Planning for Mission in God’s World - Spirit of Life Lutheran...

First, I’d like to officially welcome Carl

Brewer as our new music leader. We are blessed

to have him with us. I look forward to the time

ahead as we learn each other and celebrate Jesus

through music. Also a big thanks to the Praise

Team, Kristina Aldred, Casey Carlson and

Vonda Miller who are helping so much with the

transition.

Second – Synod Assembly. Every other

year the Assembly is scheduled to encourage

members of every congregation to attend

workshops on Saturday. This year, that day is

Saturday, June 11; the venue is the Hilton

Daytona Beach Resort; registration for non-

voting participants is $25.00 or $100/ 5 members

of the same congregation. Workshops are listed

on the Synod website (FBSynod.org) and

registration closes on April 30. See me if you

have questions or are interested in attending.

We are also receiving new members this

month. Most have worshipped with us regularly

over the past several months and we look

forward to the “official” welcome and reception.

This month is always a transition time.

School is over for the year, there are graduates to

celebrate, and vacation planning starts. We will

celebrate the Rite of Affirmation of Baptism with

a number of our young adults, VBS is in the

planning stages, and as we move, liturgically,

from Easter season to the Pentecost season, our

focus shifts to the healing power of Christ’s

presence. The “symbol” for that blessing is the

Tree of Life. Keep an eye out for visual

representations.

Thanks also to the women of Ruth Circle

for planning and hosting our Mother’s Day

luncheon on May 7. All ages welcome!

Christ’s resurrection is the promise of new

life for you and for me. The celebration of

Pentecost reminds us that we are gifted with and by

the Holy Spirit. Part of that gift is the privilege of

being a part of God’s mission in the world. “God’s

Work. Our Hands.” Has been an annual event for

all congregations of the ELCA across the country.

We’ll be planning our “labors of love” soon – give

us your ideas for service projects.

Keep up with Spirit of Life through our

website – Spiritoflifejacksonville.org – through our

Facebook page – “like” us at Spirit of Life – and

through our regular “eblasts”. We are updating the

directory so give us your email address, any

changes in phone numbers, addresses or other

contact information.

As always, I give thanks for you always in

my prayers and am more than blessed to be your

pastor.

In his love.

Pastor Ellen

P lann ing for Miss ion in God ’s World

Newsletter of Spirit of Life Lutheran Church

2636 New Berlin Rd.

Jacksonville, FL 32226

904-757-9114

Email: [email protected]

Spiritoflifejacksonville.org

The

Dove

May

2016

The Dove

Worship and Music

What's Brewing in the music ministry?

Thank you for your warm welcome! Our praise team is off to a great start thanks to all the hard work by all of its' members. Be sure to let them know what a great job they are doing. By the way, I'm still looking for a bass player. I'm selecting music that is easy to sing for you and thematic to worship. Al-though we are not professional musicians, our goal is to provide music that en-hances the worship experience! In regards to the second service, are you singing during the service??? Pastor

Cross is assisting me greatly in selecting hymns for each service until I become familiar with our hymnal and order of worship. If you have a favorite hymn, write it down and give it to me. It is my desire to select hymns that are mean-ingful to you and fit the message of the day. Once again, thank you for all that you do to contribute to the music ministry at Spirit of Life Lutheran Church! Blessings,

Carl

Get Your SOL T-Shirt

Spirit of Life t-shirts will be red with white lettering, logo at right will be printed on front left pocket side and the back which will also include our

address and phone number. Orders are being accepted for sizes Youth XS - Adult 4XL (extra charge for sizes larger than 2XL). $13 each. The sizes run pretty true, there is a sizing chart on the narthex table or can be viewed at http://www.customink.com./ If you are interested: please pay by cash or check and notate the size and number of shirts you'd like to order. Orders will be accepted until May 22nd.

They are great to wear everyday! Or wear one while volunteering or during special events. Questions ? See or call Vonda at the church 904-757-9114 or her cell 904-483-7948

The Dove

Ministry Support Property

Leadership Team Member: Bob Hoyle [email protected] (410)-596-2986

SUMMER IS AROUNG THE CORNER!

Our church is getting a wonderful “Curb Appeal”. Thank you to everyone who have adopted a bed. Sum-

mer is quickly approaching and some beds still need a host family! Please contact me if interested.

Steve has found a source for a bucket lift....soon the portico will be cleaned and light bulbs replaced. When funds are available the fire code violations will be addressed....donations welcome!!! Please mark yor dona-tion for “Property”. Please, any thoughts, ideas or suggestions are always welcome! Bob Hoyle

Financial Management

Leadership Team Member: Vonda Miller (904)483-7918

INCOME EXPENSES

Envelope offerings $10,698.16 $13,770.80

FTD Offerings $ 645.00

Interest Income $ 2.03

Trivant Choice $ $ 56.00 3/31/16 Carryover Balance

Special Offering $ 100.00 $2,192.77

Balance $11,499.16

Feb. Carryover Funds $ 4,462.41

TOTAL $15,963.60

Food Pantry Donation: $ 167.19

Coming soon: In our Narthex, there will be a kiosk to hold the ipad and square scanner so members can

make electronic offerings. It will also be used for the Pumpkin Patch or other special events.

