June 2025 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Friends:
Do you all remember "back in the day" June was the first real month of summer?? Memorial Day marked the end of the school year, and three whole months laid out before us as summer.
Just like you, I've shared the joyous memories of the cul de-sac I grew up in on the Eastside of Indy!! I remember going to the house that had a nice above-ground pool! We played outside and I had to come inside when the street lights came on!!
It was a big deal when my parents let me sleep outside with other older neighbor friends. We played card games in a lit garage and drank root beer eating pretzels!! It was fun.
As adults, let's not forget to still have fun!! Do something crazy fun during the month of June with your family, friends, or just go by yourself!! After all, Jesus said "My joy I give to you .." John 15:11.
A friend of mine recently shared she and some friends went to Chicago to shop and see a show! They shared adjoining rooms and had ....ready? ...they had FUN!!
"Fun" is defined as "enjoyment, amusement, or lighthearted pleasure." You deserve it. What can we do that would be "fun" at church?? Dress down day, wear rainbow colors, gag gift exchange?? Let's plan it, I'm in.
God be with you in having fun this first month of summer!!
Blessed June
Pastor Doug
Your Church Council
1. Synod Assembly is coming up June 5, 6, and 7. Pr. Doug, Samuel Muncy and Janice Damrow will be attending, please keep us in your prayers.
2. Planning and Fundraising for the Memorial Garden is progressing; we have raised $6623 towards our goal of $7000 for the first phase. Ground prep will be included in an upcoming Supper and Service event, so watch your announcements for updates.
3. Our first offsite gathering will be held on Saturday, June 21st at El Rodeo in Avon. Plan to attend this casual fellowship gathering.
Wednesday Night Zoom
All Bible Studies (Wednesday night, LENS forum, and Faith forum) are on summer break. They will resume after Labor Day.
Faith Formation / Sunday Evening Zoom
All Bible Studies (Wednesday night, LENS forum, and Faith forum) are on summer break. They will resume after Labor Day.
Food Pantry Date
The next food pantry will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 9-11a. We ask you to please prayerfully consider joining us as we serve our neighbors. All volunteers are welcome and needed!
Joint Worship with the Bishop
Bishop Timothy Graham, from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, will be leading us in worship on Sunday, June 29, 2025. This will be a joint worship service with St. Andrews at Faith. Worship will be at 10am followed by fellowship pitch-in, please plan on bringing a dish to share.
This will be a great time to meet our new Bishop and get to know him.
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 if you need more.
Message from ELCA Bishop, Timothy Graham
Dear siblings across the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA:
Greetings in the name of our risen Savior, Jesus Christ, ☩ the One who was, who is, and who is to come. Amen.
I want to address concerns regarding LOMIK, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries of Indiana Kentucky. It is essential to emphasize that LOMIK operates independently from the Indiana-Kentucky Synod and makes its own decisions. During our assembly, the IK Synod elects representatives to serve on LOMIK's Board of Directors. You can find the current list of leaders at this link: https://lomik.org/aboutus.php.
The numerous calls and emails I have received express concern, frustration, and anger about the current state of LOMIK and its summer programs at the campgrounds. Some of you may have received the following communication from LOMIK announcing significant changes to this summer's programming:
“Due to being short-staffed, we have made the difficult decision to close Lutheran Hills for the season and to suspend two sessions at Lake Luther. While this was not the outcome we had hoped for, we remain fully committed to providing meaningful camp experiences for all registered campers. Each camper registered for the cancelled sessions will be offered opportunities at our other sites, with age-appropriate programs, ensuring they receive the same quality and enriching environment that they were expecting. Individual emails are being sent directly to all impacted families with details about these adjustments.”
I discussed this situation with LOMIK's Executive Director, Chris Miller, and current LOMIK Board member, Rev. Caroline Satre, the Senior Pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church in South Bend. Although both view this situation as regrettable, they agree that the decision outlined is the best approach for this summer given the current circumstances. Meanwhile, LOMIK leadership remains committed to resolving the issues that have led to this, ensuring that all camps return to normal operations by next summer.
I strongly recommend contacting LOMIK's leadership, particularly the board members, to share your concerns, provide constructive suggestions for LOMIK's future, and promote accountability for LOMIK within our Synod through its members, rostered leaders, and congregations. LOMIK will have a table at the Mission Fest during our Synod Assembly, which offers another opportunity for people to engage with LOMIK leadership. In closing, I want to clarify my position: I am not attempting or advocating to instigate against LOMIK or its leadership!
I firmly believe these camps are a vital part of our community and congregations in the IK Synod, as they have always been, which makes it crucial for constructive voices to be heard. The separation between LOMIK and the IK Synod didn’t result from conflict; rather, it primarily stemmed from concerns over liability and fiduciary responsibilities. Unfortunately, the separation has hindered our ability to foster and cultivate a healthy and vibrant relationship over the years since. Thus, I hope this challenge affords us the opportunity to rebuild and strengthen the active connection between LOMIK and the individuals and congregations of the Indiana Kentucky Synod, ELCA. I am committed to doing what I can to help make this happen as Bishop.
Please pray for LOMIK, this summer’s initiatives, the diverse groups of young and mature individuals they serve, and their future direction. Pray that the Holy Spirit grants wisdom and encouragement to the individuals and congregations within the Indiana Kentucky Synod, ELCA, enabling them to engage more attentively and constructively with LOMIK.
Let us pray, as Jesus did, for unity, reflecting the relationship between the Father and the Son, in our mission to serve the world and proclaim the love revealed in Jesus Christ.
God’s Peace be with you.
Bishop Timothy Mark Graham
Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA
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 Ron for all his work on the property and grounds.
● We appreciate Janice Lee and the many volunteers for all the work they do during the month for the food pantry.
● Thank you to Lori Becker Westwick and Debbie Hacker for helping Faith host the Indianapolis ELCA Pastors meeting.
● We appreciate Julie Muncy and Becky Albaugh for arranging the summer supper and service.
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.
June 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
Mona Etter 6/24
Joe Ingram 6/27
Kim Orebaugh 6/29
Karissa Draper 6/30
ANNIVERSARIES
Lothar & Christine Nitz 6/22
Worship Assistants - June 2024
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
June 1
Mona Etter
Lori Becker
Jim Orebaugh
Brian K
Kevin Westwick
Phil Zillinger
Joyce Sams
Nikki Lee
Becky Albaugh
Albaugh 5.26 - 6.1
June 8
Mona Etter
Karen Anderson
Kim Orebaugh
Teresa Kofodimos
John Kofodimos
Samuel Muncy
Becky Albaugh
Sara Curry
Debbie Hacker
Lee 6.2 - 6.8
June 15
Mona Etter
Sam Muncy
Lori Becker
Janice Damrow
John Kofodimos
Jay Anderson
Janice Lee
Karen Anderzson
Phil Zillinger
Curry 6.9 - 6.15
June 22
Mona Etter
Jim Orebaugh
Sara Curry
Brian K
John Kofodimos
Lori Becker
Mona Etter
Becky Albaugh
Jim Orebaugh
Hacker 6.16 - 6.22
June 29
Mona Etter
Pastor Doug
Teresa Kofodimos
Brian K
John Kofodimos
Ron Graff
Julie Muncy
PITCH - IN
Phil Zillinger
Etter 6.12 - 6.28
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.
“Through Christ we can do all things.” (Phil. 4:13)
Our Homebound Members: Martha Siemers, Carol Westwick, Estelle Boyd, and Judy Vogel
Continued Prayers: Judy Vogel and family (transitioning into hospice care).
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.
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 Elizabeth Eaton, I-K Synod Timothy 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.