LAFF LAFF LAFF LAFF ---- Life After Fifty Life After Fifty Life After Fifty Life After Fifty----FiveFiveFiveFive Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church

June 2016 Newsletter

As the senior adult publication of Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, LAFF operates in conjunction with the steering committee of ROYAL SENIORS. We are favored here

with an article by Ken Braun, who reminds us that our God is an awesome God.

WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE? Have any of the following thoughts crossed your mind?

Never before in my lifetime has the saying been more true: “The inmates are running the asylum.” The values we grew up with, things our parents passed on to us, things we learned all our lives in church, are being challenged and overturned. The list is hideous and horrendous.

Abortions are killing children, for no other reason than, “It’s part of my body and I can do with it as I please.”

The created line of gender is blurred beyond recognition, with men marrying men and women marrying women. Men dressing like women or just feeling like women so they no longer identify with their natural gender. And, of course the same is true for women.

Cultures clash, goaded on by skin color. Anyone who can call himself a minority is playing the “I deserve” card.

An old “religion,” that preaches death to anyone who will not convert to it, is raising its ugly head. It bows down to Allah and rises up to win over the world with whatever means it has at its disposal.

And finally the Land-of-the-Free government backs it all, agreeing with everything above and penalizing anyone who disagrees. It is a government in turmoil with not much hope for the future, as the two most unpopular candidates in history run for president this fall.

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WHO’S IN CHARGE HERE?

Let us stand boldly and proclaim, GOD is in charge here! Let us join in saying with Isaiah: The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary They will walk and not be faint.

Let us join in the bold battle cry hymn: Christ, the royal Master, leads against the Foe; Forward into battle, see His banners go! Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war, With the cross of Jesus going on before.

We need not fear. God is in charge. We need only to be faithful, full of faith, trusting our God, speaking out and living out our God-directed lives. He is risen and lives by our sides. Fear not, God is still in charge here!

Ken Braun

FROM THE NURSES STATIONFROM THE NURSES STATIONFROM THE NURSES STATIONFROM THE NURSES STATION Are you struggling with grief after the death of a loved one? GriefShare is based on Biblical principles and can help you begin to work through the grief process. Our GriefShare 13-week cycle begins on Thursday, June 9, and will run

from 7:00-8:30 pm. We will meet in the small conference room behind the receptionist’s desk in the narthex (Room 38). The sessions consist of videos and group discussion. Each participant receives a workbook with notes, Scripture, and short case studies that help reinforce the ideas

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presented in the videos. If you are interested in attending, please contact Pam Ries, Parish Nurse, at ext 110. Please leave your name and phone number.

Fireworks are often used to mark special events and holidays. However, they are not safe in the hands of consumers. Fireworks cause thousands of burns and eye injuries each year. People can enjoy fireworks safely if they follow a few simple safety tips:

BE CAREFUL! • Be safe. If you want to see fireworks, go to a public show put on

by experts. • Do not use consumer fireworks. • Keep a close eye on children at events where fireworks are used.

Just how hot DOES a sparkler get?? In degrees Fahrenheit: water boils at 212, cakes bake at 350, wood burns at 575, and glass melts at 900. Sparklers reach 1200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Training for Cancer Companions volunteers was held on Saturday, May 21. We are beginning to reach out to those who have been diagnosed with cancer, those who have received treatment in the past, those who are currently undergoing treatment, and their loved ones. We want to serve you, to walk beside you, to support you in prayer and in any way possible. If you, or a loved one, are walking this journey, please know that you are not alone. We are here for you. Please contact Pam Ries, Parish Nurse, if you would welcome this support system (ext 110).

For those of you planning a vacation this summer, please consider the following tips:

• If driving, make sure your car is in excellent working condition – brakes, hoses, tires, fluids, etc.

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• Make sure you take all your medications with you – in their appropriate, labeled containers. Make sure you have enough of your prescription medications with you to cover your entire vacation time. If flying, keep your medications in your carry-on luggage.

