December Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Transcription

1 LIVING WORD Lutheran Church, LCMC Office Hrs. M-F 8:30 12:30 p.m. OR th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are growing, Sharing, and living in God s Word, Jesus Christ December 2017 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14 As we enter a new church year with the season of Advent, we are reminded that the word Advent means coming or arrival with a particular arrival in mind that of Jesus Christ. The past, present, and future advent of Christ are all part of this season of preparation and expectation, which begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. During our Sunday worship time together during this season of Advent, we traditionally light the candles on the Advent Wreath. This wreath holds four candles which surround a center candle the Christ candle. Each Sunday during Advent, another candle is lit until on Christmas Eve all four candles, along with the Christ candle, are lit. What is significant about the Advent Wreath is that each of the four candles that surround the Christ candle help to tell the Christmas story. The first candle, the Prophecy Candle, reminds us of how God spoke to His people through the prophets, offering them the hope of a Savior. It also reminds us of the faithfulness of God's promises, so we may live in hope. The second candle, the Bethlehem Candle, reflects on the fact that Jesus was born in an ordinary little town, in a stable full of animals and how He also comes to us in ordinary places, among ordinary people. The third candle, the Shepherd's Candle, reminds us that it wasn't simply the rich and famous who came to worship Jesus that first Christmas Eve, but also the poor shepherds. And finally, The fourth candle, the Angel's Candle, speaks of the angels who announced Christ s birth on Christmas Eve and the angels who will come with Christ to take us home and establish His everlasting kingdom. As we enter this very special season for the church of Jesus Christ, the Advent of our Lord, the center candle reminds us of who it is that is always at the center of our lives of all of our relationships and activities Immanuel, God with us Jesus Christ! Have a blessed season of Advent- Pastor A.J.

2 Adult Education DAILY SCRIPTURE READINGS December Corinthians 5-7 December Corinthians 8-10 December Corinthians December 4... Galatians 1-3 December 5... Galatians 4-6 December 6... Ephesians 1-3 December 7... Ephesians 4-6 December 8... Philippians 1-4 December 9... Colossians 1-4 Sunday Morning Adult Bible Study Continues each Sunday at 10:20 a.m., the study material is based on the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. December Thessalonians 1-3 December Thessalonians 4-5 December Thessalonians 1-3 December Timothy 1-6 December Timothy 1-4 December Titus & Philemon December Hebrews 1-4 Tuesday Morning Bible Study Currently the Tuesday morning Bible Study is working through Matthew s Gospel account. This Bible Study meets at 9 am on Tuesday mornings in the south classrooms of LWLC. Everyone is welcome to join in the study. Refreshments are served and the atmosphere is relaxed! December Hebrews 5-7 December Hebrews 8-10 December Hebrews Wednesday Men s Bible Study December 20...James 1-5 The Wednesday morning Men s Bible Study meets from 8:30-9:30 am in the kitchen area at LWLC. Currently the group is studying the Old Testament book of Joshua. There is room for more men, with coffee/snacks being served each week. December Peter 1-5 December Peter 1-3 December John 1-5 December John, 3 John & Jude December Revelations 1-3 December Revelations 4-7 December Revelations 8-12 December Revelations December Revelations December Revelations December Catch Up Day Read The Bible In A Year The LWLC Adult Education Committee is encouraging all members to get involved in Reading Through the Bible in a Year. The Scripture readings for each month are included in the monthly newsletter. Please consider taking part in this exciting adventure and encourage others to do so as well. We can be assured that God s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11)

