Faith Lutheran Church December, 2017 Newsletter

Transcription

1 Faith Lutheran Church December, 2017 Newsletter Special Events December 1 December 2 December 3 December 6, 13, 20 December 7 December 10 December 24 December 25 & 26 December 31 Holly Jolly Christmas at 6:00pm Sunday School Christmas Program Practice at 9:00am Faith School Christmas Program at 4:00pm Midweek Advent Worship at 6:45pm (meal at 6:00pm) S.A.I.L. Christmas Luncheon at 11:30am Sunday School Christmas Program & Dinner Party at 6:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 6:00pm Church & School Offices Closed 5 th Sunday Brunch & New Member Welcome at 9:30am Drawing everyday people to faithfully follow God s Word NW Loop, Stephenville, Texas Website: faithlutheranstephenville.com church.office@faithlutheranstephenville.com

2 Pastor s page December, 2017 Lord of All, Lord for All To close out this year s Advent by Candlelight under the theme, Christ is the Key, I read this description of Christ, from the first chapter of Colossians: 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. (1:15 20) God moved heaven and earth to save us from our sin. He could not do that if He were not Lord of all. The birth, sinless life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of Christ would mean nothing if He were not Lord of all. Because He is above all things, His salvation reveals that He is also Lord for All. Over what does he reign? On the lutheranreformation.org website, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Mumme identifies three estates ordained and ordered by God: government and state, the household and economic human interactions, and the church.. More briefly stated, for our good, God reigns over and works His will through the State, the Family, and the Church. During the three midweek Advent services, I will share from the Scriptures how God worked through all three estates to bring us salvation through Christ, and talk about how He is still working through them today. Join us for supper and service on these Wednesdays in December at 6:00. 6 th Lord of the State and Society 13 th Lord of the Family 20 th Lord of the Church Christmas Eve Service, 6:00 pm, Echoing Joy a service of Scripture and songs, will focus on the angels of Christmas whose message rang out in the night sky over Bethlehem: Glory to God in the Highest. Be part of the praise as we celebrate Christ s birth and our salvation. Blessed Advent and Christmas to All. Pastor Tom Konz December Sermon Themes 3 rd Saved and Sanctified Mark 1:9-10, Isaiah 64: th Confession and Comfort Mark 1:1-8, Isaiah 40: th Enlightened and Encouraged John 1:6-8, Isaiah 61:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 5: th Royalty Revealed Luke 1:32-33, 2 Samuel 7:16, Romans 16: st Good News for the Nations Luke 2:22-40, Isaiah 62:2, Galatians 4:4-7

3 Sunday School is for everyone. Just as God gave His Son to walk here on Earth, He also gave us Jesus in the form of His Word. I encourage you to plug in for Christian Education from 9:45-10:30am every Sunday morning. Youth Classes for All Ages Adult Classes Journey through Romans with Pastor Tom in the narthex. How does wordly wealth affect your life? Join Sarah Weaver in Room 6 as they go through a video series entitled He who dies with the most toys still dies. For adults already participating, Whitney s class is nearing the end of their book God of All Comfort. Children 3 and under play in the nursery. Preschool through 1 st graders meet with Cheryl Hatton or Sarah Osterloh in Room 5. 2 nd through 4 th graders meet with Cheryl Konz in the Library. 5 th and 6 th graders are participating in Bible Survey with Bethany Espinoza in Room 8. 7 th thought 12 th graders are investigating the lineage of Jesus with Emily Lansmon in the FLY Room. For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 Challenge yourself. Let s grow together in Christ by studying His Word.

4 The Roar of the Crowd For many years, we have been serving our school families a Thanksgiving meal on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Each year, the school takes pride in cooking turkeys, ham, gravy, and macaroni and cheese. Our school families spilt up the sides, dressing, bread, salads and desserts. Over the years, this event has become my most favorite of all the events we host here at Faith. All of our tables and chairs are set up in preparation of the crowd, and our school-aged children even put in work by setting them up. Each year, we have sent out an invitation to you, our congregation. We have a few people here and there, and last year we invited members of leadership to host a table and simply fellowship that night with our school families. That went over very well, and, so, we decided to kick-it-up this year by encouraging anyone in our congregation to host a table. I must say the turnout was amazing from our church families, and it was truly a blessing to have you all here. Before starting our meal with prayer from Pastor Tom, I was making announcements. During this time, I asked our church members to identify themselves by wave to the crowd. What I got in response was a roar from the crowd. Okay, that might have been in my head, but there was a defined response! The joy and grace that was evident among members of our congregation and the school families illustrated the true work of Christ being done here. This ministry truly reflects what our mission is by examples set like that night. By God s grace, Faith is a place to believe, belong and be loved. Thanks each of you for making it such. Blessings, Magan Carrasco Faith School Director

