clef february 2014
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First English Ev. Lutheran Church
Inside this issue:
Pastor Walter Schmidt's
Sunday Sermon 2
New Member Reception 4
Fellowship News
LSSM News 5
Officers and Board
Members
6
Adult Education 7
Gift Wish List
Organ Fund
Open Door Series
8
Board of Social Action
9
With the Members
Sunday School/Youth News
10
Building Reminder 11
Recycle
Preschool Kroger Rewards
12
February Birthdays 13
Serving in February 14
Calendar 15
“Staying Focused on the Goal”
Dear Members and friends of First English,
As I write this we are expecting another blast of record low temperatures here in
Michigan. I wonder what the groundhog will have to report this year – six more weeks of
winter? Or will spring be just around the corner? I know I am already thinking ahead to
warmer days and ice-free roads.
In the church year we have just celebrated the joy-filled wonder of Christmas
followed by Epiphany. Our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ has come into the world
bringing light and new life. We can truly appreciate the fact that we do have more light
now that the days are growing longer and the hours of darkness shorter.
For many, especially those who have difficulty getting out and about in the chill of
winter, these longer light-filled days of the time after Epiphany until the days of Lent
(which incidentally means “springtime”) can seem endless and dreary – days we might
wish we could skate through quickly.
The slower time of winter is the perfect time to stay focused on the goal—running the
race that God has placed before us. Taking time to focus more intently on God’s love
letter to us, the Bible, is an excellent way to warm our hearts and minds to the undeniable
fact that God loves us more than we can possibly imagine.
A good place to start your reading is with the Psalms. These songs of praise and
thanksgiving, along with prayers for help, cover every life situation and human emotion
conceivable. Another commendable place to begin would be with the upcoming gospel
readings for the month of February. I’ll list them here so you don’t have to search far.
February 2nd – Matthew 5:1-12 or Luke 2:22-40
February 9th – Matthew 5:13-20
February 16th – Matthew 5:21-37
February 23rd – Matthew 5:38-48
In my own time of scripture reading I often like to read the same passage from a
couple of different translations to help me see things in new or different ways.
The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language is one you might enjoy. The
following is an excerpt: “I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.
But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out
for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: by no means do I count myself an expert in all of
this, but I have my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward – to Jesus. I’m
off and running, and I’m not turning back.” (Philippians 3:12-14)
Your Sister in Christ,
Pastor Chris
F E B RUA RY 2 0 14F E B RUA RY 2 0 14F E B RUA RY 2 0 14
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THE NIGHT OF OUR SAVIOR’S BIRTH Christmas Eve December 24, 2013 FELC Luke 2:1-20
Joy to the world, the Lord IS come! Yes, in our mind’s eye this is the night
that we journey to that stable in Bethlehem and there with Mary and Joseph, the
Shepherds, the assembled animals, and later the Wise Men, we pay our homage to this
small child, just born, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying there in a manger.
Close your eyes for a moment; no, please, go ahead, close your eyes -don’t
worry, I’ll talk loud enough to keep you awake! But seriously, with your eyes closed
can you visualize that stable in Bethlehem, with Jesus lying there in the manger???
Isn’t it beautiful, isn’t it serene, isn’t it powerful???
Now the birth of each and every child is important, is a day to celebrate, a
day to remember, a day to rejoice. All of we who are privileged to be parents, know
of what I speak. But the birth we are celebrating this night is indeed a very special
birth; for this is the birth of the only begotten Son of God, the Savior of the
World, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Now I do not believe that one needs to think too hard or too long concerning
Jesus’ birth, to see the great irony in this birth story. No room in the inn, the Son of
God, born in a barn, a stable, with nothing but a manger, a feeding trough for rough
animals for a bed, and straw for a mattress; born to peasant parents, in the relatively
obscure town of Bethlehem; no pomp, no ceremony.
And certainly not to ridicule the Royals of England, but just for a moment
contrast Jesus’ birth, with that of Prince George, son of Prince William, Duke of
Cambridge and Katherine, Duchess of Cambridge, born this past July!
Remember all of the hype and hoopla; I think you see my point!!!
Now let’s flip the scenario around and ask ourselves what if Jesus was born
today, here and now, in our day and age, in our time and place? What would be our
reaction, how would we respond, how would Jesus be received by us, by the world,
by you? I learned a long time ago that it is impossible to make firm statements from a
“what if” perspective. But think about it, would we truly receive him, would we
find room in our busy schedules, would we make his birth a priority, would the
world accept our Lord’s coming, would we rejoice at his birth???
However, if we stop and think about it, in a very real way, is that not what this
night, the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ really all about? The celebration
of Christmas, of the birth of Jesus Christ should not be for us just a lesson in history,
as we reflect back to those events 2000 years ago in a far away land.
