St. John s Epistle December 2018 A Newsletter of St. John s Lutheran Church LCMS 515 College Ave. W. Ladysmith, WI 54848 stjohnladysmith@centurylink.net 715-532-5780 http://www.stjohnsladysmith.org
2 Rejoice Always Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7) The Apostle Paul says, Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say; Rejoice. (Philippians 4:4) Really! Is that possible? It s easy to rejoice on wedding days, when a child is born, on graduation, when we get a new car! But, is it really possible to always rejoice? What about when we hit a deer and ruin our vehicle? How about when there is a school shooting? How about when wildfires kill people? How about when a divorce tears apart a family? How about when we lose our job? Many things happen that make it very hard to rejoice! Does Paul really mean what he says! The whole letter to the Philippians overflows with rejoicing. Paul wrote the letter from prison. He would soon lose his life. He knew he lived in evil times. He even knew that there was feuding in the Philippian church. Yet, he still wrote, Rejoice always. What does Paul know that we don t? The answer to that question is nothing! Yet Paul, with the help of God, always knew where to keep his eyes focused. No matter what the circumstance, Paul focused on his Lord Jesus Christ. Paul treasured the faith given to him that allowed him to know Jesus Christ. He knew and lived in Christ s death and the power of His resurrection. He anxiously awaited the return of his Savior, who had already given him citizenship in heaven. He received strength from Christ to do everything. Paul rejoiced in the Lord always. He knew Jesus and lived in Him daily! What did Paul have that we don t have? Nothing! We
have been given faith to believe in Jesus Christ. We can daily look at Christ s death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. We can look at Jesus resurrection that proves to all of us what He said and did was the truth. We can live in the fellowship of His church where we receive His sacraments and love from our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. We can cherish the fact that our names are written in the Book of Life. In other words, God has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world and some day we will be in heaven. All of these gifts are ours, given to us by our Lord Jesus Christ freely. Rejoice always! In Christ it can be done! Pray for the strength to always look to Him. He is always there. Jesus says, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:20b) In Christ, Pastor Craig S Zandi 3 What Luther says: At the same time no experience in life should completely dispel our Christian joy. So Paul teaches, says Luther, in a sermon on Philippians 4:4-7. He also says that rejoicing should go on at all time. Here he hits those who rejoice in God, who praise and thank Him half the time, that is, when matters go well with them; but when matters go badly with them, the rejoicing is at an end But not so David in Psalm 34:1: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. He had good reason to say this, for who can hurt or harm the man who has a gracious God? Sin does nothing to him, nor death, nor hell, as David sings (Psalm 23:4): Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil. (WLS, 693)
4 ASSISTING FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER Acolytes: Ushers Altar Guild: Sam & Shelley Barg Finance: Tom Rosolowski & Glen Hoople Fellowship: Board of Trustees Worship Assistants for December Sunday Services at 9AM Sunday, Dec 2 Wednesday, Dec 5 Sunday, Dec 9 Caring & Sharing Wednesday, Dec 12 Elder: Alden Hook Greeters: Jan & Neal MacLachlan Ushers: Team 5: Jim Kuchta, Captain, Gary Drohman, Don Josi, Dave Thompson, Russ Thompson Elder: Mark Grabowski (noon) Ray Tousey (6PM) Elder: Darrell Kuchta Greeters: Janice Zandi Ushers: Team 1: Dave Scott, Captain, Dave Kuchta, Tom Rosolowski, Vic Plockelman, Stu Pask Elder: Mark Grabowski (noon) Ray Tousey (6PM) Sunday, Dec 16 LWML Mites In Gathering Wednesday, Dec 19 Elder: Alden Hook Greeters: Ken & MaryAnn VanTreese Ushers: Team 2: Gary Hahn, Glen Hoople, Dave Kmosena, Mike Kuchta, Jim Rodd Elder: Mark Grabowski (noon) Ray Tousey (6PM)
5 Sunday, Dec 23 Charity of the Month Elder: Randy Scott Greeters: Chuck & Marie Perenchio Ushers: Team 3: Dennis Flater, Captain, Bob Hauser, Alden Hook, Bill Myers, Ray Tousey Monday, Dec 24, 6PM Elder: Mark Grabowski Christmas Eve Ushers: Team 4: Sam Barg, Dave Werner, John Monnier, Chuck Perenchio, Gene Zillmer Tuesday, Dec 25, 9AM Elder: Mark Grabowski Christmas Day Ushers: Team 5: Jim Kuchta, Captain, Gary Drohman, Don Josi, Dave Thompson, Russ Thompson Sunday, Dec 30 Elder: Randy Scott Greeters: Bob & Helen Patrick Ushers: Team 1: Dave Scott, Captain, Dave Kuchta, Tom Rosolowski, Vic Plockelman, Stu Pask Monday, Dec 31, 6PM Elder: Ray Tousey New Year's Eve Ushers: Team 2: Gary Hahn, Glen Hoople, Dave Kmosena, Mike Kuchta, Jim Rodd
