Christ Lutheran Church

REPORTER

March 2013

A Publication of

Christ Lutheran Church

113 Union Street

Natick, MA 01760

Phone: 508-315-3170 E-mail: ChristNatick@gmail.com

The Rev. Rebecca Bourret, Pastor Pastor.bourret@christnatick.org

Interim Music Director

Karin J. Gustafson kjgustafson@verizon.net

Kim Petot, Junior and Youth Choir Director

and Junior Bell and Chime Director rkmpetot@yahoo.com

Church Office

ChristNatick@gmail.com

Leaders of the Congregation:

Marianne Swenson, President Jeff Pearson, Vice President

Edie Lohr, Treasurer Lisa Eck, Secretary

Laraine Marthinsen, Flowers Doris Brand, Coffee Hour

Hilding Hedberg, Financial Secretary Martha Cronin, Outreach

John Whitlock, Resource Cathy Gallagher, Endowment

Edie Lohr and Roma Brown, Altar Guild Joyce Simon, Worship, Music, & Visual Arts

Bruce Schnepper, Property

Celeste Larson, Sunday School Jeffrey P. Kinney, Stewardship

Evangelism, open Pamela Goloskie, Nate Pearson, Lisa Eck,

and James Salerno, Youth Leaders

Church Council: Jerry Precious (2015)

Mary Avalos (2014) Patricia Bianco (2016)

Marianne Swenson (2015) Jeff Pearson (2014)

Michelle Dalzell (2015) Edie Lohr (2014)

Mary Pollard (2015)

Phil Roberts (2014) Joyce Simon (2013)

Lisa Eck (2014) Jennifer Bagley (2013)

Holy Week and Easter Worship at Christ Lutheran Church

Sunday, March 24 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion: Procession with Palms and Holy Communion Wednesday, March 27 7:00 p.m.

Contemporary Stations of the Cross Thursday, March 28 7:30 p.m.

Maundy Thursday Liturgy with Foot Washing, Holy Communion and Stripping of the Altar

Friday, March 29 7:30 p.m. Good Friday Liturgy with Adoration of the Cross Saturday, March 30 8:00 p.m.

Great Vigil of Easter with New Fire, Readings, Thanksgiving for Baptism and First Eucharist of Easter, followed by Pot-luck Paschal Supper

Sunday, March 31 8:45 and 11:000 a.m. Easter Sunday with Holy Communion

and Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 a.m.

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Pastor’s Page

Conventional wisdom has it that political rhetoric has degenerated in recent years, and most of the country bemoans the fact that “Washington” can’t seem to gets it work done on a budget (or much of anything else), largely due to the polarization of the two leading parties. Historians often contest the notion that this is a recent deterioration, citing rancorous and even slanderous barbs and accusations expressed centuries ago. Yet no one pretends that the current climate is constructive, and not many would contend that the worst depictions made of the opposing party are wholly accurate.

What is true in American politics may be true, also, in Christian proclamation, in the ways that we sometimes speak about the theology and polity of other denominations and of other faiths. Perhaps we feel the need to protect God’s reputation against distortion—or perhaps we simply seek to justify our own positions. Under certain circumstances it is important to publicly affirm our convictions of God’s disposition toward humankind and all of the creation, but at times faith demands that we be more self-critical—even repentant—about the suffering that we have caused in God’s name, in Christ’s name.

Each year during Holy Week we read two narratives of Jesus’ Passion: on Palm Sunday we read from one of the synoptic (Matthew, Mark and Luke) Gospels, and on Good Friday from St. John, whose rhetoric, in places, is pejorative toward “the Jews,” and has thus engendered hostility toward God’s covenant people. Also, the Johannine narrative minimizes the role of the tyrannical Roman authorities in Jesus’ death, depicting the Jews as fundamentally responsible for the crucifixion. It is vital, then, that we in some way address John’s sometimes harsh polemic, if we are to hear and receive John’s proclamation in ways that edify our faith and avoid perpetuating hostility toward the Jewish people.

