The Tidings

Christ Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran Church

The Tidings

Christ Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran Church

JULY 2015 ISSUE #325

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From the Pastor, to my Partners, . . .

We live in a time of extreme "us" and "them." People tend to emphasize polarizing differ-ences. Open and honest dialog, where proponents of one point of view truly listen and respond to the thoughts and opinions of the other view, gets little play in debates. Accu-satory fingers point across great divides of people in the same country, in the same com-munity, even in the same family.

Yet the more I try to listen to the non-listening postures, the more I realize that most of the those "we" call "them" are really "all" part of "us." Whenever Jesus confronted a line of division that created "us" and "them" situations, he crossed it. St Paul says, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28)

We find ourselves reeling from deep tensions exposed in Ferguson and in Baltimore, and now we face the violently destructive and fatal outburst in Charleston. ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton calls this "a long season of disquiet in our country."

She goes on to explain how closely we find ourselves connected in these things.

Mother Emanuel AME’s pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, was a graduate of the Lutheran Theologi-cal Southern Seminary (LTSS), as was the Rev. Daniel Simmons, associate pastor at Mother Emanuel. The suspected shooter is a member of an ELCA congregation. All of a sudden and for all of us, this is an intensely personal tragedy. One of our own is alleged to have shot and killed two who adopted us as their own.

The connections go even deeper. In 2012, LTSS merged with Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina, and ELCA-affiliated college. LTSS continued to operate as a satel-lite campus in Charleston. Currently, the president of Lenoir-Rhyne University is a friend of mine who served as my dorm's resident assistant when I began Texas Lutheran as a fresh-man - Dr. Wayne Powell. Wayne is married to the former Joyce Newton, daughter of our own Bob and Ann Newton. We have "us" on both sides of the Charleston tragedy.

In a sermon immediately after the shooting, Nadia Bolz-Weber confessed her belief that "we need a power greater than our desire to be seen as some of the good guys right now, – greater than our own goodness, greater than our own humility, greater than our own progressive politics." She went on to say, " I confess my belief that it was the power of the Gospel, the power of Christ crucified and risen that we saw in the people of Emanuel AME who welcomed a stranger into their midst. Who opened to him the Word of God." And fur-ther, "I confess my belief that this power came from being a people who have heard the Gospel and be-lieved the Gospel – a people who are formed by the Word of God and who have been formed into the im-age of Christ." We" are "us," on both sides.

As Bishop Eaton calls us to "pray for insight, for forgiveness, for courage," I close with the closing prayer of Nadia's sermon: we pray "that God's Gospel is more powerful than our hate, more powerful than our des-pair, more powerful than our pride, and more powerful than our delusions. We give you thanks, O God."

God give us this power greater than ourselves to "do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly.

God’s peace,

Pastor Paul Geisler

From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of

view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of

view, we know him no longer in that way. 2 Corinthians 5:16

The Tidings 3

Pentecost—the Growing Season

Just as it’s the growing season in these parts, our spiritual growth continues during the season of Pentecost. Most of our Epistle lessons this month are from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians. Our Gospel will continue to focus on Mark, with the end of July starting with several Sundays in the gospel of John. We continue to learn of Je-sus’ teaching and healing.

July 4/5 Mark 6:1-13 Jesus taught and preached in his hometown of Nazareth. The townsfolk saw him only as the son of a carpen-ter, yet they wondered where he gained his wis-dom and power. To them, he was still just the hometown kid. Shortly thereafter, he sent his disciples out in pairs, with instructions to travel with little, and empowering them to cast out de-mons and to heal.

Please pray for our nation, that in such a blessed land, we can be a blessing to others.

July 11/12 Mark 6:14-29 As Jesus’ ministry con-tinued, King Herod heard of Jesus’ teachings and healings. He was perplexed because he thought John the Baptist, whom he had behead-ed, was risen from the dead. Others thought Je-sus was Elijah. With the gift of hindsight, we can see that the power of all the prophets who had been killed through the ages is alive in Jesus.

