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Christ Lutheran Church and
School
7701 Candelaria Road NE
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
From the Pastor 1
From the Principal 3
From the Congregation
Chairman
3
From the Treasurer 4
Music Director Notes 5
Women’s News 6
Stephen Ministry 7
LWML Convention News 8
Scrip 9
November birthdays 10
Calendar 11
Worship schedule 12
Honor Circle & Quilters 13
Youth & Senior news 13
C HR IS T C HR ON IC LE
December 2016
CHRIST CHRONICLE
Christ Lutheran Church and School
7701 Candelaria Road NE
From the Pastor
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end.
He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.-
- Isaiah 9:6-7 –
(Continued on page 2)
Poinsettia Orders
A Sign Up sheet is
available in the church
narthex or call the
church office to order.
884-3876, ext. 120
Deadline: Sunday,
Dec. 18
Sunday, December 25
10 a.m. Christmas Day
Communion Worship
Saturday, December 31
7 p.m. New Year’s Eve
Communion Worship
Saturday, December 24
4 p.m. & 7 p.m. Christmas
Eve Candlelight Worship
Sunday, December 18
8:15 a.m. Sunday School
Christmas Service
11:00 a.m. Worship
Wednesday Advent Services - 7 p.m.
Nov. 30 - Advent Worship
Dec. 7 - Advent Worship
School Christmas Service (4th– 8th Grade)
Dec. 14 - Advent Worship
Dec. 21 - Advent Worship
Sunday, December 4
8:15 & 11:00 a.m. Worship
Advent & Christmas
WORSHIP TIMES
Sunday, December 11
8:15 & 11:00 a.m. Worship &
Choir Cantata
Sunday, January 1
8:15 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Worship
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 2
Christ Lutheran Church
Officers & Board Members
Chairman - Jerry Shroff
Vice Chairman - Bob Dragan
Secretary - Cheryl Frazine
Treasurer - Vacant
Board of Christian Education Bill Vering , chair
Kris Donahue
Laurel Drew
David Hommel
Marc Lucero
Ann McBrayer
Lee Swanger
Deon Haas – teacher representative
Board of Church Properties Phil Pelzman, chair
Paul Guyer
Jerry Kolke
Philippe LeGault
Matthew Martinez
Joel Naber
Board of Human Care Nancy Brul
Angie Bischoff
Yvonne Damerow
Allyn Irving
Connie Kallsen
Marcia Koschmann
Bea Martinez
Board of Lay Ministry Marty Rasmussen, chair
Kelley Burmeister
James Gruetzner
Matt Helge
Tim Klein
Jerry Shroff
Board of Missions Vic Dawley, chair
Vera Abresch
DuWayne Branscombe
Barbara Gunderlach
Ralph Hughes
Board of Parish Fellowship Kelly Gruetzner, chair
Sheri Call
Cheri Guyer
Julie Henderson
Karen Kolke
Danielle Lukow
Kevin Lukow
Kristie Naber
Shelby Vering
Board of Stewardship David Hommel, chair
Randy Bennett
Tom Hebblewhite
Dianne Hommel
Dave Oetting
Renae Ricard Postenrieder
Board of Youth Nicole Golich
Tim Klein
Noah Rasmussen
Doug Rickers
Every year, it
seems as if the
phrase: “It’s be-
ginning to look a
lot like Christ-
mas!” can be
used earlier and
earlier, as mer-
chants rush to
be the first to put
up their Christmas displays, trying to sell
everything from tinsel and toys to tools
and trinkets. This year, they went up
right after Halloween! While I usually
grow irritated at those who try to “rush”
the season solely for commercial profit
or gain, there is a certain amount of joy
as I consider the impact that the true
Christmas message can have on the
lives of people.
Only our Lord knows the impact Christ-
centered Christmas songs and melodies
may have on the hearts of people as
they hear them in shopping centers and
on the radio. Even as the world seems to
move away from the central truth of our
Savior’s birth, Satan has still not been
able to remove the Christ Child from
CHRISTmas!
