THE CHIMESTHE CHIMESTHE CHIMESTHE CHIMES

St. John’s Lutheran Church, ELCA 301 West Main StreetSt. John’s Lutheran Church, ELCA 301 West Main StreetSt. John’s Lutheran Church, ELCA 301 West Main StreetSt. John’s Lutheran Church, ELCA 301 West Main Street

Walhalla, South Carolina Walhalla, South Carolina Walhalla, South Carolina Walhalla, South Carolina

We are called and empowered by God to spread the Gospel and to share the love of Jesus Christ in service to all.

The Rev. Dr. Frank G. Honeycutt, Pastor Office Hours Mon.- Fri. 8:30 am - 1:00 pm Phone: (864) 638-6363 Fax: (864) 638-8238

Email: stjohnsluther@gmail.com Website: www.stjohnswalhalla.org Biggerstaff Christian Retreat: 864-882-3337 398 Biggerstaff Road; Seneca SC 29672

Email: biggerstaffctr@bellsouth.net St. John’s Pre-School: (864) 638-8099 Pre-School Email: stjohnspreschool@bellsouth.net

DECEMBER 2012

St. John’s Advent and Christmas 2012 Schedule

Sunday, Dec. 2 9am…...Advent Celebration (FH) ~

Thursday, Dec. 6 6:30pm…...St. Nicholas Day Celebration (Sanctuary)

~ Saturday/Sunday Dec. 8-9 2-5pm…...Tour of Homes at St. John’s

~ Sunday, Dec. 16 3pm .…..Christmas Caroling

~

Monday, Dec. 24…...Christmas Eve Meal Assembly/Delivery (Times TBA)

Christmas Eve ServicesChristmas Eve ServicesChristmas Eve ServicesChristmas Eve Services

First Service~~~ 5:00 pm Second Service ~~~ 10:30 pm

+++++++++

“Member Expectations” by Pastor Frank Many of you know that I grew up in Chattanooga, across the east Tennessee mountains from here. What you may not know is that I have no idea (from a ra-tional perspective) how I landed at Clemson University. Both brothers attended UT in Knoxville. No one from my high school chose to attend Clemson but me. Seminary was not even on my radar screen back then. I wanted to be a chemical engineer and was not even remotely involved in church at the time—had all sorts

of questions; still do. Without this choice in schools I would have never met two Lutheran campus pastors who shaped my decision (“I’ll try it for one year”) to enter seminary. I would have never worked at Lutheridge where I met a young woman named Cindy. I would have never become a passably-acceptable writer nor serve churches in set-tings ranging from the Virginia mountains to one of South Carolina’s inner cities. All of this (trust me) would have been different had I not landed at Clemson. Each of us, to a degree, can look back on the decades and do this. Tinker with just a couple details from your past and everything is different. We can assign these historical reflections to chance, as many do. Or (by contrast) to God’s providence—interesting word, by the way, from the roots “pro” and “video”; literally, “to see ahead.” Says St. Paul in Ephesians: “He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” (1:4). Wrap your head around that sentence for a second or two. Paul never claims that we’re unable to reject God’s intentions. We do this all the time. But he is suggesting that God has something in mind for each of us—turns in the road, details, bits of bread on the path—that we should be watching for (and responding to) in this life. All of this assumes the reality of a God who sees and acts in our lives. These ponderings lead me to address a new ministry initiative by our church council titled “membership expectations.” Expectations are different than requirements. Lutherans have always been a little nervous about the latter word. Jesus “requires” relatively little of a disciple, according to our Bible, but “expects” quite a lot. The expectations you’ll be hearing about are meant to do two things: 1) Give the Holy Spirit room in our lives to change and transform us over time; and 2) Help us make specific connections from our past to give us courage to embrace new directions of the Spirit in the present. What sort of “expectations” are we talking about? Well, things like weekly attendance at worship; daily prayer and reading of scripture; regular service in the community; sacrificial giving and striving towards the tithe (10%). These are basic, time-tested “disciplines” that strengthen our common discipleship. Note the simi-larity in those two words. Without these disciplines, it is highly unlikely that we will see much spiritual growth in our lives over time. You’ll be hearing more about church member expectations from the council leadership in the new year. This Advent, please ponder with Mary (Luke 2:19) the nature of change in our lives with God—how God gets at us; how God brings us to spiritual maturity.

