Last Week

Sunday Attendance............................................40 + 82 = 122

Growth Hour Attendance.....................................................73

Thanksgiving Eve Attendance……………………………....57

Midweek Advent Vespers Attendance………………………59

Today – December 8

Time of Grace, Channel 9...........................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM...........................................10:30 am

Organist............................................................Clark Thaldorf

Ushers..................................................D Wittig / J Rutherford

Acolytes....................................Chad Odahlen / Suzy Metcalf

AV1................................................................................David

AV2………………………………………..................Phil / Bea

VE / RE................................................................Mark / Mark

This Week.

Our service televised on RFC-TV Channel 16:

Wednesday Broadcast..................................................4:00 pm

Thursday Broadcast......................................................7:00 am

Board Meetings……………………………….Tuesday 6:30 pm

Council Meeting………………………………Tuesday 7:30 pm

Simple Supper (Sarah)...…………….....…Wednesday 6:00 pm

Advent Vespers……………………..….….Wednesday 7:00 pm

Organist…………………………………………Angie Schmenk

AV………………………………………………..Peter / Kristina

VE………………………………………………………….Jason

Women’s Bible Study and Fellowship………Saturday 9:00 am

Altar………………………………………..…...Creen / Goelzer

Clean................................................Stern, Sternisha, Thaldorf

Next Sunday – December 15

Time of Grace, Channel 9............................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM............................................10:30 am

Organist....................................................................Ruth Stern

Ushers..................................................R Collins / L Sarnstrom

Acolytes...............................................None / Tommy Metcalf

AV1....................................................................................Wes

AV2………………………………..…………..…Steve / Tommy

VE / RE..................................................................Jim / Patrick

Youth Catechism………………………………………..6:30 pm

Announcements

• The young people of our church will have the opportunity to provide the pre-service music on Sunday, December 22nd prior to the children’s Christmas program. Please let Ruth Stern know if you would like to participate.

• There will be a Sunday School program practice on Saturday, Dec 21 from  9:30-11 am.  Children in Kindergarten to grade 8, plus any high school  readers, are encouraged to attend.  The only other practice is Sunday, Dec  22 at 9:15 am for everyone (including preschool), so please try to have  your child at both of the practice times.  Memory work for the service has  gone home and we thank you for working on it at home with your child.  Please contact Steve Angus if you need a copy of the words or music.  Each Sunday School family is also asked to bring one dozen cookies to  church by Dec 21st for fellowship after the service on Dec 22nd.  Set up  for the fellowship will take place during the Saturday program practice.  If you are able to help set up on the 21st or serve on the 22nd, please  contact Rachel Collins.  Thank you!

• Looking for a fun and hilarious gift idea?  Members, family, and friends of Faith are invited to the Plymouth Playhouse for "The Church Basement Ladies in the Last (Potluck) Supper".  Our group will be attending the January 17, 2014 showing at 7:30 pm.  If you are interested in attending, please sign up on the sheet next to Pastor's office.  Tickets are $29 and payment can be given to Rachel Collins or Michelle Creen.  The sign up deadline is December 25th!

• Warm your ears with the musical intonations of St. Croix Lutheran High School bands and ensembles as they perform songs of the season at the annual Instrumental Christmas Recital on Thursday, December 12, 2013, 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

• Join the St. Croix Lutheran Middle School for "The Cross in the Christmas Tree,a choral and instrumental Christmas concert. Tuesday, December 17, 6:30 p.m.  Admission is free and open to the public.

• Experience "A Savior Long Foretold," at one of  St. Croix's oldest and finest musical traditions.  The High School Christmas Concert is on Friday, December 20, 2013, 7:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. Come early, seats fill fast!    
  

Welcome to all worshipers of Jesus! John, the forerunner of Christ, fixes our attention on the need for true preparation for the Lord's coming. Such preparation consists in repentance and reconciliation with God and all people through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Order of Service

Service of the Word, page 38 in front of the hymnal

Opening Hymn

There's a Voice in the Wilderness Crying, #13

Prayer of the Day

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to prepare the way for your only Son.  By his coming give us strength in our conflicts and shed light on our path through the darkness of this world; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen (sung)

First Lesson

Isaiah 11:1-10

Isaiah offers a description of the One who comes. Endowed with the fullness of the Spirit, he brings such peace that even natural enemies rest securely with one another. The Messiah's rule is one of perfect righteousness, and the poor (God's people) find perfect deliverance in him.

