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Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
Christ the Redeemer
Lutheran Church is a
member of The Lutheran
Church-Missouri Synod.
Rev. Scott Burmeister
Pastor
Suzanne Watt
Director of Christian
Education
Kayla Kuehnert
Director of
Family and Children’s
Ministry
Nikki Witt
ECC Director
Gloria Roettger
Office Manager
Connie Phillips
Office Secretary
Norma Muller
Organist
Craig Amendt
Choir Director
John Hall
Facility Manager
“Leading people
into a living
relationship with
Jesus Christ”
Sunday morning worship
starts at 8:15 & 10:45 AM.
Sunday School and Bible
Classes for all ages begin
at 9:30 AM.
PHONE: 918/492-6451
FAX: 918/492-3524
Web: www.ctrtulsa.org
You can view this newsletter
online!
Email:
Grace Required
February 2015
By: Pastor Scott Burmeister
One of the most difficult things in ministry is to determine how much grace is required in
a particular circumstance. I remember when I was a younger pastor, this was an area that I
failed at more often than I succeeded. It happened more often than I care to admit that I
treated a person, who needed extra grace as though they only needed moderate grace. I
found myself cutting the person short, or not showing them the kind of care they needed at
the time. It was not intentional, but, the result was never good. The person would go away
feeling that they were not completely loved or that something else was more important than
them.
So I have developed a little system whereby I try my best to figure out where a person is
at, with regards to the amount of grace that is needed within a certain circumstance. I tend to
gravitate to TLA’s (Three Letter Acronyms).
NGR – No Grace Required: These are individuals who are perfectly content with the
grace they receive from God and do not have a need to be shown grace from others. Very
often they appear very strong on the outside and on the inside they are in active communication with God concerning their needs. It could be the case that they are receiving grace from
others and so there is no need for you to show them grace, within a given circumstance.
MGR – Moderate Grace Required: These are individuals that have had something happen to them and they need your grace right now. But, it is a moderate amount of grace and
does not need to extend far into the future. They do get and feel the grace from God, and
they need to feel that grace from you as well.
EGR – Extra Grace Required: These are individuals who are hurting very badly. They
do feel the grace of God and know and understand his grace, but they need to feel that grace
from you. This grace needs to extend beyond the normal parameters. People in an EGR
situation need your undivided attention and your extended periods of time. There is no telling how much will be enough or how much time needs to be devoted to them.
It is the situation that people find themselves in that determine how much grace is required. These categories are not prescriptive of a person’s faith. All of us have, in our lives,
moved from NGR to EGR in the blink of an eye. I remember when Leon got into his car accident on 71st Street on a Sunday morning. He went immediately from NGR to EGR. I
stopped my bible study and went out, along with other members to help him. This is just a
small example to show that these categories are extremely permeable and no judgment of
faith levels should ever be associated with them.
So, as you are out and about in the world and functioning as Christian believers, ask
yourself if the person in front of you is in need of extra grace right now, and then show them
that grace. It could be the driver who just pulled out in front of you. It could be your child
who is struggling even right now. It could be your spouse who needs your extra grace. Give
it to them. Why? Because when we approach God with all of our shortcomings, He shows
us not EGR, but AGR (Amazing Grace Required). Amen!
[email protected]
Early Childhood Center
Phone: 492-1416
Cornerstone 1
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
Congratulations and God’s richest blessings to all
of our couples as they celebrate
their wedding anniversary!
Dean & Shelley Butler
Jim & Gayle Pumpelly
Robert & Lanece Young
Feb. 5
Feb. 9
Feb. 29
10 yrs
12 yrs
51 yrs
February is DCE
Appreciation month! Please
join us on Sunday, February 22nd for
DCE Appreciation Sunday. We will have a
reception between services. There will be a
basket to collect cards if you would like to
bring one. Please come and help us celebrate our DCE.
How well do you know DCE Suzanne?
1) In what country did she study abroad in
college?
2) What university did DCE Suzanne attend
for undergraduate studies?
3) What is her favorite type of food to eat?
4) Name her favorite NFL team.
5) When you see Suzanne with a Starbucks in
hand, what is she drinking?
6) Name her favorite color.
7) Her favorite Christmas hymn is…
8) How many years has she been at CTR?
9) Name her 2 dogs.
Bonus Question– What does DCE mean?
1. England; 2. Valparaiso; 3. Mexican; 4. Saints; 5. Vanilla Latte;
6. Purple; 7. O Come, O Come Emmanuel; 8. This year is her 8th
year; 9. Cricket & Buddy; Bonus– Director of Christian Education
Cornerstone 2
For the Months of December
2013
Total Worship Attendance ......... 1057
Weekly Average ....................... 211
S S/Bible Class Attendance ......... 371
Weekly Average ......................... 74
December Giving ................ $104,621
Monthly Budget .................... $68,269
Year to Date Giving ............ $699,406
Year to Date Budget ........... $710,000
YTD (behind) Budget ......... ($10,594)
YTD Expenses ..................... $691,234
2014
961
240
341
85
$65,819
$54,615
$719,528
$710,000
$9,528
$698,552
For the Years of
2013
Total Year Church Attendance 11539
Weekly Average ....................... 222
Total S S/Bible Class Attendance 3966
Weekly Average ......................... 79
2014
11690
225
4251
85
Altar Flowers
The sign-up chart is available at the information center. Write your name on the
date and share the special reason for the
flowers if you wish. Simply drop your
$35 check (put ALTAR FLOWERS on
the memo line) in the offering plate the week before or
that Sunday! You may take the arrangement home following the late service.
Flowers given for February are:
1: Chuck & LeighAnn Fuller in thanksgiving for Jackson’s birthday
8: by Bernie Zanter in celebration of Norm’s birthday
15:
22: by Joey Watt for DCE Appreciation Month in honor
of Suzanne
Lent begins with our
Ash Wednesday
services on February 18 at
11:00 AM & 7:00 PM.
This Wednesday Lenten
worship schedule will continue through March 25 with services at both
times.
Maundy Thursday worship on April 2 and Good
Friday worship on April 3
Easter Sunday , April 5, we will have
3 worship services all with Holy communion:
7:00 AM Sunrise Service
8:15 and 10:45 AM Traditional Worship
At 9:30 AM there will be a Family Easter Event.
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
In my opinion, after the Bible the
Lutheran hymnals, currently Lutheran Service Book, with its hymns,
liturgies, canticles, the small catechism on page 321, psalms, and
prayers on the very first page as well
as pages 305 to 318, can be one of
Norma Muller
the most meaningful collections of
spiritual resources for the lay person to use on a daily
basis.
composed by Johann Caspar Bachofen who lived
1697-1755 and the musical setting is by Joseph Herl who
was born in 1959. The tune name is “Bachofen” for the
man who wrote the tune. Reviewing this bit of information, we see that Newmeister and Bachofen lived at the
same time and Voelker and Herl lived at the same time. I
can only imagine the excitement of these four men who
lived in different centuries as they poured over the words,
tune, translation and musical setting of this beloved
hymn. Again in my opinion, the words of this hymn
speak to us and for us in our lives AND also as a witness
to the persons attending a funeral or memorial service of
a Christian who died in the faith.
Recently, our pastor urged us to remember our own baptism when we awaken each morning by making the sign
of the cross over our heart as was done at our own baptism and saying the invocation, “In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” This
is nothing new, as Luther encourages us in the small catechism, see page 327 in Lutheran Service Book, to begin
each day this way. What a great way to get going in the
morning!
Recently, I asked a group of school children if they had a
favorite hymn and what it was if they had one. No one
had one and they seemed to agree that they didn’t know
the hymns. So, may I suggest to parents and grandparents, etc. that you offer to mentor the younger ones in the
beauty of the hymns. The children did know how to read
the words from verse to verse and seem eager to learn
about the hymns. For your information, the list of Children’s Songs in our hymnal is on page 1011.
There is a section in our hymnal named “baptismal life”
and it begins with hymn 594 which is immediately after
the “baptism” section. The first hymn in the “baptismal
life” section is “God’s Own Child, I Gladly Say It”. This
is a fairly new hymn to us and it has fast become a favorite one. Some of us learned it or heard it from the hymnal supplement 98, copyrighted in 1998 by Concordia
Publish House. The text was written by Erdmann Newmeister who lived 1671- 1756. It was translated by
Robert E. Voelker who was born in 1957. The tune was
The footnote in hymnal supplement 98 states the following about this hymn:
“Both the joy of living as baptized sons and daughters in
Christ and the daily significance of remembering our
Baptism are portrayed in this hymn. The tune also reflects the exuberant joy of all who are baptized into
Christ Jesus.” What a wonderful, valuable resource to
share with your family.
A Note From the
Music Dept…
Saint Valentine...
Valentine On
Norma Muller
February 14, many Christians celebrate
Valentine’s Day. Valentine, a Roman priest, was made a martyr in
270 A.D. because of his love of Christ and his persistence in the
Christian way of life. He often ended his kind and helpful letters to
others with the words “Your Valentine.” Later, as Christians remembered and honored this saint, they signed their letters of affection with the same words. St. Valentine is considered by some
Christians to be the patron saint of lovers and the helper of those
who are unhappily in love. Some Christians call St. Valentine’s Day a feast day. It
seems fitting for all Christians to make it a
“love feast” day. Make it a day when we
joyfully share our love and appreciation
for our dear friends, family members and
all those who are part of the family of God.
Love is a fabric which
never fades,
no matter how often it is washed
in the water of
adversity and grief.
Love is …
Love is a deep unity, maintained by the
will and deliberately strengthened by
habit; reinforced by the
grace which both partners
ask and receive from God.
--C.S. Lewis
Cornerstone 3
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
2015 DES MOINES
LWML
CONVENTION
Date: June 25-28, 2015
Location: Des Moines,
Iowa
Theme: "Bountiful! Sow • Nourish • Reap"
Scripture Verse: And God is able to make all grace
abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having
all that you need, you will abound in every good work
(2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV).
If you've never gone to an LWML national convention
you are missing out on one of the more inspiring gatherings in the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod. The
convention starts with thousands of Lutherans uniting
in song, communion and hearing the Word from Lutheran Hour Speaker, Rev. Gregory Seltz at the opening Thursday night worship service. Throughout the
convention mission speakers address the assembly,
special luncheon speakers inform and entertain.
The mission work of the LCMS and how the Lutheran
Women's Missionary League and their mission grants
are instrumental in supporting these missionaries and
ministries is the focus. Business sessions include election of officers and choosing the grants to be funded
over the next two years (2015-2017). A huge exhibit
hall with Lutheran agencies, CPH store and LWML
committees and store is always a big attraction.
Family-friendly Child and Youth Activities, from 6
months to 17 years old, are held Friday and Saturday,
8-5. Pre-convention golf tournament and tours are
also scheduled. Participation in servant events, a
blood drive and mission pledge walk are other options.
This is as close as a convention will be to Oklahoma
for many years! It is a seven-hour car trip from Tulsa.
There is also a district bus going from Oklahoma
which will serve as shuttle from hotel to convention
center. It's fun to meet family and friends from out of
town and share the experience.
Registration opens Feb. 1 for early registration with a
discount, Oklahoma bus reservations can be made
now and regular registration is March 1- May 20. This
is open to all, men and women, Lutherans and nonLutherans. Come and be inspired--see how bountiful
our God is!
Lots of information at www.oklwml.org and
www.lwml.org. Check it out and plan to come!
Cornerstone 4
From the Bookworm
Hello Fellow Readers.
Have you ever taken the time to laugh at yourself?
We are pretty funny when you think about it? We
really need to take a good look at ourselves and
laugh. In spite of how sad our sinful selves are, I
suspect God has a good chuckle now and then at
the absurd things we do. When he is not shaking
His head in shame, that is, I am sure we are a never
ending source of enjoyment.
Put all this fun in a small Lutheran (or any church)
you have a endless array of things to write about.
And that my friends is what Katie Schuermann did
in her book “ HOUSE OF THE LIVING STONES”.
published by CPH in 2014. It is a jolly look at life in
a small town and a small Lutheran church. The antics the members of this church get into will have
you doing “face slaps” until you realize... Oops! that
is what I do.
The church secretary, the pastor, the choir director,
the organist, and all the church members in this
book will take you on a delightful romp in this year
long look at their lives and the skeletons peeping out
of their closets. It will have you laughing so hard
your family will wonder what is going on.
This is one of the many
new books in our church
library. Please come pick
it up and read it soon. But
also bring it back quickly
as I am sure others with
want to laugh at themselves too.
Please keep reading!
See you in the Library,
Mary Ames
The Bookworm
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
CTR Women in Mission LWML
Your LWML Mite Box Offerings at Work
In thankful response for all God has
given to His children, and as a result of faithful prayer
and mite* giving, the Lutheran Women's Missionary
League (LWML) is pleased to announce more Mission
Grants for the 2013-2015 biennium have been funded:
An installment of $10,000 for Support of Lutheran Public
Radio. This grant helps assure that the radio and Internet
show, “Issues, Etc.,” can continue to proclaim the Gospel
and provide a better understanding of contemporary
social issues in a Christian context. An additional $15,000
remains to be given to complete this grant.
The Native American Outreach Training Center in Fairbanks, Alaska has received final grant funding of
$45,000. This grant will provide support to Lutheran Indian Ministries for the development of an Alaskan Mission Training Center, which will provide training for volunteers and Natives to reach out with the Gospel message to communities throughout Alaska.
Partial payment of $20,000 for Worship for Shut-ins. This
grant will help to fund the production, marketing, and
distribution of the weekly “Worship for Shut-ins” DVD
program, produced by Lutheran Ministries Media. An
additional $20,000 remains to be paid to complete this
grant.
Do you have a LWML Mite Box in your home, office or
car? Bring your box of offerings on Mite Box Sunday, the
first Sunday of every month and add it to the offerings of
others in the big Mite Box on display. Don't forget to
take a copy of the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly when
you do. This magazine has mission stories, Bible studies
and news for Lutheran women.
Lincoln and His Bible
A biographer of Abraham Lincoln says that Lincoln knew the Bible almost by heart. In the book,
Mr. Lincoln by J.G. Randall, we read: “There
was not a clergyman to be found so familiar with
it as he. There is scarcely a speech or paper prepared by him from 1834-1865, but contains apt illusions and stirring illustrations from the sacred book.” In fact, it is said that
when Lincoln saw a misquotation from the Bible, he would correct it and write down the chapter and verse where the exact
words could be found.
Christian Life Conference set
for Saturday, March 14, Holy
Trinity Lutheran, Edmond
Elaine Bickel, inspirational
speaker, humorist and Christian author highlights a day of
Bible study, laughter and
worship on Saturday, March
14, in Edmond at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. "A Time
to Grow" is for women of all ages. The theme is based on
1 Peter 2:2, Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual
milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.
NIV.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. Child care will be provided
free onsite -- please pre-register. For more information
and registration form go to www.oklwml.org.
Invite a friend to come with you. Everyone can use a
break from a busy schedule to relax and refuel. Reserve
the date on your calendar!
An LWR quilt is special! It brings warmth and
shelter to families by becoming a bed, room
divider, backpack to carry belongings, and at
times even a home.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?? Our LWML ladies
need help in purchasing the fabric to make the
quilt tops. Donations may be placed in the offering plate. Make checks to CTR with QUILTS in the
memo line. Each quilt costs $25 to make. Filler material
of new/used blankets as well as flat sheets in twin size
or larger are also needed (no other filler fabric can be
used).
The quilters meet every Tuesday at 10:00 in
the fellowship hall. You can cut squares, sew
squares, assemble the filler and tops, tie the
quilts - anything that strikes your fancy!
Why not join them?!
Join CTR on Facebook & Twitter!
Keep up with coming events, announcements, and updates
about recent events (including pictures). The public events
page is at:
http://www.facebook.comChristTheRedeemerLutheranChurch
the private group is at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/
ctrtulsa/
For the Twitter account use: @PastorBe_CTR
To join the private group, click Join Group in the
top right hand corner of the page or contact
James Morgan via e-mail: [email protected]
Cornerstone 5
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
Endowment Fund Report
5:00-5:30 PM
♦ Children’s Chimes Choir Practice- Sanctuary
5:30-6:30 PM
♦ Faith Friends-Gym
♦ Confirmation Classes- Library-DCE Suzanne
E301 World Religions- Jan. 14-March 11
♦ Mom’s Small Group - “Where Mom’s Connect” with Stacey
Curtis - Youth Room
♦ “God’s Not Dead” movie and study with Pastor BurmeisterJan. 14-Feb. 11
♦ “Theology of the Cross” study with Deon Hull Feb 18-Mar11
♦ INTEREST SESSION - February 4
Our presenter for February 4 will be from the Tulsa Master Gardeners. They will present a program on Oklahoma
Proven Annuals and Perennials. Join us to get some insights on gardening.
6:00-7:00 PM
♦ Dinner will be available every week either catered or through
food truck service. Prices will vary.
7:00-8:00 PM
♦ Open Gym and Homework Room- High School Youth Room
♦ Youth Activities on Feb. 4 & 11
♦ Choir- Balcony
♦ Adult Class: “Sticky Faith” with DCE Suzanne-Fellowship
Hall-Jan. 14-Feb. 11
♦ Beginning February 18, we will have our Lenten Worship
Services at 7:00 and choir practice will be at 8:00.
THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES ON MARCH 18 & 25 &
APRIL 1. Classes will resume again at 5:30 and 7 on April 8May 13 then we will break for the summer.
Help our neighbors by donating food, toiletry and household items each and every
week. Just a little bit by everyone will go a long way
for those of us who are less fortunate. Questions?
Contact Cheryl Davison.
ALL WEEKLY DONATIONS BENEFIT
SOUTH TULSA COMMUNITY HOUSE
Drop your items in the grocery cart
at the collection center.
Cornerstone 6
For the CTR Endowment Fund, 2015 started
off on a high note.
Ed and Diane Fager made a very generous
contribution to the Fund.
As reported in the Congregational Meeting Endowment
Fund Report, as the result of Congregation Presdent Morris'
request, the Endowment Fund Trustees committed to provide up to $14,000 for specific Board of Director approved
projects that meet Trust requirements in 2015.
At a later meeting, the Trustees voted to, starting in 2016,
use the previous calendar year's income as the amount that
the Trustees would make available to the congregation.
Additional funds could be provided on a case by case basis.
Questions or comments at any time can be directed to any
of the Endowment Fund Trustees: Johnny Barfield, Scott
Mabrey, Jerry Morlock, or Baxter Thorman.
OWLS will meet on February 11 at
11:30AM for lunch at the Royal Dragon.
Geri Inman will be our presenter. Cost
$10 per person. Please sign up if you
plan to attend.
Senior Friends will have lunch on February 8 at 12PM
at India Palace, 6923 S Lewis.
BUNCO will be at CTR on February 10 at 7PM hosted
by Cherry Volberding.
Thoughts for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day, a time when thoughts turn to
love. But what is love? Is it a box of
chocolates, or a pretty valentine. Is it a red
rose, or maybe a dozen? Is it a peck on the
cheek, a fond embrace, or a big bear hug?
Well, sometimes love is known in those ways.
But love, real love, is how we relate to
God and to one another if life is what it ought
to be - beautiful!
Dress up Preschool 2!...Look at
ECC shaving cream fun
ECC Labels/Box Tops
ECC is collecting labels/box tops as a continuing
fundraiser. A box and flyers with all the participating products can be found at the collection
center.
Some products include Campbell’s, General
Mills, Pillsbury, Ziploc, Hefty, Huggies and dozens more. Be
sure to turn in the UPC codes on Campbell’s products and the
box-top coupon on the other products.
Our Elders in the Faith
In early February, some churches recall how
baby Jesus’ parents brought him to Jerusalem to
offer a sacrifice. Two “church elders” met them:
Simeon, who we assume was elderly because he
was ready to die, but for his longing to see the
Messiah; and Anna, who was 84 - a “senior citizen” by any account (Luke 2:22-40).
Their years didn’t make them elders, though, as much as their
wisdom and faith did. Simeon was “righteous and devout.” He
came to the temple as the holy family did because when the Spirit
guided him to go, he knew the divine voice. Then, despite the Messiah’s improbably young age, Simeon recognized Jesus and spoke
God-given words about him. Anna was a “prophet” who had spent
countless hours in the temple, fasting and praying. Upon meeting
the Christ child, she promptly began praising God and speaking
about Jesus to all who would listen.
Who are your elders in the faith? Whatever their age, they live
out their faith by waiting on and listening for the Spirit, praising
God regularly and speaking of Jesus to others.
Thank you to the CTR and ECC families that
participated in the Angel Tree Christmas
project ! Over 80 Burmese children
received warm coats, shoes and other gifts
this Christmas because of your kindness
and caring. When the gifts were delivered
we were greeted with smiles, hugs and
even native food and drink! Thank you for
sharing God's love with these children and
their families.
The Outreach Committee
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
When & Where: April 16, 2015
LOST AND FOUND, Michael Bridges and George
Baum, have been traveling around the world performing concerts of their original music and making friends
in the process, since they were in high school. Their
music is the kind of thing that often prompts reactions
like, "Well, I have never heard anything like that before."
Michael and George admit it is a unique sound. Yet,
just as they started their musical tours by riding bicycles coast to coast and performing on borrowed instruments wherever they were welcomed, they continue to
encourage all who hear them to "do what you can with
what you have for the glory of God," as they make their
own sound with just two instruments and their voices.
Their concerts are interactive, driven by the audience.
Each show is different--always spontaneous, improvisational and musical, and often poignant, occasionally
funny. They have performed at private concerts, district
and national LCMS youth events, and on university
campuses across the country. This concert series is the
Cornerstone 8
“Farewell Tour” so this will be your last opportunity to
see them live in Oklahoma.
Some have said their music is "acoustic thrash." And
some have simply said, "Well, at least it's organic."
However you choose to characterize the sound, if you
see these guys play, you'll find that all are welcome,
that strangers become friends at the concerts, and that
the music of faith is fun. Don’t forget to bring your
slinky!
For more information on Lost and Found visit
www.speedwood.com
Apology…
A very embarrassed women apologized to her pastor because her husband had gotten up and left the
sanctuary during the sermon. “My husband didn’t
leave because he disagreed with your sermon,” she
said. “Actually, he’s been walking in his sleep
since he was a child.”
Family & Children’s Ministry
[email protected]
918-906-2650
Kayla Kuehnert,
Director
FAITH FRIENDS
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm
For ages K-5th grade
Meets in the gym.
FAITH FRIENDS FUN!
Mom’s Bible Study & Brunch
February 6 & 20
9:30-11:30 am
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 pm
Meets in the Youth Room
CTR KIDS AROUND TOWN
Isabella having lunch at
school with her Aunt Katie.
Connect Night—
Night—
January 3, 2015
CHRIST THE REDEEMER
YOUTH MINISTRY
Jr. High (6-8th graders)
Sr. High (9-12th graders)
DCE
Suzanne Watt
February 6-8, 2015
Confirmation Retreat at Camp Lutherhoma__
Come participate in CTR-U on
Wednesday nights! There are
confirmation classes, small
groups, interest sessions as well
as open gym and homework
time. Dinner will also be
served.!
February 4 & 11, 2015– 5:30 PM-6:30 PM a 6
week course wraps up on the movie “God’s
Not Dead” led by Pastor B
February 4, 11, 18 & 25, 2015– 5:30 PM-6:30
PM an 8 week course continues on World Religions led by DCE Suzanne
Beginning February 18-April 1 we will only
have classes at 5:30 PM followed by dinner.
Lenten worship will be at 7 PM.
Open to CTR 5th-8th grade confirmation students & friends.
Leave from CTR on Friday between 5:30 & 5:45PM
Return to CTR on Sunday at 12:30PM-ish
Cost is $30.00 to cover meals, cabins and transportation. Please return a
check made payable to Christ the Redeemer along with the Church Medical form and Camp Liability form.
March 27-29, 2015
Young Christian’s Weekend Trip to Branson & Silver
Dollar City__________________________
Get ready for a fun filled weekend at Silver Dollar City! We will leave
town on Friday at 5:00 PM. All day Saturday and Sunday morning we
will get to have fun at Silver Dollar City. This trip is for 6th-12th grade
students. 5th grade may go if your parent attends as a chaperone or a parent chaperone is designated for you. Moms and dads, I’m looking for
chaperones as well, so let me know if you want to go! Friends are invited
to attend once again this year for the same price you pay! Cost is $85 and
includes park admission, accommodations, travel and all meals! Trip paperwork will be mailed to you once you sign up. You can RSVP by turning in a check to the Youth Ministry drawer with YCW in the memo line
in an envelope with your name on it.
Senior Youth Sunday Morning Bible Study Schedule
Starts at 9:45 AM in the High School Room
Breakfast provided!
February 1, 2015– God’s Word Guides Us
Scripture Focus: 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:19-21; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 6:13-18
February 8, 2015– God Preserves His Word (A Focus on the Old Testament)
Scripture Focus: Luke 24:13-32, Jeremiah 36:1-4, 36:17-32
February 15, 2015– God’s Word is Complete (A Focus on the New Testament)
Scripture Focus: John 14:25-26, 21:24-25; Revelation 22:18-19
February 22, 2015– Don’t Change God’s Word
Scripture Focus: Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Galatians 1:6-9; Revelation 22:18-19
Sunday School News
The winter quarter ends with several stories of Jesus’ miracles and his Transfiguration.
Use these Bible points to connect with your child in the car or at home and continue the
learning experience after Sunday School!
February 1, 2015
The Sunday School lesson for this week focuses on the story of “Jesus and the Little
Children.” In our sin, we are like small children: helpless, dependent, and needy. So Jesus came to bestow His
love and eternal gifts upon us. Parents could discuss, “How did Jesus show His compassion on these little children? How does Jesus shower His compassion on us?”
February 8, 2015
“Jesus Heals a Man Who Is Paralyzed” is the lesson for Sunday School today. The miracle of healing the paralytic confirms that Jesus, the Son of Man, has authority on earth to forgive sins and it confirms what the Son of
Man chiefly came to do: deliver us and all believers from sin, death, and the power of the devil. Consider discussing, “In addition to healing the paralyzed man, what else does Jesus tell him? How has Jesus healed us from our
sickness of sin?”
February 15, 2015
On this Transfiguration Sunday, the Sunday School students have studied the story of “The Transfiguration.”
In the Transfiguration, we see Jesus as the pure and holy Son of God, whose perfect righteousness is given to us
through God’s Word and Sacraments. Parents could ask, “What did Jesus reveal to His disciples about Himself in
the Transfiguration? What does God’s Word reveal to us about Jesus?”
February 22, 2015
The story “Jesus Heals Jairus’s Daughter” serves as the focus of Sunday School today. Just as Jesus by Word
and touch raised the dead girl to life, so by His Word and Sacraments, He kills and buries death and raises us to
eternal life. Questions for discussion include, “How did Jesus heal this little girl? How does Jesus heal us from the
sickness of sin?”
March 1, 2015
Today the Sunday School students study the account “Jesus Calms a Storm.” Just as Jesus calmed the storm
with His Word for the frightened disciples, so He calms and ends the storm of sin and death by taking our sin
upon Himself and dying in our place so we may live eternally. Consider discussing, “What did Jesus do to calm the
storm? How does Jesus calm the storms in our life?”
