Christ Lutheran Church 8011 Old Georgetown Road Bethesda, MD 20814-2476 Email: [email protected] 301-652-5160 Fax - 301-652-2301 Website: http://www.heartmindsoul.com

Volume 67, Reach Up - Reach Out & Grow NOVEMBER 2001 Issue 11 With a new design www.heartmindsoul.com What is alpha?

!!!ATTENTION!!! All over the world, the Christian church is experiencing new shoots of life springing up giving fresh dynamism, hope and vision. THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE NEXT Alpha is one of these shoots. Thousands of Alpha courses are now running in many countries. Hundreds more register each month as church leaders CHRONICLE from all denominations report the astonishing impact the course has on non-churchgoers and existing Christians in their areas. And it's spreading fast to many secular locations - prisons, businesses and schools. IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH! CHURCH STAFF Rev. Marvin Tollefson Developed at over the last twenty years, Alpha is a 15-session practical introduction to the Chris- Pastor tian faith. It's aimed especially at people who don't go to church. At Holy Trinity, Alpha courses are held throughout the Graceful Growing Together year and have hundreds of people attending each week. Krista Vingelis Stewardship We will be offering one course on Sunday mornings beginning Sunday, December 2 at 10:15 am. An evening Minister of Family & Community Care course is also being offered. The evening course will be offered on Thursday evening at 6:30 pm beginning No- Initiative envelopes are now Jin Sun Cho vember29. At the evening event there is a light meal followed by a talk on a subject central to the Christian faith. Organist & Minister of Music Then participants break into pre-arranged groups of around 10-12 people (in which they remain for the entire provided in all monthly envelope course) to discuss the talk in an environment where each person should feel free to ask or express whatever packets, in addition to the regular Richard Czypinski they wish. A team of around three or four 'leaders' or 'helpers' from the host church are attached to each group. offering envelopes. Pew envelopes for Office Manager There is also a Saturday during the course offering when the subject of the is addressed. Graceful Growing Together are also in the pews for your convenience at all Claire Cho

services. Office Assistant Florence Heacock HIGHLIGHTS Origins of Alpha Small Groups Coordinator ...FROM THE PASTOR, 'It's friends bringing friends'

OUR MISSION STATEMENT On Insert, and Page 1-2… The Alpha course has been running for 20 years, but it was only in 1993 that its The mission of Christ Lutheran Church is to make CHURCH COUNCIL astonishing possibilities as a vehicle for began to emerge. This is disciples of Jesus Christ; to transform all people into Jeff Karpinski: President PLACES TO PLUG IN! the story of how it happened: fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. On page 3-5... Sanna Solem: Secretary Tim Bradley: Treasurer Twenty years ago, Charles Marnham, a clergyman at Holy Trinity Brompton, , OUR VISION STATEMENT Franz Schauer EVENTS & HAPPENINGS began looking for a means of presenting the basic principles of the Christian faith to  Our vision is to be a community of believers making On page 6 & 7... new Christians in a relaxed and informal setting. He devised the Alpha Course. and baptizing disciples so that Christ’s forgiveness Jennifer Walker and healing can be accomplished in the world. Grace Lloyd-Davies STEWARDSHIP CORNER The talks addressed such questions as 'Who is Jesus?', 'How and why do I pray?' and 'How does God guide us?'. When Charles Marnham moved on, others took over lead- Eugene Saylor On page 6...  We are a community of believers because God ership of the course and made their own changes. By the time took over Alpha in 1990, the course was a central feature of the church's life, with the num- wants us to be something together and represent Priscilla Lotsberg CLCW INFORMATION ber of participants regularly totalling around 100 people on each course. God with our unified diversity. Our vision is to Laurie Heinecke further God’s Kingdom in our midst. On page 6-10...

