G r a c e E v a n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h D e c e m b e r The

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1 G r a c e E v a n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h D e c e m b e r Wester ville, Ohio Voice The Grace of Advent and Christmas Sunday, December 1... First Sunday of Advent/First Fruits Sunday Sunday, December 8... Second Sunday of Advent Scioto Brass Holiday Concert - 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, December Advent Eucharist and Luncheon - 11:00 p.m. Sunday, December Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December Fourth Sunday of Advent Tuesday, December 24...Christmas Eve Family Service - 5:00 p.m. My Dear Lord Gave to Me Candlelight Eucharist Services 7:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Wednesday/Thursday, December 25/26...Church office closed Sunday, December Christmas Sunday (No Sunday School) 8:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services Mark Schroeder and Family choose gift tags from Angel Tree - See page 7

2 The Pastor s Column Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ The Internet has made the world a very small place. Recently I was contacted via out of the blue by Myriam Abramowicz. A New York City writer, director and cinematographer, Myriam told me she d come across the column I had written for The Voice six years ago in which I referenced a story from her documentary As If It Were Yesterday. She was curious and I enjoyed our conversation. I confess I d forgotten what I d written. I found it and decided I d offer it to you again. As If It Were Yesterday is a powerful film about Belgian Christians who risked their lives to save 4,000 Jewish children from Nazi death camps during WW II. The film includes a poignant story about a 6-year-old Jewish boy who d been placed with a Christian family. After some time, the Christian family didn t want him anymore. They accused him of being a thief! When the placement officer asked why they thought he was a thief they replied, Yes, he s a thief. Our little girl got a manger for Christmas, with the little Jesus and the rest, whatever there is. And he stole the little Jesus. Our daughter is very upset. She won t eat. The placement worker took the little boy aside. Listen, you know that the Nazis want to kill us all. And here you are with good people trying to save you. Why did you steal? The boy protested, Sir, I didn t steal. You d better tell me. Nothing will happen to you. Katharine Circle Katharine Circle will meet in Rose Garden #1 Tuesday, December 3 at 7:15 p.m. This year the Circle is studying The Sermon on the Mount, The lesson: The Importance of Obeying God s Law will be lead by Karen Bale. If you are interested in joining us or have a question, please call Margie Cepek at And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him. Advent is our time to prepare once again for our journey to Bethlehem. The boy told him, I have taken Jesus to hide him. I know the little Jesus is a Jew. The Germans could take him. So I hid him to save him. The miracle of Christmas is not the cuddly innocence of a baby we unwrap and display during the final weeks of each calendar year. The miracle of Christmas is God s willingness, no, God s determination to be Immanuel, God with us, in a world far more likely to kill God than it is to seek God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German Lutheran pastor executed by the Nazis one day before the liberation of the concentration camp where he was imprisoned, said, In the child of Bethlehem, the life of the world that is to come has come into the life of the world that is. This is why we take time to savor the season of Advent, the four Sundays and their days leading up to Christmas. Advent is our time to prepare once again for our journey to Bethlehem. In a world of artificial light we prepare for the Light of Christ no darkness can overcome. In a world that constantly shouts, Hurry up! we wait with patience. In a world seducing us to Buy, Buy, Buy You Deserve It, we celebrate the grace and love of God who sends the Son to save us. With you again on our way to Bethlehem, Pastor Will Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church 100 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH PH: (614) Web: office@grace43081.org Rev. William A. Hartfelder, Senior Pastor VM 11 w.hartfelder@grace43081.org Rev. Richard O. Walston, Visitation Pastor Cell (614) rjwalston@msn.com Lora Moore, Director of Music Ministries Linda Hoch, Organist Kathy Snead, Office Administrator VM 18 k.snead@grace43081.org Marjie Penn, Receptionist/Secretary Jack Pfeifer, Property Manager Paul Hotchkiss, Custodian glcjack@outlook.com Jocelyn Shuman, Preschool Director; VM 14 littleblessingspreschool@grace43081.org The VOICE of Grace December Page 2

