First English Ev. Lutheran Church

Inside this issue:

Pastor Walter Schmidt's

Sunday Sermon 2

December Calendar Dates

Annual Meeting

Sound of Music Thank You 4

Stewardship Sunday 5

Holy Land and Jordan Trip

World Hunger

LSSM Dinner Meeting

6

Adult Education 7

Gift Wish List

Organ Fund

Open Door Series

8

Board of Social Action

Valpraiso Tea 9

Carol-a-long

10

Board of Fellowship

Columbarium

Financial Summary

11

Board of Evangelism

Women of the Church

Women's Advent Service

12

With the Members

Parish Ed/Youth News

Board of Youth

13

Holiday Decorating 15

Recycle

Preschool

Kroger Rewards 15

November Birthdays 16

Serving in November 17

Calendar 18

Celebrating Jesus’ Birth

Dear Members and Friends of First English,

Christmas is an exciting and beautiful time of the year. Here at First English we are

surrounded by reminders that the time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus

the Christ is once again drawing nigh. Our Sunday school children have gathered gifts

for the Samaritan’s Purse project, the Giving Tree and food pantry will soon be bursting

with gifts for our neighbors in the city, and Christmas trees and crèches once again adorn

our building.

We in the church are blessed to celebrate the season of advent during the month of

December. Advent is about preparing ourselves to give attention to God’s best gift ever,

JESUS! Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming.” It’s a season in

the Christian church, a period of expectant waiting for Jesus, the Light of the World!

It’s interesting to remember the connection our brother in the faith, Martin Luther has

with lights and Christmas trees. We of course decorate with electric lights, but as legend

has it, it all began with candles. The legend of the candles on the Christmas trees comes

from the country of Germany and is told about Martin Luther, the leader of the

Reformation over 500 years ago.

One cold, clear December night, Martin Luther was returning to his home. Part of his

path took him through the woods, where he could see the stars twinkling and the shining

in the night sky. As he walked along, he noticed how brightly the stars shone through the

snow-covered branches of the fir tress in the forest. The stars twinkled and shone so

brightly they were like diamonds in the night. Luther wished he could share his joy and

wonder at this beautiful sight with the people he loved most- his wife and their children.

Then he had an idea….

He cut a small evergreen tree and took it home with him. At home, he tied small

white candles to the tree’s branches and when the candles were lit, he told his family

about what he had seen in the woods. Martin Luther shared his view of God’s creation

the great gift of God’s son who brought light into the world for all to see. We continue

the tradition today by bringing evergreen trees into our homes and stringing lights

through the branches.

This year as you stop to admire all of the lovely trees adorning our church home, take

some extra time to contemplate the greatest gift of all, JESUS, God’s Son, who is the true

light of the world!

Wishing you Peace & Hope,

Pastor Chris

D EC E M B E R 2 0 1 3D EC E M B E R 2 0 1 3D EC E M B E R 2 0 1 3

2

YES, THERE IS A RESURRECTION!

25th Sunday after Pentecost November 10, 2013 Luke 20:27-38

Now I know that last Sunday was “All Saints Sunday,” and thus it might seem unusual

that the assigned Gospel for today also centers on the question of the resurrection. But

you know if we stop and think about it, the resurrection does lay at the heart and center of

the Christian faith, thus we probably cannot over do talking about the resurrection!

To begin, let me boldly say, Yes, there is a resurrection of the dead! Now I

suspect that all of you would agree with that, or else you would not be sitting here in a

Christian worship service on a Sunday morning, right? And Jesus certainly would agree

with you as he says to us, “I am the resurrection and the life, all who believe in me,

though they die, yet shall they live.” St. Paul puts it like this, “if Christ has not been

raised from the dead then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…”

In fact without the resurrection faith there would be no New Testament, there

would be no Christian church, no Christian faith; literally we would not be here this

morning. It was the faith that God raised his Son from death to life and promised to

us that gift of eternal life which propelled the early church to proclaim the Good News of

Jesus’ victory over sin and death.

Let us not forget that that proclamation was often made in the face of severe

persecution. Now accurate numbers are impossible to assess, but some historians have

estimated that as many as 300,000 Christians were put to death as martyrs for remaining

faithful to their belief that God had raised Christ and promised the eternal kingdom to his

followers. Now do you think that people would put their lives on the line for a mere

possibility, I doubt it. I don’t think that I would. What about you? People who claimed

to have seen the risen Lord and who shared that faith with others, who in turn passed that

faith on to others, were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in light of God’s promise of

eternal life.

Yes, the entire Christian faith literally rises and falls on the centrality of the

resurrection –that God raised His Son from the dead, conquering death for you, for me,

for all of his people of all time and place.

Our Gospel lesson for today speaks of a group of Jews, known as the Sadducees,

who did not accept the resurrection. Now the Sadducees were a relatively small, but

powerful group, made up mostly of the upper class and the priests. They controlled the

Sanhedrin, the supreme court of the Jews, and in essence controlled the temple as the high

priest was a member of the Sadducees.

Now the reason that the Sadducees did not accept the resurrection was because

they only accepted as sacred, the books of the Law: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers

and Deuteronomy, which does not speak of the resurrection. Now it should be added that

at the time of Jesus the vast majority of the Jews accepted not only the books of the laws,

but also the prophets and the writings plus the broad majority did accept the concept of

the resurrection!

But in order to push their point, these Sadducees come to Jesus with this

ridiculous scenario about a woman who married seven brothers, outlived them all, but was

(Continued on page 3)

WE’RE ON THE

WEB

www.feelc.org

MISSION STATEMENT

‘GO, MAKE DISCIPLES’

First English Ev. Lutheran Church

800 Vernier Road

Grosse Pointe Woods,

48236-1530

Phone: 313.884.5040

Fax: 313.884.4460

www.feelc.org

Senior Pastor

Dr. Walter A. Schmidt

pastors@feelc.org

Associate Pastor

Rev. Christina Veres

pastorchris@feelc.org

Education/Youth Coordinator

Renata Conger

renata@feelc.org

Pastor Emeritus

Rev. Paul F. Keppler

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:30 a.m. - Contemporary Worship

with Holy Communion

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

11:00 a.m. --

Traditional Worship Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday

Thursday

Traditional Worship 7:00 p.m.

