Annual Caroling at the Hospital

Warm up your voices!
This Sunday, December 20th, carolers of all ages will gather at Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital (at 3:00pm in the chapel, by the main entrance) and share God's love and the joy of Christmas with patients, families, and staff.
Wear a santa hat if you have one!

Remember you are dust... Adult Forum Feb. 8th & 15th

We are approaching the beginning of Lent, which starts on Ash Wednesday, February 18^th. Worshipers will hear on that day, during the imposition of ashes, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” With this reminder of our mortality in mind, Adult Forum for February 8^th and 15^th will focus on caring for ourselves during critical times of health and at the end of life.

On February 8^th, Pastor Grant and his colleagues from the Spiritual Care Department of Bozeman Deaconess Hospital will help Adult Forum attendees understand the health care document “Five Wishes.” It is designed to help individuals put down in writing how they want to be cared for at the end of life.

1. Naming the person I want to make care decisions for me when I can’t
2. The kind of medical treatment I want or don‘t want.
3. How comfortable I want to be.
4. How I want people to treat me.
5. What I want my loved ones to know.

You can learn more at fivewishes.org, sponsored by Aging with Dignity. Aging with Dignity is "a national non-profit organization with a mission to affirm and safeguard the human dignity of individuals as they age and to promote better care for those near the end of life. The life and work of Mother Teresa of Calcutta served as the inspirational foundation of Aging with Dignity."

On February 15^th, both pastors will lead participants in conversation about memorial/funeral service planning. Crafting a meaningful memorial/funeral service can become a powerful testimony by a Christian of how they value the gift of faith as their loved ones and friends bid them farewell and commend them to God’s care. Hymns, prayers, Bible verses, and personal testimony can convey a sense of hope in Christ’s resurrection in the midst of death; a document listing your preferences can be a great gift to your surviving family and friends. Come for a life affirming presentation.

This is a re-post of a previous blog entry. But it fits! Just change the "12" to a "15." And, if you've signed up for the youth group to do the blessing with you on Wednesday, we'll see you then!

Merry Christmas!
I hope the season has been filled with joy, love and wonder at the Incarnation for you and your family!

Tomorrow is Epiphany, and it's customary in many homes (especially in Western Europe) to mark the lintel above the front door with symbols of blessing. You can do it, too!

Mark the front door (or somewhere on the door frame) with these symbols: the date, abbreviation of the phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat ("Christ bless this home" - which are also the initials of traditional names for the Magi - Casper, Melchior and Balthasar), and four crosses (representing the four seasons).

Order the symbols in the following way: 20 + C + M + B + 12

In the new year, this marking serves as a blessing over the entire household. Be as artistic and creative as you want! Get a jump start on an art project tonight and post it tomorrow night - use markers or do a collage on a piece of cardboard! Alternatively, the marking may be made with chalk, for those who like to keep things simple.

And don't forget the prayer of blessing!
One person, or the whole household together, prays:

Be our shelter, Lord, when we are at home, our companion when we are away, and our welcome guest when we return. And at last receive us into the dwelling place you have prepared for us in your father's house, where you live forever and ever. Amen

PB&A - THANKS!

THANK YOU!
Many thanks to all involved for making CtK's Second Annual Potato Bar & Auction a huge success. $7757 was raised in support of CtK's Family & Youth Ministry!

Special thanks to those donated items to the auction, to those who purchased them, to potato bakers and food providers, and everyone who came out to enjoy one another and have a good time! Monies raised will help send six CtK high school youth and two adults to the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit, AND send CtK middle school youth to Christikon next summer.

The youth of CtK decided to tithe 10% of their PB&A receipts to the Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry in Deer Lodge. Freedom in Christ is in need of financial AND prayer support, and the youth are glad to help make a difference in the lives of prisoners and their families.

TRUNK OR TREAT 2014 - Oct. 26th, 4:30-6:00pm

THIS SUNDAY, October 26th, is CtK's annual TRUNK OR TREAT!!
This fall festival is a great opportunity to get to know each other, and get to know the folks who live in our neighborhood!
YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!
Members and friends of CtK are needed to park their cars in "Treat Alley" (the CtK parking lot) and hand out treats as kids "trick or treat." Dressing up in costume and decorating your car are encouraged, but not required. :)
Folks are also needed to help run carnival games on the lawn (weather permitting) and in the social hall. There will be a beanbag toss, "Pin the hat on the witch," possibly outdoor twister, and more.

Sign up in the social hall, or just show up!
Set up will begin at 4:00pm. The event runs 4:30-6:00pm. It takes folks of ALL AGES to make this a success!

CtK's Fall Adult Forum: TED Talks, 9/28

This past Sunday, the Adult Forum watched a compelling TED Talk by Zak Ebrahim. It was interesting to hear it alongside the First Lesson for last week, from Ezekiel 18, and the prophet's insistence on individual responsibility and an open future.





Some of the questions we considered included:
In what ways do we strive to be like our parents and/or grandparents?
In what ways do we strive to different from our parents/grandparents?
What have been our experiences of stereotyping? And breaking down of stereotypes?
Are there people/causes we'd be willing to die for? To kill for?

Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Zak has written a book, called The Terrorist's Son: A Story of Choice. You can learn more about it here:

Service Plunge & Family Art Night photos

Those gathered at CtK this past Sunday had a great time, kicking off another year of learning in Sunday School, blessing backpacks, and enjoying this video of photos from the Middle School Service Plunge and Family Art Nights this summer. Enjoy!

Family Art Nights!

This year's Vacation Bible School isn't just for children, but for whole households - parents, grandparents, kids, teens, young adults, adults without children, pretty much everyone!

Each evening, Sunday, July 27th - Thursday, July 31st, folks will gather for dinner at 5:30pm ($2/person each evening will cover costs), and the program will start at 6:00pm. If you want to eat dinner at your house, no problem!

The program will begin with some fun and silly songs, a story or psalm from the Bible, and a creative prayer time. Then the ART begins, with three projects to choose from each night. Maybe you'll do one, maybe you'll do all three!

There is no set ending time. Families who need to get home for early bedtimes can leave when they need to. Kids who "just need 2 more minutes!" to get something done can have those 2 minutes. We expect that most folks will be heading out by 8pm or so.

These evenings of messy fun are designed for parents and other caring adults to create side-by-side with children, building relationships in family units, and across the congregation and community. ALL ARE WELCOME to participate! Invite friends!

And if you're able, please get a registration form turned in ahead of time, so organizers will have the right amount of food and supplies. You can find the registration form on the CtK website: www.ctkbozeman.org

Thanks!

Rummage Sale tomorrow

It's time for the annual CtK Family & Youth Ministry Team Rummage Sale!
Members and friends of CtK have been dropping off all kinds of stuff all week (donations accepted through today!) - lots of new treasures!
The sale is tomorrow - see you here!

All Saints' Sunday

Blessed All Saints' Day!
All Saints’ Day is November 1st each year, but since the first doesn't always land on a Sunday, many churches celebrate All Saints' Sunday on the first Sunday of November. This year, we celebrate All Saints on November 3rd.
The word saint comes from the Latin word sanctus and refers to the holy — that is, “set apart for the service of God.” In some of St. Paul’s letters to the churches he founded, he called all the members “saints.” Later, Christians who distinguished themselves by their zeal for Christ, especially the martyrs, were honored after their death by being canonized as saints.

The word “saint” was placed before their Christian name. The pages of Christian history books are filled with the stories of these very special servants of God.

Several became the patron saints of countries. Ireland’s saint is St. Patrick, England’s is St. George and Scotland’s is St. Andrew.

While the United States has no particular saint, Christians here should appreciate all the faithful people who served Christ courageously and delivered the faith to us to follow. We should also remember that in baptism, God names us "set apart for the service of God" - we, too, are saints.

This Sunday, those present in worship will have the opportunity to light a candle in honor or remembrance of saints in their lives. There's something about the concrete action of lighting a candle and letting the light of its flame shine that touches people deep in their souls. Candle lighting is a wonderful ritual action for families to do together, especially in concert with conversation about those who have gone before us, and those who strengthen our faith now.

Trunk or Treat!

Trunk or Treat is THIS Sunday, October 27th. Trunk set up will begin at 4:00pm, and more trunks are needed! Bring some treats to hand out (candy or otherwise - we've got some erasers to hand out from our trunk) and dress up in costume if you'd like. There just might be a prize for the best trunk decorations. At 4:30pm the Trunk or Treating will officially begin, and there will be games for kids in the social hall as well.
Invite your friends and neighbors - the more the merrier!
---
A word about Halloween, from one of my ELCA clergy colleagues:
At this time of year, many Christian parents wonder if they should allow their children to take part in Halloween activities. The Christian history of Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) ties it to All Saints Day (the following day). It is a part of a celebration of Christ’s victory over sin, death, and the devil.
Far from acknowledging Satan’s power or “worshiping the devil,” Halloween actually is a way of making fun of the devil and celebrating the truth that Christ has been victorious and evil has been defeated. Let your kids know this.
Use Halloween for fun; put on the masks, walk with the little ones, and have a good time.

HELP! Concert on the Lawn

Courtney Yovich, Ian Anderson and some of their musical friends will be performing on the lawn at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Saturday, June 15th at 7 pm to benefit the congregation's Good Samaritan fund.

Bring your blankets, bring your lawn chairs, and your friends. Food and beverage will be available for purchase beginning at 6pm. A great family idea for Father’s Day!   

 Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family and are available at the door (or lawn, actually)or at Christ the King and other Bozeman locations. Call CTK at 587-4131 for further information and ticket locations. 

This is gonna be FUN! And there's going to be cotton candy...

VBS & The Pancake Buffet

We're in the middle of a wonderful week of Vacation Bible School. Our theme this year is Splash in God's Word, and each day students are learning great, water-filled, Bible stories. Pictures will be posted at the end of the week...

The end-of-VBS tradition continues with a Pancake Buffet following worship THIS SUNDAY, August 5th. The Learn Ministry Team will provide the pancakes - bring a favorite topping to share! Berries, a variety of syrups, sprinkles, whipped cream, etc., have all proven popular in the past. What's your favorite?

BBQ and Campout

This is becoming an annual tradition you don't want to miss! And, this year the weather promises to be warmer and hopefully not quite as damp as last year!

Members and friends of CtK are invited to bring something to grill and a dish to share. The Family & Youth Team will provide fixin's for s'mores. There will be a fire pit for marshmallow roasting and to tell stories around.

Bring your lawn chair, tent, sleeping bag and overnight gear. In the morning there will be cereal for breakfast, and participants will be up in time to join in Family/Intergenerational Sunday School at 9am and worship at 10am.

See you on the lawn!

6th Annual Chili Cook-Off and 3rd Annual Wii Bowling Tournament THIS Saturday

Invite your friends and family for this great annual event! There will be mac&cheese for the non-chili-eaters, and TONS OF FUN for everyone!

The Twelfth Day of Christmas: House Blessing Preparation

Merry Christmas!
I hope the season has been filled with joy, love and wonder at the Incarnation for you and your family!

Tomorrow is Epiphany, and it's customary in many homes (especially in Western Europe) to mark the lintel above the front door with symbols of blessing. You can do it, too!

Mark the front door (or somewhere on the door frame) with these symbols: the date, abbreviation of the phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat ("Christ bless this home" - which are also the initials of traditional names for the Magi - Casper, Melchior and Balthasar), and four crosses (representing the four seasons).

Order the symbols in the following way: 20 + C + M + B + 12

In the new year, this marking serves as a blessing over the entire household. Be as artistic and creative as you want! Get a jump start on an art project tonight and post it tomorrow night - use markers or do a collage on a piece of cardboard! Alternatively, the marking may be made with chalk, for those who like to keep things simple.

And don't forget the prayer of blessing!
One person, or the whole household together, prays:

Be our shelter, Lord, when we are at home, our companion when we are away, and our welcome guest when we return. And at last receive us into the dwelling place you have prepared for us in your father's house, where you live forever and ever. Amen

Chalking the Door
(from http://mugsmettlesandmeanderings.blogspot.com/2011/01/traditional-epiphany-house-blessing.html)

Thursday Thought

From Leadership Weekly's email from 11/15/11, written by Marshall Shelley:

What causes some young people to walk away from the faith after they graduate from high school? And, more important, what causes other young people to hang on to their faith during those post-high-school years?

A few years ago, I heard a Christian sociologist offer his assessment: "The most important factor is not whether the young person 'prayed to receive Christ' or was involved in a youth group or even went on a missions trip. The key factor seems to be how many meaningful relationships the young person has with Christian adults who are not his or her parents."

What do you think? Adults: how did caring Christian adults, what Vibrant Faith Ministries would call AAA Christians (available, affirming, authentic) help you keep the faith during your young adult years? For whom are you serving in that capacity now? If you need help - let me know!
Youth: how many caring Christian adults do you know at CtK? What would make it easier to facilitate those relationships?

July Outdoor Adventure

We will meet for Outdoor Adventures on Saturday, July 9th, in the CtK parking lot at 9am.
This will be a short, scenic hike, ideal for children. We plan to walk 1.5 miles around a beautiful forested lake, just 25 miles driving distance from Bozeman. We plan to return to Bozeman at 12noon, approximately.
Those interested can climb to Garnet Mountain Lookout or Storm Castle Peak, returning to CtK at approximately 6pm.
For more information, call Jerry and/or LaVonne Nilesen, 587-8643, and to make travel arrangements.

Great American Backyard Camp Out!

If the weather holds, CtK will be participating in the Great American Backyard Camp Out tomorrow night, Saturday, June 25th. Folks will start to gather on the congregation's lawn at 5pm, pitch tents, grill dinner and make s'mores! (Please bring your own camping gear and food). Then they'll spend the night under the stars and get up in time for OUTDOOR WORSHIP on Sunday morning.
Even if you aren't planning on spending the night, consider bringing a camp chair or picnic blanket to sit on during worship on Sunday morning (not to mention sunblock or a hat!).
Let's enjoy God's beautiful creation together!

2nd ANNUAL RUMMAGE SALE!

Donations are being accepted now! (and the sooner you bring them the easier it is for the "setter-uppers," who really don't want to be here til midnight on Friday getting everything ready.

Need help getting a big piece of furniture here? Call the church office (587-4131).

HELPERS are still needed for set-up, 8am-5pm and 6pm-? today, Thursday and Friday.

BAGS are also needed - have a stash of plastic grocery bags multiplying like bunnies at your house? Drop 'em off! Thanks so much! The Family & Youth Team, and THE YOUTH OF CTK, appreciate all you do to make ministry happen!