The Friendly Visitor from Christ Lutheran Church 1306 Wilcox Street Menomonie, WI 54751 February @ Christ 1 Souper Bowl of Caring; Scout Sunday; Worship with Holy Communion at 9 a.m.; COSMO at 10:10 a.m. 3 4 7 Spiritual Direction at 10 a.m. [every Tuesday]. Christ Time at 6:15 p.m. Synod Event at CLC at 10 a.m.; Worship with Holy Communion in Fellowship Hall at 5 p.m. [service at 5 p.m. held every Saturday]. 8 Worship at 9 a.m.; COSMO at 10:10 a.m. 11 Christ Time at 6:15 p.m. 12 Taizé Service at 7:30 p.m. at United Methodist Church 15 Missions Bake Sale; Youth Sunday; Worship with Holy Comm. at 9 a.m.; COSMO with Mardi Gras Parent Brunch at 10:10 a.m. 17 Red Cross Blood Drive in Fellowship Hall from 12 noon to 6 p.m. 18 ASH WEDNESDAY, Men’s Bible Study at 9 a.m.; Orientation for First Communion at 5:30 p.m.; Lenten Supper at 6 p.m.; Ash Wednesday Service at 7 p.m. 22 Lutheran Campus Ministry Sunday; Food Pantry Sunday; Worship at 9 a.m.; COSMO at 10:10 a.m. 25 Men’s Bible Study at 9 a.m.; First Communion Class at 5:30 p.m.; Lenten Supper at 6 p.m.; Lenten Worship at 7 p.m. 26 Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser for Dunn County Humane Society in CLC Fellowship Hall from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. February 2015 Missions Bake Sale—Feb. 15 The Outreach Committee is having a Missions Bake Sale in the narthex on Sunday, February 15. Baked goods are appreciated for the sale. Proceeds help support our missionaries in Japan—Patrick & Jackie Bencke and family. Thanks for your support! Blood Drive—Feb. 17 Christ Lutheran will be hosting and supporting a blood drive for the Red Cross on Tuesday, February 17. Volunteers are needed! In addition, donations of food items are needed for the canteen. Cheese curds, pretzels, cookies (no peanuts or peanut butter), crackers, and orange juice are much appreciated! Please have these items at the church by Monday, February 16. To volunteer and/or donate items, please sign up in the narthex or contact Doris Faber at 235-4590. Lent begins February 18 Please join us on Wednesdays beginning Ash Wednesday, February 18, through Wednesday, March 25, for the Lenten Supper at 6 p.m. in the CLC Fellowship Hall followed by Lenten worship at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary. The theme for this year’s Wednesday Lenten Services will be “Monologues of the Bible.” Thanks to the Congregational Life Committee for serving the Lenten Supper on Ash Wednesday, and thanks to Christ Time families and Lutheran Campus Ministry for serving the Lenten Suppers throughout Lent. Men’s Bible Study A new Men’s Bible Study on Galatians begins on Wednesday, February 18, at 9 a.m. The group will meet each Wednesday for four or five weeks in the education wing. Pastor’s Page S ay “Yes!” It's really an easy thing to do. We say “yes” to many things each day. Will you help me? Yes. Would you like cream with your coffee? Yes. Do you want fries with that? Yes. Going up? Yes. Can I play outside? Yes. If it is so simple to say “yes” to these things every day, why is it so difficult for so many of us to say “yes” to God each day? “yes” to God—you radiate the joy of God's love. Those around you can see and feel the awesome power of your faith. You spread the word of our Lord in your everyday words and actions, simply by living your life of faith. Your family, friends, coworkers and even the young lady at the coffee shop benefit from your commitment to God each time you interact with them. What a wonderful gift to share. Go ahead and make that commitment and live in His light today. It's easy—all you have to do is say “Yes!” Kaye Wurm Youth Co-Director Pastoral Act Baptism Peyton Lee Wayne—January 18, 2015, by Pastor Geoff Scott. Most of our daily choices do not require much thought or commitment on our part. Once you answer, you move on to the next task of the day and ready yourself for the next choice you need to make. Although saying “yes” to God each day does require more consideration and commitment than deciding whether or not you want cream in your coffee, it should actually be the easiest decision of the day. Choose to greet each day with a renewed commitment to our Lord: “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:10). Say “yes” to listening and following God's plan for you each and every day. Beginning your day in this way enables you to hand your worries and troubles over to God and opens you up to receive all the beauty and goodness that a life with faith in our Lord offers. The possibilities are endless. Something else happens when you make the commitment to say The Friendly Visitor Page 2 February 2015 Memorials/ Honorariums For Basin for Baptismal Font in Sanctuary in memory of: 1/18—Hazel Scharlau from Curt Peterson; Doris Gibson from Dema Sorenson. For the Building Fund in memory of: 12/31/14—Doris Gibson, Pastor Peterson, and Lyle Finder from Eileen Stark; 1/18—Arlene’s cousin Rosemary Lynch from Don & Arlene Eiseth. For the Christ Lutheran Church Women (CLCW) in memory of: 1/4— Lyle Finder from Arnie & Arlene Mork. For the Christ Lutheran Sunday School (COSMO) in memory of: 1/4— Lyle Finder from Jeff & Mary Merritt and family; from Gordy & Molly Lande. For Current Expenses (General Fund) in memory of: 1/4—Lyle Finder from Gladys Klopp; from Louren & Ruby Schlottman; 1/11—Lyle Finder from the Wilterdink family; 1/25—Lyle Finder from David & Ardith Jacobson. For the Radio Broadcast Fund in memory of: 12/31/14—Ron’s sister Laura Bergelin from Ron & Doris Faber [for broadcast on January 11, 2015]. Undesignated in memory of: 1/4—Ray Hart from Steven Hart and Helen Hart; Vi Hawkinson from Richard & Karen Olson; Lyle Finder from Lisa Crouse; from Shirley Browning; from Lynn & Jo Stewart; from Dick Tyson & Dayle Mandelson; from Bill & Sandy Neverdahl; from Ann Townsend; from Rodger & Nancy Bourget; from Jerry & Jan Traxler; from Kelly & Diane Stevens; from Martha Stewart; from Luther & Joyce Johnson; from Dan & Marilyn Tye; from Ron & Doris Faber; from Gordy & Molly Lande; from Roger & Arlene Wieman; from Cheryl Lowery; from Donald & Lola Thompson; from Charlene Kiesau; from Jeff & Amy Wheeler; from Roy & Deloris Cropp; from Jean Ann Keck; from Ethel Frank; from Dan Husby; from Donald & Hazel Hintzman; from David & Gloria Buss; from John Trainor; 1/11—Vera Johnson from Beth Mares; from Claudia Mork Kjenslee and Kathleen Kjenslee; from Ann Townsend; from Cheryl Lowery; from Dan & Marilyn Tye; from Jerry & Jan Traxler; from Stan & Joan Labs; from Joan ErickThe Friendly Visitor son; from Bruce Jungerberg; from Bill & Shirley Schulman; from from Clyde & Janet Allison; from Florence Gullickson; from Harold & Gloria Larson; from Ernest, Brenda, and Byron Anderson; from Steve & Jackie McCracken; from Wayne & Judy Rogge; from Ike & Ramona North; from Curly & Paula Christianson; from Larry & Tammy Johnson; from Steve & Dianna Brantner; from Jeff & Sue Johnson; from Brian & Vicki Johnson; Lyle Finder from Claudia Mork Kjenslee and Kathleen Kjenslee; from Marlys M. Jones; from Elaine Hawkinson; from Janice Miller; from family and friends; from Sally Johnson; 1/25—and honoring all veterans of World War II and beyond with heartfelt love and remembrance from Liza Grandstaff (WWII vet). Our sympathy to . . . . . . Pat Pernot and family in the loss of her sister-in-law, Dagny Meisner, on December 30. A Celebration of Life was held on January 3 in Altoona. February Altar Care Notes Sunday, February 1— Worship service at 9 a.m. with Holy Communion (kneeling). Sunday, February 15—Worship service at 9 a.m. with Holy Communion (intinction). Ash Wednesday, February 18— Worship service at 7 p.m. with Holy Communion (intinction). Safe Harbor Campaign begins Feb. 7 at Christ Lutheran On February 7, Cherish All Children and the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in Wisconsin (LOPPW) are hosting a conference to begin their jointly-sponsored “Safe Harbor Campaign.” The “Safe Harbor Campaign” is focused on raising awareness of child sex trafficking in Wisconsin and how people of Page 3 faith may advocate on behalf of vulnerable and trafficked children. The three-hour conference will include a discussion with local law enforcement and representatives from Cherish All Children and LOPPW, with local resources provided. The conference will be held here at Christ Lutheran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Check-in time is at 9:30 a.m.) Lunch is provided. The event is open to the public. To preregister by February 3, call 612-2801259, or go to www.cherishallchildren.org/ safeharborkickoff. Cost to attend this event is $10.00 per person. You may pay online when you register or by cash/ check at the door. The fee for this event covers the lunch and a donation to the Menomonie Police Department to create a “soft room” for abused children and their families who come to the Police Department. Additional support for this event is being provided by Thrivent Financial and Jimmy John’s of Menomonie. For more information about Cherish All Children, visit www.cherishallchildren.org. Cherish All Children, based in Minneapolis, is a national Lutheran ministry of prayer, education, relationship-building, and action to prevent child sexual exploitation. For more information about LOPPW, visit www.loppw.org. LOPPW is based in Madison and is a ministry of the ELCA. In faithful response to God’s love, LOPPW engages people of faith in the ministry of advocacy for policies that support peace, justice, and care for all of God’s creation. Pastor Diane House and Robbie Joern were interviewed on WQOW recently. To view the news clip from this interview, go to http://www.wqow.com/ story/27902727/2015/01/21/121daybreak-interview-safe-harbor-kick-off Welcome to our newest member at Christ Lutheran! Barb Frey 420 Heller Road, Apt. 301 Menomonie, WI 54751 715-235-0982 February 2015 Christ Lutheran Church Council Minutes December 8, 2014 Members Present Gary Johnson, Tom Meister, Kristy Binkley, Mary Merritt, Leslie Falkner, Dick Rank (ex-officio), Jeff Merritt, Jeremy Wilterdink, Nancy Bourget, Arla Graff, Pastor Geoff Scott (ex-officio). Members Absent Heather Lannon, Jim Johnson, Christine Ness. Call to Order Council President Gary Johnson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at the church. Devotions Jeremy Wilterdink presented the devotions. Vision Statement Mary Merritt recited our Vision Statement. Mission Statement Nancy Bourget recited our Mission Statement. Council Purpose All Council members recited our Council Purpose. Approval of Minutes October and November 2014 Council Minutes were approved: [12-1] A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the October Council meeting. Merritt, M./Meister; motion carried. [12-2] A motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes of the November Council meeting. Meister/Falkner; motion carried. Treasurer’s Report Thanks to five weekends in November, we ended up with a positive balance. We are still down $7,162.90 for the year depending on how the December offerings are. We received a bill in the amount of $1,249 for Bob Dahm’s ordination reception. The Council had originally approved $500 to go towards these expenses. $60,000 has been invested from the Betty Gesche estate. A new expense beginning in November is the Youth Director’s position. Memorial gifts totaling $385 have been received for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Due to the fact that we’ve The Friendly Visitor more than met our goal for this project, the Council discussed rescinding an earlier motion for funds to be taken from Undesignated Memorials for the Malaria Campaign. [12-3] A motion was made and