November 2015 Newsletter

Transcription

1 2132 Deckner Avenue Green Bay, WI November 2015 Newsletter ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH Pastor James Gerth Sunday Worship Sunday Multicultural Worship Wednesday Evening Taize Worship 9:00 a.m. 11:15 a.m. 6:30-7:00 p.m. Church Phone: Pastor s Cell: Website: atonementlutheranchurchgb.com churchoffice@atonementlutheranchurchgb.com Pastor s james.gerth@yahoo.com Sue Pike-Office Manager Donna Aznoe Custodian Tiffany Uitenbroek-Director of Music Ministry Linda Grzeca - Organist/Pianist Jairo Huilar - Interpreter

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3 Tuesday Morning Bible Study This Small Group Bible Study will use John Ortberg s video-based study called Soul Keeping Ortberg shows that caring for your soul is necessary for your Christian life. John shows us what your soul is, why it is important, how to assess your soul s health, and how to care for it so that we can have a meaningful and beautiful life with God and others. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to join us! Tuesday Morning Bible Study 1 st & 3 rd Tuesday each month 9:30 a.m. 10:45 a.m. Herbie s Café God has placed before you an open door. What will you do? Join this Small Group Bible Study by John Ortberg All the Places to Go. We meet each Thursday morning at 6:30am for Breakfast and study. Very rarely in the Bible does God command someone to stay. He opens a door, and then he invites us to walk through it into the unknown. And how we choose to respond will ultimately determine the lives we will lead and the people we will become. In fact, to fail to embrace the open door is to miss the work God has made for us to do. In All the Places to Go... How Will You Know?, bestselling author John Ortberg opens our eyes to the countless open doors God places before us every day, teaches us how to recognize them, and gives us the encouragement to step out in faith and embrace all of the extraordinary opportunities that await. So go ahead walk through that door. You just might do something that lasts for eternity. Thursday Mornings - Herbies Café 6:30 a.m. 7:30 a.m. Joint Thanksgiving Eve Celebration to be Held at Atonement Lutheran Church Come and join us on Wednesday evening November 25 / 7:00 p.m. at Atonement Lutheran Church as we gather together to give thanks. Thanksgiving is a time where families come together and so it is great that we come together with Christ Community Lutheran Church. Let us all gather together to give thanks! We ask that you bring items for LWR Kits are: Towels, Wide Tooth Combs, Nail Clippers, Soap, Pencil Sharpeners, Rulers, Crayons, and Pens

4 Confirmation Ministry in 2015 Confirmation is: A pastoral & educational ministry of the church which helps the baptized child, through Word and Sacrament, to Identify more deeply with the Christian community and participate more fully in its mission. MAKE-UP TIMES! Please note that you are expected to make-up any classes that you miss with Pastor Jim. I would suggest that you keep up with your missed classes. If you have missed a class, talk with us about a time to make them up. WORSHIP is an important part of our Confirmation Ministry! All youth who are in Confirmation are encouraged to join us for worship each week on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. RAINBOW BAGS FOR OUR CHILDREN IN CHURCH The rainbow bags at the entry to church are filled with religious books for your children to read during worship. Please feel free to take one for your child to use and return to the rack following worship. CONFIRMATION NURSERY HELPER SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 2015 Each young adult that is in our Confirmation Program is expected to help with our Nursery Ministry on Sunday morning during the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service. Your presence will ensure that there is adequate supervision for the young children in the nursery. It is important that you arrive to help with this ministry by 8:50 a.m. If you have any questions please call me at or me at james.gerth@yahoo.com. If you are going to trade Sundays please let Sue Pike know in the church office. ( ) Thank you for being a part of this ministry! WORSHIP 9:00 a.m. November 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 NURSERY HELPER 8:50 a.m. Kevin Nesslein Onnika Robishaw Allison Pankratz Dane Bergstrom Joshua Helgeson CONFIRMATION WORSHIP HELPER SCHEDULE OCTOBER 2015 Each young adult that is part of our Confirmation Ministry is expected to be a worship helper to our pastor. As a Worship Helper you will do the following: Hold the Christ Candle by Baptism Font during the Confession, carry Christ Candle forward during the Gathering Hymn, help with Holy Moly, carry in Communion Items with Parents or other Adult as ushers come forward with the Offering, help with Holy Communion, carry Christ Candle out, greet people with Pastor. Worship Helpers should be at church by 8:45 a.m. When you arrive check with pastor right away. If you have any questions please call me at or me at james.gerth@yahoo.com. Thank You for helping with this ministry! WORSHIP 9:00 a.m. November 1 November 8 November 15 November 22 November 29 WORSHIP HELPER 8:45 a.m. Amy Wheelock Allison Pankratz Onnika Robishaw Joshua Helgeson Dane Bergstrom

5 STOCK SALE FOR ATONEMENT S YOUTH! Please consider purchasing Stock in our youth! Purchase any dollar amount! Watch for Stock sale after worship or simply call the church office Thank you for your support! You ll be invited to a Stock Holder Dinner later this year. CONFIRMATION YOUTH HELP SERVE AT N.E.W. SHELTER MEALS MONDAY,NOVEMBER 2, 2015 from 4:45-6:00 p.m. YOUTH SERVERS: Allison Pankratz and Onnika Robishaw The schedule for our confirmation youth and/or parents to provide assistance for the N.E.W. Shelter meal is listed above. The N.E.W. Shelter is located at 301 Mather. Your help is a great way to assist others, and to understand the needs some people in our community have for the basic necessities of life. If it is necessary for you to change your date, please do so by contacting another youth/parent. Remember that this community service is part of the confirmation requirements and is not optional. Thank You for ministry, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.) Sunday School & Confirmation Schedule for November & December Nov 1 Sunday Worship Celebration & Mentor 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion & Remember the Saints Worship Helper Amy Wheelock 10:15-11:15 a.m. Water to Wine Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Mentor & 9 th (Session 6 Following Jesus) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 11:15 a.m. HOPE For All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 12:15 p.m. HOPE For All Confirmation Class Nov 6-8 Jr. HIGH RETREAT/BLAST at Imago Dei Nov 8 Sunday Worship Celebration & Jr. High Retreat 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Worship Helper Allison Pankratz 10:15-11:15 a.m. Jesus Feeds 5000 Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6th & 7th & 8th Grades) 11:15 a.m. HOPE For All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 12:15 p.m. HOPE For All Confirmation Class

6 Nov 11 Wednesday Mid-Week Faith Journey (6th & 7th & 8th Grades) 6:00-6:45 p.m. Youth Serve Meal for Veterans & Families 6:45-7:15 p.m. Worship of Remembrance & Holy Communion Faith Story: Worship Helper: Allison Pankratz Nov BUILDING YOUTH GROUP RETREAT at Imago Dei Nov 15 Sunday Worship Celebrations & Mentor 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Worship Helper Onnika Robishaw 10:15-11:15 a.m. Road to Emmaus Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Mentor & 9th Grade (Session 7 Saying Yes) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6th & 7th & 8th Grades) 11:15 a.m. HOPE For All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 12:15 p.m. HOPE For All Confirmation Class Nov 21 Saturday Trip to Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview to see It s A Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play (Depart at 10:00 a.m.) Nov 22 Sunday Worship Celebrations & U2S & Mentor 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Worship Helper: Joshua Helgeson 10:15-11:15 a.m. Advent & Christmas - Lesson for Sunday School 10:15 11:15a.m. Mentor & 9 th Grade (Session 8 Life Beyond Confirmation) 10:15-11:00 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 11:15 a.m. HOPE For All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 1215 p.m. HOPE For All Confirmation Class Nov 25 Wednesday We Gather to Give Thanks! 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Celebration & Holy Communion 7:45 p.m. Thanksgiving Pie Fest Nov 29 Sunday Worship Celebration & Decorating Church 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Worship Helper: Dane Bergstrom (Advent Wreath) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Advent & Christmas - Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Decorate Church Inside & Out for Christmas 11:15 a.m. HOPE For All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 12:15 p.m. HOPE For All Confirmation Class Dec 2 Wednesday LIVING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 3:30 p.m. Bake & Decorate Christmas Cookies for Love Baskets (Cookies for Red Cross Staff & Preble Staff & Love Baskets) 5:00 p.m. Begin to Assemble Baskets & Deliver them 6:00 p.m. Advent Potluck 6:30 p.m. Advent Service & Communion Dec 6 Sunday Worship Celebration & Advent Wreath 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Worship Helper: Benjamin Reeves (Advent Wreath) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Advent & Christmas - Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) (Confirmation Makeup) 11:15 a.m. HOPE For All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 12:15 p.m. HOPE For All Confirmation Class Dec 9 Wednesday LIVING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 3:30-6:00 p.m. Begin Making Tie Blankets for Preble Hive & N.E.W. Shelter 6:00 p.m. Advent Potluck 6:30 p.m. Advent Service & Communion

7 Dec 13 Sunday WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS & ADVENT WREATH (7 th -9 th Graders) 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Worship Helper: Kevin Nesslein (Advent Wreath) 10:15 11:15 a.m. Advent & Christmas Lesson for Sunday School 10:15 11:00 a.m. Confirmation Youth Prepare Candles for Christmas & (Confirmation Make-Up) 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) 12:15 p.m. Hope for All Confirmation Class Dec 16 Wednesday LIVING THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT 3:30 p.m. Begin Christmas Caroling at Homes of Members 6:00 p.m. Gather at Bornemann s Nursing Home for Caroling 6:30 p.m. Advent Service & Communion Dec 20 Sunday WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS 9:00-10:00 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Celebration & Advent Wreath 10:00 a.m. Jesus Birthday Cake 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) Dec 24 Thursday CHRISTMAS EVE 4:30 p.m. Family Christmas Celebration & Holy Communion - The Christmas Guest Dec 24 Thursday CHRISTMAS EVE 7:00 p.m. Esperanza Para Todos / Christmas Eve Service & Holy Communion / The Christmas Story (Spanish & English) Dec 24 Thursday CHRISTMAS EVE 10:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Celebration & Holy Communion Dec 27 Sunday SUNDAY WORSHIP CELEBRATIONS 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Umited2Serve / Service of Carols No Worship Helper No Sunday School! Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion (Spanish & English) MAY GOD BLESS US IN THE NEW YEAR!!! Volunteers are needed to Ring The Bell for Salvation Army At Shopko East in November! Sign up today at church to help with this important Ministry!! November 17 / 1:00 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 7:00 p.m. November 18 / 5:00 7:00 p.m. November 20 / 11:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m. & 1:00 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 7:00 p.m November 24 / 1:00 3:00 p.m. & 5:00 7:00 p.m.

8 Mission Statement for Sunday School We will share the love of Christ through Music, Prayer, Crafts and Bible Stories so that our Sunday School children will grow in their love of Jesus and discover the joy of sharing the love of Christ with others! SUNDAY SCHOOL NOVEMBER SCHEDULE November 1 Sunday Worship Celebrations & Mentor 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Communion & Remember the Saints Amy Wheelock Worship Helper 10:15-11:15 a.m. Water to Wine Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Mentor & 9 th Grade 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion 12:15 p.m. Hope for All Confirmation Class November 6-8 Jr HIGH RETREAT / BLAST at Imago Dei November 8 Sunday Worship Celebrations & Jr High Retreat 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Allison Pankratz Worship Helper 10:15-11:15 a.m. Jesus Feeds 5,000 Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion November 11 Wed. / Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 6:00-6:45 p.m. Youth Serve Meal for Veterans & Families 6:45-7:15 p.m. Worship of Remembrance & Communion Worship Helper: Allison Pankratz November BUILDING YOUTH GROUP RETREAT at Imago Dei November 15 Sunday Worship Celebrations & Mentor 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Onnika Robishaw Worship Helper 10:15-11:15 a.m. Road to Emmaus Lesson for Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Mentor & 9 th Grade (Session 7 Saying Yes) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion 12:15 p.m. Hope for All Confirmation Class November 21 Saturday / Trip to Oil Lamp Theater in Glenview It s A Wonderful Life A Live Radio Play (Depart 10:00 a.m.) November 22 Sunday Worship Celebrations & U2S & Mentor 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Joshua Helgeson Worship Helper 10:15-11:15 a.m. Advent & Christmas Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Mentor & 9 th Grade 10:15-11:15 a.m. Faith Journey (6 th & 7 th & 8 th Graders) 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion 12:15 p.m. Hope for All Confirmation Class November 25 Wednesday / We Gather to Give Thanks! 7:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Celebration & Holy Communion 7:45 p.m. Thanksgiving Pie Fest November 29 Sunday Worship Celebrations & Decorating 9:00-10:00 a.m. Worship & Holy Communion Dane Bergstrom Worship Helper (Advent Wreath) 10:15-11:15 a.m. Advent & Christmas Sunday School 10:15-11:15 a.m. Decorate Church Inside & Out for Christmas 11:15 a.m. Hope for All Worship & Holy Communion 12:15 p.m. Hope for All Confirmation Class

9 Family News Our prayers and thoughts go out to Janet Jacobson and family upon the death of husband Henry (Bud) on October 2. Grace Muchele Carol Bowa was welcomed as a child of God into the Atonement Family during her Baptism on Sunday, October 18. Grace is the daughter of Mulunda & Sally Bowa and little sister of Maxwell. Sending of Holy Communion *A New Ministry at Atonement* The Church Council & the Worship & Music Committee are looking for volunteers that would be willing to bring Holy Communion to our Home Bound after the Sunday morning Worship. You will be given some instruction by Pastor Jim and an order of worship to use with your visit. This is another way that we can be sure the sacrament of Holy Communion is shared more often with our home bound. If you are interested in helping with this ministry please let Pastor Jim know. Thank you for you partnership in this ministry! Scrip Cards When you purchase SCRIP gift cards, you can choose where 100% of those fundraised dollars go! You can choose any of the line items in the yearly Budget such as United 2 Serve, Youth, Music, Building Improvements, etc. You could also choose to have 100% of the dollars put in your family account to offset costs for mission trips, youth gatherings, etc. As always your order form and money is due by the first Sunday of the month and is to be placed in Julie Geyer's mailbox. Example: You spend 300$ a month on gas. Choose a business that gives 10% back and purchase gas cards through them. In one month you could have earned 30$ to put toward a ministry you are passionate about. If you have any questions please see Leah Bergstrom. 3 rd -5 th Graders Going to Crossways Camp! November Building Youth Groups (BYG) Retreat This retreat sets a firm foundation for establishing group unity at a young age. Games, songs, Bible study, and so much more! Please pray for our young people that will be attending: Cole Bergstrom Ben Pointek Sydnee Helgeson Zach Helgeson Lydia Kohlbeck Leah Bergstrom (Adult Chaperone) We re Also Going to blast! Junior High retreat! November 6-8 at Imago Dei Village A weekend full of fun, games, worship, good food, and awesome Bible Studies. Pray for our youth that are attending this awesome weekend: Dane Bergstrom Joshua Helgeson Allison Pankratz Jason Helgeson (Adult Chaperone)

10 Happy Birthday to All from your Atonement Church Family! Dan Wiitanen 11/01 Matt Worzala 11/01 Kelsey Basten 11/02 Ron Starkey 11/03 Ryan Uitenbroek 11/03 Kathleen Huebner 11/04 Ellen Smidt 11/06 Ryan Possley 11/08 Mary Jo Rabideau 11/08 Amarra LeMay 11/10 Pat Wistenberg 11/10 Jeffrey Brandtjen 11/11 Logan Jolly 11/13 Eugene Kittel 11/13 Christina Brandtjen 11/17 William Herms 11/18 Susan Pike 11/19 Megan Zentmeyer 11/21 Aubrie McElrone 11/22 Russell Reynolds 11/23 Darrin Byers 11/24 Tyler Dorner 11/24 Amanda Paull 11/24 Kaele Joy Schilz 11/24 Jane Werner 11/26 Kevin Nesslein 11/27 Brendan Zimmermann 11/27 Daniel Neveau 11/29 Paula Skorczewski 11/29 Jill Wentworth 11/29 Barbara Schewe 11/30 If you have a November birthday and were not recognized, Happy Birthday! (Please call the church office, , to record your birthdate.) LARGE PRINT BULLETINS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE USHERS. The Preble HIVE The Preble Hive is a school community donation center whose main goal is to help students get the necessary supplies to be comfortable and successful at Preble High School. Students, Staff, Parents, and Community Members are invited to donate any new or like-new products that will be used to make the Hive a respected resource for the school community. Currently the HIVE as a great need for woman's undergarments and socks. Please put your donated purchases in the Narthex cabinet marked HIVE Thank you! From the Social Concerns Committee: Care & Share Ministry Our Care & Share Ministry helps those recovering from an illness or surgery by preparing meals or providing household help. If anyone would like to participate in this ministry by helping to prepare a meal or help with household duties, please sign up in the narthex to help. We have a few people signed up, but have several members who are having upcoming surgeries and could use more help. If you haven't signed up, please consider helping. Donna Aznoe Social Concerns Website Address for Atonement Lutheran In the Hospital? If you want Pastor Jim to know you are going to be and/or are hospitalized, please be sure to contact the church office, When admitted to the hospital, you will have to tell them to contact Atonement. Even when you tell this to the hospital, sometimes we are called and sometimes we are not. The only way to be sure we know about your hospitalization is for you or a family member to contact us directly. Without your assistance, it is very possible your hospitalization will not be known by Pastor Jim. Senior Corner Are you aware help is available at our Aging & Disability Resource Center located at 300 S. Adams St? If you are looking for help with meals, housekeeping, bathing, dementia care, yard work, transportation, housing options, money matters, call them at More information and copies of their monthly newsletter will be on the narthex counter. If you need assistance you can call Gladys, Veterans If you are wondering if you are eligible for any health or drug assistance through the VA, you can call the Brown County Service Office, Hope for All 11:15 a.m. Worship Service Come and worship with us on Sunday morning as we share a bilingual worship celebration (English & Spanish). This celebration is open to all people. The worship service is called Hope For All Esperanza Para Todos. Come let us worship the Lord! Worship time is 11:15 a.m.

11 Atonement Wednesday Women WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, We will meet at Atonement at 11:00 a.m. Please note the time change. Bob Mayer from the Red Cross Disaster Services will be a guest speaker. Topics will cover: What is Disaster Services? What do they do? Where do our quilts go? Overview of other services Red Cross provides Lunch will be provided with the assistance of a Thrivent Financial Action Team Grant. Sign up in the Narthex so we know how many to plan for. Any questions, call Gladys, Spanish AA Group We have a Spanish speaking Alcoholics Anonymous Group that meets at Atonement on Friday & Saturday evenings each week from 6:00 7:30 p.m. All are welcome! Can you help in the church nursery? We have had quite a few students volunteer for the nursery who are leaving for college. If you can help, please Tiffany Wiebel or call. jtwiebel@yahoo.com, Atonement's Prayer Chain The Prayer Chain consists of several people who are contacted via when someone has a prayer request. The request goes to all those who have signed up to receive these prayer requests. If you would like to be on the list to receive prayer requests please contact me, Janet Jacobson at or jjanim@aol.com. Devotionals Are Here For You New devotionals for October, November and December are in the narthex area for you to pick up. We have large and small size devotionals. Help yourself! FFL - Food, Fellowship, and Learning Tuesday, November 11:30 a.m. Topic: The First Atonement Lutheran Church (Meal followed by program!) Look for the sign-up sheet in the Narthex. Baylander Barbershop Chorus of Green Bay 34th Annual Fall Harmony Fest Friday, November Stadium View. Buffet style chicken dinner from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Chorus & Chapter Quartets present an entertaining show of wonderful gospel tunes and other barbershop favorites at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20. Call or Please Remember our Donation Cabinets in the Narthex PREBLE HIVE- school supplies, hygiene products & clothing PAUL S PANTRY- egg cartons, twist ties, paper and plastic bags FREEDOM HOUSE- aluminum foil, kitchen bags, shampoo/conditioner and toothpaste EYEGLASSES are always collected for those in need. Can you help? The church office staff does a lot, but can t do it all! We are asking for volunteers for the following: Can you help organize?

12 Sunday Advent Worship Series at Atonement Lutheran Church Come and celebrate with us the ancient songs of Scripture that share the good news of Jesus birth in a special Advent worship series. Hark the Glad Sound. Each service focuses on a biblical melody that God s people sang as they awaited the Savior. Week 1 Sunday / November 29 - The Song of Zechariah (Luke 1: 67-79): Zechariah s Song revealed that his newborn son will be a prophet, sent to prepare the way of the Lord, and the song serves as a melody of repentance for us. Week 2 Sunday / December 6 - The Song of Mary (Luke 1: 46-55): Mary s Song declares that the Lord has remembered his covenant with us through his Son, making this a melody of remembrance. Week 3 Sunday / December 13 - The Song of the Angels (Luke 2:8-14): The Song of the Angels announced with great joy the Good News of Christ s birth, and echoes through our lives today as a melody of rejoicing. Week 4 Sunday / December 20 (11:15 a.m. Service Only) The Song of the Church (Isaiah 52:7-10): The Song of the Church carries the angels message of peace, good will to all the world, and resounds as a melody of reconciliation, bringing us into harmony with Christ and one another. Blue Christmas/Service of Light in the Midst of Darkness Tuesday, Dec. 15, 7:00 Atonement Lutheran Church 2132 Deckner Ave. Blue? Yes, blue as in the blues. As in I m feeling blue. Not everyone is up and cheery for the Christmas celebrations. Dealing with the death of a loved one, facing life after divorce or separation, coping with the loss of a job, living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark on the future, and a number of other human situations make parties and joviality painful for many people I n our congregation and community. For these reasons, Atonement Lutheran Church offers a special Blue Christmas Service in December. Come out and join with us in sharing and hearing prayers, scripture, and music that acknowledge God s presence is for those who mourn, for those who struggle and that God s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background is welcome. The short service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship. We gather in the healing light of Jesus our Lord, whose birth we remember. Coming in December: *Living the Christmas Spirit!* You are invited to join us on Wednesday December 2 nd & 9 th & 16 th as we use our hands & voices to live the true meaning of Christmas! It is all a part of the God s Work Our Hands movement! December 2 Living the Christmas Spirit 3:30 p.m. Bake & Decorate Christmas Cookies 5:00 p.m. Assemble & Deliver Baskets of Love! 6:30 p.m. Advent Potluck & Service December 9 Living the Christmas Spirit 3:30-6:00 p.m. Making Tie Blankets for Preble Hive & N.E.W. Shelter 6:00 p.m. Advent Potluck & Service December 16 Living the Christmas Spirit 3:30 p.m. Begin Christmas Caroling at Homes of Members 6:00 p.m. Carol at Bornemann s Nursing Home Christmas St. Nick Open House at Atonement Sunday, December 6 from 4:00-6:00 p.m

13 Dear Friends, Generosity is a term we rarely use. Some may think it is reserved for only the wealthy. Actually, generosity is not about our bank accounts, it is about our hearts. Jesus response to the widow s offering shows this. Generosity reflects God s nature. What is God asking you to do? Begin with prayer, and then recall the truths regarding the grace of giving set forth in the Practicing Extravagant Generosity: Daily Readings on the Grace of Giving devotional guide. Think about those that stirred your heart and thoughts. There is a question raised by the psalmist, which we read in one of the devotionals found in our Practicing Extravagant Generosity: Daily Readings on the Grace of Giving devotional guide. This question may serve us well during our personal time of consideration How can I repay the LORD / for all his goodness to me? (116:12, NIV). We can only find the answer in our hearts. Nothing we have is too big or grand to offer our awesome God. No gift is too small if it represents our prayers, a sacrifice, and a generous portion of our resources. When our hearts are filled with gratitude, nothing God asks of us seems unpleasant or impossible. Your Estimate of Giving Card is included with this letter. Why is it important to take this step? Your prayerful, intentional efforts to ask God for insight, and then act upon your decision, will express your love and gratitude for God in a personal and tangible way. Your estimate of giving confirms your desire to be fruitful. It also enables the church to implement ministries throughout the year. Giving calls us to put our trust in God as we give away resources we think we need. Please bring your filled out Estimate of Giving Card to worship on Sunday November 8 th. If you have questions, or need to talk about special ways to give to the church, including stock and appreciated assets, please call me. Let s pray for one another this week during this important time. Together, we are growing in the grace of giving. Prayerfully, Pastor Jim Gerth (P.J.) Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7 Make it your personal goal to grow this year in your giving. Sermon Series Extravagant Generosity: The Heart of Giving The theme of this year s annual financial program is Extravagant Generosity: The Heart of Giving, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. When we want to express our love and affection, we often think about how we can give something to the object of our affection. Sometimes that means a tangible gift. Sometimes it is giving of our best thought, our time, our energy, and ourselves. Our financial support of our church is a reflection of our love for God as well as an expression of our maturity as disciples and our real priorities in life. During this Sermon Series, we will share a narrative budget that explains the categories of ministry funded through the church as well as stories about how those ministries are touching lives in our church and community. Sunday, November 1 Bucket List: Vision & Hope are Inspirations of the Heart / Joel 2:25, Colossians 3:1 & Matthew 6:33 / What is your greatest hope, purpose, or vision of the church in the coming year? Sunday, November 8 Declarations of Your Heart / John 3:16 & 2 Corinthians 8:24 How is your giving an expression of your love of God?

14 Sunday, November 15 Sunday, November 22 Celebrating God s Generosity in Atonement s Past Years of Mission & Ministry! Hebrews 10:11-14 & Mark 13:1-8 (Declarations of Our Hearts Continue!) Celebrating God s Generosity in Atonement s Future Years of Mission & Ministry! Revelation 1:4b-8 & John 18:33-37 (Declarations of Our Hearts Continue!) What is Your Greatest Hope, Purpose, or Vision of the Church in the Coming Year? Be sure to bring this Card with you to worship on Sunday, November 1, 2015! Worship is at 9:00a.m. or 11:15a.m. How is Your Giving an Expression of Your Love of God? Be sure to bring this Card with you to worship on Sunday, November 8, 2015! Worship is at 9:00 a.m. or 11:15 a.m.

