Dear Friends in Christ, “...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (ESV)

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C The above verse was a recent theme

verse for our Christ Community Lutheran

School. Some translations read “seek justice.” I

am leaning on this particular translation

because it moves us beyond seeking justice to

doing justice. It calls for us “to love in action

instead of love in rhetoric”; words. And I am

thankful for that last sentence.

I am thankful for peaceful protests. I am

thankful for police officers linking arms with

them, kneeling with them, and praying with

them. I am thankful that there are faithful civic

leaders who are voices of justice and peace

amidst the rioting that masquerades as

protest.

I am extremely thankful for the

gathering of pastors at our sister congregation,

Christ Memorial, and hosted by Matt Miller of

Send Me St. Louis with special thanks to Ann

Vasquez and Lutheran Foundation.

I am thankful for voices like Revs. Gerard

Bolling and John Schmidtke, Pastoral

teammates at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in

North St. Louis. I am thankful for Rev. David

Lewis at Holy Trinity in South St. Louis. I am

thankful because they are voices of, in, and

among our black brothers and sisters. In

response to the gathered pastors and the

broken-hearted questions we asked, they

gave us good and godly counsel.

With sadness in their voices they

reminded us that even though we ought to

know and all children of God ought to know,

Racism is Sin (Lewis). And as sin it needs to be

called out as sin. “We call it out as sin, not

because others are, but because it is the right

thing to do.” (Bolling)

Racism is a divisive tactic of Satan. We

are called to Good Samaritan love. We are

called to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Every human is our neighbor. We want to

choose whom to love. We want to choose

whom to serve. But that is not the way of Christ. The way of Christ is to forsake the

self and serve the neighbor. The challenge is “self versus service.” (Schmidtke)

Ok…..too much rhetoric. A huge question on the minds of the gathered

pastors was the question “how”. How do I/we talk? How do I/we serve? Peaceful

protest is certainly an option. Striving to understand that “Black Lives Matter,” once

stripped of all of its politicization, is still truth. Hearing it not as stating only black

lives matter but hearing it as a cry in the wake of the loss of African American lives.

These are just a few of the helpful thoughts shared.

The big take-away from the gathering came as no surprise: we are engaged

not in a sprint but in a marathon. The answer will be found in you, when you and I

walk with a black neighbor, have a conversation in which we listen to our black

neighbor (please feel free to insert any color, nationality, culture…..it is just that

black lives are the ones in the urgency of the moment) and develop a relationship.

There was so much more that was said. There is so much more to be done. There is

more to come. In the meantime, figure out how you will respond to our Lord’s call

to, “...do justice, and to love kindness (I have to admit, I rather prefer the translation

“mercy”), and to walk humbly with your God.” And to “Love your neighbor as

yourself.”

In the JOY of the Lord, Rev. David Meggers

PS. Another trusted voice is my colleague and friend, Rev. B. Keith Haney, Assistant to the

President for Missions, Iowa District West, LCMS, www.alightbreaksthrough.org

2020

2020

P A S T O R ’ S N O T EPASTOR MEGGERS | DMEGGERS@CKHOME.ORG

Dear Friends in Christ, “...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (ESV)

The above verse was a recent theme

verse for our Christ Community Lutheran

School. Some translations read “seek justice.” I

am leaning on this particular translation

because it moves us beyond seeking justice to

doing justice. It calls for us “to love in action

instead of love in rhetoric”; words. And I am

thankful for that last sentence.

I am thankful for peaceful protests. I am

thankful for police officers linking arms with

them, kneeling with them, and praying with

them. I am thankful that there are faithful civic

leaders who are voices of justice and peace

amidst the rioting that masquerades as

protest.

I am extremely thankful for the

gathering of pastors at our sister congregation,

Christ Memorial, and hosted by Matt Miller of

Send Me St. Louis with special thanks to Ann

Vasquez and Lutheran Foundation.

