CHRIST’S MESSENGER Christ Lutheran Church and Preschool, Eagan MN April 2018

FROM THE PASTOR by Pastor Hahn Church and Preschool “THY WILL BE DONE” Staff I know that for the last few newsletters you have read about the Mid-Week Rev. David Hahn Lenten and Holy Week Services. Beginning on Ash Wednesday we heard the Senior Pastor words of Isaac as God’s will was being done through him and his father

Alex Mezeritski Abraham. And on the weeks to follow we heard from Moses who was Director of Music struggling to be obedient to God’s will because of his own inadequacy, and Nathan who needed to confront King David with some harsh words of his Wendy Ewald Director of Preschool disobedience to God’s will, and Mary who found her identity in God and humbly was obedient to God’s will, and Paul who was blinded by the Light Rashmi Raghuwanshi of God to have his eyes opened to God’s will for his life, and Lydia who Teacher displayed her servant heart as she looked to the will of God, and Jesus who Judy Kaner entered into Jerusalem with palm branches waving and shouts of hosanna Preschool Aide and then paused to weep for those who were not looking to the will of God, Rhoda Houge and Solomon who was an eye witness to the meeting in the upper room as Church Secretary Jesus showed how he came to serve and not be served by washing the

disciples feet and sharing His body and blood with them in, with, and under the bread and the wine of what is known as the last supper. On Good Friday Jesus demonstrates for us the greatest act of love ever through the shedding of His blood for the forgiveness of ours. And finally, on Easter Sunday, we

rejoice together in the Good News, that Jesus rose from the dead victorious Christ Lutheran Church over sin, death, and the power of the devil, with shouts of Alleluia! All these and Preschool messages are directed at us as we are strengthened to seek God’s will in our 1930 Diffley Road lives today. His good, pleasing, and perfect will for us. Eagan, MN 55122 Have a truly blessed Easter! Phone: 651-454-4091 Rev. David G. Hahn [email protected] www.christlutheraneagan.org Tuesday Morning Bible Study at Eagan Pointe Senior Living Center: Every Tuesday morning Pastor Hahn leads a Bible Study at the Eagan Point Christ Lutheran Church Senior Living Center in Eagan (just up the road from the church). The Study is a congregation of The Lutheran Church – begins at 9am with both members from Christ Lutheran Church and residents Missouri Synod of Eagan Pointe attending. At this time the Bible Study has been focusing on Beth Moore’s book “A Heart Like His: Intimate Reflections on the Life of David”. This study is open to anyone and everyone. Eagan Pointe has been gracious in providing the venue and the free coffee. This book by Beth Moore brings out the heart of a true believer in the one true God. There will always be

an open seat for you to attend. Christ Lutheran Church Confirmation Class will start meeting again! Starting up again on is a growing body Wednesday, April 4th from 6:30 – 7:15pm the confirmation class will continue of believers in Jesus Christ, learning about the Six Chief Parts of the Lutheran Faith put forth by Martin sharing the love, word, Luther which is followed by Youth Group from 7:15 – 8:00pm. and grace of God with our th th family, community, and world. The Youth Group! Any youth, 6 – 12 grades are encouraged to join in Youth Group on Wednesday nights from 7:15 pm until 8:00 pm.

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

(from the Pastor, continued) We had our second youth fundraiser of the year – Palm Sunday Breakfast – where we profited just over $440! This money will be used to help send the youth to this summer’s servant event at Lutheran Island Camp in Henning, MN. We had a good showing of participation by our youth and a good attendance by church members who partook in the meal. Thank you for all your support for youth ministry!

Dear Members of Christ Lutheran Church The Board of Elders and Pastor Hahn are taking leadership training in 2018 from the Minnesota South District. The training is based on the book Hinges: Opening Your Church’s Doors to the Community. The Leadership Summit is in White Bear Lake on April 14, 2018. This summit will provide concepts and ideas to better open the doors of Christ Lutheran Church to the community. If you would like to attend the training, please contact Pastor Hahn. In order to get the most out of the training, we are asking you to complete an on line survey to assess the current state of Christ Lutheran Church. The survey is free and only takes a few minutes. I have provided instructions below to assist you. Basically, follow the screen prompts and it will walk you through the survey. It is important that you participate in the survey to help focus the needs of the church. The survey is anonymous. We only see the results. Not who took the survey. So please participate. Instructions to take the survey. Go to the website www.tcnprocess.com (either copy & paste it in your browser or type it in) and follow these steps: 1) Scroll down to bottom of Home page or click on Shop on menu bar 2) Click on Hinge Factors Assessment Survey 3) Select Option for Congregational Size 4) Add to Cart 5) Checkout as Guest or Create an Account 6) Click on Coupon box at right bottom of page 7) Apply coupon = MNSOUTH 8) Continue with prompts Thank you, The Board of Elders

