1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

Faith Lutheran Church Messenger
1000 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, KY 40502
(859) 266-7621 or (859) 266-9600
e-mail: [email protected]
website: http://www.faithlutheranchurch.com
December 2014
“Stay awake, be ready.
You do not know the hour
when the Lord is coming.
Stay awake, be ready.
The Lord is coming soon!”
December 14, 3:00pm
Continued on page 3
Christmas Services at Faith
Faith will offer three services of Holy Communion with Candle
Ligh ng on Christmas Eve:
·
·
4:00 Family Worship—this service is designed to be familyfriendly, with a shorter liturgy and ac ve par cipa on of
children. Pastor Joan Sorenson will preside, engaging worshippers in the gospel story of Christ’s birth. In keeping with
Christmas Eve tradi on, the service will include familiar carols, communion and candle ligh ng. String instrumentalists
will play music of the season 15 minutes before the hour.
7:00 and 10:00 Fes val Worship—the tradi onal Christmas
Eve liturgy with scripture and carols, led by Faith’s Parish
Choir. Pastor Rutrough will preside and preach. Seasonal
music featuring harpist Carolyn Dupont will begin 15
minutes before the hour.
Christmas Day—service of Holy Communion celebrated at 10:00
a.m. in the Gathering Area.
The Light has come
Please come join us on December 14 for
an a ernoon of music and scripture. Our
children, youth and adult choirs will sing and
play music interwoven with scripture. It is
an easy service, one for reflec ng on the
deeper meaning of Advent and the celebrated me of Christ’s birth.
Bring the family, bring a friend. It will be
meaningful to all.
THE NEST
REINDEER EXPRESS
2014
The staff at the NEST
have requested that we
donate coats, hats and gloves for the Reindeer
Express this year. They are hoping to be able
to provide these items to 250-300 boys and
girls. They especially need coats in sizes 2T to 6
for both boys and girls. Smaller sizes are also
needed, but in lesser numbers. There are tags
specifying gender and size on a tree in the Narthex. Please help with this event as you are
able. Items should NOT be wrapped, and
should be brought to Faith Dec. 7 - Dec. 10. If
you have ques ons, please contact Gail Swanson 273-4601 or [email protected].
Mission Statement: As followers of Jesus Christ, we embrace, reflect and proclaim God’s unconditional love.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
DECEMBER 2014
Gree ngs from the
Call Commi ee.
It has been quite some me
since we came to you with an
update on our call process, but
we have not forgo en about
you or our mission.
As you may remember, we received names of three poten al candidates in late August, interviewed all three
during September, and then no fied the synod that we
were releasing all three candidates because none appeared to be a good match for our congrega on.
And then we waited ... and waited... for our next candidate.
Now, you should know that the bishop's office selects
candidates from one of three sources: applica ons received in response to a posted posi on, review of applica ons already on file, and nomina ons received from
a congrega on. As we waited for Pastor Mueller to
send us our next candidate, we also sent him the names
of seven pastors recommended by members of our
congrega on. According to Pastor Mueller five of the
seven are either ineligible or not interested in a new
call, one is considering our materials, and one has not
yet returned his call.
In the mean me, we have a new candidate. We just
received an email from Pastor Mueller with the name
and creden als of a pastor he thinks might be a good
match for Faith. The Call Commi ee met this morning
to review the candidate's creden als and determine
our next steps.
We ask you to please keep the Call Commi ee, our candidate, and our congrega on in your prayers as we connue this process. I know the wai ng is difficult - it is
difficult for all of us. But we trust that the Holy Spirit is
working to lead us to our next pastor.
Thank you.
Page 2
Dear fellow members of Faith Lutheran Church,
The Personnel Commi ee is currently working towards crea ng a posi on descrip on to begin an immediate search for a permanent Director of Music
Ministries. This posi on will need to be filled when
Clif Cason completes his service as Interim Director of
Music Ministries, to which he has commi ed himself
for a period of 90 days. While this posi on will require the necessary combina on of creden als and
experience for an organist/musician/director, it will
not require that a qualified candidate be an Associate
In Ministry within the ELCA. We are grateful for the
me and a en on our Worship Commi ee has given
to the worship and music ministries of Faith Lutheran
Church, and for Clif Cason for sharing his gi s and
exper se in our central calling of worshiping God.
