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Emmanuel Lutheran Church Clovis

T H E G R A P E V I N E Dear brother or sister in Christ, How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop? I’ve never been able to figure that one out. For me it has always been, “lick-one, lick-two, lick-three . . . CRUNCH!” But I DO know what it takes to get to the sweet spot of salvation. All it takes is faith. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, doesn’t pretend that following Jesus will be all sugar coated. In fact, following Jesus almost certainly guarantees that, at times, we will have a taste of hardship, persecution, and peril. What Paul wants us to know is that, despite these bittersweet experiences, faith itself is the final outcome. The world’s eyes may record distress, famine, and even death. But the eyes of faith see that there is nothing, “neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation” — I repeat, there is nothing in the universe that “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” So, even with the obesity epidemic before us, I would urge for us to go for the “sweet spot”. Even more, let’s super-size our faith. That way we can grow into “great faith” people. The sweetness of being in Christ is the one super-size that is good for your heart. With a super-sized faith in the love of God through Christ Jesus there is nothing—no power, no life or death, no height or depth—that can place a divide between our faith and the salvation that Christ’s death and resurrection have offered us. Isn’t that sweet?! In His service,

Pastor Ed

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

August, 2011, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel clovis.org

LETTER FROM THE GOVERNANCE BOARD Hello members and friends of Emmanuel. As we settle into the “Dog Days” of Summer, rest assured your governance board is gearing up for a great year working with Pastor Ed to refine and update our strategies for bringing Emmanuel’s ministry to as many people as possible. I had a great conversation with one of our members recently regarding ideas and implementation of initiatives to do just that. The conversation was frank and open, and reminded me everyone has thoughts and ideas about how to bring God’s word to our neighbors in effective and moving ways. I want to encourage every one of you to seek out those in leadership positions in the church and share your thoughts, whatever the subject or concern. Emmanuel is on the move, and your involvement and wisdom as individuals with fresh ideas and energy will be the key to our future success in working towards our mission goals. On a related note concerning ideas and putting them to work, I mentioned last Sunday we would be building and organizing teams to serve in the capacity of ushers, acolytes and altar guild personnel. Every one of these positions is an opportunity for you to serve and be active in Emmanuel’s ministry without a huge time commitment. I was moved to say the least that the first person to ask to be included on the list to participate was Steve Chow. I know we have all been impressed and inspired by how the Chow’s have worked through Steve’s illness, and continue to be an example of extraordinary faith as they battle on. What a lesson for me though, that someone I would expect to be focused on nothing other than healing from terrible sickness, is the first to want to get to work and be an active part of Emmanuel. I think God reminded me through Steve it’s all about attitude, and a willingness to give a little bit of ourselves that can make a huge difference. In an effort to get as many people as involved as possible we will be utilizing any and all who would like participate in any of these functions. If you are capable of serving, but only want to commit to one Sunday a month that’s great! Please contact me at church, by e-mail at [email protected] , or by phone at 559-908-7043. As we work to identify those willing to serve on these teams, we will also be developing position descriptions and training material to make sure everyone is comfortable with their new ministry. How about it? Is this a way for you to get involved? In Christ, Doug Richardson

Prayers Answered—Miracle Received Sunday July 10th, Steve Chow and Carmen and Curtis were back with us at Emmanuel. Steve is back home from rehab center and doing so much better at the time of this writing. He still can’t eat on his own, but he can walk a little bit, and is slowly regaining his strength. He never seems to have lost his spirit. He even volunteered to assist with ushering. (See article Above)

Pastor Heidel Gives Sermon Pastor Heidel gave the sermon on July 10th in Pastor Ed’s absence. He adds a little humor to his sermon by mentioning that Zacchaeus was “vertically challenged and literally up a tree”. Pastor Heidel’s sermons are always a Joy! Thanks Pastor Heidel.

Busy Month of July (also continues to next page)

mailto:[email protected]�


Busy Month of July (cont.)

PANDAMANIA!

Evening under the Stars, Irene gets fresh strawberries from Katie for her cheesecake!

The entertainment was excellent! Carl Watkins here and earlier was Art Howansky, sorry, I messed up on Art’s photo.

Here’s Pastor Panda and Jill! What a good time was had at Vacation Bible School.

The kids did some fun crafts on the first day of Vacation Bible School.

First and Second graders line up for new activity.

Kids sing at worship.

