DECEMBER 2017 IMMANUEL EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH Connecting people with God and with other people to make a difference! 14100 WORTHINGTON ROAD PHILADELPHIA, PA 19116 Phone: 215-464-1540 www.immanuelphilly.org ` Immanuel Newsletter GOD S WORK OUR HANDS Table of Contents A CHILD IS BORN Connecting With God December Worship Schedule Pg. 3 From the Pastor Pg. 4 A Firm Foundation Pg. 5 Reformation Sunday Pg. 6 Connecting With Other People Christmas Celebration Pg. 6 A Taste of Christmas Pg. 7 Immanuel German School Pg. 8 German Circle Pg. 8 225 th Anniversary Celebration Pg. 9 Trunk or Treat Pg. 10 Shady Maple Bus Trip Pg. 10 Sauerkraut Supper Pg. 11 German - American Parade Pg. 12 Making A Difference Seafarers Pg. 12 ELCA Good Gifts Pg. 13 Project Linus Pg. 13 Silver Springs-Martin Luther Pg. 13 Phila. Protestant Home Pg. 13 Calendar Pg. 14 Join us for Worship! Christmas Eve 2:00 PM Contemporary Service with candle lighting 4:00 PM Family Service 6:00 PM German Candlelight Service 8:00 PM English Candlelight Service Christmas Day 10:30 AM Bilingual Service with Holy Communion. 1
IMMANUEL NEWSLETTER Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 14100 Worthington Road, Philadelphia, PA 19116 Telephone: 215-464-1540 FAX: 215-677-2433 E-mail: office@immanuelphilly.org Websites: www.immanuelphilly.org and www.hillhappenings.org Facebook: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, Philadelphia Ministers: Members and Friends of the Congregation Pastor: Rev. Norbert F. Hahn, Ph.D. 215-464-1540 PastorHahnILC@gmail.com Secretary: Diane Burgess 215-464-1540 office@immanuelphilly.org Council President: Stewart Blankenhorn 215-947-5079 CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS, MEETING TIMES, LEADERS Bible Study Wednesdays 10:00 AM, Pastor Hahn Choir As needed Dr. James M. Clements Congregation Council 2 nd Monday Stewart Blankenhorn Christian Event Team 1 ST Tuesday Eileen Szentjobi Finance Team As needed David W. Cook Frauenverein 3 rd Wednesday 12:00 Noon Marianne Haug German Circle/Deutscher Kreis 1 st Sunday Ruth Muggler Girl Scouts Wednesdays Nancy Smith Hand Bell Choir As needed Dr. James M. Clements Immanuel German School Saturdays 9:30 AM Dr. Del Hausman Ladies Guild 2 nd Tuesday Barbara Hannon Member Care Team 1 ST Tuesday 10:00 AM Judy Friedman Mutual Ministry Team TBA John Scholtz Social Ministry Team 3rd Wednesday 12:30 PM Michele Cook Sunday School Sundays 9:30 AM Eileen Szentjobi Women s Book Club TBA Judy Friedman Worship Planning Team 2nd Tuesday 10:00 AM Pastor Hahn Youth Group TBA Chris Blankenhorn and Eileen Szentjobi NEWSLETTER EDITORAL STAFF Diane Burgess David W. Cook Pastor Norbert F. Hahn Marianne Haug Immanuel Church needs your help in ensuring its future ministry. Please include the church in your will. You may want to at least tithe (give 10%) of your estate to the Lord. Remember to include the church s name and address along with the amount of your bequest. Should you wish, Pastor Hahn will provide you with the name of a caring and capable lawyer who can assist you. - 2 -
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SERVICES FOR 2017 First Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 3 9:30 AM English Service with Holy Communion 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service with Holy Communion Second Sunday of Advent Sunday, December10 9:30 AM English Service 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service Third Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 17 10:30 AM Bilingual Service followed by The Congregational Christmas Celebration, including luncheon and fellowship. All are welcome. "Blue Christmas Service" Tuesday, December 19 2:00 PM A special service of comfort, hope and hoping for those who are dealing with loss, stress, and grief. Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 24 9:30 AM English Service 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 2:00 PM Contemporary Christmas with candle lighting. A casual yet festive Christmas experience for all ages! Chocolate, Coffee, Cookies and Carols. 4:00 PM Family Candlelight Christmas Service 6:00 PM Candlelight Service (German) 8:00 PM Candlelight Service (English) Christmas Day Monday, December 25 10:30 AM Bilingual Christmas Service with Holy Communion First Sunday of Christmas Sunday, December 31 10:30 AM Bilingual Service with Christmas Songs Baptism of Our Lord Sunday, January 7, 2018 9:30 AM English Service with Holy Communion 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service with Holy Communion - 3 -
