COMFORTER MINISTRY

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion

and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those

in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the

sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5

A mission of comfort and compassion, reaching out to women with cancer with

God’s Word and the love of the Comforter through journals and comforters.

NEWSLETTER______________________________

Winter 2010/11 Wrapped in the Love of the Comforter

A letter from Su

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

What joy it gives me to share those words of comfort and joy with each of you!

For all of us at some time or another throughout this past year we have struggled, we have worried, we have failed someone, we have lost sight of what is important and what is not, we have misjudged someone or some situation, and on and on and on. We’ve disobeyed God in so many ways we can’t possibly count them all, can we? Just when we need Him the most He comes to us through His Word, points out our sin, brings us to repentance, reminds us of His love and forgiveness through His Son, Jesus, and all is well in our hearts, once again. Without

the fulfillment of Isaiah 9:6 in Jesus Christ there would be no comfort and joy any day of the

year, not to mention during this season of the year. I pray each of you, dear readers, will celebrate this miracle of miracles with me!

Joy is what I’m feeling as I work on this particular Comforter Ministry Newsletter-Winter

Issue 2010/11. Oh! Don’t get me wrong…I’m feeling a bit harried right now, as well, knowing what all needs to be accomplished within the next couple of weeks (and beyond, for that

matter). But what joy fills my heart to be privileged to share this ministry with so many through

these newsletters, presentations, prayer gatherings, etc. A perfect time to say “thank you” to all of you for your encouragement, love and support throughout the year.

In this Winter Issue there are Christmas bits and pieces scattered throughout. I tried to vary these bits and pieces with holy ponderings, as well as fun, seasonal thoughts and

readings, along with a recipe or two. I hope this issue brings comfort and joy to you, too, as

you read through it. Starting with the next issue of CMN I’m planning to make a few changes/additions which

I hope you’ll find helpful and informative. 2011 plans still include that allusive Web site I’ve been hoping to make happen for a year or more, now I keep telling myself, “In His time, in His time.” An annual Comforter Ministry calendar, additional CM presentations and CM prayer gathering opportunities in a power point format, and a CM workshop/retreat for quilters are projects I’m praying will become reality in the future. If you or someone you know would be willing to help with any of the above plans/dreams I would be pleased to hear from you.

May the Lord bless your heart with comfort and joy as you celebrate the Wonderful

Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace! Su

With a Thankful Heart . . . I thank my God every time I remember you. Philippians 1:3-5

As of November 15, 2010, 61 Quilters/Quilt Groups from 18 states and one Canadian province have made 185 comforters that have comforted over 263* women with cancer from 29 states (USA), one Canadian province, Australia, the Caribbean, and Japan. As I share the following information with you, my heart overflows with thankfulness to God for each of you. Quilters……………………….. Recipients……………………………………………………… Alaska 2 Alaska 3 Tennessee 1 Alaska (QG) 1 Texas 21 California 1 Arizona 1 Virginia 2 Colorado 2 California 8 Washington 2 Florida 1 Colorado 4 West Virginia 1 Illinois (QG) 1 Connecticut 2 Wisconsin 128 Iowa 1 Florida 8 Wyoming 1 Kansas 1 Georgia 1 Michigan 2 Illinois 9 Australia 1 Minnesota 3 Indiana 2 Caribbean 1 Nebraska 3 Iowa 5 Japan 1 Nevada 1 Kansas 3 Ontario, Canada 2 North Carolina 1 Kentucky 1 North Dakota 2 Michigan 18 Ohio 1 Minnesota 20 South Dakota (QG) 1 Montana 1 Texas 2 Nebraska 7 Texas (QG) 2 Nevada 1 Wisconsin 18 New York 3 Wisconsin (QG) 13 North Carolina 2 Wisconsin (LGP) 1 Ohio 2 Wyoming 1 Oklahoma 2 Ontario, Canada (QG) 1 South Dakota 3 *Several comforters have been given on behalf of the Comforter Ministry, but I have not been given further information as to

names of recipients, addresses, etc.

QG=Quilt Group

LGP=Lutheran Girl Pioneers

Prayers . . . The prayers of a righteous man are powerful and effective. James 5:16

Prayer warriors who pray regularly for the Comforter Ministry and all who are served through CM

Quilters who pray for the recipients of their comforters as they work over their labors of love, in most cases never knowing where they are sent or who receives them

Participants in Comforter Ministry Prayer Gatherings Thank you! Please continue. Your prayers mean so much for so many.

