Articles of Faith
Points to Ponder
from Elaine Chapman
Anticipation
As a child, I could hardly wait for the first days of school,
the Sunday School promotions, and my next birthday. In December, of
course, the sense of anticipation grew daily. On Sunday afternoons
there were practices for the Christmas Eve program. Mom always made
me a new Christmas dress, and the smells of cookies baking filled
the house. All the Christmas catalogs had arrived, and my brother
and I circled items that we hoped to receive from Santa. We
decorated the church and put up the tree at home. Anticipation was
sweet -- particularly for a child with no responsibility for those
activities!
As an adult, I often lose that sense of joyful anticipation of
future events. I am quite content to wait for the future now. In
fact, I want the world to slow down, not speed up! But every year,
the season of Advent helps me reclaim that sense of anticipation.
The Advent scriptures and hymns remind me that God is with me as
Emmanuel every day of my life and even unto death. I can sing the
words of Marty Haugen (WOV 633), ”Rejoice, rejoice, take heart in
the night, though dark the winter and cheerless, the rising sun
shall crown you with light, be strong and loving and fearless. Love
be our song and love our prayer and love our endless story; may God
fill every day we share and bring us at last into glory.“
Ring the Bells
for the Salvation Army
Faith Lutheran is scheduled to ring the bells and man the
Christmas kettles at Shopko on Saturday, December 10, from 9:00
a.m. to 9:00 p.m. – thanks to all for signing up! During the
Christmas season, the Salvation Army raises nearly one-third of
their income for the year. Half of that comes in through the red
kettles.
Help Prepare our Ministry Site Profile
On December 15, beginning at 6:00 p.m., Pastor Ron Moorman, who
has been appointed by Bishop John Roth to assist congregations
through the call process, will meet with our Church Council, our
Call Committee, and other members of Faith to begin gathering
information about Faith for the Ministry Site Profile. The Ministry
Site Profile (MSP) is a description of the congregation that will
be used by Bishop Roth and the synod staff to identify pastors who
would be possible candidates to become the regularly-called pastor
of Faith. Pastor Moorman anticipates that the meeting will require
about 2 hours, and wants 25 to 30 people to participate. If you are
not on the Council or the Call Committee and want to participate in
this meeting, please tell a member of the Council that you want to
participate in the meeting Thursday, December 15, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Members of the Council are:
John Demien
Larry Noble
Barb FishbackKaren Sibert
Lillian Korous
Kim Streib
Dustin LeifheitRob Sweatman
Pastor Paul Schwartzkopf (Interim)
((((((((
Christmas Schedule
Sunday, December 18
9:30 a.m. Sunday School Christmas Program
Saturday, December 24
7:00 p.m. Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Sunday, December 25
9:30 a.m. Christmas Day Service
of Holy Communion
set to the tunes of Christmas Carols
((((((((
New Year’s Day – Sunday, January 1
Combined Service
(one service) at 9:30 a.m.
(No Sunday School)
Inside this Issue:
Faithful Assistants
Flowers
2
from Pastor Paul 3
Ministries of Faith 4
Youth Events
& Youth Calendar 5
Thank You 6
Calendar
7
Food Center 8
Our Staff:
Paul Schwartzkopf,
Interim Pastor
Ron Moorman,
Regular Guest Pastor
Larry Noble, President
Linda Strader,
Director of Youth
& Family Ministries
Violet Hutton,
Director of
Lay Ministries
Bonnie Wallace,
Parish Nurse
Andrew Salyer,
Music Associate
Susan Aherin
& Shelley Heitbrink,
Sunday School Superintendents
Kris Roth,
Parish Secretary
Articles of Faith – December 2011
page 2
December Faithful Assistants
READERS (10:30 a.m.)
