Reach Out. Proclaim. Inspire.Dec. 2, 2015
Opportunities to Serve

Eager to serve your neighbor? We have great opportunities to serve! You can make a difference in the community and in the city. Learn more.
  • Holiday Store, Saturday, Dec. 5
  • Sharing and Caring Hands, Saturday, Dec. 5
  • IOCP Food Shelf, Wednesday, Dec. 9
The Texts this Weekend
 
This weekend is the Second Sunday in Advent. The readings include Philippians 1:3-11 and Luke 3:1-6:

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah,

"The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
'Prepare the way of the Lord,
   make his paths straight.
Every valley shall be filled,
   and every mountain and hill shall be made low,
and the crooked shall be made straight,
   and the rough ways made smooth;
and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.' "

Christmas Giving Missions

Christmas Care: Holiday Store
We are hoping for more volunteers for the afternoon shift, 12 noon to 3 p.m., at 2400 Park Avenue South in Minneapolis, this Saturday, Dec. 5. Thank you all for your generosity in giving, bundling, and delivering gifts, setting up the store, and volunteering in the Holiday Store, where children choose gifts for their parents and will experience the joy of giving. Contact Pastor Strand Patterson vstrand@spdlc.org to say you would like to help in the store.

Christmas Care: Gifts and Prayers
We are about half way to caring for 250 residents of shelters, by praying for them and shopping from their wish lists. We are also hoping for several hundred more children's books. Stop by the sign up tables in the narthex for all the details. Thanks for sharing your blessings in this season.

Christmas food baskets with Messiah
Your gift of funds to provide the groceries is greatly appreciated. Two large families are fed for about $50 and about 500 families are expected. Volunteer to help with distribution on Saturday morning, Dec. 19, by contacting SPD member Kris at kcarlsongermain@gmail.com.

Thank you! Through funds, gifts and food, your gifts will touch the lives of about 6,700 adults and children, locally and in Minneapolis.
Charles Lazarus in Concert - Dec. 4

Trumpeter Charles Lazarus, who frequently plays for us in worship on special festival days, is featured with his Lazarus Brass ensemble in a lively Christmas concert for your whole family. Make a date for Friday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. at Orchestra Hall for this happy celebration of the Christmas season. Merry & Bright: A Big, Brassy Christmas with Charles Lazarus is sure to warm your heart and get you in the spirit! Tickets are available at MinnesotaOrchestra.org.
Make a Minute for Christmas - Dec. 6

Join us for a special holiday family event, "Make a Minute for Christmas," on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. There will be family service projects, "Minute to Win It" games, a carol-a-long, tacos for dinner, as well as lots of fun time to hang out with your family. Children's choirs will sing during this event. Cost is $5 per person aged 3 and up. Sign your family up today. Registration is required by Dec 2!
Lesson Reader Workshop - Dec. 9

You are invited to help lead in worship by becoming a lesson reader. All members, from grade 3 through adults, are invited to participate in worship, sharing God's word in this wonderful way. If you'd like to become a lesson reader, we have a short workshop for you to attend on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. -- where we will briefly outline what you'll be doing -- and then you will be scheduled for an upcoming worship service. Contact Trisha Ragner at tragner@spdlc.org or 763-475-7119.
National Lutheran Choir - Dec. 11

The theme of this year's National Lutheran Choir Christmas concert is The Spotless Rose. Immerse yourself in the beauty and truth of the peaceful space of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Minneapolis, while listening to the beautiful harmonies of the choir celebrating the birth of Christ this sacred season. Join a group of SPD members who are attending this concert together on Friday, Dec. 11. The bus departs at 6:30 p.m. Concert starts at 8 p.m. Cost $25 per person. Contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org or 763-475-7115 to join the group!
Lessons and Carols - Dec. 12-14

All worship services the weekend of Dec. 12-14 will include special choral works sung by our St. Philip the Deacon choirs. Join us for your favorite worship time, and sing along as we anticipate the birth of our Savior this Advent and Christmas season.

This is a wonderful opportunity to invite a friend with you to church!
Book Club - Dec. 15

A River Runs Through It, by Norman Maclean, is our Book Club selection for December. From its first sentence, "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and fly fishing," to the last, "I am haunted by waters," A River Runs Through It is an American classic. Join Pastor Schmid on Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. for a thoughtful discussion of this book, which has been called a masterpiece.
Blue Christmas Prayer Service - Dec. 21

Christmas can be a difficult time for those who struggle with depression, serious illness, loss or grief. This peaceful prayer service offers a respite of quiet understanding for those who are hurting this Christmas season. Join us on Monday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. for our "Blue Christmas" prayer service. Worship will include candle lighting and the
Sacrament of Holy Communion. Learn more.
Memory Tree

One of the greatest joys at Christmas time is gathering with loved ones. This is difficult when those we have loved are no longer with us to celebrate. It doesn't matter if your loss is recent or some time long ago, loss is loss and Christmas can be sad. This year you are invited to remember your loved ones by writing their name on an ornament and placing it on the tree that stands to the right as you enter the worship center. The table next to the tree has everything you will need. Our memory tree will serve as a witness to the saints who have gone before us and to the cloud of witnesses which surrounds us.
Advent and Christmas Worship


Advent
7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 7 - Advent Vespers
7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 14 - Advent Vespers
7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 21 - Blue Christmas Prayer Service

Christmas Eve, Thursday, Dec. 24
11 a.m. - Children and Family Worship (no Holy Communion)
2 p.m. - Worship with Holy Communion*
4 p.m. - Worship with Holy Communion*
5:30 p.m. - Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion*
7 p.m. - Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion*
9 p.m. - Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion
11 p.m. - Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion

* Childcare will be provided at all services except 11 a.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m.

