the pine cone...a pine cone is the seed-bearing fruit of the pine tree; those seeds will plant other...

A Pine cone is the seed-bearing fruit of the pine tree; those seeds will plant other trees. Here at the Lutheran Church of the Pines, we believe that our members are not here solely to nourish

ourselves; we carry the Word (seeds) with us out into the world to plant in others we meet.

A nation of millions slowly makes its way on foot across the landscape, guarded by a massive fighting force, led by a tribe of priests bearing a golden ark containing their god’s will and command… You know their intent. Their ultimate aim is to enter the land in which you now live and call it their own. Fear, anger, mistrust… These feelings well up inside you as you contemplate you family’s future and the dangers ahead. Is there anything you can do to protect your way of life? Is there any hope against the change marching toward you? If you were Balak of the Moabites, the sight of Israel plodding toward the land of Canaan brought this and more to mind. God had directed this people that went from slavery in Egypt to a mighty force to a land occupied by others, by people like Balak who saw their presence as a massive injustice. And so his solution was to call on a man named Balaam, someone about whom precious little is known other than his possession of the wisdom to seek out the knowledge and guidance of the Lord. Balak implored Balaam to call upon his god to curse the approaching horde before the Canaanites were destroyed. The result is a perfect example of the old adage “Be careful what you wish for” in action. Balaam’s reply after consulting the Lord is that these people are God’s children and that he has no place calling down curses on those whom God Himself has not cursed. I have to imagine Balak saw a great injustice in the whole thing. I’m sure he felt he had gone about seeking protection for his people the correct way only to be told God had a different opinion. Balak isn’t painted in the kindest light in this narrative, but I must confess to understanding how he feels. So often I observe the actions of others and quickly step into God’s place, ready

to curse and denounce a person based on my judgment. “How can I curse whom God has not cursed?” Easy! I do it all the time when the standard of determining someone’s value is based on my judgments and opinions. Sometimes I even invoke God’s name in my zeal to distinguish a person’s lack of righteousness. After all, God must agree with my certainty about a person if I’m faithful to Him. Right…? Balaam’s words are a haunting reminder that condemnation is not ours to give. But there is great peace in them as well. When I see hurt or injustice in the actions of others, I’m still seeing someone God cherishes and values. When my first impression leads me to see an enemy, I’m also seeing a life God created. And when I see a sinner, I see a brother or sister who shares both my affliction and solution. I see someone who Jesus died to save. In my sin I earned God’s curse and the right to be denounced, but instead God claimed me as His own and made a child of an enemy. I may have my differences with my neighbor, but this is a person God treated the same way. If I value this gift in my life, how can I possibly saddle someone else with a burden I earned but gave over to one who took it freely in love? Balak saw the approaching Israelites as enemies and usurpers when, in reality, they were actively seeking out God’s promises. In one way or another all we meet are seeking God’s promised mercy and acceptance. You have this gift in abundance. We who bear peace to the world have opportunities every day to find brothers and sisters or create enemies. How will you use your gifts today? God’s Peace to You, Pastor Brock

Pastor Brock Cain Web: http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org

Phone: 228.467.6771

E-mail: [email protected] Laura King, Editor

309 Hwy 90 – Waveland, Mississippi – 39576 E-mail: [email protected]

“And Balaam took up his discourse and said,

“From Aram Balak has brought me, the king of Moab from the eastern mountains:

‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, denounce Israel!’

How can I curse whom God has not cursed?

How can I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?” Numbers 23: 7-8

August 2017, Vol. 17, Issue 8

http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org/

https://d.docs.live.net/041d7a8e7830a4eb/Documents/LCOP/Alba/AppData/Roaming/Microsoft/Word/[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Greetings From Outreach Ministry,

It’s August already and that means our kiddos and teacher friends are heading back to school. We had a great

time last month with the kids for The Back to School Party. There were about 20 little ones and 6 teens that

attended. Waterslides and hotdogs are always a hit.

I want to thank Becky Wilde and Haleigh Hanley for putting together the VBS this year and of course it

couldn’t be pulled off without our wonderful volunteers. So, thank you all very much. And another BIG

THANK YOU to Terry and Laura King for taking a few of our teens to FL for the Senior High Youth

Gathering.

The Hope Haven Health Fair was a lot of fun, we made contact with about 200 kids and adults in attendance.

Active Parenting class material and some school supplies were handed out. Speaking of Active Parenting

classes, our new class is scheduled to start on August 14th. The cost of the class is $20 and lasts 6 weeks. If

you need any information please contact me.

Don’t forget to keep Josh and his battalion in your prayers as they leave for their deployment. God Bless our

troops.

