The Bridge December 2015 Christ the Lord Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ Congregation 847-741-8141 FAX: 847-741-8165 Email: ctloffice@ctlelgin.org Website: www.ctlelgin.org CTL Office Hours Monday: Office closed Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. These are the regularly scheduled hours for Linda. Dss. Andrea is available after hours if needed and Pastor T. is available anytime on his cell phone too Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Education Hour January Bridge deadline December 15, 2015 Send items to Karin K at bridge@ctlelgin.org or leave in mailbox on the top of the mail slots outside the church office. We are centered in Christ and reach out to care. We proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. We equip and teach for spiritual growth. We worship passionately. We minister to the physical and spiritual needs of others. We discern and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We invite and involve others with a welcoming heart. 1
Table of Contents December 2015... 1 Mardi Gras... 3 *COME ONE COME ALL*... 4 Save the Dates... 4 *WORSHIP NEWS*... 7 Sunday Morning Schedule... 7 Scripture Lessons for December... 7 Christmas Worship Schedule... 7 *FROM OUR LEADERSHIP*... 8 From Extended Supply Pastor Tolzmann... 8 Pastoral Transition Article 5... 9 *GET INVOLVED*... 10 White Gifts... 10 Children s Pageant 2015... 10 Martin Luther King Day... 10 ELCA Malaria Campaign... 11 Crafters - Ornaments and Cookie Exchange... 11 Kid and Adult Friendly Christmas Eve Worship... 11 Advent Themes... 11 Christmas Themes... 12 Generous Donation to PADS... 12 Thank You, Thank You!... 12 Do you know about Simply Giving?... 13 Second Adult VBS... 13 Vineyard Breakfast... 13 Treasurer s Report... 14 Habitat for Humanity Craft Show Thank You... 14 Bound and Ungagged (Book Club)... 15 Pageant... 15 Scrip Fundraising... 15 Habitat for Humanity News... 15 Bridge Group Dinner Schedule... 16 Hooks and Needles... 16 *LEARNING*... 17 Adult Study Groups... 17 Morning Bible Study... 17 Adult Forum, December 2015... 17 Christian Education - CTL... 17 *PLEASE REMEMBER*... 18 *SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER*... 19 *THANK-YOUS*... 20 *CHRIST THE LORD LUTHERAN CHURCH*... 21 2
Mardi Gras Sunday January 31, 5:00 P.M. Crafts Music Great Food! $8.00 10 and under - free 3
Save the Dates *COME ONE COME ALL* For future events, be sure the church office and Bridge editor and Dss. Andrea receive date and time information so calendars and space needs are all correct! Please click on blue hyperlinks for more information. (Full Calendar) Sat, Dec 5, 2015 Sun, Dec 6, 2015 Tue, Dec 8, 2015 Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Tue, Dec 15, 2015 Wed, Dec 16, 2015 Thu, Dec 17, 2015 Sat, Dec 19, 2015 Sat, Dec 19, 2015 Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Thu, Dec 24, 2015 Thu, Dec 24, 2015 Confirmation 9:00am 12:00p.m. Children's Pageant Rehearsal 11:00 A.M. Visioning Team Mtg. 7:00 P.M. Children's Pageant Rehearsal 11:00 AM Church Decorating 11:00 A.M. White Gifts Assembly 11:00 A.M. White Gifts Collection 9:30 A.M. Quilts of Valor 10:00a.m. 11:00a.m. All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00 P.M. Vineyard Breakfast 6:30 A.M. Children's Pageant Dress Rehearsal 8 a.m. - 12 noon Crafters Cookie Exchange & Craft for 1:00 P.M. Sunday School Children's Pageant 9:30 A.M. Bells NO MTG 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Special Music 6:40 P.M. 4