5 Faith Lutheran Church Stephen Ministry What do Stephen Ministers DO (and DON T DO) As our 2017 Church year comes to an end, our congregation s Stephen Ministers continue to meet with their care receivers. Like always, Stephen Ministers pray and provide continued support and unconditional acceptance --- in appropriate ways to meet the care receiver s needs. It is also important to understand what Stephen Ministers do not do. Stephen Ministers are not counselors or therapists. They do not give advice or tell people how to solve their problems. The main motto of Stephen Ministry is The Stephen Minister is the Caregiver and GOD is the Curegiver. Stephen Ministers are not there to run errands, cook, shop, clean, or provide transportation. Their role is to care and to listen, standing by the person and ministering to his or her spiritual needs as GOD works through the relationship to bring hope and healing to the care receiver. During this special time, we joyfully celebrate the birth of Christ; we are mindful that He has called us all to ministry. As you pray, think about what gifts God has given you and whether they can best be utilized as a Stephen Minister. For more information, contact Pastor Tom, Everett Seider, Sherre West or Greg Wertz or call the church office ( ) to find out more about what you can do for the Lord.

6 Hello Church Family! I hope everyone is enjoying the season and getting into the Christmas spirit! I wanted to invite you all to the Sunday school class I am leading. This class will carry us through the month of December and help us differentiate our needs and wants. The title of our study is He who dies with the most toys, still dies. We kicked off the study last Sunday, the (November 26). We would love to have you join us. If anyone understands how busy and for lack of a better word HARD, Sunday mornings can be, it is me. I am confident in saying this study will impact each person in the class! So please join us! 9:45am in Room 6! In addition, I shared with Pastor an idea on gift giving that my family chose to do last year. My children have 4 sets of VERY giving and excited grandparents. Our Christmas celebrations are filled with fun, great food, and TOO MANY GIFTS! We have asked grandparents to scale back on gifts and to do meaningful gifts. Not just gifts to make sure the kids have lots to open (which as a grandparent knows, that is often times the mission)! For our little family of four, we will be providing our boys with 4 gifts. They will receive one thing they wear, one thing they read, one thing they need, and one thing they want. This helped our family understand the true meaning of giving. It caused us to be more thoughtful in what we purchase and not get caught up in the Santa mission of Christmas. I hope this letter leaves you all with a warm reminder of how we can get ready for Jesus Birthday Party! That s what my kids are calling it anyways. PS: come to bible study if you need some help hearing our human being fails of confusing wants and needs We are a very open group! Sarah McNeal-Weaver

7 S.A.I.L. (Seniors Alive In the Lord) November was a very busy month for SAIL, beginning with our monthly Bible Study led by Pastor Don at Good Tree. Pastor Don led us into the Book of Ezra to the story of the Jews release from captivity in Babylon. The main emphasis of the Bible study was on how the purity of the Jewish people had changed during the period of their captivity by their intermarrying with other races. On November 15th, we helped FLY put together 16 boxes treats to provide nourishment to college students who were preparing for Semester Finals. It is always enjoyable working with the younger members of our congregation. Such energy and enthusiasm. On November 27th, we again worked with FLY to help serve the Thanksgiving Dinner to the Big Brothers/Big Sisters group of 40+ people. Our next event with be our Christmas Luncheon on December 7th. We will meet at Pasta Fina at 11:30. SAIL members planning to attend need to contact Jeanette Quade at by Dec.6th so we can tell Pasta Fina how many people to expect in our group. We want to wish all of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a Blessed and Happy New Year. CAROLING on December 17 at 2:00 PM! In our worship service on November 26, we were challenged to show compassion to others as Christ has compassion for us. One great way to do that is through our December Caroling. We go to the homes of our members who are less able to get and about and share Christmas Joy with them through the Songs of the Season. Please join us for this very meaningful service to others. And if any of your neighbors, friends or family could use a good dose of Christmas Joy, please share their contact information with our Music Director, Arnold Ramming, and we'll add them to our list of visits. 'Tis the Season to Be Singin'! Arnold

