GOOD NEWS FROM CHRIST

Transcription

1 stors Volume Issue 1 JANUARY 2016 CHRIST OUR SAVIOR LUTHERAN CHURCH Sharing The Love Of Jesus With Open Arms For All Sunday Morning Schedule 9:15 AM Sunday School and Bible Classes 10:30 AM Worship Rev. George Hamilton Vacancy Pastor Rev. John Panning, LCMS Emeritus Pastor Inside this issue: Scripture Readings, Worship for Shut ins, Thrivent, Storage Space, Help Needed Servers for January 3 Benevolences, Greeters 4 Ushers Schedule for New Pastor Information, Here We Stand Meeting Winter Bible Study, Mark Bible Study, Saturday Bible Study, Lent, Youth Group Calendar MAY GOD BLESS YOU IN 2016 The shift from December 31 to January 1 causes writers to spout off about many issues. Magazines and TV specials are filled with rewrites of major (or minor) events of the year past which may or may not teach us anything. Forecasts for the future consume many pages, but most of them are simply extensions of the trend of the past projected into the next year. I think we deserve a better perspective. Dr. Rob Kasper, writing for the Michigan District publication, Michigan in Touch Online gives a startling description of life in our world today: This is the age of the half-read page, the quick hash, the mad dash, the bright night with nerves tight, the airplane hop and the brief stop. It s the age of the l amp tan in a short span, the brain strain and the heart pain, the cat naps until the spring snaps, and the fun s done. All the change around us only highlights our own weakness and inability to control our own little worlds. We have tried to play God and have been found lacking. The chaos in the cosmos only reflects the chaos in our own lives as a result of violating the first Commandment: Thou shalt have no other gods be fore me (Exodus 20:3 KJV). The real stability we still possess is the changeless promise that Jesus Christ brings into our lives. He comes with the gift of salvation and the assurance of His love for us even in the flow of all the sound bites and quick pictures we try to sort into a meaningful life. Jesus has it all. He is the changeless One, who makes everything new in our lives. As we look forward to the next year in our lives together as the family of Christ meeting at the corner of Riley and 120th Avenue, we see many unknowns ahead, but we carry high hopes for the next chapter of that life. A new pastor will be among us, beginning some time in April. That transition will cause us to reset some of our old habits, while we may renew some others. My prayer for us will be that the changeless Christ will lead us to new heights as His disciples. Pastor George NOTES FROM PASTOR HAMILTON

2 PAGE 2 FOR YOUR INFORMATION THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS At the middle of December $47.00 was deposited into our account from Thrivent Choice Dollars. STORAGE SPACE NEEDED We are in need of someone who has space to store our poinsettias and lilies when not in use. Al & Myra Kohsel have graciously stored them for many years but the time has come to relinquish this task. If you have the room and are Interested, please talk with Bonnie. HELP NEEDED We are in need of people to help out with the screen. That person (s) will need to have PowerPoint knowledge. Right now there are 3 people putting the screen together. More would be helpful. If you are interested please see Ray Crockford, John Olson, or Deb Bareman. They can tell you what it is all about. SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES IN JANUARY Sunday, January 3 Epiphany Of Our Lord Old Testament Isaiah 60:1-6 Epistle Ephesians 3:1-12 Gospel Matthew 2:1-12 Sunday, January 10 Baptism Of Our Lord Old Testament Isaiah 43:1-7 Epistle Romans 6:1-11 Gospel Luke 3:15-22 Sunday, January 17 Life Sunday Old Testament Isaiah 62:1-5 Epistle I Corinthians 12:1-11 Gospel John 2:1-11 Sunday, January 24 Third Sunday After Epiphany Old Testament Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Epistle I Corinthians 12:12-31a Gospel Luke 4:16-30 Sunday, January 31 Fourth Sunday After Epiphany Old Testament Jeremiah 4:1-10 Epistle I Corinthians 12:31b-13:3 Gospel Luke 4:31-44 WORSHIP FOR SHUT-INS Worship for Shut-Ins is a Lutheran television 30 minute worship service. It includes the Propers for the day, prayers, and a LCMS pastor delivering a message that is one-on-one to the viewer. Also included are up to four choir selections. There are no commercials or repeats. It is shown at 11:30 am on local cable channel 54 or Xfinity channel 21 This may also be viewed on our website: by going to the Sermons & Media CHURCH COUNCIL LEADERS: President Mark Johnson V. President Kathy Ballmer Financial Sec. Derk Teusink Treasurer Philip Matro Secretary Sue Johnson Education Jane Martinsen Stewardship Ann Campbell Head Elder-Spiritual Welfare Bruce Campbell Ministries John Olson Evangelism Andrea Teusink Head Trustee Rick Elushik Missions Additional Elders:Art Fenrich, Dave Garnsey, Bob Kimball, Al Kohsel, Tom Nunheimer, Ryan Ohse, Brian Scheiderer Additional Trustees: John Bareman, Ray Crockford, Ken Reimink CHURCH WORKERS: Administrative Assistant Bonnie Crockford Youth Director Carol Garnsey Custodian Pat VanSlooten