3 The Advent Wreath A Tradition for Home Here is a set of prayers that may be used to accompany the lighting of Advent candles. Some people light their wreath only on each Sunday of Advent, often at the time of the main meal; others do it on each weekday as well. Whatever you may choose, the important thing is that this practice help you prepare in mind and spirit for the real reason for the season: Jesus! The Lighting of Advent Wreath Candles First week of Advent Light one candle. Each time you light it say: The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light; those who live in a land of deep shadow, on them a light has shined. Isaiah 9:2 Prayer: Almighty God, grant that the love of your Son, Jesus Christ, may so light our whole lives that we need never again walk in darkness. Amen. Second week of Advent Light two candles. Each time you light the second one say: There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came to bear witness to the coming of the light so that all might believe through him. John 1:6-7 Prayer: O God, help us to be ready for the coming of your Son, the light of all who love him, by making room for him in our hearts. Amen. Third week of Advent Light three candles. Each time you light the third one say: God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your great gift of love to us. Help us through Jesus, to love you more. Amen. Fourth week of Advent Light all four candles. Each time you light the fourth one say: Lord, my eyes have seen the salvation which you have prepared for all people a light to bring light to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 Prayer: Dear God, let the glorious light of Jesus love shine in our lives and proclaim the Good Tidings to everyone we meet. The Christ Candle Advent Wreaths usually have a center candle called The Christ Candle. This is not to be confused with the Paschal Candle in Church. The Christ Candle is lighted on Christmas Day. Some families have the oldest member of the family light this candle. Others created their own family tradition. May you enjoy this special Advent season as a time to prepare for the Birth of Christ, the light no darkness can overcome! The VOICE of Grace December Page 3

4 Happy New Year!!!! Honor the Lord with your substance and the first fruits of all your produce. (Proverbs 3:9) It s not New Year s yet! Oh, but it is! The church calendar year begins with Advent. The Gregorian calendar begins with January 1. But whichever date is used, just remember that the needy are always present. Love is what it is all about and God s love shines through our love for one another. The annual Thanksgiving drive for W.A.R.M. was a huge success. One date out of all of the days in one year has been generously provided for, now there are only 364 dates remaining. Please cut out the grocery list that is provided, use it as you do your regular shopping and include one or more items for the clients at W.A.R.M. These clients are not only receiving food for their families but hands up in writing resumes, going to interviews, budgeting, limited financial assistance, getting connected federal, state and local public assistance programs, transient assistance for those passing through Westerville who may need help, summer nutritional meals for children of low income families when school is not in session, etc. so that with guidance, many will be able to find employment and establish or re-establish a lifestyle to which all are entitled. November s First Fruits Food/Hygiene = pounds Monetary = $170 December s Grocery List: Foods: Pop tarts, hot chocolate, sugar cookie mix, jelly (other than grape), pickles (any style); Hygiene: Tissues and diapers (sizes 4,5,6) and any motel/hotel toiletries from your travels. Please check all items for their expiration dates. Bring non-perishable foods to church anytime, with our emphasis being the first Sunday of each month. Monetary donations may be placed in an envelope marked for W.A.R.M. or checks made out to Grace Lutheran Church with a notation to W.A.R.M. and placed in the offering plates or in the boxes with the grocery carts. W.A.R.M. s motto is A Hand Up, not a Hand Out. Our congregation is a part of that motto too. Our mission: To reach out with the love of Jesus, to grow disciples and