GOOD NEWS

Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church • www.kmlchurch.org

INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

DECEMBER 2014

From the Pastor

Advent Services BeginDec. 3Pg. 2

Candlelight Carol SingDec. 20

Pg. 3

Alternative Gifts on Saleduring Advent

Pg. 7

Pantry Collecting forChristmas Hams

Pg. 8

Dear Friends,

I am not ready to even think about Christmas, but the deadline for the December newsletter is Nov. 14, so think of Christmas I must! Sooner than we are ready, children will be tucked in their beds with visions of Legos and X-Boxes dancing in their heads. When you’re a child, it seems as though Christmas is never going to come. For adults, however, it always comes too soon! My hope is that during the weeks of Advent, we at Kountze will be about preparing, inviting and giving.

Preparing Advent begins Sunday, Nov. 30 with our annual Advent Gathering. Another meaningful Advent celebration is the 2nd Annual Candlelight Carol Sing on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m., which in my view, was one of the most meaningful worship celebrations at Kountze during the last year. Our Advent theme is “God in the Manger,” a series of devotions written by Lutheran theologian and pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer. On the first three Wednesdays we will gather for a light supper, followed by Holden Evening Prayer and a brief homily around the themes: Dec. 3: Waiting Dec. 10: Mystery Dec. 17: Redemption Dec. 24: Incarnation (4, 7 and 11 p.m.)

InvitingYou would be surprised how deeply appreciative friends and family members are to receive an invitation to a Christmas Eve service. Christmas is a time of extremes. For some within our

community of faith, it is a time of profound joy. For others Christmas is a painful time. The loss of a loved one, the anguish of a broken relationship, the insecurity of employment, the weariness of health, the pain of isolation or the pressure of holiday preparations and activity—all these can make us feel isolated and alone. Please use the postcard in this issue of Good News to invite a new neighbor, friend, co-worker or family member to one of our Christmas Eve services. Simply place a $.49 stamp on the postcard and use it as an invitation. There are many more postcards in the back of the sanctuary and in the church office.

GivingAs we approach the end of the year, I am usually asked if there are special needs. Please use the offering envelope in this issue of Good News if you would like to make a special Christmas gift to Kountze. You may check: • Where Most Needed • Organ Refurbishment Fund • Food Pantry • Medical Clinic • Other (please specify) In order to guide your decision, consider the following: 1. “Where most needed” gives us the most flexibility at the end of the year, but you are certainly welcome to designate where you would like your special Christmas gift to be invested. 2. As of Nov. 15, we still owe $483,676.92 to the organ renovation fund. We have raised $616,323.08. 3. Our weekly Food Pantry, which I believe is the finest and one of the largest in Omaha, incurs

expenses averaging $1,500 per week. 4. Our weekly free medical clinic, which may be the only free clinic in Omaha, certainly supported by a congregation, incurs weekly expenses averaging $1,200 per week. Both the pantry and clinic exist outside regular ministry expenses. Both ministries fulfill one of the Great Commandments to love our neighbors and ourselves (Matthew 22:39). The fact that Kountze values and supports these ministries are frequently mentioned by young members as one reason for joining Kountze. Whether we are ready or not, the first Christmas was only the beginning. The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus were the beginning of a new age, with God’s people looking forward to the day when God’s kingdom would come in its fullness, when death is defeated forever and God’s good creation restored. The first Christmas was a foretaste and advertisement of another Christmas to come. Notice how Paul puts it in his Christmas ad to Titus: “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all.” That’s Christmas past. But now, Paul says, we must live in the light of Christmas future—“renouncing impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright and godly, while we wait for the blessed hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:11-13). In other words, Paul says, another Christmas is coming, and it’s never too early to get ready! In the Name of the Prince of Peace, Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor

Good News2

Pastors, Staff Christmas Bonuses

Dear Members of Kountze,

This is the time of year that we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also a time to recognize the blessings that have been bestowed on each of us by the giving of gifts and other treasures. Our pastors and church staff have worked hard this year to help us Worship, Grow and Serve faithfully. We have been blessed by their hard work and dedication to Kountze.

