chi rho · 1 chi rho april 2020 christ lutheran church 69 mill street, athens, oh 45701 (740)...
TRANSCRIPT
1
CHI RHO April 2020
Christ Lutheran Church 69 Mill Street, Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-3144 www.clchurchathens.org
Office Hours: M-Th, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
STAFF Music Director: George Weckman [email protected]
Sunday School: Kiandra Coon [email protected]
Energizers: Jenna Hyman [email protected]
Director of Campus Ministry: Katie Beth Miksa [email protected]
Custodian: Nic Swain [email protected]
Office Administrator: Katie Beth Miksa [email protected]
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
What’s Happening……..…...…....2
April Birthdays……...……….……..2
Pastoral Letter...…………………...3
Youth & Family.…………...…….…4
Prayers…………….…...…...….…....4
Social Ministry.………………....5-6
The Bridge...........…………...…....7
Calendar………...….……………......8
Please “Like” our
Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/
clcathens
Have a Talent That Can Be Recorded?
Calling all members who have a talent that they are willing to share with the congregation and that can be recorded. Examples include, but are not limited to, singing hymns, playing an instrument, reading scriptures or a poem, or narrating a children’s story. Providing one of these services will greatly enhance our Sunday worship and children’s offerings during this time. You can record on your own device and then place the file in the church’s dropbox or send it as a google drive link. If you have ques-tions on how to do this, please call Katie Beth or email her at [email protected].
A Brief Word from Your Council President
Thank you to members and friends of Christ Lutheran for coming together
to be the Church in this time of social distancing. Social distancing
doesn’t mean we stop communicating with each other; in fact it pushes us to
keep in touch by telephoning , emails, or sending cards. Let’s keep it up!
Join us for Wednesday evening prayer service. Take advantage of Synod
resources for streaming church service or a Bible study. Be kind and un-
derstanding to others during this time. And please consider continuing
your regular contributions to Christ Lutheran Church especially now. It
makes all the difference. Be safe and stay well.
Peace be to each and every one,
Mike Cleland
2
What's Happening at CLC? APRIL
BIRTHDAYS
4 Lisa Reshad 7 Kristi Goldsberry, Charles Gaiser 9 Debra Fanning, Carter Russel 12 Gwen Golter 13 Tom Riggs, Jane Unger 14 Corrie Callaghan 15 Dick Brackin 17 Linda Sauer 19 Norma Hammond, Daniel
Phillips 21 Suzie Prange 22 Dana Wright, Steve Chikosky 23 Sarah McKinley 25 Tim Prange 29 Luther Haseley 30 Gary Cooke
IMPORTANT
EVENTS Did we miss your birthday or
anniversary!? Let us know so we can
celebrate with you! [email protected]
Mid Week Prayer Services . Every Wednesday at 7p.m. from April 1st through May 13th, Christ Lutheran will be
conducting a Prayer Service over the Zoom teleconferencing system. Come and
join us from the comfort of your home. For the link that will work each Wednesday:
Click Here. If you need help in getting started with Zoom, please contact Katie
Beth or Kay Cleland.
Music Fest • Cancelled
Due to the health suggestions surrounding Covid-19, this community based event
originally scheduled for April 4th has been cancelled. We hope to reschedule some-
time in the future.
Lent, Holy Week, & Easter Service Information
We have you covered! If you have not been receiving our Sunday worship opportu-
nities which include a video series based on the lectionary from Pastor Rich Rent-
ner, musical offerings from congregation members, and resources for children,
please contact the office at [email protected]. Pastor Rich will continue to pro-
vide these Sunday offerings, as well as Maundy Thursday and Good Friday offer-
ings, through Easter services and a few weeks beyond. All emails will include in-
structions on how to access the videos.
Theology on Tap • Cancelled This event, originally scheduled for April 9th, has been cancelled due to the ob-
servance of Maundy Thursday and social distancing guidelines
In-Person Worship to Return May 17th Congregational Meeting to Follow Worship
It remains our hope that we will resume in-person worship at Christ Lutheran on
Sunday, May 17th with a congregational meeting to follow. This meeting would fo-
cus solely on the outcomes of the Call Process. Of course, Council will continue to
consider health guidelines proposed by the state and the synod.