I am thankful for voices like Revs. Gerard

Bolling and John Schmidtke, Pastoral

teammates at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in

North St. Louis. I am thankful for Rev. David

Lewis at Holy Trinity in South St. Louis. I am

thankful because they are voices of, in, and

among our black brothers and sisters. In

response to the gathered pastors and the

broken-hearted questions we asked, they

gave us good and godly counsel.

With sadness in their voices they

reminded us that even though we ought to

know and all children of God ought to know,

Racism is Sin (Lewis). And as sin it needs to be

called out as sin. “We call it out as sin, not

because others are, but because it is the right

thing to do.” (Bolling)

Racism is a divisive tactic of Satan. We

are called to Good Samaritan love. We are

called to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Every human is our neighbor. We want to

choose whom to love. We want to choose

whom to serve. But that is not the way of Christ. The way of Christ is to forsake the

self and serve the neighbor. The challenge is “self versus service.” (Schmidtke)

Ok…..too much rhetoric. A huge question on the minds of the gathered

pastors was the question “how”. How do I/we talk? How do I/we serve? Peaceful

protest is certainly an option. Striving to understand that “Black Lives Matter,” once

stripped of all of its politicization, is still truth. Hearing it not as stating only black

lives matter but hearing it as a cry in the wake of the loss of African American lives.

These are just a few of the helpful thoughts shared.

The big take-away from the gathering came as no surprise: we are engaged

not in a sprint but in a marathon. The answer will be found in you, when you and I

walk with a black neighbor, have a conversation in which we listen to our black

neighbor (please feel free to insert any color, nationality, culture…..it is just that

black lives are the ones in the urgency of the moment) and develop a relationship.

There was so much more that was said. There is so much more to be done. There is

more to come. In the meantime, figure out how you will respond to our Lord’s call

to, “...do justice, and to love kindness (I have to admit, I rather prefer the translation

“mercy”), and to walk humbly with your God.” And to “Love your neighbor as

yourself.”

In the JOY of the Lord, Rev. David Meggers

PS. Another trusted voice is my colleague and friend, Rev. B. Keith Haney, Assistant to the

President for Missions, Iowa District West, LCMS, www.alightbreaksthrough.org

Dear Friends in Christ, “...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (ESV)

The above verse was a recent theme

verse for our Christ Community Lutheran

School. Some translations read “seek justice.” I

am leaning on this particular translation

because it moves us beyond seeking justice to

doing justice. It calls for us “to love in action

instead of love in rhetoric”; words. And I am

thankful for that last sentence.

I am thankful for peaceful protests. I am

thankful for police officers linking arms with

them, kneeling with them, and praying with

them. I am thankful that there are faithful civic

leaders who are voices of justice and peace

amidst the rioting that masquerades as

protest.

I am extremely thankful for the

gathering of pastors at our sister congregation,

Christ Memorial, and hosted by Matt Miller of

Send Me St. Louis with special thanks to Ann

Vasquez and Lutheran Foundation.

I am thankful for voices like Revs. Gerard

Bolling and John Schmidtke, Pastoral

teammates at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in

North St. Louis. I am thankful for Rev. David

Lewis at Holy Trinity in South St. Louis. I am

thankful because they are voices of, in, and

among our black brothers and sisters. In

response to the gathered pastors and the

broken-hearted questions we asked, they

gave us good and godly counsel.

With sadness in their voices they

reminded us that even though we ought to

know and all children of God ought to know,

Racism is Sin (Lewis). And as sin it needs to be

called out as sin. “We call it out as sin, not

because others are, but because it is the right

thing to do.” (Bolling)

Racism is a divisive tactic of Satan. We

are called to Good Samaritan love. We are

called to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Every human is our neighbor. We want to

choose whom to love. We want to choose

whom to serve. But that is not the way of Christ. The way of Christ is to forsake the

self and serve the neighbor. The challenge is “self versus service.” (Schmidtke)

Ok…..too much rhetoric. A huge question on the minds of the gathered

pastors was the question “how”. How do I/we talk? How do I/we serve? Peaceful

protest is certainly an option. Striving to understand that “Black Lives Matter,” once

stripped of all of its politicization, is still truth. Hearing it not as stating only black

lives matter but hearing it as a cry in the wake of the loss of African American lives.

These are just a few of the helpful thoughts shared.

The big take-away from the gathering came as no surprise: we are engaged

not in a sprint but in a marathon. The answer will be found in you, when you and I

walk with a black neighbor, have a conversation in which we listen to our black

neighbor (please feel free to insert any color, nationality, culture…..it is just that

black lives are the ones in the urgency of the moment) and develop a relationship.

There was so much more that was said. There is so much more to be done. There is

more to come. In the meantime, figure out how you will respond to our Lord’s call

to, “...do justice, and to love kindness (I have to admit, I rather prefer the translation

“mercy”), and to walk humbly with your God.” And to “Love your neighbor as

yourself.”

In the JOY of the Lord, Rev. David Meggers

PS. Another trusted voice is my colleague and friend, Rev. B. Keith Haney, Assistant to the

President for Missions, Iowa District West, LCMS, www.alightbreaksthrough.org

Dear Friends in Christ, “...and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8 (ESV)

P A S T O R ’ S N O T EPASTOR SCHULTZ | JSCHULTZ@CKHOME.ORG

Greetings Concordia, We are certainly living in unique times. But regardless if Christians are

living now or 2,000 years ago, our fundamental reality stays the same.

We live because Jesus lives. Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and

righteousness. His bodily resurrection from the grave gives us hope that transcends any

circumstance or challenge we encounter. This is real.

And this real faith is what we are driving at in our current sermon series. Each

week we will discuss what is real in Christianity. We will look at what is real when it

comes to church, presence, people, worship, and life. And even though Christian living

looks different today than it has perhaps at any other point in history; it is the same

real faith. What is real in Christianity are the moments where God imparts truth. I am

looking forward to our continued conversation as we rehearse and live in these

promises of God.

To this end, our church is continually making plans for our Summer and Fall

programing. Please know we are listening and watching to ensure the safety and success

of everyone. How we gather and where we gather will largely depend on what is going

on around us. Why? Because our community has entrusted the care of their souls to this

congregation and we care for you. It is our desire to instruct and instill this Christian

faith as we are always responsive to the new information.

I am grateful for your partnership in the Gospel. I am grateful for the real faith we

share. In everything we do, we give glory to God.

Blessings,Pastor Jacob Schultz

The above verse was a recent theme

verse for our Christ Community Lutheran

School. Some translations read “seek justice.” I

am leaning on this particular translation

because it moves us beyond seeking justice to

doing justice. It calls for us “to love in action

instead of love in rhetoric”; words. And I am

thankful for that last sentence.

I am thankful for peaceful protests. I am

thankful for police officers linking arms with

them, kneeling with them, and praying with

them. I am thankful that there are faithful civic

leaders who are voices of justice and peace

amidst the rioting that masquerades as

protest.

I am extremely thankful for the

gathering of pastors at our sister congregation,

Christ Memorial, and hosted by Matt Miller of

Send Me St. Louis with special thanks to Ann

Vasquez and Lutheran Foundation.

I am thankful for voices like Revs. Gerard

Bolling and John Schmidtke, Pastoral

teammates at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in

North St. Louis. I am thankful for Rev. David

Lewis at Holy Trinity in South St. Louis. I am

thankful because they are voices of, in, and

among our black brothers and sisters. In

response to the gathered pastors and the

broken-hearted questions we asked, they

gave us good and godly counsel.

With sadness in their voices they

reminded us that even though we ought to

know and all children of God ought to know,

Racism is Sin (Lewis). And as sin it needs to be

called out as sin. “We call it out as sin, not

because others are, but because it is the right

thing to do.” (Bolling)

Racism is a divisive tactic of Satan. We

are called to Good Samaritan love. We are

called to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Every human is our neighbor. We want to

choose whom to love. We want to choose

whom to serve. But that is not the way of Christ. The way of Christ is to forsake the

self and serve the neighbor. The challenge is “self versus service.” (Schmidtke)

Ok…..too much rhetoric. A huge question on the minds of the gathered

pastors was the question “how”. How do I/we talk? How do I/we serve? Peaceful

protest is certainly an option. Striving to understand that “Black Lives Matter,” once

stripped of all of its politicization, is still truth. Hearing it not as stating only black

lives matter but hearing it as a cry in the wake of the loss of African American lives.

