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rom the Pastor….
Then the devil took him to Jerusalem, and placed him on the pinnacle of the temple, saying to him, "If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, 'He will command his angels concerning you, to protect you…'" Luke 4:9-10
The passage cited above from Luke 4 is from the gospel reading for the first Sunday of Lent, which was February 21. Our yearly Lenten journey will once again take us on the same trip that Jesus made during his life, a trip that began in Luke 9:51 when he “set his face towards Jerusalem.” The entire narrative from the Transfiguration to Palm Sunday in Luke is set within this journey, the journey to Jesus’ death and resurrection. It all began for us by hearing the account once again of the devil tempting Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days, including the temptation cited above, where he encourages Jesus to put on a spectacular show for all of the people to see.
I subscribe to a free devotional which is sent daily to my email called “God Pause.” It was created and is managed by Luther Seminary of St. Paul Minnesota. I often find it inspiring and insightful for my day. One day, there was a devotional by Susan Cherwien, a poet and hymn-writer, based on the above text. I enjoyed what Susan had to say about it, and wanted to share her thoughts with you as we continue our 40 day journey to Holy Week and Easter: Jesus fasted for 40 days, and the tempter tried to entice him to turn stones into bread. Jesus wandered humbly without possessions, and the tempter tried to entice him with great wealth and power. Finally, the tempter tried to entice Jesus to throw himself down from a great height, defying gravity and death. All of these were attempts to lure Jesus from his true identity: that of embodied divine compassion. If Jesus were truly to live as most humans live, he would at times suffer some hunger, thirst, alienation, disappointment, pain, loneliness and death. To opt out of any of these would lessen his capacity to be the Compassionate One. Compassion suffers with. It is experienced from a state of equality. Christ suffered, died and rose anew. With compassion in his eyes, he reaches to us.
Maybe this Lent we can pray to God for guidance as we seek to find our true identity as his people. In the midst of all of the things that we suffer – hunger, thirst, alienation, disappointment, pain, loneliness and death – we have a savior who suffered and suffers with us. Our true identity is not as people who escape the hardships of life, but as people who have a companion who has traveled this road before, and goes with us once again with us to our deaths so that we may be raised to new life. Thanks be to God!
If you have internet access and are interested in subscribing to “God Pause”, go to www.luthersem.edu/email to sign up. There are a number of resources available on the page, and you can choose which ones you would like to receive.
Pastor Ralph Wolfe
Early in its history the Lenten season became a time of education in the basics of the Christian faith for new converts seeking baptism at the Easter Vigil. Martin Luther encouraged preaching on the catechisms, especially during Lent. This year, our mid-week Lenten worship focuses on the Lutheran catechetical teachings.
February 17 (Ash Wednesday) Confession
February 24 Ten Commandments
March 3 Apostles’ Creed
March 10 Lord’s Prayer
March 17 Holy Baptism
March 24 Sacrament of the Altar
Services include not only readings from Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms but also hymns and scripture that emphasize the catechism. It is good to be together to hear the basic tenets of our faith – either once again or for the first time – and be renewed in our life together. Join us for fellowship, worship and learning!
Meals are once again included in our midweek gatherings. A light lunch is served after the 11:30 a.m. services and a light supper is shared at 6:00 (an hour before the 7:00 services) each week.
In addition, organized activities for children are offered during the evening worship services in the church nursery. This year, a weekly Bible story and activity, Magnify the Lord, designed for children ages 3 through 5th grade, is being used. Babysitting for children younger than 3 years is also available. If you are interested in helping with these activities, contact Shannon Johnson, 889-4865 or Shannon@nejohnson.com.
Lenten Devotional Reading
The book cart in the parlor has lots of resources for your Lenten devotions and
reading. Browse through the books and borrow one for your Lenten journey.
Palm Sunday/ Sunday of the Passion
March 28 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Distribution of Palms & Reading of the Passion
TRIDUUM: The Great Three Days Our Redemption
Maundy Thursday April 1 7:00 p.m.
commemoration of the Last Supper
Good Friday April 2 7:00 p.m.
Proclamation of the Lord’s Passion
Easter Day April 4
The Victory of the Resurrection Celebrated
Festival Services at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.
Easter Breakfast 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Easter Egg Hunt 10:15 a.m.
Easter Breakfast
As part of our Easter celebration, there will be a breakfast between services. Please plan to come; all guests are welcome. Look for a sign-up sheet in the Narthex; we need helpers to set up, prepare, serve and clean up. Look for the activity that you can participate in; we can celebrate in the joy of the Risen Lord together. Questions, call Nancy Labuhn (267-5227).
Easter Egg Hunt
On Easter Sunday, April 4, all children are invited to participate in an
Easter Egg Hunt and activities at CHLC! Meet in the Gathering Room
at 10:15 a.m. to begin the festivities. Everyone is welcome to come and
watch our younger members and friends search for Easter Eggs and enjoy some tasty treats!
Extra Easter Eggs??
Do you have any extra plastic Easter eggs taking up space around your house? We are collecting Easter eggs for this year’s egg hunt. Please bring in your plastic eggs and put them in the box in the narthex. We need both regular size eggs and jumbo eggs. Thank you for your donations!
Bring on the Baby Food & Diapers.....Again!
The Post-Confirmation Sunday School class, along with the Confirmation Class and Praise Place classes, is once again hosting a baby food drive. We had so much success last year that we wanted to try again! Please bring your offerings of baby food and diapers to the narthex during Lent. We will be packing up the items and delivering them to the LSS food pantry on Palm Sunday weekend. Our goal is 500 items. (If you bring a pack of diapers, each diaper will count as one item. i.e., a 20-pack of diapers = 20 items.)
