CHRIST’S MESSENGER Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool, Eagan MN
November 2017
FROM THE PASTOR To All Generations – A Letter from our District President
Church and Preschool
Staff
Friends in Christ,
Rev. David Hahn
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, from its very beginning, has always been a teaching church. Christian schools, Sunday schools, confirmation classes, youth and adult Bible studies, universities and seminaries are in our DNA. In our corner of the kingdom it can truly be said that the mission of Christ is a teaching mission.
Senior Pastor
Alex Mezeritski Director of Music
Wendy Ewald Director of Preschool
Judy Kaner Preschool Aide
Rhoda Houge Church Secretary
To strengthen our participation in the teaching mission of Christ, the Minnesota South District through its 2015 convention and Board of Directors has authorized the To All Generations appeal. Its theme verse says it so well: “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4). The saving gospel of Jesus Christ is for all people of all generations, and in every generation teaching from the Word of God had led to faith and life for eternity. We invite you get acquainted with the exciting initiatives of the To All Generations appeal. What initiatives are being supported by the To All Generations appeal? • Strengthen education ministries through grants allocated in the following areas: -
Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool 1930 Diffley Road Eagan, MN 55122 Phone: 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.
Enhance the quality of Lutheran schools and education ministries (birth high school) Encourage opportunities in parish education Plant new schools & early childhood centers Support educational leadership and continuing education
• Develop unified marketing strategies • Increase efforts toward parental choice in education As God blesses this special appeal, we in the Minnesota South District will better reach the hearts of those inside the church and out as we share Jesus’ love and forgiveness. We know that a gift to this campaign is a gift to all generations and invite you to join us. Rev. Dr. Dean Nadasdy - President, Minnesota South District
Celebration Sunday As part of the Celebration Service on Saturday, November 4th and Sunday, November 5th, there will be a special offering as we collect the "My Promise To The Lord" pledge sheets that were mailed out to the members of the church. If you did not receive one of these sheets or misplaced it, there will be more available to you at the beginning of the November 4th & 5th Worship Services. Lord, grant us the desire to give generously and cheerfully to You! Sunday Morning Bible Study - "The Joy Of Being A Church Member" There is great joy to be found in being a Church Member. But what is a Church Member? Is being a Church Member like being a member of one of the many clubs I already belong to or is it different? Are there membership dues? What am I obligated to do as a Church Member? Let's get together and share, read, and learn some of the answers to the many questions we have. The Bible Study will take place in the Fellowship Hall following a little fellowship time (Start time about
10:30am).
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
(From the Pastor, continued)
Tuesday Morning Bible Study - "The Bible On Trial - Beyond A Reasonable Doubt" The Tuesday Morning Bible Study meets at the Eagan Pointe Senior Living Center every Tuesday Morning at 9:00 am. We have just started a video-based study that supplies more than enough evidence to support the reliability of the Bible. Through this Bible Study, internal and external evidence will be given so that we can share this evidence with others who doubt that the Bible is the true Word of God. Come and join us (a group of CLC members and residents of Eagan Point Senior Living Center) as we look at some really compelling evidence. Please join us and bring lots of questions. Worship at Eagan Point Senior Living Center On the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month, Pastor Hahn leads a Worship Service at 10am at the Eagan Point Senior Living Center. You are welcome to this worship anytime. The 20-30 residents who meet for worship at this time would appreciate more voices to sing hymns of praise to God. Confirmation Instruction/Youth Group This year's Confirmation Instruction Class has begun with the teaching of Luther's Small Catechism using the "My Christian Faith" curriculum. I Corinthians 1:18 says, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." How wonderful and mysterious are the ways in which God has worked and continues to work in the course of human history. This year we have had as many as 8 youth in class. There are many other 6th & 7th graders, or those who are youth 6th - 12th grades, who are members but are not attending for some reason or another. Please pray for those who are receiving instruction as well as those who have yet to attend class (12 individuals). Confirmation Instruction Class is on Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30pm and this is followed by Youth Group at 7:15 - 8:00pm. All youth 6th – 12th Grades are encouraged to attend Youth Group from 7:00 - 8:00pm every Wednesday evening led by a couple Adult Volunteers, Sharon and Bonni. The youth group has already had a campfire with s'mores and a lot of great fellowship time. Please consider joining the group as we look at building up the youth of Christ Lutheran Church.