• Keep a list of your medications, your medical history, allergies, doctor’s name/contact information, and emergency contact name/phone number with you.

• Remember the sunscreen. • If God is your co-pilot, you’re sitting in the wrong seat. • Have a good time, stay safe, and make lots of wonderful

memories!

BIBLICAL SONGS Noah: "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" Adam and Eve: "Strangers in Paradise"

Moses: "The Wanderer" Jezebel: "The Lady Is a Tramp"

Salome: "I Could Have Danced All Night" Daniel: "The Lion Sleeps Tonight"

Peter: "I'm Sorry" Esau: "Born To Be Wild"

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: "Great Balls of Fire!" Elijah: "Up, Up, and Away" Methuselah: "Stayin' Alive"

“I pray that everything may go well with you and that you may be in good health,

as I know you are well in spirit.” 3 John 2

Pam Ries, RN, Parish Nurse, ext 110

Editor’s Note — Test: For the above 11 songs, can you 1) name the recording artist? 2) recall the tune? 3) sing the whole song? 4) play the fuzz base line or bang it out on the piano (or at least know which songs I mean)? Now, which of the songs would you say best represents your connection to “popular” music, and in what year was that connection made?

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DEFINITIONS IN ACTIONDEFINITIONS IN ACTIONDEFINITIONS IN ACTIONDEFINITIONS IN ACTION Once all the villagers decided to pray for rain. On the day of prayer all the people gathered. Without prior discussion, everyone brought an umbrella. That's FAITH

When you swing a child in the air, she laughs, unafraid that you might drop her. That's TRUST

Each night we go to bed, without assurance of being alive the next morning, and we set the alarm to wake us up.

That's HOPE

We plan big things for tomorrow although we cannot foretell the future. That's CONFIDENCE

We see the world suffering and in turmoil, but we marry and raise families. That's LOVE

An elderly man's favorite shirt proclaims: “I’m not 90.... I am sweet 16 with 74 years experience.”

That's ATTITUDE

The Sunday school lesson taught that God created everything, including human beings. Little Jimmy seemed especially intent when told that Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs. Later in the week Jimmy’s mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and asked him, “Hey, little guy, what is the matter?” Jimmy responded, “I have a pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.”

A police recruit was asked during the academy exam, “What would you do if you had to arrest your own parents?” He answered, “Call for backup.”

“How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling the tail a leg does not make it a leg.” Abraham Lincoln

Editor: Lincoln was the first Republican U.S. president.

May God bless you with love to share,

health to spare and friends who care.

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HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS ARE DOING. . .HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS ARE DOING. . .HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS ARE DOING. . .HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS ARE DOING. . . • Royal Seniors participate in the NORTH ROYALTON

COMMUNITY MEAL

Join in a monthly free meal and fellowship from 3-5PM, usually on the last Sunday. Collaboratively sponsored by the Churches of North Royalton. The May 29th meal is likely past, but plan now for June 26th (at St. Albert the Great) and July 31st (at Royal Redeemer). Come to enjoy! Or, to volunteer to set-up, cook, serve, greet guests or clean-up – call Gerry

Keaton at (440)237-9746.

• Royal Seniors play PINOCHLE!

We are up and playing – the group is growing. The 15+ players in the group have agreed to play twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays, at 7:00 in the Youth Room, located on the second floor of the School Wing.

We play double deck (with no nines) and play four rounds per game. We have been able to play three games each evening. Players move among the tables so you get to meet new people and experience all levels of play. Some of the players have played for a long time, some are new to the game, and some haven’t played for a long time but are getting re-acquainted with the game. No matter your skill level, we all have fun, help each other (when necessary), enjoy fellowship and refreshments.

Come join us and hopefully make some new friends. You do not have to be a member of Royal Redeemer, we welcome any of our

Christian friends for an evening of fun and fellowship!

• Royal Seniors have FUN DAYS!

