St. Luke s Lutheran Church Newsletter for the Weekend of the Second Sunday after Christmas, January 3 & 4, 2015

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1 St. Luke s Lutheran Church Newsletter for the Weekend of the Second Sunday after Christmas, January 3 & 4, 2015 Regular Worship Services Saturdays, 5:30 PM Sundays, 8:00 & 10:45 AM Sunday School & Bible Study Sunday 9:30 AM A staffed nursery is provided for children 3 and under during the Sunday morning worship services and Bible Study hour. This Week at St. Luke s Sunday, January 4 7:00-Prayers (Prayer Room) 8:00-Traditional Worship (Sanctuary) 9:30-Sunday School & Adult Bible Study 10:45-Contemporary Worship (Sanctuary) 2:00-Private Rental (FLC) Monday, January 5 9:00-Staff Meeting (Classroom) 6:00-T-12 PLC Meeting (Small Gym) 6:30-Girl Scouts (Classrooms) Tuesday, January 6 Back to School 1:00-Senior Bible Study (Library) 7:00-Epiphany Worship Service 8:00-Men s Basketball (FLC) Wednesday, January 7 6:00-Praise Team Practice (Sanctuary) 6:00-Family Life Meeting (Library) Thursday, January 8 Noon-OWLS Luncheon (FLC) 6:00-Hobby Night (Downstairs Lunchroom) 6:30-Prayer Team Meeting (Panera) 7:00-School Board Meeting (Library) Friday, January 9 5:00-Put away Christmas Decorations (Sanctuary, Narthex) Saturday, January 10 7:30-Mentoring Group 1 (Library) 10:00-Private Rental (FLC) 5:30-Worship Service (Sanctuary) 6:00-PADS (FLC, Kitchen, Small Gym) Welcome to Worship! Members and Visitors Please complete the worship attendance cards in the pews and place them in the offering plates. If you are visiting with us, we welcome you! We hope to meet you at Fellowship time (Sunday, 9-9:25 am). Lesson for This Weekend 1 Kings 3:4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place. Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. Now that s a big sacrifice! But of course Solomon offered sacrifices in proportion to his wealth the Lord had blessed him greatly, so his sacrifices were correspondingly large. Jesus also praised the widow s mite, a small amount of money, but a great sacrifice in proportion to her means. Please join us for Epiphany Worship on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 7:00 pm. Please stop by the table in the Narthex and pick up your 2015 Offering Envelopes. Any questions, please contact the church office. Help Needed to PACK IT UP! Well, it was fun putting it up, and very enjoyable to look at, but now we will need your help on Friday, January 9 at 5:00 pm to take down the beautiful decorations, pack them up, and get them back in storage for next year. If you have any questions, please contact Connie Pittman or Brenda Kardatzke. SEE YOU FRIDAY!! 1

2 They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the Apostles teaching and fellowship Acts 3:42 Calling All Kids! Join us for Sunday School! Sundays - 9:30 to 10:30 am Classes for all children and youth from Pre-School through High School Pre-school and Kindergarten will meet in the Pre-school classroom with Julia Kothera. Grades 1 through 6 will meet in the Multi-Purpose Room (old 4th grade classroom in school wing): Each Sunday, students will participate in a large group Welcome activity, move into an exploration time in small family groups, then complete the hour with praise and prayer. JR High will meet as usual in the 3-4th grade classroom (in school wing). SR High classes will meet in the 7-8th grade classroom (downstairs). We re going to have lots of fun! Won t you join us? Adult Bible Studies Sunday Mornings, 9:30 10:30 AM 1. Men s Class Courageous Fathers of the Bible (Church Library) This study explores the lives and faith of 12 fathers of the Bible in a series of reflections springing from the lives of 12 real men we meet in God s Word. Highly selective and somewhat idiosyncratic, this study presents a picture, with clarity and wit, of the work of Christian fatherhood, taking special note of the challenges and victories faced as the fathers rely on God s grace. The fathers that will be discussed include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Job, Solomon, Joseph, Jairus, the Official, and the Prodigal s Father. 