September 2014

A Publication of

Christ Lutheran Church

113 Union Street

Natick, MA 01760

Phone: 508-315-3170

E-mail: Office@ChristNatick.org

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

The Rev. Cliff Gerber, Pastor

Clifford_Gerber@mac.com

Tom Berryman, Music Director

Music@christnatick.org

Kim Petot, Junior and Youth Choir Director and Junior Bell and Chime Director

Kim3petot@gmail.com

Angel Marrero, Youth Director Youthdirector@christnatick.org

Tamara Nevens

Church Office Office@ChristNatick.org

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

Celeste Larson, Sunday School Jeffrey P. Kinney, Stewardship

Evangelism, open Youth Leaders, open

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

Farewell and Godspeed to Ben and Tara Durheim

~ Photos courtesy of Ruth Colson

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Dear Friends,

It’s hard to believe that three months have almost past. Pastor Bourret will soon be returning to Christ Lu-

theran Church and we all look forward to hearing about the experiences of her sabbatical. As that happens, I

will be returning to full-time retirement.

I want to thank Pastor Bourret for offering me the opportunity of serving this congregation during her ab-

sence. As is always true of the ministry of the church, these months have had their times of joy and also

some moments of sadness. I thank you all for your reception of my ministry with you.

I chose the preposition “with” in that last sentence carefully. Back when I first retired, Pastor Bourret sug-

gested that I might want to come to join Christ Lutheran Church in my retirement (Pastors cannot remain

members of the congregations in which they have served). She said to me, “This is the best congregation in

the synod!”

Had the distance from Shrewsbury not been so great we might well have wanted to take your pastor up on

her invitation. These three months have shown me the truth of Pastor Bourret’s assessment of the congre-

gation. It was not just pastoral bragging. And the reason that I say this is the reason that I chose the preposi-

tion “with.”

The time following David Fabricius’ recent death illustrates what I am thinking. Prior to David’s funeral I had

conducted two funerals related to CLC, but neither of those two was a funeral held in the church. Now

church funerals have added levels of complexity in the planning. It’s necessary to line up the “cast of charac-

ters” to do all of the things that are necessary, like preparing the sanctuary, finding people to assist in the

liturgy and—if the family so desires—making arrangements for a collation. Finding people to do those things

feels a little daunting when you aren’t the regular pastor and don’t know the congregation intimately.

So, I started making calls trying to find people to fill the necessary rolls and perform the needed tasks. With-

out going into any great detail, I fairly easily found willing people to do the things that needed to be done

long before I had exhausted my list of possibilities. I finished doing that with a sigh of relief and began to

turn my thoughts to my own part in David’s memorial, to the liturgy and the homily.

No sooner had I breathed my sigh of relief than my phone began to ring and my email inbox began its melo-

dious ringing of incoming messages. People were contacting me to volunteer to do the things that I had just

completed the roster of doing. That was amazing in my years of pastoral experience. I had worried needless-

ly. All I needed to do was to be about the things that were my roll and volunteers would have appeared to

do the rest without my thinking or worrying!

Pastor’s Page

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CLC @ the MOVIES

CLC @ THE MOVIES will be back in action on Sun., October 19, 6 PM, with The Name of the Rose starring Sean Connery, Christian Slater and F. Murray Abraham. The movie will be followed by a "monastic" themed potluck.

MEANWHILE the CLC BOOK GROUP is reading Umberto Eco's novel The Name of the Rose which the movie is base on. The book dis-cussion will also be in October with date and time to be announced in the October Reporter. Please join us for this fun conjunction of movie and book.

The book and movie are separate events. You do not need to read this very big book to enjoy the movie. In fact, you do not have to read the book at all to come and enjoy the book group discus-sion.

I doubt that you have any idea how unique an experience that is for a pastor, and it reinforced what I had

been observing all along during these months. The people of Christ Lutheran Church truly own the ministry of

this congregation. People follow through on their commitments to the church’s ministry without constant

pastoral prodding and intervention. People willingly step forward when the needs of the ministry of the

church demands it. They step up to do the work of ministry in this place, in this community and beyond in the

ministry of the whole church.

So my parting words after these three short months are two-fold. The first is a word of thanks for the partner-

ship in ministry that you have exhibited to me in this time. The second word is that you all remember what

makes this congregation so special and continue to be the congregation that works hand-in-hand in the minis-

try of the church, the congregation that willingly steps forward and reliably follows through.

God bless you and your returning pastor as you share in—and grow in—the ministry in Christ’s name.

In Christ,

Pastor Cliff Gerber

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MUSIC NOTES Tom Berryman, Music Director

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Junior Choir

Rehearsals start Oct. 11, 2014 4-5:15pm

Prior to Saturday rehearsals please join us in

Welcoming Pastor Bourret home at:

September Fest!