Join us once a month! Free entertainment and socializing! Royal Seniors Summer Fun Days are Monday June 13th, July 11th and August 15th. Bring a foursome, friend or just yourself for Bridge, Canasta, Dominoes, Bananagram, Cards, Scattergories and more! Bring a brown bag lunch; we’ll provide coffee/tea. Come anytime you can between 10AM and 3PM, Room 102.

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• Royal Seniors join together for an exciting DAY TRIP

The Royal Seniors Day Trip is certainly a high point of the social year. On Friday, September 9th, we journey by chartered bus to historic Sauder Village (pioneer settlement of 1834-1890), to the Libbey Glass factory outlet, to The Barn Restaurant and to Quarry Hill winery. $65 per ticket. A descriptive poster is mounted in the Gathering Room, and tickets may be purchased before/after worship services.

• Royal Seniors JOIN IN WORSHIP

Royal Seniors will worship and picnic AT HEIDELBERG BEACH ~ Royal Seniors will worship at scenic Heidelberg Beach, followed by picnic on Sunday, August 14th. Swimming and more also available. A sign-up sheet (so we can be prepared), maps and further details will be offered in the gathering Room before/after worship. Don’t miss this off-campus worship and social event.

• Royal Seniors join together in BIBLE STUDY

Christian Faith is the all-important aspect of Royal Seniors activities. We encourage participation in all the faith-growing opportunities available at Royal Redeemer. Particularly we promote and have a close kinship with the Thursday morning Bible class led by Ken Braun. Sessions run from 10:30 to noon, with a break for snack/conversation, and are held in Room 102.

Sadly, for those of us champing at the bit to get back at it, the class is taking its usual summer time off. But watch for the resumption of this beloved class in September. We will continue our study of the Book of Hebrews. For those with morning conflicts, Ken Braun’s Monday evening Bible class (7:00-8:45PM, Gathering Room) will also pick up in September, completing study of the Gospel of Matthew and moving on to Hebrews (from the beginning).

• Royal Seniors join together for an ANNUAL HARVEST BUFFET

The Royal Seniors only host one fundraiser per year, and it’s our Annual Harvest Buffet scheduled this year for Friday, October 14th. This is

HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS HAVE PLANNED. . . HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS HAVE PLANNED. . . HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS HAVE PLANNED. . . HERE’S WHAT ROYAL SENIORS HAVE PLANNED. . .

always a fun evening with good food, entertainment and a door prize drawing. Funds raised are used to support programs and service projects of the Royal Seniors, open to all members of Royal Redeemer 55 and over. Mark your calendars, and watch for more details.

• Royal Seniors plan to attend the play, WEST SIDE STORY

The Royal Seniors are joining to enjoy the great musical play, West Side Story, presented at Baldwin Wallace College, in November. Sign up in the Gathering Room as we gauge interest and choose the best available date. Tickets for seniors are inexpensive.

• Royal Seniors join together for an ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

The Royal Seniors will host their Annual Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 11th, at St. Michael’s Woodside, in Broadview Heights. We begin with a social time at 4:00 with dinner served at 5:00, followed by entertainment and door prizes. The details for the evening are being worked out, so watch future issues of LAFF and the bulletin announcements for details. It might seem a long time away, but it’s never too early to mark your calendar for up-coming, exciting events.

Look for Royal Seniors news in the weekly announcements of Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, in the RRLC Ministry Update, and in this bimonthly newsletter, LAFF. Check the Gathering Room at RRLC for posted news and, often before/after worship, a personal presence helping with general information or tickets. Write to Royal Seniors c/o RRLC or place your note in our Royal Seniors mail slot or LAFF mail slot.

HEARING AIDS CAN BE EXPENSIVE, BUT… There is a program which discounts costs according to current income. The expense of hearing test and hearing aid can be significantly reduced. The Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center is located at 7000 Town Centre Drive, Suite 200 in Broadview Hts., OH 44147. CHSC is Medicare and Medicaid certified. Call (440)838-1477 and ask about the Audiology Patient Assistance (APA) program. More info: http://www.chsc.org/Main/Home.aspx

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