Revelations. A reflection on Mary for the Advent season...

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Revelations of First Evangelical Lutheran Church 19419 Royalton Road Strongsville Ohio 44149 440.238.7890 www.firstchurchalive.org December 2016 A reflection on Mary for the Advent season.

Mary, who awaited the birth of Jesus some 2,000 years ago just as we do this Advent, could have written the song. She certainly lived it.

1 Revelations of First Evangelical Lutheran Church Royalton Road Strongsville Ohio December 2016 A reflection on Mary for the Advent season.... In the musical Man of La Mancha, when Dulcinea asks Don Quixote what it means to follow his quest, he responds by singing The Impossible Dream. Mary, who awaited the birth of Jesus some 2,000 years ago just as we do this Advent, could have written the song. She certainly lived it. Imagine how young Mary probably no more than 15 or 16 years old must have felt upon receiving the news that the impossible was about to take place within her, that she would give birth to the Savior. How could she tell her betrothed, Joseph? What would her family think? Who would believe her? Do not be afraid, Mary, the angel says to her. Nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:30, 37). We know the rest of the story. The impossible was indeed made possible, not only at the birth of Jesus, but in the many miracles he performed, and in the resurrection. If God could accomplish all this, imagine what God can do in your own life. Advent is the season for imagining what is possible, for dreaming new dreams, for hoping beyond hope. But it is also the season when hope can be hardest to find, dreams hardest to believe. The days draw short, the nights are long, and the air turns. Expenses may loom at a time when resources are scarce. Separation, grief, loneliness, and depression are no strangers to the season; and hope may be in short supply. Far too many are in need of Mary s inspiring example of courage and trust in the face of uncertainty. But, here s the thing, Mary can t guarantee us a smooth ride. Just look at her own difficult journey: first, she had to travel to Bethlehem late in her pregnancy (Luke 2:1 6). Have you ever tried riding a donkey? Now imagine doing so nine months pregnant! Later, she had to flee to Egypt with Joseph and the baby when their lives were in danger (Matthew 2:13 23). Nor can Mary promise us a season free of anxiety and worry. Imagine how she must have worried about what was ahead for her beloved child as his messianic destiny was revealed to her, first by shepherds who left her pondering the news in her heart (Luke 2:16 19), then at the Temple by the prophet Simeon, who spoke to her of the sorrowful times ahead: A sword will pierce your soul too (Luke 2:22 35). What Mary can offer us this advent season is a remarkable and inspiring example of courage in the face of adversity, patience in the face of uncertainty, and hope beyond hope that the impossible is indeed possible. Mary stood with her son as he was crucified (John 19:25 27); she stood with his fearful followers who huddled after his death (Acts 1:13 14). She knew that the story wasn t over yet. And she was right. My friends, as we find ourselves in the mist of this Advent season, my hope is that we also find ourselves filled with the awe-inspiring essence of all that this season represents and reminds us of. You see, just like Mary, our story is far from finished. No matter what challenges, or uncertainties burden us this season, we are reminded that all things remain possible with God. This is the miracle of Advent. We can once again dream the impossible dream and reach the unreachable star. In Christ, Pastor Kathy

WORSHIP NOTES FOR December Advent 2 Sunday, December 4 7:45 AM ELW Setting 8, Eucharist 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship, Eucharist 11:15 AM ELW Setting 8, Eucharist Pub Church Tuesday, December 6 6:30

2 WORSHIP NOTES FOR December Advent 2 Sunday, December 4 7:45 AM ELW Setting 8, Eucharist 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship, Eucharist 11:15 AM ELW Setting 8, Eucharist Pub Church Tuesday, December 6 6:30 PM TGI Friday s (Strongsville) Advent 3 Sunday, December 11 7:45 AM ELW Setting 8 9:00 AM Contemporary Worship 11:15 AM ELW Setting 8 Advent 4 Sunday, December 18 10:30 AM ONE SERVICE SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM EUCHARIST Christmas Eve Saturday, December 24 4:00 PM Contemporary Christmas Celebration Lessons & Carols 8:00 PM Candlelight & Communion 10:00 PM Candlelight & Communion Christmas Day Sunday, December 25 10:00 AM Carols & Communion New Year s Day Sunday, January 1 10:00 AM Traditional Service, Eucharist

Harvest Month Food Baskets Many thanks to those who have contributed non-perishable food items and monetary donations for our Harvest Month food basket program.