These are just a few of the helpful thoughts shared.

The big take-away from the gathering came as no surprise: we are engaged

not in a sprint but in a marathon. The answer will be found in you, when you and I

walk with a black neighbor, have a conversation in which we listen to our black

neighbor (please feel free to insert any color, nationality, culture…..it is just that

black lives are the ones in the urgency of the moment) and develop a relationship.

There was so much more that was said. There is so much more to be done. There is

more to come. In the meantime, figure out how you will respond to our Lord’s call

to, “...do justice, and to love kindness (I have to admit, I rather prefer the translation

“mercy”), and to walk humbly with your God.” And to “Love your neighbor as

yourself.”

In the JOY of the Lord, Rev. David Meggers

PS. Another trusted voice is my colleague and friend, Rev. B. Keith Haney, Assistant to the

President for Missions, Iowa District West, LCMS, www.alightbreaksthrough.org

f i n a n c e & m i n i s t r y

KRISTIN ANDERSON | CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER | KANDERSON@CKHOME.ORG

Due to so much uncertainty in the world today, probably the

question I get the most is, “How are offerings?” After almost three

months of upheaval, the generous heart of Concordia has not wavered.

As the church shifted outside our walls, offerings are fairly steady, only

down about 3% for the year. Thank you Concordia! As we shift into a new normal, church

begins cautiously reopening. We are working to pivot once again as we redesign all of our

ministries to offer more community and spiritual formation, provide safe environments,

and reach those not yet connected to Christ. Your continued giving spirit enables us to

plan for that without worrying we would need to contract ministry due to finances. Next

month we will unveil our ministry plans for the upcoming ministry year. Yes, things will

look different but, with your help, we will be able to offer new opportunities. Thank you.

Co n co rd i a Lu t h e ra n Ch u rc h Fi n a n c i a l sJanuary - May 2020

A c t u a l

$ 851 ,000 $ 98 ,000 $ 949,000

B u d g e t

$ 873 ,000 $ 105 ,000 $ 978 ,000

D i f fe re n ce

$ (22 ,000) $ ( 7 ,000) $ (29 ,000)

%

-3%-7%-3%

Income Offer ings Receipts

Total Income

$ 466 ,000$ 111 ,000

$ 50 ,000 $ 284 ,000 $ 39 ,000 $ 950,000 $ (1 ,000)

$ 510 ,000$ 141 ,000$ 75 ,000$ 277 ,000$ 59 ,000$ 1 ,062 ,000$ (84 ,000)

$ (44 ,000) $ (30 ,000) $ (25 ,000) $ 7 ,000 $ (20 ,000) $ (112 ,000) $ 83 ,000

-9%-21%-33%

3%-34%-11%

Expenses Personnel

Property Ministry Program

Educat ion Debt

Total ExpensesNet Income(Expense)

c o n g r e g a t i o n a l

e l e c t i o n s

Congregational elections will happen virtually this year the weekend of

June 20/21st. A video introducing all the candidates will be sent to all

members. Election forms will be sent via email on June 20th. For the

families who do not have email, we will email you a packet in the mail.

Thank you!

- JUNE 2020 -

F A M I L Y A C T I V I T I E S

REBECCA SCHULTZ | CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR | RSCHULTZ@CKHOME.ORG

Bible Story Video and Lessons Each week a Bible story will be shared through a video posted on our children’s

page on our website: CKhome.org/article/children. Along with the video we

provide lessons, crafts, and activities for kids in preschool-5th grade. You will also find coloring pages

for kids and adults, and links to some of our favorite KidsMin songs!

Zoom Storytime and Sing-Along (PreK-K) Join us for a Zoom Storytime and Singalong for preschool and kindergarteners each Monday at 10:00am

and see some familiar and new faces! Find the link on our website CKhome.org/article/children. Send it

to other families with young children to share the fun!

Zoom KidsMin (1st-5th grade) Catch up, play games, and dig into the Bible! 1st and 2nd grade meet on Wednesdays and 3rd-5th grade

meet on Thursdays. Go to CKhome.org/article/children/ for times and Zoom links! Invite your friends!

VBS 2020: Concrete and Cranes “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Our omniscient God knew exactly what we’d be going through in

2020. COVID-19 didn’t catch Him off guard. He gave us a VBS

message that was just right for these uncertain times- He is our

Rock and our solid foundation! A foundation built to last! A

foundation that will not crumble no matter what life throws at it.

On July 13th, we will launch our first ever Virtual VBS! All in one

spot you will find all of your favorite parts of VBS! This four day

VBS will include an exciting Worship Rally, Bible lessons, snacks,

crafts, mission, games, and more!

Kids will discover that Jesus’ love provides a foundation that will last. When the

storms of life come, they will need the One who will be with them to the end of

the age. When anxiety sets in, they will need the assurance that true worth

comes from being a child of God, not from what other people think about them.

When they feel unworthy, they can remember that Jesus loved them enough to

die for them. They will learn to be wise builders who continue in what they’ve

learned and firmly believe. And they will discover that He who began a good

work will be faithful to carry it on to completion!

Our Virtual VBS will be available on our website for EVERYONE! Enjoy VBS

as a family or invite friends and neighbors to join you!

If your family would like to be a part of the Virtual VBS and receive

information and emails please be sure to register at no cost to you! When

registering, you will be able to indicate if you would like materials to

supplement your Virtual VBS.

Register before June 19th to receive materials, registration will remain open until July 12th. Supplies that you have registered for will be available for pickup at Concordia on:

- Tuesday, July 7th from 10:00AM- NOON

- Wednesday, July 8th from 11:00AM-1:00PM

- Thursday, July 9th from 5:00PM-7:00PM

Bible Story Video and Lessons Each week a Bible story will be shared through a video posted on our children’s

page on our website: CKhome.org/article/children. Along with the video we

provide lessons, crafts, and activities for kids in preschool-5th grade. You will also find coloring pages

for kids and adults, and links to some of our favorite KidsMin songs!

Zoom Storytime and Sing-Along (PreK-K) Join us for a Zoom Storytime and Singalong for preschool and kindergarteners each Monday at 10:00am

and see some familiar and new faces! Find the link on our website CKhome.org/article/children. Send it

to other families with young children to share the fun!

Zoom KidsMin (1st-5th grade) Catch up, play games, and dig into the Bible! 1st and 2nd grade meet on Wednesdays and 3rd-5th grade

meet on Thursdays. Go to CKhome.org/article/children/ for times and Zoom links! Invite your friends!

VBS 2020: Concrete and Cranes “I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6

Our omniscient God knew exactly what we’d be going through in

2020. COVID-19 didn’t catch Him off guard. He gave us a VBS

message that was just right for these uncertain times- He is our

Rock and our solid foundation! A foundation built to last! A

foundation that will not crumble no matter what life throws at it.

On July 13th, we will launch our first ever Virtual VBS! All in one

spot you will find all of your favorite parts of VBS! This four day

VBS will include an exciting Worship Rally, Bible lessons, snacks,

crafts, mission, games, and more!

Kids will discover that Jesus’ love provides a foundation that will last. When the

storms of life come, they will need the One who will be with them to the end of

the age. When anxiety sets in, they will need the assurance that true worth

comes from being a child of God, not from what other people think about them.

When they feel unworthy, they can remember that Jesus loved them enough to

die for them. They will learn to be wise builders who continue in what they’ve

learned and firmly believe. And they will discover that He who began a good

work will be faithful to carry it on to completion!

Our Virtual VBS will be available on our website for EVERYONE! Enjoy VBS

as a family or invite friends and neighbors to join you!

