WORSHIP ASSISTANTS

5: Alice Weaver 12: Jody Perrell 19: Becky Edwards 26: Jeff Applewhite ACOLYTE Kennedy Clawson ALTAR GUILD Kathy Holt Grover Holt Ted Holt Becky Edwards Julie Edwards Council Tellers Joe Hampton Grover Holt USHERS Craig Corriher Mark Parrish Julie Edwards Joe Hampton CHILDREN’S SERMONS Jan. 5: Shana Putnam 12: Julie Hoffner 19: Jennifer Perrell 26: Gracie Morgan GREETERS Jan. 5: Dianne Davis 12 Peggy & Barry Curlee 19: Alice Weaver 26: Mary Harkey ALTAR FLOWERS ($65) Jan. 5– Houston Family 12- Grover Holt Family 19- M/M Jody Perrell 26– Tim Beaver ****************************

ST. LUKE’S WOMEN OF THE ELCA

(WELCA)

will meet after worship on January 5 to

plan for the congregation lunch benefit

on Jan. 26 for Cystic Fibrosis.

January Sermon Schedule In January, Pastor Scott kicks off a 6-week series on the wonderful story of Esther, Mordecai, Haman and the King. We walk through the book of Es-ther, and each week focuses on major theme. Come and see how God’s plan can work on in ways that we never expect. Jan. 5: Esther 1 – What Kind of King? Jan. 12: Esther 2 – No Win Situations

Jan. 19: Esther 3 – Faithful Brings Trouble Jan. 26: Esther 4 – For Such A Time As This

Feb. 2: Esther 5 – Pride Comes Before the Fall Feb. 9: Esther 6 – Celebrating God’s Plan

The book of Esther never mentions God, no miracles happen, and the book is never even mentioned anywhere else in the Bible. The hero of the book is a Jewish young woman who hides her identity. And she’s not just any woman, but an orphaned girl who great King Xerxes chooses as the unwilling winner of Persia’s version of The Bachelor. Despite all this, Esther is instrumental in saving the Jews from certain genocide and succeeds in having all of her enemies destroyed in a bloodbath. It’s not exactly the type of story you read your kids at night. No one comes off looking good, and every-one has a hidden agenda. Yet, isn’t this what life is like most of the time? Doesn’t it seem as if God is absent and evil abounds? Don’t good things happen despite impure motives? Don’t God’s plans move forward despite us? God is ultimately the hero in Esther, though not seen at first glance. Those who look in faith will find God silhouetted throughout the entire story. ==================================================== 2020 Congregation Activity Calendar To everyone, ESPECIALLY team leads and committee chairs, please pick up a copy of the early version of the 2020 events and activity calendar from Becky or in the narthex. See what we need to add! Let Becky know so we can let everyone else know, too! COMMITTEE REPORTS for 2019 should be turned in by January 22, 2020 for inclusion in our congregational directory.

——————————————— MUSIC MINISTRY

A special thanks to all who were involved in the Christmas Cantata. Beautiful music! Beautiful narration!

All able to hear because of our sound system personnel! The sanctuary was beautiful, thanks to poinsettias and

wreaths, and loving hands to place them.

VOL .54

EDITION 5

PASTOR’S MESSAGE

A new year, and a new set of New Year’s Resolutions. Do you have any? Are they the same ones as last year? (hmm… eat better, exercise more, work on my prayer and devotion habits. Maybe I should add “do more little romantic things for Kim”) I haven’t actually thought of any yet, for 2020. Some years I do. Sometimes not. Maybe I should be more in-tentional about that. Really, though, whether at New Year’s or not, it comes down to goal setting. Do you have any goals? What are you working toward? I am spending a bit of time trying to learn jazz guitar, which is a whole new style for me. Well… at the moment it is slow jazz, very slowly, you might say. But goals are good. In the last year or so St. Luke’s has accomplished quite a few things, including a couple big ones – our big 150th Anniversary and paying off the mortgage to become debt free. So… now what? What might be good goal(s) now? How might we decide? Based on what priorities? How can we discern where God is calling us to go and what to do? I recommend you ponder that question, for yourself and for St. Luke’s. Without goals we tend to wander a bit aimlessly. What might we accomplish, with God’s good blessing, if we put our heart and mind into it?

Pastor Scott

Jan.

2020

Friends and Relatives on our Prayer List

We thought it might be helpful if all of us know the relationship to our congregation of the people on our

prayer list. We ask that as names need to be added or removed, you contact the church office.

