April Altar Gifts

Holy Communion        Given to the Glory of God

Altar Candles               Michael & Lois Felten ~ In Memory of Arnie and Rick Felten

Eternal Lamp              Sara & Jeremy Long ~ In Memory of Pearl and Floyd Long

For Children and Families 

Third Grade Bible Basics

Every year, our Third Graders and families meet to learn about the Bible - Why do we read it? How does God's love come to us through the Bible? Where did it all come from, anyway? This year's Third Grade Bible Basics classes will meet on Sundays during the Formation Hour - May 11 and 18, with Bible Presentation on Sunday May 18. Email Pastor Erica (pastorerica@clcvalpo.org) with any questions, or to let us know you'll be attending!

CLC Social Ministry and Mission

April 2025

Each month the Social Ministry highlights a special giving opportunity.  April’s emphasis is providing monetary and voluntary support for CoAction 

https://coaction.care (headquartered 5240 Fountain Drive, Crown Point) and a Housing Office in Porter County (at 2001 Calumet Ave., Valpo).

· In July, 2023, NWICA joined forces with Housing Opportunities, merging to now become CoAction.  The merger expanded services to address all the financial and housing stability needs that clients face, offering them a more streamlined experience to overcome the barriers they are experiencing. The combined organization has created opportunities to serve Northwest Indiana more efficiently, directing more of our resources to serving our neighbors in need. 

· The CoAction Housing office in Valpo has a resource center for vulnerable folks to shower, wash clothes, use pantry etc.  Food Pantry donations are welcomed.  CoAction is hosting a Trivia Night fundraiser on the evening of Friday, May 30, 6-10pm – get tickets at https://coaction.care/trivia-night-porter-county 

· Help achieve our goal of $2500 in April (over and above giving combined with CLC’s budgeted amount of $1200).  Use your weekly worship giving envelope mailed with check to CLC and indicate “CoAction” or contribute through SubSplash on the CLC website https://clcvalpo.org via the “Give” button and choose Monthly Social Ministry Emphasis.  Thank you to members for supporting social ministry emphases.

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 (now in partnership with the new Daybreak Respite House) continues to be a daytime base for both single men and women working at the Resale Shop, providing daily meals and a space to be during the day. 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.

CoAction Housing Office https://coaction.care  2001 Calumet Ave., 219-548-2800.  Help stock pantry with essentials?  Clothing Items (all sizes children through adult unless otherwise specified): Gloves, Boots, Underwear, Men’s XL Disposable Undergarments.  Grocery: Frozen Dinners, Microwaveable Food, Veggies, Meat, Dairy Products.  Gear: Sleeping Bags, Tents, Rain Ponchos.  Personal Care: Tide Pods, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Dish Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner.  You can drop off donations in the lobby at 2001 Calumet Ave., Valpo on Monday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm.  If you purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist, they will be delivered to our housing office.

Immanuel Food Pantry https://immanuelvalpo.org/food-pantry 1700 Monticello – drive up drop off items.  Donations can be dropped off 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 St., Valpo. 

Annual Plant Sale at Christ Lutheran Church

Saturday, May 3, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 

Plants are locally grown!

Proceeds from this sale will help fund the renewal of the 

Front Circle Garden!

Pre-orders available on April 20 and 27 in the Gathering Place. Cash and credit accepted - You pay when the plants are picked on May 3.

In Valparaiso more and more families are being priced out of the communities they love. Rent is rising. Homes are out of reach. And too many of our neighbors are left behind. 

That’s why we're coming together—people of faith, renters, homeowners, and community leaders—to say enough is enough. It’s time to act. 

You’re invited to the Porter County Housing Assembly: 

Saturday, May 3, 2:00 PM CDT
Christ Lutheran Church: 2610 Campbell St, Valparaiso
(right across from Valpo High School) 

RSVP today by clicking on the QR code: 

We’ll hear powerful stories, raise our collective voice, and ask public officials to commit to real solutions to our community’s housing crisis. 

This assembly is about more than policy—it’s about re-committing to our shared values: that everyone, no matter their income or background, deserves a safe, stable, and affordable home. 

If you’ve already signed up, share this email with three people and ask them to join you. Together, we can make Valparaiso and Porter County a place where all of us can thrive.

If you have any questions please see Diana Iltzsche, Phyllis Schroeder,

Kathy Lundstrom, Gail Lutze, or Mary Michna

Donation Box is located outside church office. Donations due by Monday, May 5. Thank you in advance!