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Fourth Sunday of Advent
December 18, 2016
St. Luke Lutheran Church 20 Candlewood Path Dix Hills, NY 11746
Phone: (631) 499-8656
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NEWS NOTES
THIS WEEK at ST LUKE Sunday, December 18, 2016
8:00 a.m. Bible Study
9:00 am Worship – Trio
9:20 am NO Sunday School
10:00 am Coffee Hour
10:45 a.m. Christmas Pageant
12:30 p.m. Youth Group
Monday, December 19, 2016 6:30 p.m. Beginner Handbells
7:00 p.m. Youth Choir
7:30 p.m. Confirmation Classes
7:45 p.m. Adult Handbells
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
7:00 p.m. St. Pauly’s Rehearsal
7:30 p.m. Church Council
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
10:00 am Bible Study
6:30 p.m. Advent Wednesday
Caroling at Sunrise Assisted
7:30 p.m. Boy Scouts – Room 200
Thursday, December 22, 2016
1:00 p.m. Young @ Heart
4:30 p.m. Cherub Choir
5:00 p.m. Junior Choir
8:00 p.m. Al-Anon
Friday, December 23, 2016
Saturday, December 24, 2016
5:00 PM Family Christmas Eve
7:00 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve
9:00 PM Candlelight Christmas Eve
Sunday, December 25, 2016
10:00 AM Christmas Day Worship
The Altar Flowers are given by The
Elgert Family in loving memory of
Irene Jaeger
The Altar Flowers and The Eternal Light are available.
Sign up on the Flower Chart or Eternal Light Chart. Flowers
are $20 per vase and the Eternal Light is $5. Fill out a
memorial envelope and drop in the offering plate
Bible Studies:
Wednesday morning Bible study at 10:00 am led by Pastor
Minnix. All year
Sunday morning Bible Study at 8:00 a.m. led by Pastor
Minnix is in session once again.
1st Saturday of the month Men’s Ministry Bible study at
8:30 a.m. led by Deacon Paul Elgert. The group will
continue discussion on Greg Finke’s “Joining Jesus on His
Mission”
The Season of Advent
Advent is the season
we prepare for the
coming of the
Christ; A church
season that was
relished by Senior Choir member Al Kahn who died last
year just before Advent. The Senior Choir saw fit to donate
the oil candle Advent wreath in his memory. The Advent
wreath remembers that Christ is the light of the world and
the coming of Christ would put an end to darkness. Al was
especially fond of singing the hymns and anthems
announcing the coming of Christ-and for that we remember
Al and dedicate these candles to the Advent of Christ-the
light of the world.
ST. LUKE JOB POSTING
Looking for a part-timer to handle the
setting up and breaking down of chairs and
tables at the church and other types of set-
up and minor cleaning. Hours
approximately 2 hours per night, several nights a week and
occasionally on weekends. Must be reliable and dependable!
Contact Laura Werner at the church office, 631-499-8656
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Happening Now and Then...
The Young at Heart for their devoted service each
week folding the bulletins and so much more. The
Young at Heart include Mary
Catalanotto, Judy Walden, Carol
Burst, Marlene Langhart, Klara
Loyola, Carole Martinus, Carol
Mohrman, Dot DeCordova,
Karen Hall, Dorothy Ward,
Eleanor Swift, Florence
Staebler, Carolyn Martin, Arlene Heldberg, Martha
Schiraldi, Pat Meade, and Patricia Wagner.
Missions & Social
Concerns Committee...
Missions & Social
Concerns will be selling
coffee we bought from
Hope for His Children
International made in the
Honduras. The coffee will be sold on Sundays at
Coffee Hour during Advent. All sales will go to
support the Missions.
