For All the Saints Where we meet as God’s People of Joy!

Midweek Advent

Evening Worship Take a break from the hustle and

bustle of December by joining us

on Wednesday Evenings at 6:30

pm for Advent Prayer around the Cross. This quiet,

meditative worship practice was developed at Hold-

en Village and has its roots in the Taizé and Iona

communities. Prayer around the Cross features rep-

etition of chant-like music, scripture, reflection, and

silence, with opportunities to approach the cross and

to light candles. We gather, mindful of our collective

waiting, and we experience the hopefulness of Ad-

vent without the distractions and pressures that

come with our self-imposed holiday deadlines and

preparations. Experience Advent together in wait-

ing, singing, prayer, and silence, Wednesdays dur-

ing December (5th, 12th, & 19th) at 6:30 pm.

Christmas Worship Schedule

Sunday, December 16 Monday, December 24

Sunday School Christmas Eve

Christmas Program Candlelight Services

10:30 am 3:30 pm

(8:30 am is Advent 3) 5:30 pm

7:30 pm

Sunday, December 30

Lessons & Carols Service

8:30 & 10:30 am

Inside This Issue

From the Pastor 2

Together for Service 4

Adult Education 9

Dec. Birthdays 11

Dates to Note!

Poinsettia Orders Due

December 5

Social Ministry Movie

December 7

Decorate the church

December 8

Wil-Mar Meal

December 15

Seasoned Saints

December 15

Sunday School

Christmas Program

December 16

December, 2018 Volume 21, Issue 12

If you’d like to change

to electronic giving,

scan this QR code and

sign up. It’s fast and

easy!

For All The Saints Page 2

From the Pastor Do you see what I see?

Do you see what I see? It is the touch of God's love in Christmas; God breaking

into our world as a human being. Christ’s presence is all around us. Even in the

selling of products, there is a light that shines in the darkness of winter. Even in

the peddling of gifts there is a hopefulness that cannot be denied. Even in the

laughter of Santa there is a love and delight that goes beyond the wish list.

Do you see what I see?

And I just know that I can see the Bethlehem Star in the twinkling eyes of chil-

dren and adults. There is a promise within the wink of a parent's eye. There is a

love within the hearts of grandparents that can warm the coldest night. The chil-

dren are antsy with anticipation just like the Jewish people were as they waited

for the Messiah and looked for the signs of his coming.

Do you see what I see?

Advent is the season of watching, waiting and preparing—searching for signs of

God in and among us. Take time in these next four weeks (and that will be a

challenge), take time at work, at Christmas parties and programs, at the mall

and the grocery store, take time in these next four weeks for a deeper look at

what is going on around you.

Do you see what I see?

Search the faces of your families and friends. Search the faces of the people

you see as you shop and prepare. If you are brave, even take a second look at

yourself. You will find wishes and prayers, hearts hungering to be healed; a

desire to transcend the business and be touched by the very heart of God.

Do you see what I see?

In worship on Sunday mornings, I invite you to take some time and take a sec-

ond look at what God is doing in your life; what God is doing beneath the sur-

face in your life. In providing gifts and sharing Christmas with families in need

through seasonal donations, giving essentials to warm those who have little, and

food and meals with the homeless and downtrodden, I invite you to take a sec-

ond look and see how God is using you to share the light and love of Christmas.

When you go to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus, either at St. Stephen’s or

with friends and family farther away, I invite you to take another look, to see in

those moments the miracle of God’s love in your life and community.

Do you see what I see?

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Elisa

For All The Saints Page 3

Social Ministry Movie Friday December 7, 6:30 pm in Agape

Please join us for a 55-minute film followed by a panel discussion with local ex-

perts. Light refreshments will be available.

