THE MIGHTY MESSENGER December 2012 Volume 52, No. 12

Follow the Star

Advent—Christmas 2012

“Follow the Star” In the Broadway musical "Man of La Mancha," the delusional knight Don Quixote, who attacks windmills and dubs a street walker “Dulcinea,” sings his famous song, “The Impossible Dream.” In it he reveals that his quest is to “reach the unreachable star.” He sings, This is my quest, to follow that star; No matter how hopeless, no matter how far; To fight for the right, without question or pause; To be willing to march into hell, for a heavenly cause. We might find ourselves feeling a little bit this way also as we fight the overcrowded holiday traffic and shopping centers. Given the current economic hardships, and yet at the same time all the holiday hype to get us to shell out sufficient spending in order to have a merry Christmas, it all might seem to us like an “impossible dream.” Can’t you just imagine people singing these words while camped out in front of Best Buy waiting for the door to open on Black Friday? To dream the impossible dream; To fight the unbeatable foe; To bear with unbearable sorrow; To run where the brave dare not go; To right the unrightable wrong; To love pure and chaste from afar; To try when your arms are too weary; To reach the unreachable star. But thankfully the real meaning of Christmas is not all this frantic futility. God loves us, and not just from afar. And the Star that we follow is not unreachable, but has in fact come so near to us as to become one like us, humbly born and laid in a manger. The seemingly weak and helpless baby is in fact the Son of God, the “Word made flesh” (John 1:14), and wonderfully that “word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart” (Deuteronomy 30:14, and Romans 10:8). Amazingly, when Jesus came into the very world that He had made, His own people “did not receive Him” (John 1:11). A bit like Don Quixote, he was misunderstood and rejected. Yet because He remained true to His “glorious quest,” our Lord Jesus fulfilled everything that was necessary for us to be saved. Truly “the world will be better for this: that one man, scorned and covered with scars, still strove, with His last ounce of courage” to suffer the punishment for us that our sin deserved so that we might be forever forgiven and free. This Advent and Christmas season, leading up to the Day of Epiphany on Sunday, January 6, 2013, you are invited to “Follow the Star,” not the unreachable star, but the star of Bethlehem that pointed to the real “Star” that was born in Bethlehem for our salvation. First, in the Advent season, we will hear the prophecy that “a star will come out of Jacob” (Numbers 24:17). Then as Christmas arrives we will once again go with the shepherds to Bethlehem to “see this thing. . . that the Lord has made known to us” (Luke 2:15). Ultimately, as we enter into a new year, like the magi who saw His star in the east, so also we will be so “overjoyed” that we too will open our “treasures” and present our gifts to the newborn King (Matthew 2:10-11). For us it will be in the form of our annual stewardship commitment to the Lord’s work here at St. Michael. Having experienced our ten week trial of tithing, we will be prepared to continue the good work that the Lord has begun in us. By God’s grace, we will begin a new year determined to press on in our quest to follow the Star, not an unreachable star, but that “bright and morning Star” that is our Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 22:16). Please join us.

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SMLS Christmas Programs

Thursday, Dec. 6 at 1:00 pm – SMLS K-8 Christmas Drama/Musical Friday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 pm – SMLS K-8 Christmas Drama/Musical Thursday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 pm – CFK 3 year old/5 year old preschool/ childcare concert Friday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 pm – CFK 4 year old preschool concert Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 pm – SMLS Beginning/Concert Band Concert

“Follow the Star” Advent/Christmas 2012

12/1-2 - First Sunday in Advent - Luke 21:25-28 (“Seeing Stars”) 12/5 (7:00 pm) - Advent Mid-Week #1 - Numbers 24:15-19 (“Star Out of Jacob”) 12/8-9 - Second Sunday in Advent - Malachi 4:2 (“Son-shine”)

Children’s Christmas Service (December 9 at 11:00) 12/12 (7:00 pm) - Advent Midweek #2 - 2 Peter 1:16-19 (“The Morning Star”) 12/15-16 Third Sunday in Advent - Daniel 12:3 (“Shine Like Stars”)

Ordination/Installation of Pastor Jason Toman (December 15 at 5:00 pm) 12/19 (7:00 pm) - Advent Midweek #3 - Musical Celebration 12/22-23 - Fourth Sunday in Advent - Psalm 80:3 (“God’s Shining Face”) 12/24 (5:00 & 11:00) - Christmas Eve - Luke 2:1-7 (“A Star Is Born”) 12/25 (10:00 am - Christmas Day - Revelation 22:16-17 (“The Bright Morning Star”) 12/29-30 - First Sunday of Christmas - Luke 2:32 (“The Light that Lightens”) 1/5-6 - Day of Epiphany - Matthew 2:1-12 (“Gift Exchange”)

