First English Ev. Lutheran Church

N OV E M B E R 2 0 1 3

Inside this issue:

Pastor Chris Veres

Sunday Sermon 2

Holy Land and Jordan Trip

Annual Meeting December Schedule

4

Adult Learning

5

Wish List

Open Door Series 'Sound of Music'

6

Bd. of Social Action

7

Board of Fellowship

Columbarium

Financial Summary 8

Board of Evangelism

Womens Advent Service Valparaiso Tea

9

With the Members Parish Ed/Youth News

Board of Youth

Stewardship Sunday

10

Holiday Decorating 11

Recycle Preschool

Kroger Rewards 12

November Birthdays 13

Serving in November 14

Calendar 15

THANKSGIVING

Dear Members and Friends of First English,

“It was Sunday morning, time for the worship service to begin. The pastor

looked out over the congregation and saw several empty pews. The pastor knew there

would be a few more late comers, but as he scanned the members he knew that

(all fictitious names) Ted and Mary were not there, nor were Sue and Bill, Lillian was not

there in her usual pew, plus he did not see Cheryl and the children, plus many more that

he could name.

Maybe some were out of town visiting family; maybe a few were closing up their

places up north for the winter – a common practice at this time of year. Possible a few

were ill this morning or had other good reasons why they were not at worship. However,

the pastor was a realist who had ‘been around the block a few times,’ and he knew that

all too many of the members simply had not made the effort to attend worship!”

This made up story, but which unfortunately is all too true; is played out each and

every Sunday at congregations around the world. And yes, I will admit that it might

seem like an odd way to start a cover article on Thanksgiving – or is it???

Let’s think about that for a moment. How do we as humans show our love and

thanks to God? Now some would argue we show our love and thanks to God by our

“right living.” And indeed right living is certainly good; but in the long run right living

is really for our benefit, is it not? We who have lived know the truth of scripture that

“we reap what we sow,” or as we say today, “what goes around comes around,” and

conversely that we receive love by giving love to one another - thus leading a God

pleasing life is ultimately for our benefit, right?

Others might suggest that we show our love and thanks to God by helping one

another, by reaching out in care and concern, by striving for justice in our world. Again,

this is very God pleasing, plus very good for our society, and very good for ourselves as

our lives are truly enriched as we share one with another for it is “better to give than to

receive.” However, is this not the “Second Great Commandment” from our Lord that we

“love our neighbor as ourselves:” not the first!

The First and Great Commandment according to our Lord is to “love the Lord

your God with your whole heart, soul, mind and strength,” in other words with our whole

being, our totality. Remembering our thoughts thus far that our “right living” focuses

upon ourselves, and our “love to neighbor” focuses upon our “neighbor,” which are both

God-pleasing, but again how do we show our love and thanks to God??? That’s

right, by our worship and praise to God! Having just celebrated Reformation Sunday, Luther rightly reminds us that God

does need our acts of love and mercy, our neighbor does! And no, certainly God will not

be diminished if we do not gather together for worship to offer up our thanks and praise

to God, but we will be diminished!!!

As Christians we know that God is the giver of every good and perfect gift, not

only our physical blessings, but also the gift of faith, forgiveness and salvation. Yes, we,

you and I, show our love and thanks to God through our regular and faithful

worship! See you at worship. God’s Blessings,

Pastor Schmidt

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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost

October 6, 2013

Luke 17: 5-10

Grace and peace to you my sisters and brothers from God our Father and from our Lord and

Savior Jesus the Christ.

“Increase our faith!” cried out the disciples to Jesus.

That sounds like a cry for help to me. Does it to you?

Maybe you too at some point in your life have cried out to God saying I need more faith to get

me through this terrible time of tribulation:

A divorce or loss of employment

An illness- whether it be minor or life threatening

A death of a loved one

The betrayal by someone who thought you knew. Forgive them??

Or the uncertainty of whether you are strong enough, capable enough,

knowledgeable enough or brave enough to share the good news of Jesus Christ. I’m sinking

and sinking fast, I just can’t deal with the troubles, doubt, and uncertainty I am facing!

We are a lot like the disciples of 2000 years ago…. if I only had less doubt, less uncertainty,

and more “faith” then I could do all that you are asking of me. We have all been there in some

manner or another. I know I certainly have.

