HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Trinity Topicso.b5z.net/i/u/6037801/f/TrinityTopicsDec2015.pdfYour...
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1 December 2015 Trinity Topics HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH www.sancarloshtlc.org From Interim Pastor Lori My mother, who long ago retired from hosting holidays at her house, recently delighted my siblings and me when she announced that this year for Christmas she wants to make some of the goodies that used to smother the dining room table each Dec. 24 back when all eight of us were still at home: the gooey fudge ring and butterscotch fudge squares, sticky divinity, delicate almond crescent cookies, Chex party mix (from scratch, with Worcestershire Sauce), sour cream herring (from a jar), fondue with bread cubes, home-made eggnog and fizzy punch. As children, we knew that when Mom started organizing her recipes, sifting flour, chopping nuts and stashing treats in the freezer, it was a sure sign of the advent – the coming – of a much-anticipated celebration. Our texts for Advent point to the signs of the much-anticipated Coming One. But the church season of Advent is never just about awaiting the birth of a baby. It is, as one writer put it, “a time to consider God’s coming in every way and time possible: in a meal, by a word, as a light, in the assembly gathered, as a complete surprise, following a long wait, suddenly, or as a child.” God’s coming changes the landscape; the hills are brought low and the valleys are raised up. The Coming One – as a young, soon-to-be mother once sang – would “scatter the proud in the thoughts of their hearts” and “fill the hungry with good things.” (Luke 1) Is this good news to the proud as well as to the hungry? Will we take time from the Great American Christmas Shopping Madness to contemplate “coming”? To wonder what it means for the lives of those who are poor and those who are not, and those who are welcomed and those who are not? To wonder what it means for our lives and the lives of homebound seniors and the lives of anyone we would label as the enemy? This year in our midweek Advent prayer services we will follow the example of that young, soon-to-be mother who contemplated a much-anticipated yet surprising coming. You are invited to come and sing Holden Evening Prayer at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 in the sanctuary. May we make time to be still and know that God is always coming, changing the landscape in a meal, by a word, as a child... Pr. Lori Eickmann
Transcript of HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH Trinity Topicso.b5z.net/i/u/6037801/f/TrinityTopicsDec2015.pdfYour...
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December 2015
Trinity TopicsH O L Y T R I N I T Y L U T H E R A N C H U R C H
www.sancarloshtlc.org
From Interim Pastor Lori
My mother, who long ago retired from hosting holidays at her house, recently delighted my siblings and me when she announced that this year for Christmas she wants to make
some of the goodies that used to smother the dining room table each Dec. 24 back when all eight of us were still at home: the gooey fudge ring and butterscotch fudge
squares, sticky divinity, delicate almond crescent cookies, Chex party mix (from scratch,
with Worcestershire Sauce), sour cream herring (from a jar), fondue with bread cubes, home-made eggnog and fizzy punch. As children, we knew that when Mom started
organizing her recipes, sifting flour, chopping nuts and stashing treats in the freezer, it was a sure sign of the advent – the coming – of a much-anticipated celebration.
Our texts for Advent point to the signs of the much-anticipated Coming One. But the church season of
Advent is never just about awaiting the birth of a baby. It is, as one writer put it, “a time to consider God’s coming in every way and time possible: in a meal, by a word, as a light, in the assembly gathered, as a
complete surprise, following a long wait, suddenly, or as a child.” God’s coming changes the landscape; the hills are brought low and the valleys are raised up. The
Coming One – as a young, soon-to-be mother once sang – would “scatter the proud in the thoughts of their
hearts” and “fill the hungry with good things.” (Luke 1) Is this good news to the proud as well as to the hungry? Will we take time from the Great American
Christmas Shopping Madness to contemplate “coming”? To wonder what it means for the lives of those who are poor and those who are not, and those who are welcomed and those who are not? To wonder what it
means for our lives and the lives of homebound seniors and the lives of anyone we would label as the
enemy? This year in our midweek Advent prayer services we will follow the example of that young, soon-to-be
mother who contemplated a much-anticipated yet surprising coming. You are invited to come and sing Holden Evening Prayer at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2, 9, 16 and 23 in the sanctuary. May we make time to be still and
know that God is always coming, changing the landscape in a meal, by a word, as a child...
