Apostles Lutheran Church, ELCA

Pastor Jim’ “Believing in Projects”

Cover & 2

Good News! 2

ELCA & LWR 2

February Sermon Series 3

Lent 3

Sermon Series

Soup Suppers

Nurse’s Notes 4

Something for Everyone 5

A-Men

Keenagers

Women’s Night Out

February Calendar 6 & 7

Discipleship Opportunities 8

Living Christ’s Love

Donate Blood

Children’s Choir 9

Apostles Business Members 10

Council Meeting 10

Birthdays 11

Altar Flowers 11

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

Apostles Lutheran Church, ELCA

The Epistle

February 2017

The mission of Apostles Lutheran Church

is to be and make disciples for Christ.

February 18, 2017

“Believing in Projects”

Dear friends,

“When we go into that new project,

we believe in it all the way. We have

confidence in our ability to do it

right.” -Walt Disney

Words fall short in describing the

scope, influence and positive

impression that the works of Walt

Disney and the Disney company has

had upon the world. With the

opening of Disneyland in 1955,

millions would see iconic buildings

and experience the wonder and

magic of Disney.

Years were devoted to planning

such a building project. There was a

vision that guided the work:

Establish a theme park that allowed

people to leave the world and

experience a new reality. It was a

grand project that garnered

pervasive support and it’s reality is

nothing short of inspiring.

At Apostles, our Operations Team

has been diligently working on

assessing our campus, developing a

priority list of projects, and deciding

on how best to move forward. We

have been fortunate to have an

array of volunteers assist in

designated projects, which has been

wonderful!

Here at the onset of 2017, it is a

fitting time to be intentional in

casting a plan to address key

projects. Some of these projects have

been addressed with short-term

fixes. With the passing of time those

fixes are proving ineffective and a

grander effort is necessary.

I hope you attend the forum titled

“Design on a Dime” on Sunday,

February 5th from 9:50am-10:30am.

Members of our Operations Team

will provide an overall assessment

of our campus, list projects by order

of priority, and answer your

questions. I believe transparency

is important and informing

everyone about the overall health of

our campus is essential.

Continued on next page.

APOSTLES EPISTLE February

Continued from front page.

Our Operations Team will be meeting with a

representative from the ELCA on February 21st,

where that individual will provide an “outsider”

assessment of our property and develop his list of

projects based on priority. I believe his input will be

greatly beneficial to our planning.

I hope you attend the forum on February 5th, since

you are a key member of our congregation and

your faithful support is essential for our strength

and vitality in ministry!

I am grateful for the diligent efforts of those on our

Operations Team. I look forward to the next steps

in addressing key building projects on our campus!

Pastor Jim

“Be Rich” Stewardship: Good News! If you were not able to attend the congregation meeting on January 22, you missed hearing some great news! Our

“Be Rich” stewardship pledge totals for 2017 totaled $270,021. Our pledge total from 2016 was $188,796. We have

an $81,000 increase in financial commitment to the mission and ministry of Apostles compared to last year!

Thank you for your generous commitments!

Facts about the ELCA

At the Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 22, the following was asked: “What is the status of

congregations in the ELCA?” Here are some facts:

*The number of ELCA congregations has decreased from 10,549 to 9,392

*Average income for a congregation decreased from $151,000-$117,000

*Average worship attendance decreased from 91-70.

*Since 2013, there has been an average of 400+ clergy retirements compared to 200+ ordinations each year.

For the Florida-Bahamas Synod, there are 31 growing congregations, 21 stable congregations and

128 congregations that have experienced decline from 2010-2015.

Lutheran World Relief Update

January 12 marked the seventh anniversary of the devastating 2010 earthquake in Haiti that

caused so much death and suffering for people who were already living in extreme poverty.

In response to the earthquake, Lutheran World Relief received a tremendous response from its

constituents. Prior to this disaster, LWR had been supporting small rural development projects

in Haiti for 14 years. With the influx of funding following the earthquake, LWR developed a strategy of immediate

response and rehabilitation that built on our existing local and international relationships and avoided duplication of

other efforts. These resources also allowed LWR to establish a physical presence and

transition to a long-term program focused on economic development and climate

change adaptation for Haiti’s rural small farm enterprises.

