THE IMMANUEL MESSENGER

Immanuel Lutheran Church210 S. Charles Street

PO Box 397Administration/Education Center

302 South Charles StreetWestfield, WI 53964-0397

Church Office Phone — (608) 296-2088e-mail: pastor @ielcw.org

sec@ ielcw.org www.ielcw.net

The Rev. Gary H. Schultz — Pastor — Phone (608) 403-8250

Carl Brakebush — Congregational President — Phone (608) 296-3828Byron Henke ─ Head Elder ─ phone (608) 296-3645

Anyone entering the hospital or in an emergency, please call the Office or Pastor Schultz immediately. If there is no answer, call your personal Elder, who is available for a visit. Thank you! — The Board of Elders.

December From October 26 to November 27, 2017:

Adult Baptism: Samantha Lynn Terlecki

Infant Baptism: Landen Michael Jashek

Sat. Dec. 2: Nancy Brakebush, Don Schrank, Cory Gabor, Andrew Lind

Sun. Dec. 3: Lyle Albers, Corey Anderson Dean Drewitz, Byron Henke

Wed. Dec. 6: Gary Hooyman, John Duesterhoeft, Merna Frozene, Andrew Lind

Sat. Dec. 9: Carl & Judy Brakebush, Jason Hockerman, Richard Marotz

Sun. Dec. 10: Dennis & Gina Buchholz, Telly Dahlke, Herb HenkeWed. Dec. 13: Nancy Brakebush, Bud & Kathy

Hockerman, Andrew LindSat. Dec. 16: Gary & Mary Hooyman, John Duesterhoeft, Don

SchrankSun. Dec. 17: John Knoch, Josh Knoch, Kenneth & Denise PeschelWed. Dec. 20 : Carl & Judy Brakebush, Jason

Hockerman, Andrew LindSat. Dec. 23: Gary Hooyman, John Duesterhoeft, Merna

Frozene, Richard MarotzSun. Dec 24 – 10 AM: Steve & Julie Rodger, Bob Marshall,

Tom FrozeneSun. Dec. 24 – 7 PM: Corey Anderson, Doug Drew, Josh Knoch, Tom FrozeneSun. Dec. 24 – 9 PM : Dennis & Gina Buchholz, Telly

Dahlke, Dean Drewitz

Mon. Dec. 25 – 10 AM: Lyle Albers, Dave & Diane Connelly, Norbert Henke

Sat. Dec. 30: Gary & Mary Hooyman, John Duesterhoeft, Don Schrank

Sun. Dec. 31 – 10 AM: Herb Henke, Kenneth & Denise Peschel, Tom Frozene

Sun. Dec. 31 – 7 PM: Corey Anderson, Doug Drew, Steve & Julie Rodger

Sat. Dec. 2....................................Carl Brakebush, Richard MarotzSun. Dec. 3......................Dave Connelly, Doug Drew, Derek DrewSat. Dec. 9...................................Tom Hockerman, John WeishaarSun. Dec. 10......................Josh Knoch, John Knoch, Lucas KnochSat. Dec. 16.....................................Carl Brakebush, Jeff BuchholzSun. Dec. 17......................Byron Henke, Herb Henke, James HellSat. Dec. 23...............................Bud Hockerman, Tom HockermanSun. Dec 24 – 10 AM......................Norbert Henke, Ryley FrozeneSun. Dec. 24 – 9 PM.............................Herb Henke, Bob Marshall,..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Cameron MarshallMon. Dec. 25 – 10 AM.......John Knoch, Byron Henke, James HellSat. Dec. 30......................................Gary Hooyman, Jeff BuchholzSun. Dec. 31 – 10 AM........................Josh Knoch, Dave Connelly,.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Jordan BittelmanSun. Dec. 31 – 7 PM.........Bob Marshall, Lyle Albers, Lucas Knoch

Sat. Dec. 2...........................................................Nancy BrakebushSun. Dec. 3..............................................................Diane Connelly

Sat. Dec. 9.....................................................Carol & Karen HenkeSun. Dec. 10....................................................Gretchen HalvorsenSat. Dec. 16...................................................Carol & Karen HenkeSun. Dec. 17................................................................Holli BerthonSat. Dec. 23...........................................Jennifer & Kailey MazzucaSun. Dec 24 – 10 AM.......................................................................Sun. Dec. 24 – 9 PM........................................................................Sat. Dec. 30....................................................Carol & Karen HenkeSun. Dec. 31 – 10 AM...............................................Brenda HenkeSun. Dec. 31 – 7 PM........................................................................