SAVE THE DATE – St. Luke Gala
Friday, March 3, 2017
50th
Anniversary of St. Luke Preschool
St Luke Gala –
Rockin’ To The 50’s 7PM Cocktail hour
Dinner follows
Silent Auction, 50/50, Raffles, Wine & Beer
Crest Hollow Country Club, Woodbury, NY
Go to our website for all the details
www.stlukedixhills.org
Congratulations to our newly elected 2017 Church
Council Officers Vice President – Brenda Lentsch
Board of Property Chairperson – Dan Laub
Board of Stewardship Chairperson – Rich Norman
Board of Missions & Social Concerns – Dot Mock
Board of Evangelism Chairperson – Jackie Todaro
Board of Parish Life Chairperson – Barbara Nelson
We sincerely and gratefully thank Tony Fisher and
Sandi McDermott for their years of dedicated service
as their terms have come to an end.
The Screwtape Letters Beginning in January, there
will be a book discussion on
The Screwtape Letters, by
C.S. Lewis. As we prepare
and participate in the penitent
season of Lent, we will
discuss truths concerning
Satan, Sin and Temptation.
We will meet on the dates
listed below, and begin each
session at 7:00 pm. We will
gather at the Minnix household (parsonage). Please
sign-up in the Narthex. The book can be purchased
through most online providers (including Amazon
Smile).
Dates: January 24, February 7, February 28, March 14
Preschool Fundraiser –
Sailing to Our Goal
Please consider making a
contribution towards the purchase
of a shade sail or other similar
coverage for our preschool playground. To participate,
please see the bulletin board outside the director’s
office where you will find envelopes marked with
dollar amounts ranging from $1.00 to
$110.00. Choose an envelope and place your
donation inside (cash or check) and return to the
preschool office. This fundraiser will be ongoing until
funds are reached. Thank you for your support and
help in making our school a wonderful place for our
children!
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Yoga for Seniors will take a break for a few
weeks during Advent & Christmas.
Classes resume on January 3rd
.
Certified Yoga Instructor,
Laura Fisher leads Yoga for
Seniors classes every
Tuesday at 3:30 pm. in the
Memorial Gathering Room
of the Education Bldg.
Fellow members of St. Luke,
This is to inform you that after many years of
dedicated service caring for our church and
preschool, Elsie Smith will be leaving St. Luke. Elsie
will be working until the end of the month and will
be moving out of the house next door on January
15th
.
We ask that you keep
Elsie, her son Zach and
daughter Brittany in your
prayers as Elsie moves
on to the next chapter in
her life. We also want to
give everyone the
opportunity to thank Elsie for her service and to wish
her well. We hope that you can attend a luncheon on
Sunday, January 8th
right after the 10:45 service in
the Memorial Gathering Room. We will be accepting
free will offerings between now and the luncheon to
help Elsie with her move and to help her as she
begins her new journey. Sign up on the bulletin
board in the narthex to attend.
We hope you are able to join us on the 8th
.
Peace and blessings,
Doug Geed
Church Council President
Join us for Coffee Hour Every
Sunday between Worship
Services. Each week a Church
Board/Committee will be the host.
Get to know other church members
during this special time of
fellowship. Instructions for
committees are posted in the
Gathering Room Pantry.
PLEASE Sign up on the Coffee Hour sign-up
Contact Barb Nelson with any questions.
Advent begins on November
30th
. Prepare your hearts for the
Christmas Celebration by
joining us each week on
Wednesdays during Advent at
7:30pm
November 30 – Lessons & Carols
December 7 – Lessons & Carols
December 14- South Shore Brass
Concert & Sing-A-Long
December 21- Caroling at Sunrise
Assisted Living (6:30 pm)
Every Sunday
(except where noted on the calendar)
12:00pm-2:00pm
Sunday, December 18th
- Christmas Caroling from
5:00pm-8:00pm
Friday, January 6th
–Sunday, January 8th
- Camp
Koinonia trip.
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More Happening Now and Then...
Women’s Ministry
Breakfast We meet on the last
Saturday of each month
at 8:30 am. Next
meeting on January 28.
