From the Pastor: Joy to the World! - Christ Lutheran Church in Alamo

Christ
Lutheran
Church
Through God’s Grace
All are welcome as we joyfully,
Receive…to Give
Learn…to Serve
and Worship…to Grow.
Worship
Sunday Morning
Holy Communion
At 8:00 & 10:30 a.m.
On Sunday, December 28,
there will be one service
only at 9:30 a.m.
Education
Sunday Morning 9:15 a.m. for All Ages:
Children 3 & up –
Chapel
Junior High Youth:
Rooms 214 & 216
Sr. High – Room
206
Adults – Fellowship
Hall
There will be no Christian
Education on Sunday,
December 28.
Nursery
A Nursery is available for
children who are infants
through 4 years of age
during Sunday morning
worship and the Sunday
School hour.
Office
Monday - Thursday from
9:00 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Friday from
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
210-822-3394
[email protected]
December 2008
December
2014
From the Pastor:
Joy to the World!
Twinkle lights are going up, trees are being trimmed and the weather has cooled off, encouraging cozy
cocoa-filled evenings with Christmas music playing in our homes. It is a season which elicits cheer,
encouragements to be merry and warm greetings to be shared by all. This is a season of joy!
Joy—this wonderful emotion or state of being seems to have the ability to encompass so many
emotions including but not limited to: delight, pleasure, euphoria, glee and, of course, happiness. Joy,
according to spiritual writer Marianne Williamson, is “what happens to us when we allow ourselves to
recognize how good things really are.” Activist Helen Keller claimed, “Joy is the holy fire that keeps
our purpose warm and our intelligence aglow.” And Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, reflects that,
“sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your
joy.”
Many believe that we can be active in finding our joy as Henri Nouwen suggested by saying, “Joy does
not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Author Barbara
Kingsolver testifies that sometimes we find ourselves in places that require a re-learning of joy, yet she
believes that this is possible as well, writing, “I have taught myself joy, over and over again.”
When we are experiencing joy it is also commonly believed to be something that is not capable of being
contained within. As Mother Teresa said, “A joyful heart is the normal result of a heart burning with
love. She gives most who gives with joy.” She was also known to say, “If you are joyful, do not worry
about lukewarmness. Joy will shine in your eyes and in your look, in your conversation and in your
countenance. You will not be able to hide it because joy overflows.” Anne Lamott refers to the way joy
can alter your appearance by saying, “Joy is the best makeup.”
Not only does joy shine forth and overflow, but its full effect is found when it is shared. Mark Twain
ascertained, “To get the full value of joy you must have someone to divide it with.” And Ralph Waldo
Emerson simply implores us to “scatter joy.”
Joy is seemingly everywhere as people offer their thoughts on what joy is, where it comes from or how
it happens and what joy causes. This advent, at Christ Lutheran Church, we invite you to open yourself
to joy!
(continued on the top of page 2)
Groups
Book Club
First Tuesday
6:45 p.m. - Location TBA
Conversational Spanish
Tuesdays
7:00 p.m.-CrossWay
Dominos Group
First Thursday
9:30 a.m. - Fellowship Hall
First Thursday Lunch
First Thursday
12:00 p.m. - Fellowship Hall
Healing Prayer
Tuesday - 10:00 a.m.
Rode Prayer Chapel
Hope Circle
Second Thursday
9:30 a.m. - Primrose House
Joseph’s Sons
First Monday
6:30 p.m. - Location TBA
Joy….
Continued from page 1
On Sundays in Advent, join us for worship as we explore the joy of anticipation,
preparation and expectation! We also welcome you to join us for the joy of music and the
story of Christmas on Sunday, December 14 as we gather for Lessons and Carols and the
Children’s Christmas Pageant. Read more throughout this newsletter about joyous events
such as Wednesday Holden Evening Prayer (pg. 3), Christmas Caroling (pg. 9), a Christmas
Cookie exchange (pg. 5), musical offerings (pg. 4) and more!
We also invite you all to journey through this Advent season by doing daily devotions.
You will be receiving in the mail an advent devotional booklet entitled, “Joy in Jesus,” and
we encourage you to do these devotions on your own or with family or friends as a way to
enter into the joy that this season offers.
Let us discover joy together in the promises of this season, let us choose joy as we
recognize the gifts we have from God and let us scatter joy so all might know that joy has
come to the world!
