Grapevine FROM YOUR PASTOR... HYMNS FOR THE SEASON: Epiphany: To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord (CW 88) Please Join Us. Gloria Dei Lutheran Church

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1 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church Volume 368 January 2019 The Grapevine FROM YOUR PASTOR... The Gloria Dei Grapevine is the monthly newsletter of Gloria Dei Evangelical Lutheran Church. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact us. Pastor Dennis J. Himm 5005 M c Candlish Rd. Grand Blanc, MI Phone:(810) revhimm@gmail.com appy New Year! But what makes a year happy? Isn t it what happens to us and those we love? When good things happen to us we are happy. When they don t we are disappointed and unhappy. I believe that is why God urges us to be joyful and to rejoice always. Joy and rejoicing doesn t have to do with what happens to us, but rather on the sure, unchangeable promises of God. So whether good things or bad things happen to us we can still rejoice and be filled with joy that this too will work for our eternal good. So instead Happy New Year, my prayer for you and yours is that you have a Joyous New Year! I am the vine, you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John15:5 HYMNS FOR THE SEASON: Epiphany: To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord (CW 88) Please Join Us Sunday Morning Worship at 9:30am Adult, Teen, & Children s Sunday School at 11:00am, September thru May Adult Bible Study - every Thursday at 9:00am Youth Group (6 th -12 th grade) Meets twice monthly September thru May, and once monthly June thru August. Lutheran Pioneers (K-8th grade) Meets twice monthly September thru May. One of Martin Luther s most significant writings was his Small Catechism, published in It provides a summary of our Christian faith, divided into six chief parts of biblical teaching. In time, Luther composed a hymn for each part to combine those sacred truths with music for easier learning. These hymns give God s people a special opportunity to sing their faith. In 1541, Luther wrote the last of his catechetical hymns, To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord, which treats the subject of Holy Baptism. Some modern hymnals rearrange Luther s original stanzas and eliminate others, but Luther s lesson remains. At the Jordan River in a grand epiphany, Jesus reveals the significance and importance of our baptism when he was himself baptized. In his sermons on Christ s baptism, Luther regularly equated it with Jesus cross, stressing that in both places the Savior exchanged his perfection for our sin. Baptism was as much a part of Christ s saving work for us as Continued on page 3

2 January 6 Ushers: Joe King, Brian King, & John Kritzman Greeters: Barb Lambert & Judy Yake Communion Set Up: Hoppe Communion Assistants: Gary Richmond & Tom Furnner Power Point Assistant: Garrett Edgett Counters: Moore & Neuwirth Cleaners: Yake/Lambert January 13 Ushers: Zach Kritzman, Mark Moore, & Logan Moore Greeter: SueAnn Callahan Power Point Assistant: Kaitlyn Straub Counters: Mortimer & Major Cleaners: Mortimer January 20 Ushers: Reagan Moore, Allen Mortimer, & Tom Furnner Greeters: The Edgett Family Communion Set Up: Hoppe Communion Assistants: Joe King & Pete Straub Power Point Assistant: Brenna Moore Counters: Hoppe & Luisier Cleaners: Major January 27 Ushers: Ralph Dudley, Bob Kost, Sr., Scott Mortimer Greeter: Scott & Donna Freimark Power Point Assistant: Reagan Moore Counters: Mortimer & Metz Cleaners: Faulkner February 3 Ushers: Kent Kerwin, Harold Fox, Jim Sharich Greeters: Tom & Pat Furnner Communion Set Up: Kost Communion Assistants: Gary Richmond & Jim Luisier Power Point Assistant: Tobias Edgett Counters: Kritzman & Leplow Cleaners: King February 10 Ushers: Tobias Edgett, Jim Luisier, & Eric Metz Greeter: Bob & Susanna Kost Power Point Assistant: Joe Hoppe Counters: Callahan & Furnner Cleaners: Viele February 17 Ushers: John Kritzman, & Zack Kritzman, Brian King Greeters: The Kritzman Family Communion Set Up: Kost Communion Assistants: Joe King & Pete Straub Power Point Assistant: Kaitlyn Straub Counters: Moore & Neuwirth Cleaners: Sharich February 24 Ushers: Joe King, Mike Hoppe, & Joe Hoppe Greeter: Joe & Sharon King Power Point Assistant: Garrett Edgett Counters: Mortimer & Major Cleaners: Moore

