Messiah Lutheran Church December ~ 2013

14920 Hutchison Rd. Tampa, Florida (North of Ehrlich) 33625-5507

Tammy Nunes, Office Administrator 961-2182 (Office) tnunes@messiahtampa.com 968-8895 (Office) Fax 961-0592

James R. Guelzow, Pastor 963-3419 (H) Abby Moss, Family Life Minister 1-734-678-5499 (C)

www.messiahtampa.com

Jody Schweichler, Preschool Director/Teacher 968-9534

Kim Capsas, Minister of Music/Organist 948-2767 Connie Sikkema, Migrant Ministry Director 968-6061

Worship:

8:30 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays) Christian Education:

9:45 AM Contemporary (Holy Communion 2nd, 4th and 5th Sundays) 9:45 AM

11:00 AM (Holy Communion 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays)

Fellow Redeemed,

Sunday, December 1st begins not just a new week, a new month, but also a new year, a new church year. The church season of Advent

kicks off the church year calendar. So in addition to the greeting of Happy New Year! We also say, a blessed Season of Advent!

One of the themes of Advent is hope. That confidence in the ad-

vent of our Lord and Savior. Advent means “coming” or “arrival,” so in Advent we live in the confident hope of our Savior’s coming again, His arrival at the end of time to restore us to an eternal relationship with our heavenly Father. Where there is hope, there is life!

You might remember the name Eugene Lang. Several years ago, Lang, a millionaire, challenged a class of sixth-graders from East Har-lem, New York. “Stay in school,” he said, “and I will help pay the college

tuitions for every one of you.” That promise was a turning point in their young lives. It gave them a hope. One student said, “I had something to look forward to, something waiting for me.” Nearly 90% of that class went on to graduate from high school.

Without hope, people are without a future. Where there is hope, there is life. Nowhere is this truth more evident than in the spiritual realm. For those with faith, our Lord gives a sure and confident hope!

In His first advent, Jesus came as the Hope of the world. He was the Christchild, born in humility, lived in poverty, died in agony, was

raised in victory, bringing redemption and reconciliation, forgiveness and God’s divine favor.

In His second advent, Jesus will come to take to Himself all

whose hope in Him manifests itself in faith. For believers, that is some-thing to look forward to, something that awaits all who place their hope and trust in Him.

In the meantime, between the two advents, we live to glorify our Savior. By the power of The Holy Spirit, we worship our Lord through our service and our witness. By his present advent through His Word and sacraments, Jesus comes to bestow a new life on us now even as

we anticipate an eternal life when He returns.

So we celebrate this season of Advent. We look forward to the

anniversary of His birth. Our Savior’s arrival gives us a hope that makes life devoted to Him worth living!

Pastor Guelzow

Messiah Lutheran Church

14920 Hutchison Road

Tampa, Florida 33625

Non-Profit Organization

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Tampa, FL.

Permit No. 3341 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Statement of Mission

We, the members of Messiah Lutheran, in grateful thanksgiving for the blessings of forgiveness, life and salvation through

Jesus Christ our Lord:

~ Consecrate ourselves to grow in faith

~ Devote ourselves to grow in service

~ Dedicate ourselves to grow in witness outreach

Jesus is the Gift!

Celebrate Jesus this Christmas!

MERRY

CHRISTMAS!

CONTINUING SERVING MESSIAH IN JANURARY

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

ELDERS: 1 Mike Castro & Mike Mekelburg Todd Lewandoski & Bill Meyer 4 ~ Advent ~ Ken Nester - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Ron Dial - 7:00 p.m. 8 Dan Carlson Gary Weber 11 ~ Advent ~ Ken Nester - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Gary Weber- 7:00 p.m. 15 Mike Castro Mike Healey 18 ~ Advent ~ Ken Nester - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Bill Meyer - 7:00 p.m. 22 - Dan Carlson & Mike Castro Todd Lewandoski & Gary Weber 24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ David Irwin - 4:30pm ~ ~ Bill Meyer - 6:30pm ~ ~ John Dufresne - 8:30pm 25 ~ Christmas Day ~ Todd Lewandoski & Mike Mekelburg - 10:00 a.m. 29 Bob Harrigan & Mike Mekelburg John Dufresne & Bill Meyer 31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ Mike Mekelburg & Gary Weber

GREETERS: 1 Jack & Cheri Jensen John & Jody Schweichler 8 Kathy Leibforth Tim & Julie Hohl 15 Jesse & Kelly Morillo Udo & Allyson Kessler 22 Bob & Sandra Robertson Frank & Pat Scalise 29 Rodney Swilley & Sandy Hansen Denise Kassel

COFFEE: 1 Twyla Sumpter 8 LWML 15 Floyd Skeins (Men’s Group) 22 Five and Two 29 Gerry Hanson (Thrivent)

PROJECTIONISTS 1 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Dave Anderson (11:00) Mark Lemke 4 ~ Advent ~ Mark Lemke - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Lynn Guelzow 7:00 p.m. 8 (8:30) Josh Ellerbee (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) Danna Cruz 11 ~ Advent ~ Lynn Guelzow 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ David Pergande - 7:00 p.m. 15 (8:30) Lynn Guelzow (11:00) Kathy Larson 18 ~ Advent ~ Mark Lemke - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Lynn Guelzow - 7:00 p.m. 22 (8:30) Teresa Klicker (9:45) Nathan Nester (11:00) David Pergande 25 ~ Christmas Day ~ Lynn Guelzow 29 (8:30) Michael Cox (9:45) Annette Ryan (11:00) Mark Lemke

CONTEMPORARY SERVICE 9:45 a.m. USHERS: ELDERS: ACOLYTES: 1 Floyd Skeins/Sara Skeins Bob Harrigan Amanda Eckert 8 Joni Daniel/Jolianna Daniel David Irwin/Ken Nester Aryn Nester 22 Steve & Gaylene Gay David Irwin/Ken Nester Aidan Neal 29 Floyd Skeins/Sara Skeins Ron Dial/Mike Healey Amber Eckert

December Birthday Blessings!December Birthday Blessings!December Birthday Blessings!December Birthday Blessings!

