229 s. first st, po box 234 pearl city, il 61062 · 2017-11-29 · 229 s. first st, po box 234...
TRANSCRIPT
From the Desk of Pastor Ekstrand…
229 S. First St, PO Box 234 Email: [email protected] Pearl City, IL 61062 www.stjohnspearlcity.org 815-443-2215
December 2017
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
What's in a name? For some people, the choosing of a name is very important. For others, it
doesn't seem to mean so much.
Sometimes, names mean something. Sometimes, they lose their meaning. One of the bloodiest
battles of the Civil War was fought in a place called “Shiloh,” a name based on the Hebrew
word Shalom, which means “peace.” Such a strange place to shed so much blood!
And when we choose names for children, we don’t choose them as much for their meaning
these days, but often more because we like the sound of them. I’m sure that no one ever named
someone “Calvin” because the name means “little bald one.” I’m sure no one ever named
someone “Cameron” because the name means “crooked nose.” I’m sure that no one ever
named someone “Kennedy” because the name means “ugly head.” And I’m sure no one ever
named someone “Campbell” because the name means “crooked mouth.” Indeed, we don’t
choose names as much anymore because of what they mean.
In the Bible, the choosing of a name is not just important, it means everything. The name is as
important as the person who receives the name. Biblically, a person's name represented their
character. Your name is synonymous with who you are.
The best illustration of the importance of a name in the Bible is the third commandment, "You
shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain..." God is Holy, and therefore God's Name
is Holy. God is so Holy that no human eye can see the Lord and live – to misuse God's name is
to blaspheme God. When the ancient scribes penned the name of God, they went through ritual
cleansing before and after the writing.
A name in the Bible tells much about who and what a person is, and biblical names are
frequently changed to match who a person is. God changed Abram's name to Abraham, which
means "the father of many." Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, meaning "rocky."
Long before Jesus was even born, the prophet Isaiah spoke these words: "For unto us a child is
born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will
be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Is. 9:6) And
after Jesus was born, we hear, “And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the
Child, His name was called JESUS, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the
womb.” (Luke 2:21)
The name of Jesus means “God saves.” But it also means so much more.
First of all, the name of Jesus tells us that from before the beginning of time, he was destined to
come into the world as Messiah – the One who would bring reconciliation between God and
God’s people. Jesus is the One who saves. Paul writes, "All who call upon the name of the
Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:13)
Second of all, the name of Jesus is powerful. In the gospel of John, Jesus said, "If you ask
anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:14) When Christians conclude their prayers, they
often say, "In Jesus name we pray." It is the power of Christ that helps us through our most
broken times. St. Paul writes, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." (Phil.
14:13)
Thirdly, the name of Jesus heals. When Peter and John saw a crippled man begging at one of
the gates of Jerusalem, Peter said, '...In the name of Jesus, rise up and walk." The name of
Jesus is spoken over the bed of a sick sister or brother, proclaimed at the funeral of a dear
loved one, and praised in times of joy.
Finally, in the name of Jesus Christ we find our purpose. Jesus said his disciples, "As the Father
has sent Me, so send I you." We are sent to serve in the name of Jesus. St. Paul urges us by
saying, "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." (Col.
3:17)
What’s in a name? When we do anything here among our congregation, we are doing it in
Jesus’ name. And therefore, as a result, anything we do either under the roof of St. John’s
Lutheran Church or beyond, among our brothers and sisters in Christ, and anywhere we are
doing it in Jesus’ name. We do it in love.
Christ,
Pastor Ekstrand
MEN’S BREAKFAST Wednesday, December 6 at 7:30 am at
BROTHERS INNFAMILY RESTAURANT, 103 IL-64, Lanark, IL
Feel welcome to join Pastor Ekstrand for a time of food, fellowship and casual conversation in the midst of another busy week!
Pastor-Led Bible Studies at St. John’s
MONDAY EVENINGS at 7:00 pm * “The Gospel of John” The first three Gospels are regarded as “synoptic,” that is, there is a similarity about them and they share many roots. However, the Gospel of St. John came from a completely different oral tradition and brings out many insights into our
Lord’s earthly ministry that we do not see in the other three. . We conclude by 8:00 pm. Bring your Bible and a friend!