Please pray for our youth and their sponsors as they go to Detroit to the National Youth Gather-ing.

July 18/19 Mark 6:30:34, 53-56 Jesus’ disciples returned to him to report what they had been able to do. He wanted them to draw away from the crowds and rest. Too many followed them wherever they went and Jesus saw that the mul-titudes were like sheep without a shepherd. Awhile later, they did make it to a quiet location at Gennesaret, yet were immediately recog-nized. The crowds again brought their sick to Je-sus, and all who touched him were healed.

Please pray for those in need of healing. Ask that God show us how we can lessen their suf-fering.

July 25/26 John 6:1-21 Again, a large crowd of followers gathered where Jesus and the disci-ples were gathered on a hillside. Knowing the people would be hungry; Jesus asked the disci-ples where they might get food to feed the peo-ple. The disciples were tested by his question-ing, but Andrew mentioned that there was a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish, thinking this was hardly anything for so many. Yet, Jesus blessed the loaves and fishes and all were fed, with twelve baskets left over.

Please pray for those who are hungry—for the Word of God and for sufficient, healthy food.

Daily devotionals are offered for anyone

who wants some structured guidance for

daily reading in the Word. There are 2 to

choose from, and they are on the glass

table in the Gathering Area.

Pick one up for yourself!

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

Summer Schedule! Summer fun! Lots of things are happening!

Join us at 5:00 Saturday and 9:00 Sunday worship every weekend through the summer!

Plans are already underway to schedule fellowship, themes and activities to enhance our coming to-gether. We always welcome your ideas and input as we build our worship activities around the many events that will be happening at Christ Lutheran throughout the summer. It’s always loaves and fishes in addition to the spiritual food that feeds us.

We will have Camp Hope kiddos throughout most of July.

Please continue to lift our staff and the campers in prayer as they grow in their faith and in Christ’s love. If you can’t participate in Camp Hope, please pick snack tabs or craft tabs from the boards in the gath-ering area, purchase the items, and return them to the gathering area or kitchen.

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July 1 Jean Giese

July 6 Robert Disisto

Linda McCrery

July 9 Be�y Thomas

July 16 Jeanenne Baxter

July 21 Ariella Perez

July 22 Don Callaway

July 23 Dorothy Krug

Jim Morris

July 24 Louise Drake

July 25 Ernest Clark

July 26 Orville Heady

July 29 Pa�y Northam

July 31 Lorin Furlow

John Adams Dennis Jones Kim Shelton

Linda Arntsen Dean Hagedorn Tammy Skinner

Marian Arntsen Be�y Keith Ken Smith

Kevin Autry Dorothy Krug Dennis Smith

Karrii Billiard’s Father Bob & Barbara

Lundahl

Connie Spangenburg

Alison Blevins Willie Mar6n Be�y Thomas

Gerry & Kathy Bollom Steve Miller Bradley Thomas

Mary Boucher Robert Newton Karen Trimble

Patricia Bradburn Troy Norrell Dora Updike

Vikki Buckheit Pa�y Northam Clara Veatch

Evelyn Cano Jo Ann Park George Warren’s Brother

Georgia Clark Brinly Pirtle Viola Watson

Ed Cousins Steve Ray Westerfield Family

Al Day Sue Rieschick Ruth Wetherell

Verlene Heady Doris Schwank Pauline Zabel

It's all fireworks when the Tiki players

gather Thursday, July 2 at 6:30 pm. Pastor

Paul and Jeanenne Baxtor will try to con-

tinue their winning streak. Bring a snack

to share. Bring a friend. All are welcome.

Library Lines

It’s time to find a comfy

spot, perhaps a hammock in

the back yard, or a favorite

easy chair and pull some-

thing from the shelves of

our library. There are things

to enjoy, make you think,

bump up your prayer life,

and grow in Christ. Pente-

cost is the growing season,

you know!

