Walks With Christ June/July 2013

Christ Lutheran Church

HIGHLIGHTS IN THIS ISSUE: Thrivent Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4 Supper Club & Produce Project . . . . . . . . Page 12 Honkers Game & Picnic . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 13 Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 14-15 Flea Market / 50 for 50 Capital Campaign . . . Page 16-17 Youth Mission Trip Shares . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18-19 Prayer for Our Children . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 20-21 Motorcycle Ride & GND Service/Potluck . . . Page 21 50th Anniversary Information . . . . . . . . . Page 25 Good Neighbor Day Parade . . . . . . . . . Page 26 Lutheran Disaster Response . . . . . . . . . Page 31

The River of Life Sunday School youth raised $1,310.34 or 6,552 meals for Channel One Food Shelf during the school year.

This money was designated for the Byron Food Shelf.

2

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR STEVE On Sunday, May 19th, we celebrated Pentecost when the Holy Spirit empowered the disciples to share the good news of Jesus Christ for all the world to all the world. The global Christian church was born on that day and now there are close to five million churches or witness centers scattered globally. Below is an excerpt from a sermon Martin Luther preached on Pentecost 479 years ago which helps explain the significance of Pentecost. On this holy and joyful feast of Pentecost, we give thanks to our Lord God as we celebrate the great unending mercy that he manifested on earth. He revealed from heaven to us poor mortals his holy Word, which is not a plain and com-mon word, but a special and a different Word, compared with the Law of Moses. For on this day the kingdom of Christ began through the apostles and was manifested through the gospel for all the world. Certainly, in his person, Christ possessed his kingdom from eternity, but today, on Pentecost, it was made manifest by the Holy Spirit through the apostles to all the world, and this revelation was accompanied by the great courage, daring, and joy of those wretched fishermen, the apostles, who had previously denied Christ and deserted him, because their minds were stupid and afraid and in despair. Today, on the day of Pentecost, we celebrate the joyous, blessed, and precious kingdom of Christ, which is full of joy and confidence and courage. Sermon for Pentecost, 1534 WA 37:399f May the Holy Spirit grow your joy, confidence and courage this Pentecost season. Partners in God’s Mission, Pastor Steve Rheingans

3

A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JACK FRIEDLI

Larry, a young man, was deeply serious about his spiritual life. Larry stated a concern about his spiritual life this way, “I have asked the Spirit to come into my life a number of times. It seems he isn’t interested in me. I feel so distant from God. What is wrong with me?” Ascension Day and Pentecost Sunday both have a mes-sage that speaks to Larry’s concerns. Ascension Day is an ancient day set aside by the Church to remember Christ’s ascension as described in Luke 24:50-51. “He then led them out of the city over to Bethany. Raising his hands he blessed them, and while blessing them took his leave, being carried up to heaven”. Some Christians question this statement of Luke based on modern understanding of the universe. Ancient peoples of biblical times believed there were three tiers to creation. The third tier (up) was where God lived. The second tier is where we live (here). The third tier was where the devil and all his friends lived and this place was called hell. Honest sincere questions come about when science proves that there are no three tiers of the universe. What’s the problem? We are asking the wrong questions of the story. We ask how could Jesus ascend and where did he go? Wrong questions! The better question to ask is, what was the truth that Luke wanted to convey. Luke understood that he needed Christ to disappear from the sight of human beings so that Christ becomes the Messiah to all people everywhere. What better way than to tell of his ascension. The second text to consider is Acts 2:1-4. Here we read how God made his Spirit available to all people all over the world. So the Christ is expressed in the person of the Spirit.

ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

4

As with Christ at the time of his baptism, the Spirit is made known. (Read Matthew 3:13-17) We as Lutherans and many other Christian groups believe the Spirit makes him-self known in our baptism. Our friend Larry has the Spirit alive and well within him. Larry does not have to ask, “Why does the Spirit not enter his life? Have I failed to do some-thing?” Wrong question. A more helpful question would be, “How can I become more aware of the Spirit who already makes me his home from my baptism.” This question takes faith not only to ask the question but to hear and believe the answer. The Spirit is a free Gospel gift for everyone. The Spirit lives in each of us; we need to claim and welcome him. Thank you, Jesus. Pastor Jack Friedli

UPCOMING THRIVENT EVENTS June 19th – Berne Wood Fired Pizza Night. $10 off a pizza with the postcard you will get mailed to you. Must have the postcard for savings. (Please note this is a tentative event still in the planning stages, so date may be subject to change.) July 17th – Rochester Honkers Game. Free tickets. Bring a food item for Channel One. See page 13 for more info. August 3rd – Stewartville Swim for families. Free admis-sion to Stewartville waterpark/pool, 11:00am to 1:00pm. August 12th – Bus to Twins game. Tickets are $35, bus is free. Call Ardi Gibbs, 775-6142, for more details. Bring your own snacks for the bus trip. September 14th – Tweite’s Farm, Byron. All day event. Free admission. Watch for more details.

