Atonement Tidings December 2018

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP AT ATONEMENT

December 23 9:30 am 50th Anniversary of the Church Sanctuary

Celebration Worship Service

December 24 4:00pm Festival Christmas Eve Service of Holy Communion

December 24 8:00pm

Candlelight Service of Holy Communion

50th ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHURCH SANCTUARY CELEBRATION WORSHIP SERVICE

& RECEPTION

Sunday, Dec. 23 9:30am

Join us as we celebrate and give thanks for 50 years of worship in our church sanctuary! Photos and memorabilia from the first worship ser-

vice held in our sanctuary - on Dec. 24, 1968 - will be on display, in-cluding a list of items included in the church cornerstone. Come and celebrate with us!

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1. What is this?

Sanctuary Cornerstone 2. Where is this? East exterior Corner of the Sanctuary 3. Come to our 50th Anniversary of the Sanctuary Celebration on Dec. 23 and find out what’s inside!

2 QUESTIONS

It’s time to order your Christmas Poinsettias! Orders will be taken until Sunday, December 16th. The plants will decorate the altar on Christmas Eve and may be picked up after the 9:00 PM service. Given By: ______

Number of plants: @ $9.00 each

In Memory of: ______

In Honor of: ______

Please place this form and payment in the box in the

front entranceway, or mail it to the church office.

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CHURCH NEWS

CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2

at 10:45 AM

Topics:

2019 Budget

BUILD US UP, LORD: CHALLENGE GIFT Dear Saints of God, One of the most uplifting hymns in the ELW is Build Us Up, Lord. From its first line, “Build us up, Lord, build us up; set in us a strong foundation” the congregation lifts their voices together in spirited song. This month, we have a special opportunity as a community to strengthen both our spiritual and physical foundation. First, we are excited to share the news that an anonymous donor has stepped forward with a $5,000 matching challenge to the congregation to raise money specifically designated for new flooring in the hallways, kitchen, library and children’s music room. Our floor tiles not only look worn, but have deteriorated to the point that they pose a trip hazard. They also contain asbestos, which if not handled properly can be dangerous to our health. Thanks to this donor, and with help from our congregation, we have an opportunity to create a more inviting, welcoming and safe space for our congregation, guests, and others who use this space. We’re asking you to help us meet this challenge of raising $5000 during the month of December so we can get the floor taken care of as quickly as possible. Any donations in excess of this amount would enable us to go beyond the initial project and potentially provide new flooring in Founders Hall. While pledges must be made by December 31, 2018, payments can be accepted at any time in 2018/early 2019. (If you are 70 1/2 years of age or older, please keep in mind that any portion of a required minimum distribution from an IRA which is donated to a church/charity is considered tax free up to a designated amount.) Second, the Board of Ministries has made a commitment to increase the funding for a Director of Youth and Family Ministry. We expect that this will help us attract a candidate with the requisite skills and passion for leading our children and their families to build a strong foundation of faith.

HAVE YOU RETURNED YOUR PLEDGE CARD?

As our Fall Stewardship focus comes to completion, we invite you to prayerfully consider making a pledge in support of Atonement’s mission and ministry for the coming year. Pledge cards are available on the table in the narthex. We thank you for your re-sponse and aske that you return your pledge card to the church office this week.

This requires an additional $5,000 in our budget for 2019 and if you choose, you can also designate a special gift in 2019 to fund this important and integral ministry. You will receive a letter in the mail with more details and a pledge card. This is our December Challenge: Two initiatives of $5000 each…to care for our building and to care for our children and families. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these opportunities to build up our church’s foundation as we move into God’s future for us at Atonement. As we begin the season of Advent, may God “Cast away all our doubts and fears; (and) help us tell the world your story.” In Peace,

Pastor Gail Swanson Jim Krapf, Board of Ministries

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SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 10:30 AM

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TOY COLLECTION

During the month of December, we will be collecting *NEW* toys, books, puzzles, art supplies etc. to donate to Willow Domestic Vio-lence Shelter. There are several ways you can participate:

- Take your child shopping for an item to donate to Willow - Encourage your child to add a toy to his/her Christmas wishlist to donate to another child - Have your child let friends and family know he/she is collecting items to donate to Willow - Pray for families who are victims of domestic violence

Here is a link to Willow's Holiday Wishlist if you'd like some ideas: https://willowcenterny.org/purplebox/ Thank you for your continued efforts in showing our kids the im-portance of giving to others! Items can be left on the Sunday School offering table in Founders Hall.

