Care Givers



FROM THE

PASTOR

The War On Advent, Keeping Christ In Christmas

“But when the right time came, God sent his Son into the world. A woman gave birth to him, and…God sent him…so that we would be adopted as his children.” Galatians 4:4-5

I love the traditions of Christmas. Decorations. Music. Worship. Get togethers. Food. Snow. Unfortunately, there is one tradition experiencing a slow erosion in the Christian church. That tradition is Advent.

Christmas, Jesus’ birthday, is a matter of timing as we see in the above scripture text from the Apostle Paul. God’s timing to be more precise. Advent is the four week season of timing in our schedules for waiting in anticipation of this coming birth of the Messiah.

Yet if we forgo making room for Advent in December, then we as the church perpetuate the war on Advent and therefore on Christmas. It is more than an issue of ‘Happy Holidays’, church and state, or red cups. When we let our faith life go unprepared we have lost the reason for the season to begin with. We forget who we are preparing for. Consequently, the holy day season of Advent and Christmas becomes just another excuse for time off from school or work while eating more than we should.

Don’t get me wrong. I love singing Christmas carols throughout the 12th month of the year. But I also respect the four week tradition of singing Advent hymns and practicing other Advent habits for the very reasons mentioned above. If we don’t practice these time honored Christian traditions of preparation and contemplation, then we as the church become as guilty as the ‘aggressive progressive’ culture around us for reducing Christmas to another generic secular holiday.

All should indeed have the liberty to say “Merry Christmas”. We as followers of Christ also need to perpetuate the keeping of Christ in Christmas. How? Feed the hungry. Provide winter clothing. Take time for family. Practice Advent. Make peace among family. Promote mental health. Protect the vulnerable. Have compassion for those who are alone. All these things in the name of Christ. And share the Christmas story with persons who have no idea why Jesus was born for them.

Christ was born. Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again.

Prepare your four week Advent season to have a Merry Christmas,

Pr. Will

Address Notification

Please remember to notify the church office if you have changed your e-mail address or phone number, especially if you have given up your land line and switched to your cell phone. St. Mark’s does not give out or sell member’s addresses/phone numbers. The information is used internally to keep you informed.

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COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS & GUIDELINES: The St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Scholarship Committee has made changes and updates to the scholarship application process. Most noteworthy is making scholarships renewable. Scholarship renewals are contingent on funds being available after scholarships are awarded to graduating high school seniors. It is important to note the scholarships are funded by monies given to the church and specifically designated for college scholarship. No monies are taken from current offerings. Scholarship guidelines and applications can be picked up in the church office and will also be available on the church website. **Deadline for application submission is January 15, 2016.**

Need A Ride to Church? Call Stan Schumm during December at 419-238-1668.

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Luncheon Thankoffering Ingathering

Welcome ALL ladies of St. Mark’s to come to our WELCA Advent Christmas Luncheon, on Sunday, December 6th after the 10:30 worship service. A delicious lunch will be prepared by the kitchen committee to be served at 12 noon followed by a presentation will be given by Betsy Rhoades on her experiences in the Ukraine working with children. It will be a great time to the beginning of our Advent season. Hope to see ALL of you on Sunday, December 6th at 12:00 p.m.

DECEMBER 14th for the January 2016 Messenger. Submit your items on or before the 14th. Please have your items written/typed before you bring them. Meisa

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Notes Of

Thanks

Thank you so much for the prayer shawl. My husband received one last year and I know he enjoys his. This will come in handy this winter. God bless each and every one of you. Gina Say

Thank you: Your kindness was more than heartwarming. The “special” throws for me and my sister will be forever comforting. They are both so beautiful and to just know the time and effort that you each put into them warms our hearts. Your love is deeply appreciated by us both. With love,

Linda Sink & Debbie Browder

Thank you so much for the lovely prayer shawl I received at the Cancer Center in Van Wert. All the love and prayers that went into it is very much appreciated. I know God will bless your ministry.

Doug Miller

Thank you to Rick, Cary, Kiersten and Raegan Roehm for hosting the Awesome Families Autumn Festival at their farm. 40 people attended and all had a great time with games, food, hayride and fellowship!

A big THANK YOU to our congregation. The Trunk or Treat event was a huge success. We had 17 cars (goal 15) and candy donated for 15 cars. You met that goal and we only provided extra for the 2 additional cars. What a wonderful showing of faith for St. Mark's on Washington Street as cars and trucks went by honking horns. There were between 800 and 900 children again this year that were treated. They were met with beautiful costumed people and scary decorated cars along the way. Prizes went to Jim and Joan Holland for best themed car; Lori McVaigh and family for best costumes; and Rick and Cary Roehm and family for best decorated car. Thanks again St. Mark's Congregation for your help and support for this Outreach Program into the community. Thanks to those who donated candy, and participants in the Trunk or Treat event. Hope you all had a great time! Thanks to Joan Holland, Sue Noggle, Deb Russell, and Wayne and Alicia Hickerson for helping count all the candy! Phyllis Kill

Thank you: Life’s a lot brighter, and happier too because of thoughtful people like you. Thank you again for the beautiful prayer shawl. Connie Marsee

Notes Of

Thanks (cont.)

