FAITH Lutheran Church
Offering Christ-Centered Preschool and Childcare
4241 Williamson Road
P.O. Box 242
Bridgeport, MI 48722
Phone: 989-777-2600 Fax: 989-777-5069
E-Mail: faithluthchurch@sbcglobal.net Web: faithlutheranbridgeport.org
FOCUS ON FAITH
April, 2014
MISSION STATEMENT: In responding to God’s great love to us in Christ
Jesus, FAITH Lutheran Church dedicates itself to the continual growth of
Christ’s Church in Bridgeport, in all of Michigan and the United States of
America, and into all of the world through….
 Fellowshipping around the Gospel (Acts 2:42)
 Administering the Means of Grace (1 Cor. 4:1)
 Investing our time and talents (2 Cor. 9:7, 8)
 Teaching the Christian FAITH (2 Tim. 2:2)
 Helping those in need (Matt. 25:40)
Professional Staff:
Rev. William W. Hessler, Pastor, 989-497-0304,
E-Mail: pastorwwh@yahoo.com
Dan Felten, Teacher/St. Lorenz, 989-652-4561,
E-Mail: dfelten@stlorenz.org
Tania Lex, Preschool and Childcare Director, 989-777-2702
E-Mail:tlex0612@gmail.com
Sandy Stroup, Custodian, 989-770-9955
Barb Swanson, Secretary, 989-928-3915
FAITH Lutheran Church
April Worship Schedule
5 Midweek Lenten
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
7:00 p.m.
5 Lent
Sunday, April 6, 2014
8:00 a.m. H/C
10:30 a.m.
6 Midweek Lenten
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Palm Sunday
Sunday, April13, 2014
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m. H/C
Maundy Thursday
Thursday, April 17, 2014
7:00 p.m. H/C
Good Friday
Friday, April 18, 2014
7:00 p.m.
Easter Sonrise
Sunday, April 20, 2014
6:30 a.m. H/C
10:30 a.m. H/C
2 Easter
Sunday, April 27, 2014
8:00 a.m.
10:30 a.m. H/C
Monday, April 28, 2014
7:00 p.m.
*H/C Holy Communion
Baptized for This Moment - Immersed with New Life
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Baptized for This Moment – Immersed with New Life
Acts 2:38-39
April, 2014
From the Pastor
Dear Friends of FAITH:
Those two disciples from Emmaus were griefstricken after Jesus’ death, not even recognizing the risen Christ as he joined them on the
road. “We had hoped that [Jesus] was the one
who was going to redeem Israel” they confessed (Luke 24:21). Jesus gently chided them:
“How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to
believe all that the prophets have spoken”
(24:25). Then the Lord opened their minds as
He explained to them from Scripture why it
was necessary for Him to suffer, die and rise.
In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul explains how we have died to sin
and been raised with Christ to new life: “Don’t you know that all of us who
were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ
was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a
new life” (6:3-4).
We have been “Baptized for this Moment” (Acts 2:38-39), and have been
“Immersed with New Life.” However, like those Emmaus disciples, we sometimes let our doubts and fears get the better of us. We need Jesus to come,
walk beside us and open our minds to understand the Scriptures.
Those two disciples finally recognized Jesus
when He sat down to eat with them. Then they
understood: “Were not our hearts burning
within us while he talked with us on the road
and opened the Scriptures to us?” (Luke 24:32).
It is my prayer that as God’s people of FAITH
gather around His Word in worship, Bible
study, or personal devotions, that the risen
Christ join us and open our hearts to understand and take to heart His Word and put it
into practice in our daily lives as those who are
“Immersed with New Life” – Christ’s life!
Baptized for This Moment,
Pastor Hessler
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MARCH ADMINISTRATIVE
COUNCIL
ITEMS OF INTEREST
Pastor Hessler reported that he
spent 262 hours serving FAITH
during February. He told us that on
Maundy Thursday there will be first
communion for those Confirmands
currently attending the classes. Our annual Holy Week
Prayer Vigil is on Wednesday, April 16th from 8:00 am to
8:00 pm. A Gideon’s organization representative will speak
on April 6th.
It was the consensus of the Council that we take a
collection at the door on April 6th for the work the
Gideons do in distributing Bibles.
Dan Felten reported that eight Youth and two adults are
registered for the Youth Gathering on Mackinac Island this
summer.
Tania Lex, our Preschool/Childcare Director, reported on
our licensing renewal and a fire inspection report. She told
us that if we order the playground equipment at the
beginning of April, the cost would be approximately $8000.
We also need mulch to go under the equipment and
volunteers to spread it.
A motion was passed that we refer to our program
‘Preschool/Childcare’ instead of ‘Childcare/Preschool.’
