ALTAR FLOWERS are given to the glory of God by Hilda and Don Mager in loving celebration of the birthday of Hilda’s son-in-law, Jeff Potter.
OUR APOLOGIES! For the first time in over 15 years, all regular print copies of “Portals of Prayer” have been taken by members and regular worshipers for their own use and to give to others. There are still a limited number of large print copies available from the Information Rack in the Church Narthex. Based upon this new demand level, we will be increasing our order for next quarter. Thanks for your understanding.
A TIME TO SHINE IN 2009 AND A WAY TO SERVE #1 The Altar Guild of Historic First Lutheran Church, one of our oldest, most dedicated, continuously operating service organizations, is seeking new members. All prospective members (men and women are both invited to become members) are invited to join all current members for the Annual Altar Guild Meeting and Brunch on Saturday 24 January at 11:00 a.m. in the Green Room. Please speak to President Shelly Daniels for more information.
A TIME TO SHINE IN 2009 AND A WAY TO SERVE #2 Is the Altar Guild not quite “your thing?” How about ushering? Elder Bill Files has requested a meeting of the Ushers next Sunday after worship. New men and women ushers are needed to supplement our current rank of weekly servants. The meeting will convene in the front of the church after worship next Sunday. All current ushers are asked to bring their folders with them. Questions should be directed to Bill Files.
JANUARY NEWSLETTER If you have not yet received the January, 2009 Highlights of Historic First Lutheran, it should be hitting your mailbox this week. Check out the newsletter for an explanation of our 2009 motto, an article in Spanish by Pastor Gómez, information about the District’s upcoming Equipping Conference and Convention, and referrals to throw your business in the direction of our business-owning church members. We hope our newsletter will continue to provide you important information on a monthly basis!
HOORAY! PAT YOURSELVES ON THE BACK! YOU DESERVE IT! Thanks to your generous contributions during the month of December, Historic First Lutheran closed 2008 with a deficit of only $3,250.19. This deficit will be covered by our Reserve Cash Trust Fund that has been accumulated over past years that have ended with cash balances (you might remember that we ended 2007 with a balance of almost $8,300., even after year-end gifting about $8,000 to other worthy ministries). This is our first sizeable deficit in 15 years, but is to be commended since we began December with a deficit of over $12,000. This is also to be commended considering the current downturn in the economy and the unexpected loss of income associated with Pastor Gómez’s discontinued ministry at El Redentor Church in Panorama City.
OUR NEW ELDER For the first time in many years, our Board of Elders has expanded this year with the addition of Gerald Freeny (also President of Historic First Lutheran). Gerald is currently in training with Chairman Bill Files. You will soon be seeing Gerald participating in weekly worship. Feel free to anytime bring your spiritual concerns to Gerald or to our other Elders – Bill Files, John Ochetti and Jeff Potter.
HOMILETICS CLASS Since October, Pastor Schaar has been teaching a preaching class for our two “Deacons in Training,” John Ochetti and Jeff Potter. This class will continue through January. As part of the class, John and Jeff are each required to write two sermons. They will also each publicly preach once during worship during the season of Lent.
WELCOME, MALACHI ROSALES SMITH! We received news this past week of a baby boy born to Rev. Aaron and Ellen Smith. You remember that Rev. Smith served as our Vicar for three summers. He and Ellen were married here at Historic First Lutheran. Little Malachi entered the world on 14 December 2008 at 12:19 a.m. (bet that was a fun Sunday morning for Rev. Smith) at 7 lbs. 14 oz and 21 inches. Congratulatory letters may be mailed to 395 Ano Nuevo Ave. #510, Sunnyvale, CA 94085-4166.
IN VIETMAN Lisa Morita and Scott Vila are currently in Vietnam to adopt a baby boy. Please keep them in your prayers during this process!
A NEW ERA This is the second Sunday bulletin printed with our new Risograph ink printer. You might remember that our old printing machine gave up the ghost before Christmas at 12 years of age, having printed more that 2.1 million copies. Our new machine is expected to provide us the same level and longevity of service.
NEXT SUNDAY Bring your “Mighty Mite Boxes” filled with coins and bills for missions. You may pick up a “Mite Box” today from the table in the Narthex. Return it next Sunday filled with change.
EXERCISE CLASS CONTINUES Exercise your body and not just your faith! Join our exercise class in the Gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 4:00 p.m. and every Saturday at 10:00 a.m.
USHERS TAKE NOTE Next week’s service will involve Usher Team #8: Gerald Freeny, Michealene Melus and Carol Schlichting.