Our Savior’s
IN
ANOTHER
T URE ONE E O F C H R IS
T
S H IP GOD, NU R E LOV
IS T O W O R T W IT H T H
O U R M IS S IO
N RE ACH OU U R N E IG H B
ORS.
S H IP A N D
C H R IS T IA N FELLOW S AND SE R V IC E T O O
IN W IT N E S
“Just Do It!” the glad news of the resurrection to
JUNE 2011
J
ust Do It! - a phrase that encapsu- the ends of the earth. The first disci-
lates action. The phrase has been ples did not sit on the sidelines. The
wisely utilized by Nike in the sales first disciples “did it”, even with the
marketing of millions of sport shoes threat of persecution, torture and
and sport clothing. If one wants to be a death. That is the epitome of com-
tennis player, a baseball player, a basket- mitment. They took
ball player, a golfer, one needs to work at
seriously Jesus words
it and get out on the playing field. The
in the Great Commis-
decision to take action requires total com-
mitment. sion, “Therefore go
and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing
A person who decides that she/he would them in the name of the
like to play golf and be a golfer puts to- Father and of the Son
gether a plan. She/he will read about the and of the Holy Spirit,
game, study the available equipment, talk and teaching
to golfers on the equipment, take some them…” (Matthew
instruction, listening to pro-golfers, and 28:18 – 20) As Christ’s
then eventually make a choice on the disciples today we are
equipment. After purchasing the proper not called to sit on the
equipment she/he will devote hours of sidelines, but are com-
practice on the driving range. All the pre- manded to go out and boldly do mis-
vious efforts will make the first round of sion and ministry in the world. To-
golf a far more successful and enjoyable gether we are called to “Just Do It!”
experience. Total commitment takes plan-
ning, energy and perseverance. We “do it” at Our Savior as we reach
out to those in need through prayer
June 12th is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost
is a time when the Spirit gives the church Continued on page 7
the power and the necessary gifts to carry
CHURCH NEWS
PAGE 2
R.O.M.E.O.S.
“Retired Old Men
Eating Out”
by Gil Liebig
The Bible Study
“Retired Old Men Eating Group… A Thank You…
Out” meet every third Send information for
Wednesday of the month Pastor Geoff, Jenny and the July 2011 newslet-
...meets every Tuesday at ter by Wednesday,
at Perkins in Venice at 10 AM in the Community family wish to extend a
June 15th, to the office
11:30 AM for brunch and Room. Please come out very sincere thank you to email address
conversation. Calling all and join us! the Pastor and members (preferred) OR leave a
men to bring a friend and of Theresa’s church for hard copy in the church
stop in for a cup of coffee their prayers while Geoff office.
on June 15th. was undergoing a life
threatening sickness and
surgery earlier this year.
It is certainly most uplift-
ing to realize that people Our Savior
on the other side of the Lutheran Church
world are praying for
you. I am recovering
J.U.L.I.E.T.S… quite well, but my brain
2705 Tamiami Trail North
Nokomis, FL 34275
“Just Us Ladies In- makes plans that my
body is unable yet to ful- 941-966-4442
volved Enjoying To-
fill. However, I am get- 941-966-4442 fax
getherness”
ting stronger over the
weeks and look forward Rev. Sarah J. Walker Brown
by Inez Strelow The Church to being able to preach Pastor
Calendar… again, enjoy the company
The J.U.L.I.E.T.S. will be of relatives and friends Shirley Moore Sikora
going to The Crow’s Nest and to hit a golf ball or Office Manager
There is an events calen-
in Venice on Thursday, two or…
dar on the wall in the
June 16th at 11:30 AM. Web site:
workroom listing all ac-
There is a sign-up sheet in
tivities for the month at oursaviorlutherannokomis.com
the Community Room for
the Church. If you need
those who wish to attend.
to add an event to this
All ladies are welcome.
calendar please give the
We meet every third
information to the Office
Thursday of the month at
Manager. Shirley will
different restaurants
personally add the events.
throughout the area.
