January 2017 Newsletter by Christ Lutheran Eagan

CHRIST’S MESSENGER Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool, Eagan, MN Church and Preschool

FROM THE PASTOR by Pastor Hahn Star of Hope for a New Year

Staff Rev. David Hahn Senior Pastor

Rev. Michael Heggen Visitation Pastor

Alex Mezeritski

The ball that drops at Times Square is called the "Star of Hope" and on its face are the "wishes" of our nation for courage, peace, fellowship etc. But if we listen to Scripture, we have a hope based on something more than "wishing upon a star." On New Year's Eve at 11:59 pm, over one billion people all across the world watched as the “ball” drops in New York City’s Times Square. Here is a little history about the New Year’s Eve “ball”.

Director of Music

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Michele Lukanen

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Director of Preschool

Julia Bonewell

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Preschool Teacher

Judy Kaner

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Preschool Aide

Rhoda Houge

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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.

January, 2017

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The 1st "time-ball" was installed on top of England’s Royal Observatory at Greenwich in 1833 After the success of that event, approximately 150 such time-balls were installed around the world. But few survive and still work. The tradition is carried on today in places like the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, DC, where a time-ball descends from a flagpole at noon each day - and of course, once a year in Times Square, where it marks the stroke of midnight. New York actually held a New Year's celebration as early as 1904, but it wasn’t until 1907 that they “dropped” an iron and wood ball and adorned with a hundred 25-watt light bulbs. It was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds From that date until today, the ball has dropped every year except 1942 and 1943 during the City’s WWII “dim-outs”. Crowds still gathered in Times Square during those years and greeted the New Year with a moment of silence followed by chimes ringing out from One Times Square. Over the years, the “time-ball” has undergone about 4 re-designs – the most recent one was created for the Millennial celebration in the year 2000 by Waterford Crystal. It’s a geodesic sphere, six feet in diameter, and weighing approximately 1,070 pounds. It’s covered with a total of 504 crystal triangles that vary in size. And each of those triangles has a special designation: Hope for Fellowship, Hope for Peace, Hope for Wisdom, Hope for Unity, Hope for Courage, Hope for Healing, etc.

Why would they call the New Year’s ball the “Star of Hope?” Because each new year is a time for hope. It’s a time for opportunity. It’s a time for us to grasp hold of our future/ our destiny. Proverbs 17:24 tells us is that: we have the opportunity to “lay hold of our destiny and future” for this coming New Year. The hope for our future depends upon us. But that hope doesn’t lie in “wishing upon a star” - which is essentially what those triangles on the Star of Hope actually are all about. The “hope” for fellowship, peace, wisdom, courage and so on are not based upon promises, but upon a wish for what we’d like to see take place in the next year. Proverbs 24 is saying that the Wise man has a powerful future waiting for him because he keeps his eyes on wisdom. By contrast, the fool has his eyes on something else… his eyes are on the ends of the earth. What’s the difference between the two? “The fool’s eyes,” says Proverbs, “wander to the ends of the earth.” He’s always looking for an easy way to get ahead in his life. He’s the guy who invests in the future by buying lottery tickets. He can’t seem to stay married because no person is ever good enough. He can’t keep a job because no job is good enough. He can’t stay in one church, because no church is good enough. There is always a rainbow waiting for them over the next hill. Their eyes wander constantly to the ends of the earth. They are constantly

Christ’s Messenger

January, 2017

From the Pastor, continued comparing themselves and their families and their jobs and their potential to something else or to someone else, AND THEY ARE NEVER SATISFIED. The wise man has two advantages over the fool. First he is focused. "A discerning man keeps wisdom in view." (Proverbs 17:24) He’s not running all over the place looking for an easy way to live his life. He realizes that the only lasting success in life comes by sticking to the task at hand. You can’t build a championship team in a day. No single sales meeting can transform a company into a success. No weekend marriage or parenting seminar can completely heal a struggling family. No one sermon can help set a church right or remove its troubles. You can’t make a success of life by looking for easy fixes. By running pillar to post for solutions. The greatest achievements can only be accomplished with consistent, focused effort. And that was what the wise man does… he focuses on achieving one central objective. Wisdom is what the wise man pursues in his life? Solomon was once asked by God to name the one thing he wanted. When Solomon asked for wisdom God responded, "Since you have asked for (wisdom) and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies… I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart…. Moreover, I will give you what you have NOT asked for— both riches and honor— so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” 1 Kings 3:11-12 Solomon learned from experience that wisdom gained him an advantage in life. It gave him an edge. And it was that advantage, that edge, that gave him his wealth and power and position. After all, what’s the purpose of wealth if you don’t know how to spend it? What’s the value of power if you don’t know how to exercise it? What’s the use of having a position of influence if you don’t know how to use it? Too many people believe that if they only had power, wealth, and influence, they’d be happy. And so they struggle and strain to gain those things… but they don’t have the wisdom to know what they have right now. And so they are never satisfied with what they have. The second advantage the wise man has over the fool was that he knows where to look for wisdom. Where did Solomon get his wisdom? He asked God. Why? Because wisdom comes from God. James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” The wisdom of man has its weaknesses because man’s wisdom is always based solely upon what mortal men and women can experience and observe. And our experiences will always be limited. And our observations will only be able to see so much. But by contrast - the wisdom of God comes from above. There are NO limits to His vision. There are no boundaries to what He can see. He knows the beginning from the end. In Isaiah 46:10 God tells us: “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” When we look to God for His wisdom in our lives we’re not only better off than the fool…we’re better off than anyone else because we have an advantage others don’t have. We have access to the Wisdom of God in our lives. We show that we have gained God’s wisdom when we DO what He asks us to do. That’s why it is so critical that we keep exposing ourselves to His wisdom (BIBLE) in Church, in Sunday School, in mid-week Bible studies, and in our personal devotions. The more of God’s wisdom we can get into us…the greater our advantage in this world. So, here are the ways to ensure a good New Year for 2017: #1 Know God’s Wisdom; #2 Do God’s Wisdom; and #3 REPEAT (over and over again). If we hold on to God… to His wisdom and His power… then we will succeed in this coming year. And we will lay hold of everything God wants us to have. Pastor Hahn

