The News of Grace

Volume 34, no. 12 December 2011

Home for Christmas

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:4-7 ESV) I hope that you had a blessed Thanksgiving. We certainly did at our house as we had everyone home. I think our cat Cocoa was also content in knowing that everyone was home and accounted for, if only for a short while. I sometimes wonder what she thinks as we come and go around the house. Christmas will be different for us at our house this year. Well maybe I need to say it like this, as we celebrate Christmas at our house this year things will be different. That happens when you share your children with someone else. Aaron spent Thanksgiving with us, but he wont be here for Christmas. I know that some of you are faced with different circumstances this Christmas, or have in years past experienced those circumstances. Christmas and its message are always the same regardless of how we celebrate it. Nevertheless that is how we think about Christmas and even talk about Christmas when we are thinking about ourselves. Certainly one of the joys of Christmas is to be with those you love most dearly even as you are reminded of Gods love. So much of what Christmas means for us is wrapped up in how we celebrate the holiday. But Christmas is a holy day first and we have made it a holiday. At the same time we have made the focus of this day ourselves rather than the object of our faith, our Lord Jesus Christ. This year Christmas is on a Sunday which will cause a great deal of angst on the part of those who do not usually gather for a Service on Christmas Day and even Christmas Eve for that matter. I am anxious to see how many churches will forego Sunday Services for the sake of Christmas.

Doesnt that sound funny to you? Isnt gathering in Gods house to join our voices together as a family of believers offering praise and thanksgiving to God for the gift of His Son the main thing about Christmas? If it is not, why do we even bother to call ourselves Christian or the holiday Christmas? Dont get me wrong, I too enjoy the tree, the decorations and the gifts, along with all the candy and food of the season. I even enjoy fruitcake. But I am most satisfied when I am home for Christmas, when I am in my Fathers house for just an hour or so on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I am able to get away from the soundtrack playing in the retail spaces and on the airwaves and join my voice with others offering praise and glory to God. Receiving the Sacrament of the Altar with my brothers and sisters in Christ on Christmas Day is truly a special gift. Will you be home for Christmas? If you are traveling this Christmas it might be a good idea if you make some reservations before going, or at least know where you will be staying. Joseph and Mary did not have the luxury of that opportunity and of course the rest is history. As they returned to Josephs home for the census, Jesus was born in a stable or a cave that served the same purpose as that of a stable. There He was born amongst some of the creatures that were created through Him. St. Johns account of the coming of Christ which is read on Christmas Day reminds us: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him was not any thing made that was madeAnd the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:1-3, 14) If you think about it Jesus, the Word made flesh, actually left His home, as He became one of us to fulfill the righteous requirements of the Law so that He could ultimately go to the cross and show us the full extent of Gods love for us. There is a hymn that we sing during Lent that speaks of this, In life no house, no home My Lord on earth might have; In death no friendly tomb But what a stranger gave. What may I say? Heaven was His home But Mine the tomb Wherein He lay. (LSB 430 stanza 6) This shows us the reason for this season. I plan on going home for a couple of days to be with my family and Paulas family to celebrate the holiday. That will come after we celebrate the holy day here at Grace. It would be good to see you here at Grace, in the Lords house, if you are in town. It is my prayer that you will have a safe and blessed Advent and Christmas this year. Pastor Walter

Director of Parish Music

ADVENT EVENING PRAYER SERVICES
The theme for our Advent Mid-Week services is VOICES FROM THE EDGE Advent Encounters Preparing the Way. Come and worship with us as we prepare to celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and to hear the Good News of forgiveness that comes through Him. ADVENT SERVICES November 30 7:00 p.m. December 7 7:00 p.m. December 14 7:00 p.m. December 21 7:00 p.m. ~~~~~~~~~~ ADVENT SUPPERS ADVENT SUPPERS will be served at 5:30 p.m. each week. The following menus will be served. November 30 Soup, salad, bread and dessert Served by Board of Parish Fellowship Spaghetti, salad, bread and dessert Served by ACTS and JOY Club Chicken Soft Tacos and Spanish Rice Served by Young Women of Grace and the Board of Evangelism Chili with the extras, salad and dessert Served by LWML Evening Guild Greetings in the name of our Risen Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. This month I would like to talk about a great new Advent hymn. Its title is Lift Up Your Heads, You Everlasting Doors LSB 339. This is a wonderful new Advent hymn which has Psalm 24:3-10 and Revelation 5:6-14 as its scriptural basis. While this is an Advent hymn, it also gives images of Palm Sunday and the Crucifixion, as well as looking forward to Heaven, where Christ shall reign forever. Lift Up Your Heads, You Everlasting Doors LSB 339 1. Lift up your heads, you everlasting doors, And weep no more! O Zions daughter, sing, To greet your coming King; Now wave the victors palm And sing the ancient psalm: Lift up your heads, you everlasting gates! You King awaits! 2. Who is this King, of great and glorious fame? What is His name? Lord God of Sabbaoth, Of whom the prophets wrote, Whose chosen, humble steed Declares Him king indeed! Hosanna, Lord! Messiah, come and save From sin and grave. 3. Who may ascend Mount Zions holy hill To do Gods will? The One whose unstained hands Can meet the Laws demands, Whose purity within Reveals One free from sin. Come, praise this King who claims the cross as throne Praise Him alone! 4. Worthy is Christ! The Lamb who once was slain Now lives to reign. He rules our earthly ways As Lord of Ancient Days O join the endless song Sung by the ransomed throng: Worthy is Christ! The Lamb be praised again! Amen! Amen!

