TABLE OF CONTENTS PRISONERS OF ADVENT HOPE. December 2015 Volume 22 Issue 12. Special Wednesday Night Divine Service. Missionary Pastor Visit

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1 December 2015 Volume 22 Issue TABLE OF CONTENTS Special Wednesday Night Divine Service Missionary Pastor Visit Prayer Shawls Seminarian Spotlight Calendar Birthdays and Anniversaries GriefShare Mission Bible Studies LWML News Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Academy Davie, Florida PRISONERS OF ADVENT HOPE By The Rev. Matthew C. Harrison The prophet Zechariah lived after the great Babylonian Captivity and encouraged the people of God, pointing to the Christ to come. He also gave us one of our great Advent texts about the coming Christ. Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey (Zech. 9:9). Advent means coming. In these weeks of December, we are humbled by the Law with themes of repentance. Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand! the first sermon out of John the Baptizer s mouth and that of Jesus (Matt. 3:2; 4:17). We are reminded that Christ came as a babe in Bethlehem, born as God and man to go from cradle to cross. Christ continues to come to us in His blessed Word (Rom. 10:17) and in absolution (John 20:21f.), Baptism (Gal. 3:27) and the Supper (1 Cor. 10:16 17). And Christ will come again at the resurrection. I will come again and take you to myself (John 14:3). Thus, Advent looks to the past, the present and to the future with hope! Another line from Zechariah strikes me: Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope; today I declare that I will restore to you double (Zech. 9:12). Because this world is closer to its end, this word of hope is more precious today than it was in 520 B.C. Despite this wretched world, the economic malaise, the political nonsense, the global conflict, the ubiquitous threat of Islam, the decline of the Church in the West, the shocking reality that our government now calls evil what the Bible calls good and calls good what the Bible calls evil, despite it all, I remain a prisoner of hope. I am chained to an ultimate, optimistic future! I am captive to the hope of Christ. Continued on Page 2

2 Continued from Page 1 The Bible said it would be so. The Gentiles will hope in His [Christ s!] name (Matt. 12:21). Christians are people of hope. Hope is rooted deep in the ancient promises of the Old Testament. Hope fills the Psalms (e.g., Ps. 130:7; 119:49), which time and again refer us to the mighty deeds of the Lord as anchors for the steadfast truth of His promises, come what may. The New Testament explodes in hopefulness. Through Christ, we have access by faith into this grace, and so we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God (Rom. 5:2). Trials produce endurance, character and hope, and hope does not put us to shame (Rom. 5:4 5). Yes, the whole creation creaks and cracks under the burden of sin, but it is all for a hopeful purpose (Rom. 8:8). Faith is certainty in Christ s promises, though unseen, and thus faith is also hope, and that means hope brings patience (Rom. 8:24 25). Because we know the end of the story and its certain, resurrected life with Christ, through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we... have hope (Rom. 15:4). Are you hopeless? Bury yourself in the Scriptures! Paul reminded the Romans that the Scriptures promised that the root of Jesse will come... In him the Gentiles will hope! (Rom. 15:12). And this blessing is as powerful today as when Paul wrote it: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Rom. 15:13). We know that eternity is ours; we have nothing but eternal life ahead. Each of us has a vocation, a calling, and a Christian calling at that a special purpose assigned us by God in this life to serve and love those around us. Peter gives us a mandate to speak of Christ in our vocations: But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect (1 Pet. 3:15). You have Christ for you, and Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27). So, don t grieve as others do who have no hope (1 Thess. 4:13), as you face death and trials of this life. This Advent, come what may, Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful (Heb. 10:23). O Lord, at Thy coming, make us, keep us, find us prisoners of hope. Coming to Gloria Dei on Sunday, December 6th., The Rev. David Preus and family, our missionaries to the Dominican Republic. Rev. David and Jennifer Preus serve the Lord as career missionaries through The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) in the Dominican Republic. In this role, David plants new churches in this country. He forms and develops groups of believers into mature, self-sustaining and self-replicating congregations through Word and Sacrament ministry. He also helps with theological education as needed and works with local deaconesses in their mercy care ministries throughout the country. For more about Rev. David Preus, you may go to 2

3 TWO GIVING TREES AT GLORIA DEI Your loving assistance is requested for two special groups during this Christmas Season. "The Soldiers' Angel Tree" in the narthex of Gloria Dei is the area for you to donate to our United States Military Service men and women (all branches) fresh food items such as beef jerky, granola bars, krispy bars, wrapped candy and like items. These will be placed into "stockings" and sent to our military around the world. PLEASE have all fresh donated items at "The Soldiers' Angel Tree" BY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 as these items must be packed and shipped. "The Blue Knights Toys Tree" in the Fellowship Hall is the area for you to donate new toys for children of Police Officers killed in the line of duty. Toys of all kinds for all ages are appreciated. The last opportunity to "drop off" toys at Gloria Dei will be Friday, December 11 in order for the Blue Knights to collect them for the "toy run on motorcycles." Gloria Dei hosts the Blue Knights retired police officers organization.

