Dec 27 news is posted at the end of Dec 20 news

This Week’s Calendar:

Sun Dec 20

    8:00a- Traditional Worship

   9:15a- Christian Ed

   9:15a- Youth Group grades 6-12

Mon Dec 21

   6:00p-Joyful Noise

Wed Dec 23  

   7:00p- Advent Worship Service

Fri Dec 25

   10:30a- Christmas Day Service

Birthdays:

Dec 21- Amy Mocny

Dec 22- Jenna Makowski

      Myra Oyerly

Dec 24- Hector Geddes

      Richard Leddy

      Holly Tarum

Dec 25- Trent Geth

      Garrett Rozich

Dec 26- Ben Arnst

      Pat Klammer

Our Response to our Lord

the week of December 13^th                  

Our Worship                 

Sunday 8:00 a -    65     

Sunday10:30 a - 312

Wednesday 7p-    57

Total –                434   

Our Gifts

Budgeted                $   6,093.68   

Received                 $   6,964.45

Regular giving $   3,862.45

Specials                  $      270.00

Sunday School        $        27.00

Preschool Tuition     $   2,560.00

MORTGAGE RETIREMENT

Received this week  $       245.00

Next Week’s Service Help

Dec 27 & 31

Altar- Rollene N & Connie E

     Dec 31- Carol Reitler

Elder-8a: Bill Ankoviak

   10:30a: Walt Cramer

   TH-6p: Karl Roth

Ushers-8a:Bill & Cindy Ankoviak

   10:30a: Carol R & Marcia Smith

   TH-6p:Mel Stacy

Greeters-

   8a: Mildred Glowacki

   10:30a: Gail & Nicole Eigner,

        Kathleen Brickel

   TH-6p: Carol Reitler

   F-10:30a:

Looking for a new bible? Al Walter has several copies of the new Lutheran Study Bible-$39.99

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Youth Group News

The 2010 Loons game schedule has been confirmed. Sign up sheets will be going up to help out with concessions. Sign up early to get a good date to fit into your busy summer schedule!

If you can help with either of these events please call Lenette at 781-5285 or l_m_fergy@hotmail.com

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Christmas Caroling

Come join the conformation class & LWML for Christmas caroling on Sun, Dec 20^th at 4:00. We will be leaving from Pastor’s house and going to Luther Manor and St. Francis Home, weather and health permitting. The more voices the more joyful we will sound, so come and help us bring some joy unto others

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Go Green

The Preschool has some pretty “cool” insulated bags that they are selling for a fundraiser. These are great for taking shopping to bring your items home that need to stay cold. Stop by and check them out in the hallway by the fellowship hall. The cost is $10 or 2/$18. They would make a great Christmas gift!

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New FPU Class

We will host our next FPU on Sunday Nights starting Jan. 3rd at 6:00 pm with Kevin and Barb Gibbon as the facilitators. This session will run through March 28. To sign up or for more info please call 781-3205.

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Voter’s Meeting Update

The December voter’s meeting was held last Sunday, with the election of officers and team members for 2010. On Jan 10^th at both services, there will be an installation service for all new and existing members (also on Wed, Jan 13).

New members for 2010 include:

Vice President: Jeff Pickelman

Elder: Kevin Carey

Financial Secretary: Marcia Smith

Treasurer: Shari Colpean

Trustee: Don Meyer

Education: Beth Norfleet

Outreach: Mary Pickelman, Ashley

  Moulton, Caroline Grossman,

  Renee Carey.

The meeting also included ministry team reports, an update on the new sound system, and an informational presentation of Fan the Flame/The Future is Now.

A copy of the minutes, and a listing of 2010 officers and team members will be included in the January monthly newsletter.

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With the cold winter days upon us, it’s a good time to cuddle up with a good book. Stop by the church library (in the fellowship hall) and check one out after church!

