(The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod)

210 East Pleasant StreetOconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066

Church Office: 262-567-5001 Daily Devotions: 262-567-1001 Website: www.splco.org

Worship Schedule: *Saturday 5:30 pm * Sunday 8:00 am Traditional in the Church ** Sunday 10:30 am Contemporary in the Church

St. Paul’s Mission Statement: “Reaching, Serving and Growing Disciples”

Rev. Lance Armstrong O’Donnell, Senior Pastor Ben Mueller, Youth DirectorRev. Steven Scharnell, Associate Pastor Diane Bleke, Organist/Choir DirectorRev. Paul Borgman, Pastor Emeritus Rev. John Kelling, Kinder Place Interim DirectorJonathon Pickelmann, PrincipalVolume 22 Office Hours - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Number 48

BIBLE STUDIES

In-Depth Study of Scripture Readings

567-5001 Sun. - 9:15 a.m. “The Upper Room”

Who is the Holy Spirit?

567-8195 Tues. – 7:00 p.m. Muecke’s Home

December 20th & 21st, 2014

WELCOME to everyone, especially our guests.Your presence is important to us.

St. Paul’s is an evangelical Christiancongregation, embracing historic Christianteaching on all doctrines, centered on JesusChrist. Our desire is to bring the Gospel bothto those who are searching for answers to themeaning of life and to those who desire acloser relationship with God. We here at St.Paul's have chosen to align ourselves with theteachings of the Lutheran Reformation, dueto the clarity with which these help us to seethe true meaning of God's Word.Specifically, St. Paul's is a ministry of theLutheran Church -- Missouri Synod, one ofAmerica's truly biblical churches!

Members and guests: please fill out anattendance card and place it in theoffering plate to indicate your presencetoday. For Holy Communion, please readour confession and indicate youragreement with our beliefs by checkingthe box next to the names of thosecommuning.

Those sharing our beliefs, especially fromparishes in fellowship with us, arewelcome to receive.

If you desire Holy Communion but hold aconfession differing from that of thiscongregation, please speak with a Pastoror an Elder.

Non-communing, baptized children arewelcome to come to the table for ablessing.

Please note: Half the inner circle of individualglasses in each tray contains water with onedrop of communion wine for those hesitant todrink larger amounts of wine. Those glasseswith wine are rose in color. 2

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Come to worship. As the prelude begins,worshippers are encouraged to concludeconversation and quietly prepare to enterinto the experience of worship.

Pastor: Steven Scharnell

Theme: Favored

Traditional Worship

Special Order

Contemporary Worship

Special Order

The radio broadcast is sponsored by the Lippert

family in praise to God for Cindy’s birthday on

December 21st. St. Paul’s 8:00 am church service can

be heard Sunday over WTKM (104.9 FM & 1540

AM). The altar flowers are sponsored by Jim &

Marlene Steinberg in praise to God for their 49th

wedding anniversary on December 18th.

Visitor Gift BagIf you are visiting with us today, please see anusher to receive your visitor’s gift bag.

Diane Bleke, Organist/Choir Director

3

REACHING DISCIPLES

Did You Know?...St. Paul's History Today!In preparation for St. Paul’s 150th Anniversary in 2015, we will be expanding your knowledgeof our church’s history. Some quips will be questions and some will be facts.

Quip: In the 1930’s, Oconomowoc had national recognition for what winter sport?(Ski jumping at Devil’s Hollow and Speed Skating on Fowler Lake.)

WISCONSIN RIGHT TO LIFEWisconsin Right to Life will again be sponsoring a full page ad in the Waukesha Freeman tocommemorate the January 22, 1973 Supreme Court decision legalizing abortion on demandfor any reason from conception to birth. Members of our congregation are invited to be partof the Pro-Life ad by having their name listed in the ad. A sign-up sheet is in theFellowship Hall with an envelope for your donation. Suggested $1.00 per name (ormore). The list is due by January 8th. Please print your name the way you would like it toappear in the ad. Any questions, contact Dorothy Duchow 262-354-8171 or dorothy-duchow@yahoo.com Thank you for your support.

LORD'S CUPBOARD NEEDSThe Lord's Cupboard pantry shelves are a little bare of some food items after we have been seeingincreased use by area families and with the Christmas food bag giveaway (190 bags!!). Anydonations of the following items would be appreciated or cash donations are also helpful as ourchecking account balance is very low...

And we can always use paper grocery bags and plastic grocery bags, along with toilet paper!Thank you so much for your support of this ministry as we help our neighbors in need. Please addthese families and our volunteers to your prayer list. Many blessings to you and your family thisChristmas season!

SERVING DISCIPLES

Peanut ButterCereal-big need!Tuna

Spaghetti noodlesRice

GROWING DISCIPLES

ORGAN FUNDWe REALLY hope to get our new organ installed by Spring 2015. We must raise $59,473! Youcan start helping now, by going to our "online giving" page on our website (splco.org), anddonating. You can make a one time donation, or make donations weekly, monthly, etc. PLEASEprayerfully consider what you can donate in ADDITION to your regular donations that go towardour budget. (Of course, you can also write a check out and specify that it is for the organ and bringit in to the church office.)

DECORATIONS COMMITTEEIn preparation for the Anniversary celebration in January at the Oconomowoc Arts Center (OAC),we are searching for individuals that would be interested in serving on a decorationscommittee. This committee would design the decorations needed for the OAC and then decoratethe OAC on January 10th. If interested, please contact Sara Junio @ 262-490-2879.

STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAININGOur next class of Stephen Ministers will begin their training on January 6, 2015. It’s not toolate to sign up. If you’re interested in receiving Stephen Minister training, contact one of yourStephen Leaders: Duane Peterson 414-573-2708, Jeff Stache 262-567-1302, or Steve Hansen262-646-4049.

CHILDCARE FOR JANUARY 11TH WORSHIP AT OACOn Sunday, January 11th, our worship service for that weekend will be hosted at theOconomowoc Arts Center (OAC) at 10:00 am. There will be childcare available for theworship service (birth to 5 years-old). If you would like to sign your child up for care duringthe worship service at the OAC, please contact Heather at the church office at 262.567.5001or via email at heather@splco.org.

THE SOONER, THE BETTER!Hey, all you cooks and bakers! The holidays are a great time to set aside your favorite recipesto go in the 150th Anniversary Cookbook. Please get those recipes turned in - any way, anyformat- just get them in! You can put them in the box in the Narthex or the Fellowship Hallor email them to cheryl.tesch@ymail.com.

2015 WOMEN’S RETREATRegistration for the 2015 Women's Retreat is now open. The event will be held March 6th-8th

at the Osthoff Resort. Please go to the St. Paul's Church website for more information andregistration materials.

CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS AVAILABLEContribution statements (through the weekend of November 22/23) are available for pick-upin the church narthex on the counter. The Board of Stewardship provides you with astatement at this time to give you the opportunity to evaluate your charitable giving for 2014.

4

5

The Congregation at PrayerA Guide for Daily Meditation and PrayerThe Fourth Sunday in Advent: Favored

December 21-27, 2014

The Order of Meditation and Prayer

Pray and confess out loud as much from the order of meditation and prayer as you areable, or as your family size and ages dictate. Learn by heart the verse, catechism, andhymn of the week.

InvocationIn the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed

Christ-Centered Theme: We are all highly favored through Jesus Christ.

Verse: Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the governmentshall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, MightyGod, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Psalm: 89:1-5 and/or the appointed daily psalms for Advent Psalms in Psalm ScheduleLSB, p.304

In the Gospel lesson for next week (Luke 1:26-38) we have the well known accountof the angel Gabriel announcing to Mary that she would be the mother of theMessiah. In this account we have the angel telling Mary that she is "highly favored."What does it mean to be "highly favored"? We will then ask, why was she highlyfavored, and how was she highly favored. Are we highly favored, and if so, why andhow.

decorations

DailyPsalms

Sun. Mon. Tue. Wed. Thur. Fri. Sat. Sun.

MorningEvening

2425, 110

12240, 67

3385, 91

5014, 16

18:1-20126, 62

102130, 16

9080, 72

2425, 110

Sunday, January 25th

12 noonfor

St. Paul’s Voters’ Meeting

Presentations for discussion and/or adoption include (but not limited to) the VisionPath Plan,

Capital Campaign Overview and nominations for District Office Positions.

6

The Catechism: Creed - Second Article

Readings for the Fourth Sunday in Advent: Favored

Day Bible Stories for the Family and SchoolDaily prayer readings from LSB, p.299ff.

Sun. The Annunciation—Luke 1:26-38 Is. 42:1-25 Rev. 9:1-12

Mon. Follow Lutheran Service Book Lectionary Is. 43:1-24 Rev. 9:13-10:11

Tue. Follow Lutheran Service Book Lectionary Is. 43:25-44:20 Rev. 11:1-19

Wed. Follow Lutheran Service Book Lectionary Is. 44:21-45:13, 20-25 Rev. 12:1-17

Thur. Follow Lutheran Service Book Lectionary Is. 49:1-18 Matt. 1:1-17

Fri. Follow Lutheran Service Book LectionaryIs. 49:22-26;50:7-51:8, 21-16

Matt. 1:18-25

The Creed (Second Article)

And [I believe] in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the Virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died and was buried.

He descended into hell.

The third day He rose again from the dead.

He ascended into heaven

and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.

From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.

Preschool +

What does this mean?

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God,

begotten of the Father from eternity,

and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary,

us my Lord,

1st Grade +

What does this mean? (continued)

Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person,

purchased and won me from all sins,

from death, and from the power of the devil;

not with gold or silver,

but with His holy, precious blood

and with His innocent suffering and death.

1st Grade +

What does this mean? (continued)

That I may be His own

and live under Him in His kingdom

and serve Him

in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness,

just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity.

This is most certainly true.

2nd Grade +

Prayers: Collects for the Week, Daily Themes for Prayer, In Our Prayers at St. Paul’s

Collect for the week of the Fourth Sunday in Advent: Favored

Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins whichweigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign withthe Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Daily Themes for PrayerSunday: Pray for the joy of the resurrection among us; for the fruit of faith nourished by

the Word and Sacraments.Monday: Pray for faith to live in the promises of Holy Baptism; for one’s calling and daily

work; for the unemployed; for the salvation and well-being of our neighbors;for schools, colleges, and seminaries; for good government and for peace.

Tuesday: Pray for deliverance against temptation and evil; for the addicted anddespairing, the tortured and oppressed; for those struggling with besetting sins.

Wednesday: Pray for marriage and family, that husbands and wives, parents and childrenlive in ordered harmony according to the Word of God; for parents who mustraise children alone; for our communities and neighborhoods.

Thursday: Pray for the Church and her pastors; for teachers, deacons, deaconesses, andother church workers; for missionaries and for all who serve the Church; forfruitful and salutary use of the blessed sacrament of Christ’s body and blood.

Friday: Pray for the preaching of the holy cross of our Lord Jesus Christ and for thespread of His knowledge throughout the whole world; for the persecuted andoppressed; for the sick and dying.

Saturday: Pray for faithfulness to the end; for the renewal of those who are withering inthe faith or have fallen away; for receptive hearts and minds to God’s Word onthe Lord’s Day; for pastors and people as they prepare to administer andreceive Christ’s holy gifts.

In Our Prayers this WeekThose sick or hospitalized: MEMBERS – Mike Papa (radioactive iodine treatments: 12/15-12/22); Arline Ruhs; Alice Feldschneider; Esther Hart; Vanessa (Stock) Hood; Iris Jahnke; ElsieRupnow; Linda Uttech; Margaret Voss; Rick Ware; Grace Olson; Ken Fulmer; Ed Krelwitz; QuinnBandomir; Dorothy Peterson (Shorehaven); Barb Krug; Crystal Parker.

