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We the LOVE OF JESUS and are by THE HOLY SPIRIT to GOD’S KINGDOM! TABLE OF CONTENTS Come, Lord Jesus, Come JOIN THE JOURNEY Update Agape Kids Operation Christmas Child Open Table Focus 2016 Food Pantry: Thanksgiving + Christmas Women’s Lunch Bunch Amazon Smile Christmas Cookies by the Pound Special Services Schedule Starting Point Class Deacon’s Corner: THE BUG Parking Lot Volunteers In the Footsteps of Luther Trip Princess Tea November FB Check-In Be Amazed Night Christmas Boutique Arts & Crafts Fair
CONNECT WITH US 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12 13 13 13 14 15
cglchurch.org 480.892.8314
facebook.com/christsgreenfield
cglschool.org cglpreschool.org
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Come,
LORD JESUS,Come! BY PASTOR TIM AHLMAN
“He (Paul) lived there (Rome) a whole two years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.” Acts 28:30-31 I love this time of year, especially in AZ. The weather is cooling without the threat of snow. Outdoor activities are kicking into full gear. Winter guests are arriving. The area is becoming more and more vibrant after our long summer of heat. There is great expectation. I also love this time of year as we remember Jesus’ first, and yearn for His second coming. Advent historically is a time of great expectation for the trumpet to sound, the dead in Christ to be raised, and experience the fullness of the righteous reign of God in all its fullness. We will see Jesus face to face. Oh, come, Lord Jesus, come. The reality is Jesus comes each and every day for those who have the eyes of faith to see. He comes as we daily remember His baptismal promise to us. He comes in His Word. He comes through His body, the church. He comes through the fruit of His Spirit. He comes as His people advance the kingdom of God. Oh, come, Lord Jesus, come. I was in New York City at the Global Movement Day as I wrote this article. I heard countless stories of how Jesus is coming right now into areas of darkness and bringing His light! I met kingdom expanding leaders from China, South Africa, London and New York. The message we all proclaim is exactly what Paul
proclaimed in Rome 2000 years ago. We proclaim the kingdom of God, and we teach about the Lord Jesus Christ! It’s interesting to me that Luke distinguishes between “proclaiming the kingdom of God…and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Do you know why? It’s not rocket science – it is what Jesus did. Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God, and He pointed people to Himself. Look at it this way. Jesus made wrong things right. Jesus brought light into the dark. Jesus shined a spotlight on beauty, goodness, humility and justice. People were then called and compelled to shift their attention from the light to the Light Giver. People were invited to see the light and quickly say, “Come, Lord Jesus, come!” The same is true for you. You get to notice in others, and personally bring beauty, goodness, humility and justice in your home, workplace and community. You proclaim the kingdom of God. You then quickly teach about the kingdom of God enfleshed in the person of Jesus Christ who comes even today to make wrong right. Come, Lord Jesus, come. This is our expansion strategy at CGLCS. We are going to go corporately (La Mesa, Tempe Table), and invite you to go individually, into our community as a kingdom bearer. We will bring beauty, goodness, humility and justice into the world. We will bring light into the darkness, and then immediately shift the attention to the Light Giver, Jesus. The days are short. Proclaim the kingdom of God. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
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P EX
ERIENCE
2.0
EMPO
AND
EXP
WE
R
Thank you for your
INCREDIBLE
faithfulness!
What a blessing when God’s people come together to accomplish amazing things for His Kingdom! We want to extend a humbling gratefulness to your faithfulness and generosity throughout JOIN THE JOURNEY 1.0! Your graciousness throughout the two years has blown us away. Through your generous gifts, $3.35 million was received, which was $50,000 over our goal! PRAISE JESUS!! Sunday, November 13 will be Announcement Sunday. During each of the services, we will carve out a few minutes to share with you, the people of God, where the Lord has brought us in JOIN THE JOURNEY 1.0 and what He has already done through your commitments for JOIN THE JOURNEY 2.0. Please plan on attending one of the Sunday services to hear all that Jesus is doing! If you have not yet handed in your commitment card, we look forward to receiving it in the coming weeks or online at https://form.jotform. com/cglc/pledge_jtj2. Thank you again for your incredible faithfulness as we seek to glorify JESUS CHRIST in His church.
