A meeting was held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 in the Dutch Meeting Hall; Pastor Heidi opened the meeting with prayer and explained what Christian hospitality means to those serving and those being served in their time of bereavement. This meeting discussion included:
Because of COVID-19 and concern over food and serving safety, the menu offered to the bereaved family has been temporally changed to:
individual pre wrapped sub sandwiches
individually packaged chips
fruit salad
Decisions can be made with the help of the Pastor, as the family will have a choice of the meal being served at church before visitation, or after depending upon the time of the funeral service. The family also has the option of the food (sandwiches, chips and fruit salad) along with sodas and paper products being delivered and left at the home to be served by the family as needed. It is helpful to have a count of immediate family members and/or out of town family who will be eating, if there will be more than 25 people, please advise the Pastor so that the group serving can be prepared.
The previous four funeral serving groups have combined into two groups:
Groups 1 & 3 have merged together to form Group A.
Chairwomen for Group A are: Faye Kesler, Nancy Kesler, Janet Overcash, Sylvia Peeler, and Patsy Sigmon.
Groups 2 & 4 have merged together to form Group B.
Chairwomen for Group B are: Anna Harrelson, Joan Kerns, Ruby Leazer, Daisy Martin, Dawn Merrell, Doris Page, and Cathy Painther.
When you are notified of a death within our church family, please respond to the need from your particular group. We all have been touched by the loss of a loved one and know how it feels to be embraced by your church family by the simple gesture as being served a meal during difficult times. Thank you for your help and consideration in these matters. May God Bless You and Keep You, Always.
Union Evangelical Lutheran Church will begin the 90 Days Spiritual Fitness Challenge for 2020 on June 30 and/or July 1.
Who Can Participate?
Everyone is invited to participate following the expectations provided in this brochure. A $25 donation is appreciated.
Weekly Group Sessions
Group Sessions will be held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. and/or Wednesday at 10:00 am.
How Can I Participate?
By reviewing the brochure, meeting with Pastor Heidi, and filling out the Registration Form.
Getting in Shape
Part of getting in shape means changing how you live, from what you feed your soul to how you schedule your time. But, what many people forget is that changing everything at once can be so overwhelming resulting in us reverting to old behavior!
Small Daily Changes
If you want to make small daily changes on the road to spiritual well-being, this 90 Days Challenge is for you! This isn’t a physical weight loss program, but a Spiritual Conditioning Course, an extraordinary experience with God’s Word!
You will receive a daily reading plan, opportunity to connect with others on Facebook, have your Pastor be your coach and gather in weekly small group discussions.
We know you have the desire, but just need an approach.
What to Expect:
Inspirational Lessons & Music will introduce each weekly session.
Small Groups will gather for confidential, non-threatening discussion and learning.
Get to know God better through His Holy Word, by reading the whole Bible (Chapter by Chapter, verse by verse).
Here’s How to Get Going:
Prayerfully consider if this Spiritual Fitness Challenge is for you?
Visit with Pastor Heidi before registering.
Register by June 30, 2020.
Offer a $25 donation, per person, if possible (or sponsor a participant).
Begin the challenge on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. and/or Wednesday, July 1, at 10:00 a.m.
Union Lutheran Church is seeking a Director of Music Ministries to lead the music ministry of the church. The job description, qualifications, responsibilities and other details are provided below.
The Director of Music Ministries will develop and lead the music ministry of the church consistent with our mission statement and in collaboration with the Pastor and the Worship and Music Committee.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will possess the following qualities/skills:
Have a strong Christian faith
Be a team player
Have a sense of humor and positive attitude
Be dependable, responsible, self-motivated and creative
Possess organizational skills
Be able to work with all age groups
Good verbal, written and communication skills
Punctuality required
Be a gifted vocalist
Ability to manage time wisely and work independently
Ability to teach and patience in teaching
Outgoing personality and exceptional people skills
Bachelor’s degree in music required
Minimum five (5) years of experience preferred but not required
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include the following:
Select and plan music for Sunday and special worship services.
Participate in planning worship services with the Pastor and Worship and Music Committee.
Prepare and conduct rehearsals on a weekly basis for adult and children’s choirs.
Prepare and conduct rehearsals on a weekly basis for adult and children’s handbell choirs.
Participate in the life and ministry of the church.
Direct adult and children’s choirs and handbell choirs during Sunday and special worship services.
Work with the Christian Education Committee to plan, prepare and provide music for Vacation Bible School.
Attend weekly staff meetings.
