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December 2019 | Vol 12 Issue 12
Articles are due the 15th of the
month preceding publication.
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Welcome to Grace Lutheran's eNewsletter!
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Click on the links at the right to view or print the
calendar
and
volunteer schedule
, plus you can go directly to our website, Facebook and sites in the ELCA family. If you have anything you would like put in the newsletter, send an email to me at dreamstar_00@msn.com.
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Christmas Eve services will be held at 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM, Tues, Dec 24th
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Merry Stressmas?
Every year about this time I become aware of two different seasons. Those seasons are Christmas and Stressmas. While our goal is to celebrate Christmas, we more often than not celebrate Stressmas. What is Stressmas, you ask? Stressmas is everything that we don't like about the Christmas season. It's the busyness, the long shopping lines and the credit card bills. It's what causes us to wonder is it December 26th yet? It's all the things about Christmas that make us feel...stressed.
Thankfully for us as Christians we have an antidote for Stressmas. A way to step out of the busyness if only for a moment. It's a different season known as Advent. Believe or not, as Christians we are not supposed to start celebrating Christmas until December 25th. Shocking I know right?! Amidst the commercials, the songs and the parties we have been led to believe that Christmas starts shortly after Halloween. But during Advent we think about something different. During Advent we pray and meditate that at one point the world was filled with total darkness and through the darkness God brought light in the form of an innocent child. While Stressmas is filled with busyness, spending and anxiety, Advent is about patience, stillness and peace. I invite you to commitment yourself to a season of peace and reflection by remembering the greatest gift is given to us in a manager.
In Christ,
Pastor Andy
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Stewardship - the Precious Gift
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“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” – Ephesians 2:8
True confessions: I’ve never worn that jaunty Christmas tie my son bought me five years ago. At the end of every December I shake my head and say, well, maybe next year. It’s a waste, I know.
Most of us have a few Christmas presents, given in love and received with joy, that are forlornly collecting dust in a drawer or closet. That’s not very good stewardship, is it? More important than that forgotten bottle of perfume or homely sweater, how are you stewarding that most precious of all Christmas gifts—the new life you have through faith in Jesus? Do you cherish it, honor it, and make the most of all it has to offer? You should, because it is truly amazing!
New life. Too many Christians focus exclusively on the AFTER-life that begins when we die. But that’s missing out on the joy, peace and fulfillment that Jesus promises us today, what he describes as life abundant. You’ve doubtless seen evidence of this life in the cheerful eyes and peaceful smiles of holy people you’ve encountered. Light and love and joy radiates from them.
I want that life. Don’t you?
The abundant life is Jesus’ free gift, but it doesn’t come automatically. It grows with us as we mature in faith through prayer, scripture study, worship, service and generosity – the disciplines of faith. In so doing, we align our hearts and souls with God’s purposes and fulfill ever more closely those two holy commandments to love God and neighbor.
This year, don’t let your faith end up like a jaunty Christmas tie, hanging unused in the closet. Make the most of it and live in the new, abundant life Jesus promises to us all. It’s the number one stewardship lesson.
[Copyright © 2019, Rev. Robert Blezard. Reprinted by permission.]
Stewardship: “Everything we do after we say I Believe.”
~Ray Yoder
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Join us for Christmas Caroling Dec 8th
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Merry Christmas!
These two words bring joy and hope to millions of people around the world. We can multiply and share that joy with our neighbors through Christmas caroling, telling the Christmas story in songs that span centuries. Grace Lutheran will be Christmas caroling in the neighborhoods around our church on
Sunday, December 8th. We will
leave the church parking lot off Broadway at 3:00 p.m. and walk to nearby homes, including Silver Trees complex near the grade school. Sheet music will be provided, and we will also be handing out goody bags with Christmas cookies as we go along. We will be returning to the parking lot by dark.
Could you help us out by donating a dozen or two of any Christmas cookies you might bake? We will gladly accept donations of Christmas cookies on that Sunday, December 8th, at both services. Donations can be dropped off at the welcome center. Also, if you'd like to join us in caroling, just show up at the church parking lot off Broadway no later than 3:00 p.m.
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Giving Tree Update - Gifts Due Back Dec 8th
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Before you know it, Christmas will be here. For many years Grace Lutheran has generously shared God's blessings with less fortunate children in the area. Our Giving Tree is in the Narthex which will give you an opportunity to provide gifts for children in need, through the Salvation Army, or the children of prison inmates through Angel Tree ministry of Prison Fellowship. A local church in Crystal Lake sponsors the Angel Tree by providing angel tags for specific children and hosting a party for the children of prisoners who live locally.
Learn more about how the Angel Tree Ministry of Prison Fellowship helped over 240,000 kids in 2018.
We took 60 tags from each ministry and there were less than 10 left on Dec 1st! Just a reminder that ALL gifts are due back on Sunday, December 8th by 11:30 am. Prison Ministry gifts (the tags shaped like angels with a child's name on them) are to be WRAPPED with the tag affixed to the package.
Salvation Army gifts are NOT wrapped, but DO attach the tag to the bag (not taped to the gift), so we can check them in as received.
If you can help with delivery to Crystal Lake on Sunday, December 8th please contact Chris at 815-529-0789 or dreamstar_00@msn.com
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The Sunday School will present their
Christmas program on Sunday December 15th at the 9:30 service. After the service you and your family can visit the
Miracle of Christmas and be transported back in time to the town of Bethlehem to celebrate the birth of Christ. You will enjoy a retelling of the Christmas story and then spend about 45 minutes walking through our church that will be transformed ino the Bethlehem Marketplace, as you share in authentic, multisensory experiences and discover the miraculous impact of Jesus’ birth—and life!
If you plan to attend we ask that you sign up by filling out a brief form available in the Narthex so we know how many children to expect. If you don't sign up, it's OK! We still want you to come, but we'd like to make sure we have enough supplies. Enjoy!
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Two Services on Christmas Eve
Several weeks ago, Pastor asked us to let him know what times we would likely attend on Christmas Eve. The vote is in and we chose
5:00 and 10:00PM. The late service is one hour EARLIER than previously to allow everyone to worship and still get home at an earlier hour. There will be special music at both services so please include worship in your Christmas Eve celebrations. There is no service on Christmas Day.
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WELCA Christmas Luncheon Dec 14th
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Upcoming Events, How You Can Participate
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Veterans' Clothing Drive Continues thru Dec
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We are collecting clean new or used clothing and also toiletries for veterans, both men and women, until the end of December. There is a box in the Narthex for your donations.
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Music Notes from Our Music Ministry
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Holiday Choir Rehearsals are Monday at 7:00. Please join us!
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CALLING ALL SINGERS AND MUSICIANS!
COME JOIN OUR HOLIDAY CHOIR!
Rehearsals will be held Monday evenings from 7:00-7:45.
Our rehearsals will continue through Monday, December 23.
Please contact the music director, Danielle Cairoli, with any questions, at dani.cairoli@gmail.com or 815-342-1799.
We wish you and your families a blessed and joyous Christmas season.
Peace,
~ Danielle Cairoli, Director
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Bible Study and Small Group Opportunities
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Women's Friendship & Faith Monthly Bible Study - Now Meeting the 1st Tuesday
What:
Join us as we study
1 Corinthians using Max Lucado’s Life Lessons Series. We will focus on the Church as the body of Christ, we will learn how we honor God within our relationships, and we will be reminded that love is the greatest of all gifts.
Who
: Any woman who would like to study the Bible, grow in faith, and share fellowship.
When - NEW DAY
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First Tuesday
of the month at 7pm at the church
Where
: Grace Lutheran Church Library
Cost:
$7 for the book.
Please contact the church office or Thorey Ellis at (815)276-2456 for more information.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud." -1 Corinthians 13:4
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New Small Group - "Christianity 101"
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New to Christianity or Want to Learn More about Our Faith?
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Jon Petersen is leading a new small group exploring the basics of the Christian faith at 10:30 (after 2nd service). The class runs about an hour. Even if you didn't sign up, you are invited to join us.