The Dove

Charles and June Berry ….

Married 65 years on April 14, 2016. They met at Newberry College over a ping pong game. Dad took Mom's ball and wouldn't give it back until she said she would go out with him. How debonair of him :) And so as history would have it they produced 4 beautiful/successful children who love them dearly... They are very family oriented, always there for any event recognizing their kids, grandkids, and/or great grandkids. They love to travel and have seen most of the United States, Alaska and Hawaii included. They toured Europe, England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece and Turkey with Dad's sister and husband. If anyone knows a Berry they know their passion for sports, any sport. My parents are season ticket hold-ers for the Florida Gators, and love to travel to see the Chicago Cubs play. They started their spiritual life together at St. Mark's Lutheran Church on the southside of Jacksonville, then moved to St. James Lutheran Church on the northside, and now at Spirit of Life. My parents lived out their faith in their own lives. As such, we (their children) are who we are today be-

cause of the example they set in living a Godly life. Joan B. Fowler


Fellowship of Prayer (Requests for Prayer) To join us in giving prayers for those in need, or need a special prayer contact please call the church office

or email [email protected]

Our Members: Robin Blackburn, and Frances Bock, Dody Hicken, Gene Robertson.

Our Military Service Members: Brenda, Brian, Eric, Jacobye, James, Jared, Jeff, Josh, and Tate

Our Friends and Family: Lynn Beck, Kathryn Brewer, Jerry Burns, Delores CarlesiPat Chris, George &

Millie Compton, Lauren, Spencer, Zoey & Emily Gray, Hardesty Family, Kirby Hutson, Stephanie Kinter,

Larry McMillon, Carol Nordiser, Dewitt Patton, Lois Phelps, Kathy Richardson, Erin Ruddock, Gina Flynn

Sell, Ann Sheldon, Earl Smith, John Paul Sullivan, Pastor James, Bob & Terri Ramer, Wilma Tison, Bob

Verbridge, Ricky Wilson, Dave Winter, Karlene Zink and those who have not heard the Gospel.

Congregational Life Leadership Team Member: Kristina Aldred [email protected]

Communication

Need something placed in the next Newsletter or on our website?

Want to be get eBlasts?

Have pictures of events you want to share?

Have suggestion for the Power Points used during the Services?

Contact Kristina at [email protected]

Ruth Circle Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

Dawn Martin—(904)518-6903

Our next monthly meeting will be May 6 from 10-12

Thank you for your donations!!!!

Our Easter Baskets brought in $196 that will be going towards carpet cleaning in the statuary.

The ELCA Good Gifts: Buck A Pig or Whole Pig for $30 brought in $375. The Circle voted to add $15 so

that we had an even $390 which will buy 13 pigs. A pig in the pen is money in the bank! A piglet is a

perfect financial investment for many people around the world. That’s because within months this little

piglet can grow to nearly 200 pounds and grab a great price at the market. Should a family have a failed

harvest, medical expense or other unexpected need, this gift can be cashed in to make all the difference.

Next year we will be collecting for “Bees”.

A discussion of Easter Hats turned into a “Mother / Daughter Luncheon”. In honor of Mother’s Day, The

Ruth Circle will be sponsoring a Mother – Daughter luncheon at the church on Saturday, May 7th, 2016 at

11:30 am. If you don’t have a daughter or mother who can attend with you, please adopt one for the day and

bring her. There will be a sign up sheet in the Narthex. Deadline to signup is May 1, 2016.

The WELCA Spring Gathering of the First Coast Gathering was held at St. Andrews by the Sea. Five of our

ladies attended. The theme was “Broken & Whole” We certainly are broken people, and through Jesus we

become whole.

All are welcome to join us at our next meeting.


Education / Youth Leadership Team Members: Bob Verbridge [email protected] &

Curtis [email protected]

“That Church” Youth Group—Curtis Haugen

It’s Elementary—Bob Verbridge

Boy Scouts—Gary Miner

The Boy Scouts meet on Tuesdays from 7:00pm until 8:00 pm.

Spirit of Life has been granted a Boy Scout Charter!!!

Boy Scouting is for boys 11-17 years of age. Boys may become Boy Scouts if they have earned the “Cub

Scouting Arrow of Light” award and are at least 10 years old, or have completed the 5th grade and are at

least 10 years old. If you are interested, please call or text Gary Minar at 904-334-7492.

Please keep Bob Verbridge in your thoughts and prayers.

Confirmation Class—Pastor Ellen

May 5th @ 6pm

We met a couple of times in April, and are currently planning our schedule for the summer. Brittany Hoyle

will need the assistance of all Youth this summer to help construct the VBS decorations. She will probably

meet at the church during the week and times will be announced at church and put in the bulletin.

