DISCIPLEVolume 17, Issue 12 St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church December 9, 2012

December Theme: Imagine - God With Us!

St. Paul Evangelical

Lutheran Church402 S. Ballenger Hwy.

Flint, MI 48532810-239-6200School Office:810-239-6733stpaulflint.com

Email: Churchoffice@stpaulflint.com

“A Savior Has Been Born to You, He is Christ the Lord!”

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

Why would God want to come from heaven to be with sinful human be-ings who purposely and deliberately continuously disobey Him and His Word?

Why would God give His perfect Son a death sentence to be the Savior of such sinful humans?

God loved the world. It was a world that He created. While He created people perfect in every way, they sinned against Him and brought de-pravity, destruction and death to the whole world. Yet God loved Adam and Eve – in spite of their sin; and chose to send a Savior for them and all of their descendants.

As descendants of Adam and Eve, we are sinful by nature. We sin against God by our thoughts, words, and deeds. We cannot love Him the way we should or the way He deserves. Yet, He still loves us. That is why He sent us a Savior. He put His seed into the womb of Mary so that the Son born to her would be God and man. He was 100% God so that His death could apply to all. And He was man so that His sacrifice would be in the place of all humans. By faith in Jesus Christ, we are saved. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) While Jesus came and died for the sins of the whole world; He came for you. By faith in Him, He is your personal Savior. The Savior has been born FOR YOU. He is Christ the Lord. He came to save you from your sins, and to give you life with Him.

Thanks to God for His coming. Thanks to God for your Savior. Have a blessed Advent and Christmas.

In Christ,Pastor Walsh

Chancel FlowersFlowers are placed in our chancel today to the glory of God and in honor of Noah Laajala’s 20th birthday by his parents, Keith and Gina.

December Events for Seniors

Thursday, December 13, 10:00 am - Back to the Manger, School Christmas Program

Tuesday, December 18, 10:30 am - Prime Timers Sing-a-long and Potluck

“In As Much Tree”

“I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” Matthew 25:40. A tree is in the Narthex with envelopes for your donation to this fund to help those in need in our community. Is there someone on your Christmas list who says, “Don’t get me a gift, give to someone in need”? This is a perfect opportunity for you to do just that. Please make checks pay-able to the church.

Advent Worship Services“Imagine - God With Us”

Wednesdays10:00 am & 7:00 pm

December 12

God Sends His MessengersLed by 7th Grade

December 19

God Sends His SonLed by 6th Grade

Christmas Worship ServicesChristmas Eve

Monday, December 24Family Worship - 4:00 pm

Candlelight Worship - 7:00 pmCandlelight Worship with Holy

Communion - 11:00 pmChristmas Day

Tuesday, December 25, 10:00 am

Thank You to all my St. Paul family and friends for the cards, phone calls, food and especially your prayers while I was ill. A special thank you to Pastor Maske, Pastor Walsh and Pastor Hensler for the home and hospital visits. I truly appreciate your loving care.Ann Larson

Thank You to all who helped decorate our church for Christmas and provided food for the wonderful pot-luck dinner - Brian, Wendy, Jonathan & Amanda Davis; Terry & Karen Baker; Jim Rotta; Cindy Mraz; Betty Wagner; Todd & Sandy Seibt; Pastor, Joanne, Chris & Hannah Walsh; Tiffany Davis, Dalton & Hannah; Hannah Woodward; Sadie; John & Kathy Thomas; Deania Sohlden; Larry, Jennifer, Emily & Claire Hudson; Al & Velma Price; Kelly Olson; Norma Walsh; Lily Thompson and Clayton Hubel. Thank you all for such a great job!

A study of the book of Hebrews meets in the Teachers Resource Room – last room on the right past the School office on Sunday mornings – Bring your Bible and join other adults in study of God’s Word.

Help Us Welcome our Guests - If you are interested in volunteering as an Entrance Greeter, at our Wel-come Center or Information Center on Sunday morn-ings and our special services, please contact Cheryl Pelc, 810-659-2175.

Flower Chart - A 2013 Flower chart is posted in the hallway. Instructions for placing flowers in our chancel on a Sunday are as follows: * Select the date * Print your name and phone number * Call the church office by Tuesday of the week you are providing flowers and give information regarding the occasion * Call Royal Gardens Florist, 810-694-7090, ask for Wayne (or you may choose another florist) * Flowers must be deliv-ered to the church before 4:00 pm on Friday * Pay-ment is your responsibility.

Women’s Wednesday Morning Bible Study contin-ues to meet but at 11:00 a.m. during Advent.

Christmas Coffee / Sunday School Program / Carol Sing - Sunday, December 23 during our Sunday school hour. Help is needed with set up on Saturday, Decem-ber 22 at 1:00 pm. and with serving on Sunday. Baked goods and centerpieces are needed for Sunday morn-ing.

Zumba Classes will not be held in December. Zumba will resume Tuesday, January 15, 6:30-7:30 pm.

The 2013 National Youth Gathering Committee is sponsoring a Christmas Cookie Sale on Sunday, De-cember 16. Cookies will be sold by the pound. We are seeking donations of unpackaged, homemade cookies. Sign-up sheet is in the hallway. Contact Chris Garcia with any questions.

The committee is also planning a pop can drive in January. Start saving your returnable cans and bottles and watch for more information.

It’s That Time of Year Again - Time to prepare for our Christmas Basket distribution to families in need. Our pantry needs any canned meats, soup, pasta, sauces, vegetables, gravy, cheese, PB & J, boxed ce-real, oatmeal, jello, muffin mixes, crackers. Baskets will be assembled on December 21 and distributed on the 22nd. New and gently used blankets are being collected to distribute with the food baskets.

Know someone in need? If you or someone you know is in need this Christmas, please let the church office know so they can be added to the list to receive a Christmas Care box. Monetary donations are also needed for this care project. Help is needed to assem-ble the boxes on Friday, December 22 at 6:00 pm. Boxes will be available for pick-up on December 23 at 9:00 am.

Did you know that $1 = 6 meals through the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan? St. Paul is able to purchase food for the needy with your help. Special ornaments are available for recording your donation.

It’s Lutheran Witness Time! The deadline to order or renew is tomorrow, December 10! The Lutheran Wit-ness provides laypeople with stories and information that foster personal growth and help interpret the world from a Lutheran Christian perspective. Cost is $10.50 for the 11 issues per year. Please call the church office to order and make your check payable to the church.

Save the Date! Saturday, March 16, 2013 is the date of our annual Spirit Dinner / Auction. The theme is St. Patrick’s Day related. New items for the live and silent auctions will be needed. All proceeds benefit our School Tuition Assistance Fund.

The Gift of Solving Problems - Finding answers to life’s problems is not an easy thing to do. However, our Enrichment Library authors have answers in four area - easy to access on color-coded bindings. * Family well-being * Physical and mental health * Care-giving * Spiritual Growth

Calendar of Church Events Week of December 9TODAYSr. Youth 6:00 pm

MONDAY, December 10Church Council, DR 6:00 pm

TUESDAY, December 11Altar Guild Luncheon @ FCG

WEDNESDAY, December 12Advent Worship 10:00 am & 7:00pmWomen’s Bible Study, DR 11:00 am

Family Night Dinner 5:00 - 6:00 pmFamily Night Studies 6:00 - 6:45 pm

THURSDAY, December 13School Christmas Program 10:00 amAdult Handbells, CL 6:15 pmWorship Team, Sanc. 7:00 pmSanctuary Choir, FH 7:30 pm

SATURDAY, December 15School Christmas Program 6:00 pm

SUNDAY, December 16Traditional Worship/HC 8:30 amBible Class, SS, CIC, Conf. 9:45 amContemporary Worship 11:00 am Christmas Cookie Sale following worship services

Christmas Poinsettias (red only) will decorate our chancel for Christmas. You may call the church office by Thursday, December 13 to order. Plants are $6 each.

DECEMBER 9 PAGE 2 DISCIPLE VOLUME 17, ISSUE 12