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CHRIST’S UNITED’S NEWS & VIEWS DECember 2011

PASTOR’S PARAGRAPHS

PREPARATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

A vast variety of cut evergreens are for sale. Stores have expanded their holiday shopping hours. Homes and businesses are decorating with strings of lighting and air-filled caricatures of snowmen, nutcrackers, and reindeer. Christmas must be on its way. Plans are under way for office and workplace parties, holiday concerts, get-togethers with friends and families, and the shopping, to say the least. Cable channels play nostalgic Christmas movies featuring angels who help transform “scrooges” into bright and cheery folks you just want to hang out with or who bring long, lost loves back together against all odds. And the airwaves play an eerie blend of carols and tunes, alternating the lyrics of choirs of heavenly angels singing of promised peace with suggestive ditties of moms kissing Santa Claus or who might be on the “naughty” list. Now, mind you, all this can be exhilarating and fun; but is this what was in mind when, a long, long time ago, a voice crying out in the wilderness called for preparations of a different sort. We are now in the liturgical season of Advent, a time of preparatory expectation for Christmas. For 21st century Christians, we recall the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, and we remember the cries of John the Baptizer who called for all people to prepare the way for the Lord by means of repentance, leading to a trust and an understanding that Jesus would minister to the whole world as Lord and Savior. Echoing Isaiah’s sentiments from centuries before, this preparation was to make straight the pathways that would, under Jesus’ Lordship, create a reality whereby all people would be able to “see” the salvation of God- made possible metaphorically through the smoothing out of rough ways and straitening that which was crooked as well as lowering the mountains and filling in the valleys. For 21st century Christians, Christmas is to be so much more than mere fond remembrances of Jesus’ birth in a stable and the angelic voices ringing through the skies singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth and good-will to all.” Because we believe and trust in the angelic announcement that “unto us in the city of David a Savior has been born, who is the Christ, the Lord,” and because Jesus, as our Savior and Lord, lived, died and was raised for us, we are to continue to prepare for His Way into our lives and our world. Our preparations for this Christmas, and those that

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will follow, are not to be solely limited by our affectionate recollections of Jesus’ birth, but need also to be able to guide and direct opportunities, that is, “creating straight pathways,” so that all shall be afforded to “see” the salvation of God. Our Advent preparations today should be that which strengthens our faith and trust in God’s promises and hope revealed in the birth of Jesus so that our Christmas proclamations and actions shall guide all to “see” the presence of the Risen Jesus alive and working in our world today as Lord and Savior, ushering in a reality of “peace on earth and good-will to all.” May this Advent be a time in which we are able to break down those barriers which prevent some from “seeing” that their salvation is with Christ. May this Advent be a time by which our faith can be strengthened by our remembrances of Jesus’ birth so that, in our present, we may be able to smooth out those rough places in our world and prepare for a future for all people that will be filled with “peace which glorifies God in the highest.” --Pastor John

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ADVENT FELLOWSHIP DAY December 3

Our Advent Fellowship Day will be held on Saturday, December 3, starting at 10:00 a.m. (until 1:00 p.m.) We will have a small luncheon which will include soup, hot dogs, and dessert (provided by the church). We will be decorating the church inside and out. We will need all the help we can get. I’m inviting everyone to join in a fun day of fellowship.

COMMUNITY HYMN SING December 4

A community hymn sing, sponsored by the Mifflinburg Ministerium, will take place in our sanctuary on December 4 at 2:30 p.m. We hope you will bring your pipes, your family and friends, and join with us and members of our community as we raise a joyful noise in praise to our Lord.

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE December 24

Christmas is here, and again we are celebrating the greatest event of history -- the birth of the Christ Child. Christmas Eve is a great time to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Candlelight, communion, prayers, lessons, carols and choir anthems are traditionally all part of the Christmas Eve services at Christ’s United and we invite you and your loved ones to share in those traditions this year at 7:00 p.m. on December 24.