Congregational Meeting An informational congregation meeting has been scheduled for Sunday, April 15, right after the Sunday service in the fellowship hall. There will be no Sunday School or Bible study that week. The purpose of the meeting will be to have open dialogue to discuss the current financial situation of CLC. Rick Marko from MN South District will help facilitate this meeting.

2

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

Preschool Envelope Fundraiser This year’s Envelope Fundraiser began on Palm Sunday, March 25. Since we are moving to full days and extended care in September, we will be making much more use of our outside space. We want to add a mud kitchen, play shade canopy, tire climbing structures, and a place for outside story and circle time. Please consider taking an envelope and donating what you can to help us reach our goals. Your help is greatly appreciated! Check out the bulletin Board in the narthex to see what our plans may look like! You can find the box of envelopes and the donation box in the narthex on the table where LWML usually keeps their mite boxes. Thank you! Loose Parts Needed Our Preschool is in need of LOOSE PARTS and YOU can help! Loose parts are materials that can be moved, carried, combined, redesigned, lined up, and taken apart and put back together in multiple ways. Loose parts can be used alone or combined with other materials. There is no set of specific directions for materials that are considered loose parts. Best of all, loose parts can be found all around your house, garage and yard! Examples of Loose Parts include but are not limited to:  “collections” of all kinds  assorted sizes and variety of wood pieces  nuts, bolts, washers, nails, screws; small tools  rocks, big and small  buttons, old wine corks, spools from thread, etc.  shells, pine cones, acorns, feathers, etc.  milk caps and other assorted caps from juice, jars, water bottles, etc.  wooden “disks” cut from tree branches and large “disks” cut from tree trunks  pots and pans with and without covers; cooking utensils and wooden spoons  PVC pipe pieces with connectors; hoses  egg cartons, paper towel tubes, toilet paper tubes, large tubes cut into manageable pieces  plastic cups, glasses and dishes  golf tees  plastic flower pots and fake flowers; hand shovels and small rakes; buckets  almost anything you have laying around that is safe for preschoolers to explore with! If you have any of these things you can part with, please see Wendy! Week of the Young Child The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers, and families. This year's event is April 16–20, 2018! 2018 theme for Week of the Young Child: Celebrating Our Youngest Learners Through S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) Your LOOSE PARTS support S.T.E.A.M! Get involved! Christ Lutheran Preschool will be celebrating this week with a visit from our local fire station and an assortment of fun days, such as Pajama and Stuffed Animal Day, Crazy Hair, Mismatch and Crazy Sock Day, and Sports Day! We’ll be sure to get some fun pictures to share!

3

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

(Preschool, continued) Thank Yous The preschool would like to extend a sincere thank you to Tom Gustafson for his help in refinishing and refurbishing the large sensory table for the preschool. I found it in the basement and it was in need of some TLC. Tom was just the guy to do it! Tom also re-did the step in front of the double sinks in the preschool room. They actually look like they belong there now! You have amazing skills! Thank you Tom! Many thanks to Dave Hoglund for his help in putting up the signs on the outside of the building. People in the neighborhood have noticed and, the first week up, has already brought in a few more families to look at our preschool! Thank you Dave! I would also like to thank anyone who helped with the preparation and set-up of the Easter Faire, as well as working the day of the Faire, and the clean up! I could NOT have done it myself, so all the help I received was wonderful and greatly appreciated! I am afraid if I start mentioning individual names that I may forget someone, but you know who you are and so does our Lord and Savior! May God bless you for your service to our church and the community! In His Love and Grace, Wendy Ewald

All women at CLC are invited to: SE Suburban LWML Zone Spring Rally. Saturday, April 14, 2018. Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 14980 Diamond Path, Rosemount Cost is $8.00 Registration begins at 8:30 am, with the program beginning at 9:00 am, followed by lunch. Theme: "Free to be Faithful" – Religious liberty in an ever changing society. Rev. 2:10b

Speaker: Rev. Fred Hinz, Assistant to the MNSO District President in Mission Formation and advocate for religious freedom. Ladies! Save the Date! 27th Biennial MN South District Convention Theme: Grace Above All June 29 - 30 Theme Verse: But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:10a New Shortened Format: Friday, June 29, 2018 - 7:00am to Saturday, June 30, 2018 - 4:00pm Optional: Thursday Evening, June 28: Mission Pledge Walk, Servant Events, and First Timer’s Meet & Greet Location: Verizon Wireless Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, MN 56001 More information is in the District Women on a Mission on the LWML Table.

