Monthly Newsletter of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church DEC 2017 “The Church with a WELCOME” Our Mission Established 1892 To invite everyone we meet to be baptized into the death and resurrection of God’s Son Jesus that they may share in the eternal life and love of the Triune God. To follow the Lord Jesus in lives of humble service. A Stephen Ministry Congregation

From the Church Council President….

Two thousand seventeen is quickly coming to a close and with it brings the expiration of terms for several of our church council members. Among those leaving council are Jeff Hollamon, Kathy Bink, Nancy Wells and Braden Cumbo. This year your council has completed numerous objectives and made other decisions that are important to church operations. You will soon be able to read about these accomplishments when the annual report is pub- lished in January. As president of the council I want to take this opportunity to thank these members who have set an example of their faith by giving of their time, talent and resources. I am deeply grateful for the support they have provided me personally and for their dedication and leadership to the St. Matthew’s church family. They are to be congratulated for service well completed.

Friday, December 1st 7-9pm Sunday, December 17th 2:30-5pm

All are invited! Come to McSwain Center Annual Ladies Christmas Tea in McSwain and enjoy fun and fellowship while making Center for ladies of all ages. Please bring ornaments, advent calendars, gingerbread a finger food to share. Various teas, cocoa, houses, games, and delicious snacks! and special tea desserts will be provided. Just for the fun, wear your wackiest Christmas attire too! Come and enjoy a relaxing afternoon with friends. OWL’s Christmas Luncheon What? Summer camp? Yep!

Thursday, December 21st at 11:30 in Confirmation Camp is scheduled for June 17-22. McCombs Hall. Cost is $11 per person Cost to parents is $370 (includes $100 paid by St. for pork tenderloin, penne pasta shrimp, Matthew’s for each student). Make mac and cheese, creamed corn, greens, sure to mark your calendar, and contact strawberry spinach salad, rolls, Nancy Magruder if interested or with dessert, and beverage. any questions.

Christmas is coming and some of our congregation members will be unable to join in our fes-

tivities and worship services. The Social Ministry Team wants to honor them by letting them know they are remembered and loved by their church family. Christmas bags of goodies will be given to each of our homebound members. Please help by making monetary donations to this project. Look for the display in the Commons. Collections will be taken through December 17th, and the gift bags will be distributed before Christmas.