December 7

December 14

December 21

Peace in Christ, Nathan Beethe , Director of Parish Music

THOSE WHO SERVE in DECEMBER

ACOLYTE SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Service Perryn Andrews 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Kaylee Hammond One Service - Sunday, Dec. 25th, 9:00 a.m. Erich Cline
November 30th - Advent Evening Prayer Service Kaylee Hammond

THOSE WHO SERVE in DECEMBER

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS
December 4th 10:45 Service David Faulkner December 12th No Holy Communion December 19th 10:45 Service Terry Eustice

One Service - Sunday, Dec. 25th, 9:00 a.m. Ralph Olsen

December 31st New Years Eve Service Gary Proud

December 7th - Advent Evening Prayer Service Lauren Faulkner

December 14th - Advent Evening Prayer Service Maxwell Baker December 21st Advent Evening Prayer Service Mason Andrews

GREETERS SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Debbie Penny One Service - Sunday, Dec. 25th, 9:00 a.m. Janet Killough 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Tim and Sandy Sweeney One Service - Sunday, Dec. 25th, 9:00 a.m. Janet Killough All Advent Services Debbie Penny December 24th Christmas Eve - Janet Killough Carole Nichols Pat Funk
December 25th Christmas Day Janet Killough

December 24 - 7:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Crucifer: Jack Manchester - Acolyte: Anna Kate Manchester December 25th - 9:00 a.m. - Christmas Day Erich Cline December 31st - 7:00 p.m. - New Years Eve Crucifer: Maxwell Baker - Acolyte: Emily Junkans
If you are unable to serve please ask someone to fill in for you and then call the church office.

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USHERS SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Worship Services Roy Bullards team 10:45 a.m. Worship Services Gervais LeBlancs team November 30th Advent Service 1 Tim Loyds team December 7th Advent Service 2 Tim Sweeneys team December 14th Advent Service 3 Gary Goldsbys team December 21st Advent Service 4 David Roberts team December 18th Childrens Service Richard Sanders team December 24th Christmas Eve Service Jim Keppels team December 25th Christmas Day Svc. Dennis Fastenaus team December 31st New Years Eve Service Roy Bullards team CANTORS SCHEDULE
8:15 a.m. Worship Service Randy Middaugh 10:45 a.m. Worship Service Samantha Saenger

December 31st New Years Eve - Janet Killough ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE 8:15 a.m. Service Bette Bogart 10:45 a.m. Service Bette Bogart Advent Evening Prayer Services Suzanne Raddle and Wilma Richter December 31st New Years Eve Suzanne Raddle
If you are unable to serve please ask someone to substitute and then call the church.

GRACE FAMILY NEWS AND NOTES

CHRISTIAN SYMPATHY Our thoughts and prayers are with these families: Our sympathy to the family of Rev. Matthew Peterson. Our Good and gracious Lord called His servant Pastor Peterson to Himself in heaven on Thursday, November 3rd. Pastor Peterson was the Youth Pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Schaumburg, Illinois and worshiped here at Grace while going through cancer treatment at UAMS. Pastor Peterson is survived by his wife Janet, daughters Elissa and Sara, and his parents Dr. Bruce and Lynne Peterson. The Petersons address is 224 E. Schaumburg Road, Schaumburg, IL 60194. Our sympathy to the family of Mr. Fred Schonert who died earlier in November in Memphis, Tennessee. Fred is the uncle of Janet Pulliam and brother-in-law of Betty Schonert. CONGRATULATIONS Vera Rieve had another successful day at the Arkansas State Fair this year. She received Best of Show in Candies for her peanut brittle. She received first place ribbons for her peanut brittle and peanut clusters, second place for her pecan pralines and her pound cake, and third place with her sugar cookies and chocolate chip cookies. Congratulations, Vera!! THANK YOU Our thanks to Terry Hill for his restorative stone work on the steps at the entrance to the church. The mortar around the stone was deteriorating so we appreciate Terry using his time and talents to repair and restore this stone work. Thank you, Terry!! Thank you to John Ketcher, Jim Marvin and Robert Richter for helping Pastor Walter load the Lutheran World Relief Care Van. We loaded 229 boxes with a total weight of 4,933 pounds from 21 congregations in Arkansas. Thank you for your help!!!

Jesus The Greatest Gift

Childrens Christmas Service Sunday, December 18th 3:00 p.m.
The children will practice during the Sunday School opening each Sunday morning. Please have your children downstairs by 9:45 a.m. for practice. They will also practice on December 11th following the 10:45 service and on Saturday, December 17th, at 9:00 a.m. The Christmas Program will be Sunday afternoon, December 18th, at 3:00 p.m.

DECORATING THE CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS

We will decorate the trees in the sanctuary for Christmas on Sunday, December 4th, at 2:00 p.m. This is a great opportunity to volunteer your time and to enjoy the fellowship together!! We have new Christmas trees this year and they are pre-lit. Thank you to the ACTS groups for purchasing these trees and our thanks to Sammye Sue Harrill for finding them for us.

POINSETTIAS
We will be decorating the chancel area of our sanctuary with poinsettias for Christmas. If you would like to order one, please fill out the form that is in the back of the newsletter. The cost is $13.50. Please make your check payable to Grace Lutheran Church and send it to the Church Office. The deadline to order is Tuesday, December 6th.

JOY CLUB COOKIE WALK December 18th Parker Hall

Join us for the annual Cookie Walk in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, December 18th during coffee time. What is a Cookie Walk? you ask. It is a Grace Christmas tradition, something between a cookie exchange and a bake sale. We ask that you bring cookies to donatejust pack them in a tin or on a plate and bring them to church that morning. Then come to the Cookie Walk and purchase a bag to fill with the cookies of your choosing. The proceeds from the event help two Grace Lutheran families. Enjoy an assortment of Christmas cookies baked by our wonderful cooks while knowing your generous donation helps bring smiles to others. If you have questions, contact Riley Middaugh or Bev Sanders.

SIT AND SEW

Bring your project and join the Sit and Sew group on Tuesday, December 6th, at 12:00 noon in the downstairs classroom in the church. For details call Carole Nichols or Sammye Sue Harrill.

GRACE FOOD PANTRY

Its time to restock the Food Pantry here at Grace. With the Christmas holidays here we will have more requests for providing non-perishable food items, especially items such as green beans, corn, sweet potatoes, boxed mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, cranberries, gravy, and boxed desserts. Other items we stock are: canned chicken, tuna, chunky soups, vegetables, fruits and boxed dinners. Please place your items in the kitchen downstairs in the church. Thank you for your help.

NOON DEVOTIONS WITH PASTOR

Noon Devotions with Pastor is Thursday, December 8th, at 12:00 noon in Parker Hall. Bring a sandwich and join us for Bible study and fellowship. Drinks, chips, and dessert are provided. We eat first and then Pastor Walter shares a devotional Bible study with us. Bring a friend and join us for Bible study and a wonderful opportunity for fellowship!!

THANK YOU
THANK YOU to all of you who helped to make the Fall Craft Show and Used Book Sale an outstanding success. The book sale had at least 1500 books donated and brought in $686. Leftover books were given to Savers, benefiting Big Brothers, Big Sisters. The Bake Sale and Oktoberfest creations, earned $1166, and the Booth Rental fees brought in $770. The combined income we will donate to Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is over $2700; with matching funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The Grace Crafters Booth, which sold items donated by some of our talented Grace members, combined with proceeds from Raffle Quilt ticket sales brought in $685.50 to be used for Concordia Seminary Scholarships. The event is made possible by all the hard work of our many volunteers. The Craft Show/Book Sale is a great fundraiser as well as an outreach to our greater Little Rock Community. Riley Middaugh and the Craft Show Committee

SENIOR YOUTH GROUP

Wooden Cross and Ornament Sale OUR SENIOR YOUTH GROUP will be selling wooden crosses and ornaments on the bridge each Sunday morning between services. They make a wonderful gift - they will be selling them from now until Christmas. Contact Suzanne Lambert or Joel and Gina Junkans if you have questions.

