Connecting All To Christ - Hickory - St. Stephens Lutheran Church
ST STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHUCH—LCMS
Connecting All To Christ
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
V O L U M E
Merry Market
2
Finance & Facility Report
3
1 6
I S S U E
8
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Yoga Benefit Class for Cole Hoover
Thank You Homebound /Seasonal Birthdays School Report
4
School News
5
Election Day
6
Blessing on Your Thanksgiving Fall Back Time Change 7 Celebrate the Family Mid-Week Advent Services
8
Advent Meals Weekend to Remember 9
When: Friday, November 11th at 7:00 PM Where: Gymnasium at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Hickory Cost: This is a cash/check donation class November is Epilepsy Awareness Month! Michelle Wilfong and certified yoga instructor Heather Miller from The Yoga Loft in Conover invite you to a special family yoga class to help support Cole Hoover and his battle against Epilepsy.
Student Connections
10
Children’s & Family Ministry
11
Worship Assistants For November
12
November Calendar
13
This one-hour class is open to all ages, and no previous yoga experience is required. So grab your mat (we will have a select few available to borrow) and join us for an evening of fellowship and exercise!
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
14
Questions? Contact Michelle Wilfong: (828) 234-5380 or [email protected]
100% of the proceeds will go to Cole!
Page 2
Page 3
Finance and Facility Board Report
Offerings Other Income Totals
Church Income for Sept Given Budgeted $74,438.38 $94,093.78 $165.00 $400.00 $74,603.38 $94,493.78
Church Income Year to Date YTD Given Total Budgeted $803,419.90 $1,129,125.41 $3,931.52 $4,800.00 $807,351.42 $1,133,925.41
Church Expenses for Sept Spent Budgeted $78,421.93 $94,493.34
Church Expensed Year to Date YTD Spent Total Budgeted $739,845.19 $1,133,925.41
HOMEBOUND AND SEASONED CITIZEN’S (80 & OLDER) BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER
J C McMchan, Bob Watson, Alan Killian, David Pingel and Ken Tilley for changing the filters in the church and school. Ruby Spencer—11/2 Carolyn Spencer—11/3 Irene Craig—11/4 Carolyn Smith—11/8 Miriam Queen—11/11 Aileen Witt—11/19 Jim Flowers—11/21 Wilma Hefner— 11/22 Ed Herman—11/22
School Report
Page 4
2016-17 Start of School Year Enrollment 168 total students (47 PS / 121 K-8) PS3 PS4 TK K 1 2 3 4 16 11 20 11 23 18 10 19
5 10
6 17
7 7
8 6
2016-17 Current Enrollment 168 total students (48 PS / 120 K-8) as of Octber 10th, 2016 PS3 PS4 TK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 16 12 20 10 22 19 10 19 10 17 7 6 Enrollment Current Min PS3 16 18 PS4 12 20 TK 20 20 K-8 120 170 Grade School Enrollment Breakdown by Tuition Rates Member 60 95 Non-Member 40 60 Other LCMS Member 5 2 Enrollment Breakdown
2nd/3rd Child Staff Children 2016-2017 Enrollment Attrition Students Transfering In Preschool K-8 Students Transfering Out Preschool K-8 School Net Balance: School Fund Drive Balance: School Fund Drive Goal: Average Donations Needed:
22 15
Total
Max 18 20 20 225
24 13 Breakdown Member Non-Member
1 1
1
0
0 1
0
1
($96,514.99) as of September 30, 2016 $172,998.83 as of September 30, 2016 $200,000.00 by December 31, 2016 $9,000.39 per month (October - December)
Thank you and please keep the donations coming in.
