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(The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod)
210 East Pleasant Street Oconomowoc, 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”
BIBLE STUDIES
Survey of Luke & Acts
567-5001 Sun. - 9:15 a.m. Fellowship Hall
Being Christian
567-8195 Tues. – 7:00 p.m. Muecke’s Home
Rev. Lance Armstrong O’Donnell, Senior Pastor Steven Scharnell, Vicar Rev. Ronald P. Krug, Pastor Emeritus Ben Mueller, Youth Director Rev. Paul Borgman, Pastor Emeritus Diane Bleke, Organist/Choir Director Fred Boldt, Interim Principal Kelly Kulas, Kinder Place Director Volume 20 Office Hours - 7:00 am - 4:00 pm Number 50
WELCOME to everyone, especially our guests.
Your presence is important to us.
St. Paul’s is an evangelical Christian
congregation, embracing historic Christian
teaching on all doctrines, centered on Jesus
Christ. Our desire is to bring the Gospel both
to those who are searching for answers to the
meaning of life and to those who desire a
closer relationship with God. We here at St.
Paul's have chosen to align ourselves with the
teachings of the Lutheran Reformation, due
to the clarity with which these help us to see
the true meaning of God's Word.
Specifically, St. Paul's is a ministry of the
Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod, one of
America's truly biblical churches!
• Members and guests: please fill out an
attendance card and place it in the
offering plate to indicate your presence
today. For Holy Communion, please read
our confession and indicate your
agreement with our beliefs by checking
the box next to the names of those
communing.
• Those sharing our beliefs, especially from
parishes in fellowship with us, are
welcome to receive.
• If you desire Holy Communion but hold a
confession differing from that of this
congregation, please speak with a Pastor
or an Elder.
• Non-communing, baptized children are
welcome to come to the table for a
blessing.
Please note: Half the inner circle of individual
glasses in each tray contains water with one
drop of communion wine for those hesitant to
drink larger amounts of wine. Those glasses
with wine are rose in color. 2
THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENTTHIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Come to worship. As the prelude begins,
worshippers are encouraged to conclude
conversation and quietly prepare to enter
into the experience of worship.
Theme: Theme: Theme: Theme: Finding Fulfillment Part II: The Rescuers
Pastor: Pastor: Pastor: Pastor: Lance Armstrong O’Donnell
Traditional Service Divine Service 2, Setting 1, pg. 158 Divine Service 2, Setting 1, pg. 158 Divine Service 2, Setting 1, pg. 158 Divine Service 2, Setting 1, pg. 158
Contemporary Service Special OrderSpecial OrderSpecial OrderSpecial Order
December 15th & 16th, 2012
SAVE THE DATE!
St. Paul’s Dinner Auction
April 13, 2013
at the Golden Mast Inn
PRAYERS FOR THIS WEEK “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.
With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:18
Those sick or hospitalized: MEMBERS – Martha Blanck (hip surgery); Ed Krelwitz; Mark Burdette; Teresa Schmeling (surgery); Frederic Marohn; Quinn Bandomir; Harvey Rupnow (Shorehaven); Andy Stenson; Judy Hasenstein; Pastor Paul Borgman; Pastor Ronald P. Krug; Elaine Bankert (Shorehaven); Vanessa (nee Stock) Hood - Leukemia; Bernice Hoeft (Aurora); Jackie Fulmer; Marian Faltersack; Bill Duchow; Betty Bender; Doris Marrari; Iris Jahnke; Dorothy Peterson (Shorehaven); Barb Krug; Mary Ann Schmitt; Betty Chatos; Crystal Parker.
FAMILY & FRIENDS OF MEMBERS – Those with cancer: Debbie Duchow (Bill Duchow’s daughter) - brain and lung cancer; Terry (Marilyn Sherman’s) niece – breast cancer; Susie; Joann Romain - kidney cancer; Ron Rafalski - throat cancer; Kathleen (12 years-old) - Lymphoma; Grace Wilhelm - Multiple Myeloma; Nancy - breast cancer; Mrs. Susan Ohm; Richard Willey - bladder cancer; Lisa’s mom - colon & liver cancer; Linda Winke (Pastor Winke’s wife) - breast cancer; Sarah Beine (stage 4 cancer); Marlene Thurs (Kelly Kulas’s mother); Les; Rod; Kellie Kallies (Bill & Dorothy Duchow’s niece) - brain & lung cancer; Patricia Bach (Cindy Lippert’s mom) - cancer; Marian Lippert (Les’s mother); Dick Olson (Leonhardt’s friend) Other: Frank Finkler; Nephi Cardejon (brother-in-law of Mike Tanner) - heart surgery; Daut Gaba; Jon Franke - continued healing; Sandy Flanagan (Mabel’s daughter-in-law); Mandy Bruce; Larry Kehl; Barb Pieper’s brother; Kelly Kulas (Kinder Place Director) - knee-replacement surgery; Dan Brugger; Ken Lower - Alzheimer’s & broken hip; Shane; Carrie Snyder (for continued healing); Scott Dahlke (Carl & Gwen Nicholson’s friend); Tony Hopkins; Kathleen Converse; Kim Pomeroy (Cindy Lippert’s cousin) - diagnosed with MS; Laura (continued healing); Bob DeWitz (Jerry’s father); Joel (Tina Gartzke’s nephew); Paul Fellin.
Those serving in the military-deployed: Zach Howard, Theresa; Jim Carney; Phil Preston; Adam Becker, Chad Kelling, Casey, Phil, Andy & Steve Koth; Luke, Jacob, Brian, Wayne Klamp, Randy, Jeff, Matt, Tom, Brad, Ben, Mike, Rob, & Fabian Beats.
Those serving God as missionaries: Christie Nelson (China); Ray Wigdal (China); Dennis Denow (Thailand); Jeff & Julie Vigil (Kenya); Bob & Chris Prouty (Australia); Pastor Reinke (Deaf Ministry); Rev. Bud Palmer; St. John’s, Ashippun, WI; Brian & Jeanette Keller and the LCMS mission in the Dominican Republic. Those in need: Our Shut-Ins; Butterfield family; Schultz family; Camp LuWiSoMo as they begin preparations for next summer and begin construction on a new Dining Hall; Victoria Berger to find a job; John - going through difficulties in marriage; the Schmidt family; Dave - suffering from severe depression; Devin Engel, seeking employment; Jacob.
Anniversary: Jim & Marlene Steinberg - 47th - December 18th Birthday: Lloyd Schlomer - 13th - December 13th
The Prayer Warriors of St. Paul's are praying daily
for these families and their needs..
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REACHINGREACHINGREACHINGREACHING DISCIPLESDISCIPLESDISCIPLESDISCIPLES
BAPTISMS We welcome into St. Paul’s church family during the 10:30 am Worship Service, Jacob Lee. He
is the son of Tommy & Heather Boulware. His legal guardians are Kyle Swanson & Jody
Jackson. His sponsors are Brad Mabry & Dorothy Dancey. We also welcome in to St. Paul’s
church family during the 10:30 am Worship service, Xander Noah, son of Logan Krivitz &
Kaela Lind. His sponsors are Moira Callan, Laura Ann Tyrrell, Kody Lind and Frank Krivitz. We
will keep Jacob & Xander in our prayers.
*Flash photography is not allowed during a baptism which takes place during the worship service. The pastor
may reenact the baptism after the service for picture-taking opportunities.
YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED ASAP Brian and Jeanette Keller are winding up their service in the Dominican Republic before
the summer of 2013. With contributions trickling off, they need your financial support now
more than ever. Contributions may be made payable to LCMS South Wisconsin District
and mailed to:
Bob Mason--Missions Dept.
LCMS South Wisconsin District
8100 W. Capitol Drive
Milwaukee, WI 53222
Please put in the memo area of your check: Keller Dominican Support. Thank you for your
support.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC OPPORTUNITY
Brookfield Lutheran Church will be making a construction mission trip to the Dominican
Republic March 1-9, 2013 to build a group home. The approximate cost for plane tickets,
room and board, and van rental will be $1,200 per person. If you are interested in joining
the Brookfield Lutheran group for this mission trip, please contact Nancy Wolck at pax-
[email protected]. Brian Keller is wrapping up his service in the Dominican and plans to fin-
ish his projects before the summer of 2013.
LIFE IS PRECIOUS
... PLEASE SUPPORT WISCONSIN RIGHT TO LIFE WAUKESHA CHAPTER in the
newspaper ad in the Waukesha Freeman on January 22, 2013, the anniversary of Roe vs.