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Children learning about JESUS! by Andrea Ickler, Agape Kids Director FAMILY FELLOWSHIP EVENT NOVEMBER 13 AT 12:00 PM. We will be watching a movie and getting to know other Sunday School families. Pizza and popcorn will be served! Bring a blanket or towel to sit on, we’ll be in the Life Center!
COMPUTER CHECK-IN FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL We have rolled out our computer check in system for Agape Kids Sunday School. This is streamlining the check in/out process and providing extra security for our families.
CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PLAY WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 This year, the Sunday School kids will be performing a Nativity on Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30 during Advent Service. We hope to be a blessing to the congregation during the Christmas season. We are so excited to bring back this Christmas tradition. Please email Andrea Ickler at aickler@ cglchurch.org or DCE Annie at atiberg@cglchurch.org for more information.
Questions or concerns? Please contact Andrea Ickler at aickler@cglchurch.org.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
We are excited to be part of Operation Christmas Child this year! Agape Kids have joined the church and school in packing as many shoeboxes as possible. Each year, shoebox gifts bless children in need around the world, and parents often use the project to teach their kids about giving. CGLCS is collecting completed shoeboxes, individual gifts, and the $7 shipping fee. Agape Kids Sunday School will have a “packing party” on November 13. All of the children will pack boxes as an assembly line. Join us as we collect items for the Sunday School kids to pack or pack your own box and drop it off! Some items to bring in: Dolls, soccer balls, (mini or deflated with pumps), stuffed animals, cars, puzzles, jump ropes, etc. Other gifts: school supplies, hygiene items, socks, hats, flip flops, and sunglasses. Look for more ideas at www.samaritanspurse.org/occ.
Sunday mornings 9:00 AM in the School Theater Register online at www.cglchurch.org.
AGAPE KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 6 Nicodemus Visits Jesus at Night CGLS Students sing at 9:00 service NOVEMBER 13 Jesus is Rejected Operation Christmas Child Packing Party Sunday School Family Fellowship Event 12:00 PM in the Life Center NOVEMBER 20 NO AGAPE KIDS THANKSGIVING BREAK NOVEMBER 27 Jesus Heals People DECEMBER 4 Jesus Forgives a Paralyzed Man DECEMBER 11 A Miraculous Catch of Fish DECEMBER 18 Dress Rehearsal for Nativity Program WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Christmas Program Advent Service 6:30 PM DECEMBER 25 NO AGAPE KIDS, MERRY CHRISTMAS! JANUARY 1 NO AGAPE KIDS, NEW YEAR’S DAY
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BY VICAR JAKE BOESSLING God is moving mightily in many ways at Christ’s Greenfield, expanding His Kingdom through La Mesa, PowWow, Family Promise and now, Open Table. It is our pleasure to announce, we have a table set and ready to serve! What? Christ’s Greenfield has 10 members coming alongside a family in need, as we partner with the ministry of Open Table (www.theopentable.org). Their commitment is to a young couple both around the ages of 20 years old, Olivia, Julian and their four month old, Royalty! The team and this family form the “Table.” This family is struggling as they aged out of the foster care system and our table team is ready to serve them over the next year in the areas of employment, housing, finances, education, healthcare, faith and relationship building. What is Open Table? Open Table’s faith-based model draws together the community and relationship life of congregations around the country. It provides technical support, training, structure, and process. Each Table is composed of a group of volunteers who make a one-year commitment to act as a team of life specialists, encouragers, and advocates. Open Table’s faith-based model draws together the community and relationship life of congregations around the country. The Table members will help work together with Olivia, Julian, and Royalty to establish goals, find
accountability, develop an overall plan for their life and implement it for sustainability. Table members network in their congregations and the community for resources to support the plan. While congregation members join Tables to help others, they soon realize they are changed forever by the relationships they create through missional community. In Open Table, relationship is mutual: love, healing, purpose, faith and transformation given by each other for each other. God gives everyone human potential and the Open Table model allows us all to use it to share lives of meaning with each other. After a long journey this year, our Table is nearing completion of the initial phases of setting up a relationship with this young couple. Table members from CGLC will be working together to continue building our group relationships and skills. They are very grateful for this opportunity to serve the Lord and engage in this amazing opportunity to share and love within our community for the EXPANSION of God’s Kingdom. If you are interested in being part of Open Table please contact Wendy Kozloski at counselor_ kozloski@yahoo.com for more information! Please keep Open Table, the family and our team in your prayers as we move forward in this process for God’s glory and good!
