CHRIST’S MESSENGER Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool, Eagan MN
October 2017
FROM THE PASTOR by Pastor Hahn Church and Preschool
Dear brothers and sisters of Christ Lutheran Church,
Staff
Isn’t it awesome that God gives you and me gifts each day? Gifts from our Father come to us without even our asking. What blessings of love! God’s people at Christ Lutheran Church have heard about the heavenly Father’s love for over 100 years. We are thankful that our congregation has been able to proclaim this love and many souls have been touched from hearing it. We are thankful you know of that love as well.
Rev. David Hahn Senior Pastor
Alex Mezeritski Director of Music
Wendy Ewald Director of Preschool
Judy Kaner Preschool Aide
Rhoda Houge Church Secretary
In the coming weeks, we as believers of Jesus Christ will have opportunity to hear more about God’s love and the gifts He gives. Next week marks the beginning of what we call the annual stewardship emphasis. The theme, The Gift that Keeps on Giving, will help us focus more clearly on God’s love which is found in Jesus Christ, the greatest gift! During the three Sundays listed below specific themes will be highlighted in our services: Sunday, October 8th
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
Changing the Language of Stewardship
Sunday, October 15th -
Developing an Attitude of Gratitude
Sunday, October 22nd -
Mission is the Heart of our Giving
Also please remember to join us for a Family Fun Sunday School for all ages in the fellowship hall from 10:30 - 11:30am. If you think you know everything there is to know about Martin Luther and the Reformation, even the name of Martin's dog, then just come for the fun of it all. For most of us we will probably learn something new about Martin Luther and the Reformation each time we meet. All are invited to attend. It is a joy to be able to share the love of God found in Jesus with our members. I am excited about this new and grace-filled opportunity that is in front of us. I invite you to attend our upcoming church services and Bible studies as you grow in God’s grace! In the name of Jesus, Rev. David G. Hahn
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.
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Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
6th - 7th Grade Confirmation Instruction Has Begun In 1 Corinthians 1:18, Paul writes, "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. The greatest marvel of all is the manner in which God chose to save fallen humanity, sending His Son to become one of us so that He might live and die in our place. His resurrection from the dead assures us of the completeness of the victory over sin, death, and all that would lead us to lose saving faith. God has chosen ordinary people - Paul, Augustine, Martin Luther, and contemporary Christians like you and me - to be His redeemed people. As the Holy Spirit works through God's Holy Word, He continues to nurture the saving gift of faith in our hearts and empowers us as we bring the message of forgiveness, new life, and salvation to others. Confirmation Instruction provides the time and the place for our faith to grow stronger and closer to our Lord and Savior. All 6th and 7th Graders, as well as any youth who may be beyond the 7th Grade who have not gone through Confirmation Instruction are encouraged to join us at Christ Lutheran Church on Wednesday Evenings from 6:30-7:15pm. I am happy to announce that at our first class time there were 8 youth present for Confirmation Instruction. Immediately following Confirmation Instruction is Youth Group (see CLC Youth Group Article below)
CLC Youth Group on Wednesday Nights! All youth, 6th - 12th grade, are encouraged to attend this year's Youth Group. The Youth Group will be meeting on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. in the Youth Room on the lower level of the church. I am pleased to announce that there are two new Youth Leaders who will be spending time with our youth and building relationships with them, each other, and our Triune God. Sharon Momanyi and Bonny Jamison, two wonderful, loving, and caring Christian adults will be taking the opportunity to get to know your youth and having lots of fun along the way. Invite your friends to join you as we grow together in the Lord. See you on Wednesday night!
Don’t forget to pick up the latest Portals of Prayer on the table in the narthex! These devotions are also available on line. Check out the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Bell Choir Begins October 5! Calling all bell ringers, and those who are interested, ages 10-110! Join us for the experience of praising God with ringing hand bells together. If you are new to this, we will teach you. This is a very patient and accepting group with amazing results!
