Pastor Scott's Message Monday night was our CCLS Christmas program. It was a wonderful night of controlled chaos. The sanctuary was packed with our 75 preschool families and their 27 teachers. Though it was cold outside it warmed up quickly inside. Teachers lined the entranceway, giving hugs to their students and handshakes to the parents. Kids were bursting with unbridled joy. Four of their most favorite things were being smashed into one powerful night: family, teachers, Glendale Lutheran church and Christmas. The sound system wasn't working so I got up there and shouted over the din of excitement. I asked them to get out their pinky finger (that wasn't right they said), their thumb (that was the wrong one too), and finally their pointer finger (Yeah!). They showed the adults how to make the sign of the cross in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. The kids sang Christmas songs about donkeys and cows while some of the kids tried to run away. The teachers read the Christmas story. Parents were filled with joy at seeing this glorious mess. I gave the benediction and then surprised the crowd by giving away the CPH book, "The Wonder of Christmas." I imitated Oprah saying, "You get a book! And You get a book! And You get a book!" Then the families headed over to the gym where they made Christmas cards for our shut-ins. It was exactly what Christmas should be. Jesus gathered families together in his name to celebrate his birth. These kids are getting a foundation of faith here. They love Jesus, his followers and his sanctuary. For the rest of their lives, when they walk into a church they will get a jolt of excitement and happiness. We are planting seeds that will bear fruit. God is at work in his people and it is a glorious mess. |
Shut-in Christmas Bags Again this year we will be filling gift bags for our shut-in friends. A sign-up sheet for donations is on the kiosk--please decide what you would like to donate and place your initials in as many boxes as appropriate. Any questions, please call Carol Froesel (822-1365). We need your donations by Sunday, December 16, and also are needing volunteers to deliver the gifts. Blessings to all! |
Advent & Christmas Schedule |
Food Donation Cart As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays rapidly approach, please remember those less fortunate than you when you're out grocery shopping and help us fill up our food donation cart to Kirkcare each week. Thank you! |
Gingerbread Event Wrap-Up From the bottom of my heart, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers listed below for their time and different forms of assistance to make the Gingerbread House Event successful. Kelly Climer
| Becci Sasser
| Kathy & John Brugere
| Lauren Mistler
| Pam Bert
| Tony & Vicky Petzoldt
| Andy Ortstadt
| Debbie Jacobson
| Layton & Jeff Wille
| Michelle Fiala
| Vicki Devenport
| Jerry & Beth Nicolaus
| Carol Froesel
| Pastor Scott
| | The net proceeds from this event, approximately $300, will be donated towards the patio fund. Thank you again to all! - Suk Wille |
Pastor Scott Uganda Opportunity Christ Community International has invited Pastor Scott to teach Pastoral Theology this spring at the Lutheran Seminary in Uganda. We are looking for donations to cover the $2,500 cost for travel, lodging, immunizations, and expenses for the trip and ask that you prayerfully consider contributing to this opportunity. Please contact Pastor Scott or any Leadership Council member if you are interested in sponsoring this wonderful ministry opportunity. |
Used Vehicle Needed A college-age GLC member is looking to purchase a used car or truck to use for long drives next year to Nebraska. Please contact Pastor Scott with any leads. Thank you! |
Community Events Live Nativity Ascension's 4th Annual Live Nativity will be on Saturday, December 15 from 5:00-9:00pm. Come and follow the star to the manger where He lay. See Mary, Joseph, and the baby surrounded by the shepherds tending the animals! Hear the angels sing and proclaim the Savior's birth! Watch the kings as they travel to worship our King! All are welcome! Invite your family and friends to this event and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies serviced by our Ascension Men's Club. For more information call 314-832-5600 or visit AscensionSTL.com. |
The Word Within the Word by John Wehmueller |
Worship Leaders
| This Sunday (12/16)
| Next Sunday (12/23)
| Preacher/Celebrant
| Pastor Scott | Pastor Scott | Liturgist
| Pastor Scott | Pastor Scott | Lector
| Theresa Canania | Cathie Albers | Children's Message
| Pastor Scott | Pastor Scott | Communion Assistant | Nate McCarty | Steve Albers | Lay Assistants
| Jack & Norma Bentzinger | Tony Petzoldt | Greeters
| Terry & Jennifer Buchholz | Ortstadt family | Sound/Video
| Tony Petzoldt | Paul Barbercheck | Ushers | Ken Clark, Jack Hurley, Jeff Wille, Rodger Lubben | Judy George, Becci Sasser, Beverly Dixson, Theresa Canania | Pianist (Saturday)
| Carol Benninghoff | Carol Benninghoff | Organist (Sunday)
| Jim Thielker | Jim Thielker | Bible Class Video Support
| Jerry Nicolaus | Tony Petzoldt |
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