2275 Ricca Road, Bullhead City, Arizona 86442

remo Pastor tim EigHmy

Contact us at: communitylutheranchurch@gmail.com

Community Lutheran Church

Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, streams of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38

A Monthly Newsletter March 2020

Sunday Worship

9:00 AM 11:00 AM

Children’s

Learning Center 9:15 AM

Office Hours Tues. – Fri. 8AM - 1 PM

928-763-2422

a mEssagE from Pastor tim:

“tHE HigHs and Lows of faitH”

In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis explains how all Christians follow “the Law of Undulation.” What he meant by that is that sometimes we have spiritual highs in our lives; when we know that God is here and we notice and marvel at all of the blessings that we have received from Him. But there are other times when we experience spiritual lows; when we wonder if God is listening at all and don’t understand what He is doing – and even doubting if God exists at all. We all go through these highs and lows in faith. And in our worship at Church, we go through highs and lows as well. Throughout this month, the Church is going through the season of Lent. Lent is when we acknowledge that Christ is still with us even during our spiritual lows. Like the apostle Paul said in 2 Corinthians, when we suffer hardships and persecutions and are rejected by others, we share in Christ’s sufferings on the cross. Even in our brokenness and despair, Christ’s love is still here.

(Pastor’s message continued) During these 6 ½ weeks before Easter, the tone is very somber. Then on Holy Week it becomes even more somber as we remember how Christ died for our sins on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. But, on Easter Sunday, the tone is bright and joyous once more. Some people think that we should go without the lows in our lives. But it is during those times we learn what genuine love and hope truly are…that is what we have through the Cross of Jesus Christ. In Christ’s love, Pastor Tim

attEntion:

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR BOTH SERVICES…Please look at the sign-up sheet on the kiosk in the Narthex and see if there’s a spot where you might be able to help. Thank you!

LEntEn worsHiP scHEduLE

March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25

April 1

Early Lenten services – 12:30 PM Soup & Salad Potluck supper – 5:15 PM

Evening Lenten services – 6:00 PM Cantata Choir Practice – 7:00 PM

(Note: Sign-up sheets for soup and salad are available on the Information Kiosk)

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Lent has begun…we are less than 40 days from Easter...and the choir is diligently preparing for the Holy Week Cantata, “Upon This Rock.” We hope you will truly be moved by this year’s cantata. It offers a unique look at the events of Holy Week through Peter, the disciple whom Jesus called His Rock…and upon whom Christ’s church would be built. Each moment of that week had a profound effect on Peter leading him to question his passion…and his call…and, to question the same of others, “What is your passion?” “What is your call?” It is our hope that the cantata will also lead you to question, “What is your passion?” “What is your call?” In addition to the cantata, you will also experience vocal solos, anthems by the Cantata Choir, instrumental performances and the opportunity to sing well-known hymns of the season. If you haven’t already done so, mark your calendars now for either or both performances…Palm Sunday, April 5, 3:00 PM and Good Friday, April 10, 7:00 PM. Invite your friends, family and neighbors to experience this portrayal of the genesis of Christianity as we know and live it today.

Choir Notes… From the Choir Director

:

See Pastor Blezard’s thoughts on

“stewarding your soul” in this

month’s Stewardship Message.

Lent…A time for Reflection…

The 40 days of Lent offer us time for reflection…searching our souls… Reflection means facing our sins…all that is wrong in our life and in our world. That is a heavy load…it really makes us realize how much we need our Lord and Savior as part of our life.

Lent is Prayer…Fasting…Works of Love (Giving). Or some refer to the three pillars of Lent as Prayer…Fasting…Almsgiving.

This is most certainly a time for prayer. We should be praying anyway, so why is it especially called out during Lent? Well, the truth is, many Christians don’t pray regularly or at least not often enough…maybe in church. Maybe if we really need something from God. Or maybe when we speed by a hidden police car?? Prayer is easy then!

Are we just too busy? Really?! Do we get so caught up in living our life that sometimes God becomes an afterthought? Again I say…really?! What if we were an afterthought for GOD? (Think about that for a bit.)

