June 2012

Newsletter

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Christ Lutheran Church

Carlton Ave & Nassau Street

P.O. Box 205

Islip Terrace, NY 11752-0205 Reverend William C. Munz, Pastor

Phone: (631) 581-1710

Worship: Sundays 8:45 and 10:45 A.M.

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

P A I D Permit No. 20

Islip Terrace, NY 11752

Dated Material - Please Rush

LOOKING UP AND REACHING OUT

CHURCH WORK DAY

JUNE 2

Beginning at 9:00 am

RUMMAGE SALE JUNE 9

9:00 am to 3:00 PM

SUNDAY SCHOOL

RECOGNITION SERVICE

JUNE 17 at 10:45 am

SUMMER SERVICE SCHEDULE BEGINS JUNE 24

SUNDAYS at 9:30 am

THURSDAYS at 7:00 pm

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Thank you for the many prayers, cards, visits and calls

during my recent hospitalization and in the weeks since. An

unexpected blood clot in my leg kept me in the hospital for five

days and will necessitate special medication for a number of

months. I’m grateful to Karl Von Seggern, who led the worship

service the Sunday I was at the hospital, Judy Gauthier, who filled in at the last minute

with a children’s sermon, and Elizabeth and Rachel, who delivered the sermon I

finished in the hospital bed.

Special thanks to Anita Kindberg and Joan Heitz, who after many years of

faithful service have recently retired from the duties of being counters of our weekly

offerings. They have been there every week to count the offerings and handle the often

complex task of directing the funds to the properly designated account. We are deeply

grateful for the dedication they have had to this important work for so long. Janet Ross,

who has worked with Anita and Joan for a number of years, will continue to serve.

Joining her are several new counters: Helen Gronus, Karen Carrier, Nancy and Ken

Hill, and Phyllis and John Kobel.

Thank you also to members of our choir, who sang with the joint choir at the

Western Suffolk Conference Ascension Eve Service held at Abiding Presence Lutheran

Church in Ft. Salonga. It was a special evening of praise, marking a most significant

day in the Church year. We hope to share in other Conference services.

The following day Peter Sharrock and I represented the congregation at the annu-

al Synod Assembly, held this year in Tarrytown. It was energizing to hear about many

efforts to proclaim the Gospel, which are being done locally by our Metropolitan Synod

and across the nation and around the world by our Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America. Most congregations are experiencing some of the same challenges as we, in-

cluding financial shortfalls, but more important is the faithfulness with which we are all

working to carry on the mission to which we are committed.

The summer worship schedule will begin on Sunday, June 24 with one service

at 9:30 A.M. This year we’ll switch back to Thursday evenings for the midweek ser-

vice, but at the earlier time of 7:00 P.M. The first Thursday service will be on June 28.

SHOE DRIVE LETS TURN OUR OLD SHOES INTO CLEAN WATER!

Bring your used and new shoes to Christ Lutheran Church, Islip Terrace. Christ

Lutheran Church with George The Shoeman Hutchings will turn your shoes into

clean drinking water.

Shoeman Water Projects picks up used and new

shoes year round from businesses, churches,

schools, and shoe drives. Once collected, The

Shoeman gives a second life to the shoes, selling

them to exporters. The money from the sale of the

shoes is used to purchase well drilling rigs, water

purification systems, and other supplies to bring

clean, fresh water to those in need.

Having collected over 1.5 million pairs of shoes

Since August of 2008, the non-profit Shoeman

Water Projects has sent four water drilling rigs to

Kenya and teams to Haiti to assemble water purification systems and repair

pumps.

To participate, give your shoes the boot by donating your used and new shoes,

tied or rubber-banded into pairs into our drop off bin at Christ Lutheran

Church. For moreinformation about the Christ Lutheran Church shoe drive

contact Deacon Janet O’Mara at jjomara78@gmail.com or call the church office

at 631-581-1710.

Thank you to Trinity, Long Island City, St Peters RC Church,Islip Terrace, Our

Savior, Patchogue and Shelter Rock Elementary School in Manhasset for donat-

ing shoes!