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Dear friends in Christ, With much anticipation and joy we invite you to the ordination and installation service of our new assistant pastor, Jason Toman. As you know, Jason has been studying for the last two years in the Specific Ministry Pastor program through Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. His courses have been on-line and on the job, with myself as his pastoral mentor. He has proven to be a very fine student and vicar for us at St. Michael, especially giving his valuable time and considerable talents to our Saturday night worship service that we call FUSE. Back in September our congregation extended him a divine call to serve as our Assistant Pastor and he received the call documents as a placement from Concordia Seminary at their call service in October. Now he is ready to be ordained and installed on December 15 at 5:00 pm (the time slot in which we have our weekly FUSE service). After the service we will have a dinner in his honor in the gym where you will have an opportunity to get to know him better, as well as his lovely wife, Serina, and their five children (Maya, Ellery, Asher, Callan, and Silas). May the Lord continue to bless our mutual ministry as we enter into a new liturgical year together. In the coming Christ,

Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann Senior Pastor

Dear Members of St. Michael Lutheran Church, With joy in my heart and the conviction that God has called me to His service in your midst, I herewith announce my acceptance of the Call which you have extended to me as pastor. I look forward to being installed as your pastor. Please uphold me and my family with your prayers and your common commitment as stewards of God’s kingdom. May the Lord who gifts His church prepare us for His work of service that the body of Christ may be built up in faith and knowledge, and may we grow together in such love and truth that we may welcome Him with joy at His coming. In the service of Christ, Jason D. Toman

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE JASON TOMAN’S ORDINATION. Jason will be ordained Saturday, December 15 at the FUSE service at 5:00. Following the service will be a free dinner in his honor. We need to know how many will be attending, so please sign up on the board in the narthex or call the church office or email us at stmike@mightymessengers.org no later than December 10 if you intend on joining us.

Thankful Hearts at SMLS & CFK

During our annual Reformation Celebration this past October 31st, students ranging from preschool through the 8th grade were asked to write down those things about our school for which they were thankful. Each student wrote on a brown piece of paper that resembled a brick and the cumulative total of these “bricks” made a fortress as a wall decoration – in keeping with our celebration theme this year which was “A Mighty Fortress is our God”. Having just experienced another Thanksgiving holiday, I thought it would be appropriate to share some of those things for which our students gave thanks:

I’m thankful to go to a Lutheran school because we can strengthen our faith and create a closer bond with God. – Sarah

I like to go to a Lutheran school because I love to learn about God dying on the cross for me and you. – Liam

I am thankful to go to a Lutheran school because I get a Christian learning experience, a small class size, and a higher standard of learning. – Rosie

I am thankful to go to a Lutheran school because it creates a safe environment to learn and pray. It helps me personally to grow closer to God. – Kyle

I’m thankful for going to a Lutheran school because you can talk about God without anyone saying bad stuff about you. – Josh

I am thankful to go to a Lutheran school because we are like a family. We all get along and the teachers are helpful. You never feel alone or left out. – Marina

I like this school because I love that we can praise God and talk about Him. I think people should come to this school because it’s awesome! – Hailey

I’m thankful to go to a Christian school and interact with Christian friends and teachers. This school is amazing. – Andreas

I like going to this school because I get to praise God and learn more about Him every day. - Maddy

In Thankfulness! Greg Johnson, Principal

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St. Michael Lutheran School

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17th Anniversary Celebration

Dear Friends, Covenant Senior Day Program is proudly celebrating our 17th year Anniversary of serving the community as leaders in the state of Michigan, for the provision of Senior Adult Day services. Since 1995, we have specialized in helping seniors with dementia by providing companionship and daytime care. Throughout our history, Covenant has established a standard of care that exceeds caregiver and community expectations. It is our tradition to never turn any senior away or deny help simply because of the inability to pay. It is a mission that I support and am committed to, despite current economic conditions. More than ever before seniors are in need of our caring concern, hot meals, medical care, transportation and the comfort of a warm smile. Covenant restores hope and creates lasting friendships. Let me share with you a few of the comments we have received . . . “Covenant was such a blessing to first my mom, and now me. Thank you for making a haven where love and kindness reign.” “Remembering all the happiness you brought to us both.” “Dear Covenant staff, thank you one and all for your extremely valuable participation and service in your Senior Day Care Center on Tuesdays. My Uncle, speaks highly and fondly of Tuesdays. I ask for your help. You can make a difference in a senior’s life by contributing a gift today. Your contribution is an investment in the following critical need areas: $15.00 provides transportation for a senior to and from our program $25.00 provides a week of hot meals $50.00 provides a scholarship for a day at Covenant Please give to our Annual Fund “Forget-me-Not Campaign.” Your gift will be used where it is most needed. You are invited to give in honor of or in memory of a loved one as a meaningful remembrance of them. On behalf of the Covenant staff, Board of Directors and loving volunteers, I thank you for seventeen years of support. With Warmest Holiday Greetings,

Lauren Fitzmaurice, MSW, CDP, CFM Executive Director

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Unemployed?

Unemployment is never easy, but this time of the year it is especially difficult to be unemployed. Approximately 8% of the people in the United States are not employed right now, and that doesn’t include the people that have given up looking for a job and no longer qualify for unemployment. However, God does not believe in unemployment. As a matter of fact the scriptures give many examples of people who were unemployed, and God gave them work to do even amidst protest in some cases. Moses is one example. He had all kinds of reasons why the Lord shouldn’t use him to be the leader of the exodus. When God gave Jonah a job, he ran in the other direction. And Joseph never was without work to do for God even while in prison with no hope of getting out any time soon. In spite of their initial objections Moses & Jonah eventually did as the Lord asked. Joseph’s willingness to do God’s work never seemed to wane regardless of his circumstances. In all three cases, the Holy Spirit brought about success. God does the same for us still today. As difficult as it is to be unemployed at this time of the year, God still has a job for you. Sometimes, that job is even as simple as taking a meal to someone or presents to underprivileged kids or even paying for the next car’s meal in the drive through. There is always work to do for the Lord. At a deeper level, there are millions of people who don’t know the story of Christmas. They have never met our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our job is to share His story. We all have a job to do, whether it’s planting seeds by blessing people in small ways or watering seeds previously planted by telling others the Gospel story. In ways big and small, our job is always to spread the joy that only comes through a saving knowledge of Christ. No matter your job situation this holiday season, God has a job for you. There are always seeds to be planted and plants to be watered (1 Corinthians 3:6). Of course, this article would not be complete if I didn’t tell you that there are caring, Christian individuals here at church that are available to anyone having a difficult time as the holiday season begins. They are ready and willing to share in ways big and small, for short term or long. They are ready to plant and to water and to spread the joy that is Jesus. Please call or talk to a Stephen Minister. Happy Holydays, Virginia Hetrick

Fall Harvest 2012 Recap

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

A special Christmas Invitation will be available for SMLC members to use to invite the un-churched people that we all know to the Advent and Christmas Services being held at SMLC. The invites will be available starting the week-end of 12/7 & 12/8/12, so pickup a few today and invite your garbage collector, drop off at your favorite restaurant, or give to your neighbor. There are a multitude of creative ways that these can be utilized to invite others to worship during this special Christmas Sea-son.

Chris

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Inv

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Fall Harvest Stats

We are still compiling the final attendance statistics for the 2012 Fall Harvest Festival, but the initial numbers indicate that this was the most attended event over the past five years. Some of the numbers in-clude: Over 50 Pizzas were

served Over 140 families attended Over 74 volunteers

worked during the event

Over 500 people attended the event Approximately one-

quarter of the attending families list no church affiliation

Approximately 65 of

the families attending have affiliation with SMLC school or pre-school.

More on the final results to come! FOLLOW THE STAR

Upcoming Events

LAMP

Evangelism Notes MAKING MIGHTY MESSENGERS FOR CHRIST

Dec 7 - School Christmas Program

Dec 13 - Preschool & DK Christmas Program

Dec 14 - Pre-K Christmas Program

Dec 18 - SMLS Band Con-cert

Dec 24 - Advent Services at 5pm and 11pm

Dec 25 - Christmas Day Service at 10am

Evangelism The LAMP Mission continues into the winter to prepare for the third summer trip.

Ask God about how you might be a part of this ongoing mission. There is a sheet on the LAMP dis-play in the south narthex that ex-plains all of the opportunities available. See Dana Naumann for more information.

Also don’t forget to pick up the LAMP devotional for the holiday season. These are available in the church narthex and have pictures of various LAMP mission trips from 2012. Two of the photos featured on the front and back covers were taken by our own LAMP team, the boy in the hat and the children with balloon crosses.

