December Weekly News

THE ADVENT SEASON begins today.  Advent means "coming" as we prepare to celebrate our Savior's birth.  The first candle lit on the Advent wreath is the Candle of Hope.  We can have hope because God is faithful and will keep the promises He has made to us.  Our hope comes from God.  "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."  Romans 15:13

 

ADVENT DEVOTIONS:  Advent devotions are available online at www.lcms.org (search for LHM Advent devotions). 

 

THE DECEMBER VOTERS' MEETING will be held after church TODAY to approve the slate of candidates nominated for 2014 church offices.

 

THE YOUTH GROUPS will be decorating the church for Christmas TODAY after Sunday School.

 

OUR FIRST MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP will be held this Wednesday, December 4, at 7:00 PM.  A six-word story tells a story in just six words.  This Advent, we will hear three such stories that make all the difference!  The Lutheran Men's Chorus will be providing special music.  The Youth will be serving a spaghetti supper before worship, beginning at 5:45 PM.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE:  As Christmas is rapidly approaching, it is time to start practicing for this year's Children's Christmas Eve Service.  In order to avoid discontinuing Sunday School while we prepare for this service, the practice schedule will be a little different this year.  All Sunday School children will practice the music at the opening and closing of Sunday School each week.  Additionally, children with speaking/acting parts are asked to stay after Sunday School to practice their parts.  Lunch will be provided.  Needed are a Mary, Joseph, three shepherds, three angels/soloists, and many readers.  We will also have some of the smaller children as sheep, but they will not be required to stay after Sunday School.

 

CHRISTMAS PRE-SERVICE MUSIC:  Anyone interested in performing a musical number (instrumental or vocal) prior to the start of the Children's Christmas Eve Service is asked to send an email to sundayschool@whitecreek.org.

 

THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  If you would like to order The Lutheran Annual, please contact Becky by next Sunday, December 8.  Cost is $24.99 plus shipping .

 

THE LADIES AID/GUILD COOKIE SALE will be held next Sunday, December 8, after worship.  Any and all cookie donations would be appreciated.  Please bring 4-5 dozen cookies to the school (go through the front door upstairs) on Saturday, December  7, by 1:00 PM.

 

CHRISTMAS CAROLING:  If you would like to go Christmas caroling to the nursing homes and to some of our shut-ins, meet at the Fellowship Room next Sunday, December 8, at 3:00 PM.  After caroling, cookies and hot chocolate will be served in the Fellowship Room.  Questions???  Contact Mary Anne Schneider (812-521-2984).

 

CHRISTMAS POINSETTIAS:  Persons who would like to place poinsettias on the Altar for the Christmas season are asked to contact Karen Schlehuser (342-6140).  Flowers may be purchased individually or ordered through Karen.

 

CHRISTMAS CARD DELIVERY:  Our Youth will be delivering Christmas cards locally on Tuesday, December 17, after school.  Cost is 25 cents/card.  A drop box is in the narthex.

 

CHRISTMAS EVE TREATS:  Donations for the children's Christmas Eve candy treats may be given to the Elder on duty or to any of the ushers. 

 

THE LADIES AID Christmas Party will be held on Wednesday, December 11, at 12 noon at Batar's Tea Room.  Please make your reservation with Kathryn Taulman (405-2774) or Betty McCrory (342-3580) by next Sunday, December 8.

 

ANNUAL LIVING NATIVITY:  St. Peter Lutheran Church, Waymansville, will hold its 6th Annual Living Nativity this coming Friday, December 6, from 5:30-8:30 PM. 

November 24 Weekly News

DECEMBER CALENDARS AND NEWS will be available from the ushers after today's worship.

 

THE CHURCH COUNCIL will meet for a brief meeting TODAY after worship.  Members are asked to please remain in church.

 

SHOE BOXES for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child need to be brought to Sunday School TODAY.  Please don’t forget to include the $7 for shipping.  If you would prefer to give a monetary donation only, that is also an option. 

 

OUR THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP with Holy Communion will be held this Wednesday, November 27, at 7:00 PM.  We will be gathering non-perishable food items that evening to take to the local food pantry.

 

BULLETIN ITEMS for next Sunday need to be given to Becky by TOMORROW.  The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

THE DECEMBER VOTERS' MEETING will be held after church next Sunday to approve the slate of candidates nominated for 2014 church offices.

