TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH 508 Center Street

Ashland, Ohio 44805 Phone 419-289-2126 www.trinityashland.org trinity@trinityashland.org

Announcements December 5 & 6, 2009

Forerunners and messengers advance the advent of our God. While John the Baptizer's voice in the wilder-

ness may be the principal focus of the day, Malachi's prophesy could as easily herald the coming Lord Jesus

as forerunner of the Lord of hosts. Finally all the baptized are called to participate in the sharing of the gos-

pel. In so doing we prepare the way for the coming of the Lord and assist all flesh in capturing a vision of the

"salvation of God."

Today the Church also remembers Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, who died around 342. Little is known about

Nicholas, except that he was a bishop in present-day Turkey. According to legend, he was famous for his giv-

ing to the poor, and so has become a symbol of anonymous gift-giving.

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:30 P.M. SATURDAY FOLK COMMUNION HOST FAMILIES Tony & Chris Box, Sydney; Jacob Emser

LECTOR Karin Schwan

VIDEO Diane Emser

SOUND Phil Vermillion

8:30 A.M. SUNDAY COMMUNION HOST FAMILY Chuck & Cheryl Benway

USHERS Merle Witmer, Jeff Witmer (Team 2)

ACOLYTE Sarah Guenther

LECTOR Chuck Benway

SOUND Bob Pinkley

CHILD CARE Kearstin Hickey; Supervisor - Amber Pilotti

9:30 A.M. SUNDAY SCHOOL HOST Dan Forbes

INFANT NURSERY Kate Kaeser, Karli Ried; Supervisor - Amber Pilotti

10:45 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP

HOST FAMILY Mike & Pam Bradley

USHERS Clarence Hofer, Mark Damberger (Team 2)

ACOLYTE Logan Leon

CRUCIFER Todd Loy LECTOR Nancy Kopp

CHILD CARE (Infant) Cindy Wallery; Supervisor - Amber Pilotti (Toddler) Kevin & Kate Kaeser; Supervisor - Jenny Pence

SOUND Randy Cleland

RADIO Hank Stevens 10:45 A.M. SUNDAY PRAISE WORSHIP / WORSHIP CENTER at JACK’S PLACE

HOSTS Hazel & Juan Acuña; Cindy Messner & family LECTOR Linda Kruse

VIDEO Don Prezioso SOUND Chris Vanderzyden

COMMUNION DEACONS Ron McConnell; Joan Wallace

COMMUNION DEACONS Dan Forbes; Penny Hamilton; Don Price; David Will

PARTICIPATING IN OUR SERVICES:

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..AS WE WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND..

WELCOME FRIEND: What a joy and bless-ing it is to be here with you today! As Christ-mas quickly approaches we prepare for the birth of a child, our savior, and we consider what this means to each of us. Please take note of the other worship opportunities and activities this Christmas season, pick up an advent devo-tional at the Ushers Stand or the Information Center and plan on joining us again.

SANCTUARY ALTAR FLOWERS are given > in loving memory of Pete and Marian Lover-ing by their daughter, Beth, > given by Carolyn and Myron Amstutz in lov-ing memory of Loya and Martha Warnes, > by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mutsch in memory of our parents and other loved ones, > and by Cris and Barb Harding in honor of Grace Urban’s 86th birthday.

PRAISE WORSHIP FLOWERS are given by John and Laurie Mauer in honor of David and Shirley Maurer’s birthdays in December; and anonymously to the Glory of God.

OUR 10:45 RADIO BROADCAST on WNCO-AM 1340 is given by Mrs. Dorothy Topping in memory of the Topping family; and by Bonnie James in memory of Jack James.

WE REJOICE in the baptism of Kaileigha Mae Kitts, daughter of Charles and Stacey (Wells) Kitts at the 6:30 p.m. service this week-end.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Alice Laughery, cele-brating her 93rd birthday Friday, December 11.

IF YOU, A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND ARE OR WILL SOON BE HOSPITALIZED, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH AT 419-289-2126 AND LET US KNOW.

THE NEW YOUNG COUPLES' SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS under the leadership of Rob Wash is starting a new six week study on Fire-

proofing Your Marriage. If you are interested call Rob or Jen Wash, talk with Pastor Mitchell or stop by Room B at the Sunday School hour. An excellent six week chance to strengthen young marriages. A strong marriage is a won-derful thing.

