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

A New Year to give thanks to

God… seek the Lord…trust in

Him…spread the Word…

Happy New Year!

Messiah Lutheran Church January ~ 2013

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

Tammy Nunes, Office Administrator 961-2182 (Office) tnunes@messiahtampa.com 968-8895 (Office) Fax 961-0592

James R. Guelzow, Admin. Pastor 963-3419 (H) Scott E. Burmeister, Assoc. Pastor 391-3227 (C) Abby Moss, Family Life Minister 1-734-678-5499 (C)

www.messiahtampa.com

Jody Schweichler, Preschool Director/Teacher 968-9534 Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767 Connie Sikkema, Migrant Ministry Director 968-6061

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)

Fellow Redeemed,

If you are reading this letter, then the Myan calendar was mistaken. The ending of their calendar did not mark the end of the world.

Matthew 24:35-36 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

These words were spoken by Jesus, and they should bring us a good bit of comfort. I remember something one of my professors at Semi-nary, Dr Gibbs, used to say, “Nothing is the end of the world, except the end of the world.” We were studying Greek at the time and some of us felt that class would be the end of the world. I remember feel-ing a good bit of comfort when Professor Gibbs said those words. I still feel comfort when I hear the words of Jesus in Matthew 24.

What we should take with us, concerning the Myan calendar debacle, is that God’s Word is true. Nothing else in the world can we count on, except the very Words that come from the mouth of God. The as-surance of His words brings us comfort and peace. Another thing that we can be sure of, is that this world of ours will continue to come up with controverted issues that impinge upon our faith.

Mark 13:7 “When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.”

Very often we concentrate on the rumors or on the wars. How often do we allow the words “do not be alarmed” to bring us comfort. As we head into a new year of an uncertain economy, a world that keeps pushing followers of Jesus into corners and a rumor mongering world, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s Word is faithful and true. Make 2013 the year of God’s Word in your life! Pastor Burmeister

SERVING MESSIAH IN JANUARY

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

ACOLYTES:

6 Shilo N/Dao Caroline Daniels

13 Chloe Simpson Jordan Amerson

20 Trey Boling Zachary Bohren

27 Sowoe Scoi Mason Thacker

ALTAR GUILD: Susan Olds/Lu Heine Allyson Kessler/Denise Burmeister ELDERS:

6 Mike Castro John Dufresne

13 Mike Mekelburg Mike Healey

20 Jesse Morillo Todd Lewandoski

27 Mike Castro Bill Meyer GREETERS:

6 Lois Draper Carlotta Pearce

13 Brady & Betty Boyd June Pfaff

20 Barney & Dick Erickson Bruce Noyes & Marjorie Noyes

27 Bob & Sandra Robertson Steve & Lynn Turke COFFEE:

6 - Gwen Salt

13 - Betty Hilbmann (LWML)

20 - Floyd Skeins (Men’s Group) 27 - PROJECTIONISTS

6 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Lynn Guelzow (11:00) Kathy Larson

13 (8:30) Josh Ellerbee (9:45) Dave Anderson (11:00) Connie Buckner

20 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) Mark Lemke

27 (8:30) Teresa Klicker (9:45) Maddie Coghan (11:00) David Pergande CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m. USHERS: ELDERS: ACOLYTES:

6 Floyd Skeins/Sara Skeins Bob Harrigan Kayla Rebuck

13 Joni Daniel/Jolianna Daniel Ron Dial/David Irwin Hope Skeins

20 Ron Dial & Sarah Dial Bob Harrigan Chris Sanders

27 Steve & Gaylene Gay Ken Nester/David Rose Bobby Harrigan

Ministries & Activities

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

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

Pastor’s Bible Study - CLC - Middle

Angel Stitches - CLC - Room 1 - Contact Kathy Matthews @ 265-1402

Assimilation - CLC - Conference Room

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

BAMOMS - CLC - Middle

Blind Ministry Luncheon - CLC - Middle

Boy Scouts - Ministry Center - Room 204 & Gym

Center for Hispanic Studies - Ministry Center - Room 204

Choir - Sanctuary - Monday

Christian Education Mtg. - Copier Room

Cub Scouts – Pack 18 - CLC - Middle, Room 1,2,3 & Conference Room

Florida Suncoast Decorative Artist - CLC - Middle

Handbells - Sanctuary - Monday

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

LWML (morning) - CLC - Conference Room ~ ~ (evening) - Ministry Center - Room 202

Memorial Garden Committee - Cry Room - Contact Lu Heine @ 569-9377

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

Messiah Migrant Ministry - Ministry Center - Room 201

Narcotics Anonymous - Ministry Center - Youth Room

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

Praise Team - Sanctuary

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 - Room 201

Yong Adults 20’s - 30’s - Abby Moss, 734-678-5499

Youth Sunday Afternoon - Ministry Center - Gym & Youth Room

January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!January Birthday Blessings!

