The Lifeline
July/August 2006
Lessons from the Trail
Pastor Deb Dingus
There are a lot of things you can learn about yourself, others, God and life in general while on a backpacking trip with 21
youth and adults. Such was the case last week during the ―SUMMER ADVENTURE OF 2006‖.
1. When all you can take has to fit inside of your backpack……be selective. As the kids were packing their packs I asked questions like: ―Do you really need that extra ―T-shirt‖? ―Do you really need that hand held video game?‖ ―Do you
really think that you will need the blue eye shadow?‖ You would be surprised to know how little you really need in life and
further surprised to find out that it’s true….God does supply all our needs. Do you know the difference between your
needs and your wants? Matthew 6:25-34
2. Life is easier when you are carrying less. When everything you’re carrying adds one more ounce of burden to the
journey, doesn’t it make sense to lighten the load? Simplify your life! Many of the burdens we carry are needless. Don’t
forget that Jesus said that you can ―cast your burdens on him”. Matthew 11:30
3. When one member of the group suffers, the whole group suffers. As humans and as the body of Christ we are interconnected. What affects one affects the whole group. Don’t just look at your brother and sister who are suffering and
pass on by. Help your brother or sister who is in need and you will find that you are really helping yourself. We really are
―one body”. I Corinthians 12:12-26
4. The easiest way to climb a difficult mountain is one step at a time. The easiest way to handle a difficult journey is to take ―one day at a time‖. Remember what Jesus said. ―Do not worry about tomorrow, tomorrow will worry about itself.
Each day has enough trouble of its own. When things get really tough and seem too large to handle, break the situation
down into manageable pieces. Live one day at a time. Matthew 6:34
5. When you get to a scenic overlook…..don’t forget to thank and praise God. Just as there are difficult times in life, the Lord will also provide opportunities for enjoyment. So when those moments come….ENJOY and don’t forget to thank
and praise God for them. Psalm 148
6. Suffering can produce hope and provide for an opportunity for personal growth. If you find yourself suffering in
life, remember this may be an opportunity for something better down the road. Look at what Paul says in Romans. ―We
boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character
produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our heart through the Holy
Spirit that has been given to us.‖ Romans 5:3-5
7. A long trail is more enjoyable when shared with someone else. Walking many miles can seem easier when there is someone to walk beside you. God gave us the gift of each other. None of us ought to, or need walk alone. Two can do
together what one can not, and with God in the mix you can walk for miles Ecclesiates 4:9-12
We had a wonderful time on our adventure last week. We enjoyed God’s Creation and each other while learning some
valuable lessons along the way. I hope all of you are also having a wonderful summer, full of adventure and learning
along the way.
Happy Trails to you and God’s Peace,
Pastor Deb
Worship Ministries
Dave Mackey
You may be wondering why Dave Mackey gets his own space in The Lifeline. It’s because I have just been elected to
Congregational Council and I have decided to write each month about all the fantastic ways we worship here at LOL.
(Note: you don’t have to be on Congregational Council to get published in The Lifeline.)
You may be wondering what kinds of worship services are offered at LOL. Our 8:15 service is true to the traditions of
American Lutheran worship. You will hear hymns accompanied by an organ and see a choir in robes. You will learn what
―justified by grace through faith‖ means. At 9:30, the rock band Mercy provides the beat for a contemporary worship
experience. At 10:30, the best of traditional and contemporary styles are blended, with the band Mercy again leading the
music. We also have happenings at LOL on Wednesday evenings, the activity depending on the time of year.
You may be wondering how one church can offer such different worship experiences without splitting into jealous factions.
Sometimes it’s not easy, but it stems from a deeply held LOL commitment to share God’s word with all people. On any
Sunday, some people prefer silent contemplative moments and others prefer to rock the house and shout ―Whoo-Hoo!‖
The Holy Spirit is at work in both instances. As a church leader, I feel the challenge is to develop ways of communicating
across borders of worship preference so LOL can continue to grow in service to God.
You may be wondering how to get involved in assisting with worship. Let me start by saying this is something you need to
do! You may be sitting in the pews thinking there is no way you could get up there in front of everyone and read a Bible
verse, or light candles, or say a prayer, or play the saxophone. Everyone you see up there helping with worship on
Sunday once felt that way. I promise that once you help at a service, you will feel connected to Church like never before.
To sign up to help, look for contact information on the bulletin board right next to the Nursery door.
You may be wondering when Dave Mackey is going to run out of things to say. Right now.
Wednesdays at Lord of Life are on Fire!
6:00 pm Potluck Dinner
7:00 pm Outdoor Service for adults, activities for children
8:00 pm Bonfire
Jr/Sr High Activities
7/12/2006 Get Buggy
7/19/2006 Christmas in July
7/26/2006 Service Projects
8/2/2006 Take Me out to the
Ball Game
8/9/2006 Crafts
8/16/2006 Wet 'n Wild
Spend the Day With Your Spouse
LORD OF LIFE LUTHERAN CHURCH
WILL SPONSOR A ONE DAY RETREAT FOR MARRIED COUPLES
SATURDAY, thAUGUST 19, 2006
At the Sisters of Charity Retreat Center in Delhi
8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The day will include, continental breakfast, lunch, devotions,
the opportunity to spend quality time with your spouse,
reflective exercises that will
stimulate discussion, knowledge and growth that will enhance your marriage.
The day will be led by
Tony Fryer, a licensed marriage and family therapist.
The cost per couple is $90 dollars.
For more information contact Pastor Deb Dingus
rdRegistrations must be turned in no later than August 3.
LOMO Day Camp
Earlier in the year a few families had said they could host our counselors, but as we all know, things
can easily change over the course of time.
Please send me a note if any or all of you are still interested in hosting our camp counselors this
summer. They will be arriving on Sunday, July 30th and will be leaving on Friday, August 4th. Families
are responsible for providing sleeping arrangements, food for breakfast and lunch and some dinners
along with helping the counselors with transportation to and from church each day.
We've been lucky the past few years with at least one counselor having their own vehicle. I need to
make sure that in the event they don't have a car, they have a ride to and from church each day. Since
I've relocated to Maineville, it will be harder for me to pick up the slack in this area.
Thanks so much for your consideration, camp wouldn't be possible without the kindness and generosity
of our congregation families!
Hugs,
Cherise
cidcherise@fuse.net
p.s. you don't have to have a child attending camp to open your home to our counselors ~ ANY family
with the room to spare is appreciated
Thanks go out to all of you for all the prayers and thoughts for our family, our daughter and our new
grandchild. We will never be able to relay to everyone how much your prayers, thoughts, dinners and
good wishes have meant to all of us. Our LoL family is an amazing group and we are eternally grateful
for your love and friendship.
Love, Patty, Art, Nicholas, Jenna, and Addyson Hupp
Music News
Becky Bromwell
The music news you need to know for July-August …
Our jazz/big band, the Swingin’ Saints, has started back up and are busy during the month of July! Our first
concert date is Monday, July 17, 7:00pm at the outdoor sanctuary here at church (indoor sanctuary if
weather is being uncooperative). We will be taking up donations for a local charity TBA. We would love to see your support at our other concert dates this summer as well (all concerts are FREE):
Monday, July 24, 7 pm @ Mt. Healthy Christian Home
Sunday, July 30, 10:30 am LOL Service
Sunday, July 30, 6 pm @ Waterford Retirement Community in Fairfield
Monday, July 31, 7 pm @ The Knolls of Oxford rd rdCome join our Celebration Singers, who will sing gospel and old time favorites at our 8:15 am service on the 3Sundays of July and August. Rehearsal times are the Wednesday prior to the 3 Sunday in the sanctuary, 8:00-
8:30 pm. All voices are welcome. Here are the rehearsal and performance dates:
July 12 rehearsal, 16 performance
Song: ―Mary Rocked the Little Baby‖ (Besig)
August 16 rehearsal, 20 performance
Song: ―Will the Circle Be Unbroken‖ (Gospel)
WANTED: We need music directors for the following 3 groups: Christ Chimes, Joyful Noise, and the LOL
Children’s Recorder Choir. If you are interested, please see me or email me (BeckyB@fuse.net). There is a
WANTED ad on the bulletin board in the hallway for more details on the groups.
