1 Volume 19, Issue 3 A Good Sentence Sentences differ. Some are short. Others are long. Some have no clauses, while others do. Some provide much lavish detail, filled with all sorts of explanation and added prose. Others do not. No matter what the sentence, they have one thing in common, they are all meant to convey a complete thought or idea. Sometimes they are connected to other sentences to make a collection of smaller ideas into one. Sometimes they stand alone. Scripture is full of sentences. We could look at each one separately, but we must always remember that they go together. This March, let’s consider one sentence in particular. Ephesians 1:7-10 In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV) Yes, St. Paul is known for some rather content-filled sentences. But what makes this sentence so fitting for March? As you know, we are in Lent and are working our way toward Holy Week (Mar 20-27). This sentence encapsulates the reason for our celebration and remembrances, both mournful and joyful. Sin is a real, serious problem. Our trespass against God’s law calls for our removal from His presence and a loss of peace with Him. There is nothing that you or I can do about it. The sentence we truly deserve is death. It is truly right that we agree with God in this and accept our sentence. However, God is merciful and calls us to repentance. As we plea to God for mercy, He hears us. That is a mystery in and of itself! He listens because He loves us. Now stop and consider what this means for you personally for a few moments. What has Jesus done for you? How has God loved you? Re-read Ephesians 1:7-10. You have been united with Christ in your baptism, and yet you live. God chose you, He loves you. The sentence you rightly deserve Christ took, and gave you a sentence of life eternal in His presence. What a mystery packed full of grace and love! Now read the sentence above in context with the surrounding sentences of Ephesians 1:3-14. If you liked that, why would you stop? There are many more sentences between “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” and “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” meant to reveal God’s purpose and plan of life to you. May you enjoy each one. In Christ Alone, Rev. Neil Vanderbush Interim Pastor The Clarion Volume 19, Issue 3 Christ Lutheran Church Mission Statement: Christ Lutheran Church exists to “...continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with members, community & the world.” March 2016
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1 Volume 19, Issue 3
A Good Sentence
Sentences differ. Some are short. Others are long. Some have no clauses, while others do. Some provide much
lavish detail, filled with all sorts of explanation and added prose. Others do not. No matter what the sentence,
they have one thing in common, they are all meant to convey a complete thought or idea. Sometimes they are
connected to other sentences to make a collection of smaller ideas into one. Sometimes they stand alone.
Scripture is full of sentences. We could look at each one separately, but we must always remember that they
go together.
This March, let’s consider one sentence in particular. Ephesians 1:7-10
In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the
riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of
his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all
things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. (ESV)
Yes, St. Paul is known for some rather content-filled sentences. But what makes this sentence so fitting for
March? As you know, we are in Lent and are working our way toward Holy Week (Mar 20-27).
This sentence encapsulates the reason for our celebration and remembrances, both mournful and joyful.
Sin is a real, serious problem. Our trespass against God’s law calls for our removal from His presence and a
loss of peace with Him. There is nothing that you or I can do about it. The sentence we truly deserve is death.
It is truly right that we agree with God in this and accept our sentence. However, God is merciful and calls us
to repentance. As we plea to God for mercy, He hears us. That is a mystery in and of itself! He listens because
He loves us.
Now stop and consider what this means for you personally for a few moments.
What has Jesus done for you? How has God loved you? Re-read Ephesians 1:7-10.
You have been united with Christ in your baptism, and yet you live. God chose you, He loves you.
The sentence you rightly deserve Christ took, and gave you a sentence of life eternal in His presence.
What a mystery packed full of grace and love!
Now read the sentence above in context with the surrounding sentences of Ephesians 1:3-14. If you liked that,
why would you stop? There are many more sentences between “In the beginning God created the heavens
and the earth.” and “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.” meant to reveal God’s purpose and
plan of life to you. May you enjoy each one.
In Christ Alone,
Rev. Neil Vanderbush
Interim Pastor
The Clarion
Volume 19, Issue 3 Christ Lutheran Church
Mission Statement: Christ Lutheran Church exists to “...continue to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with members, community & the world.”
WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY This year, we will be doing an in-depth study based on a Max Lucado book, He Chose the Nails. This study is 15 sessions long. Join us March 9th, from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. Everyone is welcome. Yours in Christ, Barbara Merz, 806-368-6489
GOOD NEWS BIBLE STUDY The Good News Bible Study will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at 1:00 P.M. in the southeast classroom. March 8th and March 22nd are the class dates this month. "The Vine Speaks" by Cindy Steinbeck is our subject of study. It is a wonderfully written and thought-provoking study. The author will be the main speaker for the LWML convention to be held in Lubbock this coming summer. All are welcome to come and enjoy.
On Easter Sunday, our altar will be arrayed with Easter lilies. If you would like to purchase an Easter lily in honor or in remembrance of someone special, please sign up on the sheet in the Narthex. The names will be published in the bulletin on Easter Sunday. Easter lilies are $10.00 each. You may take your lily home following the 10:15 a.m. service on Easter Sunday, March 27. Please make your check payable to Christ Lutheran Church, note on your check
"Easter Lily", and place it on the secretary's desk in the church office. Deadline for pur-chasing lilies is Sunday, March 13.
