Worship Schedule. December 2018

Transcription

1 Jesus Christ is the bridge between God and us. Worship Schedule Keeping Christ Central in December Sunday, December 2, First Sunday in Advent. Holden Evening Prayer Worship with Holy Communion with the Praise Band at 9:00 a.m. Coffee and fellowship following worship. Sunday School at 10:00 a.m. We welcome KFC (Kids for Christ), Central s youth ministry for leading worship today. Awesome! Focus reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4; 3: Habakkuk cannot bear the injustice he sees in the world, with seemingly no relief in sight. Where is God when one needs a swift and almighty solution? We might well ask the same. The world longs for the reign of peace and justice for a broken world. Such longing is the music of our Advent hope. Christ is coming! Wednesday, December 5, Worship at 6:00 p.m. Confirmation youth will have their annual Christmas Caroling event starting at 5:45. Youth may come early and have supper with the community meal beforehand. Our Focus reading is: Esther 4:1-17. Come and hear some amazing Bible stories you ve never heard before. Introducing Queen Esther. Sunday, December 9, Worship with the Choir Cantata at 9:00 a.m. Every year the Choir presents its Christmas Cantata. This year it is titled: Sing Christmas. I often suspect that our closest link to God s heart is music. God must love music. Again, we listen to the joy of God s heart as we sing Christmas, and welcome Jesus into our lives. Wednesday, December 12, Worship with Holy Communion at 6:00 p.m. Focus reading is: Isaiah 42:1-9. Who Jesus is and how he is understood as God born among us, comes from the prophets. Our reading from Isaiah captures the Advent hope that was born as God s Son, named Jesus, which means God saves. Isaiah says it best, I am the Lord, I have called you in righteousness, I have taken you by the hand and kept you; I have given you as a covenant to the people, a light to the nations December 2018 Wednesday, December 19, Worship with Holy Communion at 6:00 p.m. We gather for The Longest Night. A quiet and gentle worship service in candle light, allows us a moment to remember, reflect, and to honor the feelings we have of those we miss, those opportunities we have lost, and our hopes not realized. Come and worship. A simple meal and fellowship will follow our worship. Sunday, December 23, 2018 Fourth Sunday of Advent. Worship with an Advent Lessons & Carols service, with special music, based on the beloved Advent hymn, O Come, O Come Emmanuel at 9:00 a.m. Are you ready yet? That is, for Jesus to come and to come to you. Join us as we sing the joy of Christmas as we wait expectantly in the waning hours of this Advent season. Our Savior comes. Monday, December 24, 2018 Christmas Eve! Family Christmas Worship for all ages at 4:00 p.m. with Holy Communion. Candlelight Worship at 11:00 p.m. It s time! Joseph has no sooner brought his wife to Bethlehem than she s in full blown labor. And even though every birth is a miracle, this one is extra special. Night-sky-splitting, heavenly-flash-mob special. Now the story is told again for all to hear. So, we gather to ponder these things. Tuesday, December 25, 2018 Christmas worship with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. Lemmie see! Lemmie see! It s a mantra heard regularly by parents of small ones. It s partly because they are small and have a hard time seeing over or around adults. But it s also because they have an insatiable curiosity. It s not enough just to learn about a thing; kids want to see it, touch it, experience it fully. Come and see! It s the baby Jesus! Wednesday, December 26, 2018 No Worship Service. Sunday, December 30, 2018 First Sunday of Christmas. Worship at 9:00 a.m. with Lessons and Carols with Mark Fleming on the organ. Sunday December 16, Worship with Holy Communion at 9:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. the Sunday School Christmas program presents, Celebrating Christmas: Priceless. May the children lead us in the true meaning of Christmas. Blessings abound! It will be another great morning at Central.

2 Mondovi Sharing Table Wednesday, Dec. 5th 4:30-6:00 p.m. Sponsored by: Our Saviors United Methodist Church/Christmas Walk **Meals are offered monthly and are open to everyone absolutely FREE.** -Next Sharing Table: January 2 Confirmation Caroling Night Wednesday, December 5:45 p.m. Caroling for our home-bound members. Everyone is invited to join the caroling (children in 5th grade and under should be accompanied by an adult). If you would like to invite the carolers to someone s home, please call the church MEN SINGERS WANTED The Men s Choir will be singing on Sunday, Dec. 23. Please be to the church by 8:15 a.m. for practice. Please contact Joanne at or erickjoa@uwec.edu. ENERGY ASSISTANCE Applications will be taken at Central Lutheran Church on: Monday, DEC. 3rd, 8:30-NOON Monday, DEC. 17th, 8:30-NOON THINGS TO BRING WITH YOU: Social Security cards for all members of household Verification of past 12 months interest & dividends Social Security income (letter indicating amount received and/or bank statements Verification of gross income for last 3 months Annual fuel and electric usage from providers Examples of income include, but are not limited to: Wages from employment (check stuffs or employer statement Social Security benefits & supplemental security income (SSI) Pensions & interest income from savings Unemployment compensation & workman s compensation, etc. **Failure to provide necessary verification will delay your application** Attention Quilters!!! It s time for quilting! December Quilting Date: Tuesday, Dec. 1:00 p.m. The quilters will meet in December on the 1:00 p.m. Think about making a resolution to join us in January. We need help! We can always use clean used blankets and mattress pads to put in the middle of quilts for warmth. We can also use leftover fabric from your sewing projects. Fabric must be good quality, clean and at least 5 inches square. Come see how we use it! KIDS FOR CHRIST Youth Group News -Sunday, December 2nd perform skit at the 9:00 a.m. worship service. Meeting in the Lounge after the service. -Sunday, December 16th serve coffee and treats after the 9:00 a.m. worship service and Christmas caroling afterwards. -Sunday, January 2nd Meeting in the Lounge at 10:00 a.m. *If interested in joining, please contact Pastor Morck, Melissa or Lilli Kreibich or Carlee Norby The Heart Tree is in the narthex again this year containing many gift suggestions that you are asked to provide for our area young people. Choose your gift and bring it unwrapped to church no later than Wednesday, December 12. Your gifts will be greatly appreciated.

3 Central extends their thanks and appreciation to: Denise Marsolek/Designs by Denise photography for donating the time and talent again this year in taking our Confirmation photos for the families and for our wall photo. Great job! Christmas Greetings from Your Church Staff May the love of the Christ child embrace you as we celebrate his coming. We look forward to sharing the Gospel with you in the coming years. Pastor Rolf Morck Joanne Erickson Gary Holmen Michelle Alexander Noelle Schmidtknecht CLCW Holiday Bake Sale and Luncheon Saturday, December 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Items to be sold baked items, produce, candy, pickles, jams and jellies, craft items (Each church woman of Central is asked to please donate $15 worth of any of these items or a $15 monetary donation) Menu Hot Sandwich, Potato Chips, Coleslaw, Pickle, Dessert, Beverage Price: $6.00 Proceeds from this event will benefit various mission projects in our own congregation and in the community and outside the area. Poinsettias are the traditional flower of Christmas. To help beautify our chancel, please consider donating this lovely plant in memory or honor of your loved ones. Notify the church office ( ) no later than Friday, December 14, so your donation can be included in our publications. Mondovi Community Christmas Concert Sunday, December 2nd - 2:00 p.m. Mondovi High School Multi Purpose Room CLCW NEWS Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 18th at 12:00 p.m. Potluck, Word and Song *Please remember to bring your Thankoffering if you haven t already done so in November* Central Lutheran Church women - All women of Central are invited to participate - meetings are held monthly - see bulletin, CLCW Directory and newsletter for upcoming programs and features. Mondovi Area Band and Choir Donations Appreciated Refreshments Served Proceeds to be donated to the Mondovi Public Library and music scholarships Sponsored by Friends of Music and Thrivent Financial -December 5th and 12th Xmas Program Practice after school until 5 p.m. Grades 3-5 -December 16th - Christmas Program for 4K-5th 11:00 a.m. -December 23rd - No Sunday School -December 30th No Sunday School -January 6th - Sunday School resumes **Child devotionals (Spark Family) are available on the table in the narthex**

4 Central Council November 12, 2018 ACTION ITEMS 1. Thank You Sunday recap thank you to everyone who helped and participated. 2. Motion made and passed to allow Bolton Refuge House to host a support group at Central. Also approved placing a box for Misfit Toys. 3. Discussion on budget for Lighting Project update will continue to get a second comparison estimate. 5. Motion made and passed for Bartingale to install the backflow on the boiler. Funds will be taken from Walter Pederson/Fimreit estate. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Pastor discussed a handout Fast Growing Religion is NONE. 2. Worship will meet on Nov. 14th to set up the Fall/ Thanksgiving decorations. 3. Congregational Life reported there will be a meeting discussing the Longest Night service and the Annual Meeting. Spark Bibles were presented to the 4K students on Nov. 11th. 4. Youth reported the youth group Kids for Christ is on its way and is very exciting. They will be doing a skit on December 2nd and will hold their first meeting with a short Bible study after the service. They will also serve coffee on December 16th and go caroling. They plan to meet the first Sunday of every month during Sunday School. 5. Stewardship/Reaching and Caring reported the Mondovi Sharing Table was held on Nov. 7th 6. Property reported the door/frame is installed and looks great. The outside work on shrubs and trees will be discussed in the spring. In 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we read,...encourage one another and build each other up. Families and individuals who are remembered in prayer during December: December 2: Glen Johnson; Tracy and Debra Laehn, Shanna and Mitch; Margaret Nelson; Mark and Lori Whelan, Lance and Julia; Dylan and Miranda Zahara, Carter and Rylee; Niki Ede and John December 9: Jim and Jacqie Teigen, Jocelyn and James; Rhonda Bauer; Janice Accola; Deanna Bauer; Tom and Judy Teigen; Brenda Stanford, Madalyn and Carsen; Stacey Zaverousky December 16: Jean Eide; Jeff Fitzgerald and Kennedy; Jeremy Johnson and Bryce; Arleen and Harris Serum; Luann and Jim Payne December 23: Eldora Odegard; John and Joanne Rohrscheib; Jim and Deb Schmittfranz, Trent and Loni; Roselle and Roger Schlosser, Jena and Brooke; Steve and Penny Schultz December 30: Gregory and JoAnn Akenson; Jerann Bauer; Barry and Melissa Christianson, CJ and Drew; Darrell and Karen Dieckman; Maurice and Donna Eide; Cynthia Giese-Samb Pastoral Acts Baptisms: Gage Michael Arthur Nov. 4 Pastor Rolf can be reached at home at or by cell phone at Our Financial Status November 26 Income to date: $202,732 Expenses to date: $207,216 Borrowed to meet expenses: $0 Next Meetings: Executive - Tuesday, Dec. 5:15 p.m. Council Monday, Dec. 6:00 p.m. Central s 2018 Annual Meeting Sunday, January 20, 2019 Council and committee reports are due in the office by January 9.

5 Gifts and Memorials - November 2018 Ongoing Central Funds: Music Ministry, Prayer Shawl, Cradle Roll, Organ Fund, Education Ministry, Missionary Sponsorship, Central Trust Fund, Riverside Lutheran Cemetery Association, Worship Furnishings Capital Fund Appeal Projects and Items: Lighting Project Operational Fund In memory of Mark Molldrem by Shirley Molldrem In memory of Donna Franzwa by John and Joanne Rohrscheib In memory of Doris Allemann by John and Joanne Rohrscheib, Deborah Circle, Margaret Rieck, Joanne M. Erickson, Margaret Malec, Alice Cole, Monica and Frank Brantner, Judy Owens, Cindy Brenner, Larry and Carrie Simmons, Scott and Rhonda Krueger, Irene Brian, Rodney and Roxanne Allemann, Amber Possehl, Deloris Sather, Marje Rice, James and Diane Schultz, Ruth La Porte, Shirley Parr, Lavonne Brott, Judith and Dennis Bowen, Sandy and Jim Wolfe In memory of William H. Larson by Gloria, Scott, Jonathan, Jessica, Liam and Veronica Holt In memory of Margaret Nogle by Gary and Janis Holmen CLCW In memory of Doris Allemann by Lois Loomans, Shirley Poeschel, Janice Mikelson, Yvonne Williams, Ed and Shirley Mahlum Lighting Project In memory of Lee Loomis by Carol Erickson, Alice Olson, Fred and Karen Seyforth In memory of Doris Allemann by Grace and Howard Peterson, Gerald and Rosemary Everson, Alice Olson, Fred and Karen Seyforth, Josie Pace, John & Sue Iverson In memory of Alpha Girtman by Fred and Karen Seyforth In memory of Mary Hehli by Gary and Carol Dregney Music Fund In memory of Fay Ehlert by Andy Johnson In memory of Doris Allemann by Chris Drew In memory of Maurice Loomans by Donna Van Vleet Organ Fund In memory of Doris Allemann by Pat Brenn, Maurice and Donna Eide, Donna Van Vleet and family Rotational Sunday School In memory of Doris Allemann by Greg and Mari Lunderville, Carol Erickson Carnations All Saints Day 2018 In memory of Keith Drew, Norm and Ginny Hanson by Chris Drew and family In memory of Lucille Deetz by Pam Deetz In memory of Darrel Olson by Alice and family In memory of James P. Bauer, Reggie Bauer, Lincoln Johnson and Edna Johnson by Toosie, Rick, Rocky and Rhonda Bauer In memory of Doris Winberg, Bruce Winberg, Donna Franzwa, Doris Allemann and Leora Schultz by Beth and Gary Stanton In memory of Shirley Urness by Merle and family In memory of Carl and Viva Diercks, Rollie Diercks, Gene Diercks, Chet Diercks and Janet McMillan by Shirley Poeschel In memory of Gladys and Cecil Hill, Myrtle and Bert Sie and Bella and Clayton Wullf by Beth Kennedy In honor of Vern Keck and Cecil John Hill by Beth Kennedy In memory of Liz and Bud Klevgard, Walt and Ruth Hovey, and Bernard and Orvilla Klevgard by Sue and Craig Klevgard In memory of William H. Larson by Shirley Larson and family In memory of Merlin Mikelson from the family In memory of the family by Marjorie Rice, Jeanne Nyre family In memory of James A. Julson and Adeline Julson Bauer by Ron and Ardi Brenner, Loren Julson and LuAnne Olson, Barrett and Sarah Brenner, Mason, Tyler, Carson and Spencer, Bryant and Robyn Brenner, Kendon and Auvry Krogman In memory of Dickie Anderson by the family In memory of Lillian Anderson by the family In memory of Stella Haunschild by the Kreibich family In memory of Pat Anderson by Jim Anderson & family In honor of Diane Schultz from the Sunday School In memory of Dick Kees by Karen Kees In memory of Duane Peterson by Donna Peterson Prayer Shawl Ministry It is our prayer that you will use this shawl as a mantle of love: wrap it around you when you go out, when you feel down, when you sleep, whenever you feel a need for love and support. Always remember that the knitter wove into it prayers for God s love and healing for you; body, mind and spirit, that this shawl might comfort you. To ensure this ministry is able to continue, please consider making a cash donation or a memorial to this wonderful ministry of Central.

6 Christmas is such a busy time. It started with non-stop Hallmark Christmas movies. Next, it was Christmas displays popping up in stores with twinkling, colored lights competing with Halloween pumpkins. Then trailers full of Christmas trees bound for living rooms far and wide. Also, Christmas concerts, holiday gatherings and festive food including lutefisk. Soon, non-stop Christmas tunes will be piped in from every store speaker and digital device we own. We know the drill. Thus, good news and God s salvation of the world, including us, now comes to be with us, no matter what life may throw in our way. So, be still. Stop. Know that Christmas, the birth of Jesus, is for you. Merry Christmas! Keeping Christ Central Pastor Rolf G. Morck In contrast, the Christmas story of the birth of Jesus happens unnoticed by the world. Angels proclaimed good news. Shepherds became evangelists and witnesses to the birth of God s Son, named Jesus. Mary and Joseph appear to be mere spectators, but Mary, in the tradition of so many of the women in God s story of the Bible, knows this is so much more than what her eyes see, and her ears hear as she ponders these things in her heart. Every Christmas Eve, I return to church for the 11:00 p.m. service. I walk across the parking lot, and the whole town is quiet as most Christmas gatherings have ended with dreams of sugar plums and Christmas feasts. Some years the stars are out. As I take a moment to look at the night sky, I reflect on how the light of those stars is hundreds, if not thousands of years old. I imagine that the star light which my eye sees, probably has been traveling the universe from the time of Jesus birth and beyond. Soon, worshipers arrive. Family members from far away renew long held relationships of those they rarely see. College students, who have been away, gather in clusters updating each other on their journeys. Relationships are not bound by the length of time. Then, we worship. We light candles. We sing Silent Night. We hear the Christmas story. For a moment we are not busy. We are like those in the story. Tired. Surprised. In need of some good news. Touched by the reality that this is about so much more than what our eyes see, and our ears hear. All we can do is ponder these things in our hearts. This is the miracle of Christmas. Therefore, engage in the fun and busyness of this Christmas season. Also, remember those for whom this is a tough time of year of loneliness and grief. Yet, no matter where this time of year finds us, let us also take time to not be busy. This is the miracle of the Christmas story. It makes us stop. It makes us wonder. It lets us see ancient starlight and our imaginations collapse the space between the birth of Jesus and our own earthly existence Offering Envelopes are available on the table in the hallway ~ please remember to pick yours up today.

7 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors. Bishop s Christmas Message 2018

8 Highlights for Advent and Christmas Saturday 12/1 11 a.m. 1:00 p.m. CLCW Holiday Bake Sale and Luncheon Sunday 12/2 First Sunday of Advent 9:00 a.m. Worship/Holy Communion/Praise Band 2:00 p.m. Community Christmas Concert Mondovi High School Wednesday 12/5 3:30-5:00 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Program Practice, 3rd-5th Grades 4:30-6 p.m. Mondovi Sharing Table 5:45 p.m. Confirmation Family Caroling 6:00 p.m. Worship Sunday 12/9 Second Sunday of Advent 9:00 a.m.. Worship/Cantata Sing Christmas Wednesday 12/12 3:30-5:00 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Program Practice, 3rd-5th Grades 6:00 p.m. Worship/Holy Communion Sunday 12/16 Third Sunday of Advent 9:00 a.m. Worship/Holy Communion/Junior Bells 11:00 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program Celebrating Christmas; Priceless Tuesday 12/18 12:00 p.m. CLCW Christmas Program/Luncheon Wednesday 12/19 6:00 p.m. The Longest Night Worship/Holy Communion/ Becky Tharp, Oboe Service will be followed by a light dinner Sunday 12/23 Fourth Sunday of Advent 9:00 am. Worship/Advent Lessons & Carols/Adult Bells/Men s Choir & More Monday 12/24 Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. Worship/Holy Communion/Adult Choir/Children s Choir/ Ardyth Brenner, Harp 11:00 p.m. Candlelight Service/Ardyth Brenner, Harp Tuesday 12/25 Christmas Day 9:00 a.m. Festival Worship/Holy Communion/Michelle Alexander, Flute Wednesday 12/26 6:00 p.m. NO WORSHIP TODAY Sunday 12/30 9:00 a.m. Worship/Holy Communion/Lessons & Carols/ Mark Fleming, Organ

9 CENTRAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 221 West Main Street Mondovi, WI Return Service Requested Mail to: Central Lutheran Church Our Vision Statement: To be people of God, empowered by the Holy Spirit growing in Jesus love and love for one another. Our Mission Statement: As a living body of Christ, we will minister within the congregation, the community, and the world. Pastor Rolf G. Morck Cell: Home: Administrative Assistant: Noelle Schmidtknecht Organist/Accompanist: Joanne Erickson Music Director: Michelle Alexander Sunday School Superintendent: Diane Schultz Custodian: Gary Holmen Missionaries to Japan: Patrick and Jacquelyn Bencke OFFICE HOURS 8:00-4:00 (715) address: centralmondovi@frontiernet.net revrolf@frontiernet.net Website: A NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 15 Mondovi, WI