Our Mission: “To know, accept and live the love of God and share it with others”
THE GOOD NEWS January 2016
San Marcos Lutheran
Church
FESTIVAL CELEBRATION OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Sunday, January 3rd
8:30, 9:45, & 11:00 a.m.
The BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
Sunday, January 10th
8:30, 9:45, 11:00 a.m.
This day we celebrate our Lord’s Baptism and remember our own. The worship service
includes a renewal of our Baptismal Covenant. We will recall once again what it means to
live as a Baptized child of God.
AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC AND ARTS will resume Wednesday, January 27, 3:45-5:30 pm
(See page five)
CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS
Matinee for Music Lovers
Chamber Music with Päivikki Nykter and Friends
January 31st at 4:00 p.m. (See page six)
CONGREGATIONAL ANNUAL MEETING - PART II Feb. 14th 12:15 p.m.
Reports will be received and we adopt our 2016 Budget. (Light lunch served)
THE GOOD NEWS
Page 2
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Bible Readings & Birthdays 10
Bible Studies 5
Calendar 11
Children’s Center 6-7
Concert Series 6
Financial Update 5
Pastor David’s Message 3
Pastor Karla’s Message 4
Social Concerns 5
Stewardship (Jan.) 9
Women’s News 6
Youth 8
The next Newsletter article
deadline is January 15th.
San Marcos Lutheran Preschool
(760)727-0326
Director Anne McDaniel
Teachers: Leilani Duran, Theresa Mohn, Diane Jones,
Marit Greunke, Brittney Gibbs, Nikki Malufau
San Marcos Lutheran Church
3419 Grand Avenue
San Marcos, CA 92078
(760) 727-1509
FAX: (760) 727-4468
Office Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday—Friday
www.sanmarcoslutheran.org
Sunday Worship Hours:
8:30 AM, 9:45 AM, & 11:00 AM
Sunday School
Children Age 3-12
9:45—10:30 AM
Adult Education
9:50 AM - 10:45 AM
David P. Jorstad
Pastor
Karla J. Halvorson
Pastor
Office Manager
Margo Scarpelli
Organist
Jenny Yun
Choir Director
Christine Lehman
Director of Children’s Ministries
Barbara Velivis
4
Bookkeeper
Eunice Hanson
Volunteer Staff
Artist in Residence
Randall Sensmeier
Director Of Bell Choir
Kärin Kupka
Director of After School Music/Arts Program
Cynthia Jorstad
Coordinator of Celebration of Joy Musicians
Kirsten Bassett
Council Members
Jack Padley, President
Robin Rubin, Treasurer
Penny Muetzel, Secretary
Jack Anderson
Marilyn Monell
Linda Breen
Jan Parthemer
Vern Soderstrom
Alan Jones
Dan Norris
Jay Mesker
Rick Shoup
Director of Music Emeritus
Judith Moore
All are Welcome! As a community of the people of God, the members of San Marcos Lutheran Church are called to welcome
all people, regardless of age, economic status, ethnic background, gender, physical or mental ability, race or sexual
orientation. We affirm that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male or
female.” (Galatians 3:28)
THE GOOD NEWS Page 3
We Have Seen Christ’s Light!
“Where is the child born to be king?” the magi asked King Herod, “We have seen his star and have come
to worship him.” (Matthew 2:2) The Gospel writer tells us that “foreigners,” not “the chosen people,”
were the first to see the light of Christ. When the magi show up in Judea, they were literally aliens from a
distant land (where the Kurds are from in today’s nation of Iran). They didn’t practice the Jewish faith. In
fact, they were most likely Zoroastrian priests. Yet Matthew says that these outsiders went to great lengths
to follow the light of the star, because they recognized that Jesus was the true king. The earthy rulers,
religious leaders, and most of the common folk of the day failed to see the light of God illuminating the
world. They failed to see the light that was breaking into their very midst. Could that be our danger as
well?
The season of Epiphany is the season of light. The world would have us dwell on darkness. The world
delights in pointing out the negative. We get so used to blame and negativity that we think it is the only
way to live. God’s Word proclaims a better way. Through Jesus Christ, God’s light and love are at this
moment being poured out to the world...giving us hope, courage, and comfort.
As people of light at San Marcos Lutheran Church we seek to bask in Christ’s light. As people who have
seen his light, we can’t help but share that light with others. The light of Christ bursts upon our world in
ways we have not even dared hoped for. Do you see it shining even now? The light of Christ itself will
lighten our path, showing us the way to live. Let us continue to be people who have seen Christ’s light!
The following has helped me cling to that light. It is a poem by Gerhard Frost.
Grounds for Hope
“The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.”
(John 1:5)
If I am asked
what are my grounds for hope,
what is my answer:
Light is lord over darkness,
truth is lord over falsehood,
life is ever lord over death.
Of all the facts I daily live with,
there’s none more comforting
than this: If I have two rooms,
one dark, the other light,
and I open the door between them,
the dark room becomes lighter
without the light one
becoming darker. I know
this is no headline,
but it’s a marvelous footnote;
and God comforts me in that.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor David Jorstad
Thoughts on Discovering the Gifts Around Us
by Pastor Karla
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.”
Romans 12
Something new will be starting in Luther Hall this January. It’s pretty exciting and we are curious to see
where it may lead.
As part of our 50th Anniversary redecorating, a portion of the wall is now dedicated to art created by you,
members and friends of this congregation. Anyone who is so inclined can display your artwork for about one
month- paintings, tapestries, needle work, quilts, drawings, poetry, photography… A professional art hanging
system has been purchased and an art rail installed. All we need now is your talent.
For me, it’s not just the idea of seeing your inspirations on our walls. This new opportunity is a metaphor for
much more. It represents the Holy Spirit’s work of unearthing the gifts hidden in you and it represents the
work of the church to give opportunities for these talents to shine forth.
Many have described God as the great artist- endlessly creative, always new, a potter fashioning his people,
creation God’s masterpiece. But have you ever thought of the Church as the talent scout? Some have said
that this is a main purpose of the Church- to seek out and find the gifts in you, call them out, give a little
guidance, then stand back and let your light shine!
We know some of you are very talented artists. We have benefitted from your paintings, needle work,
tapestries, quilting. Please, let us see and appreciate your work again! And for those of you who have never
thought to share these talents with others, we ask that you will prayerfully consider participating as well.
In our Centering Prayer group, we were asked to respond to a portion of Scripture with art- writing a song or
poem, drawing a picture or symbol. It was incredibly fun and revealing. Many of us found new aspects of
Christ and ourselves as we attempted this project. Perhaps others in this congregation will want to try this as
well.
Talk with Pastor David or myself about how to begin… be patient with us as we figure this out…and let your
light shine!
THE GOOD NEWS
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THE GOOD NEWS
PLEASE CALL US! We want to include you in our prayers, arrange for
pastoral visits, and announce information to the
congregation, when appropriate. Please notify the
Church Office (760)727-1509 when:
- A member family member, or someone you
know dies
- You, or someone you know, is ill or grieving
- You, or someone you know, is in the hospital
- You, or someone you know, wants to plan a
baptism, wedding, or celebration
- You moved or changed telephone numbers
If office is closed, and you have an urgent need, call
Pastor David: home, (760)798-1226; cell (619)917-
2994 or email: [email protected] or
Pastor Karla at home, (760)754-1413, cell, (858)442-
6761, email: [email protected]
REMEMBER IN PRAYER:
Healing for Healing for Don Arney, Dave Iverson,
Mary Nixon, Shirley Padley, and Ellen Rubin.
We mourn the death of Pastor Edward Wiediger.
Our sympathy to Anne Voth at the death of her father
Robert Voth. My God comfort all who mourn with
the hope of the resurrection.
FROM YOUR TREASURER
November 30, 2015
91.67% of Year
Income
Annual Budget Actual YTD % of Budget
$397,000 $345,847 87.12%
Expenses
Annual Budget Actual YTD % of Budget
$396,981 $351,052 88.43%
Thank you for your gifts which make our mission
and ministry possible.
THE AFTER SCHOOL MUSIC & ARTS
PROGRAM will resume Wed., Jan. 27, 3:45-5:30
pm. Registration and information available in the church
office or online www.SanMarcosLutheran.org early
January
Page 5
WHAT’S GOING ON…
TUES. MORNING BIBLE CLASS No class on Jan. 5th. Jan. 19th, TBA.
