September 2014 - Christ Lutheran Church

Walks With Christ
September 2014
Christ Lutheran Church
2014 Youth Works Mission Trip
Cairo, Illinois
Newsletter Highlights
Why Church? Sermon Series . . . . . . . . . . .
Samaritan Bethany Project . . . . . . . . . . . .
Defibrillator Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
First Annual Bishop’s 5K Run/Walk for Hunger . .
Strategic Planning Information Sessions . . . . .
River of Life News/Registration . . . . . . . . . .
Confirmation News/Registration . . . . . . . . . .
Music Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
There’s An App For That! . . . . . . . . . . . . .
What is the Purpose of the Church? . . . . . . .
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Page 19-20
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A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STEVE
I hope you have had a fruitful summer enjoying the outdoors and having some time for recreational activities. Our
son Paul was married early this summer so we had a good
time connecting with our family and with Lindsey’s family as
well. Children are precious gifts from God and God entrusts
us with guiding them to meaningful lives of love and
service.
For those of you with school children at home, fall can be
chaotic as you get back into a routine. I encourage you to
be intentional about finding activities that provide oxygen
for your soul and for your children’s soul.
In previous ministry settings our family travelled a lot on
long intercontinental flights. I remember hearing quite often
the following announcement from the flight attendants.
In the event of an emergency, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen,
pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose
and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and
breathe normally. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first,
and then assist the other person.
In an emergency it seems counter intuitive as a parent to
put your own oxygen mask on before you would put your
children’s oxygen mask on. But as I think about it, it makes
sense. By putting the mask on, you are showing your
children what to do. If they see you do it, they are less likely
to resist your putting something over their mouth and nose
and it may remove the need to explain why it’s important.
So it is with good spiritual formation habits. Showing your
children the importance of listening and praising God in the
midst of all the seasons of your life will help equip them to
grow in their relationship with God and others.
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It takes a lot of energy to be a parent. I hope the church is a
place of strengthening for your family. If you have ideas on
how we could more effectively equip parents for leadership
in families please let me know.
Our Strategic Planning Task Force has completed its work
in listening to the congregation and coming up with a
document outlining priorities for strengthening our mission
as a church to the Byron community and beyond. Watch for
opportunities to be a part of more deeply engaging in our
mission of equipping all ages to lovingly serve God and
people. You can find links to the document at
www.clcbyron.org
Pastor Steve
WHY CHURCH? SERMON SERIES
Pastor Steve will begin a sermon series on “Why Church”
starting September 14th based on the Apostle Paul’s letter
to the Ephesians. You are encourage to read through the
chapters before worship each week.
September 14 – The Mission of God, Eph. 1
September 21 – By Grace Through Faith, Eph. 2
September 28 – Bringing All things Under Christ, Eph. 3
October 5 – Equipping for Service, Eph. 4
October 12 – Following Jesus at Home and Work, Eph. 5
October 19 – Prepare for Spiritual Warfare, Eph. 6
Pastor Steve
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CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY
… is extended to Jason & Katie Pierce on the death of their
6-week old son, Parker. Parker was born July 13th and never
made it home from the hospital due to medical complications.
Grandparents are Ken & Bev Stensvold.
...is extended to Wayne & Diane DePoppe on the death of
Wayne’s brother, Ray DePoppe, 94, of Ferndale, WA.
...is extended to Dennis & Del Lorain Schoenfeldt on the
stillborn death of their great-grandson, August Donald, on
August 2, 2014. August is the son on of Luke & Susan
Schoenfeldt.
...is extended to Bernie & Rosalie
Borgschatz on the death of Rosalie’s
mother, Alice Coffman, of Kasson. Alice
passed away on July 1, 2014 at the age of
94. Alice was a member of Byron United
Methodist Church.
THE POWER OF PRAYER IS AMAZING!
The following people are in need of prayer:
Members of Christ Lutheran Church:
Jessica Briske, Don Prigge, Lois Hjellming
Family, Friends and Neighbors: Susan Upmann, Barb
Johnson, Jill Dahl, Bonnie Pelz, Carol Trygstad, Matt &
Kristi Florek & Family, all Service Men and Women
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JULY MEMORIALS
In Memory of Jerry Fuchs
Mortgage Reduction
Ardys Glasrud, Howard & Bev Olson
Capital Improvement
Ruth Brooks
IHN
Bob & Jeannette Tweite
Undesignated
Wayne & Diane DePoppe
In Memory of Audrey Nelson
Mortgage Reduction
Bob & Carol Tweten
Music
Lyle & Jan Stinson, Anonymous
Bell Tower
Arnie & Gail Heller, Anonymous
Faith Chest
Anonymous
Brenda Hallaway Memorial Scholarship
Dave & Jeanne Tweite
IHN
Bob & Jeannette Tweite
Undesignated
Jim & Mary Jo Peterson
In Honor of Walt Prigge’s 80th Birthday
Oil Candelabra
Lois Hjelllming
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BOOK LOVER’S LEAGUE
The Book Lover’s League will meet on Monday, September
8th at the home of Joan Prigge, 7621 34th St NW, Byron. If
you need directions you may contact Joan at 282-8475.
