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The Hope Herald
Hope Lutheran Church – ELCA
3640 Madison Avenue • Dearborn, MI 48124 • (313) 278-4810
www.hlcdearborn.org
The Rev. Albert F. Le Blanc Jr. – Pastor
December 2014 • Issue XII
Pastor’s Ponderings…
Luke 2:10-12 – 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that
will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the
Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (NIV)
Advent and Christmas Greetings!
During our services here at HLC, we often have announcements. While all of these announcements are
important enough to be shared, none of them can rise to the level of importance on the announcement you just
read above that was shared by the angel to the shepherds as the night was shattered by light filling the sky.
Is this announcement of any less importance today? No! We need to continually announce to this world that
indeed a Savior was born, and not only was He born, but He lived a sinless and perfect life, then died on a cross
but rose again from the dead after three days in the grave. His birth, over 2000+ years ago brought many
reactions such as fear, joy, hope, and even disdain by those (like King Herod) who only had a desire to hold on to
their own power and authority.
Even today, when we as Christians “announce” the presence of Christ in our world, we are often met with many
of these same emotions. Often, those who are filled with disdain towards Christ and His people are still those
who are hoping to hold on to their “kingdoms”. Are we going to be met with open arms all the time with the
message of the Gospel? Of course not; but that doesn’t mean that we don’t continue to announce the Good
News of His birth, life, death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and coming return.
My sisters and brothers, I pray that you don’t allow the views of the world to silence your announcement of
saying, “Merry Christmas”. It is my prayer that we all keep Christ in Christmas by ‘announcing’ our faith to all we
encounter with the joy-filled words of “MERRY CHRISTMAS!” Please understand that I encourage you to enjoy
the festivities of the season…share in the wonder of walking in lands claimed by winter, build (and possibly
nibble on) gingerbread houses, and jingle some bells loudly as you rock around a Christmas tree; however,
always keep in mind that it is CHRIST that allows these things to be filled with joy. Don’t hesitate to remind
others of that fact, as well.
Keep on announcing Him and be sure to join us for services during the seasons of Advent, Christmas and, of
course, into the New Year ahead.
Be blessed…
Pr. Albert
All articles for the Hope
Herald are to be submitted
electronically to:
[email protected]
. Articles must be received
by December 15th for inclusion in the
January publication.
If you wish, you
may
sponsor
flowers to beautify
our worship space.
The cost is $20 per
vase/arrangement.
You may sign-up
on
the
chart
located outside the Main Office. Please make
your payment with the Church Office (not in the
offering tray).
January/February
offering
envelopes
should arrive at your
home by the last week
in December. Feel free
to call the Church Office
at 313-278-4810 if you have any questions.
Men’s Group
Saturday, December 6th
8:30a @ Leon’s on
Michigan Avenue
Women of Hope
Saturday, December 20th
9:00a @ Rex’s Golden Grill on
Telegraph Road
All women of Hope Church are welcome!
Let’s Laugh
Please note the special holiday schedule for
the Church Office:
Dec. 24th: CLOSED beginning at 12p
Dec. 25th & Dec. 26th: CLOSED
Dec. 31st & Jan. 1st: CLOSED
Pr. Albert is out of the office Dec. 25th thru
January 3rd; however, he may be contacted by
phone
(734.552.8863)
or
by
email
([email protected]).
He is
leading worship 12/29.
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All Ministry Teams and Committees
to submit their annual reports to
Church Office by January 15th. These
compiled
and
presented
at
Congregational Meeting in February.
are
the
are
the
Listed below is our Christmas worship
schedule. We pray that all are able to attend.
Share this information with friends and
family; invite them to join you for worship!
Christmas Eve
Wednesday, 12/24 – 5:00p & 11:00p
(Candlelight at both services)
Martha Circle meets the
third Monday of every
month at 7pm in the
upper
parlor
from
September through May.
Any female member of
Hope Church is welcome
to join. Light refreshments are served. If you
have questions, please contact Suzanne
Phelps at (313) 274-0717.
Lessons & Carols, Sunday, 12/28 – 10:30a
(We continue our celebration of Christmas
with a service comprised of Christmas hymns
and Scripture readings.)
Deck the Halls with boughs of holly...
and lots more!!!
Sunday, December 21st, in place
of the Children’s Message, our Sunday
School children will bless us with the gift
of song. They will share with us a few
songs that they have learned in class.