If you are interested in making a monetary contribution to our pastors and staff at the holidays, please mark your donation as “Staff Appreciation” and place it in the offering plate or mailing it to the church by Dec. 21.

In previous years, pastor and staff Christmas bonuses were paid from undesignated funds, but we would like to begin collecting for this through a special offering. What is collected will be distributed to all three pastors and 16 full- and part-time staff members. Your participation is optional, and your contribution is not tax deductible, but we hope you might be moved to express your sincere thanks to our good and faithful servants at Kountze.

On behalf of your Church Council, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Sincerely,Kathe AndersenVice-Chair, Church Council

Advent services beginGod Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas

From the editor’s preface:This devotional brings together daily reflections from one of the 20th century’s most beloved theologians, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945). These reflections have been chosen especially for the seasons of Advent and Christmas, a time when the liturgical calendar highlights several themes of Bonhoeffer’s belief and teachings. . . for Bonhoeffer waiting—one of the central themes of the Advent experience—was a fact of life during the war: waiting to be able to spend more than an hour a month in the company of his young fiancée, Maria von Wedemeyer; waiting for the end of the war. In his absence, friends and former students were killed and his parents’ home was bombed; there was little he could do about any of this except pray and wield a powerful pen. There was helplessness in his situation that he recognized as a parallel to Advent, Christians’ time of waiting for the

redemption of Christ.

These stirring words are among 40 devotions that will guide and inspire us as we move through the weeks of Advent and Christmas, from waiting and mystery to redemption, incarnation and joy. A family-friendly

dinner will be served from 5:45-6:45 p.m. (free-will offering) followed by Holden Evening Prayer in the sanctuary at 7 p.m. All confirmands will help serve and should arrive at 5:30 p.m. A special Advent Prayer Path will be available in the Youth Center for families to participate in. Our themes: • Wednesday, Dec. 3: Waiting. Menu: taco/nacho bar, brownies, coffee, milk and Kool-Aid. • Wednesday, Dec. 10: Mystery. Menu: meatball subs, cookies, coffee, milk and lemonade. • Wednesday, Dec. 17: Redemption. Menu: grilled cheese, tomato soup, dessert bars, coffee, milk and hot chocolate.

3www.kmlchurch.org

Christmas Services

Join us for Christmas Eve services at 4, 7 and 11 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24. There will also be a service at 10 a.m. on Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25. Our 7 p.m. service will be broad-cast on Dec. 24 at 10 p.m. on Cox Cable Ch. 126 (or 83-2). Celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ!

December Adult Forum Schedule

7

14

21

28

Martin Luther: The Basics (taught with Dr. Richard Sieling)

Martin Luther: The Basics Part 2 (taught with Dr. Richard Sieling)

Martin Luther: The Basics Part 3 (taught with Dr. Richard Sieling)

No Forum

Join us each Sunday at 10:10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall for the Adult Forum.

Church CouncilThe Church Council met on Nov. 18, 2014. The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed and accepted. Staff reports were reviewed and accepted. The Council viewed a video from the Nebraska Synod on Mission Share. Pastor Alvestad highlighted the upcoming Dec. 20 Candlelight Carol Sing, as well as our Pantry and Clinic operations. A Giving Kiosk will be installed at the Welcome Desk to accommodate those who wish to give to the church electronically. It was noted that the younger generation does not typically carry cash or checks, so it’s important for us to keep up with these

trends. A new Young Adult group for those ages 21 and up is being formed. Pastor Alvestad reviewed where we are with stewardship pledges. Follow-up will be done soon to those who have not responded yet. Tarna Kidder updated the Council on discussions with KETV, which are progressing. Global Mission has approved a new missionary to support: Rev. Chandran Paul Martin in India. The meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Pastoral ActsBaptismsMadeleine Rose Hinrichs Oct. 19, 2014 Emmett Robert Wardell Nov. 8, 2014

FuneralsBarbara Cooke Nov. 7, 2014

WeddingsLatasha Babcock/ Nov. 8, 2014 Zachary Taylor

Candlelight Carol SingKountze Memorial Lutheran Church

Saturday, Dec. 20 at 5 p.m. Free-will Offering

Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant!Oh, come ye, oh, come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold Him born the king of angels:Oh, come, let us adore Him, oh, come, let us adore Him,

Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

We invite you to join us for a program of Advent and Christmas Carol singing! This festive program will celebrate the birth of Jesus through scripture readings, sacred poetry, congregational singing and special musical offerings from the Kountze choirs, bells, brass, woodwinds, strings and more. The gift of the Eucharist will be shared. Beginning at 4:30 p.m., a beautiful prelude will be presented by some of the Kountze ensembles. Following the program we will gather in the Fellowship Hall for hot chocolate and Christmas cookies. It promises to be a lovely and meaningful event as we gather together to welcome the birth of Jesus through the gift of the blessed sacrament, word and song. Please remember to invite family and friends for this special event. We look forward to seeing you and joining you in song.

Good News4

Faith in ActionEach month, we will highlight a faith formation ministry happening in the church. Send us your stories of Faith In Action, and we’ll share them with the congregation. Contact Ian Hartfield at (402) 341-7761 or e-mail ian@kmlchurch.org with your stories.

TRUNK n’ TREAT

The Nebraska Lutheran World Relief (LWR) Ingathering for 2014 was held Nov 10-14. The continued generous response from the Sewing Group will help to ensure that LWR is able to respond to the increasing needs overseas. The Group donated 207 quilts, 24 health kits, 15 school kits, 89 pillow case dresses and two hand-tied baby quilts. Sewers this year were Bess Swanson, Tootie Rohde, Dorothy Stanzel, Alice Pickenpaugh, Marilyn Van Bibber, Peggy Johnson, Jean Holcombe, Ruth Martis, Kay Barlow, Myrna Carter, Carolyn Sieling and Chris Kendall. Thank you to all.

HELP COOK FOR STEPHEN CENTER

A sincere thank you to all who helped and attended the First Annual Trunk n’ Treat event in October. We welcomed nearly 200 children and families at Kountze for food, fun and fellowship! Fellowship Hall was decorated in the spirit of Halloween, and many people, including residents of deFreese Manor, hosted tables with candy and treats for the young ones. We were blessed to also

Each month, members of the Social Ministry Committee cook and provide a meal for the Stephen Center, an organization that works with homeless men, women and children. Meals are provided for approximately 80 individuals, and the group cooks the meal at Kountze on the second Tuesday of the month. Please contact Shirley Dietrich at (402) 553-7827 for more information or if you would like to help.

200 QUILTS DONATED TO LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

have so many from our neighborhood who come to the pantry join us! See you next year!

Dr. Eileen Wirth and Carol McCabe recently published a new local history book on Omaha’s worship centers. Omaha’s Historic Houses of Worship, published by Arcadia Publishing, tells the story of how people lived and how neighborhoods developed through more than 200 vintage images. In this book, readers can trace the city’s history of immigration, especially in the southern and northern sections of Omaha where the architectural styles of many churches are physical reminders of the people who built them. The book, available at local bookstores, opens with a description of

Omaha’s Mormon heritage and the Winter Quarters settlement then moves into founding of the city’s early congregations including First Congregational, St. Mary’s Catholic (ancestor of today’s St. Cecilia’s Cathedral), Trinity Episcopal Church, Emmanuel Lutheran Church (today’s Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church), Temple Israel and St. John’s A.M.E. Church, among many others.

New book covers history of local churchesNo Book Club in December

The Book Club will not meet in December. We will resume on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015, when we discuss “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith. This is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

www.kmlchurch.org 5

YOUTH And FAMILY @KMLCYOUTH

FACEBOOK.COM/KMLCYOUTH

@KMLCYOUTH

Connect with us!

Children’s MinistriesSunday SchoolOur Sunday School schedule this month is as follows: Dec. 7: John the Baptist (Mark 1:1-8); Christmas Program rehearsal. Dec. 14: Justice and Jubilee (Isa-iah 61:1-4, 8-11); Christmas Program. Dec. 21: The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38). Dec. 28: No Sunday School. Jan. 4: No Sunday School. Jan. 11: In the Beginning (Gen-esis 1:1-5).