Lord’s Work Income Net

Expenses

Income vrs

Expenses

MAY $15,697.00 $16,074.50 -$377.50

Year to Date $76,079.75 $78,952.89 -$2,873.14

Building Loan Received for May $7,331.50

Payment $5,300.00

Balance $344,350.47

Avg. Weekly Attendance

June...63

YTD…63

The Tidings 5

Home Group. …

Please plan to get Animated Animated Animated Animated this summer! Mark the following dates to join with friends for good eats, great company, and exhilarating topics for discussion!

July 26. August 23. Meet at the Rayburn’s, 247 Chestnut, 6:00, JULY 26: JESUS: The revolution of love. Mark Scandrette. What if our churches became where we practiced being like Jesus? AUGUST 23: SALVATION: Abundant life now! Shane Hipps. Exactly what does it mean to be Saved?

Invite a friend!Invite a friend!Invite a friend!Invite a friend!

HOPE YOU

CAN MAKE IT!!!

Servant Ministry Servant Ministry Servant Ministry Servant Ministry

Back to School Supply DriveBack to School Supply DriveBack to School Supply DriveBack to School Supply Drive This year CLC will be helping students at our neighboring school of O M Roberts Elementary with their supplies.

Below is a list of the supplies they have requested. You may leave the items in the Gathering Ar-

ea in the basket marked for Back to School. Back to School. Back to School. Back to School.

————Composition books

—Plastic pocket folders with brads (different colors)

—Dry erase markers

—Boxes of 12 count colored pencils

—Red pens

—Ear buds

—Large pink erasers

Items need to be brought no later than August 16th!

Christian Sympathy is extended to: Ruth Wetherell in the loss of her husband, Curtis. Kathy Sims in the loss of her fa-ther. Please keep these families in your prayers.

Bread for Life Study Group, now in its 15th year!

We meet Wednesdays from 11:30 – 12:30, in the CLC library.

We’ve begun reading and discussing the epistle lessons, the let-ters written to various new Christian congregations throughout what we consider far-away places. Talk about growing time! We discuss the readings for the upcoming Sunday. Copies of the appropriate study are usually on the library table. There is no leader, no test, nothing but great fellowship, discussion, and a bit of chocolate.

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“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of the crucified and risen Christ.

Last week the U.S. Supreme Court rendered its decision announcing the right of same- gender couples to have equal access to marriage. For many members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, this de-cision is a welcome sign of hope and a time for celebration. Other members of this church do not agree with the court’s decision and remain deeply concerned because of their understanding of Scripture.

This decision affects each of us, some profoundly, and we are not of one mind. Let us continue to accompa-ny one another with prayer, love and mutual respect as we reflect on this new reality and remember Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians about the enduring power of God’s love. The ELCA social statement “Human Sexuali-ty: Gift and

Trust” (2009) neither endorses nor forbids same-gender marriages and recognizes that we have differing un-derstandings and convictions on this matter. In its decision, the court stated that “the First Amendment en-sures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the princi-ples that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths.”

According to this church’s social statement on human sexuality, all decisions about recognizing, supporting and holding publicly accountable same-gender relationships are entrusted to congregations. Recognizing that the church is not of one mind on this subject, our 2009 actions provide that congregations and clergy should discern together whether to recognize such relationships and to what degree.

Pastors are to engage in conversation, discernment and partnership with the congregations who have called them prior to solemnizing or presiding over a same gender marriage. On the other hand, no pastor is obligat-ed to solemnize the marriage of any couple, same-gender or different-gender, whom the pastor cannot in good conscience marry.

As Lutheran Christians, we continue to be a church that engages in conversation and discernment in all as-pects of our faith and life. Creating space for respectful conversation and dialogue continues to be an im-portant part of our life together. A helpful resource for engaging in difficult conversations is “Talking Together as Christians about Tough Social Issues.” In addition, the ELCA Ministry to and with Same- Gender Couples and their Families Working Group remains in the process of completing its work. A report of the group’s find-ings and possible recommendations will be presented to the ELCA Church Council at its November meeting.

