Our Mission: “To know, accept and live the love of God and share it with others”

THE GOOD NEWS December 2016

San Marcos Lutheran Church

GOD’S WORK, OUR VOICES All Family & Congregation Event

Sat., Dec. 3rd, 3:00 - 6:00 p.m.(See page eight)

CONCERT SERIES PRESENTSIn the Spirit of Christmas

Deborah Liv Johnson, singer/songwriter December 4th at 4:00 p.m.

(See page six.)

ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING - Part One Dec. 11th at 10:30 a.m.

(A brief meeting for the purpose of Council Elections)

CHRISTMAS PROGRESSIVE DINNER Sun., Dec. 18th beginning at 5:00 p.m.

(See page five)

SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS Sunday, December 18th at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m.

CHRISTMAS EVE, DEC. 24TH 5:00 p.m.

Candlelight Service of Holy Communion Music and message especially tailored

for children and families 7:00 p.m.

Candlelight Service of Holy Communion with Choir (Pre-service music begins at 6:30 p.m.)

CHRISTMAS DAY, DEC. 25THOne Service at 11:00 a.m.

EPIPHANY SUNDAY, JAN. 1One Service at 11:00 a.m.

THE GOOD NEWSPage 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

10

6

Bible Readings & Birthdays

Bible Studies

Calendar 11

Children’s Center 7

Concert Series 6

Financial Update 5

Pastor David’s Message 3

Pastor Karla’s Message 4

Social Concerns 5

Stewardship 9

Women’s News 6

Youth 8

The next Newsletter article deadline is December 15th.

San Marcos Lutheran Preschool (760)727-0326

www.smlcchild@sbcglobal.net

Director Ann Leong Teachers: Leilani Duran, Theresa Mohn, Marit

Greunke, Brittney Gibbs, Maria Del Carmen Padilla

San Marcos Lutheran Church

3419 Grand Avenue

San Marcos, CA 92078

(760) 727-1509

FAX: (760) 727-4468

smlc3419@sbcglobal.net

Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday—Friday www.sanmarcoslutheran.org

Sunday Worship Hours: 8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, & 11:00 AM

Sunday School Children Age 3-12 9:45—10:30 AM

Adult Education 9:50 AM - 10:45

AM David P. Jorstad Pastor

Karla J. Halvorson Pastor

Office Manager Margo Scarpelli

Organist Jenny Yun

Choir DirectorJustine Hansen

Director of Children’s Ministries Barbara Velivis

4

Bookkeeper Eunice Hanson

Volunteer Staff Artist in Residence Randall Sensmeier

Director Of Bell Choir Kärin Kupka

Coordinator of Celebration of Joy Musicians Kirsten Bassett

Council Members Jack Padley, President

Robin Rubin, Treasurer Penny Muetzel, Secretary

Jack Anderson Marilyn Monell

Linda Breen Jan Parthemer

Vern Soderstrom Alan Jones Dan Norris Rick Shoup

Director of Music Emeritus Judith Moore

All are Welcome! As a community of the people of God, the members of San Marcos Lutheran Church are called to welcome

all people, regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual orienta-

tion. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or fe-

male.” (Galatians 3:28)

THE GOOD NEWS Page 3

THE HOPES AND FEARS OF ALL THE YEARS ARE MET IN THEE TONIGHT

O Little Town of Bethlehem,how still we see thee lie!

Above thy deep and dreamless sleepthe silent stars go by;

yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light.

The hopes and fears of all the yearsare met in thee tonight.

I was privileged to worship at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem when I visited the Holy Land several years ago. The Gospel was proclaimed in Arabic. Those of us who worshiped that Sunday came from the United States, Germany, Denmark and of course Palestine. Our voices united as we sang the Doxology together, each in our native language, that music was as sweet as the song of angels.

One of the great paradoxes of history is that the birthplace of the Prince of Peace is also a place of human suffering and conflict. To enter Bethlehem these days you must go through checkpoints since Bethlehem is completely surrounded by a formidable wall constructed by the state of Israel. The land belongs to the Palestinians, but the Israeli army controls security there, making it difficult for Palestinian Christians and Arabs to leave the town of Bethlehem, even to go to their own fields and orchards near by. When one visits Bethlehem today, it would be easy to come away with only a sense of hopelessness.

Yet God’s light still shines in the dark streets of Bethlehem. I met Christians in Bethlehem who are at work improving the economic life of people in that region, working closely with their Islamic sisters and brothers. We can be proud of our ELCA which supports the Palestinian Lutheran in Bethlehem who operate a thriving community center, school, and college which are open to people of all faiths.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,descend to us, we pray;

cast out our sin, and enter in,be born in us today.

