FROM THE PASTOR S DESK

Transcription

1 `w z Vol. 45 No. 12 December 3 First Sunday in Advent worship 8:00 & 10:45 AM Advent wreath making 9:30 AM December 6 Wonderful Wednesday potluck and St. Nicholas Day story 5:30 PM For families with children in elementary school December 10 Special Choral presentation as a part of worship: 10:45 A.M Dan Forrest s LUX; The Dawn from On High (spoken liturgy with three hymns at 8 AM for those who cannot come at 10:45) December 17 Christmas family festival for all generations: 9:30 AM Stories and crafts December 18 Service of the Longest Night 7:30 PM December 24 Fourth Sunday in Advent worship 8:00 & 10:45 AM Christmas Eve worship: 7:00 PM Carols, children s message, sermon, communion, candlelight December 31 First Sunday of Christmas worship 8:00 & 10:45 AM

2 2 Season of Hope FROM THE PASTOR S DESK By Pastor Anita Warner The biblical story speaks hope. It speaks hope not into fabulous situations, but into harsh ones, desperate ones, difficult ones. The Advent season asks us to awaken to the full realities, including the difficult realities, because God has promised to be there and to bear them with us. To do so risking hope is a gift and grace from God. Czech leader and playwright, Vaclav Havel, wrote this poem, entitled Hope : Hope Hope is a state of mind, not a state of the world Either we have hope within us or we don t. Hope is not a prognostication it s an orientation of the spirit. You can t delegate that to anyone else. Hope in this deep and powerful sense is not the same as joy when things are going well, or the willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously headed for early success, but rather an ability to work for something to succeed. Hope is definitely NOT the same as optimism. It s not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out. It is hope, above all, that gives us strength to live and to continually try new things, even in conditions that seem as hopeless as ours do, here and now. In the face of this absurdity, life is too precious a thing to permit its devaluation by living pointlessly, emptily, without meaning, without love, and, finally, without hope. Zechariah was a person of relative privilege, like many of us, who lived in a context where hope was hard to find. Yet hope came to him, with the visit of an angel. Then some months later, he and his wife Elizabeth hosted her cousin, Mary of Nazareth, who came to visit while they were both pregnant. I wonder if they shared Mary s Spiritsong, the Magnificat, with Zechariah? Luke writes these beautiful words from Zechariah s own song after his son, John (known later as John the Baptist) was born: By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Luke 1:78-79 The in-breaking dawn is the gift of Christ. It is my wish for you to receive the gift of the light of Christ daily in these seasons of Advent and Christmas. I invite you to worship with us on the four Sunday mornings in December (3, 10, 17, 24) where we will use the liturgy, Prepare Us Now and Come, and sing and pray in hope, peace, joy and love. December 10, beginning at 10:30, promises to be a beautiful morning of music and text carrying the message through the West Coast premiere of Dan Forrest s LUX: The Dawn from on High, with other special music before and during the service. Christmas Eve worship will be at 7 PM, and the First Sunday after Christmas, December 31, will include singing more beloved carols in worship. In Hope, Pastor Anita

3 3 CREATE YOUR OWN ADVENT WREATHS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3, 9:30 AM individual solos from Handel's "Messiah" and Bach's Cantata, BWV 202. This event is open to all. Bring a friend and join us for this inspirational morning. If you are unable to come to worship at 10:45 A.M., we will have a simple, spoken liturgy with three hymns at 8:00 A.M. that day. On Sunday, December 3, you are invited to create your own Advent wreath for use in your home, like those of the ideas displayed. You may bring your own supplies, use some supplies provided and creative help, or make a traditional Advent wreath with supplies provided. The Advent wreath includes 4 candles for the 4 Sundays of Advent, the four weeks before Christmas. Season of Advent daily devotionals, and Advent calendars, will also be available. WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY December 6 St. Nicholas Day Families with children in elementary school are invited to come together for a simple potluck supper on December 6, which happens to be St. Nicholas Day. A special guest will come, and a storyteller will tell the story of St. Nicholas. LUX: THE DAWN FROM ON HIGH DECEMBER 10, 10:45 A.M. Join us on December 10 at 10:45 A.M. for the west coast premiere of LUX: The Dawn from On High and world premiere of commissioned orchestral prelude and postlude. A sixteen piece chamber orchestra will accompany the choir and provide music for worship. We will have guest soloists from Opera San José as well as HELP NEEDED DECEMBER 10, 11:45 A.M. If you can help break down the music set up for the Christmas Concert to be held on December 10 after the 10:45 A.M. service, please contact Kyle Jones or call the church office. Thank you! MULTI-GENERATIONAL CHRISTMAS FAMILY FESTIVAL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17, 9:30 AM People of all ages are invited for a short cartoon telling the story, then interactive stations and crafts. Contact Pastor Anita if you are available to help prepare and set this up. DECEMBER 24 WORSHIP December 24 falls on a Sunday this year. Morning worship services will use the Fourth Sunday in Advent texts, and the last time this year using the Prepare Us Now and Come Advent liturgy. Christmas Eve worship at 7:00 PM will include Carols, Children s Message, Sermon, Communion and Candlelight. There will be 10 minutes of Carol singing before the beginning of worship.

