An Excerpt from Pre-Advent Day 1 of The Daily Devotional Series

By Rev. Dr. Walt Lichtenberger

In the high deserts of New Mexico, there is an ancient city called Chaco. Although its inhabitants have long since migrated away, leaving their DNA to the indigenous people of the southwest, a record of their remarkable civilizations remains in the massive ruins that endure. A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to this remote place and experience its wonders. Standing out for me are the doorways and windows of rooms that open to the sky. In times long ago, these portals led to storage rooms containing ceremonial items and supplies needed to support the thousands of people that gathered for festivals and rituals. These thresholds provided access and light. They allowed for celebration and festive delight.

This Advent, these thresholds will provide the spiritual imagination for a daily devotional. The uncertainty, division, and unsettled nature of our times calls out for the shalom and communion that God alone can provide. The church finds itself at a threshold moment. Our structures, practices, and thinking - though they might have served us well in the past - need to be carefully examined in light of the gospel of Jesus Christ and whether or not they will continue to serve Christ’s mission in the future. Just ‘going to church’ doesn’t seem to be a priority in our culture these days. In the absence of cultural supports and encouragement, individually there needs to be a deeper spiritual engagement with our faith. People of faith need to re-prioritize their commitment to God and neighbor.

Advent preparation is about more than getting ready for Christmas. Instead of elaborate countdowns and lists of ‘things to do,’ the season of Advent is about preparing our heart for Christ. We yearn for God’s action and life to enter our own. We yearn to move from a place of brokenness and fear to a place of restoration and hope. We yearn to be more whole and centered…Advent is a wonderful season of Threshold crossing: from despair to hope, from brokenness to restoration, from longing to fulfillment.

You can sign up to receive “Threshold: An Advent Journey” daily email devotions at www.cslcvh.org or pick up a printed copy from the church office.

Cross & Cradle Newsletter December 2018

Christ the Servant Lutheran Church 3676 Centerville Road,

Vadnais Heights, MN 55127 651-429-6595

office@cslcvh.org www.cslcvh.org

Church Events Dec 2 – First Sunday in Advent

Presentation of Promise Cards Potluck Meal Following Worship

Advent Inter-Generational Event

2:00-4:00 PM

Advent Vespers Services December 5th, 12th & 19th — 6:00 PM

Dec. 8 - Sunday School Program Rehearsal 11:00 AM — 7:00 PM

Dec. 9 – Second Sunday in Advent

Sunday School Christmas Program

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES MONDAY, DECEMBER 24 4:00 PM and 10:30 PM

THRESHOLD: AN ADVENT JOURNEY

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Christmas Poinsettia Garden Poinsettia order forms will be available in the Sunday bulletin this coming Sunday. Cost is $10.00 each. Colors: Red — White — Pink

The form may be placed in offering plate or turned into the office on or before December 9th. You may take your plant after the 10:30 PM service on December 24th. CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE The Giving Tree is up for 2018. So far this year we have received names for 6 families and 39 individuals. You are welcome to select a tag from the tree, purchase and wrap the gift, and return the gift to the church on or before Sunday, December 16, for delivery on the 17th. If you would like to give a donation to help with a gift, envelopes are also available. (Contact: Lois McKeag)

A MINISTRY INVITATION FOR YOU!

Are you passionate about worship? Is sharing a warm welcoming greeting with others one of your gifts? Do you love to smile? Then we have a ministry that is perfect for you: helping to assure that we have ushers each Sunday morning.

Taking an active part in our weekly service is a meaningful way to add a deeper dimension to your worship experience. Please consider this invitation to serve in the ministry of Christ the Servant. Contact Sandy Meyer or the church office to learn more about this opportunity. CRAFT/PROJECT DAY SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15, 9:00 AM TO 9:00 PM Come join us for a fun day of crafting, sewing, scrapbooking, card-making, or whatever else you want to do. Bring your own lunch and perhaps a snack to share. Come anytime and stay as long as you wish. ALL are welcome! Invite your friends, neighbors, family members. Contact: Leila Horazdovsky.

EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY

“Sharing with God, one another, and the world from hearts of gratitude.”

“DREAM BIG: Creating a Vision for Our Future” Over the last couple months in worship, we have heard from our five faith practice teams about their dreams for our church. Here’s just a few BIG DREAMS that were shared:

RADICAL HOSPITALITY That we integrate invitation and hospitality into every aspect of our congregational life, including our physical space, our words of welcome to one another and newcomers, and our everyday lives!

PASSIONATE WORSHIP That all who gather for worship would actively participate and share their gifts!

INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT That intentional spiritual formation would become an essential for everyone not just an activity pursued by some!

RISK-TAKING MISSION & SERVICE That we would take the risk of inviting others to come and serve with us at Christ the Servant!

EXTRAVAGANT GENEROSITY That we not only meet our proposed budget but have a congregation that gives extravagantly and funds the dreams of all our practice teams! On Sunday, December 2, we will bring our Faith Promise cards forward as part of the offering followed by a celebration brunch after worship.

We believe God has big plans for us. The scriptures invite us to dream big, God-sized dreams for our lives, our congregation, and the world. Thank you for DREAMING BIG with us and investing in God’s mission through Christ the Servant!

Extravagant Generosity Team

Tom Farm - Roger Gullickson - Lois McKeag

Sandy Meyer - Mike Woehrle

Questions or Concerns

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CARING FRIENDS MINISTRY In November Caring Friends had a Cancer Center project day and teamed up with the others that usually attend Saturday project day to make 101 fancy bookmarks, 34 completed rice bags and 41 rice bags that were half finished. After purchasing 50 pounds of rice, we ran out and since have purchased another 50 pounds and will be getting more. They will be going to Maplewood Cancer Center and St. John’s Oncology Center, for patients that are taking chemotherapy and radiation treatments. The bookmarks will be day brighteners and the rice bags will keep patients warm! Both centers are very excited to have them and know they will be special.

It was very heartwarming to do a project like this and to see everybody willing to give 12 hours of their time to make this happen to reach out to the community around us. Everybody was awesome and I want to thank them all and let them know they are appreciated. When the gifts are running low, we hope to have another project day to make more and hope that anybody that is interested in doing this will attend.

UPCOMING VISIT Caring Friends will be making Christmas visits this month bringing Christmas cheer and music on Thursday, December 13 meeting at church at 8:30 AM. If you are interested in being a part of this ministry, contact Debbie Erickson for information.

PRAYER SHAWL & PRAYER SQUARE MINISTRY We need knitted and/or crocheted prayer shawls. Our basket is empty! Directions are on the bulletin board or come up with your own pattern. (We will also add directions to the website.) See Linda Wigdahl or Lois McKeag for more information. HURUMA CENTRE COFFEE OFFERINGS On the third Sunday of every month our coffee hour donations go to Friends of Huruma, an affiliate of Bega Kwa Bega, a joint ministry of The Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA, & The Iringa Diocese, ELCT, to help support a safe and nurturing home and education for the children of the Huruma Centre. In November we sent $35, bringing our total 2018 donations to $428.10.

2019 GOD’S CREATION CALENDARS There are still a few of the beautiful “God’s Creation” 2019 calendars available. Cost is $7, with the proceeds going to the Youth Mission Trip. Get yours in the hall under the “Risk Taking Mission & Service” bulletin board. RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE Baylee Hamilton (with Mission & Service) will be hosting our next Blood Drive on Saturday, January 26, from 9 AM to 3 PM. Signup sheet is available at the church or go to www.redcrossblood.org and enter Christ the Servant.

We also have a Blood Drive scheduled for Friday, March 29, 2019! That signup is also ready for scheduling.

VADNAIS HEIGHTS & WHITE BEAR LAKE FOOD SHELVES We collect food items for the Vadnais Heights Food Shelf, which distributes bags of groceries on the third Saturday of every month from 9 AM to 10 AM. The Vadnais Heights Food Shelf is located at 655 East County Road F at the north end of the Vadnais Heights Commons with its access gate on Clover Avenue.

White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf provides food and support to neighbors who live within or attend the White Bear Area School District and self-identify a need for food. Contact the food shelf at 651-407-5310.

We again have been asked if we would collect items and assemble Holiday Baking Bags for the White Bear Food Shelf. Items to include in the bag: flour, sugar, oil, baking powder, powdered or brown sugar, and a spice (cinnamon or nutmeg). The cost is estimated to be about $10 per bag. You are welcome to bring whatever you can.

FREE BREAD DISTRIBUTION Every Tuesday from 9 AM to 6 PM 9or until bread is gone), we sponsor a free bread distribution for the community. The church and other community members help by picking up the bread, setting the bread out on the tables, providing bags and gloves and friendly smiling faces! All are invited to join the group ‘round the table about 8:30! (Note: There will be no Bread Distribution on these Tuesdays: Christmas Day and New Years’ Day.)

RISK TAKING MISSION & SERVICE RADICAL HOSPITALITY

RISK TAKING MISSION & SERVICE

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ALL CONGREGATIONAL ADVENT FESTIVAL

FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT DECEMBER 2ND 2:00—4:00PM

Join us Sunday, December 2nd from 2:00—4:00 PM to celebrate the beginning of Advent. Enjoy an afternoon of music, crafts, snacks and worship.

