Ministry Update DECEMBERfiles.constantcontact.com/7f7d98d3101/10ec3888-cee... · The Christmas story is a story of love, hope, redemption and relationship. So, what happened? How

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Unwrapping Christmas ~ God’s Gift to You

Can Christmas Still Change the World?

Growth in the Spirit

Royal Redeemer Food Pantry Partnership

Care Ministry

Life Hurts...God Heals

Life Line Screening

R.E.A.L. Womens’ Ministry

Student Ministries News (Insert)

Christmas Worship Schedule (Insert)

Advent Conspiracy Envelope (Insert)

MINISTRY UPDATE – December, 2016 - Page 2

UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS ~ God’s UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS ~ God’s UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS ~ God’s UNWRAPPING CHRISTMAS ~ God’s GiftGiftGiftGift to Youto Youto Youto You

During this Christmas season, you’ll hear one word more than any other. It’s not “merry,” “tree,” “Santa,” or even — unfortunately — “Jesus.”

It’s “gift.” Starting on Black Friday (and often times even before then),

we begin a month-long dash to find the right gift for everyone on our list. The word “gift” consumes us for a month... or more!

Many people think that gift giving at Christmas was started by the Wise Men when they brought gifts to the baby Jesus. But it was God who gave the first Christmas gift.

God so loved that He gave. In one of the most familiar verses in the Bible, we are told: “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). On the first Christmas, God gave the greatest gift of all — He gave His Son. He gave His Son to die on the cross so we can have our past forgiven, a purpose for living, and a home in heaven. Jesus is the original Christmas gift.

We only give because God gave to us first.

During the month of December, we will look at what it means to “Unwrap Christmas” by showing compassion and generosity to our family, our neighbors and this world. Without a doubt, the spirit of Christmas is the spirit of generosity. Acts 15:11 says it like this: “We are saved because the Master Jesus amazingly, and out of sheer generosity, moved to save us.” (The Message)


If it weren’t for God’s generosity, we would have nothing. The air we breathe is a gift of God’s generosity. The blood coursing through our veins is a gift of God’s generosity. The fact that our hearts are beating is a gift of God’s generosity. Every good thing in our life — including our life — is a gift of God’s generosity.

But God’s greatest act of generosity came on the very first Christmas when He gave us Jesus.

See you in worship!


CAN CHRISTMAS STILL CHANGE THE WORLD?CAN CHRISTMAS STILL CHANGE THE WORLD?CAN CHRISTMAS STILL CHANGE THE WORLD?CAN CHRISTMAS STILL CHANGE THE WORLD? The Christmas story is a story of love, hope, redemption and relationship. So, what happened? How did it turn into stuff, stress and debt? Somehow, we’ve traded the best story in the world for the story of what’s on sale.

The Advent Conspiracy is a global movement of people and churches resisting the cultural Christmas narrative of consumption by choosing a revolutionary Christmas through Worshipping Fully, Spending Less, Giving More and Loving All.

This year Royal Redeemer is joining the Advent Conspiracy by celebrating our new community food pantry! Royal Redeemer partnered with the City of North Royalton, Kiwanis, other churches within the community and our public schools to grow our Food Pantry into a much greater resource for those in desperate need right here in our community.

You can help in three ways - Participate in the fill a basket family advent devotion to provide food for the pantry (we will provide the basket to fill and return), purchase a gift card, or pray for the pantry.

As in the past, you may also donate financially towards the pantry on another’s behalf. You will receive a card that you can give as record of your gift.

We’re excited about this year’s opportunity and can’t wait to see baskets returning and filling the Commons for those in need as we begin to Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More and Love All - Right here in North Royalton!


GROWTH IN THE SPIRITGROWTH IN THE SPIRITGROWTH IN THE SPIRITGROWTH IN THE SPIRIT Why start paying more attention to the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives? Because He changes our hearts to produce more of His fruit, like love, joy, and peace. Who would not want more of such Spirit’s product in their lives?

Jesus points us to the abundant life He came to bring. He is the vine. We branches embedded in Him will produce much fruit. Paul names this outcome as fruit of the Spirit. The Spirit produces changes in our hearts, and our inner being, into experiences of the nine fruit Paul lists. From changed hearts comes changed behavior that expresses joy, love and peace.

Martin Luther preached about three levels of conscience among Christians. The first is living by the rules to gain God’s favor. Then came the Reformation emphasis that we don’t have to earn God’s favor; He gives it to us freely. But many who are saved by God’s grace still live faithful Christian lives out of guilt with little joy. The third level comes when hearts are changed to everyday living by grace without guilt and full of joy.

Luther observes: “When the Spirit comes, he makes a pure, free, cheerful, glad and loving heart—a conscience made righteous by grace, seeking no reward, fearing no punishment, doing everything with joy.”

How do you get to that third level? By asking for the Spirit to change you and then putting yourself where He can most readily get to. Usually that is with other Christians gathered around God’s word. That is what the GROWTH practices are about, as explained in How to Spot the Spirit’s Work in Your


ROYAL REDEEMER FOOD PARTNERSHIPROYAL REDEEMER FOOD PARTNERSHIPROYAL REDEEMER FOOD PARTNERSHIPROYAL REDEEMER FOOD PARTNERSHIP As the need for assistance continues to grow, the Food Pantry is a reliable asse t w ith in our community . The Royal Redeemer Food Pantry Partnership with the city of North Royalton and Kiwanis has allowed us to serve this expanding population of those in need. The Holiday Basket

Distribution within this collaboration for Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance is able to provide many with turkeys, non-perishable foods, gift cards and toiletries that may not have been available. We have also partnered with the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association who has provided us with generous amounts of bread on a regular basis. The Royal Redeemer Congregation remains steadfast in donations which allow us to continue to generously meet the needs of those seeking assistance. New as well as returning clients will be met with kindness, compassion and opportunities to grow their faith. To schedule an appointment for assistance, please call Kat Lacinski at extension 133.

CARE MINISTRYCARE MINISTRYCARE MINISTRYCARE MINISTRY Did you know that the privacy laws prohibit hospitals from giving Royal Redeemer information if you are admit-ted to a hospital or change facilities??? Your phone call is the only way we are able to know if you or a family member is hospitalized. Please call Mary Ann Tansler in the Care Ministry Department at ext. 130 with your information and she will arrange a visit, phone call or prayers for you during your hospital stay. Your information will always be kept confidential including prayers if that is your desire.


If you nod your head when you hear the words “Life Hurts God Heals” then we have a support group for you. This group is for people that have hurts, habits, and/or hang ups that seem to control their lives.

“Some of the most comforting words in the universe are “me too”. That moment when you find out that your struggle is also someone

else’s struggle, that you’re not alone, and that others have been down the same road”. Unknown

We meet for a time of fellowship and a teaching on healthy choices followed by support group conversation. We offer two sessions, Monday & Tuesday evenings at 7:00. Questions? Call Pastor Dave at extension 118.


LIFE LINE SCREENINGLIFE LINE SCREENINGLIFE LINE SCREENINGLIFE LINE SCREENING Care Ministry is pleased to offer a preventive health event. Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community based preventive health screenings will host their affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings on Monday, January 16th at Royal Redeemer.

Five screenings will be offered that scans for potential health problems related to: blocked arteries which is a leading cause of stroke; abdominal aortic aneurysms which lead to a ruptured aorta; hardening of the arteries in the legs which is a strong predictor of heart disease; atrial fibrillation or irregular heart beat which is closely tied to stroke risk; and a bone density screening used to assess the risk of osteoporosis for both men & women.

Register for a Wellness Package which includes 4 vascular tests and osteoporosis screening for $139. The cost is $149 when you add the 5th screening for osteoporosis. All five screenings take 60 – 90 minutes to complete. In order to register, please call 888-653-6450 or visit: Lifelinescreenings.com/community-partners

“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple, and that God’s Spirit lives in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16

Mark your calendars so you won’t miss out on some of the many events Care Ministry has to offer. Starting in February we will begin our Cancer Companions. Also, Grief Share, Divorce Care & Divorce Care for Kids will be starting up again.

There are so many ways that Care Ministry can help. Contact Pam Reis, RN at ext. 110 for information on Cancer Companions or Grief Share. Contact Mary Ann Tansler at ext. 133 for details on DC & DC4K or the many other branches of Care Ministry.