OUR GOAL IS 5,000 PAIRS OF SHOES!

WE ARE HALFWAY THERE!

COUNCIL NOTES Jason Terhune has been elected to fill the term of Pat Fuzia until the next annual

congregational meeting.

With the approval of the revised congregational constitution at the special

congregational meeting in April, it will be checked by the Synod and presented for a final

ratification at the next annual congregational meeting. Copies are available on the narthex table.

Pastor gave a summary of discussions at the Synod Assembly including a report

concerning criteria for Congregational viability Norms. Unfortunately there sometimes are

situations in which a congregation is no longer viable to function by holding worship services,

maintaining its property and providing pastoral care for its members. It was important that

representatives from all the congregations of our Synod agreed on a list of criteria by which a

congregation is considered viable.

Another important document approved was the outline of a Strategic Plan for the

Metropolitan Synod for the next ten years. A proposal was also adopted for a new Procedure

for the Election of a Bishop. Instead of names being proposed for the first time at the Assem-

bly where the election is to take place, names will be submitted to a nominating committee

which will put forth up to seven nominees, who will participate in hearings several months

before the Assembly, in order to provide the opportunity for the congregations to be much better

acquainted with the candidates and their qualifications.

The Outreach Ministry Team is coordinating the Rummage Sale on Saturday, June 9th

from 9 AM to 3 PM. The Sons of Amvets in East Islip will contribute $100 every three months

toward our Peanut Butter & Jelly Gang in memory of former Amvet and church member David

Johnson.

A Property Committee motion was approved to repair the chimney for a cost of

$3,400. The bricks and mortar have deteriorated over the years due to chemical reaction with

the exhaust fumes. The repair will include lowering the chimney stack. We’re very grateful to

Karen Seitz who is covering the cost as a memorial to her mother who recently passed away in

North Carolina.

Tom Primiano will be the new chairperson of the Education Committee, taking over

from Janet O’Mara, who has headed the committee for many years.

Jr. Youth had a great outing at Adventureland, and the Sr. Youth are planning their

annual camping trip from June 8-10.

Corrections to the draft of the Directory have been made and it has been returned for

the final printing.

The plaque for the memorial dogwood tree planted by the Council in memory of

Council member Pat Fuzia has been placed.

WOMEN’S MINISTRY AT CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

FOR THIS SUMMER EVENTS

11th

ANNUAL WOMEN’S RETREAT

at the Blue Gentian Lodge in Londonderry, VT.

NOTE: Different weekend this summer!

Fri. Aug. 17 – Sun., Aug. 19

With option to stay over until Monday- 8/20

This year’s topic: What In the World in Going On?

A LOOK AT CURRENT EVENTS ON THE WORLD SCENE:

Why we should care, what we should know,

A who, what , when, where and why for the concerned Christian

Plus time to relax at the pool, go for walks, explore Vermont shops and towns, go to the Satur-

day morning Farmers’ & Craft market, try a new craft, enjoy conversations & good times

with others.

COME AGAIN or JOIN US FOR YOUR FIRST TIME!

Sunday Volunteers

Bring a Smile to our Congregation as a Greeter or Usher.

Encourage our teens to become acolytes.

Sing with the choir and bring the joy of music to our ears!

Pick up a bell and learn how to ring!

Feed the flock at Coffee Hour.

Assist in the Nursery to make church a pleasant place for our youngest members

Assist with the beauty of the Altar on Altar Guild.

Share the Word of the Lord as an Assistant Minister.

Speak with Pastor Today and your Sunday Worship experience will be ever more meaningful!

