The Desert Voice Trinity Lutheran Church December 2016 Does the future seem menacing to you? I hear people remark, Things are so uncertain these days. And, Things aren t like they used to be. This is clearly a good time to remember God s promise to send His Son, our Savior, Jesus, as we focus on what this world is coming to. Jesus taught, Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (Luke 21:33). He declared this concerning the last days of this world and impending Judgment Day. We should know that while impending judgment is assured, Jesus remains true to His promise to save us by His grace through faith and deliver us to our eternal home with Him. Meanwhile, this world faces some troubling times ahead. And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Luke 21:25-26). How should we live in view of these events? Jesus instructs us, Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near (Luke 21:28). Jesus first arrival among us at Christmas leading to His crucifixion and resurrection victory gives us the assurance that He will deliver us. Jesus promise to return in glory calls upon us to remain awake in faith. But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. (Luke 21:35). Jesus calls us to rejoice and rely fully on His enduring Word. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man (Luke 21:36). Through His mighty Word and Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, we are reassured of forgiveness, life and salvation. Although this present world is passing away, we trust in Christ s abiding Word. We need not fear or fret about the future. Pastor Smith Inside this issue: M.A.S.S., Women s Bible Study, WINGS, Quilters 2 TLC SS/Youth News 3 TLC Family Ministry 4 TLC December Events 5 LWML Luncheon Meeting 6 Lutheran Practices 7 MASS News 8 Birthdays/Anniversaries 9 Stewardship/ Clean Up 10 TLC Picnic Photo Gallery 11 Those Who Serve 12 TLC LWML Photo Gallery 13 Calendar of Events 14 Parking Lot Update 15
Page 2 The Desert Voice December 2016 MEN S M.A.S.S. MEETING October 11th, 6:00 pm Men (and Women) Assisting Seminary Students M.A.S.S. meets on the second Tuesday, December 13th, at 6:00 pm, at Sloan s Restaurant in Indio, corner of Highway 111 and Clinton Streets. We are assisting St. Louis Missouri LCMS Seminary students. It s the Advent season. We could remember our Seminary students with a wishful Christmas card. We support these young men with our prayers, encouragement, communication and dollars. You can also donate on Sunday mornings by placing a check in the offering plate noted for MASS. Anyone, any age, can help. God bless you and God bless our work for MASS here at Trinity. Don t forget ladies, you are welcome to join us. Russ Campbell, Chairman TLC QUILTERS. Trinity Quilters meeting times in December are Dec. 21 & 28th at 11:15 am.. Newcomers welcome.! Come and learn about quilting. Any questions? call Marilyn Mohr 760 775-4301. NO WINGS THIS MONTH. See you in Janu- Book 1. Book 2. Book 3. Book 4. Daughters of the Promise Collection By Beth Wiseman Plain Pursuit Plain Promise Plain Paradise Plain Proposal An interesting set of stories about people in Amish county and their interactions with others outside their order. A good read. Marilyn Mohr, Librarian Answer to last month s how many brothers did Joseph have and can you name at least three of them? Answer: 12 brothers. Names listed in Genesis 3:5. December Quiz question. Once to God I sang a song An old refrain known long, This was before I bore a man The one who gave the heavenly plan. Who am I? Luke 1:46-56. Call Ruth 760 574-3787 with your answer for a prize. Women s Bible Study Our Women s Bible Study takes a rest in December. See you in January 2017 on Thursdays at 5pm. Teacher is Helen Kelly. Birth Choice of the Desert needs your help. We are running low on certain items that make up the layette basket we give to each new mother we help. We are looking for: crib sheets, pacifiers, bath towels, and new born new clothes (0-6 months). If you'd like to donate some of these items, please give them to Emily or come visit us at 79440 Corporate Center Drive Suite 106, La Quinta (right off Dune Palms Rd). We'd love to see you. Raejean Kuhnau
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 3 TLC December Events Toooooo Busy! This year the TLC Sunday school and Youth Fellowship come together to share the true meaning of Christmas in a delightful play, Too Busy. The children will be joining the congregation in the Sunday morning worship services on December 18. To add to the special day, Pastor and Bobbi invite the congregation to enjoy their annual Christmas reception which will be held between the 2 services. Jasmine (Paul Smith s Fiancé) December 17 @ 1pm Trinity Lutheran Church Hosted by Friends, Family & LWML RSVP to the church office 760 485-7770 Registered at Target, Bed, Bath & Beyond
