A Christian Thanksgiving

Transcription

1 DLSFKJLASKDJF ABIDING SAVIOR Lutheran Church and School NOVEMBER 2015 A Christian Thanksgiving I understand that in many households there is a Thanksgiving Tradition. The tradition is to simply go around the table and share what you are thankful for that year. I think it is a wonderful way to get our families to begin to look at the half full side of the glass. But as it is quick to do, the Bible adds another way for us to celebrate Thanksgiving. When Paul writes the church in Thessalonica, he instructs them to spend their time to: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Did you hear that? Give thanks in all circumstances. Now, I think my family would be taken aback for a moment if at my turn I said; I m thankful for the three foot surgeries I experienced this year, I m grateful for the pain and the inconvenience these surgeries brought, I m thankful for the hospital and doctor bills, and I look forward to any other surgery or treatment that will move me from illness to wellness. Words like these surprise us all but they wouldn t surprise the apostle Paul. He gave thanks for the opportunity to be imprisoned, beaten, whipped, stoned, and ship wrecked. He gave thanks for such things because he knew that God brought him through each of those challenges. The power of God is demonstrated through his, and our, resilience and faith in the Resurrection power of our Lord Jesus to bring us Day by Day through every valley even the Valley of Death. Honestly, I do give thanks to God for the troubles that filled this last year. I m thankful because throughout the whole time I got to see God at work taking me to the right people and places so I could get well. Being raised in a Christian family, there has never been a day in my life when I didn t trust that Jesus would be there to supply my need and that knowledge itself is a reason to give thanks. That knowledge belongs to all of us. We can depend on God s Resurrection power at work in every circumstance in life and so we look at the past, and in hindsight, we see how God made everything serve His purpose. As we look forward, we can be confident that none of us is alone. Jesus is with us not just as an uncommitted onlooker. He is an active, powerful force for good, showing His love for us by lifting us up over sin, death, and the power of the Devil in all the ways they manifest themselves in our lives. So... Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. No matter what your circumstance in life is... have a blessed, Christian Thanksgiving! Your Servant in Christ, Pastor Tom Communicating Christ s Love and Our Love for Him

2 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100 A B I D I N G S A V I O R Lutheran Church and School El Toro Road Lake Forest, California Church Church Staff Reverend Dr. Tom Rogers, Senior Pastor Reverend Glenn Lucas, Associate Pastor Kyle Salesky, Youth Director Chris Vick, IT Specialist Janet Calhoun, Church Secretary Robin DeLong-Hanrath, Office Manager Karen Galas, Accountant Laura Lyons and Jennifer Kranawetter, Admin Assistants to Pastors Lori Beniche, Director of Communications Linda Bo, Editor of Day by Day Church Officers Gene Schneider, President Hank Hellfeld, Vice President Steve Wichmann, Secretary Dennis Freund, Treasurer Lynnette Siler, Congregation Liaison School Staff School Donna Lucas, School Principal Yesi Naber, Admissions Director Kevin Smith, International Admissions Director Keigh Lee Horn, School Secretary Susan Fluegge, School Secretary Extended Care Deana Gonzales, Extended Care Director Preschool Staff Preschool Center Pam Howard, Preschool Director Church Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. School Office Hours Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Preschool Office Hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visit us on our website at abidingsaviorlakeforest Do you wonder what events in our world affect the Christian church today? If so, then check out Joy in Jesus Today! Look for it each Thursday in your and share it with your friends. Go to www. JoyinJesusToday.com. ASLC Seniors All seniors are invited to our next meeting on Thursday, November 5, Coffee starts in the Adult Ed Room at 11:30 a.m., followed by a catered lunch at 12:00 noon. The cost of the luncheon is $8.00. Please call Vi Flum at for reservations. Bring your friends! Abiding Savior was chartered in 1965 and this year we are celebrating our 50th anniversary. Pastor Charles Birner, who regularly attends our Seniors meetings, was Pastor here for 13 years, from 1976 to Come and hear Pastor Birner recall some of his experiences and memories of those early years at our Abiding Savior. Sunday Morning Bible Study meets at 9:15 a.m. in the Adult Education Room. Come see what this study is all about. No long term commitment required, but guaranteed long term results. Wednesday Morning Bible Class Our Wednesday morning Bible class is studying the Book of Acts. Join us each Wednesday, in the Adult Education Room from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All are welcome! Our Fall Congregational Meeting will take place on Sunday, November 1, at 12:00 p.m. in the Adult Education Room. All members, please mark your calendars! Stay in the know here at Abiding Savior. Portals of Prayer Pick up your copy of Portals of Prayer for the October, November, and December months located in the Narthex on the counters next to the mailboxes. November Page 2 - Day by Day

3 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 Large Print Work Center The Large Print Work Center uses the plastic bags that your newspapers come in as protective packing material when we ship out copies of the large print Bibles. If you would save these bags and periodically bring them to the Narthex it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Rock of Aging Tuesday, November 10 at 6:00 p.m. is the next Rock of Aging Meeting. Anyone, including families with a heart to visit the elderly of our congregation are welcome to attend. Lutheran Bible Translators LBT partners with people who still do not have the Bible in their own language. Join us and learn more about the vision of God s Word for every language and how you can be a part of it. A Mission Dinner Event will be at Concordia University, Irvine on Sunday, November 8, at 5:30 p.m. Go to to register. Honoring Our Veterans Abiding Savior will be honoring our Veteran s during our Saturday and Sunday services on November 7 th and 8 th. The service will feature a special video honoring our veterans and members that are currently serving. Members of our own congregation serving now are: Craig Berry, Scott Carr, Scott Chapman, David Gutierrez, Adam Justin, Joe Levell, Jerry Logan, Garrett Ludke, Rex McMillian, Jim Nelson, Corey Polopek, Meghan Robinson, Troy Severson, Julia Taylor, Bryan Tomberlin, Bobby Vandenberg, Wayne Vandenberg, Greg Walker, Ryan Weisrock and Alicia Williamson. Singers Needed! Abiding Savior s annual Christmas Concert will be Sunday, December 13 at 3:00 p.m. The Chapel Choir is looking for some extra singers to join us to celebrate Christ s birth in song. The rehearsals will be Wednesday evenings starting at 7:15 p.m. on November 4 th, 11 th, 18 th, December 2 nd, 9 th, and dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 12 th in the morning. We pray that you would consider this short term commitment. You will be blessed as you bless others in song! Contact Chris Rogers at crogers@ abidingsavior.com or call , ext. 207, or just come and bring your voice. Sound Board Operators Jim Ryan is currently searching for some sound board operators. This requires very little training but is so very helpful to make the services enjoyable for everyone. Jim will train you how to work the sound board. Please contact him at lagunajim1@ cox.net to volunteer for Saturday night at 5:00 p.m. or Sundays at either the 9:30 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. services. Day By Day - Page 3 - November 2015

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100 Did You Know That is a history of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in the form of questions. It is written by Bill Biar of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Aurora, Colorado. We will share this with you every month in Day by Day this year. The Civil War made a great impact on the officials of the Missouri Synod and they shared their fears and distresses in Der Lutheraner? the spiritual, more than physical welfare? The Civil War was looked upon as a time of severe divine visitation and that God at long last began to punish our people for its sins with a hard rod? It was pointed out that as good Lutherans we are indeed also good citizens in accord with St. Paul s admonition be subject to the higher powers, which rule over us? Reverend F. W. Richmann (a charter member of Synod) was the only Missouri Synod chaplain during the Civil War? Reverend Richmann (pictured below) served the union soldiers in General McClernand s Division in the German and English languages? Christian literature to reach out through the printed word to more people? From 1854 to the late 1860 s, when it was moved to the St. Louis seminary, the basement of Trinity Church was used as a Synodical printery? In 1870, what we know as Concordia Publishing House, was born without any cost to the Synod since the stock that was sold for $25 per share was retired from profits? Drawing of Concordia Publishing House in 1870 Concordia Publishing House, a non-profit organization, was under the supervision of the Synod but not owned by the Synod? While teaching that slavery in itself was not sinful, the leaders of the Missouri Synod did not condone the evils connected to slavery? Synodical leaders also denounced the fanatical zeal of the abolitionist movement? Dr. Walther wrote in Der Lutheraner that law and order were more precious to him than civil liberty; a regard for Reverend Richmann reported in Der Lutheraner that many of the chaplains, on account of the impending battle, had one over the hill, so that scarcely half the army here is served by chaplains? Unlike many other church bodies, the Missouri Synod did not split into two opposing camps over the question of slavery? Even before the Missouri Synod was organized, the members of Trinity in St. Louis (Dr. Walther) started to print LWML Mites Mite Boxes are used to further God s kingdom through the mission grants. Its name comes from the lesson of the widow s mite. Mite Boxes are available in the Narthex by both entrances. Place your Mite Box in an obvious place so you can feed it. Return your filled Mite Box to the large box in the Narthex and exchange it for an empty box and start filling again! As we continue to support Mite Box projects, may God bless our efforts to spread Jesus love here and throughout the world. November Page 4 - Day by Day

5 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 Abiding Savior Bookstore Bookstore Hours: 9:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. on Sundays; 8:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays November brings Thanksgiving! We have books and gifts for children and adults to help observe the real reason for Thanksgiving Day. See also our fine selection of beautiful Thanksgiving cards, each with a thoughtful, meaningful message. November also brings remembrance of Martin Luther and his contribution to our world. We have books by and about him: biographical and inspirational, and devotional. Christmas cards and stationery are here and remember to look for clearance bargains on our $1 cart. These are mark-downs from our regular inventory. You can find incredible books at this unbelievable price. Also remember to peruse Share-A-Read, our lending library, where you can borrow books for a $1 donation. Angel Tree - A Tree of Blessing Lori Beniche The Angel Tree will be up in the narthex beginning on Sunday, November 22nd, the weekend before Thanksgiving and just in time for Black Friday shopping. Please stop by and pick up the name of someone in our community and help make Christmas a little brighter. If shopping isn t for you, feel free to donate gift cards or checks and we will do the shopping for you! LWML Quilt! Annual Holiday Boutique The Holiday Boutique is coming! Please join us at our annual holiday boutique on Saturday, November 7 th from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and on Sunday, November 8 th from 8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Free Admission! Handmade crafts, jewelry, quilts and goodies are waiting for you. Get a head start on your holiday sh opping. Flower Sunday New Members Sunday, November 1 will be the next New Member Orientation at 10:45am. This is for anyone who is interested in transferring church membership from another Lutheran congregation, or who has completed the adult instruction class. Please contact Kyle Salesky at ksalesky@abidingsavior. com for more information or to let him know you will be attending. The LWML quilt, which benefits MITES and MISSIONS is happening again this year. So don t miss your opportunity to get it. Get your quilt opportunities for just a $1.00 each on the patio after church services and also at the Holiday Boutique on November 7 and 8. Sunday, November 1, is Flower Sunday! Please consider donating to provide for our Altar Flowers. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Day By Day - Page 5 - November 2015

6 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100 Elementary School Donna Lucas, School Principal PRAYER EVENT A Prayer Scavenger Hunt will be held on Wednesday, November 4, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The purpose of this event is to pray for all the different ministries that take place here at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School. Come and experience 20 different prayer stations. We welcome you to pray as a group, as a family or as an individual. The Sanctuary will be open for prayer if you are unable to walk around the campus. A soup supper will be available in the gym beginning at 5:00 p.m. Please feel free to come whenever it is convenient during the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The first station is the Information Booth in the courtyard, please stop here first and pick-up your prayer booklet. As we enter the Building to Bless from Generation to Generation Campaign, our first and most important priority is to surround all of our ministries in prayer as we grow forward in His grace. Preschool Pam Howard Preschool Director Our first two months of the school year have been very busy. We have met many new friends and are learning about God and His wonderful world. At the beginning of October, the children had their pictures taken on a pony and then had a pony ride. We had our accreditation visit from October I want to thank everyone that helped with the accreditation process and visit. It is very much appreciated. Pumpkin carving with Dad/VIP took place at the end of October, along with our Harvest Festivals. As we head into November, we will be learning about giving thanks for all we have. The All School Service Days will take place on November 18 and 19. We are collecting supplies for Operation Christmas Child. All donations are welcome. The weekend before Thanksgiving, the teachers will be heading to Palm Desert for the 100 anniversary of the Lutheran Educators Conference. It should be exciting as we celebrate all of God s grace and blessings He gives to our Lutheran schools and educators. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!! Thanksgiving Camp Deana Gonzales, Director School Age Care Thanksgiving vacation is right around the corner and we have the opportunity to offer day care on Monday, November 23 rd through Wednesday, November 25 th, Our special excursion will be on Tuesday and we will travel to BIG AIR Trampoline Park in Laguna Hills for some bouncing fun! The Extended School Care Program provides all students with a variety of recreational experiences with a small student/leader ratio. Our activities, games, and crafts will be based on the Thanksgiving theme and will include a daily afternoon snack. The weekly rate is $145. We also have a daily fee of $45 and $65 on the excursion day (Tuesday) for care from 7:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. If your family needs childcare during any or all of these days, please pick up a registration form in the school office or download it from the school website and return it to the school office by Friday, November 13, It is imperative to turn this form in on time as we need to have a minimum number of students in order for camp to run. We will make a decision on Monday, November 16, whether or not to have camp based on the need from the forms that have been turned in. The Extended Care Staff and I hope that your child will be enjoying their Thanksgiving vacation with us. Regardless, I pray that you and your family have an exciting and blessed holiday. November Page 6 - Day by Day

7 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4 N o v e m b e r SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 Daylight Savings p-Setup for Holiday 7 Time Ends Fall 11a-Briner Christ 3:15p-Kids of the 9:30a-Senior Bible 10a-First Thursday Boutique Back 1 hr. Care Kingdom Study presentation 11:45a-Early 7p-Praises Ring 10:45a-Tai Chi 11:30a-ASLC Dismissal DS 6p-Confirmation Seniors 9a-Altar Guild Prep 7p-5 th -8 th Grade 3p-Girl Scout Troop 9a-Holiday Boutique 10:45a-New Member Class 12p-Congregational Meeting Youth 7:15p-Chapel Choir :15p-Bells for Jesus 7p-Abiding Praise 8 9a-Holiday Boutique 2:30p-Bea Marting Funeral 9 6:30p-MOPS/Moms Next 10 3:15p-Kids of the Kingdom 6p-Rock of Aging 7p-Praises Ring 11 Veteran s Day Offices closed 9:30a-Senior Bible Study 10:45a-Tai Chi 1p-Ladies Guild 6p-Confirmation 7:15p-Chapel Choir 12 3:15p-Bells for Jesus 6p-Elder s Meeting 7p-Abiding Praise :30a-SMP Gatherings 9a-Altar Guild Prep a-Birner Christ Care 6p-Preschool Play 17 3:15p-Kids of the Kingdom 6p-Leadership Board Meeting 7p-Praises Ring 18 9:30a-Senior Bible Study 10:45a-Tai Chi 12p-Ladies Guild 6p-Confirmation 7p-5 th -8 th Grade Youth 7:15p-Chapel Choir 19 3p-Girl Scout Troop :15p-Bells for Jesus 7p-Abiding Praise 20 11:45a-Early Dismissal DS 21 9a-Altar Guild Prep LEC No School 24 LEC No School 3:15p-Kids of the Kingdom 7p-Praises Ring 25 LEC No School 7:00p-Thanksgiving Eve Service 7p-5 th -8 th Grade Youth 26 Offices closed Thanksgiving Day 10:00a-Thanksgiving Day Service 27 Offices closed 28 9a-Altar Guild Prep 29 10a-Unity Service 30 6:30p-MOPS/Mom Next S U N D A Y W O R S H I P S C H E D U L E Contemporary - Saturday 5:00 PM / Contemporary - Sunday 9:30 AM Traditional - Sunday 8:00 AM / Traditional - Sunday 10:45 AM Sunday School - Sunday 9:15 AM Bible Classes - Sunday 9:15 AM Communion Offered 2 nd and 4 th Weeks Communion Offered 1 st and 3 rd Weeks Praise and Nurture Sundays at 11:00 AM Day By Day - Page 7 - November 2015

8 Abiding Savior Lutheran Church and School El Toro Road Lake Forest, CA Return Service Requested Time Dated Materials Petal Pushers Recruiting Volunteers Five thousand Petal Pushers are needed for our 66th year of decorating Tournament of Roses Parade floats, including the Lutheran Hour Ministries float entitled Jesus is the Light of the World and nine additional floats. Everyone 13 and older is WELCOME! We are now planning schedules for the floats that we contract to decorate and need many PetalPushers. With youth groups, we need one adult to accompany each five (5) youth. Please sign up here: to be a Petal Pusher for the 2016 Rose Parade floats! Decorating starts Saturday December 5, 2015 continues through Thursday, December 31. The Mission of the Lutheran Hour Ministries Float Committee is to provide a Christian witness and hope in Jesus Christ to the unchurched, who view the float in person and through the media. Lutheran Hour Ministries your partner in His mission.