2. The Book of Galations (FLC) the Adult Bible Class in the Family Life Center will return to the study of Galatians with Lesson 7 in the textbook (Galatians 3:26-4:11). We have finished Paul s discourses on Law and Gospel and will continue with emphases on unity in the faith and Christian freedom. This study will continue until early January, Bob Toepper will be the lead teacher. Choose a study and begin today to strengthen your faith and knowledge!! Altar flowers are given this weekend by Terry & Brenda Kardatzke in celebration of Ben Wallace s birthday. St. Luke s Vision Powered by the Holy Spirit we: Trust God! Live an Extreme Faith! Are Bold in God s Word! Bring People Home to Christ! Fully Commit to the Body of Christ! Pray and Worship with Enthusiasm! Expect Results! Focus on the Family Please pick up your January Focus on the Family Bulletin from the desk in the Narthex. As always, great info on parenting, and this month includes an article on BALANCE! Thank you to the Tuesday Night Men s Basketball Ministry Group for their contribution of $430. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact Larry Motykowski. Holiday Meal Project Thanks to your generosity the Human Care Committee was able to provide Walmart gift cards for Christmas meals to 12 church, school and community families. If you have any questions regarding Human Care, please contact Pat Freeman. 2

3 Pick up your Poinsettia! Don t forget to pick up your Poinsettia(s) by Friday, January 9! We will be packing away Christmas on that day and any left at that point will be distributed or disposed of. Thanks for your help in decorating our Sanctuary! Any Changes? If you have had an address, phone number, or address change since we last ran our Member Directory in July 2014, please contact the church office at x-111 or churchoffice@ stlcfamily.org by Monday, January 12. We will run an updated directory mid-january Cabin Fever! Do you have a special talent or interest that you would like to share? Volunteers are needed for Friday, January 23 from 6-8 pm in the FLC. Examples could be: balloon animals, crafts, physical activities (like races or bozo buckets), or a snack table. Families are being invited to come through the stations and enjoy the activities. If you are willing to help, please contact or novemberwolf.claxton@yahoo.com. OWLS Luncheon The OWLS next luncheon will be Thursday, January 8. Lasagna will be served at noon, but arrive a little earlier if you would like to socialize. Cost is $6 per person. OWLS (Older Wiser Loving Seniors) is fellowship for all people aged 60 + or younger if you want to! Please sign up on the OWLS board. Any questions call Barbara Murray at Financial Peace University 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck which means they have little or no back-up for job loss or another emergency. Would you like to get a better grip on your finances and learn how to make the most of your God-given resources? Come to Financial Peace University! This 9-session course begins on Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 in the School Multi-Purpose Room. Cost: Whatever you can afford! ($99 value) Register thru the Church Office ( , or churchoffice@stlcfamily.org). St. Luke s Jewel Box There is nothing too small, too mundane, or too menial for a true servant. - Rick Warren as of 12/31/14: A big thank you to Lisa Steinwart and Paula Cameron for another year of dedicate service to St. Luke s Music Ministry. Can You Make Coffee? If not, we can show you! The Kitchen Team is in need of some additional members to help with the Fellowship Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings. You can sign up as an individual, or team up with a friend or spouse! If we can find additional teams, you should only have to serve a couple times a year. We are looking to fill some open spots on our 2015 schedule, so please call Nancy Vargo at or Nancy Heaton at as soon as possible! Come and Meet our New Teacher There will be an Open House for Amy Kowalczyk on Monday, January 5, from 2-4 pm, in her classroom. Amy will be teaching 3/4th grade for the remainder of the school year. Please stop by to meet and welcome her to St. Luke s! 3