3 FOR YOUR INFORMATION PAGE 3 SERVERS FOR THE MONTH OF JANUARY January 3 January 17 Reader Teresa Schraudt Reader Youth Acolyte Riley Brophy Acolyte Evan Yasick Ushers Ray & Bonnie Crockford Ushers John & Esther Klug Music Cathy Roush Music Cathy Roush Greeters Howard Born/Cathy Sytsma Greeters Tom & Karen Nunheimer Screen Ray Crockford Screen John Olson Pastor s Prayer Team Brian Scheiderer Pastor s Prayer Team Dave Garnsey Refreshments Fenrich Family Refreshments Youth Counters Vizithum/Kendall Counters Jacoby/Kohsel Bulletin Helper BonnieCrockford Bulletin Helper Louise Rowan Flowers January 10 January 24 Reader Pat Shealey Reader Dave Garnsey Acolyte Bryce Ohse Acolyte Jacob Trujillo Ushers Philip & Jaclyn Matro Ushers Scott & Amy Brophy Music Helen Travis Music Helen Travis Greeters Ryan & Julie Ohse Greeters Daryl & Molly Zorn Screen Ray Crockford Screen John Olson Pastor s Prayer Team Ryan Ohse Pastor s Prayer Team Tom Nunheimer Refreshments Refreshments Counters Martinsen/Reimink/Kievit Counters Atkinson/DeBoer Bulletin Helper Doris Kendall Bulletin Helper Bernice Wentzel January 31 Reader Teresa Schraudt Acolyte Bryce Ohse Ushers Mark & Sue Johnson Music Cathy Roush Greeters Jeff & Shari Atkinson Screen Deb Bareman Pastor s Prayer Team Bob Kimball Refreshments Counters Vizithum/Kendall Bulletin Helper Laura Hoek

4 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 PAGE 4 MISSION-GIVING UPDATE (including Local Benevolences ) We joyfully respond to a resolution of the of the congregation passed several years ago that 10% of all General Fund offerings would be designated for Missions. That percentage, then, is divided into two parts; so that 7% of the total General Fund offerings go for mission-work through our District and Synod, and 3% of the total is given for Local Benevolences. Recently our Elders have distributed the Local Benevolence portion for November as follows: one-half each, for: Nestlings Escape Ministries GREETERS FOR JANUARY THROUGH APRIL January 3 Howard Born & Cathy Sytsma January 10 Ryan & Julie Ohse January 17 Tom & Karen Nunheimer January 24 Daryl & Molly Zorn January 31 Jeff & Shari Atkinson February 7 John & Esther Klug February 14 John Olson & Pat Shealey February 21 Mark & Sue Johnson February 28 Ken Reimink & John Roush March 6 Dave & Carol Garnsey March 13 Kathy Balder & Bernice Wentzel March 20 Jeff & Shari Atkinson March 27 Bernice & Charles Wentzel (Early) John Roush & Ken Reimink (Late) April 3 Howard Born & Cathy Systma April 10 Derk & Andrea Teusink April 17 Bonnie Crockford & Karen Nunheimer April 24 John & Esther Klug CONTACTING PASTOR Office: Cellular: Sunday School and Bible Classes 9:15 am Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 am

