December Newsletter - Epiphany Lutheran Church - Home

EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH
PEARLAND CAMPUS
5515 WEST BROADWAY
PEARLAND, TX 77581
281-485-7833
281-485-5040 (FAX)
Pastor Jon Salminen
Pastor Aaron Kalbas
Vicar Joe Gonzalez
WWW.SHININGTHELIGHT.ORG
1
The Light
December 2012
Voices of Praise presents:
CHRISTMAS CANTICLES:
A CANTATA of CAROLS
IN FOUR SUITES
On December 9 at the 10:15 a.m. Service

Saturday, January 26, 2013
Serving times at 5:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
200 people can be served per seating time
Epiphatino’s is our youth’s major fundraiser. We put all of our time and energy into this
night and pray that God will bless our ministry. Proceeds go to helping our youth make a
difference for Christ in this world. Epiphatino’s will help our yor go to the National Youth
Gathering this year and mission trips in the three years that follow. These gatherings help to
light our students on fire in their faith to make a difference in the world. Your support
makes all this happen.
Primi Piatti
Zesty Italian Chicken Pasta
Spaghetti with Italian Meatballs
Baked Italian Ziti
Insalata Grassin Dolce del Papa
Tossed Salad Italian Bread Loaves Flavored Cheesecake
With Italian or Ranch dressing with Garlic Butter
Or
Caesar Salad
Be sure to visit our Coffee House to complete your Epiphatino’s experience.
We will be taking reservations in person or by phone (281-485-7833). We can also
accommodate large groups at one of our “party” tables (groups of 10-18).
Otherwise, 6 people will be seated per table. Thank you for your support.
Please give your name, telephone number, seating time, number in your
party, number for childcare and preference for main course.
2

Saturday, January 26, 2013
Serving times at 5:00 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
200 people can be served per seating time
WHAT IS EPIPHATINO’S?
For the seventh year, Epiphany’s Senior High Youth Ministry will transform the
Ascension Family Life Center into a wonderful Italian Restaurant called
"Epiphatino's". Countless hours and dedication are put into making sure that, what
once looked like a gym and class rooms, now looks like a night to remember. Vines
and trellises decorate this event along with elegant lighting and soothing music. Add
to the ambiance a coffee house, valet parking, a silent auction and child care. We will
have it all for you! In addition, you will be served by the finest youth in all of Texas.
WHY EPIPHATINO’S?
Epiphatino’s is the major fundraiser for Epiphany’s youth. We put all of our time and
energy into this night and pray that God will bless our ministry. Proceeds go to helping
our youth make a difference for Christ in this world. Every year, Epiphany raises
money to help many youth experience our summer mission trip and the National
LCMS Youth Gathering every three years. This year we will attend the National Youth
Gathering in San Antonio. Your support will make all of this happen.
HOW MUCH DOES A NIGHT AT EPIPHATINO’S COST?
Epiphatino’s is supported by free will donations. We suggest that people donate the
same amount as if they are dining at a fine Italian restaurant. Many people donate
much more. Without your generosity, youth ministry and missions could not reach to
the ends of the earth.
WHO SHOULD YOU BRING?
Epiphatino's is a great opportunity to invite your friends to an event organized at your
church. Let them experience the passion our youth have for Christ by serving others.
This is the time to strengthen friendships within a Christian atmosphere. Let your
friends see your pride in your church and witness the great friends we gain through
fellowship with Christ.
HOW DO I MAKE A RESERVATION?
We will begin to take reservations on Sunday, December 30, 2012. We will be taking
reservations in person (narthex or AFLC) or by phone (281-485-7833). Also, please
know that we can accommodate large groups at one of our “party” tables (groups of
10-18). Otherwise, 6 people will be seated per table. Thank you for your support!
3

BELL CHOIR COOKIE SALE
DECEMBER 12, 13 & 14!
…..and that means it’s almost time for
baking and enjoying those wonderful
Christmas cookies. Epiphany’s adult bell
choir, “A Joyful Noise”, will again hold
their cookie sale in the church narthex
beginning Wednesday, December 12
from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. (after the 4:30 p.m.
Advent Service) and again from 7:45 -
8:45 p.m. (after the 7:00 p.m. Advent
Service). The sale will continue
Thursday and Friday, December 13 and
14 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. during the
Mother’s Day Out hours. Decorated
cans will be sold for $5 and $10 and filled
with the cookies of your choice. Once
again, we are asking for help with the
baking and donation of cookies to help
make our sale a “ringing” success. All
funds raised will be used to purchase
special bell choir equipment. Thank you
again for your support. Any questions
should be directed to Pat Doerre.
MERRY
CHRISTMAS!
ORDER YOUR
POINSETTIAS NOW!
Once again you will be
given the chance to
help adorn our altar
with poinsettias this
Christmas Season.
Flowers will be placed
on the altar on Christmas Eve and
remain through Epiphany. We will need a
total of 46 poinsettias. The following will
be available: 24 - 6 inch pots of red
poinsettias for $7.50 each, 10 - 6 inch
pots of pure white poinsettias for $7.50
each, 6 double red poinsettias for $15.00
each, 2 double white poinsettias for
$15.00 each, 2 red hanging baskets for
$30.00 each and 2 red poinsettia trees
for $35.00 each. The last day to sign up
will be Sunday, December 16, 2012. A
sign-up sheet is posted on the
“Schedules” bulletin board across from
the main building kitchen. Checks should
be made payable to Mary Lou Medack
and placed in the adjacent envelope. No
cash please!
4

WANTED: HOMEMADE COOKIES FOR CHRISTMAS EVE
HOMEMADE COOKIES are needed for the Christmas Eve
services. Please label them for “Christmas Eve” and bring
them to the AFLC kitchen the week before Christmas. If
you bring them on Christmas Eve, please bring them to the
kitchen in the main building. Volunteers are also needed to
help set up and clean up. If you can help, please contact
Linda Easto at 281-485-7833. Thank you for your help!
PEARLAND CAMPUS
December 5 4:30 pm Advent Service
December 5 5:15-6:30 pm Advent Meal
December 5 7:00 pm Advent Service
December 9 10:15 am Choir Christmas Program
December 12 4:30 pm Advent Service
December 12 5:15-6:30 pm Advent Meal
December 12 5:15-6:00 pm Bell Choir Cookie Sale
December 12 7:00 pm Advent Service
December 12 7:45-8:45 pm Bell Choir Cookie Sale
December 13 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bell Choir Cookie Sale
December 14 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bell Choir Cookie Sale
December 16 10:30 am SS Children’s Program
December 19 4:30 pm Advent Service
December 19 5:15-6:30 pm Advent Meal
December 19 7:00 pm Advent Service
December 24 4:00 pm Worship Service
5:30 pm Rockin’ Christmas Eve Service
-Family Life Center
7:30 pm Worship Service
11:00 pm Worship Service w/com
December 25 10:00 am Worship Service w/com
December 31 7:00 pm New Year’s Eve Service
w/com
MISSOURI CITY CAMPUS
December 5 7:00 pm Advent Service
December 12 7:00 pm Advent Service
December 19 7:00 pm Advent Service
December 24 7:00 pm Worship Service
December 25 10:00 am Worship Service w/com
December 31 7:00 pm Worship Service w/com
5
SUNDAYS IN ADVENT
The theme for the Sundays in Advent will be:
“The songs of the Not-so-Holly-Jolly”. It will
focus on four songs from the New Testament
related to the birth of Jesus Christ.
December 2 - Zechariah’s Song: A Song of Faith
December 9 - The Angels’ Song: A Song of Praise
December 16 - Mary’s Song: A Song of Trust
December 23 - Simeon’s Song: A Song of Hope

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23 & 30 @ 9:05 A.M.
Sunday School for all ages!
Pre-k will meet in their regular classrooms.
December 23 - Happy Birthday Jesus Christmas Party
December 30 - Movie time!
Kindergarten - 4th grade will meet in room 101 AFLC
December 23 - Happy Birthday Jesus Christmas Party
December 30 - Movie time!
5th grade through adults will meet in the gym.
Come and watch “The Christmas Experience”!
The Christmas Experience is a movie that tells the story of Jesus' birth
in a dramatic way. Kyle Idleman begins and ends this 80-minute film
with a Christmas devotional for families and individuals.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS IN ADVENT!
The midweek Advent Services will focus on the theme:
The Dangers of Christmas
December 5 The Danger of Getting Lost at Christmas
December 12 The Danger of Being Left Out at Christmas
December 19 The Danger of Being Let Down by Christmas
6

