Christ Lutheran Church Location: 126 Front Street (corner of Front and North First on the lake)

mailing address: P.O. Box 166, Cottonwood, Minnesota 56229

Office Phone and Voice Mail: 507-423-5100 www.christcottonwood.org e-mail: christlutheran@christcotton.com

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P������� A���. G��� A������—��� ����� ����� [Cell 612-280-5987]

ADMIN. ASST. RHODA SCHMIDT– ��� ����� ����� [Cell 507-829-1426]

CUSTODIANS —J�� � J�������� M��� Cell 507-828-2401; 828-2407

Welcome to WorshipWelcome to WorshipWelcome to WorshipWelcome to Worship

at Christ Lutheran Church at Christ Lutheran Church at Christ Lutheran Church at Christ Lutheran Church

Community of Faith, as we thank Community of Faith, as we thank Community of Faith, as we thank Community of Faith, as we thank

and praise the Lord together! and praise the Lord together! and praise the Lord together! and praise the Lord together!

———— August 7, 2016 August 7, 2016 August 7, 2016 August 7, 2016 ————

A room at the rear of the Sanctuary is available for parents or others who wish for a comfortable place to comfort a young child during the worship service. With the large glass window into the sanctuary, it is possible to continue to see and hear what is happening in the service while enjoying the comfort of the separate room. A rocking chair is available for your convenience. If you need some activities for your children, there are bags hanging on the “bag tree” at the back of the Sanctuary with books, coloring pages, activities, and a snack. Feel free to take a bag....just please put it back when you leave church. Our Nursery is available for parents needing to comfort a young child. It is located in the lower level at the bottom of the stairs. For those needing a changing table, it is available in the rest room located on the main floor by the offices. More rest rooms are located in the basement and on the top floor (near balcony).

Our outside Prayer Garden is located behind the back of the church building.

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Ushers Dean Berg (Captain), Christopher

Berg, Sandy Boehne, Claire Erickson, Kathie Erickson, Kris

Holm, Jon Myrvik

Greeter Pianist Mary Roe Brenda Olson

Assisting Minister Linda VanUden

Acolyte Colby Marczak

Communion Assistants Desi Crain, Trysta Schuler, Nellie Geihl, David Roe, Tracy Sterner, Shane Wee Video Operator PA Operator Erik Lundberg Joe Hoff

Offering Counters Wade Breyfogle, Dave Schwarz

Altar Care Nellie Geihl, Tracy Sterner

Thank You For Serving Our Lord

Today, Sunday, August 7Today, Sunday, August 7Today, Sunday, August 7Today, Sunday, August 7

9:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. Fellowship/Refreshments 10:45 a.m. (approx.) Worship on Cable 180

This Week at Christ Lutheran

Next Sunday, August 14Next Sunday, August 14Next Sunday, August 14Next Sunday, August 14 9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship/Refreshments 10:45 a.m. (approx.) Worship on Cable 180

Tuesday, August 9 1:30 p.m. Community Bible Study 7 p.m. Christian Education Committee

Wednesday, August 10 8:30 a.m. W-ELCA Retreat, Arco 5 -7 p.m. Luther League Serving Meal at Central Park Market, Cottonwood

Our Annual Salad LuncheonOur Annual Salad LuncheonOur Annual Salad LuncheonOur Annual Salad Luncheon————August 17, 11am to 1pm.August 17, 11am to 1pm.August 17, 11am to 1pm.August 17, 11am to 1pm.

Be thinking of what salad you would like to share with our community! Please bring a salad on the 17th. If your last name begins with the letter: A through G: Fruit H through L: Meat; M through Z: Vegetable Or, bring your favorite salad! Thank you.

Don’t forget to remember . . . to let others know about the Luncheon.

This event is a W-ELCA fundraiser, and the proceeds are used for its local mission projects, such as helping kids go to summer bible camp.

Luther League serving this week at Central Park Market.Luther League serving this week at Central Park Market.Luther League serving this week at Central Park Market.Luther League serving this week at Central Park Market. Please come support the Luther League as a fundraiser for next year’s Mission trip to Robin’s Nest in Jamaica. Serving from 5 ‘til 7pm this Wednesday, August 10th.

Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 to, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Your prayers are a gift to those requesting them, and encouragement for one another as we experience challenges, sorrows, or thanksgivings of any kind.