For this night, the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ should make a
difference in our lives, today, tonight, tomorrow and each and every day of our
lives, unto eternity. Jesus was born not just to give to us a Holiday to celebrate;
Christmas, the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, must touch our hearts and lives with
the reality that Jesus is the Immanuel, God with us, that God loved and loves us so
much, that he was willing to enter into our imperfect world with his perfect gift, in a
very personal way, through his Son, God in the flesh, to make possible for us, for
you and me, life and salvation!
(Continued on page 3)
MISSION STATEMENT
‘GO, MAKE DISCIPLES’
First English Ev. Lutheran Church
800 Vernier Road
Grosse Pointe Woods,
48236-1530
Phone: 313.884.5040
Fax: 313.884.4460
www.feelc.org
Senior Pastor
Dr. Walter A. Schmidt
Associate Pastor
Rev. Christina Veres
Education/Youth Coordinator
Renata Conger
Pastor Emeritus
Rev. Paul F. Keppler
OFFICE HOURS
8a.m. — 12:30 p.m. ****
1:30p.m. — 4:00p.m.
(Monday—Friday)
WINTER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
9:30 a.m. - Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion
9:30 a.m. – Sunday School
11:00 a.m. - Traditional Worship (Holy Communion 1st & 3rd Sunday)
WE’RE
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Christmas is about Jesus Christ being born in us, Christmas is about Jesus Christ touching our hearts
and lives; Christmas is Jesus Christ giving to us the love, strength, peace, forgiveness and salvation, that only
God in Christ can give, each and every day of our lives, unto eternity!
But you know, I still do wonder what it would have been like to have actually been there, that first
Christmas Eve, the night of our Lord’s birth. Would it not have been great to have been there in person, to be able
to see with our own eyes the Christ child lying there in that manger?
But I also must wonder out loud; would we have believed the angels, the messengers of God? Would we
have followed that bright star in the heavens? Or would we, even way back then, have said “I am too busy, I have
too much to do, I have too many things that I want to accomplish?”
Isn’t it amazing how a word with only one letter, the letter I, as in me, myself and I, can seem so important
that so many essentials in life get pushed into the background???
Now time machines are popular themes in the movies, but we know that we live in the here and now, right,
not 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. Thus it is in the here and now, today, that we must decide what we will do
with the Christ child!
Yes, because of this night, we know that God certainly does want a relationship with us; that God does
want to be a central part of our lives; that God does want to walk with us each and every day of our lives. Yes, this
night God is reaching out, God is reaching up, to each and every one of us through that manger, by the hand of
that infant child Jesus and God wants us, you and me, to grasp that hand of the Christ child and never, never,
let go!
This story about the annual Christmas pageant, adapted from John Simmons, reminds us of how easily that
our me, myself and I can get in the way. “It seems that in the Sunday School pageant there was a young boy who
wanted very much to be Joseph. But when the parts were handed out, his biggest rival was given the part of
Joseph, and he was assigned to be the inn-keeper. So during rehearsals this young lad kept plotting in his mind
what he could do to get even with his rival who was playing Joseph; the part he wanted.
Finally, the day of the pageant, Mary and Joseph came walking across the stage. They knocked on the door
of the inn, and the inn-keeper opened the door and gruffly said, ‘What do you want?’ Joseph calmly answered,
‘Sir, we’d like to have a room for the night.’ Suddenly, the inn-keeper threw the door open wide and said, ‘Great,
come on in and I’ll give you the best room in the house.’
For a few awkward moments poor Joseph didn’t know what to do or what to say; this was not what they had
rehearsed. Finally, however, thinking quickly on his feet, Joseph looked in past the inn-keeper, first to the left and
then to the right and said, ‘No wife of mine is going to stay in a dump like this. Come on, Mary, we’re going to
the barn!’”
Now we chuckle at that, but is it not true that all too often what we want frequently gets in the way of our
relationship with God and our relationship with those around us? Our lives are so filled with so many things that
unfortunately, like in the original version, we have no room in the inn of hearts, no room, in the inn of our
commitment, no room in the inn of our lives.
You know the Christmas story is a story not only about God’s great and gracious love for us, his people,
and the great measures that God will go to be a part of our lives, like becoming one of us; but the Christmas
story is one filled to the brim with people who allowed God to use them to bring about the birth of his Son, and to
set for us the example of “faith active in love.” Mary and Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men all were willing
to be God’s instruments to make this night so special and to bring about the fulfillment of his promise to send to us
a Savior.
Now certainly all of these saints of the Christmas story have significant roles, however, I would like to draw
your attention to the shepherds, the shepherds. But why the shepherds; why, because those lowly shepherds, in
the Christmas story, are, I suggest to us, are the prototype, classic examples of what it means to be a true
follower, a disciple of our Lord. My point is this – look at what the shepherds did that Holy Night - first of all the shepherds did heed the words
of the angels – they did go to that stable – they did worship the Christ child – they did return back to their
responsibilities– and on the way home, they did tell others!!!