+ + + A heavy snowstorm closed the schools in one town. When the children returned to school a few days later, one

grade school teacher, Miss Merc, asked her students whether they had used the time away from school

constructively. "I sure did, Miss Merc," one little girl replied. "I PRAYED FOR MORE SNOW."

--Andy Rooney

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REMEMBER OUR SHUT-INS AND MEMBERS IN THE SERVICE

When making out your Christmas cards this year, be sure to send some to our shut-ins and servicemen and women.

Shut-Ins

Carolyn Bowersox 167 Meadow Green Dr Mifflinburg Pa 17844 Merrill Buoy Rolling Hills Manor 17350 Old Turnpike Rd. Millmont Pa 17845 Carolyn Catherman 35 E Maple St Mifflinburg Pa 17844 Mary Erdley Rhodesmere 945 Fairground Rd Lewisburg Pa 17837 Margaret Himes 16 Chapel Rd Millmont Pa 17845

Sally Kenamond Elmcroft Rm 113 2421 Old Turnpike Rd Lewisburg Pa 17837 Bob & Betty Lauf 11 Tee St Selinsgrove Pa 17870 Harold Sampsell Terracina Grand 6825 Davis Blvd., Unit 364 Naples, FL 34104 Richard Schnure Buffalo Valley Lutheran Village 889 Fairground Rd Lewis burg Pa 17837 Connie Wagner 1135 Cold Run Rd Millmont Pa 17845 Erna Wolfe 2075 Orchard Rd Mifflinburg Pa 17844

IN THE SERVICE Brandi Gemberling 8790 Redwood Dr Unit 1 Santee Ca 92071-7718

+ + +

One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day.

Don't clean it up too quickly.

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POINSETTIAS

These beautiful flowers are recognized as a symbol of Christmas. Joel Roberts Poinsett, who died on December 12, 1851, was the first Ambassador to Mexico. He brought the plant back to his plantation in the U.S. He grew the plants in his Greenville, S.C. plantation and gave them out as gifts to friends.

In Mexican folklore, there is a story of a little poor girl who had nothing to bring to church for Christmas. On her way to church, she picked some plants by the

side of the road. As she entered the church, the ends of the leaves turned into bright, brilliant red flowers. You guessed it... Poinsettias.

We will again be using poinsettias to decorate the sanctuary for our service on Christmas Eve. If you would like to provide a plant or two, fill out the following and return it to Janice Wagner or Margie

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Poinsettia Order Form

Cost: $12.00

Order Deadline: December 5 Return with Payment to:

Janice Wagner or Margie Dunkle

GIVEN BY___________________________________________________________________ in memory of_________________________________________________________________ in memory of_________________________________________________________________ in honor of___________________________________________________________________ in honor of___________________________________________________________________ to the Glory of God________________ Number of Plants Ordered_____________ Amount Enclosed____________________

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So remember while December

Brings the only Christmas day,

In the year let there be Christmas

In the things you do and say.

--Anonymous

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BIBLE STUDIES

Our Bible study classes will be on hiatus through December. Following the holidays, watch for information on when they will resume.

CHRISTKINDL MARKET

We will be having a stand at the Christkindl Market again this year, selling baked potatoes, schnitz un knepp and bon bons. The dates are December 8- 10, with workdays taking place on December 5 and December 7. We are going to help, AND LOTS OF IT

On December 5, we will be making bon bons to be sold during the event. Help will be needed at 9:00 a.m. to mix and shape the bon bons. We also will be cooking and cutting up ham for the schnitz un knepp at this time. At 6:00 p.m. the bon bons will be dipped and packaged. At 5:00 p.m. on December 7 help is needed to prepare the potatoes for baking. We will have 600 potatoes to be washed, oiled and wrapped in foil. And last, but certainly not least, we will need help at the stand during the hours of operation:

December 8 (4:30-9:00 p.m.)

December 9 (10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.) December 10 (10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.)

A sign-up sheet is on the bulletin board outside of the sanctuary, or you can talk to Bev Catherman or Shirley Kerstetter to find out the times that help will be needed. If you find yourself with time on your hands on any of the dates above, please come help with the tasks

+ + + A little boy was asked in Sunday school what he was going to give his sister for Christmas. “I don’t know,” he

said. “What did you give her last year?” the teacher asked. “Chicken pox,” he replied.

