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Spirit of Life Lutheran Church Jacksonville, FL 2636 New Berlin Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32226 904-757-9114 Email: chur5900@bellsouth.net

April 2017 Community, Faith and Service

In This Issue

From the Pastor

Worship and Music

President’s Message

Calling of a New Pastor Update

Financial Corner

Congregational Life

Emergency Food Pantry

Property

Faith in Action

Ruth Circle

Education / Youth

Prayer List

Celebrations

http://spiritoflifejacksonville.org/

Thin Ice

My friend in seminary had a lot of unusual things going for him: an ancient 1966 Lincoln in good working order, an unlimited spirit of adventure, and a family in a small town in Minnesota who seemed to own most of the place. We saw all these things the weekend he took a few of us out of the city and home to meet his family. When we arrived in his town, there was a frozen lake with little ice fishing huts all over the surface. My friend saw this as a challenge. He sped full throttle over the ice among the little huts and the other hapless vehicles. He locked the steering wheel and made circles in the snow. He slowed only to greet old friends, who seemed to accept his risk-taking nature. It was non-stop thrills each and every moment of the weekend. How we emerged from it dry and warm was a miracle. Miracles are good. Think about the followers of Jesus. Men and women, young and old, these faithful gathered around Jesus as he again and again took some risks. He was blunt with Pharisees who dared him to break with religious fakery. He did miracles and cultivated friendships that were sure to get him into trouble. He was open with Pontius Pilate about his kingship, when it was sure to get him killed.

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Jesus asked his followers to ride with him over the ice. But, he knew he would one day hit the thin spot that would land him on a cross and kill him. And, he asked his friends to go along. Were they as alarmed as I was during my weekend on the ice? Was it as memorable? Did it shape their faith at all? You might think that when Easter came, that ride would be over. Or, there would be guarantees that on our resurrection journey with Jesus, the ice would never break. But that’s not so. We are, in the Easter season of God’s kingdom, asked to come along, take new risks, contemplate the possibility of cracking ice, and go forth. I’ve never forgotten my friend on the ice, or that bracing ride. The resurrected Jesus leads me the same way sometimes. As we prepare our Easter hymns and Easter intentions, I think about what I’m getting you ready for as a congregation. Does a good interim mean that I will groom you for a sure thing with your next pastor? No tense moments, no heartaches, no second guesses, no risk? I hope not. Instead, I should be preparing you for the next step with a Lord and his ordained representative who like to travel over thin ice, to take chances, to try new and brave projects and thus serve God’s people. Right now, we’re working on how you talk about what you feel called to do as the people of God at Spirit of Life. That’s hard, and you’ve toiled to accomplish it. Thank you for your good work. As we progress, I hope and pray you are getting ready to call a pastor who will lead you over some thin ice. Really. It’s what Jesus would do.

Take some risks. Look, pray, and hope for the leader who will lead you where you need to go in devotion and service and faith, and over some thin ice now and then. I learned that in seminary, as you’ve read, and it’s served me well. As it will you. Happy Easter! It promises to be an unforgettable ride. Pastor Dow

Thursday Apr 13 – Maundy Thursday

Readings Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14 Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 (13) 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 John 13:1-17, 31b-35

Friday Apr 14 – Good Friday

Readings Isaiah 52:13—53:12 Psalm 22 (1) Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9 John 18:1—19:42

Sunday Apr 16 – Resurrection of Our Lord

Easter Day Readings

Acts 10:34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6 Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 (24) Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10:34-43 Matthew 28:1-10 or John 20:1-18

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Worship and Music Leadership Team Member: Dan Nichols - nichdc@comcast.net