MUSIC NOTES FOR ADVENT How many Advent hymns are in our Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ECW) hymnal? Write the answer on a page from your bulletin, sign, and place in my mailbox - I will draw the winner for a special prize! Is this little game a theological conflict for anyone?

How do we rationalize the solemnity and quietness of Advent with the busyness of the Christmas scurry? How do we caress our Advent hymns with “Jingle Bells” running around in our head? mCounting the number of Ad-vent hymns is a start. Read the titles and themes will stand out. The Latin word “adventus” means coming. Look for: coming, waiting, hope, love, angels, Mary, John the Baptist, voice in the wilderness, highway, peace etc Look at the tune name under the music on the bottom right. Many of these are the same tunes we sing to other hymns. (Forest Green #250 is the same tune as familiar Saints of Old #695.) Did you know Joy to the World #267 is an Advent hymn? It’s a given that everyone sings Christmas carols with gusto! We have a long life history of hearing and singing carols. Can we ponder building our Advent singing history in a similar way? Let’s count, read, digest the words like scripture and anticipate “aha” moments this Advent! Above all - sing with gusto.

10:30am GREETER- LAY

DATE USHER GREETER ASSISTANT LECTOR ACOLYTE

11/4/2012 Susan Holcomb Lib Seigler Julai Ballenger Mikayla Kreuzberger Rylan Parish

Terry Holcomb (with Alex Sharpe)

11/11/2012 Dave Lewis Holt Ann Brackett David Holt Derrick Lee

Chris Lee (with Catherine Lee)

11/18/2012 John Hawbecker Ken Johns Patty Shepard Bob Johnson Riley Shepard

Millie Hawbecker

11/25/2012 Bob Johnson Ilia Schumacher Cathy Plowden Mary Sprouse John Sprouse

Dolly Johnson

NURSERY SUNDAY SCHOOL ALTAR GUILD Kitchen Clean-up

November Newborn-4 yrs Ilia Schumacher K-2nd grade Sandy Yuda Gloria Shealy

Celia Cary Bill Brackett 3rd-5th grade

Lois Sharpe

Stephanie White Circle

Kathryn Stoudemire Pastor Frank Confirmation

Rachel Norton Mark McLean Confirmation BACKPACK LUNCH DELIVERY

Cindy Honeycutt High School Marcia Lyle

Patty Shepard High School

CHILDRENS SER-MON ORDER OF ST JOHN'S NURSERY NURSERY HELPER

OFFERING COUNT-ERS

11/4/2012 Pastor Frank Mark McLean Celia Judy Roth November:

11/11/2012 Lois Sharpe Mary Sprouse Kathryn Patty Stoudemire Doug/Ginny Deane

11/18/2012 Allkison Sims Patty Shepard Celia Stephanie White Bill Hill

11/25/2012 Cathy Plowden Craig Schumacher Rachel TBD

ADULT NURSERY WORKERS NEEDED

A NEW YEAR BE-

GINS….there are many openings for Sunday nursery helpers…Celia Cary, Rachel

Norton and Kathryn Stoudemire serve as our new nursery caregivers. We must have an adult (over the age of 21) in the nursery to con-tinue to offer this service. There is a sign-up sheet/

calendar on the Spiritual Op-portunities table for volun-

teers. PLEASE sign-up today.

St. John’s would like to take the opportunity to thank and recognize the following people for serving on the Altar Guild this year.

Carolyn Brandt – Chairperson Jeri Klaren – Co-chair Jenine Baldus Julia Ballenger Ann Brackett Dottie Brandt Pat Burnside Josi Busch Nancy Carter Jane Harris Susan Holcombe Jean Hughes Delores Kruger Karen Lawrence Marcia Lyle

The Altar Guild would especially like to thank Betty Mantell for using her talent to make sure we always have a beautiful arrangement of flowers for the

altar.

