Happy Birthday America!  Wishing you another prosperous 250 years ahead!

We as Americans are so blessed.  We live in a country that affords us many freedoms that others envy.  Our economy and military strength make us a world power to be reckoned with.  Our people and their compassion for others is tremendous!  God certainly shines down on the United States!

Throughout our history as a nation, we have stood for the very principles that the Lord set before us.  We protect and serve those that cannot defend themselves, we aid those facing disasters, we work to ensure the safety of the world through many different means.  While we lag in some areas, we certainly do not in character.

I truly believe that our accomplishments and way of life are born from our faith.  Christianity may not be as strong as it once was in this country, but it still molds many of the values held today.  I pray that our faith will rise in numbers and strength, but I really hope for the time when we can all come together as one despite our differences as long as we are pleasing in the eyes of our Lord.

Sure, we have our differences!  We were told by Jesus Himself that this would happen.  It is only through recognizing these differences that we can grow in our faith.  We don’t need to be hurtful to one another, but we also cannot just roll over with the times.  The strength of our nation comes from our strength as families.  The Evil One is working hard to dissolve our traditional family values and make someone always an outcast.  Jesus never told us to mind the business of others, or to hate and spread it.  No, He told us to stay true to Him and to not let ourselves be persuaded to falter in our faith.

These are the same attributes of our country.  We are steadfast in our commitment to one another, our neighbors, and our allies.  We are very blessed to have the natural resources that we have; we are blessed to have climates that produce good growing seasons; we are blessed that we are able to mix cultures and yet remain one country.  Let us be mindful of the blessings we receive and let us abundantly share them with those who need assistance.

May almighty God bless you and may He continue to bless the United States of America!
Pastor Gerry

Monthly Men’s Breakfast…Please join us for our monthly men’s breakfast the second Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am at Eat-N-Park.  All are welcome!

I sure hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far.  The weather has turned hot and everyone be careful being outside during this heat period.  I love it hot in the summer because we don’t get a lot of hot weather anymore.  And it is supposed to be hot in the summer.  Lots going on at Living Lord this summer as pastor and I have told you.  Our two big projects funded by the Fuchs Fund this year have been approved and very shortly the outside of the building will be painted and will look fresh and beautiful, and the floor in the narthex will be replaced which should make a major new look for the inside of the building.  Will let you know when both projects get started.  Landscaping will continue to be worked on over the next few weeks, and we should then be able to wrap that up.  We are also working on a few committees to bring them up to speed with the right number of committee members so they can function better; those are MEF, Maggiano, and the Memorial Committees.  Niki Baringer, our Director of Youth Activities, is working on her next youth gathering at the end of July and we are having a church picnic at the end of August with special guests being invited which will make for a good time for all.  Our Party on the Patio will be back on Saturday, August 8, between 4:00 and 7:00 pm.  To keep in line with our 250-year celebration of the USA, this will be an all-out patriotic party, so wear your red, white, and blue clothing.  This will be an old-fashioned American cook-out with hot dogs, hamburgers, and sausages which will be provided by the church along with beverages.  You bring the potato salad, coleslaw, macaroni salad, baked beans, and your favorite dessert.  And whatever else you can think of!  There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board so you can sign up on Sundays.  Let’s have fun!  USA!  USA!  USA!  Thanks everyone for your help and support, I love it!

Church Information…Please remember that you can obtain church information from the monthly Lamplighter Newsletter, the Constant Contact emails you receive, on the church website (www.lllc.org), on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Living-Lord-Lutheran-Church-493806727349110/), and postings on the church bulletin board.  Church Council Meeting minutes are posted on the bulletin board and sent out via Constant Contact.  We would like to see a better “open rate” when we send information to you via Constant Contact so that we know you are being informed of the activities that are occurring at the church.  If you have any other suggestions on how best to reach out to our parishioners, please see a Council member.

