First Things First. Mission Moments. Celebrating Sixty-eight Years of God s Amazing Grace. In the Flesh

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F I R S T E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Celebrating Sixty-eight Years of God s Amazing Grace Mission Moments D e c e m b e r 2 0 1 7 Volume 12 Issue 12 First Things First In the

Our Vision To become more diverse, creative, nurturing, and welcoming within our congregation and in the wider community. Our Guiding Principles... We will follow Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Reconciling in Christ Welcoming Statement First Evangelical Lutheran Church/La Primera is committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus

1 F I R S T E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Celebrating Sixty-eight Years of God s Amazing Grace Mission Moments D e c e m b e r Volume 12 Issue 12 First Things First In the Flesh In Response to the Good News of Jesus Christ: Our Purpose Gathered to worship! Sent to witness and serve! Our Vision To become more diverse, creative, nurturing, and welcoming within our congregation and in the wider community. Our Guiding Principles... We will follow Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. We will read, teach, and preach God s Word faithfully. We commit to prayer and worship as a way of life. We invite people to know Jesus Christ. Reconciling in Christ Welcoming Statement First Evangelical Lutheran Church/La Primera is committed to being a radically loving and welcoming community of faith, centered in the Good News of Jesus Christ. Therefore, in faithfulness to the Gospel and our Lutheran heritage, and to the best of our ability, we promise to provide programs, ministries, and pastoral care to all who seek God in this place. All are welcome here, including persons of every race, ethnicity, creed, class, age, gender, marital status, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. We talk to one another on Face Time. We Skype across the world. We can speak to somebody in a nano second anywhere anytime. There are the fast blast away deliveries from all over. Some companies in Great Britain are making deliveries with drones! It s quick, it s easy..but is it Christmas? As wonderful and helpful as technology is, it s just not the answer to the questions. The answers we need, really need, can only be experienced in the Flesh.. We say things all the time that show how much we need a way to experience life in the flesh. We say things like Stay in touch. It looks like it needs a touch of something Wait, why are you so touchy today? This needs to be touched up just a little.. We like a world where things happens in the flesh..where it s personal, close, face to face, arm in arm.in the flesh. God answers the important questions..like How long oh Lord?..When will you save us? God answers the big important questions in the flesh. And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father s only son, full of grace and truth. That s Christmas; not the lights, not the tinsel, not the presents but in the flesh; that s where we find what we need. Did you know that suicide attempts spike during the Holidays? It s true the loneliness, the emptiness eat away and the life drains out of some people during the holidays. They end up alone and they die alone. What a waste! They need somebody in the flesh. Somebody flesh and blood who breaks into the silent loneliness and touches them. Christmas remembers. remembers that first touch.god s human hand touching wrapping his tiny finger around Mary s finger in the flesh. From that first touch how many stories about Jesus talk about Him laying hands on people to heal them, to raise them from the dead, holding little children in his arms, blessing them. That s what Christmas is.it s glorying in God incarnate...god in the flesh. Even more wonderful is that very enfleshed God lives in us so we can touch others in the flesh with that grace and love as of the only son of the Father. Suicide survivors sometimes say they would not have made the attempt had anybody just talked to them, touched them, even bumped into them. Find ways this Christmas season to bring God in the flesh to people everywhere. Keep it Christmas.in the flesh, in the blood of Jesus who came that you might have life and have it abundantly. Blessed Christmas.Each and every day of the 12 days of Christmas. That s putting First Things First. Pastor Melissa There will be regular Sunday worship the morning of December 24 and a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 PM that evening. Adult Sunday School will continue throughout Advent and into the new year. We have an opportunity to give.the agency I work for takes the names and Christmas lists of Foster Children, usually older foster children who will get barely anything for Christmas. We are going to be taking ten of those names and ask you all to look at the lists and purchase the things they want so they know Christmas is for Caring. Christmas is Love come down.

2 Staff Melissa Harr, Interim Pastor Lynda Maraby, Synodically Authorized Minister Cassandra Chavez, Intern Joy Petroff, Admin.

