christmas eve - st paul lutheran churchstpaulmaryville.org/files/documents/12-december-2014.pdf ·...
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Worship Times
Sunday Morning
8:00 am & 10:30 am
Sunday School
9:15am
Contact Us
Pastor: The Rev. Rick Ohsiek
Phone: 865-982-4285
Fax: 865-977-8070
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.stpaulmaryville.org
Church Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
THE GOOD NEWS
December 2014 EditionDecember 2014 EditionDecember 2014 Edition
Maryville, TN
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service with Holy Communion
Wednesday, December 24, 2014 7:00pm & 11:00pm
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60 years of St. Paul History
St. Paul Lutheran Church owes its beginning to the groundwork done in 1953
by Don and Margaret Richardson, who moved from Ohio to the Village of
Maryville, with a population of 9,000 and no Lutheran Church.
After meeting in homes for a
time, the congregation was
officially organized on
December 5, 1954, with 54
charter members.
The first church purchased was at the corner of College
and Ellis. In 1955 a parsonage was purchased and the
first full-time permanent pastor was called, Pastor
Carlton Pelsecker.
In 1957 the congregation faced a challenge: McGee
Tyson Airbase was closed and the Alcoa plant cut back.
Many members left the area to find jobs. At one point
only eight people came together to worship.
In spite of these setbacks, the church continued to grow
and in 1962 a new A-frame church opened on Old Niles
Ferry. By 1969 an addition was added,
with a library and classroom space. As
the sanctuary became crowded, an
expansion on the property completed in
1986 provided a larger sanctuary and the
A-frame was used for nursery and
classroom space.
St. Paul’s 60th
Anniversary Celebration
December 7, 2014 ~ 10:00am
ONE WORSHIP SERVICE ONLY Bishop Julian Gordy is preaching. A catered Luncheon will follow at approximately 11:45am
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St. Paul became part of a new church when the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed in 1988.
In addition to changing names of some ministries (like are women’s group from LCW to WELCA), we also
started our Men in Mission ministry. Our women’s and men’s ministries have been active on the local, synod,
and churchwide levels; something few congregations can claim.
In 1991, St. Paul hired the first administrative staff. Nell Moore
was hired as a part-time secretary. It was also during this year that
our congregation helped start the Food
Connection of Blount County, a wonderful ministry that
continues to feed many in need. A new organ and keyboard were
added in 1993 as memorials and St. Paul celebrated with a day of
music. Marsha Wynn began as a volunteer choir director.
St. Paul continued to grow and by 2000 a decision was made to
purchase a new property and build a new church better able to meet the needs of the future. Pastor Scottie
Burkhalter was called to serve in 2001 and presided over the ground-
breaking for the new church. During Easter week in 2002, worship was
held in the new sanctuary on Sandy Springs Road.
After Pastor Burkhalter left in 2006, St. Paul was served by a part-time
interim pastor, David Webb, for two years. 2007 saw the beginnings of
Family Promise, a ministry to help homeless families. Once the
organization was established, our church building was used one week
each quarter to house up to about 15 people.
In June of 2008 members from St. Paul traveled down to South Carolina to
participate in the ordination of Pastor Kevin Strickland and then welcomed him
as the pastor of St. Paul. Pastor Kevin remained until 2011. He now serves a
Director for Worship for the ELCA.
After Pastor Kevin left for a new call, Interim Pastor Duane
Salness lead us through the transition period of calling a
new pastor and through some difficult financial times
because of the economic down turn in 2009. To reduce the
mortgage, of almost $1 million, St. Paul began a three year capital campaign. Now, three
years later the economy has rebounded and St. Paul's mortgage has been reduced to
$363,000, leaving the congregation in a much better financial
position and poised to step out in new directions.
Pastor Rick Ohsiek, who began serving in January 2013, is assisting in developing
this vision.
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PASTOR AND CHURCH COUNCIL
The St. Paul Church Council meets monthly on the 3rd Monday at 7:30pm.
Rick Anger – President
Mike Culross - Vice President
Carolyn Speck – Council Secretary
Loda Wylie – Treasurer - [email protected]
Jan Hanes - [email protected] Brian Kaufman - [email protected]
Shirley Lips - [email protected] Marianne Searfoss - [email protected]
Nan Wylie - [email protected] Kris Zimmer - [email protected]
Church Council
A Message from Pastor Rick: Keeping a Holy Advent
Advent is a season of preparation, waiting, and hope. Personally, I really enjoy the quiet and calm of this
season. Singing liturgies like Holden Evening Prayer on Wednesdays is one of my favorite things to do during
the year. The simplicity of its music and message help me get ready for the coming of Christ.
Unfortunately, the rest of the world does not like to practice the calm and quiet of Advent. We rush to get all
of our pre-Christmas activities and shopping done, and seem to have no tome to slow down and wait. Our
consumer driven society begins to push Christmas about a day after Halloween.
