RE-FOCUS
A Publication of Reformation Lutheran Church
Volume 21 December 2001 Number 12
From the Interim Pastor
This season of Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas,
is a time of watching and waiting. We remember God’s promise long ago of a messiah, a
promise made through the prophets, the promise of a time of shalom, well-being and
peace. In our worship on Sunday mornings, and in the meaningful Wednesday evening
services, we hear those promises again.
Advent is a time of comfort and faith, knowing that indeed God kept that promise in the
birth of Jesus, the Christ, the Messiah of God. We share the celebration of that wondrous
birth at Christmas, with the celebration worship service led by Sunday School children, in
our three beautiful Christmas Eve worship services, and the wonder of Christmas morning
worship. Invite your families and friends to relive the story of Christ’s birth on
these occasions.
Advent is a time of hope, as we anticipate the surprising ways God will come, present
with love in our lives, even in the midst of struggles, changes, joys and sorrows. Often
we experience that divine love in the glistening eyes of a child, the hug of a dear
friend, the holiday note of a far-away loved one. Often Christ comes in worship, in
prayer, in music, in giving and sharing, in discovery of new faith. May you cherish these
moments!
Advent is a time of adventure, as we go into the future, God’s future. Reformation
congregation is on such an adventure, in the midst of change, looking ahead and seeking
new pastoral leadership, strong in mission and open to new ventures. The saying is true:
"I do not know what the future holds, but I do know Who holds the future." We
are on this adventure together, with Christ and one another.
Advent is a time to recall Jesus’ promise to come again in the fullness of glory.
There is more beyond this day . . . the Day of the Lord. "Thy kingdom come," we
pray. In these days of Advent and Christmas, may Christ come to you with faith, hope,
love, joy, peace, and the spirit of adventure! Come, Lord Jesus, come!
- Pastor Sally Fahrenthold
From the Deaconess
This past summer a co-worker of Boyd’s became very ill
and had surgery. Her co-workers and their spouses set up a regular visitation schedule,
and then once she returned home, checked on her regularly as well as took her food. The
woman died soon after returning home from the hospital. But this firm of lawyers took good
care of one of their own.
Karen is a realtor. One day she stopped in to see one of her clients. The woman, a
cancer patient, was in bed and could not get warm. Karen crawled into bed with her in
order to help her stay warm.
A seventh grade boy in confirmation class recently asked how he can be on his
school’s wrestling team and wrestle in a way that reflects God in his life.
These are just three examples of ordinary saints living out their lives in ways that
reflect Christ to and in the world. Early in November, I attended our Synod’s Bishop
Convocation with the theme: The Missional Church-the Calling of the Saints. For two
days we studied Scripture and listened to speakers about how every baptized member is
called and sent out by the living Christ. I chose the three examples above, but I know
that this congregation is full of people who do indeed Go and serve the Lord
Monday through Sunday.
I also had two related thoughts. First, we, the leadership of the church, do not often
recognize or encourage people in their serving outside the church. We often get so caught
up in the things that need to be done within our own congregation. This is not an excuse;
it is an apology for not affirming people more in how they serve Christ in their work, in
their homes, and in their relationships outside this congregation.
My second thought has to do with the words that are said at the end of the service: Go
in peace;serve the Lord. These words are a commission to leave the safety and
God-focused environment of the church and to go out into the world in which we live our
lives. It is in that world that we are urged to be disciples of Jesus Christ.
- Deaconess Doreen Scheuerman
Thank you for the lovely cards of sympathy, prayers for comfort, delicious food, and
kind words following the recent death of Waldo’s brother-in-law. We truly appreciate
all these gestures of love and encouragement.
- Waldo & Lotus Gerards
* * *
The 2nd grade LOGOS Bible Study class says a big THANK YOU! to Emma Born and Virginia
Leikvold for coming to our class and explaining the ministries of the Blanket
Makers and the Yellow Bag food ministry.
