May 2016 Grapevine - Christ Lutheran Church

A monthly newsletter of
Christ Lutheran Church, Ferndale WA
May 2016
I am the vine, you are the branches. - John 15:5
Confirmation—May 15
One Worship Service, 10:00 a.m.
Eighth graders Maggie English, Reese Gillespie,
Aedan Schapler, Zach Schroeder, and Lukas
Wolter will affirm their baptism during the service
of confirmation on Pentecost Sunday, May 15 at
10:00 a.m. These confirmands spent two years of
classroom time learning about Lutheran Catechism
and Lutheran Tradition, Biblical “ancestors”, Biblical stories and Biblical history, the Creed, discipleship, Jesus, other beliefs, and tough questions.
During their third year of confirmation, they have
worked with their confirmation mentors on service
projects both inside and outside the church and
discussed the five promises they will make on their
confirmation day.
They will present their service projects to their
families and mentors at a dessert banquet the
afternoon before they are confirmed.
Confirmation on May 15 will be a joyful day! Please
attend the 10:00 a.m. worship service where the
confirmands will affirm their faith and receive
special gifts from the congregation. Please stay
after worship for the reception in the Fellowship
Hall where the confirmands will have a display
board with photos and memories of their life of
faith. A basket for cards from members of the
congregation will be located near each display.
Star Park
Our community is gaining
a new park…and CLC
has a chance to be a part
of creating it!
CLC members will
volunteer Tuesday, May
31 in two shifts to help
erect the playground on its first day of building.
Please choose either the 12:30-5:00 p.m. shift
(at least 5 slots available) or 5:30-9:00 p.m. shift
(at least 20 slots available) on the sign-up sheet
in the narthex.
We also encourage you to purchase a CLC
T-shirt for $7 (or borrow one from the pile) late this
month so we can show our church’s support for
this community project. All ages and abilities
welcome! And please bring a friend!
On page 3 of this newsletter check out the Tool List
to fill out and turn into the city if you are able to
loan tools for the project.
Contact Pastor Jana or Michael Isensee
(janabrike@gmail.com) for more info, or visit
www.cityofferndale.org/starpark.
Sponsored by the Evangelism Committee.
2017: THE YEAR OF THE 50-500!
What an opportunity to both honor our founders and
embrace the future!
Did you know? Next year marks CLC’s 50th year of
ministry and the 500th anniversary of the Protestant
Reformation.
Young and old, new and long-time members: If you
have ideas for our year of celebration or if you’d like
to help make plans, please contact Beth Andres
(president@clcferndale.org) or Nancy Tupper
(secretary@clcferndale.org) soon.
This month we celebrate two important ministries at
CLC: Confirmation and Stephen Ministry. On May 8
we are commissioning three new Stephen Ministers,
and on May 22 we’ll hear a sermon from new Stephen
Minister Shauna Torretta. On May 15 we’ll confirm
five youth who will affirm their identity given to them
in baptism: “Beloved child of God.”
me. It is an honor to know that
God has given me this task of
ministering through my own trials and my own witness of daily
grace and salvation.
When I think of both of these ministries my first thought
is about grace. The kids who will be confirmed on May
15 will be affirming the grace they received in their
baptisms. They will say yes to living the rest of their
lives in and through God’s grace. That doesn’t mean
they have all the “answers” to questions of faith or are
free from doubt, but it does mean that they promise to
live in response to God’s unconditional and unmerited
love. They will strive to lead Christ-like lives and be part
of faith communities to be challenged and grow in grace
through faith.
Blessed be the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his
great mercy he has given us new
birth into a living hope through
the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish,
spoil or fade—kept in heaven
for you who through faith are
shielded by God’s power until
the coming of the salvation that
is ready to be revealed in the
last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
And when I think about Stephen Ministers, I see in them
the embodiment of grace. They listen to, pray for and
support many people in our congregation freely and
without judgment. Their own life experiences have
helped them understand their own need for grace, and
they pass on to others the good news of Christ’s grace
to heal and to restore.
Let us pray. Lord, we thank
you that you are always present
in our lives. You have given us
the knowledge that whatever we
are asked to endure, you are
there to light our paths. When
everything around us seems
dark and impossible we choose
to seek your face and know that
you are there to bring us
through whatever pain we are
experiencing. Be with all of us
as we go out to minister to others and to tell them the good
news.
Last month Stephen Minister Renee Pfeiffer wrote and
offered a powerful devotion about grace at a Stephen
Ministry supervision meeting. I asked her permission
to share it with you here:
Have you gone through difficult circumstances and
later realize, “Wow, I made it!” In the next thought it
becomes very clear that it wasn’t “I” but God’s grace
that brought me through it. Whether it be physical
pain, grief, emotional or spiritual pain, my faith in
God’s mercy and grace is like a light shining in the
darkness. It doesn’t necessarily eliminate the experience but his light eliminates the fear and reminds me
that God will guide me through it. Sometimes it comes
in the form of family and friends giving of their time
and support. Sometimes it comes in the form of words
and sometimes when things seem totally overwhelming, you give in to his presence through faith and
prayer.
Our difficult experiences in life have given us all
tools to be Stephen Ministers. Our experiences of
grace have given us hope to share with others. We are
God’s disciples here to witness and share his mercy
and grace and unconditional love. It is humbling, to
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Renee, along with our other Stephen Ministers, marinate in Christ’s grace so that they can share that grace
with you. Take advantage of the grace of prayer during
the Stephen Ministry prayer station during worship on
May 22.
And may you sense the grace and peace of Christ that
passes all understanding,
2
Pastor Jana
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
3
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
May Is Stephen Ministry Month at CLC
What Is Stephen Ministry?
A Stephen Minister is not:
Stephen Ministry is grounded in Jesus’
command to love one another. Through
one-to-one caring relationships, those who
are hurting receive the love and care they
need to support them.

Is life more than you can handle alone
right now?

Are your health, your attitude, or your
relationships suffering?

