Focus on Christ Vol. Jan

Transcription

1 Focus on Christ is published monthly by Christ Lutheran Church, Second & Walnut Streets, P.O. Box 549, Stover, Missouri for the purpose of informing members and friends of news and activities within our church and community. Information for and questions about this publication should be directed to Tracey Durant, Church Secretary. Deadline for information to be included is the Wednesday following the monthly church council meeting unless otherwise posted. Copyright 2000 by Christ Lutheran Church. Vol Jan 2019

2 A Word From Pastor Tom The Box 2019 Theme: That I may Know Him By Rev. Tom Tuura Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church People have many choices today in terms of their spiritual growth. Imagine one box in which you put Christian radio, Christian books and bookstores, and magazines, nationally known speakers and even Christian celebrities. There are para-church organizations like Campus Crusade (or CRU), Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Navigators and Bible Study Fellowship. There is the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritan s Purse, etc. etc. And then there are churches themselves, (drop the para- ) which have become so large and influential that, for example, have their own mission agency, publishing arm, and addiction recovery ministry, namely: Saddleback Community Church and their famous pastor Rick Warren. Imagine another much smaller box which contains your local church. That is it. Oh there are a relatively few which are large, and even in the mega category, like Joel Osteen s church of 40,000+. But Barna tells us in 2016 data that roughly 1 in 10 attend a church of over 500. I ve seen stats that say worldwide 90% of churches are under 100. Lifeway research tells us that churches are closing at a range of per week. In fact fewer and fewer Christians even choose to attend a church. The result of these two boxes, or all the choices available, is the individual Chris- tian can be described as a mere consumer of religious content. Is the church just another provider of this content? Is the leadership, pastoral and teaching staff of the church just another choice for the consumer? In the 150 years Christ Lutheran has been in existence, she has seen it all. Back in 1870, there was only one box. And that s the way it stayed probably for almost a hundred years. So what does the future hold? Is there a place for the plain ordinary simple box? The box that contains churches like ours, without all the fancy programming and marketing, and content in the other box. What does God s Word say? Well briefly, His answer is yes, there is definitely a place. Here is what a few of the AFLC Fundamental Principles we ve covered so far say: 1. According to the Word of God, the congregation is the right form of the Kingdom of God on earth. 2. The congregation consists of believers who, by using the means of grace and the spiritual gifts as directed by the Word of God, seek salvation and eternal blessedness for themselves and for their fellow men. 5. The congregation directs its own affairs, subject to the authority of the Word and the Spirit of God, and acknowledges no other ecclesiastical authority or government above itself. 6. A free congregation esteems and cherishes all the spiritual gifts which the Lord gives for its edification, and seeks to stimulate and encourage their use. These principles have to do with our iden- 2

3 tity, and function. They really serve as our marching orders into the future. Change has come to the rural Midwest. And it has come in the last 50 years, and accelerating at an even steeper rate in the last ten to fifteen years. Not only is the church no longer the center of the community, it is often no longer the center of people s religious lives. How do we meet these changes? Through prayer and knowledge of the Word and discipleship. We have been praying and mulling over themes for the next year and our anniversary year. First, Lord willing, the 150 th Anniversary committee suggests for His truth endures to all generations. based on Psalm 100 verse five. Then for 2019, Lord willing, That I may know Him... discipleship and spiritual gifts based on Phil 3:10. Because the local church is still pivotal in the spiritual growth of its people, Christ Lutheran and other local churches will always be essential (Matthew 16:18). Spirit filled and spiritually gifted disciples, called and sent to and by the local church. Paul reminds the Corinthians that even though they are many, they are one body. (1 Cor 12:20). And Jesus Himself writes to the individual churches in Revelation chapters two and three. Also, his words to John in chapter one, What you see write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: (v 11) By the way, I for one am thankful for the first box of Christian media, radio etc. It has helped us as a family immensely filling in the gaps. And I heartily recommend it after careful evaluation. A word of warning. While much is helpful, not everything in that other box is good. An example, who is a Christian music artist accountable to? Will the corporate Christian Radio stations stay true to God s Word? Is that author teaching false doctrine? One of the signs of the end is doctrinal departure, (1 Tim. 4:1). Earthly accountability in the body of Christ is through the local church, not the broader body. We as a church have a strict accountability chain going back to the Lord Himself. As a pastor I am accountable by sacred vows to you, to our denomination, to our historic Lutheran confessions and most importantly to Christ Himself. Is that author of the book you are reading, or TV program you are watching accountable to anyone here on earth? We are living in a day when whole denominations are straying from God s Word. (2 Tim. 4:3). Their accountability is waiting. So enjoy the good choices we have today. Put the local church first. Realize that there are dangers; Not everything is good. If you have a question, check with me and the deacons. And most importantly pray for us. That s my view from the Blackberry Patch Pulpit Pastor Tom ### 3

