News

May 25, 1997…my Ordination and Installation Sunday. I had been called to serve as the first called pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church of Festus, Missouri. New Hope was a struggling mission congregation. But on this day the little church building was filled with joy and excitement. My mentor from Concordia Seminary, Rev. Dr. Glenn Nielsen, was giving the sermon. Rev. Ray Mirly, my Vicarage Supervisor would ordain me and install me as pastor. Three of my classmates from Seminary, who would come to be dear friends, were able to attend with their dear, sweet wives. And, of course, Sherri and the kids were there with family from Arizona who had flown out for the special occasion.

So much has happened in the past 11 years. Since that first Sunday in Festus, I’ve been privileged to also serve a congregation in South Carolina and now here at LICL. In that time Sherri and I have made many friends. We’ve been blessed again and again by precious saints in Christ who have loved and cared for us. Rarely has there been a dull moment while serving the Lord’s people.

My first baptism was an older woman who went through adult confirmation. First funeral was the father of one of the members of the church. The wedding I performed almost didn’t happen. The groom forgot to pick up the marriage license! Fortunately someone knew someone who knew someone who worked at the County office. They fetched the license and the wedding took place. I still believe the Lord had a hand in straightening out that mess!

The first time I led a worship service in a house was January 16, 2005 – my first Sunday at LICL. I was a little apprehensive; I didn’t know how well I’d do after having spent almost four years preaching in a beautiful sanctuary on Hilton Head Island. I needn’t have been concerned. I came to love preaching in our little “house of worship.” Our close quarters made for wonderful worship and fellowship.

Now we are finally in our new facility. Like a new car, we’ve given the building a pretty thorough “test drive.” We’re really blessed, aren’t we? We’ve already held one special event – the LWM Fashion Show – and that really went well. The Dedication Service was an event we all will never forget. More and more we can see so many ways our new building can be used for worship, study, outreach and fellowship.

11 years ago I couldn’t have imagined that the Lord would lead Sherri and me back to the Valley of the Sun…back to be with family and friends…back here to serve as pastor of LICL. I can’t praise the Lord enough for His love in Christ and for His blessing on my ministry. And I can’t thank all of you enough for your love and support. And I can’t wait to see what the Lord does in the next 11 years!

All those who attended the Mother & Daughter Gala on May 10^th not only enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by the Board of LWM but also enjoyed a fashion show by New to U Fashions by Denise. Many “thanks” to all of our models….Sally Sievert, Mary Croushore, Cathy Danzinger, Judy Allen, Nicole Lingenfelter, Kelcy Lingenfelter, Katie Carollo, Ilse Bernal and Mariah DeJovine. You gals looked great!

June 14^th……is the last LWM Monthly Meeting of this 2007 – 2008 season. Please join us in the education building at 9 am for fellowship and continental breakfast. The revealing of our Secret Sisters will take place and the election of three LWM Officers. A nominating committee has been formed to fill these positions. Being a part of the LWM Board is not only a wonderful way to build relationships with other Sisters in Christ but an opportunity to express God’s love to those in need.

See you all once again in September of 2008

Ongoing throughout the summer months…….

Food Pantry Sunday will continue each 1^st Sunday of the month for the collection of non-perishable food items for the Lutheran Food Pantry.

Mites will continue to be collected on the 1^st Sunday of the month.

Stamps for Missions – we are still requesting that you save your cancelled stamps; trim the stamp from the envelope, ¼ inch from the stamp perforated edge and drop them in the Stamp Box each 1^st Sunday of the month.

Did you hear that we have a new official name? .....Gifts from the Heart was chosen for our group of women who will be joining together every 4^th Saturday of each month to use their talents and gifts to support mission needs within our community.

We will meet again on Saturday, June 28^th from 8am to 12 noon in the education building. There is a task for everyone – just come and be a part of the fellowship and enjoy learning from each other and from our teacher, Joann Shiber.



