Faith Walk December 2015

Poetry:

Christmas Light

Candles

Lead Me Father

Faith Walk A

Christmas State of Mind remembering

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Leader-Telegram Magazine

Winter 2015

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When submitting an article please note the following: Length of article: 510 words or less, including biographical information.

Contact editor Christena O’Brien in advance if you wish to write a longer article. The editor reserves the right to choose, edit and shorten articles.

Articles will be published based on space availability and editorial content criteria.

contact us

W

e welcome your stories, songs and poems about faith and how it has affected your life or the life of someone you know. Please send us your articles any time of the year.

Christena O’Brien Faith Walk Editor 715.830.5838

christena.obrien@ecpc.com

Angela Rediess Graphic Designer Kathy Hayden Advertising Sales Director 715.833.7420 kathy.hayden@ecpc.com

Catie Carlson-Prueher Magazine Coordinator 715.830.5823 catie.carlson@ecpc.com

Next issue: March 2016 Published twice a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department.

P.O. Box 570.

Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570.

Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Company. All rights reserved.

Photos: If you have a photo or graphic that helps illustrate your work, feel free to include it. Artwork will only be printed if it meets the technical requirements for graphic publication.

To submit: Email to christena.obrien@ ecpc.com or mail to Leader-Telegram, Attn.: Christena O’Brien, 701 S. Farwell St., Eau Claire, WI 54701.

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Information and opinions in the articles of this magazine are those of the authors and are not necessarily objective reports.

Available online at www.leadertelegram.com

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Pentecostal Assembly Church 9 Ninth Avenue • Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-832-2361

Youth Christmas Drama Sunday School Christmas Program Christmas Service Thurs., Dec. 31 New Year’s Eve Dinner & Service Sun., Dec. 13 Sun., Dec. 20

6:30 p.m.

10:00 a.m.

6:30 p.m.

6/ 7:30 p.m.

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You Are Welcome To Our Services CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP SERVICES Thursday, December 24 5:30-6:15 p.m. Family Worship 8:00 p.m.

Service of Lessons & Carols, Candlelight & Communion

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL U.C.C. 792172 12-12-15

310 Broadway - 715-834-2668 www.firstucceauclaire.org

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Wednesday, December 16 5:30 PM - Advent Supper 7:00 PM - Christmas Carols & Readings Sunday, December 20 9:30 AM - Children’s Christmas Worship Service Thursday, December 24 6:00 PM - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Friday, December 25 9:00 AM - Christmas Day Worship Service Sunday, December 27 9:00 AM - Worship Service

The Lutheran Church of St. Matthew

(LCMS) 1915 Hogeboom Ave. (715) 834-4028 • www.stmatthewonline.org 794278 12-12-15

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By Mary Pierce

A Christmas State of Mind Leader-Telegram

I

stood at the copier in our office in early November, singing quietly along to the radio playing on the desk behind me.

Walking out of the copy room, I continued singing “… walkin’ in a winter wonderland …” as I looked outside.

Beyond the expanse of green grass in front of the building, a highway maintenance crew scooped hot asphalt from a truck, filling potholes along the road.

Green grass? Asphalt? Definitely summertime stuff. And here I was singing about sleigh bells ringing and snow glistening in the lane. How confusing.

I mentioned my confusion to a co-worker. She said, “Yeah, it’s crazy to have Christmas songs playing so soon. It’s not even Thanksgiving yet!” Another chimed in, “It’s way too soon for Christmas!”

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Worlds collided in my head as thoughts of the winter wonderland bounced off the actual early fall scene outside — a 60-degree day in November, with no sign of snow or frost or cold. I had experienced this sense of cognitive dissonance before, the first year we lived in Southern California after growing up in Minnesota. The week before Christmas in that desert climate, my son, then a fifth-grader, rolled a huge tumbleweed home after school. “Maybe this could be our Christmas tree,” he suggested. Ha! No tumbleweed could ever substitute for a Norway pine. That year I swept our patio on Christmas Eve morning. It was 70 degrees out. No frost on that landscape. Nary a nip in the air. No winter wonderland there. It’s a wonder Christmas came at all that year.

