The Master's Plan is about a sanctuary, commons area and youth space.
The Master's Plan is about building a tool for an even more effective outreach into the world.
The Master's Plan is also about trust.
I have put my trust in the generosity and commitment of this congregation, and have never been disappointed. The deal was that when we hit four million dollars in the bank, we begin to break ground. My trust in you has served Christ Lutheran well. We now have 3.75 million in the bank.
Now it is time for that trust to be returned.
After spending 2-3 months reviewing the costs and financial assumptions, on Monday, June 26, the Council voted to move forward with the Master's Plan. On Tuesday, we contacted our architects to proceed with the construction drawings. In September, we will have a congregational vote to approve the building permitting process. In December, we will have another congregational vote to review the bids, approve the contract and secure bank financing.
That trust will be at the center of our halftime event for the capital campaign come November. We will be well on our way to securing a permit and obtaining bids at that time. To make the Master's Plan work, at the halftime event we will have to increase our commitments currently at 6 million to 8 million. We can certainly do that--together.
This is really going to happen--certainly because of our faith in what God is doing at Christ Lutheran but also because of the high level of mutual trust that we enjoy within this community of believers.
Your Trusting Pastor,
Pastor Scott
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Where are all the Lutherans?
One of the bad habits I have is checking out other churches. For some reason every time I drive by a church I have to figure out what type of church it is. Whether it is a Catholic, Baptist, Methodist or Lutheran church, I am bent on a need to know. Now for the past few days I have been with Gina's family in Tennessee and I have seen A LOT of churches. I have seen more Baptist churches than I know what to do with but the Lutheran churches have been noticeably absent.
The other day I stopped off at a road side stand to purchase some fireworks and had a great conversation with Carl, the owner. During our conversation I discovered (or was told) that Carl was a Southern Baptist and I in turn told him that I come from the Lutheran church. After a brief period of silence and a slightly confused look on Carl's face our discussion continued.
Quite often our faith is closely connected to geography and ethnicity. If this same conversation were to happen in rural South Dakota the Southern Baptist would have been the recipient of the pause and the blank stare. Now I don't have any criticism of these truths or situations but I do see a fantastic opportunity. We need to learn how to talk to one another and learn from one another. I may not agree with everything the Southern Baptists believe but that doesn't mean we are any less brothers and sisters in Christ. Grace may not mean the same thing to them but that doesn't mean I cant learn something. The Christian church is diverse and too often we look like a divided house. But what if we used that diversity to enhance the Body of Christ? What if, instead of looking at our differences, we focused on our unity in Christ and allowed that to strengthen the body? I am guessing, with certainty, we are going to see more diversity in the church before we experience a mono-denominational church, and that can be a good thing if we approach it with the right mind set. Imagine Lutherans and Southern Baptists praying together and doing God's work! What a beautiful thing. It's going to be difficult but I think we can do it.
See you in church,
Chris
The other day I stopped off at a road side stand to purchase some fireworks and had a great conversation with Carl, the owner. During our conversation I discovered (or was told) that Carl was a Southern Baptist and I in turn told him that I come from the Lutheran church. After a brief period of silence and a slightly confused look on Carl's face our discussion continued.
Quite often our faith is closely connected to geography and ethnicity. If this same conversation were to happen in rural South Dakota the Southern Baptist would have been the recipient of the pause and the blank stare. Now I don't have any criticism of these truths or situations but I do see a fantastic opportunity. We need to learn how to talk to one another and learn from one another. I may not agree with everything the Southern Baptists believe but that doesn't mean we are any less brothers and sisters in Christ. Grace may not mean the same thing to them but that doesn't mean I cant learn something. The Christian church is diverse and too often we look like a divided house. But what if we used that diversity to enhance the Body of Christ? What if, instead of looking at our differences, we focused on our unity in Christ and allowed that to strengthen the body? I am guessing, with certainty, we are going to see more diversity in the church before we experience a mono-denominational church, and that can be a good thing if we approach it with the right mind set. Imagine Lutherans and Southern Baptists praying together and doing God's work! What a beautiful thing. It's going to be difficult but I think we can do it.
See you in church,
Chris
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Experience
Whenever I speak with other pastors and they ask what cool things God is doing at CLC, I usually point to three--worship, McClintock and The Experience (they are all tied for first place for me!)