THURSDAY MORNINGS at 9:30 am * “St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans” Of all the churches to whom St. Paul wrote epistles, the Church in Rome was the only one which he had not personally established. This congregation’s location in the very seat of an empire which persecuted the early Church raised gives
rise to some fascinating insights into our faith even today. Much of Martin Luther’s theological development was
nourished by the words of this epistle. We conclude by 10:30 am. Bring your Bible and a friend!
Bibles for 3-Year-Olds and 6th Graders December 17, 2017
Again, it is that time of year when our Christian Education Committee and Fellowship Club
will be awarding New Revised Standard Version Bibles to our 6th graders. Our Christian
Education Committee has also chosen to award Children’s Bibles to 3-year-olds.
We are also aware that some who are 7th grade and up were not awarded these NRSV Bibles from our
Fellowship Club. If your child 6th grade and up has not yet received one, please alert Pastor Ekstrand by
December 5. These will be distributed at the December 17th service along with the children’s Christmas
Program.
Sunday School Offering Emphasis
November and December
BIBLES FOR THE GROWING CHURCH St. John’s Kids Share the Good News! New, growing Lutheran churches around the world need Bibles in their own lan-
guage to preach, teach, study, and share in God’s promise of steadfast love!
Our Sunday School children are invited to contribute their Sunday School Offerings through the end of the year toward providing the printed word of Scripture to many and various places all over the world via the Global Ministries of ELCA Global Church Sponsorship. Thanks in advance to all of our great kids!
FIRST COMMUNION CLASSES &
FIRST COMMUNION SUNDAY Baptized members 4
th Grade and up
Classes: Sunday, January 14 & 21; 11:00 am-noon
First Communion Sunday: Sunday, January 28; 9:00 am Non-communing members from 4th Grade and up are invited to gather with Pastor Ekstrand on January 14 & 21 to explore what it means to receive the Sacrament of the Eucharist and the amazing grace conveyed to us through the Body and Blood of Christ. We will meet in the Nave immediately after the Sunday School/Educational Hour. Participation in BOTH ses-sions are required for inclusion at First Communion. If you have a difficulty with attending any of the sched-uled class dates (participation in the class setting is preferable to individual instruction), please contact Pastor Ekstrand as soon as possible to make alternate arrangements. A sign-up sheet will be posted on one of the Nar-thex bulletin boards. First Communion will be received on Sunday, January 28, 2018.
Jack and Jodi Revels attend Love of Christ Lutheran Church in Weslaco, Texas during their
winters in Texas. They say hello to their Pearl City church family and we miss ya’ll.
Visited Another Church . . .
Luther’s Small Catechism This year marks the 500
th anniversary of the Reformation. There will be numerous activities
planned by the ELCA throughout this year. Many in our congregation went through Luther’s Small Catechism for their confirmation. A few copies are available at the St. John’s office for $1.25
From the Worship & Music Committee . . .
From the Women’s Gathering. . .
The Joy Choir will rehearse on Thursday, December 7th & 14th. The Joy Choir
will sing and play bells on December 10th. Their short rehearsal on December 14th will be followed by their Christmas Party in Luther Hall. No rehearsal on
December 21st or 28th. Rehearsal will resume on January 4th.
Joy Choir News. .
Prayer Concerns (October 29-November 19, 2017): Jerilyn Strohecker, Brinkley Knoup, JoAnn Dahlman, Caleb Clausen, Bob Lyvers, Craig Brinkmeier, Edith Wohlford, Shaun Otto, Chris Tippet, Laura Lee Larson, Mae & Al Smith, Wendy Holmes, Baby Matilda, Caleb Robert Hershey, Jerry Anderson, Audrey & Asa Wilcox, Lucille Carpenter, Wanda Franzer, Bob Hastings, Bob Asche, Kenny Neebel, Janice Younkus, Zack Toepfer, Ann Smith, Collins Kempel, Lois Hillmer, Gina Hockman, Hannah Shellhause, Raymond Frary, Autumn Gray, Sarah Jane Myers and April Eberle.
