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.
October, 2016
FROM THE PASTOR by Pastor Hahn October is Stewardship Emphasis Month! LIFE—life in its fullness (John 10:10)—life with significance and purpose— life as God’s steward –is what this emphasis is about! The very purpose of life, in relationship with Jesus Christ, is to be God’s steward. The Biblical Stewardship Principles presented in October are based on God’s revealed will. They give direction for a life in response to God’s acceptance and forgiving love in Jesus Christ. Life is lived to make a contribution to others in Christ’s name—always in His name, not our own, not another’s! The implications of each of the principles can have a profound effect on many of God’s stewards. There will be a heightened awareness of the privilege of being God’s steward in every arena of life—and a renewed sense of being a part of the larger “company of stewards,” the body of Christ, as it exists both at Christ Lutheran Church and in the church-at-large. JUST IMAGINE! Just imagine what God would/could do among, with, and through the members of CLC as together we learn, assimilate, and put to practice the daily pattern of living out these principles! 1) God’s stewards are God’s stewards. 2) God’s stewards are managers, not owners. 3) God’s stewards are saints and sinners. 4) God’s stewards are uniquely singular, yet profoundly plural. 5) God’s stewards are in the world, but not of the world. 6) God’s stewards are loved and loving. 7) God’s stewards are served and serving. 8) God’s stewards live with an awareness of the present and the future, of time and eternity. This is LIFE—the life of God’s stewards. It’s the life of people whose response to the Good News of Jesus Christ is to live as God’s stewards managing all of life and life’s resources for God’s purposes!
October Adult Bible Study During the summer and just finishing in September we have been going through a Bible Study titled "Lead Like Jesus." We began that study by asking those in attendance the question, "Are you a leader?" There may have been a couple hands that were raised, but the vast majority did not. In reality we are all leaders; there are people who look to us for leadership, as any parent will know. Some are good, others are not so good; some are strong, and others not so strong. That is why we looked toward the leadership of Jesus for help. During the month of October, we will be emphasizing stewardship and going through some principles of godly stewardship, using your God-given talents, time, and treasures for His glory.
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
Open Opportunities to Serve I would like to spend a moment talking about the talents part of stewardship. You all have been given gifts of talents by God. There may be those who deny they have any talent, but I know God would disagree. It is now that you need to look into your soul and search out those talents and how you can best use them for the glory of God. There are opportunities for you to use these talents in front of us right now. Christ Lutheran Church has been trying to hold things together and move forward with a church structure of leadership at about half capacity. There have been positions on the church council and on every church board that have been left unfilled because many are not using their God given talents to serve in the positions that are available. In October we will be electing officers and Board members to serve God here at Christ Lutheran. The positions available on the Church Council are President, Vice President, Secretary, and Financial Secretary. There is also an opening for people to serve on every one of our current Boards which are the Board of Christian Education, Board of Elders, Board of Evangelism, Board of Finance, Board of Human Care, Board of Preschool, Board of Stewardship, Board of Trustees, Board of Worship, and Board of Youth Ministry. Now is the time to search out your talents and choose to serve God to the best of your ability. Yes it will involve some of your time. It will involve some sacrifice, but the rewards are great. Look through the brief descriptions of positions available and pray how God may use you to build up His kingdom. President: The president is the Chief Lay-Executive Officer of the congregation. He presides at all Voter's Meetings and attends the Church Council Meeting. Vice-President: The vice-president presides at all Church Council Meetings and fills the president’s duties if the president is unable to. Secretary: The secretary records the minutes and maintains the records of both the Council and Voter's Meetings Financial Secretary: the financial secretary reports monthly to the Church Council the amount contributed by members and makes bank deposits. Board of Christian Education: This board promotes and provides supervision over the Christian educational programs of the congregation (Bible Studies, Confirmation Instruction, Sunday School, and VBS) Board of Elders: This board assists the pastor over the general spiritual welfare of the congregation and ensures that the services held in God's house are held regularly, properly, and orderly. They also provide annual reviews for all called church workers. Board of Evangelism: As important as evangelism is in the church, we have no one serving on this board. This board implements programs and ministries necessary to bring the Gospel to the unchurched. They also help with integrating new members into the church and the promotion of Christ Lutheran. Board of Finance: This board counts the money and assigns member offering envelopes. Board of Human Care: This board considers responses to the needs that surround us such as poverty, unemployment, imprisonment, illness, loneliness, etc. Board of Preschool: This board assists in establishing and maintaining a quality Christian preschool education program at Christ Lutheran. Board of Stewardship: This board helps Christians grow as faithful stewards of Jesus Christ through education, awareness, and example. Board of Trustees: This board provides for the maintenance, protection, and improvements of the church property. Board of Worship: This board assesses the worship setting and music needs of the congregation. Board of Youth Ministry: This board oversees the total youth ministry, grades 6 - 12, of the congregation. (The full description of these positions can be found in the Officers and Boards Manual. You may obtain a copy of this manual from our office secretary Rhoda.) Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. I Corinthians 12:4-7
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
HAPPENINGS AT 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. We have just started studying the Book of Philippians. 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.