Page 4 The Desert Voice December 2016 TLC Family Ministry Your faithfulness continues through all generations Psalm 119:90 December 2016 TLC Family Christmas Caroling Sunday, Dec. 11 2016 Every year we gather and share the Christmas story to our shut ins with traditional Christmas carols. This is a wonderful opportunity to join in the fun of the season. We will meet at church at 3:00 pm. and caravan to the various homes of our TLC shut ins and share the joy of Christmas in song. The carolers are invited to a light supper back at the church. Mark your calendars for this exciting seasonal event! Christmas Day Services Sunday, Dec 25 8:30am & 11am Christmas Eve Saturday, Dec. 24 @ 7pm Join us for our Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 @ 7pm for a service of carols, and anthems with youth and adult choir. Come and hear, The Greatest Story Of All!! New Year s Eve Friday, Dec. 31 @ 7pm Service of Holy Communion Yep, Christmas is on a Sunday this year and with that we will conduct our regularly scheduled services, 8:30am & 11am. Communion will be celebrated in the 11am service. Come join us in celebrating our Lord and Savior s birthday!
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 5 TLC Advent & Christmas Schedule Child of Promise! The Greatest Story of All Promises, promises the Bible is full of them, but ultimately all of the promises of God are found in the Christ Child. Wednesday, Nov. 30- God With Us Advent Supper 5:45pm Advent Service 7pm Choir Practice 8pm Wednesday, Dec.7th 7:30- Prince of Peace Advent Supper 5:45pm Advent Service 7pm Choir Practice 8pm Wednesday, Dec. 14th 7:30pm- Branch Advent Supper 5:45pm Advent Service 7pm Choir Practice 8pm Christmas Day Service Sunday, Dec. 25, 8:30am & 11am New Year s Eve Communion Service Saturday, Dec. 31, 7pm Christmas Eve Service Saturday, Dec. 24, 7pm The Greatest Story of All
Page 6 Lutheran Women s Missionary League Trinity Lutheran Church, Indio Christmas Celebration Saturday, December 10, 2016 1:00 P.M. Silent Auction - proceeds for Lutheran World Relief & Human Care The Desert Voice December 2016 The Silent Auction will be followed with Devotion & Carols Christmas Fun & Games Revealing of Secret Prayer Partners Drawing for new Prayer Partners Please bring cookies to share and extras to pack for our shut-ins. Items are still needed for the Silent Auction. If you have items you would like to donate, such as handmade things, jewelry, kitchen wares, Christmas items, please bring to the church prior to December 10.
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Page 7 Lutheran Practices We all too often just assume that everyone knows why we as Lutherans do what we do in our church and during worship. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. When one of my friends from another denomination ask, why does the Pastor and Elders wear robes? My answer of it s a tradition of the Lutheran church was met with, But how did it get started and what does it mean? I must admit I did not have a good answer. But it got me thinking. What things do we do and have in our church that aren t understood by even our own members, let alone guests? So, therefore, with Pastor Smith s assistance and review, I m going to attempt to write a series of articles about just what these practices actually mean. Keep in mind that we should only use practices that reflect the Word of God and help make the worship services and the church a reflection of God s will. So we start with the robes. From Pastors and Elders, Caring for the Church and one Another by Rev. Timothy J. Mech, The robe covers the man and declares that the words he speaks are not his own. The stole, placed as a yoke around his neck, represents the vow the pastor made to faithfully preach and teach the Word of God. What a wonderful reminder, not only for the pastor, but for the flock, to know that it is God s Word that we are hearing. The elders are charged with assisting the pastor. Again, the robes the elders wear signify that the elders are about God s work and are assisting the pastor to enhance the congregation s worship experience. The elders usually wear a necklace with the cross prominently displayed, again to emphasize it is Christ whom we embrace as our Savior. Do you have a question about a practice or a symbol that you don t understand? If so, be sure to relay to Pastor Smith or to myself. Roy Culley
Page 8 The Desert Voice December 2016 MASS NEWS FOR December 2016 I know most of you know that the ladies are invited and are coming to our MASS meeting each month at Sloan s Restaurant. We had 13 people at our November meeting and it again, was a good meeting. The ladies are a great addition to our group, and contribute many good ideas. They are still the ones who have over the years provided the largest lump sum of donations, so their voices need to be part of what we do Kyle Weeks sent a newsletter providing more information you folks want in this article. He is enjoying the course of study and in September Kyle was given the task of preaching to his congregation and his sermon was on the lectionary text 1 Timothy 1:5-17 which is focused on the universal label of sinner. The sermon was well received by the congregation. Kyle and Krista are enjoying the cooler weather and the fall colors as they both enjoy all the weather changes. They wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your continued support during their time at the Seminary. They know that four years can seem like a long time to wait for a Pastor to enter the ministry. But please rest assured that you truly are making it possible for Kyle to do so and that he remains committed to that goal So they thank you again for your generosity and sacrifice on their behalf and they pray for God s blessing upon Trinity Church. Dear Pastor Smith and Members of Trinity Lutheran Church: During the past weeks I have been deeply touched by the actions of my church family. It seems there are not enough words to adequately express thankfulness and appreciation for the prayers that have been offered for me and also Mary Ann. We have a custom of placing cards for special events on the fireplace mantel. The cards that arrived from so many of you quickly overwhelmed the space usually used and spread into the surrounding spaces as well. The more than fifty cards that were received shared a common theme that blessed me with the message that I had shared many times at the hospital bed side or in the home of child of God during my years of public ministry. Those cards were a daily reminder of God s care and blessing. All thanks and praise to our great God that we could see and experience the answer our prayers and yours were offered during public worship and in your personal devotions The reports from the surgeon and pathologists that indicated that the cancer had been contained and removed. Lymph nodes in the surrounding area were not involved. The pain level following surgery was minimal to the surprise of many. Further treatment would not be necessary, a special blessing by itself We continue to put the future and continued care with the words Thy will be done,. Again, a special thanks to each Prayer Partner. The Lord be with you and keep you. Pastor Larry (Emeritus) and Mary Ann Miller
Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net December 2016 Birthdays 5 Baron Chamberlain 8 Annemarie Sonntag 9 Frank Fratto 9 Bea Main 9 Tom Carroll 12 Nicole Maler 15 Sheila Osterhold 19 Elsa Smith 20 Tom Spay 24 Marlene Langenwalter 25 Megan Gates 27 Alex Negron 31 Henry Bonette January 2017 Birthdays Page 9 4 Mary Helen Kelly 4 Paul Smith 5 Noralyn Lorimer 5 Ramona Haugen 10 Anne Negron 13 Maggie Negron 13 Samantha Schuessler 18 Jerry Norris 21 John Eide 22 Mary Ann Miller 27 Mike Harai 29 Dorothy Fratto 29 Linda Kastner 30 Lynn York 31 Bob Wirtenberger January Anniversaries 2017 December Anniversaries December 21 Tom & Carla Carroll December 23rd George & Trudi Intemann December 27 Pastor Bob & Bobbi Smith January 13 Wally & Cheryl Kortman December 27 Vern & Marlene Langenwalter
Page 10 The Desert Voice December 2016 Every Christmas present that sits wrapped under your Christmas tree will wear out. It will break or go out of style. This fact was there, somewhere, in the back of your mind even as you bought them, but you bought them anyway. For you love the person you bought them for, you wanted to see that look of joy it brings to their face. So also God gives to you. But greater. What He gives will never wear out, break down, or go out of style. For what He gives is His eternal and only-begotten Son, wrapped in your flesh, and placed upon the tree of the Cross. He gives His Son for you. He gives that you may have everlasting joy. He gives because He loves