Please join us for a wonderful Easter brunch in the Fellowship Hall on March 27th, from 9:15-10:00 am. If you would like to sign up to bring a dish, please contact Joyce Evans at 806-299-1336 or 806-441-6278.
Easter Sunday-March 27th Sunrise Service with Holy Communion at 8:00 am
Main Easter Celebration at 10:15 am.
NEW MEMBER/MEET YOUR ELDER RECEPTION
Please join us Sunday, March 6th, following worship, for a reception honoring our new
members. This will also be a special time for members to meet the elders for the year.
We look forward to this special time. Desserts or drinks are welcome.
LUTHERAN STUDENT CENTER (LSC) NEWS
The spring semester is rapidly approaching! If you would be interested in providing a Sun-day evening meal during the spring semester, please let me know if you or your church group would like to sign up for one or more of the following dates: Apr 3, Apr 10, Apr 24, May 1, May 8, May 15. Bible Study is at 5:30, meal at 6:00 and fun and fellowship at 7:00.We can come pick up the food and deliver it to the Lutheran Student Center if you would prefer just to cook, (or if you want to freeze something ahead of time, that would work too). E-mail me at: [email protected] or call: 806-786-3445. *There is a sign-up sheet posted in the Fellowship Hall for the available dates. Thank you!
LSC BRISKET COOK-OFF Ready to practice your grilling skills? The Lutheran Student Center (2615 19th Street, Lubbock, TX) is planning its annual brisket cook-off to be held on Sunday, April 17th. We are welcoming “grill masters” from each church to participate in this cook-off. We are asking that each church provide a brisket (or more) so the students and congregations can vote on the best one. Please be thinking about who would like to represent your church in this brisket cook-off. All congregation members are welcome to attend. This is a great way to meet and greet all the students and tour the Lutheran Student Center. It is also a great way to promote your congregation to the current and new students. We welcome brisket 'cookers' as well as other members of congregations to 'vote' with their donations. The winning brisket gets to take the traveling trophy back to their church.
You are invited to attend the LWML Convention June 24-26 at the Overton Hotel to listen
and learn along with everyone how to grow in the Word, bear the fruit of the Spirit, and
show the love of Christ as we listen to Bible studies and dynamic speakers. Rev. Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of the Lutheran Hour radio program, will be the proclaimer at the
community-wide communion worship service Friday evening which is free and open to everyone. You may also attend Sunday morning worship service and there is no charge.
Cost for the convention, Friday-Sunday, is $145 per person, including the banquet and entertainment by the Country Club Band with a special appearance of Minerva and the
Pearls; Friday only registration is $80; Saturday only registration is $115 and includes the
banquet and entertainment. All men and women are welcome to attend the banquet and
entertainment; additional tickets are $50 per person.
Attendees have an opportunity on Saturday afternoon to either listen to enrichment
speakers, one of the nine speakers, Cindy Steinbeck, author of “The Vine Speaks” and “The Rock Speaks”, or, you have an opportunity to participate in offsite human care
service events, Mosaic Group Homes, Ronald McDonald House, Lutheran Student Center,
Neighborhood House, and LINK Ministries (aka Tent City).
Ladies, if you would like to sing in the choir but do not want to attend the actual conven-
tion, please contact Darryl Lippe at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 806/744-6178, to request
copies of the music. The only group practice time will be Thursday afternoon, June 23, at 3:30 p.m. at the Overton Hotel. Rebecca Winston, from Flower Mound, will be the choir di-
rector.
For volunteer opportunities, please contact Tamara Klatt 806/241-1061or
Angela Beikmann 806/785-2838 or [email protected]. Registration forms will be
available soon in the Lutheran Witness and also on-line at www.lwmlconvention.com.
Lutheran Women’s Missionary League
Texas District 2016 Convention
Overton Hotel & Conference Center
2322 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock
June 24-26, 2016
6 Volume 19, Issue 3
WHAT IS THE CHURCH COUNCIL DOING?? Continuing “sign-up” for Sunday donuts with reimbursement for expense, if desired.
Approved “Acceptable Use Policy” for network and internet access
● Paid employees will be asked to review and sign policy ● Policy copies will be soon available at church. Each member is encouraged to take a copy, once they are available.
Brad Larson nominated and approved for membership on Spiritual Board Angela Kensing to direct VBS program Education Board charter and responsibilities reviewed (please see next page) --- no action taken pending completion of 6 month trial period Committee to oversee kitchen “hostess” responsibilities being formed New Member/Meet Your Elder dinner hosted by Spiritual Board --- SUNDAY, MARCH 6
th AFTER WORSHIP
Next Council Meeting – “Electronic Meeting” --- SUNDAY, MARCH 20
th
FROM THE LIBRARY
by Pat Robinson, CLC Librarian
Josephus: The Essential Writings
A New Translation by Paul L. Maier
This is a remarkable new translation, which preserves Flavius Josephus' essential
writings: Jewish Antiquities and The Jewish Wars. Next to the Bible in importance,
the Jewish historian Josephus is the most authoritative ancient source for illuminating
the people, places and events recorded in the Old and New Testaments. Dr. Maier
provides a fresh, exciting reading experience for anyone interested in the biblical era.