PAGE 3
JUNE
BIRTHDAYS
& ANNIVERSARIES Calendar of Events to
Remember this month:
Birthdays:
Bill Woldt 4 June 4
Ted Otto 7 Pancake Breakfast 8:00-10:00 AM
Barbara Perry 11
Marie-Elena Withrow 16 June 14
Mildred Linnerud 17 Flag Day
Ron Strelow 23
Michael Maish 23 June 15
R.O.M.E.O.S. Meeting 11:30 AM
Dairy Queen 5-8 PM
June 16
J.U.L.I.E.T.S. Luncheon 11:30 AM
Anniversarys:
June 21
Michael & Melanie Anderson 3 Summer begins
Larry & Cathy Ridings 8 Council Meeting 1 PM
Ron & Inez Strelow 11
Donna & Ron Zeigler 22
Michael & Melanie Maish 24
TREASURER REPORT FOR APRIL 2011
Regular Monthly Contribution Income $23,071.37*
Regular Monthly Expenses $16,266.71**
Monthly Balance $ 6,804.66
*Includes $13,435.80 Peeler Fund
$ 403.00 Thrivent Funds
**includes $ 2,007.00 Insurance
$ 2,297.50 Tax 941
PAGE 4 OUR SAVIOR’S NEWSLETTER
SPOTLIGHT ON…
WALTER
AND
ZELMA NEEF
“Retired” is not the best word to describe the status of Walter and Zelma Neef, although they left jobs in
Michigan more than 30 years ago to “retire” in Florida. Their willingness to do whatever is needed has kept
them busy and productive.
Born and raised in Detroit, Walter graduated from Northwestern High School (which has since been razed) and
served in the Army during WWII with the 42nd Infantry in France and Germany. This unit liberated Dachau
and went on to take over Hitler’s hideaway, the famous Eagles’ Nest. Returning to Michigan after the war,
Walter went to work for General Motors as a machine repairman in the Hydramatics Division in Ypsilanti.
His family meanwhile had moved to Ohio; it was on a visit there that his mother introduced him to “a nice
girl” – Zelma. They married in 1953. Zelma was born and raised in Rockwood, Pa. When she moved to
Michigan she worked for NASA in Ann Arbor, during the time that the first man was launched into space.
Soon after settling in their new Nokomis home in 1978, Walter was asked to help out at Venice Little Theater.
This turned out to be a volunteer job painting sets, then ushering, and soon doing all kinds of behind-the-
scenes jobs. He currently has the title of Stage Manager. And Zelma has been right there with him, ushering
and helping the little community theater to grow into a prize-winning organization.
When the Neefs came to Our Savior church, Zelma remarked that it was a nice building but lacked landscap-
ing, so they proceeded to bring trees, palms, and flowering plants to beautify the grounds, and spent many
hours making the memorial garden an attractive place for quiet reflection.
Other volunteer work such as delivering Meals on Wheels, befriending the elderly, helping neighbors, etc.
have filled their days and have gained them many friends. In particular, they have looked after the house next
door which belongs to a couple in Germany, and those people have become some of their best friends – along
with their friends and relatives who have stayed in the house. (We have met some of these Germans when
they have come to church with Walter and Zelma.) And those folks have opened their homes in Germany to
the Neefs as well several times – in fact, that’s where the Neefs will be headed this summer.
The Neef home can be identified by the many pots of flowers at the entrance. Gardening is Zelma’s passion;
she has raised roses from seed and has propagated numerous other plants. Walter says she keeps him digging
and fertilizing to keep him out of mischief. Inside their home, of course, flowers abound – particularly or-
chids.
This active couple are faithful members of OSLC, seldom missing a Sunday service. Walter has served on the
Church Council for several years, currently as Vice President.
For Zelma and Walter, volunteering is a way of life.
Page 5
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
What’s Happening…
by Faith Nichols
Bob Wingate started kidney dialysis on
Saturday, May 14th.
Council met on May 17th. First item of busi-
ness was to approve Paul Willison to fill the seat va-
cated by Tim McKee on Council and Worship & Mu-
sic Committee.
