DISCOVER GOD S LOVE DISCOVER GOD S LOVE. The newsletter of ATONEMENT CHURCH Wesley Chapel, Florida

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1 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE DISCOVER Page 1 December 2013 GOD S LOVE The newsletter of ATONEMENT CHURCH Wesley Chapel, Florida December 2013

2 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 2 December 2013 Discover God s Love is the monthly newsletter of Atonement Lutheran Church State Rd. 54 Wesley Chapel, FL Office: (813) Fax: (813) office@be-at-1.org SUNDAY WORSHIP: 8:30 & 10am Pastor Scott Lindner Choir Director Ruby Agnir Office Coordinator Kay Edwards Keyboard Player Kenneth Hanks Newsletter Editor Carol Reams MULTIMEDIA YOUTUBE PICTURES FACEBOOK on the web: atonementlutheran.net contents a chat with the pastor 3 pantry volunteer pictures. 5 special announcement. 5 WELCA..6-7 Youth..8-9 Music Corner...10 Social Concerns.11 Food Pantry This and That..14 Calendar..15 Above: Robert Pope proudly displays his Thanksgiving turkey, one of over 300 given out by the Helping Hands Food Pantry.

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 3 December 2013 a chat with the pastor Fear no more! I am announcing to you good news that will be a great joy for all the people.

ty of David a Savior was born for you. He is Lord Messiah..." Luke 2:10-11 If you ve ever been to Washington D.C.

3 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 3 December 2013 a chat with the pastor Fear no more! I am announcing to you good news that will be a great joy for all the people. Today in the City of David a Savior was born for you. He is Lord Messiah..." Luke 2:10-11 If you ve ever been to Washington D.C., maybe you ve felt a shiver down your spine as you walk surrounded by marble memorials to veterans and presidents, or experienced the solemn majesty of standing in the shadow of the Capitol dome or the Washington monument, or gazed across the lawn at the pillars of the White House, awed by the history that still happens there. The buildings and statues there call attention to great happenings and larger-than-life personalities, personages who guided and governed and fought for our nation. The imposing stature of those edifices testify to the greatness of the ones they are dedicated to, and to the immensity of this great project of democracy and freedom in which we all take part. What a contrast it all makes to the little town of Bethlehem, the City of David where Christ was born. Our Lord and mighty Savior, the King of Kings and Prince of Peace was born in an out of the way place, far from the halls and palaces of worldly power. Bethlehem had no fortress or battlements, no walls or watchtowers. Our annual Home for Thanksgiving church family portrait, November 24, 2013

It was where Jesse s family settled, and where his youngest son David had been singled out as Judah s king and anointed by the prophet Samuel.

4 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 4 December 2013 It was a peaceful place of farms and fields of sheep. Bethlehem had an important place. It was where Jacob s wife Rachel had died on a journey through the territory. Her burial place had been revered for centuries. It was where Jesse s family settled, and where his youngest son David had been singled out as Judah s king and anointed by the prophet Samuel. And when Jesus was born, it was the place where David s descendants were to come and register for the Roman census. And so it was that history s grandest figure was born in this quiet crossroad town, a place whose historical importance was hushed and hidden, but could be uncovered and revealed by those who knew where to look. For those who remembered the words of the prophets, the promises of God were not secrets. For those who searched the scriptures and found Micah s prediction that from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule Israel, whose origin is from old, from ancient of days (Micah 5:2) there was a hope and expectation that God could bring his mighty Messiah among us, even from a small and nearly forgotten backwater town. So here s to our God who doesn t forget the ancient promises, whose hope lives on even when ours has died. Here s to a Savior who became born for us, whose advent into this world The Capital Campaign team gives an update on its progress. came without trumpets or monuments, but was heralded instead by angel choirs and choruses of cows, donkeys and common shepherds. He has not left us here alone, but has come among us with flesh and blood, born a baby to grow and live with us, and then to die for us, and then again to live so that we too may be carried through the gates of his Kingdom. Here s to a time that has nothing to do, really, with shopping and holiday specials, and everything to do with beauty and love and the restoration of our world. Here s to a place that was not too lowly or unimportant for the Lord of the Universe to choose for his entrance into our world. This Advent season, our worship celebrates that little town, and the Bright Star of Bethlehem who came from there to bring peace to all the earth and good will to humankind. Come join us as we prepare our souls to receive our King. Come sing, give thanks, and open your hearts as we hear and live the story and share his love with our family, friends and neighbors. Peace, Pastor Scott a chat with the pastor is online at:

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 5 December 2013 SPECIAL

wonderful blessing and opportunity for YOU and our

AN ANONYMOUS DONOR has offered up to $25,000 in

donations given between now and the end of February

5 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 5 December 2013 SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: The Capital Campaign team announces a wonderful blessing and opportunity for YOU and our CHURCH! AN ANONYMOUS DONOR has offered up to $25,000 in matching funds to our Capital Campaign project for new donations given between now and the end of February Donate now and double the impact of your gift! Some special volunteers join us November 20th at the Helping hands Food Pantry

6 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 6 December 2013

7 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 7 December 2013 Date: December 14 Time:!0 AM Where: Carla Haberland s house (4744 Tampa Downs Blvd., Lutz) What to Bring: 12 bags of 6 cookies each and hors d oeuvres to share. Sign-up sheet in the narthex if you plan to attend. If you don t want to bake, come anyway to enjoy the fellowship.

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 8 December 2013 December 2013 Youth News All t shirts have been sold.

In addition we raised 183 with the noisy offering to put towards a new gas grill.

November 10 th we had our youth meeting and talked about zombies and our fears.

We then talked a little about plans for the upcoming year. We then went Cyber Bowling at Pinchasers in Zephyrhills.

But still a great time with these great people!

Please bring a holiday snack to share. Please see Ms. Brenda if you need directions.

8 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 8 December 2013 December 2013 Youth News All t shirts have been sold. It is very nice to look around and see where God s work is being done with our hands. In addition we raised 183 with the noisy offering to put towards a new gas grill. Many thanks to all who assisted with this fundraiser. November 10 th we had our youth meeting and talked about zombies and our fears. We then made balloon zombies and crushed them as we gave our fears up to God. We then talked a little about plans for the upcoming year. We then went Cyber Bowling at Pinchasers in Zephyrhills. There was some great strikes, many spares and unfortunately many gutter balls! But still a great time with these great people! Our Christmas party for youth and families will be on December 14 th at 6pm at the Lenz s. Please bring a holiday snack to share. Please see Ms. Brenda if you need directions. Order your Christmas flowers now through December 8 th. This year we will have Poinsettias in three colors. Be sure to put youth flowers in the memo of your check. Youth-Mark your 2014 Calendar for these events in early January. On January 4 th we will again go to Support our Troops and pack boxes to go overseas. This is a great way to earn those community service hours. Then on January 11 is Winter Jam at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. This is 10 Christian bands and speakers with admission of only $10! See poster on youth board. Wishing you all a merry Christmas, Brenda Lenz, Youth Leader

December 7 th 2013 Open house starting at 4pm.

9 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 9 December 2013 For ALEXANDER LENZ Come wish Alex well as he heads off to boot camp. December 7 th 2013 Open house starting at 4pm. Hors D Oeuvres and beverages will be served. At the Lenz s Pepper Dr., Zephyrhills Phone #

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 10 December MUSIC CORNER Christmas with its trees and windows all aglow; Christmas with its snow and ice and mistletoe; Christmas can't you hear the church bells ringing?

10 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 10 December MUSIC CORNER Christmas with its trees and windows all aglow; Christmas with its snow and ice and mistletoe; Christmas can't you hear the church bells ringing? From within can't you hear the choir boys singing? Silent night floats up upon the air; Holy night, brings peace and joy everywhere From your heart let this joyous message call: Peace on earth, merry Christmas all! This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Although it is not as famous as other Christmas songs, it was sung by Doris Day in the 1950s and merited a place in Top Hits listings. The sheet music for this is hard to find at this time, as other songs by Mariah Carey and other contemporary artists have replaced it. The words are so thought-provoking. You can keep singing the carols, such as Silent Night, but if your heart does not sound out the message of peace on earth, the carols wouldn t amount to anything. Another Christmas song that I like is found in some hymnals, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. It carries the practically the same message as the Doris Day song. Wikipedia describes it as a Christmas carol based on the 1863 poem "Christmas Bells" by American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. The song tells of the narrator's despair, upon hearing Christmas bells, that "hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men". The carol concludes with the bells carrying renewed hope for peace among mankind, full of hope and faith in God s continuing care for humankind. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men." Till, ringing singing, on its way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men! On December 15, at the 10 o clock service, the Christmas Choir will perform the cantata Joy, the Gift of God by Don Wyrtzen, with a number of soloists from the Celebration Choir and a couple of guest soloists. They are joined by an instrumental ensemble composed of Brian Lindner, trumpet; George Lindner, trombone; Shuang Fan and Charlotte Lynn, violins; Rick Will, drums, all led by our amazing keyboardist, Ken Hanks. Narrators will be Pastor Scott, Kay Edwards and Detlev Aeppel. Worthy of mention is one of the songs in the cantata, Jesus, Child of Bethlehem, the lyrics of which run this way: Jesus, Child of Bethlehem, we worship you, we adore you. Ruby Agnir Choir Director