Formally known as rally Day

Sept. 21, 2014

Land and Seasons Outdoor Worship

Warm-up is 8:30 am The Junior choir has been asked to offer music with the Adult choir Sept. 28. We will be singing a favorite, Ise Oluwa, a brief review of this most loved piece will be held after worship Sept. 21. It will be short and sweet so as not to miss out on any of the fun activities planned for September Fest!

~ Handbells in August ~

~ Photos courtesy of Ruth Colson

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Sunday, September 21

10 a.m. Outdoor worship service

Of the Land and Seasons: worship in bluegrass style

with guitar, banjo, fiddles, and mandolin

11:15 Brunch

Bouncy house for kids

Ice cream and fixings

Grown-ups: RSVP for brunch at church office, 508-315-3170,

office@christnatick.org, or via the sign up sheet on

the kiosk in the narthex.

Pastor Bourret returns!

September Fest

Invite family

and friends!

Celebrate with us!

Kids: Sign up for Sunday School,

September 21

Meet your teachers

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September Fest Brunch – Helping Hands Wanted

To make our Brunch go smoothly I would appreciate helpers of the following tasks: 2 people to set up the fellowship hall on Saturday September 20th 2 people to assist in serving at Brunch September 21st 4 people to do clean-up afterwards September 21st There will be a sign-up sheet in the fellowship hall beginning next Sunday or you may sign up online at www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4fa4ad29a75-sunday Thanks for everyone’s help in advance. Edie

As we plan for the 2014-2015 Sunday school year, we have decided to create a series of "all-school" events throughout the year, in order to enhance our sense of community and increase the kids' sense of excitement about coming to Sunday school. We are asking parents to take part in these activities, both because we think you will want to share these rituals with your child, but also because you are your children’s primary teacher, working in partnership with their Sunday School teachers.

All gifts and talents are welcome! You don't have to have a child in Sunday school to participate.

Below is the link the the website; please consider signing up to help with at least one event in the fall and one in the spring. Details will follow, as event comes closer, but please let us know your good ideas, so that you can put your own shape on the event, desired!

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a4fa4ad29a75-sunday

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Bible Studies will resume on September 8, 2014 with Pastor Richard Hurst.

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 are sent to your friend or loved one.

Janice's email address is jlaakko2585@verizon.net

We keep in prayer our members and friends with long-term needs:

Jennifer Bryant Andrew Chin Steven Chin Sara Dale Barbara Fitzpatrick Nancy and Russ Golly Bob and Jean Grout Anet James

Dorothy Hall Arthur Hurst Richard Hurst Skip Hurst Lisa Kane Chui Yuk Lee Steve McKee Martha McManus

Jon Nelson Barbara Peterson Rebecca Ortelli Al & Lois Rutter Nadia Salerno Lauren Stevens Dorothy Whitlock Jake Vittands

Christ Lutheran Church will give back to its home community when it launches

"Amazing Natick!” at Natick Day on the Common on Saturday, September 13.

We will call for proposals from Natick residents to fund an activity that enhances

the community and its amazing qualities. Proposals will be accepted through Dec.

31 to fund a project carried out in 2015. Inspired by “Awesome Boston”, we are

seeking contributors from the congregation willing to donate $50 toward the goal

of raising $1000 to fund the winning proposal. We are half-way to our goal. Speak

to Joyce Simon if you would like to contribute. You may reach Joyce via email at

joycesimon@earthlink.net, or by calling 508-655-1767.

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Update from the Resource Commission

Soon it will be September and another summer will be behind us. The Resource Committee thought an end of summer update on finances would be helpful to share with our members. We ended July with a small deficit year to date, but we are ahead of our budget. You may remember that the 2014 budget does plan for a small year-end deficit. Although the month of August has not yet closed, income through the August 24th indicates we may break-even in August and with faithful stewardship we can expect to continue ahead of budget for the year and even end the year without a deficit. Thank you to all the generous and faithful supporters of Christ Lutheran Church. We are together in God’s service.

Save the Date: November 1, 2014

Enjoy an evening of fine food and beverages from some of your favorite local res-taurants and music to benefit Family Promise Metrowest. While enjoying selections from Blue on Highland, Bertucci’s and Nordstrom Café Bistro (to name a few) bid on a fantastic selection of silent auction goodies, including unique themed gift bas-kets. Wines from around the world will be available and chosen specifically to match various appetizers such as bruschetta, artichoke dip and tuna.

Tickets will go on sale on September 1 - plan to bring friends and purchase prior to October 1 to get a special ticket price! All tickets will directly benefit homeless fam-ilies and Family Promise Metrowest. Hosted at Energy Fitness in Natick, the even-ing will definitely be one you do not want to miss full of fine food, great company and exciting auction prizes to benefit a great cause!

We begin our Family Promise host week from August 31st thru September 6th.

Thank you to all our wonderful volunteers!

If you are able to help or have any questions, please contact Laraine Marthinsen via email at

lmarthinsen@verizon.net

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Thank you to everyone for keeping our garden so beautiful!

~ Photos courtesy of Ruth Colson

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CHRIST LUTHERAN’S NEW YOUTH MINISTRY PROGRAM

2014 is the last year of the Second Century Capital Campaign. The members of CLC have

been very faithful in meeting their pledges, enabling us to implement all the goals of the

Campaign. You may remember that the congregation approved four primary objectives in

2010. The first was construction of a new roof on the nave and Sunday school wing of the

original building. That work was completed in 2012. Next we completed the organ by addi-

tion of the final two ranks of pipes in 2013. The last infrastructure objectives include work on

the grounds to enhance an inviting appeal to passers-by. An amount of $6,000 to $10,000 is

earmarked to address this goal during the 2014-2015 year. Twenty percent of each year’s do-

nations has been distributed to Camp Calumet; Resurrection Roxbury Church; Lutheran Social

Services of NE; Family Promise Metrowest; and Natick Food Pantry.

During 2014 the last remaining pledges are being received. The balance in the Campaign

Fund has over $70,000 designated to develop and implement the Youth Ministry Program.

The Church Council, at its fall planning retreat for 2014, voted to begin the process toward es-

tablishing a Youth Ministry Program (with emphasis on music/art), the next objective of the

Campaign. A committee was formed to develop the job description and recruit potential

candidates. At its May meeting the Church Council voted to hire Seminarian Angel Marrero-

Ayala (pronounced AHN-HELL) as our part-time Youth Director.

Pastor Bourret introduced Angel to many of our members at the congregational picnic in June. He is a seminary student who has completed two years of study at the Lutheran semi-nary in Philadelphia and an internship year at First Lutheran Church, Waltham. He and his husband Zach have just moved into student housing at Andover Newton Theological School where they have both enrolled in classes. Angel will complete his final year of studies there as he prepares for call to ordained ministry.

Angel began at Christ Lutheran on August 1st and has been coordinating with the planning

team for this fall’s Christian Education Program.

Angel’s initial responsibility is to design and implement a new youth ministry program with

emphasis on music/art. Please plan to attend the September 21st September Fest Brunch for

a chance to get to know Angel, hear about the new youth ministry we will be offering at

Christ Lutheran, and learn about the exciting fall Sunday School Program.

We are together in His Service,

Edie Lohr, Campaign Committee and Church Council

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

We want to express our thanks and appreciation to CLC members and friends for their cards, phone calls, and face-to-face conversations, telling us of your thoughts and prayers for our family as we grieve over the unexpected death of our grandson, Ian Hunter Lohr Your responses are yet another demonstration of the care and concern that this community of Jesus's people lives out for one another. The Lord be with you all! Edie and Harold Lohr THANK YOU to the members of Christ Lutheran Church. From the New England Synod of the Evangelical Lu-theran Church in America. In grateful appreciation for giving $31, 463.93 for Mission Support beyond the congregation for synodical and churchwide ministries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Thank you for your recent gift to Family Promise Metrowest. As a Congregational member of our Network, both your financial and in-kind support is key to the success of the Network and ultimately the homeless families we serve. Thanks to you, Yusuf found full-time employment to support his family, his wife Jane completed a Certified Nurse’s Aide course so that she too is now qualified to seek full-time employment, and their daughter Joviah (2) is an energetic participant in a great child care program. Thanks to you, Carlos, Carrie and their infant son had a safe, supportive “home” at FPM this spring, enabling them to complete their high school education and proudly earn their diplomas. These are just some of the ways your generous gift of $1,000.00 made a difference in the lives of the 79 fam-ilies (including 141 children) who have been served through our Family Shelter and Transitional Housing Pro-grams here at Family Promise Metrowest. Your support tells us that you understand the challenges families face to earn a livable wage and find affordable housing. We appreciate your participation in Family Promise Metrowest’s mission to help these families succeed in finding sustainable employment and a permanent home. On behalf of those we serve, thank you again for the role your congregation plays to ensure our future and in support of the Family Promise Metrowest mission. Thank you for all you do for our families. You are a part of their lives too. Sincerely, Sue Crossley Executive Director P.S. Yusuf was also able to obtain his driver’s license while at FPM and he, Jane and Joviah will be moving into their own apartment very soon!

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Upcoming Events

August 31 - September 6: Family Promise Host Week

September 3: Open Rehearsal for the CLC Choir (page 4)

September 8: Bible Study resumes on Mondays at 10 a.m. (page 6)

September 13: CLC launches “Amazing Natick!” at Natick Day on the Common (page 6)

September 21: September Fest (page 6)

October 11: Junior Choir Rehearsals begin (page 5)

October 19: CLC @ the Movies (page 3)

The October Reporter deadline is SEPTEMBER 22, 2014.

Christ Lutheran Church

113 Union Street

Natick, MA 01760

(508) 315-3170

office@christnatick.org

www.christnatick.org