September 2019

Newsletter of Reformation Lutheran Church (ELCA) Rev. Jeffrey Gross, Pastor

INSIDE

Altar Ministry 1

Birthdays/Anniversaries 6

Calendar 8

Congregational Care 3

Council Minutes 5

Fellowship 1

Financial Update 6

Lunch Bunch 1

Pastor Jeff’s Message 2

Property 3

Roof Campaign 7

Social Ministry 1&3

Stewardship 7

Tidbits—A Little of This & A Little of That 5&6

Who to Contact 6

The Lunch Bunch welcomes all ladies of Reformation and their female friends. We meet on the third or fourth Thursday of each month. One of our ladies will be in charge of the group each month. We’ll be visiting places like Fred’s, Ling’s, Olive Garden, Smokey Bones, just to name a few.

On September 26th, we will be accompanying Marilyn Hodge as we go to Palace Pizza on 98N. Meet at the restaurant for lunch at 12:00. Let Marilyn know if you need a ride, cell 973-945-2287. Karen H.

Coffee resumes on the second

and fourth Sundays following

worship service. Come join us

for something sweet and great

fellowship. Look forward to

seeing you on September 8th.

Baked goods are welcome. Let

me know in advance. Karen H.

There are just 3

Sundays before

Christmas without

flowers, Sept 15,

Sept 29, and Nov

17. You can honor someone for

a birthday, or anniversary, or in

memory of a loved one, or maybe

just for you. The flowers are

$20 for each bouquet You are

welcome to take them after the

service, give them to someone,

or ask that they be taken to

someone who is homebound or

ill. Sign-up book is in the

Narthex.

September 18 is the 25th Anniversary of Pastor Jeff’s Ordination.

Join us after service on the 22nd to share cake and ice cream as

we rejoice with Pastor Jeff in 25 years of service to Our Lord.

“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who

will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”

Jerimiah 3:15

Remember to bring your Food

Barrel Donations the first

Sunday of every month!

This benefits the individuals

and families served by Talbot

House.

As this is written, hurricane season is in full swing, and our disaster relief funds will be donated to victims of any Florida storms that may be on the horizon. Please continue to keep in mind our northern Florida neighbors as they continue to try to recover from last year’s devastating storm.

We'll be friends until I'm senile.

Then we'll be NEW friends!

2 - Cross Walk September 2019

“We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in

ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in

diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.” Romans 12: 6-8 NRSV

I went to my niece’s Birthday Party a couple of weeks ago at Top Golf in Brandon. She had been taking golf

lessons and was excited to invite her friends to the driving range. As a proud uncle, I can say that the lessons

paid off. And some of her friends clearly have never picked up a golf club, much less hit a golf ball. But one

of the girls picked up a club, lined up, and hit the ball like a pro.

I thought about this and how would one coach a person who was a natural. Now I am no golfer but I have

golfed enough to know that her posture, her grip and her swing were not what I learned in golf lessons. Yet,

she sent that ball sailing. Conventional wisdom tells us to ask the question: “What did she do wrong?” and

then fix it. But I think that operative question should be “What did she do right?” and repeat it.

When a congregation meets and considers the future we can ask one of two questions: “What is wrong?” or

“What is right?” If we ask the first question we find ourselves in a mire of negativity and any energy or

momentum that existed at the beginning dies fast and furiously.

But if we ask the question “What is right?” we open the doors to endless possibilities, we discover our gifts,

and we ask God to give us a vision to put these gifts to good use.

Coming back from Interim Training which, by the way, was terrific, I discovered that the Synod wants us to

gather to shape our vision as we enter the call process. We have not solidified the dates, but I can safely say it

is either towards the end of October or the beginning of November.

I also know that stewardship is right around the corner. I see stewardship as an exciting opportunity for the

congregation and each member to take an inventory of our own gifts and ask for God to give us the vision to

put these gifts to good use.

The operative question can and should be “What are we doing right?” We may not even be aware of all the

things we are doing right. But God gives us a chance to identify these things and God will direct us to a

brighter future.

