ADVENT GIVING

The season of Advent marks the start of a new Church Year. Themes of the season include waiting and longing, light and truth, repentance and spiritual renewal, hope and trust, prayer and expectation. As we begin the new Church Year, with God's help, we remind ourselves of what is really important and we turn towards God, seeking to engage in the things that really matter. Worship services are a bit more subdued, inviting reflection, and the Advent wreath candles, glowing more brightly with each new Sunday, call us to regard the passing of time with anticipation as we live in the reality of Christ.

In St. John's Lutheran we begin the Church Year by reflecting God's care for the needy in our worship assemblies. We do this in a material way through our "Advent Giving." During the liturgy, the offering is carried forward by worshippers: Regular, monetary offerings are placed in the offering basket and specific gifts-in-kind are placed in the big, blue gift box as follows.

Nov. 27 (1st Sunday in Advent) - "Christmas White Gifts" for residents of St. Luke's Village - ONLY these items are needed this year: lotion, deodorant for men & women, perfumes & aftershave, jewelry, women's white anklets & socks. If possible, please wrap your gift(s) and label them as to contents.

Dec. 4 (2nd Sunday in Advent) - Items to be distributed by Salvation Army - These items for all ages, male and female: mittens, gloves, scarves, hats

Dec. 11 (3rd Sunday in Advent) - Items for Head Start children - Toys (especially board games and books) appropriate for children aged 3 to 5 years, socks, underwear, sweatshirts (sizes 4 to 6)

Dec. 18 (4th Sunday in Advent) - Monetary donations for Health Kits to be assembled by our LCW for Lutheran World Relief Monetary donations for any of the above ministries also are appreciated.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Join in celebrating the season with those who are limited in their mobility. On Sunday, December 11th, we will gather in the St. Stephen's Room and leave promptly at 1:30 p.m. to travel to retirement and nursing homes in our area singing Christmas carols for/with residents. Families and individuals are invited to engage in this fun and much-appreciated ministry. Also, if any members of St. John's who are over 80 or shut-in and living in their own homes wish to invite the carolers to come to their homes, please phone Mary Ellen Sims (788-2866) by December 7th.

HANGING OF THE GREENS

Consider joining in this relaxed, working fellowship on Sunday, December 18th, immediately following the 10 a.m. Worship service. We will share a simple lunch (bring a dish to share), and then set about decorating our nave (tree, candles, bows, crèche, etc.) for the Christmas season. All ages are invited to help.

CHRISTMAS EVE

Please invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join you and the congregation of St. John's Lutheran in the celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord this Christmas Eve. Come into our decorated nave at 7:00 p.m. on December 24th for a time of meditation as music of the season is presented. Then, at 7:30 p.m., join in the Festival Service of Holy Communion, including the lighting of congregational candles at the close of the service.

CHRISTMAS DAY

Please note that we are departing from the normal Sunday schedule on December 25th. Worship with Holy Communion will begin at 9:00 a.m. that day, and there will be no DDZ.

VALLEY FOOD PANTRY

Let us seek to be the heart and hands of Christ for area residents who are in need. One way to do this is by supporting the Valley Interfaith Food Pantry, which currently is serving between 50 and 60 local households. During the month of December we especially are collecting bar soap, paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues. Items may be placed in the basket in the narthex. Monetary donations also are appreciated.

HAS THE WORSHIP SERVICE BEEN CANCELLED?

The answer, almost always, is no. Sister Janet lives close enough to the church building to be able to get there and lead worship under almost any weather conditions. So, ordinarily, assume that a scheduled worship service will go forward, even when severe weather conditions are present. However, please use your own good judgment in deciding whether it is safe for you to travel to the church to participate in person. If you cannot be present in person, please join in meditation on Scripture, prayer and, perhaps, the singing of a hymn wherever you are.

That being said, Hurricane Irene prompted our church council to agree on a method by which worshippers can confirm whether there has been a service cancellation: If there is a concern, please phone the church office (788-2685) & listen to the Voice Mail message. If some extreme situation has necessitated a cancellation, that fact will be stated on the Voice Mail. If you hear the normal greeting, assume that plans have not changed.

MAINTAINING OUR BUILDING

One project is the replacement of the peaked roof on the building. The current roof is old and has begun to leak. The new, metal roof should keep St. John's congregation - present and future - dry for a long time. You can support this project by giving to the Roof Fund.

Thank you to all who have given toward this project while continuing to support other vital ministries of St. John's.

FELLOWSHIP/SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES

Knot-a-Quilt for LWR

Participants meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. in Luther Hall to construct knotted quilts which are sent to Lutheran World Relief for distribution to persons all over the world who are in crisis situations. For more information, please speak with Lorraine Klinger.

Lutheran Church Women

LCW meets on the first Thursday of each month at 2:00 p.m. in Luther Hall for spiritual refreshment, fellowship, and planning for service and outreach efforts. For more information, speak with Mary Ellen Sims.

Worship in Butler Valley Manor

Participants gather in the activities room in Butler Valley Manor by 2:45 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month to support the worship service which normally is led by Sister Janet. All you need is a smiling face, a loving heart, a warm handshake, and a willingness to sing with the group.

Valley Food Pantry

Valley Food Pantry serves the needs of our neighbors by providing food and other necessary consumable household items. Please join in this fellowship of service by regularly donating non-perishable food, cleaning products, toiletries, or household paper products. Your contributions can be placed in the "food pantry" basket in our narthex. Monetary contributions also are welcomed.

Items for “On Wings Like Eagles” may be given to the church secretary or placed in the envelope by the church office.

Please turn in articles by the second Thursday of the month to assure being included in the next month's newsletter!