The Sound of Morning Star Newsletter of Morning Star Lutheran Church ~ Missouri Synod Lakeside, California www.morningstarlcms.org DECEMBER 2018 December brings us into the Advent season of the Church Year, and it also tends to bring one of the busiest, if not the busiest, months in our personal calendars and our church calendar as well. We are of course so thankful to God that He uses this season to prepare our hearts for the coming of our King Jesus, but we also can feel very hurried and worn out by the busy-ness of the season. So allow me for a moment to give you permission to wait, and permission to rest. You see, God Himself modeled rest after a season of work when He rested on the seventh day of Creation. He spent six days calling His universe into being by His own voice, and on the seventh day, God rested! Not too long after God created, His people rebelled against Him, and sin entered into human existence. Not very restful, if you ask me. After all, man was given the task then of hard toil in the earth, pain in the bearing of children, and suddenly everything was able to get worn down, to get sick, even to die. It wasn t how God had created in the first place, and it wasn t very restful at all. But even then, God promised that a blessing was to come for His people as they waited, and as they toiled. Adam and Eve had not even left Eden before God promised that a Savior was The Hope of Waiting to come, One who would destroy the curse of sin, break the bonds of death, and crush this same serpent through which sin had entered the world. In the meantime? Wait. And we are not a people who necessarily love to wait, but look again at God s faithfulness as His people waited. He rescued Israel from Egypt. He guided His people in the wilderness. Their promised land came to them, just as He said that it would. God faithfully provided leaders, and prophets, and even was present with His people when they were taken away into captivity. Yes, even then God was faithful even as His people waited. And what they waited for, the promised Messiah, that promise was made whole, too! Jesus born into Bethlehem s manger is God s sure and certain promise that He is with us, that He is for us, and that we have life forever in Him. It is God s promise that as YOU rest, and as YOU wait, God is faithful to meet every need of body, soul, and spirit. The Newborn King lying in a cattle stall is God s promise that you have your complete rest in Him, even as you wait. For just as the Old Testament people of God waited on Christ s first coming, we wait on His second. We wait to see Jesus returning, in all of His glory, to bring us to Himself, AND to restore and renew that which He created. All of it perfect. All of it whole. All of it at rest in Him. That is the joy of this Advent and Christmas season, and the hope that is ours in waiting. Celebrating the Newborn King with You, Pastor Justin Advent Services 7:00 p.m. Dec. 5, 12, & 19 Sunday Services 9:00 a.m. Except on December 23rd Service begins at 10:00 a.m. which includes the Children s Program. Adult Bible Study, Children s Sunday School & Pre-Confirmation 10:30 a.m. - Christmas Eve Services December 24 5:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Page 2 The Sound of Morning Star Seasons greetings family and friends of MSLC: President s Message Thanksgiving is over and it's on to Christmas. The proposed budget for the 2019 year was passed and we have some changes to our BOD. Eddy (Operations) and Wanda (Treasurer) begin their new two year terms and Jim (Lay Ministry) continues for another two years. Eddy replaced Tom Yeager who is now in Missouri, while Wanda had replaced Linda. Char Collingwood has joined the Board to become the Financial Secretary and Alicia Grambow has switched seats to become the new Director of Social Ministry. Our "we can fix this now" task board is now bogged down with the final ones to be completed. As we start these project tasks, there are some that we re going to completed quite easily, and some that we re going to take some time to do. We have reached those projects that will continue to be worked on, but completion is not yet imminent. Finally, we get to spend December wondering whether we are soon to be without a pastor. I recently shared a story in Church about the friend who didn't decide until the last minute. As I think about this situation, it is the nature of the clergy business. They receive calls, then are left to decide, based on several different factors, whether it's time to stay or move on. Yes, the practical or pragmatic side of me...of course, I hope he stays...this would be the second pastor out of two churches that has left soon after my wife and I arrived...though the last church, the pastor was kicked out, and is now thriving in a church God is building from scratch in Idaho. Happy Holidays, Jerry One-Time Projects Pending: *Update Website, *Display Missions on a large board, *Establish Resource Library, etc. Caroling at Arbor Hills Nursing Center Monday, December 10, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m. You are invited to join us once again, in the singing and gift giving of lap-blankets and new socks for the residents of Arbor Hills Nursing Center. We are going to dinner at Fuddruckers at Grossmont Center afterwards, if you d like to join us. If you are not able to go, you may still donate lap-blankets and socks. Wrap blankets separate from socks. Wrap socks two to a package and label for man or woman. If you can t wrap them, please get them to me or Chris & we will wrap them for you. We ve been Christmas Caroling at Arbor Hills Nursing Center for the past twelve years. We will meet at Arbor Hills Nursing Center, 7800 Parkway Drive, La Mesa, CA 91942 Phone 619-460-2330 at 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. If you are only able to be there for a short period of time, you are still welcome to join us. You will be blessed :-) Thank you and God bless, Tom Kuwazaki
The Sound of Morning Star Page 3 Join us for our Advent worship series, which began Wednesday, November 28th and is continuing each Wednesday until December 19th. The series is titled God With Us. Each week will focus on a different word picture of the coming Christ found in the poetic and prophetic words of Isaiah. In our worship for the first week in Advent we remembered that God is with us as our Potter, who shapes us according to his will. (Isaiah 64:8) For the second week in Advent we will remember that God is with us as our Shepherd, who carries us close to his heart. (Isaiah 40:11) The third week in Advent we will remember that God is with us as our Living Branch, who died and rose to give us eternal life. (Isaiah 11:1) In our worship for the fourth week in Advent we will remember that God is with us as our Guide, who leads us according to his Word. (Isaiah 2:3) Mark your calendars and plan to attend these services. Each service begins at 7pm. These mid-week services give us a chance to step back from the busy season and to hear the word of God in preparation for the Nativity of His Son, ALSO FOR YOUR DECEMBER CALENDAR: (See information on Page 4.)
Page 4 The Sound of Morning Star You Are Invited to The Women s Fellowship Christmas Party & Cookie Exchange On Friday, December 14 at 6:30 p.m. At Char Collingwood s house A light dinner will be provided, so come hungry! Bring a wrapped gift for a gift exchange ($10.00-$15.00) Bring 2 dozen cookies (homemade, if possible) Please bring a copy of your recipe. We will make copies and pass them out. We will use some of the cookies for our dessert, but you will go home with a wonderful variety of cookies to use during the Christmas season. Please RSVP to Char Collingwood so we will know how much food to buy. + Hope + Strength + Faith + Survivor Bracelets HOPE STRENGTH FAITH SURVIVOR
The Sound of Morning Star Page 5 2018-2019 GriefShare began on October 20, 2018 and will end on February 16, 2019. GriefShare is held on Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. meeting in Room 4. (We will not be meeting on the weekends of the holidays. We will not be meeting the weekends of Christmas and New Year s.) This program is featured on DVDs that explain what is going on in the life of someone who loses a spouse or family member and how to deal with the loss from a Christian perspective. If you are not able to make it for the first session, you can participate at any point of this support group. My wife, Chris, and I have facilitated GriefShare groups for over 15 years and are blessed with each new group that we meet. I am a licensed Deacon and I assist at Morning Star Lutheran Church. We have made many new friends and are privileged to watch how our Lord Jesus Christ touches each individual, as they go through their transition of mourning to His promised Joy. For questions or more information, please contact Tom Kuwazaki at 619-895-5730 or by email: tkuwazaki_mslc@cox.net or for more information about GriefShare go to website: www.griefshare.org The 2019 Tournament of Roses Parade theme is The Melody of Life and the Lutheran Hour Ministries float is entitled: Joy to the World, the Lord is Come! This hymn proclaims the greatest of life's melodies, the sweet song of salvation victory over sin, death, and the evil one - and the eternal reign of Christ. Let trumpets sound, let choirs in heaven and on earth rejoice and "repeat the sounding joy!" This treasured hymn is a summary of the overarching narrative of salvation. Please go to http://volunteer.petalpushers.org/ and sign-up to decorate Tournament of Roses Parade floats. Called. Equipped. Sent. Lou Marting lmarting@cox.net 949-770-8420 818-404-6447
Page 6 The Sound of Morning Star Mission Report from Mark & Gail Dear Family in Christ, JESUS I would like to thank all of you who support our projects with Lutheran Border Concerns Ministries in Mexico. This trip we were able to build a shade for the Kinder school, paint the classroom and the outhouses purple. We attended a weekly breakfast program for children also. We were joined this trip by Brandon Beyer and Sandibel Nava from Mesa, AZ; And Karen Bush (Gagner). As the world continues to be in need of a Savior, the need for us to show Gods love and compassion grows. With the current influx of Central Americans along our border, I pray we have opportunities to work with our neighbors in Mexico, share the love of Christ and the hope he gives us in our everyday lives. Much Love, Gail and Mark Ninteman
The Sound of Morning Star Page 7 View Newsletter and photos in color at morningstarlcms.org
Page 8 The Sound of Morning Star And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation (Luke 1:50 ESV). W B S January 9, 2019 7:00 PM Join us for our new study: We meet at Kara's home - Santee Waiting: A Bible Study on Patience, Hope and Trust W B S F)*+ Friday. December 14th at 6:30 PM Christmas Celebration at the home of Char Collingwood. (See page 4 for details.) Men s Bible Study / Breakfast Saturday, December 8th at 7:30 AM Location: Denny s Restaurant 13584 CLMNOP CLOLQL, EL CAJON B S C-. G.+ Ask Helen Lewin, Parish Ministry Assistant, for dates, times, & locations. A B S Sunday Mornings at 10:30 AM Led by: Pastor Justin Laughridge C*. S- S0* Sunday Mornings (Sep-May) at 10:30 AM Teachers: Emily Braun, Emily Laughridge & Linda Hobson Download the official Daily Devotions application from Lutheran Hour Ministries, designed for convenient access through your mobile device. It is available from : itunes, Google Play, Amazon Appstore, and Windows Phone. www.lhm.org/ CONTEST ~ CONTEST ~ CONTEST As we know, Morning Star had a sign installed in front of the church. It has a religious quote placed in the marquee. If you believe you have an interesting quote from scripture or even the depth of your mind, feel free to submit your quote to the Board of Directors/Morning Star Lutheran Church by email for consideration. Periodically, one of the many submitted and approved quotes will be drawn and be honored by having it displayed on our church sign. Interested? Start now. Submit your quotation, rhyme or riddle to Jim Birren.
The Sound of Morning Star Page 9 WORSHIP ASSISTANT SCHEDULE DECEMBER 2018 NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: December 23, 2018 Send ARTICLES and corrections directly to: liddle2@cox.net For Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Other Special Dates in DECEMBER see the calendar on the last page. Thank you to all who Celebrate their Birthday with a donation. Be kind to one another,... forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Eph.4:32 The Editor Joan MORNING STAR HIGHLIGHTS for : December 1 3:30 p.m. Spirit of Christmas on Maine St. Lakeside December 2 Food Drive December 5 6:00 p.m. BOD meeting 7:00 p.m. ADVENT SERVICE #2 December 8 7:30 a.m. Men s Saturday morning Bible Study at Denny s 4:00 p.m. Special Holiday Widows, Widowers, and Friends December 10 6:00 p.m. Morning Star Christmas Caroling at Arbor Hills December 12 7:00 p.m. ADVENT SERVICE #3 December 14 6:30 p.m. Women s Christmas Fellowship (See page 4.) December 15 TBA Celebration of Faith Christmas Caroling December 19 7:00 p.m. ADVENT SERVICE #4 December 23 10:00 a.m. Children s Christmas Program *NOTE WORSHIP TIME CHANGE & Newsletter Deadline + $5 Sunday for English District Missions December 24 5:30 p.m. Family Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Christmas Eve Service 10:00 pm. Christmas Eve Vespers
Page 10 The Sound of Morning Star Senior Citizen Bingo Mondays 1:00 p.m. at Morning Star Lutheran Church. This Ministry is led by Luis & Char Aldas. WIDOWS, WIDOWERS, & FRIENDS GATHER FOR DELICIOUS FOOD (no charge) and BINGO The next Bingo Night is December 8th, 4:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE AUDIO/VISUAL TEAM It takes a TEAM! If you are willing to serve during Sunday morning worship on the soundboard, the Pro Presenter slide program, or both (though not at the same time), PLEASE email the Church Office morningstarlc@mslc.sdcoxmail.com or speak to Pastor Justin or Tom Kuwaszaki. Thank you so much! To keep up with all that is happening in the English District, we encourage you to sign up for the District's weekly e-newsleer at: http://www.englishdistrict.org/ Whether you are a church worker or congregant, you may subscribe to this free weekly update, which will be delivered straight to your email inbox! You may also type the following in your browser for archived issues or access them directly from the above website: hp://www.englishdistrict.org/resources/ archives-servant-servant In addition to The Lutheran Hour airing in San Diego on KCBQ-1170AM radio every Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. or listening to The Lutheran Hour 24/7 at Lutheranhour.org, shut-ins can watch sermons on-line at: Worshipforshutins.org. Share this information with those you know who may have difficulty attending church. ~ Lutheran Ministries Media December2018
The Sound of Morning Star Page 11 12821 Ha Hana Road Lakeside, CA 92040 Phone: 619-443-6032 www.morningstarlcms.org Reverend Justin Laughridge The people of Morning Star believe in the One True God Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We believe that everything God says in His Word, the Bible, is true. And we believe in God s promise that He will give us the free gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus, who died on the cross and rose again to save us. Morning Star s 2019 Board of Directors: President Vice-President Treasurer Financial Secretary BOD Secretary Director Christian Education & Youth Director of Evangelism Director of Lay Ministry Director of Operations Director of Social Ministry Director of Stewardship Deacon Deacon Parish Ministry Assistant Jerel Grambow Travis Carter Wanda Lewellen Char Collingwood Nikki Edwards Emily Braun Chris Kuwazaki Jim Birren Eddie Braun Alicia Grambow vacant Dick Collingwood Tom Kuwazaki Helen Lewin Ongoing Prayers for members and friends of Morning Star: Mary Allene Birren Jeff Birren Jeromus Birren Linda Braun coming home from the hospital. The Ninteman Family David Ristau Lauren Stephenson William & Yareli Farnese-Stephenson The Ullrich Family Pearl Walker The Walwick Family The Yeager Family Rev. Brandon Morrick s family and all who lost their church and homes in the Paradise fire. All those who lost their homes during recent disasters in the U.S. -that God bless the Dominican Republic ministry and those in preparation for the Seminary opening. We also pray for our Pastor, BODs, Parish Workers, our individual families, and those everywhere who need to know that Jesus loves them no matter what. To Update This Page, contact the Church Office. Pray for those in the Armed Forces Cody Harmon, US Army, (Dave & Rose Walwick s son-in-law) Harold Kuwazaki, US Marines (Tom & Chris Kuwazaki s nephew) Lucas Nelson Davis, USN (Chris Hill s grandson) Morning Star also has an On-Line Prayer Program Login to: morningstarlcms.org and click on the tab: Contact Us With Your Prayer Requests Type in your prayer, and tap send. ~ Jim Birren, Prayer Coordinator