Saturday, October 15, the Trustee’s will be hosting the annual Fall Clean-Up Day. Starting at 9:00am, we’ll be doing miscellaneous jobs to spruce up the church and grounds and get prepared for winter. All are welcome to help out. Lunch will be served. Join us for work, food, and fellowship. If weather is bad on the 15th, we’ll reschedule for the following Saturday, Oct 22nd.
The 26th Annual Holiday Boutique will be held at Christ Lutheran on Saturday, Nov. 5th 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please plan to join us for crafts, vendors, bake sale, as well as breakfast and lunch items. Tables are available for $25.00 by contacting Eileen Gregory at 952-469-6552 or glenn_eileen@frontiernet.net
CLC’s Small Group Ministry (LIFE Groups) By Sharonlee Strohkirch Our small groups have begun once again, and we are excited to be in our 16th year studying God’s Word, fellowshipping, praying, and using the gifts God has given us in our church and communities. We have 4 groups currently and are willing to provide more. If you are looking for a place to grow in the knowledge of our awesome God and serve Him, you can contact one of our present groups, or if you would like to start a group let us know. Our present groups are listed according to gender, day, time, and place. We have an “open chair” and pray for you to fill it. Monday evening, 6:30 pm Singles & couples Wednesday afternoon 1 pm Ladies Thursdays evening 6:30pm Couples Saturday Morning, 9 am Men Or call the church office 651-454-4091
Meet at Eagan Pointe Meet in homes Meet in homes Meet at church
Sharonlee 952-431-1865 Geri 952-891-2853 Deb 651-452-8956 Mark 952-891-2853
This fall we are joining the LCMS Minnesota South District Churches and sponsoring an event that all members of our groups and Christ Lutheran members may participate in. It is huge but doable. We will endeavor to put together 1,000,000 – THAT’S RIGHT, ONE MILLION – meals for starving children. We will join “Feed My Starving Children” to meet this challenge. It will be held at Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury beginning Thursday November 10th, Friday the 11th, and Saturday the 12th. We will sign up for 2 hour shifts. You may sign up for as many shifts as you desire. We invite all members of CLC to join us in this amazing feat. To sign on there will be sign-up sheets posted in the narthex. Please sign under one of the LIFE groups. This is easy work, and everyone can participate in some way. Jesus loved the children and feeding those who need this nourishment will be serving our Lord as well. God bless us all. Titus 2:14 – He gave Himself for us so He might pay the price to free us from all evil and to make us pure people who belong only to Him—people who are wanting to do good deeds.