Thank you so much for the beautiful prayer shawl. It is not only beautiful but makes me feel very warm and that you care.

Berneice Davis

Thank you: What a pleasant surprise when upon entering my doctor’s office for a recent appointment, a very kind member of your group presented me with one of your shawl. What a lovely and comforting ministry for which I am grateful as well as a reminder to me that I am to pray for others and that others are praying for me. Thank you and may God bless your unique ministry! Bill Swank

Thank you for taking part in Pregnancy Life Center’s Walk for Life. You had 1 walker raise $390. This amount, combined with all the walkers, gave us a record amount of $35,000 raised! Blessings, Trina Langdon, Director

Thank you: Many thanks for the prayer shawl. It has blessed me and my family. Thank you,

Donna Anderson

Thank you for the prayer shawls provided at the funeral home this week. Your love and care put into the shawls is felt by all.

The Virginia Harter Family

Thank you to all of my St. Mark’s family who called, visited or sent cards during the surgery for a broken hip and time spent at Van Wert Manor Rehab. Also, a special thanks to Stephanie Fennig, Marcia Weldy and Sandra Errett for choosing and delivering library books. As always, thank you to Pastor Will for his many visits and prayers. Mary Hetrick

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Hospital Reminder

Please call the office with ANY information on hospital emergency visits or admissions.

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Yellow Ribbons: There is a display on the bulletin board next to the main entrance. We would like to include the names of our loved ones who are in military service on this board. Please contact the church office (419-238-6336) to have a name listed on the board.

Congratulations to Cameron and Amy (Bilimek) Bladen who were united in holy matrimony on November 7th, here at St. Mark’s.

Our sympathy to the family of Virginia Harter, who entered the church triumphant on Mon., November 2, 2015.

Church Cancellation Information Available

Please be advised, you may listen to the following radio/TV stations for any church service or activity cancellations due to severe winter weather conditions or look on our webpage



WERT radio1220 (Van Wert)

WKSD radio 99.7 (Van Wert)

WTGN radio 97.7 (Ft. Wayne)

WBCL radio 90.3 (Ft. Wayne)

Channels 15, 21 & 33—Ft. Wayne

Channel 6 (Van Wert cable)



Wednesday Evening Cancellations

If Van Wert Schools cancel, due to fog, the Wednesday evening youth/kids meetings WILL MEET as planned. If Van Wert Schools cancel or have early dismissal due to ice, snow, etc. then Wednesday evening meetings WILL NOT MEET.

Circle Meetings

DECEMBER 6TH, 2015

12 NOON

Advent Luncheon & Thankoffering Ingathering in fellowship hall

Guest Speaker—Betsy Rhoades

Program—Presentation on

experiences in Ukraine

working with children.

Ruth-Eunice Circle

Wed., Jan. 13th, 2016, 1:30 p.m.

Meeting depends on weather

Esther Circle

MONDAY, Jan., 19th, 2016

9:30 a.m.

Nancy Wolverton, hostess

Meet at Vancrest Assisted

Living at 9:30 AM

Nancy Wolverton, devotions

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Church Security

Just a reminder that if you unlock a door to get into the church please be sure to lock it again when you leave or lock it behind you when you enter the building. Tom has found the front doors have been left unlocked or unlatched quite a few times. Also close any window you may open upon leaving. Please be extra careful to lock or close anything you have unlocked or opened.

OFFICE CLOSED ON THE FOLLOWING DATES

Nov. 26th & 27th —all day

December 24th—1/2 day

December 25th—all day

Dec. 31st & Jan. 1st—all day

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3RD QUARTER GIVING STATEMENTS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE CLOAK ROOM.

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The Mitten Tree and coat rack runs through Sunday, December 6th. On December 7th all mittens, scarves, gloves, coats, hats, etc. will be collected and given to the Salvation Army for distribution. Please bring gloves, hats or new/gently used coats to share with a needy child or adult.

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ADVENT & CHRISTMAS

It’s not too early to mark your calendars in preparation for the Advent/Christmas season. Here’s what is just around the corner.

Mid-Week Advent Services Weds., December 2nd, 9th, 16th & 23rd at 12 & 7:30 PM

Sunday, December 6th—

Second Sunday of Advent

WELCA General Meeting at 12 noon in fellowship hall.

Sunday, December 6th—

Children’s Christmas Pageant at 10:30 a.m. service.

Saturday, December 19th—

5:00 p.m. Christmas “Eve”

Service

Sunday, December 20th —

One worship service at 9:30 a.m. Adult Choir Christmas Cantata followed by Annual Congregational Budget Meeting with Sunday School/Birthday Party for Jesus in the fellowship hall.

Thursday Evening,

December 24th—

7:00 Youth & Adult

Preludes

7:30 Holy Communion

10:30 Chimes

11:00 Worship Service

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Preparing for Death: A Resource Guide: Death can be a difficult thing to think about, but being prepared can ease the decision making process during that time. A manual has been prepared by the Health Ministry to assist congregational members in planning for death—their own or that of a loved one. The booklet includes instructions for advance directives, local information, checklist of steps, suggestions for funeral arrangements, forms for biographical information and funeral preferences. Booklets are in the cloak room and church office.