Children’s ChoirsDon’t forget to check out Chil-dren’s Choirs on Sunday mornings. Both the Cherub Choir (K-2nd) and Good News Singers (3rd-6th grade) meet upstairs in the Sunday School classrooms from 11-11:45 a.m.

Girls Bible Study will be on Sunday, Dec. 14 from 7-8:30 p.m. The topic is still being determined. We will be meeting at Anna Kotula’s house. Please contact Katie Larson at katie@kml-church.org or (402) 341-7761 for the exact address.

Girls Bible StudyDec. 14

Children’s Christmas program at both services Dec. 14Join us for this year’s Children’s Christmas program, “Get in Line for Christmas,” by Cathy Skogen-Soldner, on Sunday, Dec. 14 at both the 9 and 11 a.m. services. There is a program rehearsal from 10-11:45 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, and there is also a dress rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 13 starting at 9:30 a.m. The children and youth will rehearse from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Parents are welcome to pick their children up at noon. Or if they need some extra time to finish Christmas

shopping, the children can stay for some lunch, fellowship time and a Christmas movie. The movie and fellowship time will

last until 2 p.m. Help is needed! We will need some extra volunteers to help with the children and youth during the rehearsal on Saturday, Dec. 13, as well as both services on Dec. 14. If you are interested in helping, please contact Katie Larson at katie@kmlchurch.org or (402) 341-7761 or Shari Lyles at sdlyles@gmail.com or (402) 680-4729.

Confirmation Schedulefor December

Our confirmation schedule this month is as follows: Dec. 3: Advent Devotional, Isaiah 40:4-5. Dec. 10: Advent Devotional, Isaiah 61:1 Dec. 17: Advent Devotional, Luke 3:11 Dec. 24: No Confirmation; Christmas Eve services at 4, 7 & 11 p.m. Dec. 31: No Confirmation. Jan. 7: Sacraments-Baptism, Part 1.

Families neededfor ushers, greeters

Ushers and Greeters serve a vital role in the life of Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church. Serving as an usher or greeter is a wonderful way to get to know others in our faith community and beyond! 9 a.m. ushers serve a month at a time, typically every third month. 11 a.m. ushers serve for a month at a time every other month. Saturday ushers serve on a week-to-week basis. Greeters typically serve one or two months out of the year at the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. Greeters are also needed each week at the handicap entrance. For more information or if you and your family are interested in serving as an Usher or a Greeter, please contact Ian Hartfield, Director of Congregational Life, at ian@kmlchurch.org or (402) 341-7761. Thank you!

Good News6

Stewardship SpotlightTHANK YOU! The Stewardship Committee would like to thank the more than 200 households who have provided their 2015 Estimate of Giving card through Consecration Weekend. Estimating your giving at just under $500,000, you are an important part of the process for planning the use of God’s resources returned to God for God’s work. If you forgot to turn in your Estimate of Giving card or are still considering your 2015 giving, there will be cards available from the ushers and at various locations throughout the church. Once completed, place your card in the offering plate, drop it off at the office or mail it to the office in the envelope provided in the mailing. The Stewardship Committee will be sending a follow-up letter to households who have not yet turned in their card.

“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) God loves us so much He has entrusted much to each of us—talents, time, money and possessions. As the church approaches 2015, information will be provided to you with regard to opportunities to use your time/talents to Worship, Grow and Serve. Be looking for those materials and consider making a commitment—a New Year’s resolution perhaps—to begin or to continue serving God by volunteering your time toward one or more of the many important volunteer opportunities. There are a lot of tasks that go relatively unseen by most of us, but are necessary for the church to Worship, Grow and Serve as it does. How might God be calling you to use your time and talents to love God and to serve others?

PLEDGE CARD REMINDERIf you have not returned your 2015 Estimate of Giving, please do so. Your pledges help us with planning and budgeting for our missions and programs. Drop your pledge card in the offering plate, or mail or drop it off to the church office. Thank you for supporting our mission to worship, grow and serve!