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

1 Dorothy Biegert

Julie Gillespie

Alyssa Mantei

2 Tim Bellott

Efelda Ellis

Bob Harrigan

Joshua Riek

3 Natalie Charlow

Gaylene Gay

Vic Riveiro

Marc Thacker

Lynn Turke

4 Gayle Carlson

Jacob Nicol

5 Cheryl Cabina

Meagan Mane

Laurie McGinnis

Carlotta Pearce

Erik Peterson

Lori Walton

Barbara Weber

6 Steven Eicholtz

Colin Greseth

Tony Valdez

7 Ty McKenzie

Morgan Podosek

8 Janet Donahue

Cassandra Hanjian

Samantha Juliano

9 Amber Eckert

Quynh Holzheimer

Chloe Martin

13 Mitchell Riek

14 Allison Brannan

Isaiah Minardi

Brittany Moll

John Morrow

15 Gwen Hardin

Diane Wawrzyniak

16 Christine Hanjian

Cynthia Jackson

Myrl Milton

17 Pam Gall

18 Bill Daniel

19 Tyler Jensen

Leslie Madewell

20 Esther Joiner

Erica Kassel

21 Kent Edie

22 Bill Atkins

24 Sarah Brown

25 Kristofer Brinton

Richard Schmidt

Andrew Skeins

Jonathan Valdez

Torianne Valdez

26 John Dufresne

Solomon Kromah

Brian Moll

27 Monty Bostick

Michael Noesen

Ben Scoi

Sowoe Scoi

Gracie Skeins

28 Heather Daniel

Joshua Ellerbee

29 Ron Mavrides

Donna Smith

31 Mical Hilbert

Bill Potter

Rita Roehrs

ADVENT BY CANDLELIGHT TEA

All ladies and girls are invited to celebrate the beginning of Advent in the candle lit and beautifully decorated CLC on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Each table will be beautifully decorated by a hostess and delicious dessert will be served with coffee and tea. We will have wonderful entertainment by the Ladybug Quartet and also songs by Amanda & Hannah. Ladies you don't want to miss this elegant evening.

PRESCHOOL NEWS Messiah Lutheran Preschool cordially invites all congregation members, parents and friends to the Preschool Christmas Program on Wednesday December 18th at 10:00 a.m. in the Church Sanctu-ary. Come and hear the wondrous story of Jesus’ birth re-told

through the voices and hearts of our dear 3 & 4 year old preschool students. A reception and the Preschool Fellowship Group’s Silent Auction will follow in the Ministry Center Gym. The Preschool’s Family Fun Night was held last month and a great time was had by all. Our theme was “Giving Thanks for Families”. Families created a turkey from a potato, made their own sundaes, played musical pumpkins, did the limbo, created family thankful plates and even had their pictures taken in front of the May-flower! Special thanks to Pastor G. Abby Moss, School Board Members Jerry Hansen and Sandi Windsor and our Preschool Staff for your help in making the evening such a success. Our Preschool would also like to say a very special “Thank You” to all church members, school parents, and friends of Messiah Lutheran Preschool for all the hard work and financial support given us during the year. We couldn’t do it without you! The school board will meet on December 9th at 1:00 p.m. in the Ministry Center. Anyone who would like to join us is most welcome to attend this meeting. We hope to see you there. Any questions, call Jody Schweichler at 813 968-9534.

We want to wish all a very wonderful Christ Filled Christmas

and a very blessed New Year!

SERVING MESSIAH IN JANUARY

8:30 AM 11:00 AM

USHERS 1 Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella Vic Riveiro/Steve Turke/Tommy Brown Julia Salt/Mark Eicholtz John Schweichler/Jan Umbaugh

4 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar/Chuck Sumpter Mike Mekelburg/Christian Moll

8 Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar Mike McKenzie/Paul Dworkin Chuck Sumpter/Mike Mekelburg Daniel Haney/Cliff Yarosh Christian Moll Bryan Burgess/Bruce Noyes

11 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Joel Mathews/Al Knaak/Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson

15 Joel Mathews/Al Knaak Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson Mike Turke/Dick Larson Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian

18 ~ Advent ~ 7:00 p.m. ~ Vic Riveiro/Steve Turke/Tommy Brown/John Schweichler/Jan Umbaugh

22 Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella Vic Riveiro/Steve Turke/Tommy Brown Julia Salt/Mark Eicholtz John Schweichler/Jan Umbaugh

24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ 4:30 p.m. ~ Mike McKenzie/Paul Dworkin/Daniel Haney Cliff Yarosh/Bryan Burgess/Bruce Noyes 6:30 p.m. ~ Tim Hohl/Jim Gardner/Mike Turke/Dick Larson/Rick Larson/Jay Hanjian 8:30 p.m. ~ Jeff Salt/Mark Mirabella/Julia Salt/Mark Eicholtz

25 ~ Christmas Day ~ 10:00 a.m. ~ Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar/Chuck Sumpter Mike Mekelburg/Christian Moll