Any changes to the
regular schedule will be announced and updated on
the calendar.
The Men’s Ministry
Breakfast
The next Men’s Bible
Study will meet on
Saturday January 7 from
8:30AM – 10:30AM in the
Memorial Gathering Room.
Men’s Ministry meets on the first Saturday of each
month in the lower level Youth Room.
Read the Bible for 500th
Anniversary of
Reformation
WHAT? The 500th Anniversary of the
Reformation is October 31, 2017. This is a program
to encourage reading the whole Bible over a two year
period in thanksgiving of the 500th Anniversary of
the Reformation.
During the Reformation, Martin Luther translated
the Bible into common language of the people so all
could read id. In honor of Martin Luther and, more
importantly, for the growth of your faith, read the
whole Bible in this 2 year time period.
Leaders and Readers can access the guides and
readings online at www.Lutherantools.org
Care and Share!
Save and bring in your King Kullen Receipts to St.
Luke. Put them in the manila envelope hanging on the
bulletin board in the narthex. King Kullen will give
back 1% of the total receipts to St. Luke.
Fellow members of St. Luke,
This is to inform you that after many years of
dedicated service caring for our church and preschool,
Elsie Smith will be leaving St. Luke. Elsie will be
working until the end of the month and will be
moving out of the house next door on January 15th
.
We ask that you keep
Elsie, her son Zach and
daughter Brittany in your
prayers as Elsie moves on
to the next chapter in her
life. We also want to give
everyone the opportunity to thank Elsie for her service
and to wish her well. We hope that you can attend a
luncheon on Sunday, January 8th
right after the 10:45
service in the Memorial Gathering Room. We will be
accepting free will offerings between now and the
luncheon to help Elsie with her move and to help her
as she begins her new journey. Sign up on the
bulletin board in the narthex to attend.
We hope you are able to join us on the 8th
.
Peace and blessings,
Doug Geed
Church Council President
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PRAYER REQUESTS
If you would like a name to be put on the list, please put the name on a prayer card in the narthex at the Usher
Station. We will update the Prayer List weekly.
WE PRAY FOR THOSE AT HOME AND IN THE HOSPITAL
Members: Jeff Adee, Diane Bergaglio, Judy Burns and family, Dorothy DeCordova, Carol Elgert, Paul Elgert,
John Gaccione, Debbie Gnad, Laura Guadagno, John Guiliano, Bill Haile, Karen Hall, Lisa Heldberg, The
Kahn Family, Peter LaBarbera, Charlene Leo, Klara Loyola, Carole Martinus, The May Family, Ann McClave,
Mark Prowatzke, Eleanor Stentiford & Family, Ross Family, Elsie Smith, Ginger Stillman, Ryan Stillman, The
Slade Family, Doug Wagner and Danny Zufall.
