By Pastor Sarah Anderson
by Tim Van Rooy
As we move into the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas, we are reminded of the Bible’s teachings. Whether rich or poor, we are challenged to a different value system than our culture may exhibit. Romans 12:13 reminds us to “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Giving can make such an impact. I will always remember the time as a young child growing up in Wisconsin and going months without my father’s paycheck when his company voted to go on strike. Times were tough for our family. If I wanted to go play down in our basement, I needed to bring down the light bulb from my bedroom because we didn’t have enough light bulbs for every room. That was when we experienced the spirit of God’s generosity through our friends at church. Several families pooled their resources and brought us bags and bags of groceries (including light bulbs). I remember my mom saying with tears in her eyes how and she and my father were trying to decide between paying the mortgage or feeding the family. Because of the generosity of our church friends, Mom and Dad never had to make that decision. When you experience God’s love and generosity through his church body, it changes your life. At least it did mine! Our family went from literally being in a dark place, to seeing the light of hope. Christ the King has been that kind of community for so many. I’ve heard numerous stories from members who have experienced gifts when in need. Whether it was someone offering to help take care of children for a fellow member in a time of family crisis, or providing Christmas presents to the children of a single parent at a time of need, CtK has shown that spirit of generosity. And today, CtK continues to be a wonderful example of giving and hospitality within our local congregation, community and in global mission. At this time of year, we have so many opportunities to embrace that generosity spirit by sharing and giving of all that God has blessed us with. Whether it is sharing groceries with a family in need, supporting our local food shelf, or making a pledge to support our congregational ministry, we can live out the generosity teachings of Christ. In honor of your generosity and that of your fellow congregational donors, the CtK Generosity Committee and CtK Foundation wish to thank you for your support by inviting you to attend a free concert on Sunday, November 13th at 3:30pm in our sanctuary featuring renowned signer and performer, Jennifer Grimm. Attendees are encouraged to bring Thanksgiving themed food items such as stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, canned yams, canned corn, boxed Jello, canned fruit, cornbread mix, pumpkin pie filling, evaporated milk, all to be donated to Ralph Reeder Food Shelf. If you prefer to donate a monetary gift to Ralph Reeder, you can do so with cash or check or give online at https://www.givemn.org/story/3Z2i4g Feel free to pass on this gift of music by inviting friends or family members to attend as well. We look forward to celebrating all you do to help support the ministries of CtK. by Richard ArvidsonVeterans Day, November 11!
We as a nation have rights which are spelled out in the Constitution. As a combat wounded veteran returning from Viet Nam, I saw one of these rights first hand (freedom of speech). At that time, the protests were in full swing and being in the service was not popular. Because of the draft, people had to make a decision, serve their country or leave. If they served in the military, nobody said, "Thank you for your service." Members of the military have made great sacrifices so we as individuals and as a nation have these rights guaranteed in our Constitution. Our nation has been protected by members of the military, and the rights that you have today are because of them. We live in one of the greatest countries in the world. So not only on Veterans Day, but any day, say to a veteran, "Thank you for your service." by Kisten Thompson
Eighteen members of Christ the King have been in conversation the past four weeks, discussing the 2019 ELCA Declaration to People of African Descent. The Declaration is an apology, not only to people of African Descent for the 400 years of enslavement, systemic racism and white privilege culture in this country but it also an apology (that is, an explanation) for why we, as Lutherans must not only care about this issue but work to address, lament and repair the damage that has been done. The ensuing conversations have been eye-opening to say the least. Many participants did not know the extent to which slavery was embedded into the very fabric and foundation of our country from as early as the 1660’s. Many did not know that the Northern colonies were every bit as much involved in slavery as the Southern colonies. Many of us did not know what the Jim Crow laws were all about or how long they lasted or how the after effects continue to linger into 2022. We didn’t have clear understandings of words and ideas like “white privilege”, “white supremacy”, “reparations”, “reconciliation”, and so much more. Here's what a few of us had to say about the class: “One of many topics that has impacted me is the concept of white privilege. Also, how one group receives privilege or special opportunities which means that there are those who are “other”, that is who do not get those same special privileges but in fact are restricted, set apart, and denied opportunity.” Another wrote, “this ELCA series has emphasized how embedded structural racism is, not only in our nation’s founding documents, but in our society today. I want our congregation to join the SPAS, and the ELCA, to act on our apology by engaging in the work of anti-racism, racial and economic justice, the study of reparations, as well as addressing and ending current forms of slavery, and human trafficking.” And finally, one very simply said in our last session, “We need more sessions” and “We have a long ways to go”. The topics were serious and sometimes very hard, but we all agreed the study was worthwhile and so very important. We all left feeling encouraged, enriched and committed to continuing our learning and the journey. And we did a lot of laughing! So what’s next? The Racial Justice Working Group will be setting our goals for the coming year in the near future. (And we invite anyone who is interested to join the team!) Participants agreed they wanted to have at least one follow-up to check in with one another again. We all have a new lens with which to view the world, and our community, and current events… a lens of justice, equity, inclusion and “seeing” the neighbor around us. Peace and Hope to all of you, The Racial Justice Working Group: Kisten Thompson, Priscilla Berg, John Hanson, Nathan Lemke, Bob Benke, Alice Kaukwarf, Don Zatroch, Sarah Zatroch Generosity mailings are on the way and as we begin this year's campaign, Gary Floss of the Generosity Team shares this message with us. by Gary Floss by Rev. Dr. Ron Letnes (from Engage: Lutherans Against Gun Violence)
Originally available HERE. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” Luke 18:25 According to Harvard Medical School researchers, “Gun Violence Costs the U.S. $557 Billion a Year” says Madison Muller in her article for Bloomberg-Time. She writes further, “As the pandemic raged in 2020, the U.S. saw a record number of gun deaths and gun sales. . . . the rate of total firearm injuries in employees and dependents increased more than fourfold from 2007-2020.” Now add the cost of post firearm injuries and there was a 40% increase in pain disorders, a 51% increase in psychiatric disorders and an 85% increase in substance abuse disorders.” Gun violence and money are a toxic mixed drink. Yet, Zirui Song of Harvard sees a glimmer of hope, “For businesses that encounter higher or growing rates of firearm injuries in their workforce, the economic rationale for reducing firearm injuries in their workers may be more difficult to ignore.” A glimmer! But never mind. Toxicity is of little concern to the gun manufacturers. Belinda Luscombe writes in TIME, that nuns and bishops are taking on the gunmakers. She quotes an Adrian Dominican Sister who says, “Every time there’s an incident you hear from everyone – even the NRA will put out a statement – but we never her anything from the firearms manufacturers . . . . they have to be part of the solution to this.” She and others are pushing for a comprehensive human rights policy to create a safer gun culture and to “urge shareholder power to nudge companies into reckoning with the effects of firearms in America.” They have had success in urging Smith and Wesson and Sturm Ruger to urge credit card companies to give gun sales a particular merchant code so gun sales could be more easily tracked. The biggest challenge is in urging safer gun technology. “We get the same song and dance all the time about why technology doesn’t work in guns” says Byron. She and the group urges the use of passcodes and facial recognition. Partnering with Rev. Doug Fisher, an Episcopal Bishop in western Massachusetts, Doug says, “Car companies are always trying to make their cars safer. . . . . Why can’t gun companies do the same thing?” But the gun companies point to an effort by Smith and Wesson in 2000 when they started to develop safety mechanisms for their guns. “The reaction was brutal: gun wholesalers and many small retailers boycotted the brand and the company was dropped by its law firm and sold by its British owners. . . . Schultz was forced out and the plan was dropped.” Byron says, “That trauma is in their DNA.” The bottom line is gun manufacturers are primarily concerned with their bottom line. Keep the shareholders happy, salaries and benefits high. Profit over people. “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a [gun manufacturer] to enter the kingdom of God.” Scandal, Ron Letnes (Rev. Dr.) Do you ever wonder who benefits from the work of our Global Mission Team? In today's blog, find an update on activities taking place at several schools that the Global Mission Team supports through Operation Bootstrap Africa.
By OBA Staff Executive Director Jason Bergmann and Program and Communications Specialist Briana Engh are heading to Tanzania for the MGLSS Form 4 Graduation on October 14th. They will be accompanied by two OBA donors. While at the Maasai Girls' School, Briana will be working with Computer Teacher Helen Lukumay to create chat profiles for each of the sponsored students. This will enable them to speak directly with their sponsors. More information will be available after they return from their trip. Our partners in Madagascar have been very busy! Construction on School #2 as been completed and it looks great! The children attending school at our projects in Southern Madagascar have seen vast improvement in their health due to the School Lunch Program. Attendance has risen at these school over 35% since it was implemented! More news in Madagascar: the teachers and students have received school supplies! Operation Bootstrap Africa wants to thank you for everything you have done to make these things possible. Your support is literally changing lives in Africa. Thank you for caring about our brothers and sisters in Africa. |
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July 2024
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Christ the King Lutheran Church
1900 7th Street NW New Brighton, MN 55112 Phone: 651-633-4674 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 9 am - 2 pm Mon - Thurs or by appointment Sunday Schedule Morning Worship at 9:30 am |