The Messenger - Christ Lutheran Church
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Christ Lutheran Church
December 2021
Vo l u m e 6 1
No. 12
The Messenger
A Message from Pastor Ley
Fifty years ago this month, the junior high band I was in gave a Christmas concert in the school
gym. Among the selections we played that night was “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Though it
had been written almost thirty years earlier during the Second World War, it clearly remained an
audience favorite, and even today it can still tug at the heartstrings.
At this time of the year, I think most of us occasionally find ourselves yearning to spend
Christmas with others, especially with the people that we love. And I wonder if that it isn’t
especially true this year. I am getting the sense that this year people are really longing to be with
one another, be it dear family members who now live at a distance or old friends they haven’t
been in touch with for years or, in some cases, maybe even complete strangers. I suspect that
after being more or less isolated and only “virtually connected” for the past couple of years, we
really want to be in the actual physical presence of others once again. Maybe the pandemic has
reminded us of the importance of genuine, flesh-and-blood relationships.
In-person, in-the-flesh relationships and reconnecting with those who have been far away are
kind of what Christmas is all about. Jesus is born to make God present to us in flesh and blood.
He closes the distance between heaven and earth by coming down to us so that we, who have
been separated from God by sin, might be reconnected with the one who loves us more than life
itself, so that we might no longer feel as if we have been left alone to make it on our own.
There is nothing virtual about Jesus, after all. He is not a hologram or an electronic image on a
screen that lacks warmth or that cannot offer a warm embrace. Jesus has come in-person and
made his home with us, the people that he loves.
Wherever you spend this Christmas, whether you will be “home” (wherever that might be for
you) or whether you will be apart from those you hold dear, be assured that Jesus will be “home
for Christmas” with you.
Margaret and I send our most sincere wishes for a blessed Christmas to you all. You are dear to
us.
Pastor Joel Ley
The Messenger Page 2
H Global opportunity for young adults
a For young adults ages 21 to 29 who might like to be involved in the
mission of the ELCA in another country, now is the time to act.
p Ian Norby 12/1
After a pause because of the pandemic, the ELCA’s Young Adults in
Global Mission program is now gathering volunteers to go abroad for the
2022-23 program year. This year of international service allows young
p
Natalie Ross 12/7
people to share in the journey of companion churches and organizations
Lily Stone 12/8 in one of nine countries.
y Helen Hill
Kate Keyes
12/12
12/12
This experience can profoundly affect your faith and your understanding
of God’s work around the world.
A year of service through Young Adults in Global Mission gives these
volunteers the chance to become the hands and feet of Jesus in the world,
Ophelia Pederson 12/13 providing critical support to ministries and projects in communities of
Noah Hein 12/14 need. It also invites young people into a journey of self-reflection,
B
providing space to consider their sense of identity, God’s work in the
Sara McMasters 12/14 world, and their place within it all.
These young adults serve in the spirit of accompaniment, walking
i
Jessica Austin 12/15
alongside global companions in a manner that practices mutuality,
Randy Coleman 12/15 interdependence, and solidarity. Areas of service include, but are not
r
Jens Nierman 12/16 limited to, health and development, congregational ministry, human
rights, education, homelessness, addiction recovery, women’s issues, and
Ray Quinn 12/17 children and youth. All site placements provide opportunities for young
t Sadie Austin 12/20 adults to confront issues of wealth and poverty, racial privilege, economic
disparity, and globalization, all through the lens of faith.
Darlene Babcock 12/20 Candidates apply to the program at-large rather than to a specific country.
h Calder Schmid 12/21
Applicant preferences are taken into account, but the final decision about
where volunteers serve is made by Global Mission staff and YAGM
d
Chloe Austin 12/23 country coordinators. Current YAGM programs are in Argentina/
Uruguay, Cambodia, Central Europe, Jerusalem/West Bank, Madagascar,
Astrid Bailey 12/23 Mexico, Rwanda, Senegal, and the United Kingdom.
a Byran Harvey
Marlene Howard
12/25
12/25
A Christ Lutheran member, Kate Keyes, served in 2009-2010 in Uruguay.
Anyone who would like to ask her about that experience is welcome to
contact Kate with an email, text or phone call. She can be reached at
y John Lohrmann 12/30 katejkeyes@gmail.com or 509-200-6900.
