FIRST EPISTLE - DECEMBER 2016 PASTOR JANE ... - …flccapecod.org/docs/newsletter December...
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FIRST EPISTLE - DECEMBER 2016 – PASTOR JANE O’HARA SHIELDS Pastor’s Post Its: Stewardship: + On Nov. 13 we had quite a bit of energy here as we celebrated the variety of gifts that make up “the body of Christ” at First Lutheran. When the symbols of these gifts along with the hundreds of shoes col- lected for “Soles for Souls”, were presented at the altar, we saw a colorful and delightful picture of our gifts coming together. The offering plates carried our weekly commitments along with cards showing our annual commitments. As soon as all those gifts were presented we gathered ourselves at the altar for Holy Communion. What a feast in God’s honor! The Stewardship committee worked long and hard to plan for this celebration. Thank you to them and to all! Post-Election: + The post-election climate in our country finds us in a “new “place. Yes, we’ve had close elections be- fore, even a recount, but this time there is a wider political divide with greater power to continue dividing our country. Disunity can impact our influence in the world. On all “sides” of the political climate there are persons and groups of persons feeling like they are not being heard. Perhaps one lesson for us as Christians is to learn how to listen more attentively to each other. As a congregation we’ve been work- ing intentionally on listening to each other during the past year. Remember our “Discovery Days”? As Lutheran Christians we practice a two kingdom theology: We believe that. God speaks to the secular through the law and to the church through the gospel. God rules, in different ways over both. As Luther- an Christians we have responsibilities in both kingdoms and are called to speak God’s love to all situa- tions. Religion and politics DO mix! It would be difficult to separate them. We cannot run from taking stances and we know that we will not always agree so we agree to disagree in prayerful and respectful ways. God is with us always and the power of God’s love supersedes all other powers. Advent & Call: +Speaking of “God with us” Immanuel, we are moving into the Advent season, the beginning of a new church year. The hue of blue will carry us through the season with the wreath of candles matching our weekly journey to Christmas. Don’t you love it? This time of anticipation also will match our journey in the call process as we draw closer to the calling of the next pastor of First Lutheran. We learned on Sunday that a candidate has been selected by the call committee and council. Stay tune for more news! Surely this adds to the excitement and deep joy of anticipation. Thanks be to God for the hard work of the call committee! Reformation: + On Reformation Sunday, Oct. 30, the sermon began with “Happy 499 th ”! We will be celebrating the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation a year from now. However, the festivities already have begun! In Lund, Sweden, Pope Francis and the President of the Lutheran World Federation, Bishop Younan, led a prayer service together. Roman Catholics and Lutheran leaders from all over the world are meeting. These dialogs have been occurring for decades and the current one is called “Declaration of the Way”. Resources for local dialog among Roman Catholic and Lutheran congregations are being made availa- ble and we are hoping to experiment with this in the year ahead.
Transcript of FIRST EPISTLE - DECEMBER 2016 PASTOR JANE ... - …flccapecod.org/docs/newsletter December...
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FIRST EPISTLE - DECEMBER 2016 – PASTOR JANE O’HARA SHIELDS
Pastor’s Post Its:
Stewardship:
+ On Nov. 13 we had quite a bit of energy here as we celebrated the variety of gifts that make up “the
body of Christ” at First Lutheran. When the symbols of these gifts along with the hundreds of shoes col-
lected for “Soles for Souls”, were presented at the altar, we saw a colorful and delightful picture of our
gifts coming together. The offering plates carried our weekly commitments along with cards showing our
annual commitments. As soon as all those gifts were presented we gathered ourselves at the altar for
Holy Communion. What a feast in God’s honor! The Stewardship committee worked long and hard to
plan for this celebration. Thank you to them and to all!
