Advent Midweek Worship and Words from the Bishop

Tonight is the last Wednesday of Advent!

We'll gather for soup supper at 6pm. At 7pm we'll move into the sanctuary for Holden Evening Prayer, a lovely sung vespers service. There will be time for quiet reflection and prayer - just what so many of us need in the midst of this busy season of preparation!

 

New Blog from PLTS (Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary)

An invitation from PLTS:

 

PLTS  - Out of the Fog, Into God's World blog

  

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkeley, California has launched a blog that engages theological perspectives with pressing, urgent public issues of our day. This blog involve a wide range of contributors from the PLTS faculty, other faculties at California Lutheran University, students and alums, as well as others committed to the purpose of this blog. A link to our blog can be found here: http://outofthefogplts.wordpress.com/ 

In faith communities and the wider society, there increasingly is moral outrage about what is occurring, such as entrenched violence and inequalities. However, critical biblical and theological perspectives are seldom brought to bear on what is at stake. Ordinary people of faith are either left "in the fog" about how their faith engages such, or certain "religious" voices are featured in the media that tend to be judgmental or polarizing. The public voice of, especially Lutherans, tends to remain muted or confined within churches, as it was not for someone like Martin Luther. Our audience is those preparing sermons or discussions that better equip people to think and act on timely issues in the news in light of their faith.  The hope is that this might contribute to reflective deliberation amid differences rather than furthering the polarization that is all too pervasive in our common life.
Check it out and let us know what you think in the comments. Thanks!

Blessed Advent

Blessed Advent! And Happy New Year!
Today is the first Wednesday in Advent (the 4th day of Advent this year, which started this past Sunday), and here at CtK folks will gather for a simple supper of soup and bread, and then for a service of evening prayer. Advent marks the beginning of a new year in the church calendar, and begins four Sundays before Christmas. During this season, we are invited to prepare our hearts and homes not only for the celebration of Jesus' birth, but also for all the ways Christ comes to us, and for the day he comes again in glory. There's rather a lot going on - and that's before we factor in parties, Christmas cards, shopping, etc.
So, come and take some time to celebrate the season and God's work in and through you this Advent. Take some time to ponder what (or who) it is you're waiting for; what you hope and long for; what is yearning to be born in your life.
On Wednesday evenings this year, we'll think about the four tenets of the Advent Conspiracy: Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All. Since we only have 3 Wednesday services of Holden Evening Prayer, the second and third themes will be combined.
The service is beautiful - piano, flute, guitar, voice, candlelight, quiet.
Come.

Hearts On Fire - Christ the King Sunday

This Sunday is Christ the King Sunday, also called Reign of Christ Sunday. It's the last Sunday in the liturgical year, and we celebrate that Jesus is Lord. Of everything - all time, all places. Here at CtK, since the name of our congregation is "Christ the King," it also serves as a time to remember and celebrate the ministry done with, among, and by us who gather here.

This year, Christ the King Sunday is "Giving Plan Sunday," or "Commitment Sunday" here at CtK. A lot of us have learned over the years that having a plan for the stewardship of our lives is helpful - time, energy, attention, financial resources, the planet. It's all connected.

The end of 2014 means the end of CtK's last capital campaign, Rooted in Faith, Growing in Giving. Over the past three years, the congregation has paid off a huge chunk of the mortgage debt, done some helpful projects around CtK, and given away over $16,000 to a host of other ministries and organizations doing God's work in the world. What a blessing.

Now, we embark on another three-year giving campaign, Hearts On Fire. The goal is to grow in faith through faithful, generous giving, and to pay off the congregation's mortgage completely by the end of 2017. It's do-able. And it will mean even more resources available for ministry with, by and among us. God has set our hearts on fire with faith, hope and love. And now we get to share them.

The Hearts On Fire task force has been sharing personal stories, hopes and perspectives.
This video does a remarkable job of tying it all together.
Enjoy!

Words from the Bishop: End of Life Decisions

Each week, the Bishop of the Montana Synod, the Rev. Jessica Crist, writes an article for the Synod newsletter. Here it is for this week:

 

 

Words from the Bishop:  End of Life Decisions

 

As people in the United States are living longer, there are more and more discussions on quality of life issues. Many of those discussions focus on end of life issues. Patients' rights issues mingle with death with dignity issues. Nobody wants to suffer a prolonged, painful death. And the conversation moves eventually to the right to die. Some states, like Oregon, have incorporated it into their legal system, and have physician-assisted suicide as a legal option.

Montana is a legal no-man's land in this issue. The Supreme Court determined that there is no law prohibiting physician-assisted suicide. But neither is there a law that allows it. In past legislative sessions Montana has seen bills introduced both to allow and to prohibit physician-assisted suicide. Both have failed. But the issue is not likely to go away.

Society has changed a lot in the last several decades. Medical advances enable people to live much longer with debilitating conditions. And at the same time there is a movement to allow people more agency in their own health-care decisions. Every time I drop by the hospital lab across the street I am asked if I have a living will.

Families are not always in agreement with each other on end of life issues. The tragic situation of Terry Schiavo a decade ago brought to the public eye the tragedy than ensues when family members are at odds with each other about the best course of action (or inaction.)

So what can we say as Christians? The ELCA has a social message on "End-of- Life Decisions," adopted in 1992. It affirms 6 basic principles:

            +Life is a gift from God, to be received with thanksgiving.

            +The integrity of the life processes which God has created should be respected: both birth and death are part of these life processes.

            +Both living and dying should occur within a caring community.

            +A Christian perspective mandates respect for each person. Such respect included giving due recognition to each person's carefully considered preferences regarding treatment choices.

            +Truthfulness and faithfulness in our relations with others are essential to the texture of human life.

            +Hope and meaning in life are possible even in times of suffering and adversity, a truth powerfully proclaimed in the resurrection faith of the church.

The statement explores artificially-administered nutrition and hydration, and the refusal of beneficial treatment. And it addresses physician-assisted death. It states:

"As a church we affirm that deliberately destroying life created in the image of God is contrary to our Christian conscience. While this affirmation is clear, we also recognize that responsible health care professionals struggle to choose the lesser evil in ambiguous borderline situations-for example, when pain becomes so unmanageable that life is indistinguishable from torture."

"We oppose the legalization of physician-assisted death, which would allow the private killing of one person by another. Public control and regulation of such actions would be extremely difficult, if not impossible. The potential for abuse, especially of people who are most vulnerable, would be substantially increased."

The entire statement is five pages, and you may find it helpful to read. You can find it at www.elca.org. I commend it to you as part of your moral discernment for the legislative issues that face Montana and Wyoming in the coming months.

In Christ,

Jessica Crist, Bishop

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.

Surprised by Hope

Every-other Friday morning, a CtK small group meets at Clark's Fork restaurant at 7:00am. Some folks just drink coffee or tea, some eat a big breakfast. All are part of lively conversation, stimulated by the chapters read for the morning's discussion.
This Friday, November 7th, the group will discuss the last chapters of Take This Bread, by Sara Miles. It's been great food for thought. (pun!)
Beginning Friday, November 21st, the group will discuss the first two chapters of Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, by N.T. Wright. Wright, an Anglican bishop and professor, tackles the question of what happens when we die, and how most Christians get it wrong. This book is more "academic" than the group's previous selections, heavier on early church history and biblical theology, but it is a fascinating read and will inspire great conversations. You are invited to join in! Pick up a copy at your favorite bookseller, bid on the "Friday Morning Small Group Basket" at the PB&A this Sunday, or get a copy here at Amazon:

All are welcome to join the conversation!

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!

CROP Walk 2014

Want to help end hunger, in Bozeman and around the world? Participate in the annual Church World Service's CROP Walk. This year's CROP Walk is THIS Sunday, October 19th. Walkers collect pledges, in person or online, and then walk 10k, rain or shine!

Everything you need to register, or donate, can be found on the CROP website.

Many thanks to the CtK walkers and donors!

Bozeman HAY MAZE - Fundraiser Night for Love, INC

TONIGHT, October 8th, the CtK youth group will be heading to the Bozeman Hay Maze. (The 6th-12th graders will still meet for dinner at 6:30pm, then head out to the Maze. They'll return to CtK at 8:30pm, which is a half hour later than usual).
EVERYONE is invited to join the fun - tonight is a fundraiser for Love, INC, a cooperative ministry of a whole bunch of churches in the Gallatin Valley (CtK is a partner church in Love, INC). The Maze will be open from 5:00-8:30pm. Tickets are $8/person. Bring your flashlight and a jacket. See you there!

Adult Forum Guest Speakers This Week

This Sunday, we welcome two guest speakers to our Adult Forum. Erica Coyle is the co-director of HAVEN here in Bozeman. Anna Saverud prosecutes Domestic Violence cases in Bozeman. Both will help us understand the issues surrounding Domestic Violence generally, and specifically here where we live. Hopefully, we'll also learn how to talk well about relationships, and learn how we can work for healthy relationships in every arena of our lives. Last Sunday, I sent slips of paper home with adult forum participants with a link to this TED Talk by Leslie Morgan Steiner, as "homework" for this Sunday. It is compelling. Take a few minutes and watch.



If you're interested in what the ELCA is doing in the area of Domestic Violence, read this Draft Social Message, Gender-based Violence. This social message is still in draft form, and the writing team is accepting feedback through late-November. A handful of printed copies will be available at Adult Forum Sunday morning.

Domestic and Gender-based violence are not easy topics to discuss, but they are important. Statistics indicate that it's likely all of us know a victim. And a perpetrator. There are children and young adults in our community that need to learn what healthy relationships look like, and how to respond to friends experiencing violence in their homes. It is my hope that this conversation will help us continue to become a safe community for all.

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:

Fruits of the Spirit

This afternoon during the Tuesday noon bible study our group talked about gifts of the spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self- control.

We also discussed how we saw these gifts reflected in the life of our community here at Christ the King Lutheran Church.

We saw members display self-control during our annual meeting times, allowing everyone to speak their mind at an important community forum.

We saw members practice patience with folks who had more “challenging personalities” in our midst, covering them with God’s grace when it would have been so easy to write them off.

We saw members carry out acts of generosity in time, talent, and treasure for the sake of God’s mission in this place.

We also saw love, joy, and peace in the lives of our members genuinely touched by God’s life giving love.

Where do you see the gifts of the spirit reflected in the lives of those who call Christ the King their community of faith?

Financial Peace

Money is one of those things it's often difficult to talk about. It's personal. And for lots of folks, it's anxiety producing.

Beginning a week from today (the class starts Tuesday, September 30th), CtK will offer Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University. It's a 9-week course designed to help individuals and families develop a plan for their money. This class will show participants how to get rid of debt, manage their money, spend and save wisely, and much more!

If you'd like to attend, please register online to pay for and receive your materials. The course costs $93 per family.

Want a preview? Check this out:

Words from the Bishop

Each week, the pastors of the Montana Synod of the ELCA get an email of news updates from our Synod Office. This week's email included an article from our Bishop, Jessica Crist. It explains a bit how we, as Lutherans, think about our life together in the world - especially in campaign season:

Words from the Bishop-Lutherans and Public Policy-New for September 17

It has been said that the 2 topics you shouldn't bring up in polite company are politics and religion. (I don't agree.) So what happens if you mix the 2, and bring them both up? Toxic or redemptive? It all depends, doesn't it?

 

It is September, and the political signs are cropping up on lawns, and the billboards, TV ads and robo-calls are multiplying like spotted knapweed. Some of the messages out there are a sincere attempt to state a position or point of view. Some seem simply to be aimed at instilling fear and tearing down opponents.

 

How do Lutherans respond to politics? Martin Luther talked about "the two kingdoms," as a way to describe it. The "kingdom on the right" is God's realm, and the "kingdom on the left" is the earthly realm. Luther never suggested that Christians get to function only in the kingdom on the right. Only cloistered monks could claim that lifestyle. We live and function in the world, the world that God created, and the world that God so loved.

 As Lutherans, we take seriously our call to live out our baptismal promises in love for God and love for neighbor. And living out love for neighbor sometimes involves taking a stand for justice. The ELCA has social statements voted on by Churchwide Assemblies, and social messages voted on by the Church Council. ELCA advocacy staff work in Washington, at the United Nations and in state capitals on issues that we have agreed upon as a church.

Is it possible for Lutherans to disagree? Absolutely. While we do our best as a church to discern through prayer and study and research what the most appropriate positions and actions are to a broad issue, we never claim that ours is the only way. Learning to disagree graciously and still be part of the same church is a gift that Christians can share with the larger community.

 

We do not endorse candidates. We may support positions and issues, but we do not support candidates. That would, among other things jeopardize our tax-exempt status.

God has called us to live in the world, and to care for our neighbors. There are many issues in our legislatures, and in our national government that affect the lives of our neighbors. Christians of good will may differ in their responses to the world's challenges. But let us do it with civility, treating those who disagree with us as the children of God that they are. Every legislative session in Montana we have Lutherans on both sides of the aisle. That is good.

Jessica Crist, Bishop

CtK Fall Adult Forum: TED Talks

Every Sunday, as worship draws to a close and we prepare for the Spirit to send us back into the world, the Assisting Minister asks, "Who are we?"
And the congregation replies, "We are a Christian community, practicing discipleship as we worship, learn and serve."
The folks gathered have just worshiped together. And most folks can name ways they serve - within the congregation, serving their friends and family, in the community and beyond.
Intentional lifelong learning, though, takes a little more effort, for most adults. Somewhere along the line, too many people decided that Sunday School was just for kids, and they have no need to keep learning. That's not true! Besides, if adults (especially parents) aren't learning, they are teaching by example that learning isn't important - and none of us wants to do that!

So, in an effort to make our Sunday morning Adult Forum a bit more engaging, and relevant to life the rest of the week, this fall we're watching a TED Talk each week, and then having some conversation about it. Yes, it might require participants to be a little bit vulnerable - that's not a bad thing. Maybe, as a Christian community, we can be a school for vulnerability, honesty, forgiveness, and love.

In case you missed this past Sunday's Adult Forum, or want to watch the video again, here it is:

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!

Back to School - Blessing of Backpacks

Invite your friends, classmates, teammates, neighbors, teachers, students...

Life long learning

Teach me, O Lord, the way of your statutes,
   and I will observe it to the end.
³⁴ Give me understanding, that I may keep your law
   and observe it with my whole heart.
³⁵ Lead me in the path of your commandments,
   for I delight in it.
³⁶ Turn my heart to your decrees,
   and not to selfish gain.
³⁷ Turn my eyes from looking at vanities;
   give me life in your ways.
³⁸ Confirm to your servant your promise,
   which is for those who fear you.
³⁹ Turn away the disgrace that I dread,
   for your ordinances are good.
⁴⁰ See, I have longed for your precepts;
   in your righteousness give me life.

Psalm 119:33-40

At this start of the new school year, let us reflect on God’s Word and recommit ourselves to study, reflection, devotion, and observation of its teachings.

CtK Hosting Blood Drive

CtK will host a Blood Drive on Monday, August 11th, from 1:30-6:00pm, in the social hall. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: christtheking.

Giving blood is an easy way to save lives. Thanks for donating!

(And I (Pr. Lindean), say an extra "thanks" for donating - the Red Cross won't accept my blood, since I lived in the UK during a big "Mad Cow Disease" outbreak. The year I spent volunteering in a rural Presbyterian Congregation in Northern Ireland has disqualified me from donating blood until a blood test for BSE is established. I gave blood at my high school and university blood drives, and wish I still could. So, please give on my behalf and I'll give you a big high five!)

From the Red Cross website:

Tips for a Successful Donation

By following a few recommendations before, during and after your blood donation can help you make your donation experience as safe, successful and pleasant as possible.

Before Your Donation

• Maintain a healthy iron level in your diet by eating iron rich foods, such as red meat, fish, poultry, beans, spinach, iron-fortified cereals and raisins.
• Get a good night's sleep.
• Drink an extra 16 oz. of water or nonalcoholic fluids before the donation.
• Eat a healthy meal before your donation. Avoid fatty foods, such as hamburgers, fries or ice cream before donating. (Fatty foods can affect the tests we do on your blood. If there is too much fat in your blood, your donation cannot be tested for infectious diseases and the blood will not be used for transfusion.)
• If you are a platelet donor, remember that your system must be free of aspirin for two days prior to donation.
• Remember to bring your donor card, driver's license or two other forms of ID.

Read more here.

Saint for July 29th

Olaf, King of Norway, martyr, died 1030

Olaf is considered the patron saint of Norway. In his early career he engaged in war and piracy in the Baltic and in Normandy. In Rouen, though, he was baptized and became a Christian. He returned to Norway, succeeded his father as king, and from then on Christianity was the dominant religion of the realm. He revised the laws of the nation and enforced them with strict impartiality, eliminating the possibility of bribes. He thereby alienated much of the aristocracy. The harshness he sometimes resorted to in order to establish Christianity and his own law led to a rebellion. After being driven from the country and into exile, he enlisted support from Sweden to try to regain his kingdom, but he died in battle. Sundays and Seasons, Year A 2014 worship planner p.254

 

Take This Bread: A Radical Conversion

The Friday morning small group finished reading/discussing Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Barbara Brown Taylor, this morning. I think everyone in the group would recommend it!
And we chose a new book, Take This Bread, by Sara Miles, which we'll begin discussing on Friday, August 1st at 7:00am at Clark's Fork. The chapters are quite short, so we'll be discussing the first three.
ALL ARE WELCOME to join the conversation. Pick up a copy at your favorite bookseller, get reading, and join in! Questions? Just ask!

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!

Lay My Burden Down

North American Lutherans aren't typically known for showing emotion during worship (or at all, in some cases. Some branches of the Lutheran family tree come from solid Scandinavian stock, and there are plenty of jokes about the "quiet" Norwegian-Americans - like the extroverted Norwegian farmer who looks at YOUR shoes while he talks to you).
That said, some news is just so good, that even the shy-est, most quiet people can't help but show it. I can't remember the last time someone thought I was shy, or quiet (ahem), so I knew it wouldn't be hard for me to sing from the pulpit this past Sunday. I was pretty sure that having a friend play the banjo would help loosen people up for a little non-scripted singing. And the congregation SANG. And sang like they meant it. Thanks be to God that none of us has to carry ANY burden alone. And a lot of the time, the burdens we carry, we don't have to carry at all. Set down the guilt, fear, pride...

Jesus says, "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy (kind, good, suitable, appropriate), and my burden is light." --Matthew 11:28-30.

Glory glory hallelujah!

Pedal for Peas - LUNCH!

Tomorrow (Thursday, July 3) we are blessed to be able to be a blessing to the riders on the Pedal for Peas journey. From 11am-3pm or so, lunch will be served on CtK's lawn as riders complete their ride.
Want to come and help serve the food? Just show up!
Want to come and thank the riders? Just show up!
Want to come and administer ice packs? Just show up!
It will be a great time. Just show up!

Pedal for Peas

Cyclists from around the Montana Synod will be joining together for "Pedal for Peas" - a 160-mile bike ride to raise awareness of, and funds for, ELCA World Hunger ministries.
Two members of CtK will be riding, and we will be participating as a congregation by providing a staggered lunch for the riders after the last leg of their trip. We'll be offering lunch on Thursday, July 3rd, from 11:00am until 4:00pm.
Want to help? Contact the church office.
Want to donate? Put a check made out to "CtK," with "Pedal for Peas" in the memo line, in the offering plate this Sunday. Thanks!
Want more information on the whole thing? Check out this site (Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church in Helena).

Want to ride your bike with others? Join the new-ish CtK small group that gathers to ride for a couple of hours on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays each month. Meet in the CtK parking lot (bring your bike, helmet, water bottle, etc.) THIS SATURDAY, June 28th at 9:00am. The group will return about 11:00am.

Happy cycling!

Concert: Shine

Please join us and invite others for this free, transforming concert event, Heavenly Harp in Concert: "Shine" - tomorrow evening (June 19th) at 7:00pm, here at Christ the King Lutheran Church.
Featuring two harps, beautiful vocal harmonies and inspiring stories, Karin and Joy Gunderson will present light classical, popular and Christian music you know and love.
Preview Heavenly Harp music at www.ChristianHarpMusic.com - enjoy the music!

Family Promise coming to CtK in Nine Days!

Each summer, we are privileged to have the opportunity to serve homeless families in our area, by hosting Family Promise. Our host dates this year are June 15th-19th and July 13th-27th. There are lots of ways to serve - making dinner, spending the night, doing laundry, praying for our guests...
Volunteers involved in "direct service" to guests are asked to attend a volunteer orientation before signing up (you can sign up to do laundry or pray without attending), and the next training is coming up soon:

Family Promise is once again hosting a New Volunteer Orientation for those interested in doing direct service with our families. The training will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the Small Conference Room at the Bozeman Public Library.  
This training covers the basics of working with Family Promise: what is an Interfaith Hospitality Network, how it operates, where our families come from, as well as how to help in ways that make a real impact. The training is free but reservations are recommended. Please call 406-582-7388 or send an email to lprindiville@familypromisegv.org. Feel free to share this information with other people you know who would make great Family Promise volunteers.

Blessed Ascension Day!

Easter was 40 days ago, which means that today we celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord. Ascension always lands on a Thursday (since Easter is always on a Sunday), which means it can get overlooked pretty easily.

Here's the story from Acts 1 (from The Message):

 

When they were together for the last time, [the disciples] asked, "Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?"

[Jesus] told them, "You don't get to know the time. Timing is the Father's business. What you'll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world."

These were his last words. As they watched, he was taken up and disappeared in a cloud. They stood there, staring into empty sky. Suddenly two men appeared - in white robes! They said, "You Galileans! - why do you just stand here looking up at an empty sky? This very Jesus who was taken up from among you to heaven will come as certainly - and mysteriously - as he left."

So, how to celebrate the Ascension of Our Lord?
- Watch some clouds for a few minutes, and then go find someone to serve.
- Fly a kite.
- Be a one of Jesus's witnesses right where you are, and tell someone how much God loves them.

Happy Ascension Day!

Looking for a small group or book group?

The Friday morning small group (currently meeting every-other Friday at Clark's Fork at 7:00am) just finished one book (Consider the Birds, by Debbie Blue) and will begin reading another, Learning to Walk in the Dark, by Barbara Brown Taylor.
Time Magazine recently named Barbara Brown Taylor one of the most 100 influential people, and has featured her new book.
Interested in joining the conversation? Pick up a copy and dig in! The group meets next on May 23rd and will be discussing the introduction and first chapter.
Happy Reading!

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!

Happy Easter!

We had a great weekend here at CtK- many thanks to all who helped make the celebration possible! Here's an Easter greeting from our Presiding Bishop, Elizabeth Eaton:

Good Friday

We adore you, O Christ, and we bless you.

By your holy cross you have redeemed the world.

Holy Week and Easter Schedule

Baskets of Promise

During the season of Lent, CtK is collecting items for Personal Care Kits, to be distributed by Lutheran World Relief. Each week, we add to our "Baskets of Promise" by collecting one of the items for the kits. This week (March 30th) we are collecting combs; next week (April 6th) we are collecting metal nail clippers. On April 13th we'll collect individually wrapped bars of soap (again), since every kit contains two bars of soap.
The response to this effort has been overwhelming. THANK YOU to all who have so generously donated items for care kits. While our original goal was to assemble 50 kits, it looks like we may be able to send even more than that.
I don't know about you, but I take a lot of things for granted - my toothbrush (given to me by my dentist), soap in the shower and near every sink (which are all indoors, with hot and cold running water safe to drink and bathe in), clean towels, my favorite hairbrush... Should I forget something while I'm traveling, I might be inconvenienced, but that's about the worst of it. Hotels often offer spares, and it's easy enough to go out and purchase a replacement whatever if I need it.
But for those recovering from natural disasters, or living in severely impoverished or refugee communities, the gift of a personal care kit means a lot. Personal care kits are a tangible expression of God's love and care for those in need.

Students open Personal Care Kits in their class.

If you'd like to learn more, check out the interactive map which shows distribution of Lutheran World Relief quilts and kits. (Personal care kits were shipped in late January to Syrian refugees in camps in Northern Iraq, and the timeline on the link will show when they arrive).

Be still and know that I am God.

My life is not very quiet these days.

This is why I need the quiet atmosphere of midweek Lenten worship to calm my mind, body, and spirit.

I have always enjoyed evening worship. There is something about darkness, candlelight, quiet music, and gentle voices that calm me and help me be still.

My eldest daughter Marit won’t take an afternoon nap unless she is still and quiet.

I have a hard time sensing the presence of the Holy Spirit unless I am still and quiet.

Evening worship provides an opportunity to be still and quiet.

A musical prelude and postlude draws me into the worship space, and keeps me there when I think I need to leave to tend to my duties as a pastor, husband, and father.

The contrast between darkness and light during evening worship holds my attention, unlike some other lighting arrangements.

Quiet voices reading scripture, uttering prayers, and singing hymns calm me down much like when I speak to my boisterous children with a still, small voice.

I will continue to participate in evening worship because I need the quiet, I need the calm, and I need the stillness to help me sense the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

Perhaps that is God’s gift to us during this season leading up to Holy Week and Easter.

We need the quiet. We need the calm. We need the stillness to help us sense the presence of God’s Holy Spirit.

It's Lent

It's Lent. We're three days in already, having observed Ash Wednesday two days ago, with the solemn reminders that we are all, indeed, going to die; that sin is real; and that neither of those two realities is the last word on us. Thanks be to God.

 

While Lent may not be the happiest of seasons, I need it. I need the raw honesty, the reminder that I do indeed need saving from "weak resignation to the evils we deplore" as the old hymn puts it, and that I frequently need saving from myself. I need a fresh start. Again.

One of the downsides of Lent is how "do-able" it can seem - the invitation to embrace a discipline, or to undertake a "40 ___ for the 40 Days of Lent" challenge can make someone like me feel like maybe if I just try hard enough, and buckle down, and build up that will-power, I could keep a "Holy Lent." While I tend not to enjoy failure, I need that, too, especially during Lent, otherwise I'm tempted to make a god of my own good intentions and small successes.

 

It's a paradoxical season: Struggle with sin, and don't resign yourself to it; "return to God," to paraphrase the reading from the prophet Joel on Ash Wednesday. At the same time, recognize that you have, and always will, fail in that struggle. And that's precisely why returning to God (who never left us, by the way) is such good news. In Lent we are invited again to acknowledge that God always comes down to us, to our world, to the messiness of our hearts. And loves us. And takes up residence right in the middle of the broken, and weary, and otherwise hopeless.

So - pick a discipline (prayer, fasting, almsgiving, 40 ___ for 40 days) and embrace it with all you've got. When you follow through, give thanks. And when you falter, give thanks. You are human. You will die. And you are held, and loved, by a God who raises the dead to life.

The College Girl's Guide to: Bible Study - Guest Post by MSU student Molly Wright

Gathering with a few other Christians each week, or every other week, has been an important part of my life for years. Reading the Bible with others helps me know them, and helps me hear God's word in ways I might miss on my own. Having a small group of mutual support can make all the difference - joys are multiplied, and burdens are divided. It's my hope that every participant in the community of faith that is Christ the King Lutheran Church would know the fun and challenge of discipleship with a small group.

Back in January I asked Molly, a first-year student at MSU, to write an article for the monthly CtK newsletter about her Bible Study/small group experience.

            The College Girl’s Guide to: Bible Study

            To say that college is overwhelming would be an understatement.

            Before coming to MSU, I thought I had it all figured out. I had no fears about tackling schoolwork, making new friends, or getting involved with every club on campus. But boy, was I wrong. It’s pretty scary to go from a class of 300 kids to a school of 15,000 undergrads. You feel as if you have the word “freshman” stamped on your forehead, and you have no idea how to handle this unfamiliar territory.

            Feeling disconnected and lost, I turned to my mom for help. (It’s true... She really does know best.) She told me to try attending Christ the King, where Lindean, the former pastor of my home congregation at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, and her husband led worship. The warmth, energy, and inviting atmosphere of the church was immediately apparent. I felt like I was home.

            Soon after, we arranged to meet Wednesday nights for a small group bible study at International Coffee, a small coffee shop right next to campus. I had reservations about going. What if I don’t know enough about the Bible? What if I say something that sounds dumb, or I disagree with someone else? I don’t even know Annie and Pastor Lindean that well... Will I be comfortable speaking up? Maybe I should just stay home and do homework. But by the end of the first meeting, those thoughts has disappeared. Over a steaming mug of tea, we talked, laughed, prayed, and explored God’s word. I was already looking forward to next week’s meeting, and ventured home feeling a bit better inside knowing that I had found somewhere I could fit in.

            Being part of a small group within the church, especially a Bible study, is so incredibly rewarding. Sharing thoughts, emotions, and ideas with others allows us to open up in ways we don’t normally do in casual conversation. And, exploring the different stories in the Bible and how they relate to our lives reminds us of God’s unfailing love for us, a comforting thought for a lonely 18 year old. I guarantee you’ll learn something new, or at least have some preconceived notion busted. It happens every time for me.

            Sometimes, we get too caught up in ourselves and our own worries, and lose sight of the bigger picture. Luckily, we have wonderful people in our lives who are there for support, love, and growth. We need to lean on them so that we can all grow stronger in our faith and our friendships with each other. In attending this Bible study, my feelings of loneliness have subsided. They’ve given way to feelings of desire to continue learning and growing in faith, and have left room to develop friendships with women who are as excited about Christ’s love as I am.

            Making time on a busy Wednesday evening is a small sacrifice to pay for the benefits we reap by simply coming together over God’s word. While I still struggle with finding my place on campus, I know I have found my place within the church.

A new small group bible study will begin on Tuesday, February 11th at Christ the King from 7-9 p.m.

This new small group, led by Kurt Blunck, will look at the people and the historical events that shaped the world in the time of the New Testament. Our text book will be "Living in the time of Jesus of Nazareth" by Peter Connolly.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month.

Souper Bowl of Caring - CtK Cares!



The Souper Bowl of Caring offering at CtK Feb. 2nd, 2014
Picture from http://www.abcfoxmontana.com/story/24614186/churches-participate-in-souper-bowl-of-caring#.UvEke3MXrx8.facebook

Many thanks to the friends and members of CtK who participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring last Sunday. We had a good-sized stack of food donated, and the soup-pot offering was full of clangs and pings as the coins landed. What fun! And, that special Souper Bowl of Caring offering totaled $463.87! Thanks!
Some local news sources picked up on the Souper Bowl of Caring as well. Check out this article on CtK's participation. And feel free to keep bringing in non-perishable food for the food bank - we'll make sure it gets there.

It's COLD Outside

It is cold outside. Really cold. And it's only going to get colder when the sun goes down. So:

ALL CTK EVENING ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN CANCELLED FOR TONIGHT.

The adult choir will meet and rehearse on Sunday morning (2/9) at 8:45am.
The youth group will meet again next Wednesday.
The college Bible study will meet again next Wednesday as well, now at City Brew near Kohls/Qdoba.

Any questions? Please contact the church office at 587-4131.

Stay warm!
And pray for those who don't have adequate shelter, or who have to choose between heat/food/medicine. It's days like today I am especially grateful for the work of the Warming Center here in Bozeman, and equally grateful this community of faith supports that work.

Five Things You Don't Know About the Big Game

Here's an eye-opening consideration of some numbers associated with the Super Bowl - and how they stack up to some other things going on in the US.

WEBS - Women's Ecumenical Book Study

There's a great group in Bozeman called WEBS. WEBS is an acronym for "Women's Ecumenical Book/Bible Study." Coming up in February, WEBS will be offering several book study groups, reading different books and meeting at a variety of times and locations.

From the WEBS site online:

The mission of WEBS (Women's Ecumenical Bible Study) is to build connection; as we explore God's story, we share our stories. WEBS offers Seekers and Christians, who enjoy the perspectives of other women, a safe, engaging environment to nurture their faith through Bible Study (for the month of February, a BOOK Study) and in relationship.  WEBS provides both a spiritual and scholarly environment in which each woman can live her own spiritual journey in community.

For the month of February, women will have a choice to explore three different books in small groups.  Feel free to join more than one book group.  We selected the following three books from which to choose because they cover a range of spiritual topics (theology, outreach, spirituality) from a range of perspectives (evangelical/emergent, main-line Protestant, Roman Catholic/contemplative) and invite thoughtful discussion. Books are listed below with a link to their descriptions and group meeting times.

The books for February are What We Talk About When We Talk About God, by Rob Bell; Get Off Your Donkey!: Help Somebody and Help Yourself, by Reggie McNeal; and Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life, by Richard Rohr.

I (Lindean) get to lead a group on the Rob Bell book, Fridays in February from 10:00 - 11:15am at Bozeman United Methodist Church. There will even be free child care available!

For more information, check out the WEBS website, or contact Jen, the WEBS administrator, at admin@websbozeman.org .

Annual Meeting of the Congregation THIS Sunday

Sometimes I wonder what percentage of this blog's readers are members of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bozeman, Montana. It's hard to know.

If YOU are a member of the congregation, or a regular visitor and participant in the worship life of the community, please plan to attend the Annual Meeting of the Congregation, this Sunday, January 26th. After worship, a light lunch will be served instead of the usual coffee hour fare. At 12:00pm, folks will return to the sanctuary to review the ministry of the congregation over the past year, to pray, to dream, to hear from the elected leaders of the community - and to elect new leaders and representatives/ambassadors, to approve a spending plan to fund our ministry in the year ahead.

Your participation is needed. There is no "Them" in the life of the church. We are all in this together. TOGETHER we are the body of Christ, and your voice, gifts, faith and participation ARE the church. Part of a life of discipleship is joining with brothers and sisters in faith to be and do the work of community.

Please pray for God's Spirit to guide the congregation in conversation and discernment as we move forward in faith together.

PS - There will be a second gathering to discuss the spending plan, prior to the meeting, on Sunday during the Education Hour - anyone interested is encouraged to attend, in the social hall beginning at 9:00am.

Happy New Year!

So, we're more than a week into 2014. How does it feel?
Most folks who had significant time off, or changes to their usual routines, during the holiday weeks around Christmas and New Year's are now back to "normal" schedules. I saw on the news on Monday that some psychologists referred to that day as "Blue Monday" - because the festivities were over and "real life" was back underway.
The festivities weren't quite over at our house on Monday, since it was the 6th of January, which is The Epiphany of Our Lord. We had our neighbors over for a pizza party and then chalked our door and prayed for blessings in the new year. Fun!
Did you make any resolutions for the new year? Lots of folks do. Lots of folks don't. I appreciated a blog post on  ... In the Meantime" from Luther Seminary Professor David Lose about new year's resolutions. He calls them "tweaks" this year. As for me, I've made goals - things to work toward, but not things that are either on or off...
If you are someone who needs a little accountability to achieve goals, or keep on keeping on with resolutions, feel free to post in the comments, or give me a call. I'd be happy to check with you on your progress as the year unfolds...

On the Tenth Day of Christmas

On this tenth day of Christmas... Christmas seems just about over for all but the most stubborn die-hards. Why is it that while the commercialized aspects of the season seem to appear earlier and earlier each year, everyone is always in such a hurry to get on with things after the 26th of December? Why not linger in the warmth of the celebrations and lights?

And, speaking of lights... The 6th of January is the Epiphany of Our Lord. Here at CtK we'll be celebrating a day early, this coming Sunday the 5th. So be prepared to sing "We Three Kings" and "The First Noel" and a few more Christmas carols. The celebration continues!

If you enjoy the visual arts, poetry and liturgical fun, then check out Jan Richardson's Epiphany reflections and blessings here. Enjoy!