The Tidings

Christ Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran Church

The Tidings

Christ Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran Church

NOVEMBER 2014 ISSUE #317

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From the Pastor, to my Partners, . . .

Some amazing things have been happening at the end of Chestnut Street! That's the Rayburn's house - Duane and Dorothy. Dorothy suggested a home group, to meet at her house and discuss issues of faith and life. The group started with Pastor Nadia Bolz-Weber's memoir Pastrix, in which she describes her amazing experienc-es with God's grace, moving from a fundamentalist Christian, then to a drug junkie, and ultimately to a Lutheran seminary student and pastor. She founded and now pastors House for All Sinners and Saints Lutheran Church in Denver.

Pastor Nadia's strong commitment to grace and how God accepts all kinds of people inspired the Rayburn gatherers to invite folks from other churches. The group has included Episcopalians and Methodists and Catholics, as well as about twenty different folks from our congregation.

The power of the group comes not from the material we read together - and not even from the wonderful spreads that accompany each meeting. The people in the group have shared some deep insights into the meaning of faith, as well as some pretty meaningful personal struggles, too.

The group continues the second Sunday in November (the 9th) and the first Sunday in December (the 7th, to avoid conflict with the Sunday School Christmas program). November will bring a special treat, as the Saa-vedra's will host - with an invitation to enjoy their heated swimming pool! (Reminder: bring swimming suit and towel)

Each meeting the topics have delved into new and challenging ideas for the church - especially about expressing and living our faith in our new and ever-changing world. We have found God many times and places outside of church and familiar, tradition-al surroundings. Everyone has remarked how amazingly the group has become open to different perspectives and how discussing these things has opened our own lives to discover God active everywhere.

Our new topic presents another challenge to our normal world of church, with the reading and discussing of Jesus>Religion, by Jefferson Bethke. It carries the subtitle "Why He Is So Much Better Than Trying Harder, Doing More, and Being Good Enough." Maybe it's the mathematical sound of that "greater than symbol" (>) that catches my attention. Maybe it was the author's poem-rant on YouTube that we watched once in adult Sunday School. (The 4-minute video went viral, with seven million views in the first 48 hours.) More than that - he raises the issue of what Christianity means, beyond the popular, common thread of doing good for others and working our way to heaven. And challenges all to make Jesus real in their lives and in their world, beyond the four walls of any church.

So join the challenge! You're invited - to the Saa-vedra's Nov 9th and to the Rayburn's Dec 7th! Let God be real in your life, and come join the fun of this really special group of folks!

God’s peace,

Pastor Paul Geisler

The Tidings 3

Pentecost Season is drawing to a close,

and our focus changes.

In November, we turn our attention to special Sunday celebrations of worship. We begin by honoring those who have gone before us, and later in the month we honor Christ as King, then immediately await the birth of that same Holy Babe.

Nov. 2nd – All Saints Sunday. We celebrate the baptized people of God, living and dead, who are still the body of Christ. So many godly peo-ple have influenced our lives and by their exam-ple, we have drawn closer to Christ and His mis-sion. The people of this church know how to serve, of that there’s no doubt.

Nov. 9th – CLC BBQ. Jesus speaks of his own second coming, emphasizing the need to be ready. It’s hard to know what that entails, but liv-ing out Christ’s mission regardless of the “when” is our commission. We also need to be ready for good CLC BBQ as we prayerfully consider how we will continue to serve in 2015.

Nov. 16th – We have been blessed! And we are to be a blessing. There are more thoughts of stewardship and what that really means. We should always be looking for ways to make good use of our gifts. One thing that’s apparent in our congregation is the giving of self to so many worthy causes. Still, we should never lose sight of the things in our midst that help us maintain a healthy congregation.

Nov. 23rd – Christ the King Sunday. This is the last Sunday in the church’s calendar. We cele-brate Christ as King—from his long-expected coming, his ministry, his suffering, death and resurrection, and ascension in glory. We reflect on all these phases of His life and what it means to follow Him.

We will celebrate by decking the halls after

the 10:30 service.

It’s time to bring out the greenery, put up the Chrismon tree and begin our journey toward Bethlehem.

Nov. 30th – 1st Sunday of Advent. We replace the hymn of praise with the lighting of the Advent candle. In today’s reading, Jesus encourages his followers to look forward to the day when he re-turns in power and glory to end ALL suffering.

Advent Mid-week Activities and

Other Calendar Goodies

Mark your calendars for Wednesdays., Dec. 3, 10, & 17, 7:00pm. Plans are underway to have a time of reflection, study and fellowship. Details are being worked out. Stay tuned!

Christmas Eve worship times will remain 7:00pm & 11:00pm. We welcome any and all who would like to participate in special music as we gather on this day. Please let Pastor Paul know if you’d like to join in making a joyful noise! (Of course, we welcome that ANY time, not just Christmas!)