Wednesday, November 22 at 7:00 pm Join your church family in giving thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us and all that He gives us daily.
Dessert Buffet – Volunteer Appreciation Following the Thanksgiving Eve Service, there will be a special Dessert Buffet to thank all of you who have volunteered in any way at Christ Lutheran. This is Pastor Hahn’s personal way of showing his appreciation for all you do!
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
The Fall Red Cross Blood Drive will be Thursday, November 9th, 12:00 – 6:00 PM. There are sign-up sheets in the narthex. Blood is always needed.
November Food Drive for the Open Door LWML is once again sponsoring a Food Drive in November from Oct. 28 through Dec. 3. Please bring food items to the LWML table in the narthex, or you can make a check out to The Open Door and place it in the wooden box marked Food Pantry on the LWML table. Grocery gift cards are also appreciated! Also needed: • oatmeal • rice: brown or white • pasta: white, whole wheat • dried beans: black, pinto • vegetable and olive oils • cereal • flour: white, wheat, mesa • canned fruit • canned vegetables • diced tomatoes • sugar: brown, white, powdered • pancake mix & syrup • macaroni and cheese • hearty soups • ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce, hot sauce • salsa, soy sauce
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS! We have finished the Inter-generational study of Martin Luther and the Reformation, and beginning Sunday November 5th, we will return to regular Sunday School and Bible Studies. Thanks to everyone who participated in the study of Luther and speaking for myself, I learned a lot about this man and the important work he did for the Reformation and the Lutheran Church Mrs. Hahn, Mrs. Hartog, and I are looking forward to being with the children Preschool through 5th grade every Sunday from 10:30-11:30 am. We welcome all children, so if you know of someone who should be in Sunday School, encourage them to come, or if you have someone visiting that has children, be sure to bring them to class. Our first 12 weeks will be spent in looking at Following God’s Commandments through Bible Stories, songs, activities, and added this year, crafts. During the month of November we will learn about God giving the Law, the Golden Calf, and David and Goliath. We will not have class on Sunday, November 26th. Please keep the Sunday School staff – and more importantly, the children – in your prayers. Mrs. Joyce Swedean, SS Superintendent
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
November is a time of Thanksgiving, but we should also remember that we are to give thanks in all circumstances, good and bad. It is usually through the rough patches in life that we really learn how good and faithful our God is! CLC Preschool has much to be thankful for… we are reaching 31 children with the love and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! We have 2 dedicated staff people willing to give their all to make sure the children receive the best care and education we can provide. We have a beautiful classroom and lots of room for storage downstairs. The director has a huge office where she can bring all the fun things she has accumulated over the years of teaching to share with the children. All our preschool parents paid on time for October. We have trustees (and the director’s husband) who are willing to help fix things as needed. We have congregation members who support the preschool through their prayers, volunteerism, and monetary gifts. We have a Pastor who is happy and willing to lead chapel for our children once a month and a secretary who offers her help whenever she can. Last, but certainly not least, we have a preschool board chairman with a willing heart and hands. The list could go on and on. We have been struggling with finding the right part-time preschool teacher for Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I am confident that God has the perfect person in mind for this position. We are just waiting for His perfect timing! LCMS MN. So. District Educator’s Conference Our yearly conference was held in Mankato on October 19. I attended this conference and came away refreshed and renewed for service with the little ones in my care. The worship leader talked about Looking In, Looking Up, and Looking Out with regards to ministry. The keynote speakers shared their trip up Mt. Ranier and challenged all us educators to find out what our Mt. Ranier is this year, write goals to reach it, and have someone hold us accountable. I was then able to attend three sectionals. The one that spoke to me loudest was one that reminded all of us how important play is in young children’s lives. There is too great a push for academics in early childhood, as well as way too much use of screens. This is harming our children in ways we don’t even know yet, not to mention the ones we already know about. We need to focus on play, developing relationships, and social/emotional growth for our young learners. The rest will come! South of the River Fall Conference