Zion Lutheran Church Newsletter

Transcription

1 Zion Lutheran Church Newsletter Those who trust in the Lord shall be like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. (Psalm 125:1) December 2018 Pastoral Letter... page 3 In the Liturgy... page 4 From the Associate Pastor... page 5 Advent Sermon Series, Sundays and Wednesdays... page 6 From the Vicar... page 7 Bible Studies, Children s Education... page 8 From the Kantor... page 9 Mission and Outreach, Christmas Decorating Fund... page 10 Zion s 28th Annual Cookie Sale... page 11 News and Events... page 12 & 13 Memorials & Other Gifts Received... page 14 Just for Kids... page 15

2 ~ Worship ~ Advent and Christmas Saturdays/Sunday in Advent 5:15 p.m. / 9 & 11 a.m. Theme: Liturgy: Receiving the Gifts! Christ comes to His people through His Word. Using this Word is our daily and weekly liturgy of life. Wednesdays in Advent: Matins at 10 a.m. Vespers at 6:30 p.m. Theme: Hosanna! Advent at the Altar As Christ came to us at Bethlehem, so does He come to His church at the altar! The three traditional hymns sung at Holy Communion (Sanctus, Agnus Dei, and Nunc Dimittis) teach us about this gracious Advent and what to expect of our Lord. Christmas Eve: Monday, December 24 5 p.m.: Festival of Lessons and Carols 8 p.m.: Holy Communion (WSAU 550 AM) Christmas Day: Tuesday, December a.m.: Holy Communion (WSAU 550 AM) New Year s Eve: Monday, December 31 6:30 p.m.: Holy Communion 2

3 Pastoral Letter For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45) Dear Zion, He s on His way! God is always on His way. He does not stay in heaven but breezes into earth, His beloved creation, to sustain, bless, and redeem all that He has made. In these last days, He has even come to us in His Son, Jesus Christ. Christ came to us through the Virgin Mary 2000 years ago. He comes to us now through the liturgy (daily word and sacraments!) of His Church. He will come again to resurrect all the dead and give to all His believers eternal life. Our Lord is always on His way to you, because He lives to serve. Do you think of Christ as a servant? Yet by His own word, He is indeed a servant, your servant, serving you by giving you His gifts to create and nourish faith until He comes again. Advent and Christmas are all about this servanthood of God in Jesus Christ. Learning to be Christian is learning to see God in His servant character, and how that servanthood both redeems and humbles us. This December, Zion s preaching and teaching are filled with the good news of Christ the Servant. Let this good word transform your faith in Him, comfort your soul, and send you forth to serve and love as He has loved and served you. Peace! Pastor Gjerde 3

4 In the Liturgy Scripture Readings in Worship this December Below are the Bible readings that you will hear at weekend worship during December. Read them before worship, and then return to them throughout the following week. Sunday, December 2: Jeremiah 33:14-16, 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13, Luke 19:28-40 Sunday, December 9: Malachi 3:1-7b, Philippians 1:2-11, Luke 3:1-14 Sunday, December 16: Zephaniah 3:14-20, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 7:18-28 Sunday, December 23: Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 Sunday, December 30: Exodus 13:1-3a, 11-15, Colossians 3:12-17, Luke 2:22-40 What exactly is the liturgy? At it s basic level, the liturgy is the gifts of God coming your way. It comes from two Greek words, litos (people) and ergon (work), that got squished together to mean public service. Liturgy is the public service of God. He serves the public, or His people, by putting forth the gifts of His Son for their salvation, and the people serve God by trusting Him and His gifts, calling upon Him, and loving as He has loved. Seen in this light, liturgy is not simply an order of service or man-made ritual. It s the daily ebb and flow of God s gifts, working in the lives of sinners to raise up a harvest of faith. Not only public worship, but also the people s daily devotion in their homes, workplaces, and schools is part of the Church s grand, ancient, Word-soaked, gift-filled, redeeming liturgy. 4 The Season of Advent Experiencing the Liturgy Advent: from the Latin advenire, to come to, arrive. We celebrate Christ s arrival in history, first at Bethlehem, now by Word and Sacrament, and at the end of time with all His saints. Color: blue or blue-violet, the color of Israel s tabernacle, the Virgin Mary s traditional clothing, and the Lord s bruised flesh. Time: Four Sundays and their following days until Christmas, starting on the Sunday closest to the feast of St. Andrew, Nov. 30. (He s the first disciple, so he gets to start the new Church Year!). Purpose: to take joy in the Lord s promise that He will come and to let that joy shape our lives anew. Christmas, in turn, is a season to take joy in His arrival, first by birth, and now by His Word and Sacraments.

5 From the Associate Pastor Deuteronomy 6:6 These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise Dear brothers and sisters in Christ of Zion, God s grace, mercy, and peace to you today and always Amen! What does liturgy look like at home? Remember, liturgy is more than worship. Liturgy includes worship but liturgy chiefly concerns the gifts of God. On Saturdays/ Sundays, the Lord lavishes his gifts (namely, himself) onto you through Word and Sacrament. Those gifts set us on a trajectory for the rest of the week as we serve the Lord at work, in the community, and at home. God s gifts go with us, follow us home. God s gifts aren t just to be joyfully received at church, only to be received once a week. How do God s gifts go home with us? If there s anyone else in your home, those family members are and remain people for whom Christ Jesus shed his blood for. They are a gift of God to you because they were recipients and always can be recipients of God s gifts too. Also, you are a gift of God to them, especially if certain family members don t worship or belong to a church. If that s the case for you, how you speak to them, invite them, and how you carry yourself around them can be a gift of God to them. Jesus said to be salt and light because he declares you, through faith in him, to be salt and light already, so season and shine that they may see your good works and so glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16)! The same way of thinking applies if you live alone. You get to be a gift of God to your neighbor, to your extended family, witnessing always with words and actions. Liturgy, God s gifts, at home can also be yours through the use of a number of means. The Holy Scriptures bestow on you not only the story of Jesus Christ, but through those written words, the Holy Spirit makes himself known by showing you the truth of Christ in Scripture. The Small Catechism, a wonderful distillation of our Christian faith, can be read again and again and perhaps even memorized (!) so all the sweet promises of God in Jesus Christ would be in your heart and on the tip of your tongue. Devotions, prayer at home, is also a channel by which the Lord God Almighty bestows his promised presence and promise to hear this dear children. For all the Saints can be a great guide for devotions if you re struggling to find a place to start. In the hustle and bustle of the Advent and Christmas seasons, I encourage you to slow down, get back to the basics, and receive again and again the gifts of God. And not only at the Divine Service, but also at home, with family, with friends, with your gracious and merciful Lord and God who loves to give and give and give! Peace to you and yours this blessed season of Advent, Pastor Chris Johnson 5

6 Advent Sermon Series: Sundays and Wednesdays Wednesdays in Advent: Hosanna! Advent at the Altar Holy Communion has three traditional hymns. Each one teaches us about the Lord s advent, and learning about them deepens both our faith and our devotion at the altar. Each Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5: Sanctus: Singing Holy! at the Altar. At Holy Communion, we sing the Sanctus, which goes like this: Holy, holy, holy Lord, Lord God of pow r and might: Heav n and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. What does it teach us about the Lord s advent in the here and now? Dec. 12: Agnus Dei: Singing to the Lamb at the Altar. We also sing the Agnus Dei: Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us. Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us peace. Amen. How does the Advent of the Lamb to bear your sins comfort and strengthen you? Dec. 19: Nunc Dimittis: Taking the Altar s Song with Us. We sometimes sing the Nunc Dimittis after Communion, which was first sung by St. Simeon in Luke, chapter 2: Lord, now you let your servant go in peace; your word has been fulfilled. My own eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared in the sight of every people: A light to reveal you to the nations and the glory of your people Israel. How does the Lord s gracious advent at Communion send us into the world? Saturdays/Sundays in Advent: Liturgy: Receiving the Gifts! 5:15 p.m./9 & 11 a.m. Dec. 2: Jesus with His Saints. Liturgy is the coming of Jesus. Dec. 9: Fruits of Repentance. Liturgy is repentance and faith. Dec. 16: Good News Preached! Liturgy is the Word of God. Dec. 23: A Body Prepared. Liturgy is the Body of Christ. 6

7 From the Vicar LIGHTS! Morning Hygiene. Drill to Galley. Chow. Class. PT. Drill. Chow. Class. Class. Confidence Course/PT. Drill. Chow. Drill, Drill, Drill. Inspection. Rack. LIGHTS. It s like clockwork. During the most intensive periods of military training each day can flow into another, following the same repetition. Even if the material taught in class varies, and the PT is never the same, the general structure of the day remains intact. The schedule can be rigorous and intense. It breaks many and purifies even the few who make it through. The best advice I received before joining the Marine Corps was from an old salty Gunny. He said, Just take it Rack-to-Rack: Chow-to-Chow. After the initial shock of the first three weeks, I didn t know so much that training became all the easier. Rather, the difference came when I gave myself over to that schedule: to that order. It freed my mind to be still, as I kept my ears open for the next order and let my body respond accordingly. It taught me to truly listen. And when you are dealing with High Explosive Deep Penetrating (HEDP) 30mm grenades, having an attentive ear can be really important! In the same way, the beauty and depth of the liturgy affords a certain kind of freedom. More than that it offers the support of the one who brings it! Throughout the entire Divine Service, the Word of God is being poured out; his promises preached into your ears. Here Christ is truly Emmanuel. God with us. Here he gives himself for you in both Word and Sacrament, comforting you with his forgiveness, which in turn bestows his life and salvation. For a sinner that s pretty important stuff! Just as failing to listen diligently to instruction in the military can get you killed, so too can neglecting to hear God s word to you. For the wages of sin is death as St. Paul says (Rom 6:23). You can be sure the devil would have you pay up! So, for my brothers and sisters in uniform nothing is more important than hearing this promise. When all they might see around them is chaos and death when all they might experience is separation from family and friends nothing is more consoling than a return to order and the promise of life. Through the sacred liturgy of the church, sailors and marines are invited to rest in the assurance of things hoped for, in holding fast the presence of God revealed in Jesus Christ. This confirms to, that although they may see chaos, the Father renders order. Though they might witness death all around them the Son assures them of life. And though they may experience separation, in the power of the Holy Spirit, new life stands beside them, to support, defend and guide them. Fides ex Auditu, Vicar Joe 7

8 Weekly Bible Studies Sundays at 10:15 a.m. (Dec 2, 9, 16, 23).: Christ the Servant. Christ wants you to see Him as your servant are you surprised? The liturgy is full of surprises! Topics: Dec. 2: Christ the Son Dec. 9: Christ the Lamb Dec. 16: Christ the Physician Dec. 23: Christ the Slave Tuesdays at 9:00 a.m. (Dec, 4, 11, 18): Word-Made-Flesh. The Sunday liturgy is soaked with Holy Scripture! Come and learn this word-madeflesh. Thursday Men s Breakfast (7 a.m.): The Book of Acts. What was liturgy for the early Church? How does it help us today? Childhood and Youth Education Confirmation Class meets each Wednesday in December EXCEPT for December 27. December 20th will include a time of treats and fun. But not too much fun! Just an acceptable, godly amount of fun. But fun. It will be fun. Promise. :-) Looking Ahead with the Sunday School The Sunday School Christmas Pageant will be on Saturday, December 15, at 5:15 PM. There will be three (3) rehearsals: Sunday, December 2, during the Sunday School hour; Saturday, December 8, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM; and Saturday, December 15, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Note: there will be Sunday School on December 16th and the 23rd. No Sunday School classes will be held on December 30. Classes resume on January 6. The children will also practice music for the pageant, including chimes, during their music time with Kantor on Sundays, December 2 and December 9. 8

9 Notes from the Kantor What is a canticle? The word, canticle, comes from the Latin word, canticulum, meaning little song. A canticle uses a hymn-like text derived from one of the books of the Bible other than the Psalms. During the Wednesdays in Advent, we will look at three of the canticles used in the Divine Service, the Sanctus, the Agnus Dei, and the Nunc Dimittis. The Sanctus: (see p. 6) The Sanctus is based on several passages of scripture, two of which are: Isaiah 6:3 Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! and Psalm 118:25 Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Just as a hymn of praise is sung before the Service of the Word, the Sanctus, a beautiful hymn of praise is sung before the Sacrament. The Sanctus has been called the most ancient, the most celebrated, and the most universal of Christian hymns. [Arthur A. Just, Heaven on Earth (St. Louis: CPH, 2008) 215] The first part of the canticle joins the liturgy of heaven and earth, as we are united in singing songs to the Lamb with the saints and angels, while we still reside on earth. The second part, taken from Psalm 118, proclaims that He comes to us in this meal to make us holy. When we commune it is with Christ and wherever Christ is, there is heaven. [Timothy H. Maschke, Gathered Guests (St. Louis: CPH, 2009)166] The supper gives us a glimpse of heaven amid a broken world. The Agnus Dei: (see p. 6) John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Savior of the world, as recorded in John 1:29 Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! The Agnus Dei is sung at the beginning of the distribution of communion, acknowledging what is about to be received in the Lord s Supper, Christ s mercy and forgiveness. The Agnus Dei ends as the Kyrie, began, [ In peace let us pray to the Lord, ] with a petition for peace, The Lord who joins earth and heaven together in peace now gives the Prince of Peace into the mouths of the communicants. [Arthur A. Just, Heaven on Earth (St. Louis: CPH, 2008) 233] The assurance of forgiveness comes to us in a tangible form as we receive these gifts, gifts that encourage and enfold us in God s great mercy each day. The Nunc Dimittis: (see p. 6) The Nunc Dimittis, as early as the Apostolic constitutions (c. 500) was traditionally used in the services of Compline or Vespers. However, since the Reformation, this canticle, based on the Song of Simeon in Luke 2:29-32, ends the distribution of communion. We join Simeon in recognizing God s peace in the Christ Child who has opened our eyes to His salvation in the breaking of the bread. [Arthur A. Just, Heaven on Earth (St. Louis: CPH, 2008) 234] Those who communed at the table may now depart in peace, free to proclaim the message of salvation through faith in Jesus. 9 Kantor Beethe

10 Mission and Outreach Monthly Mission Emphasis: Greater Wausau Christian Services $4,000 Since 1981, GWCS (Greater Wausau Christian Services) has provided a pastoral presence and various programs of support to residents of our community s institutions. There are 13 churches who are members and who support GWCS. Specifically, the efforts of GWCS has centered on local nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and the county jail. In addition to the jail support and nursing homes, GWCS recently has put a greater emphasis on juvenile facilities and refurbishing the jail library. The GWCS worship program has local pastors who are scheduled to lead worship services for the nursing homes on a weekly basis. Pastors Gjerde and Johnson and Vicar Pinzl take their turn in the rotation. Residents have come to appreciate the variety of pastoral leadership types, as each week a different pastor shows up. In addition, church services are held each Sunday evening at the county jail. Twelve different pastors lead these services on a rotation basis. The service consists of singing, bible reading, a message and prayer, concluding by saying together The Lord s Prayer. Zion has been a part of GWCS since its inception. Your special gift of support is greatly appreciated. Our mission goal for GWCS for the month of December is $4,000. ZION CHRISTMAS DECORATING FUND 2018 Contributions are being requested for beautifying Zion for the Advent/Christmas season and to pay for the poinsettias and the special advertising used this time of year. Please fill out and return this form to the church office via the offering plate or mail, along with your contribution (cash or check) by Monday, December 17th. A special bulletin insert will be included in the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day bulletins, listing all those who contributed towards this fund. Thank you Amount given $ Your envelope # Please check one of the following: Thank Offering Beauty of God s House In loving memory of Given By: 10

11 Zion Lutheran Church 28th Annual Homemade Cookie Sale Date: December 1, 2018 Day: Saturday Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Where: Zion Lutheran Church Hall 709 6th Street (corner of 6th and Franklin Sts.) Wausau, Wisconsin Cookies: Choose your own cookies; OR prepackaged cookies are available Cost: $9.00 per pound 11

12 News and Events Advent Warm Clothing Collection Zion will be collecting warm clothing this Advent to share with the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army has requested new (never worn) hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, coats, and boots for adults and children alike. All items may be brought to the church office or placed in baskets located near the altar starting December 2. Advent Book Collection The Salvation Army is also requesting children s books to share with central Wisconsin s youth! Families trying to make ends meet rarely purchase books for their children your gifts can make a difference! All items may be brought to the church office or placed in baskets located near the altar starting December 2. Women of Zion The Women of Zion will be holding their annual Christmas gathering on Wednesday, December 5th at noon. We will have catered chicken, pot-luck style side dishes and dessert. After lunch we will be singing Christmas carols with music provided by Kantor Beethe. Please join us for this lovely afternoon event all at no charge. RSVP by Monday, December 3rd in the church office. Pre-ordered Christmas Wreath pickup is Saturday, December 1st, 9:00-11:30 a.m. in the school gym. Your wreaths can be paid for at the time of pickup. Thank you to everyone for your support! A Big Thank You Thanks to all who made Strassenfest/Abendessen a huge success. Profit from this year s Strassenfest was $8, Funds were disbursed for the following projects: Zion s local missions, two Rubbermaid carts for hauling items to and from the parking lot or the Zion gym, propane floor burnisher for polishing church and school floors, 30 clear plastic storage tubs with covers for Strassenfest items being stored, new electric heater/dehumidifier for the Strassenfest storage garage, computer network support for the church office, tablecloths for Strassenfest, LED lights for adding to the ceiling gossamer cloth draping, shelving in the Strassenfest storage garage, and 2019 marketing. A HUGE EFFORT BY ALL! THANK YOU TO THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR APPROVING OUR ACTION TEAM REQUESTS IN SUPPORT OF THE SWISS STEAK LUNCHEON AND ABENDESSEN. 12

13 News and Events Altar Guild Christmas Party Will be held on Tuesday, December 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the church hall, with the pastors and staff as guests. The program will feature Christmas music and games. Hostesses are Bonnie Glasel, Deb Thomas, and Bonnie Waack. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the church office, Birthdays in December December 2 Lydia Wachsmuth, 4060 Carl St., Wausau December 3 Rosemary Brasch, 911 Brown St., Wausau December 8 Hilmar Baumann, Broken Bow Dr., Wausau December 21 Edward Fenhaus, 6808 Co. Rd. Z, Wausau December 21 LeRoy Mischock, 1104 N 40th St., Wausau A Winter Tea will be held at Zion in the church hall on Sunday, February 10th from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with beverages, hors d oeuvres, sweet treats and live musical entertainment. Advance tickets will be on sale at the church office in January. Plan to attend! Bread/Pie Baking September and October Results Phyllis baked bread and pies on September 28th. She made 62 loaves of white and 11 loaves of wheat bread, 45 pies and sold 7 jars of rhubarb jam. Money collected was $584. Expense was $112. Profit made was $472 with missions receiving $72 and the church roof $400. Phyllis thanks her helpers, Jeff, Jack, Gordon and Marge. On October 26th, Phyllis made 61 loaves of white and 11 wheat breads, 36 pies and sold 4 rhubarb jam. Total collected was $486, expense was $109 and the profit was $377. Missions received $55 and the church roof $322. Thanks to helpers, Jeff, Gordon and Bill. Wausau Lyric Choir Will perform their 2018 Christmas concert Christmas Classics A Joyful Celebration on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 9 at 3:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 406 Grant St., Wausau. No charge, but free-will donations will be accepted. Hand-Crafted Creations (formerly Talent Shop) Located at 319 4th St., Wausau, their hours are Monday thru Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 319 Gallery, Inc. has five gallery rooms of all local artists including the Hand-Crafted Creations area, formerly Talent Shop. Any local artists interested in joining, please call June Zentner,

14 Memorials & Other Gifts Received In memory of Bernie Crisman, Steve and Anna Mae Zeinemann gave a gift to the Radio Fund. In memory of Roger Schuett (cousin), Verna Schuett gave a gift to the Chapel Art Fund. In memory of Mavis Boettcher, Greater Wausau Christian Services, and Lydia Wachsmuth gave a gift to the Radio Fund. In memory of Mavis Boettcher, Kay Krall gave a gift to the Hansen Fund. In memory of Mavis Boettcher, Steve and Anna Mae Zeinemann gave a gift to the Music Fund. In memory of Mavis Boettcher, Judi BeVier-North from Howell Michigan gave a gift to the Sunday School. In memory of Betty Plaza-Machel, Janis Ellison gave a gift to Undesignated Special Funds. I am very grateful for Betty and Bud for the many years they spent as grandparent volunteers at Pilgrim Christian Preschool. They freely gave their time and love to hundreds of my students. In memory of Leah Schuett, Sara Schuett and Paul Schuett gave gifts to Undesignated Special Funds. In memory of Sally Kowalski (a friend), Gerald and Shirley Kieckhaefer gave a gift to the Radio Fund. In honor of Ray and Laurie Dabler s 50th Wedding Anniversary, Arnie Luechau gave a gift to the Radio Fund. In memory of Jim Cherwinka, Judy Cherwinka gave a gift to the Hansen Fund. In memory of Robert Prahl Jr., Phyllis Bliese gave a gift to the Garden Fund. In memory of Robert Prahl Jr., Rosemarie Laffin gave a gift to the Radio Fund. In memory of Sally Lewitzke, Dave and Lori Torkko gave a gift to Strassenfest. 14

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16 ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 709 SIXTH STREET WAUSAU WI RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NON-PROFIT ORGN U.S.POSTAGE PAID WAUSAU, WI PERMIT NO. 66 Come Worship the Lord! Sundays 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. Saturdays 5:15 p.m. Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m. 16 Where you can reach us: Church Fax Web: zionlutheranwausau.com A member of Lutheran CORE