Welcome to Christ Lutheran e-news, a weekly electronic newsletter which highlights programs and activities of our congregation. Feel free to .
As the date for Massachusetts's mandatory shutdown nears, we naturally begin to think about when our lives, including our worship, might return to "normal." Governor Baker has stressed that decisions about reopening must be data-driven, rather than date-based.

As Christians we have an additional, central metric: As Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth, "'All things are lawful,' but not all things are beneficial. 'All things are lawful,' but not all things build up." That is to say, regardless of whether a thing is permissible or not, we are called to care for the whole Body of Christ, and to care for our neighbors' well being.

While we watch for the indications that the novel coronavirus may be waning, and some relaxation of the quarantine may be possible, Christ Lutheran Church's Congregation Council, in consultation with our bishop and other leaders, is looking at what first steps toward in-person worship might be taken. In the meantime-and it is still the meantime-worship planners continue to strive to make our virtual gatherings as spiritually nourishing as possible.

Thank you for your partnership and patience!
Music Notes
Tom Berryman, Music Director
Music for Sunday, May 17 features Hannah Kinney as Cantor, leading the Psalm and the hymn "Come down, O love divine," ELW 804. Guest oboist, Jennifer Slowick will offer the Prelude, Postlude and accompany the hymn.  Jennifer plays regularly with Emmanuel Music and will play Benjamin Britten's Allegro pesante IV  from "Metamorphoses" for solo oboe as the Prelude and the closing movement of Telemann's Concerto in A minor for the Postlude.  

Go to

for a preview of the Allegro pesante. 
Adult Formation

The CLC book group meets (virtually, of course) next Monday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. While we're spending most of our time gazing at our own four walls, books can transport us anywhere, any time, so this month you're invited to share a book authored by someone outside the United States.

If you'd like an invitation, contact Marianne Swenson: mswenson10@comcast.net.

There's still time to schedule discussion of the ELCA draft document on Government and Civic Engagement. Contact Pr. Bourret if you're interested in an online discussion, or review the draft and submit comments on your own. https://www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Messages/Government.
Call to Action

Metrowest Immigration Solidarity Network (MISN) is our local partner in living out our call to be a welcoming congregation. As immigrants have been hit especially hard by this pandemic, the organization is as busy as ever. There are numerous ways to help ease the situation: https://mailchi.mp/9b744e14a3a7/misn-newsletter-2739270?e=31095c73a6.

Are you the leader of... anything at CLC? Please submit reports for the semi-annual meeting, now scheduled for Sunday, June 7, via Zoom, a.s.a.p.
Looking Ahead
Watch for news about a grounds clean-up, as well as instructions about how we'll maintain physical distance while caring for the bit of God's creation at 113 Union Street in Natick.
READINGS FOR THIS WEEK - Sixth Sunday of Easter
May 17, 2020

In the gospel reading for this coming Sunday, Jesus says that he will not leave us as orphans. One of the places where we are washed, fed, embraced and sustained by God is at worship. Come on Sunday, to join with all the baptized to receive the Spirit of the Risen Christ.

                  First Reading                      Psalm                     Second Reading                     Gospel
                  Acts 17:22-31                   Psalm 66:8-20                  1 Peter 3:13-22                    John 14:15-21                    
Sing For Joy
Enhance your understanding of the weekly scripture readings by listening to Sing For Joy  from St. Olaf College.  The Sing For Joy radio program, produced by St. Olaf College , has a simple mission: to explore the weekly themes of Christian worship by providing the best in sacred choral music and thoughtful commentary. The musical performances eloquently "do the talking," while the concise remarks from host Pastor Bruce Benson illuminate the meaning of the texts.
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