the current - Christus Victor Lutheran Church

TH E CURR ENT
CHRISTUS VICTOR LUTHERAN CHURCH
The People of Christus Victor, ministers
Rev. Fred Suhr, Pastor
“Whoever believes in Me, streams of living water will flow from his heart.”
October 2016
John 7:38
Volume 32, No. 10
Worship Schedule
One of the practices we share at
Christus Victor which I love is
making the sign of the cross.
Making the sign of the cross has
Sunday, October 2
20 Sunday after Pentecost
th
Worship Services, 8:00, 10:30 am
Breakfast, 8:45-9:15 am
Sunday School, 9:15 am
since at least the second century.
It recalls and proclaims Christ’s
death on the cross and our unity
with Christ through Baptism.
During the Reformation, Martin
Sunday, October 9
21st Sunday after Pentecost
30th Anniversary Celebration
Worship Service, 10:30 am
Reception Following
Sunday, October 16
22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Worship Services, 8:00, 10:30 am
Breakfast, 8:45-9:15 am
Sunday School, 9:15 am
Sunday, October 23
23 Sunday after Pentecost
rd
Worship Service, 8:00 am
Sunday School, 9:15 am
Worship Service, 10:30 am
Sunday, October 30
Reformation Sunday
Worship Service, 8:00 am
Sunday School, 9:15 am
Worship Service, 10:30 am
When we practice
stewardship in this way
– DOWN, IN, OUT –
we are making the sign
of the cross! God makes
the first vertical line
DOWN; we follow by
moving IN to the center
and the OUT to our
neighbors on either side
both near and far. We
form a cross with our
lives and through our
faith, we are marked
with the cross of Christ
forever.
use of this meaningful action in
his instructions on morning and
evening prayer in his Sm all
Catechism. Making the sign of the
cross is a vivid reminder of who
we are, as well as whose we are
as children of God.
As we move through this year
towards the 30th Anniversary of
Christus Victor and the 500th
Anniversary of the Reformation,
we see how God has been
faithful. Marked with the cross,
we recognize that our lives are
gifts and are lived in response to
what God does for us! This year, as we consider the
commitment of our stewardship of our gifts of life time, talent, and treasure, the cross will be our guide!
In the graphic above, you can see how God initiates
everything by coming DOWN to us in creation and the
incarnation. You see how we respond as God’s love
moves IN, entering our hearts and lives as we receive
this gift of grace through faith. You also see how God’s
love moves OUT beyond ourselves to the left and right
to our neighbor as we share God’s gifts, love, and grace.
(Continued on the following page)
When we see the cross in this way, we cannot help but
be reminded of how God blesses us, so that we may be
blessings to one another and our neighbors through
God’s love!
On Sunday, October 16th, we will begin to explore how
we might make the sign of the cross with our lives
through the ministry we share as Christus Victor. We
will reflect on God’s call and our response to that call
through our personal commitment of time, talent and
financial resources – gifts with which God has blessed
us. On All Saints Sunday, November 6th, each of us will
have the privilege of expressing how we intend to
share our financial gifts by returning our Estimate of
Giving cards for 2017. We will have an additional
opportunity to express how we intend to share our
time and talents by returning this information at
worship on Sunday, January 8th – The Baptism of Our
Lord. As we move through this exciting time in the life
of our congregation and the greater church, may we let
the cross serve as our guide!
Experiencing Christ Together,
Pastor Fred
From Our Youth Director
Our journey as Christians and Lutherans is like no
other faith journey. We are truly in a relationship with
our God. A relationship, like others in our lives, where
we don't always know just what we are doing, or
where the path will take us. We do know that if we are
committed to growth and open to all the possibilities,
our faith will be rewarded both here and in heaven. I
hope you will consider joining the youth on our faith
journey as we build our relationship with Jesus.
October activities include:
 Wednesday Bible Study - Every week @ 6:30pm
(Prayer Stations & Everyday issues/reflections)






(Blessing of the Animals) - Wednesday, October 5th
starting at 5:30pm.
Sunday School - Every week @ 9:15am
(Who we are as Lutherans)
Famously Hot Pink 5K - Saturday, October 22
(beating breast cancer in the Midlands)
The Marty Party - Sunday, October 23
Trunk or Treat - Saturday, October 29
Reformation Play @ St Andrews Lutheran Church
Sunday, October 30
Look for more information on activities in weekly
bulletins and online.