OFFICE HOURS

8a.m. — 12:30 p.m.

1:30p.m. — 4:00p.m.

(Monday—Friday)

WINTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

9:30 a.m. - Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion

9:30 a.m. – Sunday School

11:00 a.m. - Traditional Worship (Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday)

Christmas Eve Services - 5:00 p.m. - Special Children's Time

7:30 p.m. - Festival Worship

11:00 p.m.- Worship with Holy Communion

3

still childless - the clincher being their question, “Then in the Resurrection, whose wife will the woman be???”

Now this concept known as Levirate marriage is a part of the Old Testament law but had generally fallen into

disuse by the time of Jesus. The purpose of Levirate marriage was really two fold – first of all to protect the widow, for

women had no legal rights in the ancient world, - and secondly to hopefully produce an heir for the deceased brother.

Now the entire purpose of the scenario by the Sadducees was to discredit Jesus who obviously did believe in the

resurrection.

But enough of background for the more important issue for us today is not what the Sadducees believed 2000

years ago; who by the way literally faded from the scene after the destruction of the Jerusalem temple in 70 AD by the

Roman troops; but rather for us, here and now, today, to look at the Biblical concept of the resurrection, and what that

means for you and me, and our loved ones.

First of all we should note that while the scriptures do indeed point with bold assurance to the reality of the

resurrection that does not mean that our Lord downplays the reality and the pain and the loss of death. In fact, Luke

specifically reminds us that Jesus is on his way to Jerusalem when this story takes place. Now Jesus’ purpose in going to

the Holy City was not just pay a visit, nor even just to be there for the Jewish Passover celebration, but he was going to

Jerusalem fully aware that there he would suffer and die! JESUS WAS GOING TO JERUSALEM TO DIE!

Plus, we also know that Jesus, upon hearing of the death of his dear friend Lazarus, openly wept for that loss and

for Lazarus’ family. Jesus, being fully human, feels the same pain at the death of a loved one that we feel. He does not

deny our grief, but expresses it openly.

In addition, Jesus most certainly buried his earthly father, Joseph. While there are no specific references in

scripture, we do not hear of Joseph after the episode of Jesus in the temple when he was 12 years old. Obviously,

sometime between then and when Jesus began his public ministry at age 30, Joseph did pass away.

Yes, death is a reality. Not only for our loved must ones; but we also, sooner or later, walk through that valley of

the shadow of death. In fact scripture refers to death as the “last enemy to be destroyed,” and is it not that reality of

death, that separation, that sense of loss, of grief, of pain, of sorrow, that makes the resurrection so meaningful???

When God created us in His image, he intended for humankind to live forever, but as we know sin entered into

our world, and as St. Paul so dramatically reminds us, “the wages of sin is death.” But you know there is a second half to

that verse, which unfortunately is often forgotten. The entire verse from Romans 6 reads: “For the wages of sin is death,

but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Yes, there is a resurrection!

But what is life like in the resurrection? Now before we attempt to answer that question, a word of caution.

Let us bear in mind that we are in essence “trying to describe the indescribably.” The full realities of heaven are really

beyond our human experience and comprehension. Thus we are left with signs and symbols, similes and metaphors,

images and picture language to try to understand the glory and wonder of the resurrection and the heavenly kingdom.

I John put it so well: “Beloved, we are God’s children now; it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know

that when Jesus appears we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is!” St. Paul, in that beautiful “Love Chapter,” I

Corinthians 13, says “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall

understand fully, even as I have been fully understood.” Two chapters later Paul says: “I tell you this; flesh and blood

cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable.” The Book of Revelation speaks of

heaven in glowing, magnificent terms like “pearly gates,” and “streets paved with gold,” and “no need of sun or moon for

the glory of God is its light and its lamp is the lamb,” and we will have access once again to the “tree of life and we shall

reign forever and ever.”

And of course, Jesus, in our text for today, reminds us that in the resurrection we “neither marry nor are given in

marriage. Indeed we cannot die anymore, because we are like angels and are children of God, being children of the

resurrection.”

Now I invite you to note that all of these scripture images of the resurrection and of heaven, plus others that we

could point to, all speak of a transformation! Heaven is not just this world improved, but a whole new creation. We,

this world and everything in it, are in bondage to sin, and thus must be transformed! Again from the words of St. Paul,

“For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality!”

Yes, as God has created us to inhabit this world, he will recreate us to share with him the eternal kingdom!

Revelation, Chapter 21 describes heaven so well; words that have been of great meaning and comfort to me when

I have lost loved ones and have ministered to members and their loved ones: “The dwelling of God is among his

people, He will dwell with them; they will be his people, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear

from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for these former things

have passed away.”

(Continued from page 2)

(Continued on page 14)

4

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP You do not need to be reminded how busy the Holiday Season is, nor all that needs to be done with so much

time, energy and effort expended. However, as Children of God, let us not forget the “Real Reason for the Season,”

that God has kept his promise to his people, to send to us a Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord. Please join with your fel-

low members and invited your family and friends as we gather together on Christmas Eve to offer up our thanks and

praise for the gift of the Christ child. We again this year will have three services on Christmas Eve,

December 24, 2013.

5:00 PM – Candlelight Service with Children’s Time.

7:30 PM – Candlelight Service with Special Music at 7:15 PM

11:00 PM Candlelight Service with Holy Communion & Special Music at 10:45 PM

O COME LET US ADORE HIM, CHRIST THE LORD

DECEMBER CALENDAR

Because Thanksgiving weekend unusually falls on the first Sunday of December this year, our Church

Council has approved some changes to our schedule. Please note the following dates and times:

Sunday, December 1, 2013 – ONE service at 10:00 a.m. followed by our Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary

(NOTE: This is Thanksgiving Weekend)

Sunday, December 8, 2012 – Carol-A-Long (evening)

Sunday, December 15, 2013 – Music Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Service

Monday, December 16, 2013 – Women’s Advent Service (evening)

Sunday, December 22, 2013 –Children’s Christmas Program 11:00 a.m.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013 –Christmas Eve Candlelight Services, 5:00, 7:30 & 11:00 p.m.

Friday, December 27, 2013 - Christmas Tea & Tree Walk, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Sunday December 29, 2013 – one service at 10:00 a.m. with special New Year emphasis

ANNUAL MEETING/NOMINATIONS/ANNUAL REPORTS

As noted above our Annual Meeting falls on Thanksgiving Weekend, but our constitution stipulates that our Annual Meeting be held on the first Sunday in December. Because of the Holiday Weekend we will have one service (10:00 AM) on December 1st, immediately followed by the Annual Meeting in the Sanctuary. During the day of the Annual Meeting we will have elections. Thus we are now in the process of seeking volunteers to serve on our various Boards. If you are interesting in serving on a Board for the ministry of First English, or have questions about serving on a board, please speak to Pastor Chris or Pastor Schmidt. First English Boards are: Church Property, Evangelism, Fellowship, Parish Education, Social Action, Stewardship & Finance, Worship & Music and Youth Ministry. Thank you to all of our members currently serving as Officers and Board Members as well as those who have allowed their names to be nominated for our Annual Meeting. Annual Reports will be available to pick up on the Sunday prior to our Annual Meeting, November 24.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU AND THANK YOU! THE SOUND OF MUSIC Many thank to all of our members and friends, both on the stage and behind the scenes for our very

successful production of The Sound of Music. We have received so many favorable comments on this year’s

musical. A special thanks Michael Maurice, director, to our own music master, Bob Foster, musical director, plus

Patty Foster who wore so many different hats and kept everything moving forward, Kyle Clor who headed up our

cooks and servers for the “dinner” portion of our Dinner Theatre, Claudette Momenee stage/props

director, Carolyn Schmidt who ran the concessions; plus, as we said the many, many people that it takes to run a

major production such as this. Again, we see that First English is blest with not only many talented members, but

also many members who are willing to share their time and talents. Thank You!

5

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY-NOVEMBER 10, 2013

We celebrated Stewardship Sunday at First English on Sunday, November, 10,2013. If you were not able

to be with us that Sunday, we have included a copy of the “Commitment Sheet” for your convenience.

Please simply fill it out, mail it to the church office, or place in the offering plate. As a reminder the top

line is for the weekly operating expenses of the church and the bottom line is for the monthly mission

envelope which supports ministries outside of First English. As you know we have a very active, involved

ministry at and through First English which requires the support of all of our members. On behalf of the

mission and ministry of First English Lutheran Church, thank you for your ongoing support!

6

LAST CHANCE!!

HOLY LAND TOUR –

ISRAEL AND JORDAN

We are approaching your “last chance” to

register for our 11 Day Israel/Jordan Tour!

The deadline to register for our Israel/Jordan

Tour is fast approaching; we need your

reservations now! The dates are February 26

– March 8, 2014, and we need 90 days to

secure overseas group flights. However our

tour company says we can still get you in!

Pastor Schmidt has brochures describing our

tour and you will also find the brochures on the

tables in the hallway. In addition, if you know

of someone who might be interested, please

contact Pastor Schmidt. A tour of the Holy

Land is more than a tour – it is a pilgrimage!

Seeing the actual sites where the Biblical

events took place makes the Bible truly come

alive like no traditional Bible study can. In

addition, the “Rose Red” city of Petra, Jordan is

a wonder to behold! Make your plans now to

join with us! Just imagine how meaningful

next Christmas will be after you have stood

in the “Church of the Nativity,” the

traditional birthplace of Jesus! Why not

give yourself or a loved one a Christmas gift

to the Holy Land!

WORLD HUNGER/TYPHOON INGATHERING While we always lift up the World Hunger Appeal during the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday Season, this year because of the Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, we also bring that to your attention. In fact, our National Church, through our Lutheran Disaster Response, has already pledged $1 million dollars in aid to the Philippines. We partner with our national church’s World Hunger campaign, and Lu-theran Disaster Response, both highly respected, who are deeply involved in fighting hunger, alleviating need and sponsoring projects to create self-sufficiency. Last year over $30 million was raised and distrib-uted throughout the world. You will find “World Hunger Envelopes” on the tables in the hallway for your gift or you may send your check directly to Lutheran Disaster Response, 39330 Treasury Center, Chicago, IL 60694-9300. Please note “Pacific Typhoon Response” or “Where Needed Most” on your check’s memo line. Thank you for your support!

LSSM DINNER – TRANSFORMING LIVES IN A BROKEN WORLD Join Lutheran Social Services of Michigan’s Board of Directors for an evening of inspiring

stories from vulnerable people struggling with poverty, homelessness or incarceration and striving

to regain their place in life. Experience the ministry of LSSM through the Wayne County Family

Center, Heartline and Neighborhood House. Our Mission: Serving people as an expression of the

love of Christ.

First English is pleased and honored to host this event and all members are invited to

this complimentary meal and program. The date is Thursday, December 5, 2013, in the Lu-

ther Center with Reception at 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 6:30 p.m. and program to follow. Please

RSVP to Anita Jones by Wednesday, November 27, 2013, (313) 308-8862 or ajone@lssm.org.

7

ADULT EDUCATION AT A GLANCE

9:30 a.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

We are seeing more and more members

joining us for our Adult Sunday

School Class on the THELIFE OF

JESUS; but we would love to have

YOU join with us as well! We meet

during the Sunday School Hour, 9:30 –

10:30 AM, in the Lounge and these

sessions are led by Pastor Chris and

Pastor Schmidt.

This full overview of Jesus’ life

and teaching will take us through the

fall and winter up to the beginning of

the Season of Lent. Let’s face it, we all

could learn more and have a greater ap-

preciation for what our Lord has done

for us! Please join us as we together

grow in our appreciation and under-

standing of the life and teaching of our

Lord and what that means for our lives.

9:30 a.m. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLESTUDY

Martin Luther and the Lutheran Reformation is our Thursday

Morning Bible Study topic. Our “study book” is Luther the Reformer by

James Kittelson, the late professor of Reformation History at Luther

Seminar.

These sessions, which are led by Pastor Schmidt, meet Thursday

mornings, 9:30 -11:00 AM. One cannot deal honestly with the history of

the church or the world, without looking at the life and work of Martin

Luther! We meet every Thursday morning, enjoy some goodies during a

break, and while we do have a nice size group, there is always room for

more! Join us as together we explore our Lutheran Heritage!

Please note our Holiday Schedule. We will not meet

Thanksgiving Day and we will take a short recess for the busy Christmas

Season, by not meeting on December 19, December 26 or January 2nd

.

When we resume on Thursday, January 9, 2014, Pastor Schmidt has

slides of our tours to the “Luther Land.”

WOMEN’S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY

While many of our Circles have a “Christmas Gatherings” over

the Holidays, our Women’s Circle Bible study for this year

through next spring is “In Good Company: Stories of

Biblical Women.” Over the next several months we will be

exploring stories of women from both the Old and New

Testaments as well as contemporary women. Last month we

looked at “The Widow of Zarephath” and our “Woman of

Faith,” whom we will study for December is “Miriam, A

Loving Protector.” To refresh your memory, Miriam is the

sister of Moses, who plays several important roles in the Book

of Exodus.

All women of First English are encouraged to attend a Circle.

Ladies, please check the calendar for the various Circles

meeting schedule.

Grace Circle - Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.

Peace Circle - First Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

Faith Circle - First Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.

Hope Circle - Second Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.

Check the calendar at www.feelc.org

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS Thank you to all of our members who have directed their “Thrivent Choice Dollars” to support the mission

and ministry of First English. Over $2,000.00 was donated last year to First English through this program. If you

are a Thrivent policy holder you are eligible to also direct your support to First English. The rules have changed a

bit in that now the gifting of the “Thrivent Choice Dollars” must be done annually. You can direct your gifts to

First English by calling Thrivent at 1-800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and state “Thrivent Choice” or on line at

Thrivent.com. Again, thank you for your support; it is greatly appreciated!

8

GIFT WISH LIST

TUCKPOINTING AND PILLAR REPAIRS

ORGAN FUND Our organ at First English is over fifty years old, and over the past 10 years has had switching

components beginning to fail. Because the original components of the organ console haven’t been manufactured since the early 1970’s, the console and its related switching need to be rebuilt to have the organ fully functional again. The Peterson Company, which would do the console rebuild,

estimates repairs to be approximately $110,000. Funding at this point is at $52,500 thanks to the Gladys Greenburg Fund, her family has approved the use of this fund to help with the repairs.

If you wish to help with these repairs, please mark your envelope "Organ Fund" and place in the offering plate or leave in the office. Thank you!-The Board of Worship and Music.

OPEN DOOR SERIES coming events…..

This past year the first unit of our facility required tuck-pointing of the outer walls to prevent costly water

damage. In addition the pillars by the southeast entrance to the Narthex required repair. Our Board of Church

Properties received bids for the above repairs and the Church Council approved these projects. The total cost was

$19,600.00, and these repairs have now all been completed. If you would like to assist with the cost of this project

simply mail your check to the church or place in the offering plate. Please designate your gift for

“Church Maintenance.” Thank You!

December 8, 2013 7:00 p.m.

Don’t miss our 33rd annual CAROL-A-LONG. Singing sacred and secular songs of the season will start your Christmas season off right. Our Good News Singers and Ringers will join in singing and ringing at this festive evening. A special appearance by Santa will help celebrate this 33rd edition of our Carol-a-long. Enjoy cookies and conversation afterward in our Luther Center.

ADMISSION Free

December 15, 2013 11:00 a.m.

Our seasonal MUSIC SUNDAY is a tradition at First English Lutheran Church. The Good News Singers and instrumentalists combine to perform several sacred classics from the Advent and Christmas seasons. This year’s music will feature English composer John Rutter. Come and join the congregation, as all are invited to sing some of these seasonal favorites.

ADMISSION Freewill offering

December 15, 2013 3:30 p.m.

Join the GROSSE POINTE COMMUNITY CHORUS in its 61st holiday concert with a global Christmas featuring songs from France, Germany, Italy, Native and African America, England, Norway and more. Favorites include People, Look East; Mary Had a Baby; O Tannenbaum; Deo Gracias from Britten's A Ceremony of Carols; Somerset Wassail; Jingle Bell Fantasy, and many others. The popular, annual Holiday show culminates in the musical wish Let There Be Peace on Earth. The Grosse Pointe Community Chorus is directed by Joseph Palazzolo and accompanied by Ron Pietrantoni.

ADMISSION $12.00 Adults $ 5.00 Children

9

BOARD OF SOCIAL ACTION

VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY GUILD CHRISTMAS TEA Monday, December 2, 2013

Historic Trinity Lutheran Church 1345 Gratiot Avenue

Detroit, Michigan

T HE D AY BE G IN S AT 1 2 : 00 N O ON W I T H AN A D V E N T SE R V I C E I N T HE B E AU T I F U L L Y decorat ed sanctuar y and cont i nues w i th tea

sandw iches and cook i es be i ng ser ved in t he Huegli Auditorium.

Homemade Christmas cookies and “recycled” jewelry will be available for purchase.

For more information call 313-881-9703

A goodwill offering will be collected to benefit higher Christian education at Valparaiso University.

Bring in the Harvest for the Holidays

A big thank-you to everyone who has brought in food for our pantry! Although our shelves aren’t

bare, filling 30+ food baskets for our Immanuel Lutheran “Giving Tree” families, plus supporting our “regulars,” will deplete our supply in no time. Next time you shop, please bring a few items back to

church by Monday, December 16, 2013. Pantry lists/bags with suggested items are located in the hallway and lounge. Hate carrying groceries? We’ll have envelopes hanging on the Giving Tree. Every small donation helps. Make checks payable to FELC/Giving Tree and we’ll do the shopping!

Thanks for giving!

Social Action Elves at Work…. Help us make Christmas special by adopting a child or two from Immanuel Lutheran. Please take a gift tag or envelope for monetary donations off the Giving Tree outside of Pastor Schmidt’s office.

Each tag will have the sex, age and approximate size for each child. Don’t know what to buy? In addition to clothing, we suggest toys and games for younger children; costume jewelry, nail polish,

hand lotion/beauty products for teen girls; adult board games, books, music CDs, wallets, sports jer-seys or grooming kits for teen boys.

All wrapped gifts need to be back under the tree by Sunday, December 16 with the gift tag at-

tached.

Cookie Walk: Sunday, December 15 Bake. Buy. Impress your friends and family by saying you made ‘em all! Bring your homemade

favorites to the “new” kitchen on Saturday or before the early service on Sunday.

10

The Board of Worship & Music is asking for your help.

WILL YOU PLEASE DONATE A BATCH OF YOUR FAVORITE CHRISTMAS

COOKIES FOR THE RECEPTION FOLLOWING THE CAROL-A-LONG.

Cookies are needed by 3:00 p.m. on December 8th.

Please drop off in the Luther Center kitchen and label any containers or trays

that you would like returned!!

Pre Carol-a-long events start at 6:00 p.m. in the Luther Center.

Activities include a light supper of sloppy joes, chips, salad and lemonade and coffee

and a self-guided tour of the Christmas trees.

Favorite Christmas Songs

Bell Choir

Special Music

"Hallelujah Chorus" Sing-a-long

Visit from Santa

11

BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP news

A Great Big Thanks from the Fellowship Board!

Thanks to all those who hosted coffee hours this past year.

Also, thanks to all who hosted either a Lenten Lunch or a Dinner in 2013.

November 27 - Thanksgiving Eve After the Thanksgiving Eve service at 7:00 pm join us in the lounge for pie and beverage.

December 8 - Carol-Along evening Get in the Christmas mood!

There will be a light supper at 6:00 pm in the Luther Center gym.

Menu will consist of Sloppy Joes, Salad, Chips and beverage

The Board of Worship & Music is planning the Carol-along at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary.

Finally afterwards there will be a reception back in the gym with punch and dessert also provided by the Board of Worship & Music.

Looking into 2014

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday - March 5, Easter is on April 20.

COLUMBARIUM FOR FIRST ENGLISH First English Lutheran Church has approved a Columbarium Project for our facility. When sufficient niches are sold, the Columbarium will

be placed in the narthex (please see computer drawing on the bulletin board in the main hallway).

Before construction begins, the companion niches, which hold two urns, will be sold for $1,500.00; after construction begins they will

sell for $1,800.00. We will give the congregation sixty days notice before raising the price to $1,800.00. Niches will be assigned on a “first come-first-served” basis, with members being

able to choose the location of their niche within the Columbarium. To date nine double niches have been sold.

If sufficient niches are not sold, all funds will be returned to those who purchased niches. If you have any questions please speak to Pastor Schmidt.

SCHEDULES & CONTACT NUMBERS Just a reminder concerning the schedules of Pastor Chris and Pastor Schmidt. Pastor Chris’ day off is Friday and in an emergency she can be contacted at

248-231-5091. Her email address is p a s t o r c h r i s @ f e e l c . o r g . Pastor Schmidt’s day off remains on Monday and his home phone number for emergencies is 313-882-3520. His email address is p a s t o r s @ f e e l c . o r g . Church office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the office closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sue’s email is sue@feelc.org

12

Board of Evangelism Notes

Help welcome our current congregation and visitors Sunday mornings by becoming a greeter. All that is necessary

is arriving 15 minutes prior to either of our services and bring a smile. Contact Judy Leo, 313 881 9937, if you are

interested.

The Board of Evangelism members:

Patty Foster Margot Kahl Caryl Litzenberger

Patty Ford Judy Leo Monna Nieto

The Women of First English Lutheran Church invite you to the

Women's Candlelight Advent Worship Service Monday, December 16, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.

Light refreshments will be served following the service along with self-guided touring of the beautiful Christmas trees that

adorn our church! (This is intended for adult women only and the nursery

will not be available.)

The Women of FIRST ENGLISH EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH are pleased to invite you to our

Seventh Annual Christmas Tree Walk and Afternoon Tea.

Come and enjoy the beautifully decorated Christmas trees and adornments throughout our church this

Holy Season. The self-conducted walks are between 1:00 pm and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27th

From 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm a delightful tea will be served including finger sandwiches and sweets.

Please call to confirm your attendance so that we may plan accordingly (313) 884-5040 We look

forward to sharing a Christmas afternoon with you, your family and friends!

Freewill Donation which will fund the re-stocking of the food pantry after it's depletion to help

the needy at Christmas time. Any canned food donation would also be greatly appreciated.

The Women of the Church will be holding their annual planning meeting for our two events (Spring/Fall, 2014) in January, 2014. Please let Waynette Hostetler or either pastor know if there is anything you would be interested in doing or hearing from a speaker on. Better yet come to the meeting and present your thoughts in person. Please watch the upcoming bulletins for the exact date of our meeting.

13

Fiona Marie DiMarzio was received into the Kingdom of God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on Sunday,

November 17, 2013. She is the Daughter of T.J. and Katie (Ruggiero) DiMarzio. Welcome to the Kingdom of God.

Parish Education/Youth News from Renata

Preschool-5th Grade Updates

Please join us for Sunday School during the 9:30 a.m. service each week! This month, children are learning about Joseph, his impressive ability to interpret dreams, the favor of his father, and the jealousy of his brothers.

Kids, remember to bring your bibles with you every Sunday! Parents, remember to read through the stories with your children at home.

Children’s Christmas Pageant We need volunteers to help at rehearsals, with costumes, and during the cookies and punch reception after the pageant. If you would like to assist in any way, please notify Christine Simone or Renata Conger. Thank you!

Parents, please let us know if your child is able to participate according to the following:

December 8, 15, and 22, 9:40-10:40 a.m. Rehearsal During Sunday School

December 14 and 21, 10 a.m. -12 p.m. Saturday Rehearsal (snack provided)

December 22, 11am Children’s Christmas Pageant

Middle and High School Updates

Join us each Sunday, during the 9:30 a.m. service, upstairs in the Confirmation Room (MS) or downstairs in the Youth Room (HS). Middle school is discussing the Holy Trinity and our responsibilities in the world as “The Church.” High school students are talking about the Law and the Prophets—their roles in God’s plan for the world and in our everyday lives.

Confirmation and MS Youth Group occurs weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. HS Youth Group meets weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (feel free to attend choir across the hall until 7:00 p.m.).

Upcoming Events November 23, 10am-2pm

HS Baking Day

November 24, 10am-1pm HS Bake Sale (fundraiser) HS-sponsored Uganda Craft Sale (charity) GATHERING REGISTRATION ($90) DUE!!!

December 13, 5-9pm MS & HS Caroling

December 13-14, 9pm-9am HS Lock-In

December 27-30

The Gathering in Lansing, MI

14

Bottom line, as God’s Word reassures us; and we know that God’s promises are true for God has kept his

promise to send to us a Savior, Jesus Christ our Lord; yes, there is a resurrection. God in Christ has conquered death;

death has been swallowed up in victory. In the words of our Lord, “Because I live, you shall live also!”

Now yes, I have not forgotten, I am fully aware that today is Stewardship Sunday here at First English. And

yes, I will admit that our assigned Gospel lesson for today is not one of your classic stewardship texts!

However, it is, I would argue, a most appropriate text for Stewardship Sunday! Let me begin by asking you,

“What is your life worth???” I repeat, “What is your life worth??? Now certainly I am not suggesting that if we do

not share enough of our resources with Christ’s church for ministry in his kingdom here upon earth that God in Christ

will somehow or other block our entrance into heaven, NO! We cannot buy or earn our way into heaven; salvation is

a gracious gift of God received through faith!

My point is very simple, and that is that not only is everything that we have in this life ultimately a gift from

God and can be traced back to God’s loving providence, including the very gift of life itself; but also our gift of eternal

life, spent with our Lord and our fellow faithful believers, IS ALSO A BLESSED GIFT FROM GOD!

So again, I ask you, “What is your life worth???” Are we, are you, sharing, returning back to God, a fair

portion of what God has given to us, and continues to give to us and will continue to give to us for an eternity?

You know ultimately, true stewardship is not about dollars and cents – yes, certainly we live in a monetary

society and, yes, it takes money to carry out our wide and varied ministry. But Stewardship is ultimately about our faith

response to God, and His love, and His care, and His providence, and his blessings and his final victory over sin

and death! The faithful sharing of our resources is a vivid reminder that all we have, all we are, in this world and the

next, are ultimately gifts of God.

No, it is not my job for me to tell you how much to give – but it is my job as your called pastor, to encourage

you to ask yourself, am I returning a fair and faithful portion back to God for mission and ministry through His

Church???

Thank you for your support of the ministry of First English. One last thing, please continue to remember the

mission of First English in your daily prayers that we together, under the Spirit, might be our Lord’s faithful

followers.

AMEN

Preached November 10, 2013 – Dr. Walter A. Schmidt

(Continued from page 3)

Hope you will join in the “Christmas Rush……."

We have begun the enriching task of decorating our beautiful building for Christmas. There is plenty to do, lots of trees to be

adorned….what can you do to help, you ask?

We are always in need of folks to help decorate the individual trees…..either with the provided ornaments or, you are always

welcome to “spruce them up” with some additions of your own. We have several newly donated trees, so we will definitely be

looking for some new input. If you have an idea....bring it on! Even if you don't have an idea, your help is certainly needed to

decorate. These individual trees will be decorated anytime from November 25-December 6, whenever is convenient for you!

After that, join in on Friday, December 6th at 6:00 p.m., as we decorate the sanctuary. A light supper is provided and there is

never a shortage of great First English Christmas fellowship!

If you are not able to help physically in the decorating process, we would welcome any monetary donations you would like to

make to the Christmas Decorating Fund. We have some items that desperately need to be replaced this year and some new

items that you will notice as well!

If you have any questions or comments please call:

Kyle Clor at 313-881-9703 or Jacki Stein at 586-961-6618

Just a reminder......Don't forget to bring an ornament with your family name on it to place on the Family Tree in the Gathering

Area. We want all of our First English families to be represented!

Also, mark your calendars for the 2nd Annual Women's Candlelight Advent Service to be held on

Monday, December 16th.

15

RECYCLE PAPER BIN BRING

YOUR

PAPER!!

Please take time to drop all your clean, dry newspapers, magazines, office

and copy paper, advertising inserts and junk mail into the recycle bin in the

parking lot. You don’t have to sort anything or remove

staples. Please bag your shredded paper.

NO CARDBOARD OR PHONE BOOKS ARE ACCEPTED.

The AbitibiBowater Paper Retriever program is designed for organizations to

recycle paper and earn money -- the more you fill the bin, the more money

FEELC makes! Most of all, it’s an opportunity for us to recycle and help the

environment.

Accepting enrollment for 3 & 4 year olds for 2013-14

First English Lutheran Preschool offers an academic program to help pre-pare your child for kindergarten. With a small class size, our program in-

cludes Bible lessons, math, music, science, art, language, beginning reading concepts and physical development. First English has a very large and bright classroom for your child to spend

their morning socializing with friends. Call our director Christine Simone at (313)886-6544 for more information or to arrange a classroom visit.

Preschool News The year is going very well in our preschool room. Mrs. Jackson and I are enjoying an

energetic group of 11 children including a few members of the congregation. In November we

learned about the letters B, G and O and Thanksgiving. November was a great month to help

the children reflect on all that God provides. December will bring activities to go with the letter

J and W as we work our way through the alphabet. The children will be learning about the first Christmas through books,

songs and eventually acting out the Nativity for parents and grandparents prior to the Christmas break. It’s an exciting time

of year in preschool!

Watch the hallway outside our classroom as we share photos and artwork with those who pass by!

Thanks to all who supported the preschool wreath sale. We earned about $300 profit!

-Christine Simone

Have you enrolled or re-enrolled yet?? Please take the time to go online and sign-up or renew your

card and make your donation designation to First English (#83535). If you don’t remember the

email address that you used previously to enroll, you can call (877)576-7587 to remove any email

attached to your card number and then proceed to enroll again. Our fundraising efforts, by

participating in the Kroger Community Rewards Program, have added up to significant money - just

by purchasing your weekly groceries! Although down from previous years, our latest quarterly

check was in the amount of $250.32!!

If you have never signed up – go to Kroger’s website krogercommunityrewards.com and follow

the prompts. You will need your Kroger card.

KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM

16

12/2: Buffy Breckenridge, Trevor Clor

12/3: Cynthia Chantler

12/4: Andrew Bezel

12/5: Virginia Ewart, Addam Ouvry,

Skylar Pudlo

12/6: Melissa Zwicker

12/7: Frances Sutherland

12/8: Jordan DeBruin, Janice Eggly

12/9: Emily Conn, David Jensen, David

Kreutzans, Marilyn McGraw

12/10: Tylor Clor, Douglas Rouleau,

Benjamin Schneedecker

12/11: Sara Gierman, Barbara Guest

12/12: Donald Herbert, William

Parsons, Olivia Ritchie, Megan

Strozeski, Stephanie Sturton

12/13: Anthony Rozycki

12/14: Scott Evers, Melanie Horbal,

Jennifer Kamerud, Bryan Nelson,

Aaron Rao

12/15: Todd Bauer, Lynda Bock,

Christine Simone, Ruth Platts

12/16: Susan Mancani

12/17: Colin Hassig, Devon LaMagno

12/18: Robert Backlund, Linda Stewart,

Douglas Ulmer. Allie McIntyre,

Morgan McIntyre

12/19: Carolyn Schmidt

12/21: Patricia Hoskin

12/23: Heidi Feldman, Edward Geha,

Patrick Glynn, Edward Kenny

12/24: Jennifer Reck

12/25: Marion Engelhart, Patty Foster

12/26: Karen Parsons

12/27: Cullin McGraw, John Paluch

12/28: Danielle McGrail,

Gordon Stewart, Sr.

12/29: Tyler Nelson, James Pangborn

12/30: Samuel Humphrey

12/31: Kathleen Gates, Lisa Kurtz, David

Link, Amber Marchetti, Roger

Salomon, Dominic Vitale

17

GR

EE

TE

RS

9

:30

A.M

.

11

:00

A.M

.

Dec. 1

M

arg

ot K

ahl (1

0:0

0 a

.m. o

nly

) D

ec. 8

Sue R

eck

Waynette

Hoste

tler

Dec. 1

5

John N

yquist

Ju

dy L

eo

Dec. 2

2

Ken K

ohle

r

Dee F

riscan

Dec. 2

9

the B

eze

l fam

ily

Cary

l Litze

nberg

er

US

HE

R

9:3

0 A

.M.

1

1:0

0 A

.M.

Dec. 1

Team

#11 (1

0:0

0 a

.m. o

nly

)

Dan R

ustm

ann

D

ec. 8

Team

#2

Team

#5

Mark

Berk

esch

Mario

n M

cCle

ndon

Dec. 1

5

Team

#9

Team

#1

David

Zw

icker

M

ike G

uest

Dec. 2

2

Team

#2

Team

#3

Mark

Berk

esch

Mark

Fett

Dec. 2

4

5:0

0 T

eam

#4 M

arc S

imone

7:3

0 T

eam

#5 M

ario

n M

clendon

11:0

0 T

eam

#7 K

en K

ohle

r

Dec. 2

9

Team

# 6

Team

#8

M

ark

Balle

Charle

s Jack

son

AC

OLY

TE

S

9:3

0 A

.M.

1

1:0

0 A

.M.

Dec. 1

Park

er R

ustm

ann (1

0:0

0 a

.m. o

nly

)

Anna Ja

ckso

n

D

ec. 8

Em

ily D

alia

n

Evan N

yquist

Park

er R

ustm

ann

Dec. 1

5

Katie

Lin

k

N

ath

an F

ord

Tom

Kohle

r

Dec. 2

2

Dan F

eld

man

N

oah S

imone

Abig

ail W

ilson

Dec. 2

4

Anna Ja

ckso

n; H

ale

y R

ozy

cki (5

:00)

Andre

w B

eze

l; Em

ily D

alia

n (7

:30)

Sam

Kohle

r; Tom

Kohle

r (11:0

0)

D

ec. 2

9

Andre

w B

eze

l (10:0

0 a

.m. o

nly

)

Evan N

yquist

LA

Y R

EA

DE

RS

9:3

0 A

.M.

1

1:0

0 A

.M.

Dec. 1

Patty

Foste

r (10:0

0 a

.m. o

nly

) D

ec. 8

Ja

ckie

Tam

bourin

e

Dia

nn O

hm

an

Dec. 1

5

Bra

ndon T

am

bourin

e

Yvonne W

insto

n

Dec. 2

2

Kath

y L

ang

M

ark

Fett

Dec. 2

9

Mark

Berk

esch

(10:0

0 a

.m.)

CO

MM

UN

ION

AS

SIS

TA

NT

S

9:3

0 A

.M.

1

1:0

0 A

.M.

Dec. 1

W

aynette

Hoste

tler (1

0:0

0 a

.m. o

nly

)

Patty

Jack

son

Dec. 8

Bra

ndon T

am

bourin

e

Jack

ie T

am

bourin

e

D

ec. 1

5

Marg

ot K

ahl

D

ennis G

ate

s

Caro

l Saute

r

Kath

y G

ate

s D

ec. 2

2

Shirle

y L

am

ar

Pam

South

ard

D

ec. 2

9

Mark

Berk

esch

Marti M

iller

CO

FFE

E H

OU

R

Dec. 1

Evangelism

Dec. 8

Peace

Circle

Dec. 1

5

Faith

Circle

D

ec. 2

2

Gra

ce C

ircle

Dec. 2

9

Thriv

ent

CO

UN

TE

RS

D

ec. 1

Team

#4

Pat M

ilne

Dec. 8

Team

#6

Kyle

Clo

r D

ec. 1

5

Team

#2

Nancy

Heaphy

Dec. 2

2

Team

#3

Ruth

Engle

Dec. 2

9

Team

#1

Waynette

Hoste

tler

FR

IEN

DLY

CA

LLE

RS

Dec. 1

Jo

hn B

lohm

Dec. 8

Christi N

yquist

Dec. 1

5

Cary

l Litze

nberg

er

Dec. 2

2

Marg

ot K

ahl

Dec. 2

9

Judy L

eo

ALT

AR

GU

ILD

Anna U

nit:

Ruth

Engle

/Caro

l Logan

Lydia

Unit:

Julie

Passa

mani

18

Su

n

Mon

T

ue

Wed

T

hu

F

ri S

at

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

10:00 Worship S

ervice 11:00 A

nnual Meeting

3:00 S

occer

8:00 GP

N C

hallenge Day

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30 S

ports

8:00 GP

N C

hallenge Day

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch 3:30 M

usic Lessons 3:45 L. Lindow

Piano R

ehearsal 4:30 S

ports 5:30 E

xercise Class

7:00 Peace C

ircle

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30 S

ports 5:15 Lord's C

ompany R

ingers 6:00 Lord's C

ompany S

ingers 6:30 C

atechism

9:30 Bible S

tudy 3:30 M

usic Lessons 3:45 L. Lindow

Piano R

ehearsal 5:00 L

SS

M D

inn

er Meetin

g

5:30 Exercise C

lass 6:30 G

ood New

s Singers

6:30 HS

Youth G

athering 8:10 G

ood New

s Ringers

8:45 Preschool

5:30 Sports

6:00 Christm

as Decorating

1:00 Sports

8 9

10 11

12 13

14

9:30 Contem

porary Worship

9:30 Sunday S

chool 11:00 T

raditional Worship

1:30 L. Lindow

Piano R

ecital 6:00 C

arol-a-long Supper

7:00 Carol-a-long

8:30 Carol-a-long R

eception

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S

ports 6:00 G

PN

Concert R

ehearsal 6:30 G

irl Scouts T

refoil

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch 3:00 M

usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S

ports 5:30 G

ood New

s Singers

5:30 Exercise C

lass 6:30 G

rief Support

7:00 GP

N C

oncert Rehearsal

7:00 Board of C

hurch Property

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 11:30 H

ope Circle

3:30 Music Lessons

4:30-9:30 Sports

5:15 Lord's Com

pany Ringers

6:00 Lord's Com

pany Singers

6:00 GP

N C

oncert Rehearsal

6:30 Catechism

9:30 Bible S

tudy 11:30 Q

uestors 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:30 HS

Youth G

athering 7:00 G

PN

Holiday C

oncert +

Reception

8:10 Good N

ews R

ingers

8:45 Preschool

5:00 MS

+ H

S C

aroling 7:00 G

PN

Holiday C

oncert +

Reception

9:00 HS

Youth Lock-in

9:00 GP

Com

munity C

horus R

ehearsal 9:00 S

occer Santa B

reakfast 10:00 P

ageant Rehearsal

1:00 Sports

15 16

17 18

19 20

21

9:30 Contem

porary Worship

9:30 Sunday S

chool 11:00 T

raditional Worship

1:00 C

omm

unity Chorus C

oncert 1:00 S

ports 6:30 B

oard & C

ouncil Meetings

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 6:30-9:30 S

ports 7:00 W

omen's C

andlelight A

dvent Service +

Reception

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30-7:30 S

ports 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:30 AA

UW

Meeting/D

inner 7:00 D

onna G P

iano Recital

8:45 Preschool +

C

hristmas P

rogram

9:30 Exercise C

lass 4:30-9:30 S

ports 5:15 Lord's C

ompany R

ingers 6:00 Lord's C

ompany S

ingers 6:30 C

atechism

7:00 Master's M

usic Recital

9:30 Bible S

tudy 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S

ports 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:30 Good N

ews S

ingers 6:30 H

S Y

outh Gathering

8:10 Good N

ews R

ingers

8:45 Preschool

5:30 Sports

22 23

24 25

26 27

28

9:30 Contem

porary Worship

9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Sunday S

chool Christm

as P

rogram

3:00 Sports

5:00 C

hristmas W

orship Service

7:30 Christm

as Worship S

ervice 110 C

hristmas W

orship Service

Christm

as Worship S

ervice

CH

RIS

TM

AS

12:00 Christm

as Tree W

alk A

nd Tea

29 30

31

10:00 Worship S

ervice