Christ Lutheran Newsletter April 2015

Echo 2.0 Share God’s Word, Share His Love, and Do It Now!

Christ Lutheran

Christ Lutheran 605 South Fifth Street, Norfolk, NE 68701

www.clnorfolk.org 402-371-1210

A Letter from Pastor Rosenthal Dear Beloved Members of Christ Lutheran Church,

It is with thankfulness to God and mixed emotion that I am announcing my retirement on Reformation Sunday, October 25. Thank you all for the partnership we have shared in Christ. After over 9 years with Christ Lutheran Church as your Associate Pastor, it is not an easy choice but I believe it is the right one for Terri and me, for the congregation, and for the glory of God.

Early in my ministry, in fact it was on vicarage (way back in 1973!) with my supervising Pastor Gerry Kuhn at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia that he said to me: “Remember, love your people and love your Lord Jesus; after all, you cannot have one without the other.” I have to say that advice has been the joy and peace of my ministry!

Terri and I look forward to our farewells, tough, as they will be, as we move toward Reformation. We will be remaining in Norfolk because we love this community as well. However, it is wise for the sake of the new shape of ministry that we identify with a new LCMS congregation. That will be tough to do!

Though I would be flattered to think people want me to return to do baptisms and weddings and funerals, for the sake of loving you and the Lord of the Church, it is wiser that you and I together give such opportunities to your new pastor or minister. Understand this is not easy for me to set such a boundary, so please help me be firm about it.

These years have been wonderful with you!

Peace in Christ!

Rev. Leon G. Rosenthal

Congregational Survey to be Taken Pastors, with the assistance of the Board of Elders, have developed a survey to collect information from all Christ Lutheran communicant members. Each individual communicant member will receive this survey around April 1, with a stamped, self-addressed return envelope. Your view on how well we are meeting your spiritual needs is requested, as well as obtaining additional information you believe should be considered. Your cooperation is respectfully appreciated.

We pray you find this process helpful in reflecting on your faith, the meaning of your church experience, and your hopes for the future of Christ Lutheran congregation.

Pastor Rosenthal pauses to share some thoughts about his approaching retirement.

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April 2015 Congregation News

Premarriage Retreat Held in January Eight couples attended the annual Premarriage Retreat held January 24. Pastors Winter and Rosenthal guide couples through various aspects of the marriage preparation process including such topics as relationships, communication, and finances.

Eleven couples will be united in marriage at Christ Lutheran during the coming months. They include:

April 18 – Alissa Svoboda & Michael Hilliges May 2 – Kimberly Thies & Jamie Nemec May 23 – Brittnee Weeder & Benjamin Terrill May 30 – Becky Wessel & Colby Svoboda June 6 – Crystal Sparr & David Marks June 13 – Jennifer Pollack & Esteven Martinez July18 – Cassie Barger & Matthew Blomenberg July 25 – Jennifer Meyer & Drew Oswald August 1 – Nicole Ruterbories & Joshua Spiering October 10 – Jodie Meyer & Austin Christianson October 17 – Amanda Hanlin & Andrew Wolff

Many hands make light the work… The second graders volunteered to help Mrs. Moje load up aluminum cans on one of the warm days in March!

Pastor Rosenthal leads a discussion session during the Premarriage Retreat held in January.

Ministry Milestones … Bobette Ferguson (center), one of several teachers honored for 30 years of service, receives her gift of appreciation from School Board representative Ivan Petersen. Right – Elder Chairman Paul Kolterman presented Rev. Mike Moreno a gift for 25 years in the preaching ministry, as Lisa Moreno and Don Weber from Nebraska District Office look on.

Left – Patricia Wasson was honored for her retirement at Ministry Milestones held Sunday, March 22.

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Christ Lutheran

April 2015

Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sundays

at Christ Lutheran School

Children’s Ministry Lisa Moreno, Children’s Ministry Coordinator –

lmoreno@clnorfolkmail.org

Mission Offering Project Our current Sunday School Mission Offering project will continue through VBS at the end of July. This project targets inner cities. America’s inner cities are made up of people from all over the world. They come here with very little money and may not even speak English. They may not have a yard to play in, or may even live in a dangerous neighborhood. They may not be able to afford three meals a day. Kids might be home alone when parents are at work. And some of these kids may not know about Jesus.

