December 2018 Inside this issue: The Twelve Days of Christmas, page 1 Christmas for Kids, page 3 Mornings with Mommy, page 4 St. Peter Preschool Christmas Program, page 7
On the Cover This time of the year is often depicted with scenes of heavy snows and icy temperatures. The Hallmark movies are notorious for placing their stories in such settings. To escape these discomfort we may prepare some hot chocolate or soup, seek the comfort of a warm house or fireplace, or snuggling under a blanket reading a book or watching TV. None of this, however, can compare to the discomfort experienced by Joseph and Mary and the baby Jesus in Bethlehem. As we enjoy the special events and comforts of this Christmas season let s do so with a thankful heart to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to us so that He can take us to be with Him. 3461 Merle Ave., Modesto, CA 95355 Phone: 209-551-0563 FAX: 209-551-8827 Website: stpetermodesto.org Pastor Daniel Schroeder (email: dan7schroeder@gmail.com) St. Peter Lutheran Church Mission Statement As people saved by God s undeserved love, we want to share the Word of forgiveness and tell of Jesus Christ. Remembering Jesus love, we seek to strengthen and serve each other and our neighbors daily, acting through faith in our Lord Jesus, as guided by the Holy Spirit. Sunday Morning Worship: 9:00 am Bible Class and Sunday School: 10:30 am Saturday Evening Worship: 6:00pm (First Saturday of the month) Slate, December 2018 Edition
The Twelve Days of Christmas During the Advent and Christmas seasons we sing some familiar hymns that have been become our favorites. When focusing on the words of the Advent and Christmas hymns in our hymnal, we see strong biblical messages that proclaim the Savior of the nations is coming (CW 2) and that from heaven above to earth an angel comes to bear good news to every home that a child is born who will be the joy of all the earth (CW 38). When most people hear The Twelve Days of Christmas they think of the song played and sung during the Christmas season. The season of Christmas is the twelve days from Christmas Day until Epiphany (January 6). Something interesting about the song is that it had its origin as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith. From 1558 to 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not able to practice their faith openly, so they had to find other ways to pass on their beliefs. The song The Twelve Days of Christmas is one example of how they did it. The Twelve Days of Christmas is, in a sense, an allegory. Each of the items in the song represent something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift as designed to help young Christians learn their faith. Twelve Days continued on page 2 Slate Page 1 December 2018
Twelve Days continued from page 1 The song goes, On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me... The true love represents God and the me who receives these presents is the Christian. Partridge in a pear tree - Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God Two turtle doves - Old and New Testaments another gift from God Three French hens - faith, hope, and love the three gifts of the Spirit that remain (1 Corinthians 13) Four calling birds - the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) that sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ Five golden rings - the first five books of the Bible called the Books of Moses (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) Six geese a-laying - the six days of Creation (Genesis 1) Seven swans a swimming - the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-11; Romans 12; Ephesians 4; 1 Peter 4:10,11) Eight maids a-milking - the eight Beatitudes (Matthew 5) Nine ladies dancing - the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22,23) Ten lords a-leaping - the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) Eleven pipers piping - the eleven faithful disciples Twelve drummers drumming - the twelve points of the Apostles Creed So the next time you hear The Twelve Days of Christmas, consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in the Christian faith and can still serve to remind us of God s gifts to us. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas seasons! Pastor Schroeder Slate Page 2 December 2018
We are looking forward to celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at our annual outreach event for kids. Christmas for Kids will be on Saturday, December 8th from 9:30am - 11:30am. There will be crafts, games, snacks and a Bible story. All children from ages 3-10 are invited to this FREE event, so invite the children of everyone you know. We will be thanking God for the wonderful gift He has given us in Jesus Christ, God become man for us, and one way we can share this with our family, friends and neighbors is by inviting them to this event. Parents are welcome to either stay with their children during the event, or drop them off to return at 11:30am to pick them up. Online registration is available on the church website www.stpetermodesto.org. If you have any questions, please contact Jared Johnson at (209) 485-2801, or the church office. Slate Page 3 December 2018
The November 8th Mornings With Mommy session, Giving Thanks, was enjoyed by all in attendance. We began our day by singing If You re Grateful and You Know It and reading the book What is Thanksgiving written by Michelle Medlock Adams and illustrated by Amy Wummer. This book helped to remind us all that Thanksgiving isn t about the turkey, the football, or the day off from school (or work), but rather an opportunity to thank the Lord for all of the blessings he has showered on us. Our activity stations included sensory bins filled with cranberries, an art project that helped to give a turkey it s tail feathers, two craft projects and our first ever sticker circle. Not only did we have lots of Mommies and children at this session, but were blessed to have a Daddy and a Grandpa join us as well! What a blessing it is to get to Slate Page 4 December 2018
Tell a friend about Mornings with Mommy share the Good News with these children and their families. Our upcoming sessions are scheduled for December 5th with a music theme including a percussion parade and on December 19th is Happy Birthday Jesus. The Happy Birthday Jesus will include a birthday cake, cookie decorating, and a story read by Pastor Schroeder. On this special day members are welcome to visit Mornings with Mommy and participate in the celebration. A special Thank you to Nancy Gillis, Fern Conrad, and Renda Barnett for their continue support and dedication to Mornings with Mommy. - Rebecca Kreger Slate Page 5 December 2018
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YOU RE INVITED to St. Peter Preschool s Christmas Program Sunday, December 16th at 9am Slate Page 7 December 2018
Opportunities to Grow in God s Word 4th Quarter Adult Bible Studies To the Ends of the Earth (Sunday Morning Bible Study, December 2, 9, 23) Using the new WELS video, To the Ends of the Earth, we will look at a portion of the life of the apostle Paul, his mission work, and the ongoing mission work of our St. Peter Lutheran Church today. Join us in the fellowship hall at 10:30am on Sundays. James: How Faith Works (Monday Lay-Led Bible study) What s the relationship between faith and good works? Is it not really important what we believe, but that we do good for others? Or is it not what we do that counts, but only that we believe the right things? James sets the record straight. In a small group setting, grow in understanding this New Testament book. This study meets on Mondays at 7:00pm twice a month at the home of Kevin & Monica Hejnal. Check the calendar for meeting dates. Isaiah 1-12: The Gospel of the Old Testament (Tuesday Morning Bible Study) Isaiah chapters 1-12, were originally written for the people of Judah and Jerusalem who were in a crisis because they took their eyes of faith off of the Lord. We hear confrontation of sins, but also comforting words about the coming Christ. We can see ourselves with the people of Judah and have the words of Isaiah that speak to the hearts and lives of 21st century Christians. Join us as we dig deeper into this Bible book. This study meets every Tuesday at 9:30am in the church fellowship hall. Slate Page 8 December 2018
Meditations with Martin (Tuesday & Friday Women s Bible Studies) One of the most prolific writers in the world s history, Martin Luther penned some edifying devotions that help us to understand better our God and the Bible. This study is an opportunity to engage with some of Luther s devotions and apply them to our lives today. It s also an opportunity to share and be strengthen in our faith with other women of faith. The Tuesday group will meet at Perko s on Oakdale and Sylvan at 6:30am every other Tuesday, and every other Friday at 10:30am in the church conference room. Please check the calendar and the Sunday bulletin s Notes and News for meeting dates. Christianity 101 People Close to God (Thursday Evening Bible Information Class) It s always good to get back to the basics, especially the Bible. It gives you a foundation on which to build. If you haven t taken a class in five years or more, it will be a good review. For those who are interested in possibly joining St. Peter, this class helps them to check out what we teach. This study meets every Thursday at 6:30-8:00pm in the church fellowship hall. Broken: 7 Christian Rules that Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible (Words Bringing Wisdom Facebook Study Group) There are only two kinds of spirituality in the world. One is false, and one is true. The reading of this book will help us be on guard. Participants will need to purchase the book Broken: 7 Christian Rules that Every Christian Ought to Break as Often as Possible by Jonathan Fisk. You will need a Facebook account in order to be in the private Facebook group. Slate Page 9 December 2018
The Christmas Tree When studying the origin of the Christmas Tree and the practice of having it inside the house you find that Germany plays a big role especially in the 15th and 16th centuries. Interestingly enough Martin Luther is noted in most of the historical accounts. As the story goes one Christmas Eve, about the year 1500, he was walking through the snow-covered woods and was struck by the beauty of the snow glistened trees. Their branches, dusted with snow, shimmered in the moon light. When he got home, he set up a small fir tree and shared the story with his children. He decorated the Christmas tree with small candles, which he lighted in honor of Christ s birth. 1 In our church we decorate the tree with Chrismons that symbolize Christ, His life, and His work. Whether or not the story with Luther is accurate and regardless of how you decorate your Christmas tree, when you view it think of the wonderful blessing of Salvation delivered in the babe at Bethlehem. May you enjoy a very Christ centered and blessed Christmas. 1 Source https://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/origin-of-the-christmas-tree-faq.htm Slate Page 10 December 2018
Quarterly Voters Meeting January 20, 2019* Due to the schedule of events for January 27, 2019, our next Voters meeting will be held on January 20, 2019. It s always interesting to be thinking about something in the next year when there is still a month remaining in the present year. Each Voters meeting is an important event. This one is no exception which gives good cause to place reminders to attend on the calendar now. Among the items that will appear on the agenda include the present vacancies on the Council and the Board of Elders including Council Vice President, Fellowship Elder, Membership Elder, and Evangelism/Outreach Elder. Interested eligible members willing to fill one of these positions may speak with any present Council member, Elder, or Pastor Schroeder. Other items are reports concerning two building projects now under development and discussion, other maintenance matters, continued updates regarding our financial progress, and other very pertinent matters. The Voters Information Packet is scheduled to be distributed by Sunday, January 6, 2019. When it arrives please take time to carefully review its contents and formulate any questions, comments, or concerns you may have regarding any of the items. As always, your voice is important in the business and ministerial operations of our congregation. To have this opportunity to voice those questions, comments, or concerns it s necessary to attend the meeting and participate in the discussion. Please include this item on you January calendar now and plan to attend. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. - Dan Kreger * Picture compliments of Ben Kreger. The picture has nothing to do with a Voters meeting but is a very striking and eye catching picture to share with everyone. Slate Page 11 December 2018
Glory to God in the Highest! The final page of this month s SLATE presents a unique feature. This is a cut off page. If you carefully remove the page and fold it in half so that the Let Us Adore Him page is on the front you have a small Christmas pamphlet. Inside is the account of Jesus birth from Luke 2:1-20, on the front is a reminder of the December 2018 worship times, and on the back are the verses of Silent Night. You may keep it with you, give it to someone as an invitation to join us for worship during December, or you may have another idea for its use. May the Lord richly bless your Christmas celebration. Blue Christmas: A Candlight Prayer Service Wednesday, December 19, at 6:30pm Even during this joyous time of year, we sometimes still experience sadness, loneliness, and loss. This service looks to remind the aching heart that there is comfort to be found in the love of Christ and the birth of our Savior the light that shines in the darkness. This is a great opportunity to invite others to worship at this special service. Slate Page 12 December 2018
The Account of Jesus Birth as told in Luke chapter 2:1-20 born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been Slate Page 13 December 2018
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon virgin mother and child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. Silent Night! Holy Night! Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar; Heavenly hosts sing, Alleluia; Christ, the Savior is born! Christ, the Savior is born! Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, love s pure light Radiant beams from thy holy face With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at thy birth. Phone: 209-551-0563 Website: www.stpetermodesto.org St. Peter Lutheran Church 3461 Merle Ave. Modesto, CA 95355 Wednesdays 5, 12, and 19 at 6:30 pm Sundays at 9:00 am Other worship times in December 9:00 am December 25 6:30 pm December 24 Christmas Slate Page 14 December 2018 for worship this Please join us