Post on 26-Jun-2020
transcript
“We bring the hope we share in Christ to all!”
DECEMBER 2014 VOLUME 58—ISSUE 12
Dec 1 - WELCA Christmas Dessert @ 7PM Property Committee @ 7PM
Dec 3 - Youth @ Atonement @ 6:30PM Advent Service @ 7PM @ LWC
Dec 5 - Men’s Square @ 6:30AM
Dec 7 - Worship Committee after 10:30AM worship Confirmation @ 5PM
Dec 9 - Evangelism Committee @ 6:30PM
Dec 10 - Friendship Club @ 11:30AM Wonderful Wednesday @ 6PM
Youth @ Peace @ 6:30PM Advent Service @ 7PM @ LWC
Dec 12 - Preschool Christmas Program @ 10:30AM
Dec 13 - Sunday School Christmas Program: Practice @ 10:00AM; Program @ 6PM
Dec 14 - Confirmation @ 4PM
Dec 16 - Council Meeting @ 7PM
Dec 17 - Youth @ Atonement @ 6:30PM Advent Service @ 7PM @ LWC
Dec 18 - Hope Circle @ 6:30AM
Dec 19 - Family Movie Night @ 6PM
Dec 21 - Confirmation @ 5PM
Dec 24 - Christmas Eve Worship @ 4PM and @ 8PM
Dec 25 & 26 - Church Office Closed. Merry Christmas!
Dec 28 - No Adult Education No Confirmation
Dec 31 - Youth @ Peace @ 6:30PM
Christmas Eve
Services:
4PM
8PM
Advent Mid-Week services:
Held at the Little White Church at 7PM
December 3, 10 & 17.
We will be using the Holden Evening Prayer worship
service. Important Dates in December
New Members will be received on Sunday, December 7th! Come help
welcome them into their new church home!
IHN/Family Promise will
be here the week of
December 7 - 13.
Keep an eye out for the
pink clipboards during
worship! Sign up and
help if you can!
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 2
“And a child will lead them…” Isaiah 11:6
It happened one night at confirmation. We were considering
the 3rd Commandment – “Remember the Sabbath day and to
keep it holy.” Seems we can’t get away from that one without
taking into consideration our church participation.
In the small group, the leader invited the students to dream a
bit… “What would your ideal church look like?” You could guess
the answers. Lively music. Funky, colorful paintings. Pop
dispensers rather than coffee pots. Recliner chairs for pews.
Fondue instead of wafers and wine at communion. Music videos
and more entertaining speakers. The list went on in a
predictable manner.
But in a moment of silence, one insightful student asked, “But,
wouldn’t that make it all about us – and not about God?”
As we journey through Advent and prepare for Christmas, this
is a good question for us to consider. Is it about us – or is it about
God? That question might help us as we set our priorities in our
daily schedule. It might help us wade through the temptations
towards consumerism. It might help us think more clearly about
where the divine is revealed in surprising ways.
As we near the celebration of the birth of Christ, we are
reminded how the honesty and innocence of a child among us
can awaken us to God’s presence in our lives. In these coming
days of Advent, keep awake, prepare, open yourself to God’s
love breaking into the predictable moments of your life. “For
unto us a child is born…”
Peace in Christ, Pastor Darren
~ Pastor’s Page ~~ Pastor’s Page ~~ Pastor’s Page ~
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 3
In November, Blessed Beginnings had much to be Thankful for! We made ice cream cones out of the letter "I," jellyfish out of the letter "J," and kings out of the letter
"K." So far, we have worked on numbers 1 - 11 and have learned about and discussed circles, triangles, and squares as well as the colors red, orange, and
brown. We discussed the many things God has given us that we are thankful for and even made a "Thankful Turkey." He is on display in the preschool hallway - come
check him out! During the week of Thanksgiving, we had a Friendship Feast - each preschooler brought one ingredient of our delicious egg-noodle soup. As we added
each ingredient, we found out just how well we all work together as a TEAM!
In December, we will continue to work on letters, numbers, shapes, and etc. We will also have a few special days to look forward to including our Christmas Program
(12-12-14 at 10:30am - all are welcome!), an ornament & decoration-making day, a birthday party for Jesus, and a Polar Express party (in our jammies). On December 19th, preschool will also be hosting a Family Movie Night which will be open to the community - please see the special flyer on the next page for more information!
