Navigating the Twisting Corridors of Our Minds By Pastor Gayle Pope

Every month I meet with five other Spiritual

Directors via “Google Hangout” for what we call

“peer supervision” sessions. It’s a meeting over the

internet, where we can all “see” and hear each other

on our computer screens. One participant presents a

case study that brought up some feeling or confusion

or concern about how she responded to the client.

Together, we explore what the Holy Spirit might be

trying to teach us as we practice our calling of helping

others grow in their relationships with Christ.

In our July session, we were talking about what

happens when we, as human beings, reflect on events

in our lives. Often our thoughts will take us in

directions we would rather not go. For example, let’s

say you have an issue with a relative that you keep

hashing over in your brain. You come to a point of

thinking it’s your own fault, but quickly shut that

door because you can’t be wrong. Or just the

opposite: someone treats you poorly and you become

angry but quickly close that door because, obviously,

you must have done something to deserve it. Or you

get bad news from the doctor and you begin to ponder

all the ramifications and steps you may have to take,

some of which are not appealing so, when you come

to those, it’s “Nope … not going there!”

I’m not saying these mental moves are necessarily

wrong, but if we continually find ourselves back with

the same issue – or back at the same door – maybe we

need to go through that door and see where it leads.

As Spiritual Directors, we always ask, “Where is God

in this?” Knowing this dynamic would be part of the

case we would be discussing, I wrote the following

opening prayer for our session. Maybe it will be of

some encouragement to you!

Wandering Take me with you, child,

On those meandering walks

Through the corridors of your mind.

Don’t go it alone.

You are safe with me,

and the journey more fruitful.

Alone you misread the signs.

You see, “Stop. Danger. Turn around.”

I see, “Enter here for a new horizon.”

You see, “Wrong way. Stay out.”

I see, “Continue forward: narrow, but safe

passage to a chamber of discovery.

You lose focus. I nudge you along.

You walk in circles,

finding yourself back where you began.

I carry you forward through haze to clarity.

Wander to your heart’s content, my child.

But take me with you.

Your heart’s content is just where we’ll go.

AA UU GG UU SS TT 22 00 11 55

Page 2

Church Council Meeting Minutes July 21, 2015

Members Present: Alan Steigelman, Stuart Peters, Joe

Brinkman, Kaye Marshall, Kara Wingerter, Crystal Bliven and Conny Bakker, Kathy Wolters and Pastor Gayle Pope.

Absent: Sam Lathrop, Sue Reeder, Bonnie Scranton,

Mathew Futhey,

After opening prayer and devotions, meeting was called to

order and additions were made to the agenda. : Motion to

approve minutes from the June 16 meeting carried.

President’s Report: President Steigelman thanked all members for helping with the cleanup on the property.

Pastor’s Report: Pastor Gayle distributed a printed report

of her activities the past month. Pastor said one of the highlights of the month was confirmation camp. Plans for

“God’s Work. Our Hands.” are taking shape for Sept. 13,

2015. We are again working with Luther Memorial on this

event. Tracy Kiefer is Luther Memorial’s representative on the planning committee and Pat Bell is ours. Pastor plans

on taking vacation July 27- Aug. 3 and Aug 17- 24.

Treasurer’s and Financial Secretary Reports: President Steigelman reviewed the financial reports as printed.

Motion to accept reports and place on file for audit carried.

Ministry Team and Committee Reports:

Communications – Stu Peters announced the new

website was launched. The changes will improve our

ranking on google and keep information updated

regularly. The committee will meet again Aug. 4 to

continue its work on implementing the new logo, enhancing our website and use of social media, and

evaluating other aspects of our communications.

Fellowship – Conny Bakker reported the planned

Pancake breakfast Fundraiser has been postponed.

Learning – No Report

Mutual Ministry Team – Crystal Bliven reported the

Mutual Ministry Team met June 23 and welcomed

four new Shepherd Circle Leaders, Daune & Dave

McCulloch, Katie Rupp, Char Tooke, and Judy Heilmann. The shepherd teams were realigned. The

next Shepherd Leader meeting is Aug. 18 and the next

Mutual Ministry Team meeting is Sept. 22.

