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CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

463 Highland Rd., Peterborough, Ontario,K9H 5J8 (705)745-0841


Website & Facebook www.christlutheranpeterborough.com
FEBRUARY 2018 NEWSLETTER

Mission Statement: “As Christians living in God’s grace we seek to demonstrate our
faith in Christ by caring, listening, and responding to the needs of the whole person,
serving each other and those beyond our Lutheran community.”

PASTOR’S MESSAGE
Resurrection Living
Blessings to you during this time after epiphany, a time of new beginning
where God continues to reveal himself to us.
When I served a parish in rural Nova Scotia, the parsonage my family and I
lived in stood on twenty-three acres of land. The house resided on about an
acre and a half and the rest of the property was hilly forest and meadow.
All ran beside a major tributary of the La Have River. It was beautiful. When
we moved to Nova Scotia from Ontario I disassembled one of those
combination children’s outdoor swing set and fort and packed it for the
journey. Those things never quite go back together the same way and nor
do parents have any desire to put them together again. So as time went on
the pieces sat outside beside the shed.
Finally, one day after my son Joel and I got talking we decided that we
would build a new treehouse using pieces from the apparatus not being
used and some lumber in the basement. Fortunately for me the only thing
that needed to be cut accurately was the base. We used the lumber as a
base, parts of the fort were used as walls, a ladder the riser and a slide for
a way down. This became a new meeting place. One where friends played
and even grown adults climbed. The unit that had been presumed to be
stagnant was now resurrected and living once more.
I have a picture that is torn on both ends. My puppy got a hold of it. If it
would have been any other picture I would have thrown it out. It is a
picture of Joel and I pausing in the middle of our build for a rest. Creating
that tree house transformed not only the old wood of the former structure
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but the people who built it. Several times I slept under the stars with my
children Joel and Grace basking in the moonlight and the world that God
has created. My relationship with both God and my children was
transformed not by the structure but by the activity and love shared within
it.
At the annual meeting this year I shared with you my vision for
transformation and resurrection living. It includes the formation of a new
vision task force. I also shared with you my vision for transforming the
worship space. Now I know as much as anyone that changes to the
sanctuary can be troubling for some. I respect that. Worship spaces are
sacred after all. I would like to see the following changes: the removal of
the altar rail and pulpit; making the lectern a movable piece where the
word is proclaimed; introducing a new sound system so that movement can
happen during worship and everyone can still hear the worship leaders; and
lastly the introduction of a screen and data projector.
Notice that there are two common denominators to all these changes: 1)
they are cosmetic; 2) they have absolutely no impact on how we use
traditional liturgy in worship and celebrate the sacraments.
People get freaked out the minute you mention multi-media. Adding a
screen and projector is nothing to shy away from as it is simply one more
way that liturgical worship can be enhanced. It does not mean in any
fashion that the current hymnals or use of the organ we use will be
dismissed.
It does mean that when new forms of worship are introduced, (for example
a planned family service geared to all generations), options for additional
music choices can be easily accessible.
I believe that ultimately when these changes are first introduced it will take
time to get used to them. Much like when each new hymnal, weekly
communion, and the communing of children were all introduced it took time
to accept these practices as routine.
May you be open to transformation. Experience resurrection living. Be open
to change in the sanctuary here at Christ. May your encounter with God and
the people within Christ Lutheran help you on your journey of faith. Be
inspired to resurrection living and new life in Jesus Christ.

Pastor Scott

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A Lenten Journey to Easter
During Lent this year we will be gathering on Wednesday evenings for mid-
week worship. Through evening prayer we will be exploring the themes of
creation, the flood, deliverance at the Red Sea, salvation freely offered to
all, and deliverance from the fiery furnace
Prior to worship we will gather for soup and sandwich at 6 pm. Worship will
begin approximately at 6:45 pm and close at 7:30pm.

What is Congregational Asset Mapping?


Congregational Asset Mapping starts by looking at assets. When we think
about it, we recognize that we have been given gifts in abundance. Our cup
is not half-empty; it is half-full. That is something to be thankful for. The
half-full cup gives us power to do good things for ourselves, our neighbours,
and in the world.
When we look at the half-cup, we recognize and rediscover our assets and
the abundance of God’s gifts. We find an exciting, new, and positive energy
to break us out of the negative cycles of needs that people in congregations
sometimes experience.
We soon discover that our own gifts and assets are made valuable by
connecting them to the gifts of others. Beyond need and charity we find
affinity and partnership. Our stewardship is active, and our actions together
grow and open toward the will of God. In short, when we map our assets
we find the grace between our gifts.
What will we do exactly when we gather? Basically we will do three things:
1. Recognize our Assets - Look at our half-full cup to identify many of the
asset’s congregations and strengths.
2. Connect the Dots – Link some of these assets together to brainstorm
actions that we can take to get things done.
3. Set initial goals and create ideas to consider implementing – Get
started in working with our half-full glass.

Congregational Meeting to discuss quote for Worship Space


Changes and tabled motion February 25 following worship.
During the annual meeting on January 28 a motion requesting $7000 for
worship upgrades was tabled until an exact quote could be obtained. At this
meeting we will put continue to discuss the motion and explain further the
changes to the worship space.

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Congregational Annual Meeting – January 28, 2018 at 11:00
following service

Attendance: 38 members, quorum is met


1. Opening Devotions – Pastor Scott Schellenberger
Thank you to the entire Congregation from our Chairperson Johanna for
our support of Council and the congregational activities throughout the year
Agenda – no changes
2. Minutes of Previous Meeting
Discussion:
Page 1 - Connie was not co-chair
Page 6 viii – The parsonage is an asset. If the Congregation moves as an
organization to another organizational structure, the assets will move with
that structure.
3. Approval of minutes as corrected: Approved
4. Appointment of Tellers for election of officers
Tellers: Glenn, Pauline
5. Reports
Report comments as noted below:
Correct spelling of Brenda’s last name throughout the reports
a) Pastor’s Message
Comments - Change Michael to Melvyn in the motion
b) Vision Task Force
Comments – five members are on the team; additional members are
welcome
c) New Vision for Worship Space
Comments
i. New vision for worship space includes some changes to the
arrangement of the Sanctuary i.e. may include removing two
front pews to allow more space in front of Sanctuary, etc.
ii. Considering used audio-visual equipment. LR Brown is aware
of our need and is looking.
iii. The better the system, the greater the flexibility and
communication
d) Lutheran-Anglican Relations
Comments
i. The Covenant Council is no longer meeting
ii. Clergy are continuing the Covenant communication
e) Chairperson’s Address
A heart-felt thank you to Johanna for her commitment of time, hard work
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Comments – We continued to contribute our time and funding to the One
Roof Diner
f) Fundraising
g) Mutual Ministry
h) Food for Kid’s (Slice & Dice)
i) Men’s Breakfast
j) Naseri Family
Comments – Our congregation has contributed $380 in support of the
Naseri’s extended family impacted by earthquakes in Iran
k) Parish Outreach
Comments
i. Christ Lutheran is recognized by the One Roof Diner for our
huge support which is disproportionate to our relatively small
size
ii. The Men’s Club funded on their own their One Roof Diner
dinner engagement
l) Parish Support
Comments – A special thank you to George for all the work he does around
the church
m) Financial Secretary
n) Health & Wellness Team
o) Kids at Christ & Kid’s Club
p) Treasurer’s Report
Comments
i. World Hunger and Actual expenses are reduced by $295 to
reflect a World Hunger cheque that was not received by Synod
ii. The change in Cash-on-hand January 1 2016 minus 2017
Expenses does not equal Cash-on-hand January 1 2017.
Council to investigate.
Approval of Reports as corrected/commented
Motion to accept: Robin Butson
Second: Gord Guse
Approved
6. New/Other Business
a) Motions
i. Motion: Be it resolved that the council of Christ Evangelical
Lutheran Church Peterborough approach Bishop Michael J.
Pryse of the Eastern Synod, ELCIC with the written request
that he appoint the Rev. Melvyn (Mike) Schroeder as

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Honourary Assistant Pastor as understood under the
guidelines outlined by the ELCIC.
Motion: Pauline Parsons
Second: George Maschke
Approved Unanimously
ii. Motion: The congregation of Christ Lutheran gives
permission to Church Council to purchase a multi-media
audiovisual system and perform worship space
enhancements for the sanctuary with the provision the cost
be less than $7000.
Motion: Al Butson
Second: Glenn Coombs
Vote on the motion is delayed – refer to Motion iii.
iii. Motion: Table Motion ii to a later date
Motion: Pastor Scott
Second: George Maschke
Approved
iv. Motion: Purchase basement (gathering area and kitchen)
window coverings funded by: 1) the $1,200 FaithLife
matching fundraising funds and 2) the remainder of the
expense from other fundraising
Motion: Robin Butson
Second: Gord Guse
Following discussion about the funding and expense of the window
coverings the motion was withdrawn by Robin.
7. Elections of Congregational Council Members
Terms expire – Rebecca Bastian, Johanna Coombs, Milan Ichniovsky
No nominations or volunteers from the floor
Rebecca and Milan volunteer to serve for another 3-year term
Johanna has already served two terms and cannot serve a consecutive third
year term
Janice LeClair volunteers to serve for a 3-year term
Motion to elect Rebecca, Milan and Janice to Council
Motion: Pastor Mike
Seconded: Robin
Approved
8. Proposed Budget for 2017 -
Comments
i. Row 38: World Hunger actual expenses are reduced by $295 –
Synod did not receive the cheque
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ii. Row 35: What are the actual local initiatives in addition to the
One Roof Diner
iii. Motion to add $7000 parsonage roof shingling expense to the
major investment budget
Motion to approve: Al Butson
Second: Robin Butson
Comments: Doing a roof fundraiser will reduce the expense
Approved
Approval of Budget as modified by the comments above
Motion to approve: Iris Gravel
Seconded: Ray Holyome
Approved
9. Closing devotions
Special Thanks
Flowers and a special thank you from the Congregation were presented to
Johanna Coombs for her work as our Council Chair, and Brenda Bastian for
her work as our Treasurer.
Adjourn
Motion: Gord Guse
Second: Johanna Coombs
Approved

MEN’S CLUB
Men’s Club 8:30 am Saturday February 10 see you there for Breakfast!

Ash Wednesday February 14th will be at Christ Lutheran at


7 pm.

Shrove Tuesday February 13th Pancake Supper Christ Lutheran


Church 6 pm Buttermilk & potato pancakes with sausage will be served.
And of course Dessert!! Please invite family and neighbours. Free will
offering.

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EASTER SERVICES FOR 2018
Maundy Thursday March 29th 7 pm
Good Friday March 30th worship service 7 pm
Sunrise Sunday April 1 Holy Communion Worship 7:30 am
Easter Breakfast 8:30 am, Holy Communion Worship 10 am

COFFEE HOUR
We are always in need of hosts for our after- church coffee hour. Coffee and
juice are provided. We even have muffins & loaves in the freezer. All you
have to do is make sure the coffee is on and supervise the clean-up. Sign-
up sheet is posted on vestibule door.

PETERBOROUGH SINGERS
Greatest Hits: Celebrating 25 Years of Song Saturday February 24th 2
pm at Emmanuel United Church (Formerly George Street United).

CHARITABLE RECEIPTS
The 2017 receipts will be available soon, please contact Janice LeClair if you
have any questions about yours.
A Word from our Health and Wellness Team
We are presently planning a workshop for mid April 2018 with our host Beth
Wagshal leading in a discussion on “Comfortable Conversations”
Please stay tuned for more specific details in this respect.
Also do stay safe, healthy and warm too!

March 12-16 Break


Stay tuned for more information on this great event! Keep the Date!

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Saturday April 7th, 2018 4-6 pm
Stay Tuned! Save the Date.

Messy Church Monday April 9th 5:30 pm-7 pm


Stay Tuned! Save the Date.

Reader Ushers Communion


Assistant
February 4 Al Butson Al & Robin Al Butson
February 11 Iris Gravel Al & Robin Iris Gravel
February 18 Marlys Kerkman TBA Marlys Kerkman
February 25 Al Butson Al & Robin Al Butson
March 4 Al Butson Al & Robin Al Butson

Altar Care for February – Shirley Gilbert Altar Care for March – Rosi Kerber
Counters for February – Al Butson (Feb. 4) Shirley Gillespie (Feb. 11-25)

Pastor Scott will be away at Bishop’s Spiritual Retreat


Sunday February 4 – Wednesday February 7th
Please call Robin 705-749-6157 if you need Pastoral care

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

FEBRUARY 2018
4 4th Sunday 5 6 No Bible 7 8 9 10
after Pentecost
10 am Holy
Studies Men’s
Food for Kids Breakfast
Communion
9:30 am
Coffee time after
worship Pastor
8:30 am
away on Retreat Pastor Pastor away Pastor
till Wed.Feb. 7th
One Roof 3 pm
away returns in late
afternoon

11 12 13 Shrove 14 15 16 17
5th Sunday after Congregational Tuesday Ash
Pentecost Council mtg
10 am Holy
Bible Study Wednesday
6:30 pm 10:00 am
Communion
Food for Kids
7 pm at
Coffee time after Christ
12:00 noon
worship
Pancake dinner
6 pm

18 19 20 21 Lenten 22 23 24
6th Sunday Family Day Bible Study worship
after Holiday 10:00 am Soup &
Pentecost Food for Kids Sandwich
Holy 12:00 noon
6 pm - 7:30
Communion
pm
10:00 am
Coffee time
after worship

25 7th Sunday 26 27 28 March 1 March 2 March 3


after Pentecost Vision Task Bible Study 10 Lenten
Holy Communion Force Meeting am & 7 pm worship Soup
10:00 am 6:30pm Food for Kids & Sandwich
Congregational
12:00 noon 6 pm - 7:30
meeting after
worship pm

March 4 March 5 March 6 March 7 8 9 10


8th Sunday after
Pentecost
Bible Study
10:00 am
Lenten Men’s
worship Breakfast
Holy Communion Food for Kids
Soup &
10 am
Cong. mtg after
12:00 noon
Sandwich
8:30 am
worship Light 6 -7:30 pm
lunch served

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