Pray, Play, Partner - Sabbatical 2016 - Finances

It's T minus 3 weeks until our last day in the office before our Sabbatical begins. Our last Sunday of worship at CtK will be May 29th, as the first weekend of June we'll be with CtK's Synod Assembly voting members, John and Tina Sheppard, at the Synod Assembly in Billings. Our Sabbatical officially begins on Monday, June 6th.

If you have any questions about the Sabbatical, or what it will entail for us as pastors, or for the congregation, please don't be shy about asking. Any member of the Sabbatical Team (Dawn Byrd, Joby Dynneson, Kristin Harney, Mark Ramseth, Mariann Witthar), Pastor Grant, and I, would be very glad to answer them!

One thing that's come up in recent conversations, is a desire for better understanding of the funding for the Sabbatical, and how it will affect CtK. The financial implications of the 2016 Sabbatical for the congregation are fairly straightforward:
- Pastors Grant and Lindean continue to receive regular salary and benefits, per CtK's  Sabbatical Policy.
- The congregation will offer the standard Montana Synod “pulpit supply” honorarium of  $100/Sunday to guest pastors/preachers. The sabbatical is 13 weeks long (June 6-September 6), so an additional $1300 was added to the 2016 spending plan, and approved at the Annual Meeting of the congregation.
- The congregation included $1500 for continuing education for pastors in the 2016 Spending Plan,  (an annual part of our compensation) which can be used to cover sabbatical expenses.

All the rest of the funds necessary to cover sabbatical activities (tuition, room/board, transportation, books) must either be raised - hence the We Raise campaign - or supplied by the pastors.

Sabbatical Costs

Grant – Center for Loss and Life Transition (Week 1): $775 Tuition,  $700 Room/Board, ?? for Transportation; The Daring Way: $250 Tuition, ?? Room/Board, ?? Transportation; Center for Loss and Life Transition (Week 2): $775 Tuition, $700 Room/Board, ?? for Transportation

Lindean – "Mini MBA for Pastors:" $1600 Tuition/Room, $200 Meals, $550 Transportation; Grunewald Guild: $885 Tuition/Room/Board, ?? Transportation; Monastery of St. Gertrude: $450 Retreat Fee/Room & Board, $150 Spiritual Direction, ?? Transportation

Lindean & Grant: Gottman Institute - The Art & Science of Love: $750 Tuition, $750 Room/Board

Total of Known Costs for Pastors: $8535 (which doesn’t include several variable costs, like driving/transportation - all the ??s, above)

Costs for CtK: The biggest "Sabbatical Project" will be the construction of a prayer labyrinth on CtK's grounds. Costs have not been precisely determined yet, but early estimates are in the $1500-$2500 range. This money may be raised through the We Raise crowdfunding site (if we get to the second "stretch goal") or will be raised by the congregation separately. The rest of CtK's summer ministries and projects will be funded through the general offering received, according to the Spending Plan adopted at the Annual Meeting, with oversight of the Church Council.

Again, if you've got questions, please ask them!

And, if you're inclined to support Pray, Play, Partner, with a financial contribution, thanks very much! Either way, Pastor Grant and I covet your prayers, for us, for our family, for CtK, and for all the opportunities God gives us to grow in faith, as we worship, learn, and serve.

Peace!
Pastor Lindean

Lutheran Disaster Response - US Spring Storms

Photo Credit: David Valdez FEMA

Torrential rainfall, reaching more than 2 feet in some areas, is setting records in the South, especially Louisiana and Texas. River fl ooding has reached historic levels, affecting streets and highways, damaging or destroying homes, causing thousands to evacuate, and leaving at least five dead. More storms are predicted across the Midwest and throughout the South in the days and weeks ahead. 

Through congregations, synods and disaster affiliate organizations, Lutheran Disaster Response is working to assist those who have been affected by the flooding. Lutheran Disaster Response’s coordinators are present, working with local community leaders and
officials to begin planning the proper responses, particularly the long-term recovery efforts.

We know that the road to recovery is long, and Lutheran Disaster Response will be there to assist those who have been affected through every phase of this disaster recovery process. Our gifts are needed to begin relief efforts. Gifts designated for “U.S. Spring Storms” will be used in full (100 percent) until the response is complete to assist those impacted. Because of generous offerings of prayer and financial support, the ELCA walks alongside disaster survivors.

You can give through CtK (put US Spring Storms/Disaster Response on your check) or give online here. Check out the Lutheran Disaster Response blog here.

Guest Post - 40 Days of Giving and Epiphany Star Words

ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving and Epiphany STAR Words: Discipleship

by Dawn Byrd

When I drew the star word DISCIPLESHIP out of the basket on the Sunday we celebrated the Epiphany (January 3), immediately I wanted to throw it back into the basket and draw something I was more familiar with, something easier to accomplish and fulfill! In fairness, I couldn’t really do that. It wasn’t meant to be something we are familiar with! I believe it was intended as an exercise to help each of us stretch out of our comfort zone (both here in our church life AND out in the community). So, I kept the word (it sits on my desk in the church office so that I can remember it every day!).

Discipleship n. . . . break it down to its origination – Middle English, from Old English discipul and from Old French disciple, both from Latin discipulus,  pupil, to learn – 1.) a. one who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another; b. an active adherent, as of a movement or philosophy; 2.) often Disciple (with a Capital D) one of the original followers of Jesus; 3.) Disciple, a member of the Disciples of Christ.

But what does it mean to be a disciple? How does one practice discipleship? Clearly I’m not one of the original followers of Jesus, nor am I a member of the Disciples of Christ; however, I hope that I am one who embraces and helps spread the teachings of Jesus. Right? But how? I struggle with this daily.

So, a few Wednesdays ago, while doing the Lent in a Bag daily devotional from the ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving booklet, the Scripture reading for the day was John 13:35. I grabbed up my Kindle, opened up the HOLY BIBLE app (I like Eugene H. Peterson’s translation, The Message, as I find it easier to understand), and this is what I read:

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples – when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35.

That’s it! This is what it means to be a disciple of Christ! Love one another! That is so much easier to understand AND DO than any of the other definitions of disciple(ship) I had previously found . . . to follow in Christ’s footsteps. What does that mean? How do we follow in his footsteps?

Love one another is so much easier to do! Right?  Then I continued reading the day’s devotion:

“Please help us to live in your reflection, shining your love through us not only onto those who are near and dear and easy to love, but onto ALL of your precious and beloved people.”
OK, so it is not always going to be easy to love everyone, but I can certainly start by loving those around me. I can show love when I help serve meals at the Community Café, host during Family Promise, bake bread for communion, read scripture during worship, do the dishes after fellowship hour, just to name a few.

I believe I was meant to pull that word out of that basket . . .  perhaps God’s way of nudging me out of my comfort zone . . . to show love. To share food with the hungry, shelter the homeless, perhaps it is as simple as that.

Guest Post - Fasting for Hunger

This Lent, CtK joins thousands of other ELCA congregations in ELCA World Hunger's 40 Days of Giving. A daily devotional booklet, a piggy bank, and the challenge from CtK's 40 Days of Giving Team to give $0.25/day will help us learn about hunger issues, and make a difference in our world. Look for occasional guest posts from team members during this season!

Fasting for Hunger

February 29, 2016 - LEAP DAY!

by Barb Benson

Are you giving up something and fasting for Lent? …how about on February 29^th?

I sort of grimaced when Pastor Lindean asked me to write up something about fasting for our CtK blog. Given I am a registered dietitian, I would be expected to know something about fasting…and I do. Unfortunately, I did too much of it as a teenager in angst that it imprisoned me into an unhealthy binge/purge cycle.  After individual and group counseling and regular visits with a dietitian in my early college years, I am thankful that I learned to like my body and take better care of it. I also changed my major to nutrition and have not had the desire to fast or restrict my eating since then.

The word “fast” from the Unger’s Bible Dictionary means, in Hebrew, “to cover” (the mouth) and in Greek “to abstain.” Yet the purpose of “fasting” described in the Bible also has a spiritual component connected to it that goes far beyond restriction and dieting for the sake of self-sacrifice or the hope of cleansed living or temporary weight reduction.  Many of the Bible’s Greats like Moses, Elijah, Daniel, Paul, and even Jesus, fasted as a way to draw closer to God, as it seems to be combined with prayer and often repentance. I’m told that fasting can help remind us of our dependence on God and his provisions- help fine-tune the senses to be more like-minded with our Creator.

We are given an extra day this year on February 29^th. The ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving is challenging us to consider fasting and instead of eating a meal or drinking a fancy coffee to spend that time with God and pass the money “saved” to someone in need. Collectively this could be a big “drop” into our piggy banks and not only make a difference in our World Hunger giving but time alone with God promises to have an even more profound impact on our living. That’s exciting!

