St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church

The Handclasp

Growing Disciples for the 21st Century

DECEMBER 2018

Dear members and friends,

Advent marks the beginning of the new church year. What better way to start a new season on the liturgical calendar than to outline for you the themes of the four Sundays in Advent based on the lessons for each of these Sundays.

Below you will find a reprint of the summary on each week, taken from the Sundays and SeasonsELCA Resource and the lessons that correspond with each week, Read them before attending service on Sunday or read them if you cannot attend worship on any of the Sundays for Advent. Reading these lessons and the summary that corresponds with them is a way to more fully appreciate the though that went into the early chuch leaders creation of a liturgical year ( that begins with Advent.

ADVENT 1: Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to the spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “The coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints” Our Lord’s contemporaries hoped for the time “To stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly expect and await the coming days, another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of our Lord in word and supper.

Readings and Psalm for Advent 1:

Jeremiah 33: 14-16Psalm 25: 1-101 Thessalonians 3: 9-13Luke 21: 25-36

ADVENT 2In Advent week two we hear of our God. John the baptizer’s voice in the wilderness may be the principal focus for the day Malachi’s prophecy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gospel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the “salvation of God’.Readings and Psalm for Advent 2:

Malachi 3: 1-4Luke 1: 68-79Phillippians 1: 3-11Luke 3: 1-6

ADVENT 3

Advent week three we are reminded that the nearness of the Lord in prayer , in every circumstance, is cause for rejoicing. The coming of one “more powerful” than John, even with his winnowing fork in his hand, is good news- and cause for exultation- for us who are being saved. Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

Readings and Psalm for Advent 3:

Zephaniah 3: 14-20Isaiah 12: 2-6Philippians 4: 4-7Luke 3: 7-18

ADVENT 4

Cradle and cross are inextricably connected on the fourth Sunday of Advent. Between a lowly tribute to the little town of Bethlehem and the blessed virgin Mary’s magnificent song of praise, the letter to the Hebrews reminds us in no uncertain terms that Christ’s advent is for “the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Readings and Psalm for Advent 4

Micah 5: 2-5aLuke 1: 46b-55Psalm 80: 1-7Hebrews 10: 5-10Luke 1: 39-55

Join us for worship, Sundays, as well as the Advent Workshop and Christmas Eve services.

Yours In Christ,

Pastor C. Andrew Carr

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP

4:30 PM Special Music

5:00 PM Christmas Eve Communion Worship Service featuring Children’s Program and Praise Band

7:00PM Special Music (Choir, Handbells,Organ)

7:30 PM Traditional Candlelight Communion Worship Service

SUNDAY, December 30, 2018One Service 9:30AM

LESSONS AND CAROLS LED BY JAKE ZIEGLER

DECEMBER 16TH-ONE SERVICE On 12.16.18 there will be one unity service at 9:30 AM with budget 2019 approval and election of council members.

Author is licensed under

under CC BY-NC

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM THE STAFF OF ST. MARK’SPastor Andy Carr, Minister of Music: Jake Ziegler

Office Manager Nancy Klein Nursery: Corinne Sigai

GOOD NEWS AND THANK YOU!!!!

We have raised enough to pay for the replacement of 2 air conditioner units.

These funds were raised in several ways: ranging from allocations of interest from our Thrivent and Mission Investments funds, as well as spaghetti dinner, baseball game and generous individual contributions. All totalling $14,215.

YOUR NATIVITY IS NEEDED FOR HISTORY CABINET

For the Christmas season, in the history cabinet we would like to display family nativities. If you would like to exhibit yours during December, bring to Margy Ziegler

Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church: Unit: St. Mark’swill gather for eating and sharing Christmas Tide.

MJ’s Baking Co.Manchester

December 4, 201812 noon

Call church office for reservations

NEW MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY A new membership directory is available in the narthex of the church. One per household please.

NEW AT ST. MARK’SSome changes have been made to our worship space. As you enter the double doors of the sanctuary and begin to walk toward the center aisle, you will notice that a pew has been moved a few feet back against the wall. This was done to make room for the Baptismal font. In keeping with the tradition making the Baptismal font visible, you will be able to see the font as you enter the sanctuary. On Sunday morning (unless a baptism is scheduled) the cover to the font will be removed, and water will be in the font. You are invited to dip your finger into the font and with a drop of water make the sign of the cross on your forehead as a way to remember your baptism.