Now I ask you, does that not beautifully sum up the proper, committed life of the child of God as our
(Continued from page 2)
(Continued on page 11)
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Did you know that private music lessons take place at First
English Church? Piano with Carrie Roach (586) 530-8872;
Piano/Organ with Donna Gorzelski (248) 990-3652,
[email protected]; and saxophone, flute, clarinet, and
oboe with Laura Schwanitz (586) 744-5379;
[email protected] Give them a call if you're interested!
LENT BEGINS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014 – ASH WEDNESDAY In March’s CLEF we will have a full Lenten calendar and
again this year we will have midweek Lenten Services as well as
Lenten Lunches and Suppers. Our Wednesday Midweek Lenten
service times, beginning Ash Wednesday, March 5, will be morning
worship at10:30 a.m., followed by Lunch and evening worship at
7:00 p.m., preceded by Supper. Make your plans now to assist
with one of our lunches/suppers and join us for regular Lenten
Services and the Christian fellowship of our Lenten meal
opportunities as we prepare ourselves for the events of Holy Week,
our Lord’s innocent suffering, death and glorious resurrection on
our behalf!!
TWO OPPORTUNITIES FROM LIFEBUILDERS…
-Tutors needed beginning February 4th. Tutoring every Tuesday or Thursday, 3:15 - 5:00 PM, grades 1st through 3rd. Reading Like a Champion program will be used. Mandatory training will be on Satur-day, February 1, from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. For more information see the flyer on the table in the hallway .
-Volunteers to rehab houses in the LifeBUILDERS community, skilled or unskilled. More information to follow. Please call/contact Sue Ulmer at (313)884-4726 or [email protected] if you are interested in either of these opportunities.
NEW MEMBER RECEPTION –SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2014 New members will be formally received on Sunday, February 9, 2014
at the 11:00 AM worship service. Our Board of Evangelism is
organizing a reception in honor of our new members and their sponsors
following the service.
If you are aware of anyone who might be interested in joining the
First English family, please speak to Pastor Chris or Pastor Schmidt.
Don’t be bashful – invite your friends, neighbors, work associates to be
involved in the ministry of First English, you’ll be glad you did, and so
will they!!!
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HOLY LAND TOUR – ISRAEL AND JORDAN When you receive your February CLEF we will be only a few short weeks away from our tour to Israel and Jordan. The dates are February 26 – March 8, 2014, and we have fourteen members and friends who will be a part of this tour. We have a “pre-tour” meeting scheduled for Sunday, February 2, 2014, 2:00 PM, in the Lounge. A tour of the Holy Land is truly a pilgrimage! Seeing the actual sites where the Biblical events took place makes the Bible truly come alive like no traditional Bible study can. In addition, the “Rose Red” city of Petra, Jordan is a wonder to behold! If there is sufficient interest, Pastor Schmidt will be glad to show his pictures of our Holy Land tour.
BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP news
Lent starts on Ash Wednesday - March 5, please consider hosting a Lenten Lunch or Dinner. The dates are: March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 2, 9 . There will be a sign-up poster in the Lounge. If you have any questions about hosting a meal, contact Claudette Momenee or Pastor Chris.
NEWS FROM LSSM…...
ADOPT A CHILD FOR $200 (PLUS A LIFETIME OF LOVE) More than 1,600 Michigan children are looking for loving “forever” families. Adoption is a lifelong gift; Lutheran Social Services of Michigan is asking congregations to commit to finding and supporting one family who will adopt or be a foster family for one child or sibling group. Last year, Lutheran Adoption Service placed 432 children for adoption. With your help we can place more children in forever families. Adopting through Lutheran Adoption Service is not expensive – the only cost is a filing fee that is determined by the court, which is often reimbursed by the State of Michigan. If you are interested in learning more about Lutheran Adoption Service's One Church, One Child, One Family program, contact Maria Rojas at (248) 423-2770, ext.1108 or Octavia Lindsey at ext. 1117. Lutheran Adoption Services (LAS) is a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan and Lutheran Child and Family Services.
HOME IMPROVEMENT NEEDS - Fence
LSSM staffs a home with three young adults ages 18 to 22 who need a fence to enjoy their back yard. Due to their disabilities and short term memory, they do not realize when they are leaving the safety of the back yard. We are seeking donations to install a fence which will provide the boundaries needed for them to enjoy the yard. The cost to purchase and install the fence is $3500. Call Ann Meldrum, Regional Director at [email protected] or (231) 722-2400 HOME CARE ASSISTANCE Care provided by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan The mission of Home Care Assistance, a ministry of Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, is to change the way the world ages. We provide older adults with quality care that enables them to live happier, healthier lives at home. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of the staff and their expertise in live-in care. Home Care Assistance embraces a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. We provide skilled and unskilled care for people of all ages including respite for family caregivers. For more informa-tion, please call Darlene Downs-Jones at (866) 454-8348.
