The Sword and Spirit
December 2014 Volume 15 Issue 12
St Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church
2293 E. US HWY 40 ~ Altamont, IL 62411
“One with Christ – Learning, Teaching, Caring & Growing”
Worship – 8:30 am Sunday
school – 9:45 am
Rev Tim Hubert, Pastor
St Paul’s office –
618-483-5249
Pastor Tim’s Cell – 217-778-8017
Pastor’s St Paul Schedule –
Mon & Wed – 9 – noon - afternoon visiting (Tues & Thurs @ Trinity)
St
Paul Council ~ Roger Beccue, Pres. – Debra
Schultz, Sec. - Bernadine Blakely, Treas.
Deacons ~Don Grobengieser, Ron Voelker, & JoAnn Schultz –
Trustees – Jim Wente, Jeff Simpson, & Mearl Hammer
St
Paul/Trinity Joint Council ~ Doug Heiden, Pres, JoAnn Schultz, Sec,
Ron Voelker, Jeff Simpson, Patsy Mahaffey, Joyce Slifert
& Larry Laue
To
Contact Us - e-mail - Pastor – PrTim2000@yahoo.com
Church
Office – stpaulaltamont@frontiernet.net Newsletter– debcymbid@yahoo.com
Check us
out on Facebook –St Paul Elca Altamont, IL ~~ Website
– stpaulaltamont.org
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Pastor’s Thoughts
Grace and
peace, all!
Good-byes are such sweet sorrows!
Now there are two ways to approach our Good-byes. One way is to try to hold on to the good memories, the open and fresh love, happiness, laughter…even the sorrows and tears we have shared. There is nothing wrong with this approach. Let’s celebrate our time together!!
Another approach is to look forward. What is there to look forward to?? You will have a pastoral vacancy, and that is always a stressful time for any congregation. But you can look forward to working together even more closely, working to build up the ministry and the faithfulness of our little congregations. I know this is a radical idea, but each of our little congregations have unique gifts and abilities. Why not work together for both congregations, combining those unique gifts and using those abilities together!
You know, when I first came I thought I would serve a year’s interim and be gone. But I quickly noted that healing needed more time, so I said to myself, “OK, two years.” How did it happen that I’ve now been here five years? I know I have grown in my own faith and faithfulness in my time with you. Hopefully, you have too!
We have become friends and friends remain friends over time and distance! I will continue to pray for you and pray that you find a new pastor who is not ashamed of the old, old story, who preaches the Bible as it is, who is not swayed by the fashions and factions of these unnerving times. Remember what Jesus said, when you think about calling a good, new pastor, “He said to them, “ For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Mt 17:20b)
May our good Lord bless and keep you until we meet again! Pr Tim+
Christmas
Worship Times
Christmas Eve, December 24th
– 5:30 pm @ Trinity
7:30 pm @ St Paul
11:00 pm @ Trinity
Christmas Day, December 25th – 9 am
@ St Paul
Family Movie
Night
On Sunday, November 30th we will
be having a Family Movie Night! The fun will begin at 4:00pm in the St Paul
parish hall with the showing of the movie "Frozen". We will have
snacks during the movie and pizza following. (about
5:30ish)
Kids of all ages are urged to join us for some good family
friendly fun!!
WELCA
Christmas Dinner
The Trinity WELCA
Ladies will be hosting a Christmas Party at Trinity Wednesday, Dec. 3rd at 6:00
p.m. Cost is $8.00 per person. There is
a sign - up sheet located in the narthex if you wish to attend. Please sign up
by November 30th. Payment can
be made the night of the dinner.
The dinner will
be catered by Ellen's Dining from Farina and the menu will consists of Pot
Roast, Ham, Twice-Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Glazed Carrots, and 7-layer
Salad, with Cherry Cobbler for dessert.
A program will follow the
meal.
