1. Art and Diseño

ST STEPHENS
LUTHERAN
CHUCH—LCMS
Connecting All To Christ
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
V O L U M E
1 5
I S S U E
1
F E B R U A R Y
2 0 1 5
Celebrating the Family 2
Seasoned Birthdays
Thank You
Back Pack Outreach
Have A Heart
3
School News
4
Finance & Facility Board
Report
The Parables of Lent 5
Lenten Meals
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper
6
St. Stephens Elementary
Mission Outreach
7
Health Care Ministry
8
PeaceMaking
9
Youth News
10
Faith Builders
11
Worship Assistants
For February
12
February Calendar
13
St. Stephens’ Men’s Club will host their annual Chicken Pot Pie Supper on
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th from 5:00-7:00pm. Advance tickets can be
purchased from Men’s Club members at the table located in the school foyer
or the church office starting in January. Take outs will be available.
Advance Tickets: Adults $8.00 Children $6.00
Door Tickets:
Adults $9.00 Children $7.00
Children 3 and under eat free
If you would like to assist with this fund raising event, or for information,
contact:
James Bradshaw @ 322-7445 (office), 632-4066 (home) or 312-5325 (cell).
Steve Cain @345-1455 (work) or 308-1200 (cell)
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HOMEBOUND AND
SEASONED CITIZEN’S (80 & OLDER)
BIRTHDAYS FOR FEBRUARY
Doris Hollar—2/3
Carl Rullman Jr.—2/14
Bill Phifer—2/15
Celebrating - the - Family
Eternal Glory
JERRY BEAM—December 23, 1932—January 15, 2015—husband of Peggy and father of Scott &
Michael.
Milestone Birthday
HAZEL DRUM—celebrated her 100th birthday on January 21. Hazels children are Jean Sigmon,
Roger, Mike and Larry



Judy Gurganious for helping with the December/January Newsletter
Amy Hall for helping with bulletins
David Pingel, J C McMahan, Allen Killian, Bob Watson & Bob Sautter for
changing out the filters in the church and school.
Backpack food collection for
the month is:
Oatmeal
Macaroni & cheese
Fruit cups
Granola Bars
Ramen Noodles (packages)
Vienna-Sausages
Soup
CONNECTING ALL TO
CHRIST
Published monthly by
St. Stephens LCMS
2304 Springs Road NE
Hickory, NC 28601
February 2015
Volume 15 Issue 1
Page 3
Have A Heart
February, a month devoted to the expression of love. It is the giving of heart-shaped boxes
of candy and heart-shaped cards, vases of flowers with heart-shaped gift tags. All this is available for the consumer so that he can find the appropriate expression of his devotion to his
loved one. If that expression of love has been preceded by a whole year of thoughtful and loving words and deeds, it is welcomed and cherished by the recipient. If not, it is just an empty
ritual, done out of duty rather than true devotion.
Our relationship to the Lord is similar. He, too, desires our sincere devotion, not empty lip
service. The Lord says, “These people come near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their
hearts are far from Me.” (ISAIAH 29:13)
Stewardship is serving, helping, giving, and love is the basis for stewardship. Without love our good deeds
are empty and without merit. The first act of true stewardship is to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and
with all your soul and with all your strength.” (DEUTERONOMY 6:5). Jesus called this the most important commandment (MARK 12:29-30). With that love for the Lord in us, we are enabled to be good stewards. Then we can do
acts of good stewardship, acts of true devotion. We are enabled to:
“Give generously to Him and do so without a grudging heart. (DEUTERONOMY 15:10)
“Carefully observe [His decrees and laws] with all your heart and with all your soul.“ (DEUTERONOMY 26:16)
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (ROMANS 12:13)
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (COLOSSIANS 3:23)
May your love for the Lord live a life of stewardship knowing that as we do we can rest in Christ who was the
perfect steward for us.
With the New Year a month behind us, now would be a good time to give your offerings by way of on-line
banking. Simply designate as a payee with your bank St Stephens Lutheran Church, 2304 Springs Road NE,
Hickory, NC 28601. On the memo line you may put your envelope number.