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
PRESCHOOL NEWS The fall enrollment has 17 children in the Monday/Wednesday/Friday class with 13 children staying all day. The Tuesday/Thursday class has grown to 14 with 9 staying for the extended portion of the day. There are still others who are thinking about enrolling. God is good! This year the theme is Authors. Each month the children will be reading stories by a particular author and then learning about that author. In September we will be reading stories by Eric Carle. The children will be participating in the Trike-A-Thon again this year. This year the event will occur on Friday, September 23, at 9:45 am. Feel free to stop by and see the children as they have fun riding on the track on the lower lot. We hope to raise over $1000 this year for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. If you are interested in donating, please see Michele Lukanen or Julia Bonewell. If you are in need of getting a hold of Julia Bonewell, her email is julia.clc@outlook.com. She had the preschool room all ready for the children for the beginning of school on September 12th. She and the students look forward to an exciting year together! Guest readers are needed again. Please see the sign-up sheet outside of the preschool room. We are looking for readers on Thursdays and Fridays at 11:45. If that time does not work well for you but you would like to come in another time, please see Julia to work out a time. Blessings, Miss Michele
Our New Preschool Teacher! Julia Bonewell is not new to many of you since she has been a member of Christ Lutheran since birth. She is the daughter of Mark and Gerri Bonewell and the granddaughter of Gladys Wachter. After high school graduation, Julia moved to Fargo and attended Minnesota State University in Moorhead for two years. She then worked at the YMCA for two years to attain her Child Development Associates Certificate. It’s great to have Julia back at Christ to teach in the Preschool. An interesting note is that Julia was a member of the first preschool class at Christ, and now she is leading these little ones on the path of education as well as sharing God’s love.
New Church Secretary Rhoda Houge is the new church secretary. She and her husband Claude live in Eagan after Claude retired as pastor at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Omaha, NE, in 2015. Grandchildren (Lydia and Elsa) in St. Paul were the big draw to Minnesota! They are the children of Nate and Jodi Houge. (Nate recently opened Brake Bread at 1174 West 7th in St. Paul.) Their other son Ben and his wife Jutta live in Boston, MA. Previously the Houges were missionaries in Liberia, Ghana, and Kenya (and surrounding countries) for over 20 years, returning to the states in 2011. They made a connection with Christ Lutheran several years ago when they met Omot Ochan, who later stayed with them in Nairobi on his way to Sudan. Rhoda is thankful for the helpfulness and friendliness of the other staff, as well as the members of Christ who have been to the office. She looks forward to working with you in the future!
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
LWML CORNER by Joyce Swedean Psalm 66:5 says “Come and See what God has done, how awesome His works in man’s behalf!” And that is exactly what we as women at CLC will have the opportunity to do through the LWML events in October. I hope you can join us. “Come And See” is the theme for LWML Sunday which we will celebrate on Sunday, October 2, 2016. The LWML will be taking a door offering after the service which will support the mission grants for the District and National LWML. At our October get together on Saturday, October 8th, at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall we will view the film “The First Rosa.” This is a short documentary on the life, work, and legacy of Dr. Rosa Young. Dr. Young was a teacher, confessor, and church planter in the poorest regions of Alabama in the 1920’s. This is a very inspirational film and you don’t want to miss seeing it. Bring your MITES. All women of the congregation are invited. Eileen Gregory will have the coffee and treats ready for us. The SE Suburban LWML Zone Fall Rally on Saturday, October 15th at Trinity Lone Oak (2950 Highway 55, Eagan) beginning at 9 am (registration and coffee at 8:30 am) and ending with Lunch at noon. The cost is $8.00. The speaker will be Rev. Donavon Riley of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Webster, MN who will speak on “From Atheist to Pastor.” Bring a nonperishable item for the Food Shelf.
Don’t miss your chance to see this inspirational new film from LCMS! Saturday, October 8, 9:30 am, Christ Lutheran Fellowship Hall
ROSA J. YOUNG TEACHER | CONFESSOR | CHURCH PLANTER Born to an ordinary life in an ordinary town in rural Alabama, Rosa J. Young was anything but ordinary. With a passion for helping others, educating children and sharing the Gospel, Rosa accomplished extraordinary things for her community and the kingdom of God. Known as the “Mother of Black Lutheranism in Central Alabama,” Rosa Young (1890–1971) was instrumental in founding and promoting 30 Lutheran elementary schools and 35 Lutheran congregations in Alabama’s “Black Belt.” Her legacy is unparalleled as an educator, confessor and church planter for Christ and His Church.