St Paul Christmas
Cheer
Saturday, December 6th is the date set to assemble Christmas Cheer Boxes for the elder members of our congregation followed by delivery and caroling! If you would like for the carolers to stop by your house, please let JoAnn know and she’ll make sure the Carolers come to your house!
We will meet at the church around 3 pm to assemble the boxes. Donations of cookies would be greatly appreciated!!
Then around 4 pm, we will go caroling and deliver the Cheer Boxes. Following the caroling, we will go to JoAnn Schultz’s house for fellowship. Please bring a snack to share!!
Farewell Pastor Tim
Pastor Tim will be retiring at the end of this month, so with that in mind, we will be hosting a joint worship service and farewell pot luck.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 7th. A joint worship service will be at St Paul at 10:30 am, with members of the St Paul/Trinity LYO taking part in the Worship service helping with reading of the scriptures, taking up the offering and helping with communion.
Following the worship service we will have a Pot Luck meal. Meat, drink, cake and table service will be provided. Everyone attending is asked to bring a dish or two to share. (you may want to bring a tissue or too also)
There will also be some presentations to honor Pastor Tim’s time with St Paul and Trinity.
To better prepare, if you are planning on attending, please sign up with the number of people in your family that are planning to attend. This way we can assure we have enough food and seating for everyone!! Thanks!!
lyo plan caroling event
Trinity-St Paul Youth Group met
November 19, at Trinity’s Fellowship hall for their monthly meeting. Those
attending were Danielle, Drittney, Brookelyn, Natatia, Nathan, Toby,
Jack, Gina, Daphne, Patsy, Amanda and Cathy.
Toby called the meeting to order. The minutes were read and a motion by Jack and a second by Nathan to approve them. The motion carried. Toby gave the treasurer’s report. We have a balance of $1,093.70. Brookelyn made a motion and Drittney seconded it to approve the report. The motion carried.
We will go caroling on December 7th after Pastor’s
retirement party. Youth need to be at St Paul at 9:30am. Each youth is to bring
2 dozen of homemade cookies for the goody plates.
It was brought up to volunteer at the Shumway Pantry once a month after the basketball season is finished and too also help the elderly from our churches with anything they need when the weather gets warmer.
Mission trips were discussed but nothing has been set in stone yet. It will be on the agenda at the next meeting.
A motion was made by Jack and a second by Natatia to attend Winter Jam on January 24th in St Louis. The motion passed. We will be renting a van to attend.
It was brought up to attend the Newsboys show at the EPC but there was not enough interest shown.
Patsy brought up that St Paul’s youth helps each week with offering at their church and suggested maybe our youth could help out at church with the offering as well.
Youth signed a card for Pastor for his retirement party.
Jobs were given out as followed for our Joint service on December 7th: Greeters ~ Natatia and Danielle, 1st lesson ~ Lance, 2nd lesson ~ Connor, Psalm ~ Toby, Offering ~ Jack, Drittney and Brookelyn, Reading a poem ~Tyler and Usher ~Nathan. It was decided to give Pastor a $50 gift card to Menard’s from the youth.
A motion was made by Drittney and 2nd by Nathan to start having our youth meetings on the 3rd Wednesday each month at St Paul. The motion carried. Our next meeting will be at St Paul on Wednesday, January 21st @7:00pm.
Nathan motioned to adjourn the meeting and Jack seconded it. The meeting was adjourned.
~ Submitted by Danielle
4-H Fund Raiser @ Lone Star
You will have a chance to support Effingham County 4-H Foundation and enjoy a great meal! The Lone Star Steak House, 1507 Hampton Dr. in Effingham will have a Dine & Donate event on Thursday, December 11th, from 11am – 10 pm by donating 15% of your full price order.
In order to participate, you must present the flier located in the narthex, to your server prior to ordering. This offer is not valid in any combination with any coupons, discounts, in store promotions or specials.
Additional fliers can be reproduced, if needed. Any questions, please contact Patsy Wurl or Elsie Voelker.
