St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: Blades Road Cordova, MD DECEMBER 2011 The Messenger

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1 DECEMBER 2011 The Messenger St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Phone: Blades Road Cordova, MD Pastor s Perspective: What are you looking for? At the suggestion of St. Paul s Mutual Ministry committee, the Pastor s Perspectives are based on the Bible study we share together at our Mutual Ministry meetings, so that you can be a part of the conversation and study too! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In John 1:35-42, we hear part of the story of how Jesus first disciples came to be. This story is full of great images for reflection and further story, but for our purposes today, we will concentrate on just two of them. The first is that John is not afraid or ashamed to identify Jesus as the Lamb of God to his friends. John s mention of Jesus may have been a casual, Hey look! There goes Jesus! Haven t seen him for a while! It may have been more invitational, There goes that guy Jesus I ve been telling you about. You really ought to meet him he s pretty amazing! Or, it may have just been a declaration, That s Jesus, the Lamb of God. Whatever John intended, the effect of his words on the friends who were with him was profound. John s words, with the Holy Spirit working in and through them, inspired his friends to want to find out more about Jesus. In fact, it inspired them to leave John behind and follow Jesus. In this story, we are reminded by John s actions of how important our words are to those around us. We are reminded of the potential significance of every word that comes from our mouths, whether we mean them that way or not. In this way, we ought to be encouraged to speak out more about our experience of faith. Our speaking out doesn t have to be profound. We don t need to be able to speak poetically or prophetically; we need to be able to speak plainly about our faith. John did. His words were simple and clear, Look, here is the Lamb of God! The effects of those words are far-reaching and life-changing not by John s work or his skill as an orator, but because of the Holy Spirit at work in them. This leads us to the second point I would like to highlight. As John s friends are following Jesus around town, he stops, turns around, and asks them, What are you looking for? Really? That is the best question Jesus can come up with when he s got two strange men following him around like puppy dogs waiting to be noticed. How does Jesus know that the men are looking for anything?! Apparently, though, Jesus asked the right question because the men were prepared with an answer, Rabbi, where are you staying? They were in search of Jesus, and wanted to know where he was dwelling, perhaps so that they could dwell there too. Don t we all, in one way or another, have a deep desire to know where Jesus is dwelling? Don t we all have an unexplainable need to seek and be sought by Jesus? We want to know everything we can about this God- Man. We want to know where he can be found when we need him; we want to know if we have a place there too. Most of all, we want to know that he knows us, that he sees us, that he wants us to go along with him, to be where he is. During this season of Advent, we will follow the Christmas star all the way to a cattle stall in Bethlehem. What are you looking for? some may ask. We might respond, We want to see Jesus. When we arrive there on Christmas morning we will find the one whom we seek, the one who seeks us, a newborn baby lying in a manger, wrapped in swaddling cloths. When we find him there, may we all have the courage to proclaim plainly, as John did, Look! Here is Jesus, the Lamb of God. Christmas Worship Schedule Children s Program: Sunday December 18, :00am Candlelight Christmas Eve Service: Saturday December 24, :00pm Christmas Day Festival of Lessons & Carols: Sunday December 25, :00am Yours in Christ s love, Pastor Emily Hollars Leitzke

2 2 Creative Kids Page

3 3 Jumpin Family Christmas You re Invited Join Christian singer songwriter Monte Leister and up-and-coming guitar virtuoso Tyler King for an afternoon of traditional Christmas carols and songs intermingled with a few original Christmas compositions. You are sure to be filled with the spirit of Christmas as you and your family sings along. You don t want to miss the Jumpin Family Christmas Tour! When? Sunday December 4, 2011 during Sunday morning worship at 9:00am, Monte Leister and Tyler King will provide special music as well as the children s message. The Jumpin Family Christmas Tour concert will be the same day at 3:00pm. Where? St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church: Blades Road Cordova, MD Who s Invited? EVERYONE! Jumpin Family Christmas Tour is a family event! Cost? FREE! Please bring a canned food item to donate to the local food closet. Who is Monte Leister? Get ready to sing, dance, shout, and laugh along with Monte Leister as you celebrate the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! With guitar in hand and a passion for spreading the Gospel, Monte shares the joy of Jesus Christ and encourages families to be the hands and feet of God through action packed music, smart acoustic worship rock, and stories of faith. Monte shares his music ministry regularly at churches, youth events, summer camps such as Mar-Lu-Ridge, preschools, festivals, Christian coffeehouses, retreats & children s museums. Monte currently tours in the Mid-Atlantic, South-East and MidWest regions of the United States. Monte is excited to work alongside World Vision as an Artist Associate. Through World Vision s Child Sponsorship program and their many other ministries, Monte is blessed to match sponsors with children all over the world. I am blessed to give people an opportunity to directly be the hands a feet of Christ and literally save a childs life for only $35 dollars a month Monte has 9 previous studio projects under his belt including be the Moon 2009, The Adventures of Boo! Radley 2008, Jump for Jesus Monte has shared stages with Jars of Clay, Shaun Groves, Mike Roe, Willet, Ashes Remain and many others. Monte currently lives in Maryland with his wife and Kids. For more Concert Information: Contact St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church at Or visit our website: Concert Sponsored by St. Paul s Evangelical Lutheran Church Congregational Council

4 4 Members of St. Paul s: Lois Clark, Gunther & Regina Schiwy, Ferdinand Asche, Bettie Goddard, Earl Martin and Henry Fuchs. Friends of St. Paul s: Katelyn Howard, Jo Derr (mother of Bobbie Leaverton), Mike Schauber (brother of Dottie Carroll), Joann Schauber (step-mother of Dottie Carroll), Jetty Fleetwood, Michael Mumford (son of Dale & Betty Jean Mumford), Jim Lewis (father-in-law of Meredith Lewis & Michelle Lewis), Vance & Marie Wilson (parents of Donna Saathoff), Fallen Bauer, Darren Leonard, David Mathis, Alvin Sanger, Ursula Mosley (daughter of Gunther & Regina Schiwy), Michael Eaton (brother of Rosemary Spies.), Theresa Jamar (mother of Donna Stevens), Vernon Dulin, Jan Falcey, Freda Fuchs (mother of Ellen Mulder, Becky Loukides, Henry Fuchs, & Lois Clark) Bill Cheezum and Sandy Roe (daughter-in-law of Edith Roe.) Tuesday Morning Bible Study! Come join us on the first and third Tuesday mornings at 9:00 am. Bring your Bible, your favorite cup of coffee, and a friend! December 6 December 20 Revelation 7:9-17 Ezekiel 34:11-16, Psalm 34:1-10, 22 Psalm 95:1-7a 1John 3:1-3 Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 5:1-12 Matthew 25:31-46 ST. PAUL S HELPHING HANDS Have you ever been in need of someone to help you with work around your home, but didn t know who to call? The Bible Study Group is compiling a list of members of St. Paul s who have special talents and who can provide special helping hands services. This list is a work in progress, so if your name needs to be added, feel free to write it on the list located on the bulletin board outside of the church office, or call the church office to add your name. Appliance Repair Auto Repair Tommy Fisher Bill Behrens [Behrens Automotive] Building Contractors Keith Davis [K.W. Davis, Inc.] Lee & Jeff Heinsohn [Harry W. Heinsohn, Inc.] Mike Hiner [Willow Construction] Driveway Repairs Small Carpentry Tile Work Septic Work Shuttle Service Bobby Saathoff [Chris Lee & Son] Danny Fisher Alan Davis Bobby Saathoff [Chris Lee & Son] Amy Priest House Cleaning and I do, do windows... Tammy Norfolk Looking for that gift for Someone Special! St. Paul s continues to add standard pavers to the sidewalk. You may give them In memory of or in honor of someone, your children, grandchildren, grandparents, etc. The cost is $50.00 per brick. Order forms are available by the bulletin board or in the church Office.

5 News from the Congregational Council 5 Highlights from November s Congregational Council Meeting: St. Paul s Council viewed session 2 What is a Steward? of the video, Biblical Stewardship: Our Duty and Delight with Dr. Mark Allen Powell. Council has set the date of Sunday January 22, 2012 for our annual congregational meeting. Financial reports and the proposed budget for 2012 will be available for congregational review beginning January 8, Copies will be available in the church office and via upon request. December s 1st Sunday food and money collection will be given to the Neighborhood Service Center in Easton. Highlights from What June s is our Council 2011 Giving Meeting: Goal? Progress Toward our 2011 Giving Goal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Based on our 2011 budget, the congregational giving goal for the year is $152,000. How much has been given year-to-date towards meeting that goal? Year-to-date (through the end of November), offerings and tithes have totaled approximately $123,000. What is the difference between an offering and a tithe? A tithe is commonly understood as one tenth of one s income. The discipline of tithing has its early roots in the sacrificial practices of the ancient Israelites when they would offer one tenth of all that increased the value of the earthly possessions placed into their care grain, wine, oil, the firstlings of their herds and/or flocks, etc. to God in thanksgiving for what God had first given to them, and in the faith that God would continue to provide for their every need. An offering is commonly understood as any giving that is over and above a tithe. Included in a discussion of offerings is often discussion of first-fruits giving, a practice wherein one gives an unspecified (by Scripture) amount of the first-fruit of the harvest back to God. Especially in ancient times, a sacrifice of the first-fruit of the harvest meant a sacrifice of next year s seed for planting and a sacrifice of the reproductive potential of a newborn calf. It was an act of ultimate trust in God s desire and ability to provide for God s people. Thank OUR you for CHURCH your continued COUNCIL support MEMBERS of St. Paul s ministries! OUR CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS President: Mike Hiner Fin. Secretary: Carl Sauca Stewardship: Fred Meers President: Mike Hiner Worship: Helen Skipper Evangelism/Interim Treasurer: Darian Sump Vice President: Diana Hurd Worship: Helen Skipper Evangelism: Darian Sump Vice President: Diana Hurd Property: Lee Heinsohn Social Ministry: Will Behrens Rec. Secretary: Monica Heinsohn Property: Lee Heinsohn Social Ministry: Will Behrens Rec. Secretary: Monica Heinsohn Christian Ed: Susan Eakins Treasurer: Clay Stevens Fin Secretary: Carl Sauca Christian Ed: Susan Eakins Stewardship: Fred Meers

6 6 Mark your Calendars DECEMBER 3 DECEMBER 4 DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 6 DECEMBER 7 DECEMBER 8 Easton Christmas Parade 6:30pm Executive Committee Meeting 10:30am Jumpin Family Christmas Tour 3:00pm Confirmation 6:00pm Bible Study 9:00am Organizational Meeting for 2nd Worship Service 7:00pm Stewardship Committee 7:00pm Sit & Stitch 10:00am Congregation Council 7:00pm DECEMBER 11 Sunday School Teachers Meeting 10:30am DECEMBER 12 Evangelism Team Meeting 7:00pm DECEMBER 14 Lower Delmarva Clergy Meeting 10:00am DECEMBER 15 Worship at Dixon House 10:00am DECEMBER 18 Children s Christmas Program 9:00am DECEMBER 19 Confirmation 6:00pm Mutual Ministry 7:30pm DECEMBER 20 Bible Study 9:00am TACL 12:00pm DECEMBER 24 Christmas Eve Service 7:00pm DECEMBER 25 Christmas Morning Service Festival of Lessons and Carols 9:00am DECEMBER 27 Community Menorah Lighting 7:00pm JANUARY 1-15 Talbot Interfaith St. Paul s JANUARY 3 Bible Study 9:00am JANUARY 9 Confirmation 6:00pm JANUARY 12 Sit n Stitch 10:00am Congregational Council 7:00pm JANUARY 15 Monthly ELCA Gathering for Youth and Advisors 11:30am JANUARY 17 Bible Study 9:00am JANUARY 18 Lunch n Learn 11:55am JANUARY 19 Worship at Dixon House 10:00am JANUARY 22 St. Paul s Annual Meeting 10:15am JANUARY 23 Confirmation 6:00pm JANUARY 29 New Members Orientation 10:30am birthdays 12/03 Sherri Brown 12/07 Robert Saathoff, Sr. 12/12 Richard Sump 12/20 Adam Boyce 12/21 Justine Spies 12/23 Troy Pearson 12/23 Rocco Barletta 12/24 Carol Meers 12/27 Ann Spies 12/27 Diane Miller 12/28 William Boyce 12/28 Gwen Smith 12/28 Kenneth Asche 12/29 Karen Peck 12/31 Jeffrey Heinsohn 12/31 Melinda Cep ANNIVERSARIES 12/01 Tim and Cathy Cannon 12/03 Bobby and Donna Saathoff 12/11 Will and Stacey Behrens We have decided it would be nice to list birthday and anniversaries for each month in our newsletter. if you don t see your names listed in a certain month or don t know if we have your information, give us a call at the office.

7 7 ACOLYTES CRUCIFERS December 4 Mackenzie Short Casey Edsall December 11 Gavin Braithwaite Zachary Webster December 18 Gareth Davis Danielle Brown December 24 Alex Heinsohn Abbie Heinsohn December 25 Sean Priest Hunter Priest December 4 Ellen Mulder December 11 Diane Miller December 18 Youth December 24 Robert Saathoff, Sr. December 25 Multiple Readers LECTORS December 4 Carl & Sam Sauca December 11 Lyn Hollingsworth & Susan Behrens December 18 Carolyn Lane & Renee Pearson December 24 Lee Heinsohn & Darian Sump December 25 Claire Sump & Marian Davis December 4 Carl & Sam Sauca December 11 Henry & Lyn Hollingsworth December 18 Youth December 24 Lee Heinsohn & Darian Sump December 25 Marian Davis & Helen Skipper ALTAR FOR December Else Ross December 4 Cathy Cannon/Donna Saathoff December 11 Mike & Terri Hiner December 18 Deneen Marth December 25 Monica Heinsohn IF YOU ARE SCHEDULED TO USHER AND CANNOT SERVE, MIKE HINER, GEORGE SCHNOOR, DIANA HURD AND MARIAN DAVIS HAVE AGREED TO BE SUBSTITUTES. PLEASE CONTACT ONE OF THEM. ALSO, IF YOU ARE A SCHEDULED LECTOR AND CANNOT SERVE, ROBERT SAATHOFF, ELSE ROSS OR MONICA HEINSOHN HAVE AGREED TO SUBSTITUTE OR CONTACT ANOTHER PERSON ON THE SCHEDULE. LECTORS: PLEASE CONTINUE TO USE & ADJUST IF NECESSARY THE MICROPHONE WHEN READING THE LESSONS, SO THAT EVERYONE WILL BE ABLE TO HEAR. THANK YOU!

8 8 St. Paul s Lutheran Church Blades Road, P.O. Box 368 Cordova MD Return Service Requested Please inform the church office of any changes in your personal information: Address, phone number, marriage or divorce, or new births so that we can keep our records up-to-date. Anyone interested in learning more about becoming a member at St. Paul s is asked to contact Pastor Emily Leitzke by phone at , by at pastor@stpaulscordova.org or in person. Vertrau auf Gott! Ministers: People of St. Paul s Pastor: Rev. Emily Hollars Leitzke Emergency contact number: Pastor s pastor@stpaulscordova.org Organist: Edith Roe Secretary: Fay Sauca Office Phone: Office Fax: Office info@stpaulscordova.org Office Hours: Tue. 12:00-5:00 Wed. &Thurs. 10:00-3:00 Sunday Worship begins at 9:00 am