Joy to the World! The Lord is come, let heav’n and nature sing!
Joy to the Earth! The savior reigns with truth and grace!
Let us repeat the sounding joy and share the wonders of Christ’s love!
- Pastor Marie
Jubilate Choir
Every Wednesday
5:30 p.m. - Sanctuary
Last rehearsal for the year
will be December 3.
Lydia Circle
Second Tuesday
6:30 p.m. - Primrose House
CLC Book Club: You’re Invited!
Men’s Breakfast
December 2, 2014
Happy Birthday Jesus
6:45 pm at Penny McDonald’s Home
Second Tuesday
7:00 a.m. - Bill Miller BBQ
Quilters
Every Tuesday
9:00 a.m. - Primrose House
Sanctuary Choir
Every Wednesday
7:15 p.m. - Sanctuary
Youth Choirchime Choir
Wednesdays
5:30 p.m. - Bell Room
Other groups meet during the
year. For information, please
contact our church office or visit
our website www:clcah.org.
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Bring a jar of peanut butter or pantry staple for Agape ministries
Bring a book for a book exchange and/or to donate to SAMM
Bring an edible or drinkable goodie to share
We’ll even have a literary discussion amid the merriment – please read A Christmas
Memory by Truman Capote at http://www.sailthouforth.com/2009/12/christmasmemory.html.
A Christmas Memory was adapted by Capote for television. The production starred
Geraldine Page and Truman Capote was the narrator. Both the teleplay and Geraldine Page
won Emmy Awards. If you’d like to watch the 47-minute video, you’ll find it at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nS0uurW6ZQM.
From the Parish CouncilChrist Lutheran Blessings
I always look forward to hearing the wisdom of Pastor Jon Lee. We are blessed to have
him preach on special occasions and his message on Reformation Sunday (October 26)
was especially memorable. As a longtime member I confess to taking the many blessings of
Christ Lutheran for granted. It took Pastor Lee to remind me how fortunate we are and in
so many ways.
Pastor Lee reminded us how unique it is for a congregation to give 20% of offerings to
ministries and organizations that benefit our community and beyond. He reminded us how
fortunate we are to have two energetic pastors and such a capable staff. He pointed out
that our members include members of the Texas Lutheran University Board of Regents,
Alumni Association, faculty and staff. He pointed out the many community service
contributions our members make to vital organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Haven
for Hope, Meals on Wheels, etc. He reminded us of just how special our music groups are
and what a contribution they make to our worship experience. He reminded us of what a
wide range of small group opportunities we have available.
Member
News
Weddings


Praises To

What he didn't say but what I give thanks for are the many lifetime friends I have made
through participation at our church. That truly is special to me.
Peace and blessings to all!

- Brad Wheeless, Parish Council President

Holden Evening Prayer
Evening services to celebrate the Advent season will be offered on December 3, 10 & 17
beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The service will follow the Holden Evening Prayer
format. We hope you will join us!

Let’s Decorate the Sanctuary!
Please join us on December 7 after worship at 11:45 a.m. in the sanctuary to decorate the
church for the Christmas Season. We need adults and youth of all ages (yes, that means
you!) to help with a variety of festive chores, including decorating the sanctuary, the
Christmas tree, the CrossWay and exterior doors. While the adults and youth decorate,
children will be busy in the Fellowship Hall enjoying lunch and making ornaments! We
have some fun and creative projects for the children to make and then to adorn our
sanctuary tree. Once Christ Lutheran is decorated, the adults will have lunch in the
CrossWay - featuring Rosario’s famous chili and tamales! We look forward to seeing LOTS
of you there!
Congratulations to Mark
Kurtti and Maria Dulce
Crucilla who were married
on October 26.
Congratulations to Sara
Oliver and Eric Berkowitz
who were married on
November 22.

Tom Stindt and Carolyn
Dufelmeier for their
gardening help at SA
Clubhouse on November 1.
The gardens are cleaned up
and the roses are trimmed!
All the faithful members of
the CLC Revelators! Thanks
for your time and great
effort!
All the Habitat volunteers
who braved the cold and
wet weather to complete
the landscaping of the
Lutheran Cluster Habitat
home. It was a job well done
and in record time: two and
a half hours!
Everyone who has helped
our friend Brenda
transition into
independence – your gifts
of furniture, household
goods, clothing, linens,
food, diapers and gift
cards are proving that we
are doing Christ’s work in
our world.
