December 12, 2014
Prayers of the People
 

Click here for the Prayers of the People  

          

Happenings
12/12    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12:45 PM
Gateshead Holiday Celebration

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Gamblers Anon.    
Bethany Room

12/13
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
AA    
Sandrock Hall

9:00 AM
Rehearsal for the Children's Program

12/14    
9:30 AM to 11:00 PM    
Worship w/communion Christmas Program   
Sanctuary

10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Cookie Walk    
Fireside Room

10:45 AM to 11:45 AM
Sunday School
Upstairs Classroom

12/15    
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM
AA    
Sandrock Hall

5:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Angelic Choir    
Jr. Choir Room

6:15 PM to 6:45 PM    
Sing and Ring    
Jr. Choir Room

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
AA    
Fireside Room

7:00 PM to 8:15 PM    
Catechism    
Bethany Room

12/16    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM    
Adult Bible Study    
Fireside Room

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
EA    
Upstairs Classrooms

12/17    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Council Meeting    
Bethany Room

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12/18    
Epistle Deadline
    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
AA    
Sanctuary

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

6:30 PM
Chancel Bells    
Sanctuary

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

8:00 PM  
Chancel Choir    
Sr. Choir Room

12/19    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

7:30 PM
Motor City Chorale Concert
Sanctuary

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
Gamblers Anon.    
Bethany Room

12/20    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

4:00 PM
Music Recital
Sanctuary

12/21    
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM    
Worship w/Communion    
Sanctuary

10:45 AM to 11:45 AM    
Sunday School    
Upstairs Classrooms

11:30 AM
2015 National Gathering Meeting

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

12/22    
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
AA    
Fireside Room

12/23    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM    
Adult Bible Study    
Fireside Room

9:30 AM
Decorate the Sanctuary for Christmas services

1:00 PM
Staff meeting
Harms Fireside Room

6:30 PM
Chancel Bells
Sanctuary

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
EA    
Upstairs Classrooms

8:00 PM
Chancel Choir
Sr. Choir Room

12/24
Christmas Eve
Church Office closed
   
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

4:00 PM
Worship w/Comm
Sanctuary

7:00 PM
Worship w/Comm
Sanctuary

11:00 PM
Worship/Comm
Sanctuary

12/25
Christmas Day
Church Office Closed
   
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sanctuary

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12/26
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
Gamblers Anon.    
Bethany Room

12/27    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12/28    
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM    
Worship w/Communion    
Sanctuary

10:45 AM to 11:45 AM    
Sunday School    
Upstairs Classrooms

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

12/29    
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
AA    
Fireside Room

12/30    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM    
Adult Bible Study    
Fireside Room

1:00 PM
Staff meeting
Harms Fireside Room

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
EA    
Upstairs Classrooms

12/31
New Year's Eve
  
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

January 1, 2015
New Year's Day

7:00 AM to 8:30 AM
AA    
Sanctuary

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

1/2    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Gamblers Anon.    
Bethany Room

1/3    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

1/4    
9:30 AM to 11:00 AM    
Worship w/Communion    
Sanctuary

10:45 AM to 11:45 AM    
Sunday School    
Upstairs Classrooms

1/5    
7:00 AM to 8:00 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

5:30 PM to 6:00 PM    
Angelic Choir    
Jr. Choir Room

6:15 PM to 6:45 PM    
Sing and Ring    
Jr. Choir Room

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
AA    
Fireside Room

1/6    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

9:30 AM to 10:30 AM    
Adult Bible Study    
Fireside Room

1 PM Staff meeting
Fireside Room

7:00 PM to 8:30 PM    
EA    
Upstairs Classrooms

7:00 PM to 9:00 PM    
Pieces Be With You    
Sandrock Hall

1/7    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

1/8    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

6:30    
Chancel Bells    
Sanctuary

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

8:00 PM  
Chancel Choir    
Sr. Choir Room

1/9    
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12:00 PM to 4:00 PM    
Bridge    
Poppen Hall

12:00 Noon - 12 Noon
Girl Scouts overnight
Fireside Room

7:30 PM to 9:00 PM    
Gamblers Anon.    
Bethany Room

1/10   
7:00 AM to 8:30 AM    
AA    
Sandrock Hall

12:00 Noon
Girl Scouts Overnight ends

1/11    
9:30 AM to 11:00 PM    
Worship w/communion    
Sanctuary

10:45 AM to 11:45 AM    
Sunday School    
Upstairs Classrooms
Quick Links

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St. Paul Happenings
Naomi Circle Christmas Luncheon
Naomi Circle Christmas luncheon will be held in the Bethany Room on
Tuesday, December 16, at 12 noon. 

