Calvary Courier. Give Thanks from the Inside. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church November Upcoming Events. Inside this issue:

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1 Calvary Courier Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church November 2017 Upcoming Events Northwestern Publishing House Book Fair Sunday, November 5 Reformation Service at Emmanuel in Tempe Sunday, November 5 4:00 p.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Classes November 8, 15, & 29 7:00 p.m. No class on November 1 & 22 Ladies Guild Meeting Thursday, November 9 9:30 a.m. Fall Cleanup inside of Church Saturday, November 18 8:00 a.m. Books and Crannies Sunday, November 19 3:00 p.m. Anniversary Celebration at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Tempe Sunday, November 19 4:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Thursday, November 23 Service at 10:00 a.m. Potluck Dinner at 11:15 a.m. Christmas Tree Decorating and Chili Dump Sunday, November 26 4:00 p.m. Inside this issue: Books and Crannies 2 Anniversary Celebration at Emmanuel 2 Thanksgiving Service 2 Meet Sandra Hamilton 2 Double Decker Bus Tour 2 Your Ladies Guild at Work 3 Holiday Decoration Exchange 3 Refreshments after Church 4 Christmas for Kids 4 September LunchBunch Recap 4 October LunchBunch Recap 4 Worship Schedule 5 November Birthdays 6 Through My Bible in a Year 6 Calendar Insert Give Thanks from the Inside A tradition around Thanksgiving time is to count one s blessings. But do something different this year. Instead of listing your top ten blessings, or 26 of them from A to Z if you can come up with that many, count your frustrations, your mistakes, your enemies, your fears, and even your sins. These we never want to make a list of because we d rather not deal with them in general, and certainly we d rather not give them an opening to ruin an otherwise happy Thanksgiving. So shake things up a little this year. When others ask you what you re thankful for, say, My diabetes, or That I lost my job last month, or Loneliness. Huh? When they look at you strangely, then explain, Because I m thankful from the inside. That s how the Bible characterizes the person who is truly thankful. Solomon says in Ecclesiastes 7: 14, When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Whether the economy is up or down, God remains God and, for that, Solomon tells us we can be thankful. Job put it similarly when he praised the Lord after all the employees of his company were killed by an enemy attack, he lost his income-producing livestock, and his chil- Reformation 500 On October 31, we will be celebrating the 500th year of the Reformation. There will be a special Reformation Festival for the East Valley at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Tempe on November 5 at 4:00 p.m. On October 29 and November 5, there will be a Northwestern Publishing House Book Fair. dren were killed in a deadly tornado. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:21). These men show us how to be thankful from the inside. Don t let external circumstances dictate your level of thanksgiving. Instead, look at every circumstance from a perspective of faith in the Lord God. This is not positive thinking; it s promise trusting. No matter what we experience, it is connected to the Lord s unfailing love, his unconditional choice to forgive sinners and to make us his dear children. We have a guarantee of his love in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a divine event on this earth that saves people and cannot be erased from history. If you re having trouble with giving thanks these days, my advice is to stop looking outside and look inside. What s your perspective? Instead of counting your blessings, count on God s unfailing love in every good and every bad. Get to know God s love by reading and hearing more from the Bible. Start an inventory of God s promises that must always be true. And give thanks from the inside. Pastor Martin Spaude Bible Classes The Sunday Bible Class is finishing up its study on talking with others about the issue of homosexuality. Following that we will begin a 4 part series looking at the Reformation using the new movie, Return to Grace. The Wednesday evening Bible Class is beginning a study on the Houses of the Lord. This will look at the various houses of the Lord from Eden to Heaven N. Dobson Rd. Chandler, Arizona Phone: Website:

2 Books and Crannies BY PAM ABBE On November 19, we will discuss the book Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber. This story is about Julia Padden, who decides to kill her rude neighbor with kindness during the holiday season. There will be no book club meeting in December. Anniversary Celebration at Emmanuel Lutheran Church Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Tempe will be having an anniversary celebration for three of its called workers on November 19. Pastor Dan Pautz will be honored for his 50 years of service in the ministry and teachers Craig Kieker and Chris Wempner will be honored for their 25 years. Worship will be at 4:00 pm. with a fellowship meal following the service. Thanksgiving Service On Thanksgiving Day, November 23, we will have a special service of thanksgiving to our God for all the blessings he has given to us. Following the service there will be the annual potluck turkey dinner. A sign-up sheet for this is on the back counter at church. Meet Sandra Hamilton BY CHARLIE KEUTHER Sandra Hamilton has recently joined our church family, and has already gotten to know many of our members through serving with her two grandsons in our recent Vacation Bible School program and being part of Calvary s team in Chandler s Operation Back to School project. Sandra lives not too far from Calvary with her daughter, Kristina, and her before mentioned two grandsons, Dylan and Tyler. She is a retired elementary school teacher who has a passion for helping children. She has one sibling, a sister, who lives in Tucson. She points out that her life has been filled by our gracious Lord with numerous and varied blessings, for which she is most thankful. This is a very nice lady with gifts to serve in His Name. I am confident she will be a blessing to our congregation and we look forward to seeing and being with her on a regular basis during worship services and fellowship activities at Calvary. Double Decker Bus Tour Calvary Lutheran Church will be sponsoring a double decker bus tour of the Christmas lights on Sunday, December 3. The bus holds people. Mark your calendar! Calvary s Mission Statement: As members of this congregation, our constant aim is to share the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ with all people based on the inspired, infallible Holy Scriptures and to exemplify our faith through Christian living as commissioned by our Savior. Take a picture of this with your phone to visit: Like us on Facebook: CalvaryLutheranChurchChandler Calvary s Church Leaders: Pastor Martin Spaude Pastor Roger Sprain Staff Minister: Charlie Kuether President: David Gannon Secretary: Rodger Johnson Financial Secretary: Paul Spaude Treasurer: Scott Abbe Evangelism/Stewardship Director: James Armbruster Education Director: Ben Coker Property Director: Brad Reinke Calvary Courier page 2

3 Your Ladies Guild at Work BY JAN ENDERLE Ladies Guild is open to all women of Calvary. The next meeting will be Thursday, November 9, at 9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Fall. The meetings consist of a Bible Study with Pastor Spaude and a business meeting. Have you ever wondered who makes things happen? Come to a meeting. This is a great opportunity to be involved in church activities. We are always looking for new ideas. For information call Jan Enderle at or janwoodmansee@gmail.com. Fall Cleanup Grab your favorite cleaning supplies and join us! We will be cleaning the interior of the church on Saturday, November 18, from 8:00 a.m. until noon. All are invited to help get our sanctuary ready for Thanksgiving and for the Christmas season Christmas Decorating and Chili Mixer Come and join your fellow members of Calvary and help with the annual Christmas Tree decorating and chili mixer. This event will take place on Sunday November 26, at 4:00 p.m. Bring your favorite chili to dump in the pot for a great meal to share after the decorating is complete. If you don t do chili, bring a salad or dessert or just bring yourself! There is always plenty of food and this is a great opportunity to meet and get to know each other. Food Pantry God bless you all for the generous donations to the Calvary Food Pantry. The shelves have been re-stocked and we have back up supplies for most items. We also have a $250 credit card from Thrivent. This will be used to stock the more expensive items. Usage tends to go up during the holiday season. Anyone interested is welcome to come in and take a look. Thank you again for your continuing support. There is a container on the patio every Sunday for donations or they can be dropped off in the kitchen, fellowship hall or the coffee room. Greeting Cards The Calvary Ladies Guild has stocked new boxes of Christmas and holiday greeting cards. They are displayed on a rack on the patio during fellowship time before and after the Sunday service as well as in the fellowship hall at all times. We are also keeping a stock of all occasion cards in the fellowship hall. Cards are provided as a service to the congregation and sold at cost. If you need help see Cora Schroeder or Jan Enderle. Alpha Pregnancy In keeping with their mission statement Spread the Gospel while emphasizing the sanctity of life, Alpha Pregnancy is distributing Bible story books along with diapers, formula, clothing, blankets, etc., to mothers-to-be. This is an ongoing project supported by your Ladies Guild. We are asking for additional donations of these books. They are available at most of the dollar stores as well as other discount stores. Some have even been found at garage sales. We are also collecting clothing from layette to sizes 3-4 as an ongoing project. One of our new members is able to make a monthly donation through her work. All donations may be dropped off in the playpen that has been set up in the fellowship hall. We will be sorting the clothing as it comes in. If this is something you might be interested in helping with, check with Anne Kelsey or Jan Enderle. When the time comes we will post dates in the bulletin. Aluminum Cans Your Ladies Guild collects aluminum cans. Funds received from aluminum are used to keep the Calvary kitchen supplied. Please be aware we collect aluminum cans only. You know the beer and soda cans! We are unable to recycle other aluminum products like pie pans, casserole pans, foil or pet food cans. The collection bin is located at the East end of our school classrooms near the playground area. Holiday Decoration Exchange Calvary will host this fun and interesting event on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. If you are curious about what this is all about, just peek your head into the Fellowship Hall on either or both of those days. What you will find is a roomful of decorations from all the holidays, not just Christmas! If you find an item (or more) that you would like to use to decorate your own home during the holidays, simply take it (them) with you. Although the items are not priced for sale, we ask that you make a DONATION, of any amount, and place it in the collection basket provided. All proceeds will go to our favorite WELS charity, the Alpha Pregnancy Center. Items not sold will be donated to the Assistance League Thrift Store (Alma School/Warner area). Join in the fun by cleaning out your closets or garage and finding your slightly used, but gently loved decorations from ANY of the year s seasonal holidays. Bring these treasures to church any time in November and store them near Calvary s library area in the Fellowship Hall. The more decorations, the more exciting the event. Any questions may be directed to Jan Enderle or Sue Schroeder. Calvary Courier page 3

4 Refreshments after Church The 2017 Fellowship Refreshments which were provided after the Sunday worship services where indeed a success. So many Calvary members signed up to serve, with even some individuals serving multiple times. Each week, it was a surprise to see what choice snack items were being offered. There was such a variety. Word around the patio was that members really appreciate this special offering after worship. It gives members and guests a time to relax and socialize. This is why Calvary is noted as the friendly church. The 2018 calendar is now located at the back of the church. What a great opportunity for you to sign up for upcoming birthdays and anniversaries dates that are special for you and your family. How about sharing your joy by providing refreshments for your friends at Calvary. If you have questions, feel free to contact Jan Enderle or Sue Schroeder. Christmas for Kids: God Leads the Wise Men to Jesus BY CHARLIE KEUTHER We are excited that Calvary will again be hosting Christmas for Kids. The date and time are Saturday, December 9, from 9:00 a.m. until Noon. Children from three years to Sixth Grade will enjoy a variety of activity stations where students will learn of the Savior s birth, praise Him in song, make Christmas crafts to take home and share with their family, play fun games, enjoy wonderful Christmas snacks, and Christian fellowship. Registration will begin in mid-november and can be done through signing up at the back entrance of church or online at calvarychandler.net. There is no cost to this exciting program. Questions can be directed to our leader, Mrs. Leah Cross or our Staff Minister, Mr. Charlie Kuether. September LunchBunch Recap This month s diners prayed that the food at The Hungry Monk wouldn t disappoint them. And, for the eight friends who gathered, not one had a bad meal. The lunch of choice for most was the daily special of gyros and chips. The chips, especially, were a hit as they were homemade and deliciously crispy. There was more than enough room for you to have shared in our dining experience. Think of the LunchBunch outing as a reward for working hard around the house on Saturday morning. Everyone needs to relax and be served once in a while. Agree? October LunchBunch Recap John, Kay, Anne and Sue had a delightful lunch at Si Senor s in Chandler on Saturday, November 7. Chile Rellenos was the meal of choice for all three ladies, while John opted for a taco. It was a very relaxing time and before we knew it two hours had past. Conversations covered a variety of subjects, though none of us expect the world to change because of our input. As you can see, we had plenty of tables to accommodate the rest of you. Don t you think it is about time you came to meet, eat and enjoy your Calvary friends? You have no idea what a wonderful time you are missing. Calvary Courier page 4

5 Worship Use this Schedule to Prepare Yourself November 4 & 5 Reformation Communion Theme: By Grace Alone, through Faith Alone, on Scriptures Alone Hymns: 199 In Trembling Hands, Lord God, We Hold 377 Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice 392 Not unto Us 204 O God, Our Lord, Your Holy Word 201 A Mighty Fortress Is Our God November 11 & 12 Last Judgment Theme: Jesus Will Come to Judge the Living and the Dead Lessons: Daniel 7:9-10 Hymns: 231 Now the Silence 1 Thessalonians 5: Day of Wrath, Oh, Day of Mourning Matthew 25: The King Will Come at Age s End 218 Then the Glory November 18 & 19 Saints Triumphant Communion Theme: The Saints Dwell in Glory Lessons: Isaiah 52:1-6 Hymns: 211 I Know of a Sleep in Jesus Name 1 Thessalonians 4: Saints, Behold! The Sight Is Glorious Matthew 25: For All the Saints 219 Lord, When Your Glory I Shall See November 23 Thanksgiving Hymns: 610 Now Thank We All Our God 353 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness 260 Let All Things Now Living 234 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty 611 For the Fruit of His Creation November 25 & 26 Theme: Jesus Is King of Kings and Lord of Lords Christ the King Lessons: Ezekiel 34:11-16, Hymns: 341 Crown Him with Many Crowns 1 Corinthians 15: In You Is Gladness Matthew 27: Oh, Worship the King 340 Oh, for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Calvary Courier page 5

6 November Birthdays Best wishes to the following who celebrate birthdays this month: Matthew Schroeder Nov. 1 Eugene Beckmann Nov. 2 Sandra Hamilton Nov. 3 Savanna Zorn Nov. 3 Jeff DeSormeau Nov. 5 Amy Lowry Nov. 7 Cora Schroeder Nov. 7 Stephanie Osswald Nov. 9 Randi Rasmussen Nov. 9 Rebecca Mundt Nov. 10 Noah Salzwedel Nov. 10 Margaret Wolff Nov. 10 Evan McClelland Nov. 11 Jessica McClelland Nov. 13 Amy Schroeder Nov. 13 Hayden Rendell Nov. 16 Larry Altman Nov. 19 Warren Converse Nov. 20 Paige Kroeger Nov. 22 Peter Sordahl Nov. 22 Adam Cross Nov. 25 Diana Laubenstein Nov. 25 Myron Lyons Nov. 28 Rachael Altman Nov. 29 (If your birthday is not listed, tell the Office Manager, Randi Rasmussen, so your records can be updated.) Through my Bible IN A YEAR Cut this out and place it in your Bible: November 1 Luke John John John John John John John John Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts Romans Romans Romans Romans Romans Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians Corinthians 1-4