We need to step back and realize, that
sometimes in our preparation for the
celebration of the birth of our Savior,
like the rest of the world, we often loose
our focus on what is really important.
We fill our time with so many activities
and so much preparation that we can
not wait until the Christmas season is
over so we can relax. How ironic, that a
Savior who came to bring peace is cele-
brated by a season full of stress!
As you begin to decorate your homes
and as church decorations begin to go
up, take the time to ponder the gift of
Christ to our world and to our lives. Re-
member to prepare your heart. Think of
the impact the love of Jesus has upon
you and your family. Take time to reflect
upon the forgiveness given to you by a
Savior who died on a cross. Think about
what it would be like without Jesus. I
believe the impact of CHRIST is so pro-
found, that even if we took away all of
the “things” that remind us of Christmas
-- the “New Mexico” snow, the decorated
trees, the lights, the food, the music,
even all of the presents and toys -- our
joy, our awe, and our sense of wonder at
the events of the Christmas account
would not be diminished.
When we take time to look at the Babe
of Bethlehem, decorated in rags, and
lying in a stable full of that wonderful
“barnyard” aroma — when we hear the
cries of a Savior hanging on a cross,
when we are touched by His grace
through the waters of Baptism, then we
are mindful of a God who brings life into
our world in a way in which common and
ordinary people can relate to Him.
Christmas is celebrated every time we
see the gift of God given to us in the
birth of the Christ-child. Christmas is
celebrated when we take The Gift and
share it with others in the simple ways
that communicate the love God has for
them in their lives. Christmas is cele-
brated when we open the gift of for-
giveness — that “white robe of righteous-
ness” that fits exactly right — and wear
it daily in our lives. Christmas is cele-
brated when we focus on the only gift
that matters! Christmas is celebrated
every day of the month and every month
of the year. God’s greatest gift to us im-
pacts us not just once a year, but each
day of our lives.
May this season of preparation be a
time of peace and joy, a time of music
and fun, a time of packages, ribbons
and bows. But most of all, may it be a
celebration of CHRISTmas! When you
talk about Christmas, do not forget
about Christ! May people see and hear
about the greatest gift of Christmas in
your actions and words. When people
see how you live, and hear what you say,
may they look at your life and say: “It
truly is beginning to look a lot like Christ-
mas!”
Merry CHRISTmas!
Pastor Neal Groeling
(Continued from page 1) Pastor’s article
CHRIST CHRONICLE
From the Principal
Mark von Soosten
Can it already be getting that close
to Christmas? I know, some of the
stores have had their Christmas stuff on the
shelves since before Halloween, but I try to ig-
nore that. However, if I’m writing my December
Chronicle article we must be starting to get
close.
You may
have heard
me say it
before, but
one of the
things that
really puts
me into the
Christmas
spirit is the school Christmas program. (I guess
that is to be expected when you have been a
part of as many as I have over the years.) It is
very special to me to hear the Christmas mes-
sage from the mouths of our students. To quote
Linus, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Char-
lie Brown.”
I hope that you will take advantage of the oppor-
tunity to hear our fourth through eighth graders
tell the Christmas story on Wednesday, Decem-
ber 7, when they present, “A Tree Lot Christ-
mas.” You are also invited to our annual Christ-
mas choir and band concert on Tuesday, De-
cember 13 at 7:00 PM in the church.
I want to take advantage of this opportunity to
thank all of you, both congregation members
and school families, that have supported the
ministry of Christ Lutheran Church and School
this past year. Without your prayers and assis-
tance we wouldn’t be able to share the Gospel
with so many children and families. Have a
blessed Christmas and a happy New Year.
In Christ,
Mark
Page 3
This Year…Bring a Friend!
Our Christmas season has begun. It truly will be a
time of celebration of the coming of our Lord Je-
sus. It can also be the perfect time to introduce a
neighbor, coworker or friend to the love of Jesus
Christ.