HAVEN HOUSE UPDATE Interfaith’s Haven House Shelter got their final
approvals from the City of Escondido, and the first
20 residents moved in on December 23rd!
Volunteers are needed to work alongside shelter
staff. If you could give from one to three hours
between 5:15-8:30 p.m. any night, please contact
Jan Ferris, Shelter Administrator, at 760-801-0420
or [email protected]. To learn more about
what is expected, contact Doris Payne at 760-653-
3026 or [email protected]. We will
begin serving monthly dinners on Sunday, January
10th. We are covered for January, but if you would
like to help in February or March, please contact
Doris Payne.
INTERFAITH’S “FIRST SUNDAY OF THE
MONTH” FOOD COLLECTION” IS JAN. 3RD.
GIVING TREE UPDATE Thanks to additional donations, including some
from residents of The Chateau at Lake San Marcos,
ALL families of Alvin Dunn students receiving
weekly supplemental food donations were given a
gift card for Christmas. What a wonderful surprise
for all those families. Thank you, again, for
participating in this very worthwhile project
POTLUCK, SAT., JAN. 16th, 5:00 P.M. The entire congregation is invited to a potluck. We
will view and discuss Bishop Eaton's webinar:
"Confronting Racism: A Holy Yearning". Please
bring a dish to share, and we will provide drinks,
plates and silverware. Signups will be taken on
January 3 and 10. Hope to see you there! For more
information, see Linda Breen or one of the pastors.
MEN’S BREAKFAST & BIBLE STUDY led by Pastor David
Jan. 9th at 8:00 am in Luther Hall
Phone Bryan Mace for details at (760)431-7222
THE GOOD NEWS Page 6
THE CONCERT SERIES PRESENTS Matinée for Music Lovers
Päivikki Nykter and Friends
January 31, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.
This program is an extension of a series of Chamber
Music concerts called the “Soirée for Music Lovers”
established by the late violinist, János Négyesy. The
concerts, featuring chamber, music were a popular
part of the musical life of San Diego. Päivikki
Nykter, Professor Négyesy’s wife and musical
partner, has continued the legacy, presenting
chamber programs that epitomize the high musical
standards of the Négyesy Soirées. This concert will
feature works by J.S. Bach, Saint-Saëns, and
Schubert
Performers: Matt Kline, double bass; Leslie
Leytham, mezzo-soprano; Michael Matsuno, flute;
Todd Moellenberg, piano; Eric Moore, cello;
Päivikki Nykter, violin; Francesca Savage, viola
WOMEN’S WINTER RETREAT
at Luther Glen on Feb. 26-28, 2016
This year our theme is "Fill My Cup" following
Ephesians 3:19: "...and to know this love that
surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the
measure of all the fullness of God."
Some scholarships are available if needed. See
Marilyn Monell or Louise Testerman for more
information. For those who have signed up, please
send your payment to Marilyn or Louise. Thank
you.
CHOIR WELCOMES SINGERS
FOR PARTICULAR SUNDAYS Do you want to sing, but can't commit to every
Thursday and Sunday? The Choir invites you to sing
with us for any of three upcoming Sundays:
January 24, 8:30 service
January 31, 11:00 service
February 7, 8:30 service
Just attend choir rehearsal on the previous Thurs. at
7:00 and enjoy singing a gospel piece, "Unity" (for
January 24 and 31), or a choral arrangement of
"Shine, Jesus, Shine" (for Feb. 7).
We hope to enliven participation in our music
programs. For details, contact Choir Director,
SMLC Children’s Center
January 2016 While we begin a new calendar year, we are
actually mid-way through our academic school
year. At this point, the children have formed
friendships, grown socially and emotionally
together as a preschool family and are
blossoming in their academic skills. It’s a
magical time and something we feel so blessed
to be a part of.
The world can be a scary place sometimes, but
we don’t worry about that here at the preschool.
There are too
m a n y
w o n d e r f u l
t h i n g s t o
e x p e r i e n c e
each day and
we are so
excited to play
a major role in
t h e s e
formative years for so many little ones.
In the next couple of weeks we will start
enrolling for Fall 2016-17 school year and so we
encourage all congregation members to continue
to spread the word about our wonderful
preschool. We will also be formally rolling out
the Ruth and Edward Wiediger Scholarship Fund
to continue to provide financial scholarships for
up to 4 children each school year (see adjacent
article for information).