Theologically speaking, Baptism is the disciple's entrance into church membership also known as the Body of Christ. All baptized members and all Christian congregations make up the Body of Christ. So as Martin Luther stated many times and in many sermons and lectures…a disciple of Christ 1should remember daily that he or she was Baptized. What better way to remember your baptism on Sunday morning than to see the Baptismal font as you enter the sanctuary. Also, the padded kneeler has been placed near the baptismal font for individual members to use.

NEED PASTORAL CARE? Does the Pastor Know? Did the Call go through? Was the Text received?

If you need pastoral care please contact the church office (leave a message) or call/text Pastor Carr (410-596-7216). Because of privacy laws that went into effect several years ago hospi-tals will not call church offices to inform the pastor that a member of his or her congregation is hospi-talized. Pastor Carr would rather receive two or three calls or texts than not to be informed that a member is in need of a visit.

A MEN’S BREAKFAST is held on the first Saturday of the month at 8am at Spargos in Manchester. This Month the breakfast will be on December 1st. COME JOIN US!

Unknown Author

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

Unit: St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church WELCA Unit St.Mark’s for Bible Study

OPEN YOUR BIBLETO THE

Old TestamentTO THE

BOOK OF AMOS

The Bible Study Group will be studying the Book of Amos.Amos, the early Prophet, was a shepherd by trade, keeping sheep in Judah, but while preaching in Israel, denounced the injustice and cruelty of the kingdom of Israel. The Rev. C. Andrew Carr, Pastor, will guide and instruct the study.

The Bible Study Group will meet in the Church Social Room on Tuesday, January 15 th at 9 o’clock for a continental breakfast.

The Group will meet for Bible Study the third (3rd) Tuesday of the months. September 2018- June 2019. Weather permitting! The Group will not commence if the Carroll Co. Schools are closed.

Please read Chapters 3,4,5 of Amos.

The Lutheran Church Men are also invited to attend.Questions to Martha Hyson 443-508-2630

HISTORY Korner The History Committee gladly accepts donations of pictures or memorabilia pertaining to St. Mark’s. Please see Martha Hyson. Comments and inquiries invited.

Margy Ziegler, Susan Hines, and Martha Hyson History Committee

LIBRARY IN A BOX

REMEMBER YOUR READING!!Living Lutheran, the magazine,of the ELCA, is available in the Box at the bottom of the stairs. Pass them on when finished

AS YOU BEGIN MAKING YOUR CHRISTMAS LIST, please remember the 4 staff members at St. Mark’s who so willing give to us every day. See Pam Bamberger, Lois Miller or Ivy Storey to contribute to the staff gift.

Unknown Author is

MARRIAGE Amanda Bamberger and Andrew Sipe were married by Pastor Carr on November 10, 2018 in Lancaster Pa. We wish them God’s blessings as they begin their married life together.

1RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVEOCTOBER BLOOD DIVE RESULTS:.

Goal:                                21Registered:                    252RBCs:                             1           (Power Reds Donation)Deferrals:                        5QNS:                                 1           (Quantity Non-Sufficient)Collected:              20      Fiscal Year-To-Date (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019):      49

On behalf of the patients in our community please extend our thanks and appreciation to all those who donated. For each unit of blood collected, 3 lives can potentially be saved. Although we did not hit our goal, through the support of your donors and volunteers we were able to help save up to 60 lives. Your group has helped save up to 147 lives in this Fiscal Year. That is EX-CELLENT!!!