Wade (legalizing abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy). A sign-up sheet is on the
bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall, with an envelope for your contribution (suggested $1
per name... but more is always welcome). We must get the names in by January 8th, so our
deadline is December 30th. Any questions, call or email Dorothy Duchow 262-719-6649 or
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SERVINGSERVINGSERVINGSERVING
LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK HYMNAL
The Board of Elders recently voted to replace our current Lutheran Worship hymnal
(1983) with the LCMS's most current hymnal, the Lutheran Service Book pew edition
(2006). Our goal is to make the transition before year-end. If you are interested in
purchasing the Lutheran Service Book ($23 per book) for your home, or for the church in
memory of a loved one, please contact Cindy Peartree in the church office at 262.567.5001
CHRISTMAS CARING TREE
Thank you for the love and generosity of the members of St. Paul’s. We were able to give
many gifts for the children from the Lake County area and also the residents of Bethesda.
A special thanks to Mary Hickenbottom and Lynne Lavota who helped organize the
Christmas Caring Tree.
BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
“Christmas is important to me because Jesus was born,” writes one of St. Paul’s eighth
graders. This theme is what our St. Paul’s students and staff demonstrated so
wonderfully in last weekend’s worship services. St. Paul’s School is alive with the message
of Jesus’ birth! Another eighth grader writes, “I think that the meaning of Christmas is
that God gave us the best gift we could ask for. That was His perfect Son that would
forgive all our sins.” Sami Jo, a second grader, echoes that message when she writes,
“Christmas means Jesus’ birth.” Kindergartener Isabella says that “we put presents
around the tree for our family.” Jesus IS the best present of all this Christmas season.
TIME TO GROW MEAL ~ DECEMBER 19TH
BBQ pork sandwiches ~ Coleslaw ~ Chips ~ Pickles ~ Dessert
NEEDED: APARTMENT/HOUSE FOR RENT We have a family that is in need of housing. They are looking for a 2-3 bedroom home that will accept pets. They will need to have it available by February 1st. If you know of a home or apartment, please call the school office at 567-5001.
CHRISTMAS FOOD BAGS If you signed up for a Christmas food bag please remember to pick one up on Monday, the 17th, between 5:30 and 6:30 pm in the school lobby.
NEW ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULES There are new schedules (Epiphany through Easter) available on the counter in the Altar Guild preparation area. If you weren’t emailed a schedule, you will find yours there with your name on. Please be sure to pick it up. Thank you.
SERVINGSERVINGSERVINGSERVING DISCIPLESDISCIPLESDISCIPLESDISCIPLES
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KINDER PLACE SILENT AUCTIONKINDER PLACE SILENT AUCTIONKINDER PLACE SILENT AUCTIONKINDER PLACE SILENT AUCTION Come and bid on the wonderful items at the Kinder Place silent auction
(located in the hallway) Packer and Brewer memorabilia and autographs
German cuckoo clock Nook basket with accessories
Not to mention the handmade goodies and kids art. The auction ends on Monday, December 17th at 5:30
YEARYEARYEARYEAR----TOTOTOTO----DATE CONTRIBDATE CONTRIBDATE CONTRIBDATE CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS AVAILABLEUTION STATEMENTS AVAILABLEUTION STATEMENTS AVAILABLEUTION STATEMENTS AVAILABLE The 2012 year-to-date contribution reports are available in the narthex. They are updated through the end of November. Please collect your report and use it to compare to your commitment and plan for your year-end contributions.
JOURNEYMEN OF ST. PAJOURNEYMEN OF ST. PAJOURNEYMEN OF ST. PAJOURNEYMEN OF ST. PAUL’SUL’SUL’SUL’S Join the Journeymen at Maxim’s on December 22nd. Hear from Ray Wigdal as he tells his story of working with lost children in China. Our breakfast meeting will be from 7:30 am to 9:00 am.
A NEW STEPHEN MINISTA NEW STEPHEN MINISTA NEW STEPHEN MINISTA NEW STEPHEN MINISTRY TRAINING CLASS ISRY TRAINING CLASS ISRY TRAINING CLASS ISRY TRAINING CLASS IS STARTING SOON STARTING SOON STARTING SOON STARTING SOON Faith, listening, mercy, teaching the faith, encouragement, or knowing: Do one or more of these gifts describe you? If so, check out Stephen Ministry, our congregation's one-to-one care giving ministry. A new training class is starting in January. Contact Pastor Ronald Krug at 262-567-5001 if you are interested.
