Aiming our lives toward Christ! PASTORAL MUSINGS ... · be in his room in bed). We hugged and...

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Aiming

our lives toward Christ!

Proclaiming

Christ crucified!

Reclaiming

lost lives for Christ!

(Reprinted from December 2013)

PASTORAL MUSINGS . . . . . It was a long flight with a three-hour time difference—10:00PM in Reno and 1:00AM back home. We were tired and just wanted to get to the hotel. We weren’t expecting it, but there she was. Surprise! As soon as we got off the escalator, we rushed to her and hugged her and asked, “What are you doing here?” It was a stupid question; she wasn’t here to greet us, she was here at the Reno airport to meet her family (who had arrived earlier) and her future in-laws who were arriving shortly. Even though our reun-ion only lasted a couple of minutes before we headed off to get our rental car, we were pleasantly surprised and excited about meeting up with Ashley and other old friends. As we lugged our bags across the hotel parking lot, I could see them in the lobby. Our saunter turned into a very brisk walk as we entered the hotel. Our faces broke into broad smiles as we saw Scott and the two Julies standing there with big smiles on their faces (Glenn had the good sense to be in his room in bed). We hugged and greeted each other like we hadn’t seen each other in years—which we hadn’t. And there we stood in the lobby for about 20 minutes or so just chatting up a storm and laughing and chatting and laughing. I’m sure it was cheap entertainment for the clerk behind the hotel desk. Now we were completely wide awake and excited, looking forward to more reunions the next day and on Saturday at the wedding. As we walked into the breakfast room at the hotel the next morning, we could see it was crowded. Groups of people


had pushed tables and chairs together. Even though we hadn’t seen most of the people in the breakfast room in a decade we recognized them instantaneously—family members of Scott and Julie. We made our way over to say hello. Again, hugs and handshakes and pats on the backs followed by conversation and laughter. We spent the morning and part of the afternoon checking out Reno and all the things that had changed since we had lived in Nevada. And all the while anticipation was building for the next reunion—our kids and grandkids were making the 4-hour drive from Elko to Reno. We were texting back and forth all morning as to the progress and happenings of their trip over. At last they had made their way to the hotel and were waiting for us to get back. We were barely out of the car when the grandkids came at us in a rush and hugged and greeted us. They checked in and we spent the afternoon basking in the joy of being together. It was about 30 minutes before the wedding rehearsal, and we were making our way off the elevator and into the hotel lobby. There they were, Bill and Bonnie, checking in to the hotel. We greeted, we hugged, we talked, and we laughed. They asked who all was here and we asked who all was coming. We were excited about all being together again. Finally, Saturday was here. The wedding was about to begin. The feet of the Sierra Nevada Mountains were before us. The sun was shining in all of its brilliance. The groom was to my left and the bride was coming toward him on her father’s arm. She looked beautiful, she looked radiant. How much she had changed! It seemed just like yesterday that she was dressed like a homeless person raiding my refrigerator for frozen peas while my daughter and the rest of their friends ate a normal lunch over the school noon-hour. Here she stood now as an adult with a successful career as an engineer. Over the last several years that she and Aaron dated they maintained their separate homes. They would see each other as much as work schedules would allow them. But now there would be no more goodbyes, no more time apart. In fact, God was about to bring them into a union in which they would be joined together as one flesh. The ceremony over, it was time to celebrate. The tables were decorated with beautiful floral arrangements. There was plenty of food and adult beverages along with a band for music. The evening was spent eating and drinking and dancing and laughing and reminiscing. Pictures were being taken. It was just like old times. The last time we had done this was ten years be-fore when Ashley’s cousin, Sarah, had gotten married. How wonderful it was to celebrate with good friends this marriage. How good it was to be together again! I really understand why the Bible uses wedding imagery to describe heaven. In glory we will have the great reunion in which we will be reunited with those of the faith who have gone on before us. We will be together again; this time not for a weekend, not for a little while, but for an eternity. As the bride and groom and wedding guests were all decked out in clothing finery so we will be decked out in our robes of righteousness that have been washed in the blood of the Lamb! No longer will we be affected by sin but be holy and righteous for all eternity; we will live in the joy of a wedding celebration forever. And the best part of all—as a bride and groom are joined together, we will be joined with Christ forever; no longer in a relationship where we walk by faith. In heaven we will walk by sight! Now John’s prayer at the end of Revelation becomes even more awesome: “Come, Lord Jesus.” Until then, Revelation’s parting words will suffice—“The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen”