Counting it All JOY,

Hope Roche

Outreach Ministry Coordinator

Hope Haven Health Fair

Back to School Party

Chris Jeffries 1st Pattie Faith 13th

Marilyn Streckenbach 1st Linda Rein 14th

Sue Worsley 1st Elmer Koerber (In Memory) 17th

Bethany Breland 2nd Christina Wicken 17th

B.J. Peterson (In Memory) 2nd Meghan Cederholm 17th

Barbara Hickson 2nd Dana Bielstein 23rd

Jordon Anderson 2nd Vern Kuper (In Memory) 25th

Peggy East 4th Gene Halterman 26th

Gene Jackson 5th Marilyn Denhbostel 28th

Cade Bourn 9th Kimberly Estopinal 28th

Randall Larre 11th Nathan Hatch 29th

Haleigh Hanley 11th Lennox & Baron Myers 30th

Calling all teens! Church of the Pines is looking for junior and senior high youth to strengthen their

community by engaging in fellowship and ministry. We would love to hear your thoughts on how our

youth ministry can make a difference in our mission.

On Sunday, August 20, parents and teens are invited to lunch in the fellowship hall after the 10:30

service to discuss our plans for the coming year and how you might be involved. Together we can equip

our members of all ages to see the Spirit’s work in their lives and their role in the Kingdom!

Where? Church of the Pines fellowship hall

When? August 20, after 10:30am worship service

Who? Parents and teens (13-18)

Bruce & Deborah Rushing 14th

Gregg & Nancy Jones 17th

Scott Jr. & Terri Carter 29th

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the time You have given us with our loved ones. Please bless the coming

year as we celebrate with the ones still here and honor those who are now with You.

Guide us as we treasure these memories and make new ones. Amen.

BUDGET REPORT

ACTUAL

BUDGET AS OF 06/30/17 OVER/UNDER

Ordinary Income/Expense

Income

Tithes/Offerings

Total Tithes/Offerings 119,195.33 89,250.00 29,945.33

Expense

Total Missions Expense 10,602.52 10,500.00 -102.52

Total Administrative Expense 33,351.48 25,000.00 -8,351.48

Total Payroll Expenses 61,207.92 48,750.00 -12,457.92

Total Programs Expenses 5,085.54 4,000.00 -1,085.54

Total Misc Expenses 214.96 1,000.00 785.04

Net Ordinary Income 8,732.91 8,732.91

CASH ON HAND

30-Jun-17

ASSETS

Checking/Savings

Keesler Checking 85,218.72

Keesler Savings 10.49

Total Checking/Savings 85,229.21

Total Current Assets 85,229.21

TOTAL ASSETS 85,229.21

RESTRICTED FUNDS

TOTAL

Audio/Video Project 12.04

Memorial Fund 1,000.00

Pavilion 1,922.84

Playground 15,931.68

Building Fund - Other 2,556.00

Interest Income 17.23

Lutheran Ladies' Circle 800.00

LWML 50.00

Food Bank Fund 150.00

Needy Fund - Other 1,422.12

Flower Fund 1,172.41

Youth Group 5,044.42

Parenting Class 150.00

Total Restricted 30,228.74

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL There were 56 children who attended our VBS this year! Thank you to Becky Wilde and Haleigh Hanley for leading this great ministry.

SOUTHERN DISTRICT SR YOUTH GATHERING

Games

Games

Small Group devotions

Service events

Beach time!

AUGUST WEEKLY HELPERS

Flower Donations

Please consider donating flowers in celebration of marriages, anniversaries, baptisms and birthdays, or

to say “Congratulations” or “Thank you.” You may sign up on the Flower Chart posted on the wall

outside the sanctuary. Your donation will be included in the Sunday bulletin and/or here in the Pine Cone.

If you want the Altar Guild to purchase flowers for you, please mark on the Flower Chart and contact

Shirley Halterman: 228-255-2088 or Cappy Kelso: 228-342-1400 or Liane Myers: 228-467-6771 or by

email: [email protected]

After the 10:30am service, flowers may be taken with you, or donated to shut-ins, hospitals, or other

facilities, bringing beauty to those who cannot be physically present in church.

Wednesday Altar Assistant: Steve Gibson

Date Flowers provided by In Honor/Memory of

8/6 Anderson family In Honor of Jordan’s 18th Birthday!

8/13 Gregg and Nancy Jones In Honor of their 32nd Anniversary!

8/20 Mary & Robert Dardar In Celebration of Madison’s 17th Birthday!

8/27 Gene and Shirley Halterman In Honor of Marilyn Dehnbostel's 90th Birthday!