As I write this, The Experience is on tour. They have a real cool blogspot with pictures, itinerary and blogs at:
http//theexperiencetour.blogspot.com
During this week, pray for their safety and for their message. We have about 90 people on the road, visiting churches and, in their own words, telling the story.
I also want to invite you to be at worship this Sunday, June 26, either at 10:00 or 11:15 to see their performance. It is a modern rendition of The Prodigal Son parable. They do such a nice job of telling it in skits, music and visuals.
Thirty years from now, these 17 year olds will still be talking about their experience in The Experience. They will say it shaped their faith at a very young age and laid a foundation for the rest of their lives. They will remember the tours, the funny stories, and the relationships that were formed. And they will hope that their children will have such an opportunity that they had in The Experience.
Studies consistenly show that a huge majority church-going, faithful adults came to faith before age 18. I know that was true for me. That's why this ministry is so significant--not for the singing and the touring but for a faith that will extend from this world into the next.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
As I write this, The Experience is on tour. They have a real cool blogspot with pictures, itinerary and blogs at:
http//theexperiencetour.blogspot.com
During this week, pray for their safety and for their message. We have about 90 people on the road, visiting churches and, in their own words, telling the story.
I also want to invite you to be at worship this Sunday, June 26, either at 10:00 or 11:15 to see their performance. It is a modern rendition of The Prodigal Son parable. They do such a nice job of telling it in skits, music and visuals.
Thirty years from now, these 17 year olds will still be talking about their experience in The Experience. They will say it shaped their faith at a very young age and laid a foundation for the rest of their lives. They will remember the tours, the funny stories, and the relationships that were formed. And they will hope that their children will have such an opportunity that they had in The Experience.
Studies consistenly show that a huge majority church-going, faithful adults came to faith before age 18. I know that was true for me. That's why this ministry is so significant--not for the singing and the touring but for a faith that will extend from this world into the next.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Saturday Church and Guilt
Over the past few weeks a number of individuals have shared with me how excited they are about a worship service on Saturday night. Now quite often this statement is immediately followed with some confession of guilt. It seems many folks feel guilty about finding a service that is convenient for them or that going to church on Saturday so you can sleep in on Sunday is some sort of abomination. Now just incase you are worried I talked to God and if you decide to go to church on Saturday instead of Sunday he is not going to be angry with you. It's going to be OK.
For a few years now churches have faced stiff competition. Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, time slots that at one time seemed sacred, have become filled with a variety of other options. During this evolution the church has taken a couple of different approaches. Some have used guilt and sermons about priorities to "encourage" their flock to be in church on Sunday mornings and although I agree with the need to talk about priorities I also have a realistic understanding that if church is going up against your kid's soccer tournament I have a pretty good idea who is going to win. Other churches have tried a different approach. Some have tried to adapt their schedules to accommodate a busier population. Is one approach right and the other wrong?
For years Sunday morning has been "church" time and I like that. It helps us establish balance and priorities in our lives but that doesn't mean we cant worship God Monday through Saturday too. What is important is not when you make time for God, it's that you make time for God. Whether that is Sunday morning at 10am or Saturday evening at 5pm it's not the time that is important but that you are there. God wants to connect with you, where you are at. All we need to do is set the time.
See you in church,
Chris
For a few years now churches have faced stiff competition. Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings, time slots that at one time seemed sacred, have become filled with a variety of other options. During this evolution the church has taken a couple of different approaches. Some have used guilt and sermons about priorities to "encourage" their flock to be in church on Sunday mornings and although I agree with the need to talk about priorities I also have a realistic understanding that if church is going up against your kid's soccer tournament I have a pretty good idea who is going to win. Other churches have tried a different approach. Some have tried to adapt their schedules to accommodate a busier population. Is one approach right and the other wrong?
For years Sunday morning has been "church" time and I like that. It helps us establish balance and priorities in our lives but that doesn't mean we cant worship God Monday through Saturday too. What is important is not when you make time for God, it's that you make time for God. Whether that is Sunday morning at 10am or Saturday evening at 5pm it's not the time that is important but that you are there. God wants to connect with you, where you are at. All we need to do is set the time.
See you in church,
Chris
Monday, June 13, 2011
Connecting the Last Dot
On Sunday, we will connect the last dot.
