The

Jewels

A publication of Crown of Life Lutheran Church, Sun City West, AZ September 2019 Summer Worship What DOES the Future Look Like? Schedule Continues by Pastor Phill, Sr. Pastor

Thank you. Thank you for your Christian stewardship expressed in your giving to our

parish. Thanks to you we have been able to maintain our physical plant in such a Saturday – 4 PM condition that we can be proud of the face we present to the community beyond our Sunday – 9 AM doors. Anyone who walks in for the first time invariably speaks of how lovely our worship space is – and beyond that it is noticeable that we take care of the physical gift, our church, that God has given us. Bible Study As we look into the future I pray that in 10 or 20 years the generation that worships here Sunday Bible Class – 10:15 AM will be as generous and devoted to stewardship as is the current worshipping generation. It may not be. Many folks grow up these days without a sense of responsibility toward honoring God with a portion of the material blessings with which He honors us.

Last year your Church Council undertook a study of what costs might be to maintain our church and grounds in the condition we enjoy. That’s a sobering concept… and we have been able to add funds annually to a Dedicated Fund for the purpose of major repair/renovation. We are cautiously optimistic that we, those who worship here now, will provide for the next generation to maintain this physical plant. And then, of course, it becomes their responsibility.

With the same future thoughts in mind, we also have an Endowment Fund to which Stewardship some individuals and the church as a whole contribute annually. Current balance is If you are 70 and a half years about $556,000 – what a blessing for the future. The operating rules for the Fund old or older, you can take disallow spending income to the fund for current expenses, and again, we’re blessed not advantage of a simple way to to have to even think about it. help support Crown of Life. continued on back Individuals can give up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to our church without having to pay income tax on the distribution. The transfer Beware of a Concussion by Carol Steficek, Parish Nurse generates neither taxable All of us need to be VERY safety conscious! Watch your step! Don't use ladders! income nor a tax deduction, so We do see lots of falls in spite of ourselves. If you sustain a head injury it is VITAL you benefit even if you do not you go to the emergency room. However, even if your CT scan comes back normal itemize your tax deductions. you still need to be aware of problems which may develop even a week or two later. If ANY of these occur head back to the emergency room immediately: 1) repeated This will also satisfy your vomiting, 2) a headache that won't go away, 3) inability to stay awake, 4) becoming required minimum distribution confused or restless or agitated, 5) convulsions or seizures, 6) difficulty walking, 7) for the year. weakness or numbness, 8) difficulty with vision. A concussion can have dangerous effects on your health. Be aware. Be safe!

SeptemberJanuary 2019 2019

President’s Message Board for Community Outreach by Karen Block, Board Chairman There’s still time for one last Summer Brown Bag Movie Event. On September 10th at noon “90 Minutes in Heaven” will be shown. Grab a sandwich and drink and join us in “Living in the Light” the Parish Hall. Popcorn and ice cream will be provided. Every day the sinful, decaying, dying On November 3, 2019 at 3:00 PM the Desert Winds Steel Orchestra will perform nature of this world is impressed their beautiful steel drum music from the Caribbean. Look for more to come on this upon us. Many of us have already event. th arranged our funerals, and if you live The Board for Community Outreach will reconvene on September 24 . As always, we long enough you begin the process of would love to have additional members on our committee! If you are interested in divesting yourself of the “stuff” you’ve joining, I would love to hear from you. The board meets the fourth Tuesday of every accumulated because you know you month at 9:00 AM. Come join us or feel free to email me at [email protected]. have to get ready for the exit, and if you’re thoughtful you don’t want to leave the responsibility to others. It’s Crown of Life Seeks Teller by Ken Warren, Financial Secretary soon to be check out day – and your Crown of Life has a need for you to step up and become a church teller. Every Monday age has nothing to do with it. The morning (or first banking day of the week) four tellers, the financial secretary, and the Scriptures call it “The wages of sin.” assistant financial secretary meet at the church to count the weekly contributions. We (Rom. 6:23a) meet between 7:45 AM to 8:00 AM. It takes between one to two hours to complete