To all who participated in
our Thanksgiving Food Drive
for the AH Christian Food
Pantry!
Page 3
Faith University: Sunday Mornings
December 7:
Beatles Theology – This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Beatles' "invasion" of the USA, when the British
rock sensation gave live performances on the Ed Sullivan Show. Besides forever changing the course of music, the
Beatles, through their music, lyrics and lifestyles, also changed popular culture. One area of their influence – religion
– fused Western and Eastern thought, and created the spiritual zeitgeist of American society in the 1960s. Come join
us on this multimedia "Magical Mystery Tour" at Faith University, led by our Music Director Daniel Long, for this
final of three Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
December 14
Join us at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary for the Children’s Christmas Pageant, The Light Before Christmas.
December 21
The Incarnation
At Christmas we celebrate Christ’s birth in the world and God’s becoming human and coming into the world just as
all of us do as humans. This wonderful occurrence is called the incarnation, but what does this really mean for us?
Why is it so important to our faith as Christians that God came into the world in this way? Join us as Pastor Leslie
leads this class and discussion about a central doctrine of our faith.
Faith University: Night School
Jesus’ question to Peter is also his question to us, “Who do you say that I am?” This year in Faith University Night
School we are reading two books in conversation with each other over one of the greatest questions of our faith.
This December we continue reading through Bart Ehrman’s latest, How Jesus Became God, and the response to it
by several scholars, How God Became Jesus.
Join us Wednesday evenings, 5:30-6:15 p.m. in the CrossWay, for what promises to be a lively conversation. (If you
wish to purchase the books in a group order, email Pastor Leslie at [email protected]. The cost for both books is $35.)
On December 3 we invite you to stay after class for Holden Evening Prayer in the Sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. Class will
then break along with youth programming until after the holidays. Class will resume in the new year on Wednesday,
January 7, 2015.
“A Ringing Christmas Story”
Inspired by the traditional nine lessons and carols service, the River City Ringers will be performing their 2014
Handbell Christmas concert "A Ringing Christmas Story" on Friday, December 12, 7:30 p.m. at Christ Lutheran.
The first half of the concert will have arrangements of hymns interwoven with readings retelling the prophecy and
birth of Jesus. From there, the concert will depart from the Nativity story to a mixture of modern day Christmas
tunes. Join the River City Ringers as they retell their handbell Christmas story with a repertoire of traditional
hymns and modern day Christmas songs!
Other performance dates for this Christmas program are December 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the San Antonio Central
Public Library and Monday, December 15 at 7 p.m. at the Army Residence Community.
Page 4
Christmas is a time of sharing so …
let's share cookies!
Announcing the first annual Christ Lutheran Christmas Cookie Exchange on Wednesday, December 10, after
the evening Advent service! Meet in Fellowship Hall at 7:00 p.m.
Christmas cookies have long been a part of our Christmas tradition. What a great way to introduce and share the
cookies that are special to our families. If you have special memories or funny stories to go with your cookies and
would be willing to share them it would be even more fun.
Here's how it works: everyone brings three dozen cookies. Everyone leaves with three dozen assorted cookies.
During the year, we bake the regular family favorites – chocolate chip, oatmeal, brownies. So this is a chance to share
the special cookies we bake only at Christmas. And, if you don't have a special holiday recipe, here's a chance to try
something new. That can also be a story to tell.
There will be signup sheets in the CrossWay. Give it a try! New cookies, new stories, great fun.
Joint Christmas Party for Young
Women’s Group and Mulligans
Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green;
Here we come a-wand'ring so fair to be seen.
Love and joy come to you, And to you your wassail too;
And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year
And God send you a Happy New Year.
Join us for a festive evening of fellowship at Ryan and Sarah Loyd’s home on Sunday, December 14 at 7:00 p.m. Big
thanks to the Loyds for opening their home to us. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share and your beverage of
choice. Wassail will be provided.
RSVP to Pastor Marie at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
Parenting Preschoolers Faithfully
Join us on December 16 at 9:30 a.m. (after Dayschool chapel) in the Parlor for Bible Study and conversation on
topics pertinent to raising preschoolers. This month we will be looking at the Christmas story and talking about how
the Gospels tell the story differently and what that might mean. We’ll also share ways that we are passing on our
faith in the midst of our Christmas traditions. Hope to see you there! Childcare provided.
