The Voice. The Monthly Newsletter of Canton Lutheran Church Canton Lutheran Church. Office Hours. Live Nativity 2015

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1 The Voice The Monthly Newsletter of Canton Lutheran Church And the sheep follow Jesus because they know his voice. December, 2015 Live Nativity 2015 Canton Lutheran Church 124 E 2 nd Street Canton SD clc@cantonlutheran.net Live Nativity 2015 Saturday and Sunday, December 12 & 13, 5:30, 6:00, and 6:30 pm Christmas Cantata 2015 Night of the Father s Love Saturday, Dec. 12 at 7:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 13 at 4:00 pm Soup Supper both nights 5:00 7:00 pm Canton Lutheran Church WOW (Worship on Wednesday) 7:00 pm Saturday Evening Worship 5:00 pm Sunday Morning Worship 9:30 am ( offered at each service) TV Worship Times Daily at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm Midcontinent customers: ch. 19 Knology customers: ch. 98 December, 2015 Page 1 Office Hours Weekdays: 8:00-12:00 & 1:00-5:00* *These times are approximations. If you need to see a specific individual, please call ahead for an appt. CLC Staff Pastor Tim Thies tthies1959@gmail.com church office cell phone Lori Pudenz, office administration lori@cantonlutheran.net Janet Henke, education & equipping janet@cantonlutheran.net Paul Konietzko, music konietzkop@iw.net Don Pottratz, keeper of the house clc@cantonlutheran.net Lori Schneller - Bookkeeper lrschneller@gmail.com Cami Van Wyhe Youth Director pcwcnvw@sio.midco.net

2 God's Advent Promise The Advent summons is to watch and to wait. Our watching should be attentiveness to the ways of God. God acts by bringing life and salvation to a world without purpose or direction, groping its way through the darkness. Our waiting should be characterized by faithful patience, not counting the days or attempting to interpret the meaning of every unusual event. Above all, what God would have us learn during the days of our Advent pilgrimage is that God will act in God's time to bring us light and life and peace. We are waiting this Advent "for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ." We are not waiting for the advent of a God whom we do not know. Rather, we are waiting to see again the power of God. This power was born into the world as an infant who grew to be a person of hope for the hopeless and of grace for the brokenhearted. We are waiting to see once again the powerlessness of God as the world saw it: the child, grown to become a man, dying on a cross. We are waiting, as always, to see the power of resurrection, the power of life renewed and restored, the power of life lived toward eternity. In the midst of our Advent waiting, we bring with us expectations, dreams for the future, and above all, hope for ourselves and for the world in which we live. The waiting causes us to cry out, "Even so, Lord Jesus, quickly come," and because God answers such prayers, our watching is done with great anticipation. The Advent promise is that God's time is now, and God's kingdom is already breaking upon us. Your pastor in recovery: Tim Thies Spring Book Study! Wishful Thinking ~ a searchers ABC By Frederick Buechner Sunday; April 3 rd, 2016 / 6:30 8:30 Pastor Tim and Susan s home! 1010 East Lynn\ This book is seemingly a dictionary of terms related to religion and faith. In reality, it's a collection of Buechner's thoughts on these issues. Some of his "definitions" are a page long, some a paragraph, some just a sentence. They all manage to capture the essence of an idea and make you look at it in sometimes startling new ways. Take, for example, his definition for Lust: December, 2015 page 2

