SPIRIT SOUNDINGS

DECEMBER 2011

My favorite season of the church year is Advent.  I love the fact that during this season we are called to stop, look around at the world and be reminded that we really need the Messiah to come and bring us peace.  It’s quite easy for our lives to become full and hectic this time of year as we search for gifts, attend holiday parties, and prepare to visit or receive family and friends all the while preparing for Christmas.  Even as I think of these things I can feel my pulse quicken with a physical reaction to all the “gotta-dos” on my list. 

I would encourage us all to take time this Advent season.  Take time each day to read Scripture and pray either, alone or with friends and family.  It is of the utmost importance that, during the busy-ness this time of year can bring; we slow down to simply be with God.  To listen for what God might be saying to us.  To pray for the world God loves.  To release our burdens to God.  To give thanks for our provision. To be strengthened by God’s promises and to look forward to Christ’s return. 

Here are some suggestions for Scripture reading during Advent:

Matthew 1:18-25                      Matthew 3:1-12                         Luke1:26-56                 

John 1:1-18                                 1 John 1:5-7                                1 John 4:7-10

Isaiah 40: 1-5                            Isaiah11: 1-6                               Isaiah 52: 7-10

Jeremiah 31:31-34                   Zephaniah 3:14-17                  Hebrews1:1-4

Another great practice is to keep an Advent wreath at home.  There are several ways to do this.  In our home we have had a small pewter wreath with small candles, a paper wreath the children have colored and a wreath made of evergreens with long candles.  The wreath offers a focal point that reminds us that we await a savior in Jesus…we celebrate that he has come and look forward to his return.  There are many prayers and practices that you and your family can begin that lead to great conversations about faith and a deepening of relationship.

Remember that there will be an additional Christmas Eve service this year at 3:00 pm as well as the services at 5:00, 7:00 and 10:00 pm.  Then on Sunday, Christmas Day, we will have an informal worship at 10:30 am where we will sing carols, hear the Word, pray and celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

Take a bit of time each day to connect with God through his word and prayer.  I think we will find that our days are filled with a bit more hope, a bit more compassion, and a bit more patience as we look around and say, “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”

Advent blessings,

Pastor Christian 

Jason Vigil, Mike's son and our grandson, is now officially an Eagle Scout!! His friend is also working towards being an Eagle Scout and won't finish it up until next year around February - so Jason wants to wait until his friend completes his requirements, and then have the official ceremony along with his friend.  Jason's not the kind of kid who wants a lot of hoopla about himself - but I thought this was too important not to share.

 Ina Vigil

Mark Your Calendars for Colorado Gives Day –December 6th!

Support Lutheran Family Services on Colorado Gives Day. When you give on December 6, the value of your donation will be increased by the FirstBank Incentive Fund and 100% of your donation will go to LFS! Last year, Colorado Gives Day raised $8.7 million for Colorado charities. Be part of this exciting day by donating to LFS – visit www.givingfirst.org/lfsco anytime over the 24 hour period of December 6th

Frank Gray is having a pottery show. If you are interested in attending it will at 2516 W Main Littleton, CO. It is in the Ancient Art Healing Center where the Two Potters used to be. This is the gentleman who did the baptismal pottery.

 Dec 10th 2-8

Dec 11th 11-4

ATTENTION ALL SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN:
This year the Children of LCHS will be participating in the Christmas Cantata with the choir..  This will take place the of our traditional Christmas Program between services.    The Cantata will take place on December 11th during both services. The children can choose which service they would like to perform in.  This will be an exciting event for our children to be a part of our wonderful choir.  This will be a great performance.  Please be sure you come to watch!!!

The Sunday School Children will be having cookies and punch during Sunday School on December 17th.  This will be an opportunity to give gifts to our wonderful teachers.  If you would like to contribute to these gifts, there will be gifts bags in the kitchen for each teacher beginning on November 27th.  There are will be 10 gift bags!  Thank you for your contributions!!!!

Christmas Concert 2011

Canto Deo Festival Choir & Orchestra

Tickets are Free – Tickets are required for admission

Connie Brown 303-694-6945 for information

St. Andrew United Methodist Church

9203 S University Blvd - Highlands Ranch, CO 80126

Saturday, December 17, 2011 – 3PM

St Frances Cabrini Catholic Parish

6673 W Chatfield Ave - Littleton, CO 80128

Sunday, December 18, 2011 – 2PM

Bethany Lutheran Church

4500 E Hampden Ave - Cherry Hills Village, CO  80113

Monday, December 19, 2011 – 7PM

Christmas Eve Worship Hours

3:00pm            5:00pm            7:00pm            10:00pm

Christmas Day

10:30am only

New Year’s Day

10:30am only

Save the Dates

Upcoming Fellowship and Youth Events at LCHS

Stay Tuned – More Information to Come

• Sunday, January 28th                        Talent Show & Spaghetti Dinner

ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN:

A 15 year old boy who is in Foster Care Home needs a laptop to be able to do his School Work.

Contact:   Patty Ann Maher at 303-646-1905 or Margaret Patton at 303-794-8907

Current Inter-Faith food bank needs:

coffee

hot chocolate - prefer individual packages

pudding and jello (ready to go - non refrigerated or boxes to mix)

dry pasta

rice

Hamburger Helper and Rice a Roni

jam or jelly

boxed potato items (mashed, scalloped, or other varieties)

God bless you, everyone

    Marsha Lea Yosten       

Your RTLC Ambassador

Colorado Gives Day

December 6, 2011

Hope all of you that have never given to RTLC will take advantage of this opportunity and support us. And invite your friends to do the same.  This is a tremendous boost to our end of the year!

STILL TIME TO REGISTER!

2012 Rainbow Trail Registration Status

Below are current registration counts as of November 29, 2011.  

             Week:                                                                            Capacity             Current:

              Junior High #1 (June 10-16)                                                        115        17                        58 M, 40 F Open

              Junior Camp #1 (June 17-23)                                       104        21                        40 M, 43 F Open

              Intro to Camp #1 (June 17-20)                                     36          13                        12 M, 11 F Open

              Intro to Camp #2 (June 20-23)                                     36          00                        18 M, 18 F Open

              Confirmation #1 (June 26-July 2)                                110        115        RESERVED FULL BY CHURCHES

              Family Camp #1 (July 1-7)                                             75          00

              Senior High #1 (July 8-14)                                                115        20                        49 M, 46 F Open

              Confirmation #2 (July 15-21)                                        110        115        RESERVED FULL BY CHURCHES

              Senior High #2 (July 22-28)                                              115        18                        39 M, 58 F Open

              Senior High Compass Points  (7/24-7/30)                 13          3                                        10 Open                        

              Junior/Jr. High Camp #2 (July 29 - Aug 4)             100        24                        38 M, 38 F Open

              Intro to Camp #3 (July 29 - August 1)                       36          6                          17 M, 13 F Open

              Junior High Compass Points (7/31-8/6)                     12          0                                        12 Open          

              Family Camp #2 (August 5-11)                                    75          00         

              Junior/Junior High (August 13-19)                               105 4                          52 M, 54 F Open

              Labor Day Weekend (Sept 2-5)                                   130 00

The Rocky Mountain area has reserved spots at the camp until

 January 1, 2012 then the camp is open to everyone outside of the

area, such as Texas, Kansas, New Mexico.

Theatre and Theology Resumes

For over twenty years, the Rocky Mountain Synod of the ELCA has been sponsoring Theater and Theology.  This program provides an opportunity to enjoy outstanding Denver Center Theater Company productions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.  After the performance you have an opportunity to discuss the theological elements of the show with Pastor Dan Bollman of the Rocky Mountain ELCA and cast members.  The upcoming productions are listed below with performance and reservation dates.  If you want to attend let Betty Johnston know (303 771 4963) by the reservation date.  Checks should be made payable to Rocky Mountain Synod with notation on the check “T&T, name of the play and congregation.”

THE WHALE

This is the world premiere of THE WHALE.  Charlie hasn’t seen his ex-wife or daughter in 17 years and has grown dangerously obese since his partner’s death.  In failing health, Charlie fends off family, friends and church as he doggedly tries to connect with his estranged daughter in this touching story.

