8 Advent Candle Lighting Opening Praise Holy Baptism (11am only) Offering & Announcements Bible Lessons Titus 3:3-8 (NLT) NT Pg 167 1 John 4:16b-21 (GNB) NT Pg 188 Luke 1:26-37 (NRSV) NT Pg 43 Message Prayers Holy Communion Blessing New to Calvary? Stop by the Welcome Desk to pick up a gift we have prepared for you. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel, God's love with us and in us. Amen.
1 John 4:16b-21 (GNB) NT Pg 188 Luke 1:26-37 (NRSV) NT Pg 43
Message
Prayers
Holy Communion Blessing
New to Calvary? Stop by the Welcome Desk to pick up a
gift we have prepared for you.
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O, Lord, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born again to eternal life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel, God's love with us and in us. Amen.
[email protected] James Rochford—Custodian Baron McBride-Interim Custodian
2016 Church Council Rick Hedden (President), Debbie Courtney (Vice President), Carol Martus (Secretary), Chris Peterson (Treasurer), Michael DuBay, Don Peters, Mathew Rainoldi, Scott Thams and Pastor Jonathan.
Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church
6805 Bluegrass Drive ● Clarkston, MI 48346 9101 Highland Road • White Lake, MI 48386
Calvary Community Orchard, Pontiac, MI 48341 (248) 625-3288 ● fax (248) 625-3625
We are glad you’re here May you be richly blessed by our time
together. Please use the in touch card to request more information or to let us know how we may assist you.
We welcome children of all ages to our worship celebrations. We also offer a
staffed Nursery for infants through 2 year olds and a Quiet Room for families with small children.
We practice Open Communion. All who seek Jesus’ promise of love, forgiveness, and grace
are welcome to share Holy Communion at Calvary.
For those requiring gluten free bread we encourage you to bring your own each weekend to avoid any possibility of
cross-contamination. If you do not have your own gluten free bread today we have some available at the Welcome Center
Desk.
If you have prayer needs or questions today
please indicate them on the in touch card
Sermon messages online at calvaryinfo.org
Simply follow the link at the bottom of the website. Messages are available from your web browser.
Prayers Kelsey Merz, Star Valenzuela, Joyce Rochford, Gage Dyer, Dylan Nagy, Ronald Nagy, Catherine Dato, Henry Manuel, Cathy Berutti, Bill Adamson, Dale Vincent, Chuck Bell, Mathew Rainoldi, Joan Hamman, Don Trulu, Jessica Ritins, Robert Koschade, Jessica Marcath, Sanctum House Human Traffficking Recovery, Cindy Johnston, Curt Conrad, Daniel Ewing, Dan Roberts, Easton Brown, Haven Fischetti-Watkins, Mary Cosart, Louise Stakle, Stephanie Miller, Cindy Buck, Ellen Frain, Mary Vollrath, Jasmine Kraft, Dave Ehlfeldt, David Ewers, Merlynn Graff, Irene Jacobs, Jim Reed, Marlon Marcale, Ann & Burt Holliday, Ben Walker, Matt Pauly, Jeff Ewer, Gilbert Bell, Al Peloquin, Dan Plourde, Katy Mirovsky, Don Auger, Dawn Bell, Micah 6 ministry in Pontiac, Joyce Butler, those serving in our armed forces and their families, our companion congregations Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Jerusalem and Pastor Ibrihim & Nahla Azar, Hareabi Lutheran Church in Tanzania and Pastor Zakayo Malekwa, ELCA Southeast Michigan Synod, Bishop Don Kreiss and staff.
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Nursery Volunteers If you are interested in serving in our NURSERY please contact Terri Miller. New schedule begins Feb. 5. You serve once every other month.
Birthday Cake for Jesus! Today—Allergy Awareness: Costco Cake
Family Christmas Puppet Show Saturday, December 24 5:00 PM
Family Christmas Day Worship 11:00 AM
No kid’s programs January 1 Resume January 8, 2017
Gift Bible Sunday 3
rd graders receive their new Bible
January 8, 2017 9:30 & 11:00 services If you have a 3rd grader and do NOT receive an information letter in the mail by Dec.15 please
contact Terri Miller
SuperStarz 4th
– 7th
grade Next Event in January 27!
Volunteer Needs Preschool-12
th Grade
1. Small group leader to team teach at the
9:15 or 10:45 for 6th/7th grade-this is a rotation for either hour.
2. Small group leader for confirmation stu-
dents 8th/9th each Sunday or a team teacher at 12:30-2:30 PM-this can be a rotation.
3. Welcomer to check kids in and take attend-
ance at 9:15 hour-still need 1-this is a rotation-and a good way for teenagers to serve. Activity Stations helpers to supervise kids be-tween 9:15 & 9:30 or 10:45 -11:00, while they play together-need several-this is a rotation or as often as you like.
Children’s Ministry Youth and Young Adults Ministry
Youth & Parents: To stay up to date, visit the Youth page at calvaryinfo.org. Contact Susan Batchik, Youth Ministry Coordinator, regarding any of the youth events, classes, Growth Groups, or Confirmation Ministry.
Upcoming Events Sign up on the youth page at calvaryinfo.org Dec. 27-30 Michigan Youth Gathering Grades 9-12 Cost: $180 plus the cost of meals. The Gathering is an opportunity for groups of high school aged youth and young adults age 18-25 to experience four days of faith formation, service, leadership and community. Participants will experience meaningful worship, engage in small groups, serve others, grow in faith, and have a blast! Feb. 11 Winter Jam Concert! All are welcome to join us at The Palace in Auburn Hills to hear some incredible Christian music artists including David Crowder, Tenth Avenue North, and Britt Nicole. $10 at the door! Mark your calendar and watch for more details. Feb. 24-26 Sr. High Winter Retreat Grades 10-12 Cost: $140 Miracle Camp—Lawton, MI Registration is due by Feb. 12—don’t wait to hold your spot! “Ice Camp” is great for youth group excitement and bonding through great worship, teaching, and winter weather activities.
Grade Class Dates
6th-7th
9:15 & 10:45 Music Room
Dec. 18
8th-9th
12:30-2:30 pm Coffee Center
Dec. 18
10th-12th
10:45 Outdoor Classrooms
Dec. 18
10th-12th 12:30-2:30
Coffee Center Jan. 8, 22
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Spring into Action Save the date for the annual My Habitat Clarkston benefit fundraiser. Saturday, March 25, 2017, 5-9pm at Bowman Auto Center 9603 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston (near Davisburg Rd.)
Laugh Your Way To A Better Marriage
Mark Gungor live event. Bring positive hope to your marriage, help couples better understand each other’s needs, rekindle romance in your Marriage, appeals widely to husbands, even those who may typically resist marriage ministry.
Buy your tickets at Markgungor.com, $35 pp, May 5 & 6. Click on the Live Events tab. Let us know if you are going, we hope to have a Calvary Group. Staff Contact: Intern Pastor Ken
Autumn Years A Time of Beauty and Harvest
Living with Clarity, Courage, Generosity and Compassion January 14, 2017 9:00a.m. – 3:30p, Might people of faith receive the blessing of these years as a time of fruitful service and dynamic spiritual growth?
Participants will consider their own ways of living this chapter of life with faith, joy, gratitude and love. Our discussions will center in Scripture; research on healthy aging; motivation and resources for spiritual growth and opportunities to serve within one’s own faith community and in society.
To register send your name, phone, e-mail and home congregation with a check for $20 per participant to Birmingham Congregational Church, UCC, 1000 Cranbrook Road, Bloomfield Hills MI 48304. In case of a bad weather postponement will be held on Saturday, January 21
st.
Questions contact Pr. John Burow at [email protected] or go to our Face Book page for further information and a registration form: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autumnalyears/.
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Come all ye Faithful! Please join me for a Christmas carol sing-along at The Pines Assisted Living on Monday, December 19th from 3:30-4:30p for a joyful hour of singing and fellowship with the residents. We'll meet at The Pines, 7550 Dixie Hwy, Clarkston at 3:15p. Please let me know if you can join me by calling 248-922-5940. Diane Biggs
Ways to Engage & Extend
As we fulfill Calvary’s mission “To Know Christ & to Make Christ Known”, there are many places for you to serve where you really can “Make Christ Known”.
Children’s Ministry Shepherds
Children’s Ministry Welcomers
Youth Ministry Leaders & Assistants
Front Office Volunteer
Baldwin Center meal service
Newsletter Team once per month
Weekly worship folder team
Music Ministry musician
Music Ministry vocalist
Property Team
Winter Growth Group leaders
Communion Assistant
Usher
Greeter
Bookstore attendant
White Lake Saturday hospitality
Spring Impact weekend team
Nursery volunteer (adult or teen)
Worship Assistant coordinator
My Habitat Clarkston team
North Oakland County Disaster Relief team
Community Garden
Confirmation leader
Interfaith Volunteer Caregiver
Faith Community Nursing
Kids Own Worship
Blessings in a Backpack one Wednesday per month
….and more! Contact the church office for more information.
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Altar Flowers Todays altar flowers are given by Connie Srogi in celebration of Mason Srogi’s 8th birthday and in memory of Jerry Harms. If you would like to thank God for a special day or person by providing flowers, talk to someone in the front office and sign up on the flower calendar.