The family and friends of Hunter Lincoln, Marge Kounkel, Pat Mailand, Austin Shellhause, Sue Finley, Don Diestelmeier, Kay Reding, Leroy Eherdt, Leland Wenzel, Gerry Koertner, Charles Smith, Stuart Daws, Vernon Kelly, Drew Crase, Greg Woods, Richard Spangler, Steve Kampmeier, Elaine Thomas, Ray Spielman, Less Graham, Mary Brinkmeier Baysinger, Carol Tessendorf, Betty Enright, Ron Eytcheson, Elaine Gallentine, Joel Kaufman and Charlotte Flack.
The Women’s Gathering is collecting donations for three needy families in the Pearl City
School District for gift cards for Christmas gifts. Donations will be collected before and
after church on Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10, or drop off at the church office by Dec.
10. We are collecting for 17 people (two families have 6 members each and the other
family has five individuals). Thank you for your donations to help others.
Christmas Decorating and Oyster and Chili Lunch: All are invited (and needed) to help decorate
the Church for the Christmas Season on Sunday, December 3, 2017, following the worship service. After decorating (approx. 11:30) the Fellowship Club will be serving a Chili and Oyster Lunch with ham salad and egg salad sandwiches. There is no charge for lunch, but a free will donation would be appreciated. We encourage you to sign-up on the sheet on the Bulletin Board, but is not required. Please join us for a great time decorating for the Christmas season.
From the Fellowship Club and Worship & Music Committee . . .
Poinsettia Garden: The Poinsettia Garden will be during the Dec. 24th worship
service at 9 am. We would appreciate if you could leave your poinsettia until after the worship
services on Christmas Eve. Please sign-up by Dec. 17 if you would like to bring or purchase a
poinsettia in honor or in memory of someone. Devoe Floral will deliver poinsettias to the
church for $10.00 ea. (includes tax) for a single plant with ribbon and foil. Please give a check made out to
Devoe Floral to the church office by Dec. 17. Colors include Red, White, Burgundy and Pink.
From the Office . . . Annual Book and Meeting: The Annual Meeting of the St. John’s Congregation will be held on Sunday,
January 28th immediately following worship. All reports are due to the office by January 3rd for inclusion in
the Annual Book. Annual books will be assembled on January 18th.
Women’s Gathering Ministries . .
Notes from the Women’s Gathering:
Women’s Gathering (WG) “BAKE SALE”
It was a great success!!!
“Thank you” to all the women that made & donated their bake sale items or gave a monetary donation. We had a wonderful variety of goodies – YUM! “Thank you” to all who supported (WG) by purchasing the goodies or also giving monetary donations. Without all of you the monies to be donated to St. John’s Current Fund would not be possible. *$889.75 were raised for the Current Fund.
A special thank you to the committee & helpers: April Eberle, Kris Eden, Janet Ferguson, Sharon Knoup, Kathy Larson & Lynda Palmer.
The Women's Gathering is selling 100% cotton dish cloths. They come in bundles of 4 and in various colors. Cost is $5 per bundle of 4. These will make a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone who does dishes! Contact Lori
Kempel.
November 29, Bus Trip and dinner at Palace Theatre at Wisconsin Dells to see "Christmas at the Palace". The bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. and return about 7:00 p.m. If you would liked to be picked up in Freeport, we will stop at the Lincoln Mall about 8:45 but be sure to let Karen Bremmer know who wants to meet the bus there. At this time the bus is full, but contact Karen Bremmer to be put on the waiting list if you are interested. Water and a small snack will be provided on the return trip.
Woman's Gathering will be collecting monetary donations to help families in the school district with food and gifts for the holiday season. They appreciate your giving spirit. More information to follow.
December 3, 10 a.m. Prayer Shawl Outreach. There is a need for crochet and knitted shawls. The yarn will be provided. If you would like to learn how to do either or both of these talents check with Lynda Palmer.
December 12, 6:30 p.m. Christmas Potluck for all the women of the church. There will be a white elephant gift exchange. A sign up sheet is on the bulletin board for a variety of food dishes.
