Atonement Lutheran Church Newsletter - Messenger

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December 2, 2008 - Volume 29, #41

• Save a Tree, Save a Stamp, Save some Money!

  Have you signed up to get the Messenger Online?

  To sign up for electronic "delivery" complete the online form at: http://www.alcsyracuse.org/mailinglist.php

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• Appleseed Productions Presents - Communicating Doors

  

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• Congratulations Merikay!
  
  Whereas
  Merikay Harper

  a long time active member of Atonement Church, having served in many capacities including the Church Council.

  And,
  Whereas she has served with distinction on the Support Staff of the Upstate New York Synod, ELCA for many years.

  And,
  Whereas she will be retiring from service to the people of the Upstate NY Synod, ELCA at the end of November 2008.

  Therefore,
  Be it resolved that her church family here by congratulates her and wishes God's richest blessings on her new endeavors and continued service to the wider community.

  Attested this 10th day of November 2008.

  Susan Scharoun, President
  Nelson W, Gaetz, Senior Pastor

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• Holiday Basket Needs

  As Christmas approaches we, at Atonement, are reminded of a number of traditional needs competing for our attention. Please assist as you can. Holiday Basket Needs

  We are gathering the necessary items for Christmas baskets and need your help. Our food pantry, like so many others, is running low, as our donations. Please help where you can. Contributions are always welcome. Last year, filling out the baskets, after sorting through the donations, cost almost $900. Many of our families have children who are off from school and need to be fed the two meals that they usually get at school. At Thanksgiving and Easter we feed at least 12 families and at Christmas we do about 25 baskets plus meat for additional families. Any help is appreciated. We can use all the usual food pantry items plus for Christmas baskets -

  • Peanut butter and Jelly
  • Mac and cheese - boxed
  • Hi C or other fruit juice drink (with vitamin C)
  • Cereal
  • Jell-O and pudding mix
  • Coffee/Tea
  • Turkey Stuffing mix
  • Boxed scalloped and augratin potatoes
  • Canned beans and corn
  • Canned cranberry sauce
  • Quick bread mixes
  • Canned fruit - peaches, pears or mixed fruit
  • Holiday candy
  • Spaghetti and spaghetti sauce
  • Soups - especially chunky type
  • Cans of stew, spam, tuna
  • Raman noodles
  • Seasonal funfetti cakes and icing

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• Word [WURD] of the Week - December 2
  

  - contemplating the language of faith

  Advent --\ad-vent\ Literally means "coming" or "arrival" of Jesus Christ.

  Anytime I talk about a season of the church year, I usually say "oh, it's one of my favorite seasons." While this may seem insincere at first blush, it is earnest and true at the most basic level. Because all church seasons bring with them something new that we can appreciate only as we look over our shoulder at what is behind us now.

  Advent is one of my favorite seasons of the church year. It is the start of the church year when we dive into a new Gospel and begin again our journey of faith. We begin the church year at a time of darkness and we yearn for light, just a little at a time, to remind us that Christ is born anew in us. And of course we know that Christ remains with us, as we look back over our shoulder at the church year we've just completed. We look forward, peering through the darkness at the light that will increase our hope and longing as Christ promises to come again and again and again.

  Have any suggestions of words your curious about? Contact Laura at 492-9065 or laura.aase@gmail.com.

   

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• Youth Group Reminders

  

  Hanging of the Greens Spaghetti Dinner on Sunday, 12/21 (see Mrs. Holmgren for your setup/serving/cleaning assignments).

  LCLC Senior High Reunion Retreat will be the first weekend in January. Details are pending. Please let Judy Holmes know if you are interested in attending this year's weekend event.

   

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• Sunday Adult Class

  On Sunday, December 7,14 & 21 Pr. Suarez will be offering the same class that he will be offering on Wednesday - The Three Faces of Christmas.

  The class meets in the Conference Room of the Kiesewetter Center at 9:50 AM and all are welcome.

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• A Note from the Lutheran Homes Foundation

  

  Christmas is a very special time of the year and the Christmas spirit abounds at LutheranCare...with your help.

  As we have in the past, we are respectully requesting the donation of items that would surely brighten the season and bring the Christmas spirit to life for those we care for and care deeply about. This "wish list" includes:

  • Personal care items such as unopened boxes of tissue, hand cream, and hairbrushes
  • Books, both hardcover and audio
  • Afghans, throws, and comforters
  • Jigsaw and crossword puzzles
  • VHS video tapes
  • Slippers, slipper socks, hats, gloves, and mittens
  • Candy, artwork, and tote bags for walkers

  Be assured that these simple gifts will be long-remembered and treasured by all whom they touch. We deeply appreciate your kindness toward our residents and, because they are not able to do so personally, allow me to thank you on their behalf...Thank You!

  Karen Anne Ostinett
  Director of Development
  The Lutheran Homes Foundation
  Clinton NY

  Note: The Atonement Women of the ELCA will be placing a box in the Narthex for your donations.

   

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• Remember to Help Pay for Fuel
  

  The 2008 Offering Envelope boxes contain a "special" envelope for the week of October 26 for Energy needs. As the fall weather settles in (can winter be far behind?), we are reminded that, even with the new furnace, the fuel costs for heating Atonement add up quickly! Please consider a generous extra mile gift to help us get the bills paid.

   

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• Have you returned your stewardship pledge for 2009?
  

  Please remember to make your Financial Commitment for 2009. Return your Pledge card in the box in the rear of the Sanctuary or mail it to the Church Office as soon as possible. Extra forms are available from the ushers on Sunday or you may call the church office and they will be happy to send you another card. It really is important to hear from everyone.