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

A New Year to give thanks to God… seek the Lord…trust in Him…spread the Word...

1 Bob Booth

Rudy Cabina

Nancy Lemke

2 Jaline Arango

Steve Ruth

3 Robert Harrigan III

Michael Suozzo

4 Joan Brannan

Emelina Brown

Steven Turke Jr.

Becky Vollrath

7 David Anderson

Jimmie Rice

8 Cyndy Kilpinen

Robert Ranck

Frank Scalise

Christopher Smith

9 Alex Boyd

Wayne Plager

10 Alex Kessler

11 Nicky Nicol Jr.

Matthew Wood

12 Darcielle Gray

Margaret Rudsinski

13 Stephanie Hernandez

14 NicolasArango

16 Walt Halfmann

Mary Marrs

Rodney Swilley

17 Donna Rozell

Chuck Sumpter

18 Keith Bakalyar

David Goren

19 Jacob Amerson

Paul Smith

20 Hope Ellerbee

22 Peyton Simspon

Jan Skeins

Nathan Watters

23 Marilyn Link

24 Brittny Buckner

Nicholas Daniel

John Lundy

25 Avery Burnett

Tony Gain

Nancy Umbaugh

Kenneth Vollrath

27 Lu Heine

28 Debra McGuire

Grant Walters

29 Joe Scalise

Emma Trittin

Emil Vollrath

31 George Donahue

Brian Hearlson

Carsten Hilbert

PRESCHOOL NEWS

On December 19th, family members and friends attended our annual Christmas Presentation. What a wonderful program it was. We wish to thank you parents and grandparents for attending and also give a special thanks to our wonderful students for such a great performance.

Registration for the 2013/2014 school year will begin Monday, February 11th at 8:00

a.m. for members of Messiah Lutheran Church and for the students already enrolled or their siblings. Open registration will begin on Wednesday, February 13th at 8:00 a.m. This year we will be offering a 3 day program for three year olds which will meet on

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and a 2 day program for three year olds that will

meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our 5 day a week program will be offered to four

year olds eligible for VPK and to three year old children that will turn four by No-vember 1, 2013. Beginning in January we will be offering tours of the school on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. Call Jody Schweichler to schedule your tour. Preschool classes fill up quickly. We cannot guarantee placement for your child for the 2013/2014 school year until registra-tion is completed.

This will be our eighth year participating in Florida’s VPK program. Children who will be four by September 1st, 2013 will be eligible to participate in the VPK program. Parents need to attend registration to fill out enrollment forms. For any questions please call Direc-tor Jody Schweichler @ 968-9534.

For a tour of our Preschool or for more information please call Jody Schweichler @ 968-9534.

Our next school board meeting will be January 14th at 1:00 p.m. Any questions call

Melissa Kurial @ 264-1503.

New Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship ServiceNew Year’s Eve Worship 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.

Playgroups at Messiah

Playgroup Registration Form for NEW Participants

Child’s name DOB

_________________________________________________________ ___/____/____

Home church (if any): ___________________________________________

Adult participating with child in playgroup _______________________________________

Child’s Address Home Phone Number

_______________________________________ _____-_____-_____

_______________________________________

Mother’s Name Contact Number

________________________________________________ _____-_____-_____

Father’s Name Contact Number

_________________________________________________ _____-_____-______

Allergies, Medications or limiting conditions that we should be aware of for the safety of your child ...

___________________________________________________________________________

Emergency contact Name Phone Number

_________________________________________________ _____-_____-______

I give permission to use photos of my child and myself in future promotional literature (circle one) YES NO

I give permission for my child to participate in Playgroups at Messiah.

Parent Signature ______________________________________ Date ____/____/____

Email address (optional): _________________________________________________

Playgroup Resumes in January! “Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders which You have done.”

Psalm 40:5 Monday Mornings, 9-10:30AM in Yellow Room of Ministry Center

Playgroups Resume Monday January 7th!