2013 WOMEN’S RETREAT2013 WOMEN’S RETREAT2013 WOMEN’S RETREAT2013 WOMEN’S RETREAT
Attention ladies! Please join us for the 2013 Women's Retreat - March 8-10 at the beautiful Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI. The theme is "Spa for the Soul". Our guest speaker is Amy Meyer, LifeGroup Leadership Director at Memorial Lutheran Church in Madison. Registration forms are available at www.splco.org and in the church office. Sign up soon - the registration deadline is January 25! Please contact Michelle Pagenkopf ([email protected]) or Sarah Esveldt ([email protected]) with questions.
New for 2013!! Purchase a gift certificate for your loved one to attend the women's retreat. You may purchase a gift certificate in the amount of $25, $50, $100, or the entire fee of the retreat! Gift certificates will be available for purchase through the office or from the conference co-chairs (Michelle Pagenkopf or Sarah Esveldt). It's a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer!
"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from Him." - Psalm 62:5
GROWINGGROWINGGROWINGGROWING DISCIPLESDISCIPLESDISCIPLESDISCIPLES
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SPECIFIC MINISTRY PASTOR (SMP) FINANCIAL UPDATE On April 22, 2012, the congregation of St. Paul’s voted to send one of our members to participate in the Specific Ministry Pastor program. You may recall the funding for this program was not part of St. Paul’s Financial Ministry Plan for 2012/2013. As a result,
donations above and beyond our regular offerings were needed. Below is a funding update:
12/13/12 12/4/12 Goal $45,000 $45,000 Raised YTD $29,356 $29,191
Over (Under) ($15,644) ($15,809)
If you are interested in financially supporting the SMP program, we can assist you. You can donate directly to the program in one of two ways: 1. Automatic withdrawals - Please go to www.splco.org , click on ‘Church’, then click on
“Online Giving”, then click on the picture at the bottom of the page. When you reach the set up form, indicate the dollar amount you’d like to contribute (one-time or reoccurring) to the category titled “Specific Ministry Program (SMP)”.
2. Envelopes – Please place your contribution in your church envelope and indicate, at the top of the envelope, the dollar amount that should be applied to offerings and the specific dollar amount that should be applied to the “SMP”.
If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Peartree, Business Manager.
UPCOMING SPECIAL WORSHIP SERVICES
AND EVENTS FOR THE REMAINDER OF 2012
Sunday December 16 Advent by Candlelight 4:00 pm
Wednesday December 19 Midweek Advent Worship 12:15 pm Advent Meal 5:00 pm Advent Hymn Sing 6:00 pm Midweek Advent Worship 6:15 pm
December 22 - January 1 Day School Christmas Break
December 22 - January 1 OFFICE CLOSED
Monday December 24 Family Worship service w/ Holy Communion 3:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service 4:30 pm Traditional Candlelight Service 6:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Service 10:30 pm
Tuesday December 25 Christmas Day Service 9:00 am
Monday December 31 New Year’s Eve Worship 5:30 pm
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Time to Grow Winter Session January 2-February 6 Deadline to register is December 19th
Every Christian can benefit from continued study in God’s Word. Time to Grow is our offering of classes on Wednesday nights for the whole family. Through Bible study, the Holy Spirit works
to build up our faith as we continue to grow and understand God’s Holy Word. We have a meal
available in the fellowship hall starting at 5:00 pm and it’s served until 6pm. The cost is adults
$4.00, 5-12 is $3.00 and 4 and under is free. At 6:00 pm we gather in the church for a time of
devotion and singing before we are dismissed to our classes at 6:20 pm. The children then go to
their own age appropriate classrooms to study the bible through story, crafts, games and music.
The adults have a variety of classes they can choose from at the same time. Our evening ends at
7:20 pm. There is a nursery available for children under 3.
Apologetics: Led by Mark Newman (religion teacher at LCLHS) ~ Room #219 "Always be prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in you." - 1 Peter 3:15
Some topics we will dissect in this class:
The Apologetics Bible study will also be offered in a one day workshop on Saturday, February 16th from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. More details will be available in January.