We are in the final quarter of 2016 and nearing the end of this year’s fund drive. We are about $27,000 from reaching our goals, so here’s to finishing strong and maybe even surpassing our goal. As for our finances, our total income (66% of budget) is falling slightly further behind total expenses (73% of budget). As mentioned in previous months, we have asked that none of the fund drive money be transferred until the end of December to show a true picture of what our finances look like. The remaining balance will be rolled into next year’s fund drive to reduce the total amount needed in 2017. Enrollment is stable as we welcome a new preschooler to the mix in the month of September. With classrooms under their maximum capacity, enrollment will remain open for the 2016 & 2017 school year. So, please continue to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to prayerfully consider SSLS as the educational institution to grow their children’s academic and spiritual knowledge. If not for second semester, than many for next fall. Enrollment/Reenrollment for the 2017/2018 school year will be here before you know it. Ask them to come by for a visit to see what we are all about. As you know, as the enrollment increases, we will need less and less of the proceeds from the School Fund Drive and we can start running financially in the black every year. On behalf of the School Board thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please keep the donations coming in. Mark Jones School Board Chairman
Page 5
ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Faith Excellence Partnerships Opportunity
Shining For Him, In Him We Shine (Philippians 2:13-15)
Our volleyball team just finished another successful season and it is now a THREEPEAT. Yes, they are champions for a third straight year CONGRATULATIONS WARRIORS. Of course there are many, including myself, on an occasion that would say, ―Well winning isn’t everything.‖ Besides being the principal I am also the soccer coach, our successes are not counted in the win/loss column and you would find me saying, ―Winning isn’t everything.‖ Let me ask you, ―Does that take away from the other team if you can just walk off the field and say, Oh well, winning isn’t everything.‖? It is a quandary and you can argue both sides. One thing is for sure that for our God winning is not just everything it is the only thing. Yes, our God is ruthless and don’t let anyone tell you any different. He wanted to ensure victory at Jericho by killing all of its inhabitants and He almost destroyed the world in a flood. But God’s most ruthless act was the sacrifice of his Son for you and me. Of course, once again it depends on your perspective, for us (His Children), our God is not ruthless at all but simply loves us that much. Yes winning is everything and we are part of that team – God’s team. In Christ, Ross Chiles
Upcoming Events….. November 10—Veterans Recognition (Breakfast & Chapel) November 20—6th—8th Grade Choir to sing at the 10:30am service November 24-25—Thanksgiving Break December 2—Preschool—K Christmas Program—7:00pm—Sanctuary December 20—1st—8th Grade Christmas Program—7:00pm—Gym December 21—1/2 day of school—Early dismissal 11:30am December 22-January 3—Christmas Break
Page 6
Election Day—November 8 “I believe God honors leaders in high places who honor Him. That I am convinced is taught in Scriptures. God is sovereign God. If He is honored as God and His divine providence in recognized in the affairs of a nation, I believe there is a certain amount of honoring received in return from Him.” Billy Graham – 1952 Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day. Are you going to the polls to vote? I know for many it is a disappointing choosing of candidates. Many people say they just won’t vote this year. But does that serve a purpose? The choice is weak, to say the least, but we need to elect somebody whom we are pretty certain won’t be against us as Christians, somebody who will allow us to live out our faith. The next President will most likely select the next two, maybe four, Supreme Court justices who will reign over the cultural issues of our nation for the next generation or more. With that in mind the question needs to be considered, will Christians in the next thirty years be able to live their lives and worship in freedom or will the Court make rulings that violate God’s law or our conscience toward God? Will political correctness hamper Christian’s way of life? Your vote does count. You may not like either candidate but I encourage you to vote in good conscience for the future of our nation and the direction it takes regarding social issues and our freedoms of worship and Christian living. Simply pray, my friends, that God’s will be done and His direction for our nation is the influence in our leadership and the influence in your choosing our next president.
Blessing On Your Thanksgiving As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings God has given to us. The question we should be asking is, ―How do we begin to thank God for all that He has done and continues to do for us?‖ High on the list of things for which to thank our Heavenly Father should be our new lives in Christ Jesus. In spite of our sinful ways, God demonstrated His awesome love for us by sending His only Son to the cross on our behalf. We certainly also thank Him for our families as well as our health and material blessings. How blessed we are that God provides for all we need to sustain our lives, and, through faith he provides, He gives life forever with Him. And just how is it we can thank Him? We do so through our offerings to His mission and ministries. And know, if you have an income, you have the ability to give. Also we do so through our worship of His name. You have the time, spend some of that time with your Lord. Be glad and give thanks to God for His provision. We’ll see you in worship!