Pr. Lori Eickmann
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H O L Y T R I N I T Y F A C I L I T I E SH O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F EF A C I L I T I E S U P D A T EH O L Y T R I N I T Y H A P P E N I N G S
Celebrate Advent and Christmas
at HTLC
The Sundays of AdventNovember 29, December 6, 13 & 20
10:15 a.m. Holy Communion Service with Children’s Time & the Lighting of the Advent Wreath
Wednesdays, December 2, 9, 16 & 237:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer
Sunday, December 135:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Pageant
The Nativity Our Lord
Christmas Eve, December 247:00 p.m. Candlelight Eucharist
The First Sunday of Christmas, December 2710:15 a.m. Service of Lessons and Carols
“Double Take! a Christmas Pageant
as told by Matthew and Luke”
Sunday, December 13 at 5pmwith potluck to follow
RehearsalsSunday, Nov 22, Nov 29 & Dec 6 at 9am
in Beilstein Hall
Dress RehearsalSaturday, December 12 at 2pm
in the Sanctuary
Christmas Caroling | 1:00 pm We invite all voices to join for Christmas caroling on Laurel Street. We also need musicians to accompany us. This is a great way to share the Christmas spirit and have fun with others from Holy Trinity. Meet at 1 pm in the BofA parking lot (760 Laurel). All are welcome--no musical talent required.
Questions: contact Gary Wiessinger [email protected])
Saturday, December 5
Order Christmas Poinsettias
Continuing a tradition at Holy Trinity, we will beautify our sanctuary at Christmas time with poinsettias in celebration of Christ’s birth. The cost is $20.00 each.
Simply fill out the form on the table in the Narthex, place with your payment in the offering plate or turn in to the church office. Make your check payable to Holy Trinity and note “poinsettias” on the memo line. Please have orders in by December 13th.
Your gracious donation for a loved ones will enhance our worship throughout the Christmas season. Thank you.
Thank you to the Stewardship committee:
Peter Meier (chair), Barbara Richards, John Schornstein and Mary Webb. Your heartfelt
stories reminded us that all we have is from God, it is plenty and is meant to be shared. Thanks especially to Mary for providing the hearty Celebration lunch, complete with rain-guage centerpieces!
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H O L Y T R I N I T Y M I N I S T R I E SH O L Y T R I N I T Y F A C I L I T I E SH O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F EF A C I L I T I E S U P D A T EH O L Y T R I N I T Y H A P P E N I N G SH O L Y T R I N I T Y E V E N T SH O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F EH O L Y T R I N I T Y M I N I S T R I E SD E C E M B E R C A L E N D A R SW I D E N I N G O U R W E L C O M E ( W O W )H O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F E
Family Sharing
Holy Trinity is adopting 4 families during this Christmas season. We have 15 children, 5 adults and one senior. Please sign up for a member of the family. We have all the names and wishes on a tree on the bulletin board. All gifts need to be at church by Sunday, Dec 20th, wrapped and labeled. If you want to purchase a gift card for the family that is an option as well. Just grab the appropriate gift card “wish” from the bulletin board.
Any questions? Please email [email protected] or call 218-2831.
H O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F EH O L Y T R I N I T Y M I N I S T R I E SH O L Y T R I N I T Y M I N I S T R I E S
Room at the Inn…
What a blessing it was to welcome the Home and Hope families – and gaive thanks for the
safe birth of baby Fredy, who was born the day his family was to join the others in Beilstein
Hall. In this season of Advent, and with Syrian and other refugees looking for shelter from violence worldwide, we can’t help but think of the Christ child, and the hope that Emmanuel – which means, God with us – brings.
While the families were with us, the church council approved the use of the parsonage as transitional housing for two of the families, who moved in on Nov. 22 for about two months so they can continue to save money
toward getting into their own housing. (see related article, pg. 4) Thanks to John Schornstein, Barbara Padilla and Bob Beuthel for all their efforts in partnering with Home and Hope on the transitional housing. They did an outstanding job in researching the issues and signing a contract.
