the pastor’s pen advent and christmas...

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Mundelein Illinois 60060 www.standrewmundelein.com

December 2017

Advent and Christmas Schedule All Are Welcome!Mid-Week Advent Services: • Wednesday evenings,

December 6, 13, and 20, at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 17 • 8:30 a.m. - Festival of Lessons

and Carols during worship • 10:45 a.m. - Kids for Christ

Christmas Program during worshipChristmas Eve, December 24: • 10:00 a.m. Traditional

Worship Service for the Fourth Sunday of Advent

• 5:00 p.m. Family Candlelight Communion Service featuring the Contemporary Praise Band and Kids for Christ singers

• 7:30 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Communion Service

• 9:45 p.m. Traditional Candlelight Communion Service that begins with a 15-minute musicale by the bell choir and adult choir.

Christmas Day, December 25: • 10:00 a.m. Festive Traditional

Worship Service

Please note: There is only one worship service the morning of Sunday, Dec. 24!

The Pastor’s PenA few years ago, during a stewardship temple

talk, Richard Rieck made a comment that I’ve never forgotten. Richard said that no matter how much he has given to God, God is always giving back even more. You can’t out-give God, Richard said.

That’s a good way to look at stewardship – you can’t out-give God. But it’s also a good way to look at Christmas. Christmas, of course, is a time of giving. We give gifts to family and friends as a way of expressing our love. Sometimes, if we’re really generous, we might even give extravagant gifts – diamonds, an ocean cruise, a new sports car. But no matter how much we give, we can’t out-give what God has given us. We can’t do better than God’s gift of the Christ-child. We can’t out-give the gift of salvation that has come to us through the baby in the manger.

On that first Christmas, over 2000 years ago, God gave the greatest gift there ever was or ever will be. God gave the gift of himself, the gift of God come to earth as a human being. The baby born in Bethlehem was called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” Because of the gift given at Christmas, God is with us. God is with us to free us from our sins, to reconcile us to himself and to one another, and to give us eternal life. God is with us – at all times and in all circumstances – forgiving us, guiding us, comforting us, empowering us.

And what does God ask of us in return? Only this: that we receive God’s gift – that we open ourselves to God’s presence among us.

As a way of doing that – as a way of helping us open ourselves to the gift of Emmanuel – we are offering special worship services at St. Andrew during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. As we worship – on Sunday mornings, on Wednesday evenings, on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day – we have the assurance that God will be with us. God will be with us – through the Word and the Lord’s Supper, through our songs and our prayers, and through brothers and sisters who are worshiping alongside of us. God will be with us, giving us the gifts of love, hope, peace, and joy.

Richard is right. We can’t out-give God. But we can gratefully receive the gifts God so graciously gives – including the most precious gift of all, the gift of Emmanuel.

Christmas blessings to you and your loved ones.

Pastor Selbo


Worship Attendance for October Date 8:30 10:45 Total 10/1 87 75 162 10/8 78 65 143 10/15 91 65 156 10/22 85 74 159 10/29 89 70 159

10/29 Reformation Sunday Presentation of Bibles to 3rd Graders KFC Bring a Friend Sunday with Trunk-or-Treat

Totals: 8:30 430 10:45 349

Scriptures for DecemberDecember 3 -- 1st Sunday of Advent Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 December 10 -- 2nd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 December 17 -- 3rd Sunday of Advent Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28December 24 -- 4th Sunday of Advent 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Luke 1:46b-55 Romans 16:25-27 Luke 1:26-38 December 31 -- 1st Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 61:10--62:3 Psalm 148 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40

Quilters’ Crossing

“People, look east. The time is near of the crowning of the year.” Now we prepare for Christ’s birth and God’s gift to us. We continue to make quilts and baby kits as our service to others - remembering the greatest gift.

The Christ-mas quilt raffle and craft fair will be Dec. 3 through Dec. 17. The crafts showcase the many talents of our quilters and friends. All of the proceeds go toward sewing machine repairs, more quilting and baby kit supplies and shipping to Lutheran World Relief. We appreciate any extra donations as well.