PLEASE KEEP THESE PEOPLE IN YOUR PRAYERS

Frances Quervalu, Henry Bouchard, George Shock, Henry Muller, Noreen

Baker,Stacy Hajek, Elijah Rosario, Amy Mannino, Karen Shimberg, John

Melfi, Michael Kidd, Sally Sukhu, Lillian Sheridan, Ron Fuzia, Barbara

Krause, Michael Maher, Jean Musa, Janice Fuzia, Melissa Miller, Jerry

Ross, Dolores Johnson, George Voigt, Pat Lagrange, Ken Schultheis, Wes

ton Gettinger, Lars Frantzen, Robert Price, Leanne Junker, Nicole Rud

olph, Asen Traykov, Rebecca Carioscia, Charles Hubbard, Michelle

Krebs, Pat DeAngelis, Charles Moonsammy, Marissa O’Toole, John Musa, Amanda Johnson, Mil-

lie Ramos, Nora-Jo Cervenka, Sara Christiansen, Judy O’Neill, Charlie Manfredi, Brian Doherty,

Bill Bloom, Heather Panzner, Bill Muller, Anne DeFranza, Robert Weidmann, Iyla & Alina Gaudio,

Edna Muller, Dick Guenste, Frances Sank, Thomas O’Neill, Claire Jost, Marisa Carney, Jeffery

Belford, Dorothy Heusel, Cathy Bouchard, Claudia Morris, Christine Porter, George Pepino, May

Lobacz, Nancy Cervenka, Karen Sussman, Petya Licheva, Linda Hollamby, Linda Hanna, Helen

Gronus, Donna Costello, Pat Geist, Marion Lonegro, Justin Coco, Leigh & Dalton Families, Jimmy

Smith, Michelle Diaz, Judy Lee Laddaga-Lazano, Thorleif Berntsen, Barbara Johnson.

Alma DeGrasse.Tom Connors, Rose Donello, Marisa Carne, Joan McDonald, Tricia Ciccone, Barry &

Concetta Kadane, Michael Schimmoller, Iris Simmons, Joseph Fuzia, Paul White, Santino Recine, George

Seitz, William Carrier, Ryan Hall, Teri Dahl, JohnstoneFamily, Joe Palazzolo, Brian Seitz, Alice Haneggi,

Lester Vellia, Christian Jean-Pierre, Marie vonBargen, Melissa Gallagher, Carl Wright, Helen Ganrude,

John Flynn, Heather McNamara, Amanda Lauckhardt, Hedy Jorgensen, Maureen Doherty, Kari Dinges,

Suzie Whight, Neil Blam, Fred Zhangli, Heidi Smith, Diane Lorelli, Nicole Marty, Chuck Jernigan, Larry

Hanna, Fortunado Paturso, Marie Licatta, Louise Walters, Paul Harrington, Ellen Bevers, Heather

Panzner, Todd Panzner, Kit Weydig, Helen Cacavas, Sandy Huck, Cathy Murray Jean Diwby, Benjamin

Archer, Marie Whitehead, Lauren McCormack, Banfalvy family, Fred Miller, Kathleen Connors, Robert

Curran, Deanne Diaz, Sophia Montorano, Ellen Healion, Robert Sharrock, Lisa McWilliams, Dean Fran-

ciotti.

If you or someone you asked to be placed on the prayer list should

be removed from the list, please let the church office or Pastor know.

SERVING IN THE MILITARY: Matthew Gallino, Melonie Longacre, Gregory Longacre, Bryan

Bouchard, Justin Holke, Michael Beiner, Brian McClain, Daniel Eichner, Jack Carioscia, Sean

Moller, Christopher Gaudio, Daniel Riley. AFGHANISTAN: Evan Book, Peter Turo, Travis

Montgomery.

CELEBRATING NEW BIRTHS

IN THE CHRIST LUTHERAN FAMILY!

Charles August Fisher

7 lbs. 4 oz., 21” long

Allison & Douglas, Parents

Grandparents - Lynn & George Fisher

Ryan William Munz

6 lb. 11 oz., 20.5” long

Aaron & Kate Parents

Grandparents - Elizabeth & William Munz

Ryan Lucas Cunningham

7 lbs. 3 oz., 20” lonh

Ross & Megan, Parents

Grandparents - Betsy & Alan Cunningham

Matthew Young Christiansen

Daniel & Gloria, Parents

Grandfather - Alan Christiansen

Great Aunt - Nancy Cervenka

Welcome to Pinecrest! Pinecrest - one of the oldest camping programs in the Lutheran

Church - was organized in 1927 to provide leadership training for

Lutheran youth, and has remained relevant to young adults aged 15 and older through the active

involvement of campers.