Mary Kilber Lynda Maraby Laura O Connell Senior Vicars Marilyn Bloom, RN Roger Hughes Dave Jeffery Mary Kilber Lynda Maraby Laura O Connell Evan Rogers Kathleen Rogers Rhonda Schmidt Sarah Shaw Ellen

Please submit information by email to felc@firstevlutheran.com or in written form to the church office by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

what kind of people were on the mother s side of the family? The way we do this is to take a look at people in the Hebrew Scripture that we know were relatives of Jesus.

2 2 Staff Melissa Harr, Interim Pastor Lynda Maraby, Synodically Authorized Minister Cassandra Chavez, Intern Joy Petroff, Admin. Secretary Congregational Officers Evan Rogers, President Sarah Shaw, Vice President Kathleen Rogers, Treasurer Kay Mortensen, Financial Secretary Congregational Council Carmen Guerrero Diane Johnson Mary Kilber Lynda Maraby Laura O Connell Senior Vicars Marilyn Bloom, RN Roger Hughes Dave Jeffery Mary Kilber Lynda Maraby Laura O Connell Evan Rogers Kathleen Rogers Rhonda Schmidt Sarah Shaw Ellen Riske Evan Rogers Kathleen Rogers Vicki Wilcox Wayne Wilcox The Messenger is a monthly publication of First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Mesa, Arizona. Please submit information by to felc@firstevlutheran.com or in written form to the church office by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Choir rehearsal Wednesdays, 4-5:30 PM Hahn Fireside Lounge During Advent this year we re going to take a look at exactly where Jesus came from..after you ve said God.what kind of people were on the mother s side of the family? The way we do this is to take a look at people in the Hebrew Scripture that we know were relatives of Jesus. We know from the prophets that Jesus came from the stump of Jesse.so somebody thought of a way to tell about Jesus family tree using an old tree branch and symbols of people from the Bible who were Jesus relatives. This is called a Jesse Tree. For our Advent worship we are going to set up a Jesse Tree and tell the stories of Jesus family members. The Wednesdays of Advent are December 6, 13, and 20. We begin the evening with fellowship over a bowl of soup at 5:30 PM, followed by worship at 6:15. Las Posadas As a bilingual faith community we will come together on December 22, 6-9 PM to celebrate Las Posadas. This is a wonderful opportunity not only to commemorate the journey of Mary and Joseph, but to also worship and fellowship together in a bilingual context, celebrating the wonderful gift of diversity that God has given us. Viernes 22 de diciembre 6 PM Las Posadas comenzando y terminando en la iglesia Dear servants of God at First Evangelical/La Primera, As we consider ways in which we can be faithful disciples of Christ, we invite you to join us in a ministry of visiting and calling those who cannot join us in person for worship. Here is a list of people who would appreciate more frequent contact. If you feel called to join us in this ministry, please contact Lynda Maraby. Evelyn Kolsrud Viola Schiermeister Roseann Lawhead Mary Lou Boettcher Ray Shackle Art and Rosabelle Nelson Wanda Slusher Ruth Lund Millie Spigelmire

3 EDUCATION FOR ALL Children s Sunday School : Sundays, 10:30 AM Learning Center High School Class:

Fellowship Hall Confirmation: Great Room This month: December 12 6-8 PM Adult Education Class The Psalms

They show us how to respond to God in praise.

This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for group discussions and for meeting

Christian Movement Christmas Party We are having a Christmas party and potluck luncheon and we want you

3 3 EDUCATION FOR ALL Children s Sunday School : Sundays, 10:30 AM Learning Center High School Class: Sundays, 10:30 AM Hahn Fireside Lounge Sunday Gathering for Confirmation-age youth Sundays, 10:30 AM Fellowship Hall Confirmation: Great Room This month: December PM Adult Education Class The Psalms show us how to relate to God as we pray our doubt, fears, and anger. They show us how to respond to God in praise. In this study we find a place to explore who we are and what God means to us. This revised LifeGuide Bible Study features additional questions for group discussions and for meeting God in personal reflection. Olson Conference Room, Sundays at 10:30 AM. Christian Movement Christmas Party We are having a Christmas party and potluck luncheon and we want you to come and join us! Tuesday, December AM Great Room It IS a potluck so if you are able, please bring a dish to share (but don t let it stop you if you are unable). We will provide entertainment & BINGO! We will have lots of good food, fun & fellowship. Please join us!

