SERMON: by Pastor Theodore Rellstab 5:30
ALTAR FLOWERS
The altar flowers are given by Marlene Eberle in memory of her husband, Keith, on their 63rd wedding anniversary.
BLUE CHRISTMAS
St. John Lutheran Church will be offering a Blue Christmas service during the Advent season. Blue Christmas is traditionally held on December 21st (which is the longest night of the year) to symbolize the struggle with darkness and grief faced by those living with loss. For some, the Christmas season can be one filled with joy and cheer, but for others, Christmas can be a painful reminder that the world is still deeply broken and longing for Jesus to come again. We grieve with those who have lost jobs and relationships. We mourn with those who have seen dreams deferred and celebrations canceled. So we take time this Advent season to approach God in our sorrow, knowing we have a Savior who says, “Come to me all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NIV) We are planning a Blue Christmas service on Tuesday, December 17th at 6:30 in the Church sanctuary. If you have any questions, please call the church office at 419-782-5766.
CHURCH DECORATING REMINDER
The Fellowship Board will be decorating the inside of the church on December 2nd at 5 p.m. If you love putting up the tree and decorating, please join us!
MANY THANKS
To the Tuesdays at 10 Bible class and the wonderful church family, I want to thank you so much for all of your prayers which saw me through open-heart surgery and my recovery. I also want to say how much we appreciated all of the delicious meals! Linda Hageman
CROSS TRAINING NOTES
December 15th will be our last Sunday School class before Christmas break, and we will return January 5th. I would like to personally thank everyone in our church for their generous help over the last month with the Trunk-Or-Treat and the First Responder B.L.A.S.T. event and Matt Hanenkrath Leadership Foundation supper. These events are focused for our Cross Training students, but we had more volunteers than ever before, and I cannot express how thankful I am for all of your help and support. Also, our Little Lutheran Library is getting so many contributions, and will be available to access soon! As some of you may know, I am a mom of two girls, and an aunt of six nephews, of whom all go to St. John Lutheran Church. I am so grateful that we have a church who is showing up for our congregation’s kids and supporting them in learning and growing as a community and sharing God’s love. Megan Fritz
THANK YOU
Thank you for your support and donations to the food pantry. We have been busy in the pantry filling all the orders. We served 89 families or 262 people as of Thursday, November 21. We distributed 370 bags of food. Items that we are in need of: 1 lb package of elbow macaroni, cereal, cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. The items change on a weekly basis. We are going to distribute a small ham for Christmas. God bless your Advent in preparation of our Lord and Savior’s birthday celebration!!!
CLOTHES CLOSET NEEDS
The Clothes Closet is looking for donations of clothing, children and adult sizes. If you would like to volunteer your time, especially on Thursdays or
Fridays, please call the church office at 419-782-5766.
SAVE THE DATE(S)!!
Congregational Christmas Potluck Dinner & Children’s Christmas Program December 13th, dinner from 4:45 – 6:00 p.m., with the program following. A Blue Christmas December 17th, at 6:30 p.m.
PULLED PORK DRIVE-THRU DINNER REPORT
Tuesdays at Ten Bible Study recently had an Election Day Pulled Pork Drive-Thru dinner. They served 311 adult meals and 20 kid’s meals. Through the profits of the dinner, donations and Thrivent action grants, the group raised $3,607.31 for Shop with a Cop for our county children. Samira Stelzer and Beth Miller presented a check to Adam Kutz, a school resource officer. Shop with a Cop is organized by the Defiance County Law Enforcement Association. Our thanks to members of our congregation and the community for your support. God has truly blessed us.
ACT – ADULT CROSS TRAINING
We will begin our Advent study “Come, let us Adore Him”, written by Dr. Kari Vo, on Wednesday evenings in the Adult Ed room “A” from 6:30 – 7:15 p.m. This allows members time to attend the midweek Advent service at 7:30 p.m.. Everything is provided for you. Please join us as we prepare our hearts to celebrate Jesus’ birth and anticipatethe day when He returns triumphant to the Earth. Questions? Contact Judy Detter (419-783-7932) or Penny Mueller (419-304-5766)
*The Bulletin was printed on Monday, November 25, 2024. The offering and attendance numbers for this last weekend will be posted in the bulletin the weekend of December 7 & 8, 2024
November 24 107 9:00 AM
TOTAL: 247