We pray for those with Health Concerns, as well as Others Hearts and On Our Minds:

Desi Crain Erin Eaton (Jones) Irene Evers, recovering at home (Wood Lake)

Robert Fedde (Kim Marczak’s father) Sue Gropel Lisa Jones Ellen Lenz

Anna (Olson) Meyer Julie Pederson (LeeAnn Boehne’s mother) Cayson Rialson

Mary Schwisow Jeff Wee

Jared Stevens (brother/brother-in-law of Chris and Kendra Stevens)

All those dealing with illness, addictions, depression, unemployment, underemployment, and any challenges in their lives. We pray for and celebrate with Allison (Boehne) and Posy Chheng who were united in marriage on August 6 at Christ Lutheran.

We Pray for Families of our Congregation. This week pray for: James Danielson, Hyler

Rob and Shelly Danielson, Jordan Tome, Jada Peterson, Jace Danielson

We Pray for our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Care Center Residents. This week pray for Janet Gniffke at Granite Manor in Granite Falls (250 Jordan Drive).

We Pray for our Workers in Other Countries, Missionaries, and Local Congregation Missions. This week pray for our Local W-ELCA Mission Projects.

We Pray for Kari Louwagie, preparing to serve as a volunteer in Madagascar through Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM).

We Pray for Gwen Arneson and all others attending our ELCA Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans August 7-13.

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ELCA Churchwide Assembly Meets in New Orleans August 8ELCA Churchwide Assembly Meets in New Orleans August 8ELCA Churchwide Assembly Meets in New Orleans August 8ELCA Churchwide Assembly Meets in New Orleans August 8----13, 13, 13, 13, “Freed and Renewed in

Christ: 500 Years of God’s Grace in Action,”. Gwen Arneson will be attending this Churchwide Assembly as a voting member and as the SWMN Synod’s Vice President. Be sure to read the article in our August/September issue of Connections, outlining the procedures, topics, deliberations, to be covered. The Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop, states, “Often members of congregations are not aware of the scope of the wider church. The Grace Gathering will give even more of our people the opportunity to see the whole church at work. We can do a lot more together than we can do separately. And, close to 2,000 Lutherans singing is a heavenly sound.”

August 28August 28August 28August 28thththth Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.

With many mixed emotions, we will be saying goodbye to Pastor Jim and Denise at the end of August. Pastor Jim will reach the milestone of his 35th anniversary of ordained ministry in late August. We are happy that he approached and marked that special milestone with us here at Christ Lutheran! P lease plan to join us in worship on August 28 th at 9:30 and to stay af ter worship for a wonderful t ime of fe l lowship over a del ic ious meal! There wi l l be a place just for you!

Interim Pastor Update.Interim Pastor Update.Interim Pastor Update.Interim Pastor Update.

The Personnel Committee has been granted the capacity by our congregation’s council to interview and make a decision in the calling of an interim pastor to serve Christ Lutheran in the coming months. We were blessed with a couple of tremendous candidates for this position.

Pastor Shelly Olson has accepted the invitation to be Christ Lutheran’s Interim Pastor. Plans are for her to start on August 23rd, although her first Sunday with us will not be until September 11th. Read Pastor Shelly’s message in the August/September issue of our Connections newsletter, which was recently mailed.

We will need some furniture to use in the parsonage during this interim period starting around September 15th. Please contact Jonathan Olson to lend some furnishings: jofairviewfarms@gmail.com Thank you!

Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant. Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant. Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant. Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant.

This would be an hourly position with about 16 hours per week to supplement current office staff position. Primary duties will include, but not limited to, performing and overseeing functions in the church office.

Must have strong clerical and administrative skills with the ability to work independently. Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher). Willingness to seek new information, training, and resources as needed. Possess a caring attitude, excellent people skills, and excellent communication skills both over the phone and in person.

Because of the nature of the role, the Office Assistant must demonstrate a high level of trust and the ability to protect the reputation and integrity of others through strict confidentiality. The selected applicant must successfully pass a background check.

Please email questions or resume to jofairviewfarms@gmail.com

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Holy Communion Time after Pentecost

August 7, 2016

Christ Lutheran Church – Cottonwood, Minnesota

The page number notations in the worship bulletin refer to the pages in the front portion of the hymnal. The hymn numbers in brackets are found in the latter half of the hymnal.

