Learning to Give 

By Pastor Renata Eustis 

Sometimes I just wish the Wise Men had never made it into the Christmas story.  I know I shouldn’t blame it on them, but it seems like the focus on extravagant presents started with them and their gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  This is the time of year when I see a Christmas list with costly electronic treasures and toys and think, “How did I fail to impart my parental wisdom and values?”  “Don’t they know Christmas is about giving not getting?”  

I’m coming to the conclusion that it may be impossible to teach someone to give.  You can show someone what it means to give.  You can even require them to give.  (“Give the present to Jamie.  You know it’s his birthday, not yours.  And if you don’t, you won’t watch TV for a week.”)  You can make someone hand over a gift but that doesn’t look much like giving to me.  I would love to be able to teach my kids to want to give.  (In fairness to them, they do want to give sometimes, just not every time I want them to.)

It’s hard for people of all ages to give freely—to give without obligation, resentment, or the expectation of being acknowledged and appreciated.  It’s a rare person who doesn’t want to be thanked for what he or she has given, whether it’s a present or service in the church.  

There’s a poem by Ann Weems in which she describes giving a gift to her mother. 

I gave my mother Evening in Paris, 

   sixty-five cents at the five-and-dime,

   a Christmas Special.

Everybody knew—in the second grade— 

   that ladies longed for perfume.

I wanted to give her something special. . .  

   no Christmas chocolates she’d share with the others,

   no crayoned creation to hang in the kitchen,

   no photo of me with a snaggled-tooth grin,

   but a gift that no one else would use,

        a present just for my mother.

I wrapped it in tissue 

   adorned  with red reindeer

   and wrote “I LOVE YOU!”

        and signed it in cursive.

I thought it was the grandest gift anybody could give. 

She thought so, too. 

I’ve read that poem several times, and what first seemed a sweet memory, now seems quite profound.  What makes the giving complete is knowing that it has been received with joy.  Somehow this is different than being acknowledged or showing appreciation through the writing of a proper thank-you note.  The whole experience of giving is wrapped in love and joy.  Love for her mother was what motivated her wanting to give.  Knowing that her mother really enjoyed the gift was what made the daughter happy.  

So, as I look at giving through this poem, I see that giving freely doesn’t mean being detached.  Giving is an expression of love, and it does matter whether it is received or not.  I believe that each one of us, as people created in the image of God, is made to give.  That expression, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” really is true.  We want to give freely, out of love, not out of obligation, and when we do there is only one thing that makes us happier (blessed) and that is knowing that our gift has been enjoyed.  

In this Advent, take some time to sit, and let it sink in.  Let the fullness of God’s great gift to us in Jesus sink in.  Enjoy it.  And you may just find yourself wanting to give.  

Welcome New Council Members 

By Mark Rohrbaugh, President

New CLC Council Members for 2008-2009 were elected in part at the Congregational Meeting on November 18 and others are on the ballot for election on December  9.   Artie Harris will serve as Treasurer and Evan Gidney as Deacon.  We elected Lynn Hommeyer as Deacon but she has kindly agreed to fill the position of Recording Secretary.  On December 9, the remaining slate for election will be Pennie Noll as Financial Secretary, Sheila Bell as Deacon, and Lynn as Recording Secretary.  Thank you all for your willingness and dedication in serving on Council.  We look forward to you joining us.  A special thanks to the the Nominating Committee, Carla Howery and Lawrence Thrower who worked hard to fill the slate of candidates.  Also, thanks to those who gave prayerful consideration to serving but were not able to at this time.   Please plan to attend a short Congregational Meeting this Sunday December 9 to vote for the remaining three candidates.  This will be the only business item on the agenda. 

For those people whose Council terms are ending, some after multiple terms of service, let us thank them for their service.  We are grateful to David Blakemore for serving as Recording Secretary, Ann Marie Nelson for serving as Financial Secretary, Bill Pryor for serving as Deacon, and Mack Ott for serving as Treasurer.  Thanks be to God!  

Council Members whose terms continue through 2008 are Mark Rohrbaugh, President, Joanne Noll, Vice President, Tonya Holland, Deacon, and Carolina Glauster, Deacon. 

A New Twist on the Stomach Flu 

By Vicar Christine May 

Just like many of you, I have been thinking a lot about gifts lately.  Mostly they have been what to get Don’s grandmother who has everything, or searching for the ‘perfect’ present for my dad.  But recently I was forced into looking at gifts in a new way.

The Monday before Thanksgiving, Jackson (my middle son) started throwing-up.  This was not just a one time thing – it was the whole awful vomiting/diarrhea combination which lasts all night long.  My husband and I were in for it!  Then, Wednesday, Carter (my oldest son) and I were hit by the bug.  Don fell victim the next day, which was Thanksgiving.  Needless to say, we did not have turkey on Thanksgiving, and my parents, who were supposed to visit, didn’t come.  So, it seemed a little bleak.  But my aunt came down from Baltimore on Saturday and we ate our dinner a few days late.  It was actually quite relaxing.

I said I was going to talk about gifts though, didn’t I?  I am getting to it.  By the time we reached the following Monday, I was sure Cooper had escaped the virus and we were home free for the winter.  So, when Thomas Jefferson Elementary called me on Tuesday morning at work I felt a bit overwhelmed.  Cooper does not go to Thomas Jefferson so I knew something was going on with Carter or Jackson, both of whom had already had the throw-up thing.  The conversation went something like this:

TJ: “Hi.  This is Debbie in the clinic at Thomas Jefferson.  I have Carter here in the clinic.  He threw up.”

Me: “No, he did not.” 

TJ: “Yes, I am sorry he did and it wasn’t just a little.  We had to have him change his clothes.”

Me: “But we already had this, last week.” 

TJ: “Yes, I know.  I am sorry, but we are going to need you to come get him.”

Me: “OK.  Someone will be there soon to get him.”

So, I had to leave.  After the previous week of throwing up I was already behind and felt I just did not have time for this.  My mind was racing… “How was I ever going to get everything done?”  I got Carter home, tucked him in bed, and took a deep breath.  And then, God spoke.  I am not kidding.  Something spoke to my heart and said, “This is a gift.”  Hmm… a gift?  I thought about it and realized that it was only 10:45am and I was forced to be at home.  I could not leave and run errands because Carter was at home.  I had a whole day in front of me and that’s when I realized that I had the opportunity to….. clean my house!  

Okay, okay, I know it’s crazy, but a clean house just sets everything right in my mind.  Not only did I get my house cleaned, but my laundry done, and…. I dug the Christmas decorations out.  So, when Cooper and Jackson got off the bus their eyes lit up with all the excitement that comes with Christmas decorations.

Now that I have had a week from that fateful day of more throwing up, I really do see how much of a gift that day was.  I see how much I needed to take some time to take care of my family and to give myself the space to breathe.  Plus, it’s quite possible without that day I would still have pumpkins sitting around my house.  

It is that time of year again…the bustling around, decorating trees, and buying presents, and the stomach virus.  My hope is that each of us can take in this time of year as a ‘gift’.  My prayer is that we can each receive the gifts that God offers us each day – our family and our time.  My longing is for each of us to hold in our hearts the dearest gift of God – unconditional love given to us in the gift of baby Jesus.  

Advent & Christmas Schedule 

Wednesday Taize Services 

December 5, 12, and 19 at 7:30 PM in the Chapel 

Preceded by meal of soup at 6:45 PM 

Saturday, December 15, 2-6PM

Christmas Party for Kids of All Ages 

Games, crafts, holiday cheer (and a break for parents of all ages!) 

Followed by. . . 

Christmas Caroling 

People of all ages meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6PM, 

Supper afterwards 

Advent Service of Comfort and Hope 

Saturday, December 22 in the Chapel at 5 PM 

This service is for anyone, but especially for those who know that this Christmas will be a difficult time--whether it be because of the loss or illness of loved one, a broken relationship, 

painful memories, or any other reason.

Greening of the Church 

Following worship Sunday, December 23 

Help “deck the halls”! 

Christmas Eve 

Monday, December24 

Festival Organ and Choral Prelude at 7 PM  

Noels of Daquin and Christmas Cantata by Corelli 

Festival Holy Communion at 7:30 PM 

Christmas Day 

Tuesday, December 25 at 10:30 AM  

Holy Communion with Lessons and Carols 

New Year’s Day Agape Service and Brunch 

Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 10:30 AM 

In Wenchel Chapel 

The Epiphany of our Lord 

Sunday, January 6 at 10:30 AM 

Christmas pageant by the Young People 

Degreening of the church, following worship 

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

By Tim Breitbarth

On Saturday, December 15 from 2-6 pm, Christ Lutheran Church will host a Christmas party in the Undercroft for children of all ages.  We will play games, make some special holiday crafts, and spread Christmas cheer.  Snacks and a holiday movie will be included.  Parents, if you need some time by yourself to go Christmas shopping, this is your chance!  Drop the kids off at 2:00, and then join the rest of the congregation for Christmas caroling when you pick them up at 6:00. 

