Florida Hospital Volunteers with their Thanksgiving donations Shelves crew

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1 Officers and Cabinet of the Giraffe Club Academy at the Lakes volunteer at ALC Oliver Lenz and Papa Alex Claire Amber Swikert Florida Hospital Volunteers with their Thanksgiving donations Kitchen crew and Stock Shelves crew Lions Club Youth of Wesley Chapel trick-or-treated food rather than candy Bailey Young becomes a member of the family of God in Atonement, by baptism, witnessed by her family Home for Thanksgiving, November 25, 2018

2 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church of Wesley Chapel State Road 54 Wesley Chapel, FL Telephone: (813) office@discoveralc.com Volume 3, Issue 10 DECEMBER 2018 Ruby L. Agnir, Editor The-Greatest-Love-of-All Issue Staff : Photographs Carla Haberland, Barbara Turner, Su Lindner, Marj Swikert, Nils Lenz, Scott Giesking Website: Scott Giesking Circulation: Kay Edwards The Greatest Gift of All a chat with the pastor As the father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my father s commandments and remain in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete -- John 15:9-11 There s a little holiday somewhere between Cyber Monday and New Year s Eve we call Christmas, the day we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Some Christians refuse to celebrate the holiday, pointing out that we don t know the actual day he was born. True enough, but for most of us isn t so much a day, or even a season. It s really about a particular spirit. Christmas has a right spirit, and it is the Spirit of Christ. And if that s so, then true Christmas spirit should have something to do with the one whose birth we celebrate. We all know the other Christmas spirit the one that s measured by how much you spend at the stores, how early your tree s up and how many parties you re invited to. Each of these Christmas spirits brings its own set of consequences. The shopping spirit delivers the thrill of finding just the right gift, but also the hassle of long lines and credit card bills; the decorating spirit provides the chance for creativity and the pride of showing off your multicolored neon disco-flashing manger scene; and the partying spirit can bring people together to eat, drink, and merrily discuss everyone who couldn t make it to the party. But true Christmas spirit is something different and deeper, because it is the Spirit of Christ. Mighty God in humble form; babe asleep in the manger but also awake and aware everywhere; Creator becoming Created and entering Creation; Author of Life who dies to slay Death. That Christ. The one who surprises us with a love that goes beyond what we expect or deserve. What? The Christ who healed the sick, preaching good news to the poor? The one who ate and drank with sinners and was killed for making powerful people uncomfortable? That Christ? What does that Christ have to do with this holiday we re all getting ready for? Well, first off, the true Christmas spirit which is the Spirit of Christ is JOYFUL. Jesus prayed for us all that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete (John 15:11). This joy comes from knowing God, as intimately as you would know any friend or family member. Jesus called God father and spoke to him as easily and naturally as you and I might talk with one another. Plans for the holidays falling apart? Relax! Can t find the perfect present for that special someone? Rejoice! Christmas spirit finds joy knowing we are in God s hands, and it s not up to us to make it all work out.