But this year, Christmas was arriving and it was still 60 degrees outside. Somebody was rushing the season. Were my co-workers right? Was it soon for Christmas to come? Did everyone feel this way? I did a little research, asking others, family members and friends, “Is it too soon for Christmas?”

The consensus: Yes. Too soon for the music. Too soon for the TV specials.

Too soon for the commercials. Too soon for Christmas. One friend explained, “I’m OK with the music after Thanksgiving, but not before. Or maybe they could play three regular songs and then throw in one Christmas song — that would be OK. But not all Christmas songs. It’s too early for that.”

One friend working retail complained about the constant Christmas music in her workplace. “By the time Christmas comes, I can’t stand it anymore! In fact, the week after it starts, I’ve had enough already.” Another opined that at this rate, we’d start the Christmas season right after Easter next year.

I listened quietly to the too-early-forChristmas complaints, all the while sensing a protest growing in my spirit, quiet at first but then louder, asking, Is Christmas the radio music? Is Christmas the television commercials, endlessly hawking the latest, greatest gift ideas (that look suspiciously similar to last year’s “must-haves”)? Is Christmas the tinsel and trimmings, the gizmos and gadgets, the music and mall-mania?

I knew the answer. No. No. Emphatically no! Christmas is a state of mind.

of the world, to ask of one another with the song, “Do you hear what I hear?

Do you see what I see?” and to echo the king of that song, “Pray for peace, people everywhere” for “a Child, a Child, sleeping in the night … He will bring us goodness and light.”

The Christmas state of mind has us imagining ourselves with bigger hearts and generosity of spirit, going about as bearers of glad tidings and good cheer.

In the Christmas state of mind, we agree absolutely that this is “the most wonderful time of the year,” a time of bounty and blessing, of gifts and the giver.

About the author

Mary Pierce and her husband, Terry, live in Eau Claire and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!

Christmas can’t ever come too soon.

Christmas is the beauty of remembered love, the laughter of a child, the warmth of friendship and the joy of dear ones drawing near. And so I say, with all my heart, “Come, Christmas, come, and the earlier the better!” This year, more than ever, “We need a little Christmas, right this very minute.”

This minute. This hour. This day. It’s never too soon for Christmas. And the Christmas state of mind is ours anytime we choose it, all year long.

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Concordia Lutheran Church Christmas Eve Candlelight… 5:30 & 11 PM Christmas Day… 10 AM

“Come Let Us Adore Him!” O Come, Let Us Adore Him! 794211 12-12-15

3715 London Road, Eau Claire † 715-834-0921 Sunday worship 8 & 10:30am eauclairelutherans.com

Christmas Eve

2:00 p.m. Festival Worship with Children’s Choirs 4:00 p.m. Festival Worship with Praise Team 9:30 p.m. Music Prelude by Orchestra & Hand Bells 10:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Worship with Orchestra, Choir & Organ

1314 East Lexington Blvd.

Eau Claire WI 54701 715.832.6601 — trinity-ec.org

Pastor Nick Henseler 715-514-2021 1704 Hogeboom Ave., Eau Claire

www.faithlutheranmc.org 792787 12-12-15

Winter 2015

Regular Worship Times Are Sunday Morning at 9:00 am Fellowship Time Follows at 10:00 am Sunday School at 10:00am All Are Welcome!! (LCMC)

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Located near the corner of Clairemont and Rudolph.

Look for the “ski jump” roof.

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Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Thursday, Dec. 24 at 4:00 pm Service of Christmas Carols Sunday, Dec. 27 at 9:00 am

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792782 12-12-15

plans

By Jan Ecklor

R

ecently, I awoke knowing the schedule my day would bring. After breakfast at home, coffee and some quiet time in the Word and a few quick chores, I would be out the door, hopefully before 9:15. A cleaning job on the north side of town awaited me. Three hours later, I would eat my packed lunch in the car while I motored to the east side of town for another three-hour job. Upon completion, I would pack up my vacuum, water bottle, cleaning shoes and purse and head out — hopefully remembering to stop at the drug store and gas station before hitting a grocery store for a few items. As I sat down with my coffee, I turned on my cellphone, which also sleeps during the dark.