Rich Lewis reported the elders acted on the transfer to
FAITH of Otto & Delores Archambeau from Messiah,
Saginaw and Kristian McNalley from Emmanuel, Cadillac.
Dennis and Wendylee Wieske have been referred to a local
church in their area. The elders also accepted the following
members of Christ Lutheran in Birch Run as Associate
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Members: Doc (David) Cook, Jill Eischer, Randy Eischer,
Rose Foster, Maxine Frounfelter, Skip (Howard) Frounfelter,
John Granger, Nancy Hillenbrand, the Rev. Richard
Hillenbrand, Jean Husen, Richard Husen, Steve Koehr,
Cotton (Floyd) Matzke, Veraline Matzke, Betty Moggo,
Debby Reithmeier, Donny Reithmeier, and Edna Walentovic.
Doug Williams reported that the Board of Christian
Education has elected Sandy Davis as their chairman. A
Call Committee will be meeting with Mike Bender, Principal
at St. Lorenz, to Call a teacher for FAITH to teach at St.
Lorenz.
Dwight McNally reported that the Preschool/Childcare
receipts through February totaled $15,279.30. Budget
receipts at the end of February were $511.50 ahead the
same period last year. Offerings through February are
already $10,397.62 behind budget requirements. Additional
debt offerings through February total $587.89. He asked for
volunteers to adopt an area of our church grounds to care
for it.
Louise Davis reported that Last Supper Drama will have
dress rehearsal on April 6th.
Sandy Stroup is planning to go on a Short Term eye-glass
ministry trip to Guatemala in June with MOST ministries.
Chelsey Klein just returned from a mission trip to Mexico.
Family Friendly Partners Network meeting on March 25th
at Bethlehem in Saginaw will be attended by Pastor Hessler
and a member of our Board of Christian Education.
Kevin Spencer reported on new resident notification.
A motion was passed that the Board of Christian
Education go ahead with this type of outreach program.
Compiled
by
Emy
Goodman, Secretary
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Serving at FAITH in April, 2014
Elders:
8:00 a.m. Ed Davis, Mike Dickhausen
10:30 a.m. Eric Davis, Glen Padgett, Doug Williams
Altar Guild: Mike Hastedt, Mary Sylvester, Dorothy Dedyne
Fellowship: Mary Ellis and Tillie Szaroletta
Ushers:
April 6
April 13
April 20
April 27
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 4
Kidz’ Word:
April 6
April 13
April 20
April 27
Elisa Solak
Kathy Harris
Pastor Hessler
Doug Williams
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Membership Statistics:
GAINS:
Archambeau, Delores & Otto
McNalley, Kristian
Associate Members:
Doc (David Cook), Jill Eischer, Randy Eischer, Rose Foster,
Maxine Frounfelter, Skip (Howard) Frounfelter, John
Granger, Nancy Hillenbrand, Rev. Richard Hillenbrand, Jean
Husen, Richard Husen, Steve Koehr, Cotton (Floyd) Matzke,
Veraline Matzke, Betty Moggo, Debby Reithmeier, Donny
Reithmeier, Edna Walentovic
Losses: (whereabouts unknown)
Billmeier, Jack
Bowns, Nancy, Amanda, Justine
Counts, Donald, Brittany, Ashley
Dortch, Nikki, Evan, Lilyana
Irwin, Angela, Izzabella
McNalley, Diana, Krystal, Jessica, Kayla
Nordquist, Jennifer
Oehlke, James
Pashak, Jennifer
Rodammer, Brian
Sanchez, Angela, Brodie, Kameron, Justin
Schroeder, Daniel
Soltow, Devin
Whiting, Michelle, Brandon, Will
Pine, Andrew, MacKenzie
Moved-No Transfer:
Wieske, Dennis & Wendylee
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Seasoned Citizens
Seasoned Citizens had their meeting and luncheon on
Thursday, March 13th. We will meet again on April 10th at
Noon. Please invite a guest. For more information call Geri
777-6191.

Sack Lunch Volunteers! Our next assembly date is
April 6th. We will assemble the sack lunches right after
the 8:00 am service. I will then deliver them to the
Rescue Mission. Kathy Harris
FAITH’s Gardens: Volunteers are needed to care for sections of
the church grounds. This would include planting flowers, weeding,
trimming and caring for the area through the gardening season.
For more information, contact Dwight McNally or Barb Swanson if
you would like to adopt a section.
Spring Yard Cleaning: Volunteers are needed to help with
picking up sticks and raking the church grounds for spring clean
up. If you are interested in spending time cleaning up around the
outside of the church or washing outside windows, please contact
Dwight McNally or Barb Swanson.