8 Holiday Worship Schedule Midweek Advent Worship 6:45pm with meal at 6:00pm December 6 December 13 December 20 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship 6:00pm December 24 Midweek Advent Meals Prior to our midweek Advent services, a meal is served to both members and guests. If you or your group would like to help provide a meal, a sign-up sheet is located on the church bulletin board in the narthex. Meals begin at 6:00pm. Plan to serve around Please contact the church office if you have questions.

9 LWML News Lutheran Women s Missionary League We were blessed with the presence of 102 women at our Advent By Candlelight evening on November 19 th. The theme was Christ is the Key. We learned all the traditions of Christmas -- from candles to candy canes, to silver bells, red and green, the wise men, and more -- with the understanding that Christ is the Key to each. Thanks so all the hostesses, cooks, men who served, our singers, decorators, musicians and all of our guests. We were inspired to prepare our hearts to celebrate Advent (preparing for Jesus to come) and more fully appreciate the meaning of Christmas. The above sign is located outside the entrance to the church building under the drive-up. Time Tithe, 6 for 60, means that for every hour we spend for our leisure time, we attempt to spend 6 minutes doing something for others. One example is the group of 10 ladies and 6 men who gathered on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 27 th, to decorate the church for Christmas as well as working on cleaning up the grounds surrounding the church. Another example is the service of the Hanna family who set up the Nativity scene each year! Then, there s all the time Ola Faye and her sister Clara spend decorating for special events. How about the people who provide for brunch every Sunday? The ladies who care for the altar and communion? Our Sunday school teachers? People who deliver Meals on Wheels? But, more than that, many of us just take extra time helping a neighbor, a stranger, making phone calls to cheer up friends, visiting people in the nursing home and sooooo much more! Thanks for all you do in the name of Jesus and because He loves us, we share His love with others. Together we are all living the motto of the LWML: Serving the Lord with Gladness. Finally thanks for your generous donations for mites ($$ for missions). The next special LWML event will come on January 21st with a special Sunday lunch and missionary speaker. Meantime in December, we are working on the SS Nursery Roll, and providing a special Advent/Christmas gift for each woman in the congregation. These will be handed out to each woman starting on Sunday, December 3 rd. We hope you enjoy and are blessed. Merry Christmas to all as we celebrate the most precious gift of all, our Savior, Jesus.

10 Advent by Candlelight

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12 Angel Tree This year, Faith is again partnering with Grace Place, H.O.P.E. and other local organizations to offer an Angel Tree to help ensure folks in our community have a special Christmas. Faith s Angel Tree is located in the narthex by the front doors. As you leave church or during the week, please stop by the Angel Tree, pick up a tag (or two) and purchase gifts for your angel. Please return wrapped gifts, with their tags, to the Angel Tree by Sunday, December 17th. Let s help spread the love of Jesus and the joy of the season to those in our community who need assistance. Poinsettias for Christmas Services Let s decorate our altar with beautiful Christmas poinsettias. On December 24, for morning worship services and at Christmas Eve s candlelight service If you purchase a poinsettia and wish to share it, please bring to the church on between December 21 to December 23 and place on the altar. You may pick up your plant after the Christmas Eve candlelight service.

13 5 th Sunday Food Collection December, 2017, is our next 5-Sunday month for HOPE. During the month, Faith will be collecting donations of non-perishable food items to help those in our community who need assistance. Please bring your food items and place them on the table in the narthex by the church bulletin board. A volunteer will see that the donations are delivered to HOPE. Thank you all for your continued commitment to this community service project. 5 th Sunday Brunch & New Member Welcome On Sunday, December 31, at 9:30am, make plans to attend Faith s special 5 th Sunday Brunch in the family center. Please bring a favorite breakfast-type food item to share. Any new members will be welcomed at this time. Christmas Meals on Wheels Saturday, December 23 Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me. CHRISTMAS EVE Saturday, December 23. Friends and members of Faith Lutheran Church will again cook, package, and deliver a home-cooked Christmas dinner to those persons who receive Meals on Wheels here in Stephenville and in Dublin. Assembly of the meals will begin at 9am on Saturday, December 23, with delivery of the meals beginning at 10:30am. Volunteers are needed to COOK or PACKAGE or DELIVER the meals. If you would like to be a part of this holiday tradition, please sign up on the poster located in the narthex. You may contact Cindy Stafford at (h) or (c).

14 Join FLY On Wednesdays during Advent, FLY will have supper with our Faith Family at 6:00pm & attend worship at 6:45pm. Invite your friends! Holly Jolly December 1, 6:00-9:00pm (on the square) Let s sell cotton candy, hot chocolate and popcorn to raise money for our summer trips! A huge THANK YOU to all who prepared and served food for Big Brothers Big Sisters Thanksgiving Meal. We had more than enough food to go around -- God always provides in abundance!

15 Christmas Program: Dinner Party in Bethlehem FLY Lock-In December 27 th -28 th 8:00pm 8:00am Stay tuned for what to bring Practice December 2 nd 9am-12pm Program December 10 th at 6pm Sign up online to bring food. Youth families, please bring dessert! Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday SS 9:45am SHS Bball 6 Catechism 5-6pm Advent dinner and service 6pm 7 SHS Band concert 1 Holly Jolly 6-9pm 2 Xmas prog practice 9am- 12pm SS 9:45am Xmas Program 6pm 17 SS 9:45am Caroling 2pm 24 SS 9:45am 31 5 th Sunday brunch 9:15am SHS Choir concert 18 HJH Bball 25 Merry Christmas!!! 13 Tristan s bday Catechism 5-6pm Advent dinner and service 6pm Catechism 5-6pm Advent dinner and service 6pm Lock in 8pm 14 HJH Bball SHS no school Kallan s Bday

16 Need to Know Voter s Meeting Sunday, December 10, at 9:45am in Room Nine of the family center to discuss and approve the 2018 budget. Your input and vote are very important. Please mark your calendar to attend. A Note from the Elders: Elders are collecting freewill love offering donations for Faith s staff now through Sunday morning, December 10. Gifts will be given during the Sunday School Christmas Program that evening at 6:00pm. Christmas Closures If you shop at Amazon, use the below link instead. By selecting Faith Lutheran as your charity of choice, a portion of all eligible purchases is donated to our church. Just another way to support Faith Lutheran. Thanks! The church office will be closed from Monday, December 25 thru Monday, January 1. The Faith School office will be closed on Monday, December 25, and Tuesday, December 26. Stay updated at faithlutheranstephenville.com Like us on facebook at FaithLutheranStephenville December 21

17 Choices Clinic & Life Resource Center Thank you, Faith family for helping our community support the Center! For over 30 years, Americans have observed Sanctity of Human Life Sunday (SOHLS) as a day to celebrate the value of human life. This day also provides an opportunity for pregnancy care centers to share about the work they do to bring life-affirming resources to the community and to empower women and men to choose life for their unborn children. This year Sanctity of Human Life Sunday will be January 21, Baby bottles will be distributed that day and need to be returned Sunday, March 4, Thank you again for your continued prayers, support & time, Sherre West Faith has updated how we communicate members need for prayer, and it s easy to join. Simply text PRAY to number on your cell phone, and you will be connected to the prayer team. When special or urgent prayer is needed, you will receive a text message from the church with the request. If you need a prayer, contact the church office, and the request for prayer will go out to the prayer team on your behalf. The church is missing approximately fourteen (14) of our round, white tablecloths. If you know where they are, please contact the church office or Lynann Simpson. Thank You. Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Farmers Market Coffee LWR is producing LWR Farmers Market Coffee in partnership with THRIVE Farmers Coffee, a coffee roaster who shares LWR s passion for helping farmers lift themselves out of poverty, and become self-sufficient and better able to support their families. If you like coffee and are interested in learning more, please check out the website at:

18 October 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Schedule 8:00am Divine Service 9:15am Brunch 9:45am Sunday School for all ages 9:45am 5 th /6 th Grade Bible Survey Class 10:45am Divine Service (follow this schedule unless noted otherwise) December 31 No Sunday School; Brunch at 9:30am in the family center & one worship service at 10:45am 3 *Mickey Lantz *Sarah Small 12:30pm Board of Education Meeting 4:00pm Faith School Christmas Program 10 6:00pm Sunday School Christmas Dinner Party & Program 17 LWML Mites Box Sunday 2:00pm Faith Goes Caroling 24 *Marilyn Pack 6:00pm Candlelight Service 31 *Brit Nordstrom 9:30am 5 th Sunday Brunch & New Member Welcome 4 *Robin Kimbrough 5:45pm Delta Kappa Gamma ~Narthex 11 *Jake Leaverton 6:00pm Board of Trustee s Mtng 6:30pm Board of Elders Mtng 18 6:00pm Church Council Mtng~ Room 6 25 *Chris Lewis *Terry West *Celebrating Birthdays 5 5:30pm PFS Mtng~Narthex 6:30pm Stephen Ministry Supervision Session~Narthex 6 6:45pm Midweek Advent Worship (meal at 6:00pm) *Tori Maruska *Tristan Hanna 6:45pm Midweek Advent Worship (meal at 6:00pm) *Jeff Stroebel *Lyder Quade 26 *Cassandra Hanna Church & School Offices Closed Tuesdays & Thursdays in December 6:00pm 9:00pm FFC Occupied Linne/Dupre Attending 6:45pm Midweek Advent Worship (meal at 6:00pm) 27 No Confirmation or Chime Choir 8:00pm FLY Lock-in 7 *Luke Wilson *Heidi Douglas 11:30am SAIL Christmas Lunch 6:30pm Adult Vocal Choir~ Sanctuary 14 6:30pm Adult Vocal Choir~ Sanctuary 21 *Kris Nehring 6:30pm Adult Vocal Choir~ Sanctuary 28 No Adult Vocal Choir 1 MOW Sparkman 10:00 Creative Kindness Craft Ministry 6:00pm Holly Jolly Christmas 8 *Cheryl Konz MOW Pack 15 MOW Simpson 22 MOW - Closed 29 *Charly Robinson *Kallan Kimbrough MOW - Stafford Wednesday Schedule for December 4:30pm Children s Music~Narthex 5:00pm 7 th Grade First Year Confirmation Class~Room 6 5:00pm 8 th Grade Second Year Confirmation Class~Youth Room 6:45pm Midweek Advent Services with meal at 6:00pm 2 *Kathleen Wertz 9:00am Sunday School Christmas Program Practice Set up for Faith School Christmas Program 9 *Ola Merck Set up for Sunday School Christmas Program 16 *Christopher Kirklen 3:00pm FFC Occupied~Hatton Attending 23 *Alex Lopez 30

19 Acolytes 1 st Service Acolytes 2nd Service 3rd Kallan Kimbrough Elliott Nehring 10th Tori Cameron Kodi Hatfield 17th Aidan Espinoza Kameron Seider 24th Mason Hatton Addy Lee 31st Joseph Gray Daniel Carrasco Readers- 1 st Service Readers- 2 nd Service Meals on Wheels 3rd Ronnie Tate 3rd Whitney Lee 1st Sparkman 10th Tisha Gray 10th 17th Bethany Espinoza 17th 24th Joann Schulze 24th 31st Terry West 31st Ushers 1 st Bob Small & Open 2 nd Rob Fimbel & Doug Hanna GREETERS 1 st Open 2 nd Magan Carrasco Will Lansmon Lee Barlow Magan Carrasco Mark Weber 3rd 10th 17th 24th 31st 8th 15th Pack Simpson 22nd MOW Closed 29th Stafford Altar Flowers Greg & Kat Wertz Bob & Sheila Small Charles & Lynann Simpson Congregation (Poinsettias) Open Altar Guild Rosanne Keilers Date Snack Snack Snack Drink/Server 3rd Carrasco Mitchell Pack Espinoza 10th Seider Quade Tate Small 17th Nelson Strohmeyer Sparkman Stafford 24th Nehring Lovin VanWright Weber 29th 5 th Sunday Brunch & New Member Welcome