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Outreach Cafe December 22nd
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Be sure to join us December 22nd. All funds raised will be donated to PADS, Habitat for Humanity, Richmond Food Pantry and our Haiti Mission. Thanks to Thrivent Financial for their support to purchase food and supplies. To help out or donate food, see Tina Peterson.
A
huge note of thanks to our team
for their dedication and good natured service, and for their donations of food. We also want to acknowledge Thrivent for providing funding to help purchase groceries. Continue to
Live Generously!
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Bits and Pieces from the Church Mouse
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I am retiring after nearly 10 years of writing Bits & Pieces from the Church Mouse. I’m sad but moving on to a new phase of life. If any of my brothers or sisters or aunts or uncles or cousins would like to try their paws at carrying on, let Chris Bjorklund know. It’s been great! I’ll be around, especially if there is FOOD involved! God bless.
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Women of the ELCA - WELCA
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Did you know that ALL women of our congregation are members of WELCA (Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church)? Yes! No secret handshakes, no passwords, no pre-registration required. Just come to a meeting when you can, if you can, and see what we’re up to. Friendship, fellowship, stewardship, coffee and dessert … togetherness while working for God’s glory, through our own church, the community, and the world. Our meetings are held on the second Monday of the month, here in Luther Hall at 1:00 in the afternoon. I’m sorry that excludes those ladies still in school or at work, but this is the time that works for the majority right now.
We’ve just held our election of officers for the upcoming year and are planning events for the whole church to enjoy. Our group is now organizing the Sunday morning coffee service. Please sign up and an experienced coffee maker will partner with you. It’s easy and everyone enjoys the fellowship.
Our new officers are: President, Lynn Jambor; Vice President, Sue Bitler; Secretary, Nancy Kepple; Treasurer, Kathy Zank; Communications, Rita Popenhagen; and Sunshine, Penny Dolan; Sergeant-at-Arms … we don’t have one, because we are well-behaved. Usually. Special thanks to retiring officers Sandy Messick , Ann Katzenberg and Joan Rzonca.
Our next meeting is December 9th at 1PM in Luther Hall.
Upcoming Events:
- December 14, 12:30—Christmas Luncheon at Crandall’s (hope you got signed up, it’s always fun and delicious!) Free will donation to the local Veterans’ Assistance
- Sunday mornings—coffee between and after services
- February 9—”All Hearts Turn to God” Bake Sale
- April 18—Craft & Vendor Fair
Contact Rita Popenhagen, ritalp_2@hotmail.com for more information.
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GraceNotes
Quick notes, reminders, who to contact
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No longer accepting prescription bottles
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We would like to thank the members of Grace for their kind donations of empty plastic prescription bottles for our Haiti ministry. Gladys has told us that she now has enough bottles to last for a few years and is no longer collecting the empties. She asked me to thank everyone for their kindness and eagerness to help with this Haiti medical ministry of Grace. It is well appreciated. Please add your empty bottles into your recycling bin. Thank you! Jon Petersen
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Electronic Giving is Easy
Download and print the form here.
Fill it out and return with a voided check to the church office. Forms are also available in the Narthex at church. Please note that if you wish to donate to the building fund or other specific causes you will need to write a check or use cash as before.
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People of Praise Rehearsals Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm
Rehearsals are in full swing.
New this year: Holiday Choirs.
Director,
Danielle Cairoli
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Sunday School at 9:30 for children age 4 through 5th grade.
Call the church office for more information. 815-678-3082.
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P.A.D.S. Homeless ministry is in transition. We hope to reorganize in January.
Contact Curt Bjorklund at chbjorklund@hotmail.com or call 815-529-7746.
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DivorceCare
is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. You are welcome to join at any time.
WHEN:
The latest session began August 15th, but join us anytime.
Time:
6:30-8:30pm
Sign-up will be available soon.
Click here for more information.
Contact: Linda Davis 815-347-5982
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ALPHA
is our confirmation class open to 6th, 7th and 8th graders and is led by Pastor Andy. We meet Wednesday nights beginning with a meal at 5:30 and then enjoy a time of learning and fellowship. Register your children in the church office or contact Pastor Andy. The registration fee is $25.
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October Giving: $16,914 Average Attendance per Sunday: 142
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