ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

420 1st Street SE PO Box 118 Gwinner, ND 701.678.2401 www.ziongwinner.org Pastor Aaron M. Filipek

December 2019

In This Issue…

Blessed Saints of Zion,

We continue with our year long series of newsletter articles highlighting some saints of the Christian Church. For more information, please see the following LCMS website explaining a few things concerning saints, among other things: (https://www.lcms.org/worship/church-year/commemorations)

I encourage you to read the biographies (along with the Scripture verses) of the saint on the appointed day. I pray this year long series of newsletter articles accomplishes three things:

1) we thank God for giving faithful servants to His Church

2) through such remembrance our faith is strengthened as we see the mercy that God extended to His saints of old

3) these saints are examples both of faith and of holy living to imitate according to our calling in life

Christ’s Peace, Pastor Aaron M. Filipek

Saints of the Church

Mission of the Month

Food Pantry Needs

December Birthdays

Congregation at Prayer

Catechesis

Christmas Schedule

Service Lists

Calendar

December 4: John of Damascus John (ca. 675–749) is known as the great compiler and summarizer of the orthodox faith and the last great Greek theologian. Born in Damascus, John gave up an influential position in the Islamic court to devote himself to the Christian faith. Around 716 he entered a monastery outside of Jerusalem and was ordained a priest. When the Byzantine emperor Leo the Isaurian in 726 issued a decree forbidding images (icons), John forcefully resisted. In his Apostolic Discourses he argued for the legitimacy of the veneration of images, which earned him the condemnation of the Iconoclast Council in 754. John also wrote defenses of the orthodox faith against contemporary heresies. In addition, he was a gifted hymnwriter (“Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain”) and contributed to the liturgy of the Byzantine churches. His greatest work was the Fount of Wisdom which was a massive compendium of truth from previous Christian theologians, covering practically every conceivable doctrinal topic. John's summary of the orthodox faith left a lasting stamp on both the Eastern and Western churches..

December 6: Nicholas of Myra, Pastor Of the many saints commemorated by the Christian Church, Nicholas (d. A.D. 342) is one of the best known. Very little is known historically of him, although there was a church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century.

….continued on page 9

Mission of the Month LCMS Disaster Response

Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods and tornados—Lord have mercy! In the midst of chaos, the Church — together with the generous gifts of faithful Lutherans — brings peace and calm through acts of mercy and the comforting Word of Christ. The Church continues to come alongside those who are rebuilding their lives, sticking around well after most other groups have returned home. To learn more about how your gifts are used, please visit https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/disaster-response

Pastor’s Study Hours

Friday is Pastor’s Day Off

Generally, Pastor is in his study Monday –

Thursday. However, he will be in and out

for visitations, meetings, etc.

If you would like to meet with him,

please contact him directly.

Parish Assistant Office Hours

Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Wednesday 9:30am to 5:00 pm

Email: ziongwinner@gmail.com

Please call or email either Pastor or the Church

Office if you need spiritual care, know of

somebody in the hospital needing a visit, have

prayer submissions for the divine service, or

for any other church related circumstance.

3 – Logan Essig

5 – Michelle Brockman

7– Ellie Helm

11 – Jay Enderson

16 – Andrew Greenmyer Grover Riebe

18 – Hollie Asche

19 – Jan Riebe

20 – Caleb Filipek Sam Helm

21 – Joseph Greenmyer

22– Greg Nelson

26– Annah Greenmyer

30– Carissa Stroh

31 – Howie Neustel

Food Pantry Needs List:

Canned Fruit Laundry Soap Pancake Mix

Oil Spaghetti/pasta

The Congregation at Prayer

The Order of Meditation and Prayer

Invocation: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen.

Psalm:

Advent 1 (Dec 1-7) Psalm 24 Advent 2 (Dec 8-14) Psalm 50:1-15 Advent 3 (Dec 15-21) Psalm 85 Advent 4 (Dec 22-28) Psalm 111

The Small Catechism: Table of Duties Dec 1-7 To Employers and Supervisors Dec 8-14 To Youth Dec 15-21 To Widows

Dec 22-28 To Everyone

Readings: Advent 1 (Dec 1-7) Ad Te Levavi Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:5-8

Epistle: Romans 13:8-14 Gospel: Matthew 21:1-9

Advent 2 (Dec 8-14) Populus Zion Old Testament: Malachi 4:1-6 Epistle: Romans 15:4-13 Gospel: Luke 21:25-36

Advent 3 (Dec 15-21) Gaudete Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-11 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11

Advent 4 (Dec 22-28) Rorate Coeli Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 Epistle: Philippians 4:4-7 Gospel: John 1:19-28

Hymn of the Month: LSB 332 “Savior of the nations, come”

Prayers:

In our Prayers this week at Zion: Use your weekly bulletin and include the prayer requests listed in each week’s bulletin.

The Lord’s Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

Morning Prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Evening Prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Blessing: Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Word of the Month

Terms Relating to Worship and God’s House

Creed From the Latin for “I believe.” Words of faith confessing

the teachings of Holy Scripture. The 3 Ecumenical Creeds are the Apostle’s Creed, the

Nicene Creed & the Athanasian Creed

Hymn of the Month: 332 Savior of the Nations, Come

5 God the Father was His source,

Back to God He ran His course.

Into hell His road went down,

Back then to His throne and crown.

6 For You are the Father’s Son

Who in flesh the vict’ry won.

By Your mighty pow’r make whole

All our ills of flesh and soul.

7 From the manger newborn light

Shines in glory through the night.

Darkness there no more resides;

In this light faith now abides.

D 8 Glory to the Father sing,

Glory to the Son, our king,

Glory to the Spirit be

Now and through eternity.

Text (sts. 3, 6–7): © 2006 Concordia Publishing House; (sts. 4–5, 8): © 1978 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: LSB Hymn License no. 110004305

Text (sts. 1–2) and tune: Public domain

Advent Services Wednesdays

December 4 & 11

6:30pm

Soup Supper at 5:30

Counters December

1st Jim Asche & Marsha Mathias

4th Allen McDaniel & Jason Asche

8th Gary Drevlow & Michelle Brockman

11th Bob Orn & Jim Asche

15th Rodney & Sandy Asche

22nd Marsha Mathias & Jason Asche

24th Allen McDaniel & Gary Drevlow

25th Michelle Brockman & Bob Orn

29th Rodney & Sandy Asche

Ushers

December

1st Andrew & Katelyn Greenmyer

8th Chris & Marsha Mathias

15th Scott & Christine Bopp

22nd Gary & Kay Drevlow

24th Brian & Tana McKenna

25th Jim & Marge Asche

29th Randal & Michelle Brockman

Prayer Families December 1

Rick & Dawn Gaden April, Autumn, Lily 26 Broadway Ave E Delamere, ND 58060

December 15

Andrew & Katelyn Greenmyer James, Lillian 12289 Hwy 13 Stirum, ND 58069

Acolytes December

Cleaners List

1st to 7th

Tim & JoAnne Rehborg

Gary & Kay Drevlow

Allen & Diane McDaniel

Eric & Brook Olson

15th to 21st

Dale & Martha Asche

Joey & Cindy Enderson

Lonnie Hoechst

Derek & Jennifer Wangler

Note: If you are unable to usher, acolyte, or count on your scheduled date,

we ask that you please contact another member to switch with.

8th to 14th

Scott & Teresa Illies

Duane & Sharon Orth

Jody Schreiner

Roger & Kathy Schreiner

Dustin & Keisha Schreiner

22nd to 28th

Rodney & Sandy Asche

Collin & Betsy Greenley

Teresa Rodahl

Kevin & Cindy Dietz

December 8

Collin & Betsy Greenley Hudson, Jax 407 2nd Ave W Lisbon, ND 58054

December 22 Jacob & Lauren Greenmyer 3155 49th St S #111 Fargo, ND 58104

*Please remember to sign

your name on the chart on

the bulletin board

by the kitchen noting

which area of the church

you have cleaned*

1st Ella Filipek

8th Sadie Neustel

15th Marcus Mathias

22nd Kinsey Olson

24th Autumn Gaden

25th Tallie Lukes

29th Halle Nelson

December 29 Joseph & Faith Greenmyer 647 Seward St Seward, NE 68434

December 2019 SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 am Catechesis

