December 2013 VOL. 7, NO. 12 Beautiful Savior, King of Creation

Transcription

1 December 2013 VOL. 7, NO. 12 Beautiful Savior, King of Creation Advent and Christmas focus the attention of the church on the mystery of the One who comes into the world as the Maker of the world. He comes as the Creator of all, the King of Creation, to establish his kingdom. So, our theme this Advent and Christmas will be, Beautiful Savior, King of Creation, based on the first verse of the familiar hymn Beautiful Savior (LSB 537). On the Wednesdays during Advent, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, the sermons will be based on the psalms of creation: Advent Midweek 1: Life with God; Life from God (Psalm 107:23 32) Advent Midweek 2: No More Desolate Places (Psalm 147:7 18) Advent Midweek 3: His Steadfast Love Endures Forever! (Psalm 136) Christmas Eve: How Little. How Majestic! (Psalm 8) Christmas Day: Don t Miss It! (Psalm 24) It is my prayer that these sermons will be an opportunity for us to meditate on God s Word, on the mystery of Christ s Incarnation, and on the entire narrative of Scripture from creation through Christ s death and resurrection, to His promise of the new creation. I pray that this will be a blessing to our congregation as we continue to servee the Lord of Creation and extends His kingdom, and that we, in response to the Word of God, may echo the words of the hymn: Beautiful Savior, King of creation, Son of God and Son of Man! Truly I d love Thee, Truly I d serve Thee, Light of my soul, my joy, my crown. (LSB 537.1) In the name of Jesus, Pastor Rusnak

2 THIS MONTH S ELDER Ken Stokes USHERS Bob Rubbelke Bruce Sundberg This Month s Birthdays! 04 th Shirley Kuschel 08 th Kim Spicer 13 th Faye Feltmann 15 th Bill Alleman Janet Uhlig 17 th Bob Priller 19 th Phyllis Baitz 23 rd Bonnie Ryg 24 th Sheila Anderson 29 th Marcy Schulze GREETERS O1st NEEDEDD 08 TH NEEDEDD 15 TH NEEDEDD 22 ND NEEDEDD 29 TH NEEDEDD This Month s Youth s Birthdays! 03 rd Evangeline Rusnak 09 th Destiny Fletcher-Raddatz 17 th Paul Ruesch FELLOWSHIP SERVERS 01 st Janel Forte & Vicki Kocina 08 th Larry & Jessica Collison 15 th Open Marcy Schulze 22 nd Ladies Aid 29 th Rolland & Rose Mihalko We are asking for volunteers to serve as Greeters and/or Fellowship Servers in the coming months. We thank all who have helped in any way with this church activity. Remember that you can always trade with someone else if something should come up on the day you have selected, please let the office know of any changes so that the correct information can be placed in the bulletin. This Month s Anniversaries! 07 th 08 th Bill & Linda Alleman Bob & JoAnn Priller Bob & Joan Wandersee 14 th 16 th 22 nd 28 th Ken & Shirley Kuschel Steve & Beth Lawrence Gaylord & Bonnie Ryg Dale & Verdean Franklin We would like to include everyone s Birthday and Anniversary dates from our members and church friends to include in our monthly newsletters. If you would like to include your birthday and/or anniversary to our list or if we have the wrong information please let our church secretary know.

3 BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES Jesus promised: If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free free (John 8:31). Sunday Morning Bible Study meets at 8:30a.m. each week. Please join us! Bible Breakfast meets at 8:00 a.m. Wednesday ay mornings. Come and join us as we read through the Bible together. We will be meeting at Spotlight Café during the winter months. Wednesday Morning Bible Study meets at 9:30 a.m. each week. Please check out the bulletin board for updated information on the studies in each Bible study class. Office Hours Pastor is available throughout the week for pastoral care and counsel. The Church Secretary is in the office on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00am to 2:00pm. The Church office will be closed on Fridays. Prayer Requests If you have a prayer request for Pastor, please fill out a Prayer Request card and hand it to an Usher, place the card in the collection plate, or Pastor s mailbox. Please keep Pastor updated on the requested prayers. You can find the prayer request cards on the guest book stand. Received to date (10/ (10/28/13): /13): for Project 24 $74, SUNDAY SCHOOL & CONFIRMATION CLASSES: Sunday school each Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. with teacher Marie Nelson! All children are welcome! The children will be doing their Christmas Program on Christmas Eve, please come and support the children. The Confirmation classes have begun and will be meeting every other Sunday following worship services. If you have a child who would like to attend these classes please contact Pastor Rusnak.

4 SHEPHERD OF THE LAKE S WEBSITE: We invite you to check out our website at shepherdofthelake.org. You can access sermons, pictures of church events, any announcements and more. SHEPHERD S LAMBS: We would like to invite all the young families of Shepherd of the Lake and in the community to come and join us each month as we gather at the church and do a Bible study, crafts, have fun, make friends and/or go and do a fun activity in the community. This past year we have gone swimming, went miniature golfing, bowling etc. We had a great time at the Trunk or Treat event playing games, going from trunk to trunk for candy, we made s mores, painted pumpkins and decorated cookies and more. RUBY S PANTRY: Everyone who eats qualifies: $15 cash donation; bring your own boxes or basket for the food. This is a hand up not a hand out and is not income based. Please check out the bulletin board for information on when Ruby s Pantry is going in Brainerd and/or Onamia. PASTORAL CARE: It is important that all of our members receive pastoral care when it is needed, especially during times of sickness or other difficulty. If you know of an individual, even if it is a non-member, who would appreciate and benefit from a pastoral visit, please contact the church office or Pastor Rusnak GREETERS AND FELLOWSHIP SERVERS LIST: Please watch the bulletin board for the upcoming sign- fellowship in. We ask up sheets for greeting and serving that you please consider serving fellowship at least one Sunday and to help with welcoming members and new and old visitors to Shepherd of the Lake. RIDES FOR HEALTH: The Cancer Support Center, Inc. provides transportation to anyone of any age in the Aitkin County that does not have someone to take them to medical appointments. These appointments must be medically necessary (medical, eye, dental), but do not need to be cancer related. Please check the bulletin board for more information. ANNUAL FALL BAZAAR UPDATE: Income $3, Donations for Lefse $3, Expenses -1, Profit $2, Pasties Income $ Expenses Profit $ Lefse Income $1, Expenses Profit $ Crafts Income $ Expense Profit $ Grandpa s Shed $ Grandma s Attic Kitchen Profit $ A BIG THANK YOU!!: We would like to thank everyone who helped in any way in making this year s Trunk or Treat another successful and fun event. The weather was cold but the warmth and happiness from everyone in making this a success was what made it another wonderful Trunk or Treat event for the children. Check out our website to see pictures of all the fun that was had. Thank you again. Visi ion Statement: Share the Gosp Our Mission: pel Mission: We will share the GOSPEL When we. Glorify God in all that we say and do Offer Him our time, talents, & treasures Share the good news of Jesus Pray without ceasing Engage the community Love one another

5 EMERGENCY CHURCH CLOSING: It is that time of year again when we start thinking about bad weather, etc. The emergency closing of the church because of bad weather will be decided by Pastor and the Elder of the month. Members can check about closing of the church because of the weather by listening to radio station KKIN 94.3FM in Aitkin or calling the church. RECYCLING ALUMINUM CANS: We are accepting all donations of aluminum cans to support our Sunday school program. Please put the cans into plastic garbage bags and place the bags into the trailer beside the garage. Thanks! FELLOWSHIP OPEN HOUSE: Marcy Schulze would like to invite everyone to an open house at her home on Sunday, December 15 th following services. THANK YOU: We would like to thank everyone for your help in decorating the church for the Christmas season. All your help was greatly appreciated. MIDWEEK ADVENT SERIES: This year s themee will be on the song: Beautiful Savior King of Creation. Services will be Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. We invite you to come and bring along a friend and or family member. UPDATING OUR YEARLY DIRECTORY AND CHURCH INFORMATION: We are asking for your help in updating our records, if you have changed your address, address or phone number we would like to update this information. If you don t want any of this information in the directory, please let us know and we will not print the information, but keep the information for our church records. We are also looking to update the Birthday and Anniversary information for our records and for the newsletters. If your birthday and/or anniversary dates are incorrect or not listed at all, please get the information to the church secretary. Thank you for your help. CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Hark! The herald angels sing! We are looking for an angelic group to carol at our area nursing homes. Tentative date is Saturday, December 14 th. Please sign up at church ASAP so we can make arrangements. Thank you! 2014 OFFERING ENVELOPES are ready for pick up, if you don t find envelopes and would like a set, please contact the church secretary and she will set you up. The mailboxes will be updated before the end of the year. SHEPHERD S LAMBS ADVENT PARTY: On Sunday, December 8 th at 3:00 p.m. at Shepherd of the Lake will be our Shepherd s Lambs Advent Party. Come join us for games, crafts, cookie decorating and a movie. Please bring a snack to share. Everyone is welcome, though the event is geared toward young children and their families. WANTED DESPERATELY: Singers for a small vocal group to enhance our Christmas Eve or Day service! Songs will be simple. Experience not necessary! Practice times to be determined. Please consider and talk to Julie if you are willing and able. CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE: Pastor and his family warmly invite the congregationn to an open house at the parsonage, on Wednesday, December 18 th, following the 6:00 p.m. Advent service. Drinks and live entertainment (in the form of small, excited children) will be provided. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share! LET US WELCOME: DOMINIK JOHN JANACEK Son of Bryan & Toni Janacek Brother to Madilynn Janacek Grandson of John & Mary Kinzel Dominik was born October 18, 2013 and was baptized at Shepherd of the Lake on Sunday, November 3, We pray that God will bless Bryan and Toni as they raise Dominik to know the promises God makes to him through baptism. WE WISH TO ANNOUNCE THE BIRTH OF: KAYLIN LOUISA JOHNSON Daughter of Brett & Krystal Johnson Granddaughter of Jim & Annette Hammarstedt Kaylin was born on October 24, 2013 and will be baptized at Shepherd of the Lake on Sunday, December 8, We want to congratulate Brett & Krystal and Jim and Annette on their new arrival.