All are welcome! You do not need to be present every month.
Pick a book that you may enjoy, read it and come join us.
Listed below are the books that they plan to read during the
2014/2015 school year. Please watch the newsletter and
bulletin for upcoming dates and location of meeting.
September ~ The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
October ~ The Language of Flowers, by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
November ~ Glass Castle, by Jeanette Walls
December ~ The Christmas Sweater, by Glenn Beck
January ~ Beautiful Girl, by Rachel Simon
February ~ Gap Creek, by Robert Morgan
March ~ Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes
April ~ The Storyteller, by Jodi Picoult
May ~ The Year We Left Home, by Jean Thompson
JUST OLDER YOUTH (JOY)
The Joy Group is planning a trip to Cresco, IA and would
like to invite anyone who wants to join them. It will be held
on Thursday, September 25th; leaving Christ Lutheran at
8:30am and returning around 4:30pm. We will be enjoying
the statues around Cresco, there are about 44 of them;
although, we don't have to look at every one of them. We
will eat lunch at Tell-U-Wat in Cresco. At 1:30pm we have
scheduled a tour of Bethany Housewares, which will take
about forty-five minutes. They make lefse grills and
krumkaka irons. If you want to join us, please call Ruth
Brooks at 775-2725, Dorothy Norman at 775-2950 or
Christine Kunz in the church office at 775-6646.
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MOVIE TIME
Sunday, September 14th ~ 2:00pm
The Book Thief
In 1938, the young girl Liesel Meminger is traveling by train
with her mother and her younger brother when he dies. Her
mother buries the boy in a cemetery by the tracks and
Liesel picks up a book, "The Gravediggers Handbook",
which was left on the grave of her brother and brings it with
her. Liesel is delivered to a foster family in a small town and
later she learns that her mother left her because she is a
communist. Her stepmother, Rosa Hubermann, is a rude
but caring woman and her stepfather, Hans Hubermann, is
a simple kind-hearted man. Liesel befriends her next door
neighbor, the boy Rudy Steiner, and they go together to the
school. When Hans discovers that Liesel cannot read, he
teaches her using her book and Liesel becomes an
obsessed reader. During a Nazi speech where the locals
are forced to burn books in a bonfire, Liesel recovers one
book for her and the Major's wife Ilsa Hermann witnesses
her action.
Sunday, October 12th ~ 2:00pm
War Horse
To his wife's dismay farmer Narracott buys a thoroughbred
horse rather than a plough animal, but when his teenaged
son Albert trains the horse and calls him Joey, the two
becoming inseparable. When his harvest fails, the farmer
has to sell Joey to the British cavalry and he is shipped to
France where, after a disastrous offensive he is captured by
the Germans and changes hands twice more before he is
found, caught in the barbed wire in No Man's Land four
years later and freed. He is returned behind British lines
where Albert, now a private, has been temporarily blinded
by gas, but still recognizes his beloved Joey. However, as
the Armistice is declared Joey is set to be auctioned off.
After all they have been through will Albert and Joey return
home together?
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SAMARITAN BETHANY PROJECT
Our church has adopted the 4th floor staff of Samaritan
Bethany Home on Eighth. What this means is that we
provide small appreciation gifts for the fifty staff people
who work with the residents on that floor. We have usually
timed the gifts to coincide with holidays, but any time is an
appropriate time to say ‘Thank You’.
Please contact Nancy Hoegh, at [email protected] or
at 775-7113 if you or your group are willing to help with
this endeavor. The help could range from taking a certain
holiday or month of the year and coming up with an idea,
getting the needed supplies, making the gifts, and delivering the gifts – or it could be just choosing one of the above
tasks for a particular holiday or month.
The staff is especially excited to receive notes or small gifts
made by children or teens. Please consider this project as
a service project for a River of Life class or Confirmation
mentor group.
Listed below are some ideas that CLC has done.
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Christmas ~ small plate of cookies for each staff person
Back to School ~ note of appreciation with ink pen
Valentines ~ card for staff from children of CLC
May Day ~ plastic cup decorated by ROL with flower
Thanksgiving ~ handmade credit card/id holder
Thank you, in advance, for your help.