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OFFICERS
President – Marc Simone
Vice President – Roger Ulmer
Secretary – Christina Judson
Treasurer – Pam Southard
Financial Secretary – John Nyquist
Church Properties
Gordon Bush, Dir.
Matthew Nyquist, Asst. Dir.
Dave Zwicker
Marc Simone
Mike Garrisi
Mike Nehls
Jeff Gates
Jim Nelson
Evangelism
Patty Foster, Dir.
Judy Leo, Asst. Dir.
Caryl Litzenberger
Monna Nieto
Margot Kahl
June MacMichael
Kathy Lang
Social Action
Diann Ohman, Dir.
Penny Damore, Asst. Dir.
Carolyn Schmidt
Pat Thomas
JoVona Cisco
Heide Montroy
Shawn Vinson
Kay Butler Berkesch
Virginia Ditty
Claudia Gram
Pat Milne
B.J. Decker
Sue Reck
Parish Education
Christine Simone, Dir.
Patrick Glynn
Andrea Glynn
Joanne Swanson
Pam Balle
Randi Kohler
Amy McIntyre
Fellowship
Claudette Momenee, Dir.
Josie Herrington, Asst. Dir.
Karen Bezel
Carol Sauter
Gary Ford
Sue Ulmer
Jan Wilson
Stewardship & Finance
Sherrill Wolford, Dir
Jeff Jenson, Asst. Dir.
Curt Sylvester
Dan Rustmann
Craig Kohler
Ken Kohler
Waynette Hostetler
Tom Liebold
Steve Lang
Youth Ministry
Karen Olson, Dir.
Amy Cornell, Asst. Dir.
Lauren Nyquist
Allison Cornell
Sandy Smith
Eve Feldman
Danny Foster
Heidi Feldman
Liz Nyquist
John Nyquist
Worship & Music
Sandy Ford, Dir.
Jane Stevens, Asst. Dir
Nanette Whitcroft
Mark Fett
Glenn Whitcroft
Deb Strandhagen
2014 OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS
(All officers’ terms begin 1/1/14 and end 12/31/15 all two year terms.)
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ADULT EDUCATION AT A GLANCE
9:30 a.m. THURSDAY MORNING BIBLESTUDY
Our Thursday Morning Bible Study continuing topic is Martin Luther
and the Lutheran Reformation. Our “study book” is Luther the
Reformer by James Kittelson, the late professor of Reformation History
at Luther Seminar.
These sessions, which are led by Pastor Schmidt, meet Thursday
mornings, 9:30 -11:00 AM, in the Lounge.
Please note that we will not be meeting on Thursday, February 27, or
March 6, as Pastor Schmidt will be leading our tour to Israel and
Jordan.
We will probably be concluding this Study on Luther and the
Reformation in March- so what would you like to study next??? Please
share your thoughts with Pastor Schmidt. Remember, while we do have
a very nice size group, there is always room for YOU!
THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS Thank you to all of our members who have directed their “Thrivent Choice Dollars” to support the mission
and ministry of First English. Over $2,000.00 was donated last year to First English through this program. If you
are a Thrivent policy holder you are eligible to also direct your support to First English. The rules have changed a
bit in that now the gifting of the “Thrivent Choice Dollars” must be done annually. You can direct your gifts to
First English by calling Thrivent at 1-800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and state “Thrivent Choice” or on line at
Thrivent.com. Again, thank you for your support; it is greatly appreciated!
Grace Circle - Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.
Peace Circle - First Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
Faith Circle - First Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
Hope Circle - Second Wednesday at 11:30 a.m.
Check the calendar at www.feelc.org
WOMEN’S CIRCLE BIBLE STUDY
Our Women’s Circle Bible study for this year through next
spring is “In Good Company: Stories of Biblical Women.”
These studies explore stories of women from both the Old and
New Testaments as well as contemporary women. Our study
for February is “The Woman/Witch of Endor.” This woman
conjures up the spirit of Samuel on behalf of Saul even though
such practices are seen as contrary to the Jewish faith. How is
God able to use this woman? What does this story say to us
about our connection with those who have already died?
(I Samuel 28).
All women of First English are encouraged to attend a Circle.
Ladies, please check the calendar for the various Circles
meeting schedule.
9:30a.m. ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Our Adult Sunday School Class
continues on the topic of the
The LIFE OF JESUS. We meet
during the Sunday School Hour,
9:30-10:30 a.m., in the Lounge and
these sessions are led by Pastor Chris
and Pastor Schmidt.
