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Living Hope Newsletter
November 2014
A Congregation of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Worship Schedule
Time Changes
Sunday 8:15 am, Divine Service
Family Education Hour 9:30 am
Sunday 10:45 am, Praise Worship
“Fall Back” an hour at 2 AM Sunday,
November 2 as Daylight Saving Time ends
and Eastern Standard Time returns. Enjoy
an extra hour of sleep!
Staff and Lay Leaders
Pastor: Rev. Jonah P. Burakowski
pastor@livinghopestafford.org
Office Secretary: Angie Lynch
office@livinghopestafford.org
Interim Director: Cheryl Durheim
Director@livinghopestafford.org
President: Bob Drew
Vice President: Scott Bergstrom
Secretary: Miriam da Costa
Treasurer: Patty Carl
Council Members at Large:
Patti Eashoo, Jason Henslee,
Bill Woods
Financial Secretary: Mark Sporleder
Spiritual Life Team Members:
Russ Moore, Jim Evans, Judy Easler,
Ann Price, Wayne Sprick
Contact Information
325 Courthouse Rd
Stafford, VA 22554
Office: 540-657-4105
CDC: 540-657-2700
www.livinghopestafford.org
Office Hours
Monday-Friday, 7:30am-3:30pm
Christmas by Candlelight
Ladies, you are invited to attend our annual
Christmas by Candlelight celebration on
Sunday, December 7, 6:30 pm. Please indicate
interest in assisting or being a table hostess by contacting Linda
Johannes at waterelf@yahoo.com or (540) 729-7122. Tickets will
go on sale soon. We encourage you to bring guests – including
high school ladies. Celebrate the beginning of the Advent season
with your sisters in Christ around desserts, decorations, and
music!
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
“Tis a gift to be simple. Tis a gift to be
free…”
In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln
issued a Presidential Proclamation
establishing Thanksgiving as a national
holiday. While this is a civil holiday,
Christians have gathered for centuries
to give thanks to God for His many blessings and gifts
following the harvest. So join us on Wednesday, November
26th at 7:00 PM as we give thanks for all that we have and all
that we offer.
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Living Hope Child
Development Center
Teachers and Staff
Interim Director: Cheryl Durheim
Program Manager: Diana Magrino
Infants:
Robin Stafford
Meghan Conlon
Michelle Cooley
Toddlers:
Robin Hulbert
Kendall Garrison
Trudy Taylor
Two’s Full Day:
Latrice Myles
Cassie Eagal
Three’s Full Day:
Ellen Thompson
Lenora Locke
Four’s Full Day:
Tonia Tyler
Alicia Winston
Katie Wimer
Parish Program Coordinator’s Corner
I like to see November as the opportunity to be thankful all
month long, not just on Thanksgiving Day. I am so thankful
that Nathan is ready to receive his Eagle Scout Award, and
invite everyone in the congregation to attend his Court of
Honor on November 22 at noon in the Hope Center. Lunch will
be provided after the ceremony. I also send thanks out to all
the people who worked together to make the Oktoberfest a
success. From setting up, to manning grills, to bringing food
and cleaning up, many hands made light work!
During this often hectic time of year as you make your plans to
celebrate with family and friends, please include us in your
planning. There are many ways to be involved this month and
through the Advent season, including supporting the youth
groups as they provide Thanksgiving meals and Christmas gifts
and food for three families in our community; the Thanksgiving
Eve service at 7:00 on the 26th; the women’s evening Christmas
by Candlelight on December 7th; the Family Christmas
Celebration on the evening of December 19th; and of course,
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.
“I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in
Christ Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 1:4
Peace be with you,
Amy
Child Development Corner
Two’s Half Day:
Kimberli Stewart
Kathy Stoltz
Three’s Half Day:
Karen Jordan
Carrie Juarez
Four’s Half Day:
Theresa Akridge
Jennie Dellinger
Before and After:
Jennie Dellinger
Trudy Taylor
Kitchen Staff:
Sarah Schick
The holidays are fast approaching! How do we
know…the kids are SO excited and are already
talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Their enthusiasm is contagious and we’ve
decided we are going to join in on the
excitement. The teachers will be decorating
their doors for Thanksgiving and for Christmas. We want YOU
to judge the doors and pick your favorite. The winning
classroom will receive prizes for the children as well as for the
teacher and aide. Voting will occur on Sunday, November 16th
for the Thanksgiving Door. For the Christmas Door voting will
occur on Sunday, December 14th. There will be ballots and a
ballot box to submit your vote. Please take a moment to walk
down the halls and see the awesome creative talent within our
teachers. Thanks for supporting our teachers!