December 4 Doris Robinson
December 11 Linda Strader
December 18 Rand Burnette
USHERS
Dec. 4 8:15 am Mary & Paul Scheerer
10:30 am Rand Burnette & Robert Jokisch
Dec. 11 8:15 am Karen Sibert & Larry Noble
10:30 am Vi Hutton & Larry Sweatman
Dec. 18 8:15 am The McQueen Family
10:30 am Bob Koepp & Rob Sweatman
Dec. 24 7:00 pm Emily Davenport, Warren Davenport,
Paul Scheerer, & Sarah Scheerer
Dec. 25 9:30 am Robert Jokisch & to be determined
NURSERY ATTENDANTS
December 4 8:15 am Wendy Kitselman
10:30 am Bonnie Wallace
December 11 8:15 am Karen Sibert
10:30 am Kris Roth
December 18 8:15 am Carmen Neeley
10:30 am Cindy Weger
December 24 7:00 pm to be determined (Christmas Eve)
December 25 9:30 am Laura Sweatman (Christmas Day)
FINANCIAL ASSISTANTS
December 4 John Demien & Kim Streib
December 11 Barb Fishback & Dustin Leifheit
December 18 Lillian Korous & Rob Sweatman
December 25 Larry Noble & Karen Sibert
ASL INTERPRETER (8:15 a.m.)
(American Sign Language)
December 4 Debbie Radliff
December 11 Erin Heise
December 18 Carole Hack
December 24 Marilyn SmithChristmas Eve 7:00 pm
December 25 Debbie RadliffChristmas Day 9:30 am
A friendly request: PLEASE take a moment to sign up to be an
usher, reader, coffee host/hostess, to donate flowers, and/or to be
a Faith Ambassador for this year. The Sign-Up Sheets are located on
the “Sign Up” bulletin board in the gathering area. Thanks!
CHANCEL COMMITTEE – Velma Leib
HOMEBOUND VISITOR – Rob Sweatman
FAITH AMBASSADORS
8:15 am: The Heitbrink Family
10:30 am: Larry Kuster
COFFEE HOSTESS/HOST
December 4 Kris Roth
December 11 Eleanor Stevens
December 18 Marilyn Smith
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
December 4 8:15 am Karen Sibert
10:30 am Vi Hutton
December 11 8:15 am Lynne Philpott
10:30 am Terri Kimler
December 18 8:15 am Ken Devlin
10:30 am Greg Kimler
December 25 9:30 am Rosemary Jokisch
FLOWERS ($12.50 per vase)
Dec. 4 By Erin Heise
& By Kay & Sharon Woodworth in celebration of the
birthday of their daughter, Joni Rammelkamp
Dec. 11 By Jerry Bose in celebration of Ruth Bose’
& Llaina Groves’ birthdays
& By Connie Scarbrough
Dec. 18 By the Davenport family
& Open for donation
Dec. 25 By Gayla Smith in honor of her baptismal birthday
& By Larry Noble in memory of Eileen
(((((((
NO Ladies Project Day
In December
(((((((
Articles of Faith – December 2011
page 3
Christmas Is Coming
from Pastor Paul
Christmas is coming; we don’t have to watch out. We have the
four weeks of Advent to prepare. It is enough.
In our culture, we expend a lot of energy preparing for
holidays, and the hustle and the bustle are not all bad. We do it
for family and friends, but the best Christmas gift that we can
give them is ourselves. We do not need the anxiety or the fear that
sometimes – perhaps too often – are associated with big
holidays.
I have good news for you. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was not
ready for the first Christmas. Joseph wasn’t ready either. Angel
messengers said to each of them, “Fear not.” The shepherds weren’t
ready for Christmas, and the angel said to them, “Fear not.”
Christmas is coming, ready or not. Only Christ was ready for the
first Christmas. He is ready for this Christmas with the most
important Christmas gift. Christ Jesus gives us himself. It is
enough.
My wife Ann and I both pray that all of you may have an
enlightening Advent and a very blessed Christmas.
(((((
Leaders for Sunday Morning Adult Classes
Beginning in January, Pastor Paul will be teaching the
Confirmation Class on six Sundays in January, February, and March.
