Alma Newsletter Alma s Statement of Mission:

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Leslie Quinn
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1 Alma Evangelical Lutheran Church West 5 th St. P.O. Box 88 Mead, NE Phone (402) Alma s Statement of Mission: Disciples by grace, Growing in faith, Living our hope, Sharing God s love. Alma Newsletter From Pastor: Silent Night, A Beloved Tradition Shared December 2016 For as long as I can remember no matter where I ve been, whether it was at the church I grew up in down in South Texas, during seminary in Iowa, on internship in Wyoming, or even here in Nebraska every place I have participated in Christmas Eve worship, each one has always contained that one special piece. I can t even envision or imagine Christmas Eve worship without it. Perhaps beyond all else, it s a staple of that special occasion I have grown to associate with the birth of our Savior. I might even go so far as to say without that single tradition worship on Christmas Eve is simply not the same. What is that crucial part for me? The thing I look forward to each year that which brings me to tears and fills my heart with peace, hope, and joy is when everyone in the congregation pulls out their candles, passes the flame from one to another to fill the entire space, the lights of the sanctuary are dimmed, and the whole assembly joins in one voice to sing: Silent Night, Holy Night. For me, the Spirit s presence is felt most intimately in the singing of that beautiful song in solidarity with sisters and brothers in Christ from all walks of life, who have stepped away from the busyness of life for just a short time to witness the coming of Emmanuel in the baby Jesus. As someone who doesn t consider himself much of a traditionalist when it comes to worship, I must confess Silent Night, Holy Night at Christmas Eve worship is one such tradition I hold near and dear, and fundamental to my faith. What are some traditions you look forward to with exceeding anticipation? Why is that particular hymn or practice so crucial to how you view the holy occasion? If the opportunity arose, would you be willing to help another to experience that important aspect that they might be moved by it too? I don t know about you, but I love my Silent Night, Holy Night (as if it were my own), and I would be shocked to hear if someone said they didn t know it. Yet, if given the chance I would sing it ten times through (if not all night long) on December 24 th just to share that special feeling with a stranger. Christmas Eve, alongside Easter morning, is the most attended service every year. People who otherwise find endless excuses to avoid Sunday worship or describe themselves as less than churchgoers come out of the woodworks to witness these two

2 miraculous events: the birth of Jesus the Christ child, and the resurrection of Jesus the Crucified One. Regardless the reason, those who never darken a pew three hundred and sixty-three days a year suddenly show up for these services year-in and year-out. That being so, we as the church have an opportunity to reach out and witness to these unchurched visitors. Many, if not most, will exit just as they entered returning again as CEOs (Christmas and Easter Only). Yet, what if one whom you were to reach out and share your joy with was to be moved in a way you never could have imagined? What if making the event of Christmas Eve worship for that person or family opened their eyes to see the love of God in Christ a whole new way? What if, in that moment, you unexpectedly served to bless them changing a life from fear or despair to peace and hope? As we move into the season of Advent eagerly waiting, preparing our hearts and minds to receive the coming Christ I encourage you to consider what that beloved tradition is for you. What holy moment is it that fills your eyes with tears, takes your breath away, and warms your heart with love? Consider how you might share that with another: a friend, family member, guest, stranger, or passerby. Don t let yourself enter and leave that space without being filled with the Spirit and moved to reach out and share God s love with a neighbor. Instead of gold, frankincense, or myrrh, on that special night give the gift of a loving neighbor to another. Be for others the Christ whom you are waiting to behold. - God Bless, Pastor Andrew

Colleges and university Christmas services ELCA colleges and universities across the country will soon be hosting Christmas vespers, festivals and services.

3 Colleges and university Christmas services ELCA colleges and universities across the country will soon be hosting Christmas vespers, festivals and services. There s no better start to the Advent season than returning to your favorite carols, readings, chapels and schools. Find a listing of participating institutions and service times including information on how you can tune into a few of your favorite services from afar. IRA rollover giving If you are age 70½ or older, you can give up to $100,000 to the ELCA each year from your individual retirement account free from federal income tax. If you have not taken your required minimum distribution for the year, a charitable rollover can help satisfy that requirement. Talk to your tax professional, then call the ELCA at to be connected with your ELCA regional gift planner. Learn more at ELCA.org/foundation. Spiritual Growth Opportunities Women of the ELCA Circles - Hope Circle meets the fourth Tuesday mornings of the month at 9:30am. Location varies. Contact Jess Miller for more information. - Faith Circle (MGM) will meets the fourth Thursday at Bethlehem in Wahoo. Chat & Sew meets the 1 st Tuesday at 8:30am. Contact Sharon Hollst or Lana Krumpus for more information. Prayer Shawls meet the second and fourth Saturday mornings from 9-11am. Contact Viki Miller for more information. Tuesday Night Book Club Location and date varies. Contact Viki Miller for more information. Movie Night Meets on the 4 th Saturday of the month at 6:30pm in the church basement. Contact Julie Erickson for more information. Couples Club Contact Angie Johnson for more information. Pastor's Cell Phone (402) Please feel free to call, text, or me anytime on this number-- either in case of an emergency or just to chat. - Pastor Andrew Pastor s revdrew@me.com Secretary almalutheran@gmail.com Website Almalutheran.com Facebook Search for Alma Lutheran Church

Current Budget Status Treasurer's Report 21-NOV-16 Income $90,370.30 Expenses $103,635.22 Balance -$13,264.92 Book Club will meet Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm.

Bring your lawn chair and your favorite drink. Popcorn will be provided! Children's Christmas Program & Meal At 5pm on Sunday, Dec.

4 Current Budget Status Treasurer's Report 21-NOV-16 Income $90, Expenses $103, Balance -$13, Book Club will meet Tuesday, December 27 at 6:30pm. We will be discussing 'our favorite book of 2016'. Movie Night will be Saturday, December 17th at 6:30pm. We will be screening the classic "Elf". Who doesn't love Buddy? Bring your lawn chair and your favorite drink. Popcorn will be provided! Children's Christmas Program & Meal At 5pm on Sunday, Dec. 18th, our youth will be having their annual Christmas program, accompanied by the Bell and Vocal choirs. Please invite your family and friends to join us as we celebrate the Christmas promise of the coming of Christ child, support our youth in their telling the story, and share in a wonderful meal and fellowship afterwards! This event is open to all the community. For details pertaining to the performance, please see Moriah or Angie. All families are encouraged to bring either a salad OR sandwich AND a dessert. Men/Husbands in the congregation need to be there by 4:30pm to help set up the basement for the meal afterwards. Hope to see you there! From the ELCA ELCA Youth Gathering announces 2018 theme The theme for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering is "This Changes Everything," and the primary Scripture will be Ephesians 2:8: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God." The new logo is a visual representation of the theme and the experience of the Gathering, and the cross at the center is the focus it is God's grace, through Christ's life, death and resurrection, that changes everything for all people. Lutheran-Catholic commemoration of the Reformation Pope Francis and Bishop Munib Younan, president of The Lutheran World Federation, led a service of common prayer during the Lutheran-Catholic commemoration of the Reformation in Lund, Sweden, on Oct. 31. Watch the full recording of this vibrant and historic worship service. (Or go to YouTube and search for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America channel) 16 days of activism From Nov. 25 to Dec. 10, the United Nations is sponsoring 16 Days of Activism to raise awareness and action to end gender-based violence. The ELCA has several resources to aid your participation. You can read the social message and its foundational document on gender-based violence at ELCA.org/Faith and click on Social Messages under Faith and Society. You can also view a video to see how ELCA member and shelter founder Antonia Clemente uses the social message in her work. Upcoming events 12/ Budget Planning Parsonage, 6pm 12/16-8th graders visit Temple Israel (Omaha), 6pm 12/18 - Children's Christmas Program & Meal, 5pm 12/24 - Candlelight Christmas Eve Worship, 9pm

6 ... to those celebrating in December! 5 Jason Hutmacher 5 Glen Treptow 10 Maddison Nygren 11 Margie Nelson 13 Justin Moline 14 Jean Erickson 15 Toni Roberts 22 Kristen Nygren 27 Dale Johnson 29 Marc Johnson 31 Mark Hughes * Please help us keep this list current by notifying the secretary of any corrections or additions. Thank you. Who s Serving in December? December 4, 2016 December 11, 2016 December 18, 2016 December 24, 2016 January 1, 2017 Dale Nygren and Dale Marc Johnson and Lana Krumpus and Glen Treptow and Ushers Johnson Family Justin DeGroff Volunteers Jeff Hanson Acolyte Janie and Kaityln Matt and Chris Sean and Anthony Kelly and Meghan Lectors Doug Gustafson Dale Nygren Lexi Johnson Lana Krumpus Greeters Morris and Jean Erickson Loren and Bert Beggren Vern and Lisa Taylor Dale and Dorothy Johnson Assistant Jess Miller Adam Miller Doug Gustafson Dale Nygren Communion Ethan Wellman June Moline June Johnson Kristin Nygren Flowers First Sunday Fellowship

Alma Newsletter. November From Pastor: Thank Offering Sunday

Alma Newsletter. November From Pastor: Thank Offering Sunday Alma Newsletter November 2016 From Pastor: Thank Offering Sunday You and I are so blessed. As I ve said before, thankfulness is a fruit of our faith a response to the blessings we receive. Praise and thanksgiving