Christmas Day, Friday, Dec. 25
11 a.m. - Worship with Holy Communion

If you are interested in serving as an usher, reader, acolyte or altar guild worship assistant during any of these worship services, please contact Cindy Carlson at ccarlson@spdlc.org or 763-475-7115.


SPD Members in Local Theater Productions

Do you enjoy a play? Several SPD members are currently cast in local theater productions. You can catch Jim Ramlet in the play All Is Calm at the Pantages Theater, Dec. 16-20; or Norah Long as the Mother Superior in the Chanhassen Dinner Theater's production of Sister Act. Dec.10-Jan. 2. Break a leg, friends!
Promise 2016 - Thank you!

Thank you to all who have submitted their Promise 2016 pledge cards. If you haven't yet done so, you can still submit your Promise by bringing it to church or mailing it in as soon as possible.

Your 2016 Promise will be reflected on your year-end contribution statement.

Pledging is your opportunity to make a giving commitment for the coming year to support the daily ministry of St. Philip the Deacon.

Additional brochures and pledge cards are available at the Hospitality Desks at church if you need one. Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel!
End of Year Giving Guidelines

Helping You Plan for Year's End

Offerings in a 2015 envelope received in the offering plate through Dec. 29 or delivered to the office by 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 31 or Postmarked by Dec. 31, 2015 will be recorded on your 2015 Contribution Statement. Offerings received outside of these boundaries will be recorded as a 2016 offering, regardless of which year's envelope is used. You may also use the mail drop-box outside the west office door (Door B) if delivering after office hours.
 
If you wish to prepay your 2016 offerings, please make a notation on the envelope and check memo line: "prepayment for 2016." To receive credit on your 2015 year-end statement, 2016 prepayments must also be received by the dates noted above.
 
Questions? Contact Cheryl Sjaarda, Finance Administrator at csjaarda@spdlc.org or 763-475-7124. Year-end contribution statements for 2015 will be mailed prior to Jan. 31, 2015.
SPD Outdoors Ice Fishing Retreat - Jan. 28-31

The 2nd Annual SPD Outdoors Ice Fishing Retreat on beautiful Lake of the Woods is scheduled for Jan. 28-31, 2016. Join Pastor Mark Schmid and Roger Elias for a time of faith, fellowship and fishing. Located 5 1/2 hours (315 miles) north of St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, Lake of the Woods has built a reputation over the years as one of the premier fishing lakes in the country. Pairing scenery, location and a diverse and healthy fishery, the lake boasts trophy-size walleye, as well as sauger, northern pike and jumbo perch.   

Accommodations will be provided by Wheelers Point Resort and Lodge in Baudette, MN. Cost is $395.00 per person (includes room and board). Register online! There are 24 slots, and the deadline to reserve your spot is Dec. 31.

For more information, contact Roger Elias at rwelias@comcast.net, or Pastor Mark Schmid at mschmid@spdlc.org
Upcoming Youth Events

Ultimate Lock-In, Jan. 29
We are joining forces with several other churches and taking over the Maple Grove Community Center. With a new activity starting every hour there is no way someone could get bored or tired at this lock-in. Check out the registration and don't forget to invite your friends!
In This Issue
Christmas Care
Charles Lazarus concert
Make a Minute for Christmas
Lesson Readers Workshop
National Lutheran Choir
Lessons and Carols
Book Club
Blue Christmas
Memory Tree
Advent, Christmas Worship
SPD Members in Theater
Promise 2016
End of Year Giving Guidelines
Ice Fishing Retreat
Confirmation Events
Faithful Parenting
Parish Nurse Health Tip
 
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Baruch 5:1-9

Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem,

And put on for ever the beauty of the glory from God.

Put on the robe of the righteousness that comes from God;

Put on your head the diadem of the glory of the Everlasting;

For God will show your splendour everywhere under heaven.

For God will give you evermore the name,

"Righteous Peace, Godly Glory."

Arise, O Jerusalem, stand upon the height;

Look towards the east,
and see your children gathered from west and east

At the word of the Holy One, rejoicing that God has remembered them.

For they went out from you on foot, led away by their enemies;

But God will bring them back to you, carried in glory, as on a royal throne.

For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low

And the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God.

The woods and every fragrant tree have shaded Israel at God's command.

For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory,

With the mercy and righteousness that come from him.
For Reflection
 
"Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer. And let faith be the bridge you build to overcome evil and welcome good."
- Maya Angelou
 
See more thoughts like this at fb.com/spdlc.
  
Faithful Parenting
 
What Tone are You Setting for Your Home?

If you could be a fly on the wall watching your interactions with your kids throughout the week, how would you describe the tone in your house? What kind of tone do you want to be setting?













Yoga is Medicine for Holiday Digestion
 
With all our Holiday indulgences many often experience digestive issues. Yoga is now being recognized as a medicine, using gentle, clinical poses in sequence, breathing and meditation to improve and treat many things from digestion, Chronic pain, IBS, to heart disease and cancer. Maybe asanas will replace medicines on the prescription pad!

I've put together a great article on our church blog that gives an overview of some simple yoga poses that can help with digestive issues. Check it out! 



 
Susan Path 
Parish Nurse 
If you have questions about anything you've read here, or want to know more about St. Philip the Deacon and its ministries, please contact us at info@spdlc.org or 763-475-7100.