CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH24155 Griswold RoadSouth Lyon, MI 48178

(248) 437-8810www.crossofchristlutheran.org New Email: cross-christ@att.net

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2Sunday Worship: 10 a.m.

Holy Communion is celebrated on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays of the month.Sunday School: 10 a.m. – 3 years old through fifth grade

Adult Bible Study: Sundays 9:00 a.m. & Friday 7:00 p.m. (once a month)Youth Bible Study: 11 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays)

Dear Beloved Members and Friends, Mid-Week Advent Worship:Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in December

Theme based on hymn: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel”

Blessed Advent! Merry Christmas!

The month of December contains both the seasons of Advent and Christmas. During Advent we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christ’s first coming as a Baby in Bethlehem and for our Lord’s second coming in glory. During Christmas we celebrate our Lord Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.

Mary and Joseph went through the process of naming her first born Son. They had help from God and an angel of the Lord. The engaged Virgin Mary was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. An angel of the Lord told Joseph to take Mary home as his wife because what was conceived in her was from the Holy Spirit. The angel told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a Son and that he was to give Him the name “Jesus.” Mary gave birth to a Son and Joseph gave Him the name “Jesus.” Jesus means Savior. All this took place to fulfill the prophet Isaiah’s prophecy in 7:14 of his book. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.

During the Advent and Christmas seasons, let us share with people that Jesus Christ Immanuel is born. Send Christ-centered Christmas cards to family members and friends by mail or online. Let others know that “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Tell people how Jesus has made a good difference in your life.

Do not fear to do God’s will in your life. Do not be afraid to do what is right and in agreement with God’s Word. Mothers, do not fear to protect the child in your womb and not follow to advice of a doctor who suggests you get an abortion. Married couples, do not be afraid to stay together and not follow the advice of people who suggest you separate. Most of us won’t have an angel to tell us to not be afraid, to do what is right. We have Holy Spirit – inspired apostles and prophets who encourage us to do what is right. We have Spirit-filled family members, friends, and fellow Christians who can encourage us to do righteous deeds and speak righteous words.

PASTOR’S LETTER Continued

Jesus fulfilled His name by His birth, life, death and resurrection. Jesus was born to save you from your sins. Jesus lived a perfect life of love and perfectly fulfilled God’s law for you. Jesus paid the full price for your sins and for your place in heaven by His blood shed on the cross. Jesus saved you from hell by going through it for you on the cross. Jesus rose from death and the tomb and saved you from your sins and hell.

Jesus is with you today and every day. Christ is with you to help you and to strengthen you each day. Your Lord hears and answers your prayers. Jesus helps you to serve God and people in your vocations. Christ is with you to heal you when you are sick or injured. Your Lord is with you to provide for your physical and spiritual needs.

Jesus Christ Immanuel is born! Rejoice these Advent and Christmas seasons. Give glory to God in the highest.

Our family wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! May God richly bless you this month of December and always!

Candlelight ChristmasEve Worship Services5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Pastor Terry Nelson

SUNDAY SCHOOL classes are held at 10 a.m. for children three years old through fifth grade. Children are dismissed to their classes from the worship service after the opening hymn.

YOUTH in grades 6-12 are meeting periodically for fun events. Watch your bulletin for updates. Bible Study is held at 11 a.m. on the first and third Sundays of the month.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

It’s not too late to participate!

SUNDAY SCHOOL/ Christmas Program Practice will be held this morning during the normal Sunday School class time.

Children’s Christmas ProgramSunday, December 16 – 10 a.m.

Contact Janelle Lach at janellealan@yahoo.com or call 248-408-6690 if you have questions.

The Dress Rehearsal will be held on Thursday, December 13, at 6:30 p.m.CONGREGATIONALMEETING

A Quarterly CONGREGATIONAL meeting will be held on Sunday, December 9, after worship to consider approval of the 2013 Budget. All members are encouraged to attend.

BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES

You are invited to study the Book of Philippians on Sundays at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. In this Epistle, Paul characterizes the Christian life in this way: joy no matter what the circumstances; an eagerness to suffer for Christ; humility that follows Christ in putting others first; trust in Christ alone for righteousness.