3 We sing Joy to the world, the Lord is come but the Lord HAS come, right? So shouldn t the whole world be joyful already? Second, the Spirit of Christ is CARING. Jesus left the comforts of heaven to come and share God s love with us because he knew how much we all needed it. We still do. Though many people are surrounded by supportive friends and a loving family, there are some who feel entirely alone. Some of our dining tables are loaded with goodies while others go hungry. Some of us had a perfect check-up at the doctors while others received bad news. Mary gave birth in a stable hardly the perfect place for the King of Kings to come into the world, but then again what an ideal picture of the fragility of our lives and the brokenness of our world! The Spirit of Christ bears the message to the world that we are all brothers and sisters, as beautiful and vulnerable as that child who was born for us. The Spirit of Christmas cares about those in need, and spreads God s love in hope-full words and deeds of love. Finally, the Spirit of Christ is GIVING. God did not make a naughty and nice list to determine who received his grace it comes to us unconditionally through our faith in the giving Spirit of Christ - He who gave his whole life for our salvation. Can we recapture the wide-eyed wonder of a child on Christmas morning by remembering the greatest gift of all that God calls us his children and blesses us daily with all we need and more? Can we give more than just presents, but also our presence to those we care about? Can we hear the message of the angels, that peace on earth and goodwill to all are more than a pipe-dream they are God s will for the world, Christ s mission, and the daily work of our lives? Christ calls us all to be disciples and messengers ( angels ) of his Good News to the world. That work is not easy, and often forces us to change our attitudes and make more room in our hearts for others. Offering our time to God means it is not our agenda but his in control of our schedules. Offering our talents, we turn from our own worries and look at the needs of others. Offering our treasures means we have Christ-centered checkbooks and budgets that reflect God s values. We find that in giving and caring our joy really is made complete. As you give and serve and worsp this season, may it be the Spirit of Christ which grow in you and the gift of His grace that fills you with joy and love. Blessings to you and yours from our family, and your family of faith at Atonement. Peace, Pastor Scott Atonementlutheran.net office@discoveralc.com Atonement Worship Services: 5:00 p.m. Godify Service All Year 8:30 a.m. Rise & Shine Service Nov - May 10:00 a.m. Traditional Service All Year Hello, my name is Marybeth Gandiosi and I am very excited to join Atonement Lutheran Church as your Office Administrator. I grew up in Tampa, Florida. I relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada in 2006, and enjoyed the beautiful mountain scenery for 11 years. I enjoy photography, movies, traveling and spending time with family. I bring 15+ years of office administration experience, with a willingness to always learn new things. I also hold an Associate of Science degree in Business Administration, from California Coast University. Some of my achievements during my professional career are: owner of Happily Ever After, an officiant and wedding photography company in Florida; and Landscape Photography in Las Vegas. I hope you will stop by and say Hello! Marybeth

4 Caring Ministry Karen Erickson, chair Caring Ministries, now in its fourth year, continues to try to be there for our members during difficult times when they may need caregiver assistance, food distribution, assistance with meals, transportation, or visitations in the home, at the hospital, nursing home or rehab facility. We also provide communion through Eucharistic Ministers. These services are provided on an as-needed basis. We have a small, core group of dedicated, enthusiastic members who have done a great job of providing these ervices. Pastor Scott, Lola Lambert, Bill Slippy, Connie Meade, Alice Bowers, Jordy Lynn, Chris Rymer, Jan Hoskings, Penny Snyder, Carol Reams, Bailey Johnson, Jane McDaniels, Jean Jakes and Paul Erickson. Some of our members only live part time in Florida, so you don t have to be here in Florida 12 months of the year to be a part of the Caring Ministries Team. We are happy about our accomishments: We provide Drive-Thru Prayer every Friday from 11:30 am through 1:30 pm under the portico in front of the church. The response to this unusual prayer outreach has been very encouraging and has proven there is a need for this ministry. Other area churches are looking into providing this ministry at their churches. The God Squad is available to offer prayer with you after the 8:30 am and 10:00 am church services. If you would like to be prayed for or prayed with, please come to the front of the church at the end of the service as others are exiting. We presented Creation Health, a free seminar, in conjunction with Florida Hospital, Wesley Chapel. Creation Health is about total-person wellness. This seminar was attended by 22 people. There were four sessions beginning on January 22 and ending February 12. It is our hope to be able to present this seminar again in Easter baskets were delivered to 8 people in March. Visitations are being done on a monthly or biweekly basis As of the end of November, we have visited with 8 members in their homes and have visited with 8 members in various area hospitals, nursing homes and rehab facilities. We have 4 Eucharistic Ministers in our core group and have been able to offer communion during these visits. CareNotes are now permanently located in the Narthex near the announcement board and are available to our members and visitors. These small booklets may be able to provide some hope, help and healing. We continue to assemble medical and community information on area services for members to access when needed this information is available in the office.3 During the year, members attend many community outreach events as a way to learn more about the needs of our community and also to gather information on how we can help. We will be making special holiday visits in December to our members who are homebound, or are in the hospital, a nursing home or in a rehab facility. We now have several New Member Shepherds to assist visitors and new members and familiarize them with our church services, the various ministries that are available, introduce them to other members and answer any questions they may have. We do this to hopefully integrate them more quickly into our church family. In 2019, we would like to create a walking path on church property. Distances would be marked so that you are able to keep track of your distance and also to encourage you to break your own records. To make this become a reality, it will require a joint effort with our other Atonement ministries and the help of volunteers. Camp Gladiator has indicated they would be willing to help us with this project. If you have ideas and/or suggestions for additional ways we can be helpful, please share them with us. Better yet, please let us know if you would like to help us with some of the opportunities in the coming year. We would welcome additional volunteers so that this ministry can continue to grow and improve.

