December 24 Weekly News

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL OR ADULT BIBLE STUDY will be held after worship today and next Sunday, December 31.  Today’s schedule includes our Family Worship at 4:30 p.m., followed by Pre-service Music at 5:30 p.m. and the Children’s Christmas Program at 6:30 p.m.  Tomorrow’s Christmas Day Worship w/Holy Communion will begin at 9:00 a.m.  Next Sunday, December 31, we will have our regular worship

at 9:00 a.m. and the New Year’s Eve Worship w/Holy Communion at 7:00 p.m.

MANY THANKS TO Leah Schneider for helping with today’s service and for providing musical accompaniment.

PLEASE ENJOY fellowship and light refreshments after today’s worship.  Many thanks to the Thrivent Action Team for the hot chocolate and the Guild for the donations of cookies and donuts.

POINSETTIAS have been given in memory of loved ones by the following:

     *Franklin & Frances Burbrink, Orville & Edna Bode, Glen and Steve Bode by Dale & Bettie Burbrink

     *Ed & Alma Dettmer by Paul & Gloria Dettmer, Ken & Sharon Dettmer, and Jim & Sheri Dettmer

     *Nancy, Paul, and Leon Ferguson by Jackie & Steve Shroyer

     *Chet & Edna Bode by Ken & Kyra Bode & Family

     *Bernice Bode by Ken & Kyra Bode & Family

     *Bill & Carol Thompson by Jennifer & Doug Borcherding & Family

     *Ben & Mabel Burbrink by Bob & Karen Burbrink & Family

     *Alan Schlehuser by Josh, Lindsay & Brogan Hendricks

     *Jim Schlehuser, Russell & Margaret Foster, Bob & Erna Schlehuser, and Alan Schlehuser by Karen Schlehuser & Family

     *James Ross by Mark & Kim Ross & Family and Mike & Kathy Ross & Family

     *Lester & Shirley Enzinger by Rex, Kim, Erin, and Samantha Enzinger

     *Omer & Hilda Dettmer, Ed, Kelli, and Julie Jack, Donald & Barbara Jack by Jean Jack & Family

     *Kristie Wessel by Janice Acree and Jenni Acton

     *Jay Lemmon by Cindy, Kayla, and Kylie Lemmon

     *Loved ones by Mary Anne Schneider

     *Alan Schlehuser and Henry Roettger by Terry, Ruth, and Betsy Schlehuser

     *Gene Garrison by Todd & Shannon Garrison & Family

PLEASE REMOVE your poinsettia after the New Year’s Eve service next Sunday evening.  If you ordered a poinsettia through Karen, be sure to take a flower wrapped in gold foil.

MANY THANKS from pastor, the school staff, and the organists for the Christmas gifts.  Your continued prayers and support are certainly appreciated!

NO WEDNESDAY EVENING worship this week. 

THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS will be flexible during the school Christmas break until January 4.  Please call before you come!

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:   2 Samuel 7:4              

“But that same night the word of the LORD came to Nathan...”  Nathan thought David’s idea was great, so he blessed it with the Lord’s name.  But later that night, the Word of the Lord set him straight.  The Word of the Lord must be the basis for what we think, say, and do in God’s Kingdom: not our own desires or whims.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

December 17 Weekly News

MOST HIGHLY FAVORED LADY: MEDITATIONS OF THE FAITH OF MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD

Our third midweek Advent worship will be held this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The Youth will be serving pulled pork sandwiches before worship, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional booklets for January-March, 2018, are available in the narthex.  Large print copies are also available.

CHOIR PRACTICE for our special Service of Song planned for next Sunday at 9:00 a.m. will be held at 5:00 p.m. this Wednesday before the midweek Advent service. 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to put poinsettias on the altar/in the narthex, please contact Karen Schlehuser (812-342-6140) by TODAY.  Persons may order through Karen or purchase on their own (please let Karen know so proper set-up can be prepared).

CHRISTMAS TREAT monetary donations may be given to the elder or ushers on duty or Joanie Otte by TODAY.

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY will again be done by our youth for 25 cents per card – local delivery only, please.  A box is in the narthex for card drop-off – delivery will be TODAY.

