Adult Formation Hour Options

9:20 a.m. 

2/26/2023

Making Sense of Christian Nationalism with Rev. Erik Grayvold ~ Fellowship Hall

From Darkness to Light ~ Room 120 with Dave Keammerer

For the next three weeks, you are invited to join in our Adult Faith Formation class on Christian Nationalism. For thousands of years Christians have wrestled with the ways that our faith shapes our behavior in and understanding of public life, and recent years have brought some of our different understandings into sharp contrast. What does it mean to follow Jesus and be an engaged citizen? How do faith and politics inform one another? What role should the church hope for in society as we follow Jesus in loving our neighbors? What do we make of the recent upswing of Christian Nationalism, and what is a faithful response?

Four weeks won't begin to answer all these questions, but we are excited to welcome Pr. Erik Grayvold to lead us this month as we begin the conversation!
 

We invite you to share lilies and tulips with us for the Easter morning festival services.  A form is available in the Gathering Place or phone the church office, please have your order ready by Sunday, March 12.   Thank you! 

Lilies $13

Tulips $11

Are You Ever Cold?

Sure you are—you live in NWI!  But what do you do?  You reach for a blanket to put over you!

But what if you are a baby in a poor community, war torn country, or a place devastated by a natural disaster?  Then that baby might be the recipient of a Lutheran World Relief Baby Layette that has been assembled and bundled at CLC under the direction of Sandy Keammerer.

Three years ago, one could easily find flannel for less that $3.00 per yard to make those blankets. Now? Not so much.  Flannel, along with everything else, has gone up in price. Thus, this program can use your support.

To assist in the Baby Layette Program at CLC, I have applied for and received a Thrivent Action Grant that will provide $250 for this CLC project.  However, I would like to see that $250  grow to $750 (or more), but I need your help? Over the month of February 2023, I will match dollar for dollar your donation to the Baby Layettes up to a maximum of $250.  This means we could reach the $750 goal—Thrivent Action Grant of $250, your total donations of $250 (or more), my match up to a maximum of $250. Can you help with a small donation?

Just put your donation in an envelope marked Baby Layettes and place it in the CLC collection plate on any Sunday in February!

If you have any questions contact Karl Reichardt by email or mobile phone (karl.reichardt@valpo.edu, 219-252-9519).

Lenten Dinners have returned to CLC!!!

During Lent, you are invited to join in Lenten dinners at 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays at CLC, before each 7:30 p.m. evening service. Please sign up for each meal in advance in the East Link so that the cooks know how many to expect, and consider bringing a dessert to share. A free-will offering will be collected at each meal. Come and join in the fellowship!

As the season of Lent approaches, we are looking for individuals or groups to make the evening meals, we have one date left.

Dinner schedule 

March 1 - New Stephen Ministers ~ Soup, Bread & Veggie's 

March 8 - 

March 15 - CLC Sanctuary Choir

March 22 - Denise Maragos

March 29 - Youth ~ Breakfast

We have a new addition to our music room.  A former member, Cynthia Urbytes has gifted a beautiful Mason and Hamlin Baby Grand piano to the congregation after her husband, Dr. Bert (Heriberto) Pagan died late last year.  Cynthia is very happy that the piano will be loved for years to come.  The move was also gifted by Two Men in a Truck—we are truly blessed.

Practicing Hospitality

What a blessing this beautiful Christ Lutheran Church building is. And one of the ways we are blessed through it — and can be a blessing — is by “having company.” Every Saturday night for six months, beginning April 15th, we will be having dinner and overnight guests— yes, we will be hosting the men’s shelter program again.

Welcoming these men for dinner and offering them a safe place to sleep over the past 10+ years has given many of us a chance to understand better how homelessness can happen, and how alike we all are— all people who need God’s guidance and grace. 

How can you be a part of this ministry? 

Bring a meal

Buy groceries for our shelter pantry

Do a load of laundry

Spend 4 hours drinking coffee and answering emails while the men sleep

Exercise your organizational skills as part of the scheduling team

Pray for our guests and volunteers

Sign-up sheets are in the Gathering Space, and on March 5th, 12th and 19th there will also be people in the Gathering Space ready to answer any questions you may have. On March 12 during our education hour, come and hear Erin Miller, director of New Creations, talk about the services provided there and how these ministries work together.

  If you have questions, contact:

 Lisa Owen (219-477-9240; jlo46383@msn.com)

Diana Iltzsche (219-628-8950; diltzsche@hotmail.com)

Tim Sutherland (219-309-4413; sutherla@iun.edu)

Tony Reinhold (219-241-0914; tonyrein@aol.com)

Attention All Thrivent Financial Members!

Do you have any Thrivent Choice Dollars that have not been directed to the charity of our choice? 

Minimum and maximum Choice Dollars Designations

Eligible clients will be designated a minimum of 25 Choice Dollars and a maximum of 5,000 Choice Dollars per eligibility period (Jan. 1 to Dec. 31).

Choice Dollars designated during the calendar year can be directed until March 31, 2023.

There are two ways of directing Choice Dollars to Christ Lutheran Church:

Computer:  Go to the Thrivent Financial web site (www.Thrivent.com) and direct the Choice Dollars on-line. 

Phone:  Call Thrivent Financial at 1-800-847-4836.  When prompted by the electronic answering    system, say “Thrivent Choice.”  Follow the remaining prompts, and a representative will come on the line to assist you.  You will need your Thrivent membership ID number and will need to answer some other personal questions to verify that you are the Thrivent member who is on the line.

Trivia Night is Back!

When:  Sunday, March 12, 4-7:30pm.

Where:  CLC Activity Center

Information:  Cost is $10 for ages 13+, $5 for ages 6-12, free for 5 and under*

Snacks and dinner are included (pizza, salad, drinks, dessert).

A small silent auction will be included before the trivia and during the dinner.

Invite your friends!  Tables should have no more than 8 teens/adults.

You can organize your own table or just show up and we'll put you at a table!

Sign up at this link

Lenten and Holy Week Services

Lenten Dinners:     Wednesday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 6:00 p.m. 

Lenten Mid-Week Services:     Wednesday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 @ 7:30 p.m. 

Maundy Thursday Service:   April 6 @ 7:00 p.m. 

Good Friday Services:    April 7 @ 1:00 and 7:00 p.m. 

Easter Vigil Service:  April 8 @ 4:00 p.m. .

Easter Sunday Services:  April 9 @ 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. 

February 2023

Speak up for people who cannot speak for themselves.  

Protect the rights of all who are helpless.  (Proverbs 31:8)

Social Ministry Emphasis for February is Hilltop House https://www.hilltophouse.org 

February’s emphasis is to provide monetary and volunteer support for Hilltop House and Hilltop Food Pantry.  HH is located “on a hill” in a neighborhood west of Valparaiso U. where social service needs are real for the families and children living there.    HH can provide as a health care provider Medicare and Hoosier Healthwise benefits to those in Porter County living below the poverty level (estimated to be 9000 children and 4000 women in Porter County).  A gift of $50 permits Hilltop to provide childcare, health care, and community improvement activities within a child’s own family setting (also contributions may qualify for Indiana’s Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit). 

Help achieve our goal of $2500 in February (over and above giving combined with CLC’s budgeted amount of $1200).  By achieving our goal CLC will help Hilltop continue to thrive.  Use your weekly worship giving envelope mailed with check to CLC and indicate “Hilltop” or contribute through Subsplash on the CLC website https://clcvalpo.org via the “Give” button.  Thank you to members for supporting monthly social ministry emphases.

Also, look for the Hilltop Soup dinner fundraiser March 1 at VU Union (volunteers from CLC are being solicited to help with setup, cleanup, and other activities).  And, the Hilltop Food Pantry Hilltop | Food Pantry (hilltophouse.org) welcomes food donations at 606 Union Street, Valpo.

 Additional Opportunities:

Northwest Indiana Lutheran Food and Supply Pantries Donations.   

Men’s Shelter (and Resale Shop) https://newcreationresaleshop.com at 2102 Calumet Ave, 219-548-3548.  You can help feed our neighbors experiencing homelessness: New Creations Men’s Center continues to be home base for both single men and women in between homes, providing daily meals and a space to be during the day (overnight shelter also resumed at area churches in fall 2021). You can help feed their guests at their daytime Center. Lunch supplies can be dropped off at the resale shop counter during open hours (usually 10-5). Needed items include:  lunch meat, fruit, individual juice, snack cakes, and chips.  Call 219-548-3548 for more information.  There is a basket inside door #3 for food donations. 

 Housing Opportunities https://hoi.help/pantry 2001 Calumet Ave., 219-548-2800.  Food Pantry Needs:  Peanut butter, Jelly, Spaghetti sauce (in jars), Tuna, Canned Chicken, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo.  Non-Pantry Needs:  New Pillows, Twin size sheets (can be used – no stains).  One click donating! on Amazon wish list – items shipped directly to the shelter!   www.hoi.help/pantry or drop off items in lobby at 2001 Calumet Ave.

 Immanuel Food Pantry https://immanuelvalpo.org/food-pantry 1700 Monticello – drive up drop off items.  Donations can be dropped at Immanuel, best done Tuesdays and Thursdays 1-3 pm, at entrance between church and school. 

 Hilltop Food Pantry https://hilltophouse.org/food-pantry  606 Union Street

New group for Christ Lutheran Church

Gamblers Anonymous (GA) founded in 1957 is an international fellowship of    people who have a compulsive gambling problem. They meet regularly to share their "experiences, strength and hope", so they can help each other solve the problems compulsive gambling has created in their lives, and to help others recover from the addiction of compulsive gambling. 

When:   Every Sunday (starting 2/19)

Time:   6:30 p.m. 

Where:  Room 107  

Contact: Mark Anderson 219-588-1428

PERSONAL CARE KITS FOR LENT

    As we enter the season of Lent, we are reminded of Christ's supreme sacrifice for us.  Lent is a time for remembering, a time for reflection on Jesus's life and death and a time for sacrifice in our personal lives.  It is a time to remember the many gifts that we have received in our life and to remember those less fortunate than we are. In this spirit, I am asking that you remember those in need and make a financial gift to the Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits project during the six weeks of Lent.  It is better to receive cash donations, as then I can make bulk purchases and show a considerable savings, making our money go much farther. The cost of the items needed to complete a kit is approximately $6.00.  In the spirit of the season, I will match all monetary gifts made during the Lenten season.  Thank you for participating in our project which will help our brothers and sisters throughout the world. If you have any questions or comments, you may contact me at 219-462-8447 or dnssk@frontier.com.  Dave Keammerer

Sandy & Dave Keammerer are always collecting the following items for Lutheran World Relief (LWR).  Please drop off at the church and put in white basket in Gathering Place and feel free to call the office if you have any questions.

Baby Care Kit Project

2023 Goal-500

Items collected - 200

February Needs:  Boys/Girls HATS & JACKETS

Size 6 months to 2T (No newborn clothing can be sent)

March Needs:  Flannel fabric for making diapers, boy/girl shirts, and boy/girl jackets

ATTENTION: Baby Kits and Fabric Projects Valparaiso, Portage, and LaPorte Walmart stores will no longer be carrying flannel and cotton fabric by the yard. They will carry precut amounts of fabric only starting with one yard. Our only source of bolt fabric will be JoAnn’s in Merrillville. 

BABY CARE KITS
All clothing items 6 months to 2T
(2) gowns or sleepers: long- or short-sleeved
(2) t-shirts: lightweight cotton
(1) jacket/sweater/sweatshirt: with hood, or include a baby cap
(2) pairs of socks
(2) receiving blankets: medium-weight cotton or flannel, or crocheted, or knitted with lightweight yarn, up to 52" square
(4) cloth diapers: flat fold preferred
(1) hand towel: dark color recommended
(2) gentle soap bars: 4oz., bath-size, in original wrapping
(2) diaper pins: or large safety pins
3-ply baby yarn and flannel fabric in increments of .75 yards.

Please indicate if items given are laundered. 
 

Fabric Kit Project

2023 Goal-150

Items collected - 24

February/March Needs:  3 yard lengths of cotton fabric

FABRIC KITS
(2) spools of thread (250-300 yards)
(2) pieces of cotton/cotton blend fabric (3 yards)
 

Personal Care Kits

Item collected  - 225

PERSONAL CARE KITS
New and in original packaging
(1) bath towel: lightweight, dark color preferred (between 20' x 40" and 27" x 52")
(1) toothbrush: adult size
(1) nail clipper
(2) bars of soap (4 oz.)
(1) Sturdy comb

LWR QUILTERS 

2023 Goal:  500

Quilts Made:  110

CANS FOR CARING KEEP those aluminum cans coming to the red Ford truck in the parking lot or to the white basket under the back shelf in the Gathering area. No amount of cans is too little. All donations add up. All money derived from the cans will go to Lutheran World Relief. 

Weekly Prayers

Prayers for Ukraine, communities recovering from violence

Grief: 

• The family of Karen Owen
• The family of Diana Arnold
• The family of Gloria Boetel
• The family of Ed Seykowski, death of cousin, Dave Palagi

Hospice:

• Julia & family (Chrisiana McLean/Faith Noel

Long-term/ongoing:

• Baby Gabriel (great nephew of Linda Griffith)
• Bruce Malchow
• Wanda Rodgers
• Nabil Maytan, 10-yr.-old son of a former music prof. (Violinist) at VU. Pastor
• Pastor Phyllis Kersten
• Malcolm
• Tim (friend of Erin Crill)
• Wayne (Joel Koch’s dad)
• Fawn
• Pattie
• Joyce
• Vicke
• John (partner of Kirsten Reinhold)
• Irene Umbach
• Ken Watson
• Mark Ring (friend of Bill and Diana Iltzsche)
• Bob (brother of Lanie Steinwart)

2/19

• Jeff Varner and Ella Mae Eggers (family of Lynette Eggers)
• Katrina (mother of CLC friend David Rojas Martinez)
• Christopher Warke (Helen Warke)
• Jimee Armstrong (Grace Safrin)
• Bob Chevalier (Jacquie's Father)
• Jonathan (Venstrom Family)
• Jeff (brother of Jen Bias)
• Chris Kyes (son of Linda Hazelton)
• Risé (Betty Luckett)
• Ruth (Aunt of Sara Long)
• Jody (Linda Mapes)