 

THE YOUTH GROUPS will be decorating the church for Christmas next Sunday after Sunday School.

 

CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE:  As Christmas is rapidly approaching, it is time to start practicing for this year's Children's Christmas Eve Service.  In order to avoid discontinuing Sunday School while we prepare for this service, the practice schedule will be a little different this year.  All Sunday School children will practice the music at the opening and closing of Sunday School each week.  Additionally, children with speaking/acting parts are asked to stay after Sunday School to practice their parts.  Lunch will be provided.  Needed are a Mary, Joseph, three shepherds, three angels/soloists, and many readers.  We will also have some of the smaller children as sheep, but they will not be required to stay after Sunday School.

 

CHRISTMAS PRE-SERVICE MUSIC:  Anyone interested in performing a musical number (instrumental or vocal) prior to the start of the Children's Christmas Eve Service is asked to send an email to sundayschool@whitecreek.org.

 

THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  If you would like to order The Lutheran Annual, please contact Becky by Sunday, December 8.  Cost is $24.99 plus shipping .

 

THE LADIES AID/GUILD COOKIE SALE will be held on Sunday, December 8, after worship.  Any and all cookie donations would be appreciated.  Please bring 4-5 dozen cookies to the school (go through the front door upstairs) on Saturday, December  7, by 1:00 PM.

 

ANNUAL LIVING NATIVITY:  St. Peter Lutheran Church, Waymansville, will hold its 6th Annual Living Nativity on Friday, December 6, from 5:30-8:30 PM.  King James, the camel, will be back along with some of his animal friends.  There will also be activities for the kids and free cookies, coffee, and hot chocolate in the Parish Hall.  Also featured will be a photo op set up to take pictures of your children in costume.  The Bethlehem Choir will be caroling in church, in "Bethlehem", and at the Waymansville store during the evening.  (The store will stay open later and will be featuring their delicious pizzas, sold by the slice or by the pie.)  All are invited to join in this celebration of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

WCLS SPIRIT WEAR:  Orders are now being taken for White Creek Lutheran School long and short sleeved t-shirts, sweatshirts (hoodies), and pj pants.  Order forms are available in the narthex.  All orders with payments need to be turned in to the school office by this Tuesday, November 26.

November 17 Weekly News

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS are reminded to meet this evening at Bob Evans Restaurant at 5:30 PM for supper and then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.

 

YOUTH GROUPS will meet this evening at 7:00 PM.

 

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

 

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet this Wednesday, November 20, at 7:30 PM (after worship).

 

THE CHURCH COUNCIL will meet for a brief meeting next Sunday, November 24, after worship.

 

OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN will be assembling shoe boxes for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child.  Shoebox labels and instructions for packing the shoebox were sent with those students.  All shoeboxes need to be returned by NEXT Sunday, November 24.  Please don’t forget to include the $7 for shipping.  If you would prefer to give a monetary donation only, that is also an option. 

 

OUR THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP with Holy Communion will be held on Wednesday, November 27, at 7:00 PM.  We will be gathering non-perishable food items that evening to take to the local food pantry.

 

CROSSLIFE MINISTRIES AUXILIARY will meet tomorrow at 7:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Members from Redeemer and St. Paul's, Jonesville, will host the meeting.  The agenda will include election and installation of officers, distribution of proceeds from the Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale, and 2014 Sunshine can donations recipients.  All are invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with the counseling ministry to individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.

 

DINNER/AUCTION:  Camp Lakeview will hold its 9th annual dinner/auction next Saturday, November 23, at the Clarion Hotel, Columbus.  Tickets are $65 per person or a table of 10 for $600.  All proceeds benefit the ministry at Camp Lakeview.  For more information, contact Camp Lakeview at 342-4815 or Keith & Amy Mensendiek at 342-4981.  Come out for a night of fun, fellowship, and possibly a bargain or two!

 

DEPOSITS OF $320.00 and $8,872.00 have been made to the church and school accounts on behalf of the Thrivent Financial for Lutherans' Thrivent Choice Program.  A list of those persons who directed their Choice Dollars for this is posted on the bulletin board in the front hall of school.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO the following persons who were drawn for the Walmart gift cards at the recent Thrivent election:  Lindsay Paluch (the $25 card), Chris Newkirk, Mason Newkirk, Jared Newkirk, Cari Hercamp, Karen Burbrink, Marguerite Meyer, Mike Hatton, Joan Schlehuser, Melissa Hatton, and Max Hoffman.  If you have not yet received your card, see Mrs. Buss.

