Today is National Day of Prayer. Let us pray for the church, the world and all those in need. #NationalDayofPrayer

Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:4 (NIV)

Pastor Walker will be on vacation from Monday, May 10, through Monday, May 17. The Rev. Dr. Karen Altergott-Roberts will preach and preside on Sunday, May 16. Should you have a pastoral emergency, please contact Thomas Dearchs at 765.210.8788.

We know love by this, that [Jesus Christ] laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action…and this is God’s commandment, that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. [1 John 3:16-24]

All Creation Sings goes hand in hand with Evangelical Lutheran Worship to support the church's mission of worship in word and sacrament that leads to service and justice in the world. This resource invites us to expand our song and prayer with timely attention to the health of our planetary home and the human community within it. 200 hymns and songs are included, more than 30 of them multilingual and many being new since ELW was released. This body of song supports the rhythms of the whole church year and gives enlarged expression to themes of healing and wholeness, creation care, justice and peace, praise and lament. Here are two new communion services, one presented in Spanish and English, the other offering options for evening use. Also included are a contemplative service of word and prayer as well as more than 50 additional prayer resources, rounding out nearly 70 pages of liturgy content.

A reminder that the lawnmower for Saturday, May 8, is Gordon Williams.

May 8: Gordon Williams

May 15: Mike McClaran

May 22: Kevin Yeager

May 29: Larry Spotts

Should you be unable to mow on your scheduled date, please trade with someone else. We thank you for your time and this valuable ministry!

Please bring your donations to the Fellowship Hall. Thank you for your contribution!

Beginning with the service on April 25, we will once again return to the practice of having Readers. In addition, we will also return to the practice of having an Acolyte. While we will not have an Assisting Minister at this time, if you would be willing to serve as the reader of prayers, known as an Intercessor, we would be most grateful to have you serve in this capacity. If you are interested in serving as a Reader, Acolyte, or Intercessor on Sunday morning, please contact Thomas Dearchs to sign-up.

Why do we do what we do? Why read scripture out loud in the service? St. Augustine's experience in the fourth century is still what we are after. He described his encounter with the heard word this way: "Thy Word struck my heart and I loved thee." To effect that kind of reaction, to elicit love of God, to strike the heart of the hearer with the power and peace of the word of God is the goal of the reading of scripture. Those well prepared for the task can approach with confidence the responsibility of being such instruments of the Spirit of God.

A Celebration of Life for Marceita Wolf will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021, from 1-3 p.m. at the Kokomo Country Club, 1801 Country Club Drive, Kokomo, 46902. The congregation is cordially invited. Light refreshments will be served.

Because of the decline in the COVID-19 positivity rate in Howard County, the CLC Congregation Council, at its February 16, 2021, meeting, has determined that all activities may resume on March 1, 2021, with "in-person" Sunday worship resuming on Sunday, March 7, 2021, at 9 a.m.! Social distancing and masks will be required. At this time, the holy eucharist will not be celebrated. For those not yet comfortable returning to "in-person" worship, the service will be recorded and made available on Sunday afternoon.

The COVID-19 data in Howard County will continue to be monitored on a weekly basis. As long as the positivity rate is 10 percent or lower, the church will remain open and worship services will be held "in-person". The CLC Congregation Council has granted authority to Elaine Newman, Pastor Sharon Walker, and Thomas Dearchs to be in consultation regarding COVID-19 data in Howard County and determine whether or not building usage or "in-person" services may need to be suspended. An email will be sent out if a suspension is necessary.

Don't forget to wear your mask!

CLC Council President

The Indiana Department of Health has announced that Hoosiers age 16 and older can now begin scheduling appointments to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting https://ourshot.in.gov. Those needing assistance with registration can call 211 or one of Indiana’s Area Agencies on Aging. A caregiver or loved one also may make an appointment on behalf of an eligible senior.

A reminder that a Bible Study is held on Wednesday afternoons from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The study will take place in the David/Goliath Classrooms. Please contact Pastor Walker if you would like to join the study. All are welcome!

Pastor Walker is available for appointments on Wednesdays. Please contact Thomas Dearchs to schedule an appointment.

Pastor Walker and Thomas Dearchs continue to provide opportunities, highlight resources, and best practices, share concerns, record the liturgies, and pray for one another during this pandemic.

Though responding to a pandemic has brought challenges and questions none of us has previously faced, we've worked to try and find creative solutions to some of these challenges.

In this time of worldwide crisis, congregations throughout this church are not able to gather for worship as the body of Christ. While we cannot be together in person, we can hear the word of God and hold each other in prayer. For those having access to the internet, a link to the ELCA resource for Worship in the Home is available for Sunday worship. In addition, there is a wonderful resource available from ELCA for Daily Prayer in the Home. There is also a link available for a sermon from staff of the I-K Synod. Please click on the buttons below.

The 2021 flower chart has arrived and is hanging in the Narthex. The flower cost will remain the same as last year - two vases for $36. Please sign-up today.

There is a 2021 calendar located on the counter behind the desk in the Parish Office. Please list events, meetings, etc., on this calendar so that scheduling of events can take place and conflicts do not occur. You will notice a "red" checkmark beside the events to indicate that they have been transferred to Tom's calendar as well as the churchwide calendar. Thank you for your assistance.

For CLC Weekly eNews or Sunday bulletin

announcements, contact Thomas Dearchs:

or call 765.453.6183