5 We have a brief meeting once a month for review, to talk about member needs, and to set up future activities. Our meetings are on a Friday at 1:30 pm at church, in the Fellowship Hall. Our December meeting is on Friday the 14th. We would love for you to join us, share your comments and your ideas and hopefully decide that you would like to join the Caring Ministries Team. Thank you for your continued encouragement and support. Have a blessed Christmas. Karen Erickson As we continue to give thanks and count blessings, Bob and I are reminded of the many members who have assisted us during this year with fellowship. We are truly grateful for your suggestions and support and look forward to 2019 with more opportunities for Atonement! May God continue to bless you all! Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Two are better than one.for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. Karen Benner Fellowship Ministry Karen & Bob Benner, coordinators ALL Announcements have to be in office by Wednesdays at Noon. Thank you & God Bless, Kay Edwards Fellowship.Many Hearts, Twice as Many Hands! Upcoming Fellowship Opportunities: The schedule is as follows: New faces are hosting the Coffee Hour! A rotating schedule has been created among five different ministries. 1st Sunday: Deacons 2nd Sunday: Women of Atonement 3rd Sunday: Council 4th Sunday: Youth 5th Sunday: Fellowship The coffee cart will be inside the Fellowship Hall, and tables/chairs will be set up for your convenience. Please come and enjoy some fresh "brew", a treat, and great fellowship. Reminder: Hosts should arrive by 8:30 a.m. to start the brew! January 27, 2019: New Member Reception THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU DECEMBER FOOD PANTRY REPORT Time is flying by and this year is almost gone. As of the end of November we have over 800 registered families with our food pantry. Our annual SOS Pancake Breakfast was a great success. Thanks to Sunrise Eatery in Zephyrhills and Thrivent we managed to serve over 238 breakfasts. Thanks also to WELCA who recruited vendors as well as raised over $800 in craft sales and our own BoyScout Troop 2 who gave us the day again this year. Wednesday, November 14, was a crazy day. In addition to our dedicated volunteers we were assisted by volunteers from the New Tampa Rotary

6 and the officers and cabinet members of the Giraffe Club from the Academy of the Lakes Lower School passing out over 20,000 pounds of food that day. Thanks to your generosity in donating Thanksgiving fixings as well as your support of the annual SOS Pancake Breakfast, we supplied turkeys and Thanksgiving Fixings for 295 families as well as was able to fill 6 boxes for our Caring Ministry. God is good. Community support is wonderful with donations coming in on a regular basis from clubs, businesses and various schools. We were even visited Saturday, November 17 by the Youth group of the Wesley Chapel Lions Club. The kids had decided this year to ask for food instead of candy when out trick or treating this Halloween and collected 194 pounds of non-perishables which they delivered and sorted that Saturday morning. Florida Hospital of Wesley Chapel came by Friday, November 16 with a food donation of 573 pounds and chose our pantry for their volunteer day coming by to help unload trucks, sort foods and do whatever they could help with. We are truly blessed. Our next project for the year will be toys for the children of our pantry for Christmas. When preparing for your holiday season please pick up an unwrapped toy to make sure every child has a chance to have a present at Christmas under their tree. The gifts can be dropped off in the narthex. They need to be dropped off no later than Sunday, December 9. Take joyful rest today in knowing that the love of Christ is deep and abiding, and it is for us. THE PRAYER CORNER Gracious Lord, thank You for Your rich, abiding, and redemptive love. In Jesus Name we pray. Amen! Remember, if you have a few hours during the week that you would like to experience the joy of helping others please let us know. We can always use volunteers. Things are going on Monday through Friday. Please let us know where and how you would like to help. God bless you all for remembering those less fortunate, and have a Very Merry Christmas. Carla Haberland Director Yvette Williams Asst. Director FOOD FOR THOUGHT Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind....matthew 22:37 HE CARES FOR YOU We have a perfect Friend, Comforter, and Redeemer. Jesus is our Refuge and Rock, Savior and Provider. He desires good things for us, and He loves us so much that He gave His life for us. He endured torture and cruelty, because of His desire to bring us to salvation. And even now He promises to carry our burdens, worries, and fears, simply, because He cares for us. Why do we know this? Through His word and promises. Rest in the love of Christ today. Rest in His grace and Mercy. Take comfort in the knowledge that He has defeated the enemy and sits at the right hand of God the Father. He longs to bring us rest, to rescue us from our weariness, and to call us friend. HISPANIC OUTREACH MINISTRY December is here, a time synonymous with happiness, joy, hope and charity. Our English language learners are definitely in the mood. It's the end of the first semester, one that has proven to be fruitful. Attendance has improved and the students are looking forward to continuing their education next year. First, we need to celebrate, so we'll have our end-of-semester ceremony on December 13th, at 10a.m., with some "goodies" and prizes for students and volunteers. God bless them all. Needless to say, you are all welcome to join us! Esthel and I are so proud of this ministry! In addition, we have invited everyone to attend the upcoming Live Nativity celebration on December 15th.