Psalm of the Day

Psalm 130, page 114 in front of the hymnal

Second Lesson

Romans 15:4-13

The apostle exhorts the Romans to live the peace described by Isaiah in the First Lesson by showing loving forbearance and acceptance of one another. This is accomplished as believers place their trust in the God of all hope and so are filled with joy and peace in Christ.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist proclaims the great message of Advent: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near...Prepare the way for the Lord!” Those who have been baptized by the One greater than John receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. They shall stand in the Judgment and enter into the kingdom of heaven by grace.

Hymn of the Day

On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry, #16

Sermon

Matthew 3:1-12

—Look at the Coming Christ and Don't Just Say You're Sorry

Hymn

Comfort, Comfort, All My People, #11

Closing Hymn

Prepare the Royal Highway, #702

Last Week

Sunday Attendance............................................40 + 82 = 122

Growth Hour Attendance.....................................................73

Thanksgiving Eve Attendance.............................................57

Today – December 1

Time of Grace, Channel 9...........................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM...........................................10:30 am

Organist..........................................................Angie Schmenk

Ushers............................................................Sternisha / Riess

Acolytes...............................................................None / None

AV1................................................................................David

AV2………………………………………..........Peter / Kristina

VE / RE.................................................................Jason / Kurt

This Week.

Our service televised on RFC-TV Channel 16:

Wednesday Broadcast..................................................4:00 pm

Thursday Broadcast......................................................7:00 am

Women of Faith…………………………………………7:00 pm

Simple Supper (Council)…………….....…Wednesday 6:00 pm

Advent Vespers……………………..….….Wednesday 7:00 pm

Organist……………………………………………....Ruth Stern

AV…………………………………………………….……Jason

VE…………………………………………………………....Jim

Birthday Breakfast for Jesus…………...……Saturday 9:30 am

Clean.........................................Schmenk, Steffenhagen, Stehr

Next Sunday – December 8

Time of Grace, Channel 9............................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM............................................10:30 am

Organist.............................................................Clark Thaldorf

Ushers...................................................D Wittig / J Rutherford

Acolytes................................................................None / None

AV1.................................................................................David

AV2………………………………..………………...…Phil / Bea

VE / RE..................................................................Mark / Mark

Youth Catechism………………………………………..6:30 pm

Announcements

• Church members that are planning to attend the Birthday Party for Jesus on Saturday, December 7th are asked to sign up on the registration form in Pastor’s office or to talk with Ingrid Cook, Darla Mandel or Molly Stehr to pre-register.  Please feel free to invite others to our event which is aimed at teaching young children (preschoolers through third graders) the true meaning of CHRISTmas.  Decorating for the party will take place on Thursday evening, December 5th starting at 6:30 P.M. There are also many opportunities to help provide food, set-up, serving, or clean-up assistance.  Please see the sign-up form posted next to Pastor’s office for a listing of these items.

• The young people of our church will have the opportunity to provide the pre-service music on Sunday, December 22nd prior to the children’s Christmas program. Please let Ruth Stern know if you would like to participate.             
  

Opening Hymn

Hymn 610, Now Thank We All Our God

Order of Service

Evening Meditation (page 68 of the blue supplement)

Psalm

Psalm 100 (page 104 of the red hymnal)

Reading

Sermon based on Philippians 4:10-12

I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

In Place of Canticle

Hymn 612, Praise to God, Immortal Praise

Closing Hymn

Hymn 321, Savior, Again to Thy Dear Name

Last Week

Sunday Attendance............................................40 + 82 = 122

Growth Hour Attendance.....................................................73

Today – December 1

Time of Grace, Channel 9...........................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM...........................................10:30 am

Organist..........................................................Angie Schmenk

Ushers............................................................Sternisha / Riess

Acolytes...............................................................None / None

AV1................................................................................David

AV2………………………………………..........Peter / Kristina

VE / RE.................................................................Jason / Kurt

This Week.

Our service televised on RFC-TV Channel 16:

Wednesday Broadcast..................................................4:00 pm

Thursday Broadcast......................................................7:00 am

Women of Faith…………………………………………7:00 pm

Simple Supper (Council)…………….....…Wednesday 6:00 pm

Advent Vespers……………………..….….Wednesday 7:00 pm

Organist……………………………………………....Ruth Stern

AV…………………………………………………….……Jason

VE…………………………………………………………....Jim

Birthday Breakfast for Jesus…………...……Saturday 9:30 am

Clean.........................................Schmenk, Steffenhagen, Stehr

Next Sunday – December 8

Time of Grace, Channel 9............................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM............................................10:30 am

Organist.............................................................Clark Thaldorf

