Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Dana Point, California

DEI-LY LIGHT

OCTOBER 2016 NEWSLETTER

CHANGE Dear Gloria Dei family, Pastor Peter Marshall, former Chaplain of the U.S. Senate once wrote:

‘Lord, where we are wrong, make us willing to change; where we are right, make us easy to live with.” Lots of change is going on at Gloria Dei, not only in terms of construction and building, but staffing. We have hired Paige Gulck as Youth Director and Carol Weinhardt as Administrative Assistant. Also, with our new midweek program underway, Spencer Frost is a T.A.G. Leader (Thursdays are Grace), along with Children and Family Director Barb Collins. We also have new people singing in the choir, new members getting involved, etc. Please welcome everyone! Change is constant in our life and some of it is welcomed and some is a struggle. I’m reminded of that great evening hymn:

Abide with me: fast falls the eventide; the darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide. When other helpers fail and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me.

Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away.

Change and decay in all around I see. O Lord who changes not, abide with me. Peace,

Pastor David R. Mattson

October 2, 2016, 5:00pm - Festival of St. Francis - Blessing of Animals Service

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PASTOR SABRINA VASTA

Pastor Sabrina’s Dei Light

On leave for a time... Pastor Sabrina and Chris LaBelle have a new baby girl! Cecilia Marie LaBelle was born (3 pounds, 12 oz.) on Monday, September 26, 11:30am. Both baby and mother are doing great! Cecilia will be in the NICU a couple of weeks. Please keep Pastor Sabrina, Chris, Gabe, Oliver and Cecilia in your prayers. In terms of programs that Pastor Sabrina is the primary point person for - Adult Education, Confirmation, Women’s Ministry, Visitation, etc. - those things will continue to go on. Please watch the bulletin for details or

call the church office for more details.

THE BIG HAPPENING… (This is it! The big happening that’s upcoming, that you don’t want to miss out on, that is huge, important, a big give thanks to God!) PUZZLE PEACE (SPECIAL BUILDING GIFTS) - Thanks to the many people that turned in their special gift and/or pledge to pay for all of the wonderful new elements (organ, piano, fountain, pews, etc.) ahead of time. Check out the puzzle board in the Fellowship Hall to see how this effort is going. We’ve raised nearly $320,000 (9/11/2016). Thank you! THANKS TO ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL, BIBLE STUDY, SMALL GROUP (GIFT LEADERS) AND EDUCATION LEADERS! The following people were thanked and “installed” on Sunday, September 11 at the morning services: Barb Collins, Children & Family Director; Paige Gulck, Youth Director; Sophia Lund, Kristin Doorn, Greg & Kathy Person, Gretchen Enright, Spencer Frost, Carol Weinhardt, Matt Dubow, Dennis Pysz, Bill Jonas, Emmy Quinn, David & Susan Warneke, Ann St. Martin, Donna Combe, Jim & Neta Wenrick. PROGRESSIVE DINNER! Saturday, October 8, 5pm. Cost: $20. Sign-up in the fellowship hall. We begin with appetizers at Bobby & Sharon Guilliams’ home (1628 Via Tulipan, SC 92673) and progress to dinner and dessert at Chuck & Carol Weinhardt’s home (32812 Leah Drive, DP). Questions, please see Barb Collins (sundayschool@mygloriadei.org). BLESSING OF THE PETS (Festival of Saint Francis): On Sunday, October 2, at 5pm, Gloria Dei will hold its annual blessing/prayers for all dogs, cats, reptiles, etc. Location: the Richard Henry Dana statue park on Island Way. (Directions from church: Right on Stonehill, right on Del Obispo which turns into Dana Harbor Way, and then left on Island Way and go over the bridge and the statue is directly ahead. Park and look for Pastor David.)

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BARB COLLINS, CHILDREN AND FAMILY DIRECTOR

DEI-LY FRIENDSHIP (Fellowship, Congregational Life, Community, Get-Togethers, Fun, Support, etc.) Trick or Trunk - Fall Festival Extravaganza will take place on Sunday, October 30, 5:30pm. The “In and Out” Truck will be here, along with many children wearing costumes. Decorate your trunk, invite friends and join in! This is an amazing event for all ages and a community outreach as well. GERMANY TRIP MEETING: Pastor David is leading a group to Germany in the summer 2017. We will have a meeting of those attending on Sunday, October 23, 2016, 6pm, at the church. We will cover more details of the itinerary.

WOMEN’S FALL RETREAT - September 30 th – Sunday, October 2nd at the Embassy Suites in La Jolla. The theme will be “God is Good!” This retreat will take us on a journey through the Psalms with the key verse from Psalm 100:5: "For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation." There are around 30 women attending. MEN’S BRIDGE – Will meet on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at 6:30pm in the fellowship hall. PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY — Meet on Oct. 1 (first Saturday of the month). PRIMETIMERS (senior group) will enjoy the “Feast of Lights” at Saddleback College on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2pm. Cost is $15.00 for seniors. Please sign up in the fellowship hall. The first 2017 event for Primetimers will be Friday, Feb. 10. We will host Mike Chamberlin for an evening of WWII music. SERRA’S PANTRY - Volunteer opportunity in San Juan Capistrano, Saturday, Oct. 15, (third Saturday of every month) at 8:30am. Contact Paul Dubow if interested. WOMEN'S BOOK GROUP - Tuesday, Oct. 4, 7pm to discuss - Swans of 5th Avenue by by Melanie Benjamin. Location: Marie Callender’s in San Juan Capistrano at 7pm. If interested, speak with Diane Kelly. UPCOMING : Saturday, November 5 - “Thank You Banquet” - potluck at church and awarding the “Volunteer of the Year” award, 5pm. Watch the bulletin for more details as we begin our early Thanksgiving celebration. Hopefully, we will be celebrating on the foundation of our new sanctuary.

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Paige Gulck, Youth Director.

YOUTH NEWS SENIOR HIGH Welcome to Paige Gulck! In October, Paige begins as Youth Director. She has already met with some of the high schoolers to brainstorm about ideas for the year. Not only will she be involved in Senior High, but also T.A.G. (Thursdays are Grace) program and Confirmation. Questions? Comments? Words of Wisdom? Email her at: youth@mygloriadei.org. SR. HIGH FRIDAY NIGHT FRIGHT : Friday, October 21, 6 p.m. Ghost and goblins can be a scary sight, but not for us with the Dei-Light. Bring a friend and meet in the church parking lot at 6

p.m. for a trip to Knott’s Scary Farm! Sign-up ahead of time, so we can get a group price ($40). Please RSVP to Paige via text (949) 449-7143 by 10/14. It’ll be a screaming good time! TRICK-OR-TRUNK: Sunday, October 30 4:30 p.m. Calling all Senior High Schoolers! Come and help decorate a trunk for the event. We’ll meet in the church parking lot to decorate the trunk and then stay to pass out candy to the kids. Wear a costume and hope to see you there! JUNIOR HIGH YOUTH ASSEMBLY : The Confirmation youth (6th-8th) will be going to Anaheim to meet up with a couple hundred more kids and sponsors at this annual event, November 18-20. There will be a sign-up. Questions, speak with Paige Gulck.

T.A.G. - MIDWEEK PROGRAMMING for all ages (preschool - through confirmation, plus Adults too) on Thursdays. Why? To build “sticky faith”, no gaps in our ministry program and it will be the next step of growth for our music programs, youth programming, and adult education. Schedule Format and Place: 5:30 - 5:50pm: Dinner for Children/Youth; 5:50 - 6:10pm: Games 6:00 - 6:45pm: Confirmation (Sanctuary) 6:10 - 6:25pm: Music program for younger kids (Classroom under the Sanctuary) 6:25 - 6:45pm: Lesson for younger kids; 6:30 - 7:15pm: Bell Choir (Sanctuary) 6:30 - 7:15pm Adult Class - 4dm (Classroom near kitchen) 7:30pm: Sanctuary Choir

HELP NEEDED: If you would like to help with the planning of this overall program, or would like to volunteer with a meal (something simple, pizza, chicken, etc.) or if you have questions, speak with Barb Collins, Children and Family Director.

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GROWING TOGETHER! (All things related to learning, Bible study, small groups, G.I.F.T. (Growing in Faith Together) groups, education, etc.) G.I.F.T. (Growing in Faith Together) Small Neighborhood Study Group - New Group to Begin on Discipleship led by Jim and Neta Wenrick. If you are interested in attending this new Gift Group, sign-up. Current Gift Group meets at David and Susan Warneke’s home (25262 Barque Way, Dana Point Phone: 203-952-5657), Monday, Oct. 10 at 7:00 p.m. Study: The Book of James. SUNDAY MORNING ADULT CLASSES (9:40am) - T he overall theme for 2016 - 2017 on Sunday morning is a celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Pastor David will begin by facilitating a Bible study on Martin Luther’s Five Favorite Bible passages. There are also outside speakers arranged about every month from various universities and colleges. Besides a focus on Martin Luther, the Lutheran pastor and martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer will be highlighted as well through a video/discussion format led by Dennis Pysz. For more weekly details, please grab an adult education flier on the back table of the sanctuary or at the welcome center. THE FOURTH DAY MOVEMENT CLASS (4dm): This adult Bible study will be led by Pastor David and will focus on sharing the Easter hope in ways that people are open to receiving. This Bible study continues on T.A.G. (Thursdays are Grace) throughout October. Join us every Thursday, 6:30pm. PASTOR DAVID'S BOOK: 4dm - The Fourth Day Movement is available for purchase ($12) in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up to order. This book is a result of continuing education time given by Gloria Dei and is about sharing the Easter hope. HEART-LIFTERS WOMEN’S EVENING STUDY resumes on Tuesday, Oct. 11 and 25th at the home of Donna Combe. All women are welcome to join in. Refreshments and social time: 6:30; Study: 7pm. If interested, please call Donna at 369-5382.

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Kathy Person, Music Director

DEI-LY WORSHIP (All things related to worship, music, altar guild, choirs, singing, praise, etc.) CHOIRS - Sanctuary Choir (Teen - Adults) continue to rehearse on Thursdays in October at 7:30 p.m. We sing for both 8:30 and 10:30am services. The Sanctuary Choir continues to grow and grow, but we always have room for more singers! Come join in and find out what choir is all about. HANDBELL choir rehearses every Thursday during October at 6:30 p.m. We meet in the Sanctuary. We love welcoming new ringers. No experience necessary. CHILDREN’S Choir began on Thursday, September 22nd and rehearses through October. Come for

dinner at 5:30pm as part of our Midweek Ministry and stay for fellowship, games and kid’s choir. Bring a friend! ORGANIST/PIANIST HANNA LEE l not only leads us in worship, but accompanies the Sanctuary Choir and other groups on Sunday morning. She has her doctorate degree in Organ Performance and her Master’s Degree in Piano Performance. Please welcome her to the Gloria Dei family! REFORMATION SUNDAY is October 30. The Sanctuary Choir will sing at both morning services, plus we will be led in worship with trumpets and more. Also, 3rd graders receive Bibles. If your child is in that age group, see the sign-up in the fellowship hall or speak with Children and Family Director Barb Collins (sundayschool@mygloriadei.org).

Shelli Parajeckas, Preschool Director

PRESCHOOL

(All things related to the Gloria Dei Lutheran Preschool) Gloria Dei is a place where children play and pray! October marks the beginning of Fall with lots of apple and pumpkin lessons, tastings, and science. The preschoolers will immerse themselves in the colors and smells of Fall. Part of providing families with high quality care is offering services which benefit the child. This month we

will have the Language and Learning Center on campus. They provide a thorough speech and hearing screening at a very discounted rate. Early detection is imperative for young children. Halloween is a big deal for a little kid. We will end this month with Gloria Dei’s Trick or Trunk event, and our preschoolers will also celebrate on campus with parades and parties! Remember to visit us on Facebook, and thank you for continually praying for our preschool program!!

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Gloria Dei Church Council

DEI-LY SERVICE (All things related to service, ministry, helping others, compassion, caring, loving, serving “the least of these”, etc.) PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY—Meets the first Saturday of each month: October 1, 9am. This ministry invites people of all ages to join us. If you know of someone in need of a shawl or would like more information, call Peggy Johnson at 363-8714.

SERRA’S PANTRY - Volunteer opportunity in San Juan Capistrano, Saturday, October 15 (third Saturday of every month) at 8:30am. Speak with Paul Dubow if interested. GRIEFSHARE (Grief Support Group) will start up again as there is interest. Contact Pastor David. NEWS FROM OUR MISSIONARY IN CHINA (September 6) Dear Partner in God's mission, Thanks so much for your faithful prayers for my visa situation! God is faithful and gracious! I just came back from HK yesterday. I have got a new visa for staying in China. Thanks be to God! As someone here has said, "There are works waiting for you, Dorcas." Yes, I trust that HE has plan in our lives, though we do not understand why something happened at the certain time. Please continue to pray for and with me for God's guidance and leading for this work through me for His glory! The needs here are great! Again, thanks for your faithful partnership and fellowship in our Lord, Jesus Christ! I am so blessed by you all! With thankful heart to God and you, Dorcas Wang

LOS ANGELITOS ORPHANAGE MINISTRY The next visit to the orphanage at Los Angelitos is scheduled for Saturday November 19th. (The Saturday before Thanksgiving). Please join us in celebrating God’s blessings and Thanksgiving with the orphans and to share our thanks with the least of these. Mark your calendar and sign up in the fellowship hall. If you want to learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of these Little Angels of Los Angelitos, please see Susan or David Warneke.

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DEI-LY DETAILS (Anything that has no other place, volunteer lists, prayer requests, special announcements, numbers, and figures, a veritable potluck of stuff, jokes…) ATTENDANCE AND OFFERING 9/4 276 $8,691 9/11 333 $7,585 9/18 334 $14,717 9/25 388 $4,901 “SIMPLY GIVING” - Gloria Dei offers electronic giving, which allows you to make donations on a scheduled, automatic basis. Applications are available at the Visitor’s Center or call the church office. PLEASE help our offering counters by using your envelope with assigned number. An envelope number is needed to receive a giving statement. GLORIA DEI ENDOWMENT FUND “What legacy will you leave?” Brochures are available in the pews and at the Welcome Center! UPDATE ON CONSTRUCTION - By the publishing of the newsletter this month, the following items has been completed: The Outdoor Chapel is now being used. It is a wonderful meeting area with benches, cross, fountain, and beautiful landscaping. The Carillon Bell/Elevator Tower’s foundation is poured and the beams are towering above the other buildings. When complete, we will hear beautiful bells calling us to worship and to celebrate God’s grace! The pylons are being ready to be placed for the new sanctuary and then the pouring of the foundation should begin shortly. When the foundation is poured, we will have a celebration and party - watch the bulletin for details!

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DEI-LY DUTIES

OCTOBER VOLUNTEERS 8:30am 10:30am 5pm ALTAR GUILD LECTORS 10/2 S. Lund R. Grefsrud B. Mesa N. Hudson 10/9 D. Macher H. Nurminen J. Contestabile L. Mers 10/16 G. Enright J. Combe A. Boicey D. Psyz 10/23 G. Rightmire J. Easton C. Simpson G. Rightmire 10/30 J. Skraba L. Mers J. Moyer S. Miller ACOLYTE (month) A. Garriott A. Melschau SUNDAY COFFEE USHERS (month) C. Collins J&D Combe K. Gray

C. Backhus COMMUNION ASSISTANT (month) G. Rightmire R. Grefsrud

WELCOME CENTER 10/2 S. Lund D. Combe 10/9 I. Schuller B&C Fredrick 10/16 G. Enright N. Hudson 10/23 J. Skraba R. Lorvick 10/30 J&J Young S. Lund REFRESHMENTS 10/2 B&B Gillesie F. Houghton, L. Heuer 10/9 K. Hallowell J. Hettmann 10/16 G. Rightmire A. St Martin 10/23 J. Olson L. Mers

10/30 G. Rightmire M. Bise

NOVEMBER VOLUNTEERS 8:30am 10:30am 5pm ALTAR GUILD LECTORS 11/6 E. Mills G. Talstad 11/13 B. Keim J. St. Martin B. Mesa K. Yagher 11/20 K. Gray S. Warneke J. Contestabile C. Clisby 11/27 P. Dubow A. Boicey B. Cummings ACOLYTE (month) G. Knuf C. Flippin SUNDAY COFFEEUSHERS (month) P. Dubow, M. Dubow P. Michalis, G. Powell S. ParajeckasCOMMUNION ASSISTANT (month) J. Adams B. Jonas

WELCOME CENTER 11/6 J. Adams D. Combe 11/13 M&K Desmond T. Seibert 11/20 M&N Ficken G. Powell 11/27 B&B Gillespie G. Sherwood REFRESHMENTS

11/6 J. Skraba D. Pysz 11/13 K. Yagher D&S Warneke 11/20 G&D Blanda D&K Bunic 11/27 M&K Desmond M. Melschau

