to know christ and make christ known the tower july 2018...
TRANSCRIPT
Office staff:
Office Bookkeeper: Caroline Kroll
Administrative Assistant: Hannah Coder
Youth Coordinator: Addie Graffin
Pastor Jeffrey P. Pedersen
1345 N. Water Street
Platteville, WI 53818
Office Phone: 348-3166
LCOP Website: www.lutheranchurchofpeace.org
Lutheran Church Of Peace
To Know Christ and Make Christ Known
Highlights in this issue
Mystery Quilt 4th of July potluck Bonfire Youth boating/water skiing Baby Westaby Council Highlights
The Tower July 2018 Newsletter!
Worship Services: September-May June-August Saturday 6:00pm Saturday 6:00pm Sunday 8:00am -Traditional Sunday 9:00pm Sunday 10:30am -Contemporary
A Message From Pastor Pedersen
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Je-sus.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
For your spiritual growth through Christ-centered
media, we encour-age you to listen to
the following + + + + +
RADIO Life 102.5 FM
(Madison) Life 95.9 FM (Platteville)
Faith 1190 AM (Madison)
Family Life 88.1FM (Lancaster)
On the air sunrise to sunset and 24 hours online at
www.life1025.com
TELEVISION “To Know Christ”
Bible Study and “Connect” Talk Show on
Christian Televi-sion Network
CTN40 KFXB -TV/ KFXB-
DT Channel 22 on
Platteville Cable TV
Recently, I was able to run the Stockholm, Sweden marathon. Stockholm is a beautiful city built on 14 islands. It was laborious for me though, being that I hadn’t run a marathon in ten years, and also the temperature that day was an abnormal 85 degrees. I was thankful for the opportunity to run a race with so many beautiful sights, and to finish in their stadium that was built for the 1912 Olympics.
As I was mentally trying to figure out how I was going to finish the 26.2 mile trek or in Sweden 42.3 kilometers, I kept thinking, “What lies behind, I have already ac-complished, but yet anticipating the sights that lie around the next bend of the road filled me with excitement. I may never pass this way again, so treasure the time.”
Life is like a marathon run. When we are in it, it may seem like it will last forever, but then, just like that, it is over. We can reflect upon the road that we have already traveled in life, those memories as pleasant and/or painful as they may be. We look forward to what lies ahead. We don’t always know what lies around the next bend of life, but we are certain that God is waiting for us. He will continue to guide us, love us, and encourage us, as we face the challenges of ministry and life. Some of us have a whole lifetime ahead of us to serve the Lord, while others of us may not have that many more years. What matters is how we are serving the Lord. We want to give the Lord the very best of what we have of our time, talent and possessions. God is bringing us to the finish line when he welcomes us into his heavenly home.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Jeff Pedersen
Dear LCOP scholarship committee, thank you very much for awarding me one of your generous academ-ic scholarships. I cannot express how grateful I am for the support this congregation has given me throughout my time at Drake University. I am looking forward to my final semester of college this coming fall, which I’ll spend student teaching! For the first half of the semester I’ll be at Valley Southwoods fresh-man high school (West Des Moines) and I’ll spend the second half at Spring Creek 6th Grade Center (Southeast Polk). I can’t wait to learn from my incredi-ble mentor teachers, graduate in December, and start looking for teaching jobs in the “real world”! Gratefully, Rachel Demaree
Dear LCOP Members, Thank you for the Bible and the love you have ex-tended to me over the past years. My years at LCOP will be greatly treasured. I will miss everyone. Lucy Tian (Contemporary Accompanist)
Thank you so much for making the church picnic a special one on July 14th. We were just overwhelmed by the turnout and all of the help from everyone. The night would have not been possible without our volun-teers from helping make food to setting up to singing and more. THANK YOU THANK YOU! What a great night it was for ALL!
A big thanks to all of those helping out with the gar-den. Please continue to help with watering, weeding and just kind of watching as we continue on this sum-mer. It is amazing what we can do when we all work together.
Stewardship Focus:
Budgeted: 2018 Totals
Total Income $106,890.71
Total Expense $118,238.58
Total Difference $-11,346.87
Non Budgeted: Year to Date
Rock of Ages & $9,030.00
Rummage Sale
Anniversary $1,370.00
World Hunger $240.00
Evangelism/Outreach is sponsoring an effort to support
the local food pantry and we are asking for your help! A
collection box will be located in the Narthex for specific
food items that the food pantry has indicated they have a
special need.
