The Messenger

The Newsletter of

Christ Lutheran Church

– 201-391-4224 –

The Church: Proudly Proclaiming Christ since A.D. 33

February 2013

Published by

Christ Lutheran Church RETURN

32Pascack RoadSERVICE

Woodcliff Lake, NJ 07677REQUESTED

Dated Material – Please Deliver Promptly

Ministers: the people of God at Christ Lutheran Church

Pastor: The Rev. Pat Olausen

Director of Music: Argine Safari

Director of Youth Choirs: David Scance

Musician: Fred Messner

Administrative Assistant: Doris Crouse

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ at Christ,

We begin Lent with ashes on our foreheads marking this solemn season. For 40 days the sky let down with a great flood of rain, destroying all but Noah and his faithful family. For 40 years the nation of Israel wandered in the desert seeking the land which God had promised to give them. After his Baptism Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, days of preparation for his ministry among us. And we keep Lent as a 40 day period of learning, repentance, and preparation. Of course, if you do the math, you will find that there are more than 40 days between Ash Wednesday and the dawn of Easter. All Sundays are Feast Days of the Resurrection. All Sundays are “Little Easters,” even those occurring during Lent.

Those of you who “give up something precious to you,” like dessert or meat, or sleeping late, are “permitted” to indulge on Sundays . . .as long as you don’t sleep too late to attend Sunday worship. In true Lutheran tradition, there are those who keep both Lenten time and Sunday time, indulging in such things as Jell-O salad, which doesn’t really count as dessert, because, after all, IT could be regarded as a salad, depending on what you put in it.

We begin with Ash Wednesday when, in the Bible lessons of the worship service, we are incited to “keep the fast.” Some of us come forward to receive ashes on our forehead, marked in a cross. The cross, of course, reminds us of the One in whom we are marked and sealed in our Baptisms, the One whom we follow.

Lutherans, like other main-line denominations, did not use this ancient practice until the Liturgical Renewal Movement, which led to the publishing of the Lutheran Book of Worship, and all of its accompanying guides. Before this, only Roman Catholics wore ashes on their foreheads, the smudge marking them as Christians who observed their faith with ashes of repentance. To me, growing up in the largely Methodist/Baptist South (the people living across the street were the only Roman Catholics that I knew) this was a strange piece of Lent. I did not understand it. Why did so many people wear dirt on their foreheads that day? The North, with its predominance of Roman Catholics, practiced what I regarded as unusual.

It was difficult for me to receive ashes that first time. I was in my mid-20s and had never been part of a service with ashes. I felt self-conscientious; “What if I “did it wrong?” Would I be regarded as “different” at a time when the reception of ashes in the Lutheran Church was still only relatively new? What about going forward in front of all those who knew I had never received before?

The most difficult time is the first time. It is especially difficult when we leave others behind in the pew, others who know that this is our first time. Will they think we are practicing false piety? Will there be a difference which changes our relationship? No one I know has ever sensed a difference, despite feeling almost an “embarrassment” when going forward to receive.

I found the experience to be both challenging and comforting. Leaving the worship service, I felt that others would note the sign, and see the tangible evidence of my faith. Witnessing can be awkward, but the smudge on my forehead was a witness. It still is each year.

This Ash Wednesday I invite and encourage you to receive ashes. Beforehand, discuss your thoughts and feelings with those who will accompany you, or sit near you. Lift up your courage and join the growing group of those who find this ancient practice meaningful.

And, on a practical note, you will find it best to wash your smudge off before going to bed. It contains both ashes and oil, which can be a laundry problem.

Pastor Pat

2nd Sunday Worship—February 10, 5:00-5:30 pm

This Sunday evening worship is a meditative service of Bible and Holy Communion, celebrated with early church symbols of the faith – relaxing, refreshing and renewing. This serviceoffers something a bit different. Join Pastor Pat in the Opsal Room – all are welcome!

Themes for Lent

“Lent” means springtime

On the Sundays in Lentthe Bible readings will focus on God’s covenants, promises, and care. Covenants are literally “cutting a covenant.” In Old Testament times when two people wanted to join in a covenant, it required a blood sacrifice. This sacrifice reminded the two of what would happen if either one broke the covenant. Animals were sacrificed in halves, and laid in two straight lines, forming a path. The two people making the covenant would walk the length of the full bloody path, as a sign of what would happen to either who broke the covenant.