Worship & Music NotesWorship & Music NotesWorship & Music NotesWorship & Music Notes

NOVEMBER 9

Congregational Meeting...Election of 2015 New Council Members &

Stewardship Packets

Stewardship Barbecue Alternative Christmas Market

One worship service that day at 10:30 AM

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Nov 6 James Waldrop

Nov 8 Allie Callaway

Nov 10 Haley Hughes

Nov 17 Mary Darnell

Nov 18 Sharon Reynolds

Don Schwank

Nov 19 Jean Warren

Nov 24 Barbara Lundahl

Nov 26 Jose Saavedra

Nov 27 Be*y Marshall

Nov 29 Mark Jessop

John Adams Dennis Jones Kim Shelton

Linda Arntsen Dean Hagedorn Ken Smith

Marian Arntsen Be*y Keith Dennis Smith

Kevin Autry Dorothy Krug Connie Spangenburg

Taylor Bedrich Paul Lydic Be*y Thomas

Karrii Billiard’s Father Steve Miller Bradley Thomas

Alison Blevins Robert Newton Karen Trimble

Mary Boucher Troy Norrell Dora Updike

Patricia Bradburn Jo Ann Park Clara Veatch

Evelyn Cano Brinly Pirtle George Warren’s Brother

Georgia Clark Steve Ray Viola Watson

Ed Cousins Duane Rayburn Westerfield Family

Verlene Heady Sue Rieschick Ruth Wetherell

Doris Schwank Pauline Zabel

Lord’s Work Income Net

Expenses

Income vrs

Expenses

Budget

September $12,760.77 $16,751.47 -$3,990.70 $17,640.96

Year to Date $136,506.00 $147,197.00 -$10,691.00 $158,769.00

Building Loan for Spetember

Received $4,630.00

Payment $5,300. 00

Balance $380,489.00

Balance in Building Fund

$6,483.00

Avg. A3endance September….64

YTD Avg. Worship A3endance…65

From the Treasurer….

Join us Thursday, November 6 at 6:30 pm to play Tiki. No experience

needed. Just give it a try. Don White and Harry Janke will be de-

fending their scores. Bring a snack to

share. Bring a friend. All are wel-come. Don't be a turkey, join us for an even-ing of fun.

Thank You!!!Thank You!!!Thank You!!!Thank You!!!

HUGE thank

you to each

and EVERYONE who

made the Pumpkin

Patch Happen!

$24,775 in Pumpkin

Sales. Our share will be 33% which

will be divided be-

tween CLC Youth Ac-

tivities and Bra-

zoria County Alli-

ance for Children

Inc. Children’s Ad-

vocacy Center.

$1,075 in cookie and

drink sales which will be all donated

to The Society of

St. Stephen.

The Tidings 5

Bread for Life Bible Study Group

We have no leader, we have no homework, and

we have no tests. We do have chocolate!

Wednesday’s, 1:30pm – 2:30pm in the church li-

brary. We discuss the readings for the upcoming

Sunday. Copies of the appropriate Daily Disciple-

ship are usually on the library table. We learn from

God’s word, and we learn from one another. Life ex-

periences help us share the journey in many ways.

Library Lines

Jan Karon’s latest in the Mitford Series novels has

arrived! Many of you have been waiting for this—

and it’s now here. Somewhere Safe with Somebody

Good is a continuation of Father Tim’s adventures in

the town of Mitford—and oftentimes other places.

It’ll be back in the library as soon as Liz Ellett finish-

es it! The other books in the Mitford series are in the

library and make for such enjoyable reading.

The Waiting, is another great addition to our library.

A true story from the 1920’s, with Lutheran roots in

SD, and a touch of TLU in Seguin. Now, that’s intri-

guing! A young girl is molested, gives up the baby,

and yearns to reconnect throughout the ensuing dec-

ades of her life. Beautifully told, beautifully written.

Jesus > Religion is the latest study book for the

Home Group. We will have a library copy and likely

an extra or two. Don’t let NOT having the book keep

you from joining in. Let the Rayburn’s know if

you’re interested. This should be a thought-

provoking book with a lot of insight for discussion.

Our quarterly devotionals for Oct-Nov-Dec., are on

the table in the Gathering Area. Christ in our Home

and The Word in Season are provided for you.

They’re small and travel quite nicely in pocket or

purse. Please help yourself!

Home Group will be at the Saavedra’s this month!

103 Deerwood Lake Jackson

NOW CALLING ALL INTERESTED PARTIES. On November 9th….. 6:00 PM

We will begin a study on the book, IS JESUS>RELIGION.

Bring your swimsuits if you would like to

swim afterwards in the Saavedra’s heated

pool.

We are beginning a study of Jesus>Religion.

Mark your calendars then for the first week in

December, Dec. 7, so we don't conflict with

the Sunday School program. We will be back

at the Rayburn’s.

