December 2009

First Lutheran Church

1180 8th Ave / P.O. Box 546

Cumberland, WI. 54829

Office Hours: Monday - Friday

8 AM - 2 PM

Office Phone: 715-822-4416

Fax: 715-822-4402

email address:

flchurch@chibardun.net

Website:

www.luther95.com/FLC-CWI

Pastor: Tim Schmidt

Email: firstpastor@chibardun.net

Home Phone: 715-822-3265

Office: Dawn Hilde

Treasurer: Lori Nyhus

Organist: Charlene Samlaska

Choir Director: Sharon Schmidt

Handbell Choir Director: Dan Hopkins

Tone Chime Director: Mary Flottum

Librarian: Emily Drafall

Custodians: Jeff & Julie Anderson

First Lutheran Church Council

President: Mark Gargulak

V. President: Gene Bussewitz

Secretary: Brenda Blumberg

Ministry Teams:

Christian Ed

Brenda Blumberg

Church Home Management

Gene Bussewitz, Ron Niemann

Fellowship & Christian Service

Paul Hilton

Financial & Personal Gifts

Jerry Severson, Phil Flottum

Home Missions

Kay Capra, Jean Odden

International Missions

Bev Alfonse

Worship & Church Music

Lori Olson

Youth

Preston Hopkins

First Lutheran’s

December Schedule

December 6 - 2nd Sunday of Advent

8:00 AM Hanging of the Greens

9:15 AM Brunch &

Sunday School Program Practice

10:30 AM Worship with Holy

Communion

December 13 - 3rd Sunday of Advent

Friendship Sunday

8:00 & 10:30 AM Festival of Bells

Community Christmas Concert 2pm and 4pm at St. Anthony’s

December 16, 2009

5:30 PM - Sunday School Program Practice.

December 20 - 4th Sunday of

Advent

8:00 AM Service of Holy

Communion

10:30 AM Sunday School Program

December 24 - Christmas Eve

4:00 PM Candlelight Service with

Holy Communion

10:00 PM Candlelight Service with

Holy Communion and Choir

December 27

8:00 AM - Worship

10:30 AM - Worship

Special Bell Choir Music at both services

FROM THE PASTOR’S STUDY

“Behold I bring your glad tidings of great joy! Luke 2: 10…from the message of the angels to the shepherds at the

birth of Christ.

I still remember very clearly as a boy the great anticipation I had for Christmas. Every year we would get

Advent calendars, and I remember faithfully opening a new door every day until Christmas arrived. Now I won’t

claim that the motivations for my excitement were completely spiritual. Christmas meant toys, and that is exciting for every kid. But even if motivations were a little skewed, the excitement and enthusiasm were still there. I just

couldn’t wait for Christmas to come.

I will admit that as an adult, the situation is a little different. I certainly still look forward to Christmas, but not in quite the same way. There is simply not the pure, unbridled excitement that I remember from my youth. My

enthusiasm is a little subdued. All too often, thoughts of Christmas bring to mind a to-do list rather than hopeful

anticipation.

But I wonder if there isn’t a way to reclaim some of that wonder that we had with Christmas when we were young. When Jesus blessed the little children and said that it is to ones like these that the kingdom of heaven

belongs, I think he was at least partially talking about their wonder and amazement. Children are able to wonder at

God and his world, and the little baby in the manger a little better than we are, perhaps.

Can we reclaim a little bit of that wonder ourselves? Can we reclaim a little of our wonder at what it means for God to be born in human flesh on a starry night? Can we reclaim a little more of the joy for the celebration of

Christ’s birth?

I think that the way to do that is to take some time in this busy month of December. It is to take some

time from our hectic schedules to just ponder and consider what we are getting ready to celebrate. It is to take some time in worship, some time in prayer, some time in contemplation, time to consider a love for us so great that

God was willing to take on human flesh….time to be aware of God’s presence in our world so real that he actually has become one of us…time to remember God’s promise to save and redeem the world through his Son.

It is my hope that in the midst of our busyness, we will all take time to do just that. Join us for worship this month, and join the whole church throughout the world as we look forward with hope and joy to God sending his

Son.

Have a blessed Advent and Christmas.

In Christ’s Name, Pastor Tim

With the winter season approaching we are again concerned about those who will need rides to church. Would anyone who is willing to give rides to those needing them please contact the church office. Also if you are in need of a ride please call the church office. Thank you.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH WOMEN

CIRCLE SCHEDULE: FLCW December 3 - 12:00 Noon Rebekah December 7 - 1:30PM Naomi December 8 - 1:30PM Esther December 9 - 9:00AM Hannah December 10 - 2:00PM

December 20, 2009 Christmas cookies and bars, breads, and candy

will be available between services. The

proceeds will be used for kitchen projects.