3 HYMNS FOR THE SEASON: Epiphany: To Jordan Came the Christ, Our Lord (CW 88) Continued from page 1 was his cross: First he must sanctify baptism through his own body and thereby take away the sin, in order that afterwards those who believe in him may have the forgiveness of sins. Luther reflects this idea in his hymn: This heav nly washing now shall be a cleansing from transgression and by his blood and agony release from death s oppression. A new life now awaits us (stanza 1). But how can we be certain that Jesus baptism has such saving impact? Luther answers: Just look who showed up! The Father s voice from heav n came down which we do well to ponder: This man is my beloved Son, in whom my heart has pleasure (stanza 2). Not only that, but God s Holy Spirit here avows our kinship while bestowing the baptism of his blessing (stanza 3). True, our physical eyes only see water, but before the eye of faith unfolds the pow r of Jesus merit. For here it sees his precious blood to all our ills bring healing,... assuring his own pardon (stanza 4). And what are God s people to do with Baptism? Luther replies, Go out to ev ry nation and bring to them the living Word (stanza 5). We sing and share our baptismal faith! Use the season of Epiphany this year (January 6 March 3) to once again ponder and appreciate your own baptism when the LORD placed his name on you, making you his. As you look at the cross each Sunday at Gloria Dei, remember to also see the Baptismal Font placed strategically in front of the altar as a reminder of what God has done for you through Christ. 1To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord, To do his Father s pleasure; Baptized by John, the Father s Word Was given us to treasure. This heav nly washing now shall be A cleansing from transgression And by his blood and agony Release from death s oppression. A new life now awaits us. 2These truths on Jordan s banks were shown By mighty word and wonder. The Father s voice from heav n came down Which we do well to ponder: This man is my beloved Son, In whom my heart has pleasure. Him you must hear, and him alone, And trust in fullest measure The word that he has spoken. 4 All that the mortal eye beholds Is water as we pour it. Before the eye of faith unfolds The pow r of Jesus merit. For here it sees his precious blood To all our ills bring healing, The wonders of that crimson flood The love of God revealing, Assuring his own pardon. 5To his disciples spoke the Lord, Go out to ev ry nation And bring to them the living Word And this my invitation: Let ev ryone abandon sin And come in true contrition To be baptized and thereby win Full pardon and remission And heav nly bliss inherit. 3Oh, hear and mark the message well, For God himself has spoken. Let faith, not doubt, among us dwell, And so receive this token. Our Lord here with his Word endows Pure water freely flowing. God s Holy Spirit here avows Our kinship while bestowing The baptism of his blessing.

4 Birthdays in January 1/03 Joshua Thomason 1/04 Ronnie Boggs 1/07 Julie Poulos Men s Breakfast and Bible Study The January Men's Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, January 19 at 8:00am. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board. 1/07 Lee Barnhardt 1/10 Robby Kerwin 1/14 Denise Faulkner 1/16 Melissa King 1/16 Mandy Straub 1/18 Caleb Neuwirth 1/18 Chad Conklin 1/20 Scott Freimark 1/20 Laura Mortimer 1/20 Becky Richmond 1/22 Isabel Sharich 1/26 Joelle McGowen Christmas for Kids Many thanks to all who planned, volunteered, and attended Christmas for Kids. All the kids (and volunteers) had a great time! 1/26 Randy Neuwirth III 1/27 Eric Guffey 1/29 Isaac Poulos Thank You! Anniversaries in January 1/06 Adam & Jamie Stevenson Our Annual Voters and Election of Officers will be held on January 13. Annual reports from the Board Chairmen, the Ladies Guild, and Choir need to be turned in prior to the meeting. Please a copy of your report to Pastor Himm or Val Hoppe before January 12. Easter for Kids Did your family enjoy Christmas for Kids? Plan on joining us for Easter for Kids on April 13. Look for more information soon!