Gratefully,
Nancy Hoegh
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BYRON FOOD SHELF
On the evening of July 23rd, two dozen adults and teens
moved the Byron Food Shelf from the Community Education Center to its new location, 610 Barbaree Lane SE, in
the office of Byron Self Storage, south of Highway 14 in
Byron. A big ‘Thank You’ to all who helped with the move,
and to Dale Reinecke, Mark Turany, and Brent Hoegh for
bringing their trucks and a trailer. With lots of hardworking
helpers, the job was completed in a couple of hours.
Martha Gehrking, who couldn’t help in the evening, cleaned
the freezer and refrigerator (until they sparkled) earlier in
the day.
The Byron Food Shelf is open two Tuesdays each month.
Volunteers from our church staff the food shelf when it is
open from 1:30pm to 4:30pm on the last Tuesday of each
month. We try to have two volunteers for each 1 ½ hour
shift, and could use a few more volunteers to call on.
Duties include registering and helping the customers,
‘stocking the shelves, and keeping the food shelf neat and
clean. Please contact Nancy Hoegh at 775-7113 or at
[email protected] if you are interested in volunteering.
ONLINE GIVING – NEW AND EASY PROCESS!
It is encouraging to see both new and familiar faces at
our worship services. Throughout the year, many of you
already support the congregation with your time, talent and
financial contributions; although, greater participation is
always welcome. We encourage you to look into our new
electronic giving online program.
To manage your online electronic giving please visit the
church website at www.clcbyron.org and look for the ‘Online
Giving’ icon with hands. Options include EFT, debit and
credit cards.
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DEFIBRILLATOR UPDATE
During our annual meeting in January,
an idea was brought forward to get an
automated external defibrillator (AED)
for the church. The council has done
some research and surveying and has
decided to purchase a Philips Heart
Start Onsite defibrillator at the end of
September. They need your help to cover the cost since
this was not something that was included in the original
budget. The cost of the package is $1,100 and will include
the defibrillator, a wall cabinet, projection wall sign, user
manual, adult & pediatric SMART pads, battery pack,
reference card and an 8 year warranty. The council feels
this is a good investment and a good price. Donations will
be accepted now thru September in hopes to have enough
to make the purchase at the end of September. Look for
the poster in the narthex and the special envelopes clearly
marked AED to make your donations. You may also leave
your donation in the offering plate – just be sure to indicate
that it is for the defibrillator (AED).
Together, we can get this done! Contact Candee Ostreng
at 775-2055 or [email protected] if you have any
questions or concerns.
OFFERING ENVELOPES
Please complete the information on your offering envelope.
Write the amount and the check number or mark the box if
it is cash. Doing this helps the money counters a lot! If
you have any questions or concerns please call the church
office and talk to Christine. Thank you!
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GARDEN PRODUCE PROJECT, WIN-WIN OPPORTUNITY!
The Evangelism Committee is seeking donations for its
ongoing Garden Produce Project of making fresh fruits,
vegetables and flowers available for our congregation while
also raising money for the Channel One Food Bank. We ask
that you bring your donated produce to the Welcome Center
table on Sunday mornings where it will then be offered for
‘sale’ with a ‘free-will offering’. We appreciate the gardeners
who have shared their bounty of rhubarb, asparagus, lettuce,
green beans and other produce. Thank you for all of your
contributions which enables Christ Lutheran to be a ‘Byron
Good Neighbor’ to others in need in our community. If you
have any questions, please contact Christine at the church
office at 775-6646 or Nancy Nehring at 775-6857. Again,
thank you for your support!
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
The deadline for the October Newsletter is 12 noon on
September 17th. Please email your article to Christine at
[email protected]
Thank you to those who are prompt with their articles. This
help me very much and is truly appreciated!
JULY ATTENDANCE
Worship
1st Sunday
2nd Sunday
3rd Sunday
4th Sunday
Total Atten.
Avg. Sun. Atten.
2014
130
142
137
132
541
135
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2013
141
145
126
149
561
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BISHOP’S 5K RUN/WALK
Dear Partners in Ministry,
You are invited you to participate in the First
Annual “Bishop’s 5K: Run/Walk to Alleviate
Hunger.” Across SE Minnesota and throughout
our state, thousands of people wonder when
their next meal will come.
Who is struggling with hunger?
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1 in 10 Minnesotans run out of food resources before
the end of the month
35% of households seeking food assistance have at
least one employed adult
The food insecurity rate in Minnesota is 11.4%
1 in 6 Minnesota children are at risk for hunger
100,000 people are assisted each year through
programs from Channel One
40% of the members of households served by Channel
One are under the age of 18
We can make a difference! Move Together to “Finish
Hunger.” As a healthy leader, I am passionate about faith,
fitness and ensuring enough food for all.
The Bishop’s 5K is a 3.1 mile run or 1 mile walk open to the
first 250 participants. The event will take place on Saturday,
September 20th at 9:00am at Soldier’s Field in Rochester .
Registration is required. Forms can be found on the kiosk
OR go to the synod website for information and registration
at www.semnsynod.org
Together, we can all alleviate hunger! Move Together:
Finish Hunger!
Let us run the race with perseverance,
Bishop Delzer
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2014-2017 STRATEGIC PLAN INFORMATION SESSIONS
A draft of CLC’s 2014-2017 Strategic Plan has been written
and now it’s time to seek the input of the congregation.
I want to say a special ‘thank you’ to the members of the
Strategic Planning Task Force – Marley Ayres, Martha
Gehrking, Dennis Hanson, Tina Jordahl, Jeremy Zabel and
Pastor Steve Rheingans, for the investment of their time in
this process.
In putting this plan together, the members of our Task Force
have spent the last six months on the following:
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praying for wisdom and guidance
conducting research on trends in religion and within the
ELCA
visiting area churches and talking with other Pastors
reviewing Strategic Plans of other churches
conducting discussion groups with members of CLC
reviewing the growth plans for the City of Byron
seeking input from the SE MN ELCA Synod
We are excited and ready to share the work that has been
done with all of you! In this Newsletter is the current draft of
Christ Lutheran’s 2014-2017 Strategic Plan. By September
1st, the document will also be available for viewing on the
Christ Lutheran website under the ‘About’ tab. Please take
some time to review the document and then plan to attend
one of the two sessions in the Fellowship Hall where members of the Task Force and Council will entertain discussion
and input before finalizing the document.
Strategic Plan Information Sessions:
Date: Sunday, September 14th & Sunday, September 28th
Time: 10:00am (following morning Worship)
Place: Fellowship Hall
Julie Hedlund, Strategic Planning Chair
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RIVER OF LIFE
Rally Sunday is September 7th and marks the beginning of
a new year of Christian education for ages 3 through adult.
Sunday school will be from 10:00-11:00am, following the
worship service. Christian education will again be taught
using the “Faith Weaver” curriculum through Group
Publishing for children age 3– 5th grade. The 6th grade
class will be learning pre-confirmation curriculum covering
“The Lord’s Prayer” and the Ten Commandments. Adult
education will enjoy guest speakers on a variety of topics.
Come one, come all to learn more about Jesus!
Please register your child for ROL so that the teachers have
contact information in case your child becomes ill.
Also, please remember:
Grants are available to cover fees, contact Pr. Steve or
Christine Kunz in the church office at 775-6646. Please
do not let the cost keep your child from attending
Christian education.
September 7th – Rally Sunday
October 12th – 3rd Grade Bible Presentation
November 2nd – 5th Grade First Communion
December 14th – Children’s Christmas Program
Again this year, the September through December Sunday
School offering will be donated to the Byron Food Shelf.
The January through May Sunday School offering will be
donated to missionaries Matt and Kristi Florek who are
serving people in Ethiopia. Kristi is a former member of
CLC.
~ Kaia Long, Coordinator
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2014/2015 RIVER OF LIFE REGISTRATION
(one form per child please)
Fee: $15 per child by 9/1/14; $30 max. per family
$20 per child 9/2/14 and later; $40 max. per family
Grants are available to cover fees, contact Pr. Steve or
Christine in the church office at 775-6646. Please do not let
the cost keep your child from attending Christian education.
Child’s Information:
_________________________________________________________
First
Middle
Last
________________ _________________
Yes
Grade: P3, P4, K, 1—6
CLC Members (circle one)
Date of Birth
No
Please list any allergies or anything that we should be aware of:
________________________________________________________
Contact Information:
________________________________________________________
Parent(s) First & Last Name
________________________________________________________
Address
______________________________________________
Cell Phone Mom
Cell Phone Dad
________________________________________________________
Landline (write n/a if do not use land line )
Work Phone (mom or dad)_
_______________________________________________
Home Email (mom or dad or list both)
_______________________________________________
Work Email (mom or dad or list both)
Please make checks payable to: Christ Lutheran Church
For office use only:
Date________ $ _________Check # __________ or Cash ____
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CONFIRMATION
The full calendar for the year is being finalized and will be
available at the orientation meeting. Please use the
registration form on page 17 to register your youth for the
program by September 1st. Note: 2nd year students need
to register again for the 2014-2015 year.
Here are some significant dates to keep in mind:
Wed. Sept. 3 – 6:30–7:30pm , Mentor Orientation
Wed. Sept. 10 – 7:00–8:00pm, Parent/student Orientation
Wed. Sept. 17 – 7:00–8:15pm, First Regular Class
Sat. Sept. 27 – 8:00–4:30pm, Year I Retreat at Eagle Bluff
Mentors still needed!