Cheryl Durheim
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Youth Group Meetings
The Middle School Youth will meet on
November 9 & 23, 7:15 - 8:00 PM. We look
forward to seeing everyone on those nights.
Watch your e-mails for topics and events.
The High School Youth will meet on November
2, 16 and 30. We look forward to seeing
everyone at the events. Don’t forget we have a
special event on the 2nd. The 16th we are going
to discuss “Game Changing Verses”.
Harvest Meal & Trivia Night
Think you know your Bible? What about
current events? How about those useless bits
picked up from Facebook posts? Come and put
your knowledge to the test at The Living Hope
Harvest Meal and Trivia night on November 8,
2014.
Dinner (Roast beef, potatoes, vegetable, rolls
and dessert) will begin at 6:00 PM, trivia will
begin at 7:00 PM; $12.50 per person or $10 for
trivia only. Child care (dinner of hot dogs and
mac & cheese provided) is available for a
donation.
Form your team now! Not sure about pop
culture--Purchase a Youth Group member for
your team! Tickets are available from Youth
Group members, Barry, Trudy, Bill, Crystal or in
the office.
Thanksgiving Turkeys
The youth groups are once
again sponsoring 3 local
families in need with a
Thanksgiving meal. Pick a
feather off a turkey in the
foyer and make a donation.
The Youth will be shopping
on November 23 after second service. We will
also deliver the baskets that afternoon. We
invite all members to travel with us as we
deliver to the homes. Any questions, see Barry,
Trudy, Bill or Crystal.
Upcoming Events
Nov. 2nd - 7-8 PM HS Youth Group Meeting
Nov. 8th- 6:30 pm Harvest Meal/Trivia Night
Nov. 9th- 7:15-8 PM MS Youth Group Meeting
Nov. 16th- 7-8 PM HS Youth Group Meeting
Nov. 23nd – 11:45 AM Thanksgiving Turkey Day
Nov. 23rd - 7-8 PM HS Youth Group Meeting
Nov. 30th -7-8 PM HS Youth Group Meeting
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You see the joy the children in your life experience as they save through their Young Investors
(Y.I.) Club investment and share God’s blessings with others. Join them now with ConnectPLUS,
your very own Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) investment.
For NEW investors only,* ConnectPLUS features:

Opportunity to empower ministries

3% fixed rate on the first $5,000

Second-tier rate on balances over $5,000

$500 minimum to open

Two-year term

Additional investments of at least $25 allowed
ConnectPLUS is available to individuals 18 and older who have not had an LCEF investment in the past 24 month.
Offer subject to change.
Visit lcef.org or call 800-843-5233 to join in the joy of working together for His kingdom.
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization, therefore, LCEF investments are not FDIC-insured
bank deposit accounts. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF
will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by
LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully
describes associated risks. ConnectPLUS is not available to investors in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
*for more information about eligibility and to get an application, call 800-843-5233 or visit lcef.org.
Work Day
The Property Team invites you
to join them for the monthly
work day on Saturday,
November 8th, 8:00 AM. Come
out and help to keep the
building and grounds of Living
Hope spiffy and attractive.
Men’s Breakfast
Living Hope men will gather on November 1st at
8 am for breakfast. The meeting spot is Mikes 610
Dinner in Stafford. It’s a time of conversation
and growing friendships. December’s breakfast
will be on Saturday, December 6, 2014.
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Confirmation News
CONFIRMATION
At Living Hope we believe and teach that infant baptism demonstrates God’s gracious
act of claiming and redeeming us for a life of faith as well as for eternal salvation. After
baptism, our lives are a continuous process of learning and growing and it is important
for the church to partner with parents in fostering this growth. Confirmation is a time for middle school
students to focus on the teachings of the church and to experience what it means to be involved in
worship, fellowship and service through the body of Christ.
Our sixth grade confirmands are in the process of learning about God’s salvation plan outlined for us in
the Bible. We have begun to familiarize ourselves with the 66 books of the Bible as we work through
the major themes in the Old and New Testaments.
Our seventh and eighth grade confirmands have started reading selected chapters of the book
Lutheranism 101 and sections of Luther’s Small Catechism as we unpack the Apostles Creed and
Baptism. We are off to a great start and look forward to interesting discussions.