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CHURCH LIBRARY CART: The A.I.M. Committee would like to reintroduce the church library on a smaller scale. We are collecting new or used Christian based reading for all ages, faith based movies and music CD’s. We will place a donation box in the Gathering Room area for collection. Thank you!

GET YOUR OODLES AND OODLES OF NOODLES IN THE OFFICE. The Salvation Army is again collecting for their Christmas Baskets for the less fortunate in our community and as you can tell by the title of this article we have noodles this year. Please bring in your 12-16oz. package(s) of noodles by or before December 20th. We need 400 packages this year so grab that extra package when you’re shopping. Through your generosity 142 packages have been given as of November 18th.

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DECEMBER CONGREGATIONAL BUDGET MEETING

The December Annual Budget Meeting, for voting on Church Council recommendations for the enclosed Proposed Budget of 2016 (copies available in cloak room and elevator room), is being held on Sunday, December 20th immediately following the 9:30 service. If the worship service is cancelled due to inclement weather, the meeting will take place on the following available Sunday upon the conclusion of the 10:30 a.m. service. The recommendations, listed in order of the agenda, are as follows:

Motion # 1.

To approve the Current Expense budget of $ 364,780.00. The Current Expense budget will be funded as follows:

1. Congregation Current Expense Offerings.

2. Designated Giving to Bread and Bowl, Blessings in a Backpack, and College Scholarships.

3. Youth Program expenses funded from youth program bequests after considering any direct donation to various programs and any fund raisers with matching funds for the following budget lines:

A. Account 9-a –

Educational Ministry

B. Account 9-b –

Sr. High Youth Group

C. Account 9-c – Middle

School Youth Program

D. Account 9-d –

Awesome Attitudes

E. Account 9-e-

Little Awesome Attitudes

F. Account 9-f –

Campers' Scholarships

4. Up to $70,000.00 of principal from non-designated bequests to be used to cover Current Expenses if Current Expense offerings do not cover our expenses.

Motion # 2.

To approve the Property Improvement budget of $35,000.00 to be funded from the Property Improvement Fund.

Motion # 3.

To approve the Benevolence Budget of $ 45,000.00 to be funded from Benevolence Offerings.

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ACT OF THE CHURCH

Funeral

Virginia Harter

Friday, November 6, 2015

Wedding

Cameron & Amy (Bilimek) Bladen

Saturday, November 7th, 2015

Not A Silent Night, Mary Looks Back To Bethlehem is our Mid-week Advent theme for this December based on the book of the same title. Imagine Jesus from Mary’s point of view – proud of her son, in awe of his gifts and mission, guided by love for him as a person and so much more. As we focus on the meaning of Christmas we will begin at the end, with Mary at the Crucifixion and Resurrection; travel back in time as she witnesses Jesus’ life and ministry; and ends at the beginning, with the Christ Child born in a stable, Mary’s beautiful baby.

December 2nd—The Hope of

the Empty Tomb, the

Jerusalem Cross, and

Christmas

December 9th—Parenting Jesus

December 16th—God Opposes

the Proud, But Gives Grace

to the Humble

December 23rd—It Was Not A

Silent Night

Services are at noon and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Public is welcome. Invite a friend!

READ THE CHRISTMAS STORY IN MATTHEW 1 & 2 AND LUKE 1 & 2 TO PREPARE YOUR FAITH LIFE THIS HOLY-DAY SEASON. MERRY

CHRISTMAS! ! !

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The Community Christmas Service is Sunday, November 29, 7:00 p.m. at Trinity Friends Church. This community service is led by the Van Wert County Ministerial Association.

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Sound System Operator: If you would like to learn how to run the sound system and camera for the 10:30 worship service, then contact Rex Arn at 419-238-9553 or sign up on the I Worshiped Today or the church website at .

NEW ! We now offer DVD’s of Church Services for those unable to attend Sunday morning. All you need is a DVD player to watch on your TV or computer. These DVD’s are being made available for our shut-in as well as those recovering from illness or injury. If you or someone you know would like to receive these DVD’s, please contact the church office or Marilyn Morgan at 419-203-7016.

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Quick Reminder: Please notify the office BEFORE you schedule a meeting with a group or committee due to the fact we are having many different people using our facilities. If you schedule a meeting without notifying the office there may not be a place for you to meet.

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Church Garden Property Update: The Church Garden Property project with a pharmaceutical company has fallen through. The company has determined that the corner of North Washington and East Sycamore is not viable. Consequently we are retaining our church property located at 308 N. Washington Street.

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SPOTLIGHT ON THE WEB

Did you know that you can give your tithes and offerings online?

More information will be forthcoming, but this tool is available now on our website:

Click on the “Giving” tab to access the screen shown above for one time giving or set up automatic transfers.

All transactions are conducted using PCI-Level 1 security.

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