St. John s Epistle. December 2017

Transcription

1 St. John s Epistle December 2017 A Newsletter of St. John s Lutheran Church LCMS 515 College Ave. W. Ladysmith, WI stjohnladysmith@centurylink.net

2 2 The Coming of Our Lord And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14) Deer season and Thanksgiving are done. I haven t quite figured out which one is more important in Wisconsin. In fact, a number of years ago when Wisconsin pondered the idea of changing the dates of Deer Season it was met with heavy opposition. I guess when you really think about it, they go hand in hand. Without both it wouldn t be living in Wisconsin. Yet, there is something else that goes hand and hand. It is called Advent and Christmas. The Time of Christmas begins with the season of Advent. Advent is from a Latin word that means coming, and its emphasis is on preparation for the coming of Christ. The first part of Advent focuses on the coming of Christ as King and Judge, while the latter part looks to His coming in the incarnation. The mood of Advent is one of hope, anticipation, and preparedness. The season of Christmas begins on the evening of December 24 and continues through January 5. Because of the nature of this singular event in the history of the world and its meaning for our salvation, the festival and season of Christmas is a time of great joy. St. John wrote, And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Word whom John spoke about was Jesus Christ,the Son of God. He assumed human nature in the womb of the Blessed Mary. Jesus assumed two natures, divine and human. They were inseparably joined in one person. In other words, there is one Christ, true God and true man. Why is this so important for us? First of all, Christ had to be true man in order to act in our place under the law and fulfill it for us. The Apostle Paul wrote, When the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights as Sons. (Galatians 4:4-5) Jesus became true man so that He could suffer and die for our guilt

3 because we failed to keep the law. Paul wrote, he has reconciled you be Christ s physical body through death to present you holy in His sight, without blemish and free from accusation. (Colossians 1:22) Secondly, Christ had to be true God in order that His fulfilling of the Law, His life, suffering, and death might be sufficient ransom for all people. Peter wrote, You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. (1 Peter 1:18-19) Furthermore, Christ had to be true God so that He might be able to overcome death and the devil for us. The author of Hebrews wrote, Since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death-that is, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14) In the month of December, we will celebrate both Advent and Christmas. In the Advent season as we hear God s Word and receive His sacraments, the Holy Spirit will prepare us for the coming of Jesus. During Christmas, the same will happen, except we will rejoice that Jesus has been born. So join us, on both Sundays, and Wednesdays, as we journey to the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. In His service, Pastor Craig S. Zandi 3 What Luther says; In fact, the Incarnation is incomprehensible, says Luther in a Christmas sermon of 1541 on John 1:1-14 When John says: The Word was made flesh, he excludes the Father and the Holy Spirit, refers to the Son alone and says: The Word, which was in the beginning, was made flesh, not the Father and the Holy Spirit; neither the Father nor the Holy Spirit is Mary s Son Now if you ask reason why the Son and

4 4 not the Father became man, it will certainly not be able to tell you; in fact, it turns into a fool in its consideration of the matter. Listen, then, to what the Holy Spirit tells you through St. John: The Word became man and suffered, not the Father, etc. How that is affected you are to believe, not to know and understand, until the solution appears on the blessed Day of our redemption. Reason stumbles at this article when it tries to measure and comprehend it with its wisdom. It says: In the Godhead only one indivisible Essence exists; how, then, can the middle Person alone become Man and not all three? I would probably be as shrewd as any heretic if I wanted to criticize these words: The Word was made flesh. Here one must believe, not see, measure, or comprehend. (WLS 150) Jesus freedom from original sin is, then, to be ascribed, not to his mother but to the purifying miracle of the Holy Ghost. Luther brings this out clearly in an Epiphany sermon (January 6) of 1538 on Matthew 2:1-12. In our Christian Creed we confess that Christ was conceived and became man or was incarnate (if I may speak), that He became a real human being by assuming a body. We confess that He assumed genuine flesh and blood from the Virgin Mary, that He did not pass through her as the sun shines through a glass but her virgin flesh and blood with Him. If this has taken place only with the cooperation of Mary, the Babe would not have been pure. But though Mary has been conceived in sin, the Holy Spirit takes her flesh and blood and purifies them; and thence He creates the body of the Son of God. This is why it is said that He was conceived by the Holy Ghost. Thus He assumed a genuine body from His mother Mary, but this body was cleansed from sin by the Holy Spirit. If this were not the case, we could not be saved. (WLS 152)

