Many of the FLY group said they felt it is easy to come out. "Because our friends are here," says Becky. It's like having positive peer pressure.
| Vol. Sixteen, No. 2Special Anniversary EditionJune 1, 2005 |
| Faith Alive! |
| People of Faith: Sharing God's Grace – Celebrating our 25th Year of Ministry |
Y oung people do the impossible before they find out it's impossible-that's why God uses them so often. (Loren Cunningham)
One focus of our anniversary celebration has centred on our youth, and to rejoice in their service to the church. Our congregation hosted the spring East District Youth Retreat on May 13-15. Over 100 youth, counsellors and leaders came together for a time of spiritual encouragement around the theme, "Looking in God's Mirror", based on 1 John 3:1-3. Special presentations were made by Bob Lenz, a former youth minister and motivational speaker who focusses on youth. The Lenz team from Life Promotions included A. J., the Illusionist, who was a hit with everyone involved.
The Saturday evening session was open to the community, and the congregation invited youth from all across the city to join us to hear this exciting presentation.
Our thanks to all who supported this effort, and who worked to make it a success.
Youth Group Builds Friendships and Faith
Submitted by Lisa Baldock
Our youth enjoy being together – even locked up together.
"They're so fun!" says Becky Ryan, 11, of the 'lock-in' events where Faith Lutheran Youth (FLY) stays overnight in the church. "We watched a movie, talked with friends ... We have, like, no sleep."
"Cause it's fun and I get to see my friends," says Lindy Livingstone, 13 about why she attends FLY events. She enjoys the free time during the meetings because she can go outside and spend time with her friends.
Lindy even invited one of her friends from outside the church to attend the youth group.
Many of the FLY group said they felt it is easy to come out. "Because our friends are here," says Becky. It's like having positive peer pressure.
It's the fun memories of her own youth that inspired Elaine Stresman to become a youth leader. "I had an amazing experience in youth group when I was younger," says Elaine. "I found it such a good experience for growing in my faith. I enjoy it as well. It's fun. It's great to get to know the youth."
Rick Ryan, Deaconess Brenda Ryan and Elaine's husband, Dwayne Stresman, also help organize and supervise FLY events such as their fundraisers, FLY away events and retreats. This year, FLY hosted the pancake dinner for the church and raised about $350. It also served a poor-boy lunch before the annual meeting on Feb. 20 to make about $140. In June, the group plans to hold a car wash. They divide the money they raise between the upcoming youth gathering, subsidizing retreats and charity.
When FLY has "drop-in" nights at the church, about 10 young people attend for games, snacks, Bible study and free time with their friends. More popular are the FLY away events where the group goes bowling or goes to laser quest or another activity outside of the church.
After hosting the spring East District Youth Retreat, the youth are also looking forward to a trip to Canada's Wonderland this summer. Some of the youth will help with vacation Bible school at Faith. Some are planning a mission outreach trip to Moncton, New Brunswick.
Sarah Holden and Claire Ansell, our missionaries to the Ukraine, are both youth group alumni. "It was one of the few times that I got to see Sarah Holden because she lives far away, so it sort of fostered our friendship," says Claire. Claire encourages all youth to join FLY. "I think it's a good idea to go to strengthen your faith and build relationships with other people your age. It makes [worship] more enjoyable because you know people. It's really rewarding."
Youth News and Notes
Elaine Stresman.
This has been a busy spring, with more on the way for our youth.
The annual youth car wash is scheduled for Saturday, June 11th; so get you cars dirty and put us to work. As well, a trip to Canada's Wonderland will again be our end of the year event, tentatively planned for mid-July.