Preschool will be doing a Lefse presale. If you are in need of more Lefse for
the holidays, please stop by the Lefse table that will be in the commons area before, in between, and right after Sunday services on December 7th and 14th.
Thank you for all your prayers, well-wishes, and donations!
Mark your calendar to attend Atonement’s Annual Meeting on Sunday,
January 25. We will have a Potluck Brunch at 11:30AM, followed by the Annual Meeting at 12:15PM.
All committees are asked to have their yearly report turned in to Jackie at
the office by January 5 so that they can be included in the Annual Report!
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 4
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 5
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! To everyone who helped make this year's Bazaar a huge
success, we can't thank you enough! After expenses, we hope to c lear $14,000 which will go toward the purchase of a
new outside sign for the church!
WELCA Christmas Dessert
Monday, December 1 from 7:00-9:00PM
Yummy desserts
Music by “Checkpoint” and “Women at the Well”
Hear about the plans from Atonement’s
“Youth to Detroit”
Installation of the WELCA 2015 board
Christmas carols, always a good ending!
Grab a friend and join the celebration!!
Sunday School Christmas Program
There’s nothing like a little Christmas Magic to
brighten anyone’s day!
The Sunday School will be bringing a little magic to
the stage on December 13, 2014, at 6PM.
Come one, come all, we hope to see you there!
Snacks to follow and
the youth will be
having their
Annual Christmas
Goodies Bake Sale
(I can’t wait)!
Christmas Program Practice
will be on December 13th at
10AM. It will last for around 2
hours. Thanks!
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 6
Giving Our Time & Talents to God - Page 1
Communion Preparers December 7 - Julie Andersen
December 14 - Bill & Judy Belden December 21 - Mark & Shirley Jennings
December 24 - Bill & Judy Belden December 28 - Jay & Janelle Berry
Communion Bread December ~ Tammy Johnston
January 2015 ~ Julie Leno
Acolytes
8:00AM 10:30AM
Dec. 7: Tailey Leatherberry Amanda King Dec. 14: Erika Severson Deyon Dixon Dec. 21: Ben Johnston Noah Paulson Dec. 24: Joe LaVe’ Zach Mangels Dec. 28: Brayden Mikkelson Zach Schacht
Sharing Flowers for Worship
Dec. 7: Donna Christensen
Dec. 14: Open
Dec. 21: Kim & Louis Plaggemeyer Janie Fitch Meszaros
Dec. 28: Open
The 2014 Flower Chart is on the table outside the office at the back of the sanctuary. Cost is $25.00 per Sunday for two bouquets given in honor or memory of a loved one.
Van Drivers
Dec. 7: Marlon & Julie Leno
Dec. 14: Kyle Johnston
Dec. 21: Todd Koepp
Dec. 28: Mark & Shirley Jennings
Drivers:
Mark & Shirley Jennings 248-8044 Marlon & Julie Leno 248-5359 Kyle Johnston 325-1235 Todd Koepp 256-1569
Lectors
Dec. 7: 8:00 AM - Janet Rubich 10:30 AM - Gary Dunmeyer
Dec. 14: 8:00AM - Tina Williams 10:30 AM - Vivian Beals
Dec. 21: 8:00 AM - Lora Pederson 10:30 AM - Vicki Evans
Dec. 28: 8:00 AM - Marva Drain 10:30 AM - Marilyn Franklin
Hospital Visitation
December ~ Betty Jo Furstenberg
January ~ Erin Koepp
Coffee Hour
Choir
Contact person: N/A
December:
Canned yams & cranberry sauce
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 7
**8:00 AM Ushers**
Dec. 7: Mike & Janet Rubich; Bob Holloway; Francesca Lees
Dec. 14: Mike & Janet Rubich; John & Bertha Olsen
Dec. 21: Mike & Janet Rubich; Ed & Rita Reeve
Dec. 28: George & Shirley DeMars; Del & Rose Steiner
**10:30 AM Ushers**
Dec. 7: Betty Jo Furstenberg; Shellie Ehrmantraut; Linda Lange; Francesca Lees
Dec. 14: Todd & Erin Koepp; Jesse & Sandi Gonzalez
Dec. 21: Kyle, Hailey & Ben
Johnston; Marlon Leno
Dec. 28: Kelly & Linda Michaelis; Dave Mangels; Donna Newell
- Bolded names indicate Head Usher(s)
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 7
Giving Our Time & Talents to God - Page 2
2014 Atonement Lutheran Church Council
Vivian Beals, President 248-7930
Sara Hull, Vice President 245-6414
Kim Plaggemeyer, Secretary 860-0365
Lance King, Treasurer 656-1183
Mike Klein 860-3063
Rane Paulson 248-4080
Donna Christensen 245-9127
Jesse Gonzalez 698-7709
Gary Dunmeyer 724-552-6693
Debbie Rensvold 861-4651
Shellie Ehrmantraut 255-5259
Doug Harper 670-6281
Lane Severson (Youth Representative) 647-5655
Cantors
Dec. 7: Becky Lujan
Debbie Heyd
Dec. 14: Terri Porisch
Dec. 21: Marilyn Franklin
Dec. 28: Kelly Michaelis
Linda Michaelis
The Love Offering for December~ Lutheran Center
Love Offering envelopes can
now be found on the two tables
in the common area.