I see God working every day at Reformation and I know that the people of Reformation are gifted beyond

measure. Isn’t this a great opportunity for us to discover ourselves and be the congregation God wants us to

be? Let the adventure begin!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Jeff

3 - Cross Walk September 2019

At the present time we are down to 1 active person on Property due to surgery and our folks that go north for the summer. In an effort to help maintain our property, we

have initiated an "Adopt a Garden" pro-gram. We have 9 gardens to maintain. So far 7 have been adopted and the folks that have adopted them have done a super job. There are still 2 that need adoption. See Doug Hodge for details. We have also replaced 6 shrubs on the driveway side that had died over time. The thermostat in the office area has been reprogrammed to accommodate Pastor Jeff's schedule. Doug Hodge- Property Chair

Congregational Care

It has been awhile since I have mentioned the medical equipment we have available for loan to our

members. We were able to acquire this equipment from folks from our church family who no longer

need the equipment and this WONDERFUL ministry was born. Equipment can be loaned as long as

needed. The only request is whatever equipment you have borrowed will be returned when no longer

needed so it is available to pass along to someone else.

We have: wheelchairs, canes, walkers, crutches, commodes and shower chairs.

There is a book in the church office with pictures of each item available. When something is borrowed

we sign it out so we always know what is available.

Any questions please contact Marilyn Hodge - 863-853-2989 - Home Phone 973-945-2287 - Cell

Phone and mare788873@aol.com - Email.

Thank you for your wonderful response to our request for school supplies for Padgett Elementary School. Because of your generosity, we were able to provide the children at Padgett with paper, pencils, notebooks, folders, crayons, colored pencils, markers, flash cards, scissors, glue, erasers and other items that no child should have to do without as school begins. Our generous congregation gave 987 items valued at greater than $1,000 total.

Seeds of Hope 2019

Talbot House cordially invites you to join us for our upcoming annual banquet on Oct. 17 at

the RP Funding Center. This year's theme, "This Is Us," will call us to remember the ministry's origins, celebrate our growth, and look forward to an even brighter future. Mark your calendar. We would to have a table of 8 representing Reformation. More details in the October newsletter or see Bette Lou Clark or Karen Hamilton.

Today, in the cutest voice, my 8-year-old daughter asked me to start recycling.

I chuckled and asked, "Why?" She replied, "So you can help me save the planet." I chuckled again and asked, "And why do you want to save the planet?"

Because that's where I keep all my stuff," she said.

We plan big things for tomorrow

in spite of zero knowledge of the future.

That's CONFIDENCE.

4 - Cross Walk September 2019

A Long Way

For 40 years, Talbot House has served Polk County. Originally established as a simple soup kitchen, today Talbot House Ministries is Polk County’s most comprehensive provider of services for homeless men and women. Services currently provided by Talbot House include:

• Communal dining, serving over 400 hot meals per day to all who walk through our doors, with weekly food pantry serving community at large

• Showers, clean bedding provided for all overnight guests • 140 beds, with additional temporary bedding for overflow • Transitional housing for those working to transition from homelessness to independence • Free clinic serving the poorest, uninsured of Polk County including services for diabetes and

blood pressure management, well-women care, and general health services • Dental care provided for uninsured including preventative care, x-ray services, fillings and

dentures • STEP and RENEWAL programs designed to help those vulnerable to homelessness learn skills

to become independent and avoid future homelessness • Job counseling, training, certification programs and assistance to help find employment and stay

employed • Case management services and counseling for those who receive ongoing services from Talbot

House • Assistance through our housing program with long-term, sustainable housing assistance for

those who are at risk of immediate homelessness • Community volunteers who provide services throughout Talbot House such as barber/

hairdresser, yoga classes, bible studies, arts and crafts, mentoring, AA and GED classes and much more.

Mission Statement: “Through the love of God, Talbot House Ministries provides those in need with immediate basic services and opportunities for life renewal.” From Talbot House monthly newsletter, July 2019

Synod Assembly, 2019

My experience at synod assembly was not what I expected. Although, to be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. The speakers were very good and informative. The best part was learning how different religions have a lot of similarities. Listening to three men, a Rabbi, an Inman, and a clergyperson from the United Church of Christ, speak and explain their religious views was very interesting. The fear some people have of the different beliefs is because we don’t really understand them.

There was voting and, I must admit, I didn’t have a clue who was who when we voted. They also voted about issues.

Then there was the comedian. He was amazing.

The people were very welcoming and I even got some tips on what to look for when I am able to buy my motor home.

I want to thank all of you for allowing me the opportunity to attend and Pastor Jeff for explaining the procedures. Bobbie Harney, Congregational Delegate

5 - Cross Walk September 2019

Synopsis of Council Minutes

Treasurer report is written under Financial Update elsewhere in newsletter and not included in these minutes. Complete copies of all Council Meeting Minutes are located in a binder on the mailbox in the office. May 21, 2019

• Pastor Jeff recommended a discussion should be held at a future meeting to decide if a new president should be elected before the regular elections at the start of the new year.

• Chart for the Roof Fund is up and will be updated monthly. The total to date is $1043.

• Food Barrel donations are $1,885 for the year so far.

• God’s Work Our Hands home repair volunteers have spend 7.5 hours on six projects so far this year.

• Our Lenten Offerings for the Grace Backpack Program were about $850.

• Children’s bulletins have been successful and will be continued.

• Facebook and the church website need be worked on further.

• MOTION to purchase eight $25 Walmart gift cards for donation to the Community Hope Center in Orlando for Synod Service Project. — APPROVED

June 18, 2019

• Suntrust will not issue a second card in Treasurer’s name. We will wait until we have a permanent pastor to request the second card.

• Reformation is now set up with the ability to make ACH payments for reimbursement of expenses.

• Activity bags (for children) will be updated periodically.

• Discussion on Use of Fellowship Hall Donation was held. After the discussion it was decided to continue with $100 donation due prior to an event.

July 16, 2019

• Pastor Jeff received 25-years-of-sevice award.

• Boy Scouts would like to have a BBQ/Rummage sale on a Friday/Saturday soon. Coordinating with Doug Hodge on dates and what they need.

• Pastor Jeff would like to have 2 sessions of membership classes to take place after worship on Sunday, possibly in September, to prepare prospective members for joining. We would expect members to take an active role.

• Money donated for the Roof Campaign will reside in the Mission Investment Fund account to earn interest until it is needed.

• Lenten clothing donations for Talbot House decreased in 2019. We will have a new project in 2020 — providing pajamas for the Guardian Ad Litem children.

• Suggestion was made to provide areas of education, we might put together a panel of speakers representing different religions.

TIDBITS – A LITTLE OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT!!!.

• NOTE: The cost of the Word and Season devotional booklets has increased to $1.45.

• Sign up now to receive the newsletter in living color and before it is distributed at church by re-ceiving it via email? Just send your email address to khamilton6309@gmail.com and you will receive the Crosswalk electronically in a .pdf format.

Variation Law - If you change lines (or traffic lanes), the one you were in will always move faster than the one you are in now.

September 2019 6 - Cross Walk

Vital Statistics September Birthdays

September Anniversaries

Financials as of July 31, 2019: Y-T-D Total Income $96,148 Y-T-D Total Expenses $91,226 Giving has been consistent this summer and we have been able to continue operating in the black. Don’t slack off in giving. We still have a few months before our snowbirds return and it is important that we continue to give. Feel free to contact me if you have questions on the church’s financials.

Karen Hamilton, Treasurer 853-9678

Financial Update

09/01 ROBINSON, Roger

09/04 DAVIS, Dorothy

09/06 PLASCENCIA, Giuliani

09/09 KRETZMER, Ardra

09/11 NIELSON, Marcy

09/21 OLMSTEAD, Christine

09/23 DENIETOLIS, Betty

09/25 CRUZ, Nayda

09/26 KENDALL, Jayme

09/28 ROY, Christopher

09/05 NOYES, Dale & Karen

09/09 DREGER, Don & Mary

09/15 WILLIAMSON, Al & Mary Lou

09/28 KRETZMER, Dick & Ardra

Recent Deaths

06/04 ZIESMER, John 07/30 STEVENS, Louella

Altar Ministry—summer Doug Hodge 853-2989

Chancel Choir Marvin Dalton 450-2063

Congregational Care Marilyn Hodge 853-2989

Evangelism Pastor Jeff 941-920-1564

Fellowship

Financial Sec’y Karen Noyes 875-8574

Kitchen Karen Hamilton 853-9678

Newsletter Karen Hamilton 853-9678

Office Karen Noyes 875-8574

Property Doug Hodge 853-2989

Social Karen Noyes 875-8574

Stewardship

Treasurer Karen Hamilton 853-9678

Worship & Music Pastor Jeff 941-920-1564

Youth Education

Who to Contact

TIDBITS – A LITTLE OF THIS AND A LITTLE OF THAT!!!.