CHRISTMAS GARDEN OF POINSETTIAS Please print all information A gift of poinsettia plants at $8.

We will adorn our Sanctuary with a Garden of Poinsettias at our Christmas Eve Services. The cost of each poinsettia plant is $8. We do need your request completed by Sunday, December 17.

1-4 PM Cost $20 per person Contact Marilyn Bloom lhloom@aol.

4 CHRISTMAS GARDEN OF POINSETTIAS Please print all information A gift of poinsettia plants at $8.00 each 4 Donated by [ ] In Loving Memory of [ ] In Honor of [ ] To the Glory of God Amount enclosed $ Your gift will be acknowledged in the Christmas Eve Bulletin. We will adorn our Sanctuary with a Garden of Poinsettias at our Christmas Eve Services. The cost of each poinsettia plant is $8. We do need your request completed by Sunday, December 17. Simply complete the information and bring/mail the form & payment to the church. CPR certification/ First Aid review class Saturday, January 20 Great Room. 1-4 PM Cost $20 per person Contact Marilyn Bloom lhloom@aol.com/ Pastors Christmas Gifts Beginning Sunday, December 3, please make an extra offering to help express a Merry Christmas to Pastor Melissa, Lynda Maraby and Cassandra Chavez. Just notate your check or envelope with the amount you want to designate for this purpose. Gifts will be presented at the Christmas Eve service. Thank you from your Church Council. Valley Interfaith Project On November 30, all are invited to a meeting of Valley Interfaith Project at 6:30 PM at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, 4455 E Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley. We are a part of this organization of many faith groups including in the Valley that works to carry out the call to love our neighbor by impacting organizations and political leaders in Arizona. Those who want to learn more about the organization should come to this meeting on November 30. There will be stories of need and success and news about what the organization will be working on in the following year. Areas of focus include work, education and water as well as immigration and health care. Please sign up by calling the office or signing on the office door. For more information talk to Lynda Maraby or Cassandra Chavez. El 30 de noviembre están invitados a una reunión del Proyecto Interfé del Valle a las 6:30 en Paradise Valley United Methodist Church 4455 E Lincoln Dr. Paradise Valley. Somos parte de esta organización de muchos grupos e iglesias en el valle quienes trabajan para amar a nuestro prójimo a través de acciones en organizaciones y con líderes políticos. Los que quieren aprender más de esta organización deberían venir a esta reunión el 30 de noviembre. Contaran historias de necesidad y de éxito e información acerca de que la organización está haciendo en este próximo ano. También introducirán el nuevo encargado de la organización, Victor Aguila. Esta organización trabaja en las áreas de trabajo, educación, agua, inmigración y salud. Por favor hablen con Lynda o Cassandra para más información.

