November & December 2017 NEWSLETTER American Lutheran Church Newport, WA

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Message from the Pastor

EACH WINTER AS THE YEAR GROWS OLDER

Each winter as the year grows older, we each grow older too.

The chill sets in a little colder; the verities we knew seem shaken and untrue.

When race and class cry out for treason,

When sirens call for war, They overshout the voice of reason and scream till we ignore all we held dear before.

Yet I believe beyond believing, that life can spring from death:

That growth can flower from our grieving; that we can catch our breath and turn transfixed by faith.

So even as the sun is turning to journey to the north, The living flame, in secret burning, can kindle on the earth and bring God's love to birth.

O Child of ecstasy and sorrows, O Prince of peace and pain,

Brighten today's world by tomorrow's, renew our lives again; Lord Jesus, come and reign! -- By William & Annabeth Gay

Advent will soon be upon us …and this hymn is at the heart of what it means to be Advent people. We are so acutely aware of the suffering and pain in our world…the violence and hatred and fear. It is overwhelming. Our peace, our joy, our hope, our love…is so often diminished in the face of the evening news or the posts on our facebook feed. But that is precisely why the Sundays in Advent reclaim the promises of God, born to us in Jesus.

The 1st Sunday in Advent is the Sunday of Hope. Our hope is in God…who created the universe…who is the source of life and who forgives sin and resurrects the dead. Nothing is impossible for God. No darkness can cast out God’s presence. We tried that. We gave God our worst on the cross. It didn’t work. God wins. So even in the face of death and evil, because of Jesus…we dare Hope.

The 2nd Sunday in Advent is the Sunday of Peace. Our peace is in Christ….the peace that passes all understanding. We have nothing to fear – no need to be anxious. We can trust that God has us, and holds us, and never lets us go…whatever may come. God’s grip on us will not be shaken, even in our darkest night…so we may breathe once again…in peace.

The 3rd Sunday in Advent is the Sunday of Joy. How dare we rejoice in the face of all that is wrong? Because there, in the midst of all that is wrong, God’s gifts of life and love are still abundant. People all around the world are kind. And generous. And silly. And gentle. And helpful. And courageous. Jesus comes to open our eyes to God’s beautiful gifts that are present in each and every day, and so that we can rejoice and be glad in them.

The 4th Sunday in Advent is the Sunday of Love. For we are sure that nothing in all creation –not even death…can every separate us from the Love of God in Christ Jesus. NOTHING. God’s love for this broken world will not be swayed. So we trust in that love. And open our hearts to love this broken world as God does.

We indeed are Advent people. May the hope and peace and joy and love of Christ fill you this day…and always. – Pastor Janine

November & December 2017 NEWSLETTER American Lutheran Church Newport, WA

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Ministering Volunteers who share their gifts

November 5, 2017

Greeters: Les & Blanche Wall Ushers: Dennis & Kelly Alliger Reader: Val Urbat Counters: Val Samson & Chris Shaver Coffee Hour: Sandy Ellersick’s group

November 12, 2017

Greeters: Valerie Samson & Faola Grant Ushers: Bob & Pat Kowal Reader: Bonnie Crotteau Counters: Val Samson & Chris Shaver Coffee Hour: Jean Oxrieder’s group

November 19, 2017 Greeters: Mark & Scone Bender Ushers: Sip & Bonnie Crotteau Reader: Larry Sauer Counters: Val Samson & Chris Shaver Coffee Hour: Jaci Stevens’ group

November 26, 2017

Greeters: Marva Heckathorn Ushers: Jeff & Kristi Bell Reader: Mark Bender Counters: Val Samson & Chris Shaver Coffee Hour: No host

December 3, 2017 Greeters: LeRoy & Emmy Leland Ushers: Les & Blanche Wall Reader: Faith Hughes Counters: Toby Johnson & Rita Crisp Coffee Hour: Eloise Opp’s group

December 10, 2017

Greeters: Dawn Morey & Family Ushers: Jennifer Ellersick & Roberta Clausen Reader: Kristi Bell Counters: Toby Johnson & Geoff Jones Coffee Hour: Katie Kersting’s group

December 17, 2017

Greeters: Theresa Watson & Ashley Scribner Ushers: Dick Bockemuehl & Sandy Ellersick Counters: Toby Johnson & Geoff Jones Coffee Hour: Scone Bender’s group