Each holiday season, Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church anticipates and relies on a seasonal increase in contributions. It is through the donations of every individual and family in the congregation that we are able to carry on our work now and throughout the year.

If you need a convenient way to make recurring contributions or plan to make an additional gift before the end of the year, we encourage you to check out our electronic giving options. As the pace of life speeds up around the holidays, you may find electronic giving a most welcome way

Demonstrate your thankfulness this seasonto make contributions. To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at kmlchurch.org and locate the Online Giving tab. Or if it’s easier, complete a paper authorization form and return it to the church office.

Changes to TV broadcast on Cox CablePlease note the following change to our television broadcasts on Cox Cable. Our 9 a.m. Sunday service is still broadcast live on Cox Cable Ch. 126. However, the digital-ready channel has changed from 84-4 to 83-2.

Visit our website at kmlchurch.org for more information.

Lutheran Campus Ministry

Taizé worship will resume in St. John’s Church at Creighton University on Thurs-days at 8 p.m. on Jan. 22, Feb. 26 and April 16. All are welcome to this ecumenical and contemplative form of music and prayer.

www.kmlchurch.org 7

Global MissionAlternative Gifts are backMany of you have begun family traditions of including Alternative Gifts as part of your Christmas gift giving. We are pleased to announce that again this year the Global Mission Committee will be offering many life-changing gifts for you to choose. The Alternative Gift Table will be available during the Forum time in Fellowship Hall starting on Advent Sunday, Nov. 30 and continuing on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. The gifts available support a wide range of important causes, including the Kountze Pantry and Healing Gift Free Medical Clinic, as well as supporting children and families in need around the globe. We look forward to seeing you at the Alternative Gift Table to help you choose a gift that truly represents God’s love this Christmas. Employment Mentors for Refugees NeededLutheran Family Services in Omaha is one of only two sites selected nationally to receive a grant to support a pilot project called the “Refugee Employment Mentoring

Project.” Mentors in all career fields are needed to work with former refugees to help them take steps toward achieving their full career potential. There are three criteria for former refugees to receive mentoring under this new program: 1) they must speak English, 2) they must be currently employed and 3) they must have been in the U.S. for three years or more. Many of the candidates are on the path to citizenship. Although they are employed, most refugees’ jobs are manual labor that doesn’t make use of the skills, education or potential from their former lives. They need mentors to help them network, understand career opportunities and learn about companies and potential employers in Omaha. Do you have an hour a week for three months to spend mentoring a former refugee to help him or her become a fully productive and contributing citizen in our society? For more information, please contact Ruth Henneman at Lutheran Family Services, (402) 978-5654 or e-mail rhenneman@lfsneb.org.

Thank you!

Thank you to all the youth, parents and members who helped with the Veterans Breakfast in November. It was a wonderful morning of fellowship and celebration for those who have served our country. We served nearly 300 people, and the youth were here at 6 a.m. joyfully cooking pancakes. Thanks to everyone who helped, attended and donated!

Women’s Newsn The Christmas Tea is at noon on Friday, Dec. 5. No reservations are required. Simone Weber will entertain.

n The December Board Meeting is at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 11.

n Lutheran Women of Omaha will meet at Luther Memorial Lutheran Church on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at noon. Simone Weber will be the program, and Table Grace will be the project. If interested in attending, call Carole Woodworth at (402) 339-2056.

n The circle project for December is the Kountze Heat Fund; the project for January is the missions of Church Women United—Youth Emergency Services and Omaha Street School.

n There will be no January Board Meeting.

Yesterday’s Youth Heritage Series resumes in January

The Wednesday eve-ning Heritage Series with Pr. Hall will pause to celebrate the Advent and Christ-mas liturgies. We will resume Jan. 21 (tenta-tive) and continue reading Timothy Wengert’s A Formula for Parish Prac-tice: Using the Formula of Concord in Congregations.

Please join us on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at noon for a festive Christmas meal and ornament exchange. Each person/couple can bring one new, wrapped ornament to join in the fun. After the meal, we will continue the festivities with the ornament exchange and each of us sharing our favorite Christmas memory or tradition. Please call the church office for reservations at (402) 341-7761. Hope to see you there!

Good News8

Urban Ministries Going GreenThis year the Pantry would like to make Christmas special by providing a ham for each of our guests. We will be purchasing fresh, four-pound hams from Hy-Vee at a cost of $6 to $7 each. We will need to purchase 400 hams to meet the current pantry demand. That means we will need to raise between $2,400 and $2,800. If you would like to help make this possible, please put your donation in a pew envelope and label it “Pantry Ham,” or stop by the office and put it in our Pantry “Piggy Bank.” We are also collecting hats, mittens and gloves for our pantry guests. You can help our guests stay warm this winter by bringing any of these clothing items to the office or putting them on the counter in the west entryway. Thank you for supporting our pantry ministry and making Christmas a special time for our guests!

Inspiring TechnologyIt can be depressing when news article after news article is focused on the negative impact humans have on the environment from resource depletion to pollution to mounting waste fields. There are, however, countless other untold stories about how human ingenuity is changing the way we look at what is possible. Here are a few that I hope leave you smiling:

• Kinetic Energy Harvesting. Big word, but basically kinetic energy is the energy generated from motion. Pavegen is a company that capturing the power of human feet to produce electricity. Their revolutionary tiles have been used on the course of the Paris Marathon, on sidewalks at the London Summer Olympics and now on local soccer fields in Rio de Janeiro to power lights for safe night play. • Africa’s Largest Solar Field Comes Online. The Jasper solar farm near Kimberley, South Africa, is now the continent’s largest solar power project. Completed in October, it has a capacity of 96 mW—enough to power 80,000 homes annually! South Africa has a goal of having 18 gW of renewable energy by 2030.

Local Events Holiday Market Dec. 6-7; Aksarben Village

Seasonal foods, crafts and gifts from local vendors. Sustainability Leadership Presentation Series Dec. 4, 3:30-5 p.m.; UNO Civic Engagement Center – Downstairs Commons Lounge The SLPS brings in guest speakers monthly and is hosted by Central Community College, Metro Community College and Joslyn Institute for Sustainable Communities Have a specific sustainable education interest? Send your Going Green newsletter topic suggestions to tarna.kidder@kiewit.com. If you’re interesting in getting more involved in the Going Green Program, please contact Pastor Hall. Green Links www.treehugger.com www.greenomahacoalition.org www.nebraskaipl.org

Calling all young adults of KMLC, ages 21 and over! Plans are underway for a fun fellowship event in January. Be sure to watch the church website, bulletin, e-blast and monthly newsletter for more information. College students, young singles, parents, professionals, friends and neighbors are all invited to join us as

we begin this new group. Please contact Katie Larson or Ian Hartfield at (402) 341-7761 or katie@kmlchurch org or ian@kmlchurch.org to be included in future event notices and reminders. We will also be forming a group/page on social media very soon! Be sure to check us out.

New Young Adult group forming

www.kmlchurch.org 9

Congregational Life CornerBy Ian Hartfield, Director of Congregational Life

“Jesus Christ, you are the light of the world; the light no darkness can overcome; stay with us now for it is evening; and the day is almost over; Let your light scatter the darkness, and shine within your people here.” – Procession, Holden Evening Prayer

In this season of Advent, a season that more often than not is filled with trips to the shopping mall, holiday gatherings, running last-minute errands and trying to fit in all of the end-of-the-year busyness, it is easy to forget the meaning of Advent and the blessings and light that shines through each of our lives. In stark contrast, the first Sunday in Advent marks the beginning of a new church year, a time where we wait patiently with hopefulness of the gift that God promises us through the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent is an ideal time to refocus on the places where the excitement and hope of Christ’s presence intersects with the needs of our community and world. And in John’s Gospel, Jesus is referred to as the “light of the world,” who banishes the darkness. Jesus calls us to also be a light in the world by meeting the needs of our community–family, friends and neighbors, with faithfulness, joy and compassion. In that spirit of faithfulness, joy and compassion, we wish to thank the following individuals for their many years of dedicated service to our congregation—individuals who are always shining God’s light for the sake of others, our faith community and the world. Karen and Shirley Bonneau – Altar Guild Co-Chairs. Before retiring in October, Karen and Shirley