How do we recognize and celebrate Advent in the middle of all this business and chaos? How do we take time
to prepare for the coming of the Holy One when the rest of the world does not seem to really care?
Observing Advent takes intentionality on our part. While at worship we will make sure Advent is observed, it
will take a little effort on your part to do this at home.
To help you, here are some suggestions;
1)Create some Advent space in your home.
Make a simple Advent wreath to light each night, or spend some
time at home using only candles for light.
2)Dedicate some extra time for prayer.
Spend time listening for God’s message to you, not just asking
God for everything you want or need. Remember, God is NOT
Santa. There are also some good Advent devotionals available
online. One is found at http://www.luthersem.edu/advent/. You
can either print the entire book or sign up to have the devotions
emailed to you each day.
3) Establish a “no noise time”.
Take some time to just be in silence with no TV or other sounds
getting in your way. Take some time to just be.
These are just a few ways to start making a conscious effort to prepare for Christ’s coming. I pray that each of
you have a blessed and holy Advent.
Peace,
Pastor Rick
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SYNOD NEWS
St. Paul will participate through our Wednesday Advent Service Offering
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PASTOR AND CHURCH COUNCIL
Merl Krull & Jean Beck - Coordinators
Calling all Hand Bell Choir members
Because of the “nudge” or calling that I felt God was giving
me, I am getting the Hand Bell choir together for a Christmas
Eve performance. All practices will be on Tuesday evenings at
6:00 p.m.
Please put these dates on your calendar: November 25, Decem-
ber 2, 9, 16, and 23. We will be working on technique, count-
ing, playing, symbols, etc. We will be playing 1 or 2 pieces,
and one will be “Carol of the Bells”. I’m looking forward to
working with each of you and spreading God’s love through
the wonderful sound of bells. ~ Marsha Wynn
Hand Bell Practice
Tuesdays ~ 6:00pm
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Mid-week Advent Worship Wednesday’s in December
Holden Evening Prayer Service
6:15pm
A Message From the Council President Now that we are in the holiday season it is time for us
not to forget that God has given us so much to be
thankful for and to pray for those who are not as fortu-
nate. I wish to thank everyone who participated in the
Congregational meeting and especially thank Joel
Searfoss for the help in preparing the meal. I also want
to thank everyone that brought the delicious food that
we were able to share. Christmas is just around the
corner and during these festive times we also know
that it can be a little stressful. With that in mind let us
remember what Christmas is all about. It's easy to get
all caught up in buying gifts, decorating trees and
homes and dealing with the Christmas Card lists but to
me Christmas is the celebration of the coming of
Christ. What does Christmas mean to you ?
In closing I want to take this time to thank Kris
Zimmer and Brian Kaufman for there time on the
2014 St. Paul Church Council. There dedication to
serving at St. Paul is impossible to measure so again
we thank you. I also want to welcome our 2 new
members Beth Drane and Greg Caldwell to the 2015
Council. The Council is made up of all volunteers and
I truly appreciate everything they do for this church.
Happy Holidays to all. Yours in Christ,
Rick Anger
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Winnie Johnson - Coordinator
Youth Schedule ~ December
Wednesday Chill –4:00-5:30(come anytime)
Hangout, do Homework, play basketball, listen
to music… Advent Soup Supper is at 5:30pm.
Wednesday, December 10th ~ 7:00pm-8:00pm
~NYG meeting
Sunday, December 21st – Youth are Greeters (both
services)- always on the third Sunday each month
Friday, December 26th ~ SPY 2.0 Lunch & A Movie
Friday, January 2, 2015
7:00pm ~ Lock-in
Celebrating the New Year. Bring
a Snack and your sleeping bag.
Weekly Advent Devotional A different devotion will be available each week of
Advent. Find them on the Usher Table.
For the past five years, the presiding bishops of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, The Anglican
Church of Canada and The Episcopal Church have met
to share with one another, to advocate for creation and
the environment and to call members to prayer for
situations of war and turmoil. At their most recent meet-
ing, the leaders agreed to provide Advent devotions for
the four churches. Members are encouraged to use and
share these devotions during the season of preparation
for the coming of our Lord. ELCA Presiding Bishop
Elizabeth Eaton provides the devotions for the first week
of Advent.
Sunday, December 21st ~ 9:30am
Join us in the “Future”
to hear the Christmas Story for the first time. Imagine a time when Christ is forgotten; a time when the Christmas story is untold.
Can’t happen you say? Let’s look into the future and see …
St. Paul Children/Adult Sunday School and Choir present: “What Is Xmas Anyway?” a Reader’s Theater
Play in one act. Join us between services in the Fellowship Hall and rediscover how important it is to share the
Good News of the Christ Child.
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Rene Zimmer - Coordinator
A volunteer is needed to coordinate the
Fellowship Teams.
