GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS LUTHERAN CHURCH. December Advent Waiting

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1 D e c e m b e r g a c h u r c h. o r g GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS LUTHERAN CHURCH Advent Waiting December 2017 December 3 ADVENT I Daniel 3:1, 8-30 & John 18:36-37 Welcoming New Members Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have a hot dilemma before them: worship a worldly king and denounce the God of Israel, or face a fiery furnace and certain death? Fortunately for them, King Nebuchadnezzar has no idea who he s dealing with. December 10 ADVENT II Ezekial 37:1-14 & John 11:25-26 Festival of Lessons & Carols (9:00 am) Yet another prophet promises God s deliverance for the exiled nation of Israel. How much longer can they take it? Ezekiel s vision must certainly be an illustration of a people desperate for life-giving breath. December 17 ADVENT III Isaiah 55:1-13 & John 4:13-14 SUNDAY MORNINGS AT GA: 9:00 am Traditional Worship 10:10 am All Ages Education Hour 11:15 am New Life Worship Children s Christmas Program (11:15 am) Isaiah s eloquent prophecy rolls off the tongue like poetry. But more than just beautiful words, it paints a vivid illustration of a world restored, and good that triumphs over evil. December 24 ADVENT IV Psalm 130:5-8 & John 1:1-18 Preacher: Lee Ann Pomrenke Single Service: 9:30 am It all starts with a Word. Light. Promise. Savior. This is the One for whom we have waited. Our long-suffering hopes are about to be fulfilled. CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP DECEMBER 24, 2017 FAMILY WORSHIP 3:30 PM CANDLELIGHT WORSHIP 5:00 PM & 10:00 PM Communion is celebrated at all Christmas Eve services. Pastor John will preach at all Christmas Eve services. THERE IS NO WORSHIP AT GA ON CHRISTMAS DAY. December 31 FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS John 1:19-34 A Service of Christmas Carols Single Service: 9:30 am Who is this Messiah, this long-awaited whom John is proclaiming to anyone who will listen? Who is this one who baptizes, not with water but with the Holy Spirit? Who is it? (Hint: it s not John.)

2 Page 2 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Thoughts from Pastor John Grace and peace be to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! When I had the privilege to travel to Iringa, Tanzania as one of the four GA ambassadors this summer, one of the things I was most interested in observing was the Tanzanians approach hospitality. As a first time traveler to Tanzania I had only heard about the remarkable welcome I would expect to receive when we arrived at our two partner congregations. Let me tell you, it was more amazing than I could have imagined. When our vehicle arrived near the church, the church members met us down on the road, waving tree branches, signing and dancing with excitement with our arrival. It was a collection of men and women, young and old. Never in my life have I had people, who I had never met before express so much joy for my arrival. They understand what being hospitable is. Their welcome and hospitality didn t stop there. It expanded out in their generosity of gifts they provided and food and drink that we shared with one another. It was always very clear to me how thankful they were for us being there. They planned and prepared to make sure our visit was great. And, oh was it! One of the things our group talked about is that in the United State, this type of reception isn t typical. However, we too strive and should strive to always be welcoming and be prepared to welcome our guest. On Sunday, November 12th, we thought we were. With memories of our time in Iringa, the Global Missions committee was prepared to welcome Bishop Gaville to preach in worship at GA. We had met, discussed the many details and were ready for it to be a great visit. I knew we couldn t match the way our Tanzanian brothers and sisters had received us, but we could do our best. The plan was for Bishop Giville and his wife Pamela to be brought to GA from Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. They were to arrive at 10:45 and we were ready. One of the committee members was in the Gathering Space watching both the north door and south door, waiting for our special guest to arrive. Unbeknownst to her, the driver had dropped the bishop and Pamela at our east door, the one right on Arcade, near our sanctuary. Yes, the door that is always locked, because unless there is a funeral, we don t use the door. Imagine with me-there they stood, standing outside of our church, locked out, unable to get in. We all quickly scrambled when we realized what was going on and apologized for the miscommunication and the fact that they were locked out and couldn t get into our church. AHH! We are still trying to figure out why there were dropped at that door, but it is what it is. However, there is a takeaway for you and me. We can never be too prepared for guests to arrive at our church. In order for us to be the most hospitality we can, we all have to be willing to pitch in. It is up to all of us to be welcoming and prepared to introduce ourselves to people we don t know. Of course we don t have such a special guest like Bishop Gaville every Sunday, however, and new person to our community should be welcomed and it should always look like we are ready. And it takes you. Next Sunday when you are church, will you remember this? Ask yourself what you can do to welcome someone new. Introduce yourself to someone you don t know and learn a bit about them and their story. This is your church and your community-make it the best it can be. It has to start with hospitality!. Your Partner on the Journey Pastor John Hierlinger Newsletter Submission Deadlines GA Newsletter submission deadline is the 2nd Monday of the month for the upcoming month newsletter: 2nd Monday in December for the January newsletter is December 11. If you are responsible for a monthly article, please put these dates in your personal calendar. Send your article to info@gachurch.org. WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY Learn more about the Bible readings for the coming Sunday