Post-Election:
+ The post-election climate in our country finds us in a “new “place. Yes, we’ve had close elections be-
fore, even a recount, but this time there is a wider political divide with greater power to continue dividing
our country. Disunity can impact our influence in the world. On all “sides” of the political climate there
are persons and groups of persons feeling like they are not being heard. Perhaps one lesson for us as
Christians is to learn how to listen more attentively to each other. As a congregation we’ve been work-
ing intentionally on listening to each other during the past year. Remember our “Discovery Days”? As
Lutheran Christians we practice a two kingdom theology: We believe that. God speaks to the secular
through the law and to the church through the gospel. God rules, in different ways over both. As Luther-
an Christians we have responsibilities in both kingdoms and are called to speak God’s love to all situa-
tions. Religion and politics DO mix! It would be difficult to separate them. We cannot run from taking
stances and we know that we will not always agree so we agree to disagree in prayerful and respectful
ways. God is with us always and the power of God’s love supersedes all other powers.
Advent & Call:
+Speaking of “God with us” Immanuel, we are moving into the Advent season, the beginning of a new
church year. The hue of blue will carry us through the season with the wreath of candles matching our
weekly journey to Christmas. Don’t you love it? This time of anticipation also will match our journey in
the call process as we draw closer to the calling of the next pastor of First Lutheran. We learned on
Sunday that a candidate has been selected by the call committee and council. Stay tune for more
news! Surely this adds to the excitement and deep joy of anticipation. Thanks be to God for the hard
work of the call committee!
Reformation:
+ On Reformation Sunday, Oct. 30, the sermon began with “Happy 499th”! We will be celebrating the
500th anniversary of the Reformation a year from now. However, the festivities already have begun! In
Lund, Sweden, Pope Francis and the President of the Lutheran World Federation, Bishop Younan, led a prayer service together. Roman Catholics and Lutheran leaders from all over the world are meeting. These dialogs have been occurring for decades and the current one is called “Declaration of the Way”. Resources for local dialog among Roman Catholic and Lutheran congregations are being made availa-ble and we are hoping to experiment with this in the year ahead.
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Pastor’s Post Its:
Orsatti Gift for Music Ministry
+ Thanks to a gift of money from Mike Orsatti, in tribute to Pat and in thanksgiving for the care of
our community of faith, a new ministry of music for children is being explored. The vision embraces
our Lutheran heritage. Martin Luther thought music was a gift second only to theology. A Worship
committee task force, chaired by John Kjoller, is working on implementing the following vision:
to establish a ministry of music for school age children (K-12) of the congregation and of the
neighboring communities. The focus will be on experiencing community in Christ through learning
and appreciating music. On Sunday morning, Dec. 4, Cindy Null, member of the task force and
professional teacher of music, will be introducing instruments to our children in Sunday school.
Transition Team continues
+ While the call committee is nearing completion of its work, the transition team which has been together for a year now, will be continuing into the next year. They will serve as a support for assisting in the congregation’s transition as well as the new pastor. Helping to nurture a positive spirit in all the changes ahead, the transition team is chaired by Joe Speroni.
Fellowship & Reaching Out
“What a fellowship, What a Joy Divine, leaning on the everlasting arms” is an old favorite hymn.
Here at First Lutheran we pride ourselves in “what a fellowship” we provide. Almost always there is
an assortment of delicious home baked goods after both services. Tables fill with folks who visit with
each other and share the week’s happenings. This is good. However, since we are disciples first and
friends second…
+ Please mix up the groupings every so often and get to know others you may not know as well.
+ Look up from your tables and look for persons who may be new. Walk over and introduce your
self and hang with them a bit. It is kinder to accompany a person over to a table than to call them
over while you remain seated!
+ Look for tables where a person or two may be sitting alone. Usually it is a newer member or a
visitor. Please go and join them. Perhaps you can take a friend along with you, and make it a
party!
Cards of Love for Pastor Ahnquist
As a church family we face many things together. Similar to marriage vows, as a community of faith we face the joys and the sorrows and all that the years will bring.” We are saddened to learn that Pastor Jonathan Ahnquist’s renal cancer has returned. As he and Jana navigate the paths of treatment, they will need our prayers, support and love. This is a good time for cards and notes which surely will boost their energy and healing in Christ.