4 4 POINSETTIA SALES Orders for beautiful and festive red Poinsettias are now being taken by our Advent Youth group. The proceeds, this year, will go to help our High School Age Youth attend the ELCA s 2018 National Youth Gathering in Houston. Each poinsettia sold will help offset the costs of registration, airfare, hotels & transportation for our youth. Please consider purchasing an additional Poinsettia to donate for the Altar during the Christmas season. Dedication envelops for donated Poinsettias are available and your dedication will be listed in the worship bulletin. As this year is a fundraiser we have set a price range of $12 to $16 per Poinsettia for you to choose your donation level. Youth will be in the Narthex after both services, Dec. 3 & 10, ready to take your orders. If you are not able to make a purchase in person please call Margaret J. to place an order. For more information on the 2018 Youth Gathering: view Christmas can be a painful time for some. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness; we need to know that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us. Please join us for a time of reflection and prayer. All are welcome. FOOD OF THE MONTH FOR DECEMBER Monday, December 18, :30 pm Advent Lutheran Church Murphy Ave. Morgan Hill, CA HOT OR COLD CEREAL Food for the month of December is hot or cold cereal. However, you can donate other nonperishable foods as well. 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.

5 5 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING ADVENT S SEW SEEDS 10 TH INGATHERING June 26-July 1 Every three years, 30,000 high school youth (grades 8-12) and their adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. For 2018, the Gathering will be held June 26-July 1 in Houston, Texas. If your student is interested in attending this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, please contact Pastor Anita ASAP. GOOD GIFTS As part of our fourth quarter mission project, please prayerfully consider giving a gift that has the capacity to change someone else's life. ELCA has a catalog with over 50 different charitable gifts. Additionally, at Advent you may pick a catalog or an ornament from the mini Christmas tree to make your donation. These gifts that are "hard to wrap" can be great alternatives to traditional gifts. Changed Lives Changing Lives Through Christ's Love This year was the 10 th year of Lutheran World Relief s Northern California Ingatherings. Some churches have participated all 10 years, and new churches have joined throughout the years. This year, we welcome two new churches to the Ingathering: Peace Lutheran in Grass Valley and Coastside Lutheran in Half Moon Bay. There were a total of 20 other congregations that brought their quilts and kits to be loaded onto the truck along with 115 boxes from Advent. Sew Seeds could not have loaded all of our boxes onto the truck without the wonderful help of Ted C., Skip D., Brock B., Tyler G., Grant L., Terry P., and Daniel C.. There were a total of 1,498 quilts, 690 Personal Care Kits, 321 Baby Care Kits, 1,187 School Kits, and 77 Fabric Kits shipped to Minnesota. Advent shipped 243 quilts, 61 Personal Care Kits, 252 Baby Care Kits, 296 School Kits, and 21 Fabric Kits. Thank you to everyone for your help and support.

6 6 COUNCIL S CORNER December 2017 News Growing The Beloved Community in South County through service and the creative arts. Planning is underway for a one-day anti-racism training session. It will likely be scheduled in early The objective of this training will be to raise awareness of racism and how it works in structures and institutions, including the church. This training is NOT about stirring up guilt or shame. It IS about giving empowerment, tools, and practical solutions to effect change. The date and time depend upon availability of facilitators/trainers. If you would like to help plan this event, please contact Janel J. (Resources). Earlier this year, Council voted to require its members to participate in anti-racism training. The session will be open to a wider South County audience. 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 7 th meeting, interested representatives from Voices staff and families plus SCORE leaders and some of Advent s staff addressed our value propositions to engage with specific groups of people in our community. Another meeting will be held November 27 th. 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. Highlights of the annual Congregational Meeting held on Sunday November 12, Election of Council members for 2018 o 1 st Vice President Brad Bannister o Secretary Peter McElheny o Faith Development Kris Andry o Operations Carrie Merrell (incumbent) There was Congregational consensus that if willing candidates for these roles are identified in the next several weeks, Council may begin the on-boarding process before these candidates are formally elected at the January 2018 Congregational meeting. The 2018 proposed budget was presented. o As offerings have declined, Advent will need to use some of our reserves to cover expenses. The reserves were built up when Voices leased space for two academic years in

7 7 o o A Capital Campaign is planned for 2018 for projects such as 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 Busk development to the north of Advent has a commence construction deadline of December 30, Advent has no new information indicating whether or not they will meet this deadline. 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 Planning in progress for 1 st quarter 2018 training In progress regular SCORE/BCAC meetings held Guests are always welcome at Council and Executive committee Valerie meetings S., Worship held & Music 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. All meetings start at 7:00 PM. (Meetings are on the Advent s website calendar, NOTE: Council does not meet in December, but Executive does meet. Late bulletin: Nominating committee reported Sharon Pepper agreed to serve as Communications Chair. Your 2017 Council roster: Ed M., President Grant L., 1 st Vice President Jacqui K., 2 nd Vice President Greg K., Financial Secretary Kathy M., Secretary Norm O., Treasurer Peter McE., Faith Development Vacant, Communications Marcia N., Community Connections Carrie M., Operations Joyce G., Stewardship 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.

8 8 Common Prayer Service for Lutherans and Catholics together. 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. November 5, 2017 Reformation 500 Task Force Today we recognize and celebrate members of the Reformation 500 Task Force and those who participated in and/or supported the events held in celebration of the reformation. The Reformation 500 Task Force was formed last April to develop ways to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation begun by Martin Luther in The task force met about once a month. A keynote event was "Faith of our Neighbors - Christianity in the Lutheran Tradition" that was sponsored and supported by the Interfaith Community of South County (ICSC). The Stewardship Committee worked to align the fall stewardship program theme with the Reformation commemoration activities. The Stewardship team led Oktoberfest and Commitment Sunday. Other highlights included the Reformation Hymn Festival and the Task Force participants included Pastor Anita, Pastor Lee, Kyle Jones, James D., Pam K., Virginia M., Karen P., Valerie S., Allen S., Peter W., and Ed M.. Thanks also goes out to all those who attended and/or supported these events through service to Advent and the South County community. November 12, 2017 Veterans Day Many Americans mistakenly believe that Veterans Day is the day America sets aside to honor American military personnel who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained from combat. That's not quite true. Memorial Day is the day set aside to honor America's war dead. Veterans Day, on the other hand, honors ALL American veterans, both living and dead. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank LIVING veterans for dedicated and loyal service to their country. November 11 of each year is the day that we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in the lives to keep our country free. Armistice Day To commemorate the ending of the "Great War" (World War I), an "unknown soldier" was buried in highest place of honor in both England and France ( (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These ceremonies took place on November 11th, celebrating the ending of World War I hostilities at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). This day became known internationally as "Armistice Day".

9 9 In 1921, the United States of America followed France and England by laying to rest the remains of a World War I American soldier -- his name "known but to God" -- on a Virginia hillside overlooking the city of Washington DC and the Potomac River. This site became known as the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier," and today is called the "Tomb of the Unknowns." Located in Arlington National Cemetery, the tomb symbolizes dignity and reverence for the American veteran. In America, November 11th officially became known as Armistice Day through an act of Congress in It wasn't until 12 years later, through a similar act that Armistice Day became a national holiday. The entire World thought that World War I was the "War to end all wars." Had this been true, the holiday might still be called Armistice Day today. That dream was shattered in 1939 when World War II broke out in Europe. More than 400,000 American service members died during that horrific war. Veterans Day In 1947, Raymond Weeks, of Birmingham Ala., organized a "Veterans Day" parade on November 11th to honor all of America's veterans for their loyal and dedicated service. Shortly thereafter, Congressman Edward H. Rees (Kansas) introduced legislation to change the name of Armistice Day to Veterans Day in order to honor all veterans who have served the United States in all wars. In 1954, President Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11 as Veterans Day, and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration (now called the Department of Veterans Affairs), to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day. Congress passed legislation in 1968 to move Veterans Day to the fourth Monday in October. However as it became apparent that November 11th was historically significant to many Americans, in 1978, Congress reversed itself and returned the holiday to its traditional date. November 19, 2017 Altar Guild Members of the altar guild are ministers of the liturgy. This ministry involves preparing the worship space with the furnishings, appointments, vessels, elements, linens, and paraments used in the liturgy. (Altar Guild and Sacristy Handbook by S. Anita Stauffer) The altar guild members are also responsible for washing the robes, cleaning the altar cloths, filling the candles, purchasing wine and cups, purchasing candle oil and baking the bread used in communion. Members are assigned a month and are responsible for the duties for the entire month. If you d like to learn more about altar guild please contact Valerie Sacks at or at valerie.sacks@verizon.net Members of the Altar Guild are invited to take the elements to the Altar for recognition of your stewardship to Advent and to receive a blessing from Pastor Warner.

10 10 November 26, 2017 SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 FOR ANTI-RACISM TRAINING Prayer Chain Advent has an Prayer Chain Ministry that prays for those who request a prayer. There are about 60 members and non-members involved in the ministry. Prayers many times are for healing, but may include celebrations and positive events as well. If you would like to be involved in the ministry or have a request for a prayer, please contact Jane O.. You may also contact Sherry Quick in the church office at or her at office@adventlutheran.org. On the inside of the tri-fold brochure used at the Cottage Meetings in 2009 were all of the ministries at Advent. When members were asked to open the brochures, most were astounded at the scope of what is offered at Advent. We literally have and will continue to celebrate a different ministry each week. We hope you have enjoyed learning a little more about what Advent Is and Does and the next time someone asks you, What does your church do to make a difference in the lives of others? you can say Let me tell about my church, Advent Lutheran, and the wonderful things were are doing here. You ll have a great story to tell. We have a great opportunity to spend a day with one another and the Rev. Adisa Armand-Miller, seasoned Lutheran pastor and anti-racism trainer. Anti-racism training is not the same as diversity training you may have received in your workplace. It gives you the beginning of an analysis and empowers you to organize with others to begin to shift the systems and structures that perpetuate racism even when we don t want that to happen. More details to come, but save the date now! If you would like to help organize and invite people to this training, contact Janel J.. OFF THE RECORDS OFF-THE-RECORDS Baptism: Kaia Lynn B., daughter of Diane B. Your Gifts and Participation Make a Difference! From Your Stewardship Committee November 12, 2017 Sponsors: Erik B., Kirk B., Sara P.

11 11 DAILY BIBLE READINGS December December Sun 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 God s promise to David Luke 1:46b-55 The Lord lifts up the lowly Romans 16:25-27 I sing of your love Luke 1:26-38 The angel appears to Mary Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 Heralds announce God s salvation December 1-9 Fri Revelation 19:1-9 Praise of God s judgments Sat Psalm 7 God the righteous judge Sun Isaiah 64:1-9 God will come with power and compassion Wed Psalm 80:1-7, Proverbs :1-7, We shall be saved The call Fri 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Gifts of grace sustains us Sat Mark 13:24-37 The coming of the Son of Man Mon Zechariah 13:1-9 On that day God will save us Tues Zechariah 14:1-9 Promises concerning that day Wed Matthew 24:15-31 Be ready for that day Thu Micah 2:1-13 God will gather you all Fri 1 Thess 4:1-18 A life pleasing to God till the end Sat Psalm 79 Prayer for deliverance Psalm 98 The victory of our God Hebrews 1: ) God has spoken by a son John 1:1-14 The Word became flesh Tues Luke 2:1-20 The story of Jesus birth Wed Isaiah 62:6-12 Your salvation comes Thu Psalm 100 God s steadfast love Fri Genesis 1:1-2:4a The first creation story Sat Psalm 136 God s steadfast love Sun Isaiah 61:10-62:3 Clothed in garments of salvation Psalm 148 God s glory is spread over earth Galatians 4:4-7 Children and heirs of God Luke 2:22-40 The presentation of the child December Sun Isaiah 40:1-11 God s coming to the exiles Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Righteousness and peace 2 Peter 3:8-15a Waiting for the day of God Mark 1:1-8 John appears from the wilderness Mon Isaiah 26:7-15 The way of the righteous is level Tues Isaiah 4:2-6 God will wash Israel clean Wed Mark 11:27-33 The authority behind John s ministry Thu Malachi 2:10 3:1 The coming messenger Fri Acts 11:1-18 John and Peter baptize Sat Psalm 27 God s level path December Sun Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Righteousness and praise flourish like a garden Psalm 126 God does great things for us 1 Thess 5:16-24 Kept in faith until the coming of Christ John 1:6-8, A witness to the light Mon 1 Kings 18:1-18 Elijah condemns King Ahab Tues 2 Kings 2:9-22 Elisha receives Elijah s spirit Wed Mark 9:9-13 Questions about Elijah Thu Malachi 3:16 4:6 Elijah and the coming one Fri Acts 3:17 4:4 Peter preaches about the prophets Sat Psalm 125 Prayer for blessing When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, The Lord has done great things for them. The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy. Restore our fortunes, Lord. like streams in the Negev. Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. Psalm 126

12 12 "MARY & MARTHA CIRCLE" ADVENT WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY GATHER MAGAZINE -- ADVENT DEVOTIONAL Joy To The World Wednesday, December 13th 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.