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

Transcription

1 Christ Lutheran Newsletter JANUARY 2016 Echo 2.0 Share God s Word, Share His Love, and Do It Now! Christ Lutheran 605 South Fifth Street, Norfolk, NE Like to Cook??? Then We Need Your Help! By Sarah Moje Find your favorite soup or chili recipe and enter it in the annual Soup and Chili Cook-Off! This event helps raise funds for our Senior High Youth Ministry. Entrants are asked to make a large crock pot or roaster of a favorite soup, stew or chili and bring it to the gym between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 17. The youth will serve the soup as people sample and taste the entries. Sign up to bring a soup or chili in the church narthex, church office, or by calling The congregation is invited to help judge the winning soup! A free will offering will be gathered in exchange for a ballot. Tasting begins at 11:45 a.m. Following the meal, approximately 12:45 p.m., we will receive the written State of the Church Report, meet for a brief Voter s Assembly, and present awards for the best soup and chili. All of this will take place in the Christ Lutheran School Gym on Sunday, January 17. Mark your calendars for this special event. Call Committee Status By Pastor Chip Winter The Call Committee for a DCE to work with the youth of Christ Lutheran will be interviewing candidates in December of 2015 and January of Since the finalists selected by the search committee are currently serving congregations in Nebraska the committee determined to interview them personally on-site. More information will be forthcoming after the interviews have taken place. The Sunday School Christmas Service was held December 16. Top: Bailey Bernstrauch and Garrett Boelter portray Mary and Joseph. Lower: Preschool The Call Committee for an Associate Pastor of Community Involvement requested a new list of pastoral candidates from President Snow of the Nebraska District Office. Any member of the congregation again wishing to submit a name is welcome to do so. That name will be forwarded to the District Office so that they might provide Christ Lutheran with the information needed in the selection process.

2 Christ Lutheran Congregation News January 2016 Building and Capital Funding By Pastor Chip Winter The Building Committee was scheduled to meet on December 14, At that meeting new design plans would be examined. If there would be an approval of a plan, that plan will be scheduled to come before the congregation for approval. In a similar vein, a steering committee for an Immeasurably More/Lutheran Church Extension Fund capital campaign is beginning its work in anticipation of the approval of a design for a new child care building. Meetings and training will begin with the new year and run through the spring, God willing. New Ladies Circle officers for 2016 include L-R: Judy Allvin, President; Gloria Vogel, Vice President; Suzanne Riedel, Secretary, and Sheri Anderson, Treasurer. Priscillas Christmas Party 2015 On Tuesday, December 1, 39 ladies (Priscillas and their guests) fearlessly braved icy streets to meet for the annual Christmas Party and Guest Night. The group enjoyed refreshments and viewed angel collections displayed by the officers. After introductions, Christmas carols were sung, and co-president Gloria Nielsen shared a Christmas devotion. The meal for the event was catered by Jerry s Hilltop. Guest speakers for the evening were Marilyn Wingate and Ann Carter who shared a presentation Dressing on a Dime. They gave helpful hints on what good basic wardrobe pieces are, using different accessories, getting creative with color and patterns, and most importantly, whatever you re wearing, stand with great posture to carry it off. (see photos at right) The Secret Prayer Partner gift exchange closed out the evening. Much laughter and hugs were exchanged before bundling up and heading for home. If this sounds like a fun evening, Priscillas would love to extend an invitation to every woman of the congregation to come be a guest at our monthly meeting. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, except the month of November. Left: Just a few of the angels on display at Priscillas Christmas. Photos above: Some of the Priscillas members and guests practice good posture; center: Marilyn Wingate and Ann Carter talk about accessorizing your outfits; bottom: Kathy Krueger and Deb Kesting share a light-hearted moment during the Secret Prayer Partner gift exchange. 2

