Happenings at NLC

July 2018

Monthly Newsletter

“With the birth of Jesus in our hearts,

we carry light and love to the world.”

Worship Services 8:30am & 11am Reverend Giuseppe Mattei

6363 Commercial Way, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613 • 352-597-1456 • www.nlcww.org

Prayer by Ann Madsen

Women of Nativity (WON)

Summer Bible Study

Saturday, July 14, 2018

9:00am at church All are welcome!

Coffee and snacks before and

during the sessions.

Important Dates to Remember

July 12—WON Luncheon at Timber Pines

July 14—Prayer by Ann Madsen Bible

Study

July 17—Men’s Breakfast at Perkins

Please visit our website at www.nlcww.org to view the NLC calendar, submit requests for dates or events, down-load sermons, among other things.

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COUNCIL PRESIDENT ‘S LETTER

It will also be the time of year when

we celebrate the independence of

this country on July 4th and everyone

will be celebrating in their own manner with fun, food and flag waving.

It will also be a time to pause and express our thanks for the freedom

we share in this land.

The three colors, Red, White and Blue prominent in these celebrations

are well appreciated and displayed, however as a country of

immigrants we must remember there are other colors many of us are

sentimental about, the colors of our native homelands which reminds

us of the culture our parents and grand parents brought here. This is

what makes America the melting pot it has become.

I attended a workshop while at Synod on June 1 – 3 in Kissimmee.

The topic was “Welcoming the Stranger” and it dealt with the plight of

immigrants now seeking refuge in America. There are also people of

many and various sectors of our society who are also seeking that

“Open arms welcome”, just for one moment think of yourself being in

that situation, what would you expect? Seeing families being torn apart

is an injustice and needs the attention of loving and caring people like

us Christians, we must continue praying for a solution to this problem.

As Nativity continues on its spiritual journey, there are many changes

taking place to have our program operating more efficiently and better

organized. Thanks to everyone involved, and to single out any

individual would be a disservice to all as they are such a hardworking

team.

This being the time of year for travelling, again I ask you to be very

careful and patient, I also pray for the safety of every one of you.

God Loves you, and so do I.

Al Wright, President

This is July and I am rejoicing as it is

my birth month, I will be celebrating

another year on this earth, giving

thanks to the Almighty.

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SPIRITUAL LIFE

PRAYER BY ANN MADSEN

WOMEN OF NATIVITY (WON) SUMMER BIBLE STUDY –

SATURDAY, July 14, 2018 – 9AM

Coffee and snacks before and during the sessions.

Please join us!

Session 1: The paradoxes of prayer (1 Samuel 12:16-23).

In this first session on prayer, we’ll investigate the

paradoxical truths of this spiritual practice. This session will

be presented by Pastor Giuseppe Mattei starting at 9am.

Session 2: The practices of prayer (Psalm 19:14). Jesus

taught us to pray by way of the Lord’s Prayer. In this

session, we’ll look at different ways to pray. This session

will be presented by Deacon Ruth Ann Hoy starting at

10am.

Session 3: The products of prayer (Romans 8:26-28). In

the final session of this series, we will investigate the effects

of prayer personally, communally and on the mission of

the church. This session will be lead by Rev. Dr. Carlan

Helgeson starting at 11am.

The sessions will be over by 12. No lunch will be served.

We welcome all from the church to attend. Please sign

up on the kiosk in the narthex.

YOUTH — You are especially invited to join us.

These Studies are in the June and July/August editions of

Gather Magazine. You can download a PDF by visiting

www.gathermagazine.org/summer-2018-prayer.

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STEWARDSHIP is not a Snowbird!

Activities in our church, as in many churches, slows down in the

summer months. Many of our ministries have a hiatus that is

often a healthy, or at least welcome, way to give our volunteers a

brief rest. Here in Florida we also have some "forced" breaks

because lots of "snowbirds" head north for cooler climates.

