Concordia Lutheran School
2300 Wilshire Road
Springfield, Illinois 62703
January 2010
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pastor Hennig Message
Pastor Koschmann Message
Principal Daniel Henschen Message
Mrs. Stuenkel - Kindergarten News
January Calendar
Scripture Lessons
Acolyte, Elder, Organist, Altar Guild Schedule
Usher Schedule
Parish News
Birthdays/Anniversaries
Lutheran High School News
Lutheran Community News
The following is a listing of the scripture lessons for the Worship Services
for the month of January. This list is provided so that you may have the opportunity to
reflect on the scripture passages in preparation for the Worship Services.
Second Sunday after Christmas
January 3, 2010
1 Kings3:4-15 Psalm 119:97-104
Ephesians 1:3-14 Luke 2:40-52
The Baptism of Our Lord
January 10, 2010
Isaiah 43:1-7 Psalm 29
Romans 6:1-11 Luke 3:15-22
Second Sunday after Epiphany
January 17, 2010
Isaiah 62:1-5 Psalm 128
1 Corinthians 12:1-11 John 2:1-11
Third Sunday after Epiphany
January 24, 2010
Neh. 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 Psalm 19:7-14
1 Cor. 12:12-31a Luke 4:16-30
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
January 31, 2010
Jeremiah 1:4-10(17-19) Psalm 71:1-6
1 Cor.12:31b-13:13 Luke 4:31-44
ACOLYTE, ELDER, ORGANIST, ALTAR GUILD SCHEDULE
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A: Acolyte O: Organist E: Elder C: Altar Guild Serving for January are: |
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Saturday |
Sunday |
Midweek |
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2nd A: Sierra G. O: Sally C. E: Mark L. C: --------------- |
3rd A: Hanna W. O: Amy R. E: Bill S. C: Vicky J. |
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9th A: Cassie W. O: Sally C. E: Mark L. C: Jeannine M. |
10th
A: Emily M. O: E: Mike B. C: ------------------ |
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16th A: O: Sally C. E: Mike B. C: ---------------- |
17th
A: Michelle H. O: Amy R. E: Bob M. C: Mary S. |
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23rd A: Kyle D. O: Sally C. E: Buddy N. C: Pam W. |
24th
A: Josh H. O: E: Bob M. C: --------------- |
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30th A: O: Sally C. E: Mark L. C: ---------------- |
31st
A: Jacob L. O: Amy R. E: Bill S. C: Jeannine M. |
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Ushers for the month of January are
:Dan Henschen, Ernesto B., Matt S., Bill O., Tom D.
PARISH NEWS
A New Year – New Opportunities
Each new day brings promise of a new start. For many, the start of a new week is the time to begin that diet, get serious about exercising, or forego TV viewing. For a vast majority, though, there’s something especially motivating and invigorating about seeing the JANUARY calendar on the wall. This is the year we’ll accomplish great things.
God doesn’t necessarily call us to do great things, however. He asks that we be trustworthy in small things (Luke 16:10-11). To that end He gives us gifts to use to build up the Body of Christ and to reach out to the lost.
Some of us have many gifts. People like Michelangelo – painter, sculptor, and poet – and Thomas Jefferson – architect, statesman, and scientific farmer – come to mind. God, the Giver of gifts, knows that the number of gifts each of us has varies. Jesus told the Parable of the Talents pointing up this fact and teaching us that success lies in using what we’ve been given, not in having the greatest amount.
Our gifts also differ in degree. There are many sculptors but few, if any, compare to Michelangelo. Yet their art can bring satisfaction and inspiration to others. You may not be able to sing opera, but you can sing God’s praises. You may not be a great orator, but you can witness to the love and grace of God in Christ. You may not be a mechanic, but you can provide transportation for someone needing to get to an appointment or to church.
That’s why God gives us gifts and abilities – that we may be equipped to serve others. The start of a new year offers us an opportune time to assess those gifts and see how we can use them for God’s glory and the good of His people. The motivation to do this comes from the same One Who gave the gifts! Just as He was motivated by love for us to give us, not just our gifts, but His greatest gift, His Son, so we are motivated by love for Him to serve those He calls us to serve.
To our Concordia family,
Thank you for the cards and gifts and most especially
thank you for your encouragement and prayers throughout
the year. God bless you and Have a Joyous New Year!
The Church and School Staff
¯
A Music Note ¯As we turn the calendar pages to the new year - 2010, the strains of "Joy to the World" and "Silent Night" might seem to fade in our memories. However, we are still in the Christmas season of the Church Year and soon will celebrate Epiphany. The visit of the wisemen usually signifies Jesus' revelation to the Gentiles. Truly, Jesus, the "Savior of the Nations" has come into the world. Jesus came for all nations, as our school children so clearly articulated in their Christmas program. He came to live, die, and rise again for all people of all time.
Sadly, so many in our world do not know this Good News. When we think about the mission field we often think of nations across the oceans, but statistics indicate that right here in the United States we have the 4th largest mission field in the world. We have so many opportunities to share the Gospel. At this new year time, many make resolutions.
