FROM OUR PASTOR . . .
Summer is nearly over, and the early sounds, sights, and feelings of fall will enchant once again and prepare us for winter in these parts. It’s September again, and in September the carefree randomness of summer gives way to more predictable schedules and responsibilities.
Some of you I’ve seen often this summer. Others of you have been in and out of the area, and I’ve managed to connect with you in worship and at other events. There are some that I haven’t seen all summer in worship or around the church. Wherever you are and wherever you have been, I pray all is well with you. I’ve missed you!
I hope and pray for all, that your summer time has been a safe blessing in whatever way you spent the days of warmth and sunshine; that your travels were fulfilling; that your days were productive; and that you spent time to rest and marvel in the beauty of this special place where we live in relationship to God and to each other.
Worship of God is a primary activity of any congregation. The saying “if you’re not worshiping God, you’re worshiping something” is often easy to lay across a culture as mobile, busy, self-indulgent, overworked, and stressed as ours. At the very same time, people of faith gather to worship the Lord our God because we acknowledge God’s powerful, generous, and providing presence in all situations and circumstances of life.
As a Christ-centered community, our worship moves us to other areas of life and discipleship. There are other “spokes” to the wheel of Christian community among us. Below is a partial list of ministries that have occurred this summer and that will begin this fall. There are more that could be included, because the ways in which people give of themselves (time, abilities, and resources) is much broader than those that occur at Christ Lutheran.
I want to thank all who shared conversation in June and July about the popular and dynamic book, The Shack. 72 people signed up to attend, and 66 participated. The time together was lively and productive, and showed how the message of this book resonates with people’s lives and impacts their faith.
- Conversations on Sexuality and Ministry
This is a hot-button issue in the ELCA and among Christians in general; yet far fewer people attended our conversation about the ELCA Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the companion resolution to change the current policies and standards of ordained ministry in the ELCA. Those who did attend reviewed the history of this issue in the Lutheran Church, voiced their concerns and opinions, and we were blessed with having Gary Gemar with us to shed light on his role as a voting member to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, August 17-23. Those decisions have already been made as I write this. Stay tuned for further conversation.
I rode my bike by 8 lakes west of Spokane and my legs ached a bit but not too badly. What limited my 75 mile ride to 65 was 105+ degree heat, a scorching headwind, and an aid station running out of water! It was a fun and beautiful day and also a grueling process of survival! I am so grateful to all of you who sponsored my ride in support of the vital ministries of Lutheran Community Services. You can be proud of the fact that CLC sponsored me to the tune of $615 – procuring my cool biking jersey, and placing me as the top individually sponsored rider in the event. I survived to ride another day!!
Important and effective ministries don’t happen by accident; they happen because of competent leadership, a tireless commitment to organization, effective recruitment of volunteers who sacrifice their time and energy in support of the effort, and a love of others which flows from the love of Christ. Once again our VBS Day Camp was a tremendous success! Once again Debbie Branson and Warren Seaholm led the charge; once again faithful folks of CLC stepped up to serve as registrars, shepherds, cooks, cleaners, and water boys; once again young Christian college students from Lutherhaven led the program; once again the legacy of a generous saint, the late Meta Malzacher, and her love of children, enabled us to touch 130 children with the love of Jesus. We are proud of this ministry and our faithful disciples at CLC.
Rotational Sunday School
Are you ready to “BLAST” off to a new frontier of Sunday school at CLC? Sunday, September 13, has been set aside to kick off our new and promising approach to Sunday school at CLC. Warren Seaholm, Holly Tesdal, and Wes Todd, have worked very hard to bring a new and dynamic approach to the age-old ministry of Sunday school for children and youth. On Sunday, September 13, we will begin at 9:30 for registration, orientation, and a tour of the 4 pods in which the great stories of Scripture will be shared and experienced. Following our single worship service at 10:30, please stay and share a picnic lunch as we enthusiastically celebrate a new beginning at CLC. We covet your prayers, energy, and support to teach children the importance of living in relationship with God, the timeless truths of God’s “living” Word, and the value of relationships forged in the community we call the Church.
