the friendly visitorshelf from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 17 live-stream of worship service at 9 a.m. 20...

The Friendly Visitor

1306 Wilcox Street Menomonie, WI 54751 May 2020

www.Welcome2CLC.com Facebook: Welcome2CLC

from Christ Lutheran Church

May @ Christ 3 Live-stream of Worship Service at

9 a.m.

5 Executive Board meets at 6:30

p.m. via Zoom.

6 Wednesday’s Table from 5 p.m.

to 6 p.m. (take-out only); CLC Food-Shelf from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

10 Live-stream of Worship Service

at 9 a.m.

12 Council meets at 6:30 p.m. via

Zoom.


to 6 p.m. (take-out only); CLC Food-Shelf from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

17 Live-stream of Worship Service

at 9 a.m.


to 6 p.m. (take-out only); CLC Food-Shelf from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 24 Live-stream of Worship Service

at 9 a.m.

25 MEMORIAL DAY (church office

closed)


to 6 p.m.; CLC FoodShelf from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

31 Worship with Holy Communion

in Sanctuary at 9 a.m. (tentative).

[A message from Pastor Randy was originally posted online and sent via email on April 8. The message is included here in updated form.]

Greetings, People of God! I want to give you some updates on what’s going on with our congregation due to the COVID-19 virus. We continue to have the building on lockdown. The staff are the only ones in the building. If you need something from the church, please call the church office or me so that we can accommodate you. We must remember this is for the safety of everyone based on expectations of local, state, and federal govern-ment. Josie has put together resources for Sunday School lessons. I have been recording evening devotions which are on the church Facebook page, the youth Facebook page, and the church website. Our daily lives and routines are being upended, and new ways of serving others are emerging. Please share your ideas with us. Updated information will be posted to our Facebook page and our website (welcome2CLC.com) as often as neces-sary. All home, nursing home and hospital visits are on lockdown right now, too. I can be reached by calling 218-329-7904 with pastoral concerns, or call the church office at 715-235-5573. Right now phone calls and emails are good ways for us to stay connected. I encourage you to stay in contact with our community. I look forward to the day we gather together again, but in the meantime, stay well and may God’s grace hold you. In Christ, Pastor Randy

The Friendly Visitor May 2020

Dear friends in Christ, Grace to you and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus the Christ. Amen.

Christ is Risen! He is risen, in-deed!! Alleluiah!! Easter! It was strange not to gath-er as a community to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Even though gathering was out of the question, Easter still happened. The tomb is empty. We still re-member that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not even death. So much in our lives has been turned upside down with the COVID-19 virus. We are learning to adapt to our changing circum-stance. We remember that God continues to walk with us. In this time of separation Paul writes these words:

“For I am convinced that nei-ther death, nor life, nor an-gels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to sepa-rate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39

Nothing can separate us! Did you hear that? Nothing! Well, I think spring is finally here and we see the buds come out on the trees, spring flowers beginning to provide color, and grass ‘greening up.’ With the snow melting I notice that it reveals many things that have been hid-

den for awhile, like sticks and branches, the first sign of creeping charlie, and--for all you dog own-ers--the overabundance of doo-doo. So we have some clean-up to do. That’s one of the things that we have been doing. With the ex-tra time at home, we have been going through stuff, what to keep and what to let loose. I think that is something that needs to be a part of our lives--to reexamine the stuff that clutters our lives. It is healthy for us to ex-amine ourselves. What are those characteristics that are marks of the Christian life? In Romans 12:9-21 the Marks of the Christian are reflected in these qualities:

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Re-joice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possi-ble, so far as it depends on

you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge your-selves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will re-pay, says the Lord.’ No, ‘if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

These reflect our life together with our neighbor. So how are you do-ing? Are there some attitudes that need to be adjusted? How am I a good neighbor during this time of social distancing? Are there some things that need to be cleaned up? I know for me that’s true. I’m also cognizant of the fact that the very one I’m to reflect in my life is the one who forgives me and meets me where I’m at. Jesus is the one who has the power to change and mold us into the peo-ple we can be. This is all out of His unconditional love for us and the world. Nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Je-sus, our Lord So, happy cleaning. Enjoy the warmth of the Son. In Christ, Pastor Randy P.S You’ll notice on the newsletter calendar for May there are daily Bible readings. I encourage you to take time each day to reflect using these verses or other ones you choose. Ask these questions: 1. What is God doing in this text? 2. What is speaking to me? 3. What is God calling me to do?


Please let the church office know if some-one is in the hospital. May Altar Care • Sunday, May

31—Worship with Holy Communion at 9 a.m. (tentative).

Name Tags In order to be a more welcoming community (and to get to know all the new faces at CLC), every mem-ber now has a permanent name tag. Pick up your name tag when you enter the church and leave it on the display when you exit. If you are a visitor, please make out a name tag and place your name on the list to request a printed name tag and one will be available on the display the following week. We want everyone to have a name tag, including all visitors!

Our sympathy to . . . . . . the family and friends of Lor-raine Peterson (Curt Peterson’s sister-in-law), who passed away on April 3. A graveside service will be held at a later date. . . . the family and friends of Louise Brummeyer (Gary Brummeyer’s mother), who passed away on April 5 in Me-nomonee Falls. A private graveside service will be held.

. . . the family and friends of Billy Evenson (Gay Evenson’s brother-in-law), who passed away on April 6. No service is being held. . . . the family and friends of Jenny Larson (Chris Owens’ and Curt Lar-son’s sister), who passed away on April 19. A private graveside ser-vice was held on April 24, and a public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. . . . the family and friends of Sally Burns, who passed away recently in Oconomowoc.