3 "Lust is the desire for salt from someone who is dying of thirst." Or Gluttony: "A glutton is someone who raids the icebox to try to cure spiritual malnutrition." This book expanded my perceptions, showed me alternate ways of looking at familiar things, and restored my sense of wonder in my (Christian) faith and in the world around me. Copies of this book can be purchased in the church office for $5. Please contact Pastor Tim if you plan to attend! What Is Pastor Tim Reading Whistling in the Dark: A Doubter's Dictionary Paperback May 21, 1993 by Frederick Buechner (Author) Awry and thought-provoking jaunt through the spiritual terrain of our everyday language -- a lexion of uncommon insight to jar the mind and nourish the soul. "I think of faith as a kind of whistling in the dark, because in much the same way," writes Buechner, "it helps to give us courage and to hold the shadows at bay." Buechner is one of the great theological minds of our time, but his writing is accessible without being condescending. In this classic lexicon, he captures the dichotomy of faith and doubt in God. If you enjoy C.S. Lewis' work but have a sometimes irreverent sense of humor, you are sure to want your own copy of Whistling in the Dark! Church Bulletin Bloopers Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands. December, 2015 page 3

4 Stewardship Quote for December Gratitude has the power to transform your outlook and open your eyes to life's fullness. It can transform a trinket into a treasure, a meal into a feast, a deficit into a gain." --Louise Rousseau, Living With An Open Hand Tuesday Morning Lectionary Bible Study ~ Please check the church calendar for schedule This conversation facilitated by Pastor Tim is centered upon the assigned texts for worship each week. We meet most Tuesdays at 7:00 AM for minutes, Come and go as time permits! Coffee and a healthy morning snack will be served. Looking forward to sharing insights into the scripture and the always welcoming fellowship! Any questions please contact Pastor Tim! The CLC gospel choir goes into the fall / winter season without Colin Conner as its director. For the time being Colin has chosen to step down as director in order to attend to some personal endeavors. Our thoughts and prayers embrace Colin as we are both grateful for his many years of passionate service to our faith community and in looking forward to his future return. In the meantime, a music leader is needed to step into this part-time, paid position. Please see Pastor Tim for additional details. Your prayers for the Spirit s guidance in this time of transition are greatly appreciated. Lutheran Tidbit for December THE GENESIS OF THE CHRISMAS TREE Germany is credited with starting the Christmas tree tradition as we now know it in the 16th century when devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. Some built Christmas pyramids of wood and decorated them with evergreens and a candle if wood was scarce. It is a widely held belief that Martin Luther, the 16th-century Protestant reformer, first added lighted candles to a tree. Walking toward his home one winter evening, composing a sermon, he was awed by the brilliance of stars twinkling amidst evergreens. To recapture the scene for his family, he erected a tree in the main room and wired its branches with lighted candles. December, 2015 page 4

5 This Sunday morning discussion group meets in the Adult Education room from 10:45 11:30 AM (most Sundays please check the church calander for meeting dates!) As a guide for each gathering we will be using the Books of Faith Series offered from Augsburg Fortress. This series explores individual books of the Bible through historical, literary, devotional, and Lutheran-theological perspectives. Facilitated by Pastor Tim, the winter study focus is on the book of Ruth. The incredibly rich story told in the book of Ruth captures the fears, challenges, and hope of those who find themselves pulled away from home and of those who are there when they return. In this book we are invited into the deep emotions and conversations of the three central characters of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz, while exploring the themes of loss, loyalty, risk, and hope. The Study of Ruth will begin on Sunday, December 6 th see you then! Confirmands have been diligent in their study of Martin Luther his Life and Accomplishments. Our weekly discussion has been augmented by a powerful movie on this most prolific reformer of the church. A shout out to the youth for their active participation in worship, especially their thoughtful insights as shared in their Worship Notes! Reminder: Confirmation will not meet with Pastor Tim on the last Wednesday of the month! Instead, confirmation youth and families are strongly encouraged to meet in the library at 6 PM for the Family Service Project! See Janet for more information. Please check the December calendar for class dates as Pastor Tim has a few scheduling conflicts that will take him away from facilitating confirmation. Pastor Tim apologizes for the inconvenience. December, 2015 page 5 Sunday, December 6 th, 2015 Time- 7:00 PM A Blue Christmas Service is offered to the grieving among us who remember those they have loved and lost. The holidays can be an especially difficult and sad time as the memory of loved ones held close to our hearts surface and expose an array of emotions. The service is an opportunity to find strength this Christmas season as we call upon the Light of Christ to bring hope to shattered hearts. The service is scheduled for Sunday evening, December 6 th. This quiet and reflective time for remembering begins at 7:00 PM. The service includes a series of scripture readings and hymns along with an opportunity to join others in lighting a candle in honor of the special person who touched your life so deeply. At the conclusion of worship, the Christ candle is lit as we remember the gift of hope that the Christmas story offers to all.