The hope of the world lies in the Christmas message: Immanuel, God with us

Gifts Received . . .

And whatever you do; whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord

Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17

Mom, Laura, Jane and Sarah, Trinity-Minocqua, WI – Helped assemble Comforter Ministry Newsletter (CMN), Autumn Issue 2010, for mailing. Thank you, Ladies!

Sally, Lac du Flambeau, WI – Printed CMN labels and updated CM Mailing List for Winter issue 2010/11. Thanks, Sally (and husband, John)!

Everyone willing to receive CMN electronically – Huge Thanks!!

Gifts of Money received since September 1, 2010 – Marlene, Jackson, WI; Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Ladies Rejoice, Waukesha, WI; Rachel, Prosser, NE; Janice, New Brighton, MN; Peace Lutheran Church, Evening Guild, Wautoma, WI; Frieda, Lake Mills, WI; Joyce, Bonduel, WI. Thank You, ALL!

Trinity Endowment Fund – In October Comforter Ministry, Inc. was awarded

$500 from the Trinity Endowment Fund, Trinity Lutheran Church-Minocqua, WI (my home church). Thank You, very much!

The greatest Christmas gift of all

Was never placed beneath a tree,

But lay within a manger bed,

Beneath a star, for all to see.

Emily Scarlett

Marge from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, North Central Wisconsin Chapter – Has been sharing her Office Max card with CM for several years, now. I am very appreciative as it has made a huge difference for my printing needs, especially. I don’t use it often but when I need to it has been a real blessing! Thank You!

Coconut Joys ~ Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 5

½ cup margarine 2 cups powdered sugar 3 cups flaked coconut 2 1-oz. squares milk chocolate, melted Garnish: finely chopped nuts In a large saucepan, melt margarine; remove from heat. Add powdered sugar and coconut; mix well. Shape rounded teaspoonfuls into balls. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then make indentations in the center of each. Fill indentations on each ball with chocolate; sprinkle nuts over chocolate, if desired. Chill 3 hours or until firm. Makes 3 dozen.

Comfort Soup ~ Gooseberry Patch Christmas, Book 5

10-oz. pkg. frozen, chopped broccoli, thawed 10-1/2 oz. can cream of potato soup 1 cup milk 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese In a large microwave-safe dish, heat broccoli. Add soup, milk and cheese; stir. Heat in microwave until hot and cheese is melted. Makes 3 to 4 servings.

Thoughts to Share . . .

REMEMBER THIS FROM CMN, 2010 AUTUMN ISSUE?

Congratulations!

Jean, a quilter from Green Bay, WI received

a 1st

Place Blue Ribbon at the Brown County Fair for

a quilt she made (with plans to donate to the

Comforter Ministry). Jean shared that this was her

“first time entering anything.” Yeah! Jean!

I’m so excited to receive her “work of art.” Who

will be the recipient??? Maybe I can let you know in

a future issue of CMN

UPDATE: The recipient of Jean’s quilt was Anne and she emailed me upon

receiving the CM comforter and journal: Good evening, Su, My name is Anne P and

I just received the “blue ribbon-winning” quilt from Jean Z on Friday. I was diagnosed with breast cancer (DCIS) about 7 weeks ago and am scheduled for a bilateral mastectomy on Thursday of this week. I had read about your ministry group at our church… and was amazed at the dedication of you and your groups. I had also thought at that time “Wow…as much as I admire this ministry, I hope I never have to be a recipient”. But, God’s plans for us are only known by him and now I am so fortunate to have received this quilt. She adds: Thank you, so much, for continuing this important mission. God bless you and all of your groups throughout the nation and I hope they know the important role that they are playing in God’s plans. Thank YOU, Anne, for your kind and encouraging words

The mystery and miracle of the incarnation makes every day a Christmas celebration for the believer. Janette Oke

Special Times, Special Memories This past October my husband and I spent the entire month in England,

visiting our daughter and son-in-law. During that time Rebekah and I were able to order more of the lovely and creative Thank You notes

she designed for me a year ago. Some of you have had the pleasure of seeing and/or receiving them for one reason or another. I had sent the original Comforter Ministry quilt to her in England and she photographed it in various settings and surroundings. I had hoped to choose ONE to serve as THE Comforter Ministry Card

which I’d use exclusively for CM correspondence but I couldn’t decide (and still can’t) and have ended up with six different cards. So for the

time being I’m going to continue with the same six. Something we talked about, as well, was producing a Christmas card for next year. I would use them as a “thank you” to all CM quilters and donors from throughout the previous year. She and Tom will be coming to Wisconsin in June 2011 and we hope to work on this project at that time. Thank You, Bekah, for sharing your gifts with me and CM!