Easter flowers provided by: Dale & LuAnn

Dohms (lily). Tim & Kathi

Lehmann in memory of their daughter Carrie and in honor of their family—Rick, Lindsay, and Anya Reiten and Joe, Heather, Ian, and Gavin Witts (two lilies). Chris & Terry Kohlmeier in hon-

or of the Kohlmeier family (tulip). Mark & Pam Mattison, Chastity

and Courtney Pomasl, and Jamie & LeChaun Boerner in memory of Irvin & Bettyanne Mattison, William Wolbert, Stacey and Henry Martensen, Bill Beskar, and Craig Koser and in honor of Jerane Wolbert; Miranda, Kamdyn, Kayden, Kynslee, and Kaeylee Boerner (two lilies and one tulip).

Memorials/Honoraria For Technology/Sound System in memory of: 4/6—Marilyn Tye from Dan Tye. For the Radio Broadcast in honor of: 4/6—in gratitude for Pastor Randy and Bishop Laurie as they keep us all connected by leading worship services through stream-ing online and over the radio from Arlene and Sharon Mork [for broadcast on April 5, 2020].

Congratulations to Joel & “Kyle” Wood on the birth of Sebastian Wood on March 27! Congrats also to proud grandparents Dean & Julie Wood!

Egg cartons are no longer needed at Stepping Stones Food Pantry. Thank you for either recy-cling your used egg car-tons or dropping them off at Menomonie Market Food Co-op.

Sunshine Lunch will not be held in May. Stay tuned to find out if condi-tions open up for more “Sunshine” later this sum-mer!


Christ Lutheran Church Council Minutes March 10, 2020

Members Present Heidi Bradshaw, Juan Gamez, Beth Hein, Jerry Hoeflein, Tim Lehmann, Mary Mer-ritt, Kathy Wagner, Kaye Wurm, Cathy Zunker, Pastor Randy Skow-Anderson (ex-officio). Members Absent Vickie Kuester, Heather Lannon, Joe Wurm. Also Present Rev. Richard Wehrs, Regional Manager for ELCA Mission Investment Fund; Jere-my Wilterdink, Building Task Team mem-ber. Call to Order Council Vice President Beth Hein called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. Presi-dent Kaye Wurm arrived at 6:34 p.m. Vision Statement Mary Merritt recited our Vision State-ment. Mission Statement All Council members recited our Mission Statement. Council Purpose All Council members recited our Council Purpose. Approval of Agenda [3-1] A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda. Lehmann/Hoeflein; motion carried. Dwelling in the Word/Bible Study Pastor Randy led us in devotion, review-ing Chapter 12 of Canoeing the Moun-tains by Tod Bolsinger. Approval of February 11, 2020, Council Minutes [3-2] A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes of the February 11, 2020, Council meeting. Lehmann/Hoeflein; motion carried. Old Business A. Discussion--Direction for Building

Task Team on Feasibility Study for Remodel Project: Richard Wehrs pre-sented information regarding feasi-bility studies, capital appeal options

and financing options for our remod-el project. He stressed it is important to discuss these questions with the congregation: What are our church’s values? What are our hopes and dreams? What are our priorities? This allows a congregation to realize what/who they are and what they need to do to achieve these hopes and dreams. Some of these questions were a part of our small group dis-cussions on the remodel project held after worship services and will con-tinue to be asked as we go through the next steps in this process. Council members/Building Task Team mem-bers will be reviewing the infor-mation shared tonight with further discussion/questions brought to next month’s council meeting.

B. Council/Committee Retreat: Pastor Randy will be looking at future dates and person(s) available to facilitate a retreat and will bring back possible dates at next month’s meeting.

C. Walking Together Report: Jerry shared information from the day’s workshops. Encouraged more people to attend this event next year.

D. Epic Training Report: Cathy Z., Jerry and Pastor Randy shared information from the various mini-sessions they attended. It was a good opportunity to share ideas with other congrega-tions, as well as gain new knowledge regarding social justice, stewardship/generosity, technology, synod office resources; areas of strategy and revi-talization--re-defining and re-

visioning how generations do things and how that affects worship and congregations.

E. Synod Assembly Delegates: Saturday, May 16, at Trinity Lutheran, Eau Claire, WI. Jerry and Cindy Hoeflein will be the delegates to the synod assembly.

F. Wednesday’s Table Board - Council Representative: Cathy Z. agreed to be the council representative for a term of one year. This position will be included in the new council’s committee assignment process held at each February council meeting.

New Business A. Dunn County Humane Society “Spay-

ghetti” Fundraiser request for Febru-ary 23, 2021:

[3-3] A motion was made and se-

conded to allow the Dunn County Humane Society to hold their fund-raiser on February 23, 2021, and to waive the rental fee for this event. Hein/Hoeflein; motion carried.

B. Choir Director Position: Brian Klein

has been hired as the new Choir Di-rector effective March 5, 2020. The Council thanked Pastor Randy for directing the choir the past two years.

(continued on next page)

• Heidi Bradshaw (Congregational Life): [email protected]

• Juan Gamez (Administration Committee): [email protected] • Beth Hein (Council Vice President): [email protected]

• Jerry Hoeflein (Outreach Committee): [email protected] • Vickie Kuester (Outreach Committee): [email protected]

• Heather Lannon (Congregational Life): [email protected] • Tim Lehmann (Administration Committee): [email protected]

• Mary Merritt (Outreach Committee): [email protected] • Pastor Randy Skow-Anderson: [email protected]

• Kathy Wagner (Council Secretary): [email protected] • Joe Wurm (Administration Committee): [email protected]

• Kaye Wurm (Council President): [email protected] • Cathy Zunker (Congregational Life Committee): [email protected]

Council E-Mail Directory


(March Council Minutes con-tinued from previous page) Reports A. Pastor’s Report: Lenten services

continue with the theme “Everyday Jesus “with a time for discussion/conversation among the congrega-tion regarding the specific theme of each Wednesday night worship time. Sunday, March 22, there will be a Youth/Family Ministry Visioning meeting. Pastor Randy has asked several different individuals to be a part of this process and has been pleased with their positive re-sponse.