Pinecrest meets annually in late August for a one-week session of morning classes, afternoon activ-

ities and free time, evening programs, plus a variety of worship experiences. An annual activities

theme guides the program throughout the week in group competition, athletic contests, and indi-

vidual talent opportunities

http://pinecrestllm.org

Christ Lutheran Church can earn a donation every time you search the Internet and shop online!!! Search the web with Yahoo-powered GoodSearch.com and they’ll donate about a penny to your cause each time you search!

Community Notes and Information

Child Care - Elder Care - A friend of the congregation is looking for work helping with the care of chil-

dren or the elderly. If you may be seeking such assistance, please speak to Pastor.

Christ Lutheran Church Food Pantry - Open on Mondays from 1:30 to 3:30

Cub Scout Pack 38 - For boys from 1st grade through 5th grade. Call June Connel 650-5161 for more

information

Boy Scout Troop 327 - For boys from 5th grade to the age of 18. Meets every Friday night in the

Wolpert Building from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Call Ralph Savarese, Scoutmaster at 277-4821for more infor-

mation.

Homemakers - Meets at Christ Lutheran Church every Tuesday morning. Call Barbara Framento at 277-

3279 for more information.

AAA - High Noon Group - meets every weekday at 12:00 noon in the Wolpert Building.

AAA - Evening Group - Meets Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Wolpert Building at 8:00 pm

Barbara Doyle -- Aunt of John Newhoff

2012 HOLIDAY FAIR

It is never too soon to start thinking about our annual autumn

fundraiser!! This year the FAIR falls on Friday, November 9th and Sat-

urday, November 10th. We have started to talk a little about what kind

of main prize to have, now to improve on the floor plan and of course

the craft circle has been working hard for the past several months on all

kinds of beautiful items for our tables. Now is the time to start think-

ing about how you can help too. Start working on a project or two at

home (crafts, knitted items, handmade jewelry), pick up and put aside a

few nice little gifts for the Children’s Table, or maybe start collecting

some items for a Theme Basket you might like to put together. Please

help make this special event the best one ever by joining us on JUNE

10th at 10:00 am (between church services) in the fellowship hall for

our next FAIR MEETING. Get in on the fun and become part of the

Fair Committee -- everyone is welcome!!!

The Holiday Fair Committee

FATHER’ S DAY MEMORIALS FOR THE GARDEN FUND

Please print

In memory of _______________________ Given by __________________

In honor of _________________________ Given by __________________

Please print all information for accuracy in the bulletin.

Place your donation of any amount in a yellow pew envelope and mark

Father’s Day on outside of envelope.

Father’s Day Memorials are due Sunday, June 10th

MEMORIALS

Memorial Fund Hymnal Donation

in Memory of Peter Smith

By Al & Dot Smith

THE SYMPATHIES OF THE CONGREGATION

are extended to the families of:

HYMNAL MEMORIAL FUND

There are many ways to celebrate an Anniversary or a Birthday or the Memory of a

Loved One.

Our new cranberry Lutheran Hymnal may be dedicated to a loved one’s memory, or in celebration of a

milestone event in someone’s life such as: graduations, birthdays, or anniversaries.

Donate $20 today to celebrate your loved ones and friends. Place your donation in a yellow pew enve-

lope and mark it accordingly and a lovely new hymnal will be placed in our pews with a name plate to

honor your donation.

YOUTH MINISTRY AT CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Vacation Bible School Returns to Christ Lutheran Church Please complete the following survey to indicate your interest.