The study of Philippians seeks to enable God’s people today to:

Live in a way worthy of the Gospel;

Put all their anxieties in the hands of their Lord, trusting Him to supply them with His peace;

Trust God to meet all of their physical and spiritual needs according to His glorious riches in Christ.

FRIDAY NIGHT BIBLE STUDY

On Friday evenings once a month at 7 p.m. we are continuing the video series “The Truth Project” by Focus on the Family. The video and discussion are followed by refreshments and fellowship. The next study will be held on Friday, December 7 th .

You don't have to be a Biblical 'expert' to participate. It is not necessary to have come to last year’s sessions to start now as each unit is self-contained.

Any questions, contact Michael & Claudia Abrash or Pastor & Chris Nelson. We look forward to having you join us!

Jesus promises “if you continue in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”

(John 8: 31, 32)“For where two or three come together in My Name, there am I with them.”

(Matthew 18:20)

WORSHIP FOR SHUT-INS

Since Easter, March 23, 2008, “Worship for Shut-Ins” has been broadcasting on the Total Christian Television (TCT) network. Besides Lutheran Ministries Media’s (LMM) existing network of 24 stations, TCT has 20 local stations in addition to being on satellite.

“Worship for Shut-Ins” is a Lutheran television 30 minute worship service. It includes the Propers for the day, prayers, and a LCMS pastor delivering a message that is one-on-one to the viewer. Also included are up to four choir selections. There are no commercials or repeats.

Worship for Shut-Ins is available on DIRECTV satellite, Channel 377, or log onto the internet at www. worshipforshutins.org.

CROSS OF CHRIST

CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL

We are enjoying a full enrollment this school year at preschool. If you are new to our congregation and would like information, we would love to have you visit our school. We offer a play-based program for three and four year olds, with age appropriate academics.

POINSETTIAS

We need your help - sign up to take home a Poinsettia plant!Many are still available.

Sign up to purchase POINSETTIA plants for the church sanctuary for Christmas week. The beautiful plants will be available for $15 each and may be taken home after the Christmas Eve worship services. Cash or checks made payable to “Cross of Christ” may be placed in the offering plate, designated “Poinsettias.” (Sixteen plants have been ordered.)

HELP NEEDED

CHRISTMAS USHERS:We are inviting our Ushers to sign up to help at one of the Christmas Eve worship services (5:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.) The list is posted on the Information Board. Thank you!

WOMEN’S OUTREACH

BERRY HOME COLLECTION:For many years Women’s Outreach has sponsored a gift collection to provide gift baskets for the ladies at Berry Foster Home in South Lyon. Please send in 6 small items (all the same) and place in the box provided in the Gathering Hall by Sunday, December 16th.

COFFEE HOUR will be hosted on Sunday, December 9, by the Board of Elders. There is a sign-up sheet posted on the Information Board for others to donate items for our Coffee Hour. The Church Council is hoping this will help spread the responsibility among our members.

Coffee Hours are typically held the third Sunday of the month.

January Board of TrusteesFebruary Altar GuildMarch Women’s OutreachApril Church CouncilMay Stewardship & Evangelism

BLOOD DRIVE – DECEMBER 27

A Red Cross BLOOD DRIVE will be held here at Cross of Christ on Thursday, December 27. As an added bonus --Onnalee Lach will receive college scholarships if enough pints of blood are collected. Let’s support her effort in organizing this event to replenish needed blood supplies during the holiday season. (An appointment sheet will be available soon.)

An Evening of Good Taste

The Holiday Season is upon us!

The Women’s Outreach Group has decided to hold a Holiday Progressive Dinner again as it was a very popular event last year and ‘a good time was had by all’.

This fun evening of fellowship and food will be on Saturday, December 8th beginning at 5p.m. Three families will be hosting separate courses of a delicious meal as we get into the Christmas spirit, enjoying the warmth of friendship and delicious home-cooking in the holiday atmosphere

of our host homes.