In Christ,
Robyn Westphal
Our Stewardship of Treasure
Tithes & Offerings through 9/18/16
Ministry Plan Need
$257,404
Gifts Received
$233,600
Deficit to Date
($23,804)
New Electronic Giving Option Available
As part of the SC Synod and ELCA’s Electronic Giving
pilot program, our contribution options are expanding.
There is now a link on our Christus Victor Web Page
which provides a secure electronic giving option. Simply go to cvlconline.com, click the “Give Online” tab on
the left on the home page, and this will take you to the
necessary field which you can complete and submit to
make a gift or contribution. We are also in the process
of working on implementing a scan code option to allow contributions through a cell phone application.
More information will be coming when this option is
implemented!
God’s Work - Our Hands!
Christus Victor is reaching out in so many ways to our
community! Here are some of the highlights of one of
the many ministry opportunities which we support
and in which each of us can be involved!
“Sharing God’s Love”: In our narthex, there is a large
barrel to receive gifts and donations to “Sharing God’s
Love,” a community service ministry supported by a
number of congregations in the Irmo area. Each week,
items are taken to the “Sharing God’s Love” location
where they are distributed to benefit families and individuals in need in the greater Irmo community. As of
September, this outreach ministry has provided services for 3,110 people, including 1,111 families and 259
new clients so far this year. To date, this includes distribution of the following: Foo d Item s – Estimated Value
of $226,005; Clo thing – Estimated Value $104,133; Utilities and Other Assistance – Estimated Value of $49,478;
and Aid to Other Helping Agencies (primarily clothing) – Estimated Value of $262,336. In addition to donations of items, “Sharing God’s Love” also welcomes
monetary gifts as well.
Ordination and Installation of Rusty Kehl
scheduled to take place at Christus Victor Lutheran
Church on Saturday, October 15th, at 2 pm. A service of
installation is scheduled to take place the following
Sunday afternoon, October 23rd, at Immanuel Lutheran
Church, Greenwood, SC. Please keep Rusty, DeeDee,
and their family in your prayers in this transition!
Upcoming Events
+
Oyster Roast, 10/8
+
CVLC 30th Anniversary, 10/9
+
Ministry Plans Due, 10/23
+
Trunk or Treat, 10/29
+
Reformation Sunday, 10/30
+
Time Change, 11/6
+
Beach Retreat, 7/6-10, 2017
Is a Christian Like a Pumpkin?
Dear Youth and Families,
I am so excited to increase my role here at Christus
Victor Lutheran Church. As Youth Director, I hope to
provide insight and spiritual guidance for the youth, as
they navigate an increasingly complicated world. I
hope to be able to share my genuine love for God and
Jesus Christ and to encourage and support the youth
and their families any way that I can.
Come Find Out at Christus Victor
Lutheran Church’s Very First
Pumpkin Patch
When: Sunday October 2, 2016
Immediately following 10:30 service
I will be trying to keep everyone up to date on bible
study topics, Sunday School information, service
projects, and activities, as much as possible. I will be
using the bulletin, newsletter, Email, the CVLC
Facebook page and Remind.com to try to accomplish
all communications, so if you are not getting
information on youth events, and you would like to,
please let me know.
Where: Outside Fellowship Hall
We are already in full swing for Bible Study on
Wednesday nights at 6:30 pm. Through the end of
October we will be working on a prayer stations project
and discussion of hearing and responding to God's call
in our lives: Identity, Acceptance, Labels, Quiet Time,
and God's Love.
Noisy Offering Sunday, October 2nd!
Sunday School we will be focusing on the 500 th
Anniversary of Reformation and the History of the
Lutheran Church. We will also be continuing to work
on our Service Scavenger Hunt and helping with the
Snack Packs ministry.
Please keep an eye out for more information and
activities as we get them organized. Thank you, in
advance for your support and encouragement, as I take
on this exciting work, for the glory of God.
In Christ,
Robyn Westphal, 803-445-7943, [email protected]
Games, Pumpkin Painting
Pumpkin Carving Presentation
Thanks to all who support the Snack Pack ministry for
the school children in our community! The total of
Noisy Offering gifts for Sunday, September 4, was
$73.82. Thank you for helping the children of our
community! On the first Sunday of each month, our
children and youth collect change in metal buckets to
support our participation in the “SnackPack” ministry.