Christmas Food Baskets We will continue to collect food throughout December for the Christmas food baskets. Items can be placed in the shopping cart in the lobby.

3 Harvest Month Food Baskets Many thanks to those who have contributed non-perishable food items and monetary donations for our Harvest Month food basket program. The donations were used to fill Thanksgiving food baskets that were donated to the less fortunate in our community. Christmas Food Baskets We will continue to collect food throughout December for the Christmas food baskets. Items can be placed in the shopping cart in the lobby. We are also accepting monetary donations to help fill the baskets with perishable items. Envelopes marked Food Baskets are available on the Welcome Center. Volunteers are needed for packing the Holiday Food baskets on Thursday, December 22 at 9:00 AM. Please contact either Joy Blankenship at or Reiner Mueller at if interested. Children s Sharing Tree The Children s Sharing Tree will be up in the lobby on Sunday, December 4. Please take a tag and help make a child s holiday brighter. There will be $25.00 gift cards from Target that can be purchased through the youth. Take a tag and proceed to the youth table to fill out the form and write your check. We will take it from there. There will also be gifts to purchase for children from First Church, Strongsville and CWWV. All gifts and gift cards need to be returned to the Sharing Tree by 11:15 AM on Sunday, December 11. If you have any questions, please contact Connie Nielsen at (the3nielsens@gmail.com). Thank you for your continued support of this important ministry. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life. Ephesians 2:10

Our lunch will be catered so leave your brown-bags at home. Warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2017!

4 FUEL Lock In 9 th 12 th Graders Friday and Saturday, December 9-10, 6:30 PM 8:30 AM. $20.00 donation as we are shopping and wrapping for CWWV. Dinner, snacks, Christmas movies, hot chocolate, fun and games! RSVP to Pastor Kathy or Karyn Kasnik. Over 50 s Group Over 50 s group will meet Tuesday, December 13 at 12:15 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Our lunch will be catered so leave your brown-bags at home. Warmest wishes for a blessed Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2017! Christmas Caroling We will be Christmas caroling at different hospitals and nursing homes on Sunday, December 18 at 12:15 PM, lunch first. Everyone is welcome. Please join us spread Christmas cheer! Christmas Eve Volunteers Needed Communion assistants are still needed for the Christmas Eve services at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM. Please consider serving, if available, please contact Barb Krueger at kruegbg@att.net. Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Project We want to thank everyone who participated in our Fall Sunday School Service project. Everyone did a stellar job, and there will be many happy boys and girls receiving special shoeboxes. This year we collected 59 boxes. We will send out an update when we receive confirmation of their shipping destination. The Spirit of Giving is alive here at First Church! Year End Contributions As you consider your end of the year philanthropy, please keep First Lutheran in your thoughts. Every additional dollar donated helps us achieve our goals for the ministry of Christ. The last Sunday of 2016 is Sunday, December 25. Depending on your schedule, you may want to place your Sunday, December 25 contribution in the offering plate on either December 18 or at worship on Christmas Eve. Contributions can also be mailed into the Church office.

