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The Epiphany Star December 2015
Newsletter of Epiphany Lutheran Church Fort Wayne, Indiana
Dear Epiphany Lutheran Church, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen We have heard these familiar words from the gospel of Luke, “And it came
time for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to a baby boy and they named him
Jesus” (NRSV).
This text is used every year from the Gospel of Luke on Christmas Eve. The
words bring images of the birth of our Savior Jesus to mind. They bring emotions of
the gathering of family and friends. For many of us, the Season of Christmas is filled
with great memories of family gatherings, food, laughter, and, of course, unwrapping
of presents. It is also a very busy time of year. All of the Christmas parties we are
supposed to attend. All of the family gatherings we are supposed to be at. It seems
like from now until the first of the year we “go, go, go!” until we can’t go any more and
then collapse. Why do we work ourselves so hard to attend everything?
A few weeks ago I delivered a sermon on “TIME.” A question was asked of
me during that sermon, “Do you ever schedule appointments with yourself?” I joked
it off saying that I would probably be late if I schedule appointments with myself. Yet,
that question has been working its way up to the top of my questions of life lately.
“Do you schedule time for yourself?” I schedule appointments for almost everything
else in my life. How do I get to have time to renew and recharge my own batteries?
How important is your life to you? What kind of schedule do you have this Christmas
season? Do you have some time scheduled for you, family, and friends? Do you
have some time for yourself to catch a breath, to get some peace in your daily
routine? Or are you more concerned about pleasing everyone else, and you will get
whatever time is left over…much like time for God in our busy lives?
The birth of Jesus is a physical reminder of how much God really does love
us. God didn’t have to come into our world. God could have left us to our own
demise. Yet God decided to come into our world, without a lot of shouting or
headlines. God took the form of a dependent baby—born to Mary and Joseph in a
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little town of Bethlehem. What a trusting and awesome God we have who was willing
to do all of this to show us love. Reaching out to make a difference. To think so far
outside of the box of life that one can’t even see the original box.
During this busy season of Christmas, make sure to schedule in each day a
few moments of time. Take that moment of time and give thanks to God. Take in the
Holy Spirit to guide and revitalize your life. For the real reason for the Season of
Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Merry Christmas!
In Christ,
Pastor Richard Hartman
Please feel free to stop in or call for any of your Pastoral needs. Our office hours are as follows:
Pastor: Sunday - Thursday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Monday & Wednesday evenings Some Saturdays
Amanda: Monday & Thursday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Friday 12:30-3:30 pm Other times as needed
Due to unexpected circumstances, these hours may be subject to change.
E-mail Us:
Pastor’s office ................................. pastor@epiphanyfw.com Pastor’s home ...................................... rlhart49@frontier.com Amanda’s office ........................... amanda@epiphanyfw.com
WEB SITE: Epiphany Lutheran Church www.epiphanyfw.com
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Comfort Ye My People
Our quilting group will not meet in the month of December. We will resume work in January—watch the announcements for
more information coming soon. Thank you for being a blessing to others all around the world this year. See you in January!
Youth Activities Coming Soon!
The Youth Group is up and running for the school year, with activities planned for all youth in middle or high school. Here’s a look at what’s coming up: December 19
th (4-8 pm): Bell-ringing for the Salvation Army — sign
up for a time on the bulletin board near the church office January 10
th (12:00 pm): Potluck lunch for congregation
More dates for the year will be coming soon! If you have ideas about social and/or service activities you would like to do, please let Rebecca Hartman or Kim Robinson know. All youth are always welcome, so please plan to join us!
We are Christians, called by God, committed to: Sharing the Gospel, Serving others as Christ taught us, and Creating disciples for witness. Epiphany Lutheran Church’s Vision Statement: A Christian family of God committed to sharing the Gospel and serving others, through joyful worship, education and fellowship.
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Readers Needed for December 20
th!
Our annual “Lessons and Carols” service has nine readings, which means we need nine volunteers at each of our two services to read a lesson. Please let Amanda in the office know as soon as possible if you would like to participate in
this meaningful service! Thank you for serving!