Page 5
Youth & Children
Carrie’s Corner:
Checking in with our Director of Faith Formation
Our children and youth are off to a fantastic year so far! I'm so excited about all the fun we are having!
Senior high youth started the fall semester with a leadership retreat where they planned their own schedule and we've
been having great fellowship over Sunday lunches at which we discuss the sermon from the morning worship hour.
We also had an awesome time together at the Hondo Corn Maze in October.
Junior high youth have been very active also. Through our confirmation program they are learning about Martin
Luther, Lutheran Theology and worship. We also had a great fellowship event jumping around at ThinAir! Several
junior high students have joined our ChoirChime Choir on Wednesday nights and participate in a small group time
to talk and pray about their week.
Our children have been exploring the stories of our faith through Godly Play and participating in worship through
singing in the Jubilate Choir. We also had a great time at our first annual Trunk or Treat.
We are building a strong foundation for our youths’ spiritual faith journey at Christ Lutheran. I hope you will take
the time to read about what's going on in their lives, because God is doing amazing work in all of them!
- Carrie Jowers, Director of Faith Formation
Children's Sunday School for December
Sundays are planned out differently for the month of December so please be sure to mark your calendars with the
dates listed below.
Sunday December 7: Rehearsal for pageant (meet in Children’s Chapel at 9:15 a.m.)
Saturday December 13: Required Christmas Pageant dress rehearsal at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday December 14: Christmas Pageant during the Sunday School hour (meet at 8:45 a.m. in Children's Chapel)
Sunday December 21: Godly Play Advent Story followed by a Christmas party (meet in Children’s Chapel
at 9:15 a.m.)
Sunday December 28: No Sunday School (Holiday Break)
Jubilate Choir
The Jubilate Choir had a wonderful time leading worship on November 9 during the 10:30 a.m. service. A big hand
to all of the children and to Miguel Roberts and Sharon Ruiz for their hard work and dedication. We look forward
to hearing the children sing again on Sunday, December 7, during the 10:30 a.m. worship service.
Please note that Wednesday night rehearsals will break for the winter from December 10 thru December 31.
Wednesday night rehearsals will start back up on Wednesday, January 7 at 5:30 p.m. Our spring rehearsal and
woship dates will be announced in the January Proclaimer, so please stayed tuned for more information.
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Youth & Children
Children's Christmas Pageant:
The Light Before Christmas
Come join us for the best story ever told – the birth of Jesus!
You are invited to come and hear the Christmas Story told and acted out by our very own Christ Lutheran Sunday
School children.
Please join us at 9:15 a.m. on December 14 in the church sanctuary, with a cookie reception in the CrossWay
immediately following the pageant. Parents, please have your children here that morning no later then 8:45 a.m. to
get in costume. We will meet at 8:45 a.m. in Children’s Chapel.
Huge thank you to Erica Becvar for her help with the Christmas pageant!
We also need some help from adults in the following areas:
*Costume prep: checking that we have all we need
*Help the children get ready the day of the pageant
*Help with stage set up and tear down the day of the pageant
If you are able to help in any of these areas please contact Carrie Jowers!
Junior High: Confirmation Class
The Confirmation students have hit the ground running. They have had two very successful large group sessions and
they are devoted to coming each Sunday morning to Sunday School. The Confirmation Class got together for a fun
outing at ThinAir Extreme Sports with lunch afterwards. They are a great group and a ton of fun to be with! Our
next large group will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at 6:00 p.m. with a Pizza Feast at 5:30 p.m. The topic will
be the Gospels and Jesus' Early Life.
Here's what's coming up:
Sunday, December 7: 9:15 a.m. – Required Confirmation Small Group
Sunday, December 14: 9:15 a.m. – No Sunday School; Attend Christmas Pageant
Sunday, December 21: 9:15 a.m. – Christmas Party (Senior High Room)
Sunday, December 28 – No Sunday School
Wednesday, January 7, 6:00 p.m. – ConfirmationLarge Group (Pizza Feast at 5:30 p.m.)
Saturday, January 10, 4:00 p.m. – Middle School Sleepover Retreat
The Confirmation Class has requested a middle school sleepover retreat at the church. Please mark your calendar for
Saturday, January 10 at 4:00 p.m. More information to come.
The Confirmation Class completed Acolyte training led by Robb Decker and Les Robbins on November 16. The
students did a wonderful job practicing as Acolytes for our worship services.