Panelists Include:

Rev. Mary Pharmer, from Annunciation

House, a volunteer at the hospitality house

in El Paso, Texas

Josh Forehand, Principal at Nuestro

Mundo School, Monona

Dr. Melina Lozano, Hawthorne Elementary

School and Madison College

“There are inevitably real people behind

the strident slogans and ideological labels

in today’s immigration debate. Roy Ger-

mano’s The Other Side of Immigration

does more than any other work to give

people otherwise disparaged as

‘threatening’ and ‘illegal’ a human face and to reveal the devastating effects of

U.S. immigration and economic policies on our closest neighbors.” — Douglass

Massey, Princeton University

Special Prayers

Hospitalized, Injured, or Ill Baptized Vincent William Morrow, son of Justin Morrow & Alicia Suguitan. Condolences To the family of Marcella Pahl

Finance Update Through October 2018

Year-to-Date Expense: $370,300.37

Year-to-Date Income: $352,343.75

Difference: $-17,956.62

Original Mortgage (10/2010): $1,361,512

Principal Paid: $578,707.42

Remaining Balance: $791,255.26

Monthly Mortgage Payment: $6916.00

For All The Saints

Page 4

CONNECT An Asset Mapping Update from the Connect Team Ever wonder what the person sitting next to you during wor-

ship likes to do outside of St. Stephen’s sanctuary walls?

Actually, St. Stephen’s members have a lot of different inter-

ests and passions — as we discovered during our asset ‘speed dating’ exercise

held during worship a couple of months ago. More than 60 people completed

interest cards listing more than 200 hobbies and passions. So what do we like

to do? A lot of members love to be outside — gardening, biking, fishing, golfing,

hiking, running, being on or in the water, or on the ski slopes. Many love prepar-

ing food, creating, or curling up with a good book. We have a couple of avid

stamp collectors and even two people who said they love house cleaning. And

St. Stephen’s members are willing to share their gifts and talents. We have folks

that would be willing to teach German or French, auto repair, and the fine art of

lefse making.

This is all interesting information, but what happens next? The asset speed da-

ting was more than a fun exercise in getting to know each other a little better —

but that alone was valuable. It was a way of taking an informal collective inven-

tory of who we are. And what we found is a lot of us like similar things. In the

coming months, we’ll be exploring ways to bring people with common interests

together to learn, teach, and have some fun. We’re a community of believers

and we’re a community of neighbors who enjoy being together. There will be

fun ways to create connections and build relationships.

And while we’re taking our congregational inventory, the Connect team is also

taking a closer look at Monona and its surrounding communities. We’re study-

ing statistics and data; reaching out to local officials and leaders to gather com-

munity information; and planning a survey that will go to members who live in

the immediate Monona area. This will help us create a community inventory and

help us build stronger community relationships.

Imagine a master gardener providing spring planting tips to not only the dozen

or so St. Stephen’s members who are passionate about gardening, but inviting

the community as well. Imagine members with a passion for cooking, baking,

sewing, and even auto repair coming together to help out those in the communi-

ty in true Good Samaritan fashion. The possibilities are endless and exciting!

For All The Saints Page 5

Wil-Mar Saturday, December 15 at 9:30 am

Ninety of Madison’s needy and homeless were served a full Thanksgiving

dinner of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, etc. on November 17 thanks to five

St. Stephen’s students plus one. They are Laxmi Chauhan, Parbati Chauhan,

Arati Chauhan, Geeta Chauhan, Rylee Kordela, and her friend Alex Koory. It

was a pleasure working with these young people! We at St. Stephen’s are

blessed with caring and hard-working youth. They were assisted by Becky

Mitchell, Karen Kordela, Dick Benzine, and Joann Esser.

This meal would not have been possible without those who donated, cooked,

and deboned turkeys. They are Sandy Knesting, Steve Day, Ed Nowicki, Suzy

Hanson, Dan & Barb Minor, Phyllis Miller, Rhonda Mork, Connie Neuman, Doris

Brendler, Barb Kepler, and Joann Esser.

If you or one of your children are interested in helping serve, please contact

John Esser, jresser@charter.net or 608-244-3088.

Seasoned Saints Saturday, December 15 at 9 am

Please join us at 9:00 at Monona Gardens Restaurant for fun and fellowship.

We’ll order off the menu and share conversation. Everyone is welcome!

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m.