During the Wednesday evenings and Thursday afternoons Bible readings and the sermon will focus on the “Genealogy of Jesus.” Jesus was born of God; Mary was “overshadowed” by the Third Member of the Triune God: the Holy Spirit. (I believe in God, the Father Almighty, and in Jesus Christ, his only Son. I believe in the Holy Spirit.)

Since Jesus was not born of the people in his lineage, they represent the matriarchs and patriarchs of the faithful. They include women with reputations, murderers, and cheaters, all forgiven in Jesus Christ. It will be INTERESTING!

Lenten Worship Schedule

  • Ash Wednesday, February 13 – 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm
  • Sundays of February 17, 24 – 8:00/9:00/10:30 am
  • Sundays of March 3, 10, 17, 24 – 8:00/9:00/10:30 am
  • Wednesdays of February 13, 20, 27 and

March 6, 13, 20, 27—7:30 pm

  • Thursdays of February 14, 21, 28 and

March 7, 14, 21, 28—2:00 pm

  • Holy Week, Sunday, March 24—Saturday, March 30
  • Palm Sunday, March 24—8:00/9:00/10:30 am
  • Maundy Thursday, March 28 Agape Meal

and Service—7:30 pm

  • Good Friday, March 29—2:00 pm and 7:30 pm

Daily Lenten Reflections Available

Copies of the writings of Henri J. M. Nouwen, Renewed For Life, are available in the Narthex. You are invited to take a copy home.

Lenten Mid-Week Worship Services

This year, beginning on Ash Wednesday, February 13th through March 20th at 7:30 pm there will be Wednesday services. For those who find attending evening worship services difficult, there will be Thursday services, beginning February 14th through March 21st at 2:00 pm. They will include the same Bible readings and sermon.

On Maundy Thursday, March 28 at 7:30 pm, we will gather around tables in Opsal Room to celebrate an Agape Feast, similar to the meals that the early church enjoyed. It will help us all to understand some of the elements of the Passover Meal, commanded by God the night before Israel left for their journey to the Promised Land. This meal is celebrated by Jews everywhere, every year, as commanded by God, and in it they remember God’s protection and leadership. The worship space is stripped of altar linens, hangings, etc. and becomes a representation of the emptiness of the tomb where Jesus’ body will be placed.

On Good Friday, March 29th at 7:30 pm we will join for a service of growing darkness, when the Passion from the Bible is read, (Jesus’ last “day” of false trial, sentence, abuse and suffering, and death on the cross.) At different sections of the reading there will be song and prayer. These services are not appropriate for children who are frightened by darkness, or who cannot sit for 45 minutes.

The Resurrection of Our Lord – Easter Day

March 31st – Festival worship at 8:00, 9:00 and 10:30 am

Easter dawns on a triumphant note; see next month’s Messenger!

Why Raise Our Children in the Faith? by Pastor Pat

Children will create their own faith, “playing” at what they see on TV or learn from their friends or relatives who talk about their faith. They will engage in creative play where they may make someone or something “god” and then pretend to worship that god. Children whose parents answer their questions with such responses as “God made the rainbow,” sometimes begin to question more: “Where is God.” “God is everywhere.” “Is God in the moon?” “Yes.” “Is God in that telephone pole? How does God get in there?” Questions about God come naturally from children. In some moments, such as crises, we also question God. And there are the breathless moments, such as the birth of a child, a perfect moon, a loving kiss, when we sense God. Our hearts are made to long for God. We long for the One we have sensed, however briefly. We long for satisfaction of a craving that we cannot even name. Our children are made the same. In their impressionable years as they seek for meaning we have the opportunity to answer their craving – but not just with simple platitudes. No, we can answer their questions and needs with life-giving responses.

Christianity is life-giving. At its basic heart is our loving God who created us and placed us in a perfect garden, Eden, where all our needs were met. God even allowed us to make decisions. When we made the one and only decision which God had forbidden, we had to leave the perfect garden. God expanded the relationship with us, leading and loving us. God even sent his only Son to pay the price for all our wrongs and our broken natures.God’s Son, Jesus, loved us completely and thoroughly, and accepted his difficult part in dying for us. He rose from the dead, and set us free, then returned to heaven. All those who have faith in Jesus will live in heaven one day.

Living in faith in Jesus is a lifelong process. It begins the day we are baptized. Many people believe that children learn primarily about God from church, especially Sunday School. In fact, they begin learning about God from the moment they are born. When they cry, are their needs met? Do family members look into their eyes when they speak softly to them? Their experiences teach them about God. Does God love them? Care for them? Families who say a prayer together before eating are more likely to raise a Christian child. So, too, are families who read children’s Bible stories to their child, or listen to Christian songs together. Children who are brought to church as soon as their pediatrician agrees gain familiarity with worship, helping them to adjust to the sights, sounds, experiences of church.

When a child reaches pre-school, coming to Sunday School gives them other experiences and knowledge about God. Attending other church events and enjoying the full range of experiences a solid church brings encourages children to love Jesus, and to recognize God’s love for them.All these church experiences aside, the family is still the primary place where children learn to love God. They learn to value the values of their family, so families must show the importance of their faith just as they show their other priorities.

Numerous extensive and repeated studies overwhelmingly demonstrate the value of families worshipping together. It is the single most important means of transmitting the value of the faith. It significantly outranks Sunday School.Model worship attendance as you would like your children to value it. If you work hard to be on-time for other things in your life, be on-time for worship. Get a bulletin for them. As they become older, point out the different sections of worship and help them follow along. Bring special “Sunday only” quiet toys for toddlers to two years old. Christ Lutheran offers Worship Bags full of “quiet” toys, children’s Bible books, colored pencils and paper. These are offered after the children’s sermon.

If you usually put your arm around your child, sit together closely, or show affection in other ways, do so in church. When you stand, have them stand, too. If they can’t see over the heads of those in front of them, have them stand on the pew next to you. Hold them securely.Bring a small container of Cheerios if you usually give them to your child to help them to settle down. When you pray, shut your eyes and bend your head down so that your child sees you. Put your arm around them or hold their hand to keep them steady.Bring your children with you when you receive Holy Communion. Have them kneel with you, and show them how to fold their hands on top of the altar rail so they can receive a blessing. (Children 2nd gr. and older receive Holy Communion at Christ Lutheran after they have taken instruction.)

If your child begins to scream or cry loudly, just soothe them and take them to one of two rooms: through the small side door (on the left side of the altar, there is one (with a toilet) on the left, and the other is on the right.

Discuss worship later, perhaps on the way home: did you like what was in your Worship Bag? What was your favorite song? Be positive! Be positive! Worship is not just for moms and children. Studies show that one of the strongest faith builders is attendance at worship by Dad. If possible, both parents should worshiptogether. One of the reasons worship is 40/45 minutes instead of 60+ is to make it more comfortable for children. The main reason we encourage families worshipping together is because we are serious about providing your children the most faith-building experience possible. Christ Lutheran Church cares deeply about helping you to raise your children in the love of Jesus Christ.

Remembering Paul Hulburt

Paul Hulburt was a dear friend to all at Christ Lutheran Church. We have especially fond memories of him having met Paul and Mae 40 years ago.

With Paul and Mae we worked together on our church’s 40th Anniversary Committee. Paul was the Chairman, and one of the many things we did was to raise money for a new Lutheran mission church in the Ironbound Portuguese section of Newark. It was a very special experience for the four of us to attend worship services in that store-front mission church and present them with the $13,000.00 we had raised as part of our 40th Anniversary Thank Offering project.

Another memorable occasion was at our daughter’s wedding reception when tall, handsome Paul and Mae were out on the floor dancing, and they could really dance!

Everyone knew that Paul was the Editor of the Messenger for 30 years, but did you know that Paul received National Recognition as Editor of the Messenger? True to his modest nature, Paul refused to include this information in the Messenger. It simply read “Paul Hulburt, Editor.”

Paul was also part of the dedication service for our new beautiful Sanctuary. When we began our research efforts for the slide presentation at our 50th Anniversary special worship service, we came across the picture of Paul with Pastor K. Roy Nilsen and Rev. Opsal taken at the October 11, 1970 Dedication Service. That picture was also published in the local newspapers.

We all have special memories and are thankful Paul was in our lives.

June and Don Rudie

An Opportunity to

Raise Funds for the Cancer Society

After recovering from our Trash and Treasure Sale Christ Lutheran will have another opportunity to help others. The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event will be held at Pascack Hills High School, May 18—19. Chantal Ramhorst will serve as team captain. Anyone can join the team so invite your family and friends to join you. There are fun kid and adult activities all night. Opening ceremony will be at 6:30 p.m. If you have never experienced this largely attended cancer fundraising event please consider doing so. Details on how to join the team will be out next month. For questions please contact Chantal at .

An “Unbelievable Blessing”

Dear Christ Lutheran Church,

I would like to start off with a fairly large apology. I was taken to New Orleans this summer by the church and failed to write a thank you. I am amazed that time has flown by so fast. I am sincerely sorry that I have not gotten the chance to thank you sooner.