|
|||||
|
|
|||||
Immanuel Lutheran Church
The Beacon Online -
December, 2011
Parish Notices
|
ANNUAL REPORTS FOR 2011 ARE DUE BY JANUARY 12, 2012. THOSE WHO ARE COMMITTEE CHAIRS NEED TO BEGIN PREPARING THEIR ANNUAL REPORT SO THAT IT CAN BE TURNED IN BY JANUARY 12TH. |
EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY
In the Fellowship Hall
Pastor Steve or Pastor Marcia lead a Bible Study every Wednesday morning. If you would like to become better acquainted with the bible & grow in your faith, this is a great opportunity for both! Please join us—everyone is welcome.
ADULT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAYS AT 10:00 AM
The study of Holy Communion will continue on Sunday mornings in December. Join us as we explore what the "New Covenant" is, and who ahs an invitation to the "foretaste of the feast to come." Get a cup of coffee and come join us.
WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY WILL CONTINUE IN DECEMBER
"See through the Scriptures" is every Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Gain deeper insights into the profound, radical nature of Jesus' life and ministry. See how the 'jigsaw pieces' of Scripture fit together.
MEMBERSHIP CLASSES IN JANUARY, 2012
Are you interested in membership at Immanuel, or learning more about us? Do you know someone who might be interested? Contact Pastor Marcia or Pastor Steve. We will be offering classes of introduction to Immanuel in preparation for receiving new members in January, 2012. watch for further announcements for specific information.
The Winter Semester is set to begin on Tuesday, January 3rd, right after the New Year, with classes running until March 27th, the week before Holy Week.
Classes will be held at Bethany, Ishpeming (715 Mather Ave.) with Pastor Warren Geier as the site coordinator.
Five classes will be offered in the Winter semester (please note the dates and times for each class as they do vary. Also note that the Polity class is the only class on February 21st thus creating a break in the sequence of some classes.)
Instructors are not all in place yet, but it is coming together and should be another semester of interesting offerings.
Old Testament Writings Jan 3 to Feb 7 (3:30-5:30) (6 sessions)
A review of the “writings” of the Old Testament, especially the Psalms, along with Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes.
Apocalyptic in the Bible and in Contemporary Society Feb 14; Feb 28 to March 27 (3:30-5:30) (6 sessions)
An exploration of the apocalyptic books (Daniel and Revelation), along with other apocalyptic passages, as well as how apocalyptic is part of popular theology.
Lutheran Confessions January 3 to Feb 14; Feb 28 (6:00-8:45) (8 sessions)
This course will introduce and explore the Lutheran confessional documents, especially the Augsburg Confession and Luther’s Large Catechism. Other confessional documents will be briefly noted. The history of the Reformation and the historical events that led up it will also be examined.
Stewardship and Spiritual Gifts March 6 to March 27 (6:00 to 8:15) (4 sessions)
An examination of stewardship as central to discipleship. What are the gifts we each have, and how do we use them in the context of faithful living.
Polity: Life Together Feb 21 (3:00 to 8:00) (1 session)
A course on the structure and life of the church, with an emphasis on how we work together to accomplish the mission of Jesus Christ.
A reminder that there is no tuition; the only cost is for books (and instructors do their best to keep that within reason.)
As is always the case, we need new students! It should be emphasized though that one does not have to sign up for all the classes, one does not have to complete all the classes in a certain period of time, one does not even have to complete all the classes ever. You can take as much or as little as works for your schedule and your interests. The program is designed to be flexible. Also, Lay School is not designed to produce Licensed Lay Ministers. While that is a possibility and some graduates have gone in that direction, most students are just interested in growing in faith and becoming more active in their own congregations
To register for classes, or if you have specific questions, contact your pastor or Pastor Geier (486-4351; pastor@bethanyishpeming.org). We have moved to a policy of students ordering their own books; when I know what classes you are interested in, as soon as possible I will let you know the texts required. If you would like more detailed information on any of the classes contact Pastor Geier.
It would be great to have some new students give Lay School a try, so consider this a personal invitation! If you’re not sure, try a course and see how it goes. You will grow in faith and you and your church will benefit from your involvement!
SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS...