EVERYONE INVITED:  As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord, everyone is invited to an open house at the parsonage TODAY between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.  No need to bring anything – there will be plenty of cookies and snacks – just come and enjoy some time of fellowship with one another.  Hope to see you there! - In Christ, the Whitmore Family

NO SUNDAY SCHOOL OR ADULT BIBLE STUDY will be held next Sunday since we have extra worship services that day. (Please note today’s insert.)

JANUARY CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS need to be given to Becky by this Thursday.

THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS will be flexible during the school Christmas break, December 21-January 4.  Please call before you come!

THE TIME & TALENT SURVEY RESPONSES have been processed, and new volunteers to serve are being added to the various needs of our ministry here at St. John’s.  Surveys are available in the narthex if you would still like to fill one out.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT will be presented by the Second Presbyterian Church Beecher Singers & Orchestra at St. Paul, Clifty, this evening at 7:00 p.m.  A harp recital will begin at 6:40 p.m.  Admission is free – everyone is invited.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    1 Thess. 5:18              

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”  Christians express their thanks to God in many ways: in prayer, in giving to the Lord, in acts of service to others, in faithful living in their daily callings.  Everything we do to honor God in our lives is a means of returning thanks for the Lord’s many gifts to us.

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

December 10 Weekly News

MOST HIGHLY FAVORED LADY: MEDITATIONS OF THE FAITH OF MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD

As Advent continues, we remember Mary and study what Scripture says concerning her and her faith.  May God bless you during this penitential season of preparation, and may He strengthen your faith.  Our second midweek Advent worship will be held this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. and will include singing by the Men’s Chorus.  The Guild will be serving casseroles, salads, and desserts before worship, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

PORTALS OF PRAYER devotional booklets for January-March, 2018, will be available from the ushers after today’s worship.  Large print copies are also available.

THE YOUTH are reminded that they will be leaving after Sunday School today to help with the NTN Christmas Party.  All help is appreciated!

CHOIR PRACTICE for our special Service of Song planned for December 24 at 9:00 a.m. will be held before the midweek Advent service this Wednesday and December 20 at 5:00 p.m. in church.  Questions???  Please contact Lori Hill at 812-350-1474.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to put poinsettias on the altar/in the narthex, please contact Karen Schlehuser (812-342-6140) by next Sunday, December 17.  Persons may order through Karen or purchase on their own (please let Karen know so proper set-up can be prepared).

CHRISTMAS TREAT monetary donations may be given to the elder or ushers on duty or Joanie Otte by next Sunday, December 17.

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY will again be done by our youth for 25 cents per card – local delivery only, please.  A box is in the narthex for card drop-off – delivery will be made next Sunday, December 17.

EVERYONE INVITED:  As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord, everyone is invited to an open house at the parsonage next Sunday, December 17 between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.  No need to bring anything – there will be plenty of cookies and snacks – just come and enjoy some time of fellowship with one another.  Hope to see you there! - In Christ, the Whitmore Family

BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP will meet Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

BIDS FOR SCHOOL CUSTODIAN need to be submitted to the church office before the 5:30 p.m. meeting of the Board of Education this Thursday, December 14.  Dates for cleaning run from June 1 – May 31.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

A CHRISTMAS CONCERT will be presented by the Second Presbyterian Church Beecher Singers & Orchestra at St. Paul, Clifty, next Sunday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m.  A harp recital will begin at 6:40 p.m.  Admission is free – everyone is invited.

NOMINATIONS FOR 2018 CHURCH OFFICES:  The following slate of nominations was approved at last Sunday’s Voters’ Meeting:

Chairman: Brian Schultz  (unopposed)

Gen. Fund Treas: Brian Purdue  (unopposed)

Elder: Greg Hercamp, Terry Schlehuser

Syn. Treas: Karen Burbrink, Chris Newkirk

Third Trustee: Kevin Kidd, Matthew Meyer

Bd. of Ed: (elect 1 man, 1 woman)

                 Bill Finke, Janeen Blomenberg,

                 Scott Hildreth, Angie Schultz

Bd. of Evang: (elect 2)

                 Brett Barnett, Mary Anne Schneider  (unopposed)

Bd. of Stew: Logan Fowler  (unopposed)

Dist. Conv. Del: Louis Voelker  (unopposed)

Ushers: (elect 3)  (unopposed)

             Brian Claycamp, Trevor Peters, Adam Schlehuser

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    1 Cor. 1:7              

“…so that you are not lacking any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  The Lord sees to it that we do not lack any gift – He has given us every spiritual blessing in Christ as well as every earthly need.  He is the Provider.  And we can trust Him to always provide for us in every way. T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

