FROM THE PASTOR S DESK

Transcription

1 `w z Vol. 45 No. November 4 Set your clocks back one hour tonight November 5 All Saints Sunday remembrances at both services Traditional music 8:00 AM Mariachi music from St. Mary s youth 10:45 AM Pupusa lunch 12:00 PM November 8 Wonderful Wednesday potluck & activity for children & families 5:30 PM November Middle School (grades 6-8) retreat at Mt. Cross November 12 Annual congregational meeting 9:30 AM Kaia Berkland baptism, November 13 Pastor Gary Berkland preaching Deadline to be a part of the early (lower cost) registration for the ELCA National Youth Gathering 10:45 AM November 15 Showing of the film 13 th at the Morgan Hill Library 6:00 PM November 18 Altar Guild annual meeting and brunch 11:00 AM November 22 Interfaith Thanksgiving Eve worship 7:00 PM hosted this year by the LDS church, 1790 East Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill November 26 Christ the King Sunday 8:00 & 10:45 AM

2 2 FROM THE PASTOR S DESK By Pastor Anita Warner What an October we have had! In so many ways we gave thanks to God for the grace shown to us in Jesus. In so many ways we commemorated the 500 th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation that began with Martin Luther posting 95 theses on October 31, Our best response to the grace of God, and to the many graces we receive in life, is thanksgiving. Gratitude. When I remember saints past and present, especially those dear to me who have died, and those in our congregation who have died in the past year, my basic feeling is gratitude for their lives. When you extend the reach of the ministries of our congregation and of the gospel through your initiative, I give thanks. When you speak truth to power on behalf of the suffering, I give thanks. When you invite others to share in worship, learning, service and fellowship, and support them in participating, I give thanks. When I hear about or witness the ways you care for your neighbors near and far, I give thanks. When I see you encouraging children and youth in their lives and faith, when you invite them and their parents to participate in the life of our church, I give thanks. When you give of your resources to support the ministries and life of our congregation, I give thanks. When you offer leadership and service, care and practical help, I give thanks. When you offer understanding and forgiveness to one another, I give thanks. When you offer music and art to express the gospel, I give thanks. When I am outdoors and indoors, in spaces that support life, I give thanks. As you might imagine, I m giving thanks a lot. Thanks be to our gracious God! THANK YOU FROM BOB AND ELLIE QUAYLE A big thank you to Wil and Nancy L. and Monica and Steve L. for hosting a Farewell Luncheon for Bob and I on September 3rd. We so appreciate their thoughtfulness and effort in hosting this event. We appreciated all who came to share in saying "goodbye" and wishing us well in our new journey in life. We will never forget our Advent Church Family and our many friendships that grew over the years. The value of Christian friendships are beyond measure! We will miss you all. We invite you all to come and visit us if you are in the area. We would love to have you! In Christ's Love, Bob and Ellie

3 3 ALL SAINTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 5 On All Saints Sunday, we remember and give thanks for all of God s saints, past and present. During worship we invite people to light a candle in memory of a loved one who died in the past year, since last year s All Saints Sunday. There will be traditional music at the 8 AM service. The 10:45 service will feature music by a youth mariachi music group from St. Mary s Catholic Church in Gilroy, bringing a local Dia de Los Muertos flavor to our prayer and song. PUPUSA LUNCH AND FUNDRAISER FOR SANTA CRUZ AL SALVADOR NOVEMBER 5, 12;00 Noon $15 a plate (suggested donation) All funds will go to Santa Cruz Al Salvador, our partner ministry that connects Monterey Bay Area faith communities with communities in El Salvador, enhancing and enriching the lives of all participants. This mission is guided by the philosophy of accompaniment walking together in a solidarity resulting in interdependence and mutual respect. Health care, water and education projects are ongoing with partner rural communities. Can t make the dinner? Pre-order pupusas by Nov. 2 for pickup after service on Sunday November 5 $18.00; $30.00 ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING NOVEMBER 12, 9:30 AM All are invited to our annual congregational meeting. Voting members for this meeting are confirmed members of Advent who have communed and given an offering of record in the last year. The agenda for the meeting is o Opening devotions o Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting: June 18, 2017 o Election of Council members for 2018 o Presentation of the 2018 proposed/draft budget o Resolution to rescind Advent Lutheran Trust Fund o Resolution to establish Advent Lutheran Legacy Fund o Resolution for Amendment to Model Synod Constitution for our Constitution- o New business o Closing prayer INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 7:00 PM LDS CHURCH, 1790 E. Dunne Avenue, Morgan Hill The Interfaith Clergy Alliance and Interfaith Community of South County (ICSC) invite you to a shared worship experience of giving thanks to God. You may bring an offering of nonperishable food, which will be shared with Reach Out in Morgan Hill and St. Joseph s in Gilroy.

4 4 CELEBRATION ON ALL SAINTS SUNDAY TO BENEFIT SANTA CRUZ AL SALVADOR Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, On the first Sunday of November, we will be celebrating All Saints' Day in a different fashion than in previous years. While there will be familiar elements of the service (remembering loved ones who died in the past year through lighting candles), we will also celebrate the memory of our loved ones with traditions from our Latino neighbors. This special day is being planned to coincide with Advent s new vision to bridge the gap between our church and the community both locally and globally. We have already made connections by hosting Voices School on our campus, as well as co-creating the Beloved Community Arts Center with the Latino community. fellowship and music for us to enjoy traditional Latino foods typically eaten during this celebration. Donations will be accepted at the meals to cover the cost of the food as well as support Santa Cruz al Salvador. If you attend early worship and are not able to join us for the picnic following the second service, there will be an order form provided to you two weeks prior in which you can pre-order your food to take home after the first service. It is my hope that you will consider generously supporting this wonderful ministry opportunity, as well as becoming familiar with some of the colorful and meaningful traditions of some of our neighbors who also celebrate All Souls'/All Saints' Day. Wage Peace, Kyle Jones Director of Music and Worship Arts As Director of Music, it is my goal to have our ministry serve in three spheres: our church, the local community, and the global community. We of course serve our church with the gift of music in worship every week. We plan to serve our local community through events like the upcoming hymn festival in which donations will go to support the new Beloved Community Arts Center that is currently being developed. One of the ways we would like to contribute to the global community is through a ministry in which Advent already has an association, Santa Cruz al Salvador. On Sunday, November 5, we will remember our loved ones in the style of the Latino tradition of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Colorful decorations will don the worship space and festive Mariachi music will lead us in worship. After the 10:45 service, there will be a time for

5 5 COUNCIL S CORNER November 2017 News Growing The Beloved Community in South County through service and the creative arts. Reformation 500 commemoration events in October were varied, interesting, fun, and well attended! Starting with Oktoberfest, followed by Faith of our Neighbors Christianity in the Lutheran Tradition, and most recently, the Reformation Hymn Festival. By the time you read this, the Common Prayer service, Lutherans and Catholics together, will have been held on October 30, 7:00 PM at Advent. Thanks to the Reformation 500 task force and all those who attended and supported these events! Advent s Beloved Community Arts Center (BCAC) planning team continues to develop the opportunity statement a short, concise statement that expresses what BCAC is and does. We re also defining the scope of BCAC. At our November meeting, interested representatives from Voices staff and families plus SCORE leaders and some of Advent s staff will address our value propositions to engage with specific groups of people in our community. It was great to have more people complete Safe Church Community training on October 8 th. This training enables you to serve children and/or youth of Advent and our South County community in the Growing Young programs, the Beloved Community Arts Center, Wonderful Wednesdays, children s & youth choirs, and more. The BCAC is the signature ministry vision for Advent, is owned solely by Advent, will be ongoing and sustainable, will tap into the majority of Advent s members and friends, and will build on our strengths, passions, and core values. Advent completed the purchase of a condo in Morgan Hill. Closing was October 24 th. The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) of the ELCA combined the refinancing of Advent s current mortgage with the purchase of the condo. The new loan term is 20 years with an interest rate of 3.875% that is adjustable every five years. The monthly mortgage payment is $ (nearly $2800 less than Advent s current monthly mortgage payment). Council thanks the Congregation for approving the resolution at our Special Congregational meeting on June 18, 2017 that enabled Advent to act promptly when this property became available. This condo will provide suitable housing for our Director of Music and Worship Arts, Kyle Jones. Anti-Racism training planning is in progress. Training is expected in early The timing depends upon availability of facilitators/trainers. If you would like to help plan this event, please contact Janel J. (Resources). Council began discussing a 2018 Capital Campaign. Advent may need to or want to have funds spent on our facilities. Examples include Murphy Frontage Improvement project (curb, sidewalk, gutter, landscaping, and signage), renovation of classrooms for the BCAC, upgrade to our sound system, lighting upgrades, modernization of the trash/recycling area, exterior painting of our buildings, possible expansion and renovation of the choir room, new furnishings for the gathering area, and possible organ upgrade. The Nominating Committee is seeking people to serve on a task force that will identify consultants to help Advent develop and implement a capital campaign. The task force will bring recommendations to Council for their discernment.

6 6 Council scheduled the annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday November 12, 2017, from 9:30 10:30 AM. Here is the agenda. Opening devotions Approval of the minutes of the previous Congregational meeting: June 18, 2017 Election of Council members for 2018 Presentation of the proposed 2018 budget Resolution to rescind Advent Lutheran Trust Fund Resolution to establish Advent Lutheran Legacy Fund Resolution for Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations New business Closing prayer Update on some Action Items of SCORE and Council. Item Description Focused Youth Activity Teams; Preschool (Margie S.), Jr. High/Grades 6-8 (Jacqui K.), Sr. High/Grades 9-12 (Daniel C.). Ages K-2, 3-5, & Young Adults need leaders. Put together financial and practical guidelines for planning an intern year Anti-racism training Develop strategy to implement the vision of Beloved Community Arts Center (BCAC) Responsible group & person Faith Development - Peter Exec - Ed SCORE: Resources Janel SCORE: Kris, Janel, Valerie S., Bill Exec: Ed Staff: Pastor, Kyle Voices representatives Remarks In progress 3 leaders identified, need 3 more Completion expected 4 th quarter 2017 In progress In progress regular SCORE/BCAC meetings held Guests are always welcome at Council and Executive committee meetings held in the Berkland Fellowship Hall. Executive committee meets on the 2 nd Monday of each month. Council meets on the 4 th Tuesday of the month. (Meetings are on the Advent s website calendar,

7 7 Your 2017 Council roster: Ed M., President Peter McE., Faith Development Grant L., 1 st Vice President Open, Communications Jacqui K., 2 nd Vice President Marcia N., Community Connections Greg K., Financial Secretary Carrie M., Operations Kathy M., Secretary Joyce G., Stewardship Norm O., Treasurer Valerie S., Worship & Music Your SCORE leaders: Kris A., SLT Lead Grant L., Sustaining Strengths Bill M., Capabilities Valerie S., Outreach Janel J., Resources Mark G., Engagement Respectfully submitted, Ed M. ANNUAL ALTAR GUILD POTLUCK MEETING AND BRUNCH November 18th at 11:00 am in Berkland Fellowship Hall New members are needed. You are welcome to come and check out this opportunity to use your time and talents. 13TH THE DOCUMENTARY Wednesday, Nov. 15, 6:00 PM Morgan Hill Library, 660 W. Main Avenue WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY November 8, 5:30 PM All children in K-6th grades, and their families, are invited to a potluck meal, story and activity! We usually meet the first Wednesday of the month but are meeting a week later because this year that is the day after Halloween. Hope to see you November 8! In early 2018 Advent will offer anti-racism training. This training will NOT be about inducing white guilt, but rather, will promote understanding of how racism works today, and will give empowerment and tools to begin dismantling racism that is built into structures and institutions, including the church. The documentary 13th, which refers to the 13th amendment, introduces how racism works in and through the criminal justice system. This showing of the film is sponsored by SURJ, Showing Up for Racial Justice. A discussion will follow the film.

