Plug into Plug into the HIGHEST POWER

American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Drive, Prescott, AZ 86301

Phone: (928) 445-4348 Fax: (928) 445-8343

www.americanlutheran.net

8:00 AM Traditional Worship

9:00 AM “The Well” Contemporary Worship

10:30 AM Traditional Worship

10:30 AM “Lifted” Contemporary Worship

10:30 AM Kid Connect

3:30 PM Community Meal

7:45—10:15 AM (Birth—5 yrs.) 10:15–11:45 AM (Birth—3 yrs.)

Rev. Jack Shannon……….…...........….. Senior Pastor

Rev. Erich Sokoloski..…..…………...Associate Pastor

Rev. Don McMillan…….Pastor of Caring Ministries

Kate Howell………………..Director of Administration

David Sherman…….…..………...…..Minister of Music

Kenny James….…Director of Contemporary Music

Patrosky Anderson.….Director of Student Ministry

Debbie Smith…...... Director of Children’s Ministry

Kathy Lilley…Ass’t. Director of Children’s Ministry

Lori Barbe……....Dir. of American Lutheran School

Larry Lee………………….……….…..…...A/V Technician

Jaime .………. ...Food Services Coordinator

Donna Jackson...….…….Administrative Assistant I

Rachel Williams.…….…Administrative Assistant II

Diana Austin.…….…………….……………..Receptionist

Denny Larson..…………….…..….…..……......Custodian

Ed Carr………………………….……….….….….. Custodian

Margie Grimm………....……….….....

Volume 9, Issue 22

10 PM Candlelight Traditional with Holy Communion

Child care for ages birth through 5 will be available

during the 10:30 AM, 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM services.

Kid Connect will not meet on December 24.

Friday & Saturday, December 15 & 16

7:00 PM in the Sanctuary

Make Yule Fest at American Lutheran Church an annual Christmastime tradition for your family! For years, Vespers has been a traditional Advent celebration that provides a fitting opportunity for ALC to proclaim the Good News of Christ’s birth in word and song. Beginning in 2016, Vespers was rebranded as Yule Fest and expanded to incorporate more congregational singing while continuing a celebratory thematic narrative. The 2017 Yule Fest - "Arise, Your Light Has Come" - will join 100 singers, handbell ringers, and full chamber orchestra to create the most beautiful selections of Christmas music you will hear this holiday season. Join us for identical programs at 7:00 PM on Friday, December 15 or Saturday, December 16 in the Sanctuary. Open seating; arrive early! Free admission, with a freewill offering received. Yule Fest is directed by Minister of Music, David Sherman.

A DONKEY FOR WEDNESDAY’S

PERFORMANCE, AND ANGELS AT ALL PERFORMANCES.

DONATIONS OF COOKIES AND 8 OZ. BOTTLED WATER

ARE APPRECIATED AS WELL. PLEASE CONTACT DEBBIE

OR KATHY IMMEDIATELY THROUGH THE CHURCH

OFFICE: (928) 445-4348 x318

INVITE A FRIEND!

OUR CALLING TO CARING

This time of year I frequently become aware of the holidays in a different way than just the celebrations and gatherings. Maybe this is because of the intentional

focus of my work at ALC as Pastor of Caring Ministries. But, I think I am also more aware because of my early life experience.

As a twelve-year-old I remember the “firsts” after my dad's death early that summer. My dad didn't get to be there for my first overnight train trip or my first airplane flight (he loved traveling by train and airplane). But bigger than that were the holidays and special occasions. The first big holiday was Thanksgiving, and my dad's birthday came around the same time. A month later Christmas came along. I don't specifically recall Thanksgiving, but I do recall Christmas. And I recall the feelings of that time.

First, the feelings were had some sense emptiness because someone special had died. Life was different and it was going to be different. But we as a family got through that time. Second, at Christmas, we had lots of family visit, and that helped fill some of the emptiness, AND it made for a very special Christmas, even if Christmas was different than before. But it was more than those “milestone” events that came in the first year and more than those family times helping us get through. In that first year after my dad's death it was sometimes the everyday moments that were a challenge.

At some point in time all of us will go through (or have gone through) this experience in the grieving process. You may know someone who is going through the first year of grieving right now; they are a family member, a neighbor or co-worker, a friend, a church member.

For me, other than family, it was those neighbors — Wesley and Martha Millick often had an encouraging word and plate of cookies. It was my good friends, Rick and Ed at school who cared. And most of all it was many of the good people from our church (Reformation Lutheran in Las Vegas): Herb and Adele Hansen, Phil and Judy Schacht, John Bahr, Pastors Ken Edwins and John Martinson, and many more. Looking back it was an amazing year of love, and peace, and the sense of being surrounded by Jesus who was instilling love and kindness into others. As we share the love of Jesus with others we become the Body of Christ in flesh, at work.