The evening will begin with a tempting spread of holiday appetizers at the home of Michael and Claudia Abrash. The array of hors d ‘oeuvres will tease your appetite in preparation for the

main course.

Dinner will be at the home of Bill and Ettie Ann Hirth. An exquisite meal prepared by ‘Chef Ettie’ is guaranteed to please your palate and pamper your taste buds. The secret ingredient to

this delicious meal is ‘love’, making this dining experience truly memorable.

Make sure to save room for the lovely selection of scrumptious desserts, which will be served at the home of Clarke and Linda Schroeder. Arlene Krause will be assisting Linda in preparing

and serving a tempting assortment of sweets and treats for a delicious end to our enjoyable evening.

The cost for this special evening is $10 per person. This evening will be limited to 30 people. Please see Chris Nelson or Ettie Ann to sign up for what promises to be a very

special evening of fun, fellowship and food.ADULT CHOIR

People of all voices are needed -(soprano, alto, tenor, and bass). If you enjoy singing praises to God, please prayerfully consider singing in the Choir. Speak with Pastor Nelson if interested. Our Choir sings once a month at the 10 a.m. worship service.OFFERING ENVELOPES

Members, your 2013 Offering Envelopes can be picked up in the church Gathering Hall.

2013 CALENDARS

We thank Phillips Funeral Home for providing 2013 Calendars for our congregation. Your calendar is available on the Gathering Hall table.

2013 ALTAR FLOWERS

Look for the 2013 FLOWER CHART to be posted in December! Flowers may be purchased for $16 per vase, in celebration of special events or in memory of loved ones, and taken home after the worship services. Checks are made out to “Cross of Christ” – designated “Altar Flowers.” Every Sunday someone signs up saves our church the cost of altar flowers. Thank you!ACTIVE FAITH

Non-perishable food donations and paper products are always needed and may be placed in the box as you enter church. Our congregation pledges $250 each month to Active Faith. We encourage monetary donations to help us meet that pledge. Checks to Cross of Christ may be designated “Active Faith.” EMAIL ADDRESSES

Throughout the month, you can go online to check out our church’s web page:www.crossofchristlutheran.org

The Calendar and Newsletter are available each month on this web site. Also, if you would prefer this newsletter be emailed to you, email us: cross-christ@att.net.

If you would like to receive periodic announcements through email, contact us. Indicate whether you would still prefer a hard copy for the newsletter.

COMMEMORATION OF THE +FAITHFUL DEPARTED+

All Saints Sunday – November 4, 2012We remembered those called home to glory this past year:

Audrey H. Campbell January 3, 2012 Richard A. Chambers March 17, 2012 Arveda P. Mach May 12, 2012 Alice E. VanAtta June 30, 2012 Carolina Mielke October 15, 2012 David R. Mielke November 4, 2012THANK YOU

. . to Sue & Jim Zimmerman and Ettie Ann Hirth for all of their time and preparation for the Annual Thanksgiving Dinner; and to all who stayed and helped clean up!

. . to all who helped decorate for the Christmas season.

. . to Christmas Décor by Eradico for donating all of the outdoor Christmas lighting for the Christmas season.

. . to all who participated in Operation Christmas Child shoe box ministry and Berry Home collection.

. . to the Brass Ensemble for enriching our worship services in October, November, and December: Ron Reichert, Matt Deeds, Jacob Lanczki, Bob Martin, Myra Prueter, and Adam Reichert.

. . to Tom & Kelli Hackbardt for organizing the Children’s Halloween Party. Thank you to all who gave donations and helped out.

AREA NEWS

“New Light on the Nativity” - Tuesday, December 4, 2012, from 7 – 9 p.m., Immanuel Lutheran, 1944 Oak Grove Rd., Howell (517-548-2066). Hear how the Holy Scripture, History, and Archeology intersect. This interesting, informative, and faith-enriching holiday presentation is open to all. Speaker is Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier, acclaimed author, speaker, and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Western Michigan University.

THRIVENT FINANCIAL FOR LUTHERANS

THRIVENT CHOICEThank you to Thrivent members for choosing “Cross of Christ Church or Preschool” as their designation for Choice Dollars. Thrivent policy holders, go to Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-847-4836 to request our church and preschool receive Choice Dollars.