God isn’t meant to be a security blanket only to be called on when we’re afraid or need something. Prayer is one of the most important things we do in our lives…if not the most important thing. Fasting is about denying ourselves something…living with less…identifying with the less fortunate. “Walking a mile in their shoes” and empathizing with their situation.

In Isaiah 58, the Lord talks about fasting. “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter…”

This brings us to the third pillar of Lent…Works of Love…charitable giving…showing love for our friends and neighbors. But, we need to be certain we are giving for the right reasons. As it says in Matthew, “…sound no trumpet before you…let your alms be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” In 2 Corinthians, the apostle Paul tells the Corinthians to give with a generous heart, and not to give grudgingly.

As we reflect during these 40 days: Show concern for others…be kind and generous…“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Consider Prayer…Fasting…Giving.

Wishing you God’s blessings during this Lenten Season!

Linda Miller

from your Editor: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand; that He may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

Do you love to play cards, eat and enjoy friendship—and laughs?

Then this is for you!

Be part of the “in group!” Next fun evening will be:

March 7, 2020, 7 PM

Irish or not…maybe the “Luck O’ The Irish” will be with you!

Either way, fun is guaranteed!

Dean and Barbara Leuthauser’s home 2576 Majestic Way, BHC

7:00 PM Plan to be there!

Just let Dean or Barbara know you’re coming. Call (928) 704-6317

Your chair will be waiting…

Fun…friendship…food…does it get any better? Oh yeah, and Pinochle too!

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attEntion aLL LadiEs! arE you rEady for somE “girL timE?”

There are some awesome opportunities for you to share some time with other women from our church, our synod and our broader communities. The first opportunity to gather with a lot of other women from our synod is the Colorado River Spring Gathering. All women of CLC are invited to attend. It is being held practically in our backyard this year at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Lake Havasu City. Why should you go? Spring break—OK maybe just a break from our normal routine; Road trip—OK a short, but fun road trip to Lake Havasu City; and, fun with other ladies. Plus, you’ll come away with new knowledge, new friends—and, feeling really good!

SPECIAL INVITATION: If you are New to CLC—or if you have never attended the synod women’s spring gathering—our CLC WELCA group will pay for your registration. DEADLINE TO REGISTER is March 10. Oh, by the way, that’s also Women’s Bible Study day. Join the group at 9:15 to study and pray about what God is directing us to do next…

The second opportunity is the “WOW” (Women of Worth) dinner/event, “It’s a God Thing.” A night of good food, singing, a skit, raffle, photo op and…more

Saturday, March 14, 2020 4:30 – 7:00 PM

Laughlin Community Church

Pre-event tickets are $10 (deadline March 10) Tickets will also be avalable at the door for $15

Call the Laughlin Community Church at 702-989-1228 for more information

coLorado rivEr sPring gatHEring “Love in Action”

On Saturday, March 28, 2020 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Mount Olive Lutheran Church 2170 Havasupai Blvd., Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403

In-Kind LOVE gifts will be given to Faith and Grace, Inc. For women and children escaping domestic violence

Deadline for Early Registration is March 10, 2020

stEwardsHiP mEssagE

stEward your souL for a fuLLEr LifE

Jesus teaches, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” –Mark 8:36, 37 (NIV) Instead of the superficial “How’s it going?” a wise colleague asks friends, “How is your soul?” The answer to that question requires effort. To answer it I must plunge deep inside – below the constantly churning waters of everyday joys, hopes, ambitions, desires, anxieties and disappointments. These are so strong, especially our desires and ambitions, that if we are not careful they can absorb all our time and energy. Jesus repeatedly warns us not to let our desires and our worries overwhelm us, keeping us from paying attention to the soul. Our soul is where we connect with God, the source of our greatest strength and truest identity. Without attention, our soul can wither like a plant without water. As with all the treasures God has given us, we must be stewards of our souls. The mystics of old and modern prophets (such as Richard Rohr, Marjorie Thompson, and Howard Thurman) teach us to employ prayer, holy silence, and other spiritual disciplines to tend our souls and keep worldly worries and desires from drowning us. This month begin a daily practice of caring for your soul. You might begin with five minutes of spoken prayer followed by five minutes of silence. Or reflect deeply on a Scripture passage. Or try prayerful yoga. (Your pastor might be able to give you some resources or ideas.) With a little practice and attention, you can become stronger, more centered, and more spiritually resilient. How is your soul?