Games, Grub & Grace Summer Night Event on July 31…Here is a list of items needed for our next Games, Grub & Grace event:  20 individual bottles of bubbles; 5 bags of large marshmallows; 1 box of graham crackers; 1 box of vanilla wafers; 1 container of chocolate chip cookies; 2 containers of marshmallow fluff; 1 package of mini marshmallows; 1 package of chocolate chips; 6 Hershey chocolate bars; 6 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups; 1 large bag of regular M&Ms; 1 squeezable caramel sauce; 1 squeezable chocolate sauce;  1 jar of sprinkles.  Please see Niki Baringer with any questions.

I would like to thank everyone for all of their help at the funeral luncheon for the family and friends of Earl (Willy) Butts.  It takes a crew to set up, provide desserts, serve, and clean up.  We have had Sunday treats each Sunday instead of just on a designated Sunday.  Thanks to all who have helped with providing those treats.  There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the narthex (hint, hint).  I would also like to thank everyone for bringing in Fellowship supplies.  It sure helps me stay within my budget!  If anyone has any ideas for something we can do with Fellowship, please let me know.  We have expanded our normal items that have included fruit trays, sandwiches, a charcuterie board, and veggie trays.  You want it (within reason), you got it!  If anyone is interested in joining the F Troop (another name for the Fellowship Committee), please let me know.  The F stands for many things:  Fellowship, Friends, FOOD, Fun, Bra cup size (threw that in there to see if you were paying attention), Family, Fabulous, Fantastic, and Funeral Luncheons.  Did I mention FOOD?  Have a great month of July and Happy 250^th Birthday to the USA!

Monthly Women’s Breakfast…Please join us at our monthly breakfast at Vasilio’s in Cortland on the second Thursday of every month (July 9) at 10:00 am.  All are welcome!

Summer Nights:  Games, Grub & Grace, Friday, July  31, 6:30 – 8:00 pm…Please join us for our final Summer Nights of the season!  Gather with your church family for an evening of games, great food, laughter, and meaningful fellowship.  We’ll enjoy summer games, delicious food, fun summer activities, and end the evening with a build-your-own s’mores bar.  Most importantly, it’s an opportunity to slow down, encourage one another, and grow together in our faith.  Everyone is welcome—bring your family, invite your friends, and introduce someone to our church family.  We’d love to spend the evening with you!  For more information contact Niki.

Christmas Play…Looking ahead to fall, our youth will begin rehearsals in September for “What’s in Your Cart?”—a Christmas play centered on the true meaning of Christmas.  The play will be presented during the contemporary worship service in December, and we are excited to see our youth share this meaningful message with the congregation.

Here it is June!  Hard to believe that the first half of the year is almost over!  Summer seems to have finally arrived, and the weather is changing to much warmer (and drier) conditions.  It’s my favorite time of year!

June brings us into a time where many of us will be vacationing, the kids are out of school, and oh yes, the yard work!   Things surely change with the seasons. But not everything changes.  No, our loving God is still with us and always is.  What can change is that we get so preoccupied with all that is going on we sometimes forget to spend time with Him in prayer, studying his Word, and replacing our church time and giving with other things.  Let us work to not let this happen this June, and the months that follow.  Together, let us work to stay focused on sharing our love for the Lord with one another and of course with Him.

I realize it can be difficult to do at times, but we can do it!  Our church is a busy and wonderful place.  There are many opportunities to celebrate the gifts of love and grace that we have been given.  We are working to extend our presence within our community.  When these opportunities present themselves, I pray that you all will join us in them.

On June 7 we will be presenting two well-deserved scholarships to those who are continuing their education.  On June 12 we open our church to the community as we host Games, Grub and Grace II for youth and their families.  On June 13 we will be hosting Post 700 of the American Legion as they conduct retiring of American flags.

Father’s Day will be commemorated on June 21 as we celebrate our dads and of course our Heavenly Father.

There seems to always be something going on at the church!  Remember that the church isn’t the building, it’s YOU!  Please make the effort to participate and support the many activities and Sunday services.

