County!
Military Service Members: All Service Men and Women fighting for our freedoms and their families who have also sacrificed
Current Events:
Prayers of comfort for those who have experienced a loss due to the unrest in our troubled world.
Leadership and Local Organizations:
ELCA Bishop Yehiel Curry, I-K Synod Bishop Tim Graham, Lutheran Child and Family Services, Family Promise, Sheltering Wings, Faith’s Food Pantry
As a family of Faith, we want to pray and celebrate WITH you. Please submit your requests to the office by phone 317.272.1022 or by email at flc.avon@att.net.
If you would like to add details to your petitions you are welcome to do so but you do NOT have to.