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November 2 November 9

8:00 AM 10:30 AM 8:00 AM 10:30 AM

Acolytes Maddie Bone Eli Matteck

Readers Dave McCrery Karrii Billiard Shane Pirtle

Ushers Paul Romine Leota Romine

Don White Donna Tetlow

Bob Drake Don White

Greeters Marge Janke Sharon White Linda McCrery

Ppt Tech Steve Gluck Jean Warren Jean Warren

Musician Mary Morgan Mary Morgan Linda Pirtle

M Counters Bob Drake, Mary Morgan Bob Drake, Don White

November 16 November 23

8:00 AM 10:30 AM 8:00 AM 10:30 AM

Acolytes Haley Hughes Madyson Kreidler

Readers Steve Gluck Marv Dettloff Paul Romine Linda McCrery

Ushers Dave Naill Duane Rayburn

Floyd Ellington Jose Saavedra

Pat Northam Patty Northam

George Warren Floyd Ellington

Greeters Betty Marshall Julie Saavedra Mark Jessop Daniel Wand Sandra Wand

Ppt Tech Dave McCrery Carrie Baker Dave McCrery Kathy Sims

Musician Sandy Naill Sandy Naill Mary Morgan Mary Morgan

M Counters Charlotte Braden, Marv Dettloff Charlotte Braden, Marv Dettloff

November 30

8:00 AM 10:30 AM

Acolytes Maddie Bone

Readers Betty Massey Liz Ellett

Ushers Dave McCrery Pat Northam

Jose Saavedra Bob Drake

Greeters Bob Lundahl Barbara Lundahl

Donna Tetlow

Ppt Tech Steve Gluck Carrie Baker

Musician

M Counters Linda McCrery, Kathy Sims Blessings and Congratulations to

Curtis and Ruth Wetherell and on

their 75th wedding anniversary.

The Tidings 7

Sunday, November 2 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..8:00 AM Sunday School…………………………...9:15 AM Worship, Sanctuary…………….….......10:30 AM Brazosport Cares Food Pantry Offering

Tuesday, November 4 W&M Meeting, Parlor…………….…6:00 PM

Wednesday, November 5 Bread for Life, Library……………...…...1:30 PM Adult Choir.……………………………….6:30 PM

Thursday, November 6 Tiki, *LICC……...……………………... ..6:30 PM

Sunday, November 9 Sunday School………………………....9:15 AM Worship, Sanctuary…………….….....10:30 AM Congregational Meeting, Stewardship BBQ, Alternative Christmas Market

Home Group at the Saavedra’s………6:00 PM

Tuesday, November 11 Servant Ministry…….…………..….… ..7:00 PM

Wednesday, November 12 Bread for Life, Library……………...…...1:30 PM Adult Choir.……………………………….6:30 PM

Sunday, November 16 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..8:00 AM Sunday School…………………………...9:15 AM Worship, Sanctuary…………….…........10:30 AM

Saturday, November 15 Property Workday in LICC…………..… 10:00 AM

Tuesday, November 18 Finance Committee.…………..… ..… ..6:30 PM

Wednesday, November 19 Bread for Life, Library……………...…....1:30 PM Adult Choir.……………………………….6:30 PM

Thursday, November 20 Church Council, Parlor……………… ..7:00 PM

Sunday, November 23 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....….8:00 AM Sunday School……………………...…...9:15 AM Worship, Sanctuary…………….….......10:30 AM

Thursday-Friday, November 27-28 CLC Office Closed

Sunday, November 30 Worship, Sanctuary….……………......8:00 AM Sunday School………………………….9:15 AM Worship, Sanctuary…………….….....10:30 AM

*Life in Christ Center-Gym

PROPERTY NEWS……………………….!SAVE THE GYM FLOOR! NO TAPE OF ANY KIND,

NO DRAGGING OF FURNITURE, ETC.

IF IT DOESN’T ROLL, IT MUST BE LIFTED !ASK FOR HELP!

BIG THANKS from CLC Council

Nov. 15 Saturday, 10 AM-noon

Mini work day in LICC to clean out and organize the storage room, clean up the kitchen and bath-

rooms. Need workers from all committees and Pumpkin Patch.

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CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

86 Plantation Drive

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

THE TIDINGS is published monthly by

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 86 PLANTATION DRIVE

LAKE JACKSON, TX 77566-0948

Pastor…..Pastor Paul Geisler, Jr…... clcpastorlj@sbcglobal.net

Secretary…..Rachel Wood….. clcoffice@sbcglobal.net

Office Hours…..Mon.-Fri…..8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Phone….979-297-2013

Fax…..979-297-7868

Web Site…..www.christlutheran-lj.org

Ministers…..The People of Christ

Missionaries

• Dr Susan Smith…..Serving in Central African Republic

• Stephen Deal…..Serving in Central America

Ministry Support

Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala

The Hands of ChristThe Hands of ChristThe Hands of ChristThe Hands of Christ

Worshiping Learning ServingWorshiping Learning ServingWorshiping Learning ServingWorshiping Learning Serving

TogetherTogetherTogetherTogether

Worship Schedule

Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 AM

Sunday School at 9:15 AM