(Continued on page 2...) OTHER INFORMATION On page 11-12... 12 1 PILGRIMAGE ROOM PRAYER ROOM It was while leading his second Alpha course that Nicky made a discovery which transformed the church's whole ap- (SPIRITUAL RESOURCE CENTER) Sundays proach to the course and gave it a new dynamic. As he looked around the 13 members of his 'small group', he real- PRAYER-HEALING ROOM) 9 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. ized to his surprise that apart from the three Christian helpers, all the other 10 members of the group were non- Second Floor of Luther Hall churchgoers. Christ Lutheran Church is in the process of preparation/renovation of the office upstairs (2nd Floor of Luther Hall, NEXT DOOR to the large 1 Timothy 2:1…First of all, then, I urge that "They had all the normal objections: 'What about other religions?'; 'What about suffering?', and so on - and we had a carpeted room at the end of the hall) as a multi-purpose faith space, so supplications, prayers, intercessions, and stormy first six weeks," he said. Then they went away on the weekend and all 10 announced their Christian conver- all God's people/children of CLC's community will have a space for as a thanksgivings be made for everyone. sion together. SPIRITUAL RESOURCE CENTER and PRAYER-HEALING ROOM (PILGRIMAGE) for prayer, spiritual reading/research/development, The Prayer Room will be open for you to spend time The experience transformed Nicky's thinking about Alpha. He realized how this simple course in basic Bible study, spiritual discernment, healing, and other spiritual purposes. in quiet prayer and/or for a prayer minister to pray could become a powerful medium for evangelism. He quickly worked to give the course the kind of ‘feel’ that would Also, this space will have a computer available for research by all in with you---for prayers of adoration and praise for be particularly attractive to non-churchgoers. CLC's faith community. When the Pilgrimage Room is not occupied God, healing, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, by His people/children, CLC's Small Group Coordinator will continue to intercession for you, your loved ones, our church, The method of welcome, the atmosphere of the small groups, the food, the seating, the flowers, the sound, and the expand spiritual life/ministries of CLC. community, and world. material of the talks themselves were all changed to make them as attractive as possible to the person who walked in 'off the street'. “PRAYER…links all aspects of our lives to God. Please keep this spiritual space development in your prayers. In prepar- God is present in all of life…PRAYER is centering He emphasised to the Alpha small group leaders that no question should be treated as too trivial, threatening or il- ing/renovating this space for ministry, bookcases, comfortable chairs (2- our life in our relationship with God in Christ and logical. Every question would be addressed courteously and thoughtfully - and none would ever be 'pestered' if they 3), small table (1 or 2), paint, and painting of the room are needed. If allowing that center to be present in all we do. . . chose not to continue with the course. you are led to assist with this project and have some items that may help Christ will be there for rest, guidance, joy, love, and to prepare this room for these ministries, please call Florence Heacock, Nicky Gumbel explains: "It's all friendship-based. There's no knocking on doors - it's friends bringing friends." hope. In PRAYER we present our whole life and the Small Group Coordinator for CLC, at 301/652-5160 or 301/452- lives of other to God, so that God may be known and 2491. Looking for answers? The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a re- lives may be touched by GRACE.” Richard J. laxed, non-threatening manner over ten, thought-provoking weekly sessions. Beckmen

 It's low key, friendly and fun. And it's supported by all the main Christian denominations. PRAYER BOOKS  You're not on your own either. More than 2 million people worldwide have found it a worthwhile experience.  So join us on a journey of discovery. There's a course running at a church near you! Staff Prayer Journals for your input (your written prayer s for the staff) are available on the table in the narthex. What is Alpha? There is a prayer journal for each one of the following staff:

 The Alpha course consists of a series of talks looking at topics such as "Who is Jesus?" and "Why and how Pastor Marvin Tollefson do I pray?". Krista Vingelis  There is a meal together at the beginning of each session which gives you an opportunity to get to know Jin Sun Cho each other. Richard Czypinski ATTENTION!!!  After each talk we divide into small groups for a time of discussion. At anytime, as God speaks to you or leads you, stop by the narthex table to The 2002 Altar Flower  Listen, learn, discuss and discover. And ask anything. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or share or write a prayer for each staff Calendar is up in the too hostile. person in their "Prayer Journal". narthex. Please sign up for Alpha is for everyone, altar flower donations. especially:  Those wanting to investigate Christianity I wish to thank the congregation for the concern you bestowed upon my  Those who want to brush up on the basics mother, Eleanor Enterline, and me throughout her time in the nursing home  New Christians and at her recent death. The cards and telephone calls were so welcome and  Newcomers to the church helped us along this pathway. These helped to make this much easier to bear.

Sincerely, Joan Enterline There is no charge for the Alpha course, although you may be asked to make a donation towards food.

2 11 THANKOFFERING 2001 PLACES TO PLUG IN!

