Many congregations invite children andyouth to participate in an annual Christmaspageant. Young shepherds get to wearbathrobes and place colorful towels on theirheads. Angels adorn their backs with wingsand sparkling gold garlands on their heads.Some lucky girl portrays Mary and holds afavorite doll wrapped in a blanket. Now andthen, a cow or sheep makes it on the stage. Throughout it all, grandparents sigh deeplyas they watch the story of faith being passedto the next generation.Some girls shy away from portraying Marybecause she is so special. There is no doubtMary embodied unmerited grace. MartinLuther writes, Now, we described above at length howlowly was the estate of this tender Virginand how unexpectedly this honor came toher, that God should regard her in suchabundant grace. Hence she does not gloryin her worthiness nor yet in her unworthi-ness, but solely in the divine regard, whichis so exceedingly good and gracious that hedeigned to look upon such a lowly maiden,and to look upon her in so glorious andhonorable a fashion…For not her humilitybut God’s regard is to be praised. When aprince takes a poor beggar by the hand, it isnot the beggar’s lowliness but the prince’sgrace and goodness that is to be commend-ed. (Luther Works Vol. 21, p. 314)If we want to learn about being a disciple, wedon’t have to look much further than Mary,the mother of Jesus. Her response is a modelfor anyone seeking to follow God. Mary iswilling to serve, to give God glory, and towitness to God’s might deeds. Mary does notclaim center stage, but points to God. LikeJohn the Baptist, she points to one who isgreater than herself. Create your own Magnficat, your own praiseto God. Begin with the phrase, “My soulmagnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices inGod my Savior.” Then add those things Godhas done in your life for which you rejoice. PrayerMighty One, our souls desire to magnify you.Lift our voices and spirits so we might clearlypoint to you and bear witness to your great-ness. Amen.

ConnectionsSt. Mat thew Lutheran Church – Connec t i ng Fa i th W i th L i fe !

CALENDAR of EVENTSSAT., DECEMBER 22

FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT10am-12pm Concord Room Reserved/

Al-Anon Mtg.10am-2pm ECIRMAC 5:00 pm Holden Evening Prayer 6:30 pm H.S. Youth Christmas Party!

SUN., DECEMBER 23FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

9:30 am Worship10:45 am Coffee Fellowship 4:00 pm Daisy Scouts

Sunday School & Adult Forum resume January 6, 2019

MON., DECEMBER 24Christmas EveWorship at

7pm and 11pm CandlelightServices with

Holy CommunionOffice Closed

No Morning Prayer Group,Pastor Text Study

TUES., DECEMBER 25Christmas Day

Office ClosedPastor Bob on vacationthrough January 6, 2019

WED., DECEMBER 26No Bible Study, Huddle or Choir Tonight

Happy New Year!THURS., DECEMBER 27

9:30 am Women’s Bible Studyat Prairie Winds

FRI., DECEMBER 28 9:15 am Chairish Yoga 7:00 pm ReLit Discussion

SAT., DECEMBER 2910am-12pm Concord Room Reserved/

Al-Anon Mtg.10am-2pm ECIRMAC 5:00 pm Lessons & Carols

SUN., DECEMBER 30

9:30 am Lessons & Carols10:45 am Coffee Fellowship

6:30 pm High School Youth Group Outing

No Sunday School or Adult Forum Today

STAFF OF ST. MATTHEW LUTHERAN CHURCHPHONE: 367-1189 www.stmatthewurbana.org

Pastor Robert J. RasmusOffice Manager Gayla PellumNursery Ruby Splittstoesser & Emma LacefieldParish Nurses Aziza Awate, Kathie Pound, and Beth Riddle

Connections Deadline: Submit announcements in writing to the church office or by e-mailto gayla.stm@stmatthewurbana.org no later than 9:00 a.m. Wednesday. Thank you!

Please note: Names on the list for prayers will be posted for one month unless otherwise requested.Please contact the church office with any updates or extensions. Thank you.

Specialist Sean Splittstoesser,grandson of Ruby & Dan Splittstoesser

Brody Welshofer, friend of Danielle DeckDonna Gehrt, aunt of Jill DalyChris Galvin, friend of Morgan JohnsonVirginia, Meghan & Chris,

friends of Chris BedfordJohn Sheehan,

grandfather of Walker WestfieldGloria & family, aunt of Jill DalyNathan Koplinski & 3rd Battalion India Company,

son of Beth KoplinskiFema, sister-in-law of Cherylin StiversFred Gould, brother-in-law of Gary VolkeningTom & Beth Graham,

family of Dorothy Graham****************Rita, aunt of Cheryl Light-ShrinerCarmen, aunt of Cheryl Light-ShrinerJohn Light, father of Cheryl Light-ShrinerPaula, daughter of Diana & Jim MarshallDr. Bob Williamson,

friend of Garris Graham****************Polly Morrow, Saupe family relative****************

