The Anchor. Pastor s Corner

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Nathan Dorsey
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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PLANO, ILLINOIS The Anchor January is a time of new beginnings. Of course some things don t change. They provide the stability that is vital for life.

The relentless grace and mercy of God sustain us each day and every year. These things are solid and unchanging. Yet, our God declares Behold, I am making all things new!

1 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PLANO, ILLINOIS The Anchor January is a time of new beginnings. Of course some things don t change. They provide the stability that is vital for life. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The steadfast love of the Lord does not change, yet it is new every morning. The relentless grace and mercy of God sustain us each day and every year. These things are solid and unchanging. Yet, our God declares Behold, I am making all things new! (Revelation 21:5) One of my core beliefs is that all of Christian life is a life of continuing to learn and grow. We never get to the point where we ve arrived. God always has more for us. What a gift this is! So we should be ready for the new things and the new people that God wants to bring into our lives. ************* I want to express my deep appreciation for Sarah Kuntzman and all that she has done these past two years as our Director of Youth and Family Ministry. Sarah will be resigning from this position as of December 31, Sarah has worked very hard in her position. More importantly she has cared very deeply for the youth of First Lutheran Church. All ministry, but especially youth and family ministry, is about relationships. Faith is about relationship. Jesus does not call us simply to believe certain ideas about him and about God; Jesus calls us to be disciples following him so that we might live with him and grow to be like him. The relationships Sarah helped develop here over the past two years are the strongest testimony to her ministry Pastor s Corner and they will be the most important and lasting results. ************* We will have our Annual Congregational Meeting on Sunday, January 27 th at 10:45 a.m. I strongly encourage all members to attend this important meeting. ************* I encourage anyone who has any questions or concerns about the job descriptions or performance of any of our staff to please share them with the appropriate committee, with church council or with me. We would like to be able to address your concerns directly. It might be something we need to know. Or it might be a situation where we who are in a supervisory position have different expectations and we can explain to you why we have come to those expectations. All members of a congregation have a right to their own opinions and judgments, but no congregational employee can meet everyone s differing expectations. The only appropriate basis for evaluating our staff is on the basis of the expectations determined by the appropriate committee and church council. Please help us treat our staff with respect and with the love of Christ. ************* Penny and I want to thank all of you for your cards, gifts and other expressions of caring and support during the Christmas season. It is a joy to be a part of the First Lutheran Church family! May we grow and serve together in 2013 and in many more years to come. Pastor Bruce VOLUME 27, ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2013 INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Baptisms, Congrats, 2/3 Thank you, Annual Meeting, Craft Night, New address, Photographer wanted! Recipe-French Onion Soup, January Library News, photos, Prayer List, Prayer chain info Book Club, Offering, Women s Bible Study, Annual Reports Needed, Stewardship request, Golden Harvesters, New Year Message, January Calendar January Volunteers, January Birthday & Anniversaries, January Prayer List Council Briefs (Nov), Bear Making Retreat, Sunday School Snippets Readings for January /5 6/7 8/9 10/11 1/6/2013 Epiphany of Our Lord Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72:1-7, Ephesians 3:1-12 Matthew 2:1-12 1/13/2013 Baptism of Our Lord Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29 Acts 8:14-17 Luke 3:15-17, /20/2013 Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 36: Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11 1/27/2013 Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a Luke 4:14-21