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FOCUS2016: WHAT IS IT?
Every year, the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS presents a local youth gathering opportunity for our Arizona High School students to grow in faith, make new friends, worship together, and serve our community. This year, Christ’s Greenfield gets the pleasure of hosting this awesome event where nearly 100 high school students and adult leaders will descend on our campus to praise Jesus and serve in His name! This year, our theme is INVESTIGATE: God’s Word. We want our students to have a safe place to ask their questions about how we know the Bible is true, but also about how we can be assured of our salvation and the grace we have in Jesus Christ. Our students today face a multitude of voices of wisdom and truth, especially in our secular culture, which leaves some to wonder what exactly is true and how should we respond well in situations to point others to Jesus. Focus 2016 is a chance for our students to get away from the busyness and the voices of their world, to experience the trustworthy wisdom of God’s Word through worship, outrageous games, a servant event, and challenging talks from local Arizona church leaders. We can’t wait to INVESTIGATE with you! If you’re in high school and would like to join us, contact DCE Annie Tiberg today to register!! If you love students and would like to sponsor a student to attend this awesome event, please contact DCE Annie today!
FOCUS 2016 QUICK FACTS:
LOCATION: Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church & School DATE: November 18-20, 2016 REGISTRATION: $125 includes everything: all meals, all housing, t-shirt and transportation $95 if you’re just coming to the event and will not stay at the hotel HOTEL: Best Western Legacy Inn & Suites, 4470 S Power Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212
Contact DCE Annie Tiberg today! (480) 892-8314 atiberg@cglchurch.org
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FsOD PANTRY NEEDS Thank you for continuing to bless our community through your generosity!
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Christmas Edition Women’s Lunch Bunch NOTE: NO Lunch Bunch in November due to Thanksgiving. All ladies of CGLC are invited for our Christmas Lunch Bunch for fun, friendship and socializing.
Friday, December 2 11:30 AM STEAK & STONE (Falcon Field)
RSVP no later than Monday, November 28 CONTACTS: Marion Sessous : 480-396-4585 Coretta Bartlett : corettab1@hotmail.com Directions to STEAK & STONE 2913 N Thunderbird Circle, Mesa Higley to E Falcon Dr and turn left. Take the 1st right onto N Thunderbird Circle. 2613 N Thunderbird Circle is on the right.
SMILE! The Christmas season is quickly approaching and that often means shopping on Amazon! Who are we kidding, every season is Amazon shopping season! How amazing would it be for a percentage of each of your Amazon purchases to come back to Christ’s Greenfield? Through AmazonSmiles, that can happen!! Just log in through our unique link to setup Christ’s Greenfield as your “charity,” then purchase items through your normal Amazon account. Yes, it’s THAT easy! CGLCS Unique Link: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/860431848 Make sure you then always log in to your Amazon account through smile.amazon.com.
