THE WITTENBERG

1. PARISH COUNCIL & COMMITTEES

2. SERVING THIS MONTH

3. PARISH EVENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

3. WITHIN THE WITTENBERG FAMILY

4. COUNCIL MINUTES

6. CHURCH CALENDAR

ELCA VISION:

Claimed by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we are a new creation through God’s living word by the power of the Holy Spirit; Gathered by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will live among God’s faithful people, hear God’s word and share Christ’s supper; Sent by God’s grace for the sake of the world, we will proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed, serve all people following the example of our Lord Jesus, and strive for jus-tice and peace in all the world.

233 N. Lee St. + P.O. Box 3447 + Batesburg-Leesville, SC 29070 803-532-4636 + wittenberg@sc.twcbc.com

www.wittenbergleesville.org

GATHERED IN BAPTISM FED BY WORSHIP SENT OUT AS SERVANTS

Dear Wittenberg Family, Advent and Christmas can be wonder-ful and stressful times of the year. There’s lots of celebrations and lots to do to get ready for those celebrations. We’re cooking and baking, buying gifts and traveling, writing cards, and taking care of end-of-the-year responsibili-ties. This Advent, I would encourage you to find a way to take a breath and focus on your faith. Here are some ideas:

Advent calendars. They’re cheap at Aldi, available online and at craft stores, and often filled with chocolate. Make it a 30-second reminder to taste the sweetness of the season.

Advent wreath. My family lights one at dinner during the Ad-vent season while we say our blessing. If you’re feeling mu-sical, you can also sing a verse of a hymn. “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a favorite of mine for this because it’s so simple.

An Advent devotional. You can use a book, like Preparing for Jesus by Walter Wangerin, the Christ in our Home series, or read through the Christmas stories in Luke and Matthew.

Random Acts of Kindness: Find a way, each day, to do some-

thing kind and unexpected for someone else. Be especially mindful of those for whom this season might be difficult, including those who are griev-ing, far from home, or eco-nomically challenged.

Advent Midweek Worship. Faith Lutheran Church in Batesburg has invited us to their mid-week Advent worship at 7pm on the three Wednesdays in December. Alternately, come sing the songs of the faith with our choir here at Wittenberg. New voices are always wel-come, and no experience is necessary.

Faithful decorating. Take your time getting everything in place (and leave it for the 12 days of Christmas, through Epiphany)! Give the nativity scene a place of honor.

What are your Advent rituals? Where can you take a pause to get your spirit as ready as your house? I would love to hear how you are welcoming the Christ-child this December. Grace and peace, Pastor Emily

PASTOR’S REFLECTION

DECEMBER 2017 VOLUME 18, NUMBER 12

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One of my favorite biblical passages is from the first chapter of Philippians. Even from prison, Paul was so very appreciative to God for his many blessings, not the least of which were the people of Philippi. “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ. (verses 3-6). … And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteous-ness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God. (verses 9-11). So is our thanks for each other and the Wittenberg Lu-theran Church family! Mary Ann Shealy - Council President

Welcome to our new council members voted in at the Congregational Meeting on December 03…

JOHN LEAPHART RICKY LONG REBECCA REED TOM SAWYER

Something for everyone... Come and join the fun!!

(see events for detailed information)

December 10 - Social Ministry trip to Shandon Baptist Church’s Singing Christmas Tree.

December 10 - Youth to see the Carolina Panthers game.

December 17 - KICS Christmas program and dinner.

December 17 - Youth Christmas caroling around town.

December 24 - 5:30 Family Service; 10:30 Candlelight Service.

December 31 - Lessons & Carols.