Opportunities abound! We will be joining our
friends in the South Valley on the afternoon of
Sunday, December 4th for a very special Nativity
musical presentation, and feast of Mexican food
with a gift sharing for over 150 children.
On December 11th our choir will be sharing a spe-
cial Christmas Cantata during Sunday Service that
would be a joy for not only us to hear, but also our
friends and neighbors. We will be having special
Wednesday Advent Services and fellowship meals
that make ideal times of breaking bread not only
with each other, but with those of our community.
Our Sunday school and our school will be holding
special programs that are always a joy to go be a
part of. For our Sunday School program, perhaps
invite some of your children’s friends that do not
have a church home to come watch the program.
For the School program, be sure and welcome all
those from the school that come to watch their
children, but also think of kids and parents that
may want to see how awesome our school is and
invite them to watch the program with you.
We will be having a very special Christmas Eve this
year. We will have our 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. services,
but we will also be having a special 2 p.m. service
with those at our God Cares About You mission in
their neck of the woods. It will be a multi-cultural
service with special emphasis on the children.
Come see the mission in action for yourself, but
also invite a friend or neighbor so they can see
(Continued on page 8)
From the Congregation
President Jerry Shroff, Congregation Chairman
Page 4 Christ Chronic le
FROM the CHURCH TREASURER
As of October 31st we have received $110,477 in
offerings out of $545,879 planned for in the FY 16/17
Mission & Ministry Plan. We are 13 Sundays into our fis-
cal year averaging $8,498 per week in offerings. Our
planned average was $10,498 per week. We were
$2,000 per week below our planned average.
Our approved planned expenses were $1,387,066. As of
October 31st we spent $381,147.
Our status 13 weeks into Mission Ministry 2016/2017
Approved Budget $1,387,066
Planned Offerings $545,879
Non Offerings Income 13,500
Special Offerings 23,000
Thrivent Choice 7,000
School Income 801,381
Total Planned Income $1,390,760
Planned Surplus (+) or Deficit (-) $3,694
Actual Income as of October 31st
Offerings $110,477
Non-offerings 2,835
Special Offerings 10,000
Thrivent Choice 1,514
School Income 240,874
YTD Income $365,700
YTD Expenses $381,947
YTD Net Loss -$15,447
(continued in the next column)
Planned & Actual Expenses as of October 31st
Fiscal Yr
Planned Actual Largest
Board Expenses Expenses Expense
Administration $5,250 $1,328 Admin. Supplies
Church Council 14,188 3,169 District &
Synod Support
Christian Ed. 50,250 17,609 K-8 Curriculum
Church Property 240,350 64,563 Mortgage
Human Care 2,250 0 None
Lay Ministry 5,550 719 Sunday School
Missions 19,600 4,750 B. Helge Support
Fellowship 1,000 0 Kitchen Supplies
Public Relations 12,000 3,687 Online Marketing
Stewardship 450 0 Envelopes
Youth 5,300 531 CLY & JOY
Compensation 1,030,878 284,792 Salaries
Total $1,387,066 $381,147
Together with the Grace of God, we can meet
the challenge which He has placed before us to
further His Mission here at Christ Lutheran
Church and School.
Christ Lutheran Chronicle is published for members and friends of Christ
Lutheran Church & School. News items for next
month’s Chronicle are due in the church office
on the 15th of the month and may be edited for
content or length. Thanks for your participation
and cooperation! ☺
Christ Lutheran Church 2017
Offering Envelopes &
2016 Contribution Statements Offering Envelopes for 2017 will
be available on tables in the
church narthex beginning in De-
cember. After the first two weeks,
they will be moved to your mailbox.
If you would like a box of enve-
lopes and did not receive one,
please contact the church office.
Contribution statements for 2016 will be placed in
your church narthex mailbox by the end of January.
Please contact Julie in the church office if you do
not receive one or need to discuss an adjustment.
884-3876, ext. 124 or email:
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 5
Rejoice, the Lord is King!
