December 2019

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 420 1st Street SE PO Box 118 Gwinner, ND 701.678.2401 www.ziongwinner.org Pastor Aaron M. Filipek December 2019

Blessed Saints of Zion, In This Issue… We continue with our year long series of newsletter articles highlighting some saints of the Christian Church. For more information, please see the following  LCMS website explaining a few things concerning saints, among other things: Saints of the Church (https://www.lcms.org/worship/church-year/commemorations)

 Mission of the Month I encourage you to read the biographies (along with the Scripture verses) of the saint on the appointed day. I pray this year long series of newsletter articles accomplishes three things:  Food Pantry Needs 1) we thank God for giving faithful servants to His Church 2) through such remembrance our faith is  December Birthdays strengthened as we see the mercy that God extended to His saints of old  Congregation at Prayer 3) these saints are examples both of faith and of holy living to imitate according to our calling in life  Catechesis Christ’s Peace, Pastor Aaron M. Filipek  Christmas Schedule

December 4: John of Damascus  Service Lists John (ca. 675–749) is known as the great compiler and summarizer of the orthodox faith and the last great Greek theologian. Born in Damascus, John gave up an influential position in the Islamic court to devote himself to the Christian faith. Around  Calendar 716 he entered a monastery outside of Jerusalem and was ordained a priest. When the Byzantine emperor Leo the Isaurian in 726 issued a decree forbidding images (icons), John forcefully resisted. In his Apostolic Discourses he argued for the legitimacy of the veneration of images, which earned him the condemnation of the Iconoclast Council in 754. John also wrote defenses of the orthodox faith against contemporary heresies. In addition, he was a gifted hymnwriter (“Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain”) and contributed to the liturgy of the Byzantine churches. His greatest work was the Fount of Wisdom which was a massive compendium of truth from previous Christian theologians, covering practically every conceivable doctrinal topic. John's summary of the orthodox faith left a lasting stamp on both the Eastern and Western churches.. December 6: Nicholas of Myra, Pastor Of the many saints commemorated by the Christian Church, Nicholas (d. A.D. 342) is one of the best known. Very little is known historically of him, although there was a church of Saint Nicholas in Constantinople as early as the sixth century.

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Mission of the Month LCMS Disaster Response

3 – Logan Essig

5 – Michelle Brockman

Earthquakes, hurricanes, fires, floods and tornados—Lord have mercy! 7– Ellie Helm

In the midst of chaos, the Church — together with the generous gifts of 11 – Jay Enderson faithful Lutherans — brings peace and calm through acts of mercy and the comforting Word of Christ. 16 – Andrew Greenmyer Grover Riebe The Church continues to come alongside those who are rebuilding their lives, sticking around well after most other groups have returned home. 18 – Hollie Asche To learn more about how your gifts are used, please visit https://www.lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/disaster-response 19 – Jan Riebe

20 – Caleb Filipek Sam Helm Food Pantry Needs List: 21 – Joseph Greenmyer Canned Fruit 22– Greg Nelson Laundry Soap 26– Annah Greenmyer Pancake Mix 30– Carissa Stroh Oil 31 – Howie Neustel Spaghetti/pasta

Pastor’s Study Hours Parish Assistant Office Hours

Friday is Pastor’s Day Off Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 12:30 pm

Wednesday 9:30am to 5:00 pm Generally, Pastor is in his study Monday – Email: [email protected] Thursday. However, he will be in and out

for visitations, meetings, etc. If you would like to meet with him, Please call or email either Pastor or the Church please contact him directly. Office if you need spiritual care, know of somebody in the hospital needing a visit, have prayer submissions for the divine service, or for any other church related circumstance.

The Congregation at Prayer The Order of Meditation and Prayer

Invocation: Hymn of the Month: In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the LSB 332 Holy Spirit. Amen. “Savior of the nations, come”

Apostles’ Creed: Prayers: I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of In our Prayers this week at Zion: heaven and earth. Use your weekly bulletin and include the prayer requests And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was listed in each week’s bulletin. conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and The Lord’s Prayer: was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive From thence He will come to judge the living and the us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass dead. against us; and lead us not into temptation, but I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen. resurrection of the body, and the life + everlasting. Amen. Morning Prayer: I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Psalm: Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from Advent 1 (Dec 1-7) Psalm 24 all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep Advent 2 (Dec 8-14) Psalm 50:1-15 me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my Advent 3 (Dec 15-21) Psalm 85 doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I Advent 4 (Dec 22-28) Psalm 111 commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may The Small Catechism: Table of Duties have no power over me. Amen. Dec 1-7 To Employers and Supervisors Dec 8-14 To Youth Evening Prayer: Dec 15-21 To Widows I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Dec 22-28 To Everyone Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins Readings: where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this Advent 1 (Dec 1-7) Ad Te Levavi night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my Old Testament: Jeremiah 23:5-8 body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be Epistle: Romans 13:8-14 with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Gospel: Matthew 21:1-9 Amen. Advent 2 (Dec 8-14) Populus Zion Old Testament: Malachi 4:1-6 Blessing: Epistle: Romans 15:4-13 Let us bless the Lord. Thanks be to God. Gospel: Luke 21:25-36

Advent 3 (Dec 15-21) Gaudete Old Testament: Isaiah 40:1-11 Epistle: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Word of the Month Gospel: Matthew 11:2-11 Terms Relating to Worship and God’s House Advent 4 (Dec 22-28) Rorate Coeli Creed Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 From the Latin for “I believe.” Words of faith confessing Epistle: Philippians 4:4-7 the teachings of Holy Scripture. Gospel: John 1:19-28 The 3 Ecumenical Creeds are the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed & the Athanasian Creed

Hymn of the Month: 332 Savior of the Nations, Come

5 God the Father was His source, Back to God He ran His course. Into hell His road went down, Back then to His throne and crown. 6 For You are the Father’s Son Who in flesh the vict’ry won. By Your mighty pow’r make whole All our ills of flesh and soul. 7 From the manger newborn light Shines in glory through the night. Darkness there no more resides; In this light faith now abides. D 8 Glory to the Father sing, Glory to the Son, our king, Glory to the Spirit be Now and through eternity.

Text (sts. 1–2) and tune: Public domain

Advent Services Wednesdays December 4 & 11 6:30pm Soup Supper at 5:30

Prayer Families December 1 December 8 Rick & Dawn Gaden Collin & Betsy Greenley April, Autumn, Lily Hudson, Jax 26 Broadway Ave E 407 2nd Ave W Delamere, ND 58060 Lisbon, ND 58054

Ushers December 15 December 22 December 29 December Andrew & Katelyn Greenmyer Jacob & Lauren Greenmyer Joseph & Faith Greenmyer th 1st Andrew & Katelyn Greenmyer James, Lillian 3155 49 St S #111 647 Seward St 12289 Hwy 13 Fargo, ND 58104 Seward, NE 68434 8th Chris & Marsha Mathias Stirum, ND 58069 15th Scott & Christine Bopp 22nd Gary & Kay Drevlow

24th Brian & Tana McKenna Acolytes Counters

25th Jim & Marge Asche December December 1st Ella Filipek 29th Randal & Michelle Brockman 1st Jim Asche & Marsha Mathias 8th Sadie Neustel 4th Allen McDaniel & Jason Asche 15th Marcus Mathias 8th Gary Drevlow & Michelle Brockman 22nd Kinsey Olson 11th Bob Orn & Jim Asche th 24 Autumn Gaden th 15 Rodney & Sandy Asche 25th Tallie Lukes 22nd Marsha Mathias & Jason Asche 29th Halle Nelson 24th Allen McDaniel & Gary Drevlow Note: If you are unable to usher, acolyte, or count on your scheduled date, 25th Michelle Brockman & Bob Orn we ask that you please contact another member to switch with. 29th Rodney & Sandy Asche

Cleaners List

1st to 7th 8th to 14th

 Tim & JoAnne Rehborg  Scott & Teresa Illies  Gary & Kay Drevlow  Duane & Sharon Orth  Allen & Diane McDaniel  Jody Schreiner  Eric & Brook Olson  Roger & Kathy Schreiner *Please remember to sign  Dustin & Keisha Schreiner your name on the chart on the bulletin board th st 22nd to 28th 15 to 21 by the kitchen noting  Dale & Martha Asche  Rodney & Sandy Asche which area of the church  Joey & Cindy Enderson  Collin & Betsy Greenley you have cleaned*  Lonnie Hoechst  Teresa Rodahl  Derek & Jennifer Wangler  Kevin & Cindy Dietz

December 2019

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 am Catechesis 9 am Pastor’s 10 am Staff Mtg 9 am Catechesis Pastor’s Day Off 10 am Divine Service Text Study 3:15 pm Kids’ Club *Communion 4pm Confirmation 5:30pm Soup Supper 6:30pm Advent Prayer Service

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9 am Catechesis 9 am Pastor’s 10 am Staff Mtg 9 am Catechesis Pastor’s Day Off 10 am Divine Service Text Study 3:15 pm Kids’ Club 4pm Confirmation 5:30pm Soup Supper 6:30pm Advent Prayer Service

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9 am Catechesis 9 am Pastor’s 10 am Staff Mtg 9 am Catechesis Pastor’s Day Off 10 am Divine Service Text Study 3:15 pm Kids’ Club *Communion 12 pm LWML 4pm Confirmation Christmas 5:30pm Soup Supper Potluck 6:30pm Children’s Program

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9 am Catechesis 9 am Pastor’s 5 pm 10 am Christmas Day Divine Pastor’s Day Off 10 am Divine Service Text Study Christmas Eve Service with Holy Communion Candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols

29 30 31 1 9 am Catechesis NO Pastor’s NO Staff Mtg NO Catechesis 10 am Divine Service Text Study NO Kids’ Club *Communion NO Confirmation

Research has affirmed that there was a bishop by the December 17: Daniel & The Three Young Men name of Nicholas in the city of Myra in Lycia (part of Daniel the prophet and the Three Young Men—Shadrach, Turkey today) in the fourth century. From that coastal Meshach, and Abednego—were among the leaders of the location, legends about Nicholas have traveled people of Judah who were taken into captivity in Babylon. throughout time and space. He is associated with Even in that foreign land they remained faithful to the one charitable giving in many countries around the world and true God in their piety, prayer, and life. On account of such is portrayed as the rescuer of sailors, the protector of steadfast faithfulness in the face of pagan idolatry, the children, and the friend of people in distress or need. In Three Young Men were thrown into a fiery furnace, from commemoration of “Sinte Klaas” (Dutch for Saint which they were saved by the Lord and emerged Nicholas, in English “Santa Claus”), December 6 is a day unharmed (Daniel 3). Similarly, Daniel was thrown into a for giving and receiving gifts in many parts of Europe.. pit of lions, from which he also was saved (Daniel 6). Blessed in all their endeavors by the Lord—and in December 7: Ambrose of Milan, Pastor & spite of the hostility of some—Daniel and the Hymnwriter Three Young Men were promoted to positions of Born in Trier in A.D. 340, Ambrose was one of the leadership among the Babylonians (Dan 2:48–49; four great Latin Doctors of the Church (with 3:30; 6:28). To Daniel in particular the Lord Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great). He revealed the interpretation of dreams and signs was a prolific author of hymns, the most that were given to King Nebuchadnezzar and common of which is Veni, Redemptor gentium King Belshazzar (Daniel 2, 4, 5). To Daniel (“Savior of the Nations, Come”). His name is also himself the Lord gave visions of the end times. associated with Ambrosian Chant, the style of chanting the ancient liturgy that took hold in the province December 20: Katharina von Bora Luther of Milan. While serving as a civil governor, Ambrose Katharina von Bora (1499–1552) was placed in a convent sought to bring peace among Christians in Milan who were when still a child and became a nun in 1515. In April 1523 divided into quarreling factions. When a new bishop was she and eight other nuns were rescued from the convent to be elected in 374, Ambrose addressed the crowd, and and brought to Wittenberg. There Martin Luther helped someone cried out, “Ambrose, bishop!” The entire return some to their former homes and placed the rest in gathering gave their support. This acclaim of Ambrose, a good families. Katharina and Martin were married on June 34-year-old catechumen, led to his baptism on December 13, 1525. Their marriage was a happy one and blessed with 7, after which he was consecrated bishop of Milan. A six children. Katharina skillfully managed the Luther strong defender of the faith, Ambrose convinced the household, which always seemed to grow because of Page Roman emperor Gratian in 379 to forbid the Arian heresy his generous hospitality. After Luther's death in 1546, in the West. At Ambrose's urging, Gratian's successor, Katharina remained in Wittenberg but lived much of the Theodosius, also publicly opposed Arianism. Ambrose time in poverty. She died in an accident while traveling died on Good Friday, April 4, 397. As a courageous doctor with her children to Torgau in order to escape the plague and musician he upheld the truth of God's Word. December 29: David December 13: Lucia, Martyr David, the greatest of Israel's kings, ruled from about 1010 One of the victims of the great persecution under the to 970 B.C. The events of his life are found in 1 Samuel 16 Roman emperor Diocletian, Lucia met her death at through 1 Kings 2 and in 1 Chronicles 10—29. David was Syracuse on the island of Sicily in the year A.D. 304, also gifted musically. He was skilled in playing the lyre and because of her Christian faith. Known for her charity, the author of no less than 73 psalms, including the beloved “Santa Lucia” (as she is called in Italy) gave away her Psalm 23. His public and private character displayed a dowry and remained a virgin until her execution by the mixture of good (for example, his defeat of the giant sword. The name Lucia means “light,” and, because of Goliath, 1 Samuel 17) and evil (as in his adultery with that, festivals of light commemorating her became Uriah's wife, followed by his murder of Uriah, 2 Samuel popular throughout Europe, especially in the Scandinavian 11). David's greatness lay in his fierce loyalty to God as countries. There her feast day Israel's military and political leader, coupled with his corresponds with the time of year willingness to acknowledge his sins and ask for God's when there is the least amount of forgiveness (2 Samuel 12; see also Psalm 51). It was under daylight. In artistic expression she is David's leadership that the people of Israel were united often portrayed in a white baptismal into a single nation with Jerusalem as its capital city. gown, wearing a wreath of candles on her head.