This month we continue with our update on where and how the money en-trusted to the Board of Evangelism is utilized.

This past month the Board provided a $200 gift to Rich Rudowske with the Lu-theran Bible Translators.

Rich is the brother of our own Chris Rudowske.

He and his family are cur-rently working with the Bakgalagari people of

Batswana to translate the Bible into their language. Getting the scriptures out to all peoples in their own lan-guage is such a blessing.

Upcoming Events

Mission U Update Mission U continues on hiatus for the month of December, but the sessions begin back in January, and continue through to April.

Session 3, MU-201 Dealing with Tough Questions, will be held at SMLC on Janu-ary 12, 2013 from 10:00am to 3:00pm. (Registration deadline is 12/15.)

This course will address the prevalent ques-tions concerning Christianity in society to-day. Students will learn to discover the root issues behind a question and how to respond

appropriately. And most importantly be able to bridge back into sharing the Gospel.

Registration cost is still just $20 which in-cludes lunch and snacks. Register online at www.michgandistrict.org/missionu or call Debbie at 888.225.2111.

It’s not too late to register and get equipped to spread the Word to those around you. Next month more on session 4, MU-202, The Outreach Congregation.

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WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

Annual Christmas Party Ornament Exchange Sunday, December 2 3:00 pm, in Allan Hall

Please bring a wrapped Christmas ornament ($5 limit) to share in the fun Devotions and Christmas carol singing Eileen Grostic’s Chancel Dancing performance

CHRISTMAS BLESSING BASKETS will be collected for two St. Michael families. A list of food items for a family of five is posted in the narthex. Please give your cash donations for the turkey or perishables to Rika Noggle. The deadline for contributions is December 16th. Wish List flannel sheets, queen (solid or striped) large bath towels (peach or mint green) George Foreman grill Gift cards: Menards, Tractor Supply, Crossroads Mall, Walmart DVD’s: The Avengers, Men in Black 3, Harry Potter—”The Deathly Hallows” soccer ball hot wheels wall tracks set ankle weights Nerf Rapid Fire Disc gun (2) Stampeez slipper (child –size L) (at Walmart) crayola airbrush Your generosity, love and prayers make the holidays so special for these families.

ANNUAL COOKIE SALE DECEMBER 8TH & 9TH

Drop off cookies Friday afternoon or Saturday by 2pm

(Please mark your cookies FOR COOKIE SALE or they will not

make it past roaming nibblers.)

Cookie Assembly Saturday, December 8 at 2:00pm in Room 212

Plates of cookies will be for sale following Saturday FUSE service

and between Sunday services

Proceeds fund Women Fellowship events and projects for the year

holiday treats furnished

THANK YOU to all who made the November Military Appreciation Event so successful. Judy Richter gave a lovely devotion on being a broken vessel. Linda Fry read a Soldier’s Prayer and letter from one of the recipients of Edna’s military goody boxes. Army Sgt. Amy Ellenwood spoke on her experiences working with community development in Iraq. Meg Bess helped us create Christmas cards to be sent with the packages.

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Lutheran Women’s Missionary League National Convention

It's time to start making plans to attend the national convention of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, June 27-30th 2013 in Pittsburgh PA. There will be a charter bus going from Michigan with a pick up near you. Watch for details on the convention in the Lutheran Women's Quarterly winter issue. Applications to ride the bus are due January 30th and are available from your society president or LWML representative. You may also call Myra at 269 964 9022 for an application or information. Join the fun as we travel to Pittsburgh and join 6000 other Lutheran women for a time of spiritual refreshment.

Myra Gorentz, president of the Battle Creek Zone LWML

YOUR MITES AT WORK

The Lutheran Women's Missionary League is providing a $100,000 grant that will provide funding to expand the Lutheran Campus Ministry at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas which is home to 1,000 students form 145 tribes from over 40 states. LIGHT (Lutheran Indians Gathering and Helping Together) Ministry evangelizes, recruits, and trains Native American students who will one day return to their communities as

witnesses to the power of the Gospel.

Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

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Mites

SOUP & GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH SUPPER JANUARY 21, 2013 6:30 PM, Allan Hall

Join for game night and B-i-n-g-o is the Name-O. Bring a wrapped White elephant gift (and who doesn’t have one of those lying about) to share in the fun.

