advent lutheran churchadvent lutheran church · christy korn and kathryn urbaniak. there are still...

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OUR MISSION – FAITHFUL IN THE WORD

+ To gather as God’s people and nurture one another + To know the Word of God + To grow in faith, love, and service

+ To go into the world with the Good News of Jesus Christ

ADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCHADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCHADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCHADVENT LUTHERAN CHURCH

Rev. Dr. Paul M. Sorcek 2nd Street Pike & Worthington Mill Rd.

P. O. Box 840, Richboro, PA 18954 215-355-2529

web: www.adventrichboro.org e-mail: [email protected]

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SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT - 12/4

8:00 am Traditional Holy Communion 9:00 am Adult Bible Class 9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion Sunday School ages 4 - gr. 8 10:30 am Advent Brunch Dress Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT - 12/11

8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Adult Bible Class 9:30 am Contemporary Holy Communion Sunday School Pageant 10:30 am Fellowship Time - Open 10:45 am Church Council Adult Bible Class

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT - 12/18

DEDICATION OF FINANCIAL

COMMITMENTS 8:00 am Traditional Worship 9:00 am Adult Bible Class

9:30 am Traditional Holy Comm. Sunday School ages 4 - grade 8

10:30 am Fellowship Time - Open 10:45 am Adult Bible Class

CHRISTMAS EVE -12/24 4:00 pm Manger Service - Puppets & Characters present the Nativity to children & families . 7:00 pm Family Candlelight Service - Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion 9:00 pm Candlelight Service of Holy Communion

CHRISTMAS DAY - 12/25

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion NO Early Service or Sunday School

CIRCUMCISION AND NAME

OF JESUS - 1/1

9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion

NO Early Service or Sunday School

THE ADVENTURE THE ADVENTURE THE ADVENTURE THE ADVENTURE –––– DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER DECEMBER,,,, 2016201620162016

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Pastor's Message for the Month ...

"Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born,

If he's not born in thee, thy soul is all forlorn".

English Carol

We live in a world increasingly secular. Even the celebration of Christmas has lost much of its spiritual character. Today, Christmas is more about shopping and presents, lights and candles, warm and fuzzy sentimentality, ..... For some, the emphasis on the family being together still occupies an important place. Sadly, what is often missing is "the reason for the season". The holiday is really about the birth of the Saviour. How much we need to put Jesus at the center of our Christmas observances. How different our world would be if we honored the Christ-child as we ought. But even more important than admitting the importance of Jesus to the holiday bearing his name is letting the newborn King live in our hearts and reign in our lives. Without Christ dwelling in us life is empty, even if we try to fill it with all sorts of tinsel and material things. With Jesus in our lives, we have the confidence that God is present with us ("Emmanuel") and that all will work for well - for here and now, and for all eternity. How much each of us needs Jesus dwelling in us! How much we need him touching and impacting our hearts and lives! As the writer of the English carol put it so well:

"Though Christ a thousand times in Bethlehem be born, If he's not born in thee, thy soul is all forlorn".

May the Child Born in Bethlehem dwell richly in your hearts and lives,

Pastor Sorcek

+ + +

Ruby and I wish you all of God's Blessings in this Advent-Christmas season. May the Lord fill you with His Love and Peace!

+ + + + + + + + +

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FALL STEWARDSHIP

EMPHASIS

Our stewardship theme for this year is “Live Simply: Take Hold of the Life that Really is Life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19). We are learning to Follow Jesus, Face the Truth, Act Together, and Share Enough. You should have received your 2017 Stewardship packet. We hope to dedicate the commitments we have received on December 18. Prayerfully consider God’s blessings in your life as you help us address this year’s financial deficit and as we move into 2017. Thank you also for your generous response to the special appeal. As always, your support is greatly appreciated.

ADVENT CHRISTMAS BRUNCH

The Advent Christmas Brunch will be held Sunday, December 4 following the 9:30 service, in the Fellowship Hall. This is an enjoyable event for both children and adults. Please join us in sharing Christmas fun and fellowship including delicious food, music, kids crafts, and decorating the church for Christmas.