CHILDREN, YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

SUNDAY SCHOOL

. COOKIE TRAY SERVICE PROJECT

SUNDAY, DEC. 2 4:00 - 6:00PM FOR OUR 3RD - 5TH GRADERS

Come decorate Christmas Cookies...pack cookie trays...make gift tags ...and have some fun & fellowship! Each cookie tray will be deliv-ered the following week to home bound members and friends of Atonement.

JR. YOUTH EVENT

Thanks to all our teachers: Sharon Darder, Andra Smith, Sarah Bell, Katrina Levan, Tim Baker, Judy Karsten, Margy Peet, Shannon Howe, Alexa Howe, Margaret Bogumil, Lindsay Lazenby, Lindsay Baker, Jean Seager, Elizabeth Rose, Matt McGill and Elizabeth Dollhopf-Brown! The wider array of church members offering to teach has been wonderful and allowed some of the more frequent teachers to attend some Adult Forums. Simpler plans for the Christmas Program on Sunday, December 16th directly after services, this year. It will be a Carol Sing led by all the students with the usual adorable costumes, so inform the grandparents, etc! This means we will have regular Sunday School on December 2nd and 9th, the Program on the 16th, and no Sunday School on December 22nd, December 30th or January 6th. Sunday School will resume on January 13th, with the opportunity soon to sign up to teach a class (or two or four!) in the remaining sixteen Sundays of Sunday School going to May12th! You can sign up online at Sign Up Genius or on paper in the Narthex soon!

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MUSIC NOTES

SING A SONG TO THE LORD! In December the choir rehearses for the annual Advent Lesson and Carols service. Join us for inspired music making. Wednesday, December 5 Rehearsal 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Sunday, December 9 Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m. The Second Sunday of Advent Rehearsal at 8:30 a.m. Advent Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 23 Rehearsal 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 24 Festive Candlelight Service 4:00 p.m.

The Nativity of Our Lord Rehearsal at 3:00 p.m. If you would like to participate in any of these opportunities to make a joyful noise please contact Judy Karsten (233-1431) or Director of Music Ministries, Joshua Brown (jhbrown@atonementrochester.org).

SAVE THE DATES

Mark these upcoming dates on your calendar to make sure you can at-tend these special events made possible through the generosity of the Carol and John Condemi Gift of Music Fund. Sunday, December 9

Advent Lessons and Carols with the Kubick’s Rubes at the 9:30 a.m. service of worship.

Sunday, December 23 50th anniversary of the church sanctuary, Guest Musician Monday, December 24 The Nativity of Our Lord, Guest Violinists at 4:00 and 8:00 services of worship The Worship Planning Team continues to welcome the submission of proposals for funding of future projects through the Condemi Fund. Please contact Joshua Brown, Director of Music Ministries (jhbrown@atonementrochester.org) for further information.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES SING IN WORSHIP

The Sunday School will present their annual Christmas program on Sunday, December 16 following the 9:30 a.m. service of worship that morning. Sunday School student should plan on attending Sunday School on December 2 and 9 for rehearsals.

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ADVENT GIVING In the spirit of the season, during Advent, we offer the following op-portunities to bring gifts to benefit others in our community and around the world: Dec. 2 - Lutheran Disaster Response - bringing God's hope, healing and renewal to people whose lives have been disrupted by disasters. Your gifts of cash/checks are welcomed; envelopes will be provided. Dec. 9 - Bethany House - providing shelter for homeless women and children in Rochester. Gifts of diapers, baby formula, baby food, women's and children's winter coats, hats & gloves are suggested. Dec. 16 - Asbury Dining Center - serving hot, nutritious meals to Rochesterians in need. Requesting coffee (regular only, please), powdered creamer and sugar. Dec. 23 - St. Joseph's Neighborhood Center - providing health care to people who lack access to health insurance. Donations of personal-sized hygiene items; Gift cards to Wegmans or Tops (in the amount of $10); 2019 calendars. Thank you for remembering and caring for these ministries and those they serve.