serve our community shows us a way to give so that W.A.R.M. may continue to provide such needed services. Whether we count our days by the church calendar or Gregorian calendar, all days are important when there are people in need and people who can give. Whether we count our days by the church calendar or Gregorian calendar, all days are important when there are people in need and people who can give. God s Blessings to all during this Christmas season and for all of 2014! Jill Morrison Being extravagantly generous is an enchanting way to become holy and Godlike, for God is awesomely extravagant as is revealed by even a casual glance at creation. Edward Hays - The Great Escape Manual Thank You! Next FIRST FRUITS December 1 and then January 5, 2014 Totals to date in 2013 Food/Hygiene = pounds Monetary = $3,763 Reaching out with the love of Jesus to grow disciples and serve our community. Thanksgiving Food Drive Thank you to all the great folks that made this year s Thanksgiving Food Drive another great success for Grace and W.A.R.M.! We were able to collect 92 bags of groceries, serving 46 families and along with check donations in lieu of bringing bagged groceries, for a total of helping 103 families to have a happy Thanksgiving this year. Thank you very much! I would also like to thank those that volunteered their time to help bag and load. The Bush Family, Grace, Boy Scout Troop 007, Jack Pfeifer and Tom Seamon. -Social Concerns Chairman Mark Will The VOICE of Grace December Page 4

5 From the Archives - John Kleberg For those interested in family history and genealogy church archives are often a valuable source of information. In much of Europe the church was the official custodian of both government and ecclesiastic records for many years. Depending on the country, and unfortunately often impacted by the ravages of war, records are extant that provide valuable detail about families; when born and baptized, when died and where buried, information regarding cause of death, how extensive was their knowledge of the Catechism, congregation or parish they belonged to and similar informational elements. Depending on the contribution, and sometimes creativity of the pastor or priest, additional insight into a bit of your family history may exist. In many cases today, very old records are available on microfilm and now often digitized making them accessible from a distance by computer through a commercial site. Public Libraries often have limited subscriptions for such services, Ancestry.com Library Edition for example, that patrons may use in the library and to a limited extent off site. Grace church records begin in 1909 when the Pastor made entries in a written record, maintained in our congregational archive. Since Grace was organized by members of St. Paul Lutheran Church those records into the early and mid 19th century, are also available at that Church. While not everyone is interested in family past it is possible to climb the family tree assisted by the valuable and preserved records of a congregation. The popular television series, Who Do You Think You Are, has inspired a renewed interest by many. Who knows, maybe you too are related to a monarchy or your ancestors escaped to America! Church records also often include comments depending upon the individual parish or congregation, odd bits and pieces of information that are of interest to us in generations later. The earliest congregational records at Grace, the first Baptism and the first entry in the Burial Register, (noted left) not only reflect dates but also in some cases cause of death. Or the challenge might be greater when the register, (above right) in this case 1852 from Europe, is not only written in another language but in an older style. Students, families and teachers of Little Blessings Preschool have enjoyed a Fall filled with classroom learning activities, field trips, Parent evenings and Thanksgiving feasts. Thank you to Boy Scout Troop 007 Scouts and Leaders along with Mark Will for spreading mulch on the playground. Very much appreciated by myself, the Teachers and children. Before our Winter Break, the children will enjoy time with Pastor Will as he shares a Christmas story with each class. Along with the classroom education experiences, each class is preparing for Christmas programs to be shared with their families. Our 5 s class will share some of their holiday songs at the Advent Eucharist and Luncheon December 10th. We are blessed to have all the wonderful children, their families and our Teachers in our church during the week. They fill the building with joy. All the Staff of Little Blessings Preschool wish your families an imaginative, magical and blessed Christmas season and a Happy New Year filled with love and many blessings. Jocelyn Shuman, Preschool Director The Grace Lutheran Church members and staff express their sincere condolences to the family of David Titus Yingling Saunders Memories of loved ones are like songs in our soul. Margaret Wakeley The VOICE of Grace December Page 5