Property – Joe Brinkman reported the property team

donated 188 hours the past month and spent $471.35. The team suggests replacing some of the tables. The

council requested property and fellowship teams make

a specific recommendation about table replacement. It was felt that memorial funds could be used for this.

Service – No Report

Stewardship – No Report.

Worship – The team will meet July 22. The team

decided to table the hearing assist system for now.

Risk Management – No Report

Finance & Investment – No Report

Endowment – President Steigelman will sign the

resolution and submit it.

LUGNuts – Kaye Marshall reported the committee is

meeting July 27 to see a visual presentation of what the columbarium will look like. All of the zoning and

legal work has been completed and they are working

on the cost estimates.

Motion to accept all reports carried.

Old Business:

a. Campaign for the ELCA – Pastor Gayle asked for

council’s input on how to proceed on the five year campaign. The council recommended a brief

presentation be made at a coffee hour, and that the

council may consider making a pledge as a congregation at its August meeting.

b. Strategic Planning Process – The council reviewed

the notes and set these steps for the process.

1) Step I – Prepare for Cottage Meetings in August. Congregation will be surveyed to determine

preferred times. Questions will be developed.

2) Step 2 – Hold six or more Cottage Meetings in September to solicit feedback on major goals

outlined by council. .

3) Step 3 – Pastor and Alan will conduct interviews with those unable to attend a cottage meeting.

4) Step 4 – Hold meeting with ministry team leaders

and council in October to consider input and

finalize goals and ministry team’s roles. 5) Communications: Pastor may include a brief

update on the planning process in the August

newsletter, but wait until September to report more detail. Include a Sunday morning presentation

before or in coordination with anything put out in

the SEED. Council would report on the updated

Strategic Plan at the 2016 annual meeting.

New Business:

a. Review of membership list – 16 inactive members

were moved to the congregation’s historical roster. b. New member approval – Motion to accept into

membership Kensey McGartland carried.

c. Resignation – Lana Anderson, church accompanist, resignation was accepted with regret as of Nov. 22,

2015. The worship team will be asked to put together

a job description and to initiate a search process to fill

the accompanist position. d. Maternity leave – Secretary Bree Roberts will be on

maternity leave from Sept. 21 – Oct. 30. Pastor was

given permission to fill the vacancy with a part time temporary secretary for the duration of Bree’s leave.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully Submitted by Kathy Wolters, Secretary

NOTE: These minutes are slightly condensed. Full version is posted on the bulletin board outside the church office.

Page 3

Please Help Fill The Cart Again! By Sue Hobbins

Please continue to remember our neighbors as we

progress through August. We had a reminder last

month of what can happen in the span of 10-15

minutes as we were hit by rain and winds. Food

pantries, non-profit agencies and neighbors helping

others helped us move on. Agencies who provide

food every day were called upon to help even more

people who had nowhere else to turn.

Thank you for your help and for sharing your gifts

with others. You are doing a great job of bringing an

assortment of food and household and personal

products for distribution. Vacations and family time

may have made us forget our food gifts. Please help

us refill shelves by being generous this month.

This month our food gifts will benefit the clients of

Luther Memorial Food Pantry. Please continue your

generosity to help those in our community in need.

They especially need the gifts listed below. If you

would prefer to give cash, I would be happy to do the

shopping for you.