Call Raeann Kusch at 734-432-7777, our Thrivent representative, for more information.

MEMORIALS + + In memory of Carol Mielke, a gift has been given by Frank & Elsie Huber.+ + In memory of David Mielke, a gift has been given to the Building Fund by Marie Smith.

STEWARDSHIPCORNER

The Reason for the SeasonWhat causes our joy this Christmas season? Is it seeing the eyes of little children light up when theyopen their presents? That’s good. Is it finding exactlythe right gift for someone special? That’s good, too.But are we overjoyed when we see the star? Contraryto the messages we hear in the commercials and eventhe seasonal songs, the only thing Christmas is aboutis the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the World.

Prayer: Father, during this Christmas season and beyond help me focus my mind, heart, and thoughts on Jesus. In His name I pray. Amen.

Blessings on your stewardship journey!

DECEMBERBIRTHDAYS

2 Michael BugarJoshua Petsch

3 James Morrison Jr. 4 Robert Martin 5 Rose Eldridge

Deirdre GerkeJulius Saner

7 JoAnn Nims 8 Abigail Hackbardt 9 William Pratt10 Austin Lanam

Kenneth Miller13 Joann Stolz16 Arlene Krause

Adam Reichert21 Matthew Nelson

Linda Schroeder23 Robert Hosbach25 Robert Walrath28 Patricia Hicks31 Jordyn Nelson

DECEMBERANNIVERSARIES

1 Bill & Earlene Reinwand 5 Steven & Stephanie Petsch27 Thomas & Kelli Hackbardt

Robert & Karin Wolski31 James & Carole Bedard

Please inform the church office of any missing dates or errors.

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

CALLED HOME: + + Carolina Mielke October 15, 2012

+ + David R. Mielke November 4, 2012

+ + Ruth Trosin November 19, 2012

TRANSFER IN:

+ + Neil Allan Nichols From St. Paul Lutheran Church, Northville October 23, 2012

Looking to donate to a special need?Consider the following funds:

Painting Fund, Cement Work FundParsonage Door Fund

Parking Lot Fund, New Roof FundDebt Fund, Garage Fund

IT IS NOT HOW MUCH WE HAVEOF THE WORLD THAT DICTATES

OUR GENEROSITY

TOWARD GOD.BUT HOW MUCH

GOD HASOF US.

“You cannot serve both God and Money”(Matthew 6:24).

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 2CROSS OF CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Email: cross-christ@att.net Office: 248-437-8810 Web:www.crossofchristlutheran.org________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

+ Indicates Holy Communion

1

2 9:00am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship 10:00am Sunday School11:00am Brass Rehearsal

35:30 & 6:30pmWeight Watchers

4 54:00-5:30pm Confirmation7:00pm Advent Worship

66:30pm – 8:30pmGirl Scouts

76:00pm “Truth Project”

Bible Study &Dinner

8 8:30am-4:30pm Girl Scouts5:00pmAn Evening of

‘Good Taste’ Progressive

Dinner9 9:00 am Adult Bible Class10:00am Worship + (Brass and Choir)10:00am Sunday School11:00am Cong. Mtg.11:00am Coffee Hour11:00am Christmas Program Rehearsal

105:30 & 6:30pmWeight Watchers

11 12 3:00pm Wedding

4:00-5:30pm Confirmation7:00pm Advent Worship

136:30pm Children’s Christmas

Program DressRehearsal

14 15

16

10:00am Worship Children’s Christmas Program 11:00am Board of Elders

17

5:30 & 6:30pmWeight Watchers

18 19

20 21 22

2310:00am Worship +No Sunday School or Adult Bible Study_____________________3010:00am Worship +No Sunday School or Adult Bible Study

24 Christmas Eve5:00pm Candlelight Worship +7:30pm Candlelight Worship + 31 New Year’s Eve

25

Christmas Day

26 272:00pm-7:00pmRed Cross Blood Drive

28 29

“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).