FEBRUARY MEMORY VERSES
PreK, K and 1st Grade- “[Jesus said,] ‘Let the children come to me.” Mark 10:14
2nd-6th grade- “Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not
enter it.” Mark 10:15
Winter Sunday School Schedule
9:30-9:50 AM Opening Music in the Gym for Preschool-5th grade
9:50-10:30 AM Bible Time and Activities in Classrooms for Elementary ages
9:30 AM Confirmation classes in the Fellowship Hall Kitchen
9:45 AM Sr. Youth (those completed Sunday Confirmation and 9th-12th graders in Youth Room)
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
Grandpa’s “Drug” Problem
My generation just might have been lucky. I had a “drug”
problem when I was young, but I turned out all right anyway.
♦
♦
♦
♦
♦
I was drug to church.
I was drug to family reunions.
I was drug out of bed in the early morning.
I was drug by the ears when I was disrespectful.
I was also drug to the woodshed when I disobeyed my
parents.
Those “drugs” still run through my veins and
they affect my behavior - everything I do,
say and think.
Signed,
Grandpa
DO SOMETHING GOOD
FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
ELECTRONICS: The
LWML will recycle all the
following items for you: empty
inkjet and laser printer cartridges, cell phones, pagers, PDAs, I-Pods, DVD
games/players, MP3 players, digital cameras, laptops,
etc. Boxes are located at the collection center at the
south entrance of the church.
MOST Ministries collects eyeglasses and distributes them to people all over the world. A collection
box is located at the collection center. For more information go to www.mostministries.org.
PAPER RECYCLING: You can recycle all your mail/ news papers, etc. in the
collection bin in the southeast corner of
the parking lot.
DON’T TRASH THOSE COUPONS!
Military personnel and their families
stationed at major overseas bases in
Europe and Asia can use those manufacturer’s coupons up to six months after they
have expired. A box marked “Coupons for the
Troops” is located at the south entrance.
An Important Lesson
May we never let the things we can’t have, or don’t have, or
shouldn’t have, spoil our enjoyment of the things we do have.
As we value our happiness, let us not forget it for one of the
greatest lessons in life is learning to be happy without the
things we cannot or should not have.
--Richard C. Evans
The 61st and Peoria area has been chosen for several upcoming events. The
Young Professionals of Tulsa (TYPros) has selected our area for their annual
Street Cred event this year which will be held the last week of May. They will
have all types of activities planned for Johnson Park as well as projects that will
beautify and clean up the area.
The Tulsa Area United Way has also selected the 61st and Peoria area for their
Day of Caring in September. A breakfast will be served at Johnson Park by the
Brookside Lions Club, and groups of employees from area companies will go
out into the neighborhood to work
on projects. Last year, TD Williamson came to Fairmont Terrace to work on the community garden getting it ready to plant fall vegetables.
The Community Garden was donated and installed by
Lawn America a couple of years ago.
In early spring, STCH and Fairmont Terrace will need
some volunteers to help with preparing the garden for
planting with a rototiller. Contact Gerri Inman at 918742-5597 is you would like to help with the garden.
Also, contact STCH if you would like to help with the
Street Cred or Day of Caring.
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Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
A Message from Take H.E.A.R.T.Help CTR continue to Save Lives Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 9am-1pm
Two Life-saving Events Held on the Same Sunday
1) Oklahoma Blood Mobile
2) BE A MATCH registration table
Here is some information about the BE A MATCH Marrow Program…
watch for more information in the bulletin and on fliers around church
Each year, more than 12,000 Americans are diagnosed with blood cancers or other blood
diseases. For them, the only hope of a cure is a marrow transplant. Only 30% of patients
in the U.S. in need of a marrow transplant have a matching donor in their family. So, 70%
depend on marrow programs such as Oklahoma Blood Institute’s (OBI) marrow program
and others affiliated with the national marrow registry, Be The Match® to find a donor.
How Do I Register?
The entire process takes only about 10-15 minutes. Registrants need to:
• be 18-44 years old and, meet health guidelines,
• complete a registration form with contact information for registrant and two family members or friends
who can be reached in the future, in case registrant’s address changes,
• answer health questions,
• sign an agreement to join the registry,
• swab cheek for tissue typing and matching.
Registry in the marrow program offers you the unique opportunity to give a life-saving marrow transplant to
someone in need. Past age 44? You can help by sharing this information and encouraging a friend or loved one
to join the registry, either at CTR on March 22, or online at bethematch.org.
Who Needs It?
Many of those needing marrow transplants are facing leukemia,
lymphomas, sickle cell anemia and other blood diseases.
What Happens If I’m a Match?
If, in the future, you’re a suitable match for a person who needs a marrow transplant, you will be contacted.
OBI is involved in the screening and matching of donors to patients around the world. The majority of the
time, a marrow donor gives through a process very similar to a blood donation. Marrow is naturally replaced
by the body in 4-6 weeks following a donation. Occasionally, marrow is taken from a donor’s pelvic bone, when
the person needing the transplant is deemed to likely have a better outcome if this approach is used. Travel
compensation to Oklahoma City is provided, anesthesia is used in this outpatient procedure, and the donor
may feel soreness in the area following the procedure.