We seek to see our differences as a gift to be celebrated as we live out that which unites us: the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ who leads us into mission and ministry in the world. In the midst of this change, we are first and foremost church – a church that proclaims the good news of Jesus Christ. May God bless, guide and strengthen you each day as you go in peace and serve the Lord.

Your Sister in Christ,

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Tidings 7

It has been a long season of disquiet in our country. From Ferguson to Baltimore, simmering racial tensions have boiled over into violence. But this … the fatal shooting of nine African Americans in a church is a stark, raw manifestation of the sin that is racism. The church was desecrated. The people of that congregation were desecrated. The aspiration voiced in the Pledge of Allegiance that we are “one nation under God” was desecrated.

Mother Emanuel AME’s pastor, the Rev. Clementa Pinckney, was a graduate of the Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, as was the Rev. Daniel Simmons, associate pastor at Mother Emanuel. The suspected shooter is a member of an ELCA congregation. All of a sudden and for all of us, this is an intensely personal tragedy. One of our own is alleged to have shot and killed two who adopted us as their own.

We might say that this was an isolated act by a deeply disturbed man. But we know that is not the whole truth. It is not an isolated event. And even if the shooter was unstable, the framework upon which he built his vision of race is not. Racism is a fact in American culture. Denial and avoidance of this fact are deadly. The Rev. Mr. Pinckney leaves a wife and children. The other eight victims leave grieving families. The family of the suspected killer and two congregations are broken. When will this end?

The nine dead in Charleston are not the first innocent victims killed by violence. Our only hope rests in the innocent One, who was violently executed on Good Friday. Emmanuel, God with us, carried our grief and sorrow – the grief and sorrow of Mother Emanuel AME church – and he was wounded for our transgres-sions – the deadly sin of racism.

I urge all of us to spend a day in repentance and mourning. And then we need to get to work. Each of us and all of us need to examine ourselves, our church and our communities. We need to be honest about the reality of racism within us and around us. We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need to act. No stereotype or racial slur is justified. Speak out against inequity. Look with newly opened eyes at the many subtle and overt ways that we and our communities see people of color as being of less worth. Above all pray – for insight, for forgiveness, for courage.

Kyrie Eleison.

The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

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FAQ on Marriage Issues in the Wake of the Supreme Court Ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges

In the ELCA's Social Statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," this denomination recognized that the policies

and practices of our congregations around issues of same sex marriage will not all be the same. The Social Statement neither forbids nor endorses same sex marriage; instead, it recognizes that many in the ELCA may feel called by their conscience-bound faith to hold diverse views on this issue. Given that the issue of same sex marriage is on the mind of many in our communities, this is a time for us to be in prayerful, re-spectful, and loving conversation with one another around these and other issues that may affect our minis-try in following Jesus in the world. In that regard, a shared reading and discussion of the Social Statement would be a good place for those conversations to begin.

The Supreme Court's ruling on June 26, 2015 in the Obergefell case, which recognizes a fundamen-tal right of same-sex couples to marry, may lead to questions in our congregations. It is best to address those questions lovingly, transparently, and directly - so we have prepared this FAQ to assist you in doing so.

1. What did the Supreme Court rule?

The Supreme Court issued decisions in June 2015 concerning the right to marry and the ability of states to restrict access to marriage licenses by same-sex couples.

In its decision, the Court ruled that the right of two consenting adults to marry is a fundamental right that may not be abridged by the refusal of the state to grant marriage licenses (or other formal recognition of marriages) to same-sex couples on the same terms as it grants them to heterosexual couples. In the words of the Court, "The right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person, and under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment couples of the same sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty.