FAMILY & FRIENDS OF MEMBERS – Those with cancer: Linda F - breast cancer; LloydCrom; Jack Anderson; Patrick McNally; Kim B. - breast cancer; Amy Runge (Art & Kathy Evert’sniece) - breast cancer; Brian Keller; Jan Shackleton (Pauline Bemis’s friend) - breast cancer;Jeanie; Kim (Frosch family friend) - breast cancer; Dan (George & Pat Menden’s friend); GraceWilhelm (Multiple Myeloma); Bill O’Donnell (Pastor’s uncle); Kevin (Tammy Horton’s brother-in-law); Papa Dude (Michelle Schlomer’s dad); Linda (Michelle Pagenkopf’s friend); BJ Smith (AmyPicco’s brother); Karen Peskie (Mike & Cheryl Reiner’s sister-in-law) - Lymphoma; Lea Acord(Pat Borgman’s friend); Elissa Spencer (Lynne Lavota’s mom); Dick Ritter; Donald - bladdercancer; Sue - breast cancer recurrence; Courtney - tumor on neck; Korbin Berg - colon cancer;Jan (Diane Bleke’s sister); Al Lippert (Les’s dad); Mike Ball; Jessica; Pam Gray - pancreaticcancer; Ron; Diane (Dorothy Duchow’s friend); John Orner (Julie’s father-in-law) - lung cancer;

Chris Moha - breast cancer; Amy (Heather Gartzke’s friend); Robert Counsell; Pat (Renee Ebert’saunt) - ovarian cancer; Marlene Thurs (Kelly Kulas’s mom); Ray; Sharon (John & Sue Lindemann’s

11

(continued )

friend); Ray Liska; Sue; Jim; Chris Prouty - breast cancer; Cheri Benz - breast cancer; Cami -healing; Tim - lung cancer; Pastor William Meyer (Don Meyer’s brother) - Lymphoma; Luca - babywith brain cancer; Dan (stage 4 prostate cancer); Crystal Schultz; Joann Romain - kidney cancer;Ron Rafalski - throat cancer; Nancy - breast cancer; Sarah Beine (stage 4 cancer) Other: TomPeterson (friend of Jim & Ann Duggan); Harriet Thompson (Laura Rohowetz’s grandmother); JoeLarsen (auto accident); Melissa Frivold (Brenda Nagel’s cousin); Don Cheesman (Lynne Lavota’sfather) - heart surgery; Vernon (Kathie Ware’s uncle) - rehab from stroke; Pastor Bergson; AustinKuhl (shoulder surgery); Sarah Schmidt; Pat (Tina Gartzke’s co-worker) - infection; Caroline Joy,daughter of Eric & Lisa (Keller) Harbaugh (Langerthan’s Cell Histiocytosis); Pam Leimer (PatBorgman’s cousin) - stroke; Scott Kleist (Jim & Ann Duggan’s son) - MS; Barb Schlomer; Fred(Lynda Rades’s brother); Christina Fowler; Carrie Snyder; Jill (strength & healing); Betty Bryant(Shirley Dibble’s sister); Kelly Kulas; Mavis Layton (Bruce Bain’s mother); Ray (Michelle Schlomer’sgrandpa); Charles Tuff (Alzheimer’s); Jon Franke - continued healing; Kim Pomeroy (CindyLippert’s cousin) - diagnosed with MS; Paul Fellin.

Those serving in the military-deployed: Zach Howard, Theresa; Phil Preston; Chad Kelling,Casey, Phil, Andy & Steve Koth; Luke, Jacob, Brian, Wayne Klamp, Randy, Kyle, Jake, Jeff, Matt,Tom, Brad, Ben, Mike, Rob & Fabian Beats.

Those serving God as missionaries: Christie Nelson (China), Ray Wigdal (China), Dennis Denow(Thailand), Bob & Chris Prouty (Australia), Pastor Reinke (Deaf Ministry), Rev. Bud Palmer.

Those in need: Our Shut-Ins; for a church member to find employment; for the guests of FamilyPromise that they find peace and patience while they work to find work and permanent housing; toheal the broken marriage of a daughter of a member; Jessi Brockway as she studies in Germany;David - PTSD therapy; Jennifer.

Anniversary: Jim & Marlene Steinberg - 49th - December 18th

Paul & Sara Junio - 26th - December 18th

Birthday: Cindy Lippert - December 21st

Lord’s Prayer and Morning or Evening Prayer from the Catechism

Hymn of the Week: ”O Little Town of Bethlehem” LSB 361

Looking forward to the First Sunday after Christmas December 27/28, 2014

Hymns: 374, 389 (367, 624, 376) 387

Well for the most part the Christmas celebrations are done. There may be somestraggling ugly sweater parties coming up, but for the most part, it's done. After all ofthis preparation though, don't let this be a letdown. In our Gospel lesson Luke 2:22-40we see a man named Simeon who was preparing to see the savior and finally didaccording to God's promise. He was overjoyed, he wasn't let down, he departed inpeace. Our theme is “God with Us, Part 5: God for Us.” Let us remember this and notforget about our Savior after December 25th. God is with us and for us everyday. Christ's arrival lets us celebrate Christmas every day.

12

13

Child Care Teachers NeededBe part of our family and make the most of your future starting

now! Our Christian child care center, Kinder Place, currently

has a full-time and part-time teacher openings. If you possess

EC1 and 2 infant/toddler certifications apply now! In addition

to working in an environment that is welcoming and caring,

you’ll also enjoy all the rewards you deserve. We offer an

attractive benefits and compensation package.

Please submit resume along with any

certifications to St. Paul’s Kinder Place

210 E. Pleasant Street,

Oconomowoc, WI 53066 or

kinderplace@splco.org.

14

UPCOMING EVENTS: December 22nd - 28th

ADVANCE THE MISSION

REACHING, SERVING & GROWING DISCIPLES

For the most currentinformation on St. Paul’s

happenings, please visit ourwebsite at splco.org.

MONDAYDecember 22nd

NO SCHOOLHandbell Choir Practice Room 212 7:00 pm

TUESDAYDecember 23rd

NO SCHOOLPrayer Meeting Church 10:00 am

WEDNESDAYDecember 24th

NO SCHOOL/OFFICE CLOSEDChristmas Family Worship

Traditional Candlelight WorshipTraditional Candlelight WorshipAcoustic Candlelight Worship

ChurchChurchChurchChurch

3:00 pm5:00 pm7:00 pm

10:30 pm

THURSDAYDecember 25th

NO SCHOOL/OFFICE CLOSEDChristmas Day Worship Church 9:00 am

SATURDAYDecember 27th

Traditional Worship ServiceAA Meeting

ChurchFellowship Hall

5:30 pm8:30 pm

SUNDAYDecember 28th

Traditional Worship ServiceAdult Bible Study

Contemporary Worship ServiceSunday Night Alive (9th - 12th grades)

ChurchThe Upper Room

ChurchRoom 216

8:00 am9:1 5 am10:30 am5:30 pm

FRIDAYDecember 26th NO SCHOOL/OFFICE CLOSED

Scan the QR code withyour smartphone to bedirected to St. Paul’sonline giving webpage.

December 27/28 5:30 PM 8:00 AM 10:30 AM

15

December 13/14

Church Attendance:

5:30 pm - 495

10:30 am - 369

864 Total; 103 visitors; 761 members

ST. PAUL’S DECEMBER EPISTLE IS

NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR

WEBSITE AT SPLCO.ORG.

FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDRENWe rejoice to have families with smallchildren participating in our worshipservices. There are baskets availablewith items that might be helpful foryour children behind the back pews.

THIS WEEKEND 5:30 PM 8:00 AM 10:30 AM

Acolytes Jordan Weber Trevor Leonhardt Leann Wolf & Emma Schmeling

Altar Guild Mary Ann Ashworth Wendy Tesch Sarah Neff

Elders Bruce Bain Mike Tesch John Melvin

Greeters Rick ZastrowKim Tuff (church)

Don & Harriet Groose (school)Shirley Smart

Lectors Don Gauerke Al Mueller

Power Point N/A N/A Gary Pribnow

Radio N/A Jim Juneau N/A

Ushers Gary Flanagan Todd Leonhardt John Melvin

Readings Isaiah 61:10—62:3 Galatians 4:4–7 Luke 2:22–40

For the most currentinformation on St. Paul’s

Music Leaders Diane Bleke Diane Bleke Look2Him

Special Music Adult Choir Adult Choir

Acolytes TBD Zander Mueller & Rieley Mueller Rachel Oelsner & Carolyn Tuff

Altar Guild Jean Fisher Dorothy Duchow Cheryl Oelsner

Elders Bruce Bain Mike Tesch Scott Kalien

Greeters Brenda NagelJim & Marlene Steinberg (church)

James & Judy Braatz (school)Anne Fait

Lectors Bob Klee Dorothy Duchow N/A

Power Point N/A N/A Leah Johnson

Radio N/A Jim Steinberg N/A

Ushers Gary Flanagan Todd Leonhardt Scott Kalien

16

December 20th & 21st, 2014

THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT: FAVORED

2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16 ~ ESVPew Bible pg. 330Now when the king lived in his house and theLORD had given him rest from all hissurrounding enemies, the king said to Nathanthe prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house ofcedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” AndNathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is inyour heart, for the LORD is with you.” But thatsame night the word of the LORD came toNathan, “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thussays the LORD: Would you build me a house todwell in? I have not lived in a house since theday I brought up the people of Israel fromEgypt to this day, but I have been movingabout in a tent for my dwelling. In all placeswhere I have moved with all the people ofIsrael, did I speak a word with any of thejudges of Israel, whom I commanded toshepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why haveyou not built me a house of cedar?”’ Now,therefore, thus you shall say to my servantDavid, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts, I took youfrom the pasture, from following the sheep,that you should be prince over my peopleIsrael. And I have been with you wherever youwent and have cut off all your enemies frombefore you. And I will make for you a greatname, like the name of the great ones of theearth. And I will appoint a place for my peopleIsrael and will plant them, so that they maydwell in their own place and be disturbed nomore. And violent men shall afflict them nomore, as formerly, from the time that Iappointed judges over my people Israel. And Iwill give you rest from all your enemies.Moreover, the LORD declares to you that theLORD will make you a house. And your houseand your kingdom shall be made sure foreverbefore me. Your throne shall be establishedforever.’”

Romans 16:25–27 ~ ESVPew Bible pg. 1209Now to him who is able to strengthen youaccording to my gospel and the preaching ofJesus Christ, according to the revelation of themystery that was kept secret for long ages buthas now been disclosed and through theprophetic writings has been made known to allnations, according to the command of theeternal God, to bring about the obedience offaith—to the only wise God be gloryforevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.

Luke 1:26–38 ~ ESVPew Bible pg. 1088In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sentfrom God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth,to a virgin betrothed to a man whose namewas Joseph, of the house of David. And thevirgin’s name was Mary. And he came to herand said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lordis with you!” But she was greatly troubled atthe saying, and tried to discern what sort ofgreeting this might be. And the angel said toher, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you havefound favor with God. And behold, you willconceive in your womb and bear a son, andyou shall call his name Jesus. He will be greatand will be called the Son of the Most High.And the Lord God will give to him the throne ofhis father David, and he will reign over thehouse of Jacob forever, and of his kingdomthere will be no end.” And Mary said to theangel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spiritwill come upon you, and the power of the MostHigh will overshadow you; therefore the childto be born will be called holy—the Son of God.And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her oldage has also conceived a son, and this is thesixth month with her who was called barren.For nothing will be impossible with God.” AndMary said, “Behold, I am the servant of theLord; let it be to me according to your word.”And the angel departed from her.