A Joyous Christmas to All, June Kucks

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

 

What’s Happening with St. Michael Junior & Senior Youth

High School Winter Camp

High School Youth Group winter camp at Spring Hill is just around the corner on January 4-6, 2013. The theme for winter camp this year is SKETCH and will help our youth know that they were carefully and lovingly created for a purpose. Winter camp is a great opportunity to get focused on faith life before the youth head back to school. Camp weekend has been the highlight of the winter for the past few years, don't miss out! Get your registrations turned in by December 16!

High School Youth Advent Soup Supper! The High School youth group is sponsoring the final Advent Soup Supper on Wednesday, December 19 from 5:15 leading up to the Advent Concert at 7:00 pm. The soup supper will be a fundraiser for the High School Youth Group to help youth attend winter camp in January and for the summer trips in June 2013. Please join the youth for the last Soup Supper and a fantastic Advent Concert at 7:00 pm.

Jr Youth and High School Youth Christmas Parties The Jr Youth Confirmation Christmas Party is Sunday, December 9 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Sakura2 restau-rant in Portage. Cost is $10 per youth. The High School Youth Progressive Christmas Dinner in Sunday, December 16 from 5-9 pm.

FALL FUN

The Jr and Sr Youth Groups had a good fall season with fellowship times for movie nights, flinging

pumpkins around the yard, even a trip to Jungle Joes to bounce around. We always have fun gathering in the name of Christ and enjoying fun and

devotional time.

Confirmation Camp!  

Twenty‐six Jr Youth enjoyed a beautiful weekend at Grace Adventures in Mears, Michigan.  We climbed the dunes, saw an amazing sunset and learned about how we are AWKWARD in sin, but have been made right‐eous through Christ. 

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CONGRATULATIONS

ADAM AND BRITTIN SCHUMAKER

NOVA BRIELLE SCHUMAKER

BORN NOVEMBER 14, 2012

WEIGHT: 7 LBS. 12 OZ.

LENGTH: 20”

The Quilter’s Club would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also, we thank each and everyone who supported us in making quilts for the needy. Please keep helping us. This is the only way we can make the quilts from donated supplies, monetary gifts, fabric, sheets, etc. We also need help in sewing. Won’t you join us, please. We would especially thank Edna Fry, Jolene Kennedy, Lotte Christoph, Sharon Frailing, Theresa Maurer, Michele Stachel, Carol Self, Carol Truhn and Mae Adams. We donated 120 quilts and lap robes this year to Family & Children Services, St. Lukes & Worldwide Relief. 40 crib blankets were sent to an Afghanistan orphanage, 20 afghans to Fort Custer, and lap quilts will be completed before Christmas for a local nursing home. - Mae Adams

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS If you are a Thrivent member and are designating your Choice Dollars to be sent to a particular place using the recurring direction option, you need to be aware that Thrivent is changing the rules. Recurring direction will not be an option in 2013. The recurring direction option depletes the program’s budget too quickly. So, please make sure to stay on top of your designations in order to use your Choice Dollars wisely. - Jan Jett

New Light on the Nativity

Just in time for Christmas, Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier will present "New Light on the Nativity," which will dem-onstrate the truthfulness, reliability, and significance of the events Holy Scripture reports concerning the nativity of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Dr. Maier is an engaging and dynamic speaker who will clearly explain why the factual events reveal-ing the nativity of Jesus Christ are so impor-tant for Christians. The event will take place on Tuesday, December 4 at 7 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church (English Dis-trict), 1944 Oak Grove Road, Howell, MI. For more information, contact the church office at 517.548.2066.

MOST Ministries is recruiting team members who are quilters, knitters or sewers for a mission trip to Costa Rica. They have a request from the national Lutheran Church in Costa Rica to send a team of sewers as a follow-up to last year’s successful sewing team. The team is called “1317 Costa Rica Sewing” and it is March 1-9, 2013 (at a cost of about $2,000 each). Members of this out-reach will teach two groups of Costa Rican women, some of whom are the sole supporters of their families, different sewing, quilting, and knit-ting techniques which can be used to produce handcrafts that are sources of income for their families. For more information go to www.mostministries.org/1317_costa_rica

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LCMS Life Conference 40 Year Observance of Roe v. Wade Ruling

January 25-26, 2013 Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel at Reagan National Airport

Download registration forms or register online at www.lcmslifeconference.org

It’s the 40th Anniversary of Roe vs Wade, the Supreme Court decision making abortion legal as individual states choose to legislate. Join ProLife Citizens of all denominations recognizing that abortion is killing innocent human beings. Take the Walk of Your Life en masse with thousands to the Supreme Court. There are opening ceremonies on the Mall with speakers and prayers. Inexpensive bus trip options are available. Check out the Lutherans for Life table (blue binder) for the conference details. Reserve your space. Take your family and Grandkids. This is a historic beautiful life affirming event. - Carolyn Burns

WE LOVINGLY SERVE! THANK YOU to our BOARD OF CHURCH CHRISTIAN EDUCATION! This Board plans and implements programs such as the Adult Bible Study opportunities, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation, and first Communion instruction. If you would like to share your love for Christian education by serving on this board, contact Jon Forster at the church at 327-7832.