VBS – “Cave Quest”

July 11-15

6-8:30pm

Thanks to everybody for their support, sorry we don’t have a lot to report for April, however I should have

a write up next month about our Youth (Eli, Danielle and Hunter) that went to the River Rat Ramble!

Currently no dates set for May, but will be posted in the bulletin.

The Dove

The Dove

April marked another month of growth for the Food Pantry in many ways. We continue to see new faces every week, and we also have some new volunteers that are making our work easier. Lutheran Social Services continues to lead the way in our journey, as they are relentless in finding addi-tional sources of food and equipment for us. We have been blessed with more shipments of free snack foods and produce. We now also have a small network of churches and ministries that we are working with to cascade food to when we have more than we can use, and in return we are receiving bread and pas-tries, produce, and other donations. By doing this we are expanding our reach outside of the immediate neighborhood and feeding families that might not have the means to travel to our pantry.

Other big news is that we have partnered with Wellcare of Florida to provide information booths during our Food Pantry days in May. Wellcare is an insurance company that provides a free information service. They set up information booths at events and provide free Medicare/Medicade information to anyone who desires it. Wellcare will be working with us all five Tuesdays in May, and in return will make a donation to our Food Pantry. This should be a win for both of us, and it also gets us closer to one of our other goals; to of-fer services other than food to our clients and their families. We are on our way!!! Here are the numbers we reported for the first quarter of 2016: Households Served: 848 Individuals Served: 2,511 Seniors Served: 511 Children Served: 631 Individuals with Disabilities Served: 451 Veterans Served: 107

Emergency Food Pantry Steve Carlson [email protected] (904)654-6462

Matthew 25:35. “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me"

As part of our ongoing outreach effort with the Food Pantry, we are collecting religious material to give to our clients when they pick up their food. For example, many of us get a monthly Guidepost magazine, have many devotional materials, or other publications that get read and discarded. Do you have an old Bible or perhaps want to donate an inexpen-sive Bible? Copies of Luther's Small Catechism? If you are able to donate any items such as the ones mentioned, please bring them to church and place in the container in the Narthex. We will then cascade them to our clients as appropriate. As always, if you wish to work with us in our mission to end hunger in our community, please feel free to bring in food donations, volunteer to work at the Food Pantry, or we also are happy to accept monetary do-nations. Just write "Food Pantry" on the memo line of your check and it will be credited to the Food Pan-try. Your's in Christ. PAX Steve Carlson

Items Needed

Peanut Butter and Jelly Spaghetti Noodles and Sauce

Caned Vegtables

Food Pantry (continued) Steve Carlson [email protected] (904)654-6462



Faith Into Action Team Leader: Caroline Rademacher

Caroline Rademacher—[email protected]

and

Maggie Spruill - [email protected]

Our next meeting will be May 9th at 6:30pm.

Doing any Spring Cleaning?

Please be sure to save your clothes for the August clothing giveaway!

Thrivent Night at the Sharks

May 21st

@ 7:00pm

There will be a special parking area for a pre-game tailgate party. Food will be provided at no additional cost. There will be a special part of the parking lot reserved for our group. There will be three different costs for the tickets. They are $14, $19, and $23. Approximate Sections are 121 (higher), 121 (lower), & 100 respectively. If you are interested, flyers are available on the table in the Narthex. Please advise Vonda if you want to join the fun so that we may have an accurate head count.

The Dove

Sacristans—Dawn Martin (904)518-6903

Flowers

Flowers are part of the beauty and frailty of creation. Fresh flowers are a symbol of life, our joy in Christ

and human frailty. There is a “Flower Chart” in the hallway to the office. You can sign up to bring flowers

for a special day or in memory of someone or … just because. Just put your name on the chart and bring the

flowers in on the day you designated.

You can also provide funds prior to the designated Sunday and a purchase will be made, The flowers will

be placed at the alter and whomever you wish to remember or honor will be printed in the bulletin.

This Month’s Birthdays and Anniversaries Are we missing your important event? Please let us know! Send us an email

[email protected] or call the church office at (904) 757-9114.

BIRTHDAYS

02 Penny Roehrig

03 Bonnie Messick

05 Debby Speicher

09 Carol Berry

11 Tom Beck

15 Dan Nichols

21 Brandon Duke

22 Mary Elwood

23 Trey Minar

24 Jasmine Roziers

27 Nathan Riley

ANNIVERSARIES

07 Dale & Kim McLarty

21 Ronnie & Cathy Barnes

22 Tristin & Jen Ochoa

25 Chad & Samantha Gullett

29 Robert & Mary Williams

Worship & Music

Spirit of Life Lutheran Church

2636 New Berlin Road

Jacksonville, Florida 32226

Community, Faith and Service

Pastor Ellen Cross

2636 New Berlin Road

Jacksonville, Florida 32226

Phone: 904-757-9114

E-mail:

[email protected]

Community, Faith and Service

This is Christ’s Church.

There is a place for you here. We are the church that shares a

living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace

you as a whole person— questions, complexities and all.

Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the World!

Spirit of Life

Lutheran Church

Www.SpiritofLifeJacksonville.org

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