1. Protein items (includes baked beans, canned

beans for chili)

2. Canned meats (chicken, tuna)

3. Canned meals or boxed meals (chili, stew,

macaroni and cheese, any meals that have all the

ingredients in them)

4. Macaroni & cheese, spaghetti & spaghetti sauce

5. Soups, especially chicken noodle & vegetable

6. Canned vegetables, peas, potatoes

7. Canned fruit

8. Nuts (especially English walnuts, dry roasted

almonds, peanuts)

9. Bisquick (or similar mixes that make a variety of

dishes with little or no additional ingredients)

10. Fresh apples, potatoes

11. Small boxes of powdered milk & canned,

evaporated milk

12. Dry cereals

13. Paper products (toilet tissue, facial tissue, diapers)

14. Laundry detergent

15. Deodorant, shampoo, toilet soap

16. Cleaning products

17. Hotel size soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc.

18. Baby care products and baby food

19. Foods that can be eaten without heating are good

for people who may have had their electricity

turned off for non-payment.

Ladies pictured: (left to right) Pat Glore, Bonnie Cox, Sue Tabb, Pat Bell, Judy Wegehenkel, Bernice Colgrove, Katie Rupp, Jerri Klusmeyer, Mary Trutwin. Absent: Connie Hornsey, Mary Reeve and Char Tooke.

Thrivent Gift Benefits Prayer Shawl Ministry By Bonnie Cox

Thrivent gave us a generous gift of $250 to spend on

supplies for our Prayer Shawl Ministry. The picture

shows what Ron Larner and I purchased with the

donation. The batting and backing will be used on the

quilted lap robes and each of our ladies has at least

enough yarn for one shawl or lap afghan (total of 41

skeins). Thank you to Thrivent and Ron Larner

(Thrivent member) for requesting this gift. Prayer

Shawl will resume meeting in September.

Helping Others Lutheran World Relief: The

Soap Tub is out in the narthex

again! Throughout the next

couple of months, Bonnie

Conover will be urging everyone to donate soap for LWR.

Walk for Water: The 2015

ELCA Youth Gathering raised

just over $402,000 for world

hunger through its Walk for Water Campaign. Our

congregation donated $442.30 of that amount!

Donors have committed to match dollar-for-dollar up to $500,000. Thank you for your generosity!

August Card-Making Class Cancelled By Bonnie Cox

Due to my busy schedule for August I have decided to

cancel the August card class and will speak to

everyone involved in our class about setting a time and

dates in September for our “gift box set of cards.”

Thanks for your prayers and concerns for our daughter

Kim Albert. Her chemo treatments will be done in September so my schedule will not be as hectic.

Page 4

COMING EVENTS

Aug. 8: Back 2 School Fair

The Back 2 School Help Fair will be held Saturday,

Aug. 8, 8-11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 739 N. 8th

in Quincy. Besides free school supplies, children will

have access to dental exams, immunizations, clothes,

haircuts and sports physicals. Breakfast will be served

starting at 8:15 a.m. Christ Lutheran is again donating

backpacks for 6th graders to this annual event which

provides much needed help to families in need.

Aug. 9 and 16: Special Music

On Sunday, Aug. 9, Koretta Sykes will share her

music and testimony with us during the 9:30 service.

The following week, Aug. 16, we’ll be treated to a

trio of Peggy Bailey, Judy Bach and Amy Stollberg.

Aug. 11: Ladies Birthday Lunch

This month’s Ladies Birthday Lunch is at noon on

Tuesday, Aug. 11, at the Paloma Diner. If you can

come, sign up on the sheet in the church narthex or

call the office and we’ll add your name to the list.

Ladies with August birthdays are treated by the rest!

Aug. 16: LutherFest 2015

LutherFest 2015, sponsored by CROSS

(Congregations Regionally Organized for Service and

Support) is set for Sunday, Aug. 16, at the Ursa

Retreat House, 732 North 2353rd Lane, Ursa, IL

(North of Ursa, South of Marcelline, West Side of

Highway 96. There is a small brown sign on the East

side of the road that says Retreat House)

Activities for the day will include:

2:00-3:30 p.m. – Swimming

2:30-3:30 p.m. – Fishing Derby

4:00 p.m. – Lutherfest Worship Service (Please

bring your lawn chairs) Carry-in supper and

fellowship (after worship)

Sand Volleyball tournament (after the meal)