Are you adjusting to a new job, a change
in marital status a serious illness, the death
of a loved one, a recent move?


A counselor or therapist;

A problem solver;

A casual visitor.
Stephen Ministry helps meet the
needs of individuals who are:
Would you like to have someone in
your life who really cares?
Everyone goes through difficult times. Having
someone to care, to listen, to share God's love
with you can help you get through the confusion,
stress, or loneliness you may be experiencing.
Stephen Ministers Are
Called to Be Caregivers

Hospitalized;

Terminally ill;

Bereaved;

In a job crisis;

New members of the church;

Disabled;

Homebound;

In a spiritual crisis

Looking for a caring Christian friend.
How Does the Referral Process Work?
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2;

A person—either you, a relative or a friend—
is hurting and in need of Christian care.

The Stephen Leaders learn about this need for
care from the pastor, the person, or a friend—
always with the person’s permission.
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you.
~ Psalm 55:22a;

A Stephen Leader meets with the person to talk
about Stephen Ministry.
Come to me all who are weary and burdened and
I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28

With the person’s permission, the Stephen Leader
assigns a Stephen Minister to meet on a weekly
basis with the person.

The Stephen Minister continues to provide
distinctively Christian care for the person in
strict confidentiality.
Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with
everyone. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:14b
God Is the Cure Giver
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for
you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
What Is a Stephen Minister?
A Stephen Minister is:

A child of God who walks beside a hurting
person;

A caring Christian friend who really listens;

A lay person who has received 50 hours
of training in how to provide distinctively
Christian care.
Consider allowing a Stephen Minister to walk with
you on your journey to wholeness.
Contact Stephen Leaders Victoria Baum, Linda Osgood or Pastor Jana for more information.
4
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Make Your Momma Proud!
Bible Conversations
Contribute to the CLC Blood Drive
This group will meet Mondays May 2 and 16,
7:00–8:30 p.m. at home of
Gary and Carolyn Jonson,
5997 Malloy Ave.
Wouldn't your mom be proud if you stepped
forward to give a pint of blood? You will have that
opportunity soon. We have 27 generous souls
who have committed to giving their time to donate
blood.
Bible Conversations this
year is focusing on Sunday
mornings’ second lesson texts
in year C of lectionary.
Now we will be calling Sasha Seiden, donor
source representative from Bloodworks Northwest,
and set the date for them to send the bloodmobile
to our parking lot. How's that for convenient?
Articles from current issues of The Lutheran also
provide topics for discussion. Come and join the
discussion!
Did you know, a person having open heart
surgery can use 50 pints of blood? You can
see why there is a constant shortage of blood.
Your blood is always needed!
For information contact Carolyn at 384-1126.
The ball is rolling and picking up speed. So jump
in with us and contact CLC Parish Administrator
Sam Blanton to add your name to the list
(360-384-1422 or parishadmin@clcferndale.org).
Silent Auction
Make your momma proud,
Dave Schlack and Dave Magelssen
Who: Everybody, so invite a friend!
Where: Christ Lutheran Fellowship Hall
When: June 12, following 10:00 a.m. service
Why: Fundraiser for Kids For Christ youth group
activities, such as the National Youth Gathering in
Detroit
Sing to the Lord a New Song!
Hey! Do you like to sing in church? Would you
like to try singing or playing an instrument in
the worship band?
Possible Auction Items: Good Burger, Claire’s,
Mugshots, Dairy Queen, El Nopal, Haggen, baked
goods, our very own Kids For Christ members, and
so much more!
The band now meets every Sunday after the 11:15
a.m. service in the sanctuary for rehearsal for the
following Sunday. We would love to see you just
show up at rehearsal!
Cash, checks and credit cards accepted!
For more information call or text Contemporary
Music Director Matt Springer at 360-319-4496 or
email him at musicdirector@clcferndale.org.
Free Fellowship Events
Mark your calendars for these events.
All Are Welcome!
World Hunger
An offering for World Hunger was collected on
Easter Sunday in the amount of $691.75. Thank
you for sending this tangible, life-giving gift to the
far corners of our world. What a glorious way to
celebrate Easter!
5

May 8 - Mother's Day Brunch
Bring mom for quiche, fruit and muffins.

May 15 - Confirmation Sunday
A reception celebrating the confirmation of
Reese Gillespie, Maggie English, Zach
Schroeder, Lukas Wolter, and Aedan Schapler
will be held in the Fellowship Hall where we
will be serving cake along with cookies, fruit,
and beverages.
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Greetings from the Preschool
I am hoping that sometime in the month of April
you were able to view the video/slide show about
the Preschool that was shown at the Sunday
morning worship services. Because the Preschool does all its work during the week, many in
the church are unaware of all that happens on a
day to day basis. It was the Preschool’s desire
that the video/slide show would give you a bit of
insight and appreciation for this ministry and its
importance in the lives of the children and families it serves. If you didn’t get a chance to see it
other opportunities will be available in the future.
Special thanks to Gary Jonson for sharing his
gifts and talents with the children in the design
and construction of bird houses.
Sunday Adult Education
Opportunities
Join the adult education class weekly, Sunday mornings
at 10:15 a.m. in the conference/cry room. All are welcome.

April 24 & May 1—Spirituality vs Religion: How
Are they Different? How Are They the Same? The
previous session was about how spirituality can
be helpful in our day to day lives and how it differs
from religion. Our next class will be about how a
myriad of religious resources that can enhance
our personal lives.

May 8—ELCA votes - A time for conversation and
prayer around our role as U.S. residents and as
people of faith in ensuring our election systems
promote dignity and respect for all.

May 15— No Adult Class

May 22— Mental Illness: Connecting to God's
love. How one can journey through mental illness
to faith, with real life examples.

