the Broadcaster Issue 101 - December 2016
The Newsletter of Christ Lutheran Church 4825 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK S4T 5E9 www.clcregina.com
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Notes from Pastor Dennis In a sermon recently I suggested that to have the same attitude of Christ, as the Apostle Paul encourages us to have (Romans 15:5 & Philippians 2:5), we need to be people who are welcoming to all ‐ including those who are strangers and foreigners to us. We certainly see that kind of welcome and acceptance in Jesus’ time of ministry as an adult, but it dawned on me that the same type of hospitality also shows up in the Christmas story. In the Gospel of Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth Mary and Joseph themselves are strangers, in Bethlehem for the census. Door after door is shut to them, even in their time of obvious need – there was a overwhelming lack of hospitality shown to this young couple. Eventually they are given space in a stable, and the baby Jesus is born in that humble place. However, that lowly place becomes a space of hospitality as Mary and Joseph welcome shepherds, all strangers to be sure, to see the new born babe laying in a manger. The shepherds were not turned away, they were given the gift of Jesus’ presence, they were welcomed into the circle of praise surrounding the holy infant – and they were transformed, returning home glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.
In the Gospel of Matthew we have a group of foreigners show up at the door of Mary and Joseph’s home. They are not shut out, they are welcomed to see the child Jesus. There they give the new king the homage and gifts they brought with them. Chances are these Magi from the east looked different, spoke a different language, and had their own customs – but these differences do not become a road block preventing them from entering into Christ’s presence. They too, like the shepherds before them, were accepted and welcomed. A year ago we, as a congregation, welcomed Annonciata, Eric and Larisse into our midst. They were refugees fleeing violence and danger, and reuniting with family who had already settled in Canada. When they arrived we knew them as the refugee family, but now I think of them as sisters and a brother in Christ, part of our church family. I appreciate how our congregation welcomed these people into our midst, and even though our year long commitment of support is officially concluded I hope we will continue to keep a place in our church family for these lovely folks. The infant Jesus, along with Mary and Joseph, were also refugees – fleeing the violence of King Herod into the safety of Egypt. I have often wondered if there was a community of faith to welcome them into their sanctuary when they arrived in Egypt. None of the Gospel accounts give us any information about the Holy family’s time in Egypt, so we can only speculate. My hope is that some people of faith opened their doors to this young family, providing assistance as they dealt with their difficult circumstances. Jesus’ life began under difficult circumstances,
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but that becomes a source of hope for future generations. People who find themselves in trying times can be assured that God truly understands what they are going through. God did not keep himself isolated from the troubles and hardships humans often face by remaining safe and secure in heaven. Instead God became flesh, one of us – God descended to earth and in Jesus God experienced both
the joys and sorrows of human life in a way that assures us that God knows our struggles. Jesus is the one in whom heaven and earth intersect, Jesus is the one upon whom all human history hinges. This idea was expressed eloquently in a poem by Keith Patman. Let me share that poem with you.
Centerpoint It is a still scene – animal, human, angel awe surrounds the newborn, radiant child – a centerpoint in time, whose ways and places wrap in layers about the crib of straw, enveloping Bethlehem like a many‐folded map. It is a star’s still centerpoint – God’s scissors cut it in the paper layers – rays piercing Babylon, Sodom, pyramids, dark rain and floodswell, Eden’s flaming waste... rays shot through Rome and Dachau, martyrs’ prayers, wake of galleons, hoofbeats, moonwalk, arc of probe in space... God’s hands, at either end of time, unfold the map, reveal the geometric star and its still centerpoint: Himself, incarnate.