The Court now holds that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry....and the State laws challenged by Petitioners in these cases are now held invalid to the extent they exclude same-sex cou-ples from civil marriage on the same terms and conditions as opposite-sex couples." In practical terms, this decision also means that marriages performed in other states that have (up to now) recognized same-sex marriages must be recognized as law in states that (up to now) had not recognized such marriages. "The Court, in this decision, holds same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry in all States. It follows that the Court also must hold - and it now does hold - that there is no lawful basis for a State to re-fuse to recognize a lawful same-sex marriage performed in another State on the ground of its same-sex character."

2. What does this decision have to say about the continuing right of people to hold deeply held reli-

gious views about marriage and same-sex marriage?

The Court emphasized that the right of same-sex couples to obtain a marriage license does not mean that those with deeply held religious views are prohibited from continuing to practice their religious faith. As the Court put it in its opinion, "Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex mar-riage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered. The same is true of those who oppose same-sex marriage for other reasons. In turn, those who believe allowing same-sex marriage is proper or indeed essential, whether as a matter of religious conviction or secular be-lief, may engage those who disagree with their view in an open and searching debate."

In short, while this decision makes same-sex marriage legal and available in every State, it also leaves intact the existing discretion of pastors to perform (or refuse to perform) marriages on religious grounds, as well as the right of a church council (on behalf of a congregation) to permit (or refuse to permit) marriages to be performed on church property.

3. What does the ruling mean for the legality of same sex marriage in Texas?

Texas requires issuance of a marriage license to perform a formal marriage in Texas. Up to now, Texas had declined (based on its state laws) to grant marriage licenses to same sex couples. The Supreme Court's

The Tidings 9

decision prohibits Texas from refusing to grant marriage licenses to same-sex couples based on the require-ments of state law. Issuing of licenses is, however, a matter that requires action by the government.

Accordingly, some county clerks may begin to issue marriage licenses to same sex couples immedi-ately. Other county clerks may await guidance from the attorney general concerning the proper procedure to be followed in issuing a marriage license. In our context, the issuance of a marriage license is a matter for the government, but once a license is obtained a couple may be formally married under Texas law.

4. Can churches be compelled to perform same sex marriages?

When authorized by state law, pastors have authority as part of their calls to perform marriages if they wish to do so, but they cannot be compelled to perform any marriage ceremony for any couple. In the ELCA, church-es also retain their right to decide how and whether they will "recognize, support, and hold publicly accounta-ble" persons in same gender relationships who wish to be married. Accordingly, while neither pastors nor congregations can be compelled to permit any particular marriage to be performed in their churches, it is our shared calling to be engaged in loving and candid conversations about how we will welcome, support, and - where consistent with our faith - perform marriage ceremonies for those who wish to be married.

5. How should we address a circumstance where a pastor wishes to perform a same-sex marriage ceremony and the congregation does not? What happens if the congregation wishes to recognize a

same-sex marriage and the pastor declines to do so?

Pastors have historically decided (and can continue to decide) to perform (or to refuse to perform) marriage ceremonies for any number of reasons. They can continue to do so, even after the Supreme Court's ruling. There may be pastors who feel called by their faith to perform (or refuse to perform) marriage ceremonies in circumstances where the congregation where the pastor serves holds a different, conscience-bound view. In that event, the mutual care between pastor and people calls on both to engage in respectful, caring and open conversations around this issue. The pastor, however, always retains the pastoral authority and judgment to perform (or refuse to perform) marriages as the pastor concludes it is appropriate.

Where the pastor's judgment differs from that of the congregation, the mutual respect of both may re-quire that the marriage be performed in a location other than the church where the pastor is serving.

6. What does the Supreme Court's ruling mean for the understanding of "bound conscience" under

our 2009 ELCA resolution?

The Supreme Court has interpreted the United States Constitution on an important legal matter, but it is not a theological statement of the church. Indeed, the Supreme Court decision is at pains to emphasize that the right of citizens to continue to hold deeply held religious views about the nature of marriage remains wholly intact.

We, as Christians, are now called to engage in constructive, loving, and respectful conversation with one another around these issues. But the guidance concerning when and in what circumstances marriages may be performed by pastors, or may be performed on a congregation's property, remains unchanged.

7. Is a conscience bound congregation prohibited from seeking the removal of a pastor whose views

on same-sex marriage differ from the congregation's views?

No. Just as a pastor may not be disciplined for performing same-sex marriages, a congregation is not pre-cluded from seeking the removal of a pastor whose views on whether to perform same-sex marriages are in-compatible with those of the congregation.

We strongly discourage congregations from taking steps in haste to amend wedding policies or issue other statements in the wake of the Supreme Court's decision. The better course is for pastor and people to remain in prayer together, asking the Holy Spirit to breathe into them a shared spirit of discernment concern-ing where God is leading the congregation on this and other issues relevant to their shared ministry in the community, so that in all that we do we reflect the love of Christ.

Thanks to Bishop Mike Rinehart, Texas Louisiana

Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA for this FAQ

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"Privilege," Susan Smith, Bouar, CAR - June 24, 2015

We have arrived in Bouar! Yes, the long way. I realize, again, how fortunate and privileged I am to have this option.

First, think of the cost. I bought diesel fuel for the trip from Garoua Boulai to Yaoundé (and later will pay to go back) not to mention the cost of running the vehicle. Sure, I could have taken a bus – cheaper and the way most Cameroonians would travel, but I have a car. And, as we in the USA know well, driving is more convenient, faster, and less crowded! Privilege.

The next day Willie and I took the train from Yaoundé to Douala. Yes, I had to stay overnight in Yaoundé – fortunately at Anne and Willie’s. Then we had to get dropped off at the train station and there was the ex-pense of the ticket. We got first class tickets – 9,000 cfa (about $18) instead of 6,000 cfa (about $12). It was comfortable. (I didn’t see the second class so I really can’t compare effectively.) We were served water and a sandwich. Willie tells me that 1st and 2nd class riders get food. Ah, to be able to afford a comfortable seat without having to drive. Privilege. OK, so we ran about a couple of hours late, but we didn’t have a meeting set or people waiting for us.

We stayed at the 3-start Planet Hotel in Douala – 55,000 cfa/night (about $110). It was a beautiful place to be. Very comfortable with free Wifi – like (or better) than many hotels where I have stayed in the USA, but this price is too expensive for most people here. Privilege.

Both hotels had a Gideon Bible in the rooms. This made me think of my Uncle Gordon and Aunt Elaine (may she rest in peace) who are/were active in US branch of the Gideons, providing Bibles to travelers and others.

Then we flew from Douala to Bangui and later Bangui to Bouar. Privilege. The cost is out of the range of what most Central Africans, or Cameroonians, could pay although both flights were about ¾ full. I am thankful that we could pay and use this (longer) safe way to travel. Both flights ran about an hour late. The flight from Douala to Bangui was with Karinou Airlines (a company from the CAR!) I had not heard of them before. We had an interesting snack: 4 pieces of whole wheat bread with no crust and tuna salad between the layers. Not 2 sandwiches – tuna between 3 layers! It looked like a brick of bread! It tasted fine, but looked strange to me. (It was served with soda and water.) I enjoyed hearing announce-ments in Sango, French, and English.

I am grateful to Lutheran World Federation staff in Bangui who helped us in various ways: their driver picked us up at the airport, had made us reservations at the National hotel and for the UN flight to Bouar, and drove us to their office. Staff also helped us get internet credit, find a place to eat in the evening, and put us in contact with a reputable taxi driver. Hervé (the LWF driver) also picked us up in the morning (at 6:10!) to take us to the airport and shepherded us through the first part of the check-in process. They will also help us out on the way back. Many thanks!