Sun. Dec. 3....................................................Steve & Julie RodgerSun. Dec. 10...............................................Dave & Diane ConnellySun,. Dec. 17.....................................................Margaret BittelmanSun. Dec. 24 – 7 PM.........................................Dean & Pat JahnkeMon. Dec. 25......................................................Art & Dorothy DeeSun. Dec. 31............................................................Merna Frozene

Sat. Dec. 2...................................................................Doug StaussSun. Dec. 3..............................................................Dan VogelsangWed. Dec. 6........................................................Carl & Reneé LietzSat. Dec. 9................................................................Volunteers???Sun. Dec. 10...............................................................Nick PeschelWed. Dec. 13...........................................................Dan VogelsangSat. Dec. 16.......................................................Carl & Reneé LietzSun. Dec. 17...........................................................Denise PeschelWed. Dec. 20...........................................................Denise PeschelSat. Dec. 23..............................................................Volunteers???Sun. Dec 24 – 10 AM..................................................Nick PeschelSun. Dec. 24 – 7 PM..........................................Carl & Reneé LietzSun. Dec. 24 – 9 PM ....................................................Doug StaussMon. Dec. 25 – 10 AM............................................Denise PeschelSat. Dec. 30.................................................................Doug StaussSun. Dec. 31 – 10 AM.............................................Dan VogelsangSun. Dec. 31 – 7 PM....................................................Doug Stauss

Dec. 2-3.....................................................................Pastor SchultzSat. Dec. 9...................................................................Carol HenkeSun. Dec. 10.............................................................Pastor SchultzSat. Dec. 16................................................................Karen HenkeSun. Dec. 17.............................................................Pastor SchultzSat. Dec. 23.........................................................Jennifer MazzucaSun. Dec. 24.............................................................Pastor SchultzDec. 30-31.................................................................Pastor Schultz

Sat. Dec. 2................................................................Karissa RettlerSun. Dec. 3........................................................Danielle SchroederWed. Dec. 6.....................................................................Toby StahlSat. Dec. 9......................................................................Troy Swan

Sun. Dec. 10......................................Ryan BittelmanWed. Dec. 13............................................Carly DrewSat. Dec. 16.............................................Bryn JankeSun. Dec. 17..........................................Alessa BoydWed. Dec. 20......................................Naomi BerthonSat. Dec. 23............................................Taylor FlyteSun. Dec 24 – 10 AM......................Kashton Kangas

Sun. Dec. 24 – 7 PM.................................................Karissa RettlerSun. Dec. 24 – 9 PM.........................................Danielle SchroederMon. Dec. 25 – 10 AM....................................................Toby StahlSat. Dec. 30................................................................Volunteer???Sun. Dec. 31 – 10 AM....................................................Troy SwanSun. Dec. 31 – 7 PM.......................................................Carly Drew

LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL

It’s hard to believe we are in November already as I write this article. The weather sure has changed and so did our class size a little. We now have another, (girl) student. Now our class size is 11; four are boys and the rest are girls. Overall, the class is doing pretty good. We have a couple that want to be the teacher now and then, but I feel we are getting a lot done and getting along with each other. As they become more comfortable with us and each other, they may show more energy in the classroom!