Food Pantry Items for July:
Cereal, Condiments (Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard)
& Toilet paper
??????????? THE MYSTERY QUILT ???????????????
For the past 6 months our quilters have been working on finishing a quilt that has been floating between the
quilt storage room and quilters homes for a decade or more. It has all the American Presidents stitched on it.
We are on a quest to find out who donated the quilt. Surely someone remembers their parent or grandparent
working on it. The quilt is now finished and be hung in the church until it is given to the President's Museum in
Cuba City.
Marriage Care Class: Pastor will be leading a 12 week mar-riage care class. This will start on Tuesday, September 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the education room at the church. Let Pastor know if you would like to attend.
Grief Share: Pastor Jeff will be leading the Grief Share support program. This fifteen weeks program addresses the various aspects of grief. It will help the participants to work through grief as we hear lectures, have dis-cussions, and outside exercises. The program will begin on Wednesday, September 5, at 10:00 a.m. in the adult library. Let Pastor Jeff know if you would like to participate.
New Bible Study: Pastor Jeff will be lead-ing a small group study at his house, starting on Thursday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m. They will be studying Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, “Life Together.”
New Members Class: Pastor Pedersen will be having a new members/ disci-pleship class starting Sunday, September 9, during the Sunday school hour. We will be studying the book that I had written, “A Basic Christian Theology”. Peo-
ple who are Lutheran can become members without taking the class, but we encourage all people to come and learn. All are welcome!
Worship Assistants: We are still looking for people to serve in a few areas of the church. Some of the areas we need help with are; greeters and communion helpers. There is a sign-up sheet on a table in the Narthex, next to the ladies parlor. We appreciate any time and area you are available.
Summer Fellowship: We welcome all to join together following the Sunday service for a relaxing time of fellowship this summer. We are also looking for volunteers to provide treats for the fellowship time. A sign-up sheet is available in the kitchen for those able to serve. If there are any questions, please contact Caroline Kroll at 563-581-8024 or email [email protected].
Just a few notes
4th of July: There will be a Fourth of July fellowship opportunity for LCOP. We’ll meet at the church for a 6:30 p.m. cookout, serving hamburgers, brats, chips, and water/soda pop. You can bring a dish to pass. We’ll also play games, sing songs, and watch the fireworks from the front yard. I hope to see you there!
Nursery Volunteers: We are looking for volun-teers to fill in for the month of July. We are still in need of 1 volunteer on July 1, 1 volunteer on July 15th and 2 volunteers for July 22nd. Any help is VERY MUCH appreciated. Please consider sign-ing up for even one Sunday to help our young families in the church. Contact Addie for more info.
Bonfire: Women's Life Group will be hosting a family bonfire on July 25th at 7 pm for all of our church family and friends too. We will be singing, making s'mores, bonding and praying. ALL ARE WELCOME!
Sweden Presentation: Recently Pastor took a trip to Sweden. While he was there, he was able to study about the Vikings, church history, and
some national history. He will be giving a presentation of his trip on Sunday, July 29, following the 9:00 A.M. worship ser-vice. There will be a brunch where egg bake, muffins, juice, and coffee will be served. Hope you can join!
NY Mission Trip: We have nine adults and five youth who will be going to New York on a mis-sion trip this summer. They will be leaving after worship service on Sunday, July 15, and return-ing on July 22. They will be doing work at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Lower-Eastside Manhattan. They will be working on the physical structure of the church and also their daily meals program that feed hundreds of people. Those who are go-ing: Michael LeGrand, Alex LeGrand, Georgie LeGrand, Gary Kramer, Paul Fields, Emily Fields, David Whithers, Larry McReynolds, Jeff Huehne, Maddy Sar-gent, Richard Hoffman, Abby Goomey, Mark Klinge, and Pastor Pedersen.
W
omen
of th
e Ch
urch
All confirmed women of the congregation
are automatically members of WELCA
As we gather as a community of women, may we honor and respect the transforming
power of our circles, always making room inside them for new women.
-Linda Post Bushkofsky
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and
empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one
another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the
church, the society, and the world.