Page 7
Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK one hour at bed time on Saturday, November 5.
Celebrating - the - Family New Staff Lamar Stewart has accepted the Call issued by us to serve as our Youth Minister. Pray for him and his family as they make the move. Wedding Congratulations to Greg Stewart and Holly Ratliffe who were joined in marriage on October 22 in Wadesboro, NC. Greg is the son of Dwight & Tamara. Eternal Glory Larry Rollins—January 12, 1943-October 1, 2016 —husband of Jean Emily Christenbury—October 16, 1920-October 12, 2016—mother of Tamara Stewart, Sonny Christenbury, Kathy Frye
CONNECTING ALL TO CHRIST Published monthly by St. Stephens LCMS 2304 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601 November 2016 Volume 16 Issue 9
Page 8
Mid-Week Advent Services ”From Heaven Above” Our Advent theme for this year is “From Heaven Above” as it features the hymn by the same name. Just what came from heaven above? Each week we’ll look at a different gift we receive from heaven with each one being found in the gift of Christ Jesus. The series is as follows… Wednesday, November 30th — “The Gift of Hope” - The people of Israel waited in hope for the promised Messiah. We now wait in hope for His return on the Last Day.
Wednesday, December 7— “The Gift of Love” - The steadfast love of God is revealed in the gift of His Son. As the redeemed people of God we share His love with others.
Wednesday, December 14— “The Gift of Peace” - In Christ Jesus we have peace with God. We now share that good news of peace with the world.
Wednesday, December 21— “The Gift of Life” - Through faith in Jesus we have forgiveness and life, a life of love and service now in His name and eternal life in His presence.
Come and worship with us on these Wednesdays and unwrap the gift from heaven above. Service times are 10:30am and 6:30pm. Supper will be served at 5:15pm.
Advent Meals This year’s Advent Meals are once again sponsored by the Youth Ministry. We hope by serving the meals that you will not be rushed after work to pick up the kids, get dinner, and come to worship. You can just pick up the kids after work and come straight to the church for dinner and worship. Mark your calendars for the following Advent Wednesdays. November 20 —Spaghetti with Salad December 7—Chili Bar December 14—Hot dogs December 21— Salad Bar Cost of the meal is a Free Will donation. Monies raised will support the Youth Ministry. Serving will begin at 5:15pm and worship will begin at 6:30pm.
Page 9
S T U D EN T C O N N EC TI O N S Connecting you to what’s happening with SSLC Youth Ministry
Club 56 Scavenger Hunt All 5th & 6th grade youth are invited to join us on Sunday, November 13 from 12:00pm-3:00pm in the 5th/6th grade youth room (Edu Building Rm 219). Bring $5 for lunch and items for Backpack Outreach. MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month right after worship from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, in the Youth Modular. All middle school youth and their friends are invited to join us for this twice-a-month gathering. Each meeting will be a different experience, so come often and help us build this exciting new community! HIGH SCHOOL High School Youth Nights are the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, in the Youth Modular. All high school youth and their friends are invited to join us for this twice-a-month gathering. Each night will be a different experience, so come often and help us build this exciting new community!
MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH PARENTS and YOUTH Merry Market is happening this month, November 19! Merry Market is a fundraiser for our Youth Ministry. Proceeds from the event help your youth offset the costs of Youth retreats, Servant Events and National Youth Gatherings. Below you will find what is needed from the parents and youth. Parents Could you make a crockpot of soup? Let Jadi know if you can help. Volunteer to help setup on Friday night and help in the kitchen and greet on Saturday, and tear down Saturday afternoon Middle School and High School Youth Help is needed Friday night for setup. Help is needed Saturday in various areas from 8am-3pm
*********************************************************** 5TH/6TH GRADE 11/13 Club 56 Scavenger Hunt MIDDLE SCHOOL 11/13 Merry Market prep (12-2:00pm) 11/19 Merry Market HIGH SCHOOL 11/6 Merry Market prep (6:00-7:30pm) 11/19 Merry Market 11/20 High School Youth Night ( 6:00-7:30pm) For more information or to find out how you can get involved contact Jadi Gurganious, Lay Ministry: Office: 828.256.9865 Cell: 828.234.9236 Email: [email protected]
Children’s & Family Minis ry Connecting Families to Christ St. Stephens Lutheran Church MS
KidConnec
November 2016
Family Faith Fellowship
Sunday Mornings 9:15-10:15am
Operation Christmas Child Family Days
Samaritan’s Purse Boone NC
CHILDREN’S HOUR Preschool 2yr/3yr /4yr: Pray, Praise, & Play Kindergarten: Exploring God’s Word 1st & 2nd Grade: God’s Promises 4 Kids 3rd & 4th Grade: Journeys 5th & 6th Grade: Club 56/ Grapple
Experience the Joy of Giving! Guided Tour & Hands On Learning for all Ages. Pack a shoebox ready for giving! RSVP to Donna Lee for available times
and to reserve a spot!