4

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

New Constitution Feedback Requested A new Constitution format was presented and approved by the Church Council and the Voters at Christ Lutheran Church. The wording of the Constitution stays essentially the same as it is currently. The Constitution By-Laws will change. This is in an effort to make governing and managing the operations of the church more efficient. At this time the concept of the organizational structure is approved. The next step is to draft the detail of the By-Laws for approval by the Voters of Christ Lutheran Church. This concept follows guidelines from Synod and the MN South District. The Constitution Committee is asking for feedback from the congregation on that concept. There are forms on the desk in the narthex to provide that feedback. The Committee is asking for more feedback and is asking that you fill out the form and leave it in a box on the desk, or with the office secretary. The Committee will reconvene early April. If you have questions regarding the proposed new constitution, see any of the committee: Dave Hoglund, Kathy Anderson, Jim Struck, or Kelly Callahan.

FROM THE

April Book Reviews Fiction section: Together for Christmas (Cape Light Novel) by Katherine Spencer: As Christmas approaches, Molly Harding and her partner and best friend, Betty Bowman are swept up in the annual holiday rush at Willoughby’s Fine Foods and Catering. With the business on shaky financial ground this year, the stakes are high. Suddenly, Betty must step back from the race to care for her husband, who is recovering from a serious injury. Molly is secretly overwhelmed but can’t bring herself to burden her friend with bad news. But Molly knows that sooner or later, the truth will come out. Then what? Meanwhile, a single mother, Carrie Munro, and her son, Noah, have come to Cape Light with the dream of starting a new life. Out of work, Carrie can hardly believe her luck when she gets a job working for Reverend Ben. Noah likes his new school, and he’s especially happy with a new friend named Theo, whom Noah insists is an angel. Carrie is at first amused…then concerned. She hopes Dr. Jeff Carlson, a child psychologist, can help her son and help her understand the cause for Noah’s need to this imaginary friend. But as Christmas draws closer, Carrie starts to wonder if she’s the one who really needs Jeff’s guidance – to help her see the world again with the open, trusting heart of a child, and with the faith that anything is possible. Even angels. Even love. Biography/Autobiography section: The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven: A True Story by Kevin & Alex Malarkey In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son Alex suffered a terrible car wreck. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex – and it seemed impossible that he could survive. “I think that Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. When Alex awoke from a coma two months later, he had an incredible story to share – of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious; of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old; of the angels who took him through the gates of heaven itself; and, most amazing of all, of meeting and talking with Jesus. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.

