Cross Ways

Thought for the Month:

God never asks about our ability or our

inability, just our availability.

From Our Pastor:

Beaver Lake Lutheran

Church

December 2013 Grow, Go & Glorify God

...a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. The tree grew and became strong; its height reached to the heavens, and it

could be seen to the ends of all the earth. Daniel 4:10-11

LORD, PROP US UP

Every time I am asked to pray, I think of the old fellow who always prayed, 'Lord, prop us up on

our leanin' side.' After hearing him pray that prayer many times, someone asked him why he prayed

that prayer so fervently. He answered, 'Well, you see, it's like this.... I got an old barn out back. It's

been there a long time; it's withstood a lot of weather; it's gone through a lot of storms, and it's stood

for many years. It's still standing. But one day I noticed it was leaning to one side a bit. So I went

and got some pine poles and propped it up on its leaning side so it wouldn't fall.

Then I got to thinking about that and how much I was like that old barn. I've been around a long

time. I've withstood a lot of life's storms. I've withstood a lot of bad weather in life. I've withstood a

lot of hard times, and I'm still standing too. But I find myself leaning to one side from time to time, so

I like to ask the Lord to prop us up on our leaning side, 'cause I figure a lot of us get to leaning at

times.

Sometimes we get to leaning toward anger, leaning toward bitterness, leaning toward hatred, lean-

ing toward indifference, leaning toward a lot of things that we shouldn't. So we need to pray, 'Lord,

prop us up on our leaning side, so we will stand straight and tall again, to glorify the Lord.''

See you in Church,

Pastor Charlie

CHRISTMAS TIME – Ronald Doe

Christmas Time is finally here,

It only comes but once a year.

And it's a time to spread good cheer,

To those we love and hold so dear.

Christmas Time is a time of glee,

A time when peace and love run free.

A time for those like you and me,

To sit beneath the Christmas Tree.

Christmas Time is a time of joy,

A time to sit back and enjoy.

The smile on each girl and boy,

As they play with a Christmas Toy.

Christmas Time is a time to share,

The passing of another year.

Birth of Jesus, a joyful prayer,

To show loved ones how much we care.

Christmas Time is a time for song,

A time for us to get along.

To make us feel Lord Jesus strong,

Forgive all those who did us wrong.

Christmas Time is a time to pray,

Put love and kindness on display.

Show compassion along the way,

Christmas Time should be everyday.

HOPE THIS GREETING FINDS YOU HAPPY AND HEALTHY.

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM YOUR CHURCH STAFF

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CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SCHEDULE

December 15th (Sunday) – 10:00am - Children’s Christmas Program followed by refreshments

December 24th (Tuesday – Christmas Eve) – 4:00pm - Family Christmas Service with communion

December 24th (Tuesday – Christmas Eve) – 10:00pm – Christmas Candlelight Service with communion.

December 25th (Wednesday- Christmas Day) – 10:00am – Christmas Day Worship with communion.

December 29th (Sunday) – 10:00am – Service of Lessons & Carols

January 5th (Sunday) – 9:00am - Traditional & 11:00am - Praise Service (with Sunday School)

DID YOU KNOW THAT...

We installed 15 new members on Sunday, November 17th. Welcome New Members we are glad

that you are here! We look forward to getting to know and work with you.

The Pie Social after the Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service was enjoyed by all. Thank you to all

who donated pies for this fun fellowship building event!

Peggy Karnuth decorated the altar area in honor of our Thanksgiving Celebration again this year. It

was beautiful. Thank you, Peggy!

In our “Christmas In October Program” more shoe boxes (filled with Christmas gifts for children in

Africa) were donated than the organizers anticipated. Your generosity is amazing! The Beaver Lake Endowment Fund

covered the cost of postage for all of the boxes. It was a great outreach project!

The Sunday School children sang for worship on Christ the King Sunday. Mary Brown was the director. The kids did a

great job!

There will not be any Sunday School on: December 15th, 22nd and 29th.

We are having a Pointsettia Christmas Tree again this year. Be sure to honor or remember a loved one by donating a

plant for this beautiful and festive endeavor. Rod & Lil Johnson are coordinating this project again this year. Thank

you Johnsons!

We are still collecting financial pledges for 2014. If you have not turned in your contribution, please do so today. We

need your partnership!

Marlene Haglof’s daughter, Susan, was in church recently. She lives in Egypt and conducts a Christian ministry to poor

children. See gave us a wonderful report. Susan thanked the membersof Beaver Lake Lutheran for their strong emo-

tional and financial support.