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DEI-LY PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

“Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus and for all people according to their needs…” HEALING: Joan Sorge, Rev. Don Bankson, Jane D’Cunha, Bonnie Parks, Tom Avery, Blaine Johnson, Gina Grefsrud, Ken Anderson, Len & Betty Michel, and Debbie Campominosi. PEACE AND SAFETY for all our service men and women now serving around the world. PRAYER CHAIN REQUEST: To place a loved one on the Prayer Chain, call the church office at 493-3414. LETTERS TO THE CONGREGATION Dear Pastor David, Thank you very much for including us in the church service this past Sunday. We are so honored and grateful that you could baptize baby Jack… This was/is so important to all of us and are just so happy we were able to do it. Thank you and I hope all things are going well with Pastor Sabrina. Best wishes to Gloria Dei and on all your projects and events. Sincerely Cyndi and Eric Uhlenhoff

CONTACT INFORMATION: GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PRESCHOOL 33501 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

Church Office : (949) 493-3414; Fax: (949) 493-6479; Preschool: (949) 493-3414 x209

Website: mygloriadei.org Email: gloriadei@mygloriadei.org

Facebook Page: Facebook.com/GloriaDeiDanaPoint Staff Email Address

Pastor David R. Mattson pastordavid@mygloriadei.org Pastor Sabrina Vasta pastorsabrina@mygloriadei.org

Paige Gulck youth@mygloriadei.org Barbara Collins sundayschool@mygloriadei.org

Betsy Dubow gloriadei@mygloriadei.org Shelli Parajeckas preschool@mygloriadei.org

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OCTOBER 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 9am Prayer Shawl Women’s Retreat continues

2 Worship: 8:30am, 10:30am Education: 9:40am Women’s Retreat concludes 5pm - Blessing of the Animals, DP Harbor

3 7pm Al-anon

4 7:00am Breakfast Bible Study (RJ’s) 6:30pm Men’s Bridge 7pm Women’s Book, SJC

5 10am Women’s Bible Study 4pm TOPS 7pm Scouts

6 5:30pm T.A.G. Dinner 6pm Confirmation 6:10pm Children’s Choir 6:30pm Bell Choir 6:30pm Adult Class 7:30pm Sanctuary Choir (Teens-Adults)

7 8 8am Men’s Breakfast 5:30pm Progressive Dinner

9 Worship: 8:30am, 10:30am, 5pm Education: 9:40am

10 7pm Al-anon 7pm GIFT @ Warneke’s

11 6:30pm VFW Auxiliary 6:30pm Women’s Heart-Lifters

12 10am Women’s Bible Study 4pm TOPS

13 5:30pm T.A.G. Dinner 6pm Confirmation 6:10pm Children’s Choir 6:30pm Bell Choir 6:30pm Adult Class 7:30pm Sanctuary Choir (Teens-Adults)

14 15 8:30am SERRA’S PANTRY, SJC

CLU Info Session for high school students and parents

16 Worship: 8:30am, 10:30am, 5pm Education: 9:40am

17 7pm Al-anon

18 7:00am Breakfast Bible Study (RJ’s) 7:00pm Council

19 10am Women’s Bible Study 4pm TOPS

20 5:30pm T.A.G. Dinner 6pm Confirmation 6:10pm Children’s Choir 6:30pm Bell Choir 6:30pm Adult Class 7:30pm Sanctuary Choir (Teens-Adults)

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22 1-4pm VFW Auxiliary

23 Worship: 8:30am, 10:30am, 5pm Education: 9:40am 6:00pm Germany Trip Meeting 30 Worship: 8:30am, 10:30am, 5pm Education: 9:40am 5:30pm Trick or Trunk

24 7pm Al-anon 31 7pm Al-anon

25 6:30pm Women’s Heart-Lifters

26 10am Women’s Bible Study 4pm TOPS

27 5:30pm T.A.G. Dinner 6pm Confirmation 6:10pm Children’s Choir 6:30pm Bell Choir 6:30pm Adult Class 7:30pm Sanctuary Choir (Teens-Adults)

28 6pm HS Fright Night, Knotts

29 9:30am Quilting

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PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS

Delores Marguilies

Christian and Dawn Asis, Nolan

Steve and Pam Weiss

James and Juye Kang, Irene

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