Register your team by calling Jennie at 217-653-

5287 or at youandfamily@adams.net)

CROSS is an informal association of Lutheran

congregations in Hancock and Adams Counties. The

annual LutherFest is a great opportunity to meet

friends and neighbors from sister churches. For more

information about this year’s event, contact Eric Rabe

at rabefarm@adams.net or 217-936-2436

Aug. 15-16: Mini-Church Camp

Salem Lutheran, Mendon, and Liberty, Zion, invite

other area church members to join them on Saturday,

Aug. 15, for a mini church camp at the Ursa Retreat

House. Events that will be taking place are as follows:

6-7:30 p.m. – Family Swim time

7:30 – Weiner Roast (Please bring your own lawn

chairs, roasting sticks, hotdogs, buns. Drinks and

condiments will be provided).

At dusk – Candles on the lake and Vespers

For more information and/or to let them know which

events you will be attending, contact Eric Rabe at

(217) 936-2436 or rabefarm@adams.net.

NOTE: Ursa Retreat House is available to rent for

church events, family gatherings, business retreats, or

weddings. See www.theretreathouse.org or

www.ursaretreathouse.com for information or to

check availability.

Blessing Buddy Event

Trish Santos is working on putting together an event

for Blessing Buddies in August. She will be

contacting participants to find the best date.

Pastor Gayle on Vacation

Pastor Gayle is taking two different weeks off this

coming month. From July 27-Aug.3 she and Terry

will be spending at Lake of the Ozarks, in Branson,

and at Pastor’s daughter’s in Columbia. From Aug.

17-24 they will be visiting family and friends in

Minnesota and Fargo, ND. Pastor Jim Trutwin will

fill in on Sundays, Aug. 2 and 23, and Pastor Tony

Metz is on call for pastoral emergencies. See the

August calendar for emergency contact information.

LOOKING AHEAD

Sunday, Sept. 13: Rally Sunday and “God’s

Work. Our Hands” Day. Sunday school will start

up again with a bang, and after church we’ll join

with Luther Memorial folks for lunch and a

service project yet to be chosen.

Sunday, Sept. 20: Annual Congregation Picnic at

Moorman Park after the 9:30 service.

Saturday, Sept. 26: Book Sale! Keep bringing

your used books for the sale!

Page 5

BRIEFLY . . .

With regret, we announce that Lana Anderson

is retiring as our keyboardist effective Nov. 22.

She plans to move to Monroe City, MO, and spend

winters someplace warm. We have been blessed to

have Lana with us for five years! The Worship

Team will be working on finding a replacement.

Our sympathy to Karn Haubrich and Mindy

Wolf in the death of their mother Karen Krenz

July 12 in Mesa, AZ. A memorial service for

Karen will be held at Christ Lutheran at 10:30

a.m. Saturday, Aug. 8, with visitation at 9:30 and

a lunch to follow. Karen and Lou Krenz were

members of Christ Lutheran for many years.

Part of the crew who helped clean up the downed trees and broken limbs at the church. (l.to r.) Jim Trutwin, Reth Stollberg, Amy Stollberg, Jim & Linda Lewis, Jeff Stollberg, Bill Wolters, Dick Klusmeyer. Not pictured: Terry Pope, Rich and Taylor Klusmeyer.

Weathering the Storm Christ Lutheran lost three trees and several branches

during the July 13 storm that tore through Quincy.

We also sustained about $3,000 in damages to the

roof, chimney and eaves. Many thanks to all who

helped with the clean-up and also to Bonnie Scranton

for coordinating with Church Mutual. Damage is

covered by insurance, with a $1,000 deductible.

Detroit a Great Experience Our delegation to the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering

had a great experience of service, worship and

fellowship with one another and 30,000 others! They

are already thinking about the 2018 Gathering set for

Houston, TX. Amy Stollberg says, “Thank you

everyone, for making this trip possible. We can’t

wait to tell you how exciting it was!”