Ushers...................................................D Wittig / J Rutherford

Acolytes................................................................None / None

AV1.................................................................................David

AV2………………………………..………………...…Phil / Bea

VE / RE..................................................................Mark / Mark

Youth Catechism………………………………………..6:30 pm

Announcements

• Church members that are planning to attend the Birthday Party for Jesus on Saturday, December 7th are asked to sign up on the registration form in Pastor’s office or to talk with Ingrid Cook, Darla Mandel or Molly Stehr to pre-register.  Please feel free to invite others to our event which is aimed at teaching young children (preschoolers through third graders) the true meaning of CHRISTmas.  Decorating for the party will take place on Thursday evening, December 5th starting at 6:30 P.M. There are also many opportunities to help provide food, set-up, serving, or clean-up assistance.  Please see the sign-up form posted next to Pastor’s office for a listing of these items.

• The young people of our church will have the opportunity to provide the pre-service music on Sunday, December 22nd prior to the children’s Christmas program. Please let Ruth Stern know if you would like to participate.              
  

Welcome to all worshipers of Jesus! With Advent the Church enters a new year of grace. The first Sunday of Advent emphasizes readiness for the coming of Christ and the end of time. Such readiness consists of hope-filled watchfulness, repentance and renewal.

Order of Service

The Common Service, page 15 in front of the hymnal

Opening Hymn

Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding, #15

Prayer of the Day

Stir up your power, O Lord, and come.  Protect us by your strength and save us from the threatening dangers of our sins; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen (sung)

First Lesson

Isaiah 2:1-5

With prophetic foresight Isaiah describes the peace the Lord will send through the Messiah. This peace will extend to all nations through the gospel and will find its ultimate consummation at the return of Christ.

Psalm of the Day

Psalm 18, page 69 in front of the hymnal

Second Lesson

Romans 13:11-14

The return of Christ at the end of time calls believers to practice patient vigilance as they live out their faith in the "daylight" of sanctification.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 24:37-44

The return of the Lord Jesus calls for readiness at all times. Believers should note the ordinariness of the times before his return and not be lulled into complacency, for "as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man." The Lord will come suddenly and unexpectedly!

Hymn of the Day

Savior of the Nations, Come, #2

Sermon

Romans 13:11-14—Leave No Wiggle Room

Hymn

Soul, Adorn Yourself with Gladness, #311 v.5-8

Closing Hymn

Fight the Good Fight, #457

December 2013 Newsletter

PRESIDENT'S NOTES

December presents us with the opportunity to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world. How will you honor Him? There will be many worship services at Faith throughout the month. Check out the calender in this newsletter, notes in the bulletins and on our website for details and updates. Do not let the hustle of this time of the year to overcome the joy  that should. With these varied activities will be many chances for you to be involved, please do. There is a warm feeling to being involved in your church and with your church family. If you are unsure how you can help, ask Pastor, or myself, we can direct you to use your talents for the glory of God.

Thank you to those who purchased wreaths from the Pioneers, the funds will help fund their activities as you decorate your homes. Thank you to Lee Sarnstrom for leading the Pioneer groups at Faith. Please continue to save your aluminum cans for their collections.

Again, thank you to the newly elected Council members, and thank you to those men leaving. As a reminder to all new and current men on Council and Boards that all will be installed at either Sunday service on January 5th. Please make every effort to attend this important service.

Please keep the Council and Board members in your prayers as we strive to serve our Lord and Savior.

May you have a blessed Advent and Christmas season.

Yours in Christ,

David Wittig

Wanted: Your pictures from events at Faith Lutheran Church! Please send copies of your photos to Pastor Welch so that they can be included in the newsletter and others can share in your joy.

BULLETIN BOARD

• A message from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary President, Paul Wendland:

Dear Christian Friend,

1863 streams of immigrants were settling in the fields and forests of the upper Midwest. They were like sheep without a shepherd. Despite the fact that the infant Wisconsin Synod didn't have the money for it, our forebears voted to start a theological seminary. So in a rented house in Watertown, Wis., with one professor and one student, the seminary was founded.

In 2013 our congregations still need pastors. The lost are all around us, and streams of immigrants continue to settle in the United States. They, too, are like sheep without a shepherd. The need today to prepare men to share the gospel is just as great.

The October WELS Connection shared how for the past 150 years, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, now in Mequon, Wis., has prepared pastors to serve the found and reach the lost. (Watch an extended version of the video prepared for our anniversary celebration here.)

To commemorate this anniversary, we established a thank offering, a way to say thank you to Jesus for your pastor. I invite you, as God has blessed you, to help us give students more experience in mission settings, to offset their tuition costs, and to help us maintain our beautiful campus.

God bless you as together we rejoice in our heritage and hope,

Paul O. Wendland

President, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary

If you'd like to donate, visit

https://community.wels.net/pages/z-general-donation-form—-2013.10me

• Ladies, please join us for the 14th Pathways to Christ Retreat on March 14-16. The 2014 theme is "How God Balances the Truths of the Bible". We are pleased to have as our keynote speaker, Prof. Daniel Deutschlander, who will be sharing insight on his book "The Narrow Lutheran Middle" on Saturday. On Friday night we will be     having an interactive Bible Study on "Rebuilding Relationships". Additional information along with registration forms can be downloaded from our website: http://pathways.martinlutheroshkosh.com. If you don't have internet access, your church office can provide you with a brochure.

• Concordia Publishing House (CPH) has released a mobile site that is a tablet/phone friendly version of Luther's Catechism. Check it out: http://sites.cph.org/catechism/.

DEVOTION

Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: "In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared about men. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, 'Grant me justice against my adversary.' "For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, 'Even though I don't fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won't eventually wear me out with her coming!' "And the Lord said, "Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

Luke 18:1-8

Whether it’s a child who feels like his parents are not treating him and his sibling equally or whether it’s a group of people feeling like a judge let a criminal go free, we cry for fairness. We desire justice to be served and when it isn’t, at least in our opinion, we cry, “Unfair!”

The question is, “What do you do when you feel like life is unfair or you have been treated unfairly?” If the judgment comes from a court, you can appeal the decision through the court system all the way to the Supreme Court. If the judgment comes from Mom or Dad, you may be out of appeals!

Jesus tells a story to help us realize that the only one who can and will carry out complete and perfect justice, is the Lord himself. Sure, earthly judges do their best, but even there, one may question their decision. But with the Lord, he ultimately will grant a perfect and righteous judgment.

You can read again the full account of an unjust judge who finally gives in to a persistent request in Luke 18:1-8, but let’s focus on the conclusion. Jesus said, “And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly” (Luke 18:7-8).

Have you been wronged? Perhaps it’s a bully at school, a grade you didn’t feel you deserved, abuse you are undergoing, a raise that didn’t come your way, or perhaps a legal battle that you are forced to fight. Life, to some degree, is unfair.

That’s why we need the Lord. Our parents may get it wrong. Our system of judges may have no interest in the facts. A boss may choose to act unfairly. That is life in an imperfect world.

The reality? God will “see that they get justice.” In the end, people will have to answer to the Lord for their actions. God in his wisdom will sort out truth from error and justice from injustice. And for God’s child, be assured God will bring justice.

A good reminder is that the biggest “unfairness” is that your sin and mine were put on Jesus. He didn’t cry, “Unfair” and walk away, but willingly satisfied the justice of God that had to be vetted on sin. The result? He gives us the verdict of “Not guilty!” That’s unfair!

Prayer:

Lord, help me to have peace in my heart today as I deal with the unfairness that comes my way. Help me to always remember that you treated Jesus unfairly by putting my sin on him. I trust you to work all things for my good and if justice is to be served, I trust that you “will see that they get justice, and quickly.” Amen.

Today's Devotion is brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com

Last Week

Sunday Attendance............................................56 + 82 = 138

Growth Hour Attendance.....................................................76

Today – November 24

Time of Grace, Channel 9...........................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM...........................................10:30 am

Organist...................................................................Ruth Stern

Ushers.....................................M & D Rust / F & D Borchardt

Acolytes...............................................None / Sophia Faustini

AV1..................................................................................Kurt

AV2………………………………………..........David / Patrick

VE / RE.................................................................Jim / Patrick

This Week.

Our service televised on RFC-TV Channel 16:

Wednesday Broadcast..................................................4:00 pm

Thursday Broadcast......................................................7:00 am

Morning Bible Study……...…………....…Wednesday 9:30 am

Thanksgiving Eve Service………….....….Wednesday 7:00 pm

AV……………………………………………………………Wes

VE…………………………………………………………..Mark

Altar……………………………..……………….Wittig / Collins

Clean..........................................Rutherford, Sarnstrom, Sattler

Next Sunday – December 24

Time of Grace, Channel 9............................................6:30 am

Radio, WEVR 106.3 FM............................................10:30 am

Organist...........................................................Angie Schmenk

Ushers.............................................................Sternisha / Riess

Acolytes................................................................None / None

AV1.................................................................................David

AV2………………………………..…………..…Peter / Kristina

VE / RE..................................................................Jason / Kurt

Announcements

• Watch for more information and a sign up sheet for the River Dazzle parade on Friday, November 29th.  The church is planning to have a float in the parade and pass out candy and Birthday Party for Jesus information.  After walking the parade route (which is fairly short), we will gather at church for refreshments and games!  Plan to join us for fun and fellowship!

