1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

The
Clarion
Confirm, Affirm, Hold Firm
When I think of October I think about trees
letting go of their leaves, the sky letting go
of its light, the air letting go of its warmth.
It is a colorful month of transition and
change.
But not so in the church – and particularly
in Christ Lutheran Church this year. In
fact, our October is quite the opposite. For
us, it is the month to confirm, affirm and
hold firm. It is a month of strengthening,
binding and refusing to let go of faith. Let
me say it another way. October is our
month for baptisms, reception of new
members, Rite of Confirmation, celebration
of the Children’s Sabbath and observing the
497th anniversary of the beginning of the
Reformation. So, it is the month to
confirm, affirm and hold firm.
I have been to only one Philadelphia Eagles
game. Our son, Bob, and I sat near the
tippy-top of old Veterans Stadium and
nearly froze to death. The field was so far
away that the players appeared more like
moving dots. Sure, we were there, but as
disconnected spectators. In fact, I was so
cold that day, I couldn’t wait for the game
to end.
If you are a mere spectator in worship this
month, you’ll probably find yourself
wondering, “When will this service end?” I
hope and pray that you will not come to
worship this month (or any month, for that
matter) as a spectator. October is active
faith month.
Imagine the joy
of Shannon and
Will as they see
their dear twin
infant daughters,
Bethany and
Emma, receive
the promise of
God’s salvation
in the wondrous
waters of Holy
Baptism.
Imagine
Shannon and
Will joining
together with
Michael, Patty,
Bruce, Amanda, Steve, Pam, B.J., Jimmy,
Matt and Melissa as they affirm their faith
in the God who loves them and become
confirmed members of this congregation.
Imagine children of our congregation
helping us recognize the conditions of so
many other of our nation’s children on the
Children’s Sabbath. We wouldn’t want to
be spectators for that! Imagine our Tenth
Graders standing before their God in the
Rite of Confirmation. In that rite, they are
taking responsibility for their own faith
after years of preparation to do so. We
won’t just be watching them, we’ll be
praying for them and supporting them.
That’s not something that can be done by
spectators, is it? Imagine on that very same
day, remembering the bold word of Martin
Luther who refused to back down on his
beliefs, uttering those famous words, “Here
I stand. I can do no other.” Holding firm to
our beliefs wasn’t something that was
necessary nearly 500 years ago. From
every corner, our culture is demanding the
same of us.
Strengthening, affirming and holding firm
to our faith is the tapestry of October here
and not a bit of that can be done from the
upper rows of a stadium – or, for that
matter, from a pew. I hope you’ll join us as
often as you can this month. It could be a
life-changer!
Pastor Kadel
October 2014
This is Christ's church. There is a place for you here.
Seventeen to Confirm Their Faith
3
New Members Joining Us
3
Assessing the Risks
4
Welcome, Brooke Kuhlen!
5
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's
grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person
— questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in
Christ's name for the life of the world.
Youth News
6
Millennials: Spiritual Nomads?
7
The Story of Reformation Day and Martin Luther
8
Volume 25, No. 10
Council Minutes
In attendance
Jim Bingley, Gary Johnson-McNutt, Dann
Stephens, Jim Laguna, Debra Stott, Art
Henry, Kim Appoldt, and Pastor Kadel.
Meeting was called to order at 7:35PM.
Devotionals were led by Jim Laguna.
Council Minutes
August council minutes were distributed in
advance of the meeting. A motion to
approve the minutes was made by Art Henry
and seconded by Jim Laguna. Council
minutes were approved.
Treasurer’s Report
August Treasurer’s report was distributed in
advance of the meeting. Dann clarified the
details associated with the expense variances
noticed in the July report.
A motion to approve the Treasurer’s report
was made by Dann Stephens and seconded
by Kim Appoldt. Treasurer’s Report
approved.
Pastor’s Report
The August Pastor’s Report was distributed
in advance of the meeting. Pastor Kadel
reviewed the statistical summaries for the
August reporting period.
Significant Events: VBS Concludes (8/1),
Tween Scene to Knobel’s (8/6), Karolin
Brechbill Vacation (8/9-8/16), Retirements
Natalie and Edward Allen (8/12), CLC to
Iron Pigs Game (8/15), Dorothy Hunsicker
Funeral (8/19), “Cotton Patch Gospel”
showing (8/31)
Changes to MembershipGains: None
Losses: From Baptized and Confirmed Rol–
Dorothy Hunsicker, by death.
Submitted for Approval for MembershipFor Transfer In to Baptized and Confirmed
Role – Pamela Ryder, B.J. Ryder, James
Ryder. A motion to approve these transfers
in to the Baptized and Confirmed Role was
made by Pastor Kadel and seconded by
Dann Stephens. Additions to membership
approved.