ADVENT DEVOTIONALS: There are still about 40 of the family advent devotions called Wait for the LightWait for the LightWait for the LightWait for the Light left. Author Anne Neuber-

ger tells stories in a way that children and adults can both appreciate. Her suggestions for discussion likewise offer families an opportu-nity to explore their own reactions and ideas to stories of faith, courage and hope in difficult

FOR THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS - (JUST ASK A HOST FAMILY OR USHER): -CHILD CARE for children age five and under - Nursery area -PARENT PAGERS - available for use by parents with children in the Nursery -BABY CHANGING AREA - Infant Nursery -WORSHIP ACTIVITY PACKETS for younger & older children - at the Sanctuary entrances -LARGE PRINT WORSHIP BOOKS & BULLETINS for the 8:30 and 10:45 Sanctuary services - PERSONAL EARPHONES for the hearing impaired for use in the Sanctuary - Usher’s Stand -HANDICAPPED-ACCESSIBLE RESTROOMS - Office area -WHEELCHAIR available - Narthex -HANDICAPPED PARKING - near Worship entrances -COURTESY PARKING - available for the 10:45 a.m. services -TOUR OUR CHURCH - please speak with a pastor following worship -PAST SERMONS on the web - visit <www.trinityashland.org>

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times. Each devotion ends with a prayer and a familiar seasonal song. Please pick one up at the information center by Jack’s Place.

COPYRIGHT: LITURGY from Sundays and Seasons.com. Copyright 2 0 0 8 A u g s b u r g F o r t r e s s . A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v ed . Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #26213. TEXTS from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Coun-cil of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

...ITEMS OF INTEREST THIS WEEK…

ANNUAL TREE OF LIGHTS SERVICE by Hospice of North Central Ohio will be here at Trinity this Sunday afternoon. Come rejoice in remembering and honoring those lives you have had the privilege to share. Music begins at 4:30 p.m. - service begins at 5 p.m. An infor-mal reception will be held immediately follow-ing the ceremony.

WE HAVE COMMISSIONED SPECIAL CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS to commemo-rate the 25th year of Christmas musicals at Trin-ity. These will be given to this year’s partici-pants as a thank you for giving of their time and talents. There will also be a limited number of-fered for sale to the congregation. These $5 or-naments will be available in the church office this week and at the services next weekend.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Merry Christmas! Today is the day that your family will open their wonderful gifts...assuming you finished them. If you didn’t finish them, well, this seems like a good moment to point out that, technically, this is the first of 12 days of Christ-mas. You’ve got time! Join us Tuesday, De-cember 8, in the Church Home Sun Room.

SUPPER in Jack’s Place this Wednesday, De-cember 9, serving from 5:30 to 6 p.m. Menu: chicken noodle soup, chicken nuggets, tater tots, turkey sandwiches, salad, dessert and bev-

erage, all for $4/adult and $2/ages 8 years and younger. All are welcome.

GET YOUR TICKETS FOR ROB BELL on December 10, at the Palace Theater in Colum-bus. What a great venue to hear from author/featured speaker of the NOOMA videos! The tour, “Drops Like Stars,” is an exploration of the complex relationship between suffering and creativity. The tickets are $20 and we only have 20 of them left! Contact Nate at 419-651-3956 or nate@trinityashland.org.

...OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE…

MUSICAL PARKING: As the hustle and bus-tle of the holiday season quickly approach, don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Christmas musical on December 12, at 6:30 p.m. and December 13, at 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. What a great opportunity to invite a friend to church! In anticipation of additional guests at these services, we are looking for individuals who would be willing to help “direct traffic” in the parking lots for about 25 minutes prior to each service. Would you be willing to serve in this capacity? If so, please contact Corinne Aebersold in the church office (429-289-2126).

CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Mark your cal-endars and plan to join us this year for Christ-mas Caroling! We will gather in Jack’s Place on Sunday, December 13, at 6 p.m. for cookies and cocoa and then head out to spread some Christmas cheer to the shut-ins of the congrega-tion. Hope to see you there!

COOKIES FOR CAROLERS: Are you be-ginning to think about baking Christmas cook-ies? If so, we need your help! We will once again send out groups of individuals to go car-oling to our shut-ins, and we always spend

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some time together in fellowship (over cookies and cocoa). Would you be willing to donate some Christmas cookies? If so, contact Corinne Aebersold at the church office or e-mail Corinne@trinityashland.org

CHRISTMAS AT CRANKS CREEK: This area is situated in Harlan County, Kentucky - a depressed area in Appalachia. Many families are having a difficult time because of the econ-omy. On Friday, December 18, volunteers will travel to the heart of Cranks Creek to deliver bikes (good, usable bikes and all sizes), blan-kets, and clothes. Just bring your donations to Stone Lutheran Church and put them by the coat racks.

LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF NORTHERN OHIO will be serving a free meal on the last Monday of every month from 5-6 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge (31 W. 11th Street across from Lincoln Elementary). Volun-teers are needed to help serve. Please call 877-741-3331 for more information.

...UPCOMING EVENTS...

DECEMBER IS NATIONAL MEDICARE-ADVANTAGE AWARENESS MONTH. Eric Wachtel, Benefits Director of NE Ohio for Church Based Benefits Initiative will be here on Wednesday, December 16 at 6:15 in the Trinity Room to talk about the options that Medicare-Advantage provides. There is an an-nual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage which is part of Original Medicare. Come find out more!

LENTEN HOME STUDY GROUPS: Would you be willing to lead a weekly Lenten Bible Study starting the week of February 22 and going through the week of March 22 (5 ses-sions in all)? Some of the groups would be geo-

graphically oriented. Mifflin Lake, Wooster, Ashland north, Shelby, for example. Others would be leader or age oriented (gatherings of friends of the leader or in their general age category). The curriculum would be provided for you and there would be a training session toward the end of January. The meetings could be held in your home, in the home of a friend, or here at Trinity. (6 to 12 people usually) Groups of people with small children might want to meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. because of choirs and the automatic free baby sitting available. If you are interested, please call Pam Prezioso at the church.

FROM DAN SCOTT, OUR FINANCIAL SECRETARY: All giving through the New Year’s Eve Service at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 31 will be credited toward your 2009 giving. Contributions after that date will be credited to the 2010 year.

WINTER STORM ALERTS: During these next few months there may be winter storms in or near our area that may cause hazardous driving conditions. Our CHILDREN’S CHOIRS SNOW POLICY is as follows:

1. We will NOT automatically cancel if the schools close, as morning ice and snow have been known to melt by evening.

2. Listen to WNCO-AM 1340 after 3 p.m. for cancellation information or call the church of-fice between 3 and 5 p.m. at 419-289-2126.

3. The decision to cancel will be made by the Coordinator of Music Ministries, in consulta-tion with the directors. 4. Adult choirs may be decided separately.

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Youth News Nate Ediger – Director of Ministry w/ Youth

nate@trinityashland.org (w) 289-2126 (c) 651.3956

Today, Dec. 6th

The ‘Ship – High schoolers meet in the Youth Room from 6:00 – 8:00pm for a great night of fellowship, food, and the next session in our series, “Big Q’s: Why so many religions and can they all be right?” Bring your friends for this one!!! Wednesday, Dec. 9th

WHAT’s Up! – All 7th – 12th grade youth are invited to join us in the Youth Area from 3:00 – 5:00pm for a special session of WHAT’s Up, in which we’ll be decorating cookies to be given out when we caroling on Sunday the 13th of December. Next Thursday, Dec. 10th

Rob Bell: “Drops Like Stars” – Students who’ve purchased tickets should meet out side the Youth Office after school by 3:30pm. Please bring money for dinner at Quaker Steak and Lube and any memorabilia you might want. The doors open at 7:00 and the event at 8:00. We hope to be back to Trinity by 11:30pm. Sunday, Dec. 13th

Catechism – Catechism should meet in the Youth Room at 4:00pm. We’ll be exploring our Lutheran heritage and going caroling. Please remember to bring $2 for dinner* and coats and gloves for caroling. We’ll be done by 8:00pm.

* As always, if financial aid is needed for the meal, please send a note with your child so we’re aware of the situation so that no one goes hungry.

The ‘Ship Christmas Party – 9th – 12th graders can join us for caroling from 6:15 – 7:30pm. Our Christmas party will be in the Youth Room from 7:30 – 9:00pm. Special Events!!!

Tobogganing – All 7th - 12th Graders are invited to an afternoon of winter fun at the Strongsville toboggan shoots on Monday, December 21st! We’ll leave Trinity at 12:00noon and return to Trinity by 5:00pm. Participants MUST BE 42” TALL, WEAR GLOVES OR MITTENS, and HAVE A MEDICAL RELEASE FORM on file to attend (forms are available in the wall racks outside of the Youth Office).

* Cost - $5.00 if registered by Tuesday, December 15th $8.00 if registered after December 15th (transportation space may be limited)

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A SEASON TO REJOICE OUR 25TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

Presented by the 55-voice Trinity Choir and Orchestra as part of the worship services on

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 - 6:30 P.M.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 - 8:30 & 10:45 A.M. in the Worship Center in Jack’s Place.