seconded to pay the remaining balance needed to cover expenses for Bob Dahm’s ordination luncheon from Thrivent Choice funds. Merritt, M./Falkner; motion carried. [12-4] A motion was made and seconded to rescind a prior motion to withdraw $60 from Undesignated Memorials for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Falkner/ Merritt, J.; motion carried. [12-5] A motion was made and seconded to accept the Treasurer’s Report. Meister/ Graff; motion carried. Pastor’s Report November proved to be an extremely busy month with one interment and four funerals being held in addition to Thanksgiving Eve service, Bible Study for CLCW, and Bob Dahm’s ordination service. Additional time was spent on sermons with all the extra activity. Pastor Geoff participated in the Love Light TreeLighting ceremony on December 1 at the Mayo Clinic Health System by leading with an opening prayer. He will be meeting with Marilyn tomorrow to work out a schedule for Christmas services. Pastor Geoff is appreciative of the youth directors’ assistance in working with Christ Time and the confirmands. They are doing a great job. Items from Committees Congregational Life: Rehearsals are well underway for the Christmas program which will be held on December 14. Cookie decorating and ALH caroling is set for December 10. The plan is to meet for pizza at 5 p.m., decorate cookies at 5:30 p.m. and begin caroling at 6:15 p.m. Approximately eight Christ Time students will go as a group to the Menomonie Theater Guild’s play, “It’s a Wonderful Life” on December 13. Outreach Committee: Committee met to discuss the various possibilities of disseminating money from Betty Gesche’s estate towards missions. On March 30 we will be serving food at LCM. Twenty-five dollars, instead of the $250 originally discussed, is needed for the Free Health Day expenses. There will be a meeting to discuss changes to next year’s schedule for the Free Health Day. Mission Bake Sale will be held next Sunday. Administration: (no report available) Old Business A. Covenant Fund--Mission Investment Fund Money: Renew the Mission Investment Fund as a demand deposit to give us time to make a recommendation at the Annual Meeting. ELCA Foundation Endowment Fund is at 4 percent, or another option could be for diversification. $22,552 is the current balance. B. Comprehensive Ministry Review: CLC has an opportunity to participate in a Comprehensive Ministry Review—an effort to revitalize and renew congregations. The Review (continued on next page) Council E-Mail Directory Nancy Bourget (Outreach Committee): [email protected] Leslie Falkner (Congregational Life Cmte.): [email protected] Arla Graff (Outreach Committee): (no email address) Gary Johnson (Cong. Life): [email protected] Jim Johnson (Administration Committee): [email protected] Tom Meister (Council Vice President): [email protected] Jeff Merritt (Outreach Committee): [email protected] Mary Merritt (Congregational Life Cmte.): [email protected] Christine Ness (Administration Cmte.): [email protected] Pastor Geoff Scott: [email protected] Gordon Smith (Administration Committee): (no email address) Lori Smith (Council Secretary): [email protected] Jeremy Wilterdink (Council President): [email protected] Page 4 February 2015 (December Council Minutes continued from previous page) involves four to five pastors and lay people from the synod coming to the congregation for a three-day ministry review. The final report will give us an analysis of where we are at and where we are headed as a congregation. Council members were asked to share this information with their committees and ask for feedback on how to proceed. New Business A, Christmas Offering Designation: [12-6] A motion was made and seconded to designate the Christmas offering to go to the General Fund. Graff/Merritt, M.; motion carried. B. Annual Meeting Date: The fourth Sunday of January--January 25, 2015. C. Delegates for the Luther Park Annual Meeting: The meeting is scheduled for January 24, 2015, at 10 a.m. Three delegates may attend from our congregation. An announcement will be made at future Sunday services asking for volunteers interested in attending. D. Talen Trust Fund check in the amount of $1,282 needs to be designated. Tabled until next month’s meeting. Adjournment [12-7] A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Merritt, J./ Falkner; motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 8 p.m. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Kristy Binkley, Secretary Thank you . . . . . . to all who sent cards or gifts during this Christmas season. They were much appreciated and treasured. We are blessed to serve this community of faith! - Pastor Geoff & Kathy Scott The Friendly Visitor . . . to all of the CLCW for your generous gift at the Christmas program. It’s always a fun event. Blessings on all the work you do for the good of the Gospel! - Pastor Geoff . . . to everyone who donated a gift to our residents to open on Christmas morning. Everyone was thrilled with their gifts and so thankful. Thank you for your kindness and willingness to share the holiday season with us. Happy New Year! Deb Haugrose, ALH Activities Director . . . for the lovely prayer shawl and for the get-well card I received. Your prayers carried me through surgery and the healing process. I will continue to draw on the prayers while I go through all future treatments. Thank you very much. God bless you. - Barbara Frey . . . to the Christ Lutheran Church Women for your assistance and for your thoughts, prayers, and kindness during this difficult time. - The family of Vera E. Johnson . . . to the CLCW for the quilt and to everyone for their prayers and concern. It’s all very much appreciated! - Gordon Buddy . . . to Sharon Larson for the donation of a new computer for youth ministry at CLC! . . . to Amber and Will