CLARION Christ Memorial Lutheran Church

Inside this issue

Reliant update .................. 2

Erin Bode Concert ............ 3

Missions ............................ 3

Life Team ........................... 4

Preschool News ................ 5

Library ............................... 7

Youth Update .................... 8

Mark your calendars

1/28 Advanced Tickets for CMP

2/2 Women’s Guild lunch

2/4 Life Rally

2/4,5 Green Park Sunday (in services)

2/8 Pre School Open House

2/12 Handbells & Chocolates

3/10 Erin Bode Concert

4/8,9 GO! St. Louis

Leadership Clarifies Vision

To Guide Future On January 9th, our congregation’s winter Leadership Forum gath-ered 150 people to contemplate our future ministry. The Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis sponsored a screening of the documentary “When God Left the Building.” The film raises key challenges facing the church in America. This provided plenty of healthy dialogue in small groups.

Before the evening was over, congregational president Larry Felton presented identity and purpose statements that will guide our church into the future. Speaking on behalf of the Strategic Planning Team, he stated that the vision and values reflected in these state-ments will help our congregation make important decisions.

These statements were developed by the Strategic Planning Team over the past year, with input from staff, congregational surveys, and the August 2016 Leadership Forum. They are listed below.

Pastor Jeff Cloeter addressed key decisions facing our church in 2017. These include an evaluation of Sunday mornings, a pending offer to assume Christ in the City Lutheran church, (see page 2) and the growth and leadership of our Christ Memorial Childcare Center. “We can’t make big decisions blindly,” said Pastor Jeff. “We have to ask ‘Who are we?’ and ‘Why do we exist?’ before we set forth goals. These statements give us that clarity.”

The Strategic Planning Team represents a cross section of our church. Larry Felton, Jane Schmidt, Blake Rundell, Maria Spilker, Brian Page, Natalie McLaury, Roger Biggs, Jim Jaacks, and Lee Harmon.

Our Identity: Who We Are

We are a congregation of Lutheran Christians in St. Louis, MO, who are loved and sent by God.

Our Purpose: Why We Exist

We exist for those who long for identity and purpose; that more people are loved and more people sent.

(continued on page 6)

February 2017

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clarion

Christ Memorial Lutheran Church 5252 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Saint Louis, MO 63126 (314) 631-0304

The Clarion is published ten times a year for members, family, and friends of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church.

All copy (in Microsoft Word) is due the second Tuesday of each month. Please attach to an email or deliver an electronic copy to the church office.

Email to:

clarion@cmstl.org

Next deadline: February 14

Susan Senechal, Editor

»reliant considers opportunity This February Reliant will celebrate 3 years of worship at CRAVE Coffeehouse in the Midtown neighborhood of St. Louis city. This is the fourth location in the 10 years that Reliant has gathered for worship. Beginning in a south city backyard, to St. Stephen’s Lutheran in the West End, then the Grandel Theatre and finally to Crave.

During our time at Crave we have marked many significant mile-stones. New members received into fellowship, babies baptized into new life, young couples joined in marriage, and even beloved faith-family members “sent” to new adventures and ministries. We have also been able to love and serve our neighbors by eating, talking and even playing with them. Over the past 3 years Crave has become home for our city site.

This year Reliant/Christ Memorial will have an opportunity to make Crave Coffeehouse (Christ in the City Lutheran Church) a more permanent home. The Missouri District of the LCMS and the Crave Board will be presenting an offer for our congregation to assume ownership of that site. When this offer is received, the congregation will be notified, along with forums for discussion and input before an ultimate vote.

We consider this opportunity for three reasons: People, Perma-nence and Proximity.

People: The “bottom line” of the Church is people. Buildings, budget, and programs, only exist to serve the proclamation of the Gospel to people.

Permanence: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us...” (Jn.1:14a) To have an impact with the Gospel in an area there needs to be a permanent presence. We need to be willing to dwell with people, right where they are, for a long sustained period of time.