The deadline for applications is Feb. 1, 2022, but priority will be given to
those who apply by Jan. 15. To apply, go to elca.org/yagm.
Prayers for our Service Personnel
Kyle Jones USN Hawaii
Kyle Rutledge USA Fort Bragg, NC
Lee Rutledge USA Fort Bragg, NC
Josh Wolfram USAF Wright/Patterson, Dayton OH
Kris Wolfram ANG Pentagon, DC
Andrew Johnson ANG Poland
Amy Roznowski USMC Darwin, Australia
If you would like to add someone to our list, please leave the information at the church office or e-mail Erin at
christlutheran@gohighspeed.com.The Messenger Page 3
Congregational Meeting Reminder
Christ Lutheran Church will hold a congregational meeting Christmas Eve
on December 12, 2021, immediately following worship, to
elect council members and officers to terms beginning in We will gather for our traditional
January 2022. Members must be present to vote. candlelight Christmas Eve worship
services on Friday, December 24th, at
The nominating committee has selected the following 5:00 and 8:00 pm. Note that we have
individuals for election: changed the times a bit from
• President: Leslie Anderson previous years in hopes of better
balancing the crowds between the
• Secretary: Jeannine Manny two services.
• Finance/ Budget: Eric Schmid
• Worship: Barbara Hoffman
• Evangelism: Karleen Heintzberger
• Outreach: Sara Van Donge
• Youth Education: Vacant Advent Vespers
• Stewardship: Peter Swant
Join us for Holden Evening Prayer, at 7:00 pm, on the
Wednesday evenings of Advent-- December 1st, 8th,
The following council members’ terms will continue into 15th, and 22nd. (No soup suppers beforehand this year.
Sorry!)
the coming year.
• Property: Dan Grinstead
• Personnel: Norma Austin
• Fellowship: Carmen Funderburk
• Adult Education: John Lohrmann Pastoral Acts
Baptisms
• Youth: Sara Pinkerton
Byran Harvey (14 November)
Brysan Harvey (14 November)
Lily Stone (21 November)
Christmas Program Funerals
The children of the congregation are Marsha Case (5 November)
going to treat us to a Christmas Glenn Johnson (15 November)
pageant as part of worship on Sunday, Janet Headley (19 November
December 19th! It will be delightful!
Make a point of being there to
support the kids.
Church Office Hours
Attendance Report Monday - Friday 8:30 am - Noon
and 1:00 pm - 3:30pm
Average Sunday: Worship Attendance Office will be closed December 24 &
31st for Christmas and New Years
October 2021 - 111
October 2020 - 134The Messenger Page 4
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
November 9th, 2021
Council president, Leslie Anderson, called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. Those attending were: Pastor
Joel Ley, Leslie Anderson, Norma Austin, Michelle Summers, Eric Schmid, Carmen Funderburk, JoAnne
Savage, Cecilia Rutledge, Barbara Hoffman, Sara Pinkerton, Jim Peterson, and Dan Grinstead. Charleen
Kaaen and John Lohrmann were absent.
Sara Pinkerton gave the devotions.
Minutes from the October 12th meeting were revised and approved by email October 17, 2021.
Financial Report: Cecilia submitted a written financial report. Income was $6,709 less than budgeted and
expenses were $3,978 less than budgeted for the month of October. The total operations funds yielded a net
outflow of $4,214 in October, and when combined with a net outflow of $953 in the designated/restricted
funds for October, the overall combined funds resulted in a net outflow of $5,167 for October. Offering
levels are less than budgeted, however, operating expenses are significantly lower than had been budgeted.
Year-to-date figures do show a net inflow thus far in 2021 of $22,315 (this amount includes the forgiven
$22,000 PPP loan). Committee Reports:
Property: Dan requested council approval via email on October 20, 2021 to purchase a new snow-blower
for CLC while snow-blowers were on sale. The total cost was to be just under $1,000 including tax.
Charleen Kaaen emailed a motion to approve the purchase of the snow-blower; Sara Pinkerton seconded.
The motion passed by email vote on October 21, 2021. Dan reported the Men’s Group worked to remove
leaves on November 2nd. Dan has received an estimate of $10,683 to repaint the exterior of the church
(Phase 2 of work started in 2019). This will be included in the 2022 proposed budget. The repair of the air
conditioning unit will be completed before spring and parts are currently on order. The final cost will be
$5,547 which is included in the 2022 proposed budget. General roof cleaning, filter replacement, outside
water shut offs, hedge trimming, and garden bed renovation are slated to occur this winter.