5 ASSISTING FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER Acolytes: Ushers Altar Guild: Sam and Shelley Barg Finance: Judy Bishop & Glen Hoople Fellowship: Board of Trustees Worship Assistants for December Sunday Services at 9AM Sunday, Dec.3 Elder: Darrell Kuchta Greeters: Neal & Jan MacLachlan Ushers: Team 2: Gary Hahn, Glen Hoople, Dave Kmosena, Mike Kuchta, Stu Pask, Jim Rodd Sunday, Dec 10 Elder: Randy Scott Caring Greeters: Kim Grabowski & Sharing Ushers: Team 3: Dennis Flater, Bob Hauser, Alden Hook, Bill Myers, Paul Teska Sunday, Dec 10 Sunday School & Preschool 4:00PM Christmas Program with a pot luck meal after Greeters: Volunteers Sunday, Dec 17 Elder: Alden Hook LWML Greeters: Bessie Barg Mites Ushers: Team 4: Sam Barg, Adam Barg, Ingathering John Monnier, Chuck Perenchio, Gene Zillmer Sunday, Dec 24 Elder: Sam Barg Christmas Eve Greeters: Janice Zandi 9:00 AM & Ushers: Team 5: Jim Kuchta, Gary Drohman Don Josi, Dave Thompson, Russ Thompson 6:00PM Ushers: Team 1: Dave Scott, Dave Kuchta, Jordan Pask, Vic Plockelman, Tony Tousey Monday, Dec 25 Elder: Sam Barg Christmas Day Greeter: Volunteers Ushers: Team 2: Gary Hahn, Glen Hoople, Dave Kmosena, Mike Kuchta, Stu Pask, Jim Rodd Sunday, Dec 31 Elder: Randy Scott New Year's Eve + HC Greeters: Mike & Jim Kuchta 9:00AM & Ushers: Team 3: Dennis Flater, Bob Hauser, Alden Hook, Bill Myers 6:00PM Ushers: Team 4: Sam Barg, Adam Barg, John Monnier, Chuck Perenchio, Gene Zillmer 5

6 6 A Night to Remember St. John's will again be hosting A Night to Remember, our annual outreach event to start the Advent Season on Friday, December 1 st at 6pm. An evening for women to share a light meal and fellowship focused on the true meaning of Christmas with their friends, co-workers, relatives, and neighbors in a softly lit, relaxed Christmas setting. The message of our Savior's birth, church program, music, and the lyrics of our soloist, always makes this a night to remember. The committee is looking for members to host a table. Hostess duties include decorating a table and providing a dessert for your guests. Many of St. John's ladies enjoy and look forward to planning their individual festive table and favorite dessert! And their guests love it too! If you would like to hostess, please contact Shelley Barg, JoAnne Phetteplace, or Diane Rodd. Hostess or guest, please plan to attend!

7 7 The Next Caring and Sharing Sunday is December 10th This is your opportunity to show you care for the hungry in our community by making a donation to the Hope Food Pantry or show your concern for the hungry children in our community by making a donation to the Back Pack Program. Dish Cloths If you are interested in purchasing Dish Cloths, please contact Bonietta Bruner at All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. They are on hand! Christmas Cards If you are interested in purchasing Boxed Christmas Cards, please contact Bonietta Bruner at All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. Rada Knives If you are interested in purchasing Rada Knives, please contact Lorraine Flohr at All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. Orders are processed quickly! They make great wedding gifts.