5

THE POWER OF PRAYER IS AMAZING!

The following people are in need of prayer:

Members of CLC: Jerry Hutchinson and and all service men and women.

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO...

Lois Hjellming and family on the death of her husband, Marlow Hjellming. Laurie Magnus and son Aaron Magus and family on the death of Laurie’s mother, Lauretta Toenges (Aaron’s

grandmother).

Madison Mae Mehrkens ~ May 19, 2013 son of Jeremy & Julie Mehrkens

NEW MEMBER JOINING

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a member of the Christ Lutheran Church family, please contact Pastor Steve at 775-6646.

6

BOOK CLUB

Monday, May 6th, the Book Club of Christ Lutheran Church met at Dorothy Norman's home for its May meeting. There were five people in attendance. We discussed the book A Little Folly by Jules Morgan. We decided to take the summer months off and resume in the fall. Below is a list of upcoming books that we will read. September Dear and Glorious Physician by Taylor Caldwell. (A long book; will have the summer to read.) October Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole November Wild by Cheryl Strayde. December Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy by Eric Metaxas. January Summer at Tiffany's by Marjorie Hart. February Racketeer by John Grissom. We tried to use different genres when choosing our books to read. We have done Inspirational, Historical, Adventure or Travel, Light romance, Mystery and Biography. We still have Classical, Medical, Social Ethics to go. We will read something from Dickens for our Classical selection. We have had about eleven ladies come to the meetings. We feel we have read good books, some of which we wouldn't have read if not in the book club. Dorothy Norman, Member of the Book Club

7

APRIL ATTENDANCE

Worship 2013 2012 1st Sunday 267 287 2nd Sunday 187 465 (Easter)

3rd Sunday 237 229

4th Sunday 411 (Confirmation) 240 5th Sunday xxx 548 (Confirmation)

Total Atten. 1,102 1,769

CHURCH DIRECTORIES

The pictorial directory is here! If you had your picture taken you can pick up your directory in the office. If you didn’t get your picture taken and would like to buy a directory the cost is $10. You can leave a check or cash in Christine’s mailbox. Please put your money in an envelope and mark it ‘church directory’. If you have any questions, you may call Christine at 775-6646.

THANK YOU

Thank you for the kind expressions of sympathy shown to us upon the death of Marlow Hjellming. Thanks to Pastor Steve for his visits and prayers. We

are grateful for friends and relatives who brought food, the ladies of the church who organized and served the meal, and others who helped with the service at Christ Lutheran. The cards, memorials and prayers were appreciated by all of us.

Lois Hjellming Paula, Brad & Carissa and Pam

Austin, Conner, Chad, Sadie and Vanessa

8

MAY MEMORIALS

In Memory of Marlow Hjellming Wedding ~ David & Jeanne Tweite

Chancel Choir ~ Ted & Martha Gehrking Mortgage Reduction ~ Dennis & Deb Hansen

Hallaway Memorial Scholarship ~ Bob & Jeannette Tweite

Handbell ~ Denny & MarJean Damerval, Dean & Diane Barclay

50 for 50 ~ David & Linda Grande, Lowell & Carol Holum, Conrad & Donna Hoffman, Dave & Rose Gottschalk, Sylvia

Alberts, Bob & Karen Brekke, Laurie Magnus, Gerald & Marcia Hutchinson, Don Sotebeer, Jerry & Cindy Rieser

Altar ~ Irv & Nancy Nehring; Candelabra ~ Christine Kunz

Undesignated ~ Bev & Howard Olson, Ardys Glasrud

Family Choice ~ Wayne, Bonnie & Alex Prigge, Virginia Searles, Lyle & Jan Stinson, Paul & Pat Teig,

