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Cruel Sight
A Word from Pastor Brad
“I’ve seen him hanged a thousand times now as his sacrifice spreads across the world, city by city. Yet each time, it strikes me like a physical blow, never-ending shivering in my chest, heart beating fast, neck tight just under the jaw. How cruel a world, that the sight of my dead son means hope.” -Mary’s Thoughts
Upon hearing this, I wondered if God ever thought, “How cruel a world, that the sight of my dead Son means hope.” I have rarely wondered what it must’ve been like for God to watch Jesus be brutally tortured and crucified. I was forced to watch my own son endure terrible things. His cry, the pain he endured, almost broke me. And there was no one to blame for his pain. But God has someone to blame. We, our sins, and our brokenness are all at fault for the death of Christ. But instead of our God destroying his enemies, God saves us. When Christians look to the cross, we find hope. We find hope in what the cross represents, the Good News in a nutshell: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” How cruel is a world that the sight of the death of the Son of God means hope. Yet we must let that hope bring change to our broken world. Knowing that because of our crucified Lord, we can bring forth God’s Kingdom, a kingdom that is the furthest thing from cruel.
Blessings,
Pastor Brad
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Faith Formation Classes
Resume this Sunday
Let's close out the last few weeks of the Faith Formation year
with strong participation.
Classes resume this
Sunday, April 16, 10:00 a.m.
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The Bible study topic is
The Joy Adventure
Orientation will be held for new participants on April 18 at 6:00 p.m.
A New Session Begins
Tuesday, April 25
From 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Email Deb Grier with questions or for more information.
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First Place 4 Health
New Session Beginning Soon
Based on proven techniques and 25 years of experience, First Place 4 Health invites you to try the most complete, Christ-centered healthy living program available. Not simply another diet plan, First Place 4 Health will show you how to create balance in the four core areas of your life—spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. The results? Weight loss and positive life change.
In The Joy Adventure, we’ll explore what it means to experience joy. Is it an emotional feeling or something much deeper? And where do we find it? How do we sustain it? Happiness is based on circumstances and perception. As high as we can feel when we are happy, we can also experience enormous depressing depths when happiness fades.
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Attention Knitters and Crocheters Prayer Shawls Needed
We are collecting handmade prayer shawls to share with anyone needing a reminder that God is with them during a difficult time. Use materials and a pattern, of your choosing. Please utilize neutral colors and make the prayer shawls at least six feet in length. Completed shawls can be brought to the church office or given to any staff member. Email Juanita Hood if you have any questions.
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Our Toilet Paper Drive is
Scheduled for April
On April 30, Christ the Lord will collect toilet paper for the Lawrenceville Co-Op. This obviously needed item is seldom donated at the co-op. They depend heavily on drives like ours to supply the needs of their clients. In the past, we have contributed enough TP to last months at the co-op. Let’s make this a great year and TP drive to top the others. Our goal this year is 2023 rolls. Can you help us reach our goal? Bring in Toilet paper on Sunday, April 30.
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College Student Care Ministry
Make a difference in a college student’s life this year by sending words of encouragement as they pursue their education. The last letter-writing opportunity of this academic year will be Sunday, April 16th between services (10-11 AM). All supplies will be provided. If you wish to contribute towards the purchase of gift cards, please speak with Jenny Lanning or see posters in the narthex. Have Questions? Email Jenny Lanning
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Class of 2023
We would like to recognize the class of 2023 in an upcoming issue of our eNews. If you have a high school or college student graduating as the Class of 2023 email their name and the school they attended to Janice Aldridge in the church office.
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Youth Summer Camp
Registration is Open
We will be hosting two weeklong servant camps for our youth this summer. Each gives the youth an opportunity to serve in the community every morning and then enjoy fellowship activities with the other campers in the afternoons. Both camps run 8:30 – 4:30. Both camps are $110 with scholarships available. Rising fifth, sixth, and seventh-grade students are invited to attend Preteen Servant Camp June 19 – 23. Youth rising eighth grade through twelfth go to Teen Servant Camp July 10 – 14. Registration information is available at a display in the Narthex. Contact Diane Thomas for more information.
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SYNOD WEEK @ LUTHERANCH
for 3rd-5th GRADE YOUTH!!!
We invite ALL 3rd-5th grade youth to register by April 15!!!
Are you looking for a place where your children can learn of the love of God as seen in Creation and in one another? Then consider having your 3rd-5th grade children sign up to join other Southeastern Synod participants from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, at Lutheranch,
June 25-30, 2023!
Scholarships are available through the synod and Lutheranch.
For help with Lutheranch scholarships,
contact Pr. Michael Jannett
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If you have any questions about Faith Formation Ministry and how you can be a part of it, contact Diane Thomas through the church office or by email
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Ladies Night Out
for April
Adult ladies are invited to Ladies' Night Out. The next event will be held at 5 Spot Cafe on April 20. We will gather for dinner at 6:30 p.m. 5 Spot Cafe is located at 555 Progress Center Avenue. RSVP to Lori Leberman (here) Grab a friend and join us.
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Book Club
The book club meets in room 7 on the second Friday of each month at 1:00 p.m. Email Kathy Friton if you want to join (link here).
Upcoming Dates and Titles
May 12: The Last Bookshop in London by Madeline Martin
June 9: If You Lived Here, I'd Know Your Name by Heather Lende
July 14: The Anomaly by Herve Le Tellier
August 11: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
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Adult Sunday Morning Faith Formation
10:00 a.m.
Room 7 in the Education Hallway
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Men's Tuesday Bible Study
Study of Job
Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Email Richard Burgess for more information
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Thursday Morning Bible Study
The Gospels
All are Welcome
The class is an informal discussion of the Gospels. We are currently studying the Gospel of Matthew. Pr. Dale Sillik leads the discussion each Thursday t 10:00 a.m. in room #7. When time permits, Pastor Brad joins the group, so two Pastors for the price of one. All are welcome. We hope to see you there
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Denim, Tees, and Formals
Oh My
As you're doing your spring cleaning and seasonal wardrobe changeover, please donate your gently used jeans, t-shirts, and formal attire for the domestic violence shelter. Many women, men, and children who arrive at the shelter have nothing but the clothes they are wearing. With prom and wedding season upon us and homecoming in the fall, we'd love to have a great selection for the residents to choose from so they can feel comfortable attending these events. You may leave your donations in the bin located in the narthex. If you have any questions, please mail Lori Leberman. Thank you!
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Join the Care Team
The Care Team is being rebuilt. This group of servants will be on call to provide meals, send cards, provide rides or sit with folks experiencing hardship. They will also help to stay connected with members who are unable to attend services in person. If you have served in the past or if you would like to join the team, please email Lori Leberman, Outreach Ministry Chairperson.
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We support the Lawrenceville
Co-Op Food Bank
The Lawrenceville Cooperative Ministry is a Christian organization providing food assistance for people in need in Lawrenceville and Dacula.
Most Needed Food Items
Macaroni and Cheese, Oatmeal, Canned Fruit, Canned pasta, Jelly, Canned chicken, Applesauce, Dish Soap,
Most Needed Personal Care Items
Deodorant, Tampons, Diapers size 4-6
Visit the Co-Op Website (here) to learn all the ways to volunteer
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Make Christ the Lord Your Church Home
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 feel comfortable with joining, why not make it official? 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.
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Red Cross Blood Drive
April 14
Ladies Night Out
April 20
Men’s Retreat
April 20-23
Toilet Paper Drive
April 30
Women’s Retreat
May 5 - 7
Book Club
May 12
Spring Play - The Mousetrap
May 19 and 20
Vacation Bible School
June 5 - 9
AFFIRM Youth Camp
June 11 - 16
Preteen Servant Camp
June 19 - 23
Teen Servant Camp
July 10 - 14
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Google Calendar
Keep up to date on all the events and activities happening at Christ the Lord. Access the google calendar on our website by clicking on the icon on the left side of this article.
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Visitors, Want to Know More
About Our Congregation?
It’s easy…
Worship with us on Sunday mornings
Attend a monthly Meet the Pastor gathering
(generally held the 1st Sunday of the month at 10:00 a.m.)
Visit the CTL website (www.ctllutheran.org)
Visit the Welcome Center for info on faith & ministries
Speak with Jenny Lanning, Director of New Member Ministries
Attend a Sunday morning or weekday Bible Study
Check out a book from the Church Library
Have a cup of Coffee & check out the Narthex Displays
Watch the PowerPoint presentation in the Narthex
Sign up to receive our e-newsletter
All Are Welcome!
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In Our Prayers
We continue to pray for these friends to feel God's presence during
their challenging times: You may submit prayers below:
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Carole Baldwin
Donna Byron
Kenny Clark
Jeff Dahlin
Charles Dispain
Mark Edwards
Jim Greene
Dottie Mack
Janet Schuman
Darlene Swaim
Jean Todd
Mariana Valcheva
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You may mail checks to 1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043 |
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Set-up electronic funds transfer by emailing our Treasurer, Brandon Witt (here).
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Reminder: No one on staff will ever contact you one-on-one through email or text for help with any ministry needs.... Be alert and vigilant to scammers' attempts to take advantage of our kind nature. We have had some reports of suspicious text. If you ever have questions we encourage you to call the church office.
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Christ the Lord Lutheran Church
1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043
770-963-4499 ctllutheran.org
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