The Kingdom

of Heaven is Near

“The good man's past begins to change so that his forgiven sins and remembered sorrows take on the quality of Heaven: the bad man's past already conforms to his badness and is filled only with dreariness. And that is why...the Blessed will say "We have never lived anywhere except in Heaven, and the Lost, "We were always in Hell." And both will speak truly.” -The Great Divorce by CS Lewis

In Matthew chapter four, Jesus begins his ministry with these words, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” The verb "eggizo" is difficult to translate in this passage. It means "to come near". It can refer to space, as one person coming close to another person; or to time, as "it's almost time". Due to the ambiguity of the tense and translation, we could say: "Heaven’s rule has arrived and is arriving." The challenge for us is to live as Jesus calls us to live here in Matthew 4, “the kingdom has come near.” It is a present reality but something that is not yet fully realized. In order for us to live out our calling as Church, this reality must be true for us.

Blessings,

Pastor Brad

Our Cup Runneth Over

Mortgage Campaign Update

To read the original electronic communication follow this link. We hope you will keep the church in your prayers during this exciting time.

Progress To Date:

Goal = $200,000.00

Received = $112,100.00

Pledged Gifts to Be Received = $ 22,000.00

Remaining Needed = $ 65,900.00

We are eagerly anticipating how God will move us in this community as we retire this debt. WE WILL GO IN PEACE AND SERVE THE LORD.

Community Sunday

A Huge Success

This past Sunday was Christ the Lord's first Community Sunday. Our two services merged into one for this special day. We utilized traditional liturgy with contemporary music. The choir was outstanding under the direction of Diliana. There were over 175 people in worship.

Worship was followed by a potluck lunch complete with a barbecue cookoff. Entries into the competition included, ribs, pulled pork, smoked meatloaf, and chicken. Our chefs were Pastor Brad, Jim Clark, Donald Aldridge, Glenn Mierop, John Miller, Dave Mack, and Cathy Norton. Sides and desserts were provided by a number of attendees. We were well-fed.

And the winner is..... Donald Aldridge

The voting was super close for the seven entries into the cookoff. Donald Aldridge won by one vote for his smoked meatloaf. What a great day of worship, fellowship, and food!

Christ the Lord Lutheran Church - Blood Drive

Wednesday, October 25, 2023

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 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).

Faith Formation Classes

All Classes Held at 10:00

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. Registration is available online (here).

Chime Choir

Meets at 11:00 a.m.

Ms. Sue is back to help the young CTL ringers to make a joyful noise. 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. Bring the kids to Sunday School and stay for Chime Choir

Second Grade Bible Presentation

October 8

We are looking forward to presenting our second-grade students with a lovely hardcover Bible for their faith formation journey. The Bible presented is written at a third-grade reading level so it is easy for the younger students to read and grasp the meaning. Equipping our children with the tools they need to learn about God and His love is an important role of our congregation. Bibles will be given out on Sunday, October 8 at both services. Please the front office if you have a second-grade student ready to receive a Bible.

Save All Your Dates

Our youth will be selling 2024 wall calendars as a fundraiser beginning October 29. These always sell out fast.

Faith Formation Director

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.



Time for the Annual Yard Sale

Our annual Yard sale is quickly approaching. The sale will be held at the church on Saturday, October 7, 8 am to 2 pm. This year we are seeking many congregation members to help with the sale. The proceeds from the sale will be going toward the mortgage campaign We are looking for volunteers for the following jobs:

• Pricing items
• Work a shift on sale day, October 7
• Set-up for sale on October 4^th, 5^th , and 6^th
• Promote the sale on your local social media 

Join the Choir

Rehearsals Held Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m.

The new CHOIR season is underway. We are looking for more singers to join us. The more, the merrier! If you like to sing or would like to try, please stop by! Rehearsals are every Wednesday at 7:15 p.m. You can participate in just one project or more! There will be a Christmas Cantata!

If you have any questions about Music Ministry and how you can be a part of it contact Diliana Slavova through the church office.

Book Club

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

Upcoming Dates and Titles

October 13: The Next Thing On My List by Jill Smolinski

November 10: The Maid by Nita Prose

December 8: The Holiday Meeting includes A special collection for the Co-Op goodies to share and everyone Everyone reads a Christmas book of their choice to share, a special collection for the Co-Op, and goodies!

 January 12: Someone Else's Shoes by JoJo Moyes

Christ in Our Home

October, November, December 2023

Christ in Our Home, a devotional, is available in the Welcome Center at church. If you wish to have one mailed to you, Contact Jenny Lanning in the church office and indicate if you prefer a large print or pocket-size version. She will be happy to have one delivered to your mailbox.

Wrapping Our Friends in Prayer

Attention crocheters and knitters get those hands busy by making prayer shawls to share with anyone needing a reminder that God is with them during a difficult time. Using your favorite material and pattern and neutral colors make them at least six feet long. All completed shawls can be brought to the office or given to a staff member.

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. 

Synod Wide Confirmation

Camp at Lutheranch

September 29 to October 1

Yard Sale

October 7

Second Grade Bible Presentation

October 8

First Place 4 Health

Orientation - October 10

Children's Ministry Sunday

October 22

Red Cross Blood Drive

October 25

Calendar Sales Begin

October 29

Youth Sunday

November 12

Advent Program

December 3



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.