29 Christopher Smith/Keith Bakalyar Mike McKenzie/Paul Dworkin Chuck Sumpter/Mike Mekelburg Daniel Haney/Cliff Yarosh Christian Moll Bryan Burgess/Bruce Noyes

31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Joel Mathews/Al Knaak/Ken Vollrath/Ann Ferguson

ACOLYTES: 1 Alvin Forte Caroline Daniels 4 ~ Advent ~ Aryn Nester - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Kayla Rebuck - 7:00 p.m. 8 Trey Boling Maria Bellott 11 ~ Advent ~ Pierce Rodrick - 5:00 p.m. ~ ~ Evan Munzen - 7:00 p.m. 15 Chloe Simpson Jordan Amerson 18 ~ Advent ~ Kyle Mavrides - 5:00 p.m.~ ~ Alvin Forte - 7:00 p.m. 22 Delanie Matson Zachary Bohren 24 ~ Christmas Eve ~ Brittany Naffin - 4:30pm ~ Julian Hiatt - 6:30pm ~ Zachary Bohren-8:30pm 25 ~ Christmas Day ~ Colin Gabriel - 10:00 a.m. 29 Jayden Naffin Mason Thacker 31 ~ New Year’s Eve ~ 5:00 p.m. ~ Kayla Rebuck

ALTAR GUILD: Beverly Fisher, Lois Draper & Dixie Meyer Judy Riveiro & Lynn Turke

Ministries & Activities

Adult Bible Study (Sunday 9:45 a.m.)

Mark Lemke - “Books of the Bible” - Ministry Center Room 201

Pastor’s Bible Study - CLC - Middle

Altar Guild - Lois Draper @ 961-8287 or Judy Riveiro @ 961-9471

Angel Stitches - CLC - Room 1 - Contact Judy Riveiro @ 961-9471 or Lynn Turke @ 960-7289

Assimilation - CLC - Conference Room - Contact Erik Peterson @ 985-9518

Bakalyar’s Neighborhood Bible Study - At her home - Contact Beverly @ 300-3085

BAMOMS - CLC - Middle

Blind Ministry Luncheon - CLC - Middle - Contact Lynn Guelzow @ 963-3419

Boy Scouts - Ministry Center - Room 204 & Gym

Center for Hispanic Studies - Ministry Center - Room 204

Choir - Sanctuary - Monday - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

Christian Education Mtg. - Copier Room

Cub Scouts – Pack 18 - CLC - Middle, Room 1,2,3 & Conference Room

Florida Suncoast Decorative Artist - CLC - Middle

Handbells - Sanctuary - Monday - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

LifeLight Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room - Wednesday @ 10:00 a.m.

LWML - Contact Nancy Lemke at 264-5095

Memorial Garden Committee - Cry Room - Contact Lu Heine @ 569-9377

Men’s Bible Study - CLC - Conference Room ~ ~ Wednesday Morning 7:00 a.m.

Messiah’s Followers Forever - Ministry Center ~ Contact Barbara Packer @ 428-6204

Messiah Migrant Ministry - Ministry Center - Room 201 - Connie Sikkema, 610-6061

Narcotics Anonymous - Ministry Center - Youth Room

Pinochle - contact David West at 972-8861 or westbaysol@hotmail.com; play monthly

Preschool Fellowship - Ministry Center - Gym

Senior Adults - Lois Dworkin - 727-648-4365 or Dorothy Biegert - 961-0659

Social Ministry - CLC - Conference Room

Stephen Ministry Support - Ministry Center - Rm. 201- Walt Halfmann, 792-8406

Wednesday Evening Adult Bible Study ~ 6:45 - 7:45, Ministry Center #201

Young Adults 20’s - 30’s - Abby Moss, 734-678-5499

Youth Choir/Flag Team - Contact Kim Capsas @ 598-8160 or Facebook

Youth Sunday Afternoon - Ministry Center - Gym & Youth Room - Abby Moss, 734-678-5499

First Thursday Potluck - December 5th at 6:30 p.m. The first Thursday of every month we invite everyone in the congregation to bring a dish to share. There will be time for fellowship and for us to get to know each other. This is a wonderful opportu-nity for you to invite a friend or neighbor. Bring the whole family for a wonderful night of food and fellowship. We meet in the Ministry Center gym.

Angel Stitches - Messiah’s quilting, crocheting, knitting, and needlework ministry -- will meet on Sunday, December 8th at 2:00 p.m. in the CLC Classroom 1 for our annual Christmas get-together. We will have a Christmas Cookie Exchange (bring one dozen of your favorite cookies) and a Christmas Ornament Exchange for those who would like to participate in either one or both activities. Visitors are welcome! This would be a wonderful opportunity to become acquainted with our ministry. Please call Judy Riveiro (961-9471) or Lynn Turke (960-7289) with any questions.

Newsletter Information ~ All directors, committee members, and anyone else desir-ing to place announcements in the January Newsletter, please e-mail to Tammy at tnunes@messiahtampa.com by Monday, December 9th. ****NOTE DATE****

Senior adults will meet for our Christmas luncheon at 11am on Thursday, December 12th at Lu Heine's house at 11413 Georgetown Circle, Tampa. Meat, desserts and drinks will be provided and we ask that you bring an appetizer or side dish. If directions are needed please contact Lu Heine 569-9377, Dorothy Biegert 961-0659 or Lois Dworkin 727-648-4365. Please get your reservations in ASAP.

Carrollwood Care Center Birthday Parties ~ The monthly birthday for this month will be held Wednesday, December 18th at 2:15 PM at Carrollwood Care Nursing Home (located right behind Messiah). Contact Connie Proeschel 746-5864 if any questions.