RADA Cutlery: We have an inquiry about placing another order.
If interested, check out the catalog on the Ladies Guild bulletin
board and order forms. Price will be less than listed. Place orders
in Charlene Bosquet’s box.
Church Store News: Next set-up at the Sharing Station will be
Sunday, April 6th between services. Easter, 1st communion,
Mother’s Day and Confirmation cards will be on sale for .50 each
as well as all-occasion cards.
Bridgeport Community Food Pantry: Our shelves are starting
to run low! Please consider donating non-perishable food items.
Food can be dropped off in the basket at the Sharing Station.
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April
Birthdays
1
2
3
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22
23
26
27
28
29
30
*Alyse Notter, George Pavlicek, Sr.,
Leah Grigonis
Donald Fischer II, James Streets
Roxanne Kern, Lynn Storrs
Kathleen Jordan, Aaron Schumann
*Lainey Alma
Erik Carter, Brandi Hannah
Jeffrey Kern
Edith DeCaire, Roberta Fent, Rachel Szaroletta
*Timothy Meyer
Ed Davis, Raymond Wolinski
Barb Bowns
*Caris Cancelli, Tom Gerken, Kathy Licht, Kyle Medearis,
Connie Powell, *Austin Reinbold, Caryn Priest
*Zachary Bowns, Catherine Pena, Patrick Phoenix
Michael Hastedt, Lynsay Weber
Craig Bowns, Patricia Murlick, Mark Reimer, Carolyn Wolinski
*Zachary Padgett, Barb Swanson, *Braylon Perez
Julie Felten, *Jacob Schluckebier
Joanie Hall
John Donahou
Jan Webb
Judy Becerril, *Kyle Brush, Joel Carter, Matthew Rosebrock,
Sarah McLean, Courtney Wood
Susan Lawcock, Carol Stuhr
*Children
Anniversaries
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25
29
30
Bob & LuAnn Ferchau
Glenn & Reyna Fitch
Rich & Vicki Lewis
Jim & Kathy Jordan
If we have missed anyone or made an error, please contact the church
office at 989-777-2600 or faithluthchurch@sbcglobal.net.
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FAITH Lutheran Church
Lenten Soup Suppers
Wednesday Evenings
5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
Lenten Worship Service
7:00 p.m.
APRIL HOSTS:
April 2nd
Childcare/Preschool
th
April 9
Youth Group
If you would like to bring a soup, sandwich, dessert or salad,
please sign the sheet on the counter in the narthex.
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Last Supper Drama:
Friday, April 11th -7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 12th -4:00 p.m.
Donations Needed:
Our presentation of The Last Supper Drama also includes foods
which were eaten in the time of Jesus’ life on earth. Sign-up sheets
are on the counter in the Narthex. Needed are:
Bags of Trail mix
Grapes
Cheese
Grape Juice
Plastic knives, spoons
Small Paper Plates
Olives (green & black)
Mini Bagels
Honey
Crackers
Clear Plastic Cups
Salmon Spread
Apples
Prunes
Cream Cheese
Dates
Apricots
If you are available to help in the following areas please see Louise
Davis or Mary Sylvester:
Make up
Set-up and Take Down of Stage
Serve Refreshments
Hang flyers around town or at your work place
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Everyone is Invited
to Join Us for
THE LAST SUPPER
LIVING DRAMATIZATION
at
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
4241 Williamson Road
Bridgeport, MI 48722
777-2600
Friday, April 11th
7:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 12th
4:00 p.m.
Free Will Offering
Refreshments will be served
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Habitat for Humanity 13th Annual Quilt Show & Silent
Auction: Featuring a Buy-it-Now Booth, all proceeds to
Saginaw Habitat for Humanity!
Friday, April 4 th 9-6,
Saturday, April 5th 9-6 and Sunday, April 6th 9-2, admission
is free. Our Saviour Lutheran Church Hemmeter Rd. at
Weiss, Saginaw.
A Tasty Way To Raise Dough: Join us on Thursday, April
10th from 5-9:00 p.m. to benefit M.O.S.T. Sandy Stroup, as
she is raising funds for the upcoming Mission Trip to
Guatemala in June. Uno Chicago Grill is located at 8975
Marketplace Drive in Birch Run, 20% of your bill, excluding
tip and tax will be donated to M.O.S.T. Please remember to
tear off the certificate on the inside cover of April’s Focus on
Faith or Sandy will not receive credit.
The Search for Jesus Easterwalk: Good Shepherd
Lutheran Church 5335 Brockway, Saturday, April 12 th at
4:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 18th 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
ST. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Richville will host a
Living Passion Drama on Wednesday, April 16 th, Good
Friday, April 18th and Saturday, April 19th. Please park next
to the school on M-15 in Richville from 6 to 9:00 p.m. This
is a continuous guided walk outdoors as you witness 8
scenes of the Lord’s Passion as a docu-drama.
Donations of candy are needed: We care accepting candy
donations for the Annual Sunday school Easter egg hunt and
to fill Preschool and Childcare baskets. Please drop off
donated candy at the Sharing Station. Thank You!
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WOMEN OF FAITH
Women of FAITH will meet on April 24th. The Board will meet at 5:30
p.m. and all the women at 6:30 p.m. The theme for April is ‘Immersed
with New Life – Easter Season.’ Louise Davis will speak on ‘God’s
Love and Wisdom Cures,’ the importance of natural food curing and/or
preventing illnesses. We will have a LWML Mite Box collection. We
will elect a new president and a recording secretary. If the Lord has
blessed and is calling you to serve the Women of FAITH in this way,
please talk to our Nominating Committee, Dearaine Gubbins or Mary
Sylvester.
We have a new Historian.
position. Thank you, Jill.
Jill Eischer has volunteered to fill this
Our Easter Giving Tree is set up. Please take a tag and bring the item
listed on it sometime before Easter. These gifts are for CAN (Child
Abuse and Neglect) Council of Saginaw.
Michigan District Biennial LWML Convention will be held in
Kalamazoo July 18th to 20th. Jill Eischer and Edna Walentovic are our
voting delegates. Sandy Stroup is the alternate. We are all invited to
attend the convention. See Sandy Stroup for a registration blank.
We welcome FAITHful Sew-ers as a standing committee.
Gary Thies, Director of Mission Central, sent a thank you for our
$125.00 gift. It has been applied to a new missionary family, Pastor Ed
and Cherie Auger, who are going to open a new mission field in
Honduras.
Important dates coming in April that involve the Women of FAITH:
Last Supper Drama on April 11th at 7:00 p.m. and on April
12th at 4:00 p.m.
Meal in the Upper Room on Maundy Thursday, April
17th at
7:00 p.m.
Remember your Secret Pal with prayers, cards, and/or small gifts.
Elisa Solak,
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President
Easter Offerings
During the Easter season, it is encouraging to see both new and
familiar faces at our worship services. Throughout the year, many
of you already support the congregation with your time, talent
and financial contributions but greater participation is always
welcome. We encourage you to look into our electronic giving
program. It takes just a few minutes to set up a recurring giving
plan. Contact the church office or Dwight Mc Nally for more
details or pick up an authorization form today.
Thinking about IRAs? Then think about CEF.
You can choose from many Church Extension
Fund investment plans, including CEF
Traditional and Roth IRA Accounts. You’ll
benefit from IRA tax-advantages while saving
and earning interest for your retirement. If you
transfer or roll over an account, there are no
transfer fees, service costs, or account charges, and CEF interest
rates are always competitive. More information and current
interest rates are available by calling 800-242-3944 and at
www.mi-cef.org
FAITH’s St. Lorenz 7th Grade Class Annual Bedding Plant
Sale! Gabby Harris, Brayden Garvin and Maddison Hoffmann
are currently selling plants to raise funds for their trip to
Washington. All orders must be placed before Friday, May 9th.
Please see the order forms located at the Sharing Station to place
your order.
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Preschool/Childcare Pages
Faith Lutheran Preschool and Childcare is now
enrolling! We currently have space in our infant
and toddler classroom and in our preschool
classroom. (There is a 2-day minimum enrollment.)
We are in the process of planning a fun summer camp
program for children up to 5th grade. Additional information
will go out closer to the summer. If you are interested,
please provide your email address and phone number.
Our preschool program will be opening up a new classroom
in September. This opens up space for 18 additional
preschool aged children next year. Don't wait to secure your
child's spot for next year! If you are interested, or know of
someone who is, please do not hesitate to contact Tania Lex
at (989) 777-2702 or at Tlex0612@gmail. 15% discount for
Faith Lutheran Church members!
Mom 2 Mom Sale: Faith Preschool and Childcare will be
hosting a sale on Saturday, April 26th from 10-4. Table
rentals are available to sell gently used baby and children’s
items. We are also accepting donations of baby and
children’s items to sell during the sale if you do not want to
rent a table. All proceeds from donated items will go
towards the new preschool playground. If you would like to
donate items, please label them as “donations for the mom
2 mom sale” and place them in the fellowship hall behind
the blue curtain. For more information or a table rental
form, please pick up the “Mom 2 Mom Sale” packet from
the Sharing Station or your church mailbox or contact Tania
Lex at tlex0612@gmail.com or 777-2702.
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