christ lutheran chronicle

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1 christ lutheran chronicle December 2018 christ lutheran church 1955 East Oakland Park Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida Parish Office: Website: Pastor Deborah Geweke, D.Min. 1

2 The Advent and Christmas seasons are the liturgical times dedicated exclusively to reliving the mystery of the Incarnation. Advent, as we know, is a time of quiet waiting, of deep longing and intense praying, while we eagerly prepare for the Lord's arrival. During this blessed period of preparation, full of wonder and joyful anticipation, the Christian takes time out of a usually busy schedule to ponder in the depths of his or her heart the wonderful works of God as manifested in the mystery of his Son's Incarnation. During our moments of quiet prayer, our faith seems to increase, and we are deeply moved by hope and love to await in joyful expectancy the Savior's imminent coming. Indeed, we are filled with immense desire for his presence as we look forward to welcoming him into the depths of our hearts. (From: Brother Victor-Antoine DÁvila-Latourrette, Monastery Journey to Christmas) The Season of Advent has a deep and rich history in the life of the Christian Church. The origin of the season is, however, something of a mystery. There are written references to the season as early as the 4th century. However, since the celebration of Christmas, as a feast day in the Church and the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus, was not well established until perhaps as late as the 5th century, there is some question regarding the original intent of Advent. Some have claimed that original Advent observances were in preparation for the Feast of the Epiphany, a festival celebrating the visit of the magi (and the source of our Christmas tradition of gift-giving...as well as a festival in the church which pre-dates Christmas!) Whether associated with the Feast of the Epiphany or the Nativity of our Lord (as has been the practice at least since the 6th century, through the middle ages, to today) Advent has most assuredly been regarded as a season of preparation. Indeed, the name of the season is rooted in the Latin Adventus, which means "coming." Given Advent's association with Christmas, the most obvious and expected "coming" for which we prepare is the birth of our Lord. Our liturgical emphasis through the season, from the lessons, hymnody, and rich imagery, all direct our attention to the waiting crib of Christmas. And yet, if we listen carefully, we can also hear the claims of Advents past that direct us not only to the place and time that first swaddled our Lord, but also to that time and place as yet unknown, for which we similarly prepare, when our Lord will return robed in glory. For the Advent of our God is not only about looking in remembrance to the past, but also with expectation to our future. Indeed, advent is much more than a season, it is the recognition that as we remember and while we wait, we do so even as Christ is a very real and abiding presence here and now...in the depths of our being, in the experience of his Word and Sacraments and in the expressions of our love. Come, Lord Jesus. Come quickly. 2

3 From the council (A synopsis of the November meeting) The council met on Tuesday November 18 at 7:00 p.m. Devotions were provided by Pastor Deborah. The minutes from the October meeting had been ed to council and were approved with only one correction, regarding the payment for the ad in the South Florida Gay News. The treasurer s report was given and it was noted that our giving has dropped off somewhat, however our rents and the proceeds from the bazaar almost made up for the deficit. The council voted to approve Fred Ball and welcomed him as a new member to the council, to complete John Jacobson s term. John has resigned due to moving out of town. Pastor Deborah reported that she attended a FBS clergy conference in central Florida for three days. She also visited shut-ins, and one member who is hospitalized. The following people have asked to join our congregation; Don Tidwell, by transfer, Michelle and Dem Rowand, and also Steve Yeagley. This was approved unanimously by the council. They will be accepted on December 2, 2018, the first Sunday in Advent. The council reviewed JW Arnold s position as organist and stated that he has continued to improve. We will meet with him to review his performance. The council approved a five percent increase in his salary to be effective the first of January The Council has been approached by the company Kids in Action which is interested in renting our preschool facility. The council felt it would be a good idea as the company wants it to be a Christian oriented preschool. However, there are many details that need to be worked out and questions we have to clarify before we can make a commitment. We will be considering the possibilities carefully. The planning for Advent and Christmas was discussed. We will be putting up the Advent wreaths on Saturday, December 1, at 10 a.m. We will be distributing candles and devotionals for each family to celebrate the Advent season, on the first Sunday in Advent. We will be purchasing a tree for the chancel on December 15 and then will decorate it on Sunday December 23, following the Liturgy. There will be special music prior to the Christmas Eve worship and then there will be worship at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day. There was a discussion of possibly changing the meeting time to 6:00 p.m., because there is no longer a preschool board meeting. We will try meeting at the new time next month and see if it is feasible. The Orchid Society has expressed a concern about opening and closing the sliding doors and the carpeting being snagged. We will address how best to do this with the group to prevent da mage to the carpet. The meeting was closed with the Lord s Prayer. The next meeting will be on December 18, 2018 at 6:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting. 3

