STURGEON BAY MORAVIAN CHURCH 323 SOUTH 5TH AVENUE, STURGEON BAY, WI 54235 920.743.6218 SBMC@SBMORAVIAN.ORG WWW.SBMORAVIAN.ORG

December, 2014/January, 2015

“WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER”

HOLIDAY GREETINGS FROM THE STAFF

In this season of welcoming the Christ child your church staff wishes to offer you our thanks. We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Our partnership continues to make a difference for Christ as we serve him in this community. The blessings continue to flow and enrich so many lives. On behalf of Reeder, Vickie, Peggy, Jill, Ann and Ross, I want to wish you the very best for this Christmas season. It is a joy for us to serve you. Our prayer is that you will experience the peace, hope, joy, and love of Christ in a truly significant way. Pastor Matt

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR DECEMBER

December 7 Second Sunday in Advent 10:30 am

Communion

Sermon: “The Lord’s Patience”

Scripture: II Peter 3:8-15a

December 14 Third Sunday in Advent 10:30 am

Reception of New Members

Sermon: “The Light Shines”

Scripture: John 1:1-14

December 14 Children’s Lovefeast 4:30 pm

December 21 Fourth Sunday in Advent 10:30 am

Baptism

Sermon: “The Lord’s Servant”

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38; 47-55

January 4 Communion/Watchwords 10:30 am

January 11 Worship 10:30 am

January 18 Worship 10:30 am

Followed by Church Council

January 25 Anniversary Lovefeast 10:30 am

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR JANUARY

December 24 Christmas Eve

Candlelight Service/Special Music 4:00 pm

Candlelight Service/Brass Ensemble 6:00 pm

Candlelight Service/Adult Choir 8:00 pm

December 28 Baptism 10:30 am

Sermon: “The Righteous Know”

Scripture: Luke 2:22-40

We celebrate the following events in our church family -

Wedding—November 1 Alexis Beachler and Jason Fuller Baptism—November 16 Russell Jocelyn Austad, son of Russell and Lacy Austad, born August 29, 2014 in Sturgeon Bay. Russell is the grandson of Dan and Jean Austad and Mark and Debra DeMeuse.

IN THE LIFE OF OUR CHURCH FAMILY

Do you have a favorite hymn? Peggy Royseck wants to give us an opportunity to sing your fa-vorite hymn. If you have one, write it on the pew pad and as we are planning for worship for 2015 she will try to include them in the services as they fit our worship themes.

Page 2 “WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER”

CALENDAR Meetings

CEC Meeting 12/2 & 1/6 6:30 pm

Stewardship Committee 12/4 & 1/8 8:30 am

Budget & Finance 12/8 & 1/12 12:00 pm

Joint Board Meeting 12/15 6:30 pm

Board of Trustees 1/12 6:30 pm

Board of Elders 1/12 7:30 pm

• Wed. Night Youth: Lambs & Rams 4:30-5:30; Discipleship Choir 5:30-5:50; Nazarite Choir 6:15-6:40; Sister’s Chorus 6:40-7:00; Nazarites 7-8:00; Sr. High Bible Study 7-7:30: Sr. High 8-9:00

• Discipleship Class: Wed. 5:30-7:00 pm

• Sunday School: 9:00 am • Loaves & Fishes Meal: 1st, 3rd & 4th Fr iday,

5:30-7:00 pm at NWTC.

• Quilting Group: 2nd Thurs., 9:00 am

**Additional Quilting Day December 4, 9:00 am • Bible Study: Women’s Monday Morning Bible

Study, 8:00 am; Men’s Tues., 7:30 am; Adult Study Sun., 9:10 am **no W ed. am study in December

• Honor Circle: 2nd Tues., 9:00 am—church fel-lowship room. **December 9, 12:00 pm, Potluck at Judy Berg’s

• Faith Circle: 2nd Tues., 1:30 pm at Pine Crest

• Walking Group: 2nd Sat. at 9:00 am

• Blood Pressure Checks: 2nd Sun. 9:45 am

• Coffee Hus: Sun., 9:00 am

∗ Poinsettia Orders — Due by December 1 Order from our website: www.sbmoravian.org, select the dona-tion button and following the instructions under “Purchase” “Poinsettias”.

