Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
Calvary Lutheran Church & School November 2011
In This Issue Pastor's Ponderings
November Sermon Themes (TMI)
BOG Minutes
Odds & Ends
Calvary Prayers
November Calendar
Financials
Calvary Preschool
November anniversaries/ birthdays
Article Headline
Calvary Confirmation
Article Headline
November marks the month of Thanksgiving - or does it?
On the highway leading into Yankton, South Dakota a sign reads: "Yankton, S.D. The Home of
30,000 friendly people and a few sore-heads." The truth is that all of us at mes become
sore-heads. Now, we may know "sore-heads" by different name -- such as griping, grumbling,
whining, or belly-aching. Regardless of the word we use to describe it, complaining is common.
However, I'm sure that this ar cle will not apply to most of those who are reading it today-BUT we
all know someone who needs to read it, right?
Complaining seems to have become the great American past me. We live in a very complaining
society. People grip about everything. We got our house taxes this week and what did I do?
Complained - how can they go up when the value of my house is going down?
Couples get together for an evening of fellowship and, the first thing you know, someone is
complaining about someone or something. Employees complain about the company for which
they work. Students complain about teachers and workloads. Complaining seems to be normal
today.
We really aren't complainers are we? The fact is that there is so much we have to complain about:
teachers, traffic, poor roads, taxes, and troubles of all kinds!
Preschoolers complain, "I don't want to take nap." Children complain, "My teacher gives me too
much homework." Teenagers complain, "You never let me do anything." Moms complain, "How
many mes do I have to tell you to make your bed?" Dads complain, "I work hard all week and
then when I come home you want me to paint."
Somebody has said on the seventh day God rested and on the 8th day God started answering
complaints. The commonness of complaining does not make it right. The Word of God comes
down pre y hard on the sin of complaining. Few sins are as ugly to God as the sin of complaining.
There seems to be very li le thankfulness or gra tude today among God's people.
1 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
The truth is that all complaining is against God and His good will for your life. To complain against
God is a sin that we must recognize as sin.
Do Chris ans living in America today know the dangers of complaining? Obviously we don't!
Complaining is a symptom of a deep seated spiritual problem-a failure to trust God and a failure
to submit to God's gracious plan for your life.
One big problem with our complaining is that it makes us nearsighted. We miss the big picture
God has for our lives. Complaining is always an expression of unbelief toward God's sovereignty
in our life. Complaining is unbelief in God's Word which says "...all things work together for good
to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Rom. 8:28).If we
Chris ans really believe that God is in control of our lives and that He only allows things to come
to us for our good, we will find joy in all things.
In Acts 16 we find St. Paul in a Philippian jail and what is he doing? Rejoicing! He is trusted God's
will for his life.
Do you complain? Don't be too quick to answer. What do you say about the weather? How do
you speak about your spouse? What do you say about your job? Do you complain about
someone? Do you thank God for your health issues?
Complaining discredits your Chris an tes mony. We say how much we love God and how good
He is, but we o en live like atheists-murmuring and complaining all the me. But when we stop
and think about our life, it is not long before we begin to realize how much we have been blessed.
The next me you find yourself complaining, remember:
Complaining denies God's Sovereignty.
Complaining disrupts Chris an unity.
Complaining discredits our Chris an tes mony.
Praise is the best deterrent to remove complaining. As you put your feet on the floor tomorrow
morning, give thanks for all the gi s you are receiving from your gracious and loving God. Praise
God!
I look forward to seeing you at our Thanksgiving service at 10 AM, Pastor Gary
You can count on it. Every Thursday I will be nervously wri ng a sermon. Every Saturday I will
be nervously wondering as I rethink, rewrite, rereason the sermon I have been working on all
week. As Sunday morning approaches I make strange noises, my doubts increase-Almighty God
will have to save me again. I will splu er, "Help me, Lord! What do you want me to say?"