December 24 Christmas Eve Service

Greeters: John Gertenbach & Sheryl Kearns Ushers: Don & Mary Louise Cumins Reader: Steve Cawelti Counters: Val Samson & Faola Grant Coffee Hour: No host

December 31, 2017 Greeters: Steve Cawelti Ushers: Steve & Sharon Bateman Reader: Val Samson Counters: Val Samson & Faola Grant Coffee Hour: Peggy Smith’s group

"So many good things begin to happen when you understand that God is your source and that you are simply a steward of the things He has entrusted to you. You're not giving up anything; you're actually opening the door of blessing from God. And knowing that the Master is responsible for you now, that your financial security doesn't depend upon you, will bring a sense of peace. If you honor God with your finances, He will take better care of you accidentally than you ever could on purpose." Andrew Womack

November & December 2017 NEWSLETTER American Lutheran Church Newport, WA

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Birthdays Celebrate their Birth

NOVEMBER Rose Sauer Low 11-01 Katie Kersting 11-01 Tony Hoffman 11-05 Amber Reynolds 11-05 Hedy Seeber 11-07 Theresa Watson 11-11 Roberta Clausen 11-12

Brooklyn Hastings 11-12 Sharon Bateman 11-12 Sophie Hinchliff 11-14 Earl Sorsdahl 11-15 Thelma Richter 11-17 Elaine Petersen 11-18 Kendra Persyn 11-18 Bryce Reynolds 11-19 June Baumgardner 11-20 Annika Hughes 11-27 Rand Gurley 11-29 Dwight Opp 11-30 Cydni Lewis 11-30

DECEMBER Marlene Faraca 12-01 Sharon Nordenger 12-02 Steve Cawelti 12-11 Gladys Davaz 12-13 Tom Bauer 12-14 Shannon Radke 12-16 Emily Lewis 12-16 Randy Richter 12-18 Carol Rock 12-18 Neil Persyn 12-19 Scone Bender 12-21 Miller Griffith 12-22 Ed Heckman 12-24 Gae Lewis 12-25 Billie Goodno 12-27 Norm Haikkila 12-28 Cheryl Bailey 12-29 Kathy Hansen 12-29

Special Thanks Appreciation for God’s blessings in action

Special THANKS and Appreciation to Jim Willner for taking such good care of the church through Lester Bohnhof’s illness and after his death. Many Thanks! From Everyone at ALC Dear American Lutheran Church, On behalf of my family and myself, we would like to thank you all for the lovely service and celebration of Bill’s life. It was beautiful and so special and we appreciate it very much. Also, a BIG thank you to all the ladies who put on a superb and delicious luncheon. It was absolutely wonderful. Thank you all again. The Thorson Family

Dear friends, Just wanted to thank you for all your prayers. I’m doing pretty well. Still taking chemo about every three weeks. We love y’all! Thanks so much Suzanne & Monty Provence

We completed the coat drive collection. On October 31st at TJ Kelly Park we gifted them all away. Please give a huge thankyou to all who donated amd our thanks to everyone who participated. The Hospital Foundation and Noma Hunter and rest of the community appreciates it. Thanks,

Vicki Richter

November & December 2017 NEWSLETTER American Lutheran Church Newport, WA

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Activities and Opportunities Wherever two or more are gathered. God’s work, Our hands!

It's that time of year when the Church Nominating Committee begins the process of filling outgoing Church Committee members with new members. If you are interested in being involved with one of our committees, please contact Kristi Bell, Mark Bender or Vicki Richter, either by email or phone. If you are not sure and just want to learn more first, that's great. Call us and we can share more information with you to help you decide whether or not to be a part of this wonderful group of volunteers. New Committee members are voted upon at our Annual Church Meeting the end of January 2018. Thank you from the Nominating Committee!

It is such a beautiful and joyful time of year! If you would like to bring poinsettias to decorate the church, please bring them before Sunday Services throughout December to share and enjoy with everyone.

Come Decorate our Church on Thursday November 30th from 9am until? Lunch will be provided to everyone who helps set up the tree, hang the ornaments, hang the garlands and wreaths, and clean up afterwards. Bring a song in your heart! Our thanks to Dwight Opp for providing the live tree again this year!

As the leaves fall, the roots are preparing for the Spring growth. God is at work even when we can’t see it.

Chrismons, a contraction for 'Christ monograms' were first developed by Frances Spencer and the women of the Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA. Now, many churches display a Chrismon tree during the Advent and Christmas season.

