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The Bridge November 2015

Christ the Lord Lutheran Church A Reconciling in Christ Congregation

847-741-8141 FAX: 847-741-8165

Email: ctloffice@ctlelgin.org Website: www.ctlelgin.org

CTL Office Hours Monday: Office closed

Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. These are the regularly scheduled hours for Linda. Dss. Andrea is available after hours if needed and

Pastor T. is available anytime on his cell phone too

Sunday: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Education Hour

December Bridge deadline – November 15, 2015

Send items to Karin K at bridge@ctlelgin.org or leave in mailbox on the top of the mail slots outside the church office.

We are centered in Christ and reach out to care.

We proclaim Jesus as Lord and Savior. We equip and teach for spiritual growth.

We worship passionately. We minister to the physical and spiritual needs of others.

We discern and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We invite and involve others with a welcoming heart.

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Table of Contents November 2015 .................................................................................................................................. 1

Craft Show ....................................................................................................... 3 Daylight Saving Time Ends .............................................................................. 4

*COME ONE COME ALL* ..................................................................................................................... 5 Save the Dates .................................................................................................. 5

*WORSHIP NEWS* ............................................................................................................................ 13 Sunday Morning Schedule ............................................................................. 13 Scripture Lessons for November .................................................................... 13

*FROM OUR LEADERSHIP* ................................................................................................................ 14 From Our Supply Pastor ................................................................................ 14 Pastoral Transition – Article 4 ...................................................................... 15 Yes! We Can .................................................................................................. 16

*GET INVOLVED* .............................................................................................................................. 17 Children’s Pageant 2015 ............................................................................... 17 Create-a-Christmas ....................................................................................... 17 Marriage Rap ................................................................................................. 18 Do you have a will? ....................................................................................... 18 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service ..................................................................... 18 Thanksgiving Harvest Table .......................................................................... 18 Thanksgiving Eve ........................................................................................... 19 Vineyard Breakfast ........................................................................................ 19 Treasurer’s Report ......................................................................................... 19 Upcoming Habitat Fundraisers ..................................................................... 20 Habitat for Humanity News ........................................................................... 20 Bound and Ungagged (Book Club) ................................................................ 20 Scrip Fundraising .......................................................................................... 21 Bridge Group Dinner Schedule ...................................................................... 21 Hooks and Needles ......................................................................................... 21 Kids Hope ...................................................................................................... 21

*LEARNING* ..................................................................................................................................... 22 Adult Study Groups ........................................................................................ 22 Morning Bible Study ...................................................................................... 23 Adult Forum, November 2015 ........................................................................ 23 Christian Education - CTL – .......................................................................... 23

*PLEASE REMEMBER* ....................................................................................................................... 24 *SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER* ..................................................................................................... 25 *THANK-YOUS* ................................................................................................................................. 26 *CHRIST THE LORD LUTHERAN CHURCH* ......................................................................................... 27

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Craft Show

Habitat for Humanity Craft Show Saturday, November 7th

9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Crafts, Raffle, Bake Sale, and

Soup & Sandwich Lunch Free Admission

All proceeds will benefit the Habitat for Humanity – New Hope Partnership.

Proceeds will be matched by Thrivent. There is a lot to do and we could use lots of help! Sign-up sheets will be posted on the board in the

entryway in October. Please consider helping in any of the following ways:

Help –You can help by working at the Craft Show for a

2-hour shift, helping prior to the show getting the church ready, or cleaning up.

Donate - You can sign-up to donate baked goods for

the bake sale or drinks for the CTL Café. Items can be brought to church the week of the Craft Show.

Advertise - We will have invitations and flyers

available for you to take to give to your family, friends, and co-workers.

Thank you for your support! For more information or questions, contact Carol Earsley at 847-695-0833 or

Karin Krog at 847-373-0545.

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Daylight Saving Time Ends Daylight Saving Time officially ends at 2 a.m.

on Sunday, November 1. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.

This is also a good opportunity to test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and a reminder to replace batteries every six months. Remind every family member what to do if the alarms sound.

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*COME ONE COME ALL*

Save the Dates For future events, be sure the church office and Bridge editor

and Dss. Andrea receive date and time information so calendars and space needs are all correct! Please click on blue hyperlinks for more information.