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America WEDNESDAY MORNING WOMEN’S SPIRITUALITY GROUP: Christ Lutheran Church Women BIBLE STUDY Small group for meets every Wednesday at 10:30 women of all ages. On Sunday, November 11, 2001, at all three services, we will have the ingathering of our Thankoffering. Many years AM in the Hospitality Room, Meets Monday ago, the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) presented each member with a little nights, 7:30-9:00 Thankoffering box, instructing them to keep it in plain view throughout the year, putting a monetary offering in it each pm, in various group time they were thankful for something in their lives. The money was sent to their central office to be used for the member homes. Cur- needs of women and children. That little box has had a special place in my life for 35 years. SUNDAY MORNING CLASSES rently studying Be- coming A Woman of Excellence by Cynthia The Thankoffering box is a wonderful way for us to recognize and thank God for all of our many blessings. Put money Heald. Childcare can be arranged if needed. Con- in it for your husband’s safe return from a business trip, a good medical report, when your children have done well in Sunday 10:15 a.m. Faith-Based Education Hour Alpha Bible Class, Presenter: Pastor Marvin Tollefson tact Jane Thompson, 301-493-5527 or Krista school, or are not on drugs, finding something that was lost, or for just a beautiful day! I could go on and on, but (refer to front page article for more info.) unless you are making a tangible gift, you may not stop to say “THANK YOU” for the daily blessings we receive. If Vingelis, 301-652-5160 you dash off a check as you sit in church on THANKOFFERING SUNDAY- November 11, 2001, the money will be Sundays, November 18 & 25, and December 9, just as useful, but you will have missed so many moments during the year to reflect on how good God has been to you. 12:30 p.m – 2 PM., "Witness of Women" Hour

(Hospitality Room) If all the women and men of the ELCA and CLC (Christ Lutheran Church) would follow the above, just think how COME SING much could be accomplished for the women and children around the world. There will be a special envelope in the pews, I you wish to make a contribution. Please make checks out to “CLCW”, with the notation “Thankoffering”. ADULT BIBLE CLASS WITH US!!!

Thank you, and God bless. Mini Course We are now rehearsing for our Caroline Hass 2nd Floor Education Building 9:15 AM Christmas Program, "The Wonder of Christmas." Join us for a pre-rehearsal dinner "Mini-Course on the General every Thursday at 7:00 PM, followed by choir Epistles of Peter" rehearsal from 7:30 - 9:00 PM. We welcome CLCW STEWARDSHIP CORNER new members to our choir at any time. If you have BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Do you sometimes think that our society has become questions concerning membership in the Adult Choir, contact Jin Sun Cho, our Minister of Music It is not too early for our Circle members to start thinking about Christmas. At our November meeting we will take our final special too materialist? Perhaps even reflect upon a personal and Organist, at 301-652-5160. offering, for this year, which will be sent to BETHESDA CARES in November for their Christmas sharing. inability to properly sort out the material aspects of our own lives? The society of Israel at the time of Amos held some close similarities to our own society Bethesda Cares, a group of volunteers, began serving lunch to local homeless residents in October 1988. Over the years their services Want to eat out with some have expanded as new needs arose. They continue to serve lunch, they also help prevent evictions, supply showers and clothing to today - rich, smug, redefining morality for its own the homeless, work through Mobile Medical for health care, provide transportation, supply friendship and counseling, and other purposes, and a court system which strayed from great folks after Sunday special needs. We can answer the prayers and needs of many through our support of Bethesda Cares. justice. As Amos confronted the people of Israel 11:15 Service? with a scathing commentary, we can find him also Please make checks out to CLCW, with notation Bethesda Cares. If you missed you meeting send your check to Mary Merrick, 9707 addressing us. The shepherd does these with a Come to La Madeleine with us for Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814 magnificent use of language and a brilliance that good food and fellowship. A group illuminates his message with vigor and integrity. of people from the church meets for lunch at La There is still time, until the end of October, to send your check to Mary, for Bethesda Help, if you missed the October meeting, that Madeleine French Bakery and Café at 7607 Old money will be sent the beginning of November. During this mini-course we will read Amos together Georgetown Rd., and enter into discussion directed toward our own Bethesda at around 12:30 PM. Call Richard Czyp- Christmas cards are beginning to arrive in the mail. If you do not plan to use them, please leave them in the narthex. The residents at lives and toward our own society. You are cordially inski at 301-652-5160 or Katherine Beckman at the National Lutheran Home appreciate having them. invited to come - for each of the sessions or even just 301-215-4179 for more info., or... just show up!

one -and join with co-parishioners in this study. For Don’t forget to save the General Mills “ Box Tops for Education,” there is a picture of a ten cent piece on it. Each one of them is further information or an advance copy (no charge) worth a dime to Ivymount. Place the little box tops in the box, which is on the desk in the narthex. of the study guide, contact Carl Seils, 301-530- 8256. Caroline Hass

