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The Epiphany Star December 2015

Newsletter of Epiphany Lutheran Church Fort Wayne, Indiana

Dear Epiphany Lutheran Church, Grace to you and peace from God our Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ. Amen We have heard these familiar words from the gospel of Luke, “And it came

time for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to a baby boy and they named him

Jesus” (NRSV).

This text is used every year from the Gospel of Luke on Christmas Eve. The

words bring images of the birth of our Savior Jesus to mind. They bring emotions of

the gathering of family and friends. For many of us, the Season of Christmas is filled

with great memories of family gatherings, food, laughter, and, of course, unwrapping

of presents. It is also a very busy time of year. All of the Christmas parties we are

supposed to attend. All of the family gatherings we are supposed to be at. It seems

like from now until the first of the year we “go, go, go!” until we can’t go any more and

then collapse. Why do we work ourselves so hard to attend everything?

A few weeks ago I delivered a sermon on “TIME.” A question was asked of

me during that sermon, “Do you ever schedule appointments with yourself?” I joked

it off saying that I would probably be late if I schedule appointments with myself. Yet,

that question has been working its way up to the top of my questions of life lately.

“Do you schedule time for yourself?” I schedule appointments for almost everything

else in my life. How do I get to have time to renew and recharge my own batteries?

How important is your life to you? What kind of schedule do you have this Christmas

season? Do you have some time scheduled for you, family, and friends? Do you

have some time for yourself to catch a breath, to get some peace in your daily

routine? Or are you more concerned about pleasing everyone else, and you will get

whatever time is left over…much like time for God in our busy lives?

The birth of Jesus is a physical reminder of how much God really does love

us. God didn’t have to come into our world. God could have left us to our own

demise. Yet God decided to come into our world, without a lot of shouting or

headlines. God took the form of a dependent baby—born to Mary and Joseph in a

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little town of Bethlehem. What a trusting and awesome God we have who was willing

to do all of this to show us love. Reaching out to make a difference. To think so far

outside of the box of life that one can’t even see the original box.

During this busy season of Christmas, make sure to schedule in each day a

few moments of time. Take that moment of time and give thanks to God. Take in the

Holy Spirit to guide and revitalize your life. For the real reason for the Season of

Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Merry Christmas!

In Christ,

Pastor Richard Hartman

Please feel free to stop in or call for any of your Pastoral needs. Our office hours are as follows:

Pastor: Sunday - Thursday 8:00 am - 2:30 pm Monday & Wednesday evenings Some Saturdays

Amanda: Monday & Thursday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm Friday 12:30-3:30 pm Other times as needed

Due to unexpected circumstances, these hours may be subject to change.

E-mail Us:

Pastor’s office ................................. pastor@epiphanyfw.com Pastor’s home ...................................... rlhart49@frontier.com Amanda’s office ........................... amanda@epiphanyfw.com

WEB SITE: Epiphany Lutheran Church www.epiphanyfw.com

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Comfort Ye My People

Our quilting group will not meet in the month of December. We will resume work in January—watch the announcements for

more information coming soon. Thank you for being a blessing to others all around the world this year. See you in January!

Youth Activities Coming Soon!

The Youth Group is up and running for the school year, with activities planned for all youth in middle or high school. Here’s a look at what’s coming up: December 19

th (4-8 pm): Bell-ringing for the Salvation Army — sign

up for a time on the bulletin board near the church office January 10

th (12:00 pm): Potluck lunch for congregation

More dates for the year will be coming soon! If you have ideas about social and/or service activities you would like to do, please let Rebecca Hartman or Kim Robinson know. All youth are always welcome, so please plan to join us!

We are Christians, called by God, committed to: Sharing the Gospel, Serving others as Christ taught us, and Creating disciples for witness. Epiphany Lutheran Church’s Vision Statement: A Christian family of God committed to sharing the Gospel and serving others, through joyful worship, education and fellowship.

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Readers Needed for December 20

th!

Our annual “Lessons and Carols” service has nine readings, which means we need nine volunteers at each of our two services to read a lesson. Please let Amanda in the office know as soon as possible if you would like to participate in

this meaningful service! Thank you for serving!

Angels Among Us!

We have members of our congregation who do many things behind the scenes, and we want to take the time to recognize just a few in

this month’s issue! Thank you, Angels!

All Saints’ Crosses were placed to honor the memory of loved ones Breakfast was served at the Quarterly Congregational Meeting Baked goods were purchased to help our youth raise mission funds The church was decorated with the Hanging of the Greens College care packages let our students know we are thinking of them Funds were raised to help the Rescue Mission feed the hungry Desserts were provided for funeral luncheon Donations to Come2Go provided warm clothing for the homeless

Weather-Related Cancellations

Snow has already arrived in our area this year, and with it comes the possibility of weather-related cancellations. In the event that hazardous weather could affect safe travel to worship, Pastor Hartman along with Mike Rumfield, Church Council President, will make the decision whether to cancel services. All cancellations will be broadcast on WANE-TV, and every effort will be made to contact members as well. Stay safe out there!

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December 6th

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nd Sunday of Advent

Malachi 3:1-4 Philippians 1:3-11

Luke 3:1-6

December 13th

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rd Sunday of Advent

Zephaniah 3:14-20 Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 3:7-18

December 20th

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th Sunday of Advent

Micah 5:2-5a Hebrews 10:5-10

Luke 1:39-55

December 24th

Christmas Eve

Isaiah 9:2-7 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20

December 27

th

1st

Sunday of Christmas 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 Colossians 3:12-17

Luke 2:41-52

Join us for Worship this month!

Every Sunday at 8:00 am and 10:15 am

Every Monday at 7:00 pm

Sunday School/Confirmation/ Bible Study at 9:00 am Sundays

Wednesdays December 2nd, 9th, & 16th

7:00 pm

Thursday, December 24th

7:00 pm

Please join us!

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Mission Moment December 2015

Your generosity this past month for Come2Go and the Associated Churches Food Bank has been a blessing to many families in need and to the homeless in our community. Come2Go has already loaded their vehicle twice with warm clothes, hats, scarves, etc. Winter has not arrived in full force yet, but we are already seeing colder nights on the way; we will continue to collect items for both of these ministries in the containers in the narthex.

We will once again be sponsoring some families for Christmas. I don't have all the details right now, but they will be in the bulletin as information becomes available. Please see me in the narthex after worship if you have questions.

The 5th Annual Cookie Walk will be held on December 13

th. A sign-up sheet

and information will be on the table in the narthex; if you have any questions, please see me. This is a wonderful way to have a variety of cookies to share with others as you celebrate Christmas.

We have received a number of “thank you” notes from our recent mission activities. These are posted on our “Missions in Action” bulletin board in the narthex; please take a few minutes to see what we’ve accomplished together!

The Holidays are a busy time of the year, but this Congregation continues to support Outreach with your generosity and giving. Thank you.

Wishing all of you a Blessed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Written by Sandi Swanson

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Homemade Peanut Brittle & Fudge

This year, Becky (along with her humble assistant) will be making fudge in addition to her popular peanut brittle. One pound of brittle in a seasonal container is a $15.00 contribution; fudge is $15.00 for ½ pound. Order using the form on the bulletin board; call Becky or Ron with any questions. Orders will be taken from now until December 13

th, with delivery this Sunday through December 20

th.

Once again, the dollars will be directed toward the Epiphany Debt Relief Fund as directed by the Church Council and Treasurer (line of credit, attic mold eradication, attic insulation enhancement). More information and goals will follow. Thank you! P.S. As an added bonus, “Señor Peanut” will match gross sales, dollar for dollar!

Señor Peanut and Señorita Fudge recently contacted Becky Roemer asking her to support the sugar industry again this year. It didn't take long for

her to accept the challenge and announce her 2015 “Sweet Tooth Relief Fund.”

Congratulations to Karen & Denny Payne, who won the basket drawing in October! For our December drawing, we have not one but two fabulous “baskets” that you can enter to win! The first is a bucket filled with all kinds of Christmas goodies: a Salvatori’s gift card, a Target gift card, candy, and other great stuff! The second is an adorable snowman cookie jar with a $25 gift card to Cookie Cottage to help you fill it.

The drawing will be held on Sunday, Dec. 20th, just in time for Christmas.

Tickets can be purchased before or after either service and are just $1 a piece, or 7 for $5. All proceeds benefit the needs of Epiphany. Thank you for participating, and good luck!

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Epiphany will be having our fifth annual Cookie Walk on Sunday, December 13

th, between services and following the 10:15 am service.

We are asking for donations of your favorite cookie, fudge, candy, or treat (no cupcakes, please, as they don’t do well in bags). If you would like to participate, please bring 3-6 dozen goodies in baggies, on paper plates, or in any other disposable container to the church on Saturday, December 12

th, between 11:00 am and 12:00 pm. If you are unable to

drop off your items on Saturday, please contact Sandi Swanson to make other arrangements—it helps immensely to have everything here ahead of time. Due to peanut allergies, please keep all cookies and treats that contain nuts separate from everything else. If possible, please bring a few extra treats (broken is fine!) for our new “sample table.” On Sunday, you can purchase a bag for $5 and fill it with whatever looks good to you! Buy as many bags as you want, and you’ll be all set for carry-ins at work, gifts for the neighbors, and snacking at home! The money raised will go toward debt reduction. Please plan to join in this fun Christmas tradition!

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December Baptismal Birthdays

Dane Flennery Rozlynn Everhart

Sandy Hedin Don Spohr Christina Herb

Jordan Robinson Aleesha Welling

“Happy birthday!” to those who celebrate their second birthday during the month of December! Martin Luther said, “When you wash your face remember

your baptism.” Take time to remember and celebrate this month!

Order Your Poinsettias Now!

Order forms for Christmas poinsettias are available in your mailbox and in the church office. You may choose RED or PINK and whether they are given in

memory or in honor of someone, or to the glory of God. Each 6½ inch plant is $9.25. You may place your order form in the basket in Amanda’s office, or you

can call her at 485-5122. Payments should be made out to “Epiphany” with “poinsettias” in the memo and placed in the offering basket. The deadline for placing an order is Sunday, December 6

th (Dec. 3

rd for pink). Plants may be

taken home following the 7:00 pm worship service on Christmas Eve. Thank you for helping to beautify our sanctuary for the holiday!

Constitution Update

The committee tasked with revising Epiphany’s constitution has nearly finished its work. Amanda will have hard copies of the proposed changes available starting in December; these can be checked out for review prior to our first reading of the changes at our February Congregational Meeting. Thank you for your input!

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Dec. 6th

LBW Setting I

Dec. 13th

LBW Setting I

Dec. 20th

Lessons & Carols

Dec. 24th

Christmas Eve

Dec 27th

LBW Setting II

Organist/ Pianist

Sara Davis

Amanda Pickett

Sara Davis/ Amanda Pickett

Sara Davis/ Amanda Pickett

Sara Davis

Assisting Minister

David Dawkins

Jim Davis

Kurt Unrue

TBD Rebecca Hartman

Lector 8:00 am

Kurt Unrue

Deb Crawford

Lectors Needed

N/A Sue

Johnson

Lector 10:15 am

Becky Roemer

Vicki Khouli

Lectors Needed

Sue Davis (7:00 pm)

Steve Haag

Acolyte Mason

McKenna Robert

Lohman Kristen Davis

Erin R./ Zoey O.

Need

Communion Assistant 8:00 am

Renee Meunier

Deb Crawford

Charlene Schroeder

N/A Hank

Schroeder

Communion Assistant 10:15 am

Dia Herb

Mike Rumfield

Molly Davis

Ron Roemer

(7:00 pm)

Sue Davis

Altar Guild Need Need Need Need Need

Greeter (s) The

Blacks The

Spohrs The

Roemers The

Roemers Sarah Knoch

Capt. Dave Black Don Spohr Bob Lohman Mark Herb USHERS Thank you!