Thu, Dec 24, 2015 Thu., Dec. 31, 2015 Sun, Jan 3, Wed, Jan 6, Sun, Jan 10, Wed, Jan 13, Thu, Jan 14, Sun, Jan 17, Tue, Jan 19, Wed, Jan 20, Wed, Jan 20, Thu, Jan 21, Sat, Jan 23, Sun, Jan 24, Sun, Jan 24, Fri, Jan 29, Sun, Jan 31, Sun, Jan 31, Wed, Feb 3, Fri, Feb 5, Sat, Feb 6, Worship/Communion Family 4:30 P.M. Christmas Eve All Donations to Christ the Lord 11:59 P.M. Lutheran Church Due Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive 10:30 AM Confirmation 7:15p.m. 8:45p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive 10:30 A.M. All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00p.m. 7:00p.m. Memorial Committee Meeting 2-3 p.m. Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive 10:30 A.M. Quilts of Valor 10:00a.m. 11:00a.m. All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00 P.M. Confirmation 7:15p.m. 8:45p.m. Vineyard Breakfast 6:30 A.M. Second Adult VBS 9:00-2:00 p.m. Budget Forum 11:00 A.M. RIC Sunday & Collection 9:30 A.M. Soup Kettle 5:00 P.M. Congregational Meeting 11:00 A.M. Mardi Gras Dinner 5:00 p.m. Confirmation 7:15p.m. 8:45p.m. Council Retreat?? Council Retreat?? 5
Wed, Feb 10, Tue, Feb 16, Wed, Feb 17, Thu, Feb 18, Fri, Feb 19, Sat, Feb 20, Sun, Feb 21, Sun, Feb 28, Sun, Feb 28, Worship/Communion Ash Wednesday 7 p.m. Quilts of Valor 10:00a.m. 11:00a.m. All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00 P.M. Vineyard Breakfast 6:30 A.M. Women's Retreat 6:00 P.M. Women's Retreat 8:00 A.M. Council Nomination Process Begins 9:30 A.M. Easter Basket Sign-Up 8:30 a.m. - 11 a.m. Easter Food Basket sign-up 6
Sunday Morning Schedule 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Education Hour *WORSHIP NEWS* Scripture Lessons for December Sunday Dec. 6 Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3:1-4 Baruch 5:1-9 (alternate) Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 Color: Blue Sunday Dec. 20 Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5:2-5a Luke 1:46b-55 Psalm 80:1-7 (alternate) Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 [46-55] Color: Blue Sunday Dec. 13 Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 Color: Blue Thursday Dec. 24 Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 (11) Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Color: White Christmas Worship Schedule Sunday Dec. 27 First Sunday of Christmas 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Psalm 148 Colossians 3:12-17 Luke 2:41-52 Color: White Dec. 24 4:30 pm Family Service Dec. 24 6:40 p.m. Special Music Dec. 24 7:00 p.m. God s Hug Candlelight Service Dec. 27 9:30 a.m. Lessons and Carols A Christmas Poem 7
*FROM OUR LEADERSHIP* From Extended Supply Pastor Tolzmann A Christmas Message. In the history, the mystery of the Nativity, we recognize God s surprise. To a world strapped by sin came God wrapped within flesh and bone, as new light shone. Who would expect, who would suspect such holy birth on earth, the Christ birthed in dirt, in straw, those present stunned in awe? As Jesus grew, he acted while many reacted, for they knew the Messiah would not do what he had done, this chosen one who from the very start did not fit the part. Herein the Christmas message lies, ours is a God who loves surprise. I look forward to seeing you at worship. If we have not invited someone to worship recently, now is the perfect opportunity. Pr. Arlyn T 8
Pastoral Transition Article 5 Church Council has received a positive response from Rev. Dr. Michael Rothaar to serve as Interim Pastor of CTL while the Call Committee undertakes its charge. Dr Rothaar will begin his service to CTL on Sun., Jan. 3. Dr. Rothaar was our supply pastor on Sun., Nov. 8. He is very much interested in assisting our congregation through the interim period, the call process, and the visioning work to be undertaken by the church. Council looks forward to his joining our worship as he brings many years of successful church leadership with him. The Vision Team will meet on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 7:00 P.M. at Church to initiate its work. Team members, please put this date and time on your calendars. We will be meeting with Nancy Sayer from the Samaritan Center to review the information received through the survey completed by the congregation and to review our charge. Team leadership will be established at this time. Team members, please undertake a time of discernment regarding becoming a leader of this process. Dr. Rothaar, our newly announced Interim Pastor, will join the meeting. The Call Committee has held its first meeting and initiated its work. Leadership of the committee has been established with Holly Veverka-Nelson, chair and Jenn Stoner as secretary. Again, Dr. Rothaar will be meeting with this group to assist in the transition. Eric Larson CTL Council VP 9
*GET INVOLVED* A pessimist, they say, sees a glass of water as being half empty; an optimist sees the same glass as half full. But a giving person sees a glass of water and starts looking for someone who might be thirsty. - G. Donald Gale Quotes White Gifts White Gifts: By the end of church on Nov. 29, each of the children on our White Gift list had a donor! Thank you for making this a special Christmas for sixty U46 children from needy families. Please remember to wrap your gift in white paper. Tape or glue the mitten tag to the package and bring the gift to church on or before Sun., Dec. 13. (Save-the-Date) Children s Pageant 2015 Pageant date: Sun., Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. Important dates: Sun., Dec. 6 Rehearsal #3 11:00 A.M. Noon Sun., Dec. 13 Rehearsal #4 11:00 A.M. Noon Sat., Dec. 19 DRESS REHEARSAL 9:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. Sun., Dec. 20 Pageant Martin Luther King Day Once more, our church will be joining the City of Elgin in collecting food for those in need. This will be done as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, which is Jan 18th. Brown bags, along with suggestions for donations, will be distributed at church on Jan. 3rd and 10th. The drive will end on Sun., Jan. 17. Donations will be delivered to the Brethren Headquarters, sorted, and taken to the six local food pantries. The goal is to collect 14,000 pounds of canned goods and household products. (Savethe-Date) 10
ELCA Malaria Campaign The ELCA Malaria Campaign made the $15 million goal. Two million persons were educated, 50,000 mosquito nets were distributed, 160,000 persons were tested and treated if positive, - 10,000 were trained in prevention and treatment, 12,000 households were empowered economically, and 32,000 pregnant women received prevention information and medication. Yes, the ELCA is serious about God s work via our hands. Crafters - Ornaments and Cookie Exchange At our December meeting, we will be making an ornament to be given out to participants of the annual Christmas pageant. No special skills required and all supplies will be provided. We will meet at church on Sat., Dec. 19, at 1:00 P.M. As is our tradition at this meeting, we will also be having a Christmas cookie exchange. If you would like to participate in our annual Christmas cookie exchange, please bring about 4-5 dozen cookies (all the same variety). We will share some and divide up the rest. You will go home with a variety cookies. It's a great way to get into the festive spirit. For more information, contact Carol E at 847-695-0833 or Karin K at 847-373-0545. (Save-the-Date) Kid and Adult Friendly Christmas Eve Worship 4:30 p.m. Thu., Dec. 24 What God Wants for Christmas We will be assembling a felt banner of the nativity as we listen to the Christmas Story. (Save-the-Date) Advent Themes Dec. 6 The Baptizer John Stirs Saint Nicholas Day Dec. 13 John, the Party Spoiler Lucia Day Dec. 20 Children s Pageant Also, Let it Be!, a Mary Christmas 11
Christmas Themes Dec. 24 4:30 p.m. Family Service Dec. 24 6:40 p.m. Special Music Dec. 24 7:00 p.m. God s Hug Candlelight Service Dec. 27 9:30 a.m. Lessons and Carols Christmas Poem Generous Donation to PADS Here is a picture of Debbie McG presenting Dennis Hewitt, Executive Director of PADS, with our generous donation of over $6,100.; a great effort for a great cause. Thank You, Thank You! A big THANK YOU to all who have handed in Estimate Giving Cards for. The good news at Christ the Lord Lutheran is that those who commit to a level of giving, keep it! In a paraphrase of 1 Chronicles 29:14 we sing: We give thee but thine own, Whate er the gift may be; All that we have is thine alone, A trust, O Lord from thee. 12
Do you know about Simply Giving? Simply Giving is a tool that makes it possible never to forget our offering or get behind because we were on vacation or out of town. It is very helpful in our mission and to our finance persons to know our financial gifts are there without fail. Just contact the Financial Secretary, Carol C, and she can arrange your offering to the mission of our Lord being taken from whatever bank account you choose. Jeanne and I have used Simply Giving for about 20 years and find it a wonderful way to guarantee our gifts are systematically in the bank every week. It took a bit of time to get accustomed to letting the offering plate pass us on Sundays, but we know God and the church can count on these gifts. We use our offering envelopes for special offerings and when we want to support a specific ministry or cause. Talk to Carol, it is a great program offered to us. Pastor Tolzmann Second Adult VBS Sat., Jan. 23 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Come for food, fellowship, and fun as we learn some new skills together. At the last VBS day, we learned to do Iris folding, quilt piecing, learned about smartphones, music, and genealogy! If you would like to teach a particular skill, please contact Deaconess Andrea today! (Save-the-Date) Vineyard Breakfast CTL is providing breakfast for the needy at the Vineyard Church in downtown Elgin on the third Thursday of each month. Breakfasts start at 7:00 A.M. We are providing a hot meal. Anyone who would like to help by donating food, cooking, or serving, please contact Barb B (Save-the-Date) 13
Treasurer s Report Year to Date Financial Report To make this report simple, even with Pastor Tolzmann serving for three months without salary or any benefits, we are still running behind our budget! Enough said. (Save-the-Date) All offerings must be in the CTL Office by Thu., Dec. 31. Offerings received after that date will be credited to giving. Habitat for Humanity Craft Show Thank You Our annual Habitat for Humanity Craft Show was again a big success. With the proceeds from the craft show and matching funds from Thrivent, we expect to send over $4,000 to our Habitat partnership! A big THANK YOU to all the crafters, everyone who helped advertise and shopped, and Lexi A; Frank & Corrine A; Diane B; Barb & Warren B; Patsy B; Craig & Dale B; John, Carol Sarah, Rachel, JJ C; Cub Scouts; Karen C; Mark, Andrea, Caitlin, Kristin, and Lizzie D; Carol & Rick E; Jan E; Brandon F; Jan G; Dorothy G; Patty & Jim H; Carol H; Tom J; Ann K; Karin & Dave K; Luann L; Andy L; Taylor L; Cheri Lee L; Debbie McG; Dena M; John M; Henrietta N; Carri N; Dale & Mary N; Kathy O; Quilts of Valor group; Nicole, Xander, Carter R; Vicki S; Delores S; Ben, Jenn, and Amelia S; Jadan T; Jane T; Sue T; Linda W; Chris W; Pam & Joan W; Marcy W; Rita Y; and Jeneane Z who planned, helped set up and clean up, worked the day of the show, and donated baked goods and pop. We could not have done it without the continued support of this congregation! Craft Show Committee 14
Bound and Ungagged (Book Club) Bound and Ungagged. For Sat., Dec. 5 we are reading a book and are to be prepared to discuss why or why not we liked it. We will also be picking out our books for the next year. All are welcome to join us at Colonial Cafe & Ice Cream, 600 South McLean Boulevard, Elgin, IL for a delicious breakfast, wonderful fellowship and some lively discussion of the books that we read. If you have any questions about the book club or would like to suggest a book you think the book club would enjoy reading please contact Carol H. Pageant Ever wonder who wrote the carols we know and love so much? This pageant led by the children of our congregation, highlights the history and meaning of many of the familiar songs we sing at Christmas. Recitations