Contact Rene Zimmer
if you are interested.
10:30 Service
Fellowship Teams
December 7 60th Celebration Luncheon
December 14 Mark & Elaine Fisher,
Beth & Bill Drane
December 21 Barb & Bob Miller,
Sylvia & JB Johnson
December 28 Dorine Keeble,
Jacqueline & Dana Conzemius
Each team is responsible for setting up and cleaning up
the Fellowship time after the 10:30 service.
ADVENT SOUP SUPPER
(Rotation of responsibilities is alphabetically by last name.)
SET UP: (Arrive at 5:00pm) – Drinks (coffee & water) set out cups, make coffee, fill water pitchers –
Drinks need to be maintained during the meal Set out Bowls, Plates, Napkins, Spoons, and food when it ar-
rives
SOUP: Please bring food by 5:15pm – We serve at 5:30
CLEAN UP: (Begins at 6:05pm) –Clear drinks station, clean coffee pots/carafes, Wipe down tables/counters,
Wash any dishes(NOT crock-pots or plates that people brought), Take out trash, take any towels/dishcloths
home to be washed.
DATE SET UP SOUP or
SANDWICHES
CLEAN
UP
DEC 3 A-G G-M N-Z
DEC 10 G-M N-Z A-G
DEC 17 N-Z A-G G-M
Bring your favorite Christmas Cookie/treat for everyone to share.
December 21st ~ During Fellowship time after the 10:30 service
The Jolly ol’ Elf will make a visit ~ as portrayed by Art Hafner
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55+ 55+
AdultsAdults
Carla McMillion- Coordinator
Spam Members Our December Christmas
get together will be held at O’Charley’s,
Dec.16 at 2:00pm. Join us for a fun luncheon,
please sign up on the sheet on our bulletin
board. We will select from the menu.
See you there!
All men of the church are
invited to our
Christmas Dinner.
Friday, December 5th
6:00pm
Sullivan’s, 121 W. Broadway, Maryville,
Please let Chris Mallette (984-5396) or Rene
Zimmer (406-9016) know if you are coming.
Thrivent Action Team Events
Thanksgiving Baskets, The Children and Youth
filled 16 baskets with
your generous
donations. The
Thrivent Action
dollars purchased
turkeys and other
perishable items for
the baskets.
Conference 6 Youth Day, we hosted 40 people
who helped make
200 sandwiches
which were taken
into our community;
Habitat build site,
Family Promise work
site, Women’s
shelter, and the Food
Connection.
When given a
lunch at the Food
Connection one
lady said “The
Grace of God is
here”.
The youth meet
new people and
served in their
community
together.
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11
December 2014
Birthdays &
Anniversaries
December 4 Madelyn Carpenter
December 5 Dan Wynn
December 6 Judy Krull
December 6 Jenna Burts
December 8 James McMillion
December 9 Andrea Joyal
December 10 Dale Biehler
December 12 John Beck
December 12 Joel Searfoss
December 13 Ann Jordan
December 14 Delores Block
December 15 Elaine Fisher
December 16 Olivia DaCruz
December 18 Larry Galyon
December 20 Mary Schopmann
December 22 Jeremy Snoderly
December 23 Emily Moritz
December 25 Rachel Kaufman
December 26 Ethel Duff
December 27 Tina Cusano
December 27 Kathy Kaun
December 30 Erika Hanes
ANNIVERSARIES December 1 Ken & Neenah Dressler
December 2 Roland & Bertha Franks
December 7 Steve & Linda Zrioka
December 16 Gloria & Carl Leonard
December 16 Jeremy & Courtney Snoderly
December 20 Claude & Tena Abbott
December 23 Heinz & Shirley Lips
December 23 Robert & Marsha Bryant
December 26 James & Norma Watson
December 28 Mark & Elaine Fisher
December 28 Rick & Elizabeth Anger
December 29 Dan & Marsha Wynn
December 30 Curly & Sarah Wainwright
Sharing Christ’s Love With the World
429 Sandy Springs Road Maryville, TN 37803
Dates of Interest
Check Calendar for times and places
*Notice* Church Office Closed ~ December 25th - January 2nd Discipleship: Sunday. December 21st ~ Christmas Program
Fellowship: Wednesday’s ~ Soup Supper Sunday, December 21st ~ Christmas Cookie/Treat Pot-luck
Parish Life: Friday, December 5th ~ Men’s Christmas Dinner Monday, December 8th ~ WELCA, Bee Keeper’s Dinner Tuesday, December 16th ~ SPAM Christmas Luncheon
Worship: Sunday, December 7th ~ 60th Anniversary Celebration ~ ONE SERVICE ONLY 10:00am Wednesday’s ~ Mid-Week Advent Services Wednesday, December 24th ~ Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 28th ~ Lessons & Carols ~ ONE SERVICE ONLY 10:30am