For Transfer In to Baptized Role only –
Matthew Ryder and Melissa Ryder. A
motion to approve these transfers in to the
Baptized Role was made by Pastor Kadel
and seconded by Dann Stephens. Additions
to membership approved.
Other Updates from Pastor KadelReviewed the disaster response for houses of
worship initiative. Initial assessment being
led by Ken Keith, Jr. and Bob Walker.
Informed council that Confirmation Ministry
program begins on Sunday (52 students in
total). A full confirmation schedule was
distributed to council.
SALT has decided to cancel the Golf Ball
Drop due to slow sales. The team is
Baptized: 1133
deliberating about the
Confirmed: 828
best way to handle the Congregational Membership
Child Members: 305
tickets already sold.
Families: 426
Motion made by
Pastor and seconded
Counseling: 3
Activity Summary
by Dann Stephens to
Meetings: 17
authorize the use of
Visits: 23
monies from the Fritz
Services Led: 6
Fund to support Anna Pastor Kadel and Pastor Jann
Classes Taught: 1
Bingley’s participation
Youth Events: 0
in the Diakonia
Special Events: 2
program.
July 2013: 124.25
Council will be
Weekly Attendance Averages
July 2014: 120.00
serving as connectors
for our new congregation members this fall.
The church will be conducting a fire drill on have kept the office running following the
staff retirements. Pastor presented a motion
September 28th.
(Art Henry seconded) to eliminate the Parish
Dann Stephens made a motion to approve
Administrator and Secretary positions,
the Pastor’s Report, Gary Johnson-McNutt
adjust the Financial Secretary position from
seconded the motion. Pastor’s Report
paid to volunteer, and establish a new
approved.
position called Office Manager. The motion
Ministry Team Updates: council
members distribute Ministry Team minutes was approved.
prior to the council meeting. The following Now that the Office Manager position has
been approved, it is Pastor’s intention to
notes reflect discussion and or motions
specific to each team. For specific questions offer the position to Brooke Kuhlen the next
related to ministry team activities or to join day. Pastor indicated that Teresa Parris and
Marge Blum have agreed to stay on for a
one of our ministry teams, members are
week to help transition Brooke onto the job.
encouraged to speak with the individual
Dann Stephens reminded council of the need
ministry team leaders.
to send a follow up letter to the congregation
Youth Ministry Team (Kim Appoldt/
outlining the progress that has been made on
Gary Johnson/McNutt)
The Youth has been formulating a proposal the staffing front as was promised.
The daily Sexton role remains open.
outlining how to make use of the gift from
Arlene Shiffert. A majority of the funds will Council will revisit with the Property Team
in hopes to have that ministry team fill the
be used to establish an ongoing fund to
support Youth Mission into the future with a role moving forward.
The Financial Secretary position has been
smaller portion set aside for use within the
church. The specifics of their program will filled by Marge Blum.
Jim reviewed recommendations stemming
be brought to council at a future meeting.
from the exit interviews and staff feedback.
Cemetery (Kim Appoldt)
The feedback included the establishment of
The team is requesting that the Cemetery
budget be included in the general budget of a Personnel Committee which will act as a
the church. There was additional discussion liaison between the staff and the
about the mowing costs and what is owed to congregation, and report to council. The
staff feedback also includes the
Cemetery. Council will seek clarification
establishment of code of conduct for the
before next meeting to ensure timely
congregation and vendors.
response to the team’s requests/questions.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 PM. We closed
Other Business
SEPA Synod Assembly – Betsy Anderson’s with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next Meeting: October 14, 2014 @ 7:30PM
report was distributed to the group. The
Respectfully submitted by,
assembly was held on May 2-3. Many
topics covered relating the SEPA synod and Dann Stephens
the ELCA church at large. The 2015 SEPA
(Congregation Council Secretary)
budget was approved at the meeting. The
SEPA Synod Assembly for 2015 will be
held on May 8th and May 9th.
Staffing Update
Pastor reviewed the work completed by him
and the other members of the working team.
He started by thanking the volunteers who
2
October at Christ Lutheran Church
Nineteen to Confirm
Their Faith
What a month this will be for seventeen
of our 10th graders. On Reformation
Sunday, October 26, they will complete 3
½ years of preparation and will stand
before their God to affirm their faith in
the Rite of Confirmation. But that will
just be the climax of a busy and
meaningful month for them.
On October 5, they will have their second
Sunday Seminar (the first was September
14). But this one will be anything but
ordinary. Their Navigators will be with
them for this seminar and they will also
join the adults and children who will be
gathered for an orientation session prior
to their reception into membership. In
their first Sunday Seminar, they came up
with ideas for a music video set to the
great Jars of Clay version of “They’ll
Know We Are Christians By Our Love.”