Please include in your Christmas schedule Friday,
December 5th, from 6:00p to 9:00p to spend a
joyful evening making and decorating cookies in
our kitchen while preparing our whole church for
the coming Advent/Christmas season.
Please be sure to encourage the
children as they prepare to share
their songs with us.
Hotdogs, chips, veggies, hot chocolate, hot cider,
coffee and tea are the menu for the night. Bring
your friends and family for this fun night of
games, fellowship, food, and most of all
beautifying our church for Christmas. More
information follows over the coming weeks.
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A MINISRTY SERVING
THE HOMELESS
Journey of Hope in Taylor is hosting guests for
Christnet the week of December 14th through the
21st. Journey of Hope, Transfiguration Lutheran,
St.
Constance
Catholic,
Southminster
Presbyterian, The Harbor, Allen Park Church of
the Nazarene, and our congregation are
participating in this ministry of serving the
homeless. Hope Lutheran is assigned the evening
of Saturday, December 20th, as our day to prepare
and serve dinner and chaperone the guests. In
addition, we will prepare and serve a breakfast
the morning of Sunday, December 21st, and a “to
go” lunch.
Wednesday, December 17th, all
participating congregations join together to serve
the guests.
Events/News from our
Sister Congregations
Holy Trinity Lutheran – Livonia
“Prophets and Angels”
(An Advent & Christmas Festival)
Sunday, December 14th @ 4p
St. Paul Lutheran – Dearborn
Christmas Cantata/Carol Sing
Sunday, December 21st @ 3p
As we get closer to the dates, we will ask for
volunteers to serve. Please prayerfully consider
this opportunity to serve those in our community
who are in need. If you would like to make a
donation to the ChristNet program, visit:
http://www.christ-net.org/donate.htm or send
your donation payable to “ChristNet” to:
ChristNet Inc., 24158 Goddard Road, Taylor, MI
48180.
Sunday, December 14
9a – 10a
Fellowship Hall
There is a fund
used
to
give
assistance to those
in need – both in
our
worship
community and in
the community at
large. The funds
are
used
to
purchase gift cards which are given out at the
discretion of Pr. Albert.
Please consider giving to this fund as the need
is great in our community as we approach the
Christmas holiday.
Any amount is
appreciated. You may give your donation
along with your offering in your weekly
envelopes or you may use the pew envelopes.
Either way, please be sure to designate the
amount for the “Good Samaritan Fund”.
th
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Suzanne Phelps, RN – Parish Nurse
Lisa Boone, NP – Parish Nurse

Email: [email protected]
Staying Healthy During the Holidays
As we get closer to the holidays, it is
important to remember to take steps to
maintain our health during this busy time.
Here are some tips to stay healthy:
 Hand-washing is very important to
reduce getting or giving germs
especially during this busy time when
we are around other people
frequently at social gatherings and in
the stores. If soap and water is not
available use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.
 Stay warm by dressing in layers when
going out in very cold weather or stay
inside if you can.
 Reduce Stress- Try not to over commit
yourself and save time to enjoy
yourself with family and friends.
 Make sure to get proper sleep each
night.
 Travel safely- Don’t drink alcohol and
drive or get in a vehicle with anyone
who has been drinking. Use caution or
avoid the roads during really cold,
snowy or icy days. Have an emergency
kit in the car.
 Stay up to date on vaccinations and
health check-ups.
 Maintain a safe environment for
children- Keep choking hazards like
hard candies, small ornaments, or



other potentially harmful decorations
out of reach.
Prevent injuries- Avoid trip hazards.
Don’t run power cords in the
walkways, and keep walkways clear of
other items. Use caution with candles
and fireplaces and never leave them
unattended. Make sure smoke
detectors and carbon monoxide
detectors are in good working order
with good batteries.
Handle food safely and cook meat to
proper temperature. Do not leave
perishable food out for more than 2
hours.
Eat as healthy as you can during the
holidays.
Save time for your regular exercise.
While the holidays are a happy time for many,
some people may feel depressed during the
holidays, especially if they are dealing with a
recent loss. Pay attention to others who may
be depressed during the holidays. Seek
immediate medical attention if someone is
having suicidal thoughts.
- Lisa Boone, NP
Women of Hope (WOH) is
looking for nominations for
Secretary. No experience
needed, there are minimal
meetings.
This is a
wonderful way to be a part of a great
organization of our church.
If interested, contact Denise Lonce or Sue
Muskett.