Volunteers always welcome!
2016 Children’s Christmas Worship: Christmas Jubilee Saturday, December 17 5:30pm followed by Christmas Cookie Party
Children will be preparing for our special worship throughout the month of November. We encourage all children preschool-6th grade to join us Sunday mornings 9:15-10:15am. All children are also welcome to join us weekly in Children’s Worship as we learn songs. All Children are invited to participate!
For more information on how you can get connected contact Donna Lee at 381-5391 or [email protected].
Page 12
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS—NOVEMBER If you would like to volunteer as a worship assistant, please contact the church office.
November 6
November 13
November 20
November 27
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP MEDIA TEAM SCHEDULE
8:00am
Main Door Host—James Bradshaw Side Door Host—Bill Huffman Welcome Center—Pat Wilson
10:30am
Main Door Host—John & Katharine Crawley Side Door Host—Paul & Annette Miller Welcome Center—Annie Brauch
8:00am
Main Door Host—Todd & Lisa Little Side Door Host—Ruby Spencer Welcome Center—Walter Jessup
November 9, November 12, November 13 Craig Bahlmann November 16, November 19, November 20 Chris & Danyelle Wyatt
10:30am
Main Door Host—Alan & Tammye Kanupp Side Door Host—Tommy Campbell Welcome Center—Mack & Ann Dyer
8:00am
Main Door Host—Danny & Miriam Mecimore Side Door Host—Ervin & Jewell Bolick Welcome Center—James & Leslie Fogle
10:30am
Main Door Host—David & Gail Drum Side Door Host—Barbara Underwood Welcome Center—
8:00am
Main Door Host—Allen Crowe Side Door Host—Sandra Turner Welcome Center—Montie & Linda Lail
10:30am
November 2, November 5, November 7 Lee London
Main Door Host—Ken & Linda Tilley Side Door Host—Brent & Donna Townsend Welcome Center—Tiersa Morrow
November 23-No Rehearsal, November 26, November 27 Steve & Rebecca Flowers
NURSERY (10:30am) November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27
Tiersa Morrow Laura Queen Tracy Morgan Amy & Grace Crouch
SACRAMENTS Don & Karen Killian
LINENS & PARAMENTS Linda Tilley
FLOWERS & CANDLES Jessica Weaver
ROBES Elyse Neuwirth—November 6 & 13 Tina Mingus—November 20 & 27
November 6
8:00am
Dwight Hollar & James Bradshaw
November 13
10:30am
Tommy Campbell, Chris Barringer, Rodney Miller, Brent Townsend, Jeff Eddins and Eddie Warren
November 20
8:00am
November 23
6:30pm
November 27
10:30am
David Rittenhouse & Tony Spencer
Bud Riley, Eric Kent, Tony Cook, Ken Tilley, Jon Guelzow and David Propst
Page 13
November Calendar
ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH—MS 2304 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601 (828) 256-9865 Web-site address: sslcms.org
Non-Profit Organ. U. S. Postage PAID Hickory, NC Permit No. 83
Address Return Request
Thanksgiving Eve Worship (Holy Communion)
Wednesday, November 23 10:30am and 6:30pm
Connecting All To Christ
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
V O L U M E
Merry Market
2
Finance & Facility Report
3
1 6
I S S U E
8
N O V E M B E R
2 0 1 6
Yoga Benefit Class for Cole Hoover
Thank You Homebound /Seasonal Birthdays School Report
4
School News
5
Election Day
6
Blessing on Your Thanksgiving Fall Back Time Change 7 Celebrate the Family Mid-Week Advent Services
8
Advent Meals Weekend to Remember 9
When: Friday, November 11th at 7:00 PM Where: Gymnasium at St. Stephens Lutheran Church, Hickory Cost: This is a cash/check donation class November is Epilepsy Awareness Month! Michelle Wilfong and certified yoga instructor Heather Miller from The Yoga Loft in Conover invite you to a special family yoga class to help support Cole Hoover and his battle against Epilepsy.
