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A Word from Pastor Scott
Dear Disciples of Christ the Lord,
True story: In a small town a mother asked her ten-year-old son to do an errand for her: Pick up some flowers for the dinner table. That meant he would be carrying flowers through the streets of the small town where they lived. How embarrassing! He feared his friends would see him carrying flowers and shout, “What a sissy!”.
Later, when that boy was a teenager, he fell in love with a young woman. One day he went to the same florist to purchase a bouquet for the object of his affection. He had no shame carrying those flowers down the same streets.
That boy, as an adult, when remembering those two journeys carrying flowers realized, “As a teenager carrying those flowers, I was not thinking about how others would react to me. All I could think about was her. I kept thinking about how happy she would be to get those flowers. And, how happy I was to be the one bringing them to my beloved.”
LOVE and GIVING are strongly connected. Hopefully, we all have experienced loving others so much that we are anxious to give them things. Then the motivation for giving is not an obligation. It is desire. That is: We give not because it is something we should do. We give because it is something we want to do.
“For God so loved the world that God gave…” Our God gave us everything we have. In responding to God’s love for us, we desire to show our gratitude by giving to God.
Giving to God has become a joyful experience for me. I desire to give to God because I love God. Why is that? God gave me everything, not holding back even God’s beloved Son. God is determined to give you and me all we need and much more. Our God gives us the gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. For even small gifts from others, we say ‘thank you. How might we creatively give to show our thankfulness to our Lord?
Living with gratitude to God bears the fruit of abiding joy. I think we should have a holiday to express our thanks to God. We could call it “Thanksgiving Day”. Hmmm.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Scott Peterson.
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Breakfast Will Be Served
To celebrate this
Planning for Mission Sunday,
November 13
breakfast will be served in the fellowship hall beginning at 9:45.a.m. All are welcome!
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Some Pledge
Sunday Thoughts
From the CTL Stewardship Chairperson
For all of us at CTL, the past few years have certainly been challenging. We have weathered the storms and we have remained faithful and blessed.
Nonetheless, some of us have moved away. Some of us have just not yet come back to church following Covid. Our losses have been painful and we miss the personal contributions of presence, time, talent, and treasure that are a result of our “people changes” in this time of pandemic recovery.
So, 2023 is an important year for us. A year that promises newness in Leadership, Mission, and Discipleship. NEW is Good. We need it, and we need YOU... THE CHURCH.
CTL is such a spirit-filled place! As for my wife Janice and me, Pastor Bob married our two daughters and buried one of our three sons. During our years here, we have been blessed with six grandkids. Indeed, our one-time CTL Associate Pastor, Pastor Terri, baptized two of our grandchildren at her church in Roswell. We learned from and loved Pastor Julie. And we have been comforted by so many of YOU. We are on the cusp of having a new Pastor who will love us and walk alongside us through all the highs and lows life brings. I am convinced God has a special person prepared for the call.
Oftentimes, I tend to make things in life too complicated. When I do, Janice will remind me, “Remember, we are simply just walking each other home”.
We remain grateful that our “Walk Home” continues to be through this holy place. I invite you to commit yourself wholly in faith to the greater mission.
Thank you.
Michael Johnson, Stewardship Chairperson
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Stewardship 2023
Pledges for 2023 are being accepted now. Many have answered the call to share their giving plans for 2023. There is exciting energy building as we plan. If you have pledged thank you. If you haven't please do so soon. The stewardship drive letter can be accessed (here). Pledges can be made in person or online (here). Behold God makes all things new through you. Should you have questions about stewardship email Mike Johnson.
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Congregational Meeting
Sunday, December 11
to Vote on Calling CTL's
Next Pastor
As was announced at church this past Sunday, we have a Pastoral Candidate that has been both recommended by the Call Committee and approved by the Church Council. That process included an in-person onsite meeting on November 2 with the candidate. Following the interview, the Council unanimously voted to bring this candidate and the candidate's family back on Sunday, December 11. A Congregational Meeting will be held between services with the goal to vote on extending an official call.
That same day, December 11, before the meeting a "meet and greet" gathering will be held. This time will allow the Pastor and family to be introduced to the people of Christ the Lord. After this social time, the meeting will convene. Written anonymous ballots will be collected. A 2/3 majority vote by CTL members attending this meeting is required to issue this Call. All Confirmed members of CTL are voting members.
Reviewing the call process at CTL: How did we get here? This process began when the Council elected the Call Committee in March. The Call Committee members were chosen to represent a cross-section of our congregation’s demographics. Next, the Call Committee developed a survey inviting all CTL members to give input to be used to guide the Committee’s deliberations. A MIssion Site profile was created using a variety of information in addition to the survey results. The Call Committee prayerfully evaluated Candidate profiles and conducted Zoom interviews with three Candidates recommended by the Bishop’s Office. After those interviews, the Call committee unanimously recommended to the Council the Candidate who was interviewed on November 2.
At the direction of the Bishop’s Office of the SE Synod, the Call Committee and Council are required to keep the Candidate’s identity confidential at this time. This is to avoid disturbing the congregation the Candidate is currently serving. So please be patient out of consideration for the Candidate and the members of that congregation. Waiting is hard, We are heading into a season of waiting. When the spirit moves the result is worth the wait.
In this waiting time, please continue to pray that God’s will be done as we anticipate welcoming CTL’s next Pastor. If you have questions about this process, please Call Committee chairperson, Brett Swartz at 404-771-5025
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Sunday Morning Faith Formation
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
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Don’t Miss the Kids
The Children’s Christmas Pageant will be held on December 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. All are invited to come and support our budding actors as they tell the story of Christmas. The Chime Choir will play a few holiday pieces and a dessert reception will follow the event. Please join us for this entertaining evening.
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Thanksgiving Break
We are grateful for the many volunteers we have working with the children and youth on Sunday mornings. There will be a Sunday school break for the holidays, November 20 and November 27. Sunday school will resume on December 4. Thank you to our teachers: Amy Schroer, Mike Johnson, Janice Johnson, Amon Whitfield, Vanessa Wilson, Sue Schroer, Nancy Khashan, Rebekah Spratlin, and Donna Anderson.
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Thank You
The Christ the Lord Youth Group would like to thank you for your support of calendar sales. Through purchases and donations, we were able to raise $350 toward the ELCA Youth Gathering 2024. All of our calendars sold in just two weeks!
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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 (here)
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Sounds of the Season
Christmas Cantata
Christmas is a season of celebration, gratitude, and giving…This cantata focuses on the ultimate Christmas gift….Jesus. Brimming with beloved carols and exciting new songs, “The Gift” traces the ageless Christmas story through the lens of gratitude and our response to the Greatest Gift. This musical presentation will be Sunday, December 4 at 6:00 p.m. Grab your friends and neighbors and come enjoy an evening of beautiful music with a message.
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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)
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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 7 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. RSVP to Sandy by text at 770-910-3559. We hope to see you there.
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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
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December 9: Christmas book of your choice to share and a special collection for the Lawrenceville Co-Op Food Bank
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January 13: America's First Daughter by Laura Kamoie
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February 10: The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict
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Men's Bible Study
New Topic
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.
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Angel Tree 2022
Begins This Sunday
Show the love of Christ to our community through one of our Angels!
Legacy Angels - We have several families that have been part of our Angel Tree program for more than 4 years. We are continuing to help these families provide gifts for their children. Stop by the Christmas Tree in the narthex and look through all the options - then pick out an ornament and record your name in the master book. The deadline for returning wrapped gifts is December 4th.
Golden Angels - One of the things that make our program special, is that the Golden Angels are gifts that are given out all year long. These gift cards are used to help those who come to the church looking for assistance. They are shared with a local ministry that works with the homeless in Lawrenceville. Want to help? Come by the Christmas Tree and take a Golden Ornament! Gift cards can be put in the offering plate or given to a staff member.
Streetwise Angel (Toy Drive) - CTL has been challenged with collecting toys/gifts for Streetwise Georgia, located here in Lawrenceville. As a part of their family support ministries, Streetwise works to provide Christmas gifts to the 250-300 families they serve locally. We will be providing toys/gifts for kids ages 3 to 5. The budget is $30 or less per toy and cannot be electronic (aka no batteries required). Games, dolls, blocks, crafts, cars, dinosaurs, etc. are all great options. Bring your unwrapped toy to the church and place it in the collection box! The deadline for drop-off is December 4th.
Want to volunteer with our Angel Tree Team?
Email Kathryn Gibbs Here
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Coat Drive Continues Through November
The youth are collecting clean, gently used, or new coats, and winter accessories. These items are shared with families in need. In our first week, we collected 40 coats. Great job! Let’s keep the coats coming in all month.
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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.
Greatest Pantry Needs
Applesauce, Jelly, Oatmeal, Peanut Butter, Canned Chicken
Special Needs
Empty and Clean Egg Cartons
Clean 1/2 Pint Mason Jars
Visit the Co-Op Website (here) to learn all the ways to volunteer
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Planning for Mission Breakfast Celebration - November 13
Youth Sunday - November 13
Angel Tree Project Begins- November 13
Advent Begins - November 27
Christmas Cantata - December 4
Congregational Meeting - December 11
Children's Christmas Pageant - December 11
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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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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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Terrell Anderson
John Bacon
Laura Bacon
Wanda Bacon
Kenny Clark
Jeff Dahlin
MacKenzie Dooley
Mark Edwards
Donna Howard
Jack Landgren
Dottie Mack
Lloyd McArthur
Marsha McCutchen
Charlene Minter
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Kathy Morales
Pollock Family
Gert Rhein
Steve Rozinka
Janet Schuman
Smith Family
Eric Stier
Darlene Swaim
Jean Todd
Beverly Upton
Leroy White
Evelyn Wragg
Linda Yeargin
Joel Ziegler
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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
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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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