Would you prefer a July_____ or August ______ session

3 weekdays _______ or 3 weekend days__________

Return to the office by June 10th

CALLING ALL JUNIOR YOUTH MEMBERS

Come join us for your end of the year

BOWLING PARTY

To be held on June 2nd at the

EAST ISLIP BOWLING ALLEY 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM $7.00 per Bowler

Please see signup sheet on the Junior Youth Group Board

Any Questions please contact Linda Smith 383-4713

Sr. Youth Group

Annual Camping Trip

Friday, June 9th--meet at 6 pm in the church parking lot

Camp at Sears Bellows in Hampton Bays

Sunday, June 10th -- 2 pm arrive back at church

Contact Karl Von Seggern for more information

631-581-4165

Become a STEWARD BOOSTER for $10 and have your name printed

in the issue with the designation of your choice.

In memory of ___________________________

In honor of _____________________________

In thanksgiving for ___________________________

On the occasion of ____________________________

Your Name____________________________

STEWARD BOOSTERS for June

In Honor of the marriage of Rich & Lara Burns

Given by Jean & Kory Burns

A monthly publication by and for the

members of Christ Lutheran Church,

Islip Terrace, NY.

Submissions should be made by the

20th of each month.

Pastor, Rev. William C. Munz, (631)581-1710, christchurch.it@verizon.net

Deacon: Janet O’Mara

Congregation Officers:

President: Chris Swaine

Vice President: Alan Cunningham

Secretary: Helen Carioscia

Treasurer: Ricci Ordway

Assistant Treasurer: Gail Callis Financial Secretary: Ellen McManus

Parish Coordinator: Madeline Sharrock

Parish_coordinator@christlutheranit.org

CHRISTLUTHERANIT.ORG Your Passport to Everything at Christ Lutheran Church!

CHECK OUT OUR HOMEPAGE ON THE WORLD-

WIDE WEB!

Miss a special event or need a little inspiration--check

out the links to listen to the Festival Choir sing the Palm

Sunday Cantata or the fabulous voices of the Central

Islip High School Concert Choir. Need to check a date

check out the on-line calendar of events. Much more is

waiting for you. Go on-line today!

P&J SCHEDULE SUMMER 2012

Week of May 27 - June 2 - Homemakers Week of June 3 - 9 - Fisher, Cunningham Week of June 10 - 16 - OʼMara,Baker,McWilliams,Musa Week of June 17 - 23 - McManus,Lambdin,Carioscia,Coco Week of June 24 - 30 - Craft Circle Week of July 1 - 7 - Connors,Terhune, Rotolo Week of July 8 - 14 - Newhoff,Swaine,Smith Week of July 15 - 21 - Von Seggern and Girl Scouts Week of July 22 - 28 - Sharrock,Karika Week of July 29 - Aug 4 - Book Group Week of Aug 5 - Aug 11 - Gauthier, Birsner, Eichner Week of Aug 12 - Aug 18- OʼToole,Picece,Deangelis,Krebs Week of Aug 19 - Aug 25 - Fisher, Cunningham Week of Aug 26 - Sept 1 - OʼMara,Baker,McWilliams,Musa Week of Sept 2 - Sept 8 - Homemakers

If you cannot make the week you are scheduled,

please switch with another group! There is more of a need in the summer than any other time of year!

People are counting on us! Thank you to the Sons of Am Vets for their monetary

donations each month. They are resuming this in memory of David Johnson, Sr.

Please continue to donate peanut butter and jelly! We are running low on peanut butter, please donate!

Thank you for all your support!!!!

DEACONʼS CORNER JUNE 2012 Its hard to believe, but its almost June and the summer is upon us! As some of you know, I am a big fan of summer! The summer is a great time to slow down and enjoy Godʼs creation. However, contrary to popular opinion, Christ Lutheran Church does not close down for the summer! Worship is essential in the life of a Christian and our summer schedule has two options: one Sunday morning Service and one Service during the week in the evening.

Additionally, the church office remains open during the summer with the regular office hours of 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.. Our financial obligations also do not take a break during the summer months. If you plan on being away, please consider giving your offering electronically. E-giving helps to prevent congregation mem-bers from falling behind in their commitments.