Martha Murtiashaw Jean Norton Louise Nothdurft Cathy Plowden Sandra Pruitt Grace Schmelke Lois Sharpe Joyce Shirey Andrea Stroud Stephanie White Sandy Yuda

St. John’s Knitters & Crocheters:St. John’s Knitters & Crocheters:St. John’s Knitters & Crocheters:St. John’s Knitters & Crocheters:

St. John’s Knitters & Crocheters: We gave a prayer shawl to Dottie Brandt. From the Craft day on November 17 we donated a total of $182 from sales plus table rental of $25 to Our Daily Bread. We will again donate baby items to the Foothills Preg-nancy Center on InAsMuch day next spring. Unsold dish cloths and leprosy bandages will be sent to Food for the Poor on Dec. 12. Ongoing projects are prayer shawls. Caps for adults for DSS for Christmas are due by Dec 5th. Four seaman scarves will be sent to Seamens’ Org. in NY. Special rain-bow blankets are being made for 2013. If you cannot attend meetings, please leave your la-beled items in the church office with your name. Want to learn how to make the new frilly scarves? Next meeting will be on Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. Want to learn how to knit or crochet? Or just want to renew your skills? Come join our fellowship. For more info call Barbara Wilson, Coordinator, at 638-8818. God’s work. Our hands. PS Thanks for all donations of yarn and supplies.

Morning Circle: The Morning Circle will NOT be meeting during the month of December. Instead all ladies are encouraged to attend the WELCA Christ-mas Party to be held at Betty Mantell's on Saturday,

December 15, 2012.

Primetimers: In order to attend church sponsored and other festivities during the month of December, our group will NOT be meeting in December. We will resume our normal schedule on January 8, 2013.

CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS

COOKIE SALE!!!COOKIE SALE!!!COOKIE SALE!!!COOKIE SALE!!! The Morning Circle is once again sponsoring a Christ-

mas Cookie Sale on Sunday mornings,

December 2 and December 9, 2012.

They will be available from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM before church service; and following church service.

This is a fund raiser to provide a special Christmas for one or two needy

families. We had a wonderful response last year, and we urge your support again this year. Save yourself

some work and purchase your cookies from the Morning Circle!!

MEN MISSION MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2012

SIX OCLOCK

This will be a pot luck with carol singing afterward to bring in the Christmas season. Marsha Cabbage will provide the piano and

we will be using the church hymnal. Wives and anyone who would like to attend will be welcomed. If you are coming for the meal please sign up below. If for the singing

come about 6:45.

OCONEE A.I.D.: The Men in Mission are asking for donations to Oconee A.I.D. for the month of December. Items needed are: warm clothing, adult gloves, hats, soup, fruit juice. These items or cash donations would be very much appreci-ated.

The next Bible Study is Dec 2nd from 4-6pm. Prayer and Share dinner will be at Pete's Drive In from 6-7pm on Nov 28th and on the first two Sundays in December. We will meet to work on the Christmas float on Dec 1st from 10am - 1pm at the church. The parade begins at 5pm.

December Birthdays December Wedding Anniversaries……. Bill and Laura Mathis 12/02

Keith and Patty Shepard 12/09

Horace and Tina Barrett 12/11

Blake and Jean Norton 12/11

Bobby and Julia Ballenger 12/17

Bill and Jean Hughes 12/17

Jamie and Erin Garland 12/20

John and Lynne Williams 12/22

Ryan and Mary Somerville 12/23

Nelson and Elaine Griesheimer 12/24

Marty and Liz Kuemmerer 12/26

Bill and Ann Brackett 12/27

Ed and Ruth Pekarek 12/28

Bob and Jane Harris

Mark and Libby McLean

Arthur and Evelyn Todd

Judy Roth

Neal and Faye Workman

Paul and Carolyn Brandt

In Memory of Mike Hill In Memory of Mike Hill In Memory of Mike Hill In Memory of Mike Hill

Bill and Julie Corbett

NWDC Experimentation Annice W. Cope/Ephriam G. Cope Jr.