Christmas is a time to celebrate the coming of Christ Jesus into our midst, but in our culture it is also many other things. In talking with a number of professionals who work with people, we all agreed that the time leading up to Christmas can be some of the most stressful days in the year for many folks. There are many reasons some people may dread Christmastime. The stress of preparations for a large family gathering, trying to make it perfect and memorable for all involved, can be overwhelming ‐ too many things to do in an
already over‐filled schedule. For some people Christmastime is another sad reminder of a spouse or parent or other loved ones who are no longer here to celebrate this holiday. For others Christmas is spent all alone, with no family or friends to share it with. In such cases Christmas is not a time to look forward to. It is important that we are aware of these mixed emotions in those around us. We need to be prepared to listen to people’s hurts, and take time to share our lives with those who
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are alone or simply lonely. While it is enjoyable to share gifts with each other, it is more important that we share ourselves ‐ being present to each other intentionally. I think that is part of the meaning of Christmas, that Jesus chose to be present with us intentionally, in the flesh, incarnate. As we seek to welcome the Christ child anew this Christmas, may we do so by welcoming one another, focusing on loving one another as God has loved us. And share this good news, with new generations, with neighbours and friends, with co‐workers and strangers – be unashamed to express your hope in the baby born in Bethlehem. Christmas is a time when we are given many opportunities to share this wondrous story, even in the midst of the commercialization of the holiday, even in the midst of busyness and stress, even in the midst of a pluralistic society
– tell the story, share your faith, and reflect the love of Christ to all you meet. It is a wondrous message, too good and too important to keep to ourselves. On behalf of the staff at Christ Lutheran Church I would like to extend our thanks for all your support and care for us during this past year. Thank you for joining us in our mission, inspired by Christ to love and serve. Thank you for the many Christmas cards and greetings shared with us, your thoughtfulness is much appreciated. It is our hope that each of you will have a blessed Christmas celebration, and a good New Year. This Celtic Christmas blessing is our heartfelt prayer for all. The light of the Christmas star to you, The warmth of home and hearth to you, The cheer and good will of friends to you, The hope of a childlike heart to you, The joy of a thousand angels to you, The love of the Son, And God’s peace to you.
A Call for Justice by Wanda Walter The guest speaker at this year's Women's Breakfast was Katie Bergman, Director of Operations and Communications for the Set Free Movement, a Christian based, international, non‐profit organization combating human trafficking. Katie's presentation was on seeking justice and building community. She began her presentation by outlining that the problem of slavery (human trafficking) still exists and in fact it is the second largest criminal activity worldwide (next to drug trafficking). Then she explained that human trafficking entails
recruiting people through coercion, fraud, abuse of power or abduction to enslave them in forced labour, the sex trade or for child exploitation. Katie went on to explain that the Philippines is a hotbed of human trafficking, particularly the on‐line sexual exploitation of children which generates huge sums of money for the perpetrators. This sex trafficking often occurs because of the poverty and lack of food families experience. Katie then pointed out that human trafficking doesn't just occur thousands of miles away ‐ it also occurs in our own back yard. She then gave a few examples of human trafficking in Regina: in the recent
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past three males were arrested in a Regina hotel and charged with sexually exploiting a 24 year old female; backpage.com is an on‐line ad site for sexual services provided by young women; and the 15 to 20 massage parlours in Regina. Diagnosis was the next stage of the presentation and it was explained that human trafficking is a symptom of a greater problem. Human trafficking thrives because of broken relationships, broken communities, and broken systems within a broken culture. Broken relationships result from neglect, domestic abuse, addictions, poverty and misuse of parental power. Katie gave an example of broken communities ‐ "boy friending" which is when older guys recruit younger girls, who typically come from broken homes, for the sex trade. These older guys flatter the girls, promise them the world and then get them hooked on drugs. These girls become trapped in the sex trade for they need the money to fund their drug habit and they crave the attention from their "boy friend." Katie explained that systems are broken when the laws are not practiced, the justice system is slow, social workers are underpaid and there are too few of them and there is less legal protection for migrants. The last part of the presentation focussed on solutions. Instead of taking a band‐aid approach, which only addresses the symptoms, Set Free Movement goes to the root of the problem. To help end human trafficking Set Fee Movement takes a three prong approach. First, change happens by creating community. Healthy communities consist of people who care, families who love
and churches that serve which can be achieved through youth mentorship, immigrant support, refugee settlement, poverty alleviation, missions and foster care. Second, change happens by shifting harmful cultural values. There needs to be a shift from viewing humans as objects to viewing people as being created in the image of God. As well, it was explained that as a society we like to buy cheap goods and that the reason these goods are cheap is that they are a result of child labour. We were encouraged to give thought to the purchases we make and when possible to buy from ethical vendors. Third, change happens when all sectors of society are involved ‐ health care, media, business, government, family, culture and faith. And we were reminded of what justice is ‐ love, mercy, service, ethics, truth, integrity, laws and righteousness ‐ and that it can be achieved through such means as volunteering, being disciples and missionary work. At Christ Lutheran we have already begun bringing justice to the world through sponsoring a refugee family, making donations to Canadian Lutheran World Relief and the Regina Food Bank, providing sandwiches to Waterson House two Sundays of the year and by providing some financial and volunteer support to Indian Metis Christian Fellowship and North Central Family Centre. In addition to this is our Advent Tree ‐ purchasing Christmas gifts for the less fortunate in the Indian Metis Christian Fellowship and North Central Family Centre communities. As Disciples of Christ we are called to bring justice into the world. During this Advent season, and beyond, may you find opportunities to reflect God's love for all.