- Hunter Borg, Evan Brittain, Amy Yeskie
Stewardship Campaign
I'd like to take this time to thank all the representatives
from the various ministries of the church who participated in the Stewardship Sunday
presentation. The variety among the many ministries ensures that we are touched in many
ways as we live our life in faith among this congregation. Our stewardship of time is
reflected by the numerous volunteers dedicated to making each ministry successful. Thanks
to Mel Adams, Mark Hansen and Tom Cronk for volunteering their leadership in the campaign
this Fall. I'd also like to thank each member of our congregation for your participation
and commitment to strengthening our mission as "Servants of God, Guided by the Holy
Spirit, to Make Christ Known" for 2002. This ensures that we can build our legacy of
faith for those who will follow us. If you have not yet returned your commitment card, you
will be receiving a follow-up reminder in the mail in the next week or so. If you need a
commitment card, please call Laurel Davis at 733-0045, and one will be mailed to you. The
church office will also have blank forms if you prefer to pick one up yourself. Commitment
cards can be returned to the church to the attention of Laurel Davis or the Stewardship
Ministry Team.
- Laurel Davis
Thank You, Reformation congregation, from the following agencies for recent financial
support:
- Assistance League of Wichita
- Bethany College, Lindsborg
- Lutheran Social Service
- Oaks Indian Center
Women of Reformation
CIRCLE MEETINGS
Priscilla, Tuesday, December 11, 1:30 p.m., at the home of Jeanne Tiller, 1720 Barrier
Cove
Dorcas, Wed., December 19, 12:30 p.m., luncheon at the home of Pam Adams, 1990 N. 143rd
St. E.
Sarah, No Meeting in December
Women of Reformation will meet on Tuesday, December 4, at 12:00 noon in the Parish Hall
for lunch and assembling baskets for our shut-ins.
Blanket Makers will meet December 3, 17, & 31 at 9:00 a.m. in the Parish Hall.
WELCA Board Meeting will be held Monday, December 3, at 1:00 p.m. in the church
library.
Church Women United in Wichita will hold its annual meeting and luncheon on Friday,
December 7, 12:00 noon, at Hillside Christian Church, 8300 E. Douglas. Reservations for
lunch can be made by calling Verna Edmiston, 722-8896, or Mary Thelman, 682-6283. Lunch
costs $5.00.
Please join us for a special Women’s Night Out on Tuesday, December 18, 7:00 p.m.
We will have a Christmas party, hosted by Kimberly Byers at her home, 3907 Cranberry St.
Please bring an hors d’oeuvre or dessert to share. A sign-up sheet will be posted on
the nursery door.
If you want to renew your subscription to Lutheran Woman Today,
please give $9.50 to your circle leader or Eva Whetstone as soon as possible. Anyone
wishing to start a new subscription call Eva at 681-2007.
December Meal-A-Month Menu
- Canned Chicken & Dumplings
- Canned Lima Beans
- Pudding or Jell-O
- Muffin Mix
- Dry Milk (optional)
BTOL
Come and join us! The festive annual Christmas luncheon for
BTOL will be on Monday, December 10, at 12:00 noon, in Parish Hall. Because
of unpredictable weather in December, the group decided to have the usual covered-dish
lunch. We will plan a catered dinner for a nice weather month like May. Bring a covered
dish, your table service, and plan to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere. Call Pauline Latham,
942-4885, or Betty Hayenga, 682-2030, for reservations.
Seminarian Fund Raiser
Our AAL Branch 4499 is hosting an Aebleskiver coffee time
on Sunday, December 9, in order to support our seminarian, Laura
Ulicky-Weerts.
If you are not Danish, you may be wondering what Aebleskivers are. Aebleskivers, a
Danish delicacy, are pancake-like balls. They sometimes have apples or other fruits in
them but are more likely served with jam and powdered sugar.
Don’t miss this opportunity to taste a delicious, authentic Danish food while
supporting Laura in her seminarian studies.
