50th Anniversary Celebration
Theme - Celebrating Fifty Years 1959-2009
Purpose - The purpose of Christ Lutheran Church’s 50th Anniversary celebration is to thank God for our first fifty years; rejoice in Him; have fun; publicize stories of interest about Christ Lutheran; and invite people to come and enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Anniversary News -Your Anniversary Committee has completed plans for our Special Worship Services and a Special Music/Organ Concert to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Christ Lutheran Church. These worship services provide us with another opportunity to invite family, friends, and neighbors to come and enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.
Special Worship Service Schedule - Please join us in the following celebrations to thank God for our first fifty years, rejoice in Him, remember our past, think about our future, and invite family, friends, and neighbors to come and enter into a deeper relationship with Christ.
- May 17, 2009- Special Service at 10:30 - Reception following
Cherub, Choristers’ and Chancel choirs, Sunday School participation. The Mayor of Woodcliff Lake will present a Proclamation. Short history presentation.
- June 28, 2009- One Special Service at 9:30 – Hot & Cold Brunch following
The Rev. E. Roy Riley Jr., Bishop NJ Synod, and The Rev. Scott C. Schantzenbach, Assistant to the Bishop will participate in the worship service. Charter member recognition. Hand chime and Chancel choir.
- September 20, 2009- One Special Service at 10:30 – Picnic following
Outdoor service (weather permitting). Old fashion hymn sing- traditional and contemporary songs. Dance/band presentation of “He Reigns” by the youth of our congregation.
- November 1, 2009- Special Service at 10:30- All Saints Sunday
Remember last year’s and Charter Member “saints.” Anniversary dinner at the Woodcliff Manor after the service.
- November 15, 2009- Music/Organ Concert at 3:00 PM at CLC
"Dam Church Road"
 The original name of Church Road, running over the Woodcliff Lake reservoir was Dam Road. In September 1959, James Opsal, pastor of the newly formed Christ Lutheran Church petitioned the Woodcliff Lake council to change the name from Dam Road to Church Road because it was known as the "Dam Church Road". The council agreed, and the headline in the local paper stated "Dam down, Church cheered." The Hillsdale portion of the road was renamed shortly thereafter.
The "Dam Church" is now celebrating its 50th anniversary with a variety of celebrations and events during 2009. The first of these is Sunday, May 17th when charter members will be honored and a slide presentation will show past activities and accomplishments.
The church was originally built when a Lutheran congregation in Brooklyn mortgaged their own sanctuary to give Christ Lutheran $35,000 (over $200,000 in today's dollars) to purchase land and build the first building.
Since that gift, Christ Lutheran has played it forward and raised money every ten years to donate to a new, struggling congregation in New Jersey. For this golden anniversary, the members have again selected a start-up congregation who is about to break ground for their first building.
|