6 01 Fred Pfanz 02 Lee Reynolds Kathy Delozier Alex Warbritton Megan Taylor 03 Mindy Nelson Lindsay Harrington Bryan King 04 Jim Schlea Damon Taylor Stephen Kile 05 Bob Crain Susan King 06 Rosie Mohler Julie Jenkins 07 Carollann Pavich Norman Tinkham 08 Chuck Paule Jeremy Martin Grayson Weber 09 Carlyn Farmer 10 Rick Clark 11 Eric Bush Addison Funk 12 Faith Kappeler Bill Bopp BIRTHDAYS 12 Mollie Okonak 13 Paul Grant Michael Giumenti Kimberly Shaw Connor Pensyl Miles Snead 15 Dennis Cooper Michael Althoff Steve Jenkins 16 Pete Otteson Ron Michel Eric Nelson Keith Harrington 17 Merlin Breen Sue Mahrt Vanessa Stewart Sarah Pfanz David Kile 18 Susanna Hartig John Kleberg Jacque Fullerton Kathy Snead Kelsey Boole Jenny Warbritton 19 Natalie Arthur Ryan Roll 19 Amelia Hughes 20 Natalie Jenkins Sam Gurgiolo Lauren Place Gabriel Young 21 Kathy Bell Chris Kuhar 22 John Hicks 23 Quinton Quast Katharine Toler Chris Bobb Jacob Hornbeck 24 Beth Motika 25 Carolyn Martin 27 Mary Ulrich Daniela Casline 28 Liliana Casline Jude Drakulich 29 Sarah Dove 30 Bill Kulju Leann Kuhr Tom Gurgiolo Claudia Snead Timothy Arthur 31 Nathan Heilmann Nicholas Rothmann 01 Doug & Joy Dietz 03 Charles & Mary Roll ANNIVERSARIES 10 Douglas & Ashley Callicott 16 Thomas & Nancy Gurgiolo Tom & Linda Seamon 19 Philip & Kristen Beal 20 Lee & Connie Reynolds BAPTIZED NOVEMBER 24, 2013 Kaitlyn Malory Maki April Mae Maki infant daughter of Kaitlyn Maki David Nathaniel Holmes infant son of David and Karen Holmes Leia Simone Goubeaux infant daughter of John-Phillip and Melanie Goubeaux Carly Suzanne Pensyl infant daughter of Tyler and Molly Pensyl Leah Marian Place infant daughter of Vaughn and Regina Place Recognition of the Baptism of: William Philip Stoll baptized March 13, 2005 by Pastor John Zimmerman The VOICE of Grace December Page 6

7 Angel Tree is Back in the Gathering Space Men of Grace (M.O.G.) traveled to the shooting range in November to test their skills with pistols. Pictured above are the sharpshooters with their targets. The Men of Grace invites all men to participate in the series Basic Training for a Few Good Men. They meet on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Rose Garden #1. This course provides guidelines in becoming a strong leader in family, work, community, and church settings. Also remember that M.O.G. meets on the third Saturday of each month for breakfast and program. 8:00 a.m. in the Loaves and Fishes Cafe. Walston s Host Seraphina Sisters Back by popular demand the Angel Tree Project began on November 24th with the displaying of the Christmas Tree in the Gathering Space decorated with lights and gift ideas. You can make a less fortunate girl or boy have a very special gift under their tree for Christmas by chosing a gift suggestion tag on the Angle Tree for any age group offered, boy or girl, tearing off the lower portion. Be sure to tear off the lower portion only - leaving the top portion on the tree. Purchase a gift based upon the suggested listing on the tag or on your own idea. Bring the unwrapped gift with the tag taped to the gift and place it under the tree no later than Sunday, December 8th. Volunteers will collect all of the gifts on Monday December 9th and distribute to the families. This project is sponsored by the Salvation Army Please help us to make a joyous Christmas for these kids. Pastor and Janet Walston graciously hosted the Seraphina Sisters in their home and with a tour of their beautiful neighborhood of German Village on October 11. We were thrilled to see their German Village home before their bittersweet move to condo living! Seraphina Sisters: Open House and Potluck Lunch! Please join the Seraphina Sisters on Saturday, January 11, 2014, at 12:00 noon, in the Loaves and Fishes Cafe for fellowship and potluck lunch! Whether you are a long-time member, new member, or come to worship with us, all women are welcome! Come join us, bring a dish to share, and find out more about our 2014 events! Please sign up at the Welcome Center desk or contact Julie Abrams with RSVP or questions: julieanne26.2@gmail.com, or (614) Can t make it? Join us on Sunday, February 9, 2014 in the Loaves and Fishes Cafe for a Bible study, led by Melissa Hodek. Seraphina Sisters: Our vision is to ignite a flame of hospitality, support, and fellowship to women with the loving arms of Jesus, to grow in His Word, and to demonstrate His good works in the community. The VOICE of Grace December Page 7

8 Grace Sunday School News Due to practice for the Christmas Eve play, Sunday School will be on hiatus for the month of December. We will resume on January 5, 2014 Christmas Eve Children s Service Planning for the Christmas Eve Children s service is underway. This year s performance is entitled My Dear Lord Gave to Me. There are parts for children of all ages. Rehearsals will be 12/1, 12/8, 12/15 and 12/22 during the Sunday School hour at 9:25-10:45. Dress rehearsal is 12/23 at 10:00 and is mandatory. If you have or know of a child that would like to participate, please contact Erin Bopp at erinbopp@gmail.com or Youth and Family is sponsoring a Christmas card fundraising project. Cards are available in the Gathering Space. Proceeds will be used to fund youth-oriented events. Cards are original designs by Kurt and Megan Hartfelder. The Youth and Family Ministry and Learning Ministry wants to emphasize that all children are welcome to participate at any time throughout the year. If your child is only able to participate once or sporadically through the year, we still welcome his/her involvement. Mark your 2014 calendar. LOMO is scheduled to be at Grace the week of July 13-18, 2014 Living in God s Time Daily Themes and Stories Day 1: Living in Advent - John the Baptist Day 2: Living in Christmas - The birth of Jesus Day 3: Living in Lent - The crucifixion of Jesus Day 4: Living in Easter - The resurrection of Jesus Day 5: Living in Pentecost - The Holy Spirit LOMO Day Camp 2014 QR Code for Website This is the QR (Quick Response) code for Grace. Scan this code with your iphone and it will take you directly to the Grace Lutheran Website. Stay up-to-date on the ministries of Grace. Log on to GRACE IS NOW ON FACEBOOK The VOICE of Grace December Page 8

9 Footsteps of St. Paul Meeting Shows Much Interest Pastor Will Hartfelder hosted an information meeting between worship services on Sunday, November 24th in the Fellowship Hall about travelling with him on a very special tour of ancient Greece and Turkey. Pastor Hartfelder has indicated that about 25 persons have expressed interest in joining the travel group. This is a significant number because it is the base number for the current estimate of the trip s cost. Also, 25 to 30 travelers would enable the group to have their own bus. At this time there is room for 30 participants, however, Pastor Will indicated at the meeting that he has taken tours with as many as 50. St. Paul s missionary journeys took him great distances through Turkey and along the Greek coast. This historical and spiritual trip will follow in his footsteps and retrace the roots of early Christianity. The 11-day tour includes round-trip airfare, hotels, in-country transportation, all entrance fees, all breakfasts and dinners and most lunches, 6 days touring on land and a 3-day cruise to the Greek islands and Ephesus and more. The estimated cost is $3,349* per person (double-occupancy hotel room). There is also the possibility of a 3-day trip extension to Rome. (Minimum of 10 travelers would be needed to add the Rome extension) Questions? Contact Pastor Will w.hartfelder@grace43081.org Another meeting will be held after Christmas that will provide more details. At that time a deposit of $300. per person will be solicited to reserve a place on the trip. *price does not include gratuities, visas to Turkey, optional travel insurance and airport tax and fuel surcharges which are subject to change until tickets are issued. Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church has been serving the Westerville Community for more than 100 years. Grace supports local ministries such as the Westerville Area Resource Ministry, Westerville Partnership Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross Bloodmobile and Westerville CROP Walk. Grace also supports Lutheran Social Services programs like Faith Mission and provides weekly meeting space for a Boy Scout Troop and three AA groups. Is My Child Ready to Receive Holy Communion? If you are a parent or caregiver of a young child, you may be wondering when he or she is ready to receive communion. Some may have been raised to believe this only happens after we have completed confirmation