The Gloria dei Gazette November 2017 Excited about God and doing God s work. Pastor s Pen Welcome the cooling temperatures of November and the many days of remembering that we will celebrate this month. Here are highlights of what is planned for this month: On Sunday November 5, we will remember our family and loved ones who have passed and gone before us to be with God. On Sunday November 12, we will remember the Veterans of military service in our midst, and those who have completed their time on earth, as we also place before God those of the parish family currently serving in our Armed Forces. Sunday School Hour on November 12 During the Sunday School hour we will host any questions or concerns regarding Gloria Dei s future and financial picture. You are invited to join us in this open forum meeting or you may write your questions on paper and place them in the mailbox labeled newsletter On Sunday November 19, we will have the annual Thanksgiving Meal in the church fellowship hall. We will also have the completion of our Stewardship Campaign by turning in our time and talent sheets and receiving our 2018 budget. We will discuss the budget, pray over it and vote on it in 2 weeks on December 3, 2017 prior to our worship service. Pastor s Pen continued on page 2
Pastor s Pen continued We have just completed a sermon series titled All In which was our Stewardship Campaign presentation. It asked each week what life would look like if we disciples went All In with our commitment to serve the church? Jesus went All In for us to die on the cross for our sins. Are we willing to return the devotion and give out time and talent and resources to serving the Kingdom of God? The book of Ephesians 5:1-2 implores disciples to: Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Disciples are called to be All in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 teaches disciples to Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. Disciples are called to rejoice, pray and give thanks. You have the opportunity to do this each week in the following ways: attend worship, attend Sunday School, attend Mid-week Bible Study. Each time is an opportunity to share your feelings, opinions, views an open mic forum to express ourselves as well as praying that our thoughts would be brought into alignment with God s call to ministry. As our Stewardship program draws to a close God s church needs each of us to be All In with our commitment to join with each other and advance the ministry of the congregation. We can not do this alone we need you are you in? All in? See you in weekly church in November. Pastor John 2
October Council Notes The congregational council met Thursday, October 19, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Carrie Parker led the devotions centering around trusting the Lord. Prayer concerns were offered: Charles and Cindy Fulton, Dick and Ellie Lapham, Emily Roseman Shafer, Danny Smith Ron Smith s brother. Members Present: Bob Meacham, Pastor John Tucker, Bryan Lentz, Bob Budny, Connie Morris, Earlene Sides, Carrie Parker, Marcia Smith, Plennie Sides and Jan Roseman. Absent: Cindy Fulton, Brad Kluttz, and Judy Schenk. Minutes from September Reviewed and passed the September minutes. Treasurer s Report: The treasurer s report were reviewed and approved. Pastor s Report: Pastor s report were reviewed and approved. Committee Reports: Each committee is scheduled to prepare a meal during Lenten and a meal for the monthly committee luncheon. Thanks to the committee members for all that you do! Christian Education No report. Evangelism Tasked to research a budget for placing articles in the local newspaper and report back to council for approval. They want to add more social media accounts. Suggested they speak with Ray Sipes our webmaster for creating new accounts and Tony who manages our Facebook account. Finance Discussed adding new committee members and assigning duties. Each member should be performing tasks. They have asked Dave Hibbard to be the chairperson and brush up on zoning board ordinances for signage also to pick up responsibility for communication with Apple House Realty. Next meeting October 30 th to work on church budget for year 2018. Property No report. Noted Duke Energy contacted about the outdoors lights. Council Notes continued on page 4 3
