The Family Times Summer 2015

Legacy Art Corps & Camps 2015: A Season of New Connections by Richard Broadley This summer was a time of fresh beginnings for the Art Corps. Eight new interns (Sami Filer, Rena Hofmeister, Wes Bergen, Mary Beth Byers, Lisa Paine, Jaxson Pohlman, Alex Sharp, Brent Georgeson) joined four veterans (Dan Overholt, Justin Meyer, Kiana Broadley, Kristof-fer Broadley) to plan and do Legacy Camp. A staff retreat in early June and regular prayer times each morning were significant to our development as a strong and unified community of Christ-followers. Excellent training ac-tivities and timely pastoral-type care added to the mix to help the Corps in their preparation to do the hard work of running three camps in July (back-to-back-to-back for the first time). Challenges and obstacles were there, but the team and volunteers came together and God provided all that was needed. We found and developed new relationships with more placement facilities this year. In addition to the Salva-tion Army, Riverside Academy, Lakeside Academy, Youth Horizons, and Communities In Schools were involved in sending campers. We were excited to see a bit of a resurgence in attendance with over 20 girls in the first camp and in the mid-thirties for each boy’s camp. More new things: classes (Coffee, Re -Purposing, Sur-vival), Prayer Flags (campers and staff wrote prayers on material scraps which were hung around the sanctu-

ary), a post-it note activity of speaking life and positiv-ity over the lies of negative labels we have too often accepted, two former campers came to share their tes-timony and how attending Legacy Camp was a signifi-cant turning point in their lives, a group of people prayed for the campers and interns by name each week of camp. Other highlights: at girl’s camp a tub of old yarn became a variety of crocheted items including blankets for Alex and Briana’s baby Zsa Zsa, our first day of camp ending prayer time punctuated by tremen-dous thunder clap, three wonderful Friday Night Cele-brations with more numbers, families and smiles each successive night, a week of almost daily changes in camper numbers with the accompanied fluctuating dynamics handled well by the Corps, God’s provision of different activities from time to time and moving campers to the right classes. We couldn’t have done it this year without our amazing volunteers taking care of lunch prep and clean-up, and helping with a num-ber of classes including leading a guitar class the final camp. The Art Corps and all involved with Legacy Camp this summer really care for these girls and boys and found ways to connect with them and speak into their lives a message of hope. Each week the campers heard the truth that we are not alone and that God has something creative and life-giving for each one of us. Many (campers and Art Corps) are taking that message to heart. Thank you so much for all your support and prayers!

A Newsletter of Church of the Savior

Legacy Camp 1-3

Costa Rica 4

Budget 5-6

Upcoming Events 7

Finances 7

Inside this issue:

Page 2 The Family Times

Samantha Filer

Q: If someone asked you about your experience this summer, what’s the first story that

comes to mind?

A: My mind runs in a thousand different directions, but one that sticks out was during

the first week of camp. I was sick the first two days and came back refreshed but also

out of the loop. My small group was an especially poignant point of excitement and

worry, for I received the privilege of being with several amazing girls for the times allotted. I slowly got to know

them better, but the vulnerability started on Thursday when we discussed the word of the day, “Stuff”. One of

the girls lowered her crochet and stated, “This is where we share the deep stuff, right?” All of them opened up in

incredible ways, particularly one friend whose hand I got to hold as I comforted her saying it was safe for her to

cry here, and as I allowed God to speak Himself into her situation. I only had known her for two days. She was

absent the final day of camp, but she sent a beautiful, encouraging letter to me that built me up where I was

crumbling and revealed an observant and gentle spirit. I was able to write her back, and now pray for her, hoping

that someday we many meet again.

Alex Sharp Q: How has your Legacy experience changed your perceptions changed about yourself?

A: My perception of myself was grown in a way that I expected to experience yet didn’t

anticipate to be such a big change. I think I was in a unique situation this summer with

Briana being pregnant. I had to find a way to balance my life in a more supportive,

husbandly role than I thought would be needed or possible to do. But it was life-giving

and great! I am so glad that I was given the capacity to be the husband I needed to be

for Bri during legacy camp thanks to the community and strategic placement God put

me in.

