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

God

sent us a

Savior

Because our

greatest need was

forgiveness! Luke 2:11

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

Messiah Lutheran Church December ~ 2014

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

Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff - Vacancy Pastor 763-614-9585 dennis.goff@lcef.org

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)

In a popular Christmas time hymn, we sing the refrain,

“O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy.”

Comfort and joy. During these troubled and unsettled times, the people of God can indeed sense

the true comfort and joy that Christ brings us as we celebrate the coming of Christ this Advent and

Christmas.

For the four Sundays of Advent we will celebrate the theme of “Comfort and Joy” throughout our

worship services. Using the words of Isaiah 40 as our guide, we will explore the themes of:

First Sunday of Advent – November 30: The Peace of Christ. True peace comes only

through Jesus Christ and the forgiveness that He brings. He ends warfare without

and within. He is our Prince of Peace.

Second Sunday of Advent – December 7: The Pardon of Christ. We prepare the way

of the Lord through repentance, as the forgiveness we receive through Christ

makes the rough places of our lives smooth.

Third Sunday of Advent – December 14: The Presence of Christ. We remember that

Christ is present with us now and that He will come again in glory on the Last Day.

Fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21: The Power of Christ. God Himself came to

live among us and be our Savior, but His power was displayed in the weakness

and humility of the manger and the cross.

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 Advent. On the Wednes-day’s in Advent we will focus on the theme: “Unto Us A Child Is Born” drawing upon the words of Isaiah 9:6. Worship service times will be 11:00 am, 5:00 pm, and 7:00 pm. A time of food and fel-lowship will be at 5:45 pm. Our worship services and themes will be:

December 3 – “Wonderful Counselor”

December 10 – “Everlasting Father”

December 17 – “Prince of Peace”

Please mark your calendar and invite friends and family to worship with you for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship at 4:30 pm, 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm and our Christmas Day worship at 10:00 am. May the Lord bring to you and your family gifts of “comfort and joy” this Advent and Christmas Sea-son.

Pastor Dennis Goff

CONTINUING SERVING MESSIAH IN OCTOBER 8:30 AM 11:00 AM ELDERS:

3 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Bill Meyer ~ ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Paul Riffel

7 Mike Castro & Ed Picillo Dale Laxton & Paul Riffel

10 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Gary Weber ~ ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Ed Picillo

14 Mike Mekelburg Mike Healey

17 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Mike Castro ~ ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Dale Laxton

21 Mike Castro & Ed Picillo Mike Healey & Gary Weber

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. ~ ~ Mike Mekelburg ~ ~ ~ 6:30 p.m. ~ Bill Meyer 8:30 p.m. ~ ~ Dale Laxton

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

28 Mike Castro Paul Riffel

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Mike Healey & Mike Mekelburg GREETERS: 7 Joel & Kathy Mathews Dorothy Biegert 14 Mark Mirabella Tim & Julie Hohl 21 Jesse & Kelly Morillo Barb Packer 28 David & Anne West Frank & Pat Scalise PROJECTIONISTS 3 ~ Advent ~ 11:00…Abby Moss 5:00…Nathan Nester 7:00…Kathy Larson

7 (8:30) Joshua Ellerbee (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) Michael Bohren

10 ~ Advent ~ 11:00…Abby Moss 5:00…Mark Lemke 7:00…David Pergande

14: (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) Mark Lemke

17 ~ Advent ~ 11:00…Abby Moss 5:00…Mark Lemke 7:00…David Pergande

21: (8:30) Teresa Klicker (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) Kathy Larson

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30…Mark Lemke 6:30…Michael Cox 8:30…Michael Bohren

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ Kathy Larson

28: (8:30) Kevin Garriott (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) David Pergande

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Kathy Larson

COFFEE: 7 Floyd Skeins 14 LWML 21 Ernie & Gail Munzen 28 Donna Bartholomew CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m. USHERS: ELDERS: ACOLYTES 7 Floyd Skeins & Sara Skeins Ron Dial Angelina Dial 14 Joni Daniel & Jolianna Daniel Ron Dial & Bob Harrigan Aryn Nester 21 Ron Dial & Sarah Parker Bob Harrigan Emma Irwin 28 Steve & Gaylene Gay Ron Dial & Bob Harrigan Tyler Matthews

