This is a line from the hymn On Jordan s Banks the Baptist s

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1 Volume 67, Number 10 December 2015 Internet Web Site: From Our Pastor And let us all our hearts prepare for Christ to come and enter there. This is a line from the hymn On Jordan s Banks the Baptist s Cry. It is one of the hymns we often sing in Advent, the season in which we anticipate the coming of Jesus. Advent is a peculiar season, in that it holds two messages at one time, two messages that are in some ways opposite each other. The most common way people think of Advent is as the time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus birth. We prepare our homes for Christmas day. We get presents to share with one another. We start rehearsing the Christmas anthems. We get warm feelings of peace and hope as we look back to the time when Jesus came so long ago as a Child of Promise. We think of the promise that he, this baby in the stable, is the Prince of Peace, the One that brings salvation. The other, less commonly remembered message of Advent is one of preparing for Jesus return. Rather than a time of looking back to his birth, the season s main focus is to anticipate Christ s coming in glory to bring to fulfillment all he has promised. We often don t know what to do about this side of Advent. Looking forward to Christ s return brings anxiety for many. The second coming of Christ often makes people think of the end of the world, and the destruction of all that is. We are sometimes filled with fear at this thought. Are we OK? Is God pleased with us? Will we survive, or will we be part of the destruction? Almost every action film is based on some fearful vision of the end of time; and, while we like the movie, we don t want to live it. Others don t think about the second coming of Christ, because they figure it isn t going to happen. It has been two thousand years since Jesus was here and he hasn t returned yet. The thoughts run from either this is a metaphor, or just a phrase to keep people in line, or even if it is going to happen, it won t happen in my lifetime. Yet in our communion we say Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. In the Apostles Creed we say He will come again. How do we see Advent as a time that anticipates this coming? How can we see this as a good thing, not a fearsome thing? The hope is that all who remember the birth will rejoice at the return. The One who came as the Babe of Bethlehem is the One who reigns in Heaven, is present with us by the power of the Holy Spirit, and promises to take us home at the end of our days. This One is not going to leave us nor forsake us. This is Jesus, who came to save us and to offer salvation to the world. Why would we not anticipate his return? Why would we not look forward to it? Whichever aspect of Advent fills our thoughts, we are still invited to get ready. Whether remembering Jesus past or his future, the cry announces the coming of the Christ. At that announcement, we prepare for his appearing. We do that by making our homes ready, our worship ready, our music ready. We are also reminded to prepare our hearts to receive him. We are asked to make room for love and service, for caring and sharing, if you will, so when he comes we will be in a right place. This place is not just where we live, but how we live with joy and anticipation at the One who promises to come to us, and to bring us salvation. May you be filled with joy in this season. May you anticipate the coming of our Lord, both by celebrating his birth, and in anticipating his return. As we continue to live between past and future, may we all follow the advice of our Advent hymn, preparing our hearts for Christ to enter there. In anticipation of the Advent of Christ, Pr. Karl M. Richard Hanging of the Greens - December 19, 2015 Hanging of the Greens is a special day at our church. The sanctuary will be transformed with trees, lights, creche sets, holly, and bows in anticipation of the Christmas celebration. Christian fellowship is alive. A delicious chicken

2 dinner will be served. A skit entitled The Surprising Christmas Pageant will be presented by our Sunday School classes. Bring the entire family. Guests are always welcome. 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Decorate the sanctuary Christmas program rehearsal in Elbert Hall 5:00 p.m. Dinner in Elbert Hall 6:00 p.m. Christmas Program in Elbert Hall Cookies will be served after the carol sing-along in the Sanctuary Many hands are needed to make this event happen. Some projects start early in the morning. Please check the various signup sheets in the narthex to see where you can help. In order for us to prepare enough food for dinner, please use the sign-up sheets on the tables in the narthex. A free-will offering will be collected. We hope to see you there! Carol Penjuke Christian Education Advent and Christmas The Advent and Christmas seasons are full of traditions and memories. During each service on each of the four Sundays in Advent we will be lighting candles on the Advent Wreath. These Advent Sundays will be filled with anticipation of the birth of Jesus in both word and song. On Saturday, December 19, the adults will be decorating the sanctuary for Christmas while the youth, children, and musicians hold their final dress rehearsal for the annual Christmas pageant. Then we will all sit down together for a meal prepared by our very own fabulous Saint Matthew cooks, which will be followed by the Christmas pageant, Christmas carols, and Christmas cookies. Wow! This is always a fun, action-packed day. Many hands are needed and many memories are made! Three candlelight services are held on Christmas Eve in our beautifully decorated sanctuary. The 5:00 p.m. service is popular with families with very young children as the Christmas story is told in simple terms and carols most familiar to children are sung. All are welcome at this service; however, please note this service does not have communion. The 7:00 p.m. service is a traditional service with communion. There will be special instrumental music as well as the singing of many of our traditional Christmas carols. The service will end with hand-held candles, dimmed lights, and your hushed voices singing Silent Night. The 10:00 p.m. service is also a traditional service with communion. At this service, special music will be provided by our choir as the telling of the Christmas story will be interwoven with words and music. Traditional Christmas carols will be sung, and this service will also end with the candle-filled sanctuary to the singing of Silent Night. Christmas does not end there (remember the 12 Days of Christmas!) as we gather again on Sunday, December 27, for our traditional Lessons and Carols services. All are welcome! Bring families and friends as we all join in the festivities of the season! Advent Crafts for Children Once again this year there will be children s craft kits available each week in Advent. The kits will be in the hallway each Sunday morning - November 29 and December 6, 13, and 20. Pick up a kit each week, and work on it together with your child(ren.) It s a great family activity! We thank Pat Daniels for ordering and putting together these kits. Halloween Candy for Silver Springs Thank you! Thank you to everyone who donated candy for Silver Springs - Martin Luther School. The response from everyone was wonderful. The ladies of the Women of the ELCA groups will make favors each month for the children to enjoy. We are grateful for your help. Nancy Regan Silver Springs Christmas Gifts As we have done in years past, we will be collecting gifts for the children at Silver Springs. There are several ways you can support this project. There are lists from Silver 2

3 Springs on the table in the hallway. There will also be envelopes for a donation. Also, there is an easel in the hallway soon with several special gifts the Christmas planners are hoping to get. There will be a box in the office where you can return your gifts - no wrapping necessary. The ladies of Women of the ELCA will be going to Silver Springs to wrap soon. We ask all gifts be placed in the box by December 6. Nancy Regan Thank you for your support of this special project. Men s Breakfast The December Men s Breakfast will be held on Saturday, December 19, at 7:15 a.m. at the Red Iron American Pub, 650 Baltimore Pike, Springfield. All men are invited to join us for morning devotions, a great speaker, an excellent breakfast and good fellowship. Please come and enjoy an excellent way to start the day. Children s Corner Dear Children, With most cars equipped with GPS, the chances of getting lost are minimal; however, when I was a little girl, our old blue Ford had no such thing. When we would start out on a road trip, Mom would have a map (her map reading skills were quite good) and when needed, Dad would stop at a gas station and depend on the attendant for good directions - this was travel in the 40s and 50s. Can you even imagine travel at the time of Jesus birth - sand, mean camels, no bathrooms, restaurants, and from what I understand - not much in the way of beautiful scenery? Despite all those traveling hassles, the Wise Men made a long arduous journey to see the newborn Babe! These Wise Men (Magi) were indeed very adept astrologists (studied the stars), brilliant mathematicians, and obviously followed the teachings of the prophets in the Old Testament which said that a new King would be born from David s family. Now what about that star! Is the Star of Bethlehem a miracle making it beyond the law of physics or does it have an actual scientific base? Astronomer Michael Molner describes an actual event occurring about 2000 years ago as a definite happening that would make The Star rising in the East and traveling to the place where Jesus lay. Although the explanation is very involved and complex, apparently the stars rise and set every night, and the planets, sun, and moon move along the same path as the background stars and they often overlap each other - could this be The Star? Perhaps Jupiter stopped moving to the west (over the stable?) and then moved again to the east. At any rate, these Wise Men had been awaiting the birth of a king and decided to make that long journey to Bethlehem. The story of the star of wonder which guided these learned men has always turned my attention to the star s capabilities of guiding - to whom do we look when we need help? God wants us to look to Him - the Great Navigator? Dear Parents, Although we celebrate the arrival of the Magi during the season of epiphany (after January 6,) we read the Matthew story, put the star on our trees, make star cookies, and set up our creches during the month of December - the Wise Men supposedly didn t arrive in Bethlehem until somewhat after the birth of Jesus. As you sing We Three Kings, point out to your youngster that this hymn is a story. Read together Matthew 2 as the tale of the Magi unfolds. Some words to know might be King Herod, gospel, Matthew. A map of Bible lands would be helpful too - locate Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Israel, and also look how close the continent of Africa is - many people feel that one of the Wise Men was of African descent. Sylvia Yost Library Have a wonderful Christmas. Remember what Christmas truly means. We get caught up in all the hustle and bustle that happens to us all, but we need to remember Christ was born so that we may be saved. Take time to reflect. Meditations for Advent and Christmas by James G. Kirk, Shelf KIR - Watchfulness, Promise, Preparation, Fulfillment, and Celebration are the themes of these contemporary reflections for the Christmas season. For each day, from the beginning of Advent until Epiphany, the author briefly explains an appropriate biblical passage. He follows this with reflections on the meaning of the scripture for today, and with a prayer. Used amid the hustle and bustle of Christmastime, these meditations offer both individuals and groups a way to enter into the real spirit of the season as a time of new beginnings and renewed hope. Barbara Kinsey Merry Christmas! Early Memories - A Life of Adventure Tony! Get out of the way! Mom screamed as she ran out of the house. The ground was shaking! Two massive Clydesdale horses were bearing down on me as I stood in the open gateway of their grassy field. 3

4 I was 3 years old and had opened the gate to see them in the distance; and, as I stood there, they began a full gallop, with thundering hooves, towards me. Mom s fear was real, because these huge horses had hooves the size of dinner plates; and I, her son, was standing in harm s way!...i only wanted to say Hi! to them. With manes flying and racing towards me, they came as though nothing could stop them. I stood there transfixed and thrilled at the power of these two giants of my world coming to see me! They saw me smiling there, little and unafraid. Curious, they slowed to a trot and then came up to me as I stood in their way. Both of them stopped. I reached up to touch their noses and they gently nuzzled my head. Such was the beginning of my personal relationship with all of the animals on my uncle s farm in New Zealand and the memory now, following a lifetime of wonderful experiences, still gives me goose bumps. The farm gave to me the assurance that this world is a good place to be and all of the beings in it are God s creatures with personalities that show kindness, care and love. I was never lonely even though at the time I had no other children to be my friends. My friends were the horses, sheep, cows, and Jack, the dog. Each little event in our lives comes from a Power greater than ourselves for which we can indeed be grateful, if only should we recognize them as sign-posts for building our characters. May His Peace be with you, Tony Webb Saint Matthew Christian Nursery School As the children and staff celebrate the holiday season together, we share the gift of friendship and love. The children will celebrate Jesus Birthday with a Coloring Book and Crayon Pollyanna. Each child will enjoy the gift of giving as they exchange a coloring book and crayons. Our 2 day children will have their Christmas Program A Magical Christmas in the sanctuary on Tuesday, December 15, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Our 3 and 5 day children will have their Christmas Program A Child s Christmas on Wednesday, December 16, at 10:00 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. Please come and join us as we celebrate the Holiday Season. During the holiday season, the staff and I would like to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas with many blessings. Our school will reopen on January 4, Linda Maylie, Director Christmas Music It is not too late to be a part of the musical offerings for this Advent and Christmas seasons. Vocalists and instrumentalists (and bell ringers) will all be busy this month and we would love to have you join us. The Children s Christmas Pageant will be held on Saturday, December 19, and instrumentalists are invited. Then we will have special music at our 7:00 and 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve services with special offerings from our instrumental ensemble at 7:00 p.m. and from our choir at 10:00 p.m. Contact Pat McHugh at patmchugh5@verizon.net for more specifics and the rehearsal schedules. Pat McHugh Social Ministry As we told you last month, Social Ministry is sponsoring our annual Pajama Project for the children of Faith Immanuel Lutheran Church in East Lansdowne. Last year, Pastor Moses shared with us that these gifts are often the only gift that these children receive. Therefore, we are asking, if possible, for our members to also enclose a little something extra...a small toy, book, coloring book, slippers, socks, or something else that would be age appropriate for that child. Please sign your name and phone number on the list provided next to the name of the child whose tag you have taken. We are asking that these gifts be brought to the church library by December 13, with the tag attached. This will enable us to deliver the gifts in time for their Christmas party. We are also looking for some new members for our committee. Unfortunately, we lost Linda Kulp earlier this year, who was a tremendous help with making these tags, assembling breakfast bags, and helping with the deliveries to Faith Immanuel. Our committee meets only about 5-6 times a year, so it is not a huge commitment, but we certainly enjoy helping others. Please see Rick Link or Cheryl Morrell if you would like to attend a meeting to see if Social Ministry would be a good fit for you. We wish all of the members of our congregation a joyous Christmas! Cheryl Morrell 4

5 It's Time to Order Poinsettias For Christmas Orders for the lovely Christmas poinsettias that beautify our sanctuary each Christmas season may now be placed by signing up in the church hallway or calling the church office. The cost of a plant is $10.00, and they may be picked up and taken home following the 10:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Orders may be placed until Sunday, December 13. First Thursday Friends ( FTF ) Please join First Thursday Friends at Big Fish Grill, 981 Baltimore Pike, Glen Mills, PA Meet us on December 3 at 11:30. Everyone is welcome. Contact John Stefl if you want more information or would like to share a ride. John Stefl Women of the ELCA News Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 What blessed and loving words of peace and comfort to all of us as we think and plan our Christmas holidays with family and friends this December Remember - Immanuel! He is with us always! Praise to the Lord! The Executive Board sends heart-felt wishes to our church family and friends for a wonderful God-filled Christmas. Our December Wish List for the Welcome Church asks for home-baked, or store-bought cookies - whichever you would like to do. Please Note: Your cookies can be brought to church from now through December 6 and placed in the container marked Welcome Church Wish List. The reason for the shortened time is that the cookies have to be delivered (by December 7) to the person who is handling this for the Welcome Church. Thanks for your understanding. December calendar: December 12 - LWR Quilting Please note: There will be no Board Meeting or Circle Meetings for December. Dee Bratz for the Executive Board Monthly Mailbag Dear Saint Matthew Church Family, Thank you for your prayers and concern while I have been going through this medical process. Your support and cards have helped to keep my spirits up. Thanks to Joan Krauter for her visit with the altar flowers. They are beautiful and remind me of all of you. God bless, Judy Telgheider Dear Pastor and Saint Matthew congregation, Thank you so much for sending me the awesome care package here at college! I ll definitely enjoy all the delicious treats! What a great surprise, thanks for thinking of me! Love, Elle Clendenin Dear Saint Matthew congregation, Thank you so much for the care package and thoughtful letter. With midterm week and so much work to do, it was a nice reminder of the safe haven I have back at home in Saint Matthew. It s easy to forget about All Saints Day at college, so thank you for the reminder to remember the connection we all have together through God. Sincerely Sarah Larkin Happy December, and I hope all is well! Dear Pastor Richard and crew, Words cannot express how grateful we are to have found the love and support in our new Christian family. The thought and warmth you provided through our time of uncertainty brought us joy and comfort. The time and efforts you made were well beyond our expectations. We cannot wait to make our official entrance into the family this Sunday. 5

6 Love, The Laverys P.S. A special thanks to whomever made Josie s quilt. Dear Saint Matthew congregation, I would like to thank you all for your wonderful support and prayers during the time of my surgery. It really is a wonderful thing to see and feel how the Saint Matthew family supports you during your time of need. Knowing that there are prayers and thoughts for you are really special. Thank you all again so much. Gary Gordon The Welcome Church List The Wish List for the month of December consists of:home- Baked, or Store-Bought Cookies - whichever you would like to do. Please note: Your cookies can be brought to church from now through December 6 and placed in the container marked Welcome Church Wish List for December. The reason for the shortened time is that the cookies have to be delivered by December 7 to the person who is handling this for the Welcome Church. Thank you for your understanding. Dee Bratz for the Executive Board Folsom, PA Mr. and Mrs. Derek Chastain (Laurie) 1119 Primos Ave. Secane, PA Mr. Andrew Kelleher Ms. Bridget Prince 429 N. Rolling Rd. Ms. Kathleen Kinder Annamarie 441 Harwicke Rd. Mr. and Mrs. Michael Lavery (Melissa) Jameson 101 Greenbriar Lane Aston, PA Mr. Dan Lazaro Danielle 118 Robins Run East Swedesboro, NJ Mrs. Beth Terry 927 Sara Drive Vital Statistics Mr. and Mrs. Michael Umbenhauer (Lisa) 340 Media Station Rd. Apt. A308 Media, PA Death: Mrs. Alice Kerchner Died November 7, 2015 Funeral November 13, 2015 Mrs. Stephanie Ziff 214 Lynbrooke Rd. Baptisms: Barry Allen Howell Baptized October 25, 2015 Grace Addison Howell Daughter of Barry and Jennifer Howell Born February 4, 2015 Baptized October 25, 2015 Address Change: Ms. Barbara Krauter Jessica, Victoria 53 Cedar Court Limerick, PA New Members: Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Aloi (Julie) Gavin, Grace 712 Haines Lane Mrs. Diane Billick 227 Gorsuch St. Financial Update I have held many things in my hands and I have lost them all. But whatever I have placed in God s hands, that I still possess. Martin Luther 6

7 October 2015 Year to Date (Matthew 5:3-11.) Giving/Income: $34, $379, Expenses 43, , Plus/Minus (9,524.18) (25,311.01) Summary: Year to date through the month of October we are in the negative $25,311. This is about where we thought we would be based on our budget from last year. Our budgeted income through October is actually $1,000 more while our expenses are approximately $2,300 less. Hopefully with a 5 Sunday November (which makes for a good giving month) and a strong December, we can continue to finish the year strong. Thanks again for all of your support. Giving Opportunities: As we close out the calendar year in December let s try to remember what it s all about - the birth of our Blessed Savior whose sacrifice redeems us and makes us free. End-of-year monetary donations to Saint Matthew are always a key to helping us try to balance our budget and put us in the best financial position to continue to do God s work. We ask you to prayerfully consider your gift to the church to close out the year and also as we begin a new year. Blessings to all for the continued support of our resources to continue to make Saint Matthew our church home base for our spiritual needs. Your Finance Committee The Twelve Days of Christmas Following the break between the Church of England and Rome, Roman Catholics were not allowed to worship publicly. Someone wrote the carol The Twelve Days of Christmas to teach young people the catechism. There are two meanings to the words - one is obvious, the other is symbolic. The Partridge in the Pear Tree was Jesus. Marge Kobasa Nine Ladies Dancing were the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5.) Ten Lords A-Leaping were the Ten Commandments. Eleven Pipers Piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples. And finally... Twelve Drummers Drumming symbolized the twelve points of belief in the Apostles Creed. (Source: From a church newsletter of Saint Philip s Episcopal Church, Breward, NC) Health and Healing We ask you to remember those who are ill, as well as those who mourn the loss of a loved one, in your thoughts and prayers. We also remember and pray for the homeless, the hungry, and all the men and women in our armed forces. The Good Newsletter, a congregational newsletter, is published monthly, September through June by Saint Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church, 400 Lynbrooke Road, Springfield, Pennsylvania Please direct all correspondence pertaining to this publication to the Editor, Dr. Carl E. Aronson, at the above address. The deadline for submitting copy is 12 noon on the 15th of each month. The two Turtle Doves were the Old and New Testaments. Three French Hens stood for Faith, Hope, and Charity. Four Calling Birds were the Gospels - Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Five Golden Rings were the first five books of the Old Testament, the Law. Six Geese A-Laying stood for the six days of creation. Seven Swans A-Swimming are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:2.) Eight Maids A-Milking were the eight Beatitudes 7