I usually wake at 6:00 am, although 2 am some mes works. By worship me I am ready to meet
you, my external self has donned a smile and lo, I preach. Everyone takes this sermon for granted,
while I breathe secret reams of gra tude to God. But when Monday comes, I again face all the
fears again.
When I began as a pastor, I thought experience would calm my fears. It didn't. For years I
prayed God would grant me a pre-sermon peace. God didn't, and I accused myself of
faithlessness. But now I think this task of preaching requires my whole being and that it will
always be filled with internal tension. Preaching involves more than my intellect. Preaching
requires a soul to soul mee ng with God. As with you I go through a real struggle in the presence
of God. I have real sin that needs to be dealt with so that God's real forgiveness and the freedom
and grace God gives naturally follows.
So each Sunday I stand before you as evidence of what I preach-forgiven by the grace and
mercy of God. I have no choice but to try to express to you God's never ending love and my love
for you. I look for your face each week and struggle through the thinks you struggle with.
So for November I have put together the following preaching thoughts. I look forward to seeing
2 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
your face this week.
Nov 6 All Saints Sunday
Old Testament Reading Amos 5:18-24
Epistle 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Holy Gospel Ma hew 25:1-13
Sermon: The Time Is Now
Nov 13 LWML Sunday
Nov 20 Last Sunday of the Church Year
Old Testament Reading Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Epistle 1 Corinthians 15:20-28
Holy Gospel Ma hew 25:31-46
Sermon: The King is Coming
Nov 27 First Sunday in Advent
Old Testament Reading Isaiah 64:1-9
Epistle 1 Corinthians 1:3-9
Holy Gospel Mark 11:1-10
Sermon: Are You Sure This Leads to HOPE?
(TheBoardofGovernancewillmeetonthe2nd&4thThurs.0feachmonthat10am)
September 8, 2011
Present: Barbara Adams, Darlene Goldhammer, Jeff Jensen, Lee Strom, Pastor Mohr
Barbara Adams opened with a devo on based on Joshua 4, "Let Us Never Forget." God told the
Israelites to build a memorial from stones in the Jordan River to remind them of God's provision
for them as He led them across the river on dry ground. The memorial of 9/11/01 at Shanksville,
Pennsylvania, commemora ng a tragedy, will be a reminder of what our na on experienced in
grief as well as the blessing of heroic ac ons by a few men. It is important that we remember
con nually how God has blessed and provided for us as a na on and as individuals. Prayer by all
present followed.
Minutes from last mee ng confirmed.
PASTOR'S REPORT
Pastor Mohr will hold a service at Wi enberg the third Sunday of each month and Carmen
Casperson will play the piano. On the fi h Sunday of October we will have a blended service at
10:00AM, and November 6 will be LWML Sunday. Thanksgiving Service will be at 10:00AM; there
will be four advent services, the first one the last week of November and the last one Dec. 16, the
school Christmas program. All will be preceded by soup suppers sponsored by the youth.
Christmas and New Year's Day services will also be at 10:00AM.
Pastor Mohr indicated that in October we would start pu ng together the Call Commi ee. The
Elders will be in charge, and they will also determine a prayer me for us to come together as a
congrega on and pray for the call.
3 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
Pastor also indicated some members' concern about being unable to vote in the last elec on. Lee
Strom will put an ar cle on email and in the Chronicle reminding people that it is necessary to sign
the new cons tu on even if they had previously signed the old cons tu on.
OLD BUSINESS
Further discussion on the pre-school addi on will take place a er the Marke ng Commi ee
submits its plan, which will include mee ng with Prince of Peace pre-school people and further
study on the issue.
We reviewed the church commi ees and BOG member assignments. Youth and School liaison is
Barbara, Property is Lee, Fellowship is Jeff, Marke ng is Pastor and Children's Ministry is Darlene.
The Property Commi ee met at the parsonage to determine what needed to done and then
divided the jobs into groups. There is extensive yard work to be done. The congrega on will
shortly be asked to help. Pruning is needed and brush will need to be removed.
NEW BUSINESS
BOG set an elec on for September 25 to select two BOG members. The congrega on will have
un l September 18 to present names for considera on by pu ng them in the sugges on box in
the church office. On September 25, members will pick up their ballots a er the service and cast
their votes. There will be no formal mee ng.
A memorial financial gi was presented to the church several months ago; there was discussion
on how to handle the gi in accordance with the giver's wishes and there will be addi onal
discussion a er further study.
Next BOG mee ng will be Thursday, September 22 at 10:00AM.
Barbara closed with prayer.
Respec ully submi ed
Darlene Goldhammer, BOG Secretary
***********************************************************************************************************************
September 22, 2011
Present: Barbara Adams, Darlene Goldhammer, Jeff Jensen, Lee Strom, Pastor Mohr
President Barbara Adams opened with a devo onal based on John 10:1-6. It is essen al to our
well being that we learn to listen for Christ's voice as He speaks to us through the Word and
prayer. We are so easily led astray, but we protect ourselves through me spent in the Word
ge ng to know and recognize the Lord's voice. Prayer by all present followed.
September 8 mee ng minutes were approved by email.
PASTOR'S REPORT
Pastor Mohr presented his concerns about areas needing a en on.
Wi enberg-How can we enhance our ministry there? What are our guidelines for working there?
School-Pastor will be having a monthly Bible study with the teachers. We have a number of
students who are unchurched and not bap zed, and teachers need to be encouraged to stress the
4 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
importance of bap sm.
Follow-up Items-Greeters need to encourage visitors to sign the Guest Register. How shall we
follow up on visitors? How do we follow-up on quilt recipients?
Calendar-There is need for a long-range calendar for church and school to help in planning.
Pastor asked for feedback on how he should use his me with youth, junior and senior high
students.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
BOG members will be voted on early in October. Jeff, Lee and Darlene will each serve one more
year and then their two-year terms will be finished or they can run for re-elec on. Barbara and
Bill Martchenke were filling one-year terms. Now two people will be elected for two, two-year
terms.
We discussed the ideas that had been presented for Direct Missions. A commi ee will be
appointed to research places being considered, and we will con nue our discussion a er they
report back to us. Our congrega on donates $10,000 per year for Direct Missions.
There was discussion about a $10,000 memorial dona on for church refurbishment and how to
proceed with carrying out the wishes of the donator.
NEW BUSINESS
Qualifica ons for new board members were reviewed. A poten al member must be a member of
Voters and have signed the new cons tu on. The names submi ed via the Ques on Box were
reviewed; it was decided to send out a le er to each person describing the job and asking each to
respond if interested. BOG will review the responses to determine the final candidates on whom
we will vote.
Pastor asked us to approve a le er to the congrega on wri en by a CNH Gi Planning Counselor.
The subject of the le er is seeking God's will in making the church part of our personal estate
planning
Holly Con er, Church Secretary, submi ed the ques on of our General Policies in regard to fees
for bap sm, weddings and funerals. The last me this was done was in 1999. She will call other
churches to see what their current policies are and we will review the informa on.
An official ballot for District President is due by October 27 by Lay Delegate. Dave Schultz was our
delegate at the last mee ng and will be asked to serve again.
Jeff closed with prayer.
Next mee ng October 13 at 9:30am with a 20-minute presenta on by Principal Brauer.
Respec ully submi ed
Darlene Goldhammer, BOG Secretary
*********************************************************************************
October 13, 2011
Present: Barbara Adams, Jeff Jensen, Lee Strom, Darlene Goldhammer, Pastor Gary Mohr.
5 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
President Barbara Adams opened the mee ng with a devo on based on Deut. 13:1-18.
