DECEMBER Celebrating December 2 Staff & Council. Pastor s Message 3. Prayer & Announcements 4. Bishop s Message 5.

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1 DECEMBER 2016 Celebrating December 2 Staff & Council Pastor s Message 3 Prayer & Announcements 4 Bishop s Message 5 Parish Paper 6-7 Look for Pastor Alan s message on page 3. Announcements 8 December Scripture Readings December Worship Group Schedule December Calendar ALL SAINTS LUTHERAN CHURCH 314 S. Spruce Street Spokane, WA allsaintsgather@gmail.com Facebook: All Saints Gather SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:00am Adult Bible Study 10:30am Worship 10:30am Children s Sunday School 11:45am Fellowship Hour

2 CELEBRATE DECEMBER!!!!! BIRTHDAYS 4 Ryan McKinley 5 Ellowyn Winkle 6 Carla Ross 7 Shirley Gambill 11 Norm Sanborn 18 Darby McKinley 19 Carter Vang 27 Germaine Morgan 28 Don Bryant 30 Mark Wasmund 31 Kaden Wickert Church Staff Pastor Alan B. Eschenbacher Visitation Pastor George Taylor Organist Nisha Coulter Substitute Organist Ty Peterson Office Administrator Teresa Freund Custodians John Holzendorf Terry Burk Council Members President Karen Bryant Vice President Larry Ray Secretary Maynard Ross Treasurer Dean Treichel Verna Bagby Bryce Eschenbacher Jackilyn Kemmish Dee Priest Financial Secretary Cora Jelinek ANNIVERSARIES 18 John & Sherry Hill ALL SAINTS GATHER NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS items to: allsaintsgather@gmail.com OR place articles & submissions on the desk in the office. Deadline for the January Issue: MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH 2

3 Pastor s Message Each winter as the year grows older, we each grow older too. The chill sets in a little colder, the verities we knew seem shaken and untrue. ELW Hymn number 252, Each Winter as the Year Grows Older, by William Gay This wonderful Advent hymn is one of my favorites. This first verse seems especially pertinent this year, the verities (certainties, principles, truths) we knew have surely been shaken. I am not going to argue politics in this newsletter article, or tell anyone how they should think, or what they should do next. Some folks are taking a wait and see approach, others are gathering to discuss options for how to make sure certain rights are not infringed upon. Still more people are gathering simply to comfort one another in the face of the un-certainties or to protest against the abuse of big corporate power in the name of money. There are many things to be anxious about in this world, not the least of which are, global climate change, ongoing wars, and global economic travesties. When you add the uncertainty of the new presidential administration to the mix, I can understand how many folks would be fearful. This fear causes different responses across the board, but as long as the responses are not violent they are probably healthy ways for people to react. Now therefore, as Christians, what does this mean? As always in simple terms, we are called to; Love God and Love neighbor. That s it, nothing ground breaking or difficult, but rather more of the same things we should always be doing. I think this is where the problem is for many of the unchurched or nones in our country. So many people have never been churched or have gotten away from the church and it s teachings about love that they are not used to loving God or neighbor in the ways that matter. It is way too easy to be swayed by what s happening on a daily basis and to take sides based on our preferences and priorities. Then, if those preferences and priorities have no basis in love, it is very difficult to see any way out of the fear and anxiety that get heaped upon us daily. We end up re-acting to what we hear and the actions we then take are only based on our fairly narrow view of what is best for us. When we see politicians and policy administrators coming at us with ideas and proposals that are against love for God and neighbor we must then be driven to act and take action to stand up for Love of God and neighbor, and this may in and of itself produce anxiety! Being a Christian was never supposed to be easy! We have had things pretty calm, church wise, the last century here in the states, the church here is not persecuted as in other places around the world. There have been many strides forward in areas of inclusivity and human rights which have been, I think, done largely out of Love and with some support by certain churches. Now we are facing a time where this progress could be in danger of reversal and many could lose their places and become the victims, once again, of violence. I would urge all of you to pray and to carefully consider how you will respond to what I see as an alarming trend toward unloving actions on the part of some of our politicians that are now entrusted with running the government. We can, and indeed must, rise and make our voices heard so that love will win! 3