St. Michael Needs: Recording Secretary for the Parish

Planning Council Meetings Sunday Adult Education Facilitators Funeral Luncheon Coordinator CELLS Group Board Director Parish Fellowship Members and

Director Someone to wash the kitchen

towels weekly Contact Jan Jett at the church office at 327-7832.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP NOMINEES NEEDED As elections draw near, we are reminded that St Michael will soon be electing new Board Directors and various Lay Leaders. Per our By-Laws in February we will be electing a President, Treasurer, Board Directors, one-half of the members of the Board of Lay Ministry, and certain Trust Fund Officers. Although some of our current leaders are up for their second term, and thus will probably be continuing in their positions, we have some Director positions that will need filling. Specifically, we currently have or will have vacancies in the following positions: Board of Lay Ministry Director Board of Evangelism Director Board of Early Childhood Director Board of Parish Fellowship Director Board of CELLS Groups Director Lay Ministers The Parish Planning Council is asking that you earnestly pray that God will let it be known to us those St. Michael members who can and are willing to lead us for the next two years in these positions. We know that only prayer will bring us the right people at the right time, so please do this for us. If you would like a description of any of these positions, please contact Jan Jett in the church office.

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Burnie Trimner Ethel Kocman Bud Leonard Lorene Fiebig

TV MINISTRY YOU CAN TRUST!

Charter Cable Channel 96 Access for Kalamazoo and Portage

30-Minute Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod worship service Produced by Lutherans for the homebound, hospitalized… Includes the Gospel, Epistle, and Sermon by LCMS pastors Music by choirs, soloists, and small groups Sun. at 4:00 pm; Mon. at 2:00 pm; Tues. at 3:00 pm; Wed. at 5:00 pm

Lutheran Ministries Media, Inc. 5 Martin Luther Drive ^ Fort Wayne, IN 46825-4996

“Worship for Shut-Ins” Summary Sheet December 2, 2012 – Jeremiah 33:14-16 "Wait For the Lord" by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN The annual Christmas season has started! But, WAIT … for the Lord. He keeps His promises of love and faithfulness to you.

December 9, 2012 – Luke 3:1-20 "Prepared for You" by Rev. James A. Roemke, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church~Middleville, MI In His great love for us, God sent St. John the Baptist to prepare the way for the Lord and His redemptive ministry. God continues to pour out His love, through Jesus Christ, by preparing your heart today with His Word. No matter who you are, your age, your health, what you have or have not done in the past and no matter where you may find yourself, God has prepared the way to salvation for you through His holy Word made flesh. Jesus Christ comes to sinners and finds His throne in repentant hearts that look only to Him for forgiveness and salvation.

December 16, 2012 – Philippians 4:4-7 “Rejoice Always” by Rev. Dr. Walter A. Maier III, Concordia Theological Seminary~Fort Wayne, IN

We are continually to rejoice – in the Lord; to recognize what keeps us from rejoicing in the Lord, and deal with those hindrances; and then to enjoy the peace of God.

December 23, 2012 – John 1:1, 14, 17 "The Best Christmas" by Rev. Dr. Thomas R. Ahlersmeyer, Holy Cross Lutheran Church~Fort Wayne, IN Christmas is the clearest expression of the Gospel reality that God comes to us. How much closer can He come than the Incarnation? The Incarnation brings blessing upon blessing, culminating in the final blessing of eternal life in heaven with Jesus!

December 30, 2012 – Luke 2:22-40 "This Child Is the Reason" by Rev. James L. Elsner, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church~Stroh, IN Christmas continues in the church this week. It continues focused on the reason for the season: salvation and life in Christ!

