The Congregational Connection

The Congregational Connection

Welcome To Our Staff!

Rev. John Hugus, is serving as our interim pastor through October 31st. Pastor Hugus also serves at St. Matthews while they are in the call process and is active in the National Guard once a month. If pastoral care is needed, Pastor Hugus can be reached at 699-0323 or (if you email him please put Lord of Life in the subject line) or you can call the church office at 285-5347.

Katie Bonfanti, is our new lead musician. She will also be starting an internship this month and teaches piano lessons too.

Vacation Bible School

Thank you especially Leann Wiggins for coordinating VBS again this year and Cathy Wiggins/Mary Grietens for preparing the meals for the kids and adults. We extend thanks to all those who helped in anyway with VBS whether it was cleaning the pavilion, hanging and taking down decorations, sharing bible stories, crafts, and games and many other tasks that needed to be done. Without all your help it would not have been possible!

Sunday School “Rally Day” is Coming Soon!

Watch the bulletin for more details.

Ministry Highlights

August 2 BEAM Sunday

1:00 p.m. Soup Kitchen/Woody Team

August 9 Deadline BEAM Back to School Items

August 12 6:30 p.m. Ladies Night Out/Al’s Pizza

August 16 Deadline BEAM Food Pantry

August 17 7:00 p.m. Church Council Meeting

August 23 4:30 p.m. Back to School Splash Bash at St. Matthews

Ladies Night Out

Ladies, come join us for an evening of good food and fellowship. We will gather on Wednesday, August 14th (note day change for the summer) at 6:30 for dinner at Al’s Pizza on A1A across from the elementary schools. Beginning in September LNO will change to the 2nd Thursday of the month to allow more people to join us. Let Deb Nye (716-8747) know if you plan to attend.

Next Month: September 10, 6PM Ladies Night Out White Elephant Exchange will be held at Sarah's: 10 Kingfish Ave in Dolphin Cove, Ponte Vedra. For the exchange, wrap up a "White Elephant" …anything you currently have that you no longer want…so it can be traded in the same manner we do the Christmas Ornament Exchange. To be sure there is plenty of food for this event, It is imperative to have a head count because ALL food and drink will be provided. Please RSVP no later than Sunday, September 6 to Sarah at or 285-3651 or 285-2626. You could also let Deb know using the church email address or church phone.

You can pick up a map to Sarah's at the Pavilion. Parking is available in Sarah's driveway, in the driveway across the street at the empty house, in Verna Horn’s driveway and possibly another driveway will be available. This information will be included on the map.

One more thing…Sarah welcomes anyone who is available to help with the preparations and cooking. Please let her know ASAP.

Serving Sunday Mornings

Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. 1 Corinthians 4:1

God is calling each disciple to take an active part in worship -- set up, clean up, reader, communion assistant, usher, music, host, refreshments, Sunday School, counters. Come share in the joy of serving and ministry to others. A sign-up sheet is located near the bulletins as you come in, it’s very helpful to know ahead of time who is serving each week. Thank you to all that serve!

Soup Kitchen

On the first Sunday of every month, Lord of Life plans, cooks, and serves the afternoon meal at the Soup Kitchen in Jacksonville Beach from 1:00-approx 4:30 p.m. This month is Team B’s responsibility, under the direction of Rick & Kristen (Bankert) Woody, next month (September) Team A is under the direction of Floyd and Cathy Wiggins. Team A & B alternate every month. Approximately 60 homeless people are served each Sunday. Serving at the Soup Kitchen has been a long-standing ministry of Lord of Life and has changed the lives of many people. If you can help please speak to the Wiggins or the Woodys.

Florida-Georgia Blood Alliance

The Florida Georgia Blood Alliance has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 11th from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Lord of Life is hoping to reach a goal of 8 units of blood. A pint of blood can save five lives. We also have invited Bethel Synagogue to join us for the blood drive. If you have any questions, please contact Kristen Bankert at 465-1366. Thank you!

Parish News

Congratulations to Heather Wiggins and Tommy Shin on the birth of their daughter, Abby Elizabeth Shin. She was born Saturday, August 1st, weighing 7lbs. 6 ozs., 19 ½ inches long. The proud grandparents are Floyd and Cathy Wiggins, Abby also has a sister, Emma and brother, Christian.

Birthdays Anniversaries

8/01 Mario Bianchi 8/13 Erik Sander 8/19 Ron & Gloria Case

8/02 Wende Larrimore 8/14 Brenda Braatz 8/30 Joey & Cindy Kaleel

8/02 Alyson Sonnenwald 8/14 Roy Lewis

8/10 Corey Plumlee 8/20 Renee Farrell

Back to School Splash Bash

First Coast Conference Youth

(Youth from 6th to 12th Grade)

Are invited to a Splash Bash

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church

(6801 Merrill Rd. Jacksonville, FL 32277)
on
Sunday, August 23, 4:30 —6:30 p.m.
** Water themed study, games, and fun **

Bring a towel and a friend!

RSVP by Wed. August 19th to Ashley Parsons

at 904-744-5333

Event