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ELCIC Reformation Challenge by Val Davies As Lutherans around the world prepare to commemorate the R e f o r m a t i o n anniversary in 2017, the ELCIC is lifting up themes from The Lutheran World Federation (LWF): Liberated by God's Grace, Creation ‐ Not for Sale, Human Beings ‐ Not for Sale, Salvation ‐ Not for Sale. The ELCIC Reformation Challenge draws from the themes and provides a way for ELCIC members and congregations to bring Reformation activities close to home and make it possible for congregations and synods of any size to participate. Through the ELCIC Reformation Challenge, members and congregations are invited to help sponsor 500 refugees, support 500 scholarships for students in schools of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), plant 500,000 trees in Canada, Palestine and Ethiopia, and contribute $500,000 to the LWF Endowment Fund. To date, ELCIC members have sponsored 504 refugees, provided 49 scholarships for ELCJHL schools, planted 44,981 trees and raised
$125,931 for the LWF Endowment Fund. ELCIC members and congregations are encouraged to consider how they might be able to get involved in the Reformation Challenge. They are many creative and innovative ways to engage in one or more areas of the initiative. A Sunday School class in Winnipeg recently shared how they have connected with the goal to provide scholarships to students in ELCJHL schools. Over the past year, 20 children from the congregation have been involved in the challenge and are currently working towards raising funds for their second scholarship (http://www.elcic.ca/news.cfm?article=450). Further information on the ELCIC Reformation Challenge is available online: elcic.ca/ReformationChallenge ELCIC members are asked to share how they and their congregations are engaged in the challenge. I have been asked by Pastor Dennis to upload the work that is being done at Christ Lutheran for our part in the Reformation Challenge to the National Synod Office.
We Are the Lord's Earlier this fall Pastor Dennis used a hymn from the Lutheran Book of Worship, but didn’t like the melody. So he found a different melody to use (How Great Thou Art), however, that required a refrain. So Pastor Dennis wrote a refrain for the hymn, and when it was used that Sunday many people quite appreciated the words. So here are the words of the hymn, including the additional refrain written by Pastor Dennis. December Broadcaster - 2016 - Christ Lutheran Church - Page 5
Words by Karl J. P. Spitta, translated by Charles T. Astley Words for the added Refrain by Dennis D. Hendricksen 1.
We are the Lord's. His all‐sufficient merit, Sealed on the cross, to us this grace accords. We are the Lord's and all things shall inherit; Whether we live or die, we are the Lord's.
Added refrain: We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's. By grace we're saints forevermore. We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's Alleluia! Alleluia! 2.
We are the Lord's. Then let us gladly tender Our souls to him in deeds, not empty words. Let heart and tongue and life combine to render No doubtful witness that we are the Lord's.
Added refrain: We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's. By grace we're saints forevermore. We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's Alleluia! Alleluia! 3.
We are the Lord's. No darkness brooding o'er us Can make us tremble while this star affords A steady light along the path before us ‐ Faith's full assurance that we are the Lord's.
Added refrain: We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's. By grace we're saints forevermore. We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's Alleluia! Alleluia! 4.
We are the Lord's. No evil can befall us In the dread hour of life's fast loos'ning cords; No pangs of death shall even then appal us. Death shall be vanquished, for we are the Lord's.
Added refrain: We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's. By grace we're saints forevermore. We sing our praise, because we are the Lord's Alleluia! Alleluia! December Broadcaster - 2016 - Christ Lutheran Church - Page 6
My Volunteer Story by Marsha Ackerman From a very young age I regarded church as community and family, and I wanted to be around the people, the place and whatever was going on there. As a kid I attended Sunday School and then confirmation, and in second year confirmation there was a shortage of Sunday School teachers so I volunteered to teach the 3 and 4 year olds. Thus began my volunteering. First Sunday School, then VBS, Luther League secretary and president, helping at the Lutheran Home, helping the church secretary, SAG ( single adults group ), TYGER ( think young group e‐regardless!! ), Prayer Partners, kitchen help, ELW executive, church council and communion assistant.