10 3 WOMEN OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA Women’s Circle Groups meet (WOMEN OF THE ELCA) on a monthly basis at the church and in homes. DURING 2001-2002 Attention Book Club !!! There are 5 groups that meet. Please contact CONNECT WITH WOMEN NEAR AND FAR WHO SHARE COMMON THREADS OF FAITH Priscilla Lotsberg at 703-883-2199 or Joan AND COMMITMENT TO BUILDING THE KINGDOM OF GOD Enterline at 301-652-0553 if you would like to join LUTHERAN WOMEN TODAY The October meeting of the Book Club will be Tues- one of our circle groups, or just come to one of our day, November 13 at the home of Irene and Don Hill, meetings. The groups and their schedules schedules are as follows: 6816 Tilden Lane, Rockville. Phone: 301-881-4364. November 2001 - FAITH INTO ACTION: Holding It Fast December 2001 - CELEBRATING TRADITIONS, CULTIVATING SIMPLICITY: Praying Against the Powers Alpha Circle: 2nd Tuesday monthly at 12 Noon Selections for November and December are: January/February 2002 - FORGIVENESS, RECONCILIATION, AND RENEWAL: In Due Season and (church) Rachael Circle: 2nd Tuesday monthly at 7:30 PM Freedom and Forgiveness Tuesday, November 13: "Gorky Park" (in individual homes.) March 2002 - GRIEF, STRESS, TRANSITIONS: The Unseen Hope - by Martin Cruz Smith. Dorcas Circle: 2nd Wednesday monthly at 12:30 PM April 2002 - GETTING AND STAYING CONNECTED: The Ultimate Protection Tueday, December 11: "The Jump-off Creek" (church) May 2002 - THE POWER OF "WOMEN'S WORK": Power and Glory - Molly Gloss Martha Circle: 3rd Tuesday monthly at 10 AM June 2002 - LIFE'S STAGES, SPIRITUALITY: Ephesians, Part I (church) July/August 2002 - LISTEN, GOD IS CALLING: Ephesians, Parts 2 & 3 Saturday Circle: 1st Saturday monthly at 9:30 AM (in individual homes)

LUTHERAN WOMEN TODAY The Quilting REGULAR FEATURES TEDDY BEAR MINISTRY Group meets at Every Sunday at 10:15 -11:15 A.M. Women of the ELCA Bible Study - TEACH US TO PRAY 10:00 AM on the 1st Hospitality Room GIVE US THIS DAY: Marj Leegard's wit and wisdom on everyday life and 3rd Tuesday of Christ Lutheran Church MOTHERING SEASONS: Reflections on parenting and spirituality every month. They BOOKMARKS: Direction for your own reading and help for book groups took 70 quilts they Welcome to all who would like to join in prayer, scripture, BETWEEN YOU AND ME: Thoughts from the Executive Director/ President of Women of the ELCA made to Lutheran World Relief this year. fellowship, and to help prepare His Teddy Bears for ministry AMEN!: Timely prayerful reflections of love, sharing, and healing! The scripture basis for CLC's IN THE SEASON: Articles connecting to the liturgical season Blankets and dark-colored and floral sheets are Teddy Bear Ministry are 1 Corinthians 13:1 thru 13 and 1 Co- needed. More helping hands are also needed. IDEANET: Reader ideas related to programs, resources, and events of women's groups rinthians 12:4 thru 11… "And the greatest of these is LOVE". Call Mary Lynn at 301-340-2944 for more information. No experience necessary! If you would like to share/contribute a SMALL "teddy bear" to WOMEN OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH this ministry for God's love and Word to go out into His world, please leave your teddy bear(s) in the sanctuary or bring your As Ms. Valora Starr Butler, Director for Stewardship and Evangelism, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in teddy bear to the Sunday morning ministry class. America, writes that during this past year..."As Paul testified in his letter to the Romans, I am filled with encouragement that we can accomplish this mission [proclaiming our (your) faith throughout our community and the For those who have contributed "teddy bears" for His ministry world]." She goes on to say..."I tell people wherever I go that people all over the church are participating in The Christ Lutheran Church is building a to give love, healing, and sharing of His Word, thank you for Witness of Women, leaving to be bold witnesses and disciples. We have become well acquainted with the Samaritan your love of and to this ministry. A very special "loving thank woman and have been encouraged by her example of witness. Knowing her has changed the relationships between new CONNECTIONS BOARD, where people you" to Audrey and Allen Ett and Helen Schuetze. God's love and blessings always! women in small groups across the church. Studying this woman and her encounter with Jesus, and Jesus' encounters can list needs for housing, jobs, and all kinds of helpful with others in the Gospel of John, has been a faith-deepening experience." information. All ads will be subject to review by the "The Holy Spirit is at work in our plans to share intentionally the good news of Jesus Christ with others. Learning to church office, and the board will be located directly see the vision, feel the vision, and live the vision will only broaden and fill our lives as disciples.Let the Holy Spirit across the hall from the office. and your prayers reveal through the sessions of Year Three all that God has planned for you to unfold. You will truly be blessed as you reach out with God's story." Currently, there are several people in the congregation or on staff looking for housing, specifically a room or a "Continued blessings on you and your ministry, studio in a house or apartment. Please call the church office at 301-652-5160 and speak with Richard if you Your Sister in Christ, can help. Valora Starr Butler Further details coming soon…. Director for Stewardship and Evangelism Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America"