In preparation for Advent, we will begin to examine the incarnation of Jesus in

our four gospels. Please join us, bring your lunch if you wish. We meet in

Agape Annex and all are welcome.

Bold Café Tuesday, December 18, 6:30 pm

This month’s Bold Café gathering will be held at Sandy Knesting’s home (4001

Monona Drive, #204). All women are welcome to join us for fun and fellowship.

Poinsettias to Decorate the Church Orders due in church office by Wednesday, December 5

Help us beautify the sanctuary for Christmas by ordering Poinsettias. Each

plant is $12 and may be taken home after Christmas services. Order forms are

available in the narthex.

For All The Saints Page 6

Gift Ideas for Christmas As the Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays approach please consider pur-

chasing gifts of olive oil, olive wood, and/or jewelry from Palestine. The olive oil

products sold at St. Stephen's are purchased from Canaan Fair Trade USA in

Madison, and directly support Palestinian farmers who struggle with the expan-

sion of Israeli settlements and restrictions on access to water, and because of

these issues they find it increasingly difficult to continue in agricultural liveli-

hoods they have practiced for hundreds of years. The olive wood carvings and

jewelry are made by Palestinian artists. These pieces have been sent to us in

good faith with hopes their efforts will be supported. For more information, visit

canaanusa.com. Many thanks-Patti Ethridge

Decorating the Church Saturday December 8

The Worship & Arts team has made plans to decorate the church on December

8th. Please come pitch in to move trees and decorate accordingly during that

morning. We’ll need many hands to make the everything ready for the special

events of the season!

From the Red Cross: Thanks for a Successful Blood Drive! Congratulations and thank you for a fantastic blood drive yesterday and in ex-

ceeding your goal by 16 units!!! What an unbelievable turn out!!!! This was so

great to see especially as we are on appeal for blood donations AND for a first-

time blood drive! The results are as follows:

40 presenting donors

3 deferrals

4 Power Reds collected

39 total units collected=169% to goal WOW!!

This drive alone will help to save as many as 117 patients’ lives! Thank you

once again for all of your efforts put forth to ensure a VERY successful blood

drive! Your help and support is greatly appreciated.

Staying Connected

You can find the past week’s service on Monona Community TV

Sundays at 10:00 (Charter Channel 990 or AT&T Uverse

Channel 99). Videos of each week are posted and archived on

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/results?q=st+stephens+monona.

General Interest Updates Two to three times a month, we send out a general-interest mass email to keep

people current on what’s happening around St. Stephen’s. If you are not receiv-

ing these emails and you’d like to, please contact the church office,

go to http://tinyurl.com/ststconstantcontact and subscribe yourself to

our E-news Updates list, or scan this QR code with your smartphone!

For All The Saints Page 8

For All The Saints Page 7

You are Part of a Caring Congregation!

Stephen Ministry is Undoubtedly Great! One of the best ways to tell that our congregation cares is by our commitment

to Stephen Ministry. This is an important way that we express God’s love to

those around us. Our Stephen Ministry Team is very excited including Pastor

Larry, who shares these words:

“Siblings in Christ, I can’t tell you how pumped I am about Stephen Ministry

starting at St. Stephen’s. Paul reminds us that we are called to “bear one an-

other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). And Stephen Ministry is a powerful, road-

tested way to equip disciples to fulfill that calling. The training centers on key

skills (listening, chief among them) in highly accessible ways. Beyond that, the

program provides a structure so that care givers are well supported in their min-

istry and so that care receivers are well-matched with their Stephen ministers. I

so believe in this ministry.” Pastor Larry Henning

Is God calling you to take a more active role in Christian caregiving? Then Ste-

phen Ministry may be just what you’re looking for. Your Stephen Ministry lead-

ership team hopes you will consider becoming a Stephen Minister, pick up an

application at our table in the narthex, and return it to us by the extended date

of December 9th!

Lynne Martin Erickson, Fran Malloy, Pastor Larry, and Pastor Elisa

For All The Saints Page 8

We usually take pictures at our family events. Frequently, these photos appear on our

website, Facebook page, in our newsletters, and on display at church. If you do not wish

to have your child’s photo (or your own) taken or displayed, please let the photographer

know and contact the church office. Thanks!

