Faith s Tide. The mission of. is to know God s grace and make it known. December Volume 25 Issue 12

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Faith s Tide Faith Lutheran Church 8200 Ellis Avenue Huntington Beach, CA 92646-1839 (Ellis Ave. between Beach & Newland Ave.) Phone - 714.962.5571 Sr. Pastor, The Reverend Dr.

org Traditional Worship, 8:30 AM Celebration Worship, 11:00 AM Sunday Christian Education: Ages 3 - adult 9:45-10:45 AM Child care available 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for children ages one and up.

1 Faith s Tide Faith Lutheran Church 8200 Ellis Avenue Huntington Beach, CA (Ellis Ave. between Beach & Newland Ave.) Phone Sr. Pastor, The Reverend Dr. Richard Paul Phone Fax Web: office@faithhb.org Traditional Worship, 8:30 AM Celebration Worship, 11:00 AM Sunday Christian Education: Ages 3 - adult 9:45-10:45 AM Child care available 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM for children ages one and up. Child of Faith Preschool (2 years - Pre-K) Callie Paesano, Director Phone childoffaith@faithhb.org Faith E-Tide is a weekly newsletter with information, resources, and coming events. Subscribe by contacting the office at office@faithhb.org Volume 25 Issue 12 DO NOT DELAY TIME DATED MATERIALS Or Current Resident The mission of Faith Lutheran Church is to know God s grace and make it known. Faith s Tide Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit #60 Huntington Beach, CA December 2017 Inside this issue: Pastor s Message Craft Faire and Thank You... 4 Birthdays & Anniversaries... 4 Christmas Carol Concert... 5 Child of Faith... 6 Happy Birthday Jesus Party... 7 Beautify the House of the Lord... 7 Christmas Poinsettias... 8 Women s Advent Celebration... 8 Petal Pushers... 9 Decorating our Church Advent & Christmas Services Lutheran Social Services Card Parents Night Out... 11

2 Page 2 Faith Lutheran Church 8200 Ellis Avenue Huntington Beach, CA Office hours: Mon - Fri: 8:00 AM 5:00 PM Closed Briefly: Weds: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Phone Fax ADMINISTRATION: Rev. Dr. Richard Paul, Pastor pastor@faithhb.org Spencer Behmlander, Director of Youth & Family Ministries spencer@faithhb.org Sheri Swanson, Office Manager office@faithhb.org Charles Bennett, Director of Music musicministry@faithhb.org Darwin Strong, Audio/Visual darwin@faithhb.org CHILD OF FAITH PRESCHOOL Callie Paesano, Director office@childoffaithhb.org CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Sundays: Ages 3 adult, 9:45 10:45 A.M. In-service Kid s Chat : 11:00 AM Children s Church 11 :00 AM Weekdays: Bible Study Wednesdays, 10:00 AM Youth Events 2nd & 4th Fridays 6:30-9:30 PM WOMEN OF FAITH! Service Ministry Dawn Bennett, chair dawnsellscl@yahoo.com HEAD ELDER: Chuck Braker cbraker@socal.rr.com Weekly information & updates printed in the Sunday Wave Membership Directory (updated once a year) contains members addresses, phone numbers and addresses. Send updates and additions to: office@faithhb.org Faith E-Tide is a weekly newsletter mailed to members who subscribe through their . Send addresses to: office@faithhb.org Articles submitted to the monthly newsletter FAITH S TIDE are due the second Friday of each month (no exceptions). From the Pastor s Desk F or years I have spent a lot of time complaining about how early Christmas decorations, commercials and store displays for Christmas are thrust upon us. Even before Halloween, Home Depot was up and running with lights and artificial trees, lawn displays, everything to decorate the inside and outside of your home for Christmas. I would complain and bemoan the commercialism and how the extragavent giving is placed before us. This year I received an invitation to a party for disadvantaged children, where they would receive a holiday meal and lots of presents. The party is December 8 th! They don t have to wait, and what will Christmas Eve or Christmas Day mean? They already have had Santa come. Will he come twice? As I thought about all of this, and how it feels like more and more our society is taking the true meaning of Christmas away from us, I wondered if there was another approach. What would happen if we stopped complaining and found a way to fight back and embrace the circumstances surrounding us? We aren t going to stop the commercialization; that s like trying to put the genie back into the bottle. So what should we do? Perhaps it is time for us to start talking about the real meaning of Christmas. Instead of waiting until December; instead of waiting until Christmas Eve, what would happen if we embraced the season and began earlier than usual talking about the real meaning of Christmas? What would happen if we talked about why God gave us the greatest gift of all, The Christ child, Jesus our Savior? Don t misunderstand when I say, if we embraced the season? I don t mean that we jump into the over indulgence and gift buying that has become so normal. I don t mean we should start putting coal in children s stockings. I don t mean we should become like Scrooge and try to put a bah-hum-bug on everyone s celebration. What I mean is, if the world around us is starting to celebrate Christmas in October, perhaps we should start telling the Christmas story to everyone we see. I think we should begin positively to set a tone and an example in our lives of the true meaning of Christmas. If my neighbor wishes me Happy Holidays I am not going to complain, but instead I am going to respond, Blessed Christmas. Isn t it wonderful how we are celebrating the birth of God s Son for us? Can I share with you the real meaning of Christmas? For us Christmas is truly a marvelous event. God sending His Son to earth as a human, to live and die for us. What a fantastic gift. Yet as well as we know the (Continued on page 3)