Christmas Decorating
Once again it’s time to decorate the church for the Christmas season. The tree will be in place on December 8th or 9th and will be ready to decorate on Thursday, December 11th, beginning around 5:30 – 6:00 pm. As in years past we l not only decorate the tree, but decorate the rest of the sanctuary with garlands and wreaths. (We can always use fluffers!!) No special talent is need to help!
Come join in the fun of preparing our sanctuary and parish hall for Christmas, it is truly amazing to decorate the tree! This year the tree will have all white lights and Chrismonds that were made by some of the ladies of St Paul back in the 60’s.
As in years past, the workers will be treated
with pizza and drinks for your efforts!! All are welcome to help!!
St Paul GRACE Food Pantry
The St Paul
GRACE Food Pantry will be serving ONLY ONCE in December, January, February and
March.
The December Food Pantry will be Saturday,
December 13th from 10 am – noon.
Plans are to serve a breakfast for our guests and
members of St Paul are invited to join us for the breakfast. We will be in need
of cookies as plans are to give each guest a plate of Christmas cookies in
their food boxes. Please bring them to the church by Friday, December 12th
and mark them for Food Pantry. Thanks you in advance for sharing in the
Christmas Spirit!!
The GRACE Food Pantry is an outreach mission that provides food and donated household items to those in need the area on the 2nd & 4th Saturdays each month. If you wish to donate clothing, household items, toys, games, puzzles, books, toiletries, etc., please bring them to the parish hall and mark them for Food Pantry. If you know of anyone in need of food, please let them know of our dates and times. There is no charge and all in need are welcome!!
Heaven & Earth Rejoice
The Altamont Community Christmas Cantata and Drama will present “Heaven & Earth Rejoice” on Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th at 4 pm each day at the Altamont First Baptist Church.
“Heaven & Earth Rejoice” arranged and orchestrated by Marty Parks, is a creative and unique blending of favorite carols and fresh worship songs to create a moving and celebrative Christmas worship experience.
The Choir consists of members from area churches and the performers are members from the community and high school.
Let all Heaven & Earth rejoice……with this Christmas celebration of worship and praise!!
St hildegard To Preform
You are cordially invited to listen to an hour of lovely music headed by the beautiful voices of the St Hildegard von Bingen Schola on Sunday, December 14th at 4:00 pm.
The St Hildegard von Bingen Schola is a small choir of 9 multitalented young ladies ages 12 to 18, who sing quality choral music which fosters the talents of the individual within the ensambel. The group, directed and founded by Barbara Konrad, sings music of all genres but focuses especially on a cappella polyphonic compositions and Gregorian chant in praise of God.
The schola is named after German Benedictine nun Hildegard of Bingen who was famous for her volumes of writings on music and medicine. The Hildegard schola has sung in various locations around Effingham County including: St Anthony Memorial Hospital Chapel, St Anthony of Padua Church, The Glenwood and The Villas of Hollybrook residence homes, Whitt’s Smokehouse, Brooms Furniture, and St Paul ELCA Lutheran Church in Altamont.
The members of the schola are: Tierney Hammer, Cameron Voyles, Libby Brandt, Allison Spraul, Abby Zaccari, McKenna Steineman, Carly Spraul, Makenna Grubb, and Olivia Spraul.
Following the concert, Richard Tucker will offer several selections on the piano as well and the evening will conclude with some congregational singing.
Please join us at St Paul for an evening of beautiful music and fellowship. Refreshments will be served at the close of the evening. If you can donate some treats for the reception after the performance, please contact Karen Hammer.
“Fire has flames and sings praise of God, Wind whistles a hymn to God as it fans the flames. And the human voice consists of words to sings paeans of praise. All creation is a single hymn in praise of God.” HvB
Church Council
November 10, 2014
Present – Roger Beccue, Bernadine Blakely, Don Grobengieser, JoAnn Schultz, Mearl Hammer, Ron Voelker, Jeff Simpson, Jim Wente, and Deb Schultz. Absent – Pastor Tim.
