Church Bulletin - December 2, 2022

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December 2, 2022

In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Philippians 4:6

Homebound

Doris Appold
Dorine Auernhammer
Gwen Bakus
Vera Begick
Jon Ittner
Mike & Karen Kusch
Margaret Meyer
Julie Roark
RoseAnne Schmidt
Roy Schwab
Anna Spielhaupter
Tim Wegener
Frank & Carol Wozniak

Special

Dean Bass
Wyatt Crouse (Dan Bourdow’s grandson)
Larry Daly (Denise Daly's father; cancer)
Dave Foster
Debbie Kahihikolo (Denise Daly's sister)
Connie Makl (Jeremy Warren's aunt)
Herb Appold
Marie Hendrick
Mary Ghosh (Schlicker relative; cancer)
Janet Hoerauf
Larry Kramer
Lura Gehrman
Roger Brown
Sydra Krueger
Fuzz Appold
Leslie Kelley

This Week's Members

Brad Ayala
Curtis & & Janice Berger
George & Courtney Daniels, Landon LaForest, Mason & Cotie
Shellie Franz
Howard & Dorothy Helmreich
Emily, Alexandra, Lucas Kochanny
Lois & Gordon Mammel
Jeffery Olson
Stephen & Sharon Schilke
Mason Strawn
Larry & Carolyn Winter

Sunday, December 4

Worship with Communion 8:00 a.m.

Bible Study 9:15 a.m.

Celebration & Praise with Communion 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Night Youth Group 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Monday, December 5

Ladies Aid Christmas Party 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 6

Choir 6:00 p.m.

Bell Choir 7:00 p.m.

Elders Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 7

Advent Worship 3:30 p.m.

Advent Supper 4:00 p.m.

Advent Worship 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 8

Church Council 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 9

Parsonage Open House 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 11

Worship with Communion 8:00 a.m.

Bible Study 9:15 a.m.

Worship with Communion 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Night Youth Group 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Communion Statement

The Lord's Supper is celebrated here in the confession and glad confidence that our Lord, as He says, gives not only bread and wine, but His very body and blood to eat and drink for the forgiveness of sin. In joyful obedience to the clear teaching of our Lord Jesus those are invited to His table who trust His words, repent of all sin, and set aside any refusal to forgive and love as He forgives and loves us. They show forth His death until He comes. Because Holy Communion is a confession of the faith which is confessed at this altar, any who are not yet instructed, in doubt, or who hold a confession differing from that of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and so are unable to receive the Sacrament are invited to meditate on God's Word in the distribution hymns and pray for the day when divisions will have ceased. If you wish to receive communion in your pew, please inform an usher.

Church Attendance

Last Sunday - 340 (198, 142)

Altar Flowers

The altar flowers this Sunday are in memory of Larry Schlicker, who passed away 10 years ago. Side flowers are in celebration of Carol Wozniak's 80th birthday on December 3rd from her children.

The Lutheran Hour

Sundays at 8:30 a.m. on WSAM 1400 AM

Donations mail to: Saginaw Valley Lutheran Hour; P.O. Box 133; Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Daily Bible Readings

December 4 - Revelation 3

December 5 - Psalms 139-140

December 6 - Psalms 141-142

December 7 - Revelation 4

December 8 - Revelation 5

December 9 - Revelation 6

December 10 - Revelation 7

Stewardship - An Act of Faith

Matthew 3:1-2 – “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” John prepared the way for Jesus by preaching repentance. Then, when Jesus’ ministry was complete and He was raised from the dead, He sent out His disciples to preach “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47). We never outgrow the need for repentance — for examining our lives, turning away from our sins, and turning toward Jesus in faith to receive his forgiveness and strength for a renewed life of godliness.

Parsonage Christmas Open House

Please join us for the annual Matyas Christmas Open House on Friday, Dec 9 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Refreshments are provided, and The Twelve Days of Christmas will be sung promptly at 7:00 p.m. Enter by the garage door. We hope to see you there!

Sunday School Recognizes Perfect Attendance

Congratulations to the following students who have had perfect Sunday School attendance for November: Beckem Carroll, Calvin Schlicker, Violet Schlicker, Charles Begick, Noah Helmreich, Isaac Hendrick, Ethan Matyas, Adelynn Dent, David Dent, Brenna King, Jacob King, Abigail Matyas, Olivia Matyas, Ethan Matyas

Advent Supper - Wednesday, December 4

Join us for the next Advent Supper on Wednesday, December 4, between services (4:00-6:00 p.m.) at the Ministry Center Fellowship Hall. Enjoy some wild rice or chicken noodle soup and fellowship as you support the Alaska VBS Mission with a free will offering. If anyone would like to preorder soup for take-out, call or text Heidi at 989-450-0975.

Advent Devotions

You are invited to pick up a green Advent devotion booklet, entitled “A Son Is Given,” in the back of church for your daily study of Scripture. Regular and large-print copies are available for you to begin reading on Sunday, November 27. Thank you to Lutheran Hour Ministries for making this resource available for us. You can share these devotions as a printed copy or through the LHM website: lhm.org/advent where others can read and listen to these messages of hope and joy.

Advent Season

Advent begins Sunday, November 27. We will have Wednesday midweek services during Advent with a supper planned for some weeks at 4:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome! A free-will donation will be taken at each supper to support the different groups hosting. If your group is interested in hosting a supper, please contact the church office to schedule.

December 7

Services at 3:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m. Supper served by the Alaska Mission

December 14

Song Service at 6:30 p.m.

Tentative Supper (open to a group to host)

December 21

Children's Christmas Program at 9:00 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

Reception following the evening service

Christmas Decorations in Church - Help Requested

The elders are welcoming anyone interested in preparing the church sanctuary for the upcoming Christmas celebration. We'll turn on some Christmas music, sling some garland, and get those trees a sparklin'. If you are available Saturday, December 3, at 9:00 a.m., please come and help! (Donuts and coffee included)

Ladies Aid Bake Sale

The St. Paul Ladies Aid will be having a donut hour and bake sale tomorrow, Saturday, December 3, 2022. Donut hour will be from 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., with the bake sale starting at 9:30 a.m. We plan to have all of our traditional German treats including eisenkuechle, springerle, stollen, butter horns, breads, and sauerkraut. Any congregation members interested in donating baked goods or helping to work the Bake Sale, please contact Angie Buda at 989-397-4198. Thank you!

Ladies Aid Christmas Party

Dear Ladies Aid members- Please plan on attending our annual Christmas party. This year it will be held at Krysiak’s House Restaurant on Monday December 5. Cost is 18.00 per person and this includes tax/tip. Cocktail hour begins at 5:00 p.m. For questions please contact Heidi Eichinger (989-860-7267 or Cheryl Leppek (989-460-8383). Thank you!

Tinsel Tree Challenge

Come and support the Young 5 and Kindergarten Tinsel Tree at Christa McAuliffe Middle School on December 3rd from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. You can win a tree with each ticket you put in our box. The money raised will go towards our classroom field trips.

Thank You!

Thank you to Pastor Matyas & the St. Paul Family for the many prayers on my recent surgery. -Bonnie Berger

Thank You!

Dear St. Paul Family,

Words simply cannot express the amount of gratitude we have for you all!! Thank you so much for your gifts, words of encouragement and prayers!

-The Benkert Family

Friendship Circle - Thank You!

Thank you to St. Paul members and guests who participated in our Friendship Circle live and silent Auction for Missions this past Thursday, November 17. As we wait on a final total, so far over $1500.00 has been raised. These dollars help support the 2 Seminarians we sponsor, make possible the issues of Portals of Prayer and LWML Quarterly, and bless various local charities. We look forward to next year's Auction for Missions, set for the first Sunday in October, LWML Sunday, immediately following the church potluck. Please plan to attend!

Joyful Older Youth "JOY"

“JOY” will have their Christmas party on Thursday, December 8 at 12:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. Bring a friend and enjoy the fellowship during dinner and entertainment. Please RSVP to Virginia Hutter at 989-686-3262 or Bonnie List at 989-225-6801, so we can plan the food.

There will not be a meeting on December 15th.

Poinsettias

If anyone is interested in purchasing poinsettias for the Christmas season, please contact Cindy at 989-686-7365 or Julia at 989-225-1889 for prices, sizes and ordering.

Childcare During Bible Study Hour

Over the last few weeks, we have noticed that there may be a need for one or two people to staff the nursery during the bible study hour for children who are younger than Sunday School age, so the parents may be able to attend the Bible Study hour. If you are willing to help you can sign up by clicking the link here or contacting Tiffany List (989)225-8516 or email tmlist@yahoo.com.

Additionally, If you could benefit from Child care during the Bible Study Hour please fill out the form by clicking here or contact Tiffany List (989)225-8516 or tmlist@yahoo.com

Holly Jolly Gift Donations

The Holly Jolly Christmas Store is right around the corner for St. Paul students and the PTO needs your help!

We really appreciate the support of donations and volunteers for the Holly Jolly so far! Currently we are still very much in need of "dad" items (sports items, hunting, fishing, games, snacks, coffee, etc). If you're out shopping, or have some gently used items, we appreciate them! Every donation helps make the event special for our kids!

We are also looking for Holly Jolly volunteers. Please sign up by clicking here and bring your cheer! Any questions? Please contact Kayla Schlicker at 989-450-8057.

St. Paul Cookbooks

St. Paul Cookbooks make a great Christmas gift! The St. Paul PTO has a limited quantity available for $20 each. Please see Kayla Schlicker or contact the office for more information.

Second Quarter School Cafeteria Kid Assistant Volunteers

Thank you to our First Quarter Cafeteria Kid Assistant Volunteers! You helped our students navigate the cafeteria procedures, cleaned tables between groups, and assisted students with opening food and drink containers. We appreciate you! If you would like to help during the second quarter, please check out the Second Quarter Sign Up Genius here. Only one volunteer is needed each day from 11:00 am -12:30 pm. Thanks for your help serving our school community!

Extended - Wanted: New or Gently Used Shoes!

The Poland & Alaska mission teams are still collecting non- hole, clean, used shoes! Please dig into those closest and under the beds and bring your shoes that are just taking up room to the back of church, ministry center, or the school for the next few weeks. This collection will not only help the Poland & Alaska mission trips - it will also bless other Third World countries who will receive these shoes. If you need someone to pick up your shoes - please contact Heidi at 989-450-0975 or Lisa at 989-751-5209.

Valley Vision

The December issue of the VLHS Valley Vision is available here.

Installation of Rev. Seth Kaiser - Trinity Lutheran, Monitor

You are cordially invited to attend and participate in the installation of Rev. Seth Kaiser as Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Monitor (20 E. Salzburg Road corner of 8 Mile, Bay City, MI). The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2022. There will be a light reception held after the service in the school gymnasium, which you are also invited to attend. No need to make reservations, just come if you are able.

Living Nativity

Immanuel Lutheran Church of Frankentrost (8220 E. Holland Rd., Saginaw) will host its 26th annual "Living Nativity - A Journey to Bethlehem" on Friday, December 2 (7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.); Saturday, December 3 (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.); and Sunday, December 4 (6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.). Experience the sights and sounds of Bethlehem on that blessed night when Jesus Christ was born. This is a free 30 minute outdoor walk, so dress for the weather. Fellowship and refreshments will follow in the school.

VLHS Brass, Handbells & Choir Concert

On the first Christmas, in a tiny town, the greatest miracle the world has ever seen was taking place: the God of the universe came to Earth as a simple baby. And the world was changed forever. On December 11 at 3:00 p.m., join the Brass, Handbells, and Choirs of Valley Lutheran High School at St. Michael's Lutheran Church - 3455 South Van Buren Road, Reese, MI - as we celebrate the Savior who was born in a manger. We hope you will join us!

VLHS Job Position

Valley Lutheran High School (VLHS) is seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director. The Executive Director will serve as a Christian role model for students and the community, provide the School with long-range, visionary Christ-centered educational leadership, develop and maintain positive relationships with the community, constituents, parents, and donors, and provide financial and administrative oversight for VLHS. We would like to fill the position by the start of the 2023/2024 school year. Applicants may send a resume with references and a cover letter to Valley Lutheran High School, c/o Julie Neumann, 3560 McCarty Rd, Saginaw, MI 48603 or by e-mail to jneumanncpa@yahoo.com.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. For further information call or text Julie Neumann, Call Committee Chair, at 989-245-9095.

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 11:1–10

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide disputes by what his ears hear, but with righteousness he shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked. Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins. The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

Epistle

Romans 15:4–13

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Holy Gospel

Matthew 3:1–12

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” Now John wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children for Abraham. Even now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

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