One of the things I love about American Lutheran is how natural people are about serving Jesus. In this season of the year don't forget to love and encourage those who are going through losses. And I will add this reminder — it doesn’t have to be just that first year, but grieving comes along with the holidays sometimes, no matter how many years have passed. If you are not sure what to do, or how best to share love with someone, pray about it and the Holy

Spirit will give you the words and direct you to the actions.

And I often counsel others, as they minister those who hurt, to simply be honest and take the time to ask something like, “How are you doing with this your first Christmas since the death?” Then also, offer to help. Or… offer an opportunity for coffee, or a meal out, or to attend a special event together that might have been part of a person’s routine before their loss.

2 Corinthians 1:4-5 reminds us that God comforts us in our suffering so we may abundantly comfort others in their time of need.

Through this season of giving thanks and time of anticipating Christ’s coming, share the love of Jesus you know to remind others of His love for them.

God bless you!

After careful study and analysis of the Worship Survey, the Church Council has put together ad hoc committees to address the issues that were gleaned out of the many suggestions and comments offered by the congregation. While not every individual request can be accommodated (especially when there are differing opinions among you), the committees are taking every opportunity to use many of the wonderful individual suggestions. A few major issues will need to be dealt with on a long term basis. In the meantime, some items already being addressed are as follows:

Arm chairs are now against the back wall of the Sanctuary for those individuals who need to push themselves up using the arms of chairs.

Thanks to an anonymous donation, the Contemporary services have comfortable padded chairs to sit in during worship.

The Fellowship Hall lobby and restrooms are getting a complete overhaul and design changes that will make Contemporary worshippers feel like they are not coming in through the back door of a kitchen pantry but into an actual church service.

David Sherman and Pastor Jack are investigating hymnals with liturgy that suits our Lutheran heritage, while providing hymns

Efforts are being made to cut down on the announcements from both Pastors while still delivering information in a timely fashion.

Much is being worked on to place a priority on welcoming new visitors (i.e. visitor parking spaces, etc.). We are especially focusing on bringing in young families while continuing to honor the needs of our aging church population.

There have been overall similar requests for atmosphere, creature comforts and unity through fellowship. In response, a Building committee has been formed who are working diligently to look at the worship spaces as well as to the needs of the many ministries ALC provides.

Dee Isham, Council Coordinator of Worship and Music

Survey Team: Dee Isham (Chair), Dale Andress, Jim Diehl, Pam Jamison, Cheryl Peterman, Darrel Smith, Pastors Jack Shannon

and Erich Sokoloski.

COUNTING TEAMS OPENINGS —Individuals with availability on Monday mornings are needed to be part of one of the three Counting Teams responsible for counting ALC’s weekly offerings and monetary deposits. Teams are scheduled on a rotating basis; team substitutes are needed as well as regular members. Finance or cash-handling experience is p r e f e r r e d b u t n o t r e q u i r e d . Interested parties are asked to contact Coordinator, Norma Bauer at 713-5401 for more information. ACOLYTE TRAINING will be available on Sunday, December 10 at 9:15 AM and 12:00 PM in the Sanctuary. If you would like your child to be trained in this important volunteer capacity, please call Lisa Dachenhausen at 713-7053. LET IT SNOW — Over the coming months, it’s very important that we have cleared sidewalks free from snow and ice during times of inclement weather. We are seeking several able-bodied individuals who are willing to be “on call” for helping with snow and ice removal early on Sunday mornings and at other busy times. Please contact the church office for more information or to offer a hand. SUNDAY VOLUNTEERS OPPORTUNITIES — Ushers, greeters, and communion assistants for the weekly 9:00 and 10:30 AM Contemporary worship services are needed, as well as for all Christmas Eve services. Contact Rachel Williams in the church office at 445-4348 x303 or rachel@americanlutheran.net for details on how you can contribute your time and talents this season and beyond. CELEBRATE RECOVERY is a biblical and balanced program that helps participants overcome hurts, hang-ups, and habits. This Christian 12-step program meets in the Fellowship Hall on Thursdays, with Meet & Greet at 5:30 PM followed by a large group meeting and worship at 6:00 PM. Upcoming schedule is as follows:

• November 30 — MEETING AT PRESCOTT LIFE CHURCH (2200 Hwy. 89, Prescott). Call Dale at 420-6480 for details.