4 A SPECIAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT DIVINE SERVICE Every time we gather in the Divine Service to receive the Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus, it is special. On Wednesday evening, November 18, a special night of celebrating the International Missionary Work of our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod took place at Gloria Dei as we welcomed the Rev. John Dreyer, Director of Admission for Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana; the Rev. Adam Lehman, LC-MS Missionary to the people of Spain; the Rev. David Preus, LC-MS Missionary to the people of the Dominican Republic and the Rev. Roberto Rojas, Pastor of Zion-New Life Lutheran Church in Winter Garden, Florida. Pastor Dreyer came also to have follow-up meetings with Gloria Dei's Seminary-Candidate, Alex Blanken and his wife, Annie and to meet Mr. and Mrs. Walter Blanken. Pastor Dreyer formally thanked Gloria Dei for such a fine candidate as Alex Blanken. Pastors Lehman, Rojas and Poulos share a moment with Gloria Dei member Michelle Giansiracusa The Gloria Dei family formally "adopted" Pastors Lehman Coral Gables to formally submit all documentation for visas to move to Spain. The documentation was received, and by some time mid-december, the Lehman family should receive the news that their visas are ready to pick up so that they may move to Spain. Pastor Preus and his family were in the Orlando area raising awareness and support for their Missionary ministry in the Dominican Republic. He and Pastor Rojas drove to Davie to be with us in order to participate in the Divine Service and contribute insight at the forum that took place after the Divine Service. The forum focused on the emphasis of the and Preus in our June voters' meeting, and committed to support in prayer, action and finances the mission work to which these pastors and their families are called. Pastor Lehman and family were in Davie, having met the day before with the Consulate of Spain in expansion of Theological Education to International Mission sites around the globe. Pastor Preus and Pastor Lehman will be involved with the educational formation of nationals in the Dominican Republic and Spain, respectively. Pastor Rojas, whose father is also an LC-MS Pastor and former missionary, spoke of the importance of every congregation in our LC-MS realizing their critical roles in the advancement, encouragement and support of the International Mission ministries. Pastor Dreyer spoke of the unique involvement of Concordia Seminary-Fort Wayne, IN, in the provision of professors traveling to International mission sites to work along side our Missionary teams to provide critically needed sound theological education to the local students in pastoral training. All the pastors thanked the Gloria Dei members for their care and support in this way. Continued on Next page. The 5 Pastors... Front, L-R, Pastors David Preus, Adam Lehman and Roberto Rojas. Back Row, Pastors George Poulos and John Dreyer Pastors Preus and Lehman practice their Spanish with Gloria Dei Elder Jeri James and his wife, Marisella 4

5 Continued from Previous page The following night, Pastors Dreyer, Preus and Rojas had the opportunity to fellowship with the Blanken family, answering questions about the seminary training ahead for Alex, and to assist Alex and Annie in preparation for the FL-GA District interview they would undergo the next day. Please continue to keep our International Missionary families in your thoughts, prayers and support each day! The Blanken family: Walter & Idoris, and Alexander & Annie with Pastors Dreyer, Preus, and Rojas. Pastors Dreyer, Preus, and Rojas with Alexander and Annie Blanken. MISSIONARY PASTOR REV. SERGIO MAITA VISITS GLORIA DEI One of the joys in having a close relationship with our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's International Missions Ministries in Latin America and the Caribbean is the unique opportunities to meet dedicated missionaries "passing through." One such occasion was Advent 1, as the Rev. Pastor Sergio Maita, serving the people of the Dominican Republic, had a 14 layover in Miami, and asked his missionary partners where he should celebrate Advent 1 Divine Service. They all said "GLORIA DEI." So, while Gloria Dei members were busy Saturday evening, November 28, enjoying the "Hanging of the Greens," our adopted missionary, Rev. Adam Lehman, contacted us from the Dominican Republic to let us know that Pastor Maita would be in the Miami International Airport at 4 A.M. and that he'd love to visit and celebrate Divine Service with the Gloria Dei Pastor Poulos with Pastor Sergio Maita following the Divine Service, Advent 1 family. Upon hearing of the matter, Gloria Dei Elder Walter Blanken and Seminary-Candidate Alex Blanken volunteered to meet Pastor Maita at the airport in Miami at 6 a.m. Pastor Maita celebrated worship with us, talked about the mission work in the Dominican Republic at the 8 & 10:30 a.m. Divine Services and in the Adult Bible Study class. Afterwards, Pastor Maita enjoyed a nice lunch with Gloria Dei members at the "Shorty's Bar-B-Q," after which time Elder Jeri James and his wife Marisella returned Pastor Maita to the Miami International Airport for his 6 p.m. flight to the Dominican Republic. What a fabulous, caring group of Christians is our Gloria Dei family. Thanks to you all, and thank you, Pastor Maita! 5

6 PRAYER SHAWLS: WARMED IN GOD S LOVE One member of the Gloria Dei congregation upon receiving one of the beautifully crafted Prayer Shawls in the hospital replied, "This is so soft and beautiful, I feel like I am being warmed in God's love." Knowing that the loving, prayerful hands of dedicated Gloria Dei members and friends do the crafting work, along with praying for the ones to receive these gifts, is a tremendous encouragement to those receiving prayer shawls. Recipients include those that are in hospitals, nursing homes, home-bound members, new-born infants and their moms and those in Hospice Care. There is a great team of suppliers and crocheters/knitters who follow a particular pattern, using some of the most colorful fabrics imaginable. Pastor Poulos commented that "recipients are sometimes moved to tears, knowing that their Gloria Dei family loves them and cares for them during these particular moments in their lives." Mrs. Joan Lee, representing the Prayer Shawl Ministry, explains to the Lehman children the meaning of the "Prayer Huggies." From L-R are Abigail, Noah, Hannah, Jonah and Joan Lee. Another opportunity for gifting prayer shawls came in a new creation of the Prayer Shawl Team: "The Prayer Huggies" At our Divine Service on Wednesday evening, November 18, the four missionary children of our adopted Missionary Family to Spain, The Rev. Adam & Christine Lehman, received the first four "Prayer Huggies" to remind them of the prayers and love of the Gloria Dei family for them as they serve the people of Spain on the mission field. The children received these gifts with joy and thankfulness. The Blessing of the new Prayer Shawls took place at the Divine Service, 10:30 a.m. on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, STEWARDSHIP Here at Gloria-Dei we should all be stewards of the Gospel. We are messengers of God's Good News- that Christ was born to save. Sometimes it's difficult to share this. We don't want to put anyone off and we don't know what to say. God has given us exactly the right words and rarely does the Christmas Story put anyone off. Just think, your Christmas card can announce the birth of Jesus and your Christmas letter can tell of God's grace and goodness to you and your family. Tell how our Savior has touched your world. Tell them they are the ones to whom the angels brought "good news of great joy". Say that the baby in the manger, grew to manhood and then died for their sins so that we can live with Him forever. Invite everyone to church to hear God's Word. Yes, Stewards of the Gospel are we! Blessings on your Stewardship Journey. 6