Joy Barnette friend of Betty Massey Martha A.Barringer friend of Sandy Arrowood Isaac Brisson grandson of M/M Bill Connelly Nathan Brown friend of David Arrowood Wilma Davis aunt of Gail Kerr&Linda Pruett Glenn Hester friend of Jason Connelly Leslie Houston wife of Preston Houston Don Killian cousin of David Arrowood

Jerry Overcash cousin of Bonnie Russell Laurie Parrish sister of Mark Parrish Tim Peede bro-in-law of Debbie Clary Diane Rivers friend of Alice Weaver Doris Strickland mother of Debbie Clary Michael Walker cousin of David Arrowood Kim Watkins friend of Alice Weaver April Weaver wife of Jonathan Weaver Cindy Webb sister of Kathy Webb

Members and Friends Serving in the Military Eric Corriher husband of Dana Corriher Vince Price nephew of David Arrowood Jon Faust son of Margaret Faust David Terry son of Beverly Terry

OFFERING & ATTENDANCE—November Current Benev. Worship SS Nov. 3 $5,210.60 $ 66.80 106 20 Nov. 10 3,021.60 48.40 102 24 Nov. 17 2,160.20 67.80 78 19 Nov. 24 3,138.60 74.40 100 22

TREASURER’S REPORT Current Benevolence Restricted

Total

Beginning Balance 11/1/19 $ 750.21 $ 0.00 $ 122,749.30 $123,499.51

Receipts Nov., 2019 *,** $13,611.00 $257.40 $18,069.00 $31,937.40

Charges/Fees Nov., 2019 ($5. 00) $0.00 $0.00 ($5.00)

Transfers Nov., 2019 $ 257.40 ($257.40) $0.00 ($ 0.00)

Disbursements Nov., 2019 ($20,148.17) $0.00 ($6,722.71) ($26,870.88)

Ending Balance 11/30/19 ($ 5,534.56) $0.00 $134,095.59 $128,561.03

Thank You for the many acts of kindness during Johnny’s illness and passing. We are fortunate to have St. Luke’s as our church family. Sincerely, Karen and Family

Darlene Lavin sister of Laurie Klaus David Lentz relative of Eleanor Ijames Danny Marsh father of Angie Connelly Jennifer McDaniel Mt. Ulla Postal Pam Miller niece of Nancy Harris Nancy Moore aunt of Sandy Arrowood Cindy Morgan dau. of Reid & Margaret Jeanette Morris sister of Gerald Graham

Sympathy – Our Christian love and compassion are ex-pressed to Jeff Poteat and his family at the death of his sister, Angie Knox, on December 6.

2nd lowest month of current receipts for the year ** $7,180 Ingathering, $9,170 memorials account for majority of restricted receipts

Our Walk in Faith – Together

An Overview of Confirmation, Membership and Curriculum

As short as possible, what is Confirmation? Recently, St. Luke’s Congregation Council affirmed that Confirmation is a foundation-al ministry of the congregation, with a defined curriculum, and is the traditional path for youth to become voting members of the congregation. Council expanded on that position as well, affirming that Confirmation is at its core an act of faith, where we help the confirmands learn, build relationships with God and others, and participate in faith experiences. It may start in middle school but is not bounded by age. Some participants may start later, at any time of life, which is becoming more common as we have older youth and adults connect with us. Some may complete the curriculum in a couple years, others may take longer. To re-spect the purpose and integrity of asking someone to “confirm their faith” confirmation as a rite and celebration is not simply and always “done” at the end of a grade or an age or year on the “program.” We celebrate their Confirming their faith when the indi-vidual has covered the curriculum and is ready to say “Yes! I believe!” It is truly a statement of faith, not an age or grade based milestone to check off. So… what if a youth *isn’t* confirmed? Much as newly attending adults 18+ have always been able to join the congregation as voting members by the simpler “Affirmation of Faith” (per Constitution), Council also has chosen to make this choice available to youth that reach 18, but who have not participated in or completed the Confirmation curriculum due to when they started, lack of interest and priority, etc. They may, at a future time, finish the Confirmation process, and we look forward to celebrating Confirmation with them at that point. What is the “curriculum”? For youth, these basics of faith are covered through discussions, retreats, and experiences. At this time this includes 7 retreats at Lutheridge (covering Luther & Reformation, Lord’s Prayer, Creed, 10 Commandments, Baptism, Eucharist, and New Testament overview). Parents, kids, and youth leaders have chosen these retreats as a preferred approach, which is fun and deeply engaging. Other discussions include SLY Youth group nights ,mini-retreats and Faith Basics sessions (shared with all ages) on other Bible topics as well as worship, prayer, living as disciples, exploring our faith story and sharing our faith, salvation, sin and evil, other faith traditions, and many questions from the kids. A calendar of events and topics is posted and updated. For adults, Confirmation is a more flexible, focusing on offering the wide range of Faith Basics topics over time and custom con-versations with pastor and others. All in all, the path may change, but the goal is the same -- Making disciples.