Pictured are Branden Linton, 17, and Camden Looper, 6. Branden battled leukemia as a young teenager. He is alive thanks to a marrow transplant. Camden had a two-year battle with leukemia in the first years of his life. He received a marrow transplant from a matched donor registered
through Be The Match®, administered by Oklahoma Blood Institute. Information adapted from obi.org
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Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
Cornerstone 14
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church — Cornerstone, February 2015
monies needed to pay for our ministry come completely out of
that account.
4. What is the most extraordinary form of support you’ve
received?
A young lady in Iowa was moved to offer her confirmation
gift monies to our work through Mission Central. She has
since saved up other monies and donated them to our work.
The following article is about Rev. Dale Kaster, our sponsored missionary. It was taken from Lutherans Engage the
World, the November-December 2014 issue.
5. How does the Synod support you as a missionary?
The most important thing is that the Synod encourages us
through prayer. It gives us much strength to know that those
who supervise or work with us here are praying for us. …
Also, the staff of the LCMS Office of International Mission
helps us finance large items (car, computer, etc.). They also
make sure that we are not in any danger.
Acquiring residence permits, setting up a home in a foreign
land, learning a new language, petting a crocodile, even dealing with a bout of malaria. These are a few of the experiences
the Rev. Dale and Suzanne Kaster, new LCMS career missionaries to Ghana, have had since moving from Jacksonville,
Fla., to the West African country on May 11. Despite the challenges, Kaster says they have been continually blessed, and he
encourages LCMS members — both church workers and laypeople — to consider serving the Lord in Africa.
6. What is most challenging about your work?
No matter how long one lives with an ethnic group, you never
can fully understand their worldview and culture. So when
you take the universal message of salvation in Christ Jesus to
them, you need to make sure that they are being reached
where they are. Therefore, you need to begin with the Small
Catechism — what is Law and what is Gospel, what is sin and
what is grace, and, most importantly, who and what is our
blessed Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Things change here from day to day. You just have to trust it
all to God, who sees the whole picture.” — Rev. Dale Kaster
7. Most rewarding?
A young man who was driving our cab in Accra [the capital
city] was asking us about our faith. He had attended a church
that had not properly preached Christ. I had an opportunity to
share the cross of Jesus with him and how it delivered to him
full forgiveness of his sins. His response was: “Finally, I get
it!” Those things make the sacrifices here most endurable.
1. Describe your work in Ghana.
The work that brought us here was to help the Evangelical
Lutheran Church of Ghana train men in the northern part of
the country for the pastoral ministry. To do that, we have
based ourselves in Tamale, the largest city of northern Ghana.
Tamale used to have a Lutheran congregation that has since
folded, so I have been holding Lutheran worship here for the
faithful and as an outreach to non-Christians and nonLutherans alike.
2. What prepared you for this work?
Twenty-four years of parish ministry in the States has been a
huge factor. Daily struggling with the Word of God and applying it to the lives of the hurting, broken and sinful have
helped me understand how life in the Church is a rich blessing
of God, imparting to us His grace for our every need. … But
without a doubt, it is our daily prayers — asking for wisdom,
strength and grace to accomplish our task — that keeps us
constantly “prepared.” Added to these are the prayers of the
many who have partnered with us as supporters.
3. As a network-supported missionary (NSM), from where
does your support come?
NSM missionaries raise the funds needed to support their
work through visits with parishes, ministries and partners. We
have been blessed to have what we need and then some. The
8. What has surprised you about your new home?
That when the rain comes down hard, our floor slab actually
leaks, and we are OK with it!
9. What do you miss from home?
Not to be trite, but our family and time with them around the
dinner table. But we also miss the conveniences of the States:
fast food, pre-made food, a grocery store!
10. What advice do you have for people who are considering missionary service?
Be flexible! Things change here from day to day. You just
have to trust it all to God, who sees the whole picture.
Find a missionary to support:
www.lcms.org/missionarysupport.
Follow the Kasters’ missionary journey:
www.facebook.com/KastersinGhana
Written by Megan K. Mertz, a staff writer for LCMS Communications.
Cornerstone 15
Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church
2550 East 71st Street
Tulsa, Oklahoma 74136-5531
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$20
Per couple,
$5 for each
additional girl.
Christ the Redeemer, Friday, February 20, 2015
6:30
6:30--8:00PM
Come for dinner and fun! Dads, Grandpas, Uncles, & Godfathers
are all welcome to bring their special little ladies.
Dinner and dessert catered by members of
Family & Children’s Ministry and Youth Ministry