On October 5, they will share their video
with the new members and together we
will talk about what it means to be
Lutheran Christians. They will also sport
some spiffy new T-shirts that celebrate
their confirmation. But it doesn’t end
even there.
Two weeks later, on Sunday October 19,
the confirmands will be the guests of our
Congregational Council at their
Confirmation Luncheon. The luncheon
replaces the always rushed Confirmation
Breakfast from prior years. At the
luncheon they will be joined by parents
and Navigators. The Council is hard at
work developing a really meaningful
experience for them that day. After the
luncheon, they will go into the sanctuary
to rehearse for the Rite of Confirmation.
The confirmands for 2014 are: Steven
Baymor, Austin Griffin, Evan Griffin,
Dillon Griffin, Miranda Griffin, Lindsay
Griffin, Ryan Griffin, Kyle Heuchert,
Tyler Itterly, Rachel Kagarise, Kathryn
Keyser, Veronica Laguna, Erin Mathews,
Brandon Nelson, Michael Roberts,
Alexandra Rush, Thomas Tierney,
Lindsay Valovage and Elizabeth Wilson.
SIGN UP FOR DINNER WITH FRIENDS...
Sign-ups are now underway for Dinner With Friends.
This new program offers all members of Christ Lutheran
(singles and couples), the opportunity to meet or get to
know one another better as a
group of eight people, by sharing a
meal together four times a
year. The meals will be held at the
houses of four different people in
the group of eight who volunteer
their space. Every few months,
arrangements are then made among group members to
bring an appetizer, a main course, a side dish, and a
dessert to share. Groups are randomly selected, will
choose dates that are convenient for all members and will
stay together for one year, with dinners beginning in
October. So come and join friends for some great food
and fellowship! Sign up today!
Children’s Sabbath is
October 19th
On this special day, religious institutions
from around the globe uplift children and
the issues specific to them, during their
worship services. Here at Christ
Lutheran, this day is always a special one.
We take particular care to make the
services on this day all about children.
Many of our SS children will be involved
in the 10:45 am worship service as
readers, prayer helpers, ushers, acolytes
and musicians. Our 8:00 am and 9:30
services will also be constructed around a
central theme. The theme for the day,
provided by the Children’s Defense Fund,
is “Precious In God’s Sight” and focuses
on answering the call to cherish and
protect every child. Please join us at our
annual Children’s Sabbath Worship on
October 19, 2014.
New Members Joining Us
October 12 will be a joyous day for us
here at CLC as fourteen adults and
children become members of this
congregation. During the 10:45 am
service that day we will receive Bethany
and Emma Nolthenius through the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism. In addition
Will and Shannon Nolthenius, Michael
Hillegas, Patty and Bruce Bowman,
Amanda and Steve Archer, Pam, B.J. and
Jimmy Ryder will join our confirmed role
and Matthew and Melissa Ryder will join
us on the baptized role. We couldn’t be
happier to welcome them!
Bring Your Parent/Grandparent to Sunday School Day!
On October 5, 2014 the Sunday School children are invited to bring a parent or
grandparent (or both!) to their Sunday School Class. We’ve held this special event in
years past, and it is always such a fun day! Some of our classes hold parties that day,
some of them have trivia contests, and others have the students teach the parents.
Whatever manner your child’s class celebrates the day, it is always a wonderful
opportunity to spend time with your child/grandchild learning more about God’s
love! Please plan to spend the Sunday School hour with us on October 5 th!
Karolin Brechbill
3
Assessing the Risks
At the urging of the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), many
houses of worship all across the country
will begin the important work of assessing
the risks that they face from natural
disasters and terrorists. We don’t like to
think about houses of worship being
targets of terrorists or disturbed persons,
but the history of recent years teaches us
that this risk is increasing and is expected
to continue increase. Houses of worship
are considered to be “soft targets.” All
houses of worship are exposed to natural
disasters of wind, water and flame.
FEMA has also asked houses of worship
to discern the services that they are
capable of providing to their surrounding
neighbors should they experience disaster.
Leading our congregation’s effort are Ken
Keith, Jr. and Bob Walker. Both men are
well trained in assessment and the
protocols necessary for reducing and/or
responding to disasters. During the
lengthy period of assessment they, and
others they ask to help them, will talk
with county and state disaster offices to
determine the risks facing our particular
area. They will lead efforts to develop
plans for responding to disasters when
they do happen. And they will lead the
effort to educate members of CLC in the
plans and procedures we will adopt so that
all of us can do what is necessary to
protect life and property.
Ken and Bob will be calling upon others
to help them in this big undertaking and if
they seek your assistance, we hope you
can help. Those who prepare and respond
to disasters never say, “If something
happens…” History has taught us to say,
“When something happens…” Some day
and in some way, the plans we put in
place will make a difference in people’s
lives.
