January 2025 Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
Pastor’s Corner
Dear Friends:
The other day I met a friend who greeted me with “What’s New?” It’s a pretty standard greeting we give one another. As we think about that, we are really saying I no longer want to hear something “old” but just what’s new! The latest and greatest information you can share.
It’s a good way to enter the New Year together! What’s new in our church family, in our community and city? We might be able to come up with a few things, but it probably will feel the same. The calendar will show something new, however! It will show us in January 2025 and that we are into a new year! A new year, now that’s what’s new!
Yes, time to start new resolutions and to see, as we change the calendar, it’s a new month and a new year. It truly is the Gospel, in the sweetest way, as Jesus says in Revelation 21:5: “All things will be made new…” Truly, no matter how we look at it, on this day, this month, this year is always Jesus! He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow!! (Heb. 13:8). I pray you and yours had a wonderful, spirit filled holiday season and will see you (at a new time) Jan. 5, 2025. Happy New Year!
New in Christ,
Pastor Doug Givan
Worship Time Change
Per the Shared Ministry Agreement, we switch worship times every four months!
Starting January 1st Faith Lutheran Church will be at 9am until the end of April. St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church will be at 11am.
From Faith Church Council
As we begin the new year, we reflect on the journey we have traveled together and look forward with hope and faith. This past year has been filled with both challenges and blessings, and through it all, Faith has remained a beacon of love, support, and resilience.
We have witnessed the strength of our faith as we came together in prayer, supported each other in times of need, and celebrated the joys and milestones in our lives. Looking ahead, let us continue to walk in the light of God's love and grace. May we embrace the new year with open hearts, ready to serve and uplift one another.
With the Vice President position still open following the December Council election, Becky Albaugh has graciously agreed to serve for 2025. Becky has requested that she not be considered for the President role in 2026, which is typically the next step in succession. The Council voted to accept Becky as Vice President with this understanding, and her election will be confirmed by the congregation at the Annual Meeting in February.
This decision means that we will need to fill both the President and Vice President positions for 2026. If you feel called to serve in either of these roles, please reach out to me.
While I do not anticipate writing to you each month, please know that you can always reach out to any member of the Council with your thoughts, concerns, or suggestions. We are here to support you and our collective mission.
Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our congregation. Together, we can make this new year a remarkable one.
Teresa Kofodimos Council President
Council Meeting Highlights - December 2024
We welcome Kaleb Durfee as our music coordinator.
We welcome Becky Albaugh as Council Vice-President.
Council officers will be installed on January 5th.
A congregational meeting will be held on February 23rd, following worship.
Wednesday night Zoom/Virtual Bible Study
Weekday Zoom Bible Study is led by Pastor Doug on Wednesday nights at 7 pm. Ask Pastor Doug if you have any questions. EVERYONE IS WELCOME AND INVITED! Each week the Zoom link is sent out on Wednesday. The Wednesday night Bible study is studying the Bible lessons for the coming Sunday. Come join the conversation.
After a break for the Holidays, this Bible study returns Jan. 8th at 7pm. All are welcomed.
LENS Reflection Forum
The LENS reflection forum is a Bible study that engages discussion of connecting world events with the Bible, faith and everyday life.
LENS forum meets at Emmy’s Pancake House & Grill, 7508 Beechwood Center, Suite 300, Avon, IN 46123.
The next meeting is on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 10:20am to discuss the schedule for the next 4 months and content.
Anyone interested, please contact Debbie Hacker, (317-319-0242).
Congregational Information
January 5, 2025 Installation of our new Council Members
February 23, 2025 Annual Meeting
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 Julie Muncy for coordinating the Christmas caroling for our shut ins. We appreciate everyone who went along and sang!
● We love and appreciate Ron Graff, Jay Anderson and others who helped set up our Christmas tree and décor.
● Thank you to Becky Albaugh for volunteering to take the Vice President position on Council.
● Thanks to: Phil Zillinger for continually addressing and treating our well issues.
● Thank you to Ron Graff for all he does for the church property.
● Sincere thanks to the ladies who prepare fellowship snacks each Sunday!
● Thanks and praise to the Facebook “guys” who record each week: John, Kevin and Brian. 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 lock, alarm the building, and check the doors to protect people and property. If you have any questions, please contact Teresa Kofodimos.
January
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
Lothar Nitz 01-17
Joyce Sams 01-20
Cassidy Thomas 01-23
Jodi Draper 01-29
Worship Assistants - January 2025
Altar Guild
Asst Minister
Lector
Cantor
FB Live Tech
Usher
Greeter
Fellowship
Gifts Counter
Cleaning Ministry
January 5
Lori W. Becker
Janice Damrow
Samuel Muncy
Teresa Kofodimos
Kevin Westwick
Nikki Lee
Julie Muncy
Becky Albaugh
Julie Muncy
Lee 12.30 - 01.05
January 12
Lori W. Becker
Phil Zillinger
Jim Orebaugh
janice Damrow
John Kofodimos
Samuel Muncy
Becky Albaugh
Julie Muncy
Jim Orebaugh
Curry 01.06 - 01.12
January 19
Lori W. Becker
Jay Anderson
Phil Zillinger
Jim Orebaugh
Kevin Westwick
Janice Lee
Elaine Graff
Nikki Lee
Janice Lee
Albaugh 01.13 - 01.19
January 26
Lori W. Becker
Samuel Muncy
Teresa Kofodimos
Brian K.
John Kofodimos
Phil Zillinger
Janice Lee
Joyce Sams
Karen Anderson
Hacker 01.20 - 01.26
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.
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), Bobbie Seitz and Mona Etter (recovering at home after an outpatient surgery).
For special intention: Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench,,and 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: Annika Cahill, Kaleb Dufree, 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 mass shootings. Peace for our troubled world
Leadership and Local Organizations:
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
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.