We hear the Christmas angelsthe great glad tidings tell;

oh, come to us, abide with us,our Lord Immanuel!

Jesus was not born in a place as perfect as a Christmas card, but was born into our real world. Our Lord Immanuel was born in the midst of our human sufferings and joys. The Christ Child comes to us right where we live, in the midst of our hopes and fears. You and I know what that is like. God knows what our world is like as well.

You and I can face the future with hope and courage, because we too have heard the song of the Christmas angels. They sing their song of glad tidings to ordinary people like you and me. We hear their song and nothing is ever the same again. Our war-weary world longs to hear that song more than ever, “Peace on earth, good will to all. Christ is born today!”

My friends, do not give up on that song. Let’s sing it out, loud and strong. God’s peace is breaking into our world! The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight!

Peace in Christ,Pastor David Jorstad

God becoming Flesh-the Incarnation

Page 4 THE GOOD NEWS

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” John 1

What is Christmas all about?

It’s time of remembrance, as we ponder the beauty of God becoming a human.

It’s a time a gratitude as we consider what Jesus has done.

But more than anything, it’s a reminder of the nearness of God, the fleshiness of God, the humanity of God.

The Christmas story is messy and complicated, political and earthy. It’s divine and oh so human.

It’s as bloody and painful as giving birth, as beautiful and breathtaking as holding a newborn babe.

In many ways, this Christmas season is

a time to celebrate our own humanity, our frailties, and our needs.

It’s a time when it is OK to be human, OK to be limited, OK to need help and companionship.

It’s a time to accept our limitations, our moods, emotions, desires, and wants,

and know that God, Jesus, felt that way, too.

Emmanuel - God with us.

You are not alone this Christmas season. You are companioned with God.

Come be a part of us this Christmas season, as much as you want, as much as you can,

share in our humanity as we together celebrate

the one who came to us as one of us.

Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Peace to you,

Pastor Karla

THE GOOD NEWS

PLEASE CALL US! We want to include you in our prayers, arrange for pastoral visits, and announce information to the con-gregation, when appropriate. Please notify the Church Office (760)727-1509 when:- A member family member, or someone you

know dies- You, or someone you know, is ill or grieving- You, or someone you know, is in the hospital

- You, or someone you know, wants to plan abaptism, wedding, or celebration

- You moved or changed telephone numbersIf office is closed, and you have an urgent need, call Pastor David: home, (760)798-1226; cell (619)917-

2994 or email: pastorjorstadsmlc@yahoo.com or Pastor Karla at home, (760)754-1413, cell, (858)442-

6761, email: pastorkarlasmlc@sbcglobal.net

REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Healing for Donna Huber and Marian Ramage.We rejoice at the birth on Nov. 1 of Mabel and Mari, twin daughters of Jolene and Johannes Ericsson. Hans and Henri are very proud brothers.

Interfaith Food Collection is Dec. 4thFROM YOUR TREASURER

October 31, 2015 83.33% of YearIncome

Actual YTD % of Budget$308,582 77.19%

Annual Budget $399,783 Expenses

% of BudgetAnnual Budget Actual YTD$399,783 $317,637 79.45%Thank you for your gifts which make our mission and ministry possible.

STOCK OPTIONS Some families find it advantageous at this time of the year to gift the congregation with shares of appreciat-ed stock. (Speak with your tax advisor to see if this works for you.) The church has a brokerage account to handle such transactions. For help to set this up, see Robin Rubin, treasurer or Pastor David Jorstad.

Page 5

ELCA GOOD GIFTS CATALOGS are nowavailable. ELCA GOOD GIFTS provide an opportunity to support life-changing projects and programs around the world in place of traditional gifts. Pick up a catalog, spend some time looking through it, and then make a donation towards something like chickens or a goat or a microloan or medical tests or shares in a water well or… Pick up a gift card to mail to a friend or relative, telling them what you have purchased in their name! Then complete the order form, write your check payable to SMLC, and put it in the Sunday offering. Shopping done, and what a wonderful gift! We also have Good Gifts Coloring Books and Advent Calendars. Please help yourself.

SOCIAL CONCERNS CHRISTMAS “GIVING TREE” PROJECT

Look for the two Christmas trees (in the Narthex and Luther Hall). They have tags for Alvin Dunn School on them. The cards are given to Alvin Dunn to distribute to those children and their families who need help to make Christmas a “little brighter!" You may purchase a gift card for any denomination ($5, $15, $25?) from any store, (Target is a popular choice). Just make a notation that it is for Alvin Dunn and return it to the church office or in the gift box under the Christmas trees. Thank you!

HAVEN HOUSE We were scheduled to serve our monthly meal at Interfaith’s Haven House homeless shelter on Sun., Dec. 18th. Unfortunately, that’s the same night as our SMLC Progressive Dinner. Haven House has what they call “IAP” meals, which stands for “In a Pinch.” If a congregation will donate $125, the staff will purchase and serve one of the following meals:

Dinner 1: Pizza, salad, dessertDinner 2: Hoagie sandwich, potato chips, salad, dessert Dinner 3:Two pieces fried chicken, potato, macaroni or

coleslaw, rolls, dessert

We will use that option this month with funding from previous donations and then resume “Haven House Second Sunday Meals” in Jan. To donate toward IAP meals, please make checks payable to SMLC and mark it for Social Concerns-Haven House. They always have a few open nights and would be grateful if we could step in occasionally. To sign up for our Jan. 8th dinner, contact Doris Payne at 760-653-3026 or dorispayne3257@gmail.com.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER Dec. 18th beginning at 5:00 p.m.

at O'Carroll and Agonia HomesCall Susan Agonia for details at (760)715-1218.

THE GOOD NEWS Page 6

CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS In the Spirit of Christmas

Deborah Liv Johnson, singer/songwriterDec, 4th at 4:00 p.m.

Award-winning singer/songwriter Deborah Liv Johnson will perform a variety of Christmas, original, and favorite tunes. Well-known for both her original music and her interpretation of classic Lutheran hymns and Christmas music, Johnson's voice has always been her most compelling draw. The LA Times wrote, "It is not surprising that Johnson's luxuriant alto is the album's most affecting instrument..."

WOMEN’S WINTER RETREAT

at Luther Glen on March 3-5, 2017Join us this year for our Annual Women’s Winter Retreat! This year our theme is "Believing God" (Isaiah 43:10). Sign-ups will be Dec. 6th on the patio after services, see Marilyn Monell. Some scholarships available. Join us!

FINANCIALLY SPEAKINGAs the Dec. newsletter went to press it appeared that our year-to-date deficit in the General Fund had increased substantially from the end of Oct. We are counting on a very strong Dec. of giving to the General Fund. If you’re behind in your pledge and can make that up or if you can make an extra gift, that would greatly help erase the deficit before the year’s end. Your Congregational Council thanks you for your generous support of the ministries of San Marcos Lutheran Church!

MORNING BIBLE CLASS led by Pastor Dell & Pastor Fran Olson Tuesday, Dec. 6th & 20th 10:00 a.m., in

Luther Hall MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY

WHAT’S GOING ON...

led by Pastor David Dec. 10th at 8:00 am in Luther Hall Phone Alan Jones for details at (760)798-7203.

WEBSITE PICTURES NEEDEDPlease submit pictures of your group or activity for the website. A few well-placed pictures describing your activity, past or present, can generate interest in your ministry. Ongoing groups should include some action shots or a group shot of those involved. Annual events' pictures can promote future events. Pictures of recent events provide a glimpse into San Marcos Lutheran for website visitors to "visit" the congregation before attending. To submit pictures, either email them directly to James Jerpseth at JJerpseth@Gmail.com or use the convenient photo and file upload page on the website. The photo upload page is found under the Events area. The password into the page is Luther. Then just select the file and upload it.

ELEMENTS AND ELEMENTAL PIETY WITH MADELINE MARSHALLJan. 15, 22, & 29 at 9:45 in Luther Hall

The Idea of the Sacramental (Week One)Every confirmed Lutheran knows about the TWO proper sacraments—to use Gordon Lathrop’s terms, these are the bath and the meal, baptism, and the Eucharist. Few have heard of “sacramentals,” If a sacrament is a “visible sign of invisible grace,” there are many such signs to see. Metaphorical Language (Week Two)Religious metaphors relate the unknowable to the known. So “God” is a fortress, a shepherd. While Jesus is celebrated as friend and brother, These metaphors help us understand God as “father” and Jesus as “savior.” The Holy Spirit as breath, wind, and fire are also metaphors that tie the holy to our much more ordinary experience. This ordinary experience is made holy, thanks to the creating Word, Incarnate Word, and the sustaining Word.Worship and the Word (Week Three)These ideas of sacramentality and Christian metaphor can inform and animate our prayers, our hymns, and our witness. Too often we defer to tradition, experts, and books, thus disqualifying ourselves and our experience. The goal of these three sessions comes home in worship.

As we prepare for the birth of Jesus, we want to thank you all for your love and support

of our school, of the staff, our programs and our outreach ministries to the food pantry

and teen parent program. We recognize you have many choices for your child’s

education and we feel blessed that you have chosen our little center to help your child

grow in their education and love of the Lord. Wishing you a Merry CHRISTmas and

Happy New Year! Love & Blessings~ Ann, Theresa, Leilani, Marit, Brittney, and Carmen

SMLC Children’s Center

News December 2016 Page 7

ALL ARE INVITED to join us in the Sanctuary at 10:30am on Friday,

December 16th for our ALL SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM! The

entire school is in this ONE time event, so MWF kids come at their

regular time and TUTH kids come no later than 10am. Your child does

not have to dress up, but holiday attire is fine. After the program,

there will be a special surprise for all the kids and siblings on the

preschool playground...shhh, it’s a secret, but he lives at the North

Pole! Doors will open for the program at 10am! This is something your

whole family will want to attend. Please let us know if your child will not be here!

A d d i t i o n a l December Events...Mark your calendars!

Sat, Dec 3rd: God’s Work/Our Voices: Sing at Nursing Home and then Free Dinner and Craft for kiddos 3pm-6pm right here at the church! See sign up on Director Window.

Nov 28th-Dec 8th: Pajama Drive for Teen Parent Program in Escondido

Thurs, Dec 8th and Fri, Dec 9th: Pajama Days! Your child can wear their jammies to school and we will have a special gingerbread man story with hot cocoa!

Sat, Dec 10th: Parents Night Out from 5:00-7:30 pm. THERE IS ONLY ONE SPOT LEFT!!!

Wed, Dec 14th and Thurs, Dec 15th: December Birthday Celebrations Dec 19-Jan 2: Closed for Christmas Break. School will resume on Tues, Jan 3rd...2017!

3419 Grand Ave, San Marcos 92078 • 760-727-0326 • www.smlcchild@sbcglobal.net

Learn Live Share the Love of God

THE GOOD NEWS Page 8

Youth PageDecember 2016

Thank you all for your help with youth events and outreach!

Dec 3 (Saturday) 3-6 God’s Work Our Voices visit home bound and help put up Christmas tree. Free dinner together & singing around the tree

Dec 10 (Saturday) 5:00-7:30 pm Parents Night Out -Teen help needed

Dec 11, (Sunday) 3:30-5 pm Confirmation Talk about the Incarnation- God coming as a human.

Christmas Eve Dec 24 help needed with acolyting (5 and 7 pm), music and nativity

DEC 30 HELP DECORATE ROSE BOWL PARADE FLOATS CONTACT RICK SHOUP (limited spaces)

Jan 8 (Sunday) (Sunday 3:30-5:15 pm) Honoring Our Neighbor’s Faith Sikh

Jan 11 (Wednesday) Visit Sikh Temple 6:30 pm 1838 Avenida Del Diablo, Escondido, 92029

Finish the session with, Jehovah Witness or Hinduism (contact needed)High school retreat Luther Glen Feb 18-20, Middle school March 3-5

Day camp June 26-30, Confirmation camp July 16-21

Sunday School EVERY Sunday 9:45 starting in Sanctuary. Questions? Pastor Karla Halvorson PastorKarlaSMLC@sbcglobal.net, pastor serving children youth and families, Barbara Velivis, Barbara Velivis barbaravelivis@gmail.com Director of Children’s Ministries, and Dan Norris, Senior High Youth Leader daniel.norris@sbcglobal.net.

THE GOOD NEWS

Counters:

04-Dec. O’Carroll

11-Dec.

18-Dec.

25-Dec.

Kozloskis

McEwan

Phelps

SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: Director of Children’s Ministries: Barbara Velivis Nursery - Infant through two years old Bible School - Preschool through fifth grade Dir.of Children’s Ministries: Barbara Velivis Confirmation (grades 6th-8th): Pastor Karla HalvorsonSr. Hi - Dan Norris

Lay Readers:

Date 11:00 a.m.

04-Dec.

11-Dec.

18-Dec.

Pastor Frances Olson

Grace Holtz

Doris Balsmeyer

Doris Balsmeyer25-Dec.

8:30 a.m.

Melinda Kozloski

Rob O'Carroll

Yvonne Kieran

No Service

Greeters & Communion Assistants:

Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

04-Dec.

11-Dec..

18-Dec.

Kevin & Cindy Dianne McGovernAngelini

Date 8:30 a.m.