7 WORD ON STEWARDSHIP Our Lord Jesus Christ healed the man with dropsy by His Word on the Sabbath (Luke 14:1 6). He is the great physician of both body and soul. The paradoxical symptom of dropsy was an unquenchable craving for drink even though the body was over inflated with fluid, a craving that when indulged served not to ease but to feed the disease. And so if a man drinks a great deal, but is never filled, he sees a doctor to inquire about what ails him, what is wrong with his body and how to remedy it. For that is not thirst but a disease (Seneca, Consolation to His Mother Helvia, 11.3). But if the owner of five couches goes looking for ten, or the owner of ten tables buys up as many again, and even though he has plenty of land and money, he remains unsatisfied and desires yet more, losing sleep and always in discontent, does he not also require a physician to diagnose the cause of this distress? For this is not want or lack, but a disease (Aristippus, quoted in Plutarch, Love of Wealth, 524b). As St. Augustine of Hippo wrote, we may rightly compare the dropsical man to a covetous rich man: For the more the one is swollen with excess of water, the more he thirsts; so also the other: The more he abounds in riches... the more eagerly he desires them (The Sunday Sermons of the Great Fathers, Vol. 4, 135). Both require physicians. Both require diagnosis and medicine applied from the outside to the inward being. For these are not desires to be fulfilled but diseases to be cured. This is why our Lord instructs us on taking care not to be overmuch consumed by money. No one can serve two masters.... You cannot serve God and money (Matt 6:24; Luke 16:13). The point is that our desire for money, like the disease dropsy, is never satisfied. We always desire more. We always think, if I just had this much then I would be happy. But even when that much comes, which God gladly gives, that happiness evades us. For the desire for more of these things is never satisfied. It demands our constant energy either in procuring more or protecting what we already have. When this happens, God, in His mercy, shows us that the money that He has given is no longer serving us, but we it. We have another master. To overcome this, we need a physician s diagnosis and a physician s remedy. And our Lord, Jesus Christ, our great physician of both body and soul, like the man healed of dropsy, applies His Word to us. He shows us how we have put our fear, our love, and our trust in our money and not feared, loved, and trusted in Him above all things. In essence, He says, Stop it! Stop chasing after these fleeting things. They are vanity. They are the things that moth and rust destroy. For you cannot have two masters. Repent! And in seeing our great error, we are sorry that we have not fully feared, loved, and trusted in God above all things. And, in the mercy and grace, that He earned for us on the cross, He takes away this sin, restores us to health, and bids us live. But then what? What do we do with this healing balm and care that our great physician has done? Do we simply go back to our old ways? By no means! St. Paul says (Rom 3:31; 6:2). We do not just go back to the old ways. That way is dead to us and leads us to death. No, we live a new life, a life filled with the grace, mercy, and love of God toward us. And God s great mercy, grace, and love toward is so abundant that it overflows and pours out onto those around us. So we no longer hoard money and possessions. We no longer scrape and crawl our way to amass more. We give to those around us, as God in Christ has given to us. We press our money and possessions into service for those who need it: our family, our society, and our church. For money is God s gift to us to serve us and others. Not the other way round. It serves us because it is a gift from our Father in heaven. LCMS Stewardship Ministry 7

8 NEW CERAMIC COMMUNION WARE DEDICATED The Gloria Dei family received with delight the new ceramic communion ware designed and crafted by Lori Gregory with assistance from her daughter, Chelsea Foster, a member of the High School youth. Lori, who earned the Masters in Fine Art, used her skill and "Christian Vocation" to assist Gloria Dei with new communion pieces needed for Divine Services. The "Blessing and Dedication" took place at the 10:30 a.m. Divine Service on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29, Please look for these gorgeous works of art as we receive the Sacrament of the Altar in them in the coming days! ANNOUNCEMENTS Marriage of Colleen Devier to Ethan Timmins. Pastor Poulos traveled to Charleston, South Carolina for this "Destination Wedding" on November 9,

