Words of Peace “Peace Through Christ”

December 2015 A monthly publication of Peace Lutheran Church

Camarillo, CA

What Goes Around Comes Around In April of 1975, Gary Dahl was in a bar listening to friends complain about their pets. It gave him an idea for a perfect pet—a rock. A rock didn’t need to be fed, walked, bathed, or groomed. It would never die, become sick or be disobedient. He joked about a rock being the perfect pet with his friends, who just laughed. And then Gary laughed all the way to the bank. He took his idea seriously. He drafted an “instruction manual” for a pet rock, filled with puns and plays on words that referred to the rock as an actual pet. Gary’s “pets” were smooth stones taken from Mexico’s Rosarito Beach. He marketed them like live pets, in custom cardboard carrying boxes with holes for air. Inside they rested on a bed of straw. By the time they hit the market, every pet rock came with a 32-page instruction manual titled, The Care and Training of Your Pet Rock. Each new owner was guaranteed success with commands like “sit” and “stay.” “Roll over” could be accomplished with a just a little help. “Stand” and “shake hands” were nearly impossible to teach, but with a little

imagination your new pet could easily master “attack!” Potty training was a snap given that they were, in fact, just rocks. The fad only lasted about six months, winding down after the Christmas season. By February of 1976, they were being discounted due to lower sales. During that short period Dahl sold 1.5 million Pet Rocks at $4.00 apiece and became a millionaire. Pet Rocks came around again in 2012, under a new trademark holder, and this year you can get your own for just $19.95 at Petrock.com or a store near you. Hey, inflation, right? Rocks aren’t as cheap as they used to be. It’s not like you can just pick them up off the ground. This go around $2.00 of each sale goes to support a no kill animal shelter. Maybe that will soften the blow a little. Besides, just look at the smile on that woman in the ad below. If you had to put a caption on it, you just know she’s saying, Well, honey, that’s true. You did say I was getting a rock for Christmas! Attack!

Pastor’s Message Pastor’s Message

No one really knows why 1.5 million people would shell out hard-earned money for a rock in a cardboard box. At least a hula hoop actually did something. It made you look foolish. Call me a romantic, but aside from Pet Rocks being notable as a precursor to today’s virtual pets, they were a lesson in how to see something worthy of love where others just saw…a rock. The miracle of Christmas is like that. God stepped down from his throne in heaven, and in the person of his Son, Jesus, humbled himself to be born as a tiny baby. To anyone who saw Mary and Joseph and their newborn son, Jesus was just another baby. No more, no less. But within that tiny child beat the heart of God. Through his veins coursed the love of God.

Jesus would grow up the perfect child, literally. He never sinned. During his short three years of adult ministry he taught us about the love of God, and the plan of God to rescue us from the penalty of sin. He would even suffer and die for us, in our place, to endure the wrath of God for all the sins in all the world. What looked like just another poor child born into another poor family was so much more. A Pet Rock will always be just a rock. But the Christ-child, when viewed through the eyes of faith, becomes the Savior of the world. Advent is a season of expectation and expectations fulfilled. With lots of worship opportunities and fellowship this month, you’ll have lots of chances to invite a friend. It’s a season of miracles, culminating with the miracle of the Christ-child. Expect miracles. Expect God to give people eyes of faith this season. Eyes that can see the need for a Savior. Eyes that look at the baby Jesus lying in a manger, and see hope and joy for the whole world. Join us all through Advent. Look again at the story of God’s love. Not with a been there, done that attitude. Look this time with eyes of faith. Take a fresh look. You’ll be amazed at what you can see!

__________________________________________________________________________________________

SINCERE THANKS–On behalf of the family of Frieda Schroeder, we wish to extend a very sincere “Thank You” for the many cards, thoughts, words of encouragement, and prayers the past few weeks. We truly appreciate all the love and support extended as you have shared God’s comfort and peace with us. Heartfelt thanks. Linda and Bill Young,

Ron & Anh Martin 12/2 Jim & Lily Mainland 12/14 Todd & Janet Harter 12/19 John & Karen Johnson 12/27 Dale & Marsha Larson 12/30