Bring a dish to share for lunch.  Following lunch, we will have our Bible Study from the December Gather magazine.  All are welcome. 

If you are joining us, please contact Dorothy Carty at  313.881.7113.
Motor City Chorale Christmas Concert
The Motor City Chorale (formerly known as the General Motors Employees Chorus), will present a Christmas concert on Friday, December 19, at 7:30 pm, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, located at 375 Lothrop at Chalfonte in Grosse Pointe Farms.  

The 45-member chorale, under the direction Jonathon Lowrie and accompanied by Eric Miller, will present a varied concert of sacred and secular Christmas music.  Highlights include Hodie Christus natus est by Healy Willan and Angels' Carol by John Rutter.  In addition, the Chancel Bells of St. Paul will present several festive handbell pieces. 

Admission is free, with a freewill offering taken to help support the chorus.  Ample parking is available in the lighted church parking lot. 

An enjoyable way to enhance your holiday season, please come and be a part of this Christmas experience!
Christian Ed
Sunday School
Sunday, December 14, at 9:30 am, the children and youth of our Sunday School will present "A Special Gift" as their gift to the congregation.  Plan to arrive early to hear Christmas music as a special offering from some of the youth.  After the program, worship will continue with Holy Communion.  There will be a dress rehearsal on Saturday, December 13, from 9:30-11:30 am.

Monday, December 15, Confirmation meets in the Bethany room for all parents and youth for a special Families of Faith Hour: An Advent-ageous Night  with Pastor Justin beginning at 7 pm.  Siblings are welcome to attend.  

Adult Forum 
Mary Ellen White, Director of Heartline, will present at the Adult Forum on December 21.  Please keep the staff and residents of this branch of LSSM in your prayers this month.
The Time Has Come!
The budget process has begun for 2015 and we need to hear from you if you have not yet turned in your pledge for 2015.  Pledging helps  the church create an accurate budget. 

Please prayerfully consider your giving level for next year and pledge. There is a box in the foyer in which to place your pledge along with extra pledge slips for your convenience.

Thank you. Please pledge!

Richard Grenzke, Stewardship Chairman

Congregational Meeting  
for Church Council Elections  
church council There will be a brief Congregational Meeting immediately after worship service on December 21, 2014 for the purpose of holding Church Council elections. We will be electing council members for three-year terms for President, Property Committee Chair, Music Committee Chair, Lay Care Ministry Chair, and Communications Chair. We will also elect an Evangelism Committee Chair to a one-year partial term.

 

Although it is a serious commitment, serving on Congregation Council is a rewarding experience and a great way to serve our Church. Please give this thoughtful consideration. If you are interested in running for one of these positions or any future council position and would like additional information, please contact Tom Archinal via email at vicepresident@stpaulgp.org or by phone at (313) 530-3794.

It's Here!
"Dawn Sentinels", by Bob Guelich

This bronze sculpture is the generous donation of Clara E. Graham in memory of her husband Robert R. Graham who passed away February 4, 2013.  The sculpture is an Artist Proof, Edition 9 of 9, which will be cast in Texas, and installed late fall.  "Dawn Sentinels" depicts two blue herons keeping watch at dawn representing the spirit of awakening and calm protection.  It stands six feet high with a wing span of five feet.  A bronze memorial plaque will be installed along with the sculpture.

The previous eight editions are owned by: Anadarko Petroleum Corporation, Texas; Art Investment House, Arizona; City of Dowagiac, Michigan; City of Lee's Summit, Missouri; The Lauritzen Gardens, Omaha Botanical Center, Nebraska; and Private Collectors in Idaho, California, and Texas.

Clara Graham and members of her family, along with members of the congregation, visited the installation in Dowagiac, Michigan to determine the sculpture's suitability for our columbarium.  This donation was approved and accepted by the Church Council and Executive Committee at their June 18, 2014 meeting.

The original master plan for the Memorial/Garden Columbarium, developed by Harley Ellington Pierce Yee Associates, Inc., included a sculpture in the center of the columbarium as shown, a design in keeping with that of other churches in the area.




.
God's Work, Our Hands
Gateshead Holiday Celebration
St. Paul will be hosting a Holiday Celebration at Gateshead Senior Living Community on Friday, December 12, at 12:45 pm.  We will be playing Bingo and doing a Christmas craft project led by Donna Ireton from Arts and Scraps.  Many helping hands will be needed for this afternoon.  If you are able to help with this event, please contact Margy Huizinga.  A basket is in the Harms Fireside Room for a collection of Bingo prizes.  Holiday themed gifts and postage stamps are always appreciated.
Opportunities Abound to Help
St. Paul's "God's Work. Our Hands" t-shirts are still available - all proceeds are going to Grace in Action's enterprising youth business "Stitching Up Detroit".  We would like to support their efforts - so ask a High School student to sell you a shirt or contact Mary Weiland at mary@weilandfamily.com or 313-885-6326.
LSSM Connection 
LSSM for December
lssm This month the focus in our partnership in ministry with Lutheran Social Services of Michigan is Heartline.   Heartline is a residential program for women leaving the federal prison system and who need assistance with rebuilding their lives.  Heartline provides psychosocial support, employment assistance, transportation and assistance with securing living arrangements. 

Our outreach project for LSSM's Heartline during the month of December will be providing Christmas gifts for the children of the residents.  Please see the Giving Tree in the Harms' Fireside Room if you wish to donate an unwrapped gift for a child. The last day is Sunday, December 14.

Additional Items for the "Heartline" Wish List
Fire retardant pillows
Umbrellas
Bras/panties in general sizes
Deodorant
Craft kits such as paint-by-number, small hooked rugs
Crochet hooks, yarn and knitting needles
Cash gift of $10.00 will buy state I.D.
Cash gift of $25.00 will pay for certified birth certificate
Cash gift of $49.50 will purchase a one month bus card
Drug store gift card in any amount to purchase prescriptions, cold/flu medications
Cash gift to provide for flowers, plants for vegetable garden
Donation of small travel drives for residents to store resumes

Prayer for "Heartline"
Merciful and gracious God, we ask that you send your peace to the residents of Heartline, help them live in unity, sobriety and health as they seek to walk a new path with you. 

We pray that you strengthen them as they seek new employment and living arrangements. 

We pray that others will show your love and forgiveness as the women seek to build new relationships or restore and repair broken relationships. 

We pray that you strengthen the staff of Heartline and provide your wisdom and peace to them as they work to support others and show them the light of your love. 

We know that we all fall short of your glory and, through the power of the resurrection of your son Jesus, we are able to seek a new life with You. 

We pray that the women of Heartline may know your saving grace through Jesus Christ, and be empowered through your Holy Spirit to begin a fresh, new life in Christ. 

We ask this in your name.  Amen
Coats for Freedom House
We were able to match several coat sizes for the Freedom House residents but are still looking for men's winter coats in sizes medium and small.  Also, women's winter coats in medium and one 2X. 

Please contact Mary Weiland (313-885-6326) or mary@weilandfamily.com if you are able to contribute.  They can be dropped off in the Church Office or picked up from your home.  Thank you!
Thank You!
Thank you to all the St. Paul friends who participated in or helped support the Transition to Independence Dinner and Care Packages. St. Paul provided dinner and dessert for almost 100 people at their WSU Warrior Dinner and supplied 16 care packages.  It was such a blessing to serve these hard-working students and see them go home carrying their care packages with smiles on their faces! God's work - Our hands!
Ministers of
Worship and Service
Ministers of Worship & Service
December 14
Altar Guild Heidi Korte, Gretchen Miotto
Acolyte
Assisting Minister Susan Thompson
Coffee Hour Cookie Walk
Communion Assistants Kent & Cheryl Wiseman
Cross Bearer Volunteer needed
Lector Jim Brege
Ministers of Worship & Service
December 21
Acolyte Timmy Labadie
Altar Guild Heidi Korte, Gretchen Miotto
Assisting Minister Cindy Stiller
Coffee Hour Joyce & Karen Ficht
Communion Assistants B. Brosseau, C. Meza, Harry & Martie Thomalla
Cross Bearer Reisen
Lector  Danielle Zimmerman
Weekly Devotional
 From the Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA

 

Week prior to Sunday, December 14, 2014
By The Rev. Paul Walters, Pastor,
Lutheran Church of the Master, Troy, MI
and Dean of Conference 11 of the
Southeast Michigan Synod, ELCA

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.   
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
 
Always is a challenging word. Sort of like that word forever and that dangerous little word all. I can rejoice sometimes. I can do something for a while. I can even give thanks in many circumstances. But I can't go all the way.  
 