As I am writing this, we are days away from the
end of our church year, the Sunday we call Christ
the King Sunday. The Lord has established his
throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules
over all. (Psalm 103:19).
December consists of weeks of Advent, the time
to prepare our hearts for the arrival of the infant
King. He is our salvation!
Our choir will present a cantata “The Heart of
Christmas” on Sunday, December 11 at both ser-
vices. The words are meaningful; they are meant
to stir your heart. As you listen with an open
heart, let the Holy Spirit’s power work in you. I
pray you are inspired and encouraged by those
who “lived the story” – John the Baptist, Mary,
Joseph, shepherds, wise men, and God our Fa-
ther who sent His Son into the world as a baby.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son, that whoever believes in him should not per-
ish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).
The children of our Sunday School will present
“Christmas Is Jesus” during the 8:15 a.m. service
on December 18. I am excited that our Sunday
School has grown to have enough children to
“outfit” a nativity scene. Look forward to seeing
these precious ones enact the birth of Jesus in
Bethlehem and sing some of our favorite Christ-
mas carols.
Advent includes four special Wednesday evening
services at 7 p.m. They will be Nov. 30, and Dec.
7, 14, and 21. Grades 4-8 of Christ Lutheran
School will lead the service on Dec. 7. Their pro-
gram is titled “A Tree Lot Christmas – Joining Je-
sus’ Family Tree.” It is an entertaining delivery of
the message of God’s love for us, and our show-
ing that love to others in Jesus’ name.
Christmas Eve at 4 and 7 p.m. and Christmas Day
at 10 a.m. will be wonderful celebrations of the
birth of the Christ Child, our Savior, Jesus!
Come and worship; Worship Christ, the newborn King.
NOTES FROM YOUR
MUSIC DIRECTOR
By Beth Shroff
CHURCH WORK DAY Saturday Dec. 3rd @ 9 a.m.
Saturday Dec. 10th @ 9 a.m.
The Board of Church Properties is
hosting work days as we trim xeri-
scape plants and clean up our cam-
pus for winter
We start at 9 a.m. and work until 12 p.m. with
snacks and lunch provided. Bring your gloves, rake,
and wheelbarrow (if you have one.)
Contact Phil Pelzman at 292-6538. if you have any
questions.
FROM THE BOARD OF YOUTH
The youth have had a chance to recognize the
kids that came before them by making care pack-
ages for the college kids. They also have had a
great time hosting younger kids during middle
school events in which more and more kids are
showing up. This has been a very pleasant sur-
prise.
In December, the high school youth will be helping
with the middle school Christmas Party. The kids
will be making luminarias, so don’t forget your or-
der. They will be decorating the church grounds on
Christmas Eve. CLY will be celebrating with a pro-
gressive dinner.
The youth also have many things to keep them
busy away from church and would love your sup-
port. Robin will have three diving meets. Olivia will
be having tryouts for club volleyball. Ben has a
concert on Dec. 15th. Morgan will have events for
DECA. Gabe and Jay will be enjoying time with
friends. All will be enjoying a well-deserved long
vacation.
Youth that will be celebrating birthdays in Decem-
ber: Ben Groeling
Thanks for all your support,
CLY and JoY
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 6
It’s LUTHERAN WITNESS Renewal Time
NOW is the time to sign up to receive the LUTHERAN WITNESS for 2017.
This magazine is the official publication of The Lutheran Church—
Missouri Synod. It includes articles on missions, ministry, youth and a
special insert from our Rocky Mountain District to keep you up-to-date on
what is happening in our area.
The cost is $22.01 and may be paid with a check made out to Christ Lutheran Church. (same price
as last year) Please write “Lutheran Witness” in the memo line of your check. Drop the check in the
offering plate or take it to the office during the week. (9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday—Thursday)
If you have a current subscription, please reply back to Carol in the church office to continue your
subscription.
If you would like a new subscription, please complete your name and address information on the
“Additions” form in the narthex.