Do you worship with us on Sundays? Have you thought of becoming a member of Christ Lutheran? We have compiled a list of folks to receive a formal invitation to consider membership in our congregation. On September 20, I will host an orientation class in the Fellowship Hall between services to examine the dynamics of membership, field questions about Christ Lutheran, and examine where new members might employ their passions and gifts in the ministries of our congregation. Beyond that, I hope to focus on how membership might flow into dynamic discipleship in service to Jesus Christ. Those desiring membership will be formally received in worship on September 27.
- Coming Up in October: Kerygma Bible Study Series on Thursday Nights
We’ve offered Kerygma studies before along with folks from Good Shepherd and Holy Trinity congregations. It’s time to offer it again. We’ll meet at Christ Lutheran. The dates are October 8, 15, 22, 29 & November 5, 12, and 19. All sessions run from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. You can register with Pastor David or by contacting the Church Office. Each participant is asked to purchase a resource book for $16 (or you can pair up with someone else). We start with: Parables: Stories for Life in God’s World. Following the introduction, we continue by focusing upon biblical parables of growth, reversal, preparedness, decision, treasure, and tradition. Plan now to join us for an exciting and stimulating study.
- Sunday Mornings: Adult Education…”Make it Simple”
On October 11, 18, 25 and November 1, Pastor David will lead a Sunday morning study between worship services which builds on the theme of this year’s stewardship emphasis entitled, “Make it Simple.” We’ll gather in the Fellowship Hall after the first service to learn more about how to form a deeper “attitude of gratitude” to God by keeping things simple in our stewardship and discipleship.
As you can see, much has been happening and much continues to happen at CLC. The Spirit is among us and moving us forward to grow in faith and relationship, even as we strive to make a difference in the lives of others in our community and world with the message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord. Pray God blesses our effort to be faithful in all things.
Blessings to you and yours,
+ Pastor David
LUTHERHAVEN DAY CAMP 2009 . . .
The voices of nearly 130 children filled the sanctuary each morning at 9 am during the week of July 27 – 31. Although we abbreviated the day this year, running camp for four and a half hours instead of six, the enthusiasm, fun, and opportunities to learn about Christ remained as great as previous years. Using Micah 6: 8 as the verse to expand on this year’s theme “Restore,” a team of three young women and one young man from Lutherhaven led the camp activities. As the week progressed, the campers learned songs that sometimes rocked the church, had bible studies and opportunities to discuss what God expects of us, filled the hallway with daily crafts, and played outdoor games.
The key to creating this tremendous experience for so many children was the outpouring of help from so many of CLC’s members and friends. Shepherds worked to keep up with their flocks as they moved from activity to activity. Registrars insured the safety of our campers and answered questions. Our kitchen staff had snacks and lunch ready and served in the short periods of time allotted. The staffs of CLC and CLCC went the extra mile to help in all ways asked. All totaled, about 70 volunteers of all ages gave of their time and talents. The VBS Committee (Day Camp) feels extraordinarily blessed that so many of you participated and not only made this event possible, but made it a success. Our thanks go out to each of you.
As we look to continuing this ministry next year, the committee plans to meet Wednesday, September 16, at 7pm to review this year’s program. We invite each and every one of you to share your concerns, ideas and suggestions for improving CLC’s Day Camp. If possible, please plan to attend the meeting, call Debbie Branson at 924-0555, or e-mail Debbie at debnewbill@yahoo.com to share your thoughts.
As we look to the future, Warren and Debbie are seeking the help of an individual or individuals who would like to transition into the leadership of this ministry. Please contact either of us if you are interested in this opportunity to serve the youth of our church, the childcare center, and our community. We can promise that you will reap many rewards through your interactions with so many children and great volunteers.