“Make Him Known” is the title of a new Sunday morning adult Bible class set to begin on November 24th, 9:45 in the middle of the Christian Life Center. Join Nathan Watters as he leads this six week study on the blessings of making our Lord Jesus known through our discipleship.

A prayer for your personal witness outreach in 2013:

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart,

And love that soul through me;

And may I nobly do my part

To win that soul for Thee.

~ Tucker

Advent Schedule

Messiah invites you to prepare for the celebration of our Lord’s coming by setting aside Wednesdays in Advent. We will offer three devotional worship times with an evening supper:

11:00 a.m. ~ Worship

5:00 p.m. ~ Worship

5:45 p.m. ~ Free - will Offering supper

7:00 p.m. ~ Worship

The theme for our advent services is “Child of Promise”

Wednesday, December 4th ~ “God With Us”

Wednesday, December 11th ~ “Prince of Peace”

Wednesday, December 18th ~ “Branch”

Messiah Lutheran Church

BLOOD DRIVE

Sunday, December 8th

8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

It's fast! It's easy! Sign up on the board in the Breezeway or Visit www.fbsdonor.org to make an appointment for your next donation.

Use Sponsor Code 02271

MESSIAH MIGRANT MINISTRIES “Giving a Christian Hand, Not a Handout”

...for over 25 years!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

COMMITTEE MEETING MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2013

6:45pm - Room 201 - Ministry Center

Newcomers always welcome!

Christmas Poinsettias

Every year, we enjoy the special beauty of poinsettia plants in our sanctuary on

Christmas Eve. Again, with your support, beautiful poinsettias will line the sidewalk

approaches to church and be placed in the sanctuary.

For a $15 donation to Messiah’s Memorial Garden, a poinsettia plant will be pur-

chased for use on Christmas Eve. If desired, you may designate the poinsettia in

memory or in honor of a loved one(s). The list of loved ones so designated will be ac-

knowledged in a special worship bulletin insert. Please place your $15 cash/check and completed form (below) into the offering

plate or drop it off at the church office. Plant(s) may be taken home after the Christ-

mas Day service. THE DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th.

Thanks in advance for your interest in this opportunity to beautify our celebration

of Jesus’ birth, 2013 A.D.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ Detach Here _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Christmas Poinsettia Order Form

All orders are to be prepaid and accompanied with this completed order form.

Make checks payable to MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH (“Poinsettia”) in check memo

line. Please place payment and completed form in the offering plate or drop off at

the church office. THE DEADLINE FOR ORDERING IS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15th.

Your name: ____________________________________

I wish to order ____ poinsettia(s) @ $15 per plant. Check total = $ ________

Please designate my donation of poinsettias as:

____ Given to the Glory of God by _____________________________________________

____ Given in memory of ____________________________________________________

____ Given in honor of ______________________________________________________

Walk Where St. Paul Walked

Greece and Turkey

Join in an eleven day

Walk in the Footsteps of St. Paul

October 28 - November 8, 2014

Includes a seven day cruise on

The Orient Queen

To tour:

Corinth

Thessaloniki

Philippi

Istanbul

Pergamum

Ephesus

Patmos

Athens

$4195 from Tampa

Hosted by

The Rev. Robert C. Steinke

For a complete brochure or

more information contact

727-376-4588

revstein@verizon.net

Women of Messiah - LWML

Our annual Christmas party and cookie exchange will be held on Sat. Dec. 14 at 12:00 noon. We will get together at the home

of Nancy Lemke, 5632 Glencrest Blvd. in Belle Glen sub-division. We will have lunch, play games, sing carols and have a cookie exchange. Please bring three dozen of your favorite home baked cookies if you want to par-ticipate in the cookie exchange. If you don't care to bake that's o.k. not everyone does the cookie exchange. All ladies are invited and we always have a festive, fun time. If you need directions or have any questions call Nancy at 264-5095.

2014 God’s Creation Calendars 2014 God’s Creation Calendars 2014 God’s Creation Calendars 2014 God’s Creation Calendars

We still have a few calendars left. Get them while supplies last. Cost is $7.00 each.

See or contact Abby or any youth group member to purchase.

They make great Christmas gifts.

Proceeds raised will benefit Youth Group programs.

SANTA’S MAILBOX FOR HOPE CHILDREN’S HOME

Calling all Christmas angels! Please show your love and help make a happier holiday for one or more of the children at Hope Children’s Home, located only a few miles from our church. The precious children in residency

at this Christian-based campus are separated from their parents for months or years due to domestic or economic reasons. You will find envelopes containing Christmas gift “wish lists” for each child in Santa’s Mailbox which will be located in the Narthex between Dec, 1st and Dec. 15th. Please place your wrapped gift(s) under the Mailbox. Your generosity will bring smiles to the faces of Hope’s children and joy to your heart. Thanks to all who respond to this special project for the dear children at Hope. Messiah Social Ministry.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesChristmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesChristmas Eve Candlelight Worship ServicesChristmas Eve Candlelight Worship Services 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., & 8:30 p.m.

Christmas Day Worship ServiceChristmas Day Worship ServiceChristmas Day Worship ServiceChristmas Day Worship Service w/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communion

10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.10:00 a.m.

New Year’s Eve ServiceNew Year’s Eve ServiceNew Year’s Eve ServiceNew Year’s Eve Service w/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communionw/Holy Communion

5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.5:00 p.m.

