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One of the stories behind this week’s Local Mission Partner (LMP) Sunday is Christ the King working with Redeemer Lutheran Church in north Minneapolis. Serving a diverse community, Redeemer sponsors a Christmas Store where children can pick out a donated gift for a family member, get help wrapping it and enjoy a simple lunch. LMP serves this lunch and enjoys interaction with the children and families of the Harrison neighborhood. This is one of the many LMP interactions with our Black, Hmong (Egg rolls today!), Chinese and Latine partners, along with Daily Work that helps immigrants find living wage jobs.
Today Pastor Sarah is preaching at Redemer and Redeemer Pastor Jen Collins is here as our preacher and adult forum leader. She will share the joys and challenges of working in their diverse neighborhood. Today’s special LMP offering (over and above your regular offering) will go to partner with these ministries. Thank you so much for helping us join God’s mission in this changing world. We invite you to join in serving Redeemer’s Christmas Store on Dec.9 and even explore our LMP planning meeting the second Monday evening each month. If you are interested, call or email Dale Erickson for more information. By Rich Arvidson
Here is a brief history of our National Holiday called Veterans Day. As you would notice, there is no apostrophe in the title. It is because the holiday does not belong to just one veteran but it is a day to honor all veterans. So hence, no apostrophe is needed. As stated above, Veterans Day is set apart from Memorial Day because Veterans Day is to thank and honor ALL those who served honorably in the military, both is wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served—not only those who died—have sacrificed and done their duty. Memorial Day observed in May is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, either in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle. Originally Veterans Day was called Armistice Day commemorating the end of World War I. The war actually ended seven months after the signing of the Treaty of Versailles. The Allies and Germany put into effect an armistice on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Armistice Day was to honor veterans of World War I. June 1, 1954, Congress changed the name Armistice Day to Veterans Day so the day would honor American Veterans of all wars. Pause and think, the veteran’s commitment to preserving our freedom has been instrumental in safeguarding the liberties and opportunities we hold dear as Americans. Along with that, thank the families who also sacrificed when a member of the family went to serve. We remember all those connected to our faith community who have passed since last All Saints.
Teddie Batzer Bill Bray Doug Chapman Mary Durham Cheryl Edwards Dennis Erickson Marcus George Darold Grimm Russell Hanson Peggy Henriksen Blanche Holmes Mark Ilten Richard Johnson Vynnette Perkins Kay Philbrook Marilyn Riege Vonnie Seim Mary Steinbach Don Wallerstedt We will celebrate the lives of those who died in the last year and all saints who rest in God's care in worship on November 5. Our congregation has a goal to receive 170 Intent Cards during this season of generosity. 170 returned Intent Cards releases a $15,000 challenge gift from the Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study into the 2024 ministry budget at CtK!
We give thanks to these men and their households for this wonderful leadership gift above and beyond their own 2024 donations. As you prepare for Generosity Sunday, October 29th, consider these words from Henri Nouwen: “You are being invited to invest yourself through the resources God has given you–your energy, your prayers, and your money–in this work to which God has called us.” “You won’t become poorer, you will become richer by giving.” The Apostle Paul says,“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11). How much is enough? Usually, just a little but more. It is common to worry there will not be enough. This is called The Scarcity Assumption. It is human and natural but it is not Christian.
Our faith teaches us God will provide sufficiently for all our needs if we but trust in God’s promises.This is so even when we give away the largest portion or amount we have ever given! Throughout scripture we find signs of this faithfulness: Abraham and Sarah, Ruth, Jonah, all the disciples and more were sustained by God’s grace. These examples were written and handed down for our instruction and assurance. Learn to give in faith means the assumption of sufficiency, not scarcity. God will provide for God cares for us. Americans can be a study in contradictions. One study found recent years have been some of the most generous in giving to churches and non-profits. Another study found the median protestant (person in the middle if lined up smallest percentage to largest) only give 0.62% of their income to the church. Less than 1%.
Often the reason for this has less to do with their wealth or income and more to do with intentionality. Regular systematic giving makes a huge difference. Over the course of a year, $1 per day comes to a gift of $365, which for about 35-40% of Americans would be significant growth in their giving to the church. The average Starbucks coffee costs $3.00. This amounts to over $1,000 if one is purchased every day of the year. Regular, systematic giving can help all of us become more generous. We get overwhelmed when we think about larger numbers like $1,000. However, most of us can find $3 per day. As you think and pray about your generosity this year. Consider how systematic giving may help you become more generous. Sometimes we take things in life for granted. Even important things. Here are just a few of the ways people here have seen God at work through Christ the King.
As we enter Hispanic Heritage Month, we encourage you to explore resources for learning about the vast and varied history and experience of hispanic cultures and people.
One great online resource is the website of the National Museum of the American Latino. You can visit their site HERE. We recommend you spend a few minutes watching the 3.5 minute video from Somos (we are), a video that discusses the great diversity within Latin cultures that is often overlooked. We also have a fantastic opportunity to learn about hispanic heritage in our own building. Cristo Rey is a vibrant community whose congregants hold a multitude of experiences and represent a variety of Latin cultures. If you haven’t (or even if you have), consider attending a Cristo Rey service this month. By Pastor Sarah Anderson What are you looking forward to this fall at CtK? As you watch the video, how would you answer that question? There is quite a variety of ministry happening this fall and there is something for all ages. Take time to familiarize yourself with Christ the King's Mission Statement and be curious how you will actively engage your faith. Be courageous and try something new! The Holy Spirit moves in surprising and powerful ways as we grow, gather, and give of ourselves. Here are some ideas of how we can live out Christ's mission together: Growing in faith and understanding - Pick one of the many Bible studies to attend - Attend the book study hosted by the Racial Justice Team in October - Participate in SALT (Sunday Adult Learning Time) after worship (new this year is an option for childcare so parents can attend SALT) Gathering for worship and fellowship - Even if it's been awhile, come to worship in-person at 9:30 on Sundays - If you see a new-to-you face, introduce yourself - Stay for coffee and donuts after worship - Sing in the choir or play handbells (beginners welcome!) Giving of ourselves and our resources - Help at a Wednesday evening meal - Stretch your financial giving - Steward the earth: pick up sticks and leaves at CtK - Write a thank-you note |
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Christ the King Lutheran Church
1900 7th Street NW New Brighton, MN 55112 Phone: 651-633-4674 Email: info@lifeatctk.org Office Hours: 9 am - 2 pm Mon - Thurs or by appointment Sunday Schedule Sunday Morning Worship at 9:30 am 12 pm Cristo Rey Servicio en Español |
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