GATHER BIBLE STUDIES In Summer 2018, Anna Madsen will present a three-part study on prayer. Anna Madsen a freelance theologian and proud mama to daughter, Else, and son, Karl. She works with OMG: Center for Theological Conversation (omgcenter.com) and enjoys seeing the occasional moose and bear in their woods.
Session two: the practices of prayer (Psalm 19:14) Jesus taught us how to pray by way of the Lord’s Prayer. But both in Scripture and in the Christian tradition, people of faith have developed a wide variety of ways to come before God. In this session, we’ll look at different ways to pray, what each might offer and how knowing an array of prayer styles can enrich our devotional life.
WELCA July Calendar
Tuesday, July 3 at 9:00 a.m. Quilting & Activity day in the Fellowship Hall
Tuesday, July 17 at 9:00 a.m. Quilting & Activity day in the Fellowship Hall
The Circles will not meet in July.
LCOP is in need of a person to represent our church on the Church Women United Board and the thrift store board. Please call the church office if interested.
Y
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July Events
Wednesday, July 4 @ 6:30 p.m. LCOP Potluck
Monday, July 30th @ 12:30 pm. Youth Boating trip
YOUTH NEWS
Nursery is looking for volunteers to fill in for the month of July. We are still in need of 1 volunteer on July 1, 1 volunteer on July 15th and 2 volunteers for July 22nd. Any help is VERY MUCH appre-ciated. Please consider signing up for even one Sunday to help our young families in the church. Contact Addie for more info.
Joel and Sara Klinge have provided a wonderful opportunity for the youth. They have invited them to go boating/water skiing on the Mississippi river, followed with a cookout at their cabin. We’ll leave the church parking lot on Monday, July 30th, at 12:30 p.m. Things to bring: Drinks, towel, and sunscreen. Thanks Joel and Sara! We can always use a few chaperones to drive and have fun in the sun with the youth.
Once again, the youth will be making the trip to Noah’s Ark. This year it will be Thursday, August 2. We’ll leave the church at 8 a.m. We could use some chaperones for this event.
Confirmation orientation will be Wednesday, September 5, at 6:30 p.m. We’ll meet in the fellowship hall.
Youth Coordinator- Addie Graffin: [email protected]
July Nursery Volunteer Schedule July 1– Anna Pennington & July 8- July 15– Addie & July 22- July 29– Grabandt family
Does Prayer really work?
Luke 18 says “Always Pray and NEVER give up.”
Does prayer really help? Does it change things? I mean- if God already has the plan in our life and knows what is going to happen to us and made the decisions for us LONG before we were even born. THEN, why pray? I mean, are we going to change the Great God’s mind and deci-sions? Likely, not. So, then why are we praying? Because, prayer gives us HOPE and in this broken world- what else do we have. Prayer may not change everything you want it to change….but don’t give up. You will see how your prayer works when you start praying for God’s will and not yours.
“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)
Bible Studies & Classes
Thursday Morning Study: Pastor Pedersen is leading a small group study at 10:00 a.m. Thursday mornings in the
adult library.
Men’s Prayer Breakfast: Pastor Pedersen leads a men’s prayer breakfast at the Country Kitchen at 7:00 a.m. on Friday
mornings.
Women’s Small Groups: LCOP has three women’s circles. Hannah, Ruth and Deborah Circle. Hannah and Ruth circle
meet the first Wednesday of the month. Hannah Circle meets at 9:30 a.m. at the house of Peace. Ruth Circle meets at
1:30 p.m. in the LCOP adult library. You are welcome to join one of the circles to learn more about the Women of the
Church and participate in Bible Studies.
Dear Family Promise volunteers, Thank you for the hospitality and compassion that you showed our guests last week. When families are in crisis it sure helps to have time to be surrounded by kind faces like yours. Gratefully, Hannah Campbell Gustafson
We had the pleasure of Hosting a family at Lutheran Church of Peace the week of May 27th. Our fabulous volunteers made sure that their stay with us was comfortable as they go through this very difficult time in their lives. I enjoy watching how each volunteer interacts with different family mem-bers. I am not saying that things always go smoothly because they hardly ever do! Sometimes the most difficult tasks bring the greatest rewards. We will be hosting next time the week of August 12th.