the count. However, every day God’s word impresses upon us that “the free gift The ideal candidate will: of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus 1. be a year-round member. our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23b) Everything 2. be good with numbers. Jesus did was for us to address the 3. be able to pay close attention to details. brevity of life because of sin; to 4. be able to protect the confidentiality of the contributions. secure our pardon and an eternal home for us. We know the words of If you feel called to serve our congregation and your Lord in this capacity, please Jesus to Pilate: “My kingdom is not of contact Ken Warren or Sue Stuempfig in the church office. this world.”

When Jesus said, “I will come again and take you to Myself, that where I Assimilation Committee Announces Upcoming am you may be also,” He was directing us to our eternal home. Trips by Judith Axelson, Chairman Luther wrote: Christ did not come to establish any temporal kingdom, for Coming December 10 … Barleen’s Christmas Matinee the promises of God are altogether far too glorious for that sort of thing. Coming March 2020 … “Chicago” at the Arizona Broadway Theater It would not well befit our Lord to establish such a kingdom. Christ is Sign-up sheets will be located at the Information Center. Watch for more information! not concerned with political and domestic economy, but is a King who came to destroy the dominion of the devil, and to save mankind.

We get excited and worked up about a lot of things, don’t we? How many North Valley Christian Academy Seeks times have we heard people say, or we’ve said, “Ooh, I’ve got to do this Volunteers by Patsy Bock, COL Member & NVCA Board Member or that” or “I’ve got to see this or that before I die!” Is the anticipation of Chris Schoenleb, Head of School at North Valley Christian Academy is looking for Heaven that dim? We will be living in volunteers for the school. If you are interested, please email Chris at: the unending and pure light of the [email protected] or call (815)404-0039. Lutheran Board Members are also needed, especially anyone with a finance or law background. If interested, please email Chris. continued page 6 For questions, you may wish to contact COL member, Patsy Bock, who serves as a member of the Board of Directors for NVCA.

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SeptemberThe Jewels 2019 Christ Caring for People through People Where Do You Seek by Ken Grover, Stephen Ministry “Encourage one another and build each other up. Just as in fact you are doing.” Comfort, Peace and 1Thessalonians 5:11 Joy? September is here. Summer is almost over. Cool weather is just around the corner. by Christine Escobar, GriefCare Coordinator Vacation is a fond memory. Schools are in session…The winter visitors-snowbirds will be Jesus said, I have said these things to arriving soon. The never ending traffic on Bell Road will return. (OH JOY!!!) We have or you, that in Me you may have peace. will be returning to our old/familiar routines. Or, are you looking for a new routine and a In the world you will have tribulation. new opportunity to serve your Lord? Becoming a Stephen Minister could be just what But take heart; I have overcome the you are looking for. If your spiritual gifts include one or more of the following: Faith, world. (John 16:33) Mercy, Love, Kindness, Encouragement, Listening, A caring heart, A servant’s attitude, We know that in this world we are then you may want to consider becoming a Stephen Minister. There is a need for going to experience pain and loss, and Stephen Ministers to provide that care and support on a one to one basis to a person we will have to hurt through these who is going through some type of crisis or difficulty in his/her life. “Bear one another’s losses. When this happens, our burdens and this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) choice is not whether to hurt or not to Would you prayerfully consider becoming a Stephen Minister? Your involvement and hurt, but where will we find comfort, prayers are more than welcome. The next Stephen Ministry training will begin in peace and joy and what will we do October. Please contact Pastor Gary 623-546-6228 or John Obradovich at 623-975- while we are in pain. 1255. “ In his heart a man plans his course but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs The Bible is our Bread of Life. It is 16:9) the foundation of our hope and trust May God continue to bless, protect, and keep you in His amazing grace. in our Triune God for love, comfort, peace, healing, joy, guidance and “This is the day the Lord has made, rejoice and be glad in it.” reconciliation with our Father. In our Psalms 118:24 lives we can follow David’s example of continually calling out to God. In Psalm 131, David cries, O Lord my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvelous for me. But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned by Marlene Peterson Quilters Update child with its mother, like a weaned Welcome back all the COL snowbirds! I hope you had a Blessed summer as I did. child is my soul within me. O Israel, Once again we had a very successful year. I delivered 150 lap robe quilts and blankets hope in the Lord from this time forth to the Native American Indians in Belcourt, ND Reservation, Care Center, and Nursing and forevermore. Homes. God’s church is uniquely equipped Also, the Honor Flight quilt was quite a project for June and July. It is now finished and to help His hurting children find solid was displayed in the Narthex the weekend of August 16-18. The quilt was taken down footing and strength to move forward and given to the Honorable Board Members of Phoenix. As a fundraiser they will now auction the quilt or sell tickets. For more information, please call Karen Friddle (602-300- 0608). We wish to thank all of our COL members who donated money to this project to continued page 6 help us make it possible and a huge success!