The ADVENT PROGRAM is on December 4th during the 11:00 am service. Please make sure your child is at Sunday School during the normal 9:45 time for practice and rehearsal. The children will walk into the sanctuary after the service has already started and will sit in the first two rows all the way across. When the program part of the service is done the children can sit with their parents or can go downstairs to play or continue to sit in the front. It is all good. During the Advent season we are reminded that the light is growing as we anticipate the baby in the manger, that Christ is coming again, and that Christ also comes to us daily.
The schedule of the Bible passages and lessons we will be covering in December are as follows:
· December 4th Practice for Advent Program. Advent Program at 11:00 service.
· December 11th God calls Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-20) When God speaks and kids listen, great things can happen.
· December 18th David is Chosen (1 Samuel 16:1-13) God calls unexpected leaders.
· December 25th Christmas. No Sunday School.
· January 1st New Years Day. No Sunday School.
A special thanks to Dan and Connie Lindblom for all their help in the Advent Program. Also, thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of the teachers and helpers in our Sunday School program for your time and contribution to the children of Immanuel. Everyone is doing an excellent job! I’m very proud of all of you!.. and you know that the children appreciate your love and time. That’s what it’s all about…Love and Time. Looking forward to seeing all of you parents on December 4th.
Have a fantastic Christmas season. Love, Soren
Sunday School Advent Program
will be on
December 4th at the 11:00 service.
The children will encourage us to invite Jesus to come into our hearts
and trust the promise that He will come again in fullness.
Council Corner...
Business conducted by the Congregational Council at the November 15th, 2011 meeting was:
· Approved the financial reports for the month of October noting that we are falling behind in our budgeted giving by over $8,000 as we draw closer to the end of the year
· Considered the pastors’ reports and Standing Committee reports for October including:
Handicapped parking changes for winter months
125th anniversary plans for Immanuel Church
Sealing of leak in brickwork adjacent to new roof with sili cone is complete and should be good for a couple years
A call was extended and accepted by Pastor Catherine Fin negan as Assistant to the Bishop of NGLS
A new member class will begin after the holidays
The Sunday School Christmas program will take place on Sunday, Dec. 4th
An adult education focus beginning in January will be An Introduction to the Gospel of Mark led by Pastor Marcia
The Immanuel Church Directory is nearing completion and will be available in January
· Approved ongoing support for Immanuel Church’s participation in Love INC (Love in the name of Christ, a plan for discerning better care for people in financial stress in Marquette County) as well as approval of $50 in start-up “seed” money
· Approved 2 building use requests
· Finalized monthly mission emphases for the months of January through March, 2012, as follows:
January – Companion Synod and support of Tanzanian mis sionaries, Rev. Joshua and Susan Magyar
February – Care Clinic of Marquette – Baby Bottle Boomer ang
March – Fortune Lake Camp Scholarships
· Reviewed 2012 budget preparation progress
· The next meeting of the Congregational Council will be on Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
Respectfully submitted, Jim Hayward, Council Chairperson
Social Ministry . . .ANGEL TREE PROGRAM
Once again, Immanuel is participating in the Angel Tree Program by providing gifts for children of inmates, at Christmas time. This is another way we can express love for the families of those who are incarcerated. Gifts can be purchased with a value of $20.00 or donations are being accepted. We have 11 children. The boys: Donald (16), Troy (11), River Jordon (13), would like any sports equipment. A boy: Chris (13), would like any board game/card game/puzzle. The boys: Zack (8), Ethan (4) would like any cars/trucks/some riding toys/pants/shirts. The girls: Shyann (14), Vivian (15), would like purses/wallets. The girl: Kailee (6), would like sleeping bags, Haylie (12), any board game/card game. If you are interested in being an “Angel” this year, you can either select a child or make a donation to help with this Project. Thank you in advance!
|
Trip Planning Meeting: Our direction has now been set for Youth Encounter in Minneapolis, MN, March 22-25, 2012. It’s open to all high school and middle school students. A brief planning meeting, including the start of fundraising will take place on Sunday, December 4, right after second service (just after noon) in the Fellowship Hall. It would be wonderful to have both interested youth and parents present. Christmas Caroling: On Sunday, December 18, at 3 pm, we’ll be caroling to many of our area homebound members and nursing home residents. Don’t miss out on this excellent opportunity for service and fun! Youth Forum for grades 6th – 12th meets each Sunday morning at 10:00 am in the Youth Room. Timely topics and conversation! Bring your questions, your brains, and your Bibles.
Youth Group News: Mark Your Calendars!
After Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast wreaking havoc on the City of New Orleans, ELCA members rolled up their sleeves and helped with the heavy lifting. In 2009, 37,000 young people showed up ready to help rebuild a struggling city. Sure, they completed service projects -- painted, took out trash, raked, cleaned and made repairs -- because there was a lot of physical work to be done. But they also made a human connection. They learned about hospitality and how people overcame anxiety with an unwavering faith. They began a journey that travels far beyond service projects with the residents of NOLA. That's why the ELCA Youth Gathering is going back to NEW ORLEANS IN 2012 to continue the good work and learn about the new house God is building; "a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God." (Ephesians 2: 21b - 22)
ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans - July 18-22, 2012
Immanuel’s Youth are proud to support our Compassion International child, Ester Mwita Masunzu, in Tanzania. $38/month goes to Ester’s care. Your donations are welcome.
|
Confirmation News...
Our 6th-9th grade Confirmands continue to meet the 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Mondays of each month, while confirmation leaders meet the 4th Monday for planning. The group has begun their study of Apostles’ Creed & its meaning, beginning with God as our Creator. Science & faith are not at odds with one another, for science is “thinking God’s thoughts after Him” (Kepler). Next up: God the Provider.
Parents, thank you for helping your confirmand keep up with worship note, servanthood, & memory work requirements. The official record is hanging on the Fellowship Hall wall just inside the main doors to that room.
Also, please don’t forget to do the Faith5 at home. God would love to be a part of the family!
FINANCES: Please consider a Year-End Additional Gift
As of the end of October, we were able to meet our financial commitments with two key exceptions:
1) Of the 10.5% commitment of Greneral Fund offerings to and through the Northern Great Lakes Synod and ELCA, we were bahind $7,179.78 (although a check for $2,536.28, representing Augusts commitment was sent on 11/1/11, thereby reducing the unpaid portion to $4,643.50, September and October's commitment)
2) Various designated funds internal to Immanuel (still behind by $3,400)
We were again able to further pay down the principle of our building renovation load in addition to the normal monthly principle and interest through renovation offerings. Also, beyond $857 to October's Monthly Mission Emphasis of ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response, $2050 were raised toward our Marquette County CROP Hunger Walk. Thank you for your continued partnership in the gospel, including through your financial generosity! You truly bear the imatg of our generous Heavenly Father.
| Offerings | October | January through October |
| General Fund | $24, 087.05 | $229,953.00 |
| Building Fund | $6,785.00 | $73,051.50 |
| Monthly MIssion Emphasis | $857.00 | over $8000.00 |
Trimming the Christmas Tree
& Decorating the Church
Wednesday, December 21st
at 11:00 a.m.
(After Morning Bible Study)
Come and help spread the beauty of Christmas by decorating the church and/or Fellowship Hall. We will be putting up the tree, decorating the tree and sanctuary. Bring your favorite holiday treat to share! WE NEED YOUR HELP! There will be plenty of hot coffee, tea, and hot chocolate!
PRAYER VIGIL FOR PEACE
Saturday, Dec. 17 - Sunday, Dec. 18
8:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
The Annual Prayer Vigil for Peace will be held from 8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 17 until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, December 18. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Bellowship Hall or passed around by Martha Hayward. PLEASE sign up if you are willing to come to the church to spend one-half hour in quiet prayer for peace in our homes, community, nation and world.
2012 Envelope Boxes
The 2012 Envelope boxes can be picked up anytime. If you haven't already picked yours up, PLEASE do so. If you cannot find yours, please contact the office.
|
Computers, Networks, & Websites Do you or someone you know see the potential of technology’s use in ministry and/or enjoy working with computers? Two technology ministries need committees to oversee their use here at Immanuel: 1) Our website calls for visioning/direction, updating, and implementation of a system for upkeep; 2) Our computer network/resources calls for visioning/direction as we come into our newly renovated building. Interested in participating in these conversations? Please talk with Pastor Steve (475-9161; PastorSteveSolberg@att.net; PastorSteveS@charter.net). |
December’s Monthly Mission
Emphasis Offerings
December’s mission emphasis will be Room at the Inn Homeless Shelter in Marquette. Room at the Inn is an emergency night shelter for adults and is run by an interfaith coalition of churches sharing the mission to provide support and shelter for the homeless in the Marquette area.