SERVING MESSIAH IN OCTOBER

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

USHER: 3 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ ~ Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar/Chuck Sumpter Mike Mekelburg/Christian Moll

7 Joel Mathews/Al Knaak Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson Dick Larson/Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian

10 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ ~ Joel Mathews/Al Knaak/Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson

14 Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella Steve Turke/John Schweichler Julia Salt/Mark Eicholtz Jan Umbaugh

17 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ ~ Steve Turke/John Schweichler/Jan Umbaugh

21 Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar Mike McKenzie/Paul Dworkin Chuck Sumpter/Mike Mekelburg Daniel Haney/Cliff Yarosh Christian Moll Bryan Burgess/Bruce Noyes

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. ~~ Mike McKenzie/Paul Dworkin/Daniel Haney Cliff Yarosh/Bryan Burgess/Bruce Noyes

6:30 p.m. ~ Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke/Dick Larson/Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian

8:30 p.m. ~ Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella/Julia Salt/Mark Eicholtz

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ ~ Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar/Chuck Sumpter Mike Mekelburg/Christian Moll

28 Joel Mathews/Al Knaak Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson Dick Larson/Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Joel Mathews/Al Knaak/Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson ACOLYTES: 3 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Kyle Mavrides ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Emma Irwin

7 Evan Munzen Jake Amerson

10 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Pierce Rodrick ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Maria Bellott

14 Blake Saylor Matthew Jones

17 ~ Advent ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Kyle Mavrides ~ ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Angelina Dial

21 Evan Munzen Kyle Mavrides

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. ~ Matthew Jones ~ ~ 6:30 p.m. ~ Aryn Nester 8:30 p.m. ~ Tyler Matthews

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ ~ Colin Gabriel

28 Delanie Matson Pierce Rodrick

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

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

“For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11

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

Myrl Milton

18 Bill Daniel

19 Tyler Jensen

Leslie Madewell

20 Esther Joiner

Erica Kassel

21 Kent Edie

22 Bill Atkins

24 Sarah Brown

25 Kristofer Brinton

Tami Daniels

Richard Schmidt

Andrew Skeins

Jonathan Valdez

Torianne Valdez

26 John Dufresne

Solomon Kromah

Brian Moll

27 Monty Bostick

Michael Noesen

Ben Scoi

Sowoe Scoi

Gracie Skeins

28 Heather Daniel

Joshua Ellerbee

Holly Groninger

29 Ron Mavrides

Donna Smith

31 Mical Hilbert

Rita Roehrs

DATE CHANGE: 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 Wednesday, Decem-ber 10th. Senior adults will meet for our Christmas luncheon at 11:00am on Thursday, December 11th 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. If directions are needed please contact Lu Heine at 569-9377, Dorothy Biegert at 961-0659 or Lois Dworkin at 727-648-4365. Please get your reserva-tions in ASAP. Angel Stitches, Messiah's crocheting, quilting and crafting group continues to meet the second Sunday of every month at 2pm in classroom 1 of the CLC. At this time, we have a surplus of fabric, yarn and batting. Come and see what we have available on Sunday, December 14th at 2pm and enjoy Christmas cookies, punch and fellowship courtesy of our members. If you have any questions please call Mary Plotkowski (813-960-9220) or Lynn Turke (813-833-9598). The Life Light Bible Study will have shortened lessons during December be-cause of the 11AM Advent Service. Bible Study will be from 10-10:30AM. There will be no Life Light Bible Class, starting Wednesday December 17, because of the Preschool Christmas Program. Normal Bible class times and schedule will resume on January 7th. Messiah is looking for a part time, on commission facilities coordinator to start January 2015. If interested in applying contact Joel Mathews or Wayne Jackson.

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

Carrollwood Care on Wednesday, December 17th at 2:15pmWednesday, December 17th at 2:15pmWednesday, December 17th at 2:15pmWednesday, December 17th 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.

Call Committee Update

Congregational Meeting on November 2: Members approved priorities for the Pastoral Call. Names of 19 pastors were submitted by members and approved as our Call List. The list was submitted to District President Walton for information on each pastor. District is expected to add names and may remove some at the pastor’s request or for other reasons. We hope to receive a revised list & pastor information by early January. Names submitted include:

Members also approved a list of ministry priorities, which were based on results of congrega-tion surveys and forums. These ministry priorities will serve as a basis for selecting a pastor and give direction in ministry.

Call Process Update: As we await the return of information on the pastors (which may take up to about 60 days), the Call Committee has been working on refining the interview process. Upon receiving the pastor information, we will initiate interviews to develop our recommenda-tions to the congregation. Members may wish to research the pastors on the LCMS website: www.lcms.org.

Rev. Bruce Alberts Good Shepherd Titusville, FL

Rev. Dr. David Brockhoff Holy Trinity Masryktown, FL

Rev. Matthew Conrad St. Paul Skokie, IL

Rev. Ross Engel St. Peter Middleburg, FL

Re. Jonathan Fisk Bethany Napierville, IL

Rev. Dr. Dennis Goff LCEF Lakeland, FL

Rev. Jeremy Gorline None Rochester, NY

Rev. Brian Hamer Redeemer Bayside, NY

Rev. Brent Hartwig Our Redeemer Iowa City, IA

Rev. Paul Hass Bella Vista Bella Vista, AR

Rev. Benjamin Haupt Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO

Rev. Lance Hoelscher Mounty Olive Weston, WI

Rev. Jeffrey Meyer Christ Memorial Fitchburg, WI

Rev. Daniel Schumm Carmel Carmel, IN

Rev. Jeffery Shanks Royal Redeemer Royalton, OH

Rev. Dr. Daniel Thies Eternal Trinity Milton, FL

Rev. Paul VonWerder Hope Orlando, FL

Rev. Donald Welmer Messiah Plano, TX

Rev. Jeffrey Wilhelm Mount Calvary Greenville, MI

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 Prepare

Ye the Way on Sundays during Advent. Take Home Daily Advent

Devotions will be available in the narthex. Our daily

readings will support the Comfort and Joy theme and

are called Prepare Ye the Way. A children’s version,

Tidings of Comfort and Joy will be given to children

during Sunday School on Sundays in December or

available on the table in the narthex. We hope your

family will take and use these for family devotion

time throughout December. Please use these tools

and ideas to help focus yourself and/or your

family on the reason for celebration, Jesus.

Join us on Wednesdays during Advent for our Advent Series Unto Us A Child Is Born, a series looking at the names of the Messiah. We hope you will join us on Wednesdays at 11AM, 5PM, or 7PM for worship and praise. 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 on the following dates, hosted by and be serving the following cuisine:

December 3, Elders, Spaghetti Supper

December 10, Youth Group, Tacos

December 17, LWML, Soup Supper

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 5pm Sunday, December 7th. 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

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The church office will only be open from 8:30 AM to

12 PM on December 24th. The church office will be closed com-

pletely on December 25, 26, & 31 as well as January 1.

Blessed celebration of the birth of our Lord!

Below is a thank you from Rob & Micah Hilbert, who are missionaries in Africa, The Hilbert's are members of Messiah and a number of members support them at Lutheran Bible Translators. They have been evacuated from Sierra Leone due to the Ebola epidemic.

Thank you for your support and prayers! They mean so much to us personally and to the ministry.

It was so difficult to be evacuated due to Ebola. We can only trust God continues to have a plan for us and Sierra Leone. We're thankful He made you a part of that plan.

We'd love to hear from you. RMHilbert@lbt.org

In Christ, Rob, Micah, Carsten & Annabelle

Culminating over two years of work, a new LED sign was re-cently installed in front of the church next to Hutchison Road. Over 14,000 vehicles travel this road each day, so it is only fit-ting that we try to reach travelers with news of Messiah's min-istries in an attractive and visible way. Thank you to the sign committee: Grant Walters, Sandy Hansen, Tom Windsor, Gary

Weber, Jack Proeschel, Connie Buckner, Teresa Klicker, and Claudia Bohren. Contributions are still accepted.

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT TEA

All ladies of Messiah have been sent an invitation in the mail to the Advent By

Candlelight Tea to be held on Tuesday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the CLC. Please

invite your lady family members and friends to join you. It will be a lovely time to get

together and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. We will have coffee, tea and

delicious desserts. Our entertainment this year will be “Praising Hymn” who will be

performing Christmas music for us. The ladies volunteer to elegantly decorate and

host tables and they always do a wonderful job. You do not want to miss this event.

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS FOR COMMUNITY NEEDY

Now through December 15th

Your help is needed for this holiday mission which is co-sponsored by Messiah Social Ministry and Messiah Elders. Economic conditions are especially bleak for families of the unemployed and underemployed

around us. Cash or check donations, marked “Food Baskets” may be deposited in the collection plate using envelopes in the pew rack. Additionally, donations of non-perishable food items are welcome and may be deposited into the collection container you will find in the narthex. Messiah Social Ministry and Messiah Elders will coordinate delivery of your gifts of food to needy families identified in our local area. Thanks, in ad-vance, for your support and generous spirit to show God’s love by sharing His bounteous blessings.

2014 God’s Creation Calendars 2014 God’s Creation Calendars 2014 God’s Creation Calendars 2014 God’s Creation Calendars

We still have a few calendars left. Get them while supplies last. Cost is $7.00 each.

See or contact Abby or any youth group member to purchase.

They make great Christmas gifts.

Proceeds raised will benefit Youth Group programs.

Over

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 4 $ 200.00

Per week

2014 CONGREGATIONAL GIVING RECORD $ 100.01

31 $ 200.00

1/1/2014 - 8/31/2014 per week

$ 50.01

46 $ 100.00

per week

$ 40.01

YOU CAN FIND WHERE YOU ARE ON THE CHART 19 $ 50.00

per week

$ 30.01

21 $ 40.00

per week

$ 20.01

24 $ 30.00

per week

$ 10.01

35 $ 20.00

per week

$ 5.01

23 $ 10.00

per week

$ 3.01

18 $ 5.00

per week

None -

46 $ 3.00 MIGHT YOU MOVE UP A STAIRSTEP ?

per week

A prayer for your personal witness outreach in 2014:

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

WEEKLY INCOME

BEYOND A TITHE TITHE GIVING RANGE GIVING RANGE GIVING RANGE

15% 12% 10% 9% 8% 7% 6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1%

$200 30.00 24.00 20.00 18.00 16.00 14.00 12.00 10.00 8.00 6.00 4.00 2.00

$300 45.00 36.00 30.00 27.00 24.00 21.00 18.00 15.00 12.00 9.00 6.00 3.00

$400 60.00 48.00 40.00 36.00 32.00 28.00 24.00 20.00 16.00 12.00 8.00 4.00

$500 75.00 60.00 50.00 45.00 40.00 35.00 30.00 25.00 20.00 15.00 10.00 5.00

$600 90.00 72.00 60.00 54.00 48.00 42.00 36.00 30.00 24.00 18.00 12.00 6.00

$700 105.00 84.00 70.00 63.00 56.00 49.00 42.00 35.00 28.00 21.00 14.00 7.00

$800 120.00 96.00 80.00 72.00 64.00 56.00 48.00 40.00 32.00 24.00 16.00 8.00

$900 135.00 108.00 90.00 81.00 72.00 63.00 54.00 45.00 36.00 27.00 18.00 9.00

$1,000 150.00 120.00 100.00 90.00 80.00 70.00 60.00 50.00 40.00 30.00 20.00 10.00

$1,100 165.00 132.00 110.00 99.00 88.00 77.00 66.00 55.00 44.00 33.00 22.00 11.00

$2,000 300.00 240.00 200.00 180.00 160.00 140.00 120.00 100.00 80.00 60.00 40.00 20.00