GOODTIMERS
GOODTIMERS
The Goodtimers will meet at
9:30 a.m. on Monday,
December 10 for fellowship, fun
and games. They meet in room
104 of the AFLC (downstairs)
for fellowship and then begin at
10:00 a.m. with devotions
followed by games. If anyone
would like to join us for our
annual catered luncheon,
please put $7.50 per person in
an envelope and put in Margaret
Marriott's box. Desserts will be
provided. Anyone who is 50+ is
welcome to join us. For more
information, contact Evelyn
Rohne.
SAVE YOUR USED
POSTAGE STAMPS!
TEXAS
DISTRICT
CHURCH
EXTENSION
FUND
This is the season to save your used
postage stamps. They are sold to stamp
collectors and the money is used for
missions through the efforts of the
Lutheran Women Missionary League.
Remove the used stamp from the corner
of the envelope leaving approximately
1/2 inch all around the stamp. Please
place these stamps in the envelope
found on the bulletin board in the
administrative hallway near the main
office. If you have any questions, contact
Donna Ellwanger.
Christmas is just around the
corner! Have you ever thought
of giving a CEF savings account
to your child/grandchild? A
book of stamps can be a gift
that keeps on giving. It grows
with interest; it helps build
churches and schools and it can
teach a valuable savings
habit. Children need guidance
in money handling - Some for
Jesus, some for savings and
some for fun. Who teaches
your child/grandchild how to
manage their money? CEF
KIDS Stamps can be a great
tool for this. For more
information, check with Mel
Medack at the KIDS Stamp
table in the gym before and after
Sunday school.
7
THANK YOU !
I want to thank the pastors and
everyone for their for their calls
and cards after my husband,
Donald passed away.
-Charlene Threlkeld
Christian Helping Hands would
like to thank everyone at
Epiphany for all the food that
has been donated. The 30 hour
famine, The Fall Festival and
people who bring food with them
when they come to church are
helping us put food on the
shelves so we have something
for people who are in need.
Recently, 36 clients came on
Wednesday for food. Those
families comprised nearly 160
people and that was only one of
the days that we are open.
Please know the food you give
is greatly appreciated and
allows Christian Helping Hands
to help others.
SAVE YOUR CHRISTMAS CARDS!
Recycle all your used greeting cards by
tearing off the fronts only; they must
have no personal notes written on them.
This includes all sorts of used cards
except sympathy and get well.
These used cards are sent to the St.
Jude Hospital and the children make
new cards and gifts with them. Please
place the used cards in the white LWML
box in the administrative hallway across
from the main office. Thank you for
serving the Lord with your used
products. Contact Donna Ellwanger with
any questions.

CONTRIBUTIONS
Year End Contributions:
Donors must deliver or mail (and postmark)
checks on or by December 31, 2012 in order
to claim a charitable contribution deduction
for 2012. Checks that are placed in the
church offering during the first worship
service in 2013 will not qualify for a charitable
contribution deduction in 2012, even if the
check is backdated to 2012 or was actually
written in 2012.
Deducting church contributions:
To ensure the deductibility of your church
contributions, please do not file your 2012
income tax return until you have received a
written acknowledgment of your contributions
from the church. Some of your contributions
may not be tax-deductible if you file your tax
return before receiving a written
acknowledgement of your contributions from
the church.
LOOK FOR YOUR 2013 OFFERING ENVELOPES
IN YOUR MAILBOX LATER THIS MONTH!
1. Please do not use these until January 2013.
2. If you like giving your check without using the envelope, just return the box and
we will assign you a new offering number for 2013.
3. White envelopes are for the general fund only.
4. Yellow envelopes are for debt reduction unless otherwise designated.
5. If you are giving for two different funds, please write two checks. Every fund must
be counted separately.
6. Please put your envelope number or assigned offering number on your check.
7. When using your envelope, please write the amount on the envelope.
8. Your counters thank you.
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USE YOUR BILL PAY
FOR YOUR
SUNDAY OFFERING
Ever show up on Sunday and realize you
forgot your offering? We found a simple
solution that might be more convenient for
your family. Consider going through your
bank’s bill pay. Call the church office and we
can assign you a contribution number to
enter as an account number. Then you can
do a one time, monthly or even weekly
payment. You can be sure that your
contributions will be properly recorded and
quarterly statements are generated so that
you can verify that your donations are
correct. We have many members who are
doing this with great success. There are no
charges to you or to the church when you go
through your own bank. Call Debbie at 281-
485-7833 for help setting this up.

PRIORITIZING YOUR LIFE
TO BE A BETTER DISCIPLE
When asked to follow God, many people make excuses that
they don’t have time or that they would rather sleep in on
Sundays. In one of Jesus’ parables (Luke 14:15-24), He talks
about a man who prepared a great banquet; the invited
guests made various excuses for not attending the banquet. The man had his
servant bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, the lame and those from the roads
and country lanes. The parable ends with, “I tell you, not one of those men who
were invited will get a taste of my banquet.”
Many people want to have a relationship with God, but are not willing to commit to
spending time nurturing the relationship. Commitment means allowing Jesus’
teaching to shape one’s life. In Luke 14:25-35, Jesus says you have to put being a
disciple above all else, you have to give up your old way of living, and you have to
give your whole life over to Jesus.
There are several passages in the Bible that speak to the priorities one should
have:
� “He Himself (Christ) will come to have first place in everything.” (Colossians
1:18)
� “Keeping seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right
hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are
on earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
� “Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
God has made you His priority. Shouldn’t you make Him yours?
Interested in joining a ministry, but don’t know where to start?
Contact Dorian Cornelius at:
281-485-7833 or via email at dorian@epiphanypearland.org.
She will be happy to get you “connected” to the ministry of your choice.
9

Midnight Madness
Friday, February 15
6:00 p.m. to Midnight
Ages 4 to 6 th grade
AFLC Gym
$25 registration fee
Registration begins January 2013!
We need 7 th - 12 th graders and adult
volunteers to make this event a success!
We’ll have dinner, games, crafts,
activities, snacks, a movie and more…!
A friend loves at all times!
Proverbs 17:17
PUPPET MINISTRY
Join Epiphany’s Puppet Ministry as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! All 3 rd - 8 th graders are
welcome to join us. Contact Beth Milbrath at 4ev1youth@gmail.com for more information.
Friday, December 14
Puppet Practice and Party from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
Join us for food, games and practice!
Sunday, December 16
Perform for the Children's Christmas Program at the 10:30 a.m. service in the AFLC
Monday, December 17
Perform with Children's Choir at Windsong Nursing Home (more details to follow)
10
HEAVENLY SOUNDS
JUNIOR BELL CHOIR
Calling all kids from Kindergarten to 2 nd
Grade! No experience is required!
Come and join the Junior Bell Choir.
Our next practice day is Wednesday,
December 12 in room 104 of the AFLC.
Please note that, due to the Advent
Service, our practice time will be from
6:00 - 6:55 p.m. We will perform at
10:30 a.m. on Sunday, December 16 at
the Children’s Christmas program in the
AFLC. If you have any questions,
please contact Kerri Keels.

Epiphany’s Youth Present:
"His Christmas Presence"
Sunday, December 16
10:30 a.m.
AFLC
Homemade Christmas Cookies
will be served after the program!
11
Volunteers are needed to set up on
Friday, December 14 at 5:00 p.m.
Rehearsal
Saturday, December 15
8:00 a.m. - Noon
Program Preparations
Sunday, December 16
9:00 a.m.
Homemade Cookies are needed!
Contact Amy Choyke
if you can help with
set up or cookies.

5th & 6th Grade
Confirmation News
This month, the 7 th and 8 th
graders dive into the Ten
Commandments. In 5 th and 6 th
grade, we’ll continue our trek
through the Old Testament as we talk about Solomon
and the division of the kingdom.
DECEMBER 16 - CHRISTMAS PARTY
Don’t miss this special night of confirmation as we
celebrate the birth of our savior!
DECEMBER 23 & 30 - NO CONFIRMATION
Enjoy your Christmas break. See you in 2013!
SUPER SUNDAY NIGHTS
5 th - 6 th grade: December 2
It’s finally time for “Pie in to the Face”! And why
should the leaders get to enjoy all the sweets? We’ll
have ice cream treats for everyone!
7 th - 8 th grade: December 9
Come ready to play and invite a friend!
Hope to see you every week from 6 pm - 8 pm!
REFORMATION
PARTY
December 2012
12
7th & 8th Grade
A regional weekend youth gathering for 6 th to 8 th graders
6 th - 8 th Graders - February 8-10
San Antonio (Double Tree Hotel)
(leave Fri 5 pm; return Sun 2 pm)
COST: $115
Registration Deadline: December 9
Includes: Programming, hotel, transportation and
breakfast and lunch meals. Youth Encounters does not
provide refunds for canceled registrations.
This fee is nonrefundable.
TO REGISTER:
Turn in your permission form and pay a $50 deposit.
The balance of the fee will be due in late January.
MORE INFO:
Check out the youth pages on
www.ShiningTheLight.org or
contact Beth Milbrath at
4ev1youth@gmail.com.
On October 28, youth from our Missouri City and
Pearland campuses got together to learn about the
Reformation and have some fun.
Thanks to all our great volunteers
for helping to make this fun night
possible!

“So in Christ we who are many form one body”
Romans 12:5
Epiphany Senior High/College Youth Group
December 2012
WAYNE’S WORD
Happy Holidays and Merry
Christmas from my family to
yours. With the greatest birthday
in history quickly approaching, I
can't help but think of a more
awesome way to celebrate Jesus'
birthday than to let everyone
receive presents. Not only the
greatest present of our God
coming to earth to walk with us,
but also the fact that every
Christmas we give AND receive
gifts on His birthday. So in the
heart of all the gift giving and
receiving, think about the One that
we celebrate and give Him thanks
for the many blessings He gives to
us each day. Enjoy this Christmas
and share the love of our Lord
Jesus Christ!
NFUZED
Merry Christmas!
Wayne Huber
13
Mark you calendars!
Saturday, January 26, 2013!
This is our one, big fundraiser to raise money for
the 2013 Youth Gathering in San Antonio!
Nfuzed NRG Group
Tuesday, December 11
7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Bible Study, fellowship, dinner and prayer!
@ the Huber’s, 1529 Roy Road, Pearland
ADVENT
MEALS
NFuzed Youth Nites
during Advent
Wednesdays, December 5 & 19
from 7:45 - 9:00 p.m. in the gym
Plan to attend the 7:00 p.m. Advent Service;
then join us in the gym after the service!
Bring your friends!
Copyright Gospel Communications International, Inc-www.reverendfun.com
SAVE THE DATE!
Make plans to join us on Wednesday,
December 19 as we’ll be hosting
the Advent meal.
Let Wayne know if you can help!

BIRTHDAYS
12/01 Brad Piel
12/01 Lorene Bennett
12/01 Lane Garner
12/02 Isaac Molina
12/02 Tom Ferguson
12/02 Karen Parmigiani
12/03 Barbara Myers-Eulert
12/03 Courtney Renaud
12/04 Tammie Allen
12/04 Lorine Pampell
12/04 Abby Wolff
12/04 Angie Arnold
12/04 Renee Hernandez
12/05 Gwen Gentry
12/05 Evangeline Curless
12/06 Dawn Lester
12/06 Karen Brohn
12/06 Janna Ellis
12/06 Chris Herbrich
12/07 Gwen Ayres
12/07 Rev. Vijay Gurrala
12/07 Eva Hamilton
12/07 Mike Cloeter
12/08 Robert Harris
12/09 Krystle Gutierrez
12/09 Vernon Smith
12/10 Terry Schomberg
12/10 Erik Andersen
12/10 Bethany Reed
12/11 Gail Kramer
12/11 Karen Werres
12/11 Guy Pizzo
12/11 Cason Casas
12/12 Ainsley Garza
12/12 Wayne Oberhoff
12/12 Matthew Balusek
12/13 Dottie Reimer
12/13 Linda Dunk
12/14 Brad Hollis
12/14 Chris Wolff
12/14 George Dixon
12/14 Karsten Quinton
12/14 Luke Davis
12/14 Michelle Gilbertson
12/15 Jaclyn Carothers
12/15 Jason Bangert
12/16 Brittny Dombrosky
12/16 Kindra Heinrich
12/16 Elizabeth Lukner
12/17 Cordelia Degner
12/18 Pastor Jon Salminen
12/18 Waddell Heinrich
12/18 Hanna Svensson
12/19 Sandra Chancellor
12/19 Heather Doyle
12/19 Rosa Kelley
12/20 Savannah Epting
12/20 Evelyn Rohne
12/21 Denise Hager
12/22 Lynn Tharp
12/22 Riley Martin
12/22 Merri Tilton
12/22 Jacob Curless
12/23 Bill Christopher
12/23 Rachel Beris
12/24 Sophia Heer
12/24 Ryan Nutzman
12/26 Donna Fay Reeh
12/26 Craig Carothers
12/27 Kristopher Zapalac
12/27 Mary Wood
12/27 David Williamson
12/27 Tami Epting
12/27 Zach Tews
12/27 Natalie Abrego
12/27 Christopher Stewart
12/27 Jonathan Stewart
12/28 Virginia Keniston
12/28 Debbie Dawson
12/28 Christian Dick
12/28 Terry Reed
12/29 Chris Moore
12/29 Mark Money
12/30 Susan McGrath
12/30 Joyce Stafford
12/30 Morgan Ripley
12/30 John Hartman
12/31 Jodi Mills
12/31 Kelly Tharp
12/31 Debbie Dick
ANNIVERSARIES
12/05 Matthew & Hanna Long
12/07 David & Glenda Latlip
12/10 Ronnie & Donna Fay Reeh
12/10 John & Fran Walther
12/13 John & Pat Succop
12/17 Dave & Kim Brackney
12/18 Jack & Katy Ostermaier
12/19 Larry & Karen Helton
12/19 Jeff & Pam West
14
12/19 Will & Gabby Siggins
12/20 Matthew & Monica Toomes
12/21 David & Linda Hess
12/23 Donald & Anh Thy Lewellyn
12/27 Rev. Jay & Joan Simonsen
12/27 Waddell & Marlene Heinrich
12/28 Mel & Mary Lou Medack
12/28 Jason & Jessica Bangert
12/29 Kevin & Gwen Ayres
12/29 Bryan & Rebecca Johnson
12/29 Ken & Gloria Mills
12/30 Rick & Lyn Wolff
NEW MEMBERS
Terensa Castro & son, Caleb
Jennifer Gunn
and daughters, Erin & Olivia
Justin Paden
Matt & DeAnna Rathje and children,
Peyton, Landon & Teagan
Millie Thibodeaux