Fellowship: Carmen reported that special coffee hour receptions were held on October 24th for this year’s
Confirmands and also on October 31st in celebration of CLC’s 125th anniversary. Volunteers have been
hosting coffee hours after worship and the opportunity for fellowship has been much appreciated. Carmen
thanked all who have volunteered as hosts and extended a special “thank you” to Deanne Johnson who
helped Carmen thoroughly clean the kitchen and organize the cupboards.
Adult Education: John reported that the Dialogues on Race class ended on October 31st. A Bible study on
the Acts of the Apostles will begin on November 7th. Additional adult education classes are slated to begin
in January 2022.
Youth Education: Charleen submitted a written report and thanked the congregation for generously
supporting her mission trip to Texas where she is assisting at a center for immigrant families. She has
ordered the next two sets of teaching materials for Old Testament stories and will spend 3-4 weeks on each
story unit. Following that, the curriculum will focus on teaching stories from the New Testament. There
will be no Sunday school the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend or on the Sunday after Christmas. Due to
the continuing concerns regarding COVID and the lower numbers of children in Sunday school thus far
this year, no Christmas pageant will be held in December.The Messenger Page 5
Continued from previous page..
Finance: Eric Schmid emailed council members a draft budget for 2022 to review prior to the council
meeting.
Worship: Barbara reported that weekly attendance is averaging about 70 people in the sanctuary with about
10 devices tuned to the livestreamed services on Sunday morning. There are typically another 12 or so
“views” of the recorded service during the following week. Pastor has been adding back elements of the
worship service each week. Thanksgiving worship will only be CLC without a joint worship service with St.
Paul’s. Advent Vespers on Wednesday evenings will use the Holden Evening Prayer as the sung liturgy.
There will be no soup suppers this year. There were 18 people who communed at the drive-through
communion option on Sunday, November 7th which followed the sanctuary worship service. Barbara will
continue using a gluten-free communion bread recipe that does not contain nut products. The need for
volunteers to help with worship continues.
Pastor's Report: Pastor Joel provided a report of his pastoral acts, educational outreach, meetings/events,
etc. for the month of October. Pastor has been planning worship services for Thanksgiving, Advent, and
Christmas and is adding back as many worship elements as possible without ignoring the ongoing concerns
of COVID. Masks continue to be required.
Continuing Business:
A. Ministry Expansion: No topics under discussion at tonight’s council meeting.
B. Congregational Outreach:
1. Worship: Pastor Joel and Barbara reviewed the plans for Thanksgiving Eve (November 24th)
service at 7:00 p.m. at CLC. The offertory segment of the liturgy will be added back at that service and will
continue to be part of worship going forward. Discussion was had about how best to manage anticipated high
attendance at the Christmas Eve services this year. Plans are in place to livestream Advent Vespers,
Thanksgiving worship, and Christmas Eve worship
2. Good Gifts: JoAnne has 50 catalogs from the ELCA Good Gifts program to distribute at worship.
Catalogs will also be available at the church during the week. Offerings can be made through Sunday
offering or by using the Tithe.ly giving button on the church website.
3. Congregational Calling: Council members continue to phone people on the church roster and
those called have been very appreciative of the outreach and opportunity to visit with council members.
4. Nominating committee: Dan Grinstead, Sara Pinkerton, Nick Anderson, Kari Isaacson, and
Michelle Summers have had good response from church members who are willing to serve on council in
2022. A full slate of nominees will be put forth for approval by the congregation at the congregational
meeting on Sunday, December 12th. Names of the nominees will be made public on Sunday, November
28th .
New Business:
A. Special Offerings Designations:
1. Thanksgiving: Discussion was had about local organizations which would benefit from CLC’s
Thanksgiving offering this year. Jim Peterson moved to have the Thanksgiving offering given to Hope
Street, a recovery home in Walla Walla for women without children who are seeking sober living and who
may be recovering from substance abuse. Norma Austin seconded and the motion passed.The Messenger Page 6
2. Advent Vespers: Discussion was had about a global organization which would benefit
from this year’s Advent Vesper offerings. Dan Grinstead moved to have the Advent Vesper offerings
given to the Tumaini School in Tanzania which is a companion school of the ELCA’s Northwest In-
termountain Synod. Carmen Funderburk seconded and the motion passed.