++++

Join us

December 27^th

after both services as we celebrate the birth of Jesus

with Birthday Cake

++++

Very Thankful Christmas

Transplant

Happened one year

Ago, December 23^rd

Now I see, why I’m still here

Knowing God is always in

     control, I’m

Fully aware of WHO is most

    important

Uplifted by many in prayer, some I

    didn’t even know, so, that’s why

    I’m always singing “I

Love the Lord”

This has been a very thankful year for me. God has been so good to all of us. God is still doing miracles!!! Thank you again for all of your prayers.

                            Sandy Mosier

++++

January 13, 5:30p. Tickets are now available for the Lutheran Home Care Agency’s Hospice of Hope 11^th. Annual Hospice Benefit Dinner at the Bavarian Inn Lodge Frankenmuth. The cost of the evening is $30.00. Call 652.4663 or homecare@AgingEnriched.org.

(email) prior to Jan 8, for reservations. Keynote speaker will be Tess Marshall, a life coach and author of “Flying by the Seat of My Soul.” www.TheBoldLife.com. Her personal experience searching for greater meaning, purpose and happiness is the basis of her talk. Tess states her job is “to show up, have fun and do as much good as possible for as many people as possible every day.” Proceeds from the benefit dinner are used to fund bereavement services and Camp Hope, a special camp for children who have lost a loved one through death. Lutheran Home Care Agency is a ministry of Lutheran Homes of Michigan. www.AgingEnriched.org.

++++

SAVE THE DATE!   Island Paradise - the 7th annual VLHS Benefit Dinner & Auction Sat, Feb 27, at Apple Mountain Conference Center.  The past 6 auctions have netted over $190,000 which has been applied to various school improvements including the 21st Century Classroom Initiative, busses, student aid, teacher training & more! Thank you for your past support of VLHS!  We could use your help - we are asking for items to be donated and put up for bid (merchandise, tickets, services, vacation homes, etc.)  There are also opportunities to participate by way of Prayer, advertising, sponsorship, or attending!  Click on our auction link www.vlhs.com and get more information and check out our often-updated list of items.  Watch your bulletin and/or church message board for ticket/donation fliers.  For further info call VLHS at 790-1676, Beth at 754-5918 kaulfarm@airadv.net, or Karrie -667-0034 Karriekookies@aol.com.

++++

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED ---

Volunteer at Bethesda Thrift Shop-5119 Gratiot in Saginaw. Info: Sherry 800-369-4636, ext 3531. 

++++

Thank you, from VLHS Booster Club. Thank you to all churches and people associated in any way with our fruit sale fundraiser. Our appreciation to all buyers, sellers, distributors and helpers for your cooperation and support.  Money raised will help support music, drama, athletics and many other activities at Valley Lutheran High School.  Through your support and the student body, we are fortunate and thankful to meet our goal.  Total boxes sold for 2009 were 859 – nearly 25,000 pounds.  Wow!” - Valley Lutheran Booster Club

++++

Coming in January

St Mark celebrates

30 years

of service to our Lord

++++

Straight from the Heart -Come and celebrate A Ladies Night Out. Sat, Feb 6^th, 6:30p at Trinity-St James, 119 E Munger Rd.

Conversation and Delicious Heart Healthy Hors d’oeuvres. Featured speakers: Elaine Bickel- Lutheran Educator and Humorist and Cathy Francke- Registered Dietitian.

Seating is limited, register today through the church office at 989-659-2506. No Cost- Bring a friend!

++++

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The Saginaw community foundation (SCF) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $200,000 in scholarships for students attending college (undergraduate or graduate) or vocational school in the fall of 2010. the application deadline for these awards is Feb 1, 2010. To make applying for scholarships less time consuming, SCF has developed an electronic application. Students need to complete only one application to apply for nearly 150 scholarships. The eligibility criteria for each scholarship vary and are explained in detail on the website www.saginawfoundation.org.

For more info contact 755-0545.

++++

SAVE MONEY BY SAVING ENERGY

- clean or replace the furnace filter often (same day each month is easy to remember) – furnaces use less energy if the “breathe” more easily.

- keep furniture, carpeting and curtains from blocking heat registers and air return ducts

- ceiling fans set at slow speed push warm air away from the ceiling and move it around the room without creating a chilling breeze.

