Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Change: Fear or Hope?


Change: Fear or Hope?

Change, it’s only a six-letter word, but just the mention of this word fills us with either fear or hope. As humans, we are resistant to change. We like normalcy. We like when the matters of life just let us be. Unfortunately, the matters of life, the matters of relationship, the world, and sin force us into action and into the change that we so greatly fear. So then, since this change is inevitable, what are we being called to change or conform to? What is our security within this change?

The Apostle Paul guides us to what we shouldn’t be changing to fit or conforming to,
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Though the world with all its glitz and glitter calls to us, “Conform to me, be like me!” we are left with no security in the promises of the world. We are left with the dissatisfaction of what we have become and with the knowledge that we need to continue to change in an effort to obtain this feeling of security within the world. Without this security and filled with fear, we are called to turn from our conformity to the world and turn to the promised change that we have received in Christ.

As Christians, how are we to respond to not only this word but also the experience of change as well? As Christians, we are promised that we this change has already begun in us and will be fully completed in Christ. We are called trust in what we are being changed into.

“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Beloved, we are God's children now; what we will be has not yet been revealed. What we do know is this: when he is revealed, we will be like him, for we will see him as he is. And all who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.” (1 john 3:1-3)

So, where do we find security in the midst of change? We find our security through our trust, hope, and belief in God’s word and promise that His word will be fulfilled. Our peace comes in the midst of not knowing exactly what change will take place but knowing that change will come to completion in Christ.

Vicar Jason Pollington
Christ Lutheran Church

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Welcome Coffee Mugs at Christ Lutheran Church !


I can remember "Church Shopping" when 1st moving to Valpo in 1998.
Our family chose Christ Lutheran Church because we felt welcomed here after the 1st service we attended and because the girls felt instant rapore after hearing Pastor Castleman's sermon. Those two factors alone made Sunday morning regular attendance an easy habit:)


With our NEW Sanctuary being much bigger, we now have a Welcome Center for greeters to provide guests and prospective members with information & printed materials about our many services, groups and ministries here at CLCVALPO and even a Coffee Cup to take home with our church address, phone number and website clearly printed on it along with our logo.

This Coffee Mug is customized and detailed by one of our own members Bob Hall!
Thank you kindly Bob, for helping make CLC a more welcoming place for all those looking to join our church!

May God's Glory Dwell in our Land.

Blessings,

Grace Safrin

Click the highlighted links to :


Follow the messages of Christ Lutheran Church on Twitter

Become a Friend of Christ Lutheran Church on Facebook

Visit our website @ www.CLCValpo.org

Friday, May 7, 2010

Christ Lutheran Church in Valpo presents: Mary Magdalene – A Musical Dramatization by Keri Burman of Yadah Praise Productions


Mary Magdalene - A Musical Dramatization by Keri Burman of Yadah Praise Productions - @

Valparaiso’s Christ Lutheran Church Tuesday, June 1st, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. Public Welcome!

Come join us in our NEW Sanctuary @CLCValpo located at the corner Of Campbell St. & Vale Park Road

for a wonderful reenactment of a Woman of the Bible.

Often mistakenly characterized in popular writings, Mary Magdalene was an early follower of Jesus Christ and witness to His glorious resurrection. Through songs and monologues, Ms. Burman brings the scriptural based story of Mary Magdalene to life, right before the audience, with spirit filled passion and a God gifted voice!

The Songs:

  1. See, What a Morning
  2. Heal the Wound
  3. Where the Nails Were
  4. I Don’t Want to Go
  5. They Could Not

The Monologues:

  1. Mary’s Introduction, Healed from Demon Possession, (Luke 8:1-3)
  2. Becoming a Follower of Christ, The Crucifixion of Jesus (Matt. 27:55; Mark 15:40, 41; Luke 23:27-31, 48-49)
  3. The Stone is Rolled Away, Peter and John Believe (Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-9)
  4. Mary’s Encounter with the Risen Lord, (John 20:10-18, Mark 16:9-11)

The ladies at our Women of the Bible Study @ CLC are excited to host this event.

So, if you would like to join us on Tuesday Evening, June 1st at 7:00 pm please call Paula Starek at Christ Lutheran Church located @ 2610 North Campbell St. in Valparaiso, IN 46385. Tel # 219-462-6660 or email - > CLCValpo@verizon.net

There is no charge to attend - (free will offerings for Keri Burman are appreciated).

Refreshments provided after the presentation

We just ask you please RSVP in advance by Sunday 5/30/10

Visit Keri's website to read how her God given gifts and talents are reaching across all denominations to bring stories of the women of the bible to life and remind us of God's word and love!

Come Join us...All are welcome here :)

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Plant a Tree with us at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso!

I've written about God's Amazing Trees - a project underway at Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN to beautify our new church grounds and give back(to the community and our earth).

Come join us on the planting days :

May 8 - 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

May 15 - 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.

May 22 - 9 a.m.- 3 p.m.




(photo of Cypress tree courtesy of Wikepedia)


I chose to buy a Cypress Tree to have planted on the grounds because of it's biblical significance.

The book of Genesis describes God's commands to Noah to build an Ark of Cypress Wood, for the world had become violent :(

The Ark was filled with 2 of every living creature...and I have 2 beautiful children I'd like to dedicate this Cypress Tree for - May it be a visual reminder of God's Covenant to us after the flood.

May God's Glory Dwell in our Land.

Blessings,

Grace Safrin

Click the highlighted links to :


Follow the messages of Christ Lutheran Church on Twitter

Become a Friend of Christ Lutheran Church on Facebook

Visit our website @ www.CLCValpo.org