The Card Ladies are running a special: 10 Christmas Cards for $2.50. What a deal. This is the time to stock up before

the holidays.

BIBLE QUIZ – SPORTS TRIVIA IN THE BIBLE

* Identify these famous sports figures using the hints from the Bible.

1. He holds the major league career record of 755 home runs, and he shares his last name with Moses’ brother.

2. He holds the record for most points scored in an NBA playoff game (63), and his first name is the name of

an angel and his last of a river in the Bible.

3. He holds the NBA career record for assists, and he shares his first name with a disciple who wrote a Gospel.

4. This swimmer won seven gold medals in 1972 in Munich, and he also shares his first name with the writer of one of the

Gospels.

5. This track star set six world records in 45 minutes on May 25, 1935, and he shares his first name with King David’s father.

6. He holds the major league record for most runs scored in a season, and he shares his last name with King David’s great-

grandmother.

7. This baseball player holds the major league record for career base hits, and his last name is the same as the famous flower of

Sharon.

8. She has won more tennis titles than any other woman, and she shares her last name with two books of the Bible.

9. He was the NBA’s Most Valuable Player for the 1995 season, and he shares his first name with one of Israel’s kings.

Answers to Bible Quiz can be found on the bottom of page #3.

Page 3 Cross Ways

Holiday Offering Envelope Reminder

You have one special offering envelope remaining for the year 2013 that is for Christmas (Dec. 25 th).

The money you put in this special decorative envelope goes directly to our support of charities in the

community. The money you put in the regular envelopes goes to the Church general account to help

pay all our expenses which includes our outreach activities and helps reduce our deficit. Both are

worthy causes but understand your choice of envelope determines where the money goes.

“BIBLE QUIZ ANSWERS – SPORTS TRIVIA IN THE BIBLE”: 1. Hank Aaron (Exodus 4:14); 2. Michael Jordan (Daniel 10:13; Gene-

sis 13:10); 3. John Stockton (The Gospel of John); 4. Mark Spitz (The Gospel of Mark); 5. Jesse Owens (I Samuel 16); 6. Babe Ruth (Ruth

4:18-22); 7. Pete Rose (Song of Songs 2:1); 8. Billie Jean King (I and II Kings); and 9. David Robinson (I Samuel 16).

THE THRILL OF GETTING OLDER

Several days ago as I left a meeting at a hotel; I desperately gave myself a personal TSA pat down. I was

looking for my keys. They were not in my pockets. A quick search in the meeting room revealed nothing.

Suddenly I realized I must have left them in the car. Frantically, I headed for the parking lot. My husband

has scolded me many times for leaving them in the ignition. My theory is the ignition is the best place not

to lose them. His theory is that the car will be stolen. As I burst through the door, I came to a terrifying conclusion. His theory

was right. The parking lot was empty. I immediately called the police. I gave them my location, confessed that I had left my

keys in the car, and that it had been stolen. Then I made the most difficult call of all, "Honey," I stammered; ( I always call

him "honey" in times like these.) "I left my keys in the car and it's been stolen." There was a period of silence. I thought the call

had been dropped, but then I heard his voice. "Are you kidding' me", he barked, "I dropped you off"! Now it was my time to

be silent. Embarrassed, I said, "Well, come and get me." He retorted, "I will, as soon as I convince this cop that I didn't steal

your car."

Health and Wellness Committee

The Health and Wellness committee will again sponsor quilt-making to bring us together

as a church family, and to benefit Lutheran World Relief. We completed 9 quilts in 2013

and our goal for 2014 is 10 completed quilts. Remember, quilt-making has many steps and

men are welcome to join us. (They had a lot of fun in 2013). We will meet on Saturday,

January 11th at 9:00 am to start work on our quilts for 2014. Whether or not you were able

to help in 2013, please come join in the fellowship and fun as we create warn, loving and

practical gifts for our brothers and sisters who are less fortunate. We will share a potluck

lunch at 12:00 noon and are looking forward to seeing you there.

