THE LAMPLIGHTER...... OF ST. JOHN’S
Monthly Newsletter of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of Bridgewater (LCMC)
8805 Austin Road, P.O. Box 13, Bridgewater, Michigan 48115, (734) 429-7434
Pastor Drex Morton, 734-968-7113
Sunday School, 9:15 a.m.; Worship, 10:30 a.m. with Holy Communion
Mission Statement:
Dedicating ourselves to God through Prayer & Study, Fellowship & Service.
DECEMBER, 2016 -
Dear Friends in the LORD,
The Season of Advent is upon us once again. Two years ago on this very weekend upcoming in which I was with you for the very first time on a Sunday and before which I am writing today, I want to pause and simply express my gratitude to you each for partnering with me in sharing the "good news" of Jesus. Sadly, we live in a bad news world, and the message of Advent is as important now as it ever was.
What is the message of Advent, which means "Come toward" in Latin? The message is many layered, but certainly a part of our remembrance is that Christ has come, is come, and most assuredly will come again. The question I'm exploring in the sermon series now beginning is: "Why Christmas?" If the event of Jesus being raised from the dead is the central message for Christians, then what is the value of marking the event of Christ's Birth? And why do we do such in December of every year.
The answers for these and other aspects of this Holy Season will be explored as the next weeks unfold. Why not consider inviting a friend, colleague, or family member to join you in worship? This is a time of year when many find difficult to function. Days are cold and short; light is scarce; nights are long. Someone you know may be ready for a warm invitation of relationship, comfort, and the light that comes from a Friend of Christ who simply invites...
Some things to ponder as we wonder at the mystery of the Word made flesh, the Incarnation of Jesus, Messiah!
Blessings upon all of you who take time to read my encouragement for you each. Thank you,
+Pastor Drex
THIS ‘N THAT………..
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS SEASON….at ST. JOHN’S………
Sunday, November 27th – 1st Sunday in Advent
· Advent by Candlelight – 4pm
Saturday, December 3rd:
· Euchre/Game Nights, 7-10pm
Sunday, December 4th – 2nd Sunday in Advent
· Sunday School, 9:15am; Worship with Holy Communion 10:30am
Wednesday, December 7th – 7:30-8pm
· Midweek Advent Service, “Fear Not”
Thursday, December 8th
· Mary Martha Circle Christmas Party, 6:00pm
Sunday, December 11th – 3rd Sunday in Advent
· Sunday School, 9:00am, with SS Christmas Eve Program practice; Worship with Holy Communion, 10:30am
Wednesday, December 14th – 7:30-8pm
· Midweek Advent Service, “Fear Not”
Sunday, December 18th – 4th Sunday in Advent
· Sunday School, 9:00am, with SS Christmas Eve Program practice; Worship with Holy Communion, 10:30am, with the Senior Choir performing the Advent/Christmas Cantata, “The Advent of Hope, The Gift of Peace”
· Christmas Caroling, 2:30pm – meet at church to go out to sing to our shut-ins.
When we return at 5 or so – we’ll gather for soup & chili, snacks. Each family attending is asked to bring a “snack” to share. ALSO, please bring donations of cookies, candy, fruit, etc. to church with you on that day so that we can pack boxes to take to the ones we go caroling to. ALL ages welcome to lift up your voice in song! This event is sponsored by our Fellowship Circle.
Wednesday, December 21st – 7:30=8pm
· Midweek Advent Service, “Fear Not”
Saturday, December 24th – Christmas Eve…..
· Christmas Eve German Service, 3pm
· Sunday School Christmas Eve Program, 7:30pm, “Light A Candle”
· Festive Candlelight Service, with Holy Communion, 11pm
Sunday, December 25th –
· Christmas Day Service, 10:30am, NO Sunday School
Tuesday, December 17th
· Red Cross Blood Drive, 1-7pm – Watch for sign-up sheet! (Sponsored by our Men’s Group)
· Sunday, January 1st –
Worship with Holy Communion, 10:30am; NO Sunday School
YOUTH GROUP – PUMPKIN ROLLS…………
Our Youth Group is selling pumpkin rolls as a fundraiser for those attending the Gathering in December, 2016. You can order any Sunday after services – for Christmas pick-up on Sunday, December 18th. Cost is 1 pumpkin roll - $ 15.00; 2 pumpkin rolls, $ 20.00. Make your check out to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Thanks! for your support!!
