Messiah Lutheran Church

14920 Hutchison Road

Tampa, Florida 33625

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Tampa, FL.

Permit No. 3341 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Statement of Mission

We, the members of Messiah Lutheran, in grateful thanksgiving for the blessings of forgiveness, life and salvation through

Jesus Christ our Lord:

~ Consecrate ourselves to grow in faith

~ Devote ourselves to grow in service

~ Dedicate ourselves to grow in witness outreach

Jesus

He is Peace…

He is Joy…

He is Love…

Every good and

perfect gift is from

above… James 1:17

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

Messiah Lutheran Church DECEMBER ~ 2015

14920 Hutchison Rd. Tampa, Florida (North of Ehrlich) 33625-5507

Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff - Guest Worship Leader

Rev. Gil Kuehn - Vacancy Pastor 629-6070 (C) kuehn@ebuffalo.net

Tammy Nunes, Office Administrator 961-2182 (Office)

tnunes@messiahtampa.com 968-8895 (Office)

Fax 961-0592

Abby Moss, Family Life Minister 789-7143 (C)

www.messiahtampa.com

Jody Schweichler, Preschool Director/Teacher 968-9534

Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767 Worship:

8:30 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays) Christian Education:

9:45 AM Contemporary (Holy Communion 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) 9:45 AM

11:00 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays)

From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,) In a world of movie theater shootings, city bombings, ISIS executions, and social me-dia fights over a Starbucks cup it is difficult to have the “Silent Night” type sleep of heavenly peace, and then this verse, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may

have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Christmas is the celebration of the incarnation of God as a human baby, Jesus. It marks the beginning of the completion of God’s victory promise to defeat sin, death, hell, and the devil on our behalf. It marks the event that all other parts of the Bible point to or refer back to, Jesus. It is this victory, it is this assurance that God fulfills and keeps His promises that give us joy and peace. This doesn’t mean we won’t face trouble but that we can trust that it is not the end of the story.

In John 15:18-21 Jesus says, “’If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to

the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the

world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: “A servant is not greater than his master. If

they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will

treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.’”

Our time on this earth is going to have trouble. As Christ’s followers we will face even more trouble because of our beliefs. We are supposed to be set apart, different from everyone and everything around us. People will not understand or accept us. They may even try or succeed in hurting us in words and actions. Our call is to be faithful and to trust God’s promises and how the story finally ends. We find peace in knowing Jesus wins and heaven is ours someday because of Him.

In John 17: 13-23 after Jesus’ work is done and the victory is won, just as Jesus is preparing to ascend into heaven, he says and prays “’I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world,

so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has

hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them

out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.

For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for

those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me

and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them

the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be

brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have

loved me.’”

Jesus prays for His disciples and for all future believers such as us, that though the world is full of trouble we would cling to victory in Jesus and in that peace and be protected from evil. Jesus prays that we will stand firm through suffering, that we would be holy and set apart, just as he was so that people can see Jesus, can see the victory won by Him on their behalf and find peace with God and peace in a world full of trouble.

This Advent season may we be peaceful in times of trouble and peace makers and peace bearers for a world facing temporary trouble until we experience the joys and trouble free eternity of heaven.

CONTINUING SERVING MESSIAH IN DECEMBER

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

ELDERS:

2 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. - Mike Castro ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. - Dan Carlson

6 Mike Castro & Eric Peterson Paul Riffel & Dale Laxton

9 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. - Ed Picillo ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. - Mike Mekelburg

13 Mike Mekelburg Bill Meyer

16 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. - Tim Hohl ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. - Eric Peterson

20 Dan Carlson & Ed Picillo Dale Laxton & Gary Weber

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. - Eric Peterson

6:30 p.m. - Dale Laxton

8:30 p.m. - Bill Meyer

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ Bill Meyer & Gary Weber

27 Mike Castro Gary Weber

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Mike Mekelburg & Bob Harrigan

GREETERS:

6 Susan Olds Dale & Luann Laxton

13 Erika Rebuck Mark & Nancy Lemke

20 Chris & Bente Smith John & Jody Schweichler

27 Debbie Schoppa Frank & Pat Scalise

COFFEE:

6 Gwen Salt

13 LWML

20 Ernie & Gail Munzen

27 Lu Heine

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m.

