A Lesson Learned During Advent - Razor...

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3-161218 - 1 Issue#: 3-161218 Preceding Sunday, December 18, 2016 Julie Reynolds of Snohomish, Washington, tells of one Advent season when all her young children came down with chicken pox. Everything planned was put on hold or forgotten altogether. They missed many church and community activities as well as get-togethers with family and friends. But Julie discovered something during her forced hiatus. She had time to do things with her children. The children were well enough to engage in some family activities that the normal Christmas rush might have prevented. She read Christmas stories to the children. The kids used blankets, walking sticks and other objects to reenact the story of the holy family traveling to Bethlehem. They had time together to discover the joy of family fellowship and to think seriously about the meaning of Christmas. Julie recalled other Christmases when she had been so busy shopping, decorating, cooking and running about that she missed Jesus. She said, “I completely missed celebrating the joy of His birth in my own heart. And the emptiness I have felt at those times brought a sorrow and regret deep in my soul.” No more! Now she deliberately schedules “open days” on her calendar, especially during Advent. They are days for waiting upon God, praying, listening and enjoying the peace of God. And they are days of truly being with her family, keeping the bond strong, and the relationships in good repair. Now, she recalls with gratitude the lesson she learned during that Advent years ago. A Lesson Learned During Advent Taken from The NEWSLETTER Newsletter: http://www.newsletternewsletter.com/ subscriber/searchcontent.asp?keywords=Advent&imageField2.x=63&imageField2.y=12 Published in: December 2004 A publication of Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1036 W A Street, Moscow, ID 83843 Phone: 208.882.3915 Fax: 208.882.3917 [email protected] www.emmanuelmoscow.org Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM—4 PM (unless otherwise noted.)

Transcript of A Lesson Learned During Advent - Razor...

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Issue#: 3-161218

Preceding Sunday, December 18, 2016

Julie Reynolds of Snohomish, Washington, tells of one Advent season when all her young children came down with chicken pox. Everything planned was put on hold or forgotten altogether. They missed many church and community activities as well as get-togethers with family and friends. But Julie discovered something during her forced hiatus. She had time to do things with her children. The children were well enough to engage in some family activities that the normal Christmas rush might have prevented. She read Christmas stories to the children. The kids used blankets, walking sticks and other objects to reenact the story of the holy family traveling to Bethlehem. They had time together to discover the joy of family fellowship and to think seriously about the meaning of Christmas. Julie recalled other Christmases when she had been so busy shopping, decorating, cooking and running about that she missed Jesus. She said, “I completely missed celebrating the joy of His birth in my own heart. And the emptiness I have felt at those times brought a sorrow and regret deep in my soul.” No more! Now she deliberately schedules “open days” on her calendar, especially during Advent. They are days for waiting upon God, praying, listening and enjoying the peace of God. And they are days of truly being with her family, keeping the bond strong, and the relationships in good repair. Now, she recalls with gratitude the lesson she learned during that Advent years ago.

A Lesson Learned During Advent

Taken from The NEWSLETTER Newsletter: http://www.newsletternewsletter.com/subscriber/searchcontent.asp?keywords=Advent&imageField2.x=63&imageField2.y=12

Published in: December 2004

A publication of Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1036 W A Street, Moscow, ID 83843 Phone: 208.882.3915 Fax: 208.882.3917 [email protected] www.emmanuelmoscow.org

Church Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM—4 PM (unless otherwise noted.)

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Scripture Readings for December 18, 2016

Fourth Sunday of Advent:

Isaiah 7:10-16 An Israelite and Aramean

military coalition presented a serious threat to King Ahaz of

Judah. In response, Ahaz decided to secure his throne

and kingdom by seeking refuge in Assyrian help. Isaiah reminds Ahaz that human attempts to establish security will fail. The

prophet gives the sign of Immanuel that is the only

source of true safety: God is with us!

Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Romans 1:1-7 Most of the Christians in Rome

do not know Paul. In this letter’s opening he introduces himself as an apostle divinely

appointed to spread God’s gospel. The gospel’s content is the promised coming of Christ, and Paul’s mission is to bring about the obedience of faith

among all nations, including his Roman audience.

Matthew 1:18-25

Matthew’s story of Jesus’ birth focuses on the role of Joseph,

who adopts the divinely-begotten child into the family of David and obediently gives him the name Jesus, which means

“God saves.”

