The “Weekly Reader” for … 8 April 2018

Lord of Life Lutheran Church * 2480 W Dublin-Granville Rd * Columbus, OH 43235 * (614) 889-2292

www.acceptingall.com

Buddy Bags – They’re back and we need your help!

Going on now and running through Sunday April 22nd, we will be collecting food and money for

Buddy Bags. Many will remember the collection is for specific food items that can be sent home

with and be prepared by school age children for the weekend. We partner with the Family Mentor

foundation to provide food to these students. Everything we collect whether food or money will

be given to the Family Mentor foundation for this purpose. Last October we collected enough to

fill the Family Mentor truck with food for 350 children for the month, and we had $1,867 left. We

will apply that amount toward our goal this month.

We have lists of food items required, and we can answer other questions at the table in the narthex

on Sundays. We learned from the past collections we can purchase vegetables, and dairy from

Family Mentor sources more economically. Therefore, you will not see those items listed to be

brought in this time. We will package those items in each Buddy Bag, but we will use the money

we collect to purchase them. Money given should be by check and made payable to, Lord of Life,

and have “Buddy Bag” written in the memo line.

On Saturday April 28th we will prepare to pack buddy Bags. On Sunday April 29th we will

fill the Buddy Bags. Our goal is to support 300 students for a month which will require 1200

Buddy Bags.

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He Is Risen!

What a wonderful Easter celebration! Thanks to all of you who put all the hours in to make all of it

a great success and thanks to all who participated!

So now, back to the Healthy Transitions focus.

Hopefully everyone realizes that the transitions our congregation is in the process of going through

is not just due to a change in pastors. Many of the changes you are seeing are part of growth

dynamics and began prior to Pastor Jim’s retirement. Additionally, there are and will be some

needed changes that will be developed further as we have the input and guidance of a new lead

pastor.

One of the keys to Healthy Transitions is to understand the basis of what we are and why we do the

things we are doing. For the month of April, we will have a focus on discipleship. It is what we are

called to teach and to be. The main initiatives around this will be:

Sermon focus

Adult Sunday School – “Christianity – It’s not what you think”

Some other keys to Healthy Transitions are communication and engagement. To help with this,

“Here at Lord of Life” sessions have been scheduled where we will update where we are, how we

got here and engage in discussions of what the future should look like. All members will receive an

e-mail with an invite to join one of the sessions. I look forward to the time with each of you.

And last, but not least, the status of the call process. The interviewing is beginning! The call

committee has three preliminary interviews underway or set. Please continue to pray for the call

committee, the candidates and the process.

As always, thank you for your engagement and support! Feel free to contact me with any questions.

God’s Peace Be With You!

Kevin Lawson Congregational President president@acceptingall.com

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CONGREGATIONAL ELECTIONS IN APRIL!

As per our Bylaws, the election for new council members will be held on April 29th.

The terms of three of the members of the current council will be expiring and they are to be

replaced by three new members who will each serve for a three-year term.

The time for submitting write in candidates has passed so here are the nominees we will be voting

for (listed alphabetically):

Rae Beasley

Christie Burger

Harlen Daugherty

Mindi Rorick

Emily Wiegman

Bio information should be available later this week.

Per our constitution, members are able to vote in the election if: “Voting members are confirmed

members. Such confirmed members shall have worshipped and made a contribution of record during the current or

preceding year.” Ballots are prepared prior to the election, so any contribution of record would need

to be made the week prior.

Additionally, per our bylaws, “Requests for absentee ballots must be received in writing by the president of the

congregation no later than two weeks prior to the voting date. Absentee ballots must be received in the church office no

later than the Friday before the voting date.” If you need to do an absentee ballot, have your request to

Kevin Lawson by April 15th and then return your ballot to the church office by Friday, April 27th.

As per the bylaws, all others will be able to vote as early as 15 minutes prior to the first service until

½ hour after the final service on April 29th.

Confirmation of Baptism

11:15 a.m., May 6, 2018

Join us at 11:15 a.m. worship as we celebrate three young members of our

congregation. David Hoefler, Jimmy Mobley and Jay Passarella will affirm

the covenant God made with them in their baptisms.

This special service will include a statement of faith from each of the

confirmands. We encourage you to attend this service to affirm these students

and have your faith renewed. A brief cake reception will follow worship in

thanksgiving to God, parents, baptismal sponsors and this community of faith.