January 7– May 20 2013

No Playgroup January 21, March 11, & April 1

Space Available for new participants!

Mondays from 9:00-10:30 AM Activities are designed to be readily accessible to two-year- olds. We could have

children from newborn to 4, depending on the group dynamics.

Our philosophy focuses on providing an environment that fosters opportunities for

young children to develop social skills of sharing, helping, and interacting with each

other with support of their parents and teachers. Ultimately, it is our objective

that children see themselves as special individuals created and loved by God.

Playgroup Schedule

9:00 9:00 9:00 9:00 ---- 9:40 Free Play9:40 Free Play9:40 Free Play9:40 Free Play A time for children to pursue their own interests as well as broaden their experiences. Favorite A time for children to pursue their own interests as well as broaden their experiences. Favorite A time for children to pursue their own interests as well as broaden their experiences. Favorite A time for children to pursue their own interests as well as broaden their experiences. Favorite

activities include playdough, building blocks, and a kidactivities include playdough, building blocks, and a kidactivities include playdough, building blocks, and a kidactivities include playdough, building blocks, and a kid----size tool kitchensize tool kitchensize tool kitchensize tool kitchen

9:45 9:45 9:45 9:45 ---- 9:50 Clean Up9:50 Clean Up9:50 Clean Up9:50 Clean Up Everyone helps move the toys out of the way for the following activities. Everyone helps move the toys out of the way for the following activities. Everyone helps move the toys out of the way for the following activities. Everyone helps move the toys out of the way for the following activities.

9:50 9:50 9:50 9:50 ---- 9:55 Snack and Story Time9:55 Snack and Story Time9:55 Snack and Story Time9:55 Snack and Story Time Small snack and beverage are provided by parents on a rotational basis. Small snack and beverage are provided by parents on a rotational basis. Small snack and beverage are provided by parents on a rotational basis. Small snack and beverage are provided by parents on a rotational basis.

9:55 9:55 9:55 9:55 ---- 10:10 Craft10:10 Craft10:10 Craft10:10 Craft An ageAn ageAn ageAn age----appropriate project. Throughout the session, we will use a wide variety of media. appropriate project. Throughout the session, we will use a wide variety of media. appropriate project. Throughout the session, we will use a wide variety of media. appropriate project. Throughout the session, we will use a wide variety of media.

10:10 10:10 10:10 10:10 ---- 10:20 Large10:20 Large10:20 Large10:20 Large----group activitygroup activitygroup activitygroup activity A time for children to experience more structured group activities that will foster cooperation, A time for children to experience more structured group activities that will foster cooperation, A time for children to experience more structured group activities that will foster cooperation, A time for children to experience more structured group activities that will foster cooperation,

friendship, and respect. friendship, and respect. friendship, and respect. friendship, and respect.

10:20 10:20 10:20 10:20 ---- 10:30 Circle Time10:30 Circle Time10:30 Circle Time10:30 Circle Time A time for songs, finger plays, and announcements. See you next time! Hope to see you there.A time for songs, finger plays, and announcements. See you next time! Hope to see you there.A time for songs, finger plays, and announcements. See you next time! Hope to see you there.A time for songs, finger plays, and announcements. See you next time! Hope to see you there.

Registrations accepted on a space-available basis.

Contact Program Director, Abby Moss, with any questions or ideas!

Angel Stitches, Messiah's quilting, crocheting, knitting -- and more -- club will meet on Sunday, January 13th at 2:00 p.m. in Classroom 1 of the CLC. Please join us as we begin the new year with new opportunities to serve the Lord by using our hearts and hands to reflect His love. Please call Kathy Mathews (265-1402) or Judy Riveiro (961-9471) with any questions. Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desir-ing to place announcements in the February Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at tnunes@messiahtampa.com by Tuesday, January 14th. Morning LWML Meeting ~ Tuesday, January15th at 10:00 a.m. in the CLC.

Evening LWML Meeting ~ Thursday, January 17th at 7:30 p.m. in the Ministry Center Room 202.

Carrollwood Care Center Birthday Parties ~ The monthly birthday for this month will be held Wednesday, January 16th at 2:15 PM at Carrollwood Care Nursing Home (located right behind Messiah). Contact Connie Proeschel 746-5864 if any questions.