Rudy and Louise Nothdurft

Paul and Barbara Wilson

Mary Hill

Mark and Libby McLean

Ann and Norm Henry

Brenda M. Bendenbaugh

Mtn. Rest Fire Dept.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bussey

Charles and Marie R. Moore

Norman L. Phillip and Family

William and Sue Schwartz

Joel and Laura Hunkele

Zion Un. Meth. Church

Larry and Sandy Yuda

James R. and Debra A. Gabon

Craig and Stacey Gorman

J. Darwin Martin

Judy Roth

Bob and Jane Harris

Dottie and George Brandt

Julia Ballenger

Elinor Brown

Neal and Faye Workman

Bertha Circle

Frances Skaggs

Bob and Barb Willbrant

Heidi, Terry and Pearle Googe

In Memory of Paul BrandtIn Memory of Paul BrandtIn Memory of Paul BrandtIn Memory of Paul Brandt

In Memory of Cleve PhillipsIn Memory of Cleve PhillipsIn Memory of Cleve PhillipsIn Memory of Cleve Phillips Bob and Barb Willbrant

John Chmelar 12/01

Alexander Mitchell 12/01

Terry Stephens 12/01

Susan Long 12/02

Sandra Yuda 12/02

John Hawbecker 12/04

Lindsey Simmons 12/06

Mickey Ward 12/06

Vern Stratman 12/09

Larry Brandt 12/10

Eliza Davis 12/10

Mary Hill 12/10

Scott Albertson 12/11

Fredricka Hallman 12/11

Sheila Niemeyer 12/11

Nancy Harper 12/12

Glen Brolander 12/14

Chadwick Hurst 12/14

Gene Burnside 12/15

Julie Corbett 12/16

Richard Klaren 12/16

William McMahan 12/16

Sarah Voss 12/16

Catherine Goss 12/17

Cheryl Rupprechet 12/17

Jo Oliver 12/18

Thelma Miller 12/19

Lynne Williams 12/19

Kenneth Burnside 12/21

Alice Campbell 12/22

Zachary Mitchell 12/22

Jason Wilson 12/22

Beth Davis 12/23

William Hughes 12/24

Bobbie Finkenstadt 12/25

Elizabeth Neal 12/25

Shannon Somerville 12/25

Judith Burnett Haynes 12/26

Joshua Gaines 12/26

Alexandria Gydesen 12/27

Alexus Gydesen 12/27

Mary Somerville 12/27

Anna Zelaya 12/27

Maggie Winchester 12/28

Tres Workman, III 12/28

Albert Pittman 12/30

Louis Rimrodt 12/30

Martin Sloan 12/30

Laura Sloan 12/30

Christen Mathis 12/31

Kimberly Meeuwsen 12/31

~~~St. John’s Lutheran Church gratefully acknowledges the following~~~St. John’s Lutheran Church gratefully acknowledges the following~~~St. John’s Lutheran Church gratefully acknowledges the following~~~St. John’s Lutheran Church gratefully acknowledges the following

Memorials received recently.~~~Memorials received recently.~~~Memorials received recently.~~~Memorials received recently.~~~

In Memory of Paul and Lucille WeigelIn Memory of Paul and Lucille WeigelIn Memory of Paul and Lucille WeigelIn Memory of Paul and Lucille Weigel Chris and Margaret Weigel

A note of Thanks…. Please know how grateful I am to have a Church family like you all. I appreciated all the calls, cards, food, and visits while in the hospital. God bless each of you. Sincerely, Lib Seigler

FAIR TRADE FAIR 2012 Our “Fair Trade Fair” was a complete success. Many thanks to all who purchased items- you have given back to those in need this holiday season. We sold over $1900 in handcrafted merchandise. SERRV is a nonprofit organization with a 60+ year commitment to fair trade. They ensure that the artisans are treated fairly and with the respect they deserve. A portion of the proceeds are donated back to Lutheran World Relief to further their mission to end poverty, injustice and human suffering

around the world. For those of you who were wondering…YES… we will do this again in 2013!

BIGGERSTAFF MEMORIAL PROJECT

WORK CONTINUES…….

Our Biggerstaff Memorial Project continues. There are several large windows and memorial stones still available for dedication. All windows and doors have a custom plague recognizing your memorial. Stones will be inscribed with your dedica-tion. Why not consider sharing the cost of a large window with another person/group- we are able to in-scribe 2 plaques to place over a large window or door. The cost of a large window is $500. Granite stones for the memorial walkway are available for $100 each. Many of you were at Biggerstaff for St. John’s Day and saw the amazing transformation. If you missed that opportunity please stop by to see what has been accomplished. Win-dows and stones make a wonderful, forever, holiday gift for someone special. Order forms are on the bul-letin board behind the spiritual op-portunities table or see any Bigger-staff committee member for more information.

