November 2015 newsletter - Epiphany Lutheran Church
Transcription
November 2015 newsletter - Epiphany Lutheran Church
The Light 5515 WEST BROADWAY PEARLAND, TX 77581 281-485-7833 281-485-5040 (FAX) WWW.SHININGTHELIGHT.ORG Pastor Jon Salminen (Senior Pastor) Pastor Dan Hawkins (Associate Pastor) Pastor David Johnson (Pastor of Music Ministries) EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH November 2015 One Special Celebration Worship Service - 10:30 a.m. Catered Dinner at 4:00 p.m. Special Music—Special Guests Family Life Center Dinner Cost: Adults: $7; Children age 10 & under-$5 Children age 3 & under—free TICKETS WILL NOT BE SOLD AT THE DOOR! ● Tickets on sale until October 28! ● 1 The Latest from Epiphany’s Leadership Council Epiphany’s Leadership Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Sunday, October 18, 2015. Pastor Jon’s monthly report to the LC included: Baptized Membership = 1327; Communicant Membership = 1013 Worship Attendance through September 6, 2015 - 449; 2014 - 494 Jonté Greer, President Scott Stewart, Vice-president Bryant Bremer Mike Choyke Chris Fluegge Kim Garza Michelle Gilbertson Dale Green Jo Lauppe Wayne Roberson Pam Van Maaren On October 24, Epiphany confirmed 33 Junior Confirmands. Two services were held; 7th grade at 1:00 p.m. and 8th grade at 4:00 p.m. The confirmation dinner was held on Friday, October 23. The Call Committee is working diligently in the search for an associate pastor and has distributed a survey to the congregation for input concerning their ideas regarding another pastor for Epiphany. In the meantime, he feels that we are very blessed to have Pastor Dan with his great ideas for the contemporary worship. Pastor David is working hard to develop our 25th Anniversary Service. There will be only one service on November 1 held in the AFLC at 10:30 a.m. The Anniversary Celebration Dinner, catered by Gringo’s, will take place at 4:00 p.m. on November 1 in the AFLC. Executive Officer Report: Larry Woelfel is now the Facilities Use Coordinator. We are attempting to fill the position with a part-time employee (20 hours per week), plus strong support from volunteer teams which will help with minor repairs and locking and unlocking the facilities. Financial Officer, Renee Van Bramer presented the proposed budget for year 2016. It was reviewed and endorsed by the LC for presentation to Epiphany members at the Budget Forum on October 25. Todd Van Maaren and LC member, Dale Green gave a presentation concerning new I.T. possibilities for the church. There continues to be an issue with media problems for the church office and MDO staff. There will be a concentrated effort on the behalf of the LC, Elders and pastoral staff to keep the congregation better informed of expectations/plans for 2016. A letter will be sent to congregation members in addition to using The Table and the newsletter to keep members informed. The LC is searching for a new Financial Officer to replace Renee Van Bramer who will step down from the position at year-end 2015. Please contact anyone on the council if you would like more information about the position. Also, please mark your calendars for the following dates: November 1 – Epiphany’s 25th Anniversary Celebration November 8 – Voters’ Meeting at noon to consider approval of the 2016 Budget and also to approve the changes in Epiphany’s governing documents. The next regularly-scheduled meeting of the Leadership Council will be held on November 15 at 6:00 p.m. in room 202 of the AFLC. Congregation members are encouraged to attend if they have questions or wish to express any concerns to the LC. 2 ONE WORD SAYS IT ALL—“GRACE” For almost 43 years I have had the privilege of communing with God and His Body, the Church. For some, that makes me a baby. For others, I am older than dirt. For me, I’m finally old enough to realize how little I know. I’m finding that out more with each passing year. There is one thing I do know however. There is one thing on which I have placed my eternity. There is one thing that I have committed my life to proclaiming (hopefully in word and deed) and that is GRACE—God’s undeserved love for sinful people in Jesus Christ. As we look forward to the holiday season, we envision joy and family and gifts and feasts fit for a king. I especially look forward to seeing my family, watching the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day and eating pumpkin pie with copious amounts of whipped cream. Our celebrations may be different in form, but one thing we have in common as Christians is that Thanksgiving, more than anything else, is about celebrating God’s love for us in Jesus Christ—GRACE! I have come to understand that the special people in my life (and there are many of you) and all the blessings I have are simply an extension of God’s Grace to me. Because of God’s Grace to me, I want to be a person of grace in the lives of others. Philip Yancey writes in his book, What’s So Amazing About Grace?, “As I look back on my own pilgrimage, marked by wanderings, detours, and dead ends, I see now that what pulled me along was my search for grace. I rejected the church for a time because I found so little grace there. I returned because I found grace nowhere else.” As God’s people we have been given a wonderful gift—the Grace of God, His love, mercy and compassion for lost and sinful people. Jesus is God’s Grace in the flesh. This gift is not meant to be stored away or hidden, but rather freely displayed in our lives and given to all those who encounter us each day. My prayer for us this holiday season is that Epiphany will be a place of GRACE. May we be people who come expecting God’s Grace to be given and shared in this place. May we reflect the grace of God to others so that they too might come to know what Jesus did for all! Let me challenge you specifically to experience God’s Grace in worship. If you’ve been away for sometime know that you will be welcomed and loved—by Jesus and His people. If you are regularly celebrating the grace of God in your life bring a friend with you to worship Him who came to seek and save those who were lost in sin in order to make them the forgiven children of God. May God’s House be filled each Sunday as Epiphany becomes “The GRACE PLACE!” Yours in God’s Grace, 3 THE GIVING TREE It’s time to support Epiphany’s Annual Giving Tree. You can choose your tag from two different trees - one in the narthex and one in the AFLC. Each tag will have a gift idea for a child, an adult or a basic need for one of our organizations this year. We are partnering with Friendly Grounds in Oyster Creek, which is a volunteerled ministry in the Angleton area that gives the underprivileged community a place to meet for Bible Study. We are also partnering with Pearland ISD to support their Angel Tree. Finally, we will be providing a few comfort items for residents at Windsong Village Nursing Home in Pearland. The trees will be lit with gift tags beginning Sunday, November 22. Gifts will be due three weeks later on Sunday, December 13 so the organizations can disperse gifts. Please consider supporting this important outreach opportunity. DIRECTIONS: 1. Select at least one tag from the trees located in the narthex or the AFLC gym. 2. Purchase the gift or gifts suggested on the tag. 3. PLEASE DO NOT WRAP THE GIFTS! 4. Please return all gifts by Sunday, December 13. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Ward. 4 IT’S A PARADE! The Pearland Hometown Christmas Parade is scheduled for Saturday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. The theme is “Candy-Coated Christmas”. Epiphany will, once again, have a float. Pearland’s parade is always fun with plenty of colorful lighted floats and lots of walkers, bands and local talent. Todd and Pam Van Maaren are the parade organizers for Epiphany and are planning a "candy-coated gingerbread house" and musically festive float. They will need plenty of help. If you are interested in helping or walking with the float or riding on it, please contact Todd or Pam as soon as possible. Thanks for your help! December 2 4:30 p.m. 5:15-6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Advent Service Advent Meal Advent Service December 9 4:30 p.m. 5:15-6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Advent Service Advent Meal Advent Service December 13 December 16 10:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. 5:15-6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. Children’s Christmas Program Advent Service Advent Meal Advent Service December 20 10:15 a.m. December 24 4:00 p.m. Worship ServiceChildren’s Choir and Handbells 5:30 p.m. Excelsis!