Celebrating 40 years! Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when you shall have an ordained pastor! I have been here with you for about a month and a half--and have enjoyed every moment of it--but this month, everything finally becomes official. My service of ordination and installation will be held on Saturday, November 5 at 5:00 PM here at Christ Church. This is the same time slot as our normal Saturday evening service. Everyone is invited to attend, both CLC members and our friends from other congregations, and a potluck meal will be held after worship. If you are able, please bring your favorite dish to share. The service will be special for us all, as it is the second ordination we will have hosted in just the past six months. All are especially encouraged to attend because this will also be an opportunity to meet Bishop S. John Roth, who was just elected this summer to a 6-year term of leading and shepherding the Central/Southern Illinois Synod. Bishop Roth will be preaching at the service, and I am excited that this is his first ordination. Please come out to greet the bishop and celebrate a special day in the life of our congregation! The rest of the month is action-packed as well. We have our All Saints Sunday service on the 6th, which is the morning after we turn the clocks back one hour. Remember to turn your clocks back when you get home from the ordination service! The next week, November 13th, we will celebrate the baptism of Logan Hasty. This will truly be a day to rejoice in God's work among us as he receives the Holy Spirit through water and God's word of promise. One last thing while I still have your attention (I must have done something right if you are still reading this!). You may have noticed the ushers handing out little papers the last few weeks. These papers are reflection questions based on the week's sermon topic, which will help us be mindful of God not just on Saturdays and Sundays but also during the week. Take some time during the week to think about, pray over, and answer the question. If you are on Facebook, please join in the weekly discussion on the church page, www.facebook.com/ChristLutheranChurch. If you are not on Facebook, please write your answers on the paper and drop them in the offering plates at worship the next week. This makes offering a time when we give our thoughts and prayers along with our funds! There is no need to include your name on the paper--this is not meant to be an uncomfortable intrusion, but rather an opportunity to share valuable insights into Christian life with each other. Your answers will also help me foster spiritual growth in our congregation. Thank you for your thoughts! Blessings to you all this month, "Pastor in a Couple-Three Days" Micah We ask you to lift up the following people in your prayers this month. Please ask our Lord to give them strength, peace, and comfort as they face struggles in their lives: Amanda Procyk LeAnn Heath Steve Buffington Randy Auteberry Cindy Foster Dick Warnick Richard Stock Cynthia Halverson Betty Bennett (friend of the Herman family) Joanne Hardiman Tom Sparks Lillian Whisnant Haylie Lange Michelle Lewis (Kathy Davidson’s Friend) Penny McKinney (Relative of the Iliff family) All in the Armed Forces All suffering from the effects of Natural Disasters All living in the midst of unrest and war The leaders of our nation, state, and local governments Best Wishes to all who are celebrating their special days this month! We wish the Lord’s blessings to all who are either celebrating their birthday or anniversary in August: Birthdays: Burl Whitney Dick Wavering Micah Garnett Jill Maxey Ava Hutchinson Marlena Bordson Bill Mitze Pat Mitze Jake Rayapati Kylie Strike Adam Herman 11/04 11/05 11/08 11/14 11/16 11/20 11/23 11/23 11/29 11/29 11/29 SERVICE ACTIVITIES Small Group Ministry LOVE Circle ~ 3rd Monday of each month @ 1:00 1st SUNDAY SERVICE: We invite all members to join together in "1st Sunday Service" each month. Our entire congregation will complete a service project during the Sunday School hour. On November 6, our project is "Roadside Cleanup;" we will pick up trash along Old Route 47, as we remember that "This Is My Father's World." Following the “Roadside Cleanup”, there will be a trainer from the American Heart Association to certify (or re-certify) those interested in CPR and our defibrillator in the Narthex. The cost is $5 per person. UPCOMING EVENTS November 5th @ 5:00p.m. ~ ORDINATION of Micah Garnett at Christ Lutheran Church All are invited to attend the ordination and the fellowship meal following the service. Please sign up in the Narthex if you are planning to attend and list what you will be bringing to the meal. The Fellowship Committee will be providing ham, fried chicken, & cake. 1st SUNDAY SERVICE: We invite all members to join together in "1st Sunday Service" each month. Our entire congregation will complete a service project during the Sunday School hour. On November 6, our project is "Roadside Cleanup;" we will