Dear Disciples of Jesus at American Lutheran,

This Sunday is the feast of Christ the King, the last Sunday of the Christian year when we affirm the reign of our Lord over every other earthly realm and power. We also see from our Gospel (Matt. 25:31-46) that the power of the King we worship is hidden in weakness, and if we want to see him today we will look to the hungry, the stranger and the sick-the least of these our brothers and sisters. Which reminds me of the song, "What if God were one of us?" 

Indeed, God was one of us, and came to show us that the Kingdom breaks in here and now whenever we see those in need and respond with kindness and mercy.
 

See you in church,

Pastor Gretchen

In collecting Thankofferings, we share in a tradition dating back to the 1800's, when Christian women formed "mite" societies to support local and international missions. Each woman collected offerings at home until the community of women gathered with thanks and praise to combine their offerings and offer them up to mission.

When Women of the ELCA formed more than 25 yrs. ago, they committed to continue this tradition of giving gratitude for blessings. Each year, in thousands of congregations, Thankofferings are collected to support the life-changing ministries of the church-wide women's organization to live out its mission- mobilizing women to Act Boldly on their Faith in Jesus Christ. In gratitude for all God has given to us, and with hope for all that is to come, we give our Thankofferings.  

Last year we provided Thankoffering jars to those who wanted to participate in this project.  This is the time to empty your jar, count your offering, write a check to The Women of the ELCA and bring it on Sunday.Then you can keep your jar for next year.  

There will be some jars for those who would like to begin to collect an offering during the coming year!  

We are pleased to welcome The Young Men's Ensemble of the LA Children's Chorus during worship this Sunday. Additionally, you are invited to stay after worship and enjoy a mini-concert performed by the chorus, so please stay afterward if you are able. 

YME will also be singing on December 7th at 7:30pm at Pasadena Presbyterian Church 585 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91101. 

Call 626-793-4231 for info. Order soon. The show does sell out. 

Join us on this Sunday at 7:00pm as we host people of faith from several houses of worship in the greater Burbank community for worship followed by pie and dessert fellowship. Canned goods and offering collected will go to Burbank Temporary Aid Center (BTAC) to help those in need of an extra boost during this time of year.

Please sign-up on the Poster Board in front of the church.

Please pick up your free guide to planning your own funeral. Ron Reid will be at a table outside after worship to provide you with this book in memory of his wife Sigrid.

Sign your name for one per family. There is an information sheet on how to get additional copies if you need them. 

Books will be available November 16th, 23rd and 30th. 

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

If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving option offered through the Simply Giving program.

WORSHIP SERVANTS THIS SUNDAY

Assisting Minister & Reader:                                        Carla Szuch

   Acolyte:                                                                       Jared Salisbury

Media Projection/Sound:                                            Will Campbell

 Communion Assistants:              Dorotea Paulus & Christine Valentino

 Altar Guild:                                     Gloria Garcia & Christine Valentino

  Ushers:                                Kirt Stanford, Bill Reardon & Bob Norgauer

Sunday School Teacher:                                            Desiree Garcia

 Refreshments:                                                        Melanie Salisbury

Money Counters:                                  Jayne Lundquist & Vi Reardon

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

Wednesday, December 3rd at 7:00pm OR
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. 

Come join the fun on the eve of St. Nicholas Day, Friday December 5th 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.

Please sign-up on the Poster Board in front of the church.

Blessing of the Pets 2013

The bond between person and pet is like no other relationship. Join us on 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 please make sure each one is 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.

Please sign-up on the Poster Board in the front of the church.

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.

Just in time for your holiday shopping, here is a friendly reminder that ALC is on the list of charitable organizations on AmazonSmile. Please consider using AmazonSmile for all your holiday shopping and Christmas gifts.

Make sure to choose 

American Lutheran Church American Lutheran Church and School 

as your charitable organization. 

Sunday November 23rd 7pm: Interfaith Thanksgiving Community Service. We join together with houses of worship and people of faith in the greater Burbank community for worship and fellowship.

Sunday November 30th 10am: First Sunday of Advent 

                                                 "Hopeful Expectation"

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

                                             7:15pm:  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.

Our lifelong stewardship is much like the Thanksgiving meal. Before our departure, we package gifts into a will or trust.  We put names on the packages in the way of beneficiaries of financial assets.  

Was God present at your table during your lifetime?  Is God's name on one of the leftover packages?

To help plan your "leftovers," contact our ELCA Gift Planner, 

Greg Shepherd.