Gilbertson and their family for donating a Wii for the youth ministry at CLC! ¡¡¡MUCHOS GRACIAS!!! Thank you to everyone who donated to help send me to Juarez, Mexico, for my mission trip. I feel truly blessed to have so much support from everyone. - Andy Hillestad Dear Members of the Church, We are incredibly grateful for your generous donation of $19.25 to Luther Park’s Annual Fund. Thank you so much for your prayers and support of this amazing ministry! Blessings! Keith Newman, Executive Director Luther Park Bible Camp Luther Park Celebration! Luther Park Bible Camp had a wonderful Annual Meeting January 24. At the meeting we were able to announce Luther Park has now paid off the long-term debt! We owe many thanks to churches, church groups, individuals, volunteers, and gifts “in kind.” We want to thank all who helped with this last push to eliminate the debt and all who keep this wonderful ministry in their prayers. Your prayers and support have not only allowed Luther Park to pay off a 20year loan but also to grow. Camper numbers were up in 2014 by 25 percent. Guest group usage and non-summer programmed events also increased! God is good! We are immensely grateful and want the enthusiasm and support to continue as there is much to do. We can now focus on moving forward needed projects and renovations the debt has delayed. We pray you keep this wonderful ministry in your prayers as you are always in ours. In God’s grace, The Luther Park Staff Page 5 February 2015 Sunshine changes January sunshine might not change the snow depth, but “Sunshine” is changing! Our dedicated “Sunshine Group” will not be meeting at American Lutheran Home in January, February, and March as in previous years. “Sunshine” will resume on April 22 when residents of Autumn Village and American Lutheran Home come over to the CLC Fellowship Hall for noon lunch and entertainment. Volunteers and a dish to pass are always needed and appreciated for noon Sunshine Lunch at church the fourth Wednesday of the month from April through October. There is still a need for a Sunshine Coordinator. CLCW News The new booklets for the church women were mailed out on January 15. If you did not receive your copy in the mail, please let the church office know so that a copy may be mailed to you. All ladies who are members are included in the booklet and assigned to a Circle. The duties of these Circles are explained in the booklet. We invite any ladies who are interested in a Bible study to come and join us at Circle meetings the third Thursday of the month as Pastor Scott leads us in the study. Letters will be sent soon, asking for donations for the Circles to help with projects. Thanks for your support again this year. Please make checks payable to CLCW. The Friendly Visitor Quilting Ministry More people are needed to help make quilts on Mission Work Days, usually held the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 9 a.m. No sewing skills or experience are needed. We can teach you what you need to do to tie a quilt in about five minutes. Large pieces of material are needed for quilts, and blankets are needed to be used as filler for quilts. (We’ve used all the filler that we had stockpiled!) If quilting isn’t your “thing,” stamp cutters are always needed on Mission Work Days. The canceled postage stamps cut from envelopes are eventually sent to a non-profit agency, “Stamps for a Living.” Whether you come to Mission Work Days to quilt or to cut stamps, thanks for joining us in helping others. Added benefits are friendly conversations, coffee and goodies. Quilt for sale See the quilt for sale hanging on the wall in the narthex. The current quilt being displayed for sale measures 60” x 80” and the asking price is $45.00. Make check payable to CLCW and indicate “quilt fund” on the memo line of the check. This is an ongoing fundraiser sponsored by the CLCW to help cover shipping costs in sending quilts and kits to LWR. Circles meet at church at 9:30 a.m.; Joy and Hope Circles meet at church at 1:30 p.m. February 24: Mission Work Day at 9 a.m. Looking ahead The annual CLCW Thrift, Bake, Plant & Quilt Sale is coming in May. Please start thinking of items to donate for the sale. Donations of items are appreciated; however, please keep in mind that we do not accept clothing except for baby items. Gay Evenson and Ardith Jacobson CLCW Co-Presidents Taizé Service: Thursday, Feb. 12 7:30 p.m. United Methodist 2703 Bongey Dr. Menomonie Dates to remember February 7: Synod Event at CLC at 10 a.m. (CLCW and Bakers Guild take care of serving). February 10: Mission Work Day at 9 a.m. February 19: Charity and Peace Page 6 February 2015 Congratulations to Derek & Michelle Evenson on the birth of Tucker Jerome on December 23! Congratulations also to grandparents Terry & Ruth Evenson and to great-grandparents Jerome & Gay Evenson! Happy belated 60th birthday to Gary Wagner on December 29! Happy 90th birthday to Pat Pernot on February 23! Registration now available for Luther Park Bible Camp Luther Park, your Lutheran camp and conference center, is pleased to announce that registration for the 2015 summer camp program is now available. Visit www.lutherpark.org to see all the programs for children and youth in kindergarten through 12th grade. Register by creating a new account through our new registration sys- tem and making a secure payment with a credit card. You have the option of printing out a registration form from the website and registering by mail. The 2015 summer camp brochures are available at the church. Check out the new camp programs and activities. To get your first choice of the program offerings, pick up a brochure or go to www.lutherpark.org today. If you have any questions, please contact the camp office at [email protected] or call 715859-2215. COSMO News WE NEED SNACKS! Please bring a non-perishable