4 4 th Friday Neighborhood Family Fun Night We are inviting everyone to come and break out of your Cabin Fever on Friday, January 23 at 6:00 pm. There will be stations set up with different activities, crafts, and free snacks and beverages! FUN for all ages! What s coming up? Bingo on February 27 and Arts & Crafts on March Chancel Flower Chart There are still weekends available on the 2015 Altar Flower Chart! Please take a minute to sign up on the board by the church office. You can purchase flowers in memory of a loved one, to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special event, in thanksgiving of God s gifts, or simply just because! Just sign your name on the chart next to the date(s) you would like, then complete the form available in the green pocket below the chart. The form is necessary so that proper acknowledgement is made in the newsletter. Please turn in your form with the payment of $40.00 in the envelopes that are also provided. You can turn them in to the church office, or drop them in the offering plate. Thanks for your help in making the chancel area beautiful for our worship services. If you have any questions, please contact Connie Pittman. Parking Lot Fund Update As of December 28, 2014, the balance in our Parking Lot Fund is $17, Thank you for your donations and continued support for this project as we save now for the main parking lot. We will keep you updated monthly on our progress. LOVE YOUR CHURCH Every family has bills including your church family! If you can give an over and above gift to pay off one of our church bills, it means more money to put into important ministries! The LOVE YOUR CHURCH display in the narthex is how to do it! Choose from the Giving Opportunities on the list in the lower left corner of the narthex display, write a check and place it in one of the little envelopes, and drop it in the Lucite box. You can pay all or part of the bill. Thanks! Budget & Income (#s reported are as of 12/28) Monthly Need $96,691 Weekly Need $22,313 December Tithe $6,455 Accounts Payable $12,657 Mortgage payments owed $39,003 Concordia Plan Services owed $90,904 Current Month s To Date Contributions $63,962 Current Month s To Date Income Received from School $26,400 Current Month To Date Total $90,362 Previous Month s Total $94,980 New budget #s effective 7/1/14: 10.5% Tithe from your offerings includes.5% to LBT, 2% to Mission trip fund,.5% to LCC,.5% to Walcamp,.5% to San Pablo, 6% to NID,.5% to Joe Boway New Life. Accounts Payable includes maintenance, utilities, office supplies, printing, and ministry expenses (communion, worship, advertising, etc.). Concordia Plan Services includes health care, retirement, and disability for church and school staff. Last Week s Attendance Advent Worship 12/17 94 Regular Worship 12/20 & Christmas Eve 334 Christmas Day 103 Regular Worship 12/27 & Give Online. It s easy. Stlcfamily.org Download a QR Reader app and scan here to make a contribution to St. Luke s from your mobile device. 4

5 Servants for Epiphany Tuesday, January 6, 2015, 7 pm Preacher/Liturgist Rev. Peter Hoffman / Earl Wendorf Acolytes Chancel Connie Pittman Greeters Organist/Pianist Beth Omar Readers Sound & Video Ushers Chuck Granholm & Worship Assistants Earl Wendorf / Jim Tysse Panera Bread Pick Up for January 9 Kent & Chris Johnson To the many in our church family who donated Legos and other items to our efforts, THANK YOU!! Together, we collected 65 boxes of Legos, two books, 14 matchbox cars, and other toys and supplies! It's been so fun watching our boys experience the joy of giving! The Omars Planning Ahead Jan 11-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th Jan 12-Culver s Night Jan 13-Alden s Chapel Jan 13-Ladies Night Out Jan 14-School Open House Jan 14-Mission & Ministry Meeting Jan 15-Worship Committee Meeting Jan 16-MOPS Jan 18-Confirmation 6-8th & 9th Jan 19-NO School Church Office Closed Jan 19-Autumn Leaves Chapel Jan 19-GO Team Meeting Jan 20-PALS Meeting Jan 20-Chancel Meeting Jan 20-Financial Peace University begins Newsletter Deadline Any new or updated articles and inserts for the weekly newsletter are due to the Church Office by 3:00 pm on the Wednesday before article is to run. Submit via to connie.pittman@stlcamily.org or mailbox #82. Any questions, contact Connie Pittman at , x-115. Servants for The Weekend of January 10 & 11, 2015 Preacher/Liturgist Rev. Peter Hoffman / Bob Toepper Acolytes & Cross Bearers 5:30 Noah Lange & Jose Sandoval 8:00 Briana Rizzi, Payton Kiger & Trevor Borden 10:45 Amber Arnold & Chloe Pearce Chancel 5:30 Sara Fauser 8:00 Eleanor Kothera 10:45 Shelley Izzo Children s Message 5:30 Fred Treftz 8:00 Sue Fitzsimons Fellowship John & Ruth Henning Finance Assistants Suzette Rizzi & Mary Mueller Friendly Callers Heather Claxton & Sarena Dickinson Greeters 5:30 Terry & Brenda Kardatzke 8:00 Dave & Missy Hester 10:45 Dan & Shirley Anderson Information Desk Attendant Christine Benda Nursery 8:00 Irene Pappa 9:30 Lori Greiter 10:45 Sarena Dickinson Organist/Pianist 5:30 Beth Omar 8:00 Beth Omar Readers 5:30 Barb Cuyler 8:00 Ruth Henning 10:45 Todd Ruch Sound & Video 5:30 Lisa Steinwart 8:00 Dave Hester Ushers 5:30 Mickey & Caroline Dusenbury 8:00 Al Matson & Tim Moran 10:45 Scott Rentz & Sam Izzo Worship Assistants Bob Toepper / Dan Anderson DVDs are available! All services are recorded. If you would like a copy, please contact Paula at x-116, or leave a note on the credenza in the Narthex. 63 Fernwood Road Montgomery, IL Church School Reverend Peter Hoffman, Senior Pastor Mrs. Robi Flach, Principal stlcfamily.org / churchoffice@stlcfamily.org 5

6 Make it Joyful! Stewardship doesn t have to be difficult. We often make it more difficult than it need be. The fundamentals of stewardship come from answering these basic questions: Who are you? To whom do I give? And how much? It s that simple. So who are you? Look at the Table of Duties in the Small Catechism. Are you a hearer of God s Word? Are you a citizen of society? Are you a member of a family? Stewardship covers these three estates: church, society, family. We don t particularly struggle to give to society or family. Our struggles, our difficulties and questions, arise in giving to the church. So what are our stewardship duties as members of the church? The Table of Duties gives us a guide. If you are a hearer, a member of the church who receives instruction, St. Paul taught: Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor (Gal 6:6). This means that the local congregation is primary. The primary recipient of stewardship resides here. Your pastor is the one called to preach the Gospel to you and administer the Lord s blessed sacraments to you. Your congregation is the place where those things are given out. Therefore, we give to the local congregation to ensure that this continues. We don t vote with our giving. We don t let the pastor or the congregation know we are unhappy by how we give: because we are supposed to see our giving as giving to our Lord! Thus, when God calls us to give to the church, He has His work in mind especially right where we live. For the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel (1 Cor 9:14). Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows (Gal 6:7). How much do we give to the local congregation? Our only instructions are these: to give regularly (1 Cor 6:1 2), proportionally (1 Cor 16:1 2; 2 Cor 8:12), and generously (2 Cor 8:20) of our first fruits (Gen 4:4; Prov 3:9; Lev 27:30) with a spirit of eagerness (2 Cor 9:2), earnestness (2 Cor 8:7), cheerfulness (2 Cor 9:7), and love (2 Cor 8:23). In other words, giving to the church is not to be an afterthought, given after everything else is spent. In this way, it is deliberate. We set it aside beforehand, before anything else is spent. From those first fruits, we set aside a proportionate and generous amount. Ten percent was the standard for the Israelites. This was a command for them. We re not bound to that command in the same way as they were. Just like we are not bound to all the regulations of the Sabbath day (no physical labor, no hot meals, etc.). But the pattern remains: Christians still gather for worship once a week, for how could we do less than the Israelites did? Likewise, does it seem right that we would support the New Testament ministry at a rate less than the Israelites supported the Old Testament ministry? And how are we to give it? We give it with eagerness and earnestness. We give it cheerfully and with love, not out of compulsion. For through the preaching of the Gospel and the administration of the Sacraments, God has made us His children, forgiven us all our sins, given us grace upon grace, promised us life everlasting with Him in His kingdom, and filled us with His own Spirit, the Holy Spirit. This makes giving a joy. For it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). It s that easy. And it is joyful. For in stewardship, our gracious and giving Lord invites us to take part in the work that He accomplishes here on earth, providing for the ongoing preaching of the Gospel as well as those who are in need. Taking part in that, makes all our work holy work, work that is done in service to the Lord as priestly members of His kingdom. 6