Still there are ancient habits or practices people have tried over the ages to try and put these simple words into practice in their lives. One is known as the Jesus prayer. It is a constant prayer, spoken silently as you breathe: "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me."  
 
As you prepare for the coming gift of Jesus once more why not try this out in your life today? Sit quietly and as you breathe speak this brief prayer, over and over again. As you drive to work or exercise at the gym, as you sit on the bus or plane, as you wait in line or wait for the doctor.  
 
You might find over time these words become part of the regular foundation of your life.
 
 Questions to Ponder:
1. How do you rejoice when times are difficult?
2. When is it easy to give thanks?  When is it challenging?  

Seven Word Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me. Amen.

Gathering  Volunteers Needed
2015 ELCA Youth Gathering
in Detroit July 15-19

Rise Up!! Hello from your Local Volunteer Coordinators for the 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit July 15-19, 2015.  If you are interested in serving as a local adult volunteer for the Youth Gathering, there are still openings and we need your help.  This message will explain the types of volunteers needed and how to sign up.  Also look for upcoming Information Forums throughout the Synod.  Thank you for your interest and help.

 

The Local Volunteer Corps (LVC) will serve in a wide variety of roles, including general hospitality, communion servers, drivers, money counters, set up and clean up, and many others. The LVC is comprised of "local" adults that are not in need of housing, have a specific time frame they are able to commit to, will be able to drive themselves on a daily basis to Detroit and will receive a food voucher and entrance to that day's Mass Gathering as a thank you for your time.  The Local Volunteer Coordinator will match your gifts with our needs. The list of needs is incomplete at this time so we will be unable to make matches yet.  But once you have signed up, we will confirm that we have received your application.  

 

 

Serving the 2015 ELCA Gathering  

in Detroit as a Local Volunteer

Hundreds of local volunteers are an essential component of the ELCA Gathering being held in Detroit July 15-19, 2015. Local volunteers can serve for one, two, three or more days or even one day for 2-4 hours! Responsibilities include offering counters, communion assistants, hospitality, drivers (rental vehicles provided), set up/clean up, etc. Specific responsibilities will be communicated in the spring.

 

If you are available to serve the ELCA Gathering as a local volunteer, please follow the instructions below today:

 

Step 1   Go to: https://www.conferencebuilders.com/elca2015/teams/start.asp

Step 2   Click on "New registration" (in red)
Step 3   Be sure to choose "Local Arrang." (Beth Smallbeck) from the drop down menu
Step 4   Fill out the registration form disregarding the arrival and departure dates

 

Local volunteers do not receive housing but do receive meal vouchers. Volunteer registration is still open for Community Life and Servant Companions (young adults) for individuals who can commit to the entire event (housing and meals provided). Find information at: http://www.elca.org/YouthGathering/Registration/Volunteers 

 

Look for 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering Volunteer Opportunity community meetings being held throughout the synod in late fall. Feel free to contact Local Volunteers Coordinator, Claudia Karpinskas, if you have questions or concerns. karpinskas@sbcglobal.net   Cell 248-227-9032

 

During the Gathering, the Youth will spend one day in the community for their day of service, interaction and assistance with local organizations in one of six interest areas (IAs):


* Housing Matters
* Education
* Environmental Sustainability
* Cultural Immersion / Arts
* Food / Food Justice
* Care in Communities

 

There will be about 12,000 youth working at up to 270 sites each day for three days (July 16-18).   A special local volunteer corps will directly support the Service Learning (SL) activities. The Service Learning Team has needs for Site Captains to coordinate and oversee the projects at each Service Learning Site, and for Skilled Labor, Safety and Security support, and other hands on type opportunities.  The SL volunteers will be out in the community. If you are interested in a Service Learning volunteer opportunity, you must sign up with the Local Volunteer Corps (link above) AND sign up with the Service Learning link below.   Service Learning Job Descriptions are attached to the sign up form for your convenience. If you have questions about volunteering for Service Learning, please contact Dave Upmeyer, Service Learning Volunteer Coordinator, at Dave.Upmeyer@gmail.com or call at 313 881-9522 (home) or 313 378-3793 (cell). 

 

Service Learning Signup Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1mME3vXC35KsxZtEpHKQrbturwPCz4_-djyJbXRV5duA/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link