snack item to share for COSMO snack time. We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Susie, Erin and Mary Merritt for making and selling baked goods to benefit the Youth of CLC! They raised $215! February 1 is Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday! Come dressed in your favorite football gear to collect funds and cans of soup for Stepping Stones Food Pantry. Let's try to raise more than last year's $185 and 61 cans of soup! Fifth Grade Families: We will begin our First Communion Class with a brief parent orientation on Ash Wednesday, February 18, at 5:30 p.m. First Communion class will then meet each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. the five weeks of Lent (February 25; March 4, 11, 18, and 25.) Lenten Supper will be served at 6 p.m. followed by the Lenten Service at 7 p.m. The Friendly Visitor Page 7 February 2015 Your Synod Resource Center Like the ELCA, your synod resource center is "deeply rooted and always being made new." Deeply rooted Like other full-service resource centers, it has provided congregations and leaders with books, curriculum, DVDs, magazines and other print resources. For the past 14 years Bonnie Weber and Greg Kaufmann have been available to come to your congregation to make it easy for leaders in your congregation to select the appropriate resources to do your ministry. It was staffed five days a week, and mailed out resources daily. Inquiries could be made about resources by phone or email and were promptly answered. The staff regularly set up displays at congregational, conference and synod events, including evening meetings for congregational committees. The staff also served as the contact persons for our synod's Lay School of Ministry and certain Malawi events. Always being made new Since its inception in 2000, the Synod Resource Center of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin has been an innovator in resourcing congregations and the entire ELCA. In addition to being a full-service resource center, it also served as the website to house "open files" for the entire Association of Lutheran Resource Centers (http:// www.synodresourcecenter.org). With the increased use of social media, resource centers across the ELCA are adapting. The Association of Lutheran Resource Centers (ALRC) was challenged by Presiding bishop Liz Eaton to create a Facebook page that could serve the entire ELCA (https:// www.facebook.com/alrc.elca). The ALRC has created a number of Pinterest boards based on the normal The Friendly Visitor categories of ministry that a congregation does (http://bit.ly/ ALRConPinterest). What does this mean for the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Resource Center? Bonnie Weber, who has served as assistant director since its inception, retired December 1, 2014. She will serve as a volunteer, along with Delores Harrison, in order to enable the center to continue serving you and your congregation. The center will be open Monday and Tuesday of most weeks. Hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The website remains available 24/7: www.synodresourcecenter.org You can leave phone messages at 715 -833-1153. You can email the center anytime with questions ([email protected]). January 16, 2015 Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Northwest Synod of WI, On January 13, 2015, President Arthur Peter Mutharika of Malawi declared a state of disaster for Malawi because of flooding. In addition to the flooding, the situation is more dire because the rains came late, and the survival of the crops is now in question as well. About 15 districts including Karonga, Rumphi, Thyolo, Zomba, Machinga, Mangochi, Salima, Mulanje, Phalombe, Nsanje and Chikwawa have been affected by the heavy rains. As of now 48 Malawian lives have been lost, and 70,000 are homeless. Malawi needs more than $500,000 to mitigate the impact and to save lives. Please be on the lookout for information on or response as a synod. In the meantime, please pray for the people of Malawi and Mozambique. If you are in a matched congregation or parish, begin your own fundraising projects now. I am thinking that we will begin with a designated Sunday to bring in special offering. Above all, please pray for the people of Malawi and that the crops do survive and that a famine can be averted. Thank You and God Bless, Rev. John A. Sutherland, Assistant to the Bishop Northwest Synod of Wisconsin January 21, 2015 Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Northwest Synod of WI, Many of you have been asking how we can help our companions in Malawi due to the recent devastating floods. Below is the first stage of the synod's outreach. Planning guide "A Valentine for Malawi, the Warm Heart of Africa" 1. The response Sunday is planned for February 15, 2015. Please be sure to include this in upcoming bulletins and newsletters and emphasize that this is a synod-wide event, and our goal is to have 100 percent of congregations participate. 2. In the preceding Sundays, please continue to include Malawi in your intercessions, and present the information that I will be sending. 3. Please have your Sunday Schools or youth decorate Valentine Boxes to be used for the response. These boxes should be accessible and out for use on Sunday, February 8. 4. Please emphasize that gifts/checks should be made out to the Northwest Synod of WI. The line item should be designated as "Flood relief." 