COME AND WORSHIP! ALL ARE WELCOME!

Transcription

1 COME AND WORSHIP! ALL ARE WELCOME! Worship on Sunday Mornings at 10:00am Adult Forum 11:15am in the parlor Sunday School 11:15am St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church 721 Twelfth Avenue, Huntington WV The mission of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church is to CELEBRATE and PROCLAIM to all the saving grace of JESUS CHRIST in word and deed. 1

2 Pastor s Reflections Have you put away the Christmas decorations yet? How about your tree? Is it packed away or on the side of the road ready to be hauled away? Have you returned any of the gifts yet? Saving a gift or two to re-gift? (whatever that is!) Our culture puts on a big push to December 25 and then it all seems so anti-climactic once the trees are taken down, gifts put away and the decorations are packed up in boxes and put back into storage. January, in the calendar year, is the beginning. We, in the church, begin our year with Advent, so January is a continuation of what we began in late November, early December. On January 6 we celebrate Epiphany. This is a season celebrated and symbolized by the star. As a part of our outdoor decorations we put up a Moravian Star. I leave it up until the end of Epiphany. That means when all the other neighbors have packed away their light displays our lone star shines in our small neighborhood. I like that for a couple of reasons. First, it is an opportunity to witness to people. I think I witness when people drive by and see the star and say: Why the heck does that guy still have his star up? I pray God will answer that within them and help them to seek out an answer, even if it doesn t come to me. Secondly, I like the star being up because it means I am different. The star symbolizes my faith in a God who is continuing to reveal God s self to the world. In the star I witness to the God I know in Jesus Christ. I have thought much lately about witnessing, even witnessing in a passive way with keeping a star illuminated through the season of Epiphany. The first witnesses of the birth of God s Son Jesus were the shepherds. They were so overwhelmed with the awesomeness and the proclamation from the angels that they couldn t help but say something to someone. I often wonder why we have become so timid about witnessing about the God we know in Jesus. Is it because we feel we don t know enough? Is it because we don t want to be perceived as Bible thumpers? Is it because we have never made it a priority in our lives? I have had people in parishes tell me that: I invite everyone I see to come to worship. On January 5 and 6 your Council will be meeting in retreat. My prayer is to talk about witnessing with these leaders here at God s church called St. Paul. I hope and pray to use the star as a guiding principle in our time together as leaders. The star reminds us that God is revealing God s self to us. How God is doing this is, of course, the question we hope to prayerfully consider. I pray the star leads and guides you this Epiphany. I pray it reveals God in all of your life. I pray you become a witness to the Good News of Jesus daily. Your partner in the journey, Pastor Kevin <>< 2

3 A note from Jill... When we wonder on the true meaning of the Christmas season, some of you may ask many questions. Why a baby? Why the star? Why tell the Shepherd s? But, why a virgin? Why is this a part of God s plan and divine purpose? The simple answer is, FOR YOU. HE DID IT ALL FOR YOU. In the book of Matthew, the angel proclaimed that Jesus would come and He shall save his people from their sins. Did He do this as a newborn baby? No, but as a baby he brought the Hope of salvation to come. So this Christmas, cast your eyes in the water and look upon the cross where salvation begins. REFLECT ON HIS BIRTH. REFLECT ON HIS CROSS. REFLECT ON THE REST OF HIS STORY. December was truly a busy month in preparing for the Christmas season. This time of year is always busy. The youth continued to pack backpacks during Advent, practice music and lines twice a week for their Christmas program and help decorate and set up a tree for ELCA needs as a form of community service as the year comes to an end. Our youth delivered the most wonderful message during their Christmas program Carriers of the Light. This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I m gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine all the time! EVERYWHERE WE GO, WE ARE CARRIERS OF THE LIGHT! As we acknowledge the birth of Christ and His story and His message full of love and grace, we realize He is the light of the world! We are made in His image! We are thankful for the year that has passed but we look ahead to the new year to come. Let our lights shine into the world more so this year than the last, that we too may carry God s Love and Light and spread His Good News to all we encounter! Even my life has been truly busy this past month. God sometimes has a way to make us slow down and enjoy the Good things He has planned for us. Sometimes we need a nudge or a break in our fast paced lives to simply stop and remember God is Good all the time. I hear you God. I am so thankful for each moment you provide. I got to enjoy the Cross in the above picture-to reflect, to ponder & to remember the importance of sharing His message of Love, Light and Grace. This is why we are here to share His simple truths of Love and Light with one another in each and every moment we encounter! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I can do all things in Christ, who strengthens me. Philippians 4:18 3

4 Carriers of the Light Children s Christmas Program 4

5 5

6 A visit from St. Nick 6

7 Brown Bag Bible Study is every Thursday at noon. We will be continuing with the book of 2 Samuel. Please join us in the library! January 2018 Bible Reading Plan Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Joel 2 Joel 3 Jonah 1 Jonah 2 Jonah 3 Jesus Says Come to Me John 1:35-51 Jonah 4 Micah 1 Micah 2 Micah 3 Micah 4 Micah 5 Wedding at Cana John 2:1-11 Micah 6 Micah 7 Nahum 1 Nahum 2 Nahum 3 Habakkuk 1 Jesus Cleanses the Temple John 2:13-25 Habakkuk 2 Habakkuk 3 Zephaniah 1 Zephaniah 2 Zephaniah 3 Haggai 1 Nicodemus John 3:1-21 Haggai 2 Zechariah 1 Zechariah 2 7 Please note that the Bible Reading Plan now reflects the readings for the Narrative Lectionary. Reading the passages each day will help prepare you for the sermon on Sunday and further discussion of the texts during Adult Forum.

8 Assisting Minister Reader Communion Deacon 1/7 Norma Gensler Norma Gensler Mary Lou Fricke 1/14 Keith Wellman Steve Golder Steve Golder 1/21 Ruthann Arneson Doug Korstanje Bill Korstanje 1/28 Luke Fornash James May Creigh Pemberton Acolyte Crucifer Altar Guild 1/7 Katie Dowis 1/14 Owen Murray Garrin Simpson Zoie Fornash Tom McGill and Beth Brown 1/21 Alex Mackey Ethan Arneson 1/28 Jerome Yancey Olivia Bell Bread Providers 1/7 Annette DuVall 1/14 1/21 1/28 Kevin Mackey Ushers Sanctuary Lamp Linda Hay Chapel Lamp Flowers 1/7 Ernest and Helen Golder 1/14 1/21 1/28 Kevin Mackey The Sign up sheets for flowers, bread, candles and worship helpers for 2017 are up! Flowers are $30.00 per month which includes two bouquets. Sanctuary and Chapel Candles are $12.00 each for one month. Communion bread can be purchased or made. Ushers, assisting ministers, communion assistants and readers are needed each week. Please consider signing up to make our worship more meaningful. FINANCIAL MINISTRY Offering through December 2017: Income: 21, Expenses: 14, Net Gain/(loss) 6, WORSHIP ATTENDANCE FOR DECEMBER December December 6-Mid-week 47 December December 13-Mid-Week 60 December Children s Christmas Program December 20-Mid-Week 25 December 24 (10:00am) 70 8 December 24 (7:00pm) 132 December 31

9 January 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Office Closed 9:00am Quilters NO CCC/LYO 7:00pm Choir Noon Bible Study Epiphany COUNCIL RETREAT AT WOODLANDS 10:00am Worship Installation of Council Members 11:15am Sunday School :30am Yoga 7:00pm Writers Group 9:00am Quilters 6:00pm CCC/LYO 7:00pm Choir Noon Bible Study 6:00pm Scouts 10:00am Worship 11:15am Sunday School :30am Yoga 9:00am Quilters 6:00pm CCC/LYO 7:00pm Healing Service 7:30pm Choir NO Noon Bible Study 10:00am Worship 11:15am Sunday School :30am Yoga 9:00am Quilters 6:00pm CCC/LYO 7:00pm Choir Noon Bible Study 6:00pm Scouts 10:00am Worship 11:15am Sunday School :30am Yoga 9:00am Quilters 6:00pm CCC/LYO 7:00pm Choir 9

10 Shepherding God, you are the source of life and health. Surround those who struggle with illness or other difficulties of life and bring them to wholeness and healing: Pastor Jennifer, Eric, Julie, Wanda, Joel, Richard, Missie, Bob. If you would like to put someone on the prayer list please contact the church office at HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 Paula Simpson 3 Cindy Jones 4 Steven Brown 5 Ryan Vickers 7 Kathie Cunningham 10 Emma Arneson 16 Mary Lou Fricke; Steve Nord 17 Emma Kist; Rick Veres 18 Nellie Kirby 23 Matthew Conzett 27 Cheryl Conzett; Al Schneider 28 Kathy Mackey HAPPY ANNIVERSARY 13 Rick and Jacqui Veres 23 Rex and Cam Hale 24 Ron and Lisa Kelley 29 Brad and Jeanna Bell If you are in the hospital, or are at home with an extended illness, please let Pastor Mackey or the church office know. Pastor Mackey is always available to bring Holy Communion to you especially 10 if an illness has kept you at home on Sunday mornings. Meals can be provided to those who want them. Please call the church office at to make an appointment.

11 Sharing God s love with others... Here is the list for the rest of the school year if you would like to pick up items as they are on sale: January: tissues February: crayons March: notebook paper April: pre-sharpened pencils May: treats We are in need of lunch and dinner items for the school backpacks. If you can donate for this worthy cause it would be appreciated. Suggested items are individual ravioli, individual mac and cheese, and shelf stable yogurt. JANUARY 48+ cans of Chili Men s Boxers Size XL 11

12 Thank you to all who donated to the ELCA Good Gifts presented by the youth. Over $100 was collected for this worthy cause. Looking for a way to serve at St. Paul??? In an effort to be good stewards, we recycle in the church office. We are looking for someone to take the recycled materials to the recycling center once a month. If you would like to help in this way it would be greatly appreciated. Pastor Mackey currently takes the materials in but would like someone else to take over this job. If you have any questions please speak to Pastor Mackey. Looking for a yoga class that doesn t leave you tied up in knots? Join Clarice Kumlien as she leads a class in Chair Yoga, designed for all ages and abilities. Mondays from 11:30am-12:15pm in the parlor. Cost is a $2.00 donation. Prayer shawls are available in the narthex if you would like to give one to someone in need of prayer and comfort. Cards are also available to give with the shawls. 12

13 Thank you to Jill May for all of her hard work directing the children in the Christmas program! And to Henning Vauth for assisting with the music. Thank you to David Stuart for organizing the Christmas Baskets. Fifteen baskets filled with food and a handmade blanket were given to needy families. Thanks to all those who donated food and time to deliver the baskets. Thanks to those who helped pack and deliver backpacks to Southside Elementary this year. Thanks to all who brought in supplies for the teachers at Southside Elementary this year. Thank you to Kay Jennings for organizing the Advent Mid-Week meals this year and to those who helped. They were all delicious and much appreciated. Thank you to all who came out to help decorate the church for Christmas. Thanks to you the church looked beautiful! Thank you to everyone who helped out with the Christmas Eve services. Your dedication helped make the services beautiful and meaningful for all. Thank you to all who volunteered your time to serve as worship helpers during the year. You willingness to give of your time and talents is greatly appreciated. Thank you to all who volunteered to serve on the various committees during the year. Thank you to all who helped in any way to keep the church building and grounds in good shape. Thank you to Shannon Simpkins, Jill May, Barbara Garnett, Emma Arneson and Neil Arneson for sharing their teaching skills this past year. Thank you to Jacqui Veres for making the new hallway signs and to Ron Pease for hanging them. They look fantastic and will make it so much easier for visitors to find their way around the building. THANK YOU!! Pastor Kevin, Kathy and Alex want to thank all for making this Christmas season a special one. Thank you for the gifts and cards and especially for the prayers for the ministry we do together here at St. Paul. May God continue to bless us as we seek to do the mission of God s church in this place. Pastor Kevin, Kathy and Alexandria <>< 13

14 The Book Club will be meeting on January 18 at 10:30am in the parlor. We will be discussing Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafasi. Please join us!! Healing, Anointing and Communion Wednesday, January 17 7:00pm Council Highlights Please be in prayer for the Church Council as they meet together for a retreat at Woodlands this month. Thank you to Annette Duvall and David Stuart for their faithful service as Council members. Thank you to Andrew Wellman and Chris Eid for their willingness to serve again on Council. Welcome to Rick and Jacqui Veres and Norma Gensler as our new Council Members. 14

15 PRAYER VENTURES JANUARY Name of Jesus Baptized into Christ, we bear the name of Jesus and are prepared for serving our neighbor and spreading the good news of what God has done. Give thanks for the gift of new life we have in Jesus Christ, and pray that we are bold, eager witnesses in the world never shrinking from the work to which God calls us. 2 A new year often brings new hopes, resolutions, goals and beginnings. Ask God for strength and perseverance to meet the challenges of new and unfamiliar endeavors, and shout praise for God s forgiveness and love that renews us and frees us to get up, learn and begin again when we stumble or fail. 3 Give thanks for the bishops of the ELCA, and pray they find mutual support, grow in wisdom and skill for their ministry, and that their faith is strengthened through time together at the Bishops Academy. 4 Seasonal workers in our communities often go unnoticed during the busyness of the holidays. Pray that workers now searching for new jobs find steady, fair employment to sustain their families and that our faith communities embrace them with support, concern and welcome. 5 During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we lift up prayers for victims and survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation around the world and ask God to stir our resolve and actions to care for survivors, end these crimes and address the causes of trafficking, such as poverty, hunger and sexism. 6 Epiphany of Our Lord God s purpose and redemptive work are revealed in the light of Jesus Christ to all humankind. Pray our hearts and minds are receptive to better understanding through faith in Christ the mystery of God s boundless grace, wisdom and power. 7 Baptism of our Lord We remember our baptism and pray for the Spirit to remind us daily that we are children of God, forgiven and called to lives of service and witness in the world. 8 Ask God to help us recognize, confess, confront and correct sexist attitudes, behaviors and systems in ourselves, our workplaces, the church and society, knowing that the injustice and pain inflicted on women and girls hurts everyone. Pray that our Christian witness in the world is marked by respect for all people and the courage to learn and change as the spirit of God works in us. 9 We remember in our prayers those who continue to recover and rebuild after the devastation left in the wake of storms and fires, that individuals, families and communities will find new ways forward with the support and encouragement of the church, relief agencies and one another. 10 Sometimes God s word and voice can be loud and majestic and shake all of creation. Pray we recognize God s voice in daily life and give thanks for how it strengthens us and gives us peace. 11 We remember in our prayers companion-synod relationships with global-church partners, and ask God to bless and nourish these partnerships for mutual learning and encouragement, sharing our gifts and resources, building up the church and serving our neighbor. 12 Give thanks and praise to God for the comfort, order and hope God brings to our lives, especially in times of uncertainty, conflict, discouragement and what may seem like chaos. 13 Pray for those who have responded to God s call to serve as ELCA Missionaries and in the Young Adults in Global Mission program that their faith and service are a bright and lively witness to the good news of Jesus Christ and to God s presence and work in the world. 14 We pray that when Jesus invites us to Come and see, we are moved by faith to follow and invite our neighbors friends and strangers alike to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, believe and also follow. 15 Martin Luther King Jr. Day We remember in our prayers saints who have gone before us, like Martin Luther King Jr., and courageous people in our midst today who endure criticism and suffering for the sake of standing with, advocating for and serving God s children who suffer injustice, neglect or oppression. 15

16 16 Recalling how God spoke through the boy Samuel, we pray we are attentive to the presence of God s spirit and word in children and youth and that we help young people grow as faithful followers, leaders and servants in the body of Christ. 17 Give thanks to God for people who mentor us in our faith, daily life and work and have helped us grow and mature through the sharing of their gifts, wisdom, life experiences and faith. 18 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity We are one in the body of Christ. Pray for our ecumenical partners, global church partners and our brothers and sisters in Christ everywhere, that God will bless and further our work together for the purpose of building up Christ s church in the world. 19 The spirit of God is always at work in the church. We pray God will renew the church and our faith communities, especially when we grow weary, have questions about serving in changing communities, find ourselves in conflict or need to refresh our sense of mission. 20 We remember in prayer people of all ages and stages of life who are discovering and preparing for new vocations or studying for new professions and pray they and their families find the faith, strength and encouragement needed to move through times of anticipation, uncertainty and personal change. 21 The ELCA and The Episcopal Church are committed to prayer, fasting and advocacy addressing cuts to public programs that are vital to hungry people living in poverty. Pray for these concerns, our leaders and people in need on the 21st of each month through December We ask God to bless the ongoing work of reconciliation and healing among Christians and other faiths and to stay focused in our striving for unity for the sake of the world. 23 With humility and awe, we praise God for knowing our innermost thoughts and ways and for always seeking us out and embracing us like a loving parent. 24 We pray that everyone in need of warmth and shelter through the winter months has safe, dependable housing, especially elders and those who are homeless, and that we are unceasing in our work to care for and respect the dignity of people in need. 25 Conversion of Paul Praise God for the miraculous ways our faith and lives are changed as the Spirit works in us and among us. 26 Just as the disciples put down their fishing nets in response to Jesus invitation to follow, we pray we are alert and receptive to God s calling us to service and witness in the world and that we are willing to reorder our priorities, tasks and lives to follow Jesus. 27 We remember in our prayers pastors and seminary students serving in Federal Chaplaincy Ministries in unique settings of the U.S. military, Veterans Affairs hospitals and federal correctional institutions. 28 Ask God to open our eyes to the ways intentional and unintentional in which we isolate our neighbor, cause others to stumble in their faith or stir division and conflict; ask for forgiveness and for the Spirit to redirect and inform our thoughts, words and actions for the well-being of our neighbor and the church. 29 Give thanks for the impact of the International Women Leaders initiative in partnership between ELCA Global Mission, global companion churches and the colleges and universities of the ELCA, launched as part of Always Being Made New: The Campaign for the ELCA. 30 Pray God continues to influence our lives and guide us through the teaching and example of prophets, teachers, leaders and Scripture and that we have the wisdom to discern what is true and flows from the word of God. 31 Give thanks for leaders who help us understand stewardship and how to use what God has entrusted to each of us and our communities gifts from God to be used with generosity, compassion and responsibility in service to our neighbor and for the growth of the church. 16

17 ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH th Avenue Huntington, WV CONTACT INFORMATION Reverend Kevin L. Mackey, pastor Henning Vauth, Music Director Wayne Doss, secretary Kathy Mackey, secretary Please visit us at The mission of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church is to CELEBRATE and PRO- CLAIM to all the saving grace of JESUS CHRIST in word and deed. 17

18 St. Paul Lutheran Church th Avenue Huntington, WV January