Christ Lutheran Church Location: 126 Front Street (corner of Front and North First on the lake)

mailing address: P.O. Box 166, Cottonwood, Minnesota 56229

Office Phone and Voice Mail: 507-423-5100 www.christcottonwood.org e-mail: christlutheran@christcotton.com

P����� J D� �—��� ����� ����� [Cell 605-370-2206]

P������� A���. G��� A������—��� ����� ����� [Cell 612-280-5987]

ADMIN. ASST. RHODA SCHMIDT– ��� ����� ����� [Cell 507-829-1426]

CUSTODIANS —J�� � J�������� M��� Cell 507-828-2401; 828-2407

Welcome to WorshipWelcome to WorshipWelcome to WorshipWelcome to Worship

at Christ Lutheran Church at Christ Lutheran Church at Christ Lutheran Church at Christ Lutheran Church

Community of Faith! Community of Faith! Community of Faith! Community of Faith!

We thank you, Lord, for the We thank you, Lord, for the We thank you, Lord, for the We thank you, Lord, for the

“great cloud of witnesses” that “great cloud of witnesses” that “great cloud of witnesses” that “great cloud of witnesses” that

surrounds us, teaching about your surrounds us, teaching about your surrounds us, teaching about your surrounds us, teaching about your

love and modeling the faith for love and modeling the faith for love and modeling the faith for love and modeling the faith for

us.us.us.us.

———— August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 August 14, 2016 ————

A room at the rear of the Sanctuary is available for parents or others who wish for a comfortable place to comfort a young child during the worship service. With the large glass window into the sanctuary, it is possible to continue to see and hear what is happening in the service while enjoying the comfort of the separate room. A rocking chair is available for your convenience. If you need some activities for your children, there are bags hanging on the “bag tree” at the back of the Sanctuary with books, coloring pages, activities, and a snack. Feel free to take a bag....just please put it back when you leave church. Our Nursery is available for parents needing to comfort a young child. It is located in the lower level at the bottom of the stairs. For those needing a changing table, it is available in the rest room located on the main floor by the offices. More rest rooms are located in the basement and on the top floor (near balcony).

Our outside Prayer Garden is located behind the back of the church building.

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Ushers Dean Berg (Captain), Christopher

Berg, Sandy Boehne, Claire Erickson, Kathie Erickson, Kris

Holm, Jon Myrvik

Greeter Pianist Barb Crouse Amy Jo Remmele

Assisting Minister Char Bode

Acolyte Trinity Broberg

Video Operator PA Operator Erik Lundberg Joe Hoff

Offering Counters Wade Breyfogle, Dave Schwarz

Altar Care Nellie Geihl, Tracy Sterner

Thank You For Serving Our Lord

Today, Sunday, August 14Today, Sunday, August 14Today, Sunday, August 14Today, Sunday, August 14

9:30 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. Fellowship/Refreshments 10:45 a.m. (approx.) Worship on Cable 180

This Week at Christ Lutheran

Next Sunday, August 21Next Sunday, August 21Next Sunday, August 21Next Sunday, August 21 9:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 10:30 a.m. Fellowship/Refreshments 10:45 a.m. (approx.) Worship on Cable 180

Tuesday, August 16 9 a.m. Quilting 1:30 p.m. Community Bible Study

Wednesday, August 17 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Salad Luncheon

Our Annual Salad LuncheonOur Annual Salad LuncheonOur Annual Salad LuncheonOur Annual Salad Luncheon———— THIS WEDNESDAY, August 17, THIS WEDNESDAY, August 17, THIS WEDNESDAY, August 17, THIS WEDNESDAY, August 17,

11am to 1pm11am to 1pm11am to 1pm11am to 1pm

Be thinking of what salad you would like to share with our community! Please bring a salad on the 17th. If your last name begins with the letter: A through G: Fruit H through L: Meat; M through Z: Vegetable Or, bring your favorite salad! Thank you.

Don’t forget to remember . . . to let others know about the Luncheon.

This event is a W-ELCA fundraiser, and the proceeds are used for its local mission projects, such as helping kids go to summer bible camp. If questions, contact Co-Chairs Rose Wisdorf and Bev Isaackson.

Prayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer RequestsPrayer Requests The Apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:6-7 to, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Your prayers are a gift to those requesting them, and encouragement for one another as we experience challenges, sorrows, or thanksgivings of any kind.

