November Bringle Ferry Rd. Salisbury, NC

Transcription

1 November Bringle Ferry Rd. Salisbury, NC Union Lutheran Church Messenger The Rev. David W. Nuottila - Pastor ulcpastor@att.net Union Lutheran Church is a congregation of the North American Lutheran Church Christ Centered - Mission Driven - Traditionally Grounded - Congregationally Focused November at a Glance November 1 - All Saints Day YOU Church / K.I.D.S. Game Night November 3 - Women s Circles Property Committee November 8 - November 9 - Union Women s Sunday Covered Dish (Pat Miller) Evangelism Committee November 12 - Good Timers Stewardship Committee November 15 - YOUth Music Rehearsals G.I.F.T. Group YOU Church / K.I.D.S. Game Night Weekly Worship Schedule Sunday 9:30 a.m. - Sunday School for All Ages 10:30 a.m. - Traditional Worship Wednesday 11:00 a.m. - Mid week Prayer with Holy Communion Christian Education Sunday - 3:00 p.m. - Catechetical Instruction Monday 10:00 a.m. - Bible Study Monday 7:00 p.m. - Bible study November 21 - Great Rake November 22 - Christ the King Sunday November 25 - Thanksgiving Worship November 29-1st Sunday of Advent

2 by Pastor David Nuottila Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:31-33 Here in God s world, good things happen each and every day. Through no power of ours, rain falls upon crops so that people might be fed. Sunshine warms those who are cold. Flowers bloom providing beauty. Waters teem with fish and trees bear fruit of every kind in their season. All of Creation sings to the glory of our God! Everything we could possibly need for life on earth, God has provided. Looking through the window of my office today, I can see leaves, once green now turned red, yellow or brown. They are falling from the trees to the ground where they will become either a warm blanket for tiny creatures, or nutrients for plants that provide food and shelter for the animals of the ground and birds of the air. In all of this, acorns are falling faster than the squirrels can gather them into their dens. Certainly the autumn season is a beautiful time, a time which proclaims the wonders of God s good Creation. Seeing all of these things, it amazes me how Christians can recognize the abundant care God provides for the animals and birds, yet we all too often fail to recognize God s abundant care for his people and his Church. With the turning of the leaves and the falling of the temperature, autumn also ushers in feelings of scarcity and feelings of doubt. The picture of the autumn season soon becomes clouded with the season of the church budget. At this time of year, committee and congregation meetings are called and centered upon forming a plan for the year to come. Emphasis is placed upon the worries associated with bank accounts, monthly checks and stagnant income. It is of little wonder that, as we focus on these things, suddenly the joy of understanding God s provision seems overcome hesitation, anxiousness and worry. How will we pay for that? Where will the money come from? What can we cut? These are all questions that are asked by so many congregations. They are questions asked with the presumption that we human beings actually have ownership of God s possessions. The funny thing is, as we look for those items to trim from budgets, in so many instances, the elements of our worship are the first to be offered to the budget axe. Maybe we could use less paper for the bulletin. What if we spend less on communion wine? Do we really need new choir music? When we express worry concerning that which God provides, we open the door for sin, doubt and the devil to come into our midst where they attempt to lead us away from God. The devil knows that he can challenge our faith and confidence in God to provide what we need in abundance. The devil knows that we have a weakness when it comes to our treasure. God knows this as well and that is why his Son Jesus Christ teaches us that we need not worry. The evidence he provides comes in such a simple way; Look at the birds of the air consider the lilies of the fields. People of God, we have God s promise that he will provide all that we need to do his mission and ministry. The evidence is overwhelming; just look out the window. God cares so deeply for the beauty of the earth. Will he not care much more deeply for those whom he has called to light for the world? Yes! He will, forever and ever! Grace to you and peace, Pastor David Nuottila

3 Join us for our annual Community Thanksgiving Eve Worship November 25, 2015 Service begins at 7:00 p.m. Fellowship in the Dutch Meeting Hall immediately following worship. Invite your friends and neighbors to join us as we offer thanks to God. The Season of Advent Believe it or not, the last Sunday of November is the first Sunday of Advent, the season in which God s people make ready for the Lord Jesus Christ to come in glory and take his people unto himself. Advent is also the time when we prepare our hearts and minds to receive once more, the promise and hope brought to God s people upon the birth of the Christ child in Bethlehem. Advent is a time of renewal, a time of repentance and a time to strengthen one s commitment to following our Lord Jesus. Some reading this newsletter may be wondering how to reconnect with the Church, others might be struggling against difficulties that have become roadblocks to faith. Advent is a time when such issues are met. John the Baptist calls all of God s people to prepare their hearts and minds, making the pathway straight that leads the way to the Lord of Lords. The entire family of Union is encouraged to renew its commitment to faithful living, weekly worship, and fellowship among the saints. The theme for Advent is patiently and actively waiting while preparing for the coming Messiah. May we do these things together in the presence of God and the company of one another. Candlelight Prayer and Worship Join your Church family for a peaceful and prayerful journey into the advent season. A candlelight service of Worship and Prayer will be held in the Dutch Meeting Hall on Sunday, November 29 beginning at 5:30 p.m. All are invited to worship and encouraged to invite friends and neighbors, that we may lift up our prayers to God in heaven. Anyone who would like to serve as a reader or acolyte may contact Pastor David.