by the children reveal how the songs are connected to the story of Christ s birth. A musical manger centerpiece reminds us to always have a song in our hearts to Jesus. Hymns include The First Noel, Away in a Manger, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Silent Night, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear and Joy to the World. Join us! Sun., Dec. 20 at 9:30 a.m. (Save-the-Date) Scrip Fundraising Simply return an order form with your check to the church on Sunday. You will receive a new order form each week. You may pick up your order the following Sunday at the church. We encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful benefits offered by this on-going fundraiser. If you have questions, please talk to Mary N 847-828-0027 or Dorothy G 847-888-4484. Habitat for Humanity News While our New Hope Partnership waits to start on our next house, there are still opportunities for you to work with Habitat. To register and sign-up as a 15
volunteer on one of our job sites, you must use VolunteerUP at habitatnfv.org. Here you can see our entire construction calendar, including where and when we are working and what projects we are currently working on. Individual volunteers can sign up for as few or as many build days as they would like. For general volunteering information, please call the Habitat for Humanity affiliate office in Elgin at 847-836-1432 or email jenny.ackerman@habitatnfv.org. Contact Carol Earsley at 847-695-0833 with questions. Bridge Group Dinner Schedule The Bridge Group is for people who would like a chance to meet with other single adults at various area restaurants. The Sunday afternoon dinner is a time for conversation, laughter, and support. All singles are invited to join us on the first and third Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Contact person Grace D. (top) December 6 Alexander s December 20 Biaggi s Hooks and Needles (Prayer Shawl and Baptismal Blanket Ministry) As you select yarn for a new prayer shawl, consider that we are in need of colors that are bright, lively, and cheerful colors that will help dispel the gloom! We are getting very low on shawls, so please keep crocheting and knitting. For crafters interested in making a prayer shawl, there are now "unkits" available next to the Dress-A-Girl kits in the CTL entry area. These kits include instructions, a card, and everything else you will need (except for the knitting needles/crochet hook) to complete a prayer shawl. Thanks to some wonderful angels, we are able to provide kits with yarn. 16
*LEARNING* Adult Study Groups B. & B.: Bible and Brew Bible and Brew will still meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Squire, Dundee. We gather for an hour of fellowship and fun as we discuss our faith and how it affects our daily lives. The topics are wideranging and interesting! So, come grab a beverage or order a meal (Tuesdays have half-price burgers!) and grow in faith with one another. Contacts are Henrietta N or Carol B (top) Morning Bible Study This Bible study will be led by Pr. Arlyn Tolzmann until such time as an interim is in place. Questions? Please ask Henrietta N, or Carol B. (top) Adult Forum, December 2015 Please join us for Adult Forum at 11am in December as we study the Advent book Awaiting the Already - An Advent Journey Through the Gospels by Magrey R. devega. Each Sunday we will look at Advent and Christmas through the lens of a different Gospel. Come for a thoughtful discussion that will prepare our hearts for Christmas. Questions? Call Jan G. at 847-888-9501. Christian Education - CTL Sun., Dec. 06 Pageant practice Sun., Dec. 13 Pageant practice Sun., Dec. 20 Pageant - NO CLASSES Sun., Dec. 27 NO CLASSES Sat., Jan. 03 Follow the Star (Save-the-Date) Article 3 Advent 3 The Lord s Prayer Pageant - NO CLASSES NO CLASSES Holy Baptism Advent 4 Pageant - NO CLASSES NO CLASSES We Make the Road by Walking? 17
