DECEMBER '14 NEWS

The MessengerSt. Mark’s Lutheran Church 1900 St. Paul Street Baltimore, MD 21218 Phone 410.752.5804 www.stmarksbaltimore.org DECEMBER 2014

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Staff Pastor ...................... The Rev. Dale W. Dusman Cantor ......................................Mr. James Harp Administrator ..................... Mr. Stephen Kohler Sexton ................................ Mr. Jeffry Spangler Congregation Council Officers President ......................... Ms. Marion Malcolm Vice President ..................... Mr. Daniel Wilkey Secretary ................................ Ms. Teri Bennett Treasurer .............................. Mr. William Krim Assistant Treasurer……………Mr. Fred DeBell St. Mark’s Mission Statement The mission of St. Mark’s Church is to embrace diversity, practice hospitality, and make known Christ’s presence in word and deed. Newsletter Editor Mr. Stephen Kohler www.stmarkscelebrates.org Webminister ................. The Rev. Stuart Wright

An Advent Prayer…

It was not

to the rich and famous, the powerful intellectual

or influential that you came to earth

and entrusted your Word, but to fishermen,

outcasts and sinners, ordinary people.

And to ordinary people like us

you have revealed the things of heaven

that we might become the bearers of Good News! So we praise you, Lord

for revelation and the message

of Salvation. Amen.

The Messenger Page 2 DECEMBER 2014

Birthdays & Anniversaries... 1 Odd Rune Helgas 4 Teri Bennett Sharon Manson

8 John LeBon

9 Joanne Hunt

11 Herbert White Lois & Ernie Lehr (A)

13 Kathy Harris

14 Marion Malcolm

15 Kathy DuChene

16 Gilbert Miller, Jr.

17 Jesse Lisch

20 Ryan Patterson

21 Joan Hoyle John Lisch

23 Charles L. Smith

25 Carole Conors

26 Joyce Helgas

Shawn McDowell

27 Ernest Lehr, III

30 Eric Helgas

Fellowship Hour Hosts

December 7 Stewardship Luncheon 14 Congregation Council 21 Teri Bennett, Pastor Dusman 28 Richard Spittel, Ralph Welsh


AUGSBURG VILLAGE Sharing/Caring Christmas Project Once more the good folks at Augsburg Village are asking your help in “making” a happy Christmas for the residents of the village. Our goal is to collect $30 per resident to assure the success of this year’s program. Volunteers are already assembling a “wish list” of items that residents have requested. For many, this will be the only gift they receive at Christmas. If you are able, please send a check for $30 or more to Augsburg Lutheran Home of Maryland, Inc. (marked Sharing/Caring Project) at 6811 Campfield Road, Baltimore, MD 21207. Your generosity will help make a difference in the lives of those who may well be forgotten on this generally joyful holiday. Please prayerfully consider your response. Thank you!

Christmas Caroling... Sunday afternoon, 21 December, members (and friends) of St. Mark’s are invited to join in as we go caroling to several of St. Mark’s

homebound members. We will meet about 1:15 (after coffee hour) for a short rehearsal and then car pool to some caroling spots. Whether you can sing harmony or prefer the melody, your voice is welcome to join in the fun! See Shawn McDowell for additional information.

Advent Giving Tree Beginning with the first Sunday in Advent the “Mitten Tree” will be set up in Lehr Hall to receive your contributions of mittens, scarves, gloves, socks, and other winter-wear items. Following the Advent season, these items are removed from the tree and given to local

charitable services for distribution to those who can most use them. St. Mark’s members & friends have always been generous and we look for many Advent “decorations” this year, too! Thank you! Poinsettias and Greens Forms are included in Sunday bulletins beginning with the first Sunday of Advent for you to Order poinsettia plants and/or Contribute toward greens with which to decorate St. Mark’s for the celebration of Christmas. Plants are $10 each, and contributions toward greens may be made in any amount. Please PRINT your form, and note that the deadline is Sunday, 14 December. Thanks so much for your generosity!

MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

Sunday, 14 December

immediately following the liturgy.