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9 9 Advent Series- The Word Became Flesh John 1:1-18 introduces one of the Bible s greatest and grandest books-the Gospel according to St. John. These eighteen verses contain some of the most important words written-ever. They explode with light and brilliance, truth, and grace. John 1:1-18 is full of Advent and Christmas themes, with the most famous one being, The Word Became Flesh. (John 1:14) That s the focus of this series of sermons on John 1:1-18. December 6- You Have My Word! (John 1:1-5) December 14- Chosen Children (John 1:12b) December 20 The Word Dwelt Among Us (John 1:14a)

10 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 Advent Event 2 A Night to Remember Seating starts at 5:30 p.m. Meal at 6:00 p.m December :00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30AM Sunday school 11:15AM Elder Meeting 10 Caring & Sharing 8:15AM Board of Finance 9:00AM Worship + HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30AM Sunday School 4:00PM Children s program with potluck 17 LWML Mites Ingathering 8:45AM Hymn Sing 9:00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30AM Sunday school 24 Stewardship Charity of the Month 9:00AM Worship + HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 6:00PM Worship 31 New Year s Eve 9:00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 6:00PM Worship +HC :30PM Ladies Bible Study 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 9:00AM Worship+HC 11:00AM 12:30PM FREE COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER AT ST. JOHN S 5 9:00AM Quilters 12 9:00AM Quilters 11:30AM Christmas Luncheon-J&S Supper Club 6:00PM Evangelism- Stewardship meeting 19 9:00AM Quilters 6:00PM Council NEWS LETTER ITEMS DUE TODAY! 26 9:00AM Quilters Meals on Wheels November 27th December 8th 12:00PM Advent Midweek Worship meal following worship 1:00PM Ladies Aid 5:00PM Meal 6:00PM Advent Midweek Worship 7:00PM Choir 13 12:00PM Advent Midweek Worship meal following worship 1:00PM Rachel Circle 5:00PM Meal 6:00PM Advent Midweek Worship 7:00PM Choir 20 12:00PM Advent Midweek Worship meal following worship 5:00PM Meal 6:00PM Advent Midweek Worship 7 10:00AM Thrift Store Rice Lake 7:00PM Monthly Bible Study 14 7:00AM Men s Breakfast & Study 21 10:00AM Thrift Store Rice Lake :00AM Men s Breakfast & Study No Preschool this week St John s Volunteers serve meals at the Senior Center Meal Site the week of December 18th ARC Blood Drive Thursday 12-6PM; Friday 8AM-12PM :00-12:00 Crafty Stitchers :30PM Christmas Caroling

11 12 December 18, 2017 at 4:30PM Ladies Bible Study :Serve the Lord with Gladness! page 24 in Winter issue of the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly. If you don't receive the Quarterly and would like a copy of the Bible Study, see Paula Christ for Veterans and Their Families LCMS Ministry of the Armed Forces Mission Grant 3 $27,750 Operation Barnabas, an extension of MAF, provides a network of care through trained congregations that want to reach out to members of the military, their families and the veterans in their congregations and communities. Operation Barnabas, the only program of its kind in the U.S., together with LCMS congregations seeks to care for Reserve Chaplains and their families and congregations; train and assist local congregations in their care and support of local military members and their families and veterans. Funds requested by the Ministry to the Armed Forces (MAF) will be utilized to host national training events for Operation Barnabas, an extension of MAF, which provides a network of care through trained congregations that want to reach out to members of the military, their families, and the veterans in their congregations and communities.

12 13 Ladies Christmas luncheon, December 12th at JS Supper Club at 11:30 AM. The cost is $8.50 for a complete breasted chicken meal. Please sign up in the social hall. Because of the ladies Christmas luncheon there will not be a ladies birthday luncheon in December. Please, when leaving your aluminum cans, that is all we can recycle! We cannot take aluminum foil, plates, etc.; aluminum cans only! Thanks for your assistance. ONGOING COLLECTIONS Aluminum cans for Preschool Canceled Stamps (LWML) Paper for recycling Greeting cards Milk Moola TM caps and bag tops Used eye glasses RECYCLING PAPER We have an ongoing paper recycling project for the congregation with help from the Deborah Circle. Items to be recycled: Stationery, envelopes, mail, notebook paper - no newspaper material! Bundle or bag magazines. Paperback books are also recyclable. Keep magazines separate from the other paper items. Thank you for helping!

13 14 We had a nice turnout for celebrating 30 years of our Preschool.