7 We are looking forward to the New Year when we'll renew the class and welcome new students. So, spread the word. God Bless You all. Alice MUSIC CORNER, A VIEW FROM THE EDITOR S DESK Ruby Agnir Choir Director and Newsletter Editor LOVE IS A VERB The change made by Fitzroy to the name of the committee he chairs, is very appropriate. Stewardship is now referred to as Love in Action. It calls to mind one of my favorite quotes. Love is a Verb. It is not a Noun, or a feeling. It is action, a Verb. When you feel love for someone, you can say it over and over to yourself and you can feel it very intensely that you can hardly breathe, you can hardly eat, you can hardly sleep, you can hardly think of anything else. But if it remains a feeling, how does it affect or connect to the person you claim to love? Suppose you were in a situation similar to the shooting in a school several years and everyone is in danger. Would you do without thinking what a young boy did by covering a girl classmate with his body so he got the bullet that would have killed her, thus dying himself in the process? Or would you be like the man who told his wife, I love you a hundred times perhaps and yet in one odd moment, he said to her, If I had the choice between saving you or saving myself, I would choose myself. And, more importantly, what did Jesus do? Stewardship means the careful management of things that belong to someone else. We are taught in the Bible that everything belongs to God. He is the creator of everything, of even you and me. He gave us the responsibility of taking care of His creation. We are His stewards. Do we take this responsibility seriously, never forgetting that the things we are to take care of are not ours, but His? Not just material things, not just birds and beasts, plants and trees, the water and the sun s rays. But even our bodies, our talents, our skills, our brains with which we think and make decisions. Sadly, some of us forget or do not believe this. We know of people who think that their successes or good situations are all their own doing. No one else s, especially not God s. Very much like the James Stewart role, Charles Anderson, in the movie Shenandoah, who gestures to his family at mealtime that they all should bow their heads to say grace, and he says: "Lord, we cleared this land, we plowed it, sowed it, and harvested it. We cooked the harvest. We wouldn't be here, we wouldn't be eatin', if we hadn't done it all ourselves.... But we thank you just the same anyway, Lord. Giving back to God something that He first gave us is an action I learned from my parents, who shaped my spiritual attitudes. My parents loved God and put their Love in Action. We were a poor family. Both Mama and Papa were just grade-school teachers before and during World War II. They did not earn much what teacher earns much - and barely had enough to put food on the table. But one thing they did that I can always remember them talking about. They had to budget by earmarking every single centavo, every single peso they had. This was how they did it. They had several envelopes, each one labeled with what they had to be spent for. Each envelope had money or coins in it, and more often than not, the envelopes gradually emptied out until the next pay day. Sometimes, the contents of some envelopes were used for something other than what they were earmarked for, depending on the urgency of that expense. But one thing was always sure. The contents of ONE special envelope were never used for any other purpose. That special envelope was marked Church. And the money it held was 10% of their total meager earnings. That money always found itself in the offering plate every Sunday morning --without fail. During those days, there were no computers, and therefore no such thing as direct deposit, which we are privileged to use now, IF we choose to do so. I believe that my parents faithfulness in acting out their Love for the Lord has been rewarded by all the good things that we as a family continue to receive. Peace, relatively good health, guidance, love from a lot of friends, protection. Several years after the war, my father found himself in a hostage situation; yes, things like this don t happen only in movies. He and his co-workers in the Provincial Treasurer s Office (he was Deputy Provincial Treasurer then) were terrorized by bandits that always looked for money by unlawful means. All