More……THIS ‘N THAT………..
MARY MARTHA CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER………..
The Mary Martha Circle will be having their Christmas get together on Thursday, December 8th at 6:00pm at the church. Soup, rolls and beverage will be provided. Please bring a salad or a desert. All women of the church are invited to join us!!!
CONGREGATION INVITATION………….
The congregation is invited to attend Betty Weidmayer’s “70th Birthday Party”. The party will follow the church service on Sunday, December 18th in the church basement. She has been St. John’s Secretary for 50 years. Meat, beverages and table service will be provided by Dale Weidmayer & family. Please bring your favorite potluck dish. Your presence is your gift to her.
ADVENT GIVING TREE…………
Once again this year we are decorating our “Advent Giving Tree” with our donations of hats, gloves, mittens, scarves, socks – for all ages. The tree is located in the narthex and we invite anyone to bring items to decorate our tree. Items collected will go to local needy agencies in Washtenaw & Lenawee counties.
FOOD DRIVE COLLECTION……………
Once again we are collecting Non-Perishable Food Items for the Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC) and Clinton Food Bank. Items needed, such as soups, pastas, cereal, baking items, etc. Especially appreciated are items for holiday baking. Cake mixes, Helper Meals, Pancake Mix, Syrup, Canned Vegetables, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Fruit, Spaghetti & Spaghetti Sauce, tuna, oatmeal, etc. Bring your donations during November and place on tables in overflow room. Do you think we can fill 3 tables for these local people in need? Let’s try! Sponsored by our Outreach Committee.
NURSERY…at St. John’s…….
There is a nursery now in place at St. John’s. Thanks to our members who volunteered to participate in this ministry. Children are invited to go to our facility downstairs after Time for Children – and return at the Sharing of the Peace. Any questions, please contact Beth Renner.
More……THIS ‘N THAT………..
WANTED – COLLEGE STUDENT ADDRESSES……………
Please get your college student addresses into the church office or e-mail to soon.
And now there are 4!!!! They are:
Britain Drake (attending Central Michigan University)
5170 E. Brookfield Road, Apt. YY44
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Amanda Clark
Baker College
1020 South Washington St.
Kurtz Hall Room 225B
Owosso, MI 48867
Cassidy Polzin (attending Purdue University)
Meredith Hall, Box #389
201 N. MartinJischke Dr.
West Lafayette, IN 47906-4230
Rachel Weidmayer (attending University of Minnesota)
Bailey Hall, #E238
1458 N. Cleveland Ave
St. Paul, MN 55108
REMINDERS…………......
Pastor Drex’s office hours – Wednesdays – Noon to 6:30pm. Fridays –pm- by appointment. Please feel free to contact Pastor Drex anytime you wish to share a joy, sorrow or concern at 734-968-7113 or by email –
· Weekly Bulletin News – needs to be in the church office by Friday, 9:00 a.m.
· To reserve the basement and/or pavilion and/or reserve tables & chairs to be taken outside of the church – you need to contact Betty Weidmayer, Office Secretary. You can contact her by email, – church office phone, 734-429-7434, home phone (734) 665-9942 or leave a note in her office door box, or talk to her (but make sure she writes it down!) She will check it out and get back with you as soon as possible – and will mark it on our master calendar located in the library. Requests are on a first come/first serve basis. Thanks!
· Our Website – www.stjohnbridgewater.org – Check it out! Our monthly Lamplighter and Calendar is now on the web, along with other announcements. We invite you to see what we are up to at St. John’s. Our new website will be adding upcoming events throughout the year. From community events to special holiday services, we welcome you all!!!!! Remember, there are forms by the office door, for you to take and add to website. We welcome your news! Complete & give to Wendy Aho.
· St. John’s Facebook page – St. John’s now has a Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Johns-Lutheran Church/540418029405242?ref=aymt_homepage_panel – feel free to like our page and share with other friends. Also Pastor Drex has a Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/pastordrex?fref=ts – feel free to friend request Pastor Drex.