"Stay Awake"

A Message from Pastor Brad

“Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning”  —Mark 13.35

Jesus commands us to "stay awake" or "be watchful." He gives this same command to the disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane. However, the disciples fall asleep. Even after Jesus tells them, "Keep awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial," they fall asleep two more times. It is while they are asleep that people of the “sinful generation” come and arrest Jesus. If the disciples can't stay awake for a short time in the garden, how will we "stay awake" for the rest of our lives?

James Edwards in his book, The Gospel According to Mark argues: "All the signs that have been given add up to one conclusion: the End cannot be prepared for. That is because the End is ultimately not a 'then' but a mysterious present now. The sole preparation for the End is watchfulness and faithfulness in the present" (p. 406).

In the season of Advent, we may feel the inclination to keep our eyes focused beyond today and allow our eyes to linger on the horizon. But we aren’t "Doomsday Preppers." We are members of the body of Christ, called to “stay awake” and “be watchful” today. 

In His Service

Pastor Brad

Thank you for your Donations

We collected 97 coats this year for those in need. With the weather temperatures in the thirties, these jackets will quickly be put into use. Thank you for your effort to help keep those around us warm. 

Blue Christmas Service

Feeling a little blue this season?

Join us for this gentle night of worship

Wednesday, December 20

6:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 24

Worship Schedule

10:00 a.m. Celebration of the 4th Sunday of Advent

5:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

7:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship

Stewardship 2024

Our Cup Overflows – Seeking Him and Walking Together 

If you haven't had the opportunity we encourage you to confirm your intent for giving in 2024. We have pledge forms available or you can pledge online here.

Walking Together is such a Joy. What a gift God has given us in this Faith Community that we call CTL. We Are The Church Together.

Christmas Gift for the

Church Staff

If you plan to contribute to the congregation's

gift to the staff, please do so by December 17.

Earmark your check "staff gift"

You can give online (here) by simply choosing

"other" and note Staff Gift..

Our Cup Runneth Over

Mortgage Campaign Update

Progress To Date:

Goal = $200,000.00

Received = $ 179,600.00

Remaining Needed = $ 20,400.00

• Ways of giving have included: checks, cash, credit cards, stock transfers, and Directed Required Minimum Distribution from IRA funds as a Qualified Charitable Donation.

We are eager to see how God will move us in this community as we retire this debt.

Something New For The Christmas Pageant

The children will be performing a short skit during both services on December 10. You are sure to enjoy their interpretation of the Christmas story. They have even reserved a special part for the congregation. Don’t miss out! As an extra bonus, the Children’s Chime Choir performs during the offering.

Birthday Party for Jesus

We will be celebrating the birthday of Jesus on Sunday, December 10 at 9:00 a.m. The event will begin in service. Children ages 3 through fifth grade will be invited back to the fellowship hall to enjoy the fun. There will be games, crafts, and cake!

Churchwide Service Project

The congregation is invited to help assemble hygiene kits for clients of the Lawrenceville Co-op on Sunday, December 17 at 10:00. A Thrivent Action Team Project has been used to purchase the supplies needed. If you would like to volunteer to help, please meet in the fellowship hall at 10:00. If you would like to donate, we will be collecting dish soap and small laundry detergents or 10-pack pods. Those may be brought on the day of assembly, December 17.

Faith Formation Classes

All Classes Held at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday school at Christ the Lord is for children and youth ages four years through the twelfth grade. Class time includes Bible study, fellowship, and creative activities. Students can walk their faith journey with caring teachers and their peers in the loving environment of our church. Confirmation for middle school students is taught during the Sunday morning education hour.

Chime Choir

Meets at 11:00 a.m.

Chime Choir is open to anyone who is in first grade and up. Rehearsals are held on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. in room 3 in the education wing. No experience is necessary we all learn together. Practice is held on the same dates that Faith Formation classes meet. Bring the kids to Sunday School and stay for Chime Choir.

Christmas Break

Our children and youth Faith Formation classes will be on break for the Christmas holiday. We will be off on December 17, December 24, and December 31. All classes resume on January 7. We wish all of our families and volunteer staff a meaningful Christmas season.

Youth Lock-in January 19

Now is your chance for an overnight adventure at the church. Youth in middle school and high school are invited for a lock-in on Friday, January 19 beginning at 7:30 p.m. We will have games, music, fellowship, and snacks, and roam the church in the dark for a fun game of Sardines! Please join us and bring a friend for a great night at CTL. Sign up on the youth bulletin board. Are the adults wishing you could attend a sleepover? Sign up to be a chaperone! Youth shouldn’t have all the fun.

Faith Formation Director

If you have any questions about Faith Formation Ministry and how you can be a part of it, contact Diane Thomas.



Ladies Night Out for December

All adult ladies are invited to the Annual Christmas Ladies Night Out event. This fun fellowship event will be held on December 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the home of Sandy Vanags. Our hostess resides at 2101 Hamstead Court in Suwanee. Bring a white elephant gift., a dish to share – Hors d’oeuvres, or something fun. This event is BYOB – soft drinks will be provided. 

Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation

Study of Revelation

This Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Pastor Brad will continue the study of Revelation this Sunday morning, December 10 at 10:00 a.m. The last meeting for the year will be Sunday, December 17, 2023. We will resume Sunday, January 7, 2024. This class meets in the fellowship hallway in room 10. Grab your bible, and a cup of coffee and join us this Sunday. All are welcome!

Sunday Morning Prayer Group

Luke 11:1-4 New International Version (NIV)

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 

Prayer is one of the most important practices that Christians have at their disposal. For those interested, Stephen Amartey will be leading an educational and practical small group on prayer. This group meets on Sunday mornings at 8:15 in the Adult Sunday School Room.

Book Club

The book club meets in room 7 on the second Friday of each month at 1:00 p.m.

January 12: Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes

Christ the Lord Lutheran Church - Blood Drive

Friday December 15, 2023

11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

 Fellowship Hall

1001 Duluth Highway

Lawrenceville, Ga 30043

Sponsor ID: ctllc

For an appointment, please visit redcrossblood.org

Or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Why are There so Many Cars at Church?

If you happen to drive by the church on Monday, December 11^th, or Tuesday, December 12^th you will see the parking lot is full of cars. We are leasing the parking lot and fellowship hall to an ABC production being filmed nearby. We are grateful for this opportunity.

Birthday Party for Jesus

December 10

Ladies Night Out

December 12 

Men's Fellowship Dinner

December 14

Red Cross Blood Drive

December 15

Hygiene Kit Assembly 

Service Project

December 17 

Blue Christmas Service

December 20

Youth Lock-In

January 19

Congregational Meeting 

Community Sunday

January 28

All Georgia Youth Gathering

February 23 - 25

Men’s Retreat

April 25-April 28

Women’s Retreat

April 26 - April 28

AFFIRM Youth Camp

June 9 - June 14

ELCA National Youth Gathering - New Orleans

July 16 - July 20

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. 

Year-End Giving

Important Notice!

Contributions of cash, checks or stock to be included on 2023 giving statements, must be at church or postmarked on or before December 31. If you plan to deliver your offering personally during the week after Christmas, call ahead to be sure someone will be in the office. You can always utilize our locking mailbox.