Yours in Christ,
The Personnel Commi ee
One way YOU can make a difference:
We may think, “I am not wealthy. I am not one of the
super-rich. How can I support God’s work for the long
term?” We can if we plan ahead. Steve Phelps, Regional Gi Planner for the ELCA will speak at worship
and be available for conversa on in the Narthex, Sunday School hour, Sunday, December 14, to discuss
how you can include God’s work in your financial and
estate planning. No commitment necessary. We are
simply touching on possibili es. Stop by. You may be
surprised with what you can do.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
DECEMBER 2014
Page 3
December
Flyer
A Message from Pastor Andy
Wai ng is a holy, ac ve thing. It helps us know that we
are not God; that everything does not revolve around
us. And yet, something is coming. Something terrible
and wonderful will change us.
Those of us who have been pregnant may understand
this. We experience life growing inside us. Our bodies
shi , our minds reorient. The ques on rises, “Will this
baby ever arrive?” Some mes we glimpse the coming
birth.
Many of us have waited for a loved one to die. We try
to make them as comfortable as we can. If we are far
away in body, we let them know we love them. If we
are close, we watch. They breathe. They keep breathing. The ques on rises, “How long?” Then, slowly, they
breathe less o en, and then less, ll finally they have
finished breathing. Some mes we glimpse the coming
resurrec on.
In Advent we wait for Christ to come: in glory, in a manger, in our hearts, in the world. Our souls shi in prepara on. We watch. We ask, “How long?” And every once
in a while, usually while we’re paying a en on to
something else, the Christ child touches us, the Jesus of
glory whirls us round, and we glimpse the unu erable
beauty of God’s love. I hope that happens to you this
season.
Holy Advent and Blessed Christmas,
Pr. Andy
12/7: Serve soup lunch a er
the 11:00 service as a FLY
fundraiser. Please let Kevin
know if you can provide a
crock-pot of soup. All youth
(especially those going on the
NYG trip) are needed as available for setup, serving, and
cleanup.
1/4: 6:30-8:15 – 11th Day of
Christmas party. Come recognize our liturgical heritage by
celebra ng Christmas into
January with snacks, games,
and the infamous white elephant gi exchange. Bring a
fun, unwanted, or tacky
wrapped gi .
12/21: 2:00-4:00 – Home
Alone movie (1990 – PG)
plus snacks. Enjoy the tale of
Kevin, le home accidentally
for Christmas, as he defends
his home against robbers
and learns the importance
of family.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
DECEMBER 2014
Page 4
Table d'hôte - Valentine’s Day
Saturday - February 14 - 2015
The Parish Life Committee once again presents a unique formal dining experience at Faith:
The following is the list of
persons who have said
they would like to be
listed. Please keep them
in your prayers. In the future, when pu ng people
on the prayer list, please
inform the church office if
you would like their
names and concerns to be
shared in this way.
Prix Fixe Menu ($25/person)
(salad, choice of entrée and dessert)
Individual Table Service
Two Seatings - 5pm and 7pm
Reservations Required
All proceeds benefit Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
Watch for More Information!
If you have a tea cart we may borrow for this event, please
contact Nancy George (277-7609).
Bonnie Harstad's family.
Elizabeth Bowers, daughter of Diana Shappley,
con nues recovery from
cancer.
Steve Carter, complicaons with his transplant.
Sydney and Adeline Taber,
daughters of Leslie Taber,
con nued growth as
premature infants.
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Financial Secretary's Report
October 1-31, 2014
INCOME TOWARD BUDGET
General Fund
Offering Envelopes
Loose Offering
Use of Building
$ 29,167.00
765.81
60.00
29,992.81
Other Income
CC Reimb - Workman's Comp
CC Reimb - Custodial
CC Reimb - Loan
125.00
370.00
1,222.16
1,717.16
Total Income Toward Budget
Misty Hess, healing from
hand surgery.