We will be meeting every Thursday in December from 9:00 a.m. until noon but will not meet Saturday of this month. Our annual Christmas potluck will be Dec. 21

at 11:30. Please feel free to join us. We appreciate all the support from members of St. Andrew Lutheran. Questions? Contact Judy (848-986-4465) or Diane (847-548-3954)

Veterans Day Special RecognitionOn Sunday, November 12, St. Andrew recognized and honored all mem-bers of the congregation who have served or are serving in our country’s armed forces in war or peacetime. Special recognition was at both ser-vices. A group picture of the Veterans in attendance was taken between services, as well as a cake reception at 9:30 a.m.We are forever in graditude for your service. Thank you. We salute you!

1st row: Evert Schmidt, Lee Clouser, Don Lueck, Lew Boyd

2nd row: Merv Beyersdorf, Gordon Parriott, Pastor Bob Hereth


St. Andrew Fellowship/Movie NightSaturday, December 16Come join us forour monthly fellowship/movie night.

Food will be served from 5:00 to 6:15,with movie starting at 6:30 p.m.

This month’s movie will be

A spoiled schoolgirl whose birthday falls on Christmas, her overworked executive moth-er, and a disillusioned young minister each receives an uplifting message about friend-ship, commitment, and the truest meaning of Christmas from a friendly, but mysterious drifter.

The Perfect Gift

Editor’s Notes:Information to share;

thank-yous, articles, notes, stories or pictures, please email to:

[email protected] put ENCOUNTER in the

subject header.

Next Due Date will Be Friday, December 15th

Thank you again, Donn Hamm

The Church Gift/Memorial Fund IN MEMORY of STELLA GILBERTSON Carol & Lee Clouser IN MEMORY OF LOIS BELLEFEUILLE Cynthia Bellefeuille Judy Boyd Anthony & Marlene Riela Christ the Servant Church Velma Jones Myrna Wells Roberta Gronniger Judy & Leslie Parriott Lee & Carol Clouser

Sharon Radek Lamb’s Farm Med. Office Dwayne & Diana Long Robert Leidesker Kimberly Cryzowicz Yvonne & Wilbur Poppe

A memorial gift is a way to let the bereaved family know that people care and wish to remember the deceased in a special way.

Bible Overview CourseBeginning the first week of January, and continuing off and on for much of the next year and a half, Pastor Selbo will lead a weekly study of the Bible called “Reading Biblical Liter-ature – Genesis to Revelation.” Each of the 36 lessons in the study focuses on a particular book or theme from the Bible, and includes an engag-ing DVD presentation by Dr. Craig Koester, professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary. The lessons will be offered two times each week: during the Sunday morning Adult Forum and on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Watch for more informa-tion in the January Encounter.


PADS News

This is St. Andrew’s 8th year volunteering with the PADS ministry, serving at the Messiah Lutheran homeless shelter in Wauconda. The goal of this ministry, along with PADS Lake County is to provide temporary shelter, food, and hospitality to those in need in the Lake County area.

Our ministry serves on the fourth Saturday evening and Sunday morning of the month from October through April.

We are always in need of volunteers to staff the site and there are many opportunities available.

Please find the sign-up sheet on the Social Ministry table or contact Laurie Turner at [email protected] or Anita for more info.

If you would like to contribute in other ways, we are in need of monetary donations for food and supplies. Donations should be marked “ Messiah PADS Ministry” and dropped in Sunday offering plate.

We will also be posting a wish list of items needed in

newsletters and on the table in the Narthex.

Food and Supply coordinator: Vern Potillo at [email protected] Coordinator: Laurie Turner at [email protected] Manager: Tom Girmscheid at [email protected]

Upcoming service dates:• December 23rd/24th• January 27th/28th• February 24th/25th• March 24th/25th• April 28th/29th

In Remembrance ofJacqueline Kelly

October 9, 1918 to November 12, 2017

We keep in our prayers the family of Jacqueline Kelly. A member of St. Andrew for almost forty years, Jacqueline was a compassionate and caring woman with a deep love of

God and her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; her daughters, Luci and Jacqueline; and her great-grandsons, Jordan and James. She is survived by seven grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, ten great-great-grandchildren, and many beloved cousins, nephews and nieces.