coordinated our Altar Guild ministry for many years, helping to ensure the good order of our worship services, by taking care of the paraments (altar linens), albs and altarware (candles, cross, torches, etc.), as well as helping with communion, baptisms, special services, cleaning and much more, no doubt touching thousands of lives of those who attend worship here at Kountze. Many of their tasks went unnoticed, but were nonetheless essential to our worship life—one that is central to our faith. Mark and Marylin Oldaker – OSJ Sponsors at 9 a.m. Since the mid 1990’s, Mark and Marylin have helped direct our order of acolytes known as the Order of Saint John, a ministry that dates back to 1941 here at Kountze and to the third century in the early church. The word acolyte means “one who helps,” and Mark and Marylin have embodied that meaning with grace, dedication and joy! They were present most Sundays to assist our youth in preparing for worship and

Marylin and Mark Oldaker

Karen (left) and Shirley Bonneau

guide them in their duties. They helped lead OSJ trainings and made sure that each acolyte served with reverence. In addition, Mark and Marylin directly contributed to a renewal of this ministry over the past few years. As they step aside, we rejoice in their ministry! In this season of Advent, may we remember those that shine in and through our lives, bringing us closer to God, helping us to live like Jesus and build His church! Karen, Shirley, Mark and Marylin are true blessings to our congregation and God’s Kingdom. Because of their busyness throughout the year, each of us, and countless more, have been able to truly experience the wonder of Advent and the mystery of God in every season and in every moment so that we can do the same. Thanks be to God!

A hot, Sunday breakfast is available at Kountze each Sunday from 8-11 a.m. in Fellowship Hall with a free-will offering. Please be generous! The menu consists of an egg dish, a breakfast meat, fresh fruit and hot cereal. If you would like to help with breakfast service, please contact Pastor Alvestad in the church office at (402) 341-7761 or Chef Dan Templeton at (402) 342-0547.

Sunday breakfast available

Good News10

Happy Birthday!Dec. 1

Rebecca Anderson, Marlys Duin, Søren Johnson, Kim Neville, Ashley Sum

Dec. 2Dianne Bruckner

Dec. 3Clay Cameron, Michele Eakins, Carol Gleason, Brad Nord

Dec. 4Barbara Andersen, Gary Clatterbuck, Troy Dougherty

Dec. 5Dale Broekemeier, Inna Weedman, Alan Woster

Dec. 6Phyllis Boe, Brad Cochran, Dale Ervin, Jery Inbarasu, Aage Jensen, Nicholas Natvig

Dec. 7Arlene Hirsh, Delores Kocourek, Neil Stier

Dec. 8Madison Duffield, Lowell Harms, Tara Strauss, Frank Walczer, Debra Woosley

Dec. 9Jan Bowder, Craig Hill, Jenny Johnston, Renee Osborn, Norman Sack, Scott Saxton, Jeffrey Watts

Dec. 10Sydney Kinish

Dec. 11Marilyn Baker, Robert Burt, Eunice Grunberg

Dec. 12Phyllis Green, Zachary Johnson, David Roethemeyer, Ronald Stadie

Dec. 13Hal France, Luke Woosley

Dec. 14James Camenzind, Maggie Day, Emily Drickey, John Georgeson, Susan Mollner, William Pemberton, Susan Sanders, Carol Wake

Dec. 15Ryan Daugherty, Lori Grisso

Dec. 16Gary Dietrich, Leigh Freeman, Gage Hansen

Dec. 17Dorothy Cross, Carla Ohm

Dec. 18Larry Jacobsen, Craig Johnson, Benjamin Williams

Dec. 20Vera Bang, Andrew Darr, Richard Fogleman, Jamie Freier, Mary Gruber, Eric Rees

Dec. 21Steven Hansen

Dec. 22Justin Bailey, James Bodnar, Julianna Green, Erin Marek, Melanie Reida-Sample, Suzanne Schueler, Beverly Troxel

