Modest budget still requires good stewardship

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1 December 2017 Vol. 119 Issue 12 Modest budget still requires good stewardship EDITOR S NOTE Personal and Household Stewardship is reprinted from the ELCA Web site. Stewardship, in its simplest form, is the practice of generosity. It is essential to the daily expression of our faith. As a church that is energized by lively engagement in our faith and life, we know that understanding personal and household stewardship is crucial in responding to God s abundant grace. Each of us has a unique story, and we are part of a larger story that makes up the ELCA. In the Road to Emmaus story, it is at the household table where Christ is revealed and recognized, where hearts are warmed for greater sharing and generosity. Recognizing God s story in our own story shapes our lives, identity and choices. When we join with other individuals and households in making daily decisions rooted in the stories of our loving and benevolent God, the result is our increased capacity to give generously and boldly participate in what God is up to in the world. Congregations have the opportunity to be a voice that teaches some very different ideas about time, talent and treasure. The practice of generosity takes the support of an entire faith community, conversation between individuals in all generations and a focus on households. Living generously begins with the involvement of children and continues through every age and stage of life. The ELCA supports congregations in equipping households and individuals in becoming faith-filled, lifelong stewards. and-synods/stewardship/personal-and- Household-Stewardship One church credo demonstrated at N.D. Reformation celebration By Rev. Jeff Zell In the third article of the Nicene Creed, we confess We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church. This confession is understood in a myriad of ways. One approach is to say that my church and no other is the one true church. Another approach is exemplified by what I participated in on Nov. 5. I continue to reflect on the remarkable Common Prayer of Reconciliation and Remembrance in Commemoration of the Reformations that Sunday at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. Our own Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preached. She co-presided at the event with a Roman Catholic Cardinal, an Episcopal Bishop, and the ecumenical officer of the Presbyterian Church USA. I joined in the procession with clergy of many different denominations. It was truly a breathtaking moment that probably could not have happened 75 or 100 years ago. I particularly cherish the Prayers that were offered by the co-presiders. The prayers express gratitude to God for the distinctive emphasis each communion brings to the ecumenical conversation. I reproduce a portion of the Prayers here: Bishop Madden: Triune God, we join our voices to that of Jesus and of all saints throughout history who have prayed that you would make your people one. We concur with the Second Vatican Council that prayer is the very soul of the movement for Christian unity. In the (Continued on page 7) Status quo for 2018 Gloria Dei members adopted, in November, a 2018 budget with a miniscule.074 percent increase over the current year. Despite the status quo nature of the budget, modest raises were accorded to our employees. As usual, the bulk of the church budget is allocated to fixed costs: salaries and benefits, utilizes and operating expenses. The headline story on this page, at left, is what the ELCA says about stewardship and supporting the work of the church in our community and atlarge. Busy December, so mark these events in your datebooks December dates and events to note include: We have confirmed with his secretary that Bishop Nicholas of Myra will be present during the liturgy on Dec. 3. Bishop Nicholas will gather the children to talk about the origins of our Christmas celebration and share a gift of chocolate with them. Also on that day, during the sermon time, Jim Williams, executive director of the St. Joseph County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity, will speak with us about the good work of Habitat in our area. Proceeds from the October pancake breakfast will be turned over to Habitat at that time. (Continued on page 2)

2 Page 2 Plenty of Action taking place in 2017; many more grants awaiting next year Every member of Thrivent Financial, whether a benefit or associate member, is eligible to apply for an Action Team Grant to help fund a fundraiser, activity or educational event in the community. During the year, Gloria Dei and First English have joined forces to raise money for charity, lend a helping hand to a local school, feed the hungry, make Christmas brighter for children and their parents and share with the community one of our congregation's richest traditions. Thrivent provides seed money (up to $250), which can be used to fund such projects as the Swedish pancake breakfast, God s Work/Our Hands, Sankta Lucia, Broadway Jubilee store, and our annual post-christmas breakfast for the neighborhood. In addition to Broadway Christian Parish, projects funded by Thrivent Action Teams during 2017 benefited such charities as Habitat for Humanity and Resurrection Lutheran Academy. There is time to help in 2017 (see Page 5), and a new year is but weeks away. Begin thinking of a community project that fits the bill for a new Action Team Grant. Marie Zell would love to help you work out the details. Not a Thrivent member? Bet we could find someone to apply and be a part of your Action Team.. NewsNotes BUILDING ON FAITH REPORT To Oct.. 31, 2017 YEAR TO DATE Receipts for October $1.850 Mortgage paid for November 2,379 Loan principal on Nov 1 60,507 Mutual Bank balance on Nov. 1 15,147 Total paid from scrip sales 58,300 At present, 88% of each payment reduces the principal. Current interest rate is 4.95 percent. Mortgage termination date is June Thirtyone payments remain. Pledges totaling $150,543 were received in a 2014 fund drive. Congregation should continue making regular contributions and purchasing scrip. Dan Lindborg Nov 14, 2017 Busy December (Continued from page 1) Rehearsal for Lucia will take place after the Dec. 3 service, and the traditional celebration of Sankta Lucia Those who have asked for our prayers include. Lorraina Doolittle, Al Saari (Darlene Scherer s brother-inlaw), Judithellen Larson, Jordan Cone, Samantha Croymans, Ken, Thelma Lemanski, Douglas Sorocco, Shirley Brunt, Paul Scherer, Darlene Scherer, Don Tetzlaff, Gloria Sheneman, Gene Fortune, Amy Fischettto (friend of Shenemans), Carolyn Scherer, Paula Sheneman (daughter-on-law), Lois Callandar, (Thelma Lemanski s sister), Maria, our shut-ins. will be at 4 p.m. the following Sunday. Members of Mary Circle and guests will have their annual Christmas gathering beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Pasquale Rulli s restaurant on Division Street, Mishawaka. A collection will be taken for Broadway s Jubilee Store, and voluntary gift exchange on ornaments will take place. Broadway s Jubilee Store, which provides gifts for neighborhood boys and girls and their parents, will be Dec. 16, and help is always welcome, (See Page 5). Hanging of the Greens will be Dec. 17 after worship. Please help move and set up the Nativity Scene, Christmas Trees, and other Christmas celebration accessories. We will continue with the tradition of our shared Christmas Eve schedule. It will be 7 p.m. at First English and 10 p.m. at Gloria Dei. There will be a 10 a.m. Christmas Day Eucharist at Gloria Dei. On Tuesday, Dec. 26, we will open our fellowship hall at 8 a.m. to serve a community breakfast allow the staff at Broadway Christian Parish may have an added holiday.

3 NewsNotes Page 3 December Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Every Sunday at Gloria Dei: 9:45 a.m. Sunday ; 10:00 a.m. Coffee Hour;, Sung Liturgy Advent I Visit from Nicholas, bishop of Myra 4 5 Mary Circle Christmas Party, 6 p.m., Pasquale Rulli s 6 Bible study, Advent Eucharist, noon and 6 p.m., Gloria Dei Advent II Sankta Lucia festival, 4 p.m Bible study, Advent Eucharist, noon and 6 p.m., Gloria Dei Advent III Hanging of the Greens after service SOCIAL MINISTRY Congregation Council, 6:30 p.m. 20 Bible study, Advent Eucharist, noon and 6 p.m., Gloria Dei Advent IV 25 Christmas Day, 10 a.m. Office Closed 26 Gloria Dei Community Breakfast, 8 a.m Nativity of Our Lord, 10 p.m. Pastor Zell on holiday to Jan The Name of Jesus Rev. David Russell

4 Page 4 NewsNotes December Ministry Schedule Dec. 3 Advent I Dec. 6 Noon and 6 p.m. Dec. 10 Advent II 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 Noon and 6 p.m. Dec. 17 Advent III Liturgical Assistant Servers and Acolytes Patty Carr Tyler Marek Dylan Marek Amelia Marek 12:00 Ginny Brummitt 6:00 John Karen Siderits Colin Dreher Cora Kazmierzak 12:00 Brian Saine 6:00 Patty Carr Leslie Liam Boyd Garrett Mackenzie Lector Dan Lindborg Jean Petersburg Bob Suter Sunday Communion Assistant Greeters Altar Flowers and Sanctuary Lamp Altar Guild Kathy Marek Mary Ann Sorocco Dorothy Anderson, Jean Petersburg F: Thelma Lemanski birthday L: Open Gloria Buysse, Jill Seifer Gloria Buysse, Jill Seifer No Sunday Michelle Megyese Phyllis Thompson, Lindy Dreher F: Shenemans in memory of parents L: Open Mary Ann Sorocco, Dolores, Sheryl Taghon Mary Ann Sorocco, Dolores, Sheryl Taghon Donald Holmberg Donald Holmberg Carol & Bob Larson F: Open L: Open Phyllis Thompson, Lindy Dreher Ushers: Harvey Holmes, Stephen Saine, Russ Buysse. Counters: Dec. 3: Sorocco and B. Saine; Dec. 10: Lindborg and Fortson; Dec. 17: Forslund and Taylor; Dec. 24: and C. Saine; Dec. 31: Suter Ushers scheduled by Russ Buysse, counters by finance committee; Altar Guild by Patty Carr, Sunday teachers by Worship & Music; all others by Jack Seifer (mlkusa@sbglobal.net) Time change for Wednesday a.m. scholars concluding Graying in Grace The Wednesday morning Bible Study is utilizing a study titled Graying in Grace: Becoming Mature Disciples of Jesus Christ. We will complete our study this month. The central point of the study is that we are never too old to be disciples of Christ. We are never too old to engage in hospitality, study God s Word, Love God and neighbor, pray, worship, serve, forgive, engage in acts of generosity, partake in the Fellowship, witness to our faith, and minister to others. (Continued on page 5)

5 NewsNotes Page 5 December Ministry Schedule, Pt. 2 Liturgical Assistant Servers and Acolytes Dec. 20 Noon and 6 p.m. 12:00 Ginny Brummitt 6:00 John Dec. 24 Advent IV Dec. 24 The Nativity of Our Lord 10 p.m. Dec. 25 Christmas Day 10 a.m. Dec. 31 The Name of Jesus Dan Lindborg Lisa Suter Brian Saine Leslie Thomas Zell Thomas Zell Colin Dreher Liam Boyd Garrett Mackenzie Lector Sunday Communion Assistant Ginny Brummitt No Sunday Peggy Niedbalski Jill Seifer John Jean Petersburg No Sunday Joe Sorocco Dolores Melinda Foley Greeters Dolores & John Mary Ann & Joe Sorocco Altar Flowers and Sanctuary Lamp F: Poinsettias L: Open F: Poinsettias L: Evelyn Sult in memory of Eric Altar Guild Phyllis Thompson, Lindy Dreher Patty Carr, Peggy Niedbalski Patty Carr, Peggy Niedbalski Patty Carr, Peggy Niedbalski Gloria Buysse, Jill Seifer Time change (Continued from page 4) When we do these things we are living out our life as disciples. By example we are teaching our fellow Christians to be disciples. In December we will start at 10:45 a.m. to allow those who want to stay for the noon Eucharist to do so. When we reconvene in January, we will return to our 10 a.m. start time. Dares and topics for December are as follows. Dec. 6, Disciples are Witnesses. Dec. 13, Disciples are Ministers. Dec. 20, Disciples make Disciples and wrap up.. Class will resume in January.

6 Page 6 There were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for see I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord So the shepherds went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them...the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. [Luke 2:8-11, 16-18, 20] -- By Rev. Bill Gafkjen We are the shepherds. A rag-tag band of nomads trying to get through each day, tending to whatever flock of responsibilities has been entrusted to us, weary and worn We are the shepherds. Surprised by good news of great joy that God has taken on human flesh, borne our weariness, swaddled our sorrow, and flung our sin into the darkness in and through the Messiah, the Lord, the Savior, born in the city of David. We are the shepherds. Traveling again and again to Bethlehem to see the goodness and grace of God, forgiveness, 61st Annual Santka Luciafest A Michiana Tradition since p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 225 E. Haney Ave., SB (574) (parking off Broadway) Luciafest celebrates the young saint, the emblem of light and comfort with candles in her hair and food in her hands. Join us for traditional Swedish refreshments after the program. NewsNotes In Luke s Nativity Gospel, we are the shepherds Shenemans appreciative of cards, visits, kind thoughts Gloria Sheneman, who is continuing rehab after successful ankle replacement surgery in October, sent along the following note of appreciation on behalf of John and herself. Thank you to everyone for the cards and kind thoughts following my surgery and recovery. It is nice to know we have so many friends! healing, and hope, new, abundant, and lasting life for us, mangered in bread and wine, cradled in our hands, sealed in our hearts. We are the shepherds. Returning to our daily lives, the tending of flocks, wandering through the world, praising God for all that we have heard and seen in Jesus...for us and for the world...and like the angel, sharing with other schlepping shepherds, in what we do and what we say, the good news of great joy for all people. We are the shepherds, dear sisters and brothers, this holy season and always, journeying to Bethlehem to meet again the child Christ who is the good news of great joy for all. May your Advent and Christmas journey be deeply blessed and may you bless others along the way! Volunteers welcome for Jubilee Store Bev Trone is organizing a Thrivent Action Team to support the Broadway Christian Parish Jubilee Store, which takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16. Donations of gift items for youth and adults are needed, as are volunteers to help set up the day before and with shoppers on Saturday. A box for donations is in place in the Gathering Are. Needed items includes make-believe toys, games, craft kits, art supple, batteries, watches, sports related items (socks, sweats, hooded sweatshirts, T-shirts), and warm gloves. Gifts for boys and girls to give their parents also are welcome, These could include toiletries, wallets, key chains, scarves, gloves and other items for men a women. Please bring all donations, unwrapped, to church by noon Thursday, Dec. 14, and Pastor Zell will deliver them to Broadway. Please call Broadway ( ) to volunteer or with questions, and let Bev or Marie Zell know when you are able to volunteer either day.

7 NewsNotes Page 7 Wernle serves youth, thanks to friends like you Donald and Patricia Holmberg, our congregation's delegates to the Wernle Home representatives meeting Nov. 5 in Richmond, delivered our Fifth Sunday gifts along with warm greetings on behalf of our congregation. At the meeting, Pastor Cliff Nunn, director of church relations, shared a good bit of information, the Holmbergs noted in a report to Gloria Dei. The current occupancy is 70 boys and girls, ranging from age 10 to 17. The facility is licensed for ages 6 to 21, and typically, those younger than 10 are placed in foster homes when possible. The residents day is structured from6:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Null said, and many attend public schools, while others are schooled in Lingle Hall. A resident stays at Wernle typically from nine to 12 months, during which he or she is fed, clothed, medically cared for and required o attend regular chapel. As the facility itself, a new administration building should be completed by April or May. Though smaller than the aging, historic building it will replace, it, nonetheless will allow Wernle to triple its outpatient services. Wernle is always grateful for gifts of cash and goods, Null especially at Christmas time. Each resident receives a big-ticket item and gift cards f rom the Wernle staff. Gift cards from fast-food restaurants and major chain retailers in the amount of $5 and $10 are also appreciated and are used when a special reward is needed. Gift