1NEXT BLOOD DRIVEMonday, December 3, 20181:30-7:00PMCALL 1 800 RED CROSS TO REGISTER

MEMORIALS AND GIFTSIn Memory of H. Robert “Bob” Ensminger

Louis and Martha SievertsPaul and Kathleen LexLee and Patricia Stansfield

In Memory of Marilyn Gill

Audrey, Kendall, Addy and Brian Eslinger

by Unknown

WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

December 29:00ContemporaryLector: Dave YarutaUshers: Tina Grube, Barb YarutaPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Margy ZieglerCommunion Assistant: Dana PippLector: Ivy StoreyUshers: Stuart and Judy HafeleBread and Wine: Martha HysonAltar Guild: Roberta and Debbie LindsayNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Ivy Storey, Robin Lewis

December 99:00ContemporaryLector: Karen MonUshers: Alicia Ridgley, Kassie McCormickPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Bonnie HareCommunion Assistant: Susan HinesLector: Jill HeeterUshers: Tom Heeter, Carl GeyerBread and Wine: Susan Hines, Debbie LindsayAltar Guild: Wilma HarmanNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamberger, Dave Yaruta

December 169:30 AM Unity Service and Congregational MeetingAssisting Minister:Cassie KleinCommunion Assistants: Martha Hyson, Pam BambergerLector: Cassie KleinUshers: Bob Scarpati, Susan HinesPower Point: Genie KlohrBread and Wine: Wilma and George HarmanAltar Guild: Ivy StoreyNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Tom Heeter, Carl Geyer

December 239:00ContemporaryLector: Susan MillerUshers: Jim and Jill MewhirterPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Pamela BambergerCommunion Assistant: Stephen BambergerLector: Stephen BambergerUshers: Lou Lang, Ken ZieglerBread and Wine: Margy Ziegler, Margy AyersAltar Guild: Brenda Covington, Susan HinesNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamberger, Dave Yaruta

December 24

Sign up sheets have been placed in the narthex. Please prayerfully consider volunteering for the service you attend.

December 309:00ContemporaryLector: Tina GrubeUshers: Tina Grube, Barb YarutaPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Lois MillerCommunion Assistant: Margy ZieglerLector: Ken ZieglerUshers: George HarmanBread and Wine: Ann and Wendall SislerAltar Guild: Wilma HarmanNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamberger, Dave YarutaOpening church in December: Jim Rink

January 6-Epiphany of Our Lord9:00ContemporaryLector: Tina GrubeUshers: Matt Rock, Andreas LundstedtPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Cassie KleinCommunion Assistant: George HarmanLector: Debbie LindsayUshers: Stuart and Judy HafeleBread and Wine: Debbie and Roberta LindsayAltar Guild: Brenda Covington, Susan HinesNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Ivy Storey, Lois Miller

January 13 Baptism of Our Lord9:00ContemporaryLector: Kurt SandbergUshers: Kaylin Rock, Alicia RidgleyPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Bonnie HareCommunion Assistant: Martha HysonLector: Bonnie HareUshers: Tom HeeterBread and Wine: Margy Ayers, Margy ZieglerAltar Guild: Ivy StoreyNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamberger, Dave Yaruta

January 20

9:00ContemporaryLector: Dave YarutaUshers: Barb Yaruta, Tina GrubePower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Lois MillerCommunion Assistant: Ivy StoreyLector: Lois MillerUshers: Bob Scarpati, Carl GeyerBread and Wine: Ann and Wendall SislerAltar Guild: Margy AyersNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Carl Geyer, Tom Heeter

January 279:00ContemporaryLector: Karen MonUshers: Jim and Jill MewhirterPower Point: Genie KlohrNursery: Corinne Sigai

10:45 TraditiionalAssisting Minister: Ivy StoreyCommunion Assistant: Margy ZieglerLector: Liz CharitonukUshers: George Harman, Ken ZieglerBread and Wine: Wilma and George HarmanAltar Guild: Greg and Stacy LittleNursery: Corinne SigaiCounting Team: Stephen Bamberger, Dave YarutaOpening church in January Jake Ziegler

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYSRebecca Steinbach 2Katherine Brewster 4Andrew Schlossenberg 4Ella Lee 4Marlene Berry 5Michelle Miller 5Jacob Little 6Olivia Steinbach 7Stephen Lyba, Sr. 7Zach Heeter 9Lindsay Myers 9Greg Myers 10Clara Lee 16Diana Hare 17Betty Murkey 22John Mandish 29Michael Sumner 30Andrew Smith 30 `

DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIESGod bless you as you celebrate your anniversary.

Bill and Stephanie Brewster 3

Dan and Karen Bowles 4 Pat and Bonnie Cornell 20

DECEMBER ALTAR FLOWERSDecember 2- In memory of our daughters, Ur-sula and Anita. Given by their parents Hella and George Groves.