The subject was "Following Another God." Such a blatant statement as "Let's follow
another god does not tempt us" because our tempta ons are very subtle. We are
constantly bombarded with the idea that "our children need such and such," or "all the
kids play ball on Sunday morning." Even more temp ng, "The football game starts at 10:30
and a er working hard all week, I need a li le down me," and "In my hec c life, it is
impossible to spend any me in the Bible." We constantly ba le many situa ons that
distract us from the thing that ma ers most-a growing rela onship with our Lord Jesus
Christ. We need to make a conscious effort to keep our eyes on Christ and not allow our
faith and me to be eroded by our daily struggles and tempta ons.
We followed with a me of prayer by all. Minutes for the BOG mee ng September 28 were
approved by email.
PASTOR'S REPORT
Pastor challenged BOG and our congrega on to begin some long-term visionary thinking
and planning. What do we hope to see at Calvary five or ten years from now? What are we
thinking in terms of the school? Is the school s ll a priority? What are we thinking in terms
of the junior and senior high youth groups? We now have at least 30 young people present
on Sunday nights. Where are the children and staff we need for children's Sunday School?
What about the many adults who are not par cipa ng in Sunday School or some other
Bible study on a regular basis? What is the purpose of our mission and who is going to do
the work?
With those ques ons in mind, we discussed the need for several standing commi ees to be
appointed. This need will be addressed at a special BOG mee ng. Every one of us needs
to personally confront those ques ons. Pastor Gary will be a ending a conference at
Prince of Peace to learn about LINC, a group seeking to connect laymen with various
language abili es with non-English speaking people for Christ and involvement in the
church.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. We reviewed our list of poten al BOG candidates and how to proceed.
2. We discussed Direct Missions and heard reports from those who had researched the
various possibili es. This will be con nued at our next mee ng, as a couple of
sugges ons need addi onal research.
3. There was further discussion on the use of a memorial gi that had been given.
More inves ga on is required before deciding on the specifics.
4. We did not nominate anyone for CNH District President, as there are already a
number of qualified candidates on the roster. Elder Dave Schultz will be asked to
again represent Calvary.
NEW BUSINESS Dave Mueller no fied BOG that the Board of Elders is looking into the
process of se ng up a Call Commi ee and will keep us informed.
We discussed the need for addi onal people to help with the junior and senior high
ministries. Principal Fred Brauer also no fied BOG that he has set up mee ngs to
6 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
determine the next steps toward building up our pre-school ministry.
On October 26, BOG will meet at 10am to discuss the commi ees that are needed.
On October 27 we will hold our regularly scheduled mee ng at 10am.
Barbara closed with prayer.
Respec ully submi ed,
Darlene Goldhammer, BOG Secretary
Men's Bible Breakfast
Thursdays @ Calvary 6-7am in the Parish Hall
Dates to Remember
Oct. 30 Reformation/Oktoberfest at Zion Piedmont (2 Tickets left)
Nov. 5 LWML Zone Rally 9:30am-1:30pm- Parish Hall
Nov. 10 Shop for Dollar$ at Fresh & Easy 4-8pm
Nov. 14~ Single Treasure's Luncheon 12:30pm
Special Services
Oct. 30 Fellowship Sunday/ 2nd Gr. PIW 10:00am
Nov. 13 LWML Sunday 8 & 10:45am
Nov. 24 Thanksgiving 10:00am w/ communion
Nov. 30 Advent Service(Weds.) * 7:00pm * preceded by 5:45pm soup supper
Junior High Youth Group (OWL) 6-8pm Grades 6, 7, 8
November 4 Youth Night
18 Outing at Bayfair Movies (movie & time TBD)
Senior High Youth "The Experience" Sundays 6-8pm
Buy SCRIP We now have $10 Papa Murphy's Pizza Cards
Available weekdays in office or Sundays after church ~ Scrip orders are placed twice a month (on the 1st &
3rd Mondays)
Parsonage for Rent to Calvary Congregational Members/ or friends & family of members
Available November 1st ~ ~ $1,800./ month
If interested, please call the church office 278-2555.