Jeff and I have seen first-hand what “piggy bank” donations can do. Early in our marriage we returned to Jeff’s home in Tanzania and were Associates in Mission with ELCA Global Mission. Jeff worked for MSAADA that helped church-related projects design and build buildings such as hospitals, colleges, and churches. They designed a rural hospital cooking structure for families to use for providing food to sick family members. Actually- CtK's Sunday School donations helped fund that project! CtK also was a part of starting the “nutrition program” at that same hospital, to provide local and nutritious foods to malnourished children and microloans in the surrounding community. For under $1/day, “piggy bank” donations helped treat a malnourished toddler for a day in that hospital. God really does miraculous things with little offerings.

Will you join me in some sort of “fast” this leap year? Your fast will look different than mine. Could be you will fast from the technological feast we devour each day or the extra hours you spend at the office. Whatever you “give up”…may God and the amazing things he can do through us be our focus as we entrust our time, talent, and treasure back to him.

Guest Post - The Faces of Hunger

This Lent, CtK joins thousands of other ELCA congregations in ELCA World Hunger's 40 Days of Giving. A daily devotional booklet, a piggy bank, and the challenge from CtK's 40 Days of Giving Team to give $0.25/day will help us learn about hunger issues, and make a difference in our world. Look for occasional guest posts from team members during this season!

Faces of Hunger, by Jerry Johnson

The many faces of hunger are . . . emaciation, bloated bellies, stunted minds, helplessness, hopelessness, disease and death . . . a trackless wasteland . . . a vast emptiness . . .

About 34 years ago, shortly after I returned from an ALC (American Lutheran Church) hunger-justice study trip to Mexico and Nicaragua, I was sitting in a church council meeting in Whitefish, MT and one of the members said he was tired of hearing about hunger. As a new hunger advocate, I vigorously disagreed.

A few years later, in 1998, I wrote an essay where I quoted Martin Luther who said, "If you preach the gospel in all aspects with the exception of the issues which deal specifically with your time, you are not preaching the Gospel." It was at that time that the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Reno, NV, began a once a month second offering with fast food cups to support the ELCA World Hunger Appeal against world hunger.

In 1999, when Margaret and I joined Christ the King Lutheran Church, we mentioned this way of collecting funds for World Hunger and CtK began using the fast food cups, also. Christ the King's "hunger" offering went from almost nothing to several thousand dollars a year for hunger relief, locally (Food Bank) and globally (ELCA World Hunger Appeal).

On the first Sunday of every month, when the ushers pass around the fast food cups for a second offering, it does two great things: 1) it helps educate people to curb obesity, and stave off diabetes and hypertension; and 2) it helps feed hungry  brothers and sisters and teaches them how to combat hunger, thus achieving dignity and life quality.

A couple of the Montana Synod congregations have adopted this same means of collecting special offering for ELCA World Hunger, but I must admit I haven't been able to get the churchwide organization to adopt this as a good way to increase hunger giving churchwide.

There are approximately four million members in the ELCA and the 2016 budget for hunger is 24 million dollars. This amounts to $6.00 a year per member, 50 cents a month or 1 3/4 cents a day. If every ELCA member gave a dime (10 cents) a day, it would add up to $3.00 a month and $44 million dollars a year. Can you imagine what could be done to alleviate world hunger with that?

I hate to say it, but in 10 years the average ELCA Lutheran has only increased hunger giving by 3/4 of a penny a day. We pray for God to help, but God uses our hands to do it! We don't give to pat ourselves on the back, but I thank you, thank you CtK for holding up our end of the bargain and also for taking on the 40 Days of Giving journey.

Guest Post - Jesus is our Power Supply for Faithfulness and Generosity

This Lent, CtK joins thousands of other ELCA congregations in ELCA World Hunger's 40 Days of Giving. A daily devotional booklet, a piggy bank, and the challenge from CtK's 40 Days of Giving Team to give $0.25/day will help us learn about hunger issues, and make a difference in our world. Look for occasional guest posts from team members during this season!

Power Supply
February 7, 2016

My computer crashed this weekend and perhaps in a causative yet reflective way, so did I.

How do I write an inspirational “devotion” addressing ELCA World Hunger’s 40 Days of Giving for CtK’s website when I am swamped  trying to book tickets and Airbnb rentals for my daughter Natalie and my long-awaited trip to meet Jeff in Italy next month?   One night spent in a European hostel could feed an African village for at least a day!  Our wealth and opportunity in the face of world-wide poverty and oppression makes my “circuits” cross and shutdown.   Sorting out thoughts, feelings, and experiences with hunger and poverty, and more importantly rebooting myself to take action in helping alleviate it, is about as looming and complex for me as trying to understand the operation of my aged computer. Can’t we just fix it?

I am thankful for the insight and guidance of others - in particular to Joel and “the computer guy” who tell me that it’s possible my computer “just” has a power-supply issue; diagnose that and it could continue to still have a use in my life - cool!  Power-supply issue…hmmm, could this help explain my own “shut-down” lately when it comes to feeling like I have little purpose, reflected in even less effort , in helping end hunger and poverty?  “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord…”  The song we sang in worship today reminded me that Jesus is our never-failing Power Supply, who can plug hearts back into seeing, feeling, and caring for all of God’s children and their wellbeing.  I can’t fix poverty or feed the whole world, but connected to Jesus I can be useful in someone’s life in some way that can makes progress in doing so.  

Once again, I am thankful for the insight and guidance of others - in particular the ELCA World Hunger 40-day devotional book and adult forum studies/discussions that will happen during Lent in our families and church.  With our Power Supply issue diagnosed (like my computer, I hope), we can wake up to the invitation of participating in life-changing work and “refresh” our efforts in ending hunger and poverty here at home and overseas.

With you together on our 40 Days of Giving journey-

Barb Benson
CtK 40 Days of Giving Team

Guest Post: "Love Ya"

"Love Ya"

Submitted by Jerry Johnson
As usual, Katie Keehr moves us when she talks stewardship and her temple talk on love did so.  I was reminded of an essay I wrote on my birthday in 1995 and shared five years ago, and I’ll share it again. It was all inspired by a Bud Light ad which was much better than the beer which hardly qualifies as beer, or so said a German brew master when interviewed on NPR radio.

“Love Ya”

“Dad.”  “Yeah?”  “Dad, I gotta tell you something.”  “What is it son?”  “Man, you’re my dad and I love you man”------”You’re not getting my Bud Light John.”  Obviously the power of Bud Light transcends that of love.  For the sake of argument we’ll assume Budweiser wrong.

“Love Ya.”  It’s an easy phrase to use lightheartedly, but often difficult to say to those closest and most dear.  This was illustrated in a hilarious, yet touching way in a “Frazier” episode.  Mr. Crane said “love ya” to a friend over the phone and to Eddie, the dog.  Frazier and Niles were miffed because neither could ever remember their father professing his love for them.  Like many of us he said, “You know I do,” but somehow that’s not enough.  Niles agreed to go ice fishing with his dad which, if you have never been ice-fishing, is a real act of love.  Frazier, feeling left out, decides to go also.  In the fish house, a little less masochistic then open ice-fishing, the three men bicker back and forth until Niles produces a flask of brandy.  Well into their cups, Frazier and then Niles confess their love for their father.  Mr. Crane hems and haws finally saying, “I love you Frazier,” and “I love you too Niles.”

Some years ago I read a short article about a tough cop who, to the chagrin of his teenage children, kissed, hugged and said “I love you” to each of them as he left home in the morning. With death a risk of the job, he never wanted there to be any regrets.

Love is expressed in many ways.  We know words are cheap and actions often shout loudest.  Still, to say “I love you” from the heart speaks to the depth of the soul.  It’s value increases with the greater difficulty in saying it.  We are never more vulnerable or open to hurt at such times, but never more ready to embrace life.  Sometimes we hold back because we are afraid, or because we want to hurt the one we love.  In a way it’s silly, but shows how sensitive we are and how important the words.  Overused love can be banal, trite, tasteless, hackneyed and corny to name a few adjectives.  Nevertheless, it is the single most powerful and gentle force in the Universe, the best synonym for God.  It is the sunshine and warm rain that makes us grow and blossom, causing our beauty to shine forth.  Love is the light that banishes the darkness of hate.  It is what Jesus showed us.  We need to make that leap of faith next time we talk with someone dear and say, “I love you.”  Our return on that simple gift will be a thousand fold--that’s a promise.

God's work. Our hands. Day of Service - Sunday, September 13th - Part One: School Kits

This fall CtK will join other ELCA congregations for the third annual "God's work. Our hands." Day of Service. There will be several opportunities to serve right here in Bozeman, as well as an opportunity to make a difference around the world.

Assembling School Kits for Lutheran World Relief is one way to have global impact, by making it possible for children who might otherwise not be able to pursue their education to attend school. In order to assemble School Kits, we need folks (you!?) to purchase and donate the supplies for them.

Each School Kit contains:

Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide– or college– ruled paper; no loose-leaf paper
One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other
One pencil sharpener
One pair of blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well)
Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers
Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink)
One box of 16 or 24 crayons
One 2 ½” eraser

It is NOT necessary for you to purchase items for one complete kit. Purchase whichever supplies you like, and when everything is gathered we'll put together as many kits as we can. All items should be new and in good condition.

 

For more information about Lutheran World Relief and where school kits go, check out:

lwr.org/schoolkits

 

 

2015 Rummage Sale

It's time! Time to clean out closets, shelves, garages, etc., and to let-go of all those things sitting around collecting dust at your house. The annual Family & Youth Team Rummage Sale is THIS Saturday, May 9th, from 8am-12pm.
The youth are receiving donations now through Friday - please bring your "stuff" and leave it in the social hall. Youth, parents, and other wonderful adults will begin sorting stuff tomorrow evening (5/6) from 6-8pm. They'll sort again on Thursday evening from 6-8pm, and again on Friday, from 6pm until the job is done. If you'd like to help, please just show up!
And THEN, please come back and shop at the sale - this year it looks like there are lots of kids' clothes, and there are always some hidden treasures. Mother's Day is this Sunday - maybe you'll find JUST the thing for a mom in your life!? Rummage Sale proceeds support CtK's ministries with and to youth and their families. This summer we're sending 6 youth and 2 adults to Detroit for the ELCA Youth Gathering. It's going to be great, but it's not an inexpensive proposition... Your support is much appreciated. Thanks for your generosity!

Generous Response on Malaria Sunday! Disaster Response in Nepal

THANK YOU to all the worshipers gathered as Christ the King Lutheran Church this past Sunday. A total of $685.57 was raised to support the work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign - and every last penny helps reach the campaign's goal of $15 million by the end of next January.
As the offering was received, we watched a video about the ELCA Malaria Campaign's work in Burundi. Below, watch about the work being done thanks to your generous support in Malawi. And if you'd like to "stay in the loop" on the Campaign's efforts, check out the ELCA Malaria Campaign blog.

Folks are also asking about how to respond to the devastating earthquake in Nepal last weekend. One hundred percent of gifts to Lutheran Disaster Response, designated for "Nepal Area Earthquake," will be used for relief efforts. The ELCA has well-developed partnerships with Lutheran World Relief, the Lutheran World Federation and the ACT Alliance, already delivering emergency aid. You can give online, or give through CtK, just indicate your gift on your check or offering envelope.

From the ELCA Disaster Response website:

Lutheran Disaster Response is committed to walking with our brothers and sisters in Nepal, as rescue efforts and assessments continue. The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has launched an immediate large-scale emergency response with its emergency team in Kathmandu at the LWF offices, which have escaped the worst impact of the quake. The ELCA is the only U.S. member church of the LWF. We are also working with Lutheran World Relief and church partners from ACT Alliance to coordinate the response, which includes the distribution of immediate life-saving supplies such as water, food, shelter and medication to people injured.

Thank you for your prayers and generosity in support of those in need.

Merciful God, hear our cry for mercy in the wake of the earthquake. Reveal your presence in the midst of suffering. Strengthen those who work in search and rescue, recovery and relief efforts. Comfort those who mourn. Inspire generosity in the hearts of those with the capacity to help. And bless us all with the assurance of hope we know in the death and resurrection of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Three Things You Need to Know About the 2015 Spending Plan - Guest Post by Ian Anderson

By: Ian Anderson, CtK Council President

I’m really proud of our congregation for the excitement and support put forth during the past month towards our plans for ministry and congregational care in 2015. The most tangible outcome is that we’ve proposed, debated and accepted a spending plan for 2015 that is ambitious, a 28% increase from 2014.

Even if you’ve been following along the whole time, here are three things you need to know about the spending plan.

But before we jump in, I ask you to literally pray about this. Whether it upsets you some to be asked for more money or whether you are so excited that you are ready to cut a check for $5,000 each month (and if you are, please let me know!)… please pray for yourself and your role, pray for the church and what we’re doing.

1) The Idea Behind the Increases
These increases are about two simple ideas that we feel strongly about.

IDEA #1: Christ the King is here by the will and the grace of God and we are called upon to be a bright spot and share the love of Christ we've received, with God, with each other and with the world.

I realize this is a big, sort of ambiguous, sentence. But think about some of the specifics: we come together to worship and we’re blessed with bright, smiling faces and beautiful music… we meet in small groups to develop our understanding of the profound, day-to-day meaning in the teachings of Christ… we try to be good neighbors and help out around town like through the Community Cafe or donations to the Food Bank. These are ALL very well and good!

BUT (perhaps you noticed that’s a big but), we’ve also been praying and listening and as a community, we are being led to continue our growth as Christians and, specifically, to hold each other as well as our neighbors and visitors up in the light of God.

We have specific ideas about this, including: strengthening our fabric of support and spiritual growth at CtK for ALL AGES, literally age 0-99+, through learning, education and activities… learning about ourselves and sharing our stories just in case we find ourselves positioned to do a little - wait for it - evangelizing… reaching out to the neighborhoods immediately around us as well as to an elder-care community, just to be good people!

But all of these things don’t happen on their own and we are well aware of the struggles in recent years to do our best with what we had. Now, we have the opportunity to invest a little more in doing a little more and we have discerned the call and response to do so. The spending plan increase will help further us in this cause.

IDEA #2: Our choices reflect our beliefs and core values.

It’s been a little lost in the discussion but the spending plan proposes an almost DOUBLING in our benevolence, back to the neighborhood of 10%, which accounts for over $16,000. It had been cut back towards 5% for a few years in order to make sure we could pay our staff and meet our obligations. But the intent was never to skimp on giving. Now we are back in a position to share our gifts with others. We believe in honoring God and being thankful for our gifts in this manner.

2) It’s Not About The Money, It’s All About The Money
Do a little jig if you know what I’m talking about!

First, it is important to understand that the idea of continuing and evolving our current ministries and care hinges as much on our intent and actual participation as it does on our funding.

We all believe that our works will not buy our way into heaven. Similarly, our money won’t buy us works!

Our hearts, minds and bodies are as important in this as anything.

With that in mind, the money isn’t important in and of itself. However, as we ask people to go above and beyond in helping us coordinate our activities and develop infrastructure to assist us in reaching towards our dreams, it is right to compensate them! In other words, we need our pastors’ help and we need to pay them!

3) There is a Plan
Compared to business-as-usual in the church setting, things have been moving at a breakneck speed the last few months! Wrapping our minds around all of the implications, trying to reach out to as many invested parties as possible and doing all of the groundwork necessary to present this to the congregation has been quite challenging.

But there is a plan. Right now, that plan is a neat little one page table that shows exactly what we (the congregation, the council, the co-pastors and lay leaders) need to do in each of the seasons of Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost to move our plans and ideas forward.

This plan will be discussed and finalized this Thursday by council. Here is a short version:

Congregation: Pray Now, Participate and Support as called forth!
Council: Pray, Implement, Provide Oversight and Communicate!
Co-Pastors: Pray, Develop Infrastructure, Train and Support!
Lay Leaders: Pray, Train, Facilitate and Develop Ministry!

So as long as we do all of that, we’ll be moving on up George Jefferson style!

One last word. Please understand that nobody wants you to do something that isn’t right for you, but, simultaneously, we want you to pray and want you to do what makes sense to you. What comes forth will be the will of God as guided by the Holy Spirit. This is what we believe and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

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.

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!

 

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!

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!

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:

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!

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).

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.

Here am I... Send Me!

The 2013 Middle School Service Plunge ended a week ago today. I have almost recovered. :)

Twenty-eight middle school students, led by adults from Christ the King Lutheran Church, Hope Lutheran Church and First Presbyterian Church, spent the week serving, learning, playing lots of games, and doing some wacky art projects.

Weeding @ Family Promise

Organizing the garage @ Family Promise



Food Bank

The theme verse this year, Isaiah 6:8: "Here am I... Send me!" reminds us that God is always calling people to do God's work in the world. We learned about Abraham, Samuel, Isaiah, Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene - each called by God to do something (often a HARD something). And God continues to call us. When we answer that call, we can change the world.

Very creative cell phone collection boxes

This year youth served at the Family Promise Day Center (weeding, cleaning, organizing), with Gallatin Valley Land Trust (maintaining trails at Bozeman Pond - lots of shoveling, wheel-barrowing and raking of gravel!), at ROC Wheels (building TWO wheel chairs), the Gallatin Valley Food Bank (bagging food), and HAVEN (decorating cell-phone collection boxes).



Building a wheel chair @ ROC Wheels

One of two chairs completed

GVLT trail work in the sun

On Friday the crew headed down to Rockhaven Camp and hiked and did the high ropes course. A good time was had by all!