∗ Moravian Stars Available for Purchase — Lighted 12” Star $17.00 Glass Star Ornaments $10.00

Lighted 22” Star $20.00 Available in blue/sapphire, white/opal and clear/iridescent

AVAILABLE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Take Note

Advent Workshop/Potluck 12/7 11:30 am

Children’s Lovefeast 12/14 4:30 pm

Christmas Caroling 12/17 6:00 pm

Christmas Eve Services 12/24 4, 6 & 8:00 pm

Drawing of Watchwords 1/4 10:30 am

Annual Church Council 1/18 11:30 am

Anniversary Lovefeast 1/25 10:30 am

∗ Ushers for Christmas Eve - We need five ushers for 4:00, four for 6:00 and two for 8:00. Please contact the church office, 743.6218, to sign up.

∗ Christmas Eve Candle Servers - We have a number of openings for all three services (4, 6 and 8). If you are interested in serving please contact the church office, 743.6218, and provide the names of the participant(s) and the worship service you plan on attending.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CHRISTMAS EVE

Holiday Office Schedule

The office will be closed on the following days:

Christmas Holiday: December 24, 25, 26

New Year’s Holiday: December 31, January 1 & 2

Page 3 “WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER”

• A resounding “Thank you!!” to all who helped with the Historical Society Dinner. We received many compliments from the Historical Society on the food, service and general hospitality. We raised roughly $600.00 (after expenses) to contribute to the Legacy Fund. • Many thanks to all the contributors to the Legacy Fund, both in money and in time! The Historical Society

dinner, Time and Talent Auction, Chili Cook-off and Quilt Raffle were a huge success. We are almost half way to our two year goal of raising $75,000 for the Legacy Fund. The existing debt is paid off so we are starting to build the cash reserve for the future! Stay tuned: in January we will kick off the campaign to reach our final goal.

∗ Advent Potluck/Workshop—December 7, Following Worship—Bring a dish to pass and stay to learn how to make folded paper stars, help trim candles, or make up the luminarias.

∗ Children’s Lovefeast—December 14, 4:30 pm—Join us for this special service conducted by our youth.

∗ Christmas Caroling Party—December 17, 6:00 pm—You won’t want to miss this opportunity to get out and bring some Christmas cheer to some of our senior and shut in members. We will gather in the church din-ing room at 6:00 pm. From there we will go out and sing and then return back for some hot chocolate and fel-lowship. This event is for people of all ages.

∗ Christmas Super Sunday—December 21—9:00 am—We will be having our second intergenerational Super Sunday during our Sunday school hour. We will be singing Christmas carols and learning how to make our various Moravian Christmas crafts like stars and candles! This is for all ages so please join us.

∗ Unity Prayer Watch—December 25—Shortly after the August 13, 1727 communion, the Moravians estab-lished an “Hourly Intercession,” believing that continual prayer was an absolute essential for the Church to grow and thrive under the leading of God’s Spirit. That daily “Prayer Watch” continued unbroken for one hundred years, with Moravians in prayer every day, 365 days of the year for one hundred years. It was during that time that the Moravian Church exhibited its greatest growth and vitality. During the 1957 celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Moravian Church, the Prayer Watch was re-established; inviting congregations around the world to each take responsibility for a day of prayer. Our assigned day of prayer is December 25. If you are interested in signing up for a half hour of prayer during this 24-hour period, please contact Lisa Smith at 920.256.0579.

∗ Sunday School During the Holiday—A reminder that there will be no Sunday School on December 28. Sun-day School will resume on January 4.

