12-16-2018 Announcement

HOLY COMMUNION is celebrated in our worship service today.  What a joy and privilege!  In this Sacrament our Lord gives unto us not only bread and wine, but also His very body and blood to eat and drink.  In this Sacrament He assures us that our sins are forgiven and He strengthens our faith.  To our guests who desire to receive Holy Communion, we ask that you consider the following:  If you do not believe in Jesus as your Savior, do not believe in the Real Presence of the Sacrament, or have never received instruction on how to prepare yourself for Communion, you should refrain from receiving the Sacrament, but are encouraged to come to the altar for a blessing, indicated by folding the arms over the chest.  We do this not to offend, but to honor the faith we hold at St. Paul Lutheran.  If you have any questions regarding communion, please speak to the Pastor or an Elder before service begins.

 

CHRISTMAS EVANGELISM: Please pray for, and invite, those you may know who have not partaken of His body and blood in the blessed Sacrament of the Altar in some time (or at all), that they speak to the pastor and return (or learn how) to receive His invitation to eat...drink His Words of forgiveness, proclaiming His death until He comes again.

IN YOUR PRAYERS Pray this week for; Those who are recovering from surgery, hospitalization, or sudden illnesses (_______) and for those who have long term health issues and/or difficulty coming to services on their own (Connie, Elsie, Ella, Bernice, Henrietta, Lee, Lavonne, Delores, Lorna, Melton, Millie, Ruth, Alice, Marlene, Norby).

MAIN STREET LIVING – December 23, 2018: Worship Service-The Christmas message is given by Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison, President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.  The message is based on Luke 1: 39-45.  The program is interpreted and closed captioned for the hearing impaired.  Additional information is available on the web site: www.mainstreetliving.com.

IN ADVENT, we wait for the Nativity of our Lord: The Gloria in Excelsis (LSB 187) is the song of the angels at the birth of Christ, so it is not sung...yet.  In Advent, we wait for them to sing.  Also, the Alleluia (LSB 190) is omitted, and just a verse is read.

MAIN STREET LIVING is the CHRISTMAS Project for LADIES AID and LWML.  We welcome your support for this TV ministry.  There will be a basket in the fellowship hall for contributions.  Funds will be matched. Thank you for your help. 

CATECHISM switches to 4:30-6:00 from the 6:30-8:00pm time for Dec.  12, and 19 and will be not be held again until January 2, when we will meet at 6:30pm again. Complete Test 1 packets to be complete on December 19- Pastor

PLEASE NOTE as the calendar did not state it, but there will be Holy Communion on the Day of Nativity (December 25th, Christ-Mass Day) at 9:30 a.m.

THE LADIES AID has given a check for $6000.00 to the church treasurer from the 2018 Bazaar receipts. Thank you.

ADVENT MEALS will be served from 6 - 6:45 pm before Advent Mid-week service on Dec19.  Freewill donation will be taken to help with Youth Group expenses for National Youth Gathering.  Menu will be posted on the Bulletin Board.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES start in January.  The Bible study on Tuesday nights (7:00pm) have been slowly going through Lutheranism 101, but will switch to covering Basic Christian Doctrine (which could lead to membership) in five weeks.  People who may be interested are possible new members, catechism kids (study ahead or catch up), other denominations (we can cover differences in teachings at the end), or anyone who would like to review the basic doctrines of the faith. Dates are; Jan 8, 15, 22, 28 and February 5.  Please let pastor know so he can have materials ready.

CHRISTMAS EVE CHURCH PROGRAM PRACTICE SCHEDULE

 Sunday Dec. 16th 11:30 until 12:30

Wed Dec 19th 5:00 to 6:00 (if more rehearsal is needed)
Sunday Dec. 23rd 10:30 until 12:00 (No Sunday School)

Monday Dec. 24th 7:00 PM Christmas Eve Service

COFFEE HOUR SHCEDUL is in need of one more groups or 2  If you are not a  group and would like to be please let Aleta Starner know, Call or text 605-660-3651 or e-mail stpaulfreeman@gmail.com or put your name on the list on the bulletin board.

POINSETTIAS GIVEN IN MEMORY

 

Keith & Betsy Knodel in memory of Eileen Ahart (Betsy's mom) and Clifford Knodel

Gary & Cheryl Walz & family in memory of Pauline Walz, Laura and Ervin Jensen

Arlene Stern & family in memory of Arden Stern

Chris & Amber Sayler & family in memory of Thelma Zachariasen, Roland & Sandra Sayler

Mark & Stacy Roth & family in memory of Marlan & Marge Wollman
Linda Haar in memory of Wallace & Clarice Haar

Matt & Kristi, Bryce, Morgan & Lydia Dannenbring in memory of Don Herman, Sr., Claudia Dannenbring

Matt, Kristi, Bryce, Morgan & Lydia Dannenbring just want to say Merry Christmas to our whole church family.

USHER LIST is up please sign up to help usher for the year 2019

ANNUAL REPORTS please give them to Pastor, Aleta Starner or Denise Peterson.  Would like to have the report done by the quarterly meeting in January, thank you.  The reports that are needed:  Elders report, Melcher scholarship fund, board of evangelism, Youth Group, Trustees report, Mentor-Mentee, Samarian Report, Ladies Aid, LWML, and Treasurer’s report.

THE CHOIR will be caroling at the Hospital and Nursing Home at 6:00 p.m. and the Salem Home at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday December 18^th.  All are welcome to come and listen.