December 28, 2009

Christ Lutheran “Church Chat”

Thoughts from Pastor Ron…
Thank you to everyone for your most generous gift. Helen and I were very surprised at your gift – and even more surprised when we opened the envelope! This is a wonderful, caring congregation that repeatedly demonstrates God’s love in everything you do – both within the congregation and in the community. We are very happy to be part of the family of Christ Lutheran Church.

A huge Thank You! and standing ovation to Laverne for all her work with the choir – and to the choir for their gift of music. Another special Thank You! and standing ovation to Michael, Sarah, and Rebecca Shasberger for their gift of music and leadership of our worship services and carol singing before the services during advent.

Thank you to all who came out for the advent services, the soup cooks, and Beth for her crafts with the youngsters.

Thank you to Greg for taking charge of the caroling, all the drivers and the chili cooks! It was hard to tell who was having more fun – the ones for whom we sang, or the kids of all ages who were singing.

It was a joy to see a full house on Christ Mass eve. Thank you to Kelly and our children for their Christmas pageant (and to the mom’s and dad’s who practiced with them!) Thank you to all who came to worship on Christ Mass morning, and to all who once again provided bountiful munchies for the luncheon. It was fun to see the families – and we did have visitors from the community for all of the services. One visitor told me that he came because we were the only church in Goleta that had a service on Christmas day – and that he would be back! And then, to top off the week, we had the opportunity to celebrate the sacrament of Holy Baptism on the first Sunday of Christmas. Some argue against infant baptism. Some would say that Alexander didn’t understand what happened to him, but I think he did through the mystery of the work of the Holy Spirit. Scripture tells that that John knew Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit and leapt in Elizabeth’s womb.

In the midst of the laughter and joy of the holidays and the sacrament of baptism, we also share that mixture of grief and celebration at the death of one of our family. I was called from the smiles and wishes of Merry Christmas! on the patio Sunday morning to go to the hospital to be with Henry Penner, Sr. and his family. Henry went home to be with the Lord Sunday the 27th. There is sadness at his death, and yet we celebrate his eternal life. His service will be on Saturday, January 2 at 11:00 a.m., committal at Santa Barbara Cemetery will be next week.. I know that you will hold the entire family in your prayers.

Peace,
† Pastor Ron 

2010 OFFERING ENVELOPES
ARE AVAILABLE ON THE TABLE IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL.  TAKE YOURS ON CHRISTMAS EVE, CHRISTMAS DAY OR NEXT SUNDAY.  THANKS!!!!!!!!!!

Winter “Book of Faith” Classes
“This may be the season of Advent – but it’s time for you to make the most important New Year resolution you will make – and we will even help you keep it! “Huh? “What is that?” you might ask.

Why to read the Bible daily, of course – and what a better way to start than joining one of the group Bible studies! The winter “Book of Faith” classes will start on  Epiphany (January 6th) and run for 6 weeks until the week before Ash Wednesday (February 17th).  Making sense of Scripture, Exodus, the Gospel of John, and “Prophets, Kings and Ordinary Folks” will meet at Christ Lutheran on Wednesday evenings at 6:45. The John class will also meet at Christ on Wednesday afternoon and “Prophets, Kings and Ordinary Folks” will be offered at Grace on Wednesday afternoon.

The evening sessions will open with a brief worship time for all classes. The worship time will be led by one of the three pastors. The instructors for the courses are not yet firm.  All of the courses will use the Augsburg Fortress material. Sign-up sheets will be on the patio after the service on Sunday.”

2010 Flower Chart

Thanks to all for your generosity in providing floral arrangements to enhance our worship services during 2009.  The new chart for 2010 is up, and we invite you to sign up for the Sunday of your choice – in Thanks to God for all His Blessings or to celebrate a special occasion.  You may provide you own arrangement or arrange a week in advance for Janet Schoepp or Marsha Honnold to make an arrangement; cost is about $30.  Again, thanks for your creative talents in using God’s creation to enhance our Worship Service!

Thrivent Financial
Is not just an insurance company.  They are a non-profit organization that provides financial support back to congregations, Lutheran schools and community organizations.  Our local Thrivent group will be working with Habitat in a new project here in the Santa Barbara next year.  Our congregation’s representatives are Karen Tapphorn, Ted Knudson and Laurel Johnson.  Please take a moment when you see them and thank them for their service.

SALT Food Distribution Program
Volunteers are needed to participate in the SALT food distribution program the fourth Saturday of each month at Grace Lutheran Church.  Hours of operation are approximately 8 AM until 11 AM. In addition, one or two strong able-bodied person(s) are needed each month on the previous Friday to help unload the Food Bank delivery truck.  This effort requires some lifting and takes place between 12 Noon and 1 PM and usually takes 30 minutes.

Many of you have already expressed a desire to participate in this SALT activity.  Please contact
via email or phone Lucy Hughes (lhughes_clcmail@yahoo.com) 685-3196 or Frank Renda (fs.renda@gte.net) 968-3913, who will be co-coordinating this effort at CLC, so that a roster of volunteers can be created and submitted to Dennis Lewis who will be managing this program at GRACE.  Your email address and phone number(s) are appreciated as soon as possible.

UPCOMING EVENTS-
Jan. 17                New Members Meeting

Jan.31                Reception of New Members

Feb, 26-28            Farstrup-Mortensen Lecture Series
Bethania Lutheran Church
(see bulletin board for information)

Pastor Ron’s contact information_
Pastor Ron may be reached through the church office (964-2267, the church e-mail (pastor@christlutherangoleta.org), his home e-mail _(ronald_f_cox@hotmail.com) or his cell phone (805-807-5257).  Please use the cell phone or home e-mail for “time critical ” messages or emergencies at any time.  Please contact Pastor directly to schedule meetings.

Jan’s Hours
New hours, Mon, Tues, Wed from 8:30-12:30 and Thurs & Fri, 9- 10. This is kind of a prelude to my full retirement coming in February 2010.

Servers for January 3

Ushers:    Vanderhoofs
Greeters:    Lorry Mylly
Assisting:    Marsha Honnold
Acolyte:    Hannah Dwelley
Offertory:    Almcrantz family
Reader:    Greg Honnold
Flowers:    Janet and Manfred Schoepp
Coffee:        Baumanns
Counters:    Gerda Knudson/Arleen Twedt
Snack:        Helen Landru/Laurel Johnson
Sacristan:    Janie Yanos