instruction. This tradition may have given the impression that Holy Communion was a privilege enjoyed by those mature enough to understand and appreciate it. The following questions can help you determine the readiness of your child to receive her or his first Holy Communion. Has your child been baptized? Is your child asking questions about Holy Communion Is your child comfortable in various locations around the church, including the Bema, Ambo, and Altar? Will your child extend his or her hands when asked to do so? Does your child recognize the Pastors and seem to be able to interact enough with them to receive the elements (Bread and Wine)? Is your child aware enough of others in the congregation and their needs to show a degree of respect for their communion experience? Are you prepared to help make the process positive? Are you prepared to keep the promises you made at your child s baptism to bring him or her regularly to the Lord s table? Only the first question requires a yes before your child can be considered ready to receive his or her first communion. Use the other questions to generate discussion and to plan, in consultation with either Pastor Hartfelder or Pastor Walston, for your child s preparation to begin receiving Holy Communion and the gifts it brings. Pastors Hartfelder and Walston will lead a First Communion Preparation class in March The first session begins at 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 14th. The second session begins at 9 a.m., Saturday March 15th and concludes after lunch at 1:30 p.m. Attendance at both sessions is required. First Communion is celebrated on Sunday, March 16th. Before registering you child please consult with Pastor Hartfelder or Pastor Walston. To register call or the church office: office@grace43082.org The VOICE of Grace December Page 9

10 Advent Eucharist and Luncheon Tuesday, December 10th, 11:00 a.m. Faith, Food, Fellowship. Christmas Performance by Little Blessing Preschool Children. Reservations must be made before Dec. 6th. Call the Church office Transportation provided if needed. Christmas Wreaths and Greenery In addition to items already ordered, the Boy Scouts will have extra items available on December 8th. Wreaths, garlands, sprays, and living mini Christmas trees will be sold, ranging in price from $18 - $27. Eagle Scouts from Troop 007 has added three Eagle Scouts to their growing list of over 70 who have earned the Boy Scouts highest honor since the troop was chartered at Grace. Congratulations to Austin Yochus, Kristopher Lindsey and Gabe Biggers on this outstanding accomplishment. Ruth Circle Christmas Luncheon In December the Circle will be dining at a restaurant to be announced. The date is Monday, December 9, at 1:00 p.m. On Monday, January 13, 2013 the Ruth Circle women will meet in the Rose 1:00 p.m. Ruth Circle is using the book on Parables, For more information call Joyce Strung at (614) Westerville Grace Dartball December Schedule 12/05/13 Home with Reynoldsburg 12/12/13 Home with Grove City 12/19/13 at Obetz 1/02/14 Home with Grace Concert Series Sunday, December 8, 6:00 p.m. Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company What would Christmas be without a concert by the Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company, led by our own Chris Hoch. Parking is at a premium for this concert. Good community hospitality suggests that Grace members who are able park in the shopping center by the bank in order that our visitors can park in our lot. The Joyful Noise! Concert Series brings many member of our community to Grace. We are in need of volunteers to help direct the parking of cars, greet our visitors and take up the freewill offering. If you would like to help, contact Carolyn Martin at (614) or martin1529@sbcglobal.net. Please consider helping make a visit to the Joyful Noise! Concerts an enjoyable experience for our guests. Thank you! Please Note: Supper Club Will Not Meet in December Look forward to January at the Polaris Grill. Miss a Sermon or Wish to Hear it Again? It is easy to hear a sermon you may have missed or you might wish to hear again or recommend to another simply by going to the Grace website at: When you arrive at the website you: 1) click on worship on the left of the screen; 2) click on Sermons on the lower right; 3) click on Listen to a Sermon in the middle of the screen; 4) choose your sermon from the menu. Next Blood Drive January 14th, Noon to 6:00pm Get 2014 off on the right foot and give the gift of life. Donate blood! The VOICE of Grace November Page 10