- a setback or programmable thermostat can save as much as 20% on your heating costs

- don’t overheat your home and overwork your furnace. Use supplemental  heating equipment for hard to heat areas

- use an extra blanket at night

This Week’s Calendar:

Sun Dec 27

    8:00a- Traditional Worship

   9:15a- Christian Ed

Mon Dec 28

Wed Dec 30  

   5:30p - Choir  

   No worship service tonight

Fri Jan 1

   Happy New Year – office closed

Birthdays:

Our Response to our Lord

the week ending December 20^th                  

Our Worship                 

Sunday 8:00 a -    62     

Sunday10:30 a - 152

Wednesday 7p-    xx

Total –               xxx

Our Gifts

Budgeted                $   6,093.68   

Received                 $   7,776.94

Regular giving $   4,155.25

Specials                  $        64.23

Sunday School        $      209.46

Preschool Tuition     $   1,218.00

MORTGAGE RETIREMENT

Received this week  $    2,130.00

Teaching children to count is not as important as teaching them what counts

Next Week’s Service Help

Jan 3 & 6

Altar- Stewart, Wheaton

Elder-8a: Dave May

   10:30a: Walt Cramer

   W-7p: Karl Roth

Ushers-8a:Dave May, Jon Grasso

   10:30a: Dave & Amy Mocny

   W-7p:Bob Townsend

Greeters-

   8a:

   10:30a:

   W-7p:

Join us

December 27^th

after both services as we celebrate the birth of Jesus

with Birthday Cake

++++

Looking for a new bible? Al Walter has several copies of the new Lutheran Study Bible-$39.99

++++

Youth Group News

The 2010 Loons game schedule has been confirmed. Sign up sheets will be going up to help out with concessions. Sign up early to get a good date to fit into your busy summer schedule!

If you can help with either of these events please call Lenette at 781-5285 or l_m_fergy@hotmail.com

 ++++

New FPU Class

We will host our next FPU on Sunday Nights starting Jan. 3rd at 6:00 pm with Kevin and Barb Gibbon as the facilitators. This session will run through March 28. To sign up or for more info please call 781-3205.

++++

With the cold winter days upon us, it’s a good time to cuddle up with a good book. Stop by the church library (in the fellowship hall) and check one out after church!

++++

Very Thankful Christmas

Transplant

Happened one year

Ago, December 23^rd

Now I see, why I’m still here

Knowing God is always in

     control, I’m

Fully aware of WHO is most

    important

Uplifted by many in prayer, some I

    didn’t even know, so, that’s why

    I’m always singing “I

Love the Lord”

This has been a very thankful year for me. God has been so good to all of us. God is still doing miracles!!! Thank you again for all of your prayers.

                            Sandy Mosier

++++

Couch - Free to a Good Home If you are interested please call Barb Rousseau at 798-7361.

++++

“To God be the Glory”

1980-2010

St Mark celebrates

30 years

of service to our Lord

January 17^th, 2010

Worship Service 10:30a

with

Rev Edward Meyer

Rev Dr Robert A Schultz

Followed with Potluck Luncheon in the Fellowship  Hall

Share the “Excitement” of our 30^th Anniversary

++++

January 13, 5:30p. Tickets are now available for the Lutheran Home Care Agency’s Hospice of Hope 11^th. Annual Hospice Benefit Dinner at the Bavarian Inn Lodge Frankenmuth. The cost of the evening is $30.00. For reservations call 652.4663 or homecare@AgingEnriched.org.

(email) prior to Jan 8. Keynote speaker will be Tess Marshall, a life coach and author of “Flying by the Seat of My Soul.” www.TheBoldLife.com. Her personal experience searching for greater meaning, purpose and happiness is the basis of her talk. Tess states her job is “to show up, have fun and do as much good as possible for as many people as possible every day.” Proceeds from the benefit dinner are used to fund bereavement services and Camp Hope, a special camp for children who have lost a loved one through death. Lutheran Home Care Agency is a ministry of Lutheran Homes of Michigan. www.AgingEnriched.org.