 

THE LUTHERAN ANNUAL:  If you would like to order The Lutheran Annual, please contact Becky by Sunday, December 8.  Cost is $24.99 plus shipping .

 

MANY THANKS TO all who supported our Aluminum Can Drive this past weekend.

 

THE WINTER WONDERLAND Arts & Crafts Festival will be held at Trinity Lutheran High School on Saturday, November 30, from 9:00 AM-2:00 PM.  Get your Christmas gifts and assorted crafts - lunch will be available, and the junior class will host a bake sale.

November 10 Weekly News

BASKET BINGO NIGHT:  White Creek Lutheran School will be hosting its 14th annual Basket Bingo Night this Friday, November 15.  The doors will open at 5:30 PM, with bingo beginning at 6:30 PM.  Food will be available for purchase as well as raffle tickets for prize drawings.  Tickets for the bingo games are $20 per person for 20 games ($25 at the door) and may be purchased from any WCLS student or ordered through the school office (812-342-6832).  Bingo prizes will be Longaberger products.  All proceeds will go to the students' Chicago trip fund.

 

THE ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE is going on yet today.  A trailer is parked on the church/school grounds to receive items.  Many thanks from our school's WCA for your support.

 

BUTTER BRAID/CHEESECAKE ORDERS may be placed through the office yet tomorrow.  Check in the narthex for an order form.  This fundraiser is sponsored by our school, with all proceeds going to the children's field trip fund.

 

SENIOR LEAGUE MEMBERS will meet next Sunday at Bob Evans Restaurant at 5:30 PM for supper and then return to the Fellowship Room for their monthly meeting and socializing.

 

YOUTH GROUPS will meet next Sunday evening at 7:00 PM.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL will hold a reception and fellowship time this afternoon at 3:00 PM to celebrate its new FFA building.  Pastor Martin Keller, pastor of St. Paul, Wegan, will conduct the dedication, while Dr. Steve Brown, the National FFA Advisor and Chairman of the Board, will speak.  Light refreshments will be served.  Everyone invited.

 

TLHS will be hosting its Annual Veterans Day Program tomorrow, Monday, November 11, from 10:00-11:00 AM.  Keynote speaker will be State Representative Jim Lucas, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  The Trinity choir and band will perform a variety of patriotic songs throughout the program.  Everyone welcome.

 

DR. PAUL MAIER will speak at Grace Lutheran Church this coming Saturday evening, November 16, from 6-8 PM and Sunday morning, November 17, 9:15-10:15 AM.  He will speak on "Christianity and the Competition."  Everyone invited.

 

CROSSLIFE MINISTRIES AUXILIARY will meet Monday, November 18, at 7:00 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church.  Members from Redeemer and St. Paul's, Jonesville, will host the meeting.  The agenda will include election and installation of officers, distribution of proceeds from the Fall Luncheon and Bake Sale, and 2014 Sunshine can donations recipients.  All are invited to enjoy the evening of fellowship and become more familiar with the counseling ministry to individuals, marriages, and families throughout Jackson and Bartholomew counties.

 

DINNER/AUCTION:  Camp Lakeview will hold its 9th annual dinner/auction on Saturday, November 23, at the Clarion Hotel, Columbus.  Tickets are $65 per person or a table of 10 for $600.  All proceeds benefit the ministry at Camp Lakeview.  For more information, contact Camp Lakeview at 342-4815 or Keith & Amy Mensendiek at 342-4981.  Come out for a night of fun, fellowship, and possibly a bargain or two!

 

2014 TRINITY AUCTION: Trinity's auction committee is looking for supporters who would be willing to donate major event tickets to this year's auction.  The tickets could be to major pro or college events such as football, baseball, or basketball games, concerts, racing, or dinner theatres, etc.  They are also looking for anyone who would be interested in donating a week's stay at a timeshare or at a personal vacation property.  Please contact the Trinity development office at 812-524-8547 or Joe Otte at 812-603-8371.

November 3 Weekly News

THRIVENT ELECTIONS are being held TODAY before and after church.  Please check in the narthex.  Those voting will be entered in a drawing for gift cards.

