Christ Lutheran Newsletter June 2016

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

Christ Lutheran

Christ Lutheran 605 South Fifth Street, Norfolk, NE 68701

www.clnorfolk.org 402-371-1210

The Next Step By Vicar Trevor & Hannah Freudenburg As we prepare to move to Colorado for our vicarage, we have been reflecting on all of the blessings we have received in the past two years. We are very thankful for all of the support we have received from Christ Lutheran Church. We are thankful not only for your financial gifts, but also for your thoughts and your prayers. You have been a blessing to us and have helped to further the mission of Concordia Seminary and Christ's church.

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Lakewood is a large congregation, worshiping over 1,000 per Sunday. They have a large day school (300+). While serving at Bethlehem, I will preach roughly once a month, teach confirmation, and make hospital calls. Lakewood is a suburb just to the west of Denver.

Vicar Trevor Freudenburg (far right) is shown here with his wife Hannah, and Rocky Mountain District President, Allan Anderson. Man on far left is another vicar in the Rocky Mountain District. (see story at right)

Campaign Update By Rev. Chip Winter The Growing the Future with Childlike Faith campaign stands at $923,559 in collections and commitments. Application is underway for grant monies to be able to complete the needed funding for the Helping Hands Child Care construction project. Many thanks to all who have been a part of the campaign and all glory be to God for His generosity!

In the weeks to come there will be follow-up opportunities for those who have not yet been able to make a commitment to do so. As they do, and as those already committed continue to fulfill their intentions with contributions, the building plans for the Helping Hands Child Care receive further modifications.

It is hoped that very soon the order can be place for the steel needed in the building construction. With the delivery of the steel expected roughly three months after the order, the ground work can begin within the next few months. More information will be shared here, in the Weekly FOCUS and on the website as the progress continues!

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June 2016 Congregation News

New in the Biblical Garden at Christ Lutheran School By Ellen Glanzer

A large carved rock is the newest addition to grace the Christ Lutheran School Biblical Garden. This rock was found in a field in South Dakota and was designated to be used to God’s glory. After being carved, it was donated to the Biblical Garden in memory of loved ones whose souls are with our Savior, the risen Lord.

Rev. Adrian Hanft designed the rock to proclaim that Christ, our spiritual rock, lives and reigns among us now and into eternity. While carving the rock, Reverend Hanft said that these words from Scripture inspired him: “Joseph…laid Him in a tomb cut out of rock.” Mark 15:46

The words of the angel in Mark 16:6 were also in his heart and in his hands as he worked. The angel said, “You are seeking Jesus of Nazareth who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here...go, tell.” Pictured at right: (top) the rock is carefully being placed; (lower) Rev. Hanft with his carved creation.

Kiwanis Church Youth of the Year Award Presented Congratulations to Travis Millikan (pictured center in photo at left with his parents) for being a recipient of the Norfolk Noon Kiwanis Church Youth of the Year Award! Travis graduated in May from Norfolk High School and is the son of Jed and Julie Millikan. The Norfolk Noon Kiwanis presents the Church Youth of the Year award to one youth from each Norfolk area congregation who demonstrates a strong faith, sense of service to others, and is an active participant of their church. Travis was honored at a luncheon on April 25.

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June 2016

Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Sundays

at Christ Lutheran School

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

lmoreno@clnorfolkmail.org

Vacation Bible School A very fun week of VBS is being planned for July 24-28 from 6:00 – 8:30 p.m. At Cave Quest VBS, kids explore what it means to follow Jesus, the Light of the World, through dark times. They will enjoy skits, fun music, snacks, crafts, games, Bible activities, and “sciency gadgets” at several stations, all of which are focused on the fun Bible points, like “Jesus gives us hope!” or “Jesus gives us love!” Our VBS offering goes to help the organization “Group Cares” repair homes and add things like handicap accessibility ramps for people in need across America. We will also collect school supplies for the community “Stuff the Bus” campaign which distributes these items to needy families in Norfolk. At this time, we need people to sign up to participate or to help, so that we can plan appropriately. Meals will be available at the school, starting at 5:30 p.m. for those who are coming directly from work and are in a time crunch. Snack Donations: Sign ups for snack donations will be available in the church narthex starting June 12. All snack donations can be brought to the church kitchen by Sunday, July 24. Volunteers are needed to be crew leaders and station helpers. Crew leaders will lead a group of 4-8 students from the opening to the various stations. No teaching or lesson preparation is needed. This is almost like being a student, yourself! Station helpers will assist our very able station leaders with materials and be a great support person! Station helper jobs generally require less energy. Even if you can’t be there every day of VBS, we can use your help in these areas. Online sign up is available at www.clnorfolk.org and sign up sheets are in the church narthex, as well. Registration is now available for children age 3 through grade 6 (in the fall) at www.clnorfolk.org or in the church narthex. This is a great time to invite a friend to learn about Jesus! Non-members are very welcome.

What Kids Need to Succeed As we continue our look at the book What Kids Need to Succeed by Peter Benson, Judy Galbraith, and Pamela Espeland, and their recommendations to help kids become successful adults and avoid high-risk behaviors, we will examine the group of internal assets identified as positive values. This group of assets includes: caring, equality and social justice, integrity, honesty, responsibility, and restraint. As a faith community, we can encourage these assets in our youth by doing the following:

• Include young people in service projects, and honor and affirm those who help others.

• Talk about issues of injustice and integrity in scripture and the way Jesus addressed them.

• Model and encourage honesty. • Give young people tasks for which they are

responsible, and assist and encourage them in their follow-through.

• Find ways to support youth when they are in situations that require restraint, and affirm their positive choices while refraining from judgment for poor choices when they seek to be restored.

Faith communities are key in helping youth develop these assets, and giving them the affirmation they may not get from peers when they make difficult choices in light of these assets. Be sure to look for these things in the wonderful young people in our congregation and compliment them for these great values!

Mission Offering Project Our Mission Offering for Sunday School through the end of June is Good Neighbors of Norfolk. Let’s work together to collect some money to enable them to assist people in need in our community. You can also bring food or personal care items to be shared with them. The challenge this month is to have each of your children buy one of their favorite non-perishable food items, bring it to Sunday School, and we will give it to the Food Pantry. Even if it has an expiration date later in July, it is okay, as we will be taking the items to them later this month! Our mission offering will be collected June 12 and 19!

Children’s Ministry continues on page 4

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June 2016

Children’s Ministry

Summer Sunday School Sunday school will take on a little different look this summer! Children will gather in the gym from 9:15 – 9:35 for a movie or opening activity. At 9:35, they will move to their classrooms and will be divided as follows: Preschool-Kindergarten will meet in Mrs. Moje’s room; Grades 1-3 will meet in the Title Reading room; Grades 4-6 will meet in Mr. Weber’s room, and Grades 7-12 will meet in the blue youth room and help with activities for the younger children several times throughout the summer. These are different groupings than in previous years, to enable the use of fewer staff, who need a little time off in the summer for family time and rest. Our younger students will be using the Concordia publication, “Pray, Praise, and Give Thanks” as their curriculum. Each week will include a craft. Grades 4-6 asked for a different curriculum in the summer. After investigating several options, the decision was made to go with Pre-Teen Grapple. This curriculum by Group Publishing helps pre-teens grapple with the real questions in their lives. The first unit is all about friends, and how to be a Christian friend. The second unit is all about the Bible – how it is different from other books, and why it matters to us! Each week will include a game, a short video, and discussion. This is the same curriculum that our junior high Sunday school students use, but intended for a younger audience. We will NOT have Sunday school on Sunday, July 3. Our summer Sunday school wraps up on August 14 with some surprises, and the following Sunday, August 21, kicks off the new year with Rally Day.

Fall Volunteer Opportunities Throughout the summer, we work to complete our fall Sunday School staff, which will meet in early August. There are openings in the following areas: Greeters: Greeters are responsible for greeting people

and helping newcomers 1-2 times a month, at the entrance to Sunday School from 9:15 – 9:35. This is a great job for someone who likes to attend adult Bible class! Station Leaders: Station leaders lead a 10-15 minute

activity for a small group of children and their teacher. These activities include crafts, snacks, games, skits, and science experiments. Leaders can choose which Sundays they work, and typically work 1-2 times per month. Activities and supplies are prepared for you. Team teachers/Helpers in Preschool, Kindergarten,

and Jr. High: These teachers and helpers usually work

1-2 times a month when it fits their schedule. Other adults are in the room to help with kids – we just need you to lead! Opening Leader: These staff lead the children in

responsive readings and prayers, and introduce songs. They don’t have to sing, but do need to be able to click a remote to advance slides. All of the technology is prepared and set up for you. Other adults are present to help engage the children. If you are interested in joining our staff of friendly, dedicated people teaching God’s children in our midst, contact Lisa Moreno at lmoreno@clnorfolkmail.org

June Children’s Ministry Schedule June 5: Sunday School – Jesus Heals Ten Lepers (game station)

June 12: Sunday School – Jesus Blesses the Little Children (game station)

June 19: Sunday School – Preschool – gr. 3: Daniel In the Lions’ Den

Gr. 4-6: Grapple – Friends lesson

June 26: Sunday School – Preschool – gr. 3: Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant

Gr. 4-6: Grapple – Friends lesson

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL ON SUNDAY, JULY 3.

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June 2016 Christ Lutheran School Principal Steve Stortz – sstortz@clnorfolk.org

Ending the School Year But Not Religion On the first day of school we gathered together as a school body around God’s word with the theme of Every One, Every Day based on Galatians 6:10. We wrapped up our school year in the same manner – with encouragement from God’s word. While it may be the end of the school year, it is not the end of religion. Christ Lutheran School is designed to supplement the Christian education that takes place in the home and in the congregation, not replace it. My prayer is that Every One continues to grow Every Day

in faith throughout the summer.

CLS Mystery Dinner Theater June 17 Join us for an evening of mystery, drama, stars, food and Christian fellowship on June 17 for the first Mystery

Dinner Theater at Christ Lutheran. School students will be performing “Suspect Hollywood” by Nancy Bond and

serving a delicious meal catered by The Uptown of Stanton. Tickets will be $20. Look for more information in bulletins and on posters. Tickets may be purchased at the church and school offices. To preserve the “murder mystery atmosphere”,

participants must be high school age or above. You do not have to be a member to attend, so invite your friends. Please contact Mrs. Stortz at Christ Lutheran School (402-371-5536) if you have any questions.

Students Recognized More than 75 students in grades 5-8 were recognized for their achievements in art, music, athletics, writing, spelling and geographical knowledge. Kendra Rosberg received the Morning Kiwanis Outstanding Student award for 8th grade. Many of the students received awards in multiple areas. Hard work and a balance of academic and extra-curricular activities are necessary to accomplish these goals. The evening concluded with the singing of the Doxology – recognizing that all that we are able to achieve is only through God’s blessing.

Kindergarten Open Houses You heard right – open houses. During the summer many families move to the Norfolk area. They wait until the school year is over so as to not disrupt their child’s education, but then need a place to continue on. Recognizing that need, we have scheduled two kindergarten open houses over the summer. The first is May 25 from 12:00-7:30 with a short supper break from 5:00-6:00. The second open house will be held June 9 from 4:00-6:00. Do you know somebody moving to the area, pass the word that we are here to Share God’s Word, Share His Love, and Do It Now.

Dates to Note Summer SCRIP hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00-3:00. Summer office hours are 9:00-3:00 Monday through Thursday and 9:00-12:00 on Fridays.

May 25 Kindergarten Open House 12:00-7:30 June 9 Kindergarten Open House 4:00-6:00 July 1 Deadline for CLS Scholarship applications July 4 CLS Band in the parade August 1 Teacher meetings begin August 2 Registration Day grades K-8 August 17 First Day of School – 11:45 early dismissal

Special anthems were sung by the CLS Faculty (above) and the 8th Grade class (below) at the Graduation service held May 17.

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June 2016 Senior High Youth Sarah Moje, Youth Director – youth@clnorfolkmail.org

Summer Sunday Morning Youth Group Join us on Sunday mornings in the blue youth room as we continue to grow in our Christian faith. There will be a variety of activities this summer including Bible study, service projects, and helping with Sunday School. Be sure to make our Sunday morning youth group a part of your regular schedule.

VBS Helpers Needed Vacation Bible School is a great experience for everyone involved. Even though you are “too old” to participate with the “little kids,” you can have a great time as a VBS volunteer. Help with a station (games, crafts, or storytelling), be a crew leader, or help serve snacks. Check out more information at clnorfolk.org, the display in the church narthex, or contact our Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Lisa Moreno. We look forward to seeing you at VBS this summer!

NYG Update The National Youth Gathering is getting closer! Our final NYG Bible study in on Wednesday, June 29 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. We depart for New Orleans very early the morning of July 14. It will be an amazing experience for both youth and adult chaperones. While we are gone, we will join thousands of fellow believers in Jesus that are doing the same thing…discovering what it means to stand “In Christ Alone.” On July 31, during Bible Class hour, we will share our experience with the congregation.

Junior High Although the Junior High Youth Group does not officially meet during the summer, please continue to grow in your faith by attending Sunday morning worship and Bible class. The Junior High will join the Senior High in the Blue Youth Room for Bible class this summer. The Nebraska District has just announced that it will be hosting a Junior High District Youth Gathering in Kearney this fall. This event will be held on November 12-13, 2016. Watch for additional information coming in August.

Upcoming Dates

Sun., June 5 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Assist with Sunday School Sun., June 12 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Sun., June 19 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Sun., June 26 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Assist with Sunday School Wed., June 29 – 8:00 – 9:00 p.m. NYG Bible Study Sun., July 3 – 9:30 a.m. No Sunday School Sun., July 10 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Assist with Sunday School Sun., July 17 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Bible Study in Youth Rooms Sun., July 24 – 9:30 a.m. Jr. & Sr. High Assist with Sunday School

Congratulations Seniors Christ Lutheran recognized 13 seniors on May 15 at the 8:00 a.m. service. Pictured are (left to right) Sarah Meyer, Jacey Kant, Samantha Wolff, Jeremy Wessel, Jacob Speidel, Kylie Morse, Travis Millikan, MaKenzie Gordan, Melissa Svitak, and Kiersten Woodard. Not pictured: Gina Blackman, Andrew Daughton, and Justice Nedela.

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June 2016 Pastor’s Ponderings Rev. Chip Winter, Director of Ministry -

cwinter@clnorfolkmail.org

The Best Construction I ran across a proverb the other day. A little girl was holding two apples; her mother asked for one. The girl quickly bit one apple, and then, the other. The mother held back her disappointment. Then the girl handed one to her saying: “Here, this is the sweeter one.”

The moral of the anecdote was to refrain from jumping so quickly to conclusions. It’s easy to assume we know what someone else might be thinking or doing as we watch them. But if we have questions about their motivation or intentions it would be wise for us to pause and find a fair and kindly way to pursue it further, giving them the benefit of the doubt.

This is, of course, what Dr. Martin Luther counsels in the meaning of the eighth commandment in his small catechism where we read “defend them, speak well of them and explain things in the kindest way.” Those of us in previous editions memorized that last part as “put the best construction on everything.”

As brothers and sisters in Christ we know that sin is lurking behind every door. It is in each of our hearts impatiently waiting to express itself. But we also have St. Paul’s counsel to the Galatians as a guideline for our treatment of one another in this family of God: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently…Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1).

God bless your practice of Christ’s discipleship throughout this summer and a patience that does not rush to judgment. God grant His Spirit to continue to guide you in your love for “Every One, Every Day.”

Mark Your Calendars New Pictorial Directories

scheduled for this fall. More details in coming months.

Summer Worship With the arrival of the summer break on the campus of Concordia University, Nebraska, the young women and men who have helped lead Christ Lutheran’s 10:45 contemporary worship services on Sundays are back in their respective homes. That will mean that the band leading worship from the southeast corner of the nave will be absent for a few months.

Throughout the summer there will continue to be contemporary wording to the liturgy and inclusion of music other than that found in the hymnbooks. Most of the accompaniment will be via the keyboard. There will continue to be continuous distribution, or pilgrim style, for Holy Communion as well as preaching outside the pulpit.

Please keep in your prayers the musicians of CUNE while they are away, those who continue to provide leadership in the worship of Christ Lutheran, as well as the process for calling a new Director of Worship Arts.

Worship Participants Needed Each week it takes more than a dozen people to assist in carrying out all the elements of our worship services. A typical Sunday team consists of Elders, ushers, acolytes, projection clickers, scripture readers, videographers and Altar Guild members, in addition to pastor and musicians working together to provide a worshipful experience for the congregation. If you would like to play a part in this important work, volunteers are always welcome. Contact pastor, an Elder or the Church Office for more information on how you can serve the Lord.

Of greatest need at this time are projection clickers for all services. Let Lynn Walmsley in the Church Office (lwalmsley@clnorfolkmail.org) know what your preference is for service time and she would be happy to place you on a rotating schedule with other individuals who have volunteered for this position. Training is provided, and simple to follow directions are available.

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June 2016 Membership Roll Call Starla Landkamer – slandkamer@clnorfolkmail.org

Roster Changes Transfer In: Jerad Larsen, 2706 Timber Meadows Lane, Norfolk, from Immanuel Lutheran, Tilden. Baptized Into God’s Family: Kyzer Jerald Kolm, son of Colby and Staci Kolm. Born March 30, 2016; baptized May 22, 2016. Sponsors are Kipp Kolm, Cory and Cathy Kolm. United in Marriage: April 20, 2016 – Gregory Wacker and Kelli Ann Lowe. Moved from One House to Another: Irene Nietzke, 1700 W. Pasewalk Avenue, #515, Norfolk, 68701. Mike and Diana McGill, 1310 Sunrise Drive, Norfolk, 68701-0818. Linda Dietz, 83483 Highway 14, Elgin, NE 68636-3243. Verna Honcik, The Meadows, 500 South 18th Street #113, Norfolk, 68701-4544. Mike and Jan Smith, 9312 South 28th Avenue, Bellevue, NE 68147-8418. Arnold and Belva Awe, 4002 Teton Trace, Sioux City, IA 51104. Mardi Pelan, 206 North Pine Street, Norfolk, 68701-4236. Celebrating Birthday Blessings of 80 Years or More in June: 1: Anna Carter 2: Melvin Jensen

Edie Weich 4: Lorraine Schilling 5: Norbert Deitloff

Donna Kruger 7: Lucille Gesell 8: Della Brauer 9: Margaret McCutchen 17: Gloria Vogel

Lois Wagner 19: Doris Wiedeman 20: Melvin Kirkland

Lyle Thies 23: Richard Schulz

Dorothy Vogel 24: Violet Droescher 26: Doris Hilgert 29: Ralph Buss

Walleen Korth

2016 8th Grade Graduation Twenty-two eighth graders graduated from Christ Lutheran School on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. They are as follows:

• Ella Sue Allgood • Riley Marie Bender • Gina Ashley Bredehoeft • Kaden Matthew Carr • Ben Gebhardt • James E. Hasenkamp • Carter R. Herbolsheimer • Brady Samuel Jackson • Samuel Jagels • Jaxson August Kant • Hunter Mewis • Joshua Jing Moreno • Logan J. Nitz • Marshall Robert Petersen • Aubrey Elizabeth Rathke • Kendra Marie Rosberg • Rachel Ann Schindler • Alyssa Lynn Uecker • Kalina Rose Vavra • Isaac John Weander • Brendan Westlake • Cael Jonathan Wiederin

A reception honoring the graduates was held in the school gymnasium following the graduation service. This brought to a close the 145th academic year at Christ Lutheran School.

Ladies Circle Meets Ladies Circle LWML group met on April 20, with 10 members present. Judy Allvin presided at the meeting. Pastor Winter had opening devotion on “The Virtuous Life” based on Exodus 33.

Judy Allvin and Marilyn Glaser reported that there was good representation by Christ Lutheran at the Spring Event. Someone is needed to rock in the rocking chair at the LWML District Convention on June 17 and 18. Registrations need to be filled out by June 1. The “in-gathering” will be for Camp Lutheran and Jesus Our Savior Preschool/afterschool program. Mary Maurer has made the banner for the zone. Delegates for the convention are Joy Henkel and Edith Jensen.

Marilyn Glaser and Maxine Schulz gave a Christian Life devotion on “Among the Lilies.” Joy Henkel and Sheri Anderson were hostesses for April.

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June 2016

Plant Sale – A Blooming Success Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Christ Lutheran School 12th Annual Plant Sale. Initial estimates indicate sales of $70,000-$75,000. This is always a great time as parents, students and staff work together to bring quality plants to the Norfolk community. These funds will be used to help reduce tuition for families attending CLS in the fall and fund other school improvement projects. Watch the News Channel Nebraska interview with students and plant sale chairpersons by visiting http://newschannelnebraska.com/local-news/kids-help-with-christ-lutherans-annual-plant-sale-fundraiser/

Above: Preschool classes enjoyed visits from the local police and fire departments. Below: a large sink hole was repaired near the church.

Christ Lutheran June 2016

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

Abbey Christian Store Bev Mauch, Coldwell Banker Dover Realtors

Norfolk Implement Dr. Dan Blomenberg

Eye Physicians PC Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust

Dinkel Implement Dr. Leon Gebhardt

Freudenburg & Associates LLC Stahla Homes & RV

Taylor Creek Physical Therapy Jerry’s Trailers & Campers

U-Save Pharmacy Randy Oertwich, United Farm and

Ranch Management Krivohlavek & Hatfield, D.D.S.

Christ Lutheran www.clnorfolk.org

Church 605 South Fifth Street

Norfolk, NE 68701 402-371-1210 phone

402-371-1228 fax

School 511 South Fifth Street 402-371-5536 phone

402-371-1288 fax

Helping Hands Childcare 400 West Pasewalk Ave.

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

Next ECHO 2.0 deadline is June 14, 2016 Send items to echo2@clnorfolkmail.org