Fran Perry and Robert Shivers invite you to The 2018 Hospice Meal sign-up sheet join them for Christmas Day dinner, here at is on the board in the Commons. This St. Matthew’s. A sign-up sheet will be posted is an opportunity to serve others by in the Commons on December 3rd. Meats, supplying a meal for the families at desserts and beverages will be provided, hospice on the 1st and 3rd Fridays and you are being asked to bring a side of each month. Details about meals dish. Check the board to see what’s needed. are posted with the sign-up sheet. Dear Sisters and Brothers, whole family could enjoy. But the stockings were always filled with a variety of surprising delights. But...you “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart had to wait for it. Day by day, devotion by devotion, take courage; wait for the LORD!” (Ps. 27:14). opening one door at a time on the calendar, slowly we counted down to Christmas Eve at church and then going My sister Donna has always loved Christmas more to sleep anxious for Christmas morning. than anyone else in our family of origin. She was always Our world doesn’t know how to wait, and so people, the best at waiting, too. If every child received a bag of young and old, rush into physical intimacy without any M&Ms, Donna’s bag lasted longer. She took her time thought that it might be wrong for them. On impulse, and savored each separate piece of delicious chocolate. people make purchases with plastic, or,...you can instantly The others would have scarfed theirs down a mouthful pay with your phone without stopping to count the cost at a time but not Donna. Slowly enjoying each M&M, or if you really need it. Folks don’t plan for the future, Donna was often amused by how little the others had and then they complain that someone else should bear enjoyed theirs. Everyone had received the same amount their burden. Meanwhile, biology doesn’t change, so you of candy, so Donna was immune to pleas to share hers can’t fast forward through a pregnancy. You can’t fast with those who had already had theirs. But Donna also forward through debt. You can’t fast forward through was and is the most generous in many other ways. Just the aging process, the education process, or any of don’t expect her to give up her M&Ms, you inhalers! those other processes that require waiting. Don’t pray Advent was always a very special season in our for patience, because you get it by waiting! growing up years. Old German Advent calendars were If you didn’t grow up in a liturgical church, or if hung on the walls. No candy inside. No Santa Claus your pastor was a people-pleaser, you didn’t learn that pictures. The scenes were the Christmas creche and a Advent was about waiting...just like a pregnancy...just series of numbered doors to count down the days until like aging…just like every important event...even if you Christmas. Mama formed an Advent wreath from cedar did not realize you had been waiting for it all your life! branches and wove into the circle small branches of red And so we won’t sing Christmas carols until Christmas holly berries. Four large wax candles were inside the cir- Eve, and we won’t decorate the nave until just before cle. At the end of supper, the candle was lighted. We read Christmas Eve. We will be counter-cultural...against the devotional, said our prayers, and sang an Advent the prevailing culture…teaching by example that waiting hymn. As I began to take piano lessons, I would pick out is good! the notes. And so, I commend to you the waiting. Rediscover In our little wooden country church, the paraments Advent both at home and at church, please. Sometimes on the altar were changed to violet and a large Advent wreath we have to learn the hard, painful way that waiting for was hung from the peak of the chancel. I was short for the Lord is essential to our well-being. As my German my age during Junior High Confirmation, and I always grandmother liked to say, “We get too soon old and too feared setting that wreath on fire. Older folks held their late smart.” breath as I shakily lifted the taper above the wreath and My sister Donna taught me waiting is good and tried to find the wick on those wax candles. During even delightful. She taught by example. Oh, she still Sunday School, we practiced for the Christmas Eve loves Christmas more than any of us left in our family program and learned to sing Christmas carols in German of origin. Wait for the Lord, dear ones. He is the One to delight the elderly who still spoke German at home. who was, and is, and is to come. Yes, be strong; let your No one wondered why we weren’t singing Christmas heart take courage; wait for the Lord! carols in church. It was still Advent, a time for waiting. As Diana Ross used to sing, “You can’t hurry love.” Gratefully waiting on the Lord with you, Donna taught me how to wait. She spoke excitedly at night about how wonderful Christmas was going to be. We had no expectations of huge extravagant gifts. Our family had a roof over our heads, clothes on our back, Pr. Sam Zumwalt, STS food on the table, and parents who loved us. Because www.societyholytrinity.org Mama and Daddy’s anniversary was Christmas Eve, [email protected] Dad always bought Mama a new dress. There might be one toy and a new shirt and jeans for the boys and dresses for the girls. There might be a larger gift the COUNCIL St. Matthew's Lutheran Church CORNER Council Meeting November 9, 2017

Business conducted at the regularly scheduled Council meeting included: Congratulations to newlyweds Kristen (Kalous) and

 Approval for the Property Team to obtain three Michael Lupo who were married by Pr. Zumwalt quotes to purchase and install lighting improvements on November 11th.

over the choir loft in the sanctuary.     Council approved for the Council President to draft a continuing resolution that the imperative to obtain a minimum of three bids/quotes for all nonrecurring purchases above $4,000.

The complete Council Minutes can be reviewed in the church office during regular office hours. We rejoice at the baptism of Miles Patton Friesinger, son of Michele and Kyle Friesinger, and grandson of Oct 2017 Helen and Andy Knoll, who was received into Christ’s

Month YTD Church on November 25th. We welcome Miles Patton General Fund to the body of Christ and to the St. Matthew’s Church Revenues 47,558.35 420,103.69 54,814.41 453,683.84 Family. Expenses

Difference (7,256.06) (33,580.15)

