CHRIST’S MESSENGER Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool, Eagan, MN Church and Preschool
Staff Rev. David Hahn Senior Pastor
Rev. Michael Heggen Visitation Pastor
Alex Mezeritski Director of Music
Michele Lukanen Director of Preschool
Julia Bonewell Preschool Teacher
Judy Kaner Preschool Aide
Rhoda Houge Church Secretary
Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool 1930 Diffley Road Eagan, MN 55122 Church: 651-454-4091 christlutheraneagan@outlook.com www.christlutheraneagan.org Christ Lutheran Church is a congregation of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod
Christ Lutheran Church is a growing body of believers in Jesus Christ, sharing the love, word, and grace of God with our family, community, and world.
February, 2017
FROM THE PASTOR by Pastor Hahn
"Be Doers of the Word!" "Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." (James 1:21-27 I have been spending a great deal of time in the Book of James these past few weeks. James is also the topic of the Tuesday Morning Bible Study at Eagan Point Senior Living Center. James uses many word pictures and illustrations to show us the necessity of putting the Word of God into our life, in how we feel and how we are, and then allow it to transform us into how we treat others. James is telling us in order to be a "doer of the Word," which means to put into practice the teachings of our Lord, we have to rid ourselves of the rotten filth in our lives. That is, the evil in us (sin) must go before we can sincerely be humble and obedient to the Lord and grow in Him. Just listening to the Word and then doing nothing with it is total foolishness. It conveys the stupendous ignorance of our mindsets. We often miss out on what God has for us and replacing it with foolishness. We are often disloyal to God, throwing out prime opportunities, and wasting what He gives us. The solution to the problem of evil and willful disobedience, and a meaningless life is His Word. We must be willing to let God's Word affect us deeply, our achievements and purposes, because of who He is and what He is doing in us! When we are receiving His message, we are more likely to obey Him and live a life of Christian distinction and purpose, and to give God the glory. God's Word is the powerhouse and platform for our salvation. His Word conveys His Truth and precepts for living and doing the Christian life. Yet, it can easily be thwarted simply by our refusal to acknowledge Him as LORD, and allowing our human waste of sin to be in the way of His Way! James uses the illustration that looking in a mirror and then forgetting what we look like is foolish, as is reading the Bible and not doing anything about what it says. James is telling us that an effort and determination is needed to apply the precepts of our Lord into a life that is Christian. The word "Christian" means more than just a professing belief; it means following Christ; it means being like Christ, manifesting His qualities which are demonstrated, when we are like Christ, by our obedience and what we do.
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
FROM THE PASTOR, continued What good is faith if we do nothing with it? God's Word gives us our reason in life. Who am I? What am I here for? What is the meaning of life? It is all wrapped up in who we are in Christ, and our allowing Him to empower us. God calls us to put our faith in action; we do this by listening to Him and then doing what He says. When we hear the Word of God, the proof that it is working will be that it affects and impacts us and we are able to make a response to it. The concept, Do what it says, is essential for our growth as well as our societal influence and betterment. God's Word sets us free; it does not bind us to traditions and meaningless rhetoric; it liberates us into joy and contentment; it brings out our best and gives us purpose and real, authentic meaning. Our words reflect what is in our heart as do our actions. Serving the needy is our character and maturity in action. God's Word is the seed that is implanted in us to grow our faith and make our life impacting and worthwhile. His Word cannot be planted in our hearts when all the room is taken up by our pride and personal, evil agendas! God's Word must be an active participant in us; His words must transcend our soul and will so that they take root in us in a deep and personal way so all we do will be the result of what God has implanted in us. We are not called to be prefect all of the time. We still have His forgiveness when we mess up, but we are called to put forth an effort and have a caring heart in whatever we do, we must do it with excellence for His glory. Listening is extremely important, but just listening and doing nothing is useless! God's Word will lead to godly action when it is received by a person who is rooted in Christ, whose life has been transformed. Thus, the Bible must be read, it must be adhered to, it must impact us. Then, a visible and viable result will occur as our faith development increases, and our purpose is set with a life that is worth living and that leads others to Him. So I encourage you, brothers and sisters of Christ Lutheran Church, to get out your Bibles and read through the Book of James. Let God's Word speak to you as we focus upon our mission to be a "... growing body of believers in Jesus Christ, sharing the love, Word, and grace of God with our family, community and the world." Pastor Hahn Pastor Hahn, Dick Bielenberg, and Dennis Miller will be attending the Best Practices for the Ministry Conference at Christ Lutheran Church in Phoenix, AZ, February 22-26. This is a conference for church leaders that is Bible-Based, Gospel-Centered, Mission-Driven & Future-Oriented. There will be many speakers about how God wants us to live on mission with Him. Please keep Pastor Hahn, Dick, and Dennis in your prayers that they may benefit greatly from this conference and bring what they learn back to the members of Christ!
Eagan Pointe Bible Study and Worship Every Tuesday morning at 9am Pastor Hahn leads a Bible Study at the Eagan Point Senior Living Center. This study is open to all CLC members and all residents of the EPSLC. Please come and joins us for the Bible Study, fellowship, and free coffee. (Currently there are 16 people actively involved in this study.) On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month a Worship Service, led by Pastor Hahn, is held at the Eagan Pointe Senior Living. It begins at 10am on the 2nd floor in the activity room. Anyone is welcome to worship with us.
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
Huzzah! Huzzah! We of the church of Christ Lutheran of 1930 Diffley Road in Eagan do hereby request thine presence at the gathering of a "Mid-Winters Renaissance Concert and Faire." The festivities shalt entail live music, food, games, crafts and entertainment. Costumes be-est permitted, but must be-est modest in appearance. The faire wilt commence in the fine month of February, on Sunday the 12th day of our Lord from the hours of 2 - 5pm. Thine givings, much appreciated, wilt supplement the organ/sanctuary fund. Tickets will be available for pre-sale after church services. $20 packages will include 3 free tickets for games. Tickets will also be available during the event.
The New Flower Chart for 2017 has been posted on the bulletin board. Be sure to sign up to remember a special day or remembrance.
LIVING IN FAITH EVERYDAY – L.I.F.E. GROUPS If you haven’t joined a LIFE group as yet, we invite you to at least visit and experience what the LIFE Groups are all about. Group meeting information: Come join us. Monday, 6:30pm Wednesday, 1:00pm Thursday, 6:30pm Saturday, 9am
Men/women Ladies Men/women Men
Meet at Eagan Pointe Meet in homes Meet in homes Meet at church
Study John Study “Divine Divine “ Study “Not a Fan” Study “Portals of Prayer”
Call Sharonlee 952-431-1865 Call Geri 952-891-2853 Call Deb 651-452-8956 Call Mark 952-891-2853
Studying God’s Word and putting it into action is a wonderful way to draw closer to the Lord!
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
LWML Corner – Joyce Swedean Come and join us on Saturday, February 11, 2017 for fellowship, treats, and a Bible Study entitled “He Adores You.” REMEMBER your MITES and BIBLE! Hope to see you at 9 am in the Fellowship Hall. Did you watch the Rose Parade on Monday, Jan. 2nd? Did you see the Lutheran Hour Ministries float? Once again those pedal pushers did a marvelous job. We of the LWML are so proud that our National President Patti Ross was asked to ride on the float this year. June 22-June 25, 2017 will mark the celebration of God’s blessings through the work of the LWML for over 75 years of service (1942-2017). This celebration will commence at the 37th Biennial Convention in Albuquerque, New Mexico, under the theme “Jesus Christ Above All.” More information is available in the Women’s Quarterly on the LWML table in the narthex or by going online to the LWML organization. To help you in collecting your MONTHLY MITES, we have a special February calendar on the LWML table. Be sure to pick one up. “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him.” Psalm 103:11
Pastor's Sunday Morning Bible Study - 10:30-11:15 "7 Christian Rules That Every Christian Ought To Break As Often As Possible" Based on the Book written by Jonathan Fisk 1. 2. 3.