Our Shoe Drive continues! To date we have 2,520 pairs of shoes counted, tied together and bagged! This means we are halfway to our goal of 5,000 pairs of shoes! Please remem-ber, each pair of shoes donated is helping to save lives!

Our P&J groups continue to make sandwiches during the summer, helping to fill an in-creased need for sandwiches. Please continue to support our P&J ministry by participating in a group and/or donating much needed supplies. Currently, there is more of a need for peanut butter than jelly. I would like to thank the Sons of Am Vets for resuming their sup-port. Their are giving enough monetary support to purchase the additional supplies we need to make the sandwiches.

While you are enjoying Godʼs creation this summer, please keep in mind our responsibility for caring for it! Reusable water bottles filled with tap water are a much bet-ter alternative than buying bottled water. That is just one suggestion, many people in our congregation have great ideas, it is a topic we should all be discussing.

I hope everyone has a chance to “recharge” over the summer months while at the same time participating in the mission of our congregation. Have a wonderful summer! In Christ, Janet

A Stewardship Minute

Inspiring a deeper understanding of true givingInspiring a deeper understanding of true givingInspiring a deeper understanding of true giving An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

JUNE 2012

Justice means exercising fairness in all our actions. The Old Testament

prophets were profoundly emphatic about showing our obedience to God

by being just, by being fair, in all our dealings as we live out our lives. The

prophet Micah said: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice,

and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)

A Christian minister tells of sitting next to a woman in the waiting room

of a hospital. He said to his wife later that he could scarcely remain in his

seat because she reeked of the acrid smell of tobacco. But, when the woman

said to her husband who was sitting on her other side, “I feel so sorry for

my mother. She has so little money to live on,” the pastor had the following

thought: “If she simply quit smoking and gave her mother the money she

spent for a pack of cigarettes each day, she could at least help her mother

have a meal or two daily.” Obviously, the woman had a kind thought re-

garding her mother’s welfare, but apparently she did not consider how she

might help relieve her mother’s woes.

Perhaps each of us should examine ourselves and consider how we are

treating others. Are we concerned about justice for them? Are we kind and

thoughtful to them? And do we practice being righteous in our lives to

make sure we honor Christ in our everyday lives?

Prayer: Lord, enable us to be complete stewards in every way. Help us to

be found worthy of living in eternity with you. In your name we pray.

Amen.

Parish Publishing, LLC (888) 320-5576 www.parishpublishing.org

Graduates Name_________________________________

School Graduating From___________________________

If attending college in the fall where?_______________________________________________

Degree and/or major ____________________________________________________________

CHRIST LUTHERAN 2nd Annual Golf Outing

The Golf Outing Committee is excited about this year’s 2nd Christ Lutheran

Annual Golf Outing to be held on Sept. 26 2012. If anyone is interested in

joining the Golf Outing Committee or donating items for the raffle such as:

Tickets to a sporting event or Broadway show (must be after Sept. 26th)

Gift certificate to a restaurant

Liquor basket

Golfing items (new or unused) or any other

great ideas.

Please see Chris Swaine or Jim Musa. Thank you.

SATURDAY, JUNE 9th In Front of and in the Wolpert Building

Christ Lutheran Church

9:00 am to 3:00 pm

Shop for Bargains and Support the Missions of Christ Lutheran Church

Graduation Announcements

Coming Soon!

We want to celebrate all the graduates this spring,

whether it be elementary school, high school, or

college!

Please let the office know so we may announce

them in the summer issue of THE STEWARD.

KITCHEN KORNER

Help stock the church kitchen with supplies for

our weekly coffee hours. Donations will help offset the

cost of our weekly time to catch up and chat with each

other.

The following items may be donated:

Regular & Decaf Coffee

Napkins

Paper Towels

6”Plates

Dishwasher

Liquid Dish Detergent

Items may be brought to the church kitchen and left on the counter.

BECOME AN E-GIVER!