Kiana Broadley Q: How has your Legacy experience changed your perceptions changed about God?

A: This summer it became more apparent to me that God wants to bless His people. One

specific way I saw this was through and opportunity I had and took to connect to one of the

campers who needed someone to talk to. I believe that I was a blessing to her, but I also felt

privileged to be trusted enough to learn about her life. Through this God made it clear puts

us in the places he wants us to be with the skills he has given us so that we can do the work

he wants us to do. If we follow through on the nudges, I believe that God blesses us and

gives us courage to continue to work as he sees fit.

Reflections from the Legacy ArtCore

Page 3 Left: Two of the three camp-wide original murals created by Legacy campers. Right: A short story written and performed by Legacy camper, Joshua Marshall.

Summer 2015 Page 3

Our Soul

By Joshua Marshall

I am an old house. Some say I’m scary, some I’m haunted. I am

neither of those. Let me tell you who I am.

100 years ago, my foundation was laid. I was the product of a hard-

working man’s vision for his family to have redemption, to know

more than he did. My early memories are of warmth and care.

1935, grandma has died and dad is in the military for the war ef-

fort, mom is working in the factories, and I am deserted, my family

left me for the city. I sat untouched, unnoticed for another 15

years.

1950, my rooms are filled again with laughter and warmth. A

brand new family, a new life. I can now enjoy the perks of having a

family! Birthdays in my hallways, weddings in my living room. Sure-

ly my family will never leave me.

1957, murder. Blood covers my hallways, no voice is heard, only

silence. My dream is destroyed. I have now witnessed my first mur-

der. No more laughter, nothing. My halls will now be empty. Lone-

liness lurks inside me again. How could he? How could he steal my

happiness?

1965, I have a new crowd now. They call themselves hippies. They

are destroying my house! My walls are stained with smoke and the

parties have totally ruined my fresh wood floors.

1980, my first renovation! My whole structures feel fresh and anew.

New paint, new wood, new windows! Everything old has gone and

new has come. I have plug-ins and these things called telephones

it’s all so new and fresh!

1995, divorce. It ruins everything. One crack weakens the whole

foundation, the whole structure. I’ll leave that for you to interpret.

2015, where I am today. To you I look haunted, with my fractured

windows, chipped paint. I will decline to share who my last occu-

pant was.

The moral of this story: Some say I am a haunted house, some say

I’m scary. Let me tell you who I really am. I’m very much like your

soul. We have seasons of joy, seasons of sadness, or maybe even

anger. Our anger, unattended, will leave blood. The smoke of sin

covers its walls and we all try to cover it up. We try to get new

friends and we even think that if we just get that job, that new out-

fit, we will be happy or even better than we were before. Some even

have the audacity to say that they are filling that hole we have, that

we are more complete than before. Let me tell you: Nothing can

fulfill you, or make you better than the blood of Jesus. He is our

complete remodeling. Our complete renovation. He renews our

lives and makes us wholesome.

Let. Him. Come. Into you. Forever.

Page 4 The Family Times

Costa Rica was full of God's beauty all around.... Except for zip-lining... and the Tarzan

swing. Cause that stuff is just scary. It was amazing to see the people's reactions when we

would sing. They were moved to the point of tears, and you sense the Spirit in our

performances. It was an amazing experience! —Mary Beth Byers

The “Ticos” and “Ticas” of Costa Rica had an amazing knack at

bringing me out of my comfort level and into a totally green world full of delicious

food and beautiful people. I now know God has given Latin American cultures a

unique place in my heart. I can’t wait to go back. –Luke Taylor Gilstrap

All the houses in Costa Rica are quite small, but they are vibrant with all kinds of colors and

patterns, each home reflecting something of a personal or familial touch. It seemed to me

while I was there that Costa Ricans, while unbelievably kind, were all unique in themselves,

just like their homes. It was very difficult to leave such a beautiful place, one that I now feel

especially connected to (my heart forever leans in the direction of those “Ticas”). But through

that experience I learned that beautiful places are simply made up of beautiful people filled

with beautiful intentions. I seek to be one of those people wherever I am. Christ’s pure light is

there in the faces of my new friends and is here, too, in places we often forget to look. Costa