Reaching for my devotional book and my Bible, I heard my phone chime. I had received a text message. My morning customer was alerting me she was home with a stomach virus and did not want me to come. All of the sudden, my day was taking a far different turn than the one I had planned.

Proverbs 16:9 declares, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.” I remember a time in my life that if things did not proceed exactly according

to my time table, I would be extremely upset, but time has taught me sometimes God has very specific purposes in a change of plans.

One morning in my scurry to drive my kids to the small school where I taught, I bent down to put on my shoes, and my daughter knocked over the mug of coffee waiting for me on the table. It splashed sufficiently that a change of clothes was in order. My thoughts toward my daughter were not exactly loving or kind, and frustration was setting in, knowing we would be late.

Our destination was a full 30 minutes away, a long time to stew, but nearing the halfway point, there was the vehicle of a fellow teacher pulled over on the shoulder, apparently the victim of a flat tire. What I viewed as my inconvenience, God allowed to meet another’s need.

About the Author Jan Ecklor lives north of Menomonie. Her vocation is cleaning, but her passions are her 12 grandchildren and gardening.

So my morning with a canceled customer turned out much differently than I had planned, but much better. God knew I needed a bit of a break to give me a chance to rest, relax and recharge my batteries. And I knew there was nothing in my schedule that was so important that I could not allow God to change it.

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FaithWalk 10

By Lonnie Frock

A Small Request

T

hree little girls all bundled up in snow gear rushed off to school. I valued my alone time in the morning. With my hands submerged in the warm sudsy dish water, I began to cry out to the Lord. I have always believed that God would meet all our needs; however, this particular one was a bit embarrassing to ask for. Down to our last roll of toilet paper, I wondered how long the skimpy roll would last with three little girls. There would be no extra cash for toilet paper or anything else until payday, which was another week away.

With that in mind, I decided that I would ration the last bit of it to the girls, so I pulled the paper off its roller and placed it high in the bathroom cabinet where they could not reach it. I continued about my housework to prepare for the day, trying to keep my mind off our circumstance. A thought kept racing through my mind, “You have not because you asked not.” I recognized the words as scripture. But in all honesty, the very thought of asking God for toilet paper seemed quite absurd.

Feeling silly and selfish to ask for something so petty, I finally allowed my pride to shrink back for the sake of the children and finally asked. “Lord, I have one small request ... .”

Later that cold winter morning, a vigorous knock at the backdoor broke my silence. Who would come this early in the day, let alone want to be out in this weather? As soon as my eyes met with my friend’s eyes, she broke into robust laughter. She shed her heavy winter coat and gloves, and through tears and laughter, she began to tell me of her morning. Spending time in prayer, she felt a nudge from God to pray for my family. As she lifted us up to God, she asked what our needs might be?

About the Author Lonnie Frock resides in Eau Claire with her husband, David.

They are blessed with five adoptive children and six amazing grandchildren. She is involved in a monthly critic group and a Christian writers’ guild.

Two words — “toilet paper” — softly entered her thoughts. She admitted to me that she struggled with the idea of bringing toilet paper to our family because it made her uncomfortable. However, disobedience to God made her more uncomfortable. She went into her basement where she stored extra supplies to grab a package of toilet paper when the thought occurred to her how quickly three little girls could use a package of paper. At this point she thought, “Well, if I am going to make a fool out of myself bringing toilet paper to a family, I might as well bring a case!”

After listening to her story, I shared with her how I prayed that morning and also struggled with petitioning God for such a simple request. Both of our faith levels were built higher that day. Settling down with a cup of tea, we both rejoiced in our obedience in letting go of our pride to see God do a big work out of a small roll a toilet paper.

