"Sharing our lives in Christ with family, friends, neighbors and community."

June, 2013 Volume 57- Issue 6

1Thinking Outside of the Box

You are driving down the road in your car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus: 1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die. 2. An old friend who once saved your life. 3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about. Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car? Think before you continue reading. This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application. You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again. YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS................... The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming

up with his answer. He simply answered: "I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would then stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams." Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations. Never forget to "Think Outside of the Box." It just might be the key for Christ’s future growth.

Love,Interim Pastor Ford

Preschool Gifts

Thank you to everyone who has purchased a children’s Bible to be given as a gift to our CLP graduates June 19. The children’s Bible, entitled The Jesus Storybook Bible – every story whispers his name is written by Sally Lloyd-Jones and illustrated by Jago, is recommended for age 4 and older youth. Cost is $10. Six Bibles are available for details. Let’s give each student a gift that will last a lifetime!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Graduation Celebrations

Graduation marks a special step in the lives of our young people! Graduating high school seniors from Christ Lutheran Church will be recognized during worship Sunday, June 9 with a special blessing. Each of them also will receive their own handmade Stepping Stone quilt, and reception in the Social Hall honors our graduates following the service. Make plans to witness this blessing and celebrate with our graduating seniors!

Thank you to Melissa Biel, Elsie Ford, Sheryl Hunter, Chris Panos, Sue Bredenkamp and Ann Williams – creators of these beautiful quilts. And, thank you to members of the Connections Committee for providing this fellowship time. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences Sunday

Aaron Tidwell, Director of Outreach for LRCC, will be with us for worship Sunday, June 2 at 9 a.m. Christ Lutheran Church is a strong supporter of the camping ministries of the church, and we are pleased to have him with us to present the message and share his enthusiasm for camping. Give him a great CLC welcome!

Worship June 2nd also will include a special blessing for Callie Biel as she prepares to serve another year on the staff of Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences. Best wishes to you, Callie, for a great summer!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++REACH! Day Camp Needs You

Day Camp comes to Christ Lutheran Church Monday, June 24 – Friday, June 28. LRCC counselors provide the activities Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. – noon. In return, we provide housing and meals during their stay with us. Thank you to Steve and Shannon Howard for being our CLC hosts for the week.

Other ways you can help: Sign up to provide snack items, purchase gift cards to Ruby’s, California Pizza Kitchen, In & Out or Tutti Frutti, give a cash donation for scholarships or offer to help out with snacks. Clip boards will pass through the congregation during worship beginning June 2.

Summer Music Schedule

Soloists, small group and instrumentalists provide special music for 9 a.m. worship in June, July and August. If you would like to provide special music for these summer months, please contact Judy Haenn.

++Call Committee Update++

The Call Committee has prepared a draft of the Ministry Site Profile based on information from the congregational meeting, small group discussion meetings, worksheets from the congregation and the MET report prepared last year. Church Council has reviewed the draft and also provided input. The Call Committee met Saturday, May 18th to continue work on the profile. We expect to submit to the synod shortly.

A PENTECOSTAL REFRESHER:1Martin Luther’s Explanation of The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed:

The Third Article: Of Sanctification.I believe in the Holy Spirit; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body; and the life everlasting. Amen.

What does this mean?—I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith; even as He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith; in which Christian Church He forgives daily and richly all sins to me and all believers, and at the last day will raise up me and all the dead, and will give to me and to all believers in Christ everlasting life. This is most certainly true.

I Have Called You Friends - a meditation for those graduating contributed by Pastor Tom

One day, when I was a freshman in high school, I saw a kid from my class walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.”

I had quite a weekend planned (parties and a football game with my friends tomorrow afternoon), so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.

As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes.

My heart went out to him. So, I jogged over to him and as he crawled around looking for his glasses I saw a tear in his eye. As I handed him his glasses, I said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.” He looked at me and said, “Het thanks!” There was a big smile on his face.

It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.

I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had never seen him before. He said he had gone to private school before now.

I would have never hung out with a private school kid before. We talked all the way home, and I carried some of his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid. I asked him if he wanted to play a little football with my friends. He said yes. We hung out all week end and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him, and my friends thought the same of him.

Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, “Boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books every day!” He just laughed and handed me half the books.

Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we began to think about college. Kyle decided on Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor, and I was going for business on a football scholarship.

Kyle was valedictorian of our class and I teased him all the time for being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation.

I was so glad it wasn’t me having to get up there and speak. Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates that I had and all the girls loved him. Boy, sometimes I was jealous.

Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his big speech. So I smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!” He looked at me with one of those looks (the really grateful one) and smiled. “Thanks”, he said.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began. “Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those tough years. Your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly your friends. I am here to tell you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story.”

I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his mom wouldn’t have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home.

He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.

“Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”

I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his mom and dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it’s depth.

Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life. For better or for worse.

God puts us all in each other’s lives to impact one another in some way. Look for God in others. --anonymous

Dear Christ Lutheran Family,

We are sponsoring two themed baskets for Lutheran Retreats, Camps and Conferences Summer Banquet and Silent Auction to be held at Our Saviour's in July. All proceeds will go to support our local Lutheran Bible camps.

We have chosen a Kid's Camping basket and a Summer Picnic themed basket. 

Will you join with us by donating money we can use to purchase the items for our baskets?

Please place your monetary donations in the offering plate on Sunday morning, marked “LRCC basket” or stop by the church office. We will receive donations until May 31st.

Thank you for your help in supporting this vital ministry of our young people and beyond! If you have questions, please ask Courtney.

News for Youth, Teens and Young

Adults

Congratulations to all of our 2013 graduates! Your hard work has paid off and you are off tonew things. May God bless your special memories and help guide you forward onto new endeavors!

Homework Nights at Starbucks and CREW MeetingWe meet this month, from 5:30-7:30pm, on June 3rd at the Starbucks on Bellflower and Stearns. Come for our last time together before all our seniors graduate!

Confirmation and LOFtWe follow the LBUSD calendar pretty closely which means we are still in session for two more weeks! Be with us June 5th and 12th from 5:30-8pm!

Day Camp DetailsIf you know of any kids who would enjoy a week at Day Camp, please spread the word! All forms and information can be found on the church website.Are you looking for ways to help? You will hear more about these opportunities very soon, but be thinking about some of these opportunities:

- Snack/lunch preparers- Host a meal for the

LRCC staff- Grill master at our BBQ

and program on Thursday 6/27

- Donate snack items- Donate gift cards for

LRCC staff meals out

Thank you for your support of our children, and specifically this ministry! It is a fun week to spend with the kids!++++++++++++++++++++++++++Young Adults

Young adults will meet this Monday, June 10 at 6pm to discuss the camping trip this summer.Watch your emails and the Sunday bulletin for location or call Courtney Cover in the church office, 562 598.2433.

June Calendar

Sunday, June 2 nd Today begins our 9am summer Worship time. We also have many things going on this morning:

Aaron Tidwell, from LRCC, will be with us

Callie Biel will receive a blessing before going off to camp to be support staff

There will be a Congregational meeting at 10:30am

Sunday, June 9 th Youth and adults heading

to San Francisco for a week with Youthworks will be blessed in worship at 9am.

This day will also be our Grad Blessing and reception!

June 14 th Confirmation Pool Party

School and Confirmation have ended until the fall! Come celebrate with us at the Freligh’s from 5:30-8pm. We will swim, eat and have fun in their great backyard. You won’t want to miss it! All middle and high school youth, whether if they have participated in the program or not, are welcome to attend! Please bring $5 to cover food costs and RSVP with Courtney. The Freligh’s address can be found in the directory.

June 16-21 San Francisco Youthworks Trip School will just be out

and the youth will already be on their way to serve in San Francisco. Please pray for:

Garret Latiolait Meghan Randig Nathan Latiolait Katelyn Ramos Grant Green Maggie Fitzpatrick Brad Croes Erin Lowther

Daniel Peralta Courtney Cover Frank Croes

We will spend a week in service with other churches from all over the U.S. and from different denominations.

Opportunities include devotions, worship, games, service, and a little sight-seeing.

THE GREATER LONG BEACH CLUSTER INVITES

YOUTHE WOMEN OF THE ELCA,

TO OUR SPRING CLUSTER EVENT “DIVERSITIY — GOD’S BANQUET”

Saturday, June 8, 2013At

Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church14515 Blaine AvenueBellflower, CA 90706

9:30 A.M. Gathering and Registration

10:00 A.M. Program11:30 A.M. Luncheon

Cost: $5.00 at Registration.

Save the date for CLC's Food Truck Feast!

Thursday, August 8th from 5:30-8pm. Tell your neighbors, friends and family.Watch for more delicious details soon!

"Loose Threads"Bring your sewing machine and unfinished projects and come sew with friends for an afternoon! This group meets the second Sunday of each month – this month it will be June 9, from noon – 4 p.m. in the Social Hall. Contact Chris Panos at 562 986-4393 for more information.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Our next meeting is on Saturday,June 8, 2013 at 12:00 pm at:

Christ Lutheran ChurchPlease, everyone feel free

to join us.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Stretch N’ Pray sessions have

moved to the first and third Wednesday evenings. They still meet at 7:30pm. Call Shannon Howard for more information, 714 895-9675.

Day Camp / VBSJune 24 – 28, 2013

Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.Friday, 9 a.m. – noon

Christ Lutheran Church6500 Stearns

Long Beach, CA

Day Camp is a week of worship, crafts, Bible Studies and fun and games

for youth entering Kindergarten – 6th grade.

Cost is $90 + $10 for t-shirt$10 off for each sibling.

This program is directedby Lutheran Camps & Conferences staff

& Members of Christ Lutheran Church

Registration forms available at www.christlutheranlb.comOr Church office – 562.598.2433

The Society Page

Emergency PreparednessNatural and human caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere. Here are some steps that can help make a difference…

Make a Car KitEarthquake/disaster preparation is an ongoing project but it doesn’t need to be tedious. A rule of thumb is to check or replace supplies when clocks are changed to or from daylight-saving time, twice a year. Don’t forget about food and water for pets. Look for plastic containers that will fit under car seats and prepare a kit to use if conditions leave you stranded: Canned food & manual can opener (pull top cans are even better) Non-perishable food: instant

nutrition bars, dried fruits, jerky, crackers or cookies

Bottled water Extra clothing Sturdy pair of shoes Small first-aid kit Blanket Flashlight, batteries Toilet tissue Fire extinguisher

Compass and paper street maps (if you need to evacuate, GPS may be temporarily unavailable)

Cash in small denominations & coins for use in public phones (cell service is sometimes unavailable & cash could be used in stores if electronic sales registers fail)

Contact numbers to carry in your wallet: Doctors, employers, kids’ schools, banks, insurance agents, clergy, relatives, friends, neighbors, utility and alarm companies.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++ A two-mile wide tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma, claiming many lives and leaving behind a devastating trail of destruction. Plaza Towers Elementary School stood right in the path of the storm's 166-200 mph winds. Lutheran Disaster Response affiliates are already on the ground, assessing the immediate and long -term needs of those affected by the tornadoes. An insert will be included in this Sunday's bulletin that gives you all the information you need to support the efforts of Lutheran Disaster Response. Gifts designated to "U.S. Tornadoes" through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely - 100 percent - to help survivors of tornadoes rebuild their lives and livelihoods. In the meantime, this prayer request has come from the bishop of that area.

A Prayer Petition for the People of Central Oklahoma, from Bishop Girlinghouse (Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod):

God of steadfast love, though destructive winds swirl around us, shattering our lives, webelieve and trust that you are with us, just as you have always walked with your peoplethrough storm and strife. Today, we pray for the people of Carney, Little Axe, Shawnee,

Newcastle and Moore, Okla. and all those affected by tornadoes this past week. Use us to surround them with your love, compassion and mercy. Provide them with caregivers andfriends to accompany them on the long road to recovery. Be with all those who weep andmourn during these days, and comfort them with your hope and the promise ofresurrection. We pray all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who gave his life sothat we might know that you have the power to bring life from death.

Confirmation & LOFt Completes the Year

Youth from Christ in Downey, Gloria Dei, Our Saviour’s, St. Luke’s & Trinity, as well as, our own congregation complete their study of the Old Testament June 12. Thank you to Kim Dwinell, Jennifer Ostergren, Kim Croes and Nicole Halvorson for providing dinner the Wednesday’s in May.

Special Note: Confirmation Camp is July 7 – 12 at El Camino Pines. All current youth in the confirmation program are encouraged to attend camp at least one time during their three years of study. Talk with Marilyn or Courtney about going. Registration is now open. Check out www.LRCChome.com.

A year end swim party will be Friday, June 14 from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at the home of Joshua Freligh. $5 each will provide hotdogs, chips, beverage and s’mores! Bring your swim gear and come celebrate the conclusion of

another great year! RSVP to Courtney or Marilyn by June 12.

DAY CAMP - SAVE THE DATES!June 24 – 28, 2013

Counselors from our Lutheran Camps Conference and Retreats return to lead a summer day camp experience for youth here at Christ Lutheran Church. Day Camp is a unique blend of outdoor ministry and congregational ministry where LRCC staff brings the summer camp experience to our campus. Day Camp is for youth entering Kindergarten - those entering 6th grade. Counselors will provide a week of faith-focused programming including Bible studies and worship, community-building activities presented by specially trained and talented counseling staff. Registration begins May 1st!

Young Adult Camping trip to Sequoia!

The 18-30 crowd will heading out on their wilderness adventure August

2nd -5th. A camping site at Stoney Creek camping ground has been reserved, would you like to join us? Cost for the trip is $15 each for the site plus additional costs for gas and food.Please sign up with Courtney soon-we may need to add an additional site.

REMEMBER IN PRAYER At Home/Care Centers- Coleen & Spud Fenton, Velma Fischer, Jean Johnson, Helen Krogstad, Mikki Nemnich, Bary & Janice Schlieder.

Illness/Therapy – Louise Bartlow, Byron Bruner, Tom Chumley, Betty Dahl, Dolores DeSha, Elsie Ford, Dottie Fuelleman, Dorothy Henriksen, Daniel Howard, Angie & Ron Nelson and Ed Trost.

Family & Friends- Irma Catton, Garnet Clabaugh, Carol Corbet, Delaney, Anna Delgado, Nancy Dionne, Donna Graham, John Green, Anne Harrington, Gary Hughes, Zane Jarvid, Tara, Erma Karnes, Logan Keene, David Kuhn, Katrina Lahr, Rashon Locklear, Steve Nelson, Yadi Paige, Ellie Panos, Don Petrbok, Phensri, Jim Pierce Jr., Dave Ramos, Larry & Pat Ramsbacker, Kristina & Scott Randolph, Don Seymour, James Sides, Florence Smith, Perry Taggart, John Velarde.

ALSO PRAY FOR –Steve Clabaugh, Aaron Crayton, Nicholas Feidler, Nicholas Flournoy, Zachary Krog, Chris Kinder, John Lamberton, Johnny Luna, Davis McElwain, Shawn McRae, Michael Joseph Navarro, Jim Reeder, Tim Sanchez, Jonah Westcott, Joshua Wauchope and all those serving in our nation's military.

Deadline for next newsletter:

June 15, 2013

Happy Anniversary

6/8 Mary and George Clayton6/10 Victoria and Hugo Paez6/11 Louise and Justin Bartlow6/12 Sue and Roger Bredenkamp6/12 Jennifer and Scott Ostergren6/14 Angie and Mike Freligh6/14 Lois and Bob Kelley6/21 Katie and Michael Tinsley6/23 Linda and Sergio Peralta6/23 Donna and max Johnson6/25 Chris and Rick Panos

6/2 Megan Lowther6/2 Lindsey Wilcox

6/3 Maggie Fitzpatrick6/4 Kristina Randig6/8 Kim Croes6/10 Roger Halvorson6/11 Ethan Thomas6/13 Mike Clark6/16 Ruth Finlay6/17 Bob Schiller6/20 Lowell Benner6/21 Joe Curel6/22 Megan Lane6/22 Faith Timney6/23 Jasmine Harris6/23 Mikki Nemnich6/27 Richard McGee6/28 Teresa Lowther6/29 Casey Burkard6/30 Laura Innes

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Sunday, May 19th we had our annual auction fundraiser, “Candyland”. THANK YOU to everyone who helped to make this year's auction the most successful yet! We had 120 people, 104 silent auction baskets, a delicious Italian meal, entertainment from the Poly Jazz Combo, 5 live auction items, and our “Fund an Item” project to raise money to upgrade campus security. Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun with our Candyland theme this year. I hope you all enjoyed it! We were able to bring in $21,325 with a profit of $18,042!!! We are truly blessed to have such supportive and generous people here at CLP and CLC!

We are now getting ready for Dads & Donuts, Graduation and End of the Year Program and our Summer program.

We will celebrate Father’s Day a little early, on June 7th with “Dads & Donuts”.

Our Graduation and End of Year Program will be Wednesday, June 19th. We will then be closed for 2 staff work days and our “Summer of Science” will begin on Monday, June 24th.

We are looking forward to a fun summer with a field trip to the Santa Ana Zoo, a Fire and Ice show, the Bubble Lady, and more!

Meet our 2103 Graduates!

High School

Callie Biel will graduate from Lakewood High School where she participated and excelled in Girls water Polo. Callie was named MVP for Lakewood Girls Water Polo and played on the All-League First Team. She has been chosen once again to work at LRCC camps as support staff for summer programs. After devoting this time to our young people, she will return to classes at Long Beach City College.

Maggie Fitzpatrick will graduate with honors, (3.5 GPA or higher), from Millikan High School where she was a member of the tennis team for four years and co-captain her senior year. She was also a member of the Millikan Chamber Orchestra for four years and concert master her junior year. Maggie has received numerous awards for music, athletics and academics. She will be going with CLC youth to San Francisco for their Youth Works trip and then will work as a counselor at Camp Summersault, a day camp for cancer patients and their siblings. In the fall, Maggie will be attending San Diego State University to study Neonatal Nursing.

Grant Green will be graduating from Lakewood High School.  Grant played water polo his first two years in high school.  He enjoys playing guitar and drums.  He has especially enjoyed playing at local venues with his band, Livication.  This summer Grant is looking forward to joining the youth group on their service trip to San Francisco, vacationing with his family in Lake Havasu and getting ready to move into his dorm room in August at California Lutheran University where he will be studying Music Production.

Garrett Latiolait will graduate from Cypress High School.  He was on the wrestling team and studied Tae Kwon Do for 8 years and has his 2nd Degree Black Belt. Garrett has accepted

admission to Arizona State University. His intent is to study pre-med. He has been blessed to be active with the same friends at church since preschool and plans to attend his final Youth Works trip this summer in San Francisco.  He has also been involved in Boy Scout Troop 295 in Cypress. He attained his Eagle Rank in April. This summer will be spent working at Callaloo Caribean Kitchen in Long Beach and hanging out with friends. 

Erin Lowther will graduate from Long Beach Poly High School as a student of the PACE program. Erin participated in a variety of activities over the past four years but believes her highlight to be serving as President of the Spanish Club. Erin will be traveling with CLC youth to San Francisco later this month

and looks forward to relaxing with her friends before leaving for California Lutheran University where she will study Political Science.

Shaun Murray is graduating from California High School, Whittier. He served on ASB as a junior and is on the Senior Class Council this year. Shaun is hoping to work at McKenna Porsche/Audi Dealership in Norwalk this summer and is going to attend Fullerton Junior College to begin earning a degree in Business.

Austin Naud will graduate from Wilson High. During his four years at Wilson, Austin has participated in classes and programs that earned him the Distinguished Scholar designation for graduation. He was a member of Wilson’s Men’s Soccer Team for four years. Austin plans to attend Cal State University-Long Beach in the fall.

Brianna Nieves attended Los Alamitos High School where she earned a place on the Presidents Honor Roll for four years. She also played on the Los Al Lacrosse team for two years. After spending time with friends and going to Hawaii to celebrate her graduation, Brianna is off to Arizona State and will major in Communications.

Graduates Continued…

Bachelor Degree Candidates

Amanda Croes has completed her studies at Cal State University- Long Beach. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies with a designation for a multiple subject credential. Amanda plans to continue working as a child care provider during the summer, but will take time for lots of fun too. In the fall it’s on to the real world when she will tackle her student teaching program and then… her own classroom!

Adam Weisel graduated from Humboldt State University on May 18, 2013. He has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in General Biology. Humboldt State University is celebrating their 100 year Anniversary, which makes his the Centennial Graduating Class. His future plans include working for a lab and doing research. After he starts working he will look for a Master’s program.

Master Degree Candidates

Lana (Howard) Clark was awarded her Master’s degree in Public Policy Administration from California Lutheran University. Lana is currently the Director of Stewardship at California Lutheran.

Kristen Keebaugh received her Master’s Degree in Education from California State University-Long Beach. Kristen’s enjoys teaching math and will seek employment teaching high school developmental math, college courses or as a tutoring coordinator for a school or private educational organization.

We will be celebrating the accomplishments of our

graduates on Sunday, June 9. They will receive a blessing during worship and be our guests at a reception after worship in the Social Hall.Please plan to be there to

congratulate our fine young people on this step in their

life’s journey!