If you have ever thought about joining the LCOP Family Promise volunteers there will be some up-coming trainings in Platteville, so let me know or call the office. As we are now coming up on our 3rd year it is time for current volunteers to get paperwork and training updated. (Hannah Campbell Gus-tafson will be on maternity leave soon so she may decide to do one before she leaves or wait till she gets back)
Also, I want to thank our quilters that so generously donated 2 quilts for the Family Promise July Golf Outing and Auction. Also, to the ladies that make cards for Family Promise. They donated a box of 20 home crafted & recycled greeting cards.
What’s Up with Building & Grounds?
Stonework: Laufenberg Masonry was here 3 days in June and have a good start. All rock has been ordered and paid for. Instafoam to bid whole building to keep rock that is in good shape from further deteriora-tion. Baker Iron Works will measure grates. Stained Glass Windows: Last 2 storms in sanctuary will be $1500. We will finish those 2 and ask for bid on alter windows.
Offices and Library Air: Moving forward per June 10th church meeting that approved using $4964 from Trust. Library committee agreed to contribute some funds toward the project. We will also be putting insula-tion on library walls.
Waxing: Fellowship hall and hallway were waxed. Wine stains by alter and others throughout the building were treated.
Playground: Purchased and replaced rope swing. The weeds are being removed and a new picnic table pur-chased to replace the old one.
Traffic/Pots - Purchased “slow” signs to add to the pots. The pots are spread out in single line. These chang-es seem to have slowed down traffic.
Fellowship Hall Chairs - Plan to clean in July.
Building Insurance - Reviewing current and new bids for policies.
Carport completed: Finished painting roofs and bill is paid.
Water Usage: We continue to investigate spikes in usage reports from city.
Kitchen Door: New codes have been issued for door entrance. Still having some issues with unlocking the door from the inside that we continue to work on. Fire Inspection: Made updates on fire equipment per recent fire inspection. Lighted Cross: Exploring putting LED lights in the cross in Tower. Library leak: Replacing tile in the children’s library that has wet stains. Will also have roof checked for leak.
July 1-4 Family Camp Session 1
July 16 Yesterday’s Youth -cancelled
Aug. 12-15 Family Camp Session 2
Aug. 16-18 Grandparent-Grandchild Camp
Aug. 16-18 Parent-Child Horse Camp
Prayer Concerns
Please continue to pray for our home bound and nursing home residents; cards and visits are always welcome. Please continue to pray for our home bound and nursing home residents; cards and visits are always welcome. For those with Health Concerns: Laura Kramer, Dorothy Grossnickle, Lavon Bennett, Arlene Crawford, Harrison Sheldon, Mary Runde, Amy Pohl, Mike Weigel, Dale Weigel, John Huehne, John Hirsch, Herbert Lohse, Stan Erlandson, Sylvia Goke, Stan Gobrecht, Karen Niehaus, Neva Popp, Julie Crawford, Don Masbruch, Herb Paske and Annie Westaby .
For those serving in the Armed Forces: Casey Goffinet, Timothy Cook, Sarah & Jason Mullins, Jeff Kueter, Ryan Nordstrom, Ryan Sheldon, Zak Hands, and Dylan Goke.
Annie Westaby . For those serving in the Armed Forces: Casey Goffinet, Timothy Cook, Sarah & Jason Mullins, Jeff Kueter, Ryan Nordstrom, Ryan Sheldon, Zak Hands, and Dylan Goke.
Our deepest sympathies go out to Lois Radloff on the passing of her father, Harry DeBuhr.
Please pray for the people going on the New York mission trip. There are nine adults and five youth who will be going on July 15th. They will be leaving after worship service on Sunday, July 15, and returning on July 22.
Josh Zauche, Maddie Zauche and Angela Melby will all be working at Sugar Creek Bible Camp this summer. Pleases remember to keep them in your prayers as they serve in this way.
Please continue to pray for the Westaby family. Their baby girl was born on 6/19/2018 at 11:34 AM. She weighed 4 pounds 4 ounces. Her name is Annie Lane Westaby. Annie is spending some time in the NICU until she is a bit bigger. Annie is otherwise a healthy girl with a strong appe-tite and likes to smile.
Baby Westaby
Notes from your Church Council
June Council Highlights
Reviewed June financial statements. Still running about $9,000 behind budget. Difficult to cover day to day ex-penses. Need to encourage use of electronic giving as a way to have giving’s continue even when people are unable to attend services. We can minimize spending, but payroll and utilities need to be paid each month. En-courage committees to limit additional expenses as able.