—A Service of Christmas Praise (AFLC) 7:30 p.m. Service of Lessons and Carols— Traditional Choral Song 10:00 p.m. December 25 10:00 a.m. Special Choral Music Symphonic Renaissance to the Christ Child Worship Service w/com 5 Please note: The church office will closed all day on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and will reopen on Monday, December 28! WHAT’RE YOU DOING TO GET READY FOR THE CHRISTMAS SEASON? Well, here’s a suggestion … it’s that special time again when we gather together on Wednesday evenings in December to enjoy the food and fellowship provided by our church friends. In previous years, we have assigned a special menu to each Wednesday dinner (ex: Mexican, soup, etc.). This year we would like to leave that decision up to whoever would like to be in charge of a particular evening – it could be a youth group, a small group Bible Study, a ministry or two joining together or even just a group of friends! Wednesday night Advent Dinners are always fun to plan/accomplish and even more fun to enjoy the results! The dates/times for this year’s Advent meals are: December 2, 9 and 16; times are in-between the worship services from 5:15 - 6:30 p.m. Please use this opportunity to serve our Lord and Epiphany. WE HONESTLY WON’T BE ABLE TO DO IT WITHOUT YOU! Join us in the sanctuary on WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2015 for our annual THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICES (with communion) 4:30 P.M. 7:00 P.M. 6 MINISTRY NEWS The Puppet Ministry is in need of a leader. After serving as the leader of the Puppet Ministry, Tammy Green has decided to step down as the leader to focus her energy on other ministries she leads. The Puppet Ministry presents the gospel message to children through puppets and acting. Puppet messages are presented monthly during the children’s sermon. The puppets perform the second Sunday of the month and practice the Wednesday before. The ministry leader picks the music, types it up and prints out the lyrics to the music, sets up and tears down the puppet stage for practice, picks the puppets to use and sets up and tears down the puppet stages in the sanctuary and the AFLC for monthly performances. If you are interested in leading the Puppet Ministry, please contact Tammy Green. We have a small group of people ages 50+ who are interested in getting together to go to museums, plays, music concerts, take day trips, etc. The group will meet Sunday, November 15 at noon in room 203 of the AFLC to go over upcoming events to see who is interested in attending. Lunch will be provided. The Connect Ministry is looking to grow! We are searching for new faces and fresh ideas. Since noon on a weekday does not work for everyone, we are considering changing our meeting time to entice others to join our ministry. You may wonder what Connect does? The Connect Ministry helps members, both new and established, get involved in ministry. We do this by discovering what ministries the person is interested in, assessing their skills and abilities and then connecting that person with a ministry leader or leaders. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Connect Ministry, please contact Dorian Cornelius at [email protected] or 281-485-7833. 7 ANNIVERSARY—VISIONS FROM THE NEW GUY! Do you know how amazing Epiphany is? Really … the revelation of Jesus in Word and Sacrament, the coming of Jesus for all people … the celebration of the Gentile Christmas … the shining star leading wise men to worship the Christ Child—bearing extraordinary gifts and the unleashing of a missionary zeal that all people might come to the knowledge and truth of Jesus Christ. Epiphany is an amazing day and season in the life of the church throughout the world and throughout the centuries. Epiphany envelops all the chosen people of God—near and far—the broken people, the distant, the disenfranchised, the traditional, blended and contemporary people! Do you know how amazing Epiphany is? Epiphany Pearland is a microcosm of 25 years of infused, unrelenting pastoral joy, carefully crafted Gospel-centered proclamations, insightful counsel and passionate care. Smiles are scattered everywhere. God’s Epiphany people have the opportunity to share their stories—filled with joys, delights, births, baptisms, milestones, marriages and more. God’s Epiphany people have the opportunity to mourn their griefs, sorrows, losses, diseases and deaths. God’s Epiphany people receive divine