A Lesson Learned During Advent

Transcription

1 Preceding Sunday, December 18, 2016 A publication of Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1036 W A Street, Moscow, ID Phone: Fax: emmanuelmoscowid@gmail.com Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM 4 PM (unless otherwise noted.) Issue#: A Lesson Learned During Advent Julie Reynolds of Snohomish, Washington, tells of one Advent season when all her young children came down with chicken pox. Everything planned was put on hold or forgotten altogether. They missed many church and community activities as well as get-togethers with family and friends. But Julie discovered something during her forced hiatus. She had time to do things with her children. The children were well enough to engage in some family activities that the normal Christmas rush might have prevented. She read Christmas stories to the children. The kids used blankets, walking sticks and other objects to reenact the story of the holy family traveling to Bethlehem. They had time together to discover the joy of family fellowship and to think seriously about the meaning of Christmas. Julie recalled other Christmases when she had been so busy shopping, decorating, cooking and running about that she missed Jesus. She said, I completely missed celebrating the joy of His birth in my own heart. And the emptiness I have felt at those times brought a sorrow and regret deep in my soul. No more! Now she deliberately schedules open days on her calendar, especially during Advent. They are days for waiting upon God, praying, listening and enjoying the peace of God. And they are days of truly being with her family, keeping the bond strong, and the relationships in good repair. Now, she recalls with gratitude the lesson she learned during that Advent years ago. Taken from The NEWSLETTER Newsletter: subscriber/searchcontent.asp?keywords=advent&imagefield2.x=63&imagefield2.y=12 Published in: December

2 Scripture Readings for December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent: Isaiah 7:10-16 An Israelite and Aramean military coalition presented a serious threat to King Ahaz of Judah. In response, Ahaz decided to secure his throne and kingdom by seeking refuge in Assyrian help. Isaiah reminds Ahaz that human attempts to establish security will fail. The prophet gives the sign of Immanuel that is the only source of true safety: God is with us! Psalm 80:1-7, Romans 1:1-7 Most of the Christians in Rome do not know Paul. In this letter s opening he introduces himself as an apostle divinely appointed to spread God s gospel. The gospel s content is the promised coming of Christ, and Paul s mission is to bring about the obedience of faith among all nations, including his Roman audience. Matthew 1:18-25 Matthew s story of Jesus birth focuses on the role of Joseph, who adopts the divinelybegotten child into the family of David and obediently gives him the name Jesus, which means God saves. Sermon by Pastor Dave Daugs Prayer Pieces Sunday mornings at 8:30 in The Gallery. Join us in prayer, fellowship, and conversation, while we knit, crochet, and cross-stitch. Contact Gretchen Isakson (gretchenisakson@ yahoo.com) or Robbie Giles (robbiegiles@roadrunner.com) with questions. Adult Sunday School! See Through the Scriptures with Pastor Daugs, extended through January 8, in the Fellowship Hall from 8-9 AM on Sunday mornings. See Through the Scriptures the big picture of the Bible s message, quickly and clearly. J.A.M. - Jesus and Me! for children through age 12. Following the Children s Sermon, J.A.M. leaders will escort the kiddos down to the Fellowship Hall for crafts, games, songs, and a snack. Children will return to the Sanctuary just prior to Holy Communion. (Note: JAM will not meet on Sunday, December 25.) Men s Breakfast! This is a great time when the MEN come together for a fantastic breakfast and devotional time, usually every 2 nd & 4 th Wednesday mornings at 7 AM. NEW! Following breakfast, the MEN will head to church for a work day! PLEASE NOTE: Due to holidays, Men s Breakfast will only be meeting on Wed., December 14, at 7 AM, at the Breakfast Club in Moscow. Contact the Church Office with questions. (emmanuelmoscowid@gmail.com, ) The Old Dudes! On all the Wednesdays when there is no Men s Breakfast (all Wednesdays except the 2 nd and 4 th ) meet a bunch of Emmanuel Old Dudes for coffee and fellowship at the Moscow Co-op at 7 AM! Theology on Tap! Join us in the backroom of One World Cafe (corner of 6th and Main, Moscow) the 1 st and 3 rd Thursdays of each month at 5:15 PM. Next meeting: December 15. Questions? Contact Walter Hesford. hesford@uidaho.edu MARY Circle usually meets the first Monday of the month. The group will meet next on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 1:30 PM, at Good Samaritan Village Community Room. Questions? Call Shelley Dale ( or sdale@turbonet.com) LEAH Circle usually meets the first Tuesday of the month for devotions and a potluck lunch. The group will meet next on January 3, 2017, at Jeanette Johnson s home (2515 Shelby Lane, Moscow). Bible Study Leader: Charlene Olsson. All women at Emmanuel are warmly invited to attend. Questions? Jeanette Johnston , or Charlene Olsson