There are many ways to participate in this festival. Simply come and enjoy. Bring a friend! Provide a snack to share. Or maybe you or your ministry group would like to sponsor a craft or gift-making idea. All levels of participation are welcomed!

The afternoon will end with an Advent Candle Lighting service and prayer.

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.” Isaiah 40:30

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS DECEMBER 5, 12, & 19

6:00-6:30PM Join us for an evening of prayer and song following the order of service of Holden Evening Prayer. We will take a moment to pause and reflect on the anticipated coming of our Lord and Savior during this season of Advent.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

SUNDAY, DEC 9TH DURING THE 9:00AM

WORSHIP SERVICE

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICES MONDAY, DECEMBER 24

4:00 PM and 10:30 PM

Both will include joyful Christmas music and

Holy Communion will be celebrated.

CONFIRMATION (6TH — 9TH GRADE)

Dec. 5 6:30--8:00pm--8th Commandment Dec.12 6:30--8:00pm--9th & 10th Commandments Dec.19 6:30--8:00pm--Fellowship Event with Commandments Overview

PASSIONATE WORSHIP

INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT

If you need a ride, please let Lori or Janelle know,

otherwise we hope to see you all there!

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INTENTIONAL FAITH DEVELOPMENT

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

SUNDAY SCHOOL AGE 3 THROUGH

5TH GRADE

Sunday School Children’s Christmas

Program Rehearsal and Family Potluck Saturday, Dec. 8 from 11am-7pm

Drop your kiddo off at 11am Come for dinner at 5pm

Please bring an item for the potluck See Jodie for sign up

After dinner they will have the kiddos exchange gifts. Please bring a wrapped gender neutral gift not to exceed $5. Any questions contact Wendy or Jodie.

ATTENTION— 9th to 12th Grade YOUTH!!

Winter/Spring Women’s Bible Study

All are welcome at the “Dance, Stand, Run” learning and

fellowship series! Join us from 9:00-11:00am every other Saturday beginning January 5th. Gathering Dates: January 5 & 19 February 2 & 16 March 2, 16 & 30 April 13 & 27

Materials: Participants can order Jess Connolly’s book and study

guide on Amazon for about $22 (cheaper if you prefer an e-copy or Kindle version). For more information, please contact Jodie or Amy.

ADVENT WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY

DEC. 5, 12, & 19 10:00am & 6:30pm

SUNDAY SCHOOL INTER-GENERATIONAL CLASSES

Instead of the regular Sunday School classes Dec. 16th and 23rd, our Sunday School leaders invite you to join the students in making special craft projects. Supplies needed: Gallon “Clean” Milk Jugs, Cardboard TP rolls and paper towel rolls. Deposit in bag by Sunday School bulletin board!

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U S H E R S: December 2: Mary Barlau, Steve Tigges December 9: Glen & Dianne Johnson December 16: Roger Gullickson, Loretta Mark-ham December 23: Vinnie & Beth Berger & Family December 24: Christmas Eve 4:00: Vinnie & Beth Berger & Family 10:30: December 30: Linda Wigdahl Linda Splittstoesser

ADVENT CANDLEREADERS: December 2: Pam Irgens, Leila Horazdovsky December 9: Mary Barlau, Grace Blesener December 16: Scott & Beth Hagel & Family December 23:

READERS: December 2: Ron Hawkinson December 9: Linda Wigdahl December 16: Stanleigh Barbie December 23: Peter Songster December 24: Christmas Eve 4:00: Peter Songster 10:30: Sarah Kelvie December 30: Pam Irgens

COMMUNION SERVERS: Dec 2: Bread: Pastor Chris, Kari Olsen Wine: Kim Wright, Amy Steubing Basket: Ameya Steubing, Asher Steubing Nov 16: Bread: Pastor Chris Wine: Peter Songster Basket: Grace Blesener December 24: Christmas Eve Servers Needed

SOUND/VIDEO: December 2: Marge & Tom Prokosch December 9: Tom Farm December 16: Steve Horazdovsky December 23: Tom Farm December 24: Christmas Eve-Tim Kelvie December 30: Tim Kelvie

COFFEE SERVERS: December 2: Nancy Sacco/Katie Wright December 9: Shirley & Steve Tigges December 16: Jacquelyn & Tom Farm December 23: Leila Horazdovsky/Loretta Markham December 30: Sandy L. Johnson/Charlie Steffen