USHERS: ELDERS ACOLYTES

6 Floyd Skeins Bob Harrigan Angelina Dial

13 Volunteer Needed Tim Hohl & Bob Harrigan Aryn Nester

20 Ron Dial & Sarah Parker Bob Harrigan Francesca Aldrich

27 Steve & Gaylene Gay Bob Harrigan & Paul Riffel Angelina Dial

SERVING MESSIAH IN DECEMBER

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

USHER: 2 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. - Mike McKenzie/Bryan Burgess/Paul Dworkin/Bruce Noyes

6 Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella/Julia Salt Jan Umbaugh/Steve Turke Mark Eicholtz/Leroy Scotland John Schweichler/Cliff Yarosh

9 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. - Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke/Dick Larson/Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian

13 Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar Mike McKenzie/Bryan Burgess Mike Mekelburg/Christian Moll/Erik Peterson Paul Dworkin/Bruce Noyes

16 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. - Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella/Julia Salt/Mark Eicholtz/Leroy Scotland

20 Joel Mathews/Al Knaak Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke Ann Ferguson/Jack Proeschel Dick Larson/Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. - Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar/Mike Mekelburg Christian Moll/Erik Peterson 6:30 p.m. - Joel Mathews/Al Knaak/Ann Ferguson/Jack Proeschel 8:30 p.m. - Jan Umbaugh/Steve Turke/John Schweichler/Cliff Yarosh

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. - Mike McKenzie/Bryan Burgess/Paul Dworkin/Bruce Noyes

27 Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella/Julia Salt Jan Umbaugh/Steve Turke Mark Eicholtz/Leroy Scotland John Schweichler/Cliff Yarosh

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. - Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke/Dick Larson Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian ACOLYTES:

2 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. - Volunteer Needed ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. - Aiden Skeins

6 Emma Munzen Emma Heidelberg

9 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. - Volunteer Needed ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. - Emma Heidelberg

13 Aiden Skeins Lily Aldrich

16 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. - Volunteer Needed ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. - Lily Aldrich

20 Emma Munzen Julia Wall

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. - Julia Wall ~ ~ 6:30p.m. - Jake Amerson

8:30p.m. - Lily Aldrich

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ Lily Aldrich

27 Emma Munzen Francesca Aldrich

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ Volunteer Needed - 5:00 p.m. ALTAR GUILD: Lois Draper, Bev Fisher & Dixie Meyer Mary Plotkowski & Lynn Turke

December Birthday Blessings!December Birthday Blessings!December Birthday Blessings!December Birthday Blessings!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of

the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

1 Dorothy Biegert

Alyssa Mantei

2 Tim Bellott

Efelda Ellis

Bob Harrigan

Joshua Riek

3 Natalie Charlow

Gaylene Gay

Vic Riveiro

Marc Thacker

Lynn Turke

4 Gayle Carlson

Jacob Nicol

5 Cheryl Cabina

Meagan Mane

Laurie McGinnis

Erik Peterson

Barbara Weber

6 Abdul Gafur

Colin Greseth

Tony Valdez

7 Ty McKenzie

Morgan Podosek

8 Janet Donahue

Cassandra Hanjian

Samantha Juliano

9 Quynh Holzheimer

Chloe Martin

12 Kevin Daniels

Liam Decker

13 Mitchell Riek

14 Allison Brannan

Brittany Moll

John Morrow

15 Gwen Hardin

Diane Wawrzyniak

16 Christine Hanjian

Cynthia Jackson

18 Bill Daniel

19 Leslie Madewell

20 Esther Joiner

21 Kent Edie

22 Bill Atkins

25 Kristofer Brinton

Tami Daniels

Richard Schmidt

Jonathan Valdez

Torianne Valdez

26 John Dufresne

27 Monty Bostick

Michael Noesen

Ben Scoi

Sowoe Scoi

Gracie Skeins

28 Holly Cobin

Heather Daniel

Joshua Ellerbee

29 Ron Mavrides

Lia Schafer

Donna Smith

31 Rita Roehrs

Happy

Birthday!

Angel Stitches, Messiah's crocheting, quilting and crafting club, will meet Sunday, December 13th at 2pm in classroom 1 of the CLC. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Please contact Lynn Turke 833-9598 or Mary Plot-kowski 960-9220 if you have any questions. Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desiring to place announcements in the January Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at tnunes@messiahtampa.com by Tuesday, December 15th.

Carrollwood Care Center Birthday Parties ~ The monthly birthday party for this month will be held Wednesday, December 16th at 2:15 PM at Carrollwood Care Nursing Home (located right behind Messiah). Any questions? - call Mary Plotkowski at 813-960-9220. Senior adults will meet for our Christmas luncheon at 11:30 on Thursday, December 10th at Lu Heine's house at 11413 Georgetown Circle, Tampa. Meat, dessert and drinks will be provided and we ask that you bring an appetizer or side dish to share. If directions are needed please contact Lu Heine at 813- 569-9377, Dorothy Biegert at 813-961--0659 or Lois Dworkin at 727-648-4365. Please get your reservations in ASAP. I hope all seniors can join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Thanks to all the workers who helped put on the Pre-Thanksgiving Din-ner.

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT TEAADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT TEAADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT TEAADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT TEA

Tuesday, December 8th Tuesday, December 8th Tuesday, December 8th Tuesday, December 8th

7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.7:30 p.m.

Messiah’s Christian Life CenterMessiah’s Christian Life CenterMessiah’s Christian Life CenterMessiah’s Christian Life Center

All ladies, young ladies, and their friends and relatives are invited

to attend. Join us for a lovely evening to celebrate the Advent

season. The CLC is transformed into a beautiful candlelit room with

beautifully decorated tables. You will be served delicious desserts,

coffee and tea. You will be entertained by the beautiful voice of Amy

Mathews. You won’t want to miss this event.

Come and celebrate the Advent season and the birth of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

Ministries & Activities

Adult Bible Study (Sunday 9:45 a.m.)

Mark Lemke - “Books of the Bible” - Ministry Center Room 201

Bible Study - CLC - Middle - Teen & Adult Summer Video Series “Foundations”

Altar Guild - Lois Draper, 961-8287

American Heritage Girls - CLC - Sheri Irwin, 766-7766

Angel Stitches - CLC - Room 1 - Lynn Turke, 960-7289

Assimilation - CLC - Conference Room - Bruce Noyes, 264-0760

Bakalyar’s Neighborhood Bible Study - At her home - Beverly, 300-3085

BAMOMS - CLC - Middle

Blind Ministry Luncheon - CLC - Middle - Norma Stemm, 431-7744

Boy Scouts - Ministry Center - Room 204 & Gym

Choir - Sanctuary - Monday - Kim Capsas, 598-8160 or Facebook

Christian Education Mtg. - Copier Room - Loraine Eden, 732-3078

Cub Scouts – Pack 18 - CLC - Middle - Joe Bartolotta, 933-9245

Feed Your Neighbor - Bobbie Packer, 614- 937-4005

Florida Suncoast Decorative Artist - CLC - Middle

Girl Scouts - CLC Room 2

Handbells - Sanctuary - Monday - Kim Capsas, 598-8160 or Facebook

LifeLight Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room - Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.

LWML - Nancy Lemke, 264-5095

Memorial Garden Committee - Cry Room - Lu Heine, 569-9377

Men’s Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room ~ Wednesday Morning 7:00 a.m.

Messiah’s Followers Forever - Ministry Center ~ Barbara Packer, 428-6204

Narcotics Anonymous - Ministry Center - Youth Room

Pinochle - contact David West at 972-8861 or westbaysol@hotmail.com; play monthly

Preschool Fellowship - Ministry Center - Gym

Senior Adults - Lois Dworkin, 727-648-4365 or Dorothy Biegert, 961-0659

Social Ministry - CLC - Conference Room

Stephen Ministry Support - Ministry Center - Rm. 201- Walt Halfmann, 792-8406

Trail Life - Ministry Center - Joe Gabriel, 765-2196

Wednesday Evening Adult Bible Study ~ 6:45 - 7:45, Ministry Center #201

Young Adults 20’s - 30’s - Abby Moss, 789-7143

Youth Choir/Flag Team - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

Youth Sunday Afternoon - Ministry Center - Gym & Youth Room - Abby Moss, 789-7143

Christmas Poinsettias

Every year, we enjoy the special beauty of poinsettia plants in our sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Again, with your support, beautiful poinsettias will line the sidewalk approaches to church and be placed in the sanctuary. For a $12 donation to Messiah’s Memorial Garden, a poinsettia plant will be purchased for use on Christmas Eve. If desired, you may designate the poinsettia in memory or in honor of a loved one(s). The list of loved ones so designated will be acknowledged in a special worship bulletin insert. Please place your $12 cash/check and completed form (below) into the offering plate or drop it off at the church office. Plant(s) may be taken home after the Christmas Day service. THE DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20th. Thanks in advance for your interest in this opportunity to beautify our celebration of Jesus’ birth, 2015 A.D.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Detach Here _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

All orders are to be prepaid and accompanied with this completed order form.

Make checks payable to MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH (“Poinsettia”) in check memo line. Please place payment and completed form in the offering plate or drop off at the church office. THE DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20th.

Your name: ____________________________________

I wish to order ____ poinsettia(s) @ $12 per plant. Check total = $ _____

Please designate my donation of poinsettias as:

____ Given to the Glory of God by _____________________________________

____ Given in memory of _______________________________________________

____ Given in honor of _________________________________________________

Advent Take Home Series!Advent Take Home Series!Advent Take Home Series!Advent Take Home Series!