On those Sundays we need Adult Class leaders. For those Sundays, we
have available 10 Topics on DVD. Each topic has 2 or more units and
a leader’s guide. The leader will have 3 duties:
1. Start the DVD
2. Stop the DVD
3. Ask questions from the leader’s guide to prompt discussion
about the DVD.
Many of you are able to do this. The topics are:
“An Apostles’ Creed for the New Millennium”
“In Heaven’s Name, Why on Earth” (a stewardship topic)
“The Parables of Jesus” (in Luke’s Gospel)
“Praying Like Jesus of Nazareth”
“Road to Coronation” (a Lenten Study)
“Women in the New Testament”
“Jesus Interprets His Own Person”
“Lord’s Prayer”
“Paul’s Hymn to Love” (1 Corinthians 13)
“Beatitudes in Matthew”
You may choose a topic that you would like to lead. Talk to
Pastor Paul to schedule your topic and dates.
Come, Get the Message
December 4
2nd Sunday of Advent
“Baptism in Daily Living”
In Mark 1:1-8, we read that the beginning of the good news of
Jesus Christ is repentance and forgiveness as John proclaimed. The
Holy Spirit we have received in the Sacrament of Baptism leads us
to a life of daily repentance and forgiveness.
December 11
3rd Sunday of Advent
“The Testimony of John”
According to John the Evangelist (John 1:6-8 and 19-28), John
the Baptist testified about the greatness of Christ who is still
not well enough known in the wilderness of this world.
December 18
4th Sunday of Advent
“The Message to Mary”
In Luke 1:26-38, the angel Gabriel proclaimed the news to Mary
that her son would be the most improbable human birth imaginable,
and Mary considered it good news as she sang, in Luke 1:46b-55, the
Magnificat which is today’s psalm.
December 24Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m.
“The Journey”
In this Christmas story, Luke 2:1-18, everyone traveled – Mary,
Joseph, angels, shepherds, and the child, Christ the Lord, who came
the farthest.
December 25Christmas Day 9:30 a.m.
“The Divine Mystery”
In the Gospel according to John 1:1-14, the Christmas story is
the product of considerable theological reflection and proclaims
the extraordinary dimensions of Christ’s birth.
Adult Sunday School Class
Join Ann Schwartzkopf through December 11 as she presents
Symbols of the Christian Church. If you’ve ever wondered what
certain symbols mean or why certain colors are used at certain
times of the year, Ann is the person to ask.
Call Committee
Our Church Council has appointed the following to be the Call
Committee for Faith:
Rand Burnette, chair
Barb Davenport
Larry Kuster
Dustin Leifheit
Diane Storey
Linda Strader
Melissa Street
Kim Streib
Articles of Faith – December 2011
Page 4
Poinsettia
If you would like to purchase a Poinsettia to help decorate the
church for Christmas, please sign up on the sheet in the gathering
area and drop your check (or cash), for $10.00 made out to Faith
Lutheran Church with a notation for Poinsettia, into the decorated
box. Please indicate if the poinsettia is in honor or memory of
someone special to you. Please sign up by December 6. After the
Christmas Day service, please take your plant home to enjoy.
Questions? Call Kris Roth (245-8919, Tuesday-Friday mornings).
A Simple Solution: Fair Trade
Coffee is big business — it’s one of the most heavily traded
commodities in the world. But for the majority of small-scale
coffee farmers, the benefits are few. One answer for small-scale
farmers is Fair Trade. Fair Trade shares the bounty of the coffee
trade with those who grow the crop, helping them build a better
future for themselves and their communities.
By working together and pooling their resources to form a
cooperative, farmers can sell their coffee directly to
international buyers without relying on middlemen. Through Fair
Trade, farmers receive a fair price that covers their cost of
production and guarantees them a living wage for their labors.
Fair Trade far surpasses the temporary assistance provided to
farmers through charity. Instead, the ongoing business of Fair
Trade consistently contributes to the living conditions of farmers,
their families, and their communities. Cooperatives use profits
from Fair Trade coffee sales in establishing community improvement
programs such as training in organic farming, leadership
development, schools, and health clinics.
At Faith, we use fairly-traded coffee every Sunday during
fellowship, and we provide members and friends of Faith with the
opportunity to purchase fairly-traded coffee and tea for use in
their own homes.
Regular (whole bean or drip grind) -- $6.50
Decaffeinated (whole bean or drip grind) & Flavored --
$7.50
Tea -- $3.00/box
Make checks payable to Faith Lutheran Church
with “coffee” in the memo line
and leave your payment in the basket on the lamp table at
Faith.
Flavored coffees are available for the holidays!
Donate Blood
Please bring a photo ID with date of birth.
Tues., Dec. 6 Passavant Hospital 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tues., Dec. 13 Passavant Hospital 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Schedule a time to give by calling Mindy
(1-866-GIVE-BLD, x 136) to sign up
or online at www.CICBC.org.
Walk-ins welcome!
“Singing Gloria”
The Sunday School Christmas program, “Singing Gloria,” will be
presented in the Faith sanctuary on Sunday, December 18 at 9:30
a.m. All children and youth, ages 3 and up, are encouraged to
participate. Rehearsals will be held during the Sunday School hour
on the following dates: November 27, December 4, and December 11.
If your child will miss the first rehearsal, but you would like
him/her to participate, please contact Susan Aherin, Shelley
Heitbrink, or Linda Strader.
Upcoming Event! Mark your calendars!
On Saturday, December 3, Faith members and friends of all ages
are invited to the "Hanging of the Greens." We'll meet at Faith at
10:00 a.m. to decorate the church for the Advent/Christmas season
and enjoy a continental breakfast.
Girls’ Night Out
Girls’ Night Out meets on the 2nd Monday evening of each month –
please join us on Monday evening, December 12 at Leo’s Pizza (6:00
p.m.). All women of Faith (ages 18 and up) are welcome – bring your
friends!!
Blood Pressure Screening
Sunday, December 18
after both services
2011 Contributions
If you would like an update on your year-to-date giving, please
contact Janet Koepp, Financial Secretary:
Phone: 673-4180 (evenings) or
e-mail: [email protected]
We will provide letters after the end of the year as usual.
Articles of Faith – December 2011
page 5
Youth & Family Ministries
The Faith 5
In September, a new program was initiated among families in our
congregation called “The Faith 5.” It is designed to connect church
to home, faith to life, and parents to kids in a powerful way.
Parents of families with children in junior high or younger had the
opportunity to meet with Linda Strader to learn more about the
program, but all family units or couples are welcome and encouraged
to use this simple method for discussing matters of faith in the
home. The five steps of the FAITH 5 are:
· Step One: Share highs and lows. Name something good and bad
you experienced today. Can't think of a personal one? Check out the
headlines from the news and teach empathy and compassion for the
broader world.
· Step Two: Read a verse from your Bible. (You may choose your
own, or a verse from the lectionary will be suggested for families
each week.)
· Step Three: Talk about how the verse relates to highs and
lows. Unpack the verse a bit. What does it mean in your own words?
How might it relate to where you are today in your highs and
lows?
· Step Four: Pray for one another's highs and lows, for your
family, and for the world. Simply talk to God, thank Jesus for the
good, and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in specific
problems.
· Step Five: Bless one another. Trace the sign of the cross on
one another's forehead or palm as a reminder that you belong to God
and to one another.
Interested in learning more? Feel free to contact Linda Strader
by phone (245-0718 or 883-1096) or by e-mail
([email protected]); or you can visit the Faith Inkubators web
site: www.faithink.com.
Faith 5—Suggested verses for December
Week of December 4: “The grass withers, the flower fades; but
the word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8
Week of December 11: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give
thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Week of December 18: “Then Mary said, 'Here am I, the servant of
the Lord: let it be with me according to your word.’”
— Luke 1:38a
Week of December 25: “The light shines in the darkness, and the
darkness did not overcome it.” — John 1:5
Week of January 1: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole
being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the
garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of
righteousness.” — Isaiah 61:10a
Questions? Comments? Cares or Concerns?
Please contact the Director of Youth and Family Ministries,
Linda Strader, anytime: phone: 217-245-0718 or 217-883-1096;
e-mail: [email protected];
or you can find her on Facebook.
Saturday, December 3:
Hanging of the Greens! For all ages
Join us for a light breakfast. Afterwards, we’ll decorate the
church for the Advent/Christmas season. Friends are welcome!
Thursday, December 8: 6:45 – 8:30 p.m.
“Visions” Ministry at ISVI — Grades 7 & Up
This is a chance for our youth to interact with teenagers with
visual impairments, some of whom have additional disabilities. We
will meet at the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (658 E.
State St.) where we will visit the Teen Center to play games (air
hockey, arcade games, Bingo, etc.) or just hang out with the
students. Refreshments will be available for sale as well.
Please let Linda Strader know if you need a ride.
Saturday, December 10: 8:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Toys for Tots Christmas Party (Grades 7 & Up)
Meet at the American Legion Hall to help with the Toys for Tots
Christmas party. Call Linda Strader if you need a ride (245-0718).
To help with planning, please use the sign-up sheet on the
Youth Table if you’d like to participate.
Monday, December 12: 6:00 p.m.
Girls’ Night Out at Leo’s Pizza!
All women of Faith (age 18 & up) and their friends are
invited to join us at Leo’s for delicious food and lively
conversation. Some of us may opt for a walk over to the Frozen
Penguin for dessert!
Wednesday, December 14: 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Salvation Army After-School Program — Grades 7 & Up
We’ll meet at the Salvation Army (331 W. Douglas) to assist with
the After-School Program (homework assistance followed by games and
activities). Please let Linda Strader know if you’re interested in
helping to plan some activities for the children,
or if you need a ride.
Sunday, December 18: 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School Christmas Program
The congregation is invited to join the Sunday School children
in the sanctuary as they present “Singing Gloria.” Refreshments
will be served in the gathering area immediately following the
program.
Blessed Christmas!
Holiday Sunday School / Confirmation Schedule
There will be no Sunday School or Confirmation classes on
Sunday, December 25 or Sunday, January 1. Please join us for
worship those days. We will resume our regular Sunday School and
Confirmation schedule on Sunday, January 8.
Articles of Faith – December 2011
page 6
Mission Trip
Dear Faith Family,
I have always had a love for helping others. As a sophomore
sociology major at Eastern Illinois University, I am involved in a
group called Haiti Connection. The Haiti Connection does numerous
fundraisers as well as awareness raisers that provide our Haitian
brothers and sisters with resources that aid in their survival.
Twice a year, The Newman Catholic Center travels to Haiti to engage
in reforestation projects, install water purification systems, help
with home repair, and provide school sponsorships. I would love to
have the opportunity to travel to Haiti with the organization and
ask for your prayerful consideration in helping to sponsor me. The
cost of the trip is $1,200. I will be applying for a $700
scholarship through the organization. Checks can be left on the
secretary’s desk or mailed to the church office; please make them
payable to Haiti Connection with Megan McQueen on the memo line. I
believe it will be a great learning experience that I will be
anxious to share on my return. Thank you for your consideration. In
Christ,
-- Megan McQueen
We Need Your Input
The Parish Worship Planning Committee wants your input. We are
examining our practices in the worship services, particularly the
10:30 a.m. traditional service. First, we’re wondering if the
offering plates could already be at the back of the church for the
ushers – this would make it easier for Pastor Paul to sing with the
choir. We’re considering moving to disposable cups for Holy
Communion, and we’re thinking of ways to avoid moving the tray
stands around so much during distribution. Let us know what you
think about these ideas or if you have other ideas about how we
conduct worship. E-mail Pat Kiihne ([email protected]) or speak
with any member of the committee (Connie Braner, Elaine Chapman,
Naomi Hahn, Pat Kiihne, Andrew Salyer, Kim Streib, Rob Sweatman, or
Sharon Zuiderveld).
In Sympathy
Our sympathy goes out to the family of Aileen Heitbrink. Aileen
died on November 5, and a funeral service was held at Faith on
November 9 with burial at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in
Meredosia.
Thank You
The family of Aileen Heitbrink would like to thank those who
organized and provided a meal for the family after the funeral on
November 9. You are a blessing!
Faith Family,
A special thank you to Pastor Paul for his visits and prayers
while I was in the hospital, and to everyone who sent cards and
offered prayers for my healing and recovery. God bless,
-- Bob Glyshaw
Dear Friends,
Thank you for your $1,390 to Bread for the World Institute in
honor of Bishop S. John Roth. In November, Bread for the World
Institute released its 2012 Hunger Report – with a media event at
the National Press Club here in Washington, DC. Entitled
Rebalancing Act, the report makes the case for changes in US farm
and food policies that will help small-scale farmers in Africa and
elsewhere. The report also includes a six-session Christian study
guide – ideal for adult education in churches and other settings.
You can view summaries of hunger reports and other Institute
publications at www.bread.org/institute.
Thank you again for your generosity.
Sincerely, David Beckmann, President
NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
December 18
New Faith Telephone Directory
The new Faith Telephone Directories will be available in the
gathering area on December 4. Please take one per household (and
one for your college student). Thank You!
Doorbell Dinners
A big THANK YOU to all who stepped forward to help with Doorbell
Dinners in November!
Our next time will be the week of January 23 - 27.
If you have any questions
or would like to volunteer to be a Doorbell Dinner Coordinator,
please contact Vi Hutton at 472-5201 or [email protected].
Worship Schedule
8:15 a.m. Contemporary Service
with ASL Interpretation
9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages
10:30 a.m. Traditional
Evangelical Lutheran Worship-based Service
Holy Communion in both services
One Service Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m.
FOOD CENTER
By Lillian Korous
The Food Center, in partnership with the Salvation Army, is
preparing Christmas boxes to distribute in December. The boxes will
provide food supplies for a holiday dinner, according to the size
of the family. The boxes will be given in addition to the usual
food distributed to families from the Center. The suggested menu
for December lists some of the food items that will be included in
the Christmas boxes. A sample box of staples for a family of 4, 5,
or 6 is on display at the Food Center collection area. Lists of
foods needed and costs for various size families are available next
to the sample box. If you wish to help, take a list as a guide for
your shopping or contribution. Perishables on the list (chicken
quarters, Cool Whip, oleo, and dinner rolls) should not be
included. The Food Center will supply these items. Boxes will be
distributed on December 14 and 15. The Salvation Army will provide
turkey or ham.
Faith Lutheran Church supports the Jacksonville Area Community
Food Center by collecting on the first Sunday of each month. You
can place your food items in the grocery cart or plastic box in the
gathering area at any time. Cash donations can be placed in the
trucker’s wallet attached to the grocery cart.
If you donate by check, please make the check payable to Faith
Lutheran church with a notation that the donation is for the Food
Center. Faith Lutheran donated $64.50 in food in November and
$515.00 in money in October. Thank you for all your help.
Suggested Menu for December:
canned sweet potatoes, instant potatoes, gravy mix (poultry),
egg noodles,
chicken broth, stuffing mix, canned cranberries, pumpkin pie
mix, canned fruit
FLIP THE RETURN ADDRESS
A Blessed Christmas
and Happy New Year
to all of you
from the
Faith Lutheran Staff
Faith Lutheran ChurchNonprofit Organization
1385 W. Walnut U.S. POSTAGE
Jacksonville, IL 62650PAID
(217) 245-8919 voice and faxJacksonville, IL 62650
www.faith-lutheran.com Permit No. 300
e-mail: [email protected]
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
For Your Information:
This edition of the Articles of Faith
was brought to the Post Office
on November 28, 2011
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