Love Joy Peace Hope Patience Kindness Gentleness
Volume 1 Issue 9
December 2015
The Mustard Seed L
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S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :
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“ J o y b y
•
“Joy to the World” By Jeff Kruger
•
The season of Advent By Louis Probst
•
The Blessing of Love By Dolores Steger
•
Jesus is the reason for the Season By Annie Monroe
As I was thinking about what to write for this article the song “Joy to the World” came to mind. This time of year is one of the joyous times of the year as we celebrate the coming of our Savior. I did a little research and found this article that I thought was perfect. Our Christmas season would hardly seem complete without the singing of Joy to the World, the most joyous of the carols. Yet Isaac Watts, its author, never intended it to be a Christmas carol at all. Rather, it was a part of his Psalms of David Imitated, published in 1719, which contained paraphrases of many of the Psalms in New Testament language. The story of the hymn, Joy to the World, is the story of the author, Isaac Watts (1675-1748), who is universally acknowledged as "The Father of English Hymnody". He has earned the title, not because he was first to write English hymns, but because he gave impetus to hymnody and established its place in the worship of the English church. For over one hundred years, congregational singing had been strictly limited to the Psalms of the Old Testament in poetic form. Many of these rhymed Psalms were so unnatural that Samuel Wesley, father of the famous brothers Charles and John, called them "scandalous doggerel," and his opinion
H
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t h e
J e f f
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C
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W o r l d ”
K r u g e r
was shared by many. The birth of Isaac Watts to a dissenting deacon and the daughter of a Huguenot refugee was followed by fourteen years of persecution and hardships for the entire family. Perhaps this suffering was responsible for Isaac Watts’ ill health, for he grew only to a height of just over five feet and was weak and sickly all his life. Though weak in body, the boy was strong in mind and spirit and early in life showed promise of poetic capability. After one Sunday morning service, Isaac, then fifteen years old, complained of the atrocious worship in song. One of the deacons challenged him: "Give us something better, young man." His answer was ready for the evening service and was sung that night in the Independents’ meeting, Southampton, where his father was pastor. Perhaps a hint of things to come was contained in this first verse of Isaac Watts: Behold the glories of the Lamb Amidst His Father’s throne; Prepare new honors for His name, And songs before unknown. When Isaac began to preach several years later, his congregation sang the songs that seemed to flow from his pen like a river. In 1707, the accumulation of eighteen years was published under the title, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The river continued to flow, and in
1719 his "Psalms of David Imitated" was published, not as a new paraphrase of David, but as an imitation of him in New Testament language. It was as though the Psalms burst forth in their fulfillment at last. Joy to the World is the "imitation" of the last half of Psalm 98. The author transformed the old Jewish psalm of praise for some historic deliverance into a Christian song of rejoicing for the salvation of God that began to be manifested when the Babe of Bethlehem came "to make his blessing flow far as the curse is found." This is one of the most joyous hymns in all Christendom because it makes so real what Christ’s birth means to all mankind. The tune to which the hymn is sung is attributed to George Frederick Handel and bears resemblance to phrases of his great oratorio, Messiah. Notably the first four tones match the beginning of the chorus, "Lift up Your Heads." As we rejoice in the coming to earth of our Savior, we may also be glad for the veritable river of hymns that flowed from the pen of Isaac Watts. His name stands at the head of our most majestic hymns, notably, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." In many hymnals more hymns of Isaac Watts are to be found than of any other single author.
The Many Gifts of Christmas
Patience Hope Joy Peace
Kindness Love Gentleness
P a g e
2
T h e
T h e
S e a s o n B y
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meanin g, “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. We do not formally celebrate Advent at this church, but none the less, we are currently observing, hon-
L o u i s
oring, and remembering the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Thankfully Jesus has come, as promised in scripture. That validates the assurance we have for his return. If you are reading this I would
T h e
“May May the Love of Jesus be the Gift you share this Christmas”
J e s u s
A
i s
o f
A d v e n t
encourage you to celebrate the Second Advent, or the second coming, every day in your life. Constantly be longing for forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning with your life. I pray you are excited about Jesus' return. You have an opportunity to share that with others this
b y
o f
D o l o r e s
Christmas. Share the advent. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
L o v e S t e g e r
The shepherds on hillsides Are tending their sheep, While in Bethlehem, There’s a baby asleep.
The Magi now follow A star in the skies, While in a soft manger, A dear baby lies.