 

PHIL'S FRIENDS card making will be held THIS EVENING from 6:00-7:00 PM (before Youth) in the Fellowship Room.  Cards will be made on the first Sunday of each month throughout the school year.  Everyone is welcome to come help!

 

OUR CHURCH'S 175TH ANNIVERSARY will be celebrated during 2015.  If you would like to serve on a committee to help plan this celebration, please contact Pastor Cook or Becky in the church office.

 

DINNER/AUCTION:  Camp Lakeview will hold its 9th annual dinner/auction on Saturday, November 23, at the Clarion Hotel, Columbus.  Tickets are $65 per person or a table of 10 for $600.  All proceeds benefit the ministry at Camp Lakeview.  For more information, contact Camp Lakeview at 342-4815 or Keith & Amy Mensendiek at 342-4981.  Come out for a night of fun, fellowship, and possibly a bargain or two!

 

GUILD MEMBERS are reminded of their meeting this Wednesday, November 6, at 7:30 PM (after worship).  Everyone is encouraged to bring a guest - any and all ladies are welcome to come!

 

AN ALUMINUM CAN DRIVE will be held this coming weekend, November 8-10.  A trailer will be parked on the church/school grounds to receive items.

 

 

"MANY THANKS to everyone for their prayers, cards, flowers, memorials, and funeral home visits to us at the passing of our father and grandfather, Lester Enzinger.  The many kindnesses extended to us were such blessings." - The Enzinger Family

 

DR. PAUL MAIER will speak at Grace Lutheran Church on Saturday evening, November 16, from 6-8 PM and on Sunday morning, November 17, 9:15-10:15 AM.  He will speak on "Christianity and the Competition."  Everyone invited.

 

TRINITY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL will hold a reception and fellowship time next Sunday, November 10, at 3:00 PM to celebrate its new FFA building.  Pastor Martin Keller, pastor of St. Paul, Wegan, will conduct the dedication, while Dr. Steve Brown, the National FFA Advisor and Chairman of the Board, will speak.  Light refreshments will be served.  Everyone invited.

 

TLHS will be hosting its Annual Veterans Day Program on Monday, November 11, from 10:00-11:00 AM.  Keynote speaker will be State Representative Jim Lucas, a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.  The Trinity choir and band will perform a variety of patriotic songs throughout the program.  Everyone welcome.

 

FINANCIAL UPDATE:  In order to meet our obligations for 2013, we will be needing about $95,000 to finish the year and begin 2014.  Please consider your personal goals of giving as well as the blessings God has given both your family and your church here at White Creek as we enter the Advent season. - Mark Buss, General Fund Treasurer  

 

BASKET BINGO NIGHT:  White Creek Lutheran School will be hosting its 14th annual Basket Bingo Night on Friday, November 15.  The doors will open at 5:30 PM, with bingo beginning at 6:30 PM.  Food will be available for purchase as well as raffle tickets for prize drawings.  Tickets for the bingo games are $20 per person for 20 games and may be purchased from any WCLS student or ordered through the school office (812-342-6832).  Bingo prizes will be Longaberger products.  All proceeds will go to the students' Chicago trip fund.

 

OUR SCHOOL is currently sponsoring a Butter Braid/Cheesecake fundraiser.  If interested in ordering any of these tasty items, see any WCLS student by next Sunday, November 10.  All proceeds go to the students' field trip fund.

October 27 Weekly News

DR. MARTIN LUTHER'S Coat of Arms is pictured on today's bulletin in observance of Reformation Sunday (Reformation Day is this Thursday, October 31).  This seal was designed by Martin Luther and has become the primary emblem of the Lutheran Church.  Comprising it are: the black cross, for faith in Christ crucified; the red heart, for faith in the Savior; the white rose, to show that faith in the Spirit is the beginning of heavenly joy to come; and the golden ring surrounding all, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless.

 

TODAY'S ALTAR FLOWERS have been given in thanksgiving and celebration of the 55th wedding anniversary of Lloyd & Jean Meyer by their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild.  May God grant you many more happy years together, Lloyd & Jean!

 

NOVEMBER CALENDAR AND NEWS will be available from the ushers after today's worship.

 

THE BOARD OF EDUCATION will meet today after Sunday School.

 

THRIVENT ELECTIONS will be held next Sunday before and after church.  Please check in the narthex.  Those voting will be entered in a drawing for gift cards.

