Pastor David’s Letter

Dear Gloria Dei family, Do you know Gloria Dei’s mission statement? If you’re looking for a New Year’s resolution, how about learning it? It’s not just a church’s statement, it could pretty much be any Christian’s mission statement. The Mission of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church is to reflect God’s hope, which we express through:

Celebration Connection Compassion.

I suppose everyone needs hope and we use that term in all sorts of ways – as political jargon, as wishful thinking (‘I hope it doesn’t rain.’). There’s all kinds of things that give us hope, with a small “h.” But beyond all that there’s hope with a capital “H.” The only real thing, main deal, strong hope and that’s the hope given in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It doesn’t mean that everything’s going to turn out all rosey in this life, but that God will ultimately find a way. Everything that is done in the world is done by hope. Martin Luther Speaking of getting some hope-filled things done, that’s what even something as “have to” as an annual meeting is about. There’ll be financials to approve, a new council to elect, and updates given on our building expansion and new ministries for the year. Join us for lunch (11:45am) and the meeting on Sunday, January 25. We will be about the business of the church, which is the business of hope.

See you Sunday, Pastor David

January 2015 | Monthly Newsletter

Light-of-Dei Gloria Dei Lutheran Church & Preschool 33501 Stonehill Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629 Phone: (949) 493-3414 Website: mygloriadei.org Email: gloriadei@mygloriadei.org

Pastor Sabrina’s Thoughts I read an article about New Year’s Day which listed the responses of people interviewed with the question, “What does ‘new year’ mean to you?” Some of the most common responses included: a fresh start, a chance to make new goals, an opportunity to reevaluate. Personally, I don’t like making resolutions, but I do like starting new things. So in the context of the church, I think the new year could be a great time to start a new chapter in our relationship with God. Scripture is always a good place to begin. Romans 12:1-2 says: “So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering … Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it … God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (The Message) Taking your everyday, ordinary life and placing it before God as an offering...that sounds like a great way to start the new year! Another new thing Gloria Dei will be starting this new year is the Bridge of Hope ministry. We will be welcoming and supporting a family with a single mother and several children on the brink of homelessness, supplementing their housing, incorporating them into the church community, and mentoring them in a small group to assist them with any other needs they might have. This is an exciting new outreach that we hope will help to provide transformation and hope in the life of homeless mothers, children, mentors, and volunteers through their involvement.

Women’s Heart-Lifters Evening Bible Study Tuesdays, January 13 & 27 6:30pm refreshments; 7-8pm study @Ann St. Martin’s (933-3906)

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JANUARY DATES TO CALENDAR

NEW YEAR'S PANCAKE BREAKFAST, Sunday, Jan. 4, 9:30-10:30am. Our thanks to the men for preparing and serving the food.

NEW MEMBER CLASS: There are two ways to join the Gloria Dei family: 1) Transfer your membership from a Lutheran congregation or 2) For those of non-Lutheran background, attend the Adult Inquiry Class on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at 9am in the Fellowship Hall. (Child care available upon request. Talk to Pastor David). Then, for all members joining: A New Member Orientation meeting will be held Sunday evening, January 11, at 6pm. at the home of Pastor David & Kimberly Mattson. New members will be received into membership on Sunday, January 18, during the 10:30am worship service. If you are interested in membership, please speak with Pastor David, call the church office at 493-3414, or sign up on the patio.

SAVE THE DATE! Motown Night Out! Come support the high school youth's trip to the National Youth Gathering this Summer in Detroit. Saturday, January 17th at 5:30pm! Location TBA. $20/person. Questions? Contact Hannah at 573-3248.

TRIP TO BALBOA PARK, San Diego - Plan to join us for a trip down to the beautiful Balboa Park on Saturday, January 24th. We will travel by chartered bus; Cost: $20. Leaving church at 9am and returning at 3pm. The Timken Museum of Art will be exhibiting Raphael - admission is free. Lunch is on your own, bring a sack lunch or choose from restaurants in the park. Invite a friend! Sign up on the patio.

