The Follower - September/October 2024 (Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church)

The

Follower

2024

Dear Cross of Calvary Community,

Yesterday I sat in on one of Pastor Matt's "Get to Know Your Bible" classes for 3rd graders and their parents. It was a delight to watch the eyes of the kids light up as Pastor Matt shared some of the wonders of the Living Word of God.

Pastor Matt encouraged the kids to go to their Bibles to do "devotions," which means to "practice the presence of God." He suggested they open their Bibles to any page, and read just one verse - any verse. What do they notice? What questions arise? What do they think God is saying to them today? Practicing the presence of God can be that simple.

We also have devotional books that can guide your practice available to borrow from the church library. There are books for all ages.

Will God love you more if you do devotions? Nope. You are already a child of God, loved beyond measure. But we were created to love God and love one another. Devotions can open our eyes to God's presence and action in our lives and in the world. I have a feeling God delights in watching our eyes light up too.

In Christ,

Sister Sarah

September Worship Assistants

Ushers: Brian Kingery, Dan Gross, Darren Sagedahl

Acolytes: Mya Kingery, Gavin Johnson

Worship A/V: Charlie Morse, Sam Wohnoutka.

Communion Helper: Trent Athmann

Altar Guild: Kaylee Padmos

October Worship Assistants

Ushers: Alex Gay, Todd Gay, Darren Sagedahl, Ben Baumgartner

Acolytes: Charlie Morse, Erika Martinson

Worship A/V: Andrew Woelfel, Logan Osthus

Communion Helper: Sandy Gay

Altar Guild: Sara Benson, Sheila Pietig

Coffee Hour

After worship we gather for coffee, treats and conversation. We're looking for people to host coffee hour. Grab some friends and sign up!

Caregiver's Support Group

The first meeting of our new support group for caregivers will be Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 2 to 3 pm. We will be meeting at the church. Goodies and Beverages will be served. If you have questions or need care for your lived one while you're away, please contact Karen Flom 320-522-1980 or Carole Buhr 320-894-1983

Appetizers Before the Musical

Join us for a fun evening! The Parish Life Committee will be hosting a Wine and Appetizer gathering at 5:30 pm before the Friday Oct. 4 BOLD/BLHS performance of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat,"

Red and white wine will be provided. Please bring an appetizer to share. Event is at the Rural Computer Consultants office building at 2115 10th St. in Bird Island. You can park there and we will all walk over to the musical at 6:30.

Contact: Sandy Gay or Dana Boen.

Trunk or Treat

Join us on October 31, 5-7 pm to celebrate Halloween together. Park at Cross of Calvary, open your trunk and share treats with trick or treaters. You can decorate your vehicle and dress up or just give out treats! If you're not sure what Truck or Treat is, google it. It's pretty cool! This event is offered by the Parish Life Committee.

Contact: Sandy Gay or Dana Boen.

Enjoy Giving Away Money?

Thrivent members can receive $500 per year to use for service, education or fundraising projects!

Talk with Pastor Matt or Sister Sarah for more information.

Theology on Tap Starts a New Book

A new book was begun on Sept 11.The group is now reading "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" by John Mark Comer. It's a great reflection on how the busyness of life leads to not appreciating the presence of God. It gives practical steps for slowing down and practicing the presence of God. Theology on Tap will meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month at 7:45 pm at Max's Grill. Contact: Pastor Matt

Current Bible Study Opportunities

Year Round

Sundays, 10 am at Church with Pastor Matt
Tuesdays, 6:30 am at Church - Men's Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:00 am at Church - Men's Bible Study
Tuesdays, 10:30 am at Traditions with Pastor Matt
Wednesdays, 7:45 pm at Max's - Theology on Tap w/ Pastor Matt
Fridays, 10 am at Parkview with Pastor Matt

Starting Again in the Fall

4th Monday, 1:30 pm at Church - Ruth Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:30 pm at Jeni Skeie's Home - Women's Bible Study
Wednesdays, 9 am at Church - Women's Bible Study
Last Wednesday, 9:30 am at Church -Dorcas Bible Study

Sunday School Begins October 6

Our teachers and assistants are preparing for a fun year of Sunday School for kids age 3 by Sept 1 through 6th grade.

Please register your child(ren) here:

https://forms.gle/y5jygN9D3bbhtr696

Elementary After School Programs

Come to Cross of Calvary once a month for snack, Bible stories, prayer, games, service, activities and singing.

Jesus Justice League (grades 1-2)- Thursday Oct. 3, 3-5 pm

GLUE (grades 3-4) - Wednesday, Oct. 2, 3-5 pm

WOW (grades 5-6) - Wednesday, Oct. 30

NEW!

Choir and Craft (grades 4-7) Thursday, Oct.10, 3-5 pm - Meet twice a month to sing, pray and practice classic crafts such as crocheting, quilting, baking and other handcrafts. If you'd like to teach a craft, contact Sister Sarah 320-579-0838

Jr. High Game Night

7-9th graders are welcome to come play active games the last Wednesday of the month from 7:30 - 8:30 pm.

As always, friends are welcome.

Snacks and prayer included!

Breakfast Club

Meet the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7:07 am for a delicious breakfast, meaningful conversation, and prayer. Open to grades 10-12. Beginning Oct 10

If you would like to make a breakfast, please contact Sister Sarah 320-579-0838

Save the Dates

Junior High Youth Gathering: November 22-23. 2024

Jr. High at Camp House: June 8-12, 2025

Day Camp July 7-10, 2025

Elementary at Shores of St. Andrew: July 27-31

Prayers for Healing and Strength

Chet Boen

Lily Kern

Karen Revier

Chuck Folkerts

Bob Sagedahl

The Family of Charlie Baumgartner

Prayer concerns will now be listed for one month only. If you'd like to extend or add prayers for an individual or family, please call the church office. 320-523-1574

Need Pastoral Care? Please have a family member or friend notify the church. You may also request hospital staff to call on your behalf. Call day or night at 320-579-0839. Never feel as though you are bothering Pastor or the staff. We are here to serve as a comfort and as a resource.