Finalizing loan details with Mound City Bank. We will be getting a line of credit that will allow us to use funds as needed, and not take out full loan all at one time. Rock of Ages campaign has raised almost $50,000 to date, but we are a long way from funding the entire project. Work will start the week of the 11th on the West and north side of the building.
Congregational meeting was held on June 10th and approval was given to complete A/C installation in all 3 offic-es and library. Anniversary funds will be used along with other donations. Project should be completed before the end of June.
Still awaiting insurance proposal from Church Mutual. This will be presented to council to make a final decision on vendor and policy specifics.
Council had a lengthy discussion regarding getting people involved, attending services, and having more events for people to participate in. Picnic happening on June 14th. All are invited. Congregational Life committee is re-forming with Richard Klein and Anna Pennington leading this group. Need to encourage others to join them. Dis-cussed ideas for more events like the spaghetti suppers. Coming together in fellowship. Supporting Addie as she is starting a Women’s group. Evangelism committee will be asked to try and reach out to inactive members and invite them back to join us for events and services. Our church is about making connections with each oth-er. Doing our part to help the church and each other. Discussed having a suggestion box, letting members and guest tell the council ideas they have, suggestions for events etc.
Your council needs and welcomes your ideas and input in to how we as congregation can grow in our faith and relationships with each other. Please share your thoughts, time and talents as you can.
Respectfully submitted
Ann Bonner, Council President
2018 Council members
Gary Kramer, Richard Cline, Treasurer Mike LeGrand, President Ann Bonner, Vice President Lisa Kuhls, Jim Beals,
Secretary Lori Melby, Dorothy Pulkrabek, Josephine Kischer, Not pictured: Anna Pennington, Linda Fansler
What's going on outside of LCOP?
Platteville 4th of July- Events held on July 4 in Platteville include: -7:30 a.m. registration and 8 a.m. start for the Youth Dash & 5K at the Mining and Rollo Jamison Mu-seums -9 a.m.-4 p.m. Heritage Day at the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums; go to www.mining.jamison.museum for more information -10 a.m. Patriotic Program at City Park -2 p.m. registration and 3 p.m. start for the bean bag tournament at Legion Park -3 p.m.-dusk: food vendors at Legion Park -7-9 p.m. Adam Bartles Band performing at Legion Park -7 p.m.-dusk: Bounce Houses at Legion Park -Dusk: Fireworks show at Legion Park
Storywalk- The Platteville Optimists will present “The Little Engine That Could” for a storywalk on July 4 at
the Mining and Rollo Jamison Museums. Ruby's Pantry is looking for volunteers on July 5th. We are in particular need of people who can
load groceries into cars. Volunteers loading cars would need to report to the church at 4:30. What is Ruby's Pantry? A non-profit organization that collects food from wholesalers and distributes it to sites in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Platteville United Methodist Church on Lancaster Road is now in its third year of partici-pating with the program. Guests donate $20 and walk away with a lot of food. This is why loading cars is a strenuous activity! We have guests from all over Grant County.
Party in the Park Volunteer Nominations- Service organizations should make their nomination for volun-teer of the year to be announced at Party in the Park on July 26. For more information, contact the Cham-ber.
Volunteers Needed for Southwest Music Festival- Volunteers are needed at the Saturday, July 28, con-cert series on Second Street. Please contact the Chamber if you are willing to donate a couple of hours of your time for this event. Volunteers are especially needed for the gate during the late shift, 9-11 p.m., as well as clean-up from 11 p.m.-midnight.
Stone Cottage Open for Tours- The Historical Stone Cottage of Platteville is open for tours on the week-
ends. Contact Arlene Siss at 608-348-9229 to schedule a tour. Registration open for crafters/vendors- The Platteville Regional Chamber is looking for crafters and ven-
dors for the Southwest Music Festival held on Saturday, July 28, at City Park. Fee of $25 includes a 12-by-12 foot space. Contact the Chamber at 348-8888 to register.
Hold the date of August 18, 2018 for the Installation of Our New Bishop! Rev. Viviane Thomas-
Breitfeld will be installed on Aug. 18 at First Lutheran Church in Janesville, Wisconsin. Information about the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin is available at scsw-elca.org/. http://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7927
STAY CONNECTED!
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THE TOWER July 2018
Lutheran Church of Peace 1345 N. Water Street Platteville, WI 53818