5 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 USHER SCHEDULE FOR 2016 USHER SCHEDULE FOR 2016 JANUARY 3 Ray & Bonnie Crockford 10 Philip & Jaclyn Matro 17 John & Esther Klug 24 Scott & Amy Brophy 31 Mark & Sue Johnson FEBRUARY 7 John & Deb Bareman 14 Mike & Lila Overbeek 21 Brian & Melissa Scheiderer 28 Josh & Laurie3 Schnakenberg MARCH 6 Jerry & Nelva DeBoer 13 Mike & Michele Jacoby 20 Ryan & Julie Ohse 27 Al & Myra Kohsel (Easter) APRIL 3 Ray & Bonnie Crockford 10 Scott & Amy Brophy 17 Brian & Melissa Scheiderer 24 Philip & Jaclyn Matro MAY 1 Mark & Sue Johnson 8 Jerry & Nelva DeBoer 15 Art & Lisa Fenrich 22 Josh & Laurie Schnakenberg 29 John & Esther Klug (Memorial) JUNE 5 John & Deb Bareman 12 Mike & Lila Overbeek 19 Al & Myra Kohsel 26 Mike & Michele Jacoby JULY 3 Jerry & Nelva DeBoer (4th Holiday) 10 Josh & Laurie Schnakenberg 17 Art & Lisa Fenrich 24 Philip & Jaclyn Matro 31 Ryan & Julie Ohse AUGUST 7 John & Esther Klug 14 Mike & Lila Overbeek 21 Al & Myra Kohsel 28 John & Deb Bareman SEPTEMBER 4 Art & Lisa Fenrich (Labor) 11 Mike & Michele Jacoby 18 Brian & Melissa Scheiderer 25 Ryan & Julie Ohse OCTOBER 2 Mark & Sue Johnson 9 Philip & Jaclyn Matro 16 Scott & Amy Brophy 23 John & Esther Klug 31 Josh & Laurie Schnakenberg NOVEMBER 6 John & Deb Bareman 13 Mike & Michele Jacoby 20 Jerry & Nelva DeBoer 27 Ray & Bonnie Crockford (Thanksgiving) DECEMBER 4 Al & Myra Kohsel 11 Scott & Amy Brophy 18 Ryan & Julie Ohse 24 Mike & Lila Overbeek (Christmas Eve) 25 Mark & Sue Johnson (Christmas) PAGE 5 Feel free to swap dates with others is your assigned date is not working out. Please see Ryan Ohse or ryanohse@hotmail.com if you d like to join the Usher Ministry, or if you need to drop out for any reason. Thank you for serving!

6 LIFE SUNDAY JANUARY 17 Thank God we are alive. If you are reading this announcement, you are already experiencing the awesome gift of life. Some people have life snuffed before it really gets going; some have life shortened before it reaches its natural conclusion. We join with millions of other Americans on Jan. 17 to focus our worship attention on the ongoing tension in our nation over these issues with Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. Lutherans for Life has a theme for the day Created, Redeemed, Called. God stands behind each of these ideas. He has created and redeemed each of us; He also calls us to be His. (See Isaiah 43:1) In Holland, Right to Life of Michigan will hold a March for Life on Monday, Jan. 18. Assemble in Centennial Park (Central at 10th) at 7:00 PM; a memorial service for the unborn at Central Avenue CRC will follow at 7:20. HERE WE STAND MEETING There will be a Here We Stand briefing meeting on March 8. Michigan District plans a major fund drive for scholarships and endowment to coincide with the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in There will be a briefing for congregation leaders from our area of the state at St. Matthew in Ada (Cascade Road) on March 8 from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M. If you would like to go, please let Bruce Campbell know. ( ) or bhcamp47@yahoocom. INFORMATION NEEDED FOR NEW PASTOR With our new Pastor coming in April, we would like to have a list of member resources available to him. Please submit a note to the church office by January 15, so we can compile them. You can either bring them to the office or to the church office at: coshlld@sbcglobal.net. EXAMPLES Name: Bruce Campbell Work: Teacher, social worker, postal clerk, retired Hobbies: reading, Bible studies, gardening, cooking COS (service to LORD: head elder, member advocate, council chair spiritual welfare, delegate to district convention, choir, bells, praise group, instrumental group, Stephen minister, VBS helper Name: Ann Campbell Work: clerk for lawyer, city water clerk, sales for doll manufacture, secretary (purchaser) for manufacture, administrative assistance for medical clinic, medical coder (employed with Humana) Hobbies: knitting and spinning, Bible studies COS (service to LORD): stewardship chair on council, music plays clarinet, choir, bells, praise group, Stephen minister We have been married 16 years, five children and ten grandchildren

7 PLAN FOR WINTER BIBLE STUDY Many opportunities for growth in the Word are open right now. Pick yours from the list. SUNDAY STUDIES 2 Thessalonians Join an investigation of Paul s second letter to the Thessalonian church. Paul addresses some concerns they felt, concerns that are similar for us as we start (1) They were uptight about persecutors; Paul said we should leave that problem for God to handle. (2) Some thought they had missed Jesus return; his message was not to fear. (3) Some had adopted the idle life since Jesus would be there soon; wrong idea again. This study will run through January 3 to 17. Pastor Dennis Lassanske will be with us on January 24 and 31. He will use the Bible class hour to address Insights from Israel. He is on a trip to Israel right now studying some new information that will illuminate our reading of the Bible. He will share thoughts from his trip on those two Sundays. SATURDAY BIBLE STUDIES RESTART Christ Our Savior has two Bible study groups meeting on Saturday mornings at 9:00, one for women and one for men. Both groups have an open enrollment policy all the time. But you may find the start of 2016 a great time to get on board. First sessions January 9 God Sends a Deliverer - Men s group will open Exodus (chapters 1-20) to explore the life of Moses and the nation of Israel moving out of Egypt. The women s group will be starting a new study also; see Jane Martinsen this week for topic information. MARK A LOOK AT MIRACULOUS HEALINGS BY JESUS The Gospel of Mark is packed with action and Jesus moves from one miracle to another. What was he doing? Why and How? This new study starts February 2. Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 or Thursday evenings at 7:00. See Mary Ann Hamilton for details. THURDSAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY They will be starting a new study also; see Jane Martinsen with any questions. LENT STARTS EARLY We just opened January, but the season of Lent is just five weeks away. Worship Life: Our seasonal theme will be Living Lent as People of the Resurrection. Christians know that they are Resurrection people because they believe that Jesus died and rose again for them. What does that tell us about how we will live each day as His disciples? We will explore that question each week of the season. Personal Devotional Life: Plan to add to your personal prayer life a study guide for Lent called Seek God for the City Too often we pray to God with fix-it prayers. Those are usually attempts to push God to put things back to our old normal. Another approach: Consider asking God to complete the things He has promised to do with fulfill-it-all prayers. This prayer guide will be available in mid-january. SUPPORT YOUR YOUTH GROUP PAIN FREE The Christ Our Savior Youth Group has two on-going fund raising programs you can support with no additional cost to you: (1) Can and bottle collection and (2) Meijer Community Rewards shopping. Your contributions only require a little attention to detail. Bring your empty 10 cent returnable cans and bottles to the church. When you shop at Meijer stores, use your Community Rewards card, and Meijer will support our youth group. If you don t have a card, you can sign up at customer service. All of the proceeds will fund sending our youth representatives to the national youth gathering in July.