4 Christ Lutheran Church Regular Council Meeting December 16, 2018 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ed Viebrock. The following members were present: Ed Viebrock, Pastor Tom Tuura, Tom Propst, Sharla Propst, Desirace Heimsoth, Gaylene Bauer, Cheryl Nolting, Nancy Witte, Steve Fischer, Shawn Viebrock, and John Menning. Pastor Tom Tuura led us in the opening prayer. Minutes from the November 18 th and November 25 th meeting were given out. Treasurer s report submitted by Sharla Propst. Financial Secretary s report given by Cheryl Nolting. Council was informed that our overall giving is up from last year as of this date. Motion made by Desirae Heimsoth and seconded by Gaylene Bauer to accept reports as submitted. Motion carried. Pastor s Report Continuing to work on the record books. The 1 st Communion Class was well attended and the youth seem to want to continue with more studies. The new contacts have been recorded and follow-up will be done. The Deacons and Pastor are working on the Associate Membership list and hope to have ready for council to review at their March 2019 meeting. Total calls for the month were 12 and he is attending all the various committee meetings of the church. Deacon s Report They are working on the Associate Membership List. The recent Open House was a great success. Trustee s Report the painting has been completed. Discussion was held that the Interior Custodian job description needs to be updated. Steve advised that he is meeting with someone on December 18 th that may be interested in this job. Discussion was held that if this person takes this position that they may supply their own cleaning supplies. The motion was made by Tom Propst and second by John Menning for the Trustees to do the preliminary work for hiring the new Interior Custodian and updating the job description. Motion carried. Council was advised that Lori Bauer has accepted the Bookkeeping position for the upcoming year. Discussion on options for making the outside ramp on the west entrance to the church basement more accessible. The council received a bid from contractor Marlin for $14, for the concrete and dirt work. Another option for placement of an elevator would be to locate on outside wall under the portico using the old outside entrance to the basement that was located downstairs and no longer accessible. Christian Education Committee Report 4

5 the kids have been rehearsing for the Christmas Eve Program. The new Sunday School curriculum for 2019 has now been ordered. Youth Committee Report they are still working on getting a total of how many will be attending the FLY Convention in Scott Bauer has started with the new lesson for the Bible Study. OLD BUSINESS Hire/rehire staff for 2019 (Need custodian) previously discussed in Trustee s report th Anniversary Report The photographs have now been taken for the church directory. 5. Nominating Committee Report The following have agreed to be on the ballot for the 2019 election. 6. CHAIRMAN - Ed Viebrock DEACON - Tom Propst RECORDING SECRETARY -Joyce Bauer TRUSTEE S - Wayne Nolting and Brad Bauer FINANCIAL SECRETARY - Cheryl Nolting CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMIT- TEE - Jessica Smith The motion was made by Gaylene Bauer and second by Sharla Propost to accept the nominating committee s ballot proposal. Motion carried. 4. Finalize Budget for 2019 Discussion was held on the changes for the upcoming proposed 2019 Budget. Line items were updated to reflect current costs projected for the next year. The tottal amount is $119, Council discussed that they would explain at the annual meeting in January on why the increased expenditures. The motion was made by John Menning and second by Desirae Heimsoth to accept the proposed 2019 Budget as submitted. Motion carried Carpet Committee Report Discussion was held in regard for removing the divider that is pulled to close off the sanctuary from the overflow. The current divider is damaged and will be dragging on the new carpet when installed. The motion was made by Gaylene Bauer and second by Cheryl Nolting to remove this divider but keep the divider located in the Sunday School room/choir Room. Motion carried 7. The workroom was discussed and it was decided to remove the cabinet at the west end of the room but keep other existing cabinets and just replace the sliding doors. Discussion was held on removing all the lower cabinets on the east wall and lower cabinet on the south wall in Pastor s office. This work would need to be completed before installation of the new flooring. The motion was made by Steve Fischer and second by John Menning to remove the workroom cabinet and cabinets in 5