ACTS CHRISTMAS DINNER The Butcher Shop December 11th

Save the date on your calendar - Sunday, December 11 for the ACTS Christmas Party at the Butcher Shop. We will be able to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for visiting and at 6:00 p.m. we will begin placing dinner orders. Make your plans to attend. If you need more information contact Raymond and Sammye Sue Harrill.
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SUNDAY MORNING COFFEE Volunteers Needed to Serve

COFFEE HOST SIGN UP A sign-up sheet for coffee hosts is posted on the bulletin board by the Parlor. Please take a minute and sign up for the Sunday on which you wish to serve. The schedule for December is:

FELLOWSHIP CLUB December 20th 12:00 noon

Plans are being made for another fun event!!!! We will meet on Tuesday, December 20th at 12:00 noon in the downstairs classroom in the church. Watch the Sunday bulletin for further details.

December 4th December 11th December 18th December 25th

Beth Paulsons 90th Birthday Party Bev Sanders and Ginny Ralston Cookie Walk Christmas Day One Service 9:00 a.m.

The schedule for January, 2012 is:

LWML Evening Guilds Christmas Brunch Saturday, December 11:00 a.m. Parker Hall
We will enjoy a Christmas brunch, and then if you wish, youll be ready for an afternoon of shopping. This should be a lot of fun, so we hope you can join us!!! Call Judy Rivers or Pat Funk to make a reservation. .

January 1st January 8th January 15th January 22nd January 29th

New Years Day One Service 9:00 a.m. _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________

3th

Thanks!! We appreciate your help!

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES ITS GRACE PICTORIAL DIRECTORY TIME AGAIN

Last date to sign up!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY & GOD'S BLESSINGS to Grace Family members in the month of DECEMBER 2 - Sheila Meadows 3 - Tommy Borchert, Beth Paulson, Carol Jones 5 - Caleb Bryant, Kyla Wilbert 6 - Lindsey Long, Joshua Ralston 7 - Michael Hawkins 9 - Bette Bogart, Kim Woodyard 11 - Lance Whitney 12 - Carryl Blackburn, Linda Royster 14 - David Cannon 15 - Justine Baker, Sam Cate 16 - Emma Jane Ohnemus 19 - Gervais LeBlanc, Mark Peterson 24 - Gertrude Sharp 26 - Robert Bemberg, Sr., Mary Ann Dyer, Andrea Faulkner, Gary Goldsby, Andi Ham, Cole Hill 27 - Mona DeMilt, Zachary de Anda 28 - Marietta Gutierrez, Beverly Sanders 29 - Krista Stein 30 - Boone Bryant HAPPY ANNIVERSARY to these couples in DECEMBER: 1 - Betty and Chris Pils 7 - Suzanne and David Raddle 19 - Sammye and Raymond Harrill, Betty and Ray Wagoner 20 - Susan and Edwin Mahnken, Winifred & Sammy Stuart 25 - Sherry and Rudy Bischof 30 - Wilma and Robert Richter 31 - Paulette and Gary Goldsby
We apologize if we have missed your birthday or anniversary; please let us know in the church office so we can update our records. Thank you!!!

WHEN: Tuesday, December 6th - 2:00pm 9:00pm If you have questions, call Gina Junkans, Debbie Penny or the church office.

LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF CARE VAN

OUR THANKS to everyone who donated items for the School Kits and Layette Kits for the Lutheran World Relief Care Van. Grace congregation assembled 15 School Kits and 10 Layettes. Pastor Walter, along with the help of John Ketcher, Jim Marvin, and Robert Richter loaded the LWR Care Van with 229 boxes totaling 4,933 pounds from 21 congregations in Arkansas. Thank you for your help!!!

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES East Office

DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES (DCFS) East Office continues to have a need for wipes, juices, canned lunches: spaghetti, soups and ravioli, and gently used coats for the children that come through their office for foster care. DCFS is also working on their visitation room they can use books, building blocks and hard toys (that can be easily cleaned). No stuffed animals. Please place your items in the DCFS container on the bridge. The staff at the East Office is very appreciative of our help and our prayers and they send their thanks. For more details, talk with Abby Buchanan or Pat Funk.

