1

CHRIST LUTHERAN

36 Broad St Suite 100

Oshkosh, WI 54901

OFFICE HOURS

Monday-Friday

9:00 am-Noon

SUNDAYS

9:30 am Worship

10:30 am Coffee Hr.

CONTACT

INFORMATION:

CHURCH OFFICE

Barb Schneider

920.231.6570

clcoshkosh@gmail.com

PASTOR

Rev. Connie Weiss

920.904.5919

pastor.cweiss@gmail.com

PRESIDENT

Kevin Harvot

920.379.0829

September, 2019

Dear Friends,

I write this during a very busy time. In the span of 8 days, I presided over four funerals. Three were somewhat ex-pected while one came as a total surprise. It’s not an easy thing to face the mortality of someone we love - let alone our own. As is often the case, it is easier to try to avoid thinking of death entirely until we have no choice.

We all have our own ways of doing things. Some of us are organized people while others prefer to take things as they come. I can’t tell you how often, when I meet with families following a loved one’s death, they are not prepared to plan a funeral or to settle their loved one’s affairs. But when death comes, they have to face the work that it entails in the midst of deep grief. It hardly seems fair that their brains have to play detective and make big decisions while in this extreme emotional state.

Jesus was a big promoter of being prepared. He spent a lot of time reminding his own disciples about his upcoming death and absence. He wanted them to be prepared and not hide from the inevitable. Time and again, he would have to remind them that he would be leaving them. Often for funeral text, the families like to hear from John 14. Here Jesus first assures them by saying - “Do not be troubled”. He then tells them that he goes on ahead of them - to prepare a place for them. Although Jesus struggled with the idea of his own upcoming death, he put his fear aside to care for his beloved family and friends. He wanted to make sure that they were in good shape and able to continue on living and carrying out his mission. And so, he was constantly talking about his ab-sence - giving them the information, tools and certainty that would ensure that they could carry on. He could tell them not to worry because his death and resurrection would provide them an assurance that their ultimate future was safe and secure.

As Christians, we believe in the resurrection and the life. Sure, our mortality can make us feel vulnerable. But Jesus also assures us - we can face the tough times ahead be-cause he has done the work. My mother saw the beauty in planning for her eventual death. She had her whole funeral planned - readings, the flowers, everything. She also had her wishes in writing concerning medical care and other wishes. This came in handy for my family and me. All we needed to do was pull out her book and follow her instruc-tions. This was a gift my mother left us. She did the work ahead of time - so all we need-ed to do was go through the motions. For 3 weeks beginning on September 29th, we will be offering forums providing helpful conversations and resources. I encourage you to think of those you love and consider giving them this valuable gift by being prepared.

Your Partner in Christ,

“Do not let your hearts be troubled…. I go and prepare a place for you”

John 14: 1a,3a

2

We are again pushing forward with some changes! Electronic giving is coming. This does not mean it is necessary for all, but sev-eral have asked about it. Once we choose a date to start, there will be support from Give Plus+, Vanco.

The second change is looking into investing our funds from the sale of the church. We are hoping we can see some interest from this money.

We are also working on coordinating the fall schedule—always a busy time in the church. Not only is there the re-start of Christian ed-ucation, but also “God’s Work Our Hands” and a council retreat.

Our next meeting is September 3rd at 5:30 pm. All are invited to attend.

2019 CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS Kevin Harvot President

Ron Lippold Vice President

Susie Smith Secretary

Ryan Birschbach Treasurer

Gloria Heidl

Barbara Shew

We are happy to announce that Christ Lu-

theran Church will soon offer the option of

Electronic Giving for those who find it con-

venient. Pastor and the Church Council met

with a representative from Vanco Payment

Solutions about the program.

After learning about their services, a unani-

mous vote was carried to sign on with Van-

co—a company that serves many ELCA con-

gregations throughout the county.

Members will be able to set up regularly

scheduled offering payments through their

computers or smart phone.

Electronic Giving is Coming!