Performance:  January 24, 2012 @6:30, ticket price $30.

Reservations and payment to Betty Johnston by January 3.

TWO THINGS YOU DON’T TALK ABOUT AT DINNER

This is the world premiere of TWO THINGS YOU DON’T TALK ABOUT AT DINNER.  Myriam’s annual Passover Seder, a multicultural mix of family and friends threatens to explode as politics and religion hijack the conversation, severely testing the ties that bind.  Is peace possible—even at the dinner table?

Performance:  February 7 @ 6:30, ticket price $30

Reservations and payment due to Betty Johnston January 17

Betty Johnston          blbjohnst@comcast.net                   303 771 4963

Daily Prayer Calendar

We are holding one family up in prayer each day

Dec 1                  Smullen                           Jim, Ruth

Dec 2                  Starmer                           Pete, Jenna

Dec 3                Stephens                         Don, Joyce,

                                                               Ashley, Rachel

Dec 4                  Stephens                         Galen, Mary

Dec 5                  Stephenson                     Paul,

                                                               Chelle Warwick

Dec 6                  Stone                                 Robyn,

                                                                   Sydni

Dec 7                  Tabor                                 Guy

Dec 8                  Tardy                                 Kirsten

Dec 9                  Thompson                       Doug, Erin,

                                                                       Samantha

Dec 10              Thompson                       Ross, Sue,

                                                    Andrew, Stephanie

Dec 11              Trevarthen                      David

Dec 12               Troupe                               Justin, Jillian,

                                                          Carson, Cole

Dec 13             Trygstad                          Roy, Charlene

Dec 14              Trygstad                          Steve,

                                                              Paige, Thaine

Dec 15              Tupper                               Mimi, Lisa

Dec 16              Uhrig                                 Ray, Kim,

                                                               Kylie, Jessilyn

Dec 17              Van Gemert                    Shirley

Dec 18              Verhey                          Robert

Dec 19             Vigil                                  Dick, Ina,

                                                                  David

Dec 20              Vigil                                   Mike,

                                                               Jason, Kyle

Dec 21              Weaver                           June

Dec 22            West                    Len, Andy

Dec 23           Wiederstein       Jim, Becky

Dec 24           Williams             Norman, Jan

Dec 25          Williams             Mitch, Jennifer,

                                               Tyler

Dec 26         Williams             Erik, Kelly

                                                        Jacob

Dec 27              Yaeger                            Bill

Dec 28              Yosten                 Marsha Lea

Dec 29              Anderson           Davin, Trish

Dec 30              Bardin                  Joy

DECEMBER Servants

4

Assisting Ministers                  8:00           Jenn Sievers

                                                      10:30         Corrine Clark

Lector                                           8:00           Wes Parker

                                                      10:30         Mike Fitchett

Advent Readers                         8:00           J & L Case & family

                                                      10:30         P & P Klinkerman

Acolytes                                        8:00           Neva Braband

                                                      10:30         Carl Cooper

Ushers                                          8:00           R Bergman, J Bergman,

                                                                        S Schreiber, M Schreiber

                                                      10:30         T Gaffney, P Klinkerman

                                                                        R Kindelsperger      

Communion Assist                 8:00           K Perry, E Bennett

                                                      10:30         S Fraser, M Caldwell

Cups                                             8:00           Alex Bissett             

                                                      10:30         Nick Johnson

Nursery Care                               8:00          

                                                      10:30

Baristas                                                           Karen & Maura

Altar Guild                                                   Marsha Yosten

11

Assisting Ministers                  8:00           Jeff Schnackel          

                                                      10:30         Len West

Lector                                           8:00           Kevin Rein

                                                      10:30         Amanda Rossi

Advent Readers                         8:00           Linda Quinn

                                                      10:30         Brenda Sarconi,

                                                                            Mike & Megan Fitchett

Acolytes                                        8:00           Hunter Ryll

                                                      10:30        

Ushers                                          8:00           G Cudney, J Raymond,

