Christ Communicator

May 2008

Pastor’s Message

“When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to men.” Psalm 68:18

Dear worshippers of our ascended Lord Jesus,

This prophecy from Psalm 68 is fulfilled by Jesus’ ascension to heaven. We celebrate Jesus’ ascension on the first day of this month of May. We will praise Christ in worship with song and Scripture lessons that remind us that Jesus is our victorious King and Savior. The psalmist reminds us that Jesus did not abandon his children when he ascended to heaven. He gave us gifts to use for his purpose. This month of May, we remember our confirmation day as we listen to our youth confess their faith and promise faithfulness to their Lord at their confirmation. Given by the Holy Spirit, that faith is a gift of God for us to use and exercise. Jesus has ascended to heaven to rule all things. Yet he continues his saving work on earth through the gifts he gives to believers. Our faith is to be shared with boldness not only within the safe walls of our Lutheran church. God the Holy Spirit has also given us the boldness to proclaim our trust in Jesus wherever he places you during the week. Jesus has also given gifts to his Church of believers through the calling of pastors, missionaries, teachers and staff ministers. This month of May, we also thank the Lord for the gifts he gives to the church through those graduates who will receive their divine Calls to serve as pastors in WELS parishes and teachers in our WELS schools. They also will go forward with confidence as they proclaim Jesus Christ and carry on His message of eternal rescue which he has entrusted to us. Thank our ascended Lord for the gifts he has given to His Church. Thank Him also that you have a place in proclaiming his saving work and the faith that He has granted by the Holy Spirit.

Serving our Savior with you!

Pastor Philip D. Gieschen

SUGGESTIONS FOR MEMORIALS

At times memorials are received without any designation of the gift. Following are a list of approved memorials as suggestions for your memorial gifts.

* Radio Fund

* Operating Deficit Fund

We extend our thanks for the memorials and gifts that were received in the past month

Special Worship Services in May

CONFIRMATION SERVICE

Confirmation Service will be held Sunday, May 4 at 10:45am. Five students will confess their faith and faithfulness to God and his Word at their Confirmation. We pray that the Holy Spirit will keep them strong in the faith which they confess in Christ Jesus. This day allows all of us to remember and renew the promise of faithfulness we made with God’s help at our confirmation.

Cofirmation Class: Chloe Anderson, Katie Kuchenbecker, Cody Heller, Alexandria Lorbetske, Ross Thorn

ASCENSION CHORAL SERVICE

We remember Jesus’ ascension into heaven and the completion of his earthly ministry with a special worship service on Thursday, May 1 at 6:30pm. This service combines the Word of God in Scripture lessons and sermon with mixed choir and school choir musical selections and congregational singing. You are invited to join us in praising our glorious Lord and King as we remember the meaning of his ascension.

Walking Together Sunday

Christ Lutheran is a part of a larger church body known as the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod. On Sunday, May 18, we will remember the work we do together with other congregations of the WELS in a special worship service. We hope that you will join us as we thank God for the chance to walk together in proclaiming the news of our living Savior in the W.E.L.S.

EDUCATION

Grow in God’s Word

Jesus tells us to “search the Scriptures”. We strengthen our faith by regularly learning and hearing his Word. Following are several opportunities for you to join us in weekly Bible Study.

» Sunday School & Adult Bible Study will meet for the last time till fall on May 11th.

» Women's Bible Study meets Tuesdays at 9:30am & 7:00pm

» Men's Bible Study meets Thursday mornings at 6:00am

SCHOOL MUSICAL - MAY 16 AND MAY 18:

The students of Christ Lutheran School will be performing the light-hearted , musical version of David and Goliath - “The Slingshot Heard ‘Round the World”. Performances will be Friday, May 16th at 6:30 pm and Sunday, May 18th at 1:00pm. Following both performances there will be an ice-cream social sponsored by the CEA. Please R.S.V.P. to Christ Lutheran School at 479-8284 if you are able to come.

Upcoming Events

GOD’S BLESSINGS TO OUR GRADUATES

Several High School members of Christ Lutheran will graduate this spring from various schools. We wish God’s blessings and pray for his direction on your future lives. Below is a listing of the graduates we are aware of. We realize several names may be missing. Please call the church office if your child is graduating from high school or college so that we can include them in future bulletins and newsletter.

Northland Pines High School: Sarah Breyer, Erik Scharf, Daniel Sweo

Three Lakes High School: Logan Braasch

ALL LADIES AND GIRLS

Please plan for a “South of the Border” fiesta on Thursday, May 22nd. Festivities begin at 6pm in the school gym. Wear your brightest clothes. Be sure to bring your camera. Any appetizer or salad would also be welcome. Enjoy an evening of fun with your friends. A sign-up sheet will be placed in the church entrance.

DAILY WALKS WITH OUR LORD

Please see the WELS website for daily devotions and meditations.

OTHER NEWS ITEMS:

CLS Apparel: Christ Lutheran School “spirit” apparel is available once again! All are welcome to be a part of this opportunity to show pride in our school and be a witness to their faith by what they wear. A display and order forms are located in the entryway of the church. During the week this display will be moved to the school building. All orders must be received no later than Friday, May 9th. Completed order forms may be dropped off in the school office or in an envelope at the information table in church. If you have any questions, please contact the school at 479-8284.

Available in the church basement: - Confirmation and Graduation Cards - Special Napkins - Mother’s Day Cards - Church memorial cards - Cards and napkins for any other occasion

Ladies: Saturday, May 31 has been set aside to clean church pews and hymnals. Please bring a bucket and rags and Join us at 10:00am.

May 2008