Christ Lutheran Tidings

Transcription

1 C H R I S T E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Advent Christmas 2016 Christ Lutheran Tidings A Heart For Worship A Prayer for Worship Psalm 29 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name; Worship the Lord in holy splendor. The voice of the Lord is over the waters; The God of glory thunders, The Lord, over mighty waters. The voice of the Lord is powerful; The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. An Invitation To Worship Once a week, the people of Christ Lutheran gather and give our thanks and praise to God and listen to the Holy Wisdom expressed in scripture. This simple act acknowledges the Divine Presence who created us and saved us. This is an invitation to be intentional about your worship of God and your celebration of Christ Jesus. Worship at Christ Lutheran takes place every Sunday at 10:30 AM. Our worship includes fellowship, music and singing to the praise of God, the reading of scripture, preaching and the celebration of Holy Communion. Your Presence Matters! Below are two slips that you can cut out. I would hope you would return one of them to our offering plate and place another somewhere visible in your home as a reminder. Or husband and wife, parent and child can fill out a separate slip each. This is between you and God, so you don't need to sign them. Keep in mind, this includes going to worship when you are on vacation out-of-town. Advent Blessings, Pastor McCarty Just as we often invite members to pledge a gift of their income and resources, I hope you might consider a pledge of your presence in worship. During this first month of the church calendar, please prayerfully consider either a monthly or yearly pledge (or both) of your worship presence in the year ahead. We gather together with other faithful believers. I willfully strive, and with God's help, to be present at worship Sundays a month. Sundays a year. Just as we often invite members to pledge a gift of their income and resources, I hope you might consider a pledge of your presence in worship. During this first month of the church calendar, please prayerfully consider either a monthly or yearly pledge (or both) of your worship presence in the year ahead. We gather together with other faithful believers. I willfully strive, and with God's help, to be present at worship Sundays a month. Sundays a year.

2 Page 2 A Blessed Christmas to you from the Staff of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Pastor Robert McCarty Florence Jowers Organist, Director of Music Brenda Wollner Secretary Debbie McCray Custodian Join us on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, :00 P.M. For our Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service

3 From the Director of Music Page 3 We are focusing all year on facets of the Reformation of 1517, when Martin Luther made public some of his arguments with the Roman Catholic church. Luther was a good musician as well as a monk and preacher, and he regarded hymns as one of the best ways to teach the gospel. Among his 39 or so hymns, there are five which are Advent and Christmas, and two of them still appear in our hymnal: Savior of the Nations, Come (Advent) talks about what a marvel it is that God sent his son to earth, and how the purpose was for him to come down to vanquish death and go back to reign at God s right hand. And, the beloved Christmas hymn, From Heaven Above to Earth I Come, was written as a pageant to instruct his own six children about the Christmas story. One translation of the first stanza of that hymn says: From heaven above to earth I come To bear good news to every home; Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing. Saying and singing are the same thing in Luther s mind. Whether he is preaching the word from the pulpit or singing it in a hymn, Luther is concerned always with proclamation of the gospel. Paul Maier, a professor of religion and history, talks about Luther this way: In the theological tumult that was Martin Luther s life, the great reformer seemed to be heartened each year by the great festivals of the church, particularly Advent and Christmas. The man who "invented" the Protestant parsonage was also sustained by a blazing sense of humor and a happy home life. It was open house all year in the large converted monastery at the east end of Wittenberg where Luther, his wife Katie, and their six children lived, along with numerous students who stayed there as well. One of them wrote that as Christmas approached, Luther grew increasingly cheerful: "All his words and songs and thoughts concerned the incarnation of our Lord. Then he sighed and said, 'Oh, we poor people that we should be so cold and indifferent to this great joy that has been given us. For this is indeed the greatest gift, which far exceeds all else that God has created. Yet we believe so sluggishly, even though the angels proclaim and preach and sing, and their lovely song sums up the whole Christian faith, for 'Glory to God in the highest' is the very heart of worship." Let us join Luther in proclaiming the birth of Christ with loud voices as we sing our hymns and liturgical songs during this festive season! Florence Jowers, Director of Music

4 Page 4 Christ Lutheran Tidings December Anniversaries 7 Neila & George Luzaich (21 years) 22 Linda & Fred Armstrong (37 years) 27 Amelia & Alfred Berry (62 years) Happy December Birthdays to: 3 Thomas Yeago 6 Billie Ann Spitler Jenn Barker 11 Philip Obenschain 13 Douglas Whitmore 16 Sarah Wolters 17 Reanell Mitchell 18 Cathy Kuykendall 22 Amelia Berry 25 Linda Youngblood 27 Robbin Youngblood 28 Patricia Garber 30 Amy Walge I would like to thank my church family for thinking of me on my recent birthday and sending me the lovely cards! Each one meant so much to me and I truly appreciated receiving them! Love, Virginia Gregory Virginia s new address is: Virginia Gregory c/o Shenandoah Nursing & Rehab 339 Westminister Drive Fishersville, VA Happy January Birthdays to: 4 Connie Spitler 6 Meredith Yeago 8 Kendrick McCarty 11 Margie Obenschain Barbara Shaner 12 Mindy Reynolds 13 Walt Obenschain Rick Whitmore 15 Jay Shaner Ken Young 17 Amy Kiger 18 Fred Shaner 19 Judy Matthews 21 Elizabeth McCarty 26 Rebecca Rhodes 26 Grace Adams 27 Corey Shaner Chip Shaner 28 Bill Brill

5 Page 5 A Mitten & Hat Tree has been placed in our Narthex for this Advent and Christmas season. You may knit or purchase hats, gloves and mittens for elementary school age children and bring them to place on our tree located in the narthex. The items will be given to local elementary schools. Thank you! Church Council 2016 & New Church Council Church Council Members: Jim Youngblood, President Melanie Rhodes, Vice-President Evelyn Young, Secretary Kathy Bigelow, Treasurer Judy Matthews Finance Sybil McElveen Social Ministry Donald Schneider Property Stacey Wolters Worship 2017 Church Council Members: Judy Matthews Dell Philpott Melanie Rhodes Donald Schneider Barbara Shaner Stacey Wolters Evelyn Young Robbin Youngblood The Organizational Meeting for Church Council will be held on Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at which time the 2016 Council will finish business and the 2017 Council will end the meeting and elect their officers. New Council members should attend this meeting.

6 Page 6 The Social Ministry Committee is sponsoring an Adopt-a-Family program to provide needed assistance to an Augusta County family during Christmas. Gift tags will be distributed on Sunday. This year s family has four children (a boy age 7, 4 year-old twin boys, and an 8 month old girl). Gifts should be wrapped and returned to the church by December 11 (gifts will be picked up on December 12). For more information, please contact Anita Sanders at Anita Sanders, for the Social Ministry Committee Pleasant Memories Pleasant Memories will meet on Wednesday, December 14, 12:00 Noon at Pleasant View Lutheran Church for a covered-dish luncheon. The church will provide the meat for the meal and ask that you bring a side dish, salad or dessert. We hope you can come join us! Mira directed by Deborah Raven Hunter ancient, traditional and original music Holy Comforter Catholic Church 208 E. Jefferson St., Charlottesville, VA Friday, December 16, 7:30 P.M. Admission is free. Donations accepted. The Altar Guild will hold a meeting on Sunday, December 11 following the worship service. A sign-up sheet for volunteers will be presented at that time. We also will plan to meet the first or second Monday or Wednesday morning during the month of December to polish offering plates, candle sticks, etc. If you can help, please let me know. I am planning to resign at the end of this year, so we need a volunteer to oversee our Altar Guild. Thank you to everyone for your good work during the year. Carolyn Haggerty, Altar Guild Chair

7 The Chrismon Tradition Page 7 Many credit Martin Luther with the tradition of a decorated fir or pine tree as part of the Christmas celebration. Though Martin Luther was an advocate and enjoyed this custom at Christmas and was always willing to help with tree trimming, it is doubtful he can claim the origin of the Christmas tree as his idea. But, we can claim the Chrismon as a Lutheran original concept and creation. Frances Kipps Spencer originated Chrismons, Christian symbols to decorate the Christmas tree at Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, Virginia. Chrismons are traditionally handmade in colors of white and gold. White being the liturgical color for Christmas and representing the purity of Jesus. Gold is a symbol of Jesus majesty, power and glory. Every year, people come from around the world to view the Chrismons on Ascension s tree and experience the spirit of Christmas through the beautiful symbols of Christian hope, peace, joy and love. O our God, we are surely in need of a shepherd to come and seek us. Therefore we rely completely on the Gospel. O Lord, we know that thou dost recognize thine own. May we cling to the assurance that thou are the shepherd who seeks us, thy straying sheep. Save us, O God, for the sake of thine only begotten Son. Amen Martin Luther Greetings from Roanoke College! We are delighted to announce the addition of a Luther Statue on the Luther Plaza at Roanoke. This is a stunning addition to our college landscape and a certain mark of our Lutheran heritage. This is most certainly true. Rev. Paul Henrickson Director of Church Relations (You can see the picture of this statue on our bulletin board in the Narthex, or read more online at

8 Page 8 An Organ Concert with Advent Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 4, 5:00 P.M. Florence Jowers, organist Trinity Episcopal Church, Downtown Staunton Free Admission Nursery Available Staunton Choral Society at Christ Lutheran The Staunton Choral Society will present their Christmas Concert, The Promise of Ages, at Christ Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 4, 7:00 P.M. A free-will offering will be received to benefit the Choral Society. Our snow date will be December 11 same time and location. Christmas Concert to Benefit SACRA A Christmas Concert to benefit SACRA (Staunton Augusta Church Relief Association) will be presented at Memorial Baptist Church at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, December 12. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M. Come join us for a time of music, fellowship and an offering to SACRA. Featuring local musical artists Christopher Bono, Shenandoah Valley Children s Choir, The Faithful Men and Mr. Jefferson s Bones. A Meet and Greet the Artists time with refreshments will follow the concert. Celebrate the Joy of Christmas A benefit concert for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank Network presented by the combined choirs of Olivet Presbyterian Church and Staunton Church of the Brethren, 1615 N. Coalter Street, with Mini-Orchestra under the Direction of David MacMillan on Saturday, January 8, 2017 at 6:30 P.M. A free-will offering will be received. A reception will follow the concert.

9 Remember in Your Prayers Page 9 Those who are Ill: Amelia & Alfred Berry Dorothy Briehl (The Legacy) Beth Craig Patricia Doyle Dick Firebaugh Virginia Gregory (Shenandoah Nursing Home) June Huff (21 Woodlee Rd. Apt. 325) Sue Obenschain (Summit Square, 501 Oak Ave. Waynesboro, VA 22980) Jane Ruch Lois Ruch Bobby Schneider Billie Ann Spitler Betty Van Lear (Brookdale) Friends & Family of Members Sherry S. (friend of Lorraine Bosserman) Margie W. (friend of Debbie Morris) Makenzie (Niece of Pr. McCarty) Doris & Clarence M. (parents of Anita Sanders) Jaime Brenda K. (friend of Stacey Wolters) Jessie G. (Jim Gibson s brother) Debbie S. (friend of Rick Whitmore) Alex & Cindy C. (friends of Rick Whitmore) Linda Y. (sister of Woody Sanders) Mindy (mother of Kiera Barker) Joy C. (friend of Jim Gibson) Lorraine J. (sister of Lillian Walge) The Fries Family Extended Concerns: Bill Brill, Patricia Garber (Envoy of Staunton) Esther Seltzer (Augusta Rehab & Healthcare) Winston Wine Friends of Congregation with long-term concerns: Danielle (friend of a friend of Pastor) Sonia L. (mother of Suzanne Lochner) Mary L. (Kings Daughters mother of Bonnie Brown) Serving in the Military Timothy Becky Kevin Derick Sean Dusty We are in the process of updating our prayer list. Please contact the church office if you would like to add or remove a name from the list. Thank you!

10 Page 10 Christ Lutheran Tidings Christmas is Coming! You are invited to stay after church on Sunday, December 18 to help decorate our sanctuary for Christmas. We are going to set up the pew candles, the window candles and decorate the tree with Chrismons. Along with decorating we can enjoy our fellowship with sharing lunch (pizza) and maybe a few Christmas carols. The more the merrier! Submitted by Stacey Wolters Luther once said, Even if I knew the world was going to end tomorrow, I would plant a tree today....first, Luther very much assumed that the end of the world was near. Although he rejected speculation about the day and hour of Christ s return, he was convinced that the time was near. Second, rather than not caring for this world because it was ending, Luther thought the opposite and treated creation as a gift entrusted to us to care for not to exploit or escape from. There are...statements attributed to Luther that he never uttered or wrote and the Internet has increased their number. One favorite: Luther said that every day when you wash your face you should remember your baptism. Despite it sounding like Luther, it doesn t really match 16th-century hygiene, where the notion of washing your face wasn t necessarily a daily chore. Therefore baptism remains forever. Even though someone falls from it and sins, we always have access to our baptism so we may again subdue the old creature. But we need not have the water poured over us again. Even if we were immersed in water a hundred times, it would nevertheless not be more than one baptism, and its effect and significance would continue and remain. (Taken from Luther: Bust some myths by Robert C. Blezard.)