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Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Dear Edna, Thank you for the care package and note; to answer your question yes I live in Michigan. When I’m home I live in Burton MI between Flint and Davison, MI. My unit is out of Jackson MI. I drive once sometimes twice a month 90 miles to my unit, 303D MP Co. I have been on tour with them in the past. I move around from unit to unit to keep sharp. The weather here has been getting cooler, approximately 10 degrees this month. It appears that will drop another 10 next month. The locals say the temps reach lows of 30 and 40’s here in south Kandahar during the winter months so any time you’re ready to send the hand warmers I will receive them and set them in the MWR tent for the Soldiers. I do appreciate Care Pac’s on a whole. The candy not so much but new papers, magazines, and tooth paste. I really like the Medline READYBATH (the types hospitals use to wash patients). I use them to wash up when there isn’t water. They work much better than baby wipes. Most of the other things that I could use cost a bit more. I send a check home for those items to be filled. Before I forget I am making December 10th the stop date for any last care package. It takes approximately 10 to 15 days to reach me in this remote area. By the end of that month I will be packing my bags as much as I can to egress out of here. It will still take a few weeks of movement to get back state side. Once we are back at our mob station for 7 to 10 days we’ll get to come home to Michigan. That should be sometime in January/February 2013. Again thank you much for writing me back and for the support you’re giving to us Soldiers. You’re a true American. SFC Adams ASC—4 Kandahar Afghanistan

Dear Edna, We received another care package in the mail this week! Thank you! The snacks and DVD’s were a wonderful hit with our Soldiers (especially the peanut butter and jelly)! Thank you again for your support throughout our deployment. May God bless you! CH Vaughn * * * * * * * * * * * * My Wingman and I have appreciated the support in mail. Thank you!! It’s getting colder here. It’s going to be below freezing now for the winter time. 28 degrees and lower . . . We work at night, our hands and feet get cold. A request for hand/feet warmers would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely—Amber

LETTERS TO EDNA

V O LU M E 52 , I S SU E 1 1

8/1/12-10/31/12

Church Revenue $156,421

School Revenue $161,593

Total Revenue $ 318,014

Total Expenses $ 321,961

Net Surplus (deficit) $ (3,946)

Budget $ 336,352

Under/(Over) Budget $ 14,391

Avg. 2012 Attendance. . . . . . . . . . . 375

Special Offerings Since August 1, 2012:

Trust Fund $ 10,975

Church Worker Scholarship $ 270

LWR $ 790

Good Samaritan $ 1,580

Memorials $ 515

Covenant Sr. Program $ 500

Mortgage Reduction $ 3,510

Mission Forward $ 20,024

School Music $ 0

Tuition Assistance $ 12,785

School Improvements $ 6,235

Quilting $ 170

Sunday School $ 95

L.A.M.P. Mission Trip $ 0

P A G E 1 8

October Financials

Mission Forward Update

Total Committed: $668,614 Accumulative Receipts as of 11/25/12 Offerings: $614,217 Matching Funds: $39,509 Percent of Commitment Reached: 98% Mortgage Balance: $418,138

Campbell's® soups

Campbell’s® Select Harvest® soups

Campbell’s® Microwavable soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

SpaghettiOs® Pasta (Original & Meatball)

Campbell's® beans, gravies, & canned pasta

Prego® Italian sauces

Swanson® stocks, broths & canned poultry

V8® vegetable juices

V8 Splash® beverages

V8 Fusion® beverages

V8® soups

Campbell's® tomato juice

Pepperidge Farm® breads, cookies, & frozen products

Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® crackers

Campbell® Foodservice products

St. Michael School has collected many labels and box tops this year thanks to you. Thank you for your continued support. If you haven’t helped yet or you have more labels and box tops to give, drop them off in the South Narthex, the childcare center, or at the school office.

As far as box tops go, we have collected $1,471.50. This is almost to our goal of $1,766, so keep up the good work. We are doing great with labels for education too! We have collected 15,165 points, which is 165 points past our goal. With your points so far this year, you have help purchase walkie talkies for the school as well as other gym and art supplies.

Just a reminder, if you are turning in labels for education, I need the bar code to be whole or complete so that I can read it, and please cut the label as small as you can near the bar code. This makes packaging them so much easier. Also if you are turning in box tops, I must have ones that are NOT expired, the expiration date has to be visible, and any coupon box top certificates MUST be ORIGINALS not copies or expired. Thanks again to everyone who is earning us money and points! Dana Greenacre

P A G E 1 9 T H E M I G HT Y M ES S E N G E R

Saint Michael Lutheran Church and School 7211 Oakland Drive ✝ Portage, MI 49024-4151

(269) 327-7832 ✝ Fax: (269) 327-3148

website: www.mightymessengers.org E-mail: stmike@mightymessengers.org

Staff Members, Board of Directors, and Other Leaders *Paid Positions

Senior Pastor * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Dr. Paul R. Naumann Office Hours: Tues-Fri. 9 am -12 noon E-mail Address: naumann@mightymessengers.org Director of Christian Education * . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jon Forster Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs 9 am - 12 noon E-mail: jforster@mightymessengers.org Vicar *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Toman Office Hours: Wed. Noon – 4:30 pm Church Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kim Beaubin, Marianne Wiersma Director of Ministry Operations * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan Jett Office Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-3:00 pm School Principal/Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Johnson Saint Michael Lutheran School - Kindergarten Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Heintz Saint Michael Lutheran School - First Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barbara Schubert Saint Michael Lutheran School - Second Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annie Buchanan Saint Michael Lutheran School - Third Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie Prentice Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fourth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lisa Lam Saint Michael Lutheran School - Fifth/Sixth Grade Teacher *. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Emily Manack Saint Michael Lutheran School - Seventh/Eighth Grade Teacher * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jessica Lonc Saint Michael Lutheran School - Secretary * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sharon Robinson Christ for Kids Childcare Director * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emily Newkirk Technology Coordinator * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Barbara Williams Sextons* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Chapman, Bud Hetrick Stephen Ministry Leaders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Conklin, Pastor & Dana Naumann, Arlan Wendzel and Virginia Hetrick Stephen Ministers . . . Zoe Miller, Jenny Wedel, Lynne Wendzel, Nonie Knight, Heather Bigelow, Ailene Buchtrup, Christine Boone, Bud Hetrick, Carolyn Freeman, Barbara Williams, Kelley Crawford, Mara Kudelski President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jesse Hogue Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Matt Heintz Board of Lay Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rich Conklin Sound & Lighting Technician . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Prayer Ministry Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Recording Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Treasurer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandi Champion Financial Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brad Hunter Newsletter/Bulletin Publications * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marianne Wiersma Board of Parish Education Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Adult Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shannon Hogue Vacation Bible School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lorraine Dudash Board of Early Childhood & School Ministries Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen Taylor Board of Evangelism and Missions Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dana Naumann Cradle Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cindy Hunter Board of Parish Fellowship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Women’s Fellowship Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June Kucks Board of Church Properties Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Howard McNees Board of CELL Group Ministry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vacant Covenant Senior Day Program Board Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paul Kurlowicz Covenant Senior Day Program Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lauren Fitzmaurice Board of Stewardship Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark Chilcott Volunteer Ministry Committee Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vacant Board of Youth & Young Adult Ministry Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Theresa Krieger Senior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Burnett, Jerry Kuss, Emily Manack, Jon Forster Junior High Youth Group Leaders . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jeff Burnett, Jerry Kuss, Jon Forster

7211 Oakland Drive Portage, MI 49024

St Michael Lutheran Church

Church Phone: 269-3277832 School Phone: 269-327-0512 Fax: 327-3148 stmike@mightymessengers.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

NON-PROFIT ORG.

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

KALAMAZOO, MI

PERMIT NO. 5

DATED MATERIAL

Our Mission at St. Michael Lutheran Church is to make disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ by building up one another in the faith and

reaching out to others with the Gospel.

We call this “Making Mighty Messengers for Christ.”

DEC. 1 — FATHER / DAUGHTER DINNER, 6PM

DEC. 2 — WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP ORNAMENT EXCHANGE, 3PM

DEC. 5, 12 & 19 — ADVENT SERVICES, 7PM

DEC. 6 — SMLS K-8 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, 1PM

DEC. 7 — SMLS K-8 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM, 6:30PM

DEC. 8 — HANGING OF THE GREENS, 6:15PM

DEC. 9 — WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP COOKIE SALE, 9:45AM

DEC. 9 — CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE, 11AM DEC. 13 — CHRIST FOR KIDS CHRISTMAS CONCERT (3 & 5 YEAR OLDS), 6:30PM

DEC. 14 — CHRIST FOR KIDS CHRISTMAS CONCERT (4 YEAR OLDS), 6:30PM

DEC. 15 — JASON TOMAN’S ORDINATION SERVICE & RECEPTION, 5PM

DEC. 18 — SCHOOL BAND CONCERT, 6:30PM

DEC. 24 — CAROL SERVICE, 5PM & CANDLELIGHT SERVICE, 11PM

DEC. 25 — CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNION SERVICE, 10AM

(NO NEW YEAR’S EVE SERVICE THIS YEAR)

DECEMBER 2012