8 8 Each week a different Ministry or group at Advent Lutheran is recognized both in the bulletin and during service. The members are asked to bring the Communion elements to the altar along with the offerings for the day and receive a thanksgiving prayer and blessing by Pastor Warner. This recognition came about after careful review of the Cottage Meeting survey results, particularly question # 18; I tell stories of how this congregation makes a difference in the lives of others. These ministries and groups do make a difference and we wanted to share them with you. Here are their stories. October 1, 2017 Freed in Christ Free Indeed Fall Program Team On this day we celebrated the Freed in Christ Free Indeed Fall Program committee. The fall program kicked off with Advent s 7 th Annual Oktoberfest last night and culminated on Sunday, October 29 th. Commitment Sunday is October 22 nd when members of the congregation had the opportunity to make financial commitments to Advent s General Fund and the Mortgage Fund. Commitment cards are still available, and we will invite you to make commitments of giving in 2018 if you have not done so. Each Sunday in October will include a teaching theme or scripture. Below is the agenda for the month. Date Lutheran teaching theme, scripture Bulletin Insert October 1 Theology of the Cross, and Lutheran music Voices of Lutheranism Phillippians 2:1-13 Chorales to Alabados October 8 Biblical heritage, Law and Gospel in biblical teaching Martin Luther s Philippians 3:4b-14, Matthew 21:33-46 German Bible October 15 Priesthood of all believers Women and the Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 Reformation October 22 Luther and the Doctrine of the Two Kingdoms Commitment cards Isaiah 45:1-7, Matthew 22:15-22 October 29 Justification by grace through faith in Christ Martin Luther Romans 3:19-28, John 8:31 Monk to Reformer

9 9 The Fall Stewardship Program team is made up of the Stewardship Committee: Pastor Anita Warner, Valerie S., Virginia M., Joyce G. (Stewardship Chair), James D., George C. and Brad B.. October 8, 2017 Youth Choirs Advent Lutheran now offers two youth choirs that sing in worship every month. We welcome all students between grades 3 12 who love to sing and have an interest in developing their voice and choral artistry. What better way to meet new friends, work hard, learn vocal technique and most importantly minister to others through music. We believe the music we learn, rehearse and share makes an impact on our lives and on the lives of those who listen to us. Since we began in August, the ensemble has grown to 15 members ranging from 3 rd through 7 th grades. The first time we sang in worship was on Sunday September 10 and the choirs sang three songs! The choirs rehearse weekly Jubilation Choir-Grades 3-6 practice in the choir room on Wednesday from 4:30-5:30 P.M. Resound Choir-Grades 7-12 practice in the choir room on Wednesday from 5:45 to 7:00 P.M. During each rehearsal, the kids learn the nuts and bolts of reading music, learn how to create healthy vocal sounds, and learn a variety of repertoire that shares the gospel. Both choirs join together to supply music for worship at the 10:45 A.M. service on the second Sunday of each month. Please help support this new ministry by sharing this opportunity with your friends and neighbors! October 15, 2017 Sew Seeds Lutheran Relief Ingathering Participants On this day we celebrated the ministry of Sew Seeds and the Lutheran World Relief Ingathering Volunteers. This ministry, formed in 2008, consists of approximately seven to ten regular members but anyone who is interested is welcome to contact Jeanett S. or any member of the ministry. Members of Sew Seeds would love to have more members and friends participate in this worthwhile ministry. The ministry meets every Tuesday in the Berkland Fellowship Hall. October 22, 2017 Freed in Christ Free Indeed Congregation Financial Commitments On this day we recognized those in the congregation who are making a financial commitment to Advent Lutheran s General Fund and Mortgage Fund for The 7 th Annual Octoberfest on September 30 th kicked off our 2017 Fall Program, Freed in Christ, Free Indeed. The next four Sundays included bulletin inserts from Freed & Renewed in Christ. 500 years of God s Grace in Action and temple talks from Joyce G. and George C..

10 10 Those who completed your commitment cards for the Freed in Christ- Free Indeed! Stewardship Program took them to the front and placed them into the collection plates. Those who have yet to complete your pledge cards may obtain them from the church office. If you can t make it to the church, please ask for the commitment cards to be mailed or we can have one of our Stewardship Team members drop them off to your home. Please consider what it means to give joyfully to God. October 29, 2017 Santa Cruz el Salvador Participants Past and Present On this day we celebrated members of Advent Lutheran who are currently participating in or have been involved in the past with Santa Cruz al Salvador. Following the 2013 Youth Delegation, families and individuals continue to offer prayers and financial support to the non-profit that has accompanied El Salvador for over twenty years. If you are interested in helping others find food: Santa Cruz al Salvador connects Monterey Bay Area faith communities with communities in El Salvador, - Make sure they have a picture I.D. enhancing and enriching the lives of all participants. This mission is guided by the philosophy of - Call the Food Information Hotline at accompaniment walking together in solidarity resulting in interdependence and mutual respect. Current projects include school and university scholarships in Ciudadela Guillermo Ungo and water and sanitation projects in El Pilar. Give the zip-codes of where the person lives and nearby zip-codes. Your Gifts and Participation Make a Difference! From Your Stewardship Committee FOOD OF THE MONTH HOLIDAY FOOD This month, bring your favorite non-perishable holiday food to share with those in need: flour or sugar for baked goods, pie filling, cranberry sauce, canned gravy, stuffing mix, instant or canned potatoes, or the makings of tostadas, for just a few ideas. When you shop, pick up two of something, and put one in a bag for church. Then leave it by the door or stick it in your car so when you are running late for church, you haven't forgotten your food bag. Many people in south county need our help. This a simple way we can make a difference. TIME CHANGE NOVEMBER 5th Fall back Put your clock back one hour on Saturday night, before coming to worship on Sunday, Nov. 5. OFF-THE-RECORDS Wedding: October 7 Theresa Li and Larry Barr

11 11 DAILY BIBLE READINGS November November 1-4 Wed Matthew 19:16-22 Keeping the commandments Thu Proverbs 16:1-20 It is good to obey Fri James 2:8-26 Faith without works is dead Sat Psalm 119:41-48 I will keep God s law Wed Proverbs 1:1-7, The call November Fri 5-11 Sat Sun Revelation 7:9-17 The multitudes of heaven worship the Lamb Psalm 34:1-10, 22 Fear the LORD, you saints 1 John 3:1-3 We are God s children Matthew 5:1-12 Blessed are the poor in spirit Mon 1 Samuel 2:27-36 Hope for a better priesthood Tues Ezekiel 13:1-16 False prophets condemned Wed Matthew 23:13-28 Woe to the scribes and Pharisees Thu Malachi 1:6-2:9 False and true priests Fri 1 Thess 2:13-20 Words to the church Sat Psalm 5 God blesses the righteous November (continued) Wed Job 16:1-21 A lament about unjust punishment Thanksgiving Day Deut 8:7-18 A land of streams Psalm 65 You crown the year with your goodness 2 Corinth 9:6-15 God provides every blessing in abundance Luke 17:11-19 The healed leper gives thanks to Jesus Fri 1 Thess 4:1-12; 5:12-18 The Christian life Sat Psalm 9:1-14 God s reward of the righteous November Sun Ezekiel 34:11-16, God will shepherd Israel Psalm 95:1-7a We are the people of God s pasture Ephesians 1:15-23 The reign of Christ Matthew 25:31-46 The separation of sheep and goats Mon Esther 2:1-18 Lowly Esther becomes queen Tues Esther 8:3-17 Queen Esther saves her people Wed John 5:19-40 The judgment of the Son Thu Ezekiel 33:7-20 The righteous will live November Sun Amos 5:18-24 Let justice roll down like waters Psalm 70 You are my helper and my deliverer 1 Thessa 4:13-18 The promise of the resurrection Matthew 25:1-13 Wise and foolish bridesmaids Mon Joel 1:1-14 Call to repentance Tues Joel 3:9-21 Promise of a glorious future Wed Matthew 24:1-14 Jesus foretells the end Thu Amos 8:7-14 God s promised judgment Fri 1 Thess 3:6-13 Stand firm in faith Sat Psalm 63 God as a rich feast November Sun Zephaniah 1:7, The day of the LORD Psalm 90:1-8 [9-11] 12 Number your days 1 Thess 5:1-11 Be alert for the day of the Lord Matthew 25:14-30 Slaves entrusted with talents Mon Zechariah 1:7-17 A vision of God s judgment and mercy Tues Zechariah 2:1-5; 5:1-4 Visions of mercy and judgment Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord: let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:1-7a

12 12 "MARY & MARTHA CIRCLE" ADVENT WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY GATHER MAGAZINE -- THE APOSTLE'S CREED Session Three: I believe in the Holy Spirit Wednesday, November 8th Fellowship -- 10:00 AM Bible Study -- 10:30 AM Meet in Berkland Hall All Women of Advent are invited! Please join us and bring a friend, if you wish.