Jesus does not seem to be the least bit sympathetic in his response to this

request of “Increase our faith”! Instead of an understanding compassionate encouraging

word, Jesus in an almost scolding tone replies:

“If you had faith the size of a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be

uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

So what is going on here? It’s important to know some of the background. Who is Jesus talk-

ing to and why is this request being made? Jesus is talking to his disciples – not to the crowds

he met along his journey toward Jerusalem, nor to the elite Pharisees.

He is talking to his faithful disciples, those closest to him those who have traveled with him—

seen, listened, heard all that Jesus has done and is doing for others and for them. They have a

relationship with Jesus and yet they doubt they can live up to his high standards and

expectations for discipleship.

So why all the doubt?

Immediately preceding this portion of scripture, the disciples have been instructed to be

mindful of the “little ones.

(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)

WORSHIP SCHEDULE:

Labor Day 2013 thru Memorial Day 2014

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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To be mindful of those who are new or young in the faith.

To attend to them in such a way that they grow and become strong.

To be mentors and accommodating to these people new to the faith

They should not be stepped on or stepped over.

Further, the disciples are to confront and rebuke the ones who sin, then, if the person asks for forgiveness; they are to offer it

wholeheartedly—up to seven times a day. In biblical language a reference to the number seven signifies more than the literal

7 times – it means over and over again.

The disciples respond to this “job description” with the cry, “Increase our faith! This is too difficult; we are not up to the task.

Jesus responds to their lack of faith by providing them with a great visual.

He rebukes them, saying they don’t even have faith comparable to a tiny mustard seed. He goes on to say that If they did they

could command a sycamore tree – a huge tree, up to 60 feet tall, with a deep root system—to be uprooted and planted in the

sea.

Now no one plants a tree in the sea! It’s an impossibility!

Is Jesus saying they will be able to do miraculous works or spectacular tricks? Uproot huge trees, move mountains—obviously

this metaphor is not meant to be taken literally. The point here is not that the disciples need more faith.

Jesus is saying that faith enables God to work in a person’s life in ways that defy ordinary human

experience. Let me repeat that. Jesus is saying that faith enables God to work in a person’s life in ways that defy ordinary

human experience. And even with a little faith- as small a mustard seed- disciples of Jesus can live by his teachings.

Faith is relational—we have faith in someone-namely God- who has given us faith as a gift. Faith is not something to be measured by

how much or how little we have. We have been provided with all the faith that we need:

• To do what has been asked of us

• To live as disciples of Jesus.

Our message doesn’t end there – Jesus has more to say. Did you notice that our gospel lesson has a whole second part to it?

I would have liked to skip over the second half and avoid verses 7-10 altogether. In these verses Jesus uses the example of a

slave to further his “job description” of discipleship.

Jesus is simply telling the disciples- I’m your master. Quit complaining. Quit doubting. Quit questioning your ability and

strength and get to work completing the task I have set before you. I have given you the faith you need to do what I ask of you

in service to God and God’s kingdom. Serve the master first.

There have been numerous critics who have used this text as an example that the Bible – God’s Word—approves of slavery. It

is misleading and dangerous to take things out of the contextual meaning of 2000 years ago to prove a point!

In ancient Israel, people who could not provide for themselves and their family sold them into slavery so they would not die of

starvation or exposure. The intent was to receive food and housing in exchange for labor.

No doubt there were abuses and Jesus did not approve of these abuses. Therefore laws and instructions were put in place to try

to protect the servant people.

Slaves were told to be obedient to their master and serve them sincerely, as if serving the Lord himself. Masters were given

instructions as well. “Masters grant your slaves justice and fairness knowing that you too have a master in heaven.

So in the simplest terms, “What is our Job Description” from Jesus. What is asked of us as disciples of Jesus?

Together we could come up with a detailed list of specific everyday things we could do personally and as a church. Examples

might include:

(Continued from page 2)

(Continued on page 11)

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HOLY LAND TOUR –

ISRAEL AND JORDAN

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. 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! This tour would

make a gift Christmas gift for you or a

loved one!

ANNUAL MEETING/NOMINATIONS/ANNUAL REPORTS As noted below 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 a.m.) 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, Fel-

lowship, Parish Education, Social Action, Stewardship & Finance, Worship & Music and Youth Ministry.

Also all written Annual Reports are due in the church office by Sunday, November 10, 2013 so that Sue can run them off and

compile them such that they can be picked up the Sunday prior to our Annual Meeting. Thank You!