July, 2019 Report

Total Offerings: $5,067.60

Other Revenue: $2,216.13

Total Expenses: $10,136.56

Net Profit/(Loss): ($2,853.43)

Transfer from Savings: $10,000.00

Year-to-Date Totals

Total Offerings: $33,397.10

Other Revenue: $48,899.17

Total Expenses: $99,612.06

Net Profit/(Loss): ($17,315.79)

PLEDGE SUNDAY

September 22nd

We will be making pledge cards available to members

beginning Sunday, September 8th. In the meantime,

we encourage you to pray in the coming weeks on how

you will give of your time, talents and treasures in the

year ahead as we continue to move forward and grow

in God’s mission as Christ Lutheran Church.

3

As we continue to plan these sessions. it brings to mind that not everyone is comfortable thinking or talking about the arrangements for what will happen when they are gone. If you are thinking that putting down your wishes ahead of time is something you would like to do but don’t know how to bring up the subject or are afraid that you will be just dismissed, then we would like you to invite a loved one to attend with you. Let us be the “ice breaker”. If you are thinking that it does not matter to you, believe that it is a gift to the loved ones that you leave behind. This series is for people of all ages. It’s always good to be prepared and ensure that what matters to you is honored.

Participants will receive a helpful planning booklet that will keep valuable information and wishes organized and safe.

Join us in the lower level following worship. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.

September 29th

PROTECTING YOUR CHOICES

Wills, Power of Attorney, Helpful Record Book

October 6th

PLANNING FOR YOUR FUNERAL

Planning Booklet and Resources

October 13th

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Grieving, Estate Settlement, Questions

TO REGISTER for 1 or all 3 sessions, stop into CLC—36 Broad St. We are open 9am-12 noon, Monday through Friday. Or call or email the church: 920-231-6570, clcoshkosh@gmail.com

Let the Choice Be Mine

A 3-Week Forum Series this Fall

AUGUST

MILESTONES

PASSINGS

Betty Naslund August 24th

William Bruley August 27th

Kinzley Jordan Baker

August 25th

Jennifer Dillman and TJ Andre

August 24th

4

Join Pastor Connie on September 23rd as we bring back our Lunch & Learn Bible Study.

A sign up sheet will be located in the church office. We hope to see you then!

Addresses Needed

Those who share their email addresses

will be receiving an electronic version of

The Messenger and other important noti-

fications. Please consider sharing your

email address with our office.

Beginning Sept. 11th - 5:30 - 7:00 pm

Pizza dinner will be provided each week

Parents: Please join students for the first 15 minutes on the 11th to discuss the program.

Beginning Sunday, Sept. 8th

10:30 - 11:30 am

Youth 5 years old trough high school are invit-ed to join us every Sunday as we engage in ser-vice activities and events for the sake of our community. We’ll focus on the gospel lesson that day and then get busy putting our faith into action.

Worship & Music Committee

We hope all choir members are enjoying their summer and being rejuvenated for fall. Rehearsals will resume on Sunday, Septem-ber 15th, at 8:00 am. We will have our first rehearsal with a meeting involving a discus-sion to move practice to another day and time for the upcoming season.

This will beneficial in many ways for our group. Please join us in the planning of our new adventure this year. There will be new music as well as new ideas for various wor-ship changes. One of them being we will have a contemporary music worship Sunday on October 13th. Also, different styles of worship services are being planned for our evolving identity as Christ Lutheran Church. Please attend the rehearsal/meeting on 9/15 as well as perhaps bringing a friend or neigh-bor to join us. God Bless and see you all soon.

RETURNING SEPTEMBER 23RD...

5

Sermons are now being streamed live on Facebook. Search for Christ Lutheran Church Oshkosh, WI. Like this site to see the sermons live, or listen later.

Ricardo Trewyn 9

Norman Reichenberger 9

Courtney Carpenter 10

Mark Arend 13

Allison Grill 14

Thomas Watkins 15

Austin Griswold 19

Nathan McWilliams 21

Richard Boese 24

Linda Fischer 26

Larry Klausch 27

Brad Spanbauer 27

Malena Lewis 28

Matthew Eberhardy 29

This month, we celebrate the following birthdays...