good friend and myself and we ran it for 25 years. The idea was to pray for an individual or family for one year anonymously. It allowed those involved to get to know one another quite well but also to know the power and love of God as He worked in your partner's life as well as your own. Making the decision to become assistant treasurer was more of a God‐push. The seed was planted, it met some resistance, more God‐prod and, finally I was out of reasons to resist, and so I gave in and have no regrets; I even actually enjoy the challenge. For the past 40 years or so I have also attended every Bible study I could to learn and to grow in my faith and to get to know more people in the congregation. Getting involved in the church is more than just one hour on
In my first year in Sunday School there were 20‐24 three and four year olds and it was such a thrill to come up with different ways to tell them the Bible stories. There were no helpers so you had to be inventive to keep the children occupied for an hour. I loved every minute of it and taught Sunday School and VBS for over 30 years and still help where I can with VBS. Being part of SAG and TYGER allowed me to find the man I would spend the rest of my life with plus I made friendships that will last a lifetime and you can't get better than that.
Sunday morning; it is being part of a family that worships together, works together, eats together, learns together, and plays together.
Prayer Partners was an idea conceived by a
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With Gratitude Jeanine Juhlin RPN I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the monthly sponsorship that was provided to my family by Christ Lutheran Church while I pursued my education in the Registered Psychiatric Nursing Program. In 2012, at the age of 29, I had reached a critical intersection in my life. I had experienced a number of life traumas and had a choice to make. I needed to be my own hero. No one was going to come along and rescue my family from poverty. Both sides of my family have histories of addiction and intergenerational trauma. I wanted to honour the struggles of my parents and grandparents by getting an education and breaking the cycle. I wanted to give my children the best chance possible at a life free from addiction and abuse. Thus, with the encouragement of my mentors, I commenced my journey towards becoming a Psychiatric Nurse in the fall of 2013. I remember quite clearly the day that Wanda called me and told me that Christ Lutheran had decided to sponsor my family throughout the three‐year duration of my program with monthly support installments of $200. As a person who suffers from often debilitating anxiety, I felt a sense of relief rush over me. Another obstacle removed from the path in my pursuit of freedom from poverty. There were many months, if not most, that I was unsure of how I was going to cover the
expenses of my household. Just knowing that I would be receiving that $200 in the mail at the beginning of each month was a huge relief! Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other". What you as a council, and congregation, did for my two daughters and myself without even knowing us is proof to me of the goodness in the world. People helping people without pretense! A collectively definitive stance against the darkness of disconnect in our world! I successfully completed the RPN program in December of 2015, and wrote the national certification exam in January of 2016. I am now a Registered Psychiatric Nurse! Because of my post secondary education, we are now in a different place. The cycle has been broken and we have a real chance. With certainty I can say that my children's ability to achieve their potential, now and in the future, has been directly impacted by the support we received from Christ Lutheran in our time of need. My oldest daughter, Keona (age 11), has aspirations to become an obstetrician. My youngest daughter, Autumn (age 7), hopes to become a veterinarian. Anything is possible. So thank you for believing in me! Thank you for taking Wanda's word that we were a worthwhile investment! I will forever be grateful for the kindness and compassion that you, as Christian people, extended to us. May your homes and families be blessed with good health, happiness, and abundance in faith.
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Bibliaskew
Artwork by Gustave Doré, Imagined Text by Dennis Hendricksen
I miss my comfortable bed.
There goes Melchior charging off before we’re ready! Typical Taurus! How come Balthasar always gets to ride the fancy camel?
Who in the world needs this much myrrh?
Those Magi think they’re something else with their jacked up beasts and all.
A word of advice... Watch where you step.
Check out the real story in Matthew 2:1-12
Christ Lutheran Church Calendar of Events Sunday December 11 9:00 & 11:00 AM - Worship & Communion 7:00 PM - Advent Music Festival
Sunday December 18 9:00 & 11:00 AM - Worship 9:00 AM - Sunday School Christmas Program 7:30 PM - Prairie Chamber Concert directed by Melissa Morgan
Christmas Eve December 24 5:00 PM - Worship for families with small children 7:00 PM - Worship - Candlelight 9:00 PM - Worship - Candlelight
Christmas Day December 25 11:00 AM - Worship with Communion No Country Gospel Service
Sunday January 1 11:00 AM - Worship (only one morning service)
Please Note The church office is closed December 26 & 27 and January 2. We return to our regular service times of 9:00 and 11:00 AM on January 8.