Since August, we have been walking through the Bible together, journeying from Creation to the Tower of Babel to King David to the Birth of Jesus to the Resurrection and now on Sunday, June 19 we conclude with the Return of Jesus. We have been awed by the art ranging from painting to woodwork to metal to cloth. And hopefully along the way you have experienced God's amazing love story of coming to us to claim us as his very own.
As we near the end, two questions:
First, what Bible story stands out for you either in terms of the message or art or that "ah-ha" moment when you connected the dots?
Second, now that you have received that 30,000 foot overview of the Bible, where do you want to get a closer look? Would that be a theological theme like predestination? Would that be a book of the Bible like Romans? Would that be something to do with life application like marriage? Or did you have something else in mind.
From my perspective, I want to thank you for staying with us for the year. I think it was an important one to establish that solid, biblical foundation upon which we can build an enduring faith. Thank you for the words of encouragement and gratitude. Thank you for the wonders of the artistic expression. And thank you for your hunger and thirst for the Word of God.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Since August, we have been walking through the Bible together, journeying from Creation to the Tower of Babel to King David to the Birth of Jesus to the Resurrection and now on Sunday, June 19 we conclude with the Return of Jesus. We have been awed by the art ranging from painting to woodwork to metal to cloth. And hopefully along the way you have experienced God's amazing love story of coming to us to claim us as his very own.
As we near the end, two questions:
First, what Bible story stands out for you either in terms of the message or art or that "ah-ha" moment when you connected the dots?
Second, now that you have received that 30,000 foot overview of the Bible, where do you want to get a closer look? Would that be a theological theme like predestination? Would that be a book of the Bible like Romans? Would that be something to do with life application like marriage? Or did you have something else in mind.
From my perspective, I want to thank you for staying with us for the year. I think it was an important one to establish that solid, biblical foundation upon which we can build an enduring faith. Thank you for the words of encouragement and gratitude. Thank you for the wonders of the artistic expression. And thank you for your hunger and thirst for the Word of God.
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Friday, June 10, 2011
Leaving room for God.
For the past few months I have been working on a Saturday night worship service. Coordinating musicians, securing a location, lining up preachers, choosing a format, etc. and although a lot of work has been done, I can honestly say I am not completely certain what the service will look like. I have a pretty good idea, and even with all that hard work to say I know exactly what to expect would be a lie. For some this might be nerve racking but I think it is exciting. I believe that in this uncertainty God's Spirit is given the room to move.
In your life is everything figured-out, planned, coordinated and expected or do you leave some room for God to work? We would say the rational mind has everything worked out; a five-year-plan, 6 months of income in liquid reserves, the extended warranty on the new car and a 30 year fixed mortgage but if WE have everything planned out what role does that leave God to play in our lives?
The "unexpected" can lead to fear but it can also lead to faith. We can kid ourselves and think we have everything planned out but the truth is the unexpected is unavoidable and it is in those unexpected moments that we need God the most. Life is full of speed bumps we don't expect and curve balls we can't avoid, and we can live in fear of these experiences or we can allow our faith to carry us through those struggles.
On June 18 at 5pm I am excited to see how God will go to work, I expect him to be there and I invite you to be there too.
In your life is everything figured-out, planned, coordinated and expected or do you leave some room for God to work? We would say the rational mind has everything worked out; a five-year-plan, 6 months of income in liquid reserves, the extended warranty on the new car and a 30 year fixed mortgage but if WE have everything planned out what role does that leave God to play in our lives?
The "unexpected" can lead to fear but it can also lead to faith. We can kid ourselves and think we have everything planned out but the truth is the unexpected is unavoidable and it is in those unexpected moments that we need God the most. Life is full of speed bumps we don't expect and curve balls we can't avoid, and we can live in fear of these experiences or we can allow our faith to carry us through those struggles.
On June 18 at 5pm I am excited to see how God will go to work, I expect him to be there and I invite you to be there too.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Kairos
I hate to wait.
When I'm in a line at the grocery store that is going too slowly, I'll hop over to another--and get stuck behind someone who needs a price check.
When the traffic is snarled and I try to find a short cut, I stumble upon an accident and have to stop dead in my tracks.
When I am doing some touch up paint around the house under a deadline and don't have time to tape the lines, I usually look back to regret it.
It seems when I impose my timing on life, there is always a push back that comes with a strong message. . .wait.
