DECEMBER 2018 IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Connecting people with God and with other people to make a difference! 14100 WORTHINGTON ROAD PHILADELPHIA, PA 19116 Phone: 215-464-1540 www.immanuelphilly.org Immanuel Newsletter GOD S WORK OUR HANDS Table of Contents CONNECTING WITH GOD Advent and Christmas Services Pg. 3 From Pastor Hahn Pg. 4 Christmas is around the corner Pg. 5 CONNECTING WITH OTHER PEOPLE All Saints Sunday Pg. 6 Pyramide pg. 6 Christmas Cards Pg. 7 Congregational Christmas Lunch Pg. 8 Global Taste of Christmas Pg. 8 Children s Christmas Celebration Pg. 9 German Circle Pg. 9 Stamps- Stamps- Stamps Pg. 9 MAKING A DIFFERENCE Project Linus Pg. 10 ELCA Good Gifts Pg. 10 SS-ML School Pg. 10 Seamen s Church Institute Pg. 11 Calendar Pg. 12 Christmas Services Sunday, December 16 2:30 PM Hope for the Holidays Service Christmas Eve Monday, December 24 4:00 PM Family Candlelight Service 6:00 PM Candlelight Service (German) 8:00 PM Candlelight Service (English) Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 10:30 AM Bilingual Christmas Service with Holy Communion First Sunday of Christmas Sunday, December 30 10:30 AM Bilingual Christmas/New Year Celebration
IMMANUEL NEWSLETTER Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 14100 Worthington Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116 Telephone: 215-464-1540 FAX: 215-677-2433 E-mail: office@immanuelphilly.org Websites: www.immanuelphilly.org and www.hillhappenings.org Facebook: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadelphia Ministers: Members and Friends of the Congregation Pastor: Rev. Norbert F. Hahn, Ph.D. 215-464-1540 PastorHahnILC@gmail.com Secretary: Diane Burgess 215-464-1540 office@immanuelphilly.org Council President: Barbara Hannon 215-637-8478 CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS, MEETING TIMES, LEADERS Bible Study Wednesdays 10:00 AM, 7:00 PM Pastor Hahn Choir As needed Dr. James M. Clements Congregation Council 3 rd Monday 7:00 PM Barbara Hannon Christian Event Team 1 ST Tuesday 7:00 PM Eileen Szentjobi Finance Team 4 th Tuesday 7:00 PM David W. Cook Frauenverein 3 rd Wednesday 12:00 Noon Marianne Haug German Circle/Deutscher Kreis 1 st Sunday 7:00 PM Ruth Muggler Girl Scouts Wednesdays 7:00 PM Nancy Smith Hand Bell Choir As needed Dr. James M. Clements Immanuel German School Saturdays 9:30 AM Dr. Del Hausman Ladies Guild 2 nd Tuesday 7:00 PM Barbara Hannon Member Care Team 1 ST Tuesday 10:00 AM Judy Friedman Mutual Ministry Team TBA John Scholtz Social Ministry Team 3rd Wednesday 12:30 PM Michele Cook Sunday School Sundays 9:30 AM Eileen Szentjobi Women s Book Club TBA Judy Friedman Worship Planning Team 2nd Monday 10:00 AM Dr. James M. Clements Youth Group TBA Chris Blankenhorn and Eileen Szentjobi NEWSLETTER EDITORAL STAFF Diane Burgess David W. Cook Pastor Norbert F. Hahn Marianne Haug Send information or questions to IELC.newsletter@comcast.net. Immanuel Church needs your help in ensuring its future ministry. Please include the church in your will. You may want to at least tithe (give 10%) of your estate to the Lord. Remember to include the church s name and address along with the amount of your bequest. Should you wish, Pastor Hahn will provide you with the name of a caring and capable lawyer who can assist you. Page 2
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES FOR 2018 First Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 4 9:30 AM English Service with Holy Communion 11:00 AM German Service with Holy Communion Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 9 9:30 AM English Service 11:00 AM German Service 12:30 PM German Christmas Party Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 16 10:30 AM Bilingual Service followed by The Congregational Christmas Celebration, including luncheon and fellowship. All are welcome. 2:30 PM Hope for the Holidays Service A special service of comfort, hope and encouragement for those who are dealing with loss, stress, and grief. Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 23 9:30 AM English Service 11:00 AM German Service Christmas Eve Monday, December 24 4:00 PM Family Candlelight Christmas Service 6:00 PM Candlelight Service (German) 8:00 PM Candlelight Service (English) Christmas Day Tuesday, December 25 10:30 AM Bilingual Christmas Service with Holy Communion First Sunday of Christmas Sunday, December 30 10:30 AM Bilingual Christmas/New Year Celebration Epiphany of Our Lord Sunday, January 6, 2019 9:30 AM English Service with Holy Communion 11:00 AM German Service with Holy Communion Sunday, January 6, 2019 6:30 PM Evening worship followed at 7:10 by Intergenerational Confirmation Class This will continue on most Sundays Page 3
From Pastor Hahn My dear church family, Q: What is going on when a Scotsman stands in front of a mirror with a candle in his hand? A: He is celebrating the Second Sunday in Advent! (Two candles = 2 nd Sunday in Advent). I heard this corny joke for the first time when I was a boy, but came across it again the other day. (My apologies to our Scottish friends for the underlying stereotype of Scottish frugality. Other nationalities can be just as thrifty.) Advent, however, IS just around the corner. Advent is, if not the forgotten season, then at least the overlooked season. In commerce and culture, Advent is overpowered, perhaps even slowly erased, by (mostly secular) Christmas themes. Stores used to display Christmas merchandise after Thanksgiving, but that barrier has fallen. I like Christmas as much as the next person, but Christmas without Advent just does not feel right. Maybe I am too much of a traditionalist, but, spiritually speaking, I need the four weeks of preparation that Advent provides. There is a certain mystery in counting down from the first Sunday in Advent to Christmas Eve. There is a special tension when the pre-christmas stories unfold: The visit of the Angel to Mary; John, the Baptizer in the desert; visions of changed future that is entirely in God s hands. Let s Do Advent together on Wednesdays and Sundays. Advent Devotions and Bible Study Wed., Dec. 5, 12, 19, 10 AM & 7 PM Enrich you spiritual Advent journey with a brief Advent-focused devotional time and a lively and insightful conversation time based on relevant Bible passages and how they relate to our lives. (No one will be forced to speak against his or her will!) Give it a try! New Worship Option: Sundays, 6:30 PM. Begins January 6. If you have to work on Sunday morning If you have to travel Sunday mornings If getting up in the morning isn t your thing If you need a 2 nd shot of Grace If you simply missed the morning service If you or your child are in the Sunday Intergenerational Confirmation Class then come to the evening service. It s a bit shorter, but no less meaningful. God and I will be looking for you! Give it a try! Confirmation Class for All Ages: Sundays, 7:10 PM. Begins January 6, 2019. Several of our youth, their parents/guardians and a number of adults have already committed to this learning experience. If you are interested or need more information about the first 10- week semester, contact Pastor Hahn. Blessings on your Advent journey! God s Peace, Pastor Hahn Page 4
Es wird wieder Weihnachten Gerhard Ulrich, Lt. Bischof der VELKD Vertraute Klänge, vertraute Düfte, vertraute Menschen. Festlich geschmückt glänzen die Straßen und die Häuser. In den Kirchen hören Menschen Fürchtet euch nicht! und singen Welt ging verloren, Christ ward geboren. In dieser Zeit, in der es in der Welt gar nicht weihnachtlich zugeht, in der manche Sicherheit ins Wanken gerät, erzählen die weihnachtlichen Sehnsuchtsbilder von einer anderen Wirklichkeit. Von der Wirklichkeit Gottes, die sich dem Dunkel aussetzt und hineinstrahlt in unsere Welt. Das Dunkel in der Welt hat viele Schattierungen: in unserem Land, in dem wir in Frieden und Fülle leben, gibt es dennoch Menschen, denen es am Nötigsten fehlt. Es gibt Menschen, die Angst haben, dass sie zu kurz kommen oder dass ihnen etwas genommen wird. Populistische Parolen, antisemitische Hetze werden nicht mehr nur hinter vorgehaltener Hand gesagt. Fragil ist der Frieden in der Welt dort, wo er mühsam errungen wurde. Auch im Blick auf die neuen Machtspiele zwischen politischen Kräften weltweit, im Blick auf die deutlich sichtbaren Folgen des Klimawandels müssen wir sagen: Es brennt an vielen Orten. Wir brauchen einen, der die Feuer dieser Welt löscht. Mehr noch: wir brauchen einen, der uns lehrt, das Zündeln zu lassen! Uns allen gilt die Botschaft der Weihnachtsgeschichte: Fürchtet euch nicht! Damit wir aufbrechen wie die Hirten und sehen, wovon die Engel singen: Einer kommt in dieser Welt, sanft und stark. Gott wird Mensch und verändert die oft bittere Realität der Welt: Nichts muss bleiben,wie es ist! Fürchtet euch nicht! Frohe Weihnachten! Christmas Is Just Around The Corner G. Ulrich. German Lutheran Bishop Familiar sounds, familiar smells, familiar people. Houses and streets are decorated. Worshipers hear the good news, Do not be afraid! and they sing To a world so lost in sin, Christ the Savior, enters in. In this day and age, the world does not seem very Christmas-like. What used to be reliable is beginning to shift. In the midst of these changes, the yearnings contained in the Christmas story point to a different reality: the reality of God who extends Godself into the darkness of the world in order to bring light into it. The darkness of our world has many shades of gray: we live in a peaceful and wealthy country; yet many citizens don t even have the basics. There are those who are afraid that they have to share or that something will be taken from them. Nowadays, populist slogans and anti-semitic hatred are spoken out in the open. Although peace has come to many places after strenuous efforts, but that peace is fragile. Let s examine the political power games across the globe and the clearly visible consequences of climate change: the world is on fire in many places. What we need is someone to extinguish these fires. Even more urgently, we need someone who teaches us not to light fires in the first place! The message of Christmas is the same for all people: Do not be afraid. We are invited to go on a spiritual journey and see, like the shepherds did, of what the angels sang: Someone is coming into the world; someone mighty and kind. God becomes human and changes the often harsh reality of the world. Nothing has to stay the same. Do not be afraid! Merry Christmas! Page 5
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2018 A candle was lit as we prayed for each of the departed. English Translation As the wooden figures spinning on a Christmas Pyramid, people are running around through the stores, all stressed out at Christmas time, in order to buy presents, instead of.. relaxing in the warming candlelight in order to give their own soul a present. Page 6
CAUGHT DOING MINISTRY Pastor and John unpacking our 27 new tables. ALTERNATIVE TO CHRISTMAS CARDS Instead of writing Christmas cards to members of the congregation, whom you will be seeing throughout this season with opportunities for personal greetings, why not make a financial donation to: Lutheran Disaster Relief A greeting to the congregation listing all donors will be enclosed with the Pastor s Christmas letter. Use an envelope to deliver your donation via the offering plate or directly to the church office, no later than Monday, December 10, 2018. Special envelopes will be provided on the information table in the room behind the nave. Make checks payable to Immanuel Lutheran Church. POINSETTIAS AND MEMORIAL GIFTS Forms for Poinsettias and Memorial Gifts at Christmas are now available on the information table in the room behind the nave. Remember, the deadline is Monday, December 17, 2018. LIVING LUTHERAN Many of our members and friends have been receiving Living Lutheran for the past several years. It is time for us to renew our subscriptions. If you did not have a subscription, you can sign up now. It is important that we have at least 50 people/families subscribing to Living Lutheran so that the cost is only $8.95 a year instead of the regular price of $19.95 a year. The magazine will be mailed directly to your house. Make your checks payable to Immanuel Lutheran Church and give them to Barbara Hannon. For additional information, check the information table in the room behind the nave or contact Barbara Hannon. Page 7
Congregational Christmas Celebration Please remember to mark your calendar and save the date for the annual Congregational Christmas Luncheon Celebration on Sunday, December 16, 2018, from 10:30 AM 2:30 PM. There will be a combined worship service beginning at 10:30 AM which will include Holy Communion. Following the service, join us in the Fellowship Hall for our potluck luncheon, along with a short program, as we enjoy sharing an afternoon of fellowship with friends at Christmas. Please feel free to invite your family and friends, as all are welcome! To make the potluck luncheon successful, we ask if you would consider making a food donation, perhaps a main dish, side dish or a dessert. If you would rather not prepare any food, you might offer to bring a beverage or make a financial contribution. We need volunteers to help make this afternoon run smoothly. Please feel free to contact either the church office at 215-464-1540 or Chris Blankenhorn at 215-947-5079, if you have any questions, would like to offer to volunteer or to let us know what food item you would like to donate. Annual Global Taste of Christmas Saturday, December 1, 2018 2:30-4:00 PM Join us on Saturday, December 1 st at our Third Annual Global Taste of Christmas. All are welcome! Feel free to invite family, friends and neighbors. The doors will open at 2:00 PM. Enjoy Christmas beverages and treats from a variety of countries. Learn unique and interesting Christmas customs and traditions from various countries! Since we will be serving refreshments, we do require an RSVP for this event. Please contact the office via phone or email to reserve your seat. If you get the answering machine, please leave your name, phone number and number of people attending. Or, reservations can be made at www.hillhappenings.org. This event is geared for persons age 12 and up. Admission and participation to this event is FREE, however, it would be appreciated if you bring a canned food item(s) as a donation for our local Somerton Food Bank. This event is a community outreach project sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Page 8
Children s Christmas Celebration Hey Kids (ages 3-10), we re having a Christmas Celebration!! Invite your parents, grandparents or a special adult to join us as we learn about the real reason for the season. On Saturday, December 8, 2018, we will be celebrating The Birth of Jesus with an animated story, songs and crafts. Lunch will also be served. The festivities will start at 10:30 AM and end approximately at 12:30 PM. Space is limited, so let us know by Sunday, December 2, 2018 who from your family will be attending. We are asking that all children be accompanied by at least one adult. To reserve your spot or get further information, feel free call Judy Friedman at 267-343-3606 or Marion Morris at 267-258-2227. Please let us know the names of adults as well as the names and ages of children attending. The donation of a canned food item for the Somerton Food Bank would be appreciated. This event is sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Christian Events Team The Christian Events Team would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who helped make our Trunk or Treat a huge success. There were 15 decorated cars as well as a decorated Philadelphia Police van. Donations of cash, treats, help and everyone's prayers were greatly appreciated. We had 75 to 80 kids who came for treats. We also served hot dogs, water, spiced wafers and coffee and tea. A great time was had by everyone! German Circle I want to thank all the people who helped to make our Sauerkraut Supper a great success again. It takes many hands and good fellowship to get the work done. We will have our meeting on December 2nd at 7:00 PM. We will discuss our German Christmas Party which will be December 9th right after the German Service. Hope to see all our members at this meeting. Ruth Muggler STAMPS - STAMPS - STAMPS With the Christmas season fast approaching and we'll be receiving a lot of holiday mail, please don't throw the stamps on your envelopes away. Cut or rip the corner of the envelope with the stamp attached and bring them to church. Mrs. Haug will send them to the BETHEL INSTITUTION located near Bielefeld, Germany. This is a Protestant charitable hospital institution that provides sheltered housing and suitable work for the mentally ill and the physically handicapped people living there. They work with and use the stamps to sell them to support this important Institution. Remember as you cut or rip off the envelope corner, leave some space around the stamps. For further information on Bethel Institution, you can refer to: www.briefmarken-bethel.de Page 9
SOCIAL MINISTRY Ladies at Project Linus Workshop on October 27. ELCA Good Gifts The Social Ministry Team of Immanuel invites you to participate in a very special Christmas emphasis: Christmas gifts with a purpose; Christmas gifts that make a difference. What are these gifts? Ten little chicks ($10) A rooster ($15) A piglet ($30) A goat ($50) family of honey bees ($20) Water filter ($30) Backpack of food for a child ($10) Feed 10 people at a food kitchen ($20) How does it work? During December, you can purchase the animal of your choice as a Christmas present for anyone. The animal you purchase will be sent by the ELCA to a needy family. You will receive a special card or Christmas tree ornament to announce your gift to the person for whom you bought it as a gift. Michele Cook will be available during the coffee hour to help you with your selections. Blessing the 30 blankets before they were picked up. Silver Springs Martin Luther School We can grant Christmas wishes for the children of Silver Springs Martin Luther School, so that they have a joyful holiday season during which they feel loved. Barbara Hannon will accept your donations to buy gifts from their wish lists. You may also donate a gift card from Walmart, Target, Acme, ShopRite or Giant to ensure families in the school and community-based programs enjoy the holidays. Barbara Hannon will deliver your gifts to Silver Springs between November 25 and December 9. Somerton Food Bank Donations: Bingo Night Trunk-or-Treat 171 items 61 items Page 10
Page 11
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2018 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday (For additional Worship Service information see page 3) 2 1 st Sunday in Advent 9:30 AM English Service with Holy Communion 11:00 AM German Service with Holy Communion 7:00 PM German Circle 9 2 nd Sunday in Advent 9:30 AM English Worship 11:00 AM German Worship 12:30 PM German Christmas Party Christmas Letter January Newsletter Deadline 16 3 rd Sunday in Advent 10:30 AM Bi-lingual Worship Service followed by a Congregational Christmas Celebration (Page 8) 2:30 PM Hope for the Holidays Service 23 4 th Sunday in Advent 9:30 AM English Service 11:00 AM German Service 30 1 ST Sunday of Christmas 10:30 AM Bilingual Christmas/New Year Celebration Service 3 4 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 10 DEADLINE FOR CHRISTMAS CARD LIST 10:00 AM Worship Planning Team 17 7:00 PM Congregation Council DEADLINE FOR ORDERING POINTSETTIAS 24 Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Family Celebration 6:00 PM German Celebration 8:00 PM English Celebration 31 7:00 PM Christian Event Team 11 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 18 1:30 PM Staff Meeting 25 Christmas Day 10:30 AM Bilingual Celebration with Holy Communion Page 12 5 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Advent Devotions and Bible Study 12 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Advent Devotions and Bible Study 19 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM Advent Devotions and Bible Study 7:00 PM Girl Scouts 26 Church Office Closed 6 9:30 AM Lower Bucks Conference Meeting 13 9:00 AM Deans Meeting 7 9:00 AM Member Care Team 14 9:30 AM Christmas Letter Mailing 1 9:30 AM Immanuel German School 2:00 PM A Global Taste of Christmas 8 9:30 AM Immanuel German School 10:30 AM Children s Christmas Celebration 15 9:30 AM Immanuel German School at LMHS 20 21 22 No IGS 27 Church Office Closed 28 Church Office Closed 29 No IGS