Family & Friends: Ken Abbott, Aida Amato, Mike Amico, Peter Angelo, Judy Arvan, Baby Dino, Jeffrey B.,
Madelyn Barbour, Dottie Baumann, Susan Bitonti, Joan Brady, Peter Breuer, Lois Boult, Carleen Burst, Lisa
Carle, John Carroll, Carter Family, Kristin Casillo, Alicia Cassidy, Rosie Catania, Alex Cavalcante, Jessica &
Michael Ciccarelli, Nick Ciccarelli, Rosemarie Cruz, Dylan Cuevas, Andy Donovan, Eleanor Drewes, Robert
Drewes, Theresa Esposito, Elizabeth Felker, Emily Fry, Sharon Furcone, Tom Geed, Cynthia Jean Gerstner,
Sandra Gil, Paul Gimeli, Mr. Omar Glaven, Beth Goodman, Louis Goodman, Marianne Gruskin, Yvonne
Guella, Jean Heikaus, Isabella Hickey, Fred Hillmann, Charles Hoffsteader, Katherine Holloway, Cathy
Hofstetter, Carol Huber, Louis Iamunno, Ronna Jablow, Dennis Kanesse, Nancy & Jerry Kearney, John, Paula
Lamendola, Ken Lane, Maureen Lawless, Russell Leyra, Lou, Charles Maikish, Marie Manzella, Audrey Marr,
Eleanor Marcus, Florence Martino, Maureen McCarthy, J. McKenna, Rosemarie Meithe, Keegan Mills, Tom
Mooney, James Murphy Sr., Michael Muscat, Kay Napoli, Felice Nieves, Rev. Don Oliver, Paul & Angela
Ortolani, Patty Orzano, Marcia Partridge, Louise Pasquale, Adele Persichilli, Bob Prummell, Tami Pryor,
Stephanie Renaldo, Steve Riff, Tara Riley, John Robinson, Liz Ruvio, Len Scacalossi, Bill Shannon, Lisa
Snyder, Helene Speruggia, Michael Szalay, Sue, Taylor Family, Loni Tomforde, Walter Tomforde, Ellen
Tormann, Carol Torns, Clara & George Vlanis, Chris Weiler, Lauren Weiler, Annie Wilkom, Elaine Witt,
Marilyn Yagel, and Harry Young
EXTENDED CARE AND RECEIVING SPECIAL CARE
Jeanne Erb, Jill Petry, Glenn Schabel, June Tonne, Lynn Tonne
Our Service Men and Women around the world, especially: Glen Bednarz, Tyler W. Bednarz, Anthony
Bowdrie, Andy Byer, James Byler, Collier Boys, Patrick Engeman, Peter Harmon, Sgt. Darren Kempen, Brian
McDuffie, Mark Meaney, Victor Nelson III, Christopher Petersen, Joe Piersante, Paul Rickmeyer, Capt. Alex
Spencer, Daniel Stanton, Aaron Tisdale, Andy Vaughn, John Vigiano, Abbey & Steve Waldrop
The victims of war and oppression and an end to hatred and violence.
SPECIAL PRAYERS
Rev. Jon Crawford, The victims and families of the 9/11 Acts of Terror, President Derek LeCakes and the
Atlantic District, Rev. Victor Nelson, Resurrection, Cairo, NY, Rev. Matthew
Harrison, Rev. Timothy Yeadon, New England District President, Rev. Rob Morris, Christ the King Church,
Newtown, CT. and Peace throughout the world, our former leaders Rev. Ronald Clawson
and his family, Rev. Charles & Kathy Froehlich and their family, The Messerschmidt family, Rev. Randy
Miller and his family, Rev. Henry Schriever and his family, Rev. Michel Staneck and his family, our
Missionaries to Indonesia, Amy, Jareb, Kayla, Corin, Kimberly, Caden& Caleb McClain, and Bill & Adriann
Nelson. Those who choose not to worship, World Hunger, Helping Hands Mission, for our Missionaries
throughout the world, Unity in the Church, Concordia University System and all of our College Students, The
Church Council and the Boards, Morality; Persecuted Christians, Victims of natural disasters, especially
Hurricane Sandy, for understanding among all families and The Lutheran Counseling Center.
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** Church Attendance and Offerings **
(total weekly offerings includes online giving)
Attendance week 12/11/2016 Advent Wednesday:
Thursday Gathering: 65 Sunday 9:00 AM: 100, 10:45 AM: 68
Offerings Received Week of 12/11/2016 (total weekly offerings includes online giving)
Offerings: $5,122.00 Thanksgiving: $28.00 Advent: $230.00
Christmas: Total Weekly Offerings Received: $5,360.00
Total Weekly Budget Needed: $6,779.00
(begin August 1, 2016) Total Annual Offerings Received YTD: $105,795.00
Total Annual Needed YTD: $128,797.00 (-$23,002.00)
Total Annual Offerings Budgeted: $352,500.00
The fiscal budget year ends July 31, 2016.
