Walks With Christ September 2013

Christ Lutheran Church

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Annual Flood Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Book Lover’s League . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 6 50th Anniversary Celebration . . . . . . . . . Page 7 Movie Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Youth Kick Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Youth Encounter Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Youth Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 9 Parent/Adult Class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 10 Supper Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 Women’s Bible Study . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11 River of Life/Registration . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 12-13 Israel Pictures/Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14 Confirmation News/Registration . . . . . . . . Page 14-15 Music Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 16-17 Missionary Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 23 Newsletter Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 27

Charter Members of CLC 1963 ~ 2013

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A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STEVE Happy Anniversary! On Sunday, September 29th, Christ Lutheran will celebrate 50 years of partnering with God in mission in Byron. We will hear stories of how God has been at work through CLC and reconnect with some former pastors and members. We will worship, celebrate, and eat! Church is God’s idea. Local congregations are gatherings of Christians following Christ together into God’s mission powered by the Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians that the church is the body of Christ continuing the work of Christ in the world. Together as a congregation we are making Christ’s love known by equipping all ages to love and to serve. Those who began this work 50 years ago envisioned providing a spiritual home for the residents of Byron and surrounding communities to be strengthened in their relationship with God through word and sacrament. “Gathering a Harvest from the Seeds that were Sown” has been chosen as the theme of our celebration. Just as in farming, some seasons of our life together are more pro-ductive than others. Just like farmers we keep tilling and planting the seeds of God’s word in hope. Through it all we trust that God is at work through His people and will contin-ue to be at work making Christ’s love known here in Byron and to the ends of the earth. We are encouraged by the apostle Paul in Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” As we celebrate God’s faithfulness to us into the past and present, we are confident of His continuing work through His people in the world as we lean into the future. It is a privilege to participate in God’s ongoing mission in the world through the ministry of Christ Lutheran Church. Partners in God’s Mission, Pr. Steve

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A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JACK

The Word and the Sacrament of Holy Communion are wonderful sources of Spiritual assurance. Who doesn’t need Spiritual assurance at times? To ask questions of God and to have doubts is not painful to God. He sees it as a part of a meaningful faith. What is troubling to Him is when we don’t continue to search for the positive answers to our doubts and questions. Once when I worked for a farm owner I was told to grease the machine to be used that same morning. I did, but he noticed just a little later that I missed a few important grease points. I acknowledged that I missed them, and the boss responded with, “That’s ok; sometimes we need a little kick in the pants.” We have in Ephesians 2:11-22 a wonderful text that I believe addresses lots of us who live in a world of separa-tion and animosity among God’s people. I am using Eugene H. Peterson’s translation “The Message” as my source for my texts. Paul writes, “Christ brought us together through His death on the Cross. The Cross got us to embrace, and that was the end of the hostility.” “Christ came and preached peace to you outsiders (Jews), and peace to us insiders (Christians). He treated us as equals, and made us equals. Through Him we both share the same Spirit and have equal access to the Father.” (The Message, Eugene H. Peterson) Paul was writing about the hostility that existed between the Jews and the Christians. Reading Ephesians we learn more about how Jesus did away with hostility between Jews and Christians. Paul writes about Jesus, “He tore down the wall we used to keep each other at a distance. He repealed the law code that had become so clogged with fine print and footnotes that it hindered more than it helped. Then started over.” (The Message, Eugene H. Peterson)

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We often return to old hostilities, differences of opinion, and “old laws” that have been cluttered with concepts of what is sin. We allow Grace (the love of God) to slip out of our thinking and our response to life experiences and to become hostile and separating in our lives. Does this ever happen to you? It is most often, then, that we might experi-ence doubt and have many questions about our Spiritual lives. Perhaps like the farmer said, “Sometimes we need a kick in the pants.” That’s where the Spirit of Jesus comes in. I believe a “kick in the pants” is what can help This useful attention getter often comes in the midst of suffering, as in grief, or when we experience disunity and lack of togetherness, as in congregational disagreements. These and many other times are when the Spirit really works with us through the Word and the Sacraments. He assures us that He is building a home for all of us, the Kingdom of God. Peterson writes, “He is using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone with Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all parts together…” If you have doubts and questions during these days of struggle and turmoil in the world just take refuge in His Word and Sacrament. Peace be with you. Pr. Jack Friedli

ANNUAL FLOOD RUN On Saturday, September 21st at 11:00am a group of motorcyclists will leave from the CLC parking lot for the flood run along the Mississippi River. We will travel to Wabasha and Maiden Rock stopping to eat along the way. We will be able to purchase flood run wristbands that help kids at Gillette Children's Hospital. For more information check out http://www.floodrun.net/ or talk to Pastor Steve.