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Sunday Morning Classes

Today, April 8, 10:15, Room 211

Class every Sunday morning through April 22

Sunday afternoon workshop

The next Sunday afternoon workshop is April 8, 12:30 – 3:00

Service Opportunity

Fill the Buddy Bags, 10:15, April 29

Easter Changes Everything! The good news of Easter can and should be celebrated. This week classes will learn about "Doubting Thomas". Below are just a few crafts and activities from our classrooms:

Notes and Reminders:

It is time to gather food items for Buddy Bags! In addition to cash donations, we need fruit cups, granola bars, oatmeal packets, peanut butter and single-serving meals. All items can be placed in the plastic bins in the Narthex. The whole community will pack these items for delivery at 10:15am on April 29.

The Last Life Passages class for the year will be held on Sunday, May 13. Classes will resume in September.

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April 21 - Church Clean up Part II - Part of being Jesus' disciples means taking care of the gifts God has given us. Help clean up brush, split logs, and spread more mulch around the LoL grounds and hopefully give a little TLC to the playground. Of course, we'll end our workday with lunch together and a few rounds of 9 Square in the Air! Work time - 8:30-11:30. Lunch and Playtime - 11:30-2:30.

April 29 - High Ropes at Camp Mary Orton - Plan to attend 9:00 worship this day! After church we will eat together (bring money for food!) then get to Camp Mary Orton at 12:30 for fun and group building on the high ropes challenge course. We will be back to LoL by 6pm. RSVPs appreciated as soon as possible so we can confirm with the camp.

June 27 - July 1, 2018 - ELCA Youth Gathering, Houston, TX

ONEBody Grow Trip 2018 In case you haven't heard, the ONEBody youth are headed to Houston, TX this summer for the ELCA Youth Gathering! Over the next few months, all of the attendees will be speaking to the congregation about the trip. We are asking members of the congregation to support us in two very important ways. First, we need lots and lots of prayer! Secondly, we need financial support in order to make this happen. We are so grateful that our congregation financially supports our youth every year. If you prefer to give via check, please write "Youth Grow Trip" on the memo line. You can also give on the REALM app. Thank you so much! Questions can be directed to Ally Huntsberger in Realm.

Wonderful Wednesdays are for EVERYONE! Please join us at 5:15 PM this Wednesday for a pizza and salad, choir practice and social activities.

5:15 – 5:45 pm Dinner

6:00 – 6:25 pm: Cherub Choir

Ages 3– Kindergarten, Rm. 309

5:00 – 6:25 pm: Grace Choir

Grades 1-5, Rm. 305

6:25 pm: “5 @ the Font”

5-minute faith community devotion & prayer around Baptismal Font

7:00 – 8:00 pm: Adult Choir

Open to all, Grade 6 – 100 years

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Save the Date: June 11-15

Vacation Bible School - June 11-15 - 9am-12pm

VBS is open to age 3 (potty trained) thru completed 5th grade! Preschool will run 9:00 am -11:30 am K-5 will run 9:00 am-noon

It takes a village to guide our young disciples! We need your help with music, large group gatherings, small groups, snacks, sign in/out, publicity, crafts, mission, story-telling, science, set up and tear down, and more! No part is too small, so please consider how you can use your gifts! We'd love to have help of all ages - from those who've completed grade 6 all the way up to our most experienced adults! Register with a friend at cokesburyvbs.com/lordoflife

“Experience the ride of a Lifetime with God!”

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Worthington Resource & Smoky Row Pantry Lord of Life regularly collects and donates items to local food pantries in our community, Smoky Row Pantry and The Worthington Resource Pantry. We collected over 100 pounds of food and personal care items for the months of January and February! We are continuing to collect items this month for the Worthington Resource Pantry and Smoky Row Pantry.

Needed items include:

Canned Chicken & Tuna

Cereal

Rice, pasta

Beans of any kind (except green)

Toilet paper

Personal care items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.

Baby items (diapers, wipes)

Laundry Detergent

Kitchen cleaning items Donations can be placed in the shopping cart in the Narthex. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Parker or Amy Seeds in Realm.

COME JAM WITH THE BAND!! The next jam session with crossCurrent will be April 29 after the 11:15 AM worship. Please

join us for music and fun. If you have an instrument, feel free to bring it and plug in with us!