Perhaps each of us could resolve to use the opportunities God gives us to share His love, forgiveness, and the message of salvation with those around us.
I would personally like to thank all those who have helped share that message through music this past year - the school children, the adult choir members, and individuals who have helped both instrumentally and vocally. As always, we invite anyone who has a love of music and a desire to serve and share God's love through song to join us in our choirs. Choir will resume practice on Wednesday, January 6 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. May God Bless you richly in this New Year!
Denise Hennig, Choir Director
The
Concordia Youth Group is preparing for the 2010 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans. The Youth have several events and fundraising activities planned and would like to invite all the members of Concordia to support them.
To purchase a coupon book ask a youth group member or call or stop by the church office.
EXTREME TEAM CHALLANGE
Extreme Team Challenge is coming to Concordia! The Youth Group is sponsoring this all night event January 17 for teams of 8 (at least 3 females) ages 7th grade through adult. This is no ordinary fundraiser, as teams will have fun competing in challenging team and individual events (see the flyer!) Cost is $10 per person and a concession stand will be available. Form your teams now and register by January 6 to Denise or Jessica Hennig. Even if you don't want to participate on a team the Youth Group would greatly appreciate any assistance you can offer for the night. Have questions? Want to form a team? Call Jeff L
. or Denise Hennig.
We will need volunteer helpers for the Extreme Team Challenge.
Call Jeff L.
or Denise Hennig.
Ladies Aid
Ladies Aid - meets on the third Tuesday of each month. We invite all ladies to join us. Our January meeting will be Tuesday January19th at 1 pm.
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Attention!!! The Ladies Aid is in need of your clean, good condition, unwanted sheets, blankets, mattress pads, bedspreads and other materials to be used in the making of their " Ugly Quilts." Please bring the items to the church office, your help is appreciated. Watch for upcoming information regarding helping with the quilting as well. You don’t have to know how because we can teach you very quickly. We give our quilts to our shut-ins and to nursing homes. Please join in the fun and fellowship.
What do you do with your old Christmas cards? If you usually throw them away, please consider giving them to the Ladies Aide. They could use the fronts of your cards to make tags for the Love Shop sale next year. If you would like to bring them in, please leave them with Sharon or Lora in the office. Thank you, Ladies Aide
Are you looking for a wonderful commentary Bible Study to help you read through the Bible on a daily schedule? The Lifelight study has commentaries, maps, and other aids as you read through the entire Bible in 2 years. The schedule is only a chapter or two each day. It starts with Genesis in this January/February issue. There are a few extra copies for this month in the office or it can be ordered through Concordia Publishing House. This is the study that the Saturday morning Ladies Group has been using for several years. All ladies are welcome to join us any time!
LWML meets the third Thursday of each month.
The January meeting will be on January 21st at 6:30 pm.
Ladies, we invite you to come join us. Bring with you
your ideas and enthusiasm.
The Office
Anyone who may be interested, we now have the ability to do direct deposit transfers. We advertised at the beginning of the school year that if it would be of any help to you, we can set up your tuition payments to be directly transferred from your account to save you the time of writing out those pesky checks. In addition, we can now also do direct transfers for Church contributions as well. If anyone is interested call the church office. It is very easy to set up. All we need is the date you would like funds to transfer, the dollar amount you wish to transfer and a copy of a check or a voided check. You can stop the transfers just as easily, if it turns out that this program is not working for you.
If you are intersted in this or have any questions, please call the office.
Remember anytime Concordia can be of any assistance to you or your family, please come in or call and speak with one of us.
Thank you, Sharon and Lora
Discipleship Report for December 2009
Date Worship Gen. Fund Receipts
December
6th 55 + 114 = 169 $ 14,734.55December 13th 61 + 121 = 182
$ 11,082.22 December 20th 41 + 119 = 160 $ 7,984.06(The weekly budget need is $ 11,516.84)
I Remember? – When we came to Springfield from Texas around 1957-1958, Concordia was our church. There were only two teachers and the basement was where school was held. We loved the Concordia family and couldn’t leave even though we moved across town. I still love my Concordia family and all the fabulous things they have done.
{submitted by Mrs. Bertha B. and in memory of Vincent B., Sr.}
Learning God’s Word
At Concordia, our school is a truly blessed school where God’s word is taught and shared. As some of you may be aware, the 5th and 6th grade students have opportunity to have their written work published weekly in the SJR’s "Kid Scoop" on Wednesday of each week. One of the topics they were to write on was "When life gives you lemons, what should you do?" This goes along with the theme of Vitamin C and citrus. I do not know which child’s work will be published; the SJR makes that decision. As I read over the submitted writings, I was truly moved by some of the writings and the witness the children gave. I would like to share these with you. Concordia truly is a place where faith can grow! I think you will agree after reading these.
IF LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS…
May Concordia continue to be a faith growing school for all children.
--submitted by Denise Bandelow
January Chapel Offerings
This month Chapel Offerings will be for the Lutheran Hour project of supplying Medical Supplies to places in need. This is one of Pastor Baker’s special projects.
*Reminder, everyone is invited to attend chapel at 8:45 am on Wednesdays with our children. The schedule for chapel leaders in the next few weeks is:
January 06: Pastor Hennig January 13: Dan Henschen
January 20: Glenn Goeres January 27: Lutheran High
The 2010 Flower Chart is Coming!
However, it is still on backorder at CPH. In the meantime, if you would like to have flowers in January, please call the church office and speak with Sharon or Lora. Keep an eye out for the 2010 chart and sign up for you date early, in order to get the date that you want. The procedure is: You pick a date and sign up, then our volunteer, Ursala Bahlow will call you with a friendly reminder, then you need to contact the florist with you order and pay them. You can uses any florist you like, but Enchanted Florist has a key to bring them on Saturday, instead of them sitting at church since Friday. Another reminder, there are no flowers on the altar during the Lenten season.
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
01: Jody P.
02: Donald A.
03: Jean H.
04: James C.
Gregory M.
05: Daniel H.
Bruce L.
06: Jeannine M.
Kyle N.
Chris W.
09: Kyle H.
11: Cale N.
12: Robert M.
14: Tucker C.
15: Buddy N.
16: Jennifer B.
17: Roland N.
20: Charlotte C.
Donna L.
Jacob W.
22: Florence L.
23: Christine G.
Allison K.
24: Kyle D.
25: James L.
26: Aaron B.
Randi B.
John K.
28: John (Jay) H.
29: Louis R.
JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES
06: Richard & Janet W.
LISTED IN THE LUTHERAN HIGH LEDGER >>
LUTHERAN
HIGH NEWSThe Lutheran High School Website is:
WWW.lutheranhs.pvt.k12.il.us From the ledger: December 3, 2009
Academic Spotlight for November 16th: The academic spotlight is an effort to recognize academic excellence at Lu-Hi. The spot light that week shone on Jessica H. who was nominated for consistent positive attitude, excellent class participation and good test scores in Novels.
Good Deeds by our Concordia members:
Good Deeds is an attempt to identify students who have been observed assisting others or the school. Those listed were:*Drake H. * Josh S. *Ashley H. *Scott B.
From the ledger: December 17, 2009
2010 Illinois State Scholar Honorees
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) -
recognized high school students from 752 different schools from across the state as 2010 "Illinois State Scholars." Illinois State Scholar winners rank in the top ten percent of high school seniors. Selection is based upon SAT, ACT and/or class rank at the end of the junior year. Jessica H. was Included among the honorees.Good
Deeds is an attempt to identify students who have been observed assisting others or the school. Angela H. was included in the Good Deeds Section.
Academic Spotlight
The Academic Spotlight is an effort to recognizeacademic excellence at Lutheran High School. The spotlight for the week of The spotlight for the week of December 7th shines on Tina W. Tina was nominated for academic excellence and consistent positive efforts in Biology. (also nominated: Jessica H.).
CONGRATULATIONS TO
– Haley N., daughter of Sheryl and Buddy N. of Lanphier High School. Listed in the State Journal Register for National Honor Society, Illinois State Scholar, academic all-conference in tennis, yearbook editor, JETS, John Marshall Club, usher at freshmen open house. She also volunteered for Mini O’Beirne Crisis Nursery holiday store Concordia Lutheran School and Church, blood drives, chili suppers, high school games and poms fundraising.Shopper’s Blessings
Thanks to everyone who purchased Shopper’s Blessings during this Christmas season! Your purchases raised over $1400 for the operating budget and over $1300 for the tuition accounts, and that is just the first two weeks of December. Now that January is coming please continue to use the program. The program starting in January will be using funds to purchase a mini-bus for the school. Starting in July the law changes and we will no longer be able to transport your student in mini vans. The school will need to replace our vans with mini buses. Send your order into the Association Office, next order will be Wednesday, January 6th. Call Kim Haynes at 546-6363 ext. 128 to place your order.
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LUTHERAN
COMMUNITY NEWSLutheran Catechetical Society
– On Sunday, January 10, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Rev. John T. Pless, Professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN will be at Trinity Lutheran Church in El Paso, Illinois. He will speak on the topic "The Homosexual Agenda and the Breakdown of the Family" Desserts and refreshments will be served. Call Pastor Adle (vacancy pastor) for directions (309-744-2256) More information is posted on the bulletin board.A Note from Lutherans for Life
"When we view abortion through the lens of our Christian faith, we do not see a moral issue that needs correcting or a political issue that needs strategizing. We see a spiritual issue that takes priority. The child in the womb belongs to God, formed by His hands and purchased by His blood. Abortion not only assaults human life, it assaults the Creator and Redeemer of human life." Rev. Dr. James I. Lamb, executive director of Lutherans For Life This "Life Quote" is from Lutherans For Life –
www.lutheransforlife.org.Coming in February
Make a New Year’s resolution you can keep
- building a better relationship with your spouse. Lutheran Marriage Encounter helps make good marriages - BETTER! Learn ways to communicate and grow closer to your spouse. The next weekend date is: February 19-21, 2010 in Peoria, IL. Registration deadline is Jan. 19th. Registrations after that date will be on a space available basis. For further information, call Dan & Charlotte Ricks at 309-682-7273 or www.godlovesmarriage.org.