Rita Reuter 12/1 Vicki Hutter 12/3 Rebecca Alls 12/3 Sandra Miller 12/5 Connie Morris 12/5 Hayden Wolfe 12/9 Stuart Regalia 12/10 Ken Reuter 12/10 Dianne Pedersen 12/11 Rebeka Medina 12/13 David Zinger 12/16 Keith Hedrick 12/20 Cheryl Menzie 12/25 John Capodice 12/25 Rachael Ylizaliturri 12/28 Roger Sage 12/29

ELDER’S CORNER

It's my favorite time of the year again. The Christmas season is near and Christmas spirit is in the air. Christmas is a time to forget our earthly troubles, to spend time with loved ones, and to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas not only has religious significance, but is also an important part of our culture. Christmas is an American tradition! Has anyone ever spent Christmas overseas? I'm sure our military veterans have. I've spent Christmas in a few foreign countries where Dec 25 is just another holiday, a holiday with little, if any significance. In countries like Japan and Thailand, where Christianity is not tied to the national identity, the true meaning of Christmas is a foreign concept. Christmas without the Holy Spirit is like the body without a spirit. A body with no soul is an empty shell. The Holy Spirit is necessary for our lives to have meaning and joy. This is no less true of our culture. I've seen many attacks on the Christmas holiday in recent years. However, I am confident that those of faith will never cease to recognize the importance of this holiday. This month certain schools in America have decided to strip reference to religious holidays. This is in response to the Muslim community requesting equal representation of their religious holidays. Don't be discouraged by the ways of the world. Christians everywhere will continue to celebrate Christmas in the true spirit of the season. Let the Holy Spirit enter you and proclaim your faith in the Lord. ‘Tis the season to be Merry! Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope that you will all join us once again this Christmas season at Peace Lutheran church. Dec 2, 9, and 16 at 6pm are soup suppers. Christmas services will be held 12/24 at 5pm, 7pm, and 9:00 pm and on 12/25 at 10am. The Peace Christmas party is on Dec. 5 starting at 5:00 pm

Peace in Christ,

The Elders

Receiving cancer treatment: Aiden Farinella, (Rawlin & Toni Radle’s nephew), Nancy Johnson, and Clara Smith (Joyce Snow & Melissa Hamilton’s cousin).

Prayers for healing and strength: Lily Baehr, LaJoyce Brennan, Ada Bruns, Cindy Fox, George, (Carol Yung’s Nephew), Hedy Pein, Joshua

Kappel, (John & Karen Johnson’s friend), Madison, (Donna Pickler’s great-granddaughter), Otto Klittich, Dorothy Lewis, Ruth London, Gloria McLeod, Bee Muenich, Hedy Pein, Lorna Randall, Jim Richardson and Jim Warczak.

Our sympathies go out to Jim & Dianne Pedersen & family on the loss of Jim’s mother, the family of Win Burkhardt, Caroline Wentlandt & Jeanie Barilla & family on the loss of Duane and Al Bosman & family on the loss of Al’s mother, Doris Bosman. Please pray for comfort and healing as these families go through these difficult times.

Pray for all military men and women especially: Jeremy Bronner, Jacob Chiles, (Bill & Linda Young’s son-in-law) Tristan Grell, (Elisabeth Pohl’s grandson) Daniel Gross, (LaJoyce Brennan’s grandson), Davis Kelly, (Melodie Kelly’s son & Sonja Manzer’s grandson) Brian Miller, (Dave & Sandra Miller’s son), Brett Taylor, (Gary & Karen Taylor’s son), Stephen Volpei, (Connie Morris’ grandson), Brady Wentlandt, (Duane & Caroline Wentlandt’s grandson) and also remember their families in your prayers.

...because he first loved us...

As we focused last month on all we have to be thankful for, the Stewardship committee wanted to express our gratitude to those members who work together to reach out in many ways...

x Thank you to all who helped to make this year’s Pumpkin Patch and Harvest Festival the most successful one yet, both in the number of people attending and in money raised for the youth group. Thanks to those who helped plant and collect pumpkins, those who sold them, made baked goods, worked at the festival and all of those who let the youth group borrow their belongings to make it a fun event.

x Thank you to all our members who donated winter wear or the funds to purchase jackets for the homeless in our community. The response was overwhelming and we greatly appreciate your generosity.

x Thank you to our unsung volunteers who donated blood recently and donated funds for our

new church defibrillators. We are so appreciative for the faithful men and women that God has blessed us with here at Peace Lutheran who quietly serve The Lord in their daily lives and for those who have given years of their lives to help protect our country through their participation in the armed services. Thank you for your service! ... I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25: 40 NIV

Youth News

Faith & Fun FridayGrade School Gift Exchange!For kids grades 1-6, we will have some fun and exercise-in-giving at our December 4th event. Kids are encouraged to wrap up something from around the house - one man’s trash is another's treasure! We are looking forward to gathering around the green of the newly-erected Christmas tree in our Fellowship Hall. We will also feast on pizza & recite a Bible verse!

