fourth Sunday before Christmas

and counts down to Christmas with

the lighting of a candle on the Ad-

vent wreath until all four candles

are lit. Advent is a time of personal

preparation for the coming of our

Lord Jesus Christ. We prepare not

only to celebrate His birth, but also

to celebrate that He comes to us

daily through His Word, and we

prepare for the day when we will

meet Him face-to-face, either at the

time of our death, or the time of His

Second Coming when all things

will come to an end.

In the midst of this busy and hectic

time of the year, don’t neglect to

prepare to celebrate the love of

God for you in the sending of His

Son to be our Savior. Our Advent

midweek worship on Wednesdays

will give you time to step away

from the hustle and bustle of the

season and prepare your heart and

life for Jesus. Keep your focus on

things that matter for eternity and

prepare your heart and your fami-

ly for Jesus.

Pastor David Linkugel

Pastor’s Corner

“Christmas will be here before

we know it!” How many times

have you heard or thought that?

Although the major retailers

have been preparing for Christ-

mas since the day after Hallow-

een with displays of Christmas

trees, candy, gift ideas, and dec-

orations, most of us start to think

about Christmas preparations

after Thanksgiving is over.

There may be a few people who

have already started or even fin-

ished their Christmas shopping,

while others haven’t even begun

to think about shopping for

Christmas presents, or even

about putting together a list for

everyone who asks, “What do

you want for Christmas?”. And

then there’s all the preparations

that need to be made at home –

especially if it’s your turn to host

the family Christmas celebration

with all of the cleaning, cooking,

and baking.

It’s easy to focus on the material-

ism and the externals of Christ-

mas and to forget that we also

need to prepare our hearts and

lives for Jesus. The church sea-

son of Advent begins on the the

Inside this Issue:

Christmas

Candlelight Services

2

Anniversaries and 2

Pastor’s Bible Study 3

“Sharing Your Faith

With Others”

4

Youth Events 5

Program and Choir

Events

6

SCRIP News 7

December Calendar 8

Serving Us Today 9

LifeLines December 2013

Lord of Life

The Bright Star

of Bethlehem

See the birthplace of Christ in a whole

new way this Advent season with The Bright

Star of Bethlehem. Our Advent midweek wor-

ship is at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, Decem-

ber 4, 11, and 18. The worship will include

both hymns led by the organ and songs led

by our worship team Rejoice!

Page 2 LifeLines

December

Anniversaries

and Birthdays

December Anniversaries 1 Jeff and Margaret Dyke

2 Jerry and Sharyn Bauerkemper

8 Craig and Kathleen Perrien

December Birthdays 2 Alice Weander

4 Thomas Arington, Hannah Arington

5 Amanda Dinapoli

7 Mark Haake

8 Lance Koenig

10 John Ishmiel

11 Loren McKown, Nick Muhlbauer

12 Margie Heller, Karen Ohlmann

14 David Schauer

15 Bret Lange, Jean Netsch

16 Cheselle Taber

19 Hannah Elliot

21 Brittanie Leffelman

23 Kaden Wegner

28 Ellyse Cheatle, Joe Blodgett,

Nick Blodgett

29 James Black

30 Kathi Rubeck

Help us Build a Tree for Cans for CHRISTmas

Bring 15 oz. cans of fruits and vegeta-bles to help restock the Western Douglas County Food Pantry. Please place your donations on our “tree” in the entry.

Women’s Bible Study

“Jonah – Navigating a Life

Interrupted” will begin on

January 13 and meet the 2nd

and 4th Mondays of the

month from 7:00 to 8:30

p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

Sign up by Friday, December

20 if you want to attend.

Contact Diane Linkugel if

you’d like more information.

2013 Advent Meals served by Lord of Life Youth These Advent dinners are a fundraiser for the Youth to provide money to

purchase presents for the Nebraska Children’s Home and support Noi, our

Compassion Child.

December 4 - Baked Potato Bar (A-G Bring Desserts)

December 11 – Pancake Dinner (H-M Bring Fruit)

December 18 – Chili & Chicken Noodle Soup (N-Z Bring Desserts)

Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesCandlelight Worship ServicesCandlelight Worship Services

We will have two Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services with Holy Com-

munion. The 5:00 worship will be accompanied by Rejoice! and have traditional Christmas

carols blended with contemporary Christmas songs. The 7:00 worship will be accompanied

by the organ. Favorite Christmas hymns and carols will be sung. Both services will focus on

the Christmas Gospel from Luke 2.