B. Committee Reports/Actions/Financial Report:

Outreach Committee: Committee

report was reviewed. No action needed.

Congregational Life Committee: Com-

mittee asked the council to consider bringing back the Meatball Dinner (Jerry Smith’s meatball recipe) as a fundraiser for the General Fund. Council members were asked to con-sider how to facilitate this idea and bring their thoughts/ideas back to April council meeting for further dis-cussion/action.

Administration Committee: Tim re-

ported the remainder of the comput-ers have arrived. Tim also reported that he and Darrin Falk have been researching monitors/TV screens for installation in the sanctuary. Discus-sion followed regarding the options they have looked at for our needs. Currently there is a sale on TV screens which they feel is an excel-lent price and would like to go ahead and purchase those screens.

[3-4] A motion was made and se-

conded to authorize the Administra-tion Committee to spend up to $4,500 to purchase two large-screen TV’s and mounting hardware for the sanctuary as Administration Com-mittee deems necessary after discus-sion at their next committee meeting. Zunker/Hoeflein; motion carried.

Discussion Item for Church Council from committee: After discussion by the church council regarding the change of name for the Building/Physical Property Maintenance line-item in the savings account, no ac-tion was taken.

The Financial Reports were received.

To date, March offerings have been very good.

Other A. Safety Assessment: Juan conducted a

preliminary safety assessment and shared his initial safety assessment report with the church council. He asked for us to read through it and bring any thoughts/questions to April’s council meeting for further discussion.

Adjournment [3-5] A motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting. Hein/Merritt; motion carried. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Kathy Wagner, Secretary

Wednesday’s Table at Christ Lutheran

Serving from 5 to 6 p.m.

each Wednesday (take-out meals only at this time)

All are welcome! Just an update about Wednes-day’s Table-- The past month was a crazy and blessed time for Wednesday’s Ta-ble. We have gone from dine-in to grab–n–go to curbside pickup in a very short time. God has blessed us with wonderful volunteers who have dedicated a lot of time and energy to Wednesday’s Table.

The number of guests we serve each week continues to grow. Last week (April 22) we served 125 meals. WOW! It was crazy-busy, but we continue to serve a great, well- balanced, hot meal each week. People are picking up meals for their neighbors who are staying home or for other family mem-bers who are in need. The re-sponse from emails and feedback from Facebook that we get from guests are positive and encourag-ing. People are grateful for every-thing that we are doing. Please, continue to pray for our mission and all the guests who we serve. Things that you can help us with: • Because of the curbside deliv-

ery we are not receiving freewill donations. Please, help if you can with a monetary do-nation.

• We need a volunteer coordina-tor to help organize groups and volunteers when we go back to dine-in.

• We need someone to plan des-serts and find volunteers to help make them if need be. Desserts can be fresh fruit; store-bought treats; home-made brownies, cookies, etc. Until we are back to dine-in, desserts need to be fairly sim-ple.

Menu for May 6: Turkey or Ham, Stuffing, Green Beans (subject to change). The menu is also availa-ble on Facebook.


CLC Foodshelf News! Each week we are serving up bags filled with several meals of healthy, non-perishable food to families in need. Once a month, we order approximately $175 worth of food from Feed My Peo-ple Food Bank. You can help in two ways: Donate money to the CLC FoodShelf Fund or donate food items. We need: canned peaches, pears, oranges, and ap-plesauce; canned green beans, corn, peas, and carrots; spaghetti pasta and noodles; canned soup; canned chicken or tuna; minute rice and mashed potatoes; and peanut butter and jelly. Please place all food donations in one of the collection carts--outside the church office or in the narthex. Just a reminder that our CLC Food-Shelf is a separate ministry from Wednesday’s Table and needs monetary donations to cover monthly orders from Feed My Peo-ple Food Bank.

Thank you . . . . . . to all who ordered for the plant fundraiser benefitting the CLC FoodShelf. We made a profit of $92.12. . . . for continuing Wednesday’s Table in a carry-out fashion! We appreciate your commitment to our community! Not all heroes wear capes. - Health Dunn Right and Dunn County Health Department

. . . for the food you have given my family from your food pantry. I also want to say thank you for the hot meals that you serve on Wednesdays. I’m so very thankful. Your kindness is appreciated dur-ing this difficult time. Words can-not express my thanks! God bless! – sent anonymously Dear Christ Lutheran Church, Thank you for your gift of $50.00 to ELCA World Hunger. Your gifts bring the Easter promise and hope to your neighbors around the world. Your generosity is getting at the root causes of hunger and poverty in over 60 countries, including the United States. It is providing ac-cess to clean water, health care, agriculture, livestock, education, and peace and justice. Through your gifts, you are joining with the whole church as we work toward a just world where all are fed. You are creating new beginnings. Thank you for sharing the hope of new life and the fullness of Christ’s joy. In Christ, Rev. Robin Brown Mission Funding Director, Congregations Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Face Mask Project A request is being made to our community by the Dunn County Administrator for 600 masks for Dunn County employees. We are asking anyone who has the skills and willingness to make masks,

per the CDC pattern, for use by Dunn County employees. A link for the pattern is: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html. Donat-ed masks may be delivered to the Human Services Department in the Dunn County Community Ser-vices Building. Please call 715-232-4006 in advance to arrange a time and location for delivery in order to assure proper social distancing. If you are NOT a sewer, please help us find 1/4-inch flat elastic. Check with family, friends, neigh-bors, or TRY to find in stores.

