St. John Lutheran Church December 2018________________________________________________________________________

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

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

________________________________________________________________

Advent and Christmas Services

December 2 – First Sunday in Advent, Holy Communion

December 5 @ 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Advent Service refreshments after the service

December 9 – Second Sunday in Advent

December 12 @ 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Advent Service refreshments after the service

December 16 – Third Sunday in Advent, Holy Communion

December 19 @ 1:30 & 7:00 p.m. – Advent Service refreshments after the service

December 23 – Fourth Sunday in Advent

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 Study

Psalms      Our Sunday Morning Bible Study continues our study of the Old Testament Psalter. The

Psalms teach us how to pray. They remind us of the nature of life. They point us to real life in Jesus. Join us as we explore this beautiful collection of 150 hymns, poems, and prayers. Sundays at 9:00 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

December 2: Psalm 23: ConfidenceDecember 9: Psalm 24: LiturgicalDecember 16: A Presentation on Lutheran Family ServicesDecember 23: Psalm 98: Incarnation

Genesis Bible Study with PastorOur Tuesday Bible study is exploring Genesis verse by verse. We normally meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. in classroom 1 or the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome. Bring your Bible.  

December 4: Genesis 7-9: The FloodDecember 18: Genesis 10-11: The Tower of Babel

Advent Services Our Wednesday Advent Services begin December 5. 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. Advent Devotions are now available. Will you join us for a few quiet moments in this busy season to behold the true light that has come into the world?

    December 5: Hope    December 12: Peace    December 19: Joy

A Sign for Christmas

In Advent, we quietly and reverently prepare for the celebration of the birth of the Messiah. We decorate our homes. We buy gifts. We post the words of this sign from God in the Scriptures of the season.

For us, His birth is a sign of something tremendous! God has intervened in our world bringing order out of chaos, light out of darkness, righteousness out of sin. The faithful rejoice. And all the angels sing.

Let me encourage you to celebrate this sign from God this Advent season, and the coming 12 days of Christmas, remembering two things. Jesus came to be Savior and He came to be Lord.

The incarnation has a purpose. God came into our world to save us. He became one of us in order to redeem humanity. He lived a perfect life in our place. He came to die and rise. He came to rescue us and the whole creation.

And He came to be our King. And we cannot find a better One to lead us. This Messiah is and will be the Prince of Peace. He is the Mighty God. He rules all things. His kingdom is full of grace and peace and forgiveness.

The whole world should rejoice! But we most certainly do! Jesus is God incarnate—Son of God and Son of Man. He is our Savior and Lord.  

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Blessed Advent and Christmas,

Pastor

Operation Christmas ChildThis year for our Mission Festival Project, we participated as a congregation in Operation Christmas Child. We sent approximately 170 boxes of toys, essentials, and clothes to share the love of Christ with children around the world. Thank you for your generosity and willingness to try something new!

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.

MessiahThe Messiah will be performed at Zion Lutheran Church on Sunday, December 2 at 2:00 p.m.

From the desk of Kurt Flathers, Director Board of Elders

What was the cost?

Have you ever put on your Christmas list an item that you know will not be cheap? For you guys, a power tool that you always wanted, but the price was just too high. For the ladies, a handbag or shoes that you looked at, and then looked at the price, and thought, no way I can afford that or ask for that. For the kids, the video game that is just coming out, but is almost double the price of other ones, or an official jersey of your favorite football player. We look at the price, and think, I can put this on the list, but doubt I will get it, the cost is just too high. And then what happens? It ends up under the tree, and you get the expensive gift, to your great surprise. Then you look and say, they care and love me that much to spend that much on me.

This Advent season, we have a gift that has a great cost. A cost so high, there was only one way to pay for it. The gift is forgiveness of sins. Our sins, which we have had since the beginning of our lives. God created man to be in his image. But man sinned, and we lost the gift God had given us. But he did not give up on us. He spoke thru the prophets and gave His word that he would rescue the world from the stain of sin. He promised us a gift, the gift of a Savior. He would be the one who would redeem His people and give us back to God by the gift of forgiveness and life eternal. But it was at a great cost. He left His heavenly throne. He was born on earth as a babe, in a humble manger for his bed, and in poverty and meekness. He was not rich in gold and silver, but rich in grace, mercy, healing, and care. He humbled himself and paid the great cost, by going to the cross, to pay the price for our sins on the tree. The explanation of the 2nd article of the Apostle’ creed says it best: “I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence,

and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.” It was at great cost He justified us before God. It was at great cost He sanctified us. It was at great cost He redeemed us and gives us eternal life.

So, I ask you, as we begin Advent, come to the Divine service on the Sunday mornings. Come to Mid-week Advent services on Wednesdays. Come to Christmas Eve services and especially the CHRISTmas Day Divine Service. Learn why he came for all as our Savior. Let Christ’s good gifts that come to us, from God the Father, be our Christmas list. This gift has been given and we receive it every time we worship in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Watch during the Advent season and celebrate the Incarnation of Christ, as our Redeemer and King!

Parents with Young KidsHave you tried out our new Bible class for Parents with Young

Kids? This group meets Sundays at 9:00 a.m. and is designed for

parents with infants, preschoolers, and

kids on the way. Young couples are

welcome too! Bring your kids to class,

or if they are preschool age or older,

drop them off in Sunday School. We

are Studying the Large Catechism.

Lucas Krueger is leading.

Offering Envelopes

Offering envelopes will be on the table in the fellowship hall beginning December 9. A sign-up sheet will be available for anyone who did not receive envelopes and would like them.

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. 5 Services – Darrell Jackson to Sylvia LorenzenDec. 12 Services – Barb Lueders to Bryce PetersenDec. 19 Services – Sue Phillips to Travis Schroeder

Christmas Poinsettias

You may sign up and pay for a poinsettia plant after service on December 2 or 9 in the fellowship hall. The poinsettia plants will be used in the church as part of the Ladies Aid Christmas decorations. The cost is $11.00, and checks may be made out to St. John Lutheran Church.

Ladies Aid Potluck

Ladies Aid will be having a potluck at noon on December 7th.  We encourage women of congregation to join us for fellowship.  The brief business meeting will be followed by "dirty bingo".   Gifts are exchanged for bingo.  Please RSVP to Claudia Schenk at 1 563-259-0901 if you plan to attend.  Gifts will be taken to shut-ins after the meeting.  We look forward to seeing you!! Ladies Aid members

Fellowship Club Potluck

The St. John Fellowship Club will meet on Tuesday, December 4 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 11 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. Please bring a prize for Bunco and cards.

Mary Martha at Pizza RanchMary Martha will be working at Pizza Ranch on Monday, December 10 from 5-8 p.m. They will receive 10% of all proceeds for that evening plus all of the tips. Please plan to come to Pizza Ranch and support our Mary Martha group.

Scrip FundraiserThe Board of Education is offering new fundraiser for our Preschool called Scrip. Through Scrip, we raise money in places we already shop. Scrip permits us to buy prepaid cards for places like Walmart, Jewel, Amazon, gas stations, and restaurants. These organizations then make donations to us. The typical donation can vary from 2-16%. This means no extra money out of pocket and yet we can still raise funds. We put in an order on November 25. Those cards are now available for pick-up. We will be putting in our next order on December 9. Cards will be ready for pick-up on December 16. Order forms are available in the Fellowship Hall or Church office. We are hoping to do this all year! Give it a try!

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.

Fellowship Club ProjectA box is in education building until Dec. 7 for gifts for the U of I Hospital patients. Packages should not be wrapped or labeled. 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

We have most of the Christmas books, both adult and childrens’ out and about in our library this month. It is a good time to read to your children and grandchildren about the birth of Christ and the true meaning of Christmas.

Sermons in the Library

If you have missed a Sunday or two of church, you will find past copies of Pastor’s sermons on the checkout table in the library. Please help yourself.

YouthThis year we are asking for our Middle and High School students to help set up the Christmas tree. Join us Saturday, Dec. 1 at 9:00 a.m. Hot chocolate to follow!

Youth News

Join us Sunday, December 2 at 5:00 p.m. for our Youth Advent Party and Taco Night. Bring your Bible for a short study. We will also have some Higher Things information available. No charge! Let Pastor know if you are coming!

Christmas Eve Children’s ServiceAll 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. starting Dec. 9

Facebook

Did you know the Church has a Facebook page? You can like us

on Facebook at St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton.

December Birthdays & AnniversariesC O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !

Happy Birthday to: Jeanetta Schepler, who will be 94 on Dec. 3. Lucille Bethel, who will be 95on Dec. 5.Wayne Suehl who will be 81on Dec. 23James Kophamer, who will be 90 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)

2 – Anna Krueger

9– Camil & Erica Dell

16– Jennifer Kammerer

23– Margie Mueller

30 – Kristi LaShelle

Recording

2 – Darlene Paysen9 – Darlene Paysen16 – Darlene Paysen23 – Darlene Paysen30 – Darlene Paysen

Late

Elders: Tom Hardersen James McHugh

Ushers: Bryce Petersen Randy Housenga Ryan Dell Kevin Dell

Acolyte Schedule

2-Early – Sam Reynolds2-Late –Elder5-Advent – Elder9-Early – Elder9-Late – Hunter Holesinger12-Advent – Elder16-Early – Drew Steiner16-Late – Elijah Mueller19-Advent – Elder23 – Early – Carver Lange23 – Late – Elder24-Lessons & Carols – Elder25-Christmas Day – Elder30-Early - Nolan Lange30-Late – Aaron Becker

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