Everywhere a Sign

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign
Blockin’ out the scenery, breakin’ my mind
Do this, don’t do that, can’t you read the sign?

Pastor Mitchell

In 1971, these were the lines from the Five Man Electric Man’s song “Signs.” As a young teenager, these words spoke to me. As an adult, they still have a ring to them. These words touch a cord in me and my scattered mind. What am I to be doing with my life? What direction am I to take? Is this the place where I should be? These may just be the questions of a mad man or a disciple trying to find his way in the world serving his Lord and Savior. But from what I see, there are a lot of directions to take in life and following the right course can be tricky.

Up until recently, I did think that I had lost my mind, particularly when it comes to theology and studying God’s word. When I was in seminary in the early 80s, there were a handful of evangelists who filled the airways. The schools of theology were mostly directed by mainline denominations. Certain theologians were viewed as dependable in their interpretation of the Bible. If denominations had differences, we respectively understood the reasoning each group took to get to their destinations. So, while there was not one vanilla favor that tasted good to all, at least, there was an understanding and a reasonable respect for how we each ended up where we were.

Now, I just read a chapter from a book, Theology of the Old Testament, by Walter Brueggemann, who is about as solid a character when it comes to theology as you can get. I learned that in this post-modern age, as it is called, that I may not be going insane…yet. Dr. Brueggemann shows how the numerous interpretations of the Word have exploded in my life time alone. The scriptures are seen through many lenses today. The Bibles at the local book store reflect this change. There are Bibles for youth, women, men and support groups. You can get an NRSV, RSV, English Bible, NIV, King James, Living Bible, The Message, NEB, and the list goes on forever. Which leaves me with the question, where do I turn to?

The Royal Banner – May 4, 2012

Register Now for Vacation Bible School

We’re ready for a Vacation Bible School your children will never forget. At SonRise National Park, your kids will be pointed right to Jesus! Children will have a great time singing songs, watching skits, creating crafts and playing games. But most important, they’ll discover Jesus provides what they truly need in every challenge of life. We hope you will all join us at SonRise National Park. Vacation Bible school is for children age three through rising sixth graders. SonRise National Park begins Monday, June 4, and continues through Friday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Register online or in the church narthex. For information, contact Diane Thomas at the church office.

Only Eight Openings Remain at Mission Camp and Teen Servant Camp

Add Preteen and Teen Mission Camps to your summer schedule on June 25 to 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The two programs will serve youth that are rising fifth through seventh grade and rising eighth through 12th grade. The cost is $75 for the week, with $40 due at registration. Space is limited. Only three openings for Preteen Camp and five for Teen Camp remain. Sign up sheets can be found in the narthex at church.

Get Your Car Washed on Mother’s Day Sunday

What mom wouldn’t love a clean car for Mother’s Day? Where else can you attend church and get a car wash at the same time? On Sunday, May 13, the Christ the Lord youth will be washing cars at church from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

You can drop your car off before service and come out to a sparkling clean car or visit us between services to spruce up your ride. This will be the youth’s final fundraiser for their trip to the National Youth Gathering in July. Their buckets are prepared, and their elbow grease is ready to be put to the test. The only thing missing is the cars! A donation will be accepted.

You’re Invited to the Blessing of High School Seniors

All high school seniors and their parents are invited to take part in the annual blessing of seniors’ ceremony. This ceremony recognizes the hard work our youth have put in over the last four years. This is an annual tradition that is extremely special for both parents and students. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, May 20, at the 9 and 10 a.m. services.

Twelve Youth Affirm Their Baptism May 20

Join us on Sunday, May 20, at the 11 a.m. service as we celebrate the Affirmation of Baptism with our eighth graders. Please keep the following youth in your prayers as they continue in their faith:

Andrew Bell
Riley Casteel
Adam Doner
Delayne Duggan
Melody Ireton
Nick Kindle
Carter Lawrence
Lauren Leech
Trent Norris
Zachary Novak
Nick Staehling
Amon Whitfield

Only Four More Teachers Needed for VBS

This year’s SonRise Vacation Bible School looks to be one of the best ever. The children will discover Jesus provides what they truly need in every challenge of life. We have opportunities for teachers, music leaders, craft assistants, snack providers and recreation assistants. Vacation Bible School will be held June 4 to 8, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. We are looking for adults eager to share God’s Word with the children of our congregation. No experience is necessary. A nursery will be provided for the volunteer staff. Please sign-up in the narthex at church to help at VBS or contact Diane Thomas for more information.

Matching Funds Gift Given to Christ the Lord

A gift of $10,000 has been given by one of our members to be matched dollar for dollar by our congregation. Everyone is asked to give whatever they are able “over and beyond” their regular giving. Earmark your check “Matching Funds.” The appeal will run until May 27, Pentecost Sunday. Monies will be set aside by the Church Council to purchase some items that are beyond our regular budget. One item of great importance that will be done with the money is painting the exterior of the church.

Don’t Forget to Order Your Vidalia Onions!

It’s Vidalia onion season again. The Christ the Lord Mission Team is selling onions to support our efforts to build an orphanage in Catacamas, Honduras. Vidalia onions are the sweetest onions you can get, and are only $10 for a 10 lb. bag. This is the same price or less than you will pay in the grocery store, and they support a great cause. Contact Jim Wilson to order your onions. They will be available for pickup the first or second week in May.

Have You Registered for AFFIRM?

AFFIRM is a six day, five night youth event of faith, fellowship and friends sponsored by the ELCA Southeastern Synod. Grounded in scripture, AFFIRM offers youth the opportunity to develop discipleship and leadership skills. The AFFIRM community worships everyday and receives Holy Communion. AFFIRM is for youth in grades sixth through 12th.

As a church, our youth have been participating in this event for over 15 years. However, many of our adults have fond memories of attending when they were youth. This is a camp like no other! Staff and clergy from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America church-wide have visited this event with the hope of having something like this in other synods!

If you have any questions, contact Vickie Davis.

Start Your Lawnmowers!

Let the race begin. We are looking for another great season of people who will volunteer to keep our lawn in tip-top condition. We have the tools to do the job. All that is needed are the hardy hands to do the work. To be part of our lawn care team, call the church office (770 963-4499) or contact Julie Gulley. Let’s have another winning season.

We Need the Names of Your Graduates!

The church office needs the names of your high school or college graduates to announce in an upcoming e-newsletter. Please contact Julie Gulley with the name of your graduate and school attended.

It’s Not Too Late! Sign up for the Habitat Build

Habitat of Gwinnett and Christ the Lord are looking for some caring people to volunteer their time and talents to help build a home, raise some funds, have a great time and change some lives within our community. The building process will happen on Saturday, May 12. Meet at the church at 7:25 a.m. to carpool for a day of fun. This event will give you a chance to meet others in our church and other local congregations, learn new skills, challenge yourself and see first hand how our church can reach out and change lives. Just say, “Yes”! Sign up by contacting Jim Summerville, and he will do the rest. He will find a way to get you involved.

Detergent and Dishwashing Liquid Drive for the Lawrenceville Co-Op

It’s Spring, so think clean and help stock the shelves at the Lawrenceville Co-Op with laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid. These are two items almost every family requests, but they are rarely donated and the Co-Op almost never has them to give out. From now through May 27, please bring in a laundry detergent (powder or liquid – Dollar Tree sells smaller containers that are the perfect size to give out) and/or a bottle of dishwashing liquid (again, Dollar Tree is a good source) and place them in the marked bins in the narthex. Watch the weekly bulletins for reminders and more details. Christ the Lord is known for their generous response to requests for help. Let’s keep up the good work!

Also, the Co-Op needs money to help people with utility bills and prescription drugs. Please consider adding $1, $5, or more every time you write an offering check and earmarking it for the Co-Op. If everyone gives just a little, it will add up to help a lot of people! This is another opportunity to show we are truly Caring People Caring For People.

“Take Me Out to the Ball Game”

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is teaming up with the Gwinnett and Atlanta Braves. Lutheran Night at the Gwinnett Braves is Friday, June 15. Lutheran Night at the Atlanta Braves is Saturday, September 15. More info will be sent out to the congregational advocates for the church. As soon as we know anything, we will let you know. Your Christ the Lord Congregational Advocates are Carole Doner and Jenny Lanning. If you have an interest in Thrivent, contact Carole or Jenny.

Deadline for Next E-Newsletter

The deadline for the next e-newsletter (The Royal Banner) is May 15. Please submit your articles to Julie Gulley.

Did You Know?

The High School Youth Group received $4,075 from their Yard Sale in March and $1,460 from the Easter Breakfast. Proceeds from both events will offset the cost of their trip to the ELCA National Youth Gathering held in July.

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