adoration evangelical lutheran church etce era · 2015-12-03 · 12/11 nicholas young 12/14 larry...
TRANSCRIPT
DECEMBER 2015 • VOLUME #20, ISSUE #10
A d o r a t i o n E v a n g e l i c a l L u t h e r a n C h u r c h
. . . O u r M i s s i o n C o n t i n u e s ETCE ERA
Holiday Worship Schedule
Chancel Choir Cantata & Instrument Ensemble December 13
9:00 AM
Children’s Christmas Program December 20
9:00 AM
Christmas Eve Services December 24
4:30 PM & 9:00 PM
Christmas Day Service December 25
10:00 AM
PASTOR
Rev. Tim Singleton Office: 414-281-0414 Mobile: 414-345-7368 Email: [email protected] STAFF
Lori Hamilton .................. Secretary Office: 414-281-0414 Email: [email protected] Barb Regent..............Music Director Email: [email protected] Janet McGinty...........Choir Director Email: [email protected] Gina Alba ........... Interior Custodian Email: [email protected] OFFICE HOURS
Monday-Thursday ............9:00-2:00 PASTOR’S NORMAL WEEKDAY
OFFICE HOURS
Tuesday, Wednesday.......9:30-2:30 Thursday........................9:30-12:30 Friday.............................12:00-2:30 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Holiday Worship ..................... Pg 1
From the Pastor .................... Pg 2-3
Church Council Highlights ...... Pg 4
Commitment Sunday ............... Pg 4
Our Adoration Family .............. Pg 5
Birthdays ................................. Pg 5
The Season of Giving........... Pg 6-7
Meru & Mulala ........................ Pg 7
Kid’s Page.................................Pg 8
December Calendar ................ Insert
Worship Assistants ................ Insert
Lutherdale .............................. Insert
ETCETERA …Our Mission Continues 2
PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM Sha’alu Shalom Yerushalayim (“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem”) is a Hebrew exhortation and blessing from Psalm 122 of the Holy Bible. In this Psalm, God both exhorts us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and promises us a blessing, saying, “May they prosper who love you.” Right now, however, in this era of world wars and rumors of new world wars, it is difficult to see the point of praying for the peace of Jerusalem, or Israel, or France, or Nigeria, or Tanzania, or the USA, or any other nation we might think of these days. Yet, we are called to pray for and seek peace. While there is a clear God-given and honorable role for our duly appointed governing authorities and armed forces as peacekeepers in the world (Romans 13:1-7), the Lord Jesus highlights the role of the “peacemakers,” calling them “children of God” (Matthew 5:9). And, of course, God desires that we have a special place in our meditations and prayers for the Holy City of the biblical Promised Land, stating in the Holy Scriptures the following declaration:
PSALM 122:6-7 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, and security within your towers.”
On the surface level of this Psalm text, we see that praying for peace and good to come to God’s Holy City benefits those who pray. In Genesis 12:3, God promised blessings on those who bless Israel and curses on those who curse her, and in Psalm 122 it follows that those who pray for the peace of Jerusalem will be blessed as well. In addition, on the surface level of this text, praying for the peace of Jerusalem is most appropriate for a city whose name literally means “peaceful.” Moreover, the phrase “peace be upon Israel” is found also at the end of the verses of Psalms 125:5 and 128:6, indicating that it was a traditional farewell blessing in biblical times. However, above and beyond these things, we are to pray for the peace of Jerusalem because it will be the scene of Christ’s return (Zechariah 14:4, Acts 1:11). At that future time, our Lord and Savior Y eshua (Jesus) will establish permanent universal peace. So, all Christians eagerly await his great Second Advent to come, praying for the time when the Prince of Peace and King of Kings will reign from the renewed Jerusalem. And until that time, we are commanded to do our best to “live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18). Thankfully, we are heading into the time of year when we commemorate the birth of the One Messiah who is our peace, and who inspires and empowers our peacefulness in the world. It is the commemoration of the First Advent of Y eshua Ha-Mashiach (Jesus the Christ) over two thousand years ago, the One who is Y eshua Ben-David (Jesus Son of David), Yeshua Ben-Miriam (Jesus Son of Mary), and Y eshua Ben-Elohim (Jesus Son of God):
ADORATION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH
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CONFIRMATION UPDATE:
During the month of December, Confirmation Class will be held on Thursday, December 10 and Thursday, December 17 due to the Christmas holiday. Regular Confirmation schedule will resume in January 2016.
LUKE 2: 1-14 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David [Bethlehem] a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly hosts, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
This is GOOD NEWS indeed! It fuels our inner joy and peace, just like Simeon of Jerusalem, who was devout and looked forward to the consolation and restoration of Israel. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that “he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” So, guided by the Spirit, Simeon came into the temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought in the child Jesus to do for him what was customary under the Torah law, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying the following:
LUKE 2:29-32 “Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”
Like Simeon, may we also be filled with this inner peace as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus, through whom we have forgiveness of sins and life everlasting. He is our salvation, the Light of the World (John 8:12), so let us pray and work for a more peaceable world in the name of our Lord Yeshua... Christmas blessings be with all of you! Pastor Tim
ETCETERA …Our Mission Continues 4
Here are some of the items discussed at the November Church Council meeting: The theme for Advent Wednesdays in December will emphasize the Jewish roots of our Christian Faith.
Discussion of snow plowing contracts took place. We will contract with Maynards.
Walk to Mulala fundraiser has begun.
Chris Cason volunteered to take charge of sign-ups for Sunday treats.
Congregational stewardship and finances are a concern.
Mike Roshar reported that he will have a serious temple talk Sunday, November 15th.
Council will be in charge of serving a Divine Intervention meal on December 7th.
Our Youth will be making Christmas ornaments and having a Christmas party.
We will need to work towards finalizing 2016 budget at the next council meeting.
The coffee growers from Africa would like to refund to us some of the money from our sale of coffee.
For more information on any or all of these items, please check the complete minutes of the meeting posted on the kiosk in the Gathering Space or contact one of your Council representatives.
COMMITMENT SUNDAY REPORT
“Bring the best of the first fruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God.” Exodus 23:19a
Commitments for 2016 were received at worship and brought to God’s altar on Sunday, November 22. God’s people at Adoration pledged their gifts to support His ministry here, in our community and throughout God’s world. These gifts represent our response to God’s abundant love and generosity in our lives.
As of November 30, we received 50 pledges totaling $123,940. 5 of these were from members who did not pledge last year. 20 members increased their pledge amount this year. Thank you to all the members who brought their commitment cards. If you have not returned your commitment for next year, please put it in the offering plate at worship or bring it into the church office. Watch the Sunday bulletin for continued reports on the number of commitments received.
If you make your contributions through electronic giving (Simply Giving) and wish to change the amount you give, complete the authorization form from the mailing and return it to the church office.
This holiday season, thanks are expressed to all who have supported the ministry at Adoration this past year with
their time, talents and financial contributions. We look forward to continued support from all our members in the
year ahead. We have heard Jesus’ words that those who are faithful in the little things will be faithful in the big
things. Giving on a regular basis is practicing our faith, providing resources to share God’s message in many ways
and many places. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTS!
ADORATION EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5
BIRTHDAYS
ANNIVERSARIES
12/01 Charlotte Douangmala 12/01 Heather Kokalj 12/02 Lori Wargolet 12/03 Ashton Bunger-Beste 12/03 Madeline Pettke 12/05 Adele Kujawa 12/05 Carol Langhoff 12/07 Frank McGinty 12/08 Carol Glisch 12/10 Burton Bunger 12/11 Nicholas Young 12/14 Larry Ringwall 12/15 Ellen Ziarek 12/16 Kristen Delano 12/16 Millie Roshar 12/17 Makayla Lewitzke 12/18 Kerri Cwiklinski 12/19 Peyton Kuzminski 12/22 Austin Kerlin 12/22 Dave Krueger 12/24 Scott Wood 12/26 Brenda Schneider 12/28 Fern DeLano 12/29 Marlene Hale 12/30 Jeff Schneider 12/30 Zachary Young
12/03 William & Elizabeth Delano 12/26 David & Sandra Nichols
A NOTE FROM BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
As we come to the close of another year, the Building and Grounds committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have helped to maintain the inside and outside of the church. There are many people who see a need and fill it. Thank you all for keeping God’s house in order.
Join us on Saturday, December 19,
as we share the carols of the holiday
seasons with some of our homebound
members. See Janet McGinty if you
would like to come along. The more
the merrier!
AAA UPDATE We are finishing off the year in the spirit of giving. We collected socks and sent a monetary gift to the VA to be given to vets including homeless vets. We shared monetary gifts to 2 families. We sent our 7 military from Adoration gift cards. Thank you to all AAA members for your support. We are looking forward to a new year. All adults of Adoration are welcome to join us in 2016 for fellowship and fun.
CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM December 20 - 9:00 AM
Invite your family and friends to this special morning of worship.
Our Sunday school children will perform a program entitled
“The Secret of Snowflake County”. Following the service stay for
fellowship and have a piece of birthday cake for Jesus.
Another Cross has been added to our Wall of Crosses! While traveling in Germany, the Roshars and the Yersins purchased a wooden carved cross. They share the following message about their trip. Every 10 years the people of Oberammergau, Germany stage a magnificent version of the passion play. This small community of just 5,600 people has over 2,700 of its inhabitants participating in this world famous event.
We recently visited this beautiful town and found this cross there in a shop of a wood carver. His work was amazing and we thought this cross from this special place would be a good addition to our wall of crosses.
Mike & Millie Roshar Bob & Connie Yersin
A special thank you to Donna Babilius for displaying her beautiful Christmas village for all to enjoy this holiday season!
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16
ELCA WORLD HUNGER Year to Date offerings of $1,814.11 Thank you!
The season of giving LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES
Providing Help, Healing and Hope in the Name of Jesus Christ
We are happy to be participating and supporting L.S.S. this holiday season.
The Mitten Tree Our special tree is set up and ready to be filled with your gifts of holiday warmth. Gloves, mittens, hats, caps and scarves either purchased or homemade can be placed on the tree.
The Giving Tree You can help make a child’s
Christmas special. Simply take a card off the tree and
sign your name on the sheet to the corresponding
number. Purchase a gift and place it under the Giving Tree along
with the card attached. Gifts do not need to be wrapped. LSS will deliver your gift
to your sponsored child.
Thank you for generously supporting these wonderful programs.
CHRISTMAS SALE AT ADORATION DECEMBER 12
COOKIE SALE The Evangelism Committee is happy again to sponsor this year’s cookie sale. Show your support with this outreach project by donating cookies to the sale. Please bring your cookies to church the week of December 7, between 9:30-1:30 PM. We will be packaging cookies on Friday, December 11. Proceeds will be donated to Ascension Food Ministry and our general fund.
CHRISTMAS RESALE Our Partnership Committee is looking for your donations of unwanted Christmas decorations and/or ornaments. Please consider donating items to the Christmas resale. Proceeds will be donated to Mulala Parish to help support our Tanzania partnership.
Spread the word to promote this special day at Adoration!
ETCETERA …Our Mission Continues 6
ASCENSION FOOD MINISTRY Thank you for your continued support of food donations to our shopping cart! Your generous contributions are helping families in need during the holiday season.
Hunger facts
868 million people – that’s 1 in 8 – are chronically hungry and cannot lead active
daily lives.
1.4 billion people live in extreme poverty, living on less than $1.25 per day.
In the United States, more than 50 million people do not know where their next
meal will come from.
46.2 million Americans are living in poverty.
SOUTHWEST INTERFAITH SW Neighborhood Outreach Program is a non-profit organization for older adults. Their mission is to link older adults with a caring community.
Volunteers are needed to provide rides to doctor appointments, shopping, and other transportation needs. Help is needed with minor household repairs or yard work. Volunteering is on a flexible basis, (when you are available). For more information call the SW Interfaith office at 414-421-3678. Pick up your free copy of their Resource Directory with much helpful information.
DIVINE INTERVENTION MINSTRY An interfaith ministry providing emergency over-night safe sanctuary to the homeless, respecting
the dignity of all God’s adult children.
We are continuing to help support this mission by providing dinners to our homeless neighbors at Divine Intervention. Thank you to the members of our Church Council for serving dinner on Monday, December 7.
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MT. MERU COFFEE PROJECT
By purchasing Mt. Meru coffee you are helping the farmers of Tanzania. We sell this delicious full-bodied coffee in many varieties including ground, whole bean, drip, perk, regular or decaf. Flavored varieties of French vanilla, hazelnut, butter pecan and chocolate raspberry are also available for special order. Your purchase of Mt. Meru coffee would make a special holiday gift for yourself or others and help our brothers and sisters in Tanzania.
THIRD WORLD HAND CRAFT SHOPPE A non-profit, mission ministry store located in Capital Drive Lutheran Church old chapel. (5305 W. Capital Drive). The shoppe has a two-
pronged mission: to provide a market to artisans from third world coun-tries, and to give back to various third world charities with their profits.
Looking for unique gifts to give? This Shoppe carries merchandise from 48 different countries around the world: clothing, jewelry, accessories, decorative household items, baskets, nativities, and much more! Make a difference to artisans around the world by shopping at
the Third World Shoppe this holiday season. Call for store hours
414-445-2065.
Memo from Meru and Mulala
Since the early days of Christianity, Christmas has been a time for gifts and gift giving. In Tanzania, they can't afford to buy gifts and it is summer there, so they bring flowers inside and try to have a special meal with family and friends. I recently spent some time with Pastor Elias Nasari and he told me of a gift that was quite wonderful. He and his wife spent a month at their home in Tanzania, which is just a short walk to Mulala Parish. He had places to go and rented a car for these errands. On the way home, there was a woman who was hitch hiking on the side of the road. He stopped and picked her up, and she knew who he was as he had been a pastor and assistant to the Bishop before they moved here, but he did not know her. As they drove, she told him about a great gift that her family had received. Her eldest son had received money from Adoration in order to go to school. She was so happy and it was hard for her to accept the fact that people here were willing to do this. Pastor Elias then told her more about the partnership and Adoration's generosity. It was a testament to the good that we do and to hear the appreciation of a woman whose family had received this gift, was also a gift to me. Think of what that meant to her son and to her family. I hope this warms your hearts as well as it did mine and know there are many other families who have received these gifts that are amazing to them and their children. Please donate items to the Christmas bazaar and find something to buy as all the money from this fundraiser will go to children for school scholarships and please keep these wonderful people in your prayers. Wishing you all a blessed Christmas. Sandy Ringwall
ELCA GOOD GIFTS Gifts that grow the church, fight hunger and transform lives.
If you are looking for a meaningful way to support the ministries of The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America consider giving an ELCA Good Gift. Simply choose your gift, either browse the catalog located at church, or visit the website at www.elca.org/goodgifts. Order your gift, by phone 1-800-638-3522, online, or mail an order form to: ELCA , P.O. Box 71764, Chicago, IL 60694-1764. Your gift carries God’s love to others, making a difference in their lives and in the world.
Non-Profit
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Milwaukee, WI
Permit No. 2449
Address Serv ice Requested
KIDS PAGE
Mission Statement: Living in God’s love we share the good news of Jesus through spirited worship, serving God in our daily lives, creating a welcoming space to all, providing outreach, educating the young and old, and creating worldwide partnerships.
Reconciling in Christ: Adoration Evangelical Lutheran Church identifies itself as a “Reconciling in Christ” congregation and publicly welcomes all persons to full membership and participation in the ministry we share without regard to race, ethnicity, social status, ability, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Adoration Lutheran Church 3840 W. Edgerton Avenue
Greenfield, WI 53221
Phone: (414) 281-0414
Fax: (414) 281-1094
Email: [email protected]
Website: adorationlc.org
Facebook: facebook.com/
adorationlutheran
Pastor: Rev. Tim Singleton
Worship Times:
Sunday Morning……………………………………...9:00 am
Wednesday Evening …………………………….6:15 pm
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DECEMBER 2015
Volume #20 Number #10
Published Monthly
Dated Material — Please Expedite
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December
2015