Many of our youth are also planning to help with VBS at Faith this summer. Some will use this as preparation for the mission outreach trip August 5th - 14th to Moncton, New Brunswick. The team includes: Sara- Lou Ansell, Anne Dieterle, Geordie Gauld, Emma Livingstone, Andy Ryan and Becky Ryan. The team will be led by Rick and Brenda Ryan and will also include members of One Way. The mission will include running a VBS, as well as other outreach activities for the community and congregation. We pray that this will be an encouragement to the small congregation of Good Shepherd in Moncton, and that the Lord will use this team as a vessel to spread His Word. This is a very large undertaking and the team will spend two weekends here in London in training for this mission. Training days are Sat., May 28th and Sat., June 25th. We ask for the congregation's continued support and prayers as this exciting opportunity gets closer.
Logo / Theme Verse Picked for Anniversary
In our last newsletter, we had asked for submissions of a logo for our anniversary. It has taken us a bit longer than expected, but a winner has been chosen! We can't quite reproduce it yet, but you will see it soon!
Rick Ryan submitted the winning entry, based on the overall theme: People of Faith – Sharing God's Grace. The committee has also chosen the opening words of John 15:16 as the spiritual guide to all our celebration: You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last.
As we give thanks to God in this anniversary year, let us indeed remember that He has chosen us to go to the world, bringing forth fruit as the Holy Spirit works among us and through the good news of Jesus Christ .
ALOA (Association of Lutheran Older Adults)
- Arline Hensel
We enjoy meeting monthly. We have had two pot blessing lunches followed by fellowship and cards.
A movie evening, featuring "The Calendar Girls" was graciously hosted by the Ryan's. Laughter filled their super "theatre".
Later this year we plan on sharing an evening with Faith's youth, go mini golfing, pick blueberries and visit Fanshawe Village.
Keep an eye on the church bulletin for time and dates. Come join us!
Who in our congregation is currently a student at Western University and has applied to attend law school?
Do You Know? ...
From the Anniversary Committee...
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
God continues to bless us richly as we plan events in celebration of our 25th anniversary.
As a matter of fact this newsletter is a blessing in itself as it gives our anniversary committee an opportunity to communicate upcoming events and to thank all involved in past events for the contribution of their time and talents.
In January Faith's second musical extravaganza was held, including music by our Choir, Chimers, One Way and a solo by Deaconess. It was a night to remember. Thanks to all who participated and thanks be to God for your talents. DVDs are available for all of you who missed this uplifting event. The cost is only $2.00, to recoup the cost of materials only.
May 13-15 Faith Lutheran Church hosted a district youth retreat. As a very special part of this retreat we brought in Bob Lenz, a Christian motivational speaker to address with our youth. This event gave us an opportunity to provide mission outreach to our community. One Way also performed as part of the retreat. Thank God for His blessings!
In June we will be having a garden party at Faith. This will be an excellent event to provide a fellowship opportunity for church attendees to share their faith with others in the community.
Blessings,
David Wilker, Anniversary Committee Chairman
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Faith's "Old Fashioned" Garden Party
For this event we are planning on playing croquet and holding a "tea cup" silent auction. If you can help by providing patio sets with umbrellas, park benches, garden arches, croquet sets or floral arrangements for decorations or would be willing to host or serve please speak to David or Donna Livingstone (269-3212) or any member of the anniversary committee. All proceeds from this event will go to the Harvest Fund.
Thanks to all who have participated in previous events and planning for future events. Your contributions are greatly appreciated. |
Pictures Wanted
Looking forward to our 25th Anniversary: If you have had a baptism, confirmation, wedding or any other special event at Faith over the past 25 years we are looking for pictures to display during our anniversary festivities. Also planned is an "In Memoriam" picture display. On the back of your photos please put the name or names of those in the photo, the event and the date so we can return your photos to you. Please give these pictures to Diana Welker or to the church office as soon as possible.
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Andy Ryan's Favourite Bible Verse: John 14:6
Andy is 13 and in Grade 8 at Westmount Public School. Andy is the son of Rick and Deaconess Brenda Ryan and an active member of FLY.
"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." |
HARVEST FUND
The major gift visits have been completed; information packages and pledges cards have been disseminated to the members, and the responses have begun to come in. Our "Tier 2" chart has been erected. The "Every Penny Counts" jar continues to fill up. Each week, birthday wishes are sent out. What will the harvest be?