6 Pastor s office as discussed. Motion carried. Shawn and Ed Viebrock will work on removing with Pastor s help. Discussion was held in regard to the new flooring for the men s bathroom. It was decided to not put flooring down until next year. This will not be a problem for doing later per Goezte Brothers Carpet. The upstairs balcony was discussed in regard to the current pews located there now. It was suggested that the (3) small pews be removed and not put back upstairs. Sharla Propst submitted the schedule for the laying of the carpet and flooring that will be completed by Goetze Bros, it was noted that they did not add labor charges for taking off the baseboards so this would have to be done by someone else. Discussion was held that if the baseboards need to be removed that council would authorize. Ed will talk to Ted Durant about this project. NEW BUSINESS Audit Financial Records - per discussion it was decided to leave Scott Bauer on the committee and that Steve Fischer has volunteered to help. Accountable Reimbursement Policy for 2019 this policy needs to be approved yearly so that pastor doesn t have to pay taxes on his mileage reimbursement. The motion was made by Steve Fischer and seconded by Tom Propst to approve the Accountable Reimbursement Policy for Motion carried. Discuss new tables for Choir Room discussion was held on purchasing narrow width work tables for this area due to the size of room. There would be room for (3) narrow tables and make the room more accessible for classes. The original wider tables that are now there would still be used for the women s workday and could be set up as needed. The motion was made by John Menning and second by Tom Propst to purchase the (3) narrow tables and pay for costs out of the Jim Bauer Memorial fund. Motion carried. Discuss AFLBS Concert Choir Spring Tour the choir will be available March 31, 2019 per Pastor. Discussion was held on having them perform for the morning service that day and then have a carry in lunch at noon. There would be a total of (18) women and (18) men plus the instructors. The congregation would need to find housing and meals for them on Saturday evening. This would be a great ministry for our church and the community. The council discussed setting a minimum of $ that we would pay for the event. We can use the regular offering and have a basket offering for the event that day. The motion was made by Steve Fischer and seconded by John Menning to approve the concert on March 31 st and give a minimum of $ for the event. Motion carried. The motion was made by Shawn Viebrock and seconded by John Menning to adjourn. 6

7 Motion carried. We closed with the Lord s Prayer. The next meeting will be the annual congregational meeting on January 20,2019. After the meeting all council members except Desirae Heimsoth and Gaylene Bauer went to the overflow and looked at the opening where the divider is located. Discussion was held and it was decided to amend the previous motion for removal of the divider and instead cover the existing opening and not pull out divider. Recording Secretary Nancy Witte contacted Desirae Heimsoth and Gaylene Bauer since they had left the adjourned meeting and they approved the council decision. Motion was made by Tom Propst and seconded by Steve Fischer to amend previous motion and that we now cover up opening and not pull out the overflow divider. Motion carried. Respectively submitted, Nancy Witte Recording Secretary No minutes were submitted by the other organizations of the Church for December. 7

8 Acolytes Brett Rowland Kali Cochran Raygan Meyer Kyp Bellis Sun Mon Tue W Altar Care Nancy Witte Judy Tuura 1 2 6:30 am Me Study Break 6:00 pm Ch 6 9:00 am - S.S./Confirmation 10:15 am. - Worship/ Communion 6:00pm - Bible Study 7 8 1:00 - Worship Committee meeting 9 6:30 am Me Study Break 6:00 pm Ch 13 9:00 am - S.S./Confirmation 10:15 am. - Worship/ Communion 11:30 am - Women s Meeting 6:00 pm - Bible Study 20- Thankful 3rd Sunday 9:00 am - S.S./Confirmation 10:15 am. - Worship 11:30 - Annual Meeting 6:00 pm - Bible Study :30 am Me Study Break 6:00 pm Ch :30 am Me Study Break 6:00 pm Ch 27 9:00 am - S.S./Confirmation 10:15 am. - Worship :30 am Me Study Break 6:00 pm Ch 8

9 ed Thu Fri Sat n s Bible fast oir practice n s Bible fast oir practice 10 1:00 - Women Work Day Group 3:00 - GALC n s Bible fast oir practice n s Bible fast oir practice 24 1:00 - Women Work Day Group n s Bible fast oir practice 31 Reminder: all articles, photos, minutes, and other entries for the newsletter MUST be turned in by the deadline. Any and all ideas are welcome! Please send your entries to the general at Clc.stovermo@gmail.com Or put a physical copy in the secretary s box. 9