3 Children s Ministry Christ Lutheran January 2016 What Kids Need to Succeed The December Echo offered a brief review of the book What Kids Need to Succeed by Peter Benson, Judy Galbraith, and Pamela Espeland. This book highlights the results of over 3 million surveys given to youth in the United States, naming 40 developmental assets which help children succeed. The more assets a young person has, the less likely they are to get involved in high-risk behaviors. This month, we look at a group of assets which relate to support. The book states, Young people need to experience care, love, and support from their families and many others. They need organizations and institutions that provide them with positive, supportive environments. In addition to family support, parent involvement in schooling, and positive family communication, young people need other adult relationships, a caring school climate, and caring neighborhoods as assets. As a faith community, we can help meet these needs in several ways, including the following suggestions in the book: build at least one sustained, caring relationship with a child or adolescent in the community; get to know and talk with kids in your neighborhood or workplace; be a positive presence in your neighborhood; identify teachers, school administrators in our church, in order to acknowledge and honor their efforts; encourage all church members to volunteer in schools; include nearby schools in service projects. If you want to help young people in your life, or in our church to have more assets and ultimately succeed, find out how you can help provide these assets or support and encourage those who do! Kids Fun Night January 13 The next Kids Fun Night will be held Wednesday, January 13 from 5:15 6:45 p.m. All children age 3 through grade 6 are welcome! This month s theme is Winter Wonderland. Come to the CLS gym and play games, make crafts, and enjoy snacks, all related to winter! Please sign up beforehand, to help us plan for the correct number of students. You can do so on the children s ministry page at Adult helpers are needed and welcome. Lisa Moreno, Children s Ministry Coordinator lmoreno@clnorfolkmail.org Sunday School Attendance Awards The following students had outstanding attendance during the fall quarter of Sunday School: Those who had perfect attendance are: Matthew Bazyn, Morgen Buss, Clara Praeuner, Josie Bazyn, Ally Moreno, Grant Weis, Jonathan Praeuner, Payton Weis, and Rebecca Gebhardt. Those with just one absence are: Preschool: Daisy Begeman, Enzo Brueggemann, and Lauren Carlisle Kindergarten: Klayton Lingenfelter Grades 1-2: Haylee Carlisle Grades 3-4: Dominic Drews Grades 5-6: Oliver Begeman, Esther Molina, Jacob Bender, and Amber Bockelman Grades 7-8: Benjamin Gebhardt, Sam Jagels, Hunter Mewis, Hailey Mewis, Jing Moreno, Madelyn Lingenfelter, and Temo Molina. Mission Offerings During the months of December, January, and February, we will be collecting offerings for the Alaska Mission for Christ on the second and third Sundays of the month. You can find out more about this mission or even plan your very own summer mission trip to Alaska on their website: Staff Needed Station leaders and an opening leader, or leader team are needed for Sundays that you choose, 1-2 times a month. If you can help out in this way, please contact Lisa Moreno at January Children s Ministry Schedule January 3: *9:15 am* Sunday School - An Angel Visits Joseph (game station) January 10: Sunday School - The Birth of Jesus (snack station) January 13: Kids Fun Night January 17: Sunday School The Presentation of Jesus (skit station) January 24: Sunday School The Visit of the Wise Men (science activity station) January 31: Sunday School The Boy Jesus In the Temple (game station) Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sundays at Christ Lutheran School 3