SERVING THIS MONTH 2

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 03: Greeters ....................................Dorothy Mullins, Anne Shealy Altar Guild ............ Freida Banks, Hazel Cooper, Ann Nichols, .............................................. Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Sawyer Sunday School Nursery ............................... Samantha Trotter Children’s Church ............................... Toshia & Freida Banks Nursery ........................................................... Barbie Rodgers Worship Assistant ............................................. Robert Epting OSJ Advisor ..................................................... Nevin Rodgers Acolyte .............................................................. Jaycob Banks Almsbearer ...................................................... Mason McInnis Crucifer ............................................................. Brett Spradley Ushers .......................................... Larry Lorick, Chip Spradley Tellers ............................................. Larry Dasher, Cher Davis Next Week .................................. Gregory Dority, Jay Hendrix Altar Flowers ...................... In honor of Pierce’s 12th Birthday; ............................................................ By: Crissie & Smith Kirby BBW ................................................................ Debbie Sawyer Sunday School Opening .............................. Mary Ann Shealy SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10: Greeters ....................................Dorothy Mullins, Anne Shealy Altar Guild ............ Freida Banks, Hazel Cooper, Ann Nichols, .............................................. Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Sawyer Sunday School Nursery ..................................... Toshia Banks Children’s Church ........................ Betsy Dority, Kayce Shealy Nursery ............................................... Jennifer & Mike Patrick Lay Reader ......................................................... Brian Shealy OSJ Advisor ..................................................... Nevin Rodgers Acolyte .................................................................. Smith Kirby Almsbearer ........................................................... Pierce Kirby Crucifer .......................................................... Reynolds Rawls Ushers .......................................... Larry Lorick, Chip Spradley Tellers ......................................... Gregory Dority, Jay Hendrix Next Week ..................................... Crissie Kirby, Ann Nichols Altar Flowers ......................... In memory of Reverend Dasher; ...................................................... By: Larry & Rebecca Dasher BBW ............................................................. Jennifer Spradley Sunday School Opening .............................. Mary Ann Shealy SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17: Greeters ....................................Dorothy Mullins, Anne Shealy Altar Guild ............ Freida Banks, Hazel Cooper, Ann Nichols, .............................................. Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Sawyer Sunday School Nursery ............................... Ashley Bouknight Children’s Church ....................................... Josie & Don Price Nursery ........................................ Betsy Dority, Kayce Shealy Lay Reader ......................................................... Brian Shealy OSJ Advisor ..................................................... Nevin Rodgers Acolyte ............................................................. Susanna Reed Almsbearer ............................................................. Sara Reed Crucifer ............................................................ Matthew Reed Ushers .......................................... Larry Lorick, Chip Spradley Tellers ............................................ Crissie Kirby, Ann Nichols Next Week .................................. Dean Rodgers, Julia Shealy Altar Flowers ......................... In honor of Michael & Matthew ........................ Sherman - Happy Birthday; By: Mom & Dad BBW ......................................................... Brent Shealy Famly Sunday School Opening .............................. Mary Ann Shealy

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24: Greeters ................................... Dorothy Mullins, Anne Shealy Altar Guild ............ Freida Banks, Hazel Cooper, Ann Nichols, .............................................. Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Sawyer Sunday School Nursery ................................. Barbie Rodgers Children’s Church .................................. Chancie & Todd Frick Nursery .......................................................... Rebecca Dasher Lay Reader .......................................................... Brian Shealy OSJ Advisor ..................................................... Nevin Rodgers Acolyte .............................................................. Jayden Banks Almsbearer ............................................................ Emily Davis Crucifer ............................................................... Reece Rawls Ushers .......................................... Larry Lorick, Chip Spradley Tellers ......................................... Dean Rodgers, Julia Shealy Next Week ............................Mary Ann Shealy, Chip Spradley Altar Flowers ................ In memory of McKendree Caughman; ................................................................... By: Joan Caughman BBW ................................................................ Elwanda Lorick Sunday School Opening .............................. Mary Ann Shealy SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31: Greeters ................................... Dorothy Mullins, Anne Shealy Altar Guild ............ Freida Banks, Hazel Cooper, Ann Nichols, .............................................. Debbie Reynolds, Debbie Sawyer Sunday School Nursery .................................... Chancie Frick Children’s Church ............................ Ashley & Tripp Bouknight Nursery ................................................... Liz and Theo Walker Lay Reader .......................................................... Brian Shealy OSJ Advisor ..................................................... Nevin Rodgers Acolyte .................................................................. Tripp Smith Almsbearer ........................................................ Maddie Smith Crucifer ............................................................... James Banks Ushers .......................................... Larry Lorick, Chip Spradley Tellers ..................................Mary Ann Shealy, Chip Spradley Next Week ............................................................................... Altar Flowers .......................In memory of Janie Rikard, Violet ........................................ Watson, & Dot Ruff; By: Doris Antley BBW .................................................................................. N/A Sunday School Opening .............................. Mary Ann Shealy

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PARISH EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

gathering areas. We must reserve tickets, so please sign up as soon as possible! COFFEE & CONVERSATION: Adult Bible study group meets on Monday mornings at 9am in the fellowship hall. KICS: KICS is helping with the brown bag food ministry on the second Sat-urday of each month. We will make sandwiches, and prepare the bags every other month beginning in No-vember for food pantry patrons to pick up. The Soup Kitchen will provide the bags and chips. We are looking for two kids/families each month to pre-pare the bags together, and have ready by 9:30 am at the Food Pan-try. Please sign up for a month that suits your schedule best at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090849a9a62eaa8-food . Please contact Kayce Shealy with any ques-

tions.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH: We are in need of additional volunteers. We are currently working on the structure of this hour and you will be provided with all that you need. If you could volun-teer 1 or 2 times a year, it would be a big help in this ministry. Please see Margaret Caughman. We will be scheduling training in the near future. We wish to thank all our volunteers

from the past year.

YOUTH GROUP: Meets TONIGHT at 6pm for dinner and a meeting at the church. Dec. 10 - Youth trip to Carolina Panthers football game. The youth will be meeting at the church at 8:30am to attend the early service, then head to Charlotte to watch the Panthers play the Vikings at 1pm. Please let Nevin Rodgers know if your youth will be able to attend. They will only need money for food, the tickets are free. Decem-ber 17 - Youth Christmas Caroling around town. December 24 - Youth help set up luminaries for the Christmas Eve service. Please see Nevin @ 803-604-6256 for more information regard-

ing youth events.

POINSETTIA PURCHASE: The dead-line for ordering is December 10th. You will find the order forms on the back of

your bulletin.

PRACTICE TAKES PLACE ON

WEDNESDAYS @ 7:30PM

WELCA CIRCLE MEETINGS: Morning Circle: 12/05/17 - 11:30am Leader: Dot Mullins Where: Fashioned in Faith Studio & Coffee Bar, 115 Main St., Leesville Circle IV: 12/11/17 Christmas deliveries/dinner at church Circle L: 12/11/17 Christmas celebration Hannah Circle: N/A SOUP KITCHEN: The soup kitchen will be serving on Saturday, DECEMBER 23, 10:30am - 12n. Please contact Jennifer Spradley or Jennifer Patrick with any questions, donations, or volunteer times. LUTHERAN MEN: Will have their regular meeting on Mon-day, DECEMBER 18 at 7:30pm in the church fellowship hall. NOISY OFFERING: Thank you all who donated to our Noisy Offering! I know our children all enjoyed collecting change and using the “noise” to celebrate Jesus during church. Our next Noisy Offering will take place on DECEMBER 17. Please remember to bring your change (or dollars) that day. All money donated will go to the food pantry. SOCIAL MINISTRY: Social Ministry will attend the Shandon Baptist Church Singing Christmas Tree on Sunday afternoon, DECEMBER 10. This is a beautiful and moving musical experi-ence that will have you in the Christmas spirit! Sign up sheets will be in the

Join us for the

KICS Christmas Program!

When: Sunday, December 17, 6pm Where: The program will take place in the sanctuary. Please join us for a potluck dinner in the fellowship hall immediately after.

