Nativity Lutheran Church

1300 Collingwood Road

Alexandria, VA 22308

www.nativitylutheran.org

703.768.1112

The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker, Pastor

People of Nativity, Ministers

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 NATIVI TY CONNECT
November 29, 2018 
First Sunday of Advent
9:30 am
Advent is about the "coming days." God's people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a "righteous Branch to spring up for David." The Thessalonians awaited "the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints." Our Lord's contemporaries hoped for the time "to stand before the Son of Man." With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper.

You guessed it...Pastor Brent has another sermon series for Advent.  A travelogue of D.C. sites will be the setting as we hear the Word and ready ourselves for Christmas.
 
Church bldg
Council Corner

 

Hello Everyone! Months of discussion and prayer are ending as we and our fellow Lutherans at Messiah vote this Sunday on the resolution to consolidate the two congregations. The joint Nativity-Messiah committee has worked hard to prepare the resolution and present all the facts and facets to you in advance of the vote. Now it's up to all of us to set our emotions aside and vote what our hearts and heads tell us is the best way to the future.

The Resolution is attached to the end of this Connect...scroll down for viewing.

Brian Bauman will serve as "proctor" for the voting process. The council has validated a list of current voting members (those confirmed members who, during the current or preceding calendar year, have communed in this congregation and made a contribution of record to this congregation), and we will vote by secret written ballot. Since our constitution does not permit voting by proxy or absentee ballot, members must be present to vote. To accommodate members who may have trouble getting to church on December 2nd, the Messiah and Nativity councils have agreed that virtual presence is acceptable to register a vote.

If you can't be present at the church on Sunday, you can call (703) 239-6977 and, when prompted, enter access code 22308 followed by #. You will be connected to a conference call and listen into the proceedings that will be ahead of the vote. Once you establish your virtual presence, we will ask for a phone number where we can reach you privately for your verbal vote. We'll transfer that to a secret ballot and enter it into the collection box. If you can't get through to the conference line for any reason, just call my cell phone (571) 212-1475 and we will do a version of the same process.

So much for the important vote! In other news, things are looking much brighter around the church. That's because our long-awaited lighting upgrade is finally underway. Expect to see better lighting in the Narthex and Sanctuary soon! The fellowship hall is already done, so now we can see the delicious food after services every Sunday. We already have several benefactors who have contributed generously to the lighting effort; we can always use more.

There is a lot of excitement in the air with the vote, Advent, new lights, and a new year in the offing. Be generous in your stewardship pledges and we will have an exciting 2019.

Yours in fellowship,
Bob Kehler
Sunday's Givers
This Sunday we thank Eric Remick for providing candles and leading our Advent wreath lighting... and to Nancy Schuetze for designing and providing Advent greens. The Robinson Family also offers a delicious fellowship hour following worship...we are grateful for all who every Sunday fill our hearts with their generosity!
Nativity's Christmas Party
Sandi Kottman will host Nativity's Christmas Gathering at her home on December 8th starting at 6:00pm.   Sandi refers to the gathering as a finger-food dinner party of hot and cold hors d'oeuvres with dessert.

Please RSVP no later than November 30th via email, text or phone call. Sandi's email is sandimack1212@ gmail.com. and phone numbers are listed in the Nativity directory.
Gifts of Hope

Nativity continues to work with the Metro DC synod to donate Gifts of Hope this year. There is a wide selection of gifts of varying dollar amounts which help support beneficiary organizations supported by the ELCA.  Barbara Gigure will be our coordinator again this year, collecting donations for Nativity, which if you desire can be donated in the name of someone you hold near and dear (with a card for them to let them know you donated in their honor).  
 
Please see Barbara in the fellowship hall after church starting December 2 to donate.  She will have the catalog of gifts for you to view or you can preview the catalog online at www.giftsofhopedc.org.  New this year is a gift that can be purchased in any amount you choose which will be 'undesignated,' with anonymous donors matching up to $9000 when this gift is purchased, and the funds distributed where the needs are greatest.  Support Gifts of Hope and make a difference, locally and/or globally.
Nativity Book Club

On Sunday, February 10, 2019, at noon, Nativity's Book Club will meet with a discussion of the book "Master and Commander (Vol. Book 1)" the first in the series of of 'Aubrey/Maturin' novels by Patrick O'Brian.  The venue will be announced in the near future.  Please come and join us.  We always have a great time and invite everyone regardless of whether they have the time to read the book beforehand.  Snacks and drink will be provided.  Also, after the discussion, we will be watching the 2003 movie 'Master and Commander:  The Far Side of the World,' the movie based on the 10th novel in the same series for those interested. 
 
If you have any questions feel free to contact Barb Gigure at 703-915-9066 or email her at bgigure@cox.net.
Flowers, Candles and Fellowship
We are happy to say we are fully subscribed for candles and floral arrangements through the end of the year!   Coffee hour fellowship needs a host for Sunday December 30th...please sign up in the narthex.  On Christmas Eve we are asking if you can bring a plate of Christmas cookies to be shared following worship that evening...some who come will be going home to an empty house and we would love to provide a bit of cheer for all who care to linger.

Once again on Christmas Eve Poinsettias will grace our  space.  Reserve yours by enrolling in the narthex over the next 3 Sundays to sponsor a plant or two...cost of each plant is $10.00.

Sign up sheets for 2019 Fellowship, flowers and candles are also now available...make plans to grab your Sunday of choice!
UCM  Notes...
Greetings:
 
This week Nativity donated two carts of food totaling 100 hundred pounds to the UCM Food Pantry.   This donation was well received by UCM and much thanks to all who made this donation possible.
 
The UCM Food Pantry provides supplemental food assistance in the Mount Vernon area to 300- 400 families per week. As always they appreciate heart-healthy food donations .   Some food items on their wish list include: canned and dried fruit, breakfast cereals, pasta, rice, and peanut butter,
 
In addition to food items UCM appreciates gently used children's books and diapers.
 
Again many thanks to all who contributed to the Nativity Food Baskets.
 
Sincerely,
 
Robert Wales

Our carts need to be replenished...when you're shopping to  restock after Thanksgiving fill a bag (see above) with items that are crucial to feeding the hundreds who weekly count on UCM for proper nourishment!  Simply drop off your donation in the narthex.  Thank you!

UCM is in the process of stocking their holiday gift room which provides toys and gifts for children this season. Please be aware of the colorful large box in the narthex that awaits your contribution...take note of the information sheet there that will walk you through your purchasing process.  Sunday, December 9th is your final giving opportunity for this annual event.

We will also once again be breaking out our beloved Chrismitt Tree...simply purchase a pair of children's gloves or hat and clip it to the tree.  This offering will be available through Christmas Eve.
The Last Word...
Gifts in all cultures have long been ways to show love and concern for the recipients...they also have been given as a token of respect or even as a sign of forgiveness.   Weddings, birthdays, housewarmings all are occasions for gift giving...but the granddaddy of all giving takes place at Christmas!

December 3rd is annually observed as Make a Gift Day...but it's not for me! I possess neither the inclination nor aptitude to knit, sew, build, or bake in order to present a loved one with the work of my hands...glitter, yarn, and glue gun have never felt my touch and I only use a hammer to hang an occasional picture. But for those of you who do enjoy the talent and enthusiasm for such projects, Monday is a reminder that you'd better get going if you expect the result to be finished for holiday giving!

I am amused by those who suggest that this is the way to appreciate your wallet by not having to purchase a present...the money spent on materials and the value of time expended usually end up costing the giver more than what the pay-out would be for an item at the store! But cost effectiveness is hardly the point...a homemade gift includes the message that the recipient is worth the skill and effort that exceeds the "usefulness" of the object given. You have given not only the result of your work...you have given a bit of yourself.

Even if you don't possess the means to make a gift this day, with just a slight shift in word order you might find yourself able to make a day a gift. If you have a few hours and a bit of physical prowess, you might consider offering them to someone...maybe that one is somewhat advanced in age or infirmed, hesitant to ask for help, maybe alone, or lacking the financial wherewithal to afford hiring. Then they would be doubly gifted...not only what you may lift for them, but also your presence to encourage and lift their spirit. Given the season, it could be a reason for their affirmative response...they might feel less a charity case or putting someone out if they knew this was your gift to them.
No matter how you express your respect for others, never lose sight of the truth that God makes each new day as a gift to you! Every sunup is the sign of God's enduring regard for you, and it's presented to you as such. Like any gift, it's not the giver who dictates how often and how well it will be used...it is the recipient to makes that decision. God does not force faith, hope and love on you...these gifts are simply made abundantly available and then left up to you to put them to best use. The day is hand-made and personal...it comes from the mind, heart, and hand of Jesus.

Here re-gifting is encouraged...God is the giver so you might become the gift. In China, gifts wrapped in red paper are considered to bring good fortune...so break out that red sweater and be present for another. You will be treasured when you do!