Sunday School News Noisy Offering on December 16 Our Sunday School children want to help children around the world. And you

can help them do that. On Sunday, December 16th Sunday School children will

be collecting donations to purchase items through the ELCA Good Gifts pro-

gram. Good Gifts provides life-saving and life-changing supplies to children and

families around the world. You may have received the catalog in the mail and

are probably familiar with the livestock; school and medical supplies; agricultur-

al resources; and other items provided through Good Gifts.

Last year our Sunday School students collected nearly $250 and purchased

two pigs, two ducks, two goats, and four sets of chicks for families in need

around the world. They are excited to help again this year.

Here’s how you can help them. Drop your noisy offering in collection containers

as you leave church on Sunday December 16th. And if you think clinking coins

make too much noise, we also accept quieter folding money. Your gifts will help

our Sunday School children share Good Gifts around the world.

Thank you!

Sunday School program December 16th Mark your calendars for Sunday December 16

th during the 10:30 worship ser-

vice. That’s when the Sunday School children will share the Christmas story.

This year’s Sunday School Christmas program combines familiar and beloved

music with the treasured story of Christ’s birth as they share the message of

God’s love. Families will hear more about the program details via email. In the

meantime, plan to attend and enjoy the Sunday School Christmas program at

10:30 on Sunday, December 16th.

CONTACT US

Rev. Elisa Brandt, Senior Pastor pastor-elisa@ststlc.net

Rebecca Redmann, Director of Music and Worship rebecca@ststlc.net

Paige Gubbrud, Children & Family Ministry Director paige@ststlc.net

Roxanne Robinson, Office Administrator office@ststlc.net

Tim Mueller, Organist mueller@ststlc.net

Terry Tiffany, Custodian office@ststlc.net

Dick Benzine, Food Pantry Administrator ststpantry@netscape.net

608-222-1241 www.StStephensMonona.org

Adult Forums in December Advent for Everyone: A Daily Devotional.

"This Advent, let's read together the meditations of biblical

scholar and author N. T. Wright, exploring Gospel themes of

faith, repentance, justice, and celebration. Be sure to notice

that this year’s book is purple! Last year's is red. ($9 on

kindle) We will be discussing the book during the adult forums

on Sunday mornings through advent."

Stewardship

Celebration and Commitment Sunday Sunday, December 2

nd, is a day of joy and generosity at St. Stephen’s! We give

thanks for the mission God has given us and the many gifts to share in this im-

portant ministry of sharing God’s love.

We also celebrate in joy the opportunity to grow in generosity and as a blessing

to our neighbors. During worship, we have the opportunity to give in generosity

as we indicate how we plan to share our gifts for ministry this coming year. In

the sharing of gifts, we are giving in generosity by giving ourselves first to the

Lord.

Thank you gracious God for your abundant blessings in our lives, especially

your Son, Jesus Christ. Open our hearts in generosity and delight as we re-

ceive your gifts and share them for ministry in our congregation, family, and

community. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord we pray. Amen.

For All The Saints Page 9

For All The Saints Page 10

Worship Highlights December 2: First Sunday of Advent We await the coming days and the advent of our Lord in word and supper.

Jeremiah 33:14-16 A righteous branch springing up from David

1 Thessalonians 3:19-13 Strengthen hearts for the coming of the Lord.

Luke 21:25-36 Be alert for the coming of the Son of Man

December 9: Second Sunday of Advent Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God.

Malachi 3:1-4 My messenger is a refiner and purifier

Philippians 1:3-11 A harvest of righteousness on the day of Jesus Christ

Luke 3:1-6 Prepare the way of the Lord

December 16: Third Sunday of Advent Great joy is the tone for the third Sunday of Advent.

Zephaniah 3:14-20 Rejoice, the Lord is in your midst

Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice, the Lord is near

Luke 3:7-18 One more powerful is coming, baptizing with fire

December 23: Fourth Sunday of Advent Cradle and cross are inextricably connected.