Above: Here we are on the first day of our Youth Gathering journey (l. to r.) Beth and Haley Katenin, Erika and Amy Stollberg. We are standing along the Detroit River with Windsor, Canada, in the background.

WITH GRATITUDE

From Jim Hobbins

What a wonderful response

from the Christ Lutheran

community to my recent surgery. I have been

heartened to receive the calls, cards and emails

from so many of you and want you all to

know that I feel both blessed and honored to

have been remembered that way. Recovery is

moving rapidly and your encouragements

have hastened the process. Thanks again.

From Vivian Legreid and Family

in Friendship & Caring

If life is measured by the way we live / by

the things we hold / the things we give … If

life is measured by the words we say / by the

cheer we spread along the way … If life is

measured by the sharing of Christian love

and encouraging smiles, then the measure of

your lives are known for all these – each and

every one of you at Christ Lutheran.

Thank you for the great gifts, you’ve

given in memory of Omer to Christ’s church.

We really are blessed to know that God has

brought us back to Christ Lutheran. We have

all been blessed by having Pastor Gayle in

our presence. Thank you!

Note: Omer Legried passed away July 2, 2015.

Page 6

AVERAGE ATTENDANCE

Month 2014 2015

January 73 82

February 80 71

March 74 77

April 120 108

May 78 88

June 83 84

July 85 72

YTD Average 84 83

Note from Pastor: Even though our membership is growing, our average attendance is not. Many of our members are away on weekends or have conflicts. But we DO miss you when you are not here! Come on Sunday to fill your spiritual tank!

DIRECTORY UPDATE Brent & Marcy Bigley are moving into a new

home on July 31. Their new address is 2103 South

40th Street, Quincy, IL 62305.

BIRTHDAYS 4 Bonnie Clark

5 Roger Kirkpatrick

Jack Gustison

8 Mary Shank

9 Nona Miller

10 Reth Stollberg

Dusty Wheeler

13 Chrissi Simpson

16 Jim Bailey

19 Tafi Lathrop

22 Tom Hemmerle

23 Sam Lathrop 24 Samantha Stollberg

27 Jara Wingerter

28 Samantha Santos

30 Charlotte Tooke

31 Carol Akers

Emily Stollberg

ANNIVERSARIES 7 Jim & Ruth Dunn

13 Reth & Jennifer Stollberg

17 Ron & Joan Larner

20 David & Wendy Maas

26 Charlie & Judy Bach

29 Jason & Beth Katenin

30 Phil & Bonnie Conover

Operating Budget Highlights Through June 30, 2015 By: Bonnie Scranton, Treasurer

Our financial position remains

virtually unchanged since last

month's report. Giving is on track-

thank you -and expenses remain

under control by our ministry

teams, thanks to responsible

leadership by our committee chairs.

We will see some change in the

near future due to having to pay for

storm damage repairs to the exterior

of the building. Fortunately we have

sufficient reserves when 2015

pledges paid in 2014 are taken into

account, so we should be able to

absorb repair costs without putting

ourselves into any kind of

precarious financial situation.

On behalf of your church council,

thank you for the love you show to

the Lord and his work through this

church! The continued giving of

your time, talents, and resources

make all the difference!

Category Actual

Through 6/30/15

Budgeted Through 6/30/15

Actual As Pct. of Budget

Year-to-Date Budgeted Income

Pledged Offerings $76,244.00 $78,255.00 97.4%

Non-Pledged Offerings $10,847.50 $10,100.02 107.4%

Other Budgeted Offerings $1,832.38 $2,270.02 80.7%

Total YTD Budgeted Income $88,923.88 $90,625.04 98.1%

YTD Budgeted Expenses $89,543.70 $90,624.98 98.8%

YTD Income (Deficit) ($619.82) $0.06

Total Balance of All Funds $127,948.96

Checking $42,262.55

Savings $75,635.01

Endowment Restricted $10,051.40

Page 7

AAUUGGUUSSTT 22001155 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

26 9:30 am Worship

10:30 Coffee Hour

(Group 6)