Meals on Wheels

Volunteer Schedule for January

January 2: Joan Kennerly 3: Jeff Poteat 7: Sally Morgan 8: Karen Moore 10: Jeff Poteat 14: Sally Morgan 16: Joan Kennerly 17: Nancy Harris 21: Alice Weaver 22: Dianne Davis 24: Linda Clodfelter 28: Dianne Davis 31: Alice Weaver

TOGETHER IN FAITH

Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Trip - June 11-12-13, 2020 (Thurs.-Fri.-Sat.)

3 day 2 night custom charter trip with White Star Tours. The more the merrier, and cheaper too! $539pp if we have 20, $439pp if we have 40 going. $25pp deposits due March 1, final payment April 1. See posters (Fellowship Hall bboard & nar-

thex info station) for details. Make checks payable to St.

Luke’s, marked for ArkTrip and participant(s). **** Please pick up a sign-up form, and submit it with your deposit for $25. (SLC members get first chance; other family & friends can sign up starting Feb. 1)

Bowling for Everyone: Yes, indeed, a bowling outing for all ages. Julie Edwards is helping arrange a day for us to get out, have some fun, non-competitive bowling outing. (((( details day, time, location, cost ???))) Maybe grab some pizza after-ward as well!

DISCIPLESHIP Search for a Youth Director Our search for a new MS/HS Youth Director continues. If someone you know may be interested in this part-time position, please encourage them to contact Pastor Scott or council chair Mark Parrish. The job description is available on church website (www.stlukeslutheran.org) and in the church office.

Prayer & Spiritual Direction Group: Wed. at 2 pm Continuing our discussion of “The Furious Longing of God” by Brennan Manning and short devotions from “Jacob the Baker”. Consider joining us for a time dedicated to growing our spiritual lives, practices to help us listen for the voice of God, and sharing how we see God working around us.

Thursday Study Group – “Revelation” New Topic: Book of Revelation. We’ll start the new year with a new topic. The group has chosen to explore the book of Revelation. Pastor Scott will lead this study. Join us Thursdays at 10 am. Drop in as you can, starting January 9. This one will run for a while… Faith Basics – February 23 – “Chat with a Rabbi” Rabbi Andrew Ettin (Rabbi at Temple Israel, Salisbury and Prof at Wake Forest) will join us for our Faith Basics luncheon on February 23 after worship. He’ll share and host questions on a variety of topics – a bit about mod-ern Judaism, their way of interpreting scriptures we share, etc. As always, all ages are invited and confirma-tion youth strongly encouraged to attend. Look for the

signup sheet for lunch.

Dec. 8 Council Meeting, information and actions of council. Full minutes are available through the office. And a remind-er – all Council meetings are open for all to attend, except for rare legal, personnel or similar matters.

Short form council meeting Treasurer’s report approved Council officers elected: President: Mark Parrish; Secretary: Deanna Allison;

Treasurer: Jody Perrell Reviewed various council member duties with new Council members Committee on Committee assignments made for review

of committee/team members Recorded 2020 Pastoral Compensation as approved by

congregation as per IRS regulations Approved acquisition and installation of A/V control cab-

inet for Fellowship Hall as part of projector project, and for future use with updated permanent sound system.

Next meeting is a short session scheduled for Sunday, Jan 19 7:30am prior to worship.

Youth Group News & Events SLY Group Events Coming Up:

Jan. 12: SLY Sunday night – Topic Old Testament Overview (by Marian) Saturday, Jan. 18: SLY + LMM service day together. Care of creation through roadside cleanup. 10am-12:30. LMM providing lunch. Jan. 26: SLY Sunday night Date TBD : Participate in bowling fun night Pastor Scott is serving as youth leader while we continue our search for a new Youth Director. Marian Lytle is leading our youth confirmation ministry. Lutheridge retreats are part of the youth Confirmation minis-try, but are also designed for high-school students who split off for their own discussions.

Ingathering Projects Updates .Playground Update (2018 project): January workdays TBD .Sanctuary Building Fire Alarm: Getting additional quotes. .Trashcan pad and sidewalk: Hoping to get that work soon. .Chancel projector: low priority at the moment, and needs electrical work done. .Security lighting: waiting on team report about specific types and locations for lights, then needs electrical work to be done. Another update: Fellowship Hall Projector (being donated in memory of M/M George Kluttz by the Poteat and Howe families): waiting on electrical work to be done.