Both Judy and I will be attending this education conference which is held at Easter Lutheran on Friday, Nov. 3, so there is no school on that day. The main speaker for this conference will be talking about Mental Health. I wonder whose mental health they will be talking about… the teachers or the children? I will fill you in next month. Usborne Book Fair The preschool will be hosting an Usborne Book Fair on Sunday, Nov. 5 through Tuesday, Nov. 7. We will set up in the narthex so that church members who want to can look at the books and perhaps purchase some for their children and grandchildren. Beth Burnett, one of our preschool moms, is an Usborne Book distributor and she has volunteered to hold this fair for us. Once $250.00 worth of books has been purchased, the preschool will earn 50% of the money back in books. This is a great way to increase our library resources. Beth will keep the fair open for one week post fair for online orders as well, and all books will be delivered in time for Christmas! Parent-Teacher Conferences We will hold our Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Parents will have the opportunity to sign up for a time to come and meet with me regarding their child’s adjustment to school and goals they have for their child this year. I am looking forward to this one-on-one time with each of the families. Thanksgiving Break CLC Preschool will be closed on Thursday and Friday, November 23-24 in celebration of Thanksgiving. In His Love, Grace, and Forgiveness,
Wendy Ewald, Director of CLC Preschool
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
FROM THE
NEW BOOKS IN THE LIBRARY Cherished Mercy by Tracie Peterson (Heart of the Frontier Series, Book 3) Mercy Flanigan survived the Whitman Massacre as a child, and now her heart’s cry is for peace between the native peoples and the white settlers in habiting Oregon Territory. Unfortunately, most of the settlers want the tribes removed from the land completely, one way or another. At the request of family friend Eletta Browning, who is experiencing a difficult pregnancy, Mercy travels south to the Rogue River Valley to help. When tragedy strikes and tensions in the territory reach the combustion point, Mercy is pushed to the limit of her strength. She will have to rely on her faith in God to make it out alive. Wild Montana Skies by Susan May Warren (Montana Rescue Series, Book 1) The last thing Search and Rescue helicopter pilot Kacey Fairing needs upon returning home to Mercy Falls, Montana, is to run into her mistakes. After a devastating crash during her recent military tour in Afghanistan, she is emotionally broken but ready to start putting her life back together. She just wants to reconnect with her teenage daughter and spend the summer working as the new lead pilot at PEAK Rescue in Glacier National Park. But she wasn’t prepared for her old flame, Ben King (now a Country music star), to be back in town. Now with Mercy Falls in a state of emergency due to flash floods, Kacey and Ben will have to work together to save lives. But when secrets are uncovered and old hurts rise to the surface, will they walk away again? Or can they find a different ending to their country love song? Threads of Suspicion by Dee Henderson (An Evie Blackwell Cold Case, Book 2) Evie Blackwell’s reputation as a top investigator for the Illinois State Police has landed her an appointment to the governor’s Missing Persons Task Force. With so much public fanfare surrounding the launch of this elite investigative team, the political stakes are high, and the team will have to produce results – and quickly. As Evie opens old wounds in a close-knit neighborhood over the disappearance of a college student, her new partner, David, searches for a private investigator whose last case involved a high-powered client. With a deep conviction that “justice for all” truly matters, Evie and David are unrelenting in their search for the truth. But the questions that lie just beneath the surface in Evie’s personal life are also begging for answers. The Proving by Beverly Lewis After five years as an Englisher, Amanda Dienner is shocked to learn her mother has passed away and left HER Lancaster County’s most popular Amish bed-and-breakfast. What’s more, the inn will only truly be hers if Mandy can successfully run it for twelve months. Reluctantly, Mandy accepts the challenge, no matter that it means facing the family she left behind – or that the inn’s clientele expect an Amish hostess! Can Mandy fulfill the terms of her inheritance? Or will this prove a dreadful mistake?
Preschool Book Fair Sunday, Nov. 5 - Tuesday, Nov. 7 (Will be set up after church on Sunday.)
Books delivered before Christmas! Once $250.00 worth of books has been purchased, the preschool will earn 50% of the money back in books. This is a great way to increase our library resources. Online orders accepted one week after the fair.
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
The next CLC Voters’ Meeting will be Sunday, November 19th, at 11:30 am. The budget will be voted on. Don’t miss this important meeting!
