January 2015 A Publication of Christ Lutheran Church 113 Union Street Natick, MA 01760 Phone: 508-315-3170 E-mail: [email protected]The Rev. Rebecca Bourret, Pastor [email protected]Tom Berryman, Music Director [email protected]Kim Petot, Junior and Youth Choir Director and Junior Bell and Chime Director [email protected]Ángel Marrero, Youth Director [email protected]Tamara Nevens, Administrative Assistant Church Office [email protected]Leaders of the Congregation: Marianne Swenson, President Michelle Dalzell, Vice President Edie Lohr, Treasurer Phil Burt, Secretary Carol Virshbo, Professional Leadership Laraine Marthinsen, Flowers Doris Brand, Coffee Hour Frank Miller, Financial Secretary Martha Cronin, Outreach John Whitlock, Resource Cathy Gallagher, Endowment Edie Lohr and Roma Brown, Altar Guild Joyce Simon, Worship, Music, and Visual Arts Bruce Schnepper, Property Lisa Eck, Sunday School Jeffrey P. Kinney, Stewardship Church Council: Michelle Dalzell (2015) Jim Nail (2015) Mary Pollard (2015) Marianne Swenson (2015) Patricia Bianco (2016) Phil Burt (2016) Phil Roberts (2016) Joyce Simon (2016) Mary Avalos (2017) Lisa Eck (2017) George Hall (2017) Edie Lohr (2017) Christ Lutheran Church REPORTER Christmas-Epiphany Open House at the Parsonage 8 N. Lincoln Street, Natick Center Sunday, January 4 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Please join us as we continue the celebration of Christ’s incarnation! All are welcome. Please bring only yourselves.
Martin Luther King Day: What are you doing for others?
As I write, a few days before Christmas, the sounds of “Light One Candle [to watch for Messiah]” are
still echoing in my ears. We’ve sung one verse, then two, three, and four verses as the candles of our
glorious Advent wreath were lit. The wreath helps us to mark time as we approach the celebration of
God’s birth among us in Jesus Christ. But the words of the song bear significance that carries into our
Christmas and Epiphany celebrations and beyond. How do we watch for Christ’s coming among us in
our everyday lives? How do we “light candles” to illumine Christ’s presence among us?
In response to Dr. Martin Luther King’s remark that "Life's most persistent and urgent question is:
'What are you doing for others," the observance of the Martin Luther King Day holiday has, in recent
years, increasingly taken shape as a day of community service. For Christians celebrating the appear-
ing of Christ, it seems an especially fitting way to mark this day. Last year, across the country, volun-
teers delivered meals, collected food and clothing, served in soup kitchens, refurbished schools and
community centers, assisted veterans and military families, tutored children and assisted adults with
financial literacy training, and more.
This year, the Natick Clergy Association is building on its traditional sponsorship of the community
Martin Luther King Day interfaith worship service (held at Wilson Middle School, 22 Rutledge Road,
11:00 a.m.) by adding a community service component to the day. Adults and youth will have oppor-
tunity to contribute a couple of hours at any of several not-for-profit organizations.
The following are a few of the possibilities:
1) make sandwiches for the Salvation Army Center' Miracle Kitchen Program in Framingham. A group
of 12 - 15 people can make about 200 Boloney and Cheese Sandwiches in about an hour.
2) make recycle Buddy Bins to encourage recycling around Natick and Framingham. A group of 12 -
15 can make about 15 - 20 Buddy Bins in about an hour or hour and a half.
3) make carry-out shopping bags out of newspaper to offer merchants an alternative to the nasty lit-
tle single-use plastic carry out bags that are literally killing the earth and our oceans.
4) make small "tree planters" out of soil, small containers, and native tree seedlings, (like red oak,
sycamore, maple, etc.)
5) help organize storage for the Family Services Coalition (the agency serving families housed at the
TraveLodge)
6) help package food for Outreach, Inc. at Brandeis University
It should be noted that the idea for a community-wide volunteer day came to us from Dorothy Nail.
Pastor’s Page
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The MLK celebration seemed like a good fit, and a good place for us to begin here in Natick. I hope
that many of you from CLC will join me in participating: let’s light some candles in our community! If
you have additional ideas for volunteer options, it may still be possible to incorporate them.
Peace.
Pastor Rebecca Bourret
Adult Forum for January
4 Animate “Faith Practices: Sacraments:
A Tapestry of Traditions” - Phyllis Tickle
11 Animate “A Tapestry of Traditions,” con’t.
18 Jacob Kinney Thrivent Action Teams:
Accessing Dollars for Doing Good
25 No Forum (Winter Retreat)
CLC @ the MOVIES
SAY AMEN, SOMEBODY
Sunday, January 11, 6 PM
Memorial Room
“The music is as exciting and uplifting as any music I’ve ever
heard on film. This is a great experience.” --Roger Ebert
A reprise of one of our most popular films. Released in 1982
and again in 2007 this legendary film explores the lives and
music of the pioneers of modern Gospel music: Dr. Thomas A.