Call Committee Update
The Call Committee is making progress in the search for a
new pastor. Since being installed, the committee has met with the Bishop’s
representative for orientation, has filed a Position Description with the synod, and has
finalized the Congregational Mission Profile. The Profile must be approved by the Church
Council and submitted to the synod office. The Profile informs potential candidates about
the congregation, its setting, and its mission and ministry. The Call Committee used the
information gained from the surveys in the completion of the Profile and appreciates the
input provided by those in the congregation who completed surveys.
Several potential candidates were identified by members of the congregation. A
Candidate Referral Form was completed for each and forwarded to the synod office for
processing. At this time, the Call Committee is making preparations for interviews with
those candidates the synod recommends.
Advent Devotional Materials
All of the Sunday School children will receive Advent calendars on December 1, the
first Sunday in Advent. These calendars have activities for each day of Advent that you
can do as a family. This provides a wonderful tool to help the children not only count
down the days until Christmas, but to spend the four weeks thinking about others
and the true meaning of Christ’s birth. Extra calendars will be available in the
narthex.
Adults and older youth will enjoy Steps: Brief Daily Prayers on the Way to the
Manger. This small booklet of conversational prayers is based on the familiar
Christmas story in Luke 2:1-7. Not only is this a meaningful way to start or end each day
in Advent, but it offers a way to invite your non-Christian friends to get to know Jesus,
our Savior. Steps is available in the Narthex.
Middle School Events
Christmas Caroling: All 6th-8th graders and their
friends are welcome to go Christmas caroling on Wednesday, December 19. This
will be our Confirmation/LOGOS activity for the night, but any youth not in LOGOS is
welcome to join us. We will meet at church at 5:30 p.m. for a quick meal of pizza. After
caroling we will have refreshments at the Polo Apartment Clubhouse, hosted by Obert and
Rose Fladeland. We will plan on returning to church between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m.
Youth Quake: The dates for Youth Quake are February 1-3, 2002, at the
Marriott Hotel. Cost is $85 per person. This is an exciting opportunity for all 6th-9th
graders. If your youth will be attending, please turn in a registration form and deposit
check for $45 made payable to Reformation Lutheran by Sunday, December 9. The
balance will be due at the end of January. Some assistance will be available from the
Middle School funds. Kory & Karen Wilson and Dustan & Kylie Stupka are the Middle
School Youth Sponsors.
Beautiful Scripture Calendars are still available from the Middle School
youth for $6.00 each. They make wonderful Christmas gifts!
There will be no LOGOS or Confirmation on December 26 or January 2. A regular
schedule will resume on January 9.
Children’s Christmas Service
Our children will lead us in worship December 16
at the 11:00 a.m. service. They will present the Christmas story through Scripture, songs,
and pageantry centered around the Christmas tree.
Our Sunday School children will be practicing the music for this service during the
Sunday School openings. It is very important that the children attend these openings from
9:45-10:00.
A full rehearsal will be held on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Please mark
your calendars!
Watch for a letter with more information soon!
Volunteers Needed!
Have you wanted to work with our youth but weren’t
quite sure in what capacity? Here’s your chance for a very short-term
commitment. Sunday School Christmas Program helpers are needed for the practice on Saturday,
December 15 (crafts, snacks, costumes, etc.) If you would like to assist us in
some way, please contact Kimberly Byers, 612-1012. Thanks!
There’s Still Time To Write 2002 Lenten Devotionals
The deadline for Lenten Devotionals is Dec. 31, 2001. That
means there’s still time for you to gather your thoughts and make a contribution to
Reformation’s 11th edition of Devotions for Lent.
Each year, Reformation members write and edit this booklet of short reflections on
Scripture. The book is distributed to all members of the congregation, to a number of
community agencies and, via Internet, to hundreds of people all over the country.
You can be a part of this exciting outreach. Visit our website for writer sign-up at reformation-lutheran.org/lent/signup.html.
You will find a full listing of Scripture passages still available, and you can make your
selection on-line.
For the computer impaired, you can add your gifts to the project by contacting
Dallas Cronk or Mark Yeskie in person or by way of the old-fashioned telephone.