8 of the hostages were lying face down on the floor, as the gun-holding men took away whatever they could get wallets, jewelry, and such. When one of the men got to Papa and was about to get his wallet and rings, the man looked at Papa s face, then left him and went to the next hostage. This was what Papa could remember and for which he thanked God even more. He never knew what the man saw in his face. Papa also had chronic heart problems. He was told by the doctors that he had had a series of silent heart attacks throughout his life, as evidenced by some things that showed up in X-rays. When he was 83, he again had a heart attack. He underwent angioplasty performed by a doctor in the Stanford University Medical Center, who was acclaimed the world s No. 2 cardiologist. The doctor performed on Papa a procedure he was testing. To make a long story short, Papa had the procedure on Maundy Thursday and on Easter Sunday, he was worshipping in church. He had a clean bill of health every year after that, and when he died it was not because of a heart problem. He died at the age of 97 of old age, peacefully and painlessly. Mama, on the other hand, had no reason at all throughout her life to see a doctor for diagnosis or treatment. Clean living and excellent nutrition, she would tell us. She went to the hospital only to give birth to her children. She continued to teach high school, college, and post-college degrees, and cofounded a college. She was sought after as a teacher, even though her students called her terror, because she was very strict and stood no nonsense. She was very proud when her students became professionals and GOOD politicians. I still see them coming to my parents house years later (one of them had become mayor of the city), expressing thanks to Mama whom they credited for their successes. Mama died at age 96 also of old age, peacefully and painlessly. There were other instances of God s blessings. A special one happened during World War II. I was a toddler and my brother was an infant. (I am revealing my age here.) We hid in a foxhole whenever airplanes roared in the sky. Neighbors and friends urged my parents to run with them to the mountains to be safe. My parents answered with their characteristic Whatever God wills. We will stay here. He will protect us. Regretfully, the friends and neighbors who ran to the mountains were met and massacred by enemy soldiers. Our oldest daughter Dawn has often described our lives as a family with just one word: CHARMED. Yes, God has indeed given us CHARMED lives, lives that He has blessed with His great love, Love being a two-way. And this month being December, the month of the GREATEST LOVE, let us always be reminded that It's not the glow you feel when snow appears. It's not the Christmas card you've sent for years. Not the joyful sound when sleigh bells ring, Or the merry songs children sing. The little gift you send on Christmas day Will not bring back the friend you turned away. So may I suggest the secret of Christmas: It s not the things you do at Christmas time, But the Christmas things you do all year through. - Sammy Cahn Yes, Love is doing. Therefore, let us express our Love for God by doing the things for Him that show that Love and that we are His stewards. Love is doing. Love is action. LOVE IS A VERB. As Choir Director, I welcome other church groups to use the Choir Room for meetings -- on one condition. Any group using it must return whatever they have used, i.e. the chairs, the lights, the ceiling fan, and the bathroom, to the same condition and placement they found it. Nothing should be removed from the choir room. It is set up for use by the choir anytime. Please turn off lights in the choir room and the bathroom after use. Make sure both doors to the bathroom are unlocked in consideration of others who need to use it. It's all really a matter of consideration. Other groups, especially non-church groups, who request to use the Choir Room, should be referred to Mike Kane, the chairman of the Property Ministry. No one else should authorize the use of any room without his approval, all for organized scheduling and for the safety of the building and of ourselves, as pastor recently preached about. Those who wish to use the Choir Room have to agree to the choir director's requirements stated above (which should really be the church's requirements for use of other rooms, too). Thank you.

