<p> The Newsletter of St. Peter Evangelical Contemporary Worship Lutheran Church Saturday 5:00 p.m.</p><p>7834 Eastern Ave. Sunday Worship Baltimore, MD 21224 10:00 a.m. </p><p>410-288-0537 Sunday School 410-284-0336 (Manna Locker) 8:45 a.m. [email protected] Vicar Jeanette Surita-Vazquetelles www.stpeterlutheraneastpoint.org Valerie Adelung, Minister of Music</p><p>Vol. 86 DECEMBER, 2014 No. 12 </p><p>JOIN US TO WELCOME OUR KING…….</p><p>Christmas Eve – Family Worship Service 7 pm Christmas Eve – Traditional Candlelight Service 10 pm Our Prayer Covenant for 2014</p><p>As our faith community travels through this year, let us pray on a daily basis the Prayer Covenant below. The Covenant thanks and praises God for all he has done for each of us. It also addresses outreach, a new pastor, building faith, world leaders, and the gifts God has given each of us. Praying and working with one another, we will accomplish our mission. “Prayer will lead to a greater communication with God and a greater understanding of his will.”</p><p>2014 Prayer Covenant The Faith Community of St. Peter Lutheran Church Eastpoint, Maryland</p><p>In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit The people of St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church covenant with one another in prayer to walk with God and reflect his love to everyone. Through the Spirit’s leading we will pray daily:  With praise and thanksgiving for blessings and God’s guidance to bind us together in love and purpose, as we do his will.  To continue to reach out to this community, being a welcoming church extending invitations to worship and fellowship as we endeavor to help all spiritually and physically.  For the commitment needed in the calling of a pastor that feels God’s leading to the ministry here at St. Peter Church.  For our children and young adults to grow in faithful and joyful service to our Lord.  For the leaders of the world that all may find peace and justice.  Sharing God’s gifts for our faith community by volunteering our time, talents, and financial support. May we have God’s blessing on our Covenant as we keep in touch daily through prayer, worship, and Bible study with our loving God. We ask, and pray this in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen. Christmas Blessings to All</p><p>Every year at this time while I am preparing for Christmas, I look forward to all the wonderful hymns we will be singing. Like most of us at this time of year, we are busy shopping, cleaning our homes, and baking lots of goodies. And let’s not forget all the activities we have here at our church. Christmas is such a festive time of the year for us! The church is beautifully decorated and the Christmas story reminds us of peace and goodwill to all. Christmas calls believers to celebrate Christ's becoming human and living among us while waiting in expectation for him to come again. </p><p>Not all of us will be blessed with friends and family during the celebration of Christ’s birth. Please remember those who are alone at this time of year and encourage them to share in your celebration.</p><p>Another thing that most of us do around this time of year is reflect on the past year, wondering if the upcoming year will be better for us. We can’t deny that our church has been going through rough times; fighting to stay alive, battling our decreasing membership, and our need for spiritual leadership. Over the past four years, I have seen many of our church leaders working together to carry out our ministry. Sure, we have made many mistakes along the way, as all humans do, and have been criticized by those who choose not to encourage our leadership; especially when making hard decisions for the good of our church and our congregation. Still, the leadership marches on, working long hours, doing the best that they can to serve the Lord and our church. Why would people volunteer to serve