Special Information Deadline for 2012 Giving —page 2

Parent’s Day Out—page 5

A Cow...a Llama...a Goat...Christmas!—page 6

Feed My Starving Children—Back Cover

Deadline for the January 2013 GA Newsletter is December 3, 2012

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Senior Advent Worship and Luncheon

Saturday, December 1, 11:00am with the Advent Luncheon following

Mark your calendar for this annual kick-off of the Advent season for senior adults from

our community.

GA Church Library Holiday

“Hanging of the Greens” Sunday, December 2, 10:00 – 11:00am Stop in to help decorate the Library for Advent!

Advent Family Faith Nights

December 5, 12, 19 5:00pm Meal 6:00pm Learning Activity 6:50pm Worship

As the expectations and commercial craziness of the Christmas season approaches, we invite you to join your family of faith as we pause for a moment to root ourselves in the most important story of our faith, the story of God’s son breaking into this world. Advent is a time for remembering & anticipating.

We remember that God came to Earth in that little baby, Jesus; that Christ continues to come into our lives today; and anticipate the future day when peace will reign and God will come near again. Each Wednesday during Advent we'll gather for food at 5:00pm, learning activities at 6:00pm and candlelight Advent services at 6:50pm. We'll take time to remember that there is more to this season than endless consuming. Regardless if you are 3 or 99 years old, there is something for you.

Christmas at GA:

Children’s Program Sunday, December 9, 11:15am

Choral Festival of Lessons & Carols Sunday, December 16, 9:00am

Christmas Carol Sing-Along Sunday, December 23, 10:10am

Christmas Eve, December 24 Monday 3:30pm Family-oriented Worship with Communion 5:00pm Candlelight Worship with Communion 10:00pm Candlelight Worship with Communion

Christmas Day, December 25 No services. We encourage celebration with family and friends.

Holiday Lights in the Park

Returns to Phalen Park November 20— January 1. 5:30pm—10:00pm. $10/vehicle ($8/vehicle Sunday-Thursday) GA has sponsored a display this year -- the Eagle! All proceeds benefit local charities.

Christmas Volunteers

Salvation Army Bell Ringers—Saturday, Dec. 8 Ring the bell for the Salvation Army! GA has shifts reserved at Cub Foods in Maplewood. 1-2 people are needed to ring each shift: 10:00am-12:00pm, 12:00-2:00pm, and 2:00-4:00pm. A great holiday tradition to remind shoppers to be generous. Dress warmly as you will be standing outside. Sign up in the Gathering Area.

The Giving Tree

The Christmas Tree centered in the Gathering Area includes personal gift

Events Happening at Church or in the Area

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Welcome!

Through the willingness of one little boy to share his lunch, Jesus fed a crowd of 5,000! It is one of many stories in the Bible where God uses a little to do a lot.

God continues to use our “little” to do a “LOT” in the world. We are watching for signs of God’s abundance every day at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church.

We‘ve been one of God’s mission outposts for more than 120 years on the East Side of Saint Paul. With enthusiasm and hope, we look forward to the future God holds for our community of faith.

Our mission? To worship God, learn the story of God and God’s people, embrace those in need, share what God has given us with others, and welcome all in the name of Christ. This mission is grounded in the faith, hope and grace we receive from Jesus.

If you are without a church, we extend a warm invitation to you! You are always welcome!

Pastors Bonnie Wilcox and John Marboe

Worship at GA:

Sundays, 9:00am & 11:15am

Holy Communion celebrated every Sunday at both services 9:00am Worship in the Sanctuary with a

traditional setting 11:15am New Life worship - more

informal service in Luther Hall (ASL interpretation, too)

Between services, we offer The Tree House Sunday School for children, treats in the Fish Market for youth, and forums for adult learning.

requests for families in need. Choose tag(s) that fit your ability to give. Gifts must be brought to church no later than Sunday, December 9. Please attach the original tag to the outside of gift.

Deadline for 2012 Giving

Please remember GA as you look toward the end of the fiscal year. You have three options: 1. Donations must be

dropped off to the church by noon on Monday, December 31

2. Mailed donations must be postmarked December 31

3. Donations made be made on the church website using Thrivent’s Simply Giving: For checking or

savings deductions, the deadline is 2:00pm on Thursday, December 27

Credit/debit card donations may be made until 2:00pm on December 31

Thank you for your generosity.