Carma Deck, Shaw family friendJohn & Carol Hollern,

friends of Dorothy Graham****************John Gantz Isabella GonzalezDanielle Deck Bruce CarrollHervin Buhr Gerald SmithPr. Bill & Kathryn HarumGarris Graham Cherylin StiversDon Saupe Lana WegengMary Laskowski Mary Jane RasmusJoyce Hayn Randy Alumbaugh****************Remember our shut-ins:Elaine Ebeling Leona Saathoff

Prayer Requests

Meet Your Stephen Ministry TeamSarah Jackson: Stephen MinisterI became a member of St Matthew in 2001 when I was baptized. Istarted attending church with Tom as his girlfriend and we weremarried in 2003, the same summer I graduated from Illinois StateUniversity. I have a deep love of music and enjoy singing onSaturday nights during our evening service at St Matthew. I alsoenjoy crocheting and I hope to learn how to knit this winter. Familyis important to me, and I enjoy spending time with our family. Ienjoy being a Stephen Minister because I get to help others by listening. I enjoy car-ing for others and this ministry gives me a chance to do just that.

Jack Frost: Stephen MinisterI am married to Joyce, and we have 7 children between us. Plus abaker’s dozen of grandchildren, some of whom also now havechildren. I am retired and Joyce teaches 3rd grade at JudahChristian School. We have been worshipping with St Matthewsince 2012. I completed my Stephen Ministry training two yearsago. One of the enjoyments of retirement for me is being interrupt-ible and having time to devote to other people.

Jen Carter: Stephen MinisterI've been a member of St Matthew since 1990. I am married toMike and we have 3 kids: Tyler, Ana, & Becca. We live in Tolono.I got involved in Stephen Ministers because of my Mom. I am soglad I did. It's rewarding and you get to learn so much about yourcare receiver on a deeper level.

We will feature more of our Stephen Ministers in January. If youare interested in learning more about Stephen Ministry or would liketo meet with one please contact Pastor Bob or Mike Krumwiede.

Welcome!St. Matthew Lutheran Church

is a fellowship of Christian believers called to: grow in Christ, share the Gospel, serve God’s people.Do come again to St. Matthew Lutheran Church

where you are always welcome.Worship ServicesSaturday, 5:00 pm A relaxed & informal worship held in the Christ Chapel.Sunday, 8:30 am Spirited traditional worship that focuses on participation through the liturgy, the great hymns of the Church, & corporate confession of our faith. Sunday, 10:45 amPraise & worship in an open & accessible style.

ALTAR FLOWERSThe flowers on the altar this weekend are given by Kathie &Jim Pound in honor of their 4th wedding anniversary.Congratulations Kathie & Jim!Help make our altar beautiful! Celebrate a birthday, anniver-sary, someone’s life or just because. The sign up sheet islocated on the bulletin board in the narthex. The 2019 sign upsheet is now posted on the bulletin board in the narthex.

WOMEN'S BIBLE STUDY THIS WEEK!The WELCA Bible Study will meet at Prairie Winds of Urbanaon the last Thursday of the month at 9:30am. If you would liketo join the women's Bible studies based on the GathermagazineBible studies (& we would welcome any other Bible study ideas) pick up one of thecomplimentary copies of the magazine today in the outside the Concord Room &join us on December 27th for fellowship & coffee. Hope to see you then!

Thanks ladies, Mary Anderson, 898-0350, mladcs@illinois.edu.

RELIT THIS WEEK! POSTPONED FROM LAST WEEK!The Re-Lit Book Group will meet on Friday, December 21st at 7:00pm.We’ll be discussing The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by MitchAlbom. This is a great book selection, one that you’re sure to enjoy.This is the epic story of Frankie Presto – the greatest guitar player whoever lived – and the six lives he changed with his six magical bluestrings. His amazing journey weaves him through the musical land-scape of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, with his stunning playing and singing talentaffecting numerous stars (Duke Ellington, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley) until, as ifpredestined, he becomes a pop star himself. Frankie Presto’s gift is also his burden,as he realizes the power of the strings his teacher gave him, and how, through hismusic, he can actually affect people’s lives. At the height of his popularity, torturedby his biggest mistake, he vanishes. We glimpse into the lives that were changed byone man whose strings could touch the music—and the magic—in each of us. Enjoythe read and then join us for the discussion (and desserts!), all are welcome.

CONTRIBUTIONS REMINDEROur Keeping the Faith Capital Campaign has crossed$380,000 in pledges which is almost 85% of our goal of$450,000. If you have not had a chance to turn in your com-mitment card, we look forward to receiving it soon. Our church receives funds for many purposes. Please help usto count your contributions accurately. For any checks from you (or investmentcompanies) towards our capital campaign, please note on the memo line “CapitalCampaign 2018.” Thank you for your generosity.