3 December 2017 Page 3 From the Pastor s Pen: An Advent Activity from Pastor Chris Halverson Attention glue gun slingers and craft store fanatics, have I got a project for you! Go find five tealight candles, five mason jars, a small box, some blue or purple paint, glue, and something round to use as a base (think of the cardboard base of a frozen pizza). Then paint four of the mason jars blue or purple (an interesting fact is Lutherans use blue for Advent mainly because Northern Europeans didn t have access to purple dye when our worship traditions were being codified), glue them onto the base, and put tea lights inside the jars. Then set the box in the center of the piece, and put the Advent Centerpiece Wreath you ve just made in the center of your dining room table. ADVENT...the season of waiting Advent is the hidden season, wouldn t you say? It s so easy to miss it in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, what with the decorations going up all over town even before we ve finished our first piece of pumpkin pie. But Advent is important for our spiritual health. We need this in-between time of waiting in joyful hope for the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. In this season of Advent, as we ponder what it means to wait for the coming of Christ in history, in glory, and in the world around us let us act as he would have us act. Let us give as he would have us give. - Audrey Riley, Women of the ELCA Then at whatever meal you have a group of people assembled together, do as follows: Between November 28 th and December 3 nd light one tealight, What has made me hopeful about the future this week? Discuss the question and write down or draw what you all come up with and put it into the box. Between December 4 th and 10 th light two tealights and ask, Where have I found peace this week? Discuss the question and write down or draw what you all come up with and put it into the box. Between December 11 th and 17 th light three tealights and ask, What has given me joy this week? Discuss the question and write down or draw what you all come up with and put it into the box. Between December 18 th and 24 th light all four tealights and asks, Where have I found love this week? Discuss the question and write down or draw what you all come up with and put it into the box. Then, on Christmas morning, or Christmas Eve, or really any of the 12 days of Christmas before Epiphany on January 6 th, remove the box, replace it with the 5 th mason jar and tea leaf. Light all five of the candles and read through all the hope, peace, joy, and love accrued over the season of Advent! All a blessing come to full fruition in Christmas! May the coming Christ bless you all!

4 Page 4 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY GOD S GLOBAL BARNYARD Again this year, the Sunday School and Global Mission Committee are teaming up to raise money to purchase animals to help help families alleviate hunger. Kids are Invited to take a red barn for their families. Fill it with cash and change and return it to church for a noisy during the New Life service on December 17! Our donations will help families in Tanzania produce food for themselves and for sale, as well as the fertilizer they can use to boost crop yields. Let s see if we can raise enough money to buy some chicks...or a pig or a goat...or a cow! GET ON BOARD WITH GOD S GLOBAL BARNYARD! COME PLAY IN OUR CHURCH NURSERY! Loving care by a professional educator and experienced caregiver is offered for infants through 4 years old each Sunday morning from 9:00 am through 12:30 pm in our church nursery in Room 121. MORE FROLIC GATHERINGS! You and your child are invited to join Stephanie Surine in exploring a Bible story and activity stations to enjoy together with your child. We will also share more about Frolic Online newsletters and take time for conversation with other parents. We hope you will join us! Please contact us for more information. If you are unable to join us this time but would like to sign up for Frolic Online newsletters and to hear about future Frolic parties, please call or sherrie@gachurch.org WHO? Parents and young children (three and under) WHEN? Sunday, December 10, 10:30am WHERE? GA Church Library (watch bulletins for possible room change) Volunteers are welcome! Prepare and lead a faith-based workshop such as drama, art, Bible skills & games, Cooking, Science, Drama, Video. 2 - week commitment. Use your expertise and a little of your time with our Sunday School children. Contact Sherrie Nordquist at the church office for details. 651/ or sherrie@gachurch.org SPARK Faith Formation Activities For children in preschool Grade 5 10:10 11:10 am each Sunday Pre-K Classroom in North Hallway adjacent to our Nursery Grades K-5 in our new Kids Cavern downstairs

5 December 2017 Page 5 CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILY MINISTRY SUNDAY MORNINGS IN THE KIDS CAVERN (GRADES K 5) Follow the stairs near the Chapel to our new children s ministry space. 10:10 Kids Choir 10:35 Rotation Workshops Advent and Christmas: December 3, 10, and 17 Wedding at Cana: January 14, 21, and 28 SPARK Bible Time for Preschoolers 10:10am-11:10am Our Pre-K learners are warmly welcomed by experienced, caring teachers. They will enjoy making new friends at church, doing art projects, hearing Bible stories, singing and making music. These and many other activities are designed to help them explore Bible stories and feel a welcomed part of our church family. Our Preschool Department uses a sign-in/sign-out system. We Love Hearing Our GA Kids Sing! Children s Choir rehearses as part of Sunday School. Children s Choir under the direction of Camille Farinella is open to any child in grades K-5! The choir performs monthly at the New Life Service, and at other services. Designed to get kids ages 3 grade 5 to open the Bible and explore God s Word in each and every lesson. Children will study Bible stories through many different types of learning such as art, drama, storytelling, games and more. Students will hear and experience the same Bible story in all of the workshops for three - four weeks by rotating to a different workshop each week. Educators have long realized that it is necessary to repeat information in order to retain it. When children hear the same story through several different lessons, they remember it better. They are also able to go deeper into the material and have a better chance to personally reflect on the importance of the lessons. THE BIBLE BUCKS STORE will be open in December! Bring your SPARK Bible to Sunday School every week to collect more Bible Bucks! For more information about Sunday School and Confirmation programs, contact Sherrie Nordquist by calling the Church office (direct line) or sherrie@gachurch.org

6 Page 6 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Wednesday Faith Nights CHANCEL CHOIR Weekly rehearsals Wednesdays 7:30 pm 8:30 pm in the sanctuary choir loft and Sundays at 8:20 am. New members are always welcome. No rehearsal will be held December 27. December 6 & 13 returns January 3 Young or old, or somewhere in between, there is something for you and your faith on Wednesday nights: 5:00 pm TASTY MEAL (suggested donation, $5/ person, $15 max per family) 6:00 pm WORSHIP for all! * 6:30 pm FAITH FORMATION for everyone Special Christmas All-Ages activities are planned for December...join us! Confirmation for Youth in Grades 6 8 This year will focus on Discipleship and Luther s Small Catechism. With large-group presentations by our pastors followed by small group conversation with adult leaders. For more information sherrie@gachurch.org. K.I.N.G.S. for Grades K-5 Kids In God s Service Kids in grades K-5 are invited for gym games, Bible fun and hanging out with friends and cool leaders Sarah and Teresa. Hope to see you in Kids Cavern for KINGS! DECEMBER 13 BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP In lieu of a traditional Family Faith night on Wednesday, December 13 join us for our annual Blue Christmas worship service. Blue Christmas worship is designed to be an acknowledgement that While society tells us that the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be a difficult time...a time when we remember loved ones who are no longer with us, traditions we no longer share, or any of the challenges and changes we face as human beings. These are not just adult emotions...children can face these realities, as well. This worship service acknowledges these all too real feelings, and helps us prepare to greet Christmas with true joy. We will come together as normal for a meal at 5:00 pm, then enjoy holiday crafts before worship at 7:00 pm. ADULT BIBLE STUDY - Adults gather on Wednesday nights to study the upcoming Sunday s scripture text. Join us as we make our way through a new way of looking at the bible with the Narrative Lectionary produced by Luther Seminary. DECEMBER 6 6:30 PM Join us as we carol for seniors at nearby care facilities. It s a wonderful tradition!