5. Please use the litanies and prayers that will be arriving in later correspondences on February 14 and 15. Rev. John A. Sutherland, Assistant to the Bishop Northwest Synod of Wisconsin Page 8 February 2015 Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity A Brush With Kindness A Brush with Kindness is a nationwide effort of Habitat for Humanity International to serve lowincome homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. What we do Chippewa Valley Habitat for Humanity works with lowincome homeowners to repair and maintain their homes. A Brush with Kindness helps insure families are living in safe and wellmaintained homes, keeps homeowners in their homes, protects their financial assets, and restores homeowners' dignity and pride of homeownership. The Life Cycle of Your Donation Strong families start at home. Your donation to Habitat for Humanity supports the lumber, roof, and services to build a new home for a hard working family in need of a decent home. The family puts in 400 hours of “sweat equity” by building their home alongside volunteers. The family purchases their home with a 30-year, interest- free mortgage. They just built and bought their own HOME! Loans are repaid and the money is recycled over and over again to build many more strong homes. A HOME changes everything 86 percent report being happier than before moving. 70 percent report improved health. 65 percent say children’s confidence has improved. 58 percent are better off financially. How we do it We reach out to families and neighborhood organizations to identify homeowners whose homes are in the greatest need of repair. These people often tend to be seniors, people with disabilities, and single-parent families. We help homeowners with minor exterior repairs, painting, and other maintenance. This typically includes fixing broken windows, doors, loose siding, rotting soffits, peeling paint, and overgrown landscaping. Why we do it This homeowner-by-homeowner approach translates into stronger neighborhoods and communities. Many low-income homeowners live in challenging circumstances which create issues that are beyond what they can handle alone. A Brush with Kindness helps to provide home preservation services that support and strengthen our applicants. The Friendly Visitor Page 9 February 2015 2014 July Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. TOTAL Receipts $16,640.99 $21,204.49 $17,564.82 $16,503.63 $24,676.26 $27,724.57 $251,970.36 Disbursements $17,367.94 $19,259.91 $21,351.50 $20,037.33 $23,207.40 $23,879.27 $255,287.96 ($726.95) $1,944.58 ($3,786.68) ($3,533.70) $1,468.86 $3,845.30 ($3,317.60) Balance Suggestion Forms There are Suggestion Forms available in the narthex. Please use the form to make suggestions or express any concerns you have for our ministry. All forms should be submitted to the church office in a sealed envelope addressed to the Executive Board. The Executive Board will be responsible for bringing your suggestion/concern to the attention of the Church Council and reporting back to you what action was taken. Audio Ministry Sunday sermons are broadcast on local radio station WMEQ 880 AM (and worldwide via iHeartRadio) Sundays at 9:30 a.m.; or listen to recent Sunday services on-line at www.welcome2clc.org. Did you know? If you use Google's Gmail calendar on your computer, you can keep the Christ Lutheran calendar a click away by simply adding “[email protected]” to the “add a friend's calendar” box in your Google calendar. (The same calendar is available to anyone with web access by simply clicking the “Calendar” tab on our web site: www.welcome2clc.org). Electronic “Friendly Visitor” To receive monthly emails linking the latest “Friendly Visitor” web version, visit The Friendly Visitor www.welcome2CLC.org and click "Go Green." Using instructions there, you may also elect to stop receiving the paper version by U.S. Mail. The Lutheran To those who did not subscribe to The Lutheran magazine, help yourself to one of the issues available on the end table in the hallway across from the office. Here’s a look at the February issue: Proud to be ELCA. What draws people to the ELCA? Hear from readers from a variety of denominations and faiths about their journey to membership in the ELCA. For many, “It’s all about that grace.” To help your discussion, visit www.thelutheran.org for a study guide (click on “study guides” on the left-hand side). Let’s talk. In her February column in The Lutheran, ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton admits that it’s difficult to talk about race in this country. But not talking about it won’t make it go away. She’s convinced that “not only is the church the appropriate place for this conversation, it might be the only place where the deep, honest, even painful conversation about race can take place . . .” Think about this. The Lutheran is a resource for adult forums and individual study. In the Page 10 February issue, ponder “Faith;” columnist Peter Marty says it is saying yes with one’s heart to a God worth trusting. Go deeper into “Immigration” with an ELCA teaching theologian who helps us come to terms with our faith tradition and current affairs. Contemplate spiritual practices for Lent. Go “Beyond memos” and think about the lost art of letter writing. Or see how families become fluent in the language of faith. (To help your discussion, find a study guide at www.thelutheran.org; menu is on the left). We are creative. In the February issue of The Lutheran, see ELCA members at work in creative and new ways. Meet an ELCA pastor who shares the word in a canvas crusade. Learn how posters are showing Wisconsin pastors in a new light. Discover a Lutheran program that offers companions to seniors. Travel to Massachusetts where change is the “one constant” for a lively ministry. Go dancing in Florida. Visit the Holy Land, where a ministry opens up Scripture to deaf Christians. Or plan a Lenten “Hunger Hunt.” Online: Visit The Lutheran’s website at www.thelutheran.org for your research and study needs. Find more than 11,000 archived articles and 400 study guides. February 2015 Thank you for service this month! If you cannot serve at your scheduled day or time, it is your responsibility to