NOTE: You do not need to be musically gifted in any way to enjoy this! Just come

enjoy music and fellowship! We will

also be having a food truck again! The

delicious food of Timmy's Meltdown will

be available to purchase food for lunch

(yes, you can bring that lunch into the

sanctuary!) Come join us for fellowship,

food and good music!

Questions? Contact Suzanne Rippel in Realm.

Selah - Movie Night In!

Join us for a relaxed evening to watch a faith inspired movie. When: Tuesday, April 10, from 6:30 - 8:30 PM Where: Jennifer Daugherty’s Home - 3950 Saddlehorn Dr. Columbus, OH 43221 Come in your most comfortable outfit. Bring a snack or your favorite beverage. We hope to see you! Questions, contact: Heather Reeves or Jennifer Daugherty in Realm.

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Cooking with Spirit at Faith Mission Who: You, your family, and friends...All who are called to serve through cooking and

neighborly outreach. When: Thursday, April 19, 5-8 PM: Join us for preparations and cooking at Lord of Life

Church. Friday, April 20: Leave from Lord of Life at 3:45 PM or come to Community

Kitchen between 4:45-5:30 PM. We will serve dinner at 6:00 PM, and will be finished up at the kitchen between 7-7:30 PM.

Where: Faith Mission Community Kitchen 245 N Grant Avenue Columbus, OH It is always a blessing to join with friends and share a home-cooked meal with our

neighbors. We will be preparing Loaded Baked Potato Casserole with Buffalo Chicken, Broccoli Salad, Fresh Bananas, and Chocolate Pumpkin Cake. Please check out the table in the Narthex for a variety of sign up opportunities.

Questions: Amy Seeds or

Lauren Van Meter

A Note from the Parish Business Administrator A big thank you to all who participated in the Spring Clean-Up Day held on Saturday, March 31. Participants ranged in age from elementary school age children to ninety years old. All had the opportunity to enjoy, pastries, coffee, and juice, and a number of participants enjoyed a fellowship of pizza afterwards.

The following tasks were “completed”:

Clean up of outside property along property lines and consolidation of wood pile next to the fire pit

Fertilization of bulbs/flowers

186 bags of black mulch were spread and raked into the plant beds

Some exterior windows were washed

The high windows in the Discipleship Wing were caulked

New exterior lights by the new front sign were installed

The nursery toys were cleaned and organized, and countertops cleaned

The toy carts were cleaned up and organized

All tables in the Discipleship Wing and the Gathering Space were cleaned, and rooms were dusted

All bathrooms and the kitchen floors were stripped and finished

Doors in the Women’s Restroom stalls in the Discipleship Wing were fixed

Clean up and movement of chairs and general preps in the Sanctuary

We are truly blessed by such stewardship, in this case time and talents!

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Experience Ministries This week’s ministry focus is on the experience ministries of Lord of Life. The purpose of the experience ministries is to provide as many people as possible an experience of God's grace through weekly worship and welcome. Spiritual gifts that might lead you to these ministries include artistry, craftsmanship, encouraging, faith, hospitality, leadership, music, prayer, service and teaching.

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Choirs The Choirs provide leadership through music at our worship services with anthems, musical accompaniment to the liturgy, and other special music.

Adult Choir

Leader: Ryan Jenkins

Cherub Choir (ages 3-K) Leader: Miranda Powell

Grace Choir (grades 1-4) Leader: Melissa Scott

Children’s Musical Leader: Melissa Scott

crossCurrent This ministry leads music during worship with an “alternative / contemporary / non-traditional” style.

Leaders: Suzanne Rippel Bret Wiegman

Sacristan Team This Sacristan Ministry facilitates a worship atmosphere which inspires nobility, grace and elevated joy; incorporates the spiritual gifts of the whole community; is based on the celebration of the Sacraments; and is centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Leader: Heather Lasher

Worship Arts Team The Worship Arts ministry uses the worship space and visual arts to inspire and enhance our congregation’s worship experience.

Leaders: Kelly Wiechers Missie Kendall

Worship Assistants This ministry trains members to use their spiritual gifts by leading worship as assisting ministers, lectors, communion assistants, gift bearers, and acolytes.

Leader: Lynn Kensinger [scheduling]

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TUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY

We meet the first and third Tuesdays of the month in room 309. We welcome men, women, young, and old to join us as we read, reflect and share our thoughts on passages from the Bible using Gather magazine.