9 SEMINARIAN SPOTLIGHT: THE SESSA FAMILY Hi Gloria Dei! I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. This last week we have been blessed by my father- and mother-in-law, Pastor Kevin and Pam Ogle, visiting us. Grammy and Papa have been so wonderful and the kids have loved seeing them. My brother and sister-in-law, and their two children, Jordan, Deja, Sky (5) and Remy (6 mon.), also came up from Texas to spend Thanksgiving with us. The house has been very busy but it has been great for Ben and Charlotte to play with their cousins. On Thanksgiving we had a really special meal with all of us and the Murphy s at Magliano s. I preached my first sermon at Webster Gardens Lutheran Church this last Monday. It went real well! I am looking forward to the start of the winter quarter. Please pray for me as I take Systems II, Theology of Missions, Pastor as Educator, Lutheran Reformation and Pauline Epistles & Acts. Please also pray for Leah as she comes to a very busy time in the life of the church and her job. We are so thankful for your love, support and prayers, and we look forward to the next time we will be able to see you. Love, The Sessa's Please send correspondence to the Sessa family at: Sam, Leah, Ben and Charlotte Sessa, 27A Founders Way, St. Louis, MO THE MURPHY FAMILY Hello Family! The fall quarter ended, and the Murphy family has spent a wonderful two weeks with one another and with the Sessas. Fall was a tough quarter all the way around. With five classes and our first exegetical and homiletical courses, our plates were very full. Melissa as always was patient and took good care of our family, especially our two beautiful babies. Speaking of which, Devin is 9 months old now and he is pulling himself up and standing anywhere he can. We are stunned and pleased with how quickly he is learning to get around. He is also crawling ever more quickly, and trying his hardest to get everything in sight in his mouth. Penny is equally going through a difficult phase where she is testing boundaries, and becoming ever more sly at winning us over. When she gets in trouble now, she quickly says Sorry daddy and tries to give me a kiss. During the break we went to the Zoo and the Science Center. The kids are still fairly small for these experiences, but it is nice just to get out with the family. I am still waiting to get a couple of my grades back this quarter, but thus far I have done better than I expected and I am quite happy. On December 6th I will be preaching for the first time at my resident field education church. It will be a Saturday night service, and two Sunday morning services. I am very nervous, but excited also. As always, keep us in your prayers. We are deeply blessed to have you as our home support. You are a rock and safe place to us in our hearts at all times. We will be home during the Christmas break, so we will take every opportunity to see you all. God bless, and happy Thanksgiving! -The Murphy Family Please send correspondence to the Murphy family at: Devin, Melissa, Penny and Devin, Jr. Murphy 7C Founders Way, St. Louis, MO

10 Thank you to all of those who gave so generously to our Thanksgiving Baskets. We were able to provide 31 baskets to those in need, including 20 to Davie Elementary. What a blessing we were able to help so many people! Sunday School Birthday Party for Jesus Sunday, Dec. 20 th at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall Children from one year old to fifth grade are invited to join in the fun. We will hear the wonderful story of our Savior s birth, enjoy crafts and treats, and of course.eat birthday cake! Invite a friend to Sunday School to celebrate Jesus birthday and share the joy! The Prayer Shawl ministry will be meeting Tuesday January 5th, 2016 at 2:00p.m. in room 32. All those who like to knit or crochet or would like to learn are welcome! Thank you to all those who knit and crochet the lovely prayer shawls, Adele Diehl, Marian Fowler, Helen Hadden, Joan Lee, Diana Paynter, Barbara Reitsma, Zella Serian, Darla Schulte, Karin Schmidt, Aletha Scirratto, Cheryl Smith, Jeanne Smith, Grace Ulmann, Lois Ulmann, Andrea Van Steenberghe and Kathy Woodrum.

11 HOLIDAY SCHEDULE DATE EVENT TIME Nov. 29 First Sunday in Advent 8:00 a.m. (Sun) 10:30 a.m. Dec. 2 ADVENT SERVICE 7:00 P.M. (Wed.) Dec. 6 Second Sunday in Advent 8:00 a.m. (Sun) 10:30 a.m. Dec. 9 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 7:00 PM (Wed.) Early Childhood Dec. 13 Third Sunday in Advent 8:00 a.m. (Sun) 10:30 a.m. Dec. 16 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM 7:00 PM (Wed.) K 5 TH Grade Dec. 20 Fourth Sunday in Advent 8:00 a.m. (Sun) 10:30 a.m. Dec. 24 (Thur.) CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES 7:00 PM 11:00 PM Dec. 25 (Fri.) CHRISTMAS DAY DIVINE SERVICE WITH HOLY COMMUNION 11:00 AM 11

12 December 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 11:30am-Timely Ministry 2:00pm-Prayer Shawl 6:15pm-GriefShare 9:30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Divine Service am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 10am-LWML Christmas Brunch 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 6 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Divine Service 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study 7 6:15pm-GriefShare 8 9:30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Christmas Program- Early Childhood am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 13 LWML Cookie Sale Blood Drive 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Divine Service 20 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Divine Service 14 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 6:30pm-School Board Meeting 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study 21 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study 15 6:15pm-GriefShare 6:30pm-Church Council 16 9:30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Christmas Program K-5th Grade :30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open am-Men s Breakfast & Bible Study 9am LWML Breakfast & Bible Study 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7pm & 11pm 25 Christmas Day 11am-Divine Service 26 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 27 8am-Divine Service 9:30am-Sunday School 10:30am-Divine Service 28 9:30am-1:30pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm- A Longer Look at the Lessons Bible Study :30am-Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study 10:30am-4pm Thrift Shop Open 7pm Divine Service New Year s Eve 31