Electronic giving or E-Giving is simply another way to give your offering to the church. It is an alterna-tive to writing a check, putting it in your offering envelope and bringing it to church to put in the offer-ing plate. Once a reccurring payment is set up online, the funds are automatically deducted from your checking account, a check is issued by the bank and mailed to the church where it is placed in the of-fering plate along with the rest of the offering envelopes.

This is not going to be for everyone. But, for those people who already handling most of their finances online, this will appeal to them. It is particularly good during the summer months when many of us are out of town, either on vacation or visiting family. The benefit to our congregation is obvious, this can help with our usual slump in giving during the summer. This way of giving can also benefit each member. By scheduling your offering to be deducted directly from your checking account, it makes it a little easier to be a good steward. We all have the best of intentions when we complete our commit-ment card each year. But, sometimes things get in the way of our best intentions and we may fall be-hind in our offering. Once we fall behind, it becomes difficult to catch up. Churches who have institut-ed an E-Giving program report a reduction in seasonal donation slumps.

Because the symbolic act of giving can be an important part of stewardship, there will be cards availa-ble in the pews for E-Givers. These cards will indicate that the person has given their offering electron-ically and can be placed in the offering plate.

Instructions for setting up repeating payments 1. Go to your bankʼs online site and access your accounts 2. Go to payments/transfers 3. Add Christ Lutheran Church as a Payee 4. Check “No” for account number 5. Enter: Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box #205 Islip Terrace, NY 11752 Phone # - 631-581-1710 6. In Memo field or payment description put envelope # 7. Click on” Schedule a repeating payment” 8. Select Christ Lutheran Church 9. Put in amount of offering and select a day to start 10. Select frequency (weekly, monthly) If you have any questions on how to become an E-Giver, please speak to Karl Von Seggern, Ricci Ord-way, Ellen McManus or Janet OʼMara Happy Giving! Janet OʼMara

Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly, May17-19, 2012

For those of you who have never attended a Synod Assembly, I strongly suggest that you take the time and

be part of a group of very passionate, inspiring, funny, interesting and dedicated people who assemble each year to

discuss the health of the Metropolitan New York Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

I would like to give a short synopsis of the major points of the assembly in which all of us will have a vest-

ed interest in the future.

Bishop Robert Rimbo presided over the assembly with a combination of ….control, wit and compassion.

Bishop Rimbo spoke of our Mission Statement:

“Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.”

From this Mission Statement the Vision Statement of Claimed, Gathered and Sent was the foundation of

many of the discussions during the assembly.

Vision Statement

CLAIMED: by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we are a new creation through God’s living Word by the pow-

er of the Holy Spirit;

GATHERED: by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will live among God’s faithful people, hear God’s Word

and share Christ’s supper;

SENT: by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and

deed, serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus and strive for justice and peace in the world.

The main resolution discussion was on Congregational Viability Norms. In a nutshell, a committee was

formed to formulate a list of “norms” that demonstrate 10 essential points that are needed for a congregation to

flourish. We have all heard of churches in decline that have been forced to close their doors. The main intent of

this resolution is for the Synod Council to establish a process to regularly review the viability of the congregations

of our Metropolitan New York Synod and prayerfully address appropriate action through pastoral care. After hours

of discussion and proposed amendment’s to the original document, the resolution was passed. The main point I got

from this resolution was that there is now a process to identify and notify a congregation in possible distress, even

when the congregation in question may not think that there is a problem.

There was much discussion about the viability of a congregation. Is a congregation viable if it can pay the

bills? Is it viable if the pews are full? Well, I have to tell you that the most profound statement of the assembly for

me was, “We are the inside of a donut” (yes, you read this correctly) The culture in our churches do not reflect the

surrounding communities around them. We are the inside of a donut. “The inside circle does not reflect what is all

around us” Discussion ensued about what a congregation can do. There was a statement that again made me think

of our own congregation. “All of us must re-think what we are doing to enhance outreach to survive the long haul”

Churches spoke of what they are doing “out of the box” to bring in new life to their congregations. I had dinner

with a pastor who told us a story of someone coming up to him and saying “Hey, you’re the U-tube Pastor”. One of

his church parishioners started regularly recording his sermons and posting them on U-tube. To the delight of many

people it has been a great success. This was one of the many success stories of congregations thinking out of the

box and into the lives of people who need a reason to worship in a congregation like ours and feel the joy we feel.