(Full Calendar) Sun, Nov 1, 2015 Interim Task Force 11:00 AM Sun, Nov 1, 2015 Thanksgiving Basket Sign-

Up 8:30 am - 11 am

Sun, Nov 1, 2015 Worship/Communion All Saints

9:30 AM

Mon, Nov 2, 2015 Social Ministry 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Wed, Nov 4, 2015 NO Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Nov 4, 2015 Craft Show CTL Setup 6:30 pm-9:00 pm Wed, Nov 4, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Thu, Nov 5, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Fri, Nov 6, 2015 Craft Show Vender Setup 7 pm - 9 pm Sat, Nov 7, 2015 Craft Show 9 am - 3 pm Sun, Nov 8, 2015 Interim Task Force 11:00 AM Sun, Nov 8, 2015 Thanksgiving Basket Sign-

Up 8:30 am - 11 am

Tue, Nov 10, 2015 Hickory Ridge Homeowners Assn

?

Wed, Nov 11, 2015 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Nov 11, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Thu, Nov 12, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Nov 12, 2015 Council 7 pm - 9 pm Thu, Nov 12, 2015 Mutual Ministry 7 pm - 8 pm Fri, Nov 13, 2015 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sat, Nov 14, 2015 Bound & Ungagged (Book Club)

8 am - 9 am

Sat, Nov 14, 2015 E-Team 8:45 am - 9:45 am Sat, Nov 14, 2015 Quilts of Valor

Presentation & Lunch 11:00am – 12:00pm

Sun, Nov 15, 2015 Thanksgiving Basket Assembly

12 noon

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Mon, Nov 16, 2015 Habitat for Humanity - Fundraiser @ Culver's Carpentersville

5 pm - 8 pm

Mon, Nov 16, 2015 Habitat for Humanity - Fundraiser @ Culver's Huntley

4 pm - 8 pm

Tue, Nov 17, 2015 Quilts of Valor 10:00am – 11:00am Wed, Nov 18, 2015 All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00 PM Wed, Nov 18, 2015 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Nov 18, 2015 Confirmation 7:15pm – 8:45pm Wed, Nov 18, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Wed, Nov 18, 2015 Property Management 6:30 - 7:30 pm Wed, Nov 18, 2015 Stewardship Mtg. 6:20 pm - 7:20 pm Thu, Nov 19, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Nov 19, 2015 Sewing Guild 7pm - 8pm Thu, Nov 19, 2015 Vineyard Breakfast 6:30 am Fri, Nov 20, 2015 702 Evening Group 7:02 PM Sat, Nov 21, 2015 Craft Show Wrap Up Mtg. 1:00 PM Sat, Nov 21, 2015 WMA 9:30am - 10:30 am Sun, Nov 22, 2015 Christian

Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Pageant practice

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Nov 22, 2015 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service

4:00 PM @ Zion Lutheran

Sun, Nov 22, 2015 Mitten Tree Sun, Nov 22, 2015 Piano Recital - Denise

Williams 3:00 PM

Mon, Nov 23, 2015 Coffee with Friends - Gail Borden Library cafe

9 am - 11 am

Mon, Nov 23, 2015 Cub Scouts - Pack 14 7 pm - 8 pm Tue, Nov 24, 2015 Piano Tuning 9:30 AM Wed, Nov 25, 2015 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Nov 25, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Wed, Nov 25, 2015 Thanksgiving Chili Dinner 6:00 PM Wed, Nov 25, 2015 Thanksgiving Harvest

Table setup Noon

Wed, Nov 25, 2015 White Gifts Sign-Up 8:30 am - 11 am Wed, Nov 25, 2015 Worship/Communion

Thanksgiving Eve 6:45 PM

Thu, Nov 26, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Nov 26, 2015 Wild Ones - No meeting

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Fri, Nov 27, 2015 Coffee with Friends - In the Neighborhood Cafe

9 am - 11 am

Sat, Nov 28, 2015 Create-a-Christmas Craft Day

11:00am-2:00pm

Sun, Nov 29, 2015 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Pageant practice

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Nov 29, 2015 Mitten Tree On Going Sun, Nov 29, 2015 White Gifts Sign-Up 8:30 am - 11 am Mon, Nov 30, 2015 Coffee with Friends - Gail

Borden Library cafe 9 am - 11 am

Wed, Dec 2, 2015 Choir after Midweek Service

Wed, Dec 2, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Wed, Dec 2, 2015 Worship/Communion

Advent Midweek 7 pm - 7:30 pm

Thu, Dec 3, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Dec 3, 2015 Wild Ones - Holiday Party 6:30 pm - 9 pm Fri, Dec 4, 2015 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sat, Dec 5, 2015 Bound & Ungagged (Book Club)

8 am - 9 am

Sat, Dec 5, 2015 Confirmation 9:00am – 12:00pm Sun, Dec 6, 2015 Children's Pageant