If your family would like to be a part of the Virtual VBS and receive

information and emails please be sure to register at no cost to you! When

registering, you will be able to indicate if you would like materials to

supplement your Virtual VBS.

Register before June 19th to receive materials, registration will remain open until July 12th. Supplies that you have registered for will be available for pickup at Concordia on:

- Tuesday, July 7th from 10:00AM- NOON

- Wednesday, July 8th from 11:00AM-1:00PM

- Thursday, July 9th from 5:00PM-7:00PM

Y O U T H A C T I V I T I E S

NATHAN DEHN | YOUTH DIRECTOR | NDEHN@CKHOME.ORG

The other day I talked with a member of Concordia who mentioned they

appreciated me doing Children’s messages, and always enjoys listening to them. He

likes breaking down a complex topic and making it simple to understand yet

applicable to everyone’s lives.

There are complicated issues in our country that are being talked about every day. I can’t get

on social media or have a conversation with a friend without topics about systemic racism, the value

of life, inequality, police brutality, looting, or political corruption being brought up. To make things

more difficult, everyone has different opinions on how to solve these complex issues.

While these issues are indeed intricate, how we are called to respond as Christians is simple.

We respond to the world with love in our words, actions, posts, and demeanor. One of my favorite

childhood hymns is “They’ll know we are Christians.” Reflect on these words as they’ve never been

more true:

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the LordWe are one in the Spirit, we are one in the LordAnd we pray that our unity will one day be restoredAnd they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our loveYeah they'll know we are Christians by our love We will work with each other, we will work side by sideWe will work with each other, we will work side by sideAnd we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's prideAnd they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our loveYeah, they'll know we are Christians by our love.

This year, Vacation Bible School for Children and Youth with Special Needs at Concordia is going virtual!

JESSICA CRAWFORD | DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES WITH SPECIAL NEEDSJCRAWFORD@CKHOME.ORG

S P E C I A L N E E D S M I N I S T R Y

Our week of VBS is always one of my favorites. I love watching the kids learn the schedules and

routines of the week. I love watching the relationships develop between the kids and their one-on-one

buddy. I especially love knowing that each one of our participants spent the whole week having fun

and learning about the love of their Savior Jesus Christ in a way developed just for them on their own

individual level.

We have been blessed that every year our numbers continue to grow and I don’t see that

stopping anytime soon. This year, though, we have the potential to reach so many more families!

A quick glance at an internet search will show you that there are only a handful of Vacation

Bible School experiences accessible to learners with special needs in the United States. Given the

pandemic, those numbers will be even lower. Virtual VBS for Children and Youth with Special Needs

will allow us to reach not just learners with special needs in the St Louis region but across the country.

Not just learners who are able to attend VBS in our building each year, but those who are unable due

to sensory, medical or behavioral needs.

This is your time to reach into your own communities, near and far, and invite those children,

youth and even adults with special needs to experience Jesus’s rock solid love built on a foundation

that will last forever!

VBS will be held the week of July 13th. Register before June 19th to receive materials, registration will remain open until July 12th. Visit CKhome.org/vbs for more!

W O R S H I P A R T S

BRENDAN KNORP | DIRECTOR FOR THE WORSHIP ARTS | BKNORP@CKHOME.ORG

I want to start by saying how thankful I am for all of the people who have

contributed to our online services these past few months. We’ve had many

people take the time to record music, videos, readings, and share personal

stories with the rest of the congregation. Seeing all of the different faces and hearing their voices has really given me a sense of connection to Concordia when I was hardly

leaving my house. It’s such a strong reminder about the value of community that we share. It’s

something I now recognize that I took for granted at times and have grown to appreciate in new

ways. Being back at the church building for worship really brought that home for me. I’m also

grateful for those who have been working to actually produce the content. Pastors Meggers and

Schultz have spent several hours each week to prepare and record their messages. Other staff

members have contributed parts to the services, whether videos or behind-the-scenes work, and I

couldn’t have possibly been able to edit all of it without the help of my wife, Stacy, who has been

the driving force behind every video that has featured interviews, testimonies, reading, and songs

that involve Concordia’s children. A minute of video can translate into about an hour’s worth of

work, so putting it all together has been an endeavor. We’ll continue to produce the current format

until we are ready to record and live-stream services online. Our hope is that the installation of

cameras and the equipment needed to make live-streaming a reality will be completed in the

month of July.