We will receive the recommended budget for 2015, take questions and

vote to approve. Plan today to be present!


Please remember these friends & Members who are “shut-in” or otherwise unable to join us at worship! Mr. Thomas Barry 1111 Park Avenue, No. 1214 Baltimore, MD 21201 410.467.1455 Mr. Paul Gregory 106 Maryland Avenue Towson, MD 21286 410.823.2967 Mrs. Marian Holmes Longview Nursing Home, 117A 3332 Main Street, PO Box 390 Manchester, MD 21102 410.517.6040 Mrs. Theoda Klotzman Augsburg Lutheran Village 6825 Campfield Road, #10-S Baltimore, MD 21207 410.484.1420 Ernest & Lois Lehr 10 Flintridge Court Baltimore, MD 21236 410.256.5970 Rev. Robert Mack National Lutheran Home Maryland 2143 9701 Veirs Drive Rockville, MD 20850

Mrs. Elva Moser 30 Hammarlee Road, #104 Glen Burnie, MD 21060 410.595.5067 Ms. Joyce Moser 7477 Baltimore-Annapolis Blvd., #939 Glen Burnie, MD 21061 410.636.3857 Elsa Jane & Jack Siegmund 6310 Bellona Avenue Baltimore, MD 21212 410.377.9381 Herbert & Dorothy White 6106 Rusk Avenue Baltimore, MD 21209 410.358.0022 Mrs. Jennie Wohlmuther 22680 Cedar Lane Court, #1202 Leonardtown, MD 20650 301.475.9150


NEW WAVE SINGERS New Wave Singers of Baltimore will open its 2014-2015 season with two performances of its holiday concert, ‘Twas the Night, in addition to Clement Clark Moore’s choral version of the classic ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. The concert will feature works by Morten Lauridsen, John Rutter, Enya, and others. A special feature will be performances by small ensembles of New Wave Singers’ members, offering a variety of Christmas favorites. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church is the site of the December 6th performance. An encore “Ugly Sweater Edition” will be presented on Tuesday, December 9th at Govans Presbyterian Church, 5828 York Road (Baltimore). Both concerts begin at 7 PM. Tickets are $20 and are available online, at the door, or in advance from any New Wave member. Anyone 17 or under is admitted free!

Thank you! Richard Spittel

Christmas Eve Reception Following our celebration of the Nativity of Our Lord

on 24 December, it is our custom to hold a festive reception in Lehr Hall for all those attending the worship service. To this end, we need your help! Please consider that holiday buffet food item you would be willing to add to the feast on 12/24. A sign-up sheet will be available on the lectern in the main hall for you to sign up and indicate what you will bring. Thanks!

KEEN AGERS... A Christmas Lunch will take place on Wednesday, 17 December, 12 noon, at the home of Pastor Dusman and Paul Walker. Please join us! Make a reservation for lunch today by calling the church office. We hope to see you there! Parish Christmas Card -

The Parish Christmas Card will again be placed in the hallway adjoining Lehr Hall. Greetings for the congregation may be placed on this card. In lieu of the expense of individual

cards and accompanying postage, a donation to the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund would be greatly appreciated. This fund is used year-long to assist persons with special needs. Thank you!

Divinum Mysterium

Of the Father’s Love begotten, Ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source and ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, and that future years shall see, Evermore and evermore. O ye heights of heaven, adore Him; Angel hosts, His praises sing; Powers, dominions, bow before Him, And extol our God and King; Let no tongue on earth be silent, Every voice in concert ring, Evermore and evermore.