	Life In Christ Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
	News Items - June 2008 JUST A THOUGHT ……..from Pastor Spicer May 25, 1997…my Ordination and Installation Sunday. I had been called to serve as the first called pastor of New Hope Lutheran Church of Festus, Missouri. New Hope was a struggling mission congregation. But on this day the little church building was filled with joy and excitement. My mentor from Concordia Seminary, Rev. Dr. Glenn Nielsen, was giving the sermon. Rev. Ray Mirly, my Vicarage Supervisor would ordain me and install me as pastor. Three of my classmates from Seminary, who would come to be dear friends, were able to attend with their dear, sweet wives. And, of course, Sherri and the kids were there with family from Arizona who had flown out for the special occasion. So much has happened in the past 11 years. Since that first Sunday in Festus, I’ve been privileged to also serve a congregation in South Carolina and now here at LICL. In that time Sherri and I have made many friends. We’ve been blessed again and again by precious saints in Christ who have loved and cared for us. Rarely has there been a dull moment while serving the Lord’s people. My first baptism was an older woman who went through adult confirmation. First funeral was the father of one of the members of the church. The wedding I performed almost didn’t happen. The groom forgot to pick up the marriage license! Fortunately someone knew someone who knew someone who worked at the County office. They fetched the license and the wedding took place. I still believe the Lord had a hand in straightening out that mess! The first time I led a worship service in a house was January 16, 2005 – my first Sunday at LICL. I was a little apprehensive; I didn’t know how well I’d do after having spent almost four years preaching in a beautiful sanctuary on Hilton Head Island. I needn’t have been concerned. I came to love preaching in our little “house of worship.” Our close quarters made for wonderful worship and fellowship. Now we are finally in our new facility. Like a new car, we’ve given the building a pretty thorough “test drive.” We’re really blessed, aren’t we? We’ve already held one special event – the LWM Fashion Show – and that really went well. The Dedication Service was an event we all will never forget. More and more we can see so many ways our new building can be used for worship, study, outreach and fellowship. 11 years ago I couldn’t have imagined that the Lord would lead Sherri and me back to the Valley of the Sun…back to be with family and friends…back here to serve as pastor of LICL. I can’t praise the Lord enough for His love in Christ and for His blessing on my ministry. And I can’t thank all of you enough for your love and support. And I can’t wait to see what the Lord does in the next 11 years! Peace in Christ, Pastor George Spicer All those who attended the Mother & Daughter Gala on May 10^th not only enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by the Board of LWM but also enjoyed a fashion show by New to U Fashions by Denise. Many “thanks” to all of our models….Sally Sievert, Mary Croushore, Cathy Danzinger, Judy Allen, Nicole Lingenfelter, Kelcy Lingenfelter, Katie Carollo, Ilse Bernal and Mariah DeJovine. You gals looked great! June 14^th……is the last LWM Monthly Meeting of this 2007 – 2008 season. Please join us in the education building at 9 am for fellowship and continental breakfast. The revealing of our Secret Sisters will take place and the election of three LWM Officers. A nominating committee has been formed to fill these positions. Being a part of the LWM Board is not only a wonderful way to build relationships with other Sisters in Christ but an opportunity to express God’s love to those in need. See you all once again in September of 2008 Ongoing throughout the summer months……. Food Pantry Sunday will continue each 1^st Sunday of the month for the collection of non-perishable food items for the Lutheran Food Pantry. Mites will continue to be collected on the 1^st Sunday of the month. Stamps for Missions – we are still requesting that you save your cancelled stamps; trim the stamp from the envelope, ¼ inch from the stamp perforated edge and drop them in the Stamp Box each 1^st Sunday of the month. NEW MISSION OUTREACH GROUP! Quilters, Crocheters and Knitters Did you hear that we have a new official name? .....Gifts from the Heart was chosen for our group of women who will be joining together every 4^th Saturday of each month to use their talents and gifts to support mission needs within our community. We will meet again on Saturday, June 28^th from 8am to 12 noon in the education building. There is a task for everyone – just come and be a part of the fellowship and enjoy learning from each other and from our teacher, Joann Shiber. Would you like to know more about this group??? Please call Call Joann Shiber (623-337-0850) or Judy Allen (623-334-4269) Newsletters (Adobe Acrobat Format) June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008
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