Maintain the instruments of the church including but not limited to pianos, organ and handbells.
Direct special musical performances and programs as requested.
Recruit members of the congregation for the choirs and instrumental ensembles according to their abilities and talents.
Attend Music Week at Lutheridge, handbell workshops and other workshops as deemed beneficial.
Grow the music ministry of Union Lutheran Church by adding choirs and ensembles.
Community outreach through involvement in community services and joint services with other congregations.
Hire instrumentalists for services as needed.
Prepare a budget annually to submit to the Finance Committee for consideration.
Proficiency in piano, voice and direction of vocal choirs and handbell choirs.
Familiarity with the Lutheran liturgy or willingness to learn the Lutheran liturgy.
Ability to play the organ is preferred but not required.
Worship Services and Bible Studies are available on our website and church’s Facebook page. More services will be available soon. We also have added the One Call Now opportunity for those who do not have a computer to listen live to the service.
One Call Now
Due to coronavirus with the Federal and Statewide regulations many people have begun to feel isolated. Especially those who do not have a computer. We at Union have come up with a solution The solution is called One Call Now.
All you have to do is call this number 978-990-5236 and plug in this code 293473# and you can hear the service(s) during the times scheduled.
If you have any questions or would like more information please contact the church office at 704-636-5092, Pastor Heidi, or a Council Member.
Palm Sunday
As Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday we are drawn into the dramatic turn of events of the last days of Jesus’ life. On Sunday he is welcomed into Jerusalem with shouts of joy and roaring “hosannas.” By the end of the week he will be betrayed, arrested, and abandoned by Passover pilgrims and his closest friends. Things turn quickly from a parade to a death sentence which is carried out on a cross between two thieves.
Journey with us through Holy Week at Union Lutheran Church. We will begin with having palms available to drive by the church and place at the cross outside on Palm Sunday. The service will be available through One Call Now, online, and on Facebook.
Stations of the Cross
This year beginning on Monday afternoon, we will have the opportunity to drive to each Station of the Cross for meditation and prayer. Every station resembles the journey Christ took from Gethesemane to Golgatha. This can be a moving experience for individuals and families. Please plan to prayerfully participate in this very personal walk with Jesus. A booklet will be available before the first station to guide you.
Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020
Maundy Thursday recalls Jesus’ last supper with his disciples where he institutes what the church knows as the Sacrament of Holy Communion. As a sign of his servant-love, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and gave them a new commandment, that they should love one another as he has loved them. We see ourselves in the disciples, who will abandon their Lord in various ways as Jesus makes his way to the cross.
The service at 6:30 p.m. will be available through One Call Now, online and on Facebook.
Good Friday
This holy day recalls the last hours of Jesus’ life as the suffering servant is nailed to the cross, fulfilling his mission as the sacrificial Lamb of God. The sinless One takes on humanity’s sin as he is betrayed by his closest companions, arrested and sentenced to a shameful death, even as Pontius Pilate finds no fault in him. We see ourselves in the angry crowd and lament our own denial of our Lord.
The service at 6:30 p.m. will be available through One Call Now, online and on Facebook.
Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020
The resurrection of our Lord ushers in a new reality for those who believe: a new life in Christ. God, who shows no partiality, offers salvation and forgiveness to all who believe. Our confession of faith in the resurrection of Christ is a commitment to a deeper walk with God: one characterized by worship, prayer, and an intentional living out of Jesus’ kingdom principles. This Good News is something we have no choice but to respond to.
The service at 10:30 a.m. will be available through One Call Now, online and on Facebook.
How You Can Continue to Participate at Union Lutheran Church during the Coronavirus?
Worship Services and Bible Studies are available on our website and church’s Facebook page. More services will be available soon.
We also have added the One Call Now opportunity for those who do not have a computer to listen live to the service.
PASTOR HEIDI WANTS TO MEET YOU: Due to the COVID-19 we have not been able to gather at Worship and other ministry events. Would you please email a picture of you; your family; tell a little about yourself; and email Pastor Heidi (pastor@ulcsalisbury.org)?
Every Tuesday and Thursday, Pastor Heidi is offering a Bible Study on Encouragement: The Key to Caring. You can follow along on the church’s website or Facebook.
Prayer Vigils will continue be held each Friday with Tara Davis (704) 637-9334, Coordinating . You can schedule a time between 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. to come and pray at Union online or contact Tara to schedule. A change has been made that there will be only one person at a time at the church. This individual will pray at the cross in the parking lot.
DROP OFF FOOD (canned goods) to help those in need. We have a shopping cart set up outside the church office.
In lieu of the spread of the virus in our community on Tuesday, March 24, the Church Council decided to suspend all activities until further notice.If you need assistance during this challenging time, please do not hesitate to contact Rev. Heidi Punt or the Church Council.
Their contact information is as follows:
Rev. Heidi Punt – 815-883-4883 Phil Cauble – 704-636-2247 Lynn Coughenour – 704-637-6041 Jennifer Curlee – 704-202-6906 Don Davis – 704-637-9334 Lucinda Fraley – 704-433-9446 Brad Huffman – 704-637-9743 Gladys Morgan – 704-636-1977 Kay Morgan – 704-633-5773 Sonya Mulkey – 704-431-6514 Pete Nguyen – 704-213-2794 Cathy Painther – 704-636-3208 Ronald Vellines – 704-603-8086
Thank you for joining us for this call to prayer for our church, community and our world during these trying times. We have provided a suggested guide for prayer, but we would like for you to be open for how the Spirit may lead you during the time. We ask that you commit to staying at least 30 minutes.
We would like to begin this Friday, March 20, but realize the short notice. If you can’t commit to this Friday, please consider signing up for times next Friday.
BEGINNING TIME AND DATE
The keepers of the vigil may sign up for half-hour or one hour time segments. You may go into the sanctuary or drive up to the cross under the breezeway and park enabling you to remain in your car.
Please call Tara Davis at 704-754-7357 in order to sign up. An updated sign-up sheet will be posted as people sign up.
Two new Sunday School Classes are being launched on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at 9:30am. One focuses on our Junior and High Schoolers and the other class on Parenting!
Junior and High Schoolers
Attention all Junior and Senior High Schoolers this announcement is for you! It’s ok to be different—come and see why. Join us at 9:30 a.m. on March 22 for a 4 week series, in a new gathering space. Jan and Vicki, the JV Team can’t wait to see you, next Sunday, March 22!
Parents
In the midst of folding laundry, coordinating carpool schedules, and breaking up fights, fulfilling job obligations, many PARENTS get lost. Feeling pressure to do everything “right” and raise up “good” children is a real thing. Join Pastor Heidi at 9:30 a.m., in her study, for a 4 week series that will help us rediscover the big-picture view of God’s plan for us as parents. Freed from the burden of trying to manufacture life-change in our children’s hearts, we can embrace a grand perspective of parenting overflowing with vision, purpose, and joy. Please join Pastor Heidi, in her study, next Sunday, March 22, at 9:30 a.m.!
The Worship & Music Committee invites you to help us bring spring in the
Sanctuary this Easter. As we make our way through Lent to the glory of
Easter morning we look forward to a bright and colorful display of
Gerbers.
The cost per 1.5 gallon planter flower is $10. Please make checks payable to Union Lutheran Church and at the memo
line mark Flowers.
Please return you form to the church office, drop off in the mail or offering
plate, by Wednesday, April 1.
Pastor Heidi Punt is a native of South Africa. She attended the University of South Africa where she earned a Bachelor of Theology majoring in New Testament Studies and Missiology. She attended the Lutheran House of Studies in Pietermartizburg (RSA) where she earned an MDIV equivalent. She has additional studies at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa.
Pastor Punt has served:
Intern Chaplain at Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Flanagan, IL,
Vicar at St. Andrews, East London, Eastern Cape, Republic of South Africa
Interim Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Roberts, IL and St. Peter Lutheran, Melvin, IL
Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Flanagan, IL
Pastor of St. Peter’s, Dwight, IL
Contractual Pastor of First Lutheran, Pontiac, IL
Pastor of Christ United Lutheran, Granite Falls, NC
She has served on the following boards and committees:
Volunteer Chaplain and Board Member, Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Flanagan, IL
Assistant to the Dean of Central Southern IL Synod
Candidacy Committee of Tri-Synod Conference, IL
Mission Committee, Illinois Synod
Mission Developer, ELCA
Volunteer Chaplain, Dwight Correctional Center
Stephen’s Ministry Trainer
Carolinas Mission District Ex. Board
Global Confessional and Missional Lutheran Forum, NALC Representative
Carolina’s Youth Board
NALC Vetting Panel
Luther League Catawba Valley
She is married to Pastor Dieter Punt and they have three children. Angelique is living in Botswana, Nadia is a student at Appalachian State University, and Michael is currently enrolled at Mitchel Community College working toward transfer to NC State University.