Rehearsal 11:00 AM

Sun, Dec 6, 2015 Mitten Tree On Going Sun, Dec 6, 2015 White Gifts Sign-Up 8:30 am - 11 am Mon, Dec 7, 2015 Coffee with Friends - Gail

Borden Library cafe 9 am - 11 am

Mon, Dec 7, 2015 Social Ministry 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Wed, Dec 9, 2015 Choir after Midweek

Service Wed, Dec 9, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Wed, Dec 9, 2015 Worship/Communion

Advent Midweek 7 pm - 7:30 pm

Thu, Dec 10, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Dec 10, 2015 Mutual Ministry 7 pm - 8 pm Fri, Dec 11, 2015 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sat, Dec 12, 2015 E-Team 8:45 am - 9:45 am Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Children's Pageant

Rehearsal 11:00 AM

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Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Pageant practice

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Church Decorating 11:00 AM Sun, Dec 13, 2015 Mitten Tree On Going Sun, Dec 13, 2015 White Gifts Assembly 11:00 AM Sun, Dec 13, 2015 White Gifts Collection 9:30 AM Tue, Dec 15, 2015 Quilts of Valor 10:00am – 11:00am Wed, Dec 16, 2015 All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00 PM Wed, Dec 16, 2015 Choir after Midweek

Service Wed, Dec 16, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Wed, Dec 16, 2015 Worship/Communion

Advent Midweek 7 pm - 7:30 pm

Thu, Dec 17, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Dec 17, 2015 Council 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Dec 17, 2015 Sewing Guild 7pm - 8pm Thu, Dec 17, 2015 Vineyard Breakfast 6:30 am Fri, Dec 18, 2015 702 Evening Group 7:02 PM Fri, Dec 18, 2015 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sat, Dec 19, 2015 Children's Pageant Dress Rehearsal

8 am - 12 noon

Sat, Dec 19, 2015 Crafters Cookie Exchange & Craft for SS

1:00 PM

Sat, Dec 19, 2015 WMA 9:30am - 10:30 am Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Children's Pageant 9:30 AM Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Christian Education/Adult -

Pageant-No Classes 11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Christian Education/Grades 6 to 12 - Pageant-No Classes

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Pageant -No Classes

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Mitten Tree On Going Sun, Dec 20, 2015 Worship/Communion 9:30 am - 10:30 am Mon, Dec 21, 2015 Coffee with Friends - Gail

Borden Library cafe 9 am - 11 am

Mon, Dec 21, 2015 Cub Scouts Committee Meeting - Pack 14

7 pm - 8 pm

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Wed, Dec 23, 2015 Choir after Midweek Service

Wed, Dec 23, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Wed, Dec 23, 2015 Worship/Communion

Advent Midweek 7 pm - 7:30 pm

Thu, Dec 24, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Dec 24, 2015 Worship/Communion

Family Christmas Eve ??

Thu, Dec 24, 2015 Worship/Communion Family Worship Service

??

Fri, Dec 25, 2015 Coffee with Friends - In the Neighborhood Cafe

9 am - 11 am

Sun, Dec 27, 2015 Christian Education/Adult - No Classes

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 27, 2015 Christian Education/Grades 6 to 12 - No Classes

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 27, 2015 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-No Classes

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Dec 27, 2015 Mitten Tree On Going Mon, Dec 28, 2015 Coffee with Friends - Gail

Borden Library cafe 9 am - 11 am

Wed, Dec 30, 2015 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Thu, Dec 31, 2015 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Fri, Jan 1, 2016 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sat, Jan 2, 2016 Bound & Ungagged (Book Club)

8 am - 9 am

Sun, Jan 3, 2016 Christian Education/Adult - We Make the Road by Walking?

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 3, 2016 Christian Education/Grades 6 to 12 - Holy Baptism

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 3, 2016 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Follow the Star

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 3, 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive

10:30 AM

Sun, Jan 3, 2016 Mitten Tree On Going

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Mon, Jan 4, 2016 Coffee with Friends - Gail Borden Library cafe

9 am - 11 am

Mon, Jan 4, 2016 Social Ministry 11:30 am - 12:30 pm Wed, Jan 6, 2016 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Jan 6, 2016 Confirmation 7:15pm – 8:45pm Wed, Jan 6, 2016 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Thu, Jan 7, 2016 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Fri, Jan 8, 2016 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sat, Jan 9, 2016 E-Team 8:45 am - 9:45 am Sun, Jan 10, 2016 Christian Education/Adult - 11 am - 12 noon Sun, Jan 10, 2016 Christian

Education/Grades 6 to 12 - Holy Communion

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 10, 2016 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Jesus is Baptized

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 10, 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Food Drive

10:30 AM

Sun, Jan 10, 2016 Mitten Tree On Going Mon, Jan 11, 2016 Coffee with Friends - Gail

Borden Library cafe 9 am - 11 am

Mon, Jan 11, 2016 Cub Scouts - Pack 14 7 pm - 8 pm Wed, Jan 13, 2016 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Thu, Jan 14, 2016 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Jan 14, 2016 Memorial Committee

Meeting 2 - 3 p.m.