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2012 BANQUET SCHEDULE

There are two banquets scheduled for January: January 21 January 28 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Penns Creek Go Kart Assn Buffalo Valley Sportsmens Club Help will be needed in both the dining room and kitchen. Watch the bulletin

board across from the sanctuary for sign-up sheets for dining room help. If you are able to help in the kitchen, talk to Shirley Kerstetter. Cakes will also be needed for these banquets. If you are able to provide one or two, sign up on the attached form or talk to Shirley. All help is greatly appreciated --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BANQUET CAKES

I will provide a cake(s) for the following banquet(s). Please list number to be provided ______ January 21 ______January 28 5:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. Penns Creek Go Kart Assn Buffalo Valley Sportsmens Club

Signed_____________________________________________________________________ Telephone__________________________________________________________________

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Wanted The Adult Sunday School class would like donations of greeting cards…”Get Well,” “Thinking Of You,” “Sympathy” or blank ones. If you have any to donate, drop them off in the office or give them to Kathy Spangler.

YARD SALE

We are collecting items for a Yard Sale to be held sometime in February. At this time we are just in the planning stage, but you are invited to begin putting items for the yard sale in the room beside the choir room. . More information will be forthcoming.

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Cookbook UPDATE NOW ACCEPTING RECIPES

We have begun submitting recipes into the cookbook data base. Thanks to all who have submitted recipes for the cookbook. If you have any additional recipes you wish to include, please make sure we have them A.SA.P. It is expected that the cost of a cookbook will be $10.00. There is a form at the bottom of the recipe submission form to reserve copies of the cookbook. This will help us to determine how many cookbooks to order. Recipe submission forms can be handed in to Margie at the church office. If you have any questions, call Kim Blyler. . Recipe submission forms are available on the bulletin stand in the hallway, on the stand in the vestibule, and in this newsletter. Please submit as many recipes as you would like (the more the better).You do not have to use the “official” form, however we would like recipes to be submitted in a similar format. We welcome recipes from church members and friends alike.

HOPE’S HAVEN

Clothing Bank Hope’s Haven has a great need for men’s clothing, specifically jeans and shirts. If you or anyone you know can help fill the need, put the items in the hallway outside of the Hope’s Haven room.

Gifts for the Kids of Hope’s Haven A Christmas party for the children of the families that come to Hope’s Haven will take place on December 17 from 11:00-1:00 p.m. Again this year we will be giving Christmas gifts to the children who come to the party. As we did last year we are asking for donations of gifts of $5.00 or under. They can be for either a boy or girl. Unwrapped donations can be put in Margie’s office where they will be collected and stored for a Christmas party for the children. Thank you all in advance for helping us brighten the party for the kids.

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA

Sewing Days

We will be taking a break from our blanket workdays over the holidays. Weather permitting they will resume in January. Keep an eye on the bulletins and newsletter for information on when they will resume. Clean fabric and filling (new or used from old sheets, clothing, etc.) for the quilts are always welcome. Also, don’t throw out that old mattress pad. Bring it to the church and it can be used for filler for the quilts.

Servicemen’s Boxes At this time Brandi Gemberling is our only member serving in the military. As we do each year, we will be mailing her a care box and are seeking items such as homemade cookies and candy, snack foods, personal care items, etc. to be included in the care package. You may also want to tuck a little something in for her three-year-old daughter Sianah. Donations can be dropped off in Margie’s office. Help us to let Brandi know she has not been forgotten by her church family.

+ + +

CHILDREN'S X-MAS CAROLS

A teacher in Atlanta asked her students to write the words to their favorite Christmas Carols. She probably got fired for

mentioning Christmas in school. Anyway here are some of the humorous lines she received:

Deck the Halls with Buddy Holly

We three kings of porridge and tar

On the first day of Christmas my tulip gave to me

Later on we'll perspire, as we dream by the fire.

He's makin a list, chicken and rice.