Senior adults will meet for lunch at 11 AM on Thursday, January 24th at Outback at 11950 Sheldon Rd. Please have your reservations in by Monday, January 21st to Dorothy Biegert at 813-961-0659 or Lois Dworkin at 727-648-4365 or email at lrdmom@gmail.com.

Portals of Prayer for January ~ March are available on the table in the narthex. These devotionals are helpful to your spiritual growth. Please take home a copy and read the devotional for each day. Large print editions are also available.

Dinner - DVD - Discussion

Starting January 4th and continuing for the next 7 weeks, Keith and I would like to invite you to join us for dinner and a DVD. We would like to read and discuss Robert Morris' book The Blessed Life. There is a DVD that goes along with the book that we will watch each week after we have enjoyed a meal together. You may purchase the book from his website www.theblessedlife.com. $15.00 If you would like to join us for this Friday night time of fellowship and study please let me know. We would like to meet at 6:45 for dinner and then watch the DVD and have time for discussion.

Hope you can join us.

Keith and Beverly Bakalyar 16122 Vanderbilt Dr. Odessa, FL 33556 813-300-3085 or beverly.fauxfinisher@verizon.net

Messiah Lutheran Sunday School: The Story January 2013

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS LOCATIONS:

Nursery: Lorraine Eden CLC Nursery

Preschool/Kindergarten: Cathy Minardi & Jackie Burnett CLC 1

1st & 2nd Grade: Tracey & Daniel Haney CLC 2

3rd & 4th Grade: Meghann & Marc Thacker CLC 3

5th & 6th Grade: Karl & Teresa Klicker MC 203

7th & 8th Grade: Paul Dworkin MC 204 High School: Abby Moss MC Youth Room

Adults: Pastors Burmeister & Guelzow CLC Center Adults: Mark Lemke MC 201

Sunday School is from 9:45-10:45 am.

Do you “like” or “dislike” the Story? Just like on Facebook, we now have a bulletin board in Sunday School where you can write a note whether you “like” or “unlike” The Story. You can put your com-ments on it; you can leave your name or remain anonymous. Before you comment on The Story, come to Sunday School and experi-ence it. Leave your comments on the bulletin board in the CLC breezeway. We can post the comments on The Story website for the world to see.

So another year has come and went? You now have an opportunity to resolve in the New Year to commit your family to regular worship and Sunday School. We are teaching lessons from The Story. With The Story, we will come to understand God’s story and how our sto-ries intersect with it. We have an experienced teacher and helper and a Bible for you and your entire family. It’s a New Year; make the decision for your family to join us for Sunday School.

Presenting to you The Story in January:

Jan 6: (Epiphany) Session 14: A Kingdom Torn (1Kings 12-16)

Jan 13: (Baptism of our Lord) Session 15: God’s Messengers (1 Kings 17-19; 2 Kings 2; 4; 6; Hosea 4-5; 8-9; 14; Amos 1; 3-5; 9)

Jan 20 Session 16: Beginning of the End (2 Kings 17-19; Isaiah 3; 6; 13-14; 49; 53)

Jan 27: Session 17: Kingdom’s Fall (2 Kings 2; 23-25; 2 Chroni-cles 33; 36; Jeremiah 1-2; 4-5; 13; 21; Lamentations 1-3; 5; Ezekiel 1-2; 6-7; 36-37)

A prayer for your personal witness outreach in

2013:

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

Attention Young Adults (those in their 20s or 30s)!Attention Young Adults (those in their 20s or 30s)!Attention Young Adults (those in their 20s or 30s)!Attention Young Adults (those in their 20s or 30s)!

We will have a service night at Amazing Love Ministries on Monday We will have a service night at Amazing Love Ministries on Monday We will have a service night at Amazing Love Ministries on Monday We will have a service night at Amazing Love Ministries on Monday

January 14th. where we will be serving food to the homeless at Amaz-January 14th. where we will be serving food to the homeless at Amaz-January 14th. where we will be serving food to the homeless at Amaz-January 14th. where we will be serving food to the homeless at Amaz-

ing Love Ministries in Ybor. We need to be there by 6:45 as they start ing Love Ministries in Ybor. We need to be there by 6:45 as they start ing Love Ministries in Ybor. We need to be there by 6:45 as they start ing Love Ministries in Ybor. We need to be there by 6:45 as they start

serving at 7PM. If you’d like to carpool, let Abby know. If you would serving at 7PM. If you’d like to carpool, let Abby know. If you would serving at 7PM. If you’d like to carpool, let Abby know. If you would serving at 7PM. If you’d like to carpool, let Abby know. If you would

like to meet us there, let Abby know and she’ll send you an address. like to meet us there, let Abby know and she’ll send you an address. like to meet us there, let Abby know and she’ll send you an address. like to meet us there, let Abby know and she’ll send you an address.

January Young Adult Bowling will be on Friday January 25th at January Young Adult Bowling will be on Friday January 25th at January Young Adult Bowling will be on Friday January 25th at January Young Adult Bowling will be on Friday January 25th at

7PM. We will meet at PinChasers at Midtown or 7PM. We will meet at PinChasers at Midtown or 7PM. We will meet at PinChasers at Midtown or 7PM. We will meet at PinChasers at Midtown or 4847 N. Ar-4847 N. Ar-4847 N. Ar-4847 N. Ar-

menia Avenue Tampa, FL, 33603 . Contact Abby if you would menia Avenue Tampa, FL, 33603 . Contact Abby if you would menia Avenue Tampa, FL, 33603 . Contact Abby if you would menia Avenue Tampa, FL, 33603 . Contact Abby if you would

like to carpool. If you or someone you know would like to be like to carpool. If you or someone you know would like to be like to carpool. If you or someone you know would like to be like to carpool. If you or someone you know would like to be

informed of future events, contact Abby Moss at abby-informed of future events, contact Abby Moss at abby-informed of future events, contact Abby Moss at abby-informed of future events, contact Abby Moss at abby-

moss@messiahtampa.com or 734moss@messiahtampa.com or 734moss@messiahtampa.com or 734moss@messiahtampa.com or 734----678678678678----5499.5499.5499.5499.

Did your family have an infant/toddler baptized in the last two years?

Then, Please contact our Director of Family Ministry, Abby Moss. This year, we would like to commemorate Baptism of our Lord Sunday and make this a special family milestone celebra-tion. We want to invite your family to join us on Sunday January 13th at noon (or right after the 11AM service) for a time of food,

family fellowship, and exploring the best ways to encourage faith development in infants and toddlers. RSVPs are encouraged for food planning purposes. Abby

can be reached at abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or 813-961-2182.

Attention Teens, Parents, and Parents of PreAttention Teens, Parents, and Parents of PreAttention Teens, Parents, and Parents of PreAttention Teens, Parents, and Parents of Pre

----TeensTeensTeensTeens

Watch for more information to come this month on our Cy-per Bullying and Teens and Technology Seminar in early

February. The youth and family ministry teams of Messiah are working with the local school district on an educational afternoon/evening on

how use technology in a Godly way and how to be vigilant in our teens exposure to certain media. We hope you will plan to join us this time

of learning together as teens and parents.

Attention High School Juniors & Seniors

REAL LIFE: College Faith is on January 18-20

Weekend Details: We will depart from Messiah at 6:30PM on Fri-day January 18th. Please eat dinner before you come. We will be do-

ing a variety of activities both inside and outside so dress for the weather and pack layers. A pair of gym shoes is a must. We should return to Messiah Sun-

day January 20th between 3:30 and 4PM.

Event Registration: If you missed the deadline to register, but would still like to attend, you may turn in a registration until Sunday January 6th for an added

fee of $40.00 (Includes all weekend events and food).

Housing: We will be staying at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church. Please pack a sleeping bag, air mattress, or something to sleep on/in. Showers will be available at the Camp Ground on Saturday so pack a towel and shower neces-

sitities.

Check out : www.lsfgainesville.com/LSF/Real_Life__College_Faith.html for promo-tional videos and additional weekend schedules and in-

formation.

* Contact Abby with any questions or concerns!

First Thursday Potluck - The Assimilation Committee is proud to sponsor the First Thurs-day Potluck. The first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m., we invite everyone in the congre-gation to bring a dish to share. There will be time for fellowship and for us to get to know each other. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to invite a friend or neighbor. Bring the whole family for a wonderful night of food and fellowship. See schedule below:

January 3rd February 7th March 7th

2013 ~ Flower Charts

Flower Charts for 2013 are posted on the portable bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one or have a celebration, 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 arrangement is $20.00

The cost for the eternal candle is $15.00

payable to “Flower Fund ~ Messiah Lutheran”

THE SEASONED WITNESSES (formerly 40/& 50’s Group)

DINNER, A PLAY AND WHITE ELEPHANT GIFT EXCHANGE

Saturday, January 12, 2013 5:30 p.m.

The Seasoned Witnesses (formerly the 40 & 50's group) will be meeting on Satur-day, January 12, 2013, at the home of Keith and Beverly Bakalyar, 16122 Vanderbilt Dr. Odessa, 33556, for Dinner, a Play and the annual White Elephant Gift Exchange. We will experience a culinary delight prepared by the famous chefs, Windsor and West. Our play, The Golden Girls "Once, In St. Olaf", has a cast that will entertain you. The cost of the evening is $15 per person (to be paid in advance - make your check payable to Messiah Lutheran Church - marked “Memorial Garden Fund Dinner”). The chefs must plan for you so make your reservations early (seating is limited). The fun will begin at 5:30 p.m. when we will gather in the back yard around the fire pit so bring your jacket and a lawn chair. Please RSVP to Beverly Bakalyar at 813-300-3085 or Beverly.fauxfinisher@verizon.net.

WOMEN OF MESSIAH Lutheran Womens Missionary League

It has been a very busy couple of months for us. In November we collected food at our meetings for Thanksgiving. The evening group made turkey tray favors for Woodbridge Nursing home. They were really cute, thanks to Judy Denger for all her work on that project. We also co-hosted the Advent by Candlelight with Social Ministries. The CLC looked beautiful with the decora-tions and all the beautifully decorated tables by the ladies that volunteered to host a table. Every-one did a great job with their tables and thanks to all the ladies who helped with the other details. Polly Riffel did a great job getting the entertainment and organizing everything and Jan Skeins was our MC and got the table hostesses. Thanks to Gwen Hardin and Brenda Lewandoski for the lovely table favors. Thanks to all the ladies who had a part in making this a great event. The entertainment was fabulous, the Ladybug Quartet and Amanda Lewandoski and her friend Hannah closed the evening with a couple of songs. Thanks girls, it was lovely. Also to all the ladies who attended, we had about 75.

In December we had our annual Christmas party and cookie exchange at Nancy's house. We al-ways have a great time with food, games and singing carols. Thanks to Lee Hardin for coming and playing guitar for our carol singing. Also in December we hosted one of the Advent dinners. We served six different kinds of soup, beer bread deliciously made by Dick Larson and Susie Miller. Everything was good. Thanks to all the soup makers and helpers.

So another year has come to an end, way to quickly, and we look forward to Serving the Lord with Gladness in 2013. We have two groups that meet once a month. The morning group meets on the third Tuesday morning at 10:00 in the CLC conference room. The evening group meets on the third Thursday evening at 7:30 in the Ministry Center room 202. In January we will have the LWML Prayer Service. We set aside a meeting time usually in January to use the service LWML provides. The January meetings will be Tues., Jan. 15th at 10:00 a.m. and Thursday, Jan. 17th, at 7:30 p.m. We hope you will plan on attending one of these meetings. All ladies of Messiah are members of LWML.

CARROLLWOOD CARE

Thanks to all of you who donated small stuffed animals to Carrollwood Care for our Christmas party Dec. 19 - they were well received by all of the residents as our volunteers handed them out.

We also celebrated our usual monthly birthdays with cake and juice and

they enjoyed the entertainment and singing of "Happy Birthday". This

monthly birthday outreach ministry is truly a blessing to the residents and our volunteers

as well. Come join us if you can - contact Connie Proeschel at 813-746-5864. Continue

to donate gifts for our birthdays - suggestions can be found in the box marked CARROLL-

WOOD CARE in the narthex.

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

January Dates will be 6, 13, 20 & 27. Senior High, join us for a 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, join us for a 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, join us for a 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, join us for a 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Sun-Sun-Sun-Sun-day January 27th at 6:30PM at Applebees at day January 27th at 6:30PM at Applebees at day January 27th at 6:30PM at Applebees at day January 27th at 6:30PM at Applebees at 15090 North Dale Mabry. Please Please Please Please join us at 6:30 PM on the 27th. We would love it if you can RSVP so we can re-join us at 6:30 PM on the 27th. We would love it if you can RSVP so we can re-join us at 6:30 PM on the 27th. We would love it if you can RSVP so we can re-join us at 6:30 PM on the 27th. We would love it if you can RSVP so we can re-

serve a large enough table.serve a large enough table.serve a large enough table.serve a large enough table.