December 3 Weekly News

MOST HIGHLY FAVORED LADY: MEDITATIONS OF THE FAITH OF MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD

As we look to the blessed virgin named Mary who bore the Son of God in her womb, what do we know about her?  As we enter the season of Advent, we will turn our focus to Mary and what Scripture says concerning her and her faith.  We will look at the visitation of the angel Gabriel, Mary’s visit with Elizabeth, and Mary’s song-known as the Magnificat-which is found in Luke 1.  May God bless you as we head into this penitential season of preparation, and may He strengthen your faith.  Our first midweek Advent worship will be held this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.  The youth will be serving chili and baked potatoes before worship, beginning at 5:45 p.m.

THE DECEMBER VOTERS’ MEETING will be held after Sunday School today.  Approving the 2018 slate of nominations for church offices will be among the business at hand.  All confirmed members of our congregation, 18 years and older, are encouraged to attend.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM DRAWINGS:  Children’s artwork will again be featured in this year’s Christmas Eve bulletin.  Submit your black/white drawing on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper (drawn with black ink is best).  Preschoolers will draw something in their Sunday School class.  Please turn in to Jessica Morphew by TODAY.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING:  Meet here at church today at 3:00 p.m. if you would like to go Christmas caroling to our shut-ins.  Then come back to the fellowship room and enjoy soup and cookies and good fellowship!

THE ELDERS will meet this Wednesday after worship (8:00 p.m.).

CHOIR PRACTICE for our special Service of Song planned for December 24 at 9:00 a.m. will be held before the midweek Advent services on December 6, 13, and 20 at 5:00 p.m. in church.  Questions???  Please contact Lori Hill at 812-350-1474.

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS:  If you would like to put poinsettias on the altar/in the narthex, please contact Karen Schlehuser (812-342-6140) by Sunday, December 17.  Persons may order through Karen or purchase on their own (please let Karen know so proper set-up can be prepared).

CHRISTMAS TREAT monetary donations may be given to the elder or ushers on duty or Joanie Otte by Sunday, December 17.

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY will again be done by our youth for 25 cents per card – local delivery only, please.  A box is in the narthex for card drop-off.

  

EVERYONE INVITED:  As we get ready to celebrate the birth of our Lord, everyone is invited to an open house at the parsonage on December 17 between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m.  No need to bring anything – there will be plenty of cookies and snacks – just come and enjoy some time of fellowship with one another.  Hope to see you there!

In Christ, the Whitmore Family

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

BIDS FOR SCHOOL CUSTODIAN need to be submitted to the church office before the 5:30 p.m. meeting of the Board of Education on Thursday, December 14.  Dates for cleaning run from June 1 – May 31.

HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF EVENTS RELATIVE TO THE REFORMATION:

1520-Leo X issues papal bull Exsurge Domine, giving Luther sixty days to recant or be excommunicated June 15.

·         Luther burns the papal bull and a copy of Canon Law, December 10

1521-Luther excommunicated by papal bull Decet Romanum Pontificem, January 3

·         Luther appears before Diet of Worms and refuses to recant, April 17-18

·         Charles V issues Edict of Worms, declaring Luther a public outlaw and criminal and making it illegal to have Luther’s books, May 25.

·         Frederick the Wise hides Luther at the Wartburg Castle for eleven months.

·         Luther translates the New Testament into German, December – March, 1522

·         Philip Melanchthon publishes the first Lutheran dogmatic text, Loci Theologici

·         Anabaptist Thomas Munzer begins preaching against infant baptism.

SCRIP GIFT CARDS:  If you give gift cards for Christmas, you can order them through Scrip - convenient for you and helps earn funds for our school!   Check with Becky before this Thursday, December 7, for a Scrip order form.

HATS, SCARVES, MITTENS, AND GLOVES are being collected for the Eastside Community Center in Columbus.  All donations may be put either in the box in the narthex or the front hall of school by Friday, December 8.

TICKETS for Trinity’s donation drawing, Tickets for Textbooks, need to be purchased from our Trinity representatives, Sue Voelker or Tom Schroer, before this Friday, December 8.

BLOOD DRIVE:  Trinity Lutheran High School, this Thursday, December 7, 2:00-6:00 p.m., sponsored by Trinity junior, Riley Bartells as his Eagle Scout project.  Please consider giving to this life-saving effort!

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    1 Cor. 1:9              

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”  The faithfulness of God is our great comfort.  He has made promises to us and He will keep them.  He is kind and loving toward us and will not break faith with us.  This gives us the confidence to step out in faith, to leave fear behind.  So when it comes to following the Lord’s commandments for our daily lives: we know His will is best for us because our God is faithful.

                          T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

November 26 Weekly News

MANY THANKS TO Pastor Ben Lorenz for leading our worship today.  Pastor Whitmore will be back for this Wednesday evening’s 7:00 p.m. worship.

MOST HIGHLY FAVORED LADY: MEDITATIONS OF THE FAITH OF MARY, MOTHER OF OUR LORD

As we look to the blessed virgin named Mary who bore the Son of God in her womb, what do we know about her?  As we enter the season of Advent next Sunday, we will turn our focus to Mary and what Scripture says concerning her and her faith.  We will look at the visitation of the angel Gabriel, Mary’s visit with Elizabeth, and Mary’s song-known as the Magnificat-which is found in Luke 1.  May God bless you as we head into this penitential season of preparation, and may He strengthen your faith.

  

TIME AND TALENT SURVEY:  If you did not receive a Time and Talent Survey yet, please ask an usher or the elder for one.  Please take a minute to complete the Survey and hand it to the usher as you leave today.  We would like a completed Survey from each confirmed member of our congregation.

DECEMBER CALENDAR AND NEWS will be available from the ushers after today’s worship.

CHILDRENS’ CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM DRAWINGS:  Children’s artwork will again be featured in this year’s Christmas Eve bulletin.  Submit your black/white drawing on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper (drawn with black ink is best).  Preschoolers will draw something in their Sunday School class.  Please turn in to Jessica Morphew by next Sunday, December 3.

CHOIR PRACTICE for our special Songs and Readings service planned for December 24 at 9:00 a.m. will be held December 6, 13, and 20 at 5:00 p.m. in church.  Questions???  Please contact Lori Hill at 812-350-1474.

LADIES AID will be meeting for their holiday luncheon this Thursday, November 30, at 11:30 a.m. at Stahl’s Restaurant in Brownstown.  Please respond to Jean Voelker (812-216-1489) by TODAY.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

BIDS FOR SCHOOL CUSTODIAN need to be submitted to the church office before the 5:30 p.m. meeting of the Board of Education on Thursday, December 14.  Dates for cleaning run from June 1 – May 31.

OUR SCHOOL STUDENTS are currently selling butter braids and cheesecakes.  If you would like to place an order for these delicious items, please see any student or check with Becky in the office.  All orders are due by this Friday, December 1.

SCRIP GIFT CARDS:  If you give gift cards for Christmas, you can order them through Scrip - convenient for you and helps earn funds for our school!   Check with Becky before Thursday, December 7, for a Scrip order form. 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL is sponsoring a donation drawing, Tickets for Textbooks.  For every $20 donated, a ticket will be placed in a drawing for one of three items – a 2018 Ranger Polaris XP 900 EPS, a Tikka T3K Hunter .308 caliber rifle, or an LG 55” Ultra HD 4K Smart HDTV.  Donate $100 and get 6 tickets (buy 5, get 1 free).  See our Trinity representatives, Sue Voelker or Tom Schroer, to make your donation or check at any of Trinity’s upcoming sporting events.  The drawing will be held at the home boys’ basketball game on Friday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m.

A CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE will be held at the Trinity Resale Shop in Seymour this Thursday-Saturday, November 30-December 2.  Hours are 9 a.m.-5p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday.  Come out and shop and enjoy delicious refreshments!

BLOOD DRIVE:  Trinity Lutheran High School, Thursday, December 7, 2:00-6:00 p.m., sponsored by Trinity junior, Riley Bartells as his Eagle Scout project.  Please consider giving to this life-saving effort!

  

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 25:44              

“Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick in prison and did not minister to you?”  With this parable, Jesus once again emphasizes that our good works come from who we are, not the other way around.  Sheep do sheep works, and goats do goat works.  So first things first: if we want to live more faithfully, let us come to Jesus, receive His gifts, and ask Him to increase our faith!

                          T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

November 19 Weekly News

THE POPE…. The Word conjures up many different thoughts.  Some say he’s the bishop of Rome and nowhere else.  Others say that he is the true earthly head of the Christian Church.  Still others say that he is the antichrist.  What do we with one voice believe and confess about the office of Pope?  Come to Bible study today when we will begin looking into what our confessions say about this office. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL grades 1-8 will begin practice for the Christmas program in church today.  Preschool – Kindergarten will meet in the kindergarten room to practice their songs.

TIME AND TALENT SURVEY:  If you did not receive a Time and Talent Survey yet, please ask an usher or the elder for one.  Please take a minute to complete the Survey and hand it to the usher as you leave today.  We would like a completed Survey from each confirmed member of our congregation.

OUR THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP with Holy Communion will be held this Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.  In thanksgiving to God for our many blessings, we will be gathering non-perishable food items for the local food pantry.  Donations may be left in the narthex beginning today through Thanksgiving Eve.

CHILDRENS’ CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM DRAWINGS:  Children’s artwork will again be featured in this year’s Christmas Eve bulletin.  Submit your black/white drawing on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper (drawn with black ink is best).  Preschoolers will draw something in their Sunday School class.  Please turn in to Jessica Morphew by Sunday, December 3.

CHOIR PRACTICE for our special Songs and Readings service planned for December 24 at 9:00 a.m. will be held December 6, 13, and 20 at 5:00 p.m. in church.  Questions???  Please contact Lori Hill at 812-350-1474.

SENIOR LEAGUE will meet this evening at 5:30 p.m. at Bob Evans Restaurant for supper and will then return to the fellowship room for socializing.

YOUTH will meet this evening at 7:00 p.m.

PASTOR WHITMORE & FAMILY will be visiting family over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Pastor Ben Lorenz will be leading us in worship next Sunday.  Pastor Whitmore will be back for the November 29 Wednesday evening worship.

LADIES AID will be meeting for their holiday luncheon on Thursday, November 30, at 11:30 a.m. at Stahl’s Restaurant in Brownstown.  Please respond to Jean Voelker (812-216-1489) by November 26.

THE CHURCH OFFICE HOURS will be flexible this week, due to Thanksgiving break.  Please call before you come!

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

OPEN POSITION:  Trinity Lutheran High School is taking applications for a varsity volleyball head coach.  Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume, and references to the Trinity office by December 1.  Contact AD Aaron Rudzinski or Principal Ben Stellwagen for more information at 812-524-8547.

THE WINTER WONDERLAND Arts & Crafts Festival will be held at Trinity Lutheran High School next Saturday, November 25, from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL is sponsoring a donation drawing, Tickets for Textbooks.  For every $20 donated, a ticket will be placed in a drawing for one of three items – a 2018 Ranger Polaris XP 900 EPS, a Tikka T3K Hunter .308 caliber rifle, or an LG 55” Ultra HD 4K Smart HDTV.  Donate $100 and get 6 tickets (buy 5, get 1 free).  See our Trinity representatives, Sue Voelker or Tom Schroer, to make your donation or check at any of Trinity’s upcoming sporting events.  The drawing will be held at the home boys’ basketball game on Friday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 25:30              

“And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness.”  Why did the worthless servant act the way he did?  Because of what he believed about the Master.  He didn’t trust or love the Master – and so his actions did not demonstrate love and trust, but rather hate and mistrust.  It’s the same with us, but in reverse: since we know our Lord God to be faithful and kind, we desire to serve Him and render faithful service with what He has given us.  T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T

November 12 Weekly News

THE POPE…. The Word conjures up many different thoughts.  Some say he’s the bishop of Rome and nowhere else.  Others say that he is the true earthly head of the Christian Church.  Still others say that he is the antichrist.  What do we with one voice believe and confess about the office of Pope?  As we meet for Bible study next Sunday, we will begin looking into what our confessions say about this office.  Hope to see you there!  In Christ, Pastor Whitmore. 

SUNDAY SCHOOL grades 1-8 will begin practice for the Christmas program in church next Sunday.  Preschool – Kindergarten will meet in the kindergarten room to practice their songs.

TIME AND TALENT SURVEY:  If you did not receive a Time and Talent Survey last Sunday/Wednesday, please ask an usher or the elder for one.  Please take a minute to complete the Survey and hand it to the usher when you leave today.  We would like a completed Survey from each confirmed member of our congregation.

