The Messenger. Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan DECEMBER Christmas at Emmanuel

Transcription

1 The Messenger Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church - Menominee, Michigan DECEMBER 2017 Christmas at Emmanuel December 17, 10:00 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program Christmas Eve Worship at 4:00 & 7:00 p.m. Christmas Day Worship at 10:00 a.m.

2 from the pastor Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ; Regret. Last evening as the last seconds ticked off at the end of a heartbreaking loss by the Packers, I noticed that Al Michaels and Chris Collinsworth, calling the game for NBC, threw that word out a couple of times. Did Mike McCarthy regret attempting that long field goal that was missed and gave the ball back to the Steelers near midfield? Did Jamaal Williams regret stepping out of bounds during that last Packer drive, saving the Steelers a timeout, which they were able to use to win the game? Will I regret staying up later than usual to witness this gut wrenching ending? Regret. This word carries a lot of weight in the choices that we make, but it also represents missed opportunities ( Please RSVP regrets only if you are unable to be in attendance. ) as well as emotional life-altering moments ( I regret to inform you that while in service to our country that your son was lost at sea. ). Regret. Regret may very well be the heaviest word in our vocabulary because of its many ominous meanings, but as we transition into this Advent season of anticipatory waiting, to the joy of Christmas, we are presented with a most opportune time to rid ourselves of the unnecessary weight of this word. In fact, through God coming to us as the Christ child, and ultimately dying for our sins, the invitation is there to fully embrace our mortal limitations and to acknowledge the brokenness of the choices that we do make. Too often the decisions that we make are driven by pride and stubbornness and we choose to disregard critical direction because we so adamantly want to be right in our own choices. And all too often the result of these choices is broken promises, broken hearts and broken families. But in the coming of the Christ child we are

3 invited to journey to Bethlehem alongside the shepherds and the wise men and to place that one gift that we bring to the manger crib of the new born king ourselves and whatever ourselves entails: our pride, our sins, our regrets; and to leave these things there. After emptying ourselves we are then invited to return to our lives having been unburdened of what we choose to carry around with us. Whatever we leave there, God, as Jesus, will then shoulder as he willingly climbs onto that cross and takes it away from us. Forever. Not the traditional gift, mind you, but nonetheless it is exactly what God asks from us, for what this leads to then is restored families and mended relationships, which is the one thing that God desires. It brings about peace of mind and assurance of God s presence. And when we have humbly unloaded all our regrets and sent them packing with Jesus, it is then that we can truly understand and live into Peace on Earth and Joy to the World, instead of planting a fake smile on our face and openly throwing these phrases around as required seasonal exchanges, yet, as all the while we are suffering immensely on the inside. Regret. While we can t rid this weighty word from our vocabulary, as we transition into the watchful waiting of Advent and the joyous revelation of Christmas, the opportunity is given to us in which we are invited to drop the weight of it from our lives and the choices we make. Now, if I am able, I ll tune in again to the Packer game again this week with the firm belief that they will not make the same choices this week that led to them losing the game last week, that they will have learned from those regretful decisions as to not repeat them. I ll watch with all hopefulness that they will win because they won t repeat the poor play that opens the door to losing. It remains to be seen if I will be joyfully surprised or in anguished despair (check back in with me on Monday!), but, no matter what, whether it is in the Packers or in my own faith journey, the hope of overcoming imperfection and leaving regret behind will keep me drawn in and engaged, for there is no regret ever in placing our trust in realized hopes and fulfilled promises. I wish every one of you a most blessed Advent and Christmas, Pastor Mark