Monday Morning Bible celebrates Cristy’s Birthday by taking her to lunch.

Steve Chow still recovering , shown with his therapist whose kids were at VBS. She didn’t know Steve was a member here. Her youngest son is all smiles in the picture of the kids singing at Worship above.

August , 2011 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Mission Statement:

Inspired by the holy spirit, we share His love and invite people to Christ by proclaiming and living the Good News.

GOVERNANCE BOARD

Debbie Spence Rod Kirby

Doug Richardson Sandra Lucero

Darrell Strickler

Editorial Staff of the Grapevine Cristy McNicholas and

Sandy Wisener Elizabeth Bombini and

Marlene Coffman

August Sundays:

Aug 7th HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

Aug 14th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

Aug 21st HOLY COMMUNION 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

Aug28th 9:00 Worship Service 10:30 Kick ‘n’ Kids Youth Bible Study Adult Study

EMMANUEL OFFICE

Cristy McNicholas, Office Manager (559) 298-0725

[email protected] New Office Hours: Mon.—Fri

9 a.m. to 1 pm

Prayer Praise & Bible Study! We meet Mondays at 9 am for fellowship, Bible Study of Romans to Praise our Lord, and to pray for whatever may be on our hearts. On August 8th we will be taking the Amtrack to Hanford for a tour and having lunch at the ice cream parlor before our return

home by Amtrack.

"E.F.T. at THE NEW EMMANUEL"

Electronic Fund Transfer is available! You can have your Tithes/Offerings automatically withdrawn from either your

checking or saving account and given to Emmanuel. There are

many benefits to the New Emmanuel, as well as to our

members and friends. It is safe and secure. For more

information, please contact Mike Kipp at 447-9369, or you

can email him at [email protected].

Country Gospel

Enjoy it again on August 6th, 2011! Our own Country Praise Group will be back to lead us in singing the great old and new country gospel songs we so love. So Ya’all come and raise your voices to the Lord in Song! Next month September 3rd will be the date.

Women of Grace (An excerpt from Julia Bettencourt’s Bible Devotions) Going to the beach has always been one of those fun summer things to do. The only thing about going to the beach is that you have to go prepared. Here’s what we need to put in our beach bags:

Sunscreen- We’ll need this to protect us from the sun. When we walk into the world and get too close to worldly attractions we need to put on our Christian Armor.

Sand shovel- A delightful thing to do is dig and play in the sand. As Christians we need to dig into the Word of God.

Sand bucket- We can collect our treasures in a bucket. Those shells are so beautiful and amazing. The treasures found in God’s word are amazing. There are the treasures of strength, that Christ is unchanging, and eternal life.

Beach ball- Having a little activity at the beach is always fun. The Christian life can be so rewarding when we actively live it to the fullest. There is so much joy in serving Jesus!

Sunglasses- We wouldn’t want to go to the beach without them. We need them to protect our eyes and also help us focus. Our sunglasses are the “God’s Love” kind. When we look at the world through Christ’s eyes we see a lot more clearly and things look a lot more different.

Are you ready for the beach? We had around 40 people attend Evening Under the Stars. The weather was perfect, the dessert yummy, the music beautiful, and great old fashioned conversation. We want to especially thank Lynette Burgasser, Marlene Coffman, Art Howansky, Carl Watkins, Keisha Watkins, Katlin Strickler, and Madeline and Kate Richardson for their contributions in making the evening a success. Please mark your calendars for the Congregational BBQ on Saturday, August 13th at 5:00 p.m. at the home of Linda and Gordon Miller. Tickets will be sold in the narthex on Sunday mornings. We are looking for donations for the silent auction. Please see Cheryl Deis if you would like to donate an item. There will be a baby shower for Amanda Hutto on Sunday, August 28th at 11:30. There will be a signup in the Narthex. Each woman attending is asked to bring a salad to share.

A new command I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:23

EMMANUEL FUNDRAISERS

Want to raise extra money for Emmanuel? Just turn in your empty inkjet cartridges to our church office for recycling. We will receive $2.00 for each one. This is a continuing project that we will do throughout the year.

August , 2011 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Youth Fund Raiser

Remember to SAVE your PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES, & SODA BOTTLES for the green youth trash can located at the back of the Church House. See Nathaniel Kipp if the trash can is not out. Thank you for supporting our recycling program.

Altar Flower Sign-Up

If you would like to honor a special person, date or event, please consider providing altar flowers one week during the year. The sign-up calendar is located on the wall near the restrooms in the narthex.