Lastly, our focus for outreach for the next couple
of months will be God’s Work, Our Hearts, a
partnership with the Leukemia and Lymphoma
Society via our very own Anne Voth, to collect
pennies for a cure in honor of our former
preschool families, the Damian’s, who lost their
son Christian to cancer and the Higgins, for
whom we were blessed to journey with little
Hannah who beat stage 4 cancer!!! We are
honored to continue to plant little mustard seeds
of giving in the hearts of our little ones and to
continue to offer support and comfort to our
forever preschool families.
THE GOOD NEWS
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THE GOOD NEWS Page 8
Youth Ministries Thank you for all your help this Christmas!
What a wonderful year! So much giving and participation! Thanks for your help with the
Christmas tree, Parent’s Night Out, Christmas Eve, Blessing Bags, music, giving and service!
Upcoming Events
Sunday school every Sunday, beginning 9:45 am
Starts in the Sanctuary ages 2 years-5th grade
Sunday, January 3, 9:45 am Youth Assisted Worship and Breakfast Out!
Sunday, January 10, 3:30 pm Confirmation class in the Youth Room
Sunday, January 17 3-6 pm The Amazing Race
(starts in Luther Hall. Drivers needed!)
Sunday, January 24 3:30 pm Confirmation class in the Youth Room
Wednesday, January 27 After School Music & Arts Program begins!
3:45-5:30 pm 7 week session, every Weds ‘til March 16.
(Responsible teen helpers welcome- Community Service Hours Available!)
Sunday, January 31 Prep for “Soup-er” Bowl Sunday- Moment for Mission
Sunday, February 7 “Soup-er” bowl Sunday food and pet supply collection, Youth
Assisted Sunday and Breakfast Out!
Sunday, February 14 5:30-7:30 pm (in lieu of Confirmation) Youth invited to serve
dinner at Interfaith – Valentine’s theme!
Sunday, February 21 RSVP for High School retreat @ Luther Glen
(Friday March 4-Sunday March 6) ($135, scholarships ALWAYS available!)
Sunday, February 28 RSVP for Middle School retreat @ LG
(Friday March 11-Sunday March 13) ($135, scholarships ALWAYS available!)
Looking to the future…. Summer programs – Confirmation camp possibly June 27-July 1 at Luther Glen, Day Camp in July.
Questions? Pastor Karla Halvorson [email protected], pastor serving children youth and
families, Barbara Velivis, Barbara [email protected] Director of Children’s Ministries, and
Dan Norris, Senior High Youth Leader [email protected].
THE GOOD NEWS
Counters:
Date 8:30 a.m.
03-Jan. Kozloskis
10-Jan. O’Carroll
17-Jan. McEwan/Eller
24-Jan. O’Carroll
31-Jan. Kozloskis
SUNDAY CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:
Director of Children’s Ministries: Barbara Velivis
Sunday school teachers: Brystal Geu and assistants
McKenna Geu or Kristopher Jerpseth,
Pre-K: Darrell Young and Rachel Gustin,
K-2nd grade: Barbara Velivis and assistant Nicholas
Smith 3-5th grade
Lay Readers:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
03-Jan. Rob O’Carroll Grace Holtz
10-Jan. Yvonne Kieran Shareen Grogan
17-Jan. Bryan Mace Judy White
24-Jan. Anne Voth Doris Balsmeyer
31-Jan. Melinda Kozloski Carol Pilmer
Greeters & Communion Assistants:
Date 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.