NEXT MONTH: Get ready for some snow! Rain or shine - we’ll make our own white stuff and throw it around for a little winter fun So-Cal style!

Save the Date: Faith & Fun Friday, January 8 from 6-7:30pm.

There are a lot of things happening for Peace Sr High students this winter. First of all, warm up your vocal cords, because we will employ them once again in bringing Christmas cheer to shut-ins, as we carol our way along our annual Progressive Dinner with friends at Christ the King Lutheran in Newbury Park: Sun, 12/20 5pm. RSVP by 12/16. Bring white elephant gift!

NYG Update: I am registering already any who have deposited their $100. I will continue to add students until we buy airline tickets early next year. Let me know, if you haven’t already, whether you are New Orleans-bound!

NEXT MONTH: Winterblast ’16! Save your spot, deposit $50 by 12/23.

SR HIGH DINNER & CAROLING… & MAKE PLANS FOR SNOW!

It’s a Jr High

Christmas Party!(BE SURE TO DRESS FOR A SNOWBALL FIGHT!)

Peace Jr High kids are invited to attend a Christmas Party with friends (and pizza!) at CtK Sat, 12/12, 5pm. RSVP to Mike by 12/9. We’ll meet early to carpool to Newbury Park.

Also, don’t forget an Advent sermon report due this month.

9:30 Service Elder Readers

12/6 Greg Olewiler & Phil Hamilton Susan Weaver 12/13 Greg Olewiler & Phil Hamilton Jane Capodice 12/20 Greg Olewiler & Phil Hamilton John Capodice 12/27 Greg Olewiler & Phil Hamilton Lisa Dickson 1/3 Tom Waddell & Bob Weaver Linda Elbert

Midweek Elders: 12/2 Ken Anderson 12/9 Dave Hutter 12/16 Scott Klittich Midweek Acolytes: 12/2 Mary Larson 12/9 Chandler Supple 12/16 Ryan Tsai

Elder Acolyte Dec. 24 5:00 p.m. Craig Frye Sean & Logan Farrell 7:00 pm Greg Olewiler James Miller & Melissa Poore 9:00 pm Al Bosman Ushers/Elder Ushers

7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Ken Anderson* Blaine Wanke* Glenn Benitz Gene O’Neal Scott Ehlers Keith Hedrick Art Schmidt Todd Harter

Dec. 25 10 am Scott Klittich Ushers/Elder ACOLYTES: If you have any conflicts, please call Mike Schultze 302-0888 or the Elder in charge.

DATE

ELDERS

USHERS

ALTAR

READERS

GREETERS

ACOLYTES

Dec. 6 Communion

Ken Anderson

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Blaine Wanke* Gene O’Neal Keith Hedrick Todd Harter +++++++++++++ Ralph Hochhalter Leslie Hochhalter Mike McCracken

Jan Anderson &

Millie Dunivin

Blaine Wanke

++++++++++++

Leslie Hochhalter

Millie Dunivin

++++++++++++

Tom & Noreen Taylor

Chandler Supple

++++++++++++

Logan Farrell

Dec. 13

Ken Anderson ++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Craig Frye* Gary Taylor Karen Taylor Bill Young +++++++++++++ Rick Poore Dave Miller Tom Taylor

Jan Anderson &

Millie Dunivin

Todd Harter

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Ken & Jan Anderson

++++++++++++

Luci Pommers

Sean Farrell

++++++++++++

Ryan Tsai

Dec. 20 One Service 10:30 Children’s Christmas Program

Greg Olewiler

&

Phil Hamilton

Lyle Lehman* Bob Lacy Jim DeVries Helmut Klein +++++++++++++ Dave Schmidt* Roy Poehler Mike Hale