Photo from Karen Dahn
Southern Ohio
Synod Covid-19 Resources
Check out the synod’s page de-voted to pandemic response re-sources. You will find the most recent notes from the bishop, prayers, worship and study re-sources--including a list of churches that are livestreaming Sunday worship, and mental health resources. Visit the site HERE.
Gather - A Virtual Bible Study for Women, Apr. 20th 7p.m. The women of CLC will come together via Zoom to talk about the bible study fea-tured in the April issue of Gather which you can access HERE. Gather is a publi-cation by Women of the ELCA for the purpose of "serving a community of women who are created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit." Join the Zoom meeting by clicking HERE.
How to Give to Christ Lutheran
• You can mail a check to the church at 69 Mill Street, Athens, OH 45701
• You can use the online giving option from our church’s website - https://clchurchathens.org/ Begin by clicking on the Giving icon. You can choose to make a one-time dona-tion, or you can set up a recurring donation. We welcome any method of payment, of course, but a withdrawal from your bank account is the most advantageous for the church.
• If you have any questions about this process, please contact Wanda Weinberg at [email protected].
Palms The church will still
be having palms for
Palm Sunday. They
will be available in a
bucket outside the
church on Sunday,
Apr. 5th for anyone
who wants one.
3
Pastoral letter to Christ Lutheran Church, Athens OH – April 2020
It’s a safe bet to say that this Lenten season, including Holy Week and beyond, into the East-
er season, is the most unusual Lent/Holy Week/Easter we’ve ever experienced! Imagine,
the people who are the church cannot gather to be the church in our usual places of worship.
How bizarre. How sad.
It’s always reckless and even dangerous to pretend to know God’s mind in these circum-
stances (although we’d like to venture some guesses, right?). Some of our most devout
brothers and sisters are quick to say that God is punishing us for (you choose the object of
God’s wrath here and fill in the blank). Abortion. Gay folks. Marital infidelity. Whatever.
That’s just wrong. It’s wrong on several counts.
It’s wrong because it presumes human wisdom to be superior to God’s: Isaiah 55:8 – “For
my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord.”
It’s wrong because it presumes God to be a god of the club and cudgel, who, because of hu-
man failure to follow his dictates, turns to punishments to turn his people around
(repentance). John 3:16-17 – “God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the
world, but in order that the world might be saved by him. Those who believe in him are
not condemned…”
And it’s wrong to make such assessments of God’s mind in times of pandemics/tsunamis/
earthquakes/hurricanes/tornadoes and the like because such thinking completely bypasses
God’s clearly stated (and enacted) intention for his creation! Consider:
John 10:10 – “I have come that you may have life and have it abundantly!”
2 Corinthians 5:14-15 – “For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced
that because one died for all; therefore, all have died. And he died for all, so that
those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was
raised for them.” And, finally, those words of our Lord, spoken from the cross mo-
ments before he gave up his spirit and died:
Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
In the mystery we Christians center on each Holy Week, all lesser thoughts pass away, and
we focus completely on the cross of Christ. True, this year we may be doing such contem-
plation alone, at home, and uncertain about many things. But there is no doubt, no uncer-
tainty, about God’s love for you in the person of Jesus, the Christ! You are his, and he is
yours. And that’s enough!
+ Pastor Rich Rentner Supply Pastor for CLC
The flower photo on this page and the one on the cover are from
this spring--taken by Susan Roth.
4
Youth & Family News
Resources from Jana Jana Hovland has been sharing some resources she received from her sister who is an ELCA pastor. There are some great video resources (Godly Plays that her sister is leading) as well as print material. If you have not received these and would like to, please email Jana at [email protected].
Happenings with Our Youth The Thompson-Kellehers and Scarlett watched “On the Road: Kindness 101 with Steve Hartman” this past weekend. Mr. Hartman covers Charity, Empathy, Friendship, & Altruism. It’s found on YouTube under CBS Evening news, and they highly recom-mend it!
Energizers will be meeting online for a fun activity
planned by Jenna Hyman. Be on the lookout for details from Jenna.
Want to Be Featured in Next Month’s
Youth & Family?
Katie Beth would love to have drawings or writings that your children have done during this time of social distancing to share in next month’s May newsletter. If you would like ideas on what to include, reach out to Katie Beth at [email protected] or Tammy Thompson at [email protected].