Christ Lutheran Church Financial Snap Shot
August 31, 2014
General Fund
Support Needed
Support Received
Net Excess (Shortage)
Building Fund
Support Needed
Support Received
the
Actual
Y-T-D
$264,805
$221,470
($43,335)
$56,543
$47,669
What is our response to God’s love?
September issue of The Lutheran
magazine, Gettysburg’s biblical studies
professor Marty Stevens highlights four
key points that she teaches seminarians
about stewardship:





In
Actual
Month
$26,905
$30,174
$3,269
all we need is on God alone. We
trust in God’s abundance. We seek
to be generous stewards of all of
God’s gifts so all creation will know
abundant life with God.”
With these thoughts in mind, the
Stewardship Ministry Team will be
“Our lives as stewards involve all
inviting you to participate in an “after
aspects of our lives, all the time, in
every situation. Everything we have dinner conversation” around a table of
fellowship in Weaver Hall later this
is a gift from God. We aren’t the
owner of anything, so we make every month. As we prepare for our
decision as a steward of divine gifts.” Commitment Sunday in November, we
want to gather members together in small
“Our lives as stewards are to mirror
groups to explore the interconnectedness
the life of our Divine Master, filled
of this Life Together that we share at
with grace, mercy, loyalty,
Christ Lutheran Church.
compassion, forgiveness and
Most of the conversations will be
generosity.
scheduled on Thursday evenings, and all
Our lives as stewards of God’s gifts
are for the benefit of the whole, with of them will begin with dessert! (Did
special attention to those who are the someone say “Pie?!”) You don’t have to
come to them all; in fact, you can only
most vulnerable and to the noncome to one. So keep watch! When the
human components of the system.
Cheerful generosity is the hallmark of invitation comes, select your date before
the table at your preferred time is filled,
faithful stewardship.”
and reserve your place for an enjoyable
“The fundamental basis of our lives
evening of information and inspiration
as stewards is communal, not
individual. Our lives as stewards are with fellow members who are also
exploring the idea, “What is our response
interconnected with our lives in the
to God’s love?”
places we worship, learn and serve.
As members of the body of Christ,
we support and challenge one another
in our lives as stewards. Stewardship June Alderfer, Bob DiNenno, Gary
Johnson-McNutt, Rob Kagarise, Ted
needs to be part of our regular
Knauss, Gordon Shearer and Dann
conversations in our families and
Stephens
faith communities.”
“Our primary attitudes are gratitude
and humility- gratitude to God for all
gifts and humility in the face of
God’s abundance. Our reliance for
4
Welcome, Brooke Kuhlen!
Our search for office help is now
complete! Brooke Kuhlen, a member of
CLC, assumes the duties of Office
Manager on September 29. The Office
Manager will be a key position for us,
combining the responsibilities of Secretary
and much of what was done by our now
retired Parish Administrator, Natalie
Allen. As Office manager, Brooke will be
the key person for scheduling building
usage (meetings, special events, etc.) and
for assisting congregational volunteers as
they further the mission of the
congregation. In addition, she will be
responsible for the many daily
responsibilities of being our secretary.
Brooke comes to us with many great skills
and experience that will be put to good
use! Brooke teaches the Pre-K and
Kindergarten Sunday School class.
I want to lift up the great service that has
been provided to us during the Parish
Administrator, Secretary and Financial
Secretary vacancies. We owe deep
gratitude to Natalie Madiera, Teresa Parris
and Marge Blum for the many hours and
great gifts they shared with us during the
latter part of the summer. I also want to
thank Marge Blum who has become our
new Financial Secretary, serving us as a
volunteer. Karolin Brechbill continues to
serve us as Director of Ministries with
Children and Youth. Our Property
Ministry Team is working to develop a
plan to attend to the Weekday Sexton
needs of CLC. I also want to thank the
members of our Congregational Council
for paving the way for these staffing
changes to occur.
I do ask this of the membership. On
Sundays we gather for worship and that is
our important focus together as a people of
God. Please refrain from doing
congregational “business” with any of our
staff on Sunday mornings. Our staff needs
this time to praise God and to be
serve us so faithfully here at Christ
strengthened by God’s Word – just as we Lutheran Church.
all do. Though it may, from time to time, Pastor Kadel
be convenient to seek one of our staff for
assistance or guidance on a congregational
matter, please wait until Monday. That is
a gift that we can each give to those who
Notes from Members and Friends
Dear Friends at Christ Lutheran,
Heartfelt thanks to all who sent cards,
called or visited during my recent surgery
and recovery. Elaine and I are so pleased
that we have so many friends at CLC who
offered prayers for us during this time.