Wayne & Diane DePoppe, Ruth Brooks, Mark & Chris Polzin, Kay McKay, Sandy Wilker, Hugh & Betty Kuhlman, Larry & Sue Briske, Mike & Jane Cabaya, Lou & Jeanne Kuhlmann, Rollo & Betty Strain, Pete & Mary Lombard, Dave & Gail Hovey, Willis & Jan Hjellming, Howard &

Marita Olson, Tracy Winslow, William & Johnie Plummer, Gerald Goulet, Wayne & Mary Kuehn,

Chuck & Cheryl Grimm, Pauline Krieger

In Memory of Louretta Toenges (mother of Laurie Magnus)

50 for 50 ~ Dorothy Norman, Christine Kunz

In Memory of Phillip Hovey

Handbell ~Ted & Martha Gehrking

Undesignated ~ Ardys Glasrud

In Memory of Loren Engelhardt

50 for 50 ~ David & Linda Grande

Hallaway Memorial Scholarship ~ Bob & Jeannette Tweite

In Honor of David & Jeanne Tweite’s 59th Anniversary

Hallaway Memorial Scholarship ~ David & Jeanne Tweite

To the Glory of God ~ Cantata Music ~ Terry & Julie Bird

9

SUMMER GIRL SCOUT CAMPS

The following camps are being offered to girls who are not participating in a traditional Girl Scout troop who would like the summertime fun experience through Girl Scouts ConnectZ. For camp registration or information, contact Leanna Larson at 271-7237 or 288-4703 ext. 1312. Grant money is available; this may be a no cost camp for your child. Camps are filling fast, so please act now!

ROBOTICS DAY CAMP Age: 4th thru 12th Grade When: June 18th thru 20th Time: 9:30am–3:30pm Where: Camp Edith Mayo, 4228 8th St SW, Rochester, MN (7 minutes from Byron)

Become an ace engineer by designing, building and pro-gramming robots. Use sensors, gears, levers and pulleys to create and operate a vehicle and a structure. Test your im-agination and work in a team. No experience necessary. We will teach you everything you need to know. A camp t-shirt, swimming, lunch and snacks will all be provided! Come with a friend or make new friends there.

CAMP WHISPERING HILL: PIRATES! Age: 3rd thru 6th Grade; registration is limited When: August 5th thru 9th Time: 9:30am–3:00pm with an optional overnight stay on Thursday Where: Camp Whispering Hills, near Houston, MN Bus Stop: Rochester, pick-up & drop-off location TBD.

Jump on our pirate ship and participate in several days of camp events pirate style. Join in a race, aim for the highest score in archery and cheer on your teammates in crazy re-lays. Activities will include swimming, boating, games and you can feel free to shop at the trading post. Includes transportation, lunch and snacks.

Leanna Larson, Community Partnership Specialist Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys (507) 288-4703 ext. 1312

10

RIVER OF LIFE NEWS The Sunday school children donated $1,310.34 or 6,552 meals to the Byron food shelf this past year!!! What an out-standing ministry to a local need. Thank you to the following people for all their time and effort teaching and helping this past year. • Teachers: Tim Meek, Diane Theobald, Tracy Steele,

Jane Erickson, Kristine Ihrke, Matt Petersen, Stacy Kraetsch, Sherry Bjelland, Lynette Magnuson, Brittany Turany, Sarah Palmer, Shelby Strain, Susan Holz, Jodi Brossard, David Heinz, Amy Hoerle, Mark Turany, June Turany, Steve Olson and Julie Hedlund

• Helpers: Kelsey Hedlund, Hailey Braaten, Emma Long,

Kaitlyn Anderson, Maddie Palmer, Jordyn Fairchild, Anders Long, Riley Kraetsch, Kendra Blank, Benton Blank, Jacob Ostreng, Rebecca Ostreng and Reanna Ostreng • Crafts: Tami Schneider and Justine Schneider • Music: MarJean Damerval, Stephanie Fugleberg and

Kaia Long Vacation Bible school is June 24th-27th from 6:30-8:00pm. There is an on-line registration or paper registration forms are in the kiosk by the church office. If you can help with VBS please indicate that on your registration form and Matt and Andrea Petersen will be in contact with you — thanks! Come join the epic adventure of knights and castles that empowers kids to stand strong for God! Kaia Long 2012-2013 River of Life Coordinator