pick up trash along Old Route 47, as we remember that "This Is My Father's World." JOY Circle ~ 2nd Monday of each month @ 1:30 Men’s Bible Study Breakfast ~ 2nd and 4th Wednesday each month @ Red Wheel Restaurant, Monticello @ 6:45 a.m. HOPE Bible Study ~ every Thursday, 4:00 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church. Stitch Night ~ 3rd Thursday of each month @ Shelly Stock’s home @ 7:00 p.m. It's Jean Quilt time!! We need everyone's help from cutting out squares, to sewing, to tying, to binding. As of now, we don't have enough squares for even one quilt. Jeans and 6 1/2" square templates are on a table in the chapel. It is best for the sewers if the squares are cut "square" (please) and with the grain of the material, otherwise the squares tend to stretch. Our first jean workday will be Saturday, November 12th from 9:00 a.m. to ???. Each quilt uses 130 squares. We need your help to continue this wonderful project. Following the “Roadside Cleanup”, the American Heart Association will be offering a CPR course for anyone interested. They will also train us on using the AED device in the Narthex. The CPR class starts at 11:00 a.m. and the cost is $5. Stephen ministry What is Stephen Ministry? Stephen Ministry equips lay people with the ability to provide one on one, confidential Christian care to individuals in the congregation and community who are having difficulty in their lives. "So in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others." Romans 12:5 Stephen Ministers are children of God caring for the people hurting. These hurting people have experienced tough times such as: * Loss of a loved one * Hospitalization * Seperation or divorce * Aging and loneliness * Chronic illness * Spiritual crisis The Pastor is always the primary caregiver, but there is no way a pastor can meet all the needs for care in a congregation or community. God has called all of us, not just the pastor, to minister to one another. Stephen Ministry multiply the pastors ministry by helping meet the needs of the community and congregation. Do you know someone perhaps a friend, neighbor, or a relative who could benefit from the caring, praying, and listening Stephen Minister? Perhaps you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister. If so contact Pastor Micah or the church office. " No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us" 1 John 4:12 A Different Kind of Christmas Stocking…. “SOCKS.” That was the unlikely answer given to the question, “What is your greatest need here at the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran (NELM)?” by a Navajo mother. Mission Socks are an item we sometimes take for granted. Our sock drawers often overflow, our biggest challenge is matching them up after doing laundry, or we tire of picking up the dirty ones.… However, at the NELM, socks are rarely taken for granted. The beautiful landscape that surrounds the Mission is the source of abrasive red dust. The dust goes everywhere and gets into everything; it easily enters shoes and shreds the cloth of the socks. A typical pair of socks might be worn only 7 or 8 times before falling apart! Many children (and adults, too) face the winter months without socks, despite below freezing temperatures and snow drifts on the ground. And, this year, we have been asked to include underwear, hygiene items, & pullovers (sweatshirts/jackets/etc). Also, they can use layette sets and baby items for new mothers. For Christmas, the Evangelism Committee is sponsoring a SOCK-HAT-GLOVE-MITTEN-DRIVE to benefit NELM. We will collect socks/hats/gloves/mittens in the Narthex during the week of Thanksgiving. Then we can ship the items so they arrive in time to go into Christmas packages for the students and their families at the mission (this year they have a record enrollment – they had to turn away students). Please donate new cotton or cotton-blend socks in all sizes, toddler through adult, for both men and women. Monetary donations to help with shipping costs are also welcome! This Christmas, let’s think about a different kind of Christmas stocking.… CHURCH COUNCIL Christ Lutheran Church Council Meeting (unapproved) Wednesday, October 12, 2011 President Martin Meyer called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Michelle had opening devotions. Members Present: Micah Garnett, Karen Molloy, Benjie Haugen, Jerry Ditman, Michelle Ross, Mary Kay Sjoken, Brad Garrett, Diana Meyer, Martin Meyer, Kay Carnes, Benjie Haugen, Nanette Rayapati and Don Templeman Secretary Minutes: Diana made a motion to approve the secretary minutes after a few corrections. The date for the minutes should have been September 7 not August 7. The telephone line at the church had been repaired not the parsonage. It was also brought up that the figures from the financial secretary’s report didn’t match the treasurer’s report because Shanelle didn’t have the end of month bank statements. Seconded by Brad, motion carried. Treasurer Report: The corrected August report was handed out. The “pastoral ministry” in the general fund was higher this month due to Micah and Pastor John both being here at the same time. The evangelism line item was corrected. Brad made a motion to approve the treasurer’s report, seconded by Jerry, motion carried. Financial Secretary: September donations were: General Fund - $7012, Designated Fund $1076. Brad made a motion to accept the financial secretary’s report, seconded by Benjie, motion carried. Deacon’s Report: The proposal to move the organ and sound system was handed out with an estimate of $600-$800. Since the funds are not currently in the general budget, a suggestion that the committee come up with a fundraiser to offset the cost was suggested. Benjie made a motion to approve the move contingent upon the funds being raised, Kay seconded, motion carried. Trustee Report: A written report was handed out. Over 40 youth and adults participated on the workday. At the parsonage the following was completed: all doors and window trim was painted, all stumps and shrub roots were removed, and the ground was tilled and leveled. At the church the south fence line was cleared of overgrowth, the storage shed was cleaned, pews and wood work were oiled, spots removed from the sanctuary carpet, window screens were vacuumed and windows washed. Thanks to Jerry and his committee for the organization they did. New guttering and gutter guard was installed at the parsonage. Sump wiring has been completed. Thank you to Bruce Strike It’s time to think about snow removal. Last year Dennis Sebens did the work. He will be contacted. Other bids will be taken also. The thermostat setting for the sanctuary has been programmed. Override instructions are above the thermostats. The hall speaker needs replaced. Stewardship Report: The committee is working on the packets to hand out on October 30. Evangelism Report: The sock drive for NELM is ongoing. NELM is also in need of layettes, sweaters and gloves. Parish Education: They had a great 50/50 dinner. The survey handed out at the dinner suggested that most people wanted to do fun things during their fellowship. Parish Ed will be taking over the adult SS while Jill Maxey does the children’s classes. The Witts will be talking about the Steven Ministries on October 23 during the adult SS. The Advent Event is scheduled for December 4 at 10:00. The committee is working with Micah on confirmation. The committee would like to see the nursery staffed so the parents of smaller children can attend SS. A couple of the youth have volunteered to do this. Sunday School Report: There will be two youth SS classes; 2nd grade and younger and 3rd grade – 5th grade. Confirmation will consist of 6th grade and up. The youth will be 8th grade through H.S. The SS plan consists of the 1st Sunday being a service project, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sundays a lesson and the 5th Sunday a potluck breakfast. Youth: On October 30 the youth will be going to Hardee’s Reindeer Ranch. Fellowship Report: There was a wonderful turnout for Pastors John’s going away potluck. There will be a potluck after Sunday school on November 5 for Micah’s ordination. Micah’s (soon to be pastor) Report: He is working on restructuring the youth. He is going through the directory deciphering who is a member and who isn’t so he can make calls to members. He will be doing premarital counseling in the near future. Thank you from the trustees for all who helped at our Fall work day. Over 40 adults and youth pitched in to get the church and parsonage ready for winter! ~Jerry, Jim, & Charlie OLD BUSINESS: none NEW BUSINESS: A handout was given out about Trena Montgomery pursuing a project about Palestine, including Community Supported Agriculture. It’s about working with local farmers to set up farmer’s markets. She would like us to sponsor her. The council decided that more information is needed from Trena. A CD ($51,000) expired on 10/11. The council agreed to renew the CD for 12 more months. With the incline of young ones attending church, there is a need for someone to be in the nursery. A few of the youth volunteered to do this. The next council meeting will be WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 AT 6:00 P.M. Youth – devotions refreshments Deacons – At 7:45 Michelle made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Brad, motion passed. The council closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Michelle Ross Secretary Other news Faith in Action Fruit Sale It’s time again for the Annual FAITH IN ACTION FRUIT SALES. FAITH IN ACTION, the local program which provides services for the elderly and others throughout the year, has announced its major fund raising program for the year. Christ Lutheran Church is again a participant in this worthy program. Starting Sunday, October 23, 2011 volunteers will be taking your orders for Oranges, Grapefruit, Apples, Pears and other treats for the coming holiday season. You may place orders until Sunday, Nov. 20. The fruit will arrive in Monticello mid- December. Please indicate when you order whether you want your order delivered to the church or whether you want to pick it up at the Courthouse Annex. As most of you know Faith in Action provides transportation and other services to the local elderly and others needing assistance in Piatt County. This is our opportunity to provide care for our neighbors, friends, and church members. Your participation will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for supporting Faith in Action. Trustee Report EVANGELISM JUST PUSH Author unknown A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might... So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might! Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain. Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind. (He will do it every time!) "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure. task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown; your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock." At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the mountains. These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. When everything seems to go wrong.................................Just P.U.S.H. Satan said, "Why kill your self over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough." When the job gets you down...............................................Just P.U.S.H. That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord. "Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which You have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?" The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your When people don't do as you think they should.................Just P.U.S.H. When your money is "gone" and the bills are due..............Just P.U.S.H. When people just don't understand you..............................Just P.U.S.H. P = Pray U = Until S = Something H = Happens Lectionary for November November 6: November 13: November 20: November 27: Revelations 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 Matt 5:1-12 Ezek 34:11-16, 20-24 - Psalm 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matt 25:31-46 Zeph 1:7, 12-18 Psalm 90:1-8[9-11]12 1 Thess 5:1-11 Matt 25:14-30 Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS IN November USHERS: Jerry Ditman(H), Steve Chmiel, Richard Wavering, Tim Stock, Brad Garrett, Martin Meyer GREETERS: 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 Don & Mary Kay Sjoken Bill & Linda Iliff Gary & Marlena Bordson Steve & Cindy Chmiel LECTORS: 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 Brady Garrett Bill Mitze Marlena Bordson Robyn Garrett ACOLYTES: 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27 Bhreana Burton Ally Garrett Anna Haugen Eli Johnson ALTAR GUILD: Carol Wadleigh FLOWERS: 11/6 11/13 11/20 11/27? ??? ??? ??? ??? VALET PARKING: Jack Hehn Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 a.m. Sunday School: 10:15 a.m. During the School Year ************************* Our Mission Statement Our congregation is composed of many people from various backgrounds, but with one important similarity - we are God's children who gather together for worship, fellowship, growth in Christ, witness, and service. Our church is a family bound together by the love of God and our love and need for one another. Our hope and prayer is that you will join us and experience the Good News of Jesus. Together, we will serve the Lord through worship, community outreach, support and services for those in need. We celebrate with song, music, drama, fellowship, and study of the Word of God. Worship Committee Mission Statement The mission of the Worship Committee is to enhance our worship as guided by the liturgy of the ELCA, focusing on God in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving; gathering together to nurture faith in Jesus Christ through Word and Sacrament as inspired by the Holy Spirit; and going forth into the world to serve in the name of Jesus. Worship Schedule Saturday Evening Informal Worship: 5:00 p.m. Staff and Council Members of Christ Lutheran Church: Pastor: Office Manager: Micah Garnett Cell 217-870-1542 Shanelle Herman cell 217-377-7816 Organists: Angie Corum Tiana Montgomery Marsha Kletz Choral Director Angie Corum Janitor Service: Lau Rea Perkins 649-3258 840-9318 762-8064 649-3258 722-7438 COUNCIL: President: Martin Meyer 762-2423 Secretary: Michelle Ross 762-7969 Treasurer: Don Templeman 762-4121 Financial Secretary: Karen Molloy 762-2309 Deacons: Brad Garrett 649-2496 Trustees: Jerry Ditman 762-3015 Evangelism: Mary Kay Sjoken 762-9226 Stwrdshp: Kay Carnes 778-4423 Parish Ed.: Nanette Rayapati 762-5372 Fellowship: Diana Meyer 762-2423 Office Manager Hours Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Out of Office If I am not in the office and you need assistance, please call my cell 217-377-7816. Pastor Hours Generally, Pastor Micah is in the office Tuesday through Friday. Please call his cell if you are unable to reach him at the church.