Lampstand June 2023

University Evangelical Lutheran Church

and Campus Ministry

The Lampstand - June 2023

Our Mission

UELC's Mission:

To Embrace and Share the Love of God in Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit Empowers us.

UELC's Guiding Principles:

Jesus is our Lord and Saviour; therefore, we are to:

Worship God in inspiring, diverse, and creative ways
Be a community engaged in spiritual practices that attune us to the Holy Spirit's guidance for our living
Welcome all people in their diversity to worship, learn, and serve with us
Be a safe place to learn, explore, and debate
Be generous stewards of the gifts God has given each of us to bless others and care for the natural world
Continue outreach to, and further develop connections with, the academic communities of Alachua County
Affirm human rights and work for social justice

Pastor's Corner

President's Notes

Dear UELC family,

The council met on May 23^rd via Zoom to conduct the monthly meeting.

As I mentioned at the congregational feedback session held on May 21^st after worship, the council continues to work through the “Transition Process Checklist”, as outlined by the Synod, prior to the election of a call committee. For anyone interested, a copy of the checklist can be found on the Florida-Bahamas Synod website, (https://fbsynod.com/resources/transitions/ ).

Many of the action items are complete and the council has a clear outline of the remaining tasks and who is being asked to complete those tasks. The Financial Action Team (FAT) will be responsible for several items and we are hopeful all the items can be completed by no later than July and we can proceed with electing a call committee shortly thereafter.

The FAT has recommended, and council has approved the recommendation, that the call of a part time pastor be considered based on the available financial resources of the congregation. Further, the FAT recommends a search for a part-time professional leader who would direct the Campus Young Adult Ministry (CYAM). We are grateful to Pastor Lynn who continues to lead and guide our congregation during this time of transition.

Warm regards,

Becky Borgert

June Servants

Sunday, June 4

Preacher: Pr. Lynn Fonfara

Assisting Minister: Sam Borgert

Altar Guild: Elaine Manion

Lector: Sandy Bauldree

Ushers: Phil Noss, Ron Fourman

Sound Assistant: Melissa Singer

Video Assistant: Wilson Matungwa

Sunday, June 11

Preacher: Pr. Lynn Fonfara

Assisting Minister: Pat Dasler

Altar Guild: Jackie Klein

Lector: Sam Brill

Ushers: Ron Fourman, Ron Gordon

Sound Assistant: Melissa Singer

Video Assistant: Wilson Matungwa

Sunday, June 18

Preacher: Pr. Lynn Fonfara

Assisting Minister: Ron Bauldree

Altar Guild: Joan Anderson

Lector: Rick Dienhart

Ushers: Jeanne Chamberlin, John MontMarquette

Sound Assistant: Amy Schirmer

Video Assistant: Wilson Matungwa

Sunday, June 25

Preacher: Pr. Lynn Fonfara

Assisting Minister: Sam Borgert

Altar Guild: Pat Dasler

Lector: Sandy Bauldree

Ushers: Roger Springfels, Andy Noss

Sound Assistant: Amy Schirmer

Video Assistant: Wilson Matungwa

UELC People

Thank you Mikayla for your kind service, and Godspeed!

Thanks Due

In fitting remembrance of Kathy Brill and Cecilia Noss, memorial funds have been provided for much-needed repair of several altar cloths. Vibeke Vala has employed her remarkable sewing skills to fixed new backings on many of the embroidered cloths. Individually designed cloths are of different colors appropriate for each season of the church year and some are quite bulky. Her work, though largely unseen, is largely appreciated! In addition, Vibeke has worked to remove candle-wax from a number of pew cushions these past months. You may recall that Vibeke replaced all of our worn cushions just a few years ago! Thank you!

Socialize with UELC

You can help University Lutheran reach more people in our community by following our social media profiles. The more people engage with our posts by liking them, writing comments, and sharing them, the more people will see what we are posting and sharing!

On Facebook, like our page at www.facebook.com/UELCGainesville

On Instagram, follow our brand new campus ministry @campusministry_ulc

Offering Direct Deposits

It is Sunday morning and you are on your way to church. Part way there you remember you have not written a check for the offering plate.

It is another Sunday morning and you are sitting in the sanctuary you write a check and slowly you attempt to remove your check from your check book as quietly as possible.

It is another Sunday at church and you realize that your offering check and envelope remain at home on your dresser.

These are some of the ways that the use of direct deposit helps UELC to receive consistent income to pay its bills.

If you wish to learn more about the use of direct deposit, contact Jim Yale to get set up.

LIFT

Due to the Covid pandemic LIFT (Lutherans In Fellowship Together) has not met for its monthly potluck luncheons for the past two years. We plan on restarting the luncheons by the summer of this new year. Of course, that depends on a lessening of the impact that Covid-19 and it many variants have on our lives. Let us all be responsible and stay safe.

Ron Bauldree

LIFT coordinator

The Bee

The Bee is now meeting in person each Tuesday from 11:30 – 1:00. Some weeks there is a special project to complete. Every week there is a devotion, update on the Right to Read and great fellowship. Most bring something for lunch to have while we meet. The May 30^th meeting was held at Gethsemane Lutheran Church. All are welcome. Come and try it out!

Village of Hope

Thank you to all who have renewed their sponsorship for 2023. There are now 15 students that are being sponsored. There is still time to renew or begin a new sponsorship. It remains at $480 for the year or $40 each month. Checks made out to UELC can be placed in the offering but be sure to put VOH sponsorship on the memo line.

Our Pastor and Staff

Pastor Lynn Fonfara

Pastor, Congregation and Campus Ministry

[email protected]

Amy Schirmer

Music Ministry Coordinator

Mikayla Kreider

Pianist

Evelyn Simmons

Secretary

[email protected]