3 Faith s Ti de For us Christmas is truly a marvelous event. God sending His Son to earth as a human, to live and die for us. What a fantastic gift. Yet as well as we know the story, our hearts and minds continue to need that strengthening of faith that comes when we celebrate this event together, and where we can gather as God s people to rejoice and give thanks. To help us do that our mid-weekly worship services this year will be focused around the theme Together in Advent. These special services, preceded by bible study of the same theme on Sunday, will be a great way to gather together to prepare for Christmas. In our mid-week Advent services we will see how to Be Present in our world, how we can Share Joy and how we can Send Peace to those around us. God did a wonderful thing at Christmas. He stepped into our world and into our lives with love, joy and peace. I want to celebrate that. I ve already started playing Christmas music. The marvelous sounds and the tremendous message from the Angels that comes to us through the music, is what lifts our hearts and souls in praise to God. So on this first day of December (or whenever you receive this newsletter) let me wish you a most Blessed Christmas. May this month be filled with God s great joy, and may you, like the angels, herald that message for all to hear: For unto you is born this day, a Savior who is Christ the Lord. Merry Christmas and yes Blessed Christmas, Pastor Paul Page 3 Faith Leadership Church Council is the governing body of the congregation, administering congregational affairs. Committees under the council (listed below) meet the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 6:30 PM, unless otherwise noted. Council Chair Peter Swanson, pcswanson1@yahoo.com Secretary Sandy Braker, sbraker@socal.rr.com Treasurer Gary Burton, gcburton7@gmail.com Ministry of Gifts (Stewardship) Ministry of Properties 1st Thursday, 6:30 PM Gregg Leonard, possum9331@gmail.com Ministry of Youth Activities 1st Tuesday, 6:30 PM Garrett McFaul, Ministry of Music Charles Bennett, bennettassoc@yahoo.com Women of Faith 2nd Sunday, 12:15 PM Dawn Bennett, dawnsellscl@yahoo.com Board of Elders assists the pastor in Ministering to the spiritual needs of the congregation. Elders 2nd Thursday, 7 PM Altar Care Sandy Baltzer sbaltzer@ethorn.com Serve the Lord with gladness!

Page 4 Women of Faith Debra Merrick 4 Pamela Schwene 6 Nicholas Luebcke 7 Hailey

Jessica Baker 12 Chloe Hern 13 Valerie Marini 18 Heather Meeks 21 David Luebcke

Strong 29 Mark Tubbiola 30 Rick & Shirley Willems 3 Robert & Barbara Swangstue 6

Craft Faire I m writing to you at the request of my Mother, Velda Ryan.

appreciates and loves all of you so very much.

4 Page 4 Women of Faith Debra Merrick 4 Pamela Schwene 6 Nicholas Luebcke 7 Hailey Rowland 7 Callie Kaltreider 9 Ron Moore 9 Korey Bajhart 10 Peter Swanson 10 Jessica Baker 12 Chloe Hern 13 Valerie Marini 18 Heather Meeks 21 David Luebcke 21 John Swiger 21 Candy Shults 23 Lacey Halvorson 25 Albert Rasch 25 Darwin Strong 29 Mark Tubbiola 30 Rick & Shirley Willems 3 Robert & Barbara Swangstue 6 Charles & Dawn Bennett 12 Bruce & Joyce Schoenegge 21 Dear Family at Faith, Craft Faire I m writing to you at the request of my Mother, Velda Ryan. She wants you all to know how grateful she is for the time you have taken to write to her. Your cards, letters and notes have done so much to brighten her days and she appreciates and loves all of you so very much. Thank you again for your love and prayers and support. She s doing well. She thinks of you often and again, appreciates all of you so very much. Happy Thanksgiving! In His Love, Velda Ryan (and Patty Carroll)