May Advent bring to you both awe and awareness,

Pastor Brent,

    
Joint Resolution
of
Messiah Lutheran Church and Nativity Lutheran Church
For Consolidation
WHEREAS: Baptized members of the Church of Christ, responding in faith to the call of the Holy Spirit through the Gospel, desiring to unite together to preach the Word, administer the sacraments, and carry out God's mission, established Messiah Lutheran Church in 1952 and Nativity Lutheran Church in 1965; and,
WHEREAS: Devoted members of these churches overcame adversity and built a strong legacy of Christian service and fellowship through the ensuing years; and,
WHEREAS: Both churches are now at critical junctures regarding their ability to sustain the desired level of mission and ministry alone; and,
WHEREAS: Inspired by the Holy Spirit and mindful of Jesus' prayer at Gethsemane that his disciples may have unity, the congregations of Messiah and Nativity Lutheran Churches desire to craft a united future; now therefore,
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED
THAT: Messiah Lutheran Church and Nativity Lutheran Church will dissolve and join together to become a new consolidated congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), with a new name, chartering documents, and pastor;
THAT: The founding objectives of the new church are to create one energetic missional congregation acting as God's hands in the world through faith, commitment, and service; to become the vibrant center of a growing Lutheran mission and ministry in the Mount Vernon area; to expand community-based outreach and revitalize worship, education, and fellowship programs; and to honor and preserve to the extent possible the heritage of Messiah and Nativity Lutheran Churches;
THAT: The property, financial resources, and liabilities of Messiah and Nativity Lutheran Churches transfer to the consolidated congregation in accordance with Virginia law and ELCA policies;
THAT: Those current members in good standing of Messiah and Nativity Lutheran Churches who choose to join the consolidated congregation are charter members of the new church;
THAT: The consolidated congregation will begin worship and other activities as soon as practical, with the first formal consolidated service to be held on Easter Sunday, 2019;
THAT: The consolidated congregation appoints an interim congregation council composed of the current members of the Messiah and Nativity Lutheran Church councils to serve until formal elections are held;
THAT: The consolidated congregation directs the interim council to do the following:
  • Establish and oversee the committees and processes needed to create plans, documents, and policies for the new church and the transition period;
  • Form a committee to call a new pastor;
  • Assess the merits and potential of the current Messiah and Nativity church sites and recommend a consolidated worship location not later than June 1, 2019;
  • Work with the Metro Washington D. C. Synod and consult with appropriate outside legal and other experts as required;
  • Report its progress and an initial estimate of transition expenses to the consolidated congregation in February 2019 and not less than quarterly thereafter.
This Joint Resolution requires for passage a two-thirds majority of the members of Messiah and Nativity Lutheran Churches present and voting at congregational meetings on December 2, 2018.

Assisting 
December 2, 2018, 2018
Lector/Communion Assistant: Arthur Wendel
Ushers:  Bob Wales
Counters: Sandi Kottman
Down the Road
Sunday, December 2
Advent Begins
Nativity & Messiah vote the question of consolidation for the two congregations. 

Saturday, December 8
"All Lutheran Breakfast"
8:30 am @ Mamma's Kitchen

Nativity Christmas Gathering 
6 pm  at the Home of Sandi Kottman  Mark your calendar  and RSVP now!

Saturday, December 15 Please note the date change!
Church cleanup with Cristo te Llama 10:00 am.

Monday, December 24
6 pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Holy Communion. 

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STAR Mission Statement

SEEK to grow in God's Word

TELL the story of Jesus' love & forgiveness

ACT as God's Hands in the world

REACH OUT to welcome all

Directory
The Rev. Brent H. Thalacker,
Pastor

Carrie Brutscher, Music Director and Council Secretary

Bob Kehler, Council President
c.robert.kehler@gmail.com

Brian Bauman, Vice President

Debbie Bowers, Treasurer 
Donilou24@gmail.com

Joe Mattis, Stewardship

Sandi Kottman, Council Member (at large)

Marianne Wendel, Administrative Assistant
Weekly Calendar
December 2, 2018 thru
December 8, 2018
Sunday

9:30 am
Holy Communion
and  Fellowship following
11:30 am  COI Service
2:00 pm  Cristo te Llama
7:30 pm AA Meeting


Monday

1:00 pm   AA Meeting
7:00 pm  Cristo te Llama

Tuesday

9:15 am  Music Together
1:00 pm  AA Meeting


Wednesday

11am-4pm   Pastor Brent and Marianne in office.
2:45 pm  Yoga with Amy
7:00 pm Zenergy Yoga

Thursday
8:00 am  Business Roundtable
6:00 pm  Energetic Yoga
7:00 pm COI Band Rehearsal

Friday 7:00 am  Music Together/Yoga

Saturday

8:30 am Men's Breakfast
9:00 am  Music Together ..
6:00 pm Cristo te Llama
6:00 pm Holiday Party at Sandi Kottmans