9 Stephen Ministry Jan Buland and Chris Rymer We are pleased to announce that we have three new students in the Stephen Ministry program. Please pray for them as they go thru this 50 hour training. Detlev Aeppel, Laurie Chiaramonte and Kirsten Westbrook are our newest trainees. We have four trained Stephen Ministers who each have been assigned a care receiver. They meet their care receiver once a week for about an hour and also have supervision and continuing education twice a month. If you have been trained as a Stephen Minister and would like to transfer your participation in this wonderful ministry please let us know so we can set up an interview. We know Jesus is with us as we meet for training, as we meet for supervision and continuing education and as we meet our care receivers. Matthew chapter 18, verse 20. Jesus promises to be with us when we gather in His name. Chris 1 Thessalonians 5: Encourage one another and build each other up. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. (Our Stephen Ministers are: Pastor Scott ( ), Jan Buland ( ), Chris Rymer ( ), Vanessa Frost ( ), Kathy Alvare (kalvare@tampabay.rr.com), and Bill Slippy ( ). They are always ready to give care to those who need it. YOUTH MINISTRY Brenda Lenz Esthel Kane Youth Leaders Spiritual Gifts In the month of November, the Youth took the Your Gifts: For Teens. The Easy to Use, Self- Guided, Spiritual Gifts Survey. In this survey of over 100 questions they explored what their spiritual gifts are. The survey is like the WELCA version called Gifts for You, Opening your Spiritual Gifts. It begins with the scripture reading of Jeremiah 1. When Jeremiah was being called by God to do His work, he didn t feel qualified and said to the Lord, I do not know how to speak, for I am too young. And God told him, Do not say, I am too young. You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you. Then the LORD reached out His hand and touched Jeremiah s mouth and said to him, I have put My words in your mouth. See, today I appoint you over nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant. This shows us that even when we feel unqualified for the job that God asks us to do, He equips us with spiritual gifts. Once the Youth answered over 100 questions, they had to add the points to find out their spiritual gifts. The spiritual gifts are: administration, artistry, discernment, evangelism, exhortation, faith, giving, hospitality, intercession, knowledge, leadership, mercy, music, pastoring, service, skilled crafts, teaching, wisdom, and writing. This teaches and shows our youth that even at an early age, we are blessed by God with spiritual gifts to do His work through our hands. Our goal here at ALC Youth is to empower our youth and show them that they can do whatever they put their minds to. Therefore, you will see them in the Child of God Service which is coming this January, assisting, reading, ushering, greeting, and giving communion. They are our future leaders and we want to help equip them for this, with God s help. Esthel Kane A Note about Membership Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend worship at our congregation. Those who attend regularly, along with members of our surrounding community can call on us for caring ministries and pastoral services at any time. We will try to help whoever comes to us. Also, anyone from the community is also eligible to help by serving as a volunteer in one of our many ministries, as long as the leader of that particular ministry approves. We hope anyone who attends, serves, or receives help here thinks of Atonement as their church home. Over the years, literally thousands of people have been a part of Atonement and the work God has given us to do. However, not all these people have taken the step of becoming members of the congregation. Becoming a member is a step beyond simply attending, volunteering, or giving. It is a commitment to join in the spirit and the support of