John Moran
Thank you CLC Friends for the Prayers,
cards, emails, phone calls and delicious
meals. When I was doing that for our
members I never thought I would get this
all in return. Starting to mend after many
months. Walter and I appreciate your
kindness and feel the Love. Hope to see
you soon.
Joan Frick
Merck Sharpe & Dohme Cow Plop
The 15th Annual Merck, Sharpe & Dohme Federal Credit Union Cow Plop will be
held on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at the Montgomery County 4-H,
Skippack, PA. Donations are $10 per deed. Winners will receive a percentage of the
deed sales and do not need to be present to win. The Cow Plop benefits two charities
- Sebastian Riding Associates and The Shepherd’s Shelf - who will receive equal
shares of the proceeds of this fantastic event. We thank Sharon Noble for selling the
deeds for us and MSDFCU for selecting us again as a recipient!
Holiday Gift Program
Sign Up Begins
Beginning September 29th through October 29th, volunteers will sign up children for
The Shepherd’s Shelf Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. Sponsors will be recruited
during October. During the month of November sponsors will purchase gift cards
(maximum amount $50). Gift cards will be collected on Sunday, Dec. 7 and Monday,
Dec. 8. Gift card distribution will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 10 and Monday,
Dec. 15. This year, in place of holiday food bags, gift cards to local grocery stores
will be given to families to purchase hams or turkeys. Please watch for more information on ways you can help.
Golf Ball Drop Update
Our new fundraiser for The Shepherd’s Shelf, The Golf Ball Drop, has not performed
as we had hoped and we have decided to stop sales of tickets and cancel the event.
However, we will award 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners from the existing sales.
Winners will be notified. Thanks to those who sold tickets - please turn them in as
soon as possible!
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Living, Giving, Growing, Showing
Youth News
Being Christian
I have a framed poem on my desk titled “I
Am A Disciple.” I happened upon this
piece, author unknown, quite a few years
ago, but it is something that I refer to
often, especially when I need a reminder
of what I am supposed to be doing, or if I
need a nudge back in the direction of the
cross.
You know, the name “Christian” takes on
so many different meanings in today’s
world. For some, it conjures up a picture
of someone who helps those in need and
feeds starving children. For others, the
picture may not be so positive; perhaps it
is of one who goes around acting superior
and pointing fingers. Christian can
sometimes be used synonymously with the
word “kind”, but can also be used
synonymously with “prejudiced” or
“judgmental” or even “hypocrite.” This
isn’t a new phenomenon. During the
Crusades, depending upon which side you
were on, I suppose Christian could mean
being a righteous soldier or a murderer.
The label “Christian” has been so misused
and twisted, that sometimes we, who call
ourselves Christian, are almost ashamed to
do so. After all, who wants to be linked to
people who have committed crimes
against children, or people who have used
God’s Word to protest funerals, or people
who cast out those that don’t fit in? With
such a broad meaning behind the word, it
is no wonder that many Christians
themselves have forgotten what it means.
So, if you are like me, you may find this
poem an excellent reminder of what a
Christian is supposed to be; because a
Christian is a Follower of Christ. A
Disciple of the Son of God. Nothing more,
and certainly nothing less.
Karolin Brechbill
I Am A Disciple
The die has been cast, I have stepped over
the line;
The decision has been made.
I am a disciple of Christ.
I will not look up, let up, slow down, back
away or be still.
I no longer need preeminence, prosperity,
position, promotions,
Plaudits or popularity; I don’t have to be
right, first, tops,
Recognized, praised, regarded or
rewarded.
I now live by Faith, love by patience, lift
by prayer, and labor by power.
My pace is set, my gate is fast, my goal is
Heaven.
My road is narrow, my way is rough, my
companions few,
My guide reliable; my mission clear.
I cannot be bought, compromised,
deterred, lured away,
Turned back, diluted or delayed.
I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice;
I will not hesitate in the presence of
adversity.
I will not negotiate at the table of the
enemy;
I will not ponder at the pool of popularity,
Nor meander in the maze of mediocrity.
I will not give up, back up, let up, or shut
up until
I have prayed up, preached up, stored up,
and stayed up because of Christ.
I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.
I must go until He returns, give until I
drop,
preach until ALL know,
And work until He comes.
And when He comes to get His own,
He will have no trouble recognizing me.
My colors are flying high and they are
clear for all to see.
Are you a disciple of Christ?
It will cost you everything.
Author Anonymous
Confirmation Schedule
for October
During October, our Confirmation
Ministry Program really goes into high
gear. We have well over 50 students
involved in 7th through 10th Grade
Confirmation Ministry!
As mentioned elsewhere, October 26 is
Confirmation Day! This is one of the
great days in the life of our congregation.