Did we miss your birthday or get it wrong? Please contact the office to let us know! Email us at clcoshkosh@gmail.com or call 920-231-6570.

Sunday, September 15th 9:30 a.m.

Join us as we get busy in service on Sun-day, September 15th. We’ll hold a brief worship service at 9:30. Then, we’ll take an hour to work on 2 service projects. Some of us can stay inside to make 2 tie blankets for the Salvation Army while oth-ers walk on over to pick up the litter at Riverside Park and along Ceape Avenue.

Then, we’ll gather in our worship space after that service hour and close out our worship service in a meaningful way. We will be sure to be done by 11:30 am.

T-shirts are in for those who ordered them. We have extra yellow wristbands for kids that did not order a T-shirt. If you did not buy a T-shirt - feel free to wear yellow that morning and also comfortable shoes!

“Together in Jesus Christ we are freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly and serve joyfully.”

SU

ND

AY

6

Getting to Know our Neighbors

Pastor Connie and husband Rick enjoyed partici-pating in the Interfaith Gathering hosted by the Fox Valley Islamic Society in Neenah. Important discus-sions took place on how we can move from fear to-ward building mutual trust. Speaker Pastor Tom Wil-ladsen suggested 5 words that could help us accom-plish this ... "Drink Coffee. Make Friends. Repeat!" We also heard from Dr. Joh Pahl (Educator, Author, Public Speaker) and Dr. Younis Zidan (Islamic Center of WI). UWO's Mamadou Coulibaly was the facilita-tor of this important event.

Back to School Fair a Big Success!

Interfaith Gathering Builds Bridges

The Community Bike Program refurbishes used bikes for those with transportation needs. Fill the Gap-Oshkosh spread the word for bikes in August. The response was overwhelming! In less than a month’s time, the program received over 50 bikes. Donations of new helmets and bike locks are also welcome. If you have a bike that you are not using, please consider donating it at:

Cherith Clothing and Resource Center 307 N. Sawyer St.

If you know of someone in need of a bike, contact Pastor Connie for a referral @ 920.904.5919.

We enjoyed getting to know our River East neigh-bors at their 6th annual picnic on August 6th at Riv-erside Park—just west of the Leach Amphitheater. What a great community our church has been re-planted in! The police and local fire department stopped by to meet the neighbors. We also met some of our city’s homeless who seek shelter under the Main Street bridge at night. We have come to appreciate how active our neighborhood association is in our community and look forward to future col-laborations with our new neighbors.

A big thanks goes out to everyone in our congrega-tion who purchased children’s clothing for Oshko-sh’s Back to School Fair. Over 900 students were served who are in great need of clothing and other school supplies for the fall school year.

Community Bike Program Gets a Boost!

7

The gathering under the theme "We are church," voting members of the 2019 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) made a number of key decisions to further the mission and ministry of this church. The assembly, the chief legislative authority of the church, met Aug. 5-10 at the Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee. More than 900 voting members:

• Reelected on the first ballot the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton to a six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop.

• Elected Deacon Sue Rothmeyer to a six-year term as ELCA secretary.

• Approved the social statement "Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Call to Action" and its implementing resolutions.

• Adopted "A Declaration of Inter-Religious Commitment," which will serve as church policy for inter-religious relations.

• Approved the triennium budget for 2020-2022, which includes a current fund spending authorization of $68,378,325 for

2020, a current fund income proposal of $68,442,034 for 2021 and $68,507,018 for 2022; and an ELCA World Hunger

spending authorization of $21.5 million 2020, and an income proposal of $21.5 million for 2021 and for 2022

• Adopted the "Strategy Toward Authentic Diversity in the ELCA" for racial diversity and inclusion.

• Affirms the ELCA's long-standing commitment to migrants and refugees and declares the ELCA a sanctuary church body.

• Encouraged synods and congregations to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the ELCA's ordination of women in 2020.

• Adopted a resolution to condemn white supremacy and, so much more….

CHRIST LUTHERAN INITIATIVE BEGINS TO HAVE LOCAL IMPACT

For over a year now, Christ Lutheran has been partner-

ing with local churches and agencies in order to find

ways in which to help those who are in need in our com-

munity. The initiative, Fill the Gap-Oshkosh, was con-

ceived by Pastor Connie, Deb Martin and Teresa Sosno-

ski out of a need to bring the faith community together

in order to be more effective in serving others. Recently, Pastor and Deb appeared on the lo-

cal cable program “Eye on Oshkosh” to talk

about the gaps that exist where local needs

are not being met. The initiative team has

hosted workshops on The Culture of Poverty

led by social worker Al Rolph with the Salva-

tion Army. Back by popular demand, we will be

holding this workshop again this September. If

interested, contact the church office at 231-

6570. We’d love to see our members attend!

8

Christ Lutheran Church Women

We met on Sunday, August 4. There was some dis-cussion about our finances and what our funds are spent on. We voted to keep the funds from the bake sale on August 24th for our women’s treasury. Some of the things we spend our funds on include: baking pans for the bake sale, Portals of Prayer de-votional booklets (provided as our gift to congrega-tion members), gifts for shut-ins at Christmas, gifts for Pastor Connie and the secretary and others as we see a need, offerings for the women’s Spring Event and Fall Biennial meeting, projects for the synod or national women’s group, and areas in our own neighborhood where help is needed.

Immanuel-Trinity Church in Fond du Lac gifted us with some large items, and we signed a card thanking them for sharing so generously.

We were reminded that our congregation will need two delegates for the Synod Assembly next spring. Pastor Connie shared that our Lenten schedule will be different next year. Four different church sites will each provide a meal and worship service on a Wednesday evening, and confirmation classes will be hosted as well. The congregations will move each week to visit a different church, and the pastors will lead worship at the service hosted by their own church. Sunday School Rally Day will be September 8th, and more announce-

ments will be coming about that. September 15th will be God’s Work Our Hands Sunday, and we will be involved in a project in the neighborhood that day.

We asked women to watch for announcements about our Fall Retreat at Imago Dei Camp to be held September 20-21. It’s a short retreat – from Friday late afternoon to Saturday after lunch. There are scholarships available. Registration forms and scholarship applications are in the office. This is a valuable way to connect with wom-en across our synod in a relaxed atmosphere.

We also have a biennial women’s event this fall. It will be held on November 2nd at Good Shepherd Church in Green Bay. The theme is “Bold Women Turning the World Upside Down”. Don’t you want to be a part of that? Right now, they are looking for nominees for the synod women’s offices. Reg-istration and other information will be coming lat-er.

The women also discussed participating in the win-ter farmers’ market once a month. Chris will con-tact Michelle, who heads the market. She has spo-ken to several of us at the summer market, and it sounds very good. They will provide tables and chairs, and we will just need to bring sale items. If we are accepted (if they have room for us), think about that as a new volunteer option.

2019 Fall Retreat September 20-21

Imago Dei Bible Camp, Clintonville

Unity of the Spirit We Are All in This Together

Guest Speaker: Kay Lynne Zastrow

Ephesians 4:3—Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

In-Kind Gifts: Socks and Underwear

Registration and scholarship application forms are available in the parish office.

Cost is $60 for full weekend, $25 for Saturday only

9

Articles and information due in the church office

Friday, September 20th

All women of Christ Lutheran are invited and encouraged to attend the biennial con-vention of our synodical women’s organiza-tion to be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Howard (2736 Glendale Avenue, Green Bay).

The day will be filled with entertaining and enlightening speakers, worship that includes recognition of the bold women in our lives, important business matters, good food, and fellowship. The main speaker will be Pastor Meta Herrick Carlson on the Canticle of the Turning. Human Trafficking Advocacy, Im-migration, and the Opioid Crisis will be top-ics of breakout sessions. We will be voting on resolutions and electing officers. If you would like to propose a resolution, please email Shirley Paulson at spaul-son1949@gmail.com by October 1. Each congregation is allowed one vote on all matters requiring a vote. Everyone is en-couraged to participate in discussions.

Please consider nominating yourself or someone you know (who has agreed) to serve as an officer or conference repre-sentative to the synodical Women of the ELCA board. Each term is two years. Nomi-nation forms are available in the parish office.

An Invitation from Our Quilters: Join Us!

Our ladies are looking for more to join them monthly to work on quilts and tie blankets. If you have spare time to join us, we would love to see you!

Contact Barbara Shew to volunteer.

10

A Conversation About Sex Trafficking

with Theresa Flores

The best-selling author of “The Slave Across the Street,” co-author of “Slavery in the Land of the Free,” and a survivor of sex trafficking, Flores shares how she was enslaved at the age of 15 while living with unsuspecting parents in an upper middle-class suburb.

Friday September 13 Doors open: 5:00 PM Book Signing: 5:00-6:00 PM Officer Brandon Ansell 6:00-6:30 PM Presentation: 6:30-8 PM The Reeve Memorial Union Theater 3 748 Algoma Blvd Oshkosh

Saturday September 14 Doors open: 8:00 AM Presentation: 9-10:30 AM Break: 10:30– 10:45 Breakouts: 10:45-11:45 • Sensitive / Internet Crimes

Against Children-Adam Nagel • Social Media/Cyber Crimes-Bryan Wright • Victim Advocacy / Video “Innocence Sold”-

Dena Williams and Julie Thiel • Expanded session with Theresa for profession-

als working with youth: 11:45-1:00PM • The D.J. Bordini Center (FVTC) 5 N Systems

Drive Appleton

Due to the topic, children must be 12 years of age

These are FREE Community Events presented by:

Stop Human Trafficking-Oshkosh &

- Appleton

Registration available through Eventbrite

A Conversation About Sex Trafficking

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-conversation-about-sex-trafficking-tickets-

63289647038

Ascension Mercy Hospital

Bring your special retail therapy talents to the gift shop at Ascension Mercy Hospital. The gift shop is a cheery place to spend time as a volunteer and a great place to shop. You will operate the cash register and credit card ma-chine as well as assist customers. Evening, weekend, and daytime shifts are available.

There are many ways for you to be involved and become part of the team at Ascension Mercy Hospital. For more information on this and other opportunities, please contact As-cension Mercy Hospital Volunteer Services at 920-223-0225, or apply online at www.ascension.org/ascensionmercyvolunteer.

Do You Live with Chronic Pain?

What would you be willing to do to: • Improve your health in managing your pain?

• Improve vitality and energy?

• Improve your mental health?

• Have less pain and dependence on other people?

• Have greater involvement in everyday activities?

Then this is the class for you!

Brought to you by Aurora, Winnebago County Health Department, Wellness Plus and the Wis-consin Institute for Healthy Aging, this 6 week class give you the tools and strategies you need to manage your pain.

Topics included: relaxation and breathing, com-municating effectively with friends, family, and your medical team, fatigue management, and more.

Sept 10-Oct 15, Tuesdays, 1:30-4:00pm Aurora Medical Center- 855 Westhaven Dr, Oshkosh

Just $15 for the class (workbook is included)

To register, call the Winnebago County Health Dept @ 920-232-3000

11

September Sunday Volunteers

Date Reader Ushers Communion

Assistant

Offering

Counters Close

September 1 Mark Arend Needed Susie Smith Mark Arend Gloria Heidl

Gloria Heidl

September 8 Debbie Reichenberger

Needed Needed Debbie Reichenberger Barbara Shew

Ron Lippold

September 15 Susie Smith Needed Needed Jackie Boese Susie Smith

Barbara Shew

September 22 Kevin Harvot Needed Needed Mark Arend Gloria Heidl

Susie Smith

September 29 Needed Needed Needed Debbie Reichenberger Barbara Shew

Ryan Birschbach

Coffee Hour sponsors and volunteers are also needed to complete the schedule.

Anyone wishing to volunteer, please sign up on the volunteer sheet located on the credenza in the offices. All Sunday readings are printed in advance, so you may take your readings home to look over before you read on your designated day. You may also call the church office, and someone will assist you in signing up for service.

Thanks to all who continue to volunteer!

Altar Guild Volunteer for September: Chris Esselman