January 6, 2009

Christ Lutheran Church e-news

Pastor Russ’ Reflections…

Dear Friends of CLC,
An initiative called Book of Faith was passed at the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly with the following bold vision:
“That the whole church become more fluent in the first language of faith, the
language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people
renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word.”
A goal of 75% participation by ELCA congregations as well as training 15,000 lay and rostered leaders was set with the hope that there would be a dramatic increase in the numbers of people participating in regular engagement with the Bible, especially people new to Bible Study.
Representatives of Trinity, Grace and Christ Lutheran congregations have launched an introductory series to the Book of Faith.  Last Sunday, I presented the topic “Where Did the Bible Come From & Why So Many of Them?”  The pastors of the three above churches will be “exchanging” congregations with the schedule at the CLC 9am Sunday Adult Class as follows:
Jan 11th – “The New Testament for a New Day” with Pastor Truls Person of Trinity Lutheran (I will be at Grace Lutheran that day)
Jan 18th – “A New Look at the Old Testament” with Pastor Lyn Bruer (I will be at Trinity Lutheran that day)
Each visiting pastor will also lead worship and preach at the church where s/he is leading the Book of Faith class.
And don’t forget to save Sat. Feb. 7th for a day-long event with Dr. Diane Jacobson (see below).   Later in February and March, numerous Book of Faith Bible Study small groups will begin throughout the Santa Barbara/Goleta area with the goal that over 100 members from the 3 congregations will be involved.
May we indeed be renewed, enlivened, empowered and sent by the Word!
Pastor Russ

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December 30, 2008

Christ Lutheran Church e-news

Book of Faith Study Begins This Sunday * Jan. 4th * 9am

The pastors of Trinity, Grace and Christ Lutheran congregations will offer a “round robin” style of Sunday discussions on the Bible as an introduction to The Book of Faith, a nationwide initiative of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  The schedule at Christ Lutheran Is:
Jan. 4th  - Where Did the Bible Come From & Why So Many of Them? Pastor Russ
Jan 11th – A New Look at the Old Testament.   Pastor Truls Person
Jan 18th – The New Testament for a New Day.  Pastor Lyn Bruer

Each pastor will also lead worship and preach at the church where s/he is leading the Book of Faith class.
You needn’t be a Bible scholar.  Simply come with your questions.  Come with your Bible.  Just come.
The conversation is beginning….

SAVE THE DATE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th
Come learn with Dr. Diane Jacobson, Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary and Director of the Book of Faith Initiative for the ELCA. This day-long event will provide us with a “toolkit” for understanding and studying the Bible.  We will explore and exercise our new tools in February and March in small-group Bible studies.

“Thank You” from Pastor Russ
I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt thanks to all the members of Christ Lutheran for your very generous and loving Christmas gift to me.  I wish Jeanie could come down more often to experience the love and support I feel every week as your pastor.  We had a wonderful Christmas with Jeremy and Kris home with us as well as Jeanie’s mom.  I managed to see my mom in San Clemente for a few days as well as one of my brothers and his family.  Family is what it is all about and Christ Lutheran is a wonderful family of faith.
May God bless us all as we enter into another year of service – 2009!            Pastor Russ

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December 16, 2008

Christ Lutheran Church e-news

Children’s Christmas Program

Sunday,  Dec. 21 10:00am Worship featuring
Our children

Sunday, Dec. 21 4:30 pm Christmas Caroling

CHRISTMAS EVE

Wednesday, December 24   5:00 p.m.

Family Service of Carols, Candlelight and Holy Communion
Special children’s sermon and music by our CLC Choir.

Share the Joy of Christ’s Birth!

“THE LUTHERAN”
It’s time to renew our subscriptions to the “Lutheran”.  If you would like to have this wonderful magazine come to you in 2009, please write out a check for the very low amount of $8.00 and mark it “The Lutheran”.   There were 28 members who took advantage of this great bargain in 2008.

Time and Ability Sheets
If you have not turned in your “Time and Ability” sheets, please turn them in soon so I can complete our server lists for 2009.  It makes planning a whole lot easier if I have everyones T& A’s!  If you can’t find the one that was in your packet, there are extras in the office.    Thank You!

“Fair Trade” Christmas Sale
Get that little something extra gift for family or friend from CLC’s stash of Fair Trade items:
COFFEE
TEA
HOT CHOCOLATE
CHOCOLATE BARS
Everything will be attractively wrapped to save you that step.  EVERY SUNDAY TIL CHRISTMAS!

9am Sunday Adult Class  * “The Jesus I Never Knew” * Fellowship Hall

Last chance to pick up a copy of Philip Yancey’s award winning book The Jesus I Never Knew in the church office.  Hardback - $8; Paperback - $7..  Discover Jesus in a brand new way.  Highlights of classic movies about Jesus are featured.

It’s almost time to join the conversation…
THE FIRST SALT BOOK OF FAITH STUDY BEGINS Sunday, Jan 4th!  During the Adult Education Hour on January 4th, 11th and 18th, the pastors of Christ, Grace and Trinity will each lead one section of the series Rediscovering the Book of Faith exploring how the Bible came to be, with sessions on the Old Testament, the New Testament, and translations of the Bible. Plan to join this foundation course aimed to help us, better understand how the Bible was put together, and examine the contribution the Reformation made toward scriptural literacy. The Rediscovering the Book of Faith series is our first opportunity to become part of the conversation!

SIGN the Book of Faith poster that will be rotating between Christ, Grace and Trinity churches to show your desire to join the conversation through participating in one or all of the Book of Faith offerings.

SAVE THE DATE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th
Come learn with Dr. Diane Jacobson, Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary and Director of the Book of Faith Initiative for the ELCA. This day-long event will help us develop a “toolkit” for understanding and studying the Bible.

Roof Repair Fundraiser Update - WE DID IT!!!
THE $3000 goal has been reached.
Repair work on the Ark and Sanctuary
Roof will begin in January.
Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

SALT Women’s Coffee
“SALTY Women Veg-Out”
Saturday January 10th, 2009
9:30-11:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall
All Women Welcome
Child Care Provided

A New Creation: You!
A Support Group for Personal Wellness
Mondays *  3-4:30pm  * starting January 5, 2009  *  Christ Lutheran Church, Goleta

A spiritually grounded support group focusing on health, nutrition, weight managment,
exchanging bad habits with good habits, relationships, affirmations, physical movement
and more.  Each week will offer a prepared topic with a presentor.  Cost will be
minimal to cover materials and occasional guest speakers.

DECEMBER MISSION BASKET. goes to Casa Esperanza Homeless Center
providing on-site case management, housing and services for the homeless,  mental health counseling, employee training, recovery groups, literacy classes, drug and alcohol counseling and assistance . Lunch is provided weekdays through the on-site Community Kitchen. Emergency winter shelter is open from December 1 through March 30. The goal of the program is to help the homeless find housing and employment.

Thrivent will match up to $200.00 of the funds collected for Casa Esperanza during the first three Sundays in December (Dec. 7, 14 and 21.) There will be no Mission Basket on December 29

Tour the Holy Land and Egypt with Your CLC Friends * November, 2009
Pastors Russ and Truls (Trinity Lutheran) are hosting a tour of the Holy Land with an extension to Egypt leaving Tuesday, November 3rd.  So far, 14 CLC, TLC & GLC members & friends have signed up with several more considering.  Early registration gets a discount.  Imagine walking where Jesus walked!  See Pastor Russ for more information.

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.
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.

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 December 21
Ushers:        John Spiess and Mary Post
Greeters:         Tori Blunt
Assistant:        Marsha Honnold
Acolyte:        Kim Almcrantz
Presenter:        Bonnie Wilson
Coffee:            Baumanns
Counters:        Frank Renda and Gerda Knudson
Communion:          Arleen Twedt
Cleaning:        Trowbridges
Flowers:        Bonnie Wilson
CAKE:        Nancy N./Alta L.

December 9, 2008

Christ Lutheran Church e-news

Children’s Christmas Program

December 21 10:00am Worship featuring
Our children

December 21 4:30 pm Christmas Caroling
Followed by chili & cornbread at church

CHRISTMAS EVE
Wednesday, December 24    5:00 p.m.

Family Service of Carols, Candlelight and Holy Communion.  With a
special children’s sermon and m;usic by our CLC Choir.

Share the joy of Christ’s Birth!

“THE LUTHERAN”
It’s time to renew our subscriptions to the “Lutheran”.  If you would like to have this wonderful magazine come to you in 2009, please write out a check for the very low amount of $8.00 and mark it “The Lutheran”.   There were 28 members who took advantage of this great bargain in 2008.

Poinsettias for Christmas Eve
Please plan to bring poinsettias or other plants for our Christmas Eve Service to church Sunday morning – Dec 21 – and leave in the Fellowship Hall.  You may take them home Christmas Eve, give to someone as a gift, or leave them to enhance future worship services.  Thank you for your generosity!

“Fair Trade” Christmas Sale
Get that little something extra gift for family or friend from CLC’s stash of Fair Trade items:
COFFEE
TEA
HOT CHOCOLATE
CHOCOLATE BARS
Everything will be attractively wrapped to save you that step.  EVERY SUNDAY TIL CHRISTMAS!

9am Sunday Adult Class  * “The Jesus I Never Knew” * Fellowship Hall

You may still pick up a copy of Philip Yancey’s award winning book The Jesus I Never Knew in the church office.  Hardback - $8; Paperback - $7.  You can easily catch up by reading thru chapter 8.  Discover Jesus in a brand new way.  Highlights of classic movies about Jesus are featured.

It’s almost time to join the conversation…
ON JANUARY 4TH THE FIRST SALT BOOK OF FAITH STUDY WILL BEGIN!  During the Adult Education Hour on January 4th, 11th and 18th, the pastors of Christ, Grace and Trinity will each lead one section of the series Rediscovering the Book of Faith. Rediscovering the Book of Faith explores how the Bible came to be our Book of Faith, with sessions on the Old Testament, the New Testament, and translations of the Bible. Plan to join this foundation course aimed to help us discover where the Bible came from, better understand how it was put together, and examine the contribution the Reformation made toward scriptural literacy. The Rediscovering the Book of Faith series is our first opportunity to become part of the conversation!

SIGN the Book of Faith poster that will be rotating between Christ, Grace and Trinity churches to show your desire to join the conversation through participating in one or all of the Book of Faith offerings.

SAVE THE DATE:  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7th
Come learn with Dr. Diane Jacobson, Professor of Old Testament at Luther Seminary and Director of the Book of Faith Initiative for the ELCA. This day-long event will help us develop a “toolkit” for understanding and studying the Bible.

Holiday Cheer Drive
Each year the Community of Friends and Student Leadership Clubs of Goleta Schools hold a holiday drive to collect presents for needy students.  On Sunday, we put up a Christmas in the narthex.  On it are ornaments that contain a description of a gift requested for a particular student.

I’d like to say thanks to those of you who already have taken an ornament from the tree. By taking an ornament you are helping both the child and the parents have a happy holiday.  From what I have seen, parents are so appreciative of these gifts.  I can only imagine how difficult it is for parents not to be able to provide presents for their families at Christmas.  These families have not asked for help, but definitely need the help we can provide them.

The deadline is rapidly approaching…December 10th. If you haven’t taken an ornament yet, I hope that you will help us with this worthwhile project.   Also, if you take an ornament be sure to record it on the clipboard on the side table in narthex.

If you have any questions or would like to join us when we put together the baskets for the families on Saturday, December 13 feel free to call me at 687-9707.  On the 13th we will be working from 8:30 am until we get done….sometime in the afternoon.  We would love to have help wrapping the other gifts we have purchased for these families at that time, even if you can only come for only an hour or so.  To me this is a fun time when you can experience the joy of Christmas in a very special way.

Thank you for supporting us in this effort.

Roof Repair Fundraiser Update - WE DID IT!!!
$3000 goal (replaces Ark roof; repairs broken                                 sanctuary tile)
Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

Birthdays and Anniversaries in December
We celebrate with Ted & Gerda Knudson as they celebrate their wedding anniversary and with Rich Hughes, Lorry Mylly, Allen Hove and Karen Almcrantz as they celebrate their birthdays.  Lorry Mylly has provided he birthday cake.  HAPPY CELEBRATION DAY!

SALT Women’s Coffee
“SALTY Women Veg-Out”
Saturday January 10th, 2009
9:30-11:30 AM
Trinity Lutheran Fellowship Hall
All Women Welcome
Child Care Provided

A New Creation: You!
A Support Group for Personal Wellness
Mondays *  3-4:30pm  * starting January 5, 2009  *  Christ Lutheran Church, Goleta

A spiritually grounded support group focusing on health, nutrition, weight managment,
exchanging bad habits with good habits, relationships, affirmations, physical movement
and more.
Each week will offer a prepared topic with a presentor.  Cost will be minimal to cover materials and occasional guest speakers.

DECEMBER 2008 MISSION BASKET. Casa Esperanza Homeless Center
At Casa Esperanza community agencies provide on-site case management, assistance in securing housing and services for the homeless including mental health counseling and referrals, employee training and referral, recovery groups, literacy classes, drug and alcohol counseling and assistance with legal problems that caused homelessness. Lunch is provided weekdays through the on-site Community Kitchen. Emergency winter shelter is open from December 1 through March 30, and includes dinner. A year round transitional shelter o0f 70 beds is available by provider referral.  The goal of the program is to help the homeless find housing and employment.

Thrivent will match up to $200.00 of the funds collected for Casa Esperanza during the first three Sundays in December (Dec. 7, 14 and 21.) There will be no Mission Basket on December 29

Tour the Holy Land and Egypt with Your CLC Friends * November, 2009
Pastors Russ and Truls (Trinity Lutheran) are hosting a tour of the Holy Land with an extension to Egypt leaving Tuesday, November 3rd.  So far, 8 CLC members & friends have signed up with several more considering.  Early registration gets a discount.  Imagine walking where Jesus walked!  See Pastor Russ for more information.

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.
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.

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 December 14
Ushers:        John Spiess and Mary Post
Greeters:         Allen Hove
Assistant:        Laurel Johson
Acolyte:        Kim Almcrantz
Reader:        Kathy Baumann
Presenter:        Sue Deweese
Coffee:            Baumanns
Counters:        Frank Renda and Gerda Knudson
Communion:          Arleen Twedt
Cleaning:        Allen Hove
Flowers:        Lorry Mylly
CAKE:        Lorry Mylly, celebrating her birthday

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December 2, 2008

Christ Lutheran Church e-news

Pastor Russ’ Reflections…
Dear Expectant Ones,
The Advent season is filled with hope and expectation as the world prepares itself for the celebration of the Savior’s birth.  I hope you are also filled with hope and expectation as we come together for our Annual Meeting this Sunday, Dec. 7th, commencing right after worship.
The Lutheran Church does not operate from “the top down”.  Martin Luther believed that the Spirit of God works best through all of the People of God.  We are a church family and everyone’s thoughts and participation is not only welcome…it is vital as we seek to discern what God is calling us to do in 2009.  Besides the 2009 mission and ministry budget and elections, we also are invited to discuss a rather intriguing topic.  Of late, we have had 3 local mission congregations express interest in renting our facilities for their church life with two of them very interested.  The Parish Planning Council wants to update the congregation and ask the question, shall the PPC pursue allowing an appropriate ministry partner to use our facilities?
God has so blessed CLC with an ample piece of property and functional facilities.  And it is debt free!  I couldn’t imagine being a part of a mission congregation these days.  Can you imagine trying to acquire similar property and structures at today’s prices?  A related appropriate question for us to consider on Sunday is:  Has God given us this property just for our use?  Can we see ourselves partnering with another congregation in some way so that they have a church home too?
Of course, there are a myriad of logistical questions to consider as well.
I hope you will commit yourselves to being with us on Sunday to help discern the Spirit’s calling in 2009.
Blessings,
Pastor Russ

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November 18, 2008

Christ Lutheran Church e-news

Pastor Russ’ Reflections
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thirty-one Time and Talent Forms plus 24 Financial Commitment Forms were returned on Consecration Sunday.  Thank you!  For those who haven’t turned them in yet, you may do so this Sunday.   Simply place them in the offering plate.
We have received $845 for God’s Global Barnyard/ELCA World Hunger Program!  A $300 matching grant by Thrivent brings the total to $1145!  Thank you!!  Some boxes may still be out there.  Bring them on in!
And have you seen the still growing mountain of non-perishable food around the altar?  We’ll be bringing the load to the Grace Lutheran Food Bank next week so this Sunday is “last call.”  As you shop for Thanksgiving, remember those who would appreciate a little help.  Thank you!!!
Coats, blankets, towels and more have been coming in for the New Beginnings project.  Thank you!!!!
And the Shoe Boxes will soon be sent to give to needy children.  Thank you again.
We are so thankful the Shoepps are back in their home after the devastating fire.  And much appreciation to the Shasbergers for their 2nd, 3rd, 4th mile assistance to displaced Westmont students.
Thankful giving is thankful living.
Pastor Russ