In March using the story of The Good Samaritan, we will investigate further multiple meanings in the Bible. From Gather magazine, “The ‘living word’ of scripture speaks to us in unique, profound and meaningful ways-and that’s a good thing.” Learning from our neighbors is so important in our society today. All of us have lessons to learn from those around us.

Christianity is meant to be relational—first, on a vertical axis between ourselves and God and, second, on a horizontal axis between ourselves and those around us. Small group Bible studies move us from being spectators in a weekly church service to active participants in a like-minded community dedicated to spiritual growth.

If you have any questions, contact Cyndee Schoenhoff.

Christian. It’s Not What You Think. Ask 100 people to define it. You’ll get 100 different answers.

Starting this Sunday, we will begin a new DVD Bible study in room 205. According to Andy Stanley, the words used to describe Christians today often bear no resemblance to what Jesus wanted his followers to be known for. In this eight-session DVD Bible Study, Andy explores the truth and fiction behind one of the most famous brands in all of history. ANDY STANLEY is the founder of North Point Ministries, Inc, (NPM). Each Sunday, more than 30,000 people attend one of NPM’s five Atlanta area churches. To learn more and to access free resources visit northpointministries.org.

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For more information, please contact:

Nancy Lentsch 614-562-8851 nlensch@yahoo.com or

Jan Hoffman 614-226-3148 jan@consultjan.com or

Bill Hoffman 614-313-3039 bill@consultjan.com or

Pastor Childs 614-889-2292 pastorchilds@acceptingall.com

“Not in my family.”

A Seminar on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Saturday April 21, 2018

9:00 am - noon Gathering Space at Lord of Life Church

All are Welcome

Presenters: Ashley Garcia from Columbus Public Health Department Julie Horning, Counselor from New Albany High School A Representative from Franklin County Public Health.

Offered by Your Stephen Ministers

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OUR MISSION

To reach people with

the love of Jesus Christ.

OUR VISION

Lord of Life Lutheran Church is a community of Christ where we experience God's grace, comfort and acceptance through each other. From here, everyone is empowered to share, teach and give what each has received.

OUR VALUES

1. The Gospel calls us to unconditional regard for all people.

2. Prayer is necessary for our relationship with God, one another, and the world.

3. Scripture provides the foundation for our lives of faith.

4. The authority for our ministry is founded in Jesus Christ, the head of the Church which is the Body of Christ on earth. An elected Congregation Council provides administrative authority; our called pastor (s) provides the spiritual authority of the Office of Word and Sacrament Ministry.

5. Each member is uniquely gifted by God for ministry and is expected to mature in discipleship of Jesus Christ.

6. Any ministry based on our Mission, Vision and Core Values is valid for our congregation, and may, at any time, evolve or end.

LoL is on

Find us at www.facebook.com/AcceptingAll or search for Lord of Life Lutheran and “like” us for daily updates and inspirations

Last Sunday’s Spiritual Arithmetic

Worship Attendance: 480 Operating Fund Giving = $13,576

@ Lord of Life Church

Sunday 8:00 AM Contemplative Worship

9:00 AM Traditional Worship

10:15 AM Life Passages

10:15 AM ONEBody

10:15 AM Exploring LOL, Rm 309

11:15 AM crossCurrent Worship

12:30 PM Confirmation Workshop

Mon. 6:00 PM crossCurrent Leaders

6:45 PM Boy Scout Troop 243, Gath Space

7:00 PM crossCurrent Rehearsal

7:00 PM Executive Committee

7:00 PM BREAD Rally

Tues. 11:30 PM Weekly Staff Meeting

8:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

Weds. 5:15 PM Wonderful Wednesday Dinner

6:00 PM Cherub Choir, Rm 309

6:00 PM Grace Choir, Rehearsal Room

6:25 PM Five @ the Font!

7:00 PM Adult Choir, Rehearsal Room

Thurs. 11:00 AM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

6:30 PM Alliance Choir*, Gath Space

7:00 PM Congregation Council

Fri. 8:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

Sat. 8:00 AM crossCurrent Retreat, Sanctuary, Narthex

8:00 PM Alcoholics Anonymous*, Rm 309

Sunday 8:00 AM Contemplative Worship

9:00 AM Traditional Worship

10:15 AM Life Passages

10:15 AM ONEBody

10:15 AM Exploring LOL, Rm 309

11:15 AM crossCurrent Worship

12:30 PM Here at LoL Workshop, Gath Space

Check us out on the web at:

www.acceptingall.com