Save your change during the month and share it for
this wonderful ministry!
SnackPack Items Needed
We are collecting items for the Snack Packs that we are
supplying to students needing weekend meals. Below
is a list of items that are needed. All items should be in
individual serving packaging. Samples are on the table
in the narthex. Thank you!
Grits
Fruit Cups
Ramen Noodles
Cereal
Applesauce
Rice Krispy Treats
Oatmeal
Fruit Snacks
Macaroni & Cheese
Slim Jims
Granola Bars Snack Cracker Packs
Capri Sun Ramen Cups
Canned Ravioli or Spaghetti-o’s (14/15 oz size)
30th Anniversary Celebration
Celebration in October. We have invitations available in
the narthex that you can pick up and mail to former
members and friends you think would be interested in
attending. We also have a picture of the invitation that
you can email to others. Contact the church office and
we can email you a copy to forward.
Anniversary Worship Service & Reception
We will have one worship service on October 9 at 10:30
am. Bishop Herman Yoos will be our preacher. We will
also have greetings from former pastors. There will be a
reception following in the fellowship hall. We hope you
will plan to join us for worship and the reception.
th
Please Join Us For Our
30 Anniversary Celebration
Oyster Roast
Saturday, October 8, 6:00 pm
Pine Island Club
Tickets Required, Contact Church Office
w orship Service
Sunday, October 9, 10:30 am
Bishop Herman Yoos, Preacher
Greetings from Former Pastors
Reception
Oyster Roast
The Oyster Roast will be held on Saturday, October 8,
6:00 pm at Pine Island Club, 150 Pine Island Road.
Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on Sunday
mornings and Wednesday evenings or by mailing a
check to the church office and tickets will be mailed to
you. We will have oysters, shrimp, steak, and corn.
Please bring with you: A lawn chair, oyster shucking
supplies, steak knife and beverages.
Following
w orship in the Fellowship Hall
Christus Victor Lutheran Church
400 Harbison Blvd., Columbia, SC 29212
(803) 732-2668
cvlc @ bellsouth.net, cvlconline.com
Celebrating Church Leaders from CVLC!
In the thirty years since Christus Victor was organized, a significant number of members have completed seminary
degrees and entered positions of rostered leadership both in the ELCA and in sister denominations. As we celebrate
our thirtieth anniversary, we thought it would be appropriate to have them share news about their lives, families,
and ministries! During the next several months, we will be including letters and updates from these folks in The
Current. This month, we share comments from Eric Wolf, who graduated from LTSS in 2006.
Eric Wolf
Rev. Eric Wolf, a charter member of Christus Victor Lutheran Church, graduated from Irmo High School in 1995,
USC in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, and a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Theological
Southern Seminary in 2006. Following graduation from seminary he pursued a year of residency in Clinical Pastoral
Education at Palmetto Health, where he focused on hospice chaplaincy and community chaplaincy (working with
the Free Medical Clinic, Celia Saxon Clinic, and Columbia Housing Authority high-rises).
In August of 2007 he began two-and-a-half years with Genitiva Hospice as chaplain and bereavement coordinator.
During this time, Eric began volunteer work with South Carolina Lutheran Church Youth, staffing retreats and
writing program material. In 2010 he became the Youth Ministry Cabinet representative for the Saxe Gotha
Conference, and in 2012 he became the Youth Ministry Cabinet Co-Chair, helping Deacon Stephanie Stoudemayer
administer the South Carolina Synod’s youth ministry in various ways.
On March 1, 2009 Eric was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament here at Christus Victor, and began his call
at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lexington, South Carolina. During that time, he began a four-and-a-half year term at
The Rice Estate as their chaplain, leading Bible studies and weekly worship concurrent with his service at St. John’s.
During this time he helped to found South Carolina’s first Beer & Hymns at the British Bulldog in Harbison and also
at The Old Mill Brewpub in Lexington, two of his favorite accomplishments.
On February 1, 2015 he left his call at St. John’s, grateful
for nearly six years of ministry in that community, in
order to accept his current call as Assistant to the
Bishop of the South Carolina Synod for Youth & Young
Adult Ministry. In this role, he leads South Carolina’s
synodical youth ministry, is working to develop a
synodical strategy and program for young adult
ministry, partners with and oversees Lutheran Campus
Ministry at our thirteen campus ministries, assists
Bishop Yoos with call processes, and “other duties as
assigned”, which are numerous and joyous.
