Christ Church Comments
March, 2017
Dear Friends in Christ,
I am very excited to begin ministry alongside you at Christ Lutheran Church. I’ve already had a chance to
meet some members of the Council and call committee and I look forward to meeting everyone in the near
future. I’m excited about what God has in store for our shared mission and I can’t wait to see what this next
chapter of ministry holds for all of us.
Some of my first experiences in leadership of a faith community were in campus ministry. In campus ministry there is a saying, “Even the healthiest ministry is four years from extinction.” It is a harsh saying, but it
reflects the reality for campus ministry because each year brings a new crop of students and, if those students are not brought into the life of the community and mentored into leadership roles, then the community will perish. That viewpoint has shaped my approach to ministry. I am always looking for ways to empower
new people to take ownership of the ministry of the congregation. I have found that people serve best when
they find the place where their passion intersects with the needs of the people around them. This means that
each and every person in the congregation has a calling and a ministry inside of them waiting to be a blessing to others. It is my hope that as we begin our time together we will all come to a deeper understanding of
the ministry for which we are uniquely called and equipped.
As we begin the season of Lent we have an occasion to pause and to recognize that each of us has repeatedly and profoundly fallen short of the life to which God has called us. Yet we set that truth against the words
of the prophet Joel, “ . . . Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and
abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave behind a blessing—grain offerings and drink offerings for the Lord your God.” (Joel 2:13-14) In spite of the ways
that we’ve fallen short, in the waters of baptism God has claimed us as God’s own beloved children. We are
more deeply loved and cherished than we could ever have imagined. This paradox lies at the heart of the Lutheran confession of faith: We are simultaneously sinners and saints.
Please feel free to reach out to me. As a matter of professional policy on Facebook, I do not initiate new
friend requests for people in the congregations that I serve. However, I always accept friend requests. So, if
you are interested in connecting on Facebook, send me a request (many of you already have). If you want to
connect by more traditional means, feel free to call between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. (Of course, if there is an emergency, you may call me at any time.) My cell number is 412-874-1208 and it is my only phone number. I’m
also quite happy to converse over text message or e-mail: [email protected]
I look forward to meeting each of you soon.
Peace,
Pastor David Hively
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
225 E. Elm Avenue  Monroe, MI 48162  734.241.4554
Pastor: [email protected]  Website: christlutheranmonroe.org
Facebook: Christ Lutheran Church—Monroe, MI  Karen: [email protected]
Kristen: [email protected]  Newsletter: [email protected]
Meet Pastor Hively:
Pastor David Hively was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He has one younger sibling, Karen, who is now
married and lives in North Carolina. David’s parents, Tim and Becky, continue to live in Pittsburgh. David is a life-long
Lutheran and has been working in and with churches for his whole life. His call to ministry came through a combination
of campus ministry and outdoor ministry.
David attended Drew University in Madison, New Jersey and graduated Cum Laude with Honors with a BA in Sociology
and minors in Psychology and Religious Studies in 2004. There he was also a leader in religious life on campus and a
three-year captain of the fencing team. David also attended Trinity Lutheran Seminary where he earned a Masters of Divinity and a Masters of Sacred Theology. The highlight of his time at Trinity, however, was meeting Robyn, whom he married in the seminary chapel on June 13th, 2009.
Professionally, David has served David Lutheran Church in Canal Winchester, Ohio as youth director; New Hope and
Zion Lutheran Churches in Adamsville, Ohio as long term supply preacher; Peace Lutheran Church, Charlottesville, Virginia as an intern; Epiphany Lutheran Church, Pickerington, Ohio as pastoral associate; Calvary Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky as Interim Pastor; Grace and Glory Lutheran Church, Goshen, Kentucky as Pastor-Redeveloper, and
Lutheran Church of the Master in Perrysburg, Ohio as Interim Pastor. David was ordained into the ministry of Word and
Sacrament at Grace and Glory Lutheran Church on December 4th, 2010.
In his free time David enjoys spending time with his three year old son, Lucas, his wife of nearly 8 years, Robyn, solving
puzzles, playing trivia games, and playing acoustic guitar.
Council Comments
The Church Council held its 2017 organizational meeting on February 13th. The officers for the coming year
are:
 President:
Ben Garman
 Vice-President:
Beth Ann Choate
 Secretary:
Rusty Ward
 Treasurer:
Jim Jackel
It was decided to have a rummage sale on the first
weekend in May.
Altar Guild Meeting
We will begin using a Common Cup on the second
Sunday in March and on all Sundays when we have
intinction for Communion. This will be a pilot program
for a couple of months and will be addressed by Council again in May.
Thursday, March 23
Beginning at 7:00 p.m.
The installation for Pastor Hively will be on Saturday,
March 11th, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
WE WILL MEET IN THE NARTHEX
A sign-up sheet for Lenten Suppers will be posted in
the Narthex.
Please plan to attend!
- Beth Ann Choate
CURRENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION
January 2017
Year to Date 2017
Actual
Budget
Operating Income:
$ 15,909
$ 15,525
$
15,909
$ 15,525
Operating Expense:
$ 20,061
$ 20,656
$
20,061
$ 20,656
Surplus [Deficit]:
[$ 4,152]
[$
[$
4,152]
[$ 5,131]
5,131]
Actual
Budget
Family and
Youth Ministries
BAPTISMAL MINISTRY
 The Baptismal Ministry Team will meet on
Wednesday, March 1, at 10:30 a.m.
EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA
 Our annual PRE-EASTER PARTY will be on Saturday, April 8th. We will have games, treats, and so
much more! Bring your friends!
RUMMAGE SALE
 The church is hosting a RUMMAGE SALE during the weekend of May 5 & 6. We will be selling items
from the church building as well as any donations from congregation members. More info to come.
YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY MEETING
 FACEBOOK MEETINGS - Youth and Parents: Don’t forget to join in the conversation in our FaceBook
group “Christ Lutheran Youth & Family Ministry”. If you don’t yet belong to this group, please let
Kristen know and she will add you. If you have any ideas, please share them. There may still be a
need, on occasion, to meet face-to-face, but this will allow the ministry activities to continue
uninterrupted.
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH
 THIRD SUNDAY COFFEE!! We are setting aside a time every month for our youth to just get together
and hang out. Every third Sunday of the month, we will gather after church for coffee, to chat, get
acquainted, and plan activities! The upcoming date is March 19! Bring your friends!
 YOUTH! Please don’t forget to sign up to help at the Trinity Dinner on Sunday, March 19th.
 We will be hosting the EASTER BREAKFAST again this year! Put Sunday, April 16th on your calendars.
We will coordinate the details as the event gets closer.
KIDS OF THE KINGDOM
 Kids of the Kingdom will meet on Saturday, March 11th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church.
We will be making Lenten Gardens. Lunch will also be served.
CAMP
 Believe it or not, it’s time to get ready for CAMP! We are planning to attend Stony Lake Lutheran
Camp the week of July 9-14, 2017. There are three programs: Discoverers (Elementary Camp),
Confirmation Camp, and Servant Hearts (High School Camp). The cost for Discoverers and
Confirmation Camp is $390 per camper ($345 with the early bird discount). For Servant Hearts, the
cost is $440 ($405 with early bird discount). Christ Lutheran Church will help our families by paying 1/4
of the cost, and we will be using fundraisers to help offset the rest. If you would like more information,
please contact Kristen at [email protected] or via Facebook. You can also look at the
camp’s website at www.elcalivingwater.com.
Please let Kristen know ASAP if you plan on sending your child to camp! We are allowed to reserve
a church spot this year, and once Kristen does this, she will give parents a code to use for
registration.
Join our Women’s Book Club!
All women are welcome to join in the activities of our Women’s Book Club,
whether you can attend every month or just one time. A light dinner is served
by the hostess, beginning at 6 p.m., but if you prefer to come only for the discussion portion, please join us at 6:45 p.m.
OUR 2017 BOOK LIST AND SCHEDULE:
March 5
The Red Bandanna by Tom Rinaldi at JoAnn’s home
April 2
The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper by Phaedra Patrick
at Laura’s home
May 7
Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryann Stradal
at Marilyn’s home
June 4
Miller’s Valley by Anna Quindlen at Polly’s home
July 9
Girls of Atomic City by Denise Kiernan at June’s home
August 6
In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware at Kelly’s home
September 3
Memory of Violets by Hazel Gaynor at Polly’s home
October 1
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith at Marilyn’s home
but cannot attend,
November 5
Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead at JoAnn’s home
please feel free
December 3
Bring what you are reading for open discussion
If you have read the book
and would like to add your voice
to our discussion,
to contact one of us.
at June’s home
We will add your notes
to the discussion.
January 7
Book list scheduling at Kelly’s home
We’ll also get back to you
with our responses!
$281 was raised for our congregational
food pantry through the collection
on Souper Bowl Sunday!
Important Dates to Remember ...
 March 1
Ash Wednesday Services at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
 March 1
Baptismal Ministry Meeting at 10:30 a.m.
 March 5
Women’s Book Club Meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m.
 March 11
Installation for Pastor David Hively beginning at 5:00 p.m.
 March 13
Church Council Meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Narthex
 March 19
3rd Sunday Coffee for Middle & High School Youth following the worship service
 March 23
Altar Guild Meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Narthex
Marilyn’s Nurse’s Notes for Healthy Living
Think Faster: Ways to Help
Thinking faster and more effectively can happen almost immediately if you get moving. If you start an aerobic exercise
at any age it will absolutely protect your brain health says Peter Snyder, a professor of neurology at Brown University in
Providence, RI. Recent research has shown that a moderate regular program (such as fast-paced walking for 30 minutes
three times a week) for six months will lead to growth of brain cells and connections in parts of the brain that are very
important for learning and memory. Following are several simple research proven strategies for boosting brain power.
