|
Super Bowl Controversies
A Word From Pastor Brad
“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” ~Luke 16.8
Super Bowls are good at creating controversies. Questionable late-game calls spawn theories that the NFL is rigged. Half-time shows are generally divisive, and I must admit I wasn’t a fan of this year’s show. But nothing has created a controversy in my small little social media bubble quite like the “He Gets Us As” ad.
Advertisements for an evangelical Christian website called He Gets Us have been shown on US TV since last year, both during sporting events and the Grammys. The ads use striking black-and-white photographs of recent events to project Christian values onto modern life. The ads portray Jesus as a "canceled" influencer, a refugee, a struggling worker, and other archetypes. The Super Bowl He Gets Us ad brought together opposite ends of the ideological spectrum - in outrage.
I will admit that I think the ads are well done, but I can also acknowledge that the future of the church will not be decided by our investments in mass media marketing. The discourse I read in the wake of the ad got me thinking about a discussion between NT Wright and Tom Holland I listened to recently on YouTube. In the discussion, Wright and Holland discussed the subversiveness and resourcefulness of the early church. Rome crucified Christ and the early church responded by claiming the brutality of their role as the sign of God’s love. Roman roads, the greatest tool of the Roman military, became the information super highway that the church used to spread the Gospel. Both men described the early church as shrewd and practical.
Whatever the motivations of the groups or individuals who produced the commercial, the Gospel had a Primetime spot on TV, and the most fruitful question the church should be asking is, “How can we use this?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
Service of Installation
For Pastor Bradley Eidson
With great expectations from God, we invite you to join us at the installation of our new pastor, Rev. Bradley D. Eidson,
Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.
in the Sanctuary at Christ the Lord.
|
|
|
Ash Wednesday
As we begin the 2023 Lenten Season, please join us in worship on
February 22, at Noon or 7:30 p.m. for a communion service with the imposition of ashes.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lenten Devotionals
A Season of Amazing Grace
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the writing of the hymn Amazing Grace, our Lenten devotionals (located in the narthex) will focus on the words and history of this beloved song. You are invited to spend the 40 days of Lent reflecting on how the message relates to our lives today and those in the Bible. If you would like copies mailed to you, email Jenny Lanning (here).
|
|
|
|
Holden Evening Prayer
Midweek Lenten Service
Tuesdays during Lent at 7:00 p.m
Beginning February 28
Our mid-week services this Lenten season will feature an evening prayer service popular in many Lutheran churches around the US. Holden Evening Prayer was written in 1985-86 by Marty Haugen during a musical residency at Holden Village in the North Cascade mountains of Washington. Holden Evening Prayer is a simple Lutheran vespers service that follows traditional form while using contemporary and inclusive language.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Audition for the Spring Play
February 26
|
|
Show Dates: May 19 at 7:00 p.m.
May 20 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Rehearsals: Sundays 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Mondays and Thursdays 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Christ the Lord Lutheran Church Sanctuary
Cast Needed: 3 women and 5 men to play characters ages 20 - 60
Other: A variety of crew members will be needed.
Contact: M.C. Conti 404-428-9865 .
|
|
|
|
Prayerfully Consider a Role
Vacation Bible School
Plans for vacation Bible school have begun. Join us for Food Truck Party VBS as we get On a Roll With God. We are seeking leaders for snacks, crafts, music, science, and teachers for all grades. Sign-up begins February 26. This year Vacation Bible School is June 5 – 9, from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. Serve, lead, and HAVE FUN at our VBS. Contact Diane Thomas for more information or to volunteer.
|
|
|
|
Online Directory
Please take a moment and set up the online directory app on your device. Setting it up is as easy.
Get Access
For Handheld devices, download the app for your device Apple App Store: Get the iPhone / iPad app here. Google Play Store: Get the Android app here.
For a desktop or laptop computer, Members can log into the Online Directory at members.instantchurchdirectory.com/
Create A Password - Using the email address we have on file you will be directed to verify your identity and set up your own unique password.
Check your information - You may notice that your picture is missing or not up to date. Perhaps your address needs to be updated. You can submit updates right from the app. Feel free to provide a picture of your choosing to Janice Aldridge in the church office by email. If you need someone to take a picture or need more assistance, call the church office at 770-963-4499.
Need printed instructions? Download a pdf for IOS here and for Android here. If you need a directory and wish not to utilize the app, please contact the church office and a printed copy will be provided to you.
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
Spring Retreats are Being Planned
|
|
|
April 20 - 23
Tanglewood Cabins
Helen, Georgia
|
|  |
|
May 5-7
Lutheranch
Tallapoosa, Georgia
|
|
|
|
Sunday Morning Faith Formation
Join Us This Sunday
10:00 a.m.
Sunday Morning Classes
Sunday School - Prek to Grade 5 and High School
Confirmation Grades 6, 7 and 8
11:00 a.m.
Children's Chime Choir
First grade through 8th grade
|
|
|
|
|
|
Thank You for Your Support
The high school youth appreciate the congregation’s support of the service project for the domestic violence shelter. They were able to put together 16 generous baskets of laundry supplies, 16 large bags of snacks, and 24 Valentine bags for the kids at the shelter. The shelter was thrilled to receive the gift for their residents. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of many.
|
|
|
|
|
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 (here)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Join the Choir
All are welcome.
Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings beginning at 7:15. We will begin a new season January 11
|
|
|
Bell Choir
Handbell choir rehearsals are Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. John Miller will make himself available to help new ringers individually.
|
|
|
Worship Band
The CTL Band gathers monthly on a select Wednesday evening at 6:30. We are currently seeking percussionist to keep the beat. Contact Diliana for details.
|
|
|
If you have any questions about Music Ministry and how you can be a part of it contact Diliana Slavova through the church office or by email (here)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ladies Night Out
for March
All adult ladies are invited to the Ladies' Night Out. The next event will be held Monday, March 20 at Marlowe's Tavern located at 1950 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097. We will gather for dinner at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to Sandy Vanags. Grab a friend and join us.
|
|
|
|
Men's Fellowship Dinner
Join the men of CTL at Tooey's on Thursday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m. Email Jim Clark (here) to have a seat saved for you.
|
|
|
|
|
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
-
March 10: Woman of God by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
-
April 14: The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts
-
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
|
|
|
|
Adult Sunday School
10:00 a.m.
Continues This Week
The remainder of the book being studied during Adult Sunday school will be facilitated by Richard Burgess. This class meets at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The topic of study is the book A Handbook for the Christian Faith by John Swartz
|
|
|
Men's Tuesday Bible Study
Will Break During Lent
A study of the book of Job will continue each Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. Named after its central character Job, the Book of Job attempts to understand the sufferings that engulf Job and bring him everlasting Hope. The reason for this study is - We all need Hope. Our only true Hope comes from God, who has given us His Son Jesus, to save us and bring us to Him, for Joy everlasting. Email Richard Burgess for more information.
|
|
|
|
Thursday Morning Bible Study
The Gospels
All are Welcome
After a two-week break, this class led by Pr. Dale Sillik will resume on February 16 at 10:00 a.m. in room #7. The class is an informal discussion of the Gospels. We are currently studying the Gospel of Matthew. All are welcome. We hope to see you there
|
|
|
|
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
Ramen packets, Jelly, Canned Chicken, Oatmeal,
Potatoes (instant or canned), Applesauce, Pasta Sauce
Most Needed Personal Care Items
Adult Diapers, Laundry Detergent, and Hotel/Trial size Toiletries
Visit the Co-Op Website (here) to learn all the ways to volunteer
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date
We will have a toilet paper drive on
April 30
Start gathering your donations now.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Ash Wednesday
February 22
All Georgia Youth Gathering
February 24-26
Audition for Spring Play
February 26
Youth Sunday
March 5
Men’s Fellowship Dinner
March 9
Book Club
March 10
Pr. Brad Installation
March 12 - 4:00 p.m.
Easter Sunday
April 9
Men’s Retreat
April 20-23
Toilet Paper Drive
April 30
Women’s Retreat
May 5 - 7
Spring Play - The Mousetrap
May 19 and 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.
|
|
We continue to pray for these friends to feel God's presence during
their challenging times: You may submit prayers below:
|
|
|
Kenny Clark
Jeff Dahlin
Mark Edwards
Donna Howard
Erin Hutto
Hannah Johnson
Darleen Krautwurst
Dottie Mack
|
| |
|
Lloyd McArthur
Kathy Morales
Steve Rozinka
Janet Schuman
Darlene Swaim
Jean Todd
Leroy White
Kathy Weidman
|
|
|
|
|
You may mail checks to 1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043 |
|
Set-up electronic funds transfer by emailing our Treasurer, Brandon Witt
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Christ the Lord Lutheran Church
1001 Duluth Highway, Lawrenceville, Ga 30043
770-963-4499 ctllutheran.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