14 15 Preschool News Wow, what a fast month November was! Our Bible lessons focused on Hannah, Samuel, and friends David and Jonathan. We learned how God gives us people in our lives to take care of us, love us, and teach us about His love. December's Bible lessons will teach us about the birth of Jesus. Our letters for the month were H - J. We are becoming expert letter writers! We made ice cream playdough boy was that a messy, but fun project! Our theme for November was Thanksgiving. We are thankful for moms and dads, our pets, toys, and candy! Thank you to Mrs. Baye for reading us a funny Thanksgiving story! We made our own butter, just like the Pilgrims, and enjoyed eating it on crackers! Please come share a story with us!

15 16 Crafty Stitchers Crafty Stitchers met on Saturday, November 18, at 10:00 a.m. We usually knit or crochet, pray, visit and of course, drink coffee, tea or soda! As we were doing these special things, a lady stopped in with some information to give to Pastor. Her name is Cindy Zirbel Wrucke from Beaver Dam. Her home church is Peace Lutheran Church. She is raising money so she can go to the Czech Republic, to do missionary work. She told us about her plans and handed out some pamphlets. She was so excited to meet our group; she went out to her car to get her knitting! We spent the rest of our time together visiting with her. As a group, we also discussed making hats, scarves, and mittens for the tree again this year.

16 An update on our busy ladies: Judy has made about 500 rectangles, give or take a few, which will be sent to Marshfield to be made into Warm Up America blankets. Dana has made lots and lots of mittens and also fingerless ones! Jan completed a pretty lavender prayer shawl, Paula is still working on socks, and Sarah is trying to finish a prayer shawl, as is Roberta. Amy is constantly trying new patterns so we never know what she will show us! Yes, we do all sleep! Come join us for our next meeting which will be on Saturday, December 16 th from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Bring whatever craft you enjoy! 17 Please help the Ladies Aid fill the annual Christmas boxes given to our seniors and shut ins by donating cookies, individually wrapped. These need to be left in the church's kitchen by December 11th. Thank you for your generosity.

17 18 FREE Community CHRISTMAS DINNER Are you or someone you know in need of a warm, welcoming place to enjoy a homemade Christmas Dinner? St. John s Lutheran Church will be hosting a Free Community Christmas Dinner for families in need and for those who are alone or unable to celebrate with family and friends. Christ the Savior is born! Join us at St. John s Lutheran Church 515 College Avenue West - Ladysmith Monday, December 25, :00AM - 12:30PM RSVPs are appreciated but not required ( ) MENU Turkey Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Green Bean Casserole, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Rolls, Pumpkin Pie Bars Coffee, Milk, Apple Juice, Water

18 19 STEWARDSHIP A godly attitude in using our time, talents, and treasures for Christ and His Kingdom. December Charity of the Month On November 26th, our charity will be Salvation Army Red Kettle. Please use the designated envelope from your packs and mark on them the charity for that month. Only monies that are specifically designated will go to that charity. If you have any questions about the Charity of the Month, please speak with a member of the Stewardship Board. Members are: Lois Hoople Marie Perenchio Paul Teska Dana Woebbeking the month. ITEMS FOR BULLETINS are due on Tuesday by close of day each week (unless indicated otherwise in bulletins due to holidays). Newsletter items are due in the office no later than close of day on the Tuesday preceding the last Sunday of E mail to: stjohnladysmith@centurylink.net (preferred method). Don t forget that LARGE PRINT bulletins and newsletters are available for those who need them. Contact the office to get your name on the list!

19 20 3 Steve Balko, Jamie Werner 4 Susan Dahlstrom 5 Shawn Josi, Jim Kuchta, Dave Thompson 7 Landon Hakes 8 Sandi Bishop 9 Peggy Nelson, Roger Svoma 12 Cody McCann 13 Donald Ptacek, Lillian Srmek 14 Jeanne Glessing 19 Joanne Phetteplace 23 Amanda Tabaa 27 Ray Woebbeking 29 Joshua Moreau 30 Melissa Holman, Ellen Stephenson 31 Alex Glessing, Irene Stine 2 Dave and Karen Kmosena 21 Glen and Lois Hoople 22 Jane (Randy) Burch