10 am Divine Service

*Communion

9 am Pastor’s Text Study

10 am Staff Mtg

9 am Catechesis 3:15 pm Kids’ Club

4pm Confirmation

5:30pm Soup Supper

6:30pm Advent Prayer Service

Pastor’s Day Off

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9 am Catechesis

10 am Divine Service

9 am Pastor’s Text Study

10 am Staff Mtg

9 am Catechesis 3:15 pm Kids’ Club

4pm Confirmation

5:30pm Soup Supper

6:30pm Advent Prayer Service

Pastor’s Day Off

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 am Catechesis

10 am Divine Service

*Communion

9 am Pastor’s Text Study 12 pm LWML Christmas Potluck

10 am Staff Mtg

9 am Catechesis 3:15 pm Kids’ Club

4pm Confirmation

5:30pm Soup Supper

6:30pm Children’s Program

Pastor’s Day Off

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9 am Catechesis

10 am Divine Service

9 am Pastor’s Text Study

5 pm

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

10 am Christmas Day Divine Service with Holy Communion

Pastor’s Day Off

29 30 31 1 9 am Catechesis 10 am Divine Service

*Communion

NO Pastor’s Text Study

NO Staff Mtg

NO Catechesis NO Kids’ Club

NO Confirmation

Research has affirmed that there was a bishop by the name of Nicholas in the city of Myra in Lycia (part of Turkey today) in the fourth century. From that coastal location, legends about Nicholas have traveled throughout time and space. He is associated with charitable giving in many countries around the world and is portrayed as the rescuer of sailors, the protector of children, and the friend of people in distress or need. In commemoration of “Sinte Klaas” (Dutch for Saint Nicholas, in English “Santa Claus”), December 6 is a day for giving and receiving gifts in many parts of Europe..

December 7: Ambrose of Milan, Pastor & Hymnwriter Born in Trier in A.D. 340, Ambrose was one of the four great Latin Doctors of the Church (with Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great). He was a prolific author of hymns, the most common of which is Veni, Redemptor gentium (“Savior of the Nations, Come”). His name is also associated with Ambrosian Chant, the style of chanting the ancient liturgy that took hold in the province of Milan. While serving as a civil governor, Ambrose sought to bring peace among Christians in Milan who were divided into quarreling factions. When a new bishop was to be elected in 374, Ambrose addressed the crowd, and someone cried out, “Ambrose, bishop!” The entire gathering gave their support. This acclaim of Ambrose, a 34-year-old catechumen, led to his baptism on December 7, after which he was consecrated bishop of Milan. A strong defender of the faith, Ambrose convinced the Roman emperor Gratian in 379 to forbid the Arian heresy in the West. At Ambrose's urging, Gratian's successor, Theodosius, also publicly opposed Arianism. Ambrose died on Good Friday, April 4, 397. As a courageous doctor and musician he upheld the truth of God's Word.

December 13: Lucia, Martyr One of the victims of the great persecution under the Roman emperor Diocletian, Lucia met her death at Syracuse on the island of Sicily in the year A.D. 304, because of her Christian faith. Known for her charity, “Santa Lucia” (as she is called in Italy) gave away her dowry and remained a virgin until her execution by the sword. The name Lucia means “light,” and, because of that, festivals of light commemorating her became popular throughout Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries. There her feast day corresponds with the time of year when there is the least amount of daylight. In artistic expression she is often portrayed in a white baptismal gown, wearing a wreath of candles on her head.

December 17: Daniel & The Three Young Men Daniel the prophet and the Three Young Men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—were among the leaders of the people of Judah who were taken into captivity in Babylon. Even in that foreign land they remained faithful to the one true God in their piety, prayer, and life. On account of such steadfast faithfulness in the face of pagan idolatry, the Three Young Men were thrown into a fiery furnace, from which they were saved by the Lord and emerged unharmed (Daniel 3). Similarly, Daniel was thrown into a pit of lions, from which he also was saved (Daniel 6).

Blessed in all their endeavors by the Lord—and in spite of the hostility of some—Daniel and the Three Young Men were promoted to positions of leadership among the Babylonians (Dan 2:48–49; 3:30; 6:28). To Daniel in particular the Lord revealed the interpretation of dreams and signs that were given to King Nebuchadnezzar and King Belshazzar (Daniel 2, 4, 5). To Daniel himself the Lord gave visions of the end times.

December 20: Katharina von Bora Luther Katharina von Bora (1499–1552) was placed in a convent when still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April 1523 she and eight other nuns were rescued from the convent and brought to Wittenberg. There Martin Luther helped return some to their former homes and placed the rest in good families. Katharina and Martin were married on June 13, 1525. Their marriage was a happy one and blessed with six children. Katharina skillfully managed the Luther household, which always seemed to grow because of Page his generous hospitality. After Luther's death in 1546, Katharina remained in Wittenberg but lived much of the time in poverty. She died in an accident while traveling with her children to Torgau in order to escape the plague

December 29: David David, the greatest of Israel's kings, ruled from about 1010 to 970 B.C. The events of his life are found in 1 Samuel 16 through 1 Kings 2 and in 1 Chronicles 10—29. David was also gifted musically. He was skilled in playing the lyre and the author of no less than 73 psalms, including the beloved Psalm 23. His public and private character displayed a mixture of good (for example, his defeat of the giant Goliath, 1 Samuel 17) and evil (as in his adultery with Uriah's wife, followed by his murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel 11). David's greatness lay in his fierce loyalty to God as Israel's military and political leader, coupled with his willingness to acknowledge his sins and ask for God's forgiveness (2 Samuel 12; see also Psalm 51). It was under David's leadership that the people of Israel were united into a single nation with Jerusalem as its capital city.