PARISH HAPPENINGS

December 11, 2011

The crisp cold weather, colored lights every where, and Christmas Carols being sung. It’s that most wonderful time of the year!

The time of our dear Savior’s birth draws near! He is coming again!

Next Sunday will be the Children’s Christmas programs at Gloria Dei, Berea and St. Mark’s. Our young people are anxiously waiting the moment when they will share ‘Every Perfect Gift’ with all of us. It will put you in a perfect mood for this Holy season, so come on out. Please bring all your friends and family and see what a wonderful experience this can be!

All our churches are decorated and the trees are up. Next we will fill them with memorial poinsettias and make them gorgeous for Jesus and all of us to enjoy! Don’t forget that next Sunday, the 18^th is the last day to get your name on the Memorial Poinsettia lists that will be distributed on Christmas Eve.

Thank you LaDene Rutt for the darling Anticipating Hearts you made for all of us last Sunday. Everyone had so much fun with them! You’re a sweetie!

Today it the last day of performances for the Community Choir Cantata. In the afternoon at 4pm they will be at the Wesleyan Church in Oshkosh, and at 7pm they will be at Berea for the last performance, with fellowship following. If you would like, you may bring finger food to help out. Just come on out and enjoy the sounds and songs of Christmas. See you there! This is a wonderful way to spend a few hours!

On Monday, Dec.12^th, Gloria Dei will be serving Lodgepole Lion Club at 6:30pm. Let Pauline Kahrs know if you would like to help.

December 23^rd is Laverna Huff’s birthday. She is far away from friends and would love to get a birthday or Christmas card from you. Her address is: LaVerna Huff, c/o Pat Williams, 1915 N. 30^th, Lincoln, NE 68508.

You will notice Gretchen Ritola and Sunni Richardson on the prayer list. For those of you who do not know them, Gretchen was the Asst. to the Bishop when we put Tri-County Parish together, and Sunni works in the Synod offices and has done women’s retreats and camp counseling at Sullivan Hills. Both ladies have had surgery. Both are good friends.

The last wreaths and crosses were delivered on Dec. 6^th. They are beautiful and we hope everyone who ordered one is happy with it! Mert and Art, you did a great job with this new adventure! Thank you!

You might keep in mind God’s Barnyard when you are giving gifts this year. Just talk to Pastor or Nick for info. You may also make the donation to your church financial secretary.

Berea held their council election on Dec. 4^th. Election results are in this Happenings.

I would like to remind you again about getting out your “While We Wait” devotional book and reading it on these days of Advent. Ruth Fraass has a simple, wonderful prayer that ends her devotion: Dear God, We are thankful that we can pray each day for Hope, Love, Joy, and Peace. Let us always remember that Jesus is the Light of the World, and that we will let His light shine through us every day. Amen

God bless everyone in our Parish this Advent Season. May the light of our coming Savior be in your hearts!

	PRAYER LIST All: Pr. Judy Gifford, Maynard Rowson Gretchen Ritola, Sunni Richardson St. Mark's: Shirley Bartling, Shirley Gortemaker, Susie Grenda, Barbara Wheeler, Kelly Fiesterman, Payton Agan, Jo Christenson, Ron and Freda Champion, King and Norma Rhiley, Dorothy Hawkins, Peggy Dilley-Guy, Kathy Tucker, Sue Jensen, Krista Shaul Church family: Blake, Rachel, Alex and Mac Sissel Berea: Ryan Boden, Dayton Cheleen, Melvin Kechley, Pat Lyreman, Maccoy Morken, Rosella Jessen, Keith Wright, Magel Suhr Church family: Merle Johnson Gloria Dei: Colton Faessler, Esther Walker, Peggy Gade, Clara Dickinson, Don Lingwall, Rosie Lewis, Gene Hodges, Lois Lamb, Steve Empson, Otto Schlaman, Amber Wilson Church Family: Marge Nelson Grace: Shane Bittner, Shannon Sisco, Kit & Don Livingston, Karen Cummings, Jon Power, Emily Johnson, Church family: Neva Schmid
Parish Calendar 12/11-Comm. Choir-Berea-7pm 12/12- GD serves Lions Grace- Cadette Girl Scouts 12/13-Staff mtg-Berea 9am Berea Text St.-11:30am 12/14-OshTxt St-SM-9:30am 5Alive-Cmas Party-6pm@ Grace F&F-GD-6pm Ruth Circle-7:30pm 12/15-GraceBbleSt-Miller Care-9:30am Berea WELCA Cmas Dinner-6:30pm 12/16-OshBBBBSt-OshMthCh-11:30am 12/18-Cmas Prgrms-Berea, StM, GDei

		Community Choir presents: “All is Calm, All is Bright” TODAY!!! 4PM- Wesleyan Church in Oshkosh 7PM- Berea Lutheran on Hwy 27
~Youth News: The Pulse~ ~ 5Alive will be on Wed. this week for the 3^rd Annual Christmas Dinner. Oshkosh youth will gather and leave from St. Mark’s at 5:15pm. The dinner will start at 6:15pm at Grace.  ~The Sunday Schools are continuing to work towards filling the ELCA Barnyard and helping their neighbors across the sea.  Please keep an eye out for how you can help them. ~The Family Christmas will be next Sunday. Please come and support our youth and their teachers as we worship together through these creative programs. ~The Spring 5Alive meal sheets will be coming around. Please sign up for a time that you can share a meal with our High School youth. Thanks to all that have served and all that will. ~There will be no 5Alive on the 21^st -22^nd and 28^th -29^th.
			After the christening of his baby brother in church,  Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car.  His father asked him three times what was wrong.  Finally, the boy replied,  'That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home, and I wanted to stay with you guys.'

			Adult Truths + Sometimes I'll look at my watch 3 times and still not know what time it is. + Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong. + I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger. + There is great need for a sarcasm font. + How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet? + Was learning cursive really necessary?
Who’s Doing What!? St. Mark's December 11 Ushers: Dale/Duane Deacons: Gary G/Rick R Lector: Brenda T Musician: Paula Minister: Sharon P. December 18 Ushers: Jim G./Rick R. Deacons: Gary G/Rick R. Lector: Lois K. Musician: Sharon P. Minister: Pr. Sarah Berea December 11 Ushers: Leland/Clarence P. Deacons: Larry/Janet F. Lector: Lynda J. Greeters: Josh/Jenny R. Acolyte: Confirmation Student Musician: Stephanie Minister: Sharon P. December 18 Ushers: Leland/Clarence P. Deacons: Bob/Kathy H. Lector: Stephanie O. Greeters: Larry/Janet F. Acolyte: Confirmation Student Musician: Kathie Minister: Pr. Sarah Gloria Dei December 11 Usher: Cliff S. Lector: Stacy F. Musician: Julie B. Minister: Pr. Sarah December 18 Usher: Cliff S Lector: Bonita D. Musician: Julie B Minister: PMA Wayne Grace December 11 Lector: Lyn W. Musician: Linda W. Minister: Pr. Sarah December 18 Lector: Theresa G. Musician: Linda W. Minister: PMA Wayne
					Berea Church Council and Committee Chairs Fauneil Johnson and Leland Porter were re-elected to Council. Committee Chairpersons: Memorial - Doreen Carlson Property- Merle Johnson Evangelism- Vicki Fornander Stewardship- Bob Hazlett Cemetery- Darold Cheleen Audit- Lynda Johnson Farm- Vern Johnson Music- Sheila Cheleen Christian Ed- DeAnn Speirs Nominating- Twila Johnson Worship- Delores Hansen Youth- DeAnn Speirs Assbly Delegate- Dale Fornander Tri-Co. Council- LaDene Rutt Other names on the ballot are committee members.
		December Food Pantry Items: Chappell/Lodgepole Food Pantry Berea- Pasta (Noodles and macaroni) Gloria Dei- Toilet Paper and Kleenex Garden County Food Pantries’' St. Mark’s- Pasta (Noodles and macaroni)
	WORD TO LIVE BY… . Take a deep breath. It calms the mind. . Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful. . Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger. . It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else. . When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer. . Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special. . Over prepare, then go with the flow.