5

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

Letter from Ryan Maser at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis March 12, 2018 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity of leading the morning devotion for my introductory Homiletics course. As you may suspect, this is the class where I learn the basics of writing and delivering a sermon. With the devastating news of yet another mass school shooting (the Feb. 14th Parkland, FL school shooting) in mind, I walked my classmates through a devotion on Psalm 63. This Psalm was written by David, who was in the process of running for his life from his adversary, King Saul. Saul saw David as a threat to his position as the King of Israel, and as a result, Saul pursued to take David’s life. While David’s context does not match the families and victims of the recent school shooting, I am convinced that similar feelings, emotions, and questions are shared. David cried out from the depth of his heart for God to protect him. It is evident in the early verses that David was worn out by the calamities and hardships of this moment in his life. However, David was persistent in his trust that God will come through. David had unwavering faith in God’s power. In verse seven, David proclaims that his help comes from God and he has found protection under God’s wing. While he ran for his life, David clung to God’s mighty, powerful right hand. So, what does that mean for the victims of the mass shooting in Florida? What does that mean for our nation? What does that mean for Christians, including us? It means that we can cling to God in our moments of despair and confusion, when innocent children are gunned down and our country implodes in a political uproar. We can find refuge from the powers of death, the devil and our sinful nature under God’s mighty wing. While it seems like the enemy is winning, we know that we have won in Christ. He is the one and only God that has come to dwell among us, amidst the evil world and the destructive powers of the devil. In Jesus we have been saved and taken under his wing, even when the world falls apart. For in the fold of the Good Shepherd we are given peace, rest, and comfort the world can never give. Seminary life continues to be a joyful experience for me. As I write this letter, we are entering the last week before the midpoint of the semester. At the midpoint in the semester, classes are cancelled and the workload is reduced for a week. This week is called “reading week”, which gives us seminarians an opportunity to catch up on readings from various classes, to explore new topics that were raised in classes, and to complete projects that may be assigned. It is also a good ‘break’ that allows us to take a step back from our work and to soak more in God’s Word and his creation that surrounds us in St. Louis. To say the least, I am very much looking forward to reading week. Holy Week is also coming up the week after reading week. The plan is to take a small vacation to spend with Kari and my family for Good Friday and Easter. Kari continues to stay busy with her student teaching experiences. She recently finished up her time in Kindergarten in Lincoln, and just finished her first week at Zion Lutheran in St. Charles (Harvester). She is thoroughly enjoying her days in a preschool classroom there, and is counting down the days until graduation in May. We are both very thankful to be a short 30 minute drive apart, and the time we are able to spend together on the weekends, to explore more of the St. Louis area and to hang out with Seminary friends and classmates. It is hard to believe that we are also within three months days of our wedding in June; the wonderful spring weather here in St. Louis tells us that it is not that far away. Woohoo! I would also like to say ‘thank you’ for all of the prayers, love, and support that you continue to show Kari and I during this time. Our lives are busy and can be exhausting, but we both know that God is preparing and forming us for a life of ministry in his Kingdom. We are incredibly excited for this stage in our lives and all the different ways that He daily provides for us. While there are days that are full of challenges and changes, we cling to Christ and follow in the path that he leads us on. May God continue to keep you under his wing, as Lent draws to a close and we anticipate rejoicing in his death and resurrection. In Christ, Ryan Maser 6

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

LIFE Groups  Monday nights at 6:30 pm at Eagan Pointe. Men and women are invited to join us in the study of Romans. Contact person: Sharonlee Strohkirch (952-431-1865).  Wednesday afternoon at 1:30 pm women’s group meet at various homes. Their study is “Divine Design” by Sharla Fritz. Contact person is Gerri Bonewell (952-891-2853).  Wednesday at 6 pm singles and couples twice a month. Their study is the Holy Spirit. Contact person is Deb Buntjer (651-452-8956).  Saturday at 9 am, the Men’s group will begin at church. Study to be announced. Contact person is Mark Bonewell (952-891-2853). This group would like to see more men join for coffee, Bible study, and fellowship! LIFE groups are people who embrace Living In Faith Everyday. They meet weekly with Bible Study, Prayer, Fellowship and Service. All are welcome from church, families, neighbors, and anyone who wishes to be in Gods’ Word and grow in faith and spirit in a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please come join us and fill our “empty chair.”

JULY 16-20, 2018 9:00 AM To 3:00 PM Monday – Thursday 9:00 AM to Noon on Friday Leaders: Staff from Camp Omega, Waterville, MN Kids in Preschool through those entering 5th grade will enjoy a week of Bible Stories, Crafts, Games, and more! Registration forms will be available after May 15 at the church office or online at www.christlutheraneagan.org COST: $20.00 per child; $40.00 per family; $15.00 morning only (9-Noon)

2018 Christus Chorus Home Concert “Saved by Grace” Friday, April 6, 7:30 pm Graebner Memorial Chapel Concordia University, St. Paul

7

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

S.A.G.E.S. Gathering XXX Saints Alive, Growing, Ever-Serving May 7 and 8, 2018 Country Inn and Suites - Mankato Speaker: Rev. Todd Stocker Topic: Pearls of Wisdom: Entrusting the Treasure to the next Generation Open to all Senior Adults. See bulletin board for more information.