ANGEL TREE PROJECT

This year our Angel Tree Project will benefit the Salvation Army in Levittown. Gifts are due back on December 4 in order to give the organization plenty of time to service 1800 children!!! Thank-you for your faithfulness in donating to this yearly holiday outreach. Social Ministry. .

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PAGEANT

The pageant will be held Sunday,

December 11th at 9:30 a.m., as a feature of the worship service. All Sunday School students through grade 8 are invited to take part.

An important date to remember is the dress rehearsal on December 4 from 11:30 am-12:30

pm. (Students who attend our Christmas Brunch may go directly to the rehearsal.)

YOUTH GROUP Advent’s Youth Group for grades 5 and above will meet on Sunday, December 11 from 6 to 7 p.m. We certainly hope you can attend. POINSETTIA LIST A sign-up sheet for dedicating poinsettias for Christmas Eve is on the table in the narthex. The cost is $10 per plant. Please sign up by December 18. You can also call the office to leave your dedication. Poinsettias may be picked up following the 9 pm service on Christmas Eve or following the 9:30 am service on Christmas Day.

START WITH A SMILE

As you remember your loved ones with gifts this Christmas season, remember to “Start with a Smile”. When you shop at AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com/ch/23-2081861), the organization gifts a percentage to Advent Lutheran Church. In just one month (as of last quarter giving) Advent received $10.93. Just think what we can achieve together!

STITCH CLUB CRAFT SALE The stitch club thanks everyone for their generosity with its Christmas sales. Proceeds of $600.00 will support the ministry of Aid for Friends.

THANKS FOR WINE & CHEESE

GATHERING

We thank Lynn and Julie Roccograndi for hosting the annual wine tasting on November 12. A great time was had by all

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SUMMARY OF CONGREGATIONAL

MEETING

The Annual Congregational Meeting to address finance was held on Sunday, November 27. The congregation thanked George Henry for serving two full terms on Church Council. Elected to 3 year terms on Council were Kelly Sitler Brum, Christy Korn and Kathryn Urbaniak. There are still council positions available for Christian Education and Finance. Please speak with Pastor if interested in serving on Church Council The Congregation reviewed the proposed 2017 budget which provides for a 3% reduction in costs. Discussion focused on the financial deficit and how to budget for 2017. The major agenda item was a proposal from the financial committee and church council to move from a fixed rate mortgage to an adjustable rate mortgage. Doing so would allow us to get a new boiler for the church as well as reduce monthly payments. After much discussion the congregation authorized the council to seek a modification of our mortgage. Permission was given to contact Mission Investment Fund and begin the application process. Final terms will need to be presented to the congregation before papers are signed modifying the mortgage. As part of the general discussion it was suggested that we need a brain storming session and a strategic process to address the future of the congregation and the congregational finances necessary to support our mission. Jay Collins and Mike Sitler will chair the planning committee. Thanks to those who volunteered to serve on it.

THANKS FOR CHRISTMAS TREES

We thank Bob and Karen Matlack and Lynn Roccograndi for arranging for the purchase and set up of our two Christmas trees. Also, our thanks to all who will help to decorate them.

STITCH CLUB CRAFT SALE The stitch club thanks everyone for their generosity with its Christmas sales. Proceeds of $600.00 will support the ministry of Aid for Friends.

ANNUAL FALL FOOD DRIVE

Many thanks to the congregation for their generous contributions to our recent holiday food drive in support of the Warminster Food Cupboard. We contributed 340 lbs. of food for

Thanksgiving!! Thanks for Giving!!

WORTHWHILE THRIFT AND FREEDOM

BOUTIQUE TURNS 2!

Worthwhile Thrift is a sustainable revenue source aimed at ending modern day slavery and we want to celebrate another year of business! Worthwhile Thrift and Freedom Boutique are located at 6516 Easton Road in Pipersville. Store hours are 10 am - 5 pm. Hope to see you there. Gail Oines

PRAYER REQUESTS

Please remember in your prayers the following Advent member and friends who are ill, hurting or homebound. Bob Anderson (brother of Karen Matlack) recovering after double knee replacement. Joel Denis to undergo surgery. Vickie Flint to undergo surgery. Emma Giacomucci at home. Dan Gracey with leg problems. Lynette Hollis recovering after surgery. Christy Korn’s father brother and family in Gatlinburg TN displaced by fires. Carolyn Morrison undergoing treatments. Julie Roccograndi recovering after hip surgery. Madelaine Sjostorm recovering after heart surgery. Norm Smith at home after hospitalization. Holly Anne Wilson (niece of Jennifer McQuiggan) in critical condition at Aria Torresdale following motorcycle accident.

WITH SYMPATHY

Advent expresses its sympathy to former Youth Pastor Dave and Michelle (Gryszka) Hopping on the death of Dave’s mother Cindy Mitchell. May God’s comfort be with the Hopping and Gryszka families in their time of loss.

INCOME FOR OCTOBER 2016

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Benevolence (LWR, Mission Support, etc) $ 981 General Fund $ 13,978 Mortgage Fund $ 4,953 Deficit Year to Date General Fund $ -20,788.27 Mortgage Fund $ - 7,951.50 Total $ -28,739.77

OUR FINANCIAL STATUS

We want to express our thanks to all our members who have faithfully given their financial offerings during these past months. A special appeal letter was mailed in early November and many are responding with generous special gifts. Thank you! For us to finish in the black we need an extremely strong last month of the year. Please continue your regular offerings to the church. If you have fallen behind in giving from what you in your heart had agreed to give to the Lord, please try to make that up in the coming month. Consider a special additional gift in the coming month or at Christmas. We depend upon your tithes and offerings to meet the needs of providing mission and ministry here at Advent. Please also remember to return your financial commitment cards for 2017. Know that the Finance Committee and Church Council continue to work to reduce expenses wherever possible. We pray that we can help overcome this deficit and move in a positive direction in our financial giving.

WAYS TO GIVE FINANCIALLY

Did you know that there are three ways to give an offering to Advent Lutheran Church. 1. Offering envelope. 2. Simply Giving. This is an automatic deposit from a checking account into Advent Lutheran Church account that occurs every month. There are two different dates during the month to pick from. If you are interested in setting this up or for more information, please contact me at 215-968-2675. 3. On-line giving. This option is with a credit card. Log onto our website: www.adventrichboro.org and click on the “Give Now” button. Thank you for your continued support for our Ministry. Respectfully, Kathryn Urbaniak HAVE YOU REMEMBERED ADVENT IN

YOUR WILL

Those who have faithfully supported Advent through their regular offerings can also support the church by including it in your will. Gifts can be designated for the endowment fund, mortgage reduction or to support the regular expenses of the church. Remembering your church in your will can help Advent through the difficult economic times. Please speak with a member of the finance or endowment committee or pastor for more information.

THE ARMED FORCES

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Please keep in your prayers all our service men and women and especially those related to our congregation: US Air Force Major Andrew Frey was promoted to Lt. Colonel and is now Commander of the Third Weather Squadron at Fort Hood Texas, which is the largest weather Squadron in the Air Force and supports the Army’s First Cavalry’s Division. US Air Force Major Fred Gouse is a pilot and instructor stationed at Holloman AFB, New Mexico. US Army Colonel (Ret.) Jeff Williams is serving in Dubai, UAE as a military advisor. Please see our Armed Forces Display in the corridor leading to the ramp down to the fellowship hall. If there are any errors or omissions, please notify the church office. Thank you.

ADVENT’S BIRTHDAY CORNER

DECEMBER BIRTHDAY

1 George Morris III Victoria Vassello 4 Justin Messina 6 Tom McQuiggan 10 David Shearer 12 Logan Frey 14 Robert Matlack

Dawn Lenox Merk 19 Greg Heiss Kayla McGee 20 Zachary Meyers 21 Ken Earle 22 Drew Frey 23 Karen Matlack

Marilyn Messina 24 Jerry Gugger 26 Judy Buttil 29 Brian Kropp 30 Shirley Morris

SERVING THE LORD AT ADVENT

DECEMBER SCHEDULESLAY READERS

12/04 8:00 am Gail Oines 9:30 am Kathy Sitler 12/11 8:00 am Open 12/18 8:00 am Dave Shearer 9:30 am Ken Meyers 12/25 8:00 am Open

ALTAR FLOWER DISTRIBUTION 12/04 Donna Duffy 12/11 Rhona Slawter 12/18 Nancy Sclight 12/24 Audrey Savchuck 12/25 Kathryn Urbaniak

FELLOWSHIP TIME 12/04 Advent Brunch 12/11 Mark & Kelly Brum 12/18 Open 12/25 Open

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS 12/04 8:00 am Dave Shearer 9:30 am Jennifer McQuiggan 12/11 9:30 am Karen Matlack 12/18 9:30 am Tony Gryszka 12/24 9:00 pm Janice Hoffmann 12/25 9:30 am Gail Oines

ACOLYTES 8:00 am (when a vailable) Nicole Wills 9:30 am Volunteers needed

USHERS

1st 8:00 am Ron Brown, Dave Shearer

9:30 am Ray Heiss, Bob Matlack

2nd 8:00 am Open

9:30 am Tom Herbert, Bob Holford

3rd 8:00 am Open

9:30 am George Henry, Mike Sitler 4th 8:00 am Open 9:30 am Tony Gryszka, Bob Pancoast

ALTAR GUILD

8:00 am Liz Gracey, Hanna McCollum

9:30 am Donna Duffy, Lisa Frey, Pam Maurer, Kathy Sitler

MONEY COUNTERS

1st Janice Hoffman, Dianna Strauss 2nd Cindy Frey, Bob Holford

3rd Ray & Joyce Heiss

4th Tony Gryszka, Gail Oines

DECEMBER 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 4

2ND

SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:00 AM Trad. Holy Com

9:00 AM Adult Bible Study

9:30 AM Traditional Holy Comm

Sunday School

ages 4 - gr. 8

10:30 AM Christmas Brunch


11:30 AM Dress Rehearsal for Pageant

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6:00-7:00 Confirmation

7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

6

9:30 AM Dean’s Meeting

at LTSP

7

10:00 AM Bible Study

8

9:30 AM Lower Bucks

Pastors at

Peace

Bensalem

7:30 PM Bell Choir

Practice

7:30 PM A.A. Topic

Group

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7:30 PM A.A. Step Mtg.

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8:30 AM Men’s Breakfast

10:00 AM Stitch Club

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3rd

SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:00 AM Trad. Worship 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study

9:30 AM Cont. Holy Comm.

Sunday School

Christmas Pageant

10:30 AM Fellowship Time-

Mark & Kelly Brum


Church Council

6:00 PM Youth Group

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7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

13

14


6:30 PM Praise Team

Practice

7:00 PM Vocal Choir

7:30 PM Bell Choir

Practice

15

7:30 PM A.A. Topic Group

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4TH

SUNDY OF ADVENT

8:00 AM Trad. Worship


9:30 AM Trad. Holy Com

Sunday School

ages 4 - gr. 8

10:30 AM Fellowship Time -

Open


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6:00-7:00 Confirmation

7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

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21


. 6:30 PM Praise Team

Practice

7:00 PM Vocal Choir

7:30 PM Bell Choir

Practice

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4:00 pm Manger Service -

puppets & characters present

the Nativity to children &

famiilies

7:00 pm Family Candlelight service of Lessons & Carols with Holy Communion 9:00 pm Candlelight Service of Holy Communion.

25 CHRISTMAS DAY

9:30 Traditional Holy

Communion


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7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

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CIRCUMCISION AND NAME OF

JESUS - JANUARY 1 9:30 am Traditional Holy Communion


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7:30 PM A.A. Open

Meeting

3

4


6:30 PM Praise Team

Practice

7:00 PM Vocal Choir

7:30 PM Bell Choir

Practice

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Advent Evangelical Lutheran Church Second Street Pike & Worthington Mill Rd. P.O. Box 840 Richboro, PA18954-0840 Address Service Requested

advent lutheran churchadvent lutheran church · christy korn and kathryn urbaniak. there are still...

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