3 LAST MID-WEEK ADVENT WORSHIP! Family centered mid-week supper and Advent services will be held on Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, and December 14. Supper begins at 5:30 PM with worship following at 6 PM, all downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for food and fellowship, followed by meaningful Advent activities and Holden Evening Prayer. Thanks you to the following dinner hosts: Nov 30: Youth & Family Dec 7: Choir - Dec 14: Church Council YOUTH! COOKIES! Luth Youth- get out your sprinkles and frosting, it's time to decorate Christmas Cookies! Saturday, December 17, 1-4 PM, at Emmanuel Lutheran. Questions? Contact Lisa Allen at emmanuel.luthyouth@gmail.com THEOLOGY ON TAP! Meet in the backroom of One World Cafe (corner of 6th and Main, Moscow) the 1 st and 3 rd Thursday of each month at 5:15 PM. Next meeting: December 15. Theology on Tap will discuss the Spirit this Thursday. Join the conversation! Questions? Contact Walter Hesford. hesford@uidaho.edu SOME PRESCHOOL NOTES: The Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool Christmas program will be held Thursday, December 15, at 6 PM upstairs in the sanctuary. Campbell s Soup labels are no longer accepting labels for education. Thank you to everyone who has supported our school in the past by collecting soup labels. When you are shopping at Bookpeople of Moscow, and mention Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool, 3% of your purchase will benefit our preschool. TREASURERS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2016 With a 2016 budget of $363,600, that includes the roof loan, income needs to average about $30,300 per month to meet budget. Income from the general fund in November totaled $31,110 and expenses were $28,146. As a result, the operating gain for November was $2,964 and the year-to-date deficit total is now $28,302. We continue to carry a $15,000 balance from our line of credit and incur about $75 in interest expense monthly. The balance on the roof replacement loan today is $51,579; our monthly payment is $987. We hope you have had the opportunity to join us in worship in December. The church building has benefited in many ways this year as a result of special giving projects. Most obvious is the new carpeting around the altar. As we end the 2016 calendar year, we want to thank you for your continued generosity supporting the mission and vision of Emmanuel. As you think of year-end tax planning, we want you to know how much your generosity supports not only members locally but those in need worldwide. Thanks to everyone for their continued generosity. We are truly blessed. Jon Kimberling and Gwen Mitchell, Co-Treasurers Thank you, thank you to all those involved with the wonderful ELCW Advent Brunch on Saturday, December 3rd. A huge thank you to Cody, Tyler and Ian Wendt for providing beautiful music; Jeanette Peterson for playing the piano for our carol singing; Leah and Mary Circles for an abundant feast; the inspirational message from guest speaker Pastor Gail Duba, (from Spokane); and the ELCW board for bringing it all together: Charlene Olsson, Verla Olson Clauss, Janice Johnson and Karin Steenberg! The very generous offering was designated to Christmas for Kids. Richard Clauss helped close the program with carol singing to lighted candles, a perfect way to start the season. Again, thank you! Gratefully, Jan Martin ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Thanks to everyone who helped support the Emmanuel Preschool fall pizza kit fundraiser. We made over $1000 for the preschool. This money will go towards scholarships and the overall maintenance and development of our amazing program! Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming bake sale on Sunday, Feb. 12 after Preschool Sunday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Happy Birthday this week: Karen Ross, Becky Brenner, Marijka Schwarzlaender, Luke Baker

4 2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE HERE and ready for you to pick up. You ll find them in the Bridge area. If you don t find a box with your name on it, let us know in the office. We will get you one. Thanks to our Financial Secretary, Kathy Anderson, for getting envelopes ready, and ALL you do for us! December 18, 2016 Ministers: The Congregation Presiding: Pastor Daugs Dir. Of Music/Organist: Janet McIntosh Altar Guild: Deb Dumroese Acolyte: Henry Roberts Altar Flowers: Poinsettia Garden Assisting Minister: Kathy Kwiatkowski Communion Assistants: Tara Roberts Nancy Sasser Counters: Heidi Bitterwolf Chris Watts Fellowship: Jon & Sharon Kimberling Shelley McGuire Paul & Kathy Kwiatkowski Ron Landeck & Deb Wyatt Greeters: Steve & Carol Nelson J.A.M. Leader: Chie Baker J.A.M. Assistant: Deb Wyatt Quiet Room Attendant: Chie Baker Reader: Lisa Bender Ushers: Vern Kinnison Richard Clauss Verla Olson Clauss Mitzi Houska Walter Hesford Wednesday Dec 14 Youth Director Office Hours 6:00 AM Weekly Publication Deadline 7:00 AM Men's Breakfast (The Breakfast Club) 9:00 AM CANCELED: ELCW Piecemakers 9:00 AM Preschool Music (Sanctuary) 5:30 PM Mid-Week Advent Meal (Host: Church Council) 6:00 PM Mid-Week Advent Worship 7:00 PM Adult Bells Thursday Dec 15 Youth Director Office Hours 9:00 AM Preschool Music (Sanctuary) 9:30 AM Music with Gillian (Bridge) 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 10 AM-Noon Off Site 5:15 PM Theology on Tap! (One World Café) 6:00 PM Preschool Christmas Program (Sanctuary) 6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Friday Dec 16 Youth Director Office Hours 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled Saturday Dec 17 1:00 PM Luth Youth CHRISTMAS COOKIE DECORATING (Hall) Sunday Dec 18 ~4th Sunday in Advent 8:00 AM Adult Christian Education (Hall) 8:30 AM Prayer Pieces (Gallery) 9:30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Children's Choir/Chime Choir 11:00 AM Fellowship (Hall) Monday Dec 19 Pastor Off Tuesday Dec 20 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled Wednesday Dec 21 Winter Solstice 6:00 AM Weekly Publication Deadline 7:00 PM Adult Bells Thursday Dec 22 9:30 AM Music with Gillian (Bridge) 5:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Friday Dec 23 Church Office Closed 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled Saturday Dec 24 Christmas Eve 4:30 PM Christmas Eve Worship Sunday Dec 25 Christmas 9:30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM No Fellowship Hour Merry Christmas! Monday Dec 26 Church Office Closed Pastor Off Tuesday Dec 27 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled 12/19-1/2: No Preschool- Christmas Break

5 The Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool Christmas program will be held Thursday, December 15, at 6 PM upstairs in the sanctuary. Campbell s Soup labels are no longer accepting labels for education. Thank you to everyone who has supported our school in the past by collecting soup labels. SOME When you are shopping at Bookpeople of Moscow, and mention Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool, 3% of your purchase will benefit our preschool. Reminder for weather related school closures, we follow the Moscow School District. If you see Moscow School District closed, this also means we will be closed. They announce on KXLY, KLEW, 1150 AM, 1400 AM, 99.5 FM, FM, and FM. No school December 19-January 2. School resumes on Tuesday, January 3. Merry Christmas! Thanks to everyone who helped support our fall pizza kit fundraiser. We made over $1000 for the preschool. This money will go towards scholarships and the overall maintenance and development of our amazing program! Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming bake sale on Sunday, February 12 after Preschool Sunday. THANKSGIVING FEAST FUN!!!

6 In November, the Luth Youth welcomed the fall with an afternoon of raking leaves. We went to one of our beloved congregation families, who had a yard full of leaves and needed some help. After playing and jumping in the piles, we were able to bag up the leaves. What a fun way to lend a hand! A special thanks to Pastor Dave and Vern Kinnison for helping us get our work done! The Mighty Youth had a play day at Emmanuel. We spent time going on bear hunts, looking for teddy bears hiding throughout the church. The sunshine even came out so we could enjoy playing outside on the playground. Sarah Greenwalt and Keelyn Pilcher were confirmed in November. They delivered a sermon, with the help of two other confirmation students, highlighting the life of Martin and Katie Luther. Thanks for the special church service and congratulations Sarah and Keelyn! Lisa Allen - Emmanuel Youth Director

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8 Lutherhaven Ministries is your congregation's year-round outdoor ministry. We're Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d'alene, Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch up the North Fork of the Coeur d'alene River, Idaho Servant Adventures, and week-long Lutherhaven Day Camps held in communities around the Northwest. Did you know? 2016 marks our 70th year offering quality, safe, Christ-centered programs for campers of every age! Here are a few things coming up at camp: Back 2 Camp Middle School Retreat :: January Classic middle school weekend full of camp friends, activities and worship! Bring a friend or five and give them a snapshot of this coming summer's theme. This is just one of two epic middle school weekends. BYG (Building Youth Groups) Middle School Retreat :: January A weekend of team-building, group devotions, games and hopefully some snow! Facilitated time set aside for groups to dream, plan, covenant, reflect and be together. This is just one of two epic middle school weekends! Back 2 Camp Grade School Retreat :: February 3-5 Our classic 3rd - 6th grade retreat weekend. Relive camp for an awesome time with camp friends, activities and worship! Bring a friend or five and them them a snapshot of this coming summers theme. Spring Cut, Crop & Quilt :: March 3-5 Bring your favorite crafting, quilting or scrapbook project to camp for the weekend. Pause for meals, worship & devotion, otherwise the time is yours to craft away! A massage therapist will be on site to help you stay relaxed and focused. Spring Women's Retreat :: March A weekend to relax, be refreshed and feel rejuvenated with our speaker Pastor Julie Blum. Spend time at the spa, get a massage, take a walk by the lake or craft all day long! Most importantly, be reminded that you are God's beloved daughter! Spring Golden Ager's Day Out :: April 25 Spend a beautiful spring day on the lake at Lutherhaven! Join us for a fabulous lunch, great friends and plenty of laughs. A one day retreat for retirees, senior adults and older adult groups. DAVE ISAKSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND The Dave Isakson Memorial Scholarship Fund was established by Gretchen Isakson and her family in The purpose of this scholarship fund is to champion sending children to Camp Lutherhaven. Lutherhaven offers many Christian based camping opportunities for children, grades 1 through 12. If you would like to contribute to this great cause, as a memorial a gift in celebration of please note on your offering, Dave Isakson Memorial Scholarship Fund. You can put your contribution in the offering plate on Sunday morning, drop it by the Church Office, or mail it to: Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1036 West A Street Moscow, ID Thank you for helping our youth make special relationships, have exciting experiences and make lasting memories!

9 What would YOU like to do? Here s an idea! Make a positive impact on the Sunday experience of all who enter here! Usually this servant opportunity is reserved for our younger members. There is a special significance to what the acolyte does. First, an acolyte lights the candles. This signifies that the Holy Spirit is in the place of worship. By lighting the candles, you show those who worship that God is present in this house. Ministers: The Congregation Presiding: Pastor Daugs Dir. Of Music/Organist Janet McIntosh Altar Guild: Deb Dumroese Acolyte: Monroe Mastro Altar Flowers: Poinsettia Garden Assisting Minister: Ron Landeck Greeters: Kevin & Anne Peterson Quiet Room Attendant: SERVANT NEEDED Reader: The Allen Family Ushers: Vern Kinnison, Mitzi Houska Mark Wemple, Craig Greenwalt When you extinguish the candles at the end of the service, you are signifying that the Holy Spirit is leaving the place of worship in everyone s hearts. Lighting and extinguishing the candles generally indicates the start and the end of a worship service. Acolytes dress in robes, quietly carry torches, crosses, thuribles, alms basins and cruets. A vital part of worship, they blend into the background helping our liturgies flow smoothly, and rejoicing in the privilege to serve at God s altar. If you are interested in serving as an Acolyte, or you have children that you feel might wish to serve in this role, please speak with Pastor Daugs or Youth Director, Lisa Allen. There are many ways to be involved in the ministries at Emmanuel. Just let us know what you hold interest in, what your gifts are, what you like to do! Your help is always needed and appreciated! Please contact us! or emmanuelmoscowid@gmail.com Ministers: The Congregation Presiding: Pastor Daugs Dir. Of Music/Organist: Janet McIntosh Altar Guild: Deb Dumroese Acolyte: SERVANT NEEDED Altar Flowers: Poinsettia Garden Assisting Minister: Kris Daugs Counters: Carolyn Todd, Julie Spangler Greeters: Nancy Ruth Peterson Noell Swearingen Quiet Room Attendant: Janet McIntosh Reader: Mara Alldredge Ushers: Vern Kinnison, Noell Swearingen

10 Annika Janine Schwarzlaender born on April 27, 2016 will be baptized on Sunday, December 18. Join Annika, her parents, Mark & Marijka, her sister, Swaantje, with sponsors, Charlene Ewart, William Root, Janice Johnson and the entire Emmanuel Congregation for this special day! Evelyn Rose Halladay born on September 15, 2016 will be baptized on Sunday, December 18. Join Evelyn, her parents, Jolene & Matthew, her sister, Olivia, her brother, Clayton, with sponsors, Paige Nolta and the entire Emmanuel Congregation for this special day! Water Water flows through the Scriptures: the flood, the Red Sea crossing, water springing from a rock to nourish Israelites in the wilderness, the healing of Naaman's leprosy when he washed in the Jordan River, John's baptism of Jesus and, chiefly, our baptism into Christ. The water of baptism symbolizes cleansing from sin, the quenching of our spiritual thirst and God raising us from death (drowning in sin) to life everlasting. Just as we can't live without physical water, neither can we truly live without the living water that Jesus gives Featured in THIS issue, # , of the Emphasis: Weekly Edition: A Lesson Learned During Advent... QUICK List of Emmanuel Happenings Preschool News Emmanuel YOUTH! For the KID in ALL of US! Lutherhaven Camp Corner! Meet our Members December 18 Baptismal Birthdays!...