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS:  Persons who would like to order/renew their subscription to The Lutheran Witness may contact Becky in the church office.  Cost for the year subscription is $19.  Checks may be made payable to our church.  Order deadline is TODAY.

CHILDRENS’ CHRISTMAS EVE PROGRAM DRAWINGS:  Children’s artwork will again be featured in this year’s Christmas Eve bulletin.  Submit your black/white drawing on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper (drawn with black ink is best).  Preschoolers will draw something in their Sunday School class.  Please turn in to Jessica Morphew by Sunday, December 3.

A SERVICE OF CAROLS AND READINGS will be held at our 9:00 a.m. worship on December 24.  If you would like to participate in a special choir for this service, please contact Lori Hill at 812-350-1474 as soon as possible.

THE STEWARDSHIP BOARD will meet this Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.

GUILD MEMBERS are reminded of their meeting this Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.

DECEMBER CALENDAR AND NEWS ITEMS need to be given to Becky by this Thursday.

SENIOR LEAGUE will meet next Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m. at Bob Evans Restaurant for supper and will then return to the fellowship room for socializing.

YOUTH will meet next Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m.

FOOD GATHERING: In thanksgiving to God for our many blessings, we will be gathering non-perishable food items again this year for the local food pantry.  Donations may be left in the narthex beginning next Sunday through Thanksgiving Eve.

THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE is requesting that if you are interested in serving in an office and have not received a nomination letter, please contact Bryan Schroer (812-343-5352.  The following offices are up for re-election this year:

            Chairman                                 Board of Evangelism

            General Fund Treasurer          Board of Stewardship

            Elder                                       Dist. Convention Delegate

            Synodical Treasurer                Usher

            Third Trustee                           Trinity Board

            Board of Education               

BUILDING FUND UPDATE: The balance of our “Arise and Build” school expansion loan as of last Sunday was $13,513.00.  Envelopes for any remaining pledges/contributions are available in the narthex.

POSITION AVAILABLE:  The school board at St John’s White Creek Lutheran School is accepting applications for the position of Principal.  The position is full-time and will involve working with students from grades K-8. The position requires the candidate to have a Master’s Degree and Administrative Licensing. The individual may have teaching duties in addition to administration responsibilities. We are seeking someone caring and diligent about the Christian education of our children, so a Lutheran background and Synodical training is preferred.  Please send your resume to the school office by January 11, 2018.

LADIES AID will be meeting for their holiday luncheon on Thursday, November 30, at 11:30 a.m. at Stahl’s Restaurant in Brownstown.  Please respond to Jean Voelker (812-216-1489) by November 26.

DEPOSITS OF $50 (church), $313 (school) and $35 (Foundation) have been made on behalf of Thrivent Financial’s Thrivent Choice program by the directed Choice Dollars of Ken & Kyra Bode, Duane Eckelman, Keith & Amy Mensendiek, Tom Schroer, Kristin Simons, and Dr. Timothy & Lindsey Von Fange.

THE ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN netted $7,680.74 at the Ethnic Expo.  This organization is very thankful for your church for providing volunteers to work the food booth, the cultural booth, and build the float for the parade.  These funds are very helpful for shipping relief items to Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico.

EMANUEL, DUDLEYTOWN, will host its Harvest Festival this evening from 3:30-7:00 p.m.  A free-will offering will be received and carry-outs available.  Crafts and baked goods will also be featured.

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL is sponsoring a donation drawing, Tickets for Textbooks.  For every $20 donated, a ticket will be placed in a drawing for one of three items – a 2018 Ranger Polaris XP 900 EPS, a Tikka T3K Hunter .308 caliber rifle, or an LG 55” Ultra HD 4K Smart HDTV.  Donate $100 and get 6 tickets (buy 5, get 1 free).  See our Trinity representatives, Sue Voelker or Tom Schroer, to make your donation or check at any of Trinity’s upcoming sporting events.  The drawing will be held at the home boys’ basketball game on Friday, December 8, at 7:30 p.m.

STEWARDSHIP THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK:    Matt. 25:4              

“…but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.”  Why did they take flasks of oil with them?  Because they listened to the Bridegroom’s words and believed them.  Our actions always start with and flow from our beliefs.  What do your actions in the realm of stewardship say about what you believe?

T BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEK! T