TODAY
Advent
Because of Bethlehem Love is Born, Hope is Here
Week 4
NEXT WEEKEND
Christmas Eve Worship 5:00pm Puppets Share Christmas Story
Thanks to those wo have submitted 2017 General Fund Estimate of Giving. We have had a strong early response. Please help us complete this by the end of the year by submitting yours in the offering plate or by mail when you are ready. Remember our offering is an act of worship and in response to God’s love foru us—we are blessed to be a blessing. Staff Contact: Deborah Robitaille
Holiday Office Hours
Our main office will be closed on the following dates for Christmas and New Year: Monday, December 26 Friday, December 30 Monday, January 2
Men’s Retreat Today more than ever, the world needs Godly men. Men who will step up and courageously lead at home, church, work and in their communities. That’s the message of the men’s ministry at Calvary. This day long retreat will engage you in learning and stretch you as we envision the future possibilities for the men’s ministry here at Calvary. It promises to be a day filled with learning and fellowship. Pastor Ken a trained spiritual director and retreat leader will be teaching “real world” strategies of prayer and discernment that will help you keep Christ in the center of a busy life. Then after lunch we will facilitate an afternoon of “possibility” while we develop a plan for Men’s Ministry for Calvary. This is a one day retreat on January 28
th hosted at St. Augustine House
Monastery starting at 8 a.m. with worship and finishing at 4 p.m. (approx.) Lunch will be provided, costs to be determined (Approx. $20 per person). Register soon with Carl Bloom or Intern Pastor Ken. Online registration on our events page at calvaryinfo.org.
Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton I remember my home growing up. It was on the west side of Cleveland… I still dream about it. It was a place where I felt safe, where my family was and it was full of wonderful Christmas memories. My senior year of college, my parents moved to the shores of Lake Erie. It’s every west sider’s dream in Cleveland to get to the lake, and they finally made it. But my home was gone. In fact, I had to find directions to my parents’ home for Christmas break. I still dream about the home where I grew up. I still miss it and can still remember every feature of it. And I realize that all of us have a deep longing for home. At Christmastime, I think it’s especially poignant and deep for people. Many of our Christmas carols talk about being home for Christmas and how hard it is when we’re not. Then I remembered that Mary and Joseph were not home for Christmas that first year. They were far from their home, far from their people. They were way down in Bethlehem, far from Nazareth. How disorienting that must have been for them. But the truth is, Mary and Joseph were exactly at home for Christmas because with them was the Christ child. Jesus is our true home. That’s our hope at Christmastime and our hope the year round. We are never far from home because Christ is as near to us as our own breath or our own pulse. So, wherever you find yourself this year, dear church, remember that Jesus is with you, and you are home for Christmas. Merry Christmas, The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
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2017 Offering Envelopes Can be picked up in the Welcome Center. Envelopes are assigned to everyone, even if you use EFT because our system requires an envelope number. We encourage you to pick yours up today!
This Could Be
The Place For You Our Clarkston Campus is in need of new team members for our Ushering and Bookstore Teams. Training is provided. Ushers can serve once or twice a month (your choice) at the worship service you attend. Bookstore help is needed between services and you can choose the number of Sundays per month. 8:15 bookstore assistants serve after 8:15, 9:30 serve before and after 9:30 and 11:00 serve before and after 11:00 am. We would love to make you part of our team. Staff Contact: Deborah Robitaille
Electronic Newsletter
By far the easiest New Years resolution. If you are not yet receiving the monthly “Good News” by e-mail and would like to begin receiving the e-goodnews in place of your hard copy in the mail, please let us know! We are already saving trees, printing and postage costs! Fill out an InTouch card today. Staff Contact: Jennifer Angus
Worship Assistants
Please let us know if you can serve on Christmas Eve in Clarkston at 5, 8 or 10pm or in White Lake at 5pm. We need greeters and Ushers for all services and Communion Assistants for White Lake and 8 & 10pm in Clarkston. Contact us at [email protected] or drop us an inTouch card. Staff Contact: Deborah Robitaille
Holiday Worship Schedule Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24 5:00 pm Puppets share Christmas Story 8:00 pm Candles & Communion 10:00 pm Traditional Candlelight Communion White Lake 6:30 pm Candles & Communion
Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25 One worship service only 11:00am Come celebrate the birth of Jesus
Like to help people? Great! We do too. One volunteer needed once a week to help process financial assistance calls. Training is provided and our system is online so you can work from the church or from home. Calvary processes about 250 calls each year for families in need. This system is set up to help people with utilities and eviction notices. You will return calls and use our guidelines to determine how we can help. Great phone skills and ability to learn a new software program are necessary, along with a passion to serve the local community as the hands and feet of Christ. Staff Contact: Deborah Robitaille
2016 Offerings Please note that the last business day of 2016 is Friday, December 30. We will make our last deposit for the year on that date, so please be sure to have your offerings into the office before then. You can make online donations until midnight, so even if you don’t normally use the online giving option, you can go to our website and make a one time donation. Staff Contact: Deborah Robitaille
Advent/Christmas Resources
Check out the Wellspring Bookstore for an Advent/Christmas book, devotional resources, and gifts to use and share during this holiday season.