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Pastor Russ’ Reflections…

Dear Friends in Christ,
Your Time, Talent and Treasure Commitment Forms were distributed last Sunday or are in the mail.  Please look them over carefully.  Complete the forms and return them this coming Sunday, November 16th.  In a symbolic expression, we will come up to the altar of the Lord to make our commitment in grateful response to the commitment of love and mercy our Lord has made to us.  We do so in thankfulness.  We do this that the blessings we have received will, in turn, become a blessing for others.
The “mound” of non-perishable food items you have brought has become a “hill”.  We have two more Sundays to make it a “MOUNTAIN”.  Thank you!
And the “God’s Global Barnyard” coin boxes, the 24+ gift-filled shoe boxes for children, and the items for New Beginnings friends are still coming in.  What a harvest for those who have so little!  Thank you again!
Someone (not here at CLC) once complained to his pastor, “Pastor, all we ever talk about in this church is ‘give, give, give.’” To which the pastor responded, “Thank you for the best description of the Christian Church I have ever heard.”
Yes, we give.  Christ Lutheran is known for it’s giving.  But it is thankful-giving.
Pastor Russ

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Pastor Russ’ Reflections…

Dear CLC Friends,
Just as the farmers and vineyard owners around us complete their harvest of grain and grape, apples and avocados, so we also, with thanksgiving, bring the fruits of our labors to the Lord.
This coming Sunday, Nov. 9th, at worship and at the Stewardship luncheon following, we will be emphasizing the blessings we have received from the hand of God this past year as well as God’s dreams for Christ Lutheran in 2009.  We will also be hearing from our presiding Bishop, Mark Hanson via DVD.  And the Stewardship packets will be distributed at the luncheon.  Our pledges of time, talent and treasure will be received the next Sunday, Nov. 16th.
Despite the recent global economic downturn, it is important to continue our strong support for the church, both financially and with our time.  Christ Lutheran has been exceptionally blessed with active and generous members.   Remember how we raised over $20,000 in a matter of a few months for our new organ?  We have just launched a $3000 fundraiser for a new roof for the Ark and to replace tile on the sanctuary and I have no doubt those monies will be in before Christmas.  Members are answering the call to assist with our children’s ministry, our property and worship needs, and our expanded cooperative ministry through SALT.  Several new proposals are in the works for the coming year.  You are invited to be a part of God’s growing work among us.
So, I hope to see you this Sunday.  It’s harvest time!
Pastor Russ

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Pastor Russ’ Reflections…

Dear CLC Friends,
Do you know the CLC Mission Statement?  From our cottage meetings, we realized that many did not.  Well, here it is:

Christ Lutheran Church is a community of believers
helping Christians grow in their understanding
and appreciation of God’s Love.

We experience this gift of love through Jesus Christ
and the Holy Spirit
through joyful worship celebrations
and in caring for each other.

In response to God’s love for us, we seek to make a difference
in the local and global community
by ministering to the needs of our neighbors.

This Mission Statement was adopted back in 1998.  I think it expresses very well what I have experienced here at CLC as your pastor for the past 2 1/2 years.  This is a very loving community of believers.  Our worship is joyful.  I have seen lots of mutual caring.  And there is a deep concern for the needs of others and for social justice in the community.
Maybe you haven’t memorized this Mission Statement by heart but you are certainly living it in your hearts and by your actions.
It is a pleasure to be your pastor in this important time with you.
Pastor Russ

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Pastor Russ’ Reflections…

Dear CLC Friends,
Under the theme “Go and Do Likewise” from Luke 10:37, CLC has been challenged with 4 Outreach Projects (see below) to help address local and global poverty needs.  I continue to be amazed at the generous level of participation by the members of this congregation.   For the next 5 Sundays, we are going to witness a growing MOUNTAIN of filled coin and shoe boxes, non perishable food items, and clothing, all for persons in need.  And we will do this because we care for the lives of others.  As I outlined in last Sunday’s sermon, people of faith offer three levels of response to the needs of others:  charitable giving, compassionate involvement, and justice-seeking.  The Hebrew word for this response is tzedakah.  Charity gives, compassion loves sacrificially, and justice changes the unbalanced situation where the few have much and the many have little.
CLC is gradually becoming known in the Goleta community as a caring church.  I want CLC to be known not only as a giving church but that we inspire others to give.  That is the true mark of an effective ministry, when others are moved to action by our actions.  Like a cup filled to the brim and overflowing, so also our sacrificial loving can spill into the lives of others.
This coming Sunday is Reformation Sunday as we remember how the church of the 16th century was reborn out of concern for the disadvantaged.  Perhaps this is the key for the church of the 21st century as well.
Pastor Russ

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