Pastor’s Sunday Bible Study

The Bible on Trial: Beyond a Reasonable Doubt

In The Bible On Trial: Beyond A Reasonable Doubt, the case is made that the Scrip-

tures are authentic, dependable, God-inspired and worthy – not only of our full atten-

tion but of our complete faith. The Bible On Trial: Beyond A Reasonable Doubt addresses

critical views of the Scripture, examines evidence from the ancient world, surveys how

archaeology often corroborates the Biblical record, and considers the word of those

who were either Jesus' contemporaries or were closely connected to eyewitnesses

who knew Jesus – and His remarkable life – well. This Bible study meets in the Fellow-ship Hall on Sundays at 9:15 a.m. beginning on November 24. Everyone is welcome.

Friday Faith Food Fellowship The Friday Faith Food Fellowship Bible study meets every Friday at the Old Country

Buffet, 14525 West Center Road. We gather at 12 noon for lunch and have a Bible study

from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Pastor leads this study. You are invited to join us as we study 1 Corinthians - One in Christ. The Christians in Corinth faced many of the conflicts that

Christians today encounter as they seek to live their faith in a culture that contradicts

Christian beliefs and principles. Join us as we study how God's Word applies to the con-

flicts we encounter as we live our faith.

VisionPath Event

We will be participating in an experience designed to help us move forward in our ministry. The experience is called VisionPath. The entire congregation will be

asked to complete a short survey in preparation for the VisionPath Event, scheduled at our congregation on January 11, 2014. Please participate in the sur-vey. The VisionPath event on Saturday, January 11, from 9:00 a.m. to noon is for all elected church offic-ers and Board members, as well as any interested congregation members who would like to attend. Rev. Max Biesenthal and Rev. John Sproul from the Lutheran Church Extension Fund will facilitate the VisionPath Event.

Prayer Chain

Our prayer warriors are set, and ready to pray! If you have a prayer request and/or praise report – for yourself, family member, friend, neighbor or coworker – please

let us know. Confidential prayers can be sent to PastorDavid@LordofLife Elkhorn.org. Send prayer requests that may be forwarded on and publicized to DCENi-

cole@LordofLifeElkhorn.org.

Page 3

Women’s Ministry Daytime

Bible Study

Where: Jeanine Gerety’s home

When: Every other Wed. at 9:30 a.m.

Topic: Ephesians, The Church: God’s Servant

LifeLines

Topic: “A Teenage Home Where

Everybody Wins (and nobody kills each other)”

When: Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Who: 7th graders and their Parents

Time: 6:00-8:00 p.m. with Pizza Dinner Served

Where: Children’s Ministry Area (basement)

At this seminar, you and your 7th grader will

discuss how to…

Listen and communicate with honor.

Create an atmosphere of honor in your home.

When in conflict, honor each other.

Topic: “What’s God Been Saying to You Lately”

When: Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Who: 8th graders and their Parents

Time: 6-8 p.m. with Pizza Dinner Served

Where: Fellowship Hall

At this seminar, you and your 8th grader will

discuss how…

God wants to speak to you today.

Be Intentional with a plan.

Connect as a family.

Page 4 LifeLines

Sharing Your Faith

With Others Have you ever wondered how

to respond to the common ob-jection: "How can I believe in a

God who sends people to hell?"

At its core, hell is about being in

a wrong relationship to the

Source of all Love, Good-

ness, and Life. In other

words, the Lord's judg-

ment can be understood as

the flip-side of His love. As

the writer of Hebrews

puts it, "Our God is a con-

suming fire" (Hebrews

12:29). We can be warmed

and comforted, or we can

be scorched and burned. It

all depends on where we stand in

relation to the flame. The key is that separation

from God is primarily a matter of

human choice. You may be in the same room with me, sitting in the

next chair, and yet I can refuse to

talk to you or acknowledge your

presence. In the same way, while

the Lord is "never far from each

one of us" (Acts 17:27), we can

decide to turn away from Him

and divorce ourselves from His

love (Romans 1:21).

This willful choice explains

why God never "sends" anyone

to eternal damnation. As believ-

ers, we have the wonder-

ful opportunity—and the

obligation—to communi-

cate the Good News: the

loving Father patiently and

compassionately offers

that choice to all who are

willing to consider it (2

Peter 3:9).

2014 Offering Envelopes Offering Envelopes will be

available for pick up soon.

Check your church mail box.

Officers and

Board Members

As you serve as a

congregational leader,

commit yourself to:

1) Be faithful in worship. 2) Be involved in a Bible

study 3) Be a good steward of

your time, talents,

and treasure

4) Serve faithfully

Thank You “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Thank you to everyone who served so faith-

fully during the past year as church officers,

board members, Sunday School teachers, Va-

cation Bible School teachers and helpers, and

volunteers in many other ministries at Lord

of Life. Your gifts and your service of love are

always appreciated even though you’re not

often publicly commended for it. Thank you

to everyone who served in official and unoffi-

cial capacities to enable Lord of Life Lutheran

Church to reach out with love to create new

and abundant lives in Christ.

Page 5 LifeLines

Make it a priority to have family time with your

family and do Faith 5 at least twice a week.

Share your highs and lows

Read a Bible verse or Bible story Talk about how the Bible reading might re-

late to your highs and lows.

Pray for one another’s highs and lows Bless one another. Make the sign of cross on

forehead of person you are blessing

The 2013-2014 theme for all education is

“Let Your Light Shine” taken from Mat-

thew 5:14-16. As we live in

this sinful world we need to cling

to Jesus and the promise He gave us

in His death and resurrection. As

Christians we must share the hope that we

have in Him with others.

Edge & Impact Youth

Christmas Shopping and Party

Saturday, December 7, 1-5 p.m.

If you want to attend, please sign up on

Nicole’s office door so we can have enough

drivers to go shopping.

Parents are needed to drive

and help with party! All

youth are to bring a $5

donation to go toward the

Children’s Home Presents.

2014 Youth Summer Mission Trip

Where: Weston, Wisconsin When: June 22-June 27 Ages: 14-18 years old We need an adult male and an adult female, who love Jesus and enjoy

being with teenagers, to serve as leaders. If you are interested, please talk to

Nicole and she can give you more details. A payment and a commitment of a

$50 non-refundable deposit is due February 16. The estimated trip cost is

$340 per person.

Happy Birthday Jesus’ Party

Kids 4 Christ will celebrate Jesus’

Birthday on Sunday, December 22 at 9:15

a.m. Rotate through several Birthday Party

stations and celebrate Jesus’ birth!

What: Omaha Youth Quake Date: April 4-6, 2014

Where: Omaha Marriott Who: 6-8th grade Youth

Theme: “Yours” based on 1 Chronicles 29:11 Youth Quake is geared toward Middle School students. The Quake is a three day

event that has 2 energetic bands and a speaker.

Youth also will have the opportunity to go to sectionals on various topics dealing with

anything from bullying, faith, girl/boy only sessions, and sessions that help them burn off

energy but still have a Christ centered message. A non-refundable fee of $50 is due by January 5. The

cost has been drastically reduced for you. This weekend is important and we want your child to go. If

you register after January 5, the price will go up to $105 per youth.

Page 6 LifeLines

Presented by our children in Preschool – Grade 5

Sunday, December 15

During 10:30 a.m. Worship Many of the carols we enjoy and sing at Christmas have exciting histories from countries around the world. Giving us the scoop on these festive songs of the birth of Christ, The Christmas Carol Special Report will take us to Christmas celebrations around the world! Join in singing as the children tell and show us the true meaning of Christmas. A light reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.

Rehearsal Schedule Wednesdays, Dec. 4 and 11 6:00-6:45 p.m.

(Dinner served beginning at 5:30 p.m.) Saturday, Dec. 14 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Sunday mornings during Kids 4 Christ Openings 9:15 a.m.

Lifechimes Rehearsals Wednesday, Dec 4

after Advent worship till 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec 8 11:45-12:30ish

Wednesday, Dec 18 6:30 p.m.

(playing for Advent worship) Village Pointe

Sunday, December 22

3:30 p.m.

Meet at the poinsettia tree at

the Center Court

Free Cookies from Paradise

Bakery after caroling!

Please sign up on the Information Board so we know how many to expect

Family Christmas Caroling

December Choir Rehearsals

A few adjustments have been made to

accommodate schedules:

Lifesong – Singing Choir

Sundays, Dec 1 and 8, 9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec 18, 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Come to as many as

your schedule allows.

Everyone 7th grade and

older is invited. We

especially need female

voices!

Page 7

Scrip News Unbelievable! $120 rebate on $200 ordered from restaurant.com! Our last November order included this purchase – in one swoop our youth were blessed with $120 !!! It certainly pays to take advantage of the bonus rebates. November orders produced over $285 in funds for our middle school youth. Thank you for your support! Now with holiday shopping in full swing, won’t you please consider participating in our Scrip program? We even have cards stocked onsite for simple purchases. It’s even better to place an order, so you can purchase exactly the merchants you want. And just because they are called gift cards, doesn’t mean they have to be given as gifts! Think of it in terms of the gift you are giving your church to reach out in love. Shop at your convenience at www.ShopWithScrip.com, or use the

paper order forms in the kiosk in the narthex. Our enrollment code is 9194FD1128994.

We have many small denomination cards stocked just for easy gift-giving. Check out our in-

stock supply in the blue Scrip binder at the tech booth on Sunday mornings and in the office during

the week. Another great Scrip feature is ScripNow™, the ability to reload cards and download e-Scrip online

immediately. You must enroll in PrestoPay to take advantage of ScripNow. Be aware this process

takes up to 3 days.