CHRISTMAS LETTERS: THE MUSICAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 TH AT OUR 10:30AM WORSHIP SERVICE PLEASE JOIN US AS WE LISTEN TO OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND YOUTH TELL THE STORY OF CHRIST S BIRTH THROUGH

5 CHRISTMAS LETTERS: THE MUSICAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 TH AT OUR 10:30AM WORSHIP SERVICE PLEASE JOIN US AS WE LISTEN TO OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND YOUTH TELL THE STORY OF CHRIST S BIRTH THROUGH LETTERS AND SONG THERE WILL BE A RECEPTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OUR WORSHIP SERVICE IN THE WELCOME CENTER AREA WE HOPE THAT YOU WILL CONSIDER JOINING US FOR OUR 10:30AM WORSHIP SERVICE AND THIS TIME OF CELEBRATION!!

help make special the celebration of the birth of

If you are interested, you can contact Director of

6 First Church Music Opportunity! Do you have a musical talent you d like to share with the congregation on Christmas Eve? We are looking for soloists and small ensembles to help make special the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! If you are interested, you can contact Director of Music Ministries, Zack Richards, at zackrfelc@gmail.com or call the church office. There is also a sign-up sheet in front of the Director of Music office. We can t wait to celebrate another Christmas with all of you!

7 The Gift Prayer Partners Give Often when we think about KIDS HOPE USA, we think about our wonderful mentors. They show up at the school faithfully every week to work with their students. But behind every mentor/child relationship is an important but unseen prayer partner. Why should we include prayer partners in this KIDS HOPE relationship? Why do prayer partners matter? A few years ago the KIDS HOPE USA National Office commissioned an external, secular institute to research what aspects of the mentoring program work the best and have the most benefit for students. Greater than any other aspect, the results showed that student outcomes increase two-fold whenever there is a highly engaged prayer partner. The mentor/prayer partner relationship creates both camaraderie and accountability between two people who help build the life of a child. It also quantifies that God does answers the prayers of our prayer partners. Children benefit most when the prayer partners pray often. Prayer works! Prayer also changes things. Sometimes mentors bring impossible situations to their prayer partners. When an engaged prayer partner prays, impossible situations become possible through the Holy Spirit. God changes things through prayer partners. Prayer partners set KIDS HOPE apart from other mentoring programs and make it a faith-based program. KIDS HOPE USA mentors strictly adhere to the separation of church and state. KIDS HOPE is a beautiful blend of the sacred and the secular. KIDS HOPE relationships are relationships wrapped in prayer. Thank you, prayer partners, for your invaluable gifts which make miracles happen in the lives of children. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE KIDS HOPE USA MENTORS AND PRAYER PARTNERS!!

Place your order by filling out the order form below and return to the Youth table by Monday, December 11. Poinsettia Order Form Name Phone $9.

8 Tis The Season To Remember A poinsettia may be purchased in memory or in honor of a loved one. The poinsettia s will be used to decorate the Sanctuary for our Christmas Eve services. Place your order by filling out the order form below and return to the Youth table by Monday, December 11. Poinsettia Order Form Name Phone $9.00 for 6 1/2 inch single plant # of $9.00 each = $ Payment must accompany order. Please make checks payable to: First Lutheran Youth Gathering In Honor of: In Loving Memory of: I will pick up my poinsettia at the church. I will leave my poinsettia at the church. All orders must be in by December 11, 2016.

