FAITH at WORKFAITH

at WORK

930 Queen Ave SW, Albany OR 97321 Pastor Dawn Gregg email: faithalbany@proaxis.com 541-928-7660 or 541-928-1049 website: www.faithalbany.org

Greetings, Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus!

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas!!! No, that’s not backwards—at least

not in the Church. Our New Year began last Sunday on November 30th which

was the First Sunday in Advent and we have three more Sundays as we await

the day and time when we can shout MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Of course, if you’re like me, you’re already saying Merry Christmas to folks.

At least, I hope you are. Not to be in anyone’s face, not in defiance, not in

anger, not to make a point, but, instead, to be an Angel to those you meet and

greet. Now, remember: the word angel comes from the Greek and it means

Messenger. And that’s what we are to be—messengers telling of God’s

incredible love for the world and all of creation.

And so we say Merry Christmas, and we wish others well. Gently, and with

love and respect.

Lots of stuff happening at Faith Lutheran Church: Action Teams are working

hard; December 14th we will receive new members. December 21st will be the

Christmas Program (come prepared to sing); the Yoots are planning a

Congregational Christmas Party. First Friday happens on December 5th. What

else? Well check out the whole Faith at Work to find out.

Come and join in the Bible Study around Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

We meet at 9 am on Sundays. There’s always coffee and sometimes, cookies.

And, whatever has you busier than you want to be, remember to take a moment

or two to look around and give thanks for at least one thing each day. As you do

this, you will find your list getting longer. Also remember that whether or not

you are prepared, Jesus still comes as a babe in a manger each Christmas, and

God’s love still shines through you and others, and the Holy Spirit is always

busy encouraging and supporting you. And, hey, if things don’t get done, well

don’t beat yourself up or care what others might think, just rejoice and be glad

that you got as far as you did without going totally bananas. Okay?

May God continue to bless you and yours each and every moment.

And may you experience joy and peace, even in the midst of sorrow and chaos.

Happy New Year!!! Merry Christmas!!

Your sister in Christ Jesus,

Pr Dawn

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F A I TH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Sunday Worship 10:15 am Christian

Education 9:00 am

Dates to Remember

First Friday 12/5

Council Christmas

Dinner/Mtg 12/6, 5pm

Confirmation/FLY

Sundays 5-7:30pm

Thrivent Action Team

Reception 12/7

Pack Cookie Tins 12/10

Preschool Program

12/19, 6:30pm

Christmas Program

12/21, 10:15am

Thursday Bible Study

Quail Run 10:15am

NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE 12/10

New Members 12/14

Christmas Eve Worship

6 & 9pm

2014

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Staff

PASTOR……………………….. The Rev. Dawn Gregg OFFICE MANAGER.……………………..…Margaret R ORGANIST/PIANIST…………………………..Cheryl B CUSTODIAN.…………………………………...Teresa M

2014 Church Council

PRESIDENT…………………………………….... John D VICE PRESIDENT……………………………….Diane C SECRETARY……………………………………..Carol O TREASURER………………………………..........Alice W FINANCIAL SECRETARY……………… Rose Mary A EVANGELISM & MISSION.………………………Beth H FELLOWSHIP & SOCIAL CONCERNS……. Peggy P PARISH EDUCATION……………………………Dixie D PROPERTY MANAGEMENT………………..Charles B STEWARDSHIP……………………………….. WORSHIP & MUSIC………………………….. Jackye B YOUTH…………………………………………Jennifer H

MISSION ENDOWMENT FUND………………….Jon A PRESCHOOL BOARD PRESIDENT…………Susan R PRESCHOOL TEACHER……………………......Katie P PARISH NURSE……………………………. ..Jeanette T

Council Christmas Dinner/Meeting

Saturday, December 6th 5:00 pm (Daniels’ home)

Christmas Program Sunday, December 21st

10:15 am

Christmas Eve Services 6:00 pm and 9:00 pm

Thrivent ‘Act ion Teams’ Presentations after church on Sunday, December 7

New Program at work in our community.

TAKING ACTION NOW

Thrivent is offering a new program that has been tested in this region to en-courage its members to take action

to help meet needs they see throughout their communities. A number of Faith Lutheran members and others

have caught the vision and would like to share their stories with you.

Action Team Leader: Paul Ross purchased life jackets for the Albany Fire Department (AFD) for use in a

community loan program. While making his pur-chase at Coastal Farm & Ranch, management became aware of

Paul’s idea and matched the $250 grant. Paul also purchased books for a reading program developed by Sybaris

owners. The AFD now is involved in this program and is handing out books in neighborhoods and local schools!