7 December 2017 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church is financed entirely by the generous, direct financial gifts of its members and friends. There are several ways you can bless this mission of Jesus with your gifts: 1. Place your check or cash in the offering plate during the service. Envelopes are in the pews. 2. Electronic Funds Transfer from our website, gachurch.org (upper right corner). It gives you options to have your weekly, bimonthly or monthly offerings deducted from your checking or savings account and deposited directly to the GA Church bank account. 3. Bill Pay. Follow the directions for your bank or credit union to create GA as a Payee at 1669 Arcade St. N, St. Paul, MN 55106, and choose to make a regular weekly or monthly offering. 4. Stock Transfer to the church. For more information, contact Maggie Kidnie in the business office, SUNDAY MORNING ADULT FAITH FORMATION DECEMBER 3 The Gospel of John with Arland Hultgren DECEMBER 10 No Table Talk: DECEMBER 17 Carol Sing DECEMBER 24 No Table Talk DECEMBER 31 No Table Talk TABLE TALK IS HELD IN THE FIRESIDE ROOM ON SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 10:10 AM Page 7 Our Life Together THE GA WOMEN S BOOK CLUB We meet the fourth Tuesday of each Month at 1:00 pm in the Ronald C. Peterson Library. New readers are always welcome. Stop by the church library for more information. We usually have copies available to borrow. The club is taking December off...the next meeting will be January 22. Join us! Library Committee Meeting & Workday Second Monday of each month at 1 PM The role of the GA Library committee is to grow and maintain the library collection. The committee performs many tasks including: - Selecting and purchasing materials for the library - Preparing materials to be checked out - Promoting the library through preparing book displays and creating new library programs If you would enjoy working with this group, please contact Sherrie Nordquist at the church office or stop by the library on Sunday morning. Librarians: Carol Sandberg, Marlys Siverson The Ronald C. Peterson Library is open between services from 10:00 am -11:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings, and during weekday office hours. Large print selections are also available. Thank you for returning materials within two weeks.

8 Page 8 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch Our Life Together GA WORSHIP SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER 24 DECEMBER 13 5:00 PM COMMUNITY MEAL 6:00 PM CHRISTMAS CRAFTING 7:00 PM WORSHIP DECEMBER SPECIAL CONCERN AT GA: LYNGBLOMSTEN Believe it or not, December 24 is actually two days on the church calendar (not really, but bear with us for a moment, here). December 24 is the Fourth Sunday of Advent, which we observe with a single worship service at 9:30 am. December 24 is also (obviously) Christmas Eve, which we celebrate at 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, and 10:00 pm. THERE WILL BE NO WORSHIP SERVICES ON CHRISTMAS DAY, DECEMBER 25. WE HOPE THAT IT IS A DAY FULL OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND JOY AT THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD. MERRY CHRISTMAS! Elementary Winter Chill Retreat at Camp Onomia January for youth in grades 3-6. A fantastic weekend is waiting for you. Cool games, chill Bible Study, and awesome staff back from the summer. Mark your calendar now so you won t miss out on this great chance to come to camp! PARENTS! Consider coming along as a driver/chaperone. Enjoy some time away! Contact Sherrie Nordquist if you would like to learn more. Saturday, January 20, 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Bring your child to a fun-filled night while you have some time to yourself, go to a movie, out to dinner, or just read a book without interruption. Your child will get to hang out with Children s Ministry adult leaders and youth. We ll play games, watch a movie, play in the gym or just sit and chat. Pre-registration is required. $10 per child, $5 for each additional child. Sign up at the Welcome desk or sherrie@gachurch.org or lojehoward@comcast.net.

