The Epiphany Star November 2019

Newsletter of Epiphany Lutheran Church Fort Wayne, Indiana

Dear Epiphany Lutheran Church,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen

What a year of celebrating God’s blessings 2019 has been! It is hard to believe that we have been planning and implementing events for over a year! We started the year with Epiphany Sunday in January with a pulpit drama about the early days of Epiphany and how our name came to be. Then we had the Neighborhood/Church Picnic where we spent some time outdoors in the beauty of God’s creation. It was one of the few times we planned an outdoor worship service and it didn’t rain! That was a miracle there. Then the Annual Car Show where we had more cars, trucks and even a motorcycle in attendance. We added a new dimension to the event with free food provided through the generosity of Thrivent Financial with one of the Action Team Projects. All the efforts were geared towards the “Homecoming Celebration” on October 20th. Invitations were sent out to Bishop Gafkjen of the Indiana/Kentucky Synod, Pastor Steve and Ann Albertin, former members (including trying to get charter members who are currently alive), current members and friends of Epiphany. Special music with a reunion choir was planned for the service. A new parament was designed and made to be placed in the sanctuary. Big hopes and plans were made by a number of people in hopes that the 50th Anniversary of Epiphany Lutheran Church would be a true celebration of God’s work in our midst. What a year it has been! God has indeed blessed us abundantly and we have celebrated those blessings. These events could not have happened without the hard work and dedication of a number of people who were on the 50th Anniversary Task Force: Dennis & Karen Payne, Lee & Sandy Hedin, Barb Werling, Darla Boughman, Joe & Vicki Malott, Sue Davis and Dia Herb. A special thank you to all who made this year a great 50th Anniversary. We saw God’s actions in our mission and ministry. It is in our DNA of the congregation to reach out and share God’s gifts. If you happened to have taken any pictures during any of the 50th Anniversary festivities I would really like to have a copy of them. If you would send them electronically or physically hand me a copy of the pictures, I would appreciate it. I am in the process of trying to put together a booklet of all the pictures from the 50th to keep here at Epiphany . . . . for the 75th Anniversary

In Christ, Pastor Richard Hartman

We are Christians, called by God, committed to: Sharing the Gospel, Serving others as Christ taught us, and Creating disciples for witness. Epiphany Lutheran Church’s Vision Statement: A Christian family of God committed to sharing the Gospel and serving others, through joyful worship, education and2 fellowship.

Comfort Ye My People

Our quilting group will meet, on Sunday, November 10th, at 9:00 am to start a “new year” of quilting. We sent off 88 quilts & blankets to Lutheran World Relief last month, thanks to many hours of dedication this past year. New members are always welcome to our group; if you can use a pin or tie a knot, you can help! Thank you for being a blessing to others all around the world!

Please feel free to stop in or call for any of your Pastoral needs. Our office hours are as follows:

Pastor: Sunday - Thursday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Monday evenings

Dia: Monday - Thursday 10:00-3:00 Evenings through November 8th.

Due to unexpected circumstances, these hours may be subject to change.

E-mail Us:

Pastor’s office ...... [email protected] Pastor’s home ...... [email protected] Dia’s office ...... [email protected]

WEB SITE: Epiphany Lutheran Church www.epiphanyfw.com

Thank you for your continued support of this vital mission in our Our next Quarterly Voters’ Meeting is community. Epiphany members scheduled for th donate $7.00 per month. Sunday, November 17 , at 9:00 am.

Please let Dia in the office know The Fellowship committee will if you would like to be added to be providing breakfast the list to give to this worthy cause. Thank you for sharing the Please sign up on the bulletin board so gifts God has given to you! we know how much food to prepare. All are welcome!

Angels Among Us!

We have members of our congregation who do many things behind the scenes, and we want to take the time to recognize just a few in this month’s issue. Angels, you know who you are! Thank you for your contributions of time and talent!

Mowing has continued through the fall. Quilts and Kits were counted, packed up, and shipped Paraments were changed for festival Sundays New Frontal Parament was designed, sewn and hung Altar Flowers beautify our sanctuary every week Clean up around the property4 inside and out

November 3rd All Saint’s Day Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18 Ephesians 1:11-13 Luke 6:20-31

November 10th 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Job 19:23-27a 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17 Luke 20:27-38

November 17th

23th Sunday after Pentecost Malachi 4:1-2a 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Luke 21:5-19

November 24th Christ the King Thanksgiving Worship Service Jeremiah 23:1-6 Please join us at 7:00 pm on Colossians 1:11-20 Tuesday, November 26, 2019 Luke 23:33-43

All Saints Crosses

On Saturday, November 3rd, at 9:00 am, we will be placing the crosses along the drive for All Saints’ Day.

We are still in need of a few more volunteers to help with this project; if you can help, please sign up on the bulletin board outside of the church office.

Thank you for helping us to honor and remember our family and friends who have been called to the Church Triumphant.

Let’s Decorate!

The date has been set to decorate Epiphany for the Christmas season!

Please join the fun on Saturday, November 30th, at 10:00 am. There are jobs for all ages, so consider making this a part of your family’s holiday tradition! We hope to see you there!

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CHRISTMAS FAMILY

Watch for the Christmas Tree to appear in the narthex.

Each ornament will have an item and name to purchase.

Take the top slip of the ornament to place on your gift.

Write your last name on the ornament and place it in the container on the table to show it is chosen.

Return wrapped gift at date requested with ornament information.

If you do not want to shop, money can be given to Sandi, Dia or Pastor for the family.

Check out our donations to Lutheran World Relief over the past few years:

2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Quilts 87 89 95 87 101 94 88 Layettes 45 61 70 92 129 124 140 Health kits 56 62 65 93 104 114 108 School kits 50 72 145 171 209 256 251

This congregation continues to answer the call to help others in need. Thank you!

MISSION MOMENT NOVEMBER

Your generosity and caring resulted in many Kits and Quilts to be sent out. The truck was loaded with 87 Quilts, 114 Health Kits, 140 Layettes 1 Blanket and 253 School Kits. There was a total of 86 boxes.

The collection of foods was packed and delivered to Associate Churches Food Bank, total of 50 lbs.

The Military Bin was filled and two more packages were sent out. There were two Thank You notes received from Afghanistan, they are on the bulletin board in the Narthex. To send out some more packages before Christmas if we can fill the bin up again by the end of November. It might be nice to include some Christmas candies, candy canes also Christmas Cards can be included but do not seal them.

The Mission for November is St. James. They are in need of gloves, scarves, hats and coats. Infant through adults, maybe gently used or new.

Mark your calendar for the Cookie Walk/Craft Sale on December 14. Signup sheets are on the bulletin board in Narthex. We will need Bakers and Crafters, if you have any questions please see me.

Thank you again for your continued support of Outreach Missions. YOU ARE AMAZING !!!!!

Written by Sandi Swanson 8

Thank you so much for contributing to our Lutheran World Relief missions! After our great year in 2019, we are already looking forward to next year! Here is a list of items that are always needed if you happen upon a sale or are doing house cleaning! Items in italics are most desperately needed.

Bath towels Combs Nail clippers Gentle bath-size bar soap Toothbrushes

Diaper pins Cloth diapers (medium/large) Flannel baby blankets* Footless sleepers/gowns* Hand towels Baby hats* Socks Sweaters* (up to 2T) T-shirts* (up to 2T) Large baby blankets or afghans* Adult t-shirts* (size large and up) to be made into diapers

Blankets* (full or queen)

Mattress Pads* Flat Sheets* (full or queen)

Quilts

*Items can be new or gently used.

Cookie Walk/Craft Bazaar

On December 14th, we will have our annual Cookie Walk. We will also have tables set up with Craft Items for Sale from 9:00 am-12:00 pm. Set up will be at 8:00 am.

If you or anyone you know would like to set up a table for crafts, there is a sign up sheet on the Bulletin Board. Table fee for non-members is $15. Set up time is 8 am.

We will also be needing cookies, preferable 5 to 6 dozen each. There is a sign up sheet for that on the Board also. Bring cookies to church on Friday from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm See Sandi if you need to drop off at another time.

Any questions on either of these, please stop me at church, call or email me.

Thank You, Sandi Swanson

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St. James Lutheran Church - New Haven with Associated Churches Food Bank

We are collecting for the clients that visit St. James Food Bank some winter clothing.

Looking for winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves.

Infant through adult sizes, new or very gently used.

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS We have some of the 50th pewter ornaments available for $5.00 in the office. See Pastor or Dia.

Poinsettias for Christmas Eve Order deadline is early this year!!! 6 1/2” plant - $10.00 Order forms will be in your mailboxes. Deadline for ordering is November 26th!!!

Lutheran Senior Care Ministry Update November 2019

Our Mission: “Sharing Christ’s Love with the ones you love!” LSCM is serving 600 nursing home residents weekly, every day except Saturday.

There are 19 regular chaplains and a number of substitute chaplains. Story Point and Sage Bluff are excited to welcome LSCM chaplains into their facilities to provide services for their residents.

Board members and Chaplains met in September to share ideas to continue to grow this ministry.

God bless you for your continued support and prayers for LSCM in serving elders in our community.

You are always welcome to attend any service with family or friends in one of these facilities. Our chaplains look forward to seeing you in worship. Peace! Sue

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November Baptismal Birthdays

Molly Bowman Richard Lee Joyce Husted

Steve Haag Kristen Davis Minda Hartman

Jonathan Hartman Cathy Rumfield Linda Jancso

Mark Herb

“Happy birthday” to those who celebrate their second birthday during the month of November! Martin Luther said, “When you wash your face remember your baptism.” Take time to remember and celebrate this month!

College Care Packages

As Finals Week rapidly approaches, we would like to let our college students know that we are thinking of them and support them in their studies. Throughout the month of November, we will be collecting items for care packages to be sent to them. Here are some of the items that every college stu- dent might need or enjoy:

Food: microwaveable mac and cheese or soup, granola bars Snacks: microwave popcorn, gum, candy, Rice Krispy treats Drinks: hot cocoa mix, tea, water flavors Food Cards: McDonald’s, Burger King, Subway, etc. Other: pens, pencils, gas cards, snacks, chips

Please donate 3 of any of these items so no one is left out, and bring donations to church by November 17th. Thanks!

Nov. 3rd Nov. 10th Nov. 17th Nov. 19th Nov. 26th

LBW WOV Now Thanks- LBW II The Feast Giving II

Organist/

Pianist

Assisting Jim Jane Dia Mark Alicia Minister Davis Dawkins Herb Herb Davis

Lector Cheryl Sue Molly Kim none 8:00 am Ralston Johnson Bowman Robinson

Lector Mark Mike Gary Becky Cathy 10:15 am Herb Rumfield Pickett Roemer Rumfield

David Corey Erin Rachael Zoey Acolyte Osheskie Davis Robinson Pickett Osheksie

Communion Sue Hank Richard Dave Assistant none Davis Schroeder Lee York 8:00 am Communion Nina Cathy Steve Mike Dia Assistant Haag Rumfield Haag Rumfield Herb 10:15 am

Altar Guild Alicia Cathy Cathy Jane

Barb Greeter(s) Hedin’s Roemer’s Rumfield’s none Werling

Capt. Lee Hedin14 Sandy Hedin Thanks USHERS Amber Logan Steve Auman for This Month Serving!