The Angels are waiting, The good news to tell, While the child calmly rests, in slumber’s sweet spell.
All people, its Christmas, God’s gift from above, While in swaddling clothes, Reigns the blessing of love.
t h e B y
In today’s hurry, hurry, get it going world things get moving so fast that I find myself forgetting to slow down and think of that little babe in the manger. I forget that Mary, who knew that she was giving birth to the Savior had no real idea what that was going to entail. I imagine that she had heard the legends of the Messiah and what he would bring to the world, but really did she have any idea or comprehension that He, her baby Jesus was going to only
R e a s o n A n n i e
S e e d
P r o b s t
B l e s s i n g
p o e m
M u s t a r d
f o r
t h e
S e a s o n
M o n r o e
grow to be in his 30’s? Did she know how awful his death would be? I cannot as a mother fathom how she felt at his birth or at his death. But over the years for me Christmas has taken on so many meanings, but out of all of these the only one meaning that we should focus on is that Jesus came to earth as a little baby, grew up practiced what he preached and loved each of us before we were ever conceived.
I find myself praying endlessly throughout the day in selfish human ways, and I often wonder if He doesn’t think, “My child if you had any real comprehension of who I am, would you be asking such crazy things?” Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and not the glitter of the holiday season. Jesus is why we celebrate, we should celebrate Him, not the trimmings and gifts. May the Love of Jesus be the gift you share this Christmas. “Merry Christmas Everyone!”
V o l u m e
1
I s s u e
9
S u n d a y
P a g e
S c h o o l B y
Sunday School Highlights We’d like to express our appreciation to Judy Schaeperkoetter for her many years of teaching Sunday School. She has decided God has other uses for her talents at this time. Annie Monroe begins teaching the 1st and 2nd grade class on December 6. Thanks to both of them for their role in educating our youth. Join other adults December 6 and 13 to see what challenging topics Jeff is guiding us to explore.
a n d
The “WoW” Ladies Group is collecting the “BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION”, CAMPBELL’S SOUP CAN LABELS, and many other labels that we use to help finance many of the Events the ladies put together for our church and our community. Collection buckets are in the foyer.
C h u r c h
Weekly needs– $3850
o t h e r
N e w s
H o p k e
December 20 enjoy breakfast during the Sunday School time. The final Sunday of the year be challenged by “The Unexpected Christmas” by Andy Stanley. No matter what your age is we have a class that will help you grow in your relationship with God. Linn 5-K for Justice June 4, 2016 is the date for the 5K run/walk to raise awareness and financial support to combat human trafficking. Human trafficking is the
N e e d s
Offering and Attendance: Date $ # November 1- $5389 207 November 8- $3186 215 November 15- $2456 176 November 22- $14532 188 (Building Loan Offering) November 29- $2934 208
a n d
D i a n e
3
fastest growing felony in the world. Not only is human trafficking found in every country in the world, it’s also found in all 50 states. There are more slaves in the world today than ever in history. Join others who are trying to end human trafficking in the 21st century. The next planning meeting is January 19 at 7:00 in the boardroom. Contact Diane Hopke to find out how you can help.
P r a y e r s
New Year Needs: We are in need of volunteers to help in the nursery, serve donuts on Sunday mornings between Sunday School and the service, to welcome everyone to the church while handing out the weekly bulletin, during Team KID and Grounded we will need volunteers to help with the cooking and serving and clean up for Grounded, kitchen help for serving snacks for TEAM KID, children’s church is in need of more volunteers to help with
teaching the various ages during services age groups for the new year will be as follows: ages3-K, 1st and 2nd grade, and 3rd grade through 5th grade materials are provided, nursery attendants and helpers are also needed. If you are willing to help out please sign up in the Welcome Center or call the church office.
I n f o r m a t i o n
December Communion : Preparer: Amanda & Terry Mueller Meditation: Bill Walker Offering Prayer: Ed Scherf
December Servants: Nursery attendants: December 6: Sheri Sullentrup, Frances and
December Greeters: December 6: Shannon Voss & Family December 13: Jerry Jarvis December 20: Frances Boswell & family December 27: Lana & Delmar Monroe
Abby Boswell
Abby Boswell
December 13: Amanda Mueller, Frances and December 20: Lisa Henneke, Lana Monroe, and Rachel Latimer
December 27: Suetta Martin, Angie Cole, and Lisa Kruger
December Children’s Church: age 3-1st– Autumn Probst/ Annie Monroe 2nd—4th grade– Trisha Ely
Come Worship with Us: Sunday: *Sunday School: 9:00 am *Donuts and Fellowship: 9:45 am *Services: 10:00 am
Community Christian Church PO Box 471 Linn, Mo 65051 (573)897-3011 Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 8:00 am– 3:00 pm
www.lccc.org
What Is The Community Christian Church WE EXIST: 1. TO EXALT Christ above all others and His Word (the Bible) above all human teachings. 2. TO BUILD a church of Christ that LOVES GOD and LOVES PEOPLE. 3. TO INTRODUCE individuals to Jesus Christ, the only hope for this sin-filled world. WE TEACH: 1. The INFALLIBILITY of the Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:21) 2. The HISTORICAL Creation of Man (Genesis 2:7) 3. The SINFUL Nature of Man (Romans 7:18) 4. The ABSOLUTE DEITY of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:9) 5. The VIRGIN BIRTH of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:34) 6. The SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH of Christ (Isaiah 53:6; I Corinthians 15:3; I Peter 3:18) 7. The BODILY RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4) 8. The LITERAL RETURN of Christ to Earth (John 14:3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18) 9. The RESURRECTION & ASSIGNMENT of all People to Heaven or Hell (John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:10,15; Revelation 21:1-4) WE BELIEVE: 1. We believe that God’s Word needs to be taught if lives are to be changed. 2. We believe that every person matters to God and therefore matters to His church. 3. We believe that everything we do should be relevant to the culture around us but yet stay doctrinally pure. 4. We believe the church is a family made up of grandpas and grandmas, moms and dads and lots of youth and kids. We belong to each other in Christ’s love, and that keeps the family together. 5. We believe we can accomplish great things if we focus on Christ and not on our differences. We will never agree completely on everything but we will stand by each other because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. 6. We believe our church needs to be a safe haven where people matter. We are in the people business.
OUR MISSION:
TO GLORIFY GOD BY LOVINGLY BRINGING PEOPLE TO CHRIST, BAPTIZING THEM INTO CHRIST AND BUILDING THEM UP IN CHRIST.
December 2015
The Mustard Seed L
I
N
N
C
O
M
S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R E S T :
M
U
N
I
T
Y
C
“ J o y b y
•
“Joy to the World” By Jeff Kruger
•
The season of Advent By Louis Probst
•
The Blessing of Love By Dolores Steger
•
Jesus is the reason for the Season By Annie Monroe
As I was thinking about what to write for this article the song “Joy to the World” came to mind. This time of year is one of the joyous times of the year as we celebrate the coming of our Savior. I did a little research and found this article that I thought was perfect. Our Christmas season would hardly seem complete without the singing of Joy to the World, the most joyous of the carols. Yet Isaac Watts, its author, never intended it to be a Christmas carol at all. Rather, it was a part of his Psalms of David Imitated, published in 1719, which contained paraphrases of many of the Psalms in New Testament language. The story of the hymn, Joy to the World, is the story of the author, Isaac Watts (1675-1748), who is universally acknowledged as "The Father of English Hymnody". He has earned the title, not because he was first to write English hymns, but because he gave impetus to hymnody and established its place in the worship of the English church. For over one hundred years, congregational singing had been strictly limited to the Psalms of the Old Testament in poetic form. Many of these rhymed Psalms were so unnatural that Samuel Wesley, father of the famous brothers Charles and John, called them "scandalous doggerel," and his opinion
H
R
t o
I
S
T
I
t h e
J e f f
A
N
C
H
U
R
C
H
W o r l d ”
K r u g e r
was shared by many. The birth of Isaac Watts to a dissenting deacon and the daughter of a Huguenot refugee was followed by fourteen years of persecution and hardships for the entire family. Perhaps this suffering was responsible for Isaac Watts’ ill health, for he grew only to a height of just over five feet and was weak and sickly all his life. Though weak in body, the boy was strong in mind and spirit and early in life showed promise of poetic capability. After one Sunday morning service, Isaac, then fifteen years old, complained of the atrocious worship in song. One of the deacons challenged him: "Give us something better, young man." His answer was ready for the evening service and was sung that night in the Independents’ meeting, Southampton, where his father was pastor. Perhaps a hint of things to come was contained in this first verse of Isaac Watts: Behold the glories of the Lamb Amidst His Father’s throne; Prepare new honors for His name, And songs before unknown. When Isaac began to preach several years later, his congregation sang the songs that seemed to flow from his pen like a river. In 1707, the accumulation of eighteen years was published under the title, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The river continued to flow, and in
1719 his "Psalms of David Imitated" was published, not as a new paraphrase of David, but as an imitation of him in New Testament language. It was as though the Psalms burst forth in their fulfillment at last. Joy to the World is the "imitation" of the last half of Psalm 98. The author transformed the old Jewish psalm of praise for some historic deliverance into a Christian song of rejoicing for the salvation of God that began to be manifested when the Babe of Bethlehem came "to make his blessing flow far as the curse is found." This is one of the most joyous hymns in all Christendom because it makes so real what Christ’s birth means to all mankind. The tune to which the hymn is sung is attributed to George Frederick Handel and bears resemblance to phrases of his great oratorio, Messiah. Notably the first four tones match the beginning of the chorus, "Lift up Your Heads." As we rejoice in the coming to earth of our Savior, we may also be glad for the veritable river of hymns that flowed from the pen of Isaac Watts. His name stands at the head of our most majestic hymns, notably, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross." In many hymnals more hymns of Isaac Watts are to be found than of any other single author.
The Many Gifts of Christmas
Patience Hope Joy Peace
Kindness Love Gentleness
P a g e
2
T h e
T h e
S e a s o n B y
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meanin g, “coming” or “visit," begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. We do not formally celebrate Advent at this church, but none the less, we are currently observing, hon-
L o u i s
oring, and remembering the longing of Jews for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning. Thankfully Jesus has come, as promised in scripture. That validates the assurance we have for his return. If you are reading this I would
T h e
“May May the Love of Jesus be the Gift you share this Christmas”
J e s u s
A
i s
o f
A d v e n t
encourage you to celebrate the Second Advent, or the second coming, every day in your life. Constantly be longing for forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning with your life. I pray you are excited about Jesus' return. You have an opportunity to share that with others this
b y
o f
D o l o r e s
Christmas. Share the advent. God Bless and Merry Christmas.
L o v e S t e g e r
The shepherds on hillsides Are tending their sheep, While in Bethlehem, There’s a baby asleep.
The Magi now follow A star in the skies, While in a soft manger, A dear baby lies.
The Angels are waiting, The good news to tell, While the child calmly rests, in slumber’s sweet spell.
All people, its Christmas, God’s gift from above, While in swaddling clothes, Reigns the blessing of love.
t h e B y
In today’s hurry, hurry, get it going world things get moving so fast that I find myself forgetting to slow down and think of that little babe in the manger. I forget that Mary, who knew that she was giving birth to the Savior had no real idea what that was going to entail. I imagine that she had heard the legends of the Messiah and what he would bring to the world, but really did she have any idea or comprehension that He, her baby Jesus was going to only
R e a s o n A n n i e
S e e d
P r o b s t
B l e s s i n g
p o e m
M u s t a r d
f o r
t h e
S e a s o n
M o n r o e
grow to be in his 30’s? Did she know how awful his death would be? I cannot as a mother fathom how she felt at his birth or at his death. But over the years for me Christmas has taken on so many meanings, but out of all of these the only one meaning that we should focus on is that Jesus came to earth as a little baby, grew up practiced what he preached and loved each of us before we were ever conceived.
I find myself praying endlessly throughout the day in selfish human ways, and I often wonder if He doesn’t think, “My child if you had any real comprehension of who I am, would you be asking such crazy things?” Let’s keep our eyes on Jesus and not the glitter of the holiday season. Jesus is why we celebrate, we should celebrate Him, not the trimmings and gifts. May the Love of Jesus be the gift you share this Christmas. “Merry Christmas Everyone!”
V o l u m e
1
I s s u e
9
S u n d a y
P a g e
S c h o o l B y
Sunday School Highlights We’d like to express our appreciation to Judy Schaeperkoetter for her many years of teaching Sunday School. She has decided God has other uses for her talents at this time. Annie Monroe begins teaching the 1st and 2nd grade class on December 6. Thanks to both of them for their role in educating our youth. Join other adults December 6 and 13 to see what challenging topics Jeff is guiding us to explore.
a n d
The “WoW” Ladies Group is collecting the “BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION”, CAMPBELL’S SOUP CAN LABELS, and many other labels that we use to help finance many of the Events the ladies put together for our church and our community. Collection buckets are in the foyer.
C h u r c h
Weekly needs– $3850
o t h e r
N e w s
H o p k e
December 20 enjoy breakfast during the Sunday School time. The final Sunday of the year be challenged by “The Unexpected Christmas” by Andy Stanley. No matter what your age is we have a class that will help you grow in your relationship with God. Linn 5-K for Justice June 4, 2016 is the date for the 5K run/walk to raise awareness and financial support to combat human trafficking. Human trafficking is the
N e e d s
Offering and Attendance: Date $ # November 1- $5389 207 November 8- $3186 215 November 15- $2456 176 November 22- $14532 188 (Building Loan Offering) November 29- $2934 208
a n d
D i a n e
3
fastest growing felony in the world. Not only is human trafficking found in every country in the world, it’s also found in all 50 states. There are more slaves in the world today than ever in history. Join others who are trying to end human trafficking in the 21st century. The next planning meeting is January 19 at 7:00 in the boardroom. Contact Diane Hopke to find out how you can help.
P r a y e r s
New Year Needs: We are in need of volunteers to help in the nursery, serve donuts on Sunday mornings between Sunday School and the service, to welcome everyone to the church while handing out the weekly bulletin, during Team KID and Grounded we will need volunteers to help with the cooking and serving and clean up for Grounded, kitchen help for serving snacks for TEAM KID, children’s church is in need of more volunteers to help with
teaching the various ages during services age groups for the new year will be as follows: ages3-K, 1st and 2nd grade, and 3rd grade through 5th grade materials are provided, nursery attendants and helpers are also needed. If you are willing to help out please sign up in the Welcome Center or call the church office.
I n f o r m a t i o n
December Communion : Preparer: Amanda & Terry Mueller Meditation: Bill Walker Offering Prayer: Ed Scherf
December Servants: Nursery attendants: December 6: Sheri Sullentrup, Frances and
December Greeters: December 6: Shannon Voss & Family December 13: Jerry Jarvis December 20: Frances Boswell & family December 27: Lana & Delmar Monroe
Abby Boswell
Abby Boswell
December 13: Amanda Mueller, Frances and December 20: Lisa Henneke, Lana Monroe, and Rachel Latimer
December 27: Suetta Martin, Angie Cole, and Lisa Kruger
December Children’s Church: age 3-1st– Autumn Probst/ Annie Monroe 2nd—4th grade– Trisha Ely
Come Worship with Us: Sunday: *Sunday School: 9:00 am *Donuts and Fellowship: 9:45 am *Services: 10:00 am
Community Christian Church PO Box 471 Linn, Mo 65051 (573)897-3011 Office Hours: Monday—Thursday 8:00 am– 3:00 pm
www.lccc.org
What Is The Community Christian Church WE EXIST: 1. TO EXALT Christ above all others and His Word (the Bible) above all human teachings. 2. TO BUILD a church of Christ that LOVES GOD and LOVES PEOPLE. 3. TO INTRODUCE individuals to Jesus Christ, the only hope for this sin-filled world. WE TEACH: 1. The INFALLIBILITY of the Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16,17; II Peter 1:21) 2. The HISTORICAL Creation of Man (Genesis 2:7) 3. The SINFUL Nature of Man (Romans 7:18) 4. The ABSOLUTE DEITY of Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:9) 5. The VIRGIN BIRTH of Jesus (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:34) 6. The SUBSTITUTIONARY DEATH of Christ (Isaiah 53:6; I Corinthians 15:3; I Peter 3:18) 7. The BODILY RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ (Luke 24:39; I Corinthians 15:4) 8. The LITERAL RETURN of Christ to Earth (John 14:3; I Thessalonians 4:13-18) 9. The RESURRECTION & ASSIGNMENT of all People to Heaven or Hell (John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:10,15; Revelation 21:1-4) WE BELIEVE: 1. We believe that God’s Word needs to be taught if lives are to be changed. 2. We believe that every person matters to God and therefore matters to His church. 3. We believe that everything we do should be relevant to the culture around us but yet stay doctrinally pure. 4. We believe the church is a family made up of grandpas and grandmas, moms and dads and lots of youth and kids. We belong to each other in Christ’s love, and that keeps the family together. 5. We believe we can accomplish great things if we focus on Christ and not on our differences. We will never agree completely on everything but we will stand by each other because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. 6. We believe our church needs to be a safe haven where people matter. We are in the people business.
OUR MISSION:
TO GLORIFY GOD BY LOVINGLY BRINGING PEOPLE TO CHRIST, BAPTIZING THEM INTO CHRIST AND BUILDING THEM UP IN CHRIST.