9 DECEMBER VOLUNTEERS Acolytes Ellen Kolman 7:45 10:30/ 11:15 December 4 December 11 December 18 December 24 December 25 1 st day of Advent 2 nd day of Advent One Service Christmas Eve Christmas 10:30 AM 4PM, 8PM, 10PM 10:00 AM Ushers Len Tayor 7:45 Chuck Kaskey Gary Martin Jim Gist 4PM Maureen Shorts Sandy Kaskey Janice Iglehart Mike Meyer Hoffman Family Linda Browning Maureen Shorts 9:00 Karl Arula Al Hoffman Alli Thellman 8PM Michelle Arula Shelley Hoffman Gladys Otto Dave Bewie Samantha Hoffman Hank Pekkola Margaret Bewie Dave Chaya Gayle Pekkola Renee Chaya Alan Evangelista 10:30/11:15 Wayne Mosley Jerry Krueger Bob Jacob 10PM Steve Harris Barb Krueger Dennis Beckman John Brinzo Mike Magons Deepshikha Paul Alfonso Hinojosa Jocelyn Magons Kritika Paul Readers 7:45 Kris Krems Rae Alexander 4PM Caroline Haggett Barb Krueger Comm Assts: Steve Gall Josie McNamara Jim Gist 9:00: Joy Blankenship-RCA Audrey Kuntz 8PM Tony Rugar - RCA Comm Assts: Kurt Blankenship Melina Rugar Karl Arula Chuck Whitecar Bonnie Bailey 10:00/10:30/11:15 Curt Dean - RCA Debbie Jenkins 10PM MaryAnn Tower RCA 10AM Jerry Krueger Comm Assts: Terri Mosley Marje Gray Barb Krueger Herb Simpson Jerry Krueger Pam Simpson Bob Jacob Nursery Bonnie Bailey 9:00/10:30 Natalie Haggett Ellen Kolman Jennifer Paine Erin Edwards Bonnie Bailey Kelly Worsencroft Counting Teams Wade Zwingler Jim Gist Reiner Mueller Terri Mosley Mary Whitecar Sheri Gist Shelley Hoffman Pat Sauernheimer Gary Walters Al Hoffman Daphne Leon Mary Walters Dick Kiplinger Altar Guild Dawn Evangelista Judi Minium Barb Krueger Dawn Evangelista Sandy Rath Beth David Marsha Stephens Madge Buckley Lynn Stenger Marsha Stephens Billie Hoffman Sheri Gist Janice Hentosh Shelley Hoffman Sheri Gist Karen McFarland Tricia Nolder Carol Paulini Sue Ludwig Tricia Nolder Sue Schmidt Judi Minium Madge Buckley Janice Hentosh Carol Paulini

10 December 2016 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :00 Prayer & Care :00 SCS :00 Praise Band rehearsal 7:30 Men s Basketball :30 Strongsville Food Bank 12:30 Bell Choir 6:00 Youth Board 11 10:00 SCS 6:30 Brass Choir 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 WOW Book Club 7:00 AA 12 Revelations articles due! 6:00 Crossroad Stitchers 6:30 Pub Church 7:30 Al-Anon 13 12:15 Over 50 s 7:30 Chancel Choir 14 6:00 Praise Band rehearsal 7:30 Men s Basketball 15 6:30 FUEL Lock In :30 Brass Choir 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Mentor groups 7:00 AA 19 7:00 Celebration 7:30 Al-Anon 20 7:30 Chancel Choir 21 6:00 Praise Band Rehearsal 7:00 - Council 7:30 Men s Basketball :00 SCS 10:30 One Worship Service 12:15 - Caroling 25 6:30 Brass Choir 7:00 Bible Bonanza 7:00 Confirmation 7:00 AA 26 7:30 Al-Anon 27 10:00 Lydia Circle 9:00 Holiday Food Baskets 7:30 Chancel 6:00 Praise Band Choir rehearsal :00 PM Worship 8:00 PM Worship 10:00 PM Worship MERRY CHRISTMAS! Office closed! 10:00 AM - Worship 7:00 AA 7:30 Al-Anon 6:00 Praise Band rehearsal Pastor Charles Knerem pastorchuck1@gmail.com First Evangelical Lutheran Church Royalton Road Strongsville OH Pastor Kathleen Kluck Office hours: Monday & Friday 8-2, revklk@gmail.com Tuesday Thursday 9-2 firstchurchalive@hotmail.com Website

Revelations AUGUST Dear Friends,

Revelations AUGUST Dear Friends, Revelations of First Evangelical Lutheran Church 19419 Royalton Road Strongsville Ohio 44149 440.238.7890 www.firstchurchalive.org AUGUST 2016 Dear Friends, I can become easily distracted. With so much