Grocery shopping assistance available during COVID-19 If you are elderly (60 years or old-er) and/or immunocompromised, the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Dunn County’s Department of Human Services may be able to help! Please note that this is a first-come, first-served program provided by a lim-ited number of volunteers for those who truly need it most. The ADRC will support you in the pro-cess of completing an online order for you to do curbside pickup (at participating stores); or support you in the process of completing an online order and delivering your groceries to you; or get a gro-cery shopping list from you and go to the store to shop for you. Please call the ADRC at 715-232-4006 for assistance. Please be sure to leave a message.


Lutheran World Relief announces changes for 2020 • Lutheran World Relief (LWR)

will no longer be accepting fleece blankets for BABY CARE KITS. (When washing them in the river, they are environ-mentally unsafe.)

• Toothbrushes for PERSONAL CARE KITS must be in original packaging. If you receive multi-pack toothbrushes, seal them individually in a business-size envelope. No plastic bags or wrap.

CLCW News

Thrift Sale - postponed The annual CLCW Thrift, Quilt, Plant & Bake Sale has been post-poned until further notice. Please take home quilt squares! There are 8” and 11” pre-cut quilt squares on the table next to the glass cabinet in the Fellowship Hall. We are asking for your help by taking some quilt squares and sewing them together (does not need to be “fancy”!) for mission quilts. Mission quilt dimensions are 60” x 80”. Thanks! Dates to remember Please be looking for updates as to future events. Nancy Bourget and Arla Graff CLCW Co-Presidents

Beanies for our neighbors! American Lutheran Homes, our neighbors next door, need small stuffed animals such as Beanie Babies, etc. They could also use small knick-knacks. Deb, the Ac-tivity Director at the nursing

home, uses these items for bingo prizes, and her supply is getting low. She also uses them if a resi-dent just needs a little special something. Thank you for sharing and caring!

We are on Twitter! Follow us @PurpleDrzYouth I had been hoping that we would at least be able to come together for our end-of-year party in person. But, after the “safer at home” update by the governor, we will obviously not be able to do that. We will con-tinue to meet for live-streamed worship at its normal time on the Christ Lutheran Church Menomonie Facebook page. Make sure you visit the Youth of CLC page as well. Check out a great video message on our web-site/Facebook page, given by one of our young members! The clear tote just outside the education wing door is filled to overflow-ing with packets for each week of Sunday School we are missing--fun activities for you to stay connected with others, books, and other mate-rials and resources. Please come help yourselves to these faith-filled materials you can use with kids of all ages. There is an Easter packet with sweet goodies in it and an origami kit for making a lily bouquet. I've included printed versions of these two synod resources: Hearts at Home: Communion at Home and Pandemic Hope: A Family Devotional. You can find lots more resources on the synod's website under public health updates and resources. I'd love to see pictures of everyone's art-work, rainbow hearts, origami, and anything else you are doing in quar-antine! If you have not already, please like and follow the YOUTH of CLC Face-book page. I am posting information, activities, interactions, and re-sources. It is just one platform that we can use to stay connected while we must stay apart. There is still time to register for Luther Park summer camp. Christ Time students must attend one summer after either 7th or 8th grade. We will send in registrations whenever you are able to get them to the church office.

Wish List Paper Grocery Sacks for CLC FoodShelf


Dear friends and family, A quick update on things in Kuma-moto— it’s Thursday morning, and the sun is shining after several gray, rainy days. Corona remains a clear and present threat to this country. The numbers up to now have reflected a steady, flat rate of perhaps a couple of new infections each day, but that is about to change, I think. Yesterday, there were 200 infections reported in the country. To give a little per-spective, Japan is the size of Califor-nia with roughly half of the popula-tion of the United States living with-in its borders. The opening of the school year is scheduled to start on April 15, but I wouldn’t be surprised if that gets pushed back again. We have elected to remain in Japan, despite being called back to the U.S. The reason for this is severalfold: 1) Patrick’s cardiac care is here; 2) food and staples are plentiful; and 3) the situation in the United States is not appearing to be safer than the situation here. My prayers are with you, and I wel-come your stories of how you’re coping with your version of quaran-tine, whether it’s lockdown, shelter-in-place, homeschool, or self-seclusion. For most people, I imag-ine that the virus and the implica-tions of quarantine is yet one more hardship on top of your already complex lives. Feel free to gripe about the small things. I feel for you, and I pray with you. Jackie Bencke

+++

I have re-written this newsletter four times in the past two weeks. Each time, I have had to start from scratch. It seems like I no sooner put a few thoughts down on this screen and they are rendered irrelevant, either by my mood, the news, the statistics, the status of things, or my perspective. It’s amazing that despite how slow our lives have become, how quickly our perspectives can change. I don’t have a fully fleshed out piece for you. Instead, I think I will just offer snip-pets of the first drafts. Maybe you can relate to the disconnectedness of thoughts, which seems to parallel my disconnectedness with “my people.” March 1 I totally forgot about Ash Wednesday. I had it in my calendar. I even reminded a couple of people about the service to be held at Murozono Church on Wednesday evening. And then it seemed like in one day, the only thing on my radar was the coronavirus. I forgot about worship. I forgot to remember. In the midst of the chaos unfolding, I forgot to look to God, instead of my i-Phone for the latest can-cellation or warning about what is no longer being stocked at stores because people are panicking. March 9 It’s difficult to discern the difference be-tween fear and diligence about virus containment. I can’t speak to the reason-ableness or effectiveness of quarantine measures that we are experiencing here in Kumamoto. All schools have been closed since March 2 and will remain closed until the second week of April. Graduation ceremonies for our college were cancelled, as were most through-out the country. Students are so disap-pointed to not be able to really mark the end of their studies with formalities and tears. I fear that they may be experienc-ing a form of grief that they don’t quite understand. March 17 In Japan, March is the season of endings. Two weeks ago, our oldest daughter, Emilie, graduated from Luther High School, and while the ceremony was