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1120 Cedar Street, Eau Claire From West Clairemont East on Vine St. then north on 12th St. (715) 834-2959

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Wednesday, Dec. 16 6 p.m. Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Program Sunday, Dec. 20 10 a.m. Choirs of Good Shepherd Music Program Christmas Eve 4:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Candlelight Worship Christmas Day 10 a.m. Worship Sunday, Dec. 27 10 a.m. Worship

792170 12-12-15

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Remembering Joseph

By Mary Ellen Bliss

Christmas is a wondrous time of year that inevitably brings back many happy childhood memories. One of my fondest is helping my mom set up our beautiful nativity scene. I loved to unpack all of the figurines, making sure that everyone was still present and accounted for. (I’m not exactly sure where I thought they would have gone, packed away in our attic for the past year!)

I remember always being confused about which figure was Joseph and which one was the shepherd, until Mom let me in on a little secret. “Joseph is the one with the lantern,” she told me. “He brings light to the manger just like Baby Jesus brings light to the whole world.” After that wonderful explanation, I never forgot which figurine represented Joseph!

Sometimes I think Joseph is the overlooked person in the Christmas story. But what an amazing role he had!

Imagine how distressed he must have been when Mary came to him to tell him she was with child. How understandable it would have been for him to turn his back on her or cast her away.

But in reading the biblical accounts, it seems that Mary had unwavering faith that if Joseph listened to what she had to say, he would understand. After the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, Joseph was confident in what he had to do. But I still have to wonder if he didn’t have a few qualms over what his future held.

There’s a beautiful Christmas song called simply, “Joseph’s Song” that I believe poignantly captures what Joseph might have been feeling on that starry evening over two millennia ago.

How could it be, this baby in my arms Sleeping now, so peacefully

The Son of God, the angel said.

How could it be?

Lord, I know He’s not my own, Not of my flesh, not of my bone.

Still Father let this baby be The son of my love.

Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours.

How can a man be father to the Son of God? Lord, for all my life I’ve been a simple carpenter, How can I raise a king, how can I raise a king?

Every time I listen to these moving lyrics, it strikes me that, even in his moments of doubt, Joseph was a compassionate and faith-filled man. With humility, he asked God for help in following His will — even in the most challenging of situations.

And he trusted that God would give him the courage he needed every step of the way. Joseph inspires me to ask the same of God in my own life.

Pope Francis spoke to Joseph’s faith during his recent visit to the United States. At the Charitable Center of St. Patrick Parish in Washington, D.C., he said, “In the face of unjust and painful situations, faith brings us the light which scatters the darkness. As it did for Joseph, faith makes us open to the quiet presence of God at every moment of our lives, in every person and in every situation.”

As I look toward to a new year filled with endless possibilities, I pray that I’ll continue to be inspired by Joseph’s story, and, in faith, be open to the presence of God in my life and in the lives of those around me.

13 FaithWalk

About the Author Mary Ellen Bliss has been a colleague at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital since 2006, where she is the office facilitator for the Center for Spiritual Care.

Winter 2015

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Lessons Learned

By The Rev. Tom Krieg A little camping nighttime scare is nothing compared to the deeper darkness of terrorism that causes us to fear, and yet a lesson I learned many years ago at 11,000 feet above sea level continues to help me cope with terrible things that happen down below.

It was my first backpacking trip ever. Rocky Mountain National Park had no grizzlies, but I was still warned about other bears that wreak havoc and mountain lions that confuse people with their favorite food, deer. My high school buddy, Mark, and I brought rope to hang our food, which we did before crawling in our tents. Mark fell asleep immediately, and I stayed up anxiously hearing each sound outside as possibly hostile. After an hour, my fears came true when an intruder arrived.

Over Mark’s snoring, I heard footsteps maybe 20 feet away. Then I heard cans being knocked over.

We hadn’t bothered hanging them because they were sealed. Then, I heard growling as the beast was trying to tear something apart. Then, I heard the tearing of what we discovered in the morning was Mark’s day pack, torn to shreds; it was, for some reason, scented like grapes. Mark continued to snore while I lay stiff as a board through what was probably 10 minutes of raw open-eyed fear.

During breakfast the next morning, I turned with my instant oatmeal away from our stove and saw it.

A badger. It stared at me, and I stared at it. Then it skulked off under some rocks to live another day.

We packed up and headed up the mountain.

During that day’s hike, we ran into some people who hadn’t prepared well for the hike and were out of water. I think I would have gladly shared my water on any other day; it’s what you do. But on that day in particular, with part of me still shaken by the terror of the night, I shared with great eagerness. I even gave away a Ziploc bag containing my favorite trail mix. I must have known on some level that in this world with so much darkness and things that shake the foundation of our lives without giving due notice, acts of generosity bring us closer to one another and are precious. That’s what I learned up high that I can practice here below.

Leader-Telegram

Winter 2015

FaithWalk 14

About the Author The Rev. Tom Krieg is pastor at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire.

Turn Me Inside Out God

By Steve Henry

The coming of Christmas should be inspiration enough to arouse a big smile and a cheerful greeting from me to you. It isn’t. At least not at this very moment.

I should be happy that at my age I don’t have to select and wrap gifts for family members and friends. And those days when Christmas cards had to be addressed is almost a thing of the past. Almost. I still do send a few cards.

After all, I have a fond liking for mail, the kind that includes a handwritten note stuffed into an envelope, stamped and delivered by the U.S. Postal Service.

Yes, I’m old fashioned. As long as I’m getting things off my chest prior to Christmas, why can’t people just call rather than send emails?

It’s a lot more personal than punching a keyboard.

And what’s all this rumbling about being politically correct in extending a Christmas greeting? Do you really mean that I can’t say MERRY CHRISTMAS to family, friends and others? After all, I really do mean it. I wish for everyone to have a Most Merry and Blessed Christmas.

There, now I feel better. I don’t want to be the Grinch who stole Christmas. I just want to sit back and share some good feelings regarding this special time of year. I fondly remember the many Christmases that our family of five spent at home; and later, as our enlarged family unwrapped gifts on the eve of Christmas.

Surprises as to gifts? Yes! As a kid, it was that

one hidden gift that caused a stir as I hunted for it behind the couch or in a closet.

Other things long remembered are mom’s homemade popcorn balls and divinity candies.

The many colored ornaments carefully placed on a freshly cut tree. There was always an angel at the very top. And one Christmas, there was a new red wagon just for me. There was something special about going to church and pausing in front of a manger depicting the Christmas story. Figures of animals, the shepherds and the main cast of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus brought the story to life.

About the Author

Steve Henry is a retired outdoors writer and photographer from Chippewa Falls.

How could anything diminish my joyful thoughts as I hummed along to “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “Joy to the World.” I believe there has never been, or will be, a song that captures the moment better than “Silent Night.” So touching are the words that continue to tug at my heart to this day: “All is calm, all is bright” and “sleep in heavenly peace” because “Christ, the Savior, is born.”

It was Dec. 15, 1987, that I wrote seven short paragraphs from which I grabbed my title for this column. “Turn me inside out God. Put my heart on the outside so that all persons can see that I belong to You.”

Merry Christmas!

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Leader-Telegram

W

e bring so many outer trappings to the holidays; however, Christmas is a season to be celebrated within if it is to be enduring and meaningful. I hear people saying they dread the coming of Christmas, and I’m sure some of you agree with me that you just can’t comprehend why someone would feel that way. Perhaps that feeling comes from the added stress and anxiety. Maybe it’s the added preparations and trying to pack all that into already very full schedules. And one year, I heard someone say, “Thank God it’s over.”

whatever may be disturbing us at the time and attuning ourselves to all that the Christ within represents.

So how do we enter into the true mood of Christmas?

We have to divest ourselves of everything that tends to interfere with its true significance. People in general are more considerate, polite and kind in the days ahead.

Most people smile more readily; hurts and past offenses are forgotten. Let’s pay attention to that happening around us.

We can now bring that same spirit of goodwill and understanding to our relations all year long. Don’t allow those feelings to grow cold as a new year unfolds. When yuletide is over and we are putting the decorations away, perhaps it may be helpful to leave one decoration out and place where it can be seen. It will remind us of the deep significance of the season. A card, a tree ornament, a figurine, a candle — any special memento close to our hearts — may very well bring to our remembrance that Jesus’ birth is once more here within us with its message of love, faith and peace. Yes, we can celebrate the advent of the Christ spirit any time of the year. Christmas is for all seasons, for it is a season of the heart!

Regarding our own special needs at Christmastime, we can adopt an attitude of gratitude and lift our hearts to God in thanksgiving that we shall abound in the rich rewards of a true Christmas celebration. Our festivity can last the entire year. Not by using precisely the traditional elements of the season but by laying aside

About the Author

The Rev. Sandra McKinney is minister at Unity Christ Center, Eau Claire.

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Winter 2015

FaithWalk 16

Challenges will arise during the coming year. Shall we not meet them in the Christmas spirit? Optimism, love and faith in the right outworking will prevail.

Christmas is not just for a certain time of the year any more than love, peace, joy and goodwill are for a certain time of the year. Let us consider the divine idea of life and celebrate the attribute of life within with the same jubilance as we celebrate the coming of the Christ life into our world and consciousness at Christmastime.

poetry 17 FaithWalk

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Leader-Telegram

LOVING GOD LOVING PEOPLE G GOD LOVING PEOPLE

Christmas Eve Worship at Hope Lutheran Church ALL are welcome.

1:30 Carols & Communion 3:00 & 5:00 Candles & Carols 10:00 Candle Light & Communion

Hope Lutheran Church

28 East Columbia Street Chippewa Falls

2226 Eddy Lane, 832-1414

www.hopechurchec.com

( Just down from the Post Office) 792168 12-12-15

4:30 pm Choirs and Bells sing and ring out as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. This service will be family friendly with a children’s message as part of the service.

9:00 pm We gather in candlelight and celebrate the wonder and mystery of Christ’s birth through scripture, carols, and Holy Communion.

794217 12-12-15

Lake Street United Methodist Church Corner Lake Street and Fourth Avenue Eau Claire (715-832-6603) lakestreetumc.org

St. James Trinity of Fall Creek 305 State Street • 877-2160

Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship

Christmas Eve Worship Thursday, December 24 Services with Carols and Candlelight

4:00pm & 7:30pm

“Christmas with a Purpose”

“Getting to “Getting toBethlehem” Bethlehem”

4:00 pmpm Family Service withwith Ellesi Choir 4:00 Family Service Ellesi 6:00 pm Includes 6:00 Includes Chancel ChancelChoir Choir 8:00 pm Holy Communion 8:00 Communion Served Served

Christmas Morning Worship 9:00am

Worship with family and community Pastor Joanne Sorenson

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794237 12-12-15

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Winter 2015

FaithWalk 18

Heavenly Father, We Praise You Today

By Jenny Blaisdell

Heavenly Father, we praise You today.

About the Author

Jenny Blaisdell seeks to inspire and encourage through her writing, her work in education and her journey of faith. She lives with her husband and their three kids in northwest Wisconsin, where she works as the family programs director for the Cornell and Lake Holcombe Community Learning Centers.

Lord Jesus, teach us to live life Your way.

Spirit convict us and comfort we pray.

All was dark, you sent a babe on the hay.

Your Word holds light, we can read it each day.

If we do, it gives life. What does it say?

We owed a debt we could never repay.

The sins of the world, at your feet we lay.

You chose Calvary to take them away.

As east is from west, you put them at bay.

Bind us to truth, Jesus. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let us stray.

Heavenly Father, we praise you today.

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St. Mark Lutheran 3307 State Street- Eau Claire

715.834.2595 792165 12-12-15

www.stmark-wels.org

• Children’s Service Dec. 24, 6:00 pm

• Candlelight Service Dec. 24, 9:00 pm

• Christmas

Dec. 25, 9:30 am

• new Year’s eve Dec. 31, 6:30 pm

Christmas Eve Service

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Thursday, December 24th 4:30 p.m.

“O, Come Let Us Adore Him” Christmas Eve Service of Candles and Carols

Chapel Heights United Methodist Church 300 E. Hamilton Avenue, Eau Claire, WI (715) 832-2333 Pastor Cheryl Miskimen

Plymouth United Church of Christ 2010 Moholt Dr. www.pcucc.com

Candlelight Family Service of Lessons and Carols Dec. 24 at 5:00 P.M.

792785 12-12-15

793315 12-12-15

Leader-Telegram

Winter 2015

FaithWalk 20

Why I Chose to Work in Hospital Pastoral Care

By Moira Kneer

In the quiet time before the dawn, The world subdued and still, A hospital patient lies awake and wonders what will Happen tomorrow.

Will this be the day?

Will God come to get me?

Will I know what to say?

About the Author

As questions and fears fill mind and soul, A comforting presence appears at the door.

Such a gentle, kind man, in his black with white collar, With an aura of peace that immediately follows.

Bringing healing and hope and a prayer for the spirit, Unconditional love in his voice — you can hear it.

For 45 years he had served and brought comfort To the sick, to the dying, to the lost and their loved ones.

“Each day is a gift” was his personal mantra.

Moira Kneer is community outreach coordinator at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital’s Center for Spiritual Care and The Healing Place.

She and her husband, Dan, live in Eau Claire.

He assured and affirmed everyone he encountered.

Whether doctor or patient, nurse or technician, Housekeeper or cook, we all share the same mission.

Our goal is to model the path that the Sisters and our Father Klimek Committed themselves to without reservation.

To bring healing and solace, in sorrow and joy, Christ’s healing presence — and oh! so much more, To all of God’s people who come through the doors of Sacred Heart Hospital.

“There is hope here”.

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Winter 2015

Leader-Telegram

UNITY CHRIST CENTER 1808 Folsom St., Eau Claire, WI 54703 www.unityeauclaire.org • 715-836-0010

CHRISTMAS at UNITY in Eau Claire Sunday, December 20, 6:30pm Winter Solstice Ceremony

Thursday, December 24, 7:00pm Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Sunday, December 27, 10:00am

New Year’s Eve Burning Bowl Service — Releasing 2015 “An accepting spiritual community”

792789 12-12-15

WEEKLY WORSHIP: WED 6:15 pm

3:00, 5:00 & 10:00 pm SUNDAY, DEC 27 8:30 am only 793322 12-12-15

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS) Corner of Birch and Fall Streets (715) 835-5239; (715) 835-9155

Our Christmas service schedule is: Advent Service Wednesday, December 9, 2015 11:00 A.M. Luncheon to follow.

Advent Service Wednesday, December 16, 2015 7:00 P.M. Christmas Eve Service December 24, 2015 4:00 P.M. (Traditional) & 6:00 P.M. (Contemporary).

Christmas Day Service December 25, 2015 9:00 A.M. (Traditional).

www.redeemereauclaire.com Leader-Telegram

Winter 2015

FaithWalk 22

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Candles

By David Hanvelt There’s a candle, burning in a window.

Such a warm and gentle glow, as it gives itself away.

Growing smaller, shining so unselfishly.

Bringing comfort through the night, till the break of day.

Keep on burning, candles keep on burning.

Drive the cold and dark away, How we need your light.

Keep on burning, candles keep on burning.

So the lost can find their way, find their way back home.

Keep on burning bright, candles in the night.

All around us, are people who need Jesus.

See the sorrow in their eyes, grown accustomed to the dark.

We must help them, make our lives an offering.

Give away the flame that burns, eternal in our hearts.

Till we see the bright and morning star.

And the darkness turns to day.

Just remember children who we are.

We are here, we are here to light the way …

About the Author

David Hanvelt of Eau Claire has been an author and gospel songwriter for more than 40 years with 100plus recordings of his songs by various artists.

Keep on burning, candles keep on burning.

Drive the cold and dark away, How we need your light.

Keep on burning, candles keep on burning.

So the lost can find their way, find their way back home.

Keep on burning bright, candles in the night. © David L. Hanvelt

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Winter 2015

Leader-Telegram

To the Chief Shepherd

By Deetje J. Wildes

About the Author

Deetje J. Wildes of Eau Claire enjoys writing poetry, making music and experimenting with visual arts. She attends Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Eau Claire.

Leader-Telegram

Winter 2015

FaithWalk 24

When the Chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn’t fade away. 1 Peter 5:4 I wonder how they found you.

I mean, they aren’t welcome in the village.