Check out the copy of the fact sheet that presents a snapshot of LWR’s work in Haiti

over the last six years on the bulletin board outside the office. You can also pick one up

in the church lobby, or go to https://lwr.org/wp-content/uploads/Haiti-Six-Year-

Report.pdf to see how, with your generous help, LWR makes a difference in the world.


February Sermon Series: Life Apps

There are hundreds of thousands of phone apps available for download. These

apps can be used to wake you up, to show you where to shop, to help you count

calories, or to log your exercise minutes. But they can’t actually make you get up,

control your spending, manage your diet, or force you to exercise.

The App Store isn’t the only place you can find apps. Did you know that the Bible

has also given us many “apps” to enhance and improve our lives?

In a 3-part sermon series (Feb. 5th,12th,19th) , Pastor Jim will share three life applications worth living by: The

Forgiveness App, the Rest App, and the Encouragement App.

Sermon Series for Lent:

Games People Play

All are invited to attend our 6:30pm

Wednesday worship gatherings during Lent

beginning with Ash Wednesday on March 1st.

Our Wednesday evenings will be marked by a

new sermon series titled “Games People Play”.

Pastor Jim will be focusing on a particular

board game each week and relate it to a

spiritual discipline. The series will include:

March 1st: Twister

March 8th: Monopoly

March 15th: Scrabble

March 22nd: Family Feud

March 29th: Operation

April 5th: Sorry!

During Lent, from Ash Wednesday, March 1

through Wednesday, April 5

we will have Soup & Bread

Suppers before Worship.

Soup will be ready at 5:45 PM

in Theisz Hall. Come for supper

and then Worship at 6:30 PM.

Would you like to provide soup or dessert for one of our

Lenten Suppers? We ask that you bring the soup warmed

in a crockpot by 5:30 PM and dessert (brownies, cookies,

something very easy) by 5:45 PM.

Bread and drinks are provided.

We would like to have three soups for each Wednesday

in Lent except Ash Wednesday. On Ash Wednesday we

need at least six soups.

Please contact Liz Jimenez in the church office (813-689-

2571 or email [email protected]) or sign-up

outside the lobby on Sunday mornings February 5th

through Lent.

Ash Wednesday, March 1st - Liz Jimenez, Ham & Pea

Soup and Spanish Bean Soup;

Kit O’Rourke, Brunswick Stew; ???

Wednesdays, March 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th, & April 5th.


It’s February already.

February is National Health Month. You can make

healthy changes to lower your risk of developing

heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk

factors is also important for people who already

have heart disease. To lower your risk:

Watch your weight.

Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand

smoke.

Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.

Get active and eat healthy.

Lower your use of salt and use other spices

instead.

I bet that some of the above were on your list of

New Year’s resolutions. Two of the most common

resolutions are to exercise more & to eat healthier.

How are you coming with that?

The Mayo Clinic, American Heart Association, and

Cancer associations advise that people need 150

minutes of moderate (walking) or 75 minutes of

vigorous (running) exercise per week. It’s also

advised that strength training be done 3 times a

week. Are you keeping up?

There are a multitude of advertisements for gym

memberships and home exercise equipment; but

there are many less expensive options available:

How about going for a walk? Don’t want walk

outside. Go to the area mall and walk there.

The mall opens its doors early for “mall-walkers”.

It works well for people because it is level and,

most importantly in Florida, climate controlled.

Would you be interested in learning Indian

native dance? This provides gentle stretching

and balance control. We can set up classes if there

is an interest.

Have you begun eating healthier, or are you

reading this as you eat a “baconator” cheeseburger

and fries? There is research that cancer can be

prevented up to 50% by what you eat.

There are new guidelines to help us lead healthier

lives. The guidelines propose that 2/3 of each meal

plate be covered with vegetables, fruit and healthy

grains (quinoa, oatmeal, barley, brown rice). Do

you have trouble with healthy meal planning?

There are an increasing number of companies that

offer meal planning and home delivery so that you

can make nutritious meals at home, without

having to go grocery shopping. HelloFresh, Home

Chef, Blue Apron, and Sun Basket are just a few.

Still need to get some extra steps? The Florida

State Fair will run this year from February 9-20.

You can get both your exercise and healthy eating

there. If you walk the entire fair, you will get more

than your share of steps. You can wander through

the exhibits, go see the animals, look at the

displays in Expo Hall, or spend time in Cracker

Country. Although you see multiple signs for

deep-fried anything glazed, you can actually find

some healthy options.