GATHERING

Prelude Call to Worship

Welcome and Announcements

Please stand as you are able. Confession and Forgiveness P: In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen. P: Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hid: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. C: Amen. P: Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.

Silence is kept for reflection.

Most merciful God, C: we confess that we are captive to sin and cannot free ourselves. We have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. For the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in your will and walk in your ways, to the glory of your holy name. Amen. P: In the mercy of almighty God, Jesus Christ was given to die for us, and for his sake God forgives us all our sins. As a called and ordained minister of the church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

Gathering Hymn – “God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens” [771]

Jesus says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” It is God’s promise from the beginning – to Abraham, to the early church, and to the “little flock” of which we are a part today in assembly. Faith, God’s baptismal gift, trusts the promises of God. Have no fear.

Greeting P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you. Prayer of the Day P: Let us pray. C: Almighty God, you sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your church. Open our hearts to the riches of your grace, that we may be ready to receive you wherever you appear, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Please be seated.

WORD First Reading – Genesis 15: 1-6 1After these things the word of the L��- came to Abram in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.’ 2But Abram said, ‘O Lord G�-, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’ 3And Abram said, ‘You have given me no offspring, and so a slave born in my house is to be my heir.’ 4But the word of the L��- came to him, ‘This man shall not be your heir; no one but your very own issue shall be your heir.’ 5He brought him outside and said, ‘Look towards heaven and count the stars, if you are able to count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your descendants be.’ 6And he believed the L��-; and the L��- reckoned it to him as righteousness. L: Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God.

Second Reading – Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16 1Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. 3By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. 9By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10For he looked forward to the city that has foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old—and Sarah herself was barren—because he considered him faithful who had promised. 12Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, descendants were born, ‘as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.’ 13 All of these died in faith without having received the promises, but from a distance they saw and greeted them. They confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth, 14for people who speak in this way make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. 15If they had been thinking of the land that they had left behind, they would have had opportunity to return. 16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them. L: Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God. Please stand as you are able. -6-

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Gospel Acclamation

Gospel Reading P: The Holy Gospel according to Luke, the twelfth chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord. 32 ‘Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35 ‘Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; 36be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those slaves whom the master finds alert when he comes; truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt and have them sit down to eat, and he will come and serve them. 38If he comes during the middle of the night, or near dawn, and finds them so, blessed are those slaves. 39 ‘But know this: if the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he* would not have let his house be broken into. 40You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.’ P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated.

Sermon Pastor Jim Demke

Hymn of the Day – “Blessed Assurance” [638] Please stand as you are able.

Confession of Faith (The Apostles’ Creed is found inside the back cover of the hymnal.)

Prayers of God’s People The congregation will respond to the prayer petitions with, “hear our prayer.”

Sharing of God’s Peace P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you.

Please share a sign of God’s peace with your neighbors. Please be seated.

MEAL Offering Jesus challenged: Sell your possessions and give alms, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let us invest ourselves in those causes in which we believe, through our offerings and our stewardship of all the gifts of God in our charge.

Please stand as you are able. Offering Prayer A: Let us pray. Gracious God, with joy and gladness we dedicate our treasure and our hearts to celebrate your reign within us and in the community of your faithful people. Reshape us in your image and use us, we pray, to extend your love to all we meet, and to sisters and brothers we will never know. In Jesus’ name. C: Amen.

Great Thanksgiving P: The Lord be with you. C: And also with you. P: Lift up your hearts. C: We lift them to the Lord. P: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. C: It is right to give our thanks and praise.

Words of Institution

Lord’s Prayer (Our Father, who art in heaven…)

Invitation to the Lord’s Supper P: Christ invites you to a place of honor at this banquet. Welcome to the feast.

Please be seated. Anyone who has communed elsewhere is welcome to commune here.

Those who do not yet commune are invited to come forward for a blessing. If you prefer grape juice rather than wine, please indicate that to the server.

Please come forward down the center aisle at the invitation of the ushers to receive commune kneeling or standing at the altar rail, and return to your seats via the side aisle.

If you would like communion brought to you at your seat, please let the usher know.