exchange with someone and then notify the church office (235-5573) of the change by 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Scripture Readers February 1 Scout Sunday February 8 Gary Johnson February 15 Youth Sunday February 22 Lutheran Campus Ministry Sunday Ushers (Feb. 1) Jerry Traxler and Dan Gonstead Ushers (Feb. 8, 15, and 22) Kevin & Heather Lannon Ushers (Ash Wed., Feb. 18; and Lenten Service, Feb. 25) Jerry Smith and Bill Neverdahl Greeters February 1 Scout Sunday February 8 Jerome & Gay Evenson February 15 Youth Sunday February 22 Lutheran Campus Ministry Sunday Acolytes February 1 Kayla Link February 8 Dylan Crouse February 15 Amber Gilbertson February 22 Trinity Norman Communion Assistants February 1 (Kneeling) February 15 (Intinction) Joan Labs, Jake & Shirley Bostrom, Kayla Link, Assisting Lay Minister, Pastor Geoff Scott Ken Iverson, Kathleen Kjenslee, Dan & Leslie Falkner, Assisting Lay Minister, Pastor Geoff Scott Ash Wednesday, February 18, 7 p.m. (intinction): Arla Graff, Ken & Sherry Iverson, Ardith Jacobson, Assisting Lay Minister, Pastor Geoff Scott Coffee Servers February 1: Kayla Link and family February 8: Dylan Crouse and family February 15: Amber Gilbertson and family February 22: Trinity Norman and family February Altar Care: Deb Johnson and Arlene Mork February Money Counters: Marlin & Judy Severson The Friendly Visitor Page 11 February 2015 CLC Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain is being updated. Please contact the church office by February 2 if you would be willing to serve as a “link” on the chain. The Prayer Chain is a phone tree (a group of people who call or email each other). The first “link” will be contacted, usually by the church office, with a specific request for prayers for someone in a critical situation such as a car accident, cancer diagnosis, etc. The person contacted then calls or emails the next link on the chain, and then that link calls the next one, etc. The chain of prayer is complete when the last link, having been notified of the prayer request, calls the first link to complete the loop. Prayer Ventures for February 1 Give thanks, especially during Black History Month, for our sisters and brothers of African descent participating in God’s work of restoring and reconciling communities in the name of Jesus Christ throughout the world. 2 Remember the Za’atari Refugee Camp in Jordan, a ministry of The Lutheran World Federation, that was hit hard by unusually severe winter storms this past month. 3 We are a church together. Remember in your prayers the congregations, ministries and leaders of the Sierra Pacific, Arkansas - Oklahoma, and Caribbean Synod of the ELCA. 4 We pray for the warmth and safety of people and communities facing severe cold, snow and flooding during the winter months. 5 As outdoor ministry leaders seek staff across the country for their summer programs, pray for young adults to carefully consider their invitations and opportunities to serve. 6 The need for safe, warm shelter for people who are homeless is particularly critical in the winter months. Send us forth to be your people in the world, inspiring and sharing resources so that all may have dependable shelter. 7 We pray that God’s Spirit of justice, peace and reconciliation will turn the hearts and minds of nations, leaders and factions to peaceful means of resolving conflicts and wars, and rebuilding communities and nations. 8 We pray for healing among people suffering in the current flu epidemic, and we give thanks for the skills and commitment of the health care professionals who care for us. 9 Gracious God, we ask that wisdom, compassion and justice will guide the leaders of the United States and Cuba, as they work toward new diplomatic relationships, reconciliation, healing and the reunification of families. 10 For men, women and young adults considering preparation for full-time ministry in this church, we pray for their discernment and that they might use their unique skills and life experiences to share the gospel wherever they serve. 11 Remember the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, including our response to floods in Malaysia, continued response to flood recovery in Serbia and Bosnia, and support to returning child migrants in Honduras. 12 We pray that the 2015 ELCA Definitely Abled Youth Leadership Event in Detroit will bless and empower young people with physical, cognitive and emotional differences, so that they The Friendly Visitor might grow as faithful, wise and courageous leaders in our church. 13 We give thanks for the generosity of ELCA members who provided nearly $400,000 in humanitarian assistance to support ELCA partners serving the thousands of unaccompanied minors arriving to the United States from countries in Central America. 14 Continue praying for all those who work to dismantle systems that dehumanize, oppress or divide people by their color, culture, language, abilities or beliefs. 15 Transfiguration of Our Lord: By the miraculous and simple actions of God in the world, we are moved to offer thanks and glory for the light that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, shines in the world. 16 We pray for God’s Spirit to enrich the lives and faith of the youth, parents and adult leaders preparing for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit. 17 Shrove Tuesday: Many of us know the comfort of abundance and feasting. Let us not fear self-contemplation and sacrifice that grounds us in the spirit of Jesus Christ and his compassion for all humankind. 18 Ash Wednesday: As we mark ourselves with ashes and the sign of the cross, we admit our wrongdoings and our human weaknesses. Remember the forgiveness and new life we have in Jesus Christ. 19 During this season of Lent, ask for the Spirit’s guidance to follow Jesus’ example of humility, sacrifice, service and strength in the face of life’s challenges. 