Echo 2.0. Share God s Word, Share His Love, and Do It Now!

Transcription

1 Christ Lutheran Newsletter June 2017 Christ Lutheran Echo 2.0 Share God s Word, Share His Love, and Do It Now! Christ Lutheran 605 South Fifth Street, Norfolk, NE Top Scholars Congratulations to Lutheran High s 2017 top academic scholars. Lutheran High is honoring four students as valedictorian and one as salutatorian this year. All five of these honorees graduated from Christ Lutheran School. They are (left to right) Madison Suckstorf, daughter of Darin and Stephanie Suckstorf (members of Grace Lutheran), Katelyn Moje, daughter of Keith and Sarah Moje, Bethany Bockelman, daughter of Curt and Amy Bockelman, Caleb Gebhardt, son of Leon and Kathy Gebhardt, Adam Gray, son of Chris and Karen Gray (all members of Christ Lutheran). 22 Confirmed on May 7 Members of the 2017 Confirmation class pictured below include (alphabetic order): Bailey Bernstrauch, Chloe Bitney, Grace Bitney, Hailey Bobeldyke, Garrett Boelter, Jackson Brundieck, Rebecca Gebhardt, Andrew Glaser, Aubrey Herbolsheimer, Logan Jensen, Kendra Larsen, Madelyn Lingenfelter, Brayden Magnussen, Cuauhtemoc Molina, Joshua Moreno, Paxton Peters, Ryan Rose-Hancock, Tyler Sellin, Chloe Spence, Jagger Spiering, Ashley Uecker, and Micah Wasson. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

2 Christ Lutheran Congregation News June 2017 the Movies By Matt Wingert Have you ever seen spiritual implications, or themes in a movie? I ll give you an example. In the Star Wars franchise there is a tool the Jedi use called The Force. It is a special power that is in all Jedi, and with it, miraculous things happen. Can the same thing be said about the Holy Spirit? Did writer/director George Lucas do these things on purpose? Can this movie help us understand the Holy Spirit, or other topics in Christianity? Blake Thoene, son of Jeff and Sarah Thoene, participated in the beam signing at the new Helping Hands Child Care building on April 23. Save the Date Sunday, June 11, 2017 Semi-Annual Voters Assembly Lunch served at noon Voters meeting begins at 12:45 Agenda: Election of Officers Approval of Budget Discussion Item: Proposed usage for current and future properties. Please refer to back of this month s calendar insert for complete ballot and budget details. This Summer we are doing something exciting as a church. We will have a 10 weeklong series, where we go to the movies, and take our theological thinking caps with us. Then, on Sunday evenings, we will meet in the fellowship hall for dinner, and discuss the plot points of the movie, and open our Bibles to see how these stories of love, super-heroes, and redemption are nothing compared to the real stories in the Bible. This is a multi-generational series. Perfect for families, students, young adults, and your neighbors! Churched, un-churched all are welcome, and we hope to see you this THE MOVIES!!! Thirty-three Students Graduate On May 18, thirty-three students, having met the requirements of Christ Lutheran School and the Nebraska Department of Education; received their eighth grade diploma. The graduation speaker was Rev. Tim Booth of Faith Lutheran Church, Stanton, whose son was part of the graduating class. Rev. Dave Goehmann was the liturgist. The ceremony was followed by a reception in the school gym. 2

3 Children s Ministry Christ Lutheran June 2017 Lisa Moreno, Children s Ministry Coordinator lmoreno@clnorfolkmail.org Vacation Bible School Have you signed up for Maker Fun Factory VBS? This VBS is fun and more fun around every corner! But not only are the games, music, snacks, crafts and skits a lot of fun, they are packed with a great message. Each and every one of us is created by God for a purpose. He has given us many gifts and has a plan for each of us. Sign up now to help or to bring your children to this super fun and meaningful VBS set for July from 6:00 8:30 p.m. VBS is for children age 3 through grade 6 in the fall. Those too old for VBS are just right for helping! Many jobs are available for those looking for a warm or a cool place to help, in active and less active roles. Even if you cannot work every day, we can still use your help! Registration is now available at or in the church narthex. This is a great time to invite a friend to learn about Jesus! Non-members are very welcome!! Mission Offering Project V.B.S. July :00-8:30 p.m. Inner city churches in America often face the challenge of the surrounding neighborhoods changing and becoming more diverse. But instead of moving to a new neighborhood, many urban Lutheran churches see this challenge as an opportunity and a blessing. They reach out to their new neighbors with support for their basic needs and Christian publications in their native languages. With a decreasing membership, they often need financial support to do this. The LCMS Urban and Inner City Missions makes this ministry possible with training, materials, and financial support. Our Sunday School offerings all this month will go to support this mission! I Can t Teach Sunday School! Though summer vacation has just begun, plans for Sunday school in the fall are in full swing! Several positions are open, but few answer the call to teach. Here are some myths about being on the Sunday school staff. Myth #1: I have to commit to being there every Sunday. Our Sunday school has long operated as a team ministry. Most of our teachers and helpers only work two Sundays a month. Some choose to alternate months. Others work out a different schedule that is more convenient for them. We also have substitutes who are willing to help when neither of the teachers can be there. Myth #2: I have to have a great deal of knowledge about the Bible. Being a Sunday school teacher is actually a great way to brush up on your Bible knowledge. The teacher materials include a one page summary of background information on the Bible lesson for that week, and some of the theology involved. The instruction the teacher needs to give is scripted in bold along with correct answers to the questions asked of the children. Just think this is your chance to review, at a very elementary level, what you learned (or missed) when you were in Sunday school as a child. You will most likely learn some new things, too! Watch for more myths in July s Echo and start thinking about volunteering to join the Sunday school staff! Contact Lisa Moreno to find out where you can help. June Children s Ministry Schedule June 4: Sunday School John s Vision of Heaven June 11: Sunday School Jesus and Zacchaeus June 18: Sunday School The Widow s Offering June 25: Sunday School To be determined NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON SUNDAY, JULY 2. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Christ Lutheran School 3

4 Christ Lutheran Ministries in Action June 2017 Lutheran Laymen s League Celebrates 100 by Darlene Davis The 100th Anniversary of the Lutheran Laymen's League (LLL)/Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) was celebrated by LLL Zone 11 of the Nebraska District (LCMS) on Sunday, April 23. The Lutheran Laymen's League Spring Rally was hosted by Servants of the Savior. The featured speaker was Polly Faszholz Gregali, Lutheran Hour Ministries Resource Manager from Birmingham, Alabama. She shared that the Gospel message of "Bringing Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church" reaches over 51 million people on a weekly basis through ministry efforts such as The Lutheran Hour, Bible Correspondence Courses, Outreach Training, Bible Studies, and Daily Devotions. Today the Good News of Jesus Christ is spread to over 50 countries on six continents through more than 30 (LHM) ministry centers. The ministry model is to work within the language and culture to communicate the Gospel in the context of the local region. The Lutheran Hour is broadcast on 1,700 radio stations each Sunday in the United States and Canada. Pastor Winter led the hymn sing and devotions. William Bartels, St. John's/Wakefield led the business meeting. Larry Silhacek, St. John's/Pierce explained the Nebraska District Projects that the LLL supports during the year. These projects include Lebanon Lutheran Hour Ministry Center airing the Lutheran Hour; doing Gospel outreach at the Nebraska State Fair including worship services; giving scholarships to students preparing for the teaching or the pastoral ministry in LCMS parishes; hosting future church worker banquets for graduates at St. Louis Seminary and Concordia University, Nebraska to acquaint them with LLL/LHM; and supporting Nebraska Men's Network. We continue to support the Lutheran Hour on WJAG at 7:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each Sunday. There were 77 in attendance. Rev. William Bertrand (LLL Zone 11 Pastor Advisor) and triple parish pastor of St. Paul's/Concord; Immanuel and St.John's/Wakefield, installed new officers. The new LLL Zone 11 officers are: Jim Kirsch, President and Jerome Woockman, Treasurer who are members of Christ Lutheran, and Willard Bartels from St. John's/Wakefield, Board Member for the new term. The meeting concluded with praise songs including "Beautiful Savior" sung by Lisa Moreno and Deanna Blomenberg, accompanied by Steve Reinke. In the fellowship hall a delicious roast beef and vegetable meal was served. The tables were decorated with spring colors. On the table runners were cupcakes of many flavors and toppings. Each cupcake carried a banner with the LHM logo "100th anniversary." Participants completed a quiz placing the eleven Lutheran Hour speakers in chronological order. The vicar from Zion/Pierce won the "100th Anniversary" stein with the most correct answers. We give all thanks to God for the advancement of the Gospel message through LLL/LHM. Stephen Ministry Behind the Scenes By Starla Landkamer, Stephen Leader On a regular basis, Stephen Ministers gather for supervision meetings a time for encouragement, direction and prayer. The comradery and bond within this group is amazing as we listen to each others ups and downs in our Stephen Ministry relationships always in strictest confidence, never revealing the care receiver s name. As a Stephen Minister asks questions, others offer suggestions, often based on their experiences and knowledge. There are also many times we reflect back on topics we studied in training, such as boundaries, listening skills, etc., to find guidance. While it is human nature for us to want to find answers and offer answers for our care receivers, we also remember from our training that we are the care givers; God is the Cure Giver. So ultimately we put all we deal with and discuss in a supervision meeting into the Lord s hands for His divine guidance and direction. - continued on page 8 4

5 Christ Lutheran Confirmation and Junior High Youth June 2017 Matt Wingert, Director of Youth Missionary From Malawi As you may know, Pastor Dave and Matt are traveled to Malawi in May to plan a trip in This June, a Missionary who serves in Malawi will be visiting our church to talk about the Lord s work that he is a part of. We will be able to listen to a presentation, and enjoy some snacks together on Monday June 26 th. All are invited. Watch for more details on time and place. Summer Retreat We will join force with the Sr. High group, and travel to Minnesota for a Baseball game, Mall of America, and a College visit. Cost is $120 per person. Register for this event online at the website below. Sign up by June 30. christnorfolk.churchcenteronline.com/home June Dates June 4 th - Sunday Bible Study June 11 th - Sunday Bible Study June 11 th - Malawi Presentation June 18 th - Sunday Bible Study June 25 th - Sunday Bible Study June 26 th - Missionary from Malawi Summer Fellowship In addition to our Retreat this August, we will also have bonfires and get together this summer. Keep an eye on the weekly focus, and your as we find hosts for these events. Matt if you want to get involved. mwingert@clnorfolkmail.org Sunday Bible Study This summer we will meet on Sundays in the Sr. High room (Blue Room). Sr. High, and Jr. High classes will study the Bible together this summer. Get Connected If you want to receive s, or sign up for an event, it all takes place online. Please sign yourself up on the website below. 5

6 Christ Lutheran Senior High Youth June 2017 Sarah Moje, Youth Director Sunday Morning Bible Study Join us at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the blue youth room for Summer Bible study. We start off with our highs and lows of our week and talk about our future activities. We also dig into the Bible to discover God s promises for us. Stay In Touch Our method of communication is being switched to a new system. Please go to : and sign up to be a part of the Senior High group. Do this now so you can be in the know! This site will also allow you to register for upcoming events. Winnebago Servant Event On June 5-7 Senior High Youth will be serving at the Winnebago Reservation. We will be painting a house and completing several odd jobs for Pastor Jacobs and residents of the community. His Kids Camp Senior High Youth will be serving at His Kids Camp at Camp Luther in Schuyler on July We will buddy up with a handicapped camper and help them enjoy regular camp activities. Cost for this event is $50. Deadline to register is Monday, June 19. Payments are due in the church office that day by 4:00 p.m. This is an awesome opportunity for youth and for the campers. Minnesota Fellowship Event Youth are invited to join us on August 2-4 for a trip to Minnesota. We will visit churches in St Paul MN, catch a Twins game, visit Concordia, St. Paul, and participate in a service opportunity. We will also spend an afternoon at the Mall of America. This trip is combined with our Jr. High Youth Group. We will travel by bus and will spend nights at Concordia or at a local church. Cost is $120 per person. Register by Monday, July 3. Upcoming Dates Sun., June 4 9:30 a.m. Bible Study in Youth Rooms Sun., June 5-7 Winnebago Servant Event Sun., June 11 9:30 a.m. Assist with Sunday School Sun., June 18 9:30 a.m. Bible Study in Youth Rooms Sun., June 19 4:00 p.m. Deadline to register for His Kids Camp Sun., June 25 9:30 a.m. Bible Study in Youth Rooms Sun., July 2 No Sunday School or Bible Class Sun., July 9 9:30 a.m. Assist with Sunday School CONGRATULATIONS to Andrea Jagels and Nicholle Harstad They were selected to attend Girls State the first week of June in Lincoln, sponsored by American Legion Auxiliary. 6 Congratulations Seniors Christ Lutheran recognized 7 seniors on May 14 at the 8:00 a.m. service. Pictured are (left to right) Adam Gray, son of Chris and Karen Gray; Caleb Gebhardt, son of Leon and Kathy Gebhardt; Luke Blomenberg, son of Dan and Deanna Blomenberg; Seth Johnson, son of Chad and Donna Johnson; Beth Skoglund, daughter of Terry and Laurie Skoglund; Bethany Bockelman, daughter of Curt and Amy Bockelman; and Katelyn Moje, daughter of Keith and Sarah Moje. We ask that the congregation keep all of the graduates in their prayers as they embark on this new chapter in their lives.

7 Christ Lutheran Pastor s Ponderings June 2017 Rev. David Goehmann, Associate Pastor dgoehmann@clnorfolkmail.org Introducing Jesus If you had the opportunity to tell someone about Jesus who had never heard his name before, what would you say? Leading off you might say that Jesus died on the cross for your sins. But they might have no idea what sin is. They also might not understand cross and how Jesus died. There would be so much more to say about Jesus after you say like Thomas He is My Lord, and my God. Jesus is not just your God, he is your Lord, the master of everything in your life. Along with Andrew we would also say about Jesus, Come and see as we open up the scriptures and as we invite them to church. In my last article I had a little quiz for everyone about myself. Maybe you took the time to check it over, but here is the real me. I love Dutch apple pie. My mom made it as I grew up and I will always choose it amongst a huge selection at a potluck. Speaking of food, I worked at Burger King in a college town, Big Rapids, where I went after High School, and I also worked at an Ice arena. Hence my love for Double Cheeseburgers and Hockey. In fact I have loved all my jobs, including a winery, and a House Keeper (Don t tell Heidi). Speaking of food again, I would like to shoot a rabbit one day especially since there seems to be a high population in Norfolk. Bow hunting is a big hobby of mine, which would bring me to a neat hunting spot in Patagonia if I ever get there in my lifetime. I may just use Malawi, Africa to fulfill my dreams of bow hunting big game. It s only fitting that my dreams would relate to my earliest childhood memory of shooting a toy bow and arrow. Speaking of throwing projectiles, I had an apple tree in my backyard growing up. We would have numerous apple fights and I think I really learned to throw strikes by picking off sparrows (actually just one). Speaking of sports I never really got into football, but did pick up unicycling after my uncle (and Godfather) gave me one. Turns out you can teach yourself a lot of things in your backyard. 7 My travels outside of my backyard have taken me on mission trips around the world except for Mexico, and I never did get to live in the city I was born in, Rogers City. And although I ve never been there, I am partly Russian since my existence relies upon the fact that my great grandpa came over to the country on a boat. I am excited to stop in Ireland on my way back from Africa even though it s not in my family history. Somehow throughout my adventures the only serious injury I have avoided is being shot. I am good at defending myself since I pulled a ninja move on my sister as she came up to me and I flipped her over my shoulder breaking her shoulder. I should maybe try that move on someone who is actually attacking me. Now on to more important things, my parents couldn t decide on my name so they let my brother choose between Jacob and David. I won t tell you what is really on my birth certificate. Since I was born in a family of four, being the second oldest, I think of myself as a middle child. I loved my family growing up so much I was ready to have 10 kids of my own, but turns out two girls and two boys is pretty great the second time around. What really led me to be a pastor? Frankly I was pretty sharp in religion class. While all the other kids were goofing around, my friend goofed around by my new nickname, Pastor Dave. It really was that class and the connection with my campus pastor in High School that led me to be a pastor. Partly, because I was good at religion, but mostly because another pastor saw in me that aspiration to be a servant, and a missionary. Ultimately it was my love for theology that made all other subjects feel like studying random letters and numbers in no particular order. But God s Word, along with symbolic theological numbers, always has meaning for me. Come and see me, wherever I am, probably in church but maybe on the other side of the world. I d love to hear your story.

8 Christ Lutheran Membership Roll Call June 2017 Starla Landkamer Roster Changes Transfer In: Dorothy Freudenburg, 808 E. Benjamin #113, Norfolk; from St. John, Battle Creek. Baptized Into God s Family: Brexley Quinn Marks, daughter of David and Crystal Marks. Born December 18, 2016, baptized April 22, Sponsors are Traci and Tony Dumke. Lainey Lynn Vogel, daughter of Justin and Laura Vogel. Born February 7, 2017; baptized May 6, Sponsors are Laura Blum and Josh Vogel. United in Marriage: April 29 Garret Lee Pasold and Kenzie Taylor May. June Birthdays: Those celebrating 80 years or more of birthday blessings include: 1: Anna Carter 2: Thelma Klassen, Edie Weich 4: Lorraine Schilling 5: Norbert Deitloff, Donna Kruger 7: Lucille Gesell 8: Della Brauer 9: Margaret McCutchen 13: Elaine Kirkland 17: Gloria Vogel, Lois Wagner 19: Doris Wiedeman 20: Melvin Kirkland, Lyle Thies 23: Richard Schulz 24: Violet Droescher 26: Doris Hilgert 29: Ralph Buss, Walleen Korth 30: Norma Lewis Moved from One House to Another: Gorlyn Henzler, Veterans Home, 600 East Benjamin Avenue, Pod B, Norfolk, NE Marian Hofmann, Golden Living, 1900 Vicky Lane #43, Norfolk, NE Kali Gardner, 402 East 24 th Street, Kearney, NE Behind the Scenes continued from page 4 At a recent Stephen Ministry group meeting we came full circle. Every Stephen Minister present felt like they had pushed the play button on a recorder, as there had been no significant changes in their ministry. We reflected yet again on how much we gain from our visits with our care receivers as we pray they benefit from us being there for them. It was at this point when one of our most seasoned Stephen Ministers said, You know, I finally experienced what it means to just be there. Being there for someone is a point that was emphasized in every single training class and now, after 12 years of ministry this individual says, she finally got it. Perhaps we all just needed to be reminded of what being there meant. It was a breathtaking moment for all of us. But we wanted to know more. What one thing actually gave you this feeling of understanding of a term we have talked so much about? The Stephen Minister went on to tell of the peace that came over herself and her care receiver as the Stephen Minister just held her care receiver s hand, prayed silently to herself, and felt God s presence surround them. After all of the visits, and all of the devotions and prayers shared together over the years, being there was now just the peace of the moment in quiet solitude with God at work in their hearts. Being there a term we talked about over and over in training has now taken on real meaning. Such a little thing to many can mean so much to another. We praise and thank God for all these awesome moments and for the wonderful individuals our church has serving as dedicated Stephen Ministers. The Reformation in Romans As part of the observance of the 500 th Anniversary of the Reformation, a 4-part Sunday worship series will begin June 11 highlighting major themes of Martin Luther s theology found in the book of Romans. The weekly themes are: Justification by Faith, Law and Gospel, Vocation, and The Word. 8

9 Christ Lutheran June 2017 Fun in Fundraisers April and May brought about the two big annual fundraisers for the CLS family REVEL and the Plant Sale. This year, REVEL was held at the large DeVent Center with over 300 people in attendance. It was an enjoyable evening of dinner and fellowship. After accounting for expenses, the evening raised $34, These dollars will benefit our school and families in the following ways: $15,900 for the playground $6, for reducing the parent portion of tuition $6, to the Christ Lutheran School Foundation which reduces the cost of tuition and provides money to reduce the cost of field trips $6, for classroom needs Our annual Plant Sale wrapped up on May 6 with only a minimal number of plants left over to be sold at the school. The money raised from our plant sale will be used to reduce the parent portion of tuition and purchase new desks and chairs for classrooms. As this article goes to press, we had plant sales and donations in excess of $81,700. Expenses still need to come out of that total the biggest being the original cost of the plants. The best part of these two events is not the money raised, but the sence of family as we all work together and celebrate the joy of ministry that is Christ Lutheran School. Staffing Changes As May draws to a close, we bid farewell to Nancy Weber and Janice Johnson upon their retirements. We also pray for God s blessing upon Grade 4 teacher Myka Mayo who has taken a Call to teach Grade 5 at Immanuel Lutheran School in Riverside, California. This is about 1 hour from where she grew up. We look forward to having Miss Nicole Phelps join our staff as she returns to the United States from her current teaching position in China. Nicole will be teaching science to students in grades 5-8. Mrs. Harstad who had been teaching science will move into the math position previously held by Mrs. Johnson. A Call committee has been working to fill the positions in grades 1 and 4. If you have names to suggest, please pass them on to Principal Stortz. 9

10 Christ Lutheran June 2017 Printing Costs for This Month s Echo 2.0 Paid for by Donations from These Sponsors Abbey Christian Store Bev Mauch, Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors Norfolk Implement Dr. Dan Blomenberg Eye Physicians PC Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust Dinkel Implement Dr. Leon Gebhardt Freudenburg & Associates LLC Taylor Creek Physical Therapy Jerry s Trailers & Campers U-Save Pharmacy Randy Oertwich, United Farm and Ranch Management Krivohlavek & Hatfield, D.D.S. Christ Lutheran Church 605 South Fifth Street Norfolk, NE phone fax School 511 South Fifth Street phone fax Helping Hands Childcare 400 West Pasewalk Ave. (Corner of Fourth Street & Pasewalk Ave.) phone Next ECHO 2.0 deadline is June 10, 2017 Send items to echo2@clnorfolkmail.org