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Alleluia! Lutheran Church, 4055 S. Book Rd., Naperville, IL 60564 www.alleluialutheran.org Phone: 630-904-3311
Our Mission: To enable all to come, connect, and commit to Jesus.
Christmas Candlelight Worship at Alleluia! Message: The Heart of Christmas December 23rd: 7:00 p.m.
December 24th: 3:00, 5:00, 7:00, & 11:00 p.m. * The 3:00 & 5:00 p.m. services have a special message for children
* Regular weekend worship times on Saturday/Sunday, Dec. 22nd & 23rd
Please join us for
The Christmas Pageant Experience
Sunday, Dec. 2nd, 3:00 p.m. (come at 2:30 to sing carols!)
(more info on page 4)
An Adult Learning
Opportunity Info on page 5
ADVENT PANCAKE BREAKFAST with ST. NICHOLAS
Info on page 4
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Snowflakes fall, lights and candles beam,
Carols begin to play…
The Heart of Christmas points us to
A baby in the hay.
Shoppers scurry, presents get wrapped,
Christmas treats, sweet and spiced…
The Heart of Christmas leads us to
The prophets’ promised Christ
Families gather, menus are planned,
Bright packages unfurled…
The Heart of Christmas calls us to
The Savior of the world!
With all its warmth, with all its charm,
Yuletide’s joy echoes true…
The Heart of Christmas bids us to
Worship Him born for you!
-Pastor Tim Housholder
From our home to yours: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Snowflakes fall, lights and candles beam,
Carols begin to play…
The Heart of Christmas points us to
A baby in the hay.
Shoppers scurry, presents get wrapped,
Christmas treats, sweet and spiced…
The Heart of Christmas leads us to
The prophets’ promised Christ
Families gather, menus are planned,
Bright packages unfurled…
The Heart of Christmas calls us to
The Savior of the world!
With all its warmth, with all its charm,
Yuletide’s joy echoes true…
The Heart of Christmas bids us to
Worship Him born for you!
-Pastor Tim Housholder
From our home to yours: MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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339 Shoeboxes! A big thank you to Katie Bryan for coordinating and for ALL volunteers who helped with OCC!
Advent Conspiracy Giving Tree Opportunities! Please take a tag from one of the Advent Conspiracy Giving Trees located in the upper level Gathering Area and The Underground. There are options for giving time as well as giving resources. Follow the instructions on the tag and return
gifts to the Advent Conspiracy Donation Box by December 23rd.
Donations of gifts for LSSI Foster Kids must be returned by Dec. 12th. Thank you!
1,242 pounds
of groceries and household items
donated.
Harvest Weekend Food Collection
Many thanks to Teresa & Kevin Zahora for helping with the collection and delivery of the Harvest Bags!
A Slice of HOPE - Forty people from Alleluia! gathered at Freedom Brother’s Pizzeria
in Plainfield on November 19th and heard more about Alleluia!’s newest mission partner,
HOPE International, from HOPE representative, Debbie Birkey, and Willow Creek Global
Missions director, Mark Haugen. Pastor Mark spoke about Alleluia!’s partnership with HOPE
in Peru, the impact that it is having, and ways for people to continue to
engage.
Learn more about HOPE International at their website,
hopeinternational.org. To learn about ways to engage
with the HOPE Mission through Alleluia!, please contact
contact Pastor Mark at mjuliot@alleluia.church.
The Next FMSC Volunteer Date is Dec. 15th, 11:30am—1:30pm
For more information or to sign up, send an email to Alan Cook at fmsc.alleluia@gmail.com
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ADVENT PANCAKE BREAKFAST with ST. NICHOLAS
Sunday, December 16th, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Free-Will Offering Children can meet St. Nicholas and take a picture!
Come before or after worship and enjoy great food and friendship! A fun event for ALL ages Seeking men to join us to help in the kitchen! Please email Dan Stolle at dstolle@alleluia.church to volunteer for this event! Thanks!
~ Children’s Ministry Volunteers: During this Advent season, as we are preparing for the birth of Jesus, we have also prepared something for the volunteers who make this ministry possible! Please be sure to stop by Room 266 (Children’s Ministry Office) for a special gift from Ms. Michele and Ms. April. Thank you for all the preparation you do for God’s children!