Student Connections
10
Children’s & Family Ministry
11
Worship Assistants For November
12
November Calendar
13
This one-hour class is open to all ages, and no previous yoga experience is required. So grab your mat (we will have a select few available to borrow) and join us for an evening of fellowship and exercise!
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
14
Questions? Contact Michelle Wilfong: (828) 234-5380 or [email protected]
100% of the proceeds will go to Cole!
Page 2
Page 3
Finance and Facility Board Report
Offerings Other Income Totals
Church Income for Sept Given Budgeted $74,438.38 $94,093.78 $165.00 $400.00 $74,603.38 $94,493.78
Church Income Year to Date YTD Given Total Budgeted $803,419.90 $1,129,125.41 $3,931.52 $4,800.00 $807,351.42 $1,133,925.41
Church Expenses for Sept Spent Budgeted $78,421.93 $94,493.34
Church Expensed Year to Date YTD Spent Total Budgeted $739,845.19 $1,133,925.41
HOMEBOUND AND SEASONED CITIZEN’S (80 & OLDER) BIRTHDAYS FOR OCTOBER
J C McMchan, Bob Watson, Alan Killian, David Pingel and Ken Tilley for changing the filters in the church and school. Ruby Spencer—11/2 Carolyn Spencer—11/3 Irene Craig—11/4 Carolyn Smith—11/8 Miriam Queen—11/11 Aileen Witt—11/19 Jim Flowers—11/21 Wilma Hefner— 11/22 Ed Herman—11/22
School Report
Page 4
2016-17 Start of School Year Enrollment 168 total students (47 PS / 121 K-8) PS3 PS4 TK K 1 2 3 4 16 11 20 11 23 18 10 19
5 10
6 17
7 7
8 6
2016-17 Current Enrollment 168 total students (48 PS / 120 K-8) as of Octber 10th, 2016 PS3 PS4 TK K 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 16 12 20 10 22 19 10 19 10 17 7 6 Enrollment Current Min PS3 16 18 PS4 12 20 TK 20 20 K-8 120 170 Grade School Enrollment Breakdown by Tuition Rates Member 60 95 Non-Member 40 60 Other LCMS Member 5 2 Enrollment Breakdown
2nd/3rd Child Staff Children 2016-2017 Enrollment Attrition Students Transfering In Preschool K-8 Students Transfering Out Preschool K-8 School Net Balance: School Fund Drive Balance: School Fund Drive Goal: Average Donations Needed:
22 15
Total
Max 18 20 20 225
24 13 Breakdown Member Non-Member
1 1
1
0
0 1
0
1
($96,514.99) as of September 30, 2016 $172,998.83 as of September 30, 2016 $200,000.00 by December 31, 2016 $9,000.39 per month (October - December)
Thank you and please keep the donations coming in.
