Parish Rebuilder. Fly the White Flags? Epiphany Party January 7th 5:30pm Quarterly Congregational Meeting January 22nd after 9:00 am service

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1 Parish Rebuilder ST. LUKE S LUTHERAN CHURCH WILSON ST. LA MESA, CA January 2017 Monthly Newsletter Volume 17 Issue 1 We invite you to join St. Luke's Lutheran Church Please contact Amy in the office to discuss membership or to arrange an appointment with the pastor: or office-sllc@att.net Office hours are: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Table of Contents Pastor Mark page 1 Music Department page 3 Parish Potpourri page 4 Birthdays/Worship Text page 7 Prayer Calendar page 8 Worship Teams page 9 Calendar page 10 Epiphany Party January 7th 5:30pm Quarterly Congregational Meeting January 22nd after 9:00 am service Fly the White Flags? Retreat! Retreat! The church council wishes to hold a congregational retreat on Saturday, 04 February. This is a congregational retreat, which means that all members of the congregation are invited. Regular attendees are also welcome. We probably will not be flying any white flags, but it promises to be a banner event! It has been a number of years since our last congregational retreat, and that is partly due to the time that it has taken to implement many of the ideas generated at the last gathering. That means two things. One, congregational retreats actually produce good ideas which become part of congregational life. Two, those ideas come from persons attending the retreat. So, the more people attending increases the chances of brainstorming such good ideas. Intentionally or not, the call to retreat, raises the specter of white flags, which signal that one side in a war has given up. In other words, a white flag indicates either that the fight is over or that the will to fight is gone. Sometimes the fight is over when congregational infighting has destroyed or nearly destroyed a congregation. More sadly, many congregations, particularly in developed countries, are seemingly fighting for their existence, or are they? In the UK, hundreds if not thousands of churches are now private homes. In Germany, the Protestant churches reckon that in the coming years 20,000-30,000 churches will be underutilized or unused. Locally, in the past months or so, an ELCA congregation in Alpine and an LCMS congregation in Santee have closed their doors. It seems as if many congregations are caught between infighting for their existence and

2 no longer fighting for their existence. Scripture reminds, But as for you, O man of God, flee these things [snares of extravagant material well-being]. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses (I Timothy 6:11-12). As many are away, St. Luke s has had its share of both infighting and fighting for its existence. At present, neither is the case. Instead, policies of no unnecessary conflict and transparent administration and sound stewardship have provided not only some welcome respite but have led to redevelopment of many areas and aspects of St. Luke s congregational life. This time of regrouping and redevelopment, however, is not an end in itself. It is merely preparation, providing a fighting chance for what lies ahead, but what does lie ahead? That is the question for and thus the topic of the forthcoming congregational retreat. As contrary as it may sound, particularly in relation of a God of peace, Christians are called to a fight. Each day we wake in battle. Each day we are called to remember our baptism, to drown the old Adam, the sinner, in us, and to be raised in Christ, to carry out our various vocations (callings) in service as members of the priesthood of all believers. On top of that, or distracting us from that, are all the other battles both small and large which face us daily - from getting out of bed to getting out of the house to getting to our destinations to getting things done to getting home... Get it? Getting to all those things often causes us to overlook or push aside that critical time needed daily to drown the old Adam, which entails more that taking a shower or a bath. Instead, it entails prayer and scripture and a time of peace with our God of peace. So, on Saturday, 04 February (at a time to be announced), I would ask you to plan to participate in this retreat. A congregation should always be fighting the good fight of faith, and together we need to pick our battles, namely deciding which endeavours for St. Luke s to pursue in order to make the good confession in the presence of as many witnesses as possible. Many Thanks Decorators We wish to thank all those who helped put up the Christmas tree, who helped make the chrismons, and who used the chrismons to decorate the tree. The Christmas Tree decorating party was again lots of fun, and with so many people helping, the tree was decorated in no time. We also wish to thank all those who helped with Christmas flower arrangements, poinsettias, and so forth. All these effort really help to make St. Luke s Christmas celebrations so festive. Sehr Gut Gemacht! We wish to thank the Hauks and the Applegates with all their preparations of time, food, and energy for helping to make the German Christmas Carol service such a wonderful occasion. Once again, our advertising in the papers attracted visitors to the service who joined many of those who return year after year. As in previous years, the Bible lessons were read by AP German students from Poway High School. We thank their teacher, Frau Marion von Ehrenstein-Smith for rallying her students to attend and to read lessons in German. Finally, we thank Renée Calvo, St. Luke s music director, for leading us through the liturgy and the many different carols. Wir wünschen allen fröhliche Weihnachten. Many Thanks to the Hoirups We wish to thank Don and Marlene Hoirup for their piano and voice concert held at St. Luke s on Tuesday, 20 December. Don and Marlene often join St. Luke s choir and provide special music when they are in San 2

3 Diego over the holidays. For them to offer a dedicated concert for the community at St. Luke s was a treat. Thanks to Don and Marlene. Fifteen Years Service We wish to recognize and express our gratitude for Eugenio Cruz's fifteen years of faithful and irreplaceable service to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Eugenio began working at St. Luke's on 26 December In that time, he seems to have learned everything about every aspect of the church's physical plant. He meticulously cares for the property and grounds. Perhaps unknown to many, he is a master at repairing or refabricating items which not only do not work but which often require parts no longer made or extremely expensive to replace. He is worth more than his weight in gold and has been informed that he is required to live forever to continue to help St. Luke's maintain its lovely church and school facilities. When you have a moment, please thank Eugenio for his service to the church. Pastor Mark Benefits of Singing, Part 1 Happy New Year! We just finished a wonderful season of song, lights, and good cheer. As we begin the year 2017, I would like to encourage you all to spend a few minutes each day singing. Research has shown that singing has many health benefits and even if you feel more comfortable singing in the shower or car, here are some proven facts that might encourage you to burst out in song. 1. Singing exercises your lungs. It tones up your intercostal muscles and your diaphragm. 2. It can improve your sleep. 3. We benefit our hearts and circulation by improving our aerobic capacity and we decrease muscle tension. 4. Your facial muscles get toned. 5. Your posture improves. 6. We can become more mentally alert. 7. There is a release of pain relieving endorphins. 8. It can help reduce anger, depression, and anxiety. 9. Use of music can help people regain balance if affected by illness. 10. Brings people together and encourages a community of believers. 3 These are just a handful of the reasons you all should engage in singing at home and most importantly, at church. Choose a hymn to sing each day. Sing out loudly and take the time to ponder the words you are singing. Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. -Martin Luther Renee Calvo, Director of Music

4 4 Congregational Happenings 2017 Epiphany Party January 7th 5:30pm 8:30 pm WSL Board Member Installation January 8th St. Luke s Theological Academy Classes begin January 15th and 17th 4:00pm & 7:00pm Quarterly Congregational Meeting January 22nd Congregational Retreat February 4th Auto Repair needs in your future? Contact Express Auto Service for you repair needs Located at 7633 El Cajon Blvd. #300 La Mesa, CA Each month our newsletter is published for free due to the advertisements of local businesses.. Parish Potpourri Perhaps not all St. Luke s members are aware that Panera left-over donations of bread, rolls, bagels, cookies, etc. are picked up by members on Thursday nights and then on Friday mornings are taken down to TACO at First Lutheran downtown, to be served at breakfast on Friday mornings. This commitment has existed for SIX YEARS!! Pretty awesome, don t you think??!! Those doing the pick-ups on Thursday nights, just before Panera closes, are Joann and Jack Hendrickson, George Hauk, Dave Buller, Dick Denton, and Dick and Martha Applegate. Several other couples, in earlier years, have also been in volved but are now retired. If there are other couples/individuals who would like to become part of this commitment, please call Martha Applegate Your car, SUV, van (whatever) smells so good as you journey down to First Lutheran with the Panera donations on Friday mornings!! A LITTLE HUMOR Investment tips for next year: 3M will merge with Goodyear and become MMMGood FedEx is expected to join its competitor, UPS, and become: FedUP Knotts Berry Farm and the National Organization of Women will become KnottNOW Grey Poupon and Docker Pants are expected to become: PouponPants Martha Applegate Please take a moment each month and see if the services they provide could help you

5 5 Christmas Tree Decorating Party

6 6 Come celebrate The Epiphany of our Lord January 7 th 5:30pm -8:30pm in the Lower Level Festive activities and dinner provided Please RSVP to the office by January 6 th

7 7 Happy January Birthday Victor Bitter 1/5 Betty Wiedmer 1/14 Charlotte Utley 1/18 Robert Newak 1/19 Martha Barrer 1/25 Angie Hauk 1/26 Colleen Olsen 1/29 George Parcells 1/29 JANUARY WORSHIP TEXT 1st Second Sunday of Christmas First Lesson Isaiah 63: 7-9 Second Lesson Hebrews 2: Gospel Matthew 2: th Epiphany of Our Lord First Lesson Isaiah 60: 1-6 Second Lesson Ephesians 3: 1-12 Gospel Lesson Matthew 2: 1-12 Happy Anniversary The Steppats The Parks 15th Second Sunday after Epiphany First Lesson Isaiah 49: 1-7 Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 Gospel John 1: nd Third Sunday after Epiphany First Lesson Isaiah 9: 1-4 Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 1: Gospel Matthew 4: th Fourth Sunday after Epiphany First Lesson Micah 6: 1-8 Second Lesson 1 Corinthians 1: Gospel Matthew 5: 1-12

8 JANUARY PRAYER CALENDAR 8 1 Psalm 96: 1-13 PRAISE! 2 1 Peter 2: Psalm 8: Psalm 111: 1-10 Give to Our God Immortal Praise! 5 Psalm 29: Isaiah 43: 1 3 Give to our God immortal praise! 7 Psalm 9: 1-11 Mercy and truth are all his ways; 8 Psalm 33: 1-11 Wonders of grace to God belong; 9 Psalm 18: Repeat his mercies in your song. 10 Psalm 34: Psalm 46: 1-7 He sent his son with power to save 12 Psalm 98: 1 9 From guilt and darkness and the grave. 13 Psalm 19: 7-10 Wonders of grace to God belong; 14 Isaiah 55 Repeat his mercies in your song. 15 Psalm 28: Psalm 33: Give to the Lord of lords renown; 17 Psalm 18: 1-3 The King of kings with glory crown. 18 Psalm 138: 1-8 His mercies ever shall endure 19 Psalm 30: 1-5 When lords and kings are known no more! 20 Psalm 36: Psalm 146: 5-10 Lutheran Book of Worship 22 Psalm 149: 1-9 Hymn # Psalm 18: Psalm 150: Psalm 31: Psalm 47: Peter 1: Psalm 145: Colossians 1: Jude 24, Revelation 7: 9-12

9 JANUARY WORSHIP TEAMS Reader Altar Guild Sound Technician Pastor Menacher-Jan. 1; Karen Skullerud-Jan 8; Randy Engel-Jan 15, Darcy Barghols-Jan 22; Martha Applegate-Jan 29 Utley Family Matt Kirk 9 1st Communion Assistant Bread - Prayers of the People Pastor Menacher Projectionist Communion Assistants Wine Marge Hersom Greeters Ellis Petersen and Loraine Wininger Usher Team Chuck Hersom Acolytes Madison Klomp and Brooke Klomp 8th Communion Assistant Bread Ted Olsen Prayers of the People Martha Applegate Projectionist Gail Knippelmeyer Communion Assistants Wine Terry East and Thelma Pace Greeters JoAnn Hendrickson Usher Team Randy Engel Acolytes Paige Yerger and Ryan Yerger 15th Communion Assistant Bread Judi Dunnigan Prayers of the People Mary Ann Boullain Projectionist Whitney Utley Communion Assistants Wine Liz Dunnigan and Karen Skullerud Greeters Marilyn Burns and Marie Handley Usher Team George Hauk Acolytes Brooke Klomp and Stuart Olsen 22nd Communion Assistant Bread Ted Olsen Prayers of the People Liz Dunnigan Projectionist Gail Knippelmeyer Communion Assistants Wine Terry East and Thelma Pace Usher Team Chuck Hersom Acolytes Paige Yerger and Ryan Yerger 29th Communion Assistant Bread Judi Dunnigan Prayers of the People Mary Ann Boullain Projectionist Tania Salas Communion Assistants Wine Liz Dunnigan and Karen Skullerud Usher Team Randy Engel Acolytes Brooke Klomp and Madison Klomp

10 :00 am Staff 11 11:00 am Staff 25 11:00 am Staff 1 Sun 9:00 am Worship 10: 30 am Sunday School 8 9:00 am Worship 10: 30 am Sunday School 15 9:00 am Worship 10: 30 am Sunday School 4:00 pm SLTA 22 9:00 am Worship 10: 30 am Congregational Meeting 4:00 pm SLTA 29 9:00 am Worship 10: 30 am Sunday School 4:00 pm SLTA 2 Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Office/Campus closed 9 9:00 am Counters 16 Office/Campus closed 23 9:00 am Counters 30 9:00 am Counters 3 9:00 am Counters Noon WSL 10 9:30 am Project Day 12:30 pm Rebekah 17 Circle 9:00 am Counters 7:00 pm SLTA 9:30 am Project Day 7:00 pm SLTA 7:00 pm SLTA JANUARY 2017 (2 classes) 6:00 pm Catechism 6:30 pm Music fundamentals 7:00 pm Choir 6:00 pm Catechism 6:30 pm Music fundamentals 7:00 pm Choir 18 11:00 am Staff 6:00 pm Catechism 6:30 pm Music fundamentals 7:00 pm Choir Noon Book club 6:00 pm Catechism 6:30 pm Music fundamentals 7:00 pm Choir :30 am 26 Deborah Circle 9-10 am Altar Guild 5:30pm-Epiphany Party am Altar Guild 9-10 am Altar Guild 9-10 am Altar Guild

11 S T. L U K E S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H W I L S O N S T. L A M E S A, C A Phone: Webpage: office-sllc@att.net NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL CAJON,CA PERMIT NO 262 Dated Material JANUARY 2017 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED A WARM WELCOME TO ALL Worship Service: Sundays, 9:00 am in the Sanctuary. Sunday School for all ages: Sundays, at 10:30 am. Epiphany Party January 7th 5:30pm 8:30pm. St Luke s Theological Academy classes begin January 15th, held Sundays and Tuesdays. Congregational Quarterly Meeting January 22nd after service. St. Luke s Mission Statement: We are called as a community of Christians saved by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ to spread the Holy Gospel in word, sacrament, and action soli deo gloria.