One of the rhetorical devices that St. John employs frequently is dualism: light vs. darkness, flesh vs. spirit, blindness vs. seeing, “this world” vs. the world “from above.” In many instances the fourth evangelist uses the word “Jew” or “Jewish” in a neutral manner, for example, “Now there was a Phari-see named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews” (John 3.:1) or “After this there was a festival of the Jews (John 5:1a). Frequently, however, in the Passion narrative especially, John uses the general term “the Jews” to name a smaller opposition group such as the chief priests or scribes, or elders, wrongly branding the Jewish people as those hostile to Jesus who call for his arrest and execution.

Some Context: in the early part of the first century of the common era, various Jewish sects, including those who professed Jesus to be the Messiah (the first Christians) wrestled with their understandings of scripture and history as revealing God’s will for Israel and the world—the same kind of internal struggles that religious groups, including ELCA Lutherans, have today. But by the time of the writing of the fourth gospel (c. 90) Jewish Christians had become separated from the synagogue, and employed the polemical language of those early, internal debates to condemn Judaism as a whole.

The vast majority of Johannine scholars concur that this pejorative use of the term reflects that divi-sion between the local Jewish community and the Jewish Christian community that had developed—the first audience for which the fourth gospel was written. In other words, John likely used “the Jews”

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Pastor’s Page (continued)

much as modern political or religious rivals use terms like “latte-drinking liberals” and “tree-hugging job-killers,” “Neo-cons” and “the party of ‘no’,” or “fundamentalists” or “holy rollers.”

Christians also need to bear in mind the sociological changes that have taken place since New Testament times. Originally a minority movement, Christian-ity became, by the time of Constantine, the dominant faith in the Roman Empire, and remains the majority faith in the US (which has even recently been called “a Christian na-tion”). Too often, in sharp contrast with Jesus’ oft-expressed concern for “the last, the least and the lost,” the Church has aligned itself with empire and misused its power to perse-cute the first heirs of the covenant, the Jewish people.

It is thus incumbent upon us contemporary Christians to read and hear St. John’s Passion narrative in this light, and appropriate to replace the offensive and dangerous use of

“the Jews” with language that is harmonious with the synoptic Passion accounts and in keep-ing with the Gospel’s central proclamation that God sent Jesus into the world (cosmos) not to condemn the world, but that the cosmos might be saved through him.

In preparation for our Good Friday Passion reading, I’ll be going through the narrative and making judicious emendation of the use of “the Jews.” I trust that it will enlighten our hearing.

Peace.

Pastor Rebecca Bourret

Céad Mile Fáilte! ST. PADDY’S DAY SPECIAL!

CLC @ the MOVIES Sunday, March 17, 4 PM

Memorial Room, Christ Lutheran Church

One of the most beautiful books in the world, this fascinating

program conveys on screen, the greatest glory of Irish art. 60

minutes FAITH AND BEGORRAH!

Irish themed potluck to follow

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It is my pleasure to serve here at Christ Lutheran Church as interim organist while the

search for a new Organist/Music Director takes place!

The Senior Choir, which I am leading, is offering special music at our Sunday morning

worship on occasional Sundays. In addition, we will be singing anthems, along with the

Junior Choir, on Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. We rehearse each Sunday morning at

9:00 to 9:45 am in the balcony. If you would like to join us in singing appropriate music

to enrich our worship – or if you have individual talents you would like to share – please

let us know. Just contact Pastor, Karin, or any member of the Senior Choir.

Karin Gustafsen

Interim Music Director

The Natick Service Council appreciates all unopened and non-expired donations. CLC is always generous in their contributions to the shopping cart outside the kitchen.

Some things they have mentioned that they often need in addition to food are personal care items like: toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet tissue, tissues, deodorant, etc… They also take plastic and paper shopping bags, so leave them in the cart for an easy way to recycle/reuse them!