Roger called the meeting to order and opened with prayer. Minutes and Treasurers reports reviewed and approved.
The Wurl/Mission report was presented. It was noted that it has been suggested that The Ronald McDonald House be a Mission of the Month.
Election report – elected as Treasurer was Jeff Simpson; Deacon, Don Grobengieser and Jim Wente; Faye Winter will fill out the remaining year of Jeff’s term. Todd Slingerland and Eric Heiden volunteered to serve as delegates to the Synod Assembly in June.
Old Business –
· The call committee has been selected as follows – Amanda Simpson, Sue Braasch and Scherill Miller. We need a fourth member and it was suggested to contact Eric Heiden and Dan Milleville to see if they would be willing to serve. The 2015 Chairperson from the Joint Council will be the 9th person of the Call Committee and will be from St Paul.
· Discussed fall clean-up of the church grounds.
New Business –
· Reception for the St Hildegard Schola will be held following the concert. Donations of cookies would be greatly appreciated.
· The Altamont Community Thanksgiving service will be held November 24th at the Carriage House Event Center.
· Was decided we need to add to our petitions not just Altamont and Shumway, but also the surrounding areas on a weekly basis. We need to also include the people of Ferguson, MO.
· Ron will ask Elsie & Lisa to once again make the Christmas treat bags for the Christmas Eve service.
· Pastor’s Farewell dinner – Meat, drinks and desserts will be provided by St Paul and Trinity will supply the drinking cups and napkins. Expenses will be divided between the two congregations.
· The tree will be picked up the first week of December and will be decorated either December 10th or 11th.
With no further business, JoAnn made a motion to adjourn, second by Jim. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
~ Submitted – Debra
Schultz, Council Secretary
WELCA News
Meeting was held on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2014 with three members present. No Bible Study
was held, Carolyn read the Treasurers Report.
The ladies discussed: * Thank Offering Sunday is Nov. 23, 2014. * Cheer box Assembly- tentative date set is Dec. 6, Chairperson is Jo Ann Schultz. Watch bulletin for more information. * Bakeless Bake Sale – will put flyer in the Bulletin and is due Dec. 21, 2015, funds will go toward radio program – Reflections by St. Paul
The annual Soup Supper is tentatively set for January 2015 – will ask Bernice and Bernadine to see if they would Chair this event as in the past and will check with Thrivent chapter to see about funds.
The WELCA Christmas Banquet will be at Trinity on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the Narthex.
WELCA Calendar 2015
January 6, 2015 – 6:30 p.m. – Bible Study/meeting
January 2015 - Annual Soup Supper (date to be announced)
February 3, 2015 0 6:30 p.m. - Bible Study/meeting
March 3, 2015 – 6:30 p.m. – Bible Study/meeting
~ Submitted by Carolyn Heinz, Sec.
Cemetery Association Report
The quarterly meeting of the St. Paul Cemetery association opened with prayer at 7:00 p.m. on November 12, 2014.
The Secretary and Treasurer’s reports were reviewed and approved.
In old business an update on the memorial garden upkeep was given. Shaping and reseeding around the concrete pad will be completed in the spring. There was discussion on getting a couple estimates on erecting a pergola in the cemetery over the concrete pad and benches.
There was further discussion on a map to be completed of the cemetery and how to display the map.
In new business, with the increase of cremation it was brought to the association’s attention to look into a cremation wall that some cemeteries are erecting for placement of urns. More information will be collected and discussed at new meeting.
Meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
~ Sharon Harper,
Secretary/Treasurer
Coffee Fellowship
The December Coffee Fellowship will be The December Coffee Fellowship is scheduled for December 21st following the morning worship and be hosted by Faye Winter.
Thanks for all who have hosted in the past year. We enjoy the time of fellowship and food!! It was greatly appreciated!!