Please complete forms, verify information, & pay by Sunday, Dec. 18.
Christ Lutheran School Events
4th—8th grade Christmas Service - Wednesday, Dec. 7th 7 p.m.
Don’t miss hearing the students share the Christmas story in the Church!
MUSIC CONCERT - Tuesday, Dec. 13th 7 p.m.
Don’t miss Christmas Music from the School Band and Choir!
Come and bring your friends!
Updates on Membership
Welcome to these new members: Kimberly Abeyta, Joy Branscombe, Chelsea Kilgore, Krista Stephens, Jennifer Stidham,
Ben Ballengee, Barbara Marie Mason, Kathryn Ballengee, Jennifer Flores, Gary Sorem, Trinity Sorem
Transfers Out: Vera Abresch
An information class will start up later in 2017. If you are interested in
becoming a member at Christ Lutheran, please contact the church office
to add your name to the list of those interested in this class.
505-884-3876, ext. 120 or [email protected]
Membership updates will be listed as space allows.
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 7
Christ Lutheran Stephen Ministry
Thoughts from a Stephen Leader
A niche filled. A service provided.
A need met. God's love in action.
These are some of the things Stephen Ministry means to me.
Launching this program here at Christ Lutheran is another way for our
church family to serve and be served in Christian love. Little did I know
what work God had for me to do after I volunteered to be a part of the Stephen Leader team and be-
came trained to provide my CLC family with opportunity to help Care Receivers and to serve as Care Giv-
ers. I pray that our Stephen Ministry team, as it continues to develop, will be an asset to Pastor, to each
other, and to any who could benefit from one-on-one listening, confidential and consistent empathetic
attention, and a path to Help, Hope, and Healing in any situation.
One wonderful impact that I envision is the ripple effect this Ministry will have not only outward from the
individual care givers and receivers, but to members of the congregation with them, their extended fami-
ly, friends and so on. Each extension of care, Christian love, and emotional support will enrich our family
here at Christ Lutheran and beyond. What a blessing such a legacy would be to the future of this church,
and, eventually, also the school.
As we begin, I would like to serve by participating as a Stephen Leader: organizing our program initially,
training volunteers, and serving as needed in roles determined by the Stephen Leader Team under Pas-
tor's guidance. As our program grows, I look forward to stepping into the Care Giver opportunity to pro-
vide support for someone who is hurting. As a retired nurse, that role is one that is comfortable and a joy
for me, and my experience with maintaining privacy and confidentiality in healthcare settings provides
familiar boundaries I respect.
I am so grateful God is guiding this mission. Stephen Ministry is an avenue of opportunity to serve my
church—a community that has given me so very much over the 20 years I've been a member. I'm looking
forward to sharing this extension of God's love with you all.
Humbly Serving,
Sue Dragan
Stephen Leader
Christ Lutheran Sunday School
Service & Practice Times
Christ Lutheran Sunday School Service:
Sunday, December, 18, 8:15 a.m.
“Christmas Is Jesus”
Christ Lutheran Sunday School practices:
Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
Saturday, Dec. 17, 9:30 - 11 a.m.
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 8
December is Gift Giving Time! Give yourself a gift to nourish
your soul and attend the 37th Biennial LWML Convention
in Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 22-25, 2017. The con-
vention agenda is filled with many
outstanding speakers, proclaimers,
leaders and presenters to fill us with
God’s Word to share with others.
The theme “Jesus Christ Above All”
highlights Philippians 2:9: Therefore
God has highly exalted Him and be-
stowed on Him the name that is
above every name.
Please consider volunteering to help with the convention.
(Any man, woman, or youth!) Take advantage of a registra-
tion discount for serving at least two 4-hour shifts. Submit
the Call for Workers form by January 15, or as soon as pos-
sible, to receive your assignment and a discount coupon
before you register. A packet with a special registration
form will be mailed to you; please do not use the form in-
cluded in the Quarterly. Download the Call for Workers and
Convention Logo Polo Shirt order forms and share them
with others.