4 Christ Lutheran Servants of the Savior January 2016 Mission-Minded The Big Mission Event, hosted by Servants of the Savior (S.O.S.) on November 15, 2015, would not have been possible without the generous donations of many missionminded businesses and individuals. The following is a list of those who so kindly donated merchandise or monetary gifts for the event. Agri-City Insurance R.J. and Jess Gall, Apache Industries Doug and Becky Stevens, Bradley Krivohlavek, DDS, PC; Canham Maytag Bill Canham, Christ Lutheran Quilters, Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors Bev Mauch, Dr. Robert & Susan Colligan, Pam Dede and Lucille Gesell, Edward Jones Paula Pflueger, Missionary David & Julie Faulkner, Freudenburg and Associates, LLC Mike & Shelly Freudenburg, Gall Plumbing Arlen & Marla Gall, Home for Funerals John Burns, Jerry s Trailers & Campers Jerry & Marilyn Glaser, Jim s Fine Wines Jim & Jeanette Rutten. Kimes Financial Service, LLC; Kuper Farms Doug Kuper, Landkamer Flag Sales Jerry, Starla & Thomas Landkamer, Lyn Lund, Dr. Richard & Audra Meyer, Mid- City Superstore, Norfolk Medical Group Drs. Blomenberg, Gebhardt & Pierce, Fred & Judith Otten, Chuck & Linda Pohlman, Rock Signs of Texas Howard Voelker, Steve & Charlene Stortz, U-Save Pharmacy Pat Hammond, Wacker Home Improvement Marcus & Jean Wacker, Bernice Walters, Wetzel & Truex Jewelers Mark & Sheri Raders. Abbey Christian Store Doug & Pam Coulter, Affiliated Foods, Allied Tour & Travel Dave Busskohl, Bauer Built Terry Lichtenberg, Brown Shoe Fit, Burger King, Culvers Rich Riley, Deck-Slahn Orchard Charles & Karolyn Slahn. Diamond Vogel Paint Center Linda Miller, First National Bank Elaine Hamling, Floral Expressions David Freudenburg, Go Figure, Hair Expressions DelRae Stueckrath, Hair Studio Jeff Johnson, Heckman Top & Body Doug Spaulding, Jerry s Standard Curt Blackman, Mike & Deb Kesting, Jim & Deb Kirsch, Don & Yvonne Lichtenberg, Meds and More, Natural Littles John & Erica Robertson. Papa Murphy s Pizza Robert Brown, Pat-a-Cake, Pettitt Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Pizza Hut Wing Street Donna Wright, Prengers, Val & Suzanne Riedel, Ricardos Judy Daniell, Rev. Leon & Terri Rosenthal, Satellite Central Wes & Katie Hinze, Hank & Rosie Scott, SOS Friends, Stonacek Funeral Chapel Bill, Todd & Brock Stonacek, Subway Marv & John Rosberg, Tastee Treet Terry & Diane Brogren, Town and Country Insurance Jeff Pasold, Volkman Plumbing and Heating Aaron Volkman, Susan Warneke, Whiskey Creek, Pastor Chip & Jami Winter, Wolfe Insurance Agency Jay Wolff, Pastor Adrian & Grace Hanft, Dr. Dan & Kathy Karmazin, Deets Furniture, Bomgaars, Chuck s Woodbarn, Norfolk Implement Garold Kollmar. Thank you to all of these wonderful sponsors for supporting The Big Event. Thank you also to all who purchased tickets to enable us to help tell the story. Between the first Big Event (Christ s birth) and the next Big Event (Christ coming again), we are compelled to tell His story. May God bless the proceeds raised to that end and also bless your giving heart. Next month s Echo will have a breakdown of how the funds raised were distributed amongst the recipients of The Big Event Orphan Grain Train, several missionaries and mission servant events. Pastor Winter uses the Ladder of Sin as an object lesson for the Sunday School Service December 16. The Angel Choir, under the direction of Nancy Weber, sings their praises as they celebrate Christ s birth during the Sunday School Service. 4

5 Christ Lutheran School Christ Lutheran January 2016 Principal Steve Stortz National Lutheran Schools Week During January 24-31, Christ Lutheran School will join with over 840 elementary schools, 85 high schools, and 1,190 early childhood centers who have one thing in common sharing the life-changing message of Jesus love. These places of faith building minister to 250,000 students along with their families and communities. Our national theme is Life Together in Christ, based on 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Each missionary outpost focuses on raising up the next generation of faithful Christian disciples. Teachers integrate their Christian faith in all school subjects. Students are empowered to witness about their faith in Jesus to others. They learn to pray with and for other students, school families, and our nation. Join us as we come together with other area Lutheran Schools for a Christian concert by Nashville artist Jennie Williamson on Monday, January 25 at 1:30 at LHNE. A second performance will be held in the Christ Lutheran church sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Christ Lutheran School partners with families to develop God-given abilities in students so they can grow in knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, and lie as effective citizens in His kingdom. From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. 2 Corinthians 5:16 Attend our upcoming Kindergarten Open House to learn about the difference a Christian education can make in the life of your child. By attending this event you and your future Kindergarten student will have the opportunity to: meet with our Lutheran School State Certified Kindergarten teachers, check out the classroom where your student would be receiving a college prep/faith development education each and every day of their elementary school journey. Bring along your questions about how you can get started in being a part of the Christ Lutheran School family. At this open house we will help you find the answers to make the most important decision about your student s education. Come in and experience the Christ Lutheran School atmosphere of learning. The first Open House will be held Thursday January 28, 2016 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Christ Lutheran School Kindergarten rooms. Christ Lutheran School, 511 South 5th Street Norfolk, NE 402/ Dates to Note Scrip sold every Tuesday and Friday school is in session from 7:40-4:00 in the school office. Chapel every Wednesday 8:20 Jan. 4 Teachers return Jan. 5 Students return Jan. 9 Varsity Girls B-ball Tournament at Columbus Jan. 10 Grade 2 sings at Christ Lutheran 8:00 Jan. 15 Missionary Carnival 6:00 Jan. 16 JV Girls & Boys Tournament at Madison Jan. 16 Varsity Boys B-ball Tournament at Columbus Jan. 17 Grades 5-8 Sing at Grace 10:00 Jan. 18 Teacher in-service, No School Jan. 23 Girls Rounball Tournament at Fremont Jan. 24 Grades K-8 Sing at Christ Lutheran 8:00 Jan. 28 Kindergarten Open House 5:30-7:30 Jan. 31 Varsity Boys Roundball Tourn. at Lincoln Feb. 4 Parent/Teacher Conferences Feb. 5 Teacher in-service, No School 5