Angels Among Us!
We have members of our congregation who do many things behind the scenes, and we want to take the time to recognize just a few in
this month’s issue! Thank you, Angels!
All Saints’ Crosses were placed to honor the memory of loved ones Breakfast was served at the Quarterly Congregational Meeting Baked goods were purchased to help our youth raise mission funds The church was decorated with the Hanging of the Greens College care packages let our students know we are thinking of them Funds were raised to help the Rescue Mission feed the hungry Desserts were provided for funeral luncheon Donations to Come2Go provided warm clothing for the homeless
Weather-Related Cancellations
Snow has already arrived in our area this year, and with it comes the possibility of weather-related cancellations. In the event that hazardous weather could affect safe travel to worship, Pastor Hartman along with Mike Rumfield, Church Council President, will make the decision whether to cancel services. All cancellations will be broadcast on WANE-TV, and every effort will be made to contact members as well. Stay safe out there!
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December 6th
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nd Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-4 Philippians 1:3-11
Luke 3:1-6
December 13th
3
rd Sunday of Advent
Zephaniah 3:14-20 Philippians 4:4-7
Luke 3:7-18
December 20th
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th Sunday of Advent
Micah 5:2-5a Hebrews 10:5-10
Luke 1:39-55
December 24th
Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20
December 27
th
1st
Sunday of Christmas 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Colossians 3:12-17
Luke 2:41-52
Join us for Worship this month!
Every Sunday at 8:00 am and 10:15 am
Every Monday at 7:00 pm
Sunday School/Confirmation/ Bible Study at 9:00 am Sundays
Wednesdays December 2nd, 9th, & 16th
7:00 pm
Thursday, December 24th
7:00 pm
Please join us!
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Mission Moment December 2015
Your generosity this past month for Come2Go and the Associated Churches Food Bank has been a blessing to many families in need and to the homeless in our community. Come2Go has already loaded their vehicle twice with warm clothes, hats, scarves, etc. Winter has not arrived in full force yet, but we are already seeing colder nights on the way; we will continue to collect items for both of these ministries in the containers in the narthex.
We will once again be sponsoring some families for Christmas. I don't have all the details right now, but they will be in the bulletin as information becomes available. Please see me in the narthex after worship if you have questions.
The 5th Annual Cookie Walk will be held on December 13
th. A sign-up sheet
and information will be on the table in the narthex; if you have any questions, please see me. This is a wonderful way to have a variety of cookies to share with others as you celebrate Christmas.
We have received a number of “thank you” notes from our recent mission activities. These are posted on our “Missions in Action” bulletin board in the narthex; please take a few minutes to see what we’ve accomplished together!
The Holidays are a busy time of the year, but this Congregation continues to support Outreach with your generosity and giving. Thank you.
Wishing all of you a Blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Written by Sandi Swanson
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Homemade Peanut Brittle & Fudge
This year, Becky (along with her humble assistant) will be making fudge in addition to her popular peanut brittle. One pound of brittle in a seasonal container is a $15.00 contribution; fudge is $15.00 for ½ pound. Order using the form on the bulletin board; call Becky or Ron with any questions. Orders will be taken from now until December 13
th, with delivery this Sunday through December 20
th.
Once again, the dollars will be directed toward the Epiphany Debt Relief Fund as directed by the Church Council and Treasurer (line of credit, attic mold eradication, attic insulation enhancement). More information and goals will follow. Thank you! P.S. As an added bonus, “Señor Peanut” will match gross sales, dollar for dollar!
Señor Peanut and Señorita Fudge recently contacted Becky Roemer asking her to support the sugar industry again this year. It didn't take long for
her to accept the challenge and announce her 2015 “Sweet Tooth Relief Fund.”
Congratulations to Karen & Denny Payne, who won the basket drawing in October! For our December drawing, we have not one but two fabulous “baskets” that you can enter to win! The first is a bucket filled with all kinds of Christmas goodies: a Salvatori’s gift card, a Target gift card, candy, and other great stuff! The second is an adorable snowman cookie jar with a $25 gift card to Cookie Cottage to help you fill it.
The drawing will be held on Sunday, Dec. 20th, just in time for Christmas.
Tickets can be purchased before or after either service and are just $1 a piece, or 7 for $5. All proceeds benefit the needs of Epiphany. Thank you for participating, and good luck!
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Epiphany will be having our fifth annual Cookie Walk on Sunday, December 13
th, between services and following the 10:15 am service.
We are asking for donations of your favorite cookie, fudge, candy, or treat (no cupcakes, please, as they don’t do well in bags). If you would like to participate, please bring 3-6 dozen goodies in baggies, on paper plates, or in any other disposable container to the church on Saturday, December 12
th, between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. If you are unable to
drop off your items on Saturday, please contact Sandi Swanson to make other arrangements—it helps immensely to have everything here ahead of time. Due to peanut allergies, please keep all cookies and treats that contain nuts separate from everything else. If possible, please bring a few extra treats (broken is fine!) for our new “sample table.” On Sunday, you can purchase a bag for $5 and fill it with whatever looks good to you! Buy as many bags as you want, and you’ll be all set for carry-ins at work, gifts for the neighbors, and snacking at home! The money raised will go toward debt reduction. Please plan to join in this fun Christmas tradition!
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December Baptismal Birthdays
Dane Flennery Rozlynn Everhart
Sandy Hedin Don Spohr Christina Herb
Jordan Robinson Aleesha Welling
“Happy birthday!” to those who celebrate their second birthday during the month of December! Martin Luther said, “When you wash your face remember
your baptism.” Take time to remember and celebrate this month!
Order Your Poinsettias Now!
Order forms for Christmas poinsettias are available in your mailbox and in the church office. You may choose RED or PINK and whether they are given in
memory or in honor of someone, or to the glory of God. Each 6½ inch plant is $9.25. You may place your order form in the basket in Amanda’s office, or you
can call her at 485-5122. Payments should be made out to “Epiphany” with “poinsettias” in the memo and placed in the offering basket. The deadline for placing an order is Sunday, December 6
th (Dec. 3
rd for pink). Plants may be
taken home following the 7:00 pm worship service on Christmas Eve. Thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary for the holiday!
Constitution Update
The committee tasked with revising Epiphany’s constitution has nearly finished its work. Amanda will have hard copies of the proposed changes available starting in December; these can be checked out for review prior to our first reading of the changes at our February Congregational Meeting. Thank you for your input!
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Dec. 6th
LBW Setting I
Dec. 13th
LBW Setting I
Dec. 20th
Lessons & Carols
Dec. 24th
Christmas Eve
Dec 27th
LBW Setting II
Organist/ Pianist
Sara Davis
Amanda Pickett
Sara Davis/ Amanda Pickett
Sara Davis/ Amanda Pickett
Sara Davis
Assisting Minister
David Dawkins
Jim Davis
Kurt Unrue
TBD Rebecca Hartman
Lector 8:00 am
Kurt Unrue
Deb Crawford
Lectors Needed
N/A Sue
Johnson
Lector 10:15 am
Becky Roemer
Vicki Khouli
Lectors Needed
Sue Davis (7:00 pm)
Steve Haag
Acolyte Mason
McKenna Robert
Lohman Kristen Davis
Erin R./ Zoey O.
Need
Communion Assistant 8:00 am
Renee Meunier
Deb Crawford
Charlene Schroeder
N/A Hank
Schroeder
Communion Assistant 10:15 am
Dia Herb
Mike Rumfield
Molly Davis
Ron Roemer
(7:00 pm)
Sue Davis
Altar Guild Need Need Need Need Need
Greeter (s) The
Blacks The
Spohrs The
Roemers The
Roemers Sarah Knoch
Capt. Dave Black Don Spohr Bob Lohman Mark Herb USHERS Thank you!