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December 2002 Newsletter
    
Talk About Advent
What's All This Talk About Advent Anyway?
Advent is the first season of the church year; this year it begins on December 1. The word Advent is a Latin word meaning coming or arrival. It is used to refer to a 4-week period when Christians prepare for the coming of the Lord, the birth of Jesus. While "the world" celebrates Christmas long before it arrives, and has lost any sense of the weeks preceding Christmas as a time of spiritual preparation and renewal, in the church preparation is the focus. That's why congregations in the Lutheran, and many other traditions, defer Christmas music and decorations until the Christmas Season - the 12 days of Christmas - which begins on December 24 and continues through January 5.
This year decorations will be put up in stages to give a visual illustration of the excitement that is building as each week the congregation is becoming more and more prepared to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Explanations of this process will be offered during worship for the benefit of visitors. The decorating will be done on Wednesday evenings, December 4, 11, and 18. Help is needed, please see the article that follows and contact Pat Gsellman for details.
MUSIC
During the first three Sundays of Advent, beautiful Advent hymns will be sung during the 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. services, with contemporary options being shared at 9:15 a.m. Christmas hymns will not be sung until December 22, and will be the focus especially on December 29, which is the first of two Sundays in the church's Christmas Season. The choir is preparing a special musical presentation for the 10:45 a.m. worship on December 22, a program that will include guest string instrumentalists.
CHILDREN'S ADVENT WORSHIP
The theme of the children's presentation is "Prepare The Way" as they point the congregation toward the birth of Jesus.
Join In The Preparations
Come For Decorating, Devotion, Fellowship
Come together at Faith for three Wednesdays in December to prepare the church (and ourselves) for Christmas. Meet at the church at 6:30 p.m. for dessert/coffee and an Advent devotion followed by decorating the Sanctuary. In order to prepare for Christmas in a meaningful way the church will be decorated in three stages during Advent.
Advent 1, Wednesday, December 4, 6:30 p.m. -
Greenery (wreaths and tree)
Advent 2, Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 p.m. -
Bows and ribbons
Advent 3, Wednesday, December 18, 6:30 p.m. -
Decorations on the trees, etc. ....
On Christmas Eve the lights will be turned on for the first time and the Christmas Season will be celebrated through January 5.
We will then have an un-decorating party Wednesday, January 8, 2003. This will be a covered-dish dinner event followed by un-decorating the church.
Sign up now for all four events or one event. Bring your favorite dessert to share and your best covered dish for the un-decorating party. Any question call Pat Gsellman or Linda Latham.
December 8 Community "Messiah" Sing
The Community gathers each year to sing "The Messiah", a musical piece written by George Frederick Handel. Faith Lutheran Church is hosting this event at 7 p.m. on December 8 in the sanctuary. Everyone is invited to attend.
Children's Advent Worship
December 15 Children's Advent Worship
The Explorers Club will participate in the 10:45 a.m. worship by sharing special music, presenting a parable drama and assisting in a variety of ways. Come and join them in "Preparing The Way!" Dineen Dowling is organizing this event, with musical assistance from Scott McVey and Bob Hartz. Holy Communion will be celebrated.
The Nativity of Jesus Christ
December 22 Choir and Instrumentalist Present "the Nativity of Jesus Christ"
During the 10:45 a.m. worship the Celebration Choir, led by Scott McVey and accompanied by organist Bob Mollard and guest string instrumentalists, will be presenting a special piece titled, "The Nativity of Jesus Christ". Those who do not usually attend the third service should plan to be present that day; please invite your family and friends along.
ATTENTION ALL SINGERS
Anyone who is interested in joining the choir to present the musical piece "the Nativity of Jesus Christ" is welcome to do so. Special practices will be held:
- 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, December 5
- 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 21 (This included practice with the insturmentalists.)
- 9:15 a.m. on the day of the presentation, December 22
Also on December 22....the Explorers will attend worship at the Light Service, 9:15 a.m., and will sit with their classes. There will be a Children's Sermon.
Advent Bible Study
Attention Anyone Over 65 Advent Bible Study Set
Pastor Jean will hold an Advent Bible Study for congregation members age 65 and older, and their guests, in December.
The study will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 12 and 19 in the Fellowship Hall.
Refreshments will be provided. Please plan to attend!
The Advent Candles
Aren't The Advent Candles Supposed To Be…….
Although it has been 25 years since the switch was made from purple to blue as the liturgical color for Advent, there often are questions about the candles in the Advent wreath. Here is an explanation:
Before the "new liturgy" was instituted in the mid-1970's in the Lutheran church, the theme for Advent was penitence, and purple was used as the season's color, just as it is used in Lent. The focus of the scripture readings was penitence. However, it was traditional in some parts of the country to "tone down" the penitential theme on the third Sunday of Advent, so pink was used instead of purple for the third candle in the Advent wreath. It symbolized that Christmas was coming soon, and the time of penitence was nearly over.