6 Advent 2018 WHAT CHILD IS THIS? In the middle of the Bethlehem night, amid the activities and noise and turmoil of a world turned upside down by government decree, was a baby. He was a promise kept. Born in an unlikely place to unlikely parents, this baby turned the world right-side up by fulfilling the Law and bringing peace. The Word made flesh. What Child this was! Midweek of Advent 1 December 5, 2018 Noon and 6:00 PM The Child Who Is Zechariah s Hope Texts: Isaiah 40:1 5; Luke 1:5 25 Midweek of Advent 2 December 12, 2018 Noon and 6:00 PM The Child Who Is a Virgin s Great Son Texts: Judges 13:2 7; Luke 1:26 38 Midweek of Advent 3 December 19, 2018 Noon and 6:00 PM The Child Who Is John s Joy Texts: 2 Samuel 6:12 23; Luke 1:39 45 (A meal will be served after the noon service and at 5:00PM.)
7 LWML Bible Study will be December 17, 2018 at 4:30 pm. The Bible Study is entitled Abundant Spiritual Treasures found on page 22 of the Fall 2018 issue of the Lutheran Women s Quarterly. Mission Grant #16 Education Loan Repayment Assistance Grants Twenty called church workers, each year during the biennium, will each receive a grant of $2,500 through Ministry Focus, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization (RSO), to assist in repayment of educational loans accrued in preparing for service to the Lord through the church. Repayment of educational debt is often made more difficult by the very modest salaries of church workers. This problem may affect recruitment, performance, and retention of church workers. These grants will help church workers to turn away from financial worries and focus on spreading the Gospel. We Pray Together... Precious Heavenly Father, fountain and the origin of all goodness, we give you thanks for daily providing us with all that we need to support our body and soul. Help us to give generously to provide for Ministry Focus to support educational loans accrued by students preparing to share the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we always be content at the foot of the cross, trusting that you will always provide for our needs. In Jesus Name, we pray Amen.
8 Remember your Bible Buddy this December Don t forget to reach out to your special Bible Buddy this month sharing the excitement that comes with celebrating the birth of our Savior. Also mark your calendar for 4pm on December 16 th to come and watch your Bible Buddy as they participate in the kids Sunday School Christmas program.
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2 9:00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School 11:30AM Board of Elders SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 DECEMBER 2018 9 Caring & Sharing 8:15AM Finance Meeting 9:00AM Worship+ HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School Christmas program practice 3 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 10 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 12:30-3:30PM Preschool 4 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 9:00AM Quilters 5:30PM BOCE/YM 11 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 9:00AM Quilters 11:30AM Christmas luncheon 6:15PM Evangelism- Stewardship meeting 5 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 12:00 Advent Service 6:00PM Advent Service 7:00PM Choir Practice 12 8:30-11:30AMPreschool 12:00 Advent Service 1:00PM Ladies Aid 6:00PM Advent Service 7:00PM Choir Practice 6 7:00AM Men s Breakfast & Study 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 10:00AM Thrift Store Rice Lake 13 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 11AM-7PM ARC 7 8 14 8-12PM ARC 15 10:00-12:00PM Crafty Stitchers 4:30PM meet for Christmas Caroling 16 LWML Mites Ingathering 8:45AM Pre-service Hymn Sing 9:00AM Worship 10:00AM Fellowship & LWML Cookie Sale 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 10:30-11:30 Sunday School 4:00PM Sunday School/Preschool Christmas Program potluck to follow 17 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 12:30-3:30PM Preschool 4:30PM Ladies Bible Study 18 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 9:00AM Quilters 6:00PM Council 19 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 12:00 Advent Service 1:00PM Rachel Circle 6:00PM Advent Service 20 7:00AM Men s Breakfast & Study 8:30-11:30AM Preschool 10:00AM Thrift Store Rice Lake 21 22 23 Stewardship Charity of the Month- Shop-with-a-Cop 9:00AM Worship + HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study No Sunday School 24 No Preschool 6:00PM Christmas Eve Service 25 Christmas Day 9:00AM Christmas Day Service +HC NEWS LETTER ITEMS DUE TODAY! 26 No Preschool 27 No Preschool 10:30AM Deborah Circle At Church 28 29 30 9:00AM Worship + HC 10:00AM Fellowship 10:30-11:30AM Bible Study No Sunday School 31 No Preschool 6:00PM New Year s Eve Service +HC St John s Volunteers serve meals at the Senior Center Meal Site the week of December 24th Note: January 2 at 6:30PM National Youth Gathering meeting for parents and students attending.