Randy Will, son of Eileen
Will, spinal cord injury.
Henning Egner, undergoing cancer treatment.
Linda McDaniel, recovering from knee replacement surgery.
Carol and Jim Larson's
friend Emily, ba ling cancer.
31,709.97
DESIGNATED MONEY
Pastor's Discretionary Fund
Youth Fund
Sunday School Offering
World Hunger
Book Sales
LWR-Fair Trade Sale Proceeds
God's Pantry
Harstad Memorial Music Scholarship
Mission Endowment Fund
Grace Orphanage
National Youth Gathering
Memorial - Bonnie Harstad
Total Designated Money
225.00
173.83
28.40
56.00
229.16
161.00
40.00
100.00
526.61
100.00
2,040.51
100.00
3,780.51
TOTAL SEPTEMBER RECEIPTS
Comparison to Budget
Contributions
Budget
Percent of Budget
35,490.48
October
29,992.81
34,716.75
86.39%
Year-to-Date
347,012.00
347,167.50
99.96%
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
The holiday season is a me of preparaon, a me of great expecta on. Christmas trees are decorated, lights are hung,
gi s are bought and children wait with
great an cipa on the arrival of Santa on
Christmas morning while families look forward to gatherings of loved ones and
friends who will come together for joyous
Christmas celebra ons.
As Chris ans, we await the coming of Jesus as a babe in the manger. And we hear
the voices of John the Bap st shou ng
prepare the way of the Lord. And we hear
Mary sing, “the Lord has done great things
for me and holy is his name. “
In this Advent season of “wai ng” Word of
Hope invites you all to spend an hour each
Wednesday evening during Advent for an
hour of medita on, conversa on and worship with us as we take a look at the angel
Gabriel’s great message to Mary and her
resounding song of praise, The Magnificat,
a message which has come down through
the ages, reminding us of the greatness,
jus ce and promises of God.
You’re invited to join us on the Wednesday evenings in Advent, Dec 3, 10, and 17
from 6:30-7:30pm at Word of Hope Lutheran Church on the corner of Armstrong
Mill and Man O’War in Lexington as we
gather together to share in the Scripture talk about God’s greatness, jus ce and
promises for our lives, seeking to understand more deeply the words of the Magnificat of Mary.
All are welcome to this very special me
of prepara on. Come, and bring a friend.
DECEMBER 2014
Page 5
Bishop Ga jen included this
note for prayers in the
Indiana-Kentucky Synod newsle er.
"Our hearts are ba ered, but they will mend.
The world is broken, but it will be healed in
the end. And good will prevail as the one God of many names will
prevail." These are the words of Paula Kassig, the mother of Peter
Kassig, the young humanitarian brutally murdered at the hands of
ISIS, the terrorist organiza on known as the Islamic State of Iraq
and Greater Syria. We mourn with the Kassig family and hold in
our hearts their strong spirit of forgiveness. May the Kassig family
con nue to feel the support of all those li ing them up in prayer
and love in the weeks and months ahead.
We li up in prayer all those affected by the brutal snow storm in
Buffalo, NY. With at least six feet of snow and more on the way,
we pray for the safety of those stranded by the storm and we
mourn with the families of the six people who have died as a result
of the blizzard. We ask that God watch over everyone who experience power outages, travel troubles and medical emergencies.
Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even a er
the worst of the storm is over.
We invite You to
A Blue Christmas Service
Sunday, December 21, 2014— 9:30 A.M.
Christmas me can be a very lonely, depressing, “Blue” me for many during the holidays. God has compassion and comfort for
the hur ng. Come be reminded, encouraged, upli ed, and strengthened by God’s
love for you.
Gethsemane Lutheran Church
2185 Garden Springs Drive
Lexington, KY 40504
A me of refreshments and fellowship will follow.
Please call or log on for more informa on!