4 PRAYER AT ALL SAINTS For the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the future of All Saints For Pastor Alan Eschenbacher as he serves All Saints For Bishop Martin Wells and the Synod Staff For ELCA presiding Bishop Elizabeth A. Eaton For divine guidance for our country COUNCIL ACTIONS November 14, 2016 M/S/C to accept John Holzendorf's resignation from Church Council. M/S/C to accept minutes of October Council meeting as corrected. M/S/C to accept Treasurer's Report as presented. M/S/C to accept 2017 Proposed Budget as presented for proposal to the congregation on December 4th M/S/C to accept the Altar Guild Duties & Responsibilities, Congregation Duties & Responsibilities, Council Duties & Responsibilities and Pastor's Duties & Responsibilities as presented by the Planning Team. M/S/C to adjourn meeting at 8:30 pm. Prayer Requests Craig Davenport, Judy Shoaf, Cindy Shepherd, Solveig Shepherd, Shirley Evers, Laurel Gittings, Germaine Morgan, Dee Priest, Verna Bagby, Bernice Rosendahl, Frances Sola, Mark DeRoth, Nelma Johnson, Andrew Guyman, Leona Chenault, Arlene & David O Brien, Orrin Sanborn, Dorothy Ulsamer, Larry Ray, Anne Ray, Doug Johnson, Eleanor Olson, Dean Treichel, Dillon Brown, Ted, Jody, Dane, Lisa, Kalen Perez, Alan Rogers For our Members in the Military Paul Billings, Ben Coles, Robert Guyton, Aaron Jelinek Altar Flowers There has been an ongoing conversation between Altar Guild and church members regarding silk vs. real flowers on Sunday mornings. There are pros and cons for both choices too many to list! After much discussion and prayer, the Altar Guild has decided that going forward only real flowers will be used on Sunday mornings. Flowers are a wonderful way to remember a loved one, celebrate a wedding anniversary, birthday, baptism or other special occasion. If anyone would like to provide flowers for a Sunday morning (most grocery stores and Costco have bouquets for around $10), you can bring them to church with a vase and whoever is on Altar Guild that particular Sunday will help you place them on the stand next to the Altar. Following worship please remember to take your bouquet home. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to talk with Verna Bagby our Altar Guild Directress. She can be reached at

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8 HOUSE CHURCH BIBLE STUDY Will meet on Wednesday, December 14th at 11am in the Fellowship Hall at All Saints. All are welcome! Congregation Budget Meeting December 4, 2016 Mark your calendars for December 4 th and plan to attend the Budget Meeting & Potluck. The Budget Committee and the Church Council are hard at work planning for All Saints future! Where do YOU fit?? What ministries will we support in 2017? What areas of ministries do we want to be the focus of our attention for 2017? YOUR voice is crucial in the planning process. So bring your favorite potluck dish and plan to attend on December 4 th All Saints Counters All Saints needs additional people to help with counting the offering and making the bank deposit. After worship on Sunday s the offering plus the coffee hour offering is put in a bank bag and put in the safe for counting on Monday morning (unless Monday is a holiday and the bank isn t open). We must have two people to count the offering, record the information on a recap sheet (envelope giving, loose, special designated gifts, etc), make the bank deposit, take it to the bank (currently Washington Trust) and return the receipt and bag to All Saints. Depending on the offering size it usually takes one-half to one hour to do the deposit. If you would be interested in helping, please let Dean Treichel know. So the counting doesn t always fall on the same people, we would like to have several volunteers on a rotating basis. Thanks for your consideration. 8 Hey there all you social media participants! Please remember to go to the Allsaintsgather facebook page and help us grow by asking your friends to "like" us! We have a great ministry and we need to spread the word! Have you ever wondered why you receive a monthly copy of Living Lutheran? Ever wondered why you aren t receiving a copy of Living Lutheran? Ever wondered what Living Lutheran is? Living Lutheran is the magazine of the ELCA and their mission is to: Nurture awareness of Christ s presence in our lives and the world Share stories of God s people living their faith Connect readers with the global Christian community Provide an open forum for discussion Challenge readers to bring God s grace and care to all All Saints has a congregation subscription for its members. The subscription cost per household is around $9 per year. If you are receiving a copy of Living Lutheran and would like to help defray the costs, there are yellow envelopes in the pew rack that you can designate an offering to help cover the cost of your subscription. If you are not receiving a copy and would like to be on the list, please contact the church office. If you are receiving a copy and would like to be taken off the list, please contact the church office as well.

9 Thursday December 1st:Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19/Isaiah 4:2-6/Acts 1:12-17, Friday December 2nd:Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19/Isaiah 30:19-26/Acts 13:16-25 Saturday December 3rd:Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19/Isaiah 40:1-11/John 1:19-28 Second Sunday of Advent December 4th Isaiah 11:1-10/Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19/Romans 15:4-13/Matthew 3:1-12 Monday December 5th:Psalm 21/Isaiah 24:1-16a/1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 Tuesday December 6th:Psalm 21/Isaiah 41:14-20/Romans 15:14-21 Wednesday December 7th:Psalm 21/Genesis 15:1-18/Matthew 12:33-37 Thursday December 8th:Psalm 146:5-10/Ruth 1:6-18/2 Peter 3:1-10 Friday December 9th:Psalm 146:5-10/Ruth 4:13-17/2 Peter 3:11-18 Saturday December 10th:Psalm 146:5-10/1 Samuel 2:1-8/Luke 3:1-18 Third Sunday of Advent December 11th Isaiah 35:1-10/Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:46b-55/James 5:7-10/Matthew 11:2-11 Monday December 12th:Psalm 42/Isaiah 29:17-24/Acts 5:12-16 Tuesday December 13th:Psalm 42/Ezekiel 47:1-12/Jude Wednesday December 14th:Psalm 42/Zechariah 8:1-17/Matthew 8:14-17, Thursday December 15th:Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19/2 Samuel 7:1-17/Galatians 3:23-29 Friday December 16th:Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19/2 Samuel 7:18-22/Galatians 4:1-7 Saturday December 17th:Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19/2 Samuel 7:23-29/John 3:31-36 Fourth Sunday of Advent December 18th Isaiah 7:10-16/Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19/Romans 1:1-7/Matthew 1:18-25 Monday December 19th:1 Samuel 2:1-10/Genesis 17:15-22/Galatians 4:8-20 Tuesday December 20th:1 Samuel 2:1-10/Genesis 21:1-21/Galatians 4:21 5:1 Wednesday December 21st:1 Samuel 2:1-10/Genesis 37:2-11/Matthew 1:1-17 Thursday December 22nd:Luke 1:46b-55/Isaiah 33:17-22/Revelation 22:6-7, Friday December 23rd:Luke 1:46b-55/2 Samuel 7:18, 23-29/Galatians 3:6-14 Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Eve December 24th Isaiah 9:2-7/Psalm 96/Titus 2:11-14/Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Nativity of Our Lord Christmas Day December 25th Isaiah 62:6-12/Psalm 97/Titus 3:4-7/Luke 2:[1-7] 8-20 Monday December 26th:Psalm 148/Wisdom 4:7-15/Acts 7:59 8:8 Tuesday December 27th:Psalm 148/Proverbs 8:22-31/1 John 5:1-12 Wednesday December 28th:Psalm 148/Isaiah 49:13-23/Matthew 18:1-14 Thursday December 29th:Psalm 20/Jeremiah 31:15-22/Luke 19:41-44 Friday December 30th:Psalm 20/Isaiah 26:1-9/2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Saturday December 31st:Psalm 20/1 Kings 3:5-14/John 8:

10 December 4, 2016 Greeters/Ushers... Wally Phillipson & Roger Bagby Altar Guild... Verna Bagby & Dee Priest Coffee Hour... Potluck December 11, 2016 Greeters/Ushers... Howard & Nadine Kelly Altar Guild... Verna Bagby & Dee Priest Coffee Hour... Marie Voss & Terry Burk December 18, 2016 Greeters/Ushers... Brad Johnson & Larry Ray Altar Guild... Verna Bagby & Dee Priest Coffee Hour... Wally & Camilla Phillipson Pat Johnson Christmas Eve, December 24, 2016 Greeters/Ushers... Dean Treichel & Roger Bagby Altar Guild... Verna Bagby & Dee Priest Christmas Day, December 25, 2016 Greeters/Ushers... Altar Guild... Roger & Verna Bagby Coffee Hour... No Coffee Hour Worship Group #3 for December consists of: Marie & Shylah Voss, Dean Treichel, Roger & Verna Bagby, Dee Priest, Eleanor Olson, Wally & Camilla Phillipson, Brad Johnson, Pat Johnson, Rev. Mark Nelson, Howard & Nadine Kelly, Larry Ray, Terry Burk 10

11 Unless otherwise noted, ASLC Office is open 9:00am-3:30pm Monday-Friday Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 5:30PM SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24TH OPEN HOUSE AND CANDLELIGHT SERVICE 1 2 Pr. Alan s Day Off 3 4 9am Bible Study 10:30am All Saints Worship & Youth Sunday School 11:45am Budget Meeting and Potluck 8pm Addicts in Action 5 No Community Dinner 6 6pm Advent Service at All Saints Lutheran 6:30pm Martial Arts 7 11am-3pm RPEC luncheon 8 Pr. Alan s Day Off am Bible Study 10:30am All Saints Worship & Youth Sunday School 11:45am Fellowship Hour 6:30pm Council Meeting 8pm Addicts in Action pm Community Dinner 14 6pm Advent Service at Salem Lutheran 11am House Church Bible Study 6:30pm Martial Arts 7pm Comm. Ministries 9am NW Harvest Delivery 9am Quilters 15 Pr. Alan s Day Off am Bible Study 10:30am All Saints Worship & Youth Sunday School 11:45am Fellowship Hour Worship Group 1 Meets Newsletter Submissions Due 8pm Addicts in Action pm Community Dinner 21 6pm Advent Service at All Saints Lutheran 6:30pm Martial Arts 7pm Comm. Ministries Office Closed for Christmas 22 Pr. Alan s Day Off Office Closed for Christmas 23 5:30pm Christmas Eve Open House and Candlelight Service :30am Christmas Day Worship No Fellowship Hour Office Closed for Christmas 8pm Addicts in Action 26 5pm Community Dinner :30pm Martial Arts 7pm Comm. Ministries 9am Quilters 29 Pr. Alan s Day Off Office Closed 30 31