October Council notes continued Stewardship Time and Talent sheets coming out to congregation Sunday, October 29. Worship and Music Discussed reimbursing Elizabeth Watson for filling to supply music for worship services. They came up with $40 per week. Other Reports: No reports Old Business: Landscaping and scrub removal pending Rhoads building floor replacement pending Benefit breakfast Saturday October 21. New Business: Need volunteers to clean church and Rhoads building to include mopping all floors. The meeting was adjourned in prayer. The next meeting will be November 16, 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Plennie Sides will serve as teller and lead the devotions in November. Altar Flowers Gloria Dei Notes The flower chart is on the interior door near the choir robes. Connie Morris is offering to pick up flowers and arrange them for those who want to put flowers in the church but do not want to buy or arrange them. Flowers can come from your garden and can be as simple as greenery, etc. Meetings for the Month of November: Congregational Council will meet Thursday, November 16, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship building. Gloria Dei Notes continued on page 5 4
Gloria Dei Notes continued Wednesday Evening Bible Study The Wednesday evening bible study is held each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. except for the fourth Wednesday. Come early with a bag meal at 6 p.m. for a time of fellowship. The fellowship time and bible study are in the fellowship building. We are continuing to study about generosity. The Wednesday evening Bible study will not meet on Wednesday, November 22. Thanksgiving Service and Meal on Sunday, November 19 This year we will celebrate Thanksgiving on Sunday, November 19, at our 11 a.m. worship. Following the worship service, we will gather in the fellowship building for our Thanksgiving meal. This will be a covered dish meal with WELCA providing the meat. Poinsettias to Adorn Sanctuary for Christmas We will adorn the sanctuary for the Advent and Christmas season with red poinsettias. You can place a poinsettia in honor or memory of a loved one. The cost is $5.00 per plant. There will be a form available in the bulletin on the last Sunday of November. Payment needs to accompany the order form. Hanging of the Greens The Worship and Music committee will be hanging the Christmas decorations on Saturday, December 3, beginning at 9 a.m. The congregation is invited to help decorate the church for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Christmas Program The Children s Christmas program will be during the morning worship service on Christmas Eve, December 24. 5
Midweek Advent Services Each Wednesday evening during Advent, there will be a mid-week Advent service in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. This is a time of worship and prayer to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of Christmas during this busy season. The first Wednesday service will be November 29. Christmas Services The Christmas Eve Candlelight service will be on Sunday, December 24, at 7 p.m. Holy Communion will be celebrated. Bring your family for a time of worship with carols, candlelight, and Communion to celebrate the birth of our Lord. WELCA WELCA Sunday and Meeting Gloria Dei s WELCA group will be serving as worship leaders on Sunday, November 12 for WELCA Sunday and will also collect Thankofferings during the service. Following the service, WELCA will have their monthly meeting in the fellowship building. Colleen Hoffner will serve as hostess and present the program. WELCA Set-up for Thanksgiving Meal \We will meet Saturday Nov.18 at 3:00 p.m. in the afternoon to set-up and decorate for the church s Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. WELCA will be furnishing the meat for the Thanksgiving lunch. 6
All Saints Sunday On the first Sunday of November, the church celebrates All Saints Sunday where we give thanks to God for those who have died since last All Saints Sunday. We also remember that we, too, are saints through God s grace and how we can live the example of saints who have gone before us. We remember six saints from Gloria Dei who have touched our lives by being Christ-like examples to us: J.R. Lail 1924-2016 The Rev. Don Phillips, Former Interim Pastor 1953-2017 Timothy Miller 1959-2017 Ken Ritchie 1935-2017 Johanne Crafton 1934-2017 Helen Miles 1947-2017 Rest eternal grant these saints, O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon them. 7
