2018 Faith Flame. OUR VISION We believe God calls us to engage, encourage and equip our church, community and world with His unfailing love.

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1 2018 Faith Flame OUR VISION We believe God calls us to engage, encourage and equip our church, community and world with His unfailing love. Sunday Worship Schedule 9:00 AM Traditional 11:00 AM Contemporary STAFF AT FAITH Church Office - (561) Church@faithnpb.com Website: faithlutheran-npb.com Pastor - Rev. Mark Stillman Music Director - Dr. David McCalla Contemporary Music Director - Janet Cunningham Pre-School - (561) Toddlers - (561) School Director - Kathy Knudtson New Day- (561) Director- Julie Tombari

2 In the Broadway play Mame, there s a low point in the story, after Mame has lost her fortune in the Stock Market Crash of So she decides that what they need is a little Christmas, and the popular holiday classic We Need a Little Christmas was born (for a version from the 1974 movie with Lucile Ball, go here: Interestingly enough, in the original story, when she sings this little ditty it s a week after Thanksgiving, but her nephew protests that it s too early for Christmas. Later versions of the story changed the line to a week before Thanksgiving. Times have changed a little, haven t they? We need a little Christmas. That sentiment is very true, and resonates with many hearts and souls and spirits these days. It s been a rough year in many ways. The stuff that s going in the world, some of it pretty close to home, some of it far away, brings uneasiness. At the very least we can look out at the world and say that we see very little peace. Even here in our own country it seems a lot of people are finding peace a rare commodity. It seems like so many people have to gripe about something, disagree about something, and accuse somebody of something. The racial tension that currently exists brings back memories of the sixties and seventies for those old enough to remember, and it stupefies most of us because it seemed we had moved on from that senselessness. So we need a little Christmas, but what kind? Oh, to be sure, the tinsel, the lights, the trees all help to add a little cheer. And, for one who grew up in upstate NY and lived for fourteen years in MN and CO, a little of the white stuff helps too (I know, I know down here that s just sand, and we have plenty of that). All the trappings of the season do help lift the atmosphere, but the Christmas we really need is one on the inside. The Bible says in Gal 4:4-5 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. God saw the condition of the world and said, Enough. He sent His Son to redeem, to purchase back, his children who labored under the curse of sin. That curse is removed now, and the peace that God gives is first and foremost a peace in the heart. So yeah, we need a little Christmas; maybe we need a lot of Christmas. The good news is that it s here. It s always here. As the carol instructs us, Let every heart prepare him room. And from another, No ear may hear His coming, but in this world of sin [insert scary stuff], where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in. God grant us all that kind of Christmas! Pastor Mark Stillman

3 Sunday Morning Studies Join us on Sunday morning a traditionally excellent time to study the Scriptures! 10:00 AM "The Book of Hebrews The Fulfillment of Faith Meets in the upstairs Library of the Michel Building. Led by Larry Hess. 10:15 AM -- Brothers and Sisters in the Word Sunday Morning Bible Study Look a little deeper into the Scripture readings for each Sunday! Pour a cup of coffee, grab some refreshment, and join us in the Michel Building Multi-Purpose Room. This Bible study will not be following a specific series or book of the Bible, so you can come once or many times. If your schedule does not allow you to join us every Sunday, come when you can! Visiting this week or for a few months? Come and spend an hour in fellowship and study! Led by Magdala Ray. Weekday Bible Studies Home Bible Study at the home of Tom & Sally Schwartz Bible Study at the Schwartz s is the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. All are welcome. The program begins at 6:30 PM and includes potluck dinner, fellowship and Bible Study, ending promptly at 9:00 PM. Call for info and Tuesday Morning Women s Bible Study will meet December 4 th, 11 th, and 18 th using Max Lucado s Because of Bethlehem. Join us at 10:00 AM and prepare your heart for the Advent of your King! Kick off the New Year with a new and exciting study of Ezekiel beginning Tuesday, January 8, 2019! Our Faith Family In Need of Prayer Bill Cahill, Judith Gonnerman, Bob Heath, Larry & Sharon Hess, Dave & June Johnson, Joan Kmetz, Audrey Kittelberger, Kathy McCoy, Curtis Mertz, Cynthia Mertz, Irma Meyer, Etta Ornstein, Carole McCoy Satherwaitte, Tom & Sally Schwartz, Betty Sither, Jim Stilwell, Rosie Stilwell, Laura Tegart, Monica Trautsch, Rich Walker, Sue Zickert and for Faith Lutheran Preschool teachers, students and their families Prayers for the extended family of Faith Henry Scheck, uncle of Nina Speck; former member, Dr. Howard Lyboldt; June Johnson s sister, Marie Millington; Fran Hickman s son, Billy and sister; Karla Woita, daughter-in-law of Ron Woita; Michael Sesola, husband of Carla Sesola; Dana Neith, mother of Diana Bly; Pat Blood, FLC Food Pantry Volunteer. If you would like us to add your prayer request for family or friends, please your request to church@faithnpb.com or call the church office at

4 2 Dan Specksgoor 6 Laura Tegart 7 Don Zickert 8 Eileen Frerking 10 Nghiem Tran 15 Dave Hernandez 17 Justin Perlman 18 Brandon Hernandez 21 Jennifer Bisig 22 Jane Blevins 27 Christine Kamikazi 28 Jane Lerner Marcia s Food Pantry News Please continue your food donations, see suggestion list for groceries needed and thank you for your past and continued giving. Keep those donations coming!!! Beans Canned Fruit Canned Meat, Tuna Diced Tomatoes Tomato Paste Mac & Cheese Pasta Peanut Butter Pop-Top Cans Canned Vegetables Rice Soup Canned Spaghetti Sauces We also need volunteers 2 hours on Wednesdays (with enough volunteers, this opportunity occurs about every 5-6 weeks). If you have 2 hours to donate, this involves distributing groceries to those in need. The hours are; 10 AM 12 Noon. If able, please call Barbara: Thank you... FAITH S BOOK NOOK We have a happy assortment of Christmas stories to borrow, read, and return. We are located above the kitchen in the Michel Building. The 2019 Altar Flower Chart is now in the Narthex. Sign up now for In Memory of or In Honor of or to the Glory of God for the dates you want. The Altar flowers are $25.00 per Sunday. Please make your checks out to Faith Lutheran Church and put Altar Flowers in the memo line. Tree Trimming Sunday, December 2th After the Thrivent Luncheon - All welcome to lend a hand Sunday, December 10:00 AM In the Fellowship Hall

5 Men Of Faith Quarter Auction Thursday, December 20 Doors 6:00 PM Auction 7:00 PM It s a cross between a home party, a raffle, bingo and a Chinese auction! Bring a roll or two of quarters and bid on products from local vendors for quarters; while supporting our charity. Paddles to bid are $2.00 each, Dinners will be sold for $5.00 prepared by the Men of Faith. Come, party with us and have the most fun you ve had in a long time while winning expensive items at inexpensive prices or maybe even FREE! The new tax changes introduced by the IRS have gone into effect for this year. While many will find these changes positive, there are others who could take a real hit on their taxes. These changes may also affect charitable giving, which in turn could affect churches like ours. Sarah J. Davis, our area Thrivent Financial representative, will present a workshop December 2 after late service with lunch, and before tree decorating to educate folks on the different implications of these tax changes, and look at some possible alternatives. Is Your 2018 Commitment up to Date? Year-end Gifts: Are you up-to-date on your 2018 commitment to Christ and His church? Some may be considering stock or cash gifting. Now is the time to look at your options for these year-end gifts. Please consider Faith as you do so. Your gift to the Church is, of course, fully tax-deductible. Donations must be received in the church office by December 31, 2018 in order to qualify for a 2018 tax deduction. IRS rules require that donations received in the church office after December 31 (in person or by mail) must be reported as 2018 income, regardless of when the check is dated or mailed. Thank you Your new 2019 Offering Envelopes will be available in the Narthex, shortly. Please pick-up your box, as it will save us from having to mail them. Attention to all who donate thru Electronic Fund Transfer, your 2019 envelopes are also available for you to use for special holidays, such as Advent, Lent, Christmas, memorials and the building fund.

6 We are blessed to share the love of Jesus Christ with students at Peppi Head Start in Belle Glade. They have a great need for our love and support. You can join us in sharing the Christmas message by participating in the Christmas Angel Project. Just follow these steps. Select an Angel from the Tree. Put your name and phone number on the bottom part of the tag and place it in the box. The center part of the tag is for you to take shopping with you and the top part is to attach to the gift. You can either buy gifts for an Angel or make a cash donation. If you make a cash donation, please make checks payable to Faith Lutheran and put "Angel Tree" in the memo. We appreciate any amount. If you want to donate enough to purchase a gift and toy for an Angel we recommend $35-$50. Enjoy shopping for your Angel. Please spend between $35-$50 per child. If you can buy a piece of clothing, a toy, and a book for your Angel, that would be wonderful. If you want to spend more, we encourage you to sponsor more than 1 child. We have many children that need sponsors. Please put the gifts (unwrapped) in a bag and attach the Angel to the bag. Also, a gift tag on each gift with the name and Angel # would be a huge help. Return the gifts to Faith Lutheran by Friday, December 14. If you return gifts on a Sunday you can put the gifts under the Christmas Tree in the Sanctuary. If you return on any other day, the gifts can be returned to the church office, the school offices, or New Day offices If you have any questions, please Carri Leininger at cleininger@wlclaw.com

7 Wednesday-at-Seven Advent Services Advent 6:00 PM Advent Worship 7:00 PM Wednesday, December 5 Our Potter: God is with us as our Potter, who shapes us according to His will. We are the clay, and you are our potter. Isaiah 64: 8 Wednesday, December 12 Our Shepherd: Our Shepherd: God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to His heart. He will gather the Lambs in His arms. Isaiah 40: 11 Wednesday, December 19 Our Living Branch: God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life. There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. Isaiah 11: 1 Christmas Eve Worship Service - Monday, December 24th 7:00 PM Blended Worship Service Christmas Day Festival Worship will be at 10:00 AM

8 Preparations are being made by the Altar Guild of Faith Lutheran Church to beautify our sanctuary for Christmas with poinsettias. If you would like to share in this project, kindly fill out the form below and put into the offering plate, or turn in to the Church Office. The money should be placed, with your order, in an envelope marked Christmas Poinsettia. Checks should be made out to Faith Lutheran Church. Please indicate your wishes by December 16th. You may pick up your plant(s) after the service on December 25th, if you like, or leave it to decorate the Church during the Christmas season. Each Poinsettia $8.50 (Qty) Will pick up Donate for the shut-ins Name: George Frederick Handel s Messiah Part 1 Saturday, December 15, 6:30 PM Featuring: Ms. Joan Martinez, Soprano; Mr. Victor Clairmont, Baritone; Mr. Jay Arnn, Tenor and Dr. David McCalla, Director Faith Lutheran Church will once again present it s Christmas tradition of Handel s famous Oratorio, the Messiah. This will be a free concert and everyone is invited to attend this night of musical magic that will comfort you through its familiarity and fill you with the joy of rediscovery. Let this be a part of the season s celebrations. Faith Lutheran Church 555 US Hwy 1, North Palm Beach, FL 33408

9 The Matthew 25:40 Homeless Ministry of Faith Lutheran Church is requesting donations to help feed and clothe the homeless. Go to GoFundMe.com for Help the Homeless Christmas Project, look for the North Palm Beach link, click and donate. The King will reply, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40 We are a small group from Faith Lutheran Church in North Palm Beach Florida, trying to spread God's Grace through our homeless outreach project. Earlier this year we gathered supplies and filled 100 packs and distributed them throughout the county. This time we hope to fill another 100 packs and hand them out during a Christmas lunch. We plan to spread this holiday cheer/love with a hot meal and a gift. Again, our small group is looking for community support to help bring joy to our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. With your gift, The Help for the Homeless Project will be able to continue our impact on the homeless crisis and improve our city for all families. Make a donation today! Love and Peace, The Help for the Homeless Project Team. If you would like to volunteer to help serve the Christmas lunch at Currie Park on Saturday, December 22, please contact Dave Hernandez ( ) to offer your assistance.

10 From the Staff of Faith Lutheran Church New Day Adult Care Center Preschool and Aftercare