Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church PAID. December 24, Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. December 25, :00 a.m.

Transcription

1 IN THIS ISSUE December 24, Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. December 25, :00 a.m. Combined Service January 1, :00 a.m. Combined Service From Pastor Laherty... Pg. 2 Heart And Hands Outreach... Pg. 3 Parish Education... Pg. 4 High School/Mentor Night... Pg. 5 Joy Circle... Pg. 5 Adult Lay Bible Study... Pg. 5 Youth Happenings... Pg. 6 Adult Christmas Party... Pg. 7 Special Christmas Celebrations... Pg. 8 Children s Activities Page... Pg. 9 Poinsettia Order Form... Pg. 10 Emanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 150 North Palm Street, La Habra, California (562) Preschool: (562) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Non Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO WHITTIER, CA Traditional Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Praise Service 10:45 a.m. Children s Sunday School: 10:00 a.m. PASTOR: Dennis M. Laherty PASTOR: Catherine E. Luehr PRESCHOOL DIRECTOR: Jonine Sodders Spanish Services offered at 1:30 pm by House of Faith churchinfo@elclh.org Web site: 1

2 Over the years there has been one word in my vocabulary that has defined Christmas. The word is Incarnation. For me this word defines the day, the season, and really life with Jesus better than any other. At Easter, and during the following weeks, we talk about the living Lord. We refer to the Resurrection, Jesus walking with his disciples and providing new life for those who follow him. The impact of the Easter season goes without saying because of the long-lasting impact on our daily lives. Christmas, and the Incarnation of Jesus is different. For me it brings to mind that the event occurred because God the Father made a decision for all creation. The Father came to a point in time when it was decided that the law of God just wasn t working out. I imagine that the Father looked down, saw Mary and Joseph her betrothed, knew of the faithfulness of both of them, knew they would serve as Jesus first disciples, then being one with the Spirit, saw to it that she was to bear a son, the Son. I can t help but feel that in some mystical way the Father and the Spirit rejoiced because God would now be Incarnate on the earth. The presence of the Lord would be more powerful than it had ever been. The future of Creation was secure because God Incarnate would be among the people. He would be welcomed as a newborn, develop as a toddler, grow through adolescence and become a well adjusted adult. All this occurred while being cultivated in the synagogue and the Temple as the fulfillment of the law, the Messiah and Savior of the World. We know of many other names for Jesus. This time of year especially we hear of Him as the Prince of Peace, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. But all of this began when the Father decided that the Incarnation would be the starting point. This Christmas season I would pray that all people could find a new place in their heart to welcome this living God. As we greet a new year, I would additionally pray that the Incarnation lives on as we grow with this special presence of the Lord as he touches our lives each day. A Blessed Incarnation to you all. Pastor Dennis Laherty IT S TIME TO DIG OUT YOUR YARD SIGN! As you get out your holiday decorations this year, remember to take out your invitation sign and place it in your front yard. PLEASE DO SO BEGINNING DECEMBER 1st. If you returned your sign to the office, or did not receive one, you may pick one up in the narthex beginning December 4th. The signs will be available right up until Christmas Eve. Please place one in your yard and take the opportunity to invite your neighbors to join us in worship. You may get a chance to start up a conversation with someone you don t know who is Iooking for a place to celebrate the birth of our wonderful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. What an awesome thought! Thank you in advance for your willingness. 2