Acolyte Schedule for December:
Sunday, December 7: Griffin Hall
Sunday, December 14: Matthew Diana
Sunday, December 21: Allen Attleson
Wednesday, December 24, 4:00 p.m.: Matthew Diana and Leah Vasquez
Wednesday, December 24, 6:00 p.m.: Michael Sever
Page 7
Youth & Children
Senior High Youth Ministry
In October, our senior high youth traveled to the Hondo Corn Maze. We enjoyed a scripture-led walk through the
maze and ended the evening roasting hot dogs and marshmallows by the campfire. The senior high group also
participated in Trunk or Treat and did an awesome job decorating their car trunks for this event. A huge thanks to
all of you for participating in this fun, all-ages Christ Lutheran Church event!
In November, the youth started a Bible study on Matthew, helped with Habitat for Humanity and ended the month
with a Thanksgiving Feast. Thank you to the Hills for hosting the senior high group at their house for this wonderful
time of fellowship. I have truly enjoyed getting to know this group. I hope you will join me in investing time to help
their faith journeys grow as they prepare to go on to college.
Here's what's coming up:
Brunch Light: Sunday, December 7, join us for worship at 10:30 a.m.; then stay to decorate the church for
Christmas or help the children make ornaments for the Christmas tree. Lunch provided.
Night Light: Sunday, December 14, Christmas Party at Lia Mathsen's house starting at 6:00 p.m.
Winter Break: December 21 -January 3
Looking ahead: Senior High Youth Retreat in January, 2015.
Register! 2015 ELCA Youth Gathering, July 2015!
Don’t miss this amazing opportunity for travel, service, fellowship, music and FUN! Join us for the ELCA Youth
Gathering in Detroit, Michigan July 15-19. This year, our senior high students will travel to Detroit to attend the
ELCA Youth Gathering – where they’ll begin each morning with thousands of youth, volunteers and adult leaders in
Ford Field to hear the day’s scripture led by engaging speakers and Christian musicians. Then, fully inspired,
congregational groups will participate in a three-day activity rotation that includes a day of service in the Detroit
metropolitan area, a day of exploratory learning with other groups from their synod, and a day of interactive learning
in the Convention Center. We need you! We want you! This trip could change your life. Please contact Carrie
Jowers at the church office for details. Family contribution for this year's trip is $200. Scholarship funds are
available.
Page 8
Hope Bible Study Group
Hope Bible Study Group will meet Thursday, December 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the Primrose House. Karin Oliver will be
our Bible Study leader, and Frances Ware is the hostess.
We will prepare Christmas cards for our members who are unable to be with us. Refreshments will be served. All are
welcome.
Lessons and Carols
We hope you’ll join us and bring a friend to a very special “Service of Lessons and Carols” on Sunday, December
14 at the 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. worship hour. This revered Christian tradition is a musical, meditative and
inspirational preparation for Advent and the birth of our Lord. We’ll be communing in spirit with Christian brothers
and sisters around the world who will also celebrate the season in this beautiful manner. This year our musical
selections center around an All-American theme! We are blessed to have the gifts of Director of Music Ministry, Dr.
Dan Long, Organist Bill Ross and our CLC Sanctuary Choir to bring this tradition to life for us. It is an
extraordinary experience that will give us a reflective and joyful respite from the typical holiday bustle.
Angel Gifts Due By December 15!
By the time you receive this issue of the Proclaimer, we hope you’ve already had a chance to select an angel from our
Family Service Association Angel Tree and you’re shopping for clothes, toys, household goods and other special
gifts to bring Christmas joy to someone who could use a boost.
Please know that if you picked an angel who asked for something you cannot afford, any gifts you can give
will be appreciated.
On Sunday, November 30, we set up our Angel Tree in the CrossWay, and you have until Monday, December 15 to
return your UNWRAPPED gifts to the CrossWay. Be sure and attach the angel and identifying label and keep the
gifts together in a bag. Gifts of non-perishable foods and new or gently used household items, linens and furnishings
are very much appreciated by these families, also.
For more information, call the church office at 210-822-3394 or Jan Norris at 210-822-9803.
Lucy Circle: December 21
The Lucies continue to meet monthly and discuss essays from The Best American Essays 2013, edited by Cheryl
Strayed. The essays cover a wide range of topics that evoke discussion about love, faith, compassion, family, service,
community, illness, regret, fear, death, war and other compelling human conditions. The discussions have been
thought-provoking, honest, sometimes emotional and always stimulating. We invite Christ Lutheran women to join
us. If you need a copy of the book, you can find it at amazon.com.