Those that remain behind in the summer understand and accept

that they might have to do a little more for a few months to keep

their ministries going. Stewardship is, after all, a year-round

commitment to fulfilling God's work here on earth. It is a year-

round commitment to carrying light and love to the world by

supporting our ministries.

Please keep our church in mind throughout the summer. Pray for

continued blessings on our ministry of which you are a significant

part even from afar. Thank you for your continued support of our

church.

NCL’S SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE - Watch the entire

worship service, just the sermon or just the special music on

your Phone, PC, tablet or laptop. Every service is easily acces-

sible from Nativity's website. You'll hear and see everything

clearly in HD! This is available anywhere 24/7. ALSO, every

Sunday night at 6pm, tune in to WZEU-FM 102.9 on your radio

for a rebroadcast of our previous weeks’ Sunday Service. This

station,102.9 FM, is available throughout Hernando

County. Please tell your family, friends and neighbors.

If you are Interested in sponsoring one of the services broadcast

on WZEU in memory or honor of someone, cost is $25 and you

can sign up in the Narthex and place your donation in a green

envelope and mark it WZEU and place in the offering plate.

ALTAR GUILD - There will be no meeting in July.

Next meeting will be August 15 at 10am in the Library. Any

questions, please contact Janet DeVico at 352-597-0150.

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CHRISTIAN EDUCATION (Discipleship)

CONFIRMATION CLASS – No classes in July.

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY SCHOOL — Sunday mornings

from 9:45-10:45AM. Classes for children 3 and up!

OUTREACH MISSION OF THE MONTH — RESURRECTION (REZ)

HOUSE - DADE CITY

July's Mission of the Month is Rez House, a ministry of the

synod in Dade City, Florida. Each year Nativity raises

money to purchase "Back to School" shoes for the children

of the migrant workers who use the services of Rez House

or who worship there on Sunday. All of us remember the

excitement of returning to school in the fall wearing our new

school shoes. Our assistance allows the Rez House

children to experience that same excitement!

Nativity works with Rez House staff who identify the

children who will receive the shoes and Payless Shoes in

Zephyrhills offers a discount on all purchases Nativity

makes for this purpose. If you wish to make a donation for

this "Back to School" shoe ministry, please place your

donation in one of the green pew envelopes and place it in

the collection plate. Thank you!

YOUTH GROUP—Meeting July 8 after 2nd service. Bring

all pictures to share and we will be working on a slide show

from the youth gathering. Then July 18 and July 24 and

July 30 at 1 p.m., we will be meeting at church to work on

our room and any other projects. If any ministry needs our

help, please let Lorrie DeFrancesco know. You can reach

her at ljdefran2323@gmail.com.

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WOMEN OF NATIVITY (WON)

COMMUNITY LIFE

WOMEN OF NATIVITY (WON) LADIES' LUNCHEON AT

TIMBER PINES — Thursday, July 12, 2018 - 12 Noon

SIGN -UP LIST IN THE NARTHEX. Enter at any gate - tell the

guards you're with Nativity and follow the signs to the country

club. Individual tickets.

WOMEN OF NATIVITY (WON) – Remember to save your

box-top coupons from cereal boxes, etc. AND pop-top tabs

from soda drinks and soup cans, etc. Place them in the

collection bin in front of the office in the admin building.

CARDS R US - Wednesday, July 11 & 18, 2018 -

12:30PM-3PM

Cards R Us will make cards on July 11 and July 18, 12:30-

3:00pm, in Winemiller Hall. Come join us for a good time and an

opportunity to add to the money we give to Pastor's Discretionary

Fund. One hundred percent of the profit from donations received

for these greeting cards, crafted from used greeting cards, is

given to this fund for helping people in need.

PAINTING CLASS - Wednesday, July 11, 18 & 25, 2018 -

10AM-12 NOON.

Join us for oil painting to express your creative mind! We will

meet every Wednesday in Al Lien Hall. For more information

contact Germaine Major at 352-686-0416 or Penny Morman at

352-777-1729.

CRAFTY LADIES - Fridays, 9:00AM-11:00AM

We meet at church in Al Lien Hall. Join us for coffee at 10:30 am. All women are welcome. Please call Lilo Horeis at 352-666-7584 with any questions.

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MEN’S BREAKFAST – Tuesday, July 17, 2018 –8:30AM

Join us at Perkins Restaurant,

4685 Commercial Way, Spring

Hill, for fellowship and breakfast.

For more info on this group,

please call Jim Christensen at

352-683-9141.

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE - Saturday, July 21, 2018

Friendship Circle will see the movie Mamma Mia: Here We go

Again! on Saturday, July 21. Because Circle together enjoyed

the original Mamma Mia movie in 2008, we are excited to see

Meryl Streep in Mamma Mia 2. Members will also share either

lunch or dinner, as well as devotions and a short meeting, at the

Mariner Family Restaurant, 5175 Mariner Blvd. After movie

times are released earlier that week, Circle members will be

notified of times. If anyone other than a member of Friendship

Circle wishes to join this activity, please contact Susan

Nordstrom at 352-428-1918. All are welcome.

DAYS FOR GIRLS — DATE TO BE DETERMINED

Health. Education. Dignity. Ensuring she has what she

needs to succeed. These are the words found on the

home page of the website for Days for Girls, a non-profit

organization formed to help girls in developing countries

stay in school. Through the Trompeter Fund and Thrivent

Financial, WON have been able to participate in this

mission. Please consider joining us on this valuable

mission project. Contact Jill Helgeson at 352-686-3367

for more information or if you have any questions.

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THANK YOU

Re: David & Dorothy Marie Trompeter Grant

Dear Friends:

Thank you so much for the award of $7000. We are extremely

grateful. Resurrection House Mission has become the mission

with a big heart because we are constantly taking on more than

we truly can handle but God always comes through with

resources though He expects us to do our share and we do.

Once again, thank you for being a caring church.

In Jesus,

Margarita Romo

Council President

Resurrection House

Mission, Inc.

Dearest Friends,

Thank you, thank you for your collected donations ($440) this

year for Golden Rainbow Ranch! Your support over the years

has been a welcome blessing. May God continue to bless you

all with the good fortune to help others.

Much love & gratitude,

Ali & Dave Baylor

Golden Rainbow Ranch

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Volunteers for office - We are still looking for volunteers to

help out in the office since Darlene resigned in late May. If you

can give us 2-3 hours any day/time the office is open, we would

appreciate it. Just call the office and ask for either Ed Lewis or

Evelyn Galli.

MISCELLANEOUS

Suncoast Bronze Ringers, a community handbell choir in

New Port Richey is asking anyone who has played handbells to attend our July 8 & 22 open rings from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm as we read new Christmas music. We hope to gain some new players for fall. It will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4651 Little Road, New Port Richey in the choir room behind the sanctuary. Turn off Little at Cypress Lake Blvd. between Church & Mitchell Soccer fields and take 2nd left drive way to the door on east side of building. Cars will be parked out there. For information, please contact Jackie Kerschbaum at j.kerschbaum@verizon.net .

The 15th

Annual Thrivent Day with the Rays!

Saturday, August 4th

at 6:10pm.

This year’s game will have the Tampa Bay Rays taking on the Chicago White Sox. Thrivent Financial has excellent seats reserved in the Baseline Box section. Group tickets (10 or more) cost $26 (up to a $60 value!). A portion of the proceeds will benefit Eckerd Connects. Group ticket orders (10 or more) will be placed directly with the Tampa Bay Rays group sales office: Bob Windheim, (P): 727-825-3220

(E): BWindheim@raysbaseball.com

Perhaps a group of baseball enthusiasts from Nativity is

interested in going and if so, a “ticket coordinator” is needed.

Perhaps someone would like to step up to the plate and be our

coordinator.. More info can be requested from the office as a

flyer was sent to NLC.

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MISSION STATEMENT

With the birth of Jesus in our hearts, we carry light and love to the world,

trusting that the Christmas miracle will be reborn in us.

VISION STATEMENT

We seek to become people who live the nativity by…

Giving Worship and Praise to our God: Presenting

ourselves before God as adoring servants, who, in loving

God, recognize that it is no longer we who are at the

center of the universe, but the One to whom we are

singing our praises.

Intentionally giving ourselves as Christ’s servants:

Participating in his mission in the world, helping those

who need our help, both in our church family and in the

world beyond: recognizing that there can never really

be any peace or joy for us until there is peace and joy for

others.

Opening our doors and our hearts to all people:

Welcoming all to our fellowship, caring for all in Chris-

tian love, and reaching out with the Good News of Jesus

Christ.

Encouraging each other to grow in faith: Growing our

understanding of the scripture and God’s leading in our

lives through study of the Word, meditation, and prayer;

knowing that learning is not just a matter of the mind,

but also of the heart, and that raising questions is some-

time of more value than finding answers.

Being responsible to God through the creative use of

our income, possessions, time and talent; recognizing

that loving our neighbor is not so much a feeling as it is

an act of will, and that sharing what we have on behalf

of the Kingdom of God is only giving back what was al-

ready God’s to being with.

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Celebrating the gift of life together: Loving our

neighbor, losing ourselves and then finding ourselves,

having discovered that the Good news means that it is

impossible not to feel joy in the presence of the Savior.

VALUES STATEMENT

We recognize that we are not here by chance but are gathered together to

be the church of God in Christ. We recognize that God is making us, through

grace, into a fellowship that embodies and expresses the spirit of Christ. In

this fellowship “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or

free, there is longer mail or female, for all of us are one in Christ

Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). We therefore welcome equally all people,

regardless of religious off, position, possession, education, rate, age, gender,

sexual orientation, mental ability, physical ability, or other distinctions.

REMINDERS

HELP US KEEP IN TOUCH — If you are aware of anyone in our

congregation that is hospitalized, in need of home communion, or

may need a pastoral call, please inform the office at 352-597-1456.

MAILBOXES - When you come to church, please take a moment

to check your mailbox in Winemiller Hall and see if anything was

left for you. Thank you.

NEWSLETTER — If you would like to have something included in

the August newsletter, please submit it to the office or via email to

nativitylutheran63@gmail.com and also Evelyn Galli via email to

evgalli@bcany.com by July 15. Thank you.

NLC CALENDAR — You can view it on the website,

www.nlcww.org. In addition, on the website you can submit a

request to schedule a meeting.

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July Birthdays

Bonnie Kuester 7/1 Lois Albury 7/2 Marion Attaviano 7/3 Danielle Hoyt 7/4 Harold Reber 7/7 Carl Roa 7/7 Christopher Wright 7/7 Randy Baird 7/8 Tom Schneider 7/8 Douglas Beals Jr. 7/9 Darlene Christensen 7/9 Joan Rasper 7/10 Paul Chipko 7/12 Roy Apeland 7/14 Irmgard Timm 7/15 Carol Fleschner 7/16 Anna Hupp 7/16 Linda Swenson 7/16 Harry Elliott 7/17 Gunnel Perez 7/18 Jessica Miller 7/20 Eliabeth Capell 7/22 Richard Mom 7/22 Bob Schneider 7/23

July Anniversaries

Lynne & Chestley Merritt 7/29

James Glessner 7/24 Tim Noe 7/24 Nin Vaznelis 7/24 Gilbert Herr 7/25 Lynn Cawley 7/26 Barbara Strohl 7/26 Richard Posewitz 7/27 John Gauthier 7/29 Mary Reber 7/30 Arthur Alt 7/31 Elmer Heupel 7/31 Janet Jones 7/31 Jacob Sandals 7/31