First English Ev. Lutheran Church

Inside this issue:

Pastor Walter Schmidt's

Sunday Sermon 2

New Member Reception 4

Fellowship News

LSSM News 5

Officers and Board

Members

6

Adult Education 7

Gift Wish List

Organ Fund

Open Door Series

8

Board of Social Action

9

With the Members

Sunday School/Youth News

10

Building Reminder 11

Recycle

Preschool Kroger Rewards

12

February Birthdays 13

Serving in February 14

Calendar 15

“Staying Focused on the Goal”

Dear Members and friends of First English,

As I write this we are expecting another blast of record low temperatures here in

Michigan. I wonder what the groundhog will have to report this year – six more weeks of

winter? Or will spring be just around the corner? I know I am already thinking ahead to

warmer days and ice-free roads.

In the church year we have just celebrated the joy-filled wonder of Christmas

followed by Epiphany. Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ has come into the world

bringing light and new life. We can truly appreciate the fact that we do have more light

now that the days are growing longer and the hours of darkness shorter.

For many, especially those who have difficulty getting out and about in the chill of

winter, these longer light-filled days of the time after Epiphany until the days of Lent

(which incidentally means “springtime”) can seem endless and dreary – days we might

wish we could skate through quickly.

The slower time of winter is the perfect time to stay focused on the goal—running the

race that God has placed before us. Taking time to focus more intently on God’s love

letter to us, the Bible, is an excellent way to warm our hearts and minds to the undeniable

fact that God loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

A good place to start your reading is with the Psalms. These songs of praise and

thanksgiving, along with prayers for help, cover every life situation and human emotion

conceivable. Another commendable place to begin would be with the upcoming gospel

readings for the month of February. I’ll list them here so you don’t have to search far.

February 2nd – Matthew 5:1-12 or Luke 2:22-40

February 9th – Matthew 5:13-20

February 16th – Matthew 5:21-37

February 23rd – Matthew 5:38-48

In my own time of scripture reading I often like to read the same passage from a

couple of different translations to help me see things in new or different ways.

The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language is one you might enjoy. The

following is an excerpt: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.

But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out

for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: by no means do I count myself an expert in all of

this, but I have my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m

off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (Philippians 3:12-14)

Your Sister in Christ,

Pastor Chris

F E B RUA RY 2 0 14F E B RUA RY 2 0 14F E B RUA RY 2 0 14

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THE NIGHT OF OUR SAVIOR’S BIRTH Christmas Eve December 24, 2013 FELC Luke 2:1-20

Joy to the world, the Lord IS come! Yes, in our mind’s eye this is the night

that we journey to that stable in Bethlehem and there with Mary and Joseph, the

Shepherds, the assembled animals, and later the Wise Men, we pay our homage to this

small child, just born, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying there in a manger.

Close your eyes for a moment; no, please, go ahead, close your eyes -don’t

worry, I’ll talk loud enough to keep you awake! But seriously, with your eyes closed

can you visualize that stable in Bethlehem, with Jesus lying there in the manger???

Isn’t it beautiful, isn’t it serene, isn’t it powerful???

Now the birth of each and every child is important, is a day to celebrate, a

day to remember, a day to rejoice. All of we who are privileged to be parents, know

of what I speak. But the birth we are celebrating this night is indeed a very special

birth; for this is the birth of the only begotten Son of God, the Savior of the

World, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now I do not believe that one needs to think too hard or too long concerning

Jesus’ birth, to see the great irony in this birth story. No room in the inn, the Son of

God, born in a barn, a stable, with nothing but a manger, a feeding trough for rough

animals for a bed, and straw for a mattress; born to peasant parents, in the relatively

obscure town of Bethlehem; no pomp, no ceremony.

And certainly not to ridicule the Royals of England, but just for a moment

contrast Jesus’ birth, with that of Prince George, son of Prince William, Duke of

Cambridge and Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge, born this past July!

Remember all of the hype and hoopla; I think you see my point!!!

Now let’s flip the scenario around and ask ourselves what if Jesus was born

today, here and now, in our day and age, in our time and place? What would be our

reaction, how would we respond, how would Jesus be received by us, by the world,

by you? I learned a long time ago that it is impossible to make firm statements from a

“what if” perspective. But think about it, would we truly receive him, would we

find room in our busy schedules, would we make his birth a priority, would the

world accept our Lord’s coming, would we rejoice at his birth???

However, if we stop and think about it, in a very real way, is that not what this

night, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ really all about? The celebration

of Christmas, of the birth of Jesus Christ should not be for us just a lesson in history,

as we reflect back to those events 2000 years ago in a far away land.

For this night, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ should make a

difference in our lives, today, tonight, tomorrow and each and every day of our

lives, unto eternity. Jesus was born not just to give to us a Holiday to celebrate;

Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, must touch our hearts and lives with

the reality that Jesus is the Immanuel, God with us, that God loved and loves us so

much, that he was willing to enter into our imperfect world with his perfect gift, in a

very personal way, through his Son, God in the flesh, to make possible for us, for

you and me, life and salvation!

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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

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)

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Christmas is about Jesus Christ being born in us, Christmas is about Jesus Christ touching our hearts

and lives; Christmas is Jesus Christ giving to us the love, strength, peace, forgiveness and salvation, that only

God in Christ can give, each and every day of our lives, unto eternity!

But you know, I still do wonder what it would have been like to have actually been there, that first

Christmas Eve, the night of our Lord’s birth. Would it not have been great to have been there in person, to be able

to see with our own eyes the Christ child lying there in that manger?

But I also must wonder out loud; would we have believed the angels, the messengers of God? Would we

have followed that bright star in the heavens? Or would we, even way back then, have said “I am too busy, I have

too much to do, I have too many things that I want to accomplish?”

Isn’t it amazing how a word with only one letter, the letter I, as in me, myself and I, can seem so important

that so many essentials in life get pushed into the background???

Now time machines are popular themes in the movies, but we know that we live in the here and now, right,

not 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. Thus it is in the here and now, today, that we must decide what we will do

with the Christ child!

Yes, because of this night, we know that God certainly does want a relationship with us; that God does

want to be a central part of our lives; that God does want to walk with us each and every day of our lives. Yes, this

night God is reaching out, God is reaching up, to each and every one of us through that manger, by the hand of

that infant child Jesus and God wants us, you and me, to grasp that hand of the Christ child and never, never,

let go!

This story about the annual Christmas pageant, adapted from John Simmons, reminds us of how easily that

our me, myself and I can get in the way. “It seems that in the Sunday School pageant there was a young boy who

wanted very much to be Joseph. But when the parts were handed out, his biggest rival was given the part of

Joseph, and he was assigned to be the inn-keeper. So during rehearsals this young lad kept plotting in his mind

what he could do to get even with his rival who was playing Joseph; the part he wanted.

Finally, the day of the pageant, Mary and Joseph came walking across the stage. They knocked on the door

of the inn, and the inn-keeper opened the door and gruffly said, ‘What do you want?’ Joseph calmly answered,

‘Sir, we’d like to have a room for the night.’ Suddenly, the inn-keeper threw the door open wide and said, ‘Great,

come on in and I’ll give you the best room in the house.’

For a few awkward moments poor Joseph didn’t know what to do or what to say; this was not what they had

rehearsed. Finally, however, thinking quickly on his feet, Joseph looked in past the inn-keeper, first to the left and

then to the right and said, ‘No wife of mine is going to stay in a dump like this. Come on, Mary, we’re going to

the barn!’”

Now we chuckle at that, but is it not true that all too often what we want frequently gets in the way of our

relationship with God and our relationship with those around us? Our lives are so filled with so many things that

unfortunately, like in the original version, we have no room in the inn of hearts, no room, in the inn of our

commitment, no room in the inn of our lives.