LifeLines

December Order Dates 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd (if Enough orders)

It was a typical sluggish Monday morning. I awoke not feeling the

best, plus I had to take my car in for repairs. Running late, I pulled

into the drive-thru at Scooters, waiting behind a long line of caffeine

-deficient peers. I finally reached the front of the line, and in the

utterance of a few words, my entire outlook on the day and my situa-

tion changed. “You’re paid,” she said. At my confused look, she ex-

plained, “The car in front paid your bill”.

After my initial shock and delight, I recovered enough to say,

“Then I’d like to pay for the car behind.” What started out as a day

of drudgery had in an instant changed for the better.

So I challenge you this Christmas season to pay it forward, to

make a difference in someone’s life. I guarantee the joy you receive

from giving will come back to bless you tenfold.

Singers and

Guitarists

Needed

We are seeking

singers and both a

guitar and a bass

player for our 10:30

worship. Commit-

ment includes re-

hearsals on Tuesdays

at 6:45 p.m. and Sun-

day mornings starting

at 9:50 a.m. Please

speak to Julie or any

Rejoice! member for

more information.

Page 8 LifeLines

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Page 9 LifeLines

COUNT

OFFERING

12/1 Macklem

12/8 Ohlmann

12/15 Baker

12/22 Scott

12/29 Black

Serving Us Today

Page 9

Elder

Allan Macklem

Ushers

12/1 Gordy Frank

Alan Leimer

12/8 Stacey Elliott

Conner Elliott

12/15 Tim Weander

Marlyn Netsch

12/22 David Schauer

Kurt Muhle

12/29 Dick McKibben

Del Wachsmann

Acolytes

12/1 Nathan Kurz

12/8 Hannah Elliott

12/15 Bret Lange

12/22 Nathan Kurz

12/29 Hannah Elliott

Video Tech

12/1 Diane Linkugel

12/8 Jimmy Nugent

12/15 Dana Nugent

12/22 Marlyn Netsch

12/29 Conner / Stacey Elliott

Audio Tech

12/1 Julie Koenemann

12/8 Julie Koenemann

12/15 Julie Koenemann

12/22 Julie Koenemann

12/29 Julie Koenemann

8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.

Elder

Allan Macklem

Ushers

12/1 Darrin Dinapoli

Kent Nelson

12/8 Mary Blodgett

Steve Blodgett

12/15 Steve Black

Jerry Ohlmann

12/22 Dennis Kleider

Darin Kleider

12/29 Darrin Dinapoli

Kent Nelson

Acolytes

12/1 Mason Ortmeier

12/8 Jake Bamesberger

12/15 Mollie Petersen

12/22 Ellyse Cheatle

12/29 Jake Bamesberger

Video Tech

12/1 Susan Lynch

12/8 Tracy Cox

12/15 Kara Petersen

12/22 Cheyenne Petersen

12/29 Steve Blodgett

Audio Tech

12/1 Rick Shaneyfelt

12/8 James Kovarik

12/15 Rick Tubandt

12/22 James Kovarik

12/29 Rick Shaneyfelt

December

GREETERS

12/1

8:00

10:30

McKibben

Lynch

12/8-12/15

8:00

10:30

Hanson

Kleider / Moravec

12/22-12/29

8:00

10:30

McKown

Cox

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

12/1 Cheyenne Petersen and Kara Petersen

12/8 Rita Ortmeier and Mason Ortmeier

12/15 Cheyenne Petersen and Arletta Raschke

12/22 Kylie Drilling and Kim Drilling

12/29 Rita Ortmeier and Mason Ortmeier

ALTAR SERVICE

Kim Drilling

Joni Brunssen

FELLOWSHIP

Jean Netsch

Edith Hummel

MUSIC

Collin Warren

Rejoice!

8:00

10:30

20844 Bonanza Blvd

Elkhorn, NE 68022

402-289-3437

LORD OF LIFE

LUTHERAN CHURCH

We’re on the web!

LordofLifeElkhorn.org

Lord of Life’s MissionLord of Life’s MissionLord of Life’s Mission

We are “Reaching out with love to create new and abundant lives in Christ.”We are “Reaching out with love to create new and abundant lives in Christ.”We are “Reaching out with love to create new and abundant lives in Christ.”

You are invited to purchase a Poinsettia plant to decorate our altar. If

you wish to dedicate your poinsettia to the memory or honor of a loved

one, please include your dedication on this slip, so we can include it in the

bulletin.

You may take your plant(s) home anytime after the Christmas Eve ser-

vice.

Please make checks payable to Lord of Life. Write Poinsettias on

memo line. Attach this slip to your check.

Your Name:_____________________________________________

Number of plants: ______ @ $8.00 each. Check total: __________

Dedication: (please print clearly):

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________