Micah 5:2-5a From Bethlehem comes a ruler

Hebrews 10:5-10 I have come to do your will

Luke 1:39-45 Blessed are you among women / My soul magnifies the Lord

December 24: Christmas Eve On a long winter evening we gather to proclaim the coming

of the light.

Isaiah 9:2-7 Light shines: a child is born for us

Titus 2:11-14 The grace of God has appeared

Luke 2:1-14 God with us

December 30: First Sunday of Christmas As the festival continues, “let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Samuel grew in favor with the Lord and the people

Colossians 3:12-17 Clothe yourselves in love

Luke 2:41-52 The boy Jesus grew in wisdom and in divine and human favor

December Birthdays at St. Stephen’s!

For All The Saints Page 11

12/1 Barbara Minor

Tricia Thompson

12/2 Nadia Lee

Janelle Stine

Tammy Worl

12/3 Laurine Carstens

Sally Iverson

Brenda Kepler-Leske

Mary Nervig

12/4 Christian Burk

Butch Denson

Braeden Dietz

12/6 Samantha Cooper

Wava Grinde

Marjorie Lanphear

Mary Tygum

12/7 Kent Bahler

Sandy Knesting

12/9 Sharon Eley

Becky Mitchell

12/12 Dick Benzine

Doris Evans

Dale St. John

Phillip Tygum

12/13 Ken Fellerson

12/15 Gail Gawenda

12/16 Sylvia Reinholdt

12/18 Jill Ruffridge

12/19 Bryan Geil

12/20 Tim Mueller

Barbara Powers

12/21 Lee Johnson

Pam Zebell

12/22 Charles Pierce

Wayne Winans

12/23 Nancy Morris

12/28 Lawren Kunz

Phyllis Seiler

12/30 Nancy Kinson

Michele Miller

Terri Winans

12/31 Lorran Celley

Kim Etter

December Servers 2018 Fellowship Host Usher Sacristan Greeter(s) Deacons Lectors Other

2

8:30

Bill & Doris Brendler

10:30

Nancy Morris

8:30 Mork Team 10:30 Sullivan Team

8:30 Diana Helmenstine 10:30 Rhonda Mork

8:30 Jon & Eva Robelia 10:30 Don & Carolyn Jambura

8:30 Dick Benzine, Don Lehman, Rolfe Nervig 10:30 Gary & Kat Pluff, Diana Schramer

8:30 Monica Hansen 10:30 Don Jambura

Bread Bakers: 2 Sandy Bahler 9 Paige Gubbrud 16 Sue Eley 23 Brienne Carlson 24 Sharon Eley Eileen Koch Mary Tygum 30 Paige Gubbrud Assisting Ministers: 2 8:30: Meg Nielsen 10:30: Barb Kepler 9 8:30: Randy Romanski 10:30: Fred Hoff 16 8:30: Monica Hansen 10:30: Fred Hoff 23 8:30: Nancy Morris 10:30: Barb Kepler 24 3:30: Fred Hoff 5:30: Mary Tygum 7:30: Monica Hansen 30 8:30: Lynn Lauersdorf 10:30: Fred Hoff Cantors: 2 Angela Heyworth 9 Julie Buss 16 David Hanson 23 Barb Kober 30 Meg Nielsen

9

8:30

Bill & Doris Brendler

10:30

Curt & Rhonda Mork

8:30 Scovill Team 10:30 Pierce Team

8:30 Lois Schulz 10:30 Leone Helstad

8:30 Loran & Lynn Celley 10:30 Dick Benzine & Rhonda Mork

8:30 Bernie & Sandy Knesting, Meg Nielsen 10:30 Monte & Kathryn Clifcorn, Barb Kepler