you. This is why the Word became flesh to dwell among you. And that is who is given to you. The Word who is God yet was with God from all eternity. The Word through whom all things were made. The Word who is the only-begotten Son of the Father, God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, being of one substance with His Father. The One who called all things into existence, the One who spoke to Moses from the bush that burned yet was not consumed, the One whose glory filled the tabernacle to dwell among His people, God Himself, has taken on your flesh. Even though the Word is made flesh, even though God became Man, His Divinity is not lessened. His Divinity is not changed. His Divinity remains, pure and unchanging, but your flesh, your human nature, is exalted. Your flesh and humanity is assumed into God. God became man so that you would become like unto God holy and righteous, without sin, without death. And so it is that the Son given to you wrapped in your flesh is placed upon the tree of the Cross. And no tree was ever adorned more beautifully. Its ornaments were nothing less than the Blood of God, poured out as an atoning sacrifice for your sins. Its garland the Body of God, hanged in death that you may have life. Its light the incarnate Light of the world, strung up to call you and all men unto Himself, to enlighten you, to make you His own. He gives you HIs life, He gives you joy and peace peace with God in heaven and peace with one another on earth. And from the tree of the Cross the Lord Jesus places another gift for you upon the Altar. It is the Fruit of the Cross, His crucified and risen, living Body and Blood, the Fruit of the Tree of Life, wrapped in bread and wine and given to you. He fills you with His Glory. He makes your mouths and your hearts His manger. He abides in you and you in Him. The Word became flesh to be placed under the Cross for you. You are forgiven. This is why we give. We give because He has first given to us. And just as it was a joy for Him to give all He had to us. It is a joy for us to give to one another and His church so that this message of forgiveness, life, and salvation may be proclaimed. Cindy Hilger, Chairman and Your Stewardship Committee ================================================================================
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Page 12 The Desert Voice December 2016 Those Who Serve in December 2016 Duties December 4 8:30 am Communion December 11 11:00 am Communion December 18 8:30 am Communion December 25 11:00 am Communion Duty Elder 8:30am Mike Harai Mike Harai Mike Harai Webb Sprague 11am Richard Robinson Richard Robinson Gary Wiedle Gary Wiedle Readers 8:30am Terry Lahn Terry Lahn Terry Lahn Webb Sprague 11am Richard Robinson Richard Robinson Gary Wiedle Gary Wiedle Ushers 8:30am Terry Lahn & Larry Piunti Larry Piunti & Russ Campbell Terry Lahn & Jim Lorimer Larry Piunti & Russ Campbell 11am Jim Ducatte & Bob Wirtenberger Jim Ducatte & Andy Schlange Jim Ducatte & Richard Robinson Jim Ducatte Richard Robinson Acolytes 8:30 am 11:00 am Elder Ethan & Annamarie Frese Elyssa & Emma Ashbough Baron Chamberlain Ethan & Annamarie Frese Logan & Erin Ashbough Elder Elyssa & Emma Ashbough Greeters 8:30am Russ & Jane Campbell Russ & Jane Campbell Sheila McCafferty & Ann Anderson Donna Wester & Ann Anderson 11am Bob & Irene Wirtenberger Woody &Linda Kastner( Linda needs a chair) Bob & Irene Wirtenberger tba Poinsettias Flowers Doris Spiker In loving memory of husband, Don For Kris Chamberlain from Tess Campbell Laura & Michael Thomason for Mike Cameron
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Www.TrinitIndio.org * Thedesertvoice@verizon.net Stamp Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Pacific Southwest District Robert E. Smith, Pastor Cell Phone: 760-485-5171 Emily Bonette, Church Secretary Church Office Phone: 760-347-3971 Eloise Freeman, Preschool Director Preschool Phone: 760-347-3838 Sunday Worship 8:30am & 11am Sunday School/ Bible Class 10:00am Holy Communion 8:30am 1st & 3rd Sundays 11am 2nd & 4th Sundays ELDERS/USHERS FOR SPECIAL SERVICES IN DECEMBER 2016 Advent Wednesday, December 7th, 7:00 pm Elder: Roy Culley Ushers: Russ Campbell & Terry Lahn Advent Wednesday, December 14th, 7:00 pm Elder: Roy Culley Ushers: Larry Piunti Jim Lorimer Christmas Eve, Saturday December 24th, 7:00 pm Elder: Webb Sprague Ushers: Russ Campbell & Jim Lorimer Larry Piunti New Year s Eve Saturday, December 31st, 7:00 pm Elder: Richard Robinson Ushers: Terry Lahn Russ Campbell