Please remember those who cannot be with us in your prayers.  Send cards, letters, and make phone calls and visits if you can.  For those who are experiencing health issues, let us always keep them in prayer.  Prayer is the most powerful tool we have!  Let’s use it abundantly.  For those serving our nation, we offer you our sincerest thanks.  We pray for your wellbeing and ask the Lord to protect you always.

We have undergone many changes, weather, seasons, loss, and grief, but united in Christ we will always persevere as together we work for God’s glory!

May our Almighty and Benevolent God bless you all abundantly!
Pastor Gerry

Monthly Men’s Breakfast…Please join us for our monthly men’s breakfast the second Wednesday of each month at 9:00 am at Eat-N-Park.  All are welcome!

Church Information…Please remember that you can obtain church information from the monthly Lamplighter Newsletter, the Constant Contact emails you receive, on the church website (www.lllc.org), on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Living-Lord-Lutheran-Church-493806727349110/), and postings on the church bulletin board.  Church Council Meeting minutes are posted on the bulletin board and sent out via Constant Contact.  We would like to see a better “open rate” when we send information to you via Constant Contact so that we know you are being informed of the activities that are occurring at the church.  If you have any other suggestions on how best to reach out to our parishioners, please see a Council member.

Welcome to Ohio weather that can’t make up its mind to welcome Spring or not!  Our Committee met on May 12, 2026, and reviewed the taking of communion to our homebound members.  With the recent passing of Ruth Lewis and Mike Milone, we now have three members on our current list of homebound.  Another program we announced is that we have members who volunteer to drive members to appointments if they are having difficulty driving.  We are working with the In-Reach Committee and we are collecting items for those in need at the Paw Pantry at Howland Local Schools.  I know we are all grateful to have a Director  of Youth Activities for our church!  Niki Baringer is planning activities for the youth in the month of June.  Our efforts will be directed to helping with her activities.  Watch for information!  Our next meeting will be on June 9, 2026.  God bless all of our members for your support and help.  Your generosity and ideas help us to better serve the Lord.

I would like to thank all of our bakers and kitchen helpers for volunteering to bake and set up and clean up for Fellowships.  We have had several Fellowships this last month with more to come.  There will be one on June 7 in honor of the two scholarship recipients and on June 21 for Father’s Day.  I would also like to thank all of you that have brought in and donated supplies.  It is very helpful.

Monthly Women’s Breakfast…Please join us at our monthly breakfast at Vasilio’s in Cortland on the second Thursday of every month (June 11) at 10:00 am.  All are welcome!

My prayer for this season is that it brings opportunities for us to gather together as friends and family in Christ as we continue working to welcome youth and families into our church home.  I am excited to be planning fun and meaningful activities that help build those connections and create lasting memories together.  As always, if you ever have thoughts, ideas, or suggestions for youth and family activities, please feel free to reach out.  Your encouragement, support, and ideas are always appreciated as we continue building opportunities for connection, faith, and community together.

Games, Grub & Grace II – Water Works!…Join us on Friday, June 12, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for an evening filled with good food, water games, rock painting, laughter, and time spent together enjoying the blessings God has given us.  We hope you will come make memories, share fellowship, and celebrate the joy of community with us this summer!  Please help spread the word about this event and bring friends, neighbors, and family with you!

Games, Grub & Grace III – Campfire Night!…Be sure to mark your calendars for Friday, July 31, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm for our final summer youth and family event, Games, Grub & Grace III – Campfire Night.  Join us for an evening of food, fellowship, games, laughter, and campfire fun as we celebrate a wonderful summer together.

Christmas Play…Looking ahead to fall, our youth will begin rehearsals in September for “What’s in Your Cart?”—a Christmas play centered on the true meaning of Christmas.  The play will be presented during the contemporary worship service in December, and we are excited to see our youth share this meaningful message with the congregation.