5
Pew Cards
a.k.a
Communion Cards
WOMEN OF HOPE
HAPPENINGS
Wayne County Family Center Mission
Project: We are collecting through the end
Our constitution requires that to remain an
active
(voting)
member
of
this
congregation, you must attend, contribute
(financially), and commune at least once per
year – all three of these must be met. Your
contributions are tracked by the use of
your offering envelopes.
As for the
attendance and communing requirements,
this is done via the cards located in the
pew pockets.
of November. There are shopping lists on the
table in the Narthex. You may place your
donations in the east coatroom.
Items
needed: twin blankets, twin sheet sets, bath
towels, wash cloths, diapers – sizes 4, 5, and
6, and baby wipes. Thank you for your
support. Any questions contact Sue Muskett
or Denise Lonce
Historic Trinity Lutheran Church:
A
special Christmas Open House and Christmas
German Market is Saturday, December 13th
from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
There are
refreshments, sing-a-long opportunities, and
each person attending receives a special
open-house gift. At the German Market you
have the opportunity to purchase German
ornaments, candles, crafts, and baked goods.
The church is located at 1345 Gratiot Avenue,
Detroit.
We have expanded the use of our church
software (Shepherd’s Staff) and are now
able to track attendance in a more efficient
manner. To help with this process, you are
asked to fill out a pew card EACH TIME you
attend worship. You may complete one
card per family (just make sure to put
down the names of those in attendance
and if all are communing).
YEAR ROUND MISSION PROJECT:
Pr. Albert is now able to generate reports
based on the data collected from the pew
cards. This helps monitor who has fallen
out of attendance so that Pastor may
reach out to them in a timely fashion.
Cell Phones for First Step: A box for your
used cell phones and chargers is in the
coatroom by the elevator. We ask that if you
have the charger for the phone to please
attach it to the phone. If you have any
questions please contact Sue Muskett at 313228-5735.
The cards may also be used as a
communication tool between you, Pr.
Albert, and the Church Office. Please use
these cards to get information to Pr. Albert
or the Church Office regarding requests
(prayers, meetings, etc.) or to update your
contact information. The completed cards
are to be placed in the OFFERING TRAY.
REMINDERS:
-- SOS (Sisterhood of Support) meets every
third Friday of the month at 7:00p in the
upstairs parlor. Bring a friend.
-- Breakfast at Rex's Golden Grill on
Telegraph between Oxford and Michigan
Avenue every third Saturday of the month
at 9:00 a.m. Bring a friend.
-- As always, if you have any suggestions for
mission projects please do not hesitate to
contact Denise Lonce, Sue Muskett, or
Linda Van Dusen.
If you have any questions, please contact
Pr. Albert or the Church Office.
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It’s a Boy AND a
Girl!
Advent Salad
Supper
Congratulations to
Kathy Willet on the
birth of her twin
grandchildren,
Andrew William and
Audrey Kate! Andrew and Audrey came into
our world on October 28th. Kathy is in
Minnesota to help her daughter, Kelly, with
the twins. She returns home the end of
November.
All ladies are invited
to an Advent Salad
Supper sponsored
by the Martha Circle and The Women of
Hope Lutheran Church Monday, December
15th at 6:30pm.
Please bring a friend and/or relative and
enjoy a lovely tradition at Hope Church. We
will enjoy a Maurice Salad and dessert, do a
craft, and share in Christian fellowship
during the final days of Advent.
If you currently
help with Altar
care or if you
would like to help
with Altar care,
please join us for
a meeting of our
new Altar Guild Sunday, December 7th
following worship. We will discuss how the
guild functions and how everyone can serve
God and the congregation through this
ministry team. If you have questions, please
contact Tracie Apfel, Eveline Fusina, or Pr.
Albert.
We will pack baskets for the shut-ins of our
congregation also. Please bring one dozen
cookies – and sign up on the sheet posted
on the Women of Hope bulletin board
located just outside of the Nursery. “Hope”
to see you there!
Sunday, December
28th, we welcome
into the Church,
through the waters
of Holy Baptism,
Tyler
Donald
Ramin, son of Donna and Shane Ramin,
grandson of Don and Barb Birkenhier, and
baby brother of Chelsea. Sponsors are
Matthew Birkenhier and Corrin Ramin.