• December 7 — Hear a testimony of freedom. Jesus wants to set us all free, no matter what hurt, habit or hang up we have. We all have something that

• December 14 — Are you saying “YES” to whatever Jesus wants in your life? Maybe He is challenging you. We’ll hear a lesson titled “YES.”

Contact Coordinator, Vicki Sams at 273-2345 for more information on ALC’s Celebrate Recovery ministry. CROSSFIRE MEN’S MINISTRY FALL SESSION continues on Thursday mornings through December 14, with a

INFANT CARE ROOM — During our 9:00 and 10:30 AM Contemporary worship services in the Fellowship Hall, the adjacent Prayer Room at the end of the hallway is now available for those who need to take babies or small children for privacy. A live video feed to the worship service in progress is provided. The miracle of Christmas is repeated over and over again through the joy of caring and sharing. SALVATION ARMY ANGEL TREES will be available in the Narthex (lobby area of the Sanctuary) and Fellowship Hall lobby from Sunday, December 3 through Sunday, December 10. The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys for children of needy, pre-screened area families through the support of donors. ALC’s Angel Trees will be decorated with 100 numbered paper angel tags that include the first name, age, and gender of a child, as well as a few “wish list” items. Contributors choose a tag and purchase appropriate gifts, preferably items on the “wish list.” Bring your unwrapped gifts to the church office by Friday, December 15 so that they may be delivered to the Salvation Army.

of Moms’ Closet, and to best serve the needs of Teens’ Closet clientele, please be advised that clothing donations are no longer being accepted at ALC or at The Rock. Monetary contributions toward the purchase of age- and size-appropriate clothing and personal items for teens is still appreciated year-round. Please note “Teens’ Closet” in your giving so that it may be directed to that ministry. ROOTED SMALL GROUPS MINISTRY for students is still seeking homes to host bi-weekly small group meetings for junior high and high schoolers. Rooted groups are currently meeting on different nights of the week in spaces like The Rock, Starbucks, the courthouse square, etc. Are you able to open your home to host a small group every other week (Tuesdays, Thursdays, or Sundays)? Contact Director of Student Ministry, Patrosky Anderson

SEEKING COOKIES & TREATS for Sunday morning Hospitality. Please bring your donations to the church office on Fridays, or to the upstairs kitchen on Sunday mornings. Thanks for contributing! HAND IN HAND widow support group

Have you noticed the cart outside

the worship areas each Sunday? A

wide spectrum of

books from ALC’s Library has been chosen for the cart to whet your appetite

for just the kind of reading material you might be looking for. In addition to the

usual variety of books available, the cart

presently contains a selection of Advent and Christmas themed choices, including

books by David Jeremiah, Thomas Kinkade, Charles Swindoll; Advent

devotionals; a thought provoking book on the consumerism of Christmas; a retelling

of the Christmas story with beautiful

pictures; Christmas celebrations and projects; and novels with a Christmas

theme. In need of some quality reading material? Peruse the cart found in the

Narthex or outside the Fellowship Hall on

alternate Sundays, or stop by the ALC Library.

focus on the book of Exodus. Breakfast and fellowship from 5:45–6:15 AM; storytelling from 6:15–6:30 AM; and interactive table discussion from 6:30–7:30 AM. Men of all ages are welcome to join at any time…no need to sign up, just show up! Questions? Contact Crossfire Coordinator, Dan Olsen at 713-2428. GIVING ON THE GO — Giving to ALC through Tithe.ly is convenient, simple, and secure. Download the Tithe.ly Giving App at Google Play (Android) or the App Store (iPhone), choose your options, then give securely from anywhere, anytime with just 1 click. Or text “GIVE” to (928) 756-0099 to get started. More info on Tithe.ly and other giving options can be found on our website: www.americanlutheran.net/give.

Dear Friends in Christ — I want to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” for all the cards, gifts, prayers, and well-wishes that were sent my way during October (Clergy Appreciation Month). Your kindness, support, and generosity is GREATLY appreciated! LuAnne and I feel so blessed to be a part of the ALC family and look forward to our continued ministry working alongside all of you, for the glory of God! With a Grateful Heart, Pastor Jack Shannon Dear ALC Family — I want to thank you all so much for your overwhelming love and support throughout my hip surgery, and now this time of recovery. I have felt, and still feel your love and prayers. Thank you for the avalanche of beautiful cards, visits, plants, gifts, and your telephone calls. I am truly blessed. Love, Patti Range

CALENDAR

Sunday 11/26 8 & 10:30AM Traditional Worship 9AM The Well Contemporary Worship 10:20AM Student Ministry Youth Time 10:30AM Kid Connect 10:30AM Chino Valley Worship 10:30AM Lifted Contemporary Worship 12PM Youth Choir & Bells 3:30PM Community Meal