WINTER JAM: January 12 Winter Jam is an awesome Christian concert where a bunch of Christian artists and bands like TobyMac, Red, Matthew West, Side Walk Prophets, Jason Castro, Capital Kings and more converge. The best part is it is open seat-ing and only costs $10 at the door! This year it is at St. Pete Times Forum. Seating fills up fast and we have to get there early. We will meet at Messiah at 12:30PM and de-part. We will do a tailgate dinner in line and just hang out as a group. Feel free to bring card games, a beach blanket, or a Frisbee. Doors will open a little before 5PM with the pre-concert entertainment. The concert starts at 6PM. We will return to Messiah between 10:45 & 11PM. Parents, we need drivers/chaperones for this event. All participants need to sign-up ahead of time so we have enough rides. This event is open to all 5th-12th grade youth or interested adults or families.

From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,)

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the

east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the

Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’… They went on their

way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the

place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw

the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures

and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11

Christmas may be over. The decorations may already be put away. Yet this event, the story of Epiphany, reminds us that Christmas is something to be celebrated all year. We can learn a lot from the wise men and their story. After all of the excitement of the angels and shepherds at Christ-mas there is a little down time, during which the Magi are studying the star and making the journey, for the sole reason of worshipping the king. Isn’t that what our lives are supposed to be, lives of worship to the king? Shouldn’t we also be studying and pouring over God’s Word and promises?

Aren’t we supposed to share that Good News with others?

This must have been such an exercise in faith and trust for these wise men. They trusted that God would keep his promises and the prophecies would be true. They trusted that the star would lead them to this new king. They also clearly listened to God as they ignored Herod and his deception and left by another route. Are we as confidant in our trust of God’s Word and promises? Do we listen for God’s voice when making decisions and then follow where he leads or are we more inter-ested in our own path and what way we want to go, which path we want to choose? Once they found Jesus they were overjoyed. They were excited that God had kept His promises. Do we carry that same Christmas joy into all days and areas or our lives or pack it up along with the decora-

tions?

Lastly, this text says these wise men brought gifts for the king. We may not have gold, frankin-cense, or myrrh lying around but we do have unique gifts that God has blessed us with, gifts that no one else has or can use in the same way. Maybe your gift is caring for people. Maybe your gift if time. Maybe your gift is some other special skill. No matter your gift(s) we honor and worship God by using our gifts to His glory, for His benefit, and in service to Him. As we return unwanted Christmas gifts let us remember that the greatest gift of God’s Son has been given to us, now it is our job to share that gift with others in the unique way and with the unique skill set God has given us. As Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your

good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. “

The wise men had unique gifts that pointed to who Jesus would be prophet, priest, and king. Our gifts can also point to the King as we play music for Him, as we score goals, baskets, or touchdowns for Him, as we are kind to others around us for Him. Let’s stand out in this New Year not by our resolutions but by our abil-ity to have and share the Christmas joy all year long with those around us. May the excitement of the season spill over and every day be a day filled with the joy of Christ our King.

THANK YOU to everyone who helped in any way with our December 15, 2012, Christmas Outreach to make it a success and especially to those who helped with the Sort & Pack following the late service on Sunday, December 9th. The “families of the fields” felt the love of Jesus through your caring and giving hearts. We are all truly grateful and couldn’t have done it without your help!

MESSIAH MIGRANT MINISTRIES’ (MMM)

“THANK YOU”

letter policy Cash and check donations placed in pew envelopes by Messiah Lutheran Church (MLC) members and marked for the “Migrant Ministry Fund” are recorded by the MLC Financial Secretary who sends out quarterly state-ments for tax purposes. To avoid duplication and to be good stewards of our funds by saving letter-head, envelopes, and postage, MMM will not (generally) send a separate thank you letter to MLC members, instead expressing our gratitude in the Sunday bulletin and in the church newsletter. (Non-MLC members will al-ways receive a thank you letter for tax purposes, as long as they provided their mailing address.) We are truly grateful for your support! May God bless you richly for your caring and giving hearts.

Messiah Migrant

Ministries

Semi-Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 22nd at 7:30 p.m. Agenda items include:

● Approval of 2013 Ministry Work Program

● Nominations for President, First Vice-Present and Regional Vice-President

for our Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Convention July 20-25, 2013

● Other reports