AE

Holy Cross Lutheran Church—Warren, MI

@AlanEisinger


Keeping Christ-Mass It’s almost here! Sooner than you think, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day will be upon us, and you’ll be coming to worship and celebrate the glorious birth of our Lord and Sav-ior, Jesus Christ! The candles will be lit, the sermon ready, the choir poised, as the organ will welcome all who enter as the prelude begins. The sights and sounds of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services easily flood our minds as we think back over the years and decades of participation on these festive occasions, our memories and our present realities mingling powerfully together. Perhaps these experiences help explain why, as Christmas approaches (or even long be-fore), we hear exhortations of “Keep Christ in Christmas.” You’ve probably seen the bill-boards, yard signs, Facebook posts, etc., yet have you ever stopped to ask yourself just what this might mean or imply? If Christ is not in Christmas, is it actually not technically even Christ-mas? The dictionary defines Christmas as “the annual Christian festival celebrating Christ’s birth.” The etymology tells us that Christmas comes from the Old English Cristes maesse – Christ Mass. While many Lutherans do not typically refer to Mass, this word is not un-known to us. What does it mean for us, then, to keep both “Christ” and “Mass” in Christ-mas? As Lutherans, we understand as the Bible teaches, that Jesus is present for us in, with, and under the bread and wine in His Holy Supper. In partaking of Jesus’ body and blood, we experience heaven on earth…talk about peace on earth and goodwill toward men! Jesus was there for you in the manger, and Jesus is there for you in His Supper. We also know, that Jesus’ birth was not the pinnacle of His time on earth. God became man to take our sin to the cross and make full atonement. Receiving the Lord’s Supper on Christmas is a potent reminder that Christ’s birth and his death are inextricably joined. My dear brothers and sisters, let us keep Christmas in all its fullness. Let us keep Christ in Christmas by keeping the Mass in Christmas. Go to church. Receive the gifts Christ freely gives. Rejoice, one and all, for Christ your Savior is here for you! Your brother and loving servant in Christ, Paul Bean

Elders’ Corner


Susan Gordoa 12/2 Lynn Pastoria 12/4 Shawn Stafford 12/4 Kyla Stemmler 12/4 Charles Volner 12/5 Bentley Wojciechowski 12/5 Sue Marchionda 12/6 Pat Roberts 12/6 JoAnn Hutchens 12/7 Joanne Vollbrecht 12/7 Faith Putman 12/7 George Kaip 12/14 Ashley Vandenberghe 12/16 Brennan LeMieux-Hill 12/18 Jacob Llewellyn 12/18 Marie Richter 12/19 Ralph Klumpp 12/20 Reece Hintze 12/23 Carol Dehnke 12/24 Bob DeMoss 12/24 Amy Schwartz 12/28 Michelle Hoeft 12/29 Kristina Dehnke 12/31 Brianna Prewitt 12/31 Lindsey Walters 12/31

Harry & Pat Roberts 12/11/1954 64 years

Kathleen King

Arlene Jarvis

Bernice Meyka

Shirley Pontious

Donna Marshall

Mae Ristau

Lotte Weber

Ken Sobocinski

Jean Tiedeman

Marylou Schmidt

Al Zeckzer

Nancy Schultz

Dolly Ferries

Robert Steranko

Jackie Johnson

Margaret Green

Siegfried & Helene

Tyburski

Harry & Pat Roberts

Jim & Evelyn Cantwell

Keep our homebound members in your prayers.


COLLECTION ENDS DECEMBER 13TH The collection for scarves, hats, and gloves for New Hope Ministries will end on December 13th. These items can be store-bought, knitted or crocheted. Collection boxes are by New Hope Ministries and by our mailboxes in the hallway. THANK YOU!!