Think about it!

PREGNANCY CARE CENTER Remember to bring your baby items to fill up the bassinet for this organization which gives the choice of life to many young people who might decide on abortion. Small baby items, blankets, Diapers, formula, bottles, or whatever else you may be able to think of.

RESCUE MISSION DONATIONS Please keep those donations coming for the Rescue Mission. Items needed are personal items:

Wash Cloths Deodorant Toilet Tissue Personal Hygiene

All items are greatly appreciated. Items may be placed in the marked box in the Family Life Center.

PRAYER CHAIN and CPR We have two prayer ministries going on at Emmanuel the Prayer Chain is lead by Helene Kipp and she can be reached by phone 447-9369 or e-mail [email protected]. CPR is led by Martha on Wednesdays

in the church house at 1 pm. You can come and join us there or leave a prayer request in the gift bag provided in the narthex

The Children's Bible in a Nutshell

In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says,’ The Lord thy God is one, but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been in-vented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden. Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next impor-tant people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check. After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat. Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's peo-ple. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother. One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David. He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them. After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of The New. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I was.') During His life, Jesus had many ar-guments with sinners like the Pharisees and the Democrats. Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worst one was Judas Asparagus. Ju-das was so evil that they named a terrible vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pilot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead. Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolution.

August , 2011, Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapev ine www.emmanuel c lov is .org

Christian Education News…

Lesson themes for August:

August 7th Bible Story: Josiah promises to follow the Lord Theme: God speaks to us through the Bible

August 14th Bible Story: Daniel’s friends are safe Theme: We can worship God no matter what

August 21st Bible Story: God protects Daniel Theme: God deserves our loyalty

August 28th Bible Story: God promises to restore Israel Theme: God has good plans for us

Don't forget we still have Savemart Share cards.

Have you noticed the Youth helping in church? The fifth Sunday of the month is Youth Sunday to do the Coffee and snacks.

We have youth helping in the sound and video booth they are also active with ushering and communion. They enjoy helping with the church functions.

We have Youth going to Spirit West Coast August 4-6. Gary and Jill Gerloff will be taking Linda, her friend Sela, Fabian and Lissa to Spirit West Coast. It should be a wonderful time for all.

Youth will be helping with the Vacation Bible School.( more on that later)

Don't forget to order your Flamingo's from the youth for celebrations.

August, 2011, Emmanuel Lutheran Clov is GRAPEVINE www.emmanuel clovis.org

August 7 August 14

August 21 August 28

Communion Assistants

Neil Hoppus Scott Linenbroker Fon Vangsycha

Andrew Vangsycha

Mike Golden Nathaniel Kipp Darrell Strickler

Todd Weber

Usher Don Rutherford Bill Dunklau

Mike Kipp Gordon Miller

Vernon Meyer

Neil Hoppus

Acolyte Madeline Richardson Katlin Strickler Michelle Vangsycha Megan Weber

Greeter Jim Deis Cheryl Deis

Don Rutherford Ardis Rutherford

Gail Davis

Cristy McNicholas

Todd Weber Bill Dunklau

Sandy Wisener

Helene Kipp Claudine Steinhauer

Don Rutherford

Counters Don Rutherford

Don Rutherford Irene Stinson

Don Rutherford Sandy Wisener

Don Rutherford Claudine Steinhauer

Info Booth

Darrell Strickler Cristy McNicholas Stephen Edmonds

Chris Watkins

OUR FAITHFUL SERVERS FOR AUGUST

Our Praise Team: Jill and Gary Gerloff, Paige Weber, Judy Strickler, Keisha Strickler, Steve Vickrey, Todd Weber, Doug Richardson, Darrin Lowenthal, and Art Howansky.

Social Ministry Have you checked out the Information Booth, you can find Bible Reading Schedules, the Newsletter and pamphlets on what is available at Emmanuel. Sunday Morning Coffee We have made some changes to the Sunday Morning Coffee time. The people who make the coffee will no longer be required to bring the snacks. We will be providing the snacks with the free will offering and asking others in the congregation to consider bringing snacks. Muffins, fruit, veggies, bagels, cookies, sandwiches are just a few items that are welcome for the snack time. There is no set number to bring, we appreciate the donations. If you would like to sign up to bring items there is a sign up sheet on the Social Ministry Board. Please be sure to Thank the people who make the coffee for you.

IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED AND CANNOT SERVE . . . Please call your team leader. For the Info Booth it is Chris Watkins 297-4922 ([email protected]) for Communion Servers it is Mike Kipp 447-9369 for Ushers it is Doug Richardson, Counters, and Greeters you can let them know at the church. Thank you.

WE ARE IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS FOR COUNTERS TO COUNT THE OFFERINGS BEFORE GOING HOME ON SUNDAYS. SEE DOUG RICHARDSON, DON RUTHERFORD, OR CRISTY.

Lost & Found Please check the kitchen for dishes you are missing. One hearing aid found on floor in the narthex, ask Cristy in the office.

Any serving positions for which you feel called to volunteer, please contact Doug Richardson at [email protected] , or by phone at 559-908-7043.

mailto:[email protected]�

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!

8/1 Jennifer Moebes 8/2 Fon Vangsycha 8/3 Bernice Fleck 8/4 Alexandra Dickson 8/5 Jon Stephens 8/7 Joy Strickler 8/8 Lynette Burgasser 8/10 Suzanne Garcia 8/11 Austin Garfield 8/12 Marcia Weaver 8/14 Linnie Clark 8/15 Elizabeth Bombini 8/21 Sam Moebes 8/22 Chad Watkins 8/24 Beth Granicher 8/31 Amanda McCracken

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES! DATE YEARS Paige & Todd Weber 8/07/1993 18 yrs Maenene & Fon Vangsycha 8/10/91 20 yrs Nancy & Clyde McGehee 8/11/1972 39 yrs Virginia & Steve Morgan 8/26/1978 33 yrs Ed & Karen Krueger 8/28/1993 18 yrs

If we have omitted your birth date or anniversary date or have the wrong date listed, please call the church office with the corrected information. Please accept our apology and HAVE A GREAT DAY IN THE LORD! THANK YOU.

August , 2011 , Emmanuel Lutheran Church Grapevine www.emmanuel c lovis .org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 9 a.m. Bible Study of Romans in the Church House

2 3 4 5 6 7 pm COUNTRY

GOSPEL CELEBRATION

7 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study

8 9 am Bible study group Amtrack Trip to Hanford

9

10 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team

11

12

13 Congregational BBQ @ the Millers’ home at 5 pm with Silent Auction

14 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study


Newsletter Deadline

16


18

19

20

21 9 AM WORSHIP with Communion 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study


23


25

26 Newsletter Assembly

27

28 9 AM WORSHIP 10:30 Kick’n Time Youth Adult Bible Study 11:30 Baby Shower for Amanda Hutto


30 31 1 pm CPR Group 6 pm Praise Team

Sept 1 Sept 2

Sept 3 7 pm COUNTRY

GOSPEL CELEBRATION

August 2011


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If you would like to donate to the relief fund for victims of the spring floods or tornado disaster,

you can mail checks to LCMS World Relief and Human Care,

Congregation Praying Regularly

CPR group meets every Wednesday in the Church House 1-2pm

Attention Prayer Warriors… The CPR Group meets every Wednesday in the Church House from 1 -2 pm. Join us in

prayer for the following… Our Church Pastor Ed and Karen Administration Asst. Cristy Our Governance Board: Doug, Darrell, Rod, Debbie and Sandra Praise Team Members Country Gospel night Sunday School Education – all students, teachers and helpers Vacation Bible School leader – Carol Youth & Youth Ministry: Helene and Gary. The need for a Youth leader Adult Ministry: Pastor Ed. Pastor Heidel, Debbie Small Group Ministry Womens Group – Women of Grace Drama Ministry with Pastor Heidel Property Deacon/Deaconess Servers: acolytes, communion asst., greeters, info booth, fellowship time Audio/Video team Homebound members Members who are ill or recovering from illness: Steve Chow, Debi Barnhart, Helene Kipp, Anne McClintock Unemployed in our congregation Military – our leaders, men and women in the field, stateside and foreign grounds USA – President, Senate, House of Rep., Supreme Court and Cabinet members State Government – Governor, Senate and Assembly County – Board of Supervisors City of Clovis and Fresno – Mayor and Board Police & Fire – Safety of officers Education – Schools: Teachers, Administration, Students and School Board Current prayer needs requested by our congregation members

Dr. Richard Smiley, long time member of this congregation, passed away on July 15th. He will be missed. Our prayers go out to his family.

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