Sharing the Joy Update!
The goal is to raise $100,000.00 by December 2017. What’s it for? To repair, maintain and update the aging portions of our facilities As the needs became known, St. Luke was blessed with a very generous anonymous donation from a
member of the congregation. We lift this offering up to God that it might be used for His purposes and for
His Kingdom. Having been reminded that the Lord has called us to share the burdens, we also lift this
offering up that it might now be multiplied. We ask that you prayerfully consider committing yourself to an
offering – above and beyond your present giving – to be given over the next 18 months (ending in
December 2017). Based on the needs we face, our goal is to receive $100,000 toward this appeal by that
time. We encourage those who are able, to consider meeting their commitment in a one-time, or two-time
gift offering(s) in order to support some of the priority projects we can’t delay.
Some Projects 1. Heating solution for the church office building (we presently do not have a functioning heating
system for the church offices)
2. New roof on 16 Candlewood Path
3. Refinish floors at 16 Candlewood Path
4. Heating system at 16 Candlewood Path
5. Repair/replace retaining wall at 20 Candlewood Path (parsonage)
6. Parking Lot (striping and sealing)
7. Clearing and repairing drainage lines throughout the campus
8. Tree removal and clearing
9. Painting and replacing siding around the church (as many sections as possible)
10. Repair/replace concrete steps leading to the courtyard.
11. Repair church roof/skylights
The initial appeal began in Mid-August 2016
Sharing the Joy gifts received to date: $16,965.00
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Stewardship Thought
Our Gifts to Jesus Christmas is the gift-giving season. Even though the stores are super-stocked, it is
often difficult to find just the right gift for every person on our lists. God had no such
problems. He knew exactly what each person needed. In fact, He knows our needs
better than we know them, and He knew them before we were ever born. The timing
of His most indescribable gift was perfect. “When the time had fully come, God sent
His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might
receive the full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:4). Now, that’s a gift that can’t be
topped! And it’s the gift that truly keeps on giving! How do we respond to what God
has given us? Shouldn’t we be asking, “What have I given to Him?” Certainly, we
don’t go to the malls to shop for Jesus, but we do know that we please Him by our
love and obedience. The best gift that we can possibly give Him is to show Him our
love by faithfully and obediently doing what He asks of us. Our Heavenly Father is pleased when we seek to please Him by
doing His will. In this Advent season, remember that, even though we don’t gift-wrap gifts for Jesus, we can give Him the
gifts of love and obedience.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for leaving the glories of heaven to be my Savior. Thank You for Your love
that teaches me to love. Grant me faith so I can follow Your ways and be obedient to Your Word. I ask Your
blessings on this Christmas season. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Blessings on your stewardship journey!
The Simply Giving® Program endorsed by Thrivent Financial Bank is designed to help you conveniently make
payments to St. Luke. Through the Simply Giving Program, your payments are made through a pre-authorized
withdrawal from your bank account. You determine the frequency of your automatic payment – weekly, semi-
monthly or monthly. Your payment is deposited into St Luke Lutheran Church’s bank account on the same day
it is withdrawn from your account.
Why Sign Up? Convenience – Payment will still be made if you are out of town or on vacation.
Security – No checks are needed which means no lost or stolen checks.
Environmentally friendly – Save on checks, envelopes and postage.
To sign up go to the St. Luke website (www.stlukedixhills.org). Click the link “Giving” at the top of the page.
You will see a link to Simply Giving. Click the Give Online button to get started. With Simply Giving you have
the option of a onetime offering or you can sign up for continuous (weekly) offerings. If uncertain about this
plan, please give it prayerful consideration. Whether you sign up for a onetime or weekly offering, your gift
will reach St. Luke and be put forth to expand the Kingdom of God.
The Stewardship Board
Contact Stewardship Chairperson, Rich Norman: [email protected] or (631) 940-0231
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Shopping online for Christmas?
