Dear Disciples of Jesus at American Lutheran, 

Last week we lit the first candle on our Advent wreath to remind ourselves to watch and stay alert for signs of hope that God is coming and indeed is already here. This week we light a candle for change-the changes we're called to make as we prepare to encounter the Holy One. Advent is a time for making changes for God. 

See you in church, 

Pastor Gretchen
 

Come join the fun TONIGHT at 6:30pm!

We'll start with a potluck and then work together to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas. There will be lights to string, greens to hang, ornaments to put on the tree, and luminaries to prepare for Christmas Eve, all to the sounds of the music of the season. 

Everyone is invited to the festivities.

Blessing of the Pets 2013

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship. Join us tomorrow, Saturday, December 6th at 5:00pm as we celebrate and honor our beloved pets with a Blessing of the Pets ceremony. 

All family pets are welcome, but for safety reasons, please make sure pets are on a leash or in an appropriate cage or crate. 

Additionally, we encourage you to bring pictures of your pets that have died so that they may receive a blessing, as well.

In an effort to keep the congregation informed about current church business, the Congregation Council invites members to join them Sunday, December 7th following worship for an informal discussion on the 2015 proposed budget.

The Council welcomes your questions and feedback.

A new church year begins with the season of Advent on Sunday, November 30th. To help keep this rich time of hope and expectation, you are invited to use the Advent devotional,

 "Your People Long to Greet You" at home. Visit www.luthersem.edu/advent to download. There is also a large-print version available.

Questions? Email [email protected]

Nominations are now being accepted for our 3rd Annual Volunteer Recognition Award.  The nominee chosen to receive the recognition award will be selected by the ALC Council Members and be announced at our annual meeting in January. Nomination forms are available on the table at the church entrance.

Dorotea Paulus 2014 Recipient & Vi Reardon 2013 Recipient

When you do your Holiday shopping at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to American Lutheran Church American Lutheran Church & School. 

Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/95-1810835 and support us every time you shop. 

*****WORSHIP SERVANTS THIS SUNDAY*****

Assisting Minister:                                                           Lynn De Young

   Acolyte:                                                                            Lindsay Reardon   

Media Projection/Sound:                                                   Will Campbell

 Communion Assistants:                    Jayne Lundquist & Christine Valentino

 Altar Guild:                                                  Gloria Garcia & Jean Anderson

  Ushers:                                                          Kirt Stanford & Bob Norgauer

Sunday School Teacher:                                                   Desiree Garcia

 Refreshments:                                                                 Alynn Singleton

Money Counters:                                         Jayne Lundquist & Sue Mavro

During the busy time of year around the holidays, you're invited to slow down and nourish your soul during the rich season of Advent.

Pastor Gretchen will lead a 3-week Bible Study called "The Church is Waiting," based on the readings in worship. Each session will be held on Wednesday nights at 7:00pm and then repeated on Sundays following worship at 11:30am.

Week 1

Sunday, December 7th at 11:30am
 

Week 2

Wednesday, December 10th at 7:00pm OR
Sunday, December 14th at 11:30am
 

Week 3

Wednesday, December 17th at 7:00pm OR
Sunday, December 21st at 11:30am
 

Join us in the nursery/lounge of the Administration building.

For more information please email Pastor Gretchen
or call 818-846-0295. 

We will be holding guitar workshops with well-known guitarist Will Brahm to prepare for our Christmas Eve service. The first workshop will be Tuesday, December 9th with 30-minute private sessions beginning at 5:00pm. Guitar workshops will be free of charge.

Singers in the choir please attend choir practice on 

Tuesday, December 9th at 7pm.

Email Steve at [email protected] for more information.

We will be meeting Friday, December 12th at 10:30am at the church for a program and then carpooling to the T Room in Montrose for lunch. 

Sign-up sheet is on the table by the church entrance.

All women are invited!!!!  

Come join us for fun, food, and fellowship!! 

• Our food pantry is up and running again, Tuesday through Friday 10am - 12 and 1-3pm 

• Christmas Toy Giveaway. The Giveaway will be Saturday the 13th at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 6020 Radford Avenue, North Hollywood. Please call Jan Maseda (818-288-7054) if you would like to help volunteer on the day of distribution. 

• Our clothing bank is open and ready, serving the needs of the community Tuesday through Friday. .Our Homeless to Home (H2H) program is up and running. If you know any homeless individuals that have income of some manner and would like them to be assessed for the program please call and as for Alex Meza. 

• With the help of a volunteer ELCA diaconal minister, we can now offer spiritual support and care on Fridays. 

We will have normal operating hours through most of December. Please note that we will be CLOSED from December 24th to January 5, 2015. 

Fiona Kilner, Area Director - San Fernando Valley 

Email: [email protected] 

Office: (818) 901-9480 

Sunday December 7th  10am: Second Sunday of Advent

                                                  "Prepare the Way"

Sunday December 21st 10am: Youth Christmas Play 

                                                 "Sixth Grade Scrooge"

Wednesday December 24th 7:30pm:  Festive Christmas Eve Worship

                                             7:00pm:  Special music begins

Celebrate this holy night with Christmas carols, the Christmas message, Holy Communion and Candlelight.

Looking for a fun activity in Burbank? You'll be amazed at just how much is happening in our town! This Week In Burbank is a free weekly email newsletter that provides the most comprehensive community calendar in Burbank. Their mission is to be the go-to source for upcoming events in Burbank, strengthening our community by helping residents enjoy more of what Burbank has to offer.

To subscribe, or to list an event visit: www.thisweekinburbank.com/

Forest Lawn Memorial - Parks and Mortuaries will offer Candle Lighting Memorial Services as a means to honor the memories of your loved ones.

Monday, December 8th at Hall of Liberty 6300 Forest Lawn Drive, LA 9068.

Tuesday, December 9th at Museum Plaza 1712 S. Glendale Avenue, Glendale 91205.

All services start at 7:00pm. Free Admission and Parking.

For Reservations call 855-800-5296. www.ForestLawn.com.

To receive assistance on how to give an end of year tax wise legacy gift, contact our ELCA Foundation Gift Planner, Greg Shepherd, at: 909-910-6823 or [email protected].