3 VETERAN S OUTREACH: ~ Sharing the Good News ~ Your HAHO ministry team has reviewed a number of organizations which help veterans, either to a greater or lesser degree. We are happy to let you know that we have found PATRIOTS & PAWS, an Orange County based organization, where everything donated goes directly to the vets. The staff is entirely volunteer. During the month of November, almost $700 was generously donated from Emanuel to purchase food gift cards for the vets, who are often homeless and without any benefits for as long as 270 days after they return home. Patriots & Paws accepts a variety of furniture and household items, large and small appliances, medical equipment, mattresses and beds, garden tools, as well as cash, checks, bonds, deeds, vehicles, and buildings. Items may be dropped off at their warehouse (call before dropping off) or they can arrange to pick up from you: 1515 W. Collins, Orange Phone pickup@patriotsandpaws.org Patriots & Paws, in partnership with WAGS (Westminster Adoptions Group Services), also has a supplemental program that pairs companionship animals with Veterans, sharing both a sense of love and responsibility. Need more information? Let me or Sharon Frazier know. THE ANGEL TREE(S) ARE COMING! Our trees runneth over! Last year we had so many wonderful gifts donated that we will again be offering opportunities this Christmas to provide gifts for the WINGS SHELTER, FRISTERS, and THE DANIEL ALVAREZ CENTER. Our Angel Tree will be up and ready in December for the congregation to select their tags for the families at the WINGS shelter. They were so excited to learn that our generous church family is continuing this outreach for women and children who are victims of domestic violence. We will also have two boxes next to the Angel Tree for specific donations to the Daniel Alvarez Center for men, and for the Fristers ministry for young mothers and their children. DATES TO REMEMBER: December 4-11: December 18: Heart And Hands Outreach Feed My Sheep John 21 Angel Tree gift tags will be in the Moerer Hall. Wrapped gifts with tags on top due back to the church. The men at the Daniel Alvarez Center must journal daily as part of their healing process and can always use journals, pens, and puzzle books. Watch for more info in the bulletin regarding dates and pick a tag or two from the tree! Bless the caring hearts of our congregation as we serve HIS children. Take It To The Lord In Prayer prayers for our church, our pastors, our world, and any special needs, in the Chapel or wherever you are at 8:30 on Saturday mornings. If you have a prayer request, please let one of the Pastors know and it will be lifted up. Join us! Next HAHO meeting is Saturday, January 7, at 10:00 AM. We encourage you to join us or let us know your thoughts about this ministry. ******************************************Merry Christmas From HAHO******************************************** Jeanette Parr, Facilitator 3

4 From the Board of Parish Education Sunday School Class Schedule: Sunday School classes are held weekly. Join us on Sunday mornings for classes for all age groups starting at age three. Visitors are always welcome! Classes for Preschool to 6th grade meet at 10:00 a.m. in Moerer Hall. We are now learning about the Nativity story by discovering: the Census, King Herod, the gifts given, and much more. Jr. High, Sr. High and Young Adults meet in the Youth Room at 10:00 a.m. with Janine Ward and Denise Whitcher. Join the group as we study 2 Samuel in the Youth Room. No pressure. Interesting discussion. Don t miss out. This class is for anyone in 7th grade and up. Join us as we learn to apply the Word of God to our lives. Offerings: After donating to the Good Samaritan Fund during the last few months, we will now use our offering to buy gifts for a girl and a boy from our Angel Tree. What a way to brighten a child s Christmas. Seekers: IT S PLAY TIME! Our youth are now rehearsing for The First Christmas play that will take place on Sunday, December 18, at 10:45. All children are welcome. Join us on Thursdays from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Please continue to pray for the spiritual growth of the youth and adults. Board of Parish Education Manger on the Mantel Starting on the first day of December, children will be invited to discover more deeply the meaning of Advent as a time when we prepare to receive the wonderful gift of Jesus Christ. The First Sunday of Advent children will be given their own manger containing several small paper gift cutouts. Each day children are encouraged to take one of the gifts from the Manger and move Jesus to various places around their house and at each place rediscover how Jesus is present in their everyday lives. If your child would like to have their own Manger on the Mantle but you will not be here November 27, please contact Pr. Cate Luehr or Mary Ann Carlson. 4

5 High School/Mentor Night High School/Mentor Night will not be meeting in December. Our next get together will be Thursday, January 5, at 6:00 pm in the Fireside Room in Moerer Hall. Joy Circle The next Joy Circle Bible Study will be on Monday, December 19, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. The Joy Circle is a women s group that gathers on the third Monday of the month in the Hope Center Library for fellowship and treats and participates together in a Bible study written in Gather Magazine, the magazine published by Women of the ELCA. This year the Bible study will consist of several short term Bible studies, all focusing on a different topic. If you have never participated in the Joy Circle before, consider trying one or more of the 3 or 4 month sessions. This month, our Bible study will have an Advent focus of slowing down and making room for Jesus. Extra copies of this Bible study will be available that morning. Women are encouraged to bring a snack to share for the December meeting. Adult Lay-Led Bible Study At Emanuel, we have an Adult Lay Bible Study led by a member of the congregation. They meet the first and third Thursdays of each month at 4:30 p.m. in the Hope Center Library. The next two meetings will be held December 1 and December 15 at 4:30 p.m. They are now studying the book of Samuel using reliable resources in their study. They enjoy learning together about the Word of the Lord and hope you will feel led to join them. Both men and women are welcome! For more information, Contact Mischelle Uhlman. Women s Retreat ~ Save the Date! The date for the Third Annual Emanuel Women s Retreat has been set for April 28-30, 2017 at the Murrieta Hot Springs Christian Conference Center. Cost is $200. Those who attended last year had a great time! We hope you are able to join us this year. Talk with Pr. Cate for more information. 5

6 Youth Decorate the Church! All Youth are invited to help decorate the church for Christmas. On Friday, December 9, meet at 5:00 pm in the sanctuary to help the congregation decorate. We will play music, have some Christmas snacks and make the sanctuary look ready for Christmas! Feel free to invite friends too! Youth Christmas Cards Fundraiser In order to help cover the cost of upcoming youth retreats, our young people will be selling Christmas Cards on the patio during the Sundays in Advent. Cards are $5 for a pack of 20. It s a great deal and you are helping our young people attend some amazing retreats this winter. If you would like to purchase a package of cards (or 2, or 3!) but are unable to get them on Sunday, please call the office and we can make arrangements for you. THANK YOU PEOPLE OF EMANUEL! Thanks to your generosity, we were able to purchase and deliver 50 copies of The Mixed-Up Chameleon for the Fristers Ready-Set-Go program which provided books for children of teenage moms to help them get ready for Kindergarten. In addition, you provided 26 Beginner Bibles to the new students at Emanuel Lutheran Preschool. Now all of our preschool families have a copy of the Good News of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your witness and giving. Please note we will have a 10:00 AM COMBINED SERVICE on Sunday, December 25, and again on Sunday, January 1. 6

7 Who: Where: When: Menu: Cost: Any adults who enjoy the above! Emanuel Lutheran Church Moerer Hall Saturday, December 10 at 5:30 PM Yummy (Hearty) Hors d oeuvres & Dessert Bring an Hors d oeuvre OR Dessert for 8-10 people Bring a wrapped white elephant gift (each of you) ***Please let us know if you re coming so we can plan*** RSVP by Wednesday, December 7 fehrldy@aol.com or parr3@roadrunner.com or

8 MIDWEEK ADVENT SERVICES We will be celebrating the time of preparation for the coming of our Lord at our midweek Advent Services beginning Wednesday, November 30, and continuing December 7, 14, and 21. On these dates, we will be holding Wednesday morning worship service at 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary for a time of reflection, prayers, scripture, and song. Sunday December 11 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service We hope that you are able to join us at our midweek services in celebration of the expectant incarnation. SPECIAL DATES Hanging of the Greens (decorating the church for Christmas) will be held on Friday, December 9, starting at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Christmas music will be played and treats served! Our Emanuel Christmas Party for adults will be held on Saturday, December 10, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in Moerer Hall. PLEASE NOTE WE WILL HAVE A 10:00 AM COMBINED SERVICE ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, AND ALSO ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 1. Children s Christmas Musical December 18, 2016 We invite all children to be a part of our holiday musical The First Christmas. Practices are on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This musical will be presented on Sunday, December 18, at the 10:45 a.m. Praise Service followed by a potluck luncheon in Moerer Hall immediately after the service. We are looking forward to Christmas carols being sung and the special message about the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. If you have any questions, please contact Mary Ann Carlson at (562)

9 9

10 Order your Poinsettias now to beautify the altar area at our Christmas Services. They are $8.50 each and MUST be ordered by Wednesday, December 7, Please order poinsettias for a total of $ to be given to the Glory of God: In loving memory of In honor of In celebration of In thanksgiving to God for Given by (Please list names as you wish them to appear in the bulletin.) If you need a call concerning the listing indicated above, please include your phone number. Name: Phone: Please make checks payable to Emanuel Lutheran Church and place in the offering plate or leave in the church office by December 7, Please indicate on your check for poinsettias. Contact the church office at (562) with any questions. 10