Weekly Newsletter 3/10 – Holy Communion Sunday

*All Ages Contribute Food for Lent Soup Suppers – This year we will be asking Christ Lutheran members to provide the soup, sandwiches, milk and crackers for the soup suppers, as well as help serve and clean-up. Sign up sheets will be passed around during worship and the clipboard will be in the church office during the week. Confirmands will be providing the bars.  This intergenerational adventure will strengthen our community. Thank you in advance.*LENT 2024 – During Lent, our Wednesday nights will include soup suppers and an opportunity for all ages to join in conversation and prayer practice on a Psalm, followed by worship with the Holden Evening Prayer service. The Wednesday schedule is (Mar. 13, Mar. 20):
6 pm Soup supper – Church members sign-up during worship or in the church office to bring soup/sandwiches/milk and help assist the confirmation students with setting up and serving.
7-7:30 pm-Holden Evening Prayer Service.

*Christ Lutheran Church invites you to share in the joy of our CLC Card Ministry – A basket of envelopes has been placed in the Narthex, each envelope contains 1, 3, or 5 congregation members names and addresses.  CLC Card Ministry asks that you send a card or a kind note to each person/family in the envelope (boxed Thinking of You cards are available for purchase in the Narthex). Let us reach out with kindness.

*The Christ Lutheran Sunday School Families will once again be holding Cinnamon Roll Sunday on Palm Sunday March 24th. Pre-Orders are available by using the sheet found in your church bulletin or the office.  If not pre-ordered, quantities may be limited. Pre-ordered rolls will be sold in pans of six. All pre-orders will be due Sunday March 17^th.  On Palm Sunday rolls may be purchased individually.

*Electronic Giving – We want to remind people of different giving options that are available to support the mission and ministry of Christ Lutheran Church. 1.You can safely and securely give online through our website at https://christlutheranpreston.org/giving/ or simply just scan this QR code with your phone

March is Minnesota Foodshare Month – There is an ongoing challenge for individuals and families in our community who are struggling to put food on their tables. During March Minnesota Food Share Month, your contribution will help make a difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity and provide them with some relief during challenging times.  Suggestions include: canned soups, pasta, rice, beans, peanut butter, sugar, flour, cereal, canned vegetables and fruit, etc.).  Monetary donations are also appreciated and can be left in the church office (please indicate Food Shelf).  Non-perishable items can be left in the Grocery Cart and/or Basket in the Narthex.  Thank you!

*Bingo Fundraiser – Saturday, March 16^th from 5-8 p.m. At the Preston Golf Course – What’s more fun than shenanigans? Bingo for St. Patrick’s at the PRESTON Golf Club! Come on out and support youth heading to New Orleans for the ELCA Gathering, July 16-20, 2024. Bingo participants must be 18 to play, the games are $1/card and there are 13 rounds available. There will be more fun & games, and a basket raffle.  Food and beverages are available from the Preston Golf Club. Christ Lutheran and Greenfield Lutheran Churches are excited to welcome you to this event.

*Reminder to Thrivent Members – Be sure to designate your Choice Dollars, either to Christ Lutheran or to any number of charitable organizations that are listed on the Thrivent website. www.thrivent.com Deadline is March 31^st, 2024.

*Good Earth Village, Lunch and Learn – Birding with Al Batt- Tuesday, March 19, 10:30 am-2:00 pm – Al Batt is a writer, storyteller, and humorist whose observations about nature and humankind are read and heard in throughout the region.  Al received the Thomas Sadler Roberts Award from the Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union for birding. Sign up on or before March 17 in the church narthex. Carpool drivers may be needed. A free-will donation for lunch is suggested.

*Holy Week Hike, Root River Trailhead – Friday, March 29, 3:00 pm
Join Pastor Kris at the Root River Trailhead parking lot, near the Trailhead Inn, at 3 pm for a Holy Week Hike. On this hike we will use storytelling to wonder about the emotions of Holy Week through a child’s eyes, moving from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. This walk will be about 1 and ½ miles, on the biking/hiking trail. Come as you are, stroller and/or hiking sticks welcome! Sign up in the church narthex.

*Breakfast with the Bishop ~ Saturday, April 20^th, 2024 from 9–11AM at Cabela’s in Owatonna, MN
Everyone, and especially young men, are invited to attend this special event. Dwight Tostenson will be the Keynote Speaker. He is the CEO and Co-founder  of The Redemption Project. Dwight will share about the compassionate work his team does with those touched by the criminal justice system. Bishop Regina Hassanally will be sharing a Devotion. Cost: $15/person (under 20 yrs.old $10) Pay Amanda in the church office by April 1^st. Carpooling can be a possibility.

*Notice: There is now a recyclable receptacle by the garbage container where all church recyclables should be placed. There is a large recycling container in the kitchen that should be emptied into the cart as needed. The receptacle should be placed by the dumpster before the Thursday morning pick-up.