$3,000 450.00 360.00 300.00 270.00 240.00 210.00 180.00 150.00 120.00 90.00 60.00 30.00

1. Find where YOU are on the chart (your weekly in-come/giving).

2. Move one block to the left to determine what GROW ONE percent would be for you.

This attached chart may be helpful as you consider your financial intention for 2015. Please pray for the Lord’s leading as you prepare to make your fi-nancial commitments to the Lord through the work of the ministry that we do together here at Messiah, for 2015. Consecration Sunday was on November 23.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye Messiah Lutheran Church presents

Yuletide Feast and ConcertYuletide Feast and ConcertYuletide Feast and ConcertYuletide Feast and Concert Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 6:00 p.m.

(Doors open for seating at 5:45 p.m.)(Doors open for seating at 5:45 p.m.)(Doors open for seating at 5:45 p.m.)(Doors open for seating at 5:45 p.m.)

Ye are invited to the King’s estate where handmaidens will escort ye no-blemen and gentle ladies to the castle to enjoy joyous singing heralding the birth of the Messiah, be entertained by jesters, knights, troubadours and minstrels, king, queen and royal singers. A bountiful and delicious catered gourmet meal will be placed before ye. To whet your appetites—spinach leaves, almonds, cranber-ries and morsels of Stilton blue cheese with a raspberry vinaigrette, chicken stuffed with wild boar and fresh herbs touched with a creamy béchamel distinc-tion, presented with glazed root vegetables, buttery potatoes and an assortment of royal chef desserts. Hmmm, is that my stomach rumbling? Or yours?

The dinner commences with Wassail-- As we raise our voices in a toast to the meaning of Christmas, we wish you and your family a season filled with joy and beauty. But, you must reserve your place at the table. Time is of the es-sence—the royal chef is planning a hunting party to take down the appropriate number of boars. So do not hesitate! A Blessed evening it will be!

Ticket Order Form

Kindly secure your reservation by December 1st. Kindly secure your reservation by December 1st. Kindly secure your reservation by December 1st. Kindly secure your reservation by December 1st. Please fill out entirely and mail to the church office. Please fill out entirely and mail to the church office. Please fill out entirely and mail to the church office. Please fill out entirely and mail to the church office. ____Adults $22.50____Adults $22.50____Adults $22.50____Adults $22.50 ____Children under 12 $15.00____Children under 12 $15.00____Children under 12 $15.00____Children under 12 $15.00 ____Royal Patron Table for 6 $165 ____Royal Patron Table for 6 $165 ____Royal Patron Table for 6 $165 ____Royal Patron Table for 6 $165 ____Royal Patron Table for 7 $185 ____Royal Patron Table for 7 $185 ____Royal Patron Table for 7 $185 ____Royal Patron Table for 7 $185 ____Royal Patron Table for 8 $205____Royal Patron Table for 8 $205____Royal Patron Table for 8 $205____Royal Patron Table for 8 $205 ____Pair of Royal Tickets $65.00____Pair of Royal Tickets $65.00____Pair of Royal Tickets $65.00____Pair of Royal Tickets $65.00 ____Royal Foursome $115____Royal Foursome $115____Royal Foursome $115____Royal Foursome $115 Total enclosed____________Total enclosed____________Total enclosed____________Total enclosed____________ Check made to Messiah Lutheran ChurchCheck made to Messiah Lutheran ChurchCheck made to Messiah Lutheran ChurchCheck made to Messiah Lutheran Church Reserved Seating includes a Sumptuous, Catered Feast served to your table and entertainment Reserved Seating includes a Sumptuous, Catered Feast served to your table and entertainment Reserved Seating includes a Sumptuous, Catered Feast served to your table and entertainment Reserved Seating includes a Sumptuous, Catered Feast served to your table and entertainment by the King’s Court Singers, jester and instrumentalists. The generous support of Royal Pa-by the King’s Court Singers, jester and instrumentalists. The generous support of Royal Pa-by the King’s Court Singers, jester and instrumentalists. The generous support of Royal Pa-by the King’s Court Singers, jester and instrumentalists. The generous support of Royal Pa-trons helps covers costs associated with this event.trons helps covers costs associated with this event.trons helps covers costs associated with this event.trons helps covers costs associated with this event. Name: Sir/Lady____________________________________Name: Sir/Lady____________________________________Name: Sir/Lady____________________________________Name: Sir/Lady____________________________________ Address______________________________________________Address______________________________________________Address______________________________________________Address______________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________email______________________Phone___________________email______________________Phone___________________email______________________Phone___________________email______________________ Pick up my tickets at church ____________ (preferred method)Pick up my tickets at church ____________ (preferred method)Pick up my tickets at church ____________ (preferred method)Pick up my tickets at church ____________ (preferred method) Please mail my tickets___________Please mail my tickets___________Please mail my tickets___________Please mail my tickets___________

