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As New Year’s Eve approaches, most people find themselves in a time of reflection on all that the previous year has brought: celebrations and sorrows, triumphs and defeats, changes for good and for ill, promises kept and promises broken. That is the way of life. Ups and downs. Ins and outs. Circumstances we can control or at least direct and those we can’t. How we chose to live into and out of the experiences of our lives rests within the way we understand ourselves and the world around us. Here is a question to consider as the new year begins: Do you intend to follow the Light of Christ or fall into darkness of despair?

The season of Epiphany is about light and dark; about searching and finding, about the contrasts of living as people of faith in a faithless time. In this season, Jesus is baptized and named as God’s beloved son; he recruits his disciples from among fishermen, teaches the reversals of God’s kingdom through the Beatitudes and earnestly begins his ministry in Galilee. Time after time, Jesus speaks and acts in ways that are contrary to prevailing practices and politics. His ministry is well received by those on the edges of society but not by the rich and powerful.

That is why that star that the magi followed is so important. It led them to a place they never dreamed of going to honor a king who was, in fact, just a child, born not to royalty but to ordinary people like you and me. The question before us this epiphany season is this: What is the “star” that guides you through the days of your life? What do you trust enough to follow through the desert until you reach a place of peace? Is it the stock market or the WSJ? Today’s trending news on Twitter or Facebook or CSPAN? Or is it the Prince of Peace who invites you to live in ways that promote justice for all people? The road ahead may have potholes and long stretches of des-ert but if you remain focused on the Light of Christ the darkness will be overcome and you will live in the light.

January2017

This month at a glance:

Senior Support DinnerThursday, Jan. 5, 5:00 p.m.

Women of MessiahJan. 14, 1:00 p.m. at Susie Anderson’s home

Church CouncilMeeting Wednesday, Jan. 11, 5:30 p.m.

Transition TeamMeeting Wednesdays, Jan. 4 & 18,5:30 p.m.

League of HopeJan. 19, 6:00 p.m. at Susie Anderson’s

Study GroupTuesdays at 10 a.m. in the library

MusiciansPractice Wednesdays. Bell Choir at 5:45 p.m.; Choir at 7:00 p.m. (except 1/4)

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that.Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Bishop Munib Younan, ELCA Bishop in Jordan and the Holy Land

From Rev. BevEpiphany: A Light Breaks into the darkness

Flower Chart Changes for 2017

A new flower chart for 2017 is posted on the bulletin board in the entry way. Each week there will be one arrangement instead of two. The cost will remain the same at $20.

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A New Year’s Resolution and PrayerBegin each day with this prayer. Based on the baptismal promises made for you at your baptism or by you at your confirmation.

God, help and guide me to Live among God’s faithful people;Hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s supper;Proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed;Serve all people following the example of Jesus; andStrive for justice and peace in all the earth. Amen

Annual Meeting – January 29

The Annual Meeting will be held January 29 following worship. The Annual Report will be accepted, a budget for 2017 adopted and reports from various committees will be presented. A quorum is needed to conduct business. Please plan to attend. Child care will be available and a potluck will follow.

ANNUAL REPORTS ARE DUE TO THE CHURCH OFFICE BY JANUARY 6

The congregation’s stewardship response and pledges received for 2017 demonstrated dedication to the continuing ministry of Messiah. Pledges for 2017 were increased by $30,760 over 2016 pledges and most people who pledged in 2016 increased their pledges for 2017. Not only is this a response to the financial challenges before the congregation, it is a tremendous indication of commitment to the ministry of this congregation. To be sure, the financial problems are far from being solved, but there are now slightly fewer holes in the hull of the ship (see the Pastor’s article from November 2016). Thanks be to God!

2017 Offering EnvelopesAs a measure of good stewardship, we are re-purposing offering envelopes from 2016 for 2017. If you want weekly envelopes for 2017, you must let the office know and they will be prepared for you. If you give monthly or quarterly, let us know and you will be given a set of envelopes. If you give through Simply Giving or your bank’s bill pay, envelopes are not needed. Our goal is to support regular giving without creating unnecessary ex-pense or waste. Help us help you!