27

6:30 pm LUGNuts Mtg

28 10 am Coffee &

Devotions

12 Noon Birthday Lunch, Sprouts (rescheduled)

29 9 am Property Party 6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study

30 6:30 pm Tai Chi

6:30 Women’s

Small Group

31 1

2

9:30 am Worship, with Pr. Jim Trutwin

10:30 Coffee Hour

(Group 7)

3

4

10 am Coffee & Devotions

5:30 pm Communications

Team Meeting

5

9 am Pastor leads devotions at Good Samaritan

9 Property Party

6:30 pm Men’s Bible Stdy

6

5:30 pm GWOH Committee

6:30 pm Tai Chi

6:30 Women’s Small Grp

7 8 8 am Back2School

Help Fair

10:30 Karen Krenz

Memorial Svc &

Lunch

(visitation 9:30)

9

9:30 am Worship 10:30 Coffee Hour

(Group 8)

10

11

10 am Coffee & Devotions

12 pm Birthday Lunch,

Paloma Diner 6:30 Church Council

12

9 am Property Party 6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study

1 pm Worship Team

Meeting

13

6:30 Women’s Small Group

10 Pastor’s

chaplain shift at Blessing

14 15

16

9:30 am Worship 10:30 Coffee Hour

(Group 1)

17

18

10 am Coffee & Devotions

19 First Day of School

in Quincy 9 am Property Party

6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study

20

1:30 pm Fellowship Mtg

6:30 Tai Chi

6:30 Women’s Small Group

21 22

23 9:30 am Worship, with

Pr. Jim Trutwin

10:30 Coffee Hour (Group 2)

24 25 10 am Coffee &

Devotions

6 pm Shepherd Leader Meeting

26 9 am Property Party

9 NW Conf Pastors’ Mtg,

Immanuel, Golden 6:30 pm Men’s Bible Study

27 28 29

---------------Pastor on Vacation: For emergency assistance call Bonnie Scranton, 217-223-2062, or Pastor Tony Metz, 217-592-2733---------------

---------------Pastor on Vacation---------------

---------------Pastor on Vacation: For emergency assistance call Alan Steigelman, 217-257-6288, or Pastor Tony Metz, 217-592-2733---------------

---------------Pastor on Vacation---------------

Page 8

Worship Leaders for August 2015

POSITION August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30

Assisting Minister

Ron Larner Crystal Bliven Jerri Klusmeyer Mary Reeve Joan Larner

Deacon Joan Larner Mary Trutwin Barb Rhinberger Reth Stollberg Ron Larner

Greeters David & Daune

McCulloch Bernice Colgrove Connie Hornsey

Brad & Crystal Bliven

Reth & Jennifer Stollberg

Keith & Debbie Fleer

Reader Jerry Spurgeon Haley Katenin Amy Lannerd Bonnie Cox Kathy Wolters

Sound Tech Stuart Peters Jacob Parke Matt Futhey Brian Cox Bill Wolters

Usher Cheryl Brinkman Brad Bliven Ron Larner Jim Bailey Mary Reeve

Acolyte Aidan Spurgeon TBD TBD TBD TBD

Altar Guild Marcia Johnson Bonnie Scranton Joan Larner Joan Larner Joan Larner

Verger Bonnie Scranton Bonnie Scranton Judy Wegehenkel Brian & Bonnie

Cox Dave Tooke

Coffee Hour Group 7 Group 8 Group 1 Group 2 Group 3

333 South 36th Street

Quincy, IL 62305-5833

Our Church Staff Pastor: Gayle Pope

President: Alan Steigelman

Secretary: Bree Roberts Choir Director: Amy Stollberg

Organist: Lana Anderson

Sunday Worship – 9:30 a.m.

Office Hours Tues. & Wed. 9-5, Fri. 9:30-2:30

Office Phone: (217) 224-1624 Pastor’s Cell: (217) 357-1280

E-mail: clchurch36@comcast.net Website: www.clcq.org