The Rite of Confirmation will take place
at the 10:45 am service. The preceding
week, the Congregational Council will
host a special luncheon for the 10th
Graders, their families and their
Navigators. The luncheon will be
followed by a rehearsal for the Rite of
Confirmation. Their busy month begins
with the second of two Sunday Seminars
on October 5 following worship. They
and their Navigators will meet with the
men, women and young people who will
be joining our congregation the following
week.
Our 7th through 9th Graders began their
year in September with their Orientation
and first sessions. Below is their schedule
is for October:
Pastor Kadel
7th—9th Grade Confirmation Schedule—October
Wed. 10/1
7
Wed. 10/8
8
Sun. 10/12
7 pm
7th Grade: Session 2
7 pm
8th Grade: Session 2
12 – 1:30 pm
Wed. 10/15
9
Wed. 10/22
7–9
Wed. 10/29
7
7 pm
6
Who Wrote the Bible?
Who Wrote the Bible?
7th – 9th Grade Sunday Who is Luther and Why Did We
Seminar
Steal His Name?
Who
Wrote the Bible?
9th Grade: Session 2
7 pm
Session 2 Make Up
7 pm
7th Grade: Session 3
Who Wrote the Bible?
Can We Prove God Exists?
Millennials: Spiritual Nomads?
For the past few generations, young adults
(more than any other age demographic)
have described themselves as "less
religious." Today millennials not only
describe themselves as less religious but
increasingly as not religious.
More than 1 in 4 young adults belongs to
the "nones," those who state their religious
preference on surveys as "none." These
"nones," the fastest growing religious
demographic in the U.S., are
disproportionately comprised of young
adults.
As for those millennials who do report a
strong connection with a religious
community, sociologists tell us they tend to
be healthier, have a more positive selfimage, participate more frequently in
volunteer service, are more empathetic and
achieve highly in academics. They also are
less likely to participate in risky sexual
behavior, abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage
in criminal activity.
The sociologists would tell us: the young
adults who are in worship are an interesting
and lively group.
When we read the Gospels in worship, we
typically encounter a Jesus in his early 30s:
a young adult, something of a spiritual
nomad, moving in and out of places of
worship.
Yet for a church so focused on the ministry
of this young adult, we're often perplexed
by questions about young adults in worship.
What are today's young adult spiritual
nomads seeking in worship? How do they
differ from previous generations? Why
aren't more of them in worship?
By pursuing any of these questions, we
don't just risk overgeneralizing — we
guarantee it. But any map of unfamiliar
terrain (whether we're mapping a city or the
patterns of North American young adults in
worship) leaves out some detail in order to
percent of the U.S. population. And,
whether or not they marry or partner, young
adults are waiting longer to have children,
if they do at all. Since young adults often
considered beginning to attend worship at
the transitional moments of marriage and
the birth of children, with more people
postponing or foregoing these transitions,
the old patterns are bound to change.
With a few sociological landmarks behind
us, let's explore three points of interest
along this same young adult landscape.
There are many others, but these seem to be
just complex enough to be missed by many
highlight landmarks and keep us from being congregations.
overwhelmed.
Aim low
Here are some basic landmarks on the wide Statistically we know that almost all of the
terrain of North American young adults and young adults today who worship frequently
worship, as well as three points of interest: had religious experiences as teenagers.
Low worship attendance
In the U.S. about 18 percent of the
For Millennials
millennial generation (born between 1980
and 2000) attends worship weekly or
almost every week, according to the Pew
Forum on Religion & Public Life (Religion
Among the Millennials, 2010).
So if you're randomly approaching young
adults trying to find some who worship
frequently, you're out of luck 82 percent of
the time — a weak batting average of .180.
By comparison, if you randomly approach
Americans over 65, you'll meet weekly
attenders around half the time — a batting
Key Characteristics
average of .500.
 Self-reliance. They believe they have
In general, the trend in America is that
control of their success, and landing a
adults attend worship more frequently as
good job is a top priority.
they age. But the type of church people
 Love of family. They depend on their
attend is a better predictor of how often
family as a sanctuary against the
they go to worship than how old they are.
difficulties of life. They also lean
For example, older evangelicals attend
strongly on their networks of friends.
worship more often than young adult
 Educational achievement is the key to
evangelicals. But even young adult
success.
evangelicals attend worship more
 Diversity is important.
frequently than any age demographic in
 Service-oriented. They have a strong
mainline Protestantism.
sense of the “common good.” They
In other words, different churches seem to
participate in service and volunteer
develop different cultures around the
activities more than any previous
frequency of worship attendance that are
generation.
more significant than differences related
 Hungry for the transcendent.
to age.