More than all these professional accomplishments, Eric
is most proud of being married to Lauren since March
1, 2001. Married here at Christus Victor, Eric & Lauren
have been happily married and taking turns in college.
Lauren is currently a PhD candidate in the Biomedical
Engineering program at USC. Eric and Lauren are both
so grateful to their family here at Christus Victor. Eric
appreciates the support, love, and prayers of this
congregation, all of which have been instrumental in
his formation as a man and as a pastor. "The cloud of
witnesses at CVLC is instrumental in making me who I
am today, so it’s all your fault”, says Eric, “and I’m so
glad to be able to blame such a wonderful group of
people”.
Wonderful Wednesdays
6:00
6:30
6:30
7:00
pm pm pm pm -
Supper
Children’s Choir Practice
Adult Bible Study; Youth Bible Study
Adult Choir Practice
Thank you to the following teams for cooking:
October 5 - Youth Ministry Team (sub sandwiches)
October 12 - Property Team (pizza)
October 19 - Worship & Music Team (meat loaf)
October 26 - Parish Life/Outreach Team (BBQ)
Blessing of the Animals
A traditional Blessing of the Animals will take place on
Wednesday, October 5 in place of our regular
Wonderful Wednesday learning activities. The Youth
will host a sub supper at 6 pm. The blessing of the
animals will take place at 6:30 pm. Bring your pets as
we celebrate the gift of creation and God’s creatures!
Reminder About Breakfast Times
CVLC Lunch Bunch
Breakfast begins at 8:45 am and ends at 9:15 am. Please
be respectful of those who so generously provide our
breakfasts twice a month. If you plan to come, please
come on time. If the food is not on the tables in the
fellowship hall then you have arrived too late. Also,
make sure your dishes are in the kitchen as soon as you
are done eating so the clean up crew can get things
cleaned up. We appreciate your help with this!
The next gathering of the CVLC Lunch Bunch will be
on Tuesday, October 11th at 11:30 am at the Golden Bay
Seafood Restaurant, 6164 St. Andrews Road, Irmo.
Anyone who is available at this time is invited to join
us. Please call Pat Erickson so we can make a
reservation. Come enjoy a delicious meal and some
wonderful fellowship!
Women’s Book Club
Please wear your name tag on Sunday, October 2 nd.
Bring your name tag from home or stop by the table in
the narthex for your name tag. Thanks!
The CVLC Women’s Book Club welcomes new
members, so if you are interested in joining our group,
please contact Jean or Patti.
10/17 The Husband’s Secret by Laine Moriarty
11/21 Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, death, and hope
in a Mumbai undercity by Katherine Boo
Name Tag Sunday
The West Virginia Project
Lutheran Men will be headed to West Virginia again in
December, and hope to exceed the impressive
outpouring of support CVLC made for our brothers
and sisters in West Virginia last December. Save those
winter clothes you're packing away for summer (or
planning on giving away) and donate them to the
CVLC West Virginia Project instead. You could donate
them to many worthy causes - this one will put your
gift directly into the hands of the person who will use
it. Look for the collection effort to begin later this year.