Jesus commissioned us all in Matthew 28:19-20 to go make disciples of all nations. In some inner cities, the world has come to us! Let’s help Lutheran schools in these cities reach out to their neighbors. With this mission offering project,

• $5 can provide a lunch for a hungry child. • $25 can provide a backpack and school supplies to

a child in the inner city. • $100 can help provide basketballs and playground

equipment for an inner-city school. • $500 can help pay for a child to go to a Lutheran

school. Our goal is to provide a $500 scholarship. Maybe we can do even more!

Kids’ Fun Night set for April 8 The last kids’ fun night until Fall will be held Wednesday, April 8 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. For more information and to pre-register, go to the children’s ministry page at www.clnorfolk.org.

The March kids’ fun night had kids teaming up to outdo each other in Minute to Win It Games. It may have been the best one yet! Don’t miss this fun night in April!!

April Children’s Ministry Schedule April 5: No Sunday School – Enjoy worship with your

family. April 8: Kids Fun Night April 12: Sunday School – Jesus Reinstates Peter (snack

station) April 19: Sunday School – The Conversion of Paul (science

station) April 26: Sunday School – Paul’s First Missionary Journey

(craft)

Vacation Bible School Camp Discovery: Jesus At Work Through Us is our 2015 Vacation Bible school theme. This year’s VBS will be held July 26-30 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. Registration is now available in the church narthex or at www.clnorfolk.org. Volunteers are needed in the following low-energy areas: select station helper, registration helper, technology helper, prep-work, food prep. Those with more energy are needed to be crew leaders, and select station helpers. Sign up today in the narthex to help with this fun-filled week.

Sunday School Attendance Awards The students listed below had outstanding attendance during the Winter quarter of Sunday School. + Those who had perfect attendance are: Kendra Petersen. + Those with just one absence are: Micah Hafer, Henry Begeman, Tristen Buss, Ally Moreno, Ashlyn Millikan, Chase Jensen, Jacob Bender, Amber Bockelman, Riley Bender, Marshall Petersen, Kayla Millikan, and Luke Neisius.

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April 2015

Changing Currents Young Adult Bible Study, & Fellowship

Adult Bible Studies & Evangelism

Information: DCE Amanda Bell abell@clnorfolkmail.org

Young Families Sundays, April 12 & 26

5:00-7:00 p.m. (Babysitting provided) Pot Luck

Love and Logic – Parenting Study Christ Lutheran Helping Hands building

ALL NEW STUDY Young Women Sunday, April 26

7:00p.m. Beginning a study on Ruth

CLS Green Youth Room (in school building)

Are you in your 20’s or 30’s and looking for people in your age group to study the Word of God with? – or do you know someone who is searching for this type of group? Then we have two great groups that fit those criteria for you.

Thanks Given to LifeLight Leaders By Darlene Davis During the past year, small groups in LifeLight Bible study at Christ Lutheran have studied the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, as well as 1st and 2nd Kings. We give thanks to God for these faithful leaders: Pastor Winter, Pastor Rosenthal, Judith Otten, Suzanne Riedel, Janice Johnson, Bob Feddern, Gary Drefke and Darlene Davis.

September begins our 52nd LifeLight study. We will be studying Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. We will register during the month of July. If you are interested in teaching a small group at church or at home, contact Darlene Davis at 402-371-9659.

A LifeLight participant says: I've participated in every study since LifeLight began (can't believe it's been over 20 years). I've been in the same group for most. Some studies great; some not so great. Some way too difficult! But we have the most amazing group.

After 20+ years we are obviously very comfortable with each other. I love that we can discuss anything! I have always come away with something. Usually a new understanding of a story I've heard all my life. Sometimes it's something I've never heard before. Many times there are things I can apply to my life and walk with Christ. Many times have thought about not taking the next study…always glad I did. (except for Wilderness Wanderings!)