More than Money Matters: Led by Jim Healy of Thrivent ~ Room #205
Learn how to manage your money in ways that align with your values. Topics to be discussed are:
Preparation for Holy Communion: Led by Pastor Lance O’Donnell ~ Room #206
Educationally it has been shown that a child around the age of ten (10) is capable of believing and understanding what is necessary to receive the Lord’s Supper and make that confession. Some may choose to wait until they are older to commune for the first time. One parent must attend each class with the child. Both parents may attend. This class is for children in 5th - 8th grade or anyone who would like a refresher course on the Lord’s Supper. The students will need a Catechism and a Bible.
� What is Truth? � Does God exist? � What about evolution? � What about other worldviews?
� If God exists, why is there evil? � Can the Bible really be trusted? � Is Jesus really God? � Did Jesus really rise from the dead?
� Stewardship and values � Setting goals
� Communicating about money � Finding money to save.
Time to Grow Class Sign-Up
Name: Class:
Advent by CandlelightAdvent by CandlelightAdvent by CandlelightAdvent by Candlelight
Sunday, December 16Sunday, December 16Sunday, December 16Sunday, December 16 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m.
Fellowship HallFellowship HallFellowship HallFellowship Hall
Advent by Candlelight is an opportunity for women to set aside the hustle and bustle of
holiday preparation and focus their minds and hearts on the birth of Christ. Sharing in
Christian fellowship in a peace-filled atmosphere will allow us to enjoy music, a
devotion, and holiday treats all by candlelight.
Please bring an hors d’oeurves or dessert to share.Please bring an hors d’oeurves or dessert to share.Please bring an hors d’oeurves or dessert to share.Please bring an hors d’oeurves or dessert to share.
Free will offering to cover the cost of beverages Free will offering to cover the cost of beverages Free will offering to cover the cost of beverages Free will offering to cover the cost of beverages
Additional proceeds to be donated to Additional proceeds to be donated to Additional proceeds to be donated to Additional proceeds to be donated to
The Lord’s CupboardThe Lord’s CupboardThe Lord’s CupboardThe Lord’s Cupboard
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Lutheran Doctrine Bible Study
During our next Time to Grow session from January 2nd to February 6th,
Vicar Scharnell will be leading a class on Lutheran Doctrine. The class will
be held in Room 204 on Wednesday evenings from 6:20 pm to 7:20 pm
for 6 weeks.
This class is designed for those who are interested in becoming members of St. Paul’s or
those seeking a refresher course on Lutheran Doctrine. You are encouraged to bring a Bible
and Luther’s Small Catechism.
If you would like to attend this class, please fill out the form below and place it in the offering
plate or turn in to the church office.
Name: Phone:
Email:
(Childcare will be provided.)
December 17th December 17th December 17th December 17th ---- December 23rd December 23rd December 23rd December 23rd
ADVANCE THE MISSIONADVANCE THE MISSIONADVANCE THE MISSIONADVANCE THE MISSION
REACHING, SERVING & GROWING DISCIPLESREACHING, SERVING & GROWING DISCIPLESREACHING, SERVING & GROWING DISCIPLESREACHING, SERVING & GROWING DISCIPLES
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MONDAY December 17th
Mom’s In Prayer Lord’s Cupboard Meal
Room 219 Fellowship Hall
7:30 am 5:30 pm
WEDNESDAY December 19th
Advent Worship Advent Meal
Advent Hymn Sing Advent Worship Adult Choir
Praise Team Practice
Church Fellowship Hall
Church Church Balcony Church
12:15 pm 5:00 pm 6:00 pm 6:15 pm 6:55 pm 8:45 pm
THURSDAY December 20th
Praise Team Practice Church 7:00 pm
SATURDAY December 22nd
Traditional Worship AA Meeting
Church Fellowship Hall
5:30 pm 8:30 pm
SUNDAY December 23rd
Traditional Worship Public School Catechism Class
Bible Study Contemporary Worship
Church Room 216
Fellowship Hall Church
8:00 am 9:15 am 9:15 am 10:30 am
TUESDAY December 18th
MAC Praise Team Practice
Maxim’s Balcony
6:00 am 7:00 pm
For the most current
information on St. Paul’s
happenings, please visit our
website at splco.org.
WHAT’S COMING NEXT WEEKEND?
Acolytes: Jordan Weber & Alayna DeWitz (5:30); Zander Mueller & Trevor Leonhardt (8:00);
Ben Stache & Maggie Duchow (10:30) Altar Guild: Margie Hertneky (5:30); Shirley Dibble & Marena Pine (8:00); Cheryl Oelsner (10:30) Elders: Don Gauerke (5:30); Dave Meyer (8:00); John Melvin (10:30) Greeters: Rick Zastrow (5:30); Kim Tuff (8:00 church); Chuck & Jenny Laabs (8:00 school);
Pam Tanner (10:30) Lectors: Barb Brockway (5:30); Dave Meyer (8:00) Power Point Operator: Erik Benes Radio Host: Steve Hansen Ushers: Mike Papa (5:30); Dave Meyer (8:00); John Melvin (10:30)
December 8th & 9th
Sat. 5:30 - 354
Sun. 9:00 am - 423
Church Attendance:
777 Total; 95 visitors; 682 members
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ST. PAUL’S DECEMBER EPISTLE IS
NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR
WEBSITE AT SPLCO.ORG.
RADIO BROADCASTRADIO BROADCASTRADIO BROADCASTRADIO BROADCAST
St. Paul’s 8:00 am church service can be heard Sunday over WTKM (104.9 FM & 1540 AM) and/or on the web at www.wtkm.com.
FAMILIES WITH SMALL CHILDREN We rejoice to have families with small
children participating in our worship
services. There are baskets available
with items that might be helpful for your
children behind the back pews.
SERVING THIS WEEKEND
The radio broadcast this morning is sponsored by Loren & Arlene Holzhueter in memory of loved ones…flowers are sponsored by Jim & Marlene Steinberg in praise to God for their 47
th wedding
anniversary on December 18th…pre-service music by Fred Marohn (all Trad.)...music leaders are
Ms. Diane Bleke (all); In His Light (all)…special music by Dave Schlomer (all Trad.)...acolytes are
Savannah Steinmann & Jack Binder (5:30); Jordan Weber & Ryan Frosch (8:00); Jared Jacobosky
& Rachel Oelsner (10:30)...altar guild are Jamie Stache (5:30); Donna Andrus (8:00); Anne Lindquist (10:30)...elders are Wilbur Pieper (5:30); Dave Meyer (8:00); Jon Schmeling (10:30)…
greeters are John Melvin (5:30); Elsie Rupnow (8:00 church); John & Margie Hertneky (8:00 school); Tom & Denise Showen (10:30)...lectors are John Melvin (5:30); Dorothy Duchow (8:00); power point operator is Cheryl Oelsner...radio host is Jim Steinberg…ushers are Wilbur Pieper
(5:30); Gary Flanagan (8:00); Truman Seifert (10:30)
St. Paul’s Church & School Office will be closed from December 24
th through January 1
st. If you
have an emergency during that time, you may contact the church office at 262.567.5001 and there will be a voice recording with information as to who you can call. Thank you!
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THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
Zephaniah 3:14–20
Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion; shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart, O daughter of
Jerusalem! The LORD has taken away the
judgments against you; he has cleared away your
enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your
midst; you shall never again fear evil. On that day
it shall be said to Jerusalem: “Fear not, O Zion; let
not your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is
in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will
rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by
his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. I
will gather those of you who mourn for the
festival, so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
Behold, at that time I will deal with all your
oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather
the outcast, and I will change their shame into
praise and renown in all the earth. At that time I
will bring you in, at the time when I gather you
together; for I will make you renowned and
praised among all the peoples of the earth, when I
restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the
LORD.
Philippians 4:4–7
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.
The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about
anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be
made known to God. And the peace of God, which
surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Luke 7:18–28
The disciples of John reported all these things to
him. And John, calling two of his disciples to him,
sent them to the Lord, saying, “Are you the one
who is to come, or shall we look for another?” And
when the men had come to him, they said, “John
the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, ‘Are you the
one who is to come, or shall we look for another?’”
In that hour he healed many people of diseases
and plagues and evil spirits, and on many who
were blind he bestowed sight. And he answered
them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and
heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk,
lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead
are raised up, the poor have good news preached
to them. And blessed is the one who is not
offended by me.” When John’s messengers had
gone, Jesus began to speak to the crowds
concerning John: “What did you go out into the
wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?
What then did you go out to see? A man dressed
in soft clothing? Behold, those who are dressed in
splendid clothing and live in luxury are in kings’
courts. What then did you go out to see? A
prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet.
This is he of whom it is written, “‘Behold, I send my
messenger before your face, who will prepare your
way before you.’ I tell you, among those born of
women none is greater than John. Yet the one who
is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
December 15th & 16th, 2012
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