6 JANUARY NEWSLETTER: With the busy Christmas season we will once again do the January newsletter on Tuesday, December 17 th. If you have any items you wish to put into the newsletter please get the information to Sue Raddatz no later than December 12 th. You may leave a note in her mailbox or to either the church sotllc@mlecmn.net or to Sue s home suzie_q_79@live.com. CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM: Our Sunday School Christmas program will be part of the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Information and song sheets have been sent home from Sunday school. Please practice with your children. We look forward to worshiping together Christmas Eve as we celebrate Christ the newborn king. POINSETTIA PLANTS FOR THE ALTAR: We would like to invite anyone who wishes to bring a poinsettia plant to place up at the altar this holiday season. The flowers may be placed up front in memory of a loved one, for a special event during the holiday season, or just to decorate the altar for the Christmas season. You may take your plant home at the end of the season if you wish. Thank You! HOLIDAY OFFICE SCHEDULE: We will have Christmas Eve service here at 6:00 p.m. with the Children s Christmas program. There will be a service on Christmas morning with the Lord s Supper at 10:00 a.m. After which Pastor and the family will be leaving to spend time with family during the holiday season. Rev. Jerry Creighton, will be our guest pastor on Sunday December 29 th. Pastor and his family will return on Monday, December 30 th. Our church secretary will be out of the office from December 25 th until January 2 nd. You may contact the Elder of the month, Ken Stokes or the church secretary, Sue Raddatz if something should come up. WE WANT TO WISH EVERYONE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON! 2 c. Flour 1 tsp. Salt 3/4 c. Shortening 1 tsp. Vanilla 1 c. cold Water 1/2 c. chopped Nuts CHOCOLATE PINKIES In Memory Burnice Raddatz 1 Tbsp. Cocoa 1 1/4 c. Sugar 2 Eggs, unbeaten 1 tsp. Baking Soda 1 c. Chocolate Chips Mix together flour, cocoa, and salt; set aside. Cream sugar and shortening, add eggs and vanilla. Combine baking soda and cold water. Add to creamed mixture alternating with dry ingredients. Fill 24 cupcake cups and sprinkle with mixture of chocolate chips, nuts and a little granulated sugar. Bake at 375 for minutes. IMPOSSIBLE HAMBURGER PIE From the kitchen of: Sheila Anderson 1 lb. Ground Beef 1 1/2c. chopped Onions 1/2 tsp. Salt 3/4 c. Bisquick 1 c. shredded Cheddar Cheese 1 1/2 c. Milk 1/4 tsp. Pepper 3 Eggs Lightly butter a 10X1 ½ inch pyrex pie plate. Cook ground beef and onion until meat is browned. Drain add salt and pepper, mix well. Spread in pyrex pie plate, sprinkle with cheese. Beat remaining ingredients in blender for 15 seconds or 1 minute with hand mixer. Pour into pie plate. Bake until golden brown and silver knife inserted in center comes out clean. Let stand 5 minutes before cutting. Refrigerate leftovers. You can use turkey or ham too. THANK YOU! We want to thank everyone for bringing the shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. All donations will be greatly appreciated by the children who will be receiving them. RECIPES WANTED: If you have a favorite recipe you would like to share, please write it down and put it into Sue Raddatz mailbox. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

7 HIGHLIGHT FROM OCTOBER 20, 2013 VOTERS ASSEMBLY The meeting was called to order by Pres. Bob R. with 30 voting members present. The meeting was opened with a prayer by Pastor Rusnak. Secretary s Report: A motion was made, second and carried to accept minutes as printed. To save a little time at the meetings everyone will receive a copy of the minutes in their mailboxes prior to the next voter s meeting. Treasure s Report: The treasurer was unable to attend the meeting. The Designated Fund accounts are posted on the bulletin board. Pastor s Report: Bible studies: Sunday mornings-a look at the Lessons; Bible Breakfast-Leviticus; and Wednesday Mornings-Matthew. Official Acts: Our homebound members are visited on a monthly bases, delinquent member have been visited, and have made a number of home visits to regular attending members, and have made two hospital calls, neither an ongoing hospitalization. Witness, Mercy, Life Together: Witness: Partnering with Indian Ministries-Continue visitations to individuals living between the reservation and the church. The pursuit of a Native leader and a potential pastor. Mercy: Partnering with Good Shepherd Lutheran Homewe ve been asking the question for some time now whether or not we might be able to serve the community with an assisted living facility or at least some sort of organized ministry to the aging population in our community. We are working toward a feasibility study at this point. Preliminary discussions with members of this community and county, however, reveal that a facility of this kind has been talked about for a long time in Garrison and past studies suggested such a facility is needed. Life Together: Look around! What a wonderful renovation process. Thank you to everyone who has physically made these happen. Elder s Role: Pastor reviewed the roles of an Elder. 1. Oversight of and participation in worship. 2. Oversight of Christian education. 3. Regular contact with and prayers for the members assigned to them, and 4. Care for the pastor and his family as well as continual evaluation of the pastor. Elder s Report: October is Pastor s Appreciation Month. The congregation thanked our Pastor and his family for doing such a wonderful job for us and that they (the whole family) are truly appreciated by everyone of us. The Elders continue to study Luther s Large Catechism, most recently the Lord s Prayer, second petition. The Elders recommended the following changes: a motion was made, second and carried to transfer Ivan B. and Amanda H., release Harold & Marlene M., release due to inability to contact Jessica & Ian H. and Alaina P. and to add Frank L. as an associate member. A motion was made, second and carried to change the Synod Constitution Circuit Counselor to Circuit Visitor. This is under Article XII Districts of the Synod and their Regulations Resolution 7-02A, paragraph 3c. Trustees Report: They did a great job on our new update. When we were broken into in July, to date, repairs are all completed, stolen items are replaced and the bills have all been submitted to the insurance for repayment. Center Point Energy has been notified and they will get back to us by November 1 st about changing to natural gas instead of propane. They have been working on getting maps, legal description, codes etc. for the Good Shepherd Lutheran Homes, that is all completed and sent to them. We seem to have enough property for them to build a facility. If this is accepted we will ask them to come for a visit and explain more and what will be expected from us. Then we will put up a thermometer requesting the money needed for the feasibility study. Evangelism Report: Pastor will do a dedication service for the quilts that were made for LWR. They are also asking for donations to be added with the quilts. These will all go St. Paul around Thanksgiving. They are also collecting Shoe Boxes for Children Around the World again this year, they will be sent off in November. Board of Education Report: Shepherd s Lambs is going well, they are trying to have an event each month. Trunk or Treat in October, game night in November, Christmas party & caroling in December and will work on a Christmas program. Sunday school is going well with 7-8 kids in attendance. They sang on Rally Day. Confirmation is going well with 3 kids in attendance. They are working with Travis O. on designing and building a swing set for the play area. Stewardship Report: Helped at the fall Bazaar. Thank you to everyone who donated to the renovations fund and filling the thermometer so quickly, as the updates look great and also thanks to everyone for the donation of $ in the month of September for the CROSS Appeal. Redecorating Committee Report: Our facility looks lighter and brighter and thanks are given to all who helped in any way! The survey results were given on future projects. Please read the original minutes for results and motions made on lighting for the hallway and sanctuary. The Voters would like to see the banners hung up again in the sanctuary. Old Business: We had our annual bazaar, income taken in was $3, less start up money and expenses. Thank you to all who helped. There are some extra Lefse and Pasties left. New Business: A motion was made, second and carried to accept as follows: Pres. Bob R., Vice-Pres. Opened, Recording Sec. Elaine D., Financial Sec. Barb S., Treasurer John K., Elders Dennis A., Jerry S., Ken S., Gaylord R. and Steve L., dropping Mike R.; Trustees David D., Jim W., Randy F., Doug F., and Larry C. Projected annual need for 2014 was printed out for all to see. The council voted not to prepare a budget for 1 year as it is just a guideline and takes a lot of time to prepare. With no further business a motion was made, second and carried to adjourn. Meeting adjourned with the Lord s Prayer lead by Pastor Rusnak. Respectfully submitted by Elaine Drahosh, Recording Secretary

8 MIDWEEK SCHEDULE This year s Beautiful ADVENT theme: Savior-King of Creation Services will be Wednesday Evenings at 6:00 p.m. Advent One, Wednesday, December 4 th Life with God; Life From God Psalm 107:23-32 Advent Two, Wednesday, December 11 th No More Desolate Places Psalm 147:7-18 Advent Three, December 18 th His Steadfast Love Endures Forever! Psalm 136 Christmas Eve, December 24 th How Little, How Majestic Christmas Day, December 25 th Don t Miss it! Psalm 21