If your child would like to attend, you are encouraged to RSVP to Tim Breitbarth by email at bluestreak5@yahoo.com or phone at (202) 465-5370, so that we may get an accurate headcount for the snacks.

AN EARLY PANCAKE SUPPER IN 2008 -- FEBRUARY 5

Everything is early in 2008: Ash Wednesday is February 6; Easter

is March 28. Mark your calendars now and join us in "The Ice Palace" from 5:30 to 7:30 pm on February 5, 2008.  Fresh flipped pancakes with all the trimmings served family style will be the main event!

GIFTS OF HOPE 

By Alice Meyer 

What are Gifts of Hope?  They are an alternative gift giving opportunity.  Instead of buying a material gift for someone, a Gift of Hope is a purchase of a mission opportunity in your recipient's name.  They vary in price from $3 (ice cream treat for a child in Slovakia) to $250 (a week of summer camp for one child).

Gifts of Hope, the alternative gift-giving program in the Metropolitan Washington, DC, Synod (ELCA), is starting its 16th season. Since 1992, over $1,000,000 has been raised to help people in need in our community and around the world! And every penny received has gone directly to the beneficiaries.

For each gift you purchase, you receive three items, which you can give to your friend, family member, coworker, or anyone you desire:  

• A card 

• An envelope 

• An insert describing your chosen alternative gift 

The actual gift will be delivered by the designated ministry or organization to the beneficiary. 

Each congregation can select an additional organization as their #40.  Once again, Christ Lutheran is adding additional items that Transitional Housing Corporation (THC) needs for their programs.

THC is listed in the main catalog with the Women’s Wellness Program ($50) and Reading Club Books ($20).  

We are adding the following for our #40: 

40a. A week of summer camp for one Partner Arms child ($200),

40b. A week of providing utilities for a Partner Arms family ($75),

40c. A season’s worth of garden seeds, plants and supplies for a family         participating in the Partner Arms Garden Club  ($25), 

40d. one month pf Graduate Equivalency Diploma (GED) materials, training and tutoring ($100).

If an item appeals to you but you don't want to give the full amount, that's okay.  Whatever amount you give will be applied to that item.

If you have questions, please call me (301-650-2292) or email me (bannerz@starpower.net).

I plan to have the information at coffee hour 11/25, but if you would like to participate before then, please let me know.  I have the cards and order forms now, and I'll be glad to share them with you. 

CHRISTMAS WITH ST. DYSMAS FAMILIES 

By Joanne Noll 

Joe Weber, our Community of St. Dysmas contact, will be in church on Sunday December 16 to receive gifts to help make Christmas happy for families waiting for their loved ones to be released from prison.  It’s not too late to contribute! CLC will help provide Christmas for five families, including "wish lists" for children.  Gifts for the children, along with small mementos and grocery gift cards for the (single) parents, are encouraged.  If you would like to take part, Joanne Noll has the list with names, ages of children, etc.  Reach her at nollcaljo@juno.com or 301-530-2265. Deadline for delivery to Joe Weber, our Community of St. Dysmas contact, is Sunday, December 16.

Join Advent Taize Services 

By Brian Rowe 

Each Wednesday in Advent, at 7:30 PM, we will have services in the Chapel based on the form of worship from the Taize Community in France.  Prayerful singing is at the heart of this service, which includes scripture readings and silence.   Short songs, repeated again and again, give them a meditative character.  Using just a few words, they express a basic reality of faith, quickly grasped by the mind.  As the words are sung over many times, this reality gradually penetrates the whole being.  Meditative singing thus becomes a way of listening to God.  It allows everyone the opportunity to take part in a time of praying together and to remain together in attentive waiting on God, without having to fix the length of time too exactly.  To open the gates of trust in God, nothing can replace the beauty of human voices united in song.  This beauty can give us a glimpse of "heaven's joy on earth," as Eastern Christians put it.  And an inner life begins to blossom within us. Please join us for these special services that are focused on preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. The service will conclude at approximately 8:15 PM., you may stay for silent prayer as long as you wish.

