July 2016 Church Mouse Newsletter

The Church Mouse
July/August 2016 - Volume No. 29
A Request for Prayer
"Your young people shall see visions and your
older people shall dream dreams."
(Joel 3:28, Acts 2:17)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The Elders and I have been wrestling with a couple
of very large planning items that I want to share with
you for your prayer and counsel. We believe the
Lord is urging us to consider two priorities that
would push us well beyond our current comfort
zone: Outreach and Capital Reserves.
Both priorities are matters of the broader theme of
Stewardship, which we plan to address in detail
next fall. One of Jesus’ most famous parables
compared the kingdom of heaven to a master who
entrusted his property to his servants. Each was
given a different amount of money to manage, but all
were called to account for what they did with what
their master had given them. “So it will be at the end
of the age,” said Jesus.
The Lake of the Woods Church has been committed
to giving to ministries outside ourselves at least 10%
of all the moneys received by the church. And we
are involved in a very long list of "outreach"
ministries both in terms of financial support and
personal participation. But we believe there is so
much more we could be doing if additional funding
were available.
At the same time we are painfully aware we have
very little in the way of money set aside for a "rainy
day." And the reality is that sooner or later such
funding will be needed.
Think, just for instance, of the HVAC heating and air
conditioning units that service our buildings. Two
units are directly connected to the sanctuary, and
another eight are on the roofs. These ten units are all
near - or already beyond! - their expected longevity.
And whenever the time comes the cost to replace
them will approach $400,000. (Three other units, on
the park side of the buildings, have recently been
replaced, and are not part of the present discussion.)
We believe the Lord is urging us to dream beyond our
present budget to begin addressing these twin
priorities.
We envision beginning to move toward the goal of
50% outreach: giving to ministries beyond ourselves
at least half of the moneys contributed to The Lake
of the Woods Church. And we believe we need to
prepare for the significant financial demands we
know we will be facing relatively soon, rather than
having to deal with them as crises when they occur.
Will you please pray with us about these important
matters? And if you sense the Lord speaking to you
about them, will you please share that with one of the
Pastors or the Elders?
My love to you in him,
Monday, July 4
Office Closed
Happy 4th of July
Monday, July 11 – Friday, July 15
Once Upon a Parable –
Children’s Musical
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Performances on Sunday, July 17
Monday, July 18 – Friday, July 22
Good News Across Sports –
Gospel Sharing Sports Camp
Various Times
Monday, July 25 – Friday, July 29
Vacation Bible School –
“Submerged”
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
a new missions training center in Grand Forks, BC,
Canada. Soon after, they approached Pines Bible
Camp to ask about renting their facilities to which
Pines replied with a hardy ‘YES’. They explained
how their original vision as a camp was to train
missionaries and that YWAM was an answer to their
prayers.
Mission Partner of the Month:
Y.W.A.M.
(Youth with A Mission)
by Ralph Ericksen, Missions & Benevolence
The Hoodikoffs visited our church on Memorial Day
weekend. They spoke briefly at each of the four
services, visited a Sunday School class and spoke to
the youth. Quite a busy day. They also spoke Sunday
night at an open house. On Tuesday, Vicki spoke at
a Women’s Bible study at church. Here is a synopsis
of their ministry.
After 23 years of pioneering and leading multiple
ministries in Ukraine in the areas of evangelism,
training and mercy ministries, Kelly & Vicki are
expanding their mission initiatives to include Canada
and the USA. YWAM continues to attract more
young people who want to make Christ known all
around the world and with that comes the need for
training and mentoring. In Matthew 9:37-38 Jesus
says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are
few. Therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out
workers into his harvest.”
Jesus makes a clear statement that all people are ripe
for the harvest. Their prayer is not primarily for
people to come to know Jesus but for God to send
workers. People are ready for the Gospel! It’s the
laborers that are needed! Paul the apostle asks the
question in Romans 10:14, 15 “How are they to hear
without someone preaching to them? And how are
they to preach unless they are sent?”
Training and sending workers are key to making
Christ known and nations being discipled. They
continue to make this their mission and feel
privileged to be a part of what God is doing globally
as their ministry expands outside of Eastern Europe.
Here is a short update from each of the 3 locations:
GRAND FORKS, BC, CANADA
The summer of 2015 began with a small prayer
meeting with 2 other YWAM missionaries to launch
A few months later, the first YWAM Discipleship
Training School began where 4 students were trained
in missions for 3 months before heading to Cuba and
Mexico for a 2 month outreach. Kelly went to visit
the team while in Cuba in February of 2016. Many
heard the gospel with a handful making first time
commitments to follow Jesus. Praise God! Pray for
Cuba as the nation goes through many changes and
soon opens fully to the Gospel.
PHOENIX, AZ, USA
Early last year, the first golf-focused Discipleship
Training School was launched with outreaches to
Mexico and Argentina. The golf missionaries took
the gospel and their golf clubs to local parks, driving
ranges and golf courses. One local school in Buenos
Aires asked the golf DTS to give a short golf lesson
and a gospel presentation to each of their 600
students.
Argentina has many churches but is in need of new
and innovative ways to share Jesus with an emerging
generation of young people who are hungry for truth
and life. Pray for the youth of Argentina!
KYIV, UKRAINE
The Hoodikoff’s are heading back to Ukraine in July
and will be there until the end of 2016 before
returning to Phoenix. The focus over these coming 6
months will be on leadership training, Christian
primary education development, human trafficking
awareness, worldview teaching and making Jesus
known in the marketplace. Kelly & Vicki will be
working with local leaders in the areas of education,
business, government and church leadership.
Pray for their time in Ukraine as they travel and teach
throughout the region. Their daughter, Alisa, has just
graduated from high school and will travel to
Germany in September for a 5-month YWAM
missions training school. She covets your prayers as
well. Please also pray for the conflict between
Ukraine and Russia. Pray for peace and that the
church will be a light and beacon of reconciliation
and hope.
The Hoodikoff’s email is: kvhoody@gmail.com.
GOOD NEWS BIBLE CLUBS AT LOCUST GROVE PRIMARY AND
LOCUST GROVE ELEMENTARY
Celebrate another great year of fun and fellowship at the closing parties held in March!
Fall plans are underway and we are currently looking for volunteers to serve as teachers and helpers at both
schools. PLEASE JOIN WITH US as we continue to “MAKE CHRIST KNOWN” to these precious children.
Please call Martha and Vincent Sukites at (540) 972-3721 or e-mail at msukites@comcast.net. New sessions
will begin in October. A special training session for teachers and helpers will be held in September. Date and
time TBA very soon.
TABLES
OF
EI8HT
A great way to get acquainted with our church family is through Tables of Eight,
where we sit down for dinner and conversation four times a year
with different groups of participating church members.
Participants take turns hosting in their own homes.
The dates of 2016-2017 dinners are:
October 15, 2016
January 14, 2017
March 11, 2017
June 10, 2017
(Please note: If these dates are not convenient, you can coordinate another date with your group. It is not
necessary to participate in all four dinners—if you know you will be gone during one or more months, please
indicate this when you sign up.)
You will be grouped with a different set of eight people for each of these four dinners. Each pair will be
responsible for one of the following at each dinner:
•
•
•
•
Host one dinner in your home and prepare the main dish and appetizer
Vegetables for eight
Salad and rolls
Dessert
Sign up in the Welcome Center between services during August and early September OR by calling one of the
committee members listed below. Sign-up deadline is September 11.
Questions or to Sign up: Call Julie Phend: 412-9952, Sharon Cole: 847-9956, or Lora Wood: 972-9803. If you
are unable to host, perhaps you would like to be a substitute. If you would be interested in being on the substitute
list, please indicate that on the sign-up sheet, or call and let us know. See you at dinner!
Seminarian Update
Church family,
Before leaving last August for Liberty University’s
School of Divinity, I described the calling that the Lord
has put on my life: to pursue a life of ministry. Praise God,
my first year here in Lynchburg has exponentially
bolstered the fire beneath that commissioning. I have
found that a life on mission for Jesus is unlike any other
vocation in that our God seeks and upholds an intimate
relationship with the ordinary people He uses to carry out
His extraordinary plans. (1 Corinthians 6:14, Psalm 23:4,
Matthew 28:20, Exodus 3:14)
Over these two semesters, I have completed three courses
focused on the New Testament, two courses in both
Theology and Old Testament biblical studies, one
Graduate Research course, a Graduate Writing course,
one Church History class, and an Evangelism course. In
each course, we have 32 lectures that last one hour and
fifteen minutes. I am learning what John 21:25 was
communicating when he said that if everything that had
been done by Jesus was written down, “the whole world
would not have room for the books” that would be
necessary to include all of the details. As an apologist, I
appreciate this degree of specificity in that clairvoyance
into His redemptive plan is found in the DNA of each
verse. Yet this comes with an adversary. Admittedly,
there were times throughout these nine months when I got
so excited over discovering a parallel between ancient
Near Eastern literature and Solomon’s proverbs that I
became spiritually dry toward the Good News of Jesus
Christ. Psalm 42 jumped off the page because—the
psalmist describes-- “As the deer longs for streams of
water so I long for you, O God.” Psalm 42:1. If I could
speak candidly, academia became my primary portal of
worshipping the Father. 1 Corinthians 12:21 comes to
mind here in that the head [cerebral retention] was telling
the feet [missional activity] that it did not need them.
Upon this realization, the affect was two-fold.
First, God blessed me through John Higginbotham with
an opportunity to serve The Lake of the Woods Church
Youth group on an evangelism retreat and a West Virginia
retreat. There I was given an opportunity to share a
sermon, disciple the youth, and provide musical worship.
Not only was I able to reengage my feet in both corporate
and personal worship, but I was able to see fruits from my
studies.
Secondly, I realized that the fellowship within my
community is incredible. As Solomon taught, “iron
sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs
27:17. Through these brothers and sisters, I have been
blessed with provisions of accountability, diversity in
experiential applications of Scripture, encouragement, and
relational counsel. Through this community, I have heard
countless stories of how God has used these people as
instruments to bring nonbelievers to Christ and develop
them into disciples. These encounters add incredible depth
to Scripture. John 4 reads much differently when your own
obedience to God leads to a lost and hurting soul dropping
their bucket at the well and pursuing Him. Although
reading upwards of fifty textbooks and composing
countless papers brings physical fatigue, spiritual renewal
comes in the moments when one recognizes the true power
of Jesus Christ.
Church family, I thank you for your prayers and continued
support as I strive to grow into a multiplier for the
Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that we must abandon
ourselves and take up our cross to follow Him. (Matthew
16:24) While carnal issues will always linger and
complicate these seasons of growth, God will always
provide. This is one of many reasons why I am thankful
that The Lake of the Woods Church’s Seminary Support
program exists, because I am able to plug into a growing
ministry that keeps Jesus at the heart of everything we do.
If God is willing, and an opportunity is present, I hope to
begin pouring my portion into the community through The
Lake of the Woods Church as early as possible. Again, I
am thankful for all of my Church family. God bless you all
and I look forward to serving Our Lord shoulder to
shoulder with you in months and years to come.
In Christ,
Jesse Owens
Worship Attendance
May
YTD
2015
468
483
2016 Children’s Ministry
525
78
520
84
Budget Report
Financial Report for Period January 1 - May 31, 2016
YTD Operating Income
Funded by Reserves
Total Operating Income
YTD Operating Expenses
Net Difference
Budget
$445,151
$ 33,000
$478,151
$478,684
($
533)
Actual
$443,331
-0-__
$443,331
$440,924
$ 2,407
John Higginbotham
Youth Director
Youth
Director
gets
dunked at
Water
Night
2016!
We closed out the school year with approximately eighty youth gathering to play Slip-In-Slide kickball. Base lines
were slip-in-slides and bases were pools of water. Several innings and 700 water balloons later, a truce was declared
and another blessed season of youth group came to a close. I praise the Lord for every minute of fellowship and
every decision made over the course of the year. We surely serve a great and awesome God. As we turn our focus
to the mission field this summer, I express my thanks for every prayer offered, for every dollar given, and for every
adult who personally invested in our teens. Oh, what a blessing it will be to hear “Well done good and faithful
servant!” Matthew 25:23. Continue to lift up our young folks in prayer as they let their lights shine this summer.
Jesus says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your
Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
June 26- July 2: Christian Youth In Action Camp (CYIA) Fifteen youth have completed the five required CYIA
pre-training sessions and will be heading to CYIA in Goshen, VA. These summer missionaries are being
commissioned at the 11:00 contemporary service on June 26 prior to departure. At CYIA, Youth will learn how to
present the Gospel clearly on a child’s level, how to counsel a child for salvation, and how to lead a dynamic club
ministry for kids. Components of this club include teaching a Bible lesson, teaching a real-life missionary story,
teaching a Bible verse, and leading songs, games, and review times. Teens that complete CYIA are qualified to teach
Good News Across Sports in July and Good News Clubs in the upcoming school year.
July 1: Good News Across Sports Payment of $100 is due
July 8: Video Game Night Our Timothy Group Leadership Team is hosting a video game night to assist in the
purchase of an IPad for our youth group. With the IPad, we can utilize the youth app for attendance and play music
without tying up a leader phone. Video Game Night will last from 7-10:00 p.m. and will cost $5. We will also have
concessions for sale to benefit youth missions. Card games and board games will also be available.
July 13: Summer Picnic at Ramsey Beach Youth will gather for a time of food, fellowship, and fun at 6:00 p.m.
We will cookout, play games, enjoy the beach, and have a Bible study. Parents are to drop off at 6:00 p.m. and
pick up at 8:30 p.m. at Ramsey Beach (LOW).
July 17-22: Good News Across Sports Each day our teens will coach seven different sports camps across East
Orange County for elementary-age children. The gospel will be shared daily at each camp during huddle time. At
night, youth will be camping at the Wilderness Presidential Resort on Rt. 3. Teens will receive a message each
evening to prepare their hearts for the mission field the following day and then have free time for the gymnasium or
the pool. To close out the week, we will have an evening bonfire on Friday down by the lake to celebrate our Savior
and the blessings of the week.
August 1: Teen Camp Payment of $150 is due
August 7-12: Teen Camp is unlike any other event that we do throughout the year. This week is totally and
completely devoted to our teens and their relationship with their Savior. Teens spend a week at Shenandoah Springs
Camp in Madison, VA. Here, there is no cell service. Every day begins and ends with devotions. After a country
breakfast, teens head to the pavilion for outdoor praise and worship. Midday is full with camp activities such as
airsoft, ropes course, horseback riding, archery, outdoor cooking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Before dinner,
teens hear from our camp missionary who will share testimony from the field and challenge the teens to be passionate
in fulfilling the Great Commission. After dinner, teens will hear a truth-packed message from our camp pastor before
competing in the nightly “big event.” Cabins compete against one another each night to see who will bring home the
trophy at the end of the week. Spread the word about teen camp and ask God to bless our time together!
2016 Pictorial Directory
Tuesdays through Saturdays, July 5 – 23rd
2 – 9 p.m. weekdays
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturdays
Everyone is invited!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW:
 You do NOT have to be a member of LOWC to be included in the directory. All regular attendees are
invited to participate. In order to be included, you just have to register for your own sitting time.
Registrars will help you between Sunday services in the Gathering Place.
 Computer savvy? Go to the LOWC website, click on the Pictorial Directory information, then click on
the icon at the bottom of the information to schedule your own appointment.
 Already have a picture you like? Or don’t have time to have your picture taken?
Consider submitting a comparable picture to be included in the directory. Please submit your photo (in
a jpeg format) as an e-mail attachment with identifying information, including street address and
telephone number to photos@lowchurch.org. In order to obtain a directory, you will need to drop off a
payment of $10 at the church office for Elder Lee Merrell. Be sure to include your name and make
checks out to LOWC.
 Does your group take photos when you get together? There will be a “candid” section in the directory,
so all of you who take high-resolution pictures of special events, please submit those as an e-mail
attachment in jpeg format to photos@lowchurch.org.
 Would you like to volunteer to help on photo days, welcoming people to the photography room?
Please tell Janet Bocook (972-9023) jandcbocook@verizon.net or Lynn Manthei at (972-9171)
lemanthei@aol.com.
 How will it benefit LOWC and you if you include your picture in the directory? You will be building
community as we will all be able to learn one another’s names! Every family that comes for a sitting
will receive a free 8x10 portrait and a copy of the pictorial directory. There is no cost to you for the
sitting, and you are not required to buy any pictures. You will however, be given an opportunity to
purchase photo packages.
 What if it is impossible for me to schedule an appointment at LOWC? Please call Lee Merrell,
540-412-6800 or e-mail L-AMERRELL@comcast.net. Churches in the area are taking pictures
August 17-24 and in September. Lee will help you consider options.
We want to see you in the 2016 LOWC Pictorial Directory!!
HOW CAN I SERVE THE LORD?
You can serve the Lord in many ways. One area of opportunity is to contribute your skills and experience in a
church leadership role. Have you considered being a Trustee, Elder, Assistant Treasurer, or member of the
Nominating Committee? We are looking for candidates for these positions, which will be elected by the
congregation in September. If you would like to serve the Lord in in a very meaningful role, please contact
Elder Bud Moody at 540-972-3152 or bvmoody@comcast.net.
Belinda Divelbiss,
Director
THE CHILD CARE CENTER
All Day Child Care, Preschool Program and
Before and After School Child Care
(972-2349)
www.lowchurch.org
Summer is in full swing! Our Summer Program began on June 13th with the kids enjoying their first of many
summer activities! The kids will be enjoying trips to mini-golf, Funland,
Bricks-4-Kidz, Golden Skate World, Bowling, and of course taking a dip in the pool!
We have begun accepting registration for our 2016-17 Fall School-Age and Preschool Programs. For more
information, or to enroll your child, please contact Belinda at 972-2349 or visit us on the web at
www.lowchurch.org, click on “Ministries” and then click on “Child Care Center”.
Our Preschool Orientation will be scheduled by appointment again this year.
Teachers will meet with each enrolling family.
If you are already enrolled, more information will be sent out in early July.
Please continue to keep our program and our children in your prayers as
“We Strive to Make Christ Known.”
SAVE
THE
DATE!
Fall Festival is coming!
Saturday, September 24
11 – 3 p.m.
MUSIC DIRECTOR SEARCH COMMITTEE PROGRESS REPORT
Recently, the congregation was invited to participate in the search for a new choir director by completing a
survey form entitled “Music Director Search Committee Survey”. The Committee received 131 survey
responses many of which included thoughtful written comments. Most of those comments were generally
positive and helpful regarding our various music ministries. Those comments that identified aspects that need
improvement are being carefully evaluated and will be appropriately addressed. The Committee is grateful for
your valuable input and wishes to thank those who took the time to participate.
Besides written comments such as “please don’t let Paul leave”, many personally urged the Committee to do
whatever is needed to keep Paul as our Choir Director. In that regard, Pastor Howe and Board of Elders (BOE)
Chairman Eldon Rucker at the direction of the BOE met with Paul to determine if he might reconsider were a
full-time position available. Paul was most appreciative of that offer but said his decision to pursue a career in
education was final.
In addition to receiving congregational input from the survey, the Committee also interviewed all of our pastors
and other staff involved in our music ministries. All pastors and most of the staff strongly endorsed the hiring
of a full-time Music Director to direct the choir and oversee and coordinate all our music ministries.
Based on these findings, the following actions have been taken:
1. The Search Committee recommended to the BOE and the BOE has approved the hiring of Kevin
Paxton as interim choir director when Paul Workman steps down in July. Importantly, Paul Workman
recommended Kevin, who is known by the choir. Paul has also graciously offered to assist Kevin
with matters such as music selection and special music programs.
2. The Search Committee recommended to the BOE and the BOE has approved the creation of a new
full-time position of Music Director for 2017 and beyond. This position would include those
responsibilities Paul Workman has handled and additionally the oversight and coordination of all
music ministries.
3. The Search Committee will develop a position description for Music Director and begin the search
process as soon as possible.
SABBATICAL UPDATE
The last two months I have enjoyed my sabbatical while missing the church family. The first part of my
sabbatical focused on study. I have completed coursework with the American Association of Christian
Counselors. Some of the course studies were: Attachment Theory, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy,
Peace Making, and Boundaries.
I spent a week in Ohio visiting my family with Chelsea. (Joan was teaching at King George High School). My
mother (age 89) is doing well. I will also spend a week at The Cove (Billy Graham Training Center) in
Asheville, NC for an intensive study of the Book of Daniel. The remainder of the sabbatical will include “The
Footsteps of the Apostle Paul” with Pilgrim Tours in Turkey and Greece, June 17-July 2. Also planned is a
second visit to The Cove along with a silent personal retreat and a family vacation.
I have been able to spend some time at the LOW Fitness Center. On Sunday’s I have visited churches both near
and far. This has been very interesting. I ask that you continue to remember me in your prayers.
Partnering In the Gospel, Tom Schafer, Emeritus Pastor
The Second Half of life doesn’t have to be
a time of distress. It can be a time of
impact and growth. Come and be part of
this Adult Bible study for those ages 60+ starting September
Visitation &
Senior Care Ministry
Minister Mike Lemay
1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. meets every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the
month.
WELCOME CENTER – We are looking for volunteers to join our team welcoming visitors to our church. The
Welcome Center is located in The Gathering Place. Please contact the church office at 972-9060, Mike Lemay
at 972-1440 and mike@lowchurch.org or Vicki Greenan at greenan10@aol.com.
Hand-in-Hand Ministry – Minister to those who may be going through a crisis in their life and need someone
to help them cope. They help with different crises such as the death of a loved one, chronic illness, and changes
in their life such as divorce. This is a one-on-one care ministry. Contact Diana Duffy at 972-8109
Communion – We provide communion for the sick, in the home, hospital, nursing home and rehab for anyone
that is homebound temporarily or permanently. Contact the office at 972-9060 or at info@lowchurch.org.
Our Shepherd Program – We are looking for Volunteers as Section Shepherds to care for our members
and to be the eyes and ears of our pastor. If interested contact Nancy Moore at 972-0395, Mike Lemay at
972-1440, or the church office 972-9060.
Health Tip – The elderly are quite susceptible to dehydration. This is because as people age, they significantly
reduce much of their ability to conserve water within the body. Their sense of thirst becomes less sensitive,
making them less likely to stay hydrated. The best way to prevent dehydration is to make sure you drink plenty
of fluids and eat foods that have a high water composition, such as fruits and vegetables. Pay attention to your
body and learn to recognize immediate signs of thirst. Be sure to drink plenty of water even if thirst is not present.
You can check the weather for any alerts and the air quality.
Fall Festival – September 24, 2016 – The Fall Festival is quickly approaching and we are looking once
again for individuals or group volunteers to be part of this church wide community outreach event. Contact the
church office at 972-9060 or Mike Lemay at mike@lowchurch.org. It is a day of fun for the entire family.
Pray for our
brothers and
sisters:
“Love one another as I have loved you.” John 13:34
Doris Barnes
George Barnes
Nina Buccelli
Ashley Critzer
Madeline Cozzens
Jim Divelbiss
Richard Griggs
Leroy Householder
Kim Johnson
Doug Jones
Roberta Letkiewicz
Wayne Mayfield
Maribess Patrick
Lisa Saunders
Sara Sicks
Alyssa Sherman
Dee Sitnik
Agnes Strayer
Harry Walsh
George Webb
Honey West
Sherri Gaskill,
Director
It is SUMMER!
ONCE UPON A PARABLE is the title of this years’ children’s musical. Children and teens will share some
of Jesus’ parables such as the wise man and the foolish man, the Good Samaritan, the mustard seed, the parable
of the vineyard and the story of the prodigal son. Rehearsal begins on Monday, July 11 and will continue
through July 16 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon daily. Come enjoy the musical at 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m.
on Sunday, July 17. It is worth seeing more than once!
SUBMERGED VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL begins on July 25-29 from 9:00 a.m. – 12 noon. We will be
diving deep to Find Truth Below the Surface to learn that Jesus knows, sees and saves us. VBS is for ages 3
years (by 9/30/15) thru rising 6th grade.
THE 23RD PSALM is the summer Sunday school study. Each summer, the children have a special biblical
topic such as the fruit of the spirit, the Lord’s Prayer and the armor of God to learn. Throughout this summer,
the children will be learning how Jesus is their shepherd and how they can count on Him to take care of them
through the good and hard times. At the end of the summer, the children will have learned the entire 23rd Psalm.
STEP UP SUNDAY is on Sunday, August 28th. Children will be moving to their new Sunday School classes
and our rising 6th graders will be moving to Youth Ministry. We will be celebrating this special day with a
breakfast for our LOWC kids and their families.
To register for any of these Children’s Ministry events, go to the church website, contact Sherri (9060) or
register in the Children’s Discovery Zone on Sunday mornings.
Help Wanted
&
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY EVENTS
July 2
July 7
July 10
July 11 – 16
July 12
July 14
July 17
July 18 – 22
July 23
July 24
July 25 – 29
July 31
August 21
August 28
th
LOWA 4 of July Parade
VBS Elementary Training
VBS Youth Training
Children’s Musical rehearsal
VBS Preschool Training
VBS Prep Night
Children’s Musical
Good News across Sports
VBS Decorating
VBS Set-Up
Vacation Bible School
VBS Sunday Celebration
SS Volunteer Meeting
Step Up Sunday
We are for looking for additional nursery workers for
MOPS this fall. MOPS meets on Wednesday
mornings
throughout
the
school
year.
This is a paid position.
If you are interested in this position, please contact
Sherri for an application.
Children’s Mission Collection
$369.77
In May, the children collected change for
Victory 1:27 Rice and Beans ministry for Uganda.
Pastor Tom Savage
Family and Outreach
(A ministry for those with kids at home)
Our Vision
Acknowledging that God created the family to reflect His image in society, we desire to multiply Christ-following
families* who reflect that image. We will make Christ known in our Families Ministry, focused on families with
kids at home by doing L∙I∙F∙E together:
Living in vital connection with Jesus Christ and each other
Influencing families in their spiritual journey towards Jesus
Fostering small groups to meet the needs of our families
Empowering families to strive to be all that God desires us to be
*Families include married, single parent, blended, and people “parenting again.”
L∙I∙F∙E GROUP FOR FAMILIES
Sundays - 9:45 a.m. - Founders Room: Victory in Spiritual Warfare
We are taking a break from LIFE Group for the summer and serving as welcome-greeters both down in the Kids
Discovery Zone and in the Gathering Place. Come join us as we serve together. We will huddle at the end of
each time to pray and see what the Lord is doing.
Lake Summer Party
Family Fun Night: LAKE SUMMER PARTY – Sunday, August 21
Come on out to the Main Beach for a family summer party. Families with last names A-L bring
a dessert and M-Z bring a side dish or a salad. We will provide all the other eats for the day.
This is a time to hang out together with other families and get to know others outside of church.
5:00 p.m. - ??? Invite another family to join the fun!
Saturday Morning Men’s Group: 7-8:30 a.m. Great food—Great men —pursuing our
Great Jesus together. Join us at 7 a.m. for a “real-man” breakfast and 7:30 a.m. for the
study. We are men pursuing Jesus. Come and join us! We will be discussing the book
of Philippians!
Families Small Group: Fridays 6:30-8:00 p.m. (starting in August 12) and Sundays,
5-7:00 p.m. at various locations for the summer! See the bulletin and our FB page for
updates. Childcare provided; good food, rich community and relevant study of the Word.
Please contact Pastor Tom2 for more info. (tom.savage@lowchurch.org)
Make memories this summer – invest in your family, spend time with them, talk with them
as you do different events this summer.
Ask questions like:
 What are the parts of creation God has made for us to enjoy and teach us about Him?
 What are your favorite parts of God’s creation-the beach/ocean, lake, mountains, etc.?
 How does that help you see that God cares for us as a family? For you? For everyone?
 What kinds of things has God provided for us?
 Why does God do that for us?
7/2
7/4
7/5
7/5
7/6
7/7
7/8
7/8
7/9
7/12
7/12
7/13
7/14
7/15
7/15
7/16
7/16
7/18
7/19
7/20
7/21
7/22
7/24
7/24
7/25
7/25
7/25
7/26
7/29
7/30
Thomas & Hilda Seary
Alex & Maddi Salustri
George & Connie Chapin
Jim & Dee Flood
Allen & Wendy Gwaltney
Bob & Cynthia Lingo
Ray & Theda Massie
Tom & Ruth Styles
Ed & Eleanor Brown
Ralph & Linda Rupard
John & Ann Sawyer
Ralph & Patricia Ericksen
Don & Kathleen Smith
Ken & Lois Frohnert
John & Barbara Rueckert
Dick & Jane Gullickson
Eric & Sonya Walsh
Tim & Jean Martin
Benjamin & Tabitha Ferris
Lee & Nancy Strain
Bob & Nancy Gibson
Thomas & Deanna Harris
Shawn & Lauren Cotton
Bob & Sibyle Jenks
Hank & Mary K. Altman
Timothy & Tanya Hall
Michael & Jean Lemay
Lincoln & Donna Landis
Gary & Barbara Bounds
Dan & Judy Schofield
8/1
8/1
8/2
8/3
8/3
8/5
8/6
8/7
8/7
8/9
8/10
8/11
8/11
8/12
8/14
8/15
8/16
8/16
8/17
8/17
8/19
8/20
8/21
8/23
8/23
8/23
8/23
8/25
8/26
8/26
8/26
8/26
8/26
8/27
8/27
8/28
8/28
8/28
8/31
8/31
8/31
Nelson & Frances Lynch
Hugh & Debbie Risseeuw
Warren & Leslie Gage
Larry & Norma Ervin
Jack & Barbara Miller
Jim & Brenda Brooks
Steve & Kassie Bowers
Ralph & Inez Hollm
Bruce & Sharon Killian
Dick & Lynn Manthei
Sparky & Ruth Watson
Bruce & Ann Boyd
Vic & Barbara Larson
Bob & Moon Halstead
Thomas & Sandi Plummer
Larry & Teresa Bibbs
Bill & Maria Meldrum
Orville & Margaret Brockman
Alan & Olga Patnode
Jason & Rhonda Richard
Hal & Lora Wood
David & Susan Richards
Ken & Michelle Lyons
Ed & Marthellen Hoffman
Chuck & Laura Handy
Bob & Linda Parker
John & Patty Bell
Richard & Susanne Kurz
John & Nancy Bowles
Donald & Jeanne Larsen
Dick & Carol Rankin
Ken & Sally Rouse
Don & Carolyn Fisher
D.J. & Gwen Mallmann
Wade & Mattie Habner
Squire & Nancy Brooks
Tom & Vikki Hansen
Alan & Pat Berry
Jeff & Judy Flynn
Marty & Jeanne Stoll
Brad & Christa Stine
8/1
Gary Duquette
8/17
Pat Watterworth
8/1
Alec Mallmann
8/17
Jeff Flynn
8/2
Mike Neely
8/18
Nancy Joy Rauch
8/2
Dean Rubin
8/18
Audrey Lawrence
8/3
Judith Thompson
8/18
George Colby
8/3
Toni Ruther
8/18
John Boheim
7/2
Debra Durden
7/17
Margaret Thode
8/3
Rachel Schneider
8/18
Jamie Shafferman
7/2
Cathy Gnik
7/18
Pat Cope
8/4
Pat Bowman
8/18
Alexis Calero
7/2
Randall Halverson
7/18
Kim Johnson
8/4
Brianna Trainham
8/19
Michael Bowers
7/3
Florence Rose
7/18
Carol Stanley
8/5
Lincoln Landis
8/19
Deborah Fleagle
7/4
Jim Flood
7/19
Johanna Colson
8/5
Mary Hadley
8/20
Bruce Sundberg
7/4
Patricia Unkle
7/19
Toni Hamblet
8/5
Robert Mackes
8/20
Marie Barrett
7/4
Aaron Widor
7/19
John Lentine
8/5
Barbara Young
8/20
Diana Duffy
7/5
Mary Ann Hamilton
7/19
Charles Lewis
8/5
Judy Schofield
8/20
Carrie DeSalvo
7/6
Paulette Tantlinger
7/20
Bob Jenks
8/6
Ann Nadwodny
8/21
Lynn Hein
7/7
Marc Birdsong
7/20
Sam Patrick
8/7
Wyatt Gosnell
8/21
Carol Johnson
7/7
Janet Delozier
7/21
David Bailey
8/7
Ruth Lenwell
8/21
Bob Johnson
7/7
Betty Larson
7/21
Dottie Moser
8/7
Jean Hopkins
8/22
Kathryn Van Leer
7/9
Renee Graves
7/21
Charles Adams
8/7
Joseph Kuhn
8/22
Carol Nowakoski
7/9
Ed Harn
7/23
Lee Merrell
8/7
Jim Fulton
8/23
Chuck Taylor
7/9
Julie Phend
7/24
Mattie Habner
8/8
John Rueckert
8/23
Jim Brooks
7/9
Eric Walsh
7/24
Jean Lemay
8/8
Frederick Hetrick
8/23
Matthew Robinson
7/10
Jamie Coleman
7/25
Loretta Johns
8/8
Kathy Genson
8/24
Brenda Rogers
7/10
Dick Rankin
7/25
Beth Sundberg
8/8
Jack Miller
8/24
Greg Williamson
7/10
Sam Thomsen
7/26
Suzanne Zimmerman
8/8
Vicki O'Hara
8/25
Anne Boyd
7/11
Jamee Hearn
7/27
Linda Coleman
8/9
Joan Parnell
8/25
Paul Harry
7/11
Judy Mayfield
7/27
Randy Whitehead
8/9
Vera Moody
8/25
Laird Knights
7/11
Penny Medley
7/27
Pat Arnston
8/9
Aaron Lovell
8/25
Kristie Peters
7/11
Ray White
7/28
Craig Benedict
8/10
Mary Lewis
8/25
Christian Jones
7/12
Larry Bibbs
7/29
George Chapin
8/11
Pat Berry
8/26
Bev Zabka
7/12
Pat Carson
7/29
Judy Curnow
8/12
Doug Jones
8/27
Anne Tower
7/12
Sharon Cole
7/29
Sue Doubet
8/12
Chip Fulghum
8/27
Susan Yeakel
7/12
Deanna Harris
7/29
Jolie Morris
8/12
Easter Bowman
8/28
Bob Shope
7/12
Linda Parker
7/29
Ossie Schmidt
8/12
Deborah Elaine
8/28
Karen Whistleman
7/12
Melody Widor
7/30
Joan Batten
8/13
Larry Ervin
8/28
Bill Meldrum
7/12
Ruth Wilson
7/30
Lois DeLongis
8/13
Sherri Gaskill
8/29
Nancy Bowles
7/13
Alan Berry
7/30
Judy Eiben
8/13
Laura Moore
8/30
Susanne Kurz
7/14
Trenia Jeffries
7/30
Jacklyn Gill
8/14
Ed Hoffman
8/31
Eileen McFarland
7/15
Frank Cangelosi
7/30
Patti Wheeler
8/15
Gene Santucci
8/31
Neil Pedersen
7/15
Lauren Cotton
7/31
John Beisheim
8/15
Donnie Hill
8/31
Alejandra Solis
7/16
Shirley Cornwell
7/31
Susan Richards
8/16
Orville Brockman
7/17
Pam Evatt
Matthew 18:20 says
“For where two or more gather in my name,
there I am among them.”
For the women of the LOWC MOPS (Mothers of
Preschoolers) Group, this is a verse we know all too
well. Being a mother of young children can be very
isolating, lonely, and exhausting both physically and
spiritually. This is where MOPS steps in. Starting in
2003, every 1st and 3rd Wednesday morning, we have
been meeting in the Founder’s Room not just for
fellowship, but a chance to renew and refresh
ourselves in the Lord. We encourage and uplift one
another, laugh and cry, and educate ourselves on how
to become better mothers. It is truly a blessing to
belong to a group where we are not only served, but
can serve each other as well through this very special
season of life. For most of us, it has been a total life
changer.
As this June brings another satisfying year of regular
meeting to a close for the summer, I can’t help but feel
so thankful for the amount of support The Lake of the
Woods Church has shown us, from providing
childcare free of charge and loving mentor mothers
giving their time, wisdom, and hearts. We are able to
concentrate on making a better world through
becoming better mothers because the church has so
kindly adopted this ministry. Thank you for having
such a heart for young children and mothers.
Jessica Johnson, Lead MOPS Coordinator
Please keep the following soldiers and their
families in your prayers:
Noah Leary, Navy, serving in the Middle East, son
of Angie Keep.
Mason Matvich, Marine Corp PFC stationed in
Camp Lejeune, NC. Grandson of Darrow & Barbara
Strain.
Jeff Pfeil, Navy, serving in Africa, son of Michael
and Gayle Pfeil (LOWC).
James Wolfe, serving overseas, son of Martha
Somerville.
We offer special prayers for God’s healing touch
for every service member who returned from the
Middle East with the mental and physical scars of
war. We pray that their healing will be in God’s
loving hands.
If you have a family member or friend serving in the
military please contact us at info@ lowchurch.org or
540-972-9060 to have them added to our list.
2016 BOARD OF ELDERS
Chairman
Eldon Rucker (8539)
elrucker@comcast.net
Admin, Budget &
Stewardship
Bud Moody (3152)
bvmoody@comcast.net
Adult Education
Eldon Rucker (8539)
elrucker@comcast.net
Buildings and Grounds
Bob Lingo (0896)
rlingouva@comcast.net
Congregational Care &
Fellowship
Lee Merrell (412-6800)
l-amerrell@comcast.net
Missions and Benevolence
Alan Berry (3763)
aberry@aol.com
Community Missions &
Outreach
Sam Thomsen (412-0145)
sbt@thomsens.net
Worship
Dick Manthei (9171)
rdmanthei@aol.com
Young Families & Children
John Moore (841-4930)
eeroomnhoj@gmail.com
Youth
Bill Cole (847-4002)
wcole94935@gmail.com
The Church Mouse – Donna Blackistone, Proofreader
THE LAKE OF THE WOODS CHURCH STAFF
OFFICE HOURS: M-TH 8-5:00, FRIDAY 8-12:00
Pastoral Staff (972-9060)
Senior Pastor – Dr. John W. Howe
Senior Pastor Emeritus – Tom Schafer
Family and Outreach Pastor – Tom Savage
Community Missions Pastor – Adam Colson
Visitation & Senior Care Minister – Mike Lemay
Administrative & Support Staff
Children’s Ministry Director – Sherri Gaskill
Youth Director – John Higginbotham
Office Administrator – Kathy Carranza
Office Assistant – Mandy Robinson
Receptionist – Chris Wagoner
Child Care Center (972-2349)
Director – Belinda Divelbiss, Asst. Director, Tracy Dodson
Custodial Staff
Richard Wright, Barbara Doman, John and Susan Lee
Financial
Treas. – Roland Hamilton; Fin. Secretary – Shirley Bunch
Music
Traditional Music – Paul Workman/Kevin Paxton (Interim)
Blended & Contemporary Music – Dave Goodrich
Organist – Kathy Pellegreen
Handbells – Lois Frohnert
Congregational Care Ministries
Pastoral Visits
Counseling Ministry
(by appointment only)
Hand-in-Hand (formerly Stephen Ministry)
(Providing Care for the Challenges of Life)
Contact: Diana Duffy (972-8109)
Shepherd’s Staff
(Caring Contacts to Members)
Lay Visitation Ministry
(Hospital, Sick, Homebound, Prayer Shawl Ministry,
Lay Home Communion)
Healing Hearts Grief Support Group***
(Grief Recovery Support Group)
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Library
*** Must call before coming: Lynn Shutts (7714)
Chronic Illness Support
Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays
2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Founders Room
Contact: Joyce Hite (4023), Sue Doubet (0324)
Merry Makers Group (former SunBeams)
(for those who have lost a spouse)
Contact: Ruth Fraser (6686)
AA
Mondays & Fridays at 7:00 p.m.
Downstairs Room 505
AA “Big Book” Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in Cabins
AL-ANON
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Founders Room.
Contact: Gary C (379 0311) or Betty C (661-2174)
Alzheimer’s & Dementia – Support Group
3rd Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. in Room 210/211
Annie Peterson 434-973-6122 or annie.peterson@alz.org
at The Alzheimer’s Association, CWVA
For More Information
Call the Church Office at 972-9060
(Most Congregational Care Ministries
open to the LOW Community)
MINISTERS SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
8:30 TR
9:45 TR
9:45 BL
11:00 C
LAY READERS - TRADITIONAL SERVICES
8:30
07/03
07/10
07/17
07/24
07/31
Art Griggs
Donna Seymour
Howie Cedarblade
Jack Gill
Nancy Bowles
9:45
Johanna Colson
Margaret Thode
Karen Howe
Karen Howe
07/03
07/10
07/17
07/24
07/31
08/07
08/14
08/21
08/28
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
FLOWER CONTRIBUTORS
07/03
07/10
07/17
07/24
07/31
08/07
08/14
08/21
08/28
Sanctuary
Nancy Doseff
John & Barbara Rueckert
Henrick & Margaret Thode
Hank & Mary Altman
Ralph & Inez Hollm
Sparky & Ruth Watson
Jeff & Judy Flynn
John & Nancy Bowles
Tom & Vicki Hansen
Worship Center
Jim & Dee Flood
Linda Towery
Kent & Barbara Coyle
(still available)
(still available)
R. Whitehead & S. Barnes
(still available)
(still available)
(still available)
USHERS SANCTUARY
July 8:30 Captain: Ken Frohnert
Ushers: Becky Sitnik, Darrow & Barbara Strain
July 9:45 Captain: Jan Davis
Ushers: Andrew Rayne, Lou Redenbo, Cindy Quattlebaum
Communion: Larry Eiben, Ann Hartzel, Barbara Hernan, Lee Frame
August 8:30 Captain: Art Griggs
Ushers: Bobbie Griggs, Rodney & Brenda Lackey
August 9:45 Captain: Bruce Boyd
Ushers: Anne Boyd, Jean Stutz, Jim Ogletree
Communion: Jan Davis, Jill Johnson, Barbara Hernan, Larry Eiben
WORSHIP CENTER USHERS
July 9:45 Captain: Norma Ervin
Ushers: Larry Ervin, Lee & Allison Merrell, Hal & Lora Wood
11:00 Coordinator: Robby & Kim Johnson
August 9:45 Captain: Joyce Hite
Ushers: Barbara Norton, Barbara Rakes, Steve & Jacob Dement,
Mary Ryan
11:00 Coordinator: Robby & Kim Johnson
Adam Colson
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
Tom Schafer
John Howe
John Howe
Adam Colson
Tom Savage
Tom Savage
Tom Savage
Adam Colson
Adam Colson
John Howe
Tom Savage
John Howe
John Howe
Tom Savage
John Howe
Tom Savage
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
John Howe
ALTAR GUILD - JULY
Bonnie Snoddy (972-7378)
Janite Hamilton (809-0193)
ALTAR GUILD - AUGUST
Bobbie Griggs (972-4592)
Heather Naples (703-599-3481)
SECURITY DUTY
07/03
07/10
07/17
07/24
07/31
08/07
08/14
08/21
08/28
Tom Seary
Kerry Sipe
Alan Berry
James Milligan
Eugene Slagle
Chuck Handy
Jim Hopkins
Dale Gunn
Matt West
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
8:30 Traditional – Sanctuary
9:45 Traditional – Sanctuary
9:45 Blended – Worship Center
11:00 Contemporary – Worship Center
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE
Adult – 8:30, 9:45, and 11:00
Youth Higher Grounds Coffee House – 9:30
Children and Nursery – 9:45 and 11:00
EUCHARIST
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 6:30 p.m.
at “The Lake of the Woods Church”
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One Church Lane
Locust Grove, VA 22508
(540) 972-9060
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