Thanks! Michelle Dalzell

CLC Craft Day

will be canceled the last Saturday in March, because of Easter.

We will resume meeting on April 27th.

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During this Lenten Season I encourage you to go up to the altar and look closely at the

beautiful purple paraments on the altar and pulpit. These were designed, crafted and

donated by Cathy Gallagher in memory of her daughter, Madeline, in 1989.

Cathy copied the Agnus Dei - Latin, “Lamb of God” from the window over the altar. It

is the Triumphal Lamb waving a banner. The white pennant with a red cross represents

the body of Christ, which is attached to a cruciform staff, representing the cross on

which the Lamb of God died and through which the risen Christ saves the world. The

first and last letters of the Greek alphabet are on the pulpit cloth. The Alpha and Omega

stand for Jesus Christ, “the first and the last, the beginning and the end”; these letters

are never used apart from each other.

The chasuble worn by the Pastor when celebrating communion is reminiscent of the

purple garment worn by Jesus before Pontius Pilate. The Agnus Dei is on the chasuble.

Joyce Simon acquired the silk fabric for these paraments in Thailand in 1987 when she

visited refugee camps on behalf of Lutheran Refugee Services.

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Musical Journey through Lent

– Final wrap.

I am pleased to announce our February school vacation program was a great success. A

total of 29 children attended the program, some full and some part-time, 18 children from the

community and 11 CLC members. Huge thanks to Kim Knowlton for helping with advertizing.

The success is due to the amazing staff of volunteers! I’ll give you a brief run down of the

children’s day while acknowledging the many talented people who helped.

- Children were greeted at the door by the ever energetic youth helpers Andrew Avalos, Anders

Carlson and Lizzie Rinkus (a piano student of mine from Newton). These young folks were

vital in having everything set-up on time and leading the children during free time.

- Friendship circle and yoga warm-ups followed

- Daily, Dr. Brown kept the children totally engaged with a 30- minute bible lesson pertinent to

the “word of the day”. We especially enjoyed celebrating his 80th birthday on Thursday.

- World drumming was expertly lead by Gail Weston-Roberts. She magically taught the chil-

dren the importance of watching and listening while drumming, and were able to repeat our

drum circle many times over the course of the week.

- I was blessed to have a very musical group of children, daily we learned songs relevant to the

“word of the day” –

° Tuesday’s word was Wilderness

° Wednesday’s word was Barren

° Thursday’s word was Covenant

° Friday’s word was Reconciliation

- Hot lunch was served daily. Many thanks goes to Carol Virshbo, Pastor Bourret, Kathy Shep-

herd and Max Petot for preparing and serving lunch

- After lunch the children were spellbound from “word of the day” stories lead by Richard

Hurst, Pastor Bourret and Nick Pearson

- You most likely saw the lanterns in the Fellowship Hall. These were the result of our 3 day

craft project. Gary Wolf expertly designed these structures. His experience teaching engi-

neers came in handy while instructing the children as to how the structures were assembled.

As you can see it was a great success.

This program wouldn’t have been possible at all without the help of Mary Wolf and Nick Pear-

son. Their patience, energy, creativity and intuitive ability to anticipate what’s needed next were

truly appreciated! I am ever to blessed and grateful to have worked with them.

I want to close with a few quotes from the children-

- “we’re blowing bubbles to God!”

- “Oh so the rainbow is the sign of God’s promise to us”

- “it’s not what goes into your mouth that matters, it’s the words that come out”

- “I Love ringing bells- can I come back”

Thank you,

Kim Petot

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Musical Journey through Lent in pictures:

L-R, (1st row): Gail - staff, Dr. Dick Brown - staff, Anders - staff. (2nd row): Andrew - staff, Nick - staff, Camp attendee enjoying games, Pr. Bourret - staff (3rd row): Camp attendees ringing bells, Staff person (4th row): Pr. Hurst - staff, Nick - staff, Camp attendees. - photos courtesy of Ruth Colson

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Family Service Project Opportunity Help prepare food packages at Eliot Church in Natick

at 7PM on April 6th.