Messiah Lutheran Church; 14920 Hutchison Road; Tampa, Fl 33625Messiah Lutheran Church; 14920 Hutchison Road; Tampa, Fl 33625Messiah Lutheran Church; 14920 Hutchison Road; Tampa, Fl 33625Messiah Lutheran Church; 14920 Hutchison Road; Tampa, Fl 33625 Phone 813Phone 813Phone 813Phone 813----961961961961----2182218221822182

Women of Messiah – LWML

We will be hosting the Advent meal on Wednesday, December 17th in

the CLC. The ladies are making delicious soups like the last couple of years.

They do a great job making a variety of soups, so plan on coming to the

meal before the service on the 17th.

We will not have meetings in December. Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, January

13 for the morning group and Thursday, January 22nd. for the evening group. We will be

doing a project for Lutheran World Relief in January and February.

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 between November 30th and Dec. 14th. Please place your wrapped gift(s) under the Mailbox. Plan your holiday activities to include attending our Hope Children’s Home Christmas Party scheduled for Friday, December 19, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Your generosity will bring smiles to the faces of Hope’s children and joy to your heart. Thanks to all who respond to this special project for the dear children at Hope. Messiah Social Ministry.

HOPE CHILDREN’S HOME CHRISTMAS PARTY

All of the donated gifts from Messiah members and friends will be dis-tributed to the children at Hope Children’s Home during a Christmas Party scheduled for Friday evening, December 19, 2014 from 6:00 p.m

to 8:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to join in the fun evening may meet at the church park-ing lot at 5:30 p.m. to carpool to Hope. During this party, you will have the opportunity to get to know the children 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 thoughtfulness to our Hope kids!

Playgroup will conclude Monday December 8.

Playgroup resumes on January 14.

Please contact us if you would like to get involved.

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 Wednesday December 3rd or Sunday De-Wednesday December 3rd or Sunday De-Wednesday December 3rd or Sunday De-Wednesday December 3rd or Sunday De-cember 7th cember 7th cember 7th cember 7th after worship or we can make arrangements for another time for after worship or we can make arrangements for another time for after worship or we can make arrangements for another time for after worship or we can make arrangements for another time for

you to pick them up or for us to drop them off. you to pick them up or for us to drop them off. you to pick them up or for us to drop them off. you to pick them up or for us to 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/ 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. benefit our youth group. benefit our youth group. benefit our youth group.

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

We will be meeting Sunday, December 14 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 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!

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

Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth

activities During the Month of November.

Bible Study Leaders: Joan Brannan

Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin & Steve Jones

Special Event Helpers: Doris Hogan, Claudia Bohren, Nolan

Rodrick, Jeff & Gwen Salt, and Paul Dworkin

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

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

Attention Youth! Bummed you missed out during

Thanksgiving? Then join us Saturday December 13 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 7th.

Messiah Lutheran Church

BLOOD DRIVE

Sunday, December 14th

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

PRESCHOOL NEWS Messiah Lutheran Preschool cordially invites all congregation members, parents and friends to the Preschool Christmas Program on Wednesday, December 17th at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Sanctu-ary. 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 students. After the program, be sure to also attend a reception and the Pre-school Fellowship’s Silent Auction in the Ministry Center Gym. There are currently openings available in our three year old program. For informa-tion 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 mem-bers, school parents, and friends of Messiah Lutheran Preschool for all the hard work and financial support given us during the year. We couldn’t do it without you! The school board will meet on December 1st at 1:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. Anyone who would like to join us is welcome to attend this meeting. We hope to see you there. Any questions, please call Jerry Hanson at (813)622-9661.

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

Family Christmas Festival

Christ is the Heart of Christmas 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 min-

utes 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. Just

come and experience the Nativity like never before.

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

December 21st during the 9:45AM hour in the Sanctuary for a

special time of learning about whom is at the center of Christmas.

Contact Abby Moss or Kim Capsas to get involved and everyone is

invited to join us on the 21st!

+ =

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 7, 14, & 21

The 21st will be our Youth Christmas Party No Open Gym December 28 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 14th at 6:30PM at Messiah for food and fellowship. Bing

a salad, side dish, or dessert to share, main course/drinks provided!

All Youth Christmas Party (Grades 5-12)!

Sunday December 21st

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, fellow-

ship, 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!

.

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

Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord! I have to admit these words of Isaiah 40:3 and reiterated in Luke 3:4 so often heard during Advent, jumped

out at me this year.

Advent is to be a time of preparation. Our worldly understanding of that often trans-lates to all the earthly preparations we must make for Christmas, like decorating,

and gift buying, and parties, and more. It is often too much. What is supposed to be a time of great joy and anticipation can quickly become burdened with more to do than time to do it all. We become like Martha in Luke 10:38 where we become so distracted by the earthly here and now and the preparations that need to be made that we miss what is truly in front of us, Jesus sitting in our living room with an

open invitation to find renewal and rest and to focus on things that matter eternally and not temporarily.

Our spiritual understanding knows this season (like all of life) is supposed to be

about God’s Word, worship, and prayer that we might prepare the Way for God. It can seem like one more thing to add to the December list. We might continue to feel like Martha and even cry out to God, “help me get through all of this and to do all of this.” It may seem like devotions or Advent services are another thing to do until we remember that we don’t have another thing to prepare or do, Christmas is about God

coming to us, and offering everything to us freely and us merely receiving Him. Jesus reminds Martha few things are needed, in fact only one thing is needed, Jesus.

That is true in December and all year through.

When it comes to our faith, nothing is needed or required, Christmas is all about Emmanuel, God coming to us in Christ, and God providing us everything in Jesus we need to be saved, we merely need to be ready to receive. Christmas is all about God doing all of the work. Christmas is all about God keeping His promises and doing what He said He would do. Christmas is all about Christ and what He has

done, not what we need to do.

May we find comfort and rest in this season of “preparation.” May we be the Marys of the Mary and Martha story whose hearts are prepared not only for Christmas but

for Christ’s return, focused on Him above all things.

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

Sunday November 30th: Sunday November 30th: Sunday November 30th: Sunday November 30th: There will be a combined children/teen and adult

family activity class in the CLC at 9:45AM due to Thanksgiving.

December 7 December 7 December 7 December 7 Normal Class

December 14 December 14 December 14 December 14 Normal Class

December 21st: December 21st: December 21st: December 21st: no 9:45AM Contemporary or Bible Class, everyone is invited

to join us in the Sanctuary for the Family Christmas Festival.

December 28th December 28th December 28th December 28th 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 4th January 4th January 4th January 4th Combined class, family Epiphany Party in the CLC

We appreciate your flexibility as we attempt to give our Sunday School and Bi-

ble Study staff an opportunity to celebrate holidays with their families and ac-

commodate the seasonal activities. Normal Sunday School and Bible class will

resume on Sunday January 11th at 9:45AM. Merry Christmas!

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

We will be taking some time (5 minutes at the opening) at the start of

Sunday School classes during November and December to practice

some parts of the Christmas Story for the Family Christmas Festival on

Sunday December 21st. 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 21st 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 par-

ticipate.

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

21 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.