Everyone considers them unclean caring for temple sheep.

And now the streets teem with travelers there for the census.

It seems few knew of your birth.

When you entered our world sovereign became servant.

Yet did some glory cling for a time — glory that once was too bright for anyone here to bear?

Was it too bright, still to be contained by swaddling in stone-cold manger?

For shepherds hear joyous news from shining messengers, come to the crowded town and somehow find you.

Approach holy brightness and worship.

Spiritually Spiraling in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Control (not mine)

By Sally Lewis

God has crowned me with a head of curls, My spiritual walk is made of swirls.

Ringlets of experiences that spiral me higher, Back to places I thought were retired.

The higher perspective helps me see, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve learned more lessons and am now more free.

Trusting the Christ presence within, Inspires me to go for yet another spin.

About the Author Sally Lewis is an emerging healing artist residing on her home farm in New Auburn.

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Winter 2015

Leader-Telegram

Experience Hope This Christmas: tmas Pageant Sunday, December 20, 10:30 am Chris

A celebration of the Christmas story with the Sunday School children and many special surprises!

Blue Christmas

Sunday eve, December 20, 5:00 pm

A community worship experience of healing and hope for all who are hurting

Dec. 24, 6:00 pm *The church will be open for 2 hours before for prayer

Christmas Eve

792791 12-12-15

Celebrate Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gift to the world with candlelight, Communion and sacred music.

All are welcome!

794232 12-12-15

Leader-Telegram

Winter 2015

FaithWalk 26

Christmas Light

By Helen R. Mroz

Angels singing in the night.

The Earth was filled with a holy light.

The angels sang a brand-new song.

For which Earth waited, oh so long.

Glad tidings — peace and joy to Earth.

Heralding the Savior’s birth.

A tiny babe laid on some hay.

He is the truth, the life, the way.

The world in sin and darkness lay.

Jesus came to light the way.

He came to Earth that man may live.

To bless, to heal and to forgive.

About the Author

Helen R. Mroz of Eau Claire is retired and self-published a book of poems, “Poems With a Message.”

So MERRY CHRISTMAS, all is well.

Jesus save our soul from Hell.

John 8:12: “Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world.”

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Leader-Telegram

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FaithWalk 28

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Lead Me Father

By Cheryl Hoepner

Lead me Father along the way.

Keep me from sin and wayward stray.

Let my heart love and fill with peace.

Let my mouth praise and let it speak.

Of your excellent wisdom, your mercy, your grace, Let your glowing countenance shine upon my face.

I need Thee, Lord. Oh, how I need Thee.

Keep me near Thee, keep me free.

Let not sin rule my life, But keep me as a faithful wife.

Thank you Father for hearing my prayer.

Thank you Father for hearing woes and cares.

About the Author

Cheryl Hoepner, a U.S. Air Force retiree, is a community volunteer. She and her husband, Charles, lived in Eau Claire before moving to Meridian, Idaho.

Forgive me my moments of hate and doubt.

Shape me, as Thou want me, Lord, within my heart.

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Leader-Telegram

Come Celebrate Jesus 794205 12-12-15

8:00pm 9:00am 792775 12-12-15

Immanuel Lutheran Church 3214 Golf Road • Eau Claire, WI

Immanuel is located two blocks east of Hwy. 93 on Golf Road

www.immanuelec.org 794234 12-12-15

Winter 2015

Dec. 24th — Family Christmas Eve Service, 3:00 pm Family Christmas Eve Service, 4:30 pm Nursery available at these services.

Christmas Eve Candelight Service, 11:00 pm Dec. 25th — Christmas Day Service, 10:00 am

715-832-7832

Advent Celebration Service December 20 • 9:30 AM Christmas Eve Service • 5:00 PM Christmas Day • 9:30 AM

Leader-Telegram

Christmas Services at Bethesda

FaithWalk 30

Bethesda Lutheran Church 123 W. Hamilton Avenue Eau Claire, WI 54701 www.bethesdalutheran.org

Sponsored Content

Caring for an Elderly Parent or Loved One During the Holidays

By Kari Francois

Being a caregiver to an elderