Congregational Forum and Annual Meeting Dates

Congregational Forum

           Sunday, April 19 @ 9:20 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Congregational Meeting

           Sunday, April 26 @ 9:20 a.m. in the Sanctuary

Great Cloud of Witnesses: Stories of Faith and Resilience will continue to address the importance of listening to the stories of those from the margins who have much to teach about faith and resilience. 

May 3

This week we will listen to and discuss the video by Kaitlin Curtice from the “Why Christian?” (2018) conference which gathered together pastors, practitioners, artists, dreamers, and doubters around one question: Why Christian?

Kaitlin Curtice is a Native American Christian author and speaker. As an enrolled member of the Potawatomi Citizen Band and someone who has grown up in the Christian faith, Kaitlin writes on the intersection of Indigenous spirituality, faith in everyday life, and the church.

May 10

Come join us to listen to and discuss a video by Taína Rodríguez Encarnación called “ I Clap on the 2.”  This talk was one of a number of presentations on the ELCA National Day of Racial Healing, 2026. 

Taína Rodríguez Encarnación is a Puerto Rican educator, school counselor, advocate and builder of brave, beloved spaces in Chicago public schools and across the ELCA. A cradle Lutheran, she comes from a long line of pastors whose witness to God’s justice and mercy has deeply shaped her life. Encarnación’s vocation sits at the intersection of faith, mental health and advocacy for children, families and communities at the margins. 

 May 17 

Come join us as we welcome Charolette Hawkins as she talks about the history, meaning, and importance of the celebration of Juneteenth.  Charolette Hawkins has been a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Gary, IN, for nearly 40 years. She has served in many capacities, including Office Administrator. She has a degree in business administration/labor relations from Purdue University – West Lafayette and an MBA from Purdue University NW campus. She has two adult sons (Carlton & Travis), two adult bonus kids (Monica & Brian) and 7 grandkids. She is the co-chair of Interfaith Action Network (IAN), which advocates for social justice. She is deeply dedicated to her faith, her family and her church. Charolette is in formation for the Lutheran Diaconal Association.   

A Musical Invitation: 

The Northwest Indiana Chapter of the American Guild of Organists is pleased to invite our congregation to a service of Evensong at the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University on Sunday, April 19, 2026. 

The service will include a collaboration of chanting clergy, local organists (including our own Brian Bartusch), composers, and congregational hymns. 

Come and experience an authentic service of Vespers in the beautiful venue of the university’s chapel. The concert begins at 6:30 pm, followed by the choral liturgy at 7:00 pm. 

Music at Christ Lutheran Church

Thursday (6:00 – 7:10 pm):  Celebration Ringers Handbell Ensemble 

Thursday (7:30 – 9:00 pm):  Sanctuary Choir rehearsal

If you enjoy singing or interested in ringing, we’d love to have you join one of our musical ensembles! Contact our music director Brian Bartusch (brian.bartusch@clcvalpo,org) or speak to him after a worship service if you are interested or have any questions.

Getting to Know CLC

Curious how God changes lives in and with this congregation?  Join us to for our “Getting to Know CLC” series as we explore Christ Lutheran's ministry, history, and teaching.  We'll gather for a 2-week series during the Formation Hour on Sundays (9:20am-10:20) May 10 and 17 in the Sanctuary, followed by an opportunity to form0ally stand with the congregation, confess our faith together, and declare that "Yes! God has something for me here."  

New Member Welcome on Sunday, May 24.

April Altar Gifts

Holy Communion       Sara and Jeremy Long ~ In Memory of Allen & Helene Bauer

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

Eternal Lamp              Given to the Glory of God

CLC SENIOR GROUP

Thursday, April 23, 2026

9:30 am

CLC—Church Hall

Please see below regarding our presenter’s topic of Monarch Butterfly Conservation.  Please join us!

Questions:  Beth Bigham 847 323 2512. 

Jim Starin is a retired professional, having earned respect as a successful business entrepreneur and leader. He launched Starin Marketing in1988, an Audio-Visual Equipment distributor across North America. After 30 years as its CEO, he sold it to his employees and began looking for different opportunities to bring that same energy and passion. Jim has accomplished that with his role on the executive team at CoAction, a community action agency serving approximately 50,000 people and in his primary focus of gardening, educating and campaigning for the conservation of the Monarch butterfly.  

Box for donated items is located near the church office. You can donate until Sunday, May 3. Thank you in advance!!

Communion Conversations for Children and Families

It’s time for our annual Communion Conversations - the chance for our young people to learn more about the sacrament. If you have a child who is ready to receive communion, or a child who is already receiving and is now old enough to join us to learn more (late preschool on up), please shoot me an email at [email protected] so that we can find a good time for everyone! (We usually try for a Saturday morning from 9-10:15am.)

Bible Basics for Third Graders and their families - Our tradition at Christ Lutheran is to help families mark their growth in faith and in reading skills with a Bible of the child's own, and a chance to stop and learn together about the Bible and how it brings God's living words of love to us. Our Bible Basics class for 3rd graders and families will be on 4/26 and 5/3.

CIRCLE Dinner Providers Needed

Meals are needed for the high school youth group.  Circle meets every Sunday from 6-8pm, with a meal to start at 6:00.  Would you be willing to cook a meal and share it with the kids?  You would be cooking for about 15 people and are welcome to stay for fellowship.  If you are interested, please sign up here or scan the QR code:

Christ Lutheran Church offers a Grief Support Group every other week on Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11 am in the Conference Room. (209). The group serves adults who have experienced a loss of a spouse, parent, child, friend, or neighbor. The core group of peer support welcomes others to walk together in our grief journey .

Come when you can. Coffee and Kleenex available. 

The group is facilitated by Cheryl Slack, a Stephen Minister. You may contact her at 219-241-0677 or one of the pastors if you have any questions.

Upcoming dates are April 22.

CLC Social Ministry and Mission

April 2026

The Social Ministry wants to highlight a local for-purpose organization with a special giving opportunity. April’s emphasis is providing monetary support to CoAction (coaction.care), main office located at 5240 Fountain Dr, Crown Point IN 46307 and housing office located at 502 Wall St #101, Valpo 46383.

For over 60 years, people in Northwest Indiana experiencing financial hardship find opportunities, resources, and respect at CoAction. We care about everybody. We keep our commitments. We believe people act with positive intentions.

We are committed to helping others succeed through financial support, nutrition programs, helping older adults and those with disabilities stay in their homes and provide affordable housing for families.

CoAction found a community partner to expand attainable housing solutions for low-income families. In 2023, CoAction merged with Housing Opportunities and combined resources to now provide over 1500 families with an affordable, safe and secure home. In addition to the many properties located in Valpo (Aurora View Apartments pictured below), CoAction has recently built new housing in Portage. New housing projects are also starting in La Porte and Hobart.

Help achieve our goal of $2500 in April (over and above giving combined with CLC’s $1200 budgeted amount). By achieving our goal, CLC will help CoAction provide more services to the people of our community facing hardships. Please use your weekly worship support giving mailed in check to CLC and indicate CoAction or contributing through Subsplash on the CLC website (clcvalpo.org) via the “Give” button and choose Monthly Social Ministry Emphasis. Thank you for supporting CoAction and our social ministry emphasis.

LLP Registration

2026-2027 Registration is now open for everyone! We have plenty of 

Beginner AM and PM classes left.

• Beginners Tuesday/Thursday AM 8:45-11:15 ($225/month). 3 & 4 years old. Must be 3 by August 1, 2026
• Beginners 3 Session AM Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00-11:30 ($275/month). 3 & 4 years old.  Should be 3 by Feb. 1, 2026
• Beginners 3 Session PM Mon/Wed/Fri 12:30-3:00 ($275/month). 3 & 4 years old.  Should be 3 by Feb. 1, 2026

Visit our Youth page for more information! 

https://clcvalpo.org/youth