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DECEMBER
2014
2014
“Celebrating and Sharing the Love of Jesus Christ”
Joyfully Celebrating and Sharing the Love of Jesus Christ
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Christmas Eve Worship
5:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
11:00 p.m.
www.JoyLutheranTulsa.org
Preparing the Way
The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
"See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; 3the voice of one crying
out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'" Mark 1:1-3 (NRSV)
Every second Sunday of Advent, we hear words from John the Baptist, but this year in particular, we hear Mark’s version,
which he uses to start the Gospel. Matthew begins with a genealogy (“An account of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah,
the son of David, the son of Abraham” Mt. 1:1). Luke begins as a historian would (“Since many have undertaken to set down
an orderly account of the events that have been fulfilled among us” Lk. 1:1). John
begins with a poetic nod to Genesis (In the beginning was the Word, and the Word
Wednesdays in Advent:
was with God, and the Word was God” Jn. 1:1). But Mark begins with “the beginning 12/3
12:00 p.m. Noon Prayer
of the good news of Jesus Christ.” To me, this means that the good news of Jesus
5:15 p.m. Listening Post
Christ isn’t over when Mark’s gospel finishes (indeed, the ending sure has an
6:15 p.m. Soup Supper
“unfinished” feel to it), but that the good news continues in and through us.
With this as a backdrop, what then does it mean to “prepare the way of the Lord”?
Sure, that was John the Baptist’s calling, but is it not ours as well—especially as we
enter a new Advent season? Certainly activities like prayer, worship, and time for
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reflection are some of the ways we prepare for Christ to come, but I think another
way we prepare for Christ that we often overlook is planning for future ministries as a
congregation. In some ways, we already do this by preparing an operating budget,
looking for new committee and team members, and reflecting on what went well and
where we can improve on the year ahead. However, this Advent, we want to build
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upon the results of the Step in Faith campaign as well as the results of the
Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT) that over eighty members took in July.
Continued on the next page.
7:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer
7:30 p.m.
Listening Post
7:30 p.m.
Sing for Joy
12:00 p.m.
Noon Prayer
6:15 p.m.
Soup Supper
7:00 p.m.
Evening Prayer
7:30 p.m.
Sing for Joy
12:00 p.m.
Noon Prayer
6:15 p.m.
Soup Supper
7:00 p.m.
Christmas Play
The results of the CAT indicate that Joy is in a strong position as a congregation. It said we have high energy, high
satisfaction, and we are a very adaptable congregation which means we are willing to make changes to accomplish our
mission. Our ministries around hospitality, education, and worship were extremely high, which taken together, will assist
us in engaging visitors—as long as we keep inviting them. Our consultant says this is one of the most positive CAT reports
he has seen. This is all good news.
The CAT also identified the top six priorities for our ministry as identified by the vast majority of respondents. They are:
1. Comprehensive strategy to reach new people and incorporate them into our life
2. Ministries that work toward healing those broken by life’s circumstances
3. Strengthen process by which members are called and equipped for ministry and leadership
4. Expand outreach ministries that provide direct services to those on the margins of society
5. Create opportunities for people to form meaningful relationships
6. Make necessary changes to attract families with children and youth to our church
The question is, how will we work together to further these priorities? That is where some listening posts come in. On
December 3rd and 4th, Pr. David Misenheimer will be with us at Joy to conduct one on one interviews as well as some group
listening posts to get your input. Everyone is invited and encouraged to come to a listening post or schedule an interview
with Pr. Misenheimer so that we can further refine our vision for the coming years.
And for those of you who are wondering in good Lutheran fashion, what does this mean? ...Another capital campaign?
Possibly. ...Ideas for concrete new ministries to try in 2015 and beyond? Hopefully. ...God preparing the way for Christ to
work in and through us to celebrate and share the good news of Jesus Christ? Definitely.
Have a blessed Advent!
Council Corner
At the November meeting, our devotion continued a book discussion, talking about how we set the climate at Joy for
mission and ministry and how others perceive the atmosphere of our church. We also talked about the numerous
metaphors of the church and which ones seem more applicable at Joy. Samples included: people of God, a theater, an
irrigation ditch, body of Christ, cloud of witnesses, company of committed, etc.
