How Will You Shine? by Christine Eid, Director of Children s Ministries

Transcription

1 September 2016 How Will You Shine? by Christine Eid, Director of Children s Ministries IN THE SAME WAY, LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE BEFORE OTHERS, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD DEEDS AND PRAISE YOUR FATHER IN HEAVEN. MATTHEW 5:16 Here in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is starting His sermon on the mount. This verse comes right after the Beatitudes; Jesus expressing who is blessed and will be blessed, based on their attitudes and actions. And now, we are told to let our light shine so that others will see our actions and give God the credit for all that is done. September kicks off our new program year. On Sunday, September 11, our Kickoff theme will be That They Might Live, reminding us of the mission of Christ and of the mission we have as His church. We will see that life for us and for those who have yet to know Christ comes through a connection of faith. As we shine our lights to those around us, we will be able to share Christ to others. While congregationally we will look at how we might live, our children s ministry will take this focus specifically with a theme of Let Your Light Shine. We will have opportunities to shine as we grow in our Bible study and then put what we learn into practice. We will also have service opportunities through the year which gives us additional opportunities to shine. One specific way that we will be shining this year is 5th Sunday Service. In October, January and April, let your where there are five Sundays, we will have special service projects on the 5th Sunday to do as a congregation and families. Some of these projects will be on site, but we also hope to have opportunities to go out and shine in the community as well. We will have more details for our October Service Sunday in the October Clarion. For now, mark October 30 on your calendars as a Sunday you won t want to miss! However, we don t need to have particular dates or projects set aside to have opportunities to shine the love of Jesus. We can do this every day in our homes, at school, and at work. Jesus didn t say, Let your light shine when it s organized he said, Let your light shine before others that they might see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven! In every area of our lives, wherever we are, we can be witnesses to God s love and share the message of His redemption. So, my encouragement as we start this new program year is to shine. Let us know how you are shining! Tell us your stories of sharing God s love as a way of encouraging others and that the message of Jesus love is spreading around our communities. How will you shine? LIGHT SHINE

2 PAGE 2 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Fall Education Includes Lights, Games, Generosity, Crossways, Welcome to Cross View SUNDAY SCHOOL LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! Registration for our new Sunday School program year will take place on Fall Kickoff, September 11, with regular classes beginning the following week, September 18. let your LIGHT SHINE This year, all Sunday School students will be doing a Bible overview, using different age appropriate curriculums. It s exciting to again look at God s plan of salvation from the start in Genesis and the Old Testament, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Through it all, we will be reminded of how we can let our lights shine to share this message with others. A mailing was sent out to families with children with registration information. If you did not receive the mailing, or have questions, please contact Christine Eid at christine@crossview.net. We are excited about a great year as we see how God is active in our lives and helps us to live out our faith freely! KIDSTITUTE WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-8 P.M. Kidstitute, Cross View s midweek program for students age 3 through entering 6th grade, starts on Wednesday, September 14. The evening is divided into three half hour sections for students in age groupings. Activities include a Bible lesson, art/games, and music/choir. Students will sing in worship approximately once a month throughout the program year. This year s curriculum includes Bibles lessons based on different Board Games. Who doesn t like to play games? Each week we will play a different board game and learn the different rules for playing each of these games. As there are directions on how to play the game, God gives us direction on how we are to live our lives. THE GENIUS OF GENEROSITY We are very excited about our October sermon and Bible study series, the Genius of Generosity. Our society advises us to save regularly, spend carefully, but be generous?...not so much. So what is the Genius of Generosity? Well, Genius comes from a Latin word meaning to produce and represents quality and natural ability. We use it for anyone with a really high IQ. In other words, it describes someone with brilliant intellect and skills. In Hebrew, the word generosity literally means to saturate with water, a symbol of life to overflow in a way that brings life to people. In Greek, it means ready to distribute available to give time, talent, and treasure to bless others. When you put all of these connotations together, you start to get a dramatic picture. 1 Each week in October we ll delve into scripture to get a fuller picture of what the Genius of Generosity is. We ll learn how the wisest thing we can do is to learn to invest in God s kingdom. We ll learn how being a generous person is the smartest way to live this life. We ll learn how being generous is both practically and spiritually one of the most satisfying decisions we ll ever make. And, we ll learn how generosity has not only worldly but eternal ramifications for our lives and the lives of others. So join us this October for our sermon and Bible study series as we delve into the implications and application of the Genius of Generosity. 1 Ingram, Chip. Genius of Generosity: Lessons From a Secret Pact Between Two Friends (Kindle Locations ). Generous Church. WELCOME TO CROSS VIEW SUNDAYS 9:30 A.M.; NOV. 6 DEC. 11 Are you interested in learning more about the teachings of the Lutheran Church and/or desire to become a member of Cross View? Join us for an engaging study. You ll meet new friends, members of Cross View s staff, and various leaders from our congregation. Together, we will journey through Martin Luther s Small Catechism, reviewing and discussing Christian teaching. You will also be introduced to the mission and ministry of Cross View and have an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. The class will conclude with a new member welcome during the 10:45 A.M. service on December 11. Because we want all of Cross View s members, prospective members and visitors to be a part of a special Sunday morning Bible study entitled The Genius of Generosity, the start date of Welcome to Cross View is November 6. Hope to see you there! CROSSWAYS YEAR TWO STARTS SEPT. 14 On Wednesday, September 14, we will continue our two-year journey through the Word of God. Even if you missed out on year one, you ll greatly benefit from year two! Classes are from 6:30-8:00 P.M. weekly. Using the complete version of Crossways, Pastor Toby and Pastor Steve will pick up where they left off, guiding participants on an in-depth study of the remaining books of the Bible. Starting with post-exilic Judaism, we will make our way through the New Testament. Unlike many Bible studies, Crossways helps students of God s Word to understand each book of the Bible in relation to all the others. Additionally, this study helps students to see connections between the Old and New Testaments like never before. This is an amazing opportunity for you or someone you love to grow in their Biblical literacy. When we spend time in God s Word, we mature as fully-devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Our time in the Word equips, renews, and impassions us to live as Jesus servant-disciples. Don t miss this incredible opportunity! Invite a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker to join you on the journey. The study is open for all who want to attend. As we attempt to gauge participation and order materials, we ask that you sign up for the course in advance. A signup sheet is available on the lobby bulletin board, or simply contact the church office. This is your chance to Connect, Grow, and be equipped to Serve with the heart and mind of Jesus.

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4 PULL PAGE OUT PULL 6 OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT PULL OUT SUMMER POOL PARTY On August 21, Cross View youth had their end of the Summer Pool Party at the Pahls house. Beautiful weather and great people meant it was a great time and a great way to end the summer together. CROSS VIEW YOUTH MINISTRY Pool Party Summer Wrap-Up, Confirmation Fall Kickoff CONFIRMATION BEGINS 9/14 As the school year gears up again, so does our year of Confirmation. This year s theme during our Confirmation time for 7th and 8th graders is the biblical narrative, getting to see the whole picture of God s plan for Christ through the entirety of scripture. To do this we will be using The Story, similar to what we did as a congregation a few years ago. The Story gives us two parts to each lesson. We get a lower story, which is the actual story from scripture that we study such as Noah or Jericho, and the upper story, which are the themes we see that point to God s plan like redemption and forgiveness. We are excited to get the year underway and have a few dates for your calendars: 1. Wednesday, September 14, 6:30-8:00 P.M., is our first meeting. This will be an information meeting for both parents and Confirmands. We ll take time to go through important information for this year and answer any questions. 2. Friday & Saturday, October 14 &15, Confirmation retreat at Camp Omega. The retreat will run from Friday night at 5 P.M. through Saturday dinner (at camp). Please mark this on your calendar right away! 3. Sunday, May 7, 2017, Confirmation Sunday. The Rite of Confirmation will be celebrated at the 10:45 A.M. service. Women s Book Club September s selection for the Women s Book Club is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith. We will meet at the home of Gladys Dale on Monday, September 19 at 1:00 P.M. for casual book discussion and fellowship. We invite all women of Cross View to join us. Please contact the hostess if you are interested in joining or if you have any questions. Cross View Cards & Games Friday, Sept. 9 at 7:00 P.M. Location: Cross View, Fellowship A RSVP by Calling Hosts: JoAnn & Reg Schroeder (952) or Ann Weber (952) Connect with Cross View members and friends (adults of all ages) for several hours of fun and fellowship by participating in cardsand games of your choice. Every 2nd Friday, Sept. May New participants are welcome! Senior Adults* Lunch Bunch Tuesday, Sept. 13, Noon On September 13, Cross View Senior Adult Ministries will host another Senior Lunch Bunch event. Last June, 25 seniors gathered for our first lunch, and enjoyed a sandwich and salad luncheon together. On Tuesday, September 13, the menu includes home-made pulled pork sandwiches, salads and dessert. A free-will offering with be taken. Plan to come and join us in fellowship with other seniors at 12 noon. Sign up will be available at the Connections Center or call by noon on September 11. Seniors Look Ahead Plans are in progress for our annual October Sunday Potluck at 6 P.M. on Sunday, October 23. Watch the Sunday bulletin for ways to participate in intergenerational events: Cross View s Fall Clean-Up, Saturday, October 22, 9:00 AM, and 5th Sunday Service projects in October, January and April. *Senior Adults are people living out exciting faith, thinking positively, seeking new ventures and willing to serve.

5 PAGE 7 OUTREACH AND MISSIONS Mark Your Calendars for Trinity First Thanksgiving on 11/19; VEAP Drive Wraps Up TRINITY FIRST THANKSGIVING SATURDAY, NOV. 19 To reach more families in the community of Trinity First Lutheran School, the Trinity First Thanksgiving dinner will be served on Saturday, November 19, 4:00-6:00 PM. Volunteer signups will begin later in October, but please mark your family calendars now for this service event. People are needed throughout the day to prepare the food, set-up tables and chairs, serve the meal, teach a craft, and clean-up. There are multiple opportunities! This is a favorite family event. Plan to join us! FINE ARTS MINISTRIES Music Opportunities Available for Everyone! There are many opportunities at Cross View to utilize your musical talents! Please consider where you can serve. Contact Rebecca Waller, Director of Music & Fine Arts Ministries, for general information on any of these groups, or contact the listed director for further details. Adult Choir: Starts Sept. 7 Rehearsal: Wednesdays, 6:30-8:00 P.M. Worship Participation: 3 Sundays/ month, 8:15 A.M. service; no audition! Director: Rebecca Waller Contemporary Praise Team Rehearsal: Tuesday evenings, 6:30 P.M. Worship Participation: 10:45 A.M. service Director: Jason Paulson Bell Choir: Starts Sept. 14 Rehearsal: Wednesdays, 8:10-9:15 P.M., Worship Participation: Monthly Director: Rebecca Waller Jubilate Children s Choirs: Starts Sept. 14 Rehearsal: Wednesdays as part of Kidstitute Worship Participation: 1 Sunday per month Director: Susan Charles Instrumentalists: Variety of Possibilities: strings, brass, woodwinds, guitar, percussion, keyboard Talents utilized as available! Contact: Rebecca Waller All choirs welcome your participation! VEAP* BACK TO SCHOOL PROGRAM: VANLOADS OF GENEROSITY! Cross View s collection of school material for our mission partner VEAP was a huge success. Three van loads of material were brought to VEAP, including mostly precious backpacks (many filled with notebooks)! Distribution of this material started on August 15. VEAP sends its thanks to everyone who participated so generously. *VEAP: Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People, serving the communities of Richfield, Bloomington and Edina. Welcome, Lisa! Lisa Carston began work Tuesday, July 19, as Cross View s Director of Finance and Administration. Her unique qualifications include extensive accounting, payroll, supervisory, and human resource experience. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and a Masters in Business Administration complement these on-the-job skills. Please welcome Lisa when you drop by the Cross View office; take a moment to introduce yourself. She is eager to meet you! CROSSWAYS INTERNATIONAL CALLING Mission Stories featuring See Through The Scriptures, The Divine Plan, & More Our colleague and seminar leader in the Philippines, Vic Pabellon, has been invited to present a seminar for 40 Korean missionary pastors in Manila to equip them to understand and teach Crossways International s study courses. Another colleague, Rev. Felibien, recently conducted a training event on the Kirundi translation of CI s See Through the Scriptures for 30 pastors. Rev. Felibien was a student of mine at Carlile College in Nairobi, Kenya, where I led a number of seminars during the 1990s for pastors and church workers from 13 African nations. Rev. Felibien began teaching See Through the Scriptures at refugee camps in Burundi in He has since equipped other church workers to teach Crossways International materials in Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi. A deaconess colleague recently sent me a passionate report on how she is using CI s witnessing tool, The Divine Plan, to equip lay-people in several challenged nations to understand and explain The Divine Plan to others in their communities. They are excited about the impact it is having on themselves and others. Harry Wendt Crossways International

6 NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES, MN PERMIT NO Cross View Lutheran Church 6645 McCauley Trail West Edina, MN September 2016 Return Service Requested SCHEDULE Sunday Worship: 8:15 AM (Traditional) & 10:45 AM (Contemporary) Blended Worship for Both Services on September 11 Sunday Christian Education, 9:30 AM Office Hours: Tues.-Fri., 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM; Closed Monday Developing fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ along life s journey Rev. Steve Wheeler, Senior Pastor ext 203, steve@crossview.net Rev. Toby Schmidt, Associate Pastor ext 206, toby@crossview.net Jan Stockman-Sater, Early Childhood Ministries ext 222, jan@crossview.net Christine Eid, Children s Ministry ext 215, christine@crossview.net Jonathan Zellar, Youth & Young Adults MInistries ext 207, jonathan@crossview.net Lisa Carston, Finance & Administration ext 204, lisa@crossview.net Margaret Garrison, Parish Secretary ext 200, margaret@crossview.net Rebecca Waller, Music & Fine Arts Ministries ext 210, rebecca@crossview.net Jason Paulson, Contemporary Music jason@crossview.net Jungjoo Park, Organist jungjoo@crossview.net Lynn Pahl, President Rev. Dr. Harry Wendt, Crossways International Todd & Kim Roeske, Evangelistic Missionaries in Alaska The Clarion is published monthly by Cross View Lutheran Church, 6645 McCauley Trail West, Edina, MN, (Office), (FAX), (ECC). Items for inclusion may be dropped off in the church office or sent via to rebecca@crossview.net. Sunday, September 11 8:15 & 10:45 AM Blended Worship 9:15-10:30 Brunch & Fellowship 9:30-10:30 Sunday School Registration PLEASE JOIN US! 65 Attend YAMS Picnic The 9th Annual YAMS Family Picnic on August 14 was a huge success! Over 65 adults and children attended this year, including five first-time YAMS families! The picnic was held at Riley Lake Park, and everyone enjoyed delicious food, beautiful weather, fun games and great fellowship. Thank you to all who helped make this such a wonderful event!