LIFE Groups
Monday nights at 6:30 pm at Eagan Pointe. Men and women are invited to join us in the study of Romans. Contact person: Sharonlee Strohkirch (952-431-1865).
Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 pm women’s group meet at various homes. Their study is “Divine Design” by Sharla Fritz. Contact person is Gerri Bonewell (952-891-2853).
Wednesday at 6 pm singles and couples twice a month. Their study is the Holy Spirit. Contact person is Deb Buntjer (651-452-8956).
Saturday at 9 am, the Men’s group will begin at church. Study to be announced. Contact person is Mark Bonewell (952-891-2853). This group would like to see more men join for coffee, Bible study, and fellowship!
LIFE groups are people who embrace Living In Faith Everyday. They meet weekly with Bible Study, Prayer, Fellowship and Service. All are welcome from church, families, neighbors, and anyone who wishes to be in Gods’ Word and grow in faith and spirit in a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please come join us and fill our “empty chair.”
A Special Christmas Concert Two critically-acclaimed, top-selling Christian groups share the stage at Christmastime for an incredibly theatrical versatile and moving performance!
Saturday, December 9th, 7 pm Target Center For information or Group Reservations, call 612-673-1311 and ask for Lynne, Cheri, or Karen
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
Christ Lutheran Church Veterans We at Christ Lutheran Church would like to pay honor and say thank you to our Veterans: Russell Agrimson Earl Breuer Ron Bongard Tim Clawson Glenn Gregory Tom Gustafson Jerry Hanson Glenn Holland Ken Ische Bonny Jamison Cordt Jamison
Gene Jarnagin Armond Krech Larry Landis Merlin Leiding Carl Meyer Dennis Miller Wallace Niklaus Donald Ohmann Terry Rodenberg Donald Roemhildt Heinz Rother
Gordon Schramm William Scott Jim Struck David Studer Larry Sullwold Dick Swedean Dale Vogt Brian Wilkins Robert Wolf
We remember those who served our country and are now in God’s care: Richard Arneson Henry Braun Westley Briest Marvin Bundt Raymond Buntjer William Burkhalter Emil Burow Joe Connolly Stuart Fedderly
Merlin Groenke Howard Groff Clarence Hanson Joseph Hogeland Robert Kruger Lawrence Linkert William Lunka Delbert Nuernberg Harvey O’Brien
Ernest Quast Edgar Schuhmacher Frank Schwolow Larry Strohkirch Robert Wilkins Donald Zahnow
God bless our native land; Firm may she ever stand Through storm and night. When the wild tempests rave, Ruler of wind and wave, Do Thou our country save By Thy great might. So shall our prayers arise To God above the skies; On Him we wait. Thou who art ever nigh, Guarding with watchful eye, To Thee aloud we cry: God save the state! LSB 965; Text and Music: Public domain; Created by Lutheran Service Builder © 2006 Concordia Publishing House.
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
Special Paintings and Prints Available in honor of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation Gifted CLC member Larry Landis is making two of his art works available, either as a canvas or a print. The proceeds from these sales will be donated to the CLC organ fund. The two paintings available are: “The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ “
and
“Gethsemane”
There is a full color brochure concerning ordering these art works, with interesting detail about how they were painted and more details about the art work you would be ordering. It is on the table in the narthex or one will be mailed to you if you contact the church office. Below is the cost without shipping: “The Flagellation of Our Lord Jesus Christ” Canvas (15” x 21”) $125 Print (10” x 14”) $25 “Gethsemane” Canvas (15” x 18”) $125 Print (12” x 14”) $25 This is a rare opportunity to have some beautiful art work for you or to give as a gift and also support the church.