4 Youth and Family Ministry From the Director: Patti Treptow December is the busiest and most exciting month for our congregation. We wait with much hope and anticipation as we go through the Advent season and celebrate with great joy on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day the birth of our Savior. Through the opening of each day of our Advent calendars, we are reminded how quickly Christmas day will come. However, for children it seems like forever before this much anticipated day arrives. As we juggle our calendars, we wonder how to fit in the numerous activities that are available to us during this exciting time of year. But, despite our busy schedules, we find ways to continue our family traditions and even create new ones that help us celebrate the season of Advent and Christmas. Family traditions are important. As we practice our traditions or engage in new ones, we create memories that strengthen the family, solidify our foundation, and tie us together. The same thing can happen with our faith and within our church family. We have many opportunities during this Advent and Christmas season at Emmanuel to continue some traditions and to try some new things; all which will deepen our faith as well as bring us together as a family of God. It is my hope that you enjoy all the wonderful opportunities to celebrate Christmas with your own family as well as your church family here at Emmanuel. Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

5 Sunday School Children s Christmas Program Sunday, December 17th during the 10:00 a.m. worship service. Please have your child in the fellowship hall by 9:30 a.m. so they may get into costume. Program Dress Rehearsal and Christmas Party Saturday, December 16 th 9:00 a.m. 12:00 noon Program practices have begun and are held during the last part of the Sunday school class time. Because we have limited practice time, it is important to have your child at Sunday school as much as possible. Monthly Bible Story Sunday Activities Every first Sunday of the month, our Sunday school children gather as one group to participate in devotions, Bible lessons, songs, crafts, and snacks. Regular Sunday school classes are held on the remaining Sundays.

6 Join Us for Emmanuel Lutheran s Drop n Shop Event! Saturday, December 2 nd, 2:00-5:00 p.m. Children PreK through 6 th grade are invited to join us for snacks, a movie, games, ornament making, and decorating a Christmas tree in the fellowship hall! Parents will be able to drop their child off so they may have some free time to do holiday errands or other tasks! Emmanuel's Christmas Tree on Stephenson Island Several of Emmanuel's families decorated a tree on Stephenson Island in Marinette on Sunday, November 26 th. Be sure to check out what a beautiful job the kids did decorating our tree!

7 Upcoming Class Dates: December 3 rd January 14 th, 21 st, 28 th 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall Monthly Suppers - Sunday, December 3rd, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Pastor Mark will host a confirmation supper at the church. Supper will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by a Bible study and conclude with a game or activity. Attendance is not mandatory, but is meant to be another opportunity for kids to grow together. So we can plan food/activities, please let the church office know if your student will be attending. And, if any parents would want to provide for a supper, we are always grateful for that as well! Baking for the Church bake sale Confirmation students will join with our members of the Youth Advisory Council to bake cookies and other yummy treats on Saturday, December 9 th, 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. A sign-up sheet will be handed out during confirmation class. Parents are encouraged to help! Salvation Army Bell Ringing Confirmation students along with members of Emmanuel of all ages are asked to participate in ringing bells on Saturday, December 16th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. at Jack s Fresh Market in Menominee. You need not be there for the entire time. We are asking you to sign up in one hour increments. A sign- up sheet will be made available in the narthex. Emmanuel's High School Youth! Please join us at our next meeting on Sunday, December 3 rd at 11:15. Our next service activity is set for December 10 th at the Abundant Life Shelter where we will read, make crafts, and play games with the children who reside there. Emmanuel's Youth Advisory Council is open to all of Emmanuel s high school youth and is great way to grow in faith and engage in fun and meaningful activities. Please contact Youth Council Representative Kyle Anderson or Patti Treptow at the church office for more information.

8 Sunday, November 5 th our Confirmation students and Youth Advisory Council members raked the lawns of several of our elderly members. Thank you for doing an awesome job!!!!! Youth Service Activities Emmanuel's traditional Thanksgiving Eve Pie Social was held on Wednesday, November 23 rd following worship. Thank you to the Fellowship Committee for the beautiful table decorations and to our Confirmation students for serving.

9 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering We ask for your continued prayers and financial support as we continues our steps toward this faith affirming trip in which we will serve as God s hands along with 30,000+ other ELCA youth across our nation. If you are interested in helping provide financial assistance to our youth who will be attending the National Youth Gathering, you may do so through our Christmas Memorials that are being collected this month. All monies collected go directly to our youth to participate in this living changing event. Watch for some fun activities and fundraisers in the upcoming months! Worship on Wednesdays Our next WOW! worship will take place on Wednesday, January 17th, in the Fellowship Hall 6:00-6:30 pm. This interactive family-style worship will feature family friendly songs and liturgy, complete with Holy Communion. If you are unable to be in worship on Sunday or simply desire a mid-week alternative, please consider joining us to worship God in this engaging and fun way. A NEW EMMANUEL TRADITION!! All members of all ages of Emmanuel are invited to join together on Sunday, December 10th at 4:00 for the first Hanging of the Greens. As a worshiping community, we will come together to set up and decorate the church Christmas trees and sanctuary. There will be Christmas music playing and the Fellowship Committee will provide refreshments for us to enjoy as we join together in transforming our church. We look forward to seeing you all here!!

10 ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Wednesday Morning Men s group Join us each Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon for a wonderful time of fellowship with friends, sharing stories, and enjoying a cup of coffee. Bring a friend! WoMen s Ministries Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America The Sarah Circle will meet on Tuesday, December 12 th, 1:00 p.m., Jeanette Lawton will be the hostess. Seeking Enlightenment Group will be meeting on Thursday, December 21, at 6:30pm. It is a time of sharing and encouraging each other on our Christian journey, contact Robin Gustafson at for location details. Emmanuel's Funeral Luncheon Staff Back Row: Nancy Camps and Donna Hipke. Second Row: Mary Chernetski, Dolly Lemire, and Carolyn Haglund. Front Row: Bonnie Jackson, Shirley Bailey, Jeanette Lawton, and Gerrie Tupper. Thank you to this incredible group of women who give of their time and their hearts in carrying out this ministry to those who are mourning. The fellowship that transpires over the shared meal immediately following a funeral is a monumental and necessary step in beginning the healing process. We are blessed and give thanks for you all!

11 Emmanuel's Outreach Projects Christmas Food Baskets The collection of food and non-food items for the Christmas food boxes will take place November 19 th through December 17 th. The donated items will be given to individuals and families in our community who are in need. This gift will help bring some joy and hope to them at Christmas. Donated goods may be placed in the marked area in the narthex. Food items needed include canned meats (tuna and chicken), canned dinners, complete meal foods like spaghetti sauce with meat, peanut butter, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta and rice including boxed meals, pancake mixes and syrup, cereal, and juices. Please no expired foods we cannot include them in the food boxes. Non-food items needed include toothbrushes, deodorant, soap and shampoo, paper towels, toilet tissue, dish soap, laundry soap, and general cleaning supplies. Please note when buying in bulk, items must be individually wrapped. Local Tree of Love Thank you Emmanuel members for your quick response to our local Tree of Love for those is need from the Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Shelter, Haven of Hope Shelter, and the Abundant Life Mission and Shelter. Please return your wrapped gifts, with the identifying tag securely attached, to the church office by Sunday, December 10 th.

12 Christmas Bake Sale We Need Your Help! Our annual Christmas bake sale will be held on Sunday, December 10 th between worship services. Our Confirmation students and EYAC youth will be baking cookies on Saturday, December 9 th to sell, but we need your help to make this sale a success! Our youth will be baking 24 dozen cookies and we are asking the congregation to match or exceed that amount. If each person could bake one or two dozen cookies or baked items, we will easily meet our goal. Proceeds from the bake sale go to support the Christmas food basket project. Please bring your baked goods for the bake sale to the fellowship hall on Saturday, December 9 th between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon. Salvation Army Bell Ringing! Emmanuel will be ringing bells for Salvation Army. We are seeking members of all ages to sign up for a shift of ringing and maybe even some singing! If anyone is willing to bring a musical instrument to accompany some singing, please do so! Emmanuel will be at Jack s Fresh Market in Menominee on Saturday, December 16th from 12:00-3:00 p.m. A sign-up sheet will be made available in the narthex where you can sign up for one hour shifts. Let s make it a great turnout and show our community Emmanuel cares!