4. 5. 6. 7.
Never follow a rule that follows your liver, your heart, your pancreas, or any other bodily organ that could conceivably have its mind changed by the shifting of the wind. Never follow a rule that wasn't written in stone a very, very long time ago (doubly so if the grass is always greener on the other side because it's made of plastic). Never follow a rule because it makes sense (especially if it promises to work because it makes sense [and especially, especially if it either contains the words "spirit-led" or can be entirely explained by a petri dish full of midi-chlorians]). Never follow a rule because it benefits you now (and if it mentions "abundance," run screaming from the room). Never follow a rule that has to start over (again and again... and again...) again. Never follow a rule that doesn't like rules. Never follow a rule in order to justify yourself. Seriously.
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017 PRESCHOOL NEWS By Michele Lukanen
Peaceful Release In January I asked for a peaceful release of my call effective July 31, 2017. I look forward to serving Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool over the next several months. The letter that I read to the congregation earlier in January is in this newsletter. If you have any questions or comments about my peaceful release, please feel free to contact me by email, church phone, home phone, or in person. Accreditation Update Christ Lutheran Preschool is going through a 2-year process of accreditation. Starting in February there will be seven committees meeting, going over the seven standards of accreditation. Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help serve on a committee. I feel confident that we can accomplish a majority of the work before the end of this school year. We will be ready for a visit from the accreditation team during Spring 2018. Open House/Family Fun Night Please join us on Wednesday, February 15 from 6:00-7:30 pm for a Valentine-themed Family Fun Night. This will also serve as an Open House to prospective families. There will be activities, stories, and a snack. If you know of someone who is looking for a quality preschool program, please invite them to the family fun night! Readers wanted! Do you have a favorite childhood story? Do you love to read to children? If so, we would love to have you as one of our guest readers! Guest readers are needed Thursdays and Fridays at 11:15 am. A sign-up sheet is available on the preschool bulletin board. Please see Michele Lukanen if you have any questions. REGISTRATION Registration for the 2017-2018 academic year is now open. The following is a description of the classes and cost: Tuesday/Thursday morning ($135 per month) 9:15-11:45 am This class is meant for children who are at least 33 months by September 1st. In this class the children will be introduced to colors, shapes, letters of the alphabet, and numbers. The class focuses on helping children with their social skills through small group activities along with large group activities. Tuesday/Thursday Extended Day ($165 per month) 9:15 am - 1:15 pm Children will bring a lunch from home and participate in an extra activity in the afternoon. Monday/Wednesday/Friday morning ($165 per month) 9:15-11:45 am This class is meant for children who are 4-years-old by September 1st. Special consideration can be made for children who turn 4 during the months of September and October. In this class the children will review colors, shapes, and numbers. The children will also work on letter recognition, along with the sound that each letter makes. It is the goal of this program to ready children for kindergarten the following year. Monday/Wednesday/Friday Extended Day ($330 per month) 9:15 am – 3:15 pm Children will participate in the activities with the morning class but stay for further academic and fun activities in the afternoon. A daily bag lunch, blanket, and pillow are needed. Letter Mania Mondays ($100) 11:45 am - 3:15 pm This is an add-on to the morning class. Children will participate in pre-reading skills every Monday. Number Wonder Wednesdays ($100) 11:45 am – 3:15 pm This is an add-on to the morning class. Children will participate in math skills every Wednesday. Science Frenzy Fridays ($100) 11:45 am – 3:15 pm This is an add-on to the morning class. Children will participate in science activities every Friday.