The Pinochle Christmas Party

Will be held at the home of David and Annie West 6pm Saturday, December 7th. All past, present, and future players Are invited – Please sign up to

bring Main course, appetizer, salad, vegetable, or dessert Your response is important for seating For info – call 972-8861 Annie/David

Attention Young Adults (20s & 30s group)!Attention Young Adults (20s & 30s group)!Attention Young Adults (20s & 30s group)!Attention Young Adults (20s & 30s group)!

Join us for dinner Friday December 13th at International Mall & Bay Street at 6:30PM. We will eat at the Cheesecake Factory. If you’d like to carpool, let

Abby know. Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we can reserve a large enough table. Contact Abby at abbymoss@messiahtampa.com or 734-678-5499 with questions or to RSVP.

2013 ANNUAL MMM

THANKSGIVING OUTREACH

Saturday, November 23, 2013

As has been our tradition, the poor-and-needy migrant farm worker families will receive food to supplement their pantries while their children are on the holiday break.

May God richly bless these supporters for His people in desperate need and bless you and yours as you share Thanksgiving dinner with family and friends.

MESSIAH MIGRANT MINISTRIES (MMM) “Giving a Christian Hand, Not a Handout”

DONATIONS OF FOOD **NOT** NEEDED Our ministry has been richly blessed with generous funds

for the purchase of food to be distributed at this special event.

When it comes to navigating the Social Security landscape, the choices can be over-whelming. And even just one mistake can be costly… for the rest of your life. Join us for a meal and discussion to explore how to sort through the red tape and options to help ensure the choices you make are right for you and your family!

Offered by: Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Pamela Markle Hansen, ChFC, CLU, CASL, FIC.

Space is limited due to restaurant seating. Please RSVP to Jerry Hansen at 813-443-5088 or email jerry.hansen@thrivent.com.

No products will be offered for sale at this event. Thrivent financial for Lutherans and its respective associates and employees have gen-eral knowledge of the Social Security tenets; however, they do not have the professional expertise for a complete discussion of the details of your specific situation. For additionsl information, contact your Social Security Administration office. For additional important disclosure information, please visit Thrivent.com/discosures.

Tuesday, Dec. 3 6:30 till 8:00pm All Saints Lutheran 5315 Van Dyke Rd Lutz, 33558

Thursday, Dec 5 6:30 till 8:00pm Chili’s Bar & Grill 2903 N Dale Mabry Tampa, 33614

Thursday, Dec. 12 6:30 till 8:00pm Mimi’s Cafe 11702 N Dale Mabry Tampa, 33618

Advent Take Home Series!Advent Take Home Series!Advent Take Home Series!Advent Take Home Series! This Advent Season we will take a look at the themes

of God with Us, Prince of Peace, and Branch of

Salvation. We hope you will join us on Wednesdays at

11AM, 5PM, or 7PM as we look at these themes. Take

Home Advent Devotions will be given to children

during Sunday School on Sundays in December or

available on the table in the narthex. We hope your

family will take and use these for family devotion time

throughout December. Please use these tools and ideas to help

focus yourself and/or your family on the reason for celebration,

Jesus.

Christian Education Reminder! Christian Education Reminder! Christian Education Reminder! Christian Education Reminder!

Sunday December 1st: Sunday December 1st: Sunday December 1st: Sunday December 1st: There will be a combined children/teen

and adult family activity class in the CLC at 9:45AM due to

Thanksgiving.

December 15th: December 15th: December 15th: December 15th: Sunday School & Bible class meet like

normal but no 9:45AM Contemporary service because of the

Cantata.

December 22nd: December 22nd: December 22nd: December 22nd: We will have an all ages Happy Birthday

Jesus party and family movie in the CLC at 9:45AM for all

children, teens, & adults.

There will be NO Sunday School on December 29th at December 29th at December 29th at December 29th at

9:45AM9:45AM9:45AM9:45AM. Adult Bible Class will meet as normal. Join us for

worship at any of the normal times (8:30, 9:45, or 11AM).

We appreciate your flexibility as we attempt to give our Sunday School and

Bible Study staff an opportunity to celebrate holidays with their families and

accommodate the seasonal activities. Normal Sunday School and Bible class will

resume on Sunday January 5th at 9:45AM. Merry Christmas!

2014 ~ Flower Charts

Flower Charts for 2014 are posted on the portable bulletin board. If you would like to honor a loved one or have a celebration, or want to place flowers in memory of someone, you may do so. You can also give the eternal candle for the month by signing the line under each month. We ask that you please give us the following information:

● Please print your name (legibly)

● The Occasion

● If the line is taken, please choose another date.

The cost for each arrangement is $20.00

The cost for the eternal candle is $15.00

payable to “Flower Fund ~ Messiah Lutheran”

Help Us Better Communicate to the community with a new sign:

Many of you have been asking about a new modern electronic sign to replace the current sign located at the Hutchison entrance of our Church. A new electronic sign will cost approximately $20,000 (final sign cost and installation under review by Parish Planning Council). The Messiah Finance Committee recommended a fundraiser for the new sign utilizing a $5,000 matching gift designated for this purpose. The Parish Planning Council has approved the Sign fundraiser. We ask that you prayerfully consider a gift to support replacing the old sign. If you would like to support this important project please place your contribution in an envelope, mark it New Church

Sign and place in the offering plate.

CARROLLWOOD CARE

STUFFED ANIMALS (BEANIE BABY SIZE) NEEDED!

In December we will be passing out small stuffed animals to all of the resi-dents (100) as part of our monthly birthday party. The stuffed animal plus our Christmas wishes from Messiah will bring a smile to the residents faces this Christmas. If you can help us with this outreach please bring your donated stuffed animals to the church and place in the Carrollwood Care box in the narthex.

Thank you for your help! Carrollwood Care Ministry

Join in the celebration!