We pray for those with Health Concerns, as well as Others Hearts and On Our Minds:

Desi Crain Erin Eaton (Jones) Irene Evers, recovering at home (Wood Lake)

Robert Fedde (Kim Marczak’s father) Sue Gropel Lisa Jones Ellen Lenz

Anna (Olson) Meyer Julie Pederson (LeeAnn Boehne’s mother) Cayson Rialson

Mary Schwisow Jared Stevens

All those dealing with illness, addictions, depression, unemployment, underemployment, and any challenges in their lives. We pray for and celebrate with Allison (Boehne) and Posy Chheng who were united in marriage on August 6 at Christ Lutheran.

We Pray for Families of our Congregation. This week pray for: Pastor Jim and Denise Nelsen Demke Neil and Sandy Dovre, Noah, Jonah, Eli

We Pray for our Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Care Center Residents. This week pray for Shi Aamodt at Morningside Heights in Marshall (300 South Bruce Street).

We Pray for our Workers in Other Countries, Missionaries, and Local Congregation Missions. This week pray for our School Supply Mission Project.

We Pray for Kari Louwagie, preparing to serve as a volunteer in Madagascar through Young Adults in Global Mission (YAGM).

We Pray for a safe return home for Gwen Arneson and all others attending our ELCA Churchwide Assembly in New Orleans August 7-13.

We pray for those in our region who recently experienced huge amounts of rainfall and are dealing with losses and cleanup.

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Another Thank You Note From The Stevens Family . . .

“On behalf of Jared and his family we would like to extend you a huge thank you. We cannot express our gratefulness enough. Thank you for thinking of Jared and planning a benefit in his honor. We know that if Jared was able to make Central Market he would have been proud. Proud of this community. Thank you for your hard work in setting up for the meal, serving, and taking down, and for the proceeds. We appreciate it so much and cannot thank you enough. Jared also wanted to extend a thank you for including him in your prayer list. It’s much appreciated!”

[return address was that of Kendra and Chris Stevens]

August 28August 28August 28August 28thththth Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.Special Day of Honoring Pastor Jim and Denise.

With many mixed emotions, we will be saying goodbye to Pastor Jim and Denise at the end of August. Pastor Jim will reach the milestone of his 35th anniversary of ordained ministry in late August. We are happy that he approached and marked that special milestone with us here at Christ Lutheran! P lease plan to join us in worship on August 28 th at 9:30 and to stay af ter worship for a wonderful t ime of fe l lowship over a del ic ious meal! There wi l l be a place just for you!

Interim Pastor Update.Interim Pastor Update.Interim Pastor Update.Interim Pastor Update.

The Personnel Committee has been granted the capacity by our congregation’s council to interview and make a decision in the calling of an interim pastor to serve Christ Lutheran in the coming months. We were blessed with a couple of tremendous candidates for this position.

Pastor Shelly Olson has accepted the invitation to be Christ Lutheran’s Interim Pastor. Plans are for her to start on August 23rd, although her first Sunday with us will not be until September 11th. Read Pastor Shelly’s message in the August/September issue of our Connections newsletter, which was recently mailed.

We will need some furniture to use in the parsonage during this interim period starting around September 15th. Please contact Jonathan Olson to lend some furnishings: jofairviewfarms@gmail.com Thank you!

Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant. Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant. Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant. Christ Lutheran Church Seeking Part Time, Experienced Office Assistant.

This would be an hourly position with about 16 hours per week to supplement current office staff position. Primary duties will include, but not limited to, performing and overseeing functions in the church office.

Must have strong clerical and administrative skills with the ability to work independently. Proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Publisher). Willingness to seek new information, training, and resources as needed. Possess a caring attitude, excellent people skills, and excellent communication skills both over the phone and in person.

Because of the nature of the role, the Office Assistant must demonstrate a high level of trust and the ability to protect the reputation and integrity of others through strict confidentiality. The selected applicant must successfully pass a background check.

Please email questions or resume to jofairviewfarms@gmail.com

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Time after Pentecost

August 14, 2016

Christ Lutheran Church – Cottonwood, Minnesota

The page number notations in the worship bulletin refer to the pages in the front portion of the hymnal. The hymn numbers in brackets are found in the latter half of the hymnal.

GATHERING

Prelude Call to Worship

Welcome and Announcements

Please stand as you are able. Confession and Forgiveness P: We worship, as we live each day, in the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

Jesus said, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.

I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed!

Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division!”

Luke 12:49-51

Jesus tells us that there’s no going back. Following him is going to cause dissention. Households will be divided. It’s going to be hurtful. There’s going to be pain. Prepare your heart. Sometimes taking a stand for what we see as truth causes strife and schism. And God weeps. We live in the heat and smoke of these fires of division. And sometimes we have no idea what to do. And other times, we do the only things God’s first responders can do in the face of fire – we bring the water of our baptismal promises, especially our pledge to strive for justice and peace in all the earth.