13 Veteran's Day Recognition Victor Klumb, Don Hubert, Rudolph Raminger, Gary Miller, Ron Fischer, Kathy Molnar, Axel Anderson, Warren Klitzke, and Jim Smith Vern Lindquist, Mark Lesperance, Tim Lemery, Kenneth Holdorf, John Helfert, Al Rasmussen, Glen Magrane, and Dan Crocker Emmanuel's veterans in attendance were recognized on Sunday, November 12 th during the 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. services. This was an opportunity for Emmanuel, as a worshiping community, to give thanks for those who have selflessly given of their time and of their lives to protect the many freedoms that we enjoy, including the freedom to openly worship God. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You to every one of you, and may God s blessings be upon you, your families, and your work.

14 Our Emmanuel Family BAPTISMS... Jay Barley, son of Jordan & Kara, was baptized on November 26, with sponsors, Kristin Hines and Bret Schwanz CALLED HOME BY GOD... Larry Eatherton passed away at Pine Crest Care Facility in Powers on November 28. Larry s funeral service will be held at Emmanuel on Sunday, at 1:00 p.m. May God s peace and presence and the hope and promise of the resurrection be with Sandy and all those who mourn Larry at this time. GIFTS GIVEN... In memory of Ora Lindblad to the Youth Gathering Fund given by William Sturlaugson and Jeanett Lawton In memory of Henry Haulotte to the electronic reader board in front of our church by his wife, Isabel AARP REAL POSSIBILITIES AT EMMANUEL Beginning this tax year, Emmanuel Lutheran will be an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program Site. The AARP Tax-Aide Program works with Seniors, Families, and Individuals to complete their Individual Tax Returns. There is no cost for this service. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED To help as many seniors, families, and individuals as possible, more volunteers are needed as In-Take Coordinators and Tax Preparers. Currently the Tax-Aide Group prepares taxes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays during the Tax Season, February through April. There is training that is provided and a certification we each must achieve to be Tax Preparers and In-Take Coordinators. Training is provided in December and January taking 5 to 7 days each year. Our group works together and supports each other during this training and throughout the tax season. If interested in being a Tax-Aide Volunteer, Contact Jim Zobel ( ) or Tom Crowley ( ) for more information.

15 An Unlikely Advent Wednesday evenings at Bethel Lutheran Church Many elements of the Christmas story are familiar and expected. But when we take a step back and examine the manner in which God was born, we see how unlikely and indeed wonderful the Christ story was from the beginning. Born in a barn? Attended by foreign magi? An unwed mother? Proclaimed by shepherds? From before Jesus birth, God was showing favor to the least in unexpected places. In our Advent series we will join at Bethel at 5pm on Wednesdays in Advent, Dec. 6, 13, &20, for Soup and Fellowship. At 6pm we will worship and consider the unlikely ways God continues to move through our world. All are welcome! Menominee High School presents Colors of the Holiday Season December 20, :00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Dinner at 12:15 p.m. Menominee High School is holding its annual holiday open house for all senior citizens in our area. There will be arts and crafts, bingo, live entertainment, a blood pressure clinic, small snacks, and a turkey dinner with pie. Dinner is served family style - cost is $3.00 per person. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, December 13 th by calling , ext. 224 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

16 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, This year is a series of new beginnings for me, one of which is introducing this effort to be in more direct communication with the people of the Northern Great Lakes Synod. While we have our 6X a year newsletter, Notes and Quotes, and we have our 2x monthly electronic newsletter, E- Notes, and our Facebook Page and website, asking for room in congregational newsletters will even further our connection to each other. As people of faith, this month we observe Advent together. If Advent was a moment at a dinner party, it would be that space of time between when everything is ready, and you are watching and waiting for the guests to arrive. Advent is expectation, anticipation, the tension of the in-between space where we are waiting for what is to come. But we re not very good at waiting. Fast food is fast because people do not have time to wait. We have drive through hamburgers, drive through banks, and drive through coffee. Time is money, money is time, and the savvy business owner caters to the consumer who s in a perpetual hurry. We demand and are used to instant gratification. From text messages to high speed internet, we do not like to wait for results. We even binge watch favorite television shows because we cannot wait for the next episode. Is there anything that we wait for? Where the waiting provides blessing? Where the waiting is productive? Even necessary? Some have called Advent the pregnancy of the Church. Certainly, we would want the growth of a yet to be born child to be given all the time that is needed. But what of the gestation of an idea? Or a mission? The discernment of direction? A search for clarity of the will of God? I believe these also cannot be rushed. Our Church is on the cusp of becoming something new. We do not yet know what that is. We may not even live to see the complete transformation, although we are witnessing the labor pains now. We see the changes, even grieve the changes, as we continue put