A memorial gathering will be held in the spring of 2018. May God grant peace to all who knew and loved Jacqueline during her time on this earth.

Mid-Week Advent Worship Services

On the first three Wednesdays

in Advent we will gather at 7:00 p.m. for a short worship service (about 25 minutes), using the Holden Evening Prayer service. Each week we will reflect on one of the main characters in the Christmas story as we listen to a short meditation from an Advent devotional booklet written by Pastor Bob Hereth: Dec. 6: Zechariah Dec. 13: Joseph Dec. 20: Mary

You are invited to join us as we take this time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

Weekly Saturday Morning Bible Study

Have you wondered what the ‘other’ Saturday morning Bible might be about? You probably know that we meet at 9 AM every Saturday for an hour at church, but what is the subject? It would be either a book of the Bible, or a topic in which Bible verses are used to present the subject. Our current subject is Faith as a topic and the previous one was Romans, the Bible book. We use study guides for the subject by Bible experts to keep grounded.

Does this make a difference in my life? I find this group to be warm and welcoming, and sup-porting of each member. We all participate, sharing our views and beliefs without judgment by the others. The conversation weaves a contrasting and reinforcing pattern that helps our understanding. It helps my knowledge and under-standing of the Bible, and adds to fellowship with others in our congregation.

We hope you would join us. Bob Hernquist


PEOPLE POWER – 8:30 A.M. – DECEMBER 2017 Sunday, December 3 8:30 a.m. Assisting Minister: Stan Sanderson Lay Reader: Jeff Hayes Acolytes: Raiden Kolar & Emma Kalmus Welcomer: Laurel Caldara Greeter: Tom Girmscheid Ushers: Roger Bacci, Lew Boyd, Steve Jacobson, Bob Burchard Sound Tech: Tom Girmscheid Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Andrea Ammons & Carol Clark Sunday, December 10 8:30 a.m. Assisting Minister: Judy Boyd Lay Reader: Kris Bacci Acolytes: Tyler Mann & Megan Nickl Greeters: Kris & Roger Bacci Ushers: Jean Fagerstrom, Debbie Jacobson, Gary Schuessler, Lew Boyd Sound Tech: Carl Schoenfield Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Andrea Ammons & Bob Hernquist Sunday, December 17 8:30 a.m. Assisting Minister: Dave Bender Lay Reader: Carol Bertrand Acolytes: Angelina Rizzo & Riley Routledge Welcomer: Laurel Caldara Greeter: Tana Hamm Ushers: Dave Bender, Tom Girmscheid, Donn Hamm, Vern Potillo Sound Tech: John Bestler Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Andrea Ammons, Laurie Nielsen & Carol Bertrand Sunday, December 24 10:00 a.m. CHRISTMAS EVE -- Only one morning service. Assisting Minister: Leslie Parriott Lay Reader: Debbie Jacobson Acolytes: Jasper Winter & Olivia Zavorski Greeters: Diane Sanderson & Marion Collins Ushers: Laurel Caldara, Lois Laedtke, Debbie Jacobson, Chris Binversie Sound Tech: Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Counters: Andrea Ammons & Kathi MacDougall Sunday, December 31 8:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve Assisting Minister: Al Hitzke Lay Reader: Barb Binversie Acolytes: Nadia Emso & Welcomer: Laurel Caldara Greeters: Bill & Laurie Turner Ushers: Kris Bacci, Samantha Martinez, Ellen Van Zeeland, Myrna Wells Sound Tech: Tom Girmscheid Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Counters: Andrea Ammons & Otis Hedlund If you have a schedule problem, or can volunteer, please contact the following: Acolytes: Nancee Erickson 847-533-0965 Assisting Ministers/Lay Reader/Greeters/Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman 847-566-8081 Nursery Attendants (Both Services) Jessica Beyer 847-566-0474 Ushers: Lois Laedtke 847-336-0505 Sound Tech: Tom Girmscheid 847-814-5401 Counters: Andrea Ammons 847-548-8092