PARISH LIFE COMMITTEE EVENTS. . . The Parish Life Committee is planning two events during the Christmas season which members and friends of the congregation may wish to participate in: On Friday, December 26th, we will travel to Frederick, MD in the afternoon for the self-guided walking "Candlelight Tour of Historic Houses of Worship." We'll meet at 2:00 at the Park-and-Ride lot at the eastern end of I-70 (in the Woodlawn area) to carpool to Frederick. Please let Richard Spittel know if you'll be joining the group, and if you're available to drive to Frederick. After we've visited the churches, we'll have dinner at one of the restaurants in downtown Frederick (this will be the December Dining Out event) At a dozen sites, guests will be welcomed with special programs, angelic choirs, and nativity scenes. The 2014 Participating Historic Houses of Worship sites in Downtown Frederick include:

• Evangelical Reformed United Church of Christ -11 W. Church Street

• Trinity Chapel United Church of Christ- 10 W. Church Street

• Asbury Methodist United Methodist Church- W. All Saints & Court Streets

• All Saints’ Episcopal Church- 106 W. Church Street

• Calvary United Methodist Church- N. Bentz & W. 2nd Streets

• Frederick Presbyterian Church- 115 W. 2nd Street

• Centennial Memorial United Methodist Church- 8 W. 2nd Street

• Grace United Methodist Church- 25 E. 2nd Street

• The Visitation Academy Chapel- 200 E. 2nd Street

• Saint John the Evangelist Catholic Church-118 E. 2nd Street

• Evangelical Lutheran Church- 35 E. Church Street

• Joseph Dill Baker Carillon- Baker Park

On Thursday, January 1st, 2015 we'll visit Longwood Gardens to see the Christmas displays, both inside and outside. We'll meet at the Park-and-Ride lot at White Marsh Mall at 11:00 AM to carpool to Longwood Gardens. We'll stop for lunch at a fast-food restaurant in Kennet Square for lunch and sustenance prior to entering the gardens/conservatories. Participants will need to purchase tickets in advance at the Longwood Gardens website. Tickets will be $20 for Adults, $17 for Seniors, and $10 for students. You should probably select an entrance time after 1:00. That will give you plenty of time to explore the conservatories and gardens in the daylight, listen to a pipe organ concert/sing-along, perhaps grab a bite to eat at restaurant or cafe, then re-explore the gardens with their extensive lighting displays and have a look at the conservatories in the evening (a totally different experience than in the daytime).

A Longwood Christmas soars this season with our bird-inspired display.

From trees adorned with nests and feathered friends, to topiary swans in our Exhibition Hall, to birdhouses, owls, and bald eagles decorating our tree houses, this holiday season flies high.

For more: Contact Richard Spittel.


Christmas at Sea Gift Boxes Planned for Baltimore International Seafarers Center

In addition to our annual Advent giving tree, the Stewardship Committee is collecting items for special gift boxes to be distributed by the Baltimore International Seafarers Center (BISC) to crewmembers of various ships departing Baltimore during the Christmas season. We will fill shoe or comparable size boxes (limit 3-1/2 pounds or less each) with the following items: small-size toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, soap) sealed in original packages, warm socks or a hat, post cards of Maryland or Washington, a pad and pens, playing cards, etc. Perishables or chocolate cannot be used. One paperback New Testament ($2.50) will be included in each box. Our goal is ten boxes. If you have items to be boxed, have questions, or want to contribute towards the purchase of items (each box will cost about $10), please contact Paul Walker or Marion Malcolm. We will deliver the boxes to BISC in mid-December.

Stewardship Luncheon Planned for

December 7th

Our annual Stewardship Luncheon will be held after worship on Sunday, December 7th. We will welcome Pastor Gerry Rickel to present a brief program on his work with the Community of St. Dysmas Prison Ministry and the Baltimore International Seafarers Center. In addition, 2015 offering envelopes and pledge cards will be distributed. Please join us for a delicious meal, fellowship, and a chance to learn more about Lutheran ministries in the Delaware-Maryland Synod and how we can support them.

Volunteers Sought to Serve Breakfast at

Manna House On November 21st, a group from St. Mark’s served breakfast at Manna House. The experience was designed to see what is involved and pave the way for future opportunities. We are now hoping to continue serving at least one day per month and involve more volunteers. Volunteers report at 7:50. Service begins at 8 and ends at 10:15. Due to space, no more than six volunteers are needed at a time. For those who work, serving on a Saturday is another option. Serving lunch at the Franciscan Center is also a possibility. If you are interested, please contact Paul Walker or Austin Lee.

Members Sought for Contributing Society

The St. Mark’s Contributing Society is the oldest organization of the church. It was founded 154 years ago on 12 December 1860. The Society supports projects inside the church that are not included in the budget. Past projects have included pew cushions for the sanctuary and chairs in All Saints Chapel A basic annual membership is $5, but members often donate more. Special membership envelops will be available outside Lehr Hall or onrequest. A brief meeting of members to discuss potential project is planned soon. We hope you will become a member and attend the meeting. Questions may be addressed to Paul Walker. Thank you!


ELCA Good Gifts

Have you thought about alternate gift-giving at Christmas? The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has a catalogue called

ELCA GOOD GIFTS, The gifts offered in this catalogue help grow the church, fight hunger, and transform lives. Friends and loved ones who are honored with your gifts will receive cards acknowledging your contributions. For those who seem to have everything, the Good Gifts Catalogue may well be the answer.

Catalogues are available at St Mark’s. Please consider gifts that make differences in the lives of others. For additional information, please speak with Pastor Dusman. Thanks!

NEW YEAR’S EVE On Wednesday, 31 December, at 6:30 PM, we will gather in All Saints Chapel to celebrate the Holy Eucharist for New Year’s Eve. Please join us as we say “Good Bye” to 2014, and anticipate the New Year of 2015. The O Antiphons for the week prior to Christmas.. You may wish to incorporate these texts in your prayers on the days indicated. They are an ancient means of preparing for the Nativity of Our Lord.

December 17th: O Sapientia (Is. 11:2-3; 28:29): "O Wisdom, you come forth from the mouth of the Most High. You fill the universe and hold all things together in a strong yet gentle manner. O come to teach us the way of truth." December 18th: O Adonai (Is. 11:4-5; 33:22): "O Adonai and leader of Israel, you appeared to Moses in a burning bush and you gave him the Law on Sinai. O come and save us with your mighty power." December 19th: O Radix Jesse (Is. 11:1, 10): "O stock of Jesse, you stand as a signal for the nations; kings fall silent before you whom the peoples acclaim. O come to deliver us, and do not delay." December 20th: O Clavis David (Is. 9:6; 22:22): "O key of David and scepter of Israel, what you open no one else can close again; what you close no one can open. O come to lead the captive from prison; free those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." December 21st: O Oriens (Is. 9:1): "O Rising Sun, you are the splendor of eternal light and the sun of justice. O come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death." December 22nd: O Rex Gentium (Is. 2:4; 9:5): "O King whom all the peoples desire, you are the cornerstone which makes all one. O come and save man whom you made from clay." December 23rd: O Emmanuel (Is. 7:14) : "O Emmanuel, you are our king and judge, the One whom the peoples await and their Savior. O come and save us, Lord, our God."


Serving Schedule - December ‘14 7 December - Advent II Assisting Minister Deacon Connie Lisch Chalicist Richard Spittel Crucifer Louis Flake Lector Woodland Pomeroy Petitioner Sarah Begus Greeters C. Bahr, C. Bentley Tellers L. Flake, G. Ricketts 14 December - Advent III Assisting Minister Teri Bennett Chalicist Daniel Wilkey Crucifer Woodland Pomeroy Lector Christine Bentley Petitioner James Hicks Greeters C. Bahr, C. Bentley Tellers C. Byerly, P. Walker 21 December - Advent IV Assisting Minister Paul Walker Chalicist Audrey Huka Crucifer Louise Ricketts Lector Youth of St. Mark’s Petitioner Melanie Alfano Greeters C. Bahr, C. Bentley Tellers B. Hanson, J. Hoyle 24 December - Christmas Eve Assisting Minister Deacon Sue Romanic SubDeacon Richard Spittel Crucifer Woodland Pomeroy Torches Louis Flake, John LeBon Thurifer Harold Sachs Lector Charlotte Floyd Petitioner Rev. Thomas Davison Greeters C. Bahr, C. Bentley

25 December - Christmas Day Assisting Minister Deacon Connie Lisch Chalicist Paul Walker Crucifer John Schultz Lector Petitioner John Lisch Greeters B. Hanson, J. Hoyle Tellers L. Flake, A. Lee 28 December - 1st Sunday after Christmas Assisting Minister Susan Surrey Chalicist Audrey Huka Crucifer Louise Ricketts Lector Stephen Kohler Petitioner Barbara Hanson Greeters C. Bahr, C. Bentley Tellers J. Lisch, S. Surrey 4 January - Epiphany of our Lord (trf’d) Assisting Minister Deacon Connie Lisch Sub Deacon Richard Spittel Crucifer Woodland Pomeroy Torches A. Huka, L. Ricketts Thurifer Paul Walker Lector Gene Miller Petitioner Pamela Johnson Greeters G. Miller & D. Zimmerman Tellers N. Hunt, P. Walker 11 January - Baptism of Our Lord Assisting Minister Teri Bennett Chalicist Daniel Wilkey Crucifer John Schultz Lector Louis Flake Petitioner Ralph Welsh Greeters G. Miller & D. Zimmerman Tellers J. Hoyle, A. Huka


Daily Lectionary – December 1 Psalm 79 Micah 4:1-5 Revelation 15:1-8 2 Psalm 79 Micah 4:6-13 Revelation 18:1-10 3 Psalm 79 Micah 5:1-5a Luke 21:34-38 4 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Hosea 6:1-6 1 Thessalonians 1:2-10 5 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Jeremiah 1:4-10 Acts 11:19-26 6 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 Ezekiel 36:24-28 Mark 11:27-33 7 ADVENT II Isaiah 40:1-11 2 Peter 3:8-15a

Mark 1:1-8 8 Psalm 27 Isaiah 26:7-15 Acts 2:37-43 9 Psalm 27 Isaiah 4:2-6 Acts 11:1-18 10 Psalm 27 Malachi 2:10─3:1 Luke 1:5-17 11 Psalm 126 Habakkuk 2:1-5 Philippians 3:7-11 12 Psalm 126 Habakkuk 3:2-6 Philippians 3:12-16 13 Psalm 126 Habakkuk 3:13-19 Matthew 21:28-32 14 ADVENT III Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28 15 Psalm 125 1 Kings 18:1-18 Ephesians 6:10-17

16 Psalm 125 2 Kings 2:9-22 Acts 3:17─4:4 17 Psalm 125 Malachi 3:16─4:6 Mark 9:9-13 18 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 2 Samuel 6:1-11 Hebrews 1:1-4 19 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Hebrews 1:5-14 20 Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26 Judges 13:2-24 John 7:40-52 21 ADVENT IV 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16 Romans 16:25-27

Luke 1:26-38 22 Psalm 96 Zephaniah 3:8-13 Romans 10:5-13 23 Psalm 96 Zephaniah 3:14-20 Romans 13:11-14 24 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7

Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

25 NATIVITY OF OUR LORD Isaiah 52:7-10 Hebrews 1:1-12 John 1:1-14 26 Palm 148 Jeremiah 26:1-9, 12-15 Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60 27 Psalm 148 Exodus 33:18-23 1 John 1:1-9 28 FIRST SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS Isaiah 61:10─62:3 Galatians 4:4-7 Luke 2:22-40 29 Psalm 148 Isaiah 49:5-15 Matthew 12:46-50 30 Psalm 148 Proverbs 9:1-12 2 Peter 3:8-13 31 New Year’s Eve Psalm 148 1 Kings 3:5-14 John 8:12-19


We are Grateful for these Gifts to St. Mark’s Church:

To the Mission Endowment Fund: In memory of Anna Sandner by Rev. Carl Heim and Mrs. Margaret G. Greenawald In memory of Donna Fink by Rev. Carl Heim and Mrs. Margaret G. Greenawald In memory of Gordon Harris by Rev. Carl Heim and Mrs. Margaret G. Greenawald To the Music Fund: In memory of Mrs. Betty Lowden, and in memory of Mrs. Jean Morris by Rev. Lee Hudson

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DECEMBER '14 NEWS