December 2011 - January 2012

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God’s purpose for us at St. Paul’s
is to be a nurturing
Christian community
worshipping and following God
by actively helping others
here and beyond our walls.

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Mary Had a Little Lamb!
“...That’s My Story And I’m Sticking to It!”

            Rehearsals for the annual Children’s Christmas Program, began on November 27th, and will continue during the Sunday School hour on December 4th and 11th.  The Children will present their program at 10:15 AM on December 18th, the Sunday before Christmas.  This is a service you won’t want to miss!  Wassail and cookies will be served after the service.

Worship on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

            We gather on Christmas Eve at 10:00 pm this year at our traditional Service of Carols and Candlelight.  Both the Vocal Choir and the Bell Choir will be present to lead our worship in the singing of the Christmas music you love; and we’ll remember our Lord’s birth with candlelight and Silent Night. 
            And, since Christmas falls on a Sunday this year, we will gather again for worship, at 10:15 on Christmas morning, for a special Carol-Communion service with the liturgy sung to the tunes of familiar Christmas hymns.
            Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior on December 24th & 25th.

Tree Decorating

            Everyone is invited to stay after worship on Sunday, December 11th,     as we place the Chrismons on our Christmas Tree.  It’s fun for the whole family, so please plan to stay.   

Ring the Bell at IGA for the Salvation Army Tree of Lights

            Members of St. Paul’s once again have the opportunity to ring the bell at IGA.  Our scheduled day this year is Saturday, December 10th, from 9 am until 5 pm.  Thirty minute time slots are available.  The Salvation Army kettle collection provides funding that is used locally to help people in need.  Please check the list on the bulletin board at church and sign up to help.

Please Remember in Prayer Our Family & Friends

Ben Klein, Rodney Mullins, Bill Jenkins, Rebecca Rahe, Patty McHenry, Betty White, Jean Duncil, Caroline Clinard, Harrel Clinard, Betty Traylor, Pat Powers, Jane Coderko, Tony Coderko, Marie Slepicka, Idabel Evans, Donna Seybert, Debbie Patton,            Kelly Maints, Olivia Whitley, Cathy Lewis, Tricia Gum, Millie Whitley, Harold Lyerla, Heath Robertson, Katy Gestland, John Cox, Vanita Had’-ad, Ted Behrens, Ann Seamon, Jane Justison, Nancy Lewis, Michael Marcacci, Kenny Oswalt, Darren DeGrout, Brittany, Nancy Savage, JoAnne Hardimon, & Vickie Sherman

More 3rd Grade Students Receive Bibles

            In last month’s newsletter, we inadvertently omitted two third grade students who also received Bibles this year.  Congratulations to August Plunkett and Nickolas Hopley; and thank you both for understanding our mistake. 

No Sunday School on Christmas or New Year’s Day

            There will be no Sunday School or Adult Discussion Classes on Christmas Day or on New Year’s Day. Regular classes for everyone resume  on Sunday, January 8th.   

Eco Tips

            Eco-tips offers ideas for being better stewards of God's creation.     You can learn more from two interfaith environmental groups online at http://interfaithpowerandlight.org/ and www.greenfaith.org.

• Transportation:  The U.S. is responsible for 45% of the world’s global warming pollution from vehicles (Environmental Defense).  Purchasing a fuel-efficient car is one of the most effective environmental choices you can make.  When it comes time to purchase a vehicle, aim for one that is rated at 36 miles-per-gallon or higher.

Applying Bible Principles

            “Strategic planning” is a two-word term that can best be described as a “buzz word.”  It’s in vogue.  It’s trendy for businesses (and churches) to talk about and engage in strategic planning.
            Frequently, when quizzed about why they should engage in strategic planning, business owners and managers will respond with a host of reasons and yet miss the basic benefit that comes from planning: Businesses which plan are more profitable than those which do not.  In other words, those who aim at something are more likely to hit it than those who aim at nothing.
            Similarly, when it comes to giving, Christians are to develop a “strategic plan.” We are instructed to set aside funds systematically, regularly, for support of the Lord’s work.  In that way, when we come to worship each week, we’ll be prepared to give.  We will have “planned” our giving under the divine leadership of the Holy Spirit.  Then, by giving that which we have set aside, we will put our plan to work as the offering is received.
            Yes, the Holy Spirit can and sometimes does lead us to give gifts in a spontaneous manner without planning.  But as a rule, spontaneous, unplanned giving is the exception.  Most of the time, God wants his people to give systematically and to respond to his direction in their lives by careful planning.
            Speaking of consistent givers (the kind who generally plan their giving), Randy Alcorn described them as the “backbone of the church.”  Such people do not miss giving to the Lord’s work, even when they are unable to attend.  Just because they are not physically present when the offering plate is passed does not mean that they skip a Sunday or two in supporting the life and ministry of the church.
            Be ready to give as the Spirit of God leads, even on a moment’s notice.  Be ready to give when a special need arises.  But most of all, develop a “strategic plan” to give by seeking God’s direction concerning your giving and by putting aside funds in preparation for giving.  Then “work your plan” by giving those funds as you gather at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church with other Christians each Lord’s Day.  And when you can’t be present for worship, plan carefully to be sure that your giving follows your plan.  Remember, the work and ministry of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church go on week after week, even when you are unable to be present.
           