Debbie Branson & Warren Seaholm,
Day Camp (VBS) Coordinators
R A L L Y for B L A S T . . .
Sunday, September 13, marks the end of the summer season and the return of Sunday School to our church calendar. Seems like a great reason to celebrate! All are invited to arrive at 9:30 a.m. to register children for Sunday School, to take part in demonstrations of BLAST, and to tour the Sunday School class areas.
Worship, with Holy Communion, will begin at 10:30 a.m. Following worship, plan to attend a Hospitality Team Appreciation picnic (Sloppy Joes, chips, fruit, veggies, ice cream bars, lemonade, and coffee) here at church to enjoy fellowship and practice hospitality as part of God’s family.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SCHEDULE FOR 2009 & 2010
A rotation will take four weeks to complete. An example of a four week rotation might be as follows:
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Class
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Week 1
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Week 2
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Week 3
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Week 4
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Pre-school
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Art
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Audiovisual
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Drama
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Computer
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K & 1st Grade
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Audiovisual
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Drama
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Computer
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Art
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2nd & 3rd Grades
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Drama
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Computer
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Art
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Audiovisual
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4th & 5th Grades
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Computer
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Art
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Audiovisual
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Drama
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September 13:
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Rally Sunday
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January 3:
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No Sunday school
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September 20:
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Week 1 (Noah)
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January 10:
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Week 1 (Good Samaritan)
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September 27:
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Week 2 (Noah)
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January 17:
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Week 2 (Good Samaritan)
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October 4:
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Week 3 (Noah)
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January 24:
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Week 3 (Good Samaritan)
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October 11:
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Week 4 (Noah)
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January 31:
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Week 4 (Good Samaritan)
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October 18:
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Week 1 (Ten Commandments)
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February 7:
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Week 1 (Prodigal Son)
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October 25:
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Week 2 (Ten Commandments)
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February 14:
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Week 2 (Prodigal Son)
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November 1:
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Week 3 (Ten Commandments)
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February 21:
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Week 3 (Prodigal Son)
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November 8:
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Week 4 (Ten Commandments)
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February 28:
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Week 4 (Prodigal Son)
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November 15:
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Week 1 (Christmas Story)
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March 7:
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Week 1 (Resurrection)
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November 22:
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Week 2 (Christmas Story)
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March 14:
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Week 2 (Resurrection)
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November 29:
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No Sunday school
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March 21:
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Week 3 (Resurrection)
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December 6:
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Week 3 (Christmas Story)
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March 28:
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Week 4 (Resurrection)
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December 13:
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Week 4 (Christmas Story)
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December 20:
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Sunday school program
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April 4:
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Easter, No Sunday School
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December 27:
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No Sunday school
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April 11:
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Week 1 (Parable/talents)
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April 18:
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Week 2 (Parable/talents)
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April 25:
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Week 3 (Parable/talents)
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May 2:
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Week 4 (Parable/talents
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May 9:
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Mother’s Day – No Sunday School
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May 16:
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End Celebration
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From The Child Center . . .
The Child Center began the summer with a lot of changes that have resulted in ups and some downs with regard to the general outlook of the center.
Currently, our center is under temporary license probation from the Department of Early Learning (DEL). This six-month probation is a direct result of the general lack of supervision across Center personnel over the past year. As a result of this probation and our need to notify all current and new enrolling families, our fall enrollment will be low compared to this summer. There are, however, benefits to our temporary probation. Part of the requirement for this probation is that the center remain under close scrutiny of the DEL. This means that our licensor, Karen Christensen (363-4635), must visit our Center regularly to assist in staff training and offer advice on environmental changes.
Karen is a very helpful and delightful woman who has kept the mission of the Center, “taking care of God’s most precious gifts,” in her mind as she is guiding us through this process toward becoming one the best child care centers in the Valley again.