The council:
·
heard committee reports – see the related articles in this month’s newsletter
·
discussed the lighting upgrades for the office and sanctuary as we move to LED bulbs in order to
take advantage of PSO’s rebates to reduce our energy consumption
·
discussed the possibility of allowing another small congregation to use our building twice a week
·
voted on the proposed 2015 budget that will go for full vote at the January annual congregation
meeting
·
decided that Advent service offerings will go to the Needy Families fund
·
reminded everyone to participate in the Emerging Vision discussion opportunities (see Pastor
Nathan’s article)
Our next meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. on December 16. Please note the time change!
Nominating Committee
If you are interested in serving on the Church Council, Joy Lutheran Mission Endowment Fund or as a Synod
Assembly Voting Member for Joy, please contact a member of the 2014 Nominating Committee: Marshall
Boyken, Lori Estrem, Jim Green and David Money.
Finance
Finance Committee Meeting
The next meeting of the Joy Lutheran Church Finance Committee will be held on Tuesday,
December 9 at 6:00 p.m.
The Simply Giving Program
Are you interested in a more convenient way to provide Joy Lutheran Church offerings? Simply Giving is a simple, safe and
practical way for members of Joy Lutheran Church to provide their church offerings through electronic funds transfer from
their checking or savings accounts. Offerings are deposited directly into Joy Lutheran Church’s account. If you would like
to enroll, have questions or need further information, contact Bob Young, church treasurer at 918-553-1237.
Joy Lutheran Church Offering/Contribution Year-End Statements
Just an early reminder that all offerings and contributions to Joy Lutheran Church must be received at the church office no
later than Wednesday, December 31, 2014 to be recorded on the year-end statements of giving. The statements will be
mailed in early January for income tax reporting purposes.
Financial Report
Following is a financial summary of contributions and expenses for the month of October and a January 1-October 31, 2014
year–to-date summary.
Finances for the Month of October 2014
Actual Income
Actual Expense
Net
General Offering
$25,495
$23,151
$2,344
Mortgage Reduction
$2,487
$4,893
($2,406)
September 2014 Totals
$27,982
$28,044
($62)
Finances Year-To-Date January 1-October 31, 2014
Actual Income
Actual Expense
Net
General Offering
$271,659
$223,166
$48,493
Mortgage Reduction
$46,854
$48,930
($2,076)
Year-To-Date Totals
$318,513
$272,096
$46,417
2015 Offering Envelopes
The 2015 Offering Envelopes will be arriving soon. Please remember to pick yours up from your church mailbox in the
weeks ahead in order to save the church the cost of postage. If you do not use the envelopes because of the Simply Giving
program, please let the church office know so that we can recycle the set assigned to you.
Fellowship
A big thank you to everyone who helped set up and clean up at the Consecration Sunday potluck on Sunday, November 23.
We appreciate your help, and all those who brought dishes that were shared!
Advent Soup Suppers begin on Wednesday, December 3 at 6:15 p.m.. Please sign up to bring a soup, salad,
bread or dessert to share. If you are bringing a dish to share or are able to help set up or clean up, please
arrive a few minutes early so that we can get everything set up on the table in order to begin eating at 6:15.
Children’s Education
Advent is a wonderful time of year as we prepare for the coming of our Savior. It is also a time that becomes very “busy”,
and it is easy to get caught up in all of the “stuff” that needs to get done. And while shopping, decorating, baking,
wrapping, cooking, partying, and going to functions isn’t bad, we often forget the waiting.
My challenge to you this Advent is to take time to enjoy the waiting. Schedule time in your already busy season to
intentionally focus on Jesus and the message of hope that he brings.
If you need some ideas of ways that you and your family can focus on Advent, try one of these:
 Pick up Advent devotionals in the Narthex. We have a variety based on ages and interests.
 If you don’t like the devotionals in the Narthex, check online to find one that suits your taste even better.
 The focus for Joy Kids this year is the Advent wreath. If you have one at home, consider using it. Every family’s
schedule is different and you can determine when and how often to use it. Some families may light it and say a
prayer every day before whichever meal the most people in the family will be attending; other families may find it
better to do once a week.
 Have “Secret Angels” in your house for the entire season of Advent. Each family member draws another family
member’s name and spends Advent doing special things for that person. This could include gifts of time, service,
prayers, special notes – but no purchased items.
 As you look at the presents that you are buying this year, think about those that may not
be on anybody’s list. Consider using some of your gift budget (and the time that you
would spend shopping) to make treats to take to sick or
shut-ins.