Watch for the 2015 Sign - up sheet for Hosting Monthly Coffee Hours!
Mission of the Month
Our Mission of the Month for December is for the Gideon’s. All loose offerings on the last Sunday of each month will be matched by The Wurl/Mission Fund.
Our October Mission was for the Wounded Warrior Project, that gives finical aid to veterans and totaled $299.50. The November mission will be for the Christmas Project in the Altamont School District. At the recent Thanksgiving pot luck, the free will offering for the Altamont Blessings in a Backpack and was over $300.
Thank you to all who give so generously to our Missions of the Month. The Church Council and Wurl/Mission Committee welcomes any suggestions for missions. If you know of a project/mission you would like to be included, please let any council member know.
Trinity 150th Events
December 14th – Placing of the Time Capsule. Sunday school adding items. Lunch following.
Mondays at Lutheran Care
The ELCA worship services at Lutheran Care are held
every Monday at 10:30 am in the Lutheran Care Chapel. Pastor Tim is presiding pastor on the 1st,
3rd and 5th Mondays each month and would appreciate
anyone who would like to help bring residents to the service.
Prayer Requests
The following are in need of our congregational prayers……
~ For God’s Healing and Comfort - current needs – Sara Stahl, Mickie Alwerdt, Lillian Nolen, Tiffany Dunaway, Martha Pankey, Linda McQuillan, June Meseke, Susan (Muchow) Willms, and Karen Veith.
~ For Ongoing Needs – Ted Mueller, Barb Jenkins, Bill Stahl.
~For Guidance and Spiritual Growth – St Paul/Trinity LYO.
~For God’s protection of our loved ones serving in the military – Dawn Winter, Jacob Bales, Adam Bales, and all who serve.
~For Our Clergy – ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Synod Bishop John Roth, Pastor Tim & Royce Hubert, Todd Slingerland and all ministers and members of the ELCA.
~For those serving as Missionaries – Kevin & Sarah Witt and family.
~For Our Country and our leaders and all those who are in need and/or unemployed.
If you wish to have the prayer chain started, please contact Elverna Tappendorf @ 618-483-6493.
For prayer requests added or deleted to the prayer list, please contact Pastor Tim or Patsy at the church office.
Our Military
Please remember them with a note or card and keep them in your prayers…...
Jacob & Kate
Bales
297 Caquiny Loop
Ft
Bragg, NC 28307
PFC Adam M.
Bales, RM 319a
1552 Iron Fighter Dr.
Ft. Carson, CO 80913
If you know of any
other military members that you would like to include in our mailings and
prayers, please contact Deb or the church office with their addresses,
birthday’s, etc… Thanks!
Sunday Greeters
December
7 - Lynn & Pat
14 - Dennis & Deb Bales
21 - Kyle & Sharon
24 - Don & Bernice
28 - Jim & Linda
If you are unable to serve as
Greeter, please let Elsie Voelker know as soon as possible….Thanks!
Lector Schedule
December 7 – LYO Members
14 – Faye Winter
21 – Patsy Wurl
25 – Roger Beccue
28 – Penney Beccue
Reminder – During the prayers of intercession (prayers of the people), which comes after the Creed, please read the names listed on the back of the bulletin. If you cannot be present to read, please call Scherill Miller (217) 342-6582 or Todd Slingerland (618) 483-9173 to substitute for you.
Communion Stewards
December 7 (joint service – 10:30) - Roger & Faye
14 – Dwayne & Penney
21 – Eric & Mearl
24 (7:30 pm) – Todd & Toby
25 (9:00 am) – Bill & Nathan
28 – Logan & Faye
January 4 – Roger & Dwayne
11 – Penney & Eric
18 – Mearl & Toby
25 – Todd & Faye
Tasty Treats
A few things to
try for your holiday entertaining! Enjoy!!