Rica refreshed my ability to seek His face. –Megan Taylor Gilstrap

Costa Rica was my first out-of-country trip and I could not have imagined a better first

experience! We traveled to mountains, rain forests, the beach, and different cities, but the

most amazing part of the trip was getting to know the culture. The people were so welcoming

and friendly and it was a blessing to be immersed in their culture for ten days. —Lisa Paine

Costa Rica is full of color, inspiration, and perspiration. It was an incredible gift to be

introduced to such a vibrant culture. It had a way of drawing every little emotion out of you;

inviting you to join in the dance. The people were so hospitable and quick to share with us. I

had a great time! —Justin Meyer

Some Words on Costa Rica by The Singing Quakers

Summer 2015 Page 5

LG: What does increasing the budget mean for everyone as

a whole? (i.e. what do laypeople need to do to meet the rais-

ing standards of the budget)

CO: I think it means that everyone in the congregation

needs to ask God about their financial giving to the church

and other organizations and to trust that God is going to

invite them into financial giving. When you ask God, “Hey,

what should I do with my money?” God always has ideas!

We need to ask “What does it mean to actually trust God

with our money, whether we’re a broke college student or

the owner of a successful business?”

JP: I think the increased budget means increased input and

involvement from our entire church family. I love that we

take so much ownership of our activities and ministries with-

out having a lead pastor directing everything. I feel that it

allows for more people to get involved and not simply con-

sume at church. Our budget is relatively small for a church

our size, mostly due to not paying a full time pastor salary

and benefits. However, payroll is still the largest percentage

of our budget, we employ around 8 people on a part-time

basis to take care of necessary church functions. At this time,

all of our employees are members of our congregation; I love

that!

SL: In the past, we have used a lot of people that volun-

teered for things. Sometimes they were paid, but mostly they

donated a lot of time. As our church is now, we need to be

able to pay some people for the extensive time they’re put-

ting into our church. I’m thinking specifically of Alex and

Briana Sharp.

LG: What do you wish more people knew about the nature

of church budgets? Are church budgets any different than

any other kind of budgeting?

JP: The trustees really take seriously trying to develop and

plan the best we can with the financial gifts that we receive.

We prayerfully and carefully consider increases and decreas-

es to the projected budget each year. We spend our meeting

time over several months reviewing current and past expend-

itures trying to make sure that we have accurate estimates for

spending. It’s hard to forecast what will be given in any

year. Tithes and offerings freely given are our only source of

income, so we trust that God is leading us as we set our

budget and we have faith that people will give to meet that

budget.

SL: Church budgets reflect the changes that take place every

year in the congregation. Like Lifecare, for example. These

changes cause the board to regularly reassess who we are as a

church and what our priorities are.

CO: When creating out budget, we take a look at what we

have spent in years past, where we could make reasonable

cuts, and then try to guess what the next year is going to

bring. In that regard, it’s not much different from how I

operate my personal budget, except I have much more con-

trol over my personal budget than the church has over the

church budget. The church budget takes a lot of communi-

cation from all different parts of the church and understand-

ing when people might have to change their plans or come

up with a different kind of solution to obtain the resources

they would like. I guess it just requires more “big picture”

thinking and more communication between people’s needs,

hopes, and emergencies. Also, where my budget has a

monthly cycle, it’s helpful to remember the church budget

has a yearly cycle, where one expenditure can impact some-

thing six months down the road.

LG: What project(s) are you most excited about in the up-

coming year?