Also, I still have free passes available for the MAC

(at First Baptist Brandon) if you are interested.

Remember to have your blood pressure checked

on the third Sunday of the Month!

Stay Healthy,

Judy

On Friday, December 23 Apostles’

contemporary band ICHTHUS, combined

with St. Stephen’s Catholic Church band,

performed a Christmas concert to a full crowd in

our worship center. Not only were those here

treated to a show filled with beautiful sounds of

the season but, through a freewill offering, we

were able to send ECHO (Emergency Community

Help Organization of Brandon) a $910.00 donation.

Thank you to everyone who made this gift

possible.


Changes in February for Women’s Night Out

6:00 PM, February 12

Women’s Night Out, when Apostles’ women and their friends

get together for food, fun & fellowship, is usually on the first

Sunday of each month. That is changing for February. Since the

Super Bowl is the first Sunday in February, the ladies will go out

together on February 12th the second Sunday. Ladies, we will

meet at Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen on Brandon Blvd. at 6:00 PM. Call Debbie Nickeson, Women’s Night Out

coordinator, at 813-684-8587 or 813-220-0694, to let her know you want to join in the fun!

Ladies: Check out our website to see the list of all 2017 Women’s Night Out venues.

www. apostleslutheran.net

What Is Keenagers?

Keenagers is a group of Apostles men and

women, and their friends, age 50+ who usually

meet the third Thursday of each month for

socializing, food & fun. You do not have to be a

member of Apostles to attend.

On Thursday, February 16 at 12:00 PM in Theisz

Hall, they will get together for an

after-Valentines lunch hosted by Liz Jimenez

and Vicki Stevens. There will be ham, macaroni

and cheese, salad, bread and drinks. There may

even be an “old-fashioned sing-along”.

Feel free to bring a side dish or dessert to share.

Call Liz Jimenez in the office at 813-689-2571 to

let her know that you will be there.

Sunday Monday Tuesday

29 WORSHIP SERVICES 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Children's Church during both Worship services Confirmation Class, 9:45 AM (NT) 9:45 AM Christian Education 9:50 AM Adult Series - "Animate:Faith" (TH) 7:30 PM A.A. (TH )

30 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 7:00 PM Pack 110 Cub Scouts & Weblos (TH)

31 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM M.O.W. 2:00 PM Directory Pictures (TH) 6:15 PM Brownie Troop 3208 (Vestry) 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 (TH) 7:30 PM ICHTHUS (WC)

5 WORSHIP SERVICES 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Children's Church during both Worship services Confirmation Class, 9:45 AM (NT) 8:30 AM Blood Drive 9:45 AM Christian Education 9:50 AM Adult Forum - “Design on a Dime” 7:30 PM A.A. (TH )


7 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM M.O.W. 6:15 PM Brownie Troop 3208 (Vestry) 7:00 PM Faith Cultivation Mtg (Cafe) 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 (TH) 7:30 PM ICHTHUS (WC)

12 WORSHIP SERVICES 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Children's Church during both Worship services Confirmation Class, 9:45 AM (NT) Scout Sunday 9:45 AM Christian Education 9:50 AM Adult Series - "Animate:Faith" (TH) 6:00 PM Women's Night Out at Tibby's New Orleans Kitchen 7:30 PM A.A. (TH )


14 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 (TH) 7:30 PM ICHTHUS (WC)

19 WORSHIP SERVICES 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Children's Church during both Worship services Confirmation Class, 9:45 AM (NT) 9:45 AM Christian Education 9:50 AM Adult Series - "Animate:Faith" (TH) 7:30 PM A.A. (TH )


21 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM M.O.W. 10:00 AM Tampa Pastor's Conference Gathering 6:15 PM Brownie Troop 3208 (Vestry) 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 (TH) 7:30 PM ICHTHUS (WC)

26 WORSHIP SERVICES 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Children's Church during both Worship services Confirmation Class, 9:45 AM (NT) 9:45 AM Christian Education 9:50 AM Adult Series - "Animate:Faith" (TH) 10:20 AM Children’s Choir (Music Room) 7:30 PM A.A. (TH )


28 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM M.O.W. 7:30 PM BSA Troop 110 (TH) 7:30 PM ICHTHUS (WC)