Coming off the Congregational Retreat and some leadership meetings we have discovered that we are going to have to alter the way we do special projects. This year I don't think we will be able to do the upgrades we had planned for the projector etc... instead there seems to be a lot of interest in upgrading the sign out front of the Church instead to an electronic one that can display all types of information about services and events. I think this is a great idea, too, and would rather devote our resources to that first. If it's possible and a windfall opportunity comes up then we can do the projector and computer at the sound station. I did get a new remote though and it seems to work a lot better than the other one, at least. For the Easter services we have decided to keep two complete services on their normal schedule because we might have a full house for either or both. It was really close on Christmas Eve! We polled 2 services about a sunrise service and there was not enough interest to do one (less than 5 including me), so I didn't think it was fair to have Pastor Dow and Carl have to drive in way early just for us early risers because their travel time is significant. There is a Worship committee now of five or six people that discusses these sort of things and comes ultimately comes up with a plan and executes it. Just so you know! The Praise Team is returning to regular practices now, and it seems like everyone has recovered from the crud that has been going around. The Worship leadership position is actually open! I took the Vice President spot, although I will still continue to do- whatever it is that I am doing already, which is actually more than being erratic and just flailing around. Ok, so maybe there is a lot of that also. If you attend the first service and have experience in flailing then this might just be for you! Love, Daniel

Important Dates in April and Service Times 5th – Lenten Supper and Service @ 6:00 pm 9th – Palm Sunday with Services @ 9 and 10:30 am 13th – Maundy Thursday with Service @ 7:00 pm 14th – Good Friday with Services @ Noon and 7:00 pm 16th – Easter with Services @ 9:00 and 10:30 am There will be breakfast on Easter Sunday between services.

Bible Study Bible Study has started up again. Come join us on Tuesday evenings @ 6:30pm and Wednesdays at 10am.

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Easter Garden Having an Easter Garden is a beautiful custom. Would you like to honor or remember (those

still living) a loved one? If so, please purchase an Easter plant in their name and bring it to

the church. The plants will be placed around the altar Easter morning. All requests will be

published in the Easter Sunday Bulletin. Deadline is April 9th, and there is a signup sheet in

the Narthex. After Easter you may take your plant home or donate it to the church to be

planted outside.

President’s Message

Please congratulate our new President, Al Spiecher, and Vice President, Dan Nichols.

Calling of a New Pastor Update

Look for more information at our Spring Congregational Meeting coming up soon.

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Financial Corner

FEB 2017

Envelope Offering $ 9,504.50

Interest Income $ 4.16 Expenses $ 8,721.99

$ 9,508.66 3/1/17 BALANCE $ 2,667.00

Jan carryover funds $ 1,880.33

Food Pantry Donations $ 193.00

Food Pantry Expense $ 65.00

Food Pantry Balance $ 4,985.62

The Church office is in need of someone willing to give 1-2 hours a week in assisting with the

financial needs of the church. Help is needed paying the bills and requires no computer time, and

help is also needed in entering the income, bills, etc into the computer.

Attendance Jesus is the Cornerstone of the Church (1 Peter 2:6), and we are “like living stones . . . being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). As the building materials of God’s “spiritual house,” we naturally have a connection with one another, and that connection is evident every time the Church “goes to church.”

9am 1030 am 2/26 40 32 3/ 5 42 36 3/12 31 29 3/19 39 37 If you weren’t here, we missed you. You can always come home, says your Father, Jesus!

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What is Online Giving?

Online Giving is a direct payment whereby your contribution is debited automatically from your checking, savings, or credit card account into your church's bank account.

How can I start on-line giving?

You can make a one- time or reoccurring payment from your financial institution. By setting it up

in the Bill Pay portion of your account. You will need the following information: the church’s

financial institution: EverBank, account# 0379375801 and routing# 0683092110.

What are the advantages of Online Giving?

It makes it easy to fulfill stewardship commitments, even when you can't attend church. You never have to bring cash or checks to church. Giving electronically also helps the church save money and improve its budget!

Without a canceled check, how can I prove I made my contribution?

Your bank statement gives you an itemized list of electronic transactions as well as your online reports, also Spirit of Life will provide with a quarterly and annual giving statement.

What if I don’t want to set up online giving, are there other options to make an electronic

payment?

YES! We have a square payment center set up in the rear of the sanctuary. There are step-by-step instructions and you can use a debit or credit card.

You ask why do we need this?

This provides you with a variety of workable options to be a faithful and generous giver to the Lord’s work. If you’re unable to attend, you will still be able to give. In case you forget your checkbook or you don’t have a checkbook or merely convenience.