DECEMBER MUSIC NOTES I want to take this time to congratulate our organist, Michael Katopodes, on a job well done on his B.A. Project. We took the church bus on November 15th to Schaver Music Recital Hall, WSU, to attend his Concert of Collaboration. He performed on the piano, harpsichord and organ, along with several other outstanding musicians and gave a presentation on the field of collaborative keyboard and its many facets. It was an enjoyable evening. Choir and handbells are working on Christmas music in preparation for celebrating the birth of Jesus. If you would like to join us for the season, we are always open to new members! And the choir of angels sang: Glory to God in the Highest! May the Lord bless you on this Christmas and always! Marie Metcalfe

NEW HOPE FOOD PANTRY 125 boxes of Christmas food for the needy will be packed on Friday December 20 at 7:00 pm. Don’t worry if you have not signed up to help, you may just show up to walk in our pro-cession line as we fill all of the boxes. The boxes of food will be loaded into cars for our guests who will arrive the follow-ing morning at 9:00 am on December 21. A few more good men to help with this would be appreciated. Please come if you are able.


LWML MITES SPOTLIGHT

December we spotlight Mission Grant recipient #8: Scholarships for Female Stu-dents studying to be a Deaconess or Professional Church Worker = $20,000. This grant will provide $20,000 to be divided among approved Michigan applicants for their college studies for two academic years. Young women who have the talents for church work service are experiencing rising tuition and associated costs when they seek degrees in the Concordia University and Seminary system. You can help support this grant through your mite offerings. Thank you.

LADIES GUILD TRIP TO FAMILY OF GOD

On October 27th, 8 ladies along with Roger Withrow and our Bus Driver, Dave Mutschler, took a meal to the Family of God. We were thankful for Roger and Dave's help in carrying items for us as well as those folks who helped with the meal but, couldn't make the trip. The following are a few comments from various folks who made this trip: The church upstairs was quaint and welcoming I couldn't help but note that the message contained an analogy that was fitting for this congregation. It was Reformation Sunday so, the message included a lesson about the selling of indulgences in the early church - and how nobody here, including the pastor, has an extra dollar in their pocket, and therefore peo-ple with no money would not be able to have their sins forgiven. BUT, fortunately, we as Lu-therans understand the Bible states that forgiveness is a free gift nothing but a repentant heart is required and the selling of indulgences is totally wrong and against God's Word. I appreciated the opportunity to serve our brothers and sisters. Looking into the eyes of eve-ryone that came to receive their food was very humbling. I felt such a connection and bless-ing that I could be in their presence I'm thankful there is a Family of God. Another person used the following from Life Earned Feelings - Remember whenever you're in a position to help someone be glad and always do it because that's God answering some-one else's prayers through you. I noticed that although we were uplifted by going and giving these folks a hot meal - the peo-ple who work there day in and day out probably need a lot of encouragement and grace to stay joyful about the mission. It was most rewarding to give of my day in helping others. They were truly blessed for us being there that day. I can't wait for the next time. Most of the folks said we were a blessing - but, I feel that we were the ones who received the blessing and it was tenfold!!

UNITED WOMEN'S MINISTRY


EASY WAY TO INVITE FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS TO CHURCH FOR

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS!

Yard signs are available for you to use now! These signs are an excellent (and easy!) way to invite your neighbors and everyone who drives by your house. Pick up your sign at the Welcome Center or at either door.

The office will be closed on the following days in honor of the holidays.

Tuesday, December 24 thru

Wednesday, January 1

If you have an emergency, please contact your Elder. You can also leave a phone message at

the church office. We will check our messages. Thank you!

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS SEASON!!

5TH SUNDAY WORSHIP AND POTLUCK Sunday, December 29 there will only be one service at 10:00 am and no Saturday service. Following the 10:00 am service there will be a hors d’oeuvres and appetizers pot luck. Remember to bring a finger-food dish to pass and sign-up in the narthex. Let’s celebrate the end of the year together in Christian fellowship, fun and good eats.

Bring your favorite dish to share.

FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER

IN MEMORY OF JOE GASTMANN

For the General Fund Carol Heidenreich


THE LUTHERAN WITNESS

The Lutheran Witness is the official periodical of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and is published 11 times a year. It pro-vides Missouri Synod lay people with stories and information that complement congregational life, foster personal growth in faith, and help interpret the contemporary world from a Lutheran Christian per-spective. The subscription also includes the Michigan In Touch sup-plement. Holy Cross subscribes to the Lutheran Witness at $11.60/a year for each member household, and it is time to update your infor-mation. If you need to make any changes: address, add, or delete, please contact Becky, by December 9.