6 Christ Lutheran January 2016 Christ Lutheran School Happy New Year! By Sarah Moje, Preschool Director As we begin a new calendar year, Christ Lutheran Preschool is getting ready for a different kind of new year. Registration for the school year will open on January 5, Even though the current school year is only half over, early planning for following school year is important as we look at class schedules and staffing needs. Christ Lutheran Preschool)partners)with)parents)to)develop) spiritual,) physical,) mental,) and) emotional) abilities) in) each) preschooler. The children benefit from learning in a developmentally appropriate, Christian environment. Parents are confident that Christian teachers, who have a passion for sharing the love of Jesus Christ, care for their child. We offer three options for families. There is a five-day program that meets Monday through Friday for children who are four years old by July 31, A three-day program meets Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and a two-day program meets Tuesdays and Thursdays. These two programs are available for children who are at least 3 years old by July 31, We offer morning classes for all three programs, however, only the five and three-day programs are available in the afternoon. All classes are half-day sessions with the morning sessions running from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and the afternoon sessions running from 12:25-3:25 p.m. Tuition is paid in ten monthly installments. Rates for the current school year are: $80 for the two-day program, $110 for the three-day program, and $180 for the five-day program. Rates for the school year will be set by the Board of Education at their January meeting. There is also a $35 non-refundable registration fee. Enrollment spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first serve basis. Registration forms will be available at the school office or on our school website at on Tuesday, January 5. Completed forms and registration fee should be returned to the school office. For additional information, please call the school office at Teachers, Sarah Moje and Phyllis Glaser, would be happy to discuss curriculum and other information about our Christ-centered program. December 8 was a special day at Christ Lutheran School as the students were entertained by Norfolk Senior High Jazz Band and Swing Choir. Photos above: top the Jazz Band performs; center interaction of the high school students and the younger children was enjoyed by all including (bottom) Dorothy Freudenburg, hot lunch director, who joined the action. 6