Spotlight on Sunday School Teachers
Laura Lujano is a new member
of Reformation and already serving in an influential way. As the leader of the 7th &
8th grade class, she brings 28 years of teaching experience to our program. She has
specialized in this age group because she loves what she learns from them as they all
share stories. Laura is a mother of two boys, a grandmother of two, and an office manager
for Prairie View MHC.
Jenna Godwin is currently
team-teaching in the 4-year-old class. She joined Reformation with her mother, Linda, in
1997. Jenna is employed as a Graphic Artist and brings her creative skills to the
classroom. She says she likes to have fun with her class so uses various antics to get and
keep their attention. Her favorite part of teaching is talking to the children about their
faith and hearing their young perspectives. Juanita Freed is also teaching our 4-year-old children. She and husband Chris
joined in 1998 in time to have the younger of their two children baptized. Juanita
obtained a degree in Early Childhood Education. Currently, she enjoys spending her time
with her young family in between driving the school bus route for USD 375. Juanita loves
teaching the children because she gets to experience their reactions toward different
Bible stories and to see how the youngsters express themselves.
Holiday Mail
Christmas greetings to our seminary student,
Laura Ulicky-Weerts, 998 Campbell Ave., Unit #16, West Haven, CT 06516. This is
Laura’s last year at Yale Divinity School. We invite your support for Laura in
special contributions, cards, and notes as she prepares for ordained ministry.
Josh Brandes is away from home in Germany this year and would welcome holiday
greetings mailed to:
Joshua Brandes
Wagenfeldstr. 35
48282 Emsdetten
Germany
Library News
How many of you know that we have a church library? The
library and the conference room are one and the same. The good news is that the library is
being reorganized to make it more user-friendly. New books have been and will be
purchased. Hopefully the library will be ready for use in the next few weeks.
Advent and Christmas Books and Videos:
Look for a display of books and videos pertaining to Advent and Christmas.
Idea books for families include: Make a Christmas Memory, Things to Make
& Do for Advent & Christmas, and Family Countdown to Christmas: A Day-by
Day Celebration.
Newly purchased books for young children about Christmas are God’s Littlest
Angel and The Christmas Bird. Older children will enjoy Paul Maier’s,
The Very First Christmas.
Tired of watching the same old Christmas shows on television? Check out some of the
Christmas videos: Why Christmas Trees Aren’t Perfect, Quigley’s Village: A
Christmas Story, or the Superbook Video Bible on the Nativity.
Time to Review
Have you made a will and put it aside and forgotten about
it? Has your situation changed? A new grandchild, perhaps? Does your will still express
your wishes accurately?
The beginning of a new year is a good time to revisit this important document and to
make any necessary changes. Keeping your will current is an easy thing to do, but many of
us simply forget.
When making your review, we urge you to consider the Reformation Mission Endowment Fund
as a worthy legacy. Have you thought about a Charitable Annuity Trust? There are many
options to give, as explained in our "Sixteen Ways to Give a Gift" brochure.
Please pick one up in the church narthex or speak with committee members: Wil Johnson, Jan
Moyer, Nina Stallwitz, Michele Groves, Carl Nelson, or Mark Hansen.
Nurturing Faith in the Home
The four weeks of Advent offer you and your family an
opportunity to continue or to begin some meaningful traditions to help all family members
to focus on Jesus, the Messiah. Here are some ideas to help set a tone of sacredness that
could make your Christmas celebration more meaningful.
Take time before your family meal (or anytime that works best for you) to light an Advent
wreath. The circle shape reminds us of God’s never-ending love for us. The lit
candles remind that Jesus is the light of the world. Blue candles remind us of the hope we
have in Jesus. If you use purple candles, the color signifies our need for Jesus. When you
light the Advent wreath, either read parts of Luke, say a simple prayer, or sing an Advent
hymn like O Come, O Come Emmanuel.
Use the Advent Calendars that the Sunday School children received to take a few
minutes
each day to do and think about the things of God.