• Church members that are planning to attend the Birthday Party for Jesus on Saturday, December 7th are asked to sign up on the registration form in Pastor’s office or to talk with Ingrid Cook, Darla Mandel or Molly Stehr to pre-register.  Please feel free to invite others to our event which is aimed at teaching young children (preschoolers through third graders) the true meaning of CHRISTmas.  Decorating for the party will take place on Thursday evening, December 5th starting at 6:30 P.M.   There are also many opportunities to help provide food, set-up, serving, or clean-up assistance.  Please see the sign-up form posted next to Pastor’s office for a listing of these items.

• The Women of Faith, along with some church members, have begun a project to replace the Nativity that is displayed in the banquet hall.  Over the years, the old Nativity has been "well used" and it's time to retire that set.  A new Holy Family (Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus) Nativity has already been donated and the WOF will be purchasing an angel piece to accompany that set.  These are very high quality pieces (from the Fontanini 18" Nativity collection) and we hope to gradually add pieces to increase the Nativity collection.  If your family is interested in donating a piece to the Nativity or donating funds to help purchase additional pieces, feel free to speak with Rachel Collins.  The Women of Faith have set up a fund to hold all donations until new pieces can be purchased.  It should be exciting to watch our Nativity grow over time!

Welcome to all worshipers of Jesus! The last Sunday of the church year emphasizes the Christian's final status. In Christ we have an eternal King who will protect us into eternity. We look forward to his return, for that day will usher in our time in the kingdom of paradise.

Order of Service

Divine Service 1, page 15 in front of the blue supplement

Opening Hymn

Crown Him with Many Crowns, #341

Prayer of the Day

Lord Jesus Christ, by your victory you have broken the power of the evil one.  Fill our hearts with joy and peace as we look with hope to that day when every creature in heaven and earth will acclaim you King of kings and Lord of lords to your unending praise and glory; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

First Lesson

Jeremiah 23:2-6

The prophet foretold the righteous Branch of David, our King, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is only by his righteousness, transferred to us at Calvary's cross, that we enter the kingdom of heaven.

Psalm of the Day

Psalm 98, page 53 in front of the blue supplement

Second Lesson

Colossians 1:13-20

Our King is supreme. His excellence is shown in the way he reconciled all things to the Father through the shedding of his blood.

Gospel Lesson

Luke 23:35-43

Our King's most regal work was going to the cross so that we could reign with him forever.

Hymn of the Day

Not unto Us, #392

Sermon

Luke 23:35-43—So, You Want to Be King?

Hymn

There Is a Higher Throne, #727

Closing Hymn

Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us, #753

WALKING TOGETHER SUNDAY

CALL TO WORSHIP

Psalm 150, page 62 of Christian Worship: Supplement, led by our Sunday School

WE WALK TOGETHER ON THE SAME FOUNDATION

Matthew 16:13-16

Hymn 389, Rock of Ages

WE WALK TOGETHER WITH THE SAME NEED FOR A SAVIOR

1 John 1:8-9

Hymn 397, Just As I Am, without One Plea

WE WALK TOGETHER WITH THE SAME CREED

Romans 10:10

Hymn 382, My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less

WE WALK TOGETHER WITH THE SAME PRAISE

Luke 10:21

Hymn 399, To God Be the Glory

WE WALK TOGETHER IN THE SAME MEANS OF GRACE

1 Peter 2:9-10

Hymn 538, The Church's One Foundation

WE WALK TOGETHER AS WE PARTAKE OF THE ONE LOAF

1 Corinthians 10:17

Hymn 406 (sung during the distribution), This Is the Threefold Truth

WE WALK TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE KINGDOM

2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Hymn 485, We Give Thee But Thine Own

WE WALK TOGETHER WITH THE SAINTS TRIUMPHANT WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE US

Hebrews 12:1-2

Hymn 550, Behold a Host Arrayed in White

WE WALK TOGETHER INTO THE WORLD

Romans 10:12-15

Hymn 562, I Love to Tell the Story

WE WALK FORTH TOGETHER ONLY TO RETURN TOGETHER

Numbers 6:24-26

Hymn 327, God Be with You Till We Meet Again