7 Christ Lutheran LCMS Correspondence January 2016 Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015 Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. First, we apologize for the slow nature of this letter, realizing that congregations and individuals have been waiting for word from the Synod on this issue. However, the recent Boy Scouts of America (BSA) adult leadership standards change effected by the BSA National Executive Board July 10, 2015, that lifted the BSA s ban on openly gay Scout leaders caused great concern and has led us formally to dissolve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the BSA. As of Dec. 1, 2015, the LCMS no longer has an official relationship with the BSA. Second, while we understand the legal concerns that led to this new BSA direction, it is simply a place the church is not willing to go. At our summer 2013 meeting with the BSA, we were assured that changes concerning adult leadership would not be on the table, but that was not the case. We are now being told that the LGBT agenda, even with the most recent change, won t affect the content of Scouting or the BSA experience, but we do not believe that will be the case. Third, it is important to know that the LCMS has never endorsed Scouting formally. Past Synod conventions determined that participating in Scouting was not a matter of fellowship and did not undermine our theological convictions or violate our position on unionism and syncretism. Therefore, the matter of Scouting was left to the individual congregation to decide, with each congregation having the responsibility to establish its own policy as pastoral wisdom on the part of both the congregation and the ministry in its own particular situation dictates. Synod thus neither encourages nor discourages Scoutism in any congregation (1953 Convention Proceedings, pp ). Unless the Synod in convention issues a change, this is still the case. We have had an MOU with the BSA for some time that was based on mutual trust between the LCMS and the BSA. The memorandum was renewed periodically through the years by different LCMS presidents. The BSA s recent inconsistent direction on human sexuality and its policy changes, however, have led our office to conclude that such an MOU is, regretfully, no longer tenable, and thus our decision formally to dissolve the MOU between the LCMS and the BSA. As congregations now consider their continued involvement with the BSA, we thought it important to share something of this past and recent history of the LCMS BSA relationship. We also need to share potential legal concerns that chartering LCMS congregations should consider. Recent federal rulings, including the Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, are shaping decisions by organizations such as the BSA. Previous rulings, including the Boy Scouts of America v. Dale decision, seem likely to no longer hold in court. For instance, a recent BSA memorandum cites cases demonstrating that the BSA has been held to be a place of public accommodation in some states and not in others, noting there is no national determination of the issue. Interestingly, the memorandum readily acknowledges that cases that previously held that the BSA was not a place of accommodation were decided long ago when the courts viewed homosexuals and the BSA in different lights, and it ends the discussion by candidly saying, A court could conclude that the BSA is a place of public accommodation based on the size and inclusiveness of the Scouting program. Based on these comments, it appears that the law is growing stronger for those who might be in a position to file suit for discrimination against the BSA and, by extension, against chartered organizations, including LCMS congregations. While legal speculation is just that, we are concerned that the legal boundaries are still being drawn with each court case, and we are concerned that LCMS congregations could be pulled into such a legal battle. Congregations who continue their BSA charters after the Dec. 1, 2015, dissolution of the LCMS MOU should seek local legal counsel and guidance on how best to safeguard themselves legally. To that end, we are calling for the establishment of a task force to consider Scouting and the involvement of the LCMS going forward. The landscape and intersection of church and world including Scouting has drastically changed since our Synod s decisions on Scouting matters in the 1950s. We recognize that the BSA and other Scouting programs have a positive impact on the lives of many Lutherans and LCMS congregations and schools. However, the times demand we ask important questions. How should the church engage and be involved going forward? How does the church participate in a faithful way so that our children are able to be involved and the church s confession remains unhampered? Again, we appreciate the patience of the church as we have been considering these issues over the past several months. We lament the fact that an MOU between the LCMS and the BSA is no longer possible. We pray that the Lord of the church will bless congregations and individuals as they consider the information shared here and chart a faithful course forward. 7

8 Christ Lutheran Senior High Youth January 2016 Sarah Moje, Youth Director Youth Fundraiser Soup and Chili Cook-Off We will gather for Celebrate Every One Every Day as we enjoy fellowship, lunch, receive the written State of the Church Report, and participate in a youth fundraiser. All of this will be take place in the Christ Lutheran Gym beginning at 11:45 a.m. and concluding around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 17. The Youth Group Fundraiser part of this event will be assisting in serving the soup and chili lunch. Senior high youth should plan to worship at 5:30 on Saturday or at 8:00 on Sunday as we will set up for this event at 10:45 on Sunday, January 18. We will set up, then serve the meal at noon, assist with clean up, and be finished shortly after the meeting concludes at 1:30. Youth will receive an link from Sign Up Genius regarding dessert or relish items to be donated. Sledding Senior High Youth will go sledding on the afternoon of Sunday, January 10 if we have that one important ingredient SNOW! Exact details will be shared as we get closer to the date. Watch your text/ for updates. NYG Update A reminder to all Senior High Youth attending the National Youth Gathering your January payment of $50 is due now. Please stop by the church office to bring your account up to date. Fall Fundraiser credits have been added to your account. NYG participants, please make sure that you have Wednesday, January 27 on your calendar. We will meet from 8:00-9:00 p.m. in the Youth Rooms. This will be the first of our required pregathering Bible studies. Junior High Month of Service The Junior High Youth Group will be serving Christ Lutheran Church in a variety of ways during the month of January. There are opportunities to volunteer as greeters, ushers, clickers, and help with Echo mailing. Sign up sheets are on the bulletin outside of Sarah Moje s office. Check your calendars before signing up, please! Upcoming Dates Sun., Jan. 3 9:15 a.m. Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Jr. High Sunday School in Room 126 Sun., Jan. 10 9:30 a.m. Sr. High Assist with Sunday School Jr. High Sunday School in Room 126 Sun., Jan. 10 2:00-4:00 p.m. Sr. High Sledding (if snow) Sun., Jan. 17 9:30 a.m. Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Jr. High Sunday School in Room 126 Sun., Jan :45 a.m. Sr. High Set up, serve & clean up Soup & Chili Cook-Off Sun., Jan. 24 9:30 a.m. Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Jr. High Sunday School in Room 126 Sun., Jan. 31 9:30 a.m. Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Jr. High Sunday School in Room 126 8