Dear Pastors, Staff, Members and Friends of GA Church, The family of Leman Olsenius (Pastor Emenitus of GA who died in October) expresses warmest thanks for the recent tributes given to our father. First, there was the party that celebrated his 100th Birthday. Many thanks to all the people who still turned out even when they knew that Pastor "O" was unable to be there. (Please know that he appreciated all of his B-day cards, and the shawl from the Prayer Shawl Ministry Team.) Kudos to all who helped with the party. Also, thanks to Joe Norquist for putting together a DVD to permanently capture that celebration.

Then, our father's memorial service! We found strength in the numbers of people who attended, and were uplifted by a wonderful worship. We are most grateful to Bishop Peter Rogness; to Pastors Bonnie, Susan and John and to Jerry Brakke; to all those who answered the call for a choir; and to Sherrie Nordquist for their parts in such an inspiring and triumphant service. Words of appreciation also go to Karen Landkamer and a great kitchen crew for their efficient serving of the luncheon afterwards.

Although we grieve our father's passing, his long, well-lived life leaves us with many precious memories...and we take much comfort in knowing that for Dad, whose faith was so strong, it must feel good to be Home!

With grateful hearts, Donna and Hilton Hammer Richard and Christine Olsenius

Thank you to the caregivers and to Ruth Swanson for taking me on errands. I appreciate everything that everyone does for me. Ruth Nadeau

Monday, December 10. Questions? Call Leah Gravink at Lyngblomsten, 651.632.5365 or Wes Johnson, 651.772.3244.

Boy Scout Troop 25

Is here to help you celebrate Christmas in style. Christmas wreaths, garlands and evergreen table decorations will be available for purchase at the South entrance on Sunday mornings in December. Scouts will also be taking orders for bake-at-home quiche on Sunday December 2 and December 9. Pick up your order on Sunday, December 16. These made-from-scratch quiches are partially baked so you can finish baking them and serve them right away or freeze them and enjoy a no fuss meal during the holidays. $12 each. Two varieties will be available: Vegetable (with spinach, peppers and cheese) and Lorraine (with bacon and cheese).

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Canon Choir of Brass Free Concert

Will be held on December 2, 2:00pm in the Sanctuary. Come and enjoy the music of the season.

Spirit of Giving

GA will again participate in the annual Lyngblomsten gift collection for residents. These gifts have become a part of holiday tradition and for some residents, the only gift they receive, Gifts should be unwrapped and suggested ideas include: zip-up or button down sweaters or shirts, over-the-head necklaces, lotion, cookies in a tin, sun catchers, purses, wallets, scarves, mittens and large-print books. The new $10 - $15 gift should be placed in the collection box in our gathering area or brought to Lyngblomsten by Wed., December 12. Monetary donations are also accepted through

Thank You

Faith Formation—Children’s Ministry, Confirmation and Adult

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Ways to be Involved as a Leader in Children’s

Ministry Sunday Mornings at GA from 10:10-11:10am...

Workshop Leader – Prepare and lead a faith-based workshop such as creative drama, art, Bible skills & games, Cooking, Science, Video. Three - week commitment. Use your expertise and a little of your time to share the Gospel with our Sunday School children.

Shepherd – Guide a small group of children through the workshops each week. Assist the workshop leaders with activities.

Adopt a Workshop Room - Re-decorate bulletin boards, walls, furniture. Materials & supplies provided.

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness on them light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)

December 2 – Christmas Program Rehearsal December 9 – Christmas Program Rehearsal & Program at 11:15am December 16 – A Birthday Party for Jesus at the Tree House! December 23 & 30 – No Sunday School Jesus & John the Baptist – January 6, 13, 20, 27 Wedding at Cana – February 3, 10, 17, 24

The Prodigal Son – March 3, 10, 17, 24

Children’s Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 9, 11:15am in Luther Hall

We are looking for children in grades 3-7 for reading parts (no memorizing) in this program.