11

MOVIE TIME

Sunday, June 9, 2013 2:00-4:00pm

Little Girl Lost

Clara and Tim Brady have been the loving parents of Tella DeBusk since she was a one year old. Now, their family is being torn apart by court mandates and a children’s services bureau that demands she be placed back into the custody of her natural father, a suspected child abuser. The Brady's begin to sell their belongings and commit their lives to battle the system in the effort to save and adopt their foster child. A story that celebrates the very essence of family love and the needs of children at any price.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

2:00-4:00pm

Fine Things

Bernard finds his career leaves little time for romance, so fate takes over. When Bernie meets a little girl, then falls in love with her mother, Liz. They soon marry and add a son to their new family. But, happiness is short lived when Liz becomes ill. Added to the heartbreak is a threat from the past that could tear the family apart. For Bernie, it is a struggle to hold on to and savor the truly fine things in life.

BAYM ~ BYRON AREA YOUTH MININSTRY

Please check our sites for upcoming summer events. BAYM website: byronyouthministry.com or you can find us on Facebook: facebook.comgroups/450903761597534/ Holly Jantzen, BAYM Coordinator

12

CLC SUPPER CLUB IS COMING BACK! Please join a supper club by signing up in late August at church. When the sign-up time has ended, the groups of 8 people will be formed. If you are single, please find a friend and sign up together so that there will be four meals togeth-er sometime during the school year. When it is your turn to host, you can serve brunch, lunch, or dinner, or go out to eat (if that is okay with everyone in the group). This is not a cooking contest; it is about building community through small groups within Christ Lutheran Church. You will spend four occasions with your group during the year, and will then have more people that you think of as friends. Please plan to participate! If you have any questions, please call Dorothy Norman at 775-2950. Dorothy Norman Evangelism Committee

PRODUCE PROJECT

The Produce Project was endorsed by the council at it's May meeting. It is a way to share with those who do not have gardens. Anyone may participate. Any extra produce may be brought to the Sunday Morning Service. There will be a table outside the front door. Place your produce on the table. If there is something you can use, put it in a bag, and give a donation that will equal the cost of the produce. There will not be a price on the items. We hope you will enjoy having fresh produce. The extra produce along with the profits will be given to the Byron Food Shelf through Channel One of Olmsted County. It is our hope that this will be a blessing to everyone as they share the bounty and to the recipients of the fresh produce as well. The Evangelism Committee of Christ Lutheran Church

13

PICNIC & ROCHESTER HONKERS GAME

When: Wednesday, July 17, 2013 Where: Mayo Field, Rochester Time: Picnic 5:30pm, Game 7:05pm The Evangelism Committee is planning a picnic at 5:30pm at Mayo Field parking lot with the Honkers game beginning at 7:05pm at Mayo Field. Bring your family and friends for some outdoor fun. There is no cost to attend either event. Game tickets are limited. You are invited to the picnic even if you do not plan to attend the game. The Honker tickets are sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Although, everyone is encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for Channel One Food Shelf. For free tickets contact Christine in the church office. For planning purposes, please let us know if you plan to attend the picnic when you pick up your tickets. For more information about the picnic you may contact Wayne Cederberg at wcederberg@msn.com or 358-4738.

The Honker’s Baseball Game is Sponsored By:

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans

14

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL (VBS)

Vacation Bible School: Kingdom Rocks! This year’s VBS will be held June 24th through June 27th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Similar to last year there will be numerous stations including lessons from the bible, craft times, music time, as well as game and snack times. We will have many different age groups: • 3, 4, and 5 year olds • 1st and 2nd graders • 3rd and 4th graders • 5th and 6th graders

Adult and Teens: Help is needed! We are looking for approximately 5 adult volunteers, and 5 junior-high or high-school volunteers to assist with the fun. The materials are excellent and should be easy to teach! Teachers, set builders, craft leaders, game leaders, helpers and snack preparers are needed. Please contact Matt at petersen.matthew1@mayo.edu or 269-0790 or Andrea at petersen.andrea@mayo.edu or 269-0819 for more information or to volunteer. Thanks, we look forward to another great year of Vacation Bible School at Christ Lutheran!

15

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM Come to Christ Lutheran Church for Vacation Bible School.

JUNE 24-27, 2013, 6:30-8:00PM

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, BYRON, MN REGISTRATION FEE: $10; $20 MAX. PER FAMILY

God’s victorious power isn’t a

fairy tale...it changes kids forever. Come join the epic adventure

of knights and castles that empowers kids to stand

strong for God!

