August 2026 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
Think back to summertime long ago when your children were in school. It's late August when you notice the words you've been waiting to hear: Back to School!!
It's back to school time these days as Avon schools go back "July 30th!!" It's still summer, but we will save that for another column.
Back to School is a multi-million dollar season for families everywhere. It's time to get supplies, clothes, and technology updates.
Good News for us, it's already God's plan we can come "Back to Grace" , and back to love everyday, anytime! And this is free! A gift given to us in Jesus. So as we hear more about the back-to-school season already here, always remember God invites us back to Love.
This month as I restart the Wednesday night Bible study, come back to God! As you and I start our new ministry together, with 10 a.m. worship, come back to Jesus!! And this fall will be wonderful!
Pastor Doug
Pastor’s Office Hours
Office hours are resuming August 4, 2026.
Hours are Tuesdays 11-1pm or by appointment.
Wednesday Night Bible Study
Wednesday night bible study resumes August 5, 7pm zoom.
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 resumes August 2, 7pm zoom.
It 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 are welcomed and invited.
Food Pantry Date
The next food pantries will be held Monday, August 10, from 4-6pm and Saturday, August 15 from 9-11am. We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors.
If you are interested in volunteering, please see Janice Lee
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!
Starting August 30th, Worship service moves to 10am.
St. Andrew's Holy Closure will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 29, 2026. They are hosting lunch after the service, which will be catered by Jugs. If you would like to join them for the catered lunch, please RSVP by Tuesday, August 4. You can call or text Lori Westwick Becker, 317-908 3317, or email her at lkwb29@gmail.com.
Women’s Fall Retreat
The women of Messiah would love to welcome the women of Faith and St. Andrew's to our annual Fall Women's Retreat at Lutheran Hills, September 18-20. If you have any questions, please email, text or call Kathy Cooper.
Hope and I started the retreat 9 years ago. Now Hope is gone, but we have a team that starts planning in January and two of our own members present content, another leads music and we have infused 3 activity stations in the afternoon.
We would love to have other women to share in this weekend at Shedron Lodge and the Bear Creek Village cabins. Shedron Lodge and the Bear Creek Village cabins at Lutheran Hills in Morgantown, Indiana. Hope this touches someone's heart and interest. Registration ends August 17.
Blessings to you and your congregations,
Kathy Cooper
bburgmidgemom@gmail.com
(317) 450-2917
Food Pantry Donation Opportunity (non-food essential items)
Beginning in August, Faith Food Pantry will begin collecting different non food item each month to distribute to the clients.
The schedule is as follows: The first and second Sunday of each month.
August Toothbrushes
September 4 pk Toilet Paper Rolls
October Multipacks of band aids (various shapes/sizes)
November Bars of bath soap (Dial, etc.)
December Roll-on deodorant (preferably name brands)
Due to limited storage, we ask you to bring them in during those specific dates and place them in the designated tote near the coat rack. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Lee at via email jalee306@sbcglobal.net or text her cell phone, 317-538-8959.
THANK YOU!
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.
Fellowship
Please mark your calendars for a Fun Faith Lunch Pitch-in on September 27th after the 10am worship service.
Dessert and drinks will be provided.
Bring your favorite main dish or side dish!
Plates, utensils, and serving utensils will be provided.
Thank You Very Much
“Give thanks in all circumstances for this is the way of God in Christ Jesus” (1 Th. 5:16)
We thank Vince Draper for mowing the grass.
We appreciate Kaleb Durfee for his flexibility and gifts in leading our music ministry.
Thank you to Dave Lee for gifting us with his artwork each week.
We thank Janice Lee and the rest of the food pantry crew.
Thanks to Pastor Doug for everything you do for us.
We thank Ciara Krier for her focus and dedication to the Youth and Family Ministry.
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
Jay and Karen Anderson 8/30
Worship Assistants - August 2026
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Children’s Time
Cleaning Ministry
August 2
Christine Nitz
Karen Anderson
Jay Anderson
Teresa Kofodimos
John Kofodimos
Ron Graff
Nikki Lee
Julie Muncy
Janice Damrow
Pastor Doug
Lee 7.27 - 8.02
August 9
Christine Nitz
Lori Becker
Debbie Hacker
Karen Anderson
John Kofodimos
Julie Muncy
Janice Lee
Becky Albaugh
Debbie Hacker
Ciara Krier
Curry 8.03 - 8.09
August 16
Christine Nitz
Janice Damrow
Karen Anderson
Brian K
Kevin Westwick
Janice Lee
Jay Anderson
Mona Etter
Janice Lee
Lori Becker
Albaugh 8.10 - 8.16
August 23
Chrisine Nitz
Phil Zillinger
Teresa Kofodimos
Janice Damrow
John Kofodimos
Nikki Lee
Joyce Sams
Janice Lee
Debbie Hacker
Ciara Krier
Hacker 8.17 - 8.23
August 30
Christina Nitz
Brian K
Janice Damrow
Jim Orebaugh
John Kofodimos
Kevin Westwick
Elaine Graff
Ciara Krier
Phil Zillinger
Kevin Westwick
Etter 8.24 - 8.30
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: St. Andrews (support with Holy Closure), Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support).
For special intention: Unknown needs to all who are troubled in mind, body, and spirit. Prayers of comfort and healing to those Faith Family members who can’t attend due to health concerns.
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, 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.