ChristmasCBYookies THE POUND Our annual fundraiser, CHRISTMAS COOKIES BY THE POUND is coming! Saturday, December 3, 8:00 - 11:00 AM. Come get your Christmas cookie stash to kick-off the Christmas season and support our junior high and high school students as they raise money for the upcoming 2017 Summer trips! DO YOU LOVE TO BAKE? We need your skills to bake cookies to add to our fundraiser! All cookies need to be delivered to the church on Saturday, December 3 at 8:00 a.m. Contact DCE Annie Tiberg with questions! (480) 892-8314 atiberg@cglchurch.org
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STARTING POINT NEW MEMBER CLASS
Wednesdays @ 6:30 PM January 11 through February 15 Journey Center
An introduction to the beliefs and practices of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod; and of the mission, vision and ministries of Christ’s Greenfield Church and School. Please attend if you: • Are interested in becoming a Member or Associate Member* of Christ’s Greenfield • Are a visitor who wants to know more about LCMS and Christ’s Greenfield beliefs, practices, and ministries • Are a current member who would like a refresher on LCMS and Christ’s Greenfield beliefs, practices and ministries Register: • http://cglchurch.org/starting-point/ • Linda Butler: 480-892-8314 x 100 or lbutler@cglchurch.org Questions: Linda Buter: lbutler@cglchurch.org Deacon Steve Ehrman 480-292-4562 | sehrman@cglchurch.org * Associate Membership is available for winter visitors holding membership in another LCMS church
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The Bug BY DEACON TOM LULEY
Sometimes you’re the windshield. Sometimes you’re the bug. So wrote songwriter Mark Knopfler. I’m not sure where Mr. Knopfler is in his faith walk, but there’s a certain ring of Biblical truth in those words. On some occasions we feel totally invincible; on other occasions we feel totally crushed. The Bible tells us this: “In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other” (Ecclesiastes 7:14a). I delight in those days when I’m the windshield! I cut through winds of trouble; nothing hinders me from reaching my destination. Those are times to give glory to God, for He alone is our strength and our salvation (see Exodus 15:1-18). But there can be danger in our windshield moments. In sinful pride we can take personal credit for our successes, rather than giving glory to God. An example is found in King Nebuchadnezzar, who once declared, “Is not this great Babylon, which I have built by my mighty power as a royal residence and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30)
Upon uttering those boastful words, Nebuchadnezzar was driven insane, and for seven years he lived in a field, eating grass like an ox. He was treated like a bug because, as Paul wrote, “The Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son” (Hebrews 12:6). But when life is splattered like a bug, it may not be for disciplinary reasons. God’s ways are higher than our ways and His purposes are always righteous. Jesus explained that a man was born blind so “that the work of God might be displayed in his life” (John 9:3). And Joseph said “God intended it for good,” as he explained why he suffered at the hands of his brothers (Genesis 50:20). In our roller-coaster lives, we may feel exhilarated or depressed. But “know that in all things God works for good of those who love Him” (Romans 8:28). And “there is hope for your future, declares the Lord,” (Jeremiah 31:17). So praise Him when you’re the windshield! Praise Him when you’re the bug!
Parking Crew As we gear up our radical hospitality this Fall and Winter, we are also looking for a few good people to help us direct parking before and after the services! You would be the first people to welcome others to our campus! And it won’t take much time! What’s needed: 2 people before the 7:30 - one in each lot and 4 people between the 7:30 and 9:30 services - 2 in each lot!! Parking places are really at a premium between those services...but what a wonderful “problem to have”! Please consider volunteering! You will be trained and armed with the parking map, parking cones and all sorts of tools to help to direct people to God’s house on Sunday mornings! Contact Lee Bauer to get on the schedule at lbauer@cglchurgh.org.
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Join Pastor Tim and Alexa Ahlman on a 10-day Reformation Tour to
GERMANY
In the Footsteps of Martin Luther May 3-12, 2017 Space is LIMITED, register today! Call Faith Journeys at 1-877-732-4845 For full brochure, visit www.myfaithjourneys.com/login and enter group number 17016
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Enchanted Princess Tea $20
*
per person
Tickets on sale at Christ Greenfield Lutheran School front desk.