Building Fund Revenues 11,660.00 46,985.61 653.09 7,054.19 Expenses

Difference 11,006.91 39,931.42

 Year End Contributions and Tax Information: Have a talent to share? Remember, all contributions must be received in the church or postmarked by December 31st in Joyful Noise is looking for singers order to be tax-deductible on your 2017 taxes. and musicians. Any contributions received after that date will

be posted to your 2018 giving record. Joyful Noise sings at the 8:30 service on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Sundays.  A special thanks goes out to those Thrivent members

who continue to direct their Choice Dollars to Rehearsals are the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Tuesdays at 6:30pm. St. Matthew's. The additional funds have greatly helped with the debt reduction. So far this year, If you have a talent to share and would St Matthew’s Lutheran Church has received be interested in joining Joyful Noise, $2,110 through the Thrivent Choice® program. contact Deb Ebert at [email protected]. They would love to have you join them!  The Finance Team is looking for offering counters and couriers to take the final deposit to the bank. The 2018 sign-up sheet is in the Commons. Counters meet every Monday morning (Tuesdays for bank holidays) to count the offering. Couriers will be contacted when the final deposit is ready. If you have not served before but would like to, you will need to have a background check per church policy. If you are interested, sign-up on the sheet or contact Sherri Hiler. 2018 Church Council Nominees

Dusty Pilcher - President (incumbent) I am retired after serving 25+ years in the U.S. Army and working for a major, international defense company for 15 years. While in the Army I served in various command and staff positions including four tours in Germany, one tour in Viet Nam and numerous posts within the United States. I retired from the Army with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. My employment in the defense industry included assignments in York, PA; San Jose, CA; and Warren, MI culminating in my retirement in December 2011 as Director of Contracting. I earned a Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling from Troy State University and an undergraduate Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from North Georgia College. I have been a resident of Wilmington and a member of St. Matthew’s since 2006. Over the years I have served in various capacities at several Lutheran churches where I was living at the time. I am excited about the potential opportunity to continuing sharing my talents and experience by serving on the St. Matthew’s Church council.

Dick Hiler - Secretary (incumbent) Moving here from Michigan some 33 years ago, St Matthew's, with Pastor Harold McSwain was the first Church Sherri I attended and have been here ever since. I very much enjoy being a member of the Choir for most of those years. I have also attended two or three Synod Assemblies. Sherri and I have two daughters, Sheila and Sharisse, with six grand kids, and five great-grand kids. I have served two terms as a member of church council, and one term as Secretary, and would like the opportunity to serve a second term as Secretary.

Karin Cook - Council Member (2 yr. term) I moved from Kane, PA, to Wilmington, NC, in March 1998 and became a member of St. Matthew’s shortly thereafter. Previously. I was a member of Tabor Lutheran Church in Kane, PA, from birth. I was baptized, confirmed, and married there. My children were baptized and confirmed there. My late husband, Bill, and I had the privilege of raising two sons, Todd (who recently graduated from Seminary after a 24 year career in the US Air Force), and Brad who lives with me here in Wilmington. I am also fortunate to be the grandmother of Ross and John. During the first 50 years of my life in PA, I taught Sunday School, served on Congregational Council, was a Confirmation Guide, "money-counter," Financial Secretary, served on Property Committee, Women of the ELCA, many years on Altar Guild and was chairperson of Altar Guild for 3 years, sang in the children's choir (many moons ago), then in the adult choir and handbell choir at Tabor. Since joining St. Matthew’s I have worn several similar hats--Altar Guild (including chairperson), Stephen Ministry, choir, bell choir, Treasurer for one year, a brief stint as a money counter, courier for the offerings, have been a long-time participant in the WHIN ministry, and was a Confirmation Guide for 5 years. After a 7 year hiatus from Altar Guild, I recently resumed the duties of chairperson. I am looking forward to serving St. Matthew’s on the Congregational Council. 2018 Church Council Nominees

Dan Cumbo - Council Member (2 yr. term) I am married to Celey, and we celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary this year. We have 5 children with the youngest teenagers, Braden and Carley, still living at home. We are originally from Clinton, NC and enjoy visiting family in Sampson County as often as possible, including 1 grandchild. I earned a civil engineering degree from NC State University and work in the field of transportation engineering with a local private consulting engineering firm, DAVENPORT. We regularly attend the 11:00 service, and I currently serve as a Communion Assistant. We were raised with a Southern Baptist church background, but now enjoy hearing the faithful preaching of law and gospel, and regularly receiving the sacrament of Holy Communion.

Jon Lindsay - Council Member (2 yr. term) I grew up as a military brat and followed in my father’s footsteps with my own military career. I spent 22 years in the Air Force, retired, and have taught college English since 1992. I have served at various churches in several areas of the country, the Atlanta area, where I was before moving to Leland. Most recently, I have served as a congregation president, vice-president, a council member, and a Sunday School teacher (children and adult) in previous Lutheran congregations. I am married to my one-and-only Cindy Lindsay, and have three children (Laura, Jim, and Mike); Laura and Jim live in the Atlanta area, and Mike lives in Wilmington. At St. Matthew’s, I am part of the Conversations group, Men’s Breakfast group, taught High School Sunday School, and currently teaching an adult Sunday School class.

Robert Shivers - Council Member (2 yr. term) I have been a member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church for 12 years, with my mother, Fran Perry. I was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, and we attended there for several years. When we started looking for a new church, St. Matthew’s was our first and last pick. We became members shortly after, and within a few years I was Confirmed. For my Eagle Scout project, I served the church by restoring the Memorial Garden. I have served on the Property Team for four years, the Technology Team for four years, and I have scheduled the acolytes and crucifers for two years. I wish to serve the church even further by being a Council member.

Caroline Shaver - Youth Representative (1 yr. term) Hi! I’m Caroline Frances Shaver and I’m sixteen years old. I am a junior in high school and my parents, Todd and Melissa Shaver, homeschool me. I’m also a Cape Fear Community College dual enrollment student, working towards my Associate in Arts. I haven’t decided what I’m going to be yet, but the choice rests between a lawyer and a reporter! I love to write, hike, and play the piano. I do sing too, so I’m one of the young faces you’ll see in the choir. I’ve been singing with them since I was twelve, and I’ve just now been trained as a crucifer! I swim competitively and run cross country. 2018 Church Council Nominees

Todd and Melissa Shaver - Synod Assembly Lay Voting Members Todd was raised in Fulton, NY. His undergraduate degree was earned at Houghton College, a small Christian school near Buffalo and was trained as a physician at the National University of Health Sciences near Chicago. He has practiced chiropractic and natural medicine here in Wilmington for 26 years. Melissa was raised in Williamsport, PA and graduated from Central Penn College majoring in business management. We met at church here in Wilmington 25 years ago. Our six homeschooled children ranging in age from 9 years to 19 years are Raymond, Jane, Caroline, Joy, Stuart and Elsie. Todd has been privileged to serve in various capacities at St. Matthew’s including as a member of the Pastoral Support Team, Assistant Minister, Usher, Communion Assistant, and Sunday School teacher. Melissa has served as Communion Assistant, Sunday School teacher, and as a member of the Audit Committee.

Renate Gray - Endowment Committee member I am married to Frank, and we have been married for 45 years. We have 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and 2 dogs. I currently work as an Administrator for Taft-Hartley Fund. I have been a member at St. Matthews since 1973, and have served on the Finance, Stewardship, and Nominating Committees, as well as, Council. I have worked with the youth, scheduled and trained acolytes, VBS, and Via De Cristo. Currently, I am sing with Joyful Noise, am a communion assistant, and a member of Love Circle.

Happy Wade - Endowment Committee member I am originally from New Bern, NC, where I met my wife, Kristi, in high school. We married in August of 1991, and have been members of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church since December of 1991. Our children are Robert Jacob Wade (“Jake”) and the late Emily Ann Wade, who passed away in 2006 from an inoperable brain tumor. I have served in many capacities since becoming a member of St. Matthew’s, including as an Usher, Greeter, sound equipment management, teaching Sunday School, and serving on the Audit and Stewardship Committees. I am currently employed with Sunbelt Rentals Corporation as a National Safety Trainer. Aside from church activities, I have been involved with Boy Scouts of America as an Assistant Scout Master, Parent and Athletic Organizations through New Hanover County Schools, and Board Member of the ‘Play for Emily Memorial Golf Tournament’ to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Carolina. I enjoy playing golf and cheering on the UNC Tarheels in my spare time. IN HONOR OF THE MARRIAGE OF KRISTIN KALOUS Gifts to & MIKE LUPO, a gift to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund by Don Johns. Honor and Remember October 22-November 19 HYMNALS HAVE BEEN GIVEN:

IN MEMORY OF Charlotte Falos, sister of Margaret Ballantine, IN MEMORY OF EDWIN AND MURIEL NEWMAN, AND by Phyllis Smith; parents Warren and Myra Schwartz, PASTOR CHARLES McCOMBS, a gift to the Building grandparents John and Hattie Moll, grandparents David Fund by Margaret Newman. and Annie Schwartz, and uncle John Schwartz by Rebecca IN MEMORY OF TAMMY BRYANT, a gift to the Pastor’s Seip; our mother Dorothy Kuppler, our mother Alma Kern, Discretionary Fund by Don and Judy Benson. and our friend Don Freudenburg by Pastor Bob and Lois Kuppler. IN MEMORY OF JIM MEES, a gift to the “C-ing the Way Forward” Fund by Nancy Mees. IN HONOR OF Robert Shivers by Fran Perry.

Our Christian sympathy is extended to… Jim and Barbara Mann on the death of Jim’s mother, Naomi Graft

Paul and Sue Mowrey, and family, on the death of Sue’s uncle, Mike Cornelius

The Family of Rebecca Reuse-Skupas

Kim Sabbagh on the death of her friend, Nancy Champion

The family of Carl Larson

Pr. Bob and Judy Kuppler on the death of their brother-in-law, Ed Oppelt

The Family of John Frye, Sr.

Richard and Carol Chinn on the death of Carol’s father, Paul Wright MEMBERS: Janet Somersett Morris Johnson Nancy Fauser Elaine Mattes Donna Siegmund Don Johns Ethel & John Milewski Marti Felter Alan Hunsberger Grace Koder Doris Ullman Larry Troutman Carrie McDonough Aleda Marggraff Ruthann Getsinger Edith Zetzer Jane Shaver Betty Mantey Craig Hales Laura Matthess Nancy Miller Carol & John Lovett Patty Macino Virginia Parisek Pr. Marv Schedler Anna Dineen Lou Painter Heather Benson Niki Sharp Dwight Crim Peg Barr Sara Schneider Jan Magnus Morris Johnson Jack Loflin Landon Dearie Arthur Moore Keith Farmer Bill Gourville Peggy Davis Bob Byrne Sherri Hiler Denis Hall Claire Houser Bill Baldwin Lon Ostby Iris Whiteside Lefty Plante Karen Martin Samantha Johnson Erika Braje John Matthews Judy & Don Benson Joyce Crouch Ron Martin Judy Kettner Lynn Stophel Ken Manning Fran Perry Beth Crawford FRIENDS/FAMILY OF MEMBERS: Janice Comeskey Bruce Jones Joan Smith Paula Gibbs Joe Ramm Debby Young Scott & Hadie Carter Alec Chambers Emma Hieronymus Brad Cook Amie Knauer Carol Zane Tim Ford Erik Berg Jonathan LeBer Bernie Jackson Heidi Hall Barbara Weyhrauch Danny Morrison Marianne Mangels Dan Thompson Geraldine Vanderbush Hazel Viola Shirley Winter Rosa Craven Mary Martuscelli Patrick O’Donnell Matt Duff Colleen Murphrey Marti Gregory Stan Brunt, Sr. George Casares Patrick Shilean Kira Lerant Patty Mootz Celina Marino Melessa Martin Dona Peterson Tom Adamec Charli Laine Johnson Amy Lem Bonnie Gaspari Mellissa Perkins Nicholas Hufham Cyril Dearie Bill Owens Mike & Brooke Miller Lynda Gibbs Wylene Mapson JB Vic Kendrick Farmer Craig Marggraff Wayne Ulisnik Jean Jarunsinsky Jacob Alvarez Eric Johnson Gwynneth Megahan Frances Rud REMEMBER OUR HOMEBOUND MEMBERS: Dale Blade Becky Davis Bill French Jane McDougald Ray Tyler Elsie Cates Carol Doniere Margaret French Lefty Plante Ed and Patti Wright Barbara Clemmons Frank Fauser Mary Guerassio Doris Prillaman 3 Sheila Leach 13 Happy Wade 24 Christi Everette

4 Sylvia Weeks 15 Bridget Todd 24 Helen Knoll 5 Bill Gourville 15 Ethan Zuege 25 Samuel Pollard

5 Brian Tobin 17 Susan French 26 Heather Benson 7 Lou Painter 17 Cindy Harms 26 Jordan Gourville

7 Adam Thompson 17 Alicia Register 26 Ethel Milewski 8 Terry Crouch 17 Niki Sharp 26 Shuwta Jones 1 Jeanne Kemppainen 8 Bethel Paris 19 Frank Gray 27 Gina Vanderwal 1 Samantha Kline 9 Jean Hoehler 19 David Todd 28 Sharon Callender 1 Leslie Long 10 Audrey Oring 20 Kaitlyn Marcinowski 30 John Beall 1 Lauren Gains 10 Hannah Schneider 20 Brendan Dearie 30 Dan Cumbo 1 Tony Nelson 10 Megan Stemke 21 Kathy Bink 30 Don Johns 1 Bill Palmer 12 Cindy Lindsay 21 Jon Lindsay 30 Rose Weidman 1 Tom Russell 13 Scott Jones 22 Norma Vics 31 Aleda Marggraff 2 Pat Manor 13 Stephanie Price 22 Janet Somersett 31 Jonathan Moore 3 Chantay Allen 13 Kim Salber 23 Suz Webster

7 Andy and Norma Vics 22 Arthur and Barbara Moore

11 Jon and Cindy Lindsay 25 Eric and Mary Pollard 14 Larry and Sara Schneider 26 John and Ethel Milewski

20 Lou and Jenny Painter 28 Stan and Jane Brunt 21 Frank and Renate Gray 30 Gilbert and Karen Alphin

21 Needham and Sylvia Hall 30 Fred and June Doll

As December approaches we begin the joyous Christmas season. For most of us it will be a joyous and happy time as we prepare for the holidays. The days will be filled with singing, shopping, baking, gift giving and spending time with our families and friends. It is the season of love and giving to others. But for those who are grieving or hurting the holidays can be a particularly difficult time. A time when the loss of a loved one can be most acutely felt. If you have a family member or friend who is going through grief, take this season to give them the special gift of your love and your time. Show them they are not alone.

If you know someone who is experiencing grief or going through a difficult time and might benefit from a caring relationship, please contact Pastor Sam or one of the Stephen Leaders: Ana Maria Jackson at 791-3262, Sheila Leach at 200-9187 or Diana Robinson at 599-1015. Our Stephen Ministers are there to care and are waiting for your call!

The Stephen Ministry Team wishes everyone a happy and joyous season. May the glory and magic of Christmas and God’s love be with you each day.

“This Christmas CELEBRATE with those you love, REMEMBER those in heaven above and AP- PRECIATE the gift of God's unconditional love.” Sonya Parker Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 Hospice Dinner - 9:00 New Member

Ruth and Bill Rice Orientation 6:00 Eucharist; New 7:00 Advent Acttivities Members received and Fellowship

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1st Sunday in Advent 9:10 Counting Team 10:00 Prayer Group 8:30 Men’s Breakfast 10:00 Crossways 6:00 Eucharist 8:30 Eucharist; New 11:00 Social Ministry 6:00 Cub Scouts 274 12:00 Advent 6:00 TOPS Members received 6:00 Evening Prayer 6:30 Joyful Noise Eucharist 6:30 Council 9:45 Sunday School and Bible study rehearsal 6:00 Crossways 6:30 Boy Scouts 274 11:00 Eucharist; New 7:00 Midtown AA 8:00 Welcome AA 6:00 MS Youth 7:00 Midtown AA Members received 6:00 Adult Handbells 12:15 Luther Choir 7:00 Advent Eucharist 12:30 Congregational 7:30 Adult Choir Annual Meeting (1st 7:30 Confirmation session) and luncheon. Class 6:00 HS Youth