PEOPLE POWER – 10:45 A.M. – DECEMBER 2017 Sunday, December 3 10:45 a.m. Worship Leader: Jenny Prescia Welcome Team: Mivelaz Family Greeters: Jackie Schmidt and Elissa Towle & Family Ushers: Tom Beyer, Elissa Towle, Tim Mivelaz Nursery Attendants: Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Andrea Ammons & Carol Clark Sunday, December 10 10:45 a.m. Worship Leader: Jenny Prescia Welcome Team: Mivelaz Family Greeter: Chris Ihlenburg Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Nursery Attendants: Ushers: Tom Beyer, Kari Payne, Tim Mivelaz Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Bob Hernquist & Andrea Ammons Sunday, December 17 10:45 a.m. Worship Leader: Bill List Welcome Team: Danny, Cindy & Tim Mivelaz Greeters: Lisa Green & Family Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Nursery Attendants: Ushers: Tom Beyer, Tim Willems, Tim Mivelaz Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Andrea Ammons, Laurie Nielsen & Carol Bertrand Sunday, December 24 10:00 a.m. CHRISTMAS EVE – Only one service this morning. Assisting Minister: Leslie Parriott Lay Reader: Debbie Jacobson Acolytes: Jasper Winter & Olivia Zavorski Greeters: Diane Sanderson & Marion Collins Ushers: Laurel Caldara, Lois Laedtke, Debbie Jacobson, Chris Binversie Sound Tech: Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Counters: Andrea Ammons & Kathi MacDougall Sunday, December 31 10:45 a.m. New Year’s Eve Worship Leader: Bill List Welcome Team: Mivelaz Family Greeter: Chris Ihlenburg Nursery Attendant: Ushers: Tom Beyer, Tim Mivelaz Altar Guild: Tana Hamm & Mary Grandt Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman Counters: Andrea Ammons & Otis Hedlund_ ___ ___ If you have a schedule problem or can volunteer please contact the following:

Worship Leaders/Lay Reader/Greeters/Phone Receptionist: Anita Pahlman 566-8081 Nursery Attendants: Jessica Beyer 566-0474 Ushers: Tom Beyer 566-0474 Counters: Andrea Ammons 548-8092


December 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

5:30 pm Early Bird AA 7:30 Kirk Meeting

9 am Bible Study 10 am Power of Praise Rehearsal (POP)

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 8:30 Traditional 9:30 Coffee Hour 9:40 Sunday School 9:45 Adult Forum 10:45 Contemporary 3 pm G. S. Troop #45617 5:15 H2H M/up #4 6:00 H2H #5

9 am H.O.U.S.E. 6 Jrs. GS Troop #40310 6:30 pm Early Bird AA 7:30 Bells

7 pm Evangelism 7:30 pm Troop 198 8:30 pm Mund. AA

10 am Bible Study 7 Advent Worship 7:30 Choir Reh.

9 am Quilters 6 pm Daisies #45730

5:30 pm Early Bird AA

8:30 Women’s Breakfast Bible Study 9 am Bible Study 10 am POP Rehearsal

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 8:30 Traditional 9:30 Coffee Hour 9:30 BP Screening 9:40 Sunday School 9:45 Adult Forum 10:45 Contemporary 6 God Squad Mtg & Holiday Party

9 am H.O.U.S.E. 6 Jrs. GS Troop #40310 6:30 pm Webelos II Dens 1 & 2 6:30 pm Early Bird AA 7:30 Bells

8:00 am Men’s Breakfast (Hillside) 7 pm Council 7:30 pm Troop 198 8:30 pm Mund. AA

10 am Bible Study 1 pm H.O.U.S.E. 5:30 Lucky Ducks 4-H Club 6 pm Girl Scouts #45453 7 Advent Worship 7:30 Choir Reh.

9 am Quilters 5 pm Women’s Fellowship Caroling ALL are invited to join 6:30 pm Webelos I 6:30 Cub - Bears

ENCOUNTER ARTICLES DUE 5:30 pm Early Bird AA 7 Scouts Pack Mtg Troop #98 / 177

9 am Bible Study 10 am POP Rehearsal 3 God Squad Cookies MOVIE NIGHT 5 pm Dinner 6:30 Movie “”

17 18 19 20 21 22 23 8:30 Traditional 9:30 Coffee & Cookie Walk 9:40 Sunday School 10:45 Contemporary w/ KFC CMas Pageant 12 Cookie Walk 3 pm Troop #45617

9 am H.O.U.S.E. 6:30 pm Early Bird AA 7:30 Bells

7 Cub Comm Mtg #98/#177 7:30 pm Troop 198 8:30 pm Mund. AA

10 am Bible Study 6:30 pm Brownies #45193 7 pm Girl Scouts #43079 7 Advent Worship 7:30 Choir Reh.