DISCIPLESHIP

BRIGHTON FOOD DEPOT

We will collect the following items for Brighton Food Depot in De-cember: canned vegetables, spaghetti and sauce. Because the bags of food are being given to children at School #4, please donate sauce that is packaged in plastic containers or metal cans - not glass, for safety reasons. We have donated over 250 bags of food to BFD in 2018. By the end of this month, that count will likely be at 300 bags! Your dedication and generosity are incredible, and so very appreciated. Thank you for the love you share through this ministry.

RETURNABLE BOTTLES AND CANS

Thank you to everyone who has participated in our collaboration with Can Kings Redemption Center. Over 100 drop offs have been logged for Atonement, and a total of 5,300 containers were credited to us; we receive .06 for each empty bottle or can. Now - for the great news - we have recently received a check from Can Kings in the amount of $318.00! This will be placed into our Lazarus Fund! Please continue to take your returnable containers to Can Kings. We have an account there, and all you do is give them our church’s name when you hand over your bag of returnables. Some folks attach a slip of paper to the bag, which says, ‘Atonement Lutheran Church.’ If you need help unloading, they will come out to your car. Two locations: 1276 Fairport Rd., Fairport, and 1183 Bay Rd., Webster. Hours: Mon-Sat, 9-7, Sun 10-4. If you have any questions, see Barb Sanko.

COOKIE EXCHANGE, DEC. 9 Everyone is invited to join us in Reissig Hall after worship on Dec. 9, for coffee, cookies and conversation. If you choose to participate in the cookie exchange, here's how it will work. 1. Bring 3-4 dozen cookies on Dec. 9 and drop them off in Reissig Hall before worship. 2. Your first dozen will be added to a cookie tray and delivered to folks at Bethany House. 3. Your second dozen will be enjoyed during that day's coffee hour. 4. The amount you bring ABOVE two dozen will be considered "exchange cookies," and that's the amount you get to choose, pack and take home. We will provide containers, or you may bring your own.

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FELLOWSHIP

PRAYER MINISTRY

PHOTO BOARD UPDATES

We are missing photos of some of you on our Atonement Family bulle-tin board. Or maybe you would like an updated photo taken. Our resident photographer will be available on Sundays in December to take new photos. Please see Skip Waterstreet in the Narthex following Worship; or ask an usher.

DISCIPLESHIP

ANGEL TREE Another Advent tradition at Atonement continues this year with the An-gel Tree in the entry. It will be decorated with tags which contain gift suggestions for our "adopted" families. This year we have been given the names of six children, from three different families, all of whom live in a Habitat-built home. By sponsoring these families, and provid-ing them with some gifts for their children, we enable them to focus their finances on mortgage and heating payments during the winter. The decorated tree will be set up by Dec. 2. If you choose to partici-pate, select a tag off the tree, purchase and wrap the suggested gift, and return it by Dec. 16 for delivery to the family. Your generosity is great-ly appreciated.

LUNCH & LAUGHTER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 AT NOON

Delicious food is each winter holiday’s gift…..

….and there is never any lack of delicious food at our monthly potluck lunches! Bring a favorite dish to share as we continue our journey through the seasons of Advent and Hanukkah. (Does anyone have a menorah to bring?) Join in on the friendly conversation. We’ll provide beverages, hot and cold. There will be a signup sheet on the narthex bulletin board, but if you forget to sign up, come anyway. There is al-ways room for YOU at our table.

Set-up or clean-up help is always appreciated. If you need transportation, call the office at 442-1018 and we will help secure you a ride.

MORNING PRAYER WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 9:00 A.M. IN THE PRAYER

ROOM

As candlelight overcomes the darkness, so your light radiates within us, For light penetrates the darkness and prepares the way of the Lord.

Our half hour or so together will include readings, prayer, and quiet reflection. Join us as we pause at the beginning of this season of expec-tancy and open our eyes to be aware of God’s presence. We will give thanks for our many blessings and lift up prayers for our community and our world. All are welcome.

She is too fond of books, and it has turned her brain. – Louisa May Alcott

Well, we don’t think anyone can ever be too fond of books! Would you like to be part of a Wednesday morning book discussion group following Morning Prayer? Coffee and conversation, a friendly and cozy way to navigate those long winter months. Please contact Avis Hooper at avishooper@gmail.com if you are curious. Avis will be available after December Morning Prayer to chat about it. The coffee pot will be ready!

SOMETHING NEW!

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PASTOR’S PAGE YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY

LIKE PAPER AROUND A PRECIOUS GIFT

“Come to Bethlehem and see him whose birth the angels sing…” ELW #289

Ever since the night when Jesus was born, there has been inspiring music to announce it, to celebrate it, to spread the good news of this wondrous birth. Granted, the Bible doesn’t specifically state that the heavenly host were actually singing in four (or eight!) part harmony on that first Christmas Eve, but surely they were! This glorious event of the birth of the Christ Child cannot be announced and proclaimed by speech alone. It must be sung. And so we sing…and sing…and sing throughout the days of this season of Christmas. Certainly there must be more music about Christmas than any other holy day or holiday of the year. Much of it is secular, but much more is about the birth of all births, the time God came down to be one of us – Emmanuel - which means “God with us.” And God for us. “When peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and all the world give back the song which now the angels sing.” ELW #282 Can you imagine Christmas without music? Christmas is wrapped up in music like paper around a precious gift…like a blanket around a newborn child. Each carol, hymn and song telling the story – each in its unique way. Whenever and wherever the music of Christmas is sung, whether at a mall, or a homeless shelter; a Sunday School classroom or on a street corner; around the piano at home or in a candlelit sanctuary; the joy resounds on for a God who will always be with us. And for us. “Let no tongue on earth be silent, ev’ry voice in concert ring evermore and evermore!” ELW #295 In Joy,

Pastor Gail

YOUTH & FAMILY MINISTRY POSITION UPDATE As we continue to seek new paths in our congregation's search for can-didates for our Youth & Family Ministry position, here is a recent up-date:

The Youth & Family Task Force has created an updated and stream-lined version of the job description for this position.

As of Nov. 1, the job description and availability have been posted on our Atonement Facebook page...on a link on our church web-site...and at the following locations:

Indeed.com The Episcopal Diocese of Rochester Genesee Finger Lakes Conference (Rochester area

Lutheran congregations) Lutheran Youth Organization of the Niagara Frontier

Conference (Buffalo area Lutheran congrega-tions)

RIT Roberts Wesleyan SUNY Geneseo U. of Rochester St. John Fisher Nazareth College SUNY Brockport MCC Colgate Rochester Divinity School

There have been a few inquiries regarding the position, with one

potential interview of a candidate. Please continue to pray for our congregation that we might remain in-viting, welcoming and hopeful in our search for leadership for our youth and families.

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ADULT FORUM Sundays at 10:45 AM

Dec. 2 Congregational Budget Meeting

Dec. 9 Cookie Exchange

Dec. 16 Sunday School Christmas Pageant

Dec. 23 No Class: Merry Christmas Dec. 30 No Class: Happy New Year!

ASBURY DINING AND CARING CENTER

It was a great time at Asbury in November! Directly after Pastor Swanson’s timely sermon about seeing the forgotten among us; a large group served a wonderful meatloaf dinner to over 100 guests. Thanks to Sharon and Sarah Darder, Amy,Mike and Elizabeth Schrlau, Amy Irish, John Kruidenier and Karen Goodyear, Bob and Susan Touhsaent, and Karan Thompson who helped in the kitchen and served in the dining room. Special thanks to Karan Thompson who led the prayer and blessing before the meal. We are signed up for six Sundays in 2019!

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

BLESSINGS to Emily and Stephen Milazzo upon the baptism of their son, Matthew David, on November 11. Matthew is the grandson of

Stew and Suzanne Stover.

OUR CONTINUED PRAYERS FOR HEALING on behalf of Karen Grover as she recovers from a recent stroke. Her husband Don writes: Cards and calls are coming in from many sources – especially from Atonement. Karen greatly appreciates them – as do the rest of us.