13 BIRTHDAYS December 2015 Colleen Gilchrist 12/1 John Geromanos 12/1 Harry Pope 12/2 Audrey Espin 12/2 Kelsey Walters 12/3 Charlotte Devier 12/4 Diane Grosso 12/4 Matthew Wallice 12/6 Jaime Camino 12/7 Jonathan Cameron 12/9 Kelly Kern 12/9 Robert Cabral 12/10 Connie Shelton 12/12 James Heller 12/13 Michael Biscoglio 12/14 Paul Grana 12/14 Matthew Biscoglio 12/15 David Malone 12/15 Carolyn Coxe 12/16 Dionne Josephs 12/16 James Watkins 12/16 Rolf Preus* 12/17 Diana Paynter 12/19 Alex Harbar, Jr. 12/19 Zayne Nelson 12/19 Jack Walters 12/22 Clyde Martinez 12/25 Amber Kuzava 12/26 Doris Wilson 12/28 Julie Leroy 12/31 Lauren Diehl 12/31 Vincent Grosso 12/31 *Missionary Family ANNIVERSARIES December 2015 Quinn and Susan Stumpf 12/02 William and Margaret Janzer 12/04 Justin and Allison Rubin 12/19 Greg and Susan Grimmett 12/27 Craig and Carol Chaddock 12/29 Ed and Caroline Darcy 12/30 John and Cindy Johnson 12/24

14 DECEMBER 2015 Pray For Us Calendar These prayer requests were submitted by coworkers in the Lord s mission. Congregations and individuals are invited to copy these pages for newsletters or other distribution. Download at lcms.org/prayforus or call to request a copy. LCMS PARTNERS DECEMBER 1 31 The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) works with many partners and other organizations around the world in order to extend the reach of the Gospel. These include LCMS districts; Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs); the Synod s two auxiliaries, the Lutheran Laymen s League (LLL) and the Lutheran Women s Missionary League (LWML); LCMS partner churches; and many more. Through this joint effort, the Synod and the organizations it works with can accomplish more together than any one of them could on their own. Remember God s work through the Synod s partners as you pray: 1. for the growth and development of the Synod s 36 partner churches around the world. Ask the Lord to keep them firmly rooted in correct doctrine and steadfast faith. 2. for the Lutheran Church in Norway, the Synod s newest partner church. After several years of doctrinal discussions, the two church bodies entered into a fellowship agreement that will be presented for ratification to the 2016 Synod convention. 3. for the International Lutheran Council, of which the LCMS is a member. Please pray that this organization would be successful in its mission to encourage, strengthen and promote confessional Lutheran theology and practice around the world. 4. for the LLL and Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM), that they would be effective in their mission to create culturally relevant programs that bring Christ to the nations and the nations to the Church. 5. for LHM s ministry center in Lebanon, which is providing food, hygiene supplies, medicines and Christian programming to Syrian refugees displaced by a violent civil war between rival Muslim groups. In 2014, LCMS Mercy Operations gave LHM a grant to help in this effort. 6. with thanksgiving for the LWML and the servant hearts of its members. The LWML s unwavering support of the LCMS has made an eternal difference in the lives of many people around the world. 7. for LWML President Patti Ross, who was elected at the auxiliary s convention in June. Ask God to give her wisdom as she leads the LWML during the next three and a half years. 8. for the 35 districts of the LCMS, that they would be granted the resources, wisdom and leadership to appropriately serve their neighbors, whether across the street or around the world. 9. for Gospel proclamation efforts on the national mission field. Please pray that acts of witness and mercy would be done for all those in need in body and soul. 10. for KFUO Radio, the listenersupported broadcast ministry of the LCMS, that the Lord would reach many people through the station s programming. 11. that Concordia Publishing House, the Synod s official publisher, would continue to create faithful and relevant resources that are in accord with the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. 12. for the LCMS Foundation. Please ask the Lord to bless the Foundation s work of helping individuals and congregations practice biblical, Christ-centered stewardship in their ministries and families. 13. for the 10 campuses of the Concordia University System. Pray that they would be places that nurture faith and develop students to serve the Church and world. 14. with thanksgiving for Concordia Plan Services (CPS). CPS navigates the changing political landscape to faithfully provide health and retirement benefits to more than 31,500 workers and 53,000 dependents. Participants cheer in the exhibit hall during the 36th Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa. INVOLVEMENT IDEAS Learn how to listen to KFUO Radio anytime, anywhere: kfuoam.org. Want to learn what you can do to stand for life and traditional marriage? Visit lcms.org/freetobefaithful for articles and resources. The LCMS is in altar and pulpit fellowship with 36 partner churches around the world. Do you know in which countries these church bodies are located? Learn more: lcms.org/ partnerchurches. PHOTOS: LCMS COMMUNICATIONS/ERIK M. LUNSFORD