9 am Quilters – Brown Bag Lunch All are welcome! 6 pm Daisies #45730


9 am Bible Study 10 am POP Rehearsal PADS

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Christmas Eve 10:00 Traditional Evening Worship: 5:30 Contemporary 7:30 Family Traditional 9:45 Musicale 10:00 Traditional

MERRY CHRISTMAS 10:00 a.m. Traditional Church Office Closed

Church Office Closed 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast (Hillside) 7pm Finance Team 7:30 pm Troop 198 8:30 pm Mund. AA

9 am Quilters 6:30 pm Webelos I 6:30 Cub - Bears


9 am Bible Study 10 am POP Rehearsal

31 New Year’s Eve 8:30 Traditional 9:30 Coffee Hour 10:45 Contemporary


PRAYER VENTURES December 2017

These petitions are offered as guides to prayer for the global, social and outreach ministries of the ELCA, as well as for the needs and circumstances of our neighbors, communities and world. Thank you for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.

1 Give thanks for the work of Lutheran Disaster Response, through the Sierra Pacific Synod and Luther Social Services of Northern California, helping address the needs of those affected by recent widespread wildfires in California. Pray all those suffering loss and distress find hope and support throughout their recovery, rebuild-ing and healing.

2 We continue to pray for people and communities recovering from the devastation and loss caused by recent hurricanes – especially in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and other locations in the Caribbean, and Gulf Coast and Southeast-ern states – that they not lose hope, will receive ongoing support and assistance, and will be strengthened and encouraged by our caring for one another.

3 First Sunday of Advent Pray to be alert in faith and life in grateful response for the gift of Jesus Christ breaking into the darkness of the world with love and mercy and for the promised return of our Lord.

4 We remember in our prayers the Rev. Kirsten Fryer, Justin Kolb and Dr. Michael Parker, ELCA missionaries serving in Egypt alongside companion churches proclaiming the gospel, de-veloping future leaders and strengthening parish ministry.

5 When we grow weary, discouraged or com-pelled to give up, we pray as the psalmist prayed, “Restore us, O God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.”

6 For the sake of doing God’s work in the world, pray God will shape our words to inspire, com-fort, give hope, hold each other accountable and invite our neighbor to know God’s mercy and love; enlighten our actions through the word of God, conversations, relationships and encoun-ters with people rather than acting on what we believe is best for them.

7 During this season of sharing gifts, pray we are mindful of and generous with our neighbors, especially those who live in poverty and hunger, immigrants and refugees, people who feel iso-lated and long for relationships and community, and families without homes or safe shelter.

8 Pray daily for God’s mercy and patience, asking forgiveness for our shortcomings and failures, that through God’s renewing love and the cleansing of our baptism we are set back on paths of righteousness and compassion.

9 In the face of heartbreaking, daunting gun vio-lence, we pray God’s Spirit will stir in us a sense of self-sacrifice and humility that we might reconsider how we exercise our freedoms and live together for the well-being and safety of all people and that we will be wise and courageous in conceiving and embracing effective changes in our lives and laws, even when met with un-easiness or resistance.

10 Give thanks daily for our baptism into the body of Christ that prepares, renews and moves us to be faithful, compelling messengers of the good news.

11 Ask God to bless the continuing work and im-pact of Always Being Made New: The Cam-paign for the ELCA, and give thanks for the many ways in which the campaign is helping cultivate and strengthen relationships, leaders and ministries locally and globally.

12 Pray for a spirit of peace to fill us and inspire our lives through knowing God is patient and forgiving with us and our salvation is certain through faith in Jesus Christ.

13 The mesmerizing light of Advent candles re-minds us of the welcome, unfaltering light God shines into the world and our lives through Jesus Christ. Pray our lives are guided by the gospel and reflect the light of Jesus Christ in all we do and say.

14 Remember in prayer men and women living in prisons, jails and correctional facilities across our country, that the Spirit of God will fill their lives with faith and hope and that we are moved to show them – as Jesus has shown us – sincere mercy, love, respect and support.


15 Praise God for dwelling in our world – in us – and causing peace, mercy, goodness and hope to spring up where we might be inclined to give up in the face of darkness, despair and overwhelm-ing difficulties.

16 God knows the quirks, insecurities and needs of our human nature and being. Lift up prayers of thanks and praise to God for meeting us where we are in the human form of Jesus Christ and for giving us something living, real, tangible and engaging to capture our attention and faith.

17 Just as John the Baptist was tireless in testifying to the one true light of Jesus, pray we too will be bold witnesses in today’s world busied with sharing the good news and inviting people to believe and be baptized into the body of Christ for lives of faith, service and witness.

18 We remember in our prayers people who labor and serve throughout the holidays, giving thanks and recognition for their work and long hours. Pray they find time for rest, renewal, connecting with family and friends, and reflecting on the meaning of the holidays.

19 Stirred by the ever-present Spirit of God, give thanks and rejoice always in prayer, worship and moments of reflection.

20 Katharina von Bora Luther, died 1552 Give thanks to God for women of faith throughout history who have witnessed to the good news, pursued justice and peace in the world, helped form the faith of others and served as examples and mentors for us.

21 The ELCA and The Episcopal Church are committed to prayer, fasting and advocacy ad-dressing cuts to public programs that are vital to hungry people who are living in poverty. Remember to pray for these concerns, our lead-ers and people in need on the 21st of each month through December 2018.

22 With child-like anticipation and excitement, we tell and hear the Christmas story over and over again, sharing the news of the life-changing gift and impact of Jesus’ birth; we pray we are always open to this good news inspiring and reshaping our traditions, celebrations and con-sumer habits.

23 Laugh, rejoice and shout for joy for God has done great things and restores our spirits.

24 As we remember and retell the story of the world anticipating the promised birth of Jesus, the true Messiah, pray we not take for granted the gifts we long for and have received in the son of God, our savior – forgiveness, hope and redemption.

25 Christmas Day On this great day, we give glory to God for the birth of Jesus, the incarnation of God among us, an undeserved gift bringing light to the darkness and life for all people.

26 With joyful hearts we give praise for what God has done for us and for revealing to us daily God’s continuing activity in the world and – through our baptism – the diverse ways in which we are called to join with one another in serving our neighbor and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

27 Pray for students, teachers and school staff on break during the holidays that they are renewed and strengthened through spending time with family, friends and their communities.

28 We remember in our prayers parents grieving the loss of infants or children, and pray we learn to be attentive, supportive, patient and caring, especially when we struggle awkwardly to find words and actions that are appropriate and help-ful throughout their grieving and healing.

29 Lift up humble prayers of gratitude for God’s undeserved, awesome and surprising saving grace.

30 We continue to pray for refugees and immi-grants, especially in the Middle East and Eu-rope, asking God to grant them hope, safety, welcoming communities in which to rebuild their lives and resilience; pray we never lose empathy and active concern for their struggles, suffering and losses.

31 Everywhere we turn and look we see the won-drous, amazing creative hand of God. Praise the Lord, and give thanks!


Women’s FellowshipWomen’s Fellowship: All meetings (except December) begin at 7 pm in Nelson Hall. We meet the 2nd Thursday of each month. Mark your calendars for an excellent line up! Hope to see you at all the upcoming events!

Women’s Fellowship Annual Christmas Caroling! - Tis the Season...Oh Come All Ye Faith-ful! Please join us for our annual December gathering on Thursday, Dec 14 @ 5:00 pm in Nelson Hall. Please bring a dozen cookies to share with our seniors. We will be caroling to some of our local “shut ins.” Afterwards, we will go to dinner for our holiday fellow-ship. This year we are so excited because our youth will be joining

us with our caroling! This is a wonderful opportunity for many generations of our church to meet together. Merry Christmas to all! If you ave any questions, please contact Barb Binversie or Tina Routledge

January 11 - Annual Bunco party - Fun dice game with white elephant prizes

February 8 - Dr. Sean Walker: Learning appropriate movements to keep a strong body, chiropractor presentation

March 8 - Spring craft making: Looking forward to decorating your home with springy flowers, Debbie’s Floral Shoppe

April 12 - Dave Ekstrom: What are your old coins and jewelry worth? Coin collecting and values presenta-tion, local coin collector and retired teacher

April 28 - 12th annual LADIES’ TEA @ 2 pm - Magic is in the Air!!!

Please Welcome Our New MembersNeal MettsI’ve enjoyed worshipping at St. Andrew Church with my wife, Paulette, for the last few years. We really appreciated the support of the congregation last year, when we had a death in the family. We live in Mundelein and have a daughter in Lake Zurich. I work as a school bus driver and a real estate agent and enjoy family activities.

Kari NicklI have lived in Mundelein for 22 years. I am mar-ried with 3 kids Alex, Samantha and Megan. I am a Transitional Specialist with special needs young adults. I en-joy running and reading.

Justin SherwoodI am a 7th grade teacher in Wauke-gan. I look forward to joining St. Andrew’s fam-ily, participating and practicing my faith in the

church and through it. I have been a Lutheran member all my life and have moved here in the last few years. I look forward to seeing you all in church!

Michelle SchumacherI am a hospice nurse X 4 years. I enjoy help-ing others and through my work I feel I can com-fort and support many of God’s children. On my off days, I enjoy spending time with my children and family who bring me so much joy. I look for-ward to being a part of this family!


KFC NEWSThe kids have been hard at work preparing for our annual Christmas Program, see below! We have a few upcoming events for families to mark their calendars for:

KFC Giving Tree:On Sunday, November 26th we will begin our annual giving tree drive to help families in need. We will be collecting diapers and baby care supplies to be given to the Fremont Township hat provides to local families in need. We will be taking collections through Sunday, Dec 17.

Christmas Program & Photo w/ Santa!On Sunday, December 17th our KFC children will perform their annual Christmas program during the second service. Santa will be visiting after the service. Families are invited to join us for worship, cookies and a free photo with Santa afterwards! Invite family and friends to join us on this spe-cial day for the kids!!

Winter Break:We will not have Sunday School on Dec 24 or Dec 31. Classes will resume on January 7th.

H2H NEWSThe middle schoolers had fun last month at 2 fellowship events. A few were able to participate at the Synod-Wide Lock-In at Enchanted Castle on Nov 10th. Thank you Kari Nickl for chaperoning and to Lauri Rizzo for driving!! It was a late night, but the kids had fun!! We also had a group go to a weekend retreat at Lutherdale in Elkhorn, WI from Nov 17-Nov 19. Thank you to Bob Burchard, Kari Nickl and Diane Zimmerman for chaperoning! The kids had a great time and can’t wait to go back!! We have a few more faith and service adventures planned in December.

Christmas Tree Sales!!! Our H2H youth and God Squad began their annual sales on No-vember 24th in partnership with the Boy Scouts. They will be working again the last weekend of sales, Dec 16-17th. Share with friends and family looking for a live wreath or tree!! We still are looking for a few more volunteers to fill shifts on this weekend! Please contact Tina Routledge if you are able to assist ([email protected] or 847-561-5340).

December 3:Normal H2H Meeting at church.

December 10 (St. Andrew Youth Christmas Party @ Lakeside Recreation Center!)Middle School and High School youth groups are invited to join us at Lakeside for bowling, laser tag, pizza & pop!! We will be doing a fun gift exchange, $5 maximum. Bring item wrapped or in a gift bag.

December 14 (Christmas Carol-ing & Dinner):Middle School & HS youth are invited to join us at the church at 5:00pm. We will be traveling to church shut-ins to sing Christmas Carols. We will end the evening at the church with pizza around 7:00pm. We could use a few par-ent volunteers to help drive. If your middle schooler would like to join us, please email or call Tina Routledge ([email protected] or 847-561-5340).