Sermon by Pastor Dave Daugs

Prayer Pieces Sunday mornings at 8:30 in “The Gallery.” Join us in prayer, fellowship, and conversation, while we knit, crochet, and cross-stitch. Contact Gretchen Isakson (gretchenisakson@ yahoo.com) or Robbie Giles ([email protected]) with questions. Adult Sunday School! See Through the Scriptures with Pastor Daugs, extended through January 8, in the Fellowship Hall from 8-9 AM on Sunday mornings. See Through the Scriptures the “big picture” of the Bible’s message, quickly and clearly. J.A.M. - Jesus and Me! for children through age 12. Following the Children’s Sermon, J.A.M. leaders will escort the kiddos down to the Fellowship Hall for crafts, games, songs, and a snack. Children will return to the Sanctuary just prior to Holy Communion. (Note: JAM will not meet on Sunday, December 25.) Men’s Breakfast! This is a great time when “the MEN” come together for a fantastic breakfast and devotional time, usually every 2nd & 4th Wednesday mornings at 7 AM. NEW! Following breakfast, the MEN will head to church for a work day! PLEASE NOTE: Due to holidays, Men’s Breakfast will only be meeting on Wed., December 14, at 7 AM, at the Breakfast Club in Moscow. Contact the Church Office with questions. ([email protected], 882.3915) The “Old Dudes!” On all the Wednesdays when there is no Men’s Breakfast (all Wednesdays except the 2nd and 4th) meet a bunch of Emmanuel “Old Dudes” for coffee and fellowship at the Moscow Co-op at 7 AM! Theology on Tap! Join us in the backroom of One World Cafe (corner of 6th and Main, Moscow) the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 5:15 PM. Next meeting: December 15. Questions? Contact Walter Hesford. [email protected] MARY Circle usually meets the first Monday of the month. The group will meet next on Monday, January 2, 2017 at 1:30 PM, at Good Samaritan Village Community Room. Questions? Call Shelley Dale (882.9555 or [email protected]) LEAH Circle usually meets the first Tuesday of the month for devotions and a potluck lunch. The group will meet next on January 3, 2017, at Jeanette Johnson’s home (2515 Shelby Lane, Moscow). Bible Study Leader: Charlene Olsson. All women at Emmanuel are warmly invited to attend. Questions? Jeanette Johnston 208.892.9549, or Charlene Olsson 208.882.1028

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LAST MID-WEEK ADVENT WORSHIP! Family centered mid-week supper and Advent services will be held on Wednesdays, November 30, December 7, and December 14. Supper begins at 5:30 PM with worship following at 6 PM, all downstairs in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for food and fellowship, followed by meaningful Advent activities and Holden Evening Prayer. Thanks you to the following dinner hosts:

Nov 30: Youth & Family Dec 7: Choir - Dec 14: Church Council

YOUTH! COOKIES! Luth Youth- get out your sprinkles and frosting, it's time to decorate Christmas Cookies! Saturday, December 17, 1-4 PM, at Emmanuel Lutheran. Questions? Contact Lisa Allen at [email protected]

THEOLOGY ON TAP! Meet in the backroom of One World Cafe (corner of 6th and Main, Moscow) the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month at 5:15 PM. Next meeting: December 15. Theology on Tap will discuss the Spirit this Thursday. Join the conversation! Questions? Contact Walter Hesford. [email protected]

SOME PRESCHOOL NOTES: The Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool Christmas program will be held

Thursday, December 15, at 6 PM upstairs in the sanctuary. Campbell’s Soup labels are no longer accepting labels for education.

Thank you to everyone who has supported our school in the past by collecting soup labels.

When you are shopping at Bookpeople of Moscow, and mention Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool, 3% of your purchase will benefit our preschool.

TREASURERS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2016 With a 2016 budget of $363,600, that includes the roof loan, income needs to average about $30,300 per month to meet budget. Income from the general fund in November totaled $31,110 and expenses were $28,146. As a result, the operating gain for November was $2,964 and the year-to-date deficit total is now $28,302. We continue to carry a $15,000 balance from our line of credit and incur about $75 in interest expense monthly. The balance on the roof replacement loan today is $51,579; our monthly payment is $987. We hope you have had the opportunity to join us in worship in December. The church building has benefited in many ways this year as a result of special giving projects. Most obvious is the new carpeting around the altar. As we end the 2016 calendar year, we want to thank you for your continued generosity supporting the mission and vision of Emmanuel. As you think of year-end tax planning, we want you to know how much your generosity supports not only members locally but those in need worldwide. Thanks to everyone for their continued generosity. We are truly blessed. —Jon Kimberling and Gwen Mitchell, Co-Treasurers

Thank you, thank you to all those involved with the

wonderful ELCW Advent Brunch on Saturday,

December 3rd. A huge thank you to Cody, Tyler and Ian Wendt for providing beautiful music; Jeanette Peterson for playing the piano for our

carol singing; Leah and Mary Circles for an abundant feast;

the inspirational message from guest speaker Pastor

Gail Duba, (from Spokane); and the ELCW board for bringing it all together:

Charlene Olsson, Verla Olson Clauss, Janice Johnson and Karin

Steenberg! The very generous offering was

designated to Christmas for Kids. Richard Clauss helped close the program with carol singing to lighted candles, a

perfect way to start the season. Again, thank you!

Gratefully, Jan Martin ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Thanks to everyone who helped support the

Emmanuel Preschool fall pizza kit fundraiser. We made over $1000 for the

preschool. This money will go towards scholarships and the

overall maintenance and development of our amazing

program! Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming bake sale on Sunday, Feb. 12 after

Preschool Sunday. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Happy Birthday this week: Karen Ross,

Becky Brenner, Marijka Schwarzlaender,

Luke Baker

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December 18, 2016

Ministers: The Congregation

Presiding: Pastor Daugs

Dir. Of Music/Organist: Janet McIntosh

Altar Guild: Deb Dumroese

Acolyte: Henry Roberts Altar Flowers:

Poinsettia Garden Assisting Minister:

Kathy Kwiatkowski Communion Assistants:

Tara Roberts Nancy Sasser

Counters: Heidi Bitterwolf

Chris Watts Fellowship:

Jon & Sharon Kimberling Shelley McGuire

Paul & Kathy Kwiatkowski Ron Landeck & Deb Wyatt

Greeters: Steve & Carol Nelson

J.A.M. Leader: Chie Baker

J.A.M. Assistant: Deb Wyatt

Quiet Room Attendant: Chie Baker

Reader: Lisa Bender

Ushers: Vern Kinnison Richard Clauss

Verla Olson Clauss Mitzi Houska

Walter Hesford

2017 OFFERING ENVELOPES ARE HERE and ready for you to pick up. You’ll find them in the Bridge area. If you don’t find a box with your name on it, let us know in the office. We will get you one.

Thanks to our Financial Secretary, Kathy Anderson, for getting envelopes ready, and ALL you do for us!

Wednesday Dec 14 Youth Director Office Hours 6:00 AM Weekly Publication

Deadline 7:00 AM Men's Breakfast (The

Breakfast Club) 9:00 AM CANCELED: ELCW

Piecemakers 9:00 AM Preschool Music

(Sanctuary) 5:30 PM Mid-Week Advent Meal

(Host: Church Council) 6:00 PM Mid-Week Advent Worship 7:00 PM Adult Bells Thursday Dec 15 Youth Director Office Hours 9:00 AM Preschool Music

(Sanctuary) 9:30 AM Music with Gillian (Bridge) 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 10 AM-Noon

Off Site 5:15 PM Theology on Tap! (One

World Café) 6:00 PM Preschool Christmas

Program (Sanctuary) 6:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Friday Dec 16 Youth Director Office Hours 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled Saturday Dec 17 1:00 PM Luth Youth CHRISTMAS

COOKIE DECORATING (Hall)

Sunday Dec 18 ~4th Sunday in Advent 8:00 AM Adult Christian Education

(Hall) 8:30 AM Prayer Pieces (Gallery) 9:30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Children's Choir/Chime

Choir 11:00 AM Fellowship (Hall) Monday Dec 19 Pastor Off Tuesday Dec 20 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled Wednesday Dec 21 Winter Solstice 6:00 AM Weekly Publication

Deadline 7:00 PM Adult Bells Thursday Dec 22 9:30 AM Music with Gillian (Bridge) 5:30 PM Choir Rehearsal Friday Dec 23 Church Office Closed 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled Saturday Dec 24 Christmas Eve 4:30 PM Christmas Eve Worship Sunday Dec 25 Christmas 9:30 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM No Fellowship Hour

Merry Christmas! Monday Dec 26 Church Office Closed Pastor Off Tuesday Dec 27 5:30 PM Church Cleaning Scheduled

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The Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool Christmas program will be held Thursday, December 15, at 6 PM upstairs in the sanctuary.

Campbell’s Soup labels are no longer accepting labels for education. Thank you to everyone who has supported our school in the past by collecting soup labels.

When you are shopping at Bookpeople of Moscow, and mention Emmanuel Lutheran Preschool, 3% of your purchase will benefit our preschool.

Reminder for weather related school closures, we follow the Moscow School District. If you see Moscow School District closed, this also means we will be closed. They announce on KXLY, KLEW, 1150 AM, 1400 AM, 99.5 FM, 104.3 FM, and 106.1 FM.

No school December 19-January 2. School resumes on Tuesday, January 3. Merry Christmas!

Thanks to everyone who helped support our fall pizza kit fundraiser. We made over $1000 for the preschool. This money will go towards scholarships and the overall maintenance and development of our amazing program! Stay tuned for more information about our upcoming bake sale on Sunday, February 12 after Preschool Sunday.

SOME

FUN ! ! !

FEAST

THANKSGIVING

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In November, the Luth Youth welcomed the fall with an afternoon of raking leaves. We went to one of our beloved congregation families, who had a yard full of

leaves and needed some help. After playing and jumping in the piles, we were able to bag up the

leaves. What a fun way to lend a hand! A special thanks to Pastor Dave and Vern Kinnison

for helping us get our work done!

The Mighty Youth had a play day at Emmanuel. We spent time going on bear hunts, looking for teddy

bears hiding throughout the church. The sunshine even came out so we could enjoy playing outside

on the playground.

Sarah Greenwalt and Keelyn Pilcher were confirmed in November. They delivered a sermon, with

the help of two other confirmation students, highlighting the life of Martin and Katie Luther.

Thanks for the special church service and congratulations Sarah and Keelyn!

Lisa Allen - Emmanuel Youth Director

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Lutherhaven Ministries is your congregation's year-round outdoor ministry. We're Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Shoshone Mountain Retreat & Ranch up the

North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River, Idaho Servant Adventures, and week-long Lutherhaven Day Camps held in communities around the Northwest. Did you know? 2016 marks our 70th year

offering quality, safe, Christ-centered programs for campers of every age!

DAVE ISAKSON MEMORIAL

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

The Dave Isakson Memorial Scholarship Fund was

established by Gretchen Isakson and her family in 2013. The purpose of this

scholarship fund is to champion sending children

to Camp Lutherhaven.

Lutherhaven offers many Christian based camping opportunities for children,

grades 1 through 12.

If you would like to contribute to this great cause, as a memorial…

a gift… in celebration of… please note on your

offering, “Dave Isakson Memorial Scholarship Fund.”

You can put your contribution in the offering plate on Sunday morning,

drop it by the Church Office, or mail it to:

Emmanuel Lutheran Church 1036 West A Street Moscow, ID 83843

Thank you for helping our

youth make special relationships,

have exciting experiences and make lasting memories!

Here are a few things coming up at camp:

Back 2 Camp Middle School Retreat :: January 20-22 Classic middle school weekend full of camp friends, activities and worship! Bring a friend or five and give them a snapshot of this coming summer's theme. This is just one of two epic middle school weekends. BYG (Building Youth Groups) Middle School Retreat :: January 27-29 A weekend of team-building, group devotions, games and hopefully some snow! Facilitated time set aside for groups to dream, plan, covenant, reflect and be

together. This is just one of two epic middle school weekends! Back 2 Camp Grade School Retreat :: February 3-5 Our classic 3rd - 6th grade retreat weekend. Relive camp for an awesome time with camp friends, activities and worship! Bring a friend or five and them them a snapshot of this coming summers theme. Spring Cut, Crop & Quilt :: March 3-5 Bring your favorite crafting, quilting or scrapbook project to camp for the

weekend. Pause for meals, worship & devotion, otherwise the time is yours to craft away! A massage therapist will be on site to help you stay relaxed and focused. Spring Women's Retreat :: March 17-19 A weekend to relax, be refreshed and feel rejuvenated with our speaker Pastor

Julie Blum. Spend time at the spa, get a massage, take a walk by the lake or craft all day

long! Most importantly, be reminded that you are God's beloved daughter! Spring Golden Ager's Day Out :: April 25 Spend a beautiful spring day on the lake at Lutherhaven! Join us for a fabulous lunch, great friends and plenty of laughs. A one day retreat for retirees, senior adults and older adult groups.

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There are many ways to be involved in the ministries at Emmanuel.

Just let us know what you hold interest in, what your gifts are, what you like to do!

Your help is always needed and appreciated! Please contact us! 208.882.3915 or

[email protected]

Usually this servant opportunity is reserved for our younger members. There is a special significance to what the acolyte does. First, an acolyte lights the candles. This signifies that the Holy Spirit is in the place of worship. By

lighting the candles, you show those who worship that God is present in this house.

When you extinguish the candles at the end of the

service, you are signifying that the Holy Spirit is leaving the place of worship in everyone’s hearts. Lighting and extinguishing the candles generally indicates the start

and the end of a worship service.

Acolytes dress in robes, quietly carry torches, crosses, thuribles, alms basins and cruets. A vital part of worship, they blend into the background helping our liturgies flow

smoothly, and rejoicing in the privilege to serve at God’s altar.

If you are interested in serving as an Acolyte,

or you have children that you feel might wish to serve in this role, please speak with Pastor Daugs

or Youth Director, Lisa Allen.

What would YOU like to do?

Here’s an idea! Make a positive impact on the Sunday experience of all who enter here!

Ministers: The Congregation Presiding: Pastor Daugs

Dir. Of Music/Organist Janet McIntosh

Altar Guild: Deb Dumroese Acolyte: Monroe Mastro

Altar Flowers: Poinsettia Garden Assisting Minister: Ron Landeck

Greeters: Kevin & Anne Peterson Quiet Room Attendant:

SERVANT NEEDED Reader: The Allen Family

Ushers: Vern Kinnison, Mitzi Houska

Mark Wemple, Craig Greenwalt

Ministers: The Congregation

Presiding: Pastor Daugs Dir. Of Music/Organist:

Janet McIntosh Altar Guild: Deb Dumroese Acolyte: SERVANT NEEDED

Altar Flowers: Poinsettia Garden Assisting Minister: Kris Daugs

Counters: Carolyn Todd, Julie Spangler

Greeters: Nancy Ruth Peterson

Noell Swearingen Quiet Room Attendant:

Janet McIntosh Reader: Mara Alldredge

Ushers: Vern Kinnison, Noell Swearingen

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Annika Janine Schwarzlaender born on April 27, 2016 will be

baptized on Sunday, December 18. Join Annika, her parents,

Mark & Marijka, her sister, Swaantje, with sponsors, Charlene Ewart, William Root, Janice Johnson

and the entire Emmanuel Congregation for this special day!

Water Water flows through the Scriptures: the flood, the Red Sea crossing, water springing from a rock

to nourish Israelites in the wilderness, the healing of Naaman's leprosy when he washed in the Jordan River, John's baptism of Jesus and, chiefly, our baptism into Christ.

The water of baptism symbolizes cleansing from sin, the quenching of our spiritual thirst and God raising us from death (drowning in sin) to life everlasting. Just as we can't live without physical water,

neither can we truly live without the living water that Jesus gives

Evelyn Rose Halladay

born on September 15, 2016 will be baptized on Sunday, December 18.

Join Evelyn, her parents, Jolene & Matthew, her sister, Olivia,

her brother, Clayton, with sponsors, Paige Nolta

and the entire Emmanuel Congregation for this special day!

Featured in THIS issue, # 3-161218, of the Emphasis: Weekly Edition:

A Lesson Learned During Advent...

QUICK List of Emmanuel Happenings

Preschool News

Emmanuel YOUTH!

For the KID in ALL of US!

Lutherhaven “Camp Corner!”

“Meet our Members…” … December 18 Baptismal Birthdays!...