12 Preschool News Our Preschoolers sure did an awesome job singing in church! Thank you to all the families who came! We are up to letter Jj already! We have been busy learning colors, shapes, and numbers. Our Bible lessons focused on friendship. We learned that Jesus is our best friend ever, who never leaves our side. For the month of December, our theme will be Christmas. Our Bible lessons will be about events leading up to Jesus' birth and His birth. We have already begun practicing for our Christmas program on December 16th. Thank you to all Bible Buddies! Everyone has made contact with your Preschooler at least once already! Please feel free to stop in and read us a story or just say 'Hi'!!
13 All ladies are invited to join us for our Christmas luncheon on December 11th at 11:30 at J&S Supper Club. A signup sheet and further information will be out soon. If you have a secret sister please bring a small gift. Ladies Aid members will be filling Christmas boxes for our elderly members at the church after the meal. We welcome any donations of cookies for these boxes. We hope to see you on the 11th. The Next Caring and Sharing Sunday is December 9th This is your opportunity to show you care for the hungry in our community by making a donation to the Hope Food Pantry or show your concern for the hungry children in our community by making a donation to the Back Pack Program.
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16 Rada Knives If you are interested in purchasing Rada Knives, please contact Lorraine Flohr at 715-532-5095 All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. Orders are processed quickly! They make great Christmas and wedding gifts. Dish Cloths If you are interested in purchasing Dish Cloths, please contact one of the Ladies Aid. All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. They are on hand! Christmas Cards There are still some Christmas cards to purchase, please contact one of the Ladies Aid. All proceeds go to the St. John's Ladies Aid. They are on hand!
17 ITEMS FOR BULLETINS are due on Tuesday by close of day each week (unless indicated otherwise in bulletins due to holidays). Newsletter items are due in the office no later than close of day on the Tuesday preceding the last Sunday of the month. E mail to: stjohnladysmith@centurylink.net (preferred method). Don t forget that LARGE PRINT bulletins and newsletters are available for those who need them. Contact the office to get your name on the list! Please, leave only aluminum cans! We cannot take aluminum foil, plates, etc.; aluminum cans only! Thanks for your assistance. ONGOING COLLECTIONS Aluminum cans for Preschool Canceled Stamps (LWML) Paper for recycling Greeting cards Milk Moola TM caps and bag tops Used eye glasses RECYCLING PAPER We have an ongoing paper recycling project for the congregation with help from the Deborah Circle. Items to be recycled: Stationery, envelopes, mail, notebook paper - no newspaper material! Bundle or bag magazines. Paperback books are also recyclable. Keep magazines separate from the other paper items. Thank you for helping!
18 STEWARDSHIP A godly attitude in using our time, talents, and treasures for Christ and His Kingdom. December Charity of the Month On November 25th, our charity will be Salvation Army Red Kettle. Please use the designated envelope from your packs and mark on them the charity for that month. Only monies that are specifically designated will go to that charity. If you have any questions about the Charity of the Month, please speak with a member of the Stewardship Board. Members are: Dana Woebbeking Marie Perenchio Debbie Flatter 2019 Greeters Dear volunteers please sign up for the Sundays you would like to be a greeter on the calendar provided on the table in the fellowship hall. Your prompt attention to this will expedite scheduling. Thank you! Men s Breakfast and Study Ladysmith Family Restaurant Thursdays, December 6th & 20th At 7:00 AM
19 3 Steve Balko, Jamie Werner 5 Shawn Josi, Jim Kuchta, Dave Thompson 7 Landon Hakes 8 Sandi Bishop 9 Peggy Nelson, Roger Svoma 12 Cody McCann 13 Donald Ptacek, Lillian Srmek 14 Jeanne Glessing 19 Joanne Phetteplace 27 Andrea Wilson, Ray Woebbeking 30 Melissa Holman, Ellen Stephenson 31 Alex Glessing, Irene Stine 2 Dave and Karen Kmosena 21 Glen and Lois Hoople 22 Jane and Randy Burch
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