3 WOW Women of the Word Advent Brunch to Feature Alexandria HS Carolers The annual WOW Advent Brunch is coming up Saturday, December 9, at 9:30 a.m. As in the past, we will enjoy the Alexandria Area High School Carolers, and our entire offering will be directed to the Douglas County Outreach Food shelf. Group responsibilities are as follows: Lydia, set up and decorate; Sarah, serve; and Priscilla, clean kitchen. Please sign up by December 3. Donations of egg bake, muffins, or cookies are needed. The Sarah Group will provide fruit. All women of Living Word are encouraged to attend. New WOW Bible Study to Begin All women of Living Word are invited to participate in WOW Bible study. The study meets at 2:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month (unless otherwise scheduled). In January of 2018 we will begin a new study, Ambidextrous Christianity, from Sola Publishing. This study explores the "both/and" nature of many of our understandings; for example, Jesus is both human and divine, Christians are both saints and sinners, or God speaks to us via both Law and Gospel. The first meeting for 2018 will be on Thursday, January 4, at 2 p.m. The final group order for the materials has been submitted; if you wish to purchase a copy of the study, you will need to contact Sola Publishing to purchase one. Contact Cindy Lerohl if you have questions. Just a reminder that WOW Bible Study will not meet in December WOW Event Dates for Your Calendar WOW officers and board met recently and selected some dates for our 2018 events. Now is an excellent time to put these dates on your new calendar! Thursday, April 12, 5:00 p.m. Box Supper Thursday, June 14, 6:30 p.m. Celebrating Weddings Thursday, September 6, 5:30 p.m. Salad Supper Saturday, December 8, 9:30 a.m. Advent Brunch Thank you to 2017 WOW Board Members Thank you to the following members who have served on the 2017 WOW Board. President, Carolyn Moeller; Vice President, Nancy Anderson; Secretary-Treasurer, Jan Ferguson; Resource Leader, Cindy Lerohl; and Group Leaders, Barb Engebretson, Shirley Finley, and Carolyn Fiskness.

4 Youth News DECEMBER LWLC YOUTH SCHEDULE Wednesday, December 6 th Confirmation/Catechism: 6:30 7:30 Apostles Creed Wednesday, December 13 th Confirmation: 6:30 7:30 p.m Law and Gospel Wednesday, December 20 th YOUTH GROUP Caroling at Knute Nelson Meet at 5:15 p.m. at Knute Wednesday, December 27 th -No Confirmation Class- Confirmation and Catechism Instruction Confirmation / Catechism instruction continues on Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30. Pastor A.J. and youth in grades 6-9 are currently studying our Lutheran Identity and its Scriptural basis, along with Luther s Small Catechism. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM SILENT NIGHT A Christmas Eve with Martin Luther Written by Rev. Craig Nehring December 10 th, 2017 During our Sunday Morning Worship Service In honor of the 500 th anniversary celebration of the Reformation, A Christmas Eve with Martin Luther sets the traditional Christmas within the household of Martin Luther. It is well known that Martin Luther loved Christmas, as well as that he would often entertain children and guests with sermons in the Black Cloister, which had become his home with his wife Katie after the monastery was disbanded. This program unites the two by creating an event where the Christmas story is told from the mouths of Luther, the children and the congregation! O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL! Come! Let s gather together to celebrate the promise of Christ s coming and His birth among us! We will, once again, hear the message that was first delivered by the angels everywhere and sing to the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord! THE LIVING WORD YOUTH INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM FOR A NIGHT OF CHRISTMAS CAROLING AT KNUTE NELSON Wednesday, December 20 th, 2017 Meet us at 5:15 p.m. in the Knute Nelson Commons Area. Following caroling we will gather together for a light meal and fellowship!

5 Youth Group November Youth Group On November 29th the LWLC youth met at the Osakis School to help pack food boxes for the needy. Following the food packaging they joined the youth from Our Saviors Lutheran in Nelson for supper and fellowship. The theme for the monthly youth events is:

6 Church Life Decem ber 2017 BIRTHDAYS 3 Brad Forbrook 3 Deb Griesert CONFIRMATION 2017 Joslyn Swenson, Brendin Houck, Hailey Hagedon Denise Stoen Rocky Burgau Diana Waltzing Kay Elvehjem Carol Fingerson Tryg Burgau ANNIVERSARIES 20 John & Karen Kirckof LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH CHRISTMAS DINNER Sunday, December 3 rd 5:00 p.m. At Mount Carmel 800 Mount Carmel Drive NE Alexandria, MN FUN AND FELLOWSHIP: For All Members and Friends GOOD FOOD: Herb Crusted Pork Loin, Roasted Baby Red Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Garden Salad, and Candy Cane Cheesecake ENTERTAINMENT: Provided by members of LWLC TICKETS: $15 ea. available at LWLC Last day to purchase is Sunday November 26 th TIME AND TALENT SHEETS We need to update our records with your Time and Talent requests for The forms are on the counter by the office desk. Please consider and pray about how God wants to use you for opportunities at LWLC in our mission together in Christ. Thank you for your support at LWLC. POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMAS Poinsettias can be ordered through the church office to decorate our sanctuary for the Christmas season. Forms are available at the info table for your choice of poinsettia and information regarding in memory of or in honor of. Deadline for ordering a poinsettia is December 3 rd. Please return the form to the church office. HATS AND MITTENS NEEDED FOR NEEDY CHILDREN The Mission Committee is once again collecting hats and mittens to distribute to children that need them. We have a bin at the back of the church for donations. We APPRECIATE your generosity. SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR HONDURAS Please donate school supplies for school children in Honduras. Our own John Kirckof and David Anderson are participating with this mission. There is a box by the info table for your donations. All donations are greatly appreciated..

7 Church life Celebrating the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this a memorable learning experience of this historical event.

8 Church Life Sacrament of Holy B a p ti sm Nicholas Wayne Bollin We Appreciate our Special Committees and Volunteers Archive Committee FYI-did you know that our archive volunteers have now started a new historical log book to document the special happenings/events at LWLC. Take a look for yourself; the books are located by the member mailboxes and the women s bathroom door. Thank you archivers...we appreciate your saving our history at LWLC! We appreciate your time and talents by setting up a beautiful display for our Veterans. Thank you for helping all of us remember our Veterans on Sunday, November 12th. Thank you to the Knitting and Crocheting Committee for contributing our prayer shawls to those in need. The committee is looking for volunteers to join them in their mission..in fact it looks as though they acquired a new recruit!

9 Church Life Thanksgiving Eve Worship A Thanksgiving Eve worship service was held at LWLC on November 22 nd at 7 pm. The sermon title for the evening worship was In Everything Give Thanks. You can listen to the sermon online at the LWLC website Christmas Eve Worship Schedule Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year, so you will have an opportunity to worship twice on this very special day! Regular Sunday worship, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, will be at 9 am, Traditional Candlelight and Carols Worship Service will be at 4 pm. Initially the LWLC Worship Committee had thought of having a combined Christmas Eve Worship Service at 9 am however, upon feedback from a number of congregation members, has reconsidered this decision. Mission If you are in need of a ride to worship or other church activities, please call the team member directly. Addresses are listed to help you find a team member who lives close to your area Arbor Crossing SE, Alex

10 Financial October 2017 Oct 29th Nov 5th Nov 12th Nov 19th Nov 26th TOTALS Attendance Total Deposits 2, , , , , , General Offering 1, , , , , , Building Fund , , , , Pointsettias Honduras Fellowship Christmas Dinner , Memorials Portals of Prayer WOW Bldg. Pledges Received 360, , , , , Bldg. Pledges Receivable 205, , , , , Pledge cards are Due December 3rd, 2017 Many of you have already sent in your pledges for our Pledge Drive lv Campaign and we thank you for your generosity and prompt action. For those of you that have not sent in your pledges, please do so by December 3rd! We hope you have prayerfully considered how you may help LWLC reach their goal to complete payment on our church building, with your commitments and special gifts this is a real possibility! Thank you for your cooperation. The Pledge lv committee: Kathy Withers,, Marvelle Weispfennig, Karen and John Kirckof

11 December Worship Helpers December 3 December 10 December 17 December 24 Christmas Eve December 31 Reader Kathy Withers Paulette Johnson Shelly Nelson Dave Moeller Julie Savoie Ushers Dave & Nancy Anderson Dan Engebretson Carla Beem Julie Savoie Brad Forbrook Wayne & Karen Becker Elder & Deloris Peterson Greeters Carolyn Fiskness Shelly Nelson Dean & Lou Ann Peterson Ed & Marvelle Weispfennig Harold & Kathy Withers Paul & Paulette Johnson Altar Preparation Angie Anderson Angie Anderson Angie Anderson Angie Anderson Angie Anderson Coffee and Refreshments Bonnie Pahan Karen Becker Paulette Johnson Mary Jo Redfield Deloris Peterson Sandy Aamold Marvelle Weispfennig Denise Stoen Nancy Anderson Kay Elvehjem Coffee Preparation Karen Becker Cassandra Baas Sandy Aamold Marvelle Weispfennig Allison Beach Pianist Nancy Anderson Nancy Anderson Carolyn Moeller Carolyn Moeller Karen Kirckof Assist Counting Offering Ed Weispfennig Terri Elsey Jan Ferguson Gaylen Lerohl Brad Forbrook Sound System Paul Johnson John Kirckof Dave Anderson Wayne Becker Laverne Floen John Kirckof Video System Dan Engebretson Ed Weispfennig Jan Ferguson Steve Ferguson Jan Ferguson Communion Preparation Angie Anderson Gayle Nemmers Angie Anderson Gayle Nemmers Communion Servers Bill & Shirley Finley Wilma Johnson Paul & Paulette Johnson Laurie Kluver Communion Assistant Terri Elsey Gregg Stoen Communion Bread MaKayla Waltzing Sandy Aamold If you are unable to serve, please call someone from the schedule to replace or switch with you. Also, please call the church office and let them know of the change. Thank you.

12 January 2017 Worship Helpers January 7 January 14 January 21 January 28 Reader Wilma Johnson Kay Elvehjem Laurie Kluver Sandy Aamold Ushers Curt & Sandy Aamold Harold & Kathy Withers Bill & Shirley Finley Elder & Deloris Peterson Greeters Dorothy Van Beck Bonnie Pahan Bill & Shirley Finley Julie Savoie Karen Becker Curt & Sandy Aamold Altar Preparation Susan Polson Susan Polson Susan Polson Susan Polson Coffee and Refreshments Wilma Johnson Nancy Anderson Carla Beem Lou Ann Peterson Laurie Kluver Carolyn Fiskness Karen Kirckof Delores Ewing Coffee Preparation Denise Stoen Kay Elvehjem Barb Engebretson Shirley Finley Pianist Carolyn Moeller Laurie Kluver Karen Kirckof Carolyn Moeller Assist Counting Offering Kathy Withers Ed Weispfennig Terri Elsey Jan Ferguson Sound System Paul Johnson John Kirckof Dave Anderson Laverne Floen Wayne Becker Video System Dan Engebretson Ed Weispfennig Jan Ferguson Steve Ferguson Communion Preparation Susan Polson LouAnn Peterson Susan Polson LouAnn Peterson Communion Servers Harold & Kathy Withers Dave Moeller Gaylen & Cindy Lerohl Nancy Anderson Communion Assistant Carla Beem Communion Bread Laurie Kluver Jean Ricks If you are unable to serve, please call someone from the schedule to replace or switch with you. Also, please call the church office and let them know of the change. Thank you.

13 December 2017 Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Alex Chamber 7:30AM-8:30AM At Eldens 2 3 9:00AMWorship/ Lord s Supper Following Worship: Fellowship &Refresh 10:20AM Bible Study 5:00PM LWLC Christmas Party, at Mount Carmel 4 5:30PM Praise Band Practice 5 9:00AM Adult Bible Study 10:15 Knitting & Crocheting Group 6 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 5:45PM Property Com. Mtg 6:30PM Confirmation WOW Advent Brunch 10 9:00 AM Worship Christmas Program Following Worship: Fellowship & Refreshments 10:20AM Bible Study :00AM Adult Bible Study 10:15AM Knitting & Crocheting Grp. 13 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 9:00AM Pieceful Quilters 6:30PM Confirmation 14 8:30AM Worship Comm. Mtg. 2:30 WOW Brd Mtg 6:00PM Youth Christian Ed Mtg. 15 Alex Chamber 7:30AM-8:30AM At Federal Credit Union :00AM Worship/ Lord s Supper Following Worship: Fellowship & Refreshments :00AM Adult Bible Study 10:15AM Between Friends Knitting & Crocheting 20 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 6PM Youth Group Caroling at Knute Nelson :00AM Worship Following Worship: Fellowship &Refresh 10:20AM Bible Study 4:00PM Christmas Eve Worship Service :00AM Adult Bible Study 27 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 9:00AM Pieceful Quilters NO Confirmation