Each service will last a little longer than an hour.

Child Care available for children age five and under.

Additional Parking available at The Good Shepherd Home, Ashland County Historical Society, Red Cross and the Elks.

Parking Attendants on duty

Handicapped Accessible

THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 24

PRESCHOOL CELEBRATION - 4 p.m. Designed for families with preschool children who wish to celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus and then return home for family activities in the evening. Please bring a can of food wrapped in white paper for the children to present at the manger during the White Gift Ceremony. A chil-dren’s sermon is included as well as a message for the adults, delivered by Pastor Mitchell. The Preschool Choir will sing Christmas selections.

FAMILY COMMUNION - 6 p.m. In the Worship Center at Jack’s Place

A vibrant service of communion and traditional carols led by the Praise Team, with special mu-sic from our Cherub and Junior Choirs and the Luther Bells. Pastor Messner will deliver the mes-sage and a children’s sermon. This service does not include a candlelighting ceremony to encour-age persons with smoke-related allergies to worship with us on Christmas Eve. We encourage people attending this service to park in the Chestnut and Walnut street lots.

COMMUNION BY CANDLELIGHT - 7:30 p.m. The Sacrament of Holy Communion, a beautiful candlelighting ceremony, special music by a string quartet and the congregational singing of carols. Pastor Mitchell will deliver the message.

COMMUNION BY CANDLELIGHT - 9:15 p.m. The Sacrament of Holy Communion, a beautiful candlelighting ceremony, special music by vo-cal soloists and the congregational singing of carols. Pastor Mitchell will deliver the message.

FESTIVAL WORSHIP - 11 p.m. The late hour lends a special awe and festive nature to this service, which features special music by the Choir, Trinity Bells, Trinity Brass and soloists, ending in a candlelighting ceremony. Pas-tor Mitchell will deliver the message. This service will be broadcast live on WNCO-AM 1340.

FRIDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 25

SERVICE OF LESSONS AND CAROLS - 10 a.m.

What better way to begin your Christmas Day than to remember in words and carols the meaning of it all! Special music by soloists and a brass quartet.

SUNDAY: December 6 SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:00 a.m. Sonrise Singers 8:30 a.m. HOLY COMMUNION 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL - ages 2 thru Adult 10:45 a.m. WORSHIP -Broadcast WMCO AM-1340 PRAISE WORSHIP - Worship Center in Jack’s Place 4:30 p.m. Hospice Tree of Lights* 6:00 p.m. The 'Ship (H.S. Youth) 7:00 p.m. Musical Choir

MONDAY: December 7 9:00 a.m. Piece Makers Quilt Group 11:00 a.m. BLOODMOBILE / Jack’s Place 6:30 p.m. Musical Orchestra 7:30 p.m. Musical Choir

TUESDAY: December 8 2:30 p.m. Prayer Shawl Meeting* 7:30 p.m. Musical Choir

WEDNESDAY: December 9 8:30 a.m. Moms in Touch 2:00 p.m. Bible Conservations 3:00 p.m. What’s Up!* 5:00 p.m. Saturday Night Musicians 5:30 p.m. Supper* 6:00 p.m. Women’s Ministries Planning Bd. 6:15 p.m. Preschool/Cherub/Junior Choirs Trinity Bells & Trinity Brass 7:00 p.m. Musical Choir

THURSDAY: December 10 7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study 10:00 a.m. Thursday Brass 11:00 a.m. Trinity Travelers Luncheon

3:00 p.m. Rob Bell “Drops Like Stars” - High School Youth* 6:00 p.m. Praise Ensemble 7:00 p.m. Praise Team

SATURDAY: December 12 11:00 a.m. String Rehearsal 1:00 p.m. Percussion Rehearsal 2:00 p.m. Orchestra Rehearsal 4:00 p.m. Musical Choir 5:00 p.m. Choir Dinner 6:30 p.m. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL

SUNDAY: December 13 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

8:30 a.m. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY SCHOOL - ages 2 thru Adult 10:45 a.m. CHRISTMAS MUSICAL -Broadcast WMCO AM-1340 4:00 p.m. Catechism 6:00 p.m. Caroling and Christmas Party* High School Youth

MAJOR EVENTS THIS WEEK AT TRINITY *See announcements for more information

HOW WILL YOU SERVE THE LORD AT CHRISTMAS?