cards should be sent by Dec. 15 to Wernle Youth & Family Treatment Center, 2000 Wernle Road, Richmond, IN See a pictorial display from the Nov. 5 meeting in the Gathering Area. One church (Continued from page 1) following prayers we express our esteem for the truly Christian endowments from our common heritage that are found among those brothers and sisters in Christ who are separated from us. Following the model of sharing of gifts to attain fullness in unity, we now express our gratitude for the charisms manifested in particular ecclesial communities. Thank you, God, for the emphasis on the grace of the gospel sustained by Lutherans. We are also grateful for the witness to the power of your Spirit among charismatic and Pentecostal Christians. We give thanks for the hymnody composed by Methodists. Bishop Sparks: Thank you, God, for the teaching and preaching of Scripture developed by Presbyterian and Reformed Christians. We are also grateful for the sacred images crafted by the Eastern Orthodox. We give thanks for the leadership in promoting Christian unity that has been displayed by recent Roman Catholic popes. Rev. Dr. Wiley: Thank you, God, for the English liturgies prepared by Anglicans and Episcopalians. We are also grateful for Roman Catholics celebration of Mary as the first of Jesus disciples. We give thanks for the prophetic witness to social justice within African-American churches. Bishop Eaton: Thank you, God, for the corporal works of mercy performed by those followers of Christ who do not affiliate with any denomination. We are also grateful for the emphasis on conversion to Christ among evangelical WHAT: Annual Meeting of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church WHEN: Sunday, Jan. 21, immediately after service WHERE: Fellowship Hall WHY: Reports and new business WHO: Everyone! Christians. We give thanks for the witness to nonviolence among historic peace churches. May all find in these diverse gifts further occasions to celebrate your creating, redeeming, and sustaining work among all Christians. And because our unity is also in service to the world, we now share together the following petitions.. Our world is a divided place. Christ s church is divided too. There are no easy answers for unity. But, as we wait for Christ s coming and the fullness of the unity of Christ we will enjoy in heaven, we can choose to look upon others with appreciation and gratitude for the gifts that we all bring. Lutherans do celebrate grace. We need to continue to do so because there are plenty of people that will be transformed by the grace of Christ and His forgiveness and love. Our brothers and sisters in other denominations have other gifts to offer. And, quite frankly, people will be transformed as God works through those gifts, too. You will notice that the title of the program includes a plural reformation. Lutherans tend to say THE Reformation. Well, all of our church bodies are examples of a reformation of one sort or another. The Roman Catholic Church experienced a major reformation in the 1960 s with the Second Vatican Council. This shows us that the Holy Spirit continues to work in the one Holy Catholic Church. On this 500 th anniversary of THE Reformation we can say Yes, we are divided. Yes, we are often at odds. Yes, there is much to be grateful for in each of our communions. Yes, in Christ Jesus we are one. Yes, we look forward to the fullness of fellowship and love that Christ will bring in the future.

8 Page 8 Gloria Dei Lutheran Church 225 East Haney Ave. South Bend, Indiana NewsNotes Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID South Bend, Indiana Permit No. 668 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Celebrating 138 years of faithful ministry of Word and Sacrament. Please notify the church office if a special occasion is missed Rev. Jeff Zell, pastor Hours by appointment Jeff.Zell@yahoo.com Dolores, office administrator Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Friday 1:30 p.m.-4 p.m. Dolores is off on Wednesday. Office phone: (574) NewsNotes is a monthly publication for members and friends of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 225 E. Haney Ave., South Bend, IN The deadline for submissions is printed in the monthly calendar. Please submit information for the weekly bulletin in writing by noon each Wednesday. NewsNotes Editor: John jdmiller10@hotmail.com Those celebrating birthdays and wedding anniversaries in December include... Marie Zell Dec. 1 Thelma Lemanski Dec. 3 Nicholas Seifer Dec. 3 Mark Neff Dec. 3 Lorraina Doolittle Dec. 19 Dan Lindborg Dec. 21 December Birthdays December Anniversaries Leslie and Neil Dec. 2 Nancy and Max Johnson Dec. 20 Mary and John Rhodes Dec. 26 Sue and Jim Schleis Dec. 26 Tate Brummitt Dec. 23 Katie Weldy Dec. 29 Linda Jepson Dec. 29 Jaime Owen Dec. 31