Beyond Our Walls

In November . . .
An annual Christmas tradition in Hillsboro received our November donations.  The Angel Tree project has been around for several years, and continues to bring smiles to many children.  Thanks for giving.   

In December . . .
            In December our donations will be given to Lutheran World Relief to support the wonderful work they do around the world.  We hope you remember others and give generously.

Hymns That We Sang in November requested by you

            We appreciate your input into the songs we sing on Sunday morning; and we do our best to sing the songs you request.  In November we sang . . .

For All The Saints
Battle Hymn of the Republic
Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus
Now Thank We All Our God
Praise God, from
Whom All Blessings Flow

Dear Friends,

            We’re on schedule.  No, it’s more then that.  This year, we’re well ahead of schedule.  Believe it or not, by the time you read these words, Marcia and I will have completed our shopping for Christmas.  We will even have almost everything wrapped.  Our tree will be up.  If the weather cooperates, our home will be decorated.  The only task that will remain will be the writing and mailing of our annual Christmas letter.
            I’m glad that we have so much completed.  I’m glad that we won’t have to rush from store to store in December; or spend countless evenings trying to get every light to work.  I’m glad because, this year, we’ll have plenty of time to get ready for Christmas. 
            That is what this pre-Christmas season called Advent is about.  It’s about taking time to get ready for Christmas; not by wrapping presents or by hanging ornaments on a tree, but by listening to the word God speaks to us. 
            John, the apostle, said it so well, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. . . . And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. . . . From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” 
            It’s good to get ready for Christmas . . . by reading an advent devotional booklet . . . by lighting candles on an advent wreath . . . by rereading the Christmas story in Luke and Matthew and all those wonderful passages from Isaiah.  It’s good to consider what God did for us when he chose to become one of us, as that new-born baby lying in a manger.  It’s good to sing about the shepherds and the angels and the wise men and the star.  It’s good to reflect on a Silent Night and to know, deep down inside, that what happened in Bethlehem so many centuries ago, continues even today to bring Joy to the World.
            Yes, we all understand how easy it is to get caught in the rush of holiday preparations.  We know that there are expectations.  There are traditions we all enjoy.  But we also understand the importance of centering our celebration on the incarnation . . . on God loving us so much that he became one of us. 
            “How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given.  So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heaven.  No ear may hear his coming; but, in this world of sin, where meek souls will receive him, still the dear Christ enters in.”   
                                    Pastor Ken

Coming in January:  Making Sense of the Cross

So what’s with the cross?
What does the cross say about God?
What’s the big deal?
Did Jesus have to die?
 

           These questions and more will be discussed on Monday evenings, from 7:00 – 8:30, beginning January 9th. That’s when we’ll begin a new six-week series, “Making Sense of the Cross.” 
            This third book in the Making Sense Series, written by David Lose from Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, gives you the opportunity to ‘listen in’ on a conversation with two people having an open and candid conversation and discussion about the cross.  One of the voices knows a little more and assumes the role of teacher or coach, someone who has had the time and opportunity to study the faith in some depth.  The second voice assumes the role of someone who is curious and knows a little bit about the faith, but brings a lot of questions.
            As we discuss each chapter, you’ll grow in your understanding of why the cross matters, and what Jesus’ death on that cross does for us.  Be a part of this exciting discussion and plan to join us at 7:00 pm on January 9th. 
            If you have any questions, talk to Pastor Ken.  

Thanks to all who helped at the Community Thanksgiving Dinner

            The Community Thanksgiving Dinner was well received and attended this year.  It was a good day with lots of good help.  A total of 629 dinners were served, and a big thank you goes out to each and every church who participated in making this annual dinner such a success. 
            We say a special thank you to the members of our congregation who signed up to sauté onions and fry bacon for the green beans; and to work at the dinner on Thanksgiving Day.  Without you this couldn’t and wouldn’t happen.  Special thanks to:
Merle Imler, Jean Brauer, Patty McHenry, Terry Hess,
Diane Singler, Earl & Carolyn Meier, Yoli Joliff and Kids, Lisa Furlow,
Pat Powers, Bob & Carol Calvert, Delores & Cleve Plunkett.

Prayers and Sympathy

            Our prayers and sympathy to Judy Tucker and family on the death of her father, Harold Hiller on October 28th.
            The Lord is mindful of our need for comfort and has promised,  “I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you.”  St. John 14:18
           

Ladles of Love

            Ladles of Love will be serving on December 8th & 22nd.  Starting in January they will be serving every Thursday.  Serving time is 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  A big THANK YOU to all who have generously given food, products, and cash donations to make  a weekly meal possible.  Since we will be serving every week beginning in 2012, we will need more volunteers.  Please sign up on the bulletin board if you are willing to help.

Wednesday Bible Study

            The Wednesday 4:30 p.m. Bible Study will meet December 7th & 14th.  There will be no bible study on December 20th & 27th.  It will resume its weekly schedule in January.  The new study beginning December 7th will be “Myth or Faith?  A Fresh Look at Christian Doctrine”.   

Meals On Wheels

            Thank you to everyone who volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels.  We have some devoted helpers but could use a few more.  Please consider helping with this worthy cause.  It takes around an hour or less to complete the route.  Our week for Meals on Wheels is January 16th – 20th.  Please watch the bulletin board for the sign up sheet.

Hope Circle and Angel Tree

            Hope Circle is once again buying gifts for the local Angel Tree.  We have received two families, one with 3 children and one with 1 child who are in great need of a Merry Christmas.  We also have 3 other children in different families we are buying for.  We are asking for donations to help with this cause.  If you were not able to make a donation in our Beyond Our Walls jug in November you may give your donation to Paula or mark it for Angel Tree and place it in the offering plate.  Your support is greatly appreciated.  And…a BIG thank you to those who have generously donated so far.

Ushers & Communion Assistants Sign Up

            A sign up sheet for those wishing to help as ushers and/or communion assistants for the year 2012 is on the bulletin board in the hall.  Please consider being an usher and/or communion assistant even if you have never done it before.  The more people who sign up, the fewer times you will have to usher or assist during the year.  For those who do sign up there will be a list of the dates you will be an usher or assistant during the year.  Everyone will receive a list in the mail and will be responsible for remembering when your dates are.  It is also published in the newsletter each month.  So, sign up to help this year.  We also need volunteers for lectors, nursery, and altar guild.  Those lists are on the bulletin board too.

Benefit Soup Supper

            St. Paul’s will be holding a benefit soup supper for Ben Klein who is fighting leukemia.  It will be held on Friday, December 2nd from 4 – 7 p.m. in the St. Paul’s Fellowship Hall.  We are in need of volunteers to bring homemade cookies and to help.  Please call the church office for more information and to volunteer.  Thank you.

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Youth Group Fund Raiser

            In order to help the youth group raise money for their 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering trip we are having an envelope fundraiser.
            Envelopes, numbered from one to one hundred, are placed in the back of the church.  We hope you will choose whichever envelope reflects the amount that you feel comfortable giving … place that dollar amount in the envelope as you take the thank you card from the envelope to keep for yourself … and then place the envelope in the offering basket.  Thank you so much. 

Announcements

            Anyone wishing to place a poinsettia in the sanctuary for the Christmas Eve services may let Paula know.  The cost is $9.00 payable to St. Paul’s.

            Offering envelopes for 2012 will be available for pick up in the back of the sanctuary beginning December 11th.  The initial offering envelope suggests a $2.00 donation to help defray the cost of  purchasing the box of envelopes.  The true cost of the box is $3.80.   

            Give the perfect gift for Christmas…a St. Paul’s cookbook.  Our “Feeding Our Flock” cookbook is still available at the bargain price of $4.00 each.  They make great gifts.  Just let Paula know how many you want.

            We are still in need of lots & lots of cotton balls to turn our children into sheep for the Christmas program.  Please bring them to the church office or if you don’t want to shop for them you may donate cash and we will purchase them for you.  Thanks a bunch

            Don’t forget your donations of supplies for Sewing for Missions.  More information can be found on the bulletin board in the hallway.

            The Calvary Baptist Church in Hillsboro will be presenting their 25th Living Nativity Scene December 19-23 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. each evening.    There will be new scenery, some new costumes, and REAL camels, donkeys & goats- and the kids can feed them.  They would also like to include people from other churches in town.  If you would like to help contact Serena Hennings at 851-5747 with the times you are available.

            The annual Christmas Homecoming Concert will be held at
7 p.m. on Friday, December 9th at the Hillsboro Presbyterian Church.  Many local musicians will perform a variety of Christmas songs.  There is no charge but an offering will be collected to help with building supplies for the Rancho 3M Christian Orphanage & School.  All are welcome.        

            The church office will be closed for sure on Monday, December 26th.  It may also be closed another day that week.  If you need anything you are advised to call the church office to see if anyone is there before you come up.  You may call Paula at home if it is urgent.  The office will also be closed on Monday, January 2nd.

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