Soup Chefs Needed!  Prior to our Taize services at 6:45 PM on December 12 and 19, we will need some volunteers to prepare a light meal of soup and bread.  If you are able to supply soup for December 12 or 19, please email Barbara Rowe at browe2@jhmi.edu.

PowerShift 2007
By Sylvia Glauster

During the first weekend of November, 6,000 young people came together from across the country for a conference on Global Climate Change and Economic Justice, called Powershift 2007.  CLC hosted 9 students who came from Wellesley college to attend the conference.  They thank CLC for helping make the trip affordable for them!  I slept with these students in our fellowship hall and attended workshops and speeches with them at the University of Maryland.  A main focus of the speakers, panels, and workshops was the connection of issues such as poverty and racism with environmental degradation.  From pollution-spewing power plants in inner city neighborhoods, to mountain-top removal coal mining in Appalachia, to drought-fed conflicts in Africa, our pollution most affects those who have the fewest resources with which to fight back.  Greater Washington Interfaith Power and Light (GWIPL), the organization through which CLC buys clean power, offered several workshops with an explicitly faith-based approach to sustainability efforts as well as a green worship service on Sunday.  On Monday, students took their message to Capitol Hill and spoke with elected representatives, advocating for 80% reductions in greenhouse gases by 2050, the creation of 5 million "green collar" jobs that would also create pathways out of poverty, and a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants.

The three days of the conference were incredibly exciting and energizing.  I attended workshops on education, learned religious songs with an environmental twist, and danced in the streets to Appalachian bluegrass music.  Along with 300 others, I marched to Citibank's downtown headquarters with the message that they need to shift their dirty coal investments to renewable energy.  (After our "Coal Kills" die-in, the bank closed for the day and police declined to arrest anybody.  Instead, we danced in the streets some more.) 

PowerShift drew many famous and influential speakers such as Nancy Pelosi, but by far the most inspiring were the voices of students, many barely of voting age, as they shared their experiences, recited slam poetry, argued passionately and persuasively on Capitol Hill, and even testified before a Congressional committee.  It was an amazing experience, and we all vowed not to let it stop there.  6,000 young people are returning to their communities and urging campuses, churches, and other organizations to make commitments to mitigate global climate change.  Please join our efforts!

For more information about the conference, visit www.powershift07.org.  To learn about GWIPL, visit www.gwipl.org .

        …an Epiphany treat…

        Organ Recital featuring

        Dr. Bryan G. Rowe

        Saturday, January 26, 2008 at 5 PM

        Light dinner to follow

2007 SILENT AUCTION A BIG SUCCESS!

By Joanne Noll 

This year's Silent Auction took place on Sundays October 28 and November 4. We had a wonderful time!  The very first of 64 items donated was from Kathy Gelner in an email from China!  This means anyone from anywhere can take part. At least 47 people bid successfully on one or more items or made special monetary donations. Bidding on several items was furious! The "hovering" that takes place over some favorite items is fun to watch.

The Silent Auction itself realized funds of $3,269 – wonderful total!

Bob Sylwester, a CLC Thrivent congregational representative, applied for the annual $1,300 provided for the "Care in Congregations" program. These two amounts total the great amount of $4,569, which will go toward new furniture for the Parish Hall when the renovation is finished.  This decision was made by the congregation at its November 18 meeting.

The sharing and fun has already begun between donors and bidders and will continue throughout the year.  Well done, everyone!

Scrapers, Primers, Painters! 

By Frank Malone 

Notwithstanding the planned contract work on the upper level, CLC has opportunities (read: needs help from) anyone willing to do a little scraping, priming, or painting, or work needing other skills.   A current priority is readying for painting the walls of the former THC Office, next to the Primary Sunday School room in the basement.  The neighborhood play group that meets in the adjoining room bursts at the seams (good news!) and we would like to have flexible space to add, hence the painting project.

There are other opportunities for varnishing and painting, as well as minor electrical, plumbing, and masonry tuckpointing.  The Building Committee is putting together a list of “to do’s” that will be available in the CLC office.   You may also email the office with suggested tasks for the list.  The Building Committee will weed out duplicate suggestions and help set priorities.  Desta will take some of the tasks, as will members of the Building Committee, some will require contracting, but there are many more tasks that would benefit from additional hands.  Because everyone has busy schedules, in lieu of a “work day” we’d like to offer members and friends the opportunity to just take a task from the list and work on it independently, if appropriate.  Desta or a Building Committee member (Scott Pitner, Bob Sylwester, Frank Malone) can explain the tasks and assist with access.

Valedictory Message  

By Mack Ott, Treasurer 

As Advent begins, the end of my tenure as Treasurer of Christ Lutheran Church is near.  I would like to express my great appreciation to you, my fellow parishioners, for the honor conferred on me of having served CLC during the past two years.   As I leave this office and pass its responsibilities on to Artie Harris, it is important to recognize that David Blakemore, CLC’s bookkeeper, has shouldered most of the day-to-day burden of paying bills, balancing the accounts, and keeping our finances in order during my frequent and extended forays out of the country.  For that, I am more than grateful, and all of us at CLC owe him a great huzzah!   I also am quite pleased that Artie has agreed to take on the job of Treasurer and to be David’s partner in controlling the financial records of our congregation.  

But, aside from this expression of gratitude, there is another message that I would like to leave you with concerning our congregation’s financial health and well-being, and that is that we—every household in the congregation—need to reevaluate at the end of each year our contributions to Christ Lutheran Church. 

All of us tend to decide on and make our weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual contributions in round numbers.  That is, each of us gives our offering in round terms—say, even $1s, $10s or $100s.  Consequently, each year, when our employers increase our compensation by some weird percentage—say, 3.87935% —we are not inclined to adjust our contributions by this weird increment.  Yet, if all of us, each and every household, did just that—adjusted our contributions each year by, at least, this weird, non-integer increment—CLC’s budget would be supported at a higher level.  

So, as my parting message as CLC Treasurer, I entreat you to consider doing just that:  Raise your planned contribution by the same increment in percentage terms as the adjustment to your salary, commission schedule, or pension  in your annual salary review or pension cost-of-living adjustment.  

As you will be aware, Christ Lutheran Church’s budget annually is in the black or red by a similarly non-round percentage.  If we all pledge to make this adjustment in our giving, CLC’s budget will stay in the black and our outreach, maintenance, and other evangelical efforts will be the better and more empowered as a result.

Finally, let me remind you that our Alive in Christ campaign remains Alive.  We are nearing the choice of contractor as even now their competitive bids for the proposed work are being evaluated.  Yet, we are far from finished in our efforts to renovate and make handicapped access a reality at Christ Lutheran Church.  

To date, our realized contributions have totaled nearly half a million dollars, a portion of pledges totaling over $900,000 for the five years of the full campaign horizon.  Fully two-thirds of CLC households have made pledges.  Combined with funds to be obtained from selling CLC’s real property (1516 Hamilton) and some of our financial assets, we are embarking on a $2.5 million building project.  

Yet, there is much more that could be done with another million to finance all phases of the entire envisioned $3.5 million project—e.g., an elevator to provide handicap access to the lower levels of the CLC buildings, undercroft renovation, a needed kitchen renovation, newer and more comfortable seating in the chancel. Another $100,000 would allow some important components now out of reach to be brought under consideration.

If you have not yet joined in supporting this capital drive, please consider doing so soon. 

So my final request to you in our evangelical and congregation tasks is twofold: 

* Please consider annually increasing your offering by at least the same non-round, weird, non-integer amount that your salary, commission schedule, or pension is adjusted.

* Please follow through on your Alive in Christ pledge, making its support of this worthy but costly renovation a reality, or join in if you’ve not yet made a pledge.  

Every bit will help, and our counters who weekly add up our giving, or David and Artie who toil over making the books balance and cover our needs, will not be bothered by having to add up contributions that are not in round, even dollars.  So, make those adjustments to your contributions every year, and do not fret that instead of $5.00, $30.00 or $200.00, the contribution becomes $5.19, $31.16 or $207.76.   In a real sense, following this canon will mean, as the lovely old song intones, “Pennies from Heaven.”  Let those pennies rain down and bring blessings to our work!

THE EAR OF CHRIST

David Amt, a CLC member who resides at the National Lutheran Home, will be an honoree at the January birthday fete.  Let's join the crowd and wish him a happy January 30 birthday by sending him a card or a note!

FROM JAMES AND JANA SHEPPERD: Here is our contact information:

James & Jana Shepperd
Cajkovskeho 12
811 04 Bratislava
Slovak Republic
Jana.Zemlova@talk21.com
JD_Shepperd@hotmail.com

VISIONING UPDATE 

By Phil Hecht 

In October and November, the Visioning and Stewardship Committees continued to meet regularly with our owner’s representative, Bob Waechter of JFW, Inc.  In mid-November, we sent out the construction drawings to four general contractors for fixed-price bids, and we requested that the bids be submitted by December 12.  We will meet on December 18 to review the bids and consider which aspects of the planned renovation we can reasonably afford at this time and which may have to be postponed.

At the Congregation Meeting on November 18, members of the Visioning and Stewardship Committees gave a detailed presentation explaining the status of the renovation planning and the expected start of construction in Spring 2008.  

We also explained our plan for financing the renovation, which differs from the plan that the Congregation approved last year.  Instead of spending our reserves, which have been earning interest at a very robust rate, and selling the house at 1516 Hamilton Street, which is depressed in value because of the real estate downturn, we will apply to the ELCA Mission Investment Fund (MIF) for a construction loan of no more that $2 million. Ultimately we will pay this off with our reserves, the sale of 1516 Hamilton Street, and amounts received from and pledged to the Alive-in-Christ campaign.  The MIF loan carries a 6.5% interest rate, it requires us to pay interest only during the construction period, and there are no pre-payment penalties.  

The Congregation unanimously approved this alternate financing plan.  God willing, we will be able to realize most of our priorities in the renovation and finish the construction by the end of 2008.

CALENDARS, CALENDARS

Two words about calendars -- First, Christ Church liturgical calendars are here. Help yourself in the Narthex or Fellowship Hall. Keep up to date on the color of the day, the lessons, etc.  Second, if you receive calendars you don’t want, leave them in the narthex for Elise. The women at N Street Village would love having them.  

TEST YOUR BRAIN POWER! 

Test your brain power! Learn some interesting facts about who gives and who gives little.

www.freerice.org

Free:  Out of Use Hymnals

Members are encouraged to take home copies of the 1978 and 1941 hymnals, which will be in the Fellowship Hall and the Narthex.   These hymnals are part of the history of Christ Lutheran Church and together show the evolution of the larger church body.   While newer generations will grow up with the current “cranberry” hymnal, for many of us, the 1978 (Green) hymnal, and even the 1941 (Red) hymnal are associated with parts of our lives.   Rather than discarding them or storing them in the recesses of the church, these are being offered to members and friends.  Take one or more, share a memory.

We would love to have a few more new hymnals, Evangelical Lutheran Worship, in the pews before Christmas.  Would you like to purchase a hymnal in memory of or in honor of a loved one?  The cost is $20.00 for each hymnal.  Please make your check payable to Christ Lutheran Church (write “new hymnals” in the memo line) and mail to the church office or place in the “church secretary” mailbox.  Thank you.

THEOLOGICAL BOOK CLUB: READING AND SHARING TOGETHER

By Carla B. Howery 

The Theological Book Club welcomes anyone to come on a one-time or continuing basis, to share thoughts about books that aid our faith journey,  

We are meeting monthly, and we rotate who selects the book to read and kicks off the discussion (the name in parentheses).   We meet promptly at 12:15 on Sunday after worship, now in the Wenchel Chapel.  

January 6 - The Faith Club   (Pastor Renata)

Please come when you can or when a book catches your attention.   And we welcome suggestions for books!

Greens Update 

Thank you, thank you to all who purchased holiday greens from the youth.  The profits made (approximately $275) will go to support the youth for Confirmation camp.  We still have a few extras (centerpieces and living trees) if you would like to purchase one.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM 

Please print and clip this page. Send or deliver to CLC Office address below, or pass to Beth Mills in person. Orders and checks must be received no later than Friday, DECEMBER 14. 

*PLEASE NOTE: YOUR CHECK MUST ACCOMPANY THIS ORDER! 

Please make check out to Christ Lutheran Church, and mark "Poinsettias" on memo line.

YOUR POINSETTIA DEDICATIONS: 

To the glory of God and   

____in honor of  

OR  ____in memory of:

 [Name]_____________________________

___________________________________ 

To the glory of God and 

____in honor of  

OR ____in memory of:

 [Name]_____________________________

___________________________________ 

From: (your name) 

___________________________________ 

Additional dedications may be attached to this form.  

Please deliver or mail order & check to: Christ Lutheran Church, 5101 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20011-3896,

Attn: Beth Mills by December 14!

You are encouraged to take your plants with you following the service on Sunday December 30.  If you have a question, feel free to call Beth at 301-977-1837 or email her at bethbarnhardtmills@yahoo.com.