 Invite a friend to church during Advent and on Christmas Eve to share in the excitement
with you and your family.
 Learn to enjoy waiting. Most of us are so busy that waiting seems inconvenient.
Consider challenging yourself to spend some time every day during Advent in prayer; if
you already pray every day, challenge yourself to pray and read your Bible every day.
Kids and GrandBuddies:
Join us for our GrandBuddy Service Project during Sunday School on December 28th. Get
to know your GrandBuddy/Little Buddy while working on a project to help other kids.
Welcome & Farewell and Godspeed
On November 23, we welcomed our newest members of Joy
Lutheran: Amy Roe by transfer and Tia Neeley through the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
Amy enjoys gardening and spending time with her grandchildren—
Tia and Ducky. Tia is in fourth grade and enjoys spending time with
her friends. If you have not yet had the chance to introduce yourself
to Amy, Tia and Ducky, please do so.
Even as we welcome new faces to Joy, we regrettably have to say
farewell and offer prayers of Godspeed for Lori and Jim Garland as
they move to Charlotte, North Carolina for work as well as Pr. Jean
and John DeVoll-Donaldson as Pr. Jean has accepted a new call to
serve as the Assistant to the Bishop and Director for Evangelical
Mission in the East-Central Synod of Wisconsin.
Pictured: Pastor Norm Dake baptizes Tia Neeley
Stewardship
“Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly
far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be the glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21
Thank you to everyone who has already returned a Commitment Card! But if you
have not yet done so, don’t worry, it is not too late! Simply drop it in the offering
plate, or mail it to the church at your earliest convenience. To date, we have
received over thirty cards, but we hope that every household will return a card.
The Stewardship Team hopes our Fearless Generosity emphasis has helped us all see
the importance of trusting in God’s guidance and care so that we can move forward
with new ideas and resources for ministry in 2015.
Thank you again for your commitment to the mission and ministries of Joy Lutheran; together we are making a difference
in the Tulsa community as we celebrate and share the love of Christ!
Ministry of the Month
In December, our Ministry of the Month is the Manna Meals program coordinated by St. Paul’s United Methodist Church.
Every Friday, volunteers from the community gather to help feed anyone who walks in the doors between 11:30 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. In addition to meals, they also provide clean socks to those who might need a fresh pair or an extra layer during
the cold winter months. If you would like to donate some new socks, there is a collection basket in the Narthex. In
addition, you are welcome to show up to help with the set up, (9:00-11:30 a.m.) or clean up (1:00-2:30 p.m.). Volunteers
can simply show up, or call ahead for more information. St. Paul’s UMC is located at 1442 South Quaker Avenue (Cherry
Street and Quaker); their phone number is (918) 585-9596.
In addition, and as a follow-up to a previous Ministry of the Month, we plan to have Alvaro Nova, Mission
Developer for “Communidad de Esperanza” come speak to us either on a Wednesday evening or on a Sunday
morning. Watch the bulletin and announcements for more information!
A Step in Faith
To date, we have received $301,412.12 toward the capital campaign. Thank You!
The time for this campaign to draw to a close is almost here. Can you believe how fast the three years have gone by? It
does not seem all that long ago that ideas for the building were first shared one cold November night after our stomachs
were filled with warm pasta. And yet, here we are. Together we have taken a “step in faith”. We have been reminded of
God’s abundance and faithfulness. We have grown in numbers and as disciples. Were there times of frustration? Yes. Did
everything always go as planned? No. But together we have taken a “step in faith”. Together we have added ministries
and space that not only blesses the greater community, but will also be a place of faith formation for the people of Joy
Lutheran for generations to come. Thank you!
As this campaign officially concludes at the end of this year, please remember to send in your
commitments. We know some individuals made commitments over four years, so we have planned
accordingly by including special envelopes and keeping the weekly contribution line in the 2015
offering envelopes. These envelopes can also be used should the congregation decide to continue
with a “follow up” campaign in 2015.
Youth Group
Youth from Joy and congregations all around the Synod met on
November 9 to plan the younger youth gathering. See the flier
below and mark your calendars for January 17-18.
On Wednesday, November 19, 16 youth and adults went to the
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma where they sorted
food and made pallets for DHS.
Our planned trip to the OCCJ Understanding Interfaith Youth Tour
on Sunday, November 16 was canceled due to weather. They
have informed me that they will not reschedule but we will plan
on attending next year.
Worship & Music
Because the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service is usually filled to capacity every year, we have decided to add an additional
service at 5:00 p.m. The 5:00 p.m. service will be geared toward families with children involving an interactive reading of
the Christmas Gospel. The 7:00 p.m. service will be very similar to what we have done in years past, and the 11:00 p.m.
service will have a guest preacher: Bishop Mike Girlinghouse. All services will include Holy Communion and candlelight.
Nursery care will be available at the 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. services. You are welcome to come to one—or more—and
invite a friend who may not have a church home.
Adult Education
The Wednesday noon lectionary study will continue following the Advent services. We are looking for
a weekday time that is better for those who want to participate, so please let Pastor Nathan know
what days/times work for you if want to join us for study.
Our Sunday classes continue with a study of the book of John in the Fellowship Hall with Pastor
Norm. The Biology and Belief discussion in rooms 106/108 is almost done, so let Roger and Pastor
Nathan know of topics you’d like to learn and/or discuss once this video set is completed. In rooms
105/107 the book study Dave Humphrey led on discipleship has just finished, and so they have
returned to discussing the lectionary texts using Bishop Bob’s study guide. Pick one and come join
Live Nativity
King of Kings Lutheran Church
14023 S. Casper St., Glenpool
December 13th & 14th
Performances at 6:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Guests are welcome to come up close to view the
manger scene and pet the animals.
Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies.
The 94th Annual Presentation of
Handel’s “Messiah”
First Lutheran Church
1224 S. Utica Ave., Tulsa
December 6th & 7th
Shows at 5:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
Small Groups Ministries



Women’s A.M. Prayer Group meets the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 a.m.
Stitchers Group meets the first and third Wednesday of every month at 9:30 a.m.
There will be no DOT Spot in December; the group will resume in January.
Property Work Day is
Saturday, December 6
from 9:00 a.m. to
12:00 p.m.
Any and all time you can
help is greatly
appreciated!
2015 Flower Chart – The chart has
been posted on the Bulletin Board
on the way to Fellowship
Hall. Please feel free to sign up for
your special dates, but do so as
soon as possible because the chart
fills up quickly. The cost remains at $40.00.
Hospitality
Dec. 7 - John & Jean DeVoll-Donaldson, Mike & Nakiea Strecker, Mike & Stephanie Mueller, Ryan & Linda Thomas
Dec. 14 - Bryan & Linda Waytula, Steve & Shonda Studtmann, Shane & Tisha Essink, Jeff & Robin Lundborg
Dec. 20 - Brad & Lori Estrem, Ron & Mary Lou Young, Nick & Kailan Helm, Read & Debbie Furgerson
Dec. 28 - Jack & Charlene Nommensen, Joe & Debbie Icenogle, Orval & Joyce Strecker
If you have questions or concerns about your rotation, please contact Ethel Harmon.
December Celebrations
Birthdays
Darby Harmon
Linda Thomas
Tom Russell
Jennifer Bucholz
Sonja Yates
Cailan Case
Cindy Rogers
Sandra Gardner
Barbara Parnell
Shirley Fanslau
Shelley Meyer
Tisha Essink
Jack Nommensen
Mary Lou Young
Donna Niss
Brad McMains
Katherine Walter
Michael Mueller
Birthdays Continued
12/01
12/02
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12/07
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12/08
12/09
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12/13
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12/16
12/16
12/17
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Mark Teubert
Rosie Hinkle
Greta Mueller
Clark Niss
Channing Case
Bob Allison
Anniversaries
Britt & Valquirea Rassmussen
Ron & Jamie Donahue
Mark & Joan Olsen
Ed & Rose Marie McDonald
Roger & Shelley Meyer
Don’t see your celebration here? Contact the church office with the dates of any
birthdays and/or anniversaries not included in this listing and they will be included next year.
What does this picture have to do with the Christmas Play?
Come and find out on December 17 at 7:00 p.m.
Also, Confirmands, please remember to complete and return your Advent project by
the Christmas Play (or before) for the congregation to see! This year, the theme is
around Moses and the Exodus from Egypt.
Church Staff:
The Rev. Nathan Allen—Pastor
Alicia Stephens—Dir. of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
Denise Claybaker—Office Manager
Dr. Alice Brook—Interim Dir. of Music Ministries
Melissa Ward—Nursery Attendant
Church Office Hours: Mon. — Fri. from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Church office phone: 918-299-3292
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