It is our hope that at the conclusion of the three years of confirmation each student will be able to:
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Think of their faith in both the present and future tense;
Make Biblical decisions concerning the importance of their faith and relationship with God;
Question the secular world with respect and dignity;
Be able to comprehend God’s unchanging love for them;
Be able to apply what they have learned in their lives;
Express joy in their worship of God;
Be assured and provide assurance that they are significant to Christ and His Church
Recognize that “mercy works” are an important aspect of the life of a Christian
6th Grade Confirmation – 6:30 – 7:30 PM on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month
7th & 8th Grade Confirmation – 6:00 – 7:15 PM on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month
First Communion
While in the past it was simply assumed that young people would complete Confirmation before
receiving First Communion, this is no longer the case. Many Lutheran congregations, including Living
Hope, recognize that children may be ready for First Communion before eighth grade.
Each year children and parents of fifth graders are invited to participate in Communion instruction and
more information will be coming regarding when this will be available.
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Spiritual Life
Advent Bible Study
Around the ninth century Christians widely adopted the candlelit wreath for the weeks preceding
Christmas Tide. Each candle has a significance during Advent and this year we will focus on the
titles/themes of Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherds and Angels. Plan on an hour over beverages as we
take time to focus on the hope and promise of Christmas at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM on Wednesdays
during Advent. This Bible study will be facilitated by Pastor Jonah and everyone is invited to attend.
Advent Tide Schedule
Wednesday, December 3
Wednesday, December 10
Saturday, December 13
Wednesday, December 17
Friday, December 19
10:30 AM and 7:00 PM
10:30 AM and 7:00 PM
9:00 AM
10:30 AM and 7:00 PM
7:00 PM
Bible Study
Bible Study
Church Decorating
Bible Study
Living Hope Christmas Program
Christmas Tide Schedule
December 24
6:00 PM Family Service with the Praise Band
10:00 PM Candle Light Divine Service
Opportunities to serve!
Lector or Communion Assistant
The Spiritual Life Team will be holding training on Monday, November 3 or
Monday, November 10 at 7:00 PM for all (new or existing) Lectors and
Communion Assistants. If you are new or a veteran, this training is for you so
please mark your calendars. Contact Pastor Jonah or Russ Moore in the office at
(540) 657-4105 if you have any questions.
Musicians Wanted for Christmas
If you are interested in playing an instrument for the Christmas Program on December 19 or during the
Christmas Eve services at 7:00 or 10:00 PM please contact Paul Murtha, our Music Director, at (540)
720-0618 or murthapaul@comcast.net.
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Birthdays
1st
Isabella Mojica
Anniversaries
13th
Zenaida Soholt
2nd
Keresa Stencavage
6th
Cheryl Durheim
Steve Sobrilsky
14th
19th
Heather Boyles
1st Gail & Dean Bidle
Brandon Pendry
3rd Scott & Diane Ballman
Lisa Hunte
5th Jerry & Ronnie Trotta
David Klimek
14th Steve & Mary Sobrilsky
Jim Evans
17th Richard & Pam Karr
Sue Tober
26th Dave & Cathy Butz
7th
Eva Estrella
8th
Breasha Rousseau
20th
Larry Taylor
9th
Kathryn Weinrich
21st
Leigh Belton
10th
Linda Johannes
23rd
Patti Breitmeyer
Juliana Layne
Joan Leinonen
11th
Bethany French
27th
Jerome Meyer
12th
Kathy Kitta
28th
Chad Hildebrandt
Dave Lemke
30th
Mark Eashoo
Andrew Egerton Rueter
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November Worship Assistance
Date
11/2
11/9
11/16
11/23
11/30
Time
Acolyte
Lector
Communion
Assistants
Ushers
8:15
Amber Hunte
Linda Melentis
Linda Musselman
Dave Duff
Mark Rossin
10:45
Nolan Henslee
Linda Johannes
Crystal Rousseau
Chad & Laurie
Hraha
8:15
Jadon Eashoo
Keith Angle
Larry Taylor
Bob Drew
Mark Rossin
10:45
Stevencavage
Nan Murtha
Jason Henslee
Mark Sporleder
Jason Henslee
8:15
Jackson Hamill
Scott Bergstrom
Brenda Greene
Alan Zeiser
Dave Buff
10:45
Christian Stahl
Stephanie Moore
Jim Evans
Chad & Laurie
Hraha
8:15
Evan Hamill
Larry Taylor
Brenda Greene
Bob Drew
Mark Rossin
10:45
Brenda Rousseau
Eric Doyle
Ann Marohn
Russ Moore
Jason Henslee
8:15
Amber Hunte
Linda Melentis
Linda Musselman
Dave Duff
Mark Rossin
10:45
Nolan Henslee
Linda Johannes
Crystal Rousseau
Chad & Laurie
Hraha
November Fellowship Servers
11/2