If you should have any questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please call or text Vonda Miller 904-483-7948 or via email: the church chur5900@bellsouth.net or ontrey64@gmail.com Thank you for continued, generous support of our church. In Christ, Vonda Miller (Treasurer/Secretary)

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Congregational Life Leadership Team Member: Kristina Aldred - kaldred@bellsouth.net

Want to add some skills to your resume’? How about learn something new and exciting? I need a backup Webmaster, Newsletter editor, and Power Point creator. You can do only one, or two or learn all three. No age requirements. You just need a computer or a device that can access the internet and run Power Point and / or Microsoft Word. Let me know. Kristina

Emergency Food Pantry Steve Carlson steveandcasey@yahoo.com (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 March comes to a close, I can't help but remark about the love and compassion you always show to our community. Just last week, we had a gentleman come to the Food Pantry. He wasn't looking for food, but he was from out of town, had his wallet stolen, no phone service, etc. He came to us, looking for help. The Food Pantry volunteers jumped into action! After several inquiries, our own Gary Strysick volunteered to drive him to one of our partners, Circle of Love. After consultation with them, the gentleman was driven to several agencies in town until help was found for him. This is a shining example of how deep we care for our fellow man, and far we are willing to go to help them. Thanks, Gary! Our friends at Lutheran Social Services have been busy on our behalf as well. Jason has been on the lookout for extra food in the pipeline, and he is making sure it comes our way. Lately, he has found extra Almond Milk, Organic Salsa, Chicken Broth, and Chips. Jason is also working hard on planning our Mobile Food Distribution, scheduled for April 29. He's lined up several vendors who will be onsite that day doing health screening and offering other services. Thank you Jason! Did I mention April 29th? Keep this day free if you can. We will be hosting the one of the largest Food Distributions and Resource Fair's that the Northside has ever seen! We are looking to feed 450 families! Please keep that morning open to help if you feel so moved. High Schoolers can get volunteer hours too. Finally, our partners at United Healthcare have been active too. Because of the important work that the Spirit of Life Food Pantry does in the community, United Healthcare has invited us to attend one of the Food Insecurity Brainstorming sessions that are being held in Florida. We have been invited to attend the Jacksonville session, and our own Edith Brisson will be attending on our behalf. Thank you Edith! As always, none if this would be possible without YOU. This ministry continues to grow and thrive, but we can't continue it without your support!

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May God's love and understanding be with you always. PAX, Steve Carlson

Property Leadership Team Member: Debby Speicher yayasis@comcast.net Thanks to all of those who have been working to spruce up our landscaping! As we move into spring there is lots of work to be done, we are also looking to do a "spring cleaning" on the inside! If anyone is interested in helping with this project please get with me! Also we have completed the task of replacing the light bulbs in the sanctuary and are scheduled to have the lighting replaced in the parking lot as well as the exterior of the church. As you can imagine this is no easy task! It requires having a "lift" in order to replace the bulbs. A big Thank you to Bob Pollett for helping with this project, Bob is also very helpful with the Food Pantry and is always willing to give our church a helping hand!

Faith Into Action Leadership Team Member: Maggie Spruill

Ruth Circle Women of the ELCA (WELCA) Dawn Martin—(904)518-6903

The Bees will still be here through Easter. $1 a bee or $20 a flat or any amount will be welcomed. April 9th is another wonderful Bake Sale and we will have cookies for the Spring Fling. On May 6th is the First Coast Conference of the WELCA Spring Gathering at St. Marks Lutheran Church. This year’s theme is “Feed My Sheep”. Next meeting is April 7th The 2nd annual Mother’s Day Luncheon is being planned for May 13th. Watch for a signup sheet in the Narthex.

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Education / Youth

Leadership Team Member: Tristin Ochoa

Please join us for It's Elementary every Sunday at 10am! April 2nd- We will be doing a special Sunday School lesson and would like all the older youth and even adults assist and be a part of the fun! Please join us at 10am! April 8th- We need volunteers to help with the Spring Fling. We would like to see the older youth assist with the games and also spreading out the eggs and running the hunt. As always thanks for all your support. Tristin

2018 Youth Gathering Casey Carlson

Getting Ready!

