January 19, 2010

Christ Lutheran “Church Chat”

Thoughts from Pastor Ron…

Today (Monday, January 18th) is the day that we as a nation have set aside in the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King. A lot of the speeches and events of today will focus on his role in our countries struggle for civil rights for our African-American brothers and sisters, as they should. Racism is still very much alive in our society. While the black face draws attention to this sad fact, they are not the only ones who are the victims of racism. Any one who is “different” can be the target. Native Americans were the “savages” to be conquered. Chinese could work as cooks, do laundry, work on the railroads as laborers. There was a time when the signs said, “Irish need not apply”. If you read the great novel of Swedish immigration to the prairies, Giants in the Earth by OE Rolvaag, the Italian Catholics were the “other” to be shunned.

Today is also the minor festival day of the Confession of St. Peter. This commemorates Peter’s confession to the question of Jesus: “Who do you say that I am, Peter?” Dr. Martin Luther King was first of all a preacher – one called by God to proclaim the Gospel to all people. Last Sunday’s Gospel was John’s story of the transformation of the water into wine, and next Sunday’s is Luke’s story of Jesus teaching on Isaiah 58 and 61. There is a time for preaching – and there is a time for acting.

Five of us from our congregation spent last Saturday at a SALT (serving as Lutheran’s together) planning retreat, and this coming Saturday the PPC and others will be at our annual planning retreat. Broad statements and goals are great, but we are called to concrete action. The bridegroom and steward of the feast in last weeks Gospel weren’t interested in a discussion of which year had the best vintage – they needed wine, and needed it right then. What is our mission? What is God calling you – and us – to accomplish in the next 6 months to 1 year?

The following blessing is from Dr. King

The cross we bear precedes the crown we wear. Jesus calls us to take up our cross as He took up his cross, with all its difficulties and agonizing and suffering, and carry it until that very cross leaves it mark upon us. We follow our Lord and Savior not to earn a crown, but out of love for Jesus the Christ, who has first loved us. We have been saved through grace in order that we may  be free to serve. May this Holy meal strengthen you as you go to do the work to which your Lord and Savior has called you.

Receive the blessing of your cross, in the name of the Father + and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost

Peace,
† Pastor Ron 

SUNDAY IS FOOD BASKET/BANK SUNDAY
PLEASE BE GENEROUS WITH FOOD DONATIONS OR YOUR MONETARY GIFTS

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

January 13, 2010

ELCA International Disaster Response Commits Funds to Haiti Relief 10-009-JB

CHICAGO (ELCA) — International Disaster Response of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) announced it will immediately commit $250,000 to support response efforts to the earthquake in Haiti. It will also advance another $500,000 in anticipation of additional gifts from ELCA members. ELCA members can contribute gifts online at
http://www.ELCA.org/haitiearthquake or call 800-638-3522.

Older Kids continuation?
Is there ANYONE in the congregation who can take over the coordination of our once a month luncheons and fellowship time for our “Older Kids”?  Older Kids is for anyone who would like to come to church during the lunch hour on the first Wednesday of each month to have some wonderful food, good conversation and laugh a little.   Everyone is welcome, young and old.  Please call or e-mail the office if you are willing to do this.

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.”

This Week’s Activities

Tuesday:        7:00p.m.    “Gospel of John” Bible Study
Leader:  Maurice Lee
Location:  Trinity Lutheran
Wednesday        11:00a.m.    “People of Faith” Bible Study
Leader:  Jeannie Christensen
Location:  Grace Lutheran
2:00p.m.    “Gospel of John”  Bible Study
Leader:  Kent Carlander
Location:  Christ Lutheran
5:00p.m.    CLC ConFORMation Class
7:00.m.        “Making Sense of Scripture” Bible Study
Leader:  Pastor Ron
Location:  Christ Lutheran
7:00p.m.    “Exodus” Bible Study
Leader:  Mark D’Evelyn
Location:  Christ Lutheran
7:00p.m.    “People of Faith” Bible Study
Leader:  Heather D’Evelyn
Location:  Christ Lutheran
Thursday:        6:00p.m.    BFF
Saturday        9-3        PPC Retreat at Catherine’s Club House
Sunday            11:30am    Board of Worship, Fellowship Hall

2010 Flower Chart – Please Sign Up !!!

Please sign up!  There are many blank spaces to be filled on the 2010 chart.  The beauty of flowers greatly enhances our worship services.  Take this opportunity to give thanks to God for all His Blessings, honor a loved one, or to celebrate a special occasion. Then you will have flowers to beautify your home the following week, or you may give them to a friend or shut-in for enjoyment!  You may provide your own arrangement or arrange a week in advance for Janet Schoepp or Marsha Honnold to make an arrangement for about $30.  Many thanks from the Altar Guild.

January 24 Scripture Readings:
First Lesson:         Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10        Psalm: 19
Second Lesson:      1 Corinthians 12:12-31a        Gospel:     Luke 4:14-21

UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 23        9-3        PPC Retreat, Catherine Baarsch’s club house

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 24

Ushers:    Vanderhoofs
Greeters:    Honnolds
Assisting:    Rebecca Shasberger
Acolyte:    Karen Almcrantz
Offertory:    Johnsons
Reader:    Karen Tapphorn
Flowers:    Janie Yanos honoring her  daughters Bo & Deb on their birthdays
Coffee:        Janie Yanos
Counters:    Lucy Hughes/Arleen Twedt
Snack:        Catherine Baarsch, Laverne Lunde
Sacristan:    Janie Yanos