So How Safe are You? by Carol Steficik, Parish Nurse MANY of us live alone. As we age we have to pay much more attention to safety than when we were young and spry. Some of you have neighbors or family who check on you daily either visually or by phone. But, what about the rest of you? Falls can occur anywhere and at anytime. It is vital that you seriously consider an electronic signaling device that you keep on your person all the times. There are many companies out there with this service at very reasonable costs. They can even track you when away from home now. Don't fall victim to serious medical complications from a fall when help is only a push button away. See nurse Carol for further information. BE SAFE!

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September 2019

Praying in a Crisis Thoughts by Pastor Gary by Kathe Schmidt, Prayer Team Member Every morning as I have my coffee on the patio, I hear the voice of doves in my

byyard. Roger When Hicks, we hear the voice of doves, we are reminded that in the Old Testament When life is moving along smoothly, doves were sacrificed as sin offerings and burnt offerings. Ordinarily when a child it’s easy to say, “God answers prayer.” was born, the mother was to bring to the priest “a year-old lamb for a burnt offering But a crisis situation can throw us into and a young pigeon or a dove for sin offering” (Lev. 12:6). If she were poor, she doubt, especially if the Lord is not could substituted a turtle-dove or a young pigeon for the lamb. responding quickly. That’s when we are tempted to bargain with God, as if He When our Lord Jesus ousted the sellers of sacrificial animals from the temple, He could be manipulated into acting on our dealt leniently with those who sold doves. He didn’t let the doves loose, but said to behalf. The goal of our prayer is to bring the owners, “Get these out of here!” (John 2:16). Perhaps He was thinking of the our concerns to Him, trusting that He poor and of His own mother, who in her poverty offered up two turtledoves or two will answer them in His own way at the young pigeons at His presentation in the temple. time He chooses. We must be very These sacrifices pointed ahead to the perfect sacrifice for sin that Jesus would bring careful not to find fault with God, when He would offer up Himself on the cross. As symbols of this sacrifice to come, thinking that if He truly cared and loved the doves in their innocence and gentleness gave up their lives. us, He would intervene and bring relief Doves enter the story of our salvation in another way. As Jesus began His ministry right away. after His baptism by John, the Holy Spirit descended on Him “like a dove.” Thus Jesus Trusting the Lord completely and was visibly anointed “with the Holy Spirit and power” (Acts 2:38) so that He might yielding to His sovereign power has to fulfill His ministry as the promised Messiah. And when it was time for the up building be our guiding principle. That is what we of Jesus’ church to be continued by His followers, the Holy Spirit again descended can learn from King David whose visibly – this time as tongues of fire on the disciples on Pentecost Day. prayers in the Psalms provide a The Holy Spirit continues to descend upon God’s people in Christ. Although we wonderful pattern for us to follow. He may not see it happen visibly today, we are assured that it is happening. As Peter faced many dire situations, yet continued wrote, “The Spirit of glory and of God rests on you” (1 Peter 4:14). And Paul wrote, to turn to God each time in his distress. “You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit” (Rom. 8:9). To be sure, he first started by telling the At your baptism, the Holy Spirit also descended upon you. Each day, pray the Lord the great challenges he was facing and the fears for his life, but he always God’s Holy Spirit may enter your heart and bring that peace that surpasses all ended by acknowledging God’s great understanding. That is God’s gift to you each and every day. power to turn things around, to save him, recounting his character as by Carol Steficik, Parish Nurse gracious, good, and showing Not for Sissies lovingkindness to all who call on Him. Whoever called aging the "golden years" was under the age of 50! Here are some Knowing who God is will enable us to things you may not realize happens as you age: 1) your immune system declines, 2) trust Him through the crises of our life. muscles lose strength, flexibility & endurance, 3) your circulatory system changes, 4) Because He is faithful, we believe that he your sensory perceptions decline (vision, taste, hearing, smell), 5) there is slower will keep His promises. His holiness neuronal transmission in the brain (takes longer to remember), 6) your skin is thinner causes us to examine our life and repent and less elastic, 7) your hair thins and your nails become thicker and yellowish. of any sins that are a hindrance to So what can we do? You can slow the aging process by: 1) staying physically active answered prayers. If we are harboring and being careful to prevent falls, 2) eating a healthy diet concentrating on fruits, the sin of pride or self-reliance, our vegetables and lean meats, 3) drinking lots of fluids, 4) keeping your mind engaged prayers will not align with God’s will. and challenged, 5) staying on top of health issues and seeing a doctor promptly if Before coming to the Lord with our needed, 6) avoiding emotional stressors, 7) being social, worshipful, prayerful and petitions, we must first confess our sins, seeking God daily in His Word! break away from them, and turn completely and humbly towards God in total dependence on him, trusting that it is He who provides all our needs. Prayer is an amazing privilege by which God involves us as He accomplishes His will in our lives and Treasurer’s Report those we care about. During hardships by Arlin Bates, Treasurer and trouble, we come to Him in weakness and helplessness, asking for July 2019 Year-to-Date 2019 His aid, strength, and guidance. Then He BUDGET ACTUAL BUDGET ACTUAL answers according to His good and Receipts $ 56,479 $ 49,579 Receipts $486,578 $498,190 perfect will. Praise, honor, and glory be Expenses $ 68,908 $ 68,292 Expenses $483,292 $470,842 to our awesome God!

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September 2019

LWML Update by Rita Grover, LWML President Bells and Voices by Roger Wayne Hicks, Choir Director