Starting the EMAIL Prayer Chain: To start the email prayer chain, contact Karen Bremmer at (815 443 2478 or
815 821 4698) or email at [email protected] You may also contact the church office at 815 443-2215
(please leave a message as they are checked after hours, etc.) or email at [email protected]. You may also
contact Leann Heimerdinger at (815-443-2191) or cell at (815-541-3081) or email at [email protected]. If
you are not receiving the Prayer Chain email and would like to be included, please contact the church office.
December Collection Item: The Women’s Gathering is collecting a specific item each month for the Pearl City Food Pantry. The donation item for December is Canned Meats. Please bring canned chicken, tuna, etc., with you to worship and/or Women’s Gathering events. The Women’s Gathering is always collecting baby wipes for Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. All items may be placed in the bins in the Narthex.
Mexican Train Dominoes: We plan to play Mexican Train Dominoes on the first Tuesday of the month at 9
am. Invite a friend and join us on Tuesday, December 5th from 9-Noon in Luther Hall. All are invited. You
don’t have to know how to play to join in on the fun!
From the Director of Youth Ministries . . .
S.P.O.T.S. Christmas Party December 10th
11am-1pm
Thank you…. The youth and parents going to Houston this coming summer would like to thank Tammy
Stephan for her guidance and supplies in helping us make the signs we sold at the Craft &
Vendor Fair. It was a lot of fun and we look forward to making more of them with you!! We also
appreciate you helping out with the youth groups while Chris Knoup is with Brinkley while she
recuperates from her surgery.
Get your Christmas cards
ready!! The youth will be delivering
Christmas cards in the Pearl
City community Sunday,
December 3rd.
Please note we only deliver the cards
within walking distance from the church…
so in town cards only.
S.P.L.A.T. Annual Cookie Plates
Sunday, December 10
Sunday, December 17 (Both Sundays after Worship)
Did you miss out on the Craft & Vendor Fair? Well the youth go-
ing to Houston will have more items available after church on the
following dates:
December 3 December 10 December 17
Thank you for your support!!
#HOUSTONSQUAD
Genesis
Christmas Party
Sunday, January 7th
7-9pm
5th Quarter
Christmas Party
December 17
5:30-7:30
From the Calendar Committee . . . Fundraiser Report: Calendar sales are still being accepted until the end of the year. There are nearly 300 calendars still to be sold. There will be committee members at a table in Luther Hall after services each Sunday to accept money, unsold calendars, and drawing stubs from the back of each sold calendar. Remind prospective buyers that their calendar stub remains in the drawing for 52 weeks. Even if they receive the weekly $200, their stub goes back into the drawing. That gives them at least a 1 in 20 chance to win.
All calendars must be accounted for so please drop off or mail back any unsold calendars. The breakeven point has been reached so each calendar sold now nets the Current Fund $30.00. Let us all go back to work on this fundraiser. Some members are giving calendars as gifts.
Special Note: A member of St. John’s wants to boost calendar sales. They will match every calendar taken from our reserve stock and sell for the next 3 Sundays. So, when 1 calendar is sold from our reserve stock, a second matching calendar will be purchased. St. John’s will receive the proceeds from 2 calendars for every 1 sold from our reserve stock.
Grace Meal News. . . The November Community Grace Meal: Rich and MaryAnn Kliman would like to thank all those who helped and supported us in preparing and serving the November grace meal. We are so blessed to have such a great church "family". It made our job so much easier. We hope everyone enjoyed the meal that they prepared for you.
142 meals were prepared. The youth delivered 49 meals, 47 dined in Luther Hall, 32 additional carry-outs and 14 meals were given to FACC shelter. Thank you to all those who helped: Rich & Mary Ann Kliman, Lois Hunsaker, Dennis Kruse, Butch & Carol Garnhart, Nancy Trampel, Marge Roiland, Keith & Doris Kness and Jamie, Kendra, & Laura Melville. Drivers were Beth Schneider with Jorja & Jordan Johnson, Rollin Nelson & Connor Boop and Kathy Williams, Linda Albright, Ben & Ilaynna Crabtree.
From the Stewardship Committee . . .
From the Social Ministry Committee . . . Harvest Home Collection: Thank you so much for all the donations to the Harvest Home Collection. Approximately 90 bags were delivered to the Pearl City Food Pantry by the Genesis youth on Sunday, November 12.
The Mitten Tree: The Social Ministry Committee once again is asking you to bring new mittens, gloves and hats for the Mitten Tree. Items may be brought on Sundays beginning November 26th through December. All Mittens, hats, scarves and gloves will be given to the Pearl City School for children of all ages in need. Thank you!
Won’t you share your time and talents with St. John’s? We ask each
individual that participates in the St. John’s community to complete a time and
talent sheet. They are available in print (Narthex) or online at
StJohnsPearlCity.org. Please complete online or return a printed copy to the
office by December 3rd. Extra Time and Talent sheets are available by the office.
This year’s Christmas program will be “A Christ Filled Christmas.” This year, in order to stream
line the practice process, we will be having our practices in place of Sunday School. We will practice on the following dates.
December 3 December 10 Dress Rehearsal will be on Saturday December 16th at 9:00 am. This program will be preformed on Sunday December 17th during regular worship.
If you have any questions, please contact one of the people on the Christmas Program Committee.
Sincerely, Claire Brinkmeier- 815-291-4751 Deb Bremmer- 815-541-7025 Karen Bremmer- 815-443-2478/ 815-821-4698 Ann DeZell- 815-238
Good News Sunday School Schedule for November. . .
Teachers: Leann and Gwen Heimerdinger
December 3 Christmas Program Practice
December 10 Christmas Program Practice
December 17 Nativity
December 24 & 31 No Sunday School
From the Christmas Program Committee. . .
Sunday School Teachers are needed through May.
Please check the schedule on the bulletin board and
sign-up today.
A Thank You from the family of Brinkley Knoup:
We are forever grateful for your kindness, no matter how you have touched our
lives.
The Knoups’
FYI: Brinkley has resumed going to school half days three weeks post surgery.
Thank you . . .
Christmas Eve Candlelight Services
(Holy Communion)
5pm & 9pm
Join us at St. John’s for Christmas Celebrations!
Christmas Day Morning (Holy Communion)
9 am
St. John’s Grace Meal Please join us for St. John’s monthly Grace Meal on the 3rd Sunday of
each month at noon. Not only is this a wonderful time for fellowship for
those who dine in but also a time to reach out to our community with
deliveries. If you know of anyone in our community that would like to join
us then please invite them to dine with us! If there is someone that can’t
attend but would benefit from a meal please let me know so that I may
add them to our deliveries. Please pray about helping prepare a meal for the 2018 sign-up
sheet has been posted in the narthex. This does not need to be an elaborate meal and you can
be reimbursed for the food you prepare. Ask a few friends to join in the preparation!
Any questions please contact Beth Schneider (815)541-5919 or by email
Serve One Another in Love….Galatians 5:13
Dec. 24 at 5 pm: Crucifer: Conor DeZell, Bible Bearer: Brianna Stager, Torch Bearers: Ben Bremmer and
Cody Pitts
Dec. 24 at 9 pm: Crucifer: Cheyenne Handsaker, Bible Bearer: Jordan Johnson, Torch Bearers: Levi Sheffey
and Jaden Robinson
Organist: Karen Bremmer Counters: Ron Bremmer, Kelly Lawler, Megan Lawler
Duties of the Church for December
December Birthdays
Date Greeters Ushers Lector Comm. Asst. Acolyte
Dec. 3 Jim & Pam Richards Keith & Doris
Kness Kris Eden
Carrie Hass
Jane Boop Levi Sheffey