~ The Children’s Ministry presents: The Christmas Pageant Experience on Sunday, December 2nd, 2:30-4:15pm in the Alleluia! Sanctuary and Community Life Center. Children will come around 2:30 to put on costumes. After that, they will join their families in the audience for an “old fashioned” sing-a-long BEFORE the actual pageant begins at 3:00pm! Come to celebrate the birth of Jesus through drama, music, food, art and games! All ages will have a BLAST!
~ KidsConnect is presently in their Advent/Christmas Rotation. The children are leaning about both of these important seasons in the church year though cooking, games, video, and music! This rotation will culminate with their very own Movie Festival where children will vote for their favorite movie, play games, and sing to celebrate the season! Please Note: There will be no KidsConnect on December 22/23 & 29/30. The regular schedule will resume on January 5/6. Please enjoy these times to worship as a family!
~ Carol with the Children’s Ministry! Our 20th Annual Caroling at Sunrise Assisted Living (on Ogden) will be held December 12th from 5:30-6:30. Prayer blankets will be raffled off (made at Trunk or Treat). Residents will receive a “homemade” Christmas card (also made at Trunk or Treat). Please contact Ms. Michele at mnelson@alleluia.church for more information. All are welcome to join us! Please meet at Sunrise Assisted Living, 535 Ogden Avenue, in Naperville.
~ Connect45 and the Children’s Choirs will celebrate Jesus’ Birthday on December 19th from 5:00-6:00pm! We’ll have special activities and a birthday cake for Jesus. Children’s Choir will meet at 5:00 in the Music Room before joining Connect45 for the blessed event! Merry Christmas to all!
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CLICK HERE to volunteer as Advent Readers and Candlelighters. Individuals or families are welcome!
Volunteer Opportunities for Advent and Christmas
CLICK HERE to serve at the Christmas Eve worship services.
CLICK HERE to volunteer as a Reader at a Lessons & Carols worship service on December 29/30th.
- 4 Week Advent Worship Series
Christmas, for many, is the busiest time of the year. The stresses of shopping, preparations, company, etc. are often
at the forefront of our Christmas season. Yet, into this context, there is “the heart of Christmas” that is not to be
forgotten. In fact, as Christians, we need to remember and celebrate that, at the heart of Christmas, there is a Savior
born for the world. In fact, the heart of Christmas beats in the chest of a tiny baby...his name is Jesus, and he is
Immanuel—God with us! This Advent series will focus each week on God’s heart for a
world He came to save.
December Advent Readers/Candle Lighters
Readings will be emailed to you a few days prior to your date. Please print them out and bring them with you to the worship service.
12/1 5:00pm The Boubal Family 12/2 9:15am The Kristy Family 12/2 10:30am The Frost Family
12/8 5:00pm The Espeset Family 12/9 9:15am The Madson Family 12/9 10:30am The George Family
12/15 5:00pm _______________ 12/16 9:15am The Doonan Family 12/16 10:30am The Hays Family
12/22 5:00pm The Cottrill Family 12/23 9:15am The Raczak Family 12/23 10:30am The Nelson Family
Dec. 1/2 Part 1: The Heart that Promises
Dec. 8/9 Part 2: The Heart that Prepares
Dec. 15/16 Part 3: The Heart that Celebrates
Dec. 22/23 Part 4: The Heart that Believes
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Adult Ministries News
Alleluia! Women Connect - Be sure to join the Facebook
page created just for you! We want this to be your resource for upcoming activities, events, ways to get involved, volunteer opportunities for women, and more. Simply search for Alleluia! Women Connect to stay up to date on the latest news and our upcoming events. Sign up now, so you don’t miss out on upcoming social opportunities.
New Member Orientation - Sunday, January 27, 2019
Come enjoy a light dinner (child friendly option available), and learn about membership at Alleluia! At the end of the evening you'll have the opportunity to fill out membership forms, and you'll be officially welcomed by the congregation during worship the following Sunday, February 3rd. For general questions about membership or the New Member Orientation, contact Laura Bowler at lbowler@alleluia.church, or 630-904-3311, x245. We will meet in the Community Room. Childcare is available with registration. Click HERE to register.
Alleluia! 2019 Women’s Retreat - Saturday, January 26, 2019 Saturday, January 26, 2019 - (Extended Retreat Experience January 25-27th)
This year’s theme is “Illumination: Living in God’s Light.”
New This Year… A One day retreat with optional overnight stays. —Check in Friday and join us for pizza and social time. —Extend your stay Saturday night to enjoy unscheduled time with your girlfriends and an opportunity
to sleep in, guilt-free, on Sunday morning.