(859) 277-6096 www.glclex.org
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
DECEMBER 2014
Social Jus ce
Indiana-Kentucky Synod
Call to Ac on
Last year the I-K Synod Council issued
the following calls to ac on to combat abusive payday lending prac ces:
·
IN-KY Synod – To support legisla ve protec ons
for individuals against lending abuse, including a
cap of 36% APR for all small loans.
·
IN-KY Synod members – To contact state legislators to make known their opposi on to abusive
lending prac ces.
·
IN-KY Synod congrega ons – To study payday
lending in their communi es, to talk with banks
about offering small cash advances at rates not to
exceed 36%, and to iden fy next steps to support
the Synod’s efforts to combat abusive lending.
·
More informa on about the Synod’s work can be
found at: h p://www.iksynod.org/Ministries/
AdvocacyChurchinSociety/paydaylending.html
Social Jus ce – Opportuni es at Faith
Par cipa ng with the I-K Synod, Faith Lutheran, along
with other congrega ons in the Synod, has organized
public protests against the injus ces of payday lenders. Watch for no ces in the bulle n and newsle ers
about plans for future ac vi es at Faith to promote
social jus ce with our Synod.
This year in Lexington, BUILD’s jus ce ministry will
again focus on three issues: payday lending, affordable housing and crime and drugs.
Research work on these issues began at the Researchto-Ac on Kickoff on November 24. Research commi ees were formed and planning started for each
research program. The research will con nue for the
next four months in prepara on for the Nehemiah
Ac on Assembly in April when public officials and
those in power will be asked to commit to ac ons
that will correct injus ce in our community.
Please consider working for jus ce by par cipa ng in
a BUILD research group. For more informa on contact Pastor Andy or any of Faith’s Jus ce Ministry
team members: Shane Hadden, Jim Larson, Jim
McGrath, Bryna Reed, Gail Swanson or Joe Swanson.
Page 6
A Victorian Christmas at White Hall
Richmond, Kentucky
Saturday, December 6, 6-8pm
Parish Life is pleased to announce this family-friendly opportunity to tour White Hall as it dazzles in all its Christmas glory.
Costumed interpreters will be on hand to answer ques ons
about the house and the Clay family, as you stroll through the
holiday bedecked rooms and learn about Christmas customs
celebrated today that were first made popular by the Victorians. Baked treats and hot apple cider round off this wonderful family event.
White Hall State
Historic Site is best
known as the home
of emancipa onist
Cassius Clay, cousin
of Lexington’s Henry Clay.
Cassius
Clay was a contemporary of Berea
College
founder
John Fee, and donated the land upon which Berea College was established.
Plan to visit White Hall on Saturday, December 6, and you
will find other friends from Faith among the visitors - and
among the volunteers! Tickets are $10 per person, with no
charge for children age 5 and under, and no advance reservaons required. (Please Note: White Hall is not wheelchair
accessible.)
Direc ons from Lexington: I-75 South to Exit 95 (sign for
White Hall on 75-S). Exit right and con nue past the Shell
sta on, then past the small lake on the le . Con nue
through the White Hall gate to the parking lot, and purchase
ckets in the visitor recep on area.
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS
2
5
6
8
10
13
14
15
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
29
Sharon Bernard
Joyce Rector
Barbara Vann
Olivia Bernard
Bob Lewis
Garry Marsh
Kris Kimel
Rick St. Peter
Nate Reed
Urton Anderson
Jeb Emmons
Madeline Farrar
Don Greth
Cindy Heine
Corrine Jones
Phillip Allison
Victor Allison
Paul Sorenson
Ma Terry
Robin Wilson
Natalie Rion
Dave Sve ch
Marissa Talbert
Miranda Talbert
Carolyn Walker
Dorothy Avery
Roland Born
Marcus Atkerson
Stuart Larson
Owens Nelson
Janet Walker
Jim Buchanan
Hudson Payne
Gayle McGrath
Susan Rexroad
Laura Zink
Terry Bryan
Jason Rexroad
Barbara Christensen
Jim McCormick
Dan Kazee
James Matson
Christyn Renfroe
John Bower
Chris an Sorrell
Luise Wendroth
DECEMBER 2014
Wedding
DECEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
12
13
16
18
20
26
27
28
Page 7
Helmut & Ruth Schumacher
Bob & Barb Fullerton
Jim & Carol Larson
Nate & Bryna Reed
Darryl & Diann Terry
Norman & Beverly Drake
David & Sharon Fegley
Jeff & Anne Buchanan
The church office will have limited
hours during the holiday season.
