News Letters:

Where Do you Cast?

Cast ALL your anxiety on Him for he cares for you.(1 Peter 5:7)

The following is an article that really spoke to me recently. So I decided to reproduce the entire article. I pray it ministers to you as well.

Pastor Rob

I don't know if you have ever been fly-fishing or maybe you have see it on TV. When you go fly fishing you cast your bait way down the river and let it float. That way the fish do not see you and hopefully attack the bait.

I have that vision when we cast our anxiety on God. Do you give him your anxieties and let them float away realizing He is in control or do you keep the bait close so you can pick up the anxiety whenever you want?

If a fly fisherman keeps his bait close he will scare away the fish. If he allows the bait to float downstream he is more likely to catch a fish. When we keep our anxieties close we areunable to look downstream. We focus on the anxiety and take our eyes off of God.

When we give our anxiety to God and leave them there He does the work and we are better able to rest. I must confess I am good at giving my burdens and worries, but quickly take them back. Why wait on God - maybe I can figure this our myself? Do I really trust God to take my worries and take care of them?

When I look closely at the above verse I often focus on the first part, cast all your anxiety on Him. The second part is almost as important if not more so. Because my God cares for me, he wants to carry my burdens and wants me to bring them to Him.

He cares about ALL my burdens, not just some of them. He loves me and wants me to share my worries and concerns. God certainly knows what is best for me and only wants the best. So I ask you, Where do you cast?

Once you cast your anxiety do you leave it with God or do you take it back? God cares for you and cares about absolutely EVERYTHING you care about. He made you and he loves you. Give your loving Father ALL your anxiety and leave it there. May you rest in His perfect peace!

Clearly Caring, July/August 2005 by Kimberly Chastain.

"Maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do!"

Many people refer to the days of August as the "dog days of summer." Temperatures in August in most parts of our country can be pretty uncomfortable. But what may seem like a curse to some is actually a blessing to others. In the corn growing regions of our country farmers welcome the heat. Many claim that on a hot summer night you can actually hear the corn grow.

Heat and cold, like summer and winter, remind us that we are easily dissatisfied with things as they are right now. We have a chronic longing for something better. And, chances are very good that when we get what we are longing for, it's still not enough.

St. Paul learned the secret of contentment and shared it with Christians of all ages in Philippians 4:11b-13: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." St. Paul could have added being cotent regardless of the season of the year.

Maturing stewards, like St. Paul, learn to be content with what the Lord provides, trusting that he will provide for our needs, but not necessarily for our greeds. Maturing stewards learn the difference between needs and greeds and receive blessings from the hands of a good and gracious God with thanksgiving and then use them in ways that honor Him and benefit others.

So, thank God for August and the blessings it brings. Each day and each month God's blessings are new. We join the hymn writer in praising God with these words: "Every morning mercies new fall as fresh as morning dew; Every morning let us pray tribute with the early day; for Thy mercies, Lord, are sure, Thy compassion doth endure."(TLH, 537, verse 1)

When it comes to receiving God's abundant gifts with thanksgiving, maturing stewards do the right things for the right reasons and strive for excellence in all they do!

This Site's For You!!

www.princeofpeacelcms.org

It's here! The new web site is up and running. This site is there for you, Please take a few minutes to take a look. We have tried to include information that will be helpful to our members as well as including information about the church for new visitors. If you have ideas for this site or information that you would like to see included, please let us know at webmaster@princeofpeacelcms.org or pastorrob@princeofpeacelcms.org.

We are working on adding a guest book for new visitors to let us know about their visit, as well as a prayer request form. We will be continuing to add new content and functionality to this site so visit us often and let us know what you think. Improvements can only come from ideas and feedback from you. Also, if you have an idea it would be very helpful if you could send the needed information along with your comments. This would help speed up the inclusion of changes in the site content.

In the year 2005, the Lord came unto Noah, who was now living in the United States, and said, "Once again, the earth has become wicked and over-populated, and I see the end of all flesh before me. Build another Ark and save 2 of every living thing along with a few good humans."

He gave Hoah the blueprints, saying, "You have 6 months to build the Ark before I will start the unending rain for 40 days and 40 nights."

Six months later, the Lord looked down and saw Noah weeping in his yard - but no Ark.

"Noah!" He roared, "I'm about to start the rain! Where is the Ark?"

"Forgive me, Lord," begged Hoah, "but things have changed. I needed a building Permit. I've been arguing with the inspector about the need for a sprinkler system. My neighbors claim that I've violated the neighborhood zoning laws by building the Ark in my yard and exceeding the height limitations. We had to go to the Development Appeal Board for a decision.

Then the Department of Transportation demanded a bond be posted for the future cost of moving power lines and other overhead obstructions, to clear the passage for the Ark's move to the sea. I told them that the sea would be coming to us, but they would hear nothing of it.

Getting the wood was another problem. There's a ban on cutting local trees in order to save the spotted owl. I tried to convince the environmentalists that I needed the wood to save the owls - but no go!

When I started gathering the animals, an animal rights group sued me.

They insisted that I was confining wild animals against their will. They argued tha accommodation was too restrictive, and it was cruel and inhumane to put so many animals in a confined space.

Then the EPA ruled that I couldn't build the Ark until they'd conducted an environmental impact study on your proposed flood.

I'm still trying to resolve a complaint with the Human Rights Commission on how many minorities I'm supposed to hire for my building crew.

Immigration and Naturalization is checking the green-card status of most of the people who want to work.

The trades unions say I can't use my sons. They insist I have to hire only Union workers with Ark-building experience.

To make matters worse, the IRS seized all my assets, claiming I'm trying to leave the country illigally with endangered species.

So, forgive me, Lord, but it would take at least 10 years for me to finish this Ark."

Suddenly the skies cleared, the sun began to shine, and a rainbow stretched accross the sky. Noah looked up in wonder and asked, "You mean you're not going to destroy the world?"

"No," said the Lord. "The government beat me to it."

WE DID IT!!!

Thanks to ALL who helped on July 23rd "Will Work for Food" Day.

Here's what we accomplished:

Church

• Closets cleaned out in Sanctuary
• Items stored in Attic
• Choir music/supplies moved to workroom
• Old Files boxed to store
• Filing cabinets moved
• Cabinets hung in music area and workroom
• Workroom organized
• Audio/visual area organized
• New door installed on Pastor's office
• Light bulbs interior/exterior changed
• Computer equipment sorted/organized
• Chairs returned to FLC storage
• Choir Robes moved from sanctuary to workroom
• Mailboxes hung in workroom
• Workroom closet reorganized
• Lock installed in Pastor's office
• Air conditioner drain pvc repaired

Family Life Center

• Nursery carpet cleaned
• Kitchen cleaned/organized
• Fellowship Hall straightened up
• Classrooms organized

Grounds

• Lawn cut
• Weeding
• Trimming
• Parking Lot swept

Thanks!!!

I wanted to thank all the members who assisted with VBS this year. We had some great help and creative thinkers and the kids had a blast! Safari Ken with his exotic animals was a big hit and thanks to him for taking time to bring his show to us! Safari Zack, our youth assistant, was a great help and I so appreciate that he was willing to help me when I asked at the last minute. Safari Linda with her great crafts, the great jungle food provided by Safari Melissa, the pizza party from Safari Donna, the Bible Verse with Safari Robin, Games with Safari Alex, Safari Randi for helping set up our great jungle, Safari Vickie for promotion of VBS, Safari Stephanie for assistance with crafts and food.

We also appreciate Pastor's Support and his blessing of the Pets. This is something several members have asked about due to the bad weather last Sunday. We plan on another "blessing" in about 6 months, watch your bulletin and newsletter!