May 29— No Adult Class

June 5— Synod Assembly report
Ride Share
Helping him were a variety of others from CLC
along with a few dads from the preschool. The
children truly enjoyed working with wood, nails,
and hammers (with no bruised fingers) and doing
something kind for their feathered friends.
May marks the last month of the preschool year
and lots of exciting things are planned: Mother’s
Teas, a trip to the Fire Station, Bike Day Carnival,
Summer Birthday Celebrations, All School Picnic
at BP Park, and of course graduation. 36 of our
children will be moving on to Kindergarten next
year; very exciting!
Registration still remains open for the 2016-17
school year afternoon classes—Tues, Wed. and
Thurs., 12:45–3:15 p.m. for ages 3–5. Please
direct people to our web site for more information,
www.clcferndale.org/preschool.
With joy,
CLC Preschool Director Liza Okan
Don't let lack of transportation prevent someone from
attending church, classes and other opportunities at
Christ Lutheran Church.
A list of volunteers is being put together to make sure
that everyone can participate in the faith life at Christ
Lutheran.
Please contact Jan or Dave Schlack at 360-221-4004
or janschlack52@gmail.com if you are in need of a ride,
or to volunteer.
The Ferndale Food Bank
Please remember our neighbors when you shop at the
grocery store and include a few items for the food bank.
The need is great and the donations are greatly appreciated! Thank you for caring.
Also, the Ferndale Food Bank needs empty egg cartons
in order to distribute the eggs they receive or purchase.
Just leave them in the bin in the hall. Thank you.
6
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
The Other Bank News
Handicapped Parking
The number of families coming for help has been
growing. In the past few months we have been
helping an average of 75 families made up of
236 children and their parents, 369 people in all.
Since some people come every other month, the
total number is actually larger than this. All your
donations of detergent, dish soap, toothbrushes,
toothpaste and much more, make a real difference
in how much we have to give to theses families.
They all express their thanks. Thank you for all
the ways you show the love of Christ to the
Ferndale Community!.
There are six handicapped parking spaces in our
CLC parking area.
Two are immediately outside the Narthex doors, two
are at the end of the sidewalk outside the education
wing, and two are in the middle lot between Pastor
Jana’s office and the storage shed. All six spaces are
identified with signage for handicapped parking.
Thank you for leaving these spaces open for those
with handicapped insignia on their vehicles.
It is so exciting for people to come in and find
clothes for their growing children, or towels or
bedding in the clothing bank. However, we are
getting low on funds to keep the Other Bank
stocked through the end of this school year.
Please Keep in Prayer
Please continue to hold these individuals and
their families in your daily prayers:
It was also good to see some of you at the
Open House. You were able to see the Clothing
Bank and the small closet packed with OB supplies
for distribution. Currently the Ferndale School
District reports that 46.45% of students qualify
reduced lunch. None of the food stamp dollars
(now called SNAP) can be used for hygiene and
cleaning supplies.

The loved ones of Ted Blakeslee and Esme
Wormald;

Scott, Jenica, Neil, Mike, Jerry, Judy, Ruth,
Calvin, Pavel, Jake, Becky, Dick, Cameo,
Karen, Sophia, Joe, Suzanne, Ron, Betty,
Darryl, Darryl Paul, Kristen, Kim, Jeff, Jennifer,
Meagan, Jen, Rich, Margaret, Alison, Rich,
Priscilla, Connie, Jan, Gael, Autumn, Tom,
Yvonne, Marlene, Jerika, Jen, Kathie,
Madeline, Charles, Kathleen, Bruce, Jon,
Betty Ann, Miranda, Deb, Ralph, Carolyn,
Amanda, Curtis, Dave, Carol, Logan, Lisa,
Kevin;

Those who travel;

Ray, Kathleen, Nancy, and all who are
homebound, or in nursing homes and
assisted living facilities;

Melissa, Robert, David, Scott, Thomas,
Joshua, Rick, and all who are serving in the
military;

Those struggling with addictions and
illnesses affecting the mind and spirit;

Those struggling with deteriorating health.
May 22 is Other Bank (OB) Sunday. We will hear
that morning during worship services about the
vital and compassionate work being done at the
Other Bank, and a designated offering to support
the ministry will be received.
You can donate items to the Other Bank and the
Clothing Bank by placing items in the bin to the
left, just inside the church entrance. Items may
also be or delivered directly to the Ferndale
Resource Center at 2nd and Vista from 9:30 a.m.–
12:30 p.m. Monday–Friday.
For more information or to assist with the Other
Bank Contact Louisa Underwood at
lbunderwood@frontier.net.
7
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Retreat Day for Women at CLC
Synod Assembly
Saturday, May 14, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
"Centering on Christ" will be the theme we explore in
private reflection, group sharing, walking the labyrinth,
learning about mandalas and more.
Lunch will be provided.
Consider bringing a friend to spend this last day of the
Easter Season on the eve of Pentecost.
On May 20 and 21, CLC Synod Assembly voting
members Pastor Jana Schofield, April Boyden,
Scott Boyden, Kaleb Ode, and Jonathan Osgood
will meet in Everett with other ELCA church leaders
from our synod under the theme “GLOCAL.”
Deaconess April Boyden will facilitate this event brought
to you by the Evangelism Committee.
April is a Lutheran Deaconess and Certified Spiritual
Director and currently serves as a Hospital Chaplain.
She has been leading retreats and facilitating support
groups for more than 20 years.
GLOCAL takes the best of what we have learned
from our Global Missions ministries and applies
those same principles of companionship and
accompaniment to our local ministries.
A $10 donation is suggested to assist in covering
supplies. (All women are welcome, don’t let money
be an obstacle).
Our keynote speaker (and Churchwide Representative) will be Sunitha Mortha, Mission Formation
Director from the ELCA Global Mission Unit. Through
her presentations and a variety of workshops led by
members of her GLOCAL Team and local leaders,
we will ponder how we engage those around us.
The workshops will provide concrete examples of
how our congregations can meet our neighbors
and join in God’s work already taking place in the
neighborhood.
Sign up in the narthex at Christ Lutheran, or call to
reserve a space: 360-384-1422
Do You Enjoy the Labyrinth?
Do you find yourself longing to
learn more or
wanting to share
the labyrinth with
others? Then our
Labyrinth Ministry
Team Needs
YOU!
We will also tend to the business of the synod:
receive reports, elect new synod council members,
vote on constitutional changes and proposed
resolutions, celebrate ministry anniversaries, and
join in vibrant worship together.
Come to the adult education class on Sunday, June
5 at 10:15 a.m. to hear about our voting members’
experiences at Synod Assembly!
We are looking for people who love walking the
labyrinth in prayer to help facilitate walks, promote
the use of the labyrinth, and pray for those who
come to walk the labyrinth. Training provided.
Labyrinth events and frequency of meetings to be
determined by the group; any availability and
interest welcome. Some funds available to send
committed persons to labyrinth facilitator training.
For more information, contact
myra@laughingflowerlabyrinth.com.
8
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Ferndale Community Meal
Save These 2016 Dates
May 15—Confirmation Sunday
Thank you for your continued, generous support
of the Ferndale Community Meal; we really could
not do it without you! The designated offering in
March totaled $485. The next designated offering
will be received May 8 at both worship services.