4 9 PRAY, LISTEN, AND WATCH THE WITNESS OF WOMEN: FOR UPCOMING FALL SMALL GROUPS An Evangelism Strategy A H I D R CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH (THREE YEAR) We always give thanks to God for you and mention you in our prayers, constantly remembering before our God and  Graceful Growing Together Father your work of faith and labor of love and P T F N E S stewardship initiative Prayer/Bible steadfastness of hope study and work sessions in our Lord Jesus Christ  September 9, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, (1 Thessalonians 1:2) An adventure in Christian education for children & teens 28, November 4, 11, 18, December 2, 9--- 10:15-11:15 a.m., Office Staff Room--- YEAR ONE: REDISCOVERING MY STORY WHO: Small groups for children ages 3-18 12 week Bible study on "The Way of YEAR TWO: REVITALIZING OUR STORY Love" (A Biblical Spiritual Journey), YEAR THREE: REACHING OUT WITH GOD'S WHAT: Explore stories of the Bible through music, crafts, journaling, drama, based on the book "Something Beautiful prayer and more. Special topical discussions for teens. for God" (Mother Teresa), author Malcolm STORY Muggeridge. WHEN: Sundays, 10:15-11:15am, starting Sept. 16th  Teddy Bear Ministries--you have been We need an evangelism strategy BECAUSE WE ARE WHERE: Upstairs education space at Christ Lutheran reading the notice for this ministry for a CALLED TO BE WITNESSES. As baptized Christians, we are WHY: To learn and grow in faith with Jesus couple of months, and the Teddy Bear called to be evangelists. Christ calls us to "go and make Ministries (Caring and Sharing w/God's disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19). Christ promises us love for CLC and all at His people at CLC that we will receive power from the Holy Spirit and that we Come join us, Sundays this fall, as we blaze the trails of God’s Kingdom! and our community). Caring and Sharing "shall be My (Christ's) witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea To serve on the Pathfinders Team, please contact Krista Vingelis, 301-652-5160. Adult Bible study takes place every Sunday at and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). and teenage leaders are needed to build relationships with our children and love them As Ms. Valora Starr Butler (Women of the ELCA) writes, 10:15-11:15 AM in the Hospitality in the name of Jesus – won’t you please give your time? Room. Teddy Bears' are loving/healing/ "Grace and peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus joyful intercessors for God--should you Christ. Thank you for your commitment to sharing the Good have a small teddy bear who needs love News. It will be an exciting three years as women all over the and would bring healing and/or joy to United States and Caribbean [8,000 small groups] begin someone, please bring that special, small exploring the impact of personal witness on an effective teddy bear to reside in any pew at CLC!! evangelism ministry. Hearing women in many different settings  Learn The Word (Introduction to the lift up evangelism as a priority brought us [Women of the Bible) Bible study - Each Sunday, 9:15- ELCA] to develop this strategy. Through our LISTENING, we THE DOCK 10:15 a.m., commencing October 8, heard both excitement and doubts. Still there was a question 2001. about how much women knew about evangelism and where  *** THANKOFFERING SERVICE - they need help." Days of Christ’s Kids November 11, 2001 - (All 3 services-- She goes on to say, " ..discovered many significant moments CLC Women) where women were called by God and proclaimed the Good WHO: Children grades 1-5. You don’t have to be a member of the church to join us  November 11, 2001 - Women's News during their Bible study and discussion session. As the list grew with names such as Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary WHAT: Praise God the Creator as we sing, dance and act – we’ll be working on a Luncheon and CLCW General Meeting children’s musical to be presented at worship, Sunday, Dec. 16th. following 11:15 a.m. service (this held Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and the Samaritan women, ...rejoiced that God uses ordinary people to do WHERE: Sanctuary at CLC – across from main office in office wing annually). Tentative speaker for the WHY: To learn about Jesus and praise Him through the arts luncheon: Linda Chinnia, President, extraordinary things if we are ready."