2 PAGE 2 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 Our New First Lutheran Church Members! First Lutheran welcomed these new members into our church family through the sacrament of baptism. Jaedence Kaye Feitl was baptized on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at First Lutheran Church of Plano. Jaedence is the daughter of Julie & Gregory Feitl. She was born on May 19, Jennifer Perkins & Brad Feitl were Jaedence s sponsors. Pastor Bruce Booher officiated. Welcome Rachael to First Lutheran s church family. Coleson Maurice Turner was baptized on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 at First Lutheran Church of Plano. Coleson is the son of Jason & Melissa Turner. He was born on June 3, Claudia Dude & Eric Snider were his sponsors. Pastor Bruce Booher officiated. Grandparents Jayne and Steve Turner, great-grandma Wilma Simms, and several other family members and friends shared in the celebration. Welcome Coleson to First Lutheran s church family. Owen and Colin Anderson were baptized on Sunday, November 25, 2012 at First Lutheran Church of Plano. Owen and Colin are the sons of Jacqueline and Abel Anderson of Edwardsville IL. Owen was born on June 29, 2012 and Colin was born on Jan. 4, Colin was baptized at two days old due to emergency surgery and his baptism was reaffirmed on November 25 th, 2012 at First Lutheran Church. Owens s sponsors were Missy and Sam Anderson. Colin s sponsors were Donielle and Joseph Anderson. Pastor Bruce Booher officiated. Grandparents Craig and Sandy Anderson and several other family members and friends shared in the celebration. Welcome Owen and Colin to First Lutheran s church family. Belated Birthday wishes to Peggy Gilbertson who turned 90 on Dec 5, 2012! We wish her a Blessed year ahead! - Congratulations to Virgil & Jane Hyte who became great-grandparents!! Candace Rose was born at 12:00 (midnight) on 12/12/2012 (!), weighing 7 lbs 10oz & 20 long. Congrats to Dakota Malert, the proud Dad, and excited Grandma, Sue Hyte!

T HE ANCHOR PAGE 3 THANK YOU to everyone who attended my 90 th birthday party!

Jean Anderson A very special Thank You to my family, friends and church family for all the cards and caring prayers. It means so much to me. God bless you all!

and rehab. I am still recovering, but I am feeling well and making progress. I look forward to seeing you soon at church.

He is in the Field Artillery Unit of the Guard, and is in the technical training portion of his job. His new address is: Pvt. Ford, Dillon R. 13 D 11-13 2472 Babcock Rd.

If you send him cookies, or other goodies, he must share them with the others in his barracks. Items such as that would be much appreciated by the other men & women!

Come do something fun on a cold night. It will keep you from getting Cabin Fever!

3 T HE ANCHOR PAGE 3 THANK YOU to everyone who attended my 90 th birthday party! Your presence and all the beautiful cards and gifts I received made my day even more special! God bless you all! Jean Anderson A very special Thank You to my family, friends and church family for all the cards and caring prayers. It means so much to me. God bless you all! In Christ, Mary Olson A Special Thank You to my friends at First Lutheran for all of the beautiful cards, kind thoughts and prayers I received following my knee surgery and rehab. I am still recovering, but I am feeling well and making progress. I look forward to seeing you soon at church. God Bless You, Ann Hagemann ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, January 27, :45 AM Update from Jane Ford: Dillon graduated from basic training on Nov 30 th. He is in the Field Artillery Unit of the Guard, and is in the technical training portion of his job. His new address is: Pvt. Ford, Dillon R. 13 D Babcock Rd. Fort Sill, OK Dillon can receive cards, letters, postcards and packages. If you send him cookies, or other goodies, he must share them with the others in his barracks. Items such as that would be much appreciated by the other men & women! January Craft Night! Wednesday, January 9 at 6pm Duct Tape Mania led by Heather Schindlbeck. Heather has done some amazing things with duct tape. Come do something fun on a cold night. It will keep you from getting Cabin Fever! If you are interested in helping out with a small talent that would benefit First Lutheran tremendously, the Worship Committee has an opening for you! We are looking for a member to fill the position of church photographer. Just snap pictures of activities and goings-on around the church (i.e. the Sunday School Christmas Program) using the digital camera, and them send them by to the newspaper. This will help promote our church to the public. Please consider this small talent. God bless Worship Committee Members: Virgil Hyte, Kathy Meyer, Lydia Boring, Ruth Ann Hoehn, Dale Torkelson

PAGE 4 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 Recipe Corner French Onion Soup (from Kathy Benoit) Ingredients: 3 large

bu er or margarine 4 (10 ½ oz) cans condensed beef broth 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce French bread 4 oz.

minutes or un l tender, s rring occasionally. Add stock and ¼ teaspoon pepper.