December 16 (Cookie Decorat-ing):Middle & High Schoolers are invited to join us at church from 3-4:30 to help decorate cookies for the HS Cookie Walk fundraiser. We will be in the dining area downstairs decorating and listen-ing to Christmas music! All are invited to join!


Thank you to all the parents and youth that attended our 1st God Squad Meeting of the school year on Nov 12th!! We discussed our upcoming trip planned to Houston, TX this summer and our fundraising plans. We won’t have another meeting until after the New Year.

We do have our first big fund-raiser in December, the Cookie Walk, details listed below on how you can help. We also have some other fun activities planned with our middle school youth.

Christmas Tree Sales!!! Our H2H youth and God Squad

began their annual sales on Novem-ber 24th in partnership with the Boy Scouts. They will be working again the last weekend of sales, Dec 16-17th. Share with friends and family look-ing for a live wreath or tree!! We still are looking for a few more volunteers to fill shifts on this weekend! Please contact Tina Routledge if you are able

to assist ([email protected] or 847-561-5340).

December 10 (St. Andrew Youth Christmas Party @ Lake-

side Recreation Center!)Middle School and High School

youth are invited to join us at Lakeside for bowling, laser tag, pizza & pop!! We will be doing a fun gift exchange, $5 maximum. Bring item wrapped or in a gift bag.

December 14 (Christmas Caroling & Dinner):

Middle & High Schoolers are invited to join us at the church at 5:00pm. We will be traveling to church shut-ins to sing Christmas Carols. We will end the evening at the church with pizza around 7:00pm. We could use a few parent volunteers to help drive. If your student would like to join us, please email or call Tina Routledge ([email protected] or 847-561-5340).

December 16 (Cookie Decorating & Set-Up):

All youth are invited to join us at church from 3-4:30 to help decorate cookies for the HS Cookie Walk fun-draiser! We will be in the dining area downstairs decorating and listening to Christmas music! All are invited to join! We will also be setting up tables in Nelson Hall for the Cookie Walk.

December 17 (COOKIE WALK!!):

High Schoolers will be selling boxes in between services and after 2nd service in Nelson Hall. There will be tables set up with various Cookie donations. People who purchase a box will be able to fill their boxes until they are full. We are in need of cookie donations! If you are a baker and will-ing to support us, we are looking for several cookie donations to be dropped off to the church the day before and or early Sunday morning. We ask for no peanuts or tree nuts please, due to allergies.

GOD SQUAD NEWS

Help Celebrate the Joy of ChristmasOnce again you have the opportunity to help beau tify our sanctuary for Christmas.

All members and friends are invited to place a poinset-tia order in celebration of the Birth of our Savior.

The cost is $20.00. Plants may be taken home by the donor after the worship Ser vice on Christmas Day.

The form to the right, together with your cash or check, may be placed in an offering plate or mailed to the church of fice. We cannot guarantee that forms received after December 14th will be listed in the Christmas bulletins.

I wish to order ______ Poinsettia(s)

Your Name: ______________________________________

($20.00 each) Total Amount ___________________

In Honor of: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Memory of: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

In Thanksgiving for: ________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________


COOL Ministries does not solicit donations door-to-door. If anyone solicits door-to-door saying that they are collecting money for COOL Ministries DO NOT give them a donation. They do not represent COOL and do not have permission to solicit door-to-door on our behalf.


St. Andrew Lutheran Church 10 South Lake Street Mundelein, IL 60060

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

“Sharing Christ” - In Faithful Worship - Faithful Giving - Ministry Participation- Daily Living

Dated MaterialDo Not Delay

www.standrewmundelein.com Telephone No.: 847-566-8081

All are Welcome... The Sunday Morning Worship Schedule is:

Traditional Service:8:30 a.m.

Contemporary Service:10:45 a.m.

St. Andrew Lutheran Church (ELCA)10 South Lake Street

Mundelein, IL 60060

www.standrewmundelein.com Telephone No.: 847-566-8081

Our mission as a congregation is to Share Christ. More specifically, it is to help people come to know Christ, to grow in their relationship with Christ and his Church, and to be equipped to serve and witness in Christ’s name. We would love to have you join us in this mission.

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