R.E.A.L. Women’s MinistryR.E.A.L. Women’s MinistryR.E.A.L. Women’s MinistryR.E.A.L. Women’s Ministry Unwrapping Christmas

Looking forward to our annual R.E.A.L. Women’s Ministry Christmas Gathering from 7:00 – 9:00 pm on December 6th. We’ll spend some time together “Unwrapping Christmas!” Women are asked to provide an appetizer or a dessert to share, while the table hostesses will set

a “formal” table for eight including a centerpiece and small favors. (The church can provide white or red tablecloths and/or plastic utensils if needed.)

Our next R.E.A.L. gathering will be held on Tuesday, February 7th at 7:00 pm. The theme for the evening is “A Servant’s Heart.” Hope to see you there!

In His Name,

Kim Elgin, Bennie Levy, Jan Likowski, Kat Napoli, Mary Schus-ter & Kate West

“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come." Proverbs 31:25


“For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulders and His

name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of

Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Our students and staff are thrilled to enter the season of celebrating Christmas with each of you!

Together, we all rejoice, for the gift of God’s Son, Jesus.

Our students will study and practice the following Christian Character Traits for December.

Our monthly chapel mission project, Helping Hand Fund, will bless families in need within our church and school communities with Christmas gifts and other support. We are blessed to be a blessing to others!

We will share in joyful sounds with our preschoolers telling the story of Jesus’ birth on December 12th and 13th at 7 pm (in costumes) and with our 5th -8th graders on December 15th 6:45 pm (singing, hand chimes, band) as they, too, sing of our dear Savior’s birth! You are welcome to attend. Please also join us for Chapel anytime – check the Worship bulletin for days and times every week.

We will be studying about Advent and reading Scriptures leading up to the birth of baby Jesus, including the promises foretold in the Old Testament. Classroom Jesus Birthday Parties end our December with Christmas vacation taking place from Dec. 22nd – Jan. 2nd. Please note that there will be limited school office hours.

Sensitivity vs. Callousness ~ Romans 12:15 Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit

and emotions of those around me

Availability vs. Self-Centeredness ~ Philippians 2:20-21 Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the

wishes of those I am serving

Faith vs. Presumption ~ Hebrew 11:1 Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation

and acting in harmony with it.


Please feel free to join us for:

• Middle School Science Fair is December 7th – check out our students’ work

• Basketball Season is starting. Our Varsity teams play Dec. 3rd. Girls at 9:30 vs. Westside Christian and Boys at 11:45 vs. Our Shepherd Lutheran. Come and cheer our Rockets Teams.

We are so thankful for all the love and support from our congregation and school families. Thank you for participating in our annual fund in the past. This year’s Building Foundations of Faith Annual Fund will begin this month and continue through the school year. The main projects are on financial assistance, improvements to our EE playground and for Extended Care, & continued expansion for technology in preschool-grade 2. Thank you for prayerfully giving as you feel led to and helping to build firm foundations of faith!

Our school’s 2017-2018 Registration information will be at the Connection Centers the weekend of December 24th and 25th. We are accepting registration for next school year beginning the week of January 9th, 2017 for Preschool through 8th grade. Please call the school office if you would like to set up classroom visit. (Preschool: contact Robin x 146 and K-8 contact Carol X 166).

Open Houses are: Wednesdays Jan. 11th and 18th from 9-2 and Sunday, January 29th from 1-3. We would love to share our school with you. Feel free to visit our website www.rrls.org and don’t forget to share with your friends and family – you are our best advertising!

Please contact the school office (ext. 166) if you are interested in our “Parent and Me and Jesus Makes Three” two year old + program. Our next session begins in January! It’s a great program giving your young child a chance to learn to play with other children, a mini circle time, a mini Jesus lesson, playing with many centers, and craft time! Children and their parent or adult chaperone will enjoy this one hour of fun and learning.

From all of us at Royal Redeemer Lutheran School, may your Christmas be merry and bright in the love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Amen!


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Ministry Update DECEMBERfiles.constantcontact.com/7f7d98d3101/10ec3888-cee... · The Christmas story is a story of love, hope, redemption and relationship. So, what happened? How