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DECEMBER 2012
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NOTES FROM PASTOR SANDAGER
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Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
During last month I have been busy with meeting with many of the zip code groups. It has been a joy to hear your stories and your history at St. Martin's. Some of you have been here all of your lives and others are relatively new in the greater scheme of congregational life. What is abundantly clear from these meetings is your love for this congregation. God has called each and every one of us into the ministry of this congregation for a purpose. One of the primary purposes we have as disciples of our Lord Jesus is to be welcoming of all, not just the folks who are like us.
As you are reading this, a postcard has been sent to the zip codes that include many of the new condos and apartments in downtown Austin inviting people to "Come Home to St. Martin's" for Christmas. Hopefully we will have visitors who will come and experience this wonderful community that we call St. Martin's. Being aware of that mailing, let us be especially mindful of those who are visiting. Be sure to welcome them, invite them to Sunday School or one of the many concerts or special activities that will occur here during December. Make them feel welcome so that they will want to return again and again.
I believe that we have something that is truly necessary in our world today. We have a message of acceptance and forgiveness that is unfortunately not found in many churches. There is room for all in this congregation. Our statement about who we are says it all: "St. Martin's is a congregation of... caring, loving and spirit-filled people who gather for worship. We value our inclusivity at St. Martin's, where our members are young, old, gay, straight, single, married, partnered, and from different backgrounds and cultures. We welcome you no matter who you are or where you find yourself on your faith journey. As a community that celebrates the love of God, we try to emulate the compassion, open-mindedness and forgiveness of Christ in all that we do."
When visitors come to St. Martin's, let's prove to them that we are who we say we are! Let's welcome each and every visitor as if we were welcoming the Christ child into our homes. In Christ's name,
Pastor Pete
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 Dec. Benevolence: Capital Area Food Bank
Our December Benevolence Focus is Austin's Capital Area Food Bank. We need your donations of canned goods and financial gifts to help support the group's work in the fight against hunger in our area. Please drop off your food donations in the hallway collection boxes. Place your financial gifts for CAFB in the offering plate during worship. or donate online now. |
 Dec. 2, 9, 16 Adult Ed: "Christmas is Not Your Birthday"
Pastor Pete will lead the Adult Ed class at 9:45 am on Sundays in the Fellowship Hall. Join the spirited class topic, "Christmas is Not Your Birthday" during Advent. |
Nov. 25- Dec 9: Poinsettia SalesFrom Nov. 25 - Dec. 9 volunteers will be available in the lobby to purchase poinsettias that help beautify our Sanctuary as we celebrate Jesus' birth. Purchase online now.
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 Nov. 25- Dec 9: Agua Viva Christmas Gifts
It's that time of year again when St. Martin's helps our neighbors to the South by providing Christmas gifts to children in need along the border. From Nov. 25-Dec. 9, sign up in the lobby and receive recipient information. Deliver wrapped presents by Dec. 16 in the church office.
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 Dec. 5 & 19: MYC at St. Martin's
MYC is a vibrant source of mutual encouragement among women of all ages and stages at St. Martin's -- including mothers of young children. Join us on Wednesday from 6 to 9 pm in the Parlor. Dinner is provided, and babies & toddlers are welcome! |
 Dec. 5: Confirmation Night
Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 pm is Confirmation Night for all Middle School Students. |
 Dec. 7-9: Family Advent Retreat
Camp Chrysalis is hosting their Annual Family Advent Retreat either Nov. 23-25 or Dec. 7-9. The theme this year is "Christmas Carols". Explore the songs of Mary and Zechariah as they prepared for the Messiah. Learn new crafts with a Christmas Carol theme and the history behind some of our most beloved songs. Stay with your family in your own cabin with a private bathroom. Click here for more information. |
 Dec. 8: WELCA Christmas Brunch
Enjoy the music of Ann Richard's School Choir on Sat. Dec. 8 at 9:30 am in the Fellowship Hall. Nursery provided. |
 Dec. 8: Parents Day Out!
Get your holiday shopping completed or just schedule a day to get other things done... the Senior High Youth will offer babysitting on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 2-8 pm for infants and children. This is a freewill offering donation event to help raise money for the annual youth trip. To RSVP a spot or for questions, contact Courtney Lee at 512-496-4680 or lee.nicole.courtney@gmail.com. |
 Dec. 8 & 9: Living Nativity
@ Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pflugerville
Annual free event. Staged on the church grounds as nine separate scenes. Live costumed characters create Christmas card cover effects while chimes play hymns in the background. 6:30-8:30 pm |
 Dec. 9: Texas Lutheran University Vespers
Titled "Light Breaks Through," this year's Vespers service of word and music will feature the TLU Choir, TLU Women's Choir, Kantorei Chamber Choir and the TLU Symphonic Winds and Percussion. A new symphonic band and choir setting of Joy to the World by Thomas Pavlechko will be premiered.