Other changes that have occurred involve the resignations of several staff members over the summer. We are fortunate that the job market is filled with qualified individuals as we have been able to refill these positions quickly with new and wonderful staff who fit in well with our team mentality. Please feel free to stop by the Center office to have any of your questions or concerns answered. Between our new Program Supervisor, Leah Kliment, and me, the office is now staffed with knowledgeable managers between 7am and 6pm daily. We have appreciated your continued support and prayers (and donations!) as we do our best to fulfill the missions of CLC and CLCC. Thanks so much! Sincerely,Holly Tesdal, Director
LUTHERANS TOGETHER
Children’s and Youth Ministries
Upcoming Events
The Greasy Pig Tail Gate Party – Friday, September 11
Come along to the Good Shepherd parking lot for this pregame party.
United Youth Church(See you after the Pole)–Wednesday, September 23, 7pm
Each year our United Youth Church meets on the evening of the ‘See you at the Pole’ day; a day when students are encouraged to pray at the flag pole at their school before school starts.
No doubt this United Youth Church will be similar to all the others, around 700-900 students in one church praising God. If you haven’t been to one yet, the awesome praise band is made up of people from different churches in the Valley, and there is always a great speaker. Come along to the Valley Assembly of God (Opposite Walmart) on September 23 for an awesome night.
Lutherans Together Fall Kick Off – Sunday, September 27, 3pm
Everyone is invited to this amazing event! We plan to get our fall ministries off to a great start with a family picnic and park day. On September 27 at 3 o’clock, meet us at Mission Park (between Bowdish & University on Mission) for fun with family and friends. There will be games for all ages (including a variety of races, complete with prizes!), time to picnic together (you only need to bring food for your family/group, the rest is taken care of!), and time to meet and mingle with everyone involved with this year’s many Lutherans Together ministries. Have questions about young family groups? Come along and ask! Want to know who volunteers with our youth? Come along and meet them! Think that you’re a tug-of-war champion? Come and give it a try! This event is for everyone who is a part of any activity at the church, and open to those who want to explore all the many options Lutherans Together has to offer. We hope to see you there!
New Ministry for CV students: Thursday breakfast
Starting Thursday, September 17, we will be serving breakfast and hosting a discussion at 7:45am every Thursday until Thanksgiving. I encourage all students attending CV to help us get this ministry started; bring along some friends!
Ministries
Super Kids - Resumes Tuesday, September 8 - for PK–Grade 3
Tuesday, 6:30–7:30 p.m. @ Good Shepherd
Bring your child for a high energy, fast paced children’s club. The evening includes: singing, messy games, Bible Stories, games, craft, drama and a snack. Please bring along 50 cents.
Xtreme Preteen - Resumes Friday, September 18, for Grades 4–6
Friday, 6:30–7:45 p.m. @ Christ Lutheran
Your Preteen will love this group. Each week includes messy games, crafts, Bible lessons, games, a snack and the youth café activities.
Confirmation - Resumes Wednesday, September 30, for Grades 7–8 Wednesday, 6:30-8:00 p.m. @ Zion Lutheran
Our joint confirmation program uses multimedia, interactive learning, Bible study, servant projects and mentoring to share our faith
Wired Youth Group - Resumes Friday, September 18, for Grades 7–12
Friday 8:30-10:00 p.m. @ Christ Lutheran
Every week we have a special activity, a time of worship, youth café and snack.
Transition Group (College Age)
Meeting at Red Robin, date to be announced
Each week we just socialize and discuss a relevant topic. Call Gordon Fitch at 509.362.1182 in advance to book a seat.
Young Family Small Groups
Meeting most days of the week, in homes
Enjoy a meal with other families and engage in discussion over a biblically-based (Nooma) video. To sign up, call Gordon Fitch at 509.362.1182.
What a great Summer it was
Wow the summer was just a blur to me. Our three VBS’ were great, Good Shepherd went all out like nobody else with stunning decorations as they recreated the underground church of Rome. Holy Trinity had an incredible energy and Christ Lutheran had its usual Lutherhaven experience. We had our High School mission trip to New Orleans and our High School Leadership camp at Shoshone. We had youth group trips to watch the Mariners, the Blue Door Theatre Company, and a retreat. The Kick Soccer camp was great and the Xtreme Preteen Week reached so many new kids and had a fantastic finale with the Nicole Lewis band.
Some highlights for me… Michael Lucas and Anthony Brommer (high school students) have really grown recently and did an awesome job in their help at Kick Soccer. Sophie Gibbs had a great attitude toward serving in New Orleans. Bethany Piehl really stepped up this summer and served a lot. Nick Clouse, throughout, this year has proven himself not only to get involved but to bring along friends. Stephen Lucas was recognized by the Synod at our YELS camp for his potential.
All in all a great summer and looking forward to the fall. Gordon Fitch, 362-1182, gordonfitch@gmail.com
Bible Studies . . .
¢ Sunday Morning - A New Member Orientation will be held on September 20 between worship services (approximately 9:30 am); then the regular Sunday Morning study will reconvene on October 11 with Pastor David leading a “Make it Simple” discussion.
¢ Monday Evening - The Monday evening small group Bible Study meets at 7:00pm each Monday.
¢ Wednesday Morning - will begin the Fall-Winter season at 9:30am on Wednesday, September 9.
¢ Thursday Evening - This “done before” Thursday evening bible class will begin at 7:00pm on October 8 with “Parables: Stories for Life in God’s World.”
¢ Friday Morning - The Friday Morning Men’s Prayer Breakfast meets at Conleys at 6:30 a.m.
¢ Monthly Women’s Circles - All women are invited to come and study Paul’s letter to the Romans - the letter that enlightened Martin Luther to the doctrine of justification by Grace through Faith alone - the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. Lydia Circle will begin the Fall-Winter season at 7:00pm on Tuesday, September 8 (the second Tuesday), and Naomi Circle will meet on Monday, September 14, at 1:30pm (the second Monday of the month). Both Circles meet at the church. Questions? Call Grace Carlson (926-0251) or Molly Gross (448-5822).
Stewardship . . .
THE MOTIVE
“I want to test the sincerity of your love. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
2 Corinthians 8:8,9
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:1-15
Apply: In one of the first recorded church fundraising letters in history, Paul appeals to one single motive for giving: the grace of Christ. Christians don't give because they should (although they do) or because it frees their life from the idolatry of Mammon (although it does). Christians give because they know that God gave everything, even his own Son Jesus Christ, for their sakes. Grace is the motivation for giving. Giving is a response to a gift of sheer grace. Just as those who are forgiven much also forgive, those who have been given much (peace with God, eternal life, the love of Christ, the indwelling Spirit, and more) give in return. The Macedonians understood that grace so much that even in the midst of their own difficult circumstances they happily gave beyond their ability (8:1-4). They begged to give more.
1. Do you beg God to be able to give more than you do now? What is your goal?
2. What typically motivates your giving? Guilt, duty, expectation of God's blessing or thankfulness?
Pray for a renewed lifestyle that places a priority on giving.
Do Give away some cash (not a check) this week simply because you love Jesus. Don't let anyone know about it or claim it on your taxes.
Worship & Hospitality . . .
“Share with God’s people . . . practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13, NIV)
Summer’s over . . . at least some of the upcoming activities tells us that must be so. Your team coordinators hope you all had a fun, safe, and/or restful summer and that you are raring to go starting in September. LOOK FOR ALL THE CHANGES COMING YOUR WAY!!!!!
September brings us to Team #3, led by the Platts and Schorzmans. And, as of this printing, they have nearly all their ministry positions filled. The Nepeans struggled to get through the month of August, as they had several out-of-town functions; therefore, they really appreciate all who came through for them.
Look for more information in this Courier about the Team Appreciation Picnic on Rally Sunday, September 13, after the worship service. This is our way of saying THANK YOU for supporting this team concept over the past five years!!!!! Can you believe it was five years ago in August when this all began??
Our next meeting will be November 9, 2009, at the church beginning at 6:15 p.m.
HAPPY HELPERS BREAKFAST
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4
7:00 – 11:00am
Sausage
Homemade Applesauce
Hot Cakes
Juice & Coffee
This breakfast is the Happy Helpers’ primary effort to raise operating expenses for the annual maintenance of our facility. It will begin promptly at 7:00am and will be served till ll:00am. No one goes away hungry.
SEE YOU THERE ! ! !
ATTENTION WOMEN OF THE ELCA
Mark your calendars for October 17, 2009. Zion Lutheran Church (8304 E. Buckeye) will be hosting the Spokane Valley, Mt. Spokane, and Westward Clusters for the Women’s Fall Meeting. Join us for a morning of worship, music, fellowship and fun.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Speaker: Pastor Shelley Wee, Lutheran Campus Pastor at EWU.
Entertainment: Try-Harmony
Lunch is $4.50. The general offering will go to Lutheran Campus Ministries and Synod Women. The physical offering will be snack items such as microwave popcorn, candy, or sodas for campus ministries.
Please make your reservation by calling Debra Grube’ at Zion (509-926-5407) by Thursday, October 8. (Leave a voice mail if she’s not available to take your call.)
This ‘n That . . .
¢ Mobile Food Bank - Christ Lutheran Church, in partnership with Second Harvest Inland Northwest and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, will hold a Mobile Food Bank from 10:00am-Noon on Thursday, September 10. Produce and perishable products are free for low income families and those in need of food assistance - no appointment or documentation of need is necessary to participate; however, recipients must be present to receive products and are asked to bring a box along to carry food home. Held Rain or Shine!
¢ Spokane Valley Partners (SPV) Monthly Commodity - SPV’s Food Bank requests margarine and canned soup as SEPTEMBER’S Commodity of the Month. The Clothing Bank asks for newborn t-shirts.
¢ Exchange Student Hosts Needed - The Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is seeking local families to host high school students from Europe, Latin America, or Asia for our academic program. The teenagers have insurance and spending money; the families share their homes, their tables, their love. Our CCI young people are eager to experience life in the U.S. Join Us! To become a CCI host family, contact Merle Barr (509-299-5339) or the website: cci~exchange.org.
¢ Coming Events at Lutherhaven . . .
- Golden Agers' Fall Day Out, Tuesday, September 29, 10am till 2:00pm. $9 Includes meal and program
- Cut, Crop, Craft & Quilt Weekend, Friday, October 16-Sunday, October 18 - Bring your favorite crafting, quilting, and scrapbooking project and create together with new camp friends! Pause for meals, worship, and devotions; otherwise the time is yours to craft! A massage therapist on site (for an extra fee, paid directly to the therapist) will help you stay relaxed and focused! Food, fellowship, and your favorite project…what could be more fabulous! Can't get enough of your favorite weekend? Come a day earlier and extend your crafting time! Call 208-667-3459 x10 for more information.
¢ Union Gospel Mission Ministry Needs . .
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For Women & Children:
Underwear, all sizes, esp. sizes 5 & 7
Bras, sizes 30-34 and 40 & up
Socks
Diapers, sizes 5 & 6
Pull-ups
Sunscreen lotion
Pajamas - all sizes
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For Men:
Razors
Athletic shoes
Socks
Belts
Shampoo & conditioner
Deodorant
Back packs
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Food Needs:
Sugar
Sliced cheese
Tuna
Lunch meat
Bacon
Napkins
Pancake syrup
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Donations can be dropped off at the Mission (1224 E. Trent), daily from 7am to 6pm.
