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.