Pastor Guelzow
Page 4
ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN SCHOOL
Faith  Excellence  Partnerships  Opportunity
Christmas is over and we are coming close to the season of Lent. It is hard for me to believe that the
first half of the school year is gone – it has flown by. We say goodbye to semester #1 and move on to
the second half of the year. We are excited for what God has in store for us. First, our accreditation visit
is in March and it is always a welcome sight to see the review team show up after all the work the
school has done. We look forward to an excellent visit. We have started a STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, Mathematics) program for grades 5-8. This is a pilot program that we will learn from and
develop further in the months and years to come. Briefly, we meet as a middle school team (teachers
and students) each Friday and break into assigned teams and work through the problem that is given. The current activity
will last nine weeks. We have also added a couple more elective classes for our middle school (Video Production and Beginning Guitar). We continue to look for ways to enrich our program; it’s a blessing to have a dedicated and talented staff
that is willing to do what they can for our program. Our basketball teams are entering into tournament time. Both the Girls’
and Boys’ teams took third in the Lutheran Tournament in Conover. They will be heading to Alabama for another big Lutheran Tournament in February. Go Warriors!!!
Please keep us in your prayers as a mission of our Lord that the enrollment will
increase and the finances will not be a burden. As always, if you have an interest in SSLS for a child your know, please call or come by to see us.
Finance and Facility Board Report
Offerings
Other Income
Totals
Church Income for Dec
Given
Budgeted
$130,872.72
$91,031.78
$1,114.50
$1,785.87
$131,987.22
$92,817.65
Church Income Year to Date
YTD Given
Total Budgeted
$1,066,670.43
$1,092,380.48
$27,200.27
$25,330.00
$1,093,870.70
$1,117,710.48
Church Expenses for Dec
Spent
Budgeted
$110,947.09
$93,761.67
Church Expensed Year to Date
YTD Spent
Total Budgeted
$1,043,513.40
$1,117,710.48
Page 5
Ash Wednesday, February 18th, marks the beginning of Lent, a forty day journey where we dwell on the passion of Christ
Jesus. During this six week period we will conduct weekly Lenten Services on each Wednesday morning and evening.
Each service in this series focuses on a biblical parable that connects to Lenten themes. Sermons will reveal that within
each parable’s plot is woven a unique message about what we receive through the crucified Christ Jesus. The topics are
as follows:
February 18 – Ash Wednesday - Receive Justification: The Pharisee And The Tax Collector
February 25 – Lent 2 - Receive The Word: The Sower and the Seed
March 4 – Lent 3 – Receive The Treasure: The Hidden Treasure And The Priceless Pearl
March 11 – Lent 4 – Receive Mercy: The Good Samaritan
March 18 – Lent 5 – Receive Grace: The Workers In The Vineyard
March 25 – Lent 6 – Receive Forgiveness: The Prodigal Son
Services will be conducted each Wednesday at 10:30AM and 6:30PM. Lenten meals will be served from 5:15-6:15pm.
See article below for menu.
Please set aside one hour a week for worship and fellowship during this most holy season.
As a service to our church members, the youth will provide a dinner for you on
Wednesdays during the Lenten season. We are asking for a generous donation to help offset the cost of the food. Remaining monies will benefit Youth
Servant Event Week and National Youth Gathering.
Meal Time - 5:15pm-6:15pm
February 18 - Soup and Toasted Cheese
February 25 - Salad Bar
March 4 - Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Toast
March 11 - Chili and fixings
March 18 - Hot Dogs and fixings
March 25 - Bake Potato Bar
****For the children: we will have PB & J available each night.
Page 6
Page 7
St. Stephens Elementary Mission Outreach
―As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace‖
1 Peter 4:10
In December 2014, St. Stephens Lutheran received a $10,000 grant from the John and Harriet Wiebe
Mission Advancement Fund of the LCMS Foundation. The grant money was applied for the use of mission
outreach to St. Stephens Elementary (public) school. In keeping with our vision, we will be ―serving our
community…..through us‖ with your help. Serving the needs of our community can not be done by one person; it takes a team. Every member of SSLC is part of our team. Below is a list of the areas of service we will be focusing on for the
school. Please read over these needs and pray for each one. Choose 1 or 2 needs that you can help serve in.
CLOTHES CLOSET: Majority of the parents struggle to provide for their families. Creating the storage for a clothes closet and
providing clothing attire will allow the school to transition to becoming a "Leader in Me" school. The program will boost the confidence, morale and leadership of the students in a more business like atmosphere.
How YOU can help:
Collection of clothes (boys, girls, women and men)
Collection of new or gently used tennis shoes
Purchase new underwear
Purchase new socks
SCHOOL APPRECIATION: Educators have the most important job - teaching our children. Educators at St. Stephens Elementary, should be shown that they are appreciated. We want to show the deserved appreciation to the educators with any of the following ..…monthly treats, holiday meals, school spring/fall fling, etc.