And thank you to everyone who gave so much time, talent and treasure to help make the Home and Hope families’ stay as comfortable as possible. Christ’s welcome is ever widened through you:
John and Karen Schornstein Greg and Pamela Bohlmann Nancy Lewis Bobby and Heather Rodgers Randy, Lori, Anna and Mackenzie Friedman Lisa Telfer Leroy and Barbara Padilla Gary and Hillary Wiessinger. Ralph and Gaby Knauth Bob and Diane Beuthel Dick Rescho Ruby Phillips
G Ray, Gail and Sydney Martin Amanda, Larry, Eli and Zoe Schrof Petra Gilmore Peter and Eloiza Meier John McDowell Bob Young Lance Webb Monica Cryan Pastor Lori The church council for approving the project The HTLC congregation for prayers – and anyone who may have donated money
Russian Correspondence - Fall 2015
Read the full Russian Missionary Newsletter on the HTLC website at “Words from Our Missionary”.
Bradn Buerkle is a Lutheran pastor serving through the Evangelical Lutheran Mission of Lower Saxony (ELM) in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Russia, in charge of education. He maintains relationships with partners (individuals and congregations) in the U.S. and Germany through his blog: www.russiancorrespondent.blogspot.com
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H O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F E
November Council Meeting:
• Pastor Lori highlighted the many activities taking place at Holy Trinity and gave thanks to the many individuals actively working for the mission of the church.
• President Friedman said Annual Reports are due to office by January 13. The report will be distributed on January 24 at the special budget meeting.
• Treasurer’s Report: o October receipts lower than expenses. Through October expenses exceed giving by approximately
$3,000.o Proposed 2016 budget reviewed and approved for vote at Annual Meeting.o Budget Committee recommended making a $100,000 payment against the loan – Council approved.
• Draft Welcome Statement reviewed; Council will approve in December for vote at Annual Congregation Meeting.
• Use of parsonage by Home & Hope: received a report detailing extensive research on a plan to partner with Home & Hope to use the parsonage to house two families transitioning from Home & Hope to independent living. Council approved the plan.
• Approved the annually required resolution detailing pastor’s salary/housing allowance for IRS purposes.• Approved Social Concerns recommendation for distribution of $16,000 in benevolence to twelve organizations.
Living Our FaithWith the parsonage vacant during Holy Trinity’s time of transition, members shared ideas as to how it might be used. One thought was to rent it, but then the question was raised, "What would Jesus do?" The focus shifted to seeing this as an opportunity to live our mission by serving others. The Council spent three months researching this opportunity, and subsequently recommended and approved establishing an expanded partnership with
Home & Hope.
Two families who have been part of the Home & Hope program and are nearing their tenure with the weekly program were
selected by Home & Hope to participate in this partnership. On Sunday, November 22, these two families moved into the parsonage supported by a Holy Trinity welcome team, staff from Home & Hope, and
assistance from the San Francisco Basket Brigade. The Basket Brigade worked with Home & Hope to stock the pantry and refrigerator with food. The Cabanas family, Alfonso, Noehmi
and Jimena (12) and the Harper family, Noah, Carrie and Janola (7) and Noah (5) are settling in to their new temporary home with weekly support continuing
from Home & Hope staff. The families currently have a two month lease for the parsonage which can be extended on a
month-to-month basis in consultation with Home & Hope. The goal is for the families to continue their saving program allowing them to transition to their own housing. If anyone knows of
affordable housing, please let any Council member know.
God has provided this opportunity for us to widen our welcome,
share God’s gifts, care for each other and live our faith. “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. … there is
no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” Gal. 3:26, 28
Michael, Donte and Gina Cooper help Noah, Noah Jr. and Janola move donated furniture into the parsonage. Gina is now Program Manager with Home & Hope and is a graduate of the Home & Hope program.
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H O L Y T R I N I T Y L I F E
Shirley Z. in her new home at Palo Alto Commons. Well wishes shared with Shirley from our HTLC youth and a housewarming gift from the Council.
Barbara Padilla and John Schornstein, Home & Hope organizers, give a sigh of relief that everything is setup and ready for the families arrival on November 15. Helpers were Bob Beuthel, Greg Bohlmann and Leroy Padilla.
Children’s sermon on Reformation Sunday.
