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 [email protected])
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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
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: [email protected] Website: www.clcq.org
Top Related