How YOU can help:
Small monthly treats for the staff
BACKPACK OUTREACH: Since 2010, we have been providing 70 backpacks of food per week (packed by our congregation
families and youth) to families that have struggled. We have also collected hygiene items for the families.
How YOU can help:
Continue to bring in food items
Collection of personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.)
Collection of school supplies
BI-LINGUAL EDUCATION: 47% of the families in the public school are primarily Spanish speaking. We would like to reach out to
these families with some English classes and provide the necessary supplies and materials. Also provide the educators with some
Spanish classes.
How YOU can help:
With the departure of Pastor Martin, we will be discussing this more in depth with the leaders of St. Stephens Elementary
LANDSCAPING: The congregation, parents, children and youth of St. Stephens Lutheran Church and School are hungry to serve
the needs of others. We would like to spend some time doing campus beautification at St. Stephens Elementary (public school).
The funds would help provide for the materials needed to be the hands and feet of the body of Christ. We wish to have this completed by mid-April, 2015
How YOU can help:
Planning and designing will begin soon
Provide labor and materials on scheduled work days.
If you have any questions about this project, please contact Jadi Gurganious ([email protected]) or 256-9865.
Thank you for making a difference in our community.
Page 8
Health Care Ministry News
2014 Accomplishments
Greetings to our fellow believers in Christ Jesus. I thank God for all of you who are making
a difference within your own families, your workplace, St. Stephens, and your community. I
also thank God for the dedicated members of the Healthcare Ministry Team (formerly
known as the Parish Nurse Team). As we look forward to 2015, the team thought it would
be appropriate to look back at our accomplishments during 2014 in planning for future
activities.
The activities accomplished in 2014 were as follows:
 Monthly newsletter articles published on a variety of health-related issues.
 Blood Pressure Ministry continued every third Sunday under the current guidance of our nurse, Trudi Ziehr
 Visitation of church members continued at home, in hospital, and rehab centers.
 A Card Ministry was developed under the guidance of Nancy Huffman who has mailed around 165 cards from June to
December to members who were ill, newly hospitalized, had surgery, or were homebound.
 A Grief Team was begun offering one-on-one support to members who are grieving.
 Healthcare Relief Fund assistance to those in need continued as a result of the monies donated to the fund due to the
generosity of individual church members and our church organizations such as Lutheran Women's Missionary League
and Lutheran Laymen's League ( Men's Group). We were able to help five individuals to pay a portion of their
healthcare costs.
 A very successful blood drive was completed in May around Memorial Day. Out of 28 people who volunteered, 24
were able to donate blood in memory of our fallen heroes who laid down their lives for others.
 Research to develop a program whereby members with hearing loss are better able to hear God' s Word during Saturday/Sunday worship services was begun in December.
During 2015, we plan to continue the above activities and add CPR/ First Aid Training, and possibly sponsor another
Health Fair.
As our team begins to plan for 2015, we are asking members of St. Stephens to:
 Pray for God' s continued blessings in all that our team plans to accomplish during 2015.
 Pray that our church members continue to participate and support these activities.
 Prayerfully consider joining our team.
 Send any requests for new programming to [email protected] or call her at 446-0548.
Healthcare Ministry Team- Pat Sautter, Chairperson, Patsy Davis, Nancy Huffman, Miriam Mecimore, James Bradshaw,
Elder Liaison.
Page 9
From the Peacemaking Team
Sticking With It
If you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they
will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive. 2 Peter 1:8
Practice. As Paul warned the Philippians, we cannot change unless we put what we are learning into practice
(Phil. 4:9). In other letters he used athletic metaphors to teach that godly character and qualities must be
developed through disciplined practice in which we seek to overcome our weaknesses, master the proper
techniques, and make a desired behavior natural and automatic (1 Cor. 9:24-27; Phil. 3:14; 2 Peter 1:4-8).
Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 135.
Food for Thought
Did you do well right out of the gates, only to lose momentum during the race?
January and February are excellent months if you're in the health club business. People resolve to be healthier in the New Year and usually follow-up on that by joining a gym, enrolling in an exercise class, or even hiring a personal trainer. It can be quite challenging to find a parking place in January and February at many
health clubs. But come April and May? It's a different story.
There is always some excitement over the initial moments of anything, be it joining a health club or your
Christian life. There's nothing wrong with that at all. However, many of us fizzle out when the disciplined work
of training finally sets in.