Christmas in Smalltown

Sunday, December 22nd

5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Sunday School

Christmas Program

6:45 p.m.

This year we invite all ages kindergarten thru high schoolers to sing

some familiar carols in English and Spanish as well as read the

Christmas story. Participants will wear whatever they wish to wear to

Smalltown, and will gather on the stage to sing along with kids from

the Hispanic congregation’s Sunday School.

Practices will be held Sunday, Nov 24 and Dec 1st after late service

until 12:45 p.m. in the music room, and Dec 8th we will meet in the

youth room in the ministry center where Miss Abby will have lunch

from 11:45 til 1, with us practicing at some point during…followed by

Christmas caroling at Carrollwood Care and shut-ins for those who wish to participate. There will also be some rehearsals on Advent

Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Please sign up on the bulletin

board or let Kim or Abby know you wish to be involved. It is not

necessary to come to all the practices, you may choose to only attend

Sundays or just Wednesdays. We would especially like big numbers this year! The S.S. program will be about fifteen minutes long, so

there will be lots of time for everyone to experience all the different

shops, and of course a visit to Santa! Playgroup will conclude Monday

December 9.

Playgroup resumes in January. Please

contact us if you would like to get involved.

LHM INITIATIVE

Event 2 Summary Notes & Report

Last May, Messiah agreed to be part of a district wide Outreach Initiative to seek the Lost and expand God’s kingdom. Throughout the year our congre-

gation will participate in several trainings on how to be more intentional in our Outreach efforts. Here are some of our notes from the training on October 19th, 2013. Plan to join us for the

next training on January 11th.

The Lutheran Hour Ministries Outreach Initiative Phase II training took place on 10/19/13 and was attended on behalf of Messiah Lutheran Church at Grace Lutheran Church,Winter Haven, Florida, by Messiah members John Roehrs and Rita Roehrs. This was an exciting

event which initially focused on each church to identify its strengths and weaknesses per-taining to the church property for new visitors.

Discussions were directed toward each church's identifying signs, parking lot, greeters present

at each service, and opportunities. The next discussion was directed toward the actual church service, before and after service fellowship and then follow-up processes each church

had in place for any visitors. Some churches provide a gift to each visitor. Most of the churches send a letter to a visitor or email if they have a valid address. At this event, only

Messiah was identified as doing actual cold-call type weekly visits to new visitors to the church and to Preschool/VBS parents as part of our witnessing and outreach/evangelism programs. Later discussions pertained to how to track visitors and the speaker noted that the Lutheran

Hour is rolling out an On-Line Prospect List program, free for the 1st year.

More information on this can be obtained at www.lhm.org. The next free witness training event presented is :Session Three: The Power of the Net—Sharing Christ Digitally Satur-day, January 11, 2014 from 10:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m. From the printing press to the Internet,

the church has embraced technology which takes the Gospel to the streets. Please visit : http://www.lhm.org/flgaoi/training.asp to obtain the training sites for this next event and to reg-ister for this fee witnessing training which all can benefit from. Please contact John Roehrs at

813-464-0921 with any questions. --

Thank you. John Roehrs

The Life Light Bible Study will have shortened lessons during December because of the 11AM Advent Service. Bible Study will be from 10-10:30AM. There will be no Life Light Bible Class, starting Wednesday December 18, because of the Preschool Christmas Program. Normal Bible class times and schedule will resume on January 8th.

Call Committee Update

Town Hall Meetings: About 70 members attended the two meetings last month. More will be scheduled in a few months. Congregation Self-Study: The first step that we, as a congregation, need to take, is to look within our church and answer the basic questions of who are we and where do we want Messiah to be in the coming years (actually, where do we feel the Lord is leading us)? That will lead us to seeing the type of gifts we feel are necessary in our next pastor.

The self-study will be done in several different forms. We will be speaking with groups, ministries, and committees, as well as seeking input from individuals (every member). We will be using written surveys and face-to-face meetings. Whatever the form, your input is much needed. Phase 1 of the process is to have all ministries, groups, and committees tell us a little about themselves. There are 32 different ministries listed in the back of the Sunday bulle-tin, not to mention others such as the Preschool, 5 and 2, Sunday School, youth groups, Assimilation, and many others. If you are a leader of one of our groups, ministries, or committees, you will be receiving a short survey. The survey form is also found on the Messiah website (www.Messiahtampa.com). We are asking each to complete this and return it to the Call Committee by January 1. It asks: what is your group about? How many people are in-volved? What are some things you wish to accomplish in the coming years. Call Committee: Please feel free to contact any member of the committee if you have questions or concerns. You may also send a message through Messiah’s website, under the Call Committee tab.

Joel Mathews, President

THE NEWSLETTER

DEADLINE FOR THE

JANUARY NEWSLETTER

WILL BE MONDAY

DECEMBER 9TH! PLEASE

HAVE ALL ITEMS TO

TAMMY BY THAT DATE.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS

The church office will only be open from 8:30 AM to 12 PM on December 27th.

The church office will be closed completely on December 25, 26, 30, & 31 as well as January 1.

Blessed celebration of the birth of our Lord!

AppalachianWinter By Joseph Martin

Sunday Worship on December 15th at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m.

This beautiful cantata for choir and orchestra celebrates the legacy of early American car-ols and hymnody. The spirit of folk music, traditional sounds and more rustic elements

combine to create a fresh and meaningful tapestry of song and Scripture.

Holy Communion will be rescheduled for Sunday, December 22nd. Also no Contemporary Service on December 15th.