Date/Time Greeters Altar

Assistant Ushers Readers Acolytes

8/6

8:30 Leo & Martha

Driscoll Matt Sekinger

Carla Isted & Martha

Driscoll Carla Isted Open

10:30 Nolin & Ginnie

Briley Gene Jackson

Bruce & Debra

Rushing Hope Roche Open

8/13

8:30 Leo & Martha

Driscoll Matt Sekinger

Gene & Shirley

Halterman Sally Schultz Open

10:30 Paula & Terri Carter

& Alan Carter Gene Jackson

Dana Bielstein &

Hope Roche Nolin Briley Open

8/20

8:30 Leo & Martha

Driscoll Matt Sekinger Dave & Cappy Kelso Gene Halterman Open

10:30 Chandra Dalton &

Liane Myers Gene Jackson

Dana Bielstein &

Bruce Prestien Cassie Breland Open

8/27

8:30 Richard & Vicki

Hackmann Matt Sekinger

Gene & Shirley

Halterman

Richard

Hackmannn Open

10:30 Becky Wilde &

Haleigh Hanley Gene Jackson

Becky Wilde &

Haleigh Hanley Russ Urban Open

Wednesday Night Grub 8/2 Kim Estopinal

8/9 Tina Thornton

8/16 OPEN

8/23 Robert Hand

8/30 Robert & Mary Dardar

Church Council Corner Abridged minutes from the Council Meeting 09 July 2017 Meeting called to order at 1145 AM, Opening prayer-- offered by Pastor Brock.

* Note: Not able to vote due to lack of council members present for a quorum. Minutes were read from the last council meeting. (See note *) Treasurer reviewed financial report. (See note *) OLD BUSINESS

• Idea of using a CPA firm to help with treasurer financials was discussed. • Hope is waiting to hear from Tugg Entertainment for scheduling the Luther movie event. • A waterslide will be ordered for the for Back to School Party, funds to be taken from Missions budget.

NEW BUSINESS

• Brock discussed with council the use of the Fellowship Hall by the 7th Day Adventist church. The Council had previously voted to allow the church the use of the hall so that they could have church while their church was under construction. The dates will be the first two Saturdays of September: 9/2 and 9/9.

• Council planned a Congregational meeting for August 6th to elect a lay delegate for the Circuit. Meeting adjourned at 1222PM. Next council meeting will be Sunday, August 13.

Respectfully, Hope Roche, for Cappy Kelso

Greetings from LWML

Wow, Wow, and just Wow! What a fabulous 37th Biennial Convention we had in June in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The theme was “Jesus Christ Above All” Philippians 2:9. It was awesome to be sharing with so many mission-minded Christian friends. Women who not just talk the talk, but also walk the walk and truly care. Yes, women like the members of the Pines! We thank each of you for your continuous support of our Mites that fund the many Mission Grants. If you would like to know more about how these mites are used. I invite you to check out the website: (www.lwml.org/mission-grants) Of course, you can always ask me, or the “Mite Queen” Shirley Halterman. Thank you for your support in our project of providing personal toiletries for the needy. You filled those plastic bags and we thank you! It won’t be long and kids will be heading back to school. Our LWML society at the Pines selected to do Undie Sunday the entire month of August. Undie Sunday? Undie Sunday! We will be collecting socks, t-shirts, and underwear for the needy children in our area. We are asking for new items for this project, please. LWML Sunday is October 1, and we will be celebrating 75 years of Women in Mission. So let’s plan to pack the pews with purple. Join us in the Fellowship Hall for a reception after the 10:30am service. Again, please join us as together we celebrate “Jesus Christ Above All” Cathy Adams Mason, LWML President of LCOP

http://www.lwml.org/mission-grants

◄ Jul 2017

August 2017 Sep 2017 ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 Adult Bible Study 1pm

Contemporary Worship Dinner 5:45pm

Worship Service 6:30pm

3

4

5

Ladies Night

6pm

6 Worship Service 8:30am

SS/Adult Bible Class 9:15am

Worship Service 10:30am CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

after 10:30am service

7

8




10

11

12 AARP Driver Safety class



Worship Service 10:30am Church council meeting


14 Active Parenting class 6pm

15




17

18

19



Worship Service 10:30am TEEN MEETING



22




24

25

26



Worship Service 10:30am


29




31

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the

future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to

separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. - Romans 8:38-39

http://www.wincalendar.com/Holiday-Calendar/July-2017

http://www.wincalendar.com/Holiday-Calendar/September-2017

August Message Board

If you have announcements or pictures

for upcoming events or general messages

for the congregation, be sure to let me

know! You can text me at 985-788-2101,

email me at [email protected], or

leave me a note in the newsletter mailbox

of Mrs. Liane’s office!

Thank you!! -Laura Pastor Brock Cain is in the LCOP office on Tuesdays thru Fridays. If you would like to

visit with him, please call his cell or the church or email him to set an

appointment.

LCOP: 228-467-6771 Email: [email protected]

Please sign up on the 2017 Flower Chart by the picture board near the

church office.

mailto:[email protected]

Worship Opportunities:

Worship with Holy Communion 8:30am

Sunday School & Adult Bible Class 9:15am

Worship with Holy Communion 10:30am

Wednesday Contemporary Service 6:30pm

(Contemporary Service with a light meal

before at 5:45pm)

Lutheran Church of the Pines

309 Highway 90

Waveland, MS 39576-2622

http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org

Sent with love and a prayer for:

http://lutheranchurchofthepines.org/