*PLEASE REMEMBER* Prayer Requests Please pray for those who are part of the life of CTL who struggle with illness and other concerns, especially: Toni B, Bob B, Jessica B, Sue E, Jan & Howard E, Bill & Judy F, Mary Ellen H, Sue K, Barb L, Larry & Joyce M, Henrietta N, Dick & Dena M, Maureen S, Mary T, Jeremy T, Joan W, Marcy W and Rita Y. Please pray for those at home or hospitalized: At Home: Ursula H Please pray for those in military service, especially: Brandt J, Matt K, and John Y Please pray for our family and friends, especially: Angela Friend of Caitlin M Karen cousin of Barb L Mary B mother of Sharon L Jean C Mother of Carol E Colleen Friend of Debbie McG Dorothy E Mother of Carol H Donna F Sister of Bob L KIDS HOPE CTL members Mar K Sister-in-law of Dick M Grace K Aunt of Carol H Steve K Brother of Cheri Lee L Julia, Maureen and Vicki Friends of Dale B Bill G Boss of Dale N Nana M Daughter-in-law of Dick & Dena M Charlette N Mother of Carri N John R Cousin of Carol H Edie R Friend of Ann O Salma Granddaughter of Jackie B Don V Brother of Holly V 18
*SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER* If you have a December event and it does not appear on the lists, please let us know so we can update our records. bridge@ctlelgin.org December Birthdays 1 - Dale N 2 - Mark D 3 - Javier P 3 - Erich S 5 - Laura E 8 - Carri N 13 - Henrietta N 16 - Lowell B 16 - Dolores G 17 - Kayla H 17 - Earl L 18 - Judy L 18 - Nicole R 18 - Jaden T 19 - David Y 20 - Karol A 23 - Phillip D 23 - Rene L 25 William F 29 - Caitlin D 30 - Emilie S December Baptismal Anniversaries 4 - Carol 22 - Sarah T 4 - Andrea 23 - Madison M 6 - Sadie V 25 - Andrew B 10 - Paul T 18 - Karen T December Wedding Anniversaries 3 - Paul & Mary T 22 - David & Marsha C 31 - Lynn & Ken K 19
*THANK-YOUS* Soup Kettle Thank You CTL hosted Soup Kettle on Fri., Oct. 30. Many thanks to the people who made this work so well: Patty H (our cook), Carol B, Vicki S, Barb B, Marcy and Howard W, Andy and Bob L, John M, Linda W and Dale N. The menu was chili, toasted cheese sandwiches, salad, ice cream, and warm chocolate chip cookies. Andy and Bob treated our guests to Halloween candy. NEXT DATE: Fri., Jan. 29 Thanksgiving Baskets Social Ministry wants to thank all the people in the congregation who donated food for the Thanksgiving Baskets. The baskets were assembled Sunday afternoon and picked up soon after. Fifteen needy families have been given a nice assortment of food from CTL. Also, thanks to all those who helped with sorting the food and filling the baskets: Dale B, Susan T, Chris W, John M, and Barb B. Debbie McG organized the benefit. Because of her, everything went very smoothly. Thanks, Debbie! Vineyard Breakfast CTL served at the Vineyard Breakfast on Thu., Nov.19. A big shout out to all those who helped: Debbie McG, Chris W, Dale B, Susan T, and Barb B. Our next date is Thu., Dec. 17. New TV and wall holder in library! Many thanks to the memorial gifts for allowing us to purchase this for the church. The new size allows people to be able to see the Bible study DVD's! 20
*CHRIST THE LORD LUTHERAN CHURCH* STAFF Pr. Arlyn Tolzmann Supply Pastor 224-535-9261 Or pastoratpray@hotmail.com Dss. Andrea D Director of Ministries ctldirmin@ctlelgin.org Jason P Director of Music ctlmusic@ctlelgin.org Jim H Director of Handbell Choir jim.harrer@ctlelgin.org Linda G Office Administration ctloffice@ctlelgin.org Sandy M Nursery CONGREGATION COUNCIL Henrietta N 2014-2017 President Eric L 2013- Vice President Ann O 2015-2018 Secretary & Archivist Jacki B 2014-2017 Corresponding Secretary Carol B 2013- Recent Past President Karin K 2012-2018 Dale N 2012-2018 CTL FINANCIAL TEAM Beth U Treasurer Carol C Financial Secretary CTL Council minutes are now available on the entryway white board! Christ the Lord Lutheran Church 12N462 Tina Trail + Elgin, IL 60124-4876 + Phone: 847-741-8141 Office Hours Mondays: Office closed Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. www.ctlelgin.org 21