8:15
Mark Sporleder
10:45
Elsa Arntt
8:15
Sue Tober
10:45
Shannon Moses
8:15
Alan Zeiser
10:45
Liz Burakowski
11/23
8:15
Shannon Moses
11/30
10:45
8:15
10:45
Elsa Arntt
Mark Sporleder
Shannon Moses
11/9
11/16
Date
Attendance [LY]
Attd Avg [LY]
Offerings
Offerings [LY]
Offerings FYTD
Offerings LYTD
Building Fund
YTD
10/5
75/100
[87/110]
170[162]
$4,312
$6,100
$72,453
$76,060
$150
10/12
72/75
[72/89]
170[163]
$4,032
$4,579
$76,485
$80,640
$150
10/19
78/93
[73/79]
170[163]
$8,644
$9,254
$85,130
$89,895
$200
**LY- Last Year, LYTD-Last Year to Date, FYTD- Year to Date
10/26
76/98
[107/96]
170[164]
$7,650
$4,338
$92,780
$94,233
$200
Counters
Doug Arntt, TBD
John Kruelle,
Bill Woods
Chuck Johannes,
Glen Schelin
Lisa Evans
Andrew English
Doug Arntt, TBD
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Poinsettia Orders
If you would like to order a poinsettia, please fill out this form and return it in the
collection plate or to the office. Each flower costs $12.50 and all orders are due
by December 1st.
Name: ________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ________________________________________________
In Memory of: _________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Red Poinsettia Quantity: _________ x $12.50 Total: __________
White Poinsettia Quantity: _______ x $12.50 Total: ___________
*** Please include payment with this form. Make checks payable to Living Hope Lutheran Church.
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I included this list in response to a series of discussions I have had with folks
about interesting Lutheran books. Some are heavy theology while others
are devotional or historical in nature. No matter your taste, enjoy!
Pastor Jonah
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Pastor Jonah’s Ponderings
November 2nd is the scheduled first day of Daylight Savings and the realization that days are
getting shorter. Shorter as the season changes from Fall to Winter and the axis of the globe shifts
bringing about a change in the daylight. As the shadows of the day grow longer and the light of the sun
seems to be a little more golden-rod in color, we look forward to a great many celebrations and festivals
in the coming months.
On November 27th the nation will celebrate its annual day of Thanksgiving with a variety of
traditions including turkey; parades and football (go Lions!). We certainly do have a lot to be thankful
for because our Heavenly Father continues to “richly provide [us] with all that [we] need to support this
body and life and defends [us] against all danger and guards and protects [us]” (Luther’s Small
Catechism, pg. 108). It is definitely appropriate for us to pause and return thanks to the One who
continues to provide for our every need as it is, “In Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts
17:28).
As the nation stops to pause and offer thanksgiving, the Church is actually looking ahead. For
these remaining weeks of November we are looking forward to the conclusion of the church year and
the beginning of Advent - our celebration of hope in the promise. And what a promise it is!
On November 23rd we will celebrate the Sunday of Fulfillment – the last Sunday of the church
year. Our 12 month journey through the life and ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ, draws to a
conclusion and we consider again that the end of all things is near. We, as faithful disciples, have been
denied nothing that has been in accordance with His perfect and gracious will and we look forward to
His promised return as written in Mark 13:24-37.
The following Sunday, November 30th, we will begin the season of Advent as we start the
traditional countdown to Christmas using the Advent wreath. While we anticipate Christmas Day, we
will be reminded to focus some of our attention on preparing our hearts and minds for our annual
celebration of the birth of our Lord. Advent contemplation and reflection are part of our preparation
and so we will have a series of Advent mid-week Bible Studies and daily devotional materials available.
This month, as the nation gives thanks to God (being ever so careful to do so, however, without
mentioning Him in any way), the church will give thanks for what He has given and for all He has yet to
give. This is an exciting time and as the green in the Chancel gives way to the blue candles, paraments
and banners and we look to “Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless
before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord,
be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever” (Jude 1:24-25).
Waiting and hoping with you,
Pastor Jonah +