Evangelism By DCE Amanda Bell Over the last several months we have asked God to help us be BOLD in our Evangelism. The central focus is our greatest example, Jesus and his interaction with the Samaritan Women at the Well. He has given us these examples so far in our study: start conversations with anyone; adjust your life patterns to make conversations possible; chat about everyday life; ask questions; and listen to questions.

The sixth and final Evangelism tip is: share Jesus. The pinnacle of Jesus’ conversation with the woman comes when He tells her that He is the Messiah. She is so amazed by this that she runs off and brings the whole village to come and meet Him for themselves.

TRY SHARING: A helpful question to ask yourself (and the Holy Spirit) is “How is Jesus good news for this person?” Is there a story about Jesus or an aspect of His atonement that is relevant to what you are discussing? Or is there a part of your personal testimony that would be helpful? Share it and ask them what they think.

If people seem receptive, then it’s also good to give them the opportunity to respond to Jesus. Maybe ask them if they would be interested in welcoming Jesus into their own lives. If they say yes, find a quiet corner and pray together.

Jesus never had the same conversation twice, so there is no real formula for sharing our faith any more than there is for telling people about new romantic relationships. But we can draw inspiration from Jesus’ interactions with people.

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Christ Lutheran

April 2015

Rev. Christopher & Elizabeth Ahlman

From the Mission Field

Serve the Lord with Gladness The following letter was recently received from Rev. Christopher and Elizabeth Ahlman who serve the Lord in Leipzig, Germany. Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen! (Lutherbibel 1984)

Truly, this one was God’s Son! (personal translation)

Divinity and the cross belong together, not apart from each other. Just ask the pagan centurion, along with all of his cohort. Unlike God’s own people, they won’t think twice before telling you this. With them, it simply wouldn’t be any other way.

Not so with God’s people. God’s people want to see a divinity separate from a cross, so much so that they will dare and demand for such a scenario, to no avail from God himself.

Learn from the centurion and his cohort, who are accustomed to many things that God’s people are not, in such a way that God’s people are not. “Things are the way they are,” they’ll tell you. “God and the cross go together.”

They’ll be around when the risen Lord Jesus shows you His scars, thus affirming for you just as much. They’ll be accessible when Paul reminds you that “we proclaim Christ crucified, a scandal to Jews, foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Gentiles, (this) Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1,23). They’ll stand by your side, as disciplined and regimented as ever, until you come to terms with the truth that Jesus’ glory is in His shame, until their confession of Jesus is your confession of Jesus. They’ll be God’s finest instrument to bring you to be the best Church there could possibly be.

Einige gute Nachrichten There’s much good news to share specifically concerning the work in Leipzig: 1) Chris’ proposed Lukaskirche multi-year music outreach plan was approved by our board of elders; 2) The Lukaskirche test-phase contract has received all necessary signatures, moving many projects along, meaning that 3) The organ renovation project is finally moving forward, with an initial approach to an organ builder to occur in the near future 4) We began our choral outreach initiative on March 8, hosting the University of South Dakota Chamber Singers at Lukaskirche. Nearly 2/3 of those attending (approximately 100 total) were “new faces” (Please read more at: http://eurasiablog.lcms.org/the-university-of- south-dakota-performs-at-historic-lukaskirche/) On the near horizon: the opening service for our congregation in Lukaskirche is April 6, for which we’ve planned a great festival, to which people near and far have been invited. We’ve been looking forward to this day for some time now, and we’re glad that it’s right around the corner!

Unsere wachsende Familie, früher als erwartet We received a happy surprise at the hospital, namely, that our third child is coming not on April 5, but on March 23! We learned on March 5 (!) that it is standard practice in Germany to schedule a third caesarian section in motherhood (which is Elizabeth’s situation) two weeks before the original due date. While we’re certainly excited about this, it has resulted in an accelerated preparation. Our health insurance has done excellent work working with our hospital and ensuring that all financial items pertinent to the labor and delivery will proceed smoothly, for which we’re grateful. Elizabeth’s mother is coming for a number weeks to meet the new one, to assist with all things needful, and enjoy “Grandma Time,” and we’re looking forward to her arrival.

