PASTOR S PAGE - ADVENT: ABIDE, WATCH, ACT

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2 PASTOR S PAGE - ADVENT: ABIDE, WATCH, ACT During Advent we are reminded once again that we live between the times. Or maybe it would be better to say that we live in the center of time, i.e. between the first coming of Christ at Bethlehem and the second coming of Christ at the end of time. Living between these two times means that we live in tension. The faithful response to living within this tension is called hope. Hope can be defined as the confident desire for obtaining a future good. Now hope is often seen as being too other worldly to be of much help in the present. It is often thought that the more a person looks to the future the less they will be engaged in the present. But is not the opposite true? Is it not the person who has a cheerful and well grounded confidence in the future who is most able to energetically and persistently put love into practice in the present by their choices and actions. Is it not those who find their hope in Christ who are able to seek the good of the neighbor in all things? I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. At the center of time our relationship with Jesus Christ is three-fold; to abide, to watch and to act. We are to abide in the One born of the Virgin Mary. We are to watch for the Christ of the future who will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. We, who are sinful, are called to act and to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of the great God and Savior Jesus Christ. In the Liturgies of Advent we are prepared to celebrate Christmas. We are prepared to abide, to watch and to act. This year will you be prepared to celebrate Christmas? +Pastor Maisenbach

3 THE CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE O, Come, Let Us Adore Him The Christ Mass December 24, at 5:00 P.M. NO 9:30 A.M. EUCHARIST ON DECEMBER 24 Since the fourth Sunday of Advent falls on the same day as Christmas Eve, it has been the tradition here at Trinity to cancel the 9:30 A.M. Eucharist and to have only one Eucharist on that day, at 5:00 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE VOLUNTEERS We will need the following volunteers for our Christmas Eve Liturgy: 2 sets of greeters; 2 head ushers and 6 candle lighters to light candles. If you are going to be present at this Liturgy and would be willing to help, please sign up on the volunteer sheet on the table in the narthex. POINSETTIAS We are now taking orders for poinsettias to decorate our church on Christmas Eve. If you would like to order a plant, please call or stop by the parish office and indicate whether you would like your plant to be given as a memorial, in honor of a special person or for a special cause. The cost of each plant will be $ Please order your plant by December 18. DEVOTIONS FOR ADVENT An important way to mark the days of Advent is by taking time for daily prayer. Enclosed in this issue of your Tidings you will find a devotional resource called Meal Prayers for Advent. This resource provides meal prayers and daily scripture readings for each week in Advent. Extra copies of this resource are available in the parish office. ADVENT DEVOTIONAL DOWNLOAD If you would like to receive a daily Advent devotional as a text message, simply to To receive as an message, go to remind.com/join/ nalcadvent and enter your name and address where indicated.

4 FESTIVAL OF CHOIRS DECEMBER 3 The Festival of Choirs will present A Festival of Lessons and Carols, which tells the Christmas story through scripture and song. This program will be presented at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, on Sunday, December 3 at 3:00 P.M. Every church in Spencer and the surrounding area is invited to participate in this program. A free-will offering will be taken. S.C.S. DRESS REHEARSAL - DECEMBER 8 On Friday, December 8 we will have a dress rehearsal for the S.C.S. Christmas program, beginning at 5:30 P.M. Afterwards we will be serving pizza. Please plan to pick your kids up at 6:30 P.M. S.C.S. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM - DECEMBER 10 During the Sunday Liturgy on December 10, our S.C.S. will present their Christmas program The Christmas Story. This program will include vocal music, readings and a dramatic presentation. Come and join us for this wonderful event as we prepare for the birth of Christ at Christmas. Special Note: All children should be at church at 8:45 A.M. sharp to rehearse and get into costumes. L.Y.O. ADVENT DINNER - DECEMBER 10 After the Liturgy and S.C.S. Christmas Program on Sunday, December 10, our L.Y.O. will be serving a ham and turkey dinner. A free-will offering will be taken. Proceeds from this event will help with expenses for our youth program. L.Y.O. ADVENT DINNER - HELP NEEDED! In order for this year s L.Y.O. Advent Dinner to be a success we will need your help. A signup sheet will be placed in the narthex listing the various categories of food items needed for our 2017 L.Y.O. Advent Dinner on Sunday, December 10. Please look for the list and sign up as soon as possible. Note: All L.Y.O. kids are asked to help serve and clean up afterwards. PASTOR S VACATION Pastor Maisenbach will be on vacation from December 1-5, and December 25 - January 2. Pastor Lee Laaveg will be available for any pastoral emergencies. He may be reached at (712)

