Church Bulletin - December 9, 2022

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December 9, 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
Shirley Ziegler

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
Mary Ghosh (Schlicker relative; cancer)
Janet Hoerauf
Larry Kramer
Lura Gehrman
Roger Brown
Sydra Krueger
Fuzz Appold
Leslie Kelley
Judy Coulter
Sandy Hafer

This Week's Members

Miranda Ayala
Jeffrey Berger
Judy Dawson
Jill, Robert, Evangeline & Blue Friske
Julia Helmreich
Nathan, Kristen, Brynlee & Ryker Kolberg
Michael, Deanne & Rachel Mammel
Adam & Michelle Oswald
Tom & Naomi Schimm
Adolph Sturm
David & Sheryl Wood

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.

Tuesday, December 13

Choir 6:00 p.m.

Bell Choir 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 14

Newsletter Articles Due

Song Service 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 15

Friendship Circle Christmas Party 6:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 18

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 - 375 (210, 165)

Midweek Advent - 157 (80, 70)

Baptisms

Noel Josephine Carr, child of Michael & Allison Carr, born November 15, 2022, will be baptized on Sunday, December 11, during the 10:30 a.m. service. Sponsors are Paul & Jane Guse, along with Catherine Carr.

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 11 - Psalms 143-145

December 12 - Proverbs 29

December 13 - Revelation 8

December 14 - Revelation 9

December 15 - Revelation 10

December 16 - Revelation 11

December 17 - Psalms 146-147

Stewardship - An Act of Faith

Matthew 11:10 – “This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’” 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 tonight, 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!

Advent Season

Wednesday midweek services during Advent have begun, 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 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 Season

December 24

3:30 p.m. Celebration & Praise Christmas Eve Service

6:30 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Service

11 p.m. Christmas Vespers

December 25

9 a.m. Christmas Worship with Communion

December 31

No Service

January 6

6:30 p.m. Epiphany Service

Advent Supper - Wednesday, December 14

The Advent Supper for Wednesday, December 14, before the 6:30 p.m. Song Service, is open for a group to host. Please contact the church office if your group is interested.

Song Service - Wednesday, December 14

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here,

Until the Son of God appear!

God's people yearned for God's Promise of love and Salvation... like a Bethlehem wind that would carry the song of angels.

Our Adult Bell Choir and Senior Choir will present instrumental and vocal music selections to share the message of Christ, our Savior.

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, Isaac Matyas

Ladies Aid Bake Sale - Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who generously supported our Bake Sale this year. Whether you donated your time, baked goods, came and bought some delicious goodies or very graciously prayed for us. Your support means the world to us and helped us to have a very successful sale! -Ladies Aid Bake Sale Committee

Fresh Wreath Fundraiser - Thank You!

Thank you for supporting the fresh wreath fundraiser! $1,275 was raised for St. Paul Lutheran School. We appreciate your support and hope that you have a very Merry Christmas! - Kristen Glasser and Ray & Debbie Garcia

Thank You - Advent Suppers!

Thank you to all who supported the Alaska Mission by participating in the meals between the Advent services! And thank you to those who helped or donated desserts! We are so very thankful for you!!

Thank You!

Thank you to Pastor Matyas and my St. Paul family and friends for your prayers, warm thoughts, cards and visits which helped me recover from a broken arm. I sincerely appreciate all that you have done on my behalf. -Marie Hendrick

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

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.

Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive on December 29 from 2:00 p.m. - 6:25 p.m. in the Ministry Center. For information contact Darlene or Julia.

New Bible Study Next Year

There is a new Bible Study beginning next year on Tuesday mornings. The first weeks session we will be studying Leviticus. If you are interested contact Julia at 989-684-6089 or 989-225-1889 by December 25.

Food of Faith - Help Needed

Food of Faith has grown in the number of people it has served in the last 1 1/2 yrs since I have been heading it up for St. Paul. We have gone from serving 160 people to 275 in recent weeks. We are committed to serving 5 meals this year.

I am looking for people who are able to help out with monetary donations no matter how small or big. Thrivent cards are greatly appreciated also. I'm asking those who are willing to gift us with their Thrivent cards to not activate them until needed as they have to be used by a certain date once activated. I will give a full accounting of all gifts received.

The months we will be serving are January, March, April, July & October. I have Thrivent cards for January but cash donations are still needed. I ask you to keep me & this Ministry in your prayers. Thank you. Jamie Zeilinger 989 992-4602.

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. nicole

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

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.

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!

Old Testament Reading

Isaiah 35:1–10

The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus; it shall blossom abundantly and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lie down, the grass shall become reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it. It shall belong to those who walk on the way; even if they are fools, they shall not go astray. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast come up on it; they shall not be found there, but the redeemed shall walk there. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Epistle

James 5:7–11

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

Holy Gospel

Matthew 11:2–15

When John heard in prison about the deeds of the Christ, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them. And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What then did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. What then did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

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