The Friendly

Visitor Phone: 828-322-3211 E-mail: sselca@yahoo.com Website: www.sselca.com 8:00 a.m.—Worship Service 9:15 a.m.—Sunday School 10:30 a.m.—Worship Service Nursery services are available.

What’s Inside

Pastor’s Page Page 2

Council Minutes Page 4

News Page 6

Schedule Page 11

Servants Page 12

Prayers Page 13

Pastor: The Rev. Greg Brown Administrative Assistant: Barbara Gilbert Choir Director: Brent Talley Organist: Marc Longlois Sexton: Bobby Elmore Council President: Tiffani Bolick Council Vice President: Linda Baker Council Secretary: Kim Ramsey Treasurer: Brenda Duncan

November 2018 VISIT US ONLINE sselca.com VOLUME 46 -NUMBER 11

St. Stephens Lutheran Church

P a g e 2

Dear Friends in Christ,

Sometimes we think that time passes us by slowly, especially when things in life

are difficult. But as I learned today, time flies past us quicker than we can

imagine. I learned this important lesson, standing in the Capuchin Friars Crypt,

which is decorated entirely by the bones of the deceased Friars themselves.

Hundreds upon hundreds of bones make up all of the decoration in this crypt,

and it is as ghastly and haunting as it is beautiful and awe-inspiring.

One of the areas in the crypt was all about time and how life passes so quickly.

There was a depiction of an hour glass (yes, made out of bones) that had wings

attached to it. The message was clear: time flies. When the docent was

explaining the metaphor depicted, he said that we could all go home and tell

our friends that we have found the meaning of life, and that is to spend time

with one another, to slow down and enjoy the smallest moments in life, because

in the end, they are far too few.

I think this is some beautiful wisdom, particularly as we begin this month with

the celebration of All Saints’ Sunday on November 4th

. This is the day each year

where we give thanks for all the saints in our lives and throughout the history of

the church for paving the road ahead of us and passing on the faith to us, which

is truly a rich inheritance.

Life does pass us by quickly. One day, it will be our turn for the bell to toll for us

on All Saints’. Life is too short for us to not enjoy it. Life is too short for us to let

anger and hostility rule our hearts. St. Paul reminds us that faith, hope, and love

abide. And the greatest is love. Let our love rule our hearts. Let Christ’s love for

us and our neighbors shape our actions. And maybe, just maybe if we let love

reign supreme over all things we can catch a glimpse of God’s kingdom, where

there is no more death and destruction, where there are no pipe bombs mailed

to people’s homes, where there are no more school shootings, and where

people are truly free to worship God in the perfect shalom (peace) that God

intends.

Pray with me, dear friends, for all those for whom life has passed entirely too

quickly.

May peace be the journey,

Pastor Greg +

HAVE YOU SEEN THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR?

Recently I had lunch with a friend who had an experience she wanted to

share with me. We both share a mutual friend. Our friend had a male

friend who was in failing health and was admitted to Hospice. On a Sunday

afternoon my two friends went for a visit to Hospice. While there lunch was

served. It was a special lunch as it was prepared by loving hands

belonging to a group from St. Stephens ELCA. My friends were invited to

have lunch as well. The patient had stated he was not hungry, however—

hearing the favorable comments—he decided to partake, and, may I add,

enjoyed every bite. While there my friend states a young pastor came into

the room for a visit. He extended an invitation to communion, he apologized

for not having the proper elements but he felt God would understand, I

might mention a saltine and grape juice was used.

They were all filled with thanksgiving and love , from folks they knew nothing about.

I wanted you to hear this story. We are all willing to reach out and help, we

very seldom stand around and wait for comments but go on to the next

task. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. This fact

allows me the opportunity to let you know how far the fruits of your labor

can spread. We have the love in our hearts to do the smallest of talents to

serve. Remember, God gives love to all who receive it. It is up to us to

deliver His love. You are indeed a loving family. Now, let’s Bloom Where

We Are Planted.

In Christ,

Marge Chandler

30 October, 2018

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St. Stephens ELCA Council

Minutes of Monthly Meeting October 14, 2018

The meeting was called to order by President Tiffani Bolick. Twelve members were present.

Pastor Greg Brown led discussion of Chapter 3 of the book The Mission Table.

For the next council meeting, we will read and discuss Chapter 4.

Approval of Minutes

After an amendment to September 2018 Council Minutes to strike from Old Business-Property a quote of $10,000.00 for roof repairs, a motion was made by Linda Baker and seconded by Pastor Greg to approve the amended September minutes. Voted and approved.