Preparing for worship November 5 All Saints Sunday Holy Communion In holy baptism God makes saints out of sinners. In holy communion God forgives the sins of all the saints. In the assembly today we give thanks for all the saints who from their labors rest, who have fought the good fight, who have gained the crown. In the same breath we petition our God for the strength to hear and to heed the admonitions of the Lord Jesus in today s gospel. Recalling that we have been sealed by the Spirit and sustained by the Savior s body and blood, we keep on keeping on as God gives us breath, to the praise of God s glory. Readings: Revelation 7:9-17 Psalm 34:1-10, 22 1 John 3:1-3 Matthew 5:1-12 Hymns For All Your Saints, O Lord For All the Saints Reader: Elizabeth Watson Altar Guild & Ushers: Dave & Julia Hibbard Communion Assistant and Teller for November: Plennie Sides November 12 23rd Sunday after Pentecost WELCA Sunday Today the prophet Amos calls for justice to roll down like waters. Paul urges us to encourage one another with the promised coming of the Lord. Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish bridesmaids. Surrounded by the faithful of every time and place, we celebrate Christ s coming in our midst in the word of life and the feast of victory the marriage feast of the Lamb. Readings: Amos 5:18-24 Psalm 70 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Matthew 25:1-13 Hymns: Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise When Peace Like a River Blessed Assurance Reader: Cara Kluttz Ushers: WELCA The summaries are from Sundays and Seasons.com - Copyright 2017 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Preparing for Worship continued on page 11 10
Preparing for Worship continued November 19 Thanksgiving Sunday Holy Communion At harvest time we join the psalmist in offering thanksgiving to God: You crown the year with your goodness, and your paths overflow with plenty. We are grateful for the abundance of the good things of God s creation. Paul reminds us that our thanksgiving overflows into generosity. As the body of Christ in the world, we give ourselves away as bread for the hungry. Readings: Deuteronomy 8:7-18 Psalm 65 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Luke 17:11-19 Hymns: Come, Ye Thankful People Come Praise and Thanksgiving Now Thank We All Our God Reader: Marc Sywenki Altar Guild & Ushers: Dave and Julia Hibbard November 26 Christ the King Sunday On this final Sunday of the church year our gospel is Jesus great story of judgment. In the end, the faithful are those who served Christ by ministering to those who are poor, hungry, naked, sick, or estranged. In the first reading God is the shepherd who seeks the lost, weak, and injured and feeds them with justice. We gather this day to celebrate the reign of Christ and his victory over death, yet awaiting the consummation of all things yet to come. Acknowledging Christ as our merciful ruler, we go forth that his reign may be known in our loving words and deeds. Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24 Psalms 95:1-7a Ephesians 1:15-23 Matthew 25:31-46 Hymns: Rejoice, for Christ is King! Reader: Dave Hibbard Ushers: Dave and Julia Hibbard Jesus Shall Reign Crown Him with Many Crowns 11
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Local Ministries For the month of October, we gave 53 pounds. As you are buying groceries for your Thanksgiving Meal, pick up an extra item for the food pantry at Rowan Helping Ministries. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me. 37 Then the righteous will answer him, Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? 38 And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? 39 And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you? 40 And the king will answer them, Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family you did it to me. Matthew 25:35-40 13
November 2017 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sunday schedule: 9:45 a.m. Sunday School 11 a.m. Worship Communion Celebrated on November 5 and 19. 1 6 p.m. Bring Your Own Sandwich Meal 6:30 p.m. Memorial Service for Marion Heidorn 2 3 4 5 All Saints Sunday 6 7 8 6 p.m. Bring Your 9 10 11 6:30 p.m. NAMI Sandwich Meal 6:30 Cub Scouts in Fel- 6:30 p.m. Bible lowship Building Study 12 Pentecost 23 13 14 15 6 p.m. Bring 16 17 18 WELCA Sunday Your Sandwich Meal 6:30 p.m. Cub Scouts in 3:30 p.m. WELCA to set up for Open Forum during Sunday School 6:30 p.m. Bible Scout Building Thanksgiving Meal hour Study 6:30 p.m. Congregation- 12:15 WELCA Meeting al Council Meeting 19 Thanksgiving Sunday 20 21 22 23 24 25 Thanksgiving Meal following worship 7 p.m. NAMI No Wednesday Gullett Family Reunion in Fel- evening Activities lowship Building 26 Christ the King 27 28 29 7 p.m. Midweek Advent Servicee 30 AA Groups 1-2 p.m. Fellowship Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Lunch Bunch Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays 8 9