I will be taking 1 week of vacation Sunday, August 27 – Thursday, August 31.
Check out the Lord of Life music ministry website: http://www.lolmusic.com You will find all of our current
ensembles listed along with dates and information about our programs.
8:15am: If you would like to suggest a hymn not found in the LBW that you would like to have sung, please write
down your request or email me (BeckyB@fuse.net), and I would be happy to include that in our service. Also, I like
to try and feature various soloists throughout the summer at this service. If you are interested in singing or playing,
please let me know, and I’ll fit you into the anthem schedule. ?
As our pulpit supply pastor, Rev. Robert Willauer, mentioned in his sermon on Father’s Day, there is a new LBW
being printed. I was actually involved in the process to a degree. Although it sounds impressive (over 700 songs
and 10 liturgies, etc., etc.), what it boils down to is this: it is basically a compilation of the Lutheran Book of Worship
(green), With One Voice (blue supplement to the LBW), This Far by Faith (the wine colored African-American
Lutheran hymnal), and the Spanish Lutheran hymnal. There are 3 new liturgy settings in addition to the ones
already found in the above hymnals, 1 of which we tested during the 8:15 am service (overall, this was not well
received). The other difference is that the words have been ―updated‖ in the new LBW (for example, ―Joyful, Joyful,
We Adore Thee‖ is called ―Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You‖ etc.). This would be a rather impressive expense (at
$17.50 per pew edition – multiply that by at least 200+ copies not to mention a couple copies of the organist,
accompaniment, and instrumental editions which are far more expensive). Add to the fact that the only service we
really even use hymnals at is our 8:15 am traditional service. In my professional opinion, this is not worth the
money to purchase and replace our existing hymnals. So, there’s my $0.02 worth.
Here are our Sunday anthems for July and August:
July 2: 8:15 am Becky Bromwell, Celtic Harp
10:30 am Mercy
July 9: 8:15 am Bob Burnette, Organ
10:30 am Celtic Harp Duet: Kathy Gruver & Becky Bromwell
July 16: *CHRISTMAS IN JULY*
8:15 am Celebration Singers
10:30 am Mercy
July 23: 8:15 am Bob Burnette, Organ
10:30 am Mercy
July 30: 8:15 am Elyse Kautz, Piano Solo
10:30 am Swingin’ Saints August 6: 8:15 am Bob Burnette, Organ
10:30 am Mercy
August 13: 8:15 am Organ & Piano Duet – Bob & Becky
10:30 am The Mackey Family
August 20: *BOB BURNETTE VACATION*
8:15 am ―Will the Circle Be Unbroken‖ – Celebration Singers
10:30 am Mercy
August 27: *BECKY VACATION*
8:15 am Bob Burnette, Organ
10:30 am Mercy
As of writing this article, I am still deciding what our annual Christmas Cantata will be. I will be announcing more
information on Sundays once it is picked (I’m picking the cantata during the month of July). Have a great summer!
Slainte,
Becky Bromwell, Music Director
ATTENTION
Women’s Bible Study
Please join us this summer for Women at the Well....summertime! We are meeting throughout the summer in the
LOL library @ 7 pm on second and fourth Mondays of each month. We will have a special "Garden Bible Study"
with devotions led by Pastor Deb in the LOL garden on July 24th.
We begin Beth Moore's "Believing God" Bible Study in the fall. Have a wonderful summer everyone!
Patti Paulett Gayle Michaels
LOMO Day Camp
Lord of life is proud to present a week of camp fun without having to stay away from home!
Activities will include: Singing, Games, Crafts Bible Study
A day at Keehner Park!
