At this time of the year, Lutheran Church of the Foothills remembers pastors and staff with a monetary gift. All donations are divided among the rostered and non-rostered staff.
If you would like to contribute to this Christmas gift, please place your donation in the envelope found in this month’s Footnotes, marked “Donation - Christmas Gift $ for Pastors and Staff”. Please make checks out to Lutheran Church of the Foothills “Staff Gift” and place in the envelope and deposit in the Sunday collection basket by Sunday, December 20.
Please accept my thanks for your consideration of this annual request. Don Hagen, Congregation President
‘SPIRIT IN THE DESERT’ IN NEED . . .
Many of us have been at events at our Synod’s fine retreat center in Carefree, Arizona – Spirit in the Desert. This was the location for our women’s retreat in the fall of 2007. Because of the poor economy many churches are foregoing retreats and meetings, creating a serious budget shortfall for the Center. Supporters have raised matching funds and any contributions made this year will be doubled. You may send your gift to Spirit in the Desert, 7415 E. Elbow Bend, P.O. Box 3254, Carefree, AZ 85377. Thank you.
CONFIRMATION STUDENTS HELP FEED THOUSANDS . . .
While this headline may sound like an exaggeration, it is true! On Saturday, November 21, with the able transportation help of Barbara Warrilow, Pastor John and our three confirmation students participated in “Feed My Starving Children”. This very simple effort packages nutritional meals for hungry children and adults in more than 60 countries. The four ingredients are placed through a funnel (see picture) into a bag, the bag is weighed, sealed, packed and ready to be shipped. On our morning shift that day almost 12,000 meals were packed! The event was held at four ELCA congregations in the Phoenix area. Thanks to Jamie, Lex and Lucas for their participationGUILD NOTES . . .
The next Guild meeting is January 5, 2010 at 9:30 and we will continue the study of “To God’s Beloved: Paul’s Letter to the Romans.” As you read Romans 8 for this session, keep an eye open for Paul’s most important themes–law, spirit, slavery, reckoning and weakness.
Rosemarie Schulz, Guild President
NORDIC CHOIR IN TUCSON! . . .
Luther College Nordic Choir, one of the top college choirs in the nation, will present a concert at 7:30 pm on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at Catalina Foothills High School Auditorium, 4300 Sunrise, Tucson. Conducted by Dr. Craig Arnold, the choir will perform sacred choral works, including selections from Fritschel, Gjeilo, Schumann, Paulus, Christiansen, Vaughan Williams and Courtney. $15 adults, $10 students. For tickets, visit www.luthertickets.com or call 1-800-4LUTHER.
FRIDAY WITH FRIENDS . . .
The November/December gathering will be held at the home of Georgia and Tony Ingraham, 6201 N. Craycroft on Friday, December 11 at 6:30 p.m. Directions and sign up are on the activities table. Please indicate what food you plan to bring keeping in mind this will serve as a supper meal. Ice and soda will be provided, plan to bring your beverage of choice. Singles and couples, all are welcome. Celebrate the coming of Christmas with your LCOF family.
THANK YOU . . .
to all congregation members who completed and returned Pastor John’s evaluation. A special thanks for the many comments and suggestions. There were 73 forms returned, a very respectable number. Many of the forms included comments and suggestions. The result of the evaluations including comments and suggestions have been included in a compilation which has been reviewed by the Executive Committee and shared and discussed with Pastor John. It provides helpful feedback and direction for our future together. Again, thanks for your participation in this very important process. Don Hagen, Cong. President
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS . . . The Board of Congregational Life is in the process of upgrading and expanding the LCOF web site. Congregational member Todd Helmick is providing technical support and Monica Cote’ will serve as editor for the project. |
From: Pastor Bonnie
Happy New Year! This is the beginning of Advent which is the start of the new church year. Advent is the time to prepare and watch for the coming of baby Jesus at Christmas. This is the time of year when excitement is everywhere, especially with kids, for what Christmas may bring… presents, visitors, out of town guests, large family meals, the change of seasons… When something big is coming in our lives, like a trip or a special event, the anticipation can be greater and more exciting than the actual event. Sometimes the anticipation and preparation are so big that the actual event is a disappointment. We are told in Isaiah….”to prepare a way for the Lord.” There is much preparation and anticipation that goes into our planning for Christmas, in our homes and in our lives. Do we include planning for the coming of Jesus? Do we get so excited that we cannot wait another minute for Jesus to come? Do we get to the point where we are “jumping out of our skin” waiting for Christmas morning when we, again, will meet Jesus for the first time? The greatest gift ever given to the world is coming. Don’t contain yourself. Let your excitement show!
MISSIONAL CHURCH CONFERENCE
to be held Saturday, January 9 at Spirit in the Desert in Carefree. Every congregation will see itself as a mission outpost. We can learn and dream together about the missional church God is calling them to be. The conference will feature inspiring presentations and practical workshops that you can take home and put to use. Contact Pastor Bonnie if you are interested in attending.
During this busy holiday season, start thinking about a women’s ministry at LCOF. What you would like to see for women – Fellowship Groups? Bible Studies? Book Club? Retreats? Shopping Excursions? Support Groups? Everything is a possibility. After the new year we will meet and talk about these ideas. Questions or suggestions, see Pastor Bonnie.
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