Looking Forward

Alter Guild 

Dear Friends,
 
The Worship and Arts committee has decided that it would be a good idea to have an altar guild – a group of people responsible for preparing communion, setting up the altar, changing the paraments as the church seasons change, making sure the candles are filled with oil and letting the office know when we are almost out of bread of wine. The ushers have nostly been doing this, but it really isn’t an usher’s job.
 
I’m hoping that some of you, who want to volunteer, but would rather have a more behind the scenes role than being a lector or doing the time with the children, might find this a good way to serve our church.
 
Never done this before? Full training will be provided along with someone who is experienced to help you the first few times if you’d like. I’m hoping to get enough volunteers so that you would only be on the schedule once every 2 or 3 months.
 
Just email me or talk to me at church if you have any questions.
 
Jane Unger
janielou13@gmail.com

Focus Meeting

February 23

After Worship

There will be a Focus Meeting for Equity and Justice on February 23. CLC members are invited to enjoy Hospitality and then return to the sanctuary for a quick discussion after the service on February 23. The purpose of this discussion is to review the activities of the Equity and Justice Group and identify some priorities for Equity and Justice to address in the future to better meet the needs of the congregation.

Click to view: A summary of Equity and Justice accomplishments 

Fundraiser for Global Refuge (formerly Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service)

During World War II, the National Lutheran Council provided assistance and services for refugees from Germany and Eastern Europe. In the decades since, Lutherans have been building on that work by expanding our reach and resources for people in search of new beginnings around the world. 

The names have changed, first to Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and last year to Global Refuge, but the work remains the same.

This assistance is designed to aid refugees’ integration and to foster economic self-sufficiency. It includes assistance with basic needs like housing, food, clothing and furnishings, as well as employment, language and school-enrollment services, enabling people to succeed in their new home.

On January 24th, Global Refuge received an order from the government that suspended funding of their work and called for them to immediately stop serving newly arrived refugees in their care. 

We don't know if funding will be resumed. This site describes the process for determining admittance of refugees to the US.  https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/refugees-and-asylum/usrap

Your gifts are the only way Global Refuge can continue their work and assure refugees in their care can access the essential resources promised to them. We know this is a generous congregation. Our target goal may increase as the month progresses.

Please use this link to donate:

https://secured.globalrefuge.org/p2p/site/epSWg/page/87Sz11/christ-lutheran-church-athens-#/

You can also write a check to Christ Lutheran Church with Global Refuge in the memo line or give online through our church with tithly. 

This fundraiser will conclude on Pi Day at church. The Social Ministry committee is looking into obtaining a small grant from Thrivent as well. We will announce the total donations the following week.

Thank you so much for your generosity.

Social Ministry Committee