Rehearsal Schedule: Saturday Practice

for K-6 students: Saturday, Dec. 8, 10:00am - 11:30am

Sunday morning December 2, during Sunday School, 10:10-11:10am

SPARK Bible Time for Preschoolers at the Tree House 10:10am-11:10am Teachers: Margaret Gustafson, Karen Weiblen

Parents are encouraged to sign-up for Sundays to assist and provide & serve a snack. Sign-up is located on the bulletin board just outside the classroom entrance. Our preschool department uses a sign-in/sign-out system.

We Love Hearing Our GA Kids Sing!

Our Tree House Children’s Choir rehearses as part of Sunday School on Sunday mornings from 10:10am-10:30am. Children’s Choir under the direction of Camille Farinella is open to any child in grades K-5! The choir performs once a month at the start of the New Life Service.

Come Play In Our Church Nursery!

Loving care is offered for infants through 4 year olds on Sunday mornings from 9:00am - 12:30am. December 26—Jan. 2, Christmas Break! Classes will resume on January 9, 2013.

Service Hour Opportunities!

9:00am Worship – Acolyte or 11:15am Worship – Communion Assistant (Sign up sheet on the Youth

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For more information about our Sunday School and Confirmation programs, contact Sherrie Nordquist by calling the Church office 651.774.5954 or sherrie@gachurch.org

Kiosk in the Gathering Area) Coffee Hour servers. (Must be

accompanied by an adult.) Sign up at Welcome Center.

Worship Greeters Seniors Advent Worship & Luncheon,

December 1, 11:00am– 1:30pm Acolytes are still needed for some of the

Christmas services. Sign up at the Youth Board on the Youth Ministry kiosk

Coffee Hour servers. (Must be accompanied by an adult. This is a great family service opportunity!) Sign up at Welcome Desk – Service Team Sign-up Sheets)

Worship Greeters. Sign up at the Welcome Desk – Service Team Sign-up Sheets)

Usher Team in January! Contact Erin Richie to sign up

All-Confirmation Service Project! Saturday, December 1

Serve the Seniors Advent Worship & Luncheon, 11:00am – 1:30pm. Students are asked to wear dark pants and plain white or light shirt.

Advent Family Faith Nights –

December 5, 12, 19

See the front cover for more details.

Parent’s Day Out Saturday, December 8, 11:30am—3:00pm Lunch Provide!

A safe place for your kids to have fun, play games, watch movies, or just hang out with friends while parents enjoy some extra time

to yourself. Nursery childcare for young children also available. Sign-up at the welcome desk by December 5. $10/1st child & $5/each additional child; Pre-registration is required.

Elementary Winter Retreat at Camp Onomia January 26-28, 2013

Fun for youth in grades 3-5. Camp Onomia counselors will lead Bible study, games, worship, swimming, outdoor play and more. Parents interested in going as adult drivers/leaders may stay for free! Contact Sherrie. Sign up on the Tree House bulletin board or call Sherrie for more information.

Confirmation Winter Retreat at Camp Onomia February 22-24, For youth in grades 6 – 9

We have a fantastic weekend planned guaranteed to bring you out of your winter

blaaaas. Make some new friends, build a snow sculpture, play some new games, laugh at counselor skits, sing favorite camp songs, and talk to God in some special ways. All you have to do is pack your sleeping bag and favorite pillow and you are on your way! Parent consent forms and $15 transportation fee are needed by February 13! Don’t miss out on this great chance to come to camp!

Game Night Friday, January 4, 2013!

6:30pm – 8:30pm here at GA. Bring a favorite game and a snack to share.

Page 6 Gustavus Adolphus Luther an Chur ch

As a Christian community we become very excited in December

as we look forward to Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. It is also the season where gift giving takes on an overwhelming amount of our energy, if we allow it to do so.

In working with people from many other Christian cultures, I have found that they do not do the gift giving like we do, but it is more focused on the celebration of worshipping together and sharing the joy of Christ’s birth.

This Christmas season is a time for us to also think of gift giving in ways that feed our soul and can bring joy to our family and friends. Many years ago our family decided to take a share of what we would spend on each other, and use that money to purchase an animal through Heifer International. There was much discussion among the

A Cow…a Llama…a Goat…Christmas!