th In June I was blessed to attend the 38 Biennial LWML Convention in Mobile, The Crown of Life Handbell Ringers Alabama. It was a time of hearing amazing stories of how God’s Message is being and the Crown of Life Choir will soon spread throughout the world, singing, praising, and worship. There were 3,127 be ringing and singing the Good News people in attendance, what a glorious and inspiring experience it is to hear that in worship! Thursday, September 19 is many voices singing How Great Thou Art. Delegates elected new officers and the "kick-off" rehearsal for both groups. adopted a $2,100,000 mission goal for the 2019-2021 biennium. If you would like COL Handbell Ringers will meet at to see the 21 mission grants that will be funded please go to www.lwml.org. These 2:00 in Parish Hall. Everyone who was a are the grants that are funded by the Mites. Here at Crown of Life the Mite box is member of the group last season PLUS set out at the Information Center in the Narthex the first weekend of the month, people who have an interest in but it can be found on the shelf in the Chapel all other times. It is checked becoming a handbell ringer are urged to regularly so, you are encouraged to use it whenever it is convenient for you. attend this first rehearsal. COL Choir will begin its 2019/'20 I will have a detailed report of my Convention experience available at our first season at 3:30 on the 19th in the Music meeting on Tuesday, October 8. Please put this date on your calendar and plan to Room. All current members PLUS attend. We will plan the next 6 months activities and really would love new ideas, additional singers are invited to be part projects, and/ or speakers. Sue Schultz will be at the meeting to accept the of this opening rehearsal. ingathering and to give us an update of the exciting things happening at the Preschool. MUSICAL CHRISTMAS Our congregation has an opportunity to help Surprise Christian Preschool in CELEBRATION 2019 Surprise. It is a state licensed preschool that is serving 3, 4, and 5 year olds. The INTRODUCTORY REHEARSAL teachers are passionate about and committed to providing these preschoolers Thursday, September 26 with an exceptional educational experience strongly rooted in Christian teachings. 4:00 - 5:00 If it touches your heart to help these children and teachers with some every day In the Music Room supplies please check out the list of items found at the Information Center in the Narthex. There will be a box in the Narthex by the doors that you may place your Regular choir members plus gift beginning September 14 until October 7. If you would prefer giving a gift additional singers are invited card: Target, Sam’s Club, Supermarket (Fry’s etc.), Dollar Store, or Walmart Cards would be helpful. If you prefer giving a check please make it out to Surprise Christian Preschool. Please keep all the women of our congregation in your prayers, as we go about Dinner for 6 Signups spreading the Love of Christ around the world with special projects and mites. Begin Here’s a chance to get to know your COL church family. Signups for Dinner for 6 for the months of October, November and December begin NOW. Stop by the Information Center to sign up to be a part of this fun activity. Questions? Call Judith Axelson (623.584.3839).

In the Mailbag Thank you all so much for all your prayers, well wishes, cards and kind thoughts during my last surgery. Your prayers certainly have been answered for my successful surgery and speedy recovery. It is wonderful to belong to such a loving and caring family of Christians. Many blessings to each of you. Jan Drake

A warm thank you to Pastors Phill, Gary, Ron and all of my fellow Christians at COL for your prayers and concern for my well being. Through Christ and your prayers we beat the devil down. I am so grateful to my Lord and Savior. A special thank you to Nurse Carol for her visits and conversations as I was healing. Respectfully and faithfully yours, Sherie Schultz

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September 2019

Altar Flowers Seek Comfort, Peace and Joy cont’d from page 3 by Florella Denzin, Chairman with their lives after experiencing crushing pain, loss and disappointment. Only God’s by Roger Hicks, church can call on every resource God has put at our disposal to heal from the blows Another year has rolled by for me we experience by living in a broken world. personally. September is school time. Here at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, we offer several care ministries to support We here at COL will be learning from and walk alongside you as you strive to heal and recover from emotional, spiritual, our special teachers and pastors. and physical wounds. These ministries include our GriefCare Ministry, Stephen One of my favorite Bible teaching is Ministry, Prayer Ministry, and Nurse Carol’s special programs. Our pastors are always John 15:5. “I am the vine, you are the on hand to provide support and guidance. branches. If a man remains in Me and I This fall the GriefCare Ministry will present our “Loss of a Spouse Seminar” on in him, he will bear much fruit; apart Wednesday , September 4 from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM in the Chapel. If you are from Me you can do nothing.” grieving the loss of your spouse, please join us for this encouraging seminar. At this You have the reputation of vine seminar you will gain insight into: clingers and then producing beautiful flowers just like our florist Four  How to handle overwhelming emotions Seasons provides. We thank the summer givers for  Where to find the strength to go on adorning our Altar!  What to expect in the days to come  How to grieve in a way that’s healthy and suited to you  Biblical principles that help you deal with your grief