                                                                        M Braband, J Eikenbary

                                                      10:30                          

Nursery Care                               8:00          

                                                      10:30

Baristas                                                           Sue & Launa

Altar Guild                                                   Marsha Yosten

18

Assisting Ministers                  8:00           Andy West

                                                      10:30         Scott Lindell

Lector                                           8:00           Ross Ericson

                                                      10:30         Joyce Stephens

Advent Readers                         8:00           Chris & Rick Bergman

                                                      10:30         Kristin Nisonger & family

Acolytes                                        8:00           Tony Ericson

                                                      10:30         Rachel Lindell

Ushers                                          8:00           D Perry, D Ryll, B Ericson,

                                                                        N & L Schoepke

                                                      10:30         S Fraser, E Brandt  

Communion Assist                 8:00          

                                                      10:30        

Cups                                             8:00           Noel Schoepke

                                                      10:30         Sarah Sievers

Nursery Care                               8:00          

                                                      10:30

Baristas                                                           Sharon & Claire

Altar Guild                                                   Marsha Yosten

24

Assisting Ministers                  3:00

5:00

7:00

10:00        

Lector                                           3:00

5:00

7:00

10:00

Advent Readers                         3:00           Millie Brown

                                                      5:00           Chris Huke & family

                                                      7:00

                                                      10:00        

Acolytes                                        3:00           Owen Fodness

                                                             5:00           Amy Raymond

                                                        7:00

                                                      10:00         Carl Cooper

Ushers                                          3:00

                                                    5:00

                                                   7:00           Mike Schreiber,

                                                  10:00        

Communion Assist                 3:00

                                                       5:00

                                                     7:00

                                                         10:00        

Cups                                             3:00           Evan Fodness

                                                    5:00           Ben Raymond

                                                  7:00

                                             10:00         Cheyenne Cooper

25

Assisting Ministers                  10:30         Scott Sievers

Acolytes                                        10:30        

Ushers                                          10:30                          

Communion Assist                 10:30        

Cups                                             10:30        

Nursery Care                               10:30

Altar Guild                                 Marsha Yosten

DECEMBER  2011
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday		Thursday	Friday	Saturday
					1 5:30 Stampin’ Up Mtg 6:00 Bells practice 7-8:30 Choir practice	2 5:45-9:30 Father Phil’s Advent Dinner 8:00 Serenity AA	3 5:00 Progressive Dinner
4   8:00 Worship 9:15 Education Hour 10:30 Worship 11:45 Happy Hour Sunday AA & AL-ANON	5 7:00 Men’s Org	6	7   4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Group		8 12:00 WOS Brown Bag lunch 1:00 WOS Bible Study 6:00 Bells practice 7-8:30 Choir practice	9   Annual Reports Due 8:00 Serenity AA	10  8-10:15 Choir Rehearsal
11  8:00 Worship/Cantata 10:30Worship/Cantata 11:45 Happy Hour Sunday AA & AL-ANON	12 7:00 Council Meeting	13 9-4 Columbine Genealogy 5:30 Stampin’ Up Meeting 6:30 Stewardship Dinner 7:00 Women’s Bible Study	14 4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Group		15 6:00 Bells practice 7-8:30 Choir practice	16 5:45-8:45 Girl Scouts 958 8:00 Serenity AA	17
18 8:00 Worship 9:15 Education Hour 10:30 Worship 11:45 Happy Hour Sunday AA & AL-ANON 7:00pm Youth GRP combined	19 7:00 Men’s Org	20  Newsletter Deadline		21   6:30 12 Step Group	22 6:00 Bells practice 7-8:30 Choir practice	23    8:00 Serenity AA	24  Christmas Eve 3:00 Candlelight Service 5:00 Candlelight Service 7:00 Candlelight Service 10:00 Candlelight Service
25    Christmas Day 10:30Worship 11:45 Happy Hour Sunday AA & AL-ANON	26 OFFICE CLOSED	27		28 4:00 Colorado Honor Band 6:30 12 Step Group	29 Newsletter Mail Out	30	31 New Year’s Eve

Catch the Spirit…

Worship with Us

Advent is a great time to invite your friends and neighbors to church.

Worship 8:00 & 10:30

Education Hour 9:15

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT                                                                

6400 S UNIVERSITY BLVD                                                                                       

CENTENNIAL CO 80121-2916                                                                                              

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

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