Council will have a Mission Insite Retreat in
combination with the June meeting on Tuesday, the
21st, starting at 9 am at the church.
We need people to sign up as greeters, lectors,
etc. for the summer months.
The report from the Synod Assembly is on the
bulletin board in the Community Room.
We collected $950 for “Together in Mission”
and with matching funds from a donor that will be
$1,900.
New Addresses:
Winter: Summer:
Charles & Beverly Anders Charles & Beverly Anders
837 Tartan Drive 29637 Little Bear Drive
St. Andrews Park Voyager Village
Venice, FL 34293 Danbury, WI 54830
Cell #651-356-5489 715-259-7908
Evelyn Brown
Manor Care, Room 239A
1450 E. Venice Avenue
Venice, FL 34292
Phone #941-480-5780
Page 6
Page 7
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
by Earl Alton
“With All Boldness” was the underlining theme of the 2011Florida-Bahamas Assembly attended by Pastor
Sarah, Joyce Brown and myself in Orlando the first week in May. Bishop Benoway, who presided over the Assembly,
emphasized this theme in his sermon at opening Eucharist stating how the ELCA, the Synod, and congregations in the
Synod are boldly witnessing to our communities and to the world through word and actions.
Pr Ruban Duran, Director for Development of New Congregations for the ELCA, delivered two keynote ad-
dresses and preached at the closing Eucharist. Two particular phrases stand out. “God says, “Go” and we Lutherans
have said back “Here I stand”. He was emphasizing that congregations should have a mission focused on serving the
community where that congregation is located, mentoring the next generation, and showing God’s love to all. He
highlighted three priestly functions for individuals and congregations: Prayer (to intercede with God on behalf of oth-
ers); Proclamation (to speak the gospel sharing it with the neighbor); and Sacrifice (to live a cross-centered and ser-
vant oriented life).
The Assembly heard reports from the Together In Mission Vision and Funding Appeal and seven grants rang-
ing from $5000 to$50,000 were given to congregations for ministry, to the Lutheran Church in Haiti for a purchase
and maintenance of a vehicle to transverse the rugged terrain, and for Missioninsite to continue this internet program.
The Assembly was reminded for the wide ranging mission of the ELCA through reports from Global Mission
highlighting the Lutheran Church in Surimane, greetings from the Church of Christ conference minister, from the
Synod Ministry to the Aging who had a workshop and dinner the previous afternoon, and several other organizations.
The Assembly elected members to the Synod Council and elected Michelle Hilton, our Conference lay chair to
be secretary of the Synod. A thoughtful balanced budget was adopted that was based on current economic realities
that have included layoffs of staff. The Synod council will be looking at the possibility of different Synod Assem-
blies.
Worship and prayer were significant features of the Assembly and I came away spiritually refreshed and newly
aware of the way the Lutheran Church is chosen to bring the message of God’s love to His people and to His creation.
We are called to boldly move forward in mission and faith.
I deeply appreciate the opportunity the congregation has given me to be part of this vibrant Assembly.
Pastor’s Note (continued from page 1)
and action for those encountering difficult times - friend and stranger, responding generously for specific needs,
such as, Together in Mission where we raised $950, currently we are participating in the Thrivent Financial for
Lutheran Sarasota County Chapter Join Hands Day with the collection of toiletries for the homeless, and we are
beginning conversation with the Senior Friendship Center to ascertain how we can partner together to better serve
the aging community. Yes, we are called to “Just Do It!”
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Sarah
Our Savior Lutheran Church
A Faith Family of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
2705 Tamiami Trail North
Nokomis, FL 34275
Phone: 941-966-4442
Fax: 941-966-4442
Website: http://
www.oursaviorlutherannokomis.com
All are welcome to services:
Worship Services:
Sunday —10 AM
Bible Study—Tuesday @ 10 AM
Intercessory Prayer—Tuesday 11:15 to 11:45 AM
We’re on the
World Wide web:
www.oursaviorlutherannokomis.com
Please access the newsletter from our website as
above.