Pastor’s Report: Copy on file.

Due to time away, Pastor Greg chose not to attend the Bishop’s Fall Convocation for Rostered Ministers which took place Oct. 8-10.

Pastor Greg shared with the Church Council that C. Michael Eckard has requested a transfer of membership from St. Stephens Lutheran Church, ELCA to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, ELCA. A motion was made by Gene Frye and seconded by Donald Bumgarner to approve the transfer request. Voted and approved.

Reports from Ministry Teams:

Christian Education (Liaison Absent)

Congregational Life (Met)

From money provided by an anonymous donor, Congregational Life hosted a dinner to feed the St. Stephens High School football team one Friday night in October.

Evangelism (No Meeting)

Finance (Report on File)

Worked on proposed budget.

A handout from Opening Doors was shared. This may be a future endeavor--just shared for information right now.

Property (Report on File)

Replacement window estimate $8,002.52 for 12 windows to replace and also includes the labor.

Repair of ridge cap on gym roof--estimate $1,514.93.

Look at getting other roofing companies for estimates for gym roof.

Community Fest helpers have assigned tasks--meeting Tues., Oct. 16 at 5:00pm.

Social Ministry (Report on File)

Stewardship (Liaison Absent)

Worship & Music (Report on File)

Youth (No meeting)

Youth have started Christmas Play rehearsal at St. Luke’s.

Lock-In scheduled for Fri., Oct. 19th.

Old Business:

Kitchen Use Policy/Guidelines--There will be a sign-up sheet for those that will be using the kitchen and to receive keys. The kitchen guidelines will be posted in the kitchen along with the Quarterly cleaning guidelines. A Kitchen Cleaning team is starting to organize and the following have volunteered: Ann Kraft, Tiffani Bolick, Elaine Frye, Brenda Duncan, and Kay Lafone.

Cemetery Guidelines--The guidelines were updated and given to Greg Deitz for distribution to area funeral homes and monument companies.

**Before entering the Treasurer’s Report and the New Business of proposed budget discussion, a motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Gene Frye to suspend rules on the extension of the meetings for this session only. Voted and approved.**

Treasurer’s Report: Copy on file

As of Oct. 7, 2018, we have $8,023.00 available for current expenses.

The church received $25,000.00 from The Peeler Casey Grant application that was submitted in June by St. Stephens Lutheran Church, ELCA and Centro Latino. We may approach the Home Mission Foundation to acquire the rest of the funds.

New Business:

2019 Proposed Budget--A suggestion was made to place offering/budget information in the Friendly Visitor and/or the weekly bulletin.

Key Areas discussed: (Outreach) Reduce Synod support from 1 1 % to 1 0%, (Local Benevolences) Social Ministry and other groups raise funds for these instead of budgeted amounts, (Pastor/Supply Pastor/Support Staff) No pay increases in these areas--bonuses will be paid only if funds are available for support staff, (Worship) Supply budget cut based on prior spending, (Christian Education) Confirmation budget $500.00 for taking kids to Lutheridge, (Evangelism) Development funds cut based on actual spending, (Social Ministry) Social Concerns budget cut based on actual spending, (Stewardship) Materials budget cut based on actual spending. This takes us to a proposed budget for 2019 of $296,698.00.

The Council discussed frontloading the congregation of the budget breakdown at a meeting Nov. 11th at 9:15 am in the Fellowship Hall. The Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be held Nov. 18th at 9:15 am in the Fellowship Hall.

A motion was made by Steve Baker and seconded by Corky Miller to present the final proposed 2019 budget to the congregation on Nov. 11, 2018. Voted and approved.

Adjournment

Motion was made by Pastor Greg and seconded by Corky Miller to adjourn the meeting. Voted and approved.

The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Tiffani Bolick, President

Kim Ramsey, Secretary

Minutes have not been approved by the Church Council.

Reminders:

Next Council Meeting--November 11, 2018 at 7:00pm.

Copies of Pastor’s Report, Treasurer’s Report, and ministry team reports are available upon request from the Church Council Secretary

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Social Ministry

It’s hard to believe that Thanksgiving is almost here. We here at St. Stephens have so much to be thankful for.

We collected 284.50 for Project Help but you will see the Angel tree looks different this year as we are collecting toys only to be given away December 1 here at the church through Project Help. The women’s circles and Social Ministry have been working on this project this year and we know that you are what will make it successful. Thank you so much.

November we will be providing money to Hospice for them to be able to help families have a better Christmas. This is a hard time for both patients and families knowing this might be their last Christmas.

Social Ministry is your ministry and It’s through your generosity that we are able to go outside our walls and help our community. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

HICKORY RINGS !

7th Annual Christmas Concerts

Tuesday, November 13 Thursday, November 15

First United Methodist Church St. Stephens Lutheran ELCA

331 3rd Ave NE Hickory 2259 12th Ave NE Hickory

Both concerts begin at 7:30 pm

Dates to Remember

November 6 Elections - FH

November 10 Missions Fundraiser

November 11 Congregational Forum Meeting - FH 9:15 am

November 18 Congregational Meeting - FH - FH 9:15 am

November 20 Thanksgiving Service - St. Luke’s 7:00 pm

December 1 Project Help Sharing Day - FH 10:00 am

December 16 Children’s Christmas Play at St. Luke’s 5 pm

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3 Wayne Long, John Shelor

4 Judy Fincannon, Deborah Pruitt

Richard Rushing

5 Bruce Godfrey, Mia Sexton

8 Brenda Duncan, Robert Ollis

9 Cathy Eckard

10 Dylan Godfrey

11 Susan Fincannon, Susan Shelor,

Sue Van Horn

13 Jackston Brown, Jeremy Mauck, Earlene Newton

15 Scott Hoke

19 Kathy Powell

22 Terry Gilbert, Helen Miller

24 Leah Brown, Kim Deitz

28 Charlie Sharpe

4 Ted & Marge Chandler

21 Paul & June Yount

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The Good Cheer Group will go to

the Yellow Deli on Monday,

November 5th. Please be at the

church at 10:15.

Attention:

Fellowship Club

Start collecting the following

items for the Austin Adult Center

for our December meeting.

Deodorant

Shaving Cream

Baby Wash (no bar soap)

Towels

The Reggie Saddler Family-

A lively gospel group will be in

concert at St. Peter’s Lutheran

Church, Conover, NC.

Saturday, December 1 at 7 pm.

No charge ! Be there early!

There will be no regular meeting of The Fellowship Club in November.

Everyone will go to their own favorite chicken pie location.

Project Help

Reminder about our Christmas project here at the church.

The tree is now outside the chapel. You may choose a card

for a boy or girl. There are different ages also.

Any questions see Carol Talley

Items still being collected:

Personal Hygiene Meal

Toothbrush Canned Ham (non refrig)

Toothpaste Green Beans (large cans)

Deodorant Boxed Mac & Cheese

Shampoo (family size) Canned Fruit

Bar Soap

Also: Coats, hats/gloves, blankets

P a g e 1 0

There will be no regular meeting of Friends in Faith in November.

We will meet on December 8th for our Progressive Dinner.

Time and details to be announced.

Sunday Monday 1

Tuesday 2

Wednesday

Thursday 1

Friday 2

Saturday

3 1-3 Hickory Day Gym

4 8 Worship -Chapel 9 Childrens Music 9:15 SS & B Care 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary 3-5 Christmas Practice-St Luke’s

5 10:15 Good Cheer Yellow Deli 5:30 Zumba-FH

6 ELECTIONS 10 Mary Circle 4-6 ESL - FH 7 Men’s BBall

7 5:30 Chapel Choir 6 Centro Latino Board - CR 6:30 Handbells 6:30-8 ESL- Comp Lab 7:30 Chancel Choir

8 4-5:30 Spanish Class-Comp Lab 6-7:30 C.L. Parent Meeting - FH & YR

9

10 8-12 Yard Sale 4-6 Silent Auction 5-7 Spaghetti Dinner

11 8 Worship-Chapel 9 Children’s Music 9:15 Cong Forum 9:30 Children’s SS 10Worship - Sanctuary 3-5 Christmas Practice-St Luke’s

12 5:30 Zumba 7 Sarah Circle

13 7 Men’s BBall 7 Creative Christians

14 5:30 Chapel Choir 6:30 Handbells 6:30-8 ESL- Comp Lab 7:30 Chancel Choir

15 4-5:30 Spanish Class-Comp Lab 7 Men’s BBall 7 Hickory Ringers - Sanctuary

16

17

1-3 Hickory Day Gym

18 8 Worship -Chapel 9 Children ‘s Music 9:15 Cong Meeting 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary 2 Christian Ed 3-5 Christmas Practice

19 5:30 Zumba

20 7 Men’s BBall 7 Thanksgiving Service St Luke’s

21 5:30 Chapel Choir 6:30 Handbells 6:30-8 ESL- Comp Lab 7:30 Chancel Choir

22 Office Closed HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

23 Office Closed

24

25 8 Worship -Chapel 9 Children’s Music 9:15 SS & B Care 9:30 Children’s SS 10:30 Worship - Sanctuary 2 Worship & Music 4:30 Property

26 5:30 Zumba

27 7 Men’s BBall 7 Creative Christians

28 5:30 Chapel Choir 6:30 Handbells 6:30-8 ESL- Comp Lab 7:30 Chancel Choir

29 4-5:30 Spanish Class-Comp Lab 7 Men’s BBall

30

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Servants of the Lord

GREETER—8:00 LAY READER—8:00 NURSERY– 8:00

4 Cathy Fox 11 Cathy Fox 18 Tiffani Bolick 25 Ann Kraft

4 Marge Chandler 11 Gene Frye 18 Brent Talley 25 Luther Hathcock

4 Cathy Ollis 11 Sharon Miller 18 Regina Reece 25 Cathy Ollis

WORSHIP ASSISTANT—10:30 ACOLYTE—10:30

4 Cathy Baker 11 Tiffani Bolick 18 Vickie Eckard 25 Terry Gilbert

4 Alyssa Corpening 11 Kara Ramsey 18 Henley Huhn 25 Katie Ramsey

LAY READER—10:30 COMMUNION ASSISTANT- 10:30 NURSERY—10:30

4 Brent Talley 11 Sylvia Hoke 18 Loyd Hoke 25 Terry Gilbert

Barry Sullivan & Dee Fry 4 Pat Patton 11 Carolyn Haas/Kara R. 18 Leesa Godfrey 25 Lora Huhn

SOUND CONTROL - 10:30 ALTAR ASSISTANT ALTAR GUILD

4 Chuck Witherspoon 11 Wayne Long 18 Chuck Witherspoon 25 Bruce Godfrey

4 Carla Tucker 11 Kathy Smith 18 Kim Frankel 25 Inez Gilbert

Lorene Fox &

Inez Gilbert

USHERS

*Chuck Witherspoon, *Kevin Ramsey, Marshall Bumgarner, Chad Putnam, Richard Huffman, Don Crump

P a g e 1 2

Remember in Prayer

In Nursing Homes:

Trinity Village (Lutheran Home, Springs Road) -

Earlene Newton - #902 (Dogwood), Juanita Deitz - #607 Edith Icard - #312,

Ralph Baker - #129

Trinity Ridge (Mountain View) Tammy Falcone - #201

At Home: Catherine Morgan, Jay Lee Eckard

Family and Friends: Janet Stinson, Leon Baker, Julie Kanipe, Ruth Dietz, Linda

Richards, Nancy Jo Brooks, Elbert Pope, Richard Rushing, Susan Hoke Lee,

Margie Powell, Anne Williams, Jackston Brown, Vickie Morgan, Nancy & Dee Dee

Pope, Viola Gross, Beverly Edwards, Sylvia Hoke, Larry Cook, Mindy Herman,

Frank & Pat Hedrick, Susan Shelor, Anita Isenhour, Margie Isenhour, Mary Ann

Wrenn,

Joyce Travis *

Sherry Huffman, Melvin George, Angie Asherbraner, James White, Lanson

Crump, Lynn Honeycutt, Frances Landaas, Rachel Munday, Michael Aiken, Brady

White

Others: All those affected by the violence in our country and abroad, All who

are hungry, All who are homeless

Bereavement: The Family of Alden Herman, The Family of Danny Whitworth,

The Family of Lee Kanipe, The Family of Gilda Huffman, The Family of Roger

Howell, The Family of Janice Triplette, The Family of Shirley Dellinger

Global Missions: Stephen Bryant, Sean Bryant, Will Duncan

Armed Forces:

U.S. Navy: PO3 Logan Miller, Little Creek, VA; IS2 Chris Powell, Oahu, HI; CPO

Matt Creech, Bahrain; UNSN Madison Patton, CA

U.S. Marines: Cpl. Andy Hance, Hawaii; Captain Nathan Carpenter; Cpt. John

Teague, Kuwait; Staff Sgt. Justin Curl, Cherry Point, NC

U.S. Air Force Nathan Bridges, (Ret.- Hungary)

Please contact the church office to make changes to this list

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