AS WE GATHER
(This section is placed at the beginning of our bulletin to use as a pre-service meditation)
In the Holy Gospel, Mary, already pregnant with Jesus, meets with her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth is pregnant with the one who will be called John the Baptist. Still in his mother’s womb, John recognizes Jesus at the voice of His mother. Jesus’ incarnation is so profound that it reaches even the unborn. Likewise, Jesus’ resurrection is so powerful that it reaches even the dead. All human creatures, no matter in what stage of humanity, are loved by this Jesus. And He is coming soon.
Let us joyfully manage all our lives and our resources for God’s purposes.
THIS WEEK’S NOTES
COFFEE HOUR – Everyone is welcome to stay for Coffee Hour each Sunday after the church service. Goodies are served each week by different members of the congregation. If you would like to volunteer to bring something some Sunday morning, please contact Lois Lytle (732-4087).
BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES – Someone once said, “Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.” What have you done lately to show your spouse how much you appreciate them? During these busy days of preparation for the coming Christmas celebrations, a handwritten note, an unexpected and gentle physical touch, affirming words, preparing a favorite meal, or joyfully helping with household responsibilities are simple ways to let your spouse know just how much they mean to you. This is a message from Lutheran Family Service (712) 276-9000; 4301 Sergeant Rd, Ste 203 Sioux City, IA 51106.
FAITHBUILDERS will not meet today. However, they will have program practice at Grace from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. The Children’s Christmas Program will be at Grace at 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Parents, remember that your children should be at Grace by 4:30 pm. Looking ahead: there will not be Sunday School on December 30th. Classes will resume on January 6th.
FAMILY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – The Christmas season brings families together. Why not make church attendance part of that tradition? You are invited to attend the Children’s Christmas Eve Service at Grace Lutheran Church at 5:00 pm on December 24th. St. John will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7:00 pm on December 24th. Our Christmas Day service will be at 9:00 am on December 24th. To make the mood more festive, instrumentalists will be involved with both services at St. John.
NEWSLETTER NOTES – Please have items for the January newsletter and calendar in the office on Monday, December 24th. The newsletters will be folded on Friday morning, December 28th.
WE’LL BE CLOSED – Incase anyone is wondering, the office will be closed on Christmas Day.
POINSETTIAS – Keep in mind that this Thursday, December 27th is the last day to pick up poinsettias and take them home with you.
NEW POINTS TO PONDER
THE KAYL SIGN UP SHEET for 2019 is available. The price increased to $39.90 per service for 2019. This includes a 5% service charge for streaming. If you want more information on the cost increase, please contact Buzz Patterson at KAYL (732-3520).
THE 2019 FLOWER CHART is ready for you to use. The cost remains at $21.40 per weekend in 2019. As in the past, checks can be made out to “St. John Ladies’ Aid” and given to Jan Magnussen. If you would like to take the flowers home with you for the weekend that you sponsor, please mark the “Keep” column on the chart. If you would like the flowers delivered to a shut-in or someone who is sick, please mark the “Donate” column.
THANK YOU! The Grace and St. John youth group would like to thank you for all your support of our fundraising projects in 2018. Thanks to those who supported us from our Homemade Apple Pies to the Christmas Cheesy Cheese Balls. We couldn’t have done it without your generous contributions to the youth with the Mixed Bag Designs, Harvest Dinner and Pancake supper. All proceeds will help fund the youth trip to the National Youth Gathering next summer to Minneapolis plus other mission projects. Merry Christmas!
VOTERS’ MEETING – A tentative date for the January voters’ meeting has been set for Sunday, January 27, 2019. The meeting will take place in the sanctuary at 11:15 am.
THANK YOU to the congregation for all the prayers offered on behalf of Jason Walker. His cancer is in remission now.
PREVIOUS POINTS OF INTEREST
SPECIAL DRAWINGS are on display during the month of December at the BV Historical Society in Storm Lake. The 12 framed drawings, done by Arlene Sundell, who now lives in Storm Lake, depict Iowa farm life. If you are interested, small prints are available to purchase as well. Hours for December are Tuesday through Friday 12:00 – 4:00 with the exception of Wednesdays, in which we do not open until 12:45. You can also stop by on Saturday from 11:00 – 2:00. Please come in and see these wonderful drawings!
Thank you to everyone who purchased poinsettias to decorate our church for the Christmas season.
Poinsettias have been purchased in memory of…
Guss & Lydia Dallman and Leo & Marge Holliday by Jerry & Delores Holliday
Vince Benna by Naomi Benna
Dennis Benna by Naomi Benna
Edward & Darlene Ponsor by Jay, Ladene, Jared, & Adam
Chad & our parents by Ron & Linda Falck
Dee Phillips by Louise Schmeling
Our parents by Ron & Jerene Neir
Our parents by Dave & Jan Magnussen
Walter & Adeline Zwemke by Richard & Tounh Zwemke
Our friends and relatives who have passed away by Harvey & Claudia Lichtenberg
My husband, Arlin, & our parents, Herbert & Eda Otto and Everett & Flora Rice by Marjorie Otto
Lona Swain by Julie Swain Tjaden & Milton Swain
Irene, Dave, Chris, Cheryl, Mark, & Dee by Barb & Dean Phillips
Harlan Gutz by Audrey & Family
Doug Peters by Sharen Peters
Lowell & Joy Peters by Sharen Peters
Maurice & Dorothy Hansen by Sharen Peters
Marvin & Angel Jesse and Steve Adolphson by the Jesse family
Poinsettias have been purchased in honor of…
Bud Phillips by Louise Schmeling
Caleb & Berlin Phillips by Barb & Dean Phillips
Happy birthday, Jesus! Poinsettias have been purchased in celebration of Jesus’ birth by the following…
Randy & Joy Schuler
Bruce & Amy Lesemann
Harlan & Deb Matasovsky
Louise Schmeling
Johnny & Peggy Johnson
Otis & Marlene Hansen
Schedule for the Week of December 23 - 30
Sun. Dec 23 9:00 am Worship
10:00 am Sunday Coffee
10:30 am Bible Class
2:00 pm Christmas Practice at Grace
Mon. Dec 24 Newsletter Items Due
5:00 pm Children’s Christmas Service at Grace
7:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Tues. Dec 25 Merry Christmas! (Office closed)
9:00 am Christmas Worship Service
Wed. Dec 26 8:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous
Thur. Dec 27 Last Day to Take Poinsettias Home
Fri. Dec 28 9:15 am Fold Newsletters
Sat. Dec 29 6:00 pm Worship
8:00 pm AA/Al-Anon
Sun. Dec 30 9:00 am Worship
10:00 am Sunday Morning Coffee
10:30 am Bible Class
(This section is placed at the beginning of our bulletin to use as a pre-service meditation)
In the Holy Gospel, Mary, already pregnant with Jesus, meets with her relative Elizabeth. Elizabeth is pregnant with the one who will be called John the Baptist. Still in his mother’s womb, John recognizes Jesus at the voice of His mother. Jesus’ incarnation is so profound that it reaches even the unborn. Likewise, Jesus’ resurrection is so powerful that it reaches even the dead. All human creatures, no matter in what stage of humanity, are loved by this Jesus. And He is coming soon.
Let us joyfully manage all our lives and our resources for God’s purposes.
THIS WEEK’S NOTES
COFFEE HOUR – Everyone is welcome to stay for Coffee Hour each Sunday after the church service. Goodies are served each week by different members of the congregation. If you would like to volunteer to bring something some Sunday morning, please contact Lois Lytle (732-4087).
BUILDING HEALTHY FAMILIES – Someone once said, “Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.” What have you done lately to show your spouse how much you appreciate them? During these busy days of preparation for the coming Christmas celebrations, a handwritten note, an unexpected and gentle physical touch, affirming words, preparing a favorite meal, or joyfully helping with household responsibilities are simple ways to let your spouse know just how much they mean to you. This is a message from Lutheran Family Service (712) 276-9000; 4301 Sergeant Rd, Ste 203 Sioux City, IA 51106.
FAITHBUILDERS will not meet today. However, they will have program practice at Grace from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. The Children’s Christmas Program will be at Grace at 5:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Parents, remember that your children should be at Grace by 4:30 pm. Looking ahead: there will not be Sunday School on December 30th. Classes will resume on January 6th.
FAMILY WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – The Christmas season brings families together. Why not make church attendance part of that tradition? You are invited to attend the Children’s Christmas Eve Service at Grace Lutheran Church at 5:00 pm on December 24th. St. John will host a Christmas Eve candlelight service at 7:00 pm on December 24th. Our Christmas Day service will be at 9:00 am on December 24th. To make the mood more festive, instrumentalists will be involved with both services at St. John.
NEWSLETTER NOTES – Please have items for the January newsletter and calendar in the office on Monday, December 24th. The newsletters will be folded on Friday morning, December 28th.
WE’LL BE CLOSED – Incase anyone is wondering, the office will be closed on Christmas Day.
