August 2025 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Family of Faith:
Back to School!! The three words every parent of school age children loves to hear at this time of year.
AI estimates some 32 billion dollars will be spent in the US on school supplies, clothing, accessories, technology and supplies for this back-to-school season.
This season of Back to School comes every fall in our country. But what about the season of BACK TO GRACE? Of course, God is always and forever ready, willing, and able to welcome us back.
It takes no money; it's not at just a specified time of year! It's every day, all day, anytime of year! So friends, when you fall, when you fail, when you forget come back to God. Bask in the joy of grace and love in Christ for us all!
Thanks be to God!!
Pr Doug
Pastor’s Office Hours
Office hours are by appointment during the summer. Regular office hours will resume in September, Tuesdays 11-1pm.
Wednesday Night Zoom
ALL BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES ARE ON SUMMER BREAK. ALL WILL RESUME AFTER LABOR DAY.
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
ALL BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES ARE ON SUMMER BREAK. ALL WILL RESUME AFTER LABOR DAY.
Sunday night Faith Formation 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.
Food Pantry Date
The next food pantry will be held Saturday, August 16 from 9-11am.
There has been an increase in requests for information about the food pantry on email.
We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors. All volunteers are welcome and needed!
Worship Time Change
Faith Lutheran 11am worship
St. Andrews 9am 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.
September, we will “switch” worship times. Faith will go to 9am. St. Andrew’s will go to 11am.
God's Work Our Hands Sunday
This year God’s Work Our Hands Sunday will be held on September 7th.
If you’re interested in some of the projects that other congregations have done in the past few years, take a minute to look at: https://www.elca.org/dayofservice.
We are going to look for a project that those with all physical capabilities can participate in.
VIA DE CRISTO (SPANISH FOR “WAY OF CHRIST”)
Ready for a structured 3-day weekend away to grow in your life with Jesus?
Co-Ed weekends are coming up:
South in Seymour Camp Lakeview: October 16-19
North in Camp Epworth Forest in North Webster: November 13-16.
Transportation will be provided.
For details, just reach out to Pastor Doug with your questions and visit www.inkyvdc.org for more information. You can also talk to folks who experienced a weekend. (Lori Westwick Becker, Julie and Samuel Muncy).
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. Please let the church office know.
Church Council
Joint Council Meeting and fellowship, Saturday, August 2, at 10am.
The Councils of both churches will gather at St Andrews for a time of fellowship and business.
(Quarterly meetings of both councils are mandated in the Shared Ministry agreement.)
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16)
●Thank you to Cierra, Lucas and daughter Lucy for donating rain barrels out in the garden to make water available to water plants. Invaluable!
● Thanks to Brian, Jay and Ron for their work on the Memorial Garden property. Thank you to Sara and Samuel for mostly indoor work on the garden.
● Thank you to summer service donors and workers.
● 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 and Vince 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.
August 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
Dee Kochersperger 8/10
Jay Anderson 8/18
Elaine Graff 8/19
Ron Graff 8/22
Christine Nitz 8/25
Jim Orebaugh 8/29
ANNIVERSARIES
Dale and Darlene Olson 8/29
Jay and Karen Anderson 8/30
Pastor’s Office Hours
Office hours are by appointment during the summer. Regular office hours will resume in September, Tuesdays 11-1pm.
Worship Assistants - August 2025
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
August 3
Christine Nitz
Samuel Muncy
Brian K
Janice Damrow
Brian K
Janice Lee
Mona Etter
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Curry 7.28- 8.3
August 10
Christine Nitz
Karen Anderson
Lori WB
Teresa Kofodimos
John Kofodimos
Kevin Westwick
Joyce Sams
Sara Curry
Becky Albaugh
Albaugh 8.4 - 8.10
August 17
Christine Nitz
Lori WB
Sara Curry
Karen Anderson
Kevin Westwick
Ron Graff
Julie Muncy
Karen Anderson
Julie Muncy
Hacker 8.11 - 8.17
August 24
Chrisine Nitz
Brian K
Teresa Kofodimos
Brian K
John Kofodimos
Jay Anderson
Nikki Lee
Janice Lee
Phil Zillinger
Etter 8.18 - 8.24
August 31
Christina Nitz
Phil Zillinger
Jim Orebaugh
Janice Damrow
John Kofodimos
Janice Lee
Mona Etter
Nikki Lee
Jim Orebaugh
Lee 8.25 - 8.31
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).
For special intention: Gil Sams as he recovers from knee surgery at home. Chase and Gabbie, friends of Samuel Muncy, whose mother passed.
Prayers of comfort and healing to those Faith Family members who aren’t able to attend due to health concerns. If you need food or anything, please let a Council member know so we can be there for YOU.
Higher Education Students: Kaleb Durfee, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning, 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 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.