Invite a friend to enjoy

Have you heard about it? Christmas in Smalltown

Our gym is transformed and you will experience Smalltown, USA

Sunday, December 22nd

5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday School Christmas Program at 6:45 p.m.

Enjoy an evening in the ministry center with your family and friends as you visit our Christmas village “shops” in including the NEW Pet store, Bakery (frost your own cupcakes and eat them), Jewelry store, Nativity, Fabric store, Dollar store (inspirational and holiday toys and gifts for 25 cents to $1.50 including giftwrapping), displays of beautiful trees, Candy store (where you get to fill a bag with whatever you like!), popcorn cart and Snowman area, make lots of fun crafts in all the shops and eat (chili and hotdogs) supper in the Smalltown Town Square while watching videos! Be inspired by the sweet voices of children and youth from Messiah’s Sunday School, including our Hispanic congregation. (See rehearsal schedule for Sundays and Wednesdays and sign up on the bulletin board) Please contact Kim Capsas to volunteer We especially need help with SET UP on December 19/20/—please volunteer to help fluff trees, string lights, (and on Thursday the 19th--men with tools please!)...please call me at 598-8160 (or text).

Messiah Lutheran Sunday School December 2013

Christmas blessings from your Sunday School Staff:

2 Year Old Class: Lorraine Eden CLC Nursery

Preschool/Kindergarten: Cathy Minardi & Jackie Burnett CLC RM 1

1st & 2nd Grade: Brooke Link & Vicky Scarborough CLC RM 2

3rd & 4th Grade: Dan & Tracey Haney CLC RM 3

5th & 6th Grade: Meghann & Marc Thacker MMC RM 203

7th & 8th Grade: Paul Dworkin MMC RM 204

High School: Abby Moss MMC Youth RM

Adults: Nathan Watters CLC Center & Mark Lemke MMC RM 201

December LIVE lessons:

Key: (P)=Preschool (G)=Grade school (T)=Teen

December 1: Thanksgiving Weekend, Intergenerational, Family

Class

December 8: (P) Jesus Born (G) God Spoke through the Prophets

(T) Getting Along with Parents

December 15: (P) Jesus Born (G) God Can Speak through Angels

(T) Handling Pain of Divorce

December 22: Happy Birthday Jesus Party, Intergenerational

Celebration Class

December 29: No Sunday School

December is the month to celebrate our Lord’s birth. In Sunday

school, we continue with the LIVE curriculum. LIVE is a continu-

ing effort to enrich the Sunday School class lessons to make the

study of the Bible fun and exciting. We are thankful to our teach-

ers and helpers who serve faithfully all year to teach our children

the Bible. Come and celebrate our Lord’s birth in Sunday School

from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Come as a family to worship services and

to Sunday School.

MESSIAH FOOD DRIVE

During the month of January please bring in food items such as:

• CANNED GOODS • PASTA • TOMATO SAUCE

All food will be distributed to the hungry - place them in the BLUE CONTAINERS in the narthex.

Please DO NOT bring BOXED OR PACKAGED items other than PASTA.

"I WAS HUNGRY AND YOU FED ME"

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Youth Wreath Fundraiser!

If you ordered from us, your wreaths will be delivered to Messiah and you can take them home with you on Wednesday December 11th or Sunday

December 8th after worship or we can make arrangements for another time for you to pick them up or for us to drop them off.

Although local ordering is complete, if you would like to give a wreath as a gift for someone who lives out of town, you can still help us!

Log onto http://www.alpinefarms.com/shop/ and click Shop. Order whatever item you like, send it wherever you like and when it is time to input billing

information credit our group under Fundraiser Group Code with the sale by typing in MEFL (for Messiah Florida). A portion of that sale will then benefit

our youth group. Online orders are accepted through December 5.

Attention Youth!

Bummed you missed out during Thanksgiving? Then join us Saturday December 14 at 2PM for a special service project with

Metropolitan Ministries. Wear your closed toed shoes and get

ready to help with the Tent Event. We will be busy helping with

parking, greeting, and helping guests shop from and load items

from the food pantry and Christmas gifts store. The project will go

until 6:30PM. We’ll grab some dinner after our shift and return to

Messiah around 7:15PM. We can take 15 middle school and high

school youth and we need at least 2 adults. Sign up if you can help.

We have to turn names and numbers in ahead of time. The dead-

line to sign up is Sunday December 8th.

All Youth Christmas Party (Grades 5-12)!

Sunday December 15th

4:00-8PM (4-6PM will be Middle School only,

all ages will have dinner at 6PM and High School will be

from 6-8:30 PM)

in the Ministry Center Gym & Youth Room

Let’s get together for some food, fellowship, and

celebrate our Savior’s birth. Bring a dish to pass

(salad, side dish, 2 liter, or dessert) to go with

our walking taco bar. We will do a white ele-

phant gift exchange (bring a random thing from

home wrapped, don’t go out and buy anything,

the more odd the better ). Friends are welcome!

Youth Caroling!Youth Caroling!Youth Caroling!Youth Caroling! We will be meeting Sunday, December 8 at 1PM or after the

11AM worship for lunch. If you have choir with Miss Kim, feel

free to eat anywhere between 11:45 and 1PM in the

youth room. Meet us back there when you’re

done. We will depart and sing for several area

nursing homes. We should be back at Messiah by

3:45 PM. You can stay through for Open Gym if

you like. Parents, we need drivers. If you can,

sign up ahead of time so we can plan food and

rides. Siblings and parents are welcome to join

us!

************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Special Thanks to those Volunteers who helped with youth

activities During the Month of November.