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 2nd Sunday of Advent 9:10 Counting Team 9:30 Faith Circle 8:30 Men’s Breakfast 10:00 Crossways Hospice Dinner - 6:00 Eucharist 8:30 Eucharist- 12:00 Conversations 10:00 Prayer Group 12:00 Advent 6:00 TOPS Cathy Aleksandravicius Chicago Folk Svc 6:00 Evening Prayer 1:00 Peace Circle Eucharist 6:30 Council 9:45 Sunday School and Bible study 6:00 Cub Scouts 274 6:00 Crossways 6:30 Boy Scouts 274 11:00 Eucharist 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:00 Girl Scouts 354 6:00 MS Youth 7:00 Midtown AA 12:30 Grief Group 7:00 Midtown AA 6:30 Joyful Noise 6:00 Adult Handbells 12:30 Children’s Rehearsal 7:00 Advent Eucharist Pageant practice 6:30 Stephen Ministry 7:30 Adult Choir 1:00 K-5th Youth 6:30 Praise Circle 7:30 Confirmation 6:00 HS Youth 8:00 Welcome AA Class 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

3rd Sunday of Advent 9:10 Counting Team 10:00 Prayer Group 8:30 Men’s Breakfast 11:30 OWL’s Church Office closed 12:00 German 8:30 Eucharist 12:00 Conversations 6:00 Cub Scouts 274 12:00 Advent Luncheon Christmas Eucharist 9:45 Christmas Play 6:00 Evening Prayer Eucharist 6:00 Nave Decorating 6:00 Eucharist 11:00 Eucharist and Bible study 7:00 Advent Eucharist 7:00 Midtown AA 12:30 Children’s 7:00 Midtown AA 7:30 Adult Choir Pageant practice 2:30 Ladies Tea 6:00 HS Youth 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 4th Sunday of Advent Church Office closed 10:00 Prayer Group 8:30 Men’s Breakfast 6:00 TOPS 6:00 Eucharist 8:30 Eucharist- 6:00 Evening Prayer 6:00 Property Team 7:00 Adult Choir 6:30 Boy Scouts 274 Chicago Folk Svc and Bible study 6:00 Cub Scouts 274 7:00 Midtown AA 11:00 Eucharist 6:00 Girl Scouts 6:00 Girl Scouts 354 7:00 Midtown AA 8:00 Welcome AA Christmas Eve 5:00 Eucharist; Children’s Pagaent 8:30 Eucharist 11:00 Eucharist 31 1st Sunday of Christmas 8:30 Eucharist- WIHN Families are with us December 31-January 7. Chicago Folk Svc 9:45 WIHN Set-up 11:00 Eucharist Those Serving in December 2017 ASSISTING MINISTERS USHERS 3 8:30 Bethel Paris 11:00 Suzanne Whitmarsh Saturday: Richard Thompson 10 8:30 Sheila Leach 11:00 Zan Bramley Sunday: 17 8:30 Todd Shaver 11:00 Marti Felter 3 8:30 Bill Rose, Jamie Price 24 8:30 Butch Ruefle 11:00 Joel Peterson 11:00 Dave and Diane Sundberg 31 8:30 Steve Manor 11:00 Jerry Bramley 10 8:30 Dick and Sophie Williams 11:00 Happy Wade, Matthew Whitmarsh 17 8:30 John Tullous, Andy Rappold LECTORS 11:00 Bill Gourville, John Lovett Saturday: 2-Brigitte Walters 24 8:30 Frank Felter, Frank Gray 9-Kathy Bink 11:00 Ed Ludacer, Jon Lindsay 16-Ellen James 31 8:30 Butch Ruefle, David Dearie 23-Janet Tweedy 11:00 Trevor Hornick, Stan Brunt 30-Kathy Bink Sunday: ACOLYTES 3 8:30 Bill Paris 11:00 John Lovett 3 8:30 Joy Shaver 11:00 Garrison Beall 10 8:30 Sheila Whitmeyer 11:00 Zan Bramley 10 8:30 Hannah Schneider 11:00 Joy Shaver 17 8:30 Brigitte Walters 11:00 Jon Lindsay 17 8:30 Garrison Beall 11:00 Jordan Gourville 24 8:30 Settie Jones 11:00 Lynette Farmer 24 8:30 Garrison Beall 11:00 Alex Porter 31 8:30 Sue Mowrey 11:00 Bill Palmer 31 8:30 Thomas Mowrey 11:00 Jordan Gourville

