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3003 Silverside Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
302-478-3004

Last Updated
01/05/2008

Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church


Announcements for the Week
January 6 – 13, 2008

September 2007 Newsletter

Concordia Evangelical Lutheran Church

WELCOME MEMBERS AND GUESTS! HAPPY NEW YEAR! We thank you for joining us for worship today as we celebrate the Epiphany of Our Lord.


THE REVEREND DAVID BETZNER will be with us this week through Tuesday and return on Saturday evening January 19. Pastor Betzner can be contacted anytime by email, concordia.interim@verizon.net, by calling the church when he is in town, by leaving informal messages with Deacon John when he’s not, or by calling his cell phone at (301) 514-1781 in an emergency.

Pastor Dave and Sally want to thank you for your caring and gifts on all days but especially at Christmas. Paul Tillich says, "human beings are the language of God" and you have spoken to us in many ways. God bless you!

THE REVEREND MICHAEL BURT will lead us in Word and Sacrament on Sunday, January 13. Pastor Michael Burt graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1969, and served as a Mission Developer in New Fairfield, CT until 1972, when he accepted a Call to serve on Active Duty as a Navy Chaplain. With assignments in San Diego; Jacksonville, NC; Annapolis; Rota/Spain; Newport, RI; Naples/Italy; Washington, DC, and Norfolk, along with a number of sea-duty assignments, he and his wife Joanne have traveled around the world. Retiring from the Navy in early 2000, he served St. Paul, Annapolis until his second retirement in September 2005. The Burts live in Arnold, Maryland, with their Golden Retriever, Lucy, and have decided to make this their permanent home.


DEACON JOHN HETRICK continues coordinating congregational activities. As our Ministry Coordinator his office hours are Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. After these hours, he can be reached by phone at home (302) 479-0122 or on his cell (302) 753-6851. John may also be contacted at his church E-mail address: concordia.coordinator@verizon.net.


2008 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available to be picked up in the Narthex.


SUNDAY SCHOOL – for all ages beginning at 9:15 a.m.

Adult Learning Forum – in the Library, Pastor Betzner continues a study entitled: “What the World Needs Now, a Changeless Christ for a Changing World.”  Today we will view a video entitled, “Living Into the World.”

Young Adult Study – Are you tongue-tied when it comes to defending your faith? Join our study of apologetics in the Pastor’s Office. Contact Jason or Lois Stoehr at (302) 421-9316 or jlstoehr_01@verizon.net for more information.


WEEKDAY BIBLE STUDIES – Gather in the Library

  • Mondays at 1:00 p.m. – "God’s Word for Today" study of Jeremiah and Lamentations.

  • Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. – "Max Lucado’s Life Lessons," 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus.


MEMBERSHIP INQUIRY CLASS! will begin after late service today in the Fellowship Hall. This class, which consists of a review of Christian teaching from a Lutheran perspective, and discussion around the mission and ministry of Concordia in particular, is open to anyone with interest. Please contact John Hetrick with questions or to sign up and participate.


PRAYER GROUP will meet after late service today with Pastor Betzner in his office. Everyone is invited to join together for prayer as Concordia moves into and through the “call process.” The group will meet the first Sunday of every month for about one-half hour lifting up The Call Committee, The Congregation, The Candidates, God’s Purpose, Discernment, Faith, Patience, and more. In preparation for this prayer time, please read Isaiah 55:1-3.


OGT NEWS – Thanks for all your support in 2007! The Lord has richly blessed this ministry, not only in the mid-Atlantic District, but nationwide. The last time we were together at the warehouse mid-December, we sent off a truck to Southeastern Ohio. The shipment contained winter clothing, some toys, and miscellaneous items, helping to ensure a blessed and happy Christmas in this area of poverty. Bags have piled up at the warehouse, so that we need your help in sorting and boxing. Work mornings are Friday, January 11 and Friday, January 25 from 9:00 - noon. Please make an effort to come. Thank you and God's blessings in the New Year. ~Caroline


CONCORDIA COPY DEADLINE, JANUARY 11 – Please send submissions for newsletter to Judy Buth at concordia.administrator@verizon.net


PRESCHOOL PRE-REGISTRATION, JANUARY 10 – Early registration for church families for the 2008-2009 school year.