20 We pray for the eight young adult volunteer missionaries serving communities, churches and social ministries in Mexico through the ELCA Young Adult Global Mission program. 21 We are a church together. Let us pray for the congregations, ministries and leaders of the Southwestern Washington, Northern Great Lakes and Delaware - Maryland Synod of the ELCA. 22 First Sunday in Lent: The water and word in baptism mark a turning point in life – the beginning of a new life in a community of faith in the world. Remember and give thanks for your baptism and for where God has led you in the days and years that followed. 23 Water is a gift, a necessity for life for humanity and creation. We pray for relief and creative solutions during the drought being experienced in the western part of the United States and in areas of Central America and Africa. 24 We pray to be willing, trusting and eager-to-learn followers of Jesus through trials and temptations to the cross and new life. 25 We pray that our Lenten traditions and practices serve to strengthen our faith, ground our lives in Jesus’ life and sacrifice, and draw us closer to God. 26 We pray for the African Descent Lutheran Association, people of God rooted in the gospel and redeemed by Jesus Christ, committed to living out their faith by expressing their love for one another and affirming themselves and their cultural heritage as gifts to the church. 27 For some people and families, every day is like a journey in the wilderness. Pray that they may find direction, sustenance, hope and the accompaniment of caring faith communities. 28 Lent leads us – invites us – to have conversations about faith, our humanness, what it means to be Lutheran Christians, and the good news of Jesus Christ. We pray that God’s Spirit will guide our discussions and free us to be curious, respectful and attentive to each person, and inspired to action. Page 12 February 2015 The Friendly Visitor from Christ Lutheran Church 1306 Wilcox Street Menomonie, WI 54751 Pastoral Ministry Ministers: All Members of the Congregation. Pastor: Geoff Scott (home 632-2195; cell 556-3699; [email protected]). Assisting Minister: Marilyn Tye ([email protected]). Lutheran Campus Minister: Pastor Kurt Larson ([email protected]). Lutheran Campus Ministry Director: Katie Wagner ([email protected]). Music Ministry Chancel Choir Director: Emily Hansen ([email protected]). Organist: LuAnn Dohms. Substitutes: Emily Hansen, Andrew Maki, Mary Merritt. Choir Accompanist: Emily Hansen. Youth Ministry Youth Co-Director: Josie Wilterdink ([email protected]) Youth Co-Director: Kaye Wurm ([email protected]). Sunday School (COSMO) Superintendent: Josie Wilterdink ([email protected]). Music Director: Emily Hansen. Accompanist: Mary Merritt. Maintenance Custodian: Tom Surdick (cell 715-505-7022). Missionary Sponsorship Patrick & Jackie Bencke, Japan ([email protected]). Office Staff Church Secretary Office Hours: Monday through Thursday— 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday—8:30 a.m. to Noon. (Please note that the pastor’s day off is Friday.) Secretary: Jane Amble (home 235-0748; [email protected]). Treasurer: Dick Rank ([email protected]). Radio Ministry Radio Broadcast on 880 AM Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Internet Ministry Sunday bulletins, “Friendly Visitor” newsletters, calendar, audio of Sunday services, and much more may be found at www.Welcome2CLC.org or at www.facebook.com/Welcome2CLC. . We’re on the Web! www.Welcome2CLC.org Christ Lutheran Church PHONE 715-235-5573 FAX 715-235-8970 “Where God’s promise of love and forgiveness is for all.” Welcome! February 2015 - CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Sunday 1 Monday 2 SOUPER BOWL OF CARING Tuesday 3 6:00 PM Exec Board Wednesday 4 10:00 AM Spiritual Direction Thursday 5 Friday 6 4:00 PM Worship at The Neighbors of Dunn County 6:15 PM -7:15 PM Christ Time 10:10 AM COSMO 7 10:00 AM -1:00 PM Synod Event at CLC (CLCW/Bakers Guild serves) SCOUT SUNDAY 9:00 AM Worship with Holy Comm. Saturday 5:00 PM Worship with Holy Comm. in Fellowship Hall 7:15 PM Chancel Choir 10:30 AM Outreach Cmte 8 9 9:00 AM Worship 10 6:30 PM Council in FH 10:10 AM COSMO 10:00 AM Spiritual Direction 10:30 AM Worship Team 15 YOUTH SUNDAY MISSIONS BAKE SALE 9:00 AM Worship with Holy Comm. 10:10 AM COSMO with Mardi Gras Parent Brunch 22 9:00 AM Mission Work Day 16 DEADLINE FOR "FRIENDLY VISITOR!" 5:30 PM Christ Time serves meal at Lutheran Campus Ministry 17 10:00 AM Spiritual Direction 12:00 PM -6:00 PM Red Cross Blood Drive in CLC Fellowship Hall 11 6:15 PM -7:15 PM Christ Time 18 ASH WEDNESDAY 23 20 9:30 AM Charity & Peace Circles meet at church 5:30 PM First Communion orientation meeting 25 2:00 PM Worship at American Lutheran Home 7:00 PM Chancel Choir 26 9:00 AM Mission Work Day FOOD PANTRY SUNDAY 10:00 AM Spiritual Direction 5:30 PM First Communion Class 9:00 AM Worship 3:30 PM Communion at The Neighbors 4:00 PM -7:00 PM Dunn Co. Humane Society "Spay-ghetti" Fundraiser in CLC Fellowship Hall 6:00 PM Lenten Supper 10:10 AM COSMO 7:00 PM Lenten Worship 21 5:00 PM Worship with Holy Comm. in Fellowship Hall with Lutheran Campus Ministry 1:30 PM Joy & Hope Circles meet at church 9:00 AM VBS planning meeting at Peace Lutheran 7:00 PM Congregational Life Cmte. 14 5:00 PM Worship with Holy Comm. in Fellowship Hall 9:00 AM Men's Bible Study at church 7:00 PM Ash Wednesday Worship 24 19 9:00 AM Men's Bible Study at church LUTHERAN CAMPUS MINISTRY SUNDAY 13 7:30 PM Taize Service at United Methodist Church 7:15 PM Chancel Choir 6:00 PM Lenten Supper 6:00 PM Administration Cmte 12 7:00 PM Chancel Choir Are you serving in ministry this month? See page 11 to find out! 27 28 5:00 PM Worship with Holy Comm. in Fellowship Hall
© Copyright 2024