9 December 2017 Page 9 Our Life Together THE GIVING TREE BENEFITTING HOMELESS YOUTH THROUGH LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICE Look for the Giving Tree in the Gathering Space at GA. On it you will find Christmas wishes from young people who will spend their holidays in shelters. They ve shared some very simple Christmas wishes with us. Please, take a tag (or several), then purchase and wrap the gift(s) with the tag(s) attached and return them to GA by Sunday, December 10. Time is short...please help! Many thanks to all of the members of the GA Care Team who have worked to put together another Advent Luncheon for our Seniors this year. This year s event is December 2. Contact Nancy Johnson at if you would like to help! Join us on Thursday, December 21st at Brunson's Pub for our next edition of Brewing Faith. I hope you will join us for a great time of fellowship and conversation on the 21st. If you have any questions, please check in with Pastor John. We have created a program to provide space for us to gather as adults and talk about some of our questions and doubts around spirituality and faith. As far as topics topics to discuss, we have left that open, come with topics you want to discuss. When you arrive you can grab a beverage of your choice and meet us upstairs in their meeting space. They too have food, (great food!) so if you need dinner you can place that order when you arrive. ADULTS OF ALL AGES ARE WELCOME AT BREWING FAITH JOIN US!

10 Page 10 Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Chur ch DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 1 Michelle Beaulieu 2 Terria Meyer Virginia Ringler 3 Christopher Estes Christian Krueger Joe Norquist 5 Bill Lund 6 Bjorn Larsen Lorraine Lund 7 Lori Husnik Joanne Nelson John Roberts 8 Darla Himmer 9 Jaxton Galvin Kendra Nielson 11 Benjamin Larkin Susan Meyer 12 Janice Hobbs 13 Myabella Moua Marian Woodford 14 Brynn Aguirre Daniel Bjorkquist Maggie Kidnie William Kripin Annika Miller 15 Ava Cowdin Douglas Michaelson 16 Vameng Moua 17 Jeannine Carle Benjamin Engelstad 18 Don Weiblen III 19 Owen Colburn Julie Hutcheson-Downwind Dean Lundquist 20 Carl Berglund Brian Schulze John Youngren 21 Jude Lipetzky Terry Summer 22 Jacob Engelstad Joyce McManus 23 Kristine Estes Declan Martin 25 Linda Moe 26 Carol Sideen 27 Daniel Sideen Marge Ball 28 Aaron Doherty Janet Haiden 29 Camille Farinella Tharen Swanson 30 Diane Giovanazzi David Grefe Nkauj Ntxhee Her Will Hierlinger Cathy Ronning 31 Charley Hildebrandt Casey King-Strong Jane Olsen Many, many thanks to all of the volunteers who worked so hard to make our 25th annual GA Craft and Bake Sale a huge success! Many thanks in particular to event chair Karen Landkamer! What a great day of hospitality and fun at GA! A NOTE FROM OUR NEW FRIENDS AT CHURCH OF THE WAY My name is La Neng Xiong. Along with my planting team, I am the planting pastor of Church of the Way. After having pastored in Madison, WI for the previous 6 years, my family and I moved to the Twin Cities at the beginning of 2017 to plant a church with the Hmong District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance to reach out to the large Hmong population here. At present, we are preparing to launch the church in January of In the coming years, we hope to achieve the following objectives: to reach out to un-churched believers in the Twin Cities, to share the Gospel with those who have not heard, and to be a greenhouse for other church plants in the Twin Cities and around the country. We have been holding meetings since March but only on Sunday nights due to a lack of available space. We are grateful that Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church has so graciously and warmly accommodated us on Sunday mornings as we begin our journey as a church of the Way.

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12 Gustavus Adolphus (GA) Lutheran Church 1669 Arcade St St. Paul, MN Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage P A I D Twin Cities MN Permit No. 585 Church Staff & Contact Information The Rev. John Hierlinger, johnh@gachurch.org Senior Pastor The Rev. Amanda Simons, a.simons@gachurch.org Associate Pastor Allen Blegan, visitation@gachurch.org Interim Visitation Minister Dr. Jerry Brakke, jerry@gachurch.org Director of Music Sherrie Nordquist, sherrie@gachurch.org Director of Christian Education Maggie Kidnie, maggie@gachurch.org Business Manager Rob Sebo Lubke, rob@gachurch.org Office Administrator/Communication Specialist Judy Hitchcock, judy@gachurch.org Administrative Assistant Kevin Berglund, Jerry Martin, custodians@gachurch.org Custodians YEARS...and forward We are inspired by the Spirit to: GROW in spiritual vitality WORSHIP creatively and faithfully together EMBRACE our wonder BUILD authentic Christian relationships