BIBLE STUDY OPPORTUNITIES AT GRACE

Our nursery, downstairs in the church, is also available to take care of the infants and toddlers during Sunday School/Bible Class time. ADULT BIBLE CLASS - Pastor Walters Bible Class meets each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Parker Hall. Pastors class is leading a study on the book of Exodus. SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES for children ages 3 years through 6th grade are held in the lower level of the Family Life Center. The children will be practicing for their Christmas program during the opening. The parents are invited to join us for the opening service at 9:45 each Sunday. If you have questions contact Colleen Moorman or Nathan Beethe. LCEF K.I.D.S. Saving Stamps are available from Ame Andrews during Sunday School opening time. JUNIOR YOUTH class meets at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday in their classroom downstairs in the church. Joel Junkans leads the class. SENIOR YOUTH class meets each Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in their classroom downstairs in the church. Dave Roberts leads the class. MENS BIBLE STUDY class meets each Wednesday morning at 6:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Hospital in the 4th floor conference room (off the main elevator). Pastor Walter and Pastor Jilg lead this Bible Study. All men of Grace are encouraged to attend. THE YOUNG WOMEN OF GRACE will meet for Bible study each Sunday morning in the classroom downstairs in the church. Bible study materials are provided. Contact Gina Junkans for more information. TUESDAY MORNING BIBLE CLASS meets each Tuesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the downstairs classroom in the church. They are starting a new Life Light Series, Selected Psalms. Contact Joan Ann Olsen for details.

ECDC News & Notes

Im convinced Im in sort of a time warp seems I was just telling you about and inviting you to our upcoming Stone Soup Feast and now its another great memory in our ECDC memory book! As usual the kids had so much fun preparing the veggies and helping make the soup, then making the pumpkin pies! And they could hardly wait until lunchtime so they could eat their Stone Soup its amazing what kids will eat when they have had a hand in making it and show off their Pilgrim and Indian attire to Moms & Dads, Grandmas & Grandpas, and members of Grace congregation who have made this feast a part of their Thanksgiving traditions. It was a great, fun, thank-full day! Of course we have all the media hype telling us what lies just around the corner like WE need hype to get excited about Christmas not! Well first celebrate Advent on OUR countdown to Christmas and learn how God sent us a special gift His very own Son! Our ECDC Advent traditions are a popular addition to our morning routine. This is such a fun time with the kids (of all ages) - eyes glisten, joy bubbles, anticipation almost becomes too much! And, as you hear a 2, 3, or 4 year old tell, in their own words, the story of Jesus being born in a manger, the angels proclaiming the good news, and the shepherds coming to worship you cant help but feel the awesome power of Gods love for each and every one of us kids!! And heres a special invitation no RSVP required the ECDC kids have a special program to share the Christmas story and their Christmas joy with you th on Friday, December 16 at 3:30p.m. in Parker Hall. We will do traditional songs, but I understand there is a special treat in store from our Junior and Senior classes! And the tradition wouldnt be complete without the wonderful reception following the program hosted by the Board of Christian Educaiton. Since folks are already asking yes, we will have our ECDC Wish Lists posted on each classroom door and another on the bridge. If you wish, take an ornament, make the purchase, and return the item to ECDC (or if you prefer, make a monetary donation for the item and well pick it up). Another wonderful traidition of our Grace family! Well also have a Wish Tree on Breezeway for those of you dont make it downstairs often. Until next month, have a blessed Christ-filled holiday season

Colleen

Painless Ways to Support Little Rock Lutheran Education!

Many of you already take advantage of company programs that provide financial incentives for Grace Lutheran ECDC and Christ Lutheran School that dont cost you any extra money for that we all say THANK YOU! These programs are really an untapped resource that benefits Lutheran education in Little Rock by providing funds for all type of budget needs! And all the programs are very user-friendly and simple - some only require scissors! Following are programs used by one or more of our Lutheran schools please consider this painless way to support Lutheran Education in L.R.!

Kroger Gift Card Program

used by ECDC
Heres how it works: - Buy a $5.00 Kroger Gift Card from ECDC (also available in the Church Office) for $5.00. - Take it to any Kroger and recharge it with any amount between $5.00 and $500.00. You may use cash, check, bank debit, or major credit card; and recharge it over and over. The card may be used for any purchase at Kroger with the exception of Money Orders, Western Union, Postal Stamps, and/or Lottery Tickets. - At check-out just use your Kroger Gift Card as your grocery money! - ECDC receives 5% of every recharge and receive a check every time the total reaches $5,000!

used by ECDC & Christ Lutheran School

Heres how these work: - Remove box top for education labels from General Mills containers (ie Cheerios, Betty Crocker), and/or ENTIRE LABEL WITH UPC CODE from Campbells products (ie soup, juices). - collection boxes may be found on the bookcase next to the bridgeway or the entry area of ECDC. - Box Tops for Education provide monetary support for the CLS Band, Campbells Labels are turned into credit toward purchasing supplies and equipment for both ECDC and Christ Lutheran School.

General Mills
Box Tops for Education
used by Christ Lutheran School

Campbells Labels

My poinsettia is given in honor of _____________________ ______ _____________________ _____________________ ______________

by _______________ _____________________ _______ (Please Print Your Name)

Given