Their address is: 16 Cardinal Road, Sandwich MA 02563
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CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE Thank you for keeping our committee in your prayers. Since our last update we have heard our two pastoral candidates preach-one on November 6 and the other
on November 13. Each of them participated in the liturgy, did the Children’s Sermon and preached the Sermon. After each service, the committee met with each one, had lunch and
answered any unanswered questions. On Tuesday, November 15, the committee met. We reviewed our experiences with each pastor since our initial contact in September
and unanimously agreed to recommend our choice for our next pastor. We drafted a recommendation letter to the Church Council on November 16. A meeting is planned with the Church Council to request their endorsement of this
candidate. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we move to select our new pastor.
In His Service, The Call Committee
Pastor’s Class: “Didn’t Grow Up Lutheran?”
Didn’t grow up Lutheran and want to know more about what we believe? Perhaps
you grew up Methodist, Roman Catholic, Covenant, Congregational, Jewish,
Episcopalian, or with no church experience at all. Perhaps you have been here for
years, but still feel like a loggerhead stranded on Sandy Neck beach. Perhaps you
joined recently or are thinking about joining. Let’s get together.
CLUES: In the library with the Catechism by the Pastor
Last class: Sunday, Dec. 4th between services, 9:45 – 10:30
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Thursday, December 1st - 7:00-8:30 pm Fellowship Hall
Desmond Tutu, a leader world renown for his own witness to forgiveness, and his daughter Mpho, who has her doctorate on the subject, have written a book together, The Book of Forgiving. In their “fourfold path to forgiveness” they explain why and how we forgive. Many stories are shared. Without forgiveness, they say “we remain tethered to the person who harmed us.” In essence, “forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves.”
I find it especially challenging in our terror- threatened world today to think that there is nothing that cannot be forgiven. Really? Nothing? Given the atrocities that happen around us every day, how can this be true? And yet, the Bible teaches us to forgive “seven times seventy.” Let’s learn together. If you don’t have a chance to read the book first, come anyway!
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First Lutheran Church
Staff
Intentional Interim Pastor Jane O’Hara Shields
John Read, Director of Music Ministry
Kristi Tamash, Parish Administrator
Katri Mullaly,
Children, Youth & Family Coordinator
Nancy Clifford, Parish Nurse
Council
Albert Grorud, President
Mark Nelson, Vice President
Ed Wirtanen, Secretary
Gail Anderson
Christa Burgin
Elaine Graybill
Kristen Lind
Dave Norlach
Anastaci Pacella
Karen Riesterer
Walter Sargent
Joe Speroni
Craig Tamash, Treasurer
Worship 8:30 & 11:00 AM
Bible Study Women’s Bible Study Tuesday Evenings 7:15 Wednesdays 9:30AM Women’s Bible Study Thursdays 9:00 AM
Office Hours
Monday-Friday 8:30-4:00
www.flccapecod.org New! See Sunday services under podcast
(posted on Monday)
Altar Flowers
December 2016
Dec. 4 Katri Mullaly
Dec. 11 Roger & Tracy Aalto
Dec. 18 Tom & Lynn D’Esmond
Dec. 25 Poinsettias
The 2017 Flower Chart has been posted!
Each arrangement costs $35
Please call the office and inform the staff what you would like printed in the bulletin in recognition of your offering. You may either take the flowers after Sunday services or donate them. Thank You!
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Worship Assistants: If you are unable to serve try to “switch” with someone for another date. Thanks.
8:30 11:00
December 4
Announcement Gary Prahm Mark Nelson
Communion: Deb Krau & Carole Swartz Dave Reid & Rita Wahlstedt
Lector Rebeca Nystrom Ruth-Anne O’Gorman
Ushers: Craig Tamash & Joe Speroni Al Lind & Mark Nelson
Greeters: Walter & Bonnie Sargent Bob & Diane Glaser
Prevention (BIC Cards) Paul & Nancy Rago Nettie Johnson & Kris Chalke
December 11
Announcements: Janet Mohre Kris Chalke
Communion: Diane Ross & Karen Spangler Kristen Lind & Mary Lee Huettner
Lectors: Chip Schild Jana Stein
Ushers: Sean & Amy Riley Karl & Ursula Soberger
Greeters: Chip & Lou Schild Wilfried & Karen Riesterer
Prevention (BIC Cards) Mike & Elizabeth Bothner Ray & Kim Yox
December 18
Announcements: Karen Spangler Rita Wahlstedt
Communion: Joe & Kathy Speroni John & Elizabeth Kjoller
Lectors: Richard Bahman Karen Slepchuk
Ushers: Lois White & Gary Prahm Edye Nesmith & Lucy Prothero
Greeters: Peter & Karen Carnes Dennis & Carol Albrecht
Prevention (BIC Cards) Richard & Susan Bahman Dave & Claire Reid
December 24th 7:30 11:00
Communion: Barbara Hartshorn & Carole Swartz Jana Stein
Lectors: Paul Rago Joanna O’Gorman
Ushers: Dave & Shirley Norlach Deb Krau & Dave Reid
Greeters: Edye Nesmith & Lucy Prothero O’Gorman family
Please note: Katri will schedule the acolytes.
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Worship Assistants
If you are unable to serve try to “switch” with someone for another date. Thanks.
December 25 11:00 AM January 1st 11:00 AM
Announcements: **** Dave Norlach
Communion: Barbara Hartshorn Diane Ross & Carol Guinette
Lectors: Karen Oman Chip Schild
Ushers: Dave & Shirley Norlach Gary Prahm & Martin Hunt
Greeters: **** Al & Mavis Grorud
Prevention (BIC Cards) **** Diane Ross & Maddie Borglund
Please note: Katri will schedule the acolytes.
Carols? During Advent?!
Absolutely. Once Thanksgiving is over, many can't wait to start singing their favorite Christmas carols in church. I can understand that these beloved songs get people in the spirit. Yet our hymnals have long featured a generous array of Advent hymns which stress the anticipation of the Christ child's arrival and his mother Mary's agreement to make this miracle happen. A few hymns such as Charles Wesley's soaring "Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending" were actually written about the End Times, but the anticipation theme is so similar to that of Advent that they are included in that particular section of hymnals.
And guess what: Advent hymns are considered Advent carols. Churches large and small present special services of "Advent lessons and carols" to honor this important season in the Christian year. Contrast this practice with the secular year, as "Deck The Halls" blares over retail Muzak systems before the Halloween candy corns have had a chance to go stale.
Christmas carols are wonderful. I look forward to playing them with you. I simply beg your indulgence in not "opening" them until Christmas. Many great carols...like other good things...come to those who wait. Let us appreciate and immerse ourselves in the beautiful Advent repertoire that celebrates our waiting for the Holy Child.
John Read, Director of Music Ministry
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Tue Thu Fri Sat
1
2
3
4
5
Knitters 9:00 am
6
Worship 8:30 & 11:00
Education for all 9:45-10:45
Confirmation class 12:30-1:30
7 AA 7:30 PM
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Stretch class 10:30
9
Bible Study 9:45 AM
Quilting 1:00 PM
Choir 7:15 PM
10
WOW Women of the Word Bible study 9:00 AM
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12
Day of Hospitality 11:30-2:30 PM
13
Worship 8:30 & 11:00
Education for all 9:45-10:45
14 Columbus Day Offices closed AA 7:30 PM
15
Stretch class 10:30
Worship 7:15 PM Finance 7:30 PM
16
Bible Study 9:45 AM
Quilting 1:00 PM Choir 7:15 PM
17 WOW Women of the Word Bible study 9:00
Outreach 5:30 PM
Council 7:15 PM
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Finnish Americans 11:30-2:30 November Epistle deadline
20 Worship 8:30 & 11:00 Education for all 9:45-10:45
21 AA 7:30 PM
22
Stretch class 10:30
Women’s Bible study 7:15 PM
23
Bible Study 9:45 AM
Quilting 1:00 PM Choir 7:15 PM
24
WOW Women of the Word Bible study 9:00
NOAH dinner served
25
26 Rehearsal for Confirmands 8:30 am
27 Worship 8:30 & 11:00
Education 9:45
Confirmation 11:00 service
28
AA 7:30 PM
29 Stretch class 10:30
Women’s Bible study 7:15 PM
30 Bible Study 9:45 AM
Quilting 1:00 PM
Choir 7:15 PM
December Calendar of Events
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Tue Thu Fri Sat
1 WOW Women of the Word Bible study 9:00 AM 7:00-8:30 Forgive & Forget
2
3 Staff meeting 9:00 am Knitters 9:00 am
4 Worship 8:30 & 11:00
Education for all 9:45-10:45
5 AA 7:30 PM
6
Chair Yoga class 10:30
Bible Study 7:15 PM
Finance 7:30 PM
7
Bible Study 9:30 AM
Quilting 1:00 PM
Choir 7:15 PM
8
WOW Women of the Word Bible study 9:00 AM Outreach 5:30 PM
Council 7:15 PM
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10
Day of Hospitality 11:30-2:30 PM
11
Worship 8:30 & 11:00
Education for all 9:45-10:45
St. Lucia Pageant 4:00 pm Swedish Meal follows
12 AA 7:30 PM
13
Chair Yoga class 10:30
Worship 7:00 PM
Women’s Bible study 7:15 PM
Girl Scouts 5:30-6:30
14
Bible Study 9:30 AM
Quilting 1:00 PM
Choir 7:15 PM
15 WOW Women of the Word Bible study 9:00
16
17
18 Worship 8:30 & 11:00
Christmas Carol Sing-a-long 9:45-10:45
19 AA 7:30 PM
20
Chair Yoga class 10:30
Women’s Bible study 7:15 PM
21
Bible Study 9:30 AM
Choir 7:15 PM
22
NOAH dinner served at 4:00 pm
23
24 Christmas Eve Services: 5:00 7:30 11:00
25
Christmas Day Service:
11:00 am
26
AA 7:30 PM
27
28
29 30 31
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MMMMMMMMM Mon Tue Thu Fri Saturday
1 Keegan Riley Nancy Titcomb
2
Robert Catalini & Colette Huwyler ♥ #27
3 Cameron Mendes Sean Riley
Frank & Evelyn Morris ♥ #67
4 Gene Freyberger Phil Vinton
5 David Oman
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Aimee Garthee Emily Hemmila
7
Nettie Johnson Robert Johnson
8
Kyle Lemelin Lucy Prothero
9
Matthew Garthee
10 Brayden Carlson David Conrardy Kaeli Surrette
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12
David & Michelle Melby ♥ #8
13
Roger & Tracy Aalto ♥ #19
14 Rebecca Hill
15
Ray Berlin Edythe Nesmith
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17 Cathy Bumstead
18 Cheryl Dawes Jeff Speroni
19 Stuart Bracken Raquel Ellis Helmi Viliesis
20
21 Kerstin Surrette
22 Colton Bergal Jessica Francis Sonja Guyer Lisa Longvall
23 Aaron O’Gorman
Floyd & Carolyn McIntyre ♥ #39
24
25
26
Hannah Mendes Tom Pate Linda Stebbins
27 Arne Ojala
John & Elizabeth Kjoller ♥ #57
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29 Carol Albrecht Pam Lemelin Sam Speroni
Al & Mavis Grorud ♥ #52
30 Mary Bliudnikas
Dave & Rosie Koonce ♥ #50
31 Carl Swanson Lois White
December Birthdays & Anniversaries
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
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Christmas Eve Services: Saturday, December 24
Family Service 5:00 PM
Christmas Vespers 7:30 & 11:00 PM
(Holy Communion at 7: 30 & 11:00 PM)
Christmas Day Service: Sunday, December 25
11:00 am
New Year’s Day Service: Sunday, January 1, 2017
One Worship service at 11:00 AM
Congregational Meeting! Sunday, February 5th
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Katri Mullaly, Children, Youth & Family Coordinator
It's December and my mind is going 100 miles an hour! I was grateful to be at Calumet for a Women's Retreat this past weekend which really helped to calm my thoughts a bit. I was reminded that sometimes in order to hear God, there needs to be more silence. While December can be a difficult month to find more silence, I am excited for Santa Lucia and our Family Worship Service at 5 pm where silence is an integral component! Another thing that has been on my mind is the song - "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas, only a hippopotamus will do!" You probably have heard this song once or twice in your life. Recently it has been part of a television advertisement for the US Postal Service and it has been stuck in my head! It is a silly song and reminds me of some of the crazy things children (and some adults) ask for at Christmastime!
So amidst all of these various, disconnected thoughts, I have been working diligently to organize our upcoming events to make sure we have volunteers to assist and children and families to participate.
We are looking good with the majority of the events. However, the one area where we need additional assistance is with filling the acolytes, and torch and crucifix bearer roles in our worship services. We have many open spots available. The only age requirement is Grade 3 and older. Hopefully you read the FLC News email sent to all members. I strongly encourage you to consider filling one of these roles during this important holiday season. Please let myself or Kris Tamash know when you can assist.
Our December calendar looks like this:
November 27 - Advent wreaths and activities
December 10 - Christmas Caroling (email was sent with details)
December 11 - Santa Lucia at 4 pm and Meatball Dinner immediately following
December 18 - Christmas Carols during Education Hour
December 24 - Family Worship Service at 5 pm. The Christmas Message will be delivered in an interactive fashion complete with a "A Rocket Ride to the Past"
I look forward to seeing you at church and Sunday School! Now, where did I leave my hippo...I mean, my glasses!
With Christmas blessings,
Katri
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Affirmation of Baptism: October 23, 2016
(L-R) Kerstin Surrette, Keegan Riley, Benjamin Ellis, Nathan Zylich, Pastor Jane O’Hara Shields, Cullem Shaughnessy, David Oman & Liisa Aalto
Thanks to Pam Anderson
for baking & decorating
the beautiful cake!
“
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Yes, it is that time again! Our annual Santa Lucia Festival is right around the corner - Dec. 11!
I have posted the sign-up sheets on the bulletin board by the Education Office, just outside the Fellowship Hall. Please sign up as soon as possible. You can also email me the role that your child(ren) would like to have this year. If your child has a friend who would like to be part of the Festival they are certainly welcome to join us, as long as their parents can attend the program too. Once your child is signed up I will send you the details on their role, what they need to wear, and what time they will need to be at church on Dec 11.
We are also accepting adult volunteers to help with set up for and assisting with the meatball dinner afterwards. That sign up sheet is on the bulletin board as well.
Here is a quick review of the various parts:
Lucia and her Court - This year, Ellen Dallaire, will be Lucia. All high school girls are invited to be part of the court so please let me know if your daughter is able to participate! As part of the Court, the girls also help with serving the meatball dinner.
Narrator - We are looking for 2-3 narrators who read the history and various parts of the story at the lectern.
Grandchildren - Talks with the grandmother about Santa Lucia, reading from the large book over the grandmother's shoulder. We are looking for 2-3 grandchildren. Pam Anderson has offered to be the grandmother again.
International Children - They sit on the floor in front throughout the program, listening to the story. Children can be dressed in ethnic costumes and if they have an American doll they can bring that as well or a stuffed animal. We can have many international children - girls and boys!
Star Boys - Dressed in white, these children stand by the altar during the program. We are looking for 2 star boys.
Bakers - Dressed as bakers, these children bring bread with them and stand in front of the Star Boys. We are looking for 4-5 bakers, girls and boys.
Tomte Leaders - These 2 children help the Tomtes pass out candy to the guests and then sit with the International Children.