Room at the Inn is a rotating shelter, moving weekly to one of the thirteen different hosting churches. The shelter is run and staffed by volunteers and funded by contributions from the community. The underlying goal of Room at the Inn is to provide an opportunity for guests to focus on life transitions without the worry of finding food and shelter.
No matter the host church’s location, Room at the Inn offers nighttime shelter, opening at 6pm each evening and closing at 6am. Dinner is provided each evening to shelter guests, between the hours of 6:30 to 7:30pm.
The Agape Café and "Warming Center" is located in the lower level of Faith In Christ Fellowship Church at 145 W. Ridge (on corner of 3rd and Ridge by the Peter White Library) and serves as an early morning shelter to guests from the hours of 6am to 8am and the community from 8am to 10:30am. The Warming Center offers a shower facility as well as a place to gather before heading out for the day. Guests can also receive mail and use the shelter address for business purposes.
Room at the Inn is a great example of the impact of volunteerism. The shelter is staffed each evening by community members choosing to give of their time and service to the homeless in our community. Each evening requires the filling of 13 different shift positions at the minimum to operate the shelter. In addition to the nightly shifts there are weekly duties that are filled by volunteers, including transportation services when the shelter is located in one the outlying churches.
If you wish to give to this month’s mission emphasis, please use this month’s green envelope from your offering envelopes box or in some other way designate your gift. Of course, giving can also include your time in volunteering. Call the church office for more information. Again, thank you for your generosity!
SEASONAL HANDICAPPED PARKING ALERT
Due to the annual snow removal blockage of the handicapped parking spaces in the lot on the ease side of the church (the alley side), those needing handicapped parking should use the handicapped parking spaces on each side of Baldwin Avenue in front of the west (Fellowhip Hall) entrance to the church. Thank you.
NEW "Stewardship Center" at Immanuel (Formerly "Recycle Center")
All donations to LWR, Negaunee St. Vincent DePaul, Room at the Inn, Backpack Ministry, and Harbor House, 125th Anniversary Recipes, Econo Food receipts, and empty LWR School Kit bags are now located at Immanuel's new "Stewardship Center" across from the Fellowship Hall (left side of stairway). Fortune Lake Scholarship Fund cans & bottle boxes are located to the right of the stairway. Bins are marked for your donations. We recycle only non-rechargeable A, AA, AAA, B, C, & D Batteries. (Please place tape over positive end of each battery.) We also recycle cell phones and batteries only (no electrical items) and CD's.
Also. we are now taking our recycling to Best Buy. Because of this, we no longer need to tape the batteries and ANY type of battery is accepted. They also accept cords and adapters for cell phones and other electronics. They also recycle bigger electronic items such as computers!
|
FORTUNE LAKE STUFF!
December Events at Fortune Lake
December 11th: Second Sunday Folk Dance - 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM Cost is $7.00. The special guest musicians for December is Kaivama
Sara Pajunen's skills as violinist have earned her degrees from the University of Minnesota and the Helsinki Conservatory in Finland. Multi-instrumentalist Johnathan Rundman has toured the US and Europe as a troubadour songwriter, collecting rave reviews.
The 2nd Sunday Folk Dance promises to be both nostalgic and exciting for everyone who likes Finnish music. It is guest band Kaivama teaming with White Water for concert and dance. You are invited to bring some favorite cookeis to share at "dessert potluck" table. Plant to attend this event.
|
| Website: www.fortunelake.org |
“Simply Giving” Program
The “Simply Giving” Program is still available at Immanuel. It is an automated giving program between you and your bank or credit union and Immanuel. This program allows members to make their contributions via electronic funds transfer. This is a convenient means of making your contributions to the Church. This program is free and is provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. If you are interested in more information or signing up for this program, please contact the office at 475-9161.
Hospital Visitation:
Please let us know if you go to the hospital or are planning on surgery. Due to privacy laws, we do not have access to any records at any hospitals. Patients sign a release form to the pastor can visit, but htis is not always passed along. Be sure to call 475-9161 or 204-2029 to inform us. We want to visit you!
College Military Addresses:
If changes or additions, please call the office at 475-9161.