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Thanks!For Messiah, Many thanks to the members who baked Christmas cookies and the Sunday School children who decorated them so beautifully. Also thanks to the folks who delivered them. They are much appreciated. God bless you all.Ileen Wagner

Senior SupportOur ministry continues at the Senior Support Center. We are scheduled to provide a meal and serve the seniors in need on January 5 as well as the first Thursday of every month in 2017. If you can supply rigatoni, bread, brownies/cookies, or assist in serving please contact Leah. 303-564-0847 or leah@messiahdenver.org

Sunday SchoolThere is no Sunday School on January 1 but classes resume on January 8 and will meet through the rest of the month. Children aged 3 and over should meet in the Sunday School area at 9:30. Nursery care is available for children 4 and under from 9:15 - 10:45 each Sunday.

Sunday Morning MinistriesEvery Sunday morning there are 32 volunteer opportunities at Messiah that need to be filled in order to make our worship experience complete. Many of our members volunteer for a variety of those opportunities and some members for one or two. All are important and greatly appreciated. There is a real need for a few more volunteers in two specific areas. Would you consider joining the Laity Prayer and/or Altar Guild team? If so, contact Leah at leah@messiahdenver.org

Messiah WomenSusie Anderson

Messiah Women’s January meeting will be Saturday, January 14th at 1:00 (Susie’ house). We will be creating visitor gift bags. If you have an idea of what should be included in the bags, please let us know.

In February, we will be baking and bagging cookies for the “Give a Jam” project. If you are not sick of baking cookies by then, we appreciate donations.

The Lasting Gift of Education

Each year Messiah raises money to give the gift of education to the children in our sister community, Boca de Cantaro, Chacraceca, Nicaragua. The last several years, we have been able to provide enough scholarships so all the children in Boca de Cantaro could attend school. Because of your generosity, many of them have been able to attend secondary school. Two young women are ready and wanting to begin college.

We need your help to keep the progress of education going.

School doesn’t start until February, so there is still time to help. Please address a check to Just Hope. Mail it to Messiah or put it in the offering plate.

Any amount would be greatly appreciated by the children in Boca de Cantero.

Transition TeamThe Transition Team began to meet in November and will meet twice a month as they work through their tasks. Members of the Transition Team are Ryan Adams, Chair, Susie Anderson, Tammy Heid, Denise Larson, Barb Ritchen, Dan Stendahl, Karen Schimke, Council Liasion and Pastor Bev.

The “Study Group” meets Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in the library. Please plan to join us.

Messiah, We want to express our sincere thanks for the many kind expressions of sympathy for the loss of our daughter-in-law, Amber Fischbach. Our son and his family are receiving support from so many generous people and their grief support network in St. Louis. We are very grateful for the thoughts and prayers of all of you at Messiah.Sandy and Craig Fischbach

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Letters from our PartnersSusie AndersonIn mid December, League of Hope women received a most precious gift; letters from our partner women in Chacraceca, Nicaragua. Each month we would like to share a couple of the letters with you. The first one is to Shirley from her partner Magaly.

Hola Shirley Chacraseca, November 14th, 2016

Dear friend, hope you are very well, those are my biggest desires. We are entering summer a time when Christmas is approaching. My 3 kids are happy when it is Christmas, they have been behaving well because they have asked for a gift; Yorlan wants a cellphone, Jovanna a bicycle, Yosleidi a doll, but with the economic situation we have it is difficult for us to purchase those things, since with my husband´s salary we can´t purchase those things for them. I will purchase them a gift, but something we can afford. School is over and they did well, Yorlan will be going to 10th grade, Jovanna is going to 5th grade, Yosleidi the naughtiest one he is 3 years old and will be going to preschool. I have felt somewhat sick, I have had lots of foot pain when I walk, I have done some tests and the results are always kidney infection. Without more to say, I say goodbye cordially and wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year full of health for you and your family. Sincerely, Magaly Reyes

The second is from Lissette to all of our Women of HopeTo Mujeres Unidas Group Chacrasecca, November 14, 2016Denver, Colorado

Hope you are in good health beside your family. Dear friends, I have to let you know I have been a bit sick, but with a lot of desire to work. My husband Ofilio thank God has good health and is working as a security guard. My daughter Fabiola is still studying on the weekends and she helps me out in the small grocery store. Next month on December 3 we have her 15th birthday party, we will celebrate it with sacrifice, Ofilio, Fabiola and I am happy. My son Anyel is growing every day, he is studying. He is 8 years old and is in 2nd grade; thank God his health has been well. Here in Nicaragua the heat has been terrible, although the winter or rainy season has just passed. We start summer with strong sunshine. I say goodbye wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, of course I would have loved to have you here at my daughter´s party. May God always take care of you. Sincerely, Lissette de los Angles Munguía

As we read the letters at our December 15 meeting, two concerns ran through all of them: health and education. Many of the children have progressed to secondary school. Some are ready and wanting to go to college. This would not have been possible were it not for your generous donations to our “Gift of Education” project each year at Christmas.

School in Nicaragua does not start until mid-February so there is still time to donate. (We are short of our projected goal of sponsoring 30 to 35 children.)

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In an effort to keep the congregation appraised of the finan-cial status of the congregation, the most current month’s financial results will be printed in the monthly newsletter. Because this is prepared before the end of the current month, there will be a lag of one month in the report.

Do you wonder where the money comes from to make up the deficit each month? The Year to Date deficit is over $77,000. The reserve funds are used to meet the deficit. At the rate of about $80,000 a year, the deficit is quickly depleting the reserves.The MMRC deficit is made up by the Bock family bequest.

November 2016Church General Fund Income November YTDOfferings $10,409.80$120,215.16KingSoopers $ $1,580.85Rentalandbuildinguse $395.00 $21,233.00Other $350.52 $1,488.10TotalIncome $11,155.32 $144,517.11 TotalExpenses $22,585.86 $222,130.18Net -$11,403.54-$77,613.07

Messiah MountainIncome $10,381.92Expenses $19,395.36Net $-9,013.44

A Special Thank You . . . . for your generous gifts for Beauty and Music at Christmasto Nermin for the Parlor and Sanctuary treesto volunteers who cleaned the sanctuaryto Eric and our choirs for beautiful musicto Leah for guiding the Christmas Pageant to Teresa Stenwell and Carolyn Smith for the nativity scenesto Jim for extra end of year dutiesto all who made Advent a time of preparation to receive the gift of the Christ child.

A Blessing for Your Home at Epiphany20 + C + M + B + 17

There is an ancient custom of blessing your home each year on Epiphany (January 6), or the day before which is twelfth day of Christmas. The tradition relates to the arrival of the wise men and the presentation of their gifts at the home of the Christ Child. Here is a prayer of blessing you may use. O God, you revealed your Son to all people by the shining of a star. We pray that you bless this home and all who live here with your gracious presence. May your love be our inspiration, your wisdom our guide, your truth our light, and your peace our benediction. Amen.

In many parts of the world, this chalk inscription is made above the main entrance to the home:20 + C + M + B + 17. The three letters between the numbers for the year stand for either an ancient Latin blessing (Christe mansionem benedicat) which translates “Christ, bless this house,” or the leg-endary names of the magi (Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar).

Messiah’s Choir (top photo) under the care of Eric French, and the Capitol Brass (bottom photo) provided beautiful

festive music on Christmas Eve.

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Pastor Bev leads the children in a special homily on Christmas Eve.

Our two very professional narrators lead the Children’s Program during the Pageant held Dec. 11.

Scenes from the Children’s PageantDecember 11, 2016

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Messiah Calendar for January

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Church StaffInterim Pastor + Rev. Beverly Piro

Director of Music + Eric FrenchOperations Manager + Jim Krebs

Volunteer Coordinator + Leah PedenWeb site

www.messiahdenver.orgE-mail

info@messiahdenver.orgPhone

303-355-4471fax: 303-355-4472

After hours pastoral emergency 206-300-1947Sunday Worship

and Sunday School9:30 a.m.

Messiah Community ChurchEvangelical Lutheran Church in America

1750 Colorado Blvd.Denver, CO 80220

Contact Information E-MailPastor (Interim) Pr. Beverly Piro revbev@messiahdenver.orgPresident & Property Dick Chuvarsky DickChuvarsky@messiahdenver.orgVice President & Worship & Music Craig Fischbach CraigFischbach@messiahdenver.orgTreasurer & Learning Julie Chickillo JulieChickillo@messiahdenver.orgSecretary & Messiah Mtn. RC Roger Miller rogermiller69@gmail.comGreen Team Karen Schimke telephone onlyCommunity Outreach Carolyn Smith carolyncolorado@gmail.comSocial Action Lora Covrett lcovrett@yahoo.comStewardship James Bonham JamesBonham@messiahdenver.orgHospitality Laurel Karabatsos laurel.karabatsos@state.co.usVolunteer Coordinator Leah Peden Leah@messiahdenver.orgMusic Director Eric French Eric@messiahdenver.orgMessiah Mountain 303-697-8717 RetreatCenter@messiahdenver.org

Happy HourHappy Hour will be held Friday, January 13 at the Elm at 6:00 p.m. (Colfax at Elm St.)

Join an even bigger crowd in January at the Elm!