December 17, 2017

 

THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS SERVICE is this Wednesday at 7 PM.  The children of our Sunday School will be presenting a program entitled “Operation Baby King.”  There is an Advent Supper served in the Life Center by the Youth from 5:30-6:45.

Merry CHRISTmas SIGNS   The Outreach Ministry Team is providing signs for people to put up in their yards this Advent – Christmas season like we have the crosses for the Lenten season.  Pick up your sign in the Narthex and share your faith in Jesus.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES NEXT WEEKEND   Because Christmas Eve is next Sunday, we will be having only one service on Sunday morning.  Sunday School and Bible Classes will be at 8:45 with our worship service at 10:00 AM.  The Family Service of Lessons and Carols will then be at 7 PM Christmas Eve.  Each family is invited to bring a candle and holder to place on the tables up front to represent their family during the Candlelighting part of the service.  Christ’s Mass – A Communion Service to celebrate the birth of Jesus will at 10 AM on Christmas morning.

 

WHERE’S PASTOR BESELPastor and Shirley Besel are in Colorado this weekend to attend the graduation ceremonies for their daughter Angie from Physical Therapy School.  They will be flying back to Dallas Sunday afternoon and driving home on Monday.

THE LUTHERAN HOUR   Today on KURM (790 AM) at 12:30 P.M. & The Bott Radio Network at 8 A.M. on 89.3 F.M Speaker: Rev. Dr. Dale A. Meyer.  “Life Narrows Down” John the Baptist had a passion for the Lamb of God.  What’s your passion in life?  How far into the future will it take you? (John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John testifies to Christ))  

HOLY TRINITY BIBLE STUDIES

Sunday

9:30-10:30 A.M.  Pam Pickett is leading a study of Acts in Classroom 1

9:30-10:30 A.M Women’s Bible Study entitled The Patriarchs: Encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Study is led by Libby Garner and meets in the Conference Room.

9:30-10:30 A.M Dave Lehenbauer

leads a study for the men in Classroom 2 on 1st Peter.

Monday   2nd & 4th Mondays at 2:00pm. – Led by Vern Schaefer Rotating Hostesses: Herb & Shirley Bernthal, Spike & Dolores Hermes, Joe & Barbara Raleigh, Maxine Reihman & Betty Jensen

 

Tuesday 1st & 3rd Tuesdays at 2:00pm,

    Pastor Bernthal’s Bible Study. 

LIFE QUOTES:  “The hinge of history can be found on a Bethlehem Door.”  Evangelist J. John –  If you wish to support Lutherans for Life,  go to their web site: www.lutherans for life.org

OFFERING ENVELOPES FOR 2018 have been placed at the Giving Center in the Narthex.  Pick yours up today.  If you can’t find yours or if you are a regular attender and want envelopes, see Dean Eisma or the church office.

THE LUTHERAN WITNESS  Yearly subscriptions to the Lutheran Witness run from April 1 through March 31.  If you are currently a subscriber, it is time to renew your subscription.  Cost per subscription is $15.00.  Current subscribers need to let the church office know if you want to continue or cancel your current subscription.  Also, let us know if you would like to be added to the list of subscribers.

 

CARD RACK FUNDRAISER   Check out the card selection in the rack in the narthex. We've added some new ones, as well as quite a few Christmas cards. Take the cards you need and then make a donation to the Holy Trinity Food Pantry and place it in the offering basket. This is a year-round Mission Crafts activity to help raise funds to feed the hungry who come to our church for help. 

 

This Christmas…

….keep a promise…welcome a stranger…seek out a forgotten friend

…listen…brighten the heart of a child…encourage the young

..express your gratitude…take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth

…speak your love…and speak it again

 

—Third Lutheran Church, Louisville KY

LIFE THOUGHTS IN THE CHURCH YEAR   Lord Jesus specializes in bestowing dignity upon lives the world views as insignificant or inconvenient (Isaiah 61:1-2).  Indeed, He has dealt with each of us according to this graciousness.  Therefore we savor participating in it by speaking and showing it to both our neighbors and the culture (Isaiah 61:4).  Light of Life, anoint us with Your voice of grace to bring the poor good news.  Amen. (Advent 3) 

Christmas Reminders

 

Christmas has become extremely commercialized. Everywhere we look we see Christmas trees, lights, presents, signs enticing us to buy this or that for the people on our lists. But let’s try to keep our thoughts focused on the real meaning of the season.

When we see a wreath, let's remember that God's love is never ending.

When we see the lights, let's remember that Jesus is the light of the world.

When we see candles, let's remember that our lights, however small, shine brightly enough to spread to those around us.

When we see presents, let's remember that God gave us the greatest gift of all in His Son, Jesus Christ.

When we see a Christmas tree, let's remember a tree on top of a hill called Calvary.

When we see snow, let's remember the One who cleanses our sins in a way that makes them pure white.

When we sing carols, let's remember the importance of making a joyful noise unto the Lord.

When we sit down to Christmas dinner, let's remember that Jesus is the bread of life.

When we see all those around us in need, whether physically, financially, emotionally, or spiritually, let's remember that Christmas really shouldn't be limited to one season of the year. God's gift was for all seasons. And, every time we share that gift, it's Christmas!

 

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!  (2 Corinthians 9:15)

 


THIS WEEK AT HOLY TRINITY

December 17 through December 23, 2017

 

 

SUNDAY

Communion                                                                                      8:00 A.M.

Bible Study/Sunday School                                                    9:30 A.M.

Handbell Choir                                                                               9:30 A.M.

Communion                                                                                   10:45 A.M

 

MONDAY

Cameron’s Day Off

Pastor Besel returns from Vacation

ESL                                                                                                          6:30 P.M.

 

TUESDAY

Circuit Pastors meeting at Bentonville                          9:30 A.M. – 2 P.M.

Pastor Bernthal’s Bible Study                                              2:00 P.M.

Confirmation Class                                                                      4:30 P.M.

 

WEDNESDAY

Advent Supper                                                                                5:30 P.M.

News and Notes Due                                                                12:00 P.M.

Children’s Christmas Service                                                7:00 P.M.

 

FRIDAY

Assemble Bulletin & Clarion                                                 1:00 P.M.

 

NEXT SUNDAY – CHRISTMAS EVE

Bible Study/Sunday School                                                    8:45 A.M.

Handbell Choir                                                                               8:45 A.M

Worship                                                                                           10:00 A.M.

Family Christmas Eve Service of Lessons &               7:00 P.M.

       Carols

CHRISTMAS DAY  (Monday)

Communion                                                                                   10:00 A.M. 

FOR YOUR PRAYERS: 

Circuit Church:  Salem, Springdale  Pray that the Lord will increase our multiethnic unity in Christ and inspire an urgency to share the Gospel with all people.

Church Ministry: Church Staff:  Pray for our Pastor, Education Director, and all staff at Holy Trinity that with Your light shining through them, they will help lighten an ever darkening world.

Pray also for our Military:  Especially remember, Timothy Gibson, son of Harry and Ann Gibson, serving in the U.S. Navy.

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