More details can be found on your district LWML website
(www.lwmlrmd.org). For up-to-date convention information,
see future issues of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly or
visit the website at www.lwml.org/2017-convention.
that our church truly does not stop at the end of
the church driveway.
This Christmas Season is a special time of celebra-
tion of the birth of our Lord and Savior. It is a spe-
cial time for us to share our love for each other
and our families. However, it is an opportunity giv-
en to us from God to truly do what he wants us to
do and that is to share his love, teach, and baptize
those in our community around us…and yes I am
guessing we will have some baptisms during the
season!
Please pray about bringing
some friends, neighbors,
co-workers with you during
some of these celebrations
so they can also feel the
love of Christ. Please be intentional in doing so.
You may make somebody feel good during the
season. Better yet you may be a part of changing
their life.
I wish all of you, my Brothers and Sisters, a very
merry, spiritual and safe Christmas Season.
God’s Peace,
Jerry
(Continued from page 3) President’s article
Sunday, November 6
December News for Christ Lutheran Women’s Guild / LWML
The annual Christmas Luncheon for all Women of the congregation will be
held on Saturday, December 3, at Pelican’s (9800 Montgomery Blvd. NE)
beginning at 11:45 am. The price has gone up, as has everything we do.
The cost this year is $22.00 per person. This will include salad, your
choice from a select group of entrees, and drink. Plus, you will be able to
participate in a short devotion and sing some much loved Christmas car-
ols. For those participating in a Secret Sisters gift exchange, your sister
will be revealed!!
Reservations are due by Monday, November 28th, to Carol Bickel or
Eunice Hoeft. Payment at time of reservation would be appreciated. Questions? Please
contact Carol (821-8051) or Eunice (889-9705). Please join us for food and fellowship!
The regular meetings of New Beginnings and Vespers will not be held in December. They
will resume in January. Enjoy this season of Advent!
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 9
Gift Cards (Scrip) at Christ
Lutheran Church & School Karen Kolke, Coordinator
We sold $14,525.13 worth of gift cards during the month of October.
Total Rebate earned was $348.87 worth of “free” money that went to these funds:
Capital Improvement Fund earned $89.30 with 20 families participating
School Scholarship Fund earned $29.26 with 4 families participating
School Tuition distributed $177.69 with 14 families participating
Extended Care distributed $16.78 with 4 families participating
Playground Fund distributed $11.66 with 5 families participating
East Albuquerque Mission (GCAY) distributed $5.88 with 2 families participating
Youth Accounts distributed $28.33 with 3 families participating
The Technology Fund received $348.92 with 56 families participating. (Remember that ½ of the re-
bates automatically go to our Technology Fund, but several families have 100% of their rebates go-
ing to this fund.)
This is FREE money and we have 56 families supporting this program.
SCRIP makes great Christmas and birthday and shopping gifts.....order early! We can get smaller denominations on some of the cards.
SCRIP Coordinator,
Karen Kolke 206-0906
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY goes out to those who were
married in December.
Please remember them in
your daily prayers when they
celebrate their special day.
Dec. 6 Rich & Bonnie Lamphere
Dec. 16 Rhett & Julie Skelton
Dec. 18 Jeff & Sharon Kluck
Dec. 20 Dan & Grace Curtiss
Dec. 24 Ron & Iris Clevenger
Dec. 26 Mark & Carol von Soosten
Dec. 30 Tony & Dana Marchand
Dec. 31 Greg & Emilie Meyer
Church Library and Greetings Cards
The Library is alive and well--
despite the stacks of books you
see when you come through
the door. If there is something
you want to study--or read for
recreation, come on in.
Don't forget we have greeting cards available for
sale for approximately 50
cents each and will also
have Christmas cards for
sale.
Thanks for your support.
Betty Swanger
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 10
December Celebrations (Please let the church office know if we missed
your special date - 884-3876, ext. 120.)