11 Page 11 At the Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service on November 23, 93 people gathered to give thanks and hear the wonderful music of the community choir and message in music by the our musical guests, PRASIA! A total of $842 was received from our offering that was designated for SACRA. Many thanks to all those who participated in and those who attended our service!

12 C H R I S T E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H 2807 North Augusta Street Staunton, Virginia Phone: celcsta@ntelos.net 10:30 A.M. Worship W E RE ON THE WEB! W WW. CHRISTLUTHERANSTAUNTON.ORG CHURCH STAFF: The Rev. Robert D. McCarty, Pastor revmccarty@earthlink.net Brenda L. Wollner, Secretary celcsta@ntelos.net Florence Jowers, Organist/Director of Music jowersf@gmail.com Debbie McCray, Custodian 2016 CHURCH COUNCIL: 2016 Officers: Jim Youngblood, President Melanie Rhodes, Vice-President Evelyn Young, Secretary Kathy Bigelow, Treasurer Sybil McElveen Judy Matthews Donald Schneider Stacey Wolters 2017 Church Council: Judy Matthews Dell Philpott Melanie Rhodes Donald Schneider Barbara Shaner Stacey Wolters Evelyn Young Robbin Youngblood Jim Youngblood, Treasurer Join us on Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, :00 P.M. For our Annual Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church: By God s grace the Holy Spirit leads us to love and serve all.

13 December 2016 S U N M O N T U E W E D T H U F R I S A T Happy New Year! Advent Begins November :30-Worship 7:00-Choral Society Concert 5 6 7:00-Church Council Meeting 7 7:00-Choir Rehearsal ICM Banquet/ Fellowship Hall Reserved Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Worship with us! 11 10:30-Worship 12:00-Altar Guild Meeting 18 10:30-Worship 12:00-Decorating the Sanctuary :00-Pleasant Memories Luncheon Newsletter articles due 7:00-Choir Rehearsal 21 7:00-Choir Rehearsal :00-Christmas Eve Worship 2807 North Augusta Street Staunton, Virginia Phone: :30-Worship/ Lessons & Carols Christmas Day :00-Choir Rehearsal celcsta@gmail.com

14 December 4 Second Sunday of Advent AM: Suzanne Lochner December 11 Third Sunday of Advent AM: Tom Miller December 18 Fourth Sunday of Advent AM: Phyllis Cox December 24 Christmas Eve AM: December 25 Christmas Day AM: December 2016 Worship Worksheet Date Lessons Hymns Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, Romans 15:4-13 Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, Romans 1:1-7 Gospel: Matthew 1:18-25 Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Gospel: Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Gospel: Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20 Comfort, Comfort, Now My People Herald, Sound the Note of Judgment On Jordan s Banks, the Baptist Cry Prepare the Royal Highway Fling Wide the Door Hail to the Lord s Annointed Lo, How a Rose is Growing Fling Wide the Door * * * * * * * * * An Assortment of carols including Silent Night, Holy Night * * * * * * * * * Those Serving in December 2016 Worship Services Date Ushers Acolyte Crucifer Reader Greeters Dec 4 Charles Shaner, Jay Shaner, Jim Gibson Kendrick McCarty Madilynn Langston Debbie Morris Linda & Jim Youngblood Dec 11 Scott, Allyson & Madilynn Langston Jackson Kiger Rhiannon Wiseman Amy Kiger Miriam Handley Dec 18 Carolyn Haggerty, Wayne Huntley, Karl Protil Kendrick McCarty Jamison McCarty Mindy Reynolds Melanie Rhodes Dec 25 Woodie Cason, Karl Protil, Suzanne Lochner Rhiannon Wiseman Jackson Kiger Ushers: Please be at the church by 10:00 A.M. for usher duty on Sunday mornings. If you cannot serve as indicated, please contact our head usher Jim Gibson [ ]. ALTAR COMMITTEE: Phyllis Cox & Allyson Langston MEALS-ON-WHEELS FOR December 13: Miriam Handley & Barbara Puzanskas; Sybil McElveen & Gene Matthews