POINSETTIAS – Keep in mind that this Thursday, December 27th is the last day to pick up poinsettias and take them home with you.
NEW POINTS TO PONDER
THE KAYL SIGN UP SHEET for 2019 is available. The price increased to $39.90 per service for 2019. This includes a 5% service charge for streaming. If you want more information on the cost increase, please contact Buzz Patterson at KAYL (732-3520).
THE 2019 FLOWER CHART is ready for you to use. The cost remains at $21.40 per weekend in 2019. As in the past, checks can be made out to “St. John Ladies’ Aid” and given to Jan Magnussen. If you would like to take the flowers home with you for the weekend that you sponsor, please mark the “Keep” column on the chart. If you would like the flowers delivered to a shut-in or someone who is sick, please mark the “Donate” column.
THANK YOU! The Grace and St. John youth group would like to thank you for all your support of our fundraising projects in 2018. Thanks to those who supported us from our Homemade Apple Pies to the Christmas Cheesy Cheese Balls. We couldn’t have done it without your generous contributions to the youth with the Mixed Bag Designs, Harvest Dinner and Pancake supper. All proceeds will help fund the youth trip to the National Youth Gathering next summer to Minneapolis plus other mission projects. Merry Christmas!
VOTERS’ MEETING – A tentative date for the January voters’ meeting has been set for Sunday, January 27, 2019. The meeting will take place in the sanctuary at 11:15 am.
THANK YOU to the congregation for all the prayers offered on behalf of Jason Walker. His cancer is in remission now.
PREVIOUS POINTS OF INTEREST
SPECIAL DRAWINGS are on display during the month of December at the BV Historical Society in Storm Lake. The 12 framed drawings, done by Arlene Sundell, who now lives in Storm Lake, depict Iowa farm life. If you are interested, small prints are available to purchase as well. Hours for December are Tuesday through Friday 12:00 – 4:00 with the exception of Wednesdays, in which we do not open until 12:45. You can also stop by on Saturday from 11:00 – 2:00. Please come in and see these wonderful drawings!
Thank you to everyone who purchased poinsettias to decorate our church for the Christmas season.
Poinsettias have been purchased in memory of…
Guss & Lydia Dallman and Leo & Marge Holliday by Jerry & Delores Holliday
Vince Benna by Naomi Benna
Dennis Benna by Naomi Benna
Edward & Darlene Ponsor by Jay, Ladene, Jared, & Adam
Chad & our parents by Ron & Linda Falck
Dee Phillips by Louise Schmeling
Our parents by Ron & Jerene Neir
Our parents by Dave & Jan Magnussen
Walter & Adeline Zwemke by Richard & Tounh Zwemke
Our friends and relatives who have passed away by Harvey & Claudia Lichtenberg
My husband, Arlin, & our parents, Herbert & Eda Otto and Everett & Flora Rice by Marjorie Otto
Lona Swain by Julie Swain Tjaden & Milton Swain
Irene, Dave, Chris, Cheryl, Mark, & Dee by Barb & Dean Phillips
Harlan Gutz by Audrey & Family
Doug Peters by Sharen Peters
Lowell & Joy Peters by Sharen Peters
Maurice & Dorothy Hansen by Sharen Peters
Marvin & Angel Jesse and Steve Adolphson by the Jesse family
Poinsettias have been purchased in honor of…
Bud Phillips by Louise Schmeling
Caleb & Berlin Phillips by Barb & Dean Phillips
Happy birthday, Jesus! Poinsettias have been purchased in celebration of Jesus’ birth by the following…
Randy & Joy Schuler
Bruce & Amy Lesemann
Harlan & Deb Matasovsky
Louise Schmeling
Johnny & Peggy Johnson
Otis & Marlene Hansen
Schedule for the Week of December 23 - 30
Sun. Dec 23 9:00 am Worship
10:00 am Sunday Coffee
10:30 am Bible Class
2:00 pm Christmas Practice at Grace
Mon. Dec 24 Newsletter Items Due
5:00 pm Children’s Christmas Service at Grace
7:00 pm Candlelight Christmas Eve Service
Tues. Dec 25 Merry Christmas! (Office closed)
9:00 am Christmas Worship Service
Wed. Dec 26 8:30 pm Alcoholics Anonymous
Thur. Dec 27 Last Day to Take Poinsettias Home
Fri. Dec 28 9:15 am Fold Newsletters
Sat. Dec 29 6:00 pm Worship
8:00 pm AA/Al-Anon
Sun. Dec 30 9:00 am Worship
10:00 am Sunday Morning Coffee
10:30 am Bible Class