For more information on the project, see these sites:

Website: EndHungerNE.org Promotional YouTube: youtu.be/oH7U6u06sqM

Musical Journey through Lent in pictures (continued)

L-R (1st row): Camp attendees, Mary - staff (2nd row): Kim Petot - Director, Gary - staff - with camp attendees. - photos courtesy of Ruth Colson

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Visitation Ministry Luncheon

"A Mediterranean Cruise"

Sunday, April 28, 2013 After the church service

We are looking for help with the following tasks:

setting up the room, serving the meal,

cleaningup, and moving furniture for our Family Promise guests.

If you are willing to help, please contact Janice Laakko @ 508-620-0449.

Thanks!

CLC 1st Communion Retreat Saturday, Jan 26, 2013,

1 & 6. Pastor Bourret, Jennifer Canning, Andrew, Emma, and Jared make “stone soup”. 2 & 3. Emma grabs a rolling pin to shape pita bread for Communion. 4 & 5. Andrew helps serve lunch.

~ Photos courtesy of Judy Precious

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Medicine Wheel Production’s “Beacon to the Dream”

On Saturday, January 26 CLC hosted a parchment and pine lantern-making workshop as part of

Medicine Wheel Production’s “Beacon to the Dream.” The project, which spans several months

and includes folks from all over the city and suburbs of Boston, commemorates and honors the

50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. It will culminate in a great cel-

ebration on August 28, 2013, when thousands of the lanterns will encircle the beacon on Castle

Island at Pleasure Bay, honoring King’s legacy of inclusion. It is envisioned that a beam of hope cre-

ated by those thousands of lanterns set ablaze (with LED lights) will radiate King’s message of inclu-

sion, justice and peace throughout the city. A variety of artists: poets, singers, dancers, and more

will be participating. Mark your calendars: all are welcome!

Christ Lutheran now has a page on Facebook! Please visit, like us and share

news, photos and updates.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/ChristLutheranNatick?fref=ts

Not sure what Facebook is or how to find our page? Come to coffee hour on

Sunday March 17th to take a look – we can even get you signed up for your

own page!

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CLC CONCERT SERIES

2012-2013

FINAL CONCERT

Sunday, May 19, 2013

at 4 p.m.

Emerging Musicians’ Concert Showcasing talented young musicians

Proceeds to benefit Suicide Prevention

Come, join us on Thursday mornings to experience Bible discussions with Dick Brown. We will re-view our favorite Sunday School stories that we all remember from our youth, and to revisit the sto-ries as adults. These sessions will last one hour. Coffee, tea, and cookies are provided. If Thursday morning is not possible, consider Monday evenings at 7:00 pm. We will continue to in-vestigate the early Christian church as revealed in the New Testament writings. Specifically, we will review the pastoral epistles. This gathering is for one hour each Monday. No coffee or cookies are provided.

Adult Forum for March

On the Sundays in March (excepting Palm Sunday and Easter

Sunday) we will continue looking at the chief symbol of our faith

with introductory material from Luther Seminary Professor David

Lose. Join us in the Memorial Room!

March 3 Making Sense of the Cross with Professor David Lose

March 10 Making Sense of the Cross, cont.

March 17 Making Sense of the Cross, cont.

March 24 Palm/Passion Sunday – no forum

March 31 Easter Sunday – no forum

Our CLC youth will once again be participating in the 30 hour famine to raise money and awareness about

global hunger and poverty.

This years dates are April 26-27, and the theme this year is refugees.

If you would like to participate, please contact Pamela Goloskie or James Salerno.