GLORIA DEI ANNUAL MEETING - Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015, 11:45am. A light brunch will be served so please sign up on the patio if you will be attending.

ADULT EDUCATION, Sunday, 9:40am

Sunday, January 11 – February 1 LEADER: PASTOR DAVID Sometimes the most important people in the “big” story of God’s salvation plan are the people working behind the scenes. Not the famous saints known to all, but the people that respond to God’s grace in seemingly simple ways, but actually change the course of history. This Bible study will examine “Saint Nobodies” in an effort to illustrate that no action led by the Holy Spirit is ever wasted. They did not make the headlines of their day, but they were still critically important in bringing hope to the world. January 11, 2015 Topic: Phoebe Scripture: Romans 16 January 18, 2015 Topic: Ananias Scripture: Acts 9 January 25, 2015 Topic: Silvanus Scripture: 1 and 2 Thessalonians February 1, 2015 Topic: Malchus Scripture: John 18

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Wednesdays, January 7, 14, 21, and 28, 10am in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited!

EARLY MORNING STUDY & BREAKFAST - Tuesday, January 6 and 20, 7am @ Carrow’s, San Clemente.

MEN’S STUDY & BREAKFAST Saturday, January 10, 8am Study: Saint Nobody Topic: Ananias, Scripture: Acts 9 Menu: Apple Fritters All men welcome!

G.I.F.T. GROUPS Growing in Faith Together

(Neighborhood Study Groups) Monday, , January 19, 7:00 p.m. Study: “The Holy Spirit – Activating God’s Power in Your Life” by Billy Graham David & Susan Warneke 25262 Braque Way, Dana Point Phone: 203-952-5657 Tuesday, January 20, 7:00 p.m. Study: "Life Principles from the Old Testament" Ruth Lorvick, host; Roger Grefsrud, facilitator 33532 Sea Gull Court, Dana Point Phone: 488-7788 Tuesday, January 20, 6:30 p.m. Study: Genesis Emmy Quinn Phone: 493-8700

"NO TIME BIBLE STUDY" to begin Wednesday, Jan. 7, 14, 21. First class dinner provided at 6:30pm on Jan. 7, the other classes begin at 7pm. See sign up.

FRIENDSHIP

FANTASY FOOTBALL PARTY – Sunday, Jan. 4, 5pm at the Ross'. Bring

your own beverage and a dish to share. RSVP to Judy at 495-6004.

MEN’S BOOK GROUP – Tuesday, Jan. 27, 7pm. Open Season by CJ Box.

This is the first book of a Wyoming game warden.

MEN’S BRIDGE - Tuesday, Jan. 6, 6:30pm, church fellowship hall.

Please contact Hugo Stutz (248-0283) for info.

MEN’S SPRING TRAINING RETREAT - mark the calendar, March 6-8.

Embassy Suites, Scottsdale, Arizona. Two Angel games and more.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY— meeting on Saturday, Jan. 3, 9am. The

Prayer Shawl Knitting Ministry invites people of all ages to join us. If you know of someone in need of a shawl or would like more information, call Peggy Johnson at 363-8714.

PRIME-TIMERS (Seniors Group) – Plan to attend the 2015 Planning

Meeting, on Sunday, Jan. 11th

, 11:45am to schedule events for the new year.

SERRA’S PANTRY - Volunteer opportunity in San Juan Capistrano,

Saturday, Jan. 17 (third Saturday of every month) at 8:30am. Coffee & danish provided. If you can help with food pick up, please note on the sign up! Thank you.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP - Meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 7 pm. Book

Selection: The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kid. For more info, Call Diane Kelly at 493-9632.

WOMEN’S FELLOWSHIP GROUP – Monday, Jan. 12, 11:30am (second

Monday of every month) at Gerd Talstad’s home. There will be time to share favorite Bible verses, followed by a potluck lunch. Feel free to bring friends. If you are interested, contact Pastor Sabrina.

