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“The God of Christmas Still Reigns
Supreme” by Pastor Woldt
“When the time had fully come, God sent
forth his Son, born of a woman, born under
law, to redeem those under law, that we
might receive the full rights of sons.”
a
How would you summarize the message
of Christmas? Many people say Christmas
is about “peace on earth.” They look for
Christmas to put an end to wars and
hostility. Isn’t it ironic that the celebration
of Christmas itself often causes conflict with
avowed atheists? Others say Christmas is
all about giving. Isn’t it ironic that
Christmas has become the most commercial
(and often self-centered) of holidays as
people expect to receive gifts and bonuses?
Christians rightly confess that Christmas is
all about Jesus, the Son of God, who took on
human flesh. Jesus is the Light that shines
in this sin-darkened world. Christmas is a
time to remember Jesus and thank God for
His gift of salvation.
Another Christmas truth deserves some
attention again this year. Christmas teaches
us that God is still in control! The apostle
Paul understood this truth as he wrote to the
Galatians: “When the time had fully come,
God sent forth his Son!” (Galatians 4:4)
God worked behind the scenes of history to
perfectly prepare the world for the birth of
his Son. God used pagan Romans to
establish a time of unprecedented peace and
communication. God used the decree of an
unbelieving Roman emperor to bring Mary
and Joseph from Nazareth to
Bethlehem, the very place where the
Old Testament prophets said Jesus
would be born. God used the spiritual
emptiness in Israel to create a longing
for peace and truth in the hearts of
many people, a longing that only Jesus
could fill. No matter what the historical
scene appeared to be in first century
Israel, God was in control.
God is still in control. Many in our
nation are worried and concerned about
national and global politics. Leaders
are judged to be lacking either wisdom
to govern or concern for their people.
Public dialogue reveals an absence of
respect for the true God and his moral
will for people. What a mess our world
seems to be at times!
But Christmas reminds us that God
is still in control. God is always
working to prepare our world, or rather
his world, for the proclamation of the
gospel. The time has fully come to
share the message of Christmas with
others!
As we gather at the manger again
this year, may God the Holy Spirit fill
us with awe and reverence as we
contemplate both the power and grace
of our God. May God bless you and
your loved ones with the quiet
confidence that comes from knowing
that the loving God who sent us Jesus is
still in control and always working for
your eternal good!
December 2013
Volume XVI,
Number 4
Happy Birthday Seniors!!
Lillian Boeker…91 yrs. old…12/2/1922
Elmer Kowalske…82 yrs. old…12/6/1931
Arlene Rusch…80 yrs. old …12/10/1933
Sydney Smith… 81 yrs. old… 12/22/1932
Martha Liesener…88 yrs. old…12/23/1925
DECEMBER 2013
GREETERS
Dec. 1st 7:45;
10:15; Jim & Sandy Siebers
Dec. 8th 7:45; Ray and Linda Liesener
10:15; Joel & Carrie Hinz
Dec. 15th 7:45; The Steve Bintz Family
10:15; Rick & Rachel Kwiecinski
Dec. 22nd 7:45; Jim and Jean Korthals
10:15; Chris Rose
Dec. 29th 7:45; Ross and Colleen Lemke
10:15; Dale & Barb Pratt
LADIES' AID CHRISTMAS PARTY
All ladies of the congregation are invited to the annual
Ladies' Aid Christmas Appetizer Party on Thursday,
December 13 starting at 6:30pm in the Multi-purpose
room. Please bring an appetizer and a dozen cookies-6
of the cookies will be used in the care packages for the
shut-ins.
Please bring $5 to help fund the new tables we would
like to purchase for the gym and your own personal gift
to WELS Disaster Relief.
Please bring a "White Elephant" wrapped gift for a game
that we will be playing. If you have any questions,
please call Colleen Loeffler, 677-2319.
BIBLE CLASS OFFERINGS
What Others are Saying About God! will be led by
Pastor Woldt in church. A look at popular religious
groups who deny clear Bible testimony about God and
his saving work in Jesus.
Law Meets Gospel: The Reformation of the Church
and Dr. Martin Luther Dr. Patrick Steele and Pastor
Kurt Loescher will meet in the multi-purpose room in
school.
Have you ever wondered what happened that the Roman
Catholic Church of the Middle Ages got to be such a
mess? Where did all those strange teachings come
from? How did Luther rise up out of it? How was he
able to stand so staunchly against such fearful odds? Dr.
Patrick Steele and Pastor Loescher will explore these
questions in a team taught bible study on the reformation
of the Church. In the process we will underscore the
timeless truths about humanity, the Church, the power of
the Gospel, and the grace of God.
WOMEN NURTURING WOMEN THURSDAY
MORNING BIBLE STUDY
invites you to come to class on Thursday, October 3rd at
9:30. We will meet in the multi-purpose room located
behind the concession area. We will meet the 1st and
3rd Thursday mornings of each month at 9:30. It is
always uplifting and encouraging to be in God's Word
together. We hope you can come. God's Word gives us
great joy, strength and comfort, for every day. With
questions call Beth Steinbrenner at 262.685.7420 or e-
mail me at [email protected].
MEN’S BREAKFAST BIBLE STUDY
at Jimmy’s in Jackson meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday
at 6:00 am.
BARNABAS
is the name of our small group bible studies. We took
that name from an early disciple who was given that
nickname because he was such an encourager. Our
small group home bible studies are also intended for the
encouragement of one another. The groups are on-going,
but anytime is a good time to get involved in a group.
Call or email Pastor Loescher if you’d like to get
involved. 677.0919 or [email protected].
David’s Star Church
Council Meeting Capsule November 12, 2013
Members in attendance: Pastor Woldt, Pastor Loescher,
Tim Gustafson, Brian Lee, Kevin Behm, Bob Heider,
Dennis Bell, Andy Loeffler, Kurt Henning, Dan Bolha,
Randy Matter, David Zarling.
Absent: Jim Korthals
The meeting was called to order by Brian Lee. The
meeting was opened with a prayer by Pastor Woldt. A
motion was made and carried to approve the minutes
from the regularly scheduled meeting on October 8,
2013.
Committee Reports
Membership Report (Pastor Woldt)
Incoming: Lickteig, Karl & Trisha; Livia, Amelia,
Piper
Profession of faith
Zimmermann, Timothy & Jennifer; Maria,
William, Rebekah
Profession of faith
Zuberbier, Luther & Alesha
Transfer from St. Peter’s, Fond du Lac,
WI
Outgoing: Kison, Jonathon
Release
Pastors’ Report
Pastor Loescher, Telephone # 262.677.0919
Pastor Woldt, Telephone # 262.377.1019
MLC Sunday is this coming week. Pastor Michael
Otterstatter, VP for Mission Advancement, will be
preaching for the service. Morning Star is going to
handle its own Midweek Advent Services this year, now
that they have a new associate pastor. However, we will
continue to be involved in a preaching rotation for the
Lenten season. We continue to appreciate all the
members who care for our facilities and grounds in so
many ways that often go without recognition. Thank
you for your faithful service to the Lord. Plans are being
formulated to use the new WELS-produced video on the
life of Christ (Come, Follow Me!) after Christmas in an
8 week Bible Study on Sundays. We appreciate the
worship support Kris Eggers has been able to provide in
her role as Worship Music Coordinator with her limited
amount of release time during the school day. Please
look for opportunities to encourage the people in your
life to worship and join in Bible study!
President’s Report
Brian Lee, Telephone # 262.377.9419
Teacherage/Parish Center – There is nothing new to
report We are still targeting an early 2014 tear-down.
Subpoena – There is nothing new to report on this
subject either. As reported earlier, David’s Star was
served a subpoena by the law firm representing West
Shore Pipe Line Company. Our legal counsel is still
advising us to be patient, and let the system work. At
this time, legal costs have been held to a minimum.
By-laws – Two discussion sessions have been scheduled
– one for November 14th and the other for December 1
st,
both starting at 6PM. Please attend one of the two, if
possible.
Board for
Buildings and Grounds
Kurt Henning 262.677.2797
Fall arbor night was a big success with a great turnout.
Special thanks to Matt Hartwig for bringing up all the
equipment. New fall planting will occur along the
pastors’ driveway to replace old pine trees. The trees
will be a leaf-bearing kind. Some arborvitae plantings
along the south side of church will also be planted to
cover the fire exit from church. Some tree stumps in the
cemetery will be removed. A complete review of the
parsonages will be done this fall to determine what items
will be budgeted for 2014. Updates to flooring and
windows will be reviewed. Three new lights were
installed by the church sign on David’s Star Drive. The
lit cross on the church has been fixed.
Board for Elementary Education
Bob Heider, Telephone #262.644.1726
Principal Tim Gustafson Telephone # 262.338.3992
The committee has had preliminary discussions
pertaining to the budget and proposed tuition rates. We
would like to hold the budgeted tuition rates at the same
rate, if possible.
Tim Gustafson reported that the dishwasher in the
kitchen is not working, and there has been an offer to
purchase it for parts. After discussion, it was decided to
not offer it for sale at this time.
COUNCIL CAPSULE SUMMARY OF NOVEMBER 2013 COUNCIL MEETING
Board of Elders
Dennis Bell, 262.677.2248
The elder board has agreed to have “The Branches
Band” enhance our worship on January 1st at the 9:30
service.
Terry Hansen informed us that he had contacted Mark
Oestreich for an update on our request pertaining to our
audio/visual project. The companies that they have
interviewed have not provided a quote, and we are not
sure that they will. E-mails have suggested that each
projector would cost $10,000 each, and that we would
need two. Our current screen is damaged, and Terry will
look for a replacement.
Dave Martin reported to the Board that the next OWLS
meeting is on November 18th.
Pastor Loescher presented a rough draft of “Joys of our
Fellowship”. The theme of this effort is to consider
what it means to be a member of David’s Star. He made
a suggestion to use it in the next issue of our “Good
News” newsletter. This also could end up being a
mailing followed up with face-to-face visits to members
for discussion.
After some discussion of findings form the elders
solicitation of our congregation, we have decided to have
a German Christmas Song Service on December 22nd
at
1PM. Professor John Hartwig has agreed to preside.
Pastor Loescher will work with the Evangelism
Committee on the promotion of the event.
The Harvest Home meal had 99 people in attendance
with 15 confirmands in attendance from 1943, 1953, and
1963 classes.
Advent by Candlelight is scheduled for December 8th.
Lynne Tews reports that we need new tables and chairs
for events like this.
Kris Eggers is making good use of her release time to
prepare music for our services, and as appreciative of
this flexibility. She also reported that we only have two
to three men showing up each week in the mixed choir.
(No tenor section this year!) so she had to make changes
in the music she selects.
Evangelism Committee
David Zarling, Telephone # 414.839.0094
Heavy-duty planning for the Living Nativity is now
taking place with four congregations involved. Dennis
Sprenger from Morning Star is coordinating this event.
We are looking for help with the building set and
costumes.
Pastor Loescher spoke on “Come, Follow Me!”, the
sequel to “Road to Emmaus”.
Stewardship Committee
Jim Korthals, Telephone # 262.242.8143
Randy Matter reported that he is organizing and
preparing the budget worksheets on Jim’s behalf, and
that they should be available in the next several weeks.
Spiritual Growth Committee
Andy Loeffler, Telephone #262.677.2319
Andy reported that he will work on getting “Come,
Follow Me!” on the Bible class schedule for around
Easter.
Treasurer’s Report
Randy Matter, Telephone # 262.376.1585
The October 31, 2013 report was presented indicating an
ending operating fund balance at 10/31/13 in the amount
of ($2,487.22), representing an increase in our deficit
during the month in the amount of $17,526. Operating
fund receipts for the month were $77,319 which is a
119.6% of our budget. Randy reported that last month’s
report was not correct, and that there was a $15,009.35
negative adjustment to the operating fund to correct this.
Vice Presidents Report
Dan Bolha, Telephone #262.677.3485
No report.
A motion was made and carried to accept all reports
except those items that needed separate action under old
or new business.
Old Business
None.
New Business
Visit by David Bartelt of KMLHS- Dave Bartelt
delivered a presentation to Council regarding their
operating budget, encouraging us as a congregation to
consider increasing our giving and support of their
operating fund. After Dave’s presentation, Council
discussed what we as a congregation will do relative to
our budget, as well as anything extra such as a special
drive, etc.
Nominating Committee – There was discussion
regarding pending vacancies within Council and boards.
Kevin Behm was appointed Chairman of the Nominating
Committee. Bob Heider and Dave Zarling will serve on
this committee, as well.
Items for Annual Voters Meeting
(7PM, January 16, 2014)
Next month’s meeting is Tuesday, December 10, 2013
at 7:00 P.M. The next Voters meeting will be
Thursday, January 16, 2014 at 7:00 PM.
A motion was made and carried to adjourn. The meeting
was closed with prayer.
Respectively submitted,
Kevin A. Behm, Recording Secretary
BIRTHDAY
PARTY FOR JESUS
DECEMBER 22,
2013
9:00 – 10:00 AM
David’s Star Gym
You are invited to join for fellowship and singing of
Christmas carols.
Cake and beverages will be provided.
Note: Please bring cookies, grapes, or
cheese & crackers to share.
(On that Sunday there will be no Bible Study between
services.)
CHURCH FLOWER DONATIONS NEEDED FOR
2014
The beautiful flowers you see on the altar every week are
purchased and donated by the members of our
congregation. After the services they are taken to the
shut-ins, or to anyone who may be hospitalized, to help
brighten their day. The flowers are prepared and
delivered by Groth’s Country Gardens. The cost is
$44.35. Sign-up sheets will be in the narthex starting next
weekend. If you have any questions, please call Lynet
Steele at 414.510.8623 or email at [email protected]
if you are interested. We are also looking for more
volunteers to deliver the flowers for the months of June,
July and November.
Parish Nurse News
Flu & You
Preventing Influenza in Older
Adults
I just heard on the radio that Wisconsin has already
documented cases of influenza, earlier than most years.
What that means for this year’s flu season remains to be
seen but I thought it might be a good time to talk about
influenza and prevention of this serious illness with
information from the National Council on Aging.
The CDC and leading health experts recommend
that everyone 6 months of age and older get an annual
immunization as the best way to help protect themselves
from the flu. Vaccination is especially important for
adults 65 and older because they are at higher risk for
developing flu-related complications such as pneumonia,
bacterial infections, or hospitalization. Influenza and
pneumonia are the fifth leading cause of death in older
adults in the United States. The flu results in thousands
of hospitalizations and deaths in the U.S. every year.
Why are older adults at a greater risk? As we age,
our immune system typically weakens, even if we feel
healthy and are active. It’s estimated that more than
200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized each year
from flu-related illness.
The flu can be dangerous for older adults because it
can make other health conditions worse. It is especially
serious for people with heart disease, lung disease,
diabetes, and cancer, conditions that commonly affect
older adults.
Do you have more questions about the implications
for older adults with regard to the flu? Outside the
Health Office on the window sill are several sources of
more information from the National Council on Aging.
Feel free to take some home with you! Protect. Learn.
Understand. Safeguard.
Prison Ministry Opportunity: The WELS Prison
Ministry collects the first page/cover of Christmas or
other greeting cards that are then distributed to inmates
in prison for them to use. Those without any personal
writing or glitter are greatly appreciated. You’ll find a
clear plastic bin on the bookcase in the Health Office
labeled with WELS Prison Ministry for you to deposit
your cards in. Or just leave them on the desk for Sue to
take care of! Questions? Call Sue @ 677-3485! Prison
inmates appreciate these cards, creating an opportunity
to share the Gospel! Save your cards and the Parish
Nurses will mail them to the WELS Prison Ministry.
Together in Christ,
Sue Bolha RN, Parish Nurse
[email protected] 677-3485
David’s Star “OWLS Nest Update”!
The next planned activity for the David’s Star
OWLS Chapter will be an outing to the Seminary
Christmas Concert on December 8th and any
WELS/ELS seniors are invited to come along! We will
meet in the south entrance school parking lot at David’s
Star at 2pm with opportunities to car pool with others.
We’ll leave by 2:15 and arrive at the Seminary in plenty
of time to find our specially reserved seating! After the
concert, those who wish to do so will head over to the
Prime Minister, a well known Thiensville family
restaurant for some fellowship and a bite to eat. A free
will offering will be taken before we leave to help fund
future OWLS Chapter activities. Please call Dan Bolha
@ 262-677-3485 if you have any questions. RSVPs are
appreciated but not mandatory! Come prepare your
heart for the coming of our Savior!
The next Annual OWLS Convention will be held at
the Wintergreen Hotel and Conference Center in
Wisconsin Dells during the first full week of October in
2014. Mark next year’s calendars and join us for a great
time!
WINTER BAND CONCERT
Please join us for the 2013 Winter Band Concert on
Saturday, December 7 at 7:00pm in the KML
Performing Arts Center! The evening will feature the
first performance of our beginner band students and
music from students in grades 5 - 12. The program will
include music to honor the anniversary of the attack on
Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. A freewill offering
to support the KML Band programs will be gathered.
CHRISTMAS CHOIR CONCERT
The choral ensembles of Kettle Moraine Lutheran High
School will present their Christmas concert Saturday,
December 14 at 7:00pm in the KML Performing Arts
Center. Come and prepare your hearts for the birth of our
Savior with the music of the season by the Men's Choir,
Women's Choir, and Concert Choir. A freewill offering
will be received to support the KML Choral program.
KOINE IN CONCERT
Koine’ will present Emmanuel Lux at 7pm on December
19 & 20 in the KML Performing Arts Center.
Emmanuel Lux is Koine's latest Christmas concert
highlighting the Christmas story with music and media.
From the glorious worship of the angels in heaven, to the
hidden miracle of the incarnation, to his intense
struggles with the flesh, to his dazzling second coming.
We see Jesus become true man and yet remain true God.
These are free events open to the community and
sponsored by the KML Foundation. For more
information about Koine’, visit koinemusic.com.
Mid-Week Advent
Services
Wednesday,
December 4, 11, 18
Service 3:45 & 7:00
PM
Light Supper served in
the school gym
between services
Week 1 Menu; Chili / potato and ham soup
Week 2 Menu; Pizza soup / cheesy broccoli
Week 3 Menu; Wild rice / white chicken chili
________________________________________________
Christmas
New Year’s
Worship Schedule
2013-2014
German/English Service
Sunday, December 22
1:00 PM
Christmas Eve Children's Service
Tuesday, December 24th
4:30 pm
at Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Tuesday, December 24,
10:00 pm
at David's Star Church
Christmas Day Festival Services
Wednesday, December 25th
7:45am and 9:30 am
New Year's Eve Service
Tuesday, December 31st
3:45pm and 7:00 pm
New Year's Day Service
Wednesday, January 1st, 2014
9:30 am “Branches” band will perform in this service.
LADIES AID CHRISTMAS CARDS
For your convenience, the Ladies Aid will be selling
Christian Christmas cards in the new gathering space
after the Saturday services and between the 7:45 and
10:15 Sunday services.
CHRISTMAS AT THE SEMINARY
The Seminary Chorus has been preparing music for the
Christmas season since 1931 when the newly-formed
chorus presented a Christmas program at three
Milwaukee-area churches in December. The following
year, 1932, the Christmas concert was held in the
campus chapel for the first time, and the long-standing
tradition of Christmas at the seminary began. This year’s
Christmas concert, falling during the celebration of the
seminary’s 150th anniversary, highlights some of the
past of these concerts, includes new music and
instruments from the present, and looks to the future, not
of the Seminary Chorus or of its concerts, but the future
we all long for in Christ.
The 51-voice choir will present two identical concerts,
one at 3:00 and another at 7:00 p.m. The chorus will be
accompanied by organ and brass instruments and also by
piano, guitars, and various solo instruments. The
program includes choral anthems and hymns with the
congregation.
ADULT BIBLE INSTRUCTION CLASS
is scheduled to begin on January 6th
. It will be held every
Monday for approximately fifteen weeks, meeting for an
hour and a half from 6:30-8:00pm. This is our New Life In Christ Class that covers the basic teachings of the Bible as
presented in Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. It is
intended for members to brush up on the teachings of
Scripture and our Lutheran Church. It is also intended for
those who are interested in joining the church. Upon
completion of this course, if the attendee agrees with the
teachings that were presented, he or she may choose to join
our congregation and fellowship. Members who know of
someone who may be interested may pick up an invitation
to offer, and might consider joining that person in the class.
You may RSVP by calling the church office 677.2412 or
Pastor Loescher 677.0919.
