DECEMBER 2024 NEWS
We are a church that believes God seeks to connect with us: WE CALL THAT GRACE.
We are a church seeking to connect with God: WE CALL THAT WORSHIP.
We are a church seeking to connect with each other: WE CALL THAT COMMUNITY.
We are a church seeking to connect with the world: WE CALL THAT MISSION.
As we seek to make connections, be church for the world with us.
worship
In person: 10 a.m. sundays
4432 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603
989-799-0162
Livestream or watch previous services at:
http://www.faithlutheransaginaw.net/virtual-church
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pastor’s ponderings
happy new year!
You read that right! In the liturgical calendar (the church calendar), the first Sunday of Advent is our first Sunday of the year. And, this year the first Sunday of Advent falls on December 1st. Our texts that we read every week are part of something called “The Revised Common Lectionary” (RCL). The RCL repeats every three years, focusing on a different synoptic gospel each year. Year B, which we just finished, was focusing on the gospel of Mark. Year C, which we are starting, will focus on the gospel of Luke. And, there will be Sundays throughout the year that we also hear from other gospels, like the gospel of John.
Each gospel writer has their own voice and their own depiction of the life and words of Jesus. The gospel of Luke is the longest book in the New Testament, and many regard it as the most beautiful. The book of Acts is known to be an extension of the gospel of Luke.
Many believe that Luke was highly educated, and that he liked to incorporate both historical context AND artistry into his writings. He likes to show off his vast vocabulary in his writing. The most likely theory is that Luke was a medical physician, a historian, and possibly even a painter. It was most likely Luke that was referred to as the “beloved physician” in Colossians 4:14. It will be fun to see how the readings from Luke reflect those characteristics as we go through this next year.
The gospel of Luke is one of the three synoptic gospels, which means that it gives a synopsis of the life and words of Jesus, just like Mark and Matthew. Scholars have no idea where it was written, and, although it is difficult to know exactly when it was written, most scholars estimate that it was written in the decade of the 80s, close to the same time as the gospel of Matthew. So, that means that the stories were either only shared orally until then or that they were not written down formally for decades after the death and resurrection of Jesus. Because of its length, only 1/2 of Luke’s gospel is material that can be found elsewhere - the rest is only in the gospel of Luke. Highlights are the infancy narrative, that we hear every Christmas, and the Magnificat, which is the famous speech that the Pregnant Mary gives to Elizabeth.
As we spend the next year in the gospel of Luke, think about what details stand out to you. Each time we hear scripture, we hear something new. Different words or phrases can pop out like bold lettering in our minds, as the Holy Spirit reveals layer after layer of scripture to us. We may find ourselves thinking “I’ve heard it all before”, but chances are you will “hear it again, but different”. There is always something new to ponder or learn when we spend time in scripture. What will the gospel of Luke reveal to you this year? I look forward to hearing all about it!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Christina Schultz
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church & community activities & opportunities
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NANCY SCHARFF CONCERT was a great success!
November 10th, we had special music guest Nancy Scharff (www.nancyscharff.com). Nancy shared her gifts during our worship service in the morning and then she performed a special concert in the afternoon, which included a tribute to Veterans. Nancy is an ELCA Lutheran from New Jersey, who has played around the world and been on stage with some of the biggest names in music - including Michael W. Smith and Lauren Daigle. The day was a lot of fun for all and we were so fortunate to have Nancy share her gifts for worshiping the Lord.
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BLUE CHRISTMAS WORSHIP SERVICE
SUNDAY, dECEMBER 8, 5 PM
This service will be held at Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4432 Mackinaw Rd, Saginaw, Michigan. It is offered especially those who are hurting or grieving during the holidays, and is open to all. We gather in the midst of suffering to remember God is good. God is strong, God is near. We are not alone, and we have every reason to hold onto hope.
May this quiet and reflective service bring hope and healing to your heart this season.
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Christmas eve worship service: December 24 at 5:oo pm
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rethink the three R’s
Pat Vance, Environmental Stewardship Task Force We all know about the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. But what if this holiday season we change the three Rs to Rethink, Revisit and Refuse?
Rethink our overly affluent lifestyle. Rethink our purchases by considering the product’s origin and packaging. Rethink what natural resources are expended to have those items we want.
That leads us to Revisit, to consider what we really need. Perhaps don’t ask yourself, “Do I need this?” but rather instead ask, “Can I live without this?” Luke 12:15 tells us to “take care and be on guard against all greed, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.”
Refuse to be an uneducated participant in a consumption-driven culture that results in millions of landfills. Refuse to squeeze nature out in favor of urban sprawl or another golf course. Refuse to literally consume plastic packaging – the latest studies show chemicals from plastics are in everyone’s bodies. Refuse convenience at the expense of the earth. Refuse pesticides, fertilizers, huge green lawns, the latest fashion fads.
And one more R – Renew. Renew your relationship with God’s creation.
Reprinted from the NW Lower MI Synod November 2024 Newsletter
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INTERFAITH SAGINAW SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING
On November 24th, Faith participated for the first time in the 8th Annual Service of Thanksgiving. This unique gathering is a wonderful opportunity to learn about other religious traditions that are practiced among our Saginaw County neighbors. Pastor Christina and Beth Lasky participated in the opening call to worship and Beth led the Christian ecumenical choir. A few members from Faith, as well as our ELCA partner churches in Saginaw, sang with the choir. Our evangelism team and Pastor Christina set up an informational table about the ELCA. Following the event was a potluck dinner. This was a wonderful event and we hope to participate again next year! Thank-you to all who attended. The house was packed - with 250-300 in attendance!.
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thank you!
Thank-you so much for your generous gifts for Pastor Appreciation month in October.
I continue to be very blessed to serve such a wonderful congregation!
In Christ’s Love and Peace, Pastor Christina
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DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTION?
The Evangelism team has given you a new way to express your ideas, suggestions, and concerns. The box is located in the Narthex.
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ONLINE CALENDAR
Access out online dynamic calendar at: EVENTS CALENDAR.
If you have additions or corrections to the calendar, please call the church office or email Terra at: office@faithlutheransaginaw.net
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PRAYER LIST UPDATES
Please let the office know if your loved one can/should be removed from the ongoing prayer list list in the bulletin. If a loved one has new issues, they will be on the in-service prayer list for 2 weeks, and then moved to the continuing needs list in the bulletin. Please keep us posted on their progress.
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MUTUAL MINISTRY COMMITTEE
The following people make up the Mutual Ministry Committee. The purpose is to accompany Pastor and help guide her and give her feedback. The secondary purpose is to help Pastor with ministry goals for the congregation.
If you have any issues you would like the Mutual Ministry team to address, you can speak with Pastor or with the following people:
Paul Hudson Cindi Galonska
Pat Bloom Vinicio Verdoni
Diane Tolles Betty Nagel-Cribbins
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HOW DO I GET IN TOUCH WITH PASTOR OUTSIDE OF OFFICE HOURS?
If it can wait, please leave a message at the church phone (989-799-0162) OR email pastor@faithlutheransaginaw.net
Non-emergency calls or texts: 248-880-4851
EMERGENCY CALLS: 989-901-0055 What is an emergency? Severe accident or end of life for members.
Otherwise, call 911 and then notify the church office if you need Pastoral care.
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NEXT COUNCIL MEETING
DECEMBER 17, 2 pm
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Faith Lutheran Events Calendar can be viewed on the Events Calendar page.
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Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church
4432 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603
Phone: 989-799-0162