New Members and Sponsors of First Lutheran: Left to right: William Stovall, KaraGay Boegel, sponsor; Pastor Tim; Sam Hauloi, Aaliyah and Amanda Williams, Mandy Bova, Mary Flottum, sponsor; Mike and Garnett Duenow, Connie Bussewitz, sponsor; Rob and Barbara Ankarlo, Ben and Wayne, Jonelle Gideo, sponsor.

Grounds Beautification Project Memorial Committee Update Celebration of Life milestones can be remembered in a gift to the Grounds Beautification Project to honor or memorialize.

Thank you to all who have donated or worked to complete Phase I of the project in the southeast corner of our church property. The 3 benches are installed and 4 trees are now planted in the designated area.

Next will be the completing of Phase II, the fire pit area. Included will be 4 straight benches, 4 curved benches and 6 crabapple trees. The timeline goal is to complete this by June 2010. The purchase cost is $300/bench and $200/crabapple tree. Contributions can be made as memorials, honors or gifts. Plaques will be placed at each tree and bench listing the designation and who contributed.

Please contact Dave Grove or the church office with your questions.

Stewardship Corner:

Thank you to all who helped to make the Consecration Sunday such a great day. A special thank you to Bobbi Momchilovich and the Esther circle for serving the brunch. If you were unable to attend that day, please make sure you give your time and talent sheet and estimate of giving card to Dawn in the church office.

†A memorial gift to the new sound system in memory of Chester Nelson from Mabel E. Nelson. †A memorial gift to the kitchen fund in memory of my parents, Arthur & Marian Fink and my sister, Linda Fink Lauritsen from Nancy Lauritsen. †A memorial gift to the Sanctuary Remodel in memory of Joe Greshik, Jr., from Jean Algeo and Clif and Peg Beyer.

First Lutheran Church

January -October, 2009

GENERAL BLDG MORTGAGE MISSION

FUND FUND FUND

2009 OFFERING $145,779 $13,128 $9,279

2008 OFFERING $141,791 $9,437 $6,444

DIFFERENCE: $3,988 $3,691 $2,835

2009 OFFERING $145,779 $13,128 $9,279

2009 ACTUAL EXPENSES $152,356 $11,361 $7,875

DIFFERENCE: ($6,577) $1,768 $1,404

2009 BUDGET AMT NEEDED $167,103 $10,601 $9,083

{IF ALL BUDGET ITEMS WERE PAID}

Report Submitted by Lori Nyhus, Treasurer

December

02 Kevin Kollock Darrian Bertelsen Mecina Garibaldi 03 Joan Gibson Carrie Beiersdorff Donny Zappetillo Shane Potthier 04 Michelle Wombill 05 Kathy Strong Julie Diesterhaft Britta Nesvold 06 Betsy Schmidt Nathaniel Painter Graham Miller 08 Gregory Zirwes Amanda Whitman Logan Mahowald Jasmine Cutsforth 09 Ardis Amundson 10 Travis Nyhus Trevor Nyhus 12 Tom Nesvold Benjamin Effinger Alsia Collyard 14 Larry Paulson Levi Lammers Jacob Lammers Benjamin Lammers 15 Jayne Scheurer Tammy Bertelsen 16 Hope Vicich Payton Rose Jeri Iverson 18 John Siebenthal 19 Denise Arntson Erica Siebenthal

December

09 Charles & Carol White 11 Brent & Heather Colburn 15 Henry & Barbara Hazelberg 18 J. Robert & Jeanne Nelson 19 Tim & Elizabeth Berens 21 Roger & Dawn Hilde 27 David & Lori Olson 30 Ken & Kathy Greschner Barry & Tammy Rose

If we have your birthday/anniversary

wrong, or, if we don’t have it,

please call the church office

and let us know!

20 Carol Odden Gina Patterson Sanara Marsh 22 Preston Hopkins 24 Marge Lawrence Rylee White 25 Carol White 26 Makaila Wallin 27 Delores Pederson 28 Amber Weiss 28 Lauren Schullo 29 George DeLaitsch

Youth Calendar:

Wed., Dec. 2 3:45 - 5:15 PM Confirmation

3:45 - 4:45 PM Tone Chimes

6:00 PM Bells/ Choir 7:00 PM

6:30 PM Hanging Greens Rehearsal

Sun., Dec. 6 8:00 AM Hanging Greens

9:15 AM Brunch

9:15 AM Sunday School & 7th, 8th

Grades Confirmation

Sr. Heavensent Progressive Dinner

(Postcards will be sent with time)

Wed., Dec. 9 3:45 - 5:15 PM Confirmation

3:45 - 4:45 PM Tone Chimes

Bells 6:00/ Choir 7:00 PM

Sun., Dec. 13 Festival of Bells 8:00 & 10:30AM

9:15 AM Sunday School & 7th, 8th

Grades Confirmation

Sr. Heavensent Progressive Dinner

Wed., Dec. 16 3:45 - 5:15 PM Jr. Heavensent

Christmas Party and Caroling

3:45 - 4:45 PM Tone Chimes

5:30 PM Sunday School Program

Practice

Choir 7:00 PM

Sun., Dec. 20 9:15 AM Sunday School & 7th, 8th

Grades Confirmation

10:30 AM Sunday School Program

Thurs., Dec. 24 Candlelight Christmas Eve Service

4:00 and 10:30 PM

A couple of strange creatures participating in the Trunk ‘N Treat celebration on October 31.