counsel, comfort and consistency from the One who is the Epiphany Light—Jesus Christ, our Lord. Every intersection in worship, pulpit, song, study, rehearsal and gathering is packed full of Jesus stuff. Do you see it, experience it, relish it, pray about it, give thanks to God for it? Pearland Epiphany’s 25-year legacy of Gospel zeal and mission has been enormously hallowed, redeemed and sanctified! Do you know how amazing Epiphany is? Jesus is revealed, illuminated and shared in countless ways. He is the Light, He is our Savior, who comes to us in wine poured and bread broken. His real presence touches our lips and our tongues, nourishing faith, life, salvation and unleashing grace to propel Epiphany toward the year of Jubilee (50 years). It has been a great past … and yet the unknown future promises to be a unique incredible journey with Jesus … and us … a unique gathering of God’s chosen people. 8 Reach, Inspire, Support, Empower Epiphany is supporting Pearland ISD’s RISE Mentoring Program. RISE Mentoring brings together caring, committed adults from across the community to serve as another support for our students as they work to rise to success in school and in life. You have the opportunity to make a lifelong impact: Help a student reach his or her full potential. Share your knowledge and talents. Become more involved in the school and community. Develop a better understanding of the challenges young people face. Strengthen a student’s relationships with family, friends and teachers. What are the qualifications? You don’t need special skills—just a willingness to listen and show you care. Volunteer 30 minutes per week to meet with a student at his/her campus. Complete a volunteer background check and mentor application. Attend an orientation/training session. Be a good listener and encourage your mentee. Be dependable, providing stability and inspiring trust. For more information or to register, go to the RISE link at www.ShiningTheLight.org. Epiphany would also like to connect all of our RISE mentors with a prayer partner. Please contact Beth Milbrath at [email protected] if you would like to be a mentor or prayer partner. 9 CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CONFIRMANDS Grace Anderson Chase Carothers Cohen Carpenter Clare Choyke Spencer Cody Kathleen DeWolfe Blake Elliott Ainsley Garza Noah Gilbertson Eva Hamilton Devin Hebert Alexander Heer Cade Hollis Sarah Hopp Celiste Kelley Logan Kunkel Mitchell Lester David Lukner Joseph Lukner Jennalynn Morton Matthew Nester Abigail Ostermaier Sarah Price Emma Quinton Stefan Riveness Nicholas Robinson Trevor Smith Matthew Stevens Olivia Ulbricht Abigail Van Maaren Andrew Van Maaren Ashton Walker Jessica Williams 10 Children’s Christmas Party Sunday, December 13 Noon - 1:30 p.m. Join us in the gym after the worship services as we celebrate the birth of Jesus! We’ll have lunch plus a petting zoo, crafts, games and more! Invite a friend or two! Volunteers are needed to help make this a fun day for the kids. Please contact Beth Milbrath if you can help. Children’s Christmas Program Preparations are underway for our Children’s Christmas Program. We’ll be practicing every week in Children’s Sunday School. Our final practice will be Saturday, December 12. More details coming soon. Don’t miss seeing the children present the good news of Jesus’ birth on Sunday, December 13 at the 10:30 a.m. service. 11 You are the light of the Lord. Ephesians 5:8 Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. 5th and 6th Grade - Room 209 7th and 8th Grade - Room 205 No Sunday School on November 1. Nov 1 No Confirmation or Youth Night November 8 5/6 Fifth Commandment There will be no Confirmation from November 22 - January 3. Mark your calendars for the 5th - 6th Christmas Party on December 13 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.! Have a great Thanksgiving and Christmas! Hope to see you in Sunday School and Worship! 7/8 NERF NITE! November 15 5/6 Sixth and Seventh Commandment Epiphany’s new ministry just for 7th and 8th graders kicks off this month! NFUZED 7/8 meets every Sunday in room 205 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Join us for Bible Study, games and FUN! Friends are always welcome! 7/8 Bowling November 22 No Confirmation or Youth Night November 29 Don’t miss the fun on November 8 from 6:00-8:00 pm as we kick off our new 7th and 8th grade ministry with NERF NIGHT! Bring your nerf gun and come hungry. Friends are welcome! No Confirmation 7/8 Youth Night On November 15 we are heading to the Bowling Center. Drop off at 6:00 p.m. and pick up 8:00 p.m. at 3412 Broadway. Bring $5 for bowling and shoes, plus money if you’d like anything from the snack bar. 12 November 2015 9th - 12th Grade Youth NFUZED 9|12 Youth Night OUT - Bowling! On November 15 we are heading to the Bowling Center. Drop off at 6:00 p.m. and pick up 8:00 p.m. at 3412 Broadway. Bring $5 for bowling and shoes, plus money if you’d like anything from the snack bar. Youth Night 11/1 No Youth- 25th Anniversary 11/8 Basic 5 11/15 Youth Night Out 11/22 No YouthThanksgiving On November 15, 9th-12th graders will serve the congregation by leading the 10:30 a.m. AFLC service. We need youth for a variety of roles! Please sign up online to choose which roles you would like to help with! 13 11/29 Basic 6 BIRTHDAYS 11/02 11/02 11/02 11/03 11/03 11/04 11/04 11/04 11/04 11/05 11/05 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/06 11/07 11/07 11/07 11/08 11/08 11/09 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/10 11/11 11/11 11/11 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/12 11/13 11/13 11/13 Wesley Gordon Kay Loftin Sharla Ortiz Laura Russo Patrick Kramer Buster Keasler Susan Karloski Damion Michael Sherman Carmen Staerkel Henry Price Gary Wilson Seth Kirk Johnathan Nester Andy Bilich Georganna Triplett Terry Medack Cameron Choyke Trent Weido Joe Calderon Debra Sanford Ardell Wilson Burnia Oller Al Lentz Miracle Hilliard Kim Piel Teresa Knudson Lyn Wolff Julia Parrack Lowell Baumann Tiffany Eppelheimer Jerry Langer Melchor Garza Clare Choyke Elijah Ward Ryan Pontifes Jonesy Chauvot Sue Hufnagel Callie Jo Aaron Jim Hebert Freddie Hoppens Julie Kirk Adam Daniels 11/14 11/14 11/14 11/14 11/14 11/15 11/15 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/16 11/18 11/18 11/18 11/19 11/19 11/19 11/19 11/20 11/20 11/20 11/21 11/21 11/22 11/23 11/24 11/24 11/25 11/25 11/25 11/26 11/26 11/27 11/27 11/27 11/28 11/28 11/29 11/30 11/30 11/30 11/30 Bob Plitt Ronnie Patke Scott Gilbertson Pat Succop Becky Keasler Mallory Ring Jason Gutierrez George Stafford Lisa Davis Vicki Roesler Emily Van Maaren Leigh Ann Moore Antoinette Syler Albert Schulze Jack Ostermaier Amy Heer Jack Arnold Seth Daniels Deborah Nester Elizabeth Cornelius Joyce Walker Fran Wukasch Karson Allen Alyssa Moore Tom Stine Erika DiLuca Diana Langer Alex Tews Kalista Heinrich Tara Joergens Lisa Pietsch Vyneeca Pietsch Michael Ortiz Cecelia Ganje David Klewer Colin Legge Ruby Troyer John Gordon Lillia Pizzo Olivia McDonald Ethan Lodrigue Ginger Cochran Amanda Underwood 11/11 11/13 11/13 11/13 11/19 11/19 11/20 11/21 11/23 11/23 11/26 11/28 11/28 11/28 David & Lisa Maly Rob & Tricia Robinson Tom & Joan Stine Kelly & Lynn Tharp Derek & Libby Smith Danny & Amanda Underwood Frank & Annette Tausch Mark & Janna Ellis John & Trisha Meiller Stuart & Gina Strack Charlie & Irene Parker Gene & Verna Allbee Buster & Becky Keasler Robert & Marlinda Merryman WEDDINGS Ginger Cochran & Gene Green October 9, 2015 Jennifer Phan & Jeff McGinley October 10, 2015 SYMPATHY Jeff Lawrence October 3, 2015 ANNIVERSARIES 11/03 11/04 11/04 11/05 11/06 11/06 11/07 11/10 Steve & Debbie Dawson Jack & Kenya Hamilton Thomas & Carol Kidd Jeremy & Katy Broussard Wesley & Heather Gordon Dennis & Evelyn Rohne Paul & Frances Meyer Ray & Christine Roenigk 14 WOR/SS & ABC/WOR/COM* Pledge Sunday 9:15am-201 Class-207 No Orchestra Practice! Noon-Voters’ Meeting & Lunch-AFLC 1:00pm-Children’s Choir-sanctuary 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym 6:00–8:00pm-Confirmation 6:00–8:00pm-7-8 Youth Nights-205 6:00-8:00pm-Sr. High Youth Nights-gym/204 8 No Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, Confirmation or any other normally scheduled activities! 23 6:00–8:00pm-7-8 Youth Nights-205 6:00-8:00pm-Sr. High Youth Nights-gym/204 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym WOR/SS & ABC/WOR/WOR* 9:15am-201 Class-207 11:30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary No Children’s Choir! 29 Reception of New Members 9:15am-201 Class-207 11:30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary Noon-Budget Forum & Lunch-AFLC 1:00pm-Children’s Choir-sanctuary 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym No Confirmation! No 7-8 Youth Nights! No Sr. High Youth Nights! 