shortened, it occurred one day before the Prime Minister declared a quaran-tine, so they were able to hold a ceremo-

ny. She’s the first 外人 (gaijin, which

literally means outside person) to have gone through the full six years at this high school, which started as a Lutheran education mission for Japanese girls in the early 1900s. Emilie was a class repre-sentative so she had to do a little extra bowing during the ceremony. She said that she was told to not let the hem of her uniform move while she “spun” to bow to students and then back around to bow toward the faculty. March 27 Life still happens. Patrick had another bout with tachycardia a couple of weeks ago that refused to correct itself sponta-neously, so he underwent his fourth catheter ablation surgery in five months on Wednesday. Things went smoothly, but he was warned that he cannot afford to get this virus. His heart needs time to heal. For many of us, our hearts will need time to heal when we have to re-learn how to live our lives. I imagine it will be a little like re-entry for expats. Returning to one’s passport country after being some-where else for a period of time is often very difficult, as there is a certain amount of reverse culture shock. Culture shock is expected when we start a new journey. But it is less expected, and sometimes much more difficult to deal with the reverse culture shock, or re-entry shock, upon returning to the pass-port country. There are delightful home-coming feelings, but then we realize that something has changed. We have changed, and the people we return to have changed. And there is a sort of grief in dealing with “what we missed in be-tween.” April 1 As predicted, Japan is experiencing a belated surge in infections. We will con-tinue to be vigilant and take precautions. Since classes have been delayed for a week, I learned how to make face masks.

The Bencke Family in Japan March 2020 — 81 番


Alleluia! He is Risen! We thank you, our friends and family, for continuing to walk to-gether in this missionary journey. Sometimes I feel like we run a three-legged race—one of our legs is bound to you, so we are compelled to move as a singular body. I just had a Zoom family gathering with my dad and siblings in Min-nesota. Sounds like Saturday was beautiful but that Easter Sunday might look a little more like Christmas weather . . . ! Whichev-er weather pattern you are expe-riencing, Immanuel, God is with us, risen from the grave and among us. I thought I'd post a few thoughts from our home in Kumamoto. I welcome hearing about how you and your congregations are con-tinuing to serve one another in these days of *sheltering in place.* Warm regards and prayers for plenty of chocolate to adorn your baskets. The Bencke Family

+++ The Lord is risen! Alleluia! I have been craving this word, “Alleluia,” throughout this year’s Lenten season. Perhaps more than the word, I have been craving a rea-son to say “Alleluia.” It has been hard. I don’t mind uncertainty of a path when I know the destination. But when the destination becomes

unclear, and the path to get there is unclear, I feel a little wobbly in the knees. Walking a path without a lot of clarity requires a reliance on both peripheral vision, which can feel un-reliable, and forward vision, which can seem pretty distant. I have been feeling a little stuck in the Garden of Gethsemane—a little dark, a little afraid, a little bit doubting—without the ability to see what the future holds. As we read about how Jesus grieved and begged His father to let the cup of death pass from Him, we remember His pain, His suffering. And then we are able to keep reading, beyond His death, to the story of His resurrec-tion. If we’ve heard the story before, we even know, while we are reading about Gethsemane and the cross what comes next, which makes read-ing the story a little less painful. We are collectively experiencing the devastation and grief and loss and suffering of COVID-19 right now. It’s so hard to imagine that there will be a time that is ‘after COVID-19,’ when so many of us feel a little bit stuck— stuck in our homes, stuck with a sud-den economic hardship, stuck with sickness, stuck with . . . whatever is making you feel stuck right now. As I have felt stuck, unable to teach, una-ble to make music collectively, una-ble to feel part of something bigger than myself in a corporate worship setting, I have been evaluating my purpose. In Japanese, there is a word ikigai. While there is no direct translation, the meaning of ikigai lies somewhere in between the French phrase raison d’être and ‘reason to get up in the morning.’ The Kanji, 生き甲斐 , has

a rich basis: 生き (to live), 甲斐 (to

be worthwhile). For folks who like graphs, Marc Winn created this fan-tastic diagram that depicts ikigai in a visual format:

In Okinawa, a cluster of Japanese islands quite far south of the main islands, serving in a community is said to be a large contributor to ikigai. As many people know, Okina-wans are known for their incredible longevity, with people often living into their 90s and 100s. Finding meaning in service is part and parcel to Jesus’ message, and His final act on earth. Service is sacrificial love. In this time of being quarantined, set apart from one another physically, it is especially hard to serve in our typi-cal capacities. I have found that I have had to actively seek out oppor-tunities to serve, if for no other rea-son than to avoid the existential void of having no ikigai. And, as Pope Francis said in his Papal Sunday mes-sage, “Loving, praying, forgiving, car-ing for others, in the family and in society . . . can be difficult. But the path of service is the victorious and lifegiving path by which we were saved.” He was right. What I can do now, as service, seems smaller than

(continued on next page)

The Bencke Family in Japan April 2020 — 82 番


(The Bencke Family in Ja-pan—April continued from previous page) what I was able to do even a month ago. But who am I to place a value on what I deem important, like holding a music rehearsal, compared to knock-ing on my neighbor’s door to see if she needs anything from the grocery store? What praise is warranted for doing a job for which I am com-pensated, versus asking a friend to tell me about her journey with cancer and listening intently? These days, we share a common grief with seven billion people. Suffering in mind and body is pal-pable as we read and hear about friends, neighbors, countries and communities who are bearing such a heavy load. May we find a moment between our Alleluias today to remember that Christ’s resurrection from the grave and the covenant of our baptism promises common joy with the billions of people who have com-pleted their earthly journey and who call heaven their home. May we remember that we belong to God, and that God is among us when we discover our ikigai. Some of the prayers of our hearts . . . Thank you, Lord, for the people of the world who sacrifice or endan-ger their health and safety in or-der to come to the side of others. Medical workers, law enforce-ment workers, emergency work-ers, and the multitude of people who support those fields. Bless each of them with an extra meas-ure of perseverance and strength as the world looks to them for help. Come to our side, Lord, as we make bold and scary decisions about what is the best way to move forward.