Chrismons are traditionally colored white and gold. White is the liturgical (or Church) color for Christmas and it symbolizes that Jesus was pure and perfect. Gold symbolizes His Majesty and Glory.

Triangle -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Star -- the Messiah. Fish -- a most ancient symbol for Christ. Shepherds Crook -- the shepherds who went to the stable to see the Babe. Cross -- reminding us of the crucifixion.

There are too many different designs to list here, but if you go to a web site http://www.umcs.org/chrismons/patterns/index.htm, you will be able to more. The Chrismons on our tree were hand made by the members of our church. My favorite is the Lamb of God. From Jean Oxrieder

The Sunday School children will deliver

the Message of Christmas with joy and song on Sunday, December 17th at 10am. Please join us!

Newsletter Deadline for January/February is early - Sunday, December 17th. Please send your items to Alc.churchoffice@gmail.com before then. Thank you! Patty

"But you shall remember the Lord, your God: for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.” Deut. 8:18

November & December 2017 NEWSLETTER American Lutheran Church Newport, WA

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Church Contacts Serving God by serving all people

Pastors .............................. Matt & Janine Goodrich .................................. Church office 509-447-4338 ........................................... alc.pastors@gmail.com Secretary .............................................. Patty Leiser .................................. Church office 509-447-4338 .................................. alc.churchoffice@gmail.com Youth Ministers ........................ Kari & Mike Tafoya .......................................................... 509-447-4728 Mutual Ministry Committee Members ....................................................... Annie Frederick ....................................................... Elaine Petersen ......................................................... Shannon Hurd .............................................................Greg Seeber

Church Council 2017 Serving God by serving the church

President ........................................... LeRoy Leland Vice President ................................. Sandy Ellersick Treasurer ............................................ Vicki Richter Secretary ...................................... Roberta Clausen Financial Secretary ............................ Billie Goodno Education ......................................... Monica Jones ................................................... Jennifer Ellersick* ......................................................... Shannon Hurd Evangelism ............................................ Sylvia Post ............................................................... Rita Crisp* ...................................................... Theresa Watson Mission/Social Concerns ............. Annie Frederick* .......................................................... Nancy Thome .......................................................... Katie Kersting Property ............................................ Steve Cawelti ................................................... John Gertenbach* .............................................................. Ralph Blake ............................................................... Glen Smith Stewardship ............................................ Val Urbat ............................................................ Val Samson* ............................................................ Robin Balow Worship & Music................................ Larry Sauer* ........................................................... Mark Bender ....................................................... Elaine Petersen

* church council member

November & December 2017 NEWSLETTER American Lutheran Church Newport, WA

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SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1

12 n AlAnon

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5 All Saint’s Sunday 9am Sunday School 10 am Worship Coffee Hour

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7 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’

8 12 n AlAnon 7pm Choir Practice

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10

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12 Welcome New Members

9am Sunday School 10 am Worship Coffee Hour

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14 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’ 9:30am Anna Circle 7pm Church Council

15 12 n AlAnon 6pm Worship Committee 7pm Choir Practice

16 5:30 BBB

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19 Thanksgiving Worship

9am Sunday School shops for Toys for Tots-Shopko 10 am Worship Coffee Hour

20 7pm Mutual Ministry

21 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’ 9:30am Quilters

22 12 n AlAnon 7pm Choir Practice Pastors’ Vacation

23 THANKSGIVING 24

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26 NO Sunday School 10 am Worship

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28 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’ 9:30am Quilters

29 12 n AlAnon 7pm Choir Practice

30 9am Decorate Church

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 2

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9am Sunday School 10 am Worship Coffee Hour

4 6:30 WWW @ Chris Shaver’s

5 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’ 9:30am Quilters

6 12 n AlAnon 7pm Choir Practice

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10 9am Sunday School 10 am Worship Coffee Hour

11 6pm FFF Christmas Party

12 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’ 9:30am Anna Circle 7pm Church Council

13 12 n AlAnon 7pm Choir Practice

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17 Newsletter Deadline

9am Sunday School 10 am Worship Children’s Christmas Program Coffee Hour

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19 7am Youth Bkfst @ Pastors’ 9:30am Quilters

20 12 n AlAnon 7pm Choir Practice

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22 23

24 NO Sunday School 10 am Worship 7pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

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27 12 n AlAnon

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31 New Year’s Eve NO Sunday School 10 am Worship Coffee Hour