Top soup with another slice of cheese. Broil ll bubbly.

JANUARY LIBRARY NEWS For those of you that enjoy Amish fiction, we have lots of new books donated by

This author is Amish herself and includes recipes in each of her books. Jerry K.

The titles of the three books are A Wedding Quilt for Ella, Ella s Wish and Ella Finds Love Again.

The books we have by her are A Stranger s Wish and A Secret Identity.

4 PAGE 4 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 Recipe Corner French Onion Soup (from Kathy Benoit) Ingredients: 3 large onions, thinly sliced 1 clove garlic, minced ¼ c. bu er or margarine 4 (10 ½ oz) cans condensed beef broth 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce French bread 4 oz. sliced Swiss cheese Instruc ons: In covered saucepan, cook onions and garlic in bu er over low heat 20 minutes or un l tender, s rring occasionally. Add stock and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to boil; cover and simmer 15 minutes. Top each slice of bread with cheese. Ladle soup over bread. Top soup with another slice of cheese. Broil ll bubbly. The 2013 flower charts will soon be posted in the Fellowship Hall (above the drinking fountains). Please sign up for those special dates. When you sign-up, you can indicate if the flowers are in honor of someone, or for a special event. JANUARY LIBRARY NEWS For those of you that enjoy Amish fiction, we have lots of new books donated by Irene Hill. There are two new books by Linda Byler entitled When Strawberries Bloom and Big Decisions. This author is Amish herself and includes recipes in each of her books. Jerry K. Eicher has written a new series called Little Valley Series. The titles of the three books are A Wedding Quilt for Ella, Ella s Wish and Ella Finds Love Again. Gayle Roper is a new author in our library. The books we have by her are A Stranger s Wish and A Secret Identity. A great non-fiction book to read is 100 Voices compiled by Anne Christian Buchanan and Debra K. Klingspurn. It is a gathering of quotes from influential people from the last century. The book is separated into decades. Each decade contains an overview and a timeline of important events followed by words from important people of that era. It is a great review of history as well as entertaining and inspirational. A few images from the Sunday School Christmas Program Dec 16, 2012.

T HE ANCHOR PAGE 5 Prayer List Please keep the following people in your prayers Angela Sisko Ryan Heller Lois Tweedt Lois Morris Jonathan Tweedt Mary Ann Marty Lincoln Dan Niemann Karen Slack Trish H

Ardelean Anne Lucas Linda Stonecipher Michelle Bonnie Audrey Goldsmith Those serving in the military Those not named here who are in need of prayers, and - Also remember to pray for those who are

5 T HE ANCHOR PAGE 5 Prayer List Please keep the following people in your prayers Angela Sisko Ryan Heller Lois Tweedt Lois Morris Jonathan Tweedt Mary Ann Marty Lincoln Dan Niemann Karen Slack Trish H Desiree Rose Tullock Kellyn Ramiro Clarence Christine Harper Renee Lee Peggy Gilbertson Josie Hanlon (mother of Peggy Fields) Mary Olson Delano LaGow Sally Cox Kathy Sorensen Kathy Vilmin Carole Ardelean Anne Lucas Linda Stonecipher Michelle Bonnie Audrey Goldsmith Those serving in the military Those not named here who are in need of prayers, and - Also remember to pray for those who are closest to you and pray for yourself and your needs. REMINDER: When a family member is admitted to a health care facility, please contact Pastor or the church office. Due to privacy laws, these institutions no longer place the calls to let us know when a member has been admitted. Thank you! New Prayer Chain Guidelines for Reques ng a Prayer be added to the Prayer Chain ANYONE may request a Prayer for ANYTHING they deem necessary or gives them cause for concern. Please call with the Church office at or the first person on the Prayer Chain. Please keep the prayer request as simple as possible: Name of person prayer requested for and reason. It is not necessary to go into a detailed message. God knows what is needed; we are simply the vessel to request His care. This will also help to keep the prayer request accurate as it passes down the list to members of the Prayer Partners. There no longer is a Day and Night Chain (one chain only). Calls can be made between 8:30am 8:30pm. Note those listed in italics 1 they have the capability to receive text messages, and they have requested to be part of the chain in this manner. Please contact Theresa Bagg with ques ons. PRAYER CHAIN PARTNERS 8:30 AM 8:30 PM 1. Jane Hyte Virginia Phelps Jerri Lynn Baker Erin Gillman Staci Smith Karen DeBolt Kathy Benoit Brenda Albright Theresa Bagg Penny Booher Diane Schlesinger Bev Vilmin Text capability