Worship Assistants Dec. 7: 8:00AM - Bill Belden 10:30AM - Linda Michaelis
Dec. 14: 8:00AM - Lora Pederson 10:30AM - KayDel Shelton
Dec. 21: 8:00AM - Clarence Robinson 10:30AM - Gene Arneson
Dec. 28: 8:00AM - Tina Williams
10:30AM - Betty Jo Furstenberg
Volunteers for various activities (lector, etc.) are needed for the Christmas Eve
services! If you are available to help out, please call the church office at 245-7004
and let us know! Thanks!
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 8
Sunday Adult Education meet at 9:15 am in the large classroom
Date: Topic: Presenter: Dec. 7 Gospel of Mark Pastor Darren Dec. 14 Gospel of Mark Pastor Darren Dec. 21 Gospel of Mark Pastor Darren Dec. 28 No class ------------
We are seeking brass players for worship services and for
Christmas and Advent special music. Please contact Kristin
LaVe’ or Pastor Darren if you are interested!!
Support the local arts by attending one of
Skyview High School’s Holiday concerts!
December 12th & 13th - Holiday Music Fest (Concert, Chamber & Chorale) Tickets on sale Monday, December 1st - 281-5292 (Choir office)
December 15th - Holiday Concert I (Chantralles, Cantus, Concert) 7 PM in the Theatre
December 16th - Holiday Concert II (Chamber, Chorale) 7PM in the Theatre
Just a note to thank the congregation of
Atonement for all their prayers, cards,
and concern during my recent surgery.
You are truly special.
In Jesus’ Love,
Cindy Dunmeyer
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 9
Family Promise/IHN Holiday Party
December 13, 2014 from 1:00 to 4:00PM
at American Lutheran Church
Help is needed from our Family Promise/IHN Congregations!
We need teens to help with the IHN kids with various holiday activities (cookie decorating, making
Christmas decorations, “shopping” and wrapping for kids to choose a gift for their parent, etc.)
We need donations of items for the Shopping Station: lotions, jewelry, slippers, knickknacks, etc.
(no candles please!)
We need wrapping paper, bows, tags, small boxes for gifts; plain Christmas sugar cookies and frosting/sprinkles for decorating. And we also need adult
volunteers to help in the shopping and gift areas, as well as with crafts.
Thank you for all that you do for Family Promise!
If you have any questions, please call Janie Fitch Meszaros at 861-9349 or at 237-8539.
If you have requested that someone be added to the prayer chain, please
keep us up-to-date with their progress so that we can update the mailing
accordingly!
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 9
Thursday Morning Bible Study Our Thursday Morning Bible Study will resume on January 8 at 9:30 am in the large classroom in the education wing, led by Pastor Darren. No registration required – but I do welcome your suggestions for topics, themes or books of the Bible! Bring a Bible... and bring a friend!
Name Tags:
Please wear your name tags during worship to help Pastor Darren and his family acquainted with their new church family! Also, if you do not
have a name tag, or you have misplaced yours, please stop by the church office and let us know! We’ll be happy to make one for you.