6 This is a worship service that the community in and around Canton is invited to attend. Please share this information with friends, neighbors and co-workers who would benefit from a worship opportunity that acknowledges their loss and offers a Word of Hope and comfort. For additional information please speak with Pastor Tim. As worship unfolds on this most sacred of nights, we will hear the voices of these authors speak to us anew of the glory of Christ s birth. Oh Holy Night A Service of Story, Song and Scripture Thursday, December 24 th, 2015 The Christmas Eve Candle light Services 5:30 PM & 10:00 PM worship with In the beginning was the Word. From the ancient birth narratives to poetry and legends through the centuries no season seems to bring forth stories like Christmas. A Festival of Carols ~ with Friday; December 25 th, 2015 Time: 9:30 PM Mark your December calendars! NO WORSHIP ON SATURDAY; December 12 th or December 26 th! December, 2015 page 6

7 Ministry Boards Meeting Ministry Boards are scheduled to meet Wednesday, December 2 nd beginning at 8:00 pm. Executive Council Meeting Executive Council is scheduled to meet Wednesday, December 9 th beginning at 8:00 pm. Canton W.E.L.C.A. December Opportunities Sunday, December 6, WELCA hosts Christmas Coffee after worship services Bible Study: Philippians A four session study of the book of Philippians begins in January at Canton Lutheran. All four will be held in the CLC Library on the 2 nd Thursday of the month at 2 p.m. as shown below. Bring a friend. Invite a neighbor. All are welcome here! Jan. 14 th : Confidence in God s beginnings and endings (Philippians 1:1-26) Feb. 11 th : Servant-shaped soldiers (Philippians 1:27-2:18) Mar. 10 th : Being of one mind (Philippians 2:19-4:3) Apr. 14 th : Keep on keeping on (Philippians 4:4-23) The Thursday afternoon studies with refreshments are hosted by the CLC Dorcas Circle. Thursday Dec. 10 NO DORCAS CIRCLE Thursday Dec. 17 NO CARE & SHARE The WELCA ladies are starting the Christmas season with style on Sunday, December 6. Everyone is invited to stop in the Library after the Worship Service for delicious Christmas treats. The ladies are already getting busy baking and decorating cookies, candy and their special Norwegian delights. There may be Lefse, Krumkake, Kringle Sandbakkels and more, but don t look for Lutefisk because there won t be any. Come and help start the Christmas Season with fun and fellowship. Cookie Trays Pick-up Pick up for the goodie trays will be on Saturday December 5th between 9:00 and 11:00 am at church. Thanks for your support. December, 2015 page 7

8 Even though Detroit is over we are never done fundraising. The ELCA youth gathering is in Houston 2018 and a few other mission trips are being researched. If any high school youth or current 7th and 8th graders, that will be in would potentially joining us on the trips please contact Cami so they can be included in any fundraising. If you are not positive if you want to go, it would be great to participate anyway for bonding with the group. Cami can be reached at or pcwcnvw@sio.midco.net Live Nativity & Cantata Dates Live Nativity December 12th and 13th 5:30 6:00 6:30 The Youth will also be serving Soup Supper both nights from 5:00 7:00 pm Annual Christmas Cantata The Night of the Father s Love Saturday December 7:00 pm and Sunday December 4:00 pm Cantata rehearsals are being held on Wednesday Evenings at 7:45 pm. All are Welcome, come when you can. This is a cantata we have done before. Nativity Update Thank you all so much for signing up to be part of this year s cast We now have the complete cast ready to go. Thanks also to congregation members for your donations to the September Mission of the Month. This event would not be possible without your dedication. So thanks again to all of you. This year we have been working on shepherd and angel costumes. Next year our wise men will be on that list. Jill Peltier will be doing our advertising and media contacting this year. We will be ing you with dates for costume fittings and for practices as the event gets closer. Again thanks to all of you for stepping up We truly appreciate it. Dorothy & Cheryl THANK YOU to all the people who helped put the stable up after church on the 8th. The weather was nice - and that helped, but many hands and people who knew what to do made a big job go fast. We truly appreciate your help. December, 2015 page 8