15 DECEMBER with thanksgiving for Lutheran Church Extension Fund, which facilitates faith and the sharing of the Good News through investments, loans and services that help build, transform and sustain our congregations. 16. for Concordia Historical Institute, which preserves the archives and history of the LCMS. 17. for the Synod s 170-plus RSOs, which extend the reach of the Church by providing social services, outreach programs and education to people in diverse circumstances. 18. for the Rev. Michael Salemink, the new executive director of Lutherans For Life (LFL), an RSO of the LCMS. Ask God to bless Salemink and LFL as they seek to equip Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices for life. 19. that God would change hearts and minds so that even more individuals would partner in the effort to provide tangible care and support for women in crisis pregnancies who feel that they have no option but to abort their babies. 20. that God would guide and protect RSOs and other religious organizations to stand firm on His Word, even as the government and culture become more and more hostile to traditional Christian faith and values. 22. for unity in purpose, good communication and harmony among the Synod and its partners as they work together to share the Gospel in the Lord s harvest fields. 23. for Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS). Please pray that the Lord would bless LIRS as it shows His mercy to the refugees, unaccompanied children and migrants who arrive on America s shores. 24. for Lutheran World Relief (LWR), Baltimore, that it would be faithful to its Lutheran confession as it strives to end poverty, injustice and human suffering worldwide. 25. that the Lord would use the efforts of all of these organizations to bring people to know the truth that Jesus Christ was born, died and was raised incorruptible so that all people might know His love and share His unending life. 26. with thanksgiving for all those who partner with LCMS missionaries, both at home and on the mission field. This love and support gives strength to those who are called to serve in various places around the world. 27. for Lutheran Services in America (LSA), an umbrella organization that links more than 300 Lutheran socialservice ministries throughout the U.S. and the Caribbean. LSA s members provide services to one in every 50 Americans. 28. for the Synod s seminaries in St. Louis, Mo., and Fort Wayne, Ind. Give thanks for their important work in forming future pastors and deaconesses for service to the Church and world. 29. that LCMS organizations might be good stewards of the gifts God has given, using resources wisely and looking for ways to have the greatest impact on those in need. 30. that God would prepare the hearts and minds of all who will hear His message of salvation through Lutheran organizations. Ask the Lord to send His Holy Spirit to create faith through the hearing of His Word. 31. that the Lord would abundantly bless the efforts of the LCMS and its partners in the coming years and that these efforts would always be God-pleasing and filled with godly wisdom. MISSIONARY & PERSONNEL BIRTHDAYS Download the prayer cards of missionaries and other personnel from lcms.org/prayercards. Dec. 3 John Wolf, Kenya Dec. 6 Alan Ludwig, Russia Dec. 7 Martin Schmidt, Hong Kong Dec. 9 Anita Clausing, Kenya; Justin Massey, Dominican Republic; Valerie Pritchard, Hong Kong Dec. 10 Eva Rickman, Asia Dec. 14 Ted Krey, Dominican Republic Dec. 15 Edward Hosch, Peru Charles St-Onge, Canada Dec. 18 P.A. Richard-Wokoma, Africa Dec. 19 Serena Derricks, South Korea Dec. 22 Daniel Johnson, Eurasia Dec. 24 Thomas Aadland, Kenya Dec. 25 Bethany Haugen, Macau Dec. 28 Peter Kolb, Asia; Kristin Matasovsky, South Africa Dec. 29 Carol Halter, Hong Kong MILITARY CHAPLAINS WITH BIRTHDAYS IN DECEMBER: Chaplain Joseph Watson, Randolph AFB, Texas; Chaplain Philip Houser, Adjutant General Office, Neb.; Chaplain Richard Graves, Fort Carson, Colo.; Chaplain Ronald Cox, El Centro, Calif.; Chaplain Patrick Poock, Japan. 21. with thanksgiving for Mission Central in Mapleton, Iowa, an organization that links Lutheran donors with LCMS missionaries. This faithful work has enabled many missionaries to share the Good News of Jesus Christ all around the world. Museum artifacts at Concordia Historical Institute on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

16 GRIEFSHARE BUILDING MEMORIES AT CHRISTMAS In just a moment s time, memories of past holidays can come flooding into the mind. Just hearing a Christmas carol in the shopping mall or putting special ornaments on the tree can bring floods of tears. It seems that tapes of happy Christmases from the past flash through a person s thoughts as he or she tries to rest or sleep. The tears that come are healing tears, but the survivor does not look at them that way. He or she only wants to escape the days of memories ahead. Is this what you are experiencing these days? Last month we shared with you ways to cope with the holidays. But we have a question to ask: Why not consider building memories this Christmas to honor and celebrate your loved one s life on this earth? We share with you an article published by Church Initiative who publishes our GriefShare materials. It will give you some ideas. It is our prayer that you will indeed have a Blessed Christmas and know that we are never alone.the little baby who was born in a stable, was pretty much homeless all his life, who grew up and then died on the cross for you and me.he walks with us every step of our life including our grief journey..and yes, when we cannot walk by ourselves, He indeed picks us up and carries us. What an Awesome God we have!!!! May His peace, comfort, mercy and healing be with all those who grieve or mourn for loved ones..he indeed is our Healer!!! Your GriefShare Team..Judy, Millicent, Marian, Linda and Rachel BUILDING MEMORIES AT CHRISTMAS After the Death of Your Loved One 1. Buy a small, live tree to place in the yard after Christmas. The tree will be there for years to come and may be decorated with lights each year. 2. Candles help bring warmth into a home at Christmastime. The light is a symbol of Jesus birth. Luminaries in the yard bring a sense of peace, particularly on Christmas Eve. Children can help prepare and set them out. 3. It helps at Christmastime to find something simple to place in your home to remember your loved one. Perhaps a small vase with a single rose or an electric candle placed in your window. Often a poinsettia plant or a Christmas cactus provide memories if you replant them later. Children need to have something to help provide them with a memory of that special person they lost. Whether it is the loss of a sibling, parent, grandparent, friend, etc., allow the children to help pick out something so the whole family will remember their loved one. Buying a special ornament for the tree is a memory builder for upcoming Christmases. The children may even wish to make an ornament for the tree. You can be sure that whatever is done to remember the loved one will be treasured and remembered for many years. 4. Be sure to keep some of your family traditions, especially if you have children at home. They need to have warm, familiar feelings at Christmas. Pick two or three traditions that will not overwork you. If a friend or relative can help put up the tree and decorate, this is helpful. If possible, have a friend or relative take the children to a Christmas pageant, a concert, a night out looking at Christmas lights or a good Christmas movie. If you feel comfortable, then take them yourself. 5. If you decide to hang stockings as you usually do, include the missing family member s stocking. Perhaps you or the children will want to put a little gift or note in the stocking. 6. With children, particularly young ones, try to schedule only activities that will help them celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Because adults find it difficult to face the upcoming holiday, they will try to keep busy and thus schedule too much. This is the time when parents and children get very tired. Lots of rest is important at these times, particularly for the parents. It is important to make major decisions early in the day. At evening time, when everyone is fatigued, minor decisions can become major hassles. 7. A visit to the cemetery before Christmas is good, even for the children. If they have been involved in the death and grieving, then include them when you decorate the grave with flowers or a small tree. Take time to talk about the loved one while you are there. Please take time to visit a GriefShare grief recovery support group. At GriefShare you will have the opportunity to connect with people who better understand the emotions, fears and stresses you are facing this holiday season. You will also learn how to move forward on your grief journey in a way that is healthy. by Judy Hawk 16

