Pastor Russ’ Reflections….
Dear CLC Friends,
The two cottage meetings held so far were well attended with great ideas and participation. Two more are scheduled…Sunday, October 26th at noon at the church, and that same Sunday at the Shasbergers at 3:30pm. These cottage meetings are designed to listen to you and your ideas about Christ Lutheran. If you haven’t attended one, come to one of the two remaining meetings.
We are half way through our 4-fold Outreach projects sponsored by the Caring Ministries Board. Bring the little boxes for God’s Global Barnyard in on Sunday, Oct. 26th or later. The 24 people who brought home Shoe Boxes…bring those back in on that date up to the 9th.
This Sunday, we focus on Hunger…local and global. Join us as we continue our month long quadruple effort in caring for those who struggle to subsist in God’s world.
Pastor Russ
This Sunday’s 9am Adult Class…
…will discuss the ELCA’s efforts to alleviate hunger in God’s world.
This Sunday after Worship…
…Karen and Kent Carlander will lead a discussion on advocacy and world hunger. Want to do more to care for God’s hungry world? Join Karen and Kent in the Fellowship Hall about 11:30am.
CHOIR PRACTICE
There will be a special choir practice after the worship service on Sunday, October 19. We will practice the music being sung at the combined All Saints Service on November 2 at Trinity. See everyone there!!!!!!!!!!
SALT (Serving As Lutherans Together) Shakin’ News
Sunday, Nov. 2nd – One combined celebration worship service at Trinity Lutheran, S.B.
9:30am Bishop Dean Nelson, preacher. Installation of Pastor Truls Person.
Luncheon follows with a presentation of SALT goals for 2009.
Sundays in January – Opening the Book of Faith. Pastors Lynn, Truls and Russ
rotate teaching an introduction to the Bible in the Adult Ed.
classes of Grace, Trinity and Christ Lutheran to launch the ELCA
Book of Faith Initiative.
Saturday, Feb. 7th – Dr. Diane Jacobson, professor of Old Testament Studies at Luther
Theological Seminary and coordinator of the ELCA Book of Faith
Initiative will be guest speaker at a special workshop.
February Dozens of small groups from all three congregations begin a study
(Dates/Time TBA) on Rediscovering the Book of Faith. Watch for more info!
Alzheimer’s Walk Update
The final numbers from the walk were impressive. The local Alzheimer’s Association raised over $120,000 and set a record for the number of walkers, 770. Our Faith Walkers had 42 members and raised just under $3,000. Thank you all for your effort.
Sign-up for visit to Edna Valley Winery and Pastor Russ’ & Jeanie’s
There is a sign-up list on the little table to the left of the main door to the fellowship hall. Pastor and Jeanie would like to have an approximate number of guests to prepare for. Meet on Saturday, October 25, at 12:00 noon at the winery. The wine tasting is free and there are discounts on wine and merchandise. If you would like to bring something to share, let Pastor know what you are bringing.
Jesus Seminar on the Road
Would you like to attend a cutting-edge seminar without all the travel hassles? Bethania is hosting a “Jesus Seminar on the Road” Nov. 7th & 8th. There will be an illustrated lecture and two workshops to learn about “Archaeology and the Origins of Christianity.” And, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and discuss the issues you’ll hear about.
Archaeology & the Origins of Christianity
Milton C. Moreland & Jonathan L. Reed
http://www.westarinstitute.org/Events/JSORs/solvang2008.html
Flower Fund – New!
….has been established. We still anticipate many volunteers signing up on the Flower Chart to honor your special birthdays, anniversaries, etc. This new “Flower Fund” allows our CLC Family to anonymously provide flowers on those occasional Sundays when no one has signed up. These flowers will be given to “shut-ins”. Donations can be made by cash or check (any amount) in an envelope marked “Flower Fund” and put it in the offering plate.
The Flowers Sign-Up Chart for the rest of the year is on the Narthex bulletin board. Please sign up for the Sundays of your choice and honor or remember a loved one’s birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion! Provide your own arrangement, purchase a plant, or arrange at least a week in advance with one of our Altar Guild members (Janet Schoepp or Marsha Honnold) to make the arrangement for you.
A Pastoral Letter from the Conference of Bishops of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Almighty God, . . . teach us how to govern the ways of business to the harm of none and for the
sake of the common good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship, p. 78
Grace and peace to you.
As bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are deeply concerned about the
current financial crisis, which is affecting not only our nation but the entire global economy. This
crisis is causing fear and loss in our country as thousands of families face unemployment,
foreclosure, and uncertainty about savings and pensions. Meanwhile, they struggle to put food on
the table and gas into their cars. The future is uncertain for all of us, but it is especially frightening
for those who are already vulnerable and struggling to survive. We offer our prayers for those whose
lives are being affected and for our national leaders as they seek to address this complex matter.
We call on all people in our own communities of faith and those from every segment of our society
who seek the health of our nation to join in conversation and prayer about our collective economic
life, our financial behaviors, and the interconnectedness of all life and creation that cries out to be
reclaimed.
This church has addressed the issues surrounding economic life in its social statement, “Sufficient,
Sustainable Livelihood for All,” (www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-
Statements/Economic-Life.aspx), and we encourage the use of this statement as a way to understand
more fully how the following theological and biblical principles are central as we respond to this
situation.
Concern for People in Poverty
The constitution of the ELCA calls this church to serve by “standing with the poor and
powerless and committing itself to their needs.” (ELCA 4.02.c.). We are grateful for the
pastors and leaders in our congregations who already have stepped forward to care for those
who are suffering, and we encourage them to continue this response and to provide
leadership in the task of turning our attention to the causes and effects of this crisis. We are
called to work toward an economic system that truly serves the common good and especially
the needs of the poor. We look for partnership with all those who seek to address this
financial crisis in a way that also recognizes the humanitarian issues involved.
Personal and Corporate Responsibility
The ELCA social statement on economic life calls for individuals to live responsibly and
within their means and to beware of the dangers of over-consumption and unnecessary
accumulation, which draw us beyond authentic need into excess and destructive
indebtedness. We call on businesses and corporations of all sizes to consider the social
implications of company policies and to practice good stewardship of creation (Genesis
1:26).
The Need for Good Government
We hold and teach that government has an instrumental and constructive role to play in our
shared life. This role includes “limiting or countering narrow economic interests and
promoting the common good” (“Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All,” p. 11). We call
on government to hold corporations and other powerful economic actors accountable for the
effects of their practices on workers, communities, and the environment.
The Benefits and Limits of Free Markets
For many people, the current market-based economy has proven to be effective as a system
to meet material need, generate wealth, and create opportunity. However, we hold and teach
that any economic system should be measured by the degree to which it serves God’s
purposes for humankind and creation. Those who have been blessed by the fruits of our
economy are called to be generous in giving to those who have lost much and to advocate
for accountability and appropriate regulation in this system.
As people of the God who calls us out of fear into hope and community, we welcome all people into
widespread and respectful discussion about this current crisis. In this way we can create partnerships
that will help those whose lives are being shattered and encourage responsibility and integrity in our
national economic life.
As people of faith we pray:
Almighty God, your Son Jesus Christ dignified our labor by sharing our toil. Guide us with your
justice in the workplace, so that we may never value things above people, or surrender honor to
love of gain or lust for power. Prosper all efforts to put an end to work that brings no joy, and
teach us how to govern the ways of business to the harm of none and for the sake of the common
good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Conference of Bishops
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
October 7, 2008
OCTOBER MISSION BASKET….. goes to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal for God’s Global Barnyard. This is a program in which the ELCA, in partnership with the Lutheran World Federation, provides farm animals such as goats, cows and chickens to families in need. This will give them food, funds and fertilizer to break the cycle of hunger and poverty. In this way families receive stable nutrition and a sustainable source of income.
Thrivent has agreed to match up to $300.00 of the funds collected this month.
Mission Basket Giving over the last three months:
July, Hospice of S. B., $380 + $380 from Thrivent: $760 total
August, Rescue Mission, $580 + $580 from Thrivent: $1160 total
September, Direct Relief International, $653 + $150 from Thrivent: $803 total
A Note from Kelly
Elementary school Bible Study this Tuesday at 6:30pm. We will be talking about Noah’s Ark! Come join us for games, crafts, and songs too!
This Friday-Sunday is the High School Youth Gathering at CLU. For those going please meet at the Trinity Lutheran parking lot no later than 5:00pm. Come earlier if you can, and please bring a small bag/suitcase. Last year was a blast and it should be this year too!
Registration for the junior high youth gathering in Anaheim, which includes a trip to Disneyland, is now open. Please contact me if you are interested. It was so much fun last year, at Universal Studios, and we look forward to another fun year!
Registration for the National High School Youth Gathering in New Orleans is open. Please contact me asap if you want to go. Most of the spots are full, however if you want to go, we’ll try to get you a spot. The church will also help pay for part of the cost.
“Go And Do Likewise”
Luke 10:37
A Four-Part Outreach by CLC to Address Local and World Poverty Needs
Through Involvement and Education
God’s Global Barnyard (Sowing date: Sun. Oct. 5th Harvest Date: Sun. Oct. 26th)
Animals provide hungry families with food, funds, and fertilizer – all for a better future. Donations to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal for God’s Global Barnyard helps families and their animals receive healthy food, good water, and good care. Our CLC children will be given special offering boxes to collect coins for this hunger ministry. The October Mission basket is designated for God’s Global Barnyard.
Shoe Box Project (Sowing date: Sun. Oct. 12th Harvest Date: Sun. Nov. 9th)
The power of a simple gift brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations worldwide through gift-filled shoe boxes. Gift-wrapped shoe boxes with a list of gift suggestions will be available the Sundays in October. Suggested gift items are small toys, school supplies, and hygiene items.
Grace Lutheran Food Bank (Sowing date: Sun. Oct. 19th Harvest: Sun. Nov. 23rd)
Our local Food Bank is in greater need than ever before. From Sunday, Oct. 19th thru Sunday, Nov. 23rd, let’s PILE HIGH loads of non-perishable food items and other goods. A mound of canned goods, food boxes and paper products brought by you to our sanctuary will, over these 6 Sundays, create a MOUNTAIN of donations to the Grace Lutheran Food Bank.
New Beginnings Project (Sowing date: Sun. Oct. 26th Harvest date: Sun. Nov. 30)
Fall is a good time to clean out your linen closets and donate your gently used towels and blankets to the New Beginnings Parking Lot program, a local non-profit which provides residents whose cars are their homes in finding a safe and supervised place to park overnight. A list of other is on the display in the narthex. Trinity and Grace Lutheran are joining CLC in this project.
October 19th is ELCA World Hunger Sunday. The 9am Adult EdClass and 10am Worship will offer opportunities to grow in awareness of global poverty issues.
The above projects are offered by the Caring Ministries Board of Christ Lutheran Church
Sunday School for Every Age! Every Sunday at 9am!
Grades Teacher Location
PreK & K Laurel Johnson Ark
1, 2, & 3 Dave Almcrantz Ark
4, 5 & 6 Debra Audus Ark
7 – 12 Kelly Courtney Pastor’s Office
College & Adults Pastor Russ Fellowship Hall
Co-teachers and helpers are needed. See Laurel if you want to join our teaching team!
“The human brain is a wonderful thing. It starts working the
moment you are born, and never stops until you stand up to
speak in public.”
LOOKING AHEAD
We are hoping to get a group together to go to see “Les Miserables” at the PCPA Theaterfest next summer, June 11 – July 12, 2009. Tickets go on sale October 8. A sign-up sheet is available on the table in the fellowship hall. See the poster on the bulletin board on the patio. Lets get a large group together to see this wonderful musical production!!!!
New Member Classes to Begin
Pastor Russ will begin a series of New Member Classes this fall. We will be discussing the Lutheran understanding of the Christian faith and the ministry of Christ Lutheran Church in particular. If you are interested or if you simply have questions, see Pastor Russ.
Oberammergau/Germany Tour in September, 2010
Even though 2010 seems far away, the tickets for the Passion Play and the Germany tour are selling fast. In fact, only 30 seats remain for the tour leaving from LAX on August 31, 2010. If you are interested in a tour of Austria, Bavaria, the Passion Play and retracing Luther’s footsteps in Germany, see Pastor Russ. Brochures and a DVD are available.
Holy Land Tour * Fall 2009 Have you ever wanted to walk where Jesus walked? Galilee, Jerusalem, the Jordan river, the Mt. of Olives, the Garden of Gethsemani, the site of Jesus’ death and resurrection are all on the itinerary for a Holy Land Tour scheduled for November 2009 with Pastor Russ and your friends of CLC. Members of Grace and Trinity may also be joining us. Brochures are available on the patio bulletin board. See Pastor Russ if you have any questions.
WHEN YOU NEED A PASTOR DURING TIMES OF EMERGENCY
….please contact Pastor Russ either at the church 964-2267 or his cell phone number 805 704-2199.
On the days when Pastor Russ is not in Goleta, Pastors Darcy Jensen and Lynn Bruer have graciously agreed to be “on call” for our members. They can be contacted at: Pastor Darcy 968-3164 (work #) Pastor Lynn 687-2628 (church # Jan, our church secretary, has Pastor Lynn’s home phone number, if she cannot be reached at the office.
Advent Adventure!!!!
Calling All crafters! We need people to sign up to sponsor craft tables for Advent Adventure on December 6 .For those who were unable to participate last year, Advent Adventure is an event where we make ornaments that we will give, along with a tree, to needy families in the community so they can decorate their homes for the holidays. By sponsoring a table you are responsible for providing the supplies for one craft and helping others make that craft at Advent Adventure. If you would like to sponsor a table and or need craft ideas please contact Elizabeth Shasberger at eshasberger@cox.net.
If YOU cannot serve on Sunday, please exchange with someone else on the schedule and let Jan know of the change for the bulletin.
THANK YOU SERVERS for October 19
Ushers: Knudsons
Greeters: Renda’s
Assistant: Russ Twedt
Acolyte: Kim Almcrantz
Reader: Marsha Honnold
Coffee: Lynette Trowbridge
Counters: Laurel Johnson, Lucy Hughes
Snack: Nancy N./Alta Lenander
Communion: Marji Burnight
Flowers: Janie Yanos on her birthday