Noel. Noel, Barney's the king of Israel.

With the jelly toast proclaim

Olive, the other reindeer. (all of the other reindeer)

Frosty the Snowman is a ferret elf, I say

Sleep in heavenly peas

In the meadow we can build a snowman, Then pretend that he is sparse and brown

You'll go down in listerine

Oh, what fun it is to ride with one horse, soap and hay

O come, froggy faithful

You'll tell Carol, "Be a skunk, I require"

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION Volunteers Sought We are in need of volunteers to help with Lay Readers, Communion Assistants, Ushers and Sound System helpers. Would you like to volunteer? If you are willing to help, please talk to Idella Zimmerman or complete the form in the bulletin or the newsletter and place in the offering plate.

Communions Communions for all confirmed members must be recorded in the parish register annually. If you do not commune on a regular basis, we ask that you fill out a communion record card (one per year is all we need) so we know you have communed. The cards are located in the racks on the back of the pews. Cards may be put in the offering plate or handed to an usher.

Memorabilia The following memorabilia items are still available for anyone interested in purchasing anything:

Wooden Miniatures of the Church - $18.00 Church Prints - $25.00

Blankets - $25.00 Christmas Cards - $15.00

12 cards per box feature a winter picture of the church

Talk to Judy Moyer if you have questions about, or would like to purchase, any of these items.

Informants Wanted We like to publish news about our members in the newsletter, but we need your help to do so. If you know of interesting information about any of our members (youth or adult), i.e. an award or recognition, a funny tale or exciting adventure, please let Margie know about it so we can include it in an issue of Christ’s United’s News & Views.

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Do We Have Your E-Mail Address? If you have an e-mail address that you have never given to us or if it has changed, please fill out the following and drop it off on Margie’s desk or give her a call. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name_________________________________________________________________________ E-Mail Address_________________________________________ ________________________ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have a Favorite Hymn? Over the past few years, some of you have been requesting favorite hymns and gospel songs and for that we give many thanks. Because of U.S. copyright laws, we do not have permission to reproduce or copy many of our favorites. You may choose selections from the following hymnals: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW), Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW) and With One Voice (WOV). We are also permitted to use hymns that are in the “Public Domain”. It’s all very complicated. So, keep your suggestions coming and the Worship and Music Committee will be happy to sort out and use all of your suggestions that copyright laws permit. Please put the title or first line of your song(s) on a piece of paper and give it to Margie, or any member of the Worship and Music Committee (Bev Catherman, Paula Christy, Gary Hackenberg, Judy Mecouch, Barry Spangler, or Idella Zimmerman). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hymn Request -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fellowship Committee Request The fellowship committee would like input from the members of the congregation regarding what social/fellowship activities they would like to have. If you have any suggestions, drop a note on Margie’s desk. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Fellowship Events -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Building & Ground Needs Do you know of any physical problems (or potential problems) that should be addressed by our property committee? Your insight is important. Maybe you have seen something that no one else has noticed yet. You can talk to Pastor John, any council member or Margie if you know of something that needs attention, or fill out the following and put it on Margie’s desk or in the offering plate.

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Building & Ground Needs: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer Chain

If you would like to be a part of the prayer chain, please fill out the following and return it to Margie

How does the prayer chain work? When a prayer request is received, that request is passed on to the second person on the prayer chain who in turns passes it on to the third person, the third person to the fourth, and so on. When and how you pray is up to you. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prayer Chain Calling List

I would like to be included on the prayer chain calling list. Name____________________________________ Telephone Number__________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ongoing Collections (Collection boxes are in the hallway) (1) Haven Ministry Packaged & Canned Food Items - Personal Hygiene Items - Cleaning Supplies (2) Rock Point Mission UPC codes and box tops from:

Campbell’s - Franco American - Pepperidge Farm – Swanson - Market Day - V-8 Juices