Members who are homebound
Peggy Johnston, Woody Lanning
Those who are ill
Larry & Becky Brown, Ashley Hulon, Peg Kollmann,
Barbara Kleinrock, Bob Meyer, Eddy Mae Murphy, Lana
Rosenbeck, Robin Steinhilper, Eric Strom, Lewis Zeigler
Russ Anderson, Ed na And erso n’s husband
Lola Atkinson, Janet Ro binso n’s friend
Dave Butts, De bra Greene Butts’ husband
Jimmy Cannon, Geo rgia Canno n's so n, Rand y's bro the r
Jim Crisp, Do n Fairbank s’ friend
Todd & Courtney Czyrnick, Westp hal’s friends
Mary Eargle, Frank Eargle ’s mother
Bennett Fisher, David & And rea Fisher’s son
Todd Frank, Do n Fairbank s’ friend
Randy Keheley, Bo b Meyer’s friend
Anna Lee Gordon, Ginger Sto ud enm ire ’s mother
Chad Ham, Jo hnna Metzler’s cousin’s husband
Angie Harmon, Jo yce McKulk a’s friend
Joyce Harris, Janet Ro binso n’s friend
Eugenia & Monroe Hiers, Rand y Canno n’s friends
Chris King, DeeDee Ke hl’s friend
Eileen Manigold, Marie Marszalek ’s daughter
Ray McLain, And rea Ke ato n’s friend
Tim Menard, Ro byn We stp hal’s uncle
Jim Meyer, Bo b Meyer’s brother
Bradley Oates, Rand y Canno n’s friend
October Birthdays
1
2
3
5
7
8
10
10
Wyatt Horejsi
Aaron Sellers
Jimmy Addison
Brantley Dresch
Emily Lyles
Shawn Fisher
April Hornsby
Suzy Noblet
13
13
14
15
16
16
17
17
Marie Marszalek
Michael Greene
Mickayla Adams
Nita Eichstaedt
Jeff Wagner
Matthew Vinson
Bee Stoudenmire
Juli Calhoun
Trevor Olenchuk, Peyto n Canno n’s friend
Weston Price, Am and a Kaiser’s friend
Steve Reed, friend o f CVLC
Joyce & Jack Rickman, Beck y Canno n’s parents
James Springman, Marie Marszalek ’s son
Alan Thompson, Janet Ro binso n’s brother
Jim Tompkins, Do n Fairbank s’ friend
In praise and thanksgiving
For the birth of Charles Conner Van Cleef, son of Allison &
David Van Cleef, Juli & Charlie Calho un’s grandson
For the birth of Caroline Elizabeth Herrera, daughter of
David & Corinne Herrera, Janet Ro binso n’s great niece
A special measure of your grace
For the friends and family of Clara Hunter, who passed
away, Patti Ad d iso n’s step mother
For expectant parents Jason & Megan Bebber; Sallie &
Robbie Williams, Rand y Canno n’s friends
For all veterans and those presently serving in the military
For our Bishop and SC Synod staff
For our enemies and for reconciliation
Prayer for Peace
God of all creation, bring your peace to all places and
hearts that hunger for it. Bring understanding and peace to
the descendants of Abraham, especially Jewish people,
Muslims and Christians, that we may live together in
harmony and work on behalf of the poor. Amen
18
18
19
20
21
21
21
22
24
Joey Hulon
Trevor Cox
Fred Allen
Leah Burns
Tom Anderson
Ashley Dinney
Emily Calvert
Amanda Niles
Erin Greenway
24
24
25
25
26
26
27
30
31
Nick Kean
Lori Fisher
Charlie Calhoun
Annabella Greene
Maren Martin
Whitney Livingston
JD Hacker
Deanna Burns
Sabrina Thomas
Christus Victor Lutheran Church, founded in 1986, is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Set
in the dynamic Harbison/Irmo area of central South Carolina, it has grown into an active lively Christian
fellowship. At the heart of our ministry is the desire to bring the light of Christ to those who live and work in the
community.
There are many opportunities for spiritual growth and nurture at Christus Victor. Our ministry programs
provide opportunities for worship, learning, service and fellowship so that all might be strengthened in faith
and might grow in Christian discipleship. If you are looking for a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ in a
lively congregational setting, we invite you to make Christus Victor your church home.
Lutherans are Christians who comprise the largest Protestant denomination in the world. As Lutheran
Christians, we believe and teach:
Jesus Christ is Lord of all life.
We are all sinners in need of God's love and grace.
We are saved by the grace of God through faith in Christ alone, apart from our works.
The Bible is the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of the church's
proclamation, faith and life.
The church is the fellowship of those who confess Jesus Christ as Lord, and is the primary
expression of God's love on earth. It is a people created by God, empowered by the Holy
Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God's creative and redeeming work in the world.
We celebrate two sacraments, Baptism and Holy Communion, as the God-given means for penetrating our lives with love
and grace.
Worship - Two worship services weekly, 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Holy Communion received at both
services each Sunday; Mid-week services during Lent; Children's sermons weekly; Children's church weekly;
Adult, and children's choirs
Learning - Sunday School for all ages; Vacation Bible School; Confirmation instruction
Fellowship - Congregational fellowship events; Groups for men, women and youth; Neighborhood shepherding
groups for care and nurture; Small groups for personal growth in faith and fellowship
Christus Victor Lutheran Church
400 Harbison Boulevard
Columbia, South Carolina 29212-1711
(803) 732-2668; website: cvlconline.com
Secretary email: [email protected]
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Irmo, SC
Permit #15