BECOME PART OF A COMMUNITY EFFORT

TO REACH OUT WITH “LUNCH FOR LIFE ~ FOOD FOR

THE SOUL”

St. John’s is scheduled to feed lunch to those in need in Walhalla on Satur-day, January 19th. We will meet at the Salvation Army Church building on South John Street. A sign-up for workers and food donations will be located at the Spiritual Opportunities table.

Julie's WELCA Words The results of the Oktoberfest Bake Sale were wonderful again this year, Thrivent con-tributed 30% and including that, we netted over $1700.00. Congratulations! Christmas is just around the corner. We look forward to the decoration of our church and fellowship with family and friends. Our recently elected officers will begin their du-ties starting January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2012. We elected Jan Long,

President; Sandy Yuda, Vice President; Barbara Wilson, Treasurer; and Lynne Williams, Secretary. Our an-nual WELCA Christmas Gathering at the beautiful home of Betty Mantell in Mountain Rest on Saturday, De-cember 15 from noon until 2:30 p.m. Parking is somewhat limited and it is suggested that you meet at the church at 11:35 a.m. so we can carpool. Please bring a savory or sweet finger-food to share. Beverages will be provided. We always have such a lovely time at our Christmas party. Fellowship with the girls is a lot of fun. (Bill says my use of the term "girls" is quite exaggerated.) Thank you for allowing me to serve as your President for the past two years. As I continue to accumulate infor-mation for the annual report, more and more items continues to be added because of your extremely high level of participation in our ministries. I never cease to be amazed at the amount and types of activities performed in a church the size of ours. It's truly remarkable. "God's Work, Our Hands." Our prayers continue for Dottie as she recovers from a tragic fall which caused the bone in her upper right leg to be shattered. The healing process will be slow, difficult for her, and painful, but the Lord will guide her through so that this wonderful woman will be back with us and home again before too long with her precious dog, Shadow. May the Lord bless and keep you. Your Sister in Christ, Julie

December Chimes We have had an awesome month talking about what we are thankful for!! Turkeys line our walls and rooms. We have enjoyed music and yoga for the month. Puerto Spirit Night is Dec 10th 5-8 pm, please join us that night. The Preschool is running very low on our wish list supplies. If you can help us with this project it would be greatly appreci-ated. Thanks for all the continued support and prayers. Blessings, Cindy and Staff

Christmas Sale What a Deal!!

St. John’s Watercolor Prints

$25

These limited edition numbered prints make a wonderful Christ-mas gift! Prints are available in

the Church office.

Christmas Poinsettias...Now is the time to order poinsettias for Christmas, Please fill out this form and place in the offering plate with your check to St. John's ..please put "poinsettias" in memo. Or, turn form and check into the church office. Poinsettias are $10 each. I would like to order ____(quantity) poinsettias at $10 each Total $_________________ In memory of ________________________________________________________________

In Honor of __________________________________________________________________ Given by: ____________________________________________________________________ ____Will pick up plant ____Will leave plant