This full overview of Jesus’ life and
teaching will take us through the winter
into the Season of Lent. How much do
we really know about the life and
ministry of Jesus? Could we not learn
more and have a greater appreciation
for what our Lord has done for us!
Please join us as we together grow in
our thankfulness and understanding of
the life and teaching of our Lord and
what that means for our lives.
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GIFT WISH LIST
TUCKPOINTING AND PILLAR REPAIRS
ORGAN FUND
COLUMBARIUM FOR FIRST ENGLISH As you are aware, First English Lutheran Church has approved a Columbarium Project for our facility. When sufficient niches are sold, the Columbarium will be placed in the
narthex (please see computer drawing on the bulletin board in the main hallway). Before construction begins, the companion niches, which hold two urns, will be sold for
$1,500.00; after construction begins they will sell for $1,800.00. We will give the congregation sixty days notice before raising the price to $1,800.00. Niches will be assigned on a “first come-
first-served” basis, with members being able to choose the location of their niche within the Columbarium. To date nine double niches have been sold. If sufficient niches are not sold, all
funds will be returned to those who purchased niches. If you have any questions please speak to Pastor Schmidt.
Our organ at First English is over fifty years old, and over the past 10 years has had switching
components beginning to fail. Because the original components of the organ console haven’t been manufactured since the early 1970’s, the console and its related switching need to be rebuilt to have the organ fully functional again. The Peterson Company, which would do the console rebuild,
estimates repairs to be approximately $110,000. Funding at this point is at $52,500 thanks to the Gladys Greenburg Fund, her family has approved the use of this fund to help with the repairs.
If you wish to help with these repairs, please mark your envelope "Organ Fund" and place in the offering plate or leave in the office. Thank you!-The Board of Worship and Music.
OPEN DOOR SERIES coming events…..
This past year the first unit of our facility required tuck-pointing of the outer walls to prevent costly water
damage. In addition the pillars by the southeast entrance to the Narthex required repair. Our Board of Church
Properties received bids for the above repairs and the Church Council approved these projects. The total cost was
$19,600.00, and these repairs have now all been completed. If you would like to assist with the cost of this project
simply mail your check to the church or place in the offering plate. Please designate your gift for
“Church Maintenance.” Thank You!
April 6, 2014 7:00 p.m. Come hear THE GRUNYONS, as they return to the First English Music Series after a brief appearance last year with the Grosse Pointe Community Chorus. The nearly two dozen talented singers will croon popular favorites in an irresistible eight-part vocal jazz style that is interspersed with zany commentary and loads of fun! ADMISSION $10.00 Adults $ 7.00 Students and Seniors
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BOARD OF SOCIAL ACTION
SCHEDULES & CONTACT NUMBERS Just a reminder concerning the schedules of Pastor Chris and Pastor Schmidt. Pastor Chris’ day off is Friday and in an emergency she can be contacted at 248-231-5091. Her email address is [email protected]. Pastor Schmidt’s day off remains on Monday and his home phone number for emergencies is 313-882-3520. His email address is [email protected]. Church office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the office closed for lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sue’s email is [email protected]
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Parish Education/Youth News from Renata
We have received word that Rachael Stein passed away on January 5, 2014. “Thanks be to God who gives to us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
We have received word that Werner Stuecher, past choir director at First English passed away on January 11, 2014. “Thanks be to God who gives to us the victory through our Lord, Jesus Christ.”
Sunday School
Schedule There will be no middle or high school Sunday School on January 26th, but elementary will run as usual. So please join us every Sunday morning at 9:30am. Preschool-5th Grade start in the Sanctuary, 6th-8th Grade meets upstairs in the Confirmation Room, and 9th-12th Grade meets downstairs in the Youth Room.
Farm Animals!!! Please visit http://lwrgifts.org/ to see how the
Sunday School will give alms during Lent. By partnering with Lutheran World Relief, children will be able to donate anything from worms for the garden to a dairy cow for the whole village! Parents, please remind your children to bring their offerings to Sunday School each week.
What We’re Learning This Month Pre- and elementary school are learning about “The Widow’s Offering” and how even our tiny efforts can make a big difference. Kids, remember to bring your bibles with you every Sunday! Parents, remember to read through the stories with your children at home.
Middle school is discussing two topics this month: “The Life of Jesus: the Things that He Said” and “The Bible.” Jesus' words challenged people 2,000 years ago, and they continue to challenge us today, but no more important words have ever been spoken.
High school students are looking at “Making the Most of Your Family Life.” In this series, we'll spend a couple weeks in the New Testament and one in the Old Testament, and all three lessons will offer hope and help for teenagers to grow as part of a family-even if it's just one small step at a time.
Confirmation & Youth Group
Schedule There will be no Confirmation Class or Youth Group on February 19th or 20th. Starting the following week, we will resume our normal schedule. MS Confirmation Class meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:30-8:30pm and HS Youth Group meets weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-8:30pm.