Watch the board in the narthex to see if we can fill the baby bottle by meeting our
goal! If you would rather contribute cash, please place your offering in the collection
plate, either in an envelope marked "baby food" or as a check with "baby food" in the memo. Thanks in advance for your support!
Men’s Bible Study
March 13 is the date of our next Men’s Bible Study at Panera Bread on High
Street at Weisheimer. We meet between 9:00 and 9:30, and get a cup of coffee or
breakfast. We study a Bible passage from 9:30 to 10:30, closing with prayer. All men of Clinton Heights and friends are invited to join us!
Maple Syrup Festival
Lutheran Memorial Camp, located between Marengo and Mount Gilead, will host its annual Maple Syrup Festival on Sunday, March 14, 10:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. There’s nothing like the taste of fresh maple syrup on pancakes! Let a Naturalist show you how to identify and tap maples; then help collect the sap. As the sugaring mist wafts its way, see if you can tell the difference between non-maple syrup and “The Real McCoy!” Sample maple donuts and sassafras tea, and shop for baked goods and maple syrup. Reservations are not required. The meal cost is $6.50 for adults and $4.50 for children (ages 5-12). All proceeds benefit summer youth camperships. For more information, call LMC at 419-864-8030.
Family Game Night
Join us for Family Game Night on Saturday, March 27, 4-7:00 p.m. Pizza and drinks will be provided: bring a side dish or appetizer to share. There will be games for ALL ages—including Wii (video games), board games and card games. Bring a game to share! For more information, contact Shannon Johnson (937-508-9371 or shanikki@yahoo.com).
Praise Place Opportunities
Praise Place Sunday School needs volunteers who are willing to help teach one of our classes for three weeks at a time—a short three-week commitment. Each teacher is part of a team (maybe a spouse, a friend, a child, a parent). All you need for the class is provided for you, including lessons, activities, supplies,
presentation. You just need to be willing to share your time.
Remember, this is just a three-week commitment, unless you
enjoy it so much you’d like to help another month – or two.
Sound like fun? Then contact Shannon Johnson (889-4865 or shannon@nejohnson.com).
What’s Happening at Praise Place?
We are having a great year of fun and learning during Praise Place at Clinton Heights Lutheran Church. Throughout the month of February the children have been learning about Zacchaeus through drama, cooking, and art. Also, the children have been enjoying the weekly Praise Place Singers choir practice with Carol Myers.
Plan to join us for Praise Place, during the Sunday school hour! Meet in the Parish Hall at 9:45am each Sunday! All children ages 3 years through 5th grade are welcome!
Mark Your Calendars!
Mark your calendars—Vacation Bible School at CHLC is Sunday, July 25—Thursday, July 29, in the evenings. Our VBS is not just for kids—it is for ALL AGES! The theme this year is Baobab Blast, God's Great Get Together. Look for more information and registrations soon.
WELCOME TO WELCA!
There is a place here for you, your friend, your daughter, your mother.
Next Meetings: Mary Martha Circle - Tuesday, March 9th, 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study Leader: Gretchen LaBuhn
Hostess: Lucy Wolfe
Lydia Ruth Circle - Wednesday, March 10th, 10:30 a.m. for a short business
meeting prior to the Lenten service and luncheon to follow.
Your WELCA Board: Our Board remains the same for 2010, and we thank them for their loyal service throughout 2009. Serving on the Board are Ruth Brown, Elsie Hayes, Helen Ish, Jeanne Kiser, Gretchen LaBuhn, Nancy Labuhn, Carol Myers, Eda Jane Spivey, and Lucy Wolfe.
Cookie Recipe Booklets. If you could not attend our December 12th general meeting, you can still get the recipe booklet for a donation of $1.00 to WELCA. Just let someone on the WELCA Board know that you would like a booklet, and it will be delivered to you.
www.boldcafe.org. Check out this monthly on-line magazine for young (and young-at-heart) women of the Lutheran church. Engage in reflection and conversation on-line about God’s word and how it shapes our daily lives.
Check the book cart in the parlor! Eda Jane Spivey has many good Lenten and Easter materials from our library on display which you may borrow.
Cleaning Day: Mark March 27th on your calendar. We will meet that Saturday morning at 10 a.m. to freshen up the church sanctuary for Palm Sunday and Easter. Bring a wash pail if you have one. Other cleaning items will be provided. What a lovely way to serve God and the church as we complete our Lenten discipline.
Lutheran World Relief Handcraft Project Catalog. Look on the free trade coffee table for this beautiful catalog and order forms. You will find well-crafted items from around the world for reasonable prices. Your purchase directly benefits the artisans who create the items. Please place your orders individually by mail or internet.
Just Pies. Watch for information about our pie sale just before Mothers’ Day in May. The pies are from Just Pies, a local company, with stores at 5212 B North High Street and in Westerville.
Thank you, Mary Osborn, for getting our Thankoffering boxes ready for this Bellringer.
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rom the Pastor….
With Ash Wednesday on February 17, Lent will once again begin. Early in its history the Lenten season became a time of education in the basics of the Christian faith for new converts seeking baptism at the Easter Vigil. Martin Luther encouraged preaching on the catechisms, especially during Lent. This year, our mid-week Lenten worship will focus on the Lutheran catechetical teachings.