Jan Anderson

& Millie Dunivin

John Capodice

Connie Morris

No Acolytes Needed

Dec. 27

Ken Anderson

++++++++++++

Al Bosman

Craig Frye* Gary Taylor Karen Taylor Bill Young +++++++++++++

Rick Poore Dave Miller Tom Taylor

Jan Anderson &

Millie Dunivin

Eleanore Zorkocy

++++++++++++

Mickey Kohut

Gary & Karen

Taylor

++++++++++++

Irene Hutchison

Mary Larson

++++++++++++

James Miller

December 2015 ~ Servers

DECMBER 2015 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

29 8 & 11:00 AM Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 9:30 AM Sunday School 3 yrs-Adult 9:30 AM Praise Service(FH) 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult (PCH) 11:00 AM New Life Church (FH) 3:00 PM Advent Faire (FH)

30 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

1 5:00 PM Reading Mentoring (Proverbs CoffeeHouse) 7:00 PM Church Council (FH)

2 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study 6:00 PM Soup Supper (Fellowship Hall) 7:00 PM Advent Worship Service (Sanctuary)

3 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study (Wanke’s) 5:15 PM Handbell Practice (Sanc.) 7:00 PM Choir practice.) 7:00 PM Lifetree Cafe (Proverbs Coffeehouse)

4 6:00 PM Faith & Fun Friday

5 10:00 AM Praise Team. Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall) 5:00 PM Christmas Party (FH)

6 8 & 11:00 AM Traditional Communion Service (Sanctuary) 9:30 AM Sunday School 3 yrs-Adult 9:30 AM Praise Service (FH) 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult (PCH) 11:00 AM New Life Church (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

7 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

8 5:00 PM Reading Mentoring (CoffeeHouse) 7:00 PM Super Tuesday

9 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study 6:00 PM Soup Supper (FH) 7:00 PM Advent Worship Service (Sanctuary)

10 10:00 AM. LifeLight Bible Study (Wanke’s) 5:00 PM Many Meals 5:15 PM Handbell Practice (Sanctuary) 5:30 PM Girl Scouts (FH) 6:30 PM Youth Bible Study 7:00 PM Choir (Sanctuary) 7:00 PM Lifetree (Coffeehouse)

11 6:00 PM Confirmation (FH) 6:30 PM Preschool Christmas Progra.m. 6:30 PM. Storytellers (Coffeehouse)

12 10:00 AM Camarillo Christmas Parade 10:00 AM Praise Team. Rehearsal (Fellowship Hall)

13 8 & 11:00 AM. Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 9:30 AM Sunday School 3 yrs-Adult 9:30 AM Praise Communion Service (FH) 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult/ (PCH) 11:00 AM New Life Church (FH) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

14 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

15 5:00 PM Reading Mentoring (Proverbs CoffeeHouse)

16 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study 6:00 PM Soup Supper (FH) 7:00 PM Advent Worship Service (Sanctuary)

17 10:00 AM LifeLight Bible Study (Wanke’s) 5:15 PM Handbell Practice (Sanctuary) 7:00 PM Choir practice (Sanc.) 7:00 PM Lifetree (Coffeehouse)

18 6:00 PM Confirmation (FH) 8:00 PM Boy Scout Lock-In (Fellowship Hall)

19 10:00 AM Praise Team. rehearsal (Fellowship Hall)

20 10:30 AM One Service Children's Christmas Progra.m. (Fellowship Hall) 11:00 AM New Life Church (Sanctuary) 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (Fellowship Hall)

21 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

22

23 9:00 AM Adult Bible Study

24 5:00 PM Worship Service (FH) 7:00 PM Christmas Worship Service (Sanctuary) 9:00 PM Christmas Worship Service

25 10:00 AM Christmas Communion Worship Service (Sanctuary)

26 10:00 AM Praise Team. rehearsal (Fellowship Hall)

27 8 & 11:00 AM Traditional Service (Sanctuary) 9:30 AM Sunday School 3 yrs-Adult 9:30 AM Praise Communion Service(FH) 10:42 AM Sunday School Adult/ (Coffeehouse) 11:00 AM New Life Church 4:00 PM Boy Scouts (FH)

28 8:00 AM Prayer Vigil (Sanctuary)

29

30

31

1 Happy New Year

2 10:00 AM Praise Team. rehearsal