Worship for Shut-Ins
Watch Sundays at 12:30-1p.m. on the following
stations:
Local station - KAZQ-TV 32,
Comcast Cable - Channel 22,
Direct TV - Channel 119,
Dish Satellite Channel 110 & Channel 8817,
OR at 9:30 a.m. on Direct TV-Channel 377
(Total Christian Television), OR
Visit the website: www.worshipforshutins.org and click
on the “Online Worship” button. You can watch any
recent broadcasts, anytime, day or night!
December 4, 2016 - Second Sunday in Advent
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7; Old Testament: Isaiah 11:1-10; Gos-
pel: Matthew 3:1-12 “The Perfect Ruler” - Sermon Text: Isaiah
11:1-10 by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological
Seminary - Fort Wayne, IN
We know from history about imperfect rulers. Isaiah speaks
about the perfect ruler: Jesus Christ. His rule means for you
forgiveness, life, peace, and rest.
December 11, 2016 - Third Sunday in Advent
Psalm: Psalm 146; Epistle: James 5:7-11; Gospel: Matthew
11:2-15 “Discouraged Prophet?” – Sermon Text: Matthew
11:2-11 by Rev. Dr. Daniel J. Brege, St. Paul Lutheran Church
- Decatur, IN
Could it be that John the Baptist was discouraged, even de-
pressed? Some debate whether this is possible since he was
the great way-preparer. Yet, after all, John was part of our
fallen race, as was his discouraged predecessor Elijah. As we
face such discouragement and perhaps depression, we too
have our faith reinforced by returning to the works and words
of the Savior.
December 18, 2016 – Fourth Sunday in Advent
Psalm: Psalm 24; Old Testament: Isaiah 7:10-17; Gospel:
Matthew 1:18-25 “Go Ahead…Ask!” - Sermon Text: Isaiah
7:10-17 by Rev. William Mueller, Suburban Bethlehem Lu-
theran Church - Fort Wayne, IN
Are we too timid to ask God the tough questions of life? Go
ahead and ask…for He has something gracious to tell us!
December 25, 2016 – The Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas
Day Psalm: 2; Epistle: Hebrews 1:1-6; Gospel: John 1:1-14
“Joy To The World” - Sermon Text: John 1:1-14 by Rev. Paul E.
Shoemaker, Emanuel Lutheran Church - New Haven, IN
The true joy of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While we celebrate the gift of
God’s Son we remember the purpose of His coming, to save
us all from the consequences of our sin so that we may
“become the children of God.”
“Happy Birthday” to the following members of
our congregation who were born in December:
Dec. 1 John Ivey
Ed Scussel
Dec. 2 Kelley Burmeister
Dec. 4 Cheri Guyer
Dec. 7 Cyndy Damerow
Dec. 9 Keegan Postlethwait
Dec. 10 Charles Pelzman
Dec. 13 Sarah Handrock
Margaret Keen
Peter Kolke
Dec. 14 Benjamin Groeling
Dec. 16 Grace Buelow
Carly Call
Marty Hernandez
Dec. 18 Angela Klein
Dec. 23 Arielle Bickel
Dec. 24 Michael Frazine
Sydney Marchand
Dec. 25 Dana Marchand
Dec. 27 Don Brul
Dec. 28 Allison Klein
Dec. 29 Sarah Nixon
Decem
ber 2
01
6
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Christ Lutheran Youth (High School Youth): &
Jesus and You with nOthing in-between
(Middle School Youth ):
EVENTS:
Dec. 2— 7 p.m. Middle School Christmas Party
Dec. 4—12:30 p.m. CLY assemble Luminarias
Dec. 17—5:30 p.m. CLY Progressive Dinner
Dec. 24—7 p.m. CLY set out Luminarias
Dec. 26—10:30 a.m. CLY clean up Luminarias
Thanks for all your support,
CLY and JoY
YOUTH NEWS
CHRIST CHRONICLE Page 13
Christmas Caroling
When: Sunday, Dec. 11,
at 3 p.m.