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS CRUCIFERS Saturday: 2-Ellen James 3 8:30 Samantha Kline 11:00 Braden Cumbo 9-Carrie McDonough 10 8:30 TBA 11:00 Robert Shivers 16-John Bink 17 8:30 TBA 11:00 Braden Cumbo 23-Kris Auch 24 8:30 Braden Cumbo 11:00 Robert Shivers 30-Kris Auch 31 8:30 TBA 11:00 Braden Cumbo Sunday: 3 8:30 Settie Jones, Ryan Allison, Butch and Karen Ruefle ALTAR GUILD 11:00 Joel and Cindi Peterson, Saturday: Carrie McDonough Frank and Marti Felter Sunday: 10 8:30 John and Kathy Bink, 3 Kristi Wade, Sylvia Weeks, Cathy Aleksandravicius Frank and Renate Gray 10 Margaret Ballantine, Judy Daniels 11:00 Jerry and Zan Bramley, 17 Arlene Robie, Teresa Hall Barbara Moore, Lynette Farmer 24 Kathie Tucker, Lynette Farmer 17 8:30 Terri Dearie, Linda Renzaglia, 31 Barbara Moore, Lynette Farmer Nancy Wells, Beth Hales 11:00 Lisa Hornick, Stan Brunt, ALTAR FLOWERS Joel and Cindi Peterson 3 Rebecca Seip 24 8:30 Brigitte Walters, Ryan Allison, Aleda Marggraff Bill and Bethel Paris 10 Jon and Cindy Lindsay 11:00 Judy Daniels, Connie Palmer, 17 Arthur and Barbara Moore Ana Maria Jackson, Mary Pollard Fred and Ana Maria Jackson 31 8:30 Settie Jones, Sheila Leach, 24 Denis and Janet Hall Diana Robinson, Micki Matthess Frank and Renate Gray 11:00 Jennifer Manning, Kristi Wade, 31 Sharon Callender Dan Cumbo, Pr. Joel Kettner FINANCE

GREETERS Courier: June Doll Saturday: Grace Koder, Laura Gray Counters: Sheila Leach, Steve Salber Sunday: 8:30 Larry and Pat Mahl, Mary McSwain (Dec 3-17, 31) HOSPICE MEAL Art and Jan Magnus, Mary McSwain (Dec 24) 1 Ruth and Bill Rice 11:00 Pr. Marv and Marcie Schedler, Jennifer Manning 15 Cathy Aleksandravicius

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Wishing you joy, peace, and blessings!

The Staff of St. Matthew’s Upcoming Worship and Events January 1 -- New Year’s Day; Church office is January 25 -- OWL’s Luncheon, 11:30am closed. January 28 -- Second session of Congregational January 5 -- H.S. Youth Lock-in Annual Meeting and Luncheon,12:30pm

Youth Ski Trip January 6 -- Epiphany of Our Lord, February 3-4 -- ‘Souperbowl’ Sunday Eucharist 6pm February 10 -- Valentine Dinner January 7 -- Baptism of Our Lord, Eucharists 8:30 and 11:00am; February 13 -- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper WIHN families depart February 14 -- Ash Wednesday, services noon and January 13 -- New Disciples Class, 9:00am 7:00pm

January 15 -- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; February 21 -- Midweek Lenten worship services, Church office is closed. noon and 7:00pm

January 18 -- Stephen Ministry seminar, 6:00pm February 24 -- Lenten Prayer Retreat, 8:00am

January 19 -- Family Game Night February 28 -- Midweek Lenten worship services,

January 20 -- Church Council Retreat and noon and 7:00pm meeting