June 12—Youth Sunday
The FCM served 127 guests at the two meals in
March. Ham, donated by Hempler's, was served
at the delicious Easter meal. The meals are
always well planned and nutritious and served by
happy volunteers. On April 9, a Cub Scout troop
joined us to help serve and did a fantastic job!

June 26–July 1
One worship service at 10:00 a.m.
One worship service at 10:00 a.m. beginning for
the summer
Confirmation Camp at Lutherwood

July 25–29
Vacation Bible School for preschool through
sixth grade at CLC

August 6
Ferndale Uncorked Fundraiser for Interfaith
Coalition’s Our House in Ferndale
The next meals will be at 10:00 a.m. on May 14
and 28 at United Church in Ferndale. If you would
like to join the fun and volunteer to help, contact
the FCM Coordinator, Joanne Flores at
fcm.ferndale@gmail.com or 398-3409.

September 11
God's Work, Our Hands Sunday
Easter and Pentecost
Worship
Crafty Ladies
This month we worship Jesus and spread Christ’s
love with these special emphases:
The “Crafty Ladies” will meet
May 21, 9:00 a.m.–12:00
noon, at the Correll Park Club
House.

May 1—The Sixth Sunday of Easter
Dedication of quilts for Lutheran
World Relief
All are invited, even if you
don't have a craft to work
on. The conversation is always lively and fun! This is a
good way for new members
of the church to get acquainted with a great group
of ladies.

May 8—The Seventh Sunday of Easter
Commissioning of new Stephen Ministers
Community Meal offering

May 15—Pentecost
Confirmation
ONE SERVICE AT 10:00 a.m.

Call Carol Gahm, 312-0267, for more information
or directions.
May 22—Holy Trinity Sunday
Shauna Torretta preaching
Other Bank special offering

May 29—The Second Sunday of Pentecost
Noisy Offering collected
Children’s Communion
Instruction

June 12—Youth Sunday
We transition to one worship service at
10:00 a.m. for the summer—through
Labor Day.
Has your child received instruction in Holy
Communion? If your child/grandchild can read
and is ready, please contact Pastor Jana for
an individual one-on-one instruction about Holy
Communion in your home or at church during the
Easter season which ends May 14.
9
The Vision of the KFC KIDS at CLC
To build disciples of strong faith to go out together in the world
and do God’s work.
Kids For Christ
Youth Leader of the Month
KFC will not be slowing down during the last six weeks
of the 2015–2016 school year. Here is what you can
expect:
Kaleb Ode (a.k.a. Tabasco) is the youth leader of the
month for May. Here are some things you might not
know about him.

May 1: High school KFC

Sister: Lauren Ode

May 6–7: Whatcom GO! Night

Birthday: March 23

May 15: Middle school KFC

Favorite Color: Orange

May 22: All-you-can-eat at Dairy Queen


June 11: Silent Auction set-up
Favorite Bible Story: Matthew 13, The parable
of the sower. Ask him about his part in the
Godspell production of this parable.

June 12: Silent Auction

Confirmation Verse: Colossians 3:23

Quidditch Position: Chaser, sometimes seeker
Everyone is looking forward to Whatcom GO! Night.
We will come together in fellowship, worship and fun
with other congregations within Whatcom County.
We start at Lutherwood playing games, eating pizza
and worshiping. Then we will go to the Trampoline
Zone followed by swimming at Arne Hannah Aquatic
Center. We will finish off the night back at Christ
Lutheran Church with more games, activities, movies,
and breakfast.
Kaleb (or Tabasco as he is affectionately called at
Camp Lutherwood) has been a great addition to the
CLC staff and especially our youth program as the
assistant to the youth minister. Kaleb has been our
drummer in the worship band for the last couple
years, and has been drumming since he was in the
fifth grade.
The Silent Auction will be returning this year: Sunday,
June 12 after the 10:00 a.m. service, followed by
brunch.
Kaleb is a chaser on his Quidditch team, which
recently made it to the Quidditch World Cup in South
Carolina, April 16–17.
Youth Minister Ashley Linn
He recently graduated from Western Washington
University with degrees in Recreation and Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing.
He is an outstanding counselor at Lutherwood where
he has been for the past five summers, and is now
on staff there year-round.
Kaleb is a confident, God-driven young man who is
an excellent male role model for all the youth. Kaleb
lives out his faith in everything he does, and isn't
afraid to show it. He is pretty much a Kid himself
and the youth enjoy his boisterous personality and
fearlessness.
Thanks, Kaleb—you’re awesome!
2015 Whatcom GO! Night
10
The Vision of the Youth and Confirmation Ministries at CLC
To support youth and families, to hear and share stories of faith from the
Bible and one another so that they live with faith and trust in God.
Youth Sunday School
Service Project Update
News Update
The Sunday School students and teachers would
like to thank the congregation for helping with our
Lenten service project.
Here is the Sunday School schedule for the
remainder of the school year:

May 1, 8, 22: Sunday School

May 15, 29: NO Sunday School
(Confirmation and Memorial Day)

June 5: Last day of Sunday School

June 12: Youth Sunday
Members of the congregation were given a Bible
verse based on peace for each day of Lent and
every Sunday and Wednesday there were ideas
to put coins in the peace boxes: God is our strength.
Put a coin in your Peace Box for every bottle of glue
and glue stick in your home. God unites and ties us
together. Put a coin in your Peace Box for every
pair of shoelaces in your house. You helped raise
$395.01 to help support Mine Detection Dogs.
Youth Sunday is coming soon: June 12. This is a
time to recognize the Sunday School students,
teachers, secret saints and helpers. The Kids will
take over the service serving as ushers, greeters,
communion assistants, and readers. Students are
choosing how they would like to participate during
the service on June 12.
These dogs are trained to sniff out landmines in
war-torn countries, which could otherwise be used
to kill or injure innocent people. For the first time in
history more land mines are coming out of the
ground than are going in.
Each class will also choose a song they wish to
be sung during the Youth Sunday worship service.
The service will begin at 10:00 a.m., but we ask
that the students arrive at 9:30 a.m., especially
the ushers and greeters.
Christ Lutheran Sunday School teachers
Following the Youth Sunday church service there
will be a brunch hosted by the Fellowship Committee, and the annual silent auction, both in the
Fellowship Hall. Proceeds from the auction will help
fund events for our youth program.
Lutherwood/Confirmation Camp!
June 26–July 1, 2016
Spend a week at Camp Lutherwood with Pastor
Jana and Ashley growing deeper in faith and having
a blast at camp!
Sunday School Superintendent Ashley Linn
Camp Lutherwood on Lake Samish is just a 30
minute drive from Ferndale but a world away for
kids to experience fun adventure and growth in their
faith.
Kids For Christ Is Selling
$12 cookie dough
April 24–May 8
Here are the flavors
you can choose from:
Pastor Jana will serve as the Camp Lutherwood
Resource Pastor and Youth Minister Ashley Linn
will attend camp and lead sessions for our
confirmation students.
We invite kids first grade through high school to sign
-up for that week of camp. See camplutherwood.org
for information and to register. Contact Ashley for
information on using fundraising dollars.





Chocolate Chip
Candy with mini M&M bits
Oatmeal raisin
White chocolate mac nut
Snicker doodle
Contact Ashley to order yours.
11
The Vision of the Youth and Confirmation Ministries at CLC
To support youth and families, to hear and share stories of faith from the
Bible and one another so that they live with faith and trust in God.
New Sunday School Format: Rotation Faith Formation
The Sunday School teachers are proud and excited
to announce a new Sunday School format this fall.
We will still be using the Spark curriculum, but with
a twist. The Sunday School kids will spend three
weeks going in depth with each story using various
rotations:



Art
Bible Skills
Science


Games
Computer
Lab


Video
Creative
Drama
The structure will look different than it does currently.
Preschool–sixth graders (with the high schoolers as
helpers) will meet in Teacher Tammy’s preschool
room for the first ten minutes of class every Sunday
where they will hear the story, sing songs, pray, give
their offering and relate their own lives to the story
we’re talking about. The Confirmands will join us
occasionally, but will be in their confirmation classroom for the majority of the time. Then, the Shepherds will take their classes to begin the second and
third portions of the hour. The flock breakdown is as
follows: preschool–kindergarten, lower elementary
(first–third), and upper elementary (fourth–sixth).
The confirmands and high schoolers will have their
own classes.
Each Sunday we will have two different rotations;
students will spend roughly twenty minutes in each
rotation and then switch to the second. Teachers will
only be teaching one of the rotations of the two
twenty-minute blocks. For example, if Joe is the
teacher for games and Judy is the teacher for
computer lab one Sunday, Joe could have the lower
elementary students first to play games with while
Judy has the upper elementary for computer lab
(both based on the current story). Then at the twenty
minute mark the students would switch classes and
the upper elementary would be with Joe for games
and lower elementary with Judy for computer lab.
Help Wanted: With this new format, we will still
need teachers (shepherds) for the 2016–2017
school year, but they will get to choose which
rotation they would like to do. Therefore, if they
would like to lead games for each unit, the teachers
will only have to teach every third Sunday School
day.
If you would like to teach, please contact Ashley, with
the rotation you are interested in teaching, or if you
would rather teach each week for a three week unit.
youthminister@clcferndale.org
Facebook: Ashley Linn KidsForChrist,
Text: 360-393-6653

VBS Preschool: $20/week
Vacation Bible School Is Coming July 25-29, 2016
(four- and five-year-olds)


"Seasons of Love" will be the theme for this
week of Bible lessons, crafts, games, and
daily fun!
VBS Day Camp: $40/week
(entering first through sixth
grades)
Counselors from Camp Lutherwood will be our
leaders, but we need other volunteers!
$75 maximum/family for
the week
Please contact Janet at vbs@clcferndale.org
to help with outreach, snack, daily clean-up,
hospitality, or daily check-in.
The registration form is available
at www.clcferndale.org along
with information about where to
send the completed form (one per child) and your
payment.
12
Christ Lutheran Church Council Meeting—April 12, 2016
Unofficial Minutes; amended to fit available space
Members Present:
.
On the Table—requested by Scott:
Members Absent:
Consent Agenda, Minutes and Treasurer’s Report:
Community Requests:
Pastor's Report:
Preschool Name:
Committee Minutes:
Online/Electronic Giving:
Child care provider job description:
13
Christ Lutheran Church Council Meeting—April 12, 2016
Unofficial Minutes; amended to fit available space
ELCA grant proposal:
Columbarium:
Rules and Regulations:
Three-volley salute policy:
Labyrinth request:
Committee to
approve Three-Volley-Salute Policy:
Synod Assembly Young Adult Rep replacement:
Council goals:
Physical Growth:
Vision and Strategic Focus for 2014–19
Grow Disciples
date and extended
appreciation to this subcommittee.
Spiritual Growth:
Increase Spiritual Landscape
Dion memorial funds:
Expand Boundaries
collar has been coopted by neo-Nazi group. Scott
14
Council Corner
Next Executive Committee Meeting: May 3, 6:30 p.m.
Next Council Meeting: May 10, 6:30 p.m.
PLANNING OUR FUTURE AS A FAMILY
It seems we “newbies” are settling in on the council
and things are beginning to make sense. Our council
discussions remind me of my home family planning
for the future. Questions come up. What do we want
to do? How do we want to do it? How will we pay for
it? How important is it? How will what we do improve
our lives and/or the lives of others?
Our challenges are also your challenges. We all need
to be part of how we move forward, determine community needs, and process various viewpoints. We will
wrestle with difficult questions of how to accomplish
what we envision for the coming years. Over the next
few months we will be asking you, each other and God
for support and understanding as we determine our
future direction.
Our church council is asking the same questions on
a different scale. We have taken our direction from
the CLC Learning Team’s report. It is clear that we
have three main areas of consideration, which will
focus our prayers, thoughts and time over the coming
years. Council president Beth Andres explained in
the March Newsletter that we are focusing on three
main things; People Outreach, Building Improvements,
and celebration of the 50th anniversary of CLC and
the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Spring feels like new beginnings with wonders to
come. Here we are, as a congregation. Our spring
has arrived. We are thinking, processing, growing and
preparing. We will all share in how we will continue to
develop our dynamic church. We are not just a building
with a name and a street address and seats for Sunday
morning. We are active, amazing people with so much
to contribute to God, our community, and one another.
It is a wonderful thing to be part of such important work
and such wonderful people.
Shifting these three areas of focus from a plan to a
“do” is largely what we council members are focusing
on. We are trying to clarify, and find consensus for
clear meaningful plans of action. We wish to be
fiscally responsible, while visioning a future that
allows for growth and celebration of who we are as
a church family, and community members. We also
seek to provide a positive spiritual community for all
ages in which we demonstrate love and peace in a
world filled with conflicts and challenges.
Mary Kanikeberg
Fellowship Committee council representative
Send your suggestions for Council
Corner topics to vp@clcferndale.org or
talk to Vice President, Dave Magelssen.
Contact Your Council Representatives
*Council President
Beth Andres
president@clcferndale.org
Evangelism Committee
Carolyn Jonson
evangelism@clcferndale.org
Social Concerns Committee
Dave Schlack
socialconcerns@clcferndale.org
*Council Vice President
Dave Magelssen
vp@clcferndale.org
Fellowship Committee
Mary Kanikeberg
fellowship@clcferndale.org
Stewardship Committee
Kevin Wolter
stewardship@clcferndale.org
*Council Secretary
Nancy Tupper
secretary@clcferndale.org
Parish Education Committee
Janet Wilhoite
parish-ed@clcferndale.org
Worship & Music Committee
Erin Carampot
worship-music@clcferndale.org
*Church Treasurer
Bruce Mathias
treasurer@clcferndale.org
Preschool Committee
Scott Boyden
preschool@clcferndale.org
Youth Committee
George Holmes
youth@clcferndale.org
*Executive Committee
(plus the pastor)
Property Management Committee
Pat Kuehnel
propertymgmt@clcferndale.org
15
Is There Life After Death?
by the Rev. Kirby Unti, Bishop NWWA Synod
As printed in the May 2016 edition of The Spirit.
The Spirit, a publication of the Northwest Washington Synod of the ELCA, is intended for
members of synod congregations and organizations. Follow this LINK for a full PDF version
of The Spirit.
One of the questions that I
assume many pastors are
asked is, “Do you believe in
life after death?” I just recently had this conversation with
a woman whose husband,
Andy, I buried at age 50. It has always been important
for me as both person and pastor to be honest about
what I believe and not to give out “pat” pastoral
responses. The truth is I don’t know if there is life
after death and I won’t know until I die. All I can go
on are some clues that I have observed while living
on this side of death. Death has been one of my
greatest teachers, as I have been privileged to be
with many people as they are dying and breathing
their last breath. It has often amazed me how many
people go through a stage of dying where they are
talking out loud to relatives that have gone before
them. I experienced this with both my father and my
mother. It appeared as if my father was working overtime to wrap up some unfinished business before he
died. On several occasions he would say, “I am not
done yet.” Such occasions may well be a clue that
a person has one foot in this life and one foot in
whatever is to come. Likewise, I have had several
occasions to talk to people who have had near-death
experiences. Their stories are indeed quite compelling. What has amazed me the most is the reassurance such folk have in facing death when it comes.
Perhaps the greatest clue for me about life after death
is the joy of holding a new born baby in my arms. I
know of no experience that equals this in magnitude.
Holding one who has spent nine months being molded into a breathing, living, crying, and gurgling human
being speaks to me of a creative force that is beyond
my imagination. I remember how wowed I was in
kindergarten when the seed that I planted in a
Styrofoam cup of dirt turned into a bean sprout. Bean
sprouts are pretty impressive—but come on, a baby?
My reasoning goes like this, “Whatever force is behind the creation of a baby surely has the capacity
when death comes to create new life.” The force for
me is the God I have come to know as the Life Giver
in so many facets of my life. I must add that May is
my month to believe in the power of life. It is the
month that restores my soul after a long, dark, cold
and very wet winter. Winter is when everything dies
for me and I have to fight extra hard against the darkness. May is life in full bloom. The yard is still green,
the rhododendrons are in all of their glory and the
trees are thick in leaves, needles and green. Death
and life are baked into all of the creation giving me
great cause to believe that, when death comes, [I
should] be prepared for the likelihood that life will
follow. I loved Andy in life and there is nothing more
that I want for my friend Cheryl, than to see him
again. Will it happen? I don’t know. This is what
faith is all about for me - trusting the clues that God
provides along the way. I do know this about the
death of my own parents: if I never see them again I
will not mourn because they gave to me in this lifetime enough blessing to last the all of my life.
NW WA Synod, ELCA,
M–F, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
5519 Phinney Ave. North, Seattle, WA 98103-5829
Phone: 206-783-9292; Toll free: 844-597-0452; Fax 206-783-9833
office@lutheransnw.org; www.lutheransnw.org
Synod Staff
Rev. Kirby Unti, bishop
Rev. Nancy Winder, assistant to the bishop
Rev. Kathryn Buffum, assistant to the bishop
Rev. Jerry Buss, assistant to the bishop
Stay in touch and in the know!
Synod Website Calendar www.lutheransnw.org/calendar
Do you receive the Weekly Update eNews?
www.lutheransnw.org/subscribe
and director for evangelical mission
Margaret Spatafore, synod office administrator
Susan Berg, synod relations administrator
16
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Faith and Everyday Life
Playing Games
The thunder rolled across the sky. “I’m scared,
Mommy!” “It’s OK, ‘tis only the angels bowling.”
Bowling? Does God have time for games?
Maybe the Bible stories are too sacred to utilize for
humor? Should we be seriously serious whenever
we approach the words that convey the gift of life?
In a world that is crazy; where some have little to
eat, others are homeless, wars are constant, and
despair is the menu
for the news, is there
time to play? For the
Christian, is having
time for play even an
option?
Or, is it possible that the “words of life” are also
meant to tickle our funny bones, engender a deep
belly laugh, or bring about that joyous contagion
that only Play, in all its aspects, can bring?
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to
why he no longer lived in Eden?
A: Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Can you imagine Jesus with a smile on his face?
We can imagine Moses angry, afraid, or triumphant.
How about smiling? Do you suppose God chuckled
when the people at Babel tried to communicate? Or
how do you think God reacted when David danced
so exuberantly around the Ark of the Covenant that
his short ephod flew up and revealed his nakedness?
I can’t help but give thanks that the God I know
smiles, laughs, dances, plays games, and deeply
encourages us to find the time to Play with each
other and with him. Do you suppose that God plays
with you, too? Stay alert!
Q: Why didn’t they play cards on the Ark?
A: Because Noah was standing on the deck.
(Groan. . .)
Lutheran Counseling Network
May Youth Birthdays
Lutheran Network Counselors
available in Bellingham
Melanie Springer Cool, MA, LMHC
Positive Psychology Counselor
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church,
2600 Lakeway Drive; 360-715-2166, ext. 2
May 6—Elena W.
May 27—Lucy N.
May 14—Chloe H.
May 28—Noah G.
May the Lord bless and keep you
another year through!!!
Margaret Mary Pierce, MA, LMHCA
Therapy for Individuals and Couples,
Spiritual Direction
Our Saviour's Lutheran Church,
1720 Harris Avenue; 360-927-6753
17
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Sunday
Monday
1
Quilt Dedication
10:00 AM
Coffee Hour
10:15 AM
Sunday School (Preschool through adult)
11:15 AM
Contemporary Worship
12:30 PM
Worship Band Rehearsal
6:00 PM
KFC—Middle school
Wednesday
2
Pr. Jana's
Day Off
9:00 AM
Traditional Worship
Mothers' Day
Tuesday
3
9:30 AM
Stephen Minister
Training
11:30 AM
Preschool Mothers' Tea
12:30 PM
Quilters
7:00 PM
PEP (Preschool
Event Planners)
Meeting
7:00 PM
Bible
Conversations
at the Jonson’s
Thursday
4
9:00 AM
Bulletin
Announcements
Deadline
11:30 AM
Preschool Mothers'
Tea
2:45 PM
Preschool Mothers' Tea
6:30 PM
Property Management
Committee Meeting
6:30 PM
Executive Committee Meeting
Friday
5
5:30 PM
Worship
and Music
Committee
Meeting
Saturday
6
7
Office
Closed
9:30 AM
Stephen
Minister
Training
2:00–4:00 PM
Youth Minister
Office Hours
7:00 PM
Choir Rehearsal
7:00 PM
Ferndale Community Meal
Committee Meeting (UCF)
8
9
Pr. Jana's
Day Off
Community Meal Offering
New Stephen Ministers
Commissioned
9:00 AM
Traditional Worship
10:00 AM
Mother's Day Brunch
10:15 AM
Sunday School (Preschool through adult)
11:15 AM
Contemporary Worship
12:30 PM
Worship Band Rehearsal
6:00 PM
KFC—High school
Pentecost
6:30 PM
Council Meeting
12:30 PM
Quilters
Preschool Classes
Monday–Friday
9:30 AM–12:15 PM
& 1:00–3:15 PM
(No afternoon classes
on Monday or Fridays)
15
16
NO Sunday School
10:00 AM
Worship (One service for Confirmation)
11:00 AM
Reception for Confirmands
11:30 PM
Worship Band Rehearsal
6:00 PM
KFC—Middle school
9:00 AM
Newsletter
Submissions Due
12:30 PM
Quilters
7:00 PM
Bible
Conversations
at the Jonson’s
22
9:00 AM
Traditional Worship
10:00 AM
Coffee Hour
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday
8:30–11:30 AM &
noon–3:00 PM
(Closed 11:30 AM
to noon for lunch)
23
Pr. Jana's
Day Off
Other Bank Designated Offering
18
11:15 AM
Contemporary Worship
12:30 PM
Worship Band Rehearsal
13
Office
Closed
14
9:00 AM
Women's Retreat—
Centering on Christ
10:00 AM
Ferndale Community
Meal Served
3:00 PM
Dessert Banquet—
Confirmands and
families (CLC
Fellowship Hall)
19
6:30 PM
Preschool
Committee
Meeting
20
Office
Closed
21
9:00 AM
Craft Group
Synod Assembly
25
9:00 AM
Bulletin
Announcements
Deadline
2:00–4:00 PM
Youth Minister
Office Hours
7:00 PM
Choir Rehearsal
10:15 AM
Sunday School (Preschool through adult)
12
6:30 PM
Evangelism
Committee
Meeting
9:00 AM
Bulletin
Announcements
Deadline
2:00–4:00 PM
Youth Minister
Office Hours
4:00 PM
Quarterly Staff
Meeting
7:00 PM
Choir Rehearsal
24
Last Day of
Preschool
Classes
12:30 PM
Quilters
11
9:00 AM
Bulletin
Announcements
Deadline
11:00 AM
Pastor and Youth
Minister Meeting
2:00–4:00 PM
Youth Minister
Office Hours
6:30 PM
Youth Committee
Meeting
7:00 PM
Choir Rehearsal
17
Pr. Jana's
Day Off
Confirmation Sunday
Holy Trinity Sunday
10
5:30 PM
Council At the Table Dinner
26
Pastor Jana
at Synod
Candidacy
Committee
(Seattle)
7:00 PM
Preschool
Graduation
(Sanctuary &
Fellowship
Hall)
27
Office
Closed
11:00 AM
Preschool
Year-End
Picnic
28
10:00 AM
Community
Meal Served
6:00 PM
KFC—High school
NO Sunday School
Noisy Offering
9:00 AM
Traditional Worship
10:00 AM
Coffee Hour
11:15 AM
Contemporary Worship
12:30 PM
Worship Band Rehearsal
6:00 PM
KFC—Middle school
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Pr. Jana's
Day Off
April 2016
Memorial Day:
Office Closed
12:30 PM
Quilters
A 12 month calendar is available at www.clcferndale.org
18
We live in Christ, and share His love with all people.
Celebrating 125 Years
New QR for CLC
It stands for Quick Response
Code, which is exactly what your
hand held electronic device does
when you scan it.
1891–2016, Immanuel Lutheran Church
5782 Lawrence Rd, Everson
2016 marks 125 years of ministry for Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Eastern Whatcom County. Many
members of CLC are part of that history. As such you
are invited to gather with Immanuel and others who are
part of their history the weekend of July 30 and 31, 2016
under the theme
Written into what looks like a very pixelated
graphic, are actually those ones and zeros
that all computers read. Following a confusing
pattern, your computer reads the ones and zeros and deciphers what is “written” in the QR
Code.
God With Us for 125 Years
Gathering to:



The CLC QR directs your web browser to the
church website: www.clcferndale.org. Give it a try.
Honor the Past
Celebrate the Present
Discover God’s Future
Saturday, July 30—“Family Reunion”
Food and refreshments will begin at 4:00 p.m.
followed by a banquet in the early evening. Opportunities for conversation with past members and former
pastors will take place, memories will be made and
shared, music sing, pictures taken, bellies filled and
laughter heard inside and outside the church.
Save Your Change
The next Noisy Offering will
be graciously
received during both
worship services on
May 29. Let's “Make
a joyful noise unto
the Lord" when
our CLC children come around during the
Children’s Moment with their cans.
Sunday, July 31—“Worship Celebration”
At 10:00 a.m. followed by cake and refreshments.
Rev. Kirby Unti, bishop of the NW Washington
Synod of the ELCA will preach, pastors will vest
and process, an alumni choir will sing, and praise
and thanks to God will be spoken, sung and heard.
Please mark your calendar now and plan on joining
the celebration of this time in history and ministry of
Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Please leave a message with the
Immanuel Church office (360-952-5876
or Immanuel.everson@gmail.com) if:




The deadline for submissions to an
upcoming edition of the Grapevine is
9:00 a.m. on the 15th of the preceding
month.
You wish to RSVP for this event
To be in the Alumni Choir. Practices are
Saturday 3:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:15 a.m.,
Music can be sent to you ahead of time;
You are clergy attending;
You have any questions.
Email items you would like included to
parishadmin@clcferndale.org or leave a
copy on the desk in the church office.
Add your shared memories to the 125th Anniversary page
on the Immanuel website:
www.Immanuellutheraneverson.com
19
Individual articles exceeding 1/4 page
(Arial, 11pt) may be edited to fit available
space.
Christ Lutheran Church, ELCA
5904 Vista Drive, P.O. Box 845
Ferndale, WA 98248
Office Hours
Monday–Thursday (closed Fridays)
8:30–11:30 a.m. & noon–3:00 p.m.
Sunday Worship
9:00 a.m. & 11:15 a.m. September –May
10:00 a.m. June–Labor day
Children (infant–six years) are welcome
at any time in the cry room during
worship. Our childcare providers
will nurture and care for them, at
no charge.
Contact Us
Church: 360-384-1422
Preschool: 360-380-2233
Fax: 925-480-5594
info@clcferndale.org
www.clcferndale.org
Our Staff
Pastor
Rev. Jana Schofield
pastor@clcferndale.org
Youth Minister
Ashley Linn
youthminister@clcferndale.org
Preschool Director
Liza Okan
preschooldirector@clcferndale.org
Parish Administrator
Sam Blanton
parishadmin@clcferndale.org
Preschool Teachers
Cheryl Johnson
cheryljohnson@clcferndale.org
Lavonne Eggink
lavonneeggink@clcferndale.org
Preschool Teachers’ Assistant
preschoolassistant@clcferndale.org
Assistant to the Youth Minister
Kaleb Ode
youthassistant@clcferndale.org
Inside this edition

Silent Auction
Custodian
Letha Nungesser
custodian@clcferndale.org

Planning for CLC’s Future
Choir Director
Rachel Wulff
choirdirector@clcferndale.org

Women’s Retreat

Pr. Jana’s thoughts on Grace
Contemporary Music Director
Matt Springer
musicdirector@clcferndale.org
Organists
Sue Gault
Carolyn Jonson

Bishop Unti’s thoughts on
Life After Death
20