You know the Christmas story is a story not only about God’s great and gracious love for us, his people,

and the great measures that God will go to be a part of our lives, like becoming one of us; but the Christmas

story is one filled to the brim with people who allowed God to use them to bring about the birth of his Son, and to

set for us the example of “faith active in love.” Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men all were willing

to be God’s instruments to make this night so special and to bring about the fulfillment of his promise to send to us

a Savior.

Now certainly all of these saints of the Christmas story have significant roles, however, I would like to draw

your attention to the shepherds, the shepherds. But why the shepherds; why, because those lowly shepherds, in

the Christmas story, are, I suggest to us, are the prototype, classic examples of what it means to be a true

follower, a disciple of our Lord. My point is this – look at what the shepherds did that Holy Night - first of all the shepherds did heed the words

of the angels – they did go to that stable – they did worship the Christ child – they did return back to their

responsibilities– and on the way home, they did tell others!!!

Now I ask you, does that not beautifully sum up the proper, committed life of the child of God as our

(Continued from page 2)

(Continued on page 11)

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Did you know that private music lessons take place at First

English Church? Piano with Carrie Roach (586) 530-8872;

Piano/Organ with Donna Gorzelski (248) 990-3652,

homedonna@juno.com; and saxophone, flute, clarinet, and

oboe with Laura Schwanitz (586) 744-5379;

windlessons@yahoo.com Give them a call if you're interested!

LENT BEGINS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 – ASH WEDNESDAY In March’s CLEF we will have a full Lenten calendar and

again this year we will have midweek Lenten Services as well as

Lenten Lunches and Suppers. Our Wednesday Midweek Lenten

service times, beginning Ash Wednesday, March 5, will be morning

worship at10:30 a.m., followed by Lunch and evening worship at

7:00 p.m., preceded by Supper. Make your plans now to assist

with one of our lunches/suppers and join us for regular Lenten

Services and the Christian fellowship of our Lenten meal

opportunities as we prepare ourselves for the events of Holy Week,

our Lord’s innocent suffering, death and glorious resurrection on

our behalf!!

TWO OPPORTUNITIES FROM LIFEBUILDERS…

-Tutors needed beginning February 4th. Tutoring every Tuesday or Thursday, 3:15 - 5:00 PM, grades 1st through 3rd. Reading Like a Champion program will be used. Mandatory training will be on Satur-day, February 1, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. For more information see the flyer on the table in the hallway .

-Volunteers to rehab houses in the LifeBUILDERS community, skilled or unskilled. More information to follow. Please call/contact Sue Ulmer at (313)884-4726 or susankulmer@comcast.net if you are interested in either of these opportunities.

NEW MEMBER RECEPTION –SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2014 New members will be formally received on Sunday, February 9, 2014

at the 11:00 AM worship service. Our Board of Evangelism is

organizing a reception in honor of our new members and their sponsors

following the service.

If you are aware of anyone who might be interested in joining the

First English family, please speak to Pastor Chris or Pastor Schmidt.

Don’t be bashful – invite your friends, neighbors, work associates to be

involved in the ministry of First English, you’ll be glad you did, and so

will they!!!

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HOLY LAND TOUR – ISRAEL AND JORDAN When you receive your February CLEF we will be only a few short weeks away from our tour to Israel and Jordan. The dates are February 26 – March 8, 2014, and we have fourteen members and friends who will be a part of this tour. We have a “pre-tour” meeting scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2014, 2:00 PM, in the Lounge. A tour of the Holy Land is truly 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! If there is sufficient interest, Pastor Schmidt will be glad to show his pictures of our Holy Land tour.

BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP news

Lent starts on Ash Wednesday - March 5, please consider hosting a Lenten Lunch or Dinner. The dates are: March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9 . There will be a sign-up poster in the Lounge. If you have any questions about hosting a meal, contact Claudette Momenee or Pastor Chris.

NEWS FROM LSSM…...

ADOPT A CHILD FOR $200 (PLUS A LIFETIME OF LOVE) More than 1,600 Michigan children are looking for loving “forever” families. Adoption is a lifelong gift; Lutheran Social Services of Michigan is asking congregations to commit to finding and supporting one family who will adopt or be a foster family for one child or sibling group. Last year, Lutheran Adoption Service placed 432 children for adoption. With your help we can place more children in forever families. Adopting through Lutheran Adoption Service is not expensive – the only cost is a filing fee that is determined by the court, which is often reimbursed by the State of Michigan. If you are interested in learning more about Lutheran Adoption Service's One Church, One Child, One Family program, contact Maria Rojas at (248) 423-2770, ext.1108 or Octavia Lindsey at ext. 1117. Lutheran Adoption Services (LAS) is a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan and Lutheran Child and Family Services.

HOME IMPROVEMENT NEEDS - Fence

LSSM staffs a home with three young adults ages 18 to 22 who need a fence to enjoy their back yard. Due to their disabilities and short term memory, they do not realize when they are leaving the safety of the back yard. We are seeking donations to install a fence which will provide the boundaries needed for them to enjoy the yard. The cost to purchase and install the fence is $3500. Call Ann Meldrum, Regional Director at ameld@lssm.org or (231) 722-2400 HOME CARE ASSISTANCE Care provided by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan The mission of Home Care Assistance, a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, is to change the way the world ages. We provide older adults with quality care that enables them to live happier, healthier lives at home. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of the staff and their expertise in live-in care. Home Care Assistance embraces a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. We provide skilled and unskilled care for people of all ages including respite for family caregivers. For more informa-tion, please call Darlene Downs-Jones at (866) 454-8348.

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OFFICERS

President – Marc Simone

chrismarcsimone@comcast.net

Vice President – Roger Ulmer

rwulmer@comcast.net

Secretary – Christina Judson

ncjcej@aol.com

Treasurer – Pam Southard

milady724@gmail.com

Financial Secretary – John Nyquist

jnyq@yahoo.com

Church Properties

Gordon Bush, Dir.

Matthew Nyquist, Asst. Dir.

Dave Zwicker

Marc Simone

Mike Garrisi

Mike Nehls

Jeff Gates

Jim Nelson

Evangelism

Patty Foster, Dir.

Judy Leo, Asst. Dir.

Caryl Litzenberger

Monna Nieto

Margot Kahl

June MacMichael

Kathy Lang

Social Action

Diann Ohman, Dir.

Penny Damore, Asst. Dir.

Carolyn Schmidt

Pat Thomas

JoVona Cisco

Heide Montroy

Shawn Vinson

Kay Butler Berkesch

Virginia Ditty

Claudia Gram

Pat Milne

B.J. Decker

Sue Reck

Parish Education

Christine Simone, Dir.

Patrick Glynn

Andrea Glynn

Joanne Swanson

Pam Balle

Randi Kohler

Amy McIntyre

Fellowship

Claudette Momenee, Dir.

Josie Herrington, Asst. Dir.

Karen Bezel

Carol Sauter

Gary Ford

Sue Ulmer

Jan Wilson

Stewardship & Finance

Sherrill Wolford, Dir

Jeff Jenson, Asst. Dir.

Curt Sylvester

Dan Rustmann

Craig Kohler

Ken Kohler

Waynette Hostetler

Tom Liebold

Steve Lang

Youth Ministry

Karen Olson, Dir.

Amy Cornell, Asst. Dir.

Lauren Nyquist

Allison Cornell

Sandy Smith

Eve Feldman

Danny Foster

Heidi Feldman

Liz Nyquist

John Nyquist

Worship & Music

Sandy Ford, Dir.

Jane Stevens, Asst. Dir

Nanette Whitcroft

Mark Fett

Glenn Whitcroft

Deb Strandhagen

2014 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

(All officers’ terms begin 1/1/14 and end 12/31/15 all two year terms.)

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ADULT EDUCATION AT A GLANCE

9:30 a.m. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLESTUDY

Our Thursday Morning Bible Study continuing topic is Martin Luther

and the Lutheran Reformation. 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, in the Lounge.

Please note that we will not be meeting on Thursday, February 27, or

March 6, as Pastor Schmidt will be leading our tour to Israel and

Jordan.

We will probably be concluding this Study on Luther and the

Reformation in March- so what would you like to study next??? Please

share your thoughts with Pastor Schmidt. Remember, while we do have

a very nice size group, there is always room for YOU!

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!

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

WOMEN’S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY

Our Women’s Circle Bible study for this year through next

spring is “In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women.”

These studies explore stories of women from both the Old and

New Testaments as well as contemporary women. Our study

for February is “The Woman/Witch of Endor.” This woman

conjures up the spirit of Samuel on behalf of Saul even though

such practices are seen as contrary to the Jewish faith. How is

God able to use this woman? What does this story say to us

about our connection with those who have already died?

(I Samuel 28).

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

Ladies, please check the calendar for the various Circles

meeting schedule.

9:30a.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Our Adult Sunday School Class

continues on the topic of the

The LIFE OF JESUS. We meet

during the Sunday School Hour,

9:30-10:30 a.m., 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 winter

into the Season of Lent. How much do

we really know about the life and

ministry of Jesus? Could we not learn

more and have a greater appreciation

for what our Lord has done for us!

Please join us as we together grow in

our thankfulness and understanding of

the life and teaching of our Lord and

what that means for our lives.

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GIFT WISH LIST

TUCKPOINTING AND PILLAR REPAIRS

ORGAN FUND

COLUMBARIUM FOR FIRST ENGLISH As you are aware, 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.

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!

April 6, 2014 7:00 p.m. Come hear THE GRUNYONS, as they return to the First English Music Series after a brief appearance last year with the Grosse Pointe Community Chorus. The nearly two dozen talented singers will croon popular favorites in an irresistible eight-part vocal jazz style that is interspersed with zany commentary and loads of fun! ADMISSION $10.00 Adults $ 7.00 Students and Seniors

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BOARD OF SOCIAL ACTION

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 pastorchris@feelc.org. Pastor Schmidt’s day off remains on Monday and his home phone number for emergencies is 313-882-3520. His email address is pastors@feelc.org. 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

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Parish Education/Youth News from Renata

We have received word that Rachael Stein passed away on January 5, 2014. “Thanks be to God who gives to us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

We have received word that Werner Stuecher, past choir director at First English passed away on January 11, 2014. “Thanks be to God who gives to us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Sunday School

Schedule There will be no middle or high school Sunday School on January 26th, but elementary will run as usual. So please join us every Sunday morning at 9:30am. Preschool-5th Grade start in the Sanctuary, 6th-8th Grade meets upstairs in the Confirmation Room, and 9th-12th Grade meets downstairs in the Youth Room.

Farm Animals!!! Please visit http://lwrgifts.org/ to see how the

Sunday School will give alms during Lent. By partnering with Lutheran World Relief, children will be able to donate anything from worms for the garden to a dairy cow for the whole village! Parents, please remind your children to bring their offerings to Sunday School each week.

What We’re Learning This Month Pre- and elementary school are learning about “The Widow’s Offering” and how even our tiny efforts can make a big difference. Kids, remember to bring your bibles with you every Sunday! Parents, remember to read through the stories with your children at home.

Middle school is discussing two topics this month: “The Life of Jesus: the Things that He Said” and “The Bible.” Jesus' words challenged people 2,000 years ago, and they continue to challenge us today, but no more important words have ever been spoken.

High school students are looking at “Making the Most of Your Family Life.” In this series, we'll spend a couple weeks in the New Testament and one in the Old Testament, and all three lessons will offer hope and help for teenagers to grow as part of a family-even if it's just one small step at a time.

Confirmation & Youth Group

Schedule There will be no Confirmation Class or Youth Group on February 19th or 20th. Starting the following week, we will resume our normal schedule. MS Confirmation Class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm and HS Youth Group meets weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm.

Winter Retreat All attendees should meet in the Gathering Area at 4:30pm on Friday, January 24 to start loading the vehicles. A packing list was emailed out and is also available on the FEELC website. Pick-up will be around 3:00pm on the 26th. Please pray for traveling mercies and don’t forget to bundle up!

World Vision’s “30-Hour Famine” High School Youth will be raising funds to help prevent world hunger. The youth will fast on February 7th-8th for 30 hours. If you would like to support the cause, please visit our webpage here or talk to your favorite teen to see how you can sponsor them.

Important Dates January 24, 4:30pm

MS & HS, Winter Retreat Drop-off

January 26, ~3:00pm MS & HS, Winter Retreat Pick-up

February 1, 11am-1pm HS, Sub-making Party

February 7(noon)-8(6pm) MS & HS, 30-Hour Famine

Feb 2nd, 9am-12:30pm Sub Pick-up

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response to God’s great and gracious love? We, as our Lord’s disciples, are called upon by our Lord to heed his

call, his word, his message of love. We as followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ are summoned to regularly come to

his house for worship- offering up our thanks and praise! We, as our Lord’s disciples are called upon by that

same Lord to faithfully discharge our responsibilities to our family, our work, our neighbors and our world!

And, certainly, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called upon by our Lord to share the Good News of His great

love, to tell others, to witness to that faith within us, so that all might know and live in God’s great and

gracious love?

Yes, those shepherds might be smelly, old ordinary people who spend day and night living with their sheep,

watching over their welfare, but they have given to us not only a blessed example of true discipleship; but just as

importantly, their presence and participation in the Christmas Gospel also reminds us that God’s love, the birth

of his Son and our Savior is for all people, no matter our station in life, no matter our heritage, no matter what

we may have done, no matter what paths we may have traveled to come here to God’s house this Holiest of

nights.

Remember, Christmas is not our birthday, Christmas is Jesus’ birthday; and Jesus can invite whomever he

wants to join in the celebration of this Holy night, His birth! And you know what, my friends -Jesus has chosen to

invite you and me, and all people, of all time and place.

No, Christmas is not about us, Christmas is about God becoming one of us in his Son to save us; but while

Christmas is not about us, Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord, is for us, for us and for our salvation.

Because of this night, nothing will be the same!

Dr. Seuss, through the words of the Grinch, said it very well:

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: ‘How could it be so?’

It came without ribbons. It came without tags.

It came without packages, boxes or bags!”

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore,

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!

‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store.’

‘Maybe Christmas…perhaps...means a little bit more.’”

Yes, Christmas means a lot more; a whole lot more! Christmas means that eternity has touched the earth

in the birth of a child, Jesus Christ our Lord!

Christmas means that God has stooped down from his heavenly home to be with us, but not only to be with

us, but to be one of us, to save us and that we might personally know and live in his love, now and forever!

Yes, because of this night, our lives, our world, our relationships, our eternity, will never be the same!

Joy to the world, the Lord IS come! Merry Christmas to you and to yours!

AMEN

Preached Christmas Eve, 2013 – Dr. Walter A. Schmidt

(Continued from page 3)

BUILDING REMINDER Now that we are in the busy schedule of events at First English, a friendly reminder to turn off lights when leaving a room, and make sure that all of the doors are locked if you are the last one out. We want to keep our utility costs down and our facility safe and secure for all to use. Please remember that all facility requests should be made through Kyle Clor ((313)-881-9703 or via her e-mail at skimom7921@gmail.com.)

12

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 2014

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 December we

learned about the letters J and W and Christmas. December was a great month to help the

children reflect on the birth of baby Jesus. The children have learned about the first Christmas

through books, songs and acting out the Nativity for parents and grandparents on the December 18th performance prior to

the Christmas break. It has been an exciting time of year in preschool!

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

-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! Up a little from the last quarter, our latest quarterly check

was in the amount of $290.16!!

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

13

2/1: Michael Garrisi, Amy Olson,

Mark Pilon

2/3: Scott Stojsih

2/4: Heather Gilbert

2/5: Dennis Gates, Scott Henderson,

Lisa Ritchie

2/6: Judy Freund, Janet Loehr,

Jacqueline Tambourine

2/8: Christine DinVerno,

Burgandy Hosbein,

Robert Hubbard,

Meredith Longley

2/9: Cindy Engle

2/10: John Conn, Kelsey Roy

2/11: Glenn Moskaluk, Jimmy Schoensee,

Samantha Stevens

2/12: Morgan Nelson

2/13: Joseph Clor, Summer Ouvry,

Brad Reed, Daniel Walz

2/14: Ethan Hays, Craig Henderson,

Charles Jackson, Adam Southard,

Jacqueline Stein, Sybil Thomas

2/16: John Buda III, Barbara Simon

2/17: Brianne Langlois,

Charles Marchetti,

Nancy McCarthy, James Smith

2/18: Dominic Ouvry

2/19: Grace Campbell, Ian Sieben,

Amanda Telegadas

2/20: William Ritchie, Daniel Setchell

2/21: Nicholas Andary, Rachel

Gierman, Corinne Knight

2/22: Kristina Dinverno,

Eric Schreiber, Jennifer Ulmer

2/23: Cheryl Ford

2/24: Heather Brush, Edward Geha,

Jack Kohler, Janet Nicol,

Randie Kohler

2/25: Robb Breckenridge,

Paula Kircos

2/27: James Ditty, Gary Ford

2/28: Cheryl Berkesch,

Elisabeth Rondon,

Nanette Sonneman- Whitcroft,

Heather Kadrich

14

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Feb. 9

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Feb. 1

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Mik

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Feb. 2

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Feb. 9

Evangelism

Feb. 1

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Peace

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Feb. 2

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Feb. 2

Team

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Nancy

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Feb. 9

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Ruth

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Feb. 1

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Pat M

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Feb. 2

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Jeff G

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1

9:00 Princeton R

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10:00 Volleyball

2 3

4 5

6 7

8 9:30 C

ontemporary W

orship 9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Traditional W

orship 1:00 P

rinceton Review

3:00-6:30 S

ports

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 6:30-9:30 S

ports

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch

10:30 Faith C

ircle 3:00 M

usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 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 4:30-9:30 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 4:30 -9:30 S

ports 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:30 Good N

ews S

ingers 6:30 H

S Y

outh Group

8:10 Good N

ews R

ingers

30 Hour F

amine - Y

outh 8:45 P

reschool 5:30 S

ports

30 Hour F

amine - Y

outh

9 10

11 12

13 14

15 9:30 C

ontemporary W

orship 9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Traditional W

orship 12:00 N

ew M

ember R

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ports

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:00 M

usic Lessons 6:30 G

irl Scouts T

refoil

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch

12:00 Valentine C

ard Party

3:00 Music Lessons

4:30-9:30 Sports

5:30 Exercise C

lass 7:00 B

oard of Church P

roperty

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

6:30 Catechism

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 Group

8:10 Good N

ews R

ingers

8:45 Preschool

5:30 Sports

10:00 Volleyball

16 17

18 19

20 21

22 9:30 C

ontemporary W

orship 9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Traditional W

orship 6:30-8:00 S

ports 6:30 B

oard & C

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ings

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30-7:30 S

ports

3:00 Music Lessons

5:30 Exercise C

lass 6:30-7:30 S

ports

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:30-9:30 S

ports

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 8:10 G

ood New

s Ringers

5:30-8:30 Sports

10:00 Volleyball

23 24

25 26

27 28

9:30 C

ontemporary W

orship 9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Traditional W

orship 3:00-8:00 S

ports

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:00 M

usic Lessons 6:00 G

race Circle

6:30-9:30 Sports

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch

3:30 Music Lessons

4:30-7:30 Sports

5:30 Exercise C

lass

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30-5:30 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 4:30-9:30 S

ports 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:30 Good N

ews S

ingers 6:30 H

S Y

outh Group

8:10 Good N

ews R

ingers

8:45 Preschool