A GiFT (Adults Growing in Faith Together)

December 2- The Gospel of Luke This Sunday is the First Sunday in Advent, and the beginning of the new church year. During the church year to come, most Gospel texts for the Sundays will be from the Gospel of Luke. Dr. Sarah Henrich, Professor of New Testament, Luther Seminary, will give an overview of contents and themes in the Gospel of Luke, helping us to hear Luke’s story of Jesus with care.

December 9 - Advent and Christmas in Modern Iceland The Rev. Gudni Hardarson, a graduate student at Luther Seminary from Iceland, will speak on Advent and Christmas in modern Iceland. He has lived in Sweden and will tell how customs are different between those two countries. People find Iceland to be fascinating and mysterious. Insights into that country and its customs will be shared.

December 16 - Advent and Christmas in Tanzania Phares Kakulima, a Ph.D. student at Luther Seminary, will speak on Advent and Christmas in Tanzania. What must it be like to celebrate the season and the holiday in a land where the Christian faith is relatively new, and the culture is so different from our own? What is distinctive, and what is familiar?

December 23 - Christmas Carol Sing-Along We will sing hymns and carols for Advent and Christmas. Led by Jerry Brakke.

NO Education on December 30

grandchildren as to which animal it should be. Finally, it was decided that each year a different family could choose the animal. The first family decided on a cow for Tanzania, the next year it was a llama for Peru, another it was goats and then pigs. Each year the kids (now some in college) know that there will be another animal or two to bring joy and independence to a family around the world. They always ask about it, and I believe it will continue to be a part of their Christmas when they are independent.

In 2008 we took our 11-year-old granddaughter with us when we went to our then partner parish in Tanzania. Our family decided to do an extra gift for the orphanage children. We made sure that the two cows we purchased would be at the orphanage so she could take pictures of the children with “our” family cows – Iddy and Minnie, abbreviated names for the states of Idaho and Minnesota.

Sunday’s Adult Education

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Michaela loved to play with the children and they were so thrilled to learn that the cows they had to take care of came as a gift from her family. It has given our family a real sense of the larger meaning of Christmas and no one is feeling they have gone without.

I share these thoughts as you look at the joys that come with giving…even outside of our own family. There are many, many ways that a little extra given makes a big difference. A task someone is unable to do for themselves, a tray of cookies, a ride to an appointment, packing food for Feed My Starving Children, all are ways that our Christmas spirit of giving brings added joy. What do you or your family share as a tradition of working together and reaching outside of yourself? It can be a wonderful experience!

Have a very blessed Christmas season.

Jean Schwartz

Global Mission Chair

Women’s Book Club

Meets the 4th Tuesday of each month, at 12:30pm. New readers are always welcome.

The Book Club will resume in January 2013.

GA Library Committee Meeting and Workday – Second Monday of each month at 1:00pm. The role of the GA Library committee is to grow and maintain the library collection. The committee performs many tasks including: Selecting and

purchasing materials for the library

Preparing materials to be checked out

Promoting the library through preparing book displays and creating new library programs.

GA Church Library Holiday “Hanging of the Greens” Sunday, December 2, 10:10 – 11:00am

Stop in to help decorate the library

for Advent!

R. C. Peterson Library

Become a fan of

‘GA Church Saint Paul’ on Facebook!

IMO Pastor Leman Olsenius- A Johnson, I Anderson, B & G Spiel, T Swanson & C Resch, E Reichel, T & C Balyk, A Johnson, D MacKenzie & family Music Fund- Dianne Brooke Freedom Fund- J & M Norquist Freedom Fund- B & L Lund IMO Alice Olson- R & B Faust, D & S Hawkins IMO Violet Kuehl- E Daschler IMO Gib Malm- B & L Lund IMO David Schwelling- L Schwelling, Loaves & Fishes D & G Fitzel IMO Don Ulmer- D & N Frederick IHO Dave and Donna Anderson’s 50th anniversary- food shelf- C Sandberg

Community Caring

Gifts were given to Gustavus Adolphus Church in memory or in honor of the following persons during the month of October.

2013 International Travel

Weekly Bible Study Thursdays, 10:00 am

Learn more about the Scripture passages for the coming Sunday, led by Pastor Bonnie Wilcox, Interim Associate Pastor John Marboe, Pastor Susan Schoon, or Helen McEvoy-Freese.