Be safe. Take care of your own heart when fires rage. Pray for guidance. Join with other believers in study and worship. Feel the Spirit leading.

Don’t get burned. Don’t let yourself get sucked into the flames of hate and division. Surround yourself with fireproof layers of love and grace.

Lead others away from danger. Proclaim God’s truth. Give others the chance to find their voices and join caring communities speaking words of acceptance, welcome and compassion.

(Thoughts by Sheri Brown, writer, and her colleague, Gail.)

P: God, we must admit, today’s lessons come as a surprise to us; words of disruption and division leave us a bit disturbed. C: We’re used to hearing your words of unity, mercy and peace – don’t we see enough

stress and strife the rest of the week?

P: God, we confess the times when we are the false prophets, calling you to bless our notions and our nation above all others, C: giving our opinions as if they were words from your lips – because there’s only one

way to holiness, and it must be ours.

P: God, we acknowledge our desire to limit your justice to people who we think deserve good things, C: parceling it out in ways that make us feel superior while we pat ourselves on the back

for our good works.

Silence is kept for reflection.

P: In our confession we pray together, C: Most merciful God, we confess our desire to put you in a box of predictability and

speak of our merciful, peace-loving Lord. We are surprised and dismayed to discover that living our faith may cause conflicts and division, rather than healing them. Forgive us, gracious God. Please, dear Lord, keep guiding us to be a people after your heart, learning how to heal our strife-torn relationships, communities and world, even as we work for justice for all people.

P: Hear this good news: God is not in a far-off place, but is as near as your heart, offering forgiveness and fresh opportunities in this moment. The past has been reduced to ashes, and you have a future that you can create, starting right now. Accept this gift of God’s grace today. In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. C: Amen.

Gathering Hymn – “Lift High the Cross” [660]

Greeting P: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. C: And also with you.

Prayer of the Day P: Let us pray. C: O God, judge eternal, you love justice and hate oppression, and you call us to share

your zeal for truth. Give us courage to take our stand with all victims of bloodshed and greed, and, following your servants and prophets, to look to the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Please be seated.

WORD First Reading – Jeremiah 23:23-29 23 Am I a God near by, says the L��:, and not a God far off? 24Who can hide in

secret places so that I cannot see them? says the L��:. Do I not fill heaven and earth?

says the L��:. 25I have heard what the prophets have said who prophesy lies in my

name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed!’ 26How long? Will the hearts of the

prophets ever turn back—those who prophesy lies, and who prophesy the deceit of

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their own heart? 27They plan to make my people forget my name by their dreams that they tell one another, just as their ancestors forgot my name for Baal. 28Let the prophet who has a dream tell the dream, but let the one who has my word speak my word faithfully. What has straw in common with wheat? says the L��:. 29Is not my word like fire, says the L��:, and like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? L: Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God.

Second Reading – Hebrews 11:29---12:2 29 By faith the people passed through the Red Sea as if it were dry land, but when the Egyptians attempted to do so they were drowned. 30By faith the walls of Jericho fell after they had been encircled for seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had received the spies in peace. 32 And what more should I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets— 33who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, won strength out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 35Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— 38of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground. 39 Yet all these, though they were commended for their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40since God had provided something better so that they would not, without us, be made perfect. 12:1Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. L: Word of God, word of life. C: Thanks be to God. Please stand as you are able. Gospel Acclamation — ALLELUIA

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Gospel Reading P: The Holy Gospel according to Luke, the twelfth chapter. C: Glory to you, O Lord. 49 ‘I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50I have a baptism with which to be baptized, and what stress I am under until it is completed! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I tell you, but rather division! 52From now on, five in one household will be divided, three against two and two against three; 53they will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.’ 54 He also said to the crowds, ‘When you see a cloud rising in the west, you immediately say, “It is going to rain”; and so it happens. 55And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, “There will be scorching heat”; and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? P: The Gospel of the Lord. C: Praise to you, O Christ.

Please be seated. Sermon Pastor Jim Demke

Hymn of the Day – “If God My Lord Be for Me” (alt. tune of: “We All Are One in Mission) [788]

Please stand as you are able. Confession of Faith (The Apostles’ Creed is found inside the back cover of the hymnal.)

Sharing of God’s Peace P: The peace of the Lord be with you always. C: And also with you.