17 In our June 2015 Gloria Dei Congregational meeting, we formally adopted the Rev. Adam Lehman family as our missionaries to Spain. Lehman Family Newsletter We are getting very close to moving to Spain! This letter will keep you up to date as we continue on the road to overseas mission service. What a great experience we have been having in the Dominican Republic! Christine and I have been studying hard in our Spanish language course, and we are beginning to see some very exciting progress! The kids have begun to be very comfortable with the Spanish language as well. We have been attending the Divine Service here in Santiago, saying our prayers in Spanish in the home, and the kids have even been known to walk through the house singing the Kyrie and other parts of the liturgy in Spanish! What a blessing it has been to spend time with the fantastic team of missionaries serving here in the Dominican Republic! Coming Up Next A picture from the mission at Palmar, here in the Dominican Republic! While we have indeed enjoyed our time here in the DR, we are also excited that we are getting very close to completing the requirements for our move to Spain. On November 17 th, we will have our first appointment with the Spanish Consulate in Miami. After that appointment we will return to the Dominican Republic, where we will continue to learn the Spanish

18 How to Contact and Support Pastor Lehman Blog: com Follow on Facebook: Like the page To Spain, With the Lehman Family Giving Page: You may support my work with a tax-deductible gift on my Giving Page (listed above), or with a check payable to The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Be sure to include Lehman-Spain on the memo line, and send to: Mission Central, Highway E-16 Mapleton, Iowa, ******************************** To have your name added or removed from the newsletter mailing list, simply send an to adam.lehman@lcmsintl.org and include either ADD or REMOVE in the subject line. ******************************** language in preparation for our work in Spain. There will be a period of time (roughly 1-1 ½ months) after our first consulate appointment that we will be waiting for a second consulate appointment. At the second consulate appointment we will pick up our visas, and we will officially be ready to move to Spain! This has been a long process, but we are very close now, and I am grateful for all of you who have helped us and encouraged us along the way. From the bottom of my heart, I truly mean it, thank you. Prayer Requests As always, thank you for your continued prayers and support. And thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter, and for caring enough to keep up to date with all that is going on. I truly thank God for you. Please continue to pray for me and my family as we continue this transition. And as we get very close to our first consulate appointment, please also pray that the visa process to move to Spain will go smoothly. And finally, please continue to pray for Rev. David and Shelee Warner, who have been a great help to us both on the ground in Spain and through their prayers and encouragement. And please also pray for all of our brothers and sisters of the Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Española (Evangelical Lutheran Church of Spain). We are very excited that, by God s grace, we will be able to make the move across the Atlantic Ocean and will be living with them in Spain very soon! God bless you and yours. And thank you, again, for all of the prayers that you have said on our behalf, and all the support that you have given for the sake of the Gospel. The Peace of Christ be with you, Pastor Adam Lehman

19 In our June 2015 Gloria Dei Congregational meeting, we formally adopted the Rev. David Preus family as our missionaries to the Dominican Republic. ~Mission and Mercy~ The Preus Family in the Dominican Republic Mission and Thanksgiving When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World in the winter of 1621, they depended on the Wampanoag people for their daily bread. They thanked God for the help of pagans who did not yet know the true God. In the year 1492, Christopher Columbus landed on the north coast of what is today the Dominican Republic. When their ship, the Santa María, broke down on Christmas Day, they, too, depended on the heathen Taíno people for aid. As missionaries, we depend on an exchange of culture, knowing that one God cares for all people. Our task is to introduce all people to the unknown God (Acts 17:23), who saves sinners like you and me by no other name than Jesus (Acts 4:12). Gracias! Dear friends, November is as good a time as any to say Gracias! Thank you, again, for all of your prayers and financial support! You have not invested in temporal things, but in the eternal Word that will never pass away. We have come a long way, and we believe we are fast approaching our departure to the Dominican Republic. Please hang with us on our journey, and pray for safe travels to North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida! What is Thanksgiving? Thank you! We say it all the time. When I lived in Germany, I was told I said it too much. Thanks isn t just a word we throw around. There are things to be thankful for, and pouring me another cup of coffee isn t high on the list. Of course, I was thankful because I really love coffee. We are genuinely thankful for many things things we need and things we don t need so much. We are grateful for everything that comes from the merciful hand of God. But Thanksgiving is more than being thankful for temporal benefits health, dinner, fun. These things, while important for this life, are actually quite small compared to the forgiveness of sins, which is the first and greatest gift of all. For millennia God has caused it to rain and shine on every nation making fields produce rich harvests. But in these last days He has sent his apostles to open the flood valves of his grace and to spread the light of Christ. Having recreated us through baptism, He continues to feed us with the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sins. Our Lord saw how far away we stood from Him because of the leprosy of our sin. But rather than sending us away, He invites us to Himself, the only Mediator between God and man, who bore in His body the leprosy of this fallen world. Jesus, our Priest, who once offered Himself to God in our place, now sends missionaries to preach the faith by which the Holy Spirit makes us whole. We are thankful for all the things we have. And we are especially thankful to the One who gives them to us. We know that He who did not withhold from us the greater gift, who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, will also easily give us every temporal thing as well. That is what fills us everyday with true Thanksgiving and joy! Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle s (Psalm 103:1-5).