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
Michele Lukanen’s letter requesting a peaceful release from her call as Christ’s Preschool Director:
Christ Lutheran Preschool 1930 Diffley Road Eagan, MN 55122-2203 January 4, 2017Fax: 651-405-6881 651-454-4091 www.clc-preschool.com michele.clc@live.com Dear Members of Christ Lutheran Michele4,Lukanen January 2017 - Director
Our Mission...Partner with parents in nurturing young children in a Christian environment Assisting them to grow spiritually, socially, Emotionally, physically, and intellectually. Church,
Dear Members of Christ Lutheran Church, It has been my privilege to be the director of Christ Lutheran Preschool for over seven years. I have enjoyed serving the preschool and the church. As my children come close to confirmation age and youth group age, I feel that Christ Lutheran Church is no longer a fit for my family. I want my children to be a part of a youth group that is ministry and mission minded. I feel that Christ Lutheran has not had a youth group like that in the years that I have served as preschool director. With that said, I am asking for a peaceful release of my call. I cannot serve a congregation while my family is active in another congregation. It doesn’t feel right. My last day will be July 31, 2017. I look forward to continuing to serve as director for the next seven months. I do not leave with any grudges but only love in my heart for ministry and I pray that God continues to bless the ministry at Christ Lutheran. Blessings, Michele Lukanen Director
It’s a new year – and maybe it’s time for you to join the choir! Give it a try on Wednesday evenings at 7:00. It’s a pretty harmonious group!
Interested in joining the Handbell Choir? Practice is on Thursday evenings at 7:00. If you have questions, contact Sharon Momanyi (sharonjmomanyi@gmail.com ).
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
PRAYER REQUESTS (Please let Pastor Hahn or the church office know of any additions or changes so we can keep Prayer Requests up to date.) Loss of a Loved One – The family of Bertha Gegelman (mother of Linda Wolf), who passed away January 20, and the family of Richard Arneson who passed away on January 21. May God comfort those who are mourning with His everlasting love. Cancer –Steve Brennan, Keith Feickert, Karen Hultquist, Bob Manthei (father of Rebecca Hahn), Lucy Roemhildt, Gary Schleif (nephew of Darlene Lemke), Don Wolf. Having surgery, recovering from surgery, illness, or other – Nanu Ajack, Connie Bauman, Betty Briest, Joe Connolly, Ben Kothe, Antonina Kopcheve (mother-in-law of Alex Mezeritski), Judy Lebahn, Ioannis Madzaris (friend of Alex Mezeritski), Lawrence Linkert, Mary Marlow, Tatyana Mezeritski, Louise Neil, Lore Rother, Jeanette Ueker, Tom, Scarlet, and Fritz Wagner (friends of Marlene Burkhalter). Homebound – Waltraud Bundt, Sherrill Champion, Lori Dolney, Jim & Shirley Eilola, Hubert Heggen (Pastor Heggen's father), Lucille Jung, Ed & Elaine Klamm, Iona Kruger, Dorothy Lueck, Marlys Lund, Marian Neujahr, Florence O’Brien, Heinz Rother, Lois Scott, Don Stockman, Gladys Wachter, Guy Westphal Those in the military and their families - SGT Cody Klinksiek and SH Cole Klinksiek, (nephews of Julie Lefebvre), SR Jennifer Adelmann (granddaughter of Marylou Adelmann), Apilo Ojullu (of our Anyuak community), and Jake Anderson, Kyle Anderson, and David Hernandez (grandsons of Dick and Joyce Swedean). The Anyuak ministry at Christ Lutheran Church; the Anyuak people in Ethiopia and Sudan. Persecuted Christians in 53 countries around the world. Our nation.
WHO IS MY ELDER? IF YOUR NAME FALLS BETWEEN: YOUR ELDER IS: Aballa – Bongard Dennis Miller 612.801.4297 Boomgarden – Gregory Robin Fink 651-686-0938 Greseth – Hultquist Curt Hartog 651.675.0990 Isaak – Marstad Jim Struck 651.454.3664 Matschinner – Rowe Dick Bielenberg 651.454.1530 Ruchtaeschel – Studer Curt Hartog 651.675.0990 Sullwold – Zahnow David Hasche 651.454.7348 Your Elder is your link to Christ Lutheran Church. He is here to listen, to help with special needs, and to help you get more involved in your church. Don’t be a stranger to him!