Vespers start at 4 pm.
No tickets required but early arrival is recommended. |
 Dec. 10: Waterloo Wind Band
Randol Bass, Conductor and Thomas Pavlechko, Guest Conductor, present "A Glorious Christmastide".
Free Admission.
Monday, Dec. 10 @ 7:30 pm |
 Dec. 11: Annual Christmas Luncheon
Celebrate the holiday season with your friends as we gather for our Annual Christmas Luncheon at noon in the Fellowship Hall. We'll hear music from the St. Martin's Preschool students and Thom Pavlechko. Bring a friend and join us for this fun event! |
 Dec. 13: Preschool Christmas Program - VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Our Preschool will host their Annual Christmas Program on Thursday, Dec. 13 @ 5:30. We need volunteers to help serve the Christmas Dinner after the program. If you can help set out the meal and guide our Preschool Families through the serving lines, please e-mail info@saintmartins.org We need your help! |
 Dec. 14 & 15: Conspirare Youth Concert
St. Martin's is proud to once again host the Winter Concert, "This Joy", for the Conspirare Youth Choirs on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 14 & 15 at 7:30 pm. The concerts will feature two youth ensembles: Conspirare Kantorei and Conspirare Children's Choir. For ticket information click here. |
 Dec. 16: Ein Deutsches Weihnachtsfest
St. Martin's hosts its annual "Weihnachtsfest," at 4 pm, celebrating our church's heritage. Adapted from traditional German Christmas services, this is a unique experience for the City of Austin and draws a large crowd. While spoken and sung in German, English translations are provided. A musical prelude begins at 3:30 featuring St. Martin's Choir and Ringers and the Austin Sangarrunde Choirs. A reception with the Austin Polka Band follows in the gym.
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 Dec. 18: Conspirare Big Sing
Share holiday favorites at Conspirare's December Big Sing - where the audience is the choir. The fun begins at 6:00 pm. |
 Dec. 24: Family Christmas Eve Eucharist
Our Family Christmas Eve Eucharist at 4:00 pm is family friendly and open to all. Music is a blend of traditional and contemporary, with organ, the Reformation Band, and Children's Music. |
 Dec. 24: Candlelight Christmas Eve ServicesCome celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord on Christmas Eve at 7 and 10 pm. Each candlelight worship is preceded by a 30-minute musical prelude with St. Martin's Ringers and St. Martin's Choir, this year featuring Christmas music by Sergei Rachmaninoff.
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 Dec. 31: End of Year ContributionsWe thank everyone who has supported St. Martin's this past year with your time, talent, and financial contributions and look forward to support from all of our members in the year ahead. To receive contribution credit for tax purposes, year-end gifts must be received or postmarked by December 31st.
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 Dec. 31: Parents Night Out - New Year's EveSt. Martin's Senior High Youth will offer babysitting on Monday, Dec. 31 from 7 pm - 1 am for infants and children. This is a freewill offering donation event to help raise money for the annual youth trip. To RSVP or for questions, contact Courtney Lee at 512-496-4680 or lee.nicole.courtney@gmail.com |
 Jan 13: 2013 Budget Forum
Join the Church Council on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 9:45 am in the Fellowship Hall. This is an opportunity for the congregation to ask questions and get answers about the 2013 Budget and Property Task Force research. |
 Jan 20: Potluck Luncheon
Potluck luncheon immediately before the Jan. 20 Annual Meeting won't be complete without your best side dish, salad, dessert or bread. The meat & drinks will be provided. Bring a dish to share to the kitchen area anytime after the early service. If you'd like to help with setup, serving or clean up, contact Janis Daemmrich at janis@bobphoto.com or 461-2023.
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 Jan 20: ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
St. Martin's will hold its Annual Congregational Meeting on Jan. 20 at 1 pm. Join us in the Sanctuary for our meeting to adopt the 2013 Budget, elect officers , and to hear reports. The Property Task Force plans to present a report and may offer action items based on the report.
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 Jan 27: Faith Executioners Book Sale
The Bible Study Group, Faith Executioners, will be holding a Book Sale on Sunday, Jan 27 to benefit Austin Helps Honduras. We need everyone to donate books for this sale between now and Jan 20. The new school year in Honduras begins in February and we would like to support as many students as we can. This is a great way to show the children that we care about their future. Books can be dropped off in the church office anytime. |
 Feb 8-10: Women's Retreat
"Energize" is the theme for the 2013 Annual Women's Retreat Feb 8-10 at Camp Chrysalis. Join us for relaxation, renewal, fellowship & fun. Cost is $150 with meals and lodging provided. Registration deadline is January 31. Click here to secure your spot. |
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