Bible Study, Games, Activities, Crafts and Songs!

Ages: 3-year olds thru completed 6th grade ~ Bring a Friend!

Registrations are due in the church office by June 16, 2014 (One registration form per child please.)

Child’s Name ________________________ Grade ________ Phone ___________________________________________ Email ____________________________________________ Parent Name ______________________________________ _____ Yes! I’d love to help with VBS! Please contact me.

Office Use Only Amt. Paid $____________ Check #______________ or Cash _______

16

As a way to help generate funds for our Capital Improve-ment fund ($50,000 for 50 Years at CLC); the CLC Council has decided to coordinate and host an Outdoor Flea Market to be held during Good Neighbor Days on July 20th from 8:00am to 5:00pm. This event will be held on the northwest lawn and on the east lawn on our property. It is estimat-ed that we could hold up to 80 booths of folks selling their handmade items; home business vendors; and other items.

We see this as an exciting opportunity to raise funds for our church. What we envision is that there would be live music all day, people mingling about, morning and afternoon treats, along with a noon lunch available for sale – that this is the place to be on July 20th!

More help is needed! Volunteers are sought to help with the Food Stand; line up the entertainment; help with set up and take down; and monitor the church so that people stay within the food and rest room areas. If you are willing to be part of the fun, email Christlutheranevents@gmail.com or contact the Church office at 507-775-6646. Co-chairs for the event are Julie Hedlund and Laurie Magnus.

If you are interested in having a booth during the event, please check out the information on our website: wwwclcbyron.org or email christlutheanevents@gmail.com

Write this down! CLC Outdoor Flea Market July 20, 2013 ~ 8:00am to 5:00pm

The place to be during Byron Good Neighbor Days!

This event is sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

17

The 2011-12 Christ Lutheran Church Council set a goal to raise $50,000 before our 50th Anniversary Celebration to be held on September 29, 2013. This money would go for Capital Improvements that were prioritized by the Build-ing & Grounds Committee. So far, new concrete was put in at the front and north entries; 23 new energy-efficient win-dows were installed; and the parking lot is ready to be re-surfaced. Thank you to those who have given. Over $30,000 has been raised to accomplish those projects. The deadline to raise the balance of the money is July 31, 2013.

Unfortunately, we are over $17,000 from our goal which means the new flooring for the Narthex and Sanctuary may be put on hold. Please take a moment and look at the carpet in the Narthex! Is this the first impression we want to make when visitors come to our church? I don’t think so!

A committee has been meeting and have come up with some options for flooring. A display is in the narthex for you to look at. Come check it out and give us your input on the one you think is the best! Volunteers are also ready to give a new coat of paint to several areas in our church, once the flooring is selected.

We have TWO months to finish raising this money so that the work may begin in August and be ready for our 50th Anniversary Celebration in September. Won’t you help?

Let’s work together to get this this project done!

18

YOUTH MISSION TRIP SHARES This summer, Christ Lutheran Church has nine Senior High Youth going on a Mission Trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota from July 28th to August 3rd. Together with around thirty other youth from other states and churches, they will fix buildings, paint, and lead kid’s clubs. They are going to share the love of Christ through service. Those going are: Maddie Palmer, Justine Schneider, Emma Long, Anders Long, Jordyn Fairchild, Brittany Turany, Brennan Strain, Isaac Jestus and Shelby Strain and one chaperone, Dorothy Norman. There are four youth and one chaperone going from Byron Methodist Church. Estimated total cost of the trip is $450 per youth. Youth helped with the smelt feed, Palm Sunday French toast breakfast and auction to raise money for the scholarship fund. We are planning on a scholarship fund subsidy of $225 per youth. Since these are service-oriented trips in which the youth will primarily be helping other people and living out the Gospel, we are hoping that many CLC members as well as family members of our youth will consider investing in our youth and in their mission trips, both with your prayers and by buying shares in the trip. We are asking mission trip sponsors to pray for all of the youth as they make their journey. Pray that they may be strengthened in their faith and that others may be blessed through them. Sponsors will receive a postcard from the youth while they are on their mission trip. And as a spon-sor, you will be invited to a post-trip meal and presentation (late summer/early fall) to thank you and acknowledge your investment of prayer and your financial contribution. The youth are also encouraged to find sponsors outside our congregation, including family and relatives.