Dec. 10 Brian & Rhonda
Brudi Family
Scott & Marlyse
Johnson Family Dennis Downs
Michele Schiess
Chris Kempel Jordan Johnson
Dec. 17 Mark & Jamie
Melville Family
Lee & Stacey
Block Beth Schneider
Kim Williams
Keith Kness Jaden Robinson
Dec. 24
9 am
Gordon & Carol
Garnhart
Fred & Earlene
Domberger Ron DePrisco
Lee Harbison
Beth Schneider Xander Gray
Dec. 24
5 pm
Larry & Kathy
Albrecht Family
Kris & Marion
Eden Kris Eden
Erica Albrecht
Kathy Albrecth
See
processional
below
Dec. 24
9 pm
Jim & Leann
Heimerdinger Family
Stan & April
Eberle Joel Kempel
Lori Kempel
Ron Bremmer
See
processional
below
Dec. 31 Mike & Ann DeZell
Family
Larry & Kathy
Albrecht Family Chad Bremmer
Kenner
Brinkmeier
2 Kari Mitchell 3 Marlyse Johnson Carter Brudi 7 Abbey Goldsmith 8 Richard Ferguson Heather Erbsen
9 Linda Crackenberger Ann Frey Connor Boop 10 Jordy McPeek 11 Kendra Melville 13 Scott Johnson Ethan Bremmer 16 Carol Garnhart
19 Joan Klatt 20 Keith Albers 21 Gertrude Heimerdinger 22 Kilynn Perdue 27 Dailynn Kittoe 30 Beth Wilhelm Conor DeZell
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
November 26
9 am Worship
10:15 am Sunday School
10:15 am Confirmation
27
3:30 pm Girl
Scouts
6 pm Girl Scouts
7 pm Bible Study
28
6:30 pm Al-Anon
29
8:30 am: Women’s
Gathering Bus Trip
30
9:30 am Bible Study
December 1
Pastor’s Day
Off
2
Luther Hall
used for Lunch
Prep.
3
9 am Worship
10 am Prayer Shawl Ministry
10:15 am Sunday School
10:15 am Confirmation
6 pm 5th Quarter
7:30 pm Genesis
4
7 pm 4-H
7 pm Bible Study
5 9 am: Mexican
Train Dominoes
6:30 pm Al-Anon
6
7:30 am Men’s
Breakfast
5:30 pm Christian
Education Meeting
6:30 pm Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
7
9:30 am Bible Study
10:30 am Worship &
Music Committee
Meeting
3:15 pm Joy Choir
Rehearsal
8
Pastor’s Day
Off
9 9 am SPLAT prep cookie plates
10
SCRIP Orders Due
9 am Worship Service
10:15 am Property Committee Meeting
10:15 am Sunday School
10:15 am Confirmation
11 am SPOTS
6 pm 4-H
6 pm 5th Quarter
7:30 pm Genesis
11
3:30 pm Girl
Scouts
6 pm Girl Scouts
7 pm Bible Study
12
6:30 pm Women’s Gathering Christmas
Potluck
6:30 pm Al-Anon
13
6:30 pm Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
14
9:30 am Bible Study
3:15 pm Joy Choir
Rehearsal &
Christmas Party
15
Pastor’s Day
Off
16
9 am SPLAT prep cookie
plates
9 am Christmas Program
Rehearsal
Luther Hall
used for Grace
Meal Prep
17
9 am Worship Service
10:15 am Sunday School
10:15 am Confirmation
10:15 am Stewardship & Outreach
Committee Meetings
10:15 am Memorial & Finance
Committee Meeting
11 am SPLAT Youth to Deliver Grace
Meals
Noon: Community Grace Meal
6 pm 5th Quarter
7:30 pm Genesis
18
19
6:30 pm Al-Anon
20
January Newsletter
Deadline
7 pm Council
Meeting
21
22
Pastor’s Day
Off
23
24
9 am Worship
5 pm Christmas Eve Worship
9 pm Christmas Eve Worship
25
9 am Christmas
Day Worship
26
6:30 pm Al-Anon
27
6:30 pm Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
28
29 30
31
9 am Worship
December 2017 See an updated and complete calendar throughout the month at www.stjohnspearlcity.org
Pearl City Food Pantry Needs . . .
The Pearl City Food Pantry is in need of all items. However, consider items pertinent to the fall season and cooking meals at home. It’s not too far away to be thinking of items for holiday meals or baking.
If you would like to donate items from your garden or bread, please deliver items directly to the food pantry on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month between 8:45 and 9:15 am. All non perishable food items may be brought to St. John’s or delivered directly to the food pantry on the 1st Saturday of the month between 9 and 11 am.
Merry Christmas
Office Closed