4 LAFF The dinner was held at Zuccarello s for the month of November. We had a good attendance and if someone did not get enough to eat, then that would have been a big surprise. The food was very good and plentiful. Christmas Gathering There will be a special Celebration of our Lord s birth on Friday December 14, 2018.at 6:30 p.m. in Propst Fellowship Hall. ( it is best to park at the rear of the church and come in through the office/preschool entrance.) We will have pizza, salad, and dessert. There will be a free will donation to help offset the cost of the food. In addition to food there will be silly games, a white elephant gift exchange, ( approximate cost should be around $5.00), and a cookie exchange. You can bring some of your favorite cookies to trade with others We can also enjoy Christmas music. Plan on coming and bring your family, children and/or grandchildren. Last year, we had so much fun and we hope to have even more people come. Let s have a large group and lots of fun. 4

5 Our Christmas Traditions In the beginning of the Advent season we always put a (electric) candle in one of front windows near the door. It would burn continuously.to The reason that we put the candle in the window was as a signal that there is room in our home for Jesus. This was a reference to no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph. My family tradition circles around Food. I know I ve shared this tradition of pierogi parties at church. This is a staple in our home for Christmas and Easter and we all have our favorites potato and cheese dumplings sautéed with onion dolloped with sour cream. Not a very low calorie tradition but it s what gets us through the cold winter. The Lambert/Coller family has taught their friends, family and neighbors how to make them so they can enjoy them as well. We gather and share our recipes and stories and life experiences! Amen The Christmas Pickle tradition. A glass pickle ornament is placed in the Christmas tree by the head of the household. On Christmas morning the child who finds the pickle is allowed to open their presents first. This was thought to be a German tradition. We always made and decorated cookies together for Christmas to share with others. But we also always put a plate out for Santa when he came. The cookies were placed on a special plate and we always left a note for Santa. It was so exciting to find that Santa had eaten at least some of the cookies and left a thank you, on our note. In addition, it was our tradition that Santa brought the decorated tree as well as our gifts on Christmas eve after we went to bed when I was younger. It wasn t until I was older that I realized that trees were much cheaper on Christmas Eve, and by then my parents were able to afford the tree. Did you put out food for Santa s reindeer? We did! There were carrots and special magic oats, just for the magical reindeer. Sometimes, we would find a partially eaten a carrot on Christmas morning. What fun!! 5

6 Save the Date December 15 Bazaar 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with set up at 6 a.m. There will be special Christmas activities. Do you need a last minute gift? This may be the place to find it and the price will be great. Come and support our vendors and our church as this is an important source of income for our congregation. Also, please remember that we give a minimum of ten percent of our income to Synod mission support. Wednesdays in December at 12 noon and 7 p.m. Advent liturgies a quiet time to reflect and regroup in what can be a hectic and busy time of the year. It is a reminder of what this season of Advent is truly about! December 24 Christmas Eve There will be special music starting at 7:00 p.m., to enhance our worship experience. Followed by Festive Christmas Eve Candlelight liturgy, at 7:30 p.m. December 25 Christmas Day Come celebrate the birth of our Lord at with festive liturgy and adoration of our newborn king. February 23, Get your recipes out and warm up the crock pot for the Chili Cookoff. Christ Lutheran will be hosting under the guidance of Kathy Eicholtz. Let s support this great fun time. 6

7 December 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Put up Advent wreaths at 2 Fellowship Adult Ed. Confirmation 9 11:15 Adult Ed. Confirmation Advent Worship Noon & 7:00pm Advent Worship Noon & 7:00pm LAFF Christmas Gathering at the church 15 Bazaar 8 am to 2 pm 16 11:15 Adult Ed. Confirmation 23 11:15 Decorate Christmas Tree Church Council 6 p.m. 24 Christmas Eve Liturgy at 7:30 pm with special music at 7:00 pm 25 Christmas Day Liturgy at 19 Advent Worship Noon & 7:00pm :

8 Let us grow in Faith Service & Love In the New Year! 8