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
Happy fall! I love the crisper fall weather and the beautiful colors of fall. God’s creative work is so evident in the beauty that surrounds us! The preschool has two weeks under its belt and the children are slowly becoming accustomed to the new routines and procedures. In Jesus Time we started out learning about Creation and we are now talking about The First Sin. With children so young it can be difficult for them to understand why Jesus had to die for us, but we take it one step at a time until it becomes more evident to them. Please pray that the Holy Spirit will fill their little hearts with faith in our Savior! For Circle Time, our first unit was All About Me. Some of the things we talked about was how Jesus knew our names even before we were born, how Jesus created each of us just the way He wanted us, how Jesus will love us forever, and how He gave us hands to do all sorts of things but especially to help others. We are busy learning the letter our names start with and how to write our names with help from the teachers, the sign language and sound for the letter A, our colors (especially green like the Alligators we made for art), rhyming words, the circle shape, how to use LITTLE dots of glue and not the whole bottle, room rules, playground rules, and how to be good friends and good listeners. There is A LOT to learn in preschool! We are moving on to Noah and the Flood, God’s promises to Abraham, Fall, Bats, Spiders, Pumpkins, the Letters B and C, and new shapes, numbers and colors over the next several weeks. Be sure to stop by and visit the preschool when you are here! Visitors are always welcome! Thank You – I want to express my sincere gratitude to Dave Hoglund and Sandi Hansen for cleaning the carpet spot and area rug. We had a “little” accident the first day of school and the children could not use the rug until it was cleaned. One of my little 3 year olds asked me today, “Why is there a rug here?” This is the first time my 3 year olds got to sit on the rug for Jesus Time and Circle Time. It was pretty exciting! I also want to thank Pastor Hahn for all the help he has given in moving tables and chairs so the children could use the fellowship hall periodically when it was too hot to play outside (we have no shade in the playground) and when it is raining. He doesn’t have to do that, but he readily steps in to help! Health Consultant – Licensed preschools must have a health nurse visit their program once a year to go over hand washing, cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting, toileting, medication administration and storage, meal service, seating, and supervision, bag lunches, inspection of first aid supplies, emergency preparedness, field trip procedures, safety reviews, fire drills and tornado drills. I spent two hours with our new consultant last Monday. There are some things we need to change, which I was aware of from my past experience as a Director, so I will be working on those items as quickly as I can to bring us into compliance with health and safety guidelines. Some will require help from the trustees. Part-time Teacher Needed – We are still looking for a part-time teacher to teach on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please pray that God will send us the right candidate to teach this class! First Preschool Family Event – We held our first preschool family potluck on Tuesday, September 26. We did not know how many to expect so we set up lots of tables. Unfortunately only 5 families came, but we enjoyed our time of food and fellowship with those who were there! Thanks, Rhoda, for joining us at this event and for the way you made each family feel welcome! Special Days in October – Picture Days – October 24 & 25 October 19 & 20 – NO SCHOOL for MN So. District Educator’s Conference – Wendy will attend this event. In His Love, Grace, and Forgiveness, Wendy Ewald
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
Saturday, October 14, 9:00 am This is a great time for all of us to get involved in cleaning up our church insides and out. We’ll find a job for everyone. Be sure to mark your calendars now! (Rain day is October 21.)
FROM THE
Have you checked out the CLC Library lately? Here are some book reviews to get your interest going! If you would like to submit a book review about one the books from our library, send it to Ruth Ohmann (reohmann@comcast.net ). Angels Walking by Karen Kingsbury (Angels Walking Series) When former national baseball star Tyler Ames suffers a career-ending injury, all he can think about is putting his life back together the way it was before. He has lost everyone he loves on his way to the big leagues. Then just when things seem to be turning around, Tyler hits rock bottom. Across the country, Tyler's one true love Sami Dawson has moved on.
Luther, Biography of a Reformer Luther had one goal: peace with God. He didn’t find it in the holy relics and indulgences of the church or in his life as an obedient monk. Luther discovered God's treasure of truth buried under human laws and regulations. He discovered the Gospel in the Word of God. Luther took his stand on that Word, defying the highest authorities in the church and state. In so doing, he started the oldest continuing evangelical movement in history. This is Luther's dramatic story.
Mystery of the Stone Tiger by Carolyn Keene (Dana Girls Mystery Stories) (Children) A black-robed ghost roams the streets of the Danas’ home town. A tiger stalks the woods on the outskirts of Oak Falls. And the Hilary Museum is plagued by a phantom prowler who seemingly passes through locked doors and windows. Louise and Jean Dana, returning home from a long trip, are horrified by these events. Their friend Elise Hilary begs them to solve the mystery surrounding the private museum. Center of the sinister conspiracy is the magnificent marble tiger presented to the museum by a maharajah. Its eyes glow by night, the blackrobed ghost attempts to mutilate it, and the sound of flute music floats eerily from somewhere in the museum. Determined to unravel the spooky puzzle, Louise and Jean involve themselves in some frightening adventures as they follow a maze of clues to the solution of this suspense-filled mystery.
CHOIR PRACTICING FOR REFORMATION! Join us on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm. Sprechen Sie Deutsch? – Then we really want you to come!
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
LIFE Groups Starting Up Again
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.”
At our September 9th meeting we voted to send $100.00 to the Texas District Disaster Relief Fund for those suffering from Hurricane Harvey and $100.00 to the Florida District Disaster Relief Fund to help those suffering from Hurricane Irma. Our next meeting with be Saturday, December 9th at 9:30 am. More details to follow. Don’t miss attending the Lyndale Conference Fall Rally on Saturday October 28 at Rose of Sharon Lutheran Church, 6875 Jamaica Ave, Cottage Grove. It begins at 8:30 am with registration, program beginning at 9:00 am, with a lunch served at 11:00 am. The speaker will be Pastor Chad Cziscke who serves as a chaplain ministering to the men and women in the Armed Services. The Gifts from the Heart will be monetary gifts to the LCMS Ministry to the Office of the Armed Forces. Cost $10.00. There is a poster on the LWML bulletin Board in the narthex. We will meet at CLC at 8:00 am to carpool. Remember to pick up copies of the LWML Quarterly (lots of interesting articles for all women) and Women on a Mission newsletter which tells of what is going on in the District LWML. Also be sure to check out information on the LWML bulletin board. Continue to drop off your mites in the special wooden box on the LWML table in the narthex. MITES are needed to help fund the Mission Grants for the District and National. We will be doing a special door offering for MITES on Sunday, October 1st as we honor the work of the LWML is doing for missions. LWML is a place where each woman is welcomed and encouraged to use her unique God-given gifts in support of missions and in serving the Lord with gladness.
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
What’s so Special about the Reformation? We can learn about it from the life of Martin Luther (1483-1546). He was only eight years old when Christopher Columbus set sail from Europe and landed in the Western Hemisphere. Luther was a young monk and priest when Michaelangelo was painting the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A few years later, he was a junior faculty member at a new university in small-town Germany, intently studying the Scriptures, “captivated with an extraordinary ardor for understanding Paul in the Epistle to the Romans.” In these days Luther was tormented by the demand for righteousness before God. “I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners, and secretly, if not blasphemously, certainly murmuring greatly, I was angry with God.” Then, in the midst of that struggle with God, the message of the Scriptures became clear, like a long-shut door opening wide. When he realized that “a merciful God justifies us by faith … I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.” What Luther discovered is the freedom of Christians trusting God’s mercy in Christ. As he later wrote, “Faith is God’s work in us. It changes us and makes us to be born anew of God. This faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. It is impossible for it not to be doing good works incessantly. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that believers would stake their lives on it a thousand times.” This discovery set Luther’s life on a new course —both his own life and his public service as a preacher and teacher. When a church-endorsed sales team came to the Wittenberg area in October, 1517, Luther was concerned that the promotion and sale of indulgences undermined the promise of God’s unreserved mercy in Jesus and the faith that trusts that promise. On October 31, 1517, Luther posted his 95 Theses or Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences, which became the first of a life-long stream of books, sermons, letters, essays, even hymns in which he expressed his confidence in this life-giving promise from God, the Gospel, and its liberating implications for all of life in church and society. (Article taken from Living Lutheran, September 2017)
“The law says, ‘do this,’ and it is never done. Grace says, ‘believe in this,’ and everything is already done.” —Martin Luther
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
Get ready to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation with these great events at CSP: “Luther” – Concordia St. Paul Theatre Production John Osborne’s Luther is an epic retelling of one of the great epochs in Western civilization, this play is an exploration of the larger-than-life personality of the great reformer himself: passionate, fiery, and earthy. At times, this Luther is the quintessential “angry young man,” fighting against all the great powers that govern his life. Then all at once he reveals himself to have the sensitivity of an innocent child desperately in need of love and protection. In writing that is often raw, direct and emotional – much like the legacy of the historical Luther himself – the play presents a vivid portrait of a man whose many contradictions and personal struggles nevertheless led to one of the great spiritual and political revolutions in human history. October 26-29, 7:30 p.m LOCATION: E.M. Pearson Theatre, 312 Hamline Ave N, St. Paul TICKETS: $10 (Discounts available for students/seniors/children under 12) Church groups of 10 or more receive $5 tickets. Tickets available at Ticketworks.com
Reformation 500 Worship Service October 29 @ 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Reformation 500 weekend will be highlighted by a worship service in the Gangelhoff Center on Sunday, Oct. 29. The worship service will include a sermon from LCMS President Matthew Harrison, performances from mass youth and adult choirs, instrumental ensembles, and more.
Eagan Pointe Bible Study and Worship The Eagan Pointe weekly Bible Study will begin in October at 9am. All are welcome, not just residents of Eagan Pointe. 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. Eagan Pointe is located at 4232 Blackhawk Road – just behind the new fire station.
Christ’s Messenger
October, 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.
Christ’s Messenger
October, 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 – Clarence Langfield passed away on September 11. The family will have a private memorial service later. Lori Dolney passed away on September 17. Her funeral was September 23 at the church. Gary Schleif (nephew of Darlene Lemke) passed away on September 20 in Hawaii. Lawrence Linkert passed away on September 27. Funeral is pending at time of publication. Cancer –Steve Brennan, Karen Hultquist, Judy Lemke-Kline (niece of Darlene Lemke), Lucy Roemhildt, Greg Wills, Don Wolf. Recovering from surgery, illness, or other – Nanu Ajack, Betty Briest, 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, Lee Scott, Gerry Studer, Dick Swedean, LaDonne Taylor (Kathy Heggen's aunt), Dale Vogt, Don Wolf. Homebound – Waltraud Bundt, 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 & Lore Rother, Lois 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. 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 53 countries around the world, especially the Christians in Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East. Our nation. The Fall Red Cross Blood Drive will be Thursday, November 9th, 12:00 – 6:00 PM.
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
October Birthdays 3
Ronnie Bachrodt, Marilyn Campobasso, Alex Mezeritski, Lucy Roemhildt
4
Douglas Barringer
5
James Hagen
6
Kathryn Heggen
7
Florence O’Brien, Heinz Rother
8
Donald Stoeckman. Marianne Studer
9
Otor Awatt, Kay Hagen
10
Aduke Ojullu
13
Lynn Burow
16
Eldoris Ohm
18
Aiden Nichols, Aja Obuey
19
Drew Chenevert, Guy Westphal
20
Sandi Meyer
22
Edward Klamm
25
Abala Anwey, Janice Fevold
26
Florence Hanson, Steven Marstad
27
Edna Rodenberg
29
Shane Hanenberger, Jon Larson, Wanda Leiding, Carol Miller, Lynn Scott
30
Kyle Hasche
31
Darren Lefebvre, Delores Nelson
October Wedding Anniversaries 26
Happy Anniversary!
Michael and Marie Wilkins (21 years)
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2017
OCTOBER 2017 Sunday 1
Monday 2
Tuesday 3
9
9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Sunday School 2pm– Anyuak Worship
15 9am Worship - HC 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Sunday School 11:30am – Voters’ Meeting
4
5
Friday 6
6:30pm – 7:00pm – Bell Confirmation Choir 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
9am Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Sunday School 2pm– Anyuak Worship 8
Wednesday Thursday
16
10 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship 6:30pm – Vermilion Carriage Board 7pm–Council Meeting
11
17 9am – Eagan Pt Bible Study
18
5:30pm-Network Management Assn Mtg
12
Saturday 7 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship with HC
13
6:30pm – 7:00pm – Bell Confirmation Choir 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
14 9am – Church Fall CleanUp 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
19 20 No No PreschoolPreschool6:30pm – Confirmation Educator’s Educator’s 7:00pm – Youth Conference Conference Group 7:00pm – Choir 7:00pm – Bell Choir
21 Rain day for Church Fall Clean-up 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship with HC
25 Preschool Picture Day
28 LWML Rally at Cottage Grove 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship with HC
2pm– Anyuak Worship 22
23
9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Sunday School
6pm—Diffley Commons 7pm– Dakota Ramblers 4H
24 Preschool Picture Day 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan Pt Worship
2pm–Anyuak Worship 7pm – Trustees 29 REFORMATION SUNDAY 9am Worship - HC 10:15am– Fellowship 10:30am – Sunday School
30
31 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study Reformation Day
6:30pm – Confirmation 7:00pm – Youth Group 7:00pm – Choir
26 7:00pm – Bell Choir
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A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon; He helps us free from every need That hath us now o'ertaken. The old evil Foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guile and great might Are his dread arms in fight; On Earth is not his equal.