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 10
Mission Moments-Celebrating 50 Years of Ministry
at Atonement Lutheran Church
Submitted by Kim Plaggemeyer, Atonement Council Secretary
The following article is reprinted from the 1994 Annual Report written by Pastor Jack Shannon
“With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation, and will say that day: Give thanks to the Lord, call upon His name and make known His deeds among nations, proclaim that His name is exalted.” (Isaiah 12:3-4)
The wisdom of the prophet comes shining through in this twelfth chapter of Isaiah. Isaiah reminds us that as God’s people, drawing from the well of salvation, we should respond in joy and thanks. But Isaiah goes one step further when he instructs us that as joyful and grateful children of God, we should respond to His love by proclaiming His name and His glorious deeds to all the world.
It is with joy and gratitude that I reflect upon the power of God’s spirit working through the members of Atonement Lutheran Church. I continue to be heartened and encouraged by the devoted volunteers who have helped to make our youth programs and Sunday School programs such wonderful successes.
Visitors continue to bless us with their presence and many of them are choosing to make Atonement Lutheran their new church home. We are already being blessed by their gifts and their sharing in a wide variety of ways.
I also rejoice with many of you as together we are beginning to experience a more determined focus on the family here at Atonement. It has been a wonderful experience for me to see so many families coming together to laugh, play and share their Christian faith at the Inter-generational Vacation Bible School, sledding party and Christmas tree hunt, Advent fair and Christmas caroling.
As we begin a new year, Isaiah’s words resound all around us, “make known his deeds among nations.” I look forward to the challenge in the year to come to join with all of you as we put new emphasis on our Christian mission. Evangelism will need to be our number one priority in the year to come if we are going to seriously live out our mission statement of “bringing the hope we share in Christ to others.”
This will be a year of “reaching out” to others and I hope that each of us will spend time in prayer, reflecting on our time, talents, and resources so that together we will use the tremendous blessings we have received from God in order that in the coming year the name of Christ will be exalted.
God’s peace and blessings;
Pastor Jack
The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 11
JOY Bible Study
Joy Bible Study group meets Wednesday
mornings @ 6:30AM at Sweet Café on
Main Street. We will be starting a new book
SOON!! For more information, contact Tina
Williams at smscale@bresnan.net or
at work at 259—692.
Prayers for Members of our Congregation Pray for blessings, health, safety and general well-being of these members of Atonement. Give thanks for all who are workers with us in the mission we share.
December 7: Kyle, Tammy, Alexis, Hailey & Ben Johnston; Brent,
Stormie, Ryan & Kyle Jokela; Helen Jonasen; Linda & Raelynn Karlstrom
December 14: Raymond & Donna Kembel; James & Pam Kern; Jake &
Shirley Ketterling; Lance, Nancy, Angela & Amanda King
December 21: Mike, Tania & Addilyn Klein; Kim & LaNette Klostermeier;
Anna Knapp; Alan & Sandra Knudson; Todd & Erin Koepp
December 28: Paula Kratochvil; Franklin, Dallas & Joel Kucera; Myrtle Lane;
Casey, Raegan & Kendal Lange; Don & Linda Lange
All are welcome to Marvelous Monday and
Wonderful Wednesday! We meet for fellowship and the
evening meal at a Heights restaurant on the 2nd Wednesday and
the 4th Monday of each month.
Wonderful Wednesday - December 10th @ Applebee’s @ 6PM
Marvelous Monday - There will be no MM in December!
Financial Report November 2014 Offerings & Income
November 2, 2014 $5,347.36 November 9, 2014 $4,592.47 November 16, 2014 $5,827.50 November 23, 2014 $n/a November 30, 2014 $n/a
Simply Giving through November 2014 $n/a
Hope Circle
Hope Circle will meet on December 18 at
9:30AM at Atonement Lutheran.
Hope Circle is a bible study that meets once a
month.
For more information, call Bette Wolff at
245-5054.
Friendship Club - December 10, 2014
@ 11:30AM
Atonement Staff
Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Darren Paulson Office Manager . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . Joann Estal Organist . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . Gwynn Pederson Music Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . Kristin La Ve’ Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jackie Clemo
Atonement Lutheran Church
406-245-7004 Fax: 406-245-6951
www.atonementbillings.org
pastor@atonementbillings.org joann@atonementbillings.org
worship@atonementbillings.org
jackie@atonementbillings.org
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Billings, MT
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