9 Christ Lutheran Pastor s Ponderings January 2016 Rev. Chip Winter, Director of Ministry - cwinter@clnorfolkmail.org Care for the Body In this new year, how about we take better care of this body? Sound familiar? It might not be the way you talk in terms of your resolutions, but does it resemble, even a little bit, one of the things you d like to do better in 2016? And what would that care look like? It would involve hydration how many times have you heard you need to drink ever-so-many glasses of water each day for good health? It s true. I m not sure about the number, but I d bet each of us could consume more water, much to our betterment! pastor and musicians for a director of music position. With more people in place, adding to the wonderful faculty and staff already in place, we should be able to move forward in our mission as the body of Christ. As for the second item, the diet, rest assured we will continue to do our level best to feed you through Word and Sacrament. Holy Communion will continue to be shared in the weekly worship and private communions and the Word of God will be applied in worship, Sunday school, Bible classes, youth group, our many schoolrooms and spiritual counseling. Secondly, with all the talk about sugar and the increase in the diagnosis of diabetes, let s keep a watchful eye on the diet. There needs to be a reduction in the sweets consumed. A better intake of vegetables and other complex carbohydrates, along with a sensible consumption of protein, will be of benefit. Let s feed this body what s good for it. Thirdly, it s time to employ that elongated four letter word exercise. Load bearing exercise will help to strengthen the skeletal structure and cardio exercises will benefit the pulmonary and circulatory systems. Finally, regular visits with the professional who can help maintain health are in order. The exercise, just mentioned, can benefit from taking classes with a physical trainer or a teacher at the Y. Regular check ups with the dentist and the optometrist can ensure good oral and visual health. The annual check with a physician can keep an eye on the numbers that are important (blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.) and the flu shot is helpful for health maintenance, too. Should there be a need and many can benefit from this there are well-qualified counselors in our community to be of great blessing. Now, let s think of all this in a community-wide way. Let s think of this in terms of the body of Christ, the congregation of Christ Lutheran, Norfolk. We ll start with the last strategy first. We at Christ Lutheran are in the process of adding to the number of professionals who can help us maintain health in this localized body of Christ. As this column is being written there are interviews planned for filling the DCE/Youth Director position. We ve asked for new lists of pastors to consider for an associate The first item, hydration, is somewhat up to you. By that, I m thinking of your remembrance of baptism. I d encourage you, in the Lutheran tradition, to remember your baptism each morning: remember how God has called you to be His own, washing you clean and calling you to faith at the font however many years ago. And we at Christ will continue to encourage you to remember this. It s the third category, above, that will need reactivated attention in the new year. We will need to build upon our service in the body, the exercise of our stewardship of time and talents for the betterment of our community. To some extent this should be aided by the calling of an associate pastor; community service figures prominently in that position description. But until that person comes we will continue to encourage Every One, Every Day to use their gifts in serving God and His purposes. There, we ve got some prescriptions for your health and our health, together. God grant us a blessed and healthy 2016! CELEBRATE EVERY ONE, EVERY DAY Sunday, January 17-11:45 a.m. Chili and Soup Cook-Off (youth fundraiser & lunch) Annual State of the Church Report (Voter s Assembly) 9