After the Lutheran Book of Worship (green hymnal) was introduced, and a new lectionary (list of scripture readings for each Sunday) was established, the focus changed to hope, as did the color to blue.
So ... if the 25-year-old lectionary is used, it is appropriate to have four purple, or three purple and one pink candle. However, if the readings are those listed in the newer Revised Common Lectionary the preferred color is blue. It is not appropriate to mix pink and blue.
REMINDER: The Christmas Season in the church is December 24 - January 5!!!
During the Christmas Season CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF JESUS CHRIST!!!
Christmas Worship
Christmas Eve Worship Tuesday, December 24
7:30 p.m. Family Worship Music provided by:Bob Mollard, organist and the Flashlight Band Holy Communion
11 p.m. Candlelight Service Music provided by: Bob Mollard, organist The Celebration Choir and Handbells, conducted by Scott McVey
Holy Communion
First Sunday of Christmas Sunday, December 29
Christmas Hymns abound at all three services!
9:15 a.m. Light Service
Explorers Club participants attend worship.
Children's Sermon
Jesus' birthday cake will be served after worship!
Epiphany Sunday January 5
The arrival of the Magi will be the focus at all three worship services. It's still the Christmas Season, so there will be more
Christmas hymns! (This is not "break" time; it's celebration time ... the Christmas season!!)
Prepare The Way With the Explorers December 15, 2002 10:45 a.m. Service
Are you prepared for Christmas? Is your tree up? Is the house decorated? Finished shopping? Gifts wrapped? Cookies baked? Cards sent? Hurry ... only so many days left!!!
Are you tired of the same crazy rush around this time of year? You scramble to get your home ready, but ARE YOU READY?
Well, the Gospel has something to say about the way we Christians should be preparing for Christmas.
Wait. Light a candle. Wait. Pray. Wait. Listen. Wait. Get ready for a baby.
Come and listen to the Advent message as proclaimed by Faith Lutheran Church Explorer Club. Hear the angelic voices of our new Explorers' Choir! Witness a parable drama! Celebrate this season of preparation with the youngest among us! And you know what? You will be more prepared to welcome the Christ child into your heart!
"Clara's Club"
The next meeting of Clara's Club is at 10:45 a.m., Sunday, December 15, 2002.
Spring meetings will be on April 13 and May 18, 2003.
Adult members are asked to call the child they are mentoring to see if they plan on attending these services. Anyone with a conflict with attending, please call Bill Pope.
Thank you, and God bless everyone for their participation in this important mission.
Bill Pope (330) 867-4946
January Learning Experience
January Learning Experience A Month on the Ark
Faith's Explorer Club traditionally offers a themed learning opportunity for the entire month of January to give the teachers a mid-year break and allow the classes to come together as one. This year, our theme centers around Noah's Ark, fitting the year's focus on the Heifer Project.
Those in attendance ALL FOUR SUNDAYS of January will receive a beautiful full-color Noah's Ark with rainbow pin. So parents and grandparents take note: please make an effort to have your children here each week!
Besides, we have so many fun and exciting things planned for them! For example:
Build your own ark! Pet the animals from Leo's Ark. (the next best thing to Noah's!) Create a rainstorm! Celebrate God's promise with a Rainbow! Enjoy snacks! Sing songs!
Don't miss out on this annual event! Brighten up the middle of winter with a trip to Noah's Ark! Spend a month on it and you'll be forever changed!
A Special Request
A Special Request to Faith Adults:
We are looking for a few items to make this month memorable. Can you help us with something? Drop off all donations in the back of the Fellowship Hall. Or call Dineen Dowling at 330-873-1869 or Flo Mackall at 330-666-4815.
- Film canisters with lids
- Plastic spice containers (small and large) with screw caps
- Small Pringles cans with plastic lids
- Sunny Delight individual serving size plastic containers with screw caps
- Very small plastic water bottles (half pint/8 oz.) with cap
- Any adults who are willing to volunteer a Sunday or two
Attention Ministry Team Leaders
Reports for the Faith Lutheran Church "Annual Report" are due on January 1, 2003. It will not be possible to publish any report submitted after January 5, 2003; so PLEASE turn them in on time!
W-ELCA
Wednesday, December 11, 2002 10:00 a.m. Fellowship Hall "Books as Christmas Gifts" Presented by Cindy Howe, Norton Branch Library Manager
Cindy delighted us with her presentation of "Emperors of Chocolate" Inside the World of Hersheys and Mars. We were entertained while learning about these individuals. Back by popular request Cindy will present "Books as Christmas Gifts" on Wednesday morning, December 11. In a quandary about which books are worthwhile to give as a gift, the right book for the right person? She will have ideas based on her up-to-date knowledge of adult and children's selections. Cindy is in charge of Adult Services which includes Norton's book collection development and programs.
You will be eintertained once again and pleased with learning what is new and which books are still ever-loved.
Everyone is welcome.
Devotions by Jean Butler
Hostess: Elaine Johnson
Christmas Tea Set
Christmas Tea Set For December 7
"Tinsel and Tea" Christmas Luncheon December 7th 11:00 a.m. Church Fellowship Hall Cost: $9.00
All women of Faith Lutheran (and adult guests) are invited to our 12th annual Christmas Luncheon and Ornament Exchange. Please join us for a lovely catered luncheon as we pause to reflect on the approaching celebration of Christmas. A sign-up sheet will be available in November. Note: A few table hostesses are needed to decorate a table in a Christmas theme. Please call Lois Chaffee at 330-239-5505 if you would like to help.
Cat's Meow
Start your Christmas shopping early. We are having CAT'S MEOW in Wooster make a replique of Faith Lutheran Church.
These wooden cut-outs of the church have arrived and are now available at a cost of $15.00 each. They will be available on Sunday mornings or call the Church office (330-836-8811) or Bettemae Ramsey (330-836-5211)
OPEN-M
On Sunday, November 3, our Service Team told us how we can help OPEN-M by Adopting a Family for Christmas. OPEN-M has numerous needy families that have applied for this help. You can donate money for this or you can purchase gifts for the family. OPEN-M has a 'wish list' to help you, and then you can deliver the gifts to the family or to OPEN-M by December 20.
For more information, call OPEN-M at 330-434-0110 (Bill Pope)
CHILDREN'S SERVICES
SUMMIT COUNTY CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Most parenting experts will stress the importance of giving children boundaries, so that they learn what they may and may not do. But for many children the word "boundaries" means something else entirely. Their "boundaries" are not the caring and thoughtful restrictions of loving parents. Instead, these "boundaries" are the ones created by an ongoing cycle of poverty, abuse, and neglect. These boundaries do not protect, do not teach, do not enlighten and do not care. Children's Services has worked hard to break down walls and let the light shine on children who have only seen darkness. While we cannot change the world, we can help to change THEIR world. We can help them find a future that is far different from the painful past that many of them have known. At Children's Services, ongoing programs and new initiatives give hope and open windows to the children in their care.
They continue to embrace the philosophy of the Adoption and Safe Family Act of 1997. They are committed to finding safe, permanent homes for children at risk by working with family members and community organizations. Expedient and permanent placement is a top priority at Children's Services.
A growing trend in recent years is the number of children who have found homes with grandparents and other relatives. Familiar and comfortable surroundings are important to children and Children's Services work hard with new caregivers to help them succeed.
Children's Services does not raise children. No organization can. What they do is help hildren escape the boundaries of fear and ignorance and expand their horizons to see the world of possibilities that is open to them.
Norm and Judi Schmidt
Thank You's
To the Congregation: The Service Committee wants to thank everyone that helped make our annual Soup Supper Event a success.
Certainly the dozen delicious Soups made by YOU, the enjoyable music from our Flashlight Band and of course YOU ALL who came to spend an evening together and help others all deserve a thanks.
OPEN-M and the Explorers Club Ark project benefited from the evening. See you all next year!
OOPS - I almost forgot the efforts of the Youth Group and their painted pumpkins. Thanks gang!
The Service Committee
- and -
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your donations of coats for children. This year when the weather turned cold, we received an appeal from a neighborhood school for coats for children who didn't have any. We went to a Thrift Store and was able to purchase several. After this happened we decided we would make an appeal to our covenant representatives for coats and make them available to the neighborhood children.
Your timely response to this appeal is greatly appreciated by OPEN-M and by the children who receive the coats. May God bless you for your generosity and concern for others.
Sincerely yours,
William V. Brown
Chief Operating Officer
In Our Prayers
In Our Prayers Health concerns:
Health Concerns:
- For Faith member Elsie Deason
- For Faith visitor Carol Roll
- For Faith member Tom Parsons
- For Faith member Ruth Ottiger, daughter of Faith member Thelma (and Kurt) Ottiger
- For Mary Ellen Boyle, sister of Faith member Ann Rolik
- For Faith member Jacob Hurley, grandson of Faith members Carl and Donna Sterner
- For Harriet Mackall, mother of Faith member Kurt Mackall
- For Faith member Audrea Woodall
In Times Of Loss
- For Faith members Ted and Geri Peterson upon the death of Ted's mother, Amanda
- For Faith member Nancy Chrisman and family upon the death of her son, Paul
- For Faith member Alma Parks and family upon the death of her husband, Walter
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