4 Congratulations Sarah and Justin Mission Driven In accordance with the NALC s call to form congregational teams with an emphasis on church mission, a few of our members have become the first members of Union s Mission Team. Judy Boyd, Eric Brady, Janie Leslie, and Vicki Peeler will be meeting with Pastor David for prayer, Scripture reading and discerning God s call concerning the missional aspect of our shared ministry. The Mission Team is not a committee and it is not a group tasked with making decisions The Mission Team is simply a group devoted to hearing the whispers of the Holy Spirit as God calls us to extend the gospel of Jesus Christ into the world. The Mission Team will share ideas, encourage others and connect with other congregational Mission Teams so that our congregation might truly become one that is MISSION DRIVEN. Justin Goodman and Sarah Clifton have completed their confirmation instruction and were confirmed on Sunday, October 25, through affirmation of their Baptism. Please keep these two YOUth members in prayer as they continue to grow in Annual Advent Ball The YOUth of Union Lutheran Church in grades 6-12 and their friends are invited to an evening of Music, Food and Fun as we anticipate once more the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This year s YOUth Advent Ball will be held on Friday, December 11, 2015 in the Dutch Meeting Hall beginning at 7:00 p.m. YOUth groups from several congregations are also invited to attend and celebrate with us the joy and anticipation of this season. At the conclusion of the Advent Ball, Union s YOUth are invited to remain for a LOCK-IN until 9:00 a.m. Saturday, Dec 12. Worship Opportunities The following is a list of worship dates with special emphasis. As always, you are encouraged to invite your friends and neighbors to join us as we worship together. November 1 - All Saints Day 10:30 a.m. Lighting candles to remember those who have recently entered the Church Triumphant Nov 8 - Union Women s Sunday 10:30 a.m. Celebrating and honoring the contributions of the Women of Union Lutheran Church Nov 22 - Christ the King 10:30 a.m. The final Sunday of the Liturgical Church calendar Wed, Nov 25 - Thanksgiving Eve 7:00 p.m. Ecumenical Community Worship / Fellowship Nov 29-1st Sunday of Advent 10:30 a.m. Candlelight Prayer - 5:30 p.m.

5 September 21, 2015 Pastor David Nuottila Union Lutheran Church Dear Pastor David, I greet you and your congregation in the name of Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Redeemer. Words cannot fully express the joy that is in my heart and in the hearts of your Christian brothers and sisters of the Lutheran Church of Congo DRC, for your recent visit and mission work among us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for us. And Many thanks to the saint at Union Lutheran Church for making your visit and work among us possible. Before coming to Congo you probably had in mind a few specific things you would do to serve the Church during your mission trip. I am sure, however, that while here you came across so many other ministry opportunities and served in many other ways you did not anticipate. Through your Christ-like presence and ministry among us, and through your teaching, preaching, serving meals to orphans, blessing our farming project, giving eye glasses to those in need and ministering in various circumstances, you witnessed to the Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for that witness! To my amazement and great joy, you also connected with people as if you had been to Congo several times before. With this, you taught our leaders how to be a missionary of the gospel. As you and Pastor Kalonji experienced, our country is plagued by hardships that are not always easy to describe. One has to see in order to fully understand what it means to live and minister in Congo. In these hardships, however, the people are hungering for the gospel of Jesus Christ and our leaders crave training so they can become better equipped and more effective in proclaiming the Lord Jesus Christ. I invite you to come back as soon as you can and pray that your congregation, other congregations of the NALC and our American Christian brothers and sisters will support our work, especially the training of leaders, the feeding of orphaned children and our farming project. May our heavenly Father keep on blessing you and all the members of Union Lutheran Church!

6 Service projects during October for the Sonshine Kids included decorating pumpkins for our church family members who are residents of Autumn Care. Judy Boyd and Pastor David delivered pumpkins to Zarah Plyler and Mildred Kesler, both of whom loved them very much. The following story accompanied the pumpkins that were delivered. Being a Pumpkin A woman was asked by a co-worker, What is it like to be a Christian? The co-worker replied, It s like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in and washes the dirt off of you. Then he cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate and greed. Then he carves you a new smiling face and puts his light inside of you to shine for all the world to see. The kids also assembled and sent a care package to Jenna Cauble who is currently serving in the United Sates Marine Corps. Please keep Jenna and all of our service men and women in your prayers. The Great Rake The Great Rake takes place this year on Saturday, November 21 beginning at 9:00 a.m. We will meet at the church, divide up into groups and head out to the homes of members who need assistance. Lunch at the church will be provided. Come join the fun and help out by showing the love of Christ through the work of your hands! It s that time again, time to get out your rakes and leaf blowers and help out with the Great Rake! Join other members of the Union Church Family and members of our scout troop as we help out those who need a hand raking up leaves and clearing branches and such from their lawns. MISSION Accomplished YOUth members of Union s K.I.D.S. and YOU Church participated in Rowan Helping Ministry s annual Trick-Or-Treat so Others Can Eat project. The YOUth member distributed grocery bags within our congregation and throughout the Cardinal Village neighborhood near Rockwell to be filled with nonperishable food items for the local pantry. The following week, bags were collected and food items taken to Rowan Helping Ministries. The total weight of food donations came to over 400 pounds! Thank you to everyone who participated by donating food. Thank you especially to the YOUth members of K.I.D.S. and YOU Church! Together you helped others by feeding the hungry and showing them the love of Christ.

7 The Good Timers met on October 8th. Ruby Leazer opened with devotions entitled Humanity, Humility and Humble. The group then carpooled to The Laurels and had a very nice visit with Pastor C.P. Fisher to help celebrate his 97th birthday. Following that visit, the group then traveled to Oak Park Retirement Center and visited with several of the residents there. The activities director, Karen Leonard and a very nice man named Cliff provided a tour. The center served a delicious meal and we sang the Benediction for our blessing led by Tonya Brittain. Our next meeting will be held on November 12 with Shonna Lanning Black giving the program. For lunch we will go to The Lakeside Restaurant (formerly known as Jimmy s Lakeside Restaurant). Thanks and Appreciation To Union Lutheran Church feeding Group #2 and helpers: During a time like this we realize how much our church family, friends and relatives really mean to us. Thank you so much for the abundance of delicious food offered at the family meal. Our family is large and your efforts are greatly appreciated. Even more, we are grateful for your prayers, support and care. Your expression of sympathy will always be remembered. The Family of Ola Mae Cauble To my church family, I would like to thank all for the cards, flowers, visits and food given to me during my recent knee replacement surgery and recovery. A special thanks to the members of Game Night who came to Brian Center and played cards with me. It is those little things that make you appreciate your church family and their ability to share Christ s love. Union Women Rejoice in the Lord and give thanks. We will celebrate Union Women s Sunday on November 8th. It s our day to shine and be recognized for all the ways we serve the church, community and world. I will be delivering a message on Union Women, Past, Present and Future. We need your talents in the choir to sing our Union Women anthem. You will not want to miss it. Officers for 2016 are in place as all officers from 2015 have agreed to serve on more year, with the exception of Daisy Martin. She will not be able to serve as secretary. We thank Daisy for her service. Janie Leslie will be our secretary for Officers are as follows: President; Cathy Kluttz Painther, Vice President; Lynn Coughenour, Secretary; Janie Leslie, Treasurer; Anna Harrelson. The Bi-Annual meeting of Union Women will be held on December 13 at 3:00 p.m. Officers for 2016 will be installed at this meeting. The Mary and Martha group will have the program and refreshments will follow. You are asked to bring snacks (preferably Christmas cookies or treats). In Christ s service, Cathy Kluttz Painther On Sunday, November 8 following our service of worship, the congregation will honor Patty Sue Miller, giving thanks for her many years as our church organist. Please bring your favorite dishes to enjoy and share. Anyone desiring to contribute to a gift for Pat should place it in a pew envelop and mark it Organist Gift. Thank you Pat for sharing your music and your faith with us! In Christian love, Grace Morgan

8 Union Women s Sunday 4 - Kathleen Agner Phoebe Nunn 5 - Ruth Goodman Phil Cauble 6 - Janice Goodman Evan Misenheimer 7 - Whitney Arey Justin Goodman Sharon Leazer 9 - Sarah Bame Masyn Burgess 11 - David Holshouser 12 - Patty Miller 13 - Thad Mulkey Effie Vellines 15 - Rachel Nuottila 17 - Dickie shue 18 - Brett Mulkey Jim Brady 19 - Sue Chambers 20 - Tom Cole 27 - Betty Goodwin Diane Jones 29 - Charles Huffman Deena Lanning We invite you come worship with us on November 8 as we recognize the ministry of Union Women of the NALC. Members of the various women s circles will be leading worship and Union women s President Cathy Painther will give the message for the day. Come and support the women of our congregation who do so much for others though their mission projects. Worship Assistants for November Acolyte / Crucifer Nov 1 Nov 8 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Ethan Wilhelm / Vicki Peeler Ethan Wilhelm / Vicki Peeler Justin Goodman / Jeff Parker Justin Goodman / Jeff Parker Alex Miller / Jeff Parker 1 - Larry and Karen Barringer 2 - Dusty and Lisa Morgan 13 - Wade and Ruby Leazer 17 - Luther and Lauren Lyerly 29 - Charles and Kackie Frick Tex and Patsy Lyerly Communion Assistants Nov 1 Nov 15 Nov 22 Lay Readers Nov 1 Nov 8 Nov 15 Nov 22 Nov 29 Angela Nuottila / Doris Shepherd Gladys Morgan / Eddie Morgan Sabrina Eagle / Sonya Mulkey Wayne Vellines Deena Lanning Jimmie Earnhardt Cameron Lambert Roy Zimmerman Ushers Linda Cauble (HU) Brenda Cauble Faye Kesler Doris Page Doris Shepherd

9

10 Just for Fun!