The Herald Volume VI, No. 3
Telling the story of Christ the King Lutheran Church
March 2016
The Big Picture Take a step back and get back to why
In this issue: 2 Staff Directory; Prayer Needs
3 Issue Introduction:
Seeing the Big Picture
4-5 Worship and Music 6-7 Care and Community 8-9 Children, Youth, and Family
10-11 Global and Local Mission
12 Calendar The Herald is published monthly by Christ the King Lutheran Church. 1900 7th St. NW, New Brighton, MN 55112 Website: www.lifeatctk.org | Phone: 651.633.4674 Join us for worship! Sundays, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
G
uided by the Gospel, it is the mission of Christ the King Lutheran Church to make disciples for Jesus Christ by inviting and welcoming all to serve God and God’s people by joining in:
1900 7th St NW New Brighton, MN 55112 651-633-4674
• Gathering for worship and fellowship, • Growing in faith and understanding, • Giving of our time and resources.
Facebook
www.facebook.com/ lifeatctk Twitter
On the Web
@LifeatCtK
www.lifeatctk.org
Instagram
@LifeatCtK
Staff Directory Pastors
Program Staff
Peter Hanson ext. 106 Lead Pastor
[email protected]
Anne van Bruggen Director of Childrens’ Music
[email protected]
Deborah Birkeland ext. 108 Congregational Care Pastor
[email protected]
Justin Buck Sound and Light Technician
Jacqueline Belzer Mission Developer, Cristo Rey
[email protected] Peter Christ ext. 109 Interim Pastoral Associate
[email protected]
Nate Crary ext. 116 Director of Worship and Music
[email protected] Carol Hokel Organist/Pianist Steve Fischer ext. 110 Director of Youth and Family Ministry
[email protected] Allison Leding Hand Bell Choir Director Heather Nelson Choral Director
[email protected]
Melodee Rossi ext. 119 Director of Small Group Ministry
[email protected] Deb Wolterstorff ext. 111 Director of Children and Family Ministry
[email protected] Administration KC Gubrud ext. 101 Director of Operations
[email protected] Christine Fifield ext. 107 Communications Coordinator
[email protected] Eunice Helgeson ext. 104 Business Administrator
[email protected] Candi Phelps ext. 102 Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Maintenance/Kitchen Paul Alexander ext. 112 Maintenance Custodian Tom Heille Cleaning Custodian Steve Kaun Building Steward, Chef Tony Nourse Lead Custodian
ext. 112
Dale Razskazoff Cleaning Custodian Rusty Sorenson Kitchen Coordinator
[email protected] Parish Nurses Judy Benke Julie Philbrook Jo Tollefson
Jean Metcalf Bookkeeper
Current prayer needs
W
e are a community that prays with and for one another. Join us this month as we pray for the following people known to us to be in need of our prayers:
Jack Briggs Chuck Christians Johnna Coffing Jim Dahl Bev Derrick Mildred Dorner Myrtle Foster Rick Hanson Brent Harapat Judy Hewitt Truman Jeffers
2 | The Herald
Hank Jensen Carrie Kane John Krzyska Deanna Miller Sam Miller Pat Nolby Curt Riege Bob Sackariason Norm Wells Joyce Wennberg Janice Zustiak
Sympathies
Family and friends on the death of Carol Balfany
David Kerkow and family on the death of his wife, Susan
Nancy Burton and family on the death of her father, LaRell Kettner
Diane and Bob Shallue on the death of Diane’s father, Ken
Family and friends on the death of Ruth Hillestad
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Seeing the big picture By Peter Hanson, Lead Pastor
O
ne of the things I struggle with the most is getting lost in the details. It happens in my home life as well as in my work life—it has even crept in to the first few drafts of this article. Getting stuck down in the weeds, as many have put it, happens frequently enough for me that I have to repeat a sort of mantra to myself to help me refocus: “Take a step back,” I say to myself. “Keep your eyes on the Big Picture.” I tell myself this when I find I’m stuck focusing on the minutia. When I fret about which slide to use as a sermon illustration rather than what is the Good News I’m called to proclaim. When I try to come up with the best organizational chart to show the relationship between our committees, rather than focusing on what ministry these committees are meant to be about. When I go back and forth between thinking Monday or Friday is the better day off, until I miss completely the point of Sabbath rest. When I wonder if our early service should best start at 9:00, 8:45 or 8:40 a.m., rather than concentrating more on the elements that make up that worship service. Our consultant from Kairos frequently reminds us in our meetings to restate as often as possible Christ the King’s purpose and ask, “Why is this congregation on the planet in the first place?” In recent days and months, we’ve attempted to look at the big picture, to keep the overall purpose of CtK in front of our eyes. Frequent use of our Mission Statement—“Guided by the Gospel, it is the mission of Christ the King Lutheran Church to make disciples for Jesus Christ by inviting and welcoming all to serve God and God’s people by joining in gathering for worship and fellowship, growing in faith and understanding, and giving of our time and resources”— can help remind us. Reframing these words into a CtK Vision (as I did for my sermon on Christ the King Sunday) can also help us hear these words in a newer, fresher way. Connecting committee reports to our nine Mission Objectives, or restating our Budget for Ministry in a narrative form serves this same purpose as well. “Take a step back,” we can say to one another. “Let’s keep our eyes on the Big Picture and remind each other why this congregation matters.” Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, Elizabeth Eaton, recently alluded to this big picture in the September issue of The Lutheran magazine when she wrote, “The church does not belong to us. The church is not a vehicle for our convenience, status, success, or even comfort. The church is the living body of Christ, breathed by the Spirit and called into deep communion with God. Everything else is at best supplementary, and at worst a distraction.” God is calling us at CtK to take a step back, to examine what is claiming our attention. God is calling us to look at the big picture, to remember why we’re here in the first place. God is calling us to be the body of Christ in the time and place. Let’s not get lost in the details. Christ the King Lutheran Church
About the cover: Throughout Lent and Holy Week, CtK member Jenny Popp is painting custom pieces of art around the scripture for each Sunday. Check out the full collection in the chapel or visit lifeatctk.org to view the digital gallery.
Transitions in leadership
I
n the coming months, we will walk together through transitions in pastoral leadership as we say farewell and Godspeed to Pastor Deb and Pastor Pete and say hello and welcome to Pastor John. Keep this community in your prayers as we navigate through this time of transition together. March 20: Thanks, Pastor Pete! A send-off for Pastor Pete will be in between 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. worship on March 20. Pastor Pete has served as Interim Pastoral Associate since fall 2015. April 3: Celebrate Pastor Deb’s 25 Years of Ministry Join us in wishing Pastor Deb well as she begins her retirement and thanking her for her years of service. A reception and luncheon will follow 10:30 a.m. worship. All are welcome. April 10: Welcome, Pastor John! Join us as we welcome CtK’s new Associate Pastor, John Schwehn. John was unanimously approved as Associate Pastor on Sunday Feb. 14. The Herald | 3
worship Study outcome #7
I have heard from families with little ones that one of the most challenging times in worship for them happens during the prayers. Traditionally, we stand and silently listen to the praying pastor, responding with a spoken “hear our prayer” throughout. In response, I’ve looked for simple and profound pieces of music for us to sing during the prayers, to encourage our children’s participation during this meaningful worship practice.
By Nate Crary, Director of Worship and Music
I
t’s hard to believe six months have passed since I started at Christ the King. In that time, I have said good-bye to Hannah, hello to Pete and Heather, am saying good-bye to Deb and Pete, and hello to John. (If you don’t recognize all of those names, you have some catching up to do!) Though leadership transitions can be difficult, they also give us a really great opportunity to reflect and renew. We owe deep gratitude to those who have worked for years to build our worship and music ministry into what it is today. As new opportunities arise and our leaders go through life transitions, we remain grateful for the dedication of those who have built and maintained beloved CtK traditions but also anticipate that new energy will help our ministry continue to flourish. I often find myself looking through this lens of honoring what has been while 4 | The Herald
During Advent, we let the prayers come directly from the people and even heard incredibly thoughtful and relevant prayers directly from the mouths of our young people. simultaneously leaning into what will be as your director of worship and music. My role as your director of worship and music is new to CtK; it was derived from your ideas given during last year’s worship and music study (see #7 from the brief summary). In fact, I’m considering changing my title from Director of Worship and Music to Study Outcome #7. Just kidding. It is a great joy and challenge of mine to honor the work that went into that study and allow its results to impact my decisions on ways we can enrich our worship life. The study summary is posted at eye-level in my office, to keep me focused on the big picture. A piece of feedback I’ve been particularly focused on is that, “Almost all members had desire for children and youth to be more active in worship.”
In Lent, we launched “Worship Words,” an activity that helps children of all ages listen for important words throughout the entire worship service. This activity encourages everyone to find relevant and personal meaning in what we say and do in worship. Do we have a ways to go to fully engage our youth and children during worship? You betcha, we do! And I’m excited to begin big-picture conversations with more ministry leaders to find new ways we can build on the rich worship traditions at CtK. Though I’m only addressing one piece of the study results, I encourage you to notice other ways your feedback is being responded to in our worship life. Maybe you have already made those connections. Maybe there’s something more you would like to see in our worship. Know that I am here to help you make that happen. Christ the King Lutheran Church
&
&
music
The Way of Christ: Holy Week 2016
W
e are entering a holy time, a sacred time. Throughout the season of Lent and into Holy Week, we are reminded more than any other time in the year of the bigger picture. During this season, we are reminded of what this—the church, our community—is all about. Now and in the weeks ahead, we come face-to-face with a very human and very holy Jesus; a Jesus that sees all of our shortcomings, all of our failures and says, “I love you anyway.” A reminder we all need hear. Join us as together we grapple with Christ’s journey to the cross, death, and resurrection. Come and be reminded of why we gather and our collective identity in a God that brings us out of death and into new life.
Palm Sunday |
March 20, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.
Jesus arrives to Jerusalem. Usher in a special week of worship with the waving of palms and shouts of “Hosanna!”. On Palm Sunday at CtK, we will gather in the narthex and process into the sanctuary together at the start of worship. As a Growing in Faith Together Sunday, children will be invited to play a special role in this service.
Maundy Thursday |
March 24, 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m.
Jesus eats the Last Supper with his disciples. In this meal, we are reminded of Jesus presence among us. Come and hear the words, “This is my body and blood given for you” as we share communion and a meal together. Lunch will follow the 12:00 noon service. CtK Youth will lead the 6:30 p.m. service which includes a soup dinner. 25, Good Friday | March 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Jesus dies. Before Jesus can rise again, we must first experience the sorrow and pain of his death. At 10:30 a.m., children and their families are invited to hear a kid-friendly retelling of the story. In the evening, CtK vocalists and instrumentalists will use music and narration in a dramatic interpretation of The Seven Last Days. This cantata will take us on a musical journey through Jesus’ last days, from Palm Sunday to his death on the cross.
Easter Sunday | and 12:15 p.m. (en Español)
March 27, 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m.,
Jesus is resurrected. Join us as we shout, “Alleluia!” upon discovering the empty tomb. Jesus is risen and we have so much to celebrate. Come and join the celebration at any one of our five Easter services. New to CtK this Easter will be a 6:30 a.m. sunrise service and a service in Spanish at 12:15 p.m.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
The Herald | 5
Elders in Action: From idea to reality
care
Upcoming opportunities
By Christine Fifield, Communications Coordinator How to Create a Personal Sabbath** Wednesday, April 6 and 13, 4:00-5:00 p.m. feel like I talk all the time about the incredible Creating a sabbath rest adds a deeper meaning happenings going on at CtK. One of the things I to our spiritual life. Come and learn practical love about this place is that there is no shortage ways to incorporate your entire brain into your of people with great ideas. Not only do people sabbath practices. Cost is $5 per person. To have great ideas but they also take the initiative register, sign up on Sunday or call the church to make these ideas come to life. office at 651-633-4674.
I
Since last fall, Elders in Action transformed from a great idea into a thriving and growing reality. Elders in Action (or EiA, for short) seeks to provide all-encompassing enrichment experiences for those aged 55 and older. “We felt there was a need in our community,” said Nancy McCann, an active member of the EiA task force, which gathers for planning meetings each Wednesday.
Growing through Loss
EiA hasn’t been the only CtK effort to reach this particular demographic. Many of you may remember social groups like Gen M and educational opportunities like Higher Ground. But, up until this point, there has never been a group that provided not only social and educational outlets but informative, serviceoriented, and spiritual opportunities, too.
Stepping On: A New Senior Falls Prevention Workshop
“This group is much more well-rounded,” continued Nancy. Well-rounded is right! So far the group has done everything from visit the American Swedish Institute, volunteer together at Feed My Starving Children, and host guest speakers like Rollie Martinson who came to speak on his new book, Elderhood. It seems like there’s nothing this group won’t try. If you would like to find out more about this group and what events they have coming up, please visit lifeatck.org or call the office at 651-433-4674. Those specifically interested in planning upcoming events and opportunities are also welcome to come to EiA’s weekly planning meeting on Wednesdays at 4:00 p.m.
EiA 6 | The Herald
Thursdays, April 7-May 12, 6:45-9:00 p.m. St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church This series provides an opportunity for individuals to obtain information and support for a variety of loss and grief issues. No registration needed. Pick up a brochure in the office or call Nancy Jahnke at 763-755-5335 for more information.
Mondays, April 11-May 23,10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon Stepping On is a program that has been researched and proven to reduce falls in older people. Workshops will be facilitated by the CtK Parish Nurses. Cost is a suggested $20 donation for the entire seven week workshop. Class size is limited to the first 15 people. Download the registration form (PDF) or pick one up in the church office to register.
Savvy Senior Resource Fair**
Tuesday, April 26, 3:30-7:50 p.m. EiA is partnering with Savvy Senior Sources, LLC to bring you the “Savor Life Educational and Resource Fair.” This event is intended for seniors looking for resources to maintain their lifestyle, people taking care of aging or dependent spouses, and for boomers looking for resources on caring for aging parents. Attendees will hear from experts in the field and visit with a variety of professionals and resources in our area. Cost: $10 (includes meal and a copy of The Savvy Senior Sources Guide) Registration opening soon! **=Indicates an official EiA event.
The mission of Elders in Action is to provide social activities, opportunities for volunteer service, community outreach, educational programs, and spiritual growth.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
&
&
community The multi-generational opportunity By Pete Christ, Interim Pastoral Associate
T
he church is one of the few places in society that consistently gathers segments of every generation under the same roof. It’s hard to imagine a congregation for which this is truer than here at Christ the King. Here, we even have three (sometimes four) generations within the same family present. Some might see this as a real challenge, but perhaps it’s one of the greatest opportunities CtK has yet to really exploit. “Create and lead a variety of faith formation opportunities that are both age-specific and cross-generational, allowing for the growth of faith throughout the congregation.” This is part of the charge being given to Pastor John when he starts in his new role as Associate Pastor next month. In order for him to successfully guide CtK into this approach to faith development perhaps we should understand as much as we can about the generations that inhabit our community. The Generations of CtK Traditionalists are those who were born prior to 1945. The Great Depression, World War II and Korea are all defining moments for those in this group. They’ve known what it’s like to have very little and how hard work is necessary to provide for what’s really important, like family and faith. This is the group with the most consistent church attendance. They have a lifetime of stories to share and appreciate the most formal types of communication from firm handshakes to handwritten cards and letters. Many of CtK’s founding members come from this generation. Boomers were born between 1945 and 1964. This generation put a man on the moon, passed the civil rights amendment, watched the deaths of JFK and MLK, and fought in and against Vietnam. This is the generation that goes to work early and stays late. They value face-to-face conversation but are also comfortable with technology. They have never stopped learning, giving, and caring. At CtK, Boomers are the doers and the mentors capable of shaping the future. Gen-Xers were born between 1965 and 1980 and grew up with working parents and rising divorce rates. They experienced the Challenger explosion, Christ the King Lutheran Church
the Berlin wall coming down, and Desert Storm. The rise and growing influence of technology defines Gen-Xers’ history and their future. Family time is precious and supersedes any external obligations that might come from school, work, or church. They are independent and creative while longing for authentic connectivity. Millennials were born between 1981 and 2004. This group has lived with technology embedded in every aspect of their lives. As a result, they have tremendous access to the world. Safety is a chief concern having grown up amid global terrorism and school shootings. Yet they remain optimistic and cause-oriented. Their entrepreneurial instincts are poised to change the world. They’re multitaskers and social-networkers of the highest order. They hate to talk on the phone, preferring casual digital communication. They’re loyal to anyone they consider to be their friend and very skeptical of established organizations. We’re just now starting to figure out the iGen, those born after 2005. The questions we need to ask now are how do all these generations work together? How do we build bridges across the multiple generations? And, how do we effectively tap into the strengths of each of these groups? The boundaries between the generations are certainly fluid and there remains a lot of common ground. It might be in the uniqueness of each generation where we discover the true shape of the Body of Christ and our opportunity to be the church of tomorrow. *Material was compiled from ReGenerations: Why Connecting Generations Matters by Jessica Stollings.
The Herald | 7
& fam
children Two generations of service
E
ach year, participants on the ASP (Appalachia Service Project) trip submit their most memorable moments to be published in a book full of reflections from the trip. These stories are not only powerful for the participants to read, but they are powerful for all of us. They remind us that our call to serve our neighbor extends far beyond the New Brighton city limits. They remind us, too, that we serve best in community, youth and adults working side-by-side. In his reflection, CtK member and high school junior Matthew van Bruggen said, “I could feel God’s presence when I was with [the amazing family we worked with]. Our family didn’t necessarily have a lot, but they still wanted to share what they had with us. One of my favorite moments was when the 11-year-old boy was so eager to help us with our project. This trip makes me realize all the things that I have in my life that I should be thankful for.” ASP not only provides youth like Matthew with the opportunity to build relationships among trip participants or the families they work with, but across generations. For the past two years, Matthew has been accompanied on these trips by his father, Wouter van Bruggen.
“There are no words that can possibly do this ASP experience justice,” said Wouter about his experience last summer. “There have been many God moments on this trip. The first God moment was our fantastic youth. It’s often said that our youth are self-centered and selfish. However, when you travel with more than 20 that all give a week of their time, spirit, and love to total strangers, you see God at work....The second God moment is my son, Matthew. ...This trip is even more meaningful to me when I can share it with my child. Seeing [him] flourish, share, and grow into a fantastic human being is amazing. ... “The [final] God moment was the family we helped. ...This has truly been one of the best experiences in my life.” Through ASP, we not only have the opportunity to help a family in need but the invaluable opportunity of building bridges between the youth and adults in our community. “Each year, I am joined by incredible youth that I have had the privilege of seeing grow up right here at CtK,” said Steve Fischer, CtK’s Director of Youth and Family. “This particular program offers me the opportunity to see them grow in their faith by watching them all do exactly what God calls us to do: to serve and love others. The service trip to Appalachia is one that can’t happen without the tremendous support we continually get from the members of CtK.” Support more stories If you’d like to continue to support more youth and adults take advantage of this amazing opportunity, mark your calendars for the ASP Silent Auction on Sunday, April 17. By donating goods or your dollars, you are helping make it possible for us to continue to offer this experience for more people in our community.
Congratulations to our 2016 ELCA Scholarship recipients
This year, we are supporting ten students to attend an ELCA college or university: Emma Stivers, Junior, Luther, Decorah, IA Hope Knoppel, Junior, Concordia, Moorhead, MN Mari Erickson, Junior, Augsburg, Minneapolis, MN Madison Brauer, Sophomore, Luther, Decorah, IA Isaac Stivers, Sophomore, Luther, Decorah, IA Alexis Weierke, Freshman, Gustavus Adolphus, St. Peter, MN 8 | The Herald
Lauren Sravya Lowe Freshman, Gustavus Adolphus, St. Peter, MN Maya Hernandez, Freshman, Concordia University, St. Paul, MN Elijah Grow-Hanson, Freshman, Pacific Lutheran, Tacoma, WA Andrew Willner, Freshman, St. Olaf, Northfield, MN Christ the King Lutheran Church
& mily
youth Why we do VBS
J
une seems like a long ways off but preparations for 2016 Vacation Bible School are in full swing. As an annual event, it can be easy to forget why we continue to offer this awesome week of faith-forming fun each year. Here’s our reminder: 1. It’s a fun way to learn about the Bible. Learning the Bible is hard, even for adults. Fun games, songs, snacks, and dramas give life and energy to these ancient and important stories. 2. It keeps kids engaged throughout the summer. Without Sunday School and Confirmation, summer can seem a little empty around here. VBS is a great chance for kids to form community with one another and re-engage with life at CtK. 3. It’s a gift to our community. Many of the kids who enjoy VBS come straight from the neighborhood surrounding our building. And thanks to generous donations to this program, for many years we’ve been able to offer VBS to neighborhood families for a small donation or completely free of charge.
Faith Step: First Communion
While we’re on the subject...
First Communion Class and Bread Baking Saturday, March 12, 9:00-11:30 a.m. This class provides communion instruction to fifth graders and their parents in preparation for the sacrament of Holy Communion. Older students who have not received instruction are also welcome to attend with their parents. We will also be baking the bread to be used on Sunday. RSVP to
[email protected] or by calling 651-633-4674.
Summer camp registration deadline: March 15 Registrations for Camp Wapo and ASP are due Tuesday, March 15. Register and make payment online at lifeatctk.org/summer.
Celebration of First Holy Communion Sunday, March 13, 10:30 am. Students and families will commune together in worship.
Appalachia Service Project (ASP) for grades 8-12 Dates: June 18-26 Cost: $450
As we remember that we are clothed with compassion and called to put our faith into action, we ask that you support these Faith Steps, even if you don’t have children or grandchildren participating. Make plans to be in worship on the special Faith Step days. Reach out to our young people as they celebrate each milestone.
Let’s make this VBS the best one yet! VBS is June 13-16, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon for kids ages three through fifth grade. Registration opens next month. In the meantime, we need lots of people to get involved in order for this program to be a success. Please visit lifeatctk.org/summer to sign up as a volunteer or contact Director of Children and Family Minisytry Deb Wolterstorff at deb@ lifeatctk.org for more information.
SEEDS for grades 2-3 Dates: July 15-17 Cost: $150.00 Bible Camp for grades 4-9 Dates: July 17-22 Cost: $410.00 Christ the King Lutheran Church
The Herald | 9
An inivitation for global engagement
G
& miss
global
od’s world can look pretty different depending on where you come from. Several years ago, two pastors from Tanzania visited Minnesota and Christ the King for the first time. They were immediately fascinated by the frozen white substance on the ground and in the air: snow! As the car went up the driveway at their hosts’ home, a wide door magically lifted, revealing a spacious room large enough to be a home for a whole family. To their amazement, the host drove his car into that large room! (They learned later about the magic of a garage door opener.) God’s world does indeed look different depending on one’s background and experiences. But it’s in these differences we find exciting opportunities to learn, grow, and see the bigger picture of God’s mission in the world. We invite you to join us for a special celebration meeting of CtK’s Global Mission Team. We will welcome home our 14 Tanzanian travelers and learn what amazed and inspired them. We would love to have you as our guests. To help us prepare for you, please let us know that you are planning to attend. RSVP online, sign up at the Welcome Center, or in the church office by Monday, March 7.
Global Mission Team Celebration Meeting Thursday, March 10 6:30 p.m. Fellowship Time 7:00 p.m. Meeting in Fireside Room at CtK
Featuring: • Welcoming home our 14 travelers from their recent trips to Tanzania • Hearing highlights of our travelers’ journeys with messages from our Tanzanian partners • Recognizing the 70 prayer partners here at CtK who prayed for an individual traveler throughout their adventures • Looking forward to Global Mission Sunday to be held on Sunday, April 10 If you are interested in global mission and want to learn more, this is the meeting to come to. Please RSVP if you plan to attend. RSVP online or in the church office by Monday, March 7.
10 | The Herald
Praying for Our Tanzanian Travelers Our congregation prayed each Sunday for our Tanzanian travelers during their recent trip. In addition, 70 people committed to pray each day of the journey for their individual prayer partner. Each traveler had at least five special people praying for him/her. These committed people were with the travelers in spirit during flights, adventures, long, tiring days, and challenging times. We thank you, prayer partners, for your faithfulness! It meant the world to our travelers. Global Mission Prayer: Dear God of all, thank you for returning our fellow believers to us safely. They are different people because of the privilege of seeing you at work in another part of the world. Bless our Tanzanian friends who welcomed them warmly. May the lessons learned in Tanzania spread throughout our congregation and community. Amen.
Christ the King Lutheran Church
&sion
local
A
gora—a Christ the King Local Mission Partner and ministry at Luther Seminary aimed at increasing diversity within the Lutheran church—is spreading its wings at CtK and across the region!
Agora spreads its wings at CtK New classes have begun in southeastern and southwestern Minnesota as well as South Dakota. Carrying out its purpose to strengthen the ministry of congregations who embrace the growing diversity of our society, two opportunities for immigrant and native members are happening right now at CtK. The first opportunity is the Bible class that has been meeting every Thursday evening since Jan. 14. This class led by Dr. Brad Holt of Augsburg College and Ibrahim Bitrus, Ph. D. graduate of Luther Seminary has been extremely wellreceived by class participants. “I am learning how to read the Bible with understanding, compare biblical stories to my own life and interpret the Bible which is my biggest challenge,” said Konah Naimah, immigrant and Agora student. “The weekly homework is challenging and encourages me to read my Bible and (the workbook) Manna and Mercy daily because, without reading those books with understanding, I will not be able to do my homework.” One of CtK’s new members, Augustino Kanneh, also took the course and said, “Agora has really been a help to me. It has broadened my mind about spiritual interaction with people from diverse backgrounds.” But it’s not just our immigrant members who find this course valuable. “I have learned how to find the messages and wisdom in the scriptures,” says CtK member Ralph Berg. “For me, the best part has been the friendships developed with fellow students from all over the world—and their stories and insights.” Another CtK member Dale Erickson also had this say about this multicultural course, “The Christ the King Lutheran Church
Agora classes have been enlightening and I look forward to the classes each week. Each week is a new experience.” “(I like) listening to people from other parts of the world wrestle with questions about the Bible. More often than not, their questions about the Bible coincide with our questions about the Bible!” said another class member. Agora to start Spanish language course at CtK The second Agora class, which started Wednesday, Feb. 24, is being taught in Spanish by Pastor Andres Albertsen, a Ph.D student at Luther Seminary (seen in above photo). Before coming to Luther Seminary, Pastor Andres served as a pastor in Argentina and became friends with Jorge Mario Bergoglio when he served as archbishop of Buenos Aires. (These days the former archbishop is known to most people by another title, Pope Francis.) The topic will be Introduccion a la Biblia (meaning Introduction to the Bible in Spanish). Members of Cristo Rey—our Latino outreach ministry—as well as other Spanish-speaking members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Ana Becerra at
[email protected]. CtK Foundation
Grant applications due April 1
If your CtK organization, group, or committee would like to apply for a grant from the CtK Foundation, please submit application materials by April 1. Instructions and application form may be found at lifeatctk.org/foundation. The Herald | 11
Coming up at CtK
H
ere’s a snapshot of some of the big events we have coming up at CtK.
You can find our complete calendar of events at lifeatctk.org/calendar.
March First Communion Faith Step Sunday, March 13, 10:30 a.m. We will celebrate those receiving their first communion at the 10:30 a.m. worship service. Palm Sunday Sunday, March 20, 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. Holy Week kicks off with shouts of “Hosanna!” Maundy Thursday Thursday, March 24, 12:00 noon and 6:30 p.m. Observe the Last Supper with worship and a meal. Good Friday Friday, March 25, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Sunday, March 27, 6:30, 8:00, 9:30, 11:00 a.m., and 12:15 p.m. (en Español) March Food Drive March 1-31 We will be collecting non-perishable food and personal care items to benefit both the CtK and Ralph Reeder food shelves.
Celebration of Pastor Deb’s 25 Years of Ministry Sunday, April 3, 11:30 a.m. All are welcome to a reception and luncheon following 10:30 a.m. worship. Join us in wishing Pastor Deb well as she begins her retirement and thanking her for her years of service.
Change Service Requested
CHRIST THE KING LUTHERAN CHURCH 1900 SEVENTH STREET NORTHWEST NEW BRIGHTON, MN 55112
April
Global Mission Sunday Sunday, April 10 Celebrate our global partners with special music and worship. ASP Silent Auction Sunday, April 17 Support youth and adults going on the 2016 ASP trip. All-Congregation Picnic Wednesday, April 20, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Celebrate a great year of Wednesday night programs with a picnic in a local park. Worship en Español con Cristo Rey Sunday, April 24,12:00 noon