The Ford Chorus performs Christmas concerts
at the following locations:
December 5th ∙ 7:00 pm
Angelica Lutheran Church – Allen Park, MI
(Proceeds to benefit Fishes and Loaves)
December 8th ∙ 7:00 pm
Plymouth Baptist Church – Plymouth, MI
(Proceeds to benefit Dearborn Animal Shelter)
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Even
amid
increased
secularization,
God makes the
core Christmas
message known. Take, for example, the story of
a “winter pageant” a mother attended at her
son’s grade school. Songs of reindeer, snow and
Santa included one titled “Christmas Love,” in
which the youngest performers held up letters
as the song progressed: “C,” “H,” etc.
The Social Ministry/Outreach Committee is
collecting hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves
for homeless adults. Donations may be
placed on the tree from December 5 –
December 19. Your gifts will be donated to
ChristNet which is a rotating homeless shelter
for adults and Central United Methodist
Church. If you have any questions, please
contact Andrea Schultz (734.865.0479), John
Gendron (313.701.5517) or Sue Muskett
(313.770.1651).
When a little girl unknowingly held her “M”
upside down, the older kids snickered and the
adult audience smiled acceptingly. But as the
song drew to a close and all the letters were
revealed, surprised recognition struck the
Christians in the room.
“CHRISTWAS LOVE,” read the string of studentborne letters. God’s truth had penetrated the
human clutter and confusion around Christmas
— as it has power to do throughout our lives:
“Christ was love.” And of course, He still is.
Adopt a Homeless
Family for
Christmas
Here
are
some
interesting Christmas
traditions
from
around the world:
Our congregation has
adopted
three
homeless families for Christmas this year. A
Christmas tree will be set up in the narthex
with ornaments containing the recipient’s
name and wish list item. Once you have
selected your ornament, please add your
name to the sign-up sheet. The wrapped and
tagged gifts should be turned in to the church
office by 12/21/14. If you would like to
participate but don’t have time to shop or
find shopping difficult, please contact Sue
Muskett (313.770.1651), John Gendron
(313.701.5517),
or
Andrea
Schultz
(734.865.0479) and we will do your shopping
for you.
• Nine days before Christmas in Mexico, Las
Posadas processions reenact Joseph and Mary’s
search for a place to stay in Bethlehem.
• Instead of decorating trees, Italians place fruit
on small wooden pyramids.
• On Christmas Eve, the streets of Caracas,
Venezuela, are blocked off so people can rollerskate to church.
• It’s considered bad etiquette to send red
Christmas cards in Japan because funeral
notices are customarily printed in red.
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Serving in December
Lectors
Greeters
Ushers
Jean Sippel, Jim Blackburn,
Dolores Blackburn,
Sue Muskett
Marcia Wegge, Bella Joki,
Andrea Schultz, Steve Moore,
Mark Lonce
Jackie Weiss, Paul Archer,
Melissa Lawler, Tim Schulte
Ken Monberg, Chuck Lenz,
David Apfel, & Ron Konarski
Paul Archer, John Gendron,
Bill Wegge, Ken Monberg
December 7
Tammy Castano
December 14
Tracie Apfel
December 21
Ken Monberg
Christmas Eve
(5:00p)
Emilee Le Blanc
Need Volunteers
Need Volunteers
Christmas Eve
(11:00p)
Linda Van Dusen
Need Volunteers
Need Volunteers
December 28
Emilee Le Blanc
Diane Monberg, Shelby Manus,
Al Fernandez, Bonnie Dawson
Hope Buxton, B. Dawson,
Dale Suich, Tim Schulte
Acolytes
If interested in serving as an Acolyte,
check-in with
Pr. Albert BEFORE worship!
Paul Frison, Sheila Joki,
Tracie Apfel, Al Fernandez
Altar Care
December 7
Betty Klopcic & Joan Quillico
December 14
The Lonce Family
December 21
The Schultz Family
Christmas Eve
(5:00p)
The Le Blanc Family
Christmas Eve
(11:00p)
Need Volunteers
December 28
Need Volunteers
The monthly calendar may be viewed/printed from our
website or you can use the link below:
http://73961569.view-events.com
Hope Lutheran Church
3640 Madison
Dearborn, MI 48124
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
DATED MATERIAL
Join us in worship Sunday, December 28th, at 10:30a
as we continue our celebration of Christmas with a
festival of lessons and carols. Holy Communion is
celebrated as part of the service, as well.
Invite family and friends to join us for this
festive holiday tradition!