Winter Retreat All attendees should meet in the Gathering Area at 4:30pm on Friday, January 24 to start loading the vehicles. A packing list was emailed out and is also available on the FEELC website. Pick-up will be around 3:00pm on the 26th. Please pray for traveling mercies and don’t forget to bundle up!
World Vision’s “30-Hour Famine” High School Youth will be raising funds to help prevent world hunger. The youth will fast on February 7th-8th for 30 hours. If you would like to support the cause, please visit our webpage here or talk to your favorite teen to see how you can sponsor them.
Important Dates January 24, 4:30pm
MS & HS, Winter Retreat Drop-off
January 26, ~3:00pm MS & HS, Winter Retreat Pick-up
February 1, 11am-1pm HS, Sub-making Party
February 7(noon)-8(6pm) MS & HS, 30-Hour Famine
Feb 2nd, 9am-12:30pm Sub Pick-up
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response to God’s great and gracious love? We, as our Lord’s disciples, are called upon by our Lord to heed his
call, his word, his message of love. We as followers of our Lord, Jesus Christ are summoned to regularly come to
his house for worship- offering up our thanks and praise! We, as our Lord’s disciples are called upon by that
same Lord to faithfully discharge our responsibilities to our family, our work, our neighbors and our world!
And, certainly, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called upon by our Lord to share the Good News of His great
love, to tell others, to witness to that faith within us, so that all might know and live in God’s great and
gracious love?
Yes, those shepherds might be smelly, old ordinary people who spend day and night living with their sheep,
watching over their welfare, but they have given to us not only a blessed example of true discipleship; but just as
importantly, their presence and participation in the Christmas Gospel also reminds us that God’s love, the birth
of his Son and our Savior is for all people, no matter our station in life, no matter our heritage, no matter what
we may have done, no matter what paths we may have traveled to come here to God’s house this Holiest of
nights.
Remember, Christmas is not our birthday, Christmas is Jesus’ birthday; and Jesus can invite whomever he
wants to join in the celebration of this Holy night, His birth! And you know what, my friends -Jesus has chosen to
invite you and me, and all people, of all time and place.
No, Christmas is not about us, Christmas is about God becoming one of us in his Son to save us; but while
Christmas is not about us, Christmas, the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord, is for us, for us and for our salvation.
Because of this night, nothing will be the same!
Dr. Seuss, through the words of the Grinch, said it very well:
“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: ‘How could it be so?’
It came without ribbons. It came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags!”
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore,
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before!
‘Maybe Christmas,’ he thought, ‘doesn’t come from a store.’
‘Maybe Christmas…perhaps...means a little bit more.’”
Yes, Christmas means a lot more; a whole lot more! Christmas means that eternity has touched the earth
in the birth of a child, Jesus Christ our Lord!
Christmas means that God has stooped down from his heavenly home to be with us, but not only to be with
us, but to be one of us, to save us and that we might personally know and live in his love, now and forever!
Yes, because of this night, our lives, our world, our relationships, our eternity, will never be the same!
Joy to the world, the Lord IS come! Merry Christmas to you and to yours!
AMEN
Preached Christmas Eve, 2013 – Dr. Walter A. Schmidt
(Continued from page 3)
BUILDING REMINDER Now that we are in the busy schedule of events at First English, a friendly reminder to turn off lights when leaving a room, and make sure that all of the doors are locked if you are the last one out. We want to keep our utility costs down and our facility safe and secure for all to use. Please remember that all facility requests should be made through Kyle Clor ((313)-881-9703 or via her e-mail at [email protected].)
12
RECYCLE PAPER BIN BRING
YOUR
PAPER!!
Please take time to drop all your clean, dry newspapers, magazines, office
and copy paper, advertising inserts and junk mail into the recycle bin in the
parking lot. You don’t have to sort anything or remove
staples. Please bag your shredded paper.
NO CARDBOARD OR PHONE BOOKS ARE ACCEPTED.
The AbitibiBowater Paper Retriever program is designed for organizations to
recycle paper and earn money -- the more you fill the bin, the more money
FEELC makes! Most of all, it’s an opportunity for us to recycle and help the
environment.
Accepting enrollment for 3 & 4 year olds for 2014
First English Lutheran Preschool offers an academic program to help pre-pare your child for kindergarten. With a small class size, our program in-
cludes Bible lessons, math, music, science, art, language, beginning reading concepts and physical development. First English has a very large and bright classroom for your child to spend
their morning socializing with friends. Call our director Christine Simone at (313)886-6544 for more information or to arrange a classroom visit.
Preschool News The year is going very well in our preschool room. Mrs. Jackson and I are enjoying an
energetic group of 11 children including a few members of the congregation. In December we
learned about the letters J and W and Christmas. December was a great month to help the
children reflect on the birth of baby Jesus. The children have learned about the first Christmas
through books, songs and acting out the Nativity for parents and grandparents on the December 18th performance prior to
the Christmas break. It has been an exciting time of year in preschool!