September Altar Our 13-week GriefCare program “Your Journey from Mourning to Joy,” will start the following Wednesday on September 11, from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM. This program Flowers will provide ongoing support to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This program covers every aspect of grief Christian professionals, counselors and experts Aug 31-Sept 1 deem necessary to address in order to fully heal and move forward. Jerry & Florella Denzin, in In each session, we will view a video that features the advice of Christian counselors celebration of Florella’s birthday, and pastors and hear the stories of others who have lost loved ones and what Labor Day remembrance, and encouraged and helped them to heal. Following the video we will have small group blessings on schools discussions focusing on what we learned from the video that we can apply to our own recovery efforts and discuss any questions and concerns we may have. There is Sept 8-9 no requirement to share. Those who do not wish to share can benefit greatly from Willie & Joyce Lundquist, in listening to others in the group. celebration of their 62nd wedding You will receive workbooks in both the Loss of a Spouse Seminar and our 13-week anniversary session that will help you place your life into perspective and determine priorities as you work through this difficult, overwhelming and often disorienting time. The Sept 8-9 workbooks contain helpful and encouraging exercises for you to read, work through, Barbara Seyferth, in loving and apply to your personal situation. memory of husband Blaine For more information and to register for these sessions, please call Christine Escobar at 623.218.6793 or email [email protected] . Sept 15-16 Cora Weiss, in loving memory of husband Phil

Sept 29-30 Dave & Judy Brodzeller, in celebration of their 15th wedding anniversary

continued from page 2 Sept 29-30 President’s Message Larry & Nee Hieb, in celebration of their 46th wedding anniversary glory of God, without interruption, forever and ever! There will never be anticipation of sorrow or disappointment or fear or killing or dying or death. The agonies and intrusion of this world’s godlessness will never be again. In Christ the victory is ours! This world’s thinking apart from God and its pursuit of godlessness is momentary “blah, blah, blah.” Jay Nelson, President