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THE POWER OF PRAYER IS AMAZING!

The following people are in need of prayer:

Members of CLC: LaVon Lenox, Donna Cahill & Donald Dennison. Others: Margaret Engel, Ron Radke and all service men & women

Landon Alexander Kuhlmann ~ August 11, 2013 son of Lance & Melissa Kuhlmann

Ethan Michael Axtman ~ August 25, 2013

son of Brad Axtman & Alyssa Dewbery

Alyssa Nicole Dewbery ~ August 25, 2013

NEW MEMBER JOINING

New Member Recognition will be held on December 1st during the service. If you or someone you know is interest-ed in becoming a member of the Christ Lutheran Church family, please contact Pastor Steve at 775-6646. If you have joined CLC since May of 2013, we ask that you mark your calendar and plan to attend. As the date gets closer we will be in contact with you.

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BOOK LOVER’S LEAGUE After taking the summer months off, the Book Club, now known as Book Lover’s League, will resume. On September 9th we will meet at the home of Sue Briske at 7:00pm. Sue’s address is: 508 10th Ave SE, Byron. Sue can be reached at 269-3260. A list of books that we will read for the upcoming months are listed below. September 9th Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell October 7th Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole November 4th Wild by Cheryl Strayde December 2nd Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas January Summer at Tiffany's by Marjorie Hart February Racketeer by John Grissom The League meets every 1st Monday of the month, unless there is a significant conflict. If you would like to host the league at your home you may contact Jill Rheingans, at 624-0257. We have had about eleven ladies come to the league meetings; although, not all at once. We welcome you to try out the ‘Book Lover’s League’ with us! If you have any questions, please contact Christine in the church office at 775-6646. Happy Reading, Jill Rheingans

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50TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

COME JOIN US!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

9:00am Service w/ Bishop Delzer 10:15am Program

11:30am Meal

The meal includes:

Turkey & Dressing, Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy,

Cranberry Salad, Fruit Salad & Beverage

Cost for Meal:

Ages10 and up $10.00 Ages 5-9 $5.00 Ages 4 and under Free

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MOVIE TIME

Sunday, September 8, 2013 2:00-4:00pm

Tuesdays with Morrie

Mitch became caught up with his career as a sport com-mentator and journalist. He ignored his girlfriend and did not make time to do things in life that are of the most value to a human being. Morrie was one of Mitch's professors in col-lege and a famous scholar. One day Mitch was watching television and saw Morrie giving an interview stating that he is dying of Lou Gehrig disease or ALS.

Sunday, October 13, 2013 2:00-4:00pm Movie: TBD

YOUTH KICK BALL NIGHT

Attention all High School Students Come for a Fall Kick Off

When: Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Time: 7:00-8:00pm Where: Christ Lutheran Church Lawn

What: Kick Ball - Trophy for Winning Team Who: 9th-12th Grade, Bring a Friend

Please be sure to wear closed toe shoes.

Hope to see you there!

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YOUTH ENCOUNTER SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

Captive Free, a Christian youth ministry of Youth Encounter, will lead worship and River of Life Sunday School on September 22nd. The theme for this year's central plains team is Yours, the Glory, Power and Majesty from 1 Chronicles 29:11. Seven youth, three male and four females need a place to sleep, preferably with families that have middle or high school age youth. Hosts are needed from 4:00pm Saturday through lunch on Sunday. The guests will need an evening meal, breakfast and lunch. Two team members are allergic to cats and one to guinea pigs. Please contact the church office if you are willing to host. There will be a free will offering, at the door, following the worship on Sunday. Please invite your friends to come and hear the team and their message of hope for every-one.

YOUTH MINISTRY CALLING ALL 9TH-12TH GRADERS!

Come and get involved in our outreach program at Christ Lutheran Church! We begin the year with a kick ball tour-nament on September 11th from 7:00-8:00pm at church and will follow up on Sunday September 15th from 7:00-8:15pm at CLC to talk about our service and fun activities for the year. Some options are: Gift of Life Transplant House, Rochester Outreach Center, Salvation Army, etc. Come and help us plan the year; we will be brainstorming ideas for service projects, fun activities and talk about next year’s mission trip. The 9-12 graders will meet regularly the 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month from 7:00-8:15pm, there may be an occasional Wednesday meeting. Holly Jantzen, Coordinator

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PRODUCE PROJECT

The Produce Project is a way to share with those who do not have gardens. Anyone may participate. If you have extra produce from your garden you may bring it to church on Sunday morning. There will be a table outside the front door. Place your produce on the table. If there is some-thing you can use, put it in a bag and give a donation that will equal the cost of the produce. There will not be a price on the items. The extra produce along with the profits will be given to the Byron Food Shelf through Channel One of Olmsted County. It is our hope that this will be a blessing to everyone as they share the bounty and to the recipients of the fresh produce as well. The Evangelism Committee of Christ Lutheran Church

GIRLS DAY OUT ~ COFFEE HOUR

Monday, September 9, 2013 9:30-10:30am

Christ Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall

Please plan to attend to assist us in the planning.

PARENT/ADULT CLASS

The Parent/Adult Class will begin on Sunday, October 6th, at 10:00am. The curriculum will follow the lessons that the River of Life Sunday school classes learn. This class is for all adults; we encourage those with children in River of Life to attend. A take home sheet is provided each week to facilitate a conversation with your child about what they learned. Adults without children at home or 7th through 12th grade youth are most welcome. Last year’s attendees enjoyed the fellowship of this class.

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SUPPER CLUB It is not too late to join the supper club! There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the narthex. For planning purposes, we ask that you sign up by Sunday, September 8th. We hope you will find the time to be a part of this. It will be fun, and the goal is to build community in our congregation. Supper Club works like this. After you have signed up, you will be put in a group. I hope you don't know most of them. Then you will be invited to a meal prepared by one pair in the Supper Club. Each pair must cook one time. It can be anything you want it to be: a picnic, brunch, a cook out on the deck, or an evening meal served with your finest dinnerware! Your group sets their own schedule. Just remember that you are responsible for one meal. The dates can be set at the beginning, or each time you meet, look ahead and decide who will host the next meal. Decide which night works best for your group and go for it! If you have any questions please contact Dorothy Norman at 775-2950. Dorothy Norman, Evangelism Committee

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

We will begin studying the letter of Paul to the Colossians on Thursday, September 26th at 7:00pm. Our sessions usually last about 1 hour and we take turns bringing light refreshments. We meet on the last Thursday of each month at the home of Jill Rheingans: 902 4th Ave NE, Byron. It is an encouraging and fun time discussing how the Bible is relevant to our lives today. Please consider joining us. If interested please call Jill at (507) 624-0257.

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RIVER OF LIFE NEWS

Good news! Parents have volunteered their time to be teachers and Sunday school will begin on September 8th. Even though there are enough teachers, feel free to volunteer your time, “Many hands make light work” and the example of your faith life is very influential on your child. Parents/Adults have the opportunity to study the same lessons the kids are learning in a class of their own which will begin October 6th. The worship service is from 9:00-10:00am and River of Life for children through adults follows from 10:00-11:00am. Hope to see you there! A complete River of Life schedule will be given out to the kids when Sunday school begins on September 8th but a few important dates this fall are: September 8th …... Rally Sunday September 29th …. No Sunday School CLC 50th Anniversary Celebration October 13th …….. 3rd Grade – Bible Sunday at the 9:00am service October 27th …….. 5th Grade receive 1st Communion at the 9:00am service November 3rd …... 2nd through 6th Grade Sing at the 9:00am service November 10th ….. 3 year old through 1st Grade Sing at the 9:00am service December 7th ……. Christmas Program Dress Rehearsal at 9:00am December 8th …… Children’s Christmas Program at the 9:00am service December 15th ….. All River of Life Children Sing at ‘Christmas Choral Service’ at 9:00am Kaia Long Education Committee Chair & River of Life Coordinator 775-6777

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RIVER OF LIFE REGISTRATION

One form per child please. Fee: $15 per child by 9/1/13; $30 max. per family $20 per child 9/2/13 and later; $40 max. per family Childs Name: _______________________________________________ First Middle Last Grade: ___________ Birth Date:_____________________ Please list any allergies or anything that we should be aware of: ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Contact Information:

_______________________________________________ Parent(s) First & Last Name _______________________________________________ Landline (write n/a if do not use land line ) Cell (mom or dad, would like both) _______________________________________________ Home Email (mom & dad, same or list both) _______________________________________________ Work Email (mom or dad or list both)

Please make checks payable to: Christ Lutheran Church

For office use only. Date__________________ Amount $ ____________ Check # ____________________ or Cash ________

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CONFIRMATION NEWS Wednesday nights will soon be buzzing with confirmation students at Christ Lutheran! Anyone interested in being confirmed that is 7th grade and older, now is the time to register! Pick up a form from the kiosk in the narthex. We are still looking for a couple mentors for the boy’s groups. If you are interested please call LeAnn Bieber at 421-5862. The first night of confirmation begins with the parent/student meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, September 11th at 7:00pm. This is when you learn about the confirmation year, receive the schedule and can get all your questions answered. Students, remember to bring your covenants to this meeting with you. Parents, we ask that you read and discuss with your students prior to attending this meeting. You will be asked to sign the covenant at the meeting. The 7th grade (Year I) retreat will be held on Saturday, September 28th at Eagle Bluff. This is an important event to jumpstart the youth’s confirmation experience. Please mark your calendar for this event. LeAnn Bieber

PASTOR STEVE & JILL RHEINGAN’S ISRAEL TRIP

Sunday, September 15, 2013

10:00am Fellowship Hall

Pastor Steve and Jill will share pictures and stories about their recent trip to Israel during coffee time.

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2013/2014 CONFIRMATION REGISTRATION (one form per student please)

______ Confirmation I (1st year of instruction)

or ______ Confirmation II (2nd year of instruction) On or Before 9/1/2013 On or After 9/2/13 Fee $30 per child $40 per child Name ______________________________________________ First Middle Last Address _____________________________________________ City _________________ Parents _______________________ Birthday _________________ Baptism Date ________________ School Grade ______ School Name ______________________ Landline ____________________ Member of CLC? Yes or No (Write n/a if do not use a landline) Mom’s Cellular _______________________________________ Dad’s Cellular ________________________________________ Mom’s Email _________________________________________ (indicate home or work, or list both) Dad’s Email _________________________________________ (indicate home or work, or list both) Please list any health concerns that we should be aware of?

____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Please make checks payable to: Christ Lutheran Church

************************************************************************** For office use only:

Date________________ Amount $ ____________

Check # _____________________ or Cash ____

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WORSHIP & MUSIC NEWS

Anniversary Choir We welcome any singers that wish to sing with the Chancel Choir on our church's 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 29, 2013. We will be practicing the six anthems during the first half of our Wednesday night choir hour starting Wednesday, September 4th. We will rehearse the songs and then you're welcome to stay and sing our regular choir songs! With lots of singers it will be joyous and a great fellowship opportunity between the generations of singers.

Music Opportunities at CLC As you start to fill in your activity calendar for the family, don't forget to use your musical talents for our church! Here are the organized groups and when they meet: Sonbeams – Preschool age through 1st grade River Rocks – 2nd grade through 6th grade Sunday School singers meet during the first 15 minutes of their education hour (10:00-10:15) and sing for worship about 3 to 4 times per year. Praise Chimers – Tone chime choir for grades 2nd grade through 6th grade. They practice on Wednesdays from 5:30-6:00pm and play once a month for worship. Cornerstone – A contemporary rock group for 9th grade through 12th grade students. They need singers, keyboard and guitar players. They meet twice a month on Sunday evenings and sing for worship about once a month. Chancel Choir – Any confirmed member can join our choir which sings about 3 of the 4 Sundays and meet from 7:00-8:00pm on Wednesdays. The only requirement is that the singer needs to love to make a joyful noise to the Lord!

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JuBELLance – The hand bell choir which practices on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:00pm and plays at least once a month for worship. Instrumentalists – Our church encourages any players to use their talents to help enhance our worship. Please email MarJean Damerval at mdamerval@charter.net if you are willing to practice and play for worship. We need a brass group NOW to play at our anniversary worship on Septem-ber 29th. Please volunteer before MarJean has to track you down! Having brass for that day will be grand!!! Wednesday, September 4th the regular choir schedule will begin. We can hardly wait! MarJean Damerval Chancel Choir & JuBELLance Director

YOUTH TONE CHIMES Praise Chimers

Summer has come and gone! As the school bells ring in another year, Praise Chimer practice time is near. Practice will begin Wednesday, September 4th at 5:30pm. I am excited to see the returning chimers and hope for many new youth to join our group. If you are in 3rd through 6th grade and are interested in learning and playing with us, please contact Stephanie Fugleberg with any questions. I hope to see you on September 4th! Stephanie Fugleberg Praise Chimers Director (507) 358-0101

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CHURCH-WIDE ASSEMBLY

The 2013 ELCA Church-Wide Assembly, the highest legis-lative authority of this church, met August 12-17, 2013 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. Here is a short recap of actions taken by the 952 voting members of the assembly. Elizabeth Eaton was elected ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton, Bishop of the ELCA NE Ohio Synod, was elected ELCA Presiding Bishop. Out of the 889 votes cast, 445 were needed for election. Bishop Eaton received 600 votes and the incumbent, Mark A. Hanson, received 287. New ELCA Secretary On the fifth ballot, Wm. Chris Boerger was elected ELCA Secretary with a vote of 489 to 376. There were 867 votes cast. Boerger, former Bishop of the ELCA NW Washington Synod and a member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Snohomish, Washington, was installed as Secretary of the ELCA on August 17, 2013 during the assembly’s closing worship. Approval of the social statement on criminal justice Voting members adopted “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries,” a social statement on criminal justice, and they approved a series of implementing recom-mendations. Among the recommendations, this church is called to: “encourage ELCA congregations to consider becoming sites of ministry and action for the incarcerated and their families.” Also among the recommendations was a call to: “encourage ELCA congregations to work with victims, victim advocates and victim support organizations to grow in sensitivity and response to the harm caused by crime and to grow in awareness to restorative justice practices.”

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Holy Communion, immigration among proposal topics considered The assembly approved a proposal designed to invite this church, its congregations, synods and the church-wide organization into conversation and study regarding the “Use of the Means of Grace” — a statement on the practice of word and sacrament. Separately, voting members moved to call on ELCA mem-bers to advocate for the adoption of comprehensive immigra-tion reform consistent with an ELCA message of immigration and with guidance from Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services based in Baltimore. Approval of the ELCA’s first major fundraising campaign Voting members approved a proposal for this church’s first major fundraising campaign to begin in 2014. The five-year campaign is designed to increase this church’s capacity to renew and start new congregations, educate and develop its leaders, bolster its global mission efforts and expand the impact of its relief and development work. In its consideration of the proposal, voting members approved two more campaign initiatives — encouraging and forming lay youth and young adult leaders and support for disability ministry.

50 FOR 50 CAPITAL CAMPAIGN We have reached our $50,000 goal! The new flooring will be installed soon in the narthex and in the sanctuary, except the raised areas. The Building and Grounds committee plans to paint the narthex area first. The plan is to have all of this done by the 50th Anniversary Celebration on Sunday, September 29th. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the campaign. A special thank you to Laurie Magnus for coordinating the fundraising and to Brenda Nickles and the Building and Grounds committee for executing the projects.

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AN UPDATE FROM... HEATHER NIELSEN – GUATEMALA MISSION

Dear Friends and Family, That time has come again to announce my plans for the coming year. Four years ago, on August 15th, I boarded the plane with three suitcases and a one-way ticket. As I reflect on the past four years spent in Guatemala, I recognize that much of the latter part of this time has been a long conver-sation with God in attempt to answer the following question; “God, is this what you would like me to do for the rest of my life? Would you like me to serve as a volunteer registered nurse in mission?” God never told me ‘yes’ and at the same time he never told me ‘no’. So, I waited and contin-ued to serve, recommitting one year at a time. For a long period of time I believed that this was the best it could get. This work literally made me so happy even despite the challenges and set-backs and wide expanses of time amidst the unknown. I felt so lucky to have found a vocation at such an early age and to feel my head and my heart on the same page, passionately serving in this role. I was convinced that there was nothing better than this and yet wondered why God had not called me into mission longer term. I kept thinking, “God will you tell me already because if the answer is ‘yes’ I need to make some chang-es in the way I’m saving money and with insurance and the list goes on.” God’s answer wasn’t yes or no, it was ‘remain steadfast’. Everyone’s journey follows a different timeline. I have been so blessed to have been able to remain serving full time in Guatemala for four years as I have seen change in a way I would not have seen if I would have left sooner. I’ve seen God’s hand in the lives of our patients. I’ve visited patients

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a few years after a life changing surgery to see their quality of life improve. I’ve continuously raised the bar in improv-ing the programs. I’ve been a part of which seemed like an impossible task in the beginning. I’ve been able to be a part of expansion of services and initiation/implementation of new programs. I’ve learned the language and the culture in such a way that God has been able to use my unique gifts to serve the people of Guatemala. I’ve been able to take the time to form lasting relationships which have paid great dividends in advancing the organization. All through your support. All by the grace of God! Yet, much of the time spent here I have been asked to step out of and felt frustrated by my scope of practice. After all, when someone is sick what they want to know is ‘what do I have’ and ‘what will make it feel better’. I was often left thinking; “God, if I could only diagnose and prescribe, I could really help this person!” Throughout the years God has also continued to grow a passion and provide affirma-tion of my desire to serve a vulnerable population of women. Late last year, I entered into a more intense period of discernment about my future plans. God again provided affirmation of my desires through some heart-breaking stories of some of the most vulnerable women I have met. Much of the time, since I was woven as a part of those women’s stories, I felt God closing doors in Guatemala and opening doors to returning to the states to continue my edu-cation. The financial burden of school alone, let alone the transition back to the U.S., school and a new job have made it clear to me that I need to take these steps one at a time. I will be returning to the states by November this year and seeking employment in order to save money for school. I hope to enter into the Doctorate Program in Nursing Practice next fall and obtain my Nurse Practitioner degree by 2017.

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With this degree, I will be able to serve in a greater capacity some day. When people ask me what I hope to do after-wards I always picture God laughing. It was just 4½ years ago that he introduced me to Guatemala and I know just how much can change in that amount of time. I do know one thing though, what I once thought was ‘as good as it gets,’ God has only assured me that He is molding and shaping me for….ha ha, we don’t get to know yet!!! But one thing is for sure; the best is yet to come! “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand as a way of life.” (Ephesians 2:10) Know I have been blessed by your support both in my personal life and service to the people of Guatemala. My experience in Guatemala would not have been the same without each and every one of you. Just the thought of having to leave someday used to bring tears to my eyes. Know that God has changed my motivation and I have felt great peace and joy about this decision, amongst the very tangible grief of leaving a place I so dearly love and the very real angst of transitioning back home. As I reflect during this transition, I can’t wait to share with you the ways in which God has used you in my life during this time and the ways He will continue to mold and shape me. I can’t think of a better way to end this than thanking you for all the ways in which you were involved in this amazing journey. Together we were able to touch the lives of hundreds of Guatemalans. My life will never be the same and I will never be the same. Heather J. Nielsen, R.N., B.S.N.

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MISSIONARY PARTNERSHIP WITH THE FLOREKS

Matt and Kristi Florek and their two daughters, Charlotte and Mercy, are leaving the first week of September to serve God in rural Ethiopia. Matt and Kristi, as physicians, will be joining a team of westerners and Ethiopians to increase evangelism through medical care, provide a sports ministry, and elementary education. The agrarian Arsi Oromo people living in Langano, Ethiopia are non-Christians that follow traditional religious influences. Christ Lutheran Church is contributing to their financial support and the Floreks are asking us to pray for their ministry in Ethiopia in these ways: • That God would be glorified in everything they do • That the hearts of the Arsi Oromo would be open to Jesus Christ • That the Floreks would thrive in Ethiopia • That the team would have unity You can keep up with the Floreks at this site: FloreksInEthiopia.weebly.com They can be contacted at: matt.florek@sim.org or kristi.florek@sim.org Look for a link on the CLC website too.

UPCOMING THRIVENT EVENT September 14th – Tweite’s Farm, Byron. All day event. Free admission.

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INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN)

The third quarter host week for IHN is September 1st to September 8th. We are thankful to all of the volunteers that provide time and donations to keep the program going. We are also thankful to the congregation for their continuing support to allow the volunteers to provide the facility and partial funding for this opportunity. Some of you may wonder what our guests do when they are not at the churches in the evening. A staffed day center is open seven days a week for the families. They do their laundry, go to work, go to school, make their noon meals, shower, and do all of the things that regular families do in their homes except sleep. Although, it is in a group setting. Upcoming training opportunities for new and existing volun-teers to get the necessary training for interacting directly with guest is listed below. Monday, September 16th at 6:30pm St. John the Evangelist Church 11 4th Ave SW, Rochester MN Tuesday, October 1st at 6:30 pm St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church 338 11th Avenue SE, Rochester MN The following members of CLC are directly involved with coordinating the IHN activities here. They would be happy to explain more about their role in the program and how welcome your help would be. You may also visit the IHN website at www.ihn-greater-rochester.org for more infor-mation on the program. Jim Peterson – Driver Coordinator, 775-6128 Elaine Meek – Meal Coordinator, 775-2061 Dorothy Norman – Overnight Coordinator, 775-2950 Hertha Lange – Overnight Coordinator, 775-6726 Bob and Karen Brekke – Program Coordinators, 775-6339

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HOMEBOUND, HOSPITALIZED, IN CARE FACILITY?

Please help us serve our church family better. If you are homebound, moving to a nursing home or another care facility, please inform us of your situation. Pastor Jack will call to see what your needs are for pastoral care. If, at any time, you’re in the hospital or are going to be hospitalized and would like a pastoral visit, please contact Pastor Steve. You can let us know by calling the office at 775-6646. We need to be made aware of your desire for pastoral visits, to be placed on the prayer chain, and/or to have your name listed in "Prayers for the People" in the Sunday bulletin announcements and/or the monthly newsletter. Doing these things helps the pastors in their concern for pastoral care for all members. Thank you for your help!

HEALING MINISTRY FOR THE WIDOWED, DIVORCED, AND SEPARATED

Beginning Experience offers a weekend retreat to help with the process of grieving the loss of a love relationship. A grief resolution process for adults, who have suffered a loss through death, divorce or separation, is being offered at Assisi Heights in Rochester, Minnesota, on October 11-13, 2013. Participants step into an opportunity to love them-selves, others, and God in a renewed way. For more information about this weekend you may contact Beginning Experience Rochester by one of the following— web: www.beminnesota.org<http://www.beminnesota.org/, email: beminnesta@gmail.com or phone 507-261-8248. Registrations will be accepted until Sunday, October 6th. Accommodations for late registration may be possible, call us for details.

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Dear Christ Lutheran Church,

Thank you for helping to send me to overnight camp at Camp Victory! This has been my third year going and I have had so much fun each year! There are so many fun activities that are very fun that I enjoy doing! Camp also helps me get closer to God. I hope to go back to camp next year!

~Allison More

Thank you for helping me go to day camp at Camp Victory. I had a lot of fun and I am excited to go back next year.

~Ethan More

Thank you for helping me go to Camp Victory. I had a lot of fun and I am excited to go back next year! I had fun zip- lining, golfing, climbing the rock wall, gorilla ball and paint ball. Thank you again.

~Abby Jean More

Mission Trip Shareholders, Thank you very much for sponsoring our Mission Trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. All of us enjoyed serving God through helping the community by painting houses and working at Kids Club. We also learned a lot from the community and about ourselves. Thanks again for all of your support!

~Justine Schneider On behalf of everyone who went on the Mission Trip.

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NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

The deadline for the October Newsletter is September 16th. Please have your articles in promptly. Having articles in on a timely basis is a big time-saver for me. Currently, I send out over 375 newsletters each month. To cut expenses I invite you to receive your newsletter via email. Each month, you will receive an email link that will take you directly to the church website where you can read the newsletter. If interested let me know. Christine Kunz Administrator clcchristine@frontier.com 775-6646

JULY ATTENDANCE

Worship 2013 2012 1st Sunday 141 187 2nd Sunday 145 119

3rd Sunday 126 138

4th Sunday 149 104

5th Sunday xxx 166 Total Atten. 561 714 Average Atten. 140 143

AUGUST ATTENDANCE

Worship 2013 2012 1st Sunday 152 177 2nd Sunday 188 166

3rd Sunday 143 172

4th Sunday 187 188 Total Atten. 670 703 Average Atten. 168 176

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NURSERY POLL We need your help! The following questions are designed to give feedback to CLC council regarding the church nursery. With the church growing it was felt we should take a look at how our nursery is utilized and how it functions. 1. Should we have a nursery? Yes or No 2. Within a month, how often do you use the nursery? ____________________________________________ 3. Does having a nursery influence your choice to worship at CLC? Really Important Important Not Important 4. Should one or two persons staff the nursery? ________ 5. Should there be an age limit on the children in the nursery? Yes or No If yes, what age? __________ 6. If the nursery was open during Sunday school time would that allow you to: Attend Adult Sunday School / Enjoy Coffee and Fellowship / Teach Sunday School (Please circle all above that apply.)

7. Would you be interested in volunteering in the nursery every 6-8 weeks (If we get enough volunteers.) Yes or No Please list suggestions for improving the nursery?

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Other information to share: _________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________

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COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES ~ AUGUST 20, 2013

MISSION STATEMENT

Making Christ’s Love Known Equipping all Ages to Love and Serve God and People

Present: Jim Gronvold, Julie Hedlund, Brent Hoegh, Lee Jacobson, Anders Long, Brenda Nickles, Dorothy Norman, Candace Ostreng, Mark Turany and Pr. Steve Rheingans. Absent: Laurie Magnus, JoAnn Brooks and Jacob Ostreng. The church council of Christ Lutheran met on Tuesday, August 21, at 6:30pm at the church. Anders shared about the mission trip to Pine Ridge for our devotion. The agenda was approved on a motion made by Dorothy Norman, second by Brenda Nickels. Motion carried. The minutes were approved on the motion made by Brenda Nickles, second by Julie Hedlund. The motion carried. Because of a computer crash there was a brief treasurer's report. Our line of credit remains at zero. The 50 for 50 Capital Campaign Fund is approximately $220 short of goal, which was $50,000. There were no questions on the committee reports, the anniversary report or the Pastor's report. Several former pastors will be in attendance at our anniversary celebration. Our new Synod Bishop Steven Delzer will attend. The 50 for 50 Capital Campaign is about $220 away from its goal. The council gave approval for a face lift to our Fellowship Hall, "spruce up" to be finished in time for our wellness event on February 8, 2014. Pastor Steve encouraged the church council to work toward benevolent giving of 10% as the 2014 budget is prepared. This is to help CLC to become a more mission oriented church

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Pastor Steve prepared a calendar of current CLC events and mission activities listed by month. Lee will ask the Evangelism Committee for input of local charities to consider supporting with our budgeted benevolence. Lee will also develop an online version of this calendar so that committees will be aware of events and mission emphasis happening throughout the year. Brenda presented our floor choices. The floor committee received bids from three companies and narrowed it down to two choices they could recommend. The plan is for carpet squares throughout most of the sanctuary and narthex with tile area around the Welcome Center. Brent Hoegh moved that we do the narthex and sanctuary minus the raised areas in carpet squares (00110 Quick Comment by Shaw) with tile (Desert Sand 5141) bid by Hillers for $27,567. Jim Gronvold gave the second. The motion carried with two abstains. Brenda Nickles moved to adjourn the meeting, second by Jim Gronvold. Motion carried. We ended our meeting by praying the Lord's Prayer. Our next meeting will be September 17, 2013. Respectfully submitted, Dorothy Norman, Secretary

MEMORIAL GIFTS Memorial gifts that were given in memory of a loved one or in honor of a loved one for the months of July and August will be published in the October newsletter along with the September memorials.

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CLC STAFF

Pr. Steve Rheingans Senior Pastor Pr. Jack Friedli Pastoral Assistant Christine Kunz Administrator Holly Jantzen Youth Ministry Coordinator Jane Cabaya Organist MarJean Damerval Chancel Choir Director & JuBELLance Director Carl Fugleberg Cornerstone Director Stephanie Fugleberg Praise Chimers Director Rose & Dave Gottschalk Custodians

CONTACT INFORMATION

Church Office (507) 775-6646 Church Fax (507) 775-2627 Web Site clcbyron.org Pastor Email clcpastorsteve@gmail.com Office Email clcchristine@frontier.com

ONLINE COMMITTEE REPORTS If you are interested in viewing committee reports you can locate them on the church website at www.byron.org Click on the tab “About” then Leadership then View Committee Minutes. If you have any questions you may contact Brent Hoegh at 775-7113 or Christine in the church office at 775-6646.

Next Council Meeting Tuesday, September 17, 2013

6:30pm

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