We had little time in Bangui, but we did stop to visit St. Timothy Lutheran Church, which is next to the airport. They have a beautiful church building, parsonage, and a school within in their compound. Since all of the recent troubles started, they have also been housing internally displaced people. The structure you see in the picture and the water bladder were provided by UNHCR. Pastor Paul Denou said that they are now “down to only” 93 adults and children. Imagine. How many of our churches could pick up this work and sustain it for more than two years?? It was a privilege seeing Pr. Denou again and seeing a bit of the work – even if it was only for about 10 min. I like the sign they have next to a huge bladder of water: “Everyone has the right to water, but no one has the right to waste it.” We should all take this to heart.

The Tidings 11

The next picture is Willie talking on the phone as he studies the menu in the Balafon Restaurant in Bangui. We were drinking, Mocaf, the Central African beer! It was a great place. We were told later that is very popular with humanitarian aid workers. They even have karaoke on Friday evenings! Everyone needs time to relax and get away from strife and work, but how many Central Africans (not working for an NGO) could afford to come often to a place like this?

It was a first for me to take a flight within CAR. Currently flights are run by the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service. It is present to assist UN and NGOs personnel get around more easily. Our flight was to fly to Berberati, Bouar, and Bosangoa. Another flight went to Kaga Bandoro and Ndele. A third goes to Bambari and Bangasou. We were told to report to the airport at 6:30 for an 8:30 a.m. flight. Airline officials arrived at 6:45…

I know we talk a lot about White privilege in the US – and probably not enough (nor have we done enough to equalize things). I know, too, that I benefit from White privilege here as well – and in ways that are even more obvious than at home since I am part of a small minority.

What we experienced this morning was privilege, but not just for Whites – of the 75 or so people travelling only 5-6 were White, but humanitarian aid privilege. So, here’s the dilemma: when a country is in crisis, NGOs and others come to help. They need to be able to move around the country, but sometimes roads are not safe or are in very poor condition and sometimes people want to take less time traveling be-tween places. The UN has a Humanitarian Air Service to help out. To use their ser-vice, one must be a humanitarian aid worker, have an “Ordre de Mission” (official letter stating where, when, how long, and why one is traveling) and a badge (or passport). This is not a commercial airline; they can’t take anyone who wants (and can afford to) go. But that sets up another ineq-uity among those who come to help and those who live in the country where there is not commercial airline that operates within the country. I am sure good work is being done, but how much say does the population have? Are the “saviors” again coming with the answers to problems or are local people being empowered, trained, and supported? This one example certainly lends credence to the tendency of aid workers to bring the plan, what they need for their comfort and work, and “do for” the “poor, suffering” people. There were Central Africans who took the flights – those working for NGOs, but I was uncomfortable “qualifying” for the flight (since EELRCA is a member of LWF) while at the same time I appreciated the safe way to get to Bouar.

Much of the flight we couldn’t see much of the ground – no surprise since it is the rainy season with lots of clouds. In fact, we were to stop in Berberati before Bouar, but couldn’t because of heavy rain there. As we approached Bouar and came below the clouds, most of what we could see was green – forest, bush. There were a few houses and buildings. It was an interesting phenomenon to approach the airport and run way seeing nothing by green! I never really paid attention to other cities where you see airport buildings and buildings of the city as you approach. I had confidence that the pilot could see more than I could (like the runway…) and he could, but it was a bit disconcerting and felt like we were setting down in the middle of nowhere. This feeling was increased when I saw that the first half of the runway was dirt! It was wide and flat and clear, but not paved. Closer to the airport there was paving. It was no surprise that the airport was a sign saying “Aerodrome de Bouar” and one building. Lots of NGO cars were there to meet the travelers. (We were met by Antoine and out-going President Goliké.) The drive is about 12 km. on an unpaved but leveled road (no doubt done by the UN).

It is good to be in Bouar and among colleagues. As one person said, if there weren’t so many trees, we could see Garoua Boulai from here – too bad I had to come by way of New York! It was the long way, but it worked.

Note: UN troops are now stationed in a couple of villages between GB and Baboua. They have also gone into the bush to disarm some people. Some bandits have been killed or arrested. The road is safe again, they say. (Great, but we’ll go home the same privileged way we can – we have tickets after all!)

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July 4 5:00 pm July 5 9:00 am July 11 5:00 pm July 12 9:00 am

Acolytes

Readers Paul Romine Tyler Bartholome Linda McCrery Mary Dettloff

Ushers Floyd Ellington David Naill

Jean Warren Mary Dettloff

Robert Drake David Naill

Donna Tetlow Marv Dettloff

Greeters Leota Romine Marv Dettloff Louise Drake Ushers

Ppt Tech Brydon Geisler Dave McCrery Musician Sandy Naill Sandy Naill Sandy Naill Sandy Naill M Counters Bob Drake/Marv Dettloff Floyd Ellington/Betty Massey

July 18 5:00 pm July 19 9:00 am July 25 5:00 pm July 26 9:00 am

Acolytes

Readers Betty Massey Marv Dettloff Linda McCrery Karrii Billiard

Ushers Floyd Ellington Don White

Jose Saavedra David Naill

Betty Massey Don White

Dave McCrery George Warren

Greeters Daniel Wand Sandra Wand

Dave McCrery Sharon White Ushers

Ppt Tech Mary Dettloff Shane Pirtle Mary Morgan

Musician Sandy Naill Sandy Naill Linda Pirtle Linda Pirtle M Counters Marv Dettloff/Dave McCrery Karrii Billiard/Mary Morgan

Hotdog Fellowship on Saturday July 4th! Following 5:00 pm worship. Bring a Patriotic Dessert

Baked Potato and BINGO Fellowship on Saturday July 11th!

Following the 5:00 pm worship. Bring a dessert to share.

CAMPHOPEbeginsJuly6th!!AdultMonitorsareneededtositinthegymduringthe

camp.Yourdutiesaretosignpeopleinastheyenter,andofferanadultpresence!!

Youmaybringreading,knitting,oranyotheractivitytodowhileyouareonduty.This

isanurgentrequest.Pleasechecksign-upsheetintheGatheringArea.Alsocheckto

seewhatothersnackandcraftitemsareneeded.

The Tidings 13

Wednesday, July 1 Bread for Life……………………...……..11:30 AM Thursday, July 2 Tiki…………………….…………………….6:30 PM Friday, July 3…..CLC Office Closed

Saturday, July 4 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..5:00 PM Hotdog Fellowship Brazosport Cares Food Pantry Offering

Sunday, July 5 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..9:00 AM Brazosport Cares Food Pantry Offering

Monday, July 6 Camp Hope Week 1 Property Committee………..……………..6:30 PM

Wednesday, July 8 Bread for Life……………………...……..11:30 AM

Saturday, July 11 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..5:00 PM Baked Potato and BINGO Fellowship

Sunday, July 12 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..9:00 AM Monday, July 13 Camp Hope Week 2

Tuesday, July 14 Servant Ministry…….…………..….… ..7:00 PM Youth leave for Detroit

Wednesday, July 15 Bread for Life……………………...……..11:30 AM

Saturday, July 18 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..5:00 PM

Sunday, July 19 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..9:00 AM Back to School Supply Drive Starts

Monday, July 20 Camp Hope Week 3 Tuesday, July 21 Church Council, Parlor……………….. ..7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 22 Bread for Life……………………...……..11:30 AM

Saturday, July 25 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..5:00 PM

Sunday, July 26 Worship, Sanctuary….……………....…..9:00 AM Home Group………………………………6:00 PM

Have you noticed the kitchen lately? Someone has been hard at work. You can see yourself in the beautifully refinished cabi-nets. The amazing thing is that the cabinets look just as nice on the inside! Sissy Waldrop is our amazing angel that completed this enormous task. You are a blessing, Sissy. Thank you so much!

christlutheran-lj.org 14

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

Saturday 5:00 PM

Sunday 9:00 AM