Lucy Circle meets in the Parlor at 9:15 a.m. on third Sundays. On December 21, Edna Robbins will lead the
discussion on the essay, “My Father’s Women” by Mako Yoshikawa.
Page 9
Christmas Caroling!
On Sunday, December 21, at 5:00 p.m., we will meet in Fellowship Hall to go caroling.
Remember those turn of the century caroling groups that look like they are out of a Dickens’ novel? Well, this will
probably not be quite like that! So leave the bonnet and top hat at home, but maybe bring a stocking cap if it’s chilly,
and join us for some good old-fashioned neighborhood caroling!
God loves all voices, so please come regardless of your perception of your talent! As Buddy says in the movie Elf,
singing is “just like talking, except longer and louder, and you move your voice up and down.” He also said, “The
best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” So join your voice to our cheerful effort to get
out and spread some joy while also getting to meet some of our neighbors!
We’ll meet at 5:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, pass out Christmas Carols so you can have a cheat sheet for the
words, and head out to share some joy with our neighbors! We’ll carol for about 45 minutes and then come back to
church for hot chocolate, cookies, wine and cheese!
Hope you can make it!
Christmas Services
Joy to the World! We invite you to worship with us on Christmas Eve and Day as we celebrate the birth of Christ,
Emmanuel, God with us, come to live God’s love in our midst. As God becomes human, we rejoice that joy comes
to the world as Christ comes offering redemption and salvation to all!
Here’s what to look forward to at our different worship offerings:
Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. – Child-Friendly Service
This Christmas Eve worship service is great for all ages; however, it is crafted specifically with children in
mind. Children will have the opportunity to dress up as an angel, shepherd or sheep and come forward to be a part
of the Christmas Story. Children will also be invited to come forward to lead the congregation in singing Go, Tell it
on the Mountain. There will be a special Children’s Time with Carrie Jowers, our Director of Faith Formation. And
recognizing that young ones can be especially energetic on Christmas Eve the service will last only 45-50 minutes,
with a shorter sermon. This service also offers communion and candle-lighting.
Christmas Eve 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. – Carols and Candlelight
These two services are identical. They help us enter into the transcendent beauty of this evening celebrating God’s
incarnation. Join us as we sing beloved carols and enter into the stillness and awe of this Silent Night. Pastor Marie
will preach. Communion will be offered as well as a ceremony of candle-lighting.
Nursery is provided at both the 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. services.
Christmas Day 10:30 a.m. – Christmas Story and Carols
Joy to the World! Christ is born! Join us on Christmas Day to continue our celebration of the birth of our
savior. This is a great service to come to if you want to make sure you get to sing all your favorite Christmas Carols!
It is a service of lessons and carols, telling the Christmas story through scripture readings and song! Please join us!
December 28 Christmas 1 Worship at 9:30 a.m.
On the Sunday after Christmas, we welcome you for a festive continuation of Christmas with ONE SERVICE
at 9:30 a.m.
Page 10
Haven for Hope/70-in-7 Update
It has been three months since Brenda and her family transitioned into their apartment after being homeless. She
continues to express her gratitude for all the support she is receiving from Christ Lutheran. Considering that this is
the first time she has been on her own, she and her family are doing very well. She has been working, her two girls (4
and 5) are in school, and her baby will turn 1-year-old in December. They are looking forward to Thanksgiving as a
family in their new home. Even with the responsibility of raising four young children, Brenda says she feels a sense
of freedom.
Currently, she’s working to support her family and to provide for their physical, social and emotional wellbeing. She
is learning how to take advantage of the resources that are available to her. Eventually, she hopes to go to school to
become a medical assistant and also to be able to afford a car. Without Christ Lutheran, she said she would not be
where she is right now. Brenda appreciates not only the practical help, but the emotional support of having someone
there for her. It has taken courage for her to reach out for help, but she realizes the importance of doing so. As we
continue to travel this road with her, we will send out updates and e-mails on how we can continue to help Brenda
and her family towards greater self-sufficiency.
- Lisa Diana
Free desk devotional for Thrivent
members: Inspirations for Daily Life
As a membership organization of Christians, Thrivent gives you access to many
benefits of membership. Here is a new free resource you can order.