CO: The thing I’m most excited about isn’t necessarily in-

volving money but is really just about energizing people to

be involved in this community. I mean, like Marion Blakely

who signed up to be kitchen cleaner, and does a great job

with it, and even signed up to bring a side dish to the pot-

luck—like, who is this kid?! Or people who are a part of Dia-

konos who’ve only been a part of COTS for about a year

and are taking active roles in planning worship services and

creative collaboration like Rachel Ukens or Kyle Howe. Our

community is kind of on this growth line, needing to start

passing off some of the vision and dreams to younger genera-

tions, whether that’s people in their forties, twenties, howev-

er you want to define that. We want to create space for our

growing lay leadership to be able to do things that might re-

quire money.

A Budget Q&A by Luke Gilstrap, Cora Olson, Jeanette Parker, and Steve Lewallen

JP: Two things I’m excited about. First, our church is grow-

ing! We have so many babies and children that we have to

expand our nursery and Sunday school classes. We need

people of all ages in our church and all different life situa-

tions. I’m single and childless myself, but I’m excited to see

this mini baby boom taking place and feel that it’s important

to provide care and education for the families at our church.

Second, I’m glad to see the youth group expanding beyond

our traditional middle/high school youth. There are plans

in place to begin a new group for young adults (both in col-

lege and not in college). I think it’s important to have some-

thing in place to encourage and minister to these young

adults as they transition from high school to adulthood.

However, these things do take funding. We had a lot of

great discussion amongst the trustees, with representatives

from the pastor’s and the people who’ll be leading the

groups. I think this input helps us to place a dollar value (or

budget line item) for these projects.

SL: The building budget—we don’t have much in that this

year. Legacy is consistently exciting and inspirational to me

when I see the gifts they’re using in that ministry and how

our church continues to be motivated by it.

LG: My favorite question: What do you think our budget says

about our church? (What we find important, what we want

to accomplish, etc.)

CO: I think part of what is unique about our church budget

this year is we are putting more money into the church’s

youth. We’re acknowledging the very unique needs and the

importance of investing in them. We are creating positions

to fill the needs of the church—our expansive nursery, our

growing Godly play and youth ministry programs. We have

eleven staff positions now, and six of those are geared to-

ward meeting the needs of the youth. Beyond that, six of our

current eight staff are 25 and under. I think that says some-

thing about our focus, about wanting to invite the younger

generation into leadership. By paying our staff, we’re ac-

knowledging that these people are investing in our commu-

nity and we want to invest in them. Looking at who they are

and why we hire them I think says a lot about who we are.

SL: While we are frugal, and have been conservative, we

spend a lot of time and energy on the things that matter to

us. Legacy is important to us. Higher use in older church.

Our priorities are on our future/youth and are not on the

money that it takes to operate. It’s always helpful to have

more money, but we’ve never been a church with high

means and we’ve learned out how to get by.

JP: I think our budget shows that we operate with an atti-

tude of faith and trust in God to meet our financial needs. I

also feel that it shows we depend on the people in our

church to contribute in a variety of ways, not just with finan-

cial gifts, but with something even more valuable: their time

and energy.

Page 6 The Family Times

Budget Cont. from Pg. 5

875 Spaulding Wichita, KS

Phone: 316-263-2391 E-mail: office@cotsks.com Website: www.cotsks.com

A Newsletter Of Church of the Savior Summer 2015 Page 7

SUNDAY

6

September

Final Bible Quiz and all COTS

Potluck

Fri-Sat

2-3

October

Women’s Retreat

Sunday

13

September

Congregational Meeting

(fellowship time)

and Progression Sunday

Upcoming Events

COTS current financial status

from Michael Mitchell May 31 2015 June 30 2015 July 31 2015

income to date for current fiscal year: 75,688.17 80,339.80 6,867.93

expenses to date for current fiscal year: 69,944.32 76,140.15 10,394.13

net income/(deficit): 5,743.85 4,199.65 (3,526.20)

avg donations per week this month: 1,604.60 1,140.90 1,716.50

avg weekly donations to meet budget: 1,678.93 1,678.93 1,786.81

available cash on hand: 32,868.22 31,238.09 27,715.09