Thu, Jan 14, 2016 Mutual Ministry 7 pm - 8 pm Fri, Jan 15, 2016 702 Evening Group 7:02 PM Fri, Jan 15, 2016 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sun, Jan 17, 2016 Christian Education/Adult - 11 am - 12 noon Sun, Jan 17, 2016 Christian

Education/Grades 6 to 12 - Confession & Forgiveness

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 17, 2016 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Jesus Chooses

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 17, 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Food

Drive 10:30 AM

Sun, Jan 17, 2016 Mitten Tree On Going

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Mon, Jan 18, 2016 Coffee with Friends - Gail Borden Library cafe

9 am - 11 am

Mon, Jan 18, 2016 Cub Scouts Committee Meeting - Pack 14

7 pm - 8 pm

Tue, Jan 19, 2016 Bible & Brew 7 pm - 8 pm Tue, Jan 19, 2016 Prayer Group 8:30 am - 9:30 am Tue, Jan 19, 2016 Quilts of Valor 10:00am – 11:00am Wed, Jan 20, 2016 All Are Welcome Meeting 6:00 PM Wed, Jan 20, 2016 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Jan 20, 2016 Confirmation 7:15pm – 8:45pm Wed, Jan 20, 2016 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Thu, Jan 21, 2016 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Jan 21, 2016 Council 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Jan 21, 2016 Sewing Guild 7pm - 8pm Thu, Jan 21, 2016 Vineyard Breakfast 6:30 am Fri, Jan 22, 2016 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Sun, Jan 24, 2016 Budget Forum 11:00 AM Sun, Jan 24, 2016 Christian Education/Adult - 11 am - 12 noon Sun, Jan 24, 2016 Christian

Education/Grades 6 to 12 - Daily Prayers

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 24, 2016 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Jesus Brings the Good News

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 24, 2016 Mitten Tree On Going Sun, Jan 24, 2016 RIC Sunday & Collection 9:30 AM Mon, Jan 25, 2016 Coffee with Friends - Gail

Borden Library cafe 9 am - 11 am

Mon, Jan 25, 2016 Cub Scouts - Pack 14 7 pm - 8 pm Wed, Jan 27, 2016 Choir 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Wed, Jan 27, 2016 Piano Lessons 5 pm-6:30 pm Thu, Jan 28, 2016 Bells 7 pm - 8 pm Thu, Jan 28, 2016 Wild Ones 6:30 pm - 9 pm Fri, Jan 29, 2016 Coffee with Friends - In the

Neighborhood Cafe 9 am - 11 am

Fri, Jan 29, 2016 Cub Scouts - Blue & Gold Banquet - Pack 14

??

Fri, Jan 29, 2016 Soup Kettle 5:00 PM Sun, Jan 31, 2016 Christian Education/Adult - 11 am - 12 noon

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Sun, Jan 31, 2016 Christian Education/Grades 6 to 12 - Justification by Faith

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 31, 2016 Christian Education/Preschool-Grade 5-Jesus Heals

11 am - 12 noon

Sun, Jan 31, 2016 Congregational Meeting 11:00 AM Sun, Jan 31, 2016 Mardi Gras Dinner 5:00 p.m. Sun, Jan 31, 2016 Mitten Tree On Going

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*WORSHIP NEWS*

Sunday Morning Schedule 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Education Hour

Scripture Lessons for November Sunday November 1 All Saints Day Isaiah 25:6-9 Psalm 24 (5) Revelation 21:1-6a John 11:32-44 Color: White Sunday November 8 — Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost 1 Kings 17:8-16 Psalm 146 (8) Hebrews 9:24-28 Mark 12:38-44 Color: Green Sunday November 15 — Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Daniel 12:1-3 Psalm 16 (9) Hebrews 10:11-14 [15-18] 19-25 Mark 13:1-8 Color: Green

Sunday November 22 — Christ the King Sunday Last Sunday after Pentecost Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Psalm 93 (2) Revelation 1:4b-8 John 18:33-37 Color: White or Green Thursday November 26 Day of Thanksgiving Joel 2:21-27 Psalm 126 (3) 1 Timothy 2:1-7 Matthew 6:25-33 Color: Green Sunday Nov. 29 – First Sunday of Advent Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:1-10 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 Color: Blue

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*FROM OUR LEADERSHIP*

From Our Supply Pastor From the Extended Supply Pastor (ESP)

The Thanksgiving holiday is soon upon us. “Have You Thanked the Lord?” is a new hymn for many of us. The title is a reminder of our need to be thankful Christians. Does God need our thanks? I don’t know, but it is something I need to do, just as is giving time and money to our mission to be centered in Christ and reach out to care. When we have an attitude of gratitude, our whole outlook for the day becomes one of joy, like holding a newborn baby or breathing in a beautiful sunrise or the recent “blood moon.” Gratitude makes the day go better and it becomes a habit, an addiction. Could there ever be a 12-step group for the “overly thankful?” The meeting begins, “My name is Arlyn and I am so thankful to be with you!”

Gratitude shapes us like a girdle that holds us together where we need it. Gratitude will not let us ignore what God and others do to enrich our lives every day. Our worship contains thanks over and over, including the words of Jesus giving thanks over bread and wine the night he was betrayed. One Thanksgiving Eve in a sermon I vowed for a whole year to send thank you notes to five different people every week. The first week it was a chore, like cleaning bathrooms is; but soon it became a joyful blessing as I looked differently at my congregation. The experience for 52 weeks changed me forever. Thanks be to God!

See you Sundays at our weekly celebration of thankfulness and see you Thanksgiving Eve for our observance of our National Day of Thanksgiving. Oh, did I mention “pie fest?” Thanks be to God!

Pr. Arlyn

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Pastoral Transition – Article 4 There are two very important ongoing activities in the life of our church - the call for an Interim Minister and the initiation of the Visioning Process. Synod has provided Church Council with the names of two prospective Interim Ministers for CTL. Both individuals will be interviewed by Council in the near future and a decision will be made to either offer our position to one of them or to ask Synod to provide additional names. It is still anticipated that an Interim Minister will be able to begin service to CTL in early January. The Visioning Team has been named. Members include: Dorothy G, Jim H, Tom J, Ann K, Andrea "Andy" L, Kirk S, Jeanne T, Sue T, and Jeneane Z. The Church Council liaison will be Council VP Eric L. Pastor Tolzmann will assist until an Interim Minister is appointed. The Visioning Team will be meeting with Nancy Sayer from the Samaritan Center on Tue., Dec. 8, at 7:00 PM at Church to receive a thorough orientation to our process and to determine meeting times. Once the meeting times are established, they will be announced. The Visioning process is a congregational process, not a Pastoral process, so the lack of an established pastor will not impede our work. The document created will be open for our "call" pastor to finalize.

Eric A. L VP Church Council 7-17-15

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Yes! We Can By Ben S

Just a couple of weeks after Lilah was born in the summer of 2009, I received an unsolicited and surprising offer of the highest order: to direct the Illinois All‐State Theatre Production. Though the performance was years away, I was disheartened as I hung up the phone, wishing that the timing was better in order that I might consider such a tremendous opportunity. My life was too busy for a commitment this large in scale. We had a brand‐new baby, I was just starting a graduate program that would span the timeline of this production, and I still had a job to do at Crystal Lake South High School, one that consumed me, no matter the circumstances, every year. I knew that I could not accept this offer. Jennifer, my ever‐supportive wife, saw it differently - as a unique, once‐in‐a‐lifetime opportunity, one that I could not pass up. “We’ll make it work,” she said, as she so often does. A challenge like this would be difficult but not insurmountable for our family. She asked whether I might regret directing the All‐State show more than not directing the All‐State show. Feeling encouraged, my choice was made. Yes, we can! Thirty months later, not only had we sustained countless hours and weekends apart en route to an extremely successful production, but the experience taught us valuable lessons about life and each other:

We are stronger when we make decisions together We can endure trials that can seem too large to bear We must have faith in our abilities that God provides I won’t pretend it was all rainbows and jellybeans, but the

challenges were well worth the reward. The 2012 All‐State Production was the highlight of my career thus far – and I could not have done it alone.

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*GET INVOLVED* “To show great love for God and our neighbor we need not do great things. It is how much love we put in the doing that makes our offering something beautiful for God.” – Mother Teresa

Children’s Pageant 2015 Pageant date: Sunday, December 20 at 9:30 a.m. Important dates: Sun., Nov. 1 Final day to commit to pageant, tell Ben or Dss.

Andrea Sun., Nov. 8 Scripts go home Sun., Nov. 15 Read through script together during Sunday

School Sun., Nov. 22 Rehearsal #1 – 11:00 A.M. – Noon Sun., Nov. 29 Rehearsal #2 – 11:00 A.M. – Noon Sun., Dec. 6 Rehearsal #3 – 11:00 A.M. – Noon Sun., Dec. 13 Rehearsal #4 – 11:00 A.M. – Noon Sat., Dec. 19 DRESS REHERSAL – 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Sun., Dec. 20 Pageant

Create-a-Christmas Craft day Join us Sat., Nov. 28 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. All ages Bring a dish to share for lunch! Supplies for a variety of crafts, and ornaments will be available! Bring grandkids, neighbors, and your Girl Scout troop� Respond to ctldirmin@ctlelgin.org know if you are planning to attend.

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Marriage Rap As done to end Pastor T’s sermon on October 4 I’m here to tell you marriage takes much work, without our effort, troubles will lurk. Men must listen, then talk to their wife, or big big problems come to their life. Women must learn to let go of the past, the difference that makes is seen real fast. That two become one is no magic act, it takes lots of forgiveness and God, in fact. Marriage can be a blessing or curse, the vows we say are for better or worse. In the best marriages, one thing is real, Both persons think they got the best deal!

Do you have a will? If we have a will, is Christ the Lord Lutheran in it? There

are many legal reasons why we should have a will. However, the most important reason is that a will for Christians is the final witness to our faith and our support of the mission of the church. Our faithful stewardship at the end of life will aid our congregation to continue to make a difference in this area and the world.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Sun., Nov 22, 4:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran (330 Griswold). Please bring finger food to share for the social hour.

Thanksgiving Harvest Table We will be having a Harvest Table this year for the

Thanksgiving Eve Service. As usual, it will be purely decorative, but I do need some harvest items - fall harvest examples -pumpkins, squash, dried corn, corn stalks, colored leaves, hay bales, apples, stalks of wheat, nuts, etc. Obviously not bushels of each, but it won't look very bountiful if I bring the 1 pumpkin and a few squash that I have. If you could please let me know what you have and bring it to church on the Sunday before Thanksgiving I would really appreciate it. You make take it home

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with you immediately after the Thanksgiving Eve service. I will be assembling it on Wed., Nov. 25 earlier in the day and would love to have some help. It really doesn't take very long since we don't have to harvest it or anything. We will disassemble it right after the service. Thanks so much for your help. Cheri Lee (847-888-1477)

Thanksgiving Eve The annual chili supper will be at 6:00 PM, followed by

worship at 6:45 and then the first annual favorite pie fest after worship.

Look for a sign-up in early November to: Set up the fellowship hall, and provide either chili, salad for

12, cornbread, butter or condiments (onion, cheese), or beverages.

Hopefully everyone will bring a favorite pie and clean up after the pie fest.

Vineyard Breakfast CTL is providing breakfast for the needy at the Vineyard

Church in downtown Elgin on the third Thursday of each month. Breakfasts start at 7:00 A.M. Starting in Oct., we are providing a hot meal. Anyone who would like to help by donating food, cooking, or serving, please contact Barb B.

Treasurer’s Report Expenses $146,458 Actual Budget through 9-30

$176,777 Gifts Received $138,675 -$7,783 In Matthew 21, 24, and 25 and in Luke 16, Jesus tells “stewardship parables” about travelers who leave others in charge of their possessions. Good stewards are called “faithful and wise” in Matthew 24:45 and they are called “good and trustworthy” in Matthew 25:21, 23. By the guidance of the Holy Spirit, may we be

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faithful, wise, good, and trustworthy stewards of all that God has given us.

Upcoming Habitat Fundraisers Craft Show – Sat., Nov. 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Culver’s – Mon., Nov. 16, Carpentersville location

(Randall Rd.) 5-8 p.m. and Huntley (Route 47) location 4-8 p.m. Contact Carol E at 847-695-0833 with questions.

Habitat for Humanity News

While our New Hope Partnership waits to start on our next house, there are still opportunities for you to work with Habitat. To register and sign-up as a volunteer on one of our job sites, you must use VolunteerUP at habitatnfv.org. Here you can see our entire construction calendar, including where and when we are working and what projects we are currently working on. Individual volunteers can sign up for as little or as many build days as they would like.

For general volunteering information, please call the Habitat for Humanity affiliate office in Elgin at 847-836-1432 or email olivia.vlahos@habitatnfv.org

Bound and Ungagged (Book Club) Bound and Ungagged (a book club) is reading "The

Innocent Man" by John Grisham for Sat., Nov. 14. This is a date change due to the craft show on Sat., Nov. 7. We meet in the back room of Colonial Cafe on McLean Blvd at 8:00 a.m. All are welcome to join us for a delicious breakfast, fellowship and some lively discussion on the books that we read. If you have any questions or would like to suggest a book that you think the book club would enjoy reading, please contact Carol H.

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Scrip Fundraising Simply return an order form with your check to the church

on Sunday. You will receive a new order form each week. You may pick up your order the following Sunday at the church.

We encourage you to take advantage of the wonderful benefits offered by this on-going fundraiser. If you have questions, please talk to Mary N 847-828-0027 or Dorothy G 847-888-4484.

Bridge Group Dinner Schedule The Bridge Group is for people who would like a chance to

meet with other single adults at various area restaurants. The Sunday afternoon dinner is a time for conversation, laughter, and support. All singles are invited to join us on the first and third Sundays at 4:00 p.m. Contact person Grace D. (top)

Nov. 1 Elgin Public House Nov. 15 Chili’s, Randall Rd.

Hooks and Needles (Prayer Shawl and Baptismal Blanket Ministry)

As you select yarn for a new prayer shawl, consider that we are in need of colors that are bright, lively, and cheerful —colors that will help dispel the gloom! We are getting very low on shawls, so please keep crocheting and knitting.

For crafters interested in making a prayer shawl, there are now "unkits" available next to the Dress-A-Girl kits in the CTL entry area. These kits include instructions, a card, and everything else you will need (except for the knitting needles/crochet hook) to complete a prayer shawl. Thanks to some wonderful angels, we are able to provide kits with yarn.

Kids Hope CTL Mentors DO make a difference! Although each child

reacts in different ways, mentors get to see a full range of emotions. My little girl greeted me this fall with a big grin, a big hug and an accusation in the form of a question. "Where were you this summer? I missed you!" The children don't always tell us

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they're glad to see us but if we miss a session, they let us know and they demand an explanation. Henrietta's boy brought her a necklace with a courage charm on it when she told him she was going to have knee surgery. Patty's girl hardly says a word, and then scarcely above a whisper, but the mother says the girl talks all the time about "Miss Patty." Carri is meeting with her boy for the fourth school year; their bond is strong! Tom gets his exercise with his boy every week. They always go to the gym for part of the session. Karin and Diane have stories to share as well. Ann is ready to begin with a new child when all the paper work is finished. Ask a Kids Hope Mentor about their experiences. They can't share personal details but they can share some of the amazing things that are happening.

As noted before, Hillcrest has a new principal this year. She's terrific! She's so involved with the students and knows exactly which ones need the special attention afforded to those in the Kids Hope program. The new social worker is fast learning about our program and the role we play in children's lives. Both principal and social worker know that many more children are in need of a mentor. If you love children and have just one hour one day a week to share, please contact Jeanne T or Carri N, co-directors of KHUSA at CTL.

*LEARNING*

Adult Study Groups B. & B.: Bible and Brew

Bible and Brew will still meet at 7:00 p.m. at the Village Squire, Dundee. We gather for an hour of fellowship and fun as we discuss our faith and how it affects our daily lives. The topics are wide-ranging and interesting! So,

come grab a beverage or order a meal (Tuesdays have half-price burgers!) and grow in faith with one another. Contacts are Henrietta N or Carol B (top)

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Morning Bible Study This Bible study will be led by Pr. Arlyn Tolzmann until

such time as an interim is in place. Questions? Please ask Henrietta N, or Carol B. (top)

Adult Forum, November 2015 Please join us for Adult Forum at 11 a.m. on Sun., Nov. 1

and 8 as we continue the book and DVD series called “The Call, the Life and Message of the Apostle Paul” by Pastor Adam Hamilton.

We will do two Sundays of the Wired Word on Sun., Nov. 15 and 22. The Advent series will begin on Sun., Nov. 29. The book we will use is ‘Awaiting the Already” by Magrey deVega. We will use one Gospel each week to help us prepare for Christ. For a description of the book click here. Questions go to Jan G. at 847-888-9501.

Christian Education - CTL – Nov 2015 Date Preschool- grade 5 Grades 6 - 12 Adult Forum 1-Nov Abraham and Sarah Adiaphora Paul: The Call 4 8-Nov Abraham and Lot Luther's Small

Catechism Paul: The Call 5

15-Nov The Birth of Isaac The 10 Commandments

Paul: The Call 6

22-Nov Pageant practice Apostles Creed Article 1

Advent 1

29-Nov Pageant practice Article 2 Advent 2

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*PLEASE REMEMBER* Prayer Requests

Please pray for those who are part of the life of CTL who struggle with illness and other concerns, especially: Toni B, Bob B, Jessica B, Sue E, Jan & Howard E, Bill F, Mary Ellen H, Nancy K, Sue K, Barb L, Larry & Joyce M, Dick & Dena M, Maureen S, Jeremy T, Joan W, Marcy W and Rita Y. Please pray for those in care facilities or at home, especially: At Home: Ursula H Please pray for those in military service, especially: Brandt J, Matt K, and John Y Please pray for our family and friends, especially: Beth friend of Barb L Mary B mother of Sharon L Jean C mother of Carol E Dorothy E mother of Carol H Donna F sister of Bob L Kids H CTL members Grace K Aunt of Carol H Julia, Maureen, and Vicki friends of Dale B Bill G boss of Dale N Nana M daughter–in–law of Dick & Dena M Charlette N mother of Carri N David O brother of Ann O Pr. Fred O brother of Grace D John R Cousin of Carol H Edie R friend of Ann O Salma granddaughter of Jacki B

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*SPECIAL DATES TO REMEMBER* If you have an November event and it does not appear on the lists, please let us know so we can update our records. bridge@ctlelgin.org November Birthdays 1 - Gary S 4 - Tim D 8 - Michael K 11 - Carol B 12 - Mary Ellen H 13 - Judy F 13 - Mary S 14 - Sharon L 15 - Karin K

20 - Sarah T 25 - Frank A 26 - Toni B 27 - Carol H 28 - Brittany B 28 - Rachel C 28 - Anneliese J 30 - Jaime P

November Baptismal Anniversaries 1 - Chris W 4 - John M 6 - Steve B 6 - Carol E 8 - Lilah S

16 - Mark G-K 21 - Julian B 26 - Andy M 28 - Xander R

November Wedding Anniversaries 4 - Dean & Jen S 21 - Rob & Melinda F 27 - Cheri Lee & Dick L 30 - Phillip & Becky D

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*THANK-YOUS*

Thanks to everyone who helped with the hot Vineyard breakfast, which was Thu., Oct. 15. People who baked, served, and contributed food were John M, Corrine A, Dale B, Carol H, Marcy W, Susan T, Debbie McG, and Barb B. CTL's contribution was ham, potatoes, scrambled egg casserole, granola bars, milk, and juice. If interested in helping, please contact Barb B.

Thanks to everyone who baked, bought, donated, and

helped in any way at the CROP bake sale on Sun., Oct. 11. A big thank you to Debbie McGuire for heading up the sale. We raised $531.00! Marcy and Howard W donated the small box of leftover food to PADS.

Five CTL members walked in the CROP walk: Corrine A., Karen C., Vicki S., John M., and Barb B. It was a beautiful day for a walk and they were all looking forward to redeeming their prize, free Colonial sundaes! Holy Holes – Henrietta N, Riebock family, Arlyn & Jeanne T Altar Flowers – Ben & Jen S, Patsy B, Eric & Sharon L

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*CHRIST THE LORD LUTHERAN CHURCH* STAFF Pr. Arlyn T – Supply Pastor 224-535-9261 Or pastoratpray@hotmail.com Dss. Andrea D – Director of Ministries ctldirmin@ctlelgin.org Jason P – Director of Music ctlmusic@ctlelgin.org Jim H – Director of Handbell Choir jim.harrer@ctlelgin.org Linda G – Office Administration ctloffice@ctlelgin.org Sandy M – Nursery CONGREGATION COUNCIL Henrietta N 2014-2017 President Eric L 2013-2016 Vice President Ann O 2015-2018 Secretary & Archivist Jacki B 2014-2017 Corresponding Secretary Carol B 2013-2016 Recent Past President Karin K 2012-2018 Dale N 2012-2018 CTL FINANCIAL TEAM Beth U Treasurer Carol C Financial Secretary

Christ the Lord Lutheran Church 12N462 Tina Trail + Elgin, IL 60124-4876 + Phone: 847-741-8141

Office Hours

Mondays: Office closed Tuesday through Friday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

www.ctlelgin.org