03-Jan. Yvonne McCoy Dianne McGovern
10-Jan. Louise Testerman
17-Jan. Evelynn Derganc Donna Huber
24-Jan Anne Voth Cathy Parisi
Susan Agonia
31-Jan. Mikki Beck
Hospitality Teams 9:45 a.m. Service
03-Jan. Cathy Duncan
10-Jan. Jean Kahn
17-Jan. Liz Starr
24-Jan. Joan Bassett-Nolan
31-Jan. Inga Enge
JANUARY STEWARDSHIP
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THE GOOD NEWS Page 10
JANUARY
Bible Readings
Jan. 3 Epiphany of Our Lord
First Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Second Reading: Eph 3:1-12
Gospel: Matt 2:1-12
Jan. 10 Baptism of Our Lord
First Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7
Psalm Psalm 29
Second Reading: Acts 8:14-17
Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Jan. 17 2nd Sun. after Epiphany
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
Psalm: Psalm 36:5-10
Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:1-11
Gospel: John 2:1-11
Jan. 24 3rd Sun. after Epiphany
First Reading: Neh 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10
Psalm: Psalm 19
Second Reading: 1 Cor 12:12-31a
Gospel: Luke 4:14-21
Jan. 31 4th Sun., after Epiphany
First Reading: Jer 1:4-10
Psalm: Psalm 71:1-6
Second Reading: 1 Cor 13:1-13
Gospel: Luke 4:21-30
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS!
Kathy Mace 1/1
Minato Nambu 1/1
Chyle Gustin 1/2
Jackie Skeggs 1/2
Reid Bauder 1/5
Maggie Riley-Hagan 1/5
Kay Kupka 1/11
Pat Piccirillo 1/11
Louise Testerman 1/14
David Capezzone 1/15
Holly Kepler 1/17
Kimberly Capezzone 1/21
Elizabeth Gustin 1/21
Fran Iverson 1/23
Jean Russell 1/24
Rose Marie Etherton 1/25
Tom Geu 1/25
Haylie Murray 1/27
Rob O’Carroll 1/27
Gina Stier 1/27
Cliff Adcock 1/31
JANUARY 2016
San Marcos Lutheran Church
Page 11
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2
3 Epiphany of Our
Lord - 8:30 & 11 am
Svcs 9:45 am Informal Svc & Sun Sch &
J. Anderson Bible Study Conf. Room 11:00 am Jay Mesker
Bible Study, LH 2pm E. Wiediger Svc
4
11:30 am AA, LH
5 6 9:30 am
Centering Prayer Group, Luther Hall 10:30 am Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary 11:30 am AA, LH 6:30 pm Social
Action
7
9:00 am LH in Use
10:30 am
Preschool Chapel,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Choir
7:00 pm AA, LH
8 98:00 am Men’s
Breakfast & Bible
Study, LH
10 Baptism of Our
Lord 8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal Svc & Sun Sch
& Pastor Karla, LH 10:30 am Annual Mtg, 1
3:30 pm Conf.
4:00 pm Concert 6:30 pm Haven House Meal
11
11:30 am AA, LH
12
5:30 pm
Evangelism
Meeting
13 9:30 am
Centering Prayer Group, Luther Hall 10:30 am Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary 11:00 am Staff Mtg. 11:30 am AA, LH
14 10:30 am
Preschool Chapel,
Sanctuary
5:30 pm Worship
Task Force
7:00 pm Choir
7:00 pm AA, LH
15 16
5:00 pm Bishop
Eaton’s Video on
Racism & Potluck
17 2nd Sun after
Epiphany 8:30 & 11 am Svcs 9:45 am Informal Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch , Small Group, D. Balsmeyer, behind
screen in LH 2-6 pm Youth Race
18
Office Closed
11:30 am AA, LH
19
6:30 pm Mutual
Ministry @
O’Carrolls
20 9:30 am
Centering Prayer Group, Luther Hall 10:30 am Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary 11:30 am AA, LH 6:00 pm Council
2110:30 am
Preschool Chapel,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Choir
7:00 pm AA, LH
22 23
24 3rd Sun after
Epiphany Jubilee Sunday 8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal Svc 9:45 am Sun Sch. &
Y. Kieran’s Bible Study, Conf Rm 3:30 pm Conf
25
11:30 am AA, LH
26
9:30 am Bible
Study with Pastor
Karla, LH
27 9:30 am
Centering Prayer Group, Luther Hall 10:30 am Preschool
Chapel, Sanctuary 11:30 am AA, LH 3:45 pm Music &
Arts
2810:30 am
Preschool Chapel,
Sanctuary
7:00 pm Choir
7:00 pm AA, LH
29 30
314th Sun after
Epiphany
“Souperbowl”
8:30 & 11 am Svcs
9:45 am Informal
Svc
9:45 am Sun Sch.
4:00 pm Concert
7:00 pm AA, LH