|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cristo Cordero de Dios
|
 |
|
Cristo Cordero de Dios
Greetings and Blessings to each one of you ("Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others") who gave of your gifts.
The Mission Action Team wants to communicate with as many of you as possible so that you see what has been happening at Cristo Cordero de Dios, and to thank you, and to Praise God for what he has done with the ministry at Cristo.
We hope that these pictures will give you an idea of the tremendous amount of work that has been accomplished during the week of February 2nd through the 6th.
This vision began with the commitment over many years from Al Knoepfel (from Trinity Lutheran, Grand Island) to see the completion of this work at Cristo. That vision has been inspired by the continued hard work and evangelism, and most importantly the faithful dedication of the members and leadership of Cristo, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Trinity congregation committed about $5000 through their Foundation. And, there were a few congregations from around the State who also contributed to this effort. And, finally, the contributions from Peace Lutheran totaled a little over $5000. We expect these funds to pay for the sheet rock and finish work, as well as the fire alarm system that is being installed.
 Image #1878 shows what the sanctuary has looked like for 2 or 3 years. The pink is styrofoam insulation board. The brown stripes are furring strips. This church was built in 1894 and the interior rock surface had only been plastered all of these years.
 Image #1989 proves that any Lutheran project is always accompanied by lots of food! Members of Peace Lutheran provided snacks and lunches. And, the ladies of Cristo provided breakfast and supper each day. It should be noted that Bill Heider, the construction manager, extended his work day from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 PM so that folks working different shifts at their jobs could work in the morning, afternoon, or evening. On average there were nearly a dozen folks on the job at any one time for the entire week. The work that was finished due to the hard work by all of these folks was simply amazing. There were workers fron Peace, Trinity, and Cristo.
 Image #1993 reminds us hard working, task oriented Lutherans that the physical labor and monetary donations are important. However, our focus has to be on serving God's children of all ages like these young ladies. Our desire is to make this sanctuary a more comfortable place to invite folks to come and worship Him!
 Image #2097 introduces you to a couple key folks in this effort. Bill Heider is a life long member of Trinity and was the construction manager. And, it is a pleasure to introduce you to Pastor Juan Aguilar. He has just joined the Cristo congregation this past fall, he comes to Nebraska from South America. And, he joins Jose Velasquez who has been serving the congregation for several years and studying to be an ordained minister. Many of you have met Jose and know he has been working very hard since Pastor Santamaria retired over a year ago, and you are accustomed to Jose's ever present smile and hugs.
 Image #1913 gives you an idea of the intricacies of working from many levels of scaffolding to reach the high walls of the sanctuary in the chancel area. This also gives you an idea of the size of the crew that worked at any one time and that everyone seemed to have a job and talent. Bill Heider commented how much he appreciated how everyone seemed to find a job measuring for the next sheet, cutting on the correct lines, lifting those 8, 10 or 12 foot sheets of drywall, along with others gluing and attaching the sheets to the furring strips with screws.
 Image #2102 shows you what the north wall of the sanctuary, the chancel area, looks like after the sheet rock has been installed. Already the interior appearance has been much improved! Most of the seams had already been taped during that first week of February. All of the sheet rock had been hung except for the arched area at the top of a couple windows. The amount of work finished in only 5 days was nothing short of amazing!
 Image #2037: This is the "after" picture in the view of a "before and after" story. This picture was taken during the very first worship service upon completion of the sanctuary transformation on March 8th, 2009. It is taken from the balcony. The light green paint brings out the green hi-lites in the stained glass windows and is truly beautiful.
 Image #2045: If I may add an editorial opinion; when the folks at Cristo Cordero de Dios "pass the peace," they REALLY pass the peace (La paz sea contigo!). Not only are there handshakes, but there are earnest hugs and expressions of joy! Hallelujah!
 Image #2049: Here is a closer view of the chancel area of the church. But, more importantly, these are the pastoral leaders of Cristo Cordero de Dios. Jose Velasquez is on the left. And, Pastor Juan Aguilar is on the right. God is doing a wondrous work in this congregation. One can see it in the joy that these brothers and sisters in Christ share with each other and with all visitors. The dedication and hard work exhibited by the members of this young congregation is truly inspiring. Praise God!
 Image #2042: Here is another view of worship on that first Sunday (March 8th, 2009) of worshiping in the newly remodeled sanctuary. Please note that there are a few open spaces in the pews. Our brothers and sisters in Christ at Cristo Cordero de Dios would be so very happy to have you come worship with them any Sunday at 11:00 AM. And, most Sundays they serve a meal immediately after the service. It is a free-will offering. And, the food served is "delicioso!" Seriously, they would welcome your coming to worship with them; to show you the wonderful work that Peace assisted with. And, share their Joy in Christ! Dios te bendiga! (God Bless you!)
If you want to read more about the history of this wonderful, old building and its ministry, please read the article that appeared in the Grand Island Daily Indepenent:
The corner stone at Cristo reads as follows:
Ev[angelische] Lutherische Dreieinigkeits Kirche
Ungeänderter Augsburgischer Konfession
erbaut im Jahre 1894
I have let my mind imagine what the German speaking folks of 1894 would think if they were to watch the work completed at "their Kirche" and the ministry that is ongoing. Men and women speaking English and Spanish working together, and not a German word being uttered. Cars driving by on Highway 30. Cordless, electric drills being used to drive the screws into the sheet rock. Church pews padded with upholstery covered with thin sheets of plastic. Music being performed on an electric keyboard, guitar, and drums.
Yet, with all these changes over a span of 115 years, we are stilll Lutherans and we are still committed to evangelical work for God's Kingdom.
And, we still follow the admonition of Psalm 100, 1 & 2: "Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs."
The folks from Cristo would like to show you their church home and share their joy, and please consider going to worship with them one Sunday (11:00 AM) and witness the joy that they will share with you.
Peace be with you (la Paz sea contigo),
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|