Volunteers needed to help serve coffee on Friday mornings at Wittenberg Manor. For the past two
years Gisela & Linda Dutton have been alternating and really could use help. Please call the office for
more details.
7 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
Thanksgiving
Marlene Mueller's recovery at home; Brian Pye's succesful surgery
For Peace in the World
President Obama and our country's leadership - For our soldiers in Afghanistan: Kyle Hyden, nephew of
Skjong's; Talitha Benz (Bettie Benz' grand daughter) and for Thomas Caspersen and Antonio
Landaverde who are overseas; for Jonathan Ellis
For our Staff
Fred Brauer; Margie Luehrs; Chrystle Vincent; Traci McClain; Amy
Sosa; Christina Grace; Bethany Chhom; Carol Liston; Ellen Hackerd; Kristi Morlock; Abby Einspahr; Mike
Souza; Doug Henry; Kim Heggins; Blenda Schultz; Michelle Michael; Sherrie Akre; Cecilia Guerra; Cindy
Suppus; Lydiana Sanchez; Holly Contier; Pastor Gary
Ministry Guidance
For our interim ministry need; Marketing Ideas; Wittenberg Manor Outreach; Evangelism; Children's,
Family and Youth Ministries; Parish Education; School Enrollment
Peace and Comfort
Kim Jose and family for the passing of Gary
Cancer Patients
Evelyn Asker, stage II breast cancer; Joyce Schwartz, Leanne Mueller's mother recurring cancer; Bettie Benz'
son-in-law, Stephen Comfort; Gloria Mohr; Pat Brown; Melody Saldate; Wanda Grimm
Physical, Emotional or Spiritual Healing
Cheryl Benz, car accident; Susan Hoffman, brain surgery; Brian Pye; Linda Dutton, questionable
mammogram, further testing needed; Bill Olsen, Annette English's dad; Rev. Ron Sprehe, Carol Liston's
brother; Esther Garguilo; Willine Watson; Marlene Mueller; Angela Garcia; Adolph Stafne; Marie Curtis;
Velma Sprehe, Carol Liston's mom; Van Deckert; John Ohanesian; Tyler & Dave Flynn
Expectant mothers
Carol Liston's daughter, Melissa Piering- due Feb.; Vicki Blank- due March; Megan Irish- due Jan. 6 (Lisa
Ghiselli's niece); Tiffanie Kelly- due Feb. 10 (Lisa Ghiselli's nephew's wife); Candice Kofsky- due March
Please help to keep prayer requests current.
Call the church office with updates. Thank you. 278-2555.
November Calendar
11/01 Andrew and Jessica Keay 3 years
8 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
11/04 Todd and Rhonda Harris 16 years
11/14 Adolph and Mabel Stafne 66 years
11/2 Ron Con er
11/6 Adam Pye
Antonio Landaverde
11/10 Candice Kofsky
11/10 Jenna DeTurk
11/12 Marjorie Luehrs
11/14 Felicia Pye
11/18 Michael Ghiselli
11/19 Kris Morlock
11/22 Stacy Coleman
Gloria Mohr
11/24 Van Deckert
11/25 Trinity Gerome
Audrey Ohanesian
Julie Ramirez
Thomas DeTurk
11/26 Al Ahnstrom
11/28 Fernando Landaverde
11/29 Ellen Hackerd
Fernando Ramos
11/30 Donald Giannini
(LutheranWomen'sMissionaryLeague)
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN LWML? Please come and join us. This is open to all women at
Calvary Lutheran Church and all ladies from our Calvary Lutheran School and any friends
that you may wish to invite.
1 Oct. 2011, We par cipated in the Annual Calvary Rummage Sale and had a great
me and success. The LWML uses the monies earned from this for mission projects.