Powerful experiences of prayer or
Society's changing nature
At the height of the 20th century (the socommitment to God, a transformative
called "Christian Century"), young adults
spiritual experience, internalizing the
typically partnered and had children early
language of Scripture, or having a strong
in adulthood. Single adult households
sense of the divine holding and connecting
represented fewer than 9 percent of the total all things — when these experiences don't
population.
occur in someone's teenage years,
Today such households comprise almost 30
(Continued on page 8)
7
The Story of Reformation Day and Martin Luther
For many Protestants, particularly
Lutherans, Reformation Day is one of the
most important holidays, next to Christmas
and Easter. Reformation Day is celebrated
on the last Sunday in October and honors
the beginning of the Reformation,
commemorating Martin Luther's posting of
ninety-five theses at the entrance to the
Castle Church in the town of Wittenberg,
Germany, in AD 1517.
Luther, an Augustinian monk, doctor of
“I cannot and will not
recant anything, for to
go against conscience is
neither right nor safe.
Here I stand, I can do
no other, so help me
God. Amen
Martin Luther
theology, and resident of Wittenberg, is
considered by Protestants to have
rediscovered the fundamental tenants of
Christian faith, thereby setting the stage for
a confrontation within the church that
would eventually lead to the Reformation.
The History of the Reformation
The historical trends that brought about the
Reformation began centuries before its
actual occurrence. In part, the root causes
stem from the church's departure from the
foundational teachings of Christ regarding
a believer's relationship with God,
believers' relationships with one another,
and the means of salvation. By the time of
the fall of Rome, in the late fifth century,
the Church had already adopted many
practices contrary to the teachings of
Christ.
Particularly, three perceived errors in
doctrine stood out as major flaws that were
in direct opposition to his teachings, and
these later became the basis for Luther's
ninety-five theses. The first error created a
priesthood that acted as mediator between
the believer and God, suggesting that
direct communication between man and
the almighty was impossible. The second
was the establishment of a pope or pontiff
who would exercise authority over the
entire Church. The third error related to the
attainment of salvation through penitent
works and charitable acts, rather than
through the miracle of faith.
Indulgences
The catalyst that caused Luther to directly
confront these issues, however, was the
Church practice of granting "indulgences".
The custom was based on a verse in the
Gospel of John, where Jesus gave the
apostles the authority to forgive or retain
the sins of humanity. In Luther's time, the
Church was engaged in the practice of
selling indulgences as a means of
increasing ecclesiastical wealth. The
Church justified this practice by citing that,
although God released the offender from
his heavenly obligation, he was still
required to pay an earthly price for his sin.
Such payments (or other suitable acts of
charity) to the Church released a person
from financial or civil obligation incurred
as a result of sin. This practice greatly
benefited nobles and the wealthy, who
could literally pay for their crimes, and
correspondingly severely disadvantaged
the poor, who could not. The practice also
included the selling of indulgences to the
families of deceased relatives to release
their souls from Purgatory.
It was the "Jubilee Indulgence," authorized
by Pope Leo X to pay for the rebuilding of
St. Peter's Cathedral, which incited Luther
to take action. As the doors of churches
were often utilized for posting public
notices, Luther, having written his ninetyfive theses, placed them on the Castle
Church doors on All Hallows Eve, where
many who would attend the following All
Saints Day observance would read it.
However, it was the recent invention of the
printing press that allowed Luther's theses
to be circulated throughout Europe,
thereby bringing him to the attention of
Rome and the papacy.
Luther's Excommunication
The Church perceived Luther to be in
opposition to Papal authority, and,
accusing him of heresy, sought to have
him arrested. With the support of the
faculty at Wittenberg University and the
Elector, Prince Frederick III of Saxony,
Luther avoided imprisonment and a trial
that most likely would have ended with his
execution. However, by 1520, he was
excommunicated from the Church and
labeled as a heretic and fugitive.
The reaction of the Church against Luther
and its steadfast refusal to discuss his
theses prompted an internal schism that
eventually became the Reformation
movement. By 1530, the division was set,
8
and an official statement of faith, known as
the Augsburg Confession, began the first
Protestant Church.
The revival of the doctrine of salvation by
grace through faith has become the
cornerstone by which the modern church
exists. Reformation Day honors the work
of the Holy Spirit in individuals who step
out and confront the evils of their day
through faith. From Luther's time to the
present, the church has been in a nearconstant state of reformation, as the Lord
continually restores the teachings and gifts
that He blessed the Church with at its birth
on Pentecost.
Written by: David Katski and reprinted
from the sharefaith.com website.
Spiritual Nomads?
(Continued from page 7)
statistically speaking, it's unlikely they will
attend worship as a young adult. So this
first point of interest regarding young
adults in worship takes an unexpected route
through the teenage years.
One of the most important ways to
cultivate regular church attendance among
young adults is to nurture the worship lives
of our teenagers. Evidence seems to point
specifically to devotional, spiritual
religious experiences as important.