Thrivent members can now order Inspirations for Daily Life, a perpetual daily desk
devotional. Each page has a spiritual thought for the day, a related Scripture and a
beautiful four-color nature photo. Both benefit and associate members can order one
free copy, while supplies last. Order online at Thrivent.com (Link opens in new
window) or by phone at 800-847-4836, at the prompt, say "fraternal."
To learn about all the benefits of membership, visit
Thrivent.com/membershipbenefits.
BY THE WAY: PLEASE REMEMBER TO DESIGNATE YOUR “CHOICE DOLLARS”! We are way
behind last year’s designations. This is one way to give to your congregation or other agencies without opening up
your wallet or pocketbook. It is totally painless.
Page 11
Meet Our New Members!
Carrie, Parker, Sophia & Jeff Jowers
Cayenne Claassen– Lutner & Carl Hughes
Willie Hagen
Page 12
Jason & Anikah Juarez
Not pictured are Kristin, Julia & KJ
Margaret, Isabella & Alexander Suther, Dustin Bendele
Not pictured is Andrew
Page 13
Teresa & Luigi:
A Meals on Wheels Friendship
Over the years, my beautiful friend Teresa and I have shared stories of our Meals on Wheels customers. Her
favorite, Luigi, a friendly Italian with a robust personality, regaled her with stories of his cab-driving days and
wistfully recalled life when he considered himself quite flush as the owner/driver of a Town Car who transported the
rich and famous. Teresa liked to talk about Luigi, whose stories and colorful character were a highlight of her Meals
on Wheels driving experience.
Teresa is a generous, big-hearted woman who does lots of kind things and never boasts of her beneficence. But I
know she was very kind to Luigi, taking him to renew his driver’s license, cheerfully running errands for him,
bringing him platters of Italian favorites from local restaurants, listening to his stories. Last year, she bought him a
new computer for Christmas because browsing the Internet was one of the few pleasures left to him. He was
overweight, housebound, adrift without family and living on a pittance.
When Teresa’s stepson was killed in battle in Afghanistan in 2011, Luigi asked Teresa for one of the rubber Marine
bracelets inscribed with Benjamin’s name … and once he put it on his wrist, he never removed it. Last summer,
Luigi died suddenly and Teresa went to his apartment to find out what happened, what she could do. Management
knew nothing. She went to the police. They wouldn’t tell her anything. She called the coroner’s office. Again, nada.
She was doggedly determined to make sure he wasn’t given a pauper’s burial, that he had someone there at the end
who cared about him. But her pleas for news were ignored.
Last week, while doing her weekly Meals on Wheels deliveries, she thought of Luigi and said she felt a spiritual tug –
maybe from God, maybe from Luigi – to try one more time. She drove to Luigi’s old apartment complex and on the
old bulletin board by the dusty mailboxes, she read a typewritten obituary on Luigi. It announced his memorial
service, scheduled the next day – five months after his death – in a nearby small town.
Teresa went, despite a 24-hour rainfall that had flooded streets and left everything a muddy mess. She is gorgeous
and dresses like a fashion model so I picture her in sexy Stuart Weitzman spikes, dodging puddles and slushy grass to
navigate her path to the sad little service, held in a tent adjacent to a small church. Inside, she found three rows of
metal folding chairs and sat in the second row, behind the only other mourners, a total of four, in the front pew. The
rent-a-preacher didn’t know Luigi, so he droned on about himself.
After the service, Teresa and the other mourners shared their stories. Turns out one couple’s grandmother had been
a longtime passenger of Luigi’s during his Town Car days – driving her to her bridge games, luncheons, teas, hair
appointments and shopping excursions. Grandma loved Luigi, who dressed up in a chauffeur’s cap and jacket and
delivered her to her appointments with style and glamour. She called herself Miss Daisy.
For years, this generous family had paid for Luigi’s Internet service, much as Teresa had bought him a computer –
quite a testament to the kind of people they are and to Luigi, who touched their lives even as his faded. Miss Daisy’s
family paid for Luigi’s funeral service and burial as Teresa had wanted to do.
Teresa asked the funeral director if Luigi had left behind any personal effects and he thought so – a small bag, he
said, back at the funeral home in a nearby town. So Teresa and her new friends/fellow mourners drove to the
funeral home and asked about Luigi’s belongings. Teresa explained that he wore her stepson’s Marine bracelet and
that although it had no monetary value, she did not want it thrown away. She pulled back her sleeve, telling me this
story, and revealed the well-worn rubber bracelet adorning her wrist, nestled with a chic gold band. “I got it back,”
she said. “He never took it off, but I got it back.”