A special storyteller entertained the children at the Halloween party.

Senior High Youth – Join us for a special Christmas party on December 13th. We will dress up and have an old fashioned progressive dinner. We will make our way to different houses for a many-course meal as we celebrate together the Christmas season. That evening we will also prepare care packages for our nation’s servicemen and women. Watch your mailboxes for more details!

Junior Heavensent: Our activity for December will be a Christmas party and sharing of Christmas spirit by singing at the nursing home. Join us after school on Wed. December 16th. Merry Christmas!

These are a few of the characters that showed up for the Halloween party, October 31st.

Mission Statement At First Lutheran our mission statement as a Congregation is this: “As a

congregation we are called to celebrate and share the loving power of Jesus Christ.” We would like to make this mission of ours more prominent in all that we do together. Please make note of it and be thinking about how we can

work together to carry out our mission.

Thank you to Kay Christensen for new banners to welcome people in the church building. These hang in the fellowship hall on the main beam and they will change with the season. The banner hung in November says “Abide in Christ Always.” It’s symbolism is: The base of the serpentine vine contains the work of the Holy Spirit. At Confirmation, the dove renews the flame of faith that springs from the vessel containing the blue waters of baptism. In the middle loop, the Christian continues to grow in his faith through communion (chalice and wafer) and extends the love of Christ to others (cross-fish hook = fishers of men). In the top portion of the vine the Bible offers the promise of new life with God in heaven after death (butterfly).

The banner for Advent and Christmas has this symbolism: The three “Joys” are a reminder of the Triune God. Christ (Chi-Rho, the first letters in the Greek word) is the Light of the world (star and flame). The red berries (blood) and holly thorns (suffering) reiterate the purpose of Christ’s coming to earth (the cross).

Hanging of the Greens: All are invited to join us on December 6th at the 8:00 AM service for the Hanging of the Greens. This youth-led service will explain the meaning and hope of Advent and will explain many of the decorations that we use in the church. This year’s service will also have a message presented by one of our youth, as well as a puppet show. Join us for this special service and then a brunch prepared by the youth.

Secret Angels

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."

~ I Thess. 5:11

In the spirit of encouragement, the Christian Education Team would like to begin the Secret Angels program. It is a ministry of regularly praying, caring and encouraging the youth in our church secretly. It's wonderful to have someone praying for our children and to send them an encouraging note or thoughtful gift from time to time.

That is all we ask – that you remember the children in prayer and send a periodic card or note just as a reminder that some-one is thinking and praying for them. If you wish, you may give a small gift, but we ask that any gifts be inexpensive.

The program is anonymous. You will take a sealed envelope from the box in the Fellowship Hall and sign the sheet next to the box.

Each envelope contains a sheet with the child’s name, picture and birth date. The sheets do not include an address, but we will have a drop box in the Fellowship Hall in which you can leave notes.

We ask you to sign the sheet so the Sunday School kids can pray for you. As a way to teach our children to be thankful and teach them about prayer, we will pick a name or two each week and pray for our Secret Angels during Sunday School and throughout the week.

Please consider becoming a Secret Angel. Thank you.

Friendship Sunday. December 13th will be a Friendship Sunday at First Lutheran. You are asked to invite a friend or neighbor to join us for worship that day. December 13th is also the “Festival of the Bells” a special service that includes many Christmas songs from our Bell Choir. They can join you that day as we share in this special part of our music ministry. There must be people you know who do not have a regular church home. Follow up with an invitation to our Christmas Eve worship as well.

The FLCW will usher in the

Christmas season with a potluck

lunch at 12:00 noon on Thursday,

December 3. All women are invited to

join us - bring a dish to share and come

to enjoy the food and fellowship.

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

8th Avenue and Elm Street P.O. Box 546

Cumberland, WI 54829 Phone - 822-4416

Facsimile - 822-4402

NONPROFIT US POSTAGE PAID

PERMIT NO 54 CUMBERLAND, WI

The Great Stories of the Bible

Our preaching series on the Great Stories of the Bible continues in December. Come and join us to worship and learn more about the Bible. December 6th — The Hanging of the Greens (No Adult Bible Study this Sunday) December 13th — Expectations for a Messiah — What are we waiting for? December 20th — Annunciation to Mary, God chooses his servant. December 24th — The Birth of Christ, God becomes one of us. December 27th — The Visit of the Wise Men — Worshipers from Afar.