We praise you, Lord, for Patrick’s continuing recovery and for Emilie’s diligence in getting all those college applications completed. We entrust Emilie’s future into Your hands, trusting that You will light a path at her feet through Your Word and the whisper of Your Holy Spirit.

Our mailing address: Bencke Family KUMAMOTO SHI KITA-KU SHIMIZU MANGOKU 5-17-17 861-8068 JAPAN

Email: [email protected]


Summer is just around the cor-ner! Have you registered for Camp yet?

With the summer fast ap-proaching, camp is just around the corner! Plans are well un-derway for another great sum-mer at Luther Park and Luther Woods, and we want you to be a part of the fun. The programs this summer have something for everyone—outrageous games, creative worship, pool activities, new friends, cook-outs, campfires, and conversa-tions that will help you discover what God has done and is do-ing in your life. Many camps fill early, so register today! Camp brochures are available at the church or go online at www.lutherpark.org.

Special Circumstances This nationwide pandemic has impacted us all in various ways. We continue to pray for your safety and well being, no matter how your new daily rou-tines may look. Here at Luther Park, we have had to cancel all spring activities which include our own programming as well as private retreat groups. We have been thoughtful and in-tentional about managing the day-to-day needs of this year-round facility when it comes to facing new budget expectations in a time when we continue to follow CDC, State and Barron County guidelines. We are

working on future program and event planning for the upcom-ing seasons, even the plans for an altered summer program, if needed. The safety of our campers, counselors and staff are our top priority. Looking forward, we have been doing a lot of thinking on crea-tive ways to seek support of the camp you love during these special circumstances. Here is what one supporter had to share about Luther Park,

“They are a camp of inclu-sion and diversity that showcases the true mean-ing of what it’s like to be a part of a camp that focuses on the true definition of God and as well as being a part of a family that stretches across the globe with different individuals from many countries.”

Ways to Give in Support We ask that you prayerfully consider making a “special cir-cumstance” donation to help support Luther Park. Perhaps as an individual donor you have funds that will be coming avail-able that aren’t going to be a necessity to your day-to-day needs such as: tax return funds, Stimulus funds, or savings from being at home (gas, entertain-ment, meals, sports, cancelled program expenses, etc.), Re-quired Minimum Distributions,

other Investments or Thrivent funds. Gifts can be doubled through one of the matching funds chal-lenges by making donations di-rectly through your church for the Luther Park Capital Cam-paign. The Ministry Center will be completed the first part of May, and we can’t wait to share it with you when it is safe to do so! Stay up to date with progress by checking on our social media sites and the web-site. This is a great time to remem-ber what the camp experience is all about--faith centered, safe space, participatory, unplugged from home, and relational. Giv-ing today helps support camp's future. What a wonderful way to lift-up your year-round min-istry partner during these spe-cial circumstances!


Did you know . . . . . . assorted greeting cards and napkins are for sale in the “Book Nook” (glass display case in Fel-lowship Hall). This is a fundraiser by the CLCW. Please leave pay-ment in the wood box sitting on top of the cabinet. . . . you are invited and encour-aged to write down your thoughts, wishes, and dreams for CLC on the Wonder Wall (formerly the wall calendar) to the left of the door facing the sanctuary. . . . if you shop Amazon.com, a small percentage of your pur-chases can support Christ Lu-theran Church without addition-al cost to you. Just use the link below, where you will be asked if you want to support Christ Lu-theran, and learn how simple it is! Our unique link is: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1021308. You can also find that link on the "Give" page of our website: www.welcome2clc.com/give. . . . to get our monthly “Friendly Visitor” newsletter by email, send us a message using the in-structions on the “Contact” page of our website: www.welcome2clc.com. You may also elect to stop postal de-livery of the newsletter using that form. . . . donations of items for Dunn County Humane Society may be placed in the white, lidded bin

located in the narthex next to the cart for Stepping Stones. A full list of items needed at the Humane Society is on the bin. . . . if you use Google's Gmail cal-endar on your computer or phone, you can keep the Christ Lutheran calendar a click away by simply adding “[email protected]” to the “add a friend's calendar” box in your Google calendar. (Our updated calendar is available by clicking the “Calendar” button on our website: www.welcome2clc.com.) . . . plastic bags and ice cream pails (with lids!) may be placed in the food pantry cart in the narthex. (These items are ex-tremely useful at Stepping Stones, as 60 to 70 families are served every day.) . . . a support group for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s and/or for their caretakers and family members is held the first Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 2703 Bongey Drive. . . . there is a signup sheet in the narthex to sponsor a Sunday ra-dio broadcast ($103 per broad-cast). Sunday sermons are broadcast on local radio station WMEQ 880 AM (and worldwide via iHeartRadio) Sundays at 9:30 a.m.; or listen to a recent Sun-day service anytime online at www.welcome2clc.com.

. . . all signs need to be approved by the church office. Thanks for bringing all requests for signs to the church office for approval and subsequent posting of the signs around the church. . . . “God Pause” Daily Devotion is available on the homepage of the CLC website at www.welcome2clc.com. . . . Christ in Our Home devo-tional booklets (regular- and large-print) are available in the narthex. Please take one! Enve-lopes are provided to help the CLCW cover the cost. . . . monetary donations are needed and appreciated for the CLC Library Fund to maintain an up-to-date library in our church, and to provide titles that pro-mote Christian values to the youth of our church and THE SPOT. . . . you can give electronically? Electronic gifts are fast and se-cure, helping to fund the im-portant work we are called to do. Give anytime, anywhere, to your favorite funds. Schedule and manage recurring dona-tions. Make one-time donations to special appeals. Pay for events, programs and other ac-tivities. Visit the “Giving” tab on our website, contact the church office, or scan the QR code pro-vided here to learn more.

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1021308

https://smile.amazon.com/ch/39-1021308

http://www.welcome2clc.com/give


Prayer Ventures for May 1 Remember in prayer the leaders, voting members and others of the Rocky Mountain Synod gathering online for a digital synod assembly. Pray that the Spirit will strengthen, guide and encourage them in pro-claiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and do-ing God’s work in an ever-changing world. 2 There are more than 100 Asian congregations and ministries in the ELCA. We remember in our prayers these congregations, ELCA Asian and Pacific Islander Ministries and the Association of Asian and Pacific Islanders, and ask God to bless their work with distinct, unique groups and communities as part of a common yet diverse Asian community. 3 Jesus is our Savior, guide and shepherd, whom we have faith in and trust with leading us through life in this world and to a new life—life eternal—that we could not have imagined or created on our own. Praise God! 4 Give thanks for the service and witness of U.S.-based mission person-nel and of young adults serving in the Young Adults in Global Mission program, who have been brought home from their work with global companions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Pray for their physical and spiritual health and that they will continue to respond to God’s call to serve in our church, our congregations, related organizations and socie-ty. 5 Ask God to help us have faith in how God leads, comforts, protects, nourishes and loves us all the days of our life. 6 Pray that we will be guided by the spirit, manner and example of Jesus to be humble and gracious in our faith, service and daily lives. 7 Ask God to help us endure the risks and difficulties of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, doing good, working for justice and serving our neighbors in need. 8 Give thanks for the work of the ELCA Domestic Mission unit, directors for evangelical mission, synod staff, coaches and consultants, and other partners assisting congregations as they renew themselves as commu-nities of faith engaged in God’s mission ― locally and globally. 9 Pray that children and youth who suffer domestic abuse will experi-ence the physical, emotional and spiritual care of concerned, skilled adults who intervene in their situations and help provide the safety, healing and trustworthy love for which they yearn. 10 Remembering Jesus’ words to Thomas — “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” — we pray that they will empower us to embrace Jesus as the son of God and our salvation, and fill our lives with confi-dence to perform works of love, mercy, justice, truth and kindness. 11 Pray for our outdoor ministries and their year-round and summer staff, who are working to adapt their ministries, programs and ways of serving congregations and communities during these times of COVID-19. 12 Pause throughout the day and give thanks for the simple things of creation that enrich your life and faith and fill you with joy and wonder. 13 Give thanks that God knows us intimately and listens to our prayers, and that God is our rock, refuge and source of steadfast love in all cir-cumstances and in all places. 14 Pray for students of all ages as they participate in online classes, wonder about their school year, prepare for finals and graduations, and long for their normal social interactions and school activities. 15 Pray for synod leaders who are discerning new plans, formats and dates for their assemblies with concern for the health and well-being of leaders, voting members and others; pray the Spirit will guide their plans and strengthen their unwavering work of proclaiming the gospel, growing the church, serving our neighbor and doing God’s work in the world. 16 Give thanks and praise to God that our church and lives are built on the solid, enduring foundation of Christ; pray that we, as siblings in Christ, will be bold and welcoming in our invitation to our neighbors to believe, have faith and experience the blessings of community with us.

17 The love of God and the Spirit of truth dwell within us and prevail in our daily lives. Pray that with this knowledge and inspiration, we will feel encouraged to follow the commandments and ways of God and to exemplify love, truth, mercy and service in the world. 18 Thank God for our special relationship with the Reformed Church in America, a full communion partner with the ELCA since 1997; pray for the church, its diverse ministries and its members and leaders; and pray that together we will find mutual support, new partnerships and new resources for the work of sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor. 19 Pray that our baptism into the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ will banish our fears of doing God’s work in the world and will prepare us daily for sharing the gospel and serving our neighbor with gentleness and reverence. 20 Give thanks for parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents whose ex-ample and convictions teach children and youth the values of compas-sion, generosity and respect for one another. 21 Ascension of Our Lord: While we look forward to everlasting life and being with Jesus in heaven, pray that we will live with confidence and joy in the promise of salvation and the presence of the Spirit, which sustains and equips us for the work we are called to today as people of the good news. 22 Remember in prayer our ELCA missionaries, global companions and international leaders. Pray for their health and well-being as well as their continuing witness and service in the world even though some of our work together may have been temporarily suspended. 23 Think about the blessings, wisdom, revelations and gifts you have received by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ; give thanks for each one. 24 Give thanks, praise and glory to God for restoring our relationship with our Creator and unifying us—beloved children of God—through the love and sacrifice of Jesus. 25 Memorial Day: Today we remember, mourn and give thanks for the military men and women who have given their lives in pursuit of jus-tice, peace and freedom for our country and all nations. 26 Pray that the Spirit of God working in us will help us value every generation for its faith, wisdom, gifts and diverse life experiences, and that we will not disparage or discount one another because of age, mistakes or differences of perspective but instead will give thanks and affirm and support one another as members of the body of Christ, which includes all generations. 27 Pray that we will be mindful and responsive to those who have be-come more lonely, isolated or distant over the past weeks and months, and that they will feel more connected and comforted as we reach out to one another and discover new ways of being in community and rela-tionship with each other. 28 Give thanks for the commitment, creativity and compassion of teachers, teacher assistants, professors, educators and school staff who, facing difficult and uncertain situations, have persisted in attend-ing to the educational and personal needs of their students ― our chil-dren, youth and young adults. 29 Pray for congregations, Christian education leaders, youth and fami-ly ministry leaders, and volunteers preparing for summer programs, that they will deepen and stir the faith of members and reach into neighborhoods and surrounding communities with the gospel and an active spirit of hospitality and service. 30 Pray that our church’s endeavors to foster understanding and unity between Lutherans, other Christian denominations and other faiths will yield abundant fruit for the glory of God and for healing our rifts and our brokenness. 31 Day of Pentecost: Lift up prayers of joy and thanksgiving for how we are united in one Spirit yet manifest diverse gifts, abilities and wisdom for sharing the gospel, building up the body of Christ and serving our neighbor.

.

Christ Lutheran Church

PHONE 715-235-5573

“Love Jesus,

Grow Together, Serve Others.”

Welcome!

www.Welcome2CLC.com Facebook: Welcome2CLC

The Friendly Visitor from

Christ Lutheran Church 1306 Wilcox Street

Menomonie, WI 54751

Pastoral Ministry Ministers: All Members of the Congregation. Pastor: Randy Skow-Anderson (218-329-7904; [email protected]). Lutheran Campus Ministry Director: Katie Wagner ([email protected]). Music Ministry Chancel Choir Director: Brian Klein. Accompanist: LuAnn Dohms. Substitutes: Andrew Maki, Mary Merritt. Choir Accompanist: LuAnn Dohms. Youth Ministry Youth Director: Josie Wilterdink ([email protected]) Sunday School (COSMO) Superintendent: Josie Wilterdink ([email protected]). Accompanist: Mary Merritt. Maintenance Custodian: Tom Surdick (cell 715-505-7022). Missionary Sponsorship Patrick & Jackie Bencke, Japan ([email protected]). Office Staff Church Secretary Office Hours: Monday through Thursday—8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday—office closed. (Please note that the pastor’s day off is Friday.) Secretary: Jane Amble (home 235-0748; [email protected]). Treasurer: Dick Rank/Tricia Rank-Larson ([email protected]). Radio Ministry Radio Broadcast on 880 AM Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Internet Ministry Sunday bulletins, “Friendly Visitor” newsletters, calendar, audio of Sunday services, and much more may be found at www.Welcome2CLC.com or at www.facebook.com/Welcome2CLC.

Please let us know if you do not wish to receive this newsletter any longer by calling our office at 715-235-5573 or by emailing us at [email protected]. THANK YOU!

https://www.facebook.com/Welcome2CLC

May 2020 - CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCHSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1Luke 6:12-38 Jesusthe Teacher

2Luke 9:10-27 Jesusthe Christ

31 Corinthians 1:1-9Called to Fellowship

9:00 AMLive-streamedworship service

4Luke 9:57-62Half-HeartedFollowers

5Luke 11:1-13 Powerof Prayer

6:30 PM ExecutiveBoard via Zoom

6Luke 13:18-30 God'sKingdom5:00 PM -6:00 PM CLCFoodShelf

5:00 PM -6:00 PMWednesday's Table(take-out only)

7Luke 15:11-32Forgiveness

8Luke 17:1-4 Learningto Forgive

9Luke 18:18-27Wealth andFaithfulness

10Luke 18:35-43 Faithin the Lord


11Luke 19:1-10Zacchaeus

12Luke 19:28-39Blessed Is the King

6:30 PM CouncilMeeting via Zoom

13Luke 21:1-4 A Widow'sCoins5:00 PM -6:00 PM CLCFoodShelf

5:00 PM -6:00 PMWednesday's Table(take-out only)

14Luke 22:14-23 TheLast Supper

15Luke 23:26-56 TheCrucifixion

16Luke 24:1-12 TheResurrection

17Proverbs 3:5-8,11-14 Trust


18DEADLINE FOR"FRIENDLYVISITOR!"

Acts 1:1-11; 2:1-21Promise, Presence

19Acts 2:43-47Believers Together

20Acts 4:32--37 Everything inCommon

5:00 PM -6:00 PM CLCFoodShelf

5:00 PM -6:00 PMWednesday's Table (take-outonly)

21Acts 6:1-7 SevenAppointed

22Acts 6:8-15; 7:58 -8:3 Stephen

23Acts 8:26-40 Philipand the Eunuch

24Ruth 1:1-18 Ruth'sDecision


25MEMORIAL DAY(church office closed)

Acts 9:1-9 Saul IsCalled

26Acts 10:34-48Conversion ofGentiles

27Matthew 18:1-6 As Childrenin Faith

5:00 PM -6:00 PM CLCFoodShelf

5:00 PM -6:00 PMWednesday's Table (take-outonly)

28Isaiah 55:6-9 Returnto the Lord

2:00 PM Worship atAmerican LutheranCommunities

29Romans 1:16-17Power of the Gospel

30Ephesians 4:22 - 5:2Imitators of God

31Isaiah 52:7-10 GoodTidings

9:00 AM Worship withHoly Communion inSanctuary (tentative).

Martin Luther once said, “For some years now . . . I have read through the Bible twice every year. If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word alittle branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.” Few of us will ever approach the time andenergy Luther devoted to reading the Bible. Yet, as Luther’s heirs, we carry his love for Scripture and affirm with him that God’s Word alone holds the key to lifeand salvation. With Luther, we want to “shake each branch” to discover its meaning for our lives. If every believer was a priest before God, as Lutherproclaimed, then he or she should be invited to read and study God’s truth found in Scripture. Each week features a theme for your reading.

the friendly visitorshelf from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. 17 live-stream of worship service at 9 a.m. 20...

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