Hospitality Teams 9:45 a.m. Service

04-Dec. Cathy Duncan

11-Dec. Jean Kahn

18-Dec. Liz Starr

25-Dec. No Service

DECEMBER STEWARDSHIP

Page 9

Anne VothCorrie Lott

Sharon McEwan Doris Balsmeyer Louise Ericson

THE GOOD NEWS Page 10

DECEMBER Bible Readings

Dec. 4 First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Dec. 11 First Reading: Psalm Second Reading: Gospel:

Dec. 18 First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Dec. 24 First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Dec. 25 First Reading: Psalm: Second Reading: Gospel:

Second Sunday in Advent Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13Matt 3:1-12

Third Sunday in Advent Isaiah 35:1-10Psalm 146:5-10James 5:7-10Matt 11:2-11

Fourth Sunday in Advent Isaiah 7:10-16Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 Romans 1:1-7Matt 1:18-25

Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

Christmas Day Isaiah 62:6-12Psalm 97Titus 3:4-7Luke 2:1-20

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS!

12/1 12/1 12/2 12/5 12/6 12/7 12/8 12/10 12/10 12/12 12/12 12/13 12/13 12/13 12/14 12/15 12/15 12/17 12/17 12/17 12/18 12/18 12/18 12/19 12/20 12/20 12/21 12/22 12/26 12/27 12/28 12/28

Matthew Foster Kristen Szepe Johannes Ericsson Jennifer Burkey Friedel Lunnerdal Jami Phelps Charlotte Argabright Ellen Arney Nicholas Smith Eleanor Adcock Elisha Capezzone Hannah Johnson Katie JorstadZachary MeskerDave Iverson William Pilmer Mark Schafer Chuck Deen Peri Grover Brett MuetzelAshley BalboBrandon Balbo Inga Enge Chris Kepler Stephen Deen Daniel Norris Nicholas Wanner Carol Schwartz Bailey O’Carroll Dianne McGovern Penny Muetzel Jack Padley Doug Bassett Nicole Foster Linda Koller

12/2912/3012/30

DECEMBER 2016 San Marcos Lutheran Church

Page 11

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thurs Fri Sat

1

7:00 pm AA, LH 7:00 pm Choir

2

10:40 am St. Joseph Chapel, Sanctuary

3

3:00-6:00 pm God’s Work, Our Voices

4 2nd Sun. in Advent 8:30 & 11 am Svcs 9:45 am Informal 9:45 am Pastor James' Bible Study Svc & Sun Sch & Giving Tree Dead-line Food Collection 4:00 pm Concert7:00 pm AA, LH

5 11:30 am AA, LH

6 7 9:00 - 11:00 am St. Joseph in LH9:30 am Centering Prayer Group, LH9:30 am Preschool Board Mtg., CR10:30 am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary 11:30 am AA, LH 6:30 pm Social Action, LH

8 9:00 am Harvest Pastors Sanct./LH 10:30-12:30 pm Synod Assembly Planning Meeting, LH

7:00 pm AA, LH 7:00 pm Choir

9

10:40 am St. Jo-seph Chapel, Sanctuary,

10 8:00 am Men’s Breakfast & Bible Study, LH9:15 am Budget Committee Noon- 3:30 pm Sanctuary in Use 5:00-7:30 pm Parents' Nite Out, LH

11 3rd Sun. inAdvent 8:30 & 11 am Svcs 9:45 am Informal Svc 9:45 am Sun Sch 10:30 am Annual Meeting, Part I 3:30 pm Conf. 7:00 pm AA, LH

12 11:30 am AA, LH

13 14 9:30 am Cen-tering Prayer Group, Luther Hall 10:30 am Pre-school Chapel, Sanctuary 11:00 am Staff Mtg.11:30 am AA, LH 6:00 pm Council

15 10:30 am Preschool Chapel, Sanctuary

7:00 pm AA, LH 7:00 pm Choir

16 10:00 am Preschool Christ-mas Program,

17

18 Service of Lessons & Carols 8:30 & 11 am Svcs 9:45 am Informal Svc 9:45 am Sun Sch , 5:00 pm Progressive Dinner

19 11:30 am AA, LH

20

10:00 am Bible Study, LH

21 9:30 am Centering Prayer, LH 11:30 am AA, LH

22 23 24

25 Christmas Day One Service at 11:00 am 7:00 pm AA, LH

26 Office Closed 11:30 am AA, LH

27 289:30 am Cen-tering Prayer Group, Luther Hall 11:30 am AA, LH

29

7:00 pm AA, LH

30 31

10:00 am Bible Study, LH6:30 pm Mutual Ministry at O'Carroll home

Office closed9:30 am Bible with Pastor Karla

Christmas Eve5:00 & 7:00 pm

Candlelight Service of Holy Communion

Rose Bowl paradePetal Pushers Trip

7:00 pm AA, LH7:00 pm Choir