The 2nd Annual Lucy Klaren Circle The 2nd Annual Lucy Klaren Circle The 2nd Annual Lucy Klaren Circle The 2nd Annual Lucy Klaren Circle January Jubilee January Jubilee January Jubilee January Jubilee

Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, Saturday, January 26, 2013 January 26, 2013 January 26, 2013 January 26, 2013

7777----10 pm. 10 pm. 10 pm. 10 pm. Walhalla Conservatory

Food, Wine, Basket Auction and fun for all!

$ 15.oo $ 15.oo $ 15.oo $ 15.oo

Tickets make a great Christmas Gift! Get your tickets from any LKC member

or the Church Office.

ST. NICHOLAS & TREE DECORATING CELEBRATION Hear the true story of St. Nicholas

(with a special guest visitor)

Help decorate the Chrismon tree.

A holiday celebration for all ages Date: Thursday, December 6th Time: 6:30pm Place: St. John’s Sanctuary Hot chocolate and cookies to be served

“EPIPHANY CELEBRATION”

CONGREGATIONAL POTLUCK LUNCH

& CHRISTMAS CAROL

SING-A-LONG

Sunday January 6th 11:30am ~ following worship

Sign-Up Today at the

Spiritual Opportunities Table

Upcoming for January 2013...

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE MEAL

MEAL PREPARED & DELIVERED TO

SENIORS, SHUT-INS AND NEEDY

IN OCONEE COUNTY

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Prep Work (details to come) Meal assembly & Delivery on 12/24 (Monday)

Clean-up on 12/24 (Monday)

Sign-up today at the Spiritual Opportunities Table

“My idea of Christmas, whether old-fashioned or modern, is very simple: loving others. Come to think of it, why do we have to wait for Christmas to do that?” ― Bob Hope

“Christmas doesn't come from a store, maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more....” ― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

The Mission Endowment Fund…a Gift that keeps on

giving. Need more information on how you can grow your gift and build a future for St. John’s? See Bob Har-ris or any committee member or email the church

office at stjohnsluther@gmail if you would like to be

contacted.

Abbreviated St. John’s Lutheran Annual Congregation Meeting November 11, 2012—9:30 a.m. Meeting was called to order by Pres. Bill Brackett by reading I Cor. 12:27 and a prayer. A quorum of 85 was present. Election of Council Members—Six seats were available—four 3-yr terms, one 2-yr term and one 1-yr term. Those elected were Joe Sears, Jack Wil-liams., Cathie Nowell, Tom Ward, Amy Klaren, Celia Cary. Operations Budget—On recommendation from Council a motion was passed to give the Sexton a 3% cost-of-living raise which would amend his salary to $15,760 and FICA to $1,206. A motion was passed to accept the Total Budget of $317,276 for 2013. Endowment Fund Report—Joe Sears reported the following disbursements for 2012: $500 to St. Mat-thews Lutheran Church Renovation Fund, Charles-ton, SC; $250 for Bibles for Female Prisoners; $400 to Food for the Poor; $450 to Our Daily Bread in Seneca, $500 to St. John’s Youth group. Members are encouraged to donate cash of noncash items to the Fund. Information Sharing—All veterans were recog-nized for their military service. Pastor Frank com-mented on the current trend in lower church atten-dance worldwide, encouraged members to “be in the Word daily”, and recommit themselves to regular attendance. Members made suggestions for recipi-ents for $8500 accumulated Outreach Funds which came from offerings at special Worship Services during the last two years. Council will designate recipients and amounts. Adjournment—10:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara Wilson, Secretary