PLEASE NOTE!! There has been a change in what Campbell's is accepting in the label redemption program. They are now taking only the UPC CODE piece from the label and box tops, not the front label. (3) Susquehanna Valley Women in Transition Paper Towels Large Size Diapers Baby Car Items Prepaid Phone Cards Toilet Paper Clorox Gift Certificates to Department Stores Laundry Detergent 60 Watt Light Bulbs AA and AAA Batteries “Sippy” Cups First Aid Ointment Sterile Pads First Aid Foam/Waterproof Tape Alcohol Swabs Children’s Tylenol Children’s Motrin Comtrex Freezer Bags: Quart & Gallon Size Robitussin CF & DM Advil Cold and Sinus Cling Wrap & Aluminum Foil Garbage Bags: Kitchen; Lawn & Garden (4) The Shriners Can Tabs

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NEWS OF MEMBERS & FRIENDS Births by Diane Valentine

A baby boy, Xander Declan, is the newest addition to Abi and Zach Harvey’s family. On November 14, 2011 at 7: 51 a.m. Xander was born at Evangelical Community Hospital. He weighed 8 pounds 6 ounces, was 18 ½ inches long and has some light hair. Xander has a big sister Natalie who is 6 and a big brother Spencer who is 4. Both of them like to hug and kiss their new brother. The proud grandparents are Laurie and Randy Harvey and the beaming great grandmother is Meda Struble. ( Xander brings great grandma Meda’s total number of great grandchildren to 17 - ages 10 and under!) Xander also has aunts, uncles and cousins at CULC. Loving and warm wishes for God’s many blessings are extended to the Harvey family, along with our congratulations. Your church family welcomes you little Xander Declan.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Diane Valentine, who has served as our baby news contributor, has announced her intention to resign from that position as of the first of the year. If you would be willing to take on the job, please contact Margie. If you want information on what is involved in it, talk to Diane.

Deaths Our family of faith is saddened upon the death of Joyce Herb who passed away on November 27 at her home. Joyce and her husband, Bob, joined our family in 1973 after moving to the area from Shamokin. She is survived by three daughters and two sons-in-law, Merry Carol and James Scandle, of Shamokin, Joyce Ann Bingaman, of Millmont, and Susan and Kim Blyler, of Millmont; one sister, Caroline Reed, of Orlando, Fla.; 10 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

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Our sympathies are warmly extended to Dave & Linda Swartz upon the death of her father, Richard Tinnes, on November 4. Richard was a resident of Belen, New Mexico and is also survived by his wife, Rita, and brother and sister-in law, Kenneth & Charlotte, as well as sister-in-law, Alice Tinnes. Our prayers continue to be with Kim & Sue, Dave & Linda and their families.

Anniversaries December 5 – John & Mindy Yost (1987) 6 – Lance & Janice Wagner (1986) 7 – Orvis & Betty Wallace (1940) 15 – Randy & Laurie Harvey (1979) 20 – Gary & Janet Hackenberg (1969) 29 – Steve & Terri Krawec (1990) 30 – Randy & Joan Lyons (1977)

Birthdays December

1 – Kyle Blyler 2 – Terri Krawec 3 – Susan Pantaleo, Thelma Pontius, Kevin Zimmerman 4 – Adam Spigelmyer, Wendy Zartman 7 – Adam Gemberling 11 – Justine Gemberling 12 – Jean Buoy, Brianna Doebler 14 – Kenneth Reamer 15 – Holly DeHart 16 – Kevin Baker, Jennifer Boop, Christie Leach 17 – Robert Lauf, Makenna Walter 20 – Kevin Shuck 22 – Desiree Hepner 23 –Judy Moyer 27 – Brian Haggy, Torey Showalter, Scott VonNeida 28 – Kiana Seedor 29 – Jasmine Doebler, Heather Walter