NEW BIBLE STUDY STARTING

On Wednesday, December 4th, 2013 (9:30am-11:00am) we will be starting a new seven

week study written by Luther Seminary Professor David Lose. The course is entitled:

“Making Sense of Scripture”. The sessions will deal with the following topics: What is

the Bible? Is the Bible True? Is the Bible The Word of God? Where Did The Bible

Come From? How Can I Read The Bible With Greater Understanding? Is There A

“Center” To Scripture? And What Kind Of Authority Does The Bible Hold? Each ses-

sion will have a video segment in which Dr. Lose will address the class. Come and bring

a friend. We are sure to have a lively discussion. We will meet in the front lounge.

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Deadline for Publications

Crossway articles are due by the 20th of each month

Info for weekly bulletin is due by noon each Thursday

Electronic content can be emailed to jdhilpert@comcast.net.

Please let us know when you have a new address,

phone number or Email address. This will help us with

our church directory and mailings.

Thank You!

Do we have your Correct Address?

PROJECT 363 SERVICE EVENT

On Wednesday evening, December 4th, from

6:00pm to 7:00pm our confirmation youth will be

sponsoring another “Project 363 Service Event”.

So if you were unable to take part in the October

event because of work or a busy schedule, we would like to

invite people of all ages to come together on December 4th to

make more sandwiches and contribute more money for bus

tokens for the needy.

Memorials Given

For Miriam Gustafson

Phyllis Carlson

Albert Drackert

Audrey Green

Joel & Joan Hilpert

Louella Larsen

Geraldine Madsen

Kenneth & Lorraine Roufs

Lucille Schmidt

Margaret Swanson

Financial Update through 10/31/2013 – CAN YOU HELP?

Through the end October we are off target by about -$9,990. This means we have taken

$9,990 more out of our small reserves then we expected. This will make future years more

difficult if we can’t replace it now. The primary problem is our offering income for gen-

eral operating expenses continues to lag behind our pledges and our giving history over

the past few years. Can you help? If God has blessed you and you believe in mission of

Beaver Lake Lutheran Church, please do what you can now. Live and give generously!

We continue to make a lot of progress but we need to remain financially strong if we want

to continue to Grow, Go and Glorify God.

If you want more financial details talk to Rod Johnson, Administration Team Convener or

Bill Pringle, Treasurer. Thank you.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

The Beaver Lake Sunday School along with the assistance

of the confirmation students will present their Christmas

Program entitled: “The Grumpy Shepherd” on Sunday,

December 15th, during the 10am worship service in place

of a meditation. That day we will have only one service.

The service will be followed by a coffee and cookie recep-

tion in the Atrium. The creative program was written by

Deb Lowe who is one of our members.

CHRISTMAS POINTSETTIA TREE REMEMBRANCES

This is your opportunity to honor or remember a friend or loved one over the

Christmas holiday. You can donate a poinsettia plant for our special remem-

brance tree. The cost of each plant is $8.00. The form that you fill out will

be in the church bulletin each Sunday until the deadline for ordering on De-

cember 22nd. The names of the people being remembered will appear in the

Christmas bulletins; as well as the names of the individuals or families that

are giving the memorial.

Memorial Service

for

Gary Lewis Rollin

November 15, 2013

This year, once again, the Fall Fair was FABAULOUS!!! Of

course, all the thanks go to each and every one of you. Your

generosity and support was amazing. After all was said and

done, we ended up making $4,692.90. Of this amount, 70% was

given to the general budget, and 30% was given to Pastor’s Dis-

cretionary Fund. The raffle winners were: Deb Houtkooper-baby

quilt, Leslie Shank-gift card basket #1, Deb Schoenberger-gift

card basket #2, Laura Blumer-tea set, and Elaine Southward-

cross stitch picture. Congratulations to all!! Again, THANK

YOU EVERYONE!!

The Joy Of Christmas

Christmas is a time of love and giving. A time of

giving to a child who will not have as happy a

holiday as we are fortunate to have. There will

be a Christmas Giving Tree up in the atrium for

you to pick a gift tag for a child. The age and

size of the child and a gift suggestion will be on

the tag. Please return your unwrapped gift by

December 19th, Thank you for your gift of love.

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By: Deb Houtkooper

Balance, Aging and Falls

As we get older, our balance skills deteriorate because the aging process causes a decline in the bodily systems that maintain

balance and equilibrium, putting us at a greater risk for falls. Several factors can lead to a fall. A fall may occur because aging

slows a person's reaction time and makes it harder to regain one's balance following a sudden movement or shift of body weight.