FOR HEALTH
Karen Chikosky
Carl Savage
Dick Brackin
Norma Hammond
Jo King
Dave Armstrong
Jo Ann Pulfer
Joan Fucci
Chris Yoder
*Sammy Huwe
*Mary Andrews
*Fran Dalzell
*Art Woolley *Homebound members
5
Social Ministry - Faith In Action
As part of the ELCA, we believe God’s grace grants us the freedom to love and serve our neighbors, boldly responding to the needs of the world.
Hunger News
LSS Mobile Food Pantry, Apr. 9th 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
In these times of safe distancing and keeping everyone healthy the pantry model is changing. The pantry will
still meet at The Plains United Methodist Church, but LLS distribution center coordinator, Misty Decker
shared the following information:
We've modified how we are doing mobile distributions in an effort to help reduce spread risk and flatten the
curve. We are prepacking boxes and setting up in parking lots and doing a "drive-thru" style pantry. Clients get
checked in (this can be done outside, usually we just have someone relaying name to pantry track person) and
volunteers will put the box in vehicle.
No lunch for volunteers will be offered in this new model. Fewer volunteers will be required. LSS coordina-
tors are still sorting how to best organize volunteers. Clients will be served as usual from noon to 2:00 pm.
Volunteers will probably not need to report until 11:00.
Adele Hanson, 740-707-8663.
Earth Justice Happenings
Active Hope Workshops Zoom meetings are being scheduled for the Active Hope Workshops. Anyone who has not previously attended who would like to be included is asked to call or email Carol Kuhre (740-593-5931 or [email protected]). An email will go out with further information about the dates and times for the Zoom meetings.
AEP Ends Energy Efficiency Programs All AEP energy efficiency programs will be ending on Sep-
tember 30th, 2020. These include: energy efficiency kits, LED lighting discounts, HVAC rebates including
heat pumps or smart thermostats, appliance rebates, refrigerator recycling, efficiency crafted new or manu-
factured homes, and community assistance programs. Visit AEPOhio.com/save for more infor-
mation.
Earth Justice Meetings While our March meeting was canceled, please stay tuned for a Zoom meeting
in the future.
Reaching Out CLC
This new initiative is being led by Social Ministry in cooperation with
Life Together. There are two good things to report:
• So far, 20+ people have come forward and offered to help with
contacting members by phone or mail and groceries and other sup-
plies.
• Thanks to already having networks of family and friends, there
have only been a couple requests for assistance at this time.
As time goes on, more needs are likely to come up, so if anyone has
need for errands to run or just a friendly voice to check in from time
to time, contact Doug Debrick at [email protected], or 740-707-
4054.
Photo from Pi(e) Day last year, one of the “being together” events we’ve had to unfortunately miss out on this year due to new health guidelines.
6
Habitat for Humanity News
1. Rummage Sale CANCELLED The sale which was originally scheduled for April 25
has been cancelled; however, HFH still hopes to hold one in the fall.
2. Scrap Metal Drive - Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, this event is under discussion as
to whether it will be held. Stay tuned for details to come in the May newsletter.
3. Fun Habitat Facts - Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter did not start Habitat, but are the
most famous volunteers. Millard and Linda Fuller are the founders. He was a millionaire
CEO and lawyer, monetarily rich, but poor in spirit who gave up his job and money to save
his marriage. He and his wife moved into the Christian community, Koinonia Farm, where the ideas for Hab-
itat were formed from living communally, pooling resources, and sharing talents. They first experimented in
Zaire, building 120 homes in 3 years. Then, they started Habitat in 1976 in the U.S.A. Pastor Patricia Lull,
then pastor of Christ Lutheran Church, and several CLC members helped start the Athens County Habitat for
Humanity affiliate in 1990, along with people from other congregations, after being inspired by Jimmy
Carter’s visit to the OU campus and the speech he gave!
Montaña de Luz A Covid-19 Update
When Governor DeWine put restrictions on public gatherings, the MdL Board postponed their biggest annual
fund-raising dinner, Fiesta, originally scheduled for April 3rd. T hey hope to schedule the dinner later this
year, but in its place on that date, they will hold a virtual program called Bids for Kids.