This Advent Season we will take a look at the theme This Advent Season we will take a look at the theme This Advent Season we will take a look at the theme This Advent Season we will take a look at the theme

“Hark the Glad Sound” on Sundays during Advent. Take “Hark the Glad Sound” on Sundays during Advent. Take “Hark the Glad Sound” on Sundays during Advent. Take “Hark the Glad Sound” on Sundays during Advent. Take

Home Daily Advent Devotions will be available in the Home Daily Advent Devotions will be available in the Home Daily Advent Devotions will be available in the Home Daily Advent Devotions will be available in the

narthex. A children’s activity will be given to children narthex. A children’s activity will be given to children narthex. A children’s activity will be given to children narthex. A children’s activity will be given to children

during Sunday School on Sundays in December or during Sunday School on Sundays in December or during Sunday School on Sundays in December or during Sunday School on Sundays in December or

available on the table in the narthex. We hope your available on the table in the narthex. We hope your available on the table in the narthex. We hope your available on the table in the narthex. We hope your

family will take and use these for family devotion time throughout family will take and use these for family devotion time throughout family will take and use these for family devotion time throughout family will take and use these for family devotion time throughout

December. Please use these tools and ideas to help focus yourself December. Please use these tools and ideas to help focus yourself December. Please use these tools and ideas to help focus yourself December. Please use these tools and ideas to help focus yourself

and/or your family on the reason for celebration, Jesus.and/or your family on the reason for celebration, Jesus.and/or your family on the reason for celebration, Jesus.and/or your family on the reason for celebration, Jesus.

Advent Wednesday Worship 5 PM and 7 PM

Join us on the three Wednesdays of advent as we focus on “The Long Road To Christmas.”

December 2 ~ “The Road of the Exiles”

December 9 ~ “The Road of the Angels”

December 16 ~ “The Road of the Shepherds” Advent Suppers will be served between the 5 and 7PM services from 5:30-6:45PM in the Christian Life Center. Join us for food and fellowship. The Advent suppers will be hosted by the youth group to raise funds for the District Middle School and 2016 National Youth Gatherings. They will be serving the following cuisine:

December 2, Spaghetti

December 9, Tacos

December 16, Soup/Chili

We hope to see you often during the month of December.

The Pinochle Christmas Party

Will be held at the home of David and Annie West 6pm Saturday, December 5th. All past, present, and future play-ers are invited – Please sign up to bring main course, appetizer, salad, vegetable, or dessert. Your response is important for seating. For informa-tion – call 972-8861 Annie/David

CHRISTMAS OUTREACH FOR KIDS

Messiah Social Ministry Team will soon set up a Christmas Blessings Tree in the front of the sanctuary. The Christmas Blessings Tree will be decorated with paper ornaments containing the name and age of children from LSF Head Start program at Woodlawn Center

(RED ornaments) and also from nearby Northwest Elementary School (GREEN or-naments). Messiah members and friends are asked to please choose a name(s) from the Tree and provide a new toy appropriate for the age of that child. Please clearly mark the wrapped toy with the chosen child’s name and tag and place it under the Tree by December 13th. These kids are from less fortunate families who reside in our local community and your gift will be a blessing to them. Your

loving support for this outreach is appreciated. Messiah Social Ministry.

Carrollwood Care Center

We will be bringing Christmas cookies, along with beanie baby sized

stuffed animals and the spirit of Christmas to the residents of Car-

rollwood Care on Wednesday, December 16th at 2:15pmWednesday, December 16th at 2:15pmWednesday, December 16th at 2:15pmWednesday, December 16th at 2:15pm. Come join

us for the monthly birthday party and see the joy it brings to the residents.

If you can help us with the outreach, please bring your donated stuffed animals to the

church and place in the Carrollwood Care box in the narthex. Thank you for your

help! If you have any questions, please call Mary Plotkowski at 813-960-9220.

Can you help decorate?

We will be decorating the Sanctuary and Ministry Center on Friday, November 27th from 10AM until 12PM. Many hands make light work. Plan to join us and help get our campus ready for Christmas and all of our visitors! Questions? Call Kim @ 598-8160.

Thank you to everyone who participated in our

Youth Wreath Fundraiser!

If you ordered from us, your wreaths will be delivered to Messiah and you If you ordered from us, your wreaths will be delivered to Messiah and you If you ordered from us, your wreaths will be delivered to Messiah and you If you ordered from us, your wreaths will be delivered to Messiah and you

can take them home with you on can take them home with you on can take them home with you on can take them home with you on Sunday December 6th Sunday December 6th Sunday December 6th Sunday December 6th after worship or we after worship or we after worship or we after worship or we can make arrangements for another time for you to pick them up or for us to can make arrangements for another time for you to pick them up or for us to can make arrangements for another time for you to pick them up or for us to can make arrangements for another time for you to pick them up or for us to

drop them off. drop them off. drop them off. drop them off.

Although local ordering is complete, if you would like to give a wreath as a Although local ordering is complete, if you would like to give a wreath as a Although local ordering is complete, if you would like to give a wreath as a Although local ordering is complete, if you would like to give a wreath as a

gift for someone who lives out of town, you can still help us! gift for someone who lives out of town, you can still help us! gift for someone who lives out of town, you can still help us! gift for someone who lives out of town, you can still help us!

Log onto Log onto Log onto Log onto http://www.alpinefarms.com/shop/http://www.alpinefarms.com/shop/http://www.alpinefarms.com/shop/http://www.alpinefarms.com/shop/ and click Shop. Order what-and click Shop. Order what-and click Shop. Order what-and click Shop. Order what-

ever item you like, send it wherever you like and when it is time to input bill-ever item you like, send it wherever you like and when it is time to input bill-ever item you like, send it wherever you like and when it is time to input bill-ever item you like, send it wherever you like and when it is time to input bill-ing information credit our group under ing information credit our group under ing information credit our group under ing information credit our group under Fundraiser Group CodeFundraiser Group CodeFundraiser Group CodeFundraiser Group Code with the sale with the sale with the sale with the sale

by typing in by typing in by typing in by typing in MEFLMEFLMEFLMEFL (for Messiah Florida). A portion of that sale will then (for Messiah Florida). A portion of that sale will then (for Messiah Florida). A portion of that sale will then (for Messiah Florida). A portion of that sale will then

benefit our youth group. Thanks for your support!benefit our youth group. Thanks for your support!benefit our youth group. Thanks for your support!benefit our youth group. Thanks for your support!

Playgroup will conclude Monday December 7.

Playgroup resumes on January 25.

Please contact us if you would like to get involved.

Christian Education Reminder!Christian Education Reminder!Christian Education Reminder!Christian Education Reminder!

Sunday November 29th: Sunday November 29th: Sunday November 29th: Sunday November 29th: There will be a combined children/teen and adult family movie on

Thanksgiving in the Gym at 9:45AM due to Thanksgiving weekend.

December 6 December 6 December 6 December 6 Normal Class

December 13 December 13 December 13 December 13 Normal Class

December 20th: December 20th: December 20th: December 20th: no 9:45AM Contemporary or Bible Class, everyone is invited to join us in

the Sanctuary for the Family Christmas Festival.

December 27th December 27th December 27th December 27th There will be NO Sunday School

Adult Bible Class will meet as normal. Join us for worship at any of the normal times (8:30,

9:45, or 11AM).

January 3rd January 3rd January 3rd January 3rd Combined class, family Epiphany Party in the GYM

We appreciate your flexibility as we attempt to give our Sunday School and Bible Study staff

an opportunity to celebrate holidays with their families and accommodate the seasonal activi-

ties. Normal Sunday School and Bible class will resume on Sunday January 10th at 9:45AM.

Merry Christmas!

New All Church Opening Starting January 10thNew All Church Opening Starting January 10thNew All Church Opening Starting January 10thNew All Church Opening Starting January 10th

Attention Sunday School Parents!Attention Sunday School Parents!Attention Sunday School Parents!Attention Sunday School Parents!

We will be taking some time (15 minutes at the opening for grade school and

15mins. at the end for Prek & K) during Sunday School classes during November

and December to practice some parts of the Christmas Story for the Family

Christmas Festival on Sunday December 20th. Please have your child be on time and

at as many Sunday classes as possible so they don’t miss out. Then have your whole

family join us on Sunday, December 20th at 9:45AM in the Sanctuary to participate

in and enjoy the Family Christmas Festival.

We realize December is a busy month so we hope by not adding an extra thing but

incorporating it into our normal routine you will be able to attend and participate.

We ask that you arrive and gather extra early at 9:15AM on Sunday December 20 in

the Christian Life Center so students can get costumed and ready for the Festival in

the Sanctuary at 9:45AM. Contact Abby or Kim with questions or if you would like to

participate or help.

HOPE CHILDREN’S HOME CHRISTMAS PARTY

All of the donated gifts from Messiah members and friends will be distrib-uted to the children at Hope Children’s Home during a Christmas Party sched-uled for Tuesday evening, December 15, 2015 from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m.

Anyone wishing to join in the fun evening may meet at the church parking lot at 5:30 p.m. to carpool to Hope. During this party, you will have the opportunity to get to know the chil-dren and enjoy seeing their happy faces as they receive and open their special Christmas gifts. Messiah Social Ministry Team thanks you for your expressions of love and thought-fulness to our Hope kids!

SANTA’S MAILBOX FOR HOPE CHILDREN’S HOME

Messiah Social Ministry is making the annual call to all of our Christmas angels! Please show your love and help make a happier holiday for one or

more of the children at Hope Children’s Home, located only a few miles from our church. The precious children in residency at this Christian-based campus are separated from their parents for months or years due to domestic or economic reasons. You will find envelopes containing Christmas gift “wish lists” for each child in Santa’s Mailbox which will be located in the Narthex thru Dec. 13th. Please place your wrapped gift(s), clearly marked with the child’s name, under the Mailbox.

Messiah Lutheran Church

BLOOD DRIVE

Sunday, December 13th

8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

It's fast! It's easy! Sign up on the board in the Breezeway or

Visit www.fbsdonor.org to make an appointment for your next donation.

Use Sponsor Code 02271

The Life Light Wednesday 10 AM Bible Study will be studying the Sunday morning themes “Hark The Glad Sound” on December 2, 9, and 16. We will not meet December 23 and 30. Normal Bible class times and schedule will resume on January 6th.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The church office will only be open from

8:30 AM to 12 PM

on November 23 & 24 and December 28-30.

The church office will be closed completely on December 24, 25, &

31 as well as January 1. Blessed celebration of the birth of

our Lord!

"Feed your Neighbor "

We are collecting Bags of Blessings, for children and their families.

We are repeating our successful November bags of groceries to help

families during the Christmas break. We are collecting grocery bags

filled with food items to help provide food while students are home

for the Holidays. Many children partake in the free breakfast and

lunch program at school each day. While they are away from school

over Christmas break moms and dads need a little extra help to

provide enough food for their family. If you can help, pick up an

empty bag after church and fill it with the suggested listed items.

We need the filled bags returned by December 13th. We will deliver

them during that week. Thank you again for sharing your blessings

with those in need.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesChristmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesChristmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesChristmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Worship ServiceChristmas Day Worship ServiceChristmas Day Worship ServiceChristmas Day Worship Service w/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.

New Year’s Eve ServiceNew Year’s Eve ServiceNew Year’s Eve ServiceNew Year’s Eve Service w/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communion

5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.

Bags

of

Blessings

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************ Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth activities During the

Month of November. Thanks to….

Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin & Steve Jones

Special Event Helpers: Paul Dworkin, Doris Hogan, Tim Schultz, Joe Gabriel,

Jennifer Aldrich, Ken & Karen Nester, Jean Jones, Karen Lundy, and Claudia

Bohren.

We appreciate you and couldn’t do it without you!

**************************************************** Special Thanks to Abby’s Office Helpers: Tony Gain, Amy Podosek, and

Linda Dufresne.

****************************************************

Youth Caroling!Youth Caroling!Youth Caroling!Youth Caroling!

We will be meeting Sunday, December 6 at

1PM or after the 11AM worship for lunch. If

you have choir with Miss Kim, feel free to

eat anywhere between 11:45 and 1PM in the

youth room. Meet us back there when you’re

done. We will depart and sing for several area

nursing homes. We should be back at Messiah

by a few minutes after 4 PM. You can stay through for

Open Gym if you like. Parents, we need drivers. If you can,

please sign up ahead of time so we can plan food and

rides. Siblings and parents are welcome to join us!

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Advent Suppers

Hey Youth & Parents!

We need your help putting on the Advent Suppers on December

2, 9, & 16. We need shopping, set up, cooking, food prep at

home, food prep at church, serving, and clean up help. Please let

Abby know what night(s) you can be here at what time and how

you want to help.

*******************************************************

Youth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth Night For youth grades 5For youth grades 5For youth grades 5For youth grades 5----12 12 12 12 ----Sundays from 4pmSundays from 4pmSundays from 4pmSundays from 4pm----6pm 6pm 6pm 6pm

We begin with a short devotion. Parents we need your help as chaperones, Open Gym dates for December are 6, 13, & 20

We may get a late start on the 6th after caroling. The 20th will be our Youth Christmas Party

No Open Gym December 27 because of Christmas break.

Senior High, 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High, 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High, 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High, 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Lets get together on Sunday the 13th at 6:30PM at Messiah for food and fellowship.

All Youth Christmas Party (Grades 5-12)! Sunday December 20th ~ 4:00-8:30PM

(4-6PM will be Middle School only, all ages will have dinner at 6PM and High School will be from 6-8:30 PM)

in the Ministry Center Gym & Youth Room

Let’s get together for some food, fellowship, and celebrate our Savior’s birth. Bring a dish to pass (salad, side dish, 2 liter, or dessert) to go with our walking taco bar. We will do a white elephant gift exchange (bring a random thing from home wrapped, don’t go out and buy anything, the

more odd the better ). Friends are welcome!

Attention Youth!

Bummed you missed out during Thanksgiving?

Then join us Saturday December 19 at 2PM for a special service project with Metropolitan Ministries. Wear your closed toed shoes and get ready to help

with the Tent Event. We will be busy helping with parking, greeting, and helping guests shop from and load items from the food pantry and Christmas gifts store. The project will go until 6:30PM. We’ll grab some dinner after our shift and return to Messiah around 7:15PM. We can take 15 middle school

and high school youth and we need at least 2 adults. Sign up if you can help. We have to turn names and numbers in ahead of time.

The deadline to sign up is Sunday December 6th.

Call Committee Update

Since mid-October, your Call Committee conducted additional research and removed three candidates, at their request, and added one back, from the pre-vious list, resulting in these nine candidates:

Rev. Mark J. Adrian Rev. Jonathan E. Petering

*Rev. Bruce Alberts Rev. Gregory Prauner

*Rev. Brent M. Hartwig Rev. James Martin Richardson, Jr.

Rev. Joshua M. Hatcher Rev. Greg Zillinger

Rev. Steven B. Patton

*From previous list Your Call Committee developed questions for initial phone conversations, to get to know candidates. We reviewed their information, on-line sermons, and made nine initial calls. We are selecting the strongest candidates, and will soon email a revised list and information on each. We are developing questions for more in-depth phone conversations, using Skype or Face-Time, where practical. We intend to invite the strongest candi-dates for an on-site visit with your Call Committee. We also are planning meet-ings to introduce them to members, depending on candidate schedules, possi-bly on short notice. After on-site visits, there will be a congregational meeting for the voters to select one pastor to call. Your Call Committee members are investing considerable time and prayer to discern God’s will and timing for Messiah. We appreciate your understanding that candidates and Call Committee members will be busy celebrating Advent and Christmas. Please keep candidates, us and Messiah in your prayers. Information on each of these pastors, and their churches, can be found at www.LCMS.org, under the Resources tab. Call Committee: Please contact any member if you have questions or con-cerns. You may also send a message through Messiah’s website, under the Call Committee tab. Committee members are: Joel Mathews, John Dufresne, Claudia Bohren, Mike Mekelburg, Sherri Irwin, Walt Halfmann, Kathy Larson, Jack Jensen, Julie Hohl, Sandi Windsor, and Abby Moss.

Messiah Music Ministry Messiah Music Ministry Messiah Music Ministry Messiah Music Ministry presentspresentspresentspresents

“What Child is This?”“What Child is This?”“What Child is This?”“What Child is This?”

Saturday, December 12Saturday, December 12Saturday, December 12Saturday, December 12thththth at 7:00 p.m.at 7:00 p.m.at 7:00 p.m.at 7:00 p.m.

Please come and bring a friend to join us for a Christmas cantata by composer Joel Raney, featuring both original and familiar carols that are sure to inspire, thrill, inform, and entertain. The seven musical selections are each colorful, bold statements in a variety of musical styles that will touch hearts with the warmth that people crave at Christmas time. The cantata is presented by Messiah Music Ministry’s talented choir, bell choir and instrumentalists.

After the concert all are invited to a delicious dessert reception in

the beautifully decorated ministry center (gym). The concert is free,

donations to the music ministry fund are gratefully accepted...a free

will offering will be taken. This event is suitable for all ages. The con-

cert will last about thirty five minutes. This is an excellent opportu-

nity to invite an unchurched neighbor, relative or friend! If you do

not wish to drive at night please let the church office know, we will

arrange rides.

PRESCHOOL NEWS

Messiah Lutheran Preschool cordially invites all congregation mem-bers, parents and friends to the Preschool Christmas Program on Wednesday, December 16th at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Sanctuary. Come and hear the wondrous story of Jesus’ birth re-told through the voices and hearts of our dear three and four year old preschool stu-

dents. After the program, be sure to also attend a reception and the Preschool Fel-lowship’s Silent Auction in the Ministry Center Gym.

We are currently putting together baskets for our Preschool’s Silent Auction on December 16th and are looking for donations of goods and services to auction off. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Jody Schweichler (813 968-9534) or leave items marked for the preschool in the church office. Any donations will be greatly appreciated.

There are currently openings available in all our classes. For information or a tour of our school, please call Director Jody Schweichler at (813)968-9534 or email her at jodyschweichler@hotmail.com.

Our Preschool would like to say a very special “Thank You” to all the church members, school parents, and friends of Messiah Lutheran Preschool for all the hard work and fi-nancial support given us during the year. We couldn’t do it without you!

The school board will meet on December 1st at 7:00 p.m. in the conference room located in the church office. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome to attend this meeting. We hope to see you there.

We wish a wonderful Christ filled Christmas and a blessed New Year!

2016 ~ Flower Charts

Flower Charts for 2016 will be posted soon on the portable bulletin board. If you would like to mark a celebration, honor a loved one or want to place flowers in memory of someone, you may do so. You can also give the eternal candle for the month by signing the line under each month. We ask that you please give us the following information:

● Please print your name (legibly)

● The Occasion

● If the line is taken, please choose another date.

The cost for each flower arrangement is $20.00

The cost for the eternal candle is $15.00

Make checks payable to “Flower Fund ~ Messiah Lutheran”

To the Family of Messiah,

In a popular Christmas time hymn, we sing the words.

“Hark the Glad Sound the Savior comes,

the Savior promised long”

The Christmas and Advent season are full of treasured songs. Few

events in human history have inspired so much art and music as the

incarnation of Christ. During this advent season we seek to let our

hearts prepare a throne for our Savior King and raise our voices in song.

On the four Sundays of Advent we will focus on the theme of “Hark the Glad Sound.” We

will explore the Biblical backgrounds of four songs of Advent.