B. New Member approval: Pastor Joel presented the names of Bill and Jill Roznowski, Emily
Stone, and Robert and Allison Tabacco-Hines along with their children, for approval by council to be
accepted as new members of Christ Lutheran Church. Barbara Hoffman moved to accept the new
members, Dan Grinstead seconded, and the motion passed.
C. Personnel:
1. Sexton: Leslie Anderson read the letter of resignation submitted by Gene Spangrude who
has served as Sexton for CLC since 2010. His hard work and devotion to ensuring the smooth opera-
tion of our church building is greatly appreciated. Dan Grinstead moved to accept the letter of resig-
nation with regret. Jim Peterson seconded, and the motion passed. Norma will keep council informed
as she works to fill the position.
D. 2022 Budget Worksheets:
1. Revision of budget for 2022: Eric Schmid led council in a line-by-line review of the pro-
posed 2022 budget. Additions and revisions were made. Eric will email a newly revised proposed
budget to council members prior to the December meeting. The final format of a proposed budget for
2022 will be put to vote at the December 14th council meeting. The congregation will vote on this
approved budget at the annual meeting slated for January 30th. Council thanked Eric for his detailed
work toward this proposed budget.
Adjournment: Meeting was adjourned at 8:48 pm with the Lord's Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Michelle Summers
Treasurer's Report
October 2021 Income October 2021 Expenses
General Fund: $18,424 General Operations: $22,638
Designated/ Restricted: $2,300 Designated/ Restricted: $3,253
Total Income: $20,724 Total Expenses: $25,891
October 2021 Net Income (Loss): ($5,167)
Monthly Results:
Operational expenses exceeded operational income by $4,214 for the month.
Designated/Restricted Account activity resulted in a net outflow of $953 for the month.
Year To-Date Results:
Total Operational Income to-date is approximately $1,622 under budget for 2021.
Total Operational Expenses are approximately $40,545 under budget for 2021.
Year to Date Net Income (Loss): $22,315
Balance Sheet Items:
CLC's checking account ended the month with a $184,839 balance.
Total cash, including restricted/endowments accounts, totaled $375,297 as of 10/31/2021.
CLC had $1,716,250 in positive equity on 10/31/2021.Christ Lutheran Church
1420 South 2nd Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362-4502
Return Service Requested
We’re on the Web!
www.christwallawalla.org
CHURCH COUNCIL AND STAFF
·President· ·Pastor· ·Finance/ Budget·
Leslie Anderson Eric Schmid
Joel Ley
·Secretary· ·Worship·
·Office Manager·
Michelle Summers Barbara Hoffman
Erin Aycock
·Treasurer· ·Youth Education·
·Sexton·
Cecilia Rutledge Charleen Kaaen
Gene Spangrude
·Stewardship· ·Youth & Family·
·Organist·
Jim Peterson Sara Pinkerton
Cynthia Knutson
·Fellowship· ·Adult Ed/ Library·
·Personnel·
Carmen Funderburk John Lohrmann
Norma Austin
·Outreach· ·Evangelism·
·Property Management·
JoAnne Savage Vacant
Dan Grinstead
Mission
We are God’s people, united by faith in Jesus Christ, forgiven, chosen and called by Him
through the Word and Sacraments to be a mission people.DECEMBER 2021
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
11amStaff Meeting
1pm Bible Study
7pm Advent Vespers
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
9:30am Worship Service 9am Mission Group 11amStaff Meeting
11am Adult Education 1pm Bible Study
12 - Council Elections 13 14 15 16 17 18
9:30am Worship Service 9am Mission Group 11amStaff Meeting 10am Dress
11am Adult Education 10am Men’s Group 1pm Bible Study Rehearsal for
Christmas
7pm Council Meeting 7pm Advent Vespers
Pageant
19 20 21 22 23 24 - Office 25 - Christmas
9:30am Worship Service 9am Mission Group 11amStaff Meeting Closed
11 Adult Education
am 1pm Bible Study
Newsletter Deadline 7pm Advent Vespers Christmas Eve
26 27 28 29 30 31 - New Year’s
9:30am Worship Service 9am Mission Group 11amStaff Meeting Eve
10am Men’s Group 1pm Bible StudyYou can also read