Annual Congregation Meeting—December 1

Congratulations to our newly elected Cong. Council members: Emily Applewhite Alison Clawson Robert Hodge Steve Massey Many thanks to our retiring Council members: Jason Connelly Chad Clawson Micki Karriker Beverly Terry Voting results for 2020 budget: 75 YES and 7 NO

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

Robert Hodge 1 Allison Williams 3 Lane Lauder 3 Natalie Allison 4 Jackson Keys 5 Eleanor Ijames 7 Brooke Kennerly 8 Taylor Garczynski 10 Margie Karriker 11 Barbara Bolick 12 Carrie Cameron 13 Elizabeth Applewhite 13 Ansley Kluttz 16 Ryan Garczynski 16 Lela Ijames 18 Amber Kennerly 19 Brad Massey 20 James Applewhite 22 Grover Holt 27 Donna Frederick 29 Julie Poteat 31

BAPTISMAL ANNIVERSARIES Seleia Kerr 9 Carter Kluttz 9 Wayne Kluttz 11 Dianne Davis 11 Michael Kluttz 11 Katie Hoffner 13 Ava Jones 22 Torie Jones 22 Richard Hansen 23 Tyler Poteat 26 Aidan Connelly 28

Dates to Remember

January 11—Playground Cleanup at 8:00 am 18 Youth+LMM Service day (Roadside cleanup + lunch) 26 WELCA Congregational Luncheon – Cystic Fibrosis ? Bowling – Fun & Fellowship Outing

February 2 LMM serve Breakfast at Homeless Shelter 7-9 Confirmation Retreat Lutheridge – “Eucharist” 23 Faith Basics “Chat with a Rabbi – Modern Judaism” 12 noon

Adverse Weather Closings- Whether rain, snow, sleet or shine, St. Luke’s normally expects to gather for worship. However, if particularly unsafe weather conditions requires us to cancel wor-ship services or other events we will endeavor to inform folks via OneCall (phone, txt, email), our website, and WSOC TV (channel 9,www.wsoctv.com). ———————————————- Chair/Table Signout: To avoid accidental double-booking, please contact the office when you need to borrow chairs and tables from the shelter storage area. We maintain a list so that we can track availability for use.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

1 New Year’s

Day Office closed

NO Choir

THURSDAY

2

FRIDAY

3 8-10:30 am Walk in Gym

SATURDAY

4

2nd Sunday of Christmas 5 7:45 am—L M M 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship

6 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

7:00 pm Disciple Explorers

7

8-10:30 am 8 Walk in Gym

2:00 pm Prayer/Spir. Dir.

NO Choir

9 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

10 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

11

8:00 am

Playground Cleanup

Baptism of our Lord 12 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship/Communion 5:00 pm – Handbell Choir 6:00 pm—Youth Meal 6:30-7:30 pm—Kingdom Kids 6:30-7:30 pm—SLY

13 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

14

15 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

NO Choir

16 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

17 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

18

10:00 am- 12:30 pm Youth/LMM Roadside Cleanup

2nd Sunday after Epiphany 19 7:30 am—Cong. Council 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir

20 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

7:00 pm Disciple Explorers

21

22 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym 7:00 pm

Choir

23 10 am

Pastor’s Study Group

24 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

25

3rd Sunday after Epiphany 26 9:15 am – Sunday School 10:30 am – Worship/Communion Cong. Meal—Cystic Fibrosis 5:00 pm—Handbell Choir 6:00 pm—Youth Meal 6:30-7:30 pm—Kingdom Kids 6:30-7:30 pm—SLY

27 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

28

29 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym 7:00 pm

Choir

30

10 am Pastor’s Study

Group

31 8-10:30 am

Walk in Gym

Thank You - The Presley family would like to thank every-one who supported the Fall Fish Fry. Those proceeds com-pleted what was needed to cover the attorney’s fees. Mala-chi and Eli were officially adopted by John Michael on Octo-ber 29th. Without our congregation’s support and prayers, it wouldn’t have been possible. John Michael and Rachel

COMPLIMENTS! From you, to you. We are called to be a blessing to each other. Share your “thank yous” in our Compliment Box in the narthex. Here’s some of the ways you’ve done that.

New council members willing to serve

Larry Sheets – Outdoor nativity setup

Shana & Chuck – Children’s Christmas play

Carrie, Kathy, and helpers – Children w/Santa

Laurie & Choir - music for Advent, Cantata, Christmas

Robin – coordinating our blood drives and al who have donated blood and helped with signup and snacks for the blood drive

Folks helping in nursery, little kids SS and Word Time

Sally, Kathy, Social Ministry Committee, and everyone – Christmas Ministry donations, prep, sorting, driving, etc.

Karen Moore, Altar Guild, and others for wonderful deco-rations for Advent/Christmas