Watch the hallway outside our classroom as we share photos and artwork with those who pass by!
-Christine Simone
Have you enrolled or re-enrolled yet?? Please take the time to go online and sign-up or renew your
card and make your donation designation to First English (#83535). If you don’t remember the
email address that you used previously to enroll, you can call (877)576-7587 to remove any email
attached to your card number and then proceed to enroll again. Our fundraising efforts, by
participating in the Kroger Community Rewards Program, have added up to significant money - just
by purchasing your weekly groceries! Up a little from the last quarter, our latest quarterly check
was in the amount of $290.16!!
If you have never signed up – go to Kroger’s website krogercommunityrewards.com and follow
the prompts. You will need your Kroger card.
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM
13
2/1: Michael Garrisi, Amy Olson,
Mark Pilon
2/3: Scott Stojsih
2/4: Heather Gilbert
2/5: Dennis Gates, Scott Henderson,
Lisa Ritchie
2/6: Judy Freund, Janet Loehr,
Jacqueline Tambourine
2/8: Christine DinVerno,
Burgandy Hosbein,
Robert Hubbard,
Meredith Longley
2/9: Cindy Engle
2/10: John Conn, Kelsey Roy
2/11: Glenn Moskaluk, Jimmy Schoensee,
Samantha Stevens
2/12: Morgan Nelson
2/13: Joseph Clor, Summer Ouvry,
Brad Reed, Daniel Walz
2/14: Ethan Hays, Craig Henderson,
Charles Jackson, Adam Southard,
Jacqueline Stein, Sybil Thomas
2/16: John Buda III, Barbara Simon
2/17: Brianne Langlois,
Charles Marchetti,
Nancy McCarthy, James Smith
2/18: Dominic Ouvry
2/19: Grace Campbell, Ian Sieben,
Amanda Telegadas
2/20: William Ritchie, Daniel Setchell
2/21: Nicholas Andary, Rachel
Gierman, Corinne Knight
2/22: Kristina Dinverno,
Eric Schreiber, Jennifer Ulmer
2/23: Cheryl Ford
2/24: Heather Brush, Edward Geha,
Jack Kohler, Janet Nicol,
Randie Kohler
2/25: Robb Breckenridge,
Paula Kircos
2/27: James Ditty, Gary Ford
2/28: Cheryl Berkesch,
Elisabeth Rondon,
Nanette Sonneman- Whitcroft,
Heather Kadrich
14
GR
EE
TE
RS
9
:30
A.M
.
11
:00
A.M
.
Feb. 2
Shirle
y L
am
ar
Ju
dy L
eo
Feb. 9
Sue &
Marty
Bay
John C
onn
Feb. 1
6
Sue R
eck
Waynette
Hoste
tler
Feb. 2
3
the B
eze
l fam
ily
Pat P
alm
US
HE
R
9:3
0 A
.M.
1
1:0
0 A
.M.
Feb. 2
Team
#7
Team
#8
Ken K
ohle
r
Charle
s Jack
son
Feb. 9
Team
#9
Team
#10
David
Zw
icker
D
an R
ustm
ann
Feb. 1
6
Team
#1
Team
#2
Mik
e G
uest
M
ark
Berk
esch
Feb. 2
3
Team
#3
Team
#4
Mark
Fett
M
arc S
imone
AC
OLY
TE
S
9:3
0 A
.M.
1
1:0
0 A
.M.
Feb. 2
Tom
Kohle
r
Em
ily C
onn
H
ale
y R
ozy
cki
Feb. 9
Evan N
yquist
Andre
w B
eze
l
Em
ily D
alia
n
Feb. 1
6
Abig
ail W
ilson
N
ora
Sm
ith
Kriste
n S
mith
Feb. 2
3
Sam
Kohle
r
Ella
Ford
Nath
an F
ord
LA
Y R
EA
DE
RS
9:3
0 A
.M.
1
1:0
0 A
.M.
Feb. 2
Mik
e G
arrisi
Ja
yne B
lohm
Feb. 9
Bra
ndon T
am
bourin
e
Dia
nn O
hm
an
Feb. 1
6
Jack
ie T
am
bourin
e
Marti M
iller
Feb. 2
3
Mik
e G
arrisi
Yvonne W
insto
n
CO
MM
UN
ION
AS
SIS
TA
NT
S
9:3
0 A
.M.
1
1:0
0 A
.M.