First Sunday of Advent – November 29: The Song of Zechariah.

Second Sunday of Advent – December 6: The Song of Mary.

Third Sunday of Advent – December 13: The Song of the Angels.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 20: The Song of the Church.

Messiah will also be providing a daily devotional that looks at the history and meaning be-

hind twelve familiar carols. Verse after verse, speak the message of our salvation in Christ

and put a joyous song in our hearts. Please take and use a copy of the “Hard the Glad

Sound” daily devotional.

In addition to the Sundays of Advent, we will prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ this Advent season with additional worship opportunities on the three Wednesdays of Ad-vent. We will focus on the theme: “The Long Road To Christmas.” Worship service times will be 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. A time of food and fellowship will be at 5:45 pm. Our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship will be at 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm and our Christmas Day worship will be at 10:00 am. May we each be filled with the Joy of Christ-mas as we say, “Hark, The Glad Sound.” Merry Christmas!

Messiah Ministry Staff

Family Christmas Festival

“Come to Bethlehem and See!” Family Christmas Festival“Come to Bethlehem and See!” Family Christmas Festival“Come to Bethlehem and See!” Family Christmas Festival“Come to Bethlehem and See!” Family Christmas Festival

This festival is open to children and adults of all ages. It is for families and

singles, members and friends. Just as Jesus is a gift for all, this event is for all

people!

Instead of a “Sunday School” Christmas program, this year we would like to

get families and people of all ages involved in our Family Christmas Festival

program. Everyone has a hand in putting together the program! The story

and parts are learned during the first 15 minutes of Sunday School/youth

group during the next few weeks.

Individuals/families willing to help with a reading can work on lines on their

own time at home too. Not an actor? Not a singer? No fear this is designed for

involvement no matter your comfort level. Come and enjoy by watching and

worshipping. Just Come & See the Savior born for you! For me!

We know December is busy so we will gather together on Sunday December

20th during the 9:45AM hour in the Sanctuary. Come and See! Contact Abby

Moss or Kim Capsas to get involved. Everyone is invited to join us on the 20th!

Youth, Grades 7-12 Save the date of December 22nd at 3:20 p.m. for the

New Star Wars movie at Regal Citrus Park Cinema.

More details to come closer to the date.

New All Church Opening Starting January 10th As our congregation continues to pray and seek God’s will for our congregation, many sur-veys, discussions and forums have been completed by the Board of Elders, Call Commit-

tee, and Strategic Planning Team on the new Pastor, on worship, and on the future direction of Messiah.

In all of these discussions, common themes emerged:

* that Messiah would provide meaningful and engaging worship across the lifespan, * that we would be committed to teaching the Bible, * that we would focus on outreach outside ourselves,

* that Messiah would be a place that reaches out to and meets the needs of the congregation as a whole but also the needs of children, young adults, and younger families.

I It is for these reasons the Board of Elders would like to start a new "ALL CHURCH

OPENING". "Opening" has long been the term used for the short period at the beginning of Sunday

School Education Hour where all ages may come together to sing a couple songs, collect the education offering and for a leader to share the lesson theme or memory verse with the

children. However, we are changing this format for the following reasons:

* to help grow and enhance our Sunday School and Christian Education hour, *to grow and enhance the 9:45 a.m. Contemporary worship service,

*to engage and interact with families attending Sunday School but not worship, * to allow families some time to worship and engage together.

This new format will begin a trial period starting Sunday January 10th through the end of

May. Elders and Staff will continue to evaluate and tweak the opening as needed.

We are inviting all people to come together for a brief period at 9:45 a.m. each Sunday to experience the All Church Opening in the sanctuary. It is our hope this will strengthen our

congregation. Please plan to participate! Rough format could include: Opening Song

Greeting from Pastor Profession of Faith

Children's Message (which will be offered at 9:45 and 11 only going forward) Dismissal to Sunday School

Communion will be offered on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays. Contemporary service continues with inspirational music, sermon and prayer.

Thanks for your patience, support, and participation. Please direct any questions to the

Board of Elders.

A prayer for your personal witness outreach in 2015:

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,

And love that soul through me;

And may I nobly do my part

To win that soul for Thee.

~ Tucker

Mark Your Calendars!!

Saturday, December 5th

Trail Life Fundraiser

7:00am — 12:00pm

19510 Holly Lane, Lutz, FL (across from Christ Cumberland Church on N. Dale Mabry)

This year's fundraiser will be in the form of a community yard sale. All family members are invited to help make this a blowout event. (psst...there will be something big and inflatable there) Start boxing up quality items to sell now!

Things Needed

Tables

People

Good stuff to sell

TEXT Mark BelIfuss for info on bringing sale items before Dec 5th. His number is 727-505-8052. Big items do grab the eye but must be brought the day of the sale. Furniture should be in good condition. See ya there!