Communion Distribution “Great Is Thy Faithfulness [733] “Children of the Heavenly Father [781]

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“Have No Fear, Little Flock” [764] “Be Thou My Vision” [793]

Please stand as you are able. Blessing after Communion P: Now may the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ strengthen you and keep you in his peace. C: Amen.

Prayer after Communion A: Let us pray. O God, as a mother comforts her child, so you comfort your people, carrying us in your arms and satisfying us with this food and drink, the body and blood of Christ. Send us now as your disciples, announcing peace and proclaiming that the reign of God has come near; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. C: Amen.

SENDING Blessing and Dismissal P: The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord’s face shine upon you with grace and mercy. The Lord look upon you with favor and + give you peace. C: Amen.

A: Go in peace. Proclaim the good news! C: Thanks be to God.

Sending Hymn – “What a Fellowship, What a Joy Divine” [774]

Postlude

Prayer for the Journey We are ready, O God, to open the doors of our lives to your transforming word and empowering presence. We believe you are ready to build and plant among us, shaping new realities for your faithful people. Turn us away from the foolishness of our doubts and the corruption of selfish deeds, that we may rejoice in your promises. Strengthen our convictions and increase our hope. Amen.

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SCHOOL SUPPLIESSCHOOL SUPPLIESSCHOOL SUPPLIESSCHOOL SUPPLIES

As a local mission project, WELCA is collecting school supplies for Lakeview School. Stores have begun Back-to-School sales. Many families find it difficult to buy those supplies for their children to return to school. Let’s see what we can do to help!

The basic supplies such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue, glue sticks, markers, etc. will be used for the start of school in August and throughout the school year.

Bring your donated items to the basket on the school desk in the church entry. Supplies will then be brought to Lakeview School before school starts and we will continue collecting until the WELCA meeting on Thurs., September 8.

Thank you for caring and supporting our students.

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For All Women To Note: “Daily Living with Laughter” WFor All Women To Note: “Daily Living with Laughter” WFor All Women To Note: “Daily Living with Laughter” WFor All Women To Note: “Daily Living with Laughter” W----ELCA Retreat, August 10. ELCA Retreat, August 10. ELCA Retreat, August 10. ELCA Retreat, August 10.

The Women of the ELCA Summer Retreat will be held at Bethany Lutheran in Arco, on Wednesday, August 10, from 8:30am to 1pm. Noon Lunch is Potluck. There is no Registration Fee. Pastor David and Jeanie Johnston will present the program. They have been singing and performing across the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota for 40 years. Their Ole and Lena presentation serves up a unique blend of delightful Scandinavian humor and folk music. Pastor David serves Cornerstone United Methodist Church in Marshall.

Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . .Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . .Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . .Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . .

Our Monthly Congregational Servant Project, Esther’s Kitchen, located in Marshall at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Lyon Street (north of Wells Fargo Bank), is set for Tuesday, August 23.

You are invited to sign up online at our website, (christcottonwood.org), OR, by using the sheet at the rear of the Sanctuary. The serving time is between 3:30 and 7 p.m.; many thanks for your assistance at any point during that timeframe.

Also, Christ Lutheran has also made a commitment to support the project of feeding the hungry by asking its members to give a freewill offering that will be used for providing food for the meals that are served. A container is located in the back of the sanctuary dedicated to receiving monies that will be given to Loaves & Fishes; checks are payable to Loaves & Fishes.

If you are not familiar with Esther’s Kitchen and wish to know more, contact Becky and Terry Timm: catimm@charter.net or phone 507 828 7628

God’s Work. Our Hands. Day is Sunday, September 11. Sometime in August the sign up sheets will be available for you to make your servant selections. Put Sept. 11th on your calendar and find your GWOH t-shirt! This Fall—Faith Affirmation Journey (confirmation). Incoming 10th Graders and Parents meet with Mentors on September 7 at 7pm. Incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th Graders and Parents meet September 14 at 7 pm for Program Orientation. FAMILIES: Please put these dates on your calendar. This Fall—Milestones Ministry Recognitions: Sept. 18—3 year olds; Sept. 25—2 year olds, 2nd graders, 6th graders; Oct. 9— 4 year olds and Kindergarteners; Oct. 16—2nd graders; Oct. 30—High School Juniors. FAMILIES: Please put these dates on your calendar.

Looking ahead to September . . . Looking ahead to September . . . Looking ahead to September . . . Looking ahead to September . . .