Saturday, November 12th Showtimes
9 AM, 12 noon, and 3 PM Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran School 425 N. Greenfield Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85234
Be
aMAZEd Family Illusion Night SAVE THE DATE
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 JIM MUNROE & MAZE www.whatisthemaze.com
Happy Hour : 5:00 - 6:00 PM Show : 6:00 PM Details (pricing, childcare, etc.) coming.
NOVEMBER’S FACEBOOK CHECK-IN
This November, you can help provide meals for children in Haiti by checking in on Facebook whenever you’re on campus. Every 2 check-ins provides a meal for a child in need. We’ve partnered with Reach and feedONE to make this opportunity possible. To learn more about feedONE, check out their site: https://feedone.com/ Thank you for your partnership! Watch the bulletin for December’s cause!
WHO IS JIM MUNROE? After a promising career in baseball ended in a disappointing injury at the University of Texas, Munroe turned his mind towards investigating various philosophies and beliefs. This investigation into the unknown and the supernatural fueled his other passion: magic. Munroe loved magic. It was the perfect palette on which to express belief and doubt, at the same time. To Munroe, behind every religious curtain… was a lie… Keep reading at http://whatisthemaze.com/jim-munroe/
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Epiphany Lutheran Church
Christmas Boutique Do you have a craft or product to sell that will make a great Christmas gift? Epiphany Lutheran Church invites you to reserve a table for $35 an additional $10 for electric (if needed). Keep your own profits. Family-appropriate items only. Table reservations must be made by November 21. Space is limited When:
Saturday, December 3, 2016 3rd Annual 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Where:
Epiphany Lutheran Church 800 West Ray Road, Chandler, AZ 85225 (Alma School Road/Ray Road)
Contact Sue Beyer at sue@betterbuyerinsurance.com for reservations or call 602-703-9945 for more information.
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Fall Festival Arts and Crafts Fair Saturday, November 26, 2016 8:00am to 2:00pm Eternal Life Lutheran Church-LCMS 7025 E. Main Street (at Jefferson and Main Streets) Mesa, AZ 85207 For more information, call 480-985-0224
! CAR SHOW ! CRAFTS (Still room for Arts & Crafts vendors) ! FOOD (Brats, hotdogs, and Sloppy Joe’s) ! MUSIC ! KIDS GAMES ! “FABRIC HEAVEN” ! FUN & FELLOWSHIP SPONSORED WITH THRIVENT FINANCIAL Tuesday Morning Bible Study 9:30am Sunday Bible Study: 8:15am Sunday School 8:15am Sunday Worship: 9:30am “While we encourage all vendors to participate in offering crafts and art of a secular nature, we reserve the right to restrict material that is found to be offensive or that which promotes subjects that are in opposition to our mission or our core values. This is in concurrence with our Constitution and Bylaws.”
CONTACT US SENIOR PASTOR REV. TIM AHLMAN tahlman@cglchurch.org
BUSINESS MANAGER JACK KALLEBERG jkalleberg@cglchurch.org
VICAR JACOB BOESSLING jboessling@cglchurch.org
DEACONS STEVE EHRMAN TOM LULEY BILL BIESTER
VICAR MATTHEW KNAUSS mknauss@cglchurch.org DIRECTOR OF CHRISTIAN ED ANNIE TIBERG atiberg@cglchurch.org TRADITIONAL MUSIC MATTHEW FRABLE mfrable@cglchurch.org CONTEMPORARY MUSIC LYNDSAY ERMELING lermeling@cglschool.org
PRINCIPAL TANYA CALENDO tcalendo@cglschool.org VICE PRINCIPAL KEVIN REINKE kreinke@cglschool.org PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR JACI GLOSS jgloss@cglschool.org SCHOOL INFORMATION ogarcia@cglschool.org
AGAPE KIDS DIRECTOR ANDREA ICKLER aickler@cglchurch.org
PRAYER REQUESTS Please submit prayer request at the CGLC website. Submissions are checked daily.
CHRIST’S GREENFIELD LUTHERAN CHURCH & SCHOOL
425 NORTH GREENFIELD ROAD GILBERT ARIZONA 85234 480.892.8314