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
February Birthdays 1 2 3 5 6 8 9 10 12 13 17 20 23 23 24 27
Cosette Switzer Elsie Olson, Sue Sisk Jennifer Lacy, Clark Nordeen Stephani Griffin Eponine Switzer Heather Steffen, Linda Yetzer Marcella Schindeldecker Sherrill Champion Grace Johnson Tayci Gustafson Nathan Jamison Bob Biggs Joan Franklin Gordy Schramm Dennis Miller Maynard Ohm, Gladys Wachter
February Wedding Anniversaries
1 – Arthur & Sherrill Champion (59 years) 27 – Don & Lucy Roemhildt (52 years)
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
Phone Blasts When there are important announcements for the members of Christ, we send out an automated phone blast. This is to alert you about funerals or other important information you should know. The phone list comes from Shepherd’s Staff, our church database. This past week, an announcement was sent about the funeral for Dick Arneson. If you did not receive it, it might be because of one of these reasons: 1. We don’t have the correct or current phone number for you. 2. A message was left on your voicemail, but since it was automatic, it might have ended before your voice mail picked it up. 3. Your phone might be set to block 1-888 numbers, which is how the automated message came. 4. If you don’t have voicemail or an answering machine, and you did not answer the phone, you will not get called back automatically. We tried to follow-up on some of these since we get lists of people who were not reached. If you have any questions, please call the church office. And if you have a new phone number for the head of household, please let us know! Thank you for your help and understanding!
From the Minnesota South District Office: Night to Shine! There will be a special prom night for people with special needs, ages 14 and up, at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Bloomington, on Friday, Feb. 10, from 6-9 pm. If you know of an organization or an individual who would be interested in attending, please share this information with them. If you would like to help with this event, there are a variety of needs and ways you can use your specific gifts. Please check out: www.nighttoshinemn.org to register or to sign up a friend with special needs. Please contact Sue Timmerman at St. Michael’s for more information: stimmerman@smlcb.org
LERT Training at St. Martin's, Winona Disasters throughout our United States and world are escalating each year. More than ever, floods, tornados, and hurricanes are ripping through our communities leaving unprecedented devastation in their wake. Often the church has been the mainstay, a stapled presence of help in these communities even before governmental agencies arrive. St. Martin’s Lutheran Church of Winona, MN. 328 East Broadway (507-452-6928 x 107) is hosting a oneday training seminar to better equip the church in response to these disasters on Saturday, February 25th from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in its Church Fellowship Hall. LERT or our LC-MS Lutheran Emergency Response Training team from St. Louis will train and certify all LC-MS participants. We would like to invite people in your congregation to participate. The cost is $10.00 per person for materials. You may bring your own lunch or order a sandwich at the registration table on February 25th from an Erbert’s and Gerbert’s menu. Simply email: bcloeter@hbci.com or call, 507-452-6928 x 100 to pre-register by February 17th.
Christ’s Messenger
February, 2017
FEBRUARY 2017 Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
1
2
6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm –Choir
7pm – Bell Choir
5 6 9am Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 12-2 – Superbowl Pizza Pick-Up 2pm– Anyuak Worship
7
8
9
9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 6pm– Boy Scouts
6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm –Choir
1:30pm – Board of Human Care
12 13 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship 6pm—Diffley & Education Hour Commons 2pm– Anyuak 7pm– Dakota Worship Ramblers 4H 2-5 – Renaissance Faire and Concert
14 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts 6:30pm – Vermilion Carriage Board 7pm– All Boards, Council Meeting
15
16
6pm-Confirmation Instruction 6pm – Preschool Family Night & Open House 7pm– Choir
9:30am – Circuit Pastors’ Meeting at Christ
19 20 9am Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm– Anyuak Worship
21 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts
22
23
No Confirmation 7pm – Choir
7pm – Bell Choir
26 27 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour
28 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts 7pm-Trustees
Friday 3
Saturday 4 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
10
11 9am – LWML 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship HC
7pm – Bell Choir 17
18 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
7pm – Bell Choir
25
25 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship HC
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