In the Bible, they talk about two kinds of time. Chronos is the time measured by your watch. Kairos is the time measured by the Spirit. You can't force Kairos time. Unfortunately, (for me, at least) you have to wait for the Spirit to move and act and breathe.
On Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost, we will turn our attention to how the Holy Spirit moves within Kairos time. The secret is to wait and watch. That doesn't mean remaining idle. We still plan wisely and work hard. However, when we try to impose our Chronos time, we not only frustrate God but also ourselves.
Beside the grocery store and Charlotte traffic, where is God teaching you right now about the value of Kairos?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
When I'm in a line at the grocery store that is going too slowly, I'll hop over to another--and get stuck behind someone who needs a price check.
When the traffic is snarled and I try to find a short cut, I stumble upon an accident and have to stop dead in my tracks.
When I am doing some touch up paint around the house under a deadline and don't have time to tape the lines, I usually look back to regret it.
It seems when I impose my timing on life, there is always a push back that comes with a strong message. . .wait.
In the Bible, they talk about two kinds of time. Chronos is the time measured by your watch. Kairos is the time measured by the Spirit. You can't force Kairos time. Unfortunately, (for me, at least) you have to wait for the Spirit to move and act and breathe.
On Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost, we will turn our attention to how the Holy Spirit moves within Kairos time. The secret is to wait and watch. That doesn't mean remaining idle. We still plan wisely and work hard. However, when we try to impose our Chronos time, we not only frustrate God but also ourselves.
Beside the grocery store and Charlotte traffic, where is God teaching you right now about the value of Kairos?
Peace,
Pastor Scott
Thursday, June 2, 2011
So much tragedy.
Yesterday I attended a breakfast hosted by "Men For Change" in association with United Family Services. Both organizations work to bring awareness to domestic abuse/violence and to offer support to those who have been victims. This was a powerful event! The keynote speaker was Sheri Lynch of "The Bob and Sheri Show." Now I had heard of Sheri and, once in a while, I have tuned in to her show but I didn't know her story. Sheri grew up in an abusive home with an abusive father. She experienced horrible things that truly devastated her childhood. But that isn't how her story ends. Not only has she used that pain to propel her life in a new direction, she is a voice for others who have gone through or are currently in abusive situations.
What do we do when things go bad? What do we do when we hit rock bottom? What do we do when horrible things have happened to us that were out of our control? In these situations it is crucially important to remember that, when life is at its worst, God is at his best. Every time we turn on the TV or read the newspaper or head to a news website we are bombarded with tragedy. Murder, tornados, floods, earthquakes, unemployment, budget cuts, war, violence, etc., all of these things are flung at us without pause; but, just as quickly as they become headlines, they are forgotten and the next catastrophe is hurled at us. We never get to hear the rest of the story. We never get to hear how these towns rebuild or how strangers came to the aid of someone they had never met. We never hear about the addict who finds the strength to rebuild their lives and then dedicates everything they have to help others who are battling the same demons. We hear about Good Friday a lot but we don't always hear about Easter.
Everyone has struggles, bad things happen, but we don't stay there. God is still working in that pain and struggle and when we get out of that pit we have the opportunity to share our story of hope with others. To remind them that life won’t always be that way and maybe we have the chance to make life better for someone else. This is doing God's work.
See you in church,
Chris
What do we do when things go bad? What do we do when we hit rock bottom? What do we do when horrible things have happened to us that were out of our control? In these situations it is crucially important to remember that, when life is at its worst, God is at his best. Every time we turn on the TV or read the newspaper or head to a news website we are bombarded with tragedy. Murder, tornados, floods, earthquakes, unemployment, budget cuts, war, violence, etc., all of these things are flung at us without pause; but, just as quickly as they become headlines, they are forgotten and the next catastrophe is hurled at us. We never get to hear the rest of the story. We never get to hear how these towns rebuild or how strangers came to the aid of someone they had never met. We never hear about the addict who finds the strength to rebuild their lives and then dedicates everything they have to help others who are battling the same demons. We hear about Good Friday a lot but we don't always hear about Easter.
Everyone has struggles, bad things happen, but we don't stay there. God is still working in that pain and struggle and when we get out of that pit we have the opportunity to share our story of hope with others. To remind them that life won’t always be that way and maybe we have the chance to make life better for someone else. This is doing God's work.
See you in church,
Chris
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