5 Bible Study for January DATE OLD TEST. PSALMS PROVERBS NEW TEST. 1-Jan Esther Rev Jan Esther Rev Jan Esther Rev Jan Malachi Rev Jan Gen. 9, Matt. 7,8 6-Jan Gen. 11, Matt. 9 7-Jan Gen. 3,4 2 2 Matt. 3,4 8-Jan Gen. 5,6 3 3 Matt. 5 9-Jan Gen. 7,8 4 4 Matt Jan Gen. 9, Matt. 7,8 11-Jan Gen. 11, Matt Jan Gen. 13, Matt Jan Gen. 15, Matt Jan Gen.,17, Matt Jan Gen. 19, Matt Jan Gen. 21, Matt Jan Gen. 23, Matt Jan Gen. 25, Matt. 16,17 19-Jan Gen Matt Jan Gen. 28, Matt. 19,20 21-Jan Gen Matt Jan Gen Matt Jan Gen. 32,33 18: Matt Jan Gen. 34,35 18: Matt Jan Gen. 36,37 18: Matt Jan Gen. 38, Matt Jan Gen. 40, Matt Jan Gen Matt Jan Gen. 43,44 22: Mark 1 30-Jan Gen. 45,46 22: Mark 2 31-Jan Gen. 47, Mark 3

6 Thank You Kay and I sincerely thank you for the precious card and $600 check we received Christmas Day from the congregation. Our greatest gift is God's son, wrapped and swaddling cloths lying in a manger. Your gift is also valued and will be used in many different ways. May the LORD continue to shower His daily gifts on all of us in 2019 as we together give him glory, honor, and praise. In His love, Pastor & Kay The 25th Annual Today s Christian Women s Retreat KEYNOTE/BIBLE STUDY Micah 6:8 What Does the Lord Require of You? BREAKOUTS Do Justice Love through Kindness Walk Humbly with Your God Young Man What Does the Lord Require of You? MADE EVERYTHING In Its Time Ecclesiastes 3:11 FEBRUARY 16, :15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Text MENALIVE to to join our list. March Sponsored by Held at Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center, Midland, M Marriott Auburn Hills Pontiac 3600 Centerpoint Parkway Pontiac, MI For more information see website or contact Pastor Richard Starr (989) or revrdstarr@yahoo.com (Password: retreat)

7 A very special THANK YOU to all who participated in the Children s Christmas Program. We couldn t have done it without you! From the Treasurer: Running Totals through December 2018 On January 19 th from 10:30am until 12:30pm the Board of Education is hosting a coaching session entitled Developing a Culture of Thinking, Learning, & Understanding This workshop is about new developments in education and how they may be applied in Sunday School classes, Youth Programs, or even at home. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. General Fund is 3, Budget Receipts Expenses 233, , , De-Decorating Party & Pot Luck Dinner Join us on January 12, at 5:00 pm as we gather to The Gloria Dei Ladies Guild will meet on January 13 after the service. LWMS information will also be shared. All women of the congregation are encouraged to attend. enjoy a pot luck meal and then spend some time in fellowship as we de-decorate the tree and take down all the Christmas decorations. There is a sign up sheet on the bulletin board.

8 January 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday :30 am - Worship es Christmas 1 6:30 pm Board of Elders 7:00 pm Church Council Cleaners for January 6: Lambert/Yake 6 *Donation Sunday* 9:30 am - Worship with Communion PPA: Garrett Edgett 7 6:30 pm - Catechism 8 9 9:30 am - Circuit Pastors at Gloria Dei 10 7:00 pm Board of Education 7:00 pm Board of Trustees :00 pm Potluck & De-decorating Cleaners for January 13: Epiphany Mortimer 13 9:30 am - Worship 11:00 am - Voter s :00 am - Men s Breakfast 11:00 am - Ladies Guild PPA: Kaitlyn Straub Baptism of Our Lord 6:30 pm - Catechism 7:00 pm Board of Evangelism Cleaners for January 20: Major :30 am - Worship with Communion PPA: Brenna Moore Epiphany 2 6:30 pm - Catechism 7:00 pm - Choir Practice Cleaners for January 27: Faulkner :30 am - Worship *Deadline to register for the Men Alive! Rally* PPA: Reagan Moore Epiphany 3 6:30 pm - Catechism 7:00 pm - Choir Practice 7:00 pm Board of Stewardship Cleaners for February 3 King 3 *Donation Sunday* 9:30 am - Worship with Communion PPA: Tobias Edgett Epiphany 4 6:30 pm - Catechism 7:00 pm - Choir Practice 6:30 pm Board of Elders 7:00 pm Church Council Cleaners for February 10: Viele