Action Team Leader: Peggy Preston bought school supplies in partnership with FLC Evangelism Committee to fill

75 Lutheran World Relief School kits and provide needed supplies for GAPS. Peggy also purchased baking supplies

for the fall bazaar; it successfully raised $3,300 for 12 area ministries.

Team Leader: Mary Peterson purchased craft supplies for the North Albany Learning Center preschool/day care.

This grant enables kids to do special art projects for their parents for Christmas and other special events. Mary also

supported fundraising for Albany students for their Washington DC trip.

Team Leader: Norma Messman. A full course Thanksgiving Dinner was pre-pared by the FLC youth under adult

supervision. All the supplies plus a pizza lunch on the day of preparation were purchased from the grant. Nearly

$400 was raised for a local homeless shelter and leftovers used in a warming center.

Team Leader: Jim Preston used a grant as seed money to develop a new intergenerational program that is held on

the First Friday of each month at FLC.

Team Leader: Nathan Mehlhorn bought craft supplies and books for FLC Pre-school and Daycare Center. He also

will underwrite a new initiative called “Learn to Sew with Us”. His sister Brandie is a team leader who is

leveraging her grant to help homeless kids who seek help at the youth outreach program located on the property of

FLC. She also used funding to help children receiving services from the ABC House.

Team Leader: Eleanor Barr. This project provides needed tools for the existing quilting group at FLC so they can

continue to provide quilts to Lutheran World Relief as well as within the Albany community as the needs are

identified. Items purchased included sharpie pens, pins, scissors, thread, needles, and canned air to clean the sewing

ma-chines.

LEARN HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED! JOIN US AT A SPECIAL RECEPTION THAT WILL INCLUDE A THRIVENT REPRESENTATIVE

Phone: 541-926-2697

E-mail: PegPreston@aol.com

Phone: 541-926-2697

E-mail: PegPreston@aol.com

Availability to use Debit or Credit Cards for donations is now on our website. If you

have any questions, please contact our treasurer, Alice W. Vanco

The 2014 Corvallis Nativity Festival is almost here. It's a beautiful way to start the Christmas season.

Everyone is invited to this free community event at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

on Harrison Blvd in Corvallis.

Friday, Dec 5 - Tuesday, Dec 9 from 1 - 8:30 pm daily

Stroll through the display of hundreds of nativity sets. Attend one of the many free concerts. Little ones might enjoy the

puppet show that tells the Christmas story with puppets and songs.

Full details are available at corvallisnativityfestival.com. (Click on "Attend" to see the performance schedules)

Luther House Happenings

It’s Not Too Late to Send us Student Names! The best way for us to know that students from your faith community are attending OSU, WOU, or LBCC

is for you to tell us. When you do, we contact them to invite their participation in Luther House programs

and activities. We can be reached at 541-753-5213 or info@luther-house.org.

Beer & Cheese Pairing, February 8 Please save Sunday, February 8, 2015, 2:00-4:00 p.m., to attend the 3rd Annual Luther

House Beer and Cheese Pairing at the Wheelhouse Event Center in downtown Albany.

New and returning vendors, informative talks by brewers and cheese makers as well as

OSU fermentation science and dairy process specialists, six courses of local foods paired

with local microbrews, entertainment by the Deep Woods Strings, and much more awaits

you. We’re thrilled to acknowledge two major sponsors, the St. Mark Lutheran Church

(Salem) Endowment Fund and the Grace Lutheran Church (Corvallis) Foundation. Please

contact Luther House if you or your congregation would like to be an event sponsor. Tickets prices remain

the same at $50 each or $350 for a table of 8.

Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Faith Lutheran

Church at www.fredmeyer.com/community rewards. You can search for us by our non-profit number (FLC

89935).

Every time you shop, you help FLC earn donations that will be used towards special projects and kitchen

supplies.

You will still earn your Rewards Points, Fuel Points, and Rebates, just as you already do.

Fellowship & Social Concerns Committee

Community Rewards from Fred Meyer

Each holiday season, Faith Lutheran Church anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is through the donations of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our work now and throughout the year.

If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way to make contributions.

To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.faithalbany.org and locate the Online Giving button. Or if it's easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

The Simply Giving® Program endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union is operated by Vanco Services. Simply Giving® is a registered

trademark of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thrivent Federal Credit Union assumes no responsibility for the products and services offered by

Vanco Services under the Simply Giving® Program.

Demonstrate your thankfulness this season

Annual Meeting of the Association: January 31, 2015!!

Camp Lutherwood Oregon is owned and operated by an Association of Lutheran Congregations throughout Oregon and Southwest

Washington. Association members are congregations who support Camp Lutherwood Oregon on an annual basis. What does this mean for you? It means we invite members to select two lay delegates and one clergy delegate to attend the Annual Meeting of the Association:

Saturday January 31, 2015

from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Albany, Oregon.

Please note the change in date; until now the meeting has been held in the month of November but given that the Lutherwood fiscal year is on a

calendar basis, the board has decided to move the Annual meeting of the Association to the first quarter following the close of the fiscal year.

The RSVP of two lay delegates and one clergy delegate is requested no later than January 26, 2015, by emailing: office@lutherwoodoregon.org or calling 541-998-6444

For more Association Membership information please visit our website: http://lutherwoodoregon.org/association-congregations

Something new for families…

“FIRST FRIDAY” December 5th

4:00 Movie: Polar Express

6:00 Supper

Games follow supper

PASTORAL COUNSELING CENTER (PCC)

“A COMMUNITY RESOURCE”

The Pastoral Counseling Center, in covenant with your church, serves as a “community resource” offering

service to all, based on need for care rather than ability to pay. Because 80% of our clients pay reduced

fees, we are asking you to help us help them by contributing to our annual Harvest Appeal. When battered

veterans, confused students, aging seniors, despairing unemployed workers get professional counseling, we

all benefit. We reap the harvest each person produces.

Did you know that nearly 20% of all Americans deal with at least one mental disorder any given year? That

loss of earnings due to mental disorders totaled $193 billion in 2002? That suicide among people 18-65

ranks No. 4 on the list of causes of death in the U.S. – ahead of all homicides at No. 9?

Imagine what our community would be like without those losses, without those costs – each man, woman,

and child living up to their God-given potential?

You can be a part of our work. In fact, your individual help is needed now more than ever before. A gift of

$200 will help a family for a month; $100 a couple for two weeks, $50 an individual for a week. Please

make your check payable to the Pastoral Counseling Center of the Mid-Willamette Valley, 602 SW

Madison Ave. Corvallis, 541-753-9217 http://www.pastoralcounseling-oregon.org All donations tax-

deductible.

Thank you!

Cornerstone Youth Outreach Center!960 Queen Ave, Albany

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri – 2:30 to 6:00 pm Wed – 1:30 to 5:00 pm Mon – 10:00 am to noon (community Business Hours)

jacksonstreet.org/Albany- house Like us on Facebook

541-207-2958

find us at

open

call us

energize

make art

set goals

play games

learn

have snacks

Krafty Kids meet weekly with CherylWednesdays at 3:30 pm

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3rd – Don Brudvig 10th – Gale Voet

12th – Jennifer Devin 13th – Bethany Olufson 13th – Brady Olufson 14th – Sue Propp 27th – Bob Christensen 31st – Zoey Bonvillle

, STRENGTH & GUIDANCE

Arnold C.

Pat N.

Bernice H.

Gene H

Evelyn Mo.

Evelyn M.

Betty S.

Terry D.

Doug S.

Penny G.

Randy S.

Gary C.

Reese B.

Jean L.

Melvin W.

Carl W.

Courtney H.

Jackye B.

Scott P.

Lynn C.

Shirley B.

Ed B.

Lynn C.

Julia H.

Beth H.

Bonnie K.

Diane L.

Heidi M.

Vanessa M.

Nona S.

Nickolas W.

Carol K.

Marc M.

Dani B.

Cher M.

Linda Gail V.

Amanda F.

Norma M.

Nick

Ray B

are those who mourn the loss of loved ones

Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Mike Beaumount,

son-in-law of David & Jan Newman

Major Trace Dotson, son-in-law of Wanda Halvorson

and grand-son-in-law of Shirley Reiger.

PFC Austin Gamet, son of Gordy Gamet

Colonel Gregory Gilbreath, son of Steve & Shirley.

Marine Major Aaron Heisinger, son of Laurie & Scott

Witt and grandson of Lou & Tom Conklin

Marine Major Ryan Heisinger, son of Laurie & Scott Witt and

grandson of Lou & Tom Conklin

Navy Chief Petty Officer, Engineering Dept. Nicholas Herring,

son of Cheryl & Gary Herring and grandson of Shirley Reiger

PFC Sarah Hull, Nona Sabatka’s granddaughter

CW4 Stanley Jung, nephew of Wally & Alberta Oster

SGT Greg Kendall, grandson of Nancy Goodwin

Air Force 2nd Lt. Matthew Krussow, husband of Chelsey Lavin and

grandson-in-law of Pat & Allen Norby.

LTC Eric Larsen

Naval Lt. J.G. Andrew Metzcus

Airman Aaron Mumma, nephew of Lyle and Freda Lambert

S/SGT Bryan Mumma, nephew of Lyle & Freda Lambert

Army Major Heidi Munro, daughter of Gale & Alice Voet

Army E5 Jennifer Norris, granddaughter of Wally & Alberta Oster

Army Staff Sergeant Scot Noss

Army Captain Tamie Oster, daughter of Wally & Alberta Oster

Marine Nick Pierce

LCpl Mitchell Raum, son of Mark and Susan Raum

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

7pm Stewardship

7pm Boy Scouts

2

7pm Worship & Music

3

9am Quilting

10am Property Mtg

3:30pm Krafty Kids

7pm Youth Com Mtg

4

10:15am Bible Study (Quail Run)

5

FIRST FRIDAY

4pm Movie

6pm Supper/Games

6

COUNCIL CHRISTMAS

DINNER/MEETING

5 PM (Daniels)

7 Second Sunday of Advent - blue

9:00am Sunday School

10:15am WORSHIP SERVICE

11:45am Thrivent Action Team Reception

11:45am Mission Endowment Mtg

5:00-7:30pm Confirmation/FLYouth Group

8

1-5pm Circle of Friends

7pm Boy Scouts

9

1pm Mary-Martha Circle

10 NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

9am Quilting

Pack Cookie Tins

3:30pm Krafty Kids

11

10:15am Bible Study (Quail Run)

12 13

14 Third Sunday of Advent - blue

New Members

9:00am Christian Education

10:15am WORSHIP SERVICE

5:00-7:30pm Confirmation/FLYouth Group

15

7pm Boy Scouts

16

1:30pm Volunteer Caregivers

7pm Education Mtg

17

9am Quilting

3:30pm Krafty Kids

18

10:15am Bible Study (Quail Run)

noon Hope Circle

19

6:30pm PRESCHOOL

CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

20

21 Fourth Sunday of Advent - blue

Winter Begins

9:00am Christian Education

10:15am CHRISTMAS

PROGRAM

5:00-7:30pm Confirmation/FLYouth Group

22

NO Circle of Friends

7pm Boy Scouts

23 24

Christmas Eve

6 pm and 9 pm services

25 26 27

28 First Sunday of Christmas - white

9:00am Christian Education

10:15am WORSHIP SERVICE

5:00-7:30pm Confirmation/FLYouth Group

29

7pm Boy Scouts

30 31

New Year’s Eve

1 2

First Friday Welcome the

New Year

4pm Movie

6pm Supper/Games

2014

Worship Leaders – December 2014

10:15 am 7th 14th 21st 28th

Worship

Setting

Second Sunday in Advent (setting 3-A)

Third Sunday in Advent (setting 3-A)

Fourth Sunday in Advent (setting 3-A)

First Sunday of Christmas

Altar Care Norma Messman / Diane Collet Norma Messman / Diane Collet Norma Messman / Diane Collet Norma Messman / Diane Collet

Altar

Flowers Elaine Wogomon

Organist Cheryl Blum Cheryl Blum Cheryl Blum Cheryl Blum

Children’s

Message Pastor Dawn Carol Olufson Diane Collet Pastor Dawn

Assisting

Minister Shirley Karstens Janice Virnig Diane Collet Terry Virnig

Lector Karen Glenn Mary Sabatka Gamet Elaine Wogomon Vail Palmer

Communion

Basket Holders

Ushers Claus Sass Kim Sass

Paul Ross Kathy Ross

John Daniels Paula Daniels

Allen Norby Dick Olsen

Sound

Technician Isabella Kenny Zachary Hall Jennifer Devin

Video Technician Charles Bonville Charles Bonville Charles Bonville Charles Bonville

Acolyte Emma Larsen Dexter Bonneville Emma Larsen Dexter Bonville

Lessons

Isaiah 40:1-11

Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13

2 Peter 3:8-15a

Mark 1:1-8

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

Psalm 126

1Thess 5:16-24

John 1:6-8, 19-28

2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16

Luke 1:46b-55

Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38

Isaiah 61:10—62:3

Psalm 148

Gal 4:4-7

Luke 2:22-40

FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH 930 Queen Ave SW

Albany Oregon 97321

December

2014

Faith Lutheran Church 930 Queen Ave SW

Albany Oregon 97321

PHONE: 541-928-7660

WEBPAGE: www.faithalbany.org

E-MAIL faithalbany@proaxis.com

Join us for Sunday Worship

Sunday School at 9:00 am Worship at 10:15 am

Christmas Eve 6:00 pm & 9:00 pm