This is a big investment for our congregation. It’s one that we are committed to making

because we recognize the long-term value of having our worship, music, and sermons available for

sharing with anyone around the world. When we talk about generosity at Concordia, we believe that

gifts given intentionally, sacrificially, and joyfully need to be used to further God’s Kingdom. The

financial resources we put behind this project will serve to increase our mission far beyond the

walls of the church building. This is just one example of how our generosity is an act of worship and

faith. We are trusting God to bless these efforts and use Concordia’ resources to be a light to the

world. Beyond simply supporting this project financially, we hope that you will actively share

messages and songs with your family and friends to spread the Gospel in new ways.

S H A R I N G L O V E

SHARON EMA | DIRECTOR FOR THE HEALING ARTS | SEMA@CKHOME.ORG

Woven TogetherKelly Callahan shared with me a story of faith, hope, comfort and a prayer

square made by a Concordia member for her cousin, Sandy. For Sandy, the

story of the prayer square started on All Saints’ Day last

year. At Concordia, we have a special service of

remembrance. There was a message of hope and

comfort in Christ as she remembered her loved one,

Larry. At the end of this time together, a prayer square

was given to Sandy with a scripture verse of Romans

15:13.

As the days and months went on, her health

declined. Kelly shared, “she always made sure that she had one of them with her whether in the hospital, or at rehab or, ultimately, during her brief

hospice.” The square reminded her of the comfort and hope in Christ.

At Sandy’s funeral, her family had the prayer square with the scripture still attached from the

All Saints’ Day service of remembrance. Kelly was touched and realized how much this “gift” of a

prayer square meant to her cousin. “The prayer square obviously brought comfort to my loved one.

It most likely has to others, too. This is especially poignant as, though Sandy was a believer, she and

Larry weren’t really church-goers in their adult lives. She always welcomed our prayers!”

Like the yarn that is woven together to form this square with a cross design, we are woven together

in Christ. Thank you to all the volunteers who make these tangible reminders of Christ’s love for

each of us.

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you

trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

Prayer squares are knitted or crocheted by volunteers of Concordia while praying for the

person(s) who will receive them. Are you interested in making the squares for others or would like

one for yourself, contact Sharon Ema at sema@CKhome.org.

S H E P H E R D ’ S C E N T E R

O N L I N E O P P O R T U N I T I E S

Since 1998, our unique focus has been to provide the services and programs adults 55 and over…

Online offerings have included “interval exercise”, conversations with various speakers, art history, and so much more! Online class recordings available thru a link via YouTube.

New online learning opportunities are added each week!Check out their website at www.shepherdscenter-wk.org for more details.

Encourage one another and build each other up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Even during this time of social isolation, fear

and uncertainty we can still strive to be the light and

the love of Christ and spread joy to others in the

process. That’s where CK Members on a Mission comes in! During the months of May, June and July

we encourage you, as a family, to perform at least 20 missions that spread joy and the gospel.

We know that each family is unique so we have included 45 different acts to inspire you.

We also encourage you to include the message of Christ’s love whenever you can! If decorating

the sidewalk, then include a great big beautiful, “Jesus loves you!” If delivering cookies to a

neighbor, then include an uplifting Bible verse!

Here’s how it works: Visit CKhome.org/mission to download a printable “Mission Menu”.

Check off or color in the spaces next to the missions once you complete them. Once you have

completed your 20 different acts of spreading joy, send a photo of the completed Mission Menu

to Jessica at jcrawford@CKhome.org. Then, your family will receive a yard sign to hopefully help

encourage others to act as well.

Be creative! Have fun! Spread joy!Please follow all current CDC and County guidelines when participating in CK Members on a Mission.

Members on

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