Set up a Nativity Scene, adding figures each day or week. The prayer booklet, Steps,
would make a wonderful prayer each day as you add figures. Start with an empty manger,
placing the baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
Take an angel from the Angel Tree and set aside a time for the whole family to
go shopping for that gift. Spend time talking about those with less this Christmas as you
wrap the present. Help your children understand that Jesus came to serve, and therefore we
reach out to help and serve others.
Eagle Scout Award
Congratulations to Alex Fornshell as he receives the
Eagle Scout Award, the highest honor of the Boy Scouts of America, on December 2, 2001, at
3:00 p.m., at Eastminster Presbyterian Church Youth Center.
Our Mid-Week Children’s Program
Building Christian relationships in a four-part retreat
experience.
LOGOS is a four-part congregational ministry dedicated to nurturing school-age children
(K-6th grade) into discipleship. The four-part program consists of: Recreation, Worship,
Family Time, and Bible Study. LOGOS meets every Wednesday evening (October-May)
from 5:00 to 7:45 p.m. (However, due to Advent services that begin at 7:30 p.m., our
schedule for Dec. 5, 12, and 19 will be altered. The times are as follows: Recreation
Time, 5:00-5:20 p.m.; Worship Skills, 5:25-5:55 p.m.; Family Time, 6:00-6:45 p.m.; Bible
Time, 6:50-7:30 p.m.) During the month of November and December, the kids are
practicing for the Christmas Program. Worship Skills is very important practice time! On
Dec. 19, we will be Christmas caroling at Cornerstone at Broadmoor (Homestead Nursing
Home). We will be leaving at 5:15 p.m., and parents are welcome to attend. Each week there
are different themes! During
December, the LOGOS themes will be as follows:
- Dec. 5 - Winter Wonderland
- Dec. 12 - Let It Snow
- Dec. 19 - Happy Birthday, Jesus
- Dec. 26 - NO LOGOS
Join the fun on Wednesday Nights! . . . Bring a friend!
The Lutheran
Some members of Reformation may not realize that the church
pays for a subscription to The Lutheran magazine for every member household. It
will soon be time to update our subscription list. If, for any reason, you do not
wish to continue receiving your monthly copy, please notify the church office. If you are
a member, are not receiving The Lutheran, and would like to, contact the
church office to have your household added. Those new members received on November 18 will
be added to the subscription list.
From Edmond, Oklahoma . . .
My dear Reformation friends,
Sunday, October 21, was a splendid ordination day for me. It is impossible to express
to you my gratitude and pleasure for your grand hospitality on that day.
It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces. Thank you! And thank you for the
beautiful purple stole, which I will wear every Lenten season of my ministry.
My heart feels such gratitude and tenderness for Reformation. Quinn was baptized at
Reformation on Reformation Sunday 21 years ago. Quinn, Anne and I love you and lift you up
in our prayers. I hope many of you will visit Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Edmond, OK.
You are always most graciously welcome.
In Christian Love and Peace,
Dawn Gorges
Christmas Greetings From New Haven
My love goes out to each and every member of Reformation
this holiday season. Thanks to all for remembering me in your thoughts and prayers as I
complete my fall semester this month. May God richly bless you and your household in the
upcoming New Year.
- Laura Ulicky-Weerts
Demonstrations Are Now More "Peaceful"
The people who demonstrate on Sundays outside the church
seem to be offering a more peaceful and prayerful presence. For the past few weeks the
gory pictures have been gone, and there has not been abusive and hateful shouting. One
week the music was violin instead of blaring trumpet. Perhaps this is the result of the
letters we sent to every faith congregation and church in Sedgwick County, asking pastors
to urge a more appropriate witness. We have received many letters of encouragement and a
few letters of concern. Most of all, we know that God is answering our prayers for the
gifts of the Spirit, that we may worship and serve together with wisdom, patience, and
peace.
Angel Tree
For those of you who are new to Reformation, let me
acquaint you with the Angel Tree in the narthex.
Each year, Lutheran Social Services and the Oaks Indian Center give us a listing of
needy children and their wish list for Christmas. We try to purchase an item on the list
or something similar (gifts can be kept under $25.00). The angels on the tree represent
each child.
If you choose an angel, please follow the instructions for returning the gifts by
Sunday, December 16. This year, do not wrap the gifts for the Lutheran Social Service
children--only the Oaks children. Cash donations are always accepted in the event we have
angels remaining on the tree that we must purchase gifts for. Contact Pam Adams for your
monetary contribution. Let's help make this a happy and blessed Christmas for these
children.
- Pam Adams
Christmas Poinsettias
Continuing a long tradition, Reformation families will once
again have the opportunity to purchase poinsettias for the sanctuary during the Advent/
Christmas season. Due to an increase in price this year, plants will cost $16.00 each but
will be the same size and quality as always. Orders may be placed on December 2 and
9. Envelopes will be available in the Sunday bulletin and/or in the narthex.
Orders may also be made by phone to Ruth Koepsel in the church office.
Christmas: The Real Story
On Sunday mornings from 9:45-10:45, join us for adult
Sunday School in the Parish Hall as we study the real story of Christmas. Christmas has
become so commercialized that sometimes we forget that Christmas is really about God
breaking into creation and history in the flesh of Jesus the Messiah. Join us during
Advent and Christmas as we study the world in which Jesus was born and what the Gospels
really say about Jesus’ birth.
The Parish Record
APRIL - NOVEMBER
BAPTISM
- Tate William Stadler, April 29
- Bailey Marie Birkholz, May 20
- Abigail Hope Lloyd, November 18
- LaRona Lynn Lloyd, November 18
- Sterling William Rauch-Word, November 24
MARRIAGE
- Melanie Allen and Marty Turner, October 13
- Kara Uplinger and Eric Pryor, October 20
TRANSFER
- Erik & Angela Askelsen, Elise, Celia to Gloria Dei Lutheran, Cedar Rapids, IA
- Maynard & Elena Bohling to Christ Lutheran, Wichita
- James & Doris Frank to First Evangelical Lutheran, Philipsburg, PA
- Dawn Gorges, Quinn, Anne to Lord of Life Lutheran, Edmond, OK
- David & Tami Hayen, Samantha, Erich, Kara to St. Mark Lutheran, Belleville, IL
- Paul Mistretta to Gloria Dei Lutheran, Alderwood Manor, WA
- Duane & Dorothy Sondergard to Christ Lutheran, Wichita
- Leona Synstegard to Lord of Life Lutheran, Dubuque, IA
- Sean & Patty Taylor, Jaden, Jack to Cross of Glory Lutheran, Derby, KS
DEATH
From the Parish Nurses . . .
Flu Shots were given at church on Sunday, November
25, and will be available again on Sunday, December 2, in the Parish Nurse office. The
cost is $5.00 per person.
More members are needed for our Health and Wellness Ministry Team. If you
might be interested and would like more information, please contact Lotus Gerards
(683-8602), Jette Mortensen (634-2007), or Barbara Lee (684-5434).
New Members Received
On Sunday, November18, the following persons were welcomed
into the membership of Reformation Lutheran Church:
- Jack & Karen Brandon, 218-0707, 1617 Heather Lake Ct., Andover 67002
- Drs. Tom & Jennifer Burgoyne, 689-9316, Cora, Nathan, Lily, 1537 N. Krug Circle,
Wichita 67230
- Eivind & Gwenn Djupedal, 218-1748, Kristofer, Jennifer, 13715 Pinnacle Dr., Wichita
67230
- Drs. Jason Knudtson & Tiffany Von Wald, 612-3637, 2627 N. Ridgewood Dr., Wichita
67220
- Tom & LaRona Lloyd, 685-7539, Abigail, 3419 E. Murdock St., Wichita 67208
- Sara Lynn Mathson, 841-2572, 603 S. Hunter St., Wichita 67207
- Carrie McAuley, 686-0690, 531 N. Bristol Ct., Wichita, 67206
- Tumainiel Msuya, 636-9391, 7610 E. 32nd St. N., #604, Wichita 67226
- Don & Nancy Wilson, 691-9985, #1 Maverick, 3900 N. Woodlawn St., Wichita 67220
New Address for the Mansholts
The new home address for the Mansholts is:
Bishop Gerald & Anita Mansholt
6315 Robin Hood Drive
Shawnee Mission, KS 66203
Their home phone number: (913) 831-7633
Liturgical Drama Ministry Team Comes To Reformation
January 13
Have you ever wondered how the last drama you saw was
assembled and presented for your enjoyment and education? Have you ever wondered how one
becomes involved in such a venture? Well, now is the time to get the answers to these
questions.
On Sunday, January 13, at 5:30 p.m., the conveners for the
Liturgical Drama Ministry Team will host an organizational meeting in the Parish Hall. If
you have ever thought about acting, constructing, costuming, designing, directing,
lighting, producing, propping, sounding or writing, then you need to be present. Become an
integral part of the ministry of Reformation.
Bring your imagination, enthusiasm, ideas, wants and desires. Help to develop a
meaningful ministry team that caters to our congregational needs. Being present and
sharing your thoughts and ideas with others is what will make this ministry team
successful. Be a part of this collaborative art form. For it is only through the
collaboration of our time and talents that liturgical drama will succeed at Reformation.
Bring your appetite, too, because the conveners will provide pizza to stimulate the
mind, sooth the soul, and encourage meaningful participation. Join with the crowd on
January 13 at 5:30 p.m. to share the faith, share ideas, and share philosophies. It is
always good to experience the "roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the
crowd" in the presence of good company. Remember, there is a "you" in
liturgical drama, believe it! Questions? Call Wil Johnson at 618-7876, or Gene Bowers at
744-2415.
Attention Bible Students:
To Begin In January
The next in our in-depth series of Crossways Bible Studies will begin on Sunday
evening, January 13, and continue for a total of ten Sunday evenings. The series will
conclude on March 17. Classes will meet 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.
The in-depth Crossways exploration of the Bible is designed as a two or three-year
program consisting of six separate units. Each 10-week unit builds on the one that came
before.
Last spring, Crossways students read Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, tracing
the Bible from Creation through the Patriarchs and the Exodus from Egypt. Our most
recently completed unit focused on the conquest of Canaan, the history of monarchy in
ancient Israel, and the downfall of that kingdom.
The session beginning in January will tackle the books of the prophets who were
speaking for God during the period of the Divided Kingdom, including Isaiah and Jeremiah.
Crossways instructors welcome and encourage you to participate in this study, even if
you have missed Parts I and II. Newcomers will find previous experience with the Crossways
methodology (See Through the Scriptures or Divine Drama) quite helpful.
Sign-up is required, because study materials must be ordered in advance. There is a fee
of $10. Formal sign-up will not be available until after Christmas, but early reservations
will be accepted by Deaconess Doreen.
Ten Years in the Church Office
Our church secretary, Rebecca Holden Deckard, has served at
Reformation for ten years plus. Becky has served as secretary for two senior pastors, one
associate pastor, two interim pastors, one deaconess - and our whole congregation. She has
served in four locations as Reformation moved here from its previous location. Becky
serves the congregation in the spirit of ministry to Christ and his people. We will honor
Becky in worship on December 30. Thank you, Becky, for your many years of helpful and
capable service!
Bishop Mansholt to Officiate in Nationally Televised
Lutheran-Episcopal Christmas Eve Service
Advent and Christmas Worship
Advent Services
Wednesday Evenings, December 5, 12, and 19, at 7:30 p.m.
Holden Evening Prayer
Children’s Worship Service
Sunday, December 16 - 11:00 a.m.
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Holy Communion at 4:00, 7:00, and 11:00 p.m.
(nursery provided at 4:00 & 7:00)
Christmas Day
Carols & Holy Communion - 10:00 a.m.
Last update
August 03, 2008 |