• Weekly Attendance since last newsletter: June, 52; July, 51; Aug 4, 47; Aug 11, 58; Aug 18, 55; Aug 25, 48.

• Pastor Jeff will be in the office Tuesday – Thursday. He is reachable via cell 941-920-1564.

• We will no longer be collecting Box Tops for Education. The program has changed to electronically giving credit to the schools. If you want to continue giving to Padgett Elementary, check out the program on-line.

• Please notify Karen Hamilton or Marilyn Hodge of any changes in address, land phone and/or cell numbers, or email addresses so Church Directory can be updated.

• Additional copies of the Monthly Newsletter are available on the credenza in the narthex.

• Polk ELDER CARE Senior Resource Guide provides seniors with the many services available to them in Polk County. Call the Senior Connection Center (listed on page 99) to find the many agencies available to offer FREE assistance if you need it. Booklets are available free of charge on the credenza. Pick up one.

Of course I talk to myself, sometimes I need

expert advice.

7 - Cross Walk September 2019

Let’s Raise the Roof

On Sunday, Mar 31, we kicked-off our “Let’s Raise the Roof” campaign to raise $60,000 over the

next four years to provide a large share of the money we will need to replace the roof over the

Sanctuary and Office Wing. If each household gives $5 a week, we should have the $60,000 needed.

We have a slow start in raising the needed funds— Campaign-to-date we have a total of $3,877.

This is about 50% of what we should have to be on target. Are you doing your share to help? The

board is up. Karen N is laying shingles. Let’s keep her busy. Help put the roof on the building!

Strengthening Generosity The following is from an article in Giving magazine, 2017, by Keith A. Mundy, Stewardship Ministry for ELCA.

Why do we need Stewardship?

• First, stewardship is about recognizing that all we have belongs to God. Whatever we

have during our lifetime is simply entrusted to us for the journey. Everything belongs to

God.

• Second, the spiritual discipline of giving is an important discipleship practice, just like

worship, prayer, and service. There are two important aspects of this discipline: take time

once a year to reflect on and appreciate how God has blessed you, and determine how

your household will regularly practice giving.

• Third, having an emphasis on what it means to be a steward helps us to grow better

stewards in our home, church, and community. Stewardship is not about paying the bills.

It is about using the gifts God has entrusted to us, individually and collectively, to do God’s

work. An emphasis each year helps teach us about what it means to be stewards of

God’s varied grace.

• Fourth, an emphasis on stewardship provides an opportunity to reelect on the role of

money in our lives. One of the ways people in a church can respond to this emphasis is

by making a financial commitment. This is both an example of living out the spiritual

discipline of giving and an opportunity to share God’s generosity. We can share a portion

or percentage of what God has given us with others in and through our church. For many

households this means taking time to make a budget and to be intentional about where

and how the dollars entrusted to them are used. The skill of budgeting teaches us how to

make commitments with our money and to be held accountable. These traits transfer

easily to other aspects of our life, including how we are generous with time and talents.

8 - Cross Walk September 2019

sunday monday tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday

1 Food Barrel 10:00 Worship

2

3 7:30 Prop Work Day

6:00 Boy Scouts

4

5

10:30 Adv. in Christ

6

7

8 10:00 Worship

Coffee Hour

9

6:00 Cub Scouts

10 7:30 Prop Work Day

10:00 Evangelism

6:00 Boy Scouts

11

12

10:30 Adv. in Christ

1 3

14

15 10:00 Worship

16

6:00 Cub Scouts

17 7:30 Prop Work Day

6:30 Council

6:00 Boy Scouts

18

19

10:30 Adv. in Christ

20 21

22 10:00 Worship

Reception

23

6:00 Cub Scouts

24 7:30 Prop Work Day

6:00 Boy Scouts

25 26

10:30 Adv. in Christ

12:00 Lunch Bunch

27 28

29 10:00 Worship

30

September 2019