5 Page 5 Faith Lutheran Church s Third Annual Christmas Carol Concert & Wassail Reception Presented by: Faith s Music Ministry Sunday, December 17, :30 pm 8:00 pm Come sing your favorite Christmas Songs and Carols with us! Enjoy Christmas Cookies and Hot Wassail at our Post-Concert Reception in Haas Hall. Bring your friends, neighbors & family to this free event! Faith Lutheran Church 8200 Ellis Avenue Huntington Beach, CA 92646

Page 6 Callie Paesano, Director Karen Neppl, Assistant Director Phone: (714) 962-1864 Web: www.childoffaith.org Child of Faith Preschool Ages 2-6 yrs 6:30 AM - 6 PM Email: office@childoffaith.

and spiritual potentials. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

They re surrounded by those nearest and dearest to them. God gives us a great reason to celebrate this month! He gave us the birth of Jesus, who was born to save us all.

What a joy it is to hear young voices proclaim the great news of Christ s birth. These kids get it! They know what Christmas is all about!

6 Page 6 Callie Paesano, Director Karen Neppl, Assistant Director Phone: (714) Web: Child of Faith Preschool Ages 2-6 yrs 6:30 AM - 6 PM office@childoffaith.org Our Mission - Child of Faith is committed to providing quality care in a loving, Christ-centered environment where children can develop to their fullest social, physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual potentials. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. Luke 2:20 Everyone loves a good celebration; the decorations, the games, the excitement, the cake, and the joy. People are happy when they are at a party. They re surrounded by those nearest and dearest to them. God gives us a great reason to celebrate this month! He gave us the birth of Jesus, who was born to save us all. All the teachers at Child of Faith are blessed because we have the honor of ministering to young children. How awesome it is to know these precious children are learning about Jesus and His birth! What a joy it is to hear young voices proclaim the great news of Christ s birth. These kids get it! They know what Christmas is all about! We have some wonderful activities and events planned for this month, We hope you and your family can join us. Santa s Breakfast is Friday, December 8 th at 9:00 a.m. Santa Claus will be in attendance with presents for the children and there will be a pancake breakfast. All family members are invited. Take some time on this morning to have breakfast with your child. Our Christmas Program is Sunday, December 10 th at the 11:00 a.m. service. Please have your child at the preschool by 10:45 a.m. to prepare. Parents can then continue on to the church service. Vision Screening provided by the California-Hawaii Elks Major Project, Inc. on Friday, December 1 st at 9:00am. The preschool will be closed Monday, December 25 th and Tuesday, December 26 th We hope that everyone has a most joyous Christmas celebration. In His Service, Callie Paesano

The children will be dismissed for Children s Church after the Children s Chat. Please join us to celebrate Jesus birth!

7 Page 7 Happy Birthday Jesus! All children are invited to attend our annual Happy Birthday Jesus Party! When: Sunday, December 24 th Time: 11:00 AM 12:00 PM During our Children s Church hour Families please attend our 11:00 AM worship service. The children will be dismissed for Children s Church after the Children s Chat. Please join us to celebrate Jesus birth! Beautify the House of the Lord I could sure use some volunteers to help spruce up our Lord s house for the holidays! If you are available, please join me on Saturday, December 16 th from 9:00 am to 11:30 am to help Beautify the church for Christmas. I know getting our own homes ready is a top priority, but I think you will agree that our church home is important as well. There will be a list of jobs to complete and cleaning supplies available. Thanks in advance, Sandy Braker

occasion. Order forms will be available in the narthex during worship services in December. Orders must be placed by December 17th and each 6 plant costs $8.