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 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.) Cancer –Steve Brennan, Karen Hultquist, Judy Lemke-Kline (niece of Darlene Lemke), Pastor LeRoy LaPlante, Lucy Roemhildt, Greg Wills, Don Wolf. Recovering from surgery, illness, or other – Nanu Ajack, Betty Briest, Agnes Carlson (mother of Judy Thompson), Ben Kothe, Antonina Kopcheve (mother-in-law of Alex Mezeritski), Judy Lebahn, Ioannis Madzaris (friend of Alex Mezeritski), Mary Marlow, Tatyana Mezeritski, Louise Neil, Marjwok Ogio, Shirley Schramm, Gerry Studer, Dick Swedean, LaDonne Taylor (Kathy Heggen's aunt), Dale Vogt, Don Wolf. Homebound – Waltraud Bundt, 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 & Lore Rother, Lois & Lee Scott, Don Stockman, Guy Westphal. Our Preschool – Pray for all the little ones at our preschool this year that they would know the love of Jesus. Also pray that God would send a part-time Christ-filled teacher to help with the preschool. Those in the military and their families - MSGT Cordt Jamison (member of CLC), SGT Cody Klinksiek and SH Cole Klinksiek, (nephews of Julie Lefebvre), SR Jennifer Adelmann (granddaughter of Mary Lou Adelmann), Ajack Ajack (son of Adangy Gwoy), Apilo Ojulu (son of Ariet Ojulu), 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 over 53 countries around the world, especially the Christians in Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East. Our nation.
Time to think about Poinsettias! Poinsettias always beautify the chancel at Christmas. For just $10, you can choose between red, pink, or white poinsettias. A sign-up sheet is posted on the bulletin board in the narthex near the flower chart. You may specify to give a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Please print clearly, and make your checks payable to Christ Lutheran Church – note “poinsettia” on the memo line. Deadline to order is November 19.
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
November Birthdays 1 2 3 6 10 11 13 15 18 19 21 24 26 27 29 30
Melissa Clawson Jim Struck Victoria Johnson Julie Lefebvre Sandi Hansen, Carl Sisk, Curt Thompson Chudojwak Awatt Curt Hartog Thomas Clawson, Carl Meyer Jr., Don Ohmann, Mark Omot Glenn Gregory, Shirlee Schramm Takajwok Anwey, Gail Black Okach Kwot, Donald Wolf Kathleen Nelson, Terry Rodenberg Judy Kaner Ruth Ohmann Mason Phoulavan Kristen Willis
November Wedding Anniversaries 2
Edward and Elaine Klamm (71 Years)
23
Robert (Gene) and Caren Jarnagin (54 years)
O, Give Thanks Unto the Lord, for He is Good! Christ’s Messenger
November, 2017
NOVEMBER 2017 Sunday
Monday
5
6
Tuesday
7 Dist 196 School Bd Elections at Christ
9am Worship - HC 10:15am– Fellowship 6pm – Boy 10:30am – Education Scouts Hour 6:30pm – LIFE 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 2pm– Anyuak Worship group at Eagan Pt
Preschool Book Fair
Wednesday Thursday 1 1:30 – LIFE Group 6:30pm – Confirmation 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
2
8 1:30 – LIFE Group
9 12-6 pm
6:30pm – Confirmation 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
15 1:30 – LIFE Group
19 9am Worship - HC 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Education Hour 11:30am – Voters’ Meeting
20 21 6pm – Boy Scouts 9am-Eagan Pt 6pm—Diffley Bible Study Commons 6:30pm – LIFE group at Eagan Pt 7pm– Dakota Ramblers 4H
22 23 Preschool ParentTeacher Conferences 7:00pm – Thanksgiving Eve Service (No Volunteer Appreciation preschool) Desserts!
27
29 1:30 – LIFE Group 6:30pm – Confirmation 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
28 9am-Eagan Pt 6pm – Boy Bible Study Scouts 10am-Eagan Pt 6:30pm – LIFE Worship group at 7pm--Trustees Eagan Pt
4 9am – LIFE Group 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
11 9am – LIFE Group
4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship with HC
5pm – Altar Guild at Perkins 7:00pm – Bell Choir
14 9am – Eagan Pt Bible Study 6pm – Boy 10am-Eagan Pt Scouts Worship 6:30pm – LIFE 6:30pm – group at Vermilion Bd 7pm–Council 2pm– Anyuak Worship Eagan Pt Meeting
26 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Education Hour
10
Saturday
9-11am – FMSC
13
2pm–Anyuak Worship
3
7:00pm – Bell No Choir preschool
12 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Education Hour
6:30pm – Confirmation 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
Friday
16
17
6pm – Diffley Atrium Annual Mtg 7:00pm – Bell Choir
30 7:00pm – Bell Choir
18 9am – LIFE Group 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
24
(No preschool)
25 9am – LIFE Group 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship with HC