December 9- to the Glory of God and in loving memory of our son in law Reg Bowers and other family members. Given by Susan Hines

December 16 open

December 23- In memory of our daughter Anita. Given by her parents Hella and George Groves.

December 30- open

SPONSORS ARE NEEDED FOR CHRIST-MAS WREATHS for the front doors of the church. The cost for each is $20 per wreath. Please sign the flower chart in the narthex hall-way. You may place your payment in the offer-ing or send to the church office.

Please call the church office with the wording to be used in the Christmas Eve bulletins.

Church doors 1,__________________________

2._________________________

3_________________________

_4._________________________

DECEMBER 2018 BULLETINSDecember 2 To the glory of God and in loving memory of E. Sterling and Mary R. Brown and Mary Alice Lare from the family

December 9 To the glory of God

December 16To the glory of God and in loving memory of Leah Audrey Peregoy, on the occasion of her birthday on December 17, from her daughter Hermine P. Saunders

December 23 To the glory of God

December 24 To the glory of God and in honor of “our beautiful daughters,” Amanda and Samantha, from Pamela and Stephen Bamberger

December 30 To the glory of God and in loving memory of Robert Gorsuch Murray, Bonnie’s father, from Patrick, Bonnie and Nicole Cornell

1The Poinsettia is a plant of the spurge family. The brilliant bracts contrast with the green leaves and make the poinsettia popular for decoration during the Christmas season. Red and white poinsettia plants for the sanctuary will be used this year of our Lord 2018

St. Mark’s invites you to honor or memorialize family or friends by contributing to poinsettias, Christmas decorations or The Festival Music Fund.

Please note the change in the order form and keep message for each person to one or two lines.

ABSOLUTE Deadline for ordering poinsettias is Monday, December 10 th NO FLOWER ORDERS WILL BE TAKEN AFTER THAT TIME.

*************************************************************ORDER FORM FOR CHRISTMAS 2018please print

RED POINSETTIAS: $11.00 each Quantity :______________ Amount Enclosed ______________Exact Wording for each:In memory of: __________________________________________________________ In memory of: ___________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________To the glory of God: _____________________________________________________

WHITE POINSETTIAS $ 11.00 each Quantity:_____________ Amount Enclosed______________Exact Wording for each:In memory of:.____________________________________________________________In memory of: ___________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________

To the glory of God: ______________________________________________________

DECORATIONSAny Amount Amount Enclosed _______

Exact Wording for each:In memory of:.____________________________________________________________In memory of: ___________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________To the glory of God: ______________________________________________________

FESTIVAL MUSIC FUNDAny Amount Amount Enclosed _______

Exact Wording for each:In memory of:.____________________________________________________________In memory of: ___________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________In honor of:_____________________________________________________________To the glory of God: ______________________________________________________

Given by: ______________________________________________________TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ _______________________________________________Please indicate:

( ) I will pick up poinsettias after late service Christmas Eve , OR collect on Sunday December 30, 2018( ) I will leave poinsettias for the sick and shut-in

Make checks payable to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

Church & Village: Partners in MinistryDecember 2018

Introducing Lutheran Social Ministries of MarylandCarroll Lutheran Village has reorganized its business structure after nearly 40 years of serving older adults in Carroll County and a 2016 expansion into Howard County. Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland, Inc. has been formed to serve as the parent company to Carroll Lutheran Village and The Lutheran Village at MILLER’S GRANT in Ellicott City. Day-to-day management will continue to be at the individual community level. Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland will provide management services and strategic vision, develop long-range strategic plans, forge relationships beneficial to both communities and promote operational efficiency for the entire organization.

CLV to Host Great DecisionsCarroll Lutheran Village will host Great Decisions – a discussion program on world affairs developed by the Foreign Policy Association. Participants read about each week’s topic and then join the weekly discussion group to watch a DVD and discuss the most critical global issues facing America today. This year’s topics include: Refugees and Global Migration; The Middle East: Regional Disorder; Nuclear Negotiations: Back to the Future?; The Rise of Populism in Europe; Decoding U.S.-China Trade; Cyber Conflicts and Geopolitics; The United States and Mexico: Partnership Tested; and State of the State Department and Diplomacy. Great Decisions will meet in Krug Chapel Auditorium on Thursdays from 1:30pm to 3pm January 17 through March 7. Cost is $40 per person or $60 per couple. Registration is required by December 28 so that course materials can be ordered. Please call at 443-605-1070 to register.