8 Page 8 Christmas Poinsettias Would you like to purchase a poinsettia to decorate our sanctuary for Christmas? It has been the tradition at Faith to offer our families the opportunity to place one or more poinsettias in our Sanctuary in honor of or in memory of a loved one or in celebration of a special occasion. Order forms will be available in the narthex during worship services in December. Orders must be placed by December 17th and each 6 plant costs $8. Poinsettias will decorate our Sanctuary through January 7th. Please contact Sheri, in the church office, if you have any questions or would like to dedicate a poinsettia. JESUS is the Reason! Exploring Christmas Traditions Women of Faith s Advent Celebration Sunday, December 3rd, 1:00 PM Celebrate the Reason for the Season with us! Including a Finger-food Reception & Optional Gift Exchange ($15 & Christmas Theme)

Besides those of us who live in Southern California, many Lutherans come from across the country to decorate Rose Parade floats in order to help pay for the Lutheran Hour Float which appears annually

9 Faith s Tide Page 9 It's that time of year again for one of the really fun traditions for Southern California Lutherans! Petal Pushers are volunteers who annually decorate the Lutheran Hour Float and as many as nine additional floats up at one of the Rose Float Barns in Irwindale. Everyone 13 and older is WELCOME! Besides those of us who live in Southern California, many Lutherans come from across the country to decorate Rose Parade floats in order to help pay for the Lutheran Hour Float which appears annually in the parade. It's an eight hour commitment to some fun work with lots of fellowship and a real inside look at these beautiful creations. Faith has sent a group each year for many years, ranging in age from 13 to over 85. We carpool up there for the day. Sign-ups will begin in December. We don t know the date we ll be decorating floats yet, but in past years we went up on New Year s Eve from 4 PM to 11PM or completion of the floats. This is a great date because the floats are far along and the work is a lot more interesting. Any questions see Mark Schwene!

Our beautiful Christmas tree will be ready for decorating on Saturday, December 9th, at 9:30 AM. Please join us! It will be fun decorating together and getting in the Christmas spirit!

10 Page 10 Faith s Tide Kick off the holiday season and help decorate our SANCTUARY & CHRISTMAS TREE! On Saturday, December 2nd, beginning at 1:00 PM, we will prepare for Advent by hanging garland in the Sanctuary. Our beautiful Christmas tree will be ready for decorating on Saturday, December 9th, at 9:30 AM. Please join us! It will be fun decorating together and getting in the Christmas spirit! Thank you! Advent and Christmas Worship Services Advent Services - Wednesdays at 7:00 PM: December 6 December 13 December 20 Christmas Eve - Sunday, December 24: 8:30 AM - Traditional Service 11:00 AM - Praise Service 5:00 PM - Candlelight Service Christmas Day - Monday, December 25 at 9:30 AM Please join us in the anticipation and celebration of our Lord and Savior s birth!

Page 11 Parents Night Out Friday, December 8th, 6-9 PM Blessings to you and your family during this Christmas season! What an exciting time of the year, a time that we can remember our Savior's birth.

The format of the night will be a little different: 6:00 PM - Drop Off 8:00 PM - Parent s Return for Pageant 8:30 PM - Hot Cocoa & Cookie Reception We ask the parents to come back at 8:00 PM to watch

11 Page 11 Parents Night Out Friday, December 8th, 6-9 PM Blessings to you and your family during this Christmas season! What an exciting time of the year, a time that we can remember our Savior's birth. We are going to have our annual Christmas pageant starring your kids! The format of the night will be a little different: 6:00 PM - Drop Off 8:00 PM - Parent s Return for Pageant 8:30 PM - Hot Cocoa & Cookie Reception We ask the parents to come back at 8:00 PM to watch the pageant. As usual the kids will eat a light dinner with us and make a craft. It is a family style Christmas pageant, which means that we all will get to sing together and worship and the kids will act out the Christmas story. After the pageant is over, we invite you to join us for cookies and hot cocoa. Please invite your families and friends to see the pageant as well. We invite families from our Huntington Beach and surrounding communities to join us for Parents Night Out. Any child, age 3 (and potty trained) to 5th grade is welcome to attend. Any student in middle school and older, is welcome to come and help out. Please RSVP to the church office to let us know how many kids will attend, to help us plan our supplies. To RSVP or if you have questions or would like to serve, please contact Joe Patton at pattonjoseph@hotmail.com or the church office at office@faithhb.org. All of us at Faith Lutheran Church wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Faith Lutheran Church 8200 Ellis Ave Huntington Beach office@faithhb.org

DO NOT DELAY TIME DATED MATERIALS

DO NOT DELAY TIME DATED MATERIALS Faith s Tide Faith Lutheran Church 8200 Ellis Avenue Huntington Beach, CA 92646-1839 (Located on Ellis Ave. between Beach Blvd. and Newland Ave.) Phone - 714.962.5571 Sr. Pastor, The Reverend Dr. Richard