Melvin & Earlene Swygert .... 12/01 Boddie & Nelle Rinehart ....... 12/04 Chris & Robbin Swygert ........ 12/21 Furman & Myra Cantrell....... 12/23 Gerald & Letha Long Sr. ....... 12/27 Larry & Elwanda Lorick ......... 12/28

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(members)

Otho & Mary Shealy

Barbara Nivens

Jaycob Banks

Tissy Price

F.H. Hendrix III

Ricky Leaphart

Jon & Merlyn Watkins

Julia Shealy

Sue Nichols

Brenda Howard

Hazel Cooper

Sybil Ergle

Jackie Frick

Sheryl Price

Ed Hoover

Carl & Mary Cook

Von Bickley

Connie Kramer

Myrell Epting

Nelle Rinehart

Taylor Davis

James Ray Smith Evelyn Baronowski Kate Ramlow (Connie Kramer’s Mom) Richard E. Monckton Jr. (father of Mary Frances Hen-drix) Flovelia “Flo” Spease Outen (Ginger Caughman’s Mom)

Prayer List Policy Wittenberg Lutheran Church posts prayer

requests in the weekly bulletin and monthly newsletter. Prayer requests on behalf of the families of deceased individuals appear in

publications for six months. All other prayer requests appear in publications for two months unless a longer duration is requested by the

person(s) who made the original prayer request.

Gary Barnes ...................... 12/01

Andy Hendrix .................... 12/01

Ethan Cobb ....................... 12/03

Pete Osment ..................... 12/06

James Banks ..................... 12/07

Pierce Kirby Jr. .................. 12/07

Kevin Halsey ..................... 12/09

Carter Shealy .................... 12/09

Scarlett Summers ............. 12/10

Joan Caughman ................ 12/11

Anna-Claire Osment ......... 12/14

Annette Caughman ........... 12/17

Heather Smith .................. 12/20

Liz Barnes ......................... 12/21

Melvin Swygert ................. 12/24

Larry Wurtz ....................... 12/24

John Banks ........................ 12/27

Megan Brown ................... 12/27

Larry Lorick ....................... 12/27

Earlene Swygert ................ 12/28

Haven Banks ..................... 12/29

Davey Taylor ..................... 12/29

Sue Nichols ....................... 12/31

(family, friends, & neighbors)

Nancy Buzhardt (friend of Barbie Rodgers) Randy Trotter (friend of Robert Epting) Marsha Bouknight (Sue Nichols’ niece) Neil Preuter (friend of Sue Nichols) Loraine Pollack Padgett (friend of Diane Spradley) John Ramlow (Connie Kramer’s Brother) Brad & Susan Cary (brother of Ross & Fowler Cary) Buck Florum (friend of Margaret Caughman) The Mayo Family (friends of Marti Burns) Judy Bedenbaugh (Sue Nichols’ cousin) Heyward Bouknight (father of Tripp Bouknight) The Brazell Family (Members of the community, house fire) Paul Timmons (step-father of William Barnes)

WITTENBERG LUTHERAN CHURCH + COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES + OCTOBER 08, 2017 Members present Larry Dasher, Cher Davis, Margaret Caughman, Ann Nichols, Julia Shealy, Pastor Gary Brandenburg, MaryAnn Shealy, Gregory Dority, Jay Hendrix, Brent Shealy, Connie Kramer, Dean Rodgers, Allie Crowley, and Crissie Kirby. Absent: none. Call to Order: Mary Ann Shealy called the meeting to order at 7 pm. Each person in the room was asked to share their favorite hymn title, followed with a prayer by Pastor Emily. Approval of Minutes: September minutes were approved as written. Motion by Larry Dasher, second by Crissie Kirby. Treasurer’s Report: Balance YTD Credit Card $592.78, Pastor’s office redo $2607.30, annual fire inspection $485, new laptop for pastor $556.46. Preschool reimbursement on air conditioning repair $2204. Motion to approve Jay Hendrix, with a second by Larry Dasher. Financial Secretary’s Report: Given with a correction on a memorial gift and accepted. Pastor’s Report: Gave a review of her time from 9/18/17 to 10/7/17. President’s Report: There will be a congressional meeting on Dec. 3 with the following to be done: 1. Elect 4 new council members. (Going off of council is Allie Crowley, Gregory Dority, MaryAnn Shealy and Larry Dasher.) 2. Judication change in constitution vote. 3. Budget approval. 4. Time and talent sheets. There will be a blurb in the midweek messenger on what a council member does. Committee Reports: No reports, Christian Education A/V & Technology: We are getting 35-40 people watching the streaming per week. Cemetery: Still looking into the cutting of the trees in the cemetery. Evangelism: Working on some new ideas. Details to come later. Preschool: New Director is doing a great job. They will tithe another $1000 at the end of this October. Property: Pastor’s office completed, front porch pressure washed, front doors painted, property graded and grass planted (sent Mr. Long a thank you note for all of his hard work and expenses on this project), handi-cap ramp installed as requested. Need railings for the landing on the second handicap ramp to complete it. Social Ministry: OWLS luncheon this Sunday. Apple picking and lunch went well with 13 people attending. Stewardship and Finance: Added $5,000 to budget for awnings. Discussion followed with additional infor-mation by Brent Shealy. Guidelines are needed for youth camp fund distribution and how members are reim-bursed. A motion was requested that on the budget Christian Care was put as a separate item and Social Ministry was added with a budget of $1000. Larry made a motion with Crissie second. Motion passed. Strategic Planning: Will start back up with the help of Pastor Emily. Youth Ministry: Will meet with Nevin and Pastor Emily to discuss next year’s camp attendees. Trunk or Treat will be held the last Sunday evening in October for KICS. Preschool will be doing a pumpkin display for this event. Worship and Music: Installation of Pastor Emily will be October the 22nd with a reception done by Elwanda’s Service Group. They will meet again on Sept 16th at 7:30 pm. There will be a OSJ training meeting sched-uled in the near future. OSJ will be getting new robes. Homecoming is the 1st Sunday in November (Nov. 5th). Other Business: none There being no further business the meeting was closed with the praying of the Lord’s Prayer and adjourned. Respectfully submitted by Margaret Caughman Council Secretary

Layout revised by Parish Administrator to fit into the newsletter… these are the full minutes as published by the Council Secretary.

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

2. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

3. 1ST ADVENT CONGREGATIONAL MEETING 4PM - HANDBELL REHEARSAL 6PM - YOUTH

4. 9AM - COFFEE & CONVERSATION

5. 8:45AM - PRE-SCHOOL CHAPEL 11:30AM - MORNING CIRCLE

6. 6:30PM - BAND 7:30PM - CHOIR

7.

8. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

9. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

10. 2ND ADVENT YOUTH TO PANTHERS

2:30PM - SOCIAL MINISTRY TRIP 6PM - PRESCHL CMT. MTG. 6:30PM - EXEC. CMT. MTG. 7PM - COUNCIL

11. 9AM - COFFEE & CONVERSATION CIRCLE IV & L - CHRISTMAS CELE-BRATIONS

12. 8:45AM-PRESCHOOL CHAPEL

13. 6:30PM - BAND 7:30PM - CHOIR

14. 5:30PM - GIRL SCOUTS (FH)

15. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

16. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

17. 3RD ADVENT 11AM - NOISY OFFERING 4PM - HANDBELL REHEARSAL 6PM - KICS CHRISTMAS YOUTH CAROLING

18. 9AM - COFFEE & CONVERSATION

19. 8:45AM-PRESCHOOL CHAPEL

20. 6:30PM - BAND 7:30PM - CHOIR

21. 22. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

23. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY 10:30AM-12PM - SOUP KITCHEN

24. 4TH ADVENT 8:30AM - COMMUN-ION SERVICE 11:00AM - SERVICE 5:30PM - FAMILY SERVICE 10:30PM - CHRIST-MAS EVE SERVICE

25. OFFICE CLOSED

26. 8:45AM-PRESCHOOL CHAPEL

27. NO REHEARSALS

28. 29. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

30. 9AM-12PM - FOOD PANTRY

31. 11AM - LESSONS & CAROLS

Holy Communion Service - 8:30 a.m. + Sunday School - 9:30 a.m. + Worship Service - 11:00 a.m.

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Wittenberg Lutheran Church P.O. Box 3447 Leesville, SC 29070