Feb. 2
M
arg
ot K
ahl
M
ark
Berk
esch
Shirle
y L
am
ar
W
aynette
Hoste
tler
Feb. 9
Shirle
y L
am
ar
Pam
South
ard
Feb. 1
6
Mik
e G
arrisi
Ruth
Engle
M
arg
ot K
ahl
Patty
Jack
son
Feb. 2
3
Bra
ndon T
am
bourin
e
Jack
ie T
am
bourin
e
CO
FFE
E H
OU
R
Feb. 2
Worsh
ip &
Music
Feb. 9
Evangelism
Feb. 1
6
Peace
Circle
Feb. 2
3
Luth
era
n C
olle
ge S
unday
CO
UN
TE
RS
Feb. 2
Team
#2
Nancy
Heaphy
Feb. 9
Team
#3
Ruth
Engle
Feb. 1
6
Team
#4
Pat M
ilne
Feb. 2
3
Team
#5
Jeff G
ate
s
FR
IEN
DLY
CA
LLE
RS
Feb. 2
Mark
Berk
esch
Feb. 9
Christi N
yquist
Feb. 1
6
Cary
l Litze
nberg
er
Feb. 2
3
John B
lohm
ALT
AR
GU
ILD
Anna U
nit:
Caro
l Mack
enzie
Lydia
Unit:
Leslie
Nelso
n/C
hristin
e S
imone
15
Su
n
Mo
n
Tu
e W
ed
T
hu
F
ri
Sa
t
1
9:00 Princeton R
eview
10:00 Volleyball
2 3
4 5
6 7
8 9:30 C
ontemporary W
orship 9:30 S
unday School
11:00 Traditional W
orship 1:00 P
rinceton Review
3:00-6:30 S
ports
8:45 Preschool
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:30 M
usic Lessons 6:30-9:30 S
ports
10:00 GP
N P
izza Lunch
10:30 Faith C
ircle 3:00 M
usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S
ports 5:30 E
xercise Class
7:00 Peace C
ircle
8:45 Preschool
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S
ports 5:15 Lord's C
ompany R
ingers 6:00 Lord's C
ompany S
ingers 6:30 C
atechism
9:30 Bible S
tudy 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30 -9:30 S
ports 5:30 E
xercise Class
6:30 Good N
ews S
ingers 6:30 H
S Y
outh Group
8:10 Good N
ews R
ingers
30 Hour F
amine - Y
outh 8:45 P
reschool 5:30 S
ports
30 Hour F
amine - Y
outh
9 10
11 12
13 14
15 9:30 C
ontemporary W
orship 9:30 S
unday School
11:00 Traditional W
orship 12:00 N
ew M
ember R
eception 3:00 -6:30 S
ports
8:45 Preschool
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:00 M
usic Lessons 6:30 G
irl Scouts T
refoil
10:00 GP
N P
izza Lunch
12:00 Valentine C
ard Party
3:00 Music Lessons
4:30-9:30 Sports
5:30 Exercise C
lass 7:00 B
oard of Church P
roperty
8:45 Preschool
9:30 Exercise C
lass 11:30 H
ope Circle
3:30 Music Lessons
4:30-9:30 Sports
5:15 Lord's Com
pany Ringers
6:00 Lord's Com
pany Singers
6:30 Catechism
9:30 Bible S
tudy 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S
ports 5:30 E
xercise Class
6:30 Good N
ews S
ingers 6:30 H
S Y
outh Group
8:10 Good N
ews R
ingers
8:45 Preschool
5:30 Sports
10:00 Volleyball
16 17
18 19
20 21
22 9:30 C
ontemporary W
orship 9:30 S
unday School
11:00 Traditional W
orship 6:30-8:00 S
ports 6:30 B
oard & C
ouncil Meet-
ings
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30-7:30 S
ports
3:00 Music Lessons
5:30 Exercise C
lass 6:30-7:30 S
ports
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:30 M
usic Lessons 5:30-9:30 S
ports
9:30 Bible S
tudy 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S
ports 5:30 E
xercise Class
6:30 Good N
ews S
ingers 8:10 G
ood New
s Ringers
5:30-8:30 Sports
10:00 Volleyball
23 24
25 26
27 28
9:30 C
ontemporary W
orship 9:30 S
unday School
11:00 Traditional W
orship 3:00-8:00 S
ports
8:45 Preschool
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:00 M
usic Lessons 6:00 G
race Circle
6:30-9:30 Sports
10:00 GP
N P
izza Lunch
3:30 Music Lessons
4:30-7:30 Sports
5:30 Exercise C
lass
8:45 Preschool
9:30 Exercise C
lass 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30-5:30 S
ports 5:15 Lord's C
ompany R
ingers 6:00 Lord's C
ompany S
ingers 6:30 C
atechism
9:30 Bible S
tudy 3:30 M
usic Lessons 4:30-9:30 S
ports 5:30 E
xercise Class
6:30 Good N
ews S
ingers 6:30 H
S Y
outh Group
8:10 Good N
ews R
ingers
8:45 Preschool