Lectionary texts

December 2—Advent 1 Jer 33:14-16 Ps 25:1-10 1 Thess 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36

December 9—Advent 2 Mal 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Phil 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6

December 16—Advent 3 Zeph 3:14-20 Isa 12:2-6 Phil 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18

December 23—Advent 4 Micah 5:2-5a Luke 1:46b-55 Heb 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 [46-55]

Jan– Global Mission

Feb– Iringa Diocese

Mar– Food Shelf Apr- Youth Camperships/ Mission Trips

May- Lyngblomsten June- College Scholarships

July- Library Aug- Loaves & Fishes

Sept- Lutheran Health Care Bangladesh

Oct- Merrick Community Services

Nov- ELCA World Hunger

Dec- Twin Cities Habitat for

Humanity

Monthly Mission Emphasis

A Journey to the Holy Land

You are invited to join GA church members Ray and Karen Landkamer who are helping to plan a tour with Pastor Hans Dahl and Calvary Lutheran Church (Alexandria) on a tour to the Holy Land. Tentative dates are November 11-22, 2013.

A customized travel experience is being designed by Lori Moline of Crossing Borders International Group Tours. The itinerary includes visits to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Nazareth, Mount of Beatitudes, Caesarea and more. Several special meetings and conversations with local church leaders involved in peacemaking and reconciliation are featured in the itinerary. The Lutheran church has a significant ministry in the Holy Land and you will learn more about the church’s presence including an opportunity to share fellowship during Sunday worship at Christmas Lutheran Church in Bethlehem.

For more details contact Karen at 651.774.7620 or e-mail

rklandkamer@aol.com.

Page 8 Gustavus Adolphus Luther an Chur ch

Page 9 Decem ber 2012

From the Interim Associate Pastor—A Garbageman’s Christmas Tale

On a bitter-cold Thursday afternoon near Christmastime last year, I pulled up to a stop in Roseville; a modest rambler with a yard full of Christmas lights and figurines. I was training in my friend Mark, another underemployed Lutheran pastor who, like me, thought there was something oddly fitting about “men of the cloth” hauling trash.

I flipped the lid on that first can of the wintery morning, and looking back at us was the cherubic face of a plastic figure of the baby Jesus. Mark and I looked at each other and broke into laughter, wondering at the odds that the first stop together of two pastors in a garbage truck would involve Jesus in the trash. We also mused at what moved people to throw it out: Was it broken? Light no longer worked? Faded from exposure? Or just time for a new cresh…perhaps one where Jesus does not have pale skin and blue eyes?

Anyway, I showed Mark how to tip the can with the hydraulic lift and we moved on. By the end of the day we had all but forgotten about baby Jesus until we got to the dump. Because first in is last out, the last item to fall atop the pile of garbage we had collected that day was the figurine of Jesus, only now smeared with the garbage in which he had been compressed.

I simply had to snap the picture. And, like so many of the images that present themselves in trash, this got me thinking. I thought about the extent to which it is a startling image of our disposable culture. Use it and toss it, the turning of natural resources into mountains of trash, but also the way in which people, workers, are increasingly viewed as disposable. This Jesus was disposable too.

Is not that the way the story goes in the Gospel as well? He is disposed of at Golgatha, the site where it is said garbage from the city was tossed.

But it is Christmas, and not time to contemplate such unpleasantness, right? A time for hearth and home, warm welcome and good cheer, tidings of comfort and joy, except…

The story is that Jesus was born into poverty and dirt, his family was homeless that cold night. They took shelter in a stable, most likely a dank cave full of animals and manure.

From birth to death, the Gospels speak of Jesus

as a person of lowly means and estate who lived with the “unwashed” and the out-cast, whom the powerful refused and treated as refuse.

The more I think of it, the more “The Little Lord Jesus Asleep in the Dump,” as my daughter gleefully sang when she saw the picture, is a truer and more powerful image to contemplate at Christmas than the shiny, happy, pretty ones we would rather imagine and place in our yards.

Blessed Christmas,

Pastor John

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Sunday Morning Volunteers

1 Michelle Beaulieu Rita Lewis Jacksen Nielsen 2 Lloyd Buzay Laura McDonald Terria Meyer Virginia Ringler 3 Norman Espersen Christopher Estes Christian Krueger Joe Norquist 4 Hayley Aarsvold Ryan Zenk 5 Bill Lund 6 Bjorn Larsen Lorraine Lund 7 Lori Husnik Joanne Nelson John Roberts 8 Darla Himmer 9 Jaxton Galvin Kendra Nielsen 10 11 Susan Meyer 12 Joyce Anderson Janice Hobbs Gary Simpson 13 Marian Woodford 14 Brynn Aguirre 15 Bailey Foster 16 Maggie Kidnie Zachary Munson 15 Douglas Michaelson Natasha Pavel 16 Kara Anderson Bridget Bump Caitlin King 17 Jeannine Carle Benjamin Engelstad Lyndsey Hawkins

Birthdays of the Month

18 Don Weiblen, III 19 Julie Hutcheson- Downwind Dean Lundquist 20 Carl Berglund Brian Schulze John Youngren 21 Don Asp Mattie MacLennan Terry Summer 22 Jacob Engelstad Joyce McManus 23 Kristine Estes Natasha Ross John Weisner III 24 Angela Hamrick 25 Daniel Sideen 26 Leon Bonrud Carol Sideen 27 Trista Schlick 28 Aaron Doherty Janet Haiden 29 Scott Billings Camille Farinella Paul Sanft Tharen Swanson Orlyn Wilke 30 Jennifer Beckman Jim Deeny Diane Giovanazzi 31 Casey King- Strong Jane Olsen Robert Schmidt

You Can Help

Greeters: Individuals, couples or families to greet people to worship on Sundays from 8:40am–9:00am, or 10:15-11:15am. Duties include directing visitors to where we worship, restrooms, Sunday School rooms, and information at the Welcome Center. Please sign-up at the Welcome Center.

Coffee Hour: Provide hospitality in the Gathering Area on Sundays between services. Includes providing cookies, bars (or a cake if you would like to celebrate a special birthday or anniversary), setting up trays and assist with serving. If you can not provide treats but still would like to help you can also make a cash donation so we can purchase items to have on hand. Please sign-up at the Welcome Center.

Online Giving (aka Simply Giving) is a free service to you, and benefits the church’s cash flow all year. Gifts may be made weekly, or on a

schedule that fits your personal needs. Consistency in giving helps the church, whether you are unable to attend worship because of illness, business, vacation, or other reason. Sign up at www.gachurch.org, and click on “Donate Now” on the left side.

Have You Remembered GA in Your Will?

A legacy gift will help continue the 120-year tradition of mission at Gustavus Adolphus. With the advice of your attorney or tax adviser, the following language may be added to your will, trust or codicil:

“I bequeath X% of my estate to Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church, 1669 N. Arcade, Saint Paul, MN 55106 ”

December - Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

25 Christ the King Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Service / Receive New Members 10:10 AM Tree House Sunday School & Adult Ed. 11:15 AM New Life Worship / Receive New Members 1:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (1:00-3:59pm) Chapel, Rm 121-124 5:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (5-8pm) 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

26 Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Volleyball - Gym 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Band Practice (6-9pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM BSA Troop - AR

27 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Staff Mtg. 12:30 PM Book Club - Lib 6:00 PM Council Meeting 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM 6:30 PM Bell Choir - Chapel 7:00 PM Cub Pack #225 - AR, & New Life SAC - Rm 134 (7:00-9:00pm) 7:45 PM New Life Reh

28 FFN - Family Faith Nights Holiday In Lights 5:00 PM FFN - Meal Begins 6:00 PM FFN - Events for all ages 7:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (7:00-9:00pm) Chapel, 134-136 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Reh

29 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Bible Study - Lib 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Bible Study (6:00-9:00pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Men-Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM Canon Choir of Brass - Sanc. (7-9:30pm)

30 Holiday In Lights 8:00 AM Set Up for Senior Moments 8:00 AM Work Crew - FS (8:00-11:00am) 6:00 PM New Life - SAC (6:00-9:00pm) Gym, FM