19

If you would be willing to become a Mission Trip Sponsor for our youth, we are asking for a donation of $25 per spon-sorship share, please fill out the form and place it with your check in the offering plate or bring it to the church office. Checks should be written to Christ Lutheran Church. Our goal is to raise 50 shares at 25 dollars a share which would come to $1,250 to cover expenses among youth and our chaperone. If any extra shares are sold the money will be used for our next mission trip. The youth and their families have already invested $100 towards their trip and are responsible for any spending money. Forms can be found on the kiosk in the narthex. Thank you for your support!

AUGUST NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

The deadline for the August Newsletter is July 20th. Please have your articles in promptly. Thank you!

YOU ALREADY HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO HEAL BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

Healing foster parents needed! “Traumatized, disconnected children don’t talk grief. They do grief.” With this thought firmly in mind, Anu Family Services has developed a model for foster care around healing children’s grief and loss, rather than diagnosing and treating “disorders”. A national leader in child permanence and placement stability, Anu Family Services invites you to join our team as a foster parent and experience the benefits! If you are interested in more information about becoming a healing foster parent, please call us at (877) 287-2441 or email info@anufs.org

20

WE PRAY FOR OUR CHILDREN Adapted from Ina J. Hughs

We pray for our children,

Who sneak popsicles before supper, Who erase holes in math workbooks,

Who can never find their shoes.

And we pray for those who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,

Who can't bound down the street in a new pair of sneakers, Who were born in places we wouldn't be caught dead,

Who never go to the circus, Who live in an x-rated world.

We pray for children who bring us sticky kisses

and fistfuls of Dandelions, Who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money.

We pray for those who never get dessert,

Who have no safe blanket to drag behind them, Who watch their parents watch them die,

Who can't find any bread to steal, Who don't have any rooms to mess up or to clean up,

Whose pictures aren't on anybody's dresser, Whose monsters are real.

We pray for children who spend all their

allowance before Tuesday, Who throw tantrums in the grocery store and

pick at their food, Who like ghost stories,

Who shove dirty clothes under the bed and never rinse out the tub,

Who get visits from the tooth fairy, Who don't like to be kissed in front of the carpool, Who squirm in church and scream in the phone,

Whose tears we sometimes laugh at and whose smiles can make us cry.

21

And we pray for those whose nightmares come in the daytime, Who will eat anything,

Who have never seen a dentist, Who aren't spoiled by anybody,

Who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep, Who live and move, but have no being.

We pray for children who want to be carried, And for those who will never walk, or see, or hear, or learn,

And for those we will never give up on, And for those who don't get a second chance.

For these are our children.

We pray for them. We pledge our commitment to care for them.

We gladly accept responsibility for them. We will make our world a safe home for them.

We will love them.

Amen.

MOTORCYCLE RIDE

Pastor Steve is planning a motorcycle ride for Sunday, June 23rd. We will

leave the church parking lot at 11:00am and ride to Wabasha where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, you may continue around Lake Pepin or head back to Byron. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Steve.

SAVE THE DATE

Sunday, July 20, 2013 Special Service at 9:00am with Potluck Following

in Conjunction with Good Neighbor Days

Sponsored by the Evangelism Committee

22

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

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

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Other information to share: _________________________

_______________________________________________

_______________________________________________

Name: _________________________________________

Phone: _________________________________________

Email: __________________________________________

23

Heavenly Father,

Shower your blessings upon all fathers.

Grant them wisdom to guide their children along right paths.

Grant them the strength to forgive when their children stray from those paths.

Grant them perseverance as they provide for the needs of their families.

May your love shelter them in times of need, and expand their capacity for

forgiveness, kindness, and compassion.

You, who are Father of us all, hold all fathers in your warm and generous heart.

Amen.

24

INTERFAITH HOSPITALITY NETWORK (IHN)

A most heartfelt thank you to Christ Lutheran Church for letting us use our church for a host site and for the various kinds of support you show for IHN. We have two vacancies in our coordinator position slots. One of those positions is for the Overnight Host Coordinator and the second is as a Set-Up and Take Down Coordinator. If interested, contact Jim Gronvold.

2013 REMAINING HOST WEEKS:

June 2-9, 2013 September 1-8, 2013 November 3-10, 2013

UPCOMING ORIENTATION SESSIONS:

Thursday, June 20, 2013; 6:30pm Redeemer Lutheran Church

869 7th Ave SE, Rochester, MN

Wednesday, July 24, 2013; 6:30pm Peace United Church of Christ

1503 2nd Ave NE, Rochester, MN

TO VOLUNTEER OR QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:

Jim Gronvold 775-6314 or Jimd.gronvold@yahoo.com

25

50TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE

The 50th Anniversary Committee meets the first Tuesday of each month at Christ Lutheran Church at 6:45pm. We can always use committee members to help us plan our 50th Anniversary Celebration which will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2013. We especially would like some moms of toddlers that could help the sub-committee that is planning the catered meal by offering input to plan the best menu that would appeal to both those toddlers as well as the youth and adults. Also, volunteers will be needed on Saturday, July 20th to help sell the new anniversary cookbook at the ‘Fun in the Sun’ car show and our Church’s flea market that will be held in conjunction with the Byron Good Neighbor days festival this summer. Good Neighbor Days grand parade is on Sunday, July 21st. Christ Lutheran will have a horse drawn unit to make the community aware that we are 50 years old in 2013. If you would like to ride on the float or walk in the parade, please look for a sign-up sheet in the narthex starting on Father’s Day ,Sunday, June 16th. Committee Members Sylvia Alberts 636-5135 Audrey Boysen 251-8970 Sue Briske 775-6735 JoAnn Brooks* 775-7032 Ruth Brooks 775-2725 Diane DePoppe 529-3823 Jim Gronvold* 775-6314 Lois Hjelllming 289-3244 Carol Holum 775-6827 Lowell Holum 775-6827 Kay McKay 775-2481 Joan Prigge 282-8475 * 50th Anniversary Committee Co-Chairpersons

ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

26

We also ask for your help in continuing to sell our fabulous cookbooks. Please think about a place where you could help us by placing posters up on Byron and area bulletin boards advertising the cookbooks. Also, if you think of a business where we could sit and sell the Cookbooks, please let one of the committee members know. Also, a suggestion came up at our last meeting to place a classi-fied ad in the newsletters that many employers and other businesses have for their employees and readers. If you would be willing to do this, please see one of the committee members listed in this article. If you have any concerns or questions, you may contact either one of the co-chairs; JoAnn Brooks or Jim Gronvold.

GOOD NEIGHBOR DAY PARADE

We plan to have an entry in the GND Parade on July 21st. The parade is scheduled for 6:00pm. The parade will start at the Middle School parking lot and go down 4th Street to the Elementary School parking lot. Dick Bedney will bring his horses and wagon for the float. We would like the older members to ride in the wagon. If interested please contact, Ruth Brooks at 775-2725. First come, first serve! We will also need volunteers for the following: Parade Monitors: To walk along side of the wagon to keep spectators out of the way of the horses. Sign Carriers: To carry a CLC sign in front of the horses. We are looking for a sign or someone willing to make one. Pooper Scoopers: To clean up behind the horses. Make plans to ride or watch the parade in honor of the 50th Anniversary of Christ Lutheran Church.

27

CHURCH FINANCES THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS AND FAITHFUL GIVING!

Expenses – The budgeted expenses through April 30th were $101,759 with the actual expenses at $95,468. This means our expenses were 94% of the budgeted amount for the first four months of the year. Income – As of April 30th our year-to-date budget for total income was $104,048 with actual income of $99,465. This means our total income was approximately 95% of our expected income. The budgeted year-to-date giving (regular offering) through April was $99,333 with actual regular offerings of $95,700 (not including the 50 for 50 campaign). This is about 96% of expected Sunday giving. Line of Credit (LOC) – Through April we have not had to borrow money from the bank. This is great news! Thank you to those who have been generous so far this year. As we move into summer, we ask that you stay cur-rent with your intentional giving. The finance committee would like to get through the summer without having to bor-row from the line of credit. You can make this possible by enrolling in the Simply Giving program. This is an electronic giving program. All banking information kept on file will remain secure and confidential. The Simply Giving program gives the church a steady income, even at times when attendance is down. The program also helps you with your budget and ease of not writing a check weekly or monthly. If you have any questions regarding this program please contact Christine in the office at clcchristine@frontier.com or 775-6646. An authorization form can be found in the kiosk or online at clcbyron.org Click on ‘About’ then Documents/Policies. The document is titled ‘Simply Giving Authorization’.

28

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES May 21, 2013 ~ 6:30pm

MISSION STATEMENT

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

Present: JoAnn Brooks, Jim Gronvold, Julie Hedlund, Brent Hoegh, Lee Jacobson, Anders Long, Laurie Magnus, Dorothy Norman, Mark Turany and Pastor Steve Rheingans. Absent: Brenda Nickles, Candace Ostreng, Jacob Ostreng The Council of Christ Lutheran Church had their meeting on May 21, 2013 in the church at 6:30pm Lee Jacobson led devotions. Laurie Magnus moved to accept the agenda as printed, second by Brent Hoegh, motion carried. JoAnn Brooks moved to accept the minutes as printed, second by Lee Jacobson, motion carried. Brent reported that April was a good month but we remain below budgeted income. Expenses are down so we are still in the black for the year. The year-to-date income is approximately $2,800 below last year and approximately $4,600 below budget. Year to date expenses are $6,000 above last year, but $6,290 lower than budget. Net income for year-to-date is $4,000. 50 for 50 Capital Improvements Fund is $17,478. The committee reports were accepted as printed; the Anniversary report was also accepted. The Pastor's Reports, which includes both pastors, were accepted.

29

In light of the recent marriage legislation passed by the State of Minnesota, Bishop Usgaard sent each church a letter suggesting congregations develop clear policy. CLC’s bylaws and resolutions already state clear policy. There is no problem because we have dealt with this issue. Minnesota’s new marriage law does not affect our policies. (CLC’s constitution, bylaws and resolutions can be found on our church website under about/documents & policies/2011 CLC Constitution bylaws.) JoAnn gave an update on the nursery survey. The council revamped and changed the order of some questions. JoAnn will have the survey in the narthex as well as online. People can respond as they choose. We are hoping that many users will respond. Letters will go out to those who, according to our records, have not communed nor contributed in the years of 2011 & 2012. Laurie and Julie spoke about the flea market that is being planned for the Saturday Good Neighbor Days, July 20th. They have done much planning and need at least twenty vendors by June 15th. The charge is $75 for a 20x15, and $50 for 10x15 area. Brent spoke about the need for appreciation to the employ-ees of Samaritan Bethany. The staff has not received any boost in wages in several years. We sent Christmas cook-ies in December and May Day baskets in May. Nancy Hoegh has volunteered to coordinate groups/individuals who would like to help with this effort. Evangelism Committee asked the council for acceptance to do a Produce Project in which persons from our congrega-tion can share their extra produce this summer. There will be a free will donation container for those who would like to have the fresh produce. The proceeds will benefit Channel One Food Shelf and be designated to Byron Food Shelf.

30

Laurie Magnus moved to accept the Abuse Prevention Program Policy as written. Second by Brent Hoegh. Motion carried. Dorothy Norman moved to invite the Youth Encounter team for September 22, 2013. Their "pay" will be a free will offering. Second by Jim Gronvold. Motion carried. Brent Hoegh made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Second by Laurie Magnus. Motion carried. Our meeting ended with praying the Lord's Prayer. Respectfully submitted by: Dorothy Norman, Secretary

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

Next Council Meeting Tuesday, June 18, 2013

6:30pm

31

CLC STAFF

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

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

U.S. TORNADOES: DISASTER RESPONSE Monday's tornado in Moore, OK, claimed many lives and left behind a devastating trail of destruction. Even before Monday's tornado, hundreds of homes were damaged or destroyed last weekend as 28 tornadoes touched down throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Illinois and Iowa.

Your help is needed to bring hope to our sisters and broth-ers in need. Lutheran Disaster Response affiliates are already on the ground, assessing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the tornadoes. It will be a long road to recovery, and your gifts are needed now to begin coordinating volunteers, rebuilding homes and offering spiritual and emotional care to those in need.

Your gifts designated to "U.S. Tornadoes" through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely - 100% - to help survivors of tornadoes rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

32

CH

RIS

T LU

THE

RA

N C

HU

RC

H

201

FRO

NTA

GE

RO

AD

NW

BY

RO

N, M

N 5

5920

cl

cchr

istin

e@fro

ntie

r.com

w

ww

.clc

byro

n.or

g

NO

N P

RO

FIT

OR

GA

NIZ

ATI

ON

U

.S. P

OS

TAG

E P

AID

BY

RO

N, M

INN

ES

OTA

PE

RM

IT N

UM

BE

R 1

7

ADD

RE

SS

SE

RV

ICE

RE

QU

ES

TED