There will be a fundraising drive in early April, stay tuned for details! http://www.30hourfamine.org

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FAMILY PROMISE METROWEST Training Session -here at Christ Lutheran Church-

If you haven't volunteered yet during a Family Promise host week, you're missing out - and we're missing you! This is CLC's centerpiece community project and we need the participa-tion of as many congregants as possible. There are jobs for everyone, big and small - don't you want to be part of it? Family Promise Metrowest has thus far served more than 70 families, providing them with meals, shelter and compassion while they work toward full employment and stable housing. Imagine what a difference we've made in their lives, and especially, the lives of their chil-dren, but there are so many more who need our help. To participate as a dinner or overnight host, you must attend a short training session, and other volunteers (cleaning, set-up, breakdown, laundry) are encouraged to attend as well. It's quick and easy - watch a couple of DVD's, hear about the basics of the program, and get all your questions answered. There will be a training session right here in the Fellowship Hall on Tues., April 2, from 6:30 to 8pm. Refreshments will be served and you may bring your children with you if you wish. Please let me know if you plan to attend and if you're bringing your children - we'll provide appropriate snacks and activities. I hope to hear from you, and many thanks, Laraine Marthinsen 508-651-3165

A new training program has been scheduled for prospective Pastoral Visitors at

Leonard Morse Hospital, MetroWest Medical Center in Natick. Are you interested in

learning about serving as a visitor from the Pastoral Care Office in this rewarding

and dynamic ministry to hospitalized patients?

Come to an information /orientation session on Tuesday, April 2nd, at 7-8:30pm.

Please meet in the Fair Conference Room, on the first floor of the Fair Building

which is across from the Emergency entrance to Leonard Morse Hospital. For

those who choose to become Pastoral Visitors, the first of seven (Tuesday) training

sessions will be on Tuesday, April 9th, 7:00—9:00 pm.

For more information, please call Linda Giarla, Chaplain and Pastoral Care Coordi-

nator at the hospital:508-650-7331, or the Pastoral Visitor Program Coordinator,

Carolyn Bilodeau at 781-373-2168.

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These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the church. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.

1 Remember in your prayers the members of the Roman Catholic Church, both the clergy and the lay people, during the process of choosing a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

2 Pray for Ella Vandervlugt, an ELCA missionary teaching in Bratislava, Slovokia.

3 Third Sunday in Lent Gracious God, help us to remember that you were here when the world was made. Help us to trust in your faithfulness, and to know that in an unpredictable and chaotic world, you will always remain.

4 Give thanks for the lifesaving ministry of Dr. Mark L. Jacobson, an ELCA missionary in Tanzania who was awarded the 2013 Dr. Nathan Davis International Award in Medicine from the Amer- ican Medical Association for his work in that country.

5 Remember in your prayers Kjerstin Sanden, who is spending a year volunteering in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as part of the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program.

6 In light of the decision by the Ethiopian Evangelical Church Mekane Yesus to sever its relation ship with the ELCA and other churches, pray for the global ecumenical movement and for a healthy dialogue among the varied Christian traditions around the world.

7 Pray for ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission participant Adam “Lee” Kirberg, whose volun- teer work in Madagascar includes teaching.

8 Include in your prayers Robin Strickler, an ELCA missionary in Rwanda serving in education administration.

9 Pray for Carolyn Stypka, an ELCA missionary teaching English as a second language in Tokyo. 10 Fourth Sunday in Lent Dear Lord, embrace us in your mercy. Hold us close in your great grace and compassion, that we may show the same love to others as you have shown to us.

11 Pray for ELCA missionaries Dr. Helmut and Rotraut Diefenthal and their work as radiology trainers in Tanzania.

12 Pray for the children in the world’s refugee camps. More than half of the Syrians in Jordan’s Za’atri camp are under the age of 18.

13 Pray for the Rev. Peter Harrits, the ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission coordinator for Ma- laysia, as he helps guide young volunteers through their year of service with the program.

14 Give thanks for the ELCA Malaria Campaign and the global effort to fight malaria in Africa, which has helped slow the rate of deaths from the disease there.

15 Pray for Patrick Cudahy, who is teaching for a year in Malaysia as an ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer.

16 Pray for the ministries of the pastors of the ELCA who daily share the love and saving grace of Jesus Christ.

PRAYER VENTURES

March 2013

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17 Fifth Sunday in Lent Merciful God, we thank you again for another week and another morning, for calling us to be your servants all the days of our lives.

18 Lift up the many people still suffering from the effects of the economic collapse. May the love of God and the kindness and concern of others help them find joy and stability in their lives.

19 Joseph, Guardian of Jesus Pray for Elizabeth Michell, an ELCA missionary teaching in Bratislava, Slovakia.

20 Pray for Kristen Lee and her service in Mexico as an ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission vol- unteer.

21 Pray for the congregations of the ELCA as they strive to do God’s work with their hands often amid difficult social and economic circumstances.

22 Remember Rebecca Wicker in your prayers as she walks in accompaniment with new friends In Malaysia as an ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission program participant.

23 Pray for Barbara Robertson and her ELCA missionary work providing HIV and AIDS education in Tanzania.

24 Palm Sunday/Passion Sunday Everlasting God, like your Son and Servant, Jesus Christ, riding into Jerusalem, help us to go where you’ve called us boldly and confidently. Prepare us for what lies before us, however difficult the journey may be.

25 Pray for ELCA missionaries the Rev. Jose David Rodriguez and Kathryn Baker and their work with future pastors at a seminary in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

26 Give thanks for those who through Kalos, the ELCA legacy society, have designated a gift in their will, trust or to an endowment to support the work of this church.

27 Pray for Samantha Berglund, an ELCA Young Adults in Global Mission volunteer serving with a Christian residential outdoor activity center in Tollesbury, England.

28 Maundy Thursday Pray for all those who, like Jesus on the night of the Last Supper, are facing trials and tribula- tions that they may feel the strength of God by their side.

29 Good Friday O God, on this day we give thanks for your unending love manifested through Christ’s suffer- ing on the cross that through him we may share in the peace and joy of the victory over death. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

30 Vigil of Easter Pray for the Rev. David and Alicia Brondos, ELCA missionaries in Mexico City, and their minis try of theological education.

31 Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Day O God, on this day when the tomb of our Lord and Savior was found empty, we rejoice in knowing that Jesus is indeed resurrected and alive. Let us not forget the joy and hope we find in his resurrection. Help us to be made new just as Christ was dead but rose again.

This resource may be copied and shared among members and friends of the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Contact info@elca.org for additional information. Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 8765 West Higgins Road, Chicago, IL 60631. Telephone: 800-638-3522, ext. 2458.

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Thank You… ~ Excerpts from letters and cards we have received this past month ~

The Ruth House Families would like to thank you for your generous donation to our program. Along with the

cooperation of local agencies and resources it is important to have the support of our community, to assure that our

family’s needs are met.

Thank you for your generous donations to our families at tis joyous time of year. Through generous donations

like yours, we are able to provide our clients with an atmosphere which promotes self-respect, respect for others, and

responsible participation in society.

Sincerely,

Karen Anfield

Program Director Young Parent Services

Card insert: Christmas is the best holiday. You guys made it worth it and also thank you for thinking of us.

Thank you,

Ruth House

Dear Christ Lutheran Church,

Thank you for your recent gift of $75.50 to ELCS World Hunger. Your faithful generosity makes a life-

changing difference for people in need around the corner and around the world.

Your gift is greatly appreciated.

In Christ’s Service,

The Rev. Daniel Rift

Director, ELCA World Hunger

This Letter is to thank you, and acknowledge the receipt of your gift of $5,635.68.

Every week, congregations in this synod are reaching out in service, proclaiming the good news of God in Christ and

seeking to partner with Jesus as He builds his kingdom here on earth.

Sincerely In Christ,

Bishop

To Pastor Bourret, and my Christ Lutheran Family,

Thank you for your help and prayer during my illness.