10 our mission to share the love of Jesus, glorify God, and extend His kingdom. Our current membership process involves three steps (four, if you have not been baptized). First, we ask that you attend one of our Discover Atonement newcomer orientations. These are 2- hour sessions where you ll meet the pastor, be introduced to the various ministries of Atonement and hear about our expectations of members. You will receive a packet of information about our congregation and Lutheran beliefs, along with the forms for membership. Second, as part of the paperwork we request for our files, you will sign and submit a membership covenant. This agreement outlines our basic expectations of members and by signing it you promise to be a supportive participant in the mission of our congregation. If you are coming to Atonement from another ELCA congregation, we would also ask you to request that they send us a letter of transfer from your former parish. Third, we ask all members to be present at worship during one of our new member receptions. There you will be asked to affirm your faith and publicly commit to living out your baptism as a part of the whole worldwide family of Christians as well as our own congregation. If you have not been baptized, we can arrange a baptism service prior to your reception as a member. Many people choose to worship and serve here at Atonement without becoming members. That is perfectly all right. We do not seek to pressure anyone into a commitment they are not ready to make. At the same time, we want to be clear about the differences between members, non-members, and a third category called associate members. Members are people who have gone through the process described above. They are considered active members if they have attended, given, or communed in the last 2 years. Active members who have been confirmed are eligible to vote in congregational elections, serve on council and/or lead congregational ministries. They also get member discounts for some congregational services. We reach out to those members who are no longer active, but if we can t make contact they will be removed from the membership roll. Non-members who attend worship either regularly or occasionally are still eligible for pastoral and caring services from the congregation. Some of them are people who attend or hold membership at other congregations (local or out of state). Some are people from other faith backgrounds. Some are very committed donors and volunteers, but they prefer not to make a public confession of faith. Non-members may receive home communion, they may have their own giving envelopes, and may even be listed in our congregational directory. They are welcome to attend, but not vote in, most normal congregational meetings. Some non-members are more active participants than many members. They are just as much a beloved part of our family in Christ as full members. Some members have an ELCA home church somewhere else. Maybe it s a church where they grew up and have family, or a congregation where they have served for many years. Perhaps they are snowbirds, and spend most of the year worshiping there. For whatever reason, some people may prefer to keep their membership at their home church, but also wish to be recognized as active participants at Atonement. These people may choose to become associate members of Atonement. For statistical purposes, they are not counted as members (because their home church counts them in their report to the ELCA). They do not vote or hold office or leadership positions, but they do receive member discounts. I hope this information is helpful in clarifying the membership process at Atonement. If you are considering becoming a member, or would like to learn more about the membership covenant or our beliefs as Lutherans please contact the church office at office@discoveralc.com or May the Lord bless you with wisdom and insight as you discern His will for your future. Peace, Pastor Scott

11 Your Team Ministry Pastor: Rev. Scott Lindner Choir Director: Ruby Agnir Keyboardist: Ken Hanks Office Staff: Office Administrator: Marybeth Gandiosi Asst. Office Administrator: Kay Edwards Mondays: Kay Edwards Tuesdays: Alice Bowers Wednesdays: Kay Edwards Thursdays: Esthel Kane Fridays: Vanessa Frost Council: President: Bill Morris Vice President: Ian Frost Secretary: Paul Bartell Financial Sec.: Doug Ungerer Treasurer: Carol M. Rothgeb Members: Salli Conover Michael Kane Cotta Ungerer John Kostialik Ken Patten Pastor Scott Lindner Young Adults: Hannah Ungerer Youth: Dustin Kostialik CHURCH MINISTRIES: Deacons: Suzi Morgan Scott Giesking Detlev Aeppel Jim Turner Deacons-in-Training: Rebecca Parker Esthel Kane Time and Talent Coordinator: Cherie Hatlem Women s Group (WELCA) : Salli Conover misstuf@aol.com Barbara Turner turnerfcrv@yahoo.com Men s Group: Detlev Aeppel dcaeppel@aol.com Prayer Ministry: Lola Lambert lolalambert056@gmail.com Technology & AV: Scott Giesking harthek@verizon.net Fellowship: Karen & Bob Benner ksbenner@verizon.net Outreach: DetleV Aeppel dcaeppel@aol.com Columbarium: Detlev Aeppel dcaeppel@aol.com Love in Action (Stewardship) Fitzroy Williams chieffgw@hotmail.com Property: Michael Kane smurfy7625@gmail.com Worship & Music: Suzi Morgan suzi@discoveralc.com IT Secondary: Suzi Morgan suzi@discoveralc.com Acolyte Coordinator: Marcia Weil marcia.weil30@gmail.com Senior Ministry & Disability: Marcia Weil marcia.weil30@gmail.com Altar Guild: Pat Weil patweil34@gmail.com Social Concerns: Jean Jakes jeanjakes@cs.com Caring Ministry Team: Karen Erickson karenaerickson@aol.com Stephen Ministry: Jan Buland norwegnroots@yahoo.com Helping Hands Food Pantry: Carla Haberland qhrealty@verizon.net Yvette Williams marianecookie46@hotmail.com Hispanic Outreach: Alice Deyne deyali0965@gmail.com Esthel Kane mariequinflow2@gmail.com