Weekly Events UpdatesPlease note that Wednesday Adult Bible Study, Adult Choir Practice, Bell Choir & Youth Huddle

will resume in early January 2019.Also, please note that there will only be

ONE SERVICE at 9:30am December 23, 30 & January 6.

NO ADULT FORUM

Please join us forCHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES7pm & 11pmCandlelight Services with Holy Communion

NEW OFFERING ENVELOPESYour 2019 offering envelopes are available for pick up justoutside the chapel now. They are arranged alphabetically.Please recycle any 2018 envelopes you had left at the end ofthe year. Also, if you give through Simply Giving you stillhave envelope packets to be picked up. Envelope packets notpicked up will soon be mailed out at an expense to the church. Please get yours today!

JUST A REMINDER…If you have made changes to your pledge to St. Matthew’sfor 2019 and generously give through our Simply Givingprogram please be sure to update your Simply Giving bycompleting a new form that was included in your acknowl-edgment letter & returning it to church. Forms are also available in the back of thesanctuary and in the church office. Thank you for your support of the ministries andprograms of St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Randy Alumbaugh, Financial Secretary

ADULT MISSION TRIP 2019We are planning our next adult mission trip back toNew Orleans. We will be leaving February 16th andreturning February 24th. A sign up sheetwill be in the narthex. If you have anyquestions call or email John Warriner at2175523876 or jwarriner51@ live.com. MEN’S COFFEEOur Men’s Coffee group has decided to meet twice a month! Allavailable STM men are invited to gather for a cup of coffee & con-versation on the first and third Tuesday of every month. Our nextmeeting will be Tuesday, January 8th at 10:00am at Harvest Marketon South Neil St. in Champaign. Men of all ages are welcome & encouraged to joinour discussions.“LET’S DO LUNCH” LADIES LUNCHEONJoin us on the second Friday of each month at 11:30 am at adifferent restaurant each month. No age limit, no jobs to do,no colored hats to wear, nothing to study, strictly social andfun. Come when you can whatever months you can. The nextlunch will be held Friday, January 11th at TGIFriday’s onNorth Neil in Champaign. The sign up sheet is posted on thebulletin board in the narthex. If you forget to sign up... come anyway! Women of allages are welcome!

It’s Time to Make Up the Next Worship Assistant Schedule!I will be scheduling worship assistants in early January for theFebruary through May 2019 services. If you are currentlypart of the schedule, please contact me to let me know if youare unavailable for certain weekends and/or if you have ascheduling preference.We can add people to any of the assisting duties and wouldlove to see more of you helping out! If you are currentlynot on our schedule, please consider giving any of ourassisting positions a try! We are especially in need ofpeople for Altar Guild, Sound Technician, CoffeeFellowship & Visitor Team areas. We will be happy totrain anyone who is interested. We would love to haveyour smiling face be part of our team of worship assistants!Please have your requests and/or preferences emailed to me at my officeaddress (gayla.stm@stmatthewurbana.org) no later than January 10th. If youhave any questions please give me a call at the office .

Thank you! Gayla Pellum

SUPPORTING THE STM FOOD PANTRY The first full weekend of every month, we ask the members ofour congregation to bring in items for our food pantry. Ourfood pantry provides a week's worth of meals to families with-in the community on a regular basis. You can pick up a full listof the items you can choose to donate in the narthex followingour weekend service. A basket for your donations will be placed in the narthexSaturday and Sunday morning. The following items are most needed at this time: vegetable soup, peaches, pears, pineapple, applesauce, peas, kidney beans,chili beans, pork & beans, canned or bottled juice, macaroni & cheese,spaghetti noodles and spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, jelly, salad dressing,cold cereal and hot cereal. Note: Please do not donate shampoo.You are welcome to place items in the food box at any time throughout themonth also. We so appreciate all that you do for our food pantry each month.Thank you! If you have any questions about the Food Pantry or would like tobecome a volunteer to help make deliveries call the Church office at 217-367-1189 or Doris Gebauer at 369-6772.

STMFood Pantry

ARE YOU A Snow BIRD? LET US KNOW WHEN YOU RETURN!Have you been enjoying warmer weather? Perhapsyou moved to a new address? Please let the officeknow! We need your new mailing address or if youwill temporarily away we need to know when you willbe leaving AND when you return. We need updateour mailing labels with your new address. If you’re just away forthe winter months, we can hold your newsletter or we can send itto your “warm” address. The post office charges us and the mailman collectscash from the office for our returned mail.

THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ONMONDAY AND TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 & 25

AND REOPEN ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!