11 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 11 December Hurricane Season is Over! Yes, this year's hurricane season is finally over. It was very quiet for us and the eastern United States. Mexico, though, received multiple hits from both the Atlantic and Pacific, Super Storm Sandy victims from last year are only beginning to rebuild, and the Asian Pacific region has taken some serious hits in China, India and recently in the central Philippines with the super hurricane/typhoon Haiyan. We count our blessings and pray for and find ways to help others. Your personal hurricane supplies! You did stock up on food and water, didn't you? By now you have been dipping into it, but unless you plan on making a lot of appetizers this holiday season, do you really need those 12 cans of Vienna sausages? And those 9 cans of Spam! Keep one if you insist, but donate the rest to the food pantry -- any food pantry. In fact, it would be a good idea for all of us to go through cupboards and clear out the older stuff and items we won't get to eating until it is too old [9 cans of Spam!] Do You Like To Sew? Would you be interested in sewing items for upcoming baby showers? We have some material that could use a sewer. It doesn't have to be complicated. There is some light yellow light terry, it could be cut and edged into towels and wash clothes. Or, if you have a pattern, that wrap-around after-bath towel. Or anything else you'd like to make. We also have some fleece that needs to be hemmed for blankets, and other material. Just talk to us at church or call Christmas Outside Of The Box A reminder about some gift opportunities this holiday season where you can give a gift in a loved one's name that helps someone else. LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF -- also lets you select gifts and areas of the world that. Visit Lutheran World Relief -- FOOD FOR THE POOR -- Please check out which serves 17 countries in the Caribbean! You can pick out a country and/or a gift gives you plenty of options. Buy a goat in your loved ones name. Or textbooks for a child. Perhaps vaccinations for a child? The ELCA lets you pick out the gift that you think your loved one would most appreciate. worldvisionmicro.org is not the only site out there [give me names of any you have heard of]. Check the website out. You can select the person/business/country you want. Read a short bio and often see a video.

12 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 12 December HELPING HANDS PANTRY OCTOBER, 2013 FEEDING AMERICA (POUNDS RECEIVED) 10,903 POUNDS RECEIVED USDA 8,471 ESTIMATED DONATED POUNDS 12, FAMILIES SERVED 1,257 CONSISTING OF INDIVIDUALS 4,237 POUNDS OF FOOD DISTRIBUTED 32, VOLUNTEER HOURS DEUTERONOMY 15:11 SAYS, SINCE THERE WILL NEVER CEASE TO BE SOME IN NEED ON THE EARTH, I THERE- FORE COMMAND YOU OPEN YOUR HAND TO THE POOR AND NEEDY NEIGHBORS IN YOUR LAND, Donations continue to keep up with the demand. We reached a record of 281 families on October 23, Our congregation came through with 763 pounds of food the week of October 30, HATS OFF TO OUR CONGREGATION. Kids R Kids started donating gallons of milk and Sweet Bay, Bagelicious and Seven Oaks Elementary remain steady in their donations. New individual, Kenny started donating over 2100 pounds of fresh produce (mainly Bananas) supply close to over 800 pounds weekly. The Westbrook Community in Wesley Chapel had a Fun Day and collected over 897 pounds of foods to our pantry. Two young boys in that community decided they wouldn t Trick or Treat for candy, but for can goods. They collected 3 large boxes. This is the second year they did this. Thanks Tom and Zack!!!! Food Drives will be starting in November! God is so good! OUR FEATURED VOLUNTEER GUEST IS PAT CLARK My name is Pat Clark a volunteer at Atonement Lutheran Church Helping Food Hands Pantry. I am married to Paul Clark and we have four children; Lori, Jacob, Rebecca and Joe. We have been residents of the Tampa area since December, We joined Atonement in March of Originally I m from Pittsburgh and lived in Fort Worth, Toronto, Atlanta and Roanoke, VA. I love to do volunteer work and serving others. I also love to do quilting and crocheting. Pat Clark We thank you Pat for all that you do. LUKE SAYS, For who is the greater, one who reclines at the table or one who serves? When the Lord asked the disciples this question in the upper room, the obvious answer was that the one being waited on is greater. In the world, the more people you have tending to your needs and doing what you want, the greater you are. I am among you as the one who serves. (vs. 27) God washed their feet, he fed them the Sacrament. With God, it s not the one who receives service, but the one who gives service who is the greater.

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 13 December Lord, grant us humility to receive your gifts and to serve others.

For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me Drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.

Williams, Assistant Director Carla Haberland, Director Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec.

29 Cara Chiaramonte Joan Frasier Fred Lyle Chris Rymer Barbara Colacurcio Alejandro Rivera-Matos Donna Carnduff Carol

13 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 13 December Lord, grant us humility to receive your gifts and to serve others. Let s remember to feed the hungry with food and water, but most importantly, with his word.. Remember..Matthew 25:25. For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me Drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ALSO REMEMBER.WE MAY BE HELPING AN ANGEL!!!!!!!!! Blessings, Yvette M. Williams, Assistant Director Carla Haberland, Director Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 4 Dec. 5 Dec. 9 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 18 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Dec. 24 Dec. 24 Dec. 24 Dec. 25 Dec. 27 Dec. 29 Cara Chiaramonte Joan Frasier Fred Lyle Chris Rymer Barbara Colacurcio Alejandro Rivera-Matos Donna Carnduff Carol Erlwein Bob Reider, Jr. Barb Brewer Ron Morgan Debbie Hembree Bob Hembree Carol Reams Howard Gayheart Detlev Aeppel Ricky Demsher December Wedding Anniversaries Dec. 8 Ron & Suzi Morgan Dec. 14 Bill & Macie Anderson Dec. 26 Fred & Jean Lyle

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 14 December November 3 Attendance: 137 Offering $3,372.00 November 10 Attendance: 153 Offering $2,521.00 November 17 Attendance: 132 Offering $2,974.

22 Christmas Eve Dec. 24 Christmas Day Dec. 25 New Years Eve Dec.

fact. No matter; tales often contain truth. This tasty treat can convey important elements of our Christian faith.

14 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 14 December November 3 Attendance: 137 Offering $3, November 10 Attendance: 153 Offering $2, November 17 Attendance: 132 Offering $2, November 24 Attendance: 157 Offering $ Special Dates 1st Sunday of Advent, Dec. 1 2nd Sunday of Advent Dec. 8 3rd Sunday of Advent Dec. 15 1st Day of Winter Dec. 21 4th Sunday of Advent Dec. 22 Christmas Eve Dec. 24 Christmas Day Dec. 25 New Years Eve Dec. 31 Newly elected: Our new Church Council Returning A tale of the candy cane The account of the candy cane s origins circulates every Christmas season and is more likely a fun story than historical fact. No matter; tales often contain truth. This tasty treat can convey important elements of our Christian faith. The stripes remind us of the heart of Christmas, our Savior, Jesus: white for his purity; red for his blood shed on the cross. The candy cane resembles the curved staffs of the shepherds the first people to visit the Christ-Child and worship at the manger. And when the cane is turned upside down, it becomes a letter J, for Jesus. Indeed, Jesus turns our lives upside down and inverts our presumptions> A poor baby born in a stable becomes King of kings and Lord of lords; enemies aren t for hating but loving; blessings aren t for hoarding but sharing; the world works for war, but Jesus calls us to live in peace; receiving is better than giving; sinners are made saints; and death is conquered as God grants us eternal life. - Christmas is a time to mark our progress through this earthly journey. Because of Christmas, this we know, Christ was born for us. He is love, and the plans he has for us always surpass our own. Karen Kingsbury Scott Geisking Julie Kaufmann Laurie Chiaramonte Bill Anderson Carol Rothgeb (treasurer) Kay Edwards Shad Latson Robin Frank

15 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE Page 15 December

DISCOVER GOD S LOVE January 2011

ATONEMENT UPDATE Page 1 January 2011 DISCOVER GOD S LOVE January 2011 The newsletter of ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH Wesley Chapel Florida 29617 State Rd. 54 Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Office: (813) 973-2211