contents The Pastor s pen October 2018 Messenger Pastor s Pen Continued Christ Lutheran School Update/ Christmas Program

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The Pastor s pen October 2018 Messenger While it is true that worship is the central activity of our church life, Bible study, too, holds (or should) a prominent place.

If you have not attended a Bible Class at Christ Lutheran, I m asking you to consider starting, or restarting, that habit.

1 The Pastor s pen October 2018 Messenger While it is true that worship is the central activity of our church life, Bible study, too, holds (or should) a prominent place. I encourage each member of Christ Lutheran to make Sunday School/Bible Class part of your weekly activity at Christ Lutheran. If you have not attended a Bible Class at Christ Lutheran, I m asking you to consider starting, or restarting, that habit. Here is a list of reasons why and note how each item in some way supports the mission and ministry of Christ Lutheran Church and School. 1). Attending Bible Study is a benefit to you spiritually. Jesus puts it quite succinctly in John 8:31-32, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Psalm 1 reminds that one is blessed to delight in the Law of the Lord, and to meditate on it day and night. God s Word is to you, as a stream of water is to the roots of a tree. God s Word gives you strength and life that you would bear fruit! And the fruit you bear, God uses to benefit others, including your family, your community, your co-workers, and even your congregation. And so Christ Lutheran is strengthened and supported because your participation in Bible Class nurtures your faith. 2). Attending Bible Class is a benefit to you mentally. While the most important strength we draw from Scripture is spiritual, it is also true that, as with any book, we stand to gain wisdom which will serve to grow our knowledge and expand our minds. As a Pastor, I love it when people attend Bible Classes on a regular basis, because as they learn and grow, they gain knowledge that leads to new and deeper questions. I learn a great deal from those questions, and so do the other members of the class. And so, your Bible Study attendance strengthens your mind and knowledge, and that strengthened knowledge is shared with others in comments and questions during Bible classes, and in the sharing, the whole class benefits - and the people of Christ Lutheran are strengthened and supported. 3). Attending Bible Class is an encouragement to others. It encourages others who are in attendance and makes them feel better about being there themselves, and it encourages others who are not yet attending, by setting an example, an example that supports Christ Lutheran and her ministry. 4). Attending Bible class confesses that one does not yet have a mastery of the Scriptures. How many of us lament when we see youth attend Confirmation classes, get confirmed on a Sunday, and then never attend worship again, or come to another Bible Class? It s as if they ve learned all that is necessary and now Confirmed they don t need Bible class anymore. And yet, aren t we as adults making the same statement when we decide that we need not attend Bible Class? 2 Pastor s Pen Continued 3 Men s Club / Joyful Faith Circle 6 4 Repentance Article/ Sunday Themes Confirmation / Youth Ministry/ Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes Continue on next page contents Christ Lutheran School Update/ Christmas Program Birthdays & Anniversaries Calendar of Events

2 There is a sign I ve seen that reads: No one graduates from Bible class until they meet the author face to face. Even I, your Pastor with a seminary education, am nowhere near to having mastered the Bible; which is why I attend Pastors conferences, lock myself in the office to study, so that I, too, might grow in knowledge and understanding of Scripture and thus be a greater benefit to you as your Pastor. As we study and grow and learn together in God s Word, we confess that we need what God s Word has to give; and that confession is a witness to others. And Christ Lutheran as a congregation is strengthened and supported through our witness. 5). Attending Bible Class helps to equip us for the work God gives us to do. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, well equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 EHV). Increasing our knowledge of Scripture will equip us for many things, including bringing its comfort to others who may be in need of it. And our being so equipped benefits and supports those around us, including our family at Christ Lutheran. 6). Attending Bible Class makes the entire membership of Christ Lutheran all the stronger for our being a part of it. And a strong Bible Class and Sunday School have been found to be a key factor in congregations with healthy growth. There are more than a few surveys on church membership and attendance. Among them are some conducted by Thom S. Rainier, who shares his results in books such as Surprising Insights from the Unchurched. According to Rainier s research, the most significant factor in an individual or family s choice to become members of a particular congregation was the strength of their Bible Class/Sunday School program. Therefore, I urge you to join us for Bible Class at Christ Lutheran, and (if you are not already doing so) to make it a regular part of your weekly activity at Christ Lutheran. Sunday Morning 10:50 AM to 11:30 AM The Robe, in which we are discussing the Christian life and how what God give us each week helps us. Monday Evening 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM The Book of Philippians. In this gathering, we learn from St. Paul about a living a life worthy of the Gospel, especially as we seek to put our confidence in God who began the good work of salvation in us and promises that He will bring it to completion. The list above is just a start for now. If you have topics/bible books that you d like us to study, please let me know. Let us pray: Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast to the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen (Lutheran Service Book, p 308; prayer 148). In God s love and mine, Pastor Greg 2

MEN S CLUB CORNER CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Ou r M i s s i on : To support Christ Lutheran Church and School and its members through service and faith based activities while enjoying the camaraderie of

To build our faith and knowledge of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit along with creating fellowship with our families and each other by serving and spreading the Word of God to our

This brief passage could easily branch off into topical studies of sanctification (3:3); sin (3:4), and the person and work of the devil (3:8).

" Next Meeting: Thursday, October 11, 6:30 PM. We'll begin with 1 John 3:11, and the passage begins with Christ's commandment that we love one another.

We have a continuing need for volunteers for home visitations, for ushers and involvement with board of Deacons. Or perhaps there is something else you'd like to help with.

3 MEN S CLUB CORNER CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Ou r M i s s i on : To support Christ Lutheran Church and School and its members through service and faith based activities while enjoying the camaraderie of friendship. To build our faith and knowledge of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit along with creating fellowship with our families and each other by serving and spreading the Word of God to our community. M en s B i b l e S t u d y Men's Bible Study met Thursday, Sept.13, and discussed 1 John 2:28-3:10. This brief passage could easily branch off into topical studies of sanctification (3:3); sin (3:4), and the person and work of the devil (3:8). We didn't do that, but considering the nature of the culture we live in, one might want to ponder 1 John 3:4. "Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness." Next Meeting: Thursday, October 11, 6:30 PM. We'll begin with 1 John 3:11, and the passage begins with Christ's commandment that we love one another. O p p or t u n it i e s f or F u r t h er S er v i c e : Is God calling you to use the gifts He has given you for His purposes? We have a continuing need for volunteers for home visitations, for ushers and involvement with board of Deacons. Or perhaps there is something else you'd like to help with. God gifts the Church through its members even you! S er v i c e R e que s t : If you are in need of a service to be performed, please contact us via the church office. We are happy to serve your need! But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sins. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:7-9 Joyful F a ith circl e Submitted by Janie Rhody Mission Festival- Pastor Stenzel led a discussion on the purpose for Mission Festival, opportunities for the use of any donations received and his suggestion that Christ Lutheran School receive the greater share of our donations. Prior to sermon, Joelle Sedivy, Mrs. Posda and Shirley Rosenow each gave a short temple talk on the theme of Our School as a Mission of our church. Plants, craft and baked goods were out in the narthex. In Bible study we started the story of the Canaanite Women with a focus on the joy we have in salvation and how we need to take time to delight ourselves in God (Ps 16:11; 37:4, Ex 23:14). Jesus delights in us spending time with him, hearing our prayer requests and, especially, giving us good gifts. Look to grace not to religious rules. Next month meeting is Wednesday, November 7th at 9:30 am. All women are invited and encouraged to attend. 3

4 4 Repentance, Faith, and the Holy Life A new Pastor on the scene is bound to bring a few wonderings, especially when words are used that, perhaps, we have not heard before. One such word is Catechesis. Someone commented that the word sounds Catholic, which it is not. Catechesis simply means Teaching, and more specifically, oral instruction. When you are in Bible study, for example, you are being catechized taught. I am writing this to let you know that we have seven young people receiving confirmation instruction; but a better term for it might be Lutheran catechesis. You see, the point of Confirmation is to teach people to be a Christian who confess the faith as a Lutheran. Hence, Lutheran Catechesis. So, if you hear me use the term catechesis please don t think I ve off the deep end; I m simply referring to instruction. Please continually pray for the seven young people in our Lutheran catechesis class: Emma, Kelcey, Abbi, Landon, Carlee, Britton and Peyton. What follows is a taste of what they are learning. Any member of the congregation, or interested individual, is welcome to attend our Wednesday Confirmation class. Regardless of age, I promise you will grow in your knowledge and love for our Lord. The Ten Commandments are God s Law. God s Law smashes the self-righteousness of man and exposes his mistrust of God. At the same time, God s Law exalts the righteousness of Christ who fulfilled the whole will and Law of God for us. The Law must condemn the sinner and convict him of his need for Christ. The first three lessons our Confirmation Class are exploring is foundational for this entire year of instruction. The narrative the Bible story of each lesson deals with the stumbling blocks we all face in life: All my righteousness is filth and Christ is my only Savior from sin through the gift of faith. Although morality and ethics can certainly be taught from the Ten Commandments, this is not our main focus. Apart from God s grace we can have no salvation and can-do no-good thing. The catechumen confirmation students will be taught to use the Ten Commandments as a guide for self-examination in preparation for confessing our sins at home, at worship, and even for private confession/absolution. The first three lesson referenced above are: 1.The Rich Man and Lazarus Luke 16: The central thought of this lesson is: The faith that saves trusts in Christ alone. The faith that damns trusts in self. 2 Christ Fulfills the Law Matthew 5: The central thought of this lesson is: All our righteousness is filth. The righteousness of Christ alone saves us from our sin. 3. The Rich Young Ruler Mark 10: The central thought of this lesson is: Faith in Christ is impossible for sinners. God alone works repentance and faith. --Pastor Stenzel SUNDAY Themes Beginning with the first Sunday in October (7 th ) the readings for the remainder of the Church year except for Reformation Sunday and the Last Sunday in the Church Year are taken from Hebrews. In 13:22 the author of Hebrews describes his letter as a word of encouragement. Hebrews was written as a sermon to an unnamed congregation. The first section might be best titled as: God s Promised Rest. October 7 th we will read Hebrews 2:1-18, while considering the theme: Jesus, the Merciful High Priest. October 14 th we will read Hebrews 3:12-19 under the theme, Deadly Unbelief. October 21 st the lectionary will take us to Hebrews 4:1-16 while we ponder, A Foretaste of Eternal Rest. October 28 th is Reformation Sunday, so we will hit the pause-button on reading Hebrews.

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Acolyte Schedule: OCTOBER conf irmat ion 10/7: Abbigail Volrath & Peyton Volrath 10/8 Acolyte Needed & Kelcey Brown 10/15: Landon Alexander & Maddy Buckwheat 10/22: Emma Marek

office in you are able to provide dinner CHIL DREN S MIN IST RY Submitted by Christi Krantz Fall is upon us and oh how good it feels to be back in the swing of things!

We have a new time and format for Sunday School for everyone to get used to but it is all for the good.

5 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Acolyte Schedule: OCTOBER conf irmat ion 10/7: Abbigail Volrath & Peyton Volrath 10/8 Acolyte Needed & Kelcey Brown 10/15: Landon Alexander & Maddy Buckwheat 10/22: Emma Marek & Britton Belonge Meal Providers: 9/26: Volrath Family 10/3: Alexander Family 10/10: Chittendon Family 10/17: Benson Family 10/24: Marek Family 10/31: Available, please contact Stephanie in the office in you are able to provide dinner CHIL DREN S MIN IST RY Submitted by Christi Krantz Fall is upon us and oh how good it feels to be back in the swing of things! With Sunday School and KICK back into action and IMPACT about to start, we have our 'normal' back again. Praise God! We have a new time and format for Sunday School for everyone to get used to but it is all for the good. The kids will be learning so much more about Jesus, the history of our church, and why we do what we do. KICK will be meeting every Wednesday evening from 5:30-6:20pm IMPACT will be having a movie night on Sunday, October 7th at 6pm. We will be watching Catching Faith on the big screen and munching on some snacks. The teens are welcome to invite some friends. DINNER BOXES thank sgiving Help feed local families in need this Thanksgiving. Later this month we will be collecting food items for the less fortunate in Chippewa County. Items needed are turkeys, bags of potatoes, stuffing mixes, canned cranberry sauce, canned green beans, heat & serve buns and pre-packaged dessert mixes. We will be partnering with Faith Lutheran Church for this program again this year. You can sign up and drop off food items at the designated area in the narthex. Food items will be due to the church by Friday, November 16th. Turkey meals will be boxed and delivered the week of Thanksgiving. Christ Lutheran School Needs There are a few needs for the school this coming year. If you are able to help, please contact the office at Thank you! Weekly recess volunteers Monday, Thursday or Friday s from 9:30-10:00 am Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday s from 11:30 12:15pm. Substitute Teachers on an as needed basis. 5

Christ Lutheran SCHOOL Update How it began: About 3 years after the church was built, parents and members of the congregation began weekly prayer meetings asking God to have a Christian Day School at

There were 17 students in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Enrollment grew and in the next year there were 59 students in grades Kindergarten-8th grade.

6 Christ Lutheran SCHOOL Update How it began: About 3 years after the church was built, parents and members of the congregation began weekly prayer meetings asking God to have a Christian Day School at Christ Lutheran Church. God answered these prayers! In September, 1993 Christ Lutheran Church opened its doors to a Christian School for the school year. There were 17 students in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade. Enrollment grew and in the next year there were 59 students in grades Kindergarten-8th grade. This was all in the church complex area as the school wing had not been added yet. In 1995 a gymnasium was built and was ready to use in the spring of This was such a blessing especially on bad weather days. The plans for the classroom addition in the school wing started September, Several people from the congregation helped the builders to construct the building. Later in 2011 the new playgrounds was installed. The cost was over $40,000, but the funds were raised in only one year with the help of local businesses, Rutledge Charities, and other local foundations, as well as church members and school families. These buildings and the playground are important gifts from God, but even more important are the children God has brought through these doors. We are blessed to be the hands of feet of Jesus to these children, as we teach them high academics with Biblical standards. Thank you for all you do as a congregation to help our school. Your prayers are appreciated, your gifts to the school are such a blessing to help families attend school here. And thank you for the many things you volunteer your time doing such as mopping floors, correcting papers, creating bulletin boards, helping with hot lunch, and SO much more. We are thankful for all you do. Thank you for giving to the Lord- lives are being changed here at Christ Lutheran School. Christ Lutheran Christmas Program 6 As you plan your holiday outings, please join the students and teachers of Christ Lutheran School for "An Unplugged Christmas." This praise and worship musical promises to be entertaining! Among the lights and rockin' (even rapping) carol medleys, an unexpected turn of events will make us stop and turn our minds and hearts to Christ, the true Light of Christmas! An Unplugged Christmas will be presented on Monday, December 10th, at 12:30 and again on Tuesday, December 11th, at 6:00. A cookie walk and bake sale will be available as well as refreshments following each program.

7 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH October Birthdays and Anniversaries CELEBRATE WITH US FOLLOWING SUNDAY SERVICE OCTOBER 21ST Pastor Greg Stenzel 1 Tim & Eva Bergevin 2 Trevor & Holly Weiland 3 Nolan Bowe 4 Don Jr. & Eunice Shilts 7 Cari Alexander 7 Annie Zwiefelhofer 7 Elliana Kuhnert 8 Dan & Cari Alexander 10 Dan & Tammy Modl 11 Allen Bateman 11 Nels & Tabatha Peterson 12 Brad & Jamie Polzin 12 Julie Morse 14 Abbigail Volrath 14 Nate & Jessica Wright 15 Robert Ryman 16 Ellen Wing 17 Tanya Stenzel 18 Kari Ledebuhr 19 Shirley Rosenow 20 Darwin & Betty Bergstrom 21 Jordan Sedivy 22 Beth Nowak 23 Ashley Likar 23 Reid Sommerfeld 23 James & Linda Goss 24 Lauralee Hills 24 Kiptyn Chittendon 30 Peter Smith 31 USEFUL Inf ormat ion and dat es Thank YOU Edward Ray and his wife Flower want to thank the congregation of Christ Lutheran Church for all your prayers and support during our long period of Ed's brother Bill Ray's health issues and the grief of his passing. - Ed and Flower Ray Volunteer s NEEDED We are in need of volunteers to visit shut ins. Please contact Dave Solum or the office for further information. sp a ghett i DINNER The Christ Lutheran School Fall Spaghetti Dinner will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 from 4pm - 7pm. Dine in or call ahead to (715) for pick up. Menu includes Grandma Judy s homemade spaghetti sauce, garlic bread, corn and homemade dessert! Suggested donation: $7.00. church WEBSITE christlutheranchippewafalls.com Check it out! Access this newsletter, most recent Sunday sermon, worship times, church Facebook page and much more. cont a ct INFO CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 467 E. Colome Street Chippewa Falls, WI secretary4clc@gmail.com PASTOR GREG STENZEL pastorstenzel@mac.com 7

8 CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH O c t ob er Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 7:30AM Elders Meeting 9:00AM Peacemakers 2 12:30PM CLS Grandparents Day Program 3 8:00AM Chapel 9:30AM Joyful Faith 4:30PM Confirmation 5:30-6:30PM K.I.C.K. (3-11 years old) 4 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 5 8:30AM Willing Workers 6 8:00AM Men s Club Breakfast/ Meeting 6:30PM Worship 7 8:15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship/ Communion 10:30AM Children s Sunday School 10:30AM Fellowship 10:50AM Bible Study 8 9 7:00PM CLS School Board Mtg 10 8:00AM Chapel 9:00AM Peacemakers 4:30PM Confirmation 5:30-6:30PM K.I.C.K. (3-11 years old) 6:30PM Worship/ Communion 11 6:30PM Men s Bible Study 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 12 8:30AM Willing Workers 13 6:00PM IMPACT 14 8:15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship 10:30AM Children s Sunday School 10:30AM Fellowship 10:50AM Bible Study 15 7:30AM Elders Meeting 16 6:30PM Deacons Meeting 17 8:00AM Chapel 9:00AM Peacemakers 4:30PM Confirmation 5:30-6:30PM K.I.C.K. (3-11 years old) 6:30PM Worship 18 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 19 8:30AM Willing Workers :15AM Praise Group 9:30AM Worship/ Communion 10:30AM Children s Sunday School :00AM Chapel 9:00AM Peacemakers 4:30PM Confirmation 5:30-6:30PM K.I.C.K. (3-11 years old) 25 4PM-7PM CLS Fall Spaghetti Dinner 26 8:30AM Willing Workers 27 10:30AM Fellowship Birthday & Anniversary Celebration 10:50AM Bible Study Newsletter Submissions Due to the Church Office 6:30PM Worship/ Communion 6:30PM Praise Group Practice 28 8:15AM Praise Group :30AM Worship 10:30AM Children s Sunday School 10:30AM Fellowship 10:50AM Bible Study 8

Pastor s Pen Thanksgiving or Thanks-Living

Pastor s Pen Thanksgiving or Thanks-Living November 2018 Messenger Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thess.