Bids for Kids is a video update that invites viewers to bid on specific areas of MdL life, such as education,
family bonds, or HIV prevention and education. Donors have come up with a matching donation of $30,000,
so the MdL Board hopes to raise another $30,000 through this Bids for Kids event. There will also be a virtu-
al silent auction (real merchandise for real money, of course). You don’t have to have bought tickets to the
dinner to participate, and we can pass along more information as it becomes available.
In Honduras, the schools are closed and medical appointments canceled, because of the effect of the pandem-
ic on their medical system. To avoid staff and children being in large groups, staff have taken the children
still living on the Mountain into their own homes. Please keep them in your prayers. In these difficult times
contributions are needed to keep these youth healthy and to support the staff who continue to care for them.
You can make a tax-deductible donations here: www.montanadeluz.org/give.
Equality and Justice
During this time of physical distancing to keep our communities safe, many of us have more
time to devote to internal work. We offer two suggestions for aiding us in more deeply under-
standing how our enculturation into a White-dominant culture plays out in our lives. If you are
interested in the church arranging a zoom meeting so we can discuss our thoughts and feelings
about what we learn, let the office know.
Layla Saad: https://www.meandwhitesupremacybook.com/
Robin DiAngelo: http://www.beacon.org/assets/pdfs/whitefragilityreadingguide.pdf
Social Ministry Cont’d
7
The Bridge Campus Ministry
Bridge Wednesday Nights Now Online Join us at 5pm on Zoom and bring your own
dinner along! We will be wrapping up our sexuality series on April 1st and starting a series on Death, Dy-ing, and Bereavement.
Bridge Student Led Worship Now Online Our final student led worship of the year will be at 8pm on April 26th via Zoom. Thanks to Rinnah Kinney for your hard work heading this up this year!
Beer & Bible Graduate Student Bible Study Now Online Starting this Thursday, April 2nd at 8pm, Beer & Bible will move from once monthly to biweekly. Dates in April are the 2nd, 16th, and 30th. By vote of the regular attendees, we will put aside our focus on the para-bles of Matthew to talk about Death, Dying, and Bereavement in pandemic times. Look for the Zoom link!
Clockwise from top left: one of the
questions posed at the Ark Encounter,
student and leader participants at the
joint Hillel/The Bridge “Interfaith Pro-
ject” event in February, string sharing
activity to illustrate interfaith connec-
tivity, Grad Student Retreat partici-
pants outside the Ark Encounter, Grad
Student Retreat Participants at lunch at
Big Boy, a better together prayer sta-
tion.
8
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Support the Food Pantry
While we cannot bring food into the church as we usually do, the Food Pantry can always ac-cept monetary dona-
tions.
1 The Bridge, 5p.m., Zoom Mid-Week Re-flection, 7p.m., Zoom
2 Social Minis-try, 6p.m., Zoom Beer & Bible, 8p.m., Zoom
3
4
5 PALM SUNDAY Worship Service via Email Links Palms, available in bucket outside church for those who want to come take them.
6
7
8 The Bridge, 5p.m., Zoom Mid-Week Re-flection, 7p.m., Zoom
9 MAUNDY THURSDAY LSS Mobile Food Pantry, 11 a.m., The Plains UMC
Theology on Tap, Cancelled Maundy Thursday Ser-vice, Via Email Links
10 GOOD FRI-DAY Ecumenical Good Friday Service, Cancel-celed CLC Good Fri-day Service Via Email Links
11
12 EASTER
Worship Service via Email Links
13 OFFICE CLOSED
14 Council, 6p.m., Zoom
15 The Bridge, 5p.m., Zoom Mid-Week Re-flection, 7p.m., Zoom
16 Beer & Bible, 8p.m., Zoom
17 18
19 Worship Service via Email Links
20 Women’s Bible Study, 7p.m., Zoom
21
22 The Bridge, 5p.m., Zoom Mid-Week Re-flection, 7p.m., Zoom
23 Newsletter Deadline
24 25
26 Worship Service via Email Links Student Led Wor-ship, 8p.m., Zoom
27
28
29 30 University Interfaith Association Meeting, 12p.m., Zoom Beer & Bible, 8p.m., Zoom
April Calendar of Events