I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Luke 2:10

Sharing What I Know . . . Because the Comforter Ministry’s mission is to reach out to women with cancer, each Comforter Ministry Newsletter will include information about a specific cancer or a related subject. By being better informed about cancer, my hope is that readers will be aided in detecting cancer in regard to themselves and others and, if necessary, know where to go for further information and qualified assistance.

CANCERCARE Cancer changes everything. We can help. Who we are - CancerCare provides free help to anyone affected by cancer. Our services include counseling, education, and practical and financial help from trained oncology social workers completely free of charge. Who we help – People with cancer, caregivers, children, loved ones, and those who have lost a loved one to cancer. Doctors, nurses and other health care professionals use our services, too, to help their patients who are coping with cancer. How we help – Counseling - Our staff of trained social workers meet with you or your family members one-on-one, to help you find ways to cope with cancer. This individual counseling can take place in person or over the phone. Our support groups give you a safe, supportive placed to share your experiences and learn from others going through similar circumstances. Groups meet in person, over the phone, and online. Education – Our free booklets and fact sheets give up-to-date, easy-to-read information about subjects like the latest treatments, how to manage side effects, and how to cope with cancer. Our Telephone Education Workshops give you the latest information on cancer and related topics straight from the experts. Listen in by phone, and even get a chance to ask the experts your own questions. Practical Help – Our social workers also help with the practical concerns of cancer, such as how to talk with your health care team, how to find useful information and other help, and going back to work after treatment is done. Financial Help – Cancer can put a big strain on your finances. CancerCare gives limited aid to eligible individuals to help cover cancer-related costs like getting to and from your doctor, child care, help needed around the home, and some medicines that treat side effects. Who does CancerCare help? We help anyone who is affected by cancer, including:

People of any age with cancer

People who take care of someone with cancer

People who have completed treatment for cancer

Children who have a parent, sibling, or other family member with cancer

Parents who have a child with cancer Our services are also available in Spanish. Are CancerCare services really free? Yes. Our counseling, education, and practical help services are provided free of charge to anyone who comes to us for assistance. Financial help is available to those who qualify. How do I contact CancerCare? Call us toll free at 1-800-813-HOPE (4673) or email info@cancercare.org, to learn more about how we help. CancerCare Can Help – A cancer diagnosis changes everything, but you don’t have to go through it alone. While your health care team, friends and family will likely be your main source of support at this time, CancerCare is here to help, too. We will work with you and your loved ones to help you find ways of coping with the many challenges of cancer.

Make a Memory Wreath to display your family’s holiday heirlooms…those lovely glass

balls, one-of-a-kind ornaments, copies of cherished photos, etc. Simply arrange the

items on an evergreen wreath (real or not), then either wire or glue them in place!

Our Featured Quilter - Dorothy May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us

– yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17

Quilters are sent a questionnaire, asking several questions in regard to their life as a quilter. This is what Dorothy, from Prairie du Sac, WI, had to share. How did you first become interested quilting? I started sewing in High School and pieced a quilt top from scraps. My mother assembled the quilt and gave it to me later. I took a quilt class in 1981 and have been a quilter since then. How long have you been a quilter? Almost 30 years What is your favorite quilt pattern? Stars – there are so many possibilities Just for fun – Which quilt pattern best describes your personality and why? Grandmother’s Flower Garden – I have 4 grandchildren. I also have many large flower beds in my yard. The neighbors call me “the flower lady.” How did you learn about the Comforter Ministry? What moved you to make a comforter for the ministry? I attended Su’s first presentation at LWMS convention. I think that was at Sioux Falls, SD. Please share your favorite Bible verse(s). Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed are those who take refuge in him. A Personal Note from Su: Through the efforts of Dorothy I was privileged to be asked to serve as presenter at her LWMS spring circuit rally several years ago near Madison, WI. This was my first major presentation and I was given my first large donation towards the Comforter Ministry which was enough to help pay for the first 100 journals I had printed for the ministry. It was a real blessing at just the right time Dorothy’s a beautiful quilter and a dear, Christian lady. Dorothy’s quilt (Quilt #24) was made for the Comforter Ministry but when finished was sent directly to her young niece, Gillian, from Alaska who was battling leukemia and later died. As far as I know Gillian’s family has kept the quilt and journal. I’m hoping Dorothy will not mind my sharing what she wrote in the CM journal sent along with her beautiful quilt for Gillian, under “Greetings from the Quilter” – I feel the Comforter Ministry is a wonderful way to comfort women with cancer. Many prayers are sent along with this gift. There is much meaning in this quilt.

4 corners – cornerstones of our faith

Is based on the love of God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Flowers – creation

Crosses – Christ

Doves – Holy Spirit

Butterflies – resurrection

Hearts – love of God, family and friends

Yellow – the SON shine of God Please enjoy this quilt, it was made to bring joy to your heart! Thank you, Dorothy! God rest ye merry gentlemen (and ladies, too) Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day To save us all from Satan’s power When we had gone astray O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy, O tidings of comfort and joy!

Words of Comfort . . . This meditation is the third in a series based on the supporting scriptural references of the Comforter Ministry Mission Statement and found in the Comforter Ministry journal.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

True Meaning of Christmas

Several months ago, as I looked ahead at the scripture references from the Comforter Ministry journal, I determined it would be most appropriate to meditate on John 3:16 as the devotional thought for the winter issue of CMN, and even more so when I decided this particular newsletter would have a “Christmas” theme. What better verse from all of Scripture than this one as one contemplates the true meaning of Christmas; the real Reason for the Season? I began, as I usually do in preparation for each newsletter’s “Words of Comfort” segment, by reading a couple of commentaries on the chosen verse(s) for that particular issue. When I read through one commentator’s comments I thought to myself, “There is absolutely no way I could add anything else meaningful to this.” I decided to share his words with you and simply leave it at that. The underlining and bold print are my only additions to this already wonderful commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann, Ph. D., D.D., Popular Commentary of the Bible (1923). John 3:16 summarizes the entire Gospel in one short sentence. With the full emphasis of adoring wonder Jesus exclaims: “For God so loved…” so much, so greatly, so beyond all human understanding. The greatness of God’s love is such as to call forth this cry of astonishment even from the Son of God, the Savior Himself. God loved the world, God is the Author of salvation, (1 Timothy 2:3) He loved the world, all the people living in the world, all that make up the human element in the world; there is none excepted. He proved this love with a deed so wonderful, so surpassingly beautiful, that it cannot be brought out strongly enough in words of human speech. God gave His only-begotten Son as a free gift and present for the whole world. And such is His will and intention that He makes no exception: Everyone that believes in Him shall not perish, shall not see destruction, but have everlasting life, the life in and with Jesus that shall have no end, but consists of bliss and joy through countless ages. What a contrast: the holy, eternal God and His equally holy and eternal Son giving the highest and best for the world, for the fallen, corrupt humanity, for the bitter enemy of God! The death of the Son of God is the punishment for the sins of the whole world; the Son of God dies that the world, all the people in the world, might live in all eternity. God’s death, God’s blood, was thrown of sinners but to accept this atonement in faith; for faith accepts and appropriates the redemption of Christ. And the believer has eternal life even now, even here in time. He is sure of his salvation, because it is based upon the work of Jesus the Savior. What shall, what can he do and give more? For since He gives His Son, what does He hold back that He does not give? Yea, He gives Himself altogether, as Paul says (Romans 8:32): “Who spared not his own Son, how shall he not with him freely give us all things?” Surely all must be given with Him who is an only-begotten, dearest Son, the Heir and Lord of all creatures; and all creatures must be made subject to us, angels, devils, death, life, heaven and earth, sin, righteousness, things present and things to come, as St. Paul again says (1 Corinthians 3:22, 23), “All things are yours’ and ye are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s.” Dear Reader, Rejoice in God’s Gift to you – His Son, Jesus. Then, knowing and believing

this, experience true and lasting comfort and joy, now and eternally. Merry

Christmas!

Comforter Ministry, Inc. Susanne Hanson

12326 Fitzgerald Lane Manitowish Waters, WI 54545-9104

715-543-8483 comforterministry@yahoo.com