Our youth need you to guide them on their faith journey.
Consider becoming a mentor and establish a relationship
that lasts a lifetime. Mentor orientation will be Wednesday,
September 3rd from 6:30-7:30pm at the church. Contact
Tim Meek at 244-1499 to volunteer or to ask any questions.
~ Tim Meek, Coordinator
CARVE YOUR NAME ON HEARTS
A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved
you and were helped by you will remember you when the
forget-me-nots are withered. Carve your name on hearts,
not only on marble.
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2014/2015 CONFIRMATION REGISTRATION
______ Confirmation I (1st year of instruction)
or
______ Confirmation II (2nd year of instruction)
Fee
On or Before 9/1/2014
$30 per child
On or After 9/2/14
$40 per child
Grants are available to cover fees, contact Pr. Steve or
Christine in the church office at 775-6646. Please do not let
the cost keep your child from attending Christian education.
Name ______________________________________________
First
Middle
Last
Address _____________________________________________
City _________________ Parents _______________________
Birthday _________________ Baptism Date ________________
School Grade ______ School Name ______________________
Landline ____________________ Member of CLC? Yes or No
(Write n/a if do not use a landline)
Mom’s Cellular _______________________________________
Dad’s Cellular ________________________________________
Mom’s Email _________________________________________
(indicate home or work, or list both)
Dad’s Email _________________________________________
(indicate home or work, or list both)
Please list any health concerns that we should be aware of?
____________________________________________________
Please make checks payable to: Christ Lutheran Church
For office use only:
Date________ $ _________Check # __________ or Cash ____
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Thank you for the many cards and for remembering me in
prayer after my accident and shoulder surgery. I have been
truly blessed by God.
~Sincerely, Twylah Larson
Dear Church,
Thank you for helping to send me to camp! I have so much
fun every year. There are so many fun things to do and it is
a great experience.
~Sincerely, Allison More (8th grade)
Dear Church,
Thanks for giving me money to go to camp. I liked everything.
~From, Ethan More (3rd grade)
Dear Church,
Thank you for helping me get money to go to Camp Victory.
My favorite part was the rock wall.
~Love, Abby More (3rd grade)
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you, as part
of the family of faith at CLC, for your prayers and help as
we moved our belongings to our new address at Brookmoor
Townhomes, 611 3rd Ave NW, Byron. God bless you all
and thanks again.
~Mary Jo & Jim Peterson
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YOUTH COMMITTEE
On July 27th, 14 youth and 3 chaperones traveled 600
miles to Cairo, Illinois for a Youth Works mission trip. They
shared their faith with the community, helped at kids club,
and painted a house. Special thanks to Brian and Denise
Hovelson of our church and to Steve Nelson from Byron
United Methodist Church for volunteering their time to
chaperone.
The Mission Shareholders Spaghetti Dinner was held on
Sunday, August 10th at CLC. About fifty people attended
and Denise Hovelson prepared a slide show. The mission
trip youth shared stories of the trip. It was a great evening
of fellowship, fun and friendship. Please consider attending
next year, by being a Mission Trip Shareholder. Being a
shareholder is a great way to see our amazing youth serve
Christ in a community totally out of their comfort zone.
Thank you to all our Mission Shareholders! Also, thanks to
all that helped prepare and clean up after the dinner.
Tami Schneider
Youth Committee Chair
CORNERSTONE
If you are in 7th–12th grade and are interested in joining
Cornerstone, the CLC youth praise band, come join us for
pizza and pop on Sunday, September 7th at 6:00pm.
Following pizza there will be a short Cornerstone meeting.
Stop in, enjoy some pizza and see what we are all about!
Carl Fugleberg, Cornerstone Director
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CALLING ALL SINGERS & RINGERS!
Have you been singing the old gospel songs in the shower?
Have you been practicing your bell techniques with some
kitchen spoons? Well, your time has come – we NEED
you in the adult choirs that are starting on Wednesday,
September 3rd! By now, you have probably signed up your
children in all kinds of enrichments, so now it’s your turn to
use your talents to the glory of God. You can get as
involved in our choirs as your time permits.
JuBELLance is our adult hand bell choir which meets from
6:00–7:00pm on Wednesdays. We generally play once a
month during the offering at worship. We always have lots
of fun and fellowship as we’re learning our anthems and
we’re excited because through some generous donations
we have ordered our 4th octave of hand bells; so we’re
looking for more ringers. Now’s the time to get involved!
Chancel Choir is our adult choir which meets from
7:00-8:00pm on Wednesdays. We generally sing during
worship two to three times a month. We also have lots of
fun, especially the back row of men, and fellowship as we’re
learning our parts during practice. If you enjoy singing you
are very qualified to join our choir! We’ll also be starting to
work on a Christmas cantata in October if you’re only interested in a short term commitment. We’ll perform it at the
Sunday worship service on December 21st.
For more information on either choir or hand bells, please
email MarJean Damerval at [email protected] or just
show up on Wednesday, September 3rd to get a schedule
for the year and to get started! Music helps enhance everyone’s worship of our Lord and the singers and ringers will
tell you that they get the most fulfillment out of using their
musical skills to express their faith. Please prayerfully
consider joining us this year! May God bless us as we live
our faith through music.
MarJean Damerval, Choir & Hand Bell Director
20
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT!
These days, there’s a smartphone app for just about everything. But what about spiritual concerns? Where can you turn?
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Depressed? Try the joy app. Read Isaiah 51:11.
Tired? Try the renewal app. Read Isaiah 40:30-31.
Unsettled? Try the peace app. Read Philippians 4:7.
Unloved? Try the love app. Read Romans 8:38-39
Worried? Try the refuge app. Read Psalm 46:1.
Fearful? Try the power app. Read 2 Timothy 1:7.
Guilty? Try the forgiveness app. Read Colossians 1:13-14
Praying? Try the prayer app. Read 1 John 5:14-15.
The Scriptures are God’s storehouse of meaningful applications for what we face every day. Think of the Bible as the
iTunes Store of spiritual apps. Best of all, everything’s free!
BIBLE QUIZ
According to Luke, how many disciples did Jesus send out
two by two ahead of him to the various towns he planned to
visit?
A. 12
B. 70 or 72 (ancient manuscripts vary)
C. 490 (70 times 7)
D. 144 (12 times 12)
Answer: B (See Luke 10:1)
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WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CHURCH?
What is the purpose of the church? The following is from
the ELCA Model Constitution for congregations….. The
Church is a people created by God in Christ, empowered
by the Holy Spirit, called and sent to bear witness to God’s
creative, redeeming, and sanctifying activity in the world.
To participate in God’s mission, this congregation as a part
of the Church shall:
· Worship God in proclamation of the Word and administration of the sacraments and through lives of prayer,
praise, thanksgiving, witness, and service.
· Proclaim God’s saving Gospel of justification by grace
for Christ’s sake through faith alone, according to the
apostolic witness in the Holy Scripture, preserving and
transmitting the Gospel faithfully to future generations.
· Carry out Christ’s Great Commission by reaching out to
all people to bring them to faith in Christ and by doing all
ministry with a global awareness consistent with the
· understanding of God as Creator, Redeemer, and
Sanctifier of all.
· Serve in response to God’s love to meet human needs,
caring for the sick and the aged, advocating dignity and
justice for all people, working for peace and reconciliation among the nations, and standing with the poor and
powerless, and committing itself to their needs.
· Nurture its members in the Word of God so as to grow
in faith and hope and love, to see daily life as the primary setting for the exercise of their Christian calling, and
to use the gifts of the Spirit for their life together and for
their calling in the world.
· Manifest the unity given to the people of God by living
together in the love of Christ and by joining with other
Christians in prayer and action to express and preserve
the unity which the Spirit gives.
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To fulfill these purposes, this congregation shall:
· Provide services of worship at which the Word of God
is preached and the sacraments are administered.
· Provide pastoral care and assist all members to
participate in this ministry.
· Challenge, equip, and support all members in carrying
out their calling in their daily lives and in their
congregation.
· Teach the Word of God.
· Witness to the reconciling Word of God in Christ,
reaching out to all people.
· Respond to human need, work for justice and peace,
care for the sick and the suffering, and participate
responsibly in society.
Pastor Steve Rheingans
AN ANCIENT STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
Some Christians actively avoid church on Stewardship
Sunday because giving is a private matter “between me and
God.” New pastors are even sometimes advised never to
preach about money, lest certain people get riled up. Yet
Jesus talks frequently in the Gospels about giving and
sharing our material goods — and he wasn’t the first in
Scripture to do so.
A thousand years before Christ’s birth, King David prepared
to hand over the kingdom to his son, gathering tons of gold,
silver and other materials for Solomon to use in building the
temple. Revealing his take on stewardship, David prayed:
“But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be
able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from
you, and we have given you only what comes from your
hand.”
1 Chronicles 29:14, NIV
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BYRON NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS
Senior Citizens: With over 50 million Americans aged 62
and older, older adults are prime targets for financial
exploitation both by persons they know and trust and by
strangers. Awareness and prevention is the first step to
stopping this abuse. Money Smart for Older Adults is
designed to provide seniors and their caregivers with
information and tips to help prevent common frauds, scams,
and other types of elder financial exploitation in their
community. The Byron Community Education will be giving
a Money Smart for Older Adults class on October 22nd at
the Byron City Hall from 1:00-3:30pm. Further details will
be in the CLC October newsletter as well as in the Byron
Community Education brochure.
YOUNG WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY GROUP
Fall is here and it’s time for the Young Women’s Bible
Study to begin meeting weekly. Mark your calendars for
the first session on Wednesday, September 17th, 10:0011:00am. Nursery care and children’s activities are provided. For more information contact Leah Hoegh at 398-2691
or [email protected]
NEW MEMBERS JOINING
If you or someone you know would like to join our church
family, please contact Pastor Steve or Christine at 775-6646.
New Members may join the church anytime during the year.
We host a New Member Recognition two times per year;
new members are recognized at this service.
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MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FLOREKS
“This summer has been a busy one for our family! We
started off with two college visitors who spent a month with
us to experience life and serving overseas. Between
helping with homeschool, praying for patients in the clinic,
learning about tropical medicine, and serving our family in
many ways, the girls were busy! At the end of June we
traveled to Minnesota for Matt’s dad’s wedding and had an
amazing month visiting our families. We soaked in time
with them and made lots of memories. It was so hard to
say goodbye. We then returned to Ethiopia at the end of
July with another college visitor who will be going to
medical school next year. Through many conversations
with our summer visitors and our family back home, we
realize how much we have yet to learn about living in the
midst of another culture and serving God in a difficult
place. We are looking at our roles in the clinic and
community and thinking about how we can bring Jesus’
truth and transformation while meeting physical
needs. Please join us in prayer for this!”
Matt, Kristi, Charlotte and Mercy Florek
SIM
PO Box 127
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN)
Our next host week is October 5th–12th and is our last host
week for this year. It is always more of challenge during the
school year for our guests with different schools that the
children need to go to. Our drivers have to be very flexible.
Sometimes we drop people off at three different schools before going to the day center. It may seem that recently we
have had only one or two families staying with us but currently the host sites have had four families to assist.
Upcoming training sessions for new volunteers are listed
below.
September 18th—6:30pm Pine Island United Methodist
September 21st–12:30pm Pax Christi Catholic
September 23rd–6:30pm Zumbro Lutheran
November 9th–12:00pm Mount Olive Lutheran
Please talk to any of the coordinators with question as to
how you can help support this program at CLC.
~Bob & Karen Brekke
CLC IHN Coordinators:
Bob & Karen Brekke
Jim Peterson
Elaine Meek
Dorothy Norman
Hertha Lange
775-6339
775-6128
775-2061
775-2950
775-6726
Overall Coordinators
Driver Coordinator
Meal Coordinator
Overnight Coordinator
Overnight Coordinator
First Day of Autumn
September 23, 2014
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THE JOY OF TEACHING
WHAT AN AWESOME JOB I’VE GOT,
TO NURTURE THESE DEAR PRECIOUS TOTS
AND HELP THEM KNOW THEIR LIVES WERE BOUGHT
JESUS GAVE HIS BLOOD AND SOUGHT
TO SAVE THE SOUL OF EVERY TOT.
WHEN
WHAT AN AWESOME JOB I’VE GOT,
TO SHARE THE GOSPEL WITH THESE TOTS
AND PLANT IN THEM WITH EVERY THOUGHT
JESUS BROUGHT
TO SAVE THE SOUL OF EVERY TOT.
THE PRIZE OF HEAVEN
WHAT AN AWESOME JOB I’VE GOT,
TO TEACH AGAINST THE DEVIL’S PLOT
AND AMPLIFY WHAT JESUS TAUGHT
AND GLORIFY WHAT GOD HAS WROUGHT
TO SAVE THE SOUL OF EVERY TOT!
~MARYANN SUNDBY
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DONATION OPPORTUNITIES
MILK MOOLA ~ This program gives organizations an easy
way to earn cash! Simply save the caps and bag tops from
specially marked Milk Moola products. KWIK Trip, Inc. will
give us 5¢ for each cap and bag top we redeem and 10¢ for
each Glazers price oval from Glazers dozen or half-dozen
boxes of donuts that we redeem. Go to milkmoola.com, to
‘Frequently asked Questions’ for a complete list of eligible
products. It’s that easy ~ start saving today! A black and
white milk can is in the office for your caps and bag tops.
This project supports the youth of our congregation.
ALUMINUM CANS ~ The Youth Group is collecting aluminum
cans which can be put in the small storage shed next to the
garage. It is helpful to have your can crushed. The profits
will go to the youth account to help with leadership development and sponsored youth activities.
CHANNEL ONE ~ There is a barrel in the narthex for nonperishable food items. Cash donation are accepted and
can be used to purchase more food than a donation itself.
Channel One supports our local food shelf in Byron. Please,
do not place expired foods in the barrel.
POP T OPS FOR THE RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ~ There is a
wooden ‘Ronald McDonald House’ collection in the office
for your pop tops.
PRINTER CARTRIDGES ~ Please save all your used printer
cartridges and bring them to the church office. We receive
cash from Staples for recycling them. All money received
helps reduce the cost of office supplies used at the church.
CAMPBELL SOUP L ABELS & BOX T OPS FOR SCHOOLS ~
Please bring to the church office and they will be given to a
collection site.
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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES ~ AUGUST 20, 2014
Present: Mark Turany, Julie Hedlund, Lori More, Rebecca
Ostreng, Candace Ostreng, Jim Gronvold, Lee Jacobson,
LeAnn Bieber, Brent Hoegh, Joe Biewer, Anders Long &
Pr. Steve Rheingans
Absent: Linda Danielski
Meeting was called to order by Mark Turany at 6:32pm.
Devotion and Prayer was lead by Lori More.
Approval of Agenda – A motion was made by LeAnn
Bieber. Seconded by Lee Jacobson. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes – A motion was made to approve the
July 22, 2014 minutes by Candace Ostreng. Seconded by
Lori More. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report – July was an okay month. Income
remains ahead of last year but expenses are still higher
than last year. Income exceeds expenses for the year.
Year-to-date income is approximately $11,009 above last
year but approximately $12,852 below budget.
Year-to-date expenses are approximately $8,890 above last
year and approximately $14,478 below budget.
Year to date income minus expenses is $590.
Lesson/Teaching – Pastor Steve shared with the
Council the Statement of Purpose from the ELCA Model
Constitution. There was discussion about how closely it
mirrors what is outlined in the Strategic Plan.
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Defibrillator update – Candace has identified the Philips
HeartStart On-Site AED defibrillator as the one we will
purchase. A poster will be created for educating the
congregation and will be on display in the Narthex starting
this Sunday. A special offering will be collected to raise
$1,100 to purchase the defibrillator the end of September.
Front of Church Flooring – Pastor Steve suggested that it
might be a good time to start thinking about the new flooring
for the front of the sanctuary. A reminder will be put in the
bulletin and next newsletter to remind the congregation that
they can give to the Memorial Fund for this project. Mark
will connect with the Chair of the Flooring Committee to
update the bid so when the money is available we can
proceed with completing the project.
Boy Scouts – Cub Scout leaders for Pack 42 have come to
Pastor Steve asking if they could use our 501C3 tax-exempt
ID number to apply for a grant for a new Pinewood Derby
track. CLC is the Pack’s sponsor. Council has no objections to the Pack using the tax-exempt number for this
project only.
Strategic Planning – Julie Hedlund provided the Council
with an overview of the Strategic Plan document created by
the Strategic Planning Task Force. A motion was made to
approve the Strategic Plan by Brent Hoegh. The motion
was seconded by Joe Biewer.
Anders Long made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jim
Gronvold seconded the motion. Motion carried. Meeting
was adjourned at 8:25pm.
The next meeting will be Tuesday, September 16, 2014 at
6:30pm. Joe Biewer will have devotional.
Respectfully submitted by: Julie Hedlund, Council Secretary
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ONLINE COMMITTEE REPORTS
If you are interested in viewing committee reports you can
locate them on the church website at www.byron.org
Click on the tab “About” then Leadership then View
Committee Minutes.
Monday – Thursday ~ 8:30am – 4:30pm
Friday ~ Closed
Starting Wednesday, September 10th, Christine will be in
the office until 8:00pm, when Confirmation meets.
CLC STAFF
Pr. Steve Rheingans
Pr. Jack Friedli
Christine Kunz
Jane Cabaya
MarJean Damerval
Carl Fugleberg
Stephanie Fugleberg
Rose & Dave Gottschalk
Senior Pastor
Pastoral Assistant
Administrator
Organist
Choir & Handbell Director
Youth Band Director
Youth Chime Director
Custodians
CONTACT INFORMATION
Church Office
Church Fax
Web Site
Pastor Email
Office Email
(507) 775-6646
(507) 775-2627
clcbyron.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
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32
River of Life Registration (see page 15)
Confirmation Registration (see page 17)
September 7, 2014
Following the 9:00am Worship Service
(see page 14)
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH
201 FRONTAGE ROAD NW
BYRON, MN 55920
[email protected]
www.clcbyron.org
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
PERMIT NUMBER 17
NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
BYRON, MINNESOTA