Dorsey (“Precious Lord, take my hand”), Willie Mae Ford
Smith, and many others.
“Deeply moving” --The New York Times
120 minutes.
Potluck theme: Why soul food of course! But don’t worry
about bringing food. There’s always plenty. Come and enjoy
the film and the company.
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE!
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MUSIC NOTES Tom Berryman, Music Director
I’ve been listening: the congregation is doing some fine singing on the Schubert liturgical set-
tings. We will continue with Schubert during the Epiphany season. Congratulations, also, on
your a cappella hymn singing! It’s really uplifting to have the organ drop out for a verse or two
and enjoy the robust, unaccompanied sound.
Land and Seasons: the Appalachian liturgy will be returning for February 15, Transfiguration
Sunday, the last Sunday of Epiphany. A great Sunday to invite neighbors and friends.
Sunday, January 18 we’ll include hymns and choral music in a Gospel style. A good contrast
with Schubert!
coming soon:
St. Olaf College Choir will be in Worcester’s Mechanic’s Hall on Wednesday, February 4 in
the evening. Should be an outstanding performance by one of the top college choirs in the
world.
The Cameraman, a fabulous 1928 silent Buster Keaton film arrives for a February 21 movie
night. Pianist extraordinaire, Rob Humphreville will make a return appearance.
Great December music making: we are so lucky to have so many skilled musicians at Christ
Lutheran, young and old:
Solos:
Our “Light one candle” players:
Peter Miller, Anders Carlson, Andrew Avalos, Preston and Spencer Burt
Instrumentalists on Christmas Eve and the Christmas season
Anders Carlson, trombone
Peter Miller, piano
Kathy Sheperd, violin
Scott Carlson and Jim Nails, guitar
Hannele Saramo-Raja, recorder
Joan Ellersick, viola
Gina Beck, singing Mariä Wiegenlied
John Whitlock singing the Bach “Qui Fecit”
Catherine Peta, singing Jason Robert Brown’s “Christmas Lullaby”
Karin Gustafson, playing the organ for our December 21 “Gabriel’s Message”
The World Band: with particular thanks to Gail Weston-Roberts for leadership
Junior Choir and Bell Players: with particular thanks to Kim Petot for leadership and
Nick Pearson for his assistance
Handbell Choir for December 28
CLC Choir: my own thanks to this group of dedicated singers for commitment to fine
singing during Advent, Christmas and throughout the year.
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Junior and Youth Music
Many thanks go out to all the children and families who contributed to the beautiful music
Christmas Eve family service. A great deal of preparation, dedication and time went into creating our worship experience. Special thanks to Catherine Peta (soprano), Anders Carlson
(trombone) Peter Miller (piano), Nick Pearson for assisting me during Saturday rehearsal and last but not least a huge heartfelt thanks to Tom Berryman
for all his support and encouragement!
Junior choir resumes January 3, 4pm. We are offering music during the January 4 service. We meet all consecutive Saturdays with the exception of January 24 (the CLC Calumet Retreat).
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PRAYER VENTURES
January 2015
1: On this day when we celebrate the holy name of Jesus, we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear,
would be our own. It is a good way to begin again another year.
2: We give thanks for teachers and prophets with voices that give strength to this church.
3: We give thanks for the ELCA International Leaders – Women program, and its commitment to the role and
contribution of women in church and society.
4: As a church of moral discernment, we lift up the ELCA social statement “The Church and Criminal Justice:
Hearing the Cries.” We are called to support civil rights organizations that fight to end racism and ensure justice
for all.
5: We remember those whose lives changed because of HIV and AIDS. We give thanks for our church’s commit-
ment to addressing the root causes that contribute to the spread of HIV.
6: We pray for West African nations struggling with Ebola. Through ELCA World Hunger, Lutheran Disaster re-
sponse and the ELCA Malaria Campaign, we walk together with Lutheran companions as they respond to hunger,
disaster and disease with compassion and action.
7: We pray for the people of Iraq, who are displaced from their homes following the violent persecution of Chris-
tians and other ethnic and religious minorities by Islamic State extremists.
8: We pray for all who live in poverty in our nation and world. Help us as a society to not think of the poor as a
problem to be solved, but as people to be loved.
9: Help us reach out to people who have thoughts towards suicide. As a community of faith, guide us as we bring
awareness to this very real epidemic, so that those who suffer may find hope and meaning.
10: We celebrate and give thanks for our church’s five-year, comprehensive campaign “Always Being Made New:
The Campaign for the ELCA,” which seeks to raise funds to sustain and grow the ministries of the ELCA.
11: We give thanks for all those who lead in worship, for worship lies at the heart of how we understand ourselves
together as mission people. We are a church that through worship, are fed and sent out in the name of Christ for
the sake of the world.
12: We lift up the ELCA’s observation of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. ELCA members and
congregations are encouraged to participate in the observation with the theme, “Freed and Renewed in Christ: 500
Years of God’s Grace in Action.”