Bob and Petra signed the $100,000 check to pay down the Spring Forth! loan.
Kibby Ruth giving a Safe Congregation refresher training course on November 15th.
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H O L Y T R I N I T Y E V E N T S
Lydia Circle (WELCA)
Tuesday, December 17| 12:15 pm | Elms in San Carlos
Our study for December - "Imagining, an Advent Lesson". It can be found on page 26 of the December issue of "Gather". As is our custom from years past we will be having our annual cookie exchange. Bring a couple dozen, home made but not necessary, so we can munch a bit and then take home a variety. We will be in Harriet Platt's suite, # 220, cozy but always room for a few more. First we lunch (bring a sandwich), then we munch (cookies this time) - tea is served, and then we explore our new Bible study for December so, do bring your Bibles. All ladies of Holy Trinity are most welcome!
& Book StudySaturday, December 12 8:00 am Beilstein Hall
ANNUAL REPORTS
Are due to the office by
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
SAVE THE DATE!
Ice Skating at Winter Lodge
Sunday, January 11th
3 - 5 pm
Pastor Lori’s Schedule at Holy Trinity
Pastor Lori’s contract with HTLC is 3/4 time. Generally, her office hours are 10 am - 2 pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, then home in the afternoons and Friday (and Saturday morning). On site Sunday. Monday is her
day off. This schedule is fluid to accommodate night meetings and other events. Please call for an appointment if you'd like to talk!
Happy BirthdayA birthday is God’s reminder to enjoy life.
May your birthday be a day of celebration!
2 Sandy Frojelin 5 Diane Beuthel
8 Ida Norgard
10 Stefan Reimann
13 Nicole Pitts
14 John McDowell
20 Arik Schoessow
22 Annika Fox Maya Rohrer
23 Eli Schrof
26 Tamara Bready
31 Karen Schornstein
Anniversary Wishes
Larry & Lillian Pogreba
12/28/1954(61 years)
Adult Forums are taking a break for Christmas.
They will resume January 10, 2016.
SAVE THE DATES! January 24
Budget Preview Meeting
January 31 Annual Congregational Meeting
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D E C E M B E R C A L E N D A R S
Worship Leaders
If a conflict prevents you from serving as scheduled, arrange a trade and/or substitute and notify the office at 650.593.0325 or [email protected]
Worship Leaders | November - December 2015
12/6 12/13 12/2012/24
Christmas Eve12/27
Organ/
PianoOrion Pitts Jeff Kabel Rachel Phillips Rachel Phillips
Stacy
Cullison
Assisting
MinisterLori Fiedman
Anita
ReimannCathy Bready
Pamela
Bohlmann
LectorDoug
Southard
Barbara
PadillaLisa Kersten open
AcolyteCameron
MartinZora Vorhes open
Eva
Schmuckal
Sound Sys
OperatorBob Beuthel
Greg
Bohlmann
Gary
WiessingerDave Pitts
Altar GuildVivian
Southard
Karen
Schornstein
Pamela
Bohlmann
Vivian
Southard
Greeter(s)Lynn Garbe-
RecknagelPeter Meier
Julianne
Fredericks
The
Wiessingers
Ushers
Dave Pitts
Richard
Wunderlich
Leroy Padilla
Greg
Bohlmann
John
Schornstein
TBD
Nursery
AssistantParent to Stay
Parent to
StayParent to Stay
Parent to
Stay
Coffee HostJulianne
FredericksFischer Reimann Knauth
CountersMary Webb
Chris Kidwell
Leroy Padilla
Mary Webb
Greg
Bohlmann
Andrea Reiser
Lisa Telfer
Lisa Kersten
Sig
n U
p in
bre
eze
wa
y
11/12/15
Eva Schmuckal
DECEMBER 2015
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
29FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT9:00 AM Christmas PageantRehearsal -- Beilstein Hall9:15 AM Adult Forum10:15 AM Worship Service11:15 AM Coffee andFellowship11:30 AM Choir Practice5:00 PM AA Meeting--ConfRoom
306:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
17:00 PM AAMeeting--BeilsteinHall7:30 PM Children,Youth, FamilyMinistry TeamMtg
27:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:00 PM HoldenEvening Prayer
39:15 AM Sr.Zumba--BeilsteinHall6:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
47:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:30 PM RussianGospel Temple--Beilstein Hall
51:00 PMChristmasCaroling5:00 PM AA Mtg(women's group)--Conf Room
6SECOND SUNDAY OFADVENT
9:00 AM Christmas PageantRehearsal -- Beilstein Hall10:15 AM Worship Service11:15 AM Coffee andFellowship11:30 AM Choir Practice5:00 PM AA Meeting--ConfRoom
76:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
87:00 PM AAMeeting--BeilsteinHall
97:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:00 PM HoldenEvening Prayer
109:15 AM Sr.Zumba--BeilsteinHall6:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
117:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:30 PM RussianGospel Temple--Beilstein Hall
128:00 AM Men'sBreakfast -Beilstein Hall12:00 PMChristmasPageant Set-up -Beilstein Hall2:00 PM PageantDress Rehearsal -Sanctuary5:00 PM AA Mtg(women's group)--Conf Room
13THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT8:00 AM Christmas PageantSet-up - Beilstein Hall10:15 AM Worship Service11:15 AM Coffee andFellowship11:30 AM Choir Practice5:00 PM AA Meeting--ConfRoom5:00 PM Christmas Pageant -Sanctuary6:00 PM Pageant Potluck -Beilstein Hall
146:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
1512:15 PM LydiaCircle5:00 PM CouncilMtg & Dinner -Beilstein7:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom
167:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:00 PM HoldenEvening Prayer
179:15 AM Sr.Zumba--BeilsteinHall6:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
187:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:30 PM RussianGospel Temple--Beilstein Hall
195:00 PM AA Mtg(women's group)--Conf Room
20FOURTH SUNDAY OFADVENT
10:15 AM Worship Service11:15 AM Coffee andFellowship11:30 AM Choir Practice5:00 PM AA Meeting--ConfRoom
216:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
227:00 PM AAMeeting--BeilsteinHall
237:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:00 PM HoldenEvening Prayer
24OFFICE CLOSED7:00 PMCandlelightEucharist Service
25CHRISTMAS7:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:30 PM RussianGospel Temple--Beilstein Hall
265:00 PM AA Mtg(women's group)--Conf Room
2710:15 AM Worship Service11:15 AM Coffee andFellowship11:30 AM Choir Practice5:00 PM AA Meeting--ConfRoom
286:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
297:00 PM AAMeeting--BeilsteinHall
307:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom
316:00 PMJazzercise--Beilstein Hall
1OFFICE CLOSED7:00 PM AAMeeting--ConfRoom7:30 PM RussianGospel Temple--Beilstein Hall
25:00 PM AA Mtg(women's group)--Conf Room
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Holy Trinity Lutheran Church149 Manzanita AvenueSan Carlos, CA 94070Phone: 650.593.0325Sunday Worship 10:15 am
Want to go green? Please contact Holy Trinity ([email protected]) to replace your printed copy with an electronic copy of our newsletter.
STAFF................................ ............................................Interim Pastor The Rev. Lori Eickmann Office Administrator Monica Cryan
[email protected] [email protected]....... ................................................................Dir, Child & Family Ministries The Rev. Erica Schemper Nursery Care Jo O’Brien
[email protected] obrien@sancarloshtlc.org.........................................Organist/Pianist Guest Organist
2015 COUNCIL OFFICERS & MINISTRY TEAM CHAIRS................................................... ..........................................................President Dr. Lori Friedman Worship & Music Erik Vorhes
[email protected] ...................................Evangelism & Outreach Gary Wiessinger........................ .............................................................Vice President …………..Dr. Anita Reimann Stewardship Rick Gilmore
........................................................... ...............Secretary Bob Beuthel Social Concerns Barbara Padilla & Hillary Wiessinger.............. .......................................................................Buildings & Grounds Bob Beuthel & Leroy Padilla Youth Lori Friedman
................................................................. ..................................................Congregation Life Financial Secretary Mary Webb................... ................................................................Endowment. Cathy Bready & John McDowell Treasurer Petra Gilmore
..........................Education/Sunday School Anita Reimann [email protected]