Optional Afternoon Activities: Blessing Blocks Craft and Holy Meditated Yoga to tailor your retreat to your individual needs.
We are pleased to welcome Cathy Schaefer as this year’s Women’s Retreat speaker.
Click HERE to register today!
Click HERE to view the Retreat brochure!
“The Heart of Christmas” 3-Week Advent Study
Wednesday 12/5, 12/12, & 12/19 from 7:00-8:00pm, Alleluia! Community Room Optional: Bring your Bible, your favorite writing utensil, and a beverage. Join us for this no-homework Advent study focusing on God’s heart for a world He came to save. Childcare is available with registration only. Click HERE to register.
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Spiritual Vitality is a characteristic of possessing a living faith;
it’s how we thrive in a broken world amidst life’s ups and downs. The Goal of Spiritual Vitality is to help you become a vital and whole human by healing and growing spiritually, and by bringing you closer to God. In addition to offering Spiritual Direction and guidance in spiritual disciplines and prayer practices, Vitality Groups seek to help you heal spiritually, a way to move your faith from head to heart.
GriefShare - Coming this Winter
It may be hard for you to feel optimistic about the future right now. If you’ve lost a spouse, child, family
member, or close friend, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you
feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never
faced before. Led by friendly, caring people who understand what you are going through and who will walk
alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences, GriefShare groups meet weekly
for 13-weeks to help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your
life. More details will be coming soon. Please contact Jennifer Finnerty at
jefinnerty@aol.com for more information.
The Ultimate Journey
Are you feeling spiritually stuck? Do you often find yourself thinking, “There must be more”? The Ultimate Journey will help you identify the areas where you are struggling and assist you toward a deeper relationship with God so that you can experience the fullness of the incredible relationship He wants to have with you. Watch for details coming soon, or contact Pastor Tammy for more information (troach@alleluia.church).
Please see the December Spiritual Vitality Practice on page 8.
New members were officially welcomed into the congregation at worship on Sunday, November 11th.
The congregation personally welcomed new members at a reception following the service.
Loss of a Spouse (Griefshare Seminar) You are welcome to join us on Tuesday evening, January 22, from 6:30-8:30pm for a Griefshare seminar
on the loss of a spouse. This event will be held in the Alleluia! Community Room. If interested, please contact
Jennifer Finnerty jefinnerty@aol.com for more information or to register.
December Spiritual Vitality Practice
“3-Minute Retreat”
During the Season of Advent, we are to prepare our hearts and anticipate the coming of Christ. In a season that is full of consumerism and frantic activity, Advent Spiritual practices help to not only center ourselves, but keep us focused on God’s great love for us. In the busyness of the season, try one of these 3-Minute Re-treats to keep you connected with God.
Retreat #1: Savoring the Moment As you prepare for this retreat, pause for a few moments and pay attention to your breathing. Slowly
take three deep breaths and remember that you are in the loving presence of God. Read Psalm 34:9, Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear Him lack nothing. Another trans-
lation reads, “Learn to savor how good the Lord is; happy are those who take refuge in him. What are the things you like to savor? Perhaps it’s that first cup of coffee in the morning or a piece of
your favorite pie. Maybe it’s the last bit of color in the sky after a breath-taking sunset. The psalmist tells us to learn how to savor God’s goodness. This implies that it takes practice. We have to seek God’s pres-ence actively, learn to recognize it, and then simply rest there. Resting in God’s presence calls us to take refuge there from all else that might distract us. Savoring God’s goodness means focusing on God Alone. Happy are all who take refuge there.
What personal experiences of God do you savor? In your busy, active life, what do you need to do to learn to savor how good the Lord is? Speak to God using these words or others that come to mind: Teach me to savor your goodness, my God.
May your presence be my refuge. Amen. Retreat #2: Open to Listen Before beginning your retreat, take a few moments to rest in the presence of God. Breathe deeply three
times and imagine each time that you are exhaling the day’s concerns. Reflect on the great gift God has given us in his son Jesus. Thank God for his generosity and constancy in your life.
Read Matthew 1:20-21: But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is con-ceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph was open to listening to God’s voice in his life. Through the action of the Holy Spirit, Mary became the mother of Jesus. Joseph, Mary’s intended husband, knowing that he was not the father of Mary’s child, trusted God and accepted Mary, and therefore Jesus, into his home. Accepting Jesus into our lives also requires trust in God. Jesus means “God saves,” foreshadowing the outcome of our lives when we trust God and accept Jesus into our lives.