SAVE THE DATE – TUESDAY, MARCH 17

Please mark your calendars now for the 2020 Woman of the Year Luncheon, hosted by the Council of Luther-an Women. The event will be held at the Burton Man-or in Livonia, MI. The speaker will be The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier. Nominations are now being accepted thru Monday, December 2. Ballots are in the bulletins and in the narthex. Voting will take place the weekend of December 14 & 15. The Woman of the Year will be announced the weekend of December 21 & 22. Gen-

tlemen: We welcome your vote AND your attendance at the March luncheon. Thank you for your participation and support.

TELLERS NEEDED We need tellers to serve as permanent tellers on a team or substitute tellers. As a permanent teller, your team would serve on Sundays for three scheduled months a year. For instance, if you are on team one, you might be tellers dur-ing January, May and September. We have four teams which are rotated annually so you would not be serving the same months each year. If you need to miss a Sunday or two, there will be substitutes available to help in your absence. Tellers can be a couple or an individual. If you have prior experience as a teller or even if you don’t, you would be a valu-able member of our substitute teller list. If you are interested, please contact the Church office.


BREAKFAST WITH SAINT NICHOLAS Children of the congregation and their young friends and family (under the age of 12) are invited to a pancake Breakfast with Saint Nicholas. This special morning will include a craft, small gifts, pancake decorating and a visit from Saint Nicholas. The breakfast is Saturday December 7th at 10:00 am. Please watch for the sign up sheet in the Narthex and tell us how many you are bringing.

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE

MIDWEEK ADVENT WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Join us as we prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus.

The first Wednesday in Advent is December 4, Worship is at 7:00 pm with quiet communion being offered after the worship service. Pastor will be

preaching on the following texts. December 4 - Jeremiah 23:1-8 December 11 - Isaiah 45:4-8

December 18 - Isaiah 40:1-5 (this is also a Prayer & Healing Service)

LADIES ADVENT CELEBRATION All women of the congregation please mark your calendar for an Advent cel-ebration Saturday, December 7th at 6:30 – 8 PM. There will be a little sing-ing, a few games a little snacking, a story and a lot of celebrating as we open our hearts to the joy of the season. Bring a sweet or savory treat to share. Prizes will be given for games and treats! Invite your lady friends and family for a fun night at HCLC!

CHURCH DECORATING As we celebrate the season of Jesus’ birth, let’s get together and share our joy by decorating the church on Saturday, December 14 at 10:00am. Fun & fellowship abound while we deck the halls with the appropriate holiday swag! Join us! You won’t want to miss this fun annual Holy Cross event!

CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP

Come find out about your greatest Christmas gift. Join us on Christmas Eve for our Candlelight Worship Service at 4:00 and 7:00 pm. Come back on Christmas Day at 9:00 am to here the rest of the story. Holy Communion will be offered at these services.


Holy Cross Lutheran Church

30003 Ryan Road Warren, MI 48092

Church Staff Alan Eisinger, Pastor [email protected] Tony Wojciechowski, Deacon [email protected] Michael Katopodes, Organist musicdirector @holycrosswarren.com Becky Northcott, Admin. Asst. [email protected]

Church Council

Mike Yuhase President Doug Conger Vice-President Bob Bell Treasurer Karen Adolph Financial Secretary Dawn Bean Council Secretary

CHURCH OFFICE 586-751-2550

FAX 586-751-3926

NEW HOPE FOOD PANTRY 586-751-2517

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP!

SATURDAY MERITAGE - 5:30 PM

SUNDAY - 8:30 AND 11:00 AM Bible Study - 9:45 am

ADVENT WORSHIP

WEDNESDAY 12/4, 12/11, 12/18 7:00 pm

Aiming our lives toward Christ! PASTORAL MUSINGS ... · be in his room in bed). We hugged and...

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Transcript of Aiming our lives toward Christ! PASTORAL MUSINGS ... · be in his room in bed). We hugged and...