22 WOR/SS & ABC/WOR/COM* 7:00pm-Band-AFLC 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203 30 7:00pm-Friend’s Bible Study-207 7:00pm-Band-AFLC 8:00pm-Choir-sanctuary 4:30pm & 7:00pm Thanksgiving Eve Services w/communion No 4:00pm Bible Study! 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 25 No MDO! 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 18 9-2 MDO 9:00am-Quilting-205 24 No MDO! 7:00pm-Financial Peace University-AFLC 4:00pm-Bible Study-202 17 9-2 MDO No Mom’s Bible Study! 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 9:00am-Quilting-205 9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203 10:00-11:30am-Bible Markers-207 7:00pm-Band-AFLC 16 7:00pm-Band-AFLC COM/SS & ABC/COM/WOR* 9:15am-201 Class-207 11:30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary Noon-Singles 50+ Small Group-203 No Children’s Choir! 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym 6:00pm-Leadership Council Meeting-202 6:00–8:00pm-Confirmation 6:00-8:00pm-7-12 grades Youth Night Out 15 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 4:00pm-Bible Study-202 7:00pm-New Member Class -sanctuary 7:00pm-Financial Peace University-AFLC 7:00pm-Friend’s Bible Study-207 9:30am-Goodtimers-104 9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 11 9-2 MDO 10 9-2 MDO 9 6:30pm-Puppet Practice-101 6:30pm-Jr. Bell Choir-104 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 4 9-2 MDO Wednesday 7:00pm-Band-AFLC 7:00pm-Prayer Shawl-207 3 9-2 MDO Tuesday 400pm-Bible Study-202 7:00pm-New Member Class-202 7:00pm-Financial Peace University-AFLC 2 9:30am-Mom’s Bible Study-203 10:00-11:30am-Bible Markers-207 10:30am-25th Anniversary Service 4:00pm-Dinner (No tickets sold at door!) Both in the AFLC! Monday 1 ONE WORSHIP SERVICE! Sunday Sunday Worship Times *WOR: Worship Worship: 8:00 am - Traditional Liturgical-sanctuary COM: Worship with Communion 10:15 am - Traditional Praise-sanctuary SS: Sunday School 10:30 am - Contemporary-AFLC Sunday School: 9:15 am 15 Remember: Time Changes November 1! Holiday! Church Office Closed! 26 No MDO! 7:00pm-Bell Choir -sanctuary 19 9-2 MDO 7:00pm-Bell Choir -sanctuary 12 9-2 MDO 11:30am-Connect Meeting – 202 7:00pm-Bell Choir -sanctuary 9:15am-LifeLight-203 5 9-2 MDO Thursday Holiday! Church Office Closed! 27 No MDO! 20 9-2 MDO 5:30am-Men’s Bible Study Group –MB kitchen 13 9-2 MDO 6 9-2 MDO Friday DECEMBER NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE NOVEMBER 10! 9:30am-Altar Guild Meeting-202 28 9:30am-LWML Meeting-203 21 7:30am-Men’s Bible Breakfast-gym 9:15am-Elders’ Meeting-203 14 7 Saturday 2015 Our 25th anniversary is just around the corner! You’ve probably seen the posters for the upcoming anniversary celebration that is in the works for Epiphany’s 25th anniversary. If not, to keep you informed and interested … There will be one very special worship service at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 1 to celebrate this day. Pastor David has been working with the various music ministries to make sure that this service will have beautiful sounds, not only from the congregation, but from instruments, bells, both small and large voices. Pastor Jon will, of course, deliver the sermon. It promises to be a glorious and praiseful day. The day will close with a great dinner at 4:00 p.m. to be catered by Gringo’s Restaurant. There will also be time to visit some old friends—from here and afar (and maybe make some new ones.) You won’t want to miss this! Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the dinner. The last day to buy tickets is Wednesday, October 28 by 4:00 p.m. in the church office. Don’t miss this very special dinner; buy your tickets today! Tickets cannot be sold at the door! The 25th Anniversary Celebration planning committee needs members to join them in forming a set-up team for the anniversary dinner. Set up for the dinner will take place on Sunday, November 1 immediately following the worship service. Set up will involve setting up tables, chairs and decorations. Since the attendance for this event is estimated to be at least 300, we will need as much help as we can find. Please check your calendars and sign up for the 25th Anniversary Celebration set-up team; forms are on the bulletin boards in the administrative hallway and in the AFLC gym. 16