YOUNG COUPLES EVENT: Wine and Painting night at the Wine Bistro in

Dana Point, Tuesday, January 13th

, at 6:30 p.m. No experience necessary. Have some wine, learn step-by-step painting techniques with a qualified instructor. All painting materials will be provided. Cost: $40 per couple. Please sign up on the bulletin board.

PRESCHOOL Shelli Parajeckas, Preschool Director preschool@mygloriadei.org Happy January! The preschool is looking forward to continued success in 2015. We are excited to have the kids back, and to get settled into our routines again. This month our teachers are preparing for Parent-Teacher Conferences. The preschool will close for 2 days to allow teachers to meet with parents one-on-one to discuss their child’s growth and development observed in class, and to set goals for the remaining school year. Gloria Dei Preschool is blessed to have a staff committed to continued education and training so they can serve young children and their families professionally and whole-heartedly. May God bless all of you with a year filled with the passion to serve, and to be an encouragement to those around you.

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

SENIOR HIGH NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING: This summer is the National Youth Gathering for high school youth in Detroit, Michigan. We will be taking a group for our summer trip. The Gathering is July 15-19. MOTOWN NIGHT OUT! Come join our high school youth for a night out to celebrate the summer trip to Detroit! January 17th at 5:30pm. Tickets on sale on the patio. $20/person will include dinner and soft drinks. YOUTH GROUP – January 11, 12 noon WINTER RETREAT! February 6th-8th. Camp El Camino Pines in Frazier Park. Come enjoy worship, Bible study, outdoor activities and SNOW! Cost: $145. See sign up. Questions? Contact Hannah: youth@mygloriadei.org Call or text (949) 573-3248

SUNDAY MORNING EDUCATION, 9:40am

SUNDAY SCHOOL Classes resume on Jan 11.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR

(Ages preschool through JR HI) Rehearsals resume on Jan. 18

CONFIRMATION/ JR HI (6-8

th Grade)

Classes resume on Thursday, Jan 8, 6pm.

Volunteers

Attendance, Communion, Offering

12/7 332 240 $8,158

12/14 699 276 $9,446

12/21 319 258 $8,839

SIMPLY GIVING” - Gloria Dei offers electronic giving, which allows you to make donations on a scheduled, automatic basis. Applications are available at the Visitor’s Center or call the church office. PLEASE help our offering counters by using your envelope with assigned number.

GLORIA DEI ENDOWMENT FUND “What legacy will you leave?”

Brochures are available in the pews and at the Welcome Center!

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING Tuesday, January 20, 7pm

JANUARY 2015 VOLUNTEERS

READERS HOST/ESS/REFRESHMENTS WELCOMECENTER

8:30am 10:30am 5:00pm 8:30am 10:30am 8:30am 10:30am

1/4 K. Desmond B. Dewar C. Simpson S. Miller M. Bise R. Lehmann C. Fredrick

1/11 S. Miller S. Boland J. Contestabile C. O’Connor T&N Smith J. Skraba R&S Hanson

1/18 D. Pysz B. Prock A. Luhan J. Olson J&A St. Martin G. Rightmire N. Hudson

1/25 K. Gray P. Johnson L. McCarty G. Rightmire D&S Warneke I. Schuller R. Lorvick

ALTAR GUILD PEW MAINTENANCE SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE

1/4 L. Mers I. Schuller K. Dickinson

1/11 G. Rightmire G. Sels

1/18 K. Yagher C. Simpson

1/25 D. Combe J. Skraba

USHERS ACOLYTE COMMUNION ASSISTANT

8:30am Q. Nelson, T. Setum J. Lund G. Rightmire

10:30am V. Stricker, A. Hettmann G. Powell

FEBRUARY 2015 VOLUNTEERS – Schedules coming soon!

A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS to our church family for the Staff Christmas gifts. Your

thoughtfulness and generosity is very much appreciated. We all enjoyed your cards, cookies, and candy! May God continue to bless you during the new year.

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3

9am Prayer

Shawl Ministry

4

8:30am

9:30am Pancake

Breakfast

10:30am

5:00pm

5pm Fantasy

Year End Party

5

7pm Al-Anon

6 7am-Early Study

@ Carrow’s, SC

9:30am Al-Anon

6:30pm Men’s

Bridge

7pm Women’s

Book Group

7 10am

Women’s

Bible Study

4:30 TOPS

6:30pm No Time

Bible Study

7pm Scouts

8

6pm

Confirmation

9 10

8am Men’s

Breakfast & Study

9am New

Member Adult

Inquiry Class

11 8:30am

9:40 Education

10:30am

11:45 Prime-

Timers Meet

12pm Youth

Group

5:00pm

6pm New

Member

Orientation

12

7pm Al-Anon

11:30am

Women’s

Fellowship

13

9:30am Al-Anon

6:30pm Young

Couples Event

6:30pm

Women’s Heart-

Lifters

14

10am

Women’s

Bible Study

4:30 TOPS

7pm No Time

Bible Study

15

6pm

Confirmation

6:15pm Bell

Choir Rehearsal

7:30pm Adult

Choir Rehearsal

16 17

8:30am Serra’s

Pantry

5pm Youth

Fundraiser

Dinner

18

8:30am

9:40 Education

10:30am/New

Members Recvd

5:00pm

19

7pm Al-Anon

7pm GIFT @

Warneke’s

20 7am-Early Study

@ Carrow’s, SC

9:30am Al-Anon

7pm GIFT @ R.

Lorvick

7pm GIFT @ E.

Quinn’s

21

10am

Women’s

Bible Study

4:30 TOPS

7pm No Time

Bible Study

22

6pm

Confirmation

6:15pm Bell

Choir Rehearsal

7:30pm Adult

Choir Rehearsal

23 24

9am-3pm

TRIP TO

BALBOA PARK

25

8:30am

9:40 Education

10:30am

11:45am

Annual Meeting

5:00pm

26

9am LBA

7pm Al-Anon

27 9:30am Al-Anon

6:30pm

Women’s Heart-

Lifters

7pm Men’s Book

Group

28

10am

Women’s

Bible Study

4:30 TOPS

29

6pm

Confirmation

6:15pm Bell

Choir Rehearsal

7:30pm Adult

Choir Rehearsal

30

31

January 2015

Communion is served every Sunday at every service

Church Office Hours: 8:30am-4:30pm

Communion is served every Sunday at every service

January 2015

PRAYERS OF THE CHURCH

Prayers of healing for Ken Anderson, Mike Wright, Len & Betty Michel, Deborah Fleming, Debbie Campominosi, Lorraine Cryer, and Joel Nelson. Prayers of sympathy to Steve Sivcovich and family on Patti’s passing, and to Carol & Jane Nelson on the passing of their daughter-in-law. Prayers of peace & safety for all our service men and women now serving around the world.

To place a loved one on the Prayer Chain, please call the church office at 493-3414.

GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH AND PRESCHOOL Church Office: (949) 493-3414 Fax: (949) 493-6479 Preschool: (949) 493-3596 Website: mygloriadei.org E-mail: gloriadei@mygloriadei.org Facebook.com/GloriaDeiDanaPoint

Staff Email Address Phone extn.

Pastor David R. Mattson pastordavid@mygloriadei.org 202

Pastor Sabrina Vasta pastorsabrina@mygloriadei.org 204

Hannah Boelman youth@mygloriadei.org 209

Barbara Collins sundayschool@mygloriadei.org 208

Betsy Dubow gloriadei@mygloriadei.org 201

Shelli Parajeckas preschool@mygloriadei.org 205

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2014 CHURCH COUNCIL 1

st Row from left: Scott Lund, Shannon Schroeder, Lisa Ellis and Carol Simpson

2nd

Row from left: Mark Desmond, Chad Susag, Dennis Psyz, Wayne Johnson, Craig Collins, Jeff Contestabile and Don Caskey Not pictured: Debbie Holzkamp