St. Paul Lutheran Church: Prayer
St. Paul Lutheran Church: Prayer
St. Paul Lutheran Church: Prayer
2014
Prayer
This month, I bring to a close my emphasis upon writing about prayer every month in the newsletter. Within
our society, December needs to be a busy monthbut also one where we take some time to reflect back upon
the previous year. There will be programs that look back upon the year in review and examine what was popular, what was newsworthy, and remember the many people who died throughout the year. As our culture
tends to reflect back upon the previous year, I want to encourage you to do this as wellbut with respect to
your prayer life.
Did you grow in your prayer life throughout the year?
Were you consistent in your prayer life on a daily basis?
How was your time spent with Jesus this year?
In addition to these questions, it can also be helpful to think about the new year and ask yourself how you
want to grow in the new year with respect to your prayer life. What is it that you want to learn about prayer in
this upcoming new year? What kind of prayer experiences do you want to have in the upcoming year?
No matter what your answers are to the above questions, my goal over the last year was to encourage people
to pray and be attentive to their prayer life. For the most important aspect of prayer is to actually pray. I am
reminded of this with a book I purchased years ago. I was in a Christian Book Store and saw this book and
was intrigued by the title. The title is Dont Just Stand There, Pray Something. The book was alrightnot
the best book I have read on prayerbut the title has always stayed with me. It is that reminder that we can
learn a lot about prayer, we can read about pray, we can talk and write about prayerbut none of these things
are as important as actually praying.
Jesus desires to be in a relationship with usfor he came to redeem the world and restore that relationship
between God and humanity that was broken by sin. That relationship is strengthened and kept strong as we
stay connected with Jesus and one of the primary ways that we stay connected with Jesus is through prayer
(talking and listening with Jesus).
As this year comes to a close, say a prayer for the previous yeargiving thanks for all that happened. Then as
the new year dawn, remember in this new year to not just stand there, pray something!
December Birthdays
1
3
4
5
7
8
8
10
11
12
12
12
Luke Schnitker
Trish Tangman
Dagan Kleffman
Eric Kruse
Dorothy Simmons
Curtis Kruse
Katie Wahlstrom
Alicia Perry
Marlis Kidd
Wanda Engelau
Staci Eglen
Gunnar Taulman
13
13
15
15
15
16
16
17
17
17
17
17
Camden Sifflard
Levi Claycamp
Marshall Claycamp
Lyla ONeal
Elsie Herbert
Dylan Hatfield
Morgan Jones
Paul Newkirk
Jon Claycamp
Eric Hoene
Mike Hoevener
Katie Taulman
17
18
18
18
19
19
20
20
21
21
22
23
Vivian Newkirk
Max Schafstall
Cole Kleffman
Elizabeth Rust
Charles Douglass
Mark Rust
Jill Otte
Chad McCory
Stephen McGrew
Katherine Otte
Leah Otte
Virgil Kleffman
Greeters
John & Amy Pierceall (10:15)
Howard Wente
Stacey Claycamp
Sarah Davis
Carol Tormoehlen
Kamie Taulman
Logan Runge
Mairi Shaw
Valerie McIntosh
Erin Otte
Morgan Gray
January Volunteers
December Volunteers
Mark & Doris Rorick (8:00)
24
26
26
27
27
27
27
30
31
31
Greeters
Paul & Ruth Ann Newkirk (8:00)
Milton & Laberta Otte(10:15)
Communion Assistants
Lou Ann Hoevener (8:00)
Dan Davis (10:15)
Communion Assistants
Ruth Ann Newkirk (8:00)
Bill Wonning (10:15)
Altar Care
Dec. 7Doris Rorick (8:00)
Dec. 7Teresa Browning (10:15)
Dec. 14Lou Ann Hoevener (8:00)
Dec. 14Linda Guinn(10:15)
Dec. 21-Lou Ann Hoevener (8:00) Dec. 21Nina Franke (10:15)
Dec. 28-Mandy Otte (8:00)
Lectors
Jan. 4-Ruth Ann Newkirk (8:00)
Jan. 11-Jamie Baker (8:00)
Jan. 18-Lou Ann Hoevener (8:00)
Jan. 25-Mark Rorick (8:00)
Lectors
Dec. 7Jodi Brown (8:00)
Leon Seitz (10:15)
Dec. 14 Leah Otte (8:00)
Hannah Wood (10:15)
Dec. 21Dot Goodwin (8:00)
Kendall Alstatt (10:15)
Dec. 28Susan Holle (8:00)
Terri Devoe (10:15)
Acolytes
Dec. 7 Courtney Mansfield (8:00) Dylan Hatfield (10:15)
Dec. 14Kori Otte (8:00)
Cheyenne Douglass (10:15)
Dec. 21Morgan Jones (8:00)
Rachel Hildebrand (10:15)
Dec. 28Eliana Baker (8:00)
Sarah Davis (10:15)
Projectors
Dec. 7Cam Mansfield (8:00)
Hannah Wood &
Charlotte Rust (10:15)
Dec. 14 Kaelen Eglen (8:00)
Chloe Bryden (10:15)
Dec. 21Madison Jones (8:00)
Kailee Hildebrand (10:15)
Dec. 28Jamie Baker (8:00)
Marc Fountain (10:15)
Dec. 7Linda Seitz
Dec. 14Linda Seitz
Flowers
Dec. 21Heidi Wheatley
Dec. 28Heidi Wheatley
Altar Care
Acolytes
Jan. 4-Erin Otte
& Emily Reinbold (8:00)
Jan. 11-Madison Engelau (8:00)
Jan. 18-Abby Hoevener (8:00)
Jan. 25-Maggie Newkirk (8:00)
Projectors
Jan. 4-Doris Rorick (8:00)
Jan. 11-Erin Otte &
Jamie Baker (8:00)
Jan. 18-Madison Jones (8:00)
Jan. 25-Cam Mansfield (8:00)
Welcome Center
Michelle Wood (10:15)
Upcoming Worship
December 7th:
Text Esther 4:1-17
Below are the lessons and some thoughts about the upcoming
Sundays. Please take some time to look over the lesson and reflect
upon the questions in preparation of the upcoming weeks in worship.
Today we hear part of the story of Queen Esther. This story occurs during the time of the exile (when many Jews were
displaced and spread out into other territories). Even though this is the only book of the Bible that does not explicitly
mention God, it seems clear that it is Gods hand upon this entire situation to save the Jewish people from being killed.
This story also introduces the Jewish festival of Purim.
December 14th:
TextIsaiah 42:1-9
In this last week of focusing upon Old Testament readings from the Narrative Lectionary, we hear from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah declares that through the Spirit, Gods servant will be a light to the nations, brining justice and release to prisoners. This prophecy calls us to the promised one that we are awaiting for during this Season of Advent.
December 21st:
Text Matthew 1:18-25
On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we switch our emphases to the New Testament and the life of Jesus. We begin this
focus upon Jesus as we hear of the angel appearing to Joseph to announce that Mary is with child. The angel tells Joseph
to not be afraid to take Mary as his wife even though the child is not hisfor the child was conceived by the power of
the Holy Spirit.
December 28th:
TextMatthew 2:1-12
The story of the birth of Jesus continues with the wise men seeking after the one who was to be born king of the Jews.
These wise men travel by following the star and this leads them to the Baby Jesus where they pay homage to this child by
bringing him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
CHURCH COUNCIL
ChairmanTerry Searcy
SecretaryLinda Newkirk
TreasurerPhyllis Cupp
Financial SecretaryNathan Otte
EldersLarry Lewis & Dean Dringenburg
DeaconsMark Hoffmeier & Larry Guinn
TrusteesHoward Wente & Charlotte Guinn
RESULTS OF THE COUNCIL ELECTION
Christian Sympathy
To the family and friends of Dorothy
Rotert. Dorothy died on November 1
and services were held on November
5, 2014.
To the family and friends of Bill Lucas.
Bill died on November 18 and services
were held at Burkholder Funeral Home
on November 22.
To the family and friends of Dave
Hoene. Dave died on November 21
and services were held on November
25.
ANGEL TREE
Angel Tree gifts are due to the
church by Sunday, December 21.
Please attach the Angel or Star
that you took with your gifts/food
items. We thank you in advance
for helping these children!!
Adult Bells
Practice at 6:30 pm
December 3
December 10
December 17
Dartball Schedule
December 1 Borchers at Dudleytown D
December 8 Jonesville at Borchers
December 15 Borchers at Wegan B
BORCHERS CHAPEL
CHRISTMAS DECORATING
Tuesday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to join the fun.
With plenty of help, the decorating typically takes about an hour to complete.
BOOK BUZZ
will not meet again until
1:00 PM on
Monday, January 26th
in the narthex.
The book is Still Alice
by Lisa Genova
Call Michelle Wood @ 522-7421 or Trish Tangman @ 497-3166 for more details.
2014 Harvest
Home Bazaar
totals
Meals served: 720
Amounts raised:
Food: $5905.01
Crafts and Auction Baskets: $1565.75
Total after expenses: $6080.54
Thanks to everyone for their help!!!
SENIOR CARE:
Leftovers from weekly BBC breakfasts are available to be delivered to anyone who would appreciate this effort. If you or someone you know
might like an occasional delivery of free breakfast goodies, please let J oe Hoene or Tr ish
Tangman know.
HOT SOUP
IN A COLD MONTH
Back by popular demand!
Its hard to say who enjoyed this more last Winter, the soup makers or the soup recipients! Plans
are in the works to have homemade soups available for seniors to take home on Thursday mornings in January AND February. If you are interested in providing soup, watch for details in Sunday Welcome folders and sign-up for a specific
week at the Welcome Center.
FOOD PANTRY
Macaroni & Cheese
Please place your donations in the wooden box in the
hallway near the kitchen, or in the basket near the
main entry doors. Donations are given to food pantries in Seymour at Provisions, Anchor House, Human
Services, and Turning Point.
VOLUNTEER
OPPORTUNITY
HAS BEEN ACCEPTED!!!
Susie Schnitker has stepped forward to take
charge of activities for the HEALTH &
WELLNESS CARE TEAM. Susie plans to
draw from her extensive experiences in the
healthcare field, as she implements programs at
St. Paul-Borchers in the near future. Thanks,
Susie, for your willingness to use your gifts
and share your faith, as you focus on the health
and wellness of our congregation and community.
RECYCLING TIP
OF THE MONTH
Thanks to everyone who makes an effort to
use the Rumpke recycling container located in
St. Pauls parking lot. Your responsible use of
the container is to be commended. You may
have noticed that at certain times recently the
container has been filled to overflowing.
Rumpke officials are making an effort to remedy the situation and appreciate our patience
while a solution is reached. Although Rumpke
does derive some income from recycled material we put in these containers, we DO NOT
pay Rumpke a monthly fee to have the recycling container serviced.
FRIENDLY CARE:
KIDS PRAISE
There will be NO Kids Praise Group practice the month of December.
KIDS BELLS
Kids Bells will practice on Wednesday, December 3 and 17 at their regular
times. They will both be playing at the Childrens Christmas Service on
Wednesday, December 24 as preservice music at 6:30pm. They will not
practice again until January 7.
TREATS
TREATS will meet on December 10. The group will go Christmas Caroling. The
meal will be served at 6 or a little after. The menu is ham, hashbrown casserole, corn, fruit salad, and Christmas cookies. Any questions, contact Tyler.
Jr. High youth will be going to Louisville for the Lights Under Louisville on Friday, December 29. The cost for this trip is $5.00 per person and also bring
money for supper on the way down (fast food stop). Parents will be needed to
help drive kids down there. The parent driver will be free! There is a sign-up
sheet on the bulletin board in the office. Any questions, contact Tyler.
Carolyn will be on VACATION December 29-January 2. If you need anything, contact the church office.
Y& F Ministries
Page Continued
LUTHER LEAGUE
Luther League will be delivering Angel Tree gifts on Monday, December 22 at 9:00am. We will meet at the
church to load gifts, then we will split up to deliver. We will meet in Seymour for lunch after we finish delivering, so bring money for lunch. Also, December 24 at 6:15pm and 7:45pm the Luther League will be doing a Live
Nativity at the church prior to and after the Childrens Christmas Service. We will talk more about the nativity
at the meal after the gift delivery.
Group Meetings
WINGS
will meet on Thursday, December 4th at
7:00 pm at Susan Kaisers home.
RUTH CIRCLE
will meet on
Thursday, December 4th
at 7:00 pm.
at Wanda Engelaus home
HANNAH CIRCLE
will meet on
Tuesday, December 16th
at 9:00 am
in the Fellowship Hall.
Patty Herkamp is the hostess
and Bible study leader.
Christmas
Caroling
TREATS will be going Christmas caroling on December 10th. Anyone who would like to join us,
please call Tyler at 812-216-7027. We will meet at
Cortland at 3:15 p.m.
LIVE NATIVITY
SUNDAY SCHOOL
DECORATING
CONTEST
LIBRARY
NEWS
Welcome to 2 new members to the Library Committee: Mandy Otte and Dot Goodwin. They, n
addition to Ruth Ann Hendrix and Shirley Lewis, make up the library committee.
A monthly subscription to Parents magazine and also World magazine are available.
Please enjoy and return.
A collection of new books will be on display December 7th. They may be checked out at that
time.
Our gratitude to Bill Wonning for building new shelves on the west wall.
The book House Rules by Jodi Picoult has been read by members of the Book Buzz and they
highly recommend it. See Dots book review below.
Look for more new books in the future and more information to come from the library committee.
Book Review:
By doing tremendous amount of research, Jodi Picoult has written a novel that supplies much
information for us about Aspergers Syndrome and, at the same time, given us an absorbing story.
Jacob Hunt is a teen with Aspergers Syndrome. He is also brilliant in many ways; he has a
special focus on one subject forensic analysis. His family becomes embroiled in a terrible
event and for the mother, Emma, it is a brutal reminder of the intolerance and misunderstanding
that always threatens the family. Nothing is normal in the family because of Jacob.
This is a fine-tuned murder-mystery, but it also gives the reader an opportunity for insight into
the life of a family who is raising a very special child. I was impressed with the clarity the author used when describing the behaviors of Jacob and how they effected his family and others
around him.
Merry
Christmas!
December 2014
Sun
Mon
1
Tue
Wed
9:00 am Preschool
Thu
Fri
9:00 am Preschool
9:00 am Preschool
Sat
6
10
11
12
9:00 am Preschool
9:00 am Preschool
8:00 am Communion
9:15 am SS Christmas practice
10:15 am Communion
9:00 am Preschool
14
15
16
17
18
19
Newsletter Deadline
9:00 am Preschool
9:00 am Preschool
9:30 am Preschool Chapel
25
26
13
Christmas Program practice
9:00 am-11:00 am
TREATSChristmas caroling
21
22
28
29
20
Christmas Program practice
9:00 am-11:00 am
23
24
30
31
9:00 am Borchers Breakfast Club
7:00 pm New Years Eve Service
27