Where: We will be meeting in the Parish Hall and
carpooling to several locations. A light supper will
be served back at the Parish Hall after caroling.
What: We'll be singing familiar and much-loved
Christmas carols!
Who: Everyone is welcome to sing!
Please come out and help us make a joyful noise
to celebrate the Christmas season!
No regular meeting in Decem-
ber, but all ladies are invited
to the Christmas lunch at
Pelican’s on Saturday, Dec.
3rd! Come by 11:45 a.m.
Watch for updates when we
will meet again in January!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
HONOR
CIRCLE
We will not meet in Dec. as there is enough
going on because of the holidays. Have a very
Blessed Christmas and watch for our January
plans in the January Chronicle.
Friday,
January 13
7 p.m.
"The Hammer of God" by Bo Giertz
In this bestselling novel based on the theme of heal-
ing souls and spiritual regeneration, three pastors
discover the necessity of relying on God's grace.
Contact: Al & Marcia Koschmann 271-1287
Quilters in December
The Quilters are taking a break
in December! We will meet
again on January 10, 2017, at
9:30 am.
Enjoy this Advent season with your family and
friends!
Mark your Calendar and plan to join us as we use
our time and talents in service to God. Questions?
Contact Lois (299-8388) or Carol (821-8051).
LUMINARIA Orders
$8 per dozen Order forms are available in the church
narthex. Contact Doug Rickers or any
Youth Board member with completed
orders or questions. Pick up your or-
ders on Sunday, Dec. 11th.
Christ Lutheran Church
7701 Candelaria Road NE
Albuquerque, NM 87110
Return Service Requested
Dece
mber
2016
Chris
t Lutheran Chronic
le
Chris
t Lutheran Church & School
77
01
Ca
nd
ela
ria
Rd
. NE
A
lbu
qu
er
qu
e, N
M 8
7110
Su
nd
ay
Wo
rs
hip
Tim
es
: 8:1
5 &
11 a
.m.
Su
nd
ay
Bib
le C
las
s: 9
:45 a
.m.
Ph
on
e: (5
05
) 88
4-3
87
6
Fa
x: (50
5) 8
88
-06
55
e-m
ail: c
lcs@
clc
-s.o
rg
We
b p
age
clc
-s.o
rg
www.fa
cebook
.com/ch
ristABQ
www.fa
cebook
.com/C
LSABQ
www.tw
itter.com
/ChristL
uthABQ
Rev. N
eal G
roeling, Pastor
Beth
Shroff, D
irector of M
usic C
arol von Sooste
n, Church
Secre
tary
Julie
Hend
erson, B
ookke
epe
r &
part time Pre
Sch
ool Teach
er
Ste
ve B
owm
an, Custod
ian
M
ark von S
oosten, Principal
Krista S
teph
ens, part tim
e
Sch
ool Sec. &
part time PE
teach
er
Kirste
n Eise
nhart, T
wo ye
ar old te
acher
Hayle
igh S
aavedra, Pre
Sch
ool teach
er
Natalie
Eise
nhart, Pre
Kind
ergarte
n Lish
elle
Burm
eiste
r, Kind
erg
arten
Tanya S
ainz, First G
rade
Kim
Rasm
ussen, S
econd
Grad
e &
Pre
Sch
ool Dire
ctor M
ari Yaksich
, Third
Grad
e
Sarah
Nix
on, Fourth
Grad
e
Sarah
Hand
rock, Fifth
Grad
e
Thom
as Hinrich
s, Mid
dle
Sch
ool D
eon H
aas, Mid
dle
Sch
ool
Sh
arin
g G
od's lo
ve with
all H
is child
ren
, w
hile g
row
ing
togeth
er in
Ch
rist!
We’re on the web:
www.clc-s.org
www.facebook.com/christABQ
www.facebook.com/CLSABQ
www.twitter.com/ChristLuthABQ