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran She concludes with, "It is my prayer that through the strategy Church in America. and the relationships and support developed by the small REMINDER!!! groups, women will begin to see the importance of being ready  Metro DC Synodical Women - Spring We only have 5 real Saturdays left to learn music and parts for our children’s worship, “A Lamb’s Tale”. Please make as strong witnesses in the world.....May Grace and peace be sure to have your kids here on time so that we can make the most of our short time together. Here’s what’s up in the schedule: Convention - May 4, 2002 (first Sat. in multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our May) Lord." Sat., 11/10 9-lO am Sat., 12/8 9-1O:3Oam  Fifth Triennial Gathering of Women of Sat., 11117 9-lO am Sat., 12115 9-1l:3Oam the ELCA (National Convention) - July Sat., 12/1 9-1O:3O am Sun., 12/16 lead worship 8-14, 2002, in Philadelphia, PA, Theme for 2002-2005: "LISTEN, GOD IS For more information, speak to Krista Vingelis, 301-652-5160 CALLING"

8 5 EVENTS & HAPPENINGS CLC BOOK REVIEW!

In preparation of CLC's SPIRITUAL RESOURCE CENTER (PILGRIMAGE ROOM), there will be an opportunity for you to review, sort, and share in many faith-based books HIGHLIGHTS OF from the library of Christ Lutheran Church. Please join us in prayer and fellowship on Sun- FALL SCHEDULE day, November 25, 2001, from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m., in the Hospitality Room. For questions, please call Florence Heacock at 301/652-5160 or 301/452-2491.

NOVEMBER, 2001

Sunday, November 11th Thankoffering Service (During all services) CLCW Luncheon & Meeting (After 11:15 Service) Thursday, November 22nd THANKOFFERING SUNDAY -- NOVEMBER 11, 2001 THANKSGIVING DAY Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Sunday, November 25th

CLC Book Review (9:15 – 11:15 - Hospitality Room) Our annual Thankoffering Sunday will be celebrated at all 3 worship services on November 11, 2001. Our own, Pastor Marvin Tollefson will be speaking on the theme, "Walk Humbly with God." A special Thankoffering will be DECEMBER, 2001 collected during the services. All members and friends of CLC are encouraged to participate in this offering as a way

Saturday, December 8th to show our thankfulness for the many blessings we have received.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL Your Thankoffering helps to support ministries that make a Sunday, December 16th difference for: Children's Worship -women and children in poverty Monday, December 24th -working for justice CHRISTMAS EVE -making sure the doors to counseling, medical care, and education remain open Tuesday, December 25th -supporting children at risk -encouraging income-generating projects for women CHRISTMAS DAY -ELCA World Hunger Program

Thankoffering boxes which are used throughout the year to collect our contributions for support of ministries worldwide will be brought to the altar as well as Thankoffering envelopes. Special Thankoffering envelopes can be found in the pews. Checks should be made out to CLCW (Christ Lutheran Church Women) with the notation Rock Creek "Thankoffering" in the lower corner. Your Thankofferings take your heart to places your feet and hands may not be Chamber Players able to go. By God's grace may this commitment live on and grow even stronger and more visible in this new century. will present a program of chamber music on Sunday, December 2, at 4:30 PM in CHRISTMAS MUSICAL C.L.C.W. ROUND-UP LUNCHEON - NOVEMBER 11, 2001 the Sanctuary. The pro- gram is free. Music of Niel- SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9TH Following the 11:15 AM Thankoffering Service on November 11th, CLC women and friends will meet in the sen, Devienne, Verdi and 6:00 PM Hospitality Room. All women are invited!!! Linda Chinnia, President, Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Schoenberg will be per- in America will be the speaker. Bring a sandwich. Salad, dessert and beverage will be provided. Come join us for lunch, friendship and an informative get together. If you plan to attend please RSVP by calling Priscilla Lotsberg formed. We hope to see you Here at CLC in the Sanctuary at 703-883-2199 or Florence Heacock 301-652-5160 by November 5th. there. (*Program is family-friendly and fun for all ages; however, there will be childcare provided for those who need it.)

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