www.sselca.com - sselca@yahoo.com

The Friendly Visitor ST. STEPHEN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA NEWSLETTER

FEB 2019

ISSUE 2

VOL 47

Semi Annual

Congregational Meeting

on February

24th at 9:15 in the

Fellowship Hall

Donations of non

perishables can be used

for our food pantry.

This will be open every

Wednesday from 9-11.

If you or someone you

know needs help please

come by.

Volunteers needed

Red Cross Blood Drive

Monday, February 11

2-6:30 in FH

CCM Food Drive in

February - Canned

Vegetables

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Phone: 828-322-3211 E-mail: sselca@yahoo.com Website: www.sselca.com 8:00 a.m.—Worship Service 9:15 a.m.—Sunday School 10:30 a.m.—Worship Service

Pastor: The Rev. Greg Brown Administrative Assistant: Barbara Gilbert Choir Director: Brent Talley Organist: Marc Longlois Sexton: Bobby Elmore Council President: Gene Frye Council Vice President: Linda Baker Council Secretary: Kim Frankel Treasurer: Brenda Duncan

Where to find it and Who to talk to….

In this issue… Parish Leadership

3 Pastor’s Page

4 Council Minutes

7 Servants

8 Birthdays/Anniversaries

9 Calendar

10 Prayers

11 Announcements

Pastor’s Page

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

The other day I was scrolling through Facebook, and something caught my attention. I’m a part

of a group of clergy who participate in a discussion thread about “Things They Didn’t Teach Us

in Seminary.” The post that caught my eye was asking other pastors to share some of the more

ridiculous reasons about why people leave the church. Here are some examples:

Too much bible. (I guess the Old Testament, Epistle, and Gospel lessons are too much)

The pastor didn’t speak to me in the grocery store.

The church used the wrong kind of mayo to make sandwiches for their outreach meal.

Served communion too frequently.

The pastor smiled too much.

The parking lot is too big.

The pastor used the “wrong” bible translation.

Someone wore blue jeans to church.

Too many children in worship.

The pastor was too “preachy”

Too many hypocrites.

I don’t like the new donuts being served at coffee hour.

The doors of the church were painted a color other than red.

If you’re thinking to yourself, “those things seem absolutely ridiculous,” then you’re

absolutely right. If you read the examples that I just listed, you’ll notice that they all have

something in common: they’re individual opinions. Certainly we all have opinions about what

we think church should be like, what worship itself should be like, and those can be really good

things. But when we allow the church to become something that we consume (like

entertainment), then we’ve lost the connection to why we’re actually here in the first place.

I’ve often said that church (and worship) isn’t about you. I was once told by a church

member that they “didn’t like worship this morning.” My response was to tell them “that’s good,

because we weren’t worshipping you.” Our worship is about God—the creator of the universe

who has redeemed us and claimed us as God’s own children. We are never the emphasis of our

worship.

The thing that worship does do that is beneficial to us is that it binds us together for the

church’s mission in the world. When we gather for worship, we share in the Lord’s supper, and

find our common identity as God’s children, called, gathered, and sent for the sake of the

world. Everything we do has a reason and purpose that directly connects us with God’s ever-

unfolding story of redeeming the world through Jesus.

So dear friends, if you ever catch yourself in the trap of thinking that you simply don’t like

something, let’s talk about it and discover together why it is that we do what we do, so that

worship becomes more about God and less about us.

May peace be the journey,

Pastor Greg+

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St. Stephens ELCA Council

Minutes of Monthly Meeting January 13, 2019

The meeting was called to order by President Gene Frye. Thirteen members were present.

Pastor Greg Brown led discussion of Chapter 6 of the book The Mission Table.

Approval of Minutes

After an amendment to change the word scrap to scrape in the New Business section, a motion

was made by Vickie Eckard and seconded by Barry Sullivan to approve the December 2018

minutes. Voted and approved.

Pastor’s Report: Copy on file

The Pastor will take two weeks of his previously discussed and approved four week

paternal leave when the baby arrives and two weeks when Leah returns to work.

Planning for Lenten services has begun

A motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Kim Long to accept Don and Julia

Payne and Rachel and Harry Reep into membership at St. Stephens Lutheran Church ELCA

by Affirmation of Faith. Voted and approved.

Treasurer’s Report: Copy on file

Reports from Ministry Teams:

Christian Education No meeting

Congregational Life No meeting

Evangelism

Approved the cost of $300 for advertising on St. Stephen’s High School athletic shirts.

Finance No meeting

Property

Bruce Godfrey will clear the parking lot in case of snow.

Painting of directional arrows on parking lot has not been resolved.

Gene Frye will contact the City of Hickory about improving the apron into the parking lot.

Duke Energy has been contacted and will be coming to perform an energy efficiency survey.

Centro Latino is going to install a video doorbell at their expense. The doorbell will be

labeled for Centro Latino use only.

Social Ministry No meeting

Stewardship No meeting

Worship & Music

Met to choose hymns.

Youth No meeting

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Old Business

The delivery of the columbaria was delayed, and now is rescheduled for the week of January

13-20, 2019.

Pastor Greg and Peggy Barger discussed several options for the memorial gift of $10,000 for

George Barger. Peggy liked using the funds for either improving the lighting in the sanctuary

or improving the sanctuary sound system. After discussion it was decided that the best use

of the funds would be as seed money for a new sound system. We have one estimate for a

sound system in the amount of $21,299.36. We will obtain another estimate and then the

Worship and Music Committee will select the vendor.

A motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Linda Baker to use the $10,000 as seed

money for a new sound system and ask the congregation to contribute the remaining amount

in the form of special offerings. The project would be pending approval by a congregational

vote and raising funds to complete the purchase.

**A motion was made by Linda Baker and seconded by Pastor Greg to extend the meeting. Voted

and approved**

A motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Barry Sullivan to nominate Kathy Powell

to serve on the Staff Support Committee for the 2019-2021 term and to nominate Donald

Bumgarner to serve as a trustee on the Endowment Fund Board of Trustees for the 2019-

2021 term. Voted and approved.

We have two estimates for the repair of the gym roof. After receiving a more detailed

estimate from one of the vendors the council will vote by email to choose a vendor.

**Motion was made by Gene Frye and seconded by Pastor Greg to extend the meeting. Voted

and approved**

A motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Barry Sullivan to nominate Kathy Powell

to serve on the Staff Support Committee for the 2019-2021 term and to nominate Donald

Bumgarner to serve as a trustee on the Endowment Fund Board of Trustees for the 2019-

2021 term. Voted and approved.

We have two estimates for the repair of the gym roof. After receiving a more detailed

estimate from one of the vendors the council will vote by email to choose a vendor.

**Motion was made by Gene Frye and seconded by Pastor Greg to extend the meeting. Voted

and approved**

New Business

Ministry team council liaisons for 2019 are:

Christian Education Kim Long

Congregational Life Vickie Eckard

Evangelism Carol Talley

Finance Lora Huhn

Property Corky Miller

Social Ministry Chuck Witherspoon

Stewardship Phil Barton

Worship and Music Barry Sullivan

Youth Dustin Rushing

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A motion was made by Barry Sullivan and seconded by Linda Baker to ratify the distribution

of $424 from the Outside Endowment fund to a nonmember for an emergency need.

Voted and approved.

**A motion was made by Chuck Witherspoon and seconded by Kim Long to extend the

meeting. Voted and approved**

The annual council retreat will be held on March 10, 2019. Members will eat lunch

together after the 10:30 worship service, then return to the church for an afternoon of

planning and business.

The semiannual congregational meeting will be held at 9:15AM on February 24 in the

fellowship hall.

Our insurance renewal for 2019 had an increase of $760.80. After discussion, it was

decided to stay with the company and if there is an increase next year we will investigate

other options.

**A motion was made by Chuck Witherspoon and seconded by Linda Baker to extend the

meeting. Voted and approved**

A motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Gene Frye to add the following

continuing resolution to Chapter 4 of the church constitution. Any such organizations

within the congregation that have separate banking accounts shall be required to have the

congregation’s Treasurer listed as one of the signatories on said account. Voted and

approved.

The Executive committee will meet with members from the Men’s Breakfast Group to

resolve the issue of remaining funds from the dissolved group.

Adjournment

A motion was made by Corky MIller and seconded by Vickie Eckard to adjourn the meeting.

Voted and approved.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Gene Frye, President

Kim Frankel, Secretary

Minutes have not been approved by the Church Council.

Reminders:

Next Council Meeting – February 10, 2019 at 6:00PM.

Copies of Pastor’s Report, Treasurer’s Report and ministry team report are available upon

request from the Church Council Secretary.

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GREETER—8:00 LAY READER—8:00 NURSERY– 8:00

3 Regina Reece Diane Hefner Cathy Ollis 10 Cathy Fox Robert Ollis Regina Reece 17 Joel/Donna Specht Ann Kraft Sharon Miller 24 Bill/Joyce Stinson Ramona Baker Sukie Rushing

WORSHIP ASSISTANT— 10:30 ACOLYTE—10:30 NURSERY - 10:30

3 Robert Ollis Kara Ramsey Lora Huhn 10 Terry Gilbert Mia Sexton Carolyn Haas/Kara 17 Brenda Duncan Katie Ramsey Pat Patton 24 Terry Gilbert Hayden Huhn Barbara Gilbert

LAY READER—10:30 COMMUNION ASSISTANT- 10:30 ALTAR ASSISTANT

3 Linda Baker Vickie Eckard & Cathy Baker Kim Frankel 10 Brent Talley Kathy Smith 17 Brenda Duncan Carla Tucker

24 Terry Gilbert Judy Fincannon

SOUND CONTROL - 10:30 ALTAR GUILD

3 Wayne Long Tiffani Bolick & Chris Witherspoon 10 Chuck Witherspoon 17 Bruce Godfrey 24 Chad Putnam USHERS

*Greg Deitz, *Steve Baker, Jacky Baker, Ben Huhn, Dennis Eckard, Phil Barton

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Servants of the Lord

Celebrations!

Lifting up those who celebrate

this month…

Birthdays Anniversaries

2 Rebecca Sigmon 5 Steve & Cathy Baker

5 Leesa Godfrey 11 Terry & Barbara Gilbert

6 Jim Edwards

8 Janie Ward

9 Bill Duncan

13 Emerson Phadke

14 Doris Jones

16 Bill Stinson, Joyce Travis

17 Greg Brown, Cathy Ollis

21 Dustin Rushing, Donna Specht

27 Nathaniel Valko

28 Pat Hedrick, Martha Killian

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Sunday CCM Food Drive

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday 1

Saturday

2

3 8 Worship -Chapel 9:15 Childrens Music 9:15 SS & B Care 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary

4 5:30 Zumba FH 7 Sarah Circle

5 10 Mary Circle 4-6 ESL-FH 7 Men’s BBall

6 5:30 Chapel Singers 6-7 ESL-Classroom 6:30 Handbells 7:30 Chancel Choir

7 7 Men’s BBall

8

9 4 Fellowship Club- Harbor Inn 5:30 Friends in Faith- Cpts Galley

10 8 Worship -Chapel 9:15 Childrens Music 9:15 SS & B Care 9:15 Property 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary 6 Council

11 2-6:30 Red Cross Blood Drive - FH 5:30 Zumba FH

12 830 Good Cheer 4-6 ESL-FH 7 Men’s BBall 7 Creative Christians

13 5:30 Chapel Singers 6 Centro Latino Board 6:30 Handbells 7:30 Chancel Choir

14 7 Men’s BBall

15

16

17 8 Worship -Chapel 9:15 Childrens Music 9:15 SS & B Care 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary 2 Christian Ed

18 5:30 Zumba FH

19 4-6 ESL-FH 7 Men’s BBall

20 5:30 Chapel Singers 6-7 ESL-Classroom 6:30 Handbells 7:30 Chancel Choir

21 7 Men’s BBall

22

23

24 8 Worship -Chapel 9:15 Childrens Music 9:15 Semi Annual Mtg - FH 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary 2 Worship & Music 4:30 Property

25 5:30 Zumba FH

26 4-6 ESL-FH 7 Men’s BBall 7 Creative Christians

27 5:30 Chapel Singers 6:30 Handbells 7:30 Chancel Choir

28 7 Men’s BBall

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Remember in Prayer

In Nursing Homes:

Trinity Village (Lutheran Home, Springs Road) -

Earlene Newton - #902 (Dogwood), Juanita Deitz - #607, Edith Icard - #608,

Ralph Baker - #406

Trinity Ridge (Mountain View) Tammy Falcone - #708

At Home: Catherine Morgan, Jay Lee Eckard

Family and Friends: Janet Stinson, Leon Baker, Julie Kanipe, Ruth Dietz, Linda

Richards, Nancy Jo Brooks, Elbert Pope, Susan Hoke Lee, Anne Williams, Jackston

Brown, Vickie Morgan, Nancy & Dee Dee Pope, Viola Gross, Beverly Edwards,

Larry Cook, Mindy Herman, Frank & Pat Hedrick, Susan Shelor, Anita Isenhour,

Margie Isenhour, Mary Ann Wrenn, Joyce Travis, Frances Landaas, Mary Alice

Punch, Joyce Odell, Mary Alice Punch, Larry Krueger, Kim Ramsey -

Nell Davis, Kay Lafone, Glenn Hathcock, Denise Baker, Joy Stroup, Glen Shoaf,

Rachel Hubbard, Robin Teeter, Carol Huffman, Mary Ann Crouch, Jackie Black,

Summer Collins, Noah Collins, Linda Herman, Bill Brown, Katherine Reed, Jerry

Hefner, Inez Gilbert

Others: All those affected by the violence in our country and abroad, All who

are hungry, All who are homeless

Bereavement: The Family of Gaither Tolbert, The Family of Essie Weaver,

The Family of Terry Tribble, The Family of Dr. James Wotring

Global Missions: Stephen Bryant, Sean Bryant, Will Duncan

Armed Forces:

U.S. Navy: PO3 Logan Miller, Little Creek, VA; IS2 Chris Powell, Jacksonville FL;

CPO Matt Creech, Bahrain; UNSN Madison Patton, CA

U.S. Marines: Cpl. Andy Hance, Hawaii; Captain Nathan Carpenter; Cpt. John

Teague, Kuwait; Staff Sgt. Justin Curl, Cherry Point, NC

U.S. Air Force Nathan Bridges, (Ret.- Hungary)

Please contact the church office to make changes to this list

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The Semi Annual Congregational Meeting will be at 9:15 On February 24th

in the Fellowship Hall.

***

The Mary Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 5th at 10 am in the

Conference Room.

***

The Sarah Circle will meet Monday, February 4th at 7 pm in the Fellowship

Hall

***

Friends in Faith will meet Saturday, February 9th

at 5:30 pm at Captain’s

Galley. Please RSVP to Betty Ann Crump or Janice Eckard by Wednesday,

February 6th. Hosts Janice & Kenny Eckard

***

Please join us Saturday February 9th at 4:00 at Harbor Inn for Fellowship

Club

***

Thank you to everyone for all the cards, letters, and messages. They are

appreciated so much. Kim Ramsey

***

Thank you to all that helped with Baby Tucker’s shower that was

sponsored by the Mary and Sarah circles.

***

Thank you to Good Cheer and the Women’s Ministry for the gift card and

the cards and visits. Mary Alice Punch

***

Shortly after the announcement of Pastor Greg’s growing family, the

church council voted to approve the synod’s recommendation for parental

leave. When Tucker makes his appearance Pastor Greg will take 2 weeks

off and when Leah returns to work he will take the other 2 weeks of the 4

week recommendation.

***

If you leave a note for the office, please sign it. That way if there is any

question about the information you can be contacted.

***

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Via de Cristo, "The Way of Christ" is a highly structured three-day weekend

retreat designed to strengthen and renew the faith of Christian people and

bring them to a new awareness of living in God's grace.

The retreat is intended for lay people from every walk of life, for pastors, for

people who live strong and active lives in Christ, and also for those who seek

to be renewed and strengthened in their relationship with Christ and the

people around them. It is open to married couples as well as single men and

women.

A Via de Cristo retreat includes Christian fellowship, worship, and instruction,

led by lay people and clergy and concentrates on the person and teachings of

Jesus Christ. Special focus is placed on the spiritual renewal of the

church, family and community.

Please join us on a Via de Cristo retreat for a grace-filled, spiritual renewal

through a closer walk with Christ.

Via de Cristo retreats are held at Bethelwoods Camp & Conference Center.

Each retreat begins on Thursday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. The cost

for first time attendees is $90.

Upcoming Retreat Dates:

February 28- March 3, 2019 (men)

March 21 - 24, 2019 (women)

April 4- 7, 2019 (co-ed)

for additional information please contact:

Brenda Duncan 828-228-4116

or visit our web site at:

www.wncvdc.org and click on "What is Via de Cristo?"

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Western North Carolina Lutheran Via de Cristo

We have a food pantry here at our church that we co-sponsor with Centro Latino.

Non perishable, easy to use items are available for those that are homeless, as

well as other non perishable food items for those that are able to prepare meals

at home but need some extra help. If you or someone you know is having

difficulties please let them know about the Pantry. Beginning in February it will

be open every Wednesday morning from 9-11 at the back door.

If you are interested in volunteering with this ministry, please let Ruth know. Or

you may leave your name and number in the office and Ruth will be in touch to

schedule you. Ruth Trott 828-330-0477

***

Lenten Meals will be prepared again this year. They will be served between 5

and 6 before our 6:00 Lenten Service. Groups within the church are being asked

to sign up for a week to prepare and serve a meal. Please call the office to sign

up. Mar. 13,20,27 April 3,10.

***

This past December the Women’s Ministry and Social Ministry sponsored Project

Help. This was promoted throughout the community as well as 2 schools. There

were many items given away such as coats, hats and blankets, as well as food

to prepare a meal. We are planning to do this again this year. At this time we are

starting to collect items to prepare for it. In March we will start with coats, hats,

gloves, scarves and socks. You may bring these items to the tubs in the office

hallway. Any questions you may speak to Carol Talley or Barbara Gilbert.

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