10 What do you call an old snowman? Water. What do snowmen eat for breakfast? Frosted Flakes. What do elves learn in school? The elf-abet What s red & white, red & white, red & white? Santa rolling down a hill. Why did Rudolph get a bad report card? Because he went down in history. What do you get when you eat Christmas ornaments? Tinsel-itis. What happens when you cross a snowman and a dog? Frostbite. 10

11 Merry Christmas from Ruth Circle. Need something to read over the long holiday break? Our shelves are teeming with great novels, historical fiction, short stories, and autobiographies. If movies or music are more to your taste, we have a great selection of old and new favorites to choose from. Stop by and browse our terrific selection! Different schools, different classes, different ages, different towns...one church. Friendships found at church youth group can last a lifetime. Who is up for some fun and games? It has come to our attention on good authority that there used to be a monthly game night here at CLC, and Pitch was the headliner with Dominoes coming in at a close 2nd. The Worship Committee has been trying to come up with ways to get our congregation together on more of a personal basis, and this may just be the ticket! Friday, January 11th and Friday January 25th will be our first two family game nights, and will continue until Lent. There will be snacks and beverages provided courtesy of the Worship Committee. Games begin at 6:30pm and will include playing cards, dominoes, Scrabble, and a variety of other board games appropriate for all ages. You are also welcome to bring your own. See you all there! 11

12 As one person who attended explained it, This was the most professional, well performed children s production we have ever had at this church. Wow! Now that is really saying something. It was certainly the biggest. This year, we hosted a whopping 230 people at our Christmas Eve program and it was standing room only. With 30 children participating in the program this year, there was an abundance of family members squeezing in and vying for the best view of their child dressed as an adorable angel, a sturdy shepherd, or a mighty soldier. The music before, during, and after the program was also something to behold. The lights were dimmed, the candles were all lit, and this beautiful music filled our sanctuary. It was truly amazing, one attendee declared. Thank you to all of the adults, helpers and kids who helped make this night possible. Your dedication and hard work was apparent in this production; you are all truly amazing. 12

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14 Women s Work Days Thursday January 10 Thursday January 24 Thursday February 14 Thursday February 28 The calendar year has come to a close and the Christmas decorations are in storage once again. It is time for beginnings, time to start afresh. What does that look like for our church? We know it means new carpet, and some lovely redecorating, but what about our spiritual upgrading? With so many new faces gracing our pews, what are we doing to encourage new groups, new bible studies, new hobbies, and new missions? Our church is in the unique position of thriving, and we need to embrace it head on by encouraging members both new and old to take a fresh look at it. What is God calling you to do within the church this year? What will your answer be? Whatever it is, let s give each other the total support and encouragement we need to make it happen. Let s begin again. Tracey D Kids Bulletin Contest Congratulations Ella Hodges and Reeve Reynolds, our December winners! Ella won the super giant year end candy bar, and Reeve was the winner of the special Christmas candy gift. We had 40 bulletins turned in this month! Great job kids, keep up the good work, and the Good Word! Stop by the secretary s office to claim your prizes. UPCOMING EVENTS Jan Church will be undergoing its flooring transformations. January 20 - Annual meeting, annual report, constitutional amendment vote, and council positions vote. 14

15 CLC Birthdays January 1 Crystal Menning 4 Brock Nolting 10 Stuart Hagedorn 12 Landon Rymer 15 Shawn Viebrock Esther Knuth Jamie Shearer 18 Kelsey Rymer 20 Kenda Bauer Patrick Rowland 21 Mia Rowland 25 Alan Bellis 27 Kylie Lyn Viebrock Richard Goetze 28 Phillip Kerksiek February 1 Phyllis Franklin Fred Nolting 2 Joey Heman 6 Julie Drum Carey Nolting 7 Gaylene Bauer Jean Hoyne 8 Connie Viebrock 10 Allie Chinn 15 Ted Durant 17 Abigail Koeller Kathy Connor 18 Scott Denker 21 Michael Jackson 23 Kathy Marriott 25 Rob Nolting 27 Levi Viebrock 15

16 Address Corrections Please check your mailing label to be sure your name and address are correct. If you have changes, please leave a message at Parish Newsletter of Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box 549 Stover, MO (573)