Who's invited to have fun: ANY child entering grades 1-7
What is it: Lutheran Outdoor Ministries in Ohio Day Camp (LOMO)
When: July 31st - August 4th from 9 am - 3 pm
Where: Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Why: To celebrate God's love and learn through LOMO's curriculum "La Frontera" !
~He left that place and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan.
And the crowds again gathered around him; and, as was his custom, he again taught them. (Mark 10:1) ~
Latchkey is available before camp~ Please attach a note to registration form to sign up for early drop off!
For more information or registration forms please contact Cherise Gruber at 560-2762 or cidcherise@fuse.net
A big thank you goes out to all people who helped with this year’s Vacation Bible School, June 26—30.
The Lord blessed us with beautiful weather and 119 kids wanting to learn Jesus’s message, and we would not have been able to have VBS without all of the volunteers. Thanks.
Cara Haselbeck
An Inspirational Article on LoL Alumni, Casssie Camacho
SANDYSTON — Sparta substitute teacher Cassie Camacho began celebrating Saturday what
essentially has become a holiday of sorts for her and her family: a relay celebrating the lives of cancer
survivors.
Camacho, a Sparta resident, participated in her first relay in 2003, two months after being diagnosed for
a second time with oral tongue cancer. A non-smoker, Camacho said she received her first diagnosis
while living in Hong Kong in 1998. It resulted in the removal of 25 percent of her tongue.
She said the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life event is of great value to those who suffer from
cancer or have survived the disease, aside from the money the event has raised in Sussex County in
each of the last seven years.
"I did (the first relay) to show that cancer doesn't necessarily mean death," Camacho said. "I have three daughters and I don't want them to be afraid of the C-word. Not everyone succumbs to the disease. The reason I do the relay is I expect to find a cure for cancer in my children's lifetime."
More than 300 people were expected to attend the Relay For Life, a two-day event held outdoors at the Linwood MacDonald YMCA Campgrounds near Stokes State Forest. Since 1985, Relay For Life events have spread to more than 4,700 communities in the country and 19 other countries. Attendees of all ages began arriving Saturday afternoon. They placed their camping gear on wagons and wheeled their wares to the YMCA's soccer field, where they began constructing "Tent City."
An area was set up for a live band and DJ beneath a pavilion on the YMCA's grounds. The event in Sussex County raised $62,000 last year, and organizers are hoping it is even more successful this year. The money goes to the American Cancer Society for research, education, advocacy and patient services, said Angela Kessler, of the American Cancer Society.
The even kicked off with a survivor lap at 4:30 p.m., which consists of cancer survivors walking around a makeshift track with members of their families.
Attendees also signed a banner called the "Wall of Hope," which Camacho, the American Cancer Society's legislative ambassador, will bring to Washington, D.C., in September for the "Celebration on The Hill.
When I meditated on the word Guidance, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday. May you abide in God as God abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting God to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.
If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You dance!!!
SAVE THE DATE
SATURDAY, JULY 29
LORD OF LIFE
SUMMER PARTY
FOOD, FUN, GAMES, FACE PAINTING, WATER SPORTS,
VOLLEYBALL
PRIZES, FELLOWSHIP AND WITH GOD'S HELP,
GOOD WEATHER
THIS WILL BE A FUN EVENT FOR ALL AGES AND
INTERESTS
MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW
Property News
Your Help URGENTLY Needed
We have all witnessed that Lord of Life is a busy place as we strive to fulfill our mission to live, share
and celebrate with all people God's love in Jesus Christ. We need to continue welcoming our
members, visitors and guests to all our activities and continue to offer our facilities for new uses. One
part of welcoming is to offer well maintained facilities. Our building is showing some of the effects of
that frequent use and we are not keeping up with the wear and tear. Regular maintenance, cleaning
and inspection are CRITICALLY needed. We are seeking volunteers to assist in organization,
communication and performing these tasks. Familiarization, training and support will be provided to all
volunteers. Please prayerfully consider participating in this essential service to Lord of Life. Please
contact Ron Piontek, Property MAC, e-mail ron.piontek@mvg.com if you have questions about this
opportunity to serve. Please contact any MAC or any member of Congregation Council if you can
volunteer. Thank you for considering this opportunity.
