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This weekend, we continue the season of Advent, a time of preparation, expectation and waiting. This weekend, we honor Mary, mother of Jesus and the first bearer of Christ's light to the world.
This week, we rejoice as we hear Mary's words ring out strong and true... words of God's power and God's promise, and commitment to our participation in that promise.
Confident of God's love and faithfulness, we too can leap for joy.
Over the next few weeks, you're invited to color Advent coloring sheets and posters in meditation and prayer of Jesus' arrival.
Check out what's happening at Edgebrook Lutheran
this Advent season...
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| Toys for Tots - Last Day THIS Sunday! |
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This is the final weekend this year to turn in toys for Toys for Tots, in memory of Andrew Sikorski.
This is the 18th year that we have collected toys in memory of Andrew, a young member of our church who died 19 years ago. He was also a member of scout troop 957 and his Eagle Scout project was working with the Toys for Tots toy drive.
Every child deserves a new toy for Christmas! This is the goal of the Marine Corps' annual Toys for Tots toy drive. Each year the requests from organizations increase making it more difficult for the Marine Corps to reach their goal!
Please donate a NEW, unwrapped toy... especially for older boys and girls. NO stuffed animals, toy guns, knives, etc. Sports equipment, board games, and books make great gifts! As we count our many blessings, please be generous and donate with a loving heart.
Please leave your toy in the box in Fellowship Hall and the gathering space by December 10th.
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| Santa Lucia - Wednesday, December 13th |
Potluck & Procession
Wednesday, December 13th at 6pm
Join us for a night of celebration, singing, and gathering with friends of all ages. As we feast together, the church will provide the entree and everyone is encouraged to bring their favorite holiday dish. Then stay for the annual Lucia procession, led by our children.
This event is free to the community, so be sure to invite your friends, neighbors, and family! AND please RSVP to the church office, as we have a limited number of seats.
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| Wishing Tree for CILA Residents |
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The Outreach group has decided to enrich the celebration of Christmas again this year to "live the Gospel through service" with the people of two LSSI Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILAs) by demonstrating our care for the residents, people who are often invisible to the outside world.
And here is where the Wishing Tree returns . . .
A small Christmas tree has been placed on a table in the narthex with a number of gift tags that decorate the tree. Each card has the name of an individual CILA resident on it, along with the item they wish to receive. Select a card, purchase and gift wrap the item, securely tape the gift tag to the outside of the package, and return the gift by placing it in the basket underneath the Wishing Tree table.
Please return all of your gifts no later than Wednesday, December 20th so that they can be delivered to the CILA homes in time for Christmas.
Thanking the warm-hearted and generous people of Edgebrook in advance and wishing a blessed Christmas season to all.
Sincerely, Ruth Ann Chaffee
LSSI maintains two CILAs fairly near our church. Each CILA houses seven developmentally disabled adults, and the necessary support staff, in a neighborhood home that LSSI owns. The group lives together much as a large family would. Some of the individuals are bused daily to work in sheltered work environments, all of the clients are responsible to keep their rooms in good order, and everyone has assigned household chores. The household has access to a van so trips to the movies, etc. are possible and greatly enjoyed. Birthdays and holidays are celebrated.
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Thanks for joining us yesterday to learn more about Advent and create our Advent wreaths.
Don't miss what's happening next...
THE INN CROWD --
Children's Christmas Program
Sunday, December 17th at 10am
Our Sunday School students share the story of "The Inn Crowd" on that first Christmas night. What does the Royal Family of King David have in common with Mary, Joseph and the shepherds? Come find out!
SHARING THE STORY -- A Spirit of Hospitality
Wednesday, December 20th at 6pm
Tell the Christmas story by creating thoughtful cards and decorating cookies for our neighbors in our community, and our homebound and hospitalized sisters and brothers. We'll also continue coloring our large Advent posters.
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| Special Services this December |
Celebrate the season of Advent with joy and gladness as we journey to Christmas and wait for Jesus' birth.
December 17th: Worship at 10am, with our Sunday School Christmas Program
December 24th: Worship at 10am (Advent 4)
Family Christmas Eve worship at 4pm
Lessons & Carols worship at 11pm
December 25th: Merry Christmas!!
No worship services
December 31st: Worship at 10am
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Your response to the stewardship campaign was terrific! We had a 60% increase in the number of pledges received and a 20% increase in the amount pledged.
It's not too late: if you haven't turned in your pledge card, email or call the office to make your commitment for 2018.
We need everyone's help to accomplish great things as we transform lives by sharing a saving faith in Jesus Christ!
FINISH BIG!
If you've fallen behind on your giving this year, December is the month to catch up. You can use the purple "Budget Deficit" envelope that came with your weekly envelopes, or make a gift through Simply Giving, to fulfill your annual pledge.
If you've been blessed this year, consider sharing your blessings through prayer and sacrificial giving in support of our church's programs of worship and service.
Thank you for giving and serving in this way, and special thanks to the ELC community for embracing a spirit of generosity and God's abundance!!!
If you're interested in collecting items for New Hope Food Pantry, please considering donating toiletries for adults and babies, plus diapers and cream to prevent diaper rashes (cornstarch-based instead of talc). Thank you!
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If you have any communications/marketing needs, such as news for the weekly email newsletter, special email announcements, social media, the church website, flyers, brochures, mailers or anything else related to church communications,
PLEASE CONTACT Pastor Christina at
[email protected] and copy Pat Godek at
[email protected].
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Meetings & Activities at ELC Next Week
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Friday 6:30 p.m. A.A. Meeting
Saturday 9 a.m. Anti-racism Workshop
Saturday 3:45 p.m. Discussion Group
Saturday 5:00 p.m. Spoken Word Service
Sunday 8:45 a.m. Traditional Worship Service
Sunday 9:45 a.m. Coffee Hour & Sunday School
Sunday 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service
Monday 7:00 p.m. A.A. Meeting
Monday 8:30 p.m. A.A. Meeting
Wednesday 1:15 p.m. No Bible Study Today
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. Quilting
Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Santa Lucia Dinner & Procession
Thursday 10:00 a.m. Card Connection
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CONTACT INFORMATION
C
hurch Office Phone: 773-763-2121
Pastor Joe Schultz 773-647-1739
Pastor Christina Garrett Klein 773-763-2121
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Sincerely,
The Staff at
Edgebrook Lutheran Church
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