May God in Christ through the Spirit bless you now and forever.

Christopher & Elizabeth Ahlman

Let Us Pray . . . � For thanksgiving for the baptismal life � That God would grant us repentance and faith in His

promises in Christ � For God’s protection of His Church throughout the world � In thanksgiving for a finalized Lukaskirche contract � For continued blessing upon Lukaskirche planning and activities � For a healthy and successful delivery for Elizabeth and our

third child

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Christ Lutheran

April 2015 Congregational News

Priscillas LWML Hears from Good Neighbors By Janet Moenning Christ Lutheran LWML Priscillas met March 3, 2015 in the fellowship hall. Nineteen members were present and one guest, Cheryl Husmann. Opening devotion, a “Recipe for Friendship”, was shared by Terri Rosenthal.

The guest speaker for the evening was Allene Johnson, director of the Norfolk Food Pantry/Good Neighbors. She gave us an overview of how the program works and who makes use of the services. Good Neighbors and Norfolk Food Pantry merged in 2012. Clients are required to provide a social security card and proof of current residence.

The Food Pantry helped 3,154 families in 2014. This number includes many senior citizens who have fixed incomes. The Good Neighbors program is a year round program. It will help clients with rent and utilities on a once per year basis and monies are sent directly to the utility company and landlord.

Good Neighbors and Norfolk Food Pantry are supported entirely on donations. No State or Federal money is received. Their only fundraiser for the year is the December fund drive. Their board of directors determines the yearly budget and that is the goal set for the fundraiser. Ms. Johnson attributes much of the success of the program to the many volunteers who help each month as well as local churches, businesses, schools and service organizations who have food drives and fundraisers to support the program. Ms. Johnson feels that this truly demonstrates how our community cares for those less fortunate.

Priscilla members were reminded of activites in coming months. These include planting flowers for the SMILE program in May, and packing meals at Mercy Meals in June.

March 11, Priscillas served the Lenten Meal before the evening service. The menu was pulled pork sandwiches, chips, assorted salads and bars for dessert. We served 157 plates which was a wonderful success. Many thanks to the committee who organized the event, to the Priscillas who served and provided food and to the congregation who came to eat and supported our event. Funds raised are donated to the Human Care Fund (which helps support Good Neighbors and the Food Pantry).

The next meeting is April 7, at 7:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall. We will have a business meeting and DCE Amanda Bell will lead a Bible study. We invited all women of the congregation to join us and if you have any questions please contact any officer. Co-Presidents are Edie Feddern and Gloria Nielsen, Treasurer is Lauren Millikan and Co-Secretaries are Bobette Ferguson and Janet Moenning.

Ladies Circle Gathers By Joy Henkel Christ Lutheran Ladies Circle met on February 19, in the chapel. Thirteen members were present. President Barb Wagner presided. Kim Knight and Sheri Mickelson were hostesses for the day.

Pastor Winter led a devotion based on Galatians 5. From this lesson we learn we have the freedom to serve God in whatever job we have and wherever we are.

Ladies Circle along with the Board of Christian Nurture will serve the Lenten Meal on March 25. The menu will be scalloped potatoes, sliced ham, green beans, dessert bars and beverage.

Upcoming dates that Circle will be involved with include: April 11 – LWML Zone Spring Event at St. Matthew’s in Meadow Grove. June 25-28 – National LWML Convention in Des Moines, Iowa.

The next meetings will be March 19, and April 16. All ladies of the congregation are welcome. Ladies Circle is a LWML organization.

Easter Breakfast to be Served The Senior High Youth will be hosting the Easter Breakfast on Sunday, April 5 from 9:00-10:30 a.m. The menu includes scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, fruit, muffins, coffee and juice. A free-will donation will be taken to support our Senior High Youth program, activities, and servant events.

HOLY WEEK SERVICES Maundy Thursday Communion

12:15 and 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Service with Passion Drama 12:15 and 6:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Festival Communion 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.

Easter Breakfast served 9:00-10:30 a.m.

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April 2015

Information on Upcoming Events

Confirmation Class

- April 1 – NO CLASS - April 8

o Parents Attend - April 15 - April 22 - April 29

Passion Drama

- Final Practice - April 1 at 7:15 p.m.

- Good Friday – April 3 arrive at…. o 11:00 a.m. o 5:45 p.m.

Lost and Found Concert April 12

- $10 per person - Meet at LHNE

Grade 8 Confirmation Retreat, April 18 – 19

- Meet at church by 2 p.m. - Arrive back by 7:30 p.m.

Bowling, April 26

- $5 per person - Meet at King’s Lanes

Like Us on Facebook Be sure to check us out on Facebook and on the Junior High page of the Church website!

Confirmation and Junior High Youth DCE Amanda Bell – abell@clnorfolkmail.org

Confirmation Q/A Q. What are Grade 8 Confirmation Interviews?

A. The church has the responsibility to ensure that those being confirmed have an expanded understanding of their faith. Much of this has already been accomplished in a classroom setting through time spent discussing faith, quizzes on the materials covered in classes, and memory work on the six chief parts of the catechism and Bible verses. The final interview is intended to celebrate the things they have learned and apply them in “real-life situations.” Q. When does sign-up take place for Confirmation Interviews?

A. Students will sign up during class on Wednesday, April 8.

Q. When do the Grade 8 Confirmation Interviews take place?

A. These meetings will take place between 6:00 and 9:00 p.m. on the evenings of Monday, April 20, Tuesday, April 21, and Wednesday, April 22. !

Passion!Drama!The$ Junior$ High$ Youth$ have$ the$ opportunity$ to$ be$ a$ part$ of$ the$ Passion$Drama$during$the$final$practice$on$April$1,$at$7:15$p.m.$in$the$Sanctuary.$$$The$Passion$Drama$will$be$done$during$the$Good$Friday$Services$on$Friday,$April$3.$On$April$3,$arrive$at$11:00$a.m.$–$we$will$have$to$set$up,$then$have$lunch$and$go$over$final$announcements$and$get$into$costume$for$the$12:15$service.$Then$arrive$at$5:45$p.m.$to$reMset$props$and$get$into$costume$for$the$6:30$p.m.$service.$$!

Lost!and!Found!Concert!in!Lincoln!April!1!Those attending are to meet at Lutheran High Northeast at 10:00 a.m. Bring a sack lunch for the trip. Cost is $10 to cover transportation and contribute to a fundraiser for St. John’s Lutheran Church in Pilger for a sign. Pre-register with DCE Amanda Bell. Grade!8!Confirmation!Retreat!April!18!&!19!The Confirmation Retreat is a time of fellowship and growth as a class. This retreat will be full of study, discussion and fun. Meet at the church by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 for travel to Camp Luther. Students will return by 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 19. Bowling!!April!26,!3:00F5:00!p.m.!Junior High students will be going bowling at Kings Lanes Sunday, April 26. Shoe and lane rental will be $5 per person for 2 hours of bowling. We will meet at the bowling alley.

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Upcoming Dates Wed., April 1 - 7:00 p.m. Passion Drama dress rehearsal in Sanctuary Fri., April 3 – 12:15 & 6:30 p.m. Passion Drama in Sanctuary Sun., April 5 – 8:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast in Fellowship Hall Sun., April 12 – 10:00 a.m. Bus leaves for Lost & Found concert in Lincoln Sun., April 19 – 9:30 a.m. Assist with Children’s Sunday School Sun., April 26 – 9:30 a.m. Bible Study in Youth Rooms Wed., April 29 - 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Minute to Win It Games in CLS Gym

Senior High Youth Sarah Moje, Youth Director – youth@clnorfolkmail.org

Good Friday Passion Drama After weeks of practice, it is time for the Passion Drama. Good Friday services are Friday, April 3 at 12:15 and 6:30, however, students will arrive early to set up and get into costumes for the services. Friday, April 3 plan to arrive at:

11:00 a.m. -- We will set up, have lunch, go over final

announcements and get into costumes for the 12:15 service. 5:45 p.m. -- We will re-set props, and get into costumes for the 6:30 service.

Easter Breakfast The Senior High Youth Easter Breakfast fundraiser will be on Sunday, April 5. Funds raised will go toward individual youth accounts for the upcoming servant events and youth gatherings. This fundraiser has grown over the past few years, and we look forward to a strong participation again this year. Youth should have received a postcard with an expected donation and work times. Please call the church office if you have not received your postcard.

Lost and Found Concert – Sign-up to Put a Sign Up! Are you ready for a road trip? We will be taking a group to Lincoln to hear Christian artists, Lost and Found, in concert on Sunday, April 12! The bus will leave from Lutheran High Northeast’s parking lot at 10 a.m. (so plan to worship at the 5:30 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. service). The concert is free but we are asking that each individual donate $10 so we can make this a FUNdraiser for St. John’s Pilger to purchase a church sign. Sign up by Sunday, April 5 so we can plan for transportation. Everyone is invited to attend so ask your friends – forms are outside my door and can be dropped off, along with your $10, at the church office or given to Sarah Moje.

Minute to Win It Games

We’ve all heard about Minute to Win It, and many of us have watched it on TV, but have you gotten the chance to play it live? You need speed, persistence, and a little bit of luck to win these challenges. If we have enough people, we hope to try the live form of Hungry, Hungry Hippos too! Join us on Wednesday, April 29 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. in the Christ Lutheran Gym for snacks, fellowship, and fun games!

Join us for Lost and Found’s Farewell Tour on Sunday, April 12!

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April 2015 Pastor’s Ponderings Rev. Chip Winter, Director of Ministry -

cwinter@clnorfolkmail.org

What Will the Coming Months Bring? As you will read elsewhere in this issue, we will shortly begin to bid farewell to Pastor Rosenthal in his current position as associate pastor of Christ Lutheran. His many years of parish pastor experience have been a blessing to our fellowship and to the body of Christ as a whole. We will continue to lift Rev. and Mrs. Rosenthal in our prayers as together they enter a new chapter in their life together. Farewell and Godspeed. Also in this issue we have news about the voters assembly of March 1. In that meeting the congregation voted to move forward with both the care of infants through Helping Hands Child Care (HHCC) and the capital funding drive for a new facility for HHCC. (See article below) There will be much to do in the days ahead and we will do our best to keep the congregation and community informed regarding the facilities, the staffing and the ministry which God has entrusted to us.

All of these things have been on my mind and in my prayers as the director of ministry, here. In the wake of these considerations and others I have come to the conclusion that it would be a better stewardship of my time at this point to remain in this position at Christ Lutheran. With that in mind, I have asked my name to be removed from consideration for the District President of the Nebraska District – Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. To have been elected would have meant a move from this place and I don’t see that at this time that would be the right move for our ministry or my ministry.

I have, however, left my name in the consideration for the district vice-president of our region. Such a position would require some work with the District Board of Directors and at the discretion of the District President, but it would allow me to remain here.

God bless and keep the Rosenthals. God guide and keep the Nebraska District as it meets in convention this summer. God bless and keep us as we move into the future under His loving and watchful gaze.

The voters of Christ Lutheran Church met Sunday afternoon, March 1, 2015 for a Special Meeting to consider two important issues for the future of the ministries at Christ Lutheran Church and Helping Hands Child Care. There were 95 voting members present. The first item to be discussed was whether Helping Hands Child Care should offer infant care in the future. Testimonials in favor of this were offered by Sarah Boelter, Child Care Board Member and parent who has used Helping Hands; Elder Chairman Paul Kolterman; parent Mellissa Begeman and parent Erica Robertson. No one spoke in opposition. Questions were then presented to Child Care Director Chad Bryant on cash flow projections of a new facility. He stated that the projections now show a new Child Care Facility would cash flow if it was at least 80% full. The motion to offer infant child care was brought to a vote and passed.

Pastor Winter spoke on Capital Funding for a new Child Care Facility. The Site Planning Committee interviewed various partners for this endeavor and recommended using Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) as our partner in this process. Since an earlier voters’ meeting had to be postponed because of the weather thus delaying action on this, LCEF is recommending that the ground work be laid for the campaign this spring and summer and then formal fundraising take place in the Fall of 2015. Motion made and passed for formal capital funding to begin in the Fall. Keith Moje also updated those in attendance on property that is being acquired in the area of Christ Lutheran Church. The house at 411 Pasewalk and the house 2 doors north of the school have been purchased by those with interests in Christ Lutheran. He stated that negotiations are also under way to acquire 610 S. 4th also known as the “Rotherham Property” that is next to Helping Hands Child Care.

Special Voters Assembly Held … New Facility and Addition of Infant Care Discussed By Judy Bohn, Business Manager

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April 2015 Membership Roll Call Starla Landkamer – slandkamer@clnorfolkmail.org

Roster Changes: Transfer In: Lyle and Cheryl Husmann, 83491 564 ½ Avenue, Pilger, from St. John, Pilger.

Dan and Susan Harstad, Danielle and Nicholle, 1806 Koenigstein Avenue, Norfolk, from Immanuel Lutheran, Plainview, MN.

Kyle and Sonia Clark and Charlie, 801 E. Grove Avenue, Norfolk, from St. John Lutheran, rural Pierce. Transfer Out: Joyce Baumert, Wisner Care Center, 1105 9th Street, Wisner, to St. Paul Lutheran, Wisner.

James and Stephanie Ruppert, Kolin and Montana, 119 E. Pierce, Pierce, NE to Zion Lutheran, Pierce.

Ramona Gross, 199 South Pine Street, Tilden, to Immanuel Lutheran, Tilden. Welcomed Into God’s Family: Ryker Cole Leo, son of Jeff Leo and Sarah Tjaden, was baptized March 7, 2015. Ryker was born November 8, 2014. His sponsors are Jenni Gibson and Kaylee Gibson.

Harper Lynnlee Spiering, daughter of Josh Spiering and Nicole Ruterbories, was baptized March 21, 2015. Harper was born February 10, 2015. Her sponsors are Jerrit and Kristin Spiering, and Dan and Shelley Ruterbories. Called to Their Heavenly Home: Dale D. Deuel, March 21, 1922 – February 19, 2015. Verna M. Brogren, May 29, 1923 – March 7, 2015. Celebrating Birthday Blessings Those celebrating birthday blessings of 80 years or more in April include: 7: LaVerne Starkel 8: Opal Raasch 13: Margadine Schultz 14: Joy Henkel 17: Don Lichtenberg 22: Hazel Bermel Delores Prewett 23: Siegfried Brauer Lois Nielsen 25: Loren Apfel 29: Renata Krohn 30: Bernice Walters Moved from One House to Another: Josh Spiering & Nicole Ruterbories, 206 West Maple Avenue, Norfolk. Tina Raeside & family, 1106 Terrace Road, Norfolk.

What Does It Take to Become a Stephen Minister … (and What Do You Receive in Return)? By Starla Landkamer, Stephen Leader Okay, admit it. Stephen Ministry has crossed your mind a few times. You might even have picked up a brochure or talked with a pastor or others about it. But now you want to take a closer look at the idea of becoming a Stephen Minister. You’re wondering: Is this right for me? Following are some guidelines that might help you in your decision-making.

Gifts – A Stephen Minister is a person with the gift of mercy, who shows compassion and gives encouragement to and intercedes for those he or she cares for. Many Stephen Ministers say that they receive much more from the caring relationship with their care receiver than they give.

Commitment – A Stephen Minister devotes time, energy, and resources to this ministry. In return, a Stephen Minister has the chance to participate in meaningful ministry, make a major difference in another person’s life, and grow as a child of God.

Training – A Stephen Minister completes 50 hours of training before ever meeting with a care receiver. He or she learns about listening, assertiveness, confidentiality, and many other aspects of caregiving. After completing the initial training, there is continuing education. Stephen Ministers find that their relationships become richer and deeper at home, church, and work and with friends.

Dedicated Service – A Stephen Minister serves wholeheartedly. This isn’t a casual ministry. It involves prayer, thought, consideration, study, and commitment. In return, the Stephen Minister receives grateful thanks from his or her care receiver, our Stephen Leaders, the congregation, and our Lord.

Accountability – A Stephen Minister is accountable to God, the congregation, the Stephen leaders, the other Stephen ministers, and the care receiver. In return, he or she receives support, encouragement, and guidance in Small Group Peer Supervision.

Continuous Learning – A Stephen Minister is open to adjusting and adapting his or her caregiving to fit the needs of the care receiver. He or she learns more about caregiving at each meeting with a care receiver and at each supervision session. Stephen Ministry is an experience of continuous learning, growth, and joy.

A new training class for Stephen Ministers is starting soon. The Holy Spirit may be calling you to the joy, commitment, growth, meaning, training, service, and care of being a Stephen Minister. Pray for God’s guidance as you consider this opportunity. For more information, contact Stephen Leader Starla Landkamer in the Church Office.

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April 2015

Preschoolers Share His Story With Children in China What happens when you challenge 58 preschoolers to share God’s Story with children in China? Preschoolers get to work! - literally! During the month of February, preschool families were invited to participate in a special mission project. They were asked to donate money to purchase storybook Bibles for children in China. For each $2 raised, one Bible could be given to a child in China to help spread the Gospel in a land that has been closed to this message for so long.

There was one stipulation that made this fundraiser different. Instead of parents giving children money to bring to school, they were asked to have their children earn the money by doing extra chores around the house. By doing this, the preschool teachers hoped to make the experience more meaningful. As the children brought in their quarters, dimes, and nickels, they eagerly shared how they earned the money. Teachers heard stories of laundry sorting, setting tables, vacuuming, and even cleaning out the microwave. The preschoolers were so excited to share their earnings so that children in China could learn about Jesus just like they do every day in preschool.

The preschoolers earned $64, enough to purchase 32 storybook Bibles for children in China. Now that’s a lot of quarters, dimes, and nickels! More importantly, that’s a lot of excitement for sharing the story of Jesus!

Congregational News

Lutheran High Northeast Invites Students Can You Afford LHNE? We all know there is significant cost to educate students, especially considering LHNE receives no government funding. We also know parents may have to adjust their spending priorities to make tuition payments. LHNE partnership with your family includes using resources wisely in addition to having truly amazing friends/donors that come alongside parents to keep tuition lower for ALL students. LHNE is also committed to further assisting families who demonstrate additional financial need, but are willing to assume as much responsibility as they are able for tuition. This is designated as need-based in the detail show to the right. More than half of the families typically apply for and receive financial aid assistance.

The Numbers 2015-16 School Year Actual Cost per Student $11,477 Fundraising & Donor Support - 5,102 Tuition per Student $ 6,375 LCMS Assoc. Church Member 25% Gift - 1,594 Subtotal after 25% Gift $ 4,781 New Student Discount - 1,000 (need-based only) Avg. Fin. Adi Award (need-based only, - 1,772 previous three-year average) Average Net Tuition for those Students Qualifying for Financial Aid $ 2,009 The figures and averages above are for the 2015-16 School Year and are subject to change each year.

Christ Lutheran April 2015

Printing Costs for This Month’s Echo 2.0 Paid for by Donations from These Sponsors

Bev Mauch, Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors Norfolk Implement

Dr. Dan Blomenberg Eye Physicians PC

Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust Dinkel Implement

Dr. Leon Gebhardt Freudenburg & Associates LLC

Stahla Homes & RV Taylor Creek Physical Therapy

Jerry’s Trailers & Campers U-Save Pharmacy

Randy Oertwich, United Farm and Ranch Management

Christ Lutheran www.clnorfolk.org

Church 605 South Fifth Street

Norfolk, NE 68701 402-371-1210 phone

402-371-1228 fax

School 511 South Fifth Street 402-371-5536 phone

402-371-1288 fax

Helping Hands Childcare 400 West Pasewalk Ave.

(Corner of Fourth Street & Pasewalk Ave.) 402-379-3275 phone

Next ECHO 2.0 deadline is April 14, 2015

Send items to echo2@clnorfolkmail.org