13: Gracious God, cycles of violence seem never-ending. Lead us from prejudice to truth; deliver us from hatred
to love.
14: We give thanks for ELCA Vision for Mission and its call to do God’s work with our hands. Gifts to Vision for
Mission help open doors to new ministries, revitalize existing congregations, share the gospel with others and
grow the church for the sake of the world.
15: As people of faith and leaders of this church, we support public policy that protects children, reunites families
and cares for the most vulnerable regardless of their place of birth.
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16: We give thanks for the ELCA Fund for Leaders, a scholarship program that attracts men and women of
promise to study at one of eight ELCA seminaries with full-tuition or mission developer scholarships.
17: We give thanks for John I. Williams Jr., who will become the 12th president of Muhlenberg College in
Allentown, Pa., effective July 1, 2015. Muhlenberg is a college of the ELCA.
18: Today begins the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, when we are reminded of Jesus’ prayer for his dis-
ciples, that “they may be one so that the world may believe” (John 17:21).
19: We give thanks for all who work for justice among people and nations, especially Martin Luther King Jr.,
renewer of society, who we commemorate today.
20: We remember all the lives lost to gun violence. Bless us with the wisdom and strength to put down our
guns and be peacemakers.
21: In a living example of caring for our neighbor, we give thanks to those who, through the ELCA and Lu-
theran Disaster Response, are responding to the arrival of unaccompanied and migrant children to the United
States with grace and compassion.
22: We give thanks for ELCA colleges and universities, where students are educated for a sense of calling or
vocation, opening the path toward a meaningful life of contribution to the common good.
23: We give thanks for people who work or who have worked to protect our nation and world. We pray for
our veterans, chaplains and volunteers who bring them spiritual comfort.
24: Welcoming God, with gracious and open hearts and minds, we give thanks to ELCA members and con-
gregations invited and encouraged to engage in an important study and conversation centered around the invi-
tation to Holy Communion.
25: On this last day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we pray for the day when all Christians know
that unity among us is above all a gift of God.
26: Raise up, in every country, all who herald the gospel and who make the good news known, especially
Timothy, Titus and Silas, missionaries whom we commemorate today.
27: On this day we remember Lydia, Dorcas and Phoebe -- three women who were companions in Paul's min-
istry. Women are important Christian leaders, and we give thanks for all the faithful leaders of this church.
28: We give thanks for Thomas Aquinas, teacher, whom we commemorate on this day, and all teachers who
lead us to a fuller knowledge of the truth.
29: Guide those who lead and participate in the Book of Faith Initiative, which strives to increase biblical lit-
eracy and fluency for the sake of the world.
30: Our faith liberates us to embrace each person in their wholeness. We give thanks for the ELCA’s Ethnic
Specific and Multicultural Ministries team, and its mission of assisting our church in becoming more cultural-
ly diverse and anti-racist.
31: We give thanks for the ELCA Malaria Campaign and our members and companions overseas who help
reduce the number of deaths from this preventable, treatable disease.
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CLC book Group
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will be busier still. By her brother's graveside, Liesel's life is changed when she picks up a sin-gle object, partially hidden in the snow. It is The Gravedigger's Handbook, left behind there by accident, and it is her first act of book thievery. So begins a love affair with books and words, as Liesel, with the help of her accordian-playing foster father, learns to read. Soon she is stealing books from Nazi book-burnings, the mayor's wife's library, wherever there are books to be found. But these are dangerous times. When Liesel's foster family hides a Jewish fist-fighter in their basement, Liesel's world is both opened up, and closed down.
Please come and join us on Monday, January 26th, 7:30 pm in the Youth Room for a discus-sion of this book.
Do you have a friend or family member who would enjoy receiving an inspirational card from our church?
Please give Janice Laakko the information, and she will ensure that a card or cards
Page 16, L-R, 1st Row: Decorating the tree, Isaac, Dorothy and Carol; 2nd Row: Robin, Joyce, Emma.
Page 17, Clockwise from upper left: Jeff, Bruce and Pastor Bourret, Decorated Tree, Ellen, Dorothy, Isaac.
~ Photos Courtesy of Ruth Colson
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Clockwise, outside to center: Bell Choir, Bell Choir, at the Table, Pastor Hurst showing devotional book, Pastor Jerry Janisko, John and Lana Peta, Bell Choir.
~Photos Courtesy of Ruth Colson
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Clockwise: Elfs showing off their hats, Advent Wreath, Mary Rosen, Fiona and Lisa, Working on the wreath.
~Photos Courtesy of Ruth Colson
Upcoming Events January 3: Community Peace-Making Circle (page 7) Junior Choir Resumes (page 5) January 4: Open House at the Parsonage (cover) January 11: CLC @ the Movies (page 3) January 23-25: Mid-Winter retreat at Calumet - Registration on pages 11 - 12 January 26: CLC Book Group (page 9) February 17 - 20: Musical Journey Through Lent (page 6)
The February Reporter deadline is JANUARY 23, 2015.