Dec. 24
Dec. 25 & 26
8:00 – 1:00
Closed
Dec. 29 – 31
Jan. 1
Jan. 2
8:00 – 12:00
Closed
8:00 – 12:00
Joyce Rector and Steve Hayes,
November 13.
New Members Received into
Membership on October 26:
Roland and Helen Born
Chris Collins
Rick and DeAnna Frederick
Steve Hayes
Dana, Rebecca, and Beatrice Lockhart
Congrega onal
Annual Mee ng,
Sunday, January 25, 1:00 p.m.
Offering Envelopes for 2015
Around December 15, 2014 you will be receiving your offering envelopes for 2015 in the
mail. Because we decreased the number of envelope boxes ordered, those whose envelope number currently is greater than 250 will receive a new number for 2015.
If you have any ques ons, call Muzzy Hemken at 859-272-5053
A endance
October 26
November 2
November 9
November 16
Narthex
Cleanup for
December is
Stewardship
Worship
205
195
176
191
Sunday School
47
45
32
45
The OWLs will meet on
at 12:30 p.m. at
Su on’s Restaurant
on December 18th
The Older, Wiser
Lutherans meet on the
3rd Thursday of each
month for lunch and
fellowship.
NEWSLETTER ARTICLES ARE DUE THE 20TH OF EACH MONTH.ARTICLES MAY BE EDITED AS TO SIZE, CONTENT AND TIMELINESS.
Marian Lundborg, Messenger Editor, [email protected]
The Messenger of Faith Lutheran Church
DECEMBER 2014
Service Schedule
Sunday Worship
8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 6:00 PM
(Nursery provided during the 8:30 and 11:00 AM services)
Sunday School (Sept. through May) 9:45 AM
Staff
Andy Rutrough, Interim Pastor
266-7621 or 859-314-1945
[email protected]
Day off-Friday
Ruth Lundborg, Parish Administrator
266-7621
offi[email protected]
Monday—Thursday 8:00—4:00, Friday 8:00—1:00
Clif Cason, Interim Director of Music Ministries
273-0125
[email protected]
Charla Heersche, Child Care Director
268-0108
[email protected]
Bryna Reed, Coordinator of Educa onal Ministries
489-8128
[email protected]
Kevin Lentz, Coordinator of Youth Ministries
948-5159
[email protected]
Brian Lundborg, Sexton
327-2326
H. Gene Templar, Pastor Emeritus
Marian Lundborg, Messenger Editor [email protected]
559-3784
(859) 266-7621 or (859) 266-9600
e-mail: [email protected]
Page 8
2014 Congrega onal Council
Ac ng President
Steve Knudsen
Vice President
Steve Knudsen
Treasurer
Debbie Rosenberg
Secretary
Pat Mundt
Commi ee Liaisons
Audit
Steve Knudsen
Child Care
Nick Veil
Chris an Educa on
Bront Davis
Community Ministry
Penni Black
Evangelism
Mary Ann Patrick
Finance
Debbie Rosenberg
Global Mission
Sharon Fegley
Long-Range Planning
Pat Mundt
Mission Endowment
Steve Knudsen
Nomina ng
Steve Knudsen
Parish Life
Elaine Billington
Personnel
Property
Jim McGrath
Pastoral Staff Support
Penni Black
Stewardship
Tim Sorenson
Worship
Wayne Schedler
Youth Ministry
Jeremy Mar nez
website: http://www.faithlutheranchurch.com