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September 2019

Servants Happy Birthday Senior Pastor Rev. Phill Robbins 1 Donna Dempsey 25 Jean Lange Assisting Pastor Rev. Gary Smith 1 Florella Denzin 25 Doris Leibbrandt Pastoral Assistants 1 Audrey Harpt 25 Marian Smith Rev. Vern Ermeling, Rev. Roland Kroll, 1 Jan Knutsen 26 Jean Ohlde Rev. Ron Luedemann, Rev. Ray Mirly 1 Gene Koester 27 Dewitt Hoopes ELDERS 1 Jay Nelson 27 Jan Tvinnereim (4:00) Harry Bernhardt, Ed Kristof, 1 Lorry Neuman 28 Carolyn Ziegler Tom Mertins, Duane Rawson 1 Melvin Nicholson 30 Ron Majka (9:00) Harry Bernhardt, Ed Kristof, 2 Lynda Frankeberger 30 Vicky Mork Tom Leshney, Tom Mertins 2 Bob Labus 30 Jan Seaman TRUSTEES 2 Marlene Peterson (4:00) Reg Trevisan 2 Don Rasmussen (9:00) Emil Tomazin 2 Merv Tvinnereim Happy Anniversary ALTAR GUILD 3 Susie Tomaszewski 1 Al & Ginny McDuffee (4:00) Arline Orchowski, 4 Teri Ziert Nada Workman 2 Arlin & Lynn Bates 5 Richard Anderson 4 Paul & Martha Plapp (9:00) Kathy Beilstein, Ginger Stribling 5 Richard Clancy GREETERS 4 Walter & Phyllis Sullivan 6 Jan Rittmaster 5 Dan & Mary Mehner (4:00) Nora Mara, Carol Sandman, 6 David Toepel Karen Sheppard 7 Willie & Joyce Lundquist 7 Jim Haar 7 Joe & Connie Rau (9:00) Jerry & Audrey Harpt, 7 Merle Huff Tom & Lola Leshney, 9 Don & Marlie Abrahamson 7 Mike Krischler 11 Paul & Sue Stuempfig Paul & Judith Schmidt 8 Earle Denny GUEST BOOK 19 Ed & Liz Crabbe 8 Joyce Lundquist 20 Ben & Joan Stepanian (4:00) Pat Coyle (9:00) Jean Mroz 8 Merv Schmidt FLOWERS 22 Jack & Pat Coyle 9 Deb Christ 23 Emil & Jan Seaman Florella Denzin, Jan Drake, 9 Joann Jones Vicki Jolin, Sheila Mecham, 25 Merle & Carol Huff 11 John Obradovich 26 Gene & Judith Axelson April Karen 2019Murphy, Darlene McAfee, 12 Dave DuRocher Denise Tevarrow, Jan Tvinnereim, 27 Leonard & Shirley Swartz 12 Sue Hood 29 Dave & Donna Roeker Cora Weiss 14 Marv Dietrich SOUND TECHNICIANS 14 Steve Franke Paul Stuempfig, Coordinator 14 Dave Jones (Sat) Joe Jellison, Dave Sawyer 14 Joyce Nance (Sun) Bruce Borchert, Dave Brodzeller, 14 Carolyn Obradovich Gerry Harpt, Mike Krischler, 15 Ilene Kuebler Tom Mertins, Ron Schumann, 16 Jim Bor Paul Stuempfig 16 Jeff Grover SCREENS - Tom Mertins, Coordinator 16 Wes Horen TELLERS – Ken Warren, MaryAnn Cate, 16 Donna Koelling Sheila Mecham, 16 Shirley Koester Joining the Church Duane & Orv Neal, Ben Snyder 16 Joe Natale Trimphant Subs – Ken Grover, 18 Eric Jager

Sandy Warren, Chuck Wasem 19 Ron Christ Crown of Life members who recently were VIDEO TECHNICIANS 19 Jerry Roe called home to Heaven are: Darlene & Wiley McAfee 20 Kathleen Johnson

USHERS 21 Lane Landercasper (4:00) Don & Judy Johnson, 22 Geraldine Hastings Ruth Skriden – May 22 Al & Jan Knutsen, 22 Maurine Longstreth Desi Stewart – June 10 Evelin Lackey, Dave Sawyer 23 Pat Achtenberg Irene Taplin – June 21 (9:00) Dick Anderson, team captain; 23 Jean Majka Tim Aden, Arlin Bates, Cheryl 24 Karen Stine We celebrate the victory won for all the Bernhardt, Joel Block, Bev 25 Joyce Hassan faithful dead, but we grieve for our beloved Bristow, Ken & Laurel Coffman, 25 Sherrie Jessen as well, knowing that God honors our tears. Gary Frankeberger, Larry Jessen, 25 Kathy Labus Bob Mansfield, Allan McDuffee, Henry & Dene Munzinger, Don Nicolay, Dick Rittmaster, Sue Warwick 7

Crown of Life Lutheran Church NON-PROFIT ORG 13131 Spanish Garden Drive U S POSTAGE Sun City West, AZ 85375 SUN CITY, AZ www.colchurch.com PERMIT NO 338

CURRENT RESIDENT OR . . .

September 2019

What DOES the Future Look Like? continued from cover

Consider, however, a future use of that income: twenty years hence, the parish may well need income from that fund to help support the ministry staff, considering that the worshipping population of the church may shrink during the decades to come.

So here is the Ask: Will you please consider to 1) continue to support our church as generously as you have and do, and 2) will you please make provision in your estate to make a gift to the Endowment Fund of this church?

I just heard some snort and say heck no, we don’t need that now.

And you’re right, WE don’t need it, now. But look out into the world, watch the news. Are times becoming more stable, or less? Is the Christian church under more attack, or less now? Our seminaries are graduating historically low numbers of men preparing for parish work. Will it be easier in the future to support a ministry staff at Crown of Life, or can you imagine that the challenges of Biblical ministry will increase?

All of that is why I make so bold as to prayerfully ask you to support our Endowment Fund. There are envelopes in your boxes for the purpose but – the longer term way to grow the Fund is to write it into our wills, we each of us having pretty well accounted for our current monthly spending, right? I’m happy at any time to discuss any of this privately, or course. My goal is to continue the stability we enjoy in our generation at Crown of Life into the coming generations.

Again, I thank you for your historic and ongoing Christian stewardship. To God be the glory for His provision of the gifts we all enjoy. Pastor Phill

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