From Pastor Hahn My dear church family, Like a lot of people these days, when looking for directions to a place, I have stopped using maps and, instead, rely on the GPS ( Geo-Positioning System) that is built into my phone. After I type in the address of the place where I would like to go, the device connects with a satellite, and a friendly female voice starts giving me driving directions, like in 500 feet turn right onto Hawthorne Drive. These gadgets are great when they work. Just recently, while trying to make a pastoral visit to a rehab center in Philadelphia, mine went bonkers. It got me close to the center, but half-a-mile away it started to send me in circles. So, I went back to using a non-electronic, low-tech approach to reaching my destination. Fortunately, when it comes to our faith journey, our guidance system never fails. Christ, the Good Shepherd, will never lead his flock astray. Our Heavenly Father has prepared a clear path, a direct way towards Him: this path, this way, has a name: Jesus Christ who came into our world to guide us into relationship with God in the most intimate manner: as our personal Lord and Savior. Soon, we will begin our unique seasonal focus on God s plan to reach out to us and to become our guiding light. Soon, we will begin preparing hearts and homes for the celebration of Christ s birth. Soon, we will be basking in the ancient promise that God s always comes down to us. And soon, we will also be challenged by the lights, sounds, and voices of our consumer culture to jettison our holy guidance system, Jesus, for a far less effective one. The trappings of secular, cultural, and semi-religious traditions will seek to drown out the only life-giving and hope-providing truth: God has come to be with us. God is among us. God is with us. Blessings for your spiritual Advent season and your celebration of Christmas. In Christ, Pastor Hahn P.S. I am excited to learn that you and I will have the opportunity again to buy Animals for Jesus ELCA Good Gifts as meaningful Christmas gifts for friends, family, and others who may already have all they need. More information is on page 11. I trust you will join me again in supporting this great cause. Dear Reader: If you can read this, please put down the newsletter, pick up the phone, and call the church office. (215-464-1540) Please leave word with Diane or on the answering machine on which date you received your newsletter. Or if that is a bit hard to do, tell us on which day you are reading this. It will be a tremendous help for preparing and mailing the newsletter. Thank you in advance. The 15 th, 30 th and 50 th callers will receive a prize. Thank You A big thank you to the members and friends of the Immanuel church family for the many anniversary/birthday gifts given in honor of Immanuel s 225 th Anniversary. A total of $6,300 was given, including a single gift of $2,250. This gift will benefit the Bishop s Forward in Faith Together Fund which is designed to assist congregations (like Immanuel) to move creatively into the future. - 4 -
Zukunft auf gutem Grund Schwerpuntkthema der 12. EKD Synod 12. - 15. November 2017 in Bonn Die Feiern des 500. Jubiläums des Beginns der Protestantischen Reformations sind vorbei. Die lutherischen/evangelischen Kirchen sind jetzt im Jahr 500 + 1. Es geht nun den Blick auf die Zukunft der reformatorischen Kirche zu wenden. Gerade das ist das Hauptthema der 12. Synode der Evangelischen Kirche in Deutschland (EKD), die im November in Bonn tagte. Hierzu einige von den neun Thesen aus einem Referat von Prof. Dr. L. Hölscher, die zum Diskutieren anregen sollten: 1. Die protestantische Kirche in Deutschland führt seit mehr als einem Jahrhundert einen Kampf gegen den Säkularismus, den sie nicht gewinnen kann und auch nicht sollte. 2. Mit dem Konzept des Säkularismus zieht die Kirche eine falsche Grenze zwischen Innen und Außen. Das Konzept entwirft einen manichäischen Gegensatz zwischen einer gottlosen und einer gottesfürchtigen Welt, der so nicht besteht. 4. Die säkulare Gesellschaft ist weder der geborene Feind des Christentums noch dessen illegitimes Kind. Sie hat viele Ursprünge, nicht nur religiöse im Christentum, Judentum,... im europäischen Humanismus, im römischen Recht, u.a.m. 5. Die säkulare Gesellschaft ist nicht nur der Resonanzraum, in dem sich die Kirchen heute bewegen, sondern auch das Forum, vor dessen Augen sie sich bewähren müssen. 8. Religion und Säkularität widersprechen einander nicht, sondern beziehen sich wechselseitig auf einander. Lesen sie den ganzen Aufsatz und noch andere bei www.ekd.de/impulsreferatesynode-2017-29712.htm - 5 - A Firm Foundation for the Future The Key Topic at the 12. Churchwide EKD Assembly, Nov. 12-15, in Bonn The celebration of the 500 th Aanniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation have ended. Now the Protestant/ Lutheran churches are in year 500+1, and it is time to discern what the future might hold for these churches. Looking ahead is the central concern of the 12th churchwide assembly of the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD) which gathered in November in the city of Bonn. Below are a few of the nine points for discussion presented by Prof. Dr. L.Hölscher: 1. For more than 100 years the Protestant Church in Germany has been struggling against Secularism. This is a struggle that the church cannot, and should not, win. 2. By using the concept of Secularism the Church draws a false boundary between inside the church and outside the church (the body, not the buildings), an ancient binary concept that no longer accurately describes the world today. 4. Secular society is neither the natural enemy of Christianity nor its illegitimate offspring. Its roots are many, and not just religious ones including Christianity, Judaism, European Humanism, Roman Law, and others. 5. Secular society is not just the context in which churches operate today. Secular society is the testing ground where churches have to walk the walk to prove their integrity and faith. 8. Religion and Secularism are not antagonists but exist in an interactive relationship where each draws on the other. Read the entire essay and others at www.ekd.de/impulsreferate-synode-2017-29712.htm
Reformation 500 Sunday Service October 29, 2017 Pastor Beck delivered his message to a full house. CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Please remember to include in your planning for December our Congregational Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 17, 2017. We will begin at 10:30 AM with a combined worship service followed by a potluck luncheon and fellowship, with a short program including singing and a play. - 6 -
Alternative to Christmas Cards Instead of writing Christmas cards to members of the congregation, whom you will be seeing throughout this season with opportunities for personal greetings, why not make a financial donation to: ELCA Good Gifts (See page 13) A greeting to the congregation listing all donors will be enclosed with the Pastor s Christmas letter. Use an envelope to deliver your donation via the offering plate or directly to the church office, no later than Monday, December 11, 2017. Special envelopes will be provided on the information table in the room behind the nave. Make checks payable to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Poinsettias and Memorial Gifts Forms for Poinsettias and Memorial Gifts at Christmas are now available on the information table in the room behind the nave. Remember, the deadline is Sunday, December 17, 2017. Living Lutheran Many of our members and friends have been receiving Living Lutheran for the past several years. It is time for us to renew our subscriptions. If you did not have a subscription, you can sign up now. It is important that we have at least 50 people/families subscribing to The Lutheran so that the cost is only $8.95 a year instead of the regular price of $19.95 a year. The magazine will be mailed directly to your house. Make your checks payable to Immanuel Lutheran Church and give them to Barbara Hannon. For additional information, check the information table in the room behind the nave or contact Barbara Hannon. A Taste of Christmas from Around the World Join us on Saturday, December 2, at 3:00 PM and enjoy Christmas beverages and treats f rom a variety of countries. Learn about unique and interesting Christmas customs and traditions from around the world. Seating is limited. Please call the office to reserve your seat (215-464-1540)or make a reservation at www.hillhappenings.org. Admission and participation are FREE. Donations to assist hurricane victims through Lutheran Hurricane Disaster Response are welcome! - 7 -
On Saturday, October 28, students celebrated the 500 th anniversary of Martin Luther s posting of the 95 theses. Following an overview that featured highlights from the films Martin Luther: An Idea that Changed the World and Katharina Luther as well as information concerning Luther s role as the father of a common German language and his contributions to music, students had the opportunity to pose questions to Dr. Luther (Pastor Schmidt-Lange) and Pastor Hahn. The festivities concluded with a diploma celebration in the high school cafeteria. Assisted by Honorary Consul to the Federal Republic of Germany, Ralf Wiedemann, Dr. Hausman presented German Language Diplomas to five of our students. On Saturday, November 11, our younger students celebrated St. Martin s Day, parading through the halls and in and out of classrooms with their homemade lanterns. Our annual Christmas celebration will be held on Saturday, December 16. Book Fair Postponed New Date Saturday 2/10/18 (Snow Date 2/24/18) 9:00 AM -1:00 PM Lower Moreland High School 555 Red Lion Road Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006 German Circle I would like to thank the members of the German Circle and members of Immanuel and friends of Immanuel who made our Sauerkraut Supper such a great success. We will be having our German Weihnachts Feier on December 10th after the German Service. A light lunch will be served and a program of Christmas Carols and some other surprises. We invite all who enjoy a German Christmas party to come and join us. There will be no German Circle meeting on December 3rd. I hope to see all of you on the 10th. Ruth Muggler - 8 -
Immanuel s 225 th Anniversary Celebration at Cannstatter s on October 29, 2017 Martin Luther and the 95 Thesis (L to R) Martin Luther, Dr. Jayakiran Sebastian, Pastor & Lyn Hahn, Pastor & Carol Beck, Mrs. Sebastian, Anne & Pastor Schmidt-Lange. Feature presentation: Reformation Then, Mission Now- Opportunities and Challenges. Dr. Jayakiran Sebastian. Martin Luther (Pastor Schmidt-Lange) answered questions about the Reformation. The Rev Dr J. Jayakiran Sebastian is a Presbyter of the Church of South India, and currently Co- Dean and H. George Anderson Professor of Mission and Cultures at the United Lutheran Seminary. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Hamburg, Germany. - 9 -
Trunk or Treat October 28, 2017 Shady Maple Bus Trip November 14. 2017-10 -
Sauerkraut Supper November 8 & 9, 2017-11 -
German American Parade October 1, 2017 The Seafarers When you are planning your holiday baking, please consider making a tin of cookies for the Seafarers. Empty cans are available at the coffee hour or in the room behind the nave. Please return the filled cans by December 3 Pastor Rex picking up Immanuel s donation from God s Work Our Hands Sunday. - 12 -
ELCA Good Gifts The Social Ministry Team of Immanuel invites you to participate in a very special Christmas emphasis: Christmas gifts with a purpose; Christmas gifts that make a difference. What are these gifts? Ten little chicks ($10) A family of honey bees ($20) A pig ($30) A goat ($50) How does it work? During December, order forms will be available on the Immanuel Church campus. You can purchase the animal of your choice as a Christmas present for anyone. The animal you purchase will be sent by the ELCA to a needy family. You will receive a special card or Christmas tree ornament to announce your gift to the person for whom you bought it as a gift. Michele Cook will be available during the coffee hour to help you with your order. Silver Springs Martin Luther School We can grant Christmas wishes for the children of Silver Springs Martin Luther School, so that they have a joyful holiday season during which they feel loved. Barbara Hannon will accept your donations to buy gifts from their wish lists. You may also donate a gift card from Walmart, Target, Acme, ShopRite or Giant to ensure families in the school and communitybased programs enjoy the holidays. Barbara Hannon will deliver your gifts to Silver Springs between November 27 and December 10. Philadelphia Protestant Home The residents appreciate your gifts of: Body lotion Moisturizers Powder Dove, Dial or any soap for sensitive skin, (bottles of liquid soaps are appreciated) Toothpaste Toothbrushes Shampoo Conditioner Deodorant Box of tissues They would like regular size bottles. No shaving cream or razors. They use electric shavers. Thank You During the month of October, Immanuel gave 93 items to the Somerton Food Bank. Christel Birgel has been making dinners and soups for Aid for Friends. In the past month, 22 soups have been donated. Thank You to the caring, helpful women that devoted their time and skill to the making of blankets and assisted with the sewing on of Linus labels. A total of 37 blankets were donated, to be given to deserving children of all ages. The gift of blankets is a true reminder that they are loved. Please keep the children in mind by knitting/crocheting a blanket in the coming months. We look forward to another "Workshop" in the Spring - please plan to join us! Wishing All a Blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year. Alma - 13 -
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH DECEMBER 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 9:30 AM Immanuel German School at LMHS 3:00 PM A Taste of Christmas 3 1 st Sunday in Advent 9:30 AM English Service with Holy Communion 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service with Holy Communion 10 2 nd Sunday in Advent 9:30 AM English Service 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service Weihnachtsfeier after the German Service 17 3 rd Sunday in Advent 10:30 AM Bilingual Service followed by the Congregational Christmas Celebration, including luncheon and fellowship. All are welcome! 24 4th Sunday in Advent 9:30 AM English Service 10:30 AM Fellowship 11:00 AM German Service Christmas Eve 2:00 PM Contemporary Candlelight Service 4:00 PM Family Service 6:00 PM German Candlelight Service 8:00 PM English Candlelight Service 31 1st Sunday of Christmas 10:30 AM Bilingual Service with Christmas Songs 4 5 11:30 AM Staff Meeting 11 Deadline for Alternative to Christmas Cards 18 Deadline for Poinsettia and Memorial Gifts 25 Christmas Day 10:30 AM Bilingual Service with Holy Communion New Year s Day Christian Event Team 12 10:00 AM Worship Planning Team 11:30 AM Staff Meeting Ladies Guild 19 11:30 AM Staff Meeting 2:00 PM Blue Christmas Service 26 Office Closed 6 10:00 AM Bible Study Bible Study Girl Scouts 13 10:00 AM Bible Study 12:30 PM Social Ministry Team Bible Study Girl Scouts 20 10:00 AM Bible Study Bible Study Girl Scouts 7 Confirmation Class 14 Confirmation Class 21 Confirmation Class 8 9 9:30 AM Immanuel German School at LMHS 2:00 PM Lisa Maldonado Richard Santana wedding 15 16 10:30 AM Immanuel German School Weihnachtsfeier at LMHS All invited! 22 23 27 28 29 30-14 -