December Newsletter
We love, serve, and gather in Christ.
A note from Pastor Doug
Families of Faith:
The scene is set. The spotlight shines on the stage. The Charlie Brown kids are all quiet, even Snoopy the dog. Charlie Brown is upset and wants to know the true meaning of Christmas.
Linus walks on stage and tells the story of Luke, chapter 2 the birth of Jesus. Charles Schultz, creator of Charlie Brown, was a man of deep faith and it shows in this episode. So incredible. I had no idea as a kid, but I do now later in life see what it’s all about.
Really, friends, it not the rush to buy, ship and hopefully get gifts on time. It’s not about decorations, parties and gettogethers as much fun as those are. It’s not about anything but Jesus. May that same Babe born in the manger, who grew up and gave his life for you, died for you and rose again be born anew into your hearts, and lives.
This Christmas season, make room for one more in your life. In your busy schedule, in your family, with your friends, under your tree. Make room for one more and the scene will be set, the spotlight will be on YOU as you move with Christ into 2024.
May it be so for you and your family. I wish you a most blessed and warm Christmas season with people you love and who love you, namely Jesus Christ! Amen!
Pastor Doug
Holiday Schedule
Christmas Eve:
10 am Zoom with Pastor Doug! Join for a fun discussion of Luke 2:1-20, the Christmas Story. There will also be Christmas Trivia and sharing family memories.
7 pm Faith
9 pm St. Andrew’s Come and join your family of faith for all that you hope for in Christmas Eve service: the great Christmas hymns of the season, Holy Communion, candlelight singing of Silent Night, and much more!
New Year’s Eve
9 am Faith
11 am St. Andrews – Blessed retirement to Ed Bailey after 51 years of service. Ring in the new year!
Congregational Meeting
Congregational meeting after Worship service on December 17th to vote on new Council and 2024 budget. Agenda will be sent out separately.
Message from Martha Siemers
A thank you to Pastor Doug and members of Faith Lutheran, Avon. It was a big birthday event and I wish to thank you for all your prayers and wishes for my 97th birthday. Faith has been our family's church home since 1960 and it has surely meant a lot to me. And I wish for God's greatest blessings for you and the future of Faith and for as long as I'm around, I'll be cheering and praying for Faith Lutheran Avon.
Message from Pastor Willeke
Martie and I received your well-prepared Advent devotional and just today finished the reading for November 28th. Today's author was Lori Westwick Becker, who was a young teenager when we moved from Faith at the end of 1973. Thank You Lori; Your work was well thought out and inspirational to Martie and me. We look forward to the readings for the rest of this Holy Season.
We send you greetings for this season and pray that you will have the Hope that comes with our Savior’s birth and that it will give you Joy into the New Year!!!
Just an additional personal note. On this past November 4th I reached the age of 90 years of Life. I am thankful to God for His many blessings, including our friends at Faith Lutheran Church.
May God continue to bless you!!
Pastor Rodney Willeke and Martie Willeke
Food Pantry
Greetings and God's Blessings.
God who rides on the highest heavens, we thank You that You care for the weakest and neediest among us. Thank You for using us as Your agents to meet the needs of those without enough food. Lord, as we work together today, may our team be encouraging and supportive of one another and of those we serve. Give us strength and energy for the tasks before us today. May the light of Your love shine through each one of us.
Amen.
Faith Financial Givings
Faithful Faith Members...with the various giving options (traditional envelopes, direct deposit, Vanco Mobile or Vanco On-line via link from Faith’s website), we have reduced the number of offering envelopes for the congregation. Please let either the church office know or send email to bkochersperger@foxcontractors.com.
**Don’t forget your extra giving for Advent. Please use Vanco app or through website.**
https://www.vancopayments.com/egiving/vanco-mobile-migration?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=205686104&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-__Ovwb5pqS16cV5iiBecf32pAyVArOn6y3G3aunAhDK-WKxx3lpeeAC3EynbDBid7g7rh9WCsXoenTkAVu8triXRz3sEUDAW2UkuwEcoqB5RRZQak&
Four Week Giving Roll
11/05/2023
Budget Giving $1,998.28
Food Pantry $ 124.05
Total $2,122.33
11/12/2023
Budget Giving $2,546.18
Building Fund $ 300.00
Food Pantry $ 167.12
St Andrews $ 25.00
Total $3,038.30
11/19/2023
Budget Giving $1,493.92
Food Pantry $ 29.53
St Andrews $3,160.97
Total $4,684.42
11/26/2023
Budget Giving $1,892.48
Food Pantry $ 58.95
St Andrews $1,472.11
Total $3,423.54
December
Celebrations
We’d like to honor and celebrate with you!
Please contact Dee Dee to make sure we have
your birthday and anniversary on file.
Birthdays
Jacob Benning 12-04
Samuel Muncy 12-07
Jordan Kochersperger 12-20
Jeffery Becker 12-30
Brian Moench 12-31
Anniversaries
Don & Julie Snyder 12-07
Gil & Joyce Sams 12-27
Vince & Jodi Draper 12-28
JJ & Dezi James 12-29
Prayer Wall
It is written in Philippians 4:6, that we are not to be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving we are to present our requests to God. You don’t have to be a “Prayer Warrior” to pray. Would you pray for your brothers and sisters in Christ?
Our Homebound Members: Martha Siemers, Carol Westwick, Estelle Boyd, Judy Vogel
Continued Prayers: Estelle Boyd and family (ongoing support), Judy Vogel and family (ongoing support), and Dan Weaver (Dee Dee Kochersperger’s father).
For special intention, Rick Emerson (family of Katelyn VanDam), Chris Burgan (daughter of Joyce and Gil Sams), Lou Ann Funk, Carolyn Moench, Tim Schults (brother of Karen Anderson), Joan Leafsted (friend of Karen Anderson); Unknown needs to all who are troubled in mind, body, and spirit.
Prayers of comfort and healing to those Faith Family members who aren’t able to attend due to health concerns. If you need food or anything, please let a Council member know so we can be there for YOU.
Higher Education Students: Douglas Perez, Annika Cahill, Maddie Anderson, Matthew Benning and all students in Hendricks County!
Military Service Members: All Service Men and Women fighting for our freedoms and their families who have also sacrificed
Current Events: Prayers of comfort for those who have experienced a loss due to the mass shootings. Peace for our troubled world
Leadership and Local Organizations:
ELCA Bishop Elizabeth Eaton
I-K Synod Bishop Bill Gafkjen
Lutheran Child and Family Services
Family Promise
Sheltering Wings
Faith’s Food Pantry
As a family of Faith, we want to pray and celebrate WITH you. Please submit your requests to the office by phone 317.272.1022 or by email at flc.avon@att.net.
If you would like to add details to your petitions, you are welcome to do so but you do NOT have to.