Proximity: The Gate, Tiffany, Shaw, SLU. Those are neighborhoods within an immediate 2 mile or less radius of Crave. This is a grow-ing, diverse section of the city.

Finally, please PRAY! Over the next several months we will have much to consider and discern. Pray for wisdom, pray for clarity, pray for the advance of the Gospel in the city of St. Louis.

loved & sent

Through special book signing events, Pastor Jeff's book Loved & Sent has raised $5,000 for ministries, including CFNA, Compass After School Programs, and young adult mission trip scholarships.

You can purchase copies through our church office from 8:00-4:00, Monday through Fri-day. Sales from these copies go to ministry.

You can also purchase on Amazon and all other e-reader formats.

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»erin bode: a concert for lent

Christ Memorial Productions is pleased to present a Free concert featuring St. Louis’ own Erin Bode. The event, to be held during Lent on March 10, 2017, is a free gift to the community and provides an ex-cellent opportunity to invite family and friends to an event that will be entertaining and uplifting in a relaxed atmosphere.

This event will give us as members of Christ Memori-al, the opportunity to join in fellowship with friends, family, and members of the community, and reflect God’s love while enjoying some excellent music. Consider inviting someone to this special event.

In addition to Ms. Bode’s presentation of secular and sacred music, Christ Memorial will offer free refresh-ments, an opening act performance by the GEN52 Band and live music beginning at 7:00 pm.

According to Ms. Bode’s website, her music is “infused with jazz grooves and made magic by Bode’s bell-like voice. Sophisticated arrangements and attention to phrasing, both vocal and instru-mental, further distinguish the band's fresh sound.” Ms. Bode’s most recent album, Here & Now, was released in 2016.

Advance Tickets for this free event will be made available begin-ning at 4:00 pm on Saturday January 28, both online at CMPShows.org and at the Church. Tickets will continue to be made available online and also at the Church Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saturdays from 4:30 - 5:00 pm, and Sundays from 9:00 - 11:00 am. For group ticketing, you may contact Tickets@CMPShows.org. Additional details are available at CMPShows.org. Please plan to attend and bring a friend!

»mission moment

Did you know that Christ Memorial helps support various mission fields and hosts its own local and international trips each year? Have you ever seen the offering option, “special missions” and wondered what it is used for? Have you ever heard of the Mission Committee?

In answer to these questions, yes! there is a mission committee and we seek out partnerships with local and international missions that are “relational with personal connections” (from our mission guidance statement). The majority of our funding comes through the “special missions” giving option. This past November we met to discuss how we can continue supporting the mission projects we have partnered with, and are happy to say that we are working with 8 different mission sites as well as having a fund for mission and college/seminary scholarships. Stay tuned as we introduce you to our individual missions in future issues.

Upcoming event: Mission Festival January 28th and 29th 2017 – Join us for a chili supper on Sunday, January 29, and check out presentations of the various missions we are a part of; plus one of our newest partners, Rev. Aaron Putnam from the Bay Area LINC in San Francisco, will be our guest speaker.

women’s guild february event

The Women’s Guild will meet on Feb. 2 at noon.

Bring a sandwich – dessert will be served. Guests are always welcome.

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»life team serves, plans trip to jeff city

As people who worship at Christ Memorial, we understand we are loved by God and sent into the world to serve. So with this in mind, in December the Life Team hosted a trip to the Lemay Community Center. Twelve people went to the residential living home to do some caroling for the residents. We hope to return regularly to visit.

What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. Saint Augustine

The Life Team would like to invite people of Christ Memorial to join us as we journey to Jefferson City, Mo for the Midwest March and Rally. This is a great time to speak out for the ones who have no voice. (Details in sidebar).

Guest speakers at the Rally include:

Ryan Bomberger of the Radiance Foundation, whose teen mom chose life for her child conceived in rape. Ryan is an incredible speaker and communication strategist.

Dr Vansen Wong, a former abortion provider, who will deliver his story of conversion and how God has used him to save lives.

