At Christ Lutheran Church, we offer weekly Bible and discussion classes which allow you to grow in your faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ and what he's done for you. As the prayer puts it, we should take every opportunity to "read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest" the Holy Scriptures. Consider joining one of our classes this month!
Sunday Christian Instruction for All Ages Resumes on September 12, 8:45 am.
Sundays, 8:45-9:45am
Our Adult Bible Class resumes studying the Divine Service, which we started in the spring. One of the biggest critiques of using the historic Lutheran liturgy is that "people don't know what it means and why we use it." Come on Sundays to explore how the liturgy functions in telling you about Jesus-and why it's an asset to your spiritual life.
Wednesday Lunch Bunch, September 22, 11:15am
We'll briefly study the life of St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist, whom the Church commemorates on September 21. Bring your brown bag lunch and join us!
All children three years of age by September 1 and toilet trained are invited to come to Sunday School!
September 12: In the beginning, God created the world with many natural resources so that it would be a wonderful place for His most treasured creation, human beings, to live. Today in Sunday School, our students will hear how God created people in His own image (Genesis 1:26-2:25), including providing them with perfect physical attributes and a lush garden in which to live.
Refer to the First Article of the Apostles' Creed and its explanation in your discussions and say them together as you Grow in Christ. Acolyte training also takes place today.
September 19: It seems a strange thing to say, but today our children will be introduced to sin, death, and the devil in Sunday School. Today our children will study the Scripture's account of how the devil tempted Adam and Eve to sin (Genesis 3). With the fall into sin came God's punishment of death.
During your family devotions this week, discuss the many blessings God gave you that are mentioned in the explanation of the First Article. Note that God "defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil." God does this through His Son, Jesus, who died on the cross that we might be forgiven of all sin. Praise God for His love as you Grow in Christ.
September 26: Do your kids get jealous? Today in Sunday School, our children will study the story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16), which tells about the first case murder caused by jealousy.
This week as your family Grows in Christ during your Bible time, identify times when someone has been jealous and discuss the harm jealousy does. Then review the many blessings God gives to you as they are mentioned in the explanation of the First Article of the Apostles' Creed. Confess sins of jealousy and ask God for forgiveness in Jesus.
Confirmation is a "public rite (ceremony) of the Church that is preceded by a period of instruction designed to help baptized Christians identify with the life and mission of the Christian community. Having been instructed in the Christian faith prior to admission to the Lord's Supper (1 Corinthians 11:28), the rite of Confirmation provides an opportunity for the individual Christian, relying on God's promise of Holy Baptism, to make a personal public confession of the faith and a lifelong pledge of fidelity to Christ" (Lutheran Worship: Altar Book, pg. 33).
Youth: The goal of this class is to prepare members of Christ Lutheran Church in the 7th and 8th Grades for the Rite of Confirmation. Confirmation instruction is a two year program which culminates in Confirmation for students in 8th Grade. The class meets on Wednesday afternoons at 5 pm until 6 pm and the class follows the public school academic schedule. In Year A, students are provided an overview of the Old and New Testaments. Luther's Small Catechism is studied deeper in Year B. During Year A, students will memorize the Ten Commandments, Apostles' Creed, and Lord's Prayer (including explanations); during Year B, students will memorize Baptism, Confession, the Lord's Supper, Bible verses, and hymn stanzas. At the conclusion of Year A, students will recite the primary texts of the Ten Commandments, Apostles' Creed, and Lord's Prayer (not Luther's explanations) from memory in front of the Pastor and parents. Confirmands and their families are encouraged to attend Pastor's Adult Bible Class each Sunday as well as to be regularly in God's house for public worship. Homework may be given in the form of exercises from "A Bible History: Student Workbook," worship service and sermon written analyses, memory work, or other types of assignments given at Pastor's discretion. The class reviews assigned homework during class. Oral and written tests are periodically given.
Adult: Confirmation classes, usually lasting fourteen weeks, are taught by Pastor Schilbe upon request. Those interested in becoming members who might be already confirmed members of non-Lutheran denominations are asked to attend the class. During the class, discussion revolves around Christian topics such as: the Bible, God, the Fall of Man, the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Church, Prayer, Baptism, the Lord's Supper, Confession and Absolution, Eschatology, Worship, and Stewardship. In addition to Luther's Small Catechism and other class materials, each class member is given a copy of "Why I Am a Lutheran: Jesus at the Center," a brief book which reinforces class teachings.