SERVING SUNDAYS IN DECEMBER CELEBRATING MILESTONES

BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH

Dec 4 Jordynn Gittins Dec 19 Susan Woehrle Dec 6 Clareen Nelson Dec 20 Dawn Napier Dec 7 Jason Markham Dec 25 Cheri Schouweiler Dec 15 Paige Bailey Dec 25 Peter Songster Dec 15 Steven Peterson Dec 26 Corey Erickson Dec 15 Wendy Schulze Dec 26 Pamela Gennow Dec 16 Nora Yoder Dec 26 Erica Jameson Dec 17 Mary Vesel Dec 26 Linda Wigdahl Dec 19 Karen Lehner Dec 29 Betty Shaw Dec 30 Ella Caruth

We extend prayers for God’s Blessing on your Birthday!!

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

THIS MONTH

December 14 Dave & Sandy K. Johnson December 24 Joe & Sharon Gillman December 27 Peter & Rebecca Songster

We extend prayers for God’s Blessing as you celebrate your

Wedding Anniversary!

If we have missed your milestone or have incorrect information, please contact the

church office at (651) 429-6595 or office@cslcvh.org

November 1—December 20

(7 week Session) Chair yoga: 3:45pm

Next Class — January 3—February 21 8 weeks — $64

Checks to YogaDevotion Signup on bulletin board or on their website:

https://yogadevotion.com/class/christ-the-servant-seated-in-the-presence-3/2019-01-03/

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December 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

2 First Sunday in Advent

Presentation of Faith Promise Cards

9:00AM Worship / Communion 10:15AM Fellowship Time 10:15AM Sunday School 2:00-4:00pm Advent Inter-generational Event

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3:30PM Piecemakers

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9:00AM--6:00 Free Bread

Distribution 7:30PM

AA Meeting

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10:00AM Bible Studies 5:00 PM Sr High Bell Ringing with Salvation Army — Cub Foods 6:00PM Advent Vespers Service 6:30PM Confirmation Class 6:30PM Bible Study

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3:45PM Yoga Devotion/

Chair

6:30PM C.C. Executive

Committee

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1 8:30 AM

Men’s Breakfast & Discussion

______________

8 9:00 AM

Women’s Bible Study

11:00AM SS Christmas

Program Rehearsal

9 Second Sunday in Advent 9:00AM Worship Sunday School Program 10:15AM Fellowship Time 10:15AM Sunday School

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3:30PM Piecemakers

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9:00AM--6:00 Free Bread

6:30PM Worship Team

7:30PM AA Meeting

12 10:00AM Bible Studies 6:00PM Advent Vespers Service 6:30PM Confirmation Class 6:30PM Bible Study

13 8:30AM

Caring Friends

3:45PM Yoga Devotion/

Chair

6:45PM Council Forum

7:00PM Church Council

14 15

9:00 AM Craft & Project

Day

16 Third Sunday in Advent

9:00AM Worship/ Communion 10:15AM Fellowship Time

10:15AM

Inter-generational Learning Event

17

3:30PM Piecemakers

18

9:00AM--6:00 Free Bread Distribution

7:30PM AA Meeting

19

10:00AM Bible Studies

6:00PM Advent Vespers Service

6:30PM Confirmation Class

6:30PM Bible Study

20 3:45PM

Yoga Devotion/ Chair

6:00-9:00PM

Sr High Christmas Party

.

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23 Fourth Sunday in Advent

9:00AM Worship

10:15AM Fellowship Time 10:15AM Inter-generational Learning Event

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4:00PM &

10:30PM Christmas Eve

Candlelight Services

(Communion)

25

9:00 AM—No Bread Distribution

7:30PM AA Meeting

26

No Bible Study Classes

No Confirmation Class

27

3:45PM Yoga Devotion/

Chair

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29

30 First Sunday of

Christmas 9:00AM Worship

10:15AM Fellowship Time (No Sunday School)

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January 1

Happy New Year!!

9:00 AM—No

Bread Distribution

7:30PM AA Meeting

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10:00AM Bible Studies 6:30PM Confirmation Class 6:30PM Bible Study 6:30PM Take Down Christmas

3

3:45PM Yoga Devotion/

Chair

6:30PM C.C. Executive

Committee

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9:00 AM Women’s Bible

Study

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Christ the Servant Lutheran Church 3676 Centerville Road Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

JOIN US SUNDAY MORNINGS — 9:00AM

EDUCATION HOUR — 10:15AM

www.cslcvh.org Pastor: Chris Steubing pastorchris@cslcvh.org

Ministry Coordinator: Sandy Hammerlind Church Office (651) 429-6595

office@cslcvh.org