We are in the final quarter of 2016 and nearing the end of this year’s fund drive. We are about $27,000 from reaching our goals, so here’s to finishing strong and maybe even surpassing our goal. As for our finances, our total income (66% of budget) is falling slightly further behind total expenses (73% of budget). As mentioned in previous months, we have asked that none of the fund drive money be transferred until the end of December to show a true picture of what our finances look like. The remaining balance will be rolled into next year’s fund drive to reduce the total amount needed in 2017. Enrollment is stable as we welcome a new preschooler to the mix in the month of September. With classrooms under their maximum capacity, enrollment will remain open for the 2016 & 2017 school year. So, please continue to encourage your family, friends and neighbors to prayerfully consider SSLS as the educational institution to grow their children’s academic and spiritual knowledge. If not for second semester, than many for next fall. Enrollment/Reenrollment for the 2017/2018 school year will be here before you know it. Ask them to come by for a visit to see what we are all about. As you know, as the enrollment increases, we will need less and less of the proceeds from the School Fund Drive and we can start running financially in the black every year. On behalf of the School Board thank you for your continued prayers and support. Please keep the donations coming in. Mark Jones School Board Chairman
Page 5
ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN SCHOOL Faith Excellence Partnerships Opportunity
Shining For Him, In Him We Shine (Philippians 2:13-15)
Our volleyball team just finished another successful season and it is now a THREEPEAT. Yes, they are champions for a third straight year CONGRATULATIONS WARRIORS. Of course there are many, including myself, on an occasion that would say, ―Well winning isn’t everything.‖ Besides being the principal I am also the soccer coach, our successes are not counted in the win/loss column and you would find me saying, ―Winning isn’t everything.‖ Let me ask you, ―Does that take away from the other team if you can just walk off the field and say, Oh well, winning isn’t everything.‖? It is a quandary and you can argue both sides. One thing is for sure that for our God winning is not just everything it is the only thing. Yes, our God is ruthless and don’t let anyone tell you any different. He wanted to ensure victory at Jericho by killing all of its inhabitants and He almost destroyed the world in a flood. But God’s most ruthless act was the sacrifice of his Son for you and me. Of course, once again it depends on your perspective, for us (His Children), our God is not ruthless at all but simply loves us that much. Yes winning is everything and we are part of that team – God’s team. In Christ, Ross Chiles
Upcoming Events….. November 10—Veterans Recognition (Breakfast & Chapel) November 20—6th—8th Grade Choir to sing at the 10:30am service November 24-25—Thanksgiving Break December 2—Preschool—K Christmas Program—7:00pm—Sanctuary December 20—1st—8th Grade Christmas Program—7:00pm—Gym December 21—1/2 day of school—Early dismissal 11:30am December 22-January 3—Christmas Break
Page 6
Election Day—November 8 “I believe God honors leaders in high places who honor Him. That I am convinced is taught in Scriptures. God is sovereign God. If He is honored as God and His divine providence in recognized in the affairs of a nation, I believe there is a certain amount of honoring received in return from Him.” Billy Graham – 1952 Tuesday, November 8th is Election Day. Are you going to the polls to vote? I know for many it is a disappointing choosing of candidates. Many people say they just won’t vote this year. But does that serve a purpose? The choice is weak, to say the least, but we need to elect somebody whom we are pretty certain won’t be against us as Christians, somebody who will allow us to live out our faith. The next President will most likely select the next two, maybe four, Supreme Court justices who will reign over the cultural issues of our nation for the next generation or more. With that in mind the question needs to be considered, will Christians in the next thirty years be able to live their lives and worship in freedom or will the Court make rulings that violate God’s law or our conscience toward God? Will political correctness hamper Christian’s way of life? Your vote does count. You may not like either candidate but I encourage you to vote in good conscience for the future of our nation and the direction it takes regarding social issues and our freedoms of worship and Christian living. Simply pray, my friends, that God’s will be done and His direction for our nation is the influence in our leadership and the influence in your choosing our next president.
Blessing On Your Thanksgiving As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings God has given to us. The question we should be asking is, ―How do we begin to thank God for all that He has done and continues to do for us?‖ High on the list of things for which to thank our Heavenly Father should be our new lives in Christ Jesus. In spite of our sinful ways, God demonstrated His awesome love for us by sending His only Son to the cross on our behalf. We certainly also thank Him for our families as well as our health and material blessings. How blessed we are that God provides for all we need to sustain our lives, and, through faith he provides, He gives life forever with Him. And just how is it we can thank Him? We do so through our offerings to His mission and ministries. And know, if you have an income, you have the ability to give. Also we do so through our worship of His name. You have the time, spend some of that time with your Lord. Be glad and give thanks to God for His provision. We’ll see you in worship!
Page 7
Don’t forget to set your clocks BACK one hour at bed time on Saturday, November 5.
Celebrating - the - Family New Staff Lamar Stewart has accepted the Call issued by us to serve as our Youth Minister. Pray for him and his family as they make the move. Wedding Congratulations to Greg Stewart and Holly Ratliffe who were joined in marriage on October 22 in Wadesboro, NC. Greg is the son of Dwight & Tamara. Eternal Glory Larry Rollins—January 12, 1943-October 1, 2016 —husband of Jean Emily Christenbury—October 16, 1920-October 12, 2016—mother of Tamara Stewart, Sonny Christenbury, Kathy Frye
CONNECTING ALL TO CHRIST Published monthly by St. Stephens LCMS 2304 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601 November 2016 Volume 16 Issue 9
Page 8
Mid-Week Advent Services ”From Heaven Above” Our Advent theme for this year is “From Heaven Above” as it features the hymn by the same name. Just what came from heaven above? Each week we’ll look at a different gift we receive from heaven with each one being found in the gift of Christ Jesus. The series is as follows… Wednesday, November 30th — “The Gift of Hope” - The people of Israel waited in hope for the promised Messiah. We now wait in hope for His return on the Last Day.
Wednesday, December 7— “The Gift of Love” - The steadfast love of God is revealed in the gift of His Son. As the redeemed people of God we share His love with others.
Wednesday, December 14— “The Gift of Peace” - In Christ Jesus we have peace with God. We now share that good news of peace with the world.
Wednesday, December 21— “The Gift of Life” - Through faith in Jesus we have forgiveness and life, a life of love and service now in His name and eternal life in His presence.
Come and worship with us on these Wednesdays and unwrap the gift from heaven above. Service times are 10:30am and 6:30pm. Supper will be served at 5:15pm.
Advent Meals This year’s Advent Meals are once again sponsored by the Youth Ministry. We hope by serving the meals that you will not be rushed after work to pick up the kids, get dinner, and come to worship. You can just pick up the kids after work and come straight to the church for dinner and worship. Mark your calendars for the following Advent Wednesdays. November 20 —Spaghetti with Salad December 7—Chili Bar December 14—Hot dogs December 21— Salad Bar Cost of the meal is a Free Will donation. Monies raised will support the Youth Ministry. Serving will begin at 5:15pm and worship will begin at 6:30pm.
Page 9
S T U D EN T C O N N EC TI O N S Connecting you to what’s happening with SSLC Youth Ministry
Club 56 Scavenger Hunt All 5th & 6th grade youth are invited to join us on Sunday, November 13 from 12:00pm-3:00pm in the 5th/6th grade youth room (Edu Building Rm 219). Bring $5 for lunch and items for Backpack Outreach. MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School meets on the 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month right after worship from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, in the Youth Modular. All middle school youth and their friends are invited to join us for this twice-a-month gathering. Each meeting will be a different experience, so come often and help us build this exciting new community! HIGH SCHOOL High School Youth Nights are the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, in the Youth Modular. All high school youth and their friends are invited to join us for this twice-a-month gathering. Each night will be a different experience, so come often and help us build this exciting new community!
MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH PARENTS and YOUTH Merry Market is happening this month, November 19! Merry Market is a fundraiser for our Youth Ministry. Proceeds from the event help your youth offset the costs of Youth retreats, Servant Events and National Youth Gatherings. Below you will find what is needed from the parents and youth. Parents Could you make a crockpot of soup? Let Jadi know if you can help. Volunteer to help setup on Friday night and help in the kitchen and greet on Saturday, and tear down Saturday afternoon Middle School and High School Youth Help is needed Friday night for setup. Help is needed Saturday in various areas from 8am-3pm
*********************************************************** 5TH/6TH GRADE 11/13 Club 56 Scavenger Hunt MIDDLE SCHOOL 11/13 Merry Market prep (12-2:00pm) 11/19 Merry Market HIGH SCHOOL 11/6 Merry Market prep (6:00-7:30pm) 11/19 Merry Market 11/20 High School Youth Night ( 6:00-7:30pm) For more information or to find out how you can get involved contact Jadi Gurganious, Lay Ministry: Office: 828.256.9865 Cell: 828.234.9236 Email: [email protected]
Children’s & Family Minis ry Connecting Families to Christ St. Stephens Lutheran Church MS
KidConnec
November 2016
Family Faith Fellowship
Sunday Mornings 9:15-10:15am
Operation Christmas Child Family Days
Samaritan’s Purse Boone NC
CHILDREN’S HOUR Preschool 2yr/3yr /4yr: Pray, Praise, & Play Kindergarten: Exploring God’s Word 1st & 2nd Grade: God’s Promises 4 Kids 3rd & 4th Grade: Journeys 5th & 6th Grade: Club 56/ Grapple
Experience the Joy of Giving! Guided Tour & Hands On Learning for all Ages. Pack a shoebox ready for giving! RSVP to Donna Lee for available times
and to reserve a spot!
Volunteers always welcome!
2016 Children’s Christmas Worship: Christmas Jubilee Saturday, December 17 5:30pm followed by Christmas Cookie Party
Children will be preparing for our special worship throughout the month of November. We encourage all children preschool-6th grade to join us Sunday mornings 9:15-10:15am. All children are also welcome to join us weekly in Children’s Worship as we learn songs. All Children are invited to participate!
For more information on how you can get connected contact Donna Lee at 381-5391 or [email protected].
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WORSHIP ASSISTANTS—NOVEMBER If you would like to volunteer as a worship assistant, please contact the church office.
November 6
November 13
November 20
November 27
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP MEDIA TEAM SCHEDULE
8:00am
Main Door Host—James Bradshaw Side Door Host—Bill Huffman Welcome Center—Pat Wilson
10:30am
Main Door Host—John & Katharine Crawley Side Door Host—Paul & Annette Miller Welcome Center—Annie Brauch
8:00am
Main Door Host—Todd & Lisa Little Side Door Host—Ruby Spencer Welcome Center—Walter Jessup
November 9, November 12, November 13 Craig Bahlmann November 16, November 19, November 20 Chris & Danyelle Wyatt
10:30am
Main Door Host—Alan & Tammye Kanupp Side Door Host—Tommy Campbell Welcome Center—Mack & Ann Dyer
8:00am
Main Door Host—Danny & Miriam Mecimore Side Door Host—Ervin & Jewell Bolick Welcome Center—James & Leslie Fogle
10:30am
Main Door Host—David & Gail Drum Side Door Host—Barbara Underwood Welcome Center—
8:00am
Main Door Host—Allen Crowe Side Door Host—Sandra Turner Welcome Center—Montie & Linda Lail
10:30am
November 2, November 5, November 7 Lee London
Main Door Host—Ken & Linda Tilley Side Door Host—Brent & Donna Townsend Welcome Center—Tiersa Morrow
November 23-No Rehearsal, November 26, November 27 Steve & Rebecca Flowers
NURSERY (10:30am) November 6 November 13 November 20 November 27
Tiersa Morrow Laura Queen Tracy Morgan Amy & Grace Crouch
SACRAMENTS Don & Karen Killian
LINENS & PARAMENTS Linda Tilley
FLOWERS & CANDLES Jessica Weaver
ROBES Elyse Neuwirth—November 6 & 13 Tina Mingus—November 20 & 27
November 6
8:00am
Dwight Hollar & James Bradshaw
November 13
10:30am
Tommy Campbell, Chris Barringer, Rodney Miller, Brent Townsend, Jeff Eddins and Eddie Warren
November 20
8:00am
November 23
6:30pm
November 27
10:30am
David Rittenhouse & Tony Spencer
Bud Riley, Eric Kent, Tony Cook, Ken Tilley, Jon Guelzow and David Propst
Page 13
November Calendar
ST. STEPHENS LUTHERAN CHURCH—MS 2304 Springs Road NE Hickory, NC 28601 (828) 256-9865 Web-site address: sslcms.org
Non-Profit Organ. U. S. Postage PAID Hickory, NC Permit No. 83
Address Return Request
Thanksgiving Eve Worship (Holy Communion)
Wednesday, November 23 10:30am and 6:30pm