We have much to celebrate, as pledges are over $165,000 and receipts exceed $90,000. It is certain that the mortgage will be burned during our November 6th Anniversary celebration. Funds for Strathroy Mission startup will be available and plans can be explored for sanctuary renovations.
What other dreams will come true? What other areas of ministry can be enhanced?
Just think: in 1980 a faithful few took on a $500,000 building debt and struggled through, letting us all enjoy this celebration year. There are many ventures that are still possible if that same commitment is obtained.
If you have not yet made a pledge, we ask that you carefully read the material that has been supplied and consider making a pledge. When the decision is made, return the pledge card in the envelope supplied.
Let us never forget that all we have and all we are is a gift from God. He has entrusted great things to us. Our faithful stewardship of His gifts will yield a harvest, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. (Matthew 13:23)
Who will be a flag bearer for a visiting country at the opening ceremony of the World Transplant Games being held on July 15th here in London?
Do you know...
Lutheran Women's Missionary League
Carol Schmitt, President
Our ladies had a busy spring. On Sunday, April 10th, we hosted the London Zone Spring Rally. Four young women from our Zone spoke about their different ministries. Our very own Claire Ansell and Janna-Leigh Frederick were two of the speakers. Ladies, young and older, attended, and a pot blessing supper wrapped up the day. It was uplifting and exciting to hear of the experiences and testimonies of the speakers, as they spoke of God's calling them to serve. Thank you, Claire and Janna-Leigh!
A work day to assemble items for CLWR and medical missions was held at the end of April, and the ladies were thrilled that some young ladies from the youth group attended.
The Annual Mother-Daughter-Friend Banquet was held Tuesday, May 10 and we had a very good attendance of ladies and girls. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful pot blessing meal, including the terrific men who did dishes and cleaned up. Thank you, fellows! The entertainment was great, and tears from touching readings and laughter from silly skits were the response of the audience. Thank you to all who made the evening a success!
As part of our 25th Anniversary activities, Faith hosted about 100 youth on the weekend of May 13-15 for the Ontario District Spring Youth Retreat. An LWML committee planned the meals, and our members unselfishly spent much of their weekend preparing and serving four meals. We are very blessed to have so many willing people, who helped make the event so memorable for the youth, and all those involved. We especially thank Rob Dieterle and Dieter Groneberg for their barbecuing expertise.
At our monthly meeting on June 14, Ju-Lee Wolsley will give us a lesson in signing. Ju-Lee taught sign to a number of our members over the last months, and we are pleased she will be with us. It's great to see people talking with Ju-Lee in sign, and maybe more of us will learn some phrases at our meeting. Again, all ladies are welcome to attend. We will also be decoratively wrapping china tea cups for the Silent Auction at the congregation's Garden Party on June 18. Ladies, come out for a delightful evening. We'll begin at 7:30!
Our LWML society will host the congregation's Father-Son-Friend Banquet on June 20. The men and boys seem to have a great time, so fellows, mark down the date and plan to attend. You bring a salad or main course and we'll proved the dessert.
The motto of LWML-Canada is "Called to Serve" and the LWML of Faith is happy to serve our gracious God in the many ways He puts before us, in our congregation, community and world. An added benefit of our service is the fellowship we enjoy as Lutheran women, and there is always room for more ladies to join us. Just come out on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM. We're in the parish hall.
Ahoy! S. S. Faith's Voyage a Success!!
The S. S. Faith set sail with the Saviour on Tuesday, March 15, 2005.
S. S. Faith was launched during March break. The full day cruise was most enjoyable as crew and guests went back in time to Noah's Ark, and then learned what it meant to be fishers of men. Like any cruise, the activities were numerous with lessons, skits, games, crafts, and recreation. Oh, and you cannot forget the food that was served. What can be said but... Wow!
There were 30 young guests from junior kindergarten to grade 6, 17 of whom travelled from outside of Faith. All guests were served by 24 crew members, 15 of whom were FLY members. It may have been gloomy, cold and snowy outside, but inside S. S. Faith the Son was shining off the faces of all those in attendance, crew and guests alike. ...and no one got seasick!
Thank you to the crew and everyone who helped stock the ship by providing food supplies and props for the Day!
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Help Wanted!
Plans are being made for projects which will require the help from the members of Faith. Please consider lending a hand for any of these activities:
Basement Renovations: July 18th to Aug 31st
Grass Cutting: May to September
Window replacement: Time to be determined
Sanctuary Cleaning: Friday or Saturday - approx. 1 ½ hours
Help us keep God's house clean, beautiful and inviting. If you can help, please sign up on the lists or talk to a trustee. We have been successful in completing many tasks with everyone's help. Faith Lutheran Trustees |
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Carol Schmitt, Superintendent
There are only three weeks remaining of Sunday School for the 2004-05 school year. The time has flown by, and it's hard to believe summer is around the corner.
Much has happened over the past months. On Easter Sunday, the children enjoyed making "resurrection" crafts during the Sunday School time. Empty tombs made of play dough or paper plates, butterflies made from coffee filters, and a "new life" poster kept children and teachers very busy. Everyone enjoyed this Easter activity, and many thanks to the teachers for all their work.
Shirley Mitchell, our Music Director, and the Junior class presented a musical piece, Josh Groben's "You Raise Me Up", during the Good Shepherd Sunday worship service in April. The children did a fine job, and many people have asked that they do it again. Thank you Shirley and Junior class. Your musical selection and the way you presented it gave witness and praise to Jesus, our Good Shepherd.
During the first half of our 25th Anniversary Year, the Sunday School Mission offerings are to be divided between the LC-C Ukraine Summer Mission, in which Claire Ansell and Sarah Holden will take part, and the Moncton VBS Mission, in which some youth and adults will participate. It was decided that $300.00 will go to the Ukraine mission and, so far, about $150.00 will go to the Moncton mission. Praise be to God!
For the last few years, the children have made gifts for women of the congregation on Mother's Day and for the men on Father's Day. This continues in 2005. The children thank God for the women and men of Faith who support and encourage them, and they want to show their appreciation and love in this small way.
On Sunday, June 26, the first Sunday of our Summer Worship Schedule, the Sunday School will host a hot dog lunch for the congregation. Immediately following the Worship Service, the Grade 7 & 8 class will lead the rest of the Sunday School in games. Then, at approximately noon, the lunch will be served. We invite everyone to come and fellowship with our students and teachers on that date.
It is truly a joy and honour to serve our Lord by teaching and working with the children of our Sunday School. Thank you to all for your prayers and encouragement, and if anyone would like to get involved, just speak to Carol Schmitt (472-9884), Deaconess Ryan or Pastor Bode (685-9700). We'll be happy to find something for you to do.
It always pays to proofread. But even the best of us can make mistakes. Here are some fine examples:
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12 - NIV)
Dear friends in Christ, and fellow servants of the Lord at Faith:
You're only as old as you feel.
We've all heard that expression, along with things such as "age is just a state of mind". To a certain extent, I can understand that. After all, if we see ourselves at a certain age, we tend to act in the way that we associate with that age. If we see ourselves as being 75, we act in the way we think a 75 year old should act. If we think young, we may act young.
On the other hand, I have learned the hard way that I am not as young as I would often like to be. My body just doesn't do the things it did when I was younger. I cannot run up a soccer field or play hockey like I did years ago. And, contrary to popular belief, it isn't just a matter of being out of shape. The truth is, that a 15 or 20 year old on the ice will skate circles around me, no matter how fit I am. My body is aging. It is slowing down. Some parts work in a unique way now. I have to come to accept that. I have to adapt to the changes. This doesn't mean I can't do things, or even strive to improve my heart or my physical abilities. It just means I have to understand my limitations.
Our society has this whole age thing all mixed up. We have children who want to grow up too quickly – and some who have deluded themselves into thinking they are more mature than they are. We have adults who are so afraid of growing old that they don't act their age – and end up looking foolish in the process. We fear aging. We try to cover it up. We hope that they find a cure for it.
The bible has a different view. On the one hand, we hear St. Paul tell Timothy: Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 - NIV) Youth is not to be an obstacle to those who use that energy, strength and the opportunity of the years before them to serve the Lord.
But there is also a recognition of the blessings of wisdom that age brings. In the book of Proverbs we read: Gray hair is a crown of splendour; it is attained by a righteous life. (Proverbs 16:31 - NIV) We should treasure each passing year as a gift of God, and rejoice in the time we have had to share in His grace in this world.
Throughout this newsletter we have had a focus on our youth and the activities and ministry that revolves around them. If they are reading this (and I hope a few of them are; if not, parents tell them what I am saying) then I hope they realize that God has blessed them as part of His family. I truly hope they use their abilities and energy to serve Him. Stop trying to be old before your time. More than that, stop trying to be like the world around you. Be the child of God that you are through your Baptism. And let your joyous light shine forth to God's glory.
But we also need to speak to the grayer portion of the congregation. God has blessed you in ways that our youth may not understand. But they will someday. The young people need you. I think it has been wonderful when we see joint activities between our youth and the members of ALOA. Young and old together - that is what we are as the church.
We say that our youth are the future. But they need our guidance, care and encouragement. The older members are the mentors, the teachers, the leaders who guide the youth into that future. But young and old alike, we are to join together in service to the Lord.
Isaiah tells us: those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (Isaiah 40:31 - NIV) That is where the strength of all of us lies: in the God, who is our hope, our life and our salvation. May He continue to bring us together across the ages as we encourage one another as His family in Christ.
Pastor Bode
Summer VBS Dates Set: July 4th-8th, 2005
A Safari Adventure
In five sessions, kids will go on a safari to discover Jesus the King! They'll explore Bible stories, do fun activities, sing great songs, make crafts, play games, eat snacks, and more!
Your children will want to be part of the adventure. We also hope you will tell others about our VBS, too, and invite them to be part of the fun that we have in this week of learning and growing in God's Word.
Please note the changed dates for our summer Vacation Bible School. The VBS staff will need to be organized by mid-May. If you are able to serve in any way during the week please let Deaconess know. We already have the material.
Vacation Bible School is a wonderful children's outreach to the community around us! Please keep this ministry and the children in your prayers.
Summer Sunday School Gives Growth in the Word
Summer Sunday School is also well into the planning stage. Through the summer months our children from kindergarten to grade 5 will be learning more of Our Life in Christ through stories, activities and crafts. Summer Sunday School is held each week, following the children's talk in our regular worship. Two teachers are needed each Sunday for a total of ten Sundays. Each teacher is only requested to teach one Sunday and no regular Sunday School teachers are asked to teach at all throughout the summer. Therefore, we will be needing 20 members of the congregation, who love their Lord and our children, to spend approximately 45 minutes with a small group of children. Ten members have already agreed to serve in this way. Praise the Lord!
As with any children's ministry, without teachers this ministry cannot happen. Please, check your summer schedule now and pray about how you can serve our Lord through this ministry. Speak to Deaconess Brenda for more information.
Telecare Lets Us "Reach Out and Touch Someone"
Telecare is a new ministry at Faith where trained members will use the telephone to contact other members and extend Christ's love, and offer prayer support.
The calling teams made their first calls in early February. Calls are made during the first half of each month. The response from those contacted (typically those with special needs, or after death or time of transition, the shut-in or those living alone) has been positive. Please keep this ministry of love and care in your prayers.
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Do you know...
Who is an accompanist every Saturday morning for students of a local Music School? |
Thoughts from Deaconess Brenda Ryan
At the beginning of each month I write a little something about a group or ministry within the congregation. Since not all people have access to our website I thought that I would share with you in this newsletter my May write up.
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23-25
What a wonderful passage of advice and encouragement for God's people. Our days are filled with God's blessings and joys; His grace and salvation. But many times we lose sight of them in the midst of our earthly struggles, temptations, and evils of this world. As parents we try to protect our young children from the 'bad' around them while they are safely kept under our wings. As adults we see too well the hardships, and evils in the world. It keeps us clinging to Christ and His Church for strength and encouragement. Our youth are neither children, nor adults. They receive all of God's blessings but are beginning to experience the complexity, conflict and struggle between God's will and that of the world's, and within themselves.
Our youth are strong, talented, smart, compassionate, independent, caring young people who love their Lord. However, I would say that it is this group on which Satan works the hardest. Many have already experience pain inflicted outside of their control. Not to mention the many teachings and choices from which society forces them to choose. There are so many temptations offered by the world. So many man-made beliefs filled with empty promises. And our independent teens are pulled in all directions. To whom can they turn for help and guidance for their life, especially as forgiven children of God? These young people still need their parents, first and foremost, but also, the Church and their fellow believers.
Youth need parents to let them spread their wings but to still be there to guide them, love them, and to be examples for them, as the parents themselves live as the forgiven children of God. He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge. (Proverbs 14:26) Nothing can take the place of parents, as living examples of Christ's light, and God's unconditional love.
But as the old saying goes, 'It takes a village to raise a child'. Unfortunately, our villages no longer teach or uphold what's best for its citizens as describe by God, and so the church, with the parent's support, sees the need to embrace, equip, and empower our young people with the tools to run this earthly race. The youth ministry here at Faith, FLY (Faith Lutheran Youth), encompasses all facets from Bible Studies and devotions, to visits and fellowship activities. They come together to be built up and strengthened through times of Bible study, devotion and prayer: To be encouraged and spurred on to 'hold unswervingly to the hope we profess', remembering that 'He who promised is faith': To build long lasting Christian friendships by attending events and sharing their lives with one another: To use their gifts and abilities to serve the Lord and each other: To be listened to and guided by their dedicated youth leaders who love them, and share their love for the Lord with them. Our regular times of getting together are Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m., and the second and fourth Friday evenings of the month.
May the Lord guide and protect our youth, and bless their ministry in His name!
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Nancy Gauld's favourite Bible verse: Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever."
Nancy is a Sunday School teacher and a member of God's Kids Bible Study Group and a mother of four children: Geordie (13), Mairi (11), Sarah (8) and Sonia (5). |
Sign Language Class Experiences Life in a Deaf World
Ju-Lee Wolsey, ASL Instructor
For the last 12 weeks, 7 members participated in an American Sign Language class taught by Ju-Lee Wolsey. They wrapped up their last class with a "Silent Dinner" at Tony Romas' Restaurant on Monday, May 16, 2005. Everyone was encouraged to only communicate in sign language so that they could experience what it was like to be Deaf in a hearing world. A good time was had by all and the experience was wonderful and eye-opening for both members and the staff at the restaurant.
Ju-Lee thanks the 7 members for participating in the American Sign Language class with an open mind and heart and for giving he the opportunity to bridge the deaf and hearing world. We hope this class gave the members a better and broader understanding of deaf people, their culture and their language. With patience, time and effort, these members were able to learn a beautiful and rich language of the Deaf and immerse themselves in the experience. Ju-Lee has truly enjoyed teaching this class and getting to know each one of you. Thank you for being a great class and God bless you.
On a side note, Ju-Lee will be moving to Rochester, New York this Summer for Graduate School and will be working on her second Masters degree in Health Systems Administration and Human Resource Development.
Regular worship is very important, for here God feeds His people with the Bread of Life. In worship, God comes to us with the assurance of His forgiving love. In worship, we are encouraged and strengthened in our lives as His people, and prepared for service in His kingdom.