Our Risen Lord Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. 4040 Lapeer RoadBurton, MI 48509(810) 742-3780; orl4040@att.nethttp://www.ourrisenlordelca.comPastor Susan B. Lidums December 2018 Newsletter

Sunday Morning Worship10:00 a.m. Services of Holy

Communion December 2nd “The Gift of Hope”

First Sunday in Advent December 9th “The Gift of Love” Second Sunday in Advent 10:00 a.m. Children’s Bell Choir Plays

December 16th “The Gift of Joy” Third Sunday in Advent (10:00 a.m. –includes Children’s Pageant)

December 23rd – “The Gift of Peace”

Wednesday Advent Services: Dec. 5th – 6:00 pm --Soup Supper 7:00 pm-- “St. Nicholas Eve”

ServiceDec. 12th– 7:00 pm-- “O Antiphons” O Come Emmanuel Dec. 19th–7:00 pm-- Blue Christmas Service

Cross alk

December 24th

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services

7:00 p.m. – Children’s Bell Choir; Adult Choir

11:00 p.m. – Special Music

- It’s the message the angels announced at the birth of Jesus … - the promise God gave to the prophets of old … …the gift Jesus gave to his disciples as he faced his own trial, death, …resurrection and ascension.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid …” (John 14:27)

Christmas comes again and the world still longs for peace. Often the holidays are anything but peaceful… too much to do, …too many errands to run, …too many gifts to purchase, …too many emotions to juggle as families gather with expectations that cannot be met. Christmas comes and we still long for peace… peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, …peace in the world. In the world around us, there is too much hatred, too much violence and too much distress. We long for peace.

Are we to disbelieve God’s promises? Disregard Jesus’ gift? …a gift for which he died? During this Advent season we remember the gifts of hope, love, joy …and peace. We remember, realizing that the fullness of these gifts are not realized among us. Nevertheless, we give thanks and live into the promises of God. In so doing, we can experience a peace unlike what the world can give. Maybe our gift-giving can reflect that peace, …giving in ways that attend to the heart of each receiver. Maybe in our celebrations we can practice the peace that invites mutual care and respect even within our differences. Maybe in our words and actions, we can be peacemakers, inspired and strengthened by the gift of the Spirit.

How will we as a community of faith bring the peace of Christ to our brothers and sisters here and to our neighbors in the world? …to the ones living in danger or conflict? …to the ones hungry for peace?In our worship and in our song, we can open hearts to God’s great gifts. We can sing Carols to those not able to be with us in worship. We can help make Christmas for neighbors in need of basic resources. We can offer hospitality to those who might be alone during this season… welcoming even the stranger. We can share a smile with those who are tired and worn as we meet them in the stress of public places. We can invite a friend to encounter God’s Peace wherever the Word in opened, in small groups or in worship. We can greet one another in the gift of Christ’s Peace. …We can work for justice and peace.

Many live in fear, …in anxiety, imprisonment, …in need and in isolation. Christ comes to lift us from our fears, …to grace us with God’s promise of abundant life …of care and providing and of grace beyond measure.

Christ comes to unite us in God’s love. Even in a world torn by war and poverty, oppression and fears, Christ comes to bring Peace!

-- Let Peace reign in our hearts this day! Pastor Sue

Saturday Bible Study“The Human

Face of God” Saturday, Dec. 1st , 8:30 ― 11:00 a.m.,

beginning with continental breakfast.

* * * * * *

Women’s Bible Study

Scheduled for Saturday, December 8th, at 9:30 a.m. Take an hour of time apart

from the busy pace of shopping and activities for an Advent devotional. Monday group will meet at Carolyn Beels’ on Dec. 3rd at 7:30

p.m.

Christmas Caroling —

Sunday, December 9th following the service adults and children will visit shut-

ins. Bring a sack lunch. We will leave the church around 11:40 p.m. to visit several

senior locations.-Care & Share Committee

LEAD-Thank you to those who completed the LEAD assessment! – What will we learn? - the “landscape” of ORL,looking at 4 growth indicators: How we Listen,Center in faith, Explore options, & Connect…with members & community.

This will help us to see whether we are Growing, Out of Breath, Stalled, or Becoming … & perhaps a bit of each. Some of the impulse centers of congregational ministry include worship, partnering with neighbors, growing in generosity, caring for each other, leading together, deepening in spirituality and welcoming community life.The next step will be to listen one-on-one or in focus groups to members of the

congregation …and then to neighbors in our community.

Beginning November 24th the annual Angel Tree was placed in the narthex. We will be helping five families from a nearby elementary School. To participate: please take a tag off the tree, sign the sheet stating which tag you took, purchase the item and return it wrapped with the tag attached by December 9th. Monetary donations will go to the purchase of food.

What a splendid feast of food was enjoyed by

all at our November “Young at

Heart”. Everyone

contributed the best dinner ever! Thanks so much to Dave Fredrickson for the

turkey he prepared with his special touch an d to all the other yummy foods we all added to the table. Jayne

Britzman provided each of us with an “Iam thankful for

_____” card. We all wrote down 2-3 things (other than

family member) that we were thankful foe and got some

new outlooks on the things we take for granted. Connie Durance read our responses

during her program she provided. 17 ORL folks

enjoyed the day. Thanks to all!! Our December meeting

will be Wednesday December 19th with a

breakfast at Leo’s in Davison (on State rd.) at 9:30 am. A sign up sheet will be posted so we can reserve tables for

us all. See you then,

Nancy Gunnell

Parish Health Ministry: ---Tis the Season

for Caring for others and

self-care/wellness.Sometimes due to

family crisis, illness and/or losses the upcoming Advent and Christmas season can

feel less than cheery for some folks. Especially after

death of a loved one, experiencing all of those

“firsts” –the anniversaries of dates and events since the

loss, can be challenging milestones one’s grief

journey. The “Blue Christmas” worship service

on Weds Dec 19th at 7pm will focus on God’s love, comfort and His steadfast presence in our lives. There will be

meditations, scripture readings, music and prayers for comfort and healing for our losses. In years past, I

have offered the GriefShare program on coping with the holidays—but this year Pr. Sue and I felt this was a

fitting new way to address these needs through a worship setting instead. Invite and accompany a friend, neighbor or family

member to this service. The message of Christmas is

hope and love which heals our broken hearts and bodies. God’s peace,

Parish nurse Joy

December Adult SS group

Our class purchased 20 jackets and coats (gently worn winter wear) for children to support Pastor Monica and Salem Lutheran’s outreach to needy during the cold months of winter. Many thanks for all who donated new items, with

special appreciation for Sharon Fredrickson for the many lovely hand knitted hats and mittens for kids. The class also contributed to the St. Nicholas Eve gift-giving. Our class will design and send Christmas cards for our shut-in members, and will provide a small gift to children who worship at ORL on Christmas.

We’ve completed 6 of the 12 sessions of the Max Lucado newly published series “Unshakable Hope—Building our Lives on the Promises of God”. Video segments and scripture reflections have generated conversation on our faith, trust and hope in God—especially at difficult times in our lives. Attendance has been strong with a record 17 participants on a recent Sunday! We enjoy coffee fellowship, prayer support and a chance to get to know each other better as we grow in our discipleship call as followers of Christ. Praying-in- Color art page was provided for personal meditation and reflection. Joy BurnsAs has been the tradition of

ORL adult

Sunday school

class, we are

gathering children’s new and good

condition used (clean and in good repair) winter

outerwear.  I contacted Pr. Monica and she welcomes this gift in Salem's outreach

to needy.  If you wish to

donate hats, mittens, scarves, or coat/jackets,

please place winter wear in Parish nurse office in next

few weeks.  Thanks for joining our efforts to warm and care about those in

need, Joy Burns and adult SS group

Thank youNotes!

Social Ministry Thanks You!Tom Turkey and the social ministry committee Thank You for your support for helping to provide a Thanksgiving meal at Carriage Town. You contributed a total of $638.19. This provides 243 meals.

"Thank you, so much, for the personal visits, prayers and cards for Carolyn while she was recovering from surgery.  This kindness meant more to us than you know.  Sincerely, Denise Dostilio THANK YOUAll for the cards and prayers while I have been recovering from a broken wrist and surgery. Sincerely, Don Nichols

Thanks to Gerard Klink for polishing our brass, both in the worship space and in the fellowship hall.

Joe & Elaine Smith are so appreciative of the love & prayers you have given us. We are so blessed. THANK YOU so much.

Many Thanks …- to those who helped with the Bentley Food distribution;

- to those who helped with the Youth Coney Sale (Jan Swanson, Jennifer Arsenault, Jennifer Dewley …Kendall and Emma), and our youth;

- to our social ministry team who coordinated our Angel Tree collection, the Carriage Town turkey collection, and are lending a hand to the Toy Giveaway.

- to special musicians who help to inspire faith …to Jill Thom and the bell choir, 4-Given, Steve Holm & David Kennedy (soloists), Sharon Rasmussen and the choir, the Praise Team, Alison Olivo for guitar accompaniment, and Anita Gagnon and the children’s bell choir.

- to Art Arsenault and Cindy Knuuti for faithfully providing the communion wine and

bread.Rescheduled-

First Communion

class will offered on

Saturday, January 5th from 9:30- 11:30 a.m. Children

in grades 3 and up are invited. One or both parents are asked to attend. Children who

attend will celebrate their

First Communion on Epiphany Sunday, January

6th.To register, see Pastor.

SANTA’S TOY SHOPSaturdayDecember 8 11:00-1:00

Share this with families in your community who might need help buying toys for Christmas. Each family who comes can pick out 2 toys …with wrapping and stocking stuffers. If you want to contribute toys to this Thrivent Action Team project, bring in your new or “like new” toys before Dec. 7th . If you can help in the nursery, with gift wrapping, or in serving hot chocolate and donuts that day, please come! - Deb Callahan & Holly Hatfield’s Action Team

Sunday – Dec. 3rd – 9 a.m. FAMILY SUNDAY SCHOOL

- Making of Advent wreaths and counting the days until

Christmas… for children, parents, grandparents.

S.S. Christmas Pageant

Sunday, Dec. 16th

at the 10:00 o’clock service…the Story of a Silent Night.

* All-church Picture *will be taken immediately

following the service!Be sure to be here !

Look for the Sign-up Sheet on the Bulletin Board.Sign-up by Dec.9th.

Cost - $15

Who is St. Nicholas?

Come to our Dec. 5th Advent Service,- 6:00 p.m. Soup Supper 7:00 p.m. Service.Learn the

source of our Santa Claus

story, the tradition of gift-giving and care for our neighbor. –Meet St. Nicholas and get in the spirit of giving by adding to our gifts of coats, hats and scarves &/or our gifts of toys for children.

What is Blue Christmas?

On a time of worship nearest to the longest night of the year, the tears and grief of many is recognized as we hope in the healing of Christ’s love. Many who face the holidays mourning losses find comfort in the lament and hope voiced in this service .Wednesday, Dec. 19th at 7:00 p.m.

New Address – Eileen MoliternoWellbridge of Fenton -Rm 303901 Pinecreek DrFenton, MI 48430

ORL BELL CHOIR

to play at the Genesee Wind

Symphony Worldwide Yuletide Concert, Monday

December 10th at 7:30 pm at

the Swartz Creek Fine Arts Auditorium. Also, Jill Thom and Jim Kircoff are members

of the band.

MEN’S

Saturday December 15th at 8:00 am -Monthly Prayer, Fellowship & Service

-

It will soon be time to

update the church

directory. Please let me know if you

have a new address, phone number or e-mail address. You can leave a note in my mailbox or call the church

office. Thank you,

Carolyn McDougall, Parish Secretary

The Congregation Annual Meeting will be

held at noon - February 3rd

Committee Reports Due before the end of

December

Lights, Camera, Action!!

It’s Movie Time.

ORL Youth Movie NightFriday night, December

28th, from 6:30pm until 9 pm at Our Risen Lord

Church. 9th grade thru young college age welcome.

Bring your favorite snacks to share. Friends

are welcome.Come share in some fun and fellowship! – Make

this a holiday reunion for youth home from college.

2 10:009 10:0016 10:0023 10:00 24 7:00 pm

11:00 pm30 10:00

2 10:00 Jennifer Arsenault9 10:00 Jan Swanson16 10:00 Connie Durance23 10:00 24 7:00 pm Jennifer Arsenault

11:00 pm30 10:00

DecemberAltar Guild

Hatfield & Holm

It’s time to sign up for 2019 !

Coffee Cleanup291623 Connie & Gary Durance30

Greeters2 10:00 Ron & Debbie Schlis9 10:00 Marilyn Hardy16 10:00 Jackie & John

Pemberton23 10:00 Richard & Nancy

Gunnell24 7:00 pm Art & Jennifer

Arsenault11:00 pm Richard & Nancy

Gunnell30 10:00 Mark & Cindy

Archibald

Lectors2 10:00 Elaine Smith

9 10:0016 10:00 Steve Holm23 10:00 am24 7:00pm Jayne Britzman

11:00pm Richard Gunnell30 10:00

Ushers2 10:00 Jim Theodore9 10:0016 10:00 Dave Fredrickson23 10:00 24 7:00 pm

11:00 pm30 10:00

2 Sharon Johnson 5 Abby Lowe

Casey Lowe8 Jill Thom

11 Cindy BowenLandon Morris

12 Marilyn Lewinski13 Ron Schlis14 Ron Rude16 Carla Goulet

Dawn Morgan18 Kristy Neumann19 Linda Gibbs21 Kendall Dewley22 Kelly Young23 Deborah Lambourn

Jill Tubbs24 Diane Harris 25 Ray Riedel Tim Callahan27 Marilyn Hardy28 Cheryl Bolton29 Mary Hall

SOCIAL MINISTRY

Needs Box

Hot Cereal and soup for Salem

DecemberSUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

18:30- 11:00 amSaturday Bible Study11:00 am Christmas Decorating

2 Advent I

10:00 am Worship9:00 am Family Sunday School

3

7:30 pm Women’s Bible Study at Beels’

4

7:00 pm Social Ministry

5“St. Nicholas Eve” 6:00 pm Soup Supper7:00 Service

7:40 pm Choir

6

7:00 pm Property7:30 pm Worship & Music

7 89:30 Women’s Bible Study11:00 -1:00 pmThrivent –ORL “Toy Shop”

9 Advent II10:00 am Worship9:00 am Sunday School11:40-Christmas Caroling

1010:00 am Bible Study7:30 pm Genesee Wind Symphony @ Swartz Creek

11

7:30 pm Council

12

7:00 pm “O Antiphon” Service7:40 pm Choir

13

7:00 pmLEAD team

14 158:00 am Men’s

Prayer Breakfast

16 Advent III10:00 am Children’s Christmas Pageant, & PictureNoon - Angel Tree Packing

17 18 19 9:30 am- Young at Heart Christmas breakfast 7:00 pm “Blue Christmas” Service

20 21 22

23 Advent IV10:00 am Service

24Christmas Eve Services ‒7:00 & 11:00

25 26

(No midweek service)

27 28 29

Our RisenLord Lutheran

Church

WEEKLY OFFERING VS. BUDGET(10-31-18)

Wkly Budget Needed $3,2326.222017 YTD $3,000.422018YTD $2,870.66October 2017 $2,340.00October 2018 $2,819.50YTD Giving vs Budget 2017 -$10,145.12

pm Worship3010:00 am –Service of Lessons & Carols

31

2018

December Community Needs Collection

Hot cereal and soup for Salem

WEEKLY OFFERING VS. BUDGET(10-31-18)

Wkly Budget Needed $3,2326.222017 YTD $3,000.422018YTD $2,870.66October 2017 $2,340.00October 2018 $2,819.50YTD Giving vs Budget 2017 -$10,145.12