LORD OF LIFE’S
PED-PAD ADVENTURE 2006
ththFor all entering 7-12 grades
Do you like to ride your bike? Do you like to canoe? Would you like to explore an Amish Community?
Would you like to make new friends? Would you like to grow in your faith?
If you answered ―yes ―to these questions then you might consider registering for the ―2006 Ped-Pad
Adventure‖
thThis adventure will take place Sunday, August 6 12:15 p.m. through Saturday, August 12th, 3:00 p.m.
The cost of the trip is $225 dollars and will include all meals, lodging, fees and supplies.
You must provide your own multi-speed bike and sleeping bag.
The adventure will consist of 4 days of bicycling through the northeastern Ohio Amish community and
one day of canoeing the Mohican River. Other activities and devotions will be included daily to enrich
your faith and relationships with others on the trip.
To register for the trip you must return the application in the announcement bulletin into the office or
place it into the offering plate on Sunday.
th, at 12:15 in the There will be mandatory pre-ped-pad meeting scheduled for Sunday, June 25fellowship hall. A non-refundable registration fee of $100.00 will be due on this day.
For more questions contact Pastor Deb Dingus as 888-8449 or at Pastordeb@fuse,net
Congregational Updates
Baptisms
Tara Faith Chalasani, baptized on June 11, 2006, Parents are Vasantha & Madhu
Vinhcent Thai Do, baptized on July 9, 2006, Parents are Stacy & Michael
Jeremy William Kreimer, baptized on July 9, 2006, Parents are Jay and Jen
Funerals
Ray Cole passed away On June 3, 2006. Funeral was June 6, 2006, His wife is Elva Cole
Births
Addyson Lee Hupp, born May 30, 2006, Mother is Jenna Hupp, Grandparents, Art and Patty, Uncle Nicholas and Great grandmother, Alma Uetricht.
Confirmations
The following young adults were confirmed on June 4.
Jeff Haller Matt Luers
Elizabeth Krach Erin Reimer
Tara Keesling Laura Weik
Maegan Krugler
Disciple of the Month
If you have been involved with any of the youth activities over the past few months you would have most certainly seen them. They both are small group mentors and teachers in the Confirmation program. They were both Jr. High Youth Leaders this past year. Organizing events, shopping for supplies, and driving kids everywhere.
She went out shopping for supplies and food for 21 people for the recent 10 day Adventure Trip. He took a week of vacation to experience the “joy” of trail on the Adventure Trip. This summer you will find them at church on Wednesday nights building the bonfires and getting kids excited about playing “cornhole”. You can also find them this summer meeting with bunches of
kids/youth and adults planning activities for the fall calendar.
Without Jeff and Lois Hills the youth would not be having as much fun as they are. That’s why they are both disciples of the month
Please remember in your prayers the following members of our
Lord of Life family & their friends:
Frank Sanoica - Friend of the Jurkiewicz's Nathan Tyahala - Requested by Barb Mackey Terry Heyman – Requested by Kathy Frye Thelma Hylton – Mother of Denise Krallman
Kayla Horning – Cousin of Rick Fiorenza Irene Brown - Mother of Danny Brown
Cindy Hogman - Requested by Susan Smith Ethel Wilson - Mother of Cindy Campbell Paul Holmstrom - Father of Janet Littig Steve Murrah - Requested by the Todahl Family Josh Moore - Cousin of Randy Sagraves Mary Thompson - Friend of Diane Armstrong Diane Shirley - Requested by Joan Grigger James Suer - Requested by Rick & Kathy Fiorenza Dody - Friend of Kathy Frye Aunt Loraine & Family - Requested by Kathy Frye Cindy Hilderbrand - Friend of Bill Harvey John Hupp - Brother of Art Hupp Jeff Hodge - Brother of Brenda Sietsema Debbie Skuggen - Requested by Rick Fiorneza Diane & Steve - Requested by Joan Grigger Lindsay Ash - Requested by Scott Hinrichs Kathy Eberling - Requested by Deanne Dalhart Adrian Martin - Friend of the Mackey Family Mary Held - Mother of Shannon Mihal Nancy - Sister of Kathy Frye
Christina D’Agostino - Friend of the Farrar Family Danielle Gerth - Requested by Gayle Michaels
Richard Loewel - Father of Monica Hinds Tyler Galbraith - Lord of Life Member Mrs. Ward - Friend of Kipp & Laura Gailbraith Glen & Juanita French - Aunt & Uncle of Kathy Frye Ambrosia Kruis-Brown - Niece of Lynn Shake Justin & Christopher Pierce - Req. by Susan Smith Charles & Betty Craig - Relatives Wanda Melford John Vossler - Friend of Becky Mastalerz Don Chapman - Brother in law of Lisa Kraatz Patty Chapman - niece of Lisa Kraatz Gail Becker - Sister of Lynn Shake Michael Becker - Nephew of Lynn Shake
Matt Redder - Cousin of Emily Closson Frank Jurkiewicz - Husband of Marie Jurkiewicz Hurricane Katrina Victims & Volunteers Emma Finke - Lord of Life Member
Cindy Rosser - Cousin of Donna Harvey Wanda Melford - Lord of Life Member Sarah Anderson - Requested by Pastor Deb Gretchen Breeding - Requested by Kathy Frye Patricia Doan - Mother in law of Jeanne Doan Tom Everhart - Friend of Scott Hinrichs Ruth Dunaway - Friend of Scott Hinrichs Doris Liberto - Friend of Patti Paulett Bruce Comstock - Friend of the Cramers Bob Axt - Nephew of Danny Brown
Sophia Closson - Lord of Life Member Richard Fiorenza - Uncle of Rick Fiorenza Bud Breeding & Family - Requested by Kathy Frye Anita Jones Regner - Friend of Tina Ohmer Elaine Goines - Requested by Evelyn Burke Dan McCoy - Nephew of Beth McClary Carol McNeal - friend of Beth McClary Judi Smith - Friend of The Hasselbecks Family of Austin Wallace - Req. by Greg Finke Janis Fechalos - Step Sister of Paul Bromwell Jonathan Mason - Requested by Brenda Sietsema Matt & Julie Buczek -Friends of Donna & Bill Harvey Ventura Family - Relatives of Kathy Gruver Karan Pappas - Friend of Leah Devin Rachel Carter - Requested by the Kautz Family Jessica Russell - Niece of Wanda Melford Joanna Russell - Sister of Wanda Melford John Gibbs - Son of Alma Gibbs
Frances Brawley - Mother of Scott Swinney Tammy Jones - Lord of Life Member
We pray for all men and women in the military
Dave Hinz- Cousin of Patti Paulett Steve Lockard - Requested by Jill & Danny Brown Jon Bollmaer - Requested by Corie Bland Mark Hagan - Requested by Corie Bland Arthur Singletary - Requested by Corie Bland Justin Gilbert
Mark Mata - Cousin of Cassie Camacho Matthew & Alex Schroff - Sons of Susan Zwarg Tom Krugler - Lord of Life Member Donnie French - Brother of Kathy Frye
David Douglas - Requested by LaVonda Moore Howie Medina - Cousin of Rick Camacho Michael T. Zarella - Friend of Carolyn Anderson Jim Royster - Father of LaVonda Moore Jason Elmore - Friend of the Grigger Family Billy Russell - Nephew of Wanda Melford Zach Melampy - Friend of Danielle Williams Ed Robinson - Friend of Danielle Williams James Savage - Friend of the Burnette Family Robb Brown - Friend of Danny Brown Vic Riley - Friend of Mark & Jeanne Doan Roger Gross - Relative of Lisa Owens,
who was seriously injured in Iraq
And for those who have given their lives
Timothy Bell, Jr. Michael Cifuentes Christopher Dyer
David Kreuter Brett Wightman