Monday 11/27 8AM Prayer Group 10:30AM Women’s Cursillo Group 12PM Ignite Discipleship Group 1PM Sprouts Choir 2PM Library Volunteers 5PM Men’s Cursillo Study

Tuesday 11/28 8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilters 1:30PM Miracle Prayer Time 4:30PM Cub Scouts 6PM Radix Sr. Student Ministry @ The Rock 6PM Walk Through Bethlehem Orientation 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 6:30PM Celebrate Recovery Men’s Step Study 6:30PM Celebrate Recovery Women’s Step Study 6:30PM Tuesday Night Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday 11/29

9:30AM ALS Chapel 11:30AM Women’s Cursillo 1:30PM League 56 1:30PM Walk Through Bethlehem 5PM Peals of Praise Bell Choir 6PM Radix JV Student Ministry @ The Rock 7PM Sanctus Choir

Thursday 11/30 5:45AM Crossfire Men’s Ministry 8:15AM “Good Book...Good Men” Bible Study 9:30AM ALS Chapel 2PM Centering Prayer Group 2PM Chancel Chimers Bell Choir 2PM Library Volunteers 4:30PM Heavenly Chimers Bell Choir 5:15PM Friendship Bible Study 6PM Building Committee Meeting

Friday 12/1 6PM Walk Through Bethlehem

Saturday 12/2

6PM Walk Through Bethlehem

Sunday 12/3—FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8 & 10:30AM Traditional Worship 9AM The Well Contemporary Worship 10:20AM Student Ministry Youth Time 10:30AM Kid Connect 10:30AM Chino Valley Worship 10:30AM Lifted Contemporary Worship 12PM Walk Through Bethlehem Tear-down 12PM Youth Choir & Bells 3:30PM Community Meal

Monday 12/4

8AM Prayer Group 10:30AM Women’s Cursillo Group 12PM Ignite Discipleship Group 1PM Sprouts Choir 2PM Library Volunteers 4PM Beautiful Signers 4:30PM Cub Scouts Bear Den Meeting 5PM Men’s Cursillo Study

Tuesday 12/5 8:30AM Katharina Von Bora Quilters

9AM Book Club 1:30AM Miracle Prayer Time 5:30PM ALS Christmas Craft Night 6PM Radix Sr. Student Ministry @ The Rock 6:30PM Boy Scout Troop 7006 6:30PM Celebrate Recovery Women’s Step Study 6:30PM Celebrate Recovery Men’s Step Study 6:30PM Tuesday Night Men’s Bible Study

Wednesday 12/6 9:30AM ALS Chapel 11:30AM Women’s Cursillo 1:30PM League 56 4PM Stewardship Meeting 5PM Peals of Praise Bell Choir 6PM Radix JV Student Ministry @ The Rock 7PM Sanctus Choir

Thursday 12/7

5:45AM Crossfire Men’s Ministry 8:15AM “Good Book...Good Men” Bible Study 9AM Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) 9:30AM ALS Chapel 2PM Centering Prayer Group 2PM Chancel Chimers Bell Choir 2PM Library Volunteers 4:30PM Heavenly Chimers Bell Choir 5:15PM Friendship Bible Study 5:30PM Celebrate Recovery 7PM Celebrate Recovery Men’s Small Group 7PM Celebrate Recovery Women’s Small Group

Friday 12/8

9AM Charity Knit/Crochet Group 9:30AM Safety & Security Team Meeting

Saturday 12/9

FIRST HOUR TEACHING with Robyn Coffman The Bigger Picture

CHOOSE FROM 11 SECOND HOUR CLASSES NOTE: The originally scheduled second hour

class, “Living a Balanced Financial Life” has been replaced with an encore offering of “Low-Impact

Exercise Class” led by Altha Cline.

TWO WAYS TO REGISTER FOR WINTER WOW: 1) Drop off or mail the registration form from the WOW

brochure with your payment to the church office. 2) In person after worship services on Sundays,

December 10, 17, or January 7.

No cost or registration needed if attending the First Hour Bible Teaching only.

FREE CHILDCARE & SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Wednesdays,

December 18. Poinsettias may be picked up anytime

after the 10:00 PM Christmas Eve worship service.

Name__________________________________________

Phone:_____________________ # of plants_________

Choose from the following (please print):

Given in memory of:______________________________

_______________________________________________

Given in honor of: ________________________________

_______________________________________________

Given in gratefulness to God for:____________________

_______________________________________________

Feasting, fun and fellowship were on the menu at Radix Student Ministry’s Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner, held on November 21 at The Rock!