HABITAT FOR HUMANITY / THRIVENT BUILDS – Our 2008 build site is called Webster Village and is located at Claymont and 13th, about 3 blocks from last year’s site. The location is highlighted on the map displayed next to the sign up sheet. Directions and a new map are forthcoming. Concordia’s first build dates are Friday, February 1 and Saturday, February 16. The calendar for the year has been posted on the bulletin board along with a sign up sheet for February 1st. As we did last year, the area coordinator (Dave Warner) needs to be notified 3 weeks in advance of our build date as to how many we have that volunteered. Please sign up to help, or contact Don Harms with questions. Thanks.


FLOWER CHART FOR 2008 – is on the bulletin board outside the Library. Sign-up for your special day(s) and let Judy, in the Church office, know what you want in the bulletin that Sunday. The cost remains at $40.00 for two bouquets and $20.00 for one if you share a Sunday. Checks made out to Concordia should be given to Pat Dorler or put in the Altar Guild box in the Church office.


SUMMARY OF THE VOTERS’ ASSEMBLY
Concordia Lutheran Church
December 9, 2007

Following worship, Pastor David Betzner opened the meeting with prayer and Congregational President George Butler welcomed 74 members. Staff reports were given by Pastor David Betzner, Ministry Coordinator John Hetrick, and Preschool Director Helen Spillan. Our Treasurer, Ray Clarke, reviewed a financial summary and the proposed 2008 budget. Chris Kreicker gave an update on the work of the Call Committee and Dick Hartman reported on the status of our proposed facility expansion plans with New Castle County.

CONCORDIA VOTE ON ISSUES

Paper ballots were distributed and the following issues were brought to the floor for discussion and anonymous vote.

ISSUE #1 Approve the budget for 2008

ACTUAL VOTE: 74 YES, 0 NO

ISSUE #2 Purchase a surety guarantee for New Castle County for $22,216.00 to continue to
move forward with the building plans.

ACTUAL VOTE: 63 YES, 11 NO

What this means – Approved by simple majority. Existing funds will be reallocated to this surety guarantee, until a portion of the project is completed, and will earn interest.

ISSUE #3 Amend the Church Constitution from a unanimous vote to call or dismiss pastors
and teachers to read “an eighty percent (80%) majority vote of the meeting is
required to elect or dismiss pastors or teachers.”

ACTUAL VOTE: 52 YES, 22 NO

What this means – Approved by required 2/3rds majority. The vote to issue a call to our next pastor will require an 80% majority of the voters assembled. There was much discussion around the need to build consensus and unity as we issue the call.

ISSUE #4 Amend the Church Constitution “to permit voting by absentee ballot…”

ACTUAL VOTE: 26 YES, 48 NO

What this means – Denied due to lack of required 2/3rds majority. Again with much discussion around a desire to have all members included.


This Week at Concordia

Sunday

11:45 a.m. – Prayer Group (Pastor’s Office)
11:45 p.m. – Membership Inquiry Class (Fellowship Hall)
 

Monday

1:00 p.m. – Bible Study - Jeremiah and Lamentations (Library)
7:00 p.m. – Preschool Advisory Board Meeting (Library)
 

Tuesday

6:45 p.m. – Confirmation (Library)
 

Wednesday

7:30 p.m. – Bible Study – 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus (Library)
 

Thursday

6:15 p.m. – Handbell Choir Rehearsal (Library)
7:30 p.m. – Choir Rehearsal (Music Room)
 

Community Meetings at Concordia This Week

Tuesday

10:00 a.m. – AlAnon "Healing Children" (Library)
8:00 p.m. – Adult Children of AA (Youth Room)
 

Wednesday

7:30 p.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Closed Meeting (Youth Room)
 

Thursday

7:30 p.m. Healthy Beginnings” (Fellowship Hall)
 

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