(Continued on the top of page 13)
Page 14
Teresa….
(continued from page 12)
That’s what happens when you deliver Meals on Wheels. You forge relationships. You touch
people’s lives and they touch yours.
If you’re interested in being a substitute driver for Meals on Wheels, please contact Kim Wheeless at
210-710-4112.
- Jan Schubert Norris
Staff
The Rev. Leslie Price
Senior Pastor
The Rev. Marie Purcell
Associate Pastor
Carrie Jowers
Director of Faith Formation
Marilyn Hamilton
Director of Day School
Becky Richard
Women’s Retreat Rescheduled!
New dates: Friday, January 30-Sunday, February 1
New Location: Ebert Ranch
All Christ Lutheran Women and their friends are invited to join us for a weekend retreat into
God’s beautiful creation at Ebert Ranch, outside of Harper, Texas. This is a wonderful opportunity for women of all ages to have fellowship and develop relationships.
Ebert Ranch has comfortable cabin accommodations in a wonderful Texas Ranch setting and
is a part of Crosstrails Ministries, the same camping ministry as Camp Chrysalis. Ebert Ranch
Camp is located on 465 acres in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. The rolling hills are home
to a variety of plant and animal species, and wildlife may be spotted by guests exploring and
hiking the land. Sprawling oak trees sway in the breeze, horses and longhorn cattle graze on
the horizon, and the windmill gently turns.
This year our Bible Study, led by Pastor Marie, will center on the Suffering of God. We will
delve into questions about who the God of the Old Testament truly is by wondering whether
God suffers, how God suffers, why God suffers and what it means to have a God who suffers
because of the people, with the people and for the people.
What time do we begin and conclude?
You are welcome to arrive as early as 6:00 p.m. on Friday evening, January 30. Dinner will be
on your own, and programming begins officially at 7:00 p.m. with an introduction to the
theme and first message. On Sunday we will conclude after lunch.
What if I want to carpool?
If you are interested, please contact the church.
How much does the retreat cost? $115.00
Where do I sign up!? Registration is available online on the church website. Or pick up a
registration form in the church office. You will be able to pay online, or you can write a check
to “Christ Lutheran Church” to turn in with your registration. Please fill out and turn in the
Release Waiver for Cross Trails Ministry.
Registration is due by Sunday, January 11.
Office Manager/Accountant
Linda Sulser
Administrative Assistant
Dr. Dan Long
Director of Music Ministry
Bill Ross
Organist
Rosario Alferez
Church “Keeper”
Sam Tenorio
Custodian
Ryan Loyd
Sound Tech
Sandy Roe
Nursery Attendant
Parish
Council
Brad Wheeless, President
Will Garrett, Vice Pres.
Duane Westerman,
Treasurer
Katya Thompson-Cantu
Secretary
Ken Thompson, Trustee
Bob Lynch, Trustee
Joe Diana, Trustee
Pastor Leslie Price
Pastor Marie Purcell
Page 15
Christmas
Caroling
Sunday Dec. 21
Fellowship Hall
5:00 p.m.
Hanging of the
Greens
Christmas
Sunday Dec. 7
Cookie
Sanctuary
Exchange
11:30 a.m.
Wednesday
Dec. 10
7:00 p.m.
River City
Ringers
Bell Concert
Friday Dec. 12
Sanctuary
7:30 p.m.
Advent Sundays
November 30,
December 7, 14, 21
Worship
6720 Broadway
San Antonio, Texas 78209
www.clcah.org
210-822-3394
Sunday, December 28 Worship
9:30 a.m.
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Christmas Day Worship
10:30 a.m.
Carols and Candlelight
All Services with Communion
Christmas Eve Worship
4:00 p.m. Child-friendly service
6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 14
9:15 a.m.
The Light Before Christmas
Children’s Christmas Pageant
Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 14
8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m.
Holden Evening Prayer
Advent Wednesdays
December 3, 10, 17
Adopt an Angel
Sunday Nov. 30
to Monday Dec. 15
Tree in CrossWay
Join us this Advent and Christmas Season
Joy to the World!
Christ Lutheran Church
Non-Profit Organization
US Postage Paid
Permit #325
San Antonio, TX