Dec. 23Steven Duffield, Debra Kee, Barbara Larson, Corey Lynch

Dec. 24Charles Martis III, Marjorie Sullivan

Dec. 25Kathe Andersen, Carson Ohm, Ashley Rusch, Randy Titus, Ed White

Dec. 26Nancy Rodene, Gary Westerman, Holly Willert

Dec. 27Emilio Arispe, Robert Nelson, Colleen Sorensen, John Waterman, Tanya Kosola, Zachary Zellmar

Dec. 28Kathryn Dean, Elizabeth Portrey, Dorothy Stanzel, Leon Tuite, Joel Woosley

Dec. 29Jane Bos, Shane Hallowell, Arthur E. Land, Linda Swartz

Dec. 30Monica Albers, Kara Di Lorenzo, Rodney Edwards, Deborah Ricks

Dec. 31Jeffrey Baker, Peter Kassay-Farkas, Brianne Minturn, Linda Siffring

Will you offer a ride?We are looking for volunteers from all sections of the greater Omaha area who might volunteer to bring someone to church once or twice a month. If you are interested in participating or if you need a ride to church, please contact the church office at (402) 341-7761.

Interested in ordering The Lutheran magazine?No other magazine offers members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) the range of inspi-rational and informative stories found in The Lutheran. Delivered directly to subscribers’ homes each month, The Lutheran is recognized for its award-

Men’s LuncheonDec. 11

The KMLC Men’s Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 11:30 a.m. We will meet at Kountze Memorial and carpool to our destination. All men of KMLC are invited. Rev. Dean Bard will host us at the Omaha Press Club, which features stunning views of downtown Omaha and the Missouri River from the 22nd floor of the First National Tower, caricatures of famous Omahans and delicious food! The cost is $16, and please bring cash. You have a choice of entrée: Prime Rib Sandwich, Chicken Caesar Wrap or Thunderbird Salad. The prime rib and chicken wrap come with a side. All include drinks, taxes and gratuities. Please R.S.V.P. to the church office or to Ian Hartfield by Tuesday, Dec. 9 with your choice of entrée. Call (402) 341-7761 or e-mail ian@kmlchurch.org.

winning content and design. Visit www.thelutheran.org to see a sampling of articles from each issue. In-depth study guides are devel-oped for two or three articles each issue and are also available online. Annual subscriptions are $11.75.

If you’re interested in subscribing, visit the Welcome Desk in Fellowship Hall or contact the church office at (402) 341-7761.

Non-ProfitOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDOmaha NE 68131

Permit 238

Kountze MemorialLutheran ChurchGood News • December 20142650 Farnam St.Omaha, NE 68131-3616

Phone: (402) 341-7761Fax: (402) 341-4841E-mail: info@kmlchurch.orgWeb: www.kmlchurch.org Jeffery Alvestad, Senior PastorH. Ashley Hall, Associate Pastor Inba Inbarasu, Visitation Pastor

Worship Schedule:Saturday at 5 p.m.

Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m. Wednesday Communion at 12:15 p.m.

The 9 a.m. Sunday service is televised live on Cox Cable Ch. 126 in Omaha.

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

At 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 23, Lutheran Campus Ministry at Creighton and St. John’s Parish (at Creighton University) are co-sponsoring an ecumenical prayer service to celebrate our commitment to our Lord’s Prayer that his disciples might be one (John 17:21). Ecumenical leaders from all over the city have been invited. Please save the date and join us! More information to come.

Rogation WeekApril 19-26

Our annual Rogation Week is celebra-tion of God’s good creation and a com-mitment to be wise and good stewards of this great gift. Our Sunday liturgy has a thanksgiving for/care of creation theme and there are “clean-up” events on site and in the community. We plan to continue the ecumenical and com-munity partnership that began last year. We also plan to continue bringing in an outside, community speaker. Please save the date and join us! More infor-mation to come.

If you ordered a directory, please visit the Welcome Desk in Fellowship Hall to pay for and/or pick up your directory. Additional copies can also be purchased. Did you know? Many Kountze business owners are featured in the back section of the new church directory. Be sure to keep them in mind when in need of car repairs, printing, selling a home and more!

Pick up yourdirectory