Program Practice. 1st - 6th Grades Sunday, December 9 & 16 1:00-3:00 p.m.

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1 December, 2012 Jesus The Greatest Gift The theme for this year s Christmas program focuses on gifts! During the Christmas season, when so much attention is given to the giving and receiving of presents, it is helpful to remind ourselves and our children that God is the source of every good thing. The gifts we give and receive this Christmas, and the ways God uses us to serve others, are reminders that God has given us the greatest Christmas gift we will ever receive - our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - and through Him we have forgiveness, life, and salvation. Program Practice The Sunday School children have begun rehearsing for the Christmas Program during their weekly Sunday School hour. Additional practices will take place on the following Sundays: 1st - 6th Grades Sunday, December 9 & 16 1:00-3:00 p.m. Please make every effort to have your child at both of these rehearsals so they can be part of this Christmas tradition. Advent Devotions What s your favorite part of Christmas? Was it the lit Christmas tree, ornaments and the decorations? Was it family coming over? What about the smell of baked chocolate chip cookies? This year s Advent devotions, Christmas Memories, is based on the biblical account of Luke in particular, Mary s observations. Just as we all have cherished memories of Christmases past, Mary shares her treasured memories of the first Christmas. Copies are available on the back window ledge of the sanctuary. Following each of our Advent Services there will be a time for fellowship and refreshments. Members of Trinity are asked to bring one dozen cookies to the church kitchen before 6:30 p.m. on the Wednesday under which your name is listed below. December 5 Abatie - Guengerich December 12 Hand - Owens December 19 Palmer - Zevnik

2 Jars of Clay At this time of year, our minds are drawn to thoughts of our Savior, as they should be. The ages-old story is always fresh and exciting to us as Christians as we rejoice in our Father s great love for us shown in His sending His own Son for us. That Son came in the form of a Baby Who was nurtured inside His mother s body, a treasure in [a jar] of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7). The angels announced His birth; the shepherds left their sheep and came to worship Him; the Wise Men traveled many miles to adore Him and bring Him their gifts. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19). She still had this treasure in [a jar] of clay. We, too, have this treasure the surpassing power [that] belongs to God and not to us (2 Corinthians 4:7b). We have the Word dwelling in us! His great power enables and equips us to be stewards who can fulfill any task our Savior lays before us. I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13). He gives us courage to witness of His birth and life, death and resurrection. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth (Acts 1:8). He gives us gifts to serve His people and to reach out to those still outside His kingdom. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God s varied grace (1 Peter 4:10). He gives us financial resources to support the mission and ministry of our churches. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11). We certainly are imperfect stewards of God s gifts. Even the Apostle Paul had his failings. He wrote that God said to him, My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness. God does it all in us and through us! Therefore, we boast all the more gladly in [our] weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon [us] (2 Corinthians 12:9). During this time of Advent and Christmas, let us [treasure] up all these things, pondering them in [our hearts]. And let us ask God to use us according to His plan to spread the news of that treasure. OCTOBER PAROCHIAL REPORT Average Attendance Average Sunday School Attn Average Communion Attn OCTOBER FINANCIAL REPORT October Year-To-Date Income: $19,859 $216,678 Expense: $20,835 $226,506 Surplus (Deficit) ($976) ($9,828) Contributions and expenses were both below the average monthly budget amounts, resulting in a small deficit. We hope that the usual surge in contributions in the last two months of the year will more than offset the year to date deficit. THE CONCORDIA SOCIETY The Concordia Society held their meeting on Thurs., Nov. 8. Loretta Harms led the devotions and Cindy Miller was hostess. The donations for the year were decided. The Happy Birthday song was sung for Lois Nash. New officers were discussed. The next meeting is a potluck on Thurs., Dec. 13 at 12 noon. Chicken and table service will be provided and members are asked to bring a side dish and two dozen cookies. The GSLS Chime Choir will provide the program. Guests and husbands are always welcome!

3 Rise and Shine In his Gospel John wrote, In [Jesus] was life, and that life was the light of men (John 1:4). The prophet Isaiah some 700 years earlier foretold the Messiah by saying, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn (Isaiah 60:1-3). Darkness covers the earth - darkness so thick we cannot see our own way, but Isaiah encourages us, The Lord rises upon [us]. No longer do we grope our way. No longer are we left to our own wisdom and resources. No longer do we live in despair. No, we Arise, and shine, for our light has come upon us! The night of His birth, the sky was filled with light as the angels brought the message of good news to the shepherds. The bright star in the East continued to shine to guide the Wise Men to the Christ Child that they might worship Him. Jesus, the Light of the World, continues to draw us to Himself, and, as we reflect the light of Christ in our lives, others will see that light and be drawn to Him. John the Baptizer, sent from God, witnessed to the light of Christ. As individual Christians, we have a responsibility to do what John did, to testify to the true light that gives light to every man (John 1:9). Each of us has been individually gifted and equipped to work together within the whole body of Christ that we might testify to Christ, the light [Who] shines in the darkness. (John 1:5). As you reflect during this Advent season on all that Jesus has done for you, pray that the same grace and love that moved John the Baptizer to tell others about Jesus move your heart to share the Good News with others. October Sunday School Perfect Attendance Hunter Anton Alyssa Hand Lauren Hand Alex O Conner Ayden Miller Jackson Santana Do your Christmas Cards witness of the birth of Jesus Christ? Have you selected your Christmas cards for this year yet? Are they the typical Season s Greetings or Happy Holidays cards? Christians have an easy way of witnessing their faith in Jesus Christ by the message on the Christmas cards they send. Most of the Christmas cards sold today are of the non-religious kind - pretty scenery, Santa Claus, birds, cute animals. Others are somewhat religious, with a church steeple, the star over Bethlehem, or the wise men on their camels - but containing just a Merry Christmas message. Try to find cards that clearly tell of the joy of God s gift to mankind in Jesus Christ, who came to die for our sins so we can have eternal life. Christmas cards can serve as your witness to your friends, neighbors and relatives about what Christmas truly means to you. And, if your cards aren t of the religious type, write a personal note expressing your faith in our newborn Savior.

4 Christmas Caroling Sunday, December 9 5:00 p.m. Each year Trinity members gather together and Christmas carol to our shut-ins to brighten up their Christmas season. Caroler s will meet at the church at 5:00 p.m., split up into two groups and go to the shut-in s houses to sing to them. Afterwards we will return to the parsonage for a time of fellowship. Bring your favorite snack to share (feel free to drop it by the parsonage beforehand) - drinks will be provided. Singing Christmas carols to our shut-in s helps to get them into the holiday spirit. They are always very thankful for people coming to sing to them. Come help us to spread the message of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ by caroling to our shut-ins! Poinsettias Poinsettias will decorate the altar on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day again this year. If you would like to donate a plant, please fill out this form and put it in the offering plate or return it to the church office no later than December 19. NAME OF DONOR Number of plants Amount Enclosed $ The cost is $9.00 per plant which includes foil wrap and ribbon. Mark your offering envelope Poinsettia and include the money in your envelope.

5 Look What's New at Trinity! Trinity s fellowship hall has a new look. After realizing that the fellowship hall had no symbols, graphics, or artwork to show that we are a Christian church, the Renovation Committee decided to have vinyl graphic letters applied to the walls. Now, when you look above all the windows, you will see bold, dark maroon letters proclaiming Galatians 5:22, which says, The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. In addition, you will see the Missouri Synod cross logo in maroon high on the east wall. We are grateful for Memorial Fund money which paid for this project, and we believe that this Bible verse and cross will remind all of us, members and visitors alike, that we should live with His Spirit in our hearts and lives. Holiday fruit baskets are back! Trinity s Jr. and Sr. High you will be selling holiday fruit baskets again this year to help raise funds for the 2013 LC-MS National Youth Gathering, which will be held in San Antonio, Texas. The youth started taking orders in November and will continue through Sunday, December 9. Holiday fruit baskets make GREAT GIFTS for your family and friends! Help support Trinity s youth and give a gift of fruit!

6 December 2012 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Commitment Sunday 8:15 AM WORSHIP/ 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS AM WORSHIP :30 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM ADVENT 8 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 6 7 PM CHURCH COUNCIL :15 AM WORSHIP 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS AM WORSHIP/ 1 PM CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE 5 PM CHRISTMAS CAROLING 10 YOUTH 7:15 PM DARTBALL AT 1ST CHRISTIAN 11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 12 4:30 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM ADVENT 8 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL PM CONCORDIA SOCIETY :15 AM WORSHIP/ 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS AM WORSHIP/ 1 PM CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE 17 7:15 PM DARTBALL VS 1ST BAPTIST AT TRINITY PM GSLS BOARD 19 4:30 PM CONFIRMATION 7 PM ADVENT 8 PM CHOIR REHEARSAL 20 TRUSTEES :15 AM WORSHIP 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS AM WORSHIP/ 24 Christmas Eve 7 PM CHRISTMAS EVE 25 Christmas Day 10 AM CHRISTMAS DAY AM NEWSLETTER ASSEMBLY ELDERS :15 AM WORSHIP 9:30 AM S.S. & BIBLE CLASS AM WORSHIP 31 New Year s Eve 7 PM NEW YEAR S EVE

7 December 2012 Service Schedule ACOLYTES GREETERS READERS USHERS FLOWERS December 2 8:15 Kaydi Steele Jacob Weyhrich Grace Eggena BonnyLou Schmidt Dave & Linda Nash Eric Spaeth Scott Thompson B. Juergens, B. Cordts O. Miller, G. Schumm D. Alexander, L. Cox S. Johannes Given by Gary & Sheila Schumm, in memory of Fred, Eunice & Richard Schumm. December 5 Advent Service Lauren Juergens Eric & Cori Sapeth B. Juergens, M. Cordes December 9 8:15 Kerrigan Link Jarrod Vaupel Matt & Melissa Deverman Rob & Debbie Fornoff Owen Miller Rob Fornoff D. Harms, C. Whitley B. Schmidt M. Seidell, M. Cordes L. Weyhrich Given by Leslie Hauk December 12 Advent Service Kaydi Steele Dave & Theresa McDonough B. Cordts, D. Harms December 16 8:15 Summer Watson Zachary Bennett Graham & Amy Watson Martha Nelms Millie Cordes Brad Juergens Scott Thompson B. Juergens, B. Cordts O. Miller, G. Schumm D. Alexander, L. Cox S. Johannes Given by Dave & Linda Nash December 19 Children s Program Casey Whitley Rob & Debbie Fornoff O. Miller, S. Johannes December 23 8:15 Dylan Speck Jessalyn Bjorling Brad & Kim Cordts Ron & Hermene Upchurch Bob Lutz Rob Fornoff D. Harms, C. Whitley B. Schmidt M. Seidell, M. Cordes L. Weyhrich Given by Gene & Delores Shafer December 24 Christmas Eve McKenzie Wilson Jarrod Vaupel Mike & Kathy Seidell Scott Thompson M. Seidell, B. Juergens B. Cordts, M. Cordes December 25 Christmas Day 10:00 a.m. Summer Watson D. Alexander, M. Seidell C. Whitley, M. Cordes December 30 8:15 Jace Link Coltan May Bob & Carolyn Cordts Marty & Betty Ingrassia Owen Miller Brad Juergens B. Schmidt, M. Suhs D. Alexander, L. Cox L. Weyhrich Christmas Poinsettias December 31 New Year s Eve Jessalyn Bjorling Dave & Linda Nash S. Johannes, O. Miller