∗ Church Council—January 18—Following Worship—Please plan on attending our annual church council which will be held in the sanctuary. Church Council is our “Annual Meeting” where we elect officers for the coming year, approve the church budget and attend to the other important business for our congregation. It is important for all members to participate in this important gathering as an opportunity to be informed about our ministry, participate in choosing leadership, and make your voice heard about that which is important to you. The agenda for the meeting and the proposed budget for 2015 will be available in the Church Narthex through-out the month of January.

∗ Church Potluck—February 8—Following Worship—We are having an old fashion church potluck. The agenda is simple: just get together for fellowship and good food. Bring a savory or sweet dish to share. Bev-erages, plates and utensils will be provided. This is a chance to get to know your church family better!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

THANK YOU NOTES

Page 4 “WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER”

As we come to the end of 2014 we can count the many blessings that have come our way. It has been a year of many changes in the life of our congregation. With change comes uncertainty, but as we come to the end of the year we can point to new life and opportunity in our mission and fellowship. Our Board of Elders have been praying for and discussing a focus for our ministry in 2015. That is still taking shape, but we sense a desire, within our congregation, for a deeper relationship with Christ and action on our parts to live our faith effectively. Some of the exciting things being discussed are: ♦ A need to strengthen the community support for Loaves and Fishes. After ten years of flying under the radar

this ministry needs to become more public. We are facing a greater need to feed the hungry and will need more financial support to make this happen. What can you do to help make this happen?

♦ Even with the many changes in our music ministry this past year there is a desire to expand. We are still looking for a choir director for the adult choir. There are also those yearning to restart our bell choir. Do you want to be a bell ringer?

♦ There is a desire for more fellowship opportunities so folks can get to know the new people joining our church. Look for a fellowship potluck coming in February and more activities to follow.

♦ We need to strengthen participation on our Christian Education and Stewardship committees as these groups play a vital role in so much of the ministry of our church. Would you be willing to serve?

God is faithful in His love and care for the Sturgeon Bay Moravian Church and we look forward to the new work He is doing through us!

WHAT’S AHEAD IN 2015

Women’s Monday Morning — A group of women meet each Monday morning at 8:00 am with Pastor Reed-er for “beginners” Bible study. They began in November with the book of Genesis and plan to work thru the entire Bible. This study lasts for one half hour and although it is aimed at beginners to Bible study it is not “Bible Study for Dummies”; it will address some of the key issues in the Bible. It is in a lecture format so no prior knowledge is needed or any participation required other than listening and learning. Questions are welcome, of course. There is always coffee and donuts available. Each class stands alone so it is not too late to join this group!

Men’s Tuesday Morning — The men’s Bible study is also beginning a new study. They are looking at the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in a comparative and topical format in order to gain insight into what the Gospels have to say about Jesus, about God, and about human behavior. This group meets from 7:30—8:00 am They also meet with Pastor Reeder and the format is mostly lecture with some time for discussion. Donuts and cof-fee are available.

BIBLE STUDY GROUPS

As your mailbox fills up with folks asking you to give to their organization please keep in mind your church needs your generosity as well. As we come to the end of the year we are facing a significant operational deficit. As al-ways we depend on one another to financially support our mission. Our goals is to receive $20,000, above our nor-mal giving, by the end of the year. Please consider what you can do to help us meet this challenge.

WE ARE COUNTING ON YOU—FINANCIAL UPDATE

Page 5 “WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER”

Nazarites & Senior High Youth R.A.M.s December 3 Snow Football (hopefully) Sardines

December 10 Lovefeast Rehearsal Movie Night

December 17 6:00 pm Christmas Caroling Party Christmas Caroling Party

December 24 & 31 No Youth Group No Youth Group

January 7 Spring Planning Spring Planning

YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Please remember it is not too late to make your pledge for 2015. Your wr itten commitment to financially support the church is critical to accomplish our ministry and mission. So far we are behind last year in both the number of folks pledging and the amount of money committed to the budget. If you have never made a pledge before we urge you to do so as it is a huge benefit to our Board in their planning for the year. If you have any questions about how to pledge or become an electronic giver please contact the church office.

REPORT FROM CONSECRATION SUNDAY

Work continues on various projects around our building. The most obvious is the work in the Narthex. The roof and flashing above the stairs has been repaired and some of the plaster removed from the wall around the front door. We will have to put up with this for several months as we let the area dry and then see if we have any leaks this spring when the snow melts. Sorry for the inconvenience.

BUILDING & GROUNDS

Our building needs a general, detailed cleaning. Our cleaning crew does a great job, but occasionally we need to get together and put things away, polish up the furniture, clean the hard to reach places, etc. We have scheduled a church wide clean-up day for Saturday, January 17th, 2015. We hope to get a large crowd so that we can assign small groups to each room or area around the building and get things ship-shape again. We will start at 8:00 am, have lunch to-gether and continue until we are satisfied the work is done! You will be hearing more about this in December and early January. Mark the date on your calendars. Come out and help!

WINTER CLEAN UP DAY—January 17—8:00 am

New York City is world renown for the bright lights of Times Square, Broadway shows, towering skyscrapers, Cen-tral Park, a multitude of diverse people, the Wall Street Bull, and so on. Among the iconic landmarks that character-ize this dazzling city is the Statue of Liberty that greets locals and travelers alike on a daily basis. At the base of this monument are inscribed these words by Emma Lazarus.

Give me you tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses, yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,

Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

MISSION —NEW YORK, NEW YORK

Page 6 “WE ARE THE CHURCH TOGETHER”

The 15 young people and 10 adults who travelled to serve in New York, in November, had a view of Lady Liberty each day as they made their way to soup kitchens, clothing distribution sites, food pantries and transitional living facilities for the homeless, a stark contrast to the “more” of the city. This grand statue endures as a lasting legacy of the way in which people were provided entry and shelter into what they hoped would be a better life. The agencies on Staten Island, in Brooklyn, and Manhattan pro-vide support and care for “the least of these,” the masses who live in the shadow of the energy and pulse of NYC. Their outreach serves the tired, the working poor, the destitute, the homeless, the mentally ill, the aged and the young who seek to have their most basic needs met in a city that boasts such abun-dance. The team of 25 from Sturgeon Bay, Deforest and Wisconsin Rapids entered this multi-faceted world and were afforded just a glimpse of the tremendous needs that exist and those volunteers and workers who have committed to making lives better through their consistent efforts. This is how God works in the world, through the dedication and compassion of others. We step in for what seems to be a moment and always learn and receive more than we could ever provide. We are grateful for these op-portunitites to join God and others in this world. Thank you to the Sturgeon Bay congregation for sup-porting this ongoing outreach.

Another way in which we partner and serve the needs of others is through our relationship with the people of several western Jamaican congregations. Every two years we work alongside Pastor Phyl-lis Smit-Seymour, church members and community members to address some of the unmet needs of this area of the island. We will return to do so again from June 20-27, 2015. Those who have completed their junior year of high school and older are eligible to join this team. Adult team members who join the team are invited to serve as small group leaders. An informational meeting is planned for Wednes-day, January 7 at 8:00 pm in the fellowship room. Please come to hear how you might be par t of this ministry partnership! If you have any questions prior to the meeting please contact Jill Kolodziej at 920.256.9472.

MISSIONS —JAMAICA 2015

Our Savior’s Moravian Church in Altura, Minnesota will host this year’s Mid-Winter retreat. Join high school youth and adults for a weekend of reconnecting with friends, learning about our shared faith and enjoying time together. The dates are Friday, January 30, 2015 through Sunday, February 1, 2015. Watch for information on the Camp Chetek Facebook page that will include registration, participation fee and other necessary details. If there is a suffi-cient number of people who wish to attend we may use the church van. Let’s fill it up!

HALFWAY TO CHETEK!