OUR SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS to the family of Susan Conkling upon her death on November 16 following complications following cancer treatments. Susan and her family were former members of Atonement and had relocated to the Boston area. Their address is: 73 Bishops Forest Drive Waltham, MA 02452

To my loving Atonement family,

Thank you for my inspiring prayer garland! It is so sweet to see familiar names and verses. It hangs in our dining room and we look to it as we pass from room to room. It reminds us of your presence with us in these days of hope and unknown guidance by our God. You hold our hands in theses days and wink as us from our garland. Thank you for continuing your steadfast love in our family, your acts of Christ in our lives along the journey. Sending you all blessings and love. Best, Barb, Matt, Lin, John, Zach Macholz

ASBURY DINING CENTER MINISTRY

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December 2 Worship 9:30 AM Congregational Budget Meeting 1 0:45 AM December 5 Morning Prayer 9:00 AM

December 9 Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School/ Youth Forum/ Cookie Exchange 10:45 AM December 11 Board of Ministries Meeting 6:00 PM December 12 Lunch and Laughter 12:00 PM

December 16 Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School Christmas Program 10:30 AM

December 23 Worship 9:30 AM December Worship Planning Meeting December 24 Festival Christmas Eve 4:00 PM Service of Holy Communion December 24 Candlelight Service of 8:00 PM Holy Communion December 30 Worship 9:30 AM

December Birthdays 1 Kevin & Rebecca Thompson 2 Daniel Carpenter 6 Norm Karsten, Craig Westervelt 7 Michael Kruidenier 8 Mary Teter 9 Connor Krapf 11 Katy Stenross 12 Nancy Heise, Joe Manthey 14 Betty Middlebrook 16 Alan Kaminsky 17 Caroline Bartlett 19 Phyllis Hennessey, Meghan Domroes 25 Carol DeLong, Lindsay Lazenby, Jesus 26 Nan Westervelt 28 Todd Bogumil 29 Lin Macholz 31 Suzanne Pearson

CALENDAR BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

PRAYER CONCERNS AND JOYS Members: Barbara Goodrich, Betty Browne, Marge Plum, Karen Grover. Friends and Family: Judy and David Ballerstein, Kathy Doherty, Jon and Marilyn Fair (Brother of Nancy Heise), Barb Macholz Gri-maldi, Jeff, Richard Kress, Judy Price, Mark, Erika, Steve Kistner (Friend of Karsten’s)

-Sunday School Smiles-

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DECEMBER 2018

December 2

9:30 AM December 9

9:30 AM December 16

9:30 AM December 24

4:00 PM December 24

8:00 PM December 23

9:30 AM December 30

9:30 AM

Assistant Minister Matt McGill Joanne Scanlon Joanne Scanlon

David Wilkinson

David Wilkinson

David Wilkinson

TBA

Communion Assistant Betty

Middlebrook David

Wilkinson Sue Hauck

1-Sue Hauck 2-Judy Lazenby 3-TBA 4-TBA

Wally Short Jim Krapf Betty

Middlebrook

Reader Florence Wright

Avis Hooper Kathy

Wilkinson Madison Hauck Kathy Heinig Connor Krapf David Irish

Children’s Moment David

Wilkinson Pastor Gail Swanson

Pastor Gail Swanson

Pastor Gail Swanson

XXXX Elizabeth Dollhopf-

Brown

Karan Thompson

Acolyte Elizabeth

Schrlau Greta Brown Eva Condemi

1-Hudson Lazenby 2-Samantha Hauck 3-Madison Hauck

TBA Alexa Howe TBA

Greeter

Regina Short Jean Seager Jess McGill Sue Hauck Karan

Thompson Judy Karsten Jean Seager

Usher Wally Short

Karan Goodyear

Michael Hauck 1-Michael Hauck 2– TBA

Bob Heinig Norm Karsten Tom Thompson

Coffee Host Barb Sanko

(Budget Meeting)

Judy Lazenby (Advent Lessons & Cookie Exchange)

Barb Sanko (Sunday School Christmas Program)

Assistant Financial Sec. Bryan Howe Richard Phelps John Kruidenier Bob Touhsaent Bryan Howe

Counter Diane Christianson

Stew Stover Tom Thompson Stew Stover Amy Irish

Altar Care Judy Lazenby

If you are willing or able to assist in any of the TBA roles, please e-mail the church office at

office@atonmentrochester.org

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