December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also...

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December Newsletter 2019 December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at www.immanuelriverside.com The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December 15 at 4pm, Immanuel will be conducting a Lessons and Carols Service entitled, “I See Your World in Light.” The tradition of Lessons and Carols originated over 100 years ago in England. It celebrates, through Scripture and Song, that Jesus Christ is the light of the world! As our December days grow darker, we are reminded that we desperately need the light of Christ. Although we don’t know the exact day that Christ was born, the church has chosen to celebrate His birth on December 25 th . While this may be historically inaccurate, it has deep theological meaning for us in the Northern hemisphere. It reminds us that the light of the Gospel breaks through when it is most dark. Isaiah prophesied that it would happen this way. He writes, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone… For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2,6) Jesus came to break our chains of darkness and deliver us with His wonderful light. The innocent One in swaddling clothes would become the crucified One, stripped and beaten, so that He might conquer the powers of darkness – sin, death, and the devil. No matter what darkness your life has faced, you have been made light in the Lord! Peter tells us, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” On Christmas Eve, we make our houses dark (even God’s house!) so that we might enjoy the glow of our Christmas lights and candles. Just one little candle

Transcript of December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also...

Page 1: December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December

December Newsletter 2019December Newsletter 2019

Also available online at www.immanuelriverside.com

The Light Shines in the Darknessby Pastor Borst

On Sunday, December 15 at 4pm, Immanuel willbe conducting a Lessons and Carols Serviceentitled, “I See Your World in Light.” The traditionof Lessons and Carols originated over 100 yearsago in England. It celebrates, through Scriptureand Song, that Jesus Christ is the light of theworld! As our December days grow darker, we arereminded that we desperately need the light ofChrist. Although we don’t know the exact day that Christ was born, the church haschosen to celebrate His birth on December 25th. While this may be historicallyinaccurate, it has deep theological meaning for us in the Northernhemisphere. It reminds us that the light of the Gospel breaks through when itis most dark.

Isaiah prophesied that it would happen this way. He writes, “The people whowalked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a landof deep darkness, on them has light shone… For to us a child is born,to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:2,6)

Jesus came to break our chains of darkness and deliver us with His wonderfullight. The innocent One in swaddling clothes would become the crucified One,stripped and beaten, so that He might conquer the powers of darkness – sin,death, and the devil. No matter what darkness your life has faced, you havebeen made light in the Lord! Peter tells us, “You are a chosen people, aroyal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you maydeclare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into hiswonderful light.”

On Christmas Eve, we make our houses dark (even God’s house!) so that wemight enjoy the glow of our Christmas lights and candles. Just one little candle

Page 2: December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December

can light up a whole room. No matter how dark it may seem, darkness fleesfrom the light! What is true of a little candle is exponentially more true of theOne in the little cradle, who Himself is the Light of the world. “In him waslife, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in thedarkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4-5)

We don’t know what 2020 will hold for us. We hope, of course, that theChristmas greetings we receive in the mail will come true for our families. We allwant to be merry this Christmas and have a happy new year. But even if wehave to face the darkness of this broken world, we know that we won’t do soalone. Christ has delivered us, and we are light in the Lord! By the way we liveout our faith this coming year, let our lives declare the praises of Jesus, whohas called us out of darkness into His wonderful light!

“As long as we live there is never enough singing.” --Martin LutherThe Worship Arts Committee at Immanuel works to weave thoughtful andcreative expressions of the gospel into our already beautiful liturgy, sanctuary,and communal worship. It is an exciting venture to look anew at biblical truthsin musical and artful ways, creating a deeper understanding and love for whatwe as a church profess. Over the last few years, we have coordinated severalinteresting projects: An art installation for the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation entitled “I willnot die, but live, and tell of the works of the Lord” based on Psalm 118:17,Martin Luther’s favorite Psalm.

A Psalm series of both sermons and music in which both services learnednew Psalm songs.Several commissioned songs for soloist, choir, and congregation.A Hymn Festival with renowned organist, Dr. David Cherwien, and thecombined choirs of Immanuel Lutheran and the La Sierra UniversityChurch.A concert by the Concordia University Irvine Commercial Band of bothsecular and sacred music.

Coming this Advent on December 15 at 4pm, we will be having aLessons and Carols service. This festival, rooted in English history andtypically associated with Kings College in Cambridge, includes nine scripturallessons of the gospel story. Beginning with the fall, the lessons arc throughthe prophecy of a coming Messiah and the birth of Jesus, each withaccompanying carols sung by choir and congregation.

Our Lessons and Carols will include a commissioned work for choir by memberDr. Joshua Rodriguez, professor of music theory and composition at CaliforniaBaptist University along with the unveiling of a set of commissioned bannersby Arlen Meyer of the Liturgical Arts Center at Concordia University, Nebraska.

We continually pray for a deepened faith and an enriched engagement of ourminds and hearts for Jesus Christ through these efforts. If you are interestedin joining us and contributing your gifts and talents in worship arts, pleasecontact Cherka Haga at [email protected].

Page 3: December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December

CLUB 56

Club56 is an after school ministry that meets one a month during the schoolyear. Any 5th and 6th grader is welcome to come for snacks, games, Biblestudy, skits, and prayer.

Electronic devices are allowed and we often use them to play a Kahoot quiz.

Thurs, Dec. 12, 20193-5 p.m. Bring $1.00 to help cover costs and snacks

Jr. High/Confirmation: 7th/8th grade Confirmation class is on break duringthe month of December. You can still turn in sermon outlines and completevolunteer hours during the break. Classes will resume January 8, 2020.

Progressive Dinner Christmas Party: On Saturday, December 14, meet atthe church at 5:00 p.m. and we will drive to families homes for appetizers,main dish, and dessert. We will have a gift exchange (bring a wrapped $10.00gift) and an UGLY Christmas sweater contest. The evening will end at 8:30p.m. and you will pick up your child from the house where we have dessert.

Jr. High District Youth Gathering: February 29-March 1, 2020 on thecampus of Concordia University, Irvine. We will join other LCMS youth groupsfrom around Southern California for fun games, interesting speakers, livelymusic, and much more. Registration material was mailed home, turn it in bythe deadline of Jan. 8.

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High School Youth: This year we working through the "Red Letter Challenge"on Monday nights! What do the words of Jesus teach us? Meet in the youthlounge from 6:30-8 p.m.

2020 High School District Youth Gathering, Palm Springs, January 24-26$200.00 Registration material was mailed home and on Facebook, Deadline toregister is Dec. 1st.

Sunday morning Youth Gathering:DECEMBER 1

Gather in the Youth Lounge at 10:30a.m. for breakfast, games, and free

stuff!!! Grades 7-12 invited!

PLEASE PRAY FOR FORMER INTERIM PASTOR RONKUSEL. Pastor Kusel has been diagnosed with MultipleSystem Atrophy (MSA), which means that certain areas ofhis brain are deteriorating, areas that control involuntaryfunctions. It’s a progressive disease, with no cure. He istaking medications to lessen the severity of thesymptoms. Pastor Kusel writes, "In Jesus’ ministry,people’s illnesses drove them to Him. Now my ills aredriving me to my Savior, and that’s a good place tobe. We are in good hands with Jesus—the best hands,

hands that were nailed to the cross for us and are raised in blessing over us.”

JOY GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTYImmanuel Lutheran Church GPEC

Saturday, December 7th

11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Join us for fellowship and a joyful celebra on of the season of Christ’s birth. Wewill have a luncheon catered by Marie’s Callender’s with pie for dessert. A erlunch, we will be entertained by the Dickens Singers from The Grove CommunityChurch. Then for some laughs we will have a White Elephant Gi Exchange(op onal). The wrapped gi s ($20 value) can be funny, weird or nice. The cost forall this fun is $15.00 per person. Please sign-up in the Narthex of the church

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between October 27, 2019 and November 24, 2019.

Community Outreach Report by Julia Gardner - Outreach Coordinator

ANGEL TREEThe Angel Tree is our way of giving special gifts to theFoster Teens & our local Veterans. Will you join us inhelping them this Christmas? You’ve probably seenour Angel Tree in the church narthex with the donationornaments on the tree and a box on the small table nextto it.

Please RETURN your gift cards with the ornament in the ANGEL box bySunday, December 8, 2019 so that we can deliver them to each of the

parties.

Support Our Beds and Blessings Program byPurchasing a Handmade Raincross (Riverside Bell) Tile

The full $20 retail price of each Raincross Tilepurchased will be donated to Beds and Blessings!

An ideal holiday gift for anyone with a connection to Riverside, or sympathy forthe plight of foster children, these tiles celebrate the iconic "Riverside Bell"

Page 6: December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December

which was originally created by Frank Miller, the founder of the Mission InnHotel in downtown Riverside, CA. Each tile is handmade by an artisan. Twocolor combinations are offered, Terrazzo and Adobe. An optional black woodendisplay stand is also offered for $10.

How to buy:· Online at tesselle.com/raincross (order online/pickup at Immanuel, or ship toany US address)· A table will be set up after both church services on Dec 1st, 8th and 15th

2019-20 SCHOOL ENROLLMENT: Priority registration for current families withstudents entering Kindergarten through6th grade ended on JANUARY 30. At thistime we are accepting enrollment from ourcurrent families and from new families to

Immanuel from the community. We are anticipating that our classes will reach maximumcapacity. We encourage those that have not enrolled yet to do so. If you know a familywho is searching for an excellent, Christ centered education, please share thisinformation with them. Have them call the school office at 951-682-4211 or contact ourAdmissions Coordinator, Brianna Foster at [email protected].

DECEMBER 24THCHRISTMAS EVE

5 pm • Contemporary Candlelight Service7:30 pm • Christmas Eve Concert8 pm • Traditional Candlelight Service

DECEMBER 25THCHRISTMAS DAY

9:30 am • Christmas Day Worshipwith CommunionEvery Sunday 8:30 am and 10:30 am

Christmas time can bring manyunexpected things. Sometimes good,sometimes not. Even as unexpectedthings happen, there is one thing thatwill never change: God’s love for you!God showed His love by sending HisSon to be born as a baby on that firstChristmas. So this Christmas, expecthope, joy, love, and peace and comejoin us at Immanuel Lutheran Churchand School as we expect Christ thisChristmas season!

Page 7: December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December

Important Dates in December

December 4: 6:30PM Advent Treelighting Service PS SingsDecember 7: 11AM JOY Group Christmas LunchDecember 10: 6:30PM Core Ministry MeetingDecember 11: 6:30PM Advent Service 4th-6th gradeDecember 13: 8:45AM Preschool Christmas ProgramDecember 14: 5PM Jr High Christmas Progressive DinnerDecember 15: 4PM Lessons and CarolsDecember 18: 6:30PM Advent Service K-3rd gradeDecember 20: ES Early Dismissal 12PMDecember 21: Eagle Scout Ceremony Kenny Byrne/ Joshua JordanDecember 23: Christmas Break BeginsDecember 24: Christmas EveDecember 24: 5PM Contemporary ServiceDecember 24: 7:30PM Christmas ConcertDecember 24: 8PM Traditional ServiceDecember 25: Christmas DayDecember 25: 9:30AM Christmas Day WorshipDecember 30: 5PM Au/ Pingel Wedding RehearsalDecember 31: New Year's EveDecember 31: 12:30PM Au/ Pingel Wedding and Cake Reception

Christmas Break is from December 23-January 1

Immanuel Lutheran Church and School5455 Alessandro Blvd., Riverside, CA 92506

www.immanuelriverside.com

Page 8: December Newsletter 2019 - Immanuel Riverside · 2019. 12. 12. · December Newsletter 2019 Also available online at The Light Shines in the Darkness by Pastor Borst On Sunday, December