9 services. If you are available to help out, please contact Janet or go to the Ministry Scheduler Pro and sign up for the service that fits your holiday schedule. Preschool Christmas Program Our annual Christmas Program, presented by Pastor Tim and the Preschool 3, 4 and Kindergarten classes will be on Wednesday, December 16 during the 7 pm WOW service. Parents and kids should start reading the Christmas story at home as soon as possible so the students can choose their character. Parents can assemble a costume or borrow one from CLC (talk to Janet). On the night of the program, kids will arrive at 6 pm in their regular classrooms dressed as the character from the Nativity that they want to portray. We will practice their songs a little and then proceed as a group to worship. Pastor Tim will have them join him in front to be the characters in a large Nativity scene! As you know, anything can and does happen when preschoolers are in a Christmas pageant so join us for the experience of seeing Christmas through a preschooler s eyes! Christmas Services Worship Ministers We are in need of extra Worship Ministers for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day December, 2015 page 9 Snow Days Just a quick reminder that if school is cancelled or dismissed early on a Wednesday due to weather conditions, we will not have SONday School, Confirmation Class or Youth Handbells. Check the church website or TV stations for information about WOW and Tabernacle. December Mission-of-the-Month ELCA World Hunger God s Global Barnyard Our Mission-of-the-Month for December is ELCA World Hunger. SONday School and Confirmation students will receive a barn bank to contribute to during December. Adults are welcome to take one too! We will bring them back at the Christmas Program on December 16 or to Worship the weekend of December Our offerings collected in the Barn Banks will be sent to ELCA World Hunger to alleviate hunger throughout the world.

10 SONday School/Confirmation Schedule during December December 2- Regular classes for Age 3- Confirmation. December 9 No Confirmation. Preschool 3, 4 and Kindergarten will have Christmas Program practice during their Music Time. Be sure your child has their costume chosen. December 16 No Confirmation. Regular classes for Grades 1-6. Preschool 3, 4 and Kindergarten should arrive in their classrooms at 6 pm dressed in their costumes for the program. December 23 & 30 No classes. January 6- SONday School resumes. January 27 Family Service Night Souper Bowl of Caring. Watch for more details. Newsletter Deadline Please have all Newsletter articles to the office, via lori@cantonlutheran.net, no later than Monday, December 21st. Preachers vs. Teachers Success The total funds raised was $ We are expecting to receive another $500 from the Thrivent Group to add to the total raised. Thanks to all who participated in the Preachers vs Teachers basketball game, Love INC appreciates your time and efforts to make this event a success. Have a blessed day! Love INC is once again sponsoring the Christmas Blessing Tree and offering the community/church youth groups/individual families to participate by coming to Love INC s Clothing Store and selecting an ornament from the tree. Please keep in mind there are only 21 ornaments available so it is first come first served. Each ornament lists a specific need for your chance to be a blessing and you will be asked to sign up for the ornament you select. The Christmas Blessing Tree will be available beginning November 30 th (hours are 10 a.m. 4 p.m., Monday-Thursday). The item listed on the ornament needs to be brought to the Love INC office no later than Tuesday, December 15 th (office hours are 9 a.m. 1 p.m., Monday-Thursday. You are welcome to keep the ornament and place it on your tree to remind you of the blessing you have been to an anonymous family. What a great tradition this could become! December, 2015 page 10

11 POINSETTIA PLANTS & FUNDING FOR THE LIVING NATIVITY AND CHRISTMAS CANTATA FOR the 2015 CHRISTMAS SEASON The Altar Guild would like to again beautify our sanctuary with Poinsettias. We are also accepting money for our Living Nativity and Christmas Cantata. If you wish to put your slip in the worship service offering plate please have it in an envelope with Poinsettia Slip written on the outside of the envelope. You may also mail slip or bring it into the church office. All slips, plants, and or money must be in the church by December 11 th. I (we) will provide the following for the 2015 CHRISTMAS SEASON: Poinsettia Plant(s) $ towards purchase of Poinsettia Plant(s) $ towards the Living Nativity $ towards the Christmas Cantata In honor of: In memory of: Given By: Signed: Daytime Phone Number: December, 2015 page 11

12 29 DECEMBER 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 st Sunday of Advent 9:30 AM Worship with / Baptism-Josafiene Painter 10:30 AM Coffee & Fellowship / Library No Adult Education 30 9:00 AM Assemble Newsletter nd Week of Advent 7:00 AM Lectionary Bible 5:30 PM Youth Hand bell Study/CLC Choir Library/All Are 6:00 PM Confirmation Welcome 6:00 PM SONday School 7:00 PM WOW Worship with 7:45 PM Cantata Rehearsal 8:00 PM Ministry Boards Meet 8:30 PM Tabernacle 3 4 7:00 PM Youth Group Cookie Tray Assembly 5 2 nd Saturday of Advent 7:30 AM Milk s Camp 9:00 11:00 AM Cookie Tray Pick Up 5:00 PM Worship with 6 2 nd Sunday of Advent 9:30 AM Worship with 10:30 AM Coffee & Fellowship / Library 10:45 AM Adult Education 4:00 PM Grieg Chorus Christmas Concert at Grand Valley 7:00 PM Blue Christmas Worship Service 13 3 rd Sunday of Advent 9:30 AM Worship with 10:30 AM Coffee & Fellowship / Library 10:45 AM Adult Education 4:00 PM Christmas Cantata 5:00-7:00 PM Soup Supper 5:30 PM Live Nativity 6:00 PM Live Nativity 6:30 PM Live Nativity 7 7:00 PM Canton Parade rd Week of Advent 5:30 PM Youth Hand bell Choir 6:00 PM Confirmation 6:00 PM SONday School 7:00 PM WOW Worship with 7:00 PM WOW Worship with 7:45 PM Cantata Rehearsal 8:00 PM Executive Council Meets 8:30 PM Tabernacle 4 th Week of Advent 5:30 PM Youth Hand bell Choir No Confirmation 6:00 PM SONday School 7:00 PM SONday School Children s Christmas Program 8:30 PM Tabernacle 10 No Dorcas Circle and Bible 17 No Care & Share No Saturday Worship 5:00-7:00 PM Soup Supper 5:30 PM Live Nativity 6:00 PM Live Nativity 6:30 PM Live Nativity 7:00 PM Christmas Cantata 4 th Saturday of Advent 5:00 PM Worship with 20 4 th Sunday of Advent 9:30 AM Worship with 10:30 AM Coffee & Fellowship / Library No Adult Education Newsletter Article Deadline No Youth Hand bell Choir No Confirmation Class No SONday School No WOW Worship 8:30 PM Tabernacle Christmas Eve 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with 31 Christmas Day 9:30 AM Christmas Day Worship Service with Holy Communion 1 26 No Saturday Evening Worship 2 9:30 AM Service of Carols 10:30 AM Coffee & Fellowship / Library No Adult Education 9:00 AM No Youth Hand bell Choir Assemble No Confirmation Class Newsletter No SONday School 7:00 PM WOW Worship Service with 8:30 PM Tabernacle 2016 New Year s Day Church Offices Closed 5:00 PM Worship with