Tomtes - Younger children who are dressed all in red and dance around passing out candy to the guests. Then they sit with the International Children.
As always, please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you, Katri
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Announcement of Call Committee Recommendation
At services on Sunday, November 20th, the Call committee announced that on the previous Tuesday it
had unanimously agreed on the recommendation of a candidate to be the next pastor at First Lutheran.
This recommendation was immediately sent to the council president and on November 17th, meeting in
special session, with the Call committee, the church council unanimously voted to endorse and adopt
the Call committee’s recommendation.
As a result, a committee has been formed to work with the council to develop a compensation package.
Once this package is approved by the council, it will be shared with the candidate and the candidate will
be invited to meet with the entire council. Following this meeting, the council will vote on the candidate.
Assuming at least a two thirds positive response, the council will then call for a special congregational
meeting to vote on the candidate.
As required by the constitution, two weeks’ notice of a special meeting must be given before this meeting
can occur. The Saturday prior to this meeting, a reception, to be held at church, at which the entire
congregation will be invited to meet with the candidate. On the Sunday of the meeting we will have one
service, at which the candidate will officiate, and immediately following the congregational meeting will
be held.
This meeting will be chaired by a representative of the synod, and only two motions will be considered. First, following comments by and questions of the candidate, the candidate will be excused and a vote by the congregation will be held to accept the candidate. This vote will be by paper ballot, and requires at least a two thirds favorable response to accept the candidate as our new pastor. Second, assuming a favorable response, a second vote will take place to approve a compensation package for the new pastor. This vote can be by a show of hands, and only a simple majority is required for approval. Following this meeting, the official call will be issued to the candidate.
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the members of First Lutheran for all the prayers and messag-es that you sent to me during my recent bouts of surgeries. They were certainly no fun, but getting your cards and knowing that I was held in your prayers lifted me up and made those times that seemed intolerable, tolerable. I feel truly blessed to be part of this great congregation. Al Grorud
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Let’s Go Caroling and Spread Some
Christmas Cheer!!!!!!
Join Us!
Saturday December 10th
1-2:00 at Mayflower Assisted Living
579 Buck Island Road West Yarmouth
(singing in their theatre)
3-3:45 at Thirwood Place
237 North Main Street South Yarmouth
(singing in the Main Lobby)
Please RSVP to Karin Krafton
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Adult Forum Schedule
December 4th JOHN the BAPTIST-Pastor Ken Rutherford
December 11th THE JEWISH MEAL-Pastor Russ Norris
December 18th THE INCARNATION-Pastor Dennis Albrecht
December 25th Christmas-no class
January 1st No class-New Year’s Day
January 8th Pontoon Boat-Garrison Keillor
All are welcome to attend adult forum. We meet in the double classroom #10 & #11 from 9:45-10:45.
CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDER FORM If you would like to order a poinsettia to decorate our altar for Christmas, please complete this form and place it in the offering plate or mail it to the
church office together with your check. Poinsettia $12.00
Check one: □Memory of: □Honor of:
__________________________________________
Given by: ________________________________________________________
___I will pick up after services ____ Amount Enclosed
___Distribute to shut-ins
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Lessons
December 4 2 Advent
Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12
December 11 3 Advent Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalm 146:5-10 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11
December 18 4 Advent Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7; 17-19 Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25
December 25 Christmas
Isaiah 62:6-12 Psalm 97 Titus 3:4-7 Luke 2:(1-7) 8-20
NOAH DINNER
Thursday, December 22nd
Meatloaf
Baked potatoes
Gravy
Canned green beans
Cookies
Please being your food donation to the
kitchen by 4:00 pm on Dec. 22.
Each contribution should feed 10 people.
Please use disposable containers.
Council Minutes
Once approved, the council
meeting minutes will be
posted on the bulletin board
in the main hallway.
If you wish to receive the
minutes via email please
contact the church office.
Pastoral Acts
Memorial Service:
Toshiko Maguire
10/25/2016
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Consecration Sunday November 13, 2016
Holy Wholly Stewardship -
Thank you for a joyous celebration of our
ministry together at First
In case you missed it..... What a Holy Wholly Day it was
at FLC!!! Celebrating ministry, stewardship and servant
events were the hallmarks of a very Holy Wholly Stewardship Sunday. Worship services included a
litany based on 1Corinthians 12:12-20 “Many Parts, One Body”, which featured brief presentations
by each ministry team. From Bible Studies, to Christian Education, to Quilters, to the Property
team, all were represented and helped emulate our understanding of St. Paul’s message of unity.
Later in worship at the offering, each ministry brought forward a symbol of their groups work, re-
ceived by Sunday School children and presented to Interim Pastor Jane Shields to be arranged
on the quilt covered altar. It made for a meaningful colorful depiction of the ways God is at work
at First. Added to the collection was a bucket of donated shoes that were part of the servant event
held after worship to benefit Soles4Souls. An adding machine, coffee, a grocery bag, screwdriver
and fabric were among the symbols together with the commitment cards and offering that were all
blessed with a Consecration prayer spoken in unison by the congregation.
Rounding out the day and completing the Holy Wholly Stewardship experience, three servant
events were held. One was the organizing and packing of over 200 pairs of shoes to prepare them
for shipment to the Soles4Souls distribution center. Soles4Soles is a non profit organization whose
mission is “Wearing out Poverty” by collecting gently used shoes from churches, agencies etc to be
distributed to underdeveloped areas of the world.
The other servant events included yard work at the home of a member in need of help, and a
1500 piece mailing project to support the ministry of the Cape Cod Council of Churches. God’s
Work our Hands in action on Cape Cod!
Stewardship came alive on November 13th
in West Barnstable in new and different ways this
year. Thank you to EVERYONE who participated in every HOLY WHOLLY way. The abun-
dance of shoes, the donations for shipping costs, the hands at work, the generous commit-
ment of gifts for 2017 and the participation of so many in our ministry celebration in worship
all represent how amazing God’s work is at First. The Stewardship team sends their deep
appreciation for the support of our work as God’s people in mission on Cape Cod. Holy
Wholly Stewardship expressed the meaning of ‘As it is, there are many parts, but one body.”
1 Corinthians 12:20 providing a Stewardship message of generous , prayerful giving to the
Glory of God.
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WELCA -- Dreaming of a White Christmas Join WELCA at the Falmouth Highfield Theater for the Cape Cod premier of White Christmas. Based
on the beloved, timeless film, this musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs. You know the story -- two WWII veterans and a duo of beautiful sisters sing and dance their way to a
Vermont lodge, culminating in the Christmas show to beat all Christmas shows. Tickets are lim-ited! Sign up at the bulletin board if you’d like to attend.
Sunday, December 18, at 4pm ** Tickets: $20 each
St. Lucia Pageant: Dec. 11th at 4:00 pm
Swedish meatball meal follows the pageant. Admission, if able, a non perishable food item for
The Hands of Hope Food Pantry. Please sign up for the meal on the
bulletin board in the main hallway. Adults: $10.00 Under age 5: $5.00
Family price maximum: $30.00
In Celebration of Epiphany
Scandinavian Smorgasbord Dinner
Saturday, January 7th 5:00
Cost: $25.00
Reservations are recommended
Sunday, Dec. 4th
Cindy Null, member of the task force for music ministry, will meet with Sunday School youth to try out instruments! All will meet in the
Sanctuary at 9:45 am.
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First Lutheran Church
1663 Main Street
PO Box 157
W. Barnstable, MA 02668
www.flccapecod.org
508-362-3161
Pastor Jane O’Hara Shields
Intentional Interim
John Read,
Director of Music Ministry
Kris Tamash
Parish Administrator
Katri Mullaly
Children, Youth & Family
Coordinator
Mike Gayton, Sexton
God’s Work Our Hands
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH
PO Box 157
West Barnstable, MA 02668
PLACE STAMP HERE