How do you respond when God speaks to your heart and asks you to trust him? How can you encourage others to trust God and accept Jesus into their lives? Speak to God using these words or others that come to mind: Heavenly Father, teach me to have a heart
that trusts in You alone. Help me to be encouraged and learn from a child’s innocent trust in you. Amen.
3-Minute Retreats courtesy of Loyola Press. Visit http://www.loyolapress.com/retreats for more 3-minute retreats for your life.
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Biggest fundraiser of the year...
We need you! Help us...help others...near and far!
Live Auction
Silent Auction
Questions? Donations? Contact Laura Bowler lbowler@alleluia.church 630-904-3311, x245
With far-reaching impact...
Alleluia!
Little Blessings Preschool
February 9, 2019
How can you help?
1DONATE
...items for auction
...gift baskets, sports tickets, collector’s items, time at lake house...
2 ASK FOR
DONATIONS ...from your favorite shop or restaurant …gift cards, donated items from store, special events…
3 MARK YOUR
CALENDAR ...plan to join us Saturday, February 9 for fun, friendly competition and community. Tickets are on sale now. Click
HERE to purchase.
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Second Graders received certificates for completing their 10 Commandment Milestone. Great job!
4th-5th Graders Read the Bible Story.
Games with 2nd-3rd Graders.
Cooking Rotation - Kindergarten and 1st Grade.
Craft Time for Preschoolers.
Music with 4th & 5th Graders.
Alleluia! Children’s Choir.
Many Thanks to the 4th & 5th Graders in Connect45 for Preparing the Bags for Harvest Weekend and Passing Them Out Before and After Worship.
Connect45 Kids Packed 14 Boxes for Operation Christmas Child!
Well Done!
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Women of all ages gathered together on November 9th for Alleluia’s second Grand Chocolate Party! The purpose of the party was to raise funds for Alleluia! Women’s Ministries, as well as to help connect our ladies to one another and to God.
This wonderful evening was the result of an amazing effort by many dedicated volunteers! Many thanks to the planning team, as well as each and every person who helped in any way. When we work together as the hands and feet of God, the result is always so much more than the sum of its parts!
Guests at the Grand Chocolate Party enjoyed shopping an assortment of vendors, and attending “mini-parties” like: Mason Jar Painting, Wooden Sign Painting, Meditation & Movement, and Games, as well as having time to socialize with other women. And of course, guests also enjoyed chocolate—lots and lots of chocolate! There were several delicious desserts, and an amazing chocolate-themed beverage bar, as well as a few savory choices. It was heaven on earth for all who attended, from the casual chocolate lover to the full-blown chocolate connoisseur!
More photos on page 13
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5:00pm Worship
Usher: 12/1 Alan Cook/_________, 12/8 Alan Cook/_________, 12/15 Alan Cook/Tim Toepfer, 12/22 Alan Cook/_________,
12/29 Alan Cook/Tim Toepfer
Communion: 12/1 Dawn DeSart, 12/8 Teresa Zahora, 12/15 Ginny Toepfer, 12/22 Dawn DeSart, 12/29 Ginny Topefer
Greeters: 12/1 Espset Family/_________, 12/8 Kevin Zahora/_________, 12/15 Teresa Zahora/Kevin Zahora, 12/22 The Cottrill Family,
12/29 _________/_________
Welcome Center: 12/1 _________, 12/8 Teresa Zahora, 12/15 Ginny Topefer, 12/22 Dawn DeSart, 12/29 Ginny Topefer
Lector: 12/1 Andrea Jacob, 12/8 Joe Biela, 12/15 Ginny Topefer, 12/22 Joe Biela, 12/29 Joe Biela
9:15am Worship
Ushers: 12/2 Nick Bryan/John Fishbeck, 12/9 Dale Goetz/_________, 12/16 Dale Goetz/John Fishbeck,
12/23 Dale Goetz/John Fishbeck, 12/30 Nick Bryan/John Fishbeck
Welcome Center: 12/2 April Kristy, 12/9 April Kristy, 12/16 April Kristy, 12/23 April Kristy, 12/30 April Kristy
Greeters: 12/2 Sarah Dietz/Bob Kristy, 12/9 Kim/Tim Gathman, 12/16 Bob Kristy/_________, 12/23 Kim/Tim Gathman,
12/30 Bob Kristy/_________
Communion Servers: 12/2 Suzanne Storoe/_________, 12/9 Roy Bynum/Elaine Bynum, 12/16 Suzanne Storoe/_________,
12/23 Mike Raczak/Mimi Raczak, 12/30 Mick Raczak/Mimi Raczak
Lector: 12/2 John Wheeler, 12/9_________, 12/16 Rich Reinertson, 12/23 John Wheeler, 12/30 _________
Altar: 12/2 LaRae Lafrenz, 12/9 _________, 12/16 Laurie Cottrill, 12/23 LaRae Lafrenz, 12/30 _________
10:30 Worship
Ushers: 12/2 Kelly Cunningham, Kent Nelson, Derek Koomjohn, Matt White
12/9 Roger Russell, Kent Nelson, John Fishbeck, Ryan Glassman
12/16 Roger Russell, Kent Nelson, Derek Koomjohn, Kelly Cunningham
12/23 Roger Russell, Kent Nelson, Kelly Cunningham, Adrian Knowles
12/30 Kent Nelson, Adrian Knowles, Matt White, _________
Lectors: 12/2 Joel Fulgham, 12/9 Adrian Knowles, 12/16 Randy Conroy, 12/23 Carl Johnson, 12/30 Joel Fulgham
Welcome Center: 12/2 Barb Cunningham, 12/9 Christy Russell, 12/16 Christy Russell, 12/23 Christy Russell, 12/30 Barb Cunningham
Greeters: 12/2 _________/_________, 12/9 Laura Claude Family 12/16 Megan Glassman/_________,
12/23 Barb Cunningham/_________, 12/30 _________/_________
Altar: 12/2 Deb Bostjancic, 12/9 Deb Bostjancic, 12/16 Peggy Johnson, 12/23 Deb Bostjancic, 12/30 Deb Bostjancic
Communion Servers: 12/2 Deb Bostjancic, Beth Duesing, Joel Fulgham, Carolyn Hays, Cathy Fulgham, Pastors: Tim, Mark, Tammy
12/9 Deb Bostjancic, Beth Duesing, Joel Fulgham, Carolyn Hays, Cathy Fulgham, Teri Rotheiser, Pastor Tim, Pastor Mark
12/16 Beth Duesing, Joel Fulgham, Carolyn Hays, Cathy Fulgham, Teri Rotheiser, Pastor Tim, Pastor Mark, Pastor Tammy
12/23 Deb Bostjancic, Joel Fulgham, Carolyn Hays, Alexis Hays, Beth Duesing, Pastor Tim, Pastor Mark, Pastor Tammy
12/30 Deb Bostancic, Joel Fulgham, Carolyn Hays, Alexis Hays, Cathy Fulgham, _________, _________, Pastor Tammy
Share Your Gifts with Others! We’d love to have your help!
Volunteer to: Greet, Usher, Read the Lesson, Serve Communion, Prepare the Altar, Help at the Welcome Center.
Winter Dates are now open. Advent and Christmas Sign ups currently going on! See page 5.
Please click HERE to view all openings and to sign up.
We schedule all volunteer opportunities weekly. Please prayerfully consider serving.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Coordinator, Lori Juliot at ljuliot@alleluia.church
The December Advent Reader/Candlelighter Schedule is on page 5.
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From Plainfield
Take Route 59 North. Turn right on 103rd St.
Church is on the right at Book Rd.
From Bolingbrook
Take Boughton Rd. West. Turn right on
Plainfield-Naperville. Turn left on 104th St.
104th ends in church parking lot.
From North Naperville
Take Route 59 South. Turn
left on 103rd St. Church is
on the right at Book Rd.
Directions to Alleluia!
Katie Bryan (Term Exp 2/20)
Mike Raczak (Term Exp 2/20)
Lesa Sangalis (Term Exp 2/21)
Matt White (Term Exp 2/21)
Liz Vesta (Treasurer, non-voting)
Your Alleluia! Church Council members may be contacted via council@alleluia.church
Karla Doherty (Term Exp 2/19)
Sean Huenecke (Term Exp 2/19)
Pastor Tim Housholder (Senior Pastor)
Saturday Worship: 5:00pm
Sunday Worship: 9:15am & 10:30am
Continued from page 11
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