Changes in muscle mass and body fat also can play a role in falls. As people get older, they lose muscle mass because they have

become less active over time. In addition, as people age, they lose body fat that has cushioned and protected bony areas, such as

the hips. This loss of cushioning also affects the soles of the feet, which upsets the person's ability to balance. Changes in vision

also increase the risk of falling. Diminished vision can be corrected with glasses, however, often these glasses are bifocal or tri-

focal so that when the person looks down through the lower half of her or his glasses, depth perception is altered. This makes it

easy to lose one's balance and fall.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of adults ages 60 years and older fall each

year. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths. Falls can cause moderate to severe injuries, includ-

ing head traumas and hip and pelvic fractures. While men are more likely than women to die from a fall, rates of fall-related

fractures among older women are more than twice those for men. Over 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. People age 75

and older who fall are four to five times more likely than those age 65 to 74 to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year

or longer. As you can see, falls and fall-related injuries can have a serious impact on an older person's life. If you fall, it could

limit your activities or make it impossible to live independently, and many people often become more isolated after a fall.

All of these statistics are very sobering. What can we do as we age to stay independent and reduce the chances of falling?

Make your home safer by reducing tripping hazards (like throw rugs), adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower

and next to the toilet, adding railings on both sides of stairways, and improving the lighting in your home.

Have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update your eyeglasses to maximize your vision.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications - both prescription and over-the counter - to identify medicines

that may cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.

To lower your risk of hip fracture:

Get adequate calcium and vitamin D—from food and/or from supplements

Do weight bearing exercise

Get screened and, if needed, treated for osteoporosis

Exercise regularly. The gradual loss of muscle strength, which is common in older people (but not inevitable), plays a role

in falling. Muscle-strengthening exercises can help you regain your balance, level of activity, and alertness no matter what

your age.

The following are simple exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance:

Stand straight with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on a sturdy table or countertop.

Weight shifts: Shift your body weight to your right foot and lift your left foot. Hold the position for a count of

10, and then lower your left foot. Repeat the movements on your other side. Perform 10 repetitions.

Knee flexion: Slowly bend one knee as far back as possible. Hold the position for one second, then slowly

lower your foot to the floor. Alternate legs until you complete 10 repetitions on each leg.

Hip flexion: Without bending at the waist or hips, slowly raise one knee up toward your chest as far as possi-

ble. Hold the position for one second, then slowly lower your foot to the floor. Alternate legs until you com-

plete 10 repetitions on each leg.

Having good balance means being able to control and maintain your body's position, whether you are moving or remaining still.

Good balance is important to help you get around, stay independent, and carry out daily activities, so practice your balance exer-

cises every day.

Cross Ways Page 6

Blessings on this beautiful fall day! This month is a busy and exciting month for LADC. We are celebrating so much. I will

start with letters! We are deep into discovering the meaning of letters, sounds, and writing. Our students have shown excellent

growth in this area since the start of the year! November 25th and 26th we are celebrating our grandparent’s/special friends with

a fun day full of pumpkin spice cupcakes, arts and crafts and musical games. As I prepare for this event I find myself thinking

fondly of my own grandparents. A fun fact for the 99% of you who don’t know me yet; my grandparent’s raised me! I’m not

too young minded to know about sandbakkels, krumkaka, and pickles in my Christmas tree. I’m familiar with the saying, “if

you can’t remember what you were going to say it must have been a lie”. My grandma was also raised by her grandma and

passed that saying on through the generations. I hesitate passing it on to my 4 year old quite yet as I’m afraid she’ll be highly

offended. Regardless, grandparents bring us Thanksgiving as they are our ancestors who have made it possible for us to con-

tinue to celebrate such an important time in our history. I encourage you to share a grandparent’s lovely smile or hug when you

get the opportunity. Generation gaps can cause people to almost be “afraid” of one another. We need to cross that bridge as

young people, older people, children, and remember we are all simply children of God.

We invite you to our Christmas pageant on December 17th at 6:30 p.m. The show will be about 45 minutes and be full of fun

music to fill your hearts sung by our fantastic LADC children.

We thank you for hosting our school in your wonderful church and wish you the happiest of holidays!

Fun craft for the holidays. Cut out a circle from a cereal box, about 4 inches across. Cut a circle in the middle about two inches

across (so you have a donut shaped circle). Paint puzzle pieces green and sprinkle with red glitter (mixing a little glue in the

paint will help it be sticky). When the pieces are dry, glue them to the “donut”. Hang a red ribbon from the top and insert a

picture of a cutie pie in the middle! Yay! Christmas ornaments!