Here are two ways to send gifts that give twice.
Send gifts that give twice!
This Christmas, send a gift that also means an automatic donation to St. Luke
Lutheran Church at no extra cost for you! When you shop at any of over 800 participating online stores
through iGive.com, a portion of each purchase is donated back to St. Luke. It's free for you, free for us, and you
pay the same (or less!) than you would by going directly to the store. In fact, shoppers will enjoy iGive's
coupons, free shipping deals, and sales. Simply sign in to iGive.com and search for your favorite store, click on
their link and continue with your holiday shopping. It’s that simple! See for yourself and join at:
www.iGive.com/St-Luke-Dix-Hills
Amazon will donate 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile
purchases to Saint Luke Lutheran Church whenever you shop on
AmazonSmile. Sign up here: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/11-2124560
ADVENT CHRISTMAS Advent Experience
Wednesdays at 7:30 pm Christmas Eve Saturday, Dec 24
November 30 – Lessons & Carols 5:00 p.m. Family – Lessons & Carols
Dec 7 – Lessons & Carols 7:00 & 9:00 pm – Candlelight w/ Holy Communion
Dec 14 – South Shore Brass Christmas Day – Sunday 10:00 am Holy Communion
Dec 21 – Caroling at Sunrise Assisted (6:30) New Year’s Eve Saturday, Dec 31 at 6:30 pm
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The History of the St. Luke Chrismon Tree
The stunning Chrismon Tree that graces the St. Luke
sanctuary every year has a profound history within our
church.
In 1983, one of our church members, Freda Cockshott, had a
vision to enhance the St. Luke Christmas celebration by
creating a Chrismon (Christ Monogram) Tree. Freda’s
inspiration came from the first Chrismon tree, originated by
the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Danville,
Virginia in 1957.
The St. Luke Chrismon tree was a labor of love for Freda and
her husband, John, a deacon of St. Luke. Freda hand-crafted
more than 1,500 Chrismons and ornaments which currently
adorn the tree, each made out of a combination of Styrofoam,
beads, sequins, wire & other craft supplies. The Chrismons on
the tree tell the story of our Lord’s life and serve as a
reminder of God’s love for us through the gift of His Son,
Jesus Christ.
Freda & John have both entered eternal life but the tradition of the St. Luke Chrismon tree is carried
on by their family, Jackie & Gregg Von Urff, Crystal & Drew Singh and dear friends, Jeff & Cathy
Adee. Every December, they assemble the 16 foot tree and decorate it with the one-of-a-kind
Chrismons & ornaments.
The love that Freda & John had for their Lord and for St. Luke shines through the lights on the tree
and may each Chrismon always remind us of God’s greatest gift to us all, his Son, our Lord, Jesus
Christ.
Feel free to take a booklet, “The Chrismon Tree” (located at the back of the church) that explains the meaning of each Chrismon.
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St. Luke Lutheran Church
20 Candlewood Path Dix Hills, NY 11746 Church: 631-499-8656 – Fax: 631-462-6496
Preschool: 631-462-5216 Our Website: www.stlukedixhills.org
Satellite for The Lutheran Counseling Center: 516-741-0994
The Rev. Dr. Roy W. Minnix – Pastor
Phone: (914) 588-1463
Email: [email protected]
Jackie Kildale – Youth and Family Minister Email: [email protected]
The Rev. Thomas W. Cusanelli –Pastoral Associate [email protected]
Dr. Janet Pinto – Director of Music
Email: [email protected]
Paul H. Walker – Senior Choir Director Email: [email protected]
Laura Werner - Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Deacons
Deacon Greg Laub - Email: [email protected]
Deacon Deborah Gnad - Email: [email protected]
Preschool
Beth Krass – Director of Weekday Preschool
Email: [email protected]
Kathy von Thaden – Administrative Assistant
Email: [email protected]
Elsie Smith – Sexton Cell: 631-623-6148
