CROSSWORDS
A PASTORAL PERSPECTIVE (from Dr. Gerald Keischnick, President of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod)
"A friend of mine from the Philippines shared a story about a little boy conceived before, but born after his father shipped out to serve in World War II. For almost three years, the boy knew only a picture of his father. At bedtime, he and his mother would kneel beside the bed for prayer. When the prayers were concluded, he would kiss the picture of his father on his nightstand and jump into bed. On the first wonderful night when his father returned from the war, mother, child, and father knelt beside the boy's bed for prayer. After the "Amen," his mother said: "Okay, now kiss your father good night. It's time to sleep." The young-ster got up, kissed the picture, and jumped into bed, leaving the father on his knees with open, but empty arms.
"Something like this happens at Christmas. Too often we keep the tradition - kiss the picture, if you will - but never receive Christ as a living presence in our lives. We celebrate Christmas in many ways. But all these celebrations are given more em-phasis than the real reason to celebrate. "CHRIST THE SAVIOR IS BORN!" This is what we celebrate this season. God and man are united. The glorious gift of God's Son is given. All broken relationships are healed in Jesus, who came to give Himself for us that we might be one with God the Father. This is what Christmas is all about. Peace reigns between God and His people - all because of a Father and His Son!"
FROM THE LADIES' GUILD
Now that "visions of sugar plums" have danced in our heads, it's time to settle down and look forward to the New Year here at Chapel of the Cross (and what an exciting year it will be!!). The Ladies' Guild, along with other organizations, will be busy planning many events. Will you volunteer your time to make it all possible? More hands make the work so much easier (and more fun!)
A GREAT B-I-G THANK YOU HUG to all our ladies who provided those m-m-m good bakery items for our "Bake Sale" in November. Your donations were greatly appreciated.
We also want to thank our "special angel" who delivered the aluminum cans to the recycle center. We received $125. Please continue to save your aluminum cans. This is one of our major ongoing projects.
The Guild would also like to take this time to thank everyone who supported our "labor of love" during this past year. Please note that we will not meet during the months of January and February. We will meet again in March, weather permitting.
One last note: We want to remind everyone that our "Prayer Chain" is always available when you need a prayer. All prayers are confidential. God never stops hearing them. During the day call 633-0042. In the evening call 886-4712.
"And since He bids us seek His face, believe His word and trust His grace. I'll cast on Him my every care And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer."
THE BOARD OF MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! With your help we have really made a difference this month!
* We provided 60 sack lunches (along with hats and gloves) to needy individuals. (Next date: March 20th)
* Fifty children's bags were distributed at the Live Nativity.
* Cookies were provided to all our shut-ins.
* We rang the bell to raise money for the Salvation Army on Dec. 5th.
* Love, Inc. in Burlington received 20 hats and gloves, 15 hat and mitten sets went to the Foster children party, 40 hats to Kops & Kids, and 30 hats and some gloves were given to a Kenosha women's center.
* We also provided two Christmas baskets. One of the families which we "adopted" also received gifts for their four children. (Note: $392 was raised in the free-will offering last weekend.)
The good Lord has blessed us dearly; and may all of you have a Beautiful Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Sue Luxem (835-2239)
SHORT NOTES
The next meeting of the Voters' Assembly will be on Sunday, Jan. 10th , following the morning service. At this meeting we will approve a budget for 2010 and also elect officers.
With the winter's snow and ice, remember to drive slowly and carefully in our church parking lot to avoid any unfortunate accidents. Also be careful as you walk into church, and also after you're in church. Wet floors can result in spills! In the event that church has to be cancelled due to bad weather, an announcement will be made over WRJN (1400). News about these and any other cancellations will also be e-mailed to all of you for whom we have e-mail addresses. (If we don't have yours, please let Pastor Feldscher know what it is. You can e-mail it to him at: dfeldscher@wi.rr.com.)
The deadline for all announcements to be included in the February issue of Crosswords is Sunday, January 24th.