++++

SAVE THE DATE!   Island Paradise - the 7th annual VLHS Benefit Dinner & Auction Sat, Feb 27, at Apple Mountain Conference Center.  The past 6 auctions have netted over $190,000 which has been applied to various school improvements including the 21st Century Classroom Initiative, busses, student aid, teacher training & more! Thank you for your past support of VLHS!  We could use your help - we are asking for items to be donated and put up for bid (merchandise, tickets, services, vacation homes, etc.)  There are also opportunities to participate by way of Prayer, advertising, sponsorship, or attending!  Click on our auction link www.vlhs.com and get more information and check out our often-updated list of items.  Watch your bulletin and/or church message board for ticket/donation fliers.  For further info call VLHS at 790-1676, Beth at 754-5918 kaulfarm@airadv.net, or Karrie -667-0034 Karriekookies@aol.com.

++++

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED ---

Volunteer at Bethesda Thrift Shop-5119 Gratiot in Saginaw. Info: Sherry 800-369-4636, ext 3531. 

++++

Thank you, from VLHS Booster Club. Thank you to all churches and people associated in any way with our fruit sale fundraiser. Our appreciation to all buyers, sellers, distributors and helpers for your cooperation and support.  Money raised will help support music, drama, athletics and many other activities at Valley Lutheran High School.  Through your support and the student body, we are fortunate and thankful to meet our goal.  Total boxes sold for 2009 were 859 – nearly 25,000 pounds.  Wow!” - VL Booster Club

++++

Straight from the Heart -Come and celebrate A Ladies Night Out. Sat, Feb 6^th, 6:30p at Trinity-St James, 119 E Munger Rd.

Conversation and Delicious Heart Healthy Hors d’oeuvres. Featured speakers: Elaine Bickel- Lutheran Educator and Humorist and Cathy Francke- Registered Dietitian.

Seating is limited, register today through the church office at 989-659-2506. No Cost- Bring a friend!

++++

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The Saginaw community foundation (SCF) is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $200,000 in scholarships for students attending college (undergraduate or graduate) or vocational school in the fall of 2010. the application deadline for these awards is Feb 1, 2010. To make applying for scholarships less time consuming, SCF has developed an electronic application. Students need to complete only one application to apply for nearly 150 scholarships. The eligibility criteria for each scholarship vary and are explained in detail on the website www.saginawfoundation.org.

For more info contact 755-0545.

++++

things don’t matter as much as your attitude toward them

++++

Are you interested in helping adults learn to read? Sign up for adult literacy tutor training at the Saginaw Township Fire Station #3, 155 N Center. Litstart certified training consists of two sessions with lunch being served at the Saturday session. Class times are: Fri, Jan 15, 6-9p and Sat, Jan 16, 9a-4p. Training is free for those willing to volunteer. All those who complete the training will be matched with adult students. To register or to find out more, call 791-3889 or 792-1026 or email: literacy@saginawlibrary.org.  

++++

St Lorenz, Frankenmuth is hosting Divorce Care – a weekly seminar and support group for people who are separated or divorced. The group will meet Tuesdays, Jan 12 – April 6 from 7-8:30pm in Room #107 at St Lorenz. Enter directly across street from Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance on Genesee St.  for more information please call Michele at 989-245-8850 (cell). There are pamphlets on the bulletin board also.

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SAVE A FAMILY

BUY A LLAMA

Read more about this in your January newsletter. Newsletters will be in the church mailboxes before the New Years Eve service.

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SAVE MONEY BY SAVING ENERGY

-kitchen tips-

- thaw foods and cut vegetables into small pieces – they’ll take less time to cook

- put lids on pots and pans and make sure they’re the right size for the burners. Food will cook faster and use less energy

- preheat the oven only when the recipe calls for it. Don’t preheat if you’re using the broiler.

- use glass and ceramic dishes. They hold heat better and you can lower the oven temp 25 degrees

- opening the oven door to peek and you’ll lose 25-75 degrees of heat. Best to look through the window in the oven door