5 MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM LSI! The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:5 As Christmas approaches, we give thanks to you! Every day, as a ministry partner of LSI, you help bring the light of Christ to others. At LSI, we know many people experiencing deep darkness. We know parents who feel hopeless, with little to no resources to raise their young children. We know adults with disabilities who feel voiceless, with no support system or connection to their community. We know teens who are aging out of the foster care system, who fear they will never belong to anyone or have a family to love them. LSI s work is Christmas work, shining love, compassion, and light in places of darkness, despair, abuse, neglect, addiction, and loneliness. We could not do this important work without you, and we are so grateful. Wishing you a blessed and merry Christmas from LSI! Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at and BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT We congratulate John & Sue Hilsabeck on the occasion of the birth of their first grandchild, Charlotte Elizabeth Lowrey. Charlotte was born on November 15 in Sioux Falls, SD. She is the daughter of Nic & Leah Lowrey. EVANGELISM THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH Who could you invite this month? You could invite someone who needs to hear the good news of Advent and Christmas NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING We are making plans to attend the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston, TX. This event will take place June 28 to July 1. Those eligible to attend are students who are currently in 9th - 12th grades.

6 A SPECIAL NOTE FROM OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY Please note that the financial books of our parish will be closed on December 31, If you want an offering to appear on your 2017 financial statement, make sure it is submitted to Randy Leonard by the above mentioned date STEWARDSHIP MATERIALS We are still collecting 2018 Faith Promise Cards and Time & Talent Sheets. If you have not returned these items yet, please return them to the parish office as soon as possible so that we can continue to plan for the ministry of Jesus Christ in 2018! YEAR-END STEWARDSHIP UPDATE We will be distributing giving statements at the beginning of December so that everyone can check where they are at in their giving as we approach the end of the year. You will be receiving your financial statement for the first 11 months of 2017 and your sealed Faith Promise for this year. Please take time to pick up your giving statement from your mailbox in the narthex at the beginning of December.

7 ADULT CATECHESIS FOR JANUARY On Sunday, January 7 our Adult Catechesis class will begin a new session called Christianity, Cults and Religions. This course will help participants to know more about the differences between various religions and cult groups, from a Christian perspective REPORTS NEEDED BY DECEMBER 31 All officers and chairpersons need to submit their 2017 reports for the annual meeting no later than December 31. Please bring your reports to the parish office as soon as possible. This will help speed up the preparation of the bulletin of reports for our 2018 annual meeting. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES The regular monthly meeting of the Trinity Lutheran Church Parish Council was held on October 8th, Present were President Becky Caswell, VP Steve Licht, Andy Anderson, Mary Jo Carlson, Steve Grell, John Kelley, Randy Leonard, Pastor Maisenbach, Scott Nolte, and Secretary Dave Larsen. Minutes of the September meeting were approved. The Treasurer s report was presented and approved. The Pastor s report was presented and approved. The Communion Assistant Schedule was approved. A motion to change the Pastor s salary allocation to raise the housing allowance and reduce the regular salary portion was approved. Options for replacing the office copy equipment were reviewed. A motion to replace the office copy equipment with a leased system from Council Office & Document for $25/month plus 0.88 cents/copy was approved. Next regular meeting November 12th. Meeting adjourned. David Larsen, Secretary These minutes were approved at the November 12, 2017 Parish Council Meeting

8 1 - Pastor Maisenbach 3 - Mary Jo Carlson Terryn Christensen 4 - Tina Nolte 7 - Paul Caswell 13 - Kathy Brandt DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 17 - Tracy Licht 18 - Joseph Hilsabeck 22 - Gage Garnatz Griffin Garnatz John Kelley 24 - Colette Rossiter 28 - Ken Kahley Cheree Schurz 31 - Kim Grell KIDS GIVING TO KIDS Hats, Mittens, Clothes, Books & Toys During Advent our S.C.S. will be collecting new hats and mittens. Also, if your kids have clothes that don t fit them anymore, or toys and books that are no longer being used but are in good condition, we would like to collect those as well. Everything we collect will go to local charities. If you have any questions, please contact Amy Gronemeyer. FOOD PANTRY COLLECTION DECEMBER 17 Our next food pantry collection will be Sunday, December 17. We have received word that the following items are needed at this time: Oatmeal, Boxed Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Hamburger Helper, Spaghetti Sauce, Chili Beans and Crackers. All items will be delivered to the Upper Des Moines Opportunity center. A PRAYER FOR ADVENT Father, all-powerful and ever-living God, we do well always and everywhere to give you thanks through Jesus Christ our Lord. His future coming was proclaimed by all the prophets. The virgin mother bore him in her womb with love beyond all telling. John the Baptist was his herald and made him known when at last he came. In his love Christ has filled us with joy as we prepare to celebrate his birth, so that when he comes he may find us watching in prayer, our hearts filled with wonder and praise. Amen. PRAYER CHAPTER MEETS EVERY WEDNESDAY Every Wednesday our Prayer Chapter meets at church at 10:15 A.M. to pray for our parish, our community, our nation and our world. We have been averaging about 5 people per week. We encourage others to join us for this important ministry every Wednesday.

9 OREMUS PRO INVICEM Let Us Pray for One Another In our prayers during Advent and Christmastime, let us remember the following persons and causes in our intercessions: + for those recovering from eye surgery: Joan Schumann; + for those who convalesce: Kay Monkelien; + for those who are homebound: Bernice Back, Betty Behrends, Lois Carlson, Helen Leith, Gary Lundquist, Edna Rigby, Lillian Spiess and Gladys Wilcox; + for our Confirmation students: Gage Christensen and Ben Kroll; + for our college students: Emma Garnatz and Michael Kroll; + for the families of our parish: Licht, Long and Long; + for our S.C.S. as they prepare for their Christmas program; + for those serving in our military: Nathan Foerster, USMC, John Maisenbach, USN; + for peace in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Middle East; + for Christians living under persecution in Nigeria; + for all those in our parish who will be traveling during this season of Advent and Christmastime; + for all the parishes of the Western Iowa Synod of the ELCA and of the Iowa Mission District of the NALC, that the presence of the coming Lord might be reflected in the words, deeds and actions of our parish communities. I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for everyone... (1 Timothy 2:1) ST. LUKE HOMES AND SERVICES Trinity Lutheran Church is a member of the St. Luke Homes and Services Association of Lutheran Churches. St. Luke Homes and Services is located on 13 contiguous acres and offers a full continuum of senior housing options including senior apartments, assisted living and skilled care. Volunteer opportunities exist. For more information contact Amanda Klein at THANK YOU!!! On Sunday, November 12 our Christian Education Committee hosted a special coffee hour. A free-will offering was taken to help with expenses for next summer s Day Camp. They raised $148.00! We thank all those who contributed to this special offering. Also, a special thank you to those who brought goodies, helped serve and clean up. Thank you so much for your continued support with our local food pantry and for including us in your mission of neighbors helping neighbors. Dawn Dahm, Director, Upper Des Moines Opportunity

10 CALENDAR OF EVENTS - DECEMBER 3 8:00 A.M. Senior Choir Rehearsal 9:30 A.M. Liturgy of the Word with John Jensen 10:45 A.M. S.C.S. & Confirmation 11:30 A.M. L.Y.O. Gift Exchange & Fast Food Dinner 3:00 P.M. Festival of Choirs at Sacred Heart Catholic Church 4 2:30 P.M. St. Luke Ladies Auxiliary 6 10:15 A.M. Prayer Chapter Meeting 7:00 P.M. Confirmation 8 5:30 P.M. S.C.S. Christmas Program Rehearsal & Pizza 10 8:45 A.M. S.C.S. Final Christmas Program Practice 9:30 A.M. Liturgy of the Word / S.C.S Christmas Program The Christmas Story 10:30 A.M. L.Y.O. Advent Dinner NO S.C.S., Confirmation or Adult Catechesis 13 10:15 A.M. Prayer Chapter Meeting 7:00 P.M. Confirmation 17 9:30 A.M. Holy Eucharist 10:45 A.M. S.C.S. & Confirmation 10:45 A.M. Parish Council Meeting Food Pantry Collection 20 10:15 A.M. Prayer Chapter Meeting NO Confirmation 21 9:30 A.M. Ruth Circle 24 No 9:30 A.M. Eucharist 5:00 P.M. The Christ Mass 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! 27 10:15 A.M. Prayer Chapter Meeting NO Confirmation 31 9:30 A.M. Liturgy of the Word with Andrew Loomis NO SCS, Confirmation or Adult Catechesis

11 PARISH WORSHIP MINISTRIES ALTAR GUILD FOR DECEMBER: Jane Long, Stacie Long WORSHIP TAPE DELIVERY FOR DEC: Merlyn & Sonna Winther HOSPITAL VISITOR FOR DECEMBER: Shirley Clark SUNDAY EUCHARIST 9:30 A.M. December 3, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT To prepare for worship, please read: Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm: 80:1-7, Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 SERVERS: Rebecca Licht LECTOR: Tami Kroll C. ASSISTANT: NA GIFT BEARERS: NA GREETERS: Lynn & Nancy Heideman USHERS: Scott Nolte, Ron McGuire NURSERY: Gage Caswell O. COUNTERS: Randy & Lisa Leonard December 10, 2017 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT S.C.S. CHRISTMAS PROGRAM THE CHRISTMAS STORY To prepare for worship, please read: Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm: 85:1-2, Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 SERVERS: Ben Kroll LECTOR: Kelli Farrar C. ASSISTANT: NA GIFT BEARERS: NA GREETERS: Ken & Karen Kahley USHERS: Randy & Lisa Leonard NURSERY: Kay Lamport O. COUNTERS: Randy & Lisa Leonard December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT To prepare for worship, please read: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, SERVERS: Gage Christensen LECTOR: DeLinda Leu C. ASSISTANT: Steve Licht GIFT BEARERS: Tami & Natalie Kroll GREETERS: Josh & Stacie Long USHERS: Dale Kroll, Grant Leu NURSERY: Tina Nolte O. COUNTERS: Randy & Lisa Leonard December 24, 2017 N0 9:30 A.M. EUCHARIST December 24, 2017 THE CHRIST MASS 5:00 P.M. December 31, 2017 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS To prepare for worship, please read: Isaiah 61:10 62:3 Psalm: 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 SERVERS: Jacob Gronemeyer LECTOR: LaVonne Rebhuhn C. ASSISTANT: NA GIFT BEARERS: NA GREETERS: Merlyn & Sonna Winther USHERS: Paul & Gage Caswell NURSERY: Griffin Garnatz O. COUNTERS: Randy & Lisa Leonard

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16 2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES 2018 offering envelopes have been prepared and will be distributed in the narthex on the Sundays in Advent. Please take time to pick up your new envelopes and those of your family members on these Sundays. Your assistance in this matter will be greatly appreciated and will help save the cost of postage. LUTHERAN YOUTH ORGANIZATION - DECEMBER 3 Our L.Y.O. will meet on Sunday, December 3 for a gift exchange ($5.00 limit) and Progressive Fast Food Dinner. This event will take place after the completion of Confirmation. Please bring enough money to cover the cost of your dinner. S.C.S. & CONFIRMATION SCHEDULE Please note that there will be no S.C.S. or Confirmation classes on Sunday, December 24, or December 31. Classes will resume on Sunday, January 7, DEADLINE FOR JANUARY TIDINGS - DECEMBER 20 TRINITY TIDINGS is published monthly by Trinity Lutheran Church, 9th & 11th Avenue West, Spencer, Iowa ; The Rev. C. Peter Maisenbach, Pastor trinity@smunet.net; Website: Bless, O Lord, Our Advent Wreath as We Abide, Watch and Act