5 Nov., 2011, 9:30 am - 1:30pm - Fall Zone Rally at Calvary Lutheran Church - You may
have no ced the flyer in the Sunday Bulle n. Our Guest Speaker will be Gloria
Edwards who has recently returned from Africa working with the Lutheran World
Relief staff regarding the devasta ng disease of malaria and how it affects the lives of
children and families that live there. $5.00 registra on fee; bring your own bag
lunch; Calvary will provide dessert and other refreshments.
13 Nov., 2011, LWML Sunday. LWML ladies will be par cipa ng in both services.
Please see me if you are interested in helping out with this.
3 Dec., 2011 - Wi enberg Christmas Tea
January, 2012 - PWP - Packed With Pride - new project - a year-a-round project
-dona ons for our soldiers serving our country. More details to come later.
9 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
If you are interested in finding out about LWML and would like to join, please contact
Barbara Adams, 510-278-7045 or the church office for further details.
''''''''''''SERVING THE LORD WITH GLADNESS''''''''''''
Dear Members of Calvary Lutheran Church,
The 7th and 8th grade confirmands have begun their 'Road Trip' of growing in the life of Faith on Wednesdays from
3:30-4:30 pm. The curriculum of study was developed by Pastor Martin J. Brauer. To conclude their 'Road Trip', a
retreat will be held for acclamation of a job well done; and a Confirmation service held on Sunday, May 6th, at 10:45
am including a 'Faith Expression', presented in art form by the confirmands.
Please pray for God's guidance as we begin this life-long faith journey together.
Blessings,
Fred Brauer
What Is Confirmation?
Confirmation in the Lutheran tradition is closely tied to the sacrament of Holy Baptism. In Baptism we are made
children of God, and we are received into God's family in Jesus Christ. When parents bring their children to receive
this adoption, parents are asked to make promises to live with their children among God's people, to bring them to
God's worship, to share the scriptures with them, and to teach them the basics of the Christian faith so that their
children may come to love, trust and serve God and Christ.
In Confirmation, often celebrated when children have grown into young adults, those being confirmed recognize
and affirm the baptism they received as children and take personal responsibility for living out the promises their
parents made at their baptism. In the rite of Confirmation, confirmands profess their faith and make promises
before God very similar to those made by their parents. As an adult member of Christ's family, confirmands express
their intentions to live among God's faithful people, attend to God's worship, and show the Gospel in lives of faithful
service.
As young teens continue to live under their parent's supervision in most parts of their lives, the Church entrusts
them with all the responsibilities of being an adult. Most teens want the responsibilities of being adults, but it is
difficult to live up to those new responsibilities. As a result, after confirmation other adults need to continue to
support, guide, encourage and include young people so that they can fulfill their promises while they grow in the life
of Faith.
Preschool- 8th Grade
Serving the East Bay since 1952
A Core Knowledge School
WASC & NLSA Accredited
10 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM
Calvary Lutheran Church E-Chronicle http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=zblitjfab&v=0015qc...
Calvary Lutheran Church & School
17200 Via Magdalena
San Lorenzo, California 94580
Church: 510-278-2555 School: 510-278-2598 Fax: 510-278-2557
Vacancy Pastor, Pastor Gary Mohr email: gmohr@calvaryslz.org
CLS Principal, Fred Brauer email: fbrauer@calvaryslz.org
Eprayer Requests Calvary Website Eprayer Updates
Request a Prayer Quilt
Worship Schedule
8:00am Traditional Worship (communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays)
9:30am Adult & Children's Sunday School
(K-5 meet in Calvary Club and grades 6-10 meet in room 7)
10:45am Contemporary Worship (communion on 2nd & 4th Sundays)
ONE 10am Service on 5th Sundays- NO Sunday School
Forward email
This email was sent to teachers@calvaryslz.org by churchsecretary@calvaryslz.org |
Update Profile/Email Address | Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy.
Calvary Lutheran Church & School | 17200 Via Magdalena | San Lorenzo | CA | 94580
11 of 11 10/26/2011 4:39 PM