PRAYER REQUESTS

(Please let Pastor Hahn or the church office know of any additions or changes so we can keep Prayer Requests up to date.) Cancer – Curt Thompson, Steve Brennan, Judy Lemke-Kline (niece of Darlene Lemke), Pastor LeRoy LaPlante, Lucy Roemhildt, Lyle Schultz (former member), Greg Wills, Don Wolf, Wava Zietlow (mother of Patti Greseth). Recovering from surgery, illness, or other – Florence Hanson has requested prayers for her great- grandson, 2 year old Ethan Hanson, who had open heart surgery last Monday. Also, Nanu Ajack, Agnes Carlson (mother of Judy Thompson), Richard Ewald, Karen Hultquist, Ben Kothe, Antonina Kopcheve (mother-in-law of Alex Mezeritski), Judy Lebahn, Karen Hultquist, Darlene Lemke, Ioannis Madzaris (friend of Alex Mezeritski), Mary Marlow, Tatyana Mezeritski, Louise Neil, Marjwok Ogio, David Strese (brother of Jeanette Uecker), Gerry Studer, Dale Vogt, Earl Weber (Bonny Jamison’s father), Don Wolf. Homebound – Earl Breuer, Waltraud Bundt, Jim & Shirley Eilola, Lucille Jung, Ed & Elaine Klamm, Iona Kruger, Dorothy Lueck, Marlys Lund, Marian Neujahr, Florence O’Brien, Gordon & Shirley Schramm, Lois & Lee Scott, Don Stockman, Guy Westphal. Our Preschool – Pray for all the little ones at our preschool this year that they would know the love of Jesus. Those in the military and their families – Dustin Greseth (son of Patti Greseth), MSGT Cordt Jamison (member of CLC), SGT Cody Klinksiek and SH Cole Klinksiek, (nephews of Julie Lefebvre), SR Jennifer Adelmann (granddaughter of Mary Lou Adelmann), Ajack Ajack (son of Adangy Gwoy), Apilo Ojulu (son of Ariet Ojulu), and Jake Anderson & David Hernandez (grandsons of Dick and Joyce Swedean). The Anyuak ministry at Christ Lutheran Church; the Anyuak people in Ethiopia and Sudan. Persecuted Christians in over 53 countries around the world, especially the Christians in Egypt, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East. Our nation.

8

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018

April Birthdays

1 Russell Agrimson 4 Ruth Johnson 4 Carolyn Kothe 7 Heather Hoglund 15 Martha Gustafson 17 Bonnie Hoglund 19 Michael Bonewell 22 Waltraud Bundt 24 Larry Johnson Jr. 27 Ashley Aldinger 27 Glorian Fedderly 28 Christa Brown-Switzer 28 Sam Jamison 28 Lorraine Shingledecker

April Wedding Anniversaries

4/12/1970 Don & Ruth Ohmann (48 years) 4/18/1987 Timothy & Mary Clawson (31 years) 4/25/1972 Leroy & Sherrie Groff (46 years)

9

Christ’s Messenger April, 2018 APRIL 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 Easter Sunday 2 3 4 5 6 7 1:30 – LIFE Group 9am –LIFE 9am – Worship – HC 6:30pm – LIFE 9am – Eagan Pt Group 10:15am– Fellowship group at Bible Study 6:30pm – 10:30am – Education Eagan Pt Confirmation 4pm– Praise Jam Hour 7pm – Youth 5pm– Worship Group with HC 2pm– Anyuak Worship 7pm - Choir

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9am – Worship 9am-Eagan Pt 1:30 – LIFE Group 9am –LIFE 10:15am– Fellowship 6:30pm – LIFE Bible Study Group 10:30am – Education group at 10am-Eagan Pt 6:30pm – “Hinges” conf. Hour Eagan Pt Worship Confirmation in White Bear 7pm – Youth Lake 2pm– Anyuak Worship 7pm–Council Group Meeting 7pm – Choir 4pm– Praise Jam 5pm– Worship 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9am – Worship – HC 9am – Eagan Pt 1:30 – LIFE Group 9am – LIFE 10:15am– Fellowship 6:30pm – LIFE Bible Study Group 10:30am – group at 6:30pm – Congregational Eagan Pt Confirmation 4pm– Praise Jam Meeting 7pm – Youth 5pm– Worship Group with HC 2pm– Anyuak Worship 7pm – Choir

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9am – Worship 9am – Eagan Pt 1:30 – LIFE Group 9am – LIFE 10:15am– Fellowship 6:30pm – LIFE Bible Study Group 10:30am – Education group at 6:30pm – Hour Eagan Pt 7pm - Trustees Confirmation 4pm– Praise Jam 7pm – Youth 5pm– Worship 2pm–Anyuak Worship Group with HC 7pm – Choir

29 30 9am – Worship – HC 10:15am– Fellowship 6:30pm – LIFE 10:30am – Education group at Hour Eagan Pt

10