Please share a sign of God’s peace with your neighbors. Please be seated.

MEAL Offering We are asked to not forget the afflicted, the orphan, and the oppressed. God calls us to give attention and help to the needy. We are summoned to give account of our stewardship and of our efforts on their behalf. Let us worship God with offerings of self and substance to make faithful witness to the gospel.

Please stand as you are able. Offering Prayer A: Let us pray. Gracious and merciful God, despite all the distractions, we cannot avoid giving witness to your gospel. Your good news is a fire within us that cannot be put out. Use these gifts to strengthen the fainthearted and support the weak. We commit ourselves anew to strive for peace with all people. In Jesus’ name. C: Amen.

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Prayers of God’s People The congregation will respond to the prayer petitions with, “hear our prayer.”

Lord’s Prayer (Our Father, who art in heaven…)

SENDING P: Almighty God, Father, + Son, and Holy Spirit, bless you now and forever. C: Amen.

A: In a world filled with division, being kind is a courageous act. In a world numbed by indifference, a caring word can change a life. God now, burning brightly, to love and to serve the Lord. C: Thanks be to God!

Sending Hymn – “God of Tempest, God of Whirlwind” [400]

Postlude

Prayer for the Journey Most Gracious God, we face endless news about our world’s division and

indifference, and we cry, like the saints before us, “How long?” Yet, we are the power for change in this world as we reach out to the struggling,

lift up the little and lost, and welcome everyone. Ignite our passion to help you put this world back together, and use our small sparks of kindness to spread

the light of the world, Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . . AUGUST 23Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . . AUGUST 23Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . . AUGUST 23Here’s another opportunity to show care for others . . . AUGUST 23

Our Monthly Congregational Servant Project, Esther’s Kitchen, located in Marshall at Christ United Presbyterian Church, 400 W. Lyon Street (north of Wells Fargo Bank), is set for Tuesday, August 23.

You are invited to sign up online at our website, (christcottonwood.org), OR, by using the sheet at the rear of the Sanctuary. The serving time is between 3:30 and 7 p.m.; many thanks for your assistance at any point during that timeframe.

Also, Christ Lutheran has also made a commitment to support the project of feeding the hungry by asking its members to give a freewill offering that will be used for providing food for the meals that are served. A container is located in the back of the sanctuary dedicated to receiving monies that will be given to Loaves & Fishes; checks are payable to Loaves & Fishes.

If you are not familiar with Esther’s Kitchen and wish to know more, contact Becky and Terry Timm: catimm@charter.net or phone 507 828 7628

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God’s Work. Our Hands. Day is Sunday, September 11. The sign up sheets are available for you to make your servant selections. Put Sept. 11th on your calendar and find your GWOH t-shirt! Faith Affirmation Journey (confirmation). Incoming 10th Graders and Parents meet with Mentors on September 7 at 7pm. Incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th Graders and Parents meet September 14 at 7 pm for Program Orientation. FAMILIES: Please put these dates on your calendar. Milestones Ministry Recognitions: Sept. 18—3 year olds; Sept. 25—2 year olds, 2nd graders, 6th graders; Oct. 9— 4 year olds and Kindergarteners; Oct. 16—2nd graders; Oct. 30—High School Juniors. FAMILIES: Please put these dates on your calendar. Sunday Morning Live begins and Worship Time Changes—September 18 – WORSHIP TIME CHANGES TO 10:15am, following the beginning of Sunday Morning Live (Sunday School) at 9:00.

F.I.R.E. and Faith Affirmation Journey - September 21 – FIRST Wednesday evening for the season with supper at 5:45 and worship at 6:30.

Looking ahead to this fall . . . Looking ahead to this fall . . . Looking ahead to this fall . . . Looking ahead to this fall . . .

IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT IMPORTANT DATES TO PUT

ON YOUR CALENDARS!ON YOUR CALENDARS!ON YOUR CALENDARS!ON YOUR CALENDARS!

SCHOOL SUPPLIESSCHOOL SUPPLIESSCHOOL SUPPLIESSCHOOL SUPPLIES

As a local mission project, WELCA is collecting school supplies for Lakeview School. Stores have begun Back-to-School sales. Many families find it difficult to buy those supplies for their children to return to school. Let’s see what we can do to help!

The basic supplies such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, glue, glue sticks, markers, etc. will be used for the start of school in August and throughout the school year.

Bring your donated items to the basket on the school desk in the church entry. Supplies will then be brought to Lakeview School before school starts and we will continue collecting until the WELCA meeting on Thurs., September 8.

Thank you for caring and supporting our students.