Hello Dolly Bars
Ingredients
1/3 cup semi
sweet chocolate chips
1/3 cup
Butterscotch morsels
¼ cup chopped
pecans, toasted
2/3 cup flaked
sweetened coconut
1 ½ c graham
cracker crumbs (about 9 sheets)
2 tablespoons
butter, melted
1 tablespoon
water
1 (15 oz) can
sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°
Line the bottom and sides of a nine-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, cut off excess paper around the top edge of the pan.
Place graham cracker crumbs in a medium bowl. Drizzle with melted butter and 1 tbsp water. Toss with fork until crumbs are moist.
Gently pat crumb mixture into an even layer in pan lined with parchment paper (do not press firmly).
Sprinkle chips and morsels over crumb mixture. Top evenly with coconut and toasted pecans. Drizzle condensed milk evenly over top.
Bake at 350° for approximately 25 minutes or until lightly browned and bubbly around edges.
Cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 2×1 rectangles.
Crockpot Christmas Crack
Serves: a LOT
Prep Time: 15 Min
Cook Time: 2 Hr 30 Min
Cooking Method: Slow-Cooker/Crock Pot
Ingredients
1 - 16 oz jar(s) unsalted peanuts
1 - 16 oz. jar(s) salted peanuts
1 - 12 oz bag(s) semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 - 12 oz bag(s) milk chocolate chips
2 - 10 oz bag(s) peanut butter chips
2 - 1 lb pkg white almond bark or vanilla candy coating
Directions
1 Layer all ingredients in a large crockpot (starting with peanuts). Turn the pot on low, cover with lid, and leave sitting for 2 hours. Then, remove lid and stir to combine. Replace lid and leave sitting for another 30 minutes. Stir again and then spoon mixture on to wax paper or non-stick aluminum foil. Allow to harden for at least 1 hour.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Swedish Butterballs
Ingredients
2 C butter, softened
1 C icing sugar
4 C flour
Directions
Cream butter well. Add sugar and mix in flour.
Roll into 2 inch balls.
Bake at 325°F to light brown - approx. 10 min
(don't overcook)
Roll in icing sugar while still warm (not hot) and
again once cool.
Corn Dip
Ingredients
2 cans whole kernel corn, drained (can use mexicorn)
2 cans chopped green chilis
1 bunch green onions (chopped)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 cup salsa
cumin to taste
1/4 -1/2 cup jalapeños (sliced or chopped)
Directions
Mix all ingredients together. Chill at least 2 hours. Better if you let it chill
overnight.
Notes: If you like things spicy, add 2 more jalapeno peppers, 2 cloves of
minced garlic, sea salt to taste, and chopped cilantro to taste.
Serve with corn chips, crackers, or veggie sticks!
Notes of Thanks
To our church family,
Thank you for the
monetary donation given to our family. We cannot even begin to express
what your gift means to us and it is most definitely helpful. We also
want to thank those who have given us a meals, treats, gifts and who are
praying for complete healing. This time has been difficult for us, but
knowing we have the support of people like you certainly helps.
Tiffany, Jason and Kelton Dunaway
********************************************************************
Thank you to all my wonderful friends at St Paul who have been sending prayers, cards, made phone calls and brought food from the Thanksgiving Pot Luck meal! I appreciate you all so much! I’m getting better and hope to be with you soon! Thanks again and may God Bless You as He has blessed me!
Martha Pankey
********************************************************************
Thank you to my church family
for the wonderful birthday surprise given me at the Thanksgiving pot luck. The cake, flowers, balloons, the cards and
best wishes for my birthday made it easier to celebrate the 60th
anniversary of my birth!
I also want to thank everyone
who submits articles and helps in any way to get the newsletter out. I
especially appreciate overlooking the mistakes, (which are actually intentional
to see if you catch them!!) Thanks to JoAnn and Patsy for all of their efforts
to get the newsletter in the mailboxes – appreciate all you do!!
God Bless all of you!!
Deb