13 Dear Friends, November 16, 2015 Canton Lutheran Church is a pretty amazing place! There are marvelous opportunities to grow in spirit and service in this congregation. And growth is a key word when it comes to understanding our relationship with God. Jesus taught those who followed him, so they might expand their vision of who God is and who they were in relationship to God. Jesus affirmed that God loved them. Then Jesus challenged them to live in response to that love by loving others. Living in response to that Good News of God s love is not always easy. It can demand that we make changes in our lives and the way we think about and deal with other people. Offering grace and forgiveness to someone who has hurt us can be hard! Thinking about others and their needs ahead of our own wants can be downright counter cultural especially when all of the messages we hear tell us to look out for ourselves first! During the month of November, as a church, we enter into a time of thinking about how we help make and create positive change. This is the time of year we talk about stewardship a concept that has to do with many things beyond money. How we care for the earth, how we care for ourselves, how we care for the good news of God s love for us, and how we care for the resources that are in our sphere of influence, are all a part of the spiritual discipline of stewardship. I am asking you to consider making an end of year financial commitment to empower this church your church to keep on doing amazing things! This is not so much about the church, as it is about you. It is an opportunity to grow by making a choice to make a gift that can make a difference. It is an invitation to discover the joy of giving in response to all that you have received. There are two specific ways in which your gifts can make a difference: 1) As of November 1 st, 2015 our expenses to empower and equip ministry at CLC have exceeded our offerings by $6000. An end of year contribution by members and friends of this congregation can go a long way in eliminating this deficit! Yes, WE CAN; together make a difference! 2) Countless hours and energy by the leadership / teams of CLC will soon result in the completion of our church basement following the flood of 2014! When the budget for the basement renovation was presented to the congregation the cost of replacing all our tables and chairs was not included. At the time, we were not sure what items could be salvaged. As it turns out ALL our tables and chairs were ruined in the flood waters. The replacement cost we will incur is as follows: 200 $20 per chair / 18 round $265 per table / 8 rectangular $220 per table Please prayerfully consider a financial gift to help offset the expense associated with this final aspect of breathing new life into our refurbished church basement! I know Susan and I will be buying one round table and five chars for our family of four (and a guest!). Who will be seated with you as we fellowship together in 2016? Your financial gifts to meet our end of year challenge can be placed in the offering or mailed to the church office. Please mark your gifts as follows: EOY Giving! As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas and end of the year with its rhythms of gratitude and giftgiving, we pray and hope you would consider how you are being called to live in response to all God in Christ has given to you! Thank you for your ongoing mission generosity! Your grateful pastor living in recovery! Pastor Tim Thies

14 Canton Lutheran Church 124 E 2 nd St Canton SD RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit.Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #20 Canton, SD D e c e m b e r N e w s l e t t e r Christmas at Canton Lutheran Milk s Camp Native American Mission Trip Saturday, December 5 th Blue Christmas Service A Non-Traditional Service for those who are mourning, stressed, lonely or hurting. Sunday, December 6 th, 7:00 pm Live Nativity An Evening at the Stable Saturday, December 12 th Sunday, December 13 th Performances at 5:30, 6:00 and 6:30pm Christmas Cantata Night of the Father s Love Saturday, December 12 th at 7:00 pm Sunday, December 13 th at 4:00 pm Holiday Soup Supper CLC Library Saturday, December 12 th ~ 5:00-7:00 pm Sunday, December 13 th ~ 5:00-7:00 pm Children s Christmas Program Wednesday, December 16 th at 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Worship Candle Light Worship with Thursday, December 24th 5:30 pm Worship and 10:00 pm Worship Christmas Day Worship with Friday, December 25th 9:30 am Worship