especially when times are so tough? It’s their faith in God that keeps them motivated to march on. Thank God we have these people here at St. Peter. </p><p>Serving as president has proven to be one of the most difficult things that I have ever done in my life. Saying that, I must also say that it has been very rewarding for me. My faith in and love of God has grown stronger. I have made many friends that I consider part of my church family. They have shown me how God works through people. They have shown me that as president, I have never sat alone; they have always “had my back” and I appreciate them so much for that. </p><p>I feel that we are on the right track to keeping our ministry going. In order to survive, we have to remember that life does not stand still. Technology is advancing every day and we need to be willing to try new things. Worshiping techniques are also changing. We need to be open to new ideas. The young people in this ever changing world do not want to worship the same way we did when we were younger. As I leave you as president, I ask that you keep an open mind and continue to support your church leaders.</p><p>Merry Christmas and God’s Peace, </p><p>Carol Bostwick BAD WEATHER POLICY</p><p>IN THE EVENT OF INCLEMENT WEATHER DURING SERVICE TIMES PLEASE TUNE INTO TV STATIONS WJZ-13 OR WMAR-2 FOR OUR CHURCH CANCELLATION NOTICES OR CHECK THE ST. PETER WEBSITE www.stpeterlutheraneastpoint.org, Twitter – http://twitter.com/stpeterlutheran or FaceBook - http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=st.+&init=quick#!/profile.php? ref=profile&id=100000799575284 </p><p>UNLESS YOU HEAR OTHERWISE, ACTIVITIES AT CHURCH WILL BE CANCELLED ON DAYS WHEN THE BALTIMORE COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE CLOSED.</p><p>Once again, Poinsettias will beautify our sanctuary for Christmas Eve. The cost is $13.50 for a 7 inch pot that contains 2 plants and 8 to 12 blooms. To order please fill out this form FOR EACH PLANT ordered, and include it, with your payment, in the yellow “Flower Envelope” found in the pew rack. ONLY pre-paid orders will be accepted. Deadline to order your Christmas poinsettia is DECEMBER 7 th . (This is the florist’s deadline.) Please print clearly.</p><p>GIVEN BY:______PHONE______</p><p>IN HONOR OF:______OR IN MEMORY OF:______</p><p>Once Again, a Parsonage</p><p>After fifteen years of being used as a store house, meeting room, and recently for ministry outreach, the Parsonage of St. Peter is once again a being used as a true Parsonage.</p><p>As part of the Cooperative Master of Divinity Project, the congregation of St. Peter agreed to provide housing for Vicar Jeanette. The most obvious answer to that requirement was to use the parsonage. Although structurally sound, the interior of the building was in serious need of repair and improvement.</p><p>In order to begin using the parsonage as a home for Vicar Jeanette, the seven members of the Vicar Support Committee assumed the task to reverse the neglected condition of the building. For the last three weeks in October, they worked both during the day, and after leaving their daily work site, to get the parsonage back to a livable condition. The members of the committee cleaned, removed junk and debris, painted and repaired all the rooms of the building.</p><p>The master kitchen area was completely cleaned, including all cabinets and appliances, with the same care and effort performed on the master bathroom and the first and second floor rooms. The fireplace was cleaned and its brickwork touched up. Electrical fixtures, ceiling fan, receptacles, switches, plates and controls were replaced. The broken light fixtures in the dining and powder rooms were repaired. The master bathroom vanity was affixed to the wall and all caulking on the tub and vanity were replaced. Windows were caulked and repaired where possible. Donated furniture was cleaned and all lamps were repaired. Trees, shrubs and bushes were trimmed and weeds and trash were removed. The back porch hand rails were remounted and strengthened. Contractors removed deteriorating carpets and polished the wood floors in all rooms and cleaned and sealed the kitchen tile floor.</p><p>Several pieces of furniture were provided by the Lutheran Mission Society, with other furniture provided by members of the vicar support committee and the congregation. New kitchen appliances were provided, either purchased or donated, with a new refrigerator/freezer donated by a member of the vicar support committee.</p><p>Future upgrades include improvement of the first floor powder room, the eventual replacement of the master bathroom tub enclosure and new windows for the entire structure. Also planned is the removal of the deteriorated basement bathroom area. Other major repairs to the aged chimney and replacement of the leaking roof have been scheduled and will be completed within the next month.</p><p>On November 1st, the vicar support committee presented the keys, and the parsonage, to Vicar Jeanette. For many members, it is pleasing to see the parsonage once again providing a shelter for the worship leader of our congregation. </p><p>I would like to thank the members of the Vicar Support Committee, Phyllis Schmitt, Nancy Hammond, Kate Wiederock, Rob Weber, Robin Goodwin, Tommy Thomas, Mary Clark, Donna Ostrowski and Lil Tomecek for their devotion to this project, their physical and financial donations, and most important, their valuable time.</p><p>A complete financial and description about the entire project is available on request.</p><p>Doug Tomecek, Chairman, Vicar Support Committee (Co-op) Bulletin and Flower Memorials</p><p>Congregation members continue to sponsor bulletin and flower memorials in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special person. Weekly Flowers (either 2 altar vases or 1 large arrangement) - $25. Open Dates are: December 7, December 14, December 21 and December 28. Weekly Bulletins - $15 – Open Dates are: December 7, December 21 and December 28. </p><p>St. Peter Lutheran Church is inviting all to our community lunch held the last Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m. We also have a community supper the first and second Saturday of every month at 4:00 p.m. It is followed by a contemporary worship service and dessert. These meals are open to everyone in the community.</p><p>SATURDAY MORNING SOUP KITCHEN NEEDS As the cold weather approaches we ask for help with the following items to share with our community friends during the Christmas Holidays: Snacks – individually wrapped Sweat pants & shirts T-Shirts Socks Mittens Hats</p><p>We are now serving approximately 150 people per month at our Soup Kitchen.</p><p>GOODSEARCH </p><p>Thanks to all who have been using Goodsearch as their search engine this year. We just received a check in the amount of $85.49 for the year ending September 30, 2014.</p><p>The Men’s Bible Study meets on the first Monday of the month. Our next meeting is December 1, 2014. Looking forward to seeing you then!</p><p>Tom Flink</p><p>JA NUARY ISSUE Decem ber 15, 2014 Streets of Hope Update The shelter reopened its doors on Monday, November 17, 2014. It will operate out of Zion Church located on Golden Ring Road. Please see the wish list located in the fellowship hall if you would like to donate any items to the shelter. If, at any time you would like to serve a meal or help with items provided, contact Jan Jones or Pat Hipchen. We have signed on to have St. Peter Congregation members donate a hot meal, including beverages and milk, each month on the 15th. Please continue to pray for the shelter to find a permanent location and for the continued welfare of the men and volunteers. Thanks again for all the support and donations received.</p><p>SOUR BEEF AND DUMPLING DINNER Many Thanks to all who worked so hard to support the Sour Beef and Dumpling Dinner on November 2nd. Because of all of you, it was a great success. Thanks to all who had dinner with us, BECAUSE of you our proceeds from the dinner were $931. This fundraiser supported our monthly congregation expenses with $431 dollars and the De-Md Synod of the ELCA will received $500.</p><p>BOSCOV’S FUNDRAISER Thanks to All who made the Boscov’s Friends Helping Friends another success. We raised $375.</p><p>IT WAS AMAZING…….. Thank you to all that helped with our Dumpster Day cleanup. It was amazing to see the ‘stuff’ that was put in the dumpster. Old and worn out furniture and carpeting to just clutter from the garage, Sunday school rooms, the Youth room, the Fellowship Balcony and the Parsonage. And just as important, A Thank you to M.A.S. Company, (the dumpster guys) for the donation of the dumpster. This is a $375 savings to the congregation.</p><p>A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED!!!!!!!!!!!!! </p><p>CHRISTMAS BAZAAR Again, this year, our Christmas Bazaar was an amazing success. Thanks to ALL who worked so hard to make this a wonderful day for members and community friends. We hope that all who came had time to shop as well as fellowship with friends. The proceeds of the Bazaar, along with the matching funds of $375 from Thrivent Financial, reached $2,866.19. THANKS TO ALL………………………..</p><p>CHRISTMAS BIBLE SCHOOL AND PAGEANT Come join us for Christmas Bible School on December 20th from 10am to 2pm. Children of all ages invited……….. Be part of our Christmas Pageant on Sunday, December 21st during the Traditional Worship Service (10 am). See Tracy Michaud for more details. Saturday, December 20th, 2014 10am-2pm</p><p>Christmas story, music, crafts, puppet show and FOOD!</p><p>Bring a friend for double the fun!</p><p>Childs name______</p><p>Age/ grade in school______</p><p>Allergies / health concerns______</p><p>Parent signature______DAILY READINGS FOR DECEMBER, 2014</p><p>Nov 28 - Zechariah 14: 1-9 Dec 5 – Jeremiah 1: 4-10 Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13 Matthew 23: 13-28 Acts 11: 19-26</p><p>Nov 29 - Micah 2: 1-13 Dec 6 - Ezekiel 36: 24-28 Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13 Matthew 24: 15-31 Mark 11: 27-33</p><p>Nov 30 - Isaiah 64: 1-9 Dec 7 - Isaiah 40: 1-11 Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9 2 Peter 3: 8-15a Mark 13: 24-37 Mark 1: 1-8</p><p>Dec 1 - Micah 4: 1-5 Dec 8 - Isaiah 26: 7-15 Psalm 79 Psalm 27 Revelation 15: 1-8 Acts 2: 37-42</p><p>Dec 2 - Micah 4: 6-13 Dec 9 - Isaiah 4: 2-6 Psalm 79 Psalm 27 Revelation 18: 1-10 Acts 11: 1-8</p><p>Dec 3 - Micah 5: 1-5a Dec 10 - Malachi 2: 10-3: 1 Psalm 79 Psalm 27 Luke 21: 34-38 Luke 1: 5-17</p><p>Dec 4 - Hosea 6: 1-6 Dec 11 - Habakkuk 2: 1-5 Psalm 85: 1-2, 8-13 Psalm 126 1 Thessalonians 1: 2-10 Philippians 3: 7-11 Dec 12 - Habakkuk 3: 2-6 Dec 22 - Zephaniah 3: 8-13 Psalm 126 Psalm 96 Philippians 3: 12-16 Romans 10: 5-13</p><p>Dec 13 - Habakkuk 3: 13-19 Dec 23 - Zephaniah 3: 14-20 Psalm 126 - Psalm 96 Matthew 21: 28-32 Romans 13: 11-14</p><p>Dec 14 - Isaiah 61: 1-4, 8-11 Dec 24 - Isaiah 9: 2-7 Psalm 126 Psalm 96 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-24 Titus 2: 11-14 John 1: 6-8, 19-28 Luke 2: 1-20</p><p>Dec 15 - 1 Kings 18: 1-18 Dec 25 - Isaiah 62: 6-12 Psalm 125 Psalm 97 Ephesians 6: 10-17 Titus 3: 4-7 Luke 2: 8-20 Dec 16 - 2 Kings 2: 9-22 Psalm 125 Dec 26 - Jeremiah 26: 1-9, 12-15 Acts 3: 17-4: 4 Psalm 148 Acts 6: 8-15; 7: 51-60 Dec 17 - Malachi 3: 16-4: 6 Psalm 125 Dec 27 - Exodus 33: 18-23 Mark 9: 9-13 Psalm 148 1 John 1: 1-9 Dec 18 - 2 Samuel 6: 1-11 Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-26 Dec 28 - Isaiah 61: 10-62: 3 Hebrews 1: 1-14 Psalm 148 Galatians 4: 4-7 Dec 19 - 2 Samuel 6: 12-19 Luke 2: 22-40 Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-26 Hebrews 1: 5-14 Dec 29 - Isaiah 49: 5-15 Psalm 148 Dec 20 - Judges 13: 2-24 Matthew 12: 46-50 Psalm 89: 1-4, 19-26 John 7: 40-52 Dec 30 - Proverbs 9: 1-12 Psalm 146 Dec 21 - 2 Samuel 7: 1-11, 16 2 Peter 3: 8-13 Luke 1: 46b-55 Romans 16: 25-27 Dec 31 - 1 Kings 3: 5-14 Luke 1: 26-38 Psalm 148 John 8: 12-19 DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS</p><p>12-01 Phyllis Schmitt 12-02 Darlene Prassinas 12-09 Kitty Sauer 12-12 Peg Downes 12-13 Betty Kantorsky 12-17 Mary Clark 12-17 Aiden Grap 12-22 Richard Bostwick 12-25 Victor Lane 12-26 Mildred Albanese 12-28 Brittany Schmitt If someone’s name is missing, adult or Sunday School child, please call the Church Office 410-288-0537 or e-mail [email protected] so we can update our records.</p><p>NEXT GOOD TIDINGS DEADLINE MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014</p><p>BE PREPARED JESUS IS COMING!!! WE’RE PRAYING FOR YOU</p><p>If you have anyone you would like to add to the Prayer List, please fill out a “Remember in Prayer” slip in the pew rack, or call the church office, 410-288- 0537. Please sign your name as the person requesting prayers in case there is a follow-up.</p><p>December 2014</p><p>Marge Ard Beatrice Keiser Bobby Prudhoe Richard Ard John King Betty Riden Mike Barnes Betty Knight Phil Rutledge Mandy Brockman Dawn Kulczycki Marie Schehlein Ronald Coleman, Sr. Margaret Larkin Linda Simms Joe Cummings Dolores Lynch Mildred Singer Phyllis Filson Barbara Mack Robert Tankersley John Hamre Raymond Mack William Tankersley Shirley Harris Eadie Mehring Catherine Thorn Theresa Hellman Malachi Machaski Kim & Neal Upton Craig Jones Marie Michaud Patricia Yarrington Betty Kantorsky RW Michaud Peter Kantorsky Bill Miller</p><p>The Family and Friends of Margaret (Maggie) Krug</p><p>Also pray for those listed below who are in assisted living or nursing facilities and are no longer able to come and worship with us. They enjoy hearing from members of the congregation, so your phone calls and cards are truly appreciated.</p><p>Lois Cole Rosalie Molz Riverview Care Center, Rm 613 Riverview Care Center, Rm 610 1 Eastern Avenue 1 Eastern Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21221 Baltimore, MD 21221</p><p>DECEMBER 2014 WORSHIP ASSISTANTS & CANTORS: 7 -- (WA) Angela Carpenter GREETERS: (C) Patricia Hipchen Lorraine Ward 410-288-1013 14 --(WA) Jan Jones 7 -- Carol Bostwick (C) Valerie Adelung 14 -- Edith Schott 21-- (WA) Brian Bichell 21 -- Joseph Schott (C) Susan Neumeister 24 -- Mary Flohr – 7:00 p.m. 28 --(WA) Mary Flohr Doris Huber – 10:00 p.m. (C) Patricia Hipchen 28 -- Joan Sarzynski</p><p>ACOLYTES & CRUCIFERS: 7 -- (A) Tracy Michaud (C) Lindsey Rivera NURSERY ASSISTANTS: 14 -- (A) Sabrina Michaud 7 -- Deborah Miller, Melissa Miller (C) Tracy Rivera 14 -- Tracy Russell 21 -- (A) Hunter Jones 21 -- Phyllis Schmitt (C) Patricia Miller 28 -- Tracy Michaud *24-- (A) Sabrina Michaud – 7:00 p.m. (C) Lindsey Rivera – 7:00 p.m. (A) TBD – 10:00 p.m. (C) TBD – 10:00 p.m. ALTAR GUILD: 28-- (A) Sabrina Michaud Marie Gellert 410-288-4278 (C) Lindsey Rivera 7 -- Bea Thomas, Robin Goodwin 14 -- Mildred Albanese, Margaret Krug LECTORS: 21 -- June Grap, Robin Kisselstein 7 -- Marie Gellert 24 -- Lillian Tomecek – 7:00 p.m. 14 -- Patricia Miller Marie Gellert – 10:00 p.m. 21 -- Jan Jones 28 -- Marie Gellert 28 -- Vivian Bold</p><p>COMMUNION ASSISTANTS: HOST/HOSTESS: 7 -- Lillian Tomecek 7 -- Congregational Meeting 14-- Tracy Michaud 14 -- Robin Goodwin, Bea Thomas 21 -- Jean Jansen 21 -- Donna Barnhart, Rob & Sue Weber 28 -- Bunny Robl 28 -- Deborah Miller, Melissa Miller, Gertrude Bender, Mary Catanariti If you would like to serve your Lord through any of these ministries, please call the person Note: Anyone interested in becoming a Host listed next to the ministry title. or Hostess, we need you! See Jan Jones</p><p>*7:00 p.m. - Banner – Rob Weber 7:00 p.m. - Torches – Steven Carpenter, June Grap 7:00 p.m. - Bells – Jaydin Marshall, Lorelei Adelung, Ava Dey </p>