17 our efforts into ministry and meet the challenges of a transforming church in a shifting world. In its essence, Advent is not such an easy place to be. This place of waiting and uncertainty, of wanting to do something to prepare, and not being sure what that is. But scripture proclaims that there is blessing in the waiting. Advent invites us to percolate in the Spirit, to feel the suspense of unresolved tension, and still place our trust in the one who holds our future. We cannot binge on Advent so Christmas gets here sooner, and neither can we fast forward the present so that we arrive at the future before its time. Some things some God things. simply cannot be rushed. So together we wait and watch. We make ready for our Lord Jesus to come to us and we prepare for his coming. Together we wait for God to speak the Word Christ into our lives and into the hopes we have for our Church. And then together we will sing Joy to the World, the Lord is come, let earth receive its king. Let every heart prepare him room, And heav n and nature sing! Yours in Christ, Bishop Katherine Finegan

18 CHRISTMAS Memorials As you prayerfully consider your Christmas Memorial contributions, please know that all of your gifts are appreciated and used to further various ministries of our congregation and wider church. The gifts given to the ELCA National Youth Gathering will be put into a fund in which we will evenly distribute to all of Emmanuel s high school youth who will be attending the Gathering in Houston in June This is a faith affirming opportunity for Lutheran youth from across the country to come together to work and worship in unique ways in unique settings. The Northern Great Lakes Synod believes in supporting ministry candidates in all ways spiritual and financially. Any offerings put into the Seminarian Support Fund will go toward easing the rising financial burdens of seminarian students who call the Northern Great Lakes Synod (Upper Peninsula and NE Wisconsin) home. In order to make Emmanuel more visible in our community, we would like to upgrade our current 13th Street reader board to be an electronic one. The upgrade would provide for greater flexibility in sharing our mission as well as empowering us with a quicker messaging response to more immediate information. Any contributions given toward Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp do not go directly to Emmanuel campers, but go toward the operation costs of the camp (staffing, maintenance, etc.). This determination has been made because Emmanuel s members have already generously given to a healthy scholarship fund which we maintain to assist any and all members who choose to attend Fortune Lake. Your designations to the ELCA World Hunger appeal go directly toward the church s call to justice in response to those who do not have food. The money is used to provide farm animals and garden plants, to dig wells, and to pack healthy and sustaining food.

19 Christmas Memorial All Christmas memorials must be received by Sunday, December 17 th to be included in the Christmas Memorial booklet. Your gifts are greatly appreciated. I would like to : Place a poinsettia in the chancel ($10.00) My/Our gift to the church s mission at home: To: $ ELCA National Youth Gathering $ Seminarian Support Fund $ Electronic reader board in front of church $ Undesignated Memorial Fund orfor the following purpose: My/Our gift to the wider mission of the church: To: $ Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp $ ELCA World Hunger Appeal $ The following: Given In memory of In honor of In thanks to God By Envelope Number

20 SUNDAY MORNINGS AT EMMANUEL Worship at 8:00 & 10:00am Nursery care provided at 10am Sunday School at 10:00am CONTACT US: Phone: (906) Fax: (906) Council President, Debbie Villas or Visit us on the Web at Follow us on Facebook at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Menominee Michigan ELCA STAFF: Pastor The Rev. Mark Laatsch Director of Youth & Family Ministry Mrs. Patti Treptow Church Secretary Mrs. Judy Raygo Custodian-inside Mrs. Carol Parrish Custodian- outside Mr. Lee Parrish We are a congregation of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America