Abbreviated Cong. Council Minutes November 19, 2012----6 p.m. Opening devotion—Dave –Read poem Day by Day and ended with prayer. Oct. 22 Minutes—Motion passed to accept as corrected. Annual Cong. Meeting Minutes on Nov 11—Motion passed to accept as presented. Pastor’s Report---Thanks to Exe. Com. for evaluation and conversation. Good Senior Saints Sun. celebration and an observation that healing is happening in the congrega-tion. Christmas Eve Services will be at 5 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Explanation of member expectations in Dec. Chimes. Treasurer’s/Finance Com. Report---Oct. report was accepted. OLD BUSINESS Church Sign---Donations are being made. Church Pictorial Directory—Some contacts wanted to be removed from membership. Complete info for directory is due in Dec. Phone System Replacement—No report. Church Brochures—Layout of new brochure is ready; copies will be made in the office. NEW BUSINESS Council Terms—Elected Council members---3-year terms: Jack Williams, Cathie Nowell, Amy Klaren, Tom Ward; 2-yr term: Joe Sears; 1-yr term: Celia Cary. Policy Manuals—for Council members Outreach Fund Disbursements-- Motion was passed to disburse from the Outreach Fund $600 each to Duke Energy Share the Warmth, Presbytery Service Fund with United Way, DSS Diaper Program, Cottingham Hospice House, Lutheridge/Lutherock, Rosa Clark Clinic, Ronald McDonald House, new brochures for St. John’s, Museum of the Cherokees, Safe Harbor (shelter for abused women). COMMITTEE REPORTS Property—Because scheduled payments of $2000 for both 2012 and 2013 were paid from the Clock Fund for the contracted repairs, the final payment of $2000 for 2014 was waived. The remaining amount will be retained in the Fund for maintenance. Dave will discuss termite damage repairs around the front church door with members of historical restoration and archive representatives. Because of safety issues the front door remains locked. Stewardship—Thirty-four pledge cards have been received. Worship & Music---Dec. 2—making Advent wreaths at 9 a.m. Cong. Christmas potluck dinner on Jan.6 after Worship. Dec. 16--Christmas Caroling 3-5 p.m. Feb. 5—Newberry College Jazz Band. During Christmas and Epiphany seasons “Glory to God” will be sung during the liturgy. Motion passed to add St. John’s website link to the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce website. Biggerstaff---Elected the same officers for 2013. Cemetery---No report. Youth--- Weekly dinners for fellowship & prayer. Will decorate float for the Walhalla Christmas Parade on Dec. 1. Lock-in on Dec. 14. Yard work for Habitat for Humanity house on Dec. 15. Christian Education---Children’ Christmas play during Worship on Dec. 16. Mutual Ministry---No report. Administrative---No report. Preschool---Enrollment is 35. Christmas program on Dec. 12 during Parents’ Chapel. Evangelism—Will have informational flyers in Oktoberfest Booth. Invitational events include Christmas Tour of Homes which includes St. John’s, Walhalla Christmas parade, St. Nicolas Day on Dec. 6. Mayfest open house and prison ministry will be explored. Hospitality---Chefs prepared 12 meals. Three grief care books were sent. Mailed care packages to students, mailed b.day cards to Senior Saints, provided food for Calendar meeting, served birthday cake during fellowship time, updated Craft Fair signs. Stewards of God’s Creation---Recycle program on-going. The cost of paper plates for meals is less than using the dishwasher. Next meeting-- 6 p.m. on Dec. 17, 2012. Adjourned 7:52 p.m. by praying of The Lord’s Prayer. Present: Pastor Frank, Lois Sharpe, Cecelia Lee, Dave Lewis, Jeri Klaren, Gary Cab-bage, Bill Brackett, Dwight Addis, Bob Johnson, Barbara Wilson, and newly elected Council members Jack Williams, Joe Sears, Amy Klaren, Tom Ward, Joe Sears. Absent: Cathie Nowell Respectively submitted, Barbara Wilson, Secretary

FINANCIAL REPORT November 2012

General Fund:

Balance Beginning Oct 1 ($16,513.13)

Received, Budget Support Offerings $22,798.00

Disbursed, Expenses $24,286.77

