St. John Lutheran Church December 2017________________________________________________________________________

Church Office: 563-242-5588Pastor Dan Pool: 321-6757, home

e-mail: dpool@stjohn-clinton-ia.orgWeb Site: www.stjohn-clinton-ia.org

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Advent and Christmas Services

December 3 – First Sunday in Advent, Holy Communion

December 6 @ 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Advent Service refreshments after the service

December 10 – Second Sunday in Advent

December 13 @ 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Advent Service refreshments after the service

December 17 – Third Sunday in Advent, Holy Communion

December 20 @ 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Advent Service refreshments after the service

December 24 @ 9:00 a.m. – Fourth Sunday in Advent Service of Lessons & Carols

December 24 @ 6:30 p.m. – Christmas Eve Children’s Service December 24 @ 11:00 p.m. – Christmas Eve Candlelight Serv.

December 25 @ 9:00 a.m. – Christmas Day Divine Service, Holy Communion

Pastor Pool’s Sunday Bible StudyEcclesiastes:

Finding the True Purpose of Life

We continue our study of the Old Testament wisdom of King Solomon found in Ecclesiastes. Join us for a journey into the meaning of life as we look at the successes and failures of the wisest man who has ever lived.

Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Bring your Bible. Everyone is welcome!

December 3: Ecclesiastes 8:1-17: Fear the Lord December 10: Ecclesiastes 9:1-18: Time and Chance December 17: Ecclesiastes 10:1-20: A Fool Multiplies Words December 24: No Bible Classes December 31: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10: Light and Darkness

New Altar Flower Chart

The 2018 Altar Flower Chart is on the bulletin board in the church entryway. You may reserve a Sunday to place flowers on the altar by signing the chart. This may be done in memory of someone; in celebration of a birthday, wedding or anniversary; or as a gift of love. If you

would like information on cost and how to go about ordering flowers for church, please call Angie at the church office.

The Mystery of the Incarnation

In 1 Timothy 3 St. Paul briefly mentions the incarnation, the miracle which demands our attention in this season of the Church year. In Advent, we quietly contemplate and anticipate the Christ Mass, our celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ on Christmas Day. The incarnation reminds of who Jesus is.

St. Paul says, “Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”

He mentions several mysteries. All are remarkable! But the great mystery of our salvation begins as God is manifest in the flesh. We probably don’t appreciate the magnitude of this. How could the eternal Word of God take on the limitations of human flesh and blood? How can the finite and the infinite find their way together in Him?

The doctrine of the incarnation proclaims the most astonishing miracle that can be imagined. In no time we will sing these profound words, “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, hail the Incarnate Deity.” Let them sink in. Here we confess that Jesus Christ, as He was born in Bethlehem, was one person, divine and human, and all to rescue us from the curse of sin. He is Immanuel, God with us. He is our Savior, Christ the Lord.

This Advent I challenge you to let the incarnation shape your celebration. Let the significance of Bethlehem give meaning to the Holy Day. Make sure your family knows that this is what Christmas is. This might take some quiet contemplation and pious intention. But thankfully, that is what Advent is all about.

Blessed Advent, Pastor

From Kurt’s Desk

“You know Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen, but do you recall, what Christmas is about at all?” The world seems to go in Christmas mode right after Halloween. Christmas music comes on the radio, Hallmark Channel starts countdown to Christmas movies night and day. The store displays are up and Christmas sales are starting already. Has the world forgotten about Advent, and the real celebration of Christmas? We in the church, have Advent. We ponder the coming of the Christ. We look forward to the promised one coming into the world. We look inward at our sinful nature and the need for a Savior. We hear the foretelling and promise from God. We have 4 Sundays in Advent, and each week we light another light on the Advent wreath, our church’s Advent Calendar. This year, the 4th Sunday in Advent is the morning of December 24th. After sunset, it is the start of Christmas Eve. Because of that, the Board of Elders made some changes in the church service schedule. That morning we will only have one service at 9:00 a.m., a Service of Lessons and Carols. We will bring together Advent and draw us to the start of the Christmas Season. That evening, at 6:30 p.m. we will have the Children’s Christmas Program. Then at 11 p.m., we will hear the Gospel reading of Luke chapter 2, at the Candlelight service, with the lighting of Candles. Christmas morning, at 9:00 a.m., we celebrate the Christ Mass. Do not let it scare you, but in Word and Sacrament we celebrate the Incarnation, the coming of God to earth, in human flesh. This begins the official celebration of Christmas that lasts 12 days, to Epiphany. For the world, on midnight of December 25th, the music stops, the resolutions for New Year’s start, stores put out Valentine candy, and Christmas is over. Not for us! We continue the celebration even after Epiphany! The Light has come into the world. The angels still sing. The Word becomes flesh and dwells with us! Keep it going in your lives too! Joy to

the World, the Lord has come! For we need Christmas, to have Good Friday, Easter, and the Ascension. Christmas is not just Dec. 24th and 25th, but every day in the life of those redeemed in the blood of the Lamb!

A blessed Advent Season and a Joyous and Merry ChristMas!

Kurt FlathersDirector of the Board of Elders

Advent: Behold the Light!

Our Wednesday Advent Services begin December 6. Services are each Wednesday at 1:30 and 7:00 p.m. leading up to the celebration of the incarnation of Christ on Christmas Day. Will you join us for a few quiet moments in this busy season to behold the true light that has come into the world? Grab a copy of our new Advent prayer devotional, Descend to Us, We Pray available in the Narthex.

December 6: Behold the LightDecember 13: Lights TogetherDecember 20: Holy Lights

Revelation Bible Study with Pastor

Join us for this ongoing small group Bible Study on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at either 9:30 a.m. (classroom 1) or 7:00 p.m. (fellowship hall). This study is for men, women, and teens. There is no cost. No previous Bible study experience is necessary. Bring your Bible.

December 5: The Scroll and the Lamb: Revelation 5:1-14 December 19: The Seven Seals: Revelation 6:1-17

Advent Serving Schedule

Each year the congregation is divided into groups according to the church directory for Lent and Advent Services with one group serving after each service. Each family serving is asked to bring a plate or two of sandwiches, two dozen cookies, or a pan of bars. Otherwise a donation to purchase punch and coffee may be left in the marked container in the church kitchen. If you are not on the list to serve this Advent season look for your name on the Lent serving schedule in the spring.

The serving schedule is divided by those in the church directory as follows:

Dec. 6 Services – Jim Schnitzmeyer to Stephen VanVurenDec. 13 Services – Stanley VonThun to Ken DeckerDec. 20 Services – Harlan Dell to Sue Ingwersen

Christmas Poinsettias

You may sign up and pay for a poinsettia plant after service on December 3 or 10 in the fellowship hall. The poinsettia plants will be used in the church as part of the Ladies Aid Christmas decorations. The cost is $12.00, and checks may be made out to St. John Lutheran Church.

Ladies Aid Christmas Luncheon

The Ladies Aid Christmas Luncheon will be in the fellowship hall on Friday, Dec. 1 at 12:00 Noon. There will be a hot catered meal consisting of a casserole, salad, hot vegetables, and rolls at a cost of $7.00 each. Call Claudia, 259-0901, to sign up, if you haven’t already done so. You may bring a guest but please include the number attending in your reservation. We will have a short business meeting and will play “dirty bingo” so remember a white elephant gift.

Please bring two dozen cookies, without nuts, to share with shut-ins.

Fellowship Club Potluck

The St. John Fellowship Club will meet on Tuesday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. for a potluck supper at the church. Please bring food to share and a gift or two for the U of I Hospital patients. The beverages and table service will be furnished. Everyone is invited to attend.

Mary Martha Christmas Potluck

The Mary Martha Christmas Potluck will be December 12 at 6:00 p.m. in the church fellowship hall for members and guests. The meat and beverages will be furnished. Members are asked to bring a dish to share and a table decoration. A mission

donation will be received, and canned goods and paper products may be brought for the Victory

Center. Bunco and cards will be played, but there will be no prizes.

Thursday Evening Bible Study

There will be no Thursday Evening Bible Study during the month of December.

Christmas Caroling and Party

On Friday, December 15, all who enjoy singing are invited to go Christmas Caroling at the nursing homes with the members of the Adult Choir. We will meet at the church at 5:00 p.m. The group will bring appetizers and desserts for a party after Caroling.

Fellowship Club Project

A box is in education building until Dec. 8 for gifts for the U of I Hospital patients. Packages should be gift wrapped with a note attached as to what age or gender person the gift is suitable. The gifts

will be taken to our Lutheran chaplains in Iowa City for distribution. This project is sponsored by the St. John Fellowship Club. Everyone in the congregation is invited to participate.

Check It OutIn Our Church Library

All the Good in SportsBy Mike Sandrolini

Stories about athletes and coaches usually focus on their championships or their scandals, “All the Good in Sports” features contemporary sports personalities who go beyond the headlines to candidly share how their relationship with Christ has helped them cope with a variety of difficulties, both professional and personal, and how in Christ they found victory in their personal lives.

It’s a God Thing[short stories by real people]

Big moments. Small moments. There are just some moments when the only explanation for what just happened, joy, forgiveness, reconciliation, healing, a fresh start, is that God did something special and incredible. “It’s a God Thing” is made up of forty-two real life stories that demonstrate how much the heavenly father loves and cares for us.

Class of ‘91 [a family video]

Meet the Wagners, they put the super in superficial. It’s time for their 20th class reunion and they can’t wait to show off their wealth and success. Then the unthinkable happens!

YouthThis year we are asking for our Middle and High School students to help set up the Christmas tree. Join us Saturday, Dec.9 at 9:00 a.m. Hot chocolate to follow!

Covenant Box

Extra faith promise cards are available on the guest book stand. These may be placed in the Covenant Box in the church entryway.

Offering Envelopes

Offering envelopes will be on the table in the fellowship hall beginning December 10. A sign-up sheet will be available for anyone who did not receive envelopes and would like them.

Current Fund

Please consider an extra gift to our Current Fund in this Advent Season. Our Building Fund is doing quite well, but the Current Fund could use your help to end our year in good condition. Thank you for your faithfulness.

- The Board of Stewardship

Christmas Eve Children’s Service

All Sunday School students from preschool through the Youth Bible Class who will be participating in the St. John Christmas Eve service are asked to attend rehearsal sessions. Those students who will not be participating will meet in classroom 4 during the Sunday School hour.

The rehearsals will be held during the Sunday School hour from 9:00 - 10:00 a.m. on Dec. 3, 10, and 17.

Christmas Food Boxes

An “Action Team” from St. John is being organized to put together Christmas Food Boxes for families who can use a little extra help this time of year. The team has applied for Thrivent grant money to help fund this project, but they are still asking for assistance from the congregation to help pull this project

together. Non-perishable food items may be brought in until Dec. 15. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and will help make someone else’s Christmas a little brighter.

Do you shop at Amazon.com?

Shopping at Amazon for Christmas? AmazonSmile will make a donation to St. John each time you make a purchase. Go to smile.amazon.com/ch/42-6005460 to register your account. After registering your Amazon account, start each purchase at smile.amazon.com.

December Birthdays & Anniversaries

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

Happy Birthday to: Jeanetta Schepler, who will be 93 on Dec. 3. Lucille Bethel, who will be 94 on Dec. 5.Wayne Suehl who will be 80 on Dec. 23James Kophamer, who will be 89 on Dec. 31.

We list birthdays 80 and above and anniversaries for year one and every five years thereafter unless we receive a request not to do so.

Private Communion Calls

Pastor Pool makes his visits to those in nursing homes throughout the month. Those at home who would like to receive a communion visit are asked to call Pastor at the church office, 242-5588, to schedule a convenient time.

THOSE WHO SERVE IN DECEMBER

Early

Elders: Jim Schnitzmeyer Kurt Flathers

Ushers: Jay Mueller Brian Wall Calvin Lange Wesley Melchin

Nursery Attendants (Late)

3 – Natalie & Molly Jackson

10 – Jennifer Kammerer

17 – Sheryl Jindrich

24 – No Nursery Christmas Eve

31 – Kristi LaShelle

Recording

3 – Paul Wenzel10 – Darlene Paysen17 – Paul Wenzel24 – Darlene Paysen31 – Paul Wenzel

Late

Elders: David Becker Jim Kophamer

Ushers: Bryce Petersen Randy Housenga Harlan Dell Kevin Dell

Acolyte Schedule

3-Early – Maya Murtha3-Late –Elder

6-Advent – William Schemers

10-Early – Ben Poland10-Late – David Graham

13-Advent – Kaleb Bovis

17-Early – Sam Reynolds17-Late – Aaron Becker

20-Advent – Elder

24-Lessons & Carols – Elder25-Christmas Day – Elder

31-Early – Zachary Poland31-Late – Elder

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: DEC. 20If you would like to put any information in the newsletter, contact Angie Stewart, and get her the information by December 20.