Just These Lines, My Friends

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2 Just These Lines, My Friends Have you traveled to see a Christmas Light Display? Recently Kris and I took our grandsons Mason and Hudson, along with their parents, to the Charlotte Motor Speedway to see their light display. Two things stood out that I believe apply to us all. First, the birth of Jesus is a time of wonder. The flashing lights around the track of the motor speedway were pretty. Each person in the car had his or her favorite. Mason liked Santa atop a pirate ship shooting off a cannon. However in the middle of the speedway was a place to park, get out of your car and walk into Bethlehem Village. Amid the shopkeepers and the animals from a petting farm was, the stable out back. Inside was a costumed Joseph and Mary looking into the manger. Only one shepherd and one wise man stood by. Yet, this imperfect scene grabbed our attention more than all the rest. The flashing lights, and the camel, sheep and donkey didn t get more than a passing glance. The stable, and what was in that manger stopped us in the cool night air. Mason had only one request all night, Let s go back and see baby Jesus. Deep in our hearts his request resonated in each of us. The lights, and the distractions of the season are all over powered and overcome by something as simple as Baby Jesus in a manger. The second thing that I learned was that the involvement of all your senses makes a big difference. There was a sign at the entrance to the light display that read, Tune your Radio to FM. At first it seemed like any Christmas Music that you might hear on the radio. However, as we listened we noticed that the trees lighting up in various colors, were set to the rhythm and the crescendos of the music played through our radio. It wasn t quite the quality of the shooting fountains set to music at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Still it made the experience more significant. 1

3 That made me think of how our Christmas Services involve all our senses. There s the warm touch of a handshake on a brisk night. There s the sound of singing as we join in our favorite carols. There s the sight of candles raised at the words, Christ the Savior is Born when we sing Silent Night. There s the taste of bread and wine in the Holy Supper on a Holy night. There s even the smell of animals at the 4:30 family service, smells that sometime linger into the later services. This isn t something you can receive by staying at home on Christmas Eve. It happens in our church and many other churches across the world. God brings all our senses into amazement at His gracious gift of love and salvation found in Jesus. Who would have thought that a drive through Christmas light display would make me look forward all the more to sharing the experience of worship together with you this Christmas. Pastor Schudde In Preparation Preparation for Welcoming Our Savior at Christmas! Wednesday, December 7 th 2 nd Week of Advent 11:15 a.m. / 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 14 th 3 rd Week of Advent 11:15 a.m. / 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 21 st 4 th Week of Advent 11:15 a.m. / 6:30 p.m. Note: The Wednesdays of Advent will have a noon meal. Join us in the Emmaus Room for food and fellowship. 2

4 From Pastor Ben. My dear friends in Christ, As always, it is a joy to be writing to you yet again. The weather has turned a bit cooler, the leaves are falling and we have jumped head first into the busy time of year here at Concordia Lutheran Church. When life gets busy, I m often reminded of Matthew 11:28-29 which says, come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. We all come upon times in our lives where it seems as though our workload becomes almost too much to bear. We find that we are struggling under the heavy weight of all of the responsibilities that we have. We may think that there is just no way that we can get everything done that needs to be done. And a lot of the time, that happens when we enter into the holiday season. When that happens to you, I encourage you to take heart and know that God is right there with you. Remember that God loves you and there is nothing in this world that God cannot handle. He wants us to bring our struggles before Him and let Him take control. God desires deeply that we might go to Him and receive our rest. That is a difficult thing to do. We often want to think that we can handle all of the stresses and pressures that come our way. We think that we are able to deal with all the tough things that happen in our lives all by ourselves. But, it is so important to remember that we don t have to. We have an awesome God who loves us and wants nothing more than for us to put all of our faith and trust in Him in all things. With those thoughts in mind, we can more fully enjoy this season of Advent that we have entered into. There are many exciting things happening at Concordia and we would love for you to join us as we prepare to celebrate our newborn king at Christmas all while we wait expectantly for His second coming. There are Advent worship services each Wednesday leading up to Christmas. As you make plans to attend these services, keep in mind 3

5 also that you have access to daily Advent devotions that have been prepared by the pastors at Concordia. These are available in your , on Facebook and on the church website and there is one written for every day of Advent with the exception of Sundays and Wednesdays. As we move into Christmas, we will be having a live nativity at our 4:30 p.m. Christmas Eve worship service. There will also be worship services at 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and one worship service at 10:00 a.m. on Christmas Day in the sanctuary. These are all wonderful times to come together as a church family and share in the joy of knowing that we have a God who loves us enough to send His only Son to save us. Along with all of those worship opportunities, I hope that you are making some time each day to spend in personal devotion. The Advent devotions that I mentioned earlier are a great way to do that. If you are looking for something more, I hope that you have taken advantage of the invitation that you should have received at the end of October to join RightNow Media. This great resource will help you stay in God s Word with thousands of video Bible studies right at your fingertips. If you have questions or concerns about it, please feel free to contact me anytime. I hope that during this busy holiday season you are able to find some time to take a break from all the hustle and bustle and remember what it really is that we are celebrating. Take some time each day to remember that without that first Christmas, we would have nothing at all because it is only through the person and work of Jesus Christ for us that we are able to have eternal life with Him. God s Blessings to all of you. Your Humble Servant in Christ, Pastor Ben 4

6 Join in Celebrating the Birth of Our Savior! Christmas Eve Services: Family Service at 4:30 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary Christmas Candlelight Service at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary ChristMass at 10:30 p.m., in the Main Sanctuary Christmas Day Service: Christmas Morning Service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuay 5

7 News from Children s Minister, Belinda Bost: There are many ways children can be taught to develop a servant s heart a heart for those in need. Somewhere between the ages of 4-6 children are capable of imagining what it feels like to be in someone s situation. At this age children will not likely be able to comprehend large global issues such as world hunger, however they do understand hunger and the reality that some folks do not have enough to eat. When kids are connected and engaged in activities the service can have a lasting effect. During Sunday School Power Hour recently, we took time to gather and put together Blessing Bags for our homeless friends that we see around holding their signs asking for help. Blessing Bags provide simple items that help with hydration, warmth, nourishment and hygiene life basics that we sometimes take for granted. Many families have already reported sharing their bags. Caring for others isn t an item we cross off on a to-do-list as a Christian. It is a way of life. In the Gospel of John we read A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 Check out the Children s Ministry blog at for more ways to serve during the holidays. Advent. It is here! We are excited to add a new element to all three of our worship services for the Advent season; Building the Nativity. Each Sunday during the Children s Message we will add a different character or prop to the Nativity. On Christmas Eve baby Jesus will be laid in the manager and during Epiphany, the Kings will arrive. Advent is the season of preparation and expectation. This building of the Nativity will help children keep the focus on Jesus during this time of waiting. If you have your own nativity set, perhaps you could build with us each week, preparing your hearts and home in expectation of the birth of the Savior. Christmas Program practice has begun. It is not too late to join us. Preschoolers -4 th graders all have special parts. Each Sunday during Power Hour we will take time to practice songs, poems and recitations. A Reason to Celebrate! Come join us on Sunday December 18 th during the 10:45 service for the Children s Christmas program. Preschoolers - 4 th grades will share the Gospel as a reminder to keep Christ in Christmas and that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. Happy Birthday Jesus! 6

8 Hebrews 13:2 Schedule for December December 4 & 11 8am - Carla Hafer 10:30am - Steve & Belinda Bost 10:45am - Forrest Christian, Susan Harman December 18 8am - Kris Schudde 10:30am - Roger & Betty Heavner 10:45am - Ann Holt, Elisa Reid December 25 10am- Kris Schudde Roger and Betty Heavner Prime Timers will meet on Monday, December 12th to see the Christmas Lighting at the Stowe Gardens. On Wednesday, December the 14th we will have our regular covered dish meeting at which time we will serve the meal following the 11:15 Advent Service. MARK THE DATE! On Sunday, December 4, 2017, at 12 noon in the Concordia Christian Day School Family Life Center the Voters Assembly will meet to consider and act on the General Fund Budget Proposal - Year Please plan to join us for this important meeting. A summary copy of the 2017 Budget is included in this newsletter. If you would like a detailed copy, please pick one up in the church office. Other items of business for the voters scheduled for the November 13, 2016, Voters Assembly which was postponed will continue to be tabled until the Annual Meeting in January,

9 8 Sunday December 18 th 6:30 PM

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11 CHRISTMAS TREES & WREATHS Fresh, aromatic, mountain grown Fraser Fir Christmas trees are available in the Church horseshoe driveway. Allow us to be your source for Christmas Trees and Wreaths in 2016 and a portion of the proceeds will go to the School Scholarship Fund. HOURS: Monday - Thursday ~Noon - 8:00 pm Friday - Sunday ~ 8:00 am - 8:00 pm 10

12 Youth Ministry INFO for December 2016 Jesus spoke to them, saying, I am the light of the world. John 8:12 Christmas Caroling & Christmas Covered Dish Dinner: Our youth ministry is going Christmas Caroling on Sunday, December 4 th. Meet at Youth Central at 4:00pm. Bring your smiles, voices, and friends! We will sing Christmas Carols and give big hugs to our older and wiser homebound members. After Caroling we will return to Youth Central for our Christmas Covered Dish Dinner. Bring 1 meat dish and 1 side dish to share. We are taking 3 church buses! The entire congregation is invited to go with us & share in this Christmas joy! SYC & YMT Meet on Sunday, December 18th: Our Sr. Youth Council and Youth Ministry Team will meet together during the month of December on Sunday the 18 th. Meet at The Olive Garden at 12:00pm. This will be our Christmas Dinner Event! Thank You s for November Service and Outreach: *Thanks to the Youth Ministry Team and Sr. Youth Council for feeding the NCHS Soccer Team before their playoff game *Thanks to the Pre-Teens for packing food bags at The Corner Table. *Thanks to the Jr. Youth for adopting a family for Thanksgiving. Thank you for serving the Lord by serving our community! Sr. Youth Group - Adopted Family Christmas Project: Our Sr. Youth are adopting needy families this year for Christmas. We will meet on Sunday, December 11 th from 12:00-4:00pm in Youth Central. Bring $5.00 for the family s gifts. We will eat lunch, shop, wrap & deliver the presents on the same day. **People have offered to financially help with this Servant Event. Turn your donations into the church s main office. Please do so by: Sunday, December 4 th. Mark on your check for: Youth Adopted Christmas Family THANK YOU to the Christian Education Board for delegating the 4 th quarter Sunday School offerings to support this very worthwhile outreach event! DCE Chris L. Henze -- Youth Minister 11

13 Youth Ministry INFO for December 2016 Join us Wednesday nights-6:30pm for Advent Worship: December 7th, 14th, and 21st Youth Bowling Events after 2 Advent Worship Services: Join us during/after the Advent Worship Service on December 7 th and 14 th we are going bowling. YOU MUST ATTEND WORSHIP to attend the bowling trips. We will walk out of the sanctuary, get onto the bus and drive over to Pin Station! We will return to Youth Central each night before 9pm. Welcome to the new ( ) Sr. Youth Council: 9 th : Nate Chapman..Oliver Grigg 10 th : Colbie Dwiggins..Caleb Henze 11 th : Haley Burgess..Addison Elliott 12 th : Jackson Lamb..Julia Spencer Thank you for leading by serving! Thank You Lord for our Scouting Programs: *Thanks to our Cub and Boy Scouts for collecting canned food goods at their Scouting for Food project in November. Thank you for serving the Lord! Join us for our Christmas Eve Activities: 4:30pm Live Nativity 6:30pm Christmas Eve Candlelight 10:30pm Christ Mass Merry Christmas! May God Bless! 12

14 ALL IN THE FAMILY (This is an update of the happenings in the Life of Concordia since the last Newsletter) Hospital/Out Patient Billy Hoke, Wes Hass, Shirley Watts, Lula McMickle, David N. Smith, and Linda Moretz Sympathy To Steve Braun and family upon the death of his father; Jean Landis upon the death of her uncle; Kelly Isenhower and Stephanie Frye upon the death of their grandmother. Births Jackson Ward, son of Gage and Anna Ward Other Prayer Needs Our school staff and students The unchurched in our area and throughout the world Our Church, School and Leadership Our national and world leaders 13

15 Emmaus Room 9:15 - Dec 4 th -Dec 18th-We the People Led by Pastor Micheel Adult Room 9:15 Oct 30 th -Nov 20 th -Verbs of God-how God moves on our behalf Led by Cindy Sigmon Adult Room 9:15 Through Dec 11 th -Fall Discovery Class Led by Pastor Schudde Brian Long 9:15 Revelations - Led by- Dale and Diane Lawing Youth Central 9:15- Pre-Teens, Jr. Youth and Sr. Youth- Led by the Youth Ministry Team Weekday Bible Studies: Mondays: 6-7:30pm-1 st and 3 rd Mondays-Young Adults Micheel home-ephesians Tuesdays: Emmaus 6:30pm-Where Jesus Walked Teacher, Steve Bost Wednesdays: 7am Ladies Bible Study Adult Room #1 Led by Kim Hauser 9:15am-Ladies Bible Study-The Early Church 10am Bible Study First & Third Wednesdays- The book of Revelation-Led by Pastor Micheel Thursdays: 7am Men s Breakfast & Bible Study Luke Led by David Isenhower. AHEC 105 CVMC 6:30pm FAITHbooking Emmaus Room Led by Belinda Bost 14

16 December 2016 SUNDAY BROADCASTS WAIZ 630AM 10:30am WNNC 1230AM 8:00am WXRC :30am December 4 "Wait Until He Comes!" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz A broken world waits, yearns, and hopes for restoration. Jesus has already done everything to make that restoration a reality. (Isaiah 11:1-10) December 11 "Let the Adventure Begin" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz In Christ, all of life is an adventure, one that is full of His promise and hope. (Isaiah 35:1-10) December 18 "Peace On Earth, Peace That Lasts" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz What is the key to real and lasting peace on earth? Jesus, God with us. (Matthew 1:18-25) December 25 "What We Really Want" Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus What do you want this Christmas? Jesus is God's greatest gift to a sinful world. (Galatians 4:4-5) 15

17 Mission & Ministry Volunteer Opportunities The Corner Table is conducting a "Christmas On The Corner" event -Dec. 22 nd Items that are needed for the toiletry bags include toothbrushes and toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razors, and deodorants. In addition, children s gifts of toys, books and stuffed animals are also needed. Collection Bins will be placed at the Church and School for your donations. If you have questions, please contact Betty Heavner at Highways & Hedges - On Monday, December 12 th, Highways & Hedges is serving their annual Christmas Meal to the homeless in our area. Concordia s time to help serve the meal is from 5-7pm. Please contact Smitty Bolick to help. Trinity Church in Conover is hosting the event. Newton-Conover High School and Newton-Conover City Schools will host a FREE Community Christmas Luncheon on Saturday, December 17th from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Newton. This luncheon is for anyone who would like to have fellowship along with a hot turkey lunch with all the trimmings. We will have photos with Santa and small gifts for children at no cost. Take out plates are available! No reservations are necessary. For more information, please contact: Tammy Hayman, School Counselor at Newton-Conover High School ( ) Shower in Honor of Baby Jesus. Dorcas Society will honor our newborn Savior with a baby shower benefiting the Pregnancy Care Center. Please come to the Emmaus Room at 7:00 on Monday December 19 to help us nurture our relationship with this important local ministry to women in unexpected pregnancies. Bring a layette or appropriate baby item and enjoy fun food and fellowship (no business meeting). Supplemental sponsorship by Thrivent Financial. 16

18 You may have seen buckets around with Help the Haitians written on them. Anna Grace Patel and McKayla Coletti (7 th grade CCDS students) are collecting clothes and shoes for the many Haitians that suffered through Hurricane Matthew. You can donate new or used clothing. Keep in mind Haiti s climate and most of Haiti s population is comprised of children through young adults. LLL Steak Supper Saturday, December 3 rd 4:30-7:30pm Family Life Center Cost: $16 Adults, $8 Children The Trunk N Treat Committee extends a heartfelt "Thank You" for all of your prayers, support and donations offered to the 2016 Trunk N Treat Event. Concordia's 100+ volunteers (including workers, servers, trunks and youth from CCDS and UCHS) demonstrated Christian love and fellowship to over 2,000 community guests. The event was a huge success with good food, hay rides, bouncy houses, Halloween games and 36 wonderfully decorated trunks. Everyone had such a great time and it was all possible because of this family called "Concordia Lutheran Church & Christian Day School" 17

19 Children Lead Christmas Celebrations There is something about children sharing the Good News of Jesus from their hearts! You will be encouraged in your own faith and joy of the season by attending any of the following: Thursday, December 8 th - Concordia Christian Day School 1 st 4 th 7:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center Sunday, December 11 th - 1 st -2 nd Grade Choir will sing at the 10:30 a.m. service in the Sanctuary. Wednesday, December 14 th - Concordia Christian Day School Preschool 8:20 a.m. in the Family Life Center. Thursday, December 15 th - Concordia Christian Day School 5 th 8 th 6:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Sunday, December 18 th - Concordia Sunday School 10:45 a.m. Sunday Praise Service in the Family Life Center 18

20 The Prime Timers have planned a bus trip to see the Christmas lights at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens in Belmont on Monday, December 12. The Garden and fountains will be decorated with over 600,000 lights and provide "winter wonderland" of sparkling and festive decor. While the tour is designed for 'walking with lots of rest stops' along the way, a tram is available for those who choose to use it. Cost for the trip is $17.00 which includes a group rate admission and the Concordia School bus expense. Departure will be from the "Horseshoe" at 3:30 p.m. We will stop in Gastonia for dinner at Jackson's Cafeteria prior to going to the gardens. In order to get the group rates, a minimum of 15 participants is required. Those planning to go are asked to confirm their reservation no later than Monday, December 5 by giving a check to Vivian Knight or taking it by the church office. Feel free to invite guests to join us! As a "service project" on Wednesday, December 14, the Prime Timers will host a covered dish luncheon following the Advent worship service to be held in the Chapel. Please bring your well-filled basket by the Emmaus Room prior to the 11:15 service. We need lots of participation for this luncheon experience--since family and friends are encouraged to attend. 19

21 BARNES AND NOBLE BOOK FAIR Friday, December 2 - Thursday, December 8 The Barnes and Noble Book Fair is almost upon us. The fair, which takes place Friday, December 2 - Thursday, December 8 raises money for the school library to buy books. In order to keep our collection updated and current with the curriculum, we need your support. On Saturday, December 3, Concordia School will be in the Hickory B&N joyously proclaiming "the Reason for the Season" to our community with songs, skits, and seasonal entertainment. B&N is one of the few commercial venues allowing us to profess our religious beliefs publicly and raise money at the same time. It also gives the community a chance to see and learn about our fabulous school! We want to take full advantage of this generous opportunity. We ask that you support and encourage our students by stopping by Saturday, December 3rd, to see them in action, use our voucher and make a purchase. Almost everything including coffee, tea, sweets, posters, music, videos, etc. counts towards our school. The more money B&N makes, the more we receive. Volunteers are also needed to pass out vouchers at the event and give information about our school. Please let Jan Glenn know if you can help. Vouchers can also be used on-line, so please pass on our Book Fair ID # (located on the voucher) to friends and family and ask them to place an order between Dec. 2nd and 8th. Their support of our students is also very important. 20

22 Concordia Christian Day School A Tradition of Excellence in a Changing World SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS As we prepare for the Advent/Christmas season, we invite you to join us for our three children s Christmas programs this year in the gym on the following dates and times: 1 st -4 th Grade Thursday, Dec. 8 6:30 pm PS3 Kindergarten Wednesday, Dec. 14 8:30 am 5 th 8 th Grade Thursday, Dec. 15 6:30 pm GOLF TOURNAMENT THANK YOU Thank you to everyone who sponsored or played in this year's Annual Swinging for Educational Excellence Golf Tournament that was held last month, at Lake Hickory Country Club, Catawba Springs Course. It was a beautiful day to have 12 teams of golfers competing in the tournament. Catawba Insurance Agencies team and Patrick Laney won the tournament this year. This year we raised $15,000 that will go toward providing technology for the classrooms and purchasing materials needed to enhance learning for our students. A big thanks to Jenny Eckard for chairing this event. CONCORDIA HONORING VETERANS Last month, the seventh grade students led a chapel service to honor veterans from the school, church, and community. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, veterans were given a standing ovation and presented with cards, posters, and bookmarks made by the students to show their appreciation. Another part of the service included the student body and faculty singing Lee Greenwood's patriotic song, "Proud to be An American." After the service, veterans were treated with dessert and coffee and students had a chance to personally thank each one. 21

23 STUDENTS VISIT REVOLUTIONARY WAR SITES To combine their study of the American Revolution with the importance of honoring America's veterans, seventh graders took a Veterans' Day field trip to the Revolutionary War battle sites of Cowpens and Kings Mountain. Along with the American victory at Cowpens, the Battle at Kings Mountain turned the tide of the war during the colonial fight for independence from Great Britain. At Cowpens, students reenacted battle formations and learned how difficult it was to be a soldier and how bravely the militia and the Continentals fought against the British on that cold January morning in At Kings Mountain, students learned how important it was for the militia to use their knowledge of the land to attack the British and that the battle was won by fighting as individuals. In 1930, U.S. President, Herbert Hoover, visited Kings Mountain and declared, "History has done scant justice to its significance, which rightly should place it beside Lexington and Bunker Hill, Trenton and Yorktown, as one of the crucial engagements in our long struggle for independence." Visiting these two battle sites helped Concordia students better understand how these two battles turned the tide of the war in favor of the American Colonies, and was a Veterans' Day experience these seventh graders will not soon forget. CONCORDIA CAR MAGNETS The Middle School Student Council is now selling Concordia Car Magnets for $5.00. Show your Concordia Spirit with a Crusader Car Magnet. Magnets can be purchased from the School Office throughout the year. THE FACE OF THE FUTURE Concordia students in Mr. Fulton's technology class have been viewing the world through Google Cardboard, which allows them to see things in 3D. Recently, they had a chance to travel to Mars, the Amazon Rain Forest, Antarctica, and the White House. They are excited about an upcoming project in which they will be creating a three dimensional program of the school. 22

24 MAKE A DIFFERENCE PROJECT The 7th Grade Religion class was asked to come up with a project that would make a difference. As part of their project, seventh graders Anna Grace Patel and Mckayla Coletti are leading a drive called, "Help the Haitians," in which they are collecting clothes and shoes for the many Haitians who suffered through Hurricane Matthew. There are clothes bins in each classroom and one outside the school office where you can donate new or used clothes. Due to Haiti's climate, donated clothes should be light wear. Also, keep in mind that young adults and children comprise most of Haiti's population. Thier collections will be given to the Light From Light Me organization to go to Haiti. The collection is currently underway and will continue until Wednesday, December 21st. Please help us to help those in need! Annual Gift Appeal A mailing will soon be sent to Alumni, Alumni Parents, Church Members, and School Parents asking for their support. School tuition and church support cannot pay for all of the school needs. Look for the mailing from the school marked Concordia School News and pray about how you can help our school. SHOEBOXES PACKED On November 17, Concordia s students packed over 250 shoeboxes for Samaritan s Purse. Thanks to all our students and parents for supporting this project. What a blessing to reach out and touch children s lives somewhere in the world with school supplies and the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. JOB OPENINGS STILL AVAILABLE We are still seeking a part-time NC Licensed teacher for 4 th Grade from January to the end of the school year. This position would be for afternoon instruction for Math, Science, and Social Studies. If you know of someone that might be interested, please have them their resume to ccds@concordianc.org or bring by the school office. 23

25 PRINCIPAL'S LIST & HONOR ROLL The Principal's List includes students in 4th - 8th grades who have earned A's in every subject on their report card. Congratulations to the following students who have made the Principal's List: 4th Grade: Sara Sain 5th Grade: Brady Chamberlain, Peyton Gerken, and Drew Hass 6th Grade: Lizzie Sain 7th Grade: Eil Chellman and Jack Tomlinson 8th Grade: Bryce Mitchell, Connor Matthews, and Maddy Phillips The Honor Roll is for students in 4th - 8th grades who have earned A's and B's in every subject on their report card. Congratulations to the following students who made the Honor Roll: 4th Grade: Ellie Adams, Alice Christian, Jack Hoffman, Hailey Okuboye-Born, and Piper Travis 5th Grade: Will Choplin, Adrienne Fidler, Atticus Fidler, Alex Furr, Christopher Martin, Fernando Mendoza-Flores, Lucas Miller, Jacob Moore, Smith Swanson, Bennett Tepper, and Charlie Tomlinson 6th Grade:Samantha Hawn, Hatley Hicks, John Moore, Jenna Munday, Will Sigmon, Olivia Tate, and Isabella Tupman 7th Grade:Trey Carlton, Mary Elizabeth Carter, Mckayla Coletti, London Fidler, Paige Furr, Chloe Hedrick, Raul Mendoza-Flores, Sophia Mozgala, Anna Grace Patel, Luke Pritchard, and Connor Young 8th Grade: Emma Coffey, John Colton, Torri Curtis, Kate Foster, Anna Lopina, Aeryn Mastro, Josie Munday, Anna Patrick-Rappa, Wyatt Sain, Hannah Sherrill, Jay Sowers, Brad Tepper, and Kathryn Wolfe 24

26 NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL October was a month filled with many opportunities for Concordia to spread the love of Christ to those in need. Chapel offerings to the Catawba County Backpack program totaled $690. As part of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Concordia recognized October 17th as "Playing and Praying for Ashley Day," in honor of 3rd grade teacher, Ashley Olson, who has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer for the past six months. Students, faculty, and staff dressed in the traditional pink colors of breast cancer awareness, gathered in the gym to hold a pep rally and pray for Ashley. Students placed prayers they had written for Mrs. Olson in an offering bucket, while Pastor Schudde led everyone in prayer. Following the pep rally, the Crusader soccer and volleyball teams donned their pink socks and jerseys and took on Sacred Heart in the final home games of the season. All proceeds from the day, totaling over $700, were given to Mrs. Olson. For the entire month of October, sixth grader Timmy Lane led Concordia students in the Red Bucket Challenge in an effort to raise money to help feed those in need. At its conclusion, Concordia donated $930 to the Corner Table in Newton. October was truly a month when Concordia served those in need. We are thankful to God for giving us these opportunities to bless others! Please Remember the Scholarship Fund and the School Endowment Fund in your will! 25

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28 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat December am Worship & Communion 1:30pm Quilt Tacking 9:15am Christmas Program Practice/Bible 4pm Highways and Study/Youth SS Hedges 10:30am Worship & Communion 5pm Stephen Minister 10:45am Praise Service Supervision 12pm Voters' Meeting FLC Budget Approval 6pm Small Group at Micheel's 4pm Youth Christmas Caroling/Meal 5pm Boy Scouts return from Camping 6:30pm Needle Arts Group at BLCFM 8am Worship & Communion 10:30am Worship - 1st & 2nd Grade Sing 9:15am Christmas Program Practice /Bible Study/Youth SS 10:45am Praise Service & Communion 12pm Sr. Youth LYF adopt Christmas Families 6:30pm Needle Arts Group at BLCFM 8am Worship & Communion 8am LLL 9:15am Christmas Program Practice /Bible Study/Youth SS 10:30am Worship & Communion 10:45am Children's Ministry Christmas Program 12pm SYC/YMT Christmas Lunch to Olive Garden 6:30pm Lessons & Carols Christmas Day 10am Worship with Unifour Brass 7am Men's Breakfast Bible Study am B&N Bookfair 5pm Scout Camping 6pm CCDS K-8 Science Fair 4:30pm LLL Steak Supper :30pm B/C Scouts 8pm B&N Bookfair Ends 8:35am Staff Devotion & Weekly Meeting - EM 6:30pm Church Council A#2 6:30pm Steve Bost - EM 7am Ladies Bible Study - A#1 8:20am Chapel - CCDS 9:30am Ladies Bible Study - A#1 10am Bible Study - EM 11am Tai Chi - Cub Scout Room 11:am Advent Worship & Meal 5:30pm Bells 6:30pm Advent Worship 7:15pm Youth Bowling 7:45pm Choir 8pm Praise Group 7am Men's Breakfast Bible Study 6pm Trustees 6:30pm Christian Ed - BLCFM 6:30pm 1st - 4th Grade Christmas Program 6:30pm Staff Christmas Party 11:30am Senior Citizens Luncheon pm Girl Scouts 6:30pm B/C Scouts 6:30pm Stewardship - EM 8:35am Staff Devotion & Weekly Meeting - EM 6:30pm Elders - A#2 6:30pm M & M - BLCFM 7pm Day School Board 7am Ladies Bible Study - A#1 8:20am Chapel - CCDS - PS, PK and Kindergarten Christmas Program 9:30am Ladies Bible Study - A#1 11am Tai Chi - Cub Scout Room 11:15am Advent Worship & Meal PrimeTimers Serve Meal 5:30pm Bells 6:30pm Advent Worship 7:15pm Youth Bowling 7:45pm Choir 8pm Praise Group 7am Men's Breakfast Bible Study 6:30pm 5th - 8th Grade Christmas Program First day of Winter Christmas Eve 24 12pm Newsletter Deadline 4pm Concordia Serves at Highways & Hedges 6pm Small Group at Micheel's 6:30pm B/C Scouts 7pm Dorcas - LWML - Baby Shower for our Newborn King 8:35am Staff Devotion & Weekly Meeting - EM 7am Ladies Bible Study - A#1 8:20am Chapel - CCDS 10am Bible Study - EM 11am Tai Chi - Cub Scout Room 11:15am Advent Worship & Meal 6:30pm Advent Worship 7:15pm Live Nativity Practice 8pm Praise Group 7am Men's Breakfast Bible Study Church Office Closed 4:30pm Christmas Eve Live Nativity 6:30pm Christmas Eve Candlelight & Communion 10:30pm Christmas Eve ChristMass & Communion New Year's Eve 31 Church Office closed Church Office Closed 7am Ladies Bible Study - A#1 11am Tai Chi - Cub Scout Room 8pm Praise Group 7am Men's Breakfast Bible Study 6:30pm New Year s Eve Service & Communion

29 McKayla Coletti 12/2 Brittany Connor 12/2 Lisa Jackson 12/2 Christy Byrd 12/3 Layla Davis 12/3 Pat Setzer 12/3 Rebecca Smith 12/3 Charles Urtel 12/3 Chloe Christians 12/4 Anna Lou Kaylor 12/4 Elijah Micheel 12/4 Ryen Reid 12/5 Herman Smith 12/5 Dwight Brooks 12/6 Crystall Chapman 12/6 David Hafer 12/6 Layla Herman 12/6 Jayel Micheel 12/6 Jonathan Nelson 12/7 Nancy Kelley 12/8 Kathryne Smith 12/8 Max Bowman 12/9 Roger Hager 12/9 Bobby Matthews 12/9 Carol Preston 12/9 Deborah Spencer-Ahrens 12/9 A.J. Baker Jr. 12/10 Bob Malin III 12/10 Lauren Dillard 12/11 Diana Long 12/11 Ethan Parris 12/11 Priscilla Sigmon 12/11 Kristin Baker 12/12 December Birthdays and Anniversaries Steve Hamm 12/12 Kyle McClure 12/12 Jeff Starnes 12/12 Gail Hunsucker 12/13 Ryan Rudisill 12/13 William Smith 12/13 Josslyn Vetter 12/14 Jams Ballbach 12/15 Kate McClure 12/15 Jennifer Montgomery 12/15 Anna Patel 12/15 Margie Bowman 12/16 Fiona Finch 12/16 Mary Herman 12/16 Lexie Welch 12/16 Smitty Bolick Jr. 12/17 Mark Canrobert 12/17 Matthew Hafer Jr. 12/17 Melissa Hayes 12/17 Avery Hill 12/17 Mark Schudde 12/17 Stephanie Moore 12/19 Sandra Smith 12/19 Addie Jo Welch 12/19 Anderson Welch 12/19 Chadwick Bolick 12/20 Zachary Henson 12/20 Andy Matthews 12/20 Dwayne Welch 12/20 Lisa Herman 12/21 Nick Stenstrom 12/21 Randy Isenhower 12/22 Tyler Reid 12/22 Andrew Matthews 12/23 Zachary Perry 12/25 Karl Wolfe 12/25 Pat Deal 12/26 Adam Campbell 12/27 Carolyn Ellis 12/27 Lula McMickle 12/27 Amanda Munday 12/27 Jasmine Galloway 12/28 Betty Spencer 12/28 Jack Tomlinson Jr. 12/28 Anna-Kathryn Hass 12/29 Shauna Kent 12/29 Jack Power 12/29 Peggy Travis 12/29 Lucretia Wallace 12/30 Rick Bare 12/31 Grace Brinn 12/31 Bruce Roffey 12/31 Tim & Rebecca Smith 12/5 Conrad & Evelynn Yount 12/5 Stuart & Darlene Allen 12/7 Weidner & Tracy Abernethy 12/14 Harvey & Peggy Travis 12/14 Darrin & Joni Reid 12/15 Tom & Kate Cullen 12/18 David & Shelly Hayes 12/18 Kelly & Jennifer Keever 12/19 Jeffrey & Dawn Leary 12/19 Lester & Priscilla Sigmon 12/19 William & Janice Whitener 12/20 Clarence & Joyce Pugh 12/23 Max & Margie Bowman 12/26 Jordan & Nathan Tabor 12/27 Tom & Beverly Considine 12/29 Dustin & Mary Edwards 12/30 Jerome & Linda Bolick 12/31 If your name is missing from these list, please let the church office know Thank you!

30 Dec 4 Dec 11 Dec 18 Dec 24-Christmas Eve Dec 25 ACOLYTES: (8:00) Open Open Open 4:30 10:00 Hallie Keil 6:30 Drew Hass 10:30 (10:30) Connor Matthews Victoria Charles Mary Elizabeth Carter Jay Sowers Peyton Gerken Chloe Hedrick (10:45) Paige Furr London Fidler Open GREETERS: (8:00) Donny & Pat Setzer Barry & Laura Perry Rick & Mary Anne Wike (10:30) Bill & Ann Holt Clarence & Shirley Canrobert Roger & Vicki Shull (10:45) Ken Elliott Family Jason Chapman Family The Adams Family 4:30 Roger Heavner READERS: (8:00) Corey Christians Tammy Hayman Paul Karre 6:30 Karen McClure 10:00 Bret Graff 10:30 Marissa Alfaro (10:30) Tammy Hayman Cristal Rager Clarence Puch (10:45) Jill Graff Pat Welch Delaina Bryan ELDERS: (8:00) Dale Lawing Dale Lawing Roger Heavner 4:30 Open 10:00 Vickie Shull Rick Miller Rick Miller 6:30 Open Steve Bost 10:30 Steve Bost, Vicki Shull Tim Settlemyre (10:30) Steve Bost Vicki Shull Dale Lawing Tim Settlemyre Tim Settlemyre Vicki Shull Jimmy Martin (10:45) Open Roger Heavner Open Steve Bost Roy Sigmon Jonathan Moore NEW YEARS EVE: (6:30) Elder: Steve Bost Reader: David Isenhower FELLOWSHIP: Assimilation Carmen Isenhower Assimilation ALTAR GUILD: Dianne Lawing and Opal Bolick, 10:45-Susan Harman USHERS: (8:00) Paul and Ted Karre (10:30) Fred Farmer (Captain), Dexter Warren, Rick Bare, Harvey Travis, Don Beal, Mark Canrobert and Alan Hefner TRUSTEES: Donny Setzer and Rick Wike