#ELCAYG2018

The Gathering Group at Spirit of Life held its pre-registration meeting earlier this year. As of April 1, SEVEN youth and TWO adults have indicated they will be attending the 2018 Youth Gathering in Houston, Texas, from June 27, 2018 through July 1, 2018. If you have or are a youth that is currently in grades 7 through 11 and would like to go but did not attend the informational meeting, you must contact Casey Carlson at 654-6461 or caseycarlson1@yahoo.com as soon as possible. A $150 deposit from each participant is due no later than May 15. It costs about $1,100 per person to attend the Gathering. Members and friends of Spirit of Life have historically assisted in this cost by participating in various fundraisers throughout the year so that each child’s family does not have to pay more than the $150 deposit. It is my hope and prayer that we will once again come through for our youth so they all can grow in their faith through these days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study, service and fellowship. This means that we will need your help in raising approximately $8,000 between now and The Gathering.

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We have already started with our fundraising efforts. A portion of the sub sales was given to The Gathering Group, the Food Pantry held an Ice Cream Social, and Terry and Curtis Haugen continue to make recycling runs. Please continue to bring your cans and other metal recyclables to the church or contact Terry Haugen, Curtis Haugen, or Steve Carlson if a pickup of a large item is required. On Saturday, April 29, we will hold a garage sale in conjunction with the Food Pantry Mobile Distribution and Resource Fair and would appreciate donations of items to sell. However, please do not bring any items to the church until after April 15 and, if possible, please have the suggested sale prices marked. In addition to your financial assistance, and even more importantly, we will need Prayer Partners for our youth and adults. It is my hope that for every youth and adult attending the Gathering, a minimum of five members will commit themselves to pray regularly for one specific attendee. More information regarding how you can become a Prayer Partner will be distributed after our May 15 registration deadline. In the meantime, please continue to keep The Gathering Group in your prayers as we prepare for this experience financially and spiritually. In Christ’s love, Casey Carlson

Recycle and Help Our Youth

Do you know about the SOL Recycling Program? All proceeds go to our and help offset the cost of things like the 2018 Youth Gathering. Please set your items in the big barrels marked for recycling found outside the back door, near the food pantry trailers. Things that can be recycled: Aluminum cans Aluminum wheels Aluminum punchings Aluminum wire Aluminum siding Aluminum sheet Aluminum extrusions Aluminum lithograph Cast aluminum Irony aluminum Cast iron Steel Appliances (other than dishwashers and microwaves) Grills Stainless steel Brass Copper Insulated wire (such as insulated copper wire, Christmas lights, coaxial cable, extension cords) Radiators (aluminum, brass or copper) AC units whole (with limitations, requires receipt from replacement unit).

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Prayer List Our Members: Charlie Berry, Kelly Matthews, Gene Robertson Our Loved Ones: Johnny Saunders, Our Military members: Brenda, Eric, Tate & Trey Chronic Prayers: Sebastian Alonzo, Frances Bock, George Compton, Jackie Corderio, Thelma Cummins, Elaine Ditlovson, Dan Fisher, Cynthia Fultz, Larry and Alan Joiner, Kelly Matthews, Jessica & Brittany Motter, Mary Nettles, Jenny Nye, Carolyn Rademacher, Kathy Richardson, Mary Ellen Sanders and Betty Scott Our Shut ins: Robin Blackburn, Dody Hicken & Gene Robertson

Celebrations

APRIL BIRTHDAY LIST 1 Cassidy Haugen 1 Kennedy Haugen 1 Bob Schneck 3 Silas Jones 3 Mike Spruill 14 Danielle Barron 14 Pete Moreash 18 Sydney Kirk 24 Delores Miller 24 Bob Murray 27 June Berry 28 Steve Carlson 28 Jeff DeLaRosa 28 Omie DeLaRosa

APRIL ANNIVERSARY LIST 9 Paul & Ann Doolittle 9 Mary & Rusty Elwood 13 David & Peggy Williams 14 Charlie & June Berry 22 Paul & Patti Spellman

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