5 First Evangelical Lutheran Church/La Primera Council Minutes November 12, Present: Pastor Melissa Harr, Cassandra Chavez, Mary Kilber, Sarah Shaw, Diane Johnson, Kathleen Rogers, Evan Rogers, Lynda Maraby The meeting was opened with prayer by Evan Rogers. Minutes from the October 8 Council meeting were reviewed and approved by acclamation. Reports: Treasurer s Report: Our cash reserves have been dwindling, but we have not had unusual expenses. Year to date, we are on budget and accounts are slightly positive. Designated funds are a bit up because of donations toward the upgrade of the computer system that runs our HVAC. Pastor Melissa s Report: Melissa and Cassandra attended the semi-annual internship meeting at Lord of Life in Sun City West on Friday, November 10. Interns from PLTS and the Lutheran seminary in Chicago (LSTC) and their advisors were in attendance. The next meeting will be in Sierra Vista in April. Donations to the youth in detention will also be offered to counselors at Arizona Children s Association to share with foster and adopted children under their care. Council discussed the creation of a giving tree for foster children who come with nothing. These youngsters, mostly teenagers, usually need clothing and toiletries, especially. There are 43 individuals in the Pima County section of Arizona Children s. The theme for Advent is The Jesse Tree. Laura O Connell and Sharon Laasch will be in charge of creating the ornaments. Cursillo went well but was a bit draining. Lynda Maraby s Report: Lynda has been appointed to the synod Grant Review Committee. The committee will meet on November 20. Lynda has been doing the congregational survey during visits with our shut-in members. Their responses are very interesting, and they appreciate being included. Lynda and Cassandra will be going to Yuma on New Year s weekend to preach at our mission partner, Gloria de Cristo. Cassandra Chavez Report: Cassandra has been attending the Campfirmation planning meetings. They are asking for our $300 deposit for next summer s session. A Valley Interfaith Leaders Meeting is coming up on November 30. We will ask members of the congregation to attend. Cassandra reminded council members of the two ecumenical Thanksgiving services coming up. Both will be held at St. Mark s Episcopal Church just off University on Horne. An interfaith service will be held November 19 at 7pm. A joint service (First Lutheran and St. Marks) will be held on Wednesday, November 22 at 10am, followed by a potluck lunch. St. Marks will provide turkey, and attendees are invited to bring side dishes. Those going from First will gather at the church at 9:15 and carpool to St. Marks. There is a sign-up sheet on the door of the church office. La Primera: So far this year, we have had fewer people coming in off the street to ask for baptisms and first communions. We are not sure why. One of our members, Sandy Madrigales, has given birth to a healthy baby boy, Joshua. If members would like to donate diapers or other baby supplies, we will make sure Sandy and her family know that we are welcoming the new baby. We had a good turn-out for the Dia de Los Muertos service on November 2. Next year, the event will include a meal Thanksgiving following the service. Eve Worship Service Wednesday, which to put November on the shelves PM All reports were accepted as delivered. Pie and fellowship following worship. Old Business: The library in the narthex is coming together. We will ask the junior high and high schoolers to sort books and decide Volunteers are needed to help with the rummage sale. We need to sort and price items in advance. Council is moving forward with work on the Mission Site Plan. Members are invited to attend a meeting on Saturday, December 2, to review and categorize responses to the congregational survey we conducted in October. (Continued on page 6)

Can you bring a crockpot of soup for an Advent soup supper?

Christmas for 6 Stop by the tree in the sanctuary and pick a tag.

December Change for Change Offering on December 26 will support ASU Campus Ministry Vicars Meetings Mondays, 10 AM

building. New Business: We need to select delegates to next year s Synod Assembly in Tucson.

Lynda Maraby nominated Evan and Kathleen Rogers, and Council concurred.

6 Can you bring a crockpot of soup for an Advent soup supper? December 6, 13 & 20 Sign up on the sheet on the office door or call the office Let s Make it a Merry Christmas for 6 Stop by the tree in the sanctuary and pick a tag. Shop for the sweatshirt size indicated and return it to church by December 10 WITH THE TAG ATTACHED. December Change for Change Offering on December 26 will support ASU Campus Ministry Vicars Meetings Mondays, 10 AM Olson Conference Room (Council Minutes, Continued from page 5) We still need a fee schedule for use of the church building. New Business: We need to select delegates to next year s Synod Assembly in Tucson. This is especially important because we will be voting on our new bishop. Lynda Maraby nominated Evan and Kathleen Rogers, and Council concurred. Lynda Maraby suggested that Council develop guidelines for helping members who request assistance with personal matters. In the absence of a called, full-time pastor, Council will oversee the process and decide whether to offer limited financial assistance. MONTHLY FINANCIAL REPORT As of 10/31/17 Actual 2017 Budget 2017 Actual 2016 Budget 2016 Offerings $116,357 $125,400 $123,053 $158,330 Other Income $85,738 $84,750 $81,766 $82,033 Total Income $202,094 $210,150 $204,819 $240,367 Expenses $198,386 $213,004 $206,651 $244,761 Inc. Less Exp. $3,708 $-2,854 $-1,833 $-4,394 December 10 12:30 PM Olson Conference Room

2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 3 1st Sunday in Advent 10 2nd Sunday in Advent 17 3rd Sunday in Advent 24 Christmas Eve 31 New Year s Eve 1 OFFICE CLOSED 8 OFFICE CLOSED 15 OFFICE CLOSED 22 OFFICE

7 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 7 3 1st Sunday in Advent 10 2nd Sunday in Advent 17 3rd Sunday in Advent 24 Christmas Eve 31 New Year s Eve 1 OFFICE CLOSED 8 OFFICE CLOSED 15 OFFICE CLOSED 22 OFFICE CLOSED 29 OFFICE CLOSED 10:30 AM Sunday School LC 10:30 AM High School Class HFL 10:30 AM Confirmation Sunday Gathering - FH 10:30 AM Adult Class - OCR 10:30 AM Sunday School LC 10:30 AM Confirmation Sunday Gathering - FH 10:30 AM High School Class HFL 10:30 AM Adult Class - OCR 12:30 PM Church Council - OCR 10:30 AM Sunday School LC 10:30 AM Confirmation Sunday Gathering - FH 10:30 AM High School Class HFL 10:30 AM Adult Class - OCR 7 PM Christmas Eve Worship S 4 DEADLINE: BULLETIN 10 AM Vicar Meeting: OCR 11 DEADLINE: BULLETIN 10 AM Vicar Meeting: OCR Christian Movement set-up 18 DEADLINE: BULLETIN NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 10 AM Vicar Meeting: OCR 4:30 PM Intern Lay Meeting - OCR 5 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard 4:30-7:30 PM City of Mesa Community Meeting #2 - GR 12 NO LSSS-SW 10 AM Christian Movement Christmas Party - GR 6-8 PM Confirmation - Great Room 19 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard 25 Christmas 26 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard GR Great Room S Sanctuary OCR Olson Conference Room HFL Hahn Fireside Lounge 6 9 AM-12 PM Kids Creations- GR 4-5:30 PM Choir Rehearsal HFL 5:30 PM Advent Soup Supper GR 6:15 PM Advent Worship Service S :30 PM Choir Rehearsal HFL 5:30 PM Advent Soup Supper GR 6:15 PM Advent Worship Service S 20 9 AM-12 PM Kids in the Kitchen- GR 4-5:30 PM Choir Rehearsal HFL 5:30 PM Advent Soup Supper GR 6:15 PM Advent Worship Service S 7 OFFICE CLOSED 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard 14 OFFICE CLOSED 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard 21 OFFICE CLOSED 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard OFFICE CLOSED 9 AM LSS-SW Food Bank - Courtyard LC Learning Center FH Fellowship Hall * - Off-Campus 7 PM FELC Worship OCR 7 PM FELC Worship OCR 10 AM - noon FamilySPOT: GR, OCR 7 PM FELC Worship OCR 6-9 PM Las Posadas 7 PM FELC Worship OCR 2 9 AM Mission Site Planning Meeting - OCR 9 8 AM-1PM FamilySPOT Tamale Time- K Quincinera 30

8 First Evangelical Lutheran Church 142 N. Date Street Mesa, Arizona 8 December 2017 Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service Please join us. All are welcome Pie and in this fellowship place. Friday Communion Worship: following 7:00 PM worship. Wednesday, November 22 Sunday Communion Worship: 9:15 AM 6 PM La Primera Communion Worship: 11:00 AM Christian Education: 10:30 AM Mid-week Advent Services: Wednesday, Dec. 6, 13, 20; 6:15 PM Advent Soup Suppers: Dec. 6, 13, 20; 5:30 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Sunday, December 24 7 PM OFFICE HOURS Mondays through Wednesdays: 8:30AM-2:30PM First Evangelical Lutheran Church 142 North Date Street Mesa, Arizona Contact Us Phone: (480) Fax: (480) felc@firstevlutheran.com Web:

F I R S T E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H. Celebrating Seventy Years of God s Amazing Grace

F I R S T E V A N G E L I C A L L U T H E R A N C H U R C H Celebrating Seventy Years of God s Amazing Grace Mission Moments M a r c h 2 0 1 9 Volume 14 Issue 3 In Response to the Good News of Jesus Christ: