Fourth Sunday in Advent ANNOUNCEMENTS December 22, 2013

Post date: Dec 20, 2013 10:26:22 PM

This Week at Trinity

Sun Dec 22

School & FLOCK Children's Christmas Program
8:00am Divine Service (Mount Ayr)
9:30am Divine Service
11:00am Sunday School /Adult Bible Class

Mon Dec 23

Pastor's Day Off
Tue Dec 24 6:30am Early Risers (Fellowship Hall)
5:00pm Christmas Eve Ser. (Mount Ayr)
7:00pm Christmas Eve Service

Wed Dec 25

9:00am Christmas Day Service (HC)

Sun Dec 29

8:00am Divine Service (Mount Ayr)
9:30am Divine Service
11:00am Sunday School /Adult Bible Class

Where is Jesus?

Look carefully at the Nativity set by the narthex doors. It has Mary, Joseph, shepherds, wise men, sheep and even an angel. But something important is missing. Where is Jesus? Well, it is a long standing tradition to decorate the church for Christmas before Christmas. It comes from the pressure from outside the church to begin celebrating Christmas as soon as Thanksgiving is over. But, here in the church, we are still in the season of Advent. Advent is a time to prepare and anticipate Christmas. It is a time to prepare for something better. We hold back the joy of Christmas in order to appreciate the joy all the more. So, we'll wait for Jesus, both in our season and our Nativity Scene. Look for his appearance on Christmas Eve.

First Lutheran Church announces it’s closing service will be held Sunday, January 12th @ 4:00 pm. Please keep the members of First Lutheran in your prayers as they prepare for this change.

December Worship/Special Services

Dec. 22nd FLOCK and SS Children’s Program @ 9:30 am
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service @ 5:00 pm (Mt Ayr)
Dec. 24th Christmas Eve Service @ 7:00 pm (Creston)
Dec. 25th 9:00 am Christmas Day Service

Attendance Report

December 15th

Sunday Worship –108
Adult Sunday School—19
Sunday School –10
Teacher’s Education—5

December 18th

Advent Service—49

Serving At Trinity

Sun Dec 22

Acolytes: Bargstadt, Benjamin
Ushers: Kevin Kruse, Dave Dory, Eddie Tomas, Rick Hadley
Elder: Norm Schroeder
Finance: Dennis Brown, Joyce Kruse
Altar: Dave & Maggie Dory
Organist: Sharon Ecklund

Tue Dec 24

Acolytes: Shady, Logan;Riley, Cassidy
Ushers: Kevin Kruse, Dave Dory, Eddie Tomas, Rick Hadley
Elder: Norm Schroeder
Pianist: Julie Lang
Finance: Dennis Brown, Joyce Kruse

Wed Dec 25

Acolytes: Bargstadt, Caitlyn;Tomas, Kolby
Ushers: Kevin Kruse, Dave Dory, Eddie Tomas, Rick Hadley
Finance: Dennis Brown, Joyce Kruse
Elder: Norm Schroeder
Organist: Sharon Eklund
Finance: Dennis Brown, Joyce Kruse

Sun Dec 29

Acolytes: Hadley, Lauren;Riley, Alexandria
Organist: Carla Roghair
Ushers: Kevin Kruse, Dave Dory, Eddie Tomas, Rick Hadley
Elder: Norm Schroeder
Finance: Dennis Brown, Joyce Kruse
Altar: Dave & Maggie Dory

Life Together

(Advent 4) Matthew “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."” What our good works could never do, Jesus has done: He has saved us from our sins, paid our debt, set us free. How can we not give thanks to Him with lives of generosity and godliness? And so what God's Law could not do – truly motivate us to truly good works – Jesus' love has done!

It is time to plan for the upcoming FOURTH annual Higher Things Winter Retreat at Holy Cross, Carlisle, IA. The date is 6:00 pm Friday, January 10 through 3:00 pm, Saturday, January 11, 2014. The presentor is Rev. John Dreyer, admissions director at Concordia Theological Seminary Fort Wayne. The topic is Deliver Us From the Evil One, and is an extended version of the Angels and Demons sectional he presented at last Summer's Higher Things Youth Conference. More information will be coming soon.

The Church locks have been re-keyed. Any member of the church may have a key. Please come to the office and fill out a registration card and return your old keys for recycling.

You can now access the church directory online! You can also update your church database information. Please talk to Pastor Watt if you want to get access. Call, eMail or in person. (515)462-0566 or Pastor@TrinityCreston.org

Anyone wanting to usher in 2014 please contact Karl Peterson

Mercy

LERT (Lutheran Early Response Team) Training Iowa District West is forming LERT teams to respond to disasters. It is exciting that over 300 members of the District have now taken the LERT training and are certified to serve and respond after a natural disaster. You are invited to attend an upcoming LERT training. There is NO COST for the training. Volunteers will receive a LERT manual. Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 510 15th Street, Ames IA When: Saturday, February 8, 2014 Registration begins at 8 am with training 9am - 12pm Facilitator: Ellie Menz, Disaster Response Coordinator Register online at www.idwlcms.org (under “District News”) or contact Jill Davis at the District office (515-576-7666).

“It has always been evident to us, scientifically, morally, and logically, that life begins at conception. For the last word on the matter, we consult our Creator’s guidebook. The Psalmist wrote, ‘For You formed my inward parts; you wove me in my mother’s womb’ (Psalm 139:13 NASBÒ). He then noted, ‘Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were written all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them’ (Psalm 139:16 NASBÒ).” Patriot Post – A “Life Quote” from Lutherans For Life · ww.lutheransforlife.org

Building Healthy Families: As you prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ birth, please remember those who are struggling. LFS is here to help as an extension of our church’s ministry to those in need. Because of gifts received from Lutheran individuals, congregations and organizations in Iowa, help is provided for families all year long! And because of this unique way LFS is funded, your year-end gift will make a significant impact. Your gift can be made securely online at www.LFSiowa.org or sent by mail to LFS Administrative Office, 409 Kenyon Road, Suite C, Fort Dodge, 50501. To visit with Wanda Pritzel about making a gift, call 515-573-3138 or email pritzel@LFSiowa.org. God bless you for sharing His love! Lutheran Family Service of Iowa

Witness

What will you give to the Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization As God the Father sent his son Jesus as the most awesome gift to us, what will you give? If you have not sent a gift to the Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization, this would be the time to do so. All gifts must be received by for you to receive the 65% tax credit on your Iowa income tax and for you to claim as a deduction on your federal taxes, and to assist families with tuition expenses for next school year. Donor forms can be found on line at www.iowalutheransto.org The form will also provide you the details on this program. Thanks for considering the students of our church and community! Contact Dewey Torkelson, 712-260-2991, with any questions.

LCMS issues statement about Thrivent Choice Dollars® The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) is deeply concerned by the news that Thrivent Financial has recognized Planned Parenthood of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota as a potential recipient of funding through its Thrivent Choice Dollars grant program. The LCMS always has been, and will continue to be, clear and faithful in its proclamation of the sanctity of all human life from conception until natural death. We are currently in conversation with Thrivent Financial and pray for a God-pleasing resolution to this matter so that the pro-life witness of individual Lutherans and the LCMS will not be compromised. Maggie Karner, Director LCMS Life and Health Ministries Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison, President The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

A BLESSED CHRISTMAS TO YOU! – The Staff of KFUO wishes you a blessed Christmas during this season of hope and joy at the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We hope you enjoy our Holiday Programming during this special week. Be sure to listen! Follow us on www.facebook.com/KFUORadio.

Prayers

Cancer: Bethany Gurich; Jackie Loomis ; Kenneth Goeglein ; Rheanna Miller; Mike Rollings; Orlan Lux; Merle Triggs; Al Davis; Grace Weese; Janice Shepherd; Wes Keeler; Lois Watt; LaVern Otte; Maggie Dory; Jeff Bierle; Tim Stalker; Bobby Colton;

Congratulations: Baby Girl Marlee Marie born to Jill Callison (Granddaughter of Marti Williams)

Condolences: The Frey Family; Family of Lucas Sweeny; Jim Kaufman and Family at the sudden passing of Jim’s brother.

Christian Care: Jane, George, Jabes, Jefery our sponsored orphans in Africa;

Illness Injury Surgery &Recovering: Bill Reidy; Ethan Bulgrin; Jace Zellmer; Gailen Foreman; Chad Schroeder; May Carlisle; Megan Parsons; Marie Burmiester; Danna Rains; Deb Laudner; Pat Barkalow;

Military: Aaron Hoogand; Carl Green; Michael Kaufman; Denise McClary;

Missions: Concordia Mission Society; Dr Oliver (Seminary in Taiwan); Ivan and Jennifer Rasch, Africa; Pastor Daniel Vogel, Hispanic Missions in Iowa; Pastor Dennis Konkel, Deaf Missions in Iowa;

Seminary Students: Timothy Meyer (Vicar: Macomb, MI), Chris Troxel, and Martin Herzberg;

Shut-ins: Mary Carson; Ruth Chase; Wilma Cottrell; Jeanne Herzberg; Fern Hoepker; Frieda Porter; Lonny Riley; Don Campbell;