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

(New Year’s Weekend/ no service on New Year’s Eve)

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ADULT EDUCATION AT A GLANCE

9:30 a.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

Our Adult Sunday School class is

studying the THELIFE 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 fall

and winter up to the beginning of the

Season of Lent. How much do you

know about the center of our faith,

Jesus Christ??? Please join us as we

together grow in our appreciation

and understanding of the life and

teaching of our Lord and what that

means for our lives.

9:30 a.m. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLESTUDY

Our Thursday Morning Bible Study on Martin Luther and

the Lutheran Reformation continues to attract additional people.

Our “study book” is Luther the Reformer by James Kittelson, the late

professor of Reformation History at Luther Seminar. We will also

make use of audio-visual material as several movies and other DVDs

have been produced concerning the life and work of Luther, plus

Pastor Schmidt has slides of our tours to the “Luther land.”

These sessions are led by Pastor Schmidt and we meet

Thursday mornings, 9:30 -11:00 AM. Did you know that more has

been written about Martin Luther than any other person who

has ever lived with the exception of Jesus??? 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

t o g e t h e r w e e x p l o r e o u r L u t h e r a n H e r i t a g e !

We will not meet Thanksgiving Day.

WOMEN’S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY

The 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 looking at stories of

women from both the Old and New Testaments as well as

stories of contemporary women. Last month we looked at

Deborah and our “Woman of Faith,” whom we will study for

November will be “The Widow of Zarephath, A Trusting

Follower.” To refresh your memory, this un-named heroine

of the Old Testament was the one who shared her last bit of

food with the prophet Elijah, and through which both she and

her son were spared in a time of drought.

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

FALL SCHEDULE

We are now on our regular Fall Schedule of services and Sunday School: Contemporary Worship and Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. and Traditional Worship at 11:00 a.m. Also as a reminder, as we began last Spring, the younger children in Sunday School will gather in the Sanctuary at 9:30 a.m. and have their opening as a part of our Sunday worship with our Children’s Time placed early in the service.

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GIFT WISH LIST

TUCKPOINTING AND PILLAR REPAIRS

ORGAN FUND

Friday, Nov. 8, 2013

Dinner 6:00 p.m. Show 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013

Dinner 6:00 p.m. Show 7:00 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2013

Matinee Performance 2:)) p.m.

Admission:

Dinner And Show - $18.00 ($13.00 Students)

Show Only - $10.00 ($7.00 Students)

For More Information, Please Call the Church Office at: (313) 884-5040

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

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!

Music by Richard Rodgers

Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II

Book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse

WORLD HUNGER INGATHERING As has been our tradition here at First English, during the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday Season we lift

up the World Hunger need both here in the United States and throughout the world. We partner with our national

church’s World Hunger campaign, one of the most respected in the world who are deeply involved in fighting

hunger and sponsoring projects to create self-sufficiency. Last year over $30 million was raised and distributed

throughout the world. You will find “World Hunger Envelopes” on the tables in the hallway for your gift.

Thank you for your support!

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BOARD OF SOCIAL ACTION And the Winner is… LSSM Foster Children!

Not even a sewer backup in the Luther Center could dampen the spirits of 200+ members and friends, who came to eat, drink and be

merry at our Oktoberfest fundraiser for Lutheran Social Services of Michigan. And surely God was looking after us because there

was a plumber (Michael Rudd of MJR Home Improvement) and a building expert (Blair Gilbert of Gilbert’s Hardware) in the

house! Both men jumped to action along with Gordie Bush, Marc Simone, Rick Gram, Joe Clor and John Vinson to ensure that

the festivities continued on (thanks to M.C. Glen Cornell) and the party cleanup happened yet Friday night. Rick and Marc even

swabbed the decks – kitchen floor – so we didn’t have to transport all our dishes downstairs for washing!

Thanks to all who donated their time and talents and opened their wallets so generously to provide college tuition and vocational

training for foster children. We took in over $9,000 and will receive $1600 in matching funds from Thrivent! Expenses haven’t

been tallied yet, but we will be sending a generous check to LSSM.

Special thanks to our sponsors and our greeters Margot Kahl and Shirley Bedard (in costume!); MC, Glen Cornell; LSSM Direc-

tor of Development Anna Romund; grill kings Rick Gram, Joe Clor and John Vinson; brew masters Bob, Danny and Patty Fos-

ter; sauerkraut queen Carol Sauter; gift basket/silent auction donators and volunteers Sean Ditty, Sue Bay, Deb Sloss, Gordie

Bush, Blair Gilbert, Michael Rudd, Mark Fett, Kathy Dennis and Jeff Gates, Nancy Heaphy and Doris Lamore, Al and Jacki

Stein, Marc, Chris, Brandon and Bobby Simone (did you see his beautiful mosaic table?!), Ben McCormick, Claudette Mo-

menee, Joe and Kyle Clor, John and Shawn Vinson, Rick and Claudia Gram, Russ and Pat Milne, Virg Ditty, Carolyn

Schmidt, BJ Decker, Penny Damore, Pat Thomas, Kay Butler Berkesch, Heide Montroy, Sue Reck, JoVona Cisco, Sandy

Ford and grandchildren Ella and Nathan Ford, Nancy McCarthy, Chris Judson, Dee Friscan, Peace Circle, Grace Circle,

Hope Circle, Flame Furnace, MJR Home Improvement, Gilbert’s Hardware, Auto-Lab, Dapper Dog Wash, K. Faye Crea-

tions Handmade Pottery, Slow-Jams, Pierogi Gals, and Ana Pizzelle’s.

Special thanks also to Faith Circle for all the yummy Jell-O salads. You can’t have a crowd of Lutherans without Jell-O! And a big

thank you to Sue Vallone for not banishing one annoying Social Action member from the office despite the endless “requests.” A

special thank you to Joe Warnez for the setup and cleanup and to our advisors Pastor Schmidt and Pastor Chris.

On a personal note, I’ve celebrated many wonderful birthdays, but being serenaded by a crowd of 200 (and special a capella sing-

ers…Joe Clor, the choir has your cell number) really takes the German chocolate cake!

Diann Ohman

Bringing in the Harvest for FEELC and Immanuel “Giving Tree” Families

Thank you to everyone who has brought in food for our pantry this past year!! Our “regular” customers greatly appreciate

your generosity. Beginning in November, we will have “Harvest grocery bags” in the hallway or Lounge for you to fill

with a few items from the list stapled to the bag. The pantry will be open on Sundays, too, so you can see our needs up

close. We expect around 40 Immanuel Lutheran “Giving Tree” families again this year – that’s a lot a food to fill 40 bins!

Kroger often has many “10 for $10” promotions for soup and other food items. Every small purchase helps!

Thank you for sharing and caring!

The Christmas Giving Tree for Immanuel Lutheran

Immanuel Lutheran Church, located on Chandler Park Drive and Dickerson in Detroit, just celebrated its 90th Birthday in No-

vember, and we want to spread the joy by “adopting” 30-plus member families with gifts and food baskets at Christmas. We

know times our tough, so we’re adding more Giving Tree envelopes for small donations for those who prefer not to shop.

Please take an ornament from the basket and exchange it for a gift tag or holiday envelope on the Giving Tree located

outside of Pastor Schmidt’s office. Also, please write your name and your child’s name and family number accordingly

on the Giving Tree sign-up sheets. Each tag has the sex and age and approximate size needed for you to buy the perfect gift

(s). 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 jerseys or grooming kits for teen boys. Feel free

to take more than one tag – there’s no limit on generosity! Please turn in Giving Tree envelopes to the church office by Sun-

day, December 6th. All wrapped gifts need to be back under the tree by Sunday, December 13th with the gift tag attached.

Tusen tack (a thousand thanks) for supporting our sister church Immanuel Lutheran!

Board of Social Action

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BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP news

The Fellowship Board is looking for volunteers to serve with us on the Board. We have 3 openings with 2 year terms (January 2014 through December 2015) and 2 openings with 3 year terms (January 2014 through December 2016). If you are interested please contact one of the Pastors or call the church office. Here is an overview of what we do: -plan 5 fun events during the year (always looking for new ideas) -host 3 coffee hours during the year We meet the 2nd Sunday of the month after the late service in the Fellowship Hall, usually the meetings only last 30 - 45 minutes. Please give this some consideration if you have further questions contact Claudette Momenee [phone: (313) 884-4642 or email: CM1MS1@aol.com]. November 27: Join us after the Thanksgiving Eve service for some pie and wine, cider and coffee. December 8: We will be serving a light supper before the Carol-Along - more details will be announced next month.

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 nar-thex (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 as-

signed 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

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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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

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 BE AU T I F U L L Y decorated sanctuary and continues with tea sandwiches and cookies being served in the

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.

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.)

THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP –

NOW THANK WE ALL OUR GOD

Please join with us as, together, we gather to offer up our thanks and praise to God

for his many gifts and blessings.

Our Thanksgiving Eve Worship is Wednesday, November 27, 2013, 7:00 p.m. The Board of Fellowship

will be providing an “Afterglow” of wine and desserts following our worship in the Lounge.

Remember there is no gift, without a giver!

Let us never take God’s providence for granted.

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Gabriel John Lawrence was received into the Kingdom of God through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism on Sunday,

October 27, 2013. He is the son of Eric & Christina (Hall) Lawrence. Welcome to the Kingdom of God.

Parish Education/Youth News from Renata

October 2013

Board of Youth Report

We had 9 youth attend the leaf clean up on October 13th and 9 youth attend the Farm trip on October 19th.

The pumpkin sale was a HUGE success! We raised over $700.00 for our mission trip this summer. Thanks to all who

bought a pumpkin! A special thank you to Christine and Marc Simone for donating the pumpkins and the use of their trailer!!

Upcoming events: October 26- Cedar Point trip

Trunk or Treat- October 27

November 17th -coffee hour

Upcoming Preschool-5th Grade Events This month, children will be learning about "The Fall" of humanity into sin and Adam and Eve's exile from the Garden of Eden. Sundays, 9:30-10:30am - Sunday School 10/27 Trunk or Treat 10/27 3rd Grade Bibles 11/2 First Communion Retreat 11/3 First Communion 12/14 & 12/21 Pageant Rehearsal 12/22 Christmas Pageant

Upcoming MS/HS Youth Events Please visit the calendar here for updates, times, and details. Sundays, 9:30-10:30am - Sunday School Wednesdays, 6:30-8:30pm - Middle School

Confirmation & Youth Group Thursdays, 6:30-8:30pm - High School Youth Group 10/27 Trunk or Treat (MS & HS service event) 11/23 Baking Day (HS) 11/24 Bake Sale (HS fundraiser) 12/13 Caroling (MS & HS service event) 12/13-14 HS Lock-in

Many Thanks! Thank you to all who purchased a pumpkin from High School Youth Group, who raised over $700 for their summer mission trip. God truly does provide! A tremendous thanks to those who helped implement the sale; we will be able to help so many due to your generous donations of funds, time, and talent!

STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY - NOVEMBER 10, 2013 Stewardship Sunday will be celebrated here at First English at both services on Sunday,

November, 10, 2013. During the service members will have the opportunity to make their financial

commitment for the work of Christ’s church through First English for the upcoming year. On behalf of the

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

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Welcoming a visitor with friendly smile and keeping an eye out for them when they return the next week.

Inviting them to a fellowship event such as Oktoberfest and being there to greet them when they arrive.

Or volunteering to serve in the nursery as a young family worships and learns more about Jesus.

Or maybe it’s cooking and serving a meal to those without homes like your middle schoolers will be

doing on Wednesday taking part in the Macomb County Rotating Emergency Shelter Team.

However, whatever list we could compile would be too limiting.

What it all really boils down to is that we are to love God above all else and love our neighbors as

ourselves.

I think Jesus would add the following to our list:

There are people who do not know me as their savior and Lord.

Those who are new to the faith – plant the seeds of faith and allow time and space for my Spirit to work.

Be patient and I will gather a great harvest.

You are not alone, it is not the amount of faith you possess but rather it is my faithfulness toward you that matters.

I will not leave you lost and alone.

I have tattooed your names on the palms of my hand.

I love you, you are mine.

Come now and share in the Master’s joy! Amen.

Preached by Rev. Christina Veres - October 6, 2013

(Continued from page 3)

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

We will soon begin 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?

First of all, stick around on November 17th after the late service to help bring our decorations out from their hiding places.

Next, 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.

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 September2013

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 off to a great start in the preschool room. Mrs. Jackson and I are enjoying an energetic group of 10 children this fall including a few members of the congregation.

In September we learned the classroom routine and some of our themes were Trees, Feelings and Noah’s Ark.

In October we look forward to looking for changes in God’s world as autumn returns and of course, Halloween! The children are busy learning about a new letter each week, singing songs and improving their fine motor skills. 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! 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

13

11/1: William Campbell, Mildred Gronbach,

Mary Schwartz

11/2: Diane Kovach

11/4: Christina Swanson

11/5: Wilson Holsinger, Deborah Molczan,

Christopher Paluch

11/6: Ruth Engle, Geena Molczan

11/7: Nancy Henderson, Claudia Strozeski

11/8: Joyce Blumenstock, April Fabin,

Robyn Stojsih, David Tilford,

Montgomery Kohler

11/9: Angela Capton, Graham Eger,

Cheryl Quinlan

11/10: Richard Schneider, Benjamin Schreiber

11/11: John Anderson, Pamela Balle,

Ryan Henderson, Yvonne Winston

11/12: Kay Berkesch, Joanna Russell,

Tracy Schneedecker

11/13: Ellen Nelson, Virginia Parsons

11/14: Lauren Cisco, Nathan Ford

11/15: Carolyn Blohm, Dorothy Burau,

Megan Ford, Ryan Mott

11/16: Joseph Heaphy, Marilyn Milroy,

Jason Rio

11/17: Monika Andary, Wayne Ford,

Alicia Pautke

11/18: Lola Fett, Charles Heaphy

11/19: John Breckenridge,

Nicholas Corbishdale, Henry Thomas

11/20: Christian Coston, Christi Nyquist

11/21: Colleen Stevens

11/22: James Bezel

11/23: Timothy Bledsoe, Aimee Poole,

Christopher Rao, Patricia Wegner

11/24: Georgeanne LeDuc

11/25: Allen Bertelsen, Christopher Kurtz,

11/27: James Haley, Matthew Schneider,

Joyce Cook

11/28: Elizabeth Butler,

Raymond Demeulemeester,

John Karlson, Dorothy Sargent

11/29: Aaron Cisco, David Walz

11/30: Sarah Bay, Susan Gronbach,

Kristen LaMagno, Joseph Setchell,

Andrew Wilson

14

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3 4

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7 8

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unday School

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6:30 Sound of M

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8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 6:30 S

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N P

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3:30 Music Lessons

5:30 Exercise C

lass 6:00 S

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8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:15 Lord's C

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ingers 6:00 S

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ehearsal 6:00 Lord's C

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ingers 6:30 C

atechism

9:30 Bible S

tudy 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:30 Good N

ews S

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outh Gathering

8:10 Good N

ews R

ingers

8:45 Preschool

6:00 'Sound of M

usic' Dinner

7:00 'Sound of M

usic' Perform

ance

6:00 'Sound of M

usic' Dinner

7:00 'Sound of M

usic' Perform

ance

10 11

12 13

14 15

16

9:30 Contem

porary Worship

9:30 Sunday S

chool 11:00 T

raditional Worship

12:00 B

oard of Fellow

ship Mtg.

2:00 'Sound of M

usic' Perform

ance

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 6:30 G

irl Scouts T

refoil 6:30 S

occer 7:30 B

asketball

10:00 GP

N P

izza Lunch 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:30 E

xercise Class

5:30 Soccer

6:30 Monthly G

rief Support

7:00 Bd. of C

hurch Property

7:30 Soccer

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 11:30 H

ope Circle

3:30 Music Lessons

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 4:00 S

occer 5:00 S

occer 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:00 Basketball

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 Bsketball

1:00 Volleyball

17 18

19 20

21 22

23

9:30 Contem

porary Worship

9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Traditional W

orship

1:00 Volleyball

3:00 Soccer

4:00 Soccer

6:30 Board of S

tewardship M

tg. 6:30 B

oard and Council M

tg.

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 6:30 S

occer 7:30 B

asketball

10:00 GP

N P

izza 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30 S

occer 5:30 E

xercise Class

5:30 Soccer

6:30 Soccer

7:30 Soccer

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:15 Lord's C

o. Ringers

5:30 Basketball

6:00 Lord's Co. S

ingers 6:30 C

atechism

9:30 Bible S

tudy 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:00 S

occer 5:00 S

occer 5:30 E

xercise Class

6:00 Basketball

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 Basketball

12:00 Youth B

aking Day

24 25

26 27

28 29

30

Youth B

ake Sale

9:30 Contem

porary Worship

9:30 S

unday School

11:00 Traditional W

orship

3:00 Soccer

4:00 Soccer

8:45 Preschool

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 6:00 G

race Circle

6:30 Soccer

7:30 Basketball

10:00 GP

N P

izza 3:30 M

usic Lessons 4:30 S

occer 5:30 E

xercise Class

5:30 Soccer

6:30 Soccer

7:30 Soccer

9:30 Exercise C

lass 3:30 M

usic Lessons 5:30 B

asketball 7:00 T

hanksgiving Worship

TH

AN

KS

GIV

ING