For parents and children, check out The Very First Easter,
a beautifully illustrated book (also written by Paul L. Maier).
7 Volume 19, Issue 3
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH — BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board of Education shall consist of a Chairperson, elected by the congregation, two appointed at-large members (appointed), the Director of Christian Growth (elected), the Youth Director (elected), a Spiritual Board member, all voting members of the Board. The Pastor and Council President serves as Ex-Officio (nonvoting members). The Directors of Vacation Bible School, Parents Day Out, and the Church Library serve as advisors to the Board.
The Board is responsible for supervising the overall policy development for education components within the congregation. This includes Confirmation and Adult Instruction classes, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, the Parent’s Day Out Program, the Church Library, and any other education activities within the congregation. The Board reports it actions to the Church Council with the Chairperson serving as a member of the Council.
The responsibilities of the Board include:
1. An annual review of mission and purpose statements as well as philosophy and vision.
2. Ensuring the Lutheran distinctiveness through the support of Christ-centered learning and the appropriate inclusion of Law and Gospel.
3. Preparing and presenting long- and short- range goals.
4. Developing policies that support the daily management of the education programs including enrollment, curriculum, discipline, staffing, health and safety, licensing, and legal and finance issues.
5. Supporting the Directors and staff in meeting or exceeding state and local re-quirements as well as being current in trends and research in early childhood education.
6. Planning and implementing program reviews.
7. Being fiscally responsible for financial management of education programs.
8. Guiding an effective marketing program.
9. Providing annual evaluations of each program.
10. Annual review of job descriptions.
11. Carrying out any responsibilities assigned by the Church Council.
The Board meets on a regular basis at a time convenient to its members to provide accountability for its responsibilities.
8 Volume 19, Issue 3
CROSSword Puzzle
You may need a King James Version of the Bible to complete this puzzle.
9 Volume 19, Issue 3
CLC Kids’ Corner Please pray for our children:
Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom that as they grow in years, we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good,
following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen
10 Volume 19, Issue 3
LUBBOCK UPBRING (The New LSS) ADVISORY BOARD NEWS FOSTER IN TEXAS (FIT) – FIT offices have moved into their new space located at 7412 S. University, Suite 2. Everyone is welcome to stop by and see our new offices. They are working to get the phone and internet “bugs” worked out. Budgeted census is 53 and they currently have 55 with two pending placements. Several new families are completing the process to become a foster family everyone is excited to finish and start placing children in their homes. FIT is also working with St. Paul in Plainview to provide Birthday boxes for all of the foster kids.
HEALTH FOR FRIENDS (HFF) – In January, HFF saw 88 in the clinic at the new location. Outreach site visits were down due to weather and a holiday. The prescription program is going well having assisted 20 for almost $750. Five glucometers were distributed and there were five people seen for the first time ever. Fifty-eight people were seen for the first time in 2016. The education room is set up and in place, thanks to funding supplied by Superior Health.
NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE (NH) – The CEAP grant was just under one million dollars ($928,273) and these funds are to be used for emergency assistance and program costs. NH has a new data base. Clients can now email NH and this is helping staff. It was a light month for utility assistance, but 140 food vouchers were distributed. NH also helped 171 households at a value of just over $15,000.
STATE BOARD – The new representative to the Upbring State Board from this area is Wood Franklin.
25th ANNUAL SPRING FLING
The 25th Annual Spring Fling is on April 1, 2016, at the McKinzie-Merket Center on the Texas Tech campus starting at 6 p.m. Spring Fling is the annual fund raiser for
Upbring (The New LSS) agencies in the Lubbock area and our goal is to raise at least $50,000. An evening celebrating and benefiting Foster In Texas (FIT), Neighborhood House, and Health for Friends Clinic is planned. Individual tickets are $65 each or $75 at the door and sponsorships start at $200. There will be live music featuring Kenny Maines and Cary Banks, a Buffet Dinner, and silent and live auctions.
QUILT– The beautiful, hand-made quilt (Welch Beauty, 95” x 116”) will be on display at Christ Lutheran Church on March 13, in the Fellowship Hall. Tickets for the beautiful hand-made quilt are $2 each or $5 for 3. The drawing will be held at Spring Fling and you do not need to be present to win.
SILENT AUCTION/THEMED GIFT BASKET – Upbring has asked for silent auction items or a themed gift basket (s) from all area Lutheran churches to maximize the potential of the silent auction. Our basket will be outdoor themed (gardening and grilling). Your contribution of items or monetary donations for the basket would be greatly appreciated.
Please contact Marky Edwards at [email protected] or 806-788-0566 or visit Upbring.org/SpringFling for tickets or for more information.