Cancer is a strange disease that creeps up on you as abnormal cells start to grow and start to spread. It can go unde-

tected for a long time, with feeling mostly unusually tired until a tumor forms or a cyst changes and becomes malig-

nant.

A small white spot formed on my tongue, with surgery following after the biopsy showed squamous cell carcinoma.

I am very grateful for all the help of doctors and nurses in oncology care and radiation care over the last 4 years, for

my sisters Juliet and Kathy, and all my friends for their care and support. Bonnie Gouveia, at Framingham Lutheran,

who has done so much for me and Juliet, Carol Virshbo and Celeste Larsen who shopped for me, Ruth and Audrey

Colson, and so many others who have called, visited, and kept contact. There are so many names I could go on and

on.

May the love of God be with us for His forgiving Grace be with us till the day of his appearing to share his kingdom

forever. In the blessing of Jesus his son who gave Himself for these trials and challenges we face now.

Thank you all for being there for me.

Love,

Elaine Seaberg

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Dear Chapter Pastor or Church Leader,

Great News! Thrivent financial has once again awarded a Thrivent Builds project grant to the Northeast-ern Massachusetts Thrivent Chapter and the Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity, that will help supply housing to two deserving families. It is the only Thrivent Builds project in New England in 2013.

Would you prayerfully consider helping us reach our part of the financial commitment?

Ways to help us meet our goal:

1) Pray for our success in bringing this duplex home to local, deserving families.

2) Commit to helping raise funds needed for this project via having a “buy a Board” activity at your congregation. Please see the flyer (posted below). Here’s how it works: Either volunteers from your church or Habitat or Chapter volunteers will do all of the work. The event costs your church nothing, but could bring blessings many times over. Proceeds raised are then forwarded to the local Habitat Chapter and counted toward our fund-raising goal. Of course, a cash commit- ment from your church would also be most welcome!

Schedule your “Buy-a-Board” event through Habitat at the bleow address/phone number with a notation that it is for the Thrivent/Lutheran build project. This can be a Sunday, or part of a congregational event.

Thank you for your support of this important mission. To schedule an event at your church, please contact Habitat for Humanity directly, or call Jim Clouser at 781.577.2181.

God Bless,

Pastor David Rinas, Trinity Lutheran Church Alvin Drehman, President, Northeastern Chapter of Thrivent Financial Jim Clouser, CFP, Financial Consultant, Thrivent Financial

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell 124 Main Street Westford, MA 01886 (978) 692-0927

Thrivent Builds — BUY A BOARD — Lowell Massachusetts

The Northeastern Massachusetts Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, in conjunction with the The Greater Lowell Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring a “Buy a Board” fund raising event at your church.

We will bring 2” x 4” boards to your church. For a donation of any amount, people then write messages of love and prayers on each board, to the families who will receive the new homes. Children especially love to decorate the boards with creative drawings. These boards are then literally built in to the new home, so the love and prayers stay with the home for its lifetime.

All proceeds raised go to the Greater Lowell Habitat Chapter to support our Chapter’s commitment to making the 2013 Thrivent Build a reality.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell Pastor David Rinas, Trinity Lutheran Church 124 Main Street Alvin Drehman, President, Northeastern Chapter Westford, MA 01886 of Thrivent Financial (978) 256-4539 (978) 692-0927 Jim Clouser, CFP, Financial Consultant, Thrivent Financial

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UPCOMING EVENTS

TONIGHT at 7:00 p.m. “Come-as-you-are” Worship in the All Saints Room

Movie Night, March 17th, 4:00 p.m.: Book of Kells, Followed by Irish-themed pot-luck

Holy Week begins Sunday, March 24th

Deadline for APRIL Reporter Submissions is MARCH 19, 2012

Christ Lutheran Church

113 Union Street

Natick, MA 01760

(508) 315-3170

office@christnatick.org

www.christnatick.org