If I sit next to a madman as he drives a car into a group of innocent bystanders, I can't, as a Christian, simply wait for the catastrophe, then comfort the wounded and bury the dead. I must try to wrestle the steering wheel out of the hands of the driver. Dietrich Bonhoeffer

The next Life Team meeting will be Tuesday, February 14th at 7:00pm in room 207.

Please consider joining us as we discuss many life issues in our culture today.

Blessings, Christ Memorial Life Team

»devotion, discussion, dessert Join us in the Family Room at church on the third Thursday of the month for a short devotion, a lively discussion about both Christian and secular books, and a homemade dessert. Please call Robbin Oehler at (314)843-7865 to join. NO COST to participants. Books are checked out to the leader from St. Louis County Library. February 16 at 6:30 pm Discuss The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks and eat rich gluten-free chocolate-dipped macaroons. The Secret Chord traces the arc of King David's journey from obscurity to fame, from shepherd to soldier, from hero to traitor, from beloved king to murderous despot and into his re-morseful and diminished dotage.

midwest march and rally for life

Saturday, February 4, 2017

6th Annual Midwest March and Rally for Life

Departure: from Christ Memorial at 7:30 am

9:30 am: Pre Rally out-side St. Peter’s Church, Jefferson City, MO

10 am: March from the Capitol Building (a short peaceful, prayerful walk through the surround-ing area)

10:30 am: Rally inside Capitol Rotunda

After the Rally, we will go for lunch at a local eatery, followed by Central Dairy.

Bring enough money to feed yourself.

Any youth attending Central Dairy will have their cost covered by a donor.

We should arrive back to St. Louis no later than 3:30 pm.

life team mission statement

As People Loved in Christ and Forgiven by Him, Christ Memorial Life Team is Sent to Serve the Pastors and Leaders in Educating the Community and Congregation on the Value of Life from Conception to Natural Death

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»preschool to hold open house Thinking about Preschool for your child? Join us for Preschool Open House, Wednesday February 8, from 9-11 am.

Stop by and visit our nationally accredited early childhood center. We offer a Kindergarten readiness program with hands on age appropriate activities that will help your child grow physically, spirit-ually and socially! A variety of day and time options are available. Give your child a great preschool opportunity at Christ Memorial!

Preschool classes available for children ages 3-5

(Choose 2, 3, 4 or 5 days)

8:30am-11:30am

8:30am-12:30pm

8:30am-3:00pm

Preschool classes available for 2 year olds

Monday Wednesday and Friday

8:30am-11:30am

8:30am-12:30pm

Check out the website at www.cmchildcare.org or call the office at 314-631-0992 for more info!

Christ memorial child care center seeks director

Interested individuals send a resume and cover letter to Christ Memorial Child Care Center attn: Sara Watson 5250 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63126 or by email to Sara.Watson@cmstl.org.

Please include with the cover letter at least three references from respect-ed leaders in the field of early childhood educa-tion.

We are seeking a candi-date to start by July 31, 2017.

Please visit www.cmchildcare.org for more information.

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»future vision (continued from page 1)

Our People: The Kind of People We are Called to Be

Loving: Living out the Great Commandment. Compassionate. Em-pathetic. Forgiving. Gracious.

Leading: Following well so that we can lead well in our various call-ings. Discipling. Growing. Bold.

Going: Living out the Great Commission, confidently sharing the love of God in Christ with others.

Giving: Living a life of selfless sacrifice. Generous. Open. Humble.

Our Path: The Values that Drive Our Direction

Regional: In a context of division and polarization, we see God’s work across boundaries, zip codes, and people groups. Examples: Our members come from multiple zip codes. We have two campuses.

Empowered: In a context where ministry is too often deferred to a professional, we are the priesthood of all believers. Examples: The Bookmark. Strong lay leadership.

Relational: In a context of lonely and disconnected people, we strive for local, loving, Christ-centered community. Examples: A family atmosphere. Community groups.

