God Is Making All Things New,

Through You!

Dear Friends of CTL Lutheran Church, 

‘PLANNING FOR MISSION’ is a NEW NAME for what will happen on November 13 at CTL. In the past, this has been called ‘Commitment or Pledge Sunday’. Why change the name? Because when we pledge our plans for financial giving to CTL for 2023, that is not primarily about accounting. We are taking a critical step toward preparing for what CTL will do in mission during the coming year.

OUR PRIMARY MISSION IS WORSHIP. In worship, we hear God’s Word for us, and we receive Christ our living Lord in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. From these Word and Sacrament foundations, the mission of CTL expands with ministries of teaching, outreach (in our area and in the world), and fellowship. To fulfill that mission in 2023, we do the planning. Part of that plan includes asking us to share a portion of the gifts God has entrusted to us which will enable our Lord’s mission to move forward.

“IN THE CATALOGUE OF HUMAN REGRETS, I have never heard anyone say, ‘If only I had not given so much.’” Those words were spoken by an elderly pastor who had heard many death-bed confessions. We are created in the image of God. Our image of God shows when we give of ourselves because our God gives us everything. Our God gives us everything: That is good news for us and for us to share.

BRIEF TEMPLE TALKS WILL BE GIVEN by CTL members during worship on Sundays, October 23, 30, and November 6. "Planning for Mission Sunday" will be on November 13. How fitting that November 13, will also be Youth Sunday. CTL’s mission includes raising up new disciples. 

A NEW PASTOR IS COMING. The Call Committee has been encouraged by the interviews they have completed. The Holy Spirit is at work now in the process of revealing who will be CTL’s new pastor. Let’s keep praying and looking forward.

Thanks be to God for the new life and abiding faith our Lord has given for us to share,

Pastor Scott Peterson

Interim Pastor

Come Grow With Us

All Are Welcome

We would love for you and your family to become an active part of our congregation. If you have been visiting for some time and/or feel comfortable with joining, the process is easy. Simply complete a one-page membership form with your family profile (name, address, etc.) to be entered into the church database. Jenny Lanning, our Director of New Member Ministry, has the necessary forms at the Welcome podium in the narthex. She would be happy to assist you.

Looking for a Meaningful

Way to Serve?

Consider being a greeter on Sunday mornings. Greeters serve for 15 minutes prior to the service providing a sense of welcome with a simple handshake, smile, or kind word. Choose one or more Sundays and a time on the schedule posted outside Jenny Lanning’s office. Have questions? Email Jenny Lanning (here).

Our Youth

Will Sell Calendars

Our youth will sell beautiful inspirational wall calendars for 2023. Sales begin October 30. The calendars have plenty of space for writing important information on each date and lovely photographs of nature. Calendars will sell for $9 each and proceeds will benefit the 2024 National Youth Gathering trip to New Orleans. They make great additions to the home and are wonderful gifts.

Christ in Our Home

Daily Devotional 

October, November, and December

Christ in Our Home, a devotional, is available in the Welcome Center at church. If you wish to have one mailed to you, email Jenny Lanning(here). She will be happy to have one delivered to your mailbox.

Prayer Shawls Needed

Prayer shawls are available for anyone who would benefit from the reminder that God is with them during a difficult time. If you knit or crochet and would like to share your talent, we invite you to create a prayer shawl. You may use materials, patterns, and colors of your choosing. We ask that you utilize gender-neutral color schemes and be sure to make the shawls at least six feet in length. Once completed you can bring them to the church office or give them to any staff member. Should you have questions please contact Juanita Hood at 770-598-8410.  

We Are Equipped

CTL has been gifted an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). This life-saving tool has been set up and is available for use should anyone experience a cardiac event while on church property. At present, the device is openly stored and located in the office hallway in the volunteer room. This AED Plus guides rescuers in performing high-quality CPR and will deliver a shock if needed. All supplies are stored in the unit. In the coming weeks, the device will be moved and stored in a cabinet mounted in a high-traffic area. We encourage you to take time to notice where it is located. We are incredibly grateful to the donors whose generosity made this purchase possible.  

Now available: Adult Sunday class

DVDs used this year:

Did you miss Adult Sunday School and are interested in viewing DVDs from these classes? These are available in CTL Library for your free checkout:

• When You Pray -- The Lord’s Prayer with Dr. James Nestingen: 9 Sessions on DVDs with presentations of about 25 min. each
• The Prodigal God – Finding Your Place at the Table with Timothy Keller 6 Sessions with DVD introductions corresponding to the chapters in Keller’s book on Jesus’ most familiar parable: The Prodigal Son. Also in the library: The Prodigal God class book.
• Luther And the Reformation with Rick Steves. DVD on PBS on the 500^th Anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. This DVD includes: Rick Steves’ European Christmas and European Easter
• The Life of The Apostle Peter with Rick Steves DVD 
• The Life of The Apostle Paul with Rick Steves DVD 

Reformation Day is October 31: See books and other resources on Martin Luther and the Reformation. When you enter the library, they are straight ahead on the top shelf