Bible Study Leaders: Joan Brannan

Open Gym Helpers: Paul Dworkin & Steve Jones

Special Event Helpers: Doris Hogan, Sue Hanlon, Nate Watters,

Kathy Wagner, Claudia Bohren & Paul Dworkin

We appreciate you and couldn’t do it without you!

******************************************************

2013 ANNUAL MMM CHRISTMAS OUTREACH Planteen Rec Center, 301 Dort St. (Plant City)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT 9:30 a.m. AT PLANTEEN

A sign-up sheet will be posted on the MMM white board - breezeway by church office

On Saturday, December 14, 2013, 350 poor-and-needy migrant children and their families will see a living nativity scene and receive: New and gently-used children’s books; a bag of hygiene items; a new blanket; a Box of Hope from Metropolitan Minis-tries; and, a gift valued at $25.00 to be opened on Christmas Day.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

FOOD DONATIONS ARE **NOT** NEEDED Our ministry has been richly blessed with generous funds for the

purchase of food to distribute to these families at our event.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

If you would like to participate but did not receive a sheet on Sunday, November 17th, with the information listed below, contact our office (813-970-0170), and we will see that you receive one. Please note the “Gift needed…” date below.

1. A child’s name and gender 2. Gift suggestions 3. Gift needed at the church by noon on Sunday, December 8th.

If you prefer, we can $HOP FOR YOU! Make check payable to “Messiah Migrant Ministries,” place in pew envelope (indicate for “Migrant Ministry Fund”) and drop in collection plate. The child receiving your gift will be blessed and feel the JOY OF JESUS from a complete stranger!

MESSIAH MIGRANT MINISTRIES (MMM) “Giving a Christian Hand, Not a Handout!”

“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken

together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

Luke 6:38 (NIV)

From Abby… (Not to be confused with Dear Abby,) I have to admit, one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is the influx of

lights. I love how despite it getting darker earlier in the evening that many houses are covered in lights. I love walking into a dark room that only has the glow of a

Christmas tree or a few candles scattered around. I love lighting the candles on the advent wreath during family devotion and worship time. I have lots of memories of dimly lit tables at Ladies Advent Tea. I also have lots of fond memories of singing “Silent Night”

on Christmas Eve with a church full of candles.

All these lights remind me of the true light that came into the world at Christmas, Jesus. He came to light our path. He came to restore our relationship with God and make the Father known to us. He

came to get rid of the darkness and ugliness of sin.

Ephesians 5:8 says “For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as

children of light.”

It is not lost on me that I am blessed; I am privileged to have the gift of faith. I know what Christ-mas is truly about. I know that God loved me so much that He sent Jesus to be my Savior so that I might have life with Him forever and forgiveness. God sent His Son so that I would be free of the

darkness and would not be trapped by sin.

Because of that gift, because I am set free, I need to act like it. In grateful response, with God’s help it is my job to live like I’m in the light and to reflect that light back on my Savior. I am privileged to know this. So much of the world does not know this, they are living in darkness unnecessarily.

This world is a dark place. The contrast of God’s light to the dark world is stark. Light is needed. The Bethlehem Star drew the attention of Wise Men from afar. The splendor of the angel chorus for the shepherds in the fields must have been magnificent. They were privy to what God wants all to

know, that Jesus is for everyone. He gives light and life not just here on earth but for eternity. Jesus brings peace and restoration.

Ephesians 5:1 says, “Be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love as Christ loved us

and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

It is my job to share the light. There are so many that need it. The best way to honor the gift God has given is to share and expand the reach of the light. May this Christmas season be the year that you and I walk in the light and share it with those around us who so desperately need it. May we reflect the love we have been given so that others can see what we already know, what God has

done for and offers to them; life and freedom from the darkness of this world.

May the lights of this season remind us of what God has done and the work we have to do. Let’s shine!

Youth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth NightYouth Sunday Afternoon Open Gym & Youth Night For youth grades 5For youth grades 5For youth grades 5For youth grades 5----12 12 12 12 ----Sundays from 4pmSundays from 4pmSundays from 4pmSundays from 4pm----6pm ~ 6pm ~ 6pm ~ 6pm ~

We begin with a short devotion. Parents we need your help as chaperones, Open Gym dates for December are 1 & 8

The 15th will be our Youth Christmas Party No Open Gym December 22 because of Small Town or the 29th because

of Christmas break . Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Senior High, we ’ ve heard your desire for a time change, & we are expanding! Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Introducing the 2nd Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Senior High Only Night! Lets get to-gether on Sunday the 8th at 6:30PM at Messiah for food and fellowship. Bing a

salad, side dish, or dessert to share, main course/drinks provided! Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High, the 4th Sunday of the Month Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night Senior High Only Night will be re-will be re-will be re-will be re-

placed this month by the 4th Saturday Dinner on Saturday the 21st because of placed this month by the 4th Saturday Dinner on Saturday the 21st because of placed this month by the 4th Saturday Dinner on Saturday the 21st because of placed this month by the 4th Saturday Dinner on Saturday the 21st because of Small Town.Small Town.Small Town.Small Town.

Meet at Red Robin at Citrus Park, 7982 Citrus Park Town Center, at 6:30PM. Bring at least $5 to contribute to the bill. Please RSVP if you can so we can reserve a large enough table. Invite your whole family to join us at 5:30PM on Sunday the

22nd in the Ministry Center for Small Town!

Youth Grades 5-12 Bowling! December 23, 3-5 PM! Pin Chasers– Veterans Location

5555 W. Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, FL, 33634

Please bring $10 which will cover drinks, shoes, and games. Meet us there or talk to Abby to schedule a ride. Sign up to attend.