Christ of the Bay Lutheran Church
http://ChristBayLutheran.com
450 Laverne Drive
Green Bay, WI 54311
(920) 468-4246
Staff
Curtis DeCoste, pastor
Ron Stieglitz, congregation chairman
September Message from Pastor Curtis
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” ~ Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
By God’s grace, because of his kindness, you have been saved! You were dead in your sins, but you have been raised up with Christ! Your future was eternal condemnation, but you have been seated with Christ in the heavenly places! You are in Christ Jesus! This is Good News. This is an awesome, freeing promise and sure hope…an immeasurable gift. It is real, and it is true.
Now, we live according to this promise, hope and gift in Christ. If not already, then soon, you will notice that things are moving at an accelerated pace, because summer is essentially over. Christ of the Bay Lutheran Church is shifting back into high-gear with our two services on Sundays, Sunday School/Friendship Sunday/church picnic, confirmation classes, UWGB ministry, and a congregation-wide Bible Study, called “Motivation for Mission.” Plus, school is in session and there is all that homework, companies are demanding higher productivity and your vacation time has been depleted, and your family members and neighbors have many activities that involve your time and loving attention. We are God’s children, and Satan and his minions would like nothing else than to stress us out and to take our eyes off of the promise, hope and gift we have in Christ.
So then, remain in, or get started again in, your daily devotions and quiet-time with the Lord (please call me, if you need some help with this). Begin and end your day with God’s Word. Pray boldly and confidently (you are in Christ Jesus!), that Almighty God will give you strength and order your days according to his good and gracious will.
Blessings, in Christ,
Pastor Curtis
August Message from Pastor Curtis
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” ~ Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Are you motivated for mission? Here are some great ways to “Go”:
• National Night Out: The people of Christ of the Bay Lutheran Church will be getting acquainted and sharing the Gospel with four local neighborhood groups, hundreds of our neighbors, young and old, who will be gathering across the street at Baird Elementary School for the National Night Out event on August 3, 5:30pm.
• Hero Headquarters Vacation Bible School: The people of Christ of the Bay Lutheran Church will be sharing the Gospel with the children who will be attending our Vacation Bible School here at Hero Headquarters, August 9-13, 9am-noon!
These are great events to spur us on to be the called and sent holy people of God we are…to be disciples, participants together in the work of the Great Commission, praying, sending, and going in the name of Jesus Christ, so that many more believers would be added to the Lord. I am excited about how God is preparing us, and even more excited about what God is going to do in, with and through Christ of the Bay Lutheran Church here in Green Bay for the expansion of His kingdom!
I am also excited to announce an upcoming, six-week Bible study called, “Motivation for Mission” to help our congregation focus on our purpose as individuals and as a church. Motivation for Mission seeks to answer the question, “Why are we here?” Please join with me in prayer, that we will have maximum participation in this interactive Bible study. Beginning in mid-September, the study will cover: • Lost in America • Why is the Church on Earth? • Change? You Gotta Be Kidding! • The Search • The Power of a Team • Starting Interest Groups For more information about this study, contact me.
Blessings, in Christ,
Pastor Curtis
June 2007 Good-bye Message from Pastor Boettcher
It was just last week (or so it seems), that we came to C-B and Zion.
But it's fifteen years. (So we heard last week). The time has been a'flyin'.
In November of '91 we came, some of you still remember.
Installed on the 10th - it snowed that day - C-B at 1:00 p.m. and then Zion.
For seven years we burned up the road:
Monday and Thursday at C.O.B., Tuesday and Wednesday at Zion.
Sunday morning was preach and run -- no time for BC or chatting.
But God is good! Both churches grew -- and we hit no deer on the highway.
Although I did see the "thirty point buck" more than once as he zoomed across my way.
In '99 we came here to stay. Pastor Tom took over at Zion.
No hours on the road, same office each day, for sermon prep now there was time.
Little by little more people came, but we seemed to be stuck at 140.
Then Olga came and suddenly left us, but said, "Build now and use this."
We developed a plan and pledged and saved and asked the Laborers to help us.
In 2001 (C-B's 25th year), we started to build the new house.
Everyone helped; we laughed and we cried when the trusses rose close to the sky.
Old bricks were cleaned, steel beams were made.
We dry-walled and painted and flooring was laid.
Among piles of lumber during the rain,
On lawn chairs with flashlights, on 9-11 we prayed.
Thanksgiving was awesome 'cause we were "in" --
One toilet and exit lights glowing.
Little by little more people came -- with VBS bigger each year.
"Purpose" and "Gifts" and new groups were tried;
Students' and couples' nights out and breakfast (some fried).
The praise team sang and musicians played
And worship was almost, well, "fun" (dare we say that?)
And the goal of it all is that Christ shines through. He is the Head of it all.
He is Lord of the church -- your Savior and mine.
It's love that binds us together.
We say "thanks" for your kindness, your patience, your love.
And the party and gifts were just awesome.
Be as kind to "the new guy" (that was us just last week).
Love him and listen and laugh at his jokes
As he tells us of Jesus and keeps us His folks.
May 22, 2007
David Boettcher
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