It’s time to hear her full story. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has produced and is ready to release The First Rosa, a film that will enlighten the Church to Rosa’s remarkable history, initiate and invoke the vocation of new professional church workers, and inspire the establishment of new Rosa J. Young Academies. Director/Producer: Dr. Ardon Albrecht | Runtime: 42 minutes • Filmed in: Selma, Rosebud and King’s Landing, Ala., Sept. 22-26, 2014
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
October 31 – Reformation Day! We will celebrate the 499th birthday of the Reformation in our service on October 30 this year. You may remember that this was the day that Martin Luther nailed written works, known as The 95 Theses, on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany in 1517. Luther was a Catholic monk and a scholar who had discovered in reading the Bible that the church of that day was insisting that people could earn their own way into heaven, even though Scripture clearly tells us that our salvation is through Jesus Christ and believing that He died on the cross for our sins and rose again. The papers he nailed on the church door challenged this and started a reformation of the Catholic Church at that time. The Lutheran Reformation is still all about Jesus; that is, faithfully preaching and teaching the good news of Jesus Christ and standing for the teachings of God’s Word as they have been confessed in all times and all places wherever the Gospel is purely taught according to a pure understanding of it and where the Sacraments are administered according to Christ’s institution. With Martin Luther, we still say, “Here we stand, we cannot do otherwise. God help us. Amen.”
October is Clergy Appreciation Month Clergy Appreciation Month is a special time that congregations set aside each year to honor their pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication and multiple blessings provided by these special people. It is also important to remember that appreciation, affirmation, and prayer support of our spiritual leaders is appropriate throughout the entire year. The nature of the service provided by pastors and their families is unique. God has entrusted to them one of the most precious of assignments — the spiritual well-being of His flock. When a pastor becomes ineffective, the very souls of his or her parishioners are endangered. When eternity is in the balance, we should all be concerned. Pastors and their families live under incredible pressures. Their lives are played out in a fishbowl, with the entire congregation and community watching their every move. They are expected to have ideal families, to be perfect people, to always be available, to never be down, and to have all the answers we need to keep our own lives stable and moving forward. Those are unrealistic expectations to place on anyone, yet most of us are disappointed when a pastor becomes overwhelmed, seems depressed, lets us down, or completely burns out. That’s why God has instructed us to recognize His servants.
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” (1 Timothy 5:17)
The good news is that we can make a difference! Clergy Appreciation Month is one way we can counter the negative erosion in the lives of our spiritual leaders with the positive affirmation they need. Doesn’t your pastor and his family deserve this kind of recognition? Do something about it today! Figure out what you can do personally to recognize and honor your pastor. A simple card, an invitation to lunch, a promise to pray for him, or some other thoughtful gesture will make a wonderful statement.
From the Community: A message from the Band Director at Edward Neal and Vista View Elementary... Good news: We have TONS of new ISD 191 students that want to play in band. Bad news: We have more students from families with financial need and cannot afford to buy an instrument. Result: We have MANY students around the district without an instrument to play. Plea: If you have a band instrument at home that you are willing to donate to the school district, please bring it directly to me. I will happily write you an invoice for a tax write-off. Thanks SO MUCH for considering this important donation to our 191 kids! If you have an instrument to donate, please contact Karra Hartog. Thank you!
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
October Birthdays 3 - Ronnie Bachrodt, Marilyn Campobasso, Alex Mezeritski, Lucy Roemhildt 4 - Douglas Barringer, Lorrayne Widstrom 5 - James Hagen, Christopher Larson 6 - Kathryn Heggen 7 - Samantha Baumgartner, Auston Bork, Florence O’Brien, Heinz Rother 8 - Donald Stoeckman, Marianne Studer 9 - Otor Awatt, Kay Hagen, Kelsey Lamountain 10 - Aduke Ojullu 11 - Lucas Hafstad 13 - Lynn Burow, Karen Merten, Walter Strese 14 - Diane Metzler 15 - Sheila Carriere 16 - David Fenske, Eldoris Ohm, Renee Olufson 17 - Andrew Kuester, Michael Kukulski 18 - Aiden Nichols, Aja Obuey 19 - Drew Chenevert, Guy Westphal 20 - Sandi Meyer, Carl Rettke 21 - Rachael Manser 22 - Edward Klamm, Diana Young 23 - Matthew Isaak 25 - Abala Anwey, Janice Fevold, Nicholas Landauer 26 - Kori Bauer, Florence Hanson, Steven Marstad 27 - Sara Peterson, Edna Rodenberg 28 - Samantha Catlett, Cindy Onsted 29 - Shane Hanenberger, Jon Larson, Wanda Leiding, Carol Miller, Lynn Scott 30 - Elly Armstrong, Kyle Hasche, Jordyn Savage, Marjorie Steine 31 - Ann Bollinger, Darren Lefebvre, Delores Nelson, Chris Stelljes
Wedding Anniversaries September 1 - Curt & Judy Thompson - 37 years September 2 - James & Shirley Eilola Sr. - 49 years September 4 - Patrick & Lori Dolney - 34 years September 4 - Guy & Marilyn Westphal - 34 years September 5 - Jeffrey & Delores Aldinger - 24 years September 6 - Thomas & Jane Boufford - 41 years September 14 - Douglas & Darcy Barringer - 25 years September 17 - Thomas & Tonia Gustafson - 39 years September 18 - Chris & Kari Lubbers - 23 years September 24 - Terry & Edna Rodenberg - 50 years September 26 - Kevin & Luanne Bork - 26 years October 2 - Kevin & Debbie Gliva - 34 years October 26 - Michael & Marie Wilkins - 20 years
Save the date – December 10! More information coming soon!