Village Corner Open HouseMark your calendars for The Village Corner Gift Shop Open House on Friday, November 30 from 12:30pm-3:30pm and Saturday, December 1 from 9am-3:30pm. Enjoy 10% off the entire store (except handmade items, candy and cards). Quilt Club handmade items, Quilt Raffle tickets, Creative Expressions, refreshments and live floral arrangements from The Cutting Garden will also be on hand. The Village Corner is open to the public – come see the unique gift items, jewelry and greeting cards. Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted. Gift shop proceeds benefit the Ministry of Caring Fund in support of Village residents.

Register Now for Winter Lifelong Learning Opportunities!Register now for the following Lifelong Learning opportunities. Courses are open to all older adults in the community. Come join us!

Chair Yoga – Fridays, January 4 to March 1 – 1pm-2pm or 2pm-3pm or Tuesdays, January 8 to February 26 – 2pm-3pm. Cost is $45 per adult.

Drawing and Painting Studio Class – Peter Edie from Carroll Community College instructs. Tuesdays, January 15 to March 5 from 1pm-3:30pm. Cost is $57 per adult.

Bone Builders Club: Are You Feeding Your Bones? – Barb Walsh from Carroll Hospital leads this osteoporosis/bone health presentation on Tuesday, January 29 at 1:30pm. No cost.

Please register for all courses in advance at registration@clvillage.org or 443-605-1070. Early registration is recommended.

◄ November December 2018 January ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat1 8:00am-Mens’ break-fast at Spargos

2 900 Gathering MusicContemporary worship following music10: Sunday School and Confirmation10:45 Traditional wor-ship

3

7:15 CONTEMPO-RARY BAND

4 12 noon women of ELCA lLuncheon

6:30 AA

5 6:00 CHANCEL CHOIR

6

6:30 Bell Choir

7 8

9 900 Gathering MusicContemporary worship following music10: Sunday School and Confirmation10:45 Traditional wor-ship

10

7:15 CONTEMPO-RARY BAND

11 6:30 AA

7:00 Property

12 6:00 CHANCEL CHOIR

12 noon NESAP

13

6:30 Bell Choir

14 15

16 9:30 AM Unity Service- congregational meeting

17

7:15 CONTEMPO-RARY BAND

18 6:30 AA

19 6:00 CHANCEL CHOIR

20

6:30 Bell Choir

21 22

23 900 Gathering MusicContemporary worship following music10: Sunday School and Confirmation10:45 Traditional wor-ship

24 4:30 Special Music

5:00 Christmas Eve Program with Children’s program

7:00 Special Music

7:30 Trad Can-dlelight com-munion wor-ship

25

MERRY CHRIST-MAS!

26 6:00 CHANCEL CHOIR

27

6:30 Bell Choir7:00 COUNCIL

28 29

◄ November December 2018 January ►

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat30 9:30 unity service Lessons and Carols

31

7:15 CONTEMPO-RARY BAND

THE HANDCLASP DECEMBER 2018 ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 1373 NORTH MAIN STREET HAMPSTEAD, MD 21074

410-374-6944E-MAIL ADDRESS FOR ST. MARK’S:

s tmarkshampstead@ comcast.net

web page address: stmarkshampstead.comMINISTERS: ALL THE PEOPLE OF ST. MARK’S

Pastor C. Andrew Carrpastorandycarr.stmarks@comcast.net

Minister of Music: Mr. Jake Ziegler Office Manager: Mrs. Nancy Klein Nursery: Mrs. Corinne Sigai COUNCIL

President: John CharitonukVice President: Tom HeeterSecretary: Lois Miller Treasurer: Steve CovingtonFinancial Secretary: Dave Yaruta

Pam Bamberger Jeff Miller, Jim Rink, John Clagett, Greg Little, Andreas Lundstedt, Barb Yaruta, Ivy Storey, Robin Lewis, Wendall Sisler, Margy Ziegler, Carl Geyer