15 God s Extravagant Generosity is Looking for Servants! You will have the chance to respond to God s Extravagant Generosity by volunteering to serve in a number of different ministries here at Atonement Lutheran Church. Sunday, October 4 / Property Ministry Sunday, October 11 / Mission & Social Concerns Ministry Sunday, October 18 / Youth & Family Ministry Sunday, October 25 / Leadership Ministry Sunday, November 1 / M.P.S. Ministry Sunday, November 8 / Worship & Music Ministry Sunday, November 15 / Christian Education Ministry Sunday, November 22 / Women s Group Ministry Sunday, November 29 / Office Helpers There will be an insert in each of the above Sundays with a list of ways you can respond to God s Generosity by sharing your Time & Talents! Thank you for serving! Consider a Second Mile Gift! We ask that you prayerfully consider an additional gift to help us become current with our General Fund by the end of the year! As of the end of September we are showing a deficit of $6,500. Our overall spending is under budget but the offerings are still leaving us short. The staff is doing what it can to hold down expenses without affecting the ministries we are engaged in. Soon MPS will be gathering together input from staff and committees as it puts together a proposed budget for Your additional gift will make it possible for us to continue to do the ministry God has called us to do here at Atonement and in the community & around the world. God has given us many blessings! If you have any questions about the details of our budget, spending, and offerings please direct the toward a member of the church council. One reminder: the council did request that 10% of any fundraisers at this time go to the general fund along with 50% of the United 2 Serve Offerings. Thank you for your generous support of the mission & ministry we do together at Atonement Lutheran Church! Atonement Lutheran Church Council 2015 Church Council We are thankful for the following who are willing to serve on the Church Council. Your service to Christ and the Mission & Ministry we do together has been a great blessing to many. Please keep them in your prayers and be willing to help in ministry when asked. Jason Helgeson President Julie Geyer Treasurer Mulunda Bowa Amanda Huilar Vice President Tori Wheelock Donna Aznoe Sue Pike Secretary Paula Skorczewski Gene Vandevoorde

16 2015 Church Council Looking for Nominations for 2016 It is that time of year when we begin looking for people to serve on the Church Council. Terms can be from 2 or 3 years. If you have an interest in serving talk to Jason or Pastor Jim. We are thankful for the following who are willing to serve on the Church Council. Please keep them in your prayers and be willing to help in ministry when asked. Your service to Christ and the Mission & Ministry we do together has been a great blessing to many. If you have questions or concerns, call your Council Members: According to the Constitution some of the duties of the council are: To lead this congregation in stating its mission, to do long-range planning, to set goals and priorities, and to evaluate its activities in light of its mission and goals. To seek to involve all members of this congregation in worship, learning, witness, service and support. To be examples individually and corporately of the style of life and ministry expected of all baptized persons. If you know of someone who you feel would be a good leader on council please share that name with a member of the council. Atonement Lutheran Church Meeting Minutes September 24, 2015 In Attendance: Julie Geyer, Pastor Jim Gerth, Amanda Huilar, Paula Skorczewski, Gene Vandevoorde, Sue Pike, Mulanda Bowa, Donna Aznoe and Tori Wheelock, Jason Helgeson 1. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order by President Jason Helgeson at 6:38pm. 2. Meeting Minutes: Donna made a motion to accept the June meeting minutes, Amanda seconded. 3. Committee Reports: Committee Reports were distributed prior to the meeting for review. A few committees generated additional discussion: a) MPS (Management, Personnel & Stewardship) The process of doing the 2016 budget is underway. Difficult decisions will need to be made. The MPS Committee asks everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they proceed. We need to think through where our ministry is going and how to support that. MPS will have their next meeting on Tuesday, October 1. Each Committee needs to guide MPS with budgeting for b) Christian Education d) Properties e) Youth & Family f) FORE (Fellowship, Outreach & Evangelism) g) Multi-Cultural Ministry h) Worship & Music i) Mission and Social Concerns j) United 2 Serve As a reminder, please attend the U2S meeting during your scheduled month: November Amanda Huilar December Paula Skorczewski Substitutes Gene Vandevoorde & Tori Wheelock 4. Pastor s Report: Youth & Family Ministry there are a lot of events planned for Fall. Pastor has a Theological Conference in October. He will have a chance to talk to Pastor Jean, hoping to have a long conversation and make new connections with Synod and National Church regarding Multi-Cultural Ministry. It s still a challenge, we need to engage people to be involved. 5. Financial Report: Expenses are at 68% of budget. Year to date we are at -$7,025 through August. Based on average revenue, we are at -$4700 year to date.

17 Offerings are lower than the budget requires. We owe the following on our giving to the following: Lutheran Social Services $1000 Crossways $ 500 Mauthe Center $ 500 It was decided that we would pay one quarter s amount due. We currently have $9,400 in our Money Market account. We are making 4% interest on debentures, which are due on March 1. A motion was made by Gene to accept the Financial Report and Tori seconded it. Motion carried. 6. New Business: Pastor presented the Extravagant Generosity plan for Fall. A tri-fold flyer was handed out. He asked that we all review it and give him feedback. Jason suggested we add something about Simply Giving. This campaign will include at least 4 letters. It consists of: 1. Introduction to Extravagant Generosity What do you love about our church? 2. Who has contributed to your spiritual growth? 3. What is your greatest hope and vision for our church? 4. How is your giving an expression of your faith? PJ will be posting Extravagant Generosity posts on Facebook. Members of Council need to help Pastor identify who can speak to these questions on the following Sundays: October 18, 25 November 1 & 8. Each committee also needs to update your volunteer needs. If we don t hear back, we ll go with what we had from last year. In speaking with Pastor Jean at the Synod office, she recommended we pass on the Pentecost group from Sheboygan that looked to hold worship services at Atonement on Sunday evenings. She thought it would add confusion, based on where we are going with our Multi-Cultural Ministry. The Hispanic Ministry, Mission Developer requires a lot of paperwork. PJ was invited to present to the Appleton/Oshkosh Council of Pastors in October. Budget Planning Sheets - Julie will give each Committee chair a printout of their expenses for them to compare past years vs what is needed for Columbarium Project - On October 4 there will be a presentation to the congregation. A big part of this presentation will be education. The Trust Committee will meet soon. Taize Worship Service has begun on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:00pm. Donna spoke very highly of this. Preble Tech Ed Teacher, David Cash has offered to reassemble climber steps and replace panels. Students will take this on as a learning project.

18 7. Old Business: Thank you to all for efforts on the Projection System. It s great that more is added each week. Be sure to get additional costs to MPS. United 2 Serve: United To Serve Meeting 10/12/15 September U2S Donations $ % ADR -$ Balance $ /2 Balance General Fund -$ Balance $ Balance after September Distribution $ (Did not need $ for King) Balance for October Distribution $ October Distribution: New Shelter (Pillows, coffee & garbage bags) $ Balance $ /25/15 Chicken Dinner profit $ May Distribution: Media $ Balance $ Following distributions were not made Garage $ Memory Garden $ Outside lights $ Paula made a motion to approve the United 2 Serve distribution. Donna seconded it. Council needs to communicate to the congregation regarding Fundraising. We need to clarify that groups such as Youth & Family, Mission Trip, etc. can still fundraise, as these are not in the budget. We need to bring fundraisers to the council to get on the calendar and be sure that we don t have too many at the same time. PJ will draft a clarification on fundraising. 8. Next Meeting: Thursday, October 22. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10pm. Respectfully submitted, Sue Pike, Secretary United 2 Serve Bible Verse: Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 United 2 Serve Meeting Minutes October 11, 2015

19 In attendance: Gladys Nickodem, Duane Pike, Sue Pike, Diane Writing, Lois Dart, Mary Ann Larsen, Mary Vandevoorde, Sharon Schneider Jason Helgeson requested of U2S funds a defibrillator for church. It will be put on the list of potential goals for the new year. Cost may be about $1500. Gladys will Julie Beyer to send a check for $ to the Hive asking them to purchase under garments with it. Sharon will send a detailed list of the expectations for those who take charge of the shelter meal. We need to request leaders for January and March of Schneiders and Robishaws will take charge for the November 2nd shelter meal. Helgesons have signed for the July meal. Please consider signing up for one meal per year. The shed was cleaned out by Dave Haefs and Dave Robishaw. Lots of waste was disposed of. Recommendations were made to store the manger inside where the risers are now stored, soon as they are disposed of. Ken Storzer may have a contact who may be interested in the risers if given at no cost. That is approved, and Sharon will contact Ken to see if that will take place. Also it was recommended to sell the extra snow blower that was previously used by the youth group. The shed was seen as having adequate storage space now, with no need of a new garage. The $2000 that is in the garage account will be saved and directed toward one of our new goals for We have $ ready for distribution. This is after 20% distribution for ADR. It is recommended that we distribute $200 to the NEW Shelter at this time to be used for pillows, coffee and garbage bags. All of these items have been requested by the shelter in their last . Sharon will make Dustin Fetch at the shelter aware what we wish the donated monies to purchase. U2S requests that council approve the payment of one of the church's debentures for $5000 as soon as the balance in the ADR account, monies from U2S donations, as soon as the account balance reaches $5000. It is our understanding that debentures are due for renewal in February each year. Gladys will authorize payments for Julie to pay. Sue brought up an additional need for the media system. A partition would be nice for the projection system area in order to protect the wiring and cords from members tripping on them. It was suggested we approach Paul Fast to see if he would be able and willing to build such a structure for the sanctuary. Sharon will ask Tim Wentworth to see if he would followup on that as he headed up the media committee. U2S committee would be willing to make distributions for the building materials for such a partition. Conversation took place regarding signage for restrooms inside the church. It was suggested that signs be installed directing people to both restroom area. It is our understanding that this decision would fall under the jurisdiction of the unorganized church signage team. Duane, will you please make another plea during U2S announcements for a team to formalize. Sarah H has volunteered to chair the U2S meeting in Jan., Feb., and Mar., of 2016 when Sharon is out of town. Sara is unable to attend the next couple of months, but she will continue to keep abreast of the team activities via Sharon's . Likewise Sharon will continue to be informed from Sara during the aforementioned months when Sara will be distributing the minutes of those meetings to everyone on the for the Chicken Dinner/Auction, which is a Saturday. Green Bay Schools have their spring break March 21-25, which we purposely avoided. Once the survey on the Columbarium is complete, and if approved for go-ahead, U2S will continue to share donations for this project and goal. Presently we understand that the congregation has some reservations that need to be dissipated prior to complete acceptance. Respectfully submitted by, Sharon Schneider

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21 Honor Atonement Veterans & Spouses Wednesday, November 11 6:00-6:45 p.m. Meal Served 7:00 p.m. Service of Prayer to Remember The Atonement Youth invite all Veterans and their spouses to a special Honors meal. This is our way to say thank you for your service. You can sign up at church or call the office Atonement Youth will serve the meal. Join us on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:00 p.m. for Candlelight reflection, prayer, music, readings and Holy Communion. Salvation Army Coats For Kids It takes over 400 volunteers to make this event happen. Consider volunteer opportunities at the following times to help with the Coats For Kids campaign in November: Nov. 5-5:45-8:30pm Gym Setup Nov. 6-8:00-12:00 and 12:00-4:00 Sorting and Hanging coats Nov. 7-7:45-11:30, 11:15-2:30, 2:15-6:00 Distribution Nov. 7-7:45-11:30, 11:15-2:30, 2:15-6:00 Family Escorts More opportunities are available at jeanne_van@usc.salvationarmy.org or call Thank you.

22 Fair Trade Sale Start Your Christmas Shopping Early at Church! Fair Trade items are for sale in the Library after church on Sundays. Fair Trade (SERRV) sales touch hearts and hands, connect communities, build peace, and provide meaning for us all. Artisans and farmers in more than 30 countries are lifted out of poverty. They earn a fair income, send their children to school, develop vital community projects like water wells and medical clinics, and improve their skills through training. These are beautiful items! Check them out. *Fair Trade Store is open Sundays in November after the 9:00 a.m. Worship Service in the Library. Listen for details at Worship to see when the Store is officially open. WISCONSIN DELLS QUAKE ZONE Wisconsin Dells, WI April 1-3, 2016 A transformational weekend for grades 6-12 where lives will be renewed and faith will become real! Theme But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 Captive Free Team will be at Atonement Lutheran Church on March 12 & 13, 2015!!

23 Thrivent News THRIVENT ACTION TEAMS Thrivent Action Teams continue to make it possible for us to engage in a variety of different mission and ministries here at Atonement as we utilize a $250 seed grant from Thrivent. Any Thrivent member is able to apply for two of these action Team Grants in a calendar year. Already through the month of March, we have applied for six of these seed grants for a number of different ministries. If you are a Thrivent member and have questions about how to access these seed funds, talk with Pastor Jim or Sue Pike in the church office for some basic instructions. A big thank you to Thrivent Financial for making these funds available as we continue to expand our ministry. CURRENT ACTION TEAMS BY ATONEMENT MEMBERS: Children s Chemotherapy Health & Activity Kits - will be an Action Team project in November. Items needed are: Children s soft toothbrushes Markers Activity & Coloring books (boys & girls ages 2-7 and 7-14) Child s journal for boy or girl Unscented hand sanitizer These items will be collected in November. If you have questions, ask or call Judy Slamp Thank You Veteran s Dinner on November 11 Food, Fellowship & Learning - November 24, 2015 The First Ladies presented by Doris Ziesemer. If you are a member of Thrivent Financial and are eligible for (2) $250 seed grants from Thrivent, please consider applying for one for upcoming events at Atonement. Call the church office for more info. A look at last month.veteran s Home Visit - King, WI

24 November 2015 Schedules Greeters Nov 1- Gary & Kathi Sikich** Eugene & Gladys Nickodem* Nov 8- Ken & Ellen Smidt ** Paul & Thea Sager* Nov 15- Ken & Julie Storzer ** Paula Skorczewski * Nov 22- Connie Worzala ** Laura Sternitzky * Nov 29- Phil & Pat Wistenberg ** Don & Kathy Donarski * * Side entrance ** Main entrance Readers Nov 1- Kristin Michels Nov 8- Karen Gerth Nov 15- Gary Sikich Nov 22- Connie Worzala Nov 29- Ken Larsen Nursery Counting Teams Nov 1- Maryl Nelsen & Sharon Schneider Nov 8- Duane Pike & Barb Schewe Nov 15- Ken Storzer & Robin Last Nov 22- Jim Michels & Dave & Jean Keim Nov 25- Tom Pike & Connie Worzala Nov 29- Narthex Information Desk Nov 1- Sharon Schneider Nov 8- Mary Ann Larsen Nov 15- Kathy Donarski Nov 22- Maryl Nelsen Nov 29- Kathryn Pike Nov 1 Kim Nesslein Nov 8 Alicia Reichstadter Nov 15 Daniel Nesslein Nov 22 Tiffany Wiebel Nov 29 Roshel Schilz Altar Guild Dori Larsen Youth Schedule Ushers Nov 1 Team 4 Dave Keim, Julie & Bob Geyer Nov 8 Team 5 Don Donarski, Jim Michels, Mary Ann Larsen Nov 15 Team 6 Ken Storzer, Dan & Amy Wheelock Nov 22 Team 7 Gary Sikich, Craig Schneider, Daniel Nesslein Nov 25 Team 8 (Thanksgiving) Robin & Bonnie Last, Tom Nesslein Nov 29 Team 1 Richard & Sue Storey, Tom Holschuh Coffee Schedule Nov 1- Duane & Kathryn Pike Nov 8- Gladys Nickodem & Rose Kantola Nov 15- Dori Larsen & Diane Whiting Nov 22- Mary Ann Starks Nov 29- Donna Aznoe Bulletin Folders Nov 1- Karen Neveau Nov 8- Kathryn Pike Nov 15- Eugene Nickodem Nov 22- Barb Schewe Nov 29- Judy Slamp Freedom House/ Preble House Delivery Marie Zarnoth Worship Technology Nov 1- Josh & Sydnee Helgeson Nov 8- Sue Pike Nov 15- Sharon Schneider Nov 22- Sue Pike Nov 25- Dave Robishaw (Thanksgiving) Nov 29- Tim Wentworth Worship Helper -8:45 Nursery Helper -8:50 a.m. Nov 1 Amy Wheelock Kevin Nesslein Nov 8 Allison Pankratz Onnika Robishaw Nov 15 Onnika Robishaw Allison Pankratz Nov 22 Joshua Helgeson Dane Bergstrom Nov 29 - Dane Bergstrom Joshua Helgeson