Unified: In a context of division, we strive for unity in our diversity. Examples: A common vision, unified worship, Loved+Sent Servant Event.

Multigenerational: In the context of a growing generational gap, we strive to reach young generations with mature generations. Examples: Youth mentors. Leadership from varying age groups.

»green park sunday:

Celebrate the ministry of our Lutheran School, Green Park, the weekend of February 4/5. We'll pray for our faculty and students, worship with songs from our children, and hear from Principal Steve Eggold.

attendance report

november 2016 Week One 736

Week Two 708

Week Three 809

Week Four 737

Average per Week 747

november 2015 Week One 694

Week Two 643

Week Three 701

Week Four 685

Week Five 693

Average per Week 683

december 2016 Week One 696

Week Two 691

Week Three 400 (ice storm)

Week Four 1624 (Christmas Eve and Day)

Average per Week 853

december 2015 Week One 716

Week Two 713

Week Three 721

Week Four 540

Week Five N/A

Average per Week 673

Christmas 1544

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»recent additions to the library

The CMLC Library’s new additions during the month of January include the following Community/Small Group Studies. Why don’t you come in and check out what is new in your library. Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World by Bob Goff- A five session study guide with DVD.

24 Hours that Changed the World and Final Words from the Cross, both six-session studies by Adam Hamilton with Leader’s Guide and DVD.

AHA: Awakening Honesty Action and Gods at War: The Battle for Your Heart that will define Your Life, both six-sessions studies by Kyle Idleman- with DVD, Leader’s Guide and Action Journal

The Invisible War: What Every Believer needs to know about Satan, Demons, and Spiritual Warfare by Chip Ingram- An eight session study with DVD and two study guides

Out Live Your Life: Discover How You Can Make a Difference by Max Lucado- A four session study with DVD, Leader’s Guide, and Participant’s Guide

God is Closer Than You Think: This Can be the Greatest Mo-ment of your Life because this Moment is the Place where you can meet God by John Ortberg- A six session study with DVD, Leader’s Guide, and Participant’s Guide

Discovering God’s Will: How to know when You are Heading in the Right Direction by Andy Stanley- An eight session study with DVD and Study Guide

Twisting the Truth: Learning to Discern in a Culture of Decep-tion by Andy Stanley- A six session study with DVD and Partici-pant’s Guide

stewardship update

Current Fiscal Year July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 spending YTD Actual Spending

$696,332

Actual Giving

$731,023

Budget Giving

$795,174 giving YTD

2015-2016 $726,278

2016-2017 $731,023

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»wreaths across america 2016

Thank you all for participating in this patriotic project. Again we increased our numbers. 2013 – 1 we found out about the project 2014 - 40 2015 – 124 2016 – 207

After Christmas another congre-gation called wanting infor-mation on how they could join the effort. Maybe some year each grave will have a wreath on it at Jefferson Barracks.

Thank you to Boy Scout Troop and Pack 661 for taking on the task of placing wreath on specific graves. Here are a few pictures.

If you were one of those asking for a wreath to be specifically placed and have not seen a picture of your loved one’s site contact Kathy Pop-pitz at Kathy.poppitz@cmstl.org.

»youth winter recap

The youth had a great end to 2016 and have kicked off 2017. The Junior High enjoyed making gingerbread houses and playing games at their Christmas party. Twenty five Senior High youth played laser tag at the Edge in Belleville and stayed up all night at church as part of their annual Christmas Lock-In. In January, over 30 youth and adults experienced snow and wind in their faces as the tubed down

the hill at Hidden Valley.

handbells and chocolates

Save the date — Feb-ruary 12th — for Handbells and Choc-olates 2017 – and be sure to invite others to this community event that allows new people to expe-rience our church!

If anyone wishes to help Handbells make a joyful noise to the Lord, call Sherry Amen at (314) 757-6607 or contact her by email at

Sherry.L.Amen@gmail.com.

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