Christ’s Messenger

January, 2017

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.

Join the CLC Greeters Team! Share your Smile, Handshake and Good Morning to visitors and members as they enter our doors on Sunday morning or Saturday evening. Greeters are scheduled on a rotating basis, and we are flexible if you can’t make a Sunday or Saturday that you are scheduled. You can serve as a family, couple, or single. If you are READY and WILLING to VOLUNTEER in this VERY IMPORTANT WAY OF SERVICE TO OUR LORD AND OUR CONGREGATION please contact me either by phone (651-688-8245), email (swedeanjar@comcast.net ), or at church. Joyce Swedean

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.

Thank you!

Many thanks to all who donated cash and gift cards to the 2016 Holiday Gift Shop. A total of

$595.00 was donated by Christ Lutheran to this community project. Luke 6:38 “Give and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” -- Blessings from the Human Care Board.

New Church Directory Note from the church office: We would like to print a new church directory without pictures, so we need any updated information and/or corrections from the 2013 Directory. If you have already given this information to the church, we appreciate it, but if you think you might have any changes that we don’t have, please let us know. This includes grown children and others you know who might have moved away from this area. We also would like to get as many emails as possible to expand our list who get News and Announcements in that way. You can send information to Rhoda at christlutheraneagan@outlook.com or call the office (651-4544091) between 9 and 3 on weekdays. You can also leave a note in the office when you come to church. The directory will only be in print and not online, so your information will not be shared in that way. Hopefully this will help improve communication here at Christ Lutheran. Thanks for your help!

Christ’s Messenger

January, 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.

Erin Bode In Concert Singer/composer Erin Bode mesmerizes audiences with her striking stage presence, an irresistible voice, and a remarkable musical savvy that has positioned her at the intersection of jazz, folk and pop music. Her band features top-notch players with distinctive voicings of their own. Erin composed “Right From the Beginning,” which she sang at the 2016 LCMS National Youth Gathering.

Friday, January 20, 2017 7:30–8:30pm CONCERT CELEBRATING LIFE St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington Free will offering for Lutherans For Life (above and beyond expenses)

Sunday, January 22, 2017 9:30-10:15am FREE CONCERT CELEBRATING LUTHERAN SCHOOLS Trinity Lone Oak Lutheran Church, Eagan

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017 12:45–1:30pm PRE-MARCH FOR LIFE GATHERING Graebner Memorial Chapel Concordia University, St. Paul 2:00pm: MCCL March For Life in front of State Capitol 2:30 pm: MCCL Program on Capitol front steps

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Christ Lutheran received these two notes of appreciation from Feed My Starving Children for the help many of you gave to the packing of food for Haiti as well as your financial contributions. Special thanks to Sharonlee Strohkirch for organizing this. God bless all of you who participated!

January, 2017

Christ’s Messenger

January, 2017

Christmas at Christ! So many ways that we celebrated the birth of our Savior: The lovely decorations! The Advent Services! The Children’s Program! The Christmas Tea! Caroling! Beautiful Christmas Services!

A NEW REFRIGERATOR! The old refrigerator “gave up” two days before the Christmas Tea – bad timing indeed! But Karra and Gabe were able to persevere with a wonderful event! It was decided this would be a good time to replace the 40-year old appliance that served us well. You will now find this lovely new refrigerator in the kitchen! Once again, the Trustees were on hand to remove the old one and get the new one in place after it was delivered outside the church – not an easy job! We can also be thankful that funds were available to cover the cost.