PAGE 6 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 BOOK CLUB NEWS The Book Club will meet on Wed., Jan 2, 2013 at 9:15 AM.

The Women s Bible Study Group meets the 3 rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM at the church for Bible study, refreshments

We hope to see you Thursday, January 17 th at 1:00 PM! It s time to prepare the Annual Report!

Thank you for your effort in getting this completed in a timely manner.

decorations. Your help will be appreciated What Of Tomorrow?

For this I know that in my Lord Shall all my needs be met; And I can trust the heart of Him Who has not failed me yet.

.... If you have not yet returned your 2012/2013 Time and Talent form, please complete it and drop it off at the Church

Please pray about how you can use your gifts to help support the ministries of the First Lutheran Church family.

6 PAGE 6 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 BOOK CLUB NEWS The Book Club will meet on Wed., Jan 2, 2013 at 9:15 AM. This month, you will have the opportunity to discuss a book you have read from the Church Library. The Women s Bible Study Group meets the 3 rd Thursday of each month at 1:00 PM at the church for Bible study, refreshments and fellowship. Women of ALL Ages are invited! There is no pressure to join or do anything but come and enjoy! We hope to see you Thursday, January 17 th at 1:00 PM! It s time to prepare the Annual Report! Please be sure to submit your Committee Report to the church office no later than January 6 th, Thank you for your effort in getting this completed in a timely manner. Please watch your bulletin for the announcement indicating the date the Altar Guild will be removing the Christmas decorations. Your help will be appreciated What Of Tomorrow? I do not know what still awaits, Or what the morrow brings; But with the glad salute of faith, I hail its opening wings! For this I know that in my Lord Shall all my needs be met; And I can trust the heart of Him Who has not failed me yet. Author unknown STILL ACCEPTING Time and Talent Sheets..... If you have not yet returned your 2012/2013 Time and Talent form, please complete it and drop it off at the Church Office anytime! We ll get you added to the volunteer list! We are really in need of volunteers for the 10:45 AM service! Please pray about how you can use your gifts to help support the ministries of the First Lutheran Church family. There is no Golden Harvesters potluck in January. The next meeting will be Feb 8, Newsletter Offering Report OFFERINGS RECEIVED 11/25 $ 2, /2 $ 3, /9 $ 3, /16 $ 2, GENERAL FUND BUDGET Need Per week $3, (Annual Budget divided by 53 weeks) THROUGH December 16 th Received $ 137, Need $ 153, Short $ (16,028.17) 1/01/ /17/2012 CHECKING ACCOUNT Beginning Bal. $15, Income $152, Expenses $158, Ending Balance $9,810.03

T HE ANCHOR PAGE 7 January 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Office Closed 2 9:15 AM- Book Club 3 4 5 9:00 AM - Removal of Christmas decorations?? 6:45 PM - Bells 7:30 PM - Sr.

7 T HE ANCHOR PAGE 7 January 2013 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Office Closed 2 9:15 AM- Book Club :00 AM - Removal of Christmas decorations?? 6:45 PM - Bells 7:30 PM - Sr. Choir 6 Food Pantry Collection 8:15 AM - Worship w/ Drama 9:15 AM - Coffee Fellowship 10:45 AM - Worship w/ Drama COMMITTEE REPORTS DUE!!! 7 Pr. Bruce Day Off 5:30 PM - Social Concerns 7:00 PM - LMM 8 9:00 AM - Quilting 11:30 AM - 4 PM - Pre-school Screening 6:30 PM - Worship? 7:00 PM- Stewardship? 7:00 PM- Church Council 9 6:00-8:00 PM - Craft Night 6:45 PM - Bells 7:30 PM - Sr. Choir :15 AM - WOV Worship 9:15 AM - Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sunday School resumes 10:45 AM - WOV Worship 2-8 PM - Baby shower 14 Pr. Bruce Day Off 15 9:00 AM - Quilting 7:30 PM - Property & Maintenance 16 6:45 PM - Bells 7:30 PM - Sr. Choir 17 1:00 PM Women s Bible Study 6:30 PM - Education / Youth 7:30 PM - Outreach Anchor Deadline 8:15 AM - LBW Worship 9:15 AM - Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sun. School 10:45 AM - LBW Worship 21 Pr. Bruce Day Off 22 9:00 AM - Quilting 23 6:45 PM - Bells 7:30 PM - Sr. Choir 24 7:00 PM - Long Range Planning :00 PM - Baby Shower 1-4 PM - B day celebration 27 8:15 AM - LBW Worship 9:15 AM - Coffee Fellowship 9:30 AM - Sunday School 10:45 AM ANNUAL MEETING 28 Pr. Bruce Day Off 29 9:00 AM - Quilting 30 6:45 PM - Bells 7:30 PM - Sr. Choir 31

8 PAGE 8 V O LU M E 2 7 I S S U E 1 January 2013 Worship Volunteers

T HE ANCHOR PAGE 9 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 2- Jesse Stonecipher 4- Colin Anderson Denise Krause Michael Miller 5- Joe Anderson 8- Megan Johnson 10-Sharon Brue Anna Wennmacher 11-Doug Boring 12- Franklin

Hoehn 26-Bob Robinson 27-Braylon Schmidt 28-Marge Briggs 29-Donielle Anderson 30-Mike Grommes Erin Johnson JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 9 Bill & Bonnie Howell IF WE HAVE MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY,

Prayer is the conduit that connects us to God and opens up the possibilities of direction and understanding. Prayer is not just for pastors.

9 T HE ANCHOR PAGE 9 JANUARY BIRTHDAYS 2- Jesse Stonecipher 4- Colin Anderson Denise Krause Michael Miller 5- Joe Anderson 8- Megan Johnson 10-Sharon Brue Anna Wennmacher 11-Doug Boring 12- Franklin Read 13-Noah Abazi 14-Ava Martin 15-Jazmin Tullock 16- Halie Baker Don Baker 19-Karen DeBolt Dakota Malert Alex Porter 20-Jim Stevens Tim Miller 21-Tim Kern 23-Ali Martin 25-Mikayla Schmidt Jeff Hoehn 26-Bob Robinson 27-Braylon Schmidt 28-Marge Briggs 29-Donielle Anderson 30-Mike Grommes Erin Johnson JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES 9 Bill & Bonnie Howell IF WE HAVE MISSED YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY, WE DID NOT MEAN TO! PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE AND LET US KNOW YOUR BIRTHDAY OR ANNIVERSARY DATE, AND WE WILL UPDATE OUR RECORDS The world is a chaotic and confusing place. Prayer is the conduit that connects us to God and opens up the possibilities of direction and understanding. Prayer is not just for pastors. All of God s people are invited to pray on the behalf of others. Please include the following members of the First Lutheran family in your daily prayers. JANUARY 1 - Wally & Kathy Hamlin 2 - Dennis, Sheila, & Ashley Harmon 3 - Eric Hatcher & Renee Lee 4 - Juanita Hatcher 5 - Floyd Hill 6 - Irene Hill 7 - Jeff & Ruth Ann Hoehn 8 - Brad, Katrina, Jason, Jessica, Felicia & Kathrine Howell 9 - Bill & Bonnie Howell 10 - Shirley Hozie 11 - Robert, Dorsi, Andrew & Timothy Hubbartt 12 - Cora Hughes 13 - Susan Hyte 14 - Virgil & Jane Hyte 15 - Randy, Theresa, Jonathan, & Justin Jensen 16 - Carl & Joanne Johnson 17 - Charles, Sandy, Megan, Michelle, & Michael Johnson 18 - Matt Johnson 19 - James & Amy Johnson 20 - Michael Johnson 21 - Joyce Johnson 22 - Wayne, Cozette, & BrandonJones 23 - Forest & Colt Jones 24 - William Kahle 25 - Carolyn Kedzierski 26 - Tim & Vicki Kern 27 - Courtney Klatt 28 - Rebecca Klatt 29 - Zachery Klatt 30 - Connie Kolzow 31 - Jack & Kathy Koteles

PAGE 10 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 Council Briefs November 13, 2012 (complete report on bulletin board at back of sanctuary) Pastor s Report - Pastor Bruce on vacation; members reviewed Pastor s report; To

Director of Youth & Family Ministry Report options for VBS in 2013 are Lutherdale, or Cokesbury material; Sarah reviewing HS curriculum; Youth still looking for furniture for Sunday School room; a

the $800 BBQ profit; discussion regarding setting time limit for functions in Fellowship Hall; Outreach Report no meeting; Education Report Sarah looking into service projects & mission trips; one

10 PAGE 10 VOLUME 27 ISSUE 1 Council Briefs November 13, 2012 (complete report on bulletin board at back of sanctuary) Pastor s Report - Pastor Bruce on vacation; members reviewed Pastor s report; To note: Dec. 9 th Jeff Schlesinger will preach at First Lutheran; Jan 6 th 2013 Pastor will preach in Oregon IL; drama service here that day. Director of Youth & Family Ministry Report options for VBS in 2013 are Lutherdale, or Cokesbury material; Sarah reviewing HS curriculum; Youth still looking for furniture for Sunday School room; a new radio tech system was purchased; Treasurer Report discussion of monthly transactions; contributions down 9% from this time last year; misc expenditures detailed; (details in complete report) Stewardship Report discussed budget. Worship and Music Report Sarah will post notices detailing time changes for Holiday services; Social Concerns donations to Rockin Christmas & Food Pantry (in Feb); Property purchased 40 chairs with the $800 BBQ profit; discussion regarding setting time limit for functions in Fellowship Hall; Outreach Report no meeting; Education Report Sarah looking into service projects & mission trips; one student in Confirmation; Council recommended retaining Sarah as Youth Director and looking at funding to come from a special appeals drive; Long Range Planning no meeting; Executive no meeting; Old Business reviewed Financial Review Team recommendations (details in complete report); permanent second organist still needed -put ads in local papers; Nominating Committee headed up by Lydia Boring; old wooden chairs available for purchase by members of Congregation; Social Concerns committee to work on new ideas for scheduling Fellowship Hour; New Business no raises for employees; approved proposed budget for Stewardship Committee; Bear Making Retreat coming in February! See the sign up sheet in the back of the Church Sanctuary. Tentative Date and Time is Saturday, February 2nd. 9am 2pm. We will spend the day, pinning and cutting out our Bear patterns, sewing and stuffing our bears and if time allows making a hat and vest for our bears. If not you can complete these items at home. If you have a portable sewing machine you can bring and are willing to share for the day, please let us know. As we get closer to the date we will have a supply list of items you will need to bring with you. Your bear can be made from new material or old clothing as long as it is on the heavier side. This will be a great opportunity for anyone wishing to make a Memory Bear out of a deceased loved one s clothing and/or pieces of Jewelry. There will be a small fee involved, yet to be determined. The retreat will be under the direction Tammy Dettman and Jerri Lynn Baker. Tammy for her experience and Jerri Lynn because she loves being in charge. Registration will be cut off at the first 10 who registered. A waiting list will be made of any others interested, who will be notified if someone drops out or if more sewing machines become available. This is open to Church members and your friends, ages 10 and up. It would be best if you had some sewing experience. We won t be teaching you how to sew this day. If you have any questions please check with Jerri Lynn Baker, who will forward the hard ones to Tammy.

T HE ANCHOR PAGE 11 Sunday School Snippets Sunday School Takes Winter Break There will be no Sunday School classes on December 30 and Jan 6. Classes will resume on January 13 th.

Collections for Kendall County Food Pantry Sunday School children are invited to donate canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Kendall County Food Pantry.

Thank You What a delightful Sunday School Program!! Thanks to the high school students for choosing very appropriate and meaningful readings.

! Especially thank you to the students for doing such a great job singing, speaking and performing!

11 T HE ANCHOR PAGE 11 Sunday School Snippets Sunday School Takes Winter Break There will be no Sunday School classes on December 30 and Jan 6. Classes will resume on January 13 th. We wish safe travels to all during the holiday season. Collections for Kendall County Food Pantry Sunday School children are invited to donate canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Kendall County Food Pantry. First Lutheran is always a drop-off location for these items. Food pantries experience shortages after the holidays, so January is a perfect time to donate. Thank You What a delightful Sunday School Program!! Thanks to the high school students for choosing very appropriate and meaningful readings. Thanks to all the music leaders and teachers for preparing and practicing special performances. The Time Machine Christmas had to be one of the best plays EVER!! Especially thank you to the students for doing such a great job singing, speaking and performing! Special thanks, too, to the adult secret pals who showered Christian love and special gifts to their Sunday School Secret Pals. What a joyful day as the children smiled from ear to ear while they opened their cards and gifts from their special anonymous angels! JUST ONE REQUEST Dear Master for this coming year Just one request I bring: I do not pray for happiness Or any earthly thing I do not ask to understand The way Thou leadest me. But this I ask: Teach me to do The thing that pleaseth Thee. I want to know Thy guiding voice, To walk with Thee each day. Dear Master make me swift to hear And ready to obey. And thus the year I now begin A happy new year will be If I am seeking just to do The thing that pleaseth Thee. Author Unknown Thank You to Sarah On behalf of the Sunday School and youth at First Lutheran, we would like to sincerely thank Sarah Kuntzman for her dedication to our youth during her two years as Youth and Family Minister at First Lutheran. She has been a blessing to everyone she touched! We are thankful that she is not leaving the church and will stay involved with our young people as her time and schedule permits. God bless you Sarah, and Dan, for all your time and unselfish love you shared with our young people the future of our church!

First Lutheran Church Plano, Illinois 200 N Center Street Plano, IL 60545 Phone: 630-552-8263 Fax: 630-552-7198 Email: churchsecretary1@

firstlutheranchurchplano.com And on Facebook: h ps:// www.facebook.comfirstlutheranc hurchofplanoil & Hit the LIKE bu on!

Sunday: WORSHIP TIMES Coffee Fellowship: Sunday School: 8:15 AM 10:45 AM 9:15 AM 9:30 AM Communion offered at both services.

12 First Lutheran Church Plano, Illinois 200 N Center Street Plano, IL Phone: Fax: churchsecretary1@ sbcglobal.net Return Service Requested Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit #3 PLANO, IL "First in Spirit, First in Faith, First in Outreach" We are on the Web! firstlutheranchurchplano.com And on Facebook: h ps:// hurchofplanoil & Hit the LIKE bu on! Deadline for the Feb. Anchor: Sunday, Jan 20 th! Be ready to submit articles by this date! Sunday: WORSHIP TIMES Coffee Fellowship: Sunday School: 8:15 AM 10:45 AM 9:15 AM 9:30 AM Communion offered at both services. Nursery is open, however, there are no attendants. Pastor: Rev. Bruce Booher Starpastor@aol.com OFFICE HOURS Mon. - Fri. 7:00 am-1:00 pm Secretary: Ann Hagemann churchsecretary1@ sbcglobal.net

The Anchor. Pastor s Corner. Readings for January Kennon Callahan offers this litany:

The Anchor. Pastor s Corner. Readings for January Kennon Callahan offers this litany: FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PLANO, ILLINOIS The Anchor VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 JANUARY 2012 O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come. Our shelter from the stormy blast and our eternal home. New Year