We had the Bible lesson on “Gideon Fighting the Battle”, (with God’s help of course), with very little army of men and no weapons. We made horns and blew them in the classroom, then they got to take them home. We shall be having the story of Ruth just before Thanksgiving break. Then is when we play with bread dough, bake it, then take it home to either eat it or feed it to the birds. I also send home ½ loaf of bread that I made for each of the families. We’ve been working with the prayer chains that Jessica Bittelman made for each of the children so they could have their very own. At the end of preschool they will be able to take them home. Just starting the Lord’s Prayer and working with the prayer chains at the same time has become a challenge, but it only gets better.

Our sensory table had ears of field corn in it again this year. The corn came from Brooks and Molly Buchholz’s farm. I let it dry a few days, then started a place on each cob shucking it. The children love to pop off the kernels. Ms. Dawn and I love to sweep

them up just as fast ☺.

We took a walking field trip to the Library the second week in November. Aaron read to us about Elmer the elephant and how different he felt from the other elephants. The children got to color a picture of their own Elmer and take it home. We made Thanksgiving Day cards for the parents out of hand printed turkeys. They turned out very cute. We have been practicing our Christmas songs. This year our program will be early with refreshments afterwards. We always hold it in the Church as there’s plenty of room for everything. So, if you’re not busy and the roads are good, come and sit and enjoy the children singing.

The refreshments are cookies, milk, or water in the basement afterwards. It’s a very short program, so don’t be late.

I hope you had a thankful Thanksgiving and that the only thing that got stuffed was the bird!

I wish for you joy. Until next time,Ms. Deb

Immanuel Lutheran Church Council MinutesNovember 13, 2017

NOT SUBMITTEDTHE NOVEMBER FRIENDS OF IMMANUEL will come together on Tuesday, December 5th

and begin with their traditional potluck meal at 12:00 Noon. The afternoon activity will be BINGO. If you plan to stay, please bring a wrapped exchange gift.

MEMBERS OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE are still working to fill the ballot for 2018 officers, boards, and committees. If someone from the Nominating Committee approaches you to ask for your help in the leadership at Immanuel, please prayerfully consider their request. Comments or suggestions can be made to Darrel Honnold Chairman of the Nominating Committee. The next meeting of the Nominating Committee will be Wednesday, December 6th at 5:00 PM at the AEC. They hope to finalize the ballot at this meeting.

THE SEASON OF ADVENT IS UPON US! Our Advent worship services will be held each Wednesday in December – December 6th, 13th, and 20th beginning at 7:00 PM. Please join us as we prepare to welcome the newborn King and Savior of the world.

The Advent theme for this year is entitled “Behold the Light”. The lights we love to put on our Christmas trees weren’t somebody’s idea to commercialize

Christmas. They come from the very Biblical image of light

piercing the darkness in the advent of the Light of the world. This series helps us to see the light as we prepare ourselves for Christ’s coming.

ADVENT SUPPERS will be served prior to the Advent Mid-week worship services. Suppers will begin at 5:45 PM. We sincerely thank the following groups and organizations for hosting the meals ...∙ December 6 – Altar Guild & Evening Circle∙ December 13 – Youth∙ December 20 – Elders & Council∙Come and enjoy good Christian fellowship and awesome food that

you don’t have to prepare at home!THE LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL CHILDREN will present their annual Christmas program on Monday, December 11th at Church beginning at 6:30 PM. All members and friends of Immanuel as well as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins will enjoy their short program. Refreshments will be served in the church basement following the program.

MEMBERS OF THE CONGREGATION ARE INVITED TO JOIN the choir and the youth group on Sunday, December 17th to bring the Good News of Great Joy to the residents at Harris Villa. Traditional carols will be sung. Caroling will begin at 1:00 PM at Harris Villa.

CHRISTMAS EVE FALLS ON A SUNDAY THIS YEAR and we will have a special worship at the regular 10:00 AM service time.

IMMANUEL’S SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN will present their annual Christmas Eve program on Sunday, December 24 th at 7:00 PM. The title of the program this year is “A Capital C.H.R.I.S.T.M.A.S” – the Christmas story highlighted by each letter of the alphabet. Come and enjoy the program as our youngest members proclaim the birth of Jesus!

OUR TRADITIONAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE will also be held on Sunday, December 24th at 9:00 PM. Holy Communion will be celebrated. The title is “The Brightest Light” based on Isaiah 9:2-7. Come and worship!

CHRISTMAS DAY WORSHIP – Monday, December 25th

10:00 AM!

☞ Sunday, December 31

10:00 AM

☞ Sunday, December 317:00 PM

“What’s Your Resolution” based on Roman 8:31b-39

THE DECEMBER WORSHIP AT HARRIS VILLA will be held one week earlier than usual – Tuesday,

December 19th. Please come and join them and pass the word on to others that the date is changed!

THE 2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES are now available on the tables in the Narthex. Please pick up your envelopes as well as those for your family. The Finance Committee reminds you NOT TO USE THESE ENVELOPES UNTIL January, 2018. Each year your envelope number changes and if you use the 2018 envelopes during 2017 (or vice versa), your offerings will not be credited properly. If you do not see your envelopes, please call the church office (608-296-2088). They could have been inadvertently missed.

DECEMBER

1 Bradyn Hamilton, Logan Hamilton, Nathaniel Knoch, Sherri Labrenz, Mary Schellin

4 Derrick Mike5 Maya Inda7 Gina Buchholz, Sarah Finger, Elaine Kangas,

Pauline Kemnitz9 Kristine Kangas10 Donald Hockerman, Claire Peschel11 Lacey Baumann, Lindsay Baumann, Tristan Flyte, Pamela

Honnold, Christopher Paulino12 Isaiah Berthon, Doug Drew13 Vanessa Knoch14 Michael Hell15 Edna Ranum16 Matthew Groskreutz17 Mitchell Coyle, Gayle Marshall18 Carl Brakebush19 Naomi Berthon, Judy Brakebush,

Jo Ann Groskreutz

20 Malachi Groskreutz23 Nancy Brakebush, Ryan Tabbert24 Helen Hood, Sandy Kilbey25 Jody Cummings27 Kashton Kangas, Gregory Labrenz29 Robert Binder, Vanessa Goldsmith31 Brandon Drewitz, Elizabeth Hell

1 Mark & Linda Groskreutz3 Dan & Karla Vogelsang5 Byron & Brenda Henke14 Fritz & Ingrid Menke15 Joshua & Amanda Knoch31 Malachi & Lindy Groskreutz

Christopher & Natashia Peschel

Upcoming ServicesSunday, December 2 & 3, 2017 / Advent I (10 a.m.)

Sermon Title: The King Comes… How?Sermon Text: Mark 11:1-10Sermon Theme: Coming to Jerusalem for His enthronement, Jesus arrives in the most unorthodox manner.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 – Midweek I – (7p.m.) Sermon Title: “Put On the Light!”Sermon Text: Romans 13:11-14Sermon Theme: The Beauty of seeing Real Lights

Sunday, December 9 & 10, 2017- Advent 2 (10 a.m.) Sermon Title: Prepare the WaySermon Text: Mark 1:1-8Sermon Theme: John’s Preparation for Jesus Prepares us too.

Wednesday December 13, 2017 – Midweek 2 – ( 7 p.m.)

Sermon Title: Many Lights Are Brighter Together!Sermon Text: Romans 15:4-7Sermon Theme: Christ Unites Us to Shine!

Sunday, December 16 & 17, 2017 – Advent 3 – (10 a.m.)

Sermon Title: Greater ThingsSermon Text: John 1:6-8, 19-28Sermon Theme: John brings God’s Message of Greater Things to come.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Midweek 3 (7 p.m.) Sermon Title: A Light with a Special Purpose!Sermon Text: Romans 1:1-7 Sermon Theme: We are Lights with a Special Purpose

Sunday, December 23 & 24, 2017 - Advent 4 – (10 a.m.)

Sermon Title: According to Your WordSermon Text: Luke 1:26-38Sermon Theme: God acts according to His Word.