So when we're seeking to serve and open
the doors wider to young adults in our
congregations, one of the things we might
do is, in a sense, aim low. Let's ensure that:
• Our teenagers aren't just in "activities" but
are given space for and led into the
mysteries of prayer and contemplation.
• Some of them become leaders in worship
(not as cute tokens or object lessons but as
true leaders of the entire assembly, using
their emerging gifts) in ways that might
grow in young adulthood.
Adapted from “Spiritual Nomads” by
Benjamin M. Steward, The Lutheran
Magazine, September, 1012
9
October
Birthdays!
10/01
10/02
Ryan Lear
Virginia De Leo
10/12
10/13
Maria Strohl
Laureen Grant
10/21
10/21
Elaine Moran
Gregory Wolfe
10/02
10/02
10/02
Danielle Nase
Izabella Brown
Marc Buchhalter
10/13
10/13
10/13
Jean Shearer
Nathan Wohlberg
Clayton Ruff
10/22
10/23
10/23
Glenn Kerver
Louella Cushman
Andrew Curran
10/03
10/03
Elaine Allebach
Walter Frick
10/14
10/14
Steven West
Virginia Kramer
10/23
10/24
Robert Schick
Lisa Hinkson
10/03
10/03
Jack Godshall
Savannah Pichon
10/15
10/15
George Cramer
Tyler Nelson
10/24
10/24
Theodore Knauss
Barry Parmley
10/04
10/04
10/04
Diane West
Mildred Kline
David Childs
10/15
10/15
10/15
Hannah Sparkevicius
Katie Snyder
Joey Sharkey
10/24
10/25
10/26
Deborah Tyczkowski
Lisa Long
Milton Stover
10/05
10/05
10/05
Kyle Walsh
Mary Steiner
Dean Scanlon
10/15
10/16
10/17
Julia Coupet
Jane Wagner
Melissa Hinkson
10/26
10/26
10/26
Merrill Pfister
Jerri Riemer
Thomas Bodenschatz
10/05
Brian Godshall
10/18
Stephanie Lohr
10/26
Ryan Griffin
10/06
10/06
Richard Sharp
Judy Luecke
10/19
10/19
Alexandra Rodman
Alexandra Dooley
10/28
10/28
Gary Prestia
Nicholas Bonsignore
10/06
Samantha Wilson
10/20
Kevin Alderfer
10/28
Makenzie Godshall
10/07
Virginia Overholtzer
10/20
Kathrine Doll
10/28
Michelle Stephens
10/07
10/08
Veronica Laguna
Jessica Deery
10/20
10/20
Edwina Reese
Deborah Geissel
10/29
10/29
Robert Wagner
Elizabeth Meyer
10/09
10/12
Owen Marett
Caitlyn Kerver
10/20
10/20
Daniel Stover
Joan Zeller
10/31
10/31
Brea Herder
Christina DeNardo
10/12
Joseph Weeks
10/21
Steven Houseal
10
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Christ Lutheran Church will be a church that
Actively Seeks those essential to God
Warmly Embraces them with acceptance,
love, and dignity, and
Effectively Includes them in the family of God.
The Clarion
Published monthly by Christ Lutheran Church
PO Box 213 Kulpsville, PA 19443
215-256-8738 Fax 215-513-1975
Web Address: www.christlc.org
E-mail Address: [email protected]
The Rev. Dr. Thomas E. Kadel, Senior Pastor
The Rev. Paul Jann, Visitation Pastor
Karolin Brechbill, Dir. of Family Ministries
Office Manager, Brooke Kuhlen
Change Service Requested - Time Dated Material
Services
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Looking Ahead!
Food for the Poor on
November 9
Pastor William Schmeeleke will bring
us the latest news about the work of
Food for the Poor on November 9.
Representatives of this great
organization visit with us every other
year.
Food for the Poor serves some of the
poorest people on the earth who live in
the great Caribbean Basin. Since the
tragic 2010 earthquake in Haiti which
brought terrible devastation and
somewhere between 100,000 and
160,000 deaths, Food for the Poor has
worked tirelessly to help the Haitian
people recover.
Food for the Poor also serves people is
16 additional Central American and
Caribbean nations.
Advent Begins on November
30
The brief, but powerful, little church
season of Advent arrives on November
30. This little four week season helps
us focus on our need for God to come
into our world and God’s gracious
attendance to that need. Advent is a
season marked by hope and
expectation.
This year’s Advent theme is “Yield of
Dreams: Since He Built It He Will
Come.” The theme is clearly a takeoff from the popular “Field of Dreams”
baseball movie, but casts our hope on
God’s promise to answer our dreams
by bringing to us the Kingdom of God
through God’s Son, Jesus Christ.
11