The vibe throughout the 450 or so attendees at the conference was that, for the most part, what we are doing now is

not working and we had better utilize the resources we have at our disposal NOW, because if we miss the bus now

we might not have anyone to get on later.

It’s my opinion that we need to ensure that the appearance of our donut is just as beautiful and enticing on

the outside as it is on the inside. Together, through Faith, Ministry and Leadership we can make it happen.

I look forward to hearing about any ideas or suggestions you may have.

“Leadership drives implementation”

Yours in Christ,

Peter Sharrock God’s Work, Our Hands.

DONATIONS NEEDED!!

Please consider purchasing an extra or two

of the following items and donate them to

the maintenance and cleaning supplies

regularly used by our sexton and property

committee volunteers:

Pinesol or other mop soap

Oreck XL Upright vacuum bags

Windex Spray

Toilet paper Clorox Cleanup Spray

Broom Small, medium & large garbage bags

Hand soap (refill or small dispenser) Dust pan

PROPERTY & MAINTENANCE

Property Work Days &

Spring Cleaning

Saturday, June 2nd

Saturday, July 14th Beginning at 9:00 am

Chores and tasks for all ages and abilities!

SUMMER FUN IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS!

Christian camping is a fabulous way to spend time in God’s wondrous world.

Check out these camping opportunities for children, teens and families:

Welcome to Camp Ma-He-Tu Best. Camp. Ever. Camp Ma-He-Tu is a sleep away camp for girls ages 7-15. Established

in 1937 and now celebrating our 75th summer, we are located along

the shores of Lake Kanawaukee in Harriman State Park, Bear

Mountain, just 40 miles north of New York City.

At Ma-He-Tu, all of our campers from youngest to oldest find a place where they can be themselves; a place where they belong. Campers safely enjoy exciting adventures, learn new skills and make life-long friends in a supportive and caring environment.

Not ready to let your daughter go to camp on her own or do you need a break? Check out Ma-He-Tu’s Women in the Woods - June 30th to July 4th 2012

Girls of ALL ages just wanna have fun! Mothers and daughters - Aunts and nieces - Friends

young... and not so young.... All women and girls are welcome. Come spend one day, or even a

few playing, laughing, singing and relaxing Ma-He-Tu style.

Check out the website at http://www.mahetu.org

FELLOWSHIP AT THE SWAINE’S 120 Floral Park Street, Islip Terrace, NY

FRIDAY, JUNE 29th at 6:00 pm

Support our Food Pantry -- Bring non-perishable items

Come for Fellowship

Wine and Light Appetizers

Questions: call 631-277-9168

EDUCATION NEWS JUNE 2012

As we complete another year of Sunday School and Confirmation classes here

at Christ Lutheran Church, I would like to thank everyone involved with our education

program. Thank you to our Sunday School Superintendent, Holly Von Seggern for

overseeing our Sunday School program. Thanks to all our wonderful Sunday School

teachers who are there week after week teaching our youngest members. Thanks to

Laura Primiano for her tireless leadership of our children’s music program.

Thank you to Pastor and our Confirmation teachers who are spending every

Tuesday evening working with the youth of our congregation to help them grow in faith.

Thank you to Pastor for the high quality Adult Education classes he provides several

times during the year.

I have been the chairperson of our Christian Education Committee for 13 years

and was the Sunday School Superintendent for 11 years. I started both positions when

my children were still in Sunday School and Confirmation. Now I am the mother of

three young adults and feel that it is time for someone else to take over. I am happy to

report that Tom Primiano has agreed to take over as Chairperson of our Christian Edu-

cation Committee. Holly Von Seggern will continue as Sunday School Superintendent.

Please give both these people support and encouragement as they oversee the

education program here at Christ Lutheran.

Faithfully,

Janet O’Mara