Adults should get 600-800 IU’s of vitamin D. It protects against neuron loss that can cause cognitive decline.
Trust your instincts. The longer you mull over a decision, the more likely you are to choose the wrong option according
to researchers. Write down a simple summary of the choices you have and list several pros and cons for each. You
should be able to see the right decision quickly and act on it for your satisfaction.
Speed-read the right way. Focus on reading comprehension, which will increase your brain’s reading speed over time.
Try to choose a wide variety of topics that interest you. It has also been found that reading good literary fiction improves
connectivity and function in our brains and it also helps to strengthen imaging.
“I can do better” — a slogan worth repeating and is very effective in boosting your brain’s reaction time. This is a mental motivation technique.
Go for a drive. Researchers have found that the concentration required while driving down the highway and specifically while changing lanes, tends to clear your head and you will be able to think better overall.
Research has shown after learning something that you should do some physical activity within four hours. It appears
that a time-delayed exercise session consolidates memories in the hippocampus area of the brain, helping us learn quickly and effectively.
Don’t stifle a yawn. It seems that the physical mechanism of yawning actually cools down the brain, leading to better
mental efficiency.
Standing at a desk seems to improve our brains time management, fact retention and comprehension skills according to
studies done at the Texas A&M University.
Musical improvisation or rapping requires you to think on your feet moment to moment which improves your thinking
speed overall.
The motion of chewing (gum) increases cerebral blood flow enough to help you remember words much faster.
Stay curious and push yourself in different directions. Challenge your thinking and get moving.
- Marilyn Sanderlin, BSN Source: Parade Magazine, Feb. 5, 2017. Stay Healthy section by Lisa Mulcahy
A class to learn to knit mittens or fingerless gloves is being formed. It will take
place on Saturday March 11th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will take two or
three weeks to complete, whatever it takes. It is open to both men and women.
Classes will be held at Lake Erie Mercantile, owned by Connie Buick. The cost will
be $30 plus the cost of yarn and circular needles, if you don’t have them. Invite
family members and friends!
This can be a great stress relief craft. There is a minimum of at least three
people to hold the class. Deadline to sign up is February 28th. Please contact
Deb Wilson at 734.289.2319 if you have any questions.
HELP!! We need volunteers to serve on Sundays as communion assistants, assisting ministers, ushers, scripture
readers, acolytes, and greeters. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the Narthex hallway, call or e-mail. N/V
indicates that there are NO VOLUNTEERS for a particular date. Please check your calendar and sign up to help.
VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH 2017:
Scripture Readers
March 1
Ash Wednesday Deborah Wilson
March 5
9:30 a.m.
Caryn Vavrick
March 12
9:30 a.m.
Kendall Garman
March 19
9:30 a.m.
Pat Sargent
March 26
9:30 a.m.
Polly VanAcker
Assisting Ministers
March 5
9:30 a.m.
Rusty Ward
March 12
9:30 a.m.
Geof Oetjens
March 19
9:30 a.m.
Renee Merkel
March 26
9:30 a.m.
Marilyn Sanderlin
Greeters
March 5
9:30 a.m.
March 12
9:30 a.m.
March 19
9:30 a.m.
March 26
9:30 a.m.
Ushers
March 5
9:30 a.m.
March 12
9:30 a.m.
March 19
9:30 a.m.
March 26
9:30 a.m.
Acolytes
March 5
9:30 a.m.
March 12
9:30 a.m.
March 19
9:30 a.m.
March 26
9:30 a.m.
N/V
N/V
N/V
N/V
Communion Assistants
March 5
9:30 a.m.
Mary Jackel
March 12
9:30 a.m.
Don Link
March 19
9:30 a.m.
Beth Ann Choate
March 26
9:30 a.m.
N/V
Shelby Carter, Ed Oley, Geof Oetjens, Clint Nemec
Bob Nemec, Ted Vavrick, Jason Vavrick, Matt Servis, Chuck Sanscrainte
Mary Jackel, Jim Jackel, William Vavrick, Patrick Lewis
Gary Huepenbecker, David Kreiger, Doug Link, Karen Russell
Altar Team
Moira Hause
March 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, & 19
Bonnie Doster, Kelly Kellie, Carol Miller, and Caryn Vavrick
Aiden Coury
Ryan Lewis
Kendall Garman
HAVE YOU HAD A CHANGE OF ADDRESS? Please notify the church office with the details of your new address, if you have moved, or have a new phone
number, or are vacationing for an extended period of time. This helps save postage on returned mail. All church contact information is found on the front
page of the newsletter.