Please check the Narthex for pictures of this year's fun!

Safari Melodie

Praise the Lord!!!

Praise the Lord... There was a little old lady who was very spiritual who would step out on her porch every day, raise her arms to the sky and yell: "Praise the Lord!"

One day, an atheist bought the house next door to her, and he became very irritated with the spiritual lady. So after a month or so of her yelling, "Praise the Lord" from her porch, he went outside on his porch and yelled back: "There is no Lord." Yet, the little old lady continued.

One cold, wintry day, when the little old lady couldn't get to the store, she went out on her porch, raised her hands up to the sky and said, "Help me Lord, I have no more money, it's cold, and I have no more food." The next morning, she went ourside, and there were three bags of food on the porch, enough to last her a week. "Praise the Lord!" she yelled.

The Atheist stepped out from the bushes and shouted "There is no Lord! Ha-ha-ha! I bought those groceries!" The little old lady raised her arms to the sky and said: "Praise the Lord, you sent me groceries, and you made the Devil pay for them!"

Refugee Resettlement Services Update:

LSG expects 120 new arrivals in the next three months!

Many refugees arrive in America with nothing but the clothes on their back. Some may have been in refugee camps for years waiting for a chance to come to the United States. Now is your congregation's chance to help others and bring hope and healing into their lives. Check out the "Ongoing Needs" list on the following page. If you, your Sunday School class, Youth Group, Young Adult Group, Senior Adult Group, etc. would like to gather the many items needed to help the new arrivals or, if your church, WELCA group or Sunday School class would like to be a cosponsor of incoming refugees, please give me a call at (678)686-9626.

LSG also has two very special volunteer administrative opportunities:

• Clerical/administrative assistance - 2-3 days a week, 4-5 hours per day, with at least a six-month commitment to help our Matching Grant program input data on incoming refugees. Flexible schedule, training provided. Computer skills required (Word and Excel).
• Family Reunification Assistant - to help clients who would like to file family reunification applications for relatives who are in refugee situations outside the U.S. Training will be provided. It is critical that this volunteer would commit to at least several hours per week, with flexible work hours (anytime between 8:30am and 5:00pm, Monday - Friday). For more information, contact Linda Thompson at (678) 686-9626 or Kay Trendell at (678) 686-9605.

Campbell Soup Labels are MMM... MMM... good.

Stop!!! Don't throw away that can!!! Not until you have removed the label. We are collecting Campbell Soup labels so we can get a church van. All we need is 1.5 million labels to do this. So ask your co-workers, friends, family and neighbors to save their labels for you and bring them to church each week. Charlene Shanks will be keeping a running total that will appear each week in the bulletin.

The Lord's Lawn Needs Mowing:

We need volunteers to help with maintaining our church grounds. It is a great way to serve your Church. The sign up sheet is on the bulletin board in Narthex.
See Jim Benson.

(REAL) Men!

Promise Keepers is August 12-13, 2005 this year in Nashville, TN.

Please plan to join us. Registration fee is $89.00. Please go to www.promisekeepers.org to learn more about Promise Keepers and to register or call 1-800-888-7595.

If you would like to talk to someone at church about Promise Keepers, please see or call: Mark Escher, Ernie Lara, Jim Wildt, or Pastor Rob.

President's Convocation in Orlando:

Calling all church leaders: teachers, Officers, Secretaries, Board Chairs, Childcare workers, Youth Leaders, Elders, Musicians, etc. Join with another 1000+ members of the Lutheran churches of FL-GA September 28-30 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort. Inspiring speakers! Exhibits! Workshops! Hospitality Hour! Worship with Holy Communion! See Pastor for details or go to www.flga-lcms.org. We will rent a giant van and carpool together! See you there!!

I would like everyone to know that I am a make-up artist and skincare advisor. I do make-up for special occasions, everyday, etc. I can also instruct in skincare and make-up application.

I am also available to sing at special occasions.

Jenni Gerard

The Pregnancy Resource Center

will have its annual "Walk for Life" on Saturday September 17. Look for more details in the upcoming newsletters.

Bulletin Announcements:

Bulletin Announcements should be given by Wednesday for the following Sunday. Call the office or leave in Holly's box in the Narthex.

How great is the Love the Father has given to us - that we might be called children of God - and that is what we are!! (1 John 3:1)

Serving God this month:

Acolytes:

• 8/7--8 AM Megan Chase
  ----11 AM Daniel Drake

• 8/14--8 AM Anna Curtis
  -----11 AM Zack Panse

• 8/21--8 AM Katherine Grieser
  -----11 AM Nikki Escher

• 8/28--8 AM Katherine Curtis
  -----11 AM Amanda Engstrom

Lay Readers:

• 8/7--8 AM Charlene Shanks
  ----11 AM Jenni Gerard

• 8/14--8 AM Dan Zimmermann
  -----11 AM Kitty Revelle

• 8/21--8 AM Mary Zimmermann
  -----11 AM Peter Panse

• 8/28--8 AM Charles Runge
  -----11 AM Chuck Engstrom

Hospitality:

• 8/7 Jenni Abley & Linda Maulella
• 8/14 Kitty Revelle & Jenny Gerard
• 8/21 Kathy Jacob & Stu Drake
• Rhonda Case & Monica Lara

Ushers:

• 8/7--8 AM Tom Clark & Bob Renner
  ----11 AM Leon Wilkins & Tom Fern

• 8/14--8 AM Frank Kunz & Jerry Balkcom
  -----11 AM David Hughes & David Revelle

• 8/21--8 AM Ron Curtis & Jake Jacob
  -----11 AM Ernie Lara & Bill Drake

• 8/28--8 AM Bob Renner & Tom Clark
  -----11 AM Jim Wildt & Tommy Clark

Greeters:

• 8/7 Kathy Jacob
• 8/14 Marilee Kelley
• 8/21 Vickie Hecht
• 8/28 Stephanie Panse

Elders:

• 8 AM Stu Drake
• 11 AM Mark Escher

Altar Care:

• Stephanie Panse

This Month:

Birthstone:

Peridot
A gem variety of the mineral olivine, this wonderous stone is the product of volcanic action.

Flower:

Gladiolas
Modesty, Virtue, Faithfulness

Birthdays:

• 8/3 Bill Jones
• 8/3 Hayden Patton
• 8/6 Matthew Robertson
• 8/7 Joseph Fitzner
• 8/10 Linda Maulella
• 8/11 Ron Mintz
• 8/13 Michael Boatman
• 8/18 Mike Case
• 8/23 Marion Cook
• 8/24 Jesse Patton
• 8/25 Marilynn Franklin
• 8/25 Joseph Wilson
• 8/26 Leon Wilkins
• 8/27 Wally Anderson
• 8/31 Jennifer Drake
• 8/31 Dan Zimmermann

Anniversaries:

• 8/5 Tom & Debbie Clark
• 8/9 Bob & Kathy Renner
• 8/23 Jack & Kathy Jacob
• 8/24 David & Kitty Revelle
• 8/27 Mark & Juvanna Escher
• 8/28 Bill & Betty Jones

Altar Flowers:

• 8/7 Renner
• 8/14 Zimmermann
• 8/21 Jacob
• 8/28 Runge

Cost: $25.00. Sign up on Secretary's door.

Prayer Chain

Need immediate, concentrated prayer? Call the Prayer Chain and have over 30 people praying for you.
Call Rickie (770)489-2650
or Charlene (770)949-8380
or e-mail Rhonda: case@co.douglas.ga.us

The Deadline is...Sunday July 22nd for the next edition of the newsletter. Articles and comments can be sent to Holly Wilson at hollywilson@charter.net or peace582@bellsouth.net. They can also be in written form and placed in the secretary's mailbox.