December 2012
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
9:00am-Altar Guild
Decorating-sanctuary/
AFLC
10:00am-LWML
Christmas Party-203
*WOR: Worship
COM: Worship
with Communion
SS: Sunday School
Sunday Worship Times
Worship: 8:00 am – Traditional Liturgical
10:15 am – Traditional Praise
10:30 am - Contemporary
Sunday School: 9:05 am
8
3
7 9-2 MDO
6 9-2 MDO
5 9-2 MDO
4 9-2 MDO
7:30am-Men’s Bible
Breakfast-203
9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203
10:00-11:30am-Bible Markers-9MB
10:30am-Altar Guild
Christmas Party-202
11:30am-Connect
Luncheon at Donna’s
4:30pm-Advent Service
5:15-6:30pm-Advent Meal
7:00pm-Advent Service
7:45pm Voices of Praise
7:45pm-YouthNites-gym
4:00pm-Announcements Due!
7:00pm-Bells
-sanctuary
13 9-2 MDO
7:00pm-Children’s Choir-sanctuary
7:00pm-Damascus Road-gym
7:00pm-Prayer Shawl-207
2 COM/SS & ABC/COM/WOR*
MDO Sunday (10:30am service only!)
LWML Mite Box Sunday
9:05am-201 Class-9MB
9:00-10:15am-Blood Pressure Screening-107
Noon-Voter’s Meeting & Lunch-sanctuary
2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym
6:00pm-Pizza/Open Gym (5th-8th grades)
6:30pm-Confirmation Classes (5th-8th grades)
15
10
14 9-2 MDO
12 9-2 MDO
4:30pm-Advent Service
5:15-6:30pm-Advent Meal
5:15-6:00pm-Bell Choir
Cookie Sale
6:00pm-Jr. Bell Choir- 104
7:00pm-Advent Service
7:45-8:45pm-Bell Choir
Cookie Sale
7:45pm Voices of Praise
11 9-2 MDO
9 WOR/SS & ABC/WOR/COM
9:00am-6:00pm
Christmas Program Setup/Rehearsal-gym,
202,
203
11:00am-2:00pm
Bell Choir
Cookie Sale
11:00am-2:00pm
Bell Choir
Cookie Sale
9:30am-Goodtimers-203
9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203
4:00pm-Announcements Due!
6:00pm-Puppet
Practice-sanctuary
7:00pm-Bells
-sanctuary
7:00pm-NRG
@ the Huber’s
7:00pm-Children’s Choir-sanctuary
7:00pm-Damascus Road-gym
9:05am-201 Class-9MB
10:15am-Choir Christmas Program
2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym
6:00pm-Pizza/Open Gym (5th-8th grades)
6:30pm-Confirmation Classes (5th-8th grades)
6:30pm-Elders’ Meeting-202
15
22
17
21 NO MDO!
20 NO MDO!
18 NO MDO! 19 NO MDO!
4:30pm-Advent Service
5:15-6:30pm-Advent Meal
7:00pm-Advent Service
7:45pm Voices of Praise
7:45pm-YouthNites-gym
9:00am-Quilting-205
9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203
10:00-11:30am-Bible Markers-9MB
4:00pm-Announcements Due!
7:00pm-Children’s Choir/Puppets to
Windsong
7:00pm-Damascus Road-gym
16 COM/SS & ABC/COM/WOR*
9:05am-201 Class-9MB
10:30am-Children’s Program-gym
2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym
3:00pm-Leadership Council Meeting-EMC
6:00pm-Pizza/Open Gym (5th-8th grades)
6:30pm-Confirmation Classes (5th-8th grades)
7:00pm-Bells
-sanctuary
27 NO MDO!
24
28 NO MDO! 29
26 NO MDO!
25 NO MDO!
Holiday!
Church Office Closed!
7:00pm-Bells
-sanctuary
Holiday!
Church Office
Closed!
10:00am-Christmas
Day Worship Servicewith
communion
4:00pm-Worship Service
5:30pm-A Rockin’ Christmas Eve Service
-AFLC Gym
7:30pm-Family/Candlelight Worship
Service
11:00pm-Candlelight & Communion
Worship Service
23 WOR/WOR/COM
Instead of SS & Adult Bible Class:
9:05am-pre-K will meet in regular classrooms
-K-4th grade will meet in room 101
-5th grades through adult in the gym
2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym
No Confirmation Classes!
No Voices of Praise!
31
7:00pm-New Year’s Eve Worship
Service with communion
30 WOR/WOR/WOR
Instead of SS & Adult Bible Class:
9:05am-pre-K will meet in regular classrooms
-K-4th grade will meet in room 101
-5th grades through adult in the gym
2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym
No Confirmation Classes!

A CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM PASTOR JON
Linda and Bethany were talking on the phone the other day and Bethany asked her what she
wanted for Christmas. I have to say it was really nice to hear her ask. She was genuinely
interested in giving her favorite mom gifts and not just receiving them. I patted myself on the
back and thought “you’re doing a good job, Jon”. Then I realized this was my chance to find
out what my wife wanted without asking her directly. I could get a list and she’d think I was
just paying attention and picking up on the little clues she gives from time to time. It never
hurts to get a few extra brownie points so I grabbed a pencil and paper and listened in on
their conversation.
And then the p. . .a. . . u. . . s. . . e… I was waiting. Bethany was waiting. But there was only
silence. I thought to myself: “Come on Linda you can do it.” Still nothing. I was getting fidgety
but reminded myself that patience is a virtue. Still nothing. I wanted to shout out: “Answer the
question!” All I heard was silence.
Why the pause? Was it because she already had everything she could hope for? I mean, she
has the Lord Jesus, me, a daughter, a son, me, no cat or dog, a pop-up camper, friends,
health and me (just to name a few things). She just might be so content there really is nothing
she wants. Okay, I know I’m a dreamer but it’s my article. I ultimately concluded that Linda
just likes to take her time. She thinks things through and when she’s ready she acts, or
speaks, or does what she needs to do.
In this way, I guess you could say she’s a lot like God. One of my favorite Christmas readings
is from Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a
woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive the full
rights of sons.”
I like that phrase “when the time had fully come.” Some translations put it this way, “in the
fullness of time,” or, “at just the right time,” or, “when the proper time had fully come.” Any
way you put it, the point is clear—God operates according to His timetable
not ours. He knows just when the time is right to act and then He acts. And
the wonderful truth we remember and celebrate this Christmas Season is
that what He does—He does because He loves us more than we can know
or understand. The proof is that He sent His Son, the Babe of Bethlehem.
Remember that this Holiday season and the next time you feel God is slow
to hear your prayers or act in your best interest. He has a plan. He has a
timetable and when the time is right He will act. When the time is right,
open your eyes and you will see your God and Savior doing what He does
best—taking care of and providing for the children He loves!
Merry Christmas!
Pastor Jon
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