Pastor
Paul’s Pen
Pastor
Paul’s Pen
Rev. Paul F. Gysan
Looking at the calendar I realize that after I write this article, I’ll only have two more “Pastor Paul’s Pen” to write before I retire the last day of October. All of us have Bible passages there support, guide, comfort, and challenge. I thought instead of delivering a “last lecture,” I’d share one portion of scripture each month that has been a blessing to me.
The
one I chose for this month coincidentally is the theme passage for the recent
workcamp I attended. From Luke 4:18-19
we read, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me
to bring good news to the poor. He has
sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,
to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
In speaking these words from the prophet Isaiah, Jesus then said, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” These words of Isaiah were “REVEALED” to others through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. We as a congregation and as individuals are called to reveal God to others.
Over my 39 years of ordained ministry as a Pastor, I have sought to reveal God’s goodness to others. When God’s Spirit is upon us, as a church and as individuals, the words of Jesus uttered in that synagogue 2000 years ago are heard and felt today! God daily reveals God’s grace to us, and we are to reveal God’s saving grace to others. It begins with our baptismal calling to “let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your father in heaven.”
During these years as your Pastor, I have felt the power of God’s Spirit at work in and through this congregation. God’s Spirit “has anointed us to bring good news to the poor.” Over the years “the poor” have been interpreted in various ways: the “spiritually poor,” for example, or the “materially impoverished.” As a Pastor I’ve tried to bring good news to the spiritually poor, helping them come to know the rich life one can have in Christ. For the “materially impoverished” I’ve tried to be there for them, either personally or through the amazing work of our ELCA and other organizations. When Scott Wainner asked our youth on the last night of workcamp, “would you come to another workcamp” all the youth individually responded with a loud “yes.” Tate turned to me and asked, “how about you Pastor?” I nodded my head affirmatively but with sadness in my heart knowing that it would not be with this group.
God has also called us to “proclaim release to the captives.” There are probably lots of different ways that people can be captives - physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc. As a captive of God, as a Pastor I have been able to voice at services those awesome, powerful words, “As a called and ordained minister of the Church of Christ, and by his authority, I therefore declare to you the entire forgiveness of all your sins, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” I’m filled with awe and thanksgiving to God when I can share this good news. But all of us can share God’s release to others via what we say and do!
One of my favorite hymns is “Amazing Grace.” There is that verse that says, “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” When God’s Spirit is upon us, our blindness gives way to sight, and we see what God has done for us, and we see the world as God sees it. I thank God for giving me “recovery of sight,” to see people as God sees them. Within our congregation we have a VISION. We say that we are “connecting the world with God’s grace.” It’s that amazing grace that has touched my heart and yours, and in all areas of our ministry, whether it’s at VBS or during Sunday School, whether it’s ringing the bells or ringing the tone chimes, whether it’s welcoming a stranger or greeting a member, we share that amazing grace with all people.
Jesus knew how “oppressed” we can be. In simple terms oppression is being weighed down by something or someone. In our baptismal service we are asked to “work for justice.” In Isaiah 58:6-7 we read, “Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.” I’ll never forget our trip to rebuild Biloxi. After repairing a homeowner’s house, she stood tall once again. It was as if a weight had been taken off her back. Let us continue to work for justice.
Finally, we are to “reveal the day of the Lord’s favor.” I’ve been blessed during these 16 years as your Pastor to have felt the Lord’s favor from you. You’ve served me and others, as I’ve served you and others. You’ve revealed to me God’s love, and I pray that I’ve revealed that same love to you. Forgive me for the times that I didn’t, and continue to pray for LaVonne and I as we move toward retirement. I’ve grown a lot these past years being n your midst, and in the midst of “Christ the King.”
I want to thank you for an amazing journey together, and I ask that you remember this passage from scripture, for it has been foundational to my ministry. Stay tuned for next month – for another portion of Scripture that would be part of my “last lecture.”
Council President’s
Notes
This week we had the first meeting of the newly elected council. We are blessed to have most of the council members returning this year. Many thanks to our outgoing members, Steve Seibert (President) and Steve O’Connor (Secretary) who have completed their three year terms. This year we welcome three new members to Council, Dave Whelan (Secretary), Bill Haitt (Stewardship), Kary Froscheiser (Finance), and Steve Wilson (Youth and Family). Their addition to council is greatly appreciated. In addition to the church leaders on council, our congregation is fortunate to have so many volunteers serving on committees, teaching, and serving our church.
Bishop Graham joined us at this month’s council meeting and spoke about the upcoming pastoral changes. Having the Bishop’s support and guidance will help make the transitions smoother. Our first priority over the next several months will be to take time to thank Pastor Gysan and Lavonne for their service, leadership, and friendship. The Synod is working to find an interim minister to start working while Pastor Gysan is still here. Our goal is to have a month or two of overlap so the interim minister can benefit from Pastor Gysan’s knowledge and experience.
We will be establishing a call committee for the selection of a new minister. The call committee’s first job will be to build a prospectus of our congregation. The prospectus will include who we are as a congregation, and where we are going. It’s important that we take our time understanding the needs of this congregation, so that we can find the best possible match in a new minister. My goal is to keep the congregation informed about the call process and keep the process as open as possible. The call of a Lutheran minister is cherished a right and responsibility of the congregation. Once a recommendation has been made for the new minister, a congregational meeting will be held for a vote.
The other major item discussed at the council meeting was the second parsonage. The council evaluated all available options for the Little Stones parsonage, and considered the debt reduction efforts of this congregation. Even though we are in down real estate market, we concluded that the best choice was to sell the property. A congregational meeting will be held in August to vote on the sale of the second parsonage.
It is with great joy that we welcome Deb Cantrell as our new Youth Minister. Deb arrived in Virginia and a few days later, we sent her off to the Youth Gathering in New Orleans. After a week of very little sleep, she got off the plane and came to the council meeting. I hope that the rest of her time at Christ the King is little less busy.
This year, we will have many challenges and an equal number of opportunities. We are blessed to have a council and congregation so dedicated in service to the Lord. I look forward to our growth in the months and year to come.
Brett McMillen, Church Council President
As a committed
body of Christ we will
Gather for Worship
Services are held each Saturday evening at 6:00 pm
and Sundays at
8:30am & 11:00am
Sermon Series
“Bread Of Life”
August 1
& 2
9th
Sunday after Pentecost
Installation of
VBS STAFF at Sunday Services
Musical
Musings
Happy summer to everyone! Whether vacationing, day-tripping, or just enjoying the view from "veranda" beach, may God's Peace be with you and your loved ones. Here it is - August - and our singers, instrumentalists, and ringers are all enjoying a well-deserved summer break. Soon enough the fall season will return and with it the resumption of regular rehearsals. We look forward to welcoming back our musicians in early September. The practice schedule for choirs and ensembles will soon be posted - without much change, for the most part. However, we would love to see YOU at our first practice. Come join us!
Soli Deo Gloria, Andrew
Love To Sing?
Train to be a Cantor. God gave you a voice, so use it. We need more Cantors! Call Jane Cooper 703-759-3919 and she will get you prepared and on the schedule!
Co-Director
for Cherubs Needed!
The Music Team and the Learning Team are looking for one more gifted adult to complete the team directing our Cherub Choir. Our littlest members love to raise their voices in song and they deserve someone special to guide them. If God is calling you to be that person, please contact Jane Cooper, 703-759-3919 or Tim Riffe, 703-757-9226.
As a committed
body of Christ we will
Grow in Faith
Greetings from
Mother’s Day Out!
Where has the summer gone? In between summer adventures, we are working hard to prepare our program for the new school year!
We still have a few openings for the fall – especially in the Teddy Bear classes (for those children who are 2 ½ by September). School begins on September 14th. Please stop by for a facility tour or contact Karen Anderson at 703/759-6935 or mothersdayout@verizon.net for more information.
We have several openings for teachers in various classes, as well as substitute teachers. The hours would be from 9:00-2:00 Monday through Friday, September through May. If interested, please contact me at 703/759-6935 or mothersdayout@verizon.net.
If you can’t commit to teaching but want to help out, there are always ways to volunteer at the Mother’s Day Out program. During the year we have a variety of “take home” projects (cutting and other craft prep projects) that could always use some helping hands to prepare.
Please keep our program in your prayers that we may have a smooth start to the year and that Gob will bless our efforts to provide a nurturing and loving Christian environment where our children can grow, make new friends and learn about Jesus.
Enjoy your remaining summer adventures!
Peace,
Karen Anderson, Director
Sunday School
Leader
The Learning Team is looking for a volunteer to lead the Pre-K through 2nd grade Sunday School for the 2009-2010 school year. Responsibilities include: recruitment of teachers; communicating regularly with the teachers; assisting with Rally Day (1st day of Sunday School); setting up rooms before Sunday School begins each fall & seeing that each room has the needed supplies. On Sunday mornings: put out sign in/sign out sheets, take attendance, collect offering, tally attendance and offering and put in Church vault, tally numbers and deliver to snack team, fill in when needed in classrooms, "close-down" Sunday School classroom areas. Attend monthly Learning Team meetings and provide feedback; and act as a liaison between teachers and parents/children.
Sunday School Rally Day – September 13
CTK – “Committed To Kids” & Adult
Education
Gather at 9:45 am in the Sanctuary on Rally Day (Adults & Children). We are going to have a gigantic Pep Rally! We’ll introduce our “Players”, our “Coaches”, and share with you the “Game Plan” for this exciting new year. We’ll break out into classrooms, where parents and players can meet the “Coaches” and register for the team. Since the Bible is our “Playbook” we’re are having a contest. Who has the biggest Bible, the oldest Bible, the heaviest Bible, the smallest Bible? Prizes will be awarded for those who win. Following the 11am service, the Pep Rally continues on the front lawn of the church. What are you hungry for? How ‘bout some Bedouin Burgers, Wilderness Wieners, Trinitarian Pretzel, Promised Land Pop Corn. Join in this great day as we begin a new year!
YOU
H and
Family Ministry
From our new Youth Minister, Deb Cantrell
You have made known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with
eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm
16:11 NIV
Greetings!
The verse listed above has been one of my favorites for some time. I found Psalm 16:11 had great meaning in my life as I considered whether God was calling me to attend seminary. The verse has played a part in all important decisions in my life since that time.
I, again, found myself repeating this verse in prayer as I discerned whether God might be calling me to Christ the King Lutheran Church in Great Falls. After prayer and careful consideration, I felt God was calling me follow His lead on the pathway to Virginia.
If we haven’t met already, my name is Deb Cantrell and I am your new Youth Minister. It seems a paradox that I have only been here a few days and, yet, I felt a connection with many of the youth and their families almost immediately. I am confident these bonds will grow with time and many new relationships will develop in time. If we have not met, please, introduce yourself. I am very anxious to meet all of you and get to know you.
God has blessed my life with . . .
5 children and 7 2/3 grandchildren. (You read correctly. My eldest daughter is having her third son this September.)
a BS degree in Broadcast Communications and a Minor in Theatre
a Master’s degree from Luther Seminary in Congregational Ministries and Church Leadership.
a creative nature and a passion for theatre, drama, art, computer graphics, photography and writing.
a passionate love of Christ and a desire to follow His lead through the pathways of life.
I will talk later about my thoughts and hopes for the Youth Ministry at CTK and upcoming events. However, for now, I want to get to know you and allow you to get to know me. I pray God will bless this ministry and each of you.
Until then . . .
God’s peace and blessings,
Deb
Cantrell, Youth Minister
As a
committed body of Christ we will
Evangelize the Gospel
Looking for a church home?
Please notify Pastor Gysan of your interest. We will be having a new member class in early September.
As a committed body of Christ we will
Serve Others
Camp Fraser
Update
A big thank you to all who donated sports and nature items for Camp Fraser! We collected a huge box full of great things and delivered them to the camp in June. The kids and counselors were very excited and appreciative!
On July 15th, we hosted an ice cream social at the camp. The children (and adults!) were treated to ice cream sundaes with many delicious toppings. This was a great event enjoyed by the campers and our CTK volunteers. Many thanks to those who came out and served the ice cream, and to Audrey Wild who coordinated this event.
Back Pack
Project
Once again this summer, the Service Committee is joining forces with Reston Interfaith to help provide backpacks for schoolchildren in need in our area. There will be a donation box in the Narthex collecting backpacks from now until August 6th. If you are able to provide 1 or more new backpacks (no corporate logos or wheels), it will help a child that could not otherwise afford one. For any questions, contact Linda McMillen at 703-406-4745 or Lmcmillen@medstaffer.com. Thanks for your support!
NOVACO Life
Skills Dinner – September 14th
Please watch the Sunday Bulletin for announcements regarding the NOVACO Life Skills Dinner on Monday, September 14th, at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Fairfax. We will need dinner items and volunteers.
Rising 4th - 7th Graders -
Service Project
The Service Team at Christ The King is excited about a "Servant Field Trip" for rising 4th - 7th graders, their parents, and other interested adults to the VOLUNTEER FARM in Woodstock, VA, on August 19th. We will leave CTK around 7:15am, travel by car to the VOLUNTEER FARM, where we will learn about the farm - how it is run by volunteers and that all crops grown are harvested and sent to various soup kitchens and shelters to feed the hungry and homeless, with a special emphasis on caring for needy children. We will join this mission to serve others by working on the farm from 9am to noon. The farm expects that our work would be mainly harvesting okra and muskmelons! Sound like fun? There's more! After completing our work on the VOLUNTEER FARM, we will travel to nearby Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp for a picnic lunch and an afternoon of swimming and hiking along the creek. We would return to Great Falls in the late afternoon. We need to get an idea of how many volunteers we might expect for this "Servant Field Trip" as soon as possible. Please mark the response sheet if your child(ren) would be interested and if you would be able to join us as a parent volunteer/driver. If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Shenk at Tracey@shenkfamily.com or Pastor Gysan.
As a committed body of Christ, we will
Care for one
another in Authentic Community
Prayer Concerns
Kay Teach, Hilton Patterson, Charles Reges, Roy Miller, Helen Lokker, Laurus Newby & Mona Carlton, Lynne Roots, Linda Darrell & Karen Stein, Nancy Ferguson, Jill Patterson, Raghu Nath, Jayne Ayers & Jamie MacIntosh, Ralph Swineford, Melisa Heinson, Marilyn Grove & Bob Strickland, Barry Bittner, Earl Perry, the Lynn Family, Mary Kreyling, Eva Kee, Chris Stuart, Ruth Ritchie, Tami Phillips, Jacquie Santantonio, Prue Welsh, Hunter Presgrave, Fran Beecher, Christine Garratt, Samuel Von Bank, Artie Wright, Justin LaPlant, Steve Smith, Stan Andon & Mike Horsey, Cecelia Pachko, John Sandberg, Kristy Parnell, Dolly Whelan, Jack Pertler, Pamela McManman, Deacon Thomas Gillen, John Gersic, Peter Yeager, June Birchler, Norma Johnson, Mary Davis, Abigail Roots, Shelly Wasser, Jack Turner, Kyle Babirak, Cora Hawkins, Bill Landherr, Richard Depalma.
Grieving - Brett McMillen & family at the death of his uncle, Norman Heikkinen, Janet Hugger and family at the death of her father Rev. Lorman Petersen.
Military Personnel - Stacy Caum, Chris Nogle, Jonathan Reading, Will Boyd & Lt. Jon Cirillo, Cpt. Chris Owen, Capt. Jason Jones.
Idea Session
for the Fellowship Committee
Meeting August
17, at 6:30pm in Luther’s Lounge
The Fellowship Committee has wrapped up this year's activities with an exciting 4th of July worship service, picnic & fireworks. We are seeking Fellowship Committee Co-Leaders and Helpers for the '09-'10 Church year who would like to participate in this very important ministry (with training and support) and are available to start with this planning “idea” session on August 17th! Anyone wanting to enjoy lots of fun and fellowship with other CTK members (for just one event or several) can contact Donna Kiffe at MDKiffe@aol.com or Amy Swineford at aswineford@gulickgroup.com (or call Amy at 703-481-6488).
Pastor Scott Farewell
On June 28th, a fond farewell was given to Pastor Scott & family by way of a special brunch between services. Annette Brady’s buffet was beautiful - including the flowers which added a beautiful touch. Many thanks to Annette, Jill Neaves and Jeanne McKinley for feeding the congregation! Antonia Siebert and her helpers deserve a round of applause for all their loving work. The farewell "open mic" was great, and Pastor Scott and Jen appreciated everyone’s thoughtful comments!
Fourth of July
Service and BBQ
On the 4th of July, a special worship service and picnic was held on the Church grounds to commemorate our country’s birthday. We had over 30 people at the Saturday evening Patriotic service. The Swineford’s, Hiatt’s, Gysan’s, Cooper’s & Brenda Rian coordinated the BBQ and we had a good number of people who attended. The fellowship at the event was great, and the fireworks, as always, were a “blast”.
NOVACO Life
Skills Dinner – September 14th
Please watch the Sunday Bulletin for announcements regarding the NOVACO Life Skills Dinner on Monday, September 14th, at King of Kings Lutheran Church in Fairfax. We will need dinner items and volunteers.
Kingdom
Kindred
Gary
and Jill Peterson visited with Nancy and Ken Silverman at their home in Virginia
Beach. The Peterson’s also report the
good news of another grandchild…Daughter Robin and his husband Scott Yost, had
a son on June 15th, named Buzz Macgregor…the “Family Circus” Cartoon
recently showed a young child kneeling for nighttime prayers saying, “…forgive
those who trespass against us. And leave us ninety-two temptations…” Maybe that child needed to join us this past
Lent when we looked at the Lord’s Prayer (ha)…Grieving - Pastor Scott & family as the death of
his Grandfather Wendell Anderson; Hank & Tatiana Lutz and family at the
death of her mother Blanca Torrico; Dave & Grace Luehring and family at the
death of his mother Betty Luehring; Milt & Helen Critchfield at the death
of Helen’s mother Elizabeth Egger, Janet Hugger and family at the death of her
father Rev. Lorman Petersen…Congratulations to Lynne Simmons and Village Green
School as they celebrate their 30th Anniversary…Brian Benson has
been going through offering envelopes that have been “counted” and this summer
has found $500 in checks. Add this to a previous count of $300 and he has found
$1,000. Thanks Brian for double checking
our offerings…Natalie Wainner had her 13th birthday at
Workcamp. Her name appeared on the “Big
Screen” and over 400 workcampers sang to her…Thanks to all those adults who
enabled our youth to get to New Orleans and Rocky Mount NC. It’s been a tremendous summer in service and
spiritual growth for these youth AND adults who accompanied them. Ask the Rocky Mount group about the lightning
storm that hit two trees outside their building. Quite an explosion…Andrew Saba
has learned that go-carting can be fun, but you need to stay away from hitting
other cars. Ask the Workcamp group about
their afternoon of free time in Raleigh…Kathy Weiss sent the campers battery
powered cooling fans which were a great help during the work week. She also sent some personal messages to the
youth, and helped provide transportation home…Parents of youth attending the
gathering in New Orleans could watch the major events over their computer. Our youth worked hard along with 37,000 other
youth and adults in helping rebuild and restore New Orleans. Deb Cantrell said, “I had to call for water
breaks. They didn’t want to stop
working”…Thanks to Audrey Wild for coordinating the ice cream sundae treat for
Camp Fraser. Our youth enjoyed meeting the campers and playing with them…At the
July 25 Saturday evening service the electricity went out because of a
storm. This happened just during Holy
Communion. There was just enough light to see as the “Body and Blood of Christ”
was shared. Worshippers left the church
in total darkness. Someone said, “Jesus
Christ is the light of the world. No
darkness can overcome this light.”
Thank You’s
“On behalf of the staff, leadership, and the entire congregation of Great Falls UMC, I want to thank you for hosting us this Sunday (June 21) during our electrical upgrade process. Everyone appreciated your gracious hospitality and enjoyed this unique opportunity to worship in your beautiful sanctuary. Should the need ever arise, we’d love to reciprocate. Again, our sincere thanks.
In His Service, Amy Miller, Chair –Worship
Focus Area
“The campers and the staff were very pleased by the box of supplies brought out to camp. Thank you all again for helping in such a great way. A couple from our church (Calvary Baptist) is coming out one night a week and working with the campers. The parachute from last summer is one of their props. Just wanted you to know you all at Christ the King are once again having a great impact on Camp Fraser.”
Nancy Renfrow
August Birthdays
Congratulations to these members,
who are celebrating a birthday this month!
Adam Calkins 8/3
Judy Lombardo 8/3
Nancy Guidi 8/4
Sophia Dumas 8/5
Nicholas Spoto 8/5
Kim Buckingham 8/6
Erin Schultz 8/7
Allison Brady 8/8
Floyd Gaibler 8/9
David Kuhnsman 8/9
Robert Mickert 8/9
Kevin Magley 8/10
Hillary Ayoub 8/11
Grant Maxwell 8/12
Thomas Miner 8/13
Ernie Fergusson Jr. 8/14
John West 8/14
Kimberly Pilka 8/15
Emily Buckingham 8/17
Sarah Buckingham 8/17
Lynne Roots 8/17
Sonia Toloczko 8/17
Addison Ridenour 8/18
Catherine Rafferty 8/20
Christine Borden 8/21
Lillian Kadunce 8/22
Cole MacMillan 8/22
Evan Guidi 8/23
Reese Ayoub 8/28
Mike Swineford 8/29
Kari Lervic 8/30
McKean McConnell 8/30
Cynthia Wallace 8/30
Sophia Apostolou 8/31
Michael Brock 8/31
Michael Hugger 8/31
Carol Jones 8/31
August Wedding Anniversaries
Congratulations to these members,
who are celebrating a wedding anniversary this
month!
Gary & Jill Peterson 8/10
Randy & Kathy Pherson 8/18
Jim & Annette Fisher 8/24
Scott & Betsy McKinney 8/24
Joe & Lynne Steel 8/28
Peter & Carolyn Saba 8/30