Balance, End of Oct ($18,001.90)

Req'd giving for 2012 $324,374/yr. $6,120/wk

Budgeted Contributions Through Oct $275,414.00

Amount Actually Received $219,067.96

Dollar Surplus or (Deficit) ($56,346.04)

Percentage Surplus or (Deficit) -20.46%

Restricted Funds & Accounts:

Altar Guild Funds $1,657.96

Bell Choir Accumulative Fund $443.30

Bell Clock Fund $4,726.80

Biggerstaff Cap Campaign $49,877.67

Biggerstaff, In/Out $1,483.38

Capital Contingency Fund $5,962.41

Cemetery Accumulative Fund $35,922.27

Choir Accumulative Fund $659.54

Cookbook Fund ($2,817.50)

Evangelism, Restricted $280.52

Food Pantry $0.00

Kitchen Remodel Fund $865.00

Long Range Planning Loan $0.00

Lucy Klaren Bequest $2,872.35

LYC Accumulation Fund $3,521.66

Miscellaneous In/Out Accounts $2,040.11

Mission Endowment Fund, In/Out $1,065.00

Outreach Fund $8,677.89

Preschool In/Out $240.00

Shealy Book Fund $60.00

Stock Fund $4,144.07

WELCA Grant $74.48

World Hunger $367.00

Worship Fund $577.57

Total Restricted Funds &

Accts $122,701.48

Project Status Report as of October 31, 2012 Biggerstaff / SCLRC Project – In August 2006 our congrega-tion approved, in principle, partnering with the SC Lutheran Re-treat Centers, the ultimate goal to ‘make Biggerstaff a year-round

destination for the faithful throughout the Synod and the nation’.

Thus, Biggerstaff would become the up-state site to complement Camp Kinard in the mid-lands and Coastal retreat on Isle of Palms. Synod approved a five year, 7.5 million dollar Capital Campaign for raising funds for the three sites, the ‘Building, Renewing, Be-

lieving Campaign’.

Of the total, Biggerstaff was allocated 3.7m, Kinard & Coastal 1.9 million each. First priority being Coastal followed by Kinard, with us last. The pending ‘Agreement to Lease’ will allow St John’s to retain all monies generated until such time as the actual ‘Ground Lease’ is executed, which, in turn, will not occur until the SCLRC is in position to begin construction within six months and have expec-tations that the project will be completed within two years. Beginning balance $ 49,857.67 Received during month $ 20.00 Ending balance $49,877.67 Bell Clock Fund: The congregation approved spending $13,850.00 to pay for costs associated with getting our Bell Clock functioning correctly. Debt incurred to date is $7,849.07. This has been paid in full!! We still have three $ 2,000 payments due in October of 2012, 2013, and 2014. Thanks to everyone who is contributing to this fund. Beginning Balance $ 4596.80 Rec’d this month $ 130.00 Ending Balance $ 4726.80 Chris Lee, Acting Congregational Treasurer

St. John’s Welcomes 6 Newly elected Council members. These members were elected during the

November Annual Congregational Meeting. Congratulations and may God bless you for your time and commitment to serving on this Council

Amy Klaren Tom Ward Celia Cary

Jack Williams Joe Sears

Cathie Nowell (re-elected)

St. John’ s StaffSt. John’ s StaffSt. John’ s StaffSt. John’ s Staff

Rev. Frank G. Honeycutt, Pastor Bill Brackett, Congregational President Anna T. Zelaya, Parish Secretary Joan Lewis, Spiritual Gifts Coordinator Ray Burroughs, Sexton/Biggerstaff Christian Retreat Marsh Cabbage, Organist and Director of Music Louis Boos, Violinist Elizabeth Neal, Youth Director Cindy Kelly, SJ Preschool Director Chris Lee, Congregational Treasurer Julia Ballenger, Financial Secretary Carolyn Brandt, Jeri Klaren, Susan Holcombe: Altar Guild Brandon Shepard, Cemetery Grounds Keeper

Highlights

In this issue……

News and Needs… Spiritual Opportunities December Calendar

Coming in January 2013…….

St. John’s Lutheran Church 301 West Main St. Walhalla, SC 29691

TIME DATED MATERIAL ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Non Profit Organization U. S. Postage Paid Walhalla, SC Permit No. 26

Epiphany of our Lord