12 Newsletter: Ruby Agnir Christian Education: Jan Gerle Tree of Life: Barb Turner Prayer Chain: Carol Reams Summer Day Camp Coordinator: Julie Kaufmann Memorials: Carol Reams reamsctampabay.rr.com Supper Club: Connie Meade ACCESS Coordinator: Kay Edwards Prayer Ministry: Lola Lambert Youth : Brenda Lenz blblenz@hotmail.com Esthel Kane mariequinflow2@gmail.com 12/24 Debbie Hembree 12/25 Rebecca Parker 12/26 Nick Trejo 12/27 Detlev Aeppel 12/29 Ricky Demsher December Anniversaries 12/08/1979 Charlie & Marina Buff 12/08/2001 Ron & Suzi Morgan 12/14/1970 Bill & Macie Anderson 12/14/2002 Ian & Vanessa Frost 12/16/1978 Marlin & Marj Swikert 12/21/1973 Jim & Carole Hendry 12/24 John & Patti Smith December Birthdays 12/01 Harvey Peterson 12/03 Earle Jefts 12/04 Joan Frasier 12/04 Cara Chiaramonte 12/05 Chris Rymer 12/05 Hannah Hershey 12/07 Ginny Olson 12/09 Barbara Colacurcio 12/10 Suzanne Trudeau 12/11 Marina Buff 12/11 Ian Frost 12/12 Alejandro Rivera-Matos 12/14 Donna Carnduff 12/15 Rylan Hodnett 12/18 Carol Erlwein 12/21 Barbara Brewer 12/22 Ronald Morgan 12/23 Vickie Richard 12/24 Carol Reams 1 - World Aids Day 2 - Advent 2-10 Hanukkah (rededication of the Temple) 7 Pearl Harbor Remembrance 8 Immaculate Conception 21 Winter Solstice 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Kwanzaa (family harvest festival Swahili) 27 Feast of St. John the Apostle 31 - New Year s Eve

13 Welcome, all ladies of Atonement by Salli Conover & Barb Turner, WELCA Co-Chairs November was a busy month for the Women of Atonement. We participated in he S.O.S. Pancake Breakfast & Fall Festival with our craft table as well as the vendors. $ was donated to the Helping Hands Food Pantry from our endeavors. What a blessing. Our annual bake sale on Sunday before Thanksgiving raised $322 which was donated to our Atonement Caring Ministry to help with that active ministry. From Karen Erickson, Caring Ministry chair: WOW!! Thank you all for your generosity. It was very kind of WELCA to provide this gift to Caring Ministry. It will allow us to do some things that have been out of our reach in the past. We appreciate that you are always there with your encouragement and support. We thank everyone who helped with these events crafters, vendors, bakers, and, most importantly, buyers! Bless you all. Looking ahead to December. WELCA s 9 th Annual Cookie Exchange will be held Saturday, December 8 at 11 AM at Carla Haberland s. Bring 15 bags of cookies containing 3 cookies each plus an appetizer to share. Don t bake? No problem, come and enjoy the fellowship. In addition this year, make a child s Christmas by bringing an unwrapped toy for the food pantry. RSVP by signing the sheet in the Narthex. The next meeting will be Saturday, January 12 th, at 10 AM in the Fellowship Hall. We will be planning for the Spring Bazaar which will be held April 13 and the Tea which is scheduled for May 4 th. We look forward to lots of input, ideas, and help for these annual events. Merry Christmas, Ladies of AtonemenT

14 Come your life SATURDAY WORSHIP 5 p.m. MONTH DATE LEADER TOPIC December 1 Detlev Aeppel Hope for the Displaced 8 Rebecca Parker OR Hope for the Children Jim Turner 15 Pastor Scott Hope for the Family 22 Rebecca Parker Hope for the Nations 29 Esthel Kane Hope for the Sinners

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