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
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.) Baptism – Ellie Ann Strese, granddaughter of Jan Uecker, baptized on September 12, 2016. We welcome Ellie into the family of Christ! Loss of a Loved One – Karen Hultquist’s brother Lorin Neuenfelt passed away from cancer; Lynn Cordova’s husband Michael passed away from cancer Cancer - Steve Brennan, Carol Brown (mother of Christa Brown-Switzer), Keith Feickert, Karen Hultquist, Bob Manthei (Father of Rebecca Hahn), Lucy Roemhildt,, Don Wolf. Having surgery, recovering from surgery, illness, or other – Julia Bonewell, Joyce Connolly, Richard Heggemeyer (brother of Helen Grass), Joe Conolly, Ben Kothe, Antonina Kopcheve (mother-inlaw of Alex Mezeritski), Judy Lebahn, Ioannis Madzaris (friend of Alex Mezeritski), Mary Marlow, Tatyana Mezeritski, Louise Neil, Lore Rother, Marcella Schindeldecker, Jerry Studer (husband of Marianne Studer). Homebound – Adona Braun, 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, Lois Mollenhauer, Marian Neujahr, 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 Adelman), 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, and the Anyuak people in Ethiopia and Sudan. Persecuted Christians in 53 countries around the world. Our nation.
Happenings in the Area You are invited to a great community event! The Denise Trittin Benefit is on October 7, 2016 from 5pm9pm at the Royal Cliff Convention Center in Eagan. This event will include live music, appetizers, silent auction, wine pull, 50/50 raffle, and much more! All the Benefit proceeds will go Denise and her family to assist with medical bills and other costs incurred with Denise’s illness. Denise and Chuck, her husband and pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church in Eagan, found themselves in the unthinkable situation June 19. Denise had a brain aneurism rupture, and she miraculously survived following two months of hospitalizations and acute rehab stays. She is now home gradually improving from a condition many don’t survive. Show your support by attending this celebration of Denise’s healing! Please see her website for the entire story: http://denisetrittin.com/. Details about the Benefit are on the webpage including all the businesses contributing to the Silent Auction event as well as ticket information! We hope to see you there!
Christ’s Messenger
October, 2016
OCTOBER 2016 Sunday 2
Monday 3
Tuesday 4 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 6pm– Boy Scouts
Wednesday Thursday 5
11 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan PT Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts 6pm– All Boards, Council Meeting
12
16 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm– Anyuak Worship
18 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study
19
23 24 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm– Anyuak Worship
30 31 REFORMATION SUNDAY 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm– Anyuak Worship
6pm– Boy Scouts
25 9am-Eagan Pt Bible Study 10am-Eagan PT Worship 6pm– Boy Scouts 7pm-Trustees
7
6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm-Choir
9 10 9am Worship 10:15am– Fellowship & Education Hour 2pm–Anyuak Worship
17 6pm—Diffley Commons 7pm– Dakota Ramblers 4H
6
Friday
13
14
20
15 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
21
6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm-Choir
6pm-Confirmation Instruction 7pm-Choir
1/8 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
6pm-Confirmation 6:30pm Instruction Vermilion 7pm-Choir Carriage meeting
26
Saturday
22 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship
27
28
29 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship