LIVING WORD Lutheran Church, LCMC 320-762-1997 Office Hrs. M-F 8:30 12:30 p.m. pastorlwlc@gctel.net OR secretarylwlc@gctel.net 1722 16th Avenue East, Alexandria, MN www.livingwordalexmn.org 320-762-1997 Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are growing, Sharing, and living in God s Word, Jesus Christ December 2018 Brothers and Sisters in Christ- Oh Come, Oh Come Emmanuel!! Each year in the December newsletter I take the time to speak about the season of Advent. I will continue this tradition this year! The word Advent means coming or arrival. For the church, this coming or arrival refers to someone in particular Jesus Christ. However, when we speak of the Advent of Christ, we aren t simply speaking of His Advent in the past, but also His Advent in the present as well as His promised future Advent. These are all part of the story of this season of preparation and expectation we know as Advent, which begins this year on December 2 nd and ends on Christmas Eve. One important way this Advent story is told is in the traditional lighting of the Advent Wreath. During our Sunday worship time together in Advent, a wreath holding four candles, surrounding a center candle, is placed in the altar area. What is significant about the four candles is that they help to tell the Christmas story. The story builds with anticipation each week as an additional candle is lit, until on the final Sunday, all four outside candles are lit, along with the center candle- which is the Christ Candle! Here is a brief reminder of the story behind each candle. The first candle, the Prophecy Candle, reminds us of how God spoke to His people through the prophets, offering them the hope of a Savior. It reminds us of the faithfulness of God's promises, so we may live in this hope. The second candle, the Bethlehem Candle, reminds us of the fact that Jesus was born in an ordinary little town, in a stable full of animals and how He also comes to us today in ordinary places, among ordinary people. The third candle, the Shepherd's Candle, reminds us that it wasn't the rich and famous who came to worship Jesus that first Christmas Eve, but it was poor shepherds. And it assures us of the fact that Christ present and future coming is for the poor as well poor sinners in need of the Savior! And finally, the fourth candle, the Angel's Candle, which speaks of the angels announcing Christ s birth on Christmas Eve and it reminds us of the angels who will come with Christ to establish His everlasting kingdom for all those made righteousness through faith in Him. As we enter this very special season of Advent, and a new church year, we again will light the candles on the Advent Wreath and hear the story behind each of them. And we will again be reminded of the fact that there is just One center candle One that is at the center of our lives of all that we are and all that we have been given and this One is Immanuel God with us Jesus Christ! Blessings to all this Advent Season- Pastor A.J.
Adult Education Read The Bible In A Year The LWLC Adult Education Committee is encouraging all members to get involved in Reading Through the Bible in a Year. The Scripture readings for each month are included in the monthly newsletter. Please consider taking part in this exciting adventure and encourage others to do so as well. We can be assured that God s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11) Daily Scripture Readings December 1 2 Corinthians 5-7 December 2 2 Corinthians 8-10 December 3 2 Corinthians 11-13 December 4 Galatians 1-3 December 5 Galatians 4-6 December 6 Ephesians 1-3 December 7 Ephesians 4-6 December 8 Philippians 1-4 December 9 Colossians 1-4 December 10 1 Thessalonians 1-3 December 11 1 Thessalonians 4-5 December 12 2 Thessalonians 1-3 December 13 1 Timothy 1-6 December 14 2 Timothy 1-4 December 15 Titus & Philemon December 16 Hebrews 1-4 December 17 Hebrews 5-7 December 18 Hebrews 8-10 December 19 Hebrews 11-13 December 20 James 1-5 December 21 1 Peter 1-5 December 22 2 Peter 1-3 December 23 1 John 1-5 December 24 2 John, 3 John & Jude December 25 Revelations 1-3 December 26 Revelations 4-7 December 27 Revelations 8-12 December 28 Revelations 13-16 December 29 Revelations 17-19 December 30 Revelations 20-22 December 31 Catch Up Day Sunday Morning Bible Study Shirley Finley is facilitating this study on the bound will. Not My Will. Are we really in control? Sunday s at 10:30 in the South classrooms. Tuesday Morning Bible Study This study continues with the book of Acts and takes place at 9 am in the south classrooms. Refreshments are served and there is room for more!! Wednesday Men s Bible Study The Wednesday Men s Bible Study meets at 8:30 am. The men are currently studying the book of 1Thessalonians. There is room for more men in this study and fellowship time. Catechism/Confirmation Instruction Catechism/Confirmation instruction this month will be on December 5th and 12th, with Youth Group on the 19th. Catechism/Confirmation youth continue their study focusing in on the Old Testament Scriptures. Worship Children s Sermon Praise Band the 2nd Sunday of each month
Worship Christmas Eve Worship Service Monday December 24th 4PM Join us in celebrating the birth of our savior WOW Women of the Word WOW Bible Study Meets Thursday, December 6 WOW Bible Study will meet on Thursday, December 6, at 2 p.m. We continue this month with Lesson 9 to complete our study, Ambidextrous Christianity. In 2019, we will be studying the Gospel of John with materials written by Kent Grothe from Sola Publishing. The first order for study materials has been made, but a second order will likely be placed at a later date. All women of Living Word are invited to participate in WOW Bible study. The study meets at 2:00 p.m. the first Thursday of every month (unless otherwise scheduled). Advent Brunch December 8 The Annual WOW Advent Brunch will be held Saturday, December 8, at 9:30 a.m. As usual, the Alexandria Area High School Carolers will join us, and the entire offering will be given to the Douglas County Food Shelf. Those attending are asked to bring egg bake, muffins, or cookies. The Lydia group will provide fruit. Please sign up by December 2. Library Books and Videos Celebrating Christmas are On Display in the Library. Be Sure to Visit and Find Something To Add to Your Enjoyment of the Season!
LWLC Youth NOVEMBER YOUTH GROUP DECEMBER SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 th 6:30-7:30 p.m. Confirmation/Catechism (History Books) SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 th 9:00 a.m. ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROCLAMATION Following Church Service Kids Corner WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 th 6:30-7:30 p.m. KREW Confirmation (History Books) WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 th 5:00 p.m. Caroling at Knute Nelson 6:00 7:30 p.m. Youth Group WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26 th No Youth Activities MERRY CHRISTMAS! FOOD FELLOWSHIP KID S CORNER For: Youth 2nd Grade and Younger Meets: Second Sunday of the Month Time: Following Sunday Morning Worship Biblical craft to make and take home!
LWLC Youth FUN Theme of the Night Gift of God Human Hungry Hippo s For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God! Ephesians 2:8-9a CUPS and DOWNS One team wants them up, the other team wants them down.
From our LWLC President President s Report - For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) It is December again and we are busily, busily, busily preparing for our celebration of the birth of the Messiah. Our Monday evening study has been examining the Old Testament prophets exhortations to the people of Israel to prepare for the day of the Lord. Amos, Joel, Isaiah and Micah, about 750 years prior to Christ s birth and Malachi about 500 years prior, preached law, warning of consequences for Israel s defiance, but also foretelling the good news of the promised Savior. Our world today is filled with disobedience no different than that found in the historical record. In this busy time, we remember God s concern for his creation and his inexplicable act of mercy, providing the ultimate sacrifice to atone for mankind s rebellion. Keep this often-repeated narrative foremost in our minds while negotiating the distractions of the season. A congregation, ours included, has various organizational layers including operational and administrative functions. Our fiscal year ends December 31. The annual meeting is scheduled January 27, 2019 after worship, about 10:15 AM. As is our custom, the meeting will be followed by a potluck. There are a number of housekeeping tasks to complete this month. Committees are completing their goals and their chairmen are preparing reports for inclusion in the Annual Meeting booklet. Committees have submitted their budget requests for 2019 and the compilation will go to Council this month for a final review and recommendation to the congregation. Our nominating committee has been working to present a slate of candidates for council and the auditing committee will meet after the books close December 31 to audit the financial records. Some of our operating committees still need additional members for 2019. The Time and Talent surveys never close! Your involvement in the work of the congregation is welcomed and encouraged and needed. In a few weeks we celebrate Christmas. It is easy to become caught up in the superficial aspects of the season. Step back and recall the need for, and the great gift of the Savior. We can t save ourselves but our loving Father has provided the means for our redemption. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:11) Have a joyous Christmas. Gaylen Lerohl MARK YOUR CALENDARS Annual Meeting January 27, 2019 following worship, about 10:15 Potluck will be served after the meeting
Church Life Sacrament of Holy Baptism for: Myra Shay Arceneau Parents: Rebecca & Dylan Arceneau ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PROCLAMATION JOY TO THE WORLD! THE LORD IS COME! December 9 th, 2018 During our Sunday Morning Worship Service Let s gather together to celebrate the promise of Christ s coming and His birth among us! We will, once again, hear the message that was first delivered by the angels everywhere and sing to the glory of Jesus Christ, our Lord! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 th ALL MEMBERS, YOUTH AND FRIENDS JOIN US at 5:00 p.m. in the Knute Nelson Commons Area FOLLOWING CAROLING we will all gather for Fellowship and a PIZZA PARTY AT LIVING WORD ~ 6:00 p.m.~ YOUTH GROUP ACTIVITIES WILL CONTINUE UNTIL 7:30 p.m.! PLEASE SIGN UP AT THE INFORMATION TABLE!
Church Life LIVING WORD LUTHERAN CHURCH At Mount Carmel 800 Mount Carmel Drive NE Alexandria, MN On Sunday, December 2nd, at 5:00 p.m. FUN AND FELLOWSHIP: For All Members and Friends GOOD FOOD: Herb Crusted Pork Loin, Roasted Baby Red Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Garden Salad, and Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberry Sauce ENTERTAINMENT: Provided by members of Living Word Quilted Christmas Stockings Our busy quilters have finished several quilts to donate to those in need! Festive Christmas Fabrics
Church Life Bless others in our community by adopting two families from Love INC for Christmas. Select an angel from our Christmas tree which has a family's requests listed. Purchase on your own or team with friends to acquire items listed on your angel. Deliver these gifts to church by December 19, 2018. Thank you Living Word Lutheran from Love INC. for donating the five turkeys; they were enjoyed by our Transformational Tuesday Life Skills Classes. Your mission in ministry was greatly appreciated. Yum! Letter from Pastor Jeremy Pederson of Our Saviors Lutheran and Fulan Lutheran in Nelson: Currently on deployment in Kuwait, U.S. Army Good Sunday afternoon from Camp Arifjan, Kuwait: Now that I establish myself, I wanted to write about various adventures during this deployment with the Minnesota National Guard s 34 TH Infantry Division: Example #1: Last Friday, our colleagues that we will replace (from the 28ID in PA), took us into downtown Kuwait City for a fun day of worship, supper (amazing hummus with a view of the Persian Gulf!), and some window shopping. Now, Kuwait City itself has this interesting paradox: many dress in traditional Arab clothes (both men and women), but then they also have the latest iphones. Moreover, in a city with old mosques and outdoor street markets, it has brand new skyscrapers and shopping areas that remind me of Minneapolis. All of this demonstrates that Kuwait has this combination of west and east all mixing together. Example #2:, In that same trip, our counterparts took us to the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait. (NEC). Yes, in the middle of downtown Kuwait City, we went to a thriving, dynamic church that has existed for hundreds of years. Our colleagues tell us it started first as a medical missionary that had a church attached to it. As expression of that support, the Emir of Kuwait has allowed this church to thrive in this majority Muslim country for years. Today, it has a young, thriving congregation of mostly those form the Indian Subcontinent. For that, remember that Kuwait is a majority expatriate community (meaning that most who live in Kuwait are NOT Kuwaitis, but come from places like India to work here.) Moreover, I found the Scriptures (like the announcing in Jesus ministry in Luke 4) have a new meaning when heard in this context of Christianity being a minority. People here believe in the literal power of those words that Jesus does live in this place, and for that, I found myself so awed and spiritually refreshed. With that, I again want to thank all of you for your support on this deployment. If you wish, you can send care cards and notes to: Pedersen, Jeremy A Co, DHHB, 34ID APO AE 09306 To highlight: I can buy just about anything I wish at the local PX (i.e. the Walmart on post) or online via Amazon. Therefore, I always appreciate the personal notes from home. I do covet your prayers not only for my Soldiers and myself, but also for our families. I feel so thankful for all of your generosity, and I do look forward to returning back soon. Have a wonderful and blessed week. In Christ Pastor Jeremy
Mission Work DECEMBER CELEBRATIONS Birthdays 3rd Brad Forbrook 3rd Deb Griesert 7th Denise Stoen 11th Rocky Burgau 15th Abby Strom 15th Diana Waltzing 22nd Kay Elvehjem 25th Carol Fingerson 26th Tryg Burgau Anniversaries 20th John & Karen Kirckof Need a ride to worship or other church activities? Please call the team who lives closest to your location. 4541 Arbor Crossing SE, Alex HYMN SUGGESTIONS On the information table there is a sign-up sheet for those who would like to request the singing of a particular hymn from the Reclaim Hymnal. If you have a favorite or two write them down. Thank you. I want to thank Pastor A.J. & my entire church family for the visits, prayers, cards, and good wishes. With these things it s easy to go through tough times. May God Bless You All. Sincerely, Laverne Floen Financial. 2018 10/28 11/4 11/11 11/21 11/18 11/25 TOTALS Attendance 74 75 78 36 102 74 439 Total Deposits 1,987.04 7,246.41 3,905.29 2,239.65 4,187.00 19,565.39 General Offering 1,078.39 6,059.41 2,370.00 1,158.00 1,733.15 3,520.00 15,918.95 Building Fund 885.00 1,165.00 1,425.00 540.00 505.00 4520 Fellowship 23.65 22.00 34.29 20.50 41.00 Bldg. Pledges Rcvd 110,845.00 112,010.00 113,435.00 113,975.00 114,480.00 114,480.00 Bldg. Pledges Rcvble 193,315.00 192,150.00 190,725.00 190,185.00 189,680.00 189,680.00
December Worship Helpers December 2 9 16 23 30 Reader Steve Ferguson Kay Elvehjem Nancy Anderson Julie Savoie Mike Denke Ushers Harold & Kathy Withers Jim Nelson Wilma Johnson Paul Johnson Jim Nelson Dan Engebretson Curt Aamold Jim Nelson Elder & Delores Peterson Jim Nelson Brian & Jeremiah Denke Jim Nelson Greeters Angie Anderson Gregg Stoen Paul & Paulette Johnson Wayne & Karen Becker Bill & Shirley Finley Jeanette Stoen Brad Forbrook Barb Engebretson Cindy Lerohl Jean Ricks Altar Preparation Mary Jo Mary Jo Mary Jo Mary Jo Mary Jo Coffee and Refreshments LouAnn Peterson, Sandy Aamold Deloris Peterson Denise Stoen Nancy Anderson Paulette Johnson Kathy Withers Laurie Kluver Carla Beem Karen Becker Coffee Preparation Lou Ann Peterson Denise Stoen Nancy Anderson Barb Engebretson Karen Becker Pianist Karen Kirckof Laurie Kluver Karen Kirckof Karen Kirckof Nancy Anderson Assist Counting Offering Ed Weispfennig Terri Elsey Jan Ferguson Gaylen Lerohl Brad Forbrook Sound System Paul Johnson John Kirckof Dave Anderson Laverne Floen Wayne Becker John Kirckof Video System Dan Engebretson Ed Weispfennig Jan Ferguson Steve Ferguson Ed Weispfennig Preparation Mary Jo Deloris Peterson Mary Jo Deloris Peterson Servers Gregg Stoen Cindy Lerohl Carla Beem Lou Ann Peterson Laurie Kluver Dave Moeller Assistant Wilma Johnson Paulette Johnson Bread Carla Beem Sandy Aamold If you need a replacement please call someone from the schedule to switch with you and notify the office of the changes. Thank you!
JanuaryWorship Helpers 2019 January 6 13 20 27 Praise Band Reader Rose Johnson Sandy Aamold Shelly Nelson Sue DeSha Ushers Erling & Terri Berger Jim Nelson, Dean & LouAnn Peterson Jim Nelson, Brad Forbrook Curt Aamold Jim Nelson, Karen & Wayne Becker Jim Nelson, Greeters Karen & Wayne Becker Gayle Nemmers Julie Savoie Keith & Mary Jo Dan & Barb Engebretson Altar Preparation Susan Polson Susan Polson Susan Polson Susan Polson Coffee and Refreshments Jean Ricks Kay Elvehjem Karen Kirckof Rose Johnson Terri Berger Paulette Johnson Lou Ann Peterson Deloris Peterson Coffee Preparation Kay Elvehjem Rose Johnson Erling Berger Lou Ann Peterson Pianist Karen Kirckof Nancy Anderson Karen Kirckof Carolyn Moeller Assist Counting Offering Kathy Withers Ed Weispfennig Terri Elsey Jan Ferguson Sound System Paul Johnson John Kirckof Dave Anderson Wayne Becker Laverne Floen Video System Dan Engebretson Ed Weispfennig Jan Ferguson Steve Ferguson Preparation Susan Polson Lou Ann Peterson Susan Polson Lou Ann Peterson Servers Curt Aamold Dave Anderson Paul & Paulette Johnson Assistant Jeremiah Denke Bread Jean Ricks Gayle Nemmers If you need a replacement please call someone from the schedule to switch with you and notify the office of the changes. Thank you!
December 2018 Calendar SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATUR- DAY 1 2 9 AM Worship/Lord s Supper Following Worship: Fellowship & Refresh. 10:20AM Bible Study Not My Will 5:30 pm LWLC Christmas Party at Mount Carmel 3 5:30 PM Praise Band Practice 4 9 AM Adult Bible Study 5 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 6:30-7:30PM Confirmation/ Catechism 6 2 PM WOW Bible Study 7 8 9:30 am WOW Annual Advent Brunch 9 Praise Band Kids Corner -Youth Activity 3yrs 2nd gr. 9 AM Worship/Star of Wonder Children s Christmas Proclamation Following Worship: Fellowship &Refresh 10:20AM Bible Study 10 11 9 AM Adult Bible Study 12 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 6:30-7:30PM KREW and Confirmation 13 8:30 AM Worship Comm. Mtg. 14 15 16 9 AM Worship/Lord s Supper Following Worship: Fellowship &Refresh. 10:20AM Bible Study Not My Will 17 5:30 PM Praise Band Practice 18 9 AM Adult Bible Study 5:30PM Council Mtg. 19 8:30AM Men s Bible Study 5:00 PM Caroling at Knute Nelson 6:00 7:30 PM Youth Group 20 21 22 23 9 AM Worship/Baptism Following Worship: Fellowship &Refresh. 10:20AM Bible Study Not My Will 24 4 PM Christmas Eve Service 25 CHRISTMAS DAY! 26 8:30AM Men s Bible Study? TBD 27 28 29 30 31 9 AM Worship Following Worship: Fellowship &Refresh. 10:20AM Bible Study Not My Will