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Remember In Thought And Prayer Please help us keep our prayer list current by letting us know of any names that should be added or removed Our Members Jim Boop Theodore ‘Pete’ Catherman Dottie Rathfon Diane Reamer Alice Reitz Wilbur Ritter Carl ‘Bup’ Sampsell June Spangler John Stamm, Jr. Ethel Wenrich Debra Wilson Our Friends & Relatives Daryl Baumgardner Bill Beebe Karla Benfer Diane Brown Kristi Dukes Bob Earnest Sara Earnest Forrest Emery Mary Gonzales Becky Greeney Eleanor Hackenburg Michelle Hackenburg Becky Hagenbauch Richard Harvey Dorothy Huber Linda Katherman Jeff Kerstetter Earl Kratzer Trey Love Candy Mitchell Harry Moyer David Noblit Mike Osgood Zachary Prochasko John Renninger Fred Schlenker Brandi Schlief Bev Shreffler Shirley Smith Crystal Tice Barbara Trantham Betty Walter Joe Weisser Sharon Wert Emajean Whitmoyer Pat Yount Ed Zimmerman Our Shut-Ins Carolyn Bowersox Merrill Buoy Carolyn Catherman Mary Erdley Margaret Himes Sally Kenamond Bob & Betty Lauf Harold Sampsell Richard Schnure Connie Wagner Erna Wolfe The Men And Women Serving In The Military Brandi Gemberling David Huston Tristan Roupp

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IN THE MAILbag

Camp Seeks Campership Gifts Each year, Camp Mount Luther provides funding so that those who have financial need can attend camp. This year, 19 campers received camperships to attend a summer program. We maintain two campership funds. The Rev.Conrad B. Youse Fund is supported by individuals and Lutheran congregations. The Rev. Leslie DoyleFund is supported by individuals from Episcopal congregations. Our executive director, Chad Hershberger, received this letter this year from one of our young campers: Thank you for the funding so that I would go to Camp Mount Luther. I really enjoyed camp because I got to meet new and old friends. At my week at camp I grew very close to my fellow campers. I also grew the closest I’ve ever felt to Christ. I hope to go again. Thank you very much. Know that when you give a gift to Camp Mount Luther, you are helping to make Christ known through outdoor ministries. Your campership fund donations allow us to serve children who otherwise couldn’t come to camp due to financial difficulties. This year, we still need about $1200 to cover the expenses we incurred from providing camperships. Consider a gift today!

+ + + It was the day after Christmas at a church in San Francisco. The pastor of the church was looking over the

cradle when he noticed that the baby Jesus was missing from among the figures of the nativity set. Immediately

he turned and went outside and saw a little boy with a red wagon, and in the wagon was the figure of the little

infant, Jesus. So he walked up to the boy and said, "Well, where did you get Him, my fine friend?"

The little boy replied, "I got him from the church."

"And why did you take him?"

The boy said, "Well, about a week before Christmas I prayed to the little Lord Jesus and I told him if he would

bring me a red wagon for Christmas I would give him a ride around the block in it."

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

CAMP MOUNT LUTHER Advent Fun Day Next Month Saturday, December 17 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Come spend time away at Mount Luther with friends and family preparing for Christ’s birth! This event will take place at the Evergreen Center at Mount Luther. We’ll have activities to help you get ready for Christmas, including crafts, singing, cookie baking, and more. To help us prepare, please RSVP to the camp office at the phone number or e-mail below. Price is $6.00 for each participant or $20 for a family of 4 or more. FLOOD SU January 14, 2012 4:00-7:00 p.m. Camp Mount Luther and the Upper Susquehanna Synod Youth Council present FLOOD SU: Friends Living Out Our Discipleship at Susquehanna University. This annual event will be held at the Field House at Susquehanna University. Doors open at 3:45 p.m. The event is open to youth in grades 4 through 12. Cost is $5 if registered by Tuesday, January 3, 2012; $10 at the door, with free admission for adult chaperones. It is requested that adult chaperones have their PA State Police Criminal Background and Childline Child Abuse Clearances. Each congregation should provide one adult (21 or over) for every seven youth. Mount Luther Sunday January 15, 2012 Members of the congregations of the Upper Susquehanna Synod are asked to celebrate outdoor ministries on this day. The Upper Susquehanna Synod Council has designated that the third Sunday in January each year be “Mount Luther Sunday” to help promote outdoor ministries in the synod. The camp is asking that congregations promote the camp on that Sunday or designate another Sunday this spring to do so. Ways to promote the camp include bulletin inserts to share with congregation members, Temple Talks, camper testimonials, bulletin board displays, special camp music during Sunday school and church services, as well as special offering being collected.