1 Holiday In Lights 8:30 AM New Life - SAC (8:30am-1:00pm) (134-136) 11:00 AM Senior Moments Advent Worship & Luncheon (11:00am-1:30pm) 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (6-9pm) & Activity Room 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

2 1st Sunday in Advent Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 10:10 AM Tree House Sunday School & Adult Ed. and Hanging of the Greens in the Library 11:15 AM New Life Worship 1:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (1:00-3:59pm) Chapel, Rm 121-124 and Gym 2:00 PM Canon Choir of Brass FREE Concert 5:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (5-8pm) 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

3 Holiday In Lights NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 9:00 AM Volleyball - Gym 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Band Practice (6-9pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM BSA Troop - AR

4 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM 6:30 PM Bell Choir - Chapel 7:00 PM Cub Pack #225 - AR, & New Life SAC - Rm 134 (7:00-9:00pm) 7:45 PM New Life Reh

5 Advent FFN Holiday In Lights 5:00 PM FFN - Meal Begins 6:00 PM FFN - Events for all ages 7:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (7:00-9:00pm) Chapel, 134-136 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Reh

6 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Bible Study - Lib 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Bible Study (6:00-9:00pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

7 Holiday In Lights 8:00 AM Work Crew - FS (8:00-11:00am) 6:00 PM New Life - SAC (6:00-9:00pm) Gym, FM

8 Holiday In Lights 8:30 AM New Life - SAC (8:30am-1:00pm) (134-136) 10:00 AM Children's Les-sons & Carols Rehearsal 10:00 AM Salvation Army Bell Ringers (10:00am-4:00pm) 11:30 AM Parent's Day Out (11:30am-3:00pm) 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (6-9pm) & Activity Room 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

9 2nd Sunday in Advent Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 10:10 AM Tree House Sunday School & Adult Ed. 11:15 AM Children's Lessons & Carols Program 1:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (1:00-3:59pm) Chapel, Rm 121-124 5:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (5-8pm) 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

10 Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Volleyball - Gym 1:00 PM Library Committee - Lib 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Band Practice (6-9pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 6:30 PM Fine Arts Cmte. Mtg. (GA) 7:00 PM BSA Troop - AR

11 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Theme Team Mtg. 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM 6:30 PM Bell Choir - Chapel 7:00 PM Cub Pack #225 - AR, & New Life SAC - Rm 134 (7:00-9:00pm)

12 Advent FFN Holiday In Lights 3:30 PM Worship Service Mtg. 5:00 PM FFN - Meal Begins 6:00 PM FFN - Events for all ages 7:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (7:00-9:00pm) Chapel, 134-136 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Reh 9:00 PM New Life Jazz Reh.

13 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Bible Study - Lib 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Bible Study (6:00-9:00pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

14 Holiday In Lights 8:00 AM Work Crew - FS (8:00-11:00am) 6:00 PM New Life - SAC (6:00-9:00pm) Gym, FM 6:00 PM Boy Scout Lock-In Overnight

15 Holiday In Lights Boy Scout Lock-In 8:30 AM New Life - SAC (8:30am-1:00pm) (134-136) 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (6-9pm) & Activity Room 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

16 3rd Sunday in Advent Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Worship of Lessons and Carols 10:10 AM Tree House Sunday School & Adult Ed. 11:15 AM New Life Jazz Worship 1:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (1:00-3:59pm) Chapel, Rm 121-124 5:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (5-8pm) 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

17 Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Volleyball - Gym 10:00 AM Care Team - FS (10:00-11:30pm) 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Band Practice (6-9pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

7:00 PM BSA Troop - AR

18 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Staff Meeting 5:30 PM Finance Cmte 6:00 PM Faith Formation 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM 6:30 PM Social Ministry 6:45 PM Music & Worship 7:00 PM Cub Pack #225 - AR, & New Life SAC - Rm 134 (7:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM Property Cmte 7:45 PM New Life Reh

19 Advent FFN Holiday In Lights Caroling and Hot Cocoa 5:00 PM FFN - Meal Begins 5:30 PM Exec. Cmte. Mtg. 6:00 PM FFN - Events for all ages 7:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (7:00-9:00pm) Chapel, 134-136 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Reh

20 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Bible Study - Lib 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Bible Study (6:00-9:00pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM Beaver Valley Camp, Inc. (Fireside Room)

21 Holiday In Lights 8:00 AM Work Crew - FS (8:00-11:00am) 6:00 PM New Life - SAC (6:00-9:00pm) Gym, FM

22 Holiday In Lights 8:30 AM New Life - SAC (8:30am-1:00pm) (134-136) 1:00 PM Private Event 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (6-9pm) & Activity Room 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer

Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

23 4th Sunday in Advent Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 10:10 AM Christmas Carol Sing-Along for Everyone 11:15 AM New Life Worship 1:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (1:00-3:59pm) Chapel, Rm 121-124 5:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (5-8pm) 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

24 Christmas Eve Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Volleyball - Gym 3:30 PM Christmas Eve Family Service 5:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 10:00 PM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

25 Christmas Day - Office Closed Holiday In Lights

26 Holiday In Lights Office Closed

27 Holiday In Lights 10:00 AM Bible Study - Lib 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pente-cost Bible Study (6:00-9:00pm) Chapel 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM Ilula Shoulder to Shoulder Mtg. - GA (SPAS Event)

28 Holiday In Lights 8:00 AM Work Crew - FS (8:00-11:00am) 6:00 PM New Life - SAC (6:00-9:00pm) Gym, FM

29 Holiday In Lights 8:30 AM New Life - SAC (8:30am-1:00pm) (134-136) 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (6-9pm) & Activity Room 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

30 Holiday In Lights 9:00 AM Traditional Worship Service 10:10 AM No Education Hour 11:15 AM New Life Worship 1:00 PM Hmong Hope Community Church (1:00-3:59pm) Chapel, Rm 121-124 5:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (5-8pm) 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm)

31 Holiday In Lights New Year's Eve 9:00 AM Volleyball - Gym 6:00 PM Men-Hmong Hope Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

1 New Year's Day - Office Closed

2 No Meal This Evening 7:30 PM Chancel Choir Reh

3 10:00 AM Bible Study - Lib 6:00 PM Hmong Hope Gym Group (6:00-9:00pm) 7:00 PM Canon Choir of Brass - Sanc. (7-9:30pm)

4 8:00 AM Work Crew - FS (8:00-11:00am) 6:00 PM New Life - SAC (6:00-9:00pm) Gym, FM 6:30 PM Game Night (6:30pm-8:30pm)

5 8:30 AM New Life - SAC (8:30am-1:00pm) (134-136) 6:00 PM Eben-Eezer Pentecost Worship - Chapel (6-9pm) & Activity Room 6:00 PM Thor's Soccer Group (6:00-9:00pm) GYM

Nonprofit Org.

U.S. Postage

P A I D

Twin Cities MN

Permit No. 585

Gustavus Adolphus (GA) Lutheran Church 1669 Arcade St St. Paul, MN 55106 651.774.5954 - www.gachurch.org

Sunday Worship

9:00am Traditional Service 11:15am New Life Worship

(ASL Interpreted)

Church Staff

Bonnie Wilcox Senior Pastor

John Marboe Interim Associate Pastor

Susan Schoon Visitation Pastor

Jerome Brakke Director of Music & Organist

Sherrie Norquist Director of Christian Education

Linda Tischer Administrative Assistant

Judy Hitchcock Ass’t Administrative Assistant

Helen McEvoy-Freese Business Office

Rick Arons, Nelson Tracey, & Kevin Berglund Custodians

Kathy Laramy Wedding Consultant

Michelle Beaulieu, Kendra Nielsen & Diana Williams ASL Interpreters

Gustavus Adolphus (GA) is a member of the Saint Paul Area Synod (www.spas-elca.org), of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), www.elca.org.

DEADLINE for January Newsletter: Monday, December 3

GA Newsletter submission deadline for the upcoming month is listed above. Send to Linda at Linda@gachurch.org PLEASE HONOR the date listed for the deadline.

Family Event at GA

Would you like a place for your kids to have fun, play games, watch movies, or just hang out with friends, while you enjoy adult conversation with your spouse or just a night to yourself? The Christian Education Committee is again offering a Parent’s Day Out on December 8, see the article on page 5.