20 Prayer Requests Give thanks for the work that is already being done in the Dominican Republic by the grace of God. Pray for the pastors, deaconesses, and the entire missionary team currently working in the Dominican Republic, along with their families. Pray for the Preuses as they travel to raise support for their mission work in the Dominican Republic. Pray for mission and mercy to abound in the Dominican Republic and throughout the world. Support Our Work Share this Newsletter with friends and family. Preus.Dominican and check out the Latin American facebook page at: LCMSLAC Support our mission work financially. (See bottom right.) Mission and Mercy Meet Stefanie in the photo to the right. Stefanie is fortunate to have the care she requires for her various disabilities. Praise God for our deaconesses! She is also blessed to have the gospel of Jesus preached to her on a regular basis because she, like you and I, need it even more than daily bread. And, like every Christian, she loves to hear the good news. When you meet Stefanie she is eager to show how much English she knows. I look forward to seeing her again. Let s hope I can catch up on enough Spanish of my own, so that we may enjoy rich conversations about Jesus, His cross, and all His benefits! Reflections from Home by Hans We went on a two week trip to Wisconsin last month. Now we are back at home in St. Louis for three weeks. It will be my 12 th birthday on November 6 th. I am very excited. Then we will travel south for more support-raising over Thanksgiving. Wisconsin was fun, but I don t think I was ready to go on another trip yet. I just hadn t refueled from summer vacation. In school I am learning about the metric system in math, Gastropods and worms in science, and the Vikings in history. We re almost done with Zoology and will be starting Astronomy next. In our free time we like to be outside and play with friends. We went to a pumpkin patch and it was really fun. My favorite part was the haunted hayride. We will need to start packing for our trip to North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida soon. We re going to do a couple of history field trips about the civil war during this trip. Rolf and I had fun making a homemade Transformer Optimus Prime for his Halloween costume. It was made out of cardboard boxes, markers, paper, and paper towel rolls. It turned out awesome! Well, that s all for now. Adios see you later! Nuestro más profundo agradecimiento! Our deepest appreciation for your prayers, hospitality, encouragement, and financial support! We have indeed come a long way. We still (and always) depend on our gracious Lord, working through you, His saints, for continual support. We pray that you will continue to follow our journey to the Dominican Republic! In Christ s love, To support our work financially, you may send a tax-deductible gift to: Rev. David Preus The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod P.O. Box St. Louis, MO Make checks payable to The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod or LCMS. Include Preus-Dominican in the memo line. Gifts can also be given securely online through the LCMS website at

21 BIBLE STUDIES Men s Breakfast and Bible Study Every Saturday 8 a.m.in the Fellowship Hall, Followed by Bible Study in Room 32 Hot Breakfast $4.00 For more info contact Bruce Caruso at Joyful Hearts Women s Bible Study Meets on Wednesday 9:30 a.m. in the chapel. All women are welcome! Monday Night Bible Study meets each Monday in the chapel at 7 p.m. They are studying A Longer Look at the Lessons Delve deeper into each week's three Scripture readings with A Longer Look at the Lessons. This Bible study is based on the lectionary in the Lutheran Service Book, and provides information about the readings and their contexts. For more information please contact Elaine Carstens Please join the women of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League 1st and 3rd Saturdays at 9 a.m. 11 a.m for Breakfast/Bible study We will meet in the chapel. All women are invited! PASTOR POULOS LEADS THE FOLLOWING BIBLE STUDIES Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m. "Bible Foundations!" Why we believe what we believe! Wednesday Night bible study will resume in January

22 LUTHERAN WOMEN S MISSIONARY LEAGUE NEWS Lutheran Women s Missionary League Christmas Brunch Saturday, December 5th 10 a.m. 1 p.m. Have a Thrifty Little Christmas Bring your favorite dish to share!, Enjoy a wonderful devo on and an exci ng fashion show! Our gi s will be for the seminary families (Sessa and Murphy). We will be collec ng gi cards such as; Walmart, Target, Toys R Us, Kmart, TJMax, Marshalls. PLEASE NO PUBLIX OR WINN DIXIE CARDS. Barry Vonada is able to order gi cards for us that will also benefit the Academy. Don t forget to bring a mug for a prayer partner Child Care will be available All women are welcome! Christmas Cookie Sale! December 13 th after each service. If you love cookies or need a tasty gift for someone special we can help! Stop by the tables in the Fellowship Hall and pick up some delicious cookies for friends and families! Mites! Keep those mites coming in! Since 1942 Lutheran Women s Missionary League has raised over 2 million dollars for Missions all over the world. You do make a difference with your mites! May God s love and peace be with you through this Christmas time and the New Year. The LWML Board 22

23 YOUR COMPREHENSIVE SOURCE FOR NEWS, INFORMATION & TRUTH...Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken and produced by Lutheran Public Radio in Collinsville, IL. You can listen to what you want when you want at and on the new Lutheran Public Radio mobile app

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