As believers, we must consistently be working those peacemaking muscles -- training our hearts, minds,
souls, and strength to respond to the promptings of Christ and not our natural desires. Jesus needs peacemakers in January and February and March and April and all year long. So let's all put into practice those
things we've been learning!
PeaceMeal is a publication of Peacemaker® Ministries. Copyright 2012. Reprinted with permission. To sign up for this free
weekly email publication, go to the Peacemaker Ministries website at www.Peacemaker.net/epubs.
If you are experiencing significant conflict in your life, please contact a member of the St. Stephens Peacemaking Team
Page 8
calendar
Sunday Morning
Bible Study:
5th-6th Grade; Ed. Bldg. Rm 219
7th-8th Grade ; Youth Modular
High School; School Bldg. Rm
108
STUDENT CONNECTIONS
SERVICE PROJECT| 5-6 Grade
Sunday, February 8, 11:45am-1:30pm
Since February is all about love, the 5th and 6th grade youth will get a chance to recognize
those who lovingly serve the church in many and various ways. Join us right after worship on
Sunday, February 8 as we put together gifts of appreciation for those who put their love for God
and others into action. Lunch will be provided, we just need your helping hands!. If you would
like to participate contact Hoyle Hoover ([email protected])
5TH/6TH GRADE
FEBRUARY
2/7
2/8
Family Game Night
Service Project
MARCH
3/7
Family Game Night
MIDDLESCHOOL
FEBRUARY
2/7
2/22
Family Game Night
Converge
MARCH
3/1
3/7
3/14
3/22
Youth Quake Deadline
Family Game Night
Mall Scavenger Hunt
Converge
HSYN| High School Youth
High School Youth Nights are the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 6:30 to 8:00 pm, in
the Youth Modular. All high school youth and their friends are invited to join us for this twice-a
-month gathering. Each night will be a different experience, so come often and help us build
this exciting new community! HSYN meets only once this month on Sunday, February 15
(we’re not meeting February 1 due to the Super Bowl).
PANCAKE DINNER
Tuesday, February 17
Shrove Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday and is a day of celebration before the season of Lent begins. And what better way to celebrate then with an endless supply of pancakes?! So join us on February 17 as we cook up stacks and stacks of pancakes for the annual
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner. This is a fun event which will allow you to showcase your
wonderful cooking skills plus serve others in the process.
HIGH SCHOOL
FEBRUARY
2/7
2/15
Night
2/17
2/22
Family Game Night
High School Youth
Pancake Breakfast
Converge
MARCH
3/1
Night
3/7
3/15
Night
3/20-21
3/22
High School Youth
Family Game Night
High School Youth
30 Hour Famine
Converge
LEARN MORE & GET
INVOLVED
For more information or to find
out how you can get involved
contact DCE Hoyle Hoover:
Office: 828.256.9865
Cell: 828.228.4965
YOUTH QUAKE| Middle School Youth
April 10-12, 2015
All middle school youth are invited to attend the upcoming Youth Quake in Charlotte, April 1012, 2015. The Quake is a jam-packed weekend of high-energy fun, praise, and spiritual growth.
There will be concerts from awesome bands, games, hilarious and inspiring speakers, late-night
activities, and meaningful break-out sessions where you and your friends can hang out and take
your faith to the next level. This is one weekend you don’t wanna miss! The cost for this awesome event is $150, which includes the event, hotel, and meal expenses. In order to attend, all
participants MUST be registered by SUNDAY, MARCH 1. All youth who wish to attend
this event must register by filling out a registration slip (available from Hoyle Hoover and
emailed to parents) and returning it, with payment, to Hoyle Hoover. A medical release must
also be filled out if you have not done so for a previous event. If you have any questions contact
Hoyle at 828.228.4965 or [email protected]. You can also check out the Youth Quake website: www.youthencounter.org/charlotte.
STAY CONNECTED
“Like” us on Facebook (search SSLC Youth Ministry) to
receive youth ministry updates and announcements.
ST. STEPHENS LCMS
CHILDREN’S M INISTRY
FEBRUARY 2015
The Need-to-Know for
Family Ministry Events
Feb 1: Super —— Sunday
Camp Linn Haven
Family Weekend
Registration begins
9:15-10:15am
Faith Builders
Towel & Basin
Instruction: #1
11:45-1:00pm
Faith Builder
Forum Luncheon
Feb 7: 5:00-7:00pm
LLL Chicken Pot
Pie Dinner
5:30-6:30pm
GOSPEL SERVICE
Feb 8: 9:15-10:15am
Faith Builders
Towel & Basin
Instruction: #2
Feb 14: 6:30-9:00pm
Parent’s Night Out
Pizza & a Movie
Feb 15: 9:15-10:15 am
Faith Builders
Towel & Basin
Instruction: #3
10:30am Worship
Towel & Basin
Blessing Event
Feb 17: 5:30-7:00pm
Shrove Tuesday
Pancake Supper
Feb 18: 5:15pm Dinner
6:30pm Ash Wed
Family Worship
Feb 22: 9:15-10:15 am
Faith Builders
Feb 25: 5:15pm Dinner
6:30pm Lenten
Family Worship
Check weekly e-news
and church bulletin for
updates on upcoming
events and more!
Zip over to Camp Discovery
for the adventure of a lifetime!
2015 VBS
June 15-19
Planning is underway! We are looking
for unique people just like you to
help share the Good News and experience God’s One-of-a-kind Love!
Contact Donna Lee to find out more
and to see how you can help prepare
for this special outreach event!
Parent’s Night Out!
Movie Night
Saturday, Feb 14th
6:30– 9:00pm
Movie: How to Train Your
Dragon II
Pizza & Treats
$5.00 donation suggested to off set
food & drink cost.
Register by Friday, Feb 13
828-381-5391/[email protected]
9:15-10:15am Sunday Mornings
Preschool: Pray, Praise & Play
PreK: Discovering God’s Word
K & 1st Grades: God’s Promises 4 Kids
2nd & 3rd Grades: God’s Promises 4 Kids
4th-6th Grades: Grapple
Milestone Ministry
Instruction, Blessings, and Celebrations for
parents and children Preschool– 6th Grade.
For more information on how you can help with any of these events,
contact Donna Lee at 381-5391 or [email protected].
Page 12
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS—FEBRUARY
If you would like to volunteer as a worship assistant, please contact the church office.
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP
MEDIA TEAM SCHEDULE
February 1
8:00am
10:30am
February 8
February 15
February 22
Main Door Host—John & Faye Starnes
Side Door Host—Gene & Char Ewad
Welcome Center—James & Leslie Fogle
January 28, January 31, February 1
Chris & Danyelle Wyatt
Main Door Host—Billy Beard
Side Door Host—Charles & Linda Fritz
Welcome Center—Tiersa Morrow
February 4, February 7, February 8
Jill Hallstrom & Craig Bahlmann
8:00am
Main Door Host—Chuck Wilhelm
Side Door Host—Benny & Donna Barger
Welcome Center—Allene Eads
February 11, February 14, February 15
Lee London & Jill Hallstrom
10:30am
Main Door Host—Darrin & Amy Crouch
Side Door Host—Heidi & Santana Beliveau
Welcome Center—Joe & Bryson Beliveau
February 18, February 21, February 22
Steve & Rebecca Flowers
8:00am
Main Door Host—Carl & Frances Rullman
Side Door Host—Alex & Sharon Little
Welcome Center—James Bradshaw
10:30am
Main Door Host—Don & Karen Killian
Side Door Host—Rand& Angela Isenhour
Welcome Center—Angela Frederick
8:00am
Main Door Host—Bill Huffman
Side Door Host—James Bradshaw
Welcome Center—Pat Wilson
10:30am
Main Door Host—Paul & Annette Miller
Side Door Host—John & Katharine Crawley
Welcome Center—Annie Brauch
NURSERY (10:30)
February 1
February 8
February 15
February 22
Deanna Dickinson
Shannon Cline
Jeana Link
Angie Allen
SACRAMENTS
Rita Huffman
LINENS & PARAMENTS
Linda Tilley
FLOWERS & CANDLES
Donna Killian
ROBES
Jean Spencer —2/1
Sandra Turner—2/8 & 2/15
Lina Morrow—2/22 & 3/1
February 1
8:00am
Ken Manfredi & Steve Cain
February 8
10:30am
Tommy Campbell, Chris Barringer, Rodney Miller, Brent Townsend, Jeff
February 15
8:00am
David Pingel & Bob Sautter
February 22
10:30am
Bud Riley, Eric Kent, Tony Cook, Ken Tilley, Jon Guelzow and
David Propst
March 1
8:00am
Cory Westby & James Fogle
Eddins and Eddie Warren
Page 13
February Calendar
ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH—MS
2304 Springs Road NE
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-9865
Web-site address: sslcms.org
Non-Profit Organ.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Hickory, NC
Permit No. 83
Address Return Request
Join us for Ash
Wednesday worship.
10:30am & 6:30pm