8:30 Angela Heyworth

10:30 Tom Boehnen

16 8:30 Stan & Laura Nielsen

10:30 Kimberly Mueller

8:30 Lee Team 10:30 Romanski Team

8:30

Nancy Anthony

10:30

Nancy Anthony

8:30

Suzy Hanson, Connie New-

man

10:30

Stephen & Ned Redmann

8:30

Jo Church, Gordy & Jan McChesney

10:30

Gary Pluff, Ken Koscik, Diane Ward

8:30

Julie Buss

10:30

Deb Boushea

23

8:30

Bill & Doris Brendler

10:30

Mary Tygum

8:30

Sullivan Team

10:30

Mork Team

8:30

Suzy Hanson

10:30

Leone Helstad

8:30

John Esser, Phyllis Miller

10:30

Loran & Lynn Celley

8:30

David & Suzy Hanson, Cary Pierce

10:30

David Reinhart, Mary Tygum, Dale Scovill

8:30

Sandy Bahler

10:30

Edward Johnson

24 3:30

Lee Team

5:30

Scovill Team

7:30

Romanski Team

3:30

Julie Buss

5:30

Julie Buss

7:30

Julie Buss

3:30

Karen Day, Sandy Knesting

5:30

Bob & Phyllis Seiler

7:30

Ken Koscik

3:30

Art Braatz, Dennis & Sharon Eley

5:30

Monte & Kathryn Clifcorn, David Reinhart

7:30

Ken Koscik, Rolfe & Mary Nervig

3:30

Art Braatz

5:30

David Reinhart

7:30

Simon Schlosser

30 8:30

Nancy Morris & Mary

Tygum

10:30

Curt & Rhonda Mork

8:30

Scovill Team

10:30

Pierce Team

8:30

Sandy Knesting

10:30

Fran Malloy

8:30

Tom & Lois Offerdahl

10:30

Tom & Jean Boehnen

8:30

Phyllis Miller, Ed & Edie Nowicki

10:30

Monte & Kathryn Clifcorn, Diana Schramer

8:30

Tom Offerdahl

10:30

Art Paul Schlosser

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

9:30 Al-Anon 6:00 Bereaved Parents

2 3 4 5 6 7 8

8:30 Worship

9:40 Sunday School

9:40 Adult Education

10:30 Worship

6:30 Yoga

7 Boy Scouts

9:15 Devotions

9:45 Staff Meeting

10:15 Yoga

11:30 Bible Study

5:30 AA

5:30 TOPS

6:30 Advent Worship

7:00 Sanctuary Choir

8 Morning Prayer

7 AA

6:30 Social Ministry

Movie

9 Church Decorating

9:30 Al-Anon

9 10 11 12 13 14 15

8:30 Worship

9:40 Sunday School

9:40 Adult Education

10:30 Worship

1:00 Madison Handbell Concert

6:30 Yoga

7 Boy Scouts

9:15 Devotions

9:45 Staff Meeting

6:00 Finance Committee

10:15 Yoga

11:30 Bible Study

5:30 AA

5:30 TOPS

6:30 Advent Worship

7:00 Sanctuary Choir

8 Morning Prayer

10:30 Heritage Monona

6 Worship & Arts

7 AA

9 Seasoned Saints

9:30 Al-Anon

9:30 Wil-Mar Center Meal

16 17 18 19 20 21 22

8:30 Worship

9:40 Sunday School

9:40 Adult Education

10:30 Worship

10:30 Sunday School Program

4:00 Piano Recital

Newsletter Deadline

6 Cub Scouts

6:30 Ministry Board

6:30 Yoga

7 Boy Scouts.

9:15 Devotions

9:45 Staff Meeting

6:00 Building & Grounds

6:30 Bold Café

10:15 Yoga

11:30 Bible Study

5:30 AA

5:30 TOPS

6:30 Advent Worship

7:00 Sanctuary Choir

8 Morning Prayer

7 AA

9:30 Al-Anon

23 Christmas Eve 24 Christmas 25 26 27 28 29

8:30 Worship

9:40 Adult Education

10:30 Worship

3:30 Worship

5:30 Worship

7:30 Worship

Office Closed 10:15 Yoga

11:30 Bible Study

5:30 AA

5:30 TOPS

8 Morning Prayer

7 AA

9:30 Al-Anon

30 New Year’s Eve 31

8:30 Worship

9:40 Adult Education

10:30 Worship

December 2018