Christ’s Messenger

January, 2017

LIVING IN FAITH EVERYDAY – LIFE 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 Call Sharonlee 952-431-1865 Study “Divine Divine “ Call Geri 952-891-2853 Study “Not a Fan” Call Deb 651-452-8956 Study “Portals of Prayer” Call Mark 952-891-2853

Studying God’s Word and putting it into action is a wonderful way to begin the New Year!

PRAYER REQUESTS (Please inform Pastor Hahn or the church office [651-405-6881] if you want someone to be added to the prayer list or if there are any changes or corrections.) Cancer – Gary Schleif (nephew of Darlene Lemke), Steve Brennan, Carol Brown (mother of Christa Brown-Switzer), Keith Feickert, Karen Hultquist, Bob Manthei (father of Rebecca Hahn), Lou Piancente (friend of Diane Zahnow), Lucy Roemhildt, Don Wolf. Having surgery, recovering from surgery, illness, or other – Gabriel & Peyton Rohricht (brothers of preschooler), Nanu Ajack, Connie Bauman, Joyce Connolly, Joe Conolly, Bertha Gegelman (mother of Linda Wolf), Ben Kothe, Antonina Kopcheve (mother-in-law of Alex Mezeritski), Judy Lebahn, Ioannis Madzaris (friend of Alex Mezeritski), Mary Marlow, Tatyana Mezeritski, Louise Neil, Lore Rother, 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, 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.

Christ’s Messenger

January, 2017 LWML Corner – Joyce Swedean

We will not meet in January. Our next meeting will be Saturday, February 11th at 9:00 am. REMEMBER: Even though we haven’t met for a couple of months we still need MITE contributions. Just place those coins in the wooden mite box on the LWML table in the narthex. Thanks! The Winter Women’s Quarterly is on the LWML table for you to pick up. You will find the articles and Bible Studies worthwhile reading. As we begin a New Year together here at CLC I want to share a poem written by Virginia Griesse, an LWML sister in Christ from Kearney, NE. “Bloom and Grow” Where the Lord has placed you, bloom and grow. Serve the Lord in all you do; He will shine His light in you. Live for Jesus, bloom and grow. Where the Lord has placed you, watch and pray. Talk with Jesus every day; He has washed your sins away. Live for Jesus, watch and pray. Where the Lord has placed you, read and learn. Let His Word grow in you; He will show you what is true. Live for Jesus, read and learn. Where the Lord has placed you, go and teach. Bring the lost to His side; He has promised to abide. Live for Jesus, go and teach. May all of us bloom and grow in 2017!

Christ’s Messenger

January, 2017

January Birthdays 1 3 4 5 6 9 11 12 16 18 20 20 21 24 25 27 29 30 31

Ariat Agwa, Jaime Doffing, Merlin Leiding, Lloyd Wills Aaron Haedike, Karen Hultquist, Savannah Switzer Joshua Wild Hannah Kieser, Dale Peters Richard Kothe, Lois Scott, Mary True Alexius Peterson Alexander Barringer, Didummo Okwayoo Grace Hanenberger Connie Bauman, Earl Breuer, Tonia Gustafson Ginger Hasche Sarah Barringer Robert Landis Ardene Langfield Michael Heggen Mitchell Lefebvre Kelly Callahan Charles Nikota Moseng, Don Roemhildt Eileen Gregory, Ajulu Nyang Karra Hartog

Wedding Anniversaries 17 27 28 29

Joe and Joyce Connolly (69 years) Richard and Diane Heggemeyer (44 years) Steven and Gail Marstad (50 years) Robert and Judy Landis (47 years)

WHO IS MY ELDER? IF YOUR NAME FALLS BETWEEN: Aballa – Bongard Boomgarden – Gregory Greseth – Hultquist Isaak – Marstad Matschinner – Rowe Ruchtaeschel – Studer Sullwold – Zahnow

YOUR ELDER IS: Dennis Miller Robin Fink Curt Hartog Jim Struck Dick Bielenberg Curt Hartog David Hasche

612.801.4297 651-686-0938 651.675.0990 651.454.3664 651.454.1530 651.675.0990 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

January, 2017

JANUARY 2017 Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

1 2 9am Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm– Anyuak Worship

3 Preschool begins 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 6pm– Boy Scouts

9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm–Anyuak Worship

9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts

6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm –Choir

15 16 9am Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship 6pm—Diffley & Education Hour Commons 2pm– Anyuak 7pm– Dakota Worship Ramblers 4H

17 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study

22 23 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 11:15am – Annual Voters’ Meeting 2pm– Anyuak Worship

24 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts 7pm-Trustees

29 30 9am Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm– Anyuak Worship

6pm– Boy Scouts 7pm– All Boards, Council Meeting

9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study

Thursday 5

Friday 6

6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm –Choir

7 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship HC

4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship

6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm– Choir

25 6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm – Choir

Saturday

21 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship HC

O God, our Help in ages past, our Hope for years to come!

28 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship