A Publication of

Christ Lutheran Church

113 Union Street

Natick, MA 01760

Phone: 508-315-3170

E-mail: Office@ChristNatick.org

The Rev. Rebecca Bourret, Pastor

Pastor.bourret@christnatick.org

Tom Berryman, Music Director

MusicDirector@christnatick.org

Tamara Nevens,

Administrative Assistant

Church Office

Office@ChristNatick.org

Leaders of the Congregation:Leaders of the Congregation:Leaders of the Congregation:Leaders of the Congregation:

George Hall, President

Lisa Eck, Vice President

Edie Lohr, Treasurer

Celeste Larson, Secretary

Carol Virshbo, Professional Leadership

Laraine Marthinsen, Flowers and

Family Promise

Doris Brand, Coffee Hour

Frank Miller, Financial Secretary

Martha Cronin, Outreach

John Whitlock, Resource

Cathy Gallagher, Endowment

Edie Lohr, Altar Guild

Phil Roberts, WMVA co-chair

Kim Petot, WMVA co-chair

Bruce Schnepper, Property

Lisa Eck, Sunday School

Jeffrey P. Kinney, Stewardship

Martha Cronin, Communications

Janice Laakko, Visitation

Church Council:Church Council:Church Council:Church Council:

Mary Avalos (2017)

Lisa Eck (2017)

George Hall (2017)

Edie Lohr (2017)

Hilding Hedberg (2018)

Celeste Larson (2018)

Mary Pollard (2018)

Bruce Schnepper (2018)

Jerry Precious (2019)

Phil Roberts (2019)

Joyce Simon (2019)

Olivia White (2019)

Christ Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran ChurchChrist Lutheran Church

REPORTERREPORTERREPORTERREPORTER

February 2017

Youth gathered at the William Chase Arena and enjoyed refreshments at the parsonage afterwards. Thanks to Lisa Chan for organizing!

~Photos courtesy of Lisa Chan

Youth Ice Skating Sunday, January 22nd

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Pastor’s PagePastor’s PagePastor’s PagePastor’s Page

My earliest memories of painful, widespread human strife are of the civil rights movement, and associ-

ated riots in places as far away at Wa�s and as close as New Haven, and the Viet Nam War; and my

poli�cal awakening came (or was absorbed from other members of my family) during the Watergate

era and presiden�al campaign of 1972. I was in the sixth grade, my parents were building a house, and

in an�cipa�on of our move I walked a good distance to and from school in my new neighborhood and

district, some�mes stopping on the way home to stuff envelopes at the McGovern headquarters in

Manchester, Connec�cut.

Some of you have lived longer than I and have weathered many more societal and poli�cal tempests

than I, but in my own memory, our current climate is the most conten�ous I have witnessed. The fear,

anxiety, anger and discontent are such that virtually every conversa�on either begins or travels there.

Even virtual strangers seem to gravitate toward the tense poli�cal condi�on.

It is conflicted, to say the least. Most of us have a preferred or default mode of approaching conflict,

and each has its place, its advantages and its pi3alls: outright avoidance (keeping the peace at all

costs), accommoda�on (yielding to others’ desired outcomes), head-to-head (win-lose) confronta�on,

compromise, and collabora�on.

On social media as well as in some published forums, we have seen calls for either avoidance (“Let’s

talk about something else”) or accommoda�on (“The elec�on is over, one side won, �me to move

on”). Clearly, too, there has been more of the comba�ve style of wrangling than most people are com-

fortable with. There has been almost no opportunity for either compromise or collabora�on.

Avoidance works when nothing important is at stake. Accommoda�on is fine when an outcome is more

important to the other party. Compromise is probably the most common mode of working through is-

sues in the poli�cal arena: everybody gets something; nobody gets everything. It’s never completely

sa�sfactory, but may move ma�ers along. Collabora�on is, perhaps, the gold standard, the win-win

accomplished through mutually trus�ng, crea�ve delibera�on.

The suitability of any of these approaches depends on several factors: the ma�er at stake, who the ne-

go�ators are, the urgency of the situa�on, the rela�ve power of the par�es involved, the rela�ve im-

portance of the issue at hand, and the rela�onship of the contestants.

While I always hope for a win-win, and strive for it in personal rela�onships and in the church, our im-

mediate poli�cal context is different: the level of trust required for collabora�on has all but evapo-

rated; the issues at hand are urgent; and the people who stand to be affected by governmental policies

are, in many cases, vulnerable—marginalized by poverty, minority religion, gender, sexual orienta�on,

race, disability, or immigra�on status.

The words and examples of three of our Lutheran forebears are in my heart and mind. Pastor Mar�n

Niemöller, who spent the last seven years of the Nazi regime in a concentra�on camp, who most fa-

mously said:

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Bible Studies

Come, join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 a.m. to experience Bible discussions

with Pastor Richard Hurst.

These sessions will last one hour. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided.

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one le� to speak for me.”

But Niemöller was not, from the start, an advocate for the Jews and others persecuted by the Nazi party, a

hesita�on for which he later repented: "Thus, whenever I chance to meet a Jew known to me before, then,

as a Chris#an, I cannot but tell him: 'Dear Friend, I stand in front of you, but we cannot get together, for

there is guilt between us. I have sinned and my people has sinned against thy people and against thyself.'"

I remember the example of another Lutheran pastor and theologian from that terrible era, Dietrich Bon-

höffer, who was executed for his part in plots to assassinate Hitler.

And in recogni�on that right words and ac�ons are urgent, but difficult to discern in real �me, I am en-

couraged by the words of Mar�n Luther: “Be a sinner and sin boldly, but believe and rejoice in Christ even

more boldly” (some�mes remembered “Sin boldly, but believe more boldly s�ll in the forgiveness of

sins”). Luther did not advocate recklessness, but boldness in doing right by our neighbors, even while rec-

ognizing that in our striving to do right, we will certainly get it wrong at �mes.

That, my friends, is the chief reason that God offers us assurance of forgiveness: that we may strive daring-

ly to care for our neighbor, free from the paralysis of fear of missteps. I don’t believe that there is much

that we can say or do these days that will not cause affront to some. Yet—while such offense is not our

aim, and should be avoided when possible—the gospel impera�ve to advocate for the rights and well-

being of “the orphan the widow, and the alien in our midst,” to preserve and care for the earth, God’s

good and threatened crea�on, and to strive for jus�ce and peace throughout the earth supersedes such

concerns.

Peace in Christ.

Pastor Rebecca Bourret

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MUSIC NOTES Tom Berryman, Music Director

February: a great month for music making at CLC Sunday, February 12: trumpeters Chris TenEyck and Curtis Cormier join us for our service. For the Postlude is E. Power Bigg’s arrangement of Bach’s My Spirit Be Joyful. Don’t miss some brass brilliance. Saturday, February 25 7 pm The General: one of Buster Keaton’s most famous silent films, from 1926. Pianist extraordinaire Rob Humphreville provides the im-provised soundtrack before your very ears. Invite friends and family of all ages for a very entertaining evening. Go to https://silentlocations.wordpress.com/2014/09/26/how-buster-keaton-filmed-the-general/ for an interesting background piece on this outstanding silent movie. Sunday, February 26 our Epiphany season ends with the Feast of the Transfig-uration, celebrated with Of the Land and Seasons. Our CLC players and choir are gearing for this bluegrass style liturgy.

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Hawaii Bound!

June 18-25, 2017

This year Habitat for Humanity Global Village will travel to Kona, on the big island of

Hawaii, June 18-25, 2017 to help the Habitat affiliate there with their building plans.

With the average home price on the big island at about $525,000, owning a home is

beyond many who live there, especially native Hawaiians who tend to work in the

service industries. In contrast, Habitat’s average mortgage is under $90,000 for clean,

affordable housing.

While this is not the neediest place on earth, it is certainly a project worth considering.

Brochures can be found on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall.

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We keep in prayer our members and friends with long-term needs:

Andrew Chin

Steven Chin

Sara Dale

Barbara Fitzpatrick

Sue and Harland Gilbert

Nancy and Russ Golly

Bob Grout

Arthur Hurst

Richard Hurst

Skip Hurst

Lisa Kane

Chui Yuk Lee

Steve McKee

Jon Nelson

Rebecca Ortelli

Nadia Salerno

Lauren Stevens

Jay Wechsler

Dorothy Whitlock

Jake Vittands

Do you have a friend or family member who would enjoy receiving an inspirational card from our church?

Please give Janice Laakko the information, and she will ensure that a card or cards

are sent to your friend or loved one.

Janice's email address is jlaakko2585@verizon.net

CLC @ the MOVIES

WHEN HARRY MET SALLY...

Sunday, Feb. 12, 4 PM

Memorial Room

It’s almost Valen+ne’s Day! Come for fun and celebra+on with this

classic (1989) award-winning roman+c comedy and CLC cult film

(explana+on at viewing)! It gets be;er every +me you see it.

Wri;en by Nora Ephron; directed by Rob Reiner; starring Meg Ryan

as Sally Albright, Billy Crystal as Harry Burns, and Carrie Fisher as

Marie Fisher.

“Do not wonder that a famous lover like me does not marry …

“ (Luther’s reply to his friend Spala+n when teased for being single.

Two months later he married Ka+e!)

96 minutes; rated R

Followed by a Valen+ne themed potluck. Don’t fret about bringing

food: come anyway, and if you can, bring someone you love!

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Hello Christ Lutheran and gree�ngs from your local farm,

GeJng a weekly share of organic, locally raised vegetables and/or flowers through Na�ck

Community Organic Farm is a great way to eat more healthily, keep your local farm in produc-

�on, invest your food dollars back in your community, and to meet local people who value

community, as do the members of Christ Lutheran.

We have both large and small shares available.

This is the link to more informa�on about NCOF's CSA program:

h�p://www.na�ckfarm.org/Pages/CSAs.html

This is the link to our 2017 CSA sign up:h�p:

h�p://www.na�ckfarm.org/PDFs/2017CSAApplica�onNov8.pdf

Sincerely,

Trish Wesley Umbrell, Farm Administrator, NCOF trish@na�ckfarm.org

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH - EDUCATION AND JOB RESOURCE PROGRAM

PURPOSE: To provide a link between the Family Promise Metrowest “Steps to Success” clients

and members of Christ Lutheran Church. Volunteers willing and able to offer advice, connec-

�ons and/or direct assistance to adults working to increase their professional skills and to find

jobs offering life sustaining pay scales and youth seeking to set an educa�onal career plan.

GOAL:

To link knowledge and exper�se to people in need of assistance in furthering their career.

To have a data base with no less than 15 dis�nct contacts in the first year.

To make six helpful and tangible connec�ons in its first program year.

To develop a model program that can be replicated in other Network Congrega�ons.

~ See Edie Lohr to volunteer or complete a volunteer form found on the table in the narthex. ~

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Thank you so much.

Many congrega�on members sent beau�ful sympathy cards aRer my mother's passing. Oth-

ers expressed hear3elt sympathy when I returned to church. Thank you for these kind ges-

tures. I appreciate the prayers from all congrega�on members during the last years of

Mom's life and for the prayers for my family now. Your though3ulness and care are part of

what makes CLC a great place to worship.

Thank you again.

Janice Laakko and Family of Irene Gustafson

~ Excerpts from letters and cards we have received this past month ~

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DECEMBER 2016 PRAYER VENTURES

1 Our prayers are filled with awe and thanksgiving for the power and majesty of God reflected in all of creation, the universe and each other—wonderfully created, diverse human beings. 2 In this new year, we ask God to open our hearts and minds to newness and change, knowing that whether we suc-ceed, struggle or fail in our endeavors, the love and forgiveness we have in Jesus Christ never waivers. 3 Mentors encourage, teach by example and walk alongside us. We give thanks to God for mentors who inspire our faith and help us develop skills, wisdom and confidence for navigating the complexities of daily life. 4 We remember in our prayers synod bishops gathered for the Bishops’ Academy that they grow in faith and wis-dom as leaders of our church and are strengthened in their support of one another for the work and ministry to which they have been called. 5 The wonder and joy of the birth of Jesus continues long after Christmas. We give thanks and praise daily for God’s everlasting, undeserved gift of love. 6 Epiphany of Our Lord We give thanks and praise to God for revealing to the world Jesus Christ, Son of God—our true salvation, hope and light. 7 As the newness of Christmas gifts wears off, we ask God to center us in the lasting gifts of faith in Christ, caring relationships, supportive communities, and love and forgiveness—given and received. 8 Baptism of our Lord Through the waters of baptism and word of God we are welcomed lovingly into the body of Christ and set forward on a new path as children of God. We pray the Holy Spirit will remind us daily of our baptis-mal mission, stir our faith and be an ever-present guide for us as we share the gospel and serve our neighbor. 9 We remember in our prayers college and university students who are on winter break, involved in J-term studies or service learning that they be renewed for continuing their studies, know the mutual blessings of community ser-vice and further discern how God is calling into use their deepening knowledge, experiences, skills and passions. 10 For people—of all ages—who suffer with depression, especially during this time of the year, we pray for relief, hope, appropriate skilled care, supportive relationships and communities, and healing. 11 We give thanks to God for traditions of the past that still carry meaning and value for us and for traditions that are shifting or being newly formed as the world changes and we are moved by God’s creative power and presence. 12 The ELCA strategy for Accompanying Migrant Minors with Protection, Advocacy, Representation and Opportu-nities (AMMPARO) is rooted in concern for the plight of children forced to flee their communities, particularly in Central America and Mexico. We ask God to help us be bold and wise in our compassion and actions, responsible partners in finding solutions and work together as welcoming congregations for the sake of those who are most vul-nerable—children and families. 13 We remember in our prayers our elders, those who are ill, and people who struggle with mobility who are home-bound or living in places of care and pray that we are mindful of including them in the life of our congregations and affirming their value as brothers and sisters in Christ. 14 Uncertain of what awaits us each day and what the year ahead holds for us, we ask God to grant us courage, hope and wisdom for facing the challenges and tasks that take us by surprise. 15 Just as Jesus’ disciples shared their experiences and introduced others to him as the promised Messiah, we pray that we are enthused to go out of our way to share with people our faith and the good news of Jesus Christ. 16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day We remember in our prayers people, past and present, who stand and advocate with humility and courage for the rights, well-being and value of all people—God’s people—who suffer injustice, mis-treatment, neglect or oppression.

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17 We are grateful to God for our global partners, companion churches and international leaders throughout the world and pray they continue to grow and flourish in their outreach and ministries for the sake of the world and the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. 18 Today begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, and we pray for reconciliation and unity among all Chris-tians, embracing our common identity as members of the body of Christ, children of God, called to share the gospel and serve our neighbor—together. 19 We remember in our prayers youth ministry leaders gathered for the ELCA Youth Ministry Network’s Extrava-ganza in Louisville, Ky. We give thanks to God for their gifts and commitment to faith formation and the well-being of children, youth and families. 20 Inauguration Day On this day we remember in our prayers President Donald J. Trump and the people elected or chosen to serve and guide our nation. We pray they will be enabled to serve with wisdom, compassion, justice, skill-fulness and humility for the prospering and health of our nation, diverse communities and global relations. 21 Elders sometimes feel more isolated during the winter months. We pray for insight for creating meaningful ways to help our elders stay connected with family, friends and community, as well experience the joy of new relation-ships. 22 Just as the fishermen Peter, Andrew, James and John dropped what they were doing in response to Jesus’ invita-tion to follow and serve, we pray that we too are quick to follow, ready to learn and eager to serve as disciples of Christ. 23 We offer thanks and praise to God for being our salvation, light, strength and shelter throughout life and in every circumstance. 24 We pray we are not hesitant to live as active, concerned members of society, that our actions, words and influence reflect God’s word and will for the world. 25 In the conversion of Paul we see God at work in the least likely of people. We pray that we recognize how the Spirit stirs us and are attentive to the surprising ways in which God is at work in the world. 26 We remember in our prayers the leaders of our 130 outdoor ministry sites and 85 outdoor ministry organizations making plans for summer programs and seeking staff who will serve—in the name of Jesus Christ—people of all ag-es, abilities and backgrounds. 27 We thank God for women who respond to God’s call and pursue lives of service and witness as missionaries, ros-tered ministers, lay leaders, theologians and teachers. 28 We give thanks to God for educators, scholars and theologians throughout history who have helped us mature in faith through prayerful study, exploration and discussion of Scripture and theology, and discover the intertwining of faith and everyday life. 29 Power and wisdom are sometimes confusing for us, especially in our current culture. We ask God to help us better understand humility, the nature of wisdom and true strength as exemplified by the teachings, example and sacrifice of Jesus. 30 We pray for God’s blessings on food and clothing pantries, community meals and emergency assistance programs provided by congregations and communities for people living with poverty and hunger or seeking temporary assis-tance in difficult times. 31 We remember the words spoken during the service of Holy Baptism and ask God to renew and sustain our prom-ise to “proclaim Christ through word and deed, care for others and the world God made, and work for justice and peace.”

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ASSISTING LIST FOR FEBRUARY 2017

Upcoming Events

February 3-5, 2017 CLC’s annual mid-winter retreat

February 12, 2017 CLC @ the Movies

February 19, 2017 Dr. Carter Lindberg: The Forgo,en Luther

February 25, 2017 Silent Movie: The General

February 26, 2017 Of the Land and Seasons service

The March Reporter deadline is FEBRUARY 20, 2017.

Christ Lutheran Church 113 Union Street Natick, MA 01760 (508) 315-3170 office@christnatick.org www.christnatick.org