Sunday, December 24, 2017 / Christmas Eve – (9 p.m.) Sermon Title: The Brightest Light!Sermon Text: Isaiah 9:2-7Sermon Theme: Seeing a Great Light

Monday, December 25, 2017 / Christmas Day (10 a.m.)

Sermon Title: The Life in the Light Sermon Text: John 1:4-5Sermon Theme: The Life in this Light is Eternal!

Sunday, Dec. 30 & 31, 2017 / 1 st Sunday after Christmas – (10 a.m.) Sermon Title: Recognizing the SignsSermon Text: Luke 2:22-40Sermon Theme: The sign we need is right there in front

of us: Immanuel, God with us.

Sunday, December 31, 2017 / New Year’s Eve Service (7 p.m.) Sermon Title” What’s Your Resolution?Sermon Text: Romans 8:31b-39Sermon Theme: Making a brand “New Start!”

QUESTION:Why does the church year begin at Advent, what is the history of Advent, and what is the history behind the Advent candles and

wreath?

ANSWER: The word “advent" is from the Latin word for “coming,” and as such, describes the “coming” of our Lord Jesus Christ into the flesh.

Advent begins the church year because the church year begins where Jesus' earthly life began — in the Old Testament prophecies of His incarnation. After Advent comes Christmas, which is about His birth; then Epiphany, about His miracles and ministry; then Lent, about His Calvary-bound

mission; then Easter, about His resurrection and the sending of the apostles; and then Ascension (40 days after Easter) and Pentecost, with the sending of the Holy Spirit.

The first half of the church year (approximately December through June) highlights the life of Christ. The second half (approximately June through November) highlights the teachings of Christ. The parables and miracles play a big part here. That's "the church year in a nutshell," and it should help reveal how Advent fits into "the big picture."

Advent specifically focuses on Christ's "coming," but Christ's coming manifests itself among us in three ways — past, present, and future.

The readings which highlight Christ's coming in the past focus on the Old Testament prophecies of His incarnation at Bethlehem. The readings, which highlight Christ's coming in the future, focus on His "second coming" on the Last Day at the end of time. And the readings that highlight Christ's coming in the present focus on His ministry among us through Word and Sacrament today.

The traditional use of Advent candles (sometimes held in a wreath) originated in eastern Germany even prior to the Reformation. As this tradition came down to us by the beginning of this century, it involved three purple candles and one pink candle.

The purple candles matched the purple paraments on the altar (purple for the royalty of the coming King). The pink candle was the third candle to be lit (not the fourth) on Gaudete

Sunday, the Third Sunday of Advent. "Gaudete" means "Rejoice!" in Latin, which is taken from Phil. 4:4.("Rejoice! ... the Lord is near"). Hence a "pink" candle was used to signify "rejoicing." Some also included a white "Christ candle" in the middle to be lit during the 12 days of Christmas (Dec. 25 to Jan. 5).

PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGES in Bible study groups:

∙ NO Bible study at Church on Sunday, December 24. (See you all on Sunday, December 31 st )

∙ NO Bible study at the AEC on Wednesday, December 27th.

PASSING ON THE GIFT

The angels sang songs of peace on earthThe night the Savior was born,But we live in a world of violence and chaos;Many hearts are troubled and torn.

Jesus offers us the gift of His peace(Not the type the world can give).It bathes on with calmness within

In spite of the conditions in which we live.

God blesses those who became peacemakers – They radiate to others an inner joy.It testifies to the sufficiency of His graceThat upward circumstances cannot destroy.

Often hope is only a guarded, longed-for wishTill it’s surrendered into the Savior’s hand,Assured that He is Lord over all circumstances,I can rest securely; I’m part of His plan!

Stressed-out people keep trudging alongMindful of all their commitments to fill.Then softly a serenity filters into weary hearts,Replacing despair with His peace be still.

Lord, I pray during this special seasonKeep me focused on You and things above;That everything I am and do may bring You gloryFor it is my gift of love.