News and Announcements
Christ Lutheran Church Eagan Minnesota
July 31st, 2016
VERSE of the Week:
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.” (Colossians 3:1) Possessed by possessions? A man went off to see a rumored saint. He went in quest of “spiritual life.” After an hour closeted with the saint, he emerged in a fury. “I wanted heavenly things,” he complained, “and he asked about my check stubs.” Today’s Scripture lessons remind us that spiritual life – and actually a satisfying earthly life – is not to be found in our possessions. In the Old Testament Reading (Eccles. 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-26), the Preacher (traditionally identified as Solomon) points out the vanity of striving after the things of this life. In the Epistle (Col. 3:1-11) St. Paul urges us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” The Gospel (Luke 12:13-21) records Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool, the farmer who congratulated himself, “Soul you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” These lessons call into question so much of that to which our culture encourages us to dedicate our lives. But when old age creeps up, when we stand at the sickbed or graveside of a loved one, when we ponder the tragedy, violence, and destruction in our world, we are compelled to ask: “What is it all for? Is this all there is?” “The Preacher” points out the folly of work without calling (a sense of the life God has called us to), the folly of possessions without stewardship (an awareness of God’s call to use our gifts and possessions to His glory and honor). Paul warns us that focus on things leads to five sins of the heart (see Col. 3:5) and five sins related to a broken relationship with others (see Col. 3:8). Jesus reminds us that we cannot force God to be pleased with us by gathering evidence of His pleasure into “larger barns.”
The full life, which even includes enjoying God’s bounty, lies in being buried with Christ and raised with Him in Holy Baptism. The life of faith is one of living up to one’s baptism. True life is not determined by barns but by living “in Christ.” – Pastor Heggen
Announcements HELP WANTED: We are looking for a part time office secretary to complete administrative duties at Christ Lutheran Church. We anticipate the position will include daily duties from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday, though we are open to negotiating the position days/hours. The office Secretary should have good computer skills, be able to complete multiple assignments and have a pleasant demeanor. A good background in word processing and PowerPoint is needed to be successful in this position. The compensation is $15 per hour. If you are interested in this position, please contact Pastor Hahn. 2016 Sunday school registration: Sunday school registration forms for this year are located on the bulletin board next to the fellowship hall. The first day of Sunday school will be September 11th, 2016. Preschool Registration: for the 2016-2017 academic year is open, for returning families and families of Christ Lutheran Church. Please see the Church website for a description and cost of the classes.
“Lead Like JESUS BIBLE Study UPDATES” are available every other week on the church website. Pastor will post a brief synopsis of the lesson for anyone who could not attend. The updates are located under the Adult Education link within the Worship tab on the website navigation bar. The Human Care Board is sponsoring a food drive during the month of July. The food will be distributed through the open door pantry in Eagan. With summer upon on there is an increased need for food as children are home from school. Please find the list of items needed on the narthex table outside the church office. If you have any questions, please contact Carol Larson at 651797-4493. Thank you for your support!
Upcoming Meetings and Events The "Lead Like Jesus" study will continue on Sunday, June 26th with a repeat of lesson 3. Through this study we will hopefully experience Jesus in a new and different way, as we grow to trust and follow Him, as we seek to come together and lead others to the Cross. To provide some flexibility to your summer schedule the 1st and 2nd Sundays of each month will be the same lesson, as well as the 3rd and 4th Sundays. Both May and July have a 5th Sunday on which there will just be fellowship time together as a church family. It is my prayer and desire that "Lead Like Jesus" will be the beginning of a new and exciting chapter in our journey to becoming effective servant leaders as we gather together to be fed and strengthened through God's Word and teachings. Join Us on Sunday July 31st: Following the service on July 31st there will be two special presentations with a light meal. Ellen, Christopher, and Matho will be sharing their experiences at the National Youth Gathering in New Orleans and Hannah Hartog will be sharing her experiences from her mission trip in Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian Goulash and Pecan Pie will be
served. These four are excited to share their experiences with the congregation and we hope to see you all there! Community Blood Drive: On Thursday, September 8th Christ Lutheran Church will be sponsoring a Red Cross blood drive from 12:00-5:00 pm. To schedule appointments please call 1800-REDCROSS (800-733-2767) or register online at www.redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor code: Christ Luth Church.
Get Involved Constitution and By-Laws Committee: The Church Council is seeking volunteers to be part of a committee to examine and propose changes to the Constitution and ByLaws. This informal group will report to the Church Council recommendations for changes to both the Constitution and the By-Laws. After Church Council consideration, the changes recommended may proceed through the approval process as outlined in the Constitution and By-Laws. If you would like to participate on the committee or have suggestions, please contact Kelly Callahan or let Pastor Hahn know. Sunday School Teachers: If anyone is interested in teaching Sunday school for the upcoming year please let Michele Lukanen or Janell Bachrodt know.
By the numbers
Our Gifts to the Lord July 24, 2016 General Fund July 18-July 22, 2016 Joyful Response* Total Weekly Need
Attendance
$4,252.50 Saturday July 23, 5:00pm $595.00 $686 Sunday July 24 9:00am $4,847.50 Sunday July 3, 2:00pm $6,935.00 Total
20 93 N/A 113
Have a little fun Trivia 1. How many people were saved on the ark? a. 4 b. 2 c. 8 d. 6 2. What was Jacob’s eldest son called?
a. Rueben b. Judah c. Joseph d. Asher 3. In which book of the bible do we read about Haman? a. Judges b. Ezra, c. Esther d. Acts
4. Who wrote the first 5 books of the Old Testament? a. Noah b. Abraham c. Adam d. Moses 5. Who was turned into a pillar of salt? a. Lot’s wife b. Ishmael’s wife c. Noah’s wife d. Moses’ wife
For Those Viewing Online: Christian Games for all ages http://christgaming.com/play-games/ Trivia Answers 1. C, 2. A, 3. C, 4. D, 5. A.