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Annual Camperson Event at Mount Luther January 22, 2012 3:00 p.m. This event gives participants the chance to find out what’s going on at camp and tell the story to others! It will be held at the Evergreen Center at Mount Luther. Each congregation in the Upper Susquehanna Synod is asked to send a representative to the event. Campersons serve as liaisons between the camp and the congregation, promoting outdoor ministries. Each congregation who sends a camperson to this meeting will receive $15 off each of their church’s camper registrations. More information on all these events can be found at www.campmountluther.org

SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSITY ChristmasCandlelight Service Tuesday, December 6 7:30 p.m. Weber Chapel Auditorium Susquehanna University’s Christmas Candlelight Service will be held Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m., with pre-service music beginning at 7:15 p.m., in the university’s Weber Chapel Auditorium. This year’s theme is “Mary’s Song, Mary’s Son.” Members of the campus and Selinsgrove area communities gather each year to celebrate the service, which includes candle lighting and carols, as well as traditional readings, songs and prayers in celebration of the season. The Rev. Mark Wm. Radecke, university chaplain, will serve as the presiding minister, with The Rev. Ted Keating, pastor of St. Pius X Church in Selinsgrove and spiritual adviser to Susquehanna's Catholic community, serving as assisting minister. Music will be provided by the University Choir, Festival Chorus, Women’s Choir and University Chorale, under the direction of Rodney Caldwell, associate professor of music and director of choral activities, and Colin Armstrong, assistant professor of music; Marcos Krieger, assistant professor of music and university organist; a brass ensemble; and the Chapel Ringers. Music selections include “Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” “Angels We Have Heard on High” and “Silent Night, Holy Night. 2011Fair Trade Festival December 8th - 10th 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mellon Lounge, Degenstein Campus Center Holiday shoppers can find unique gifts—and make a difference for global artisans—when students at Susquehanna University host the third annual Fair Trade Festival. The Fair Trade festival supports organizations that give fair and equal wages to workers around the world. It sells coffee, tea, chocolate, ornaments, baskets, bags and more.

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NOTES OF APPRECIATION

THANK YOU TO… …Eugene & Katherine Hassinger for mailing Christmas cards to those who visited throughout the year. …Everyone who helped with the potpie supper. ...Diane Valentine for reporting on the births within the congregation. "Dave and Linda Swartz wish to thank all those who kept us and Linda's parents in their prayers throughout Linda's father's long illness, and those who sent cards and voiced their sympathy after he recently lost his battle with Alzheimer's."

I'd like to take this moment and thank all of you in the Sunday School Class for my very nice get well card I got this week. I don't think any of you was aware that I once again had surgery last week,(Nov. 16) on my back another time. This time it was more involved than the first I had in April and it was also more involved as it took about 3 hours this time. My surgeon, Dr. Roddwain Rajjoub told me that my back was really filled with arthritis and he cleaned it all out and also fixed a couple of other things besides that was causing me all the pain. I am going to have a lengthy recovery time and cannot do a lot of things. I will be going on Monday to have my staples out and I am hoping I will be able to walk better by the time things are once again healed. I am anxious to be able to get back with walking for exercise and I do hope it comes sooner than later. I have appreciated the cards from all of you and am very thankful for your remembering me in your prayers. In Christian Love to all of you, Alice B. Reitz P.S. Please copy this and read it in Sunday School for me. Thanks.

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If you would like to be added to our list of volunteers to help with one or more of the following positions,

please fill it out and return it to the church office.

USHER

(10:15 service only)

I/we will serve as an usher

Name_____________________________________

Telephone_________________________________

CHILDREN’S CHURCH

(10:15 service only)

I/we will help with children’s

church

Name____________________________________

Telephone________________________________

SOUND SYSTEM OPERATOR

(10:15 service only)

I/we will operate the sound

system

Name_____ _______________________________

Telephone________________________________

ALTAR GUILD

(8:00 & 10:15 services)

I/we will serve on the altar

guild

Name____________________________________

Telephone________________________________

COMMUNION HELPER

I/we will serve as a

communion helper

Schedule me at: ______8:00

______10:15

Name___________________________________

Telephone_______________________________

GREETERS

I/we will serve as greeters

Schedule me/us at: ______8:00

______10:15

Name___________________________________

Telephone_______________________________

LAY READER

I/we will serve as a lay reader

Schedule me at: ______8:00

______10:15

Name_____________________________________

Telephone_________________________________

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ALTAR GUILD Barbara Clouser Maurice Clouser USHERS Barry Spangler, Capt. Dave Bickhart LAY READERS 8:00 a.m. 4 – Glenn Spangler 11 - Kathy Spangler 18 – Mike Flickinger COMMUNION HELPERS 8:00 a.m. 4 – Glenn Spangler 11 – Lee Spangler 18 – Judy Moyer MUSIC PROVIDERS 8:00 a.m. 4 – Dave Swartz 11 – Dave Swartz 18 – Dave Swartz

DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS EVE Greeter – Shirley Kerstetter Lay Reader – Barry Spangler Communion Assistants – Steve & Judy Moyer

REMINDER

1. YOU ARE

RESPONSIBLE FOR FINDING A SUBSTITUTE IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO BE HERE WHEN SCHEDULED.

2. ALTAR GUILD

MEMBERS, SOUND SYSTEM OPERATORS & USHERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY SPECIAL SERVICES SCHEDULED DURING THE MONTH.

SOUND SYSTEM Doug Shaffer 10:15 GREETERS 4 – The Steve Forcheskie Family 11 – Barbara Grimooris 18 – Janet Hileman 25 – Shirley Kerstetter LAY READERS 10:15 a.m. 4 – Barry Spangler 11 – Florence Boop 18 – Audrey Crone 25 – Janet Hackenberg COMMUNION HELPERS 10:15 a.m. 4 – Judy Mecouch 11 – Janice Wagner 18 – Dianne Shuck 25 – Janet Hackenberg MUSIC PROVIDERS 10:15 a.m. 4 – Paula Christy 11 – Diane Valentine 18 – Paula Christy 25 – Gary Hackenberg

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Christ’s United Lutheran Church 13765 Old Turnpike Rd Millmont Pa 17845 570-922-1860 church’s e-mail: culc@dejazzd.com pastor’s e-mail: pastorjohn@4bellschurch.com website address: www.4bellschurch.com Office Hours: Mon-Thu – 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Fri – 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon The Congregation ..................... The Ministers The Rev. John D. Yost ......................... Pastor Bette McCrandall .......................... Missionary Margie Dunkle .................... Sec/Asst Tr/Editor Al Pantaleo & Dianne Shuck ......... Treasurers Janet Hackenberg & Greg Shuck ...... Asst Trs Tom Catherman… ....................... ..Custodian

COUNCIL MEMBERS

Kim Blyler .............................................. President Bev Catherman ........... Fellowship/Fellowship Hall Drew Christy ................................. Mutual Ministry Wendy Doebler ........................................... Youth Dave Reed .............................................. Property Doug Shaffer ............... Fellowship/Fellowship Hall Barry Spangler ...................................... Secretary Lee Spangler ..................................... Christian Ed Stella Walters ............................ Church in Society Debra Wilson .................................... Stewardship Idella Zimmerman ........................ ..Vice President Worship & Music

PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE…

…when a member of your family is sick or is admitted to the hospital, so that visits can be made and the proper people notified. …when your phone number is changed, so the church records can be corrected. …when you move—out of town or locally. …when a new baby arrives in your family or in the family of another church member. …when a member of your family leaves home for college or to establish a new residence. …when a new family moves into your neighborhood. …when your class or group plans to have a meeting, so that it can be cleared and placed on the church calendar. …when something good happens to you or your family. …when you feel the church can assist you in any way.

THE DEADLINE FOR ARTICLES FOR THE

JANUARY

NEWSLETTER IS:

DECEMBER 19

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