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Semi Annual Congregation Meeting Update

The semi annual congregation meeting was this past Sunday, December 10th at 11:15 am in the sanctuary. At this meeting we celebrated the ministries at church for the past 12-18 months, elected new members to various teams and committees, and approved the 2024 proposed budget.

Congratulations to Julie, Jim, Bonnie, Brenda, Anne, Marilyn, Wanda, Roger, and Tom that were elected to various positions at the meeting.

If you would like to review the semi annual congregation meeting packet or the approved budget and elected, please see the kiosk or contact the office.

Advent Wreath

During the Advent & Christmas season we will light an advent wreath during the worship service each week.

Below is a portion of an article by Laura Richie “The Advent Wreath & Candles – Meaning, Symbolism and History”.

Advent candles shine brightly in the midst of darkness, symbolizing and reminding us that Jesus came as Light into our dark world. The candles are often set in a circular Advent wreath … Each candle represents something different, although traditions vary.

  • The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting.
  • The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The second candle is also purple to symbolize preparation for the coming king.
  • The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy. This candle is colored pink to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.
  • The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again. This color is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.
  • The fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day. This candle is white to represent pure light and victory.

To read the full article by Laura Richie visit: https://www.crosswalk.com/special-coverage/christmas-and-advent/advent-wreath-candles-understanding-the-meaning-history-tradition.html

Advent Calendar, Advent Study, and Devotional booklet

There are several items available in the gathering space for you. Please help yourself.

  1. Advent Study 2023 booklets
  2. Advent Calendars
  3. The “Our Daily Bread” booklets for December – February
  4. “O Holy Night Carols of Christmas” booklet

Please let the office know if you would like “A Thrill of Hope 25 Advent Readings for Christmas” emailed to you or printed for you.

Helping Hands

The church has started a “Helping Hands” fund to help our refugee family. This is to specifically help them get a green card. If you would like to help, please put “Helping Hands” in the memo line of your check or on the envelope. Thank you so much for your generous support.

From the Director of Music Ministries

Do you play an instrument or sing? Would you like to help lead all or part of worship on Sunday mornings? If so, please contact Matt, the Director of Music Ministries.

From the Council President

Please direct all concerns, questions, and feedback to Julie, the church council president.

From the Church Office

E-weekly and Bulletins

Please have articles and/or announcements for the e-weekly to the office by 8 am Monday. Please have any items needed for Sunday worship to the office by 8 am on Thursday.

Note: Due to the holidays, please have all items for the weeks of December 24th and December 31st to the office as soon as possible.

Kiosk

The kiosk in the gathering space has a wealth of information on it. Some of the information found on the kiosk is council minutes, e-weekly, mailings, events that are happening in the church or the community, etc. All Saints Lutheran Church wouldn’t be here without you! How can you help fulfill the mission of All Saints Lutheran Church throughout the week? Take a look at the kiosk and sign-up!

Volunteers Needed

Please take a look at the kiosk and sign up to help on Sundays, in the food pantry & clothing closet, or with other tasks around church!