Here is the schedule we will follow:
February 17 (Ash Wednesday) Confession
February 24 Ten Commandments
March 3 Apostles’ Creed
March 10 Lord’s Prayer
March 17 Holy Baptism
March 24 Sacrament of the Altar
Services will include not only readings from Luther’s Small and Large Catechisms but also hymns and scripture that emphasize the catechism.
Ash Wednesday sits by itself as a very solemn day of reflection and penance, but with the second week of Lent, meals will once again be included in our midweek gatherings. A light lunch will be served after the 11:30 a.m. services and a light supper will be shared at 6:00 (an hour before the 7:00 services) each week. In addition, organized activities for children will be offered during the evening worship services in the church nursery.
I look forward to the season of Lent as a time of quiet reflection, discipline, denial and prayer. This is a time where I personally have the chance to consider who I am as a child of God, how I have fallen short of God’s goals for my life, and surrendering myself so that God can set me again on the path upon which he wishes me to journey. As a congregation, it will be good to be together to hear the basic tenets of our faith – either once again or for the first time – and be renewed in our life together. Join us for fellowship, worship and learning!
Pastor Ralph Wolfe
Shrove Tuesday Spaghetti Dinner
Once again this year the youth of our church will host a Spaghetti Dinner on Shrove Tuesday, February 16. This year, the dinner will be back up in the fellowship hall, and will be served from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE IN TIME FROM PREVIOUS YEARS. It will be the same menu in the past – spaghetti with homemade sauce and meatballs (on the side), salad, desserts from the congregation , drinks, and breadsticks donated by T. Marzetti. In addition, this year there will be entertainment happening throughout the evening. One of the outside groups that use our facilities, the Be3 Musical Theater Ensemble, will be singing for fifteen minutes at 6:15, 6:45 and 7:15. Be3 stands for, “Be a singer, Be a dancer, Be an actor” and encourages children to be all they can be in the performing arts. The group is led by artistic director Billy Bruce and consists of youth from age 8 through 18. They are sure to add something new and exciting to our
annual event!
We are currently in the process of applying for matching funds through
Thrivent as the proceeds will help to send about 15 youth and adults from
Clinton Heights to the Mississippi Gulf Coast this summer on a mission trip
through Habitat for Humanity. There will be more information about that
trip in the next couple of months, and it is open to anyone from the
congregation 16 years and older.
What is 96?
· The longitude of Dallas, Texas?
· The number of pomegranates in Jeremiah 52:23?
· A city in South Carolina where two Revolutionary War battles were fought?
· Number of years Katharine Hepburn lived?
· Number of wind turbines proposed for Cape May, New Jersey?
These are all true but the most important one is: There are 96 women members of Clinton Heights Lutheran Church!
Let’s all band together in our circles to share our combined wisdom in Bible study and create a powerful force for good in our community and church. Next meetings: February 9th and 10th.
Meals for Lenten Services
As part of our Lenten journey, on Wednesdays we will have simple meals after the morning services and prior to the evening services, Feb 24 through March 24. There will be a sign up sheet in the narthex for people to contribute their tasty soup (either bought or home-made) and/or help with set ups and clean up. Any questions, call Nancy Labuhn at 267-5227.
Apply Now for Endowment Fund Allocations
Applications are now available in the narthex or church office for allocations from the Outreach Endowment of Clinton Heights Lutheran Church. Deadline for submission of applications to the church office is Friday, March 5. They will be reviewed by the church’s Endowment Committee at its March 10 meeting.
Allocations are made from interest earned on the principal in the endowment. According to endowment guidelines, endowment income can be used to assist programs designed for persons in our parish area who are in spiritual or economic need, to provide seminary or college scholarships for student members of the congregation, to assist with capital projects of the church, to help with new projects of the Southern Ohio Synod, and to assist with special missions of the ELCA.
Income from the church’s other endowment, the Current Use Endowment, is used to support the annual operating budget. Allocations are made at the discretion of the Endowment Committee, which is comprised of five members appointed by the Church Council president.
Additional information about these endowments and how to make a gift is available in brochures in the narthex and church office.
Men’s Bible Study
The date for the next Men’s Bible Study is Saturday, February 13. Please join us on that day at the Panera Bread on High Street at Weisheimer for food and drink (optional), and Bible study and good fellowship between Christian brothers (mandatory). Gathering time is 9:00 – 9:30, and our Bible study is from 9:30 – 10:30. All men are welcome!
Help Wanted!
Clinton Heights needs a volunteer to chair a very important service committee. When a member of the church or a family member passes away, Clinton Heights offers to host a luncheon for the family before or after the funeral service or a reception during visiting hours at the church or after the service. This is an important ministry and a caring way to support our members in times of grief. We’ve been told that a luncheon or reception is often the only time the family has to slow down and visit with other family members or friends.
The duties of the chair are:
· To coordinate with family, if necessary, on numbers and preferences for luncheon. The Pastor will make the initial family contact to determine if a luncheon is wanted and convey their wishes to the chair of the luncheon committee.
· To establish a menu for the event.
· To set a time for the event set-up, etc.
· To determine the number of people expected to attend, using family information.
· To communicate with the church office to arrange for table set up.
· To call an assistant to convey the above information, decide on what food can be prepared and donated by congregation members, decide on the help needed for set-up, serving and clean-up
· To shop for food
· To be present at least at the beginning of the event to meet with family members, if necessary, and see to last minute details (this part can done by another volunteer if the chair cannot be present).
· To help with kitchen responsibilities, like heating up food items, receiving donated food and setting up the serving table.
If you accept this job, you will have the able assistance of Helen Ish and the whole WELCA Board. This is a vital ministry at Clinton Heights, and we hope you will prayerfully consider volunteering for this duty. Please contact WELCA Chair, Carol Myers, at 888-3259 or cbmyers@wowway.com.
WELCOME TO WELCA!
There is a place here for you, your friend, your daughter, your mother.
Next Meetings: Mary Martha Circle - Tuesday, February 9th, 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study Leader: Michelle Walton
Hostess: Carol Myers
Lydia Ruth Circle – Wednesday, February 10th, 9:30 a.m.
Bible Study Leader: Pastor Wolfe
Hostesses: Sylvia Newhouse, Eda Jane Spivey
New WELCA directories are included with this newsletter. Check your directory for circle meetings and for telephone numbers of our Clinton Heights women.
Several fund raisers are under consideration by the WELCA Board. Stay tuned for more information about how to help raise money for various church and community projects.
Cookies, Cookies, Cookies! Those delicious cookies you brought to the December 12th general meeting took on a life of their own. Many of us took cookies home to enjoy. Also, some of the cookies helped fill the plates as gifts for our members who can’t get to church activities. These were distributed during caroling. There were so many cookies (many were baked fresh for the caroling event) that lots were frozen for use at the reception at Dottie Pfeiffer’s memorial service. So many cookies augmented our frozen cookies that, again, many were left over. Two large plates kept members happy at the coffee hour the next day and still more were left over! Elaine Botkin took those to Faith Mission where they were received with great joy and every one was eaten. These weren’t loaves and fishes, but your love certainly multiplied with those cookies.
Cookie Recipes. We promised to get all those cookie recipes copied for the women who attended the December 12th general meeting. We are working on that and will get copies to you as soon as we can.
Watch for your new Thankoffering boxes on the next Bellringer.
Lenten soup meals. Our circles will supply the soup for the noon and evening soup meals on March 10th. March will be here before you know it!
Look for the HELP WANTED ad in this Bellringer. | | |
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rom the Pastor….
Eternal God, you have placed us in a world of space and time, and through the events of our lives you bless us with your love. Grant that in the new year we may know your presence, see your love at work, and live in the light of the event that gives us joy forever – the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
The above prayer is appointed for a church that celebrates a New Year’s Eve worship service. I remember attending such services when I was growing up in my home congregation but have not been part of one for a long time. Scriptures for the service include Ecclesiastes 3 – for everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven; Psalm 8 – Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth; Revelation 21 – the New Heaven and the New Earth coming down out of heaven from God; and Matthew 25 – the Son of Man judging the nations as sheep and goats with the words, “Just as you did to the least of these the members of my family, so you did it to me.”
I pray that as 2010 arrives you will remember the joys and sorrows of 2009. Certainly we shared much grief as we said goodbye to many longtime, beloved CHLC family members. We miss their gifts and talents, their laughter, their very presence with us. But I also encourage you to remember all of the many joys that we have shared the last year. You will hear more about the specific ministries at the annual Congregational Meeting at the end of January, but I want to mention something for which I personally give thanks this year. In the midst of days which are challenging and uncertain financially, our congregation has heard of opportunities to share what we have with others who have lost their jobs, their homes or their health for various reasons. Whenever we put out the plea for food, hygiene items, clothing or financial donations, Clinton Heights exceeded all of the goals that we set for ourselves – whether it was stuffing the LSS truck, collecting thanksgiving bags and turkeys, or the hat and mitten tree, your generosity has shown forth with the light of Christ for all to see and experience.
The new year will certainly present opportunities for not only grieving together over the loses that are sure to come, but also for celebrating the many ways that we are able to share God’s love with all, to experience that something new that God is creating, and share with God by sharing with the least of our community. A Blessed New Year from my family to yours.
Pastor Ralph Wolfe
Annual Meeting of the Congregation
Church Council has designated Sunday, January 31, 2010, as the day for the
Annual Meeting of the Congregation. There will be one worship service at
10:00 a.m. A meal will be served at 11:00 a.m.; meat, beverages and table
service will be provided. Bring a covered dish/casserole, hot vegetable,
salad, or dessert to share. Reports for 2009 and initiatives for 2010 will
be discussed, among these the replacement of the cooling tower for the
air-conditioning system.
Wolfe’s Epiphany Open House
All congregational members and friends are invited to Pastor and
Lucy Wolfe’s home on Saturday, January 9, from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.
for their annual post-holiday open house. There will be plenty of
goodies to eat, so please come hungry. The house is at 1591 Slade
Avenue; there will be maps in the narthex, if you need directions.
Pastor Jay Gamelin on January 3
On Sunday, January 3, Pastor Jay Gamelin from Jacob’s Porch – the ELCA campus ministry at OSU – will be at Clinton Heights to fill-in for Pastor Wolfe. Jay will not bring the Jacob’s Porch worship style, but will conduct the worship using the usual liturgies at both 8:30 and 11:00. Between the services, Jay will be in the parlor to share an educational time with folks. Maybe, he will tell you details of the trip that he and students will be taking to Denmark over Spring Break.
Men’s Bible Study
The monthly men’s Bible study will meet at Panera Bread on High Street at Weisheimer on Saturday, January 9th. Please join us at 9:00 for coffee or breakfast and conversation, then 9:30 to 10:30 for our study. All men of CHLC and guests are invited.
WELCOME TO WELCA!
We are women who are children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life.
Next Meetings: Mary Martha Circle - Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study: Carol Myers
Hostess: Martha Ratliff
Lydia Ruth Circle – Wednesday, January 13, 9:30 a.m.
Bible Study: Eda Jane Spivey
Hostesses: Helen Ish, Gloria Krause
Thank you, Mary Osborne, for getting all our postcard invitations to the December 12th meeting ready for mailing and then taking them to the post office. Thank you, Eda Jane Spivey, for receiving all the invitation responses.
Thank you, Gretchen LaBuhn, for planning our December 12th Bible study and providing the decorative touches for this event. We especially liked those little bags for taking some cookies home!
Thank you, Mary Martha and Lydia Ruth Circles, for providing for and serving the first two Advent luncheons. Thank you, Elsie Hayes and Eda Jane Spivey, for providing for and serving the third Advent luncheon. Thank you, Phyllis Hyer, for setting up and providing the beautiful table decorations for each Advent luncheon.
Thank you Elaine Botkin, Ruth Brown, Elsie Hayes, Helen Ish, Carol Myers, Anne Saylor, Julie Schlosser, Hannah Wolfe, Lucy Wolfe, Kyra Semenoff, and Laurinda Woodward for spending a Saturday morning getting our sanctuary cleaned up for Advent and Christmas.
Thank you to everyone who provided pies for our combined Thanksgiving Eve service at Linden Lutheran Church. All the pies were delicious and there was a LOT of pie! It made for a delicious and lively fellowship time after the service. Next year is Clinton Height’s turn to host this service.
Did you know that the offerings collected during circle meetings (unless specially dedicated to a specific cause like the offering at our summer salad buffet) are divided between Lutheran Social Services’ Community Kitchen at Faith Mission project (1/4) and our own WELCA general fund (3/4)? What a great way to share our gifts with the community and our church.
Fund Raiser: Be thinking about a possible fund raiser for after the holidays. If you hear of any particularly successful fund raisers let someone on the WELCA Board know. Who is on the WELCA Board? Ruth Brown, Elsie Hayes, Helen Ish, Jeanne Kiser, Nancy Labuhn, Gretchen LaBuhn, Carol Myers, Eda Jane Spivey, and Lucy Wolfe. We welcome all ideas for WELCA’s consideration! | | |
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rom the Pastor….
On the Wednesday mornings of Advent this year (December 2, 9 and 16) our worship will be structured around the “O Antiphons.” The O Antiphons are a set of medieval refrains originally used before and after the singing of the Magnificat. They were in use already in the eighth century. Each invokes the Messiah under a different title derived from the Old Testament. This title is then amplified and followed by an appeal to “come” and save us in a particular way. Around the twelfth century, they were collected into a Latin verse hymn, which was later translated by John Mason Neale, finally becoming the beloved Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.”
The general form of the service will be as follows: I will chant one antiphon, then the congregation will sing the verse of the hymn that corresponds,
followed by a scripture reading. This pattern will continue until
all eight have been shared. There will be a gathering song and
dialogue before the O Antiphons, followed by a brief meditation
message, prayers, blessing and sending song. As we prepare for
the birth of Christ, it is good to gather to remember, proclaim,
and pray upon those wonderful attributes of Jesus Christ our
Messiah. He is, after all, our Wisdom, Lord and Root of Jesse;
he is the Key of David, Dayspring, King of Nations and
Emmanuel. O Come Lord Jesus, come!
Pastor Ralph Wolfe
Advent 2009
Mid-week services will be held on Advent Wednesdays, December 2, 9, and 16, at 11:30 a.m. The services feature the O Antiphons, medieval refrains that, beginning in the twelfth century, became the beloved hymn, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Related readings, message and prayers are part of each worship. A light lunch will follow each service. Join us for this time of spiritual preparation and fellowship.
The Eve of the Nativity
Christmas Eve
December 24
Family Service 5:00 p.m.
Candlelight Communion 11:00 p.m.
Christmas Program
Our annual Christmas Play will be presented by the children and congregation of Clinton Heights Lutheran Church during the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, December 20! Practices for the play will be held on Sundays, December
6 and December 13. Additionally, we will have a final
practice on Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. The
Saturday rehearsal will be followed by a pizza lunch! If
you are interested in being a part of or helping with the
play, please contact Shannon Johnson (889-4865 or
shannon@nejohnson.com) for further details.
Men’s Gathering
This month the Men’s Bible study will meet as always at the Panera Bread Restaurant on High Street at Weisheimer, but we will return to our regular Saturday, December 12, at 9:00 a.m. All men are invited as we gather for fellowship and to study one of the lessons for the upcoming Sunday in a pretty in-depth but interesting and non-confrontative way. You can buy coffee or something to eat, but you do not have to if you don’t want any. We wrap up the gathering at 10:30.
Christmas Caroling
Enjoy singing Christmas carols? Each year, members of Clinton Heights give a special gift of fellowship and Christmas music to our shut-ins. The Fellowship Committee is sponsoring an afternoon of caroling on Sunday, December 13,
following the 11:00 a.m. service. We’ll meet in the Parish Hall
for a light lunch and then go caroling. Carolers are asked to sign
up in the narthex, so we know how many visits we will be able to
make. Also, sign the sheet if you would like to bring cookies for
the carolers to take on their visits.
CRC Santa Shop
The Santa Shop for the children of Clintonville Resources Center clients is Saturday, December 12. The children “shop” for gifts for their adult family members. Any new or very gently used gift items would be appreciated, especially gifts for
men. Items like socks, toiletries, handkerchiefs, tools or gadgets for
men are always in short supply and much needed. If you can donate
anything for the Santa shop, please bring it to the church office some
time before the 12th.
Communion Bread
As a new year approaches we once again ask for communion bread bakers. Last year we had eight families or individuals who volunteered, and each one baked bread once every two months. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board to help fill the schedule for 2010. If you would like to continue or if you would like to be added anew, please sign up by the end of the year.
Sunday Morning Fellowship Refreshments
There is now a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board for anyone who is willing to bake cookies, bread, rolls or anything else to enjoy in the parlor between services on Sunday mornings. Items may be purchased if you are baking challenged – we aren’t picky!
Sunday School Advent Mission Project – The Giving Tree
As we begin our Advent season and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, the
Sunday School would like to help those in need within our community, so
our Education Committee has decided to adopt families for Christmas
through the Clintonville Community Resources Center. This project is
an Advent mission project for Praise Place Sunday School, but we
invite the whole congregation to join with us in the endeavor. This
year we have adopted two families with a total of six children and
three adults. In addition to providing gifts for these families, we also
will include a non-perishable food basket. You will see a Giving
Tree in the education wing lobby. All requested items will be listed
on individual ornament tags on the Giving Tree.
Please choose an ornament tag from the Giving
Tree and return your unwrapped gifts to the Giving Tree; securely tie or
tape the selected ornament tag to each gift. Your donations should be
under the tree no later than Sunday, December 13. For questions,
contact Shannon Johnson at 889-4865 or email at shanikki@yahoo.com.
Thank you for your generosity and support
in helping those in need in our community.
There is such richness and goodness in the Nativity
that if we should see and deeply understand,
we should be dissolved in perpetual joy.
– Martin Luther
Praise Place News
The Christmas season is fast approaching and it is once again time for our annual Christmas Play, presented by the children and congregation of Clinton Heights Lutheran Church during the 11:00 worship service on Sunday, December 20! Practices for the play will be
held on Sundays, December 6 and December 13. Additionally, we will have a final practice on Saturday, December 19 at 10:00 a.m. The Saturday rehearsal will be followed by a pizza lunch! If you are interested in being a part of or helping with the play, please contact Shannon Johnson (889-4865 or shannon@nejohnson.com) for further details.
What’s Happening at Praise Place?
Throughout the months of September and October the children explored Noah’s Ark, including a trip to the Whetstone Park, to measure out the actual size of the ark! We celebrated Reformation Sunday with a special one Sunday workshop celebration where the children decorated the seal of Martin Luther and learned about Martin Luther and his works through a story.
In November the children have been learning about the Widow’s Mite through stories, games, and art.
This will bring us to the Advent and Christmas season, when we will begin practices for the upcoming Christmas program.
The children have been enjoying the weekly Praise Place Singers choir practice with Carol Myers. We will resume singing after the first of the year. Look for more updates in January. Please plan to join us for Praise Place, during the Sunday school hour! We meet in the Parish Hall at 9:45am each Sunday!
Please note, there will be no Sunday School on Sunday, December 27.
Join us on Sunday, December 20, at the 11:00 a.m. service
for this year’s Christmas program, The Reason We Celebrate
by Darlene Mitchell. Through our play we will be reminded
of the true reason we celebrate Christmas.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
WELCOME TO WELCA!
We are women who are children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life.
Next Meetings: Mary Martha Circle - Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00 p.m.
Dinner at Panera on High Street. Join us!
All Women of Clinton Heights – Saturday, December 12th, 2:30 p.m.
in the education wing meeting room. This is a combined short general meeting,
Bible study and fellowship. Join us!
December 12th is the date of our Bible study and short general meeting for all women of Clinton Heights. We will meet at 2:30 p.m. for a relaxed holiday sharing of conversation, fellowship, cookies (complete with recipe or where you bought them), and Bible study. All women are welcome. The women of North Community Lutheran will also be invited.
The Advent Tree is up in the parlor and already covered with hats, gloves, mittens and scarves. We can always make room for more, however! Dottie and Jim Frashier will deliver these items to Lutheran Social Services on December 16, so please have all your donations in by then. Thank you to all who have so generously donated to this cause.
Our kitchen cupboards have been reorganized so dishes, utensils and pans will hopefully be easier to use. Let us know if you have any suggestions. Our clean-up of the kitchen will continue over the next several months.
Advent luncheons are at noon on December 2 (Mary Martha Circle hosting), December 9 (Lydia Ruth Circle hosting), and December 16 (Elsie Hayes and Eda Jane Spivey hosting). Everyone is invited to worship and to share lunch on these days in preparation for our spiritual journey to Christmas.
The Election Day Bake Sale earned $284.00 for CRC. THANK YOU to all the bakers and people who worked the sale tables that day and to Nancy Labuhn for organizing this event.
Thankoffering Sunday was November 8th. If you forgot to bring your Thankoffering that Sunday please
bring it to church any time. We will see that it gets to the right place. Many programs and scholarships for
women are funded through the ELCA with your generous donations. Thank you to all who donated your coins
and funds from over the last year, as a donation to the national Women's organization. We will be sending at
least $350 (some donations still coming in) to aid in women's scholarships, support of battered women's
shelters and other national and local projects that have been given grants. It's a great way to reflect on our
individual blessings and send out prayers to the recipients of our donations. You may start saving for next
years Thankoffering right away, there are coin boxes available, just check with the church office.
WELCA wishes everyone a most blessed Christmastide. | | |
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rom the Pastor….
I am excited to announce that beginning with the first Sunday of December, our 11:00 worship service will be a little different. For many years now, the second service has used the musical settings from our With One Voice book in the liturgy. Recently the Worship and Music Committee and I discussed the possibilities of changing up the musical setting for that late service. We will keep all of the familiar parts of the liturgy –from the Kyrie to the Lamb of God texts – but the tunes to which we sing them will be different. We felt it was time for a change, especially with the liturgical resources that are now available with our new Evangelical Lutheran Worship book.
Even though we will not begin using the new settings in total until the first Sunday of December, we will practice the various parts of the service in the Sundays leading up to that day, either with the Choir, as a hymn or in the announcements. I think that you will find it a refreshing blend of newer compositions by Lutheran hymn writer Marty Haugen, classical style from Franz Schubert, a Celtic Alleluia and a familiar offertory hymn.
I truly believe that worship at Clinton Heights is one of the many things that we do very well, and I am confident that this change will enhance the experience of worshipers so that the service will retain the familiarity of the words, but will be sung to new tunes. Keeping things fresh in this way is good for us Christians as we gather on the Sabbath to hear God’s Word and share in his supper.
Pastor Ralph Wolfe
THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Wednesday, November 25, 7:30 p.m.
Linden Lutheran Church
1230 Oakland Park Avenue
The annual Thanksgiving Eve celebration is a service hosted jointly by Clinton Heights, Linden and North Community Lutheran Churches. Take time to give thanks for the abundance we enjoy and to return an offering of praise to our God. Choirs from the three churches will lead us in song. The evening’s offering is designated for the Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry. After the Worship Service, there will be a time of fellowship with refreshments.
Helping Others at Thanksgiving
Clinton Heights will help Lutheran Social Services clients at Thanksgiving by providing groceries necessary for a holiday meal. You may provide grocery bag(s) of designated items or make a monetary donation. For your convenience, bags with handles are available in the narthex, along with grocery lists of needed items. Monetary donations may be placed in the offering plate; designate LSS Thanksgiving.
Each paper bag needs to contain the following items:
v Four large potatoes or 1 large can sweet potatoes
v One 6 oz. box of stuffing mix –chicken flavor
v 1 can chicken broth
v Two cans of any vegetable
v One can chicken gravy
v One can cranberry sauce
v Two cans fruit OR one can fruit and one package cookies.
Groceries should be brought to the church November 15-22
Thanksgiving Turkeys
Again this year, the pastors of Clintonville churches are challenging their congregations to donate ten turkeys per church to help Clintonville Resources Center provide a turkey with the Thanksgiving meals they distribute. Turkeys may be placed in the freezer in the stairway to the basement and will be delivered to the CRC on Monday, November 23. (We have been told that you might be able to get a second turkey at the same sale price as your first one at Giant Eagle if you tell them it is for the CRC. If they require a letter, the church will gladly provide one.)
All Saints Sunday
On All Saints Sunday, November 1, we remember those in our parish who, since last All Saints Day, have received their promised rest’s fulfillment: Michael Knilans, Charles Burrer, William Richards, Peg Radcliffe, Mildred Shugert, Donald Harman, Elizabeth Weston, Dale Dempsey, Rebecca Katz.
Meeting of the Congregation
Candidates for church council election will be introduced immediately following both worship services on Sunday, November 1. Nominations may be made from the floor at this time. A meeting of the congregation will be held on Sunday, November 15, immediately following the single worship service at 10:00 a.m. and before the Harvest Dinner. The sole item of business is the adoption of a General Fund Budget for 2010 (copy enclosed).
Annual Harvest Dinner
Come for our Harvest Dinner on Sunday, November 15, following the one worship service at 10:00 a.m. and the congregational meeting. Please bring a hot dish, salad or dessert to share. Meat, rolls, drinks and tableware will be provided. Look for the sign-up sheet in the narthex; set-up, serving and clean-up help is needed. Let’s join together in celebration of all our blessings!
Men’s Gathering
In November, the Men’s Bible Study at Panera Bread will be moving from the second Saturday to the first Saturday. We will gather between 9:00 and 9:30 on November 7 at the Panera Bread Restaurant on High Street at Weisheimer. All men and guests of Clinton Heights are invited as we chat (and eat) until 9:30, then read and discuss one of the Sunday lessons until about 10:30, when we share a closing prayer and head out to share God’s love.
Evangelism Committee Open Meeting
The Evangelism Committee of Clinton Heights will meet on Tuesday, November 10, 6:30 p.m. at Dante’s Pizza. Anyone from the congregation who would like to share ideas or concerns regarding evangelism is invited to come for pizza and conversation. Dante’s is located on Indianola Avenue at the Weiland’s Market Shopping Center.
Advent Reflections
The Book of Faith initiative of our ELCA has produced a resource for individuals and families to use during the Advent season called, “Advent Reflections.” The book includes four one-page Bible studies based on the texts for the each of the four Sundays of Advent. These Bible studies will be the basis for the adult Sunday school classes from November 29 through December 20. In addition, each day of Advent contains three pages of reflections and activities. Page one is a reflection based on a particular Bible text; page two is a faith connection with a thought starter question and space to write or doodle your thoughts and reactions, journal-style; page three has a few options for activities that can help individuals and families enjoy the advent season. Each daily reflection ends with prayer. If you would like to order a copy for yourself and your family, you can do so by signing up on the bulletin board in the narthex, by emailing Pastor Wolfe at pastor@clintonheights.net, or by calling the church office. Payment of $7 is due when the books are delivered. If twenty or more are ordered then the price drops to $5.50 each. Orders are due by November 15.
Mitten Tree
Winter caps and gloves are being gathered for children of Lutheran Social Services Food Pantry clients. During November, you may bring children’s and teens’ caps and/or gloves to pin on the Mitten Tree in the church parlor.
All Saints Choral Evensong
Trinity Seminary Choir cordially invites you to All Saints Choral Evensong on Friday, November 6, 8:00 p.m. at Gloria Dei Worship Center at Trinity Lutheran Seminary. The choir will sing the Haydn Mass in D Minor (Nelson Mass) within the service of Evening Prayer. You’ll see familiar faces from Clinton Heights in the choir and chamber orchestra. Free parking at the seminary, 2199 E. Main Street; freewill offering.
PRISON MINISTRY
Rev. Roberta Lindner at the Frazier Health Care Center of Orient Correctional Facility is once again asking us to help with holiday care packages for the inmate patients. We are being asked to provide 110 full-size stick deodorants. No aerosol or roll-ons, please; just stick. Remember that they are for men. Your donations may be placed in the basket in the narthex through November. Also, Pastor Lindner can use extra 2010 calendars or planners. Many people get samples in the mail of these items or gifts from insurance companies or funeral homes. If you get more than you can use, please place the extras in the collection basket along with the deodorants, and we will make sure that the Facility gets them.
Senior Outreach Volunteers Needed
The Senior Outreach offices of the Clintonville Resource Center are now located on the second floor of our education unit. Many times during the week, Mary Casey and her staff have to be at meetings or meeting with seniors in the community for home assessments. Because of this, they are looking for some people to come in to the offices at the church and answer phones as well as do some other small office duties like filing. They already have a couple of volunteers, but need to fill in some more gaps. If you or someone you know are interested, please call Mary Casey at 267-3050.
Volunteers for Faith Mission Radio-Thons
Faith Mission will hold two annual Fall Radio-Thons in November. Money raised will go to feed and care for the hungry and homeless in the Columbus area. Volunteers are needed to answer phone calls and take pledges from radio listeners. Come for an hour or for the day! The first radio-thon, supported by B104.3 Big Hits, is Thursday, November 12, 6 a.m. – noon, at 4401 Carriage Hill Lane, Columbus 43220. The second radio-thon, supported by 104.9 The River, is Thursday, November 19, 6 a.m. – 7 p.m., at the radio station, 881 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna. The River will have twelve phone lines! If you would like to volunteer or for more information, call Nancy Spiler at Lutheran Social Services, 228-5200 ext. 1640 or nspiler@lssco.org.
Welcome to WELCA!
This cross with water and lily is our WELCA symbol. It identifies us as children of God; baptized, forgiven, adopted into God’s family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It is a reminder of the growth, beauty and vitality that rise out of that life-giving baptismal water.
Next Meetings: Mary Martha Circle - Tuesday, November 10, 7:00 p.m.
Bible Study Leader: Nancy Labuhn. Hostess: Michelle Walton.
Lydia Ruth Circle - Wednesday, November 11, 9:30 a.m.
Bible Study Leader: Helen Ish. Hostesses: Elaine Heilman, Evelyn Lay
E-zine from WELCA – This website is designed primarily for women 18 to 35 but can be enjoyed by all. Go to www.boldcafe.org for timely articles about faith and life, an opportunity to share your thoughts with others, and for some inspiration and spirit refreshment!
Did you know that the Women of the Southern Ohio Synod started The Red Eye Fund for the women of Tanzania, Africa in 2006? Since then it has become a nationwide effort to help women who develop red eyes from cooking over hot fires. These women are often branded as demons by the witch doctors and many have been killed. The Red Eye Project helps fund medical care, housing, clothing and education for women who find their way to a refugee camp in Tanzania. Clinton Heights delivered $72.00 for this project at the Southern Ohio Synod Biennial Convention on September 26th. Add your pennies to this effort by donating in the box provided in the narthex.
Thank you, everyone for a very successful summer of gathering household goods for the New Beginnings program at Faith Mission. The last HUGE load was delivered on September 23rd. If you come up with any more new or gently used household goods you would like to donate, please deliver them to Faith Mission at 315 East Long Street. Call 224-6617 to arrange a convenient delivery time. They will help you unload items.
Raelene Philips, pastor’s wife, speaker and author, was the keynote speaker for the 11th Biennial Convention, Southern Ohio Synod Women of the ELCA, attended in September by Jeanne Kiser, Nancy Labuhn and Carol Myers. She blends her Christian ideals and experiences as a pastor’s wife into inspiring and humorous stories. Her books include: Where is Your Pineapple?: a Handbook on Hospitality (“an encouragement for a recommitment to hospitality, the lost American pastime”), Freedom in White Mittens (part of a fictional trilogy set in Colonial America), and Birds in the Belfry (14 short stories).
December 12th is the date of our Bible study and short general meeting for all women of Clinton Heights. We will meet at 2:30 p.m. for a relaxed holiday sharing of conversation, fellowship, cookies (complete with recipe or where you bought them), and Bible study. Watch the bulletin for full details.
Health Kits: Nancy Labuhn delivered sixty-four health kits and eighty-eight bars of soap to Faith Lutheran Church as our donation to Lutheran World Relief. Thanks to all who provided supplies for the kits, assembled the kits and brought in all that soap! North Community Lutheran Church helped by providing eleven of the sixty-four health kits. Thank you, North Community! | | |
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