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 2:00 PM Directory Pictures (TH) 6:30 PM 5th & 6th grade class (GR) 6:30 PM National Youth Gathering Meeting (Worship Center) 7:00 PM Operations Team Mtg. (Cafe) 7:30 PM Youth Group (TH)

2 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 10:00 AM Directory Pictures (TH) 6:30 PM GS Troop 3222 (PS) 7:00 PM Gloria Dei Choir (MR)

3 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 8:00 PM A.A. (Cafe)

4 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 8:00 AM A-Men Breakfast & Bible Study - (Cafe & Vestry)

8 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 6:30 PM 5th & 6th grade class (GR) 6:30 PM Confirmation (TH) 7:30 PM Youth Group (TH)

9 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 1:00 PM Rebecca's Circle (TH) 7:00 PM Gloria Dei Choir (MR)


11 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe)

15 Church Audit (Vestry) 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM Valrico Garden Club (TH) 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 6:30 PM 5th & 6th grade class (GR) 6:30 PM Confirmation (TH) 7:30 PM Youth Group (TH)

16 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 12:00 PM Keenagers Lunch (TH) 6:00 PM Bell Practice 6:30 PM GS Troop 3222 (PS) 7:00 PM Gloria Dei Choir (MR)

17 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:00 AM PS Spring Pictures (TH) 8:00 PM A.A. (Cafe)

18 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 8:00 AM A-Men (Cafe)

22 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 6:30 PM 5th & 6th grade class (GR) 6:30 PM Confirmation (TH) 7:30 PM Youth Group (TH)

23 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 1:00 PM Rebecca's Circle (TH) 7:00 PM Gloria Dei Choir (MR)


25 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 4:00 PM Pack 110 Blue & Gold Banquet (TH)

1 Ash Wednesday 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 9:30 AM Hallelujah Quilters (NT) 5:45 PM Lenten Soup Supper (TH) 6:30 PM Ash Wednesday Worship

2 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 6:30 PM GS Troop 3222 (PS) 7:00 PM Gloria Dei Choir (MR)


4 6:30 AM A.A. (Cafe) 8:00 AM A-Men Breakfast & Bible Study (Café)


Discipleship Opportunities

Apostles’ Children’s

Choir has taken a little

break since Christmas.

The choir will resume on

Sunday, February 26th at

10:20 AM in the Music Room. They will begin

practicing to sing "Prepare the Way for Jesus" on

Palm Sunday, April 9th.

Choir practice will be each Sunday except March

12th, which is the beginning of Spring Break.

The Children’s Choir always has room to grow

and welcomes any child who has the desire to

sing. The choir practices in the Music Room on

Sundays at 10:20 AM.

For more information about Apostles’

Children’s Choir see Kit O’Rourke, or Choir

Director Jenny West.

Living Christ's Love

Living Christ’s Love is Apostles’ food pantry. The food pantry at

Apostles allows us to help members of our Apostles family and

others in our community. Each week we ask for donations of specific

non-perishables. Offerings can be placed in the basket in the Lobby.

Children may drop off their donations in Children’s Education Classes.

Feb. 5—Canned meat with “pop-tops” (chicken, tuna, potted meat) People who are homeless may not have

a way to open regular cans.

Feb. 12—Spaghetti Sauce and other Pasta Sauces

Feb. 19—Jelly or Jam

Feb. 26—Canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti, etc.)

As always we will accept, with grateful hearts, whatever you donate.

Thank you to those of you who faithfully support “Living Christ’s Love”.

You truly show Christ’s love to the world.


Apostles Preschool News

Registration for Apostles’ Preschool opens Monday, February 13th, to current students,

members, and families of Apostles Lutheran Church and Preschool. Registration opens to the

community on February 27th. This includes the 4 yr. old VPK & 3 yr. old programs.

4 year old VPK Program:

If your child will be 4 prior to September 1, 2017, he/she qualifies for our VPK program

financed by the State of Florida. Classes are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There is no tuition for

this program. There is an $100.00 registration fee to ensure your child's place, as well as a

nominal $50.00/month fee for this extra hour/day of instruction. However, your child must

attend 5 days a week for the entire school year to remain in this program.

3 year old PK:

A limited enrollment is available for children who will be 3 prior to September 1, 2017. Three

year olds attend class on Monday, Wednesday & Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. There is an

$100.00 registration fee to ensure your child's place. Tuition is $175.00 per month for 3 yr. old

students.

Children MUST be COMPLETELY Potty Trained by AUGUST 2017 to attend Apostles’ Preschool.

If you are looking for a preschool that:

believes that children learn by doing

places an emphasis on an environment that nurtures the whole child by providing

opportunities for interaction & socialization through play, hands-on experiences, and

creative expression

provides a curriculum and environment designed and implemented to meet the Florida

VPK Education Standards

highlights weekly Chapel services and basic Christian values in the classroom

then Apostles Lutheran Preschool is for you and your family.

More information and registration forms can be found on our website,

www.apostleslutheran.net. Click on Preschool tab on the top of our home page. Call

Sandra Collins, Apostles’ Preschool director, at 813-541-9425 or 813-684-5328, if you would

like more information or to schedule a visit to the preschool.

Vocal Wisdom Sing with Ease

Susann Radloff Brady [email protected]

813.661.4718 Voice Lessons/Coaching


Apostles’ Business Directory

Please support Apostles members businesses.

Would you like to see your business advertized

here? See or call Liz in the Office.

Thirty-One

The next Church Council Meeting is on

Sunday, February 19, 2017 at Noon in the Vestry.

The meeting is open to all. Check out the bulletin boards outside the Narthex, beside the office and in the Café—the approved minutes from the

previous month’s council meeting are posted. They are also available on our website www.apostleslutheran.net.

The monthly council meeting is open to all.


2. Olivia Wells

3. Marcella Benner

Kattie Dorries

David Mitchell

4. James Brady

Drew Stertzer

Kim Thomson

Amanda Henry

Brooke Sankoe

8. Elizabeth Cooper

Maryann Di Leo

10. Shirley Smith

11. Jane Brown

Scott Irwin

Scott Santmyer

13. David Hernandez

14. Danny Collins

Carol Diodate

Myah Moreland

Peggy Prince

Sue Scharns

15. Denice Berg

Melissa Clark

Carol Dorries

Ben Doirries

16. Michael Brady

17. George Buck

Mary McDermott

20. Jo Ann David

Traudl Sails

21. Khadesha Galloway

Roger Hehr

23. Bev Bolivar

Harold Hunt

24. Blake Adkins

Fred Klock

Kira Zwygart

27. Fran Grossman

28. Ben Adkins

Randy Beneker

29. Susann Brady

If we missed your birthday, or if there are any corrections,

please call the office at 813-689-2571 or email to

[email protected].

Designated Altar Flowers, Communion Wine &

Eternal Flame

You can order Altar Flowers, Communion Wine or the Eternal

Flame to commemorate a special person or occasion. Check and

sign-up on the sheets in the display case outside the office or call

Liz (689-2571) to see if your important dates are available.

Please print clearly.

The cost of flowers is $30.00/vase. ($55.00 for two) You can donate either one or both vases.

The Communion Wine is $10.00/week.

The Eternal Flame has been donated for 2017 by Richard & Demetra Olson in Honor of

their 50th anniversary.

Please place payment in Designated Giving Envelopes.

Address Label Here

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

DATED MATERIAL

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage

PAID

Permit No. 6700

Tampa, Florida

Rev. Jim Page II Pastor

Kit O'Rourke Coordinator for Children,

Family & Education Ministries

Liz Jimenez Parish Administrator

Dr. Charles Coakwell Organist and Choir Master

José Rivera Music Director for

Contemporary Worship

Sandra Sornson Pre-School Director

Holly Smith Maintenance

Jeff Cooper

February 2017 Apostles Lutheran Church

200 Kingsway Road

Brandon, FL 33510

Phone: (813) 689-2571

Fax: (813) 653-4919

Email: [email protected]

Website: ApostlesLutheran.net


These ministries are undertaken

in faith TO THE GLORY OF GOD

OFFICE STAFF

† †

†

Our Vision

The Vision of Apostles Lutheran Church is to:

1) Introduce people to Jesus Christ

2) Disciple members, and

3) Serve the needs of people in our

community and the world.

Sunday Worship Services

8:45 am Traditional

9:45 am Christian Education for

all ages

10:45 am Contemporary

Apostles Lutheran Church, ELCA

Documents

Transcript of Apostles Lutheran Church, ELCA