--Rob Blezard Copyright © 2020, Rev. Robert Blezard. Reprinted by permission. Pastor Blezard serves as an assistant to the bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod and works as content editor for www.stewardshipoflife.org. He blogs at www.thestewardshipguy.com.

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marcH BirtHdays 1—Don Flatt 10—Milt Vanerstrom

5—Jan Clayton 13—Karen Hough

6—Brenda Buth 14—Michele Werchau

6—Kelly Buth 22—Marvin Leonhardt

6—DiAnne Kaul 22—Chelsey White

9—Becky Mlekush 25—Nicole Buth

31—Ethel Tomlinson

marcH annivErsariEs

18--Kelly and Brenda Buth (31)

HaPPy st. Patrick’s day to aLL of you wHo

arE irisH…or tHosE of you wHo arE irisH on

marcH 17.

PrayEr rEquEsts

Please continue to pray for all the persons whose names have been offered up by

members and friends of the congregation. We pray for healing, guidance, strength,

recovery, safe travel and unrevealed needs, as well as for those with thankful hearts and

for those who grieve.

March Happenings

marcH 2020

Sunday

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:15 Choir rehearsal 9 AM Worship 9:15 AM Lrng Ctr 11 AM Worship

2 3 9: 15 AM—WELCA (Women’s Ministry) 6:30-9 PM Square Dancing

4 12:30 Lenten Worship 5:15-Soup/Salad Supper 6 PM Lenten Worship 7 PM—Cantata Choir Rehearsal

5 2 PM—Adult Bible Study

6 7 Pinochle—Leuthauser home – 7 PM

8 8:15 Choir rehearsal 9 AM Worship 9:15 AM Lrng Ctr 11 AM Worship

9 Office Closed

10 Happy St. Patrick’s Day 9:15 AM—Women’s Bible Study (Women’s Ministry) 6:30-9 PM Square Dancing

11 12:30 Lenten Worship 5:15-Soup/Salad Supper 6 PM Lenten Worship 7 PM—Cantata Choir Rehearsal

12 2 PM—Adult Bible Study 6 PM Council Meeting

13

14 4:30-7:00 PM “WOW” Women of Worth Dinner/Event Laughlin, NV

15 8:15 Choir rehearsal 9 AM Worship 9:15 AM Lrng Ctr 11 AM Worship

16 Office Closed

17 9:15 AM—WELCA (Women’s Ministry) 6:30-9 PM Square Dancing

18 12:30 Lenten Worship 5:15-Soup/Salad Supper 6 PM Lenten Worship 7 PM—Cantata Choir Rehearsal

19 2 PM—Adult Bible Study

20

21

22 8:15 Choir rehearsal 9 AM Worship 9:15 AM Lrng Ctr 11 AM Worship

23 April Newsletter Deadline Office Closed

24 9:15 AM—WELCA (Women’s Ministry) 6:30-9 PM Square Dancing

25 12:30 Lenten Worship 5:15-Soup/Salad Supper 6 PM Lenten Worship 7 PM –Cantata Choir Rehearsal

26 2 PM—Adult Bible Study

27

28 8:30-3:00 Colorado River Spring Gathering in Lake Havasu 10 AM— Cantata Choir Rehearsal

29 8:15 Choir rehearsal 9 AM Worship 9:15 AM Lrng Ctr 11 AM Worship

30 Office Closed

31 9:15 AM—WELCA (Women’s Ministry) 6:30-9 PM Square Dancing

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Community Lutheran Church February 2020 Community Lutheran

Church 2275 Ricca Rd. Bullhead City, AZ 86442

don’t miss tHEsE uPcoming EvEnts:

Tuesdays—Women’s Ministry (WELCA)—9:15 AM Tuesday, Mar. 10—Women’s Bible Study—9:15 AM Wednesdays Early Lenten Services—12;30 PM Wednesdays Soup & Salad Suppers—5:15 PM Wednesdays Lenten Services—6:00 PM Wednesdays—Cantata Choir Rehearsal—7 PM Thursdays—Adult Bible Study—2 PM March 12—Council Meeting—6 PM March 29—Noisy Offering