A fresh new year as church together
What a joy it has been to share my first Advent and Christmas season with us all together. Not even three months in, yet there has already been so much love, so many coffee shops and lunches, Lutheran cake, community outreach events, and faithful dreaming and planning.
As I continue to receive your thoughtful feedback on the goals we set together during these First 100 Days, my Christmas wish is simple: that we continue the joyful journey of being church together. Please keep sharing your thoughts on what needs to be prioritized, added, or clarified. Let me know where you feel called to offer your time, talents, or leadership. Requests for coffee or tea are always welcome.
I am also delighted to share that there is strong interest in welcoming new members and friends in the coming weeks. We will be selecting a date in late January or early February for a New Friends and Members gathering. Friends are those who hold membership elsewhere but wish to have an official connection here at Community Lutheran. If you would like to become a member or friend, or would like information about the retreat, please email or text me soon.
As we celebrate Christ’s birth and look toward Epiphany, I am deeply grateful for this season together and excited to enter a new year of ministry and mission with you.
Pastor Carla
Faith in action: Making a difference for our veterans
Each day, I am privileged to sit among people and providers in the Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Milton area who dedicate their lives to making the world a brighter place for others, especially for veterans experiencing homelessness.
Last week, I had the honor of spending time with Lisa Lincoln from the Sussex County Homeless Veteran Outreach Team. Lisa is an incredible advocate who has spent years supporting veterans throughout our community.
While exact, real time numbers are difficult to determine, recent data suggests that Sussex County has approximately 120 veterans experiencing homelessness. Still, pinpointing an exact number is nearly impossible. Some veterans live in the woods, while others move between friends and relatives without a stable place to call home.
One striking fact I learned is that there are only six shelter beds available for women veterans in the entire state. These beds are located at Home of the Brave near Milford. At the same time, Sussex County has the largest population of elderly veterans in Delaware.
It is people like Lisa who work tirelessly alongside local governments and organizations to create solutions, including innovative housing options such as building tiny houses for veterans right here in our area.
How you can help
Community Lutheran is partnering with the VA Homeless Coordinator to collect much needed supplies for veterans experiencing homelessness. We are requesting new items only, not gently worn or previously used items.
Please bring donations between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1 and place them in the donation box located in the narthex.
Needed items include:
- Hand warmers
- Gloves
- Quilts
- Tents
- Sleeping bags
- Winter hats
- Body wipes
- Toiletry kits
- First aid kits
Together, we can provide warmth, dignity, and hope to those who have given so much in service to our country.
Pastor Karis
P.S. One of our parishioners shared this inspiring organization, which models empowering partnership and support. Thank you, Jackie Simpson, for lifting up this hopeful example of allyship.
https://www.empowermentplan.org
Our ministry is always moving through worship, service, and care. Here’s what’s coming up at Community:
- January 4: Special music with Diana Wagner during worship
- January 10: Creation Care Ministry Movie Night – Join us in Luther Hall to watch The Biggest Little Farm from 6-8 p.m. Pizza and popcorn included.
- January 25: New member worship at 10:30 a.m. and orientation at noon.
- January 28: Pastor Earl will lead a bible study via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. Watch for the link soon.
Friendly reminder: Updated contact emails
Please double-check the email address you’re using when reaching out to Community Lutheran staff. All accounts are now working correctly.
Contacts:
- Pastor Carla — pastorcarla@bridgebuilder.church
- Pastor Karis — pastor@bridgebuilder.church
- Mari Satterlee — president@bridgebuilder.church
- David Nilsson, Treasurer — treasurer@bridgebuilder.church
- Morgana Wilkes, Technology Support — tech.clc.30897@gmail.com
Lift one another up
Get involved
Contribute to Food Pantry Needs
- Canned vegetables and fruits
- Pasta
- Canned or dry beans
- Personal care and cleaning supplies
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Cereals
- Pancake mix
- Pancake syrup
- Rice – 1 lb. bags
Please bring donations to the church.
The food pantry is also in need of grocery-sized shopping bags. If you have extras at home, please bring them to Luther Hall.
Next food pantry:
- Tuesday, Jan. 6, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Volunteers are welcome to arrive at 8:30 a.m. for set up. Thank you for all you do to serve the community.
Join a Small Group
- Monday Study Group: 10 a.m. – “Spiritual Literacy”
- Social Justice Small Group: Contact Pam for details
- Al-Anon: Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
- Nar-Anon: Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
- AA: Thursdays at 7 p.m.
Every act of prayer, service, and kindness brings us closer together. As we close this month of gratitude, let’s continue to celebrate our pastors, care for our neighbors, and prepare our hearts for the journey ahead.