10 Christ Lutheran Membership Roll Call January 2016 Starla Landkamer Roster Changes Transfer Out: Jennifer Oswald, 2708 N. 194 th Ct. #1B, Elkhorn, NE to Lord of Life Lutheran, Elkhorn, NE Baptized into God s Family: Iris Patricia Robertson, daughter of John and Erica Robertson. Born November 5, 2015; baptized December 6, Sponsors are Stacy and Kyle Schmidt. Xander Clark Horst, son of Richard Horst and Shayla Clark. Born April 9, 2009; baptized December 6, Sponsors are Kyle Clark and Josh Clark. Kaylee Sue Bohn, daughter of Jeremy and Soshia Bohn. Born November 5, 2015; baptized December 12, Sponsors are Jarrod Reese and Kiki Rice. Payton Charles Gordon, son of Tyler and Jenna Gordon. Born October 27, 2015; baptized December 12, Sponsors are Shauna and Ted Randall, Jared Cunningham and Don Gordon. Called to Their Heavenly Home: Betty A. Sunderman June 24, 1928 December 12, Elaine Hofmann May 24, 1944 December 16, Vera Klawitter May 5, 1918 December 16, Celebrating Birthday Blessings: Those celebrating birthday blessings of 80 years or more in the month of January include: 3: Norma Jean Stueve 4: Donral Schulz 10: Lois Hinzman 16: Roger Frank 22: Donald Hogendorn 25: Ruth Lehman 26: Marlin Reuter 29: Gerald Wichert Ladies Circle Update: Ladies Circle met on November 19 for their monthly business meeting. Barb Wagner, president, precided. Helen Anderson and Lois Mann were hostesses for the day. A Bible study on thankfulness for our daily blessings was led by Starla Landkamer. Christmas gifts were discussed with $2,075 in gifts dispersed. The Circle s annual Christmas covered-dish luncheon and guest day was held on December members and guests were in attendance. Hosts were the 2015 officers: Barb Wagner, Sheri Mickelson, Joy Henkel and Judy Allvin. Pastor Winter gave a Christmas devotion and installed the 2016 officers. They are as follows: Judy Allvin, president, Gloria Vogel, vice-president, Suzanne Riedel, secretary, and Sheri Anderson, treasurer. (photos on page 2 and 11) The Kindergarten class provided several musical numbers to entertain those in attendance. Suzanne Riedel shared her experiences of her trip with VBS in Poland. The Ladies Circle/L.W.M.L. will hold their next meeting at 1:30 p.m. on January 21, All ladies of the congregation are invited to join them. The Kindergarten Nativity Program on December 17, was held in the Sanctuary under the direction of Mrs. Voelker. Following the program those in attendance helped celebrate Jesus birthday with the special cake made for the occasion (left) Moved from One House to Another: Jennifer Hausmann, 1108 Southern Drive, Norfolk, Andrew Godel, P.O Box 983, Stanton, NE James & Louise Kruger, 703 South Ingram Street, Madison, NE

11 From the Photo Album Christ Lutheran January 2016 Many hands make light work as over 20 people gathered last month to help with the processing and mailing of the Echo 2.0. Thank you volunteers! Eager Kindergartners entertained Ladies Circle with Christmas music. Ladies Circle Christmas Luncheon offered a wide variety of hot dishes and salads to members and guests on December 10. Junior High Youth decorated Christmas cookies for Norfolk Rescue Mission. Left photo (L-R) Jade Raeside, Hailey Mewis and Gina Bredehoeft; and above - Jing Moreno test their creativity. right - Garrett Boelter asks, What else do you do with a cookie if it breaks? 11

12 Christ Lutheran JANUARY 2016 Printing Costs for This Month s Echo 2.0 Paid for by Donations from These Sponsors 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 Stahla Homes & RV Taylor Creek Physical Therapy Jerry s Trailers & Campers U-Save Pharmacy Randy Oertwich, United Farm and Ranch Management 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 January 12, 2016 Send items to echo2@clnorfolkmail.org