 

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to help with the organ installation this week.  Work times are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning from 9:00 AM - Noon, Monday evening, 6-10 PM, Tuesday afternoon, 1-5 PM, Thursday afternoon, 1-4:30 PM, and Friday evening, 6-10 PM.  Check the church blog for more information as to what work will be done during each time.

 

THE CHURCH FOUNDATION has provided funds of $9683.00 to cover the purchase of the new copier for the church and school.

 

DINNER/AUCTION:  Camp Lakeview will hold its 9th annual dinner/auction on Saturday, November 23, at the Clarion Hotel, Columbus.  Tickets are $65 per person or a table of 10 for $600.  All proceeds benefit the ministry at Camp Lakeview.  For more information, contact Camp Lakeview at 342-4815 or Keith & Amy Mensendiek at 342-4981.  Come out for a night of fun, fellowship, and possibly a bargain or two!

 

BRICKS:  The new bricks that were ordered have been put into place.  If you need help in locating your brick, contact Ernie & Donna Dettmer or Larry & Janice Claycamp.  Orders will be taken again next summer.

 

BASKET BINGO NIGHT:  White Creek Lutheran School will be hosting its 14th annual Basket Bingo Night on Friday, November 15.  The doors will open at 5:30 PM, with bingo beginning at 6:30 PM.  Food will be available for purchase as well as raffle tickets for prize drawings.  Tickets for the bingo games are $20 per person for 20 games and may be purchased from any WCLS student or ordered through the school office (812-342-6832).  Bingo prizes will be Longaberger products.  All proceeds will go to the students' Chicago trip fund.

 

HARVEST PARTY:  The Youth Groups of St. John’s will be sponsoring a Harvest Party next Saturday, November 2, from 6:00-8:00 PM here in our gym.  Food, games, and prizes will be among the activities for the evening.  Tickets will be sold at the door - wear your costume as there will be judging and prizes awarded.  Parents are asked to accompany their children.

 

SOUP SUPPER:  St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Brownstown, is hosting their annual Soup Supper THIS EVENING from 4:00-7:00 PM.  The menu includes various soups and sandwiches, as well as assorted homemade salads and desserts.  Also featured will be a Country Store, offering fresh garden produce, handmade crafts, and homemade baked items.  Everyone invited.

 

MANY THANKS:  "Emily and I would like to express our thanks to everyone for the cards and gifts that you gave for Pastor Appreciation Month.  We are truly blessed to have such a caring church family, and we love you all very much!  We also would like to express our thanks to the Guild and everyone who was involved in the kitchen project - the new kitchen has made preparing food for our large family much easier!" - Pastor Cook

Some helpful thoughts on the 3rd commandment from James Kushiner

We Are Invited

Too often Sunday worship is thought of as a religious obligation to be fulfilled lest God be disappointed at our absence, even counting it as a strike against us. Grudgingly we go, maybe after sleeping in later than we do on other days of the week.

It is true that the sense of obligation is difficult to erase--not that we should attempt to erase it. But the sense obligation toward God should be lost in the joy and gratitude and anticipation we can experience when we realize that in coming we are responding to a divine invitation to receive more than we can ever bring. Indeed, especially coming to the Table of the Lord in Communion, we come as the invited "poor, the maimed, the lame, and the blind," who cannot repay the One who invites us, but we receive healing in our coming.

We believe and we confess that apart from Christ we can do nothing, and also that we have no life in us apart from having His life in us (John 6:53). 

Admittedly, the world presses in on us throughout the week, including on Sundays, so that we find it a struggle to serve God, rather than mammon, and hard to love God and not the things of the world. 

Sunday can be our touchstone. Sunday worship can put us in touch with our true home and the table around which the saints through all eternity enjoy the fellowship of the Lord. We receive the words of the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins; we gather with the heavenly hosts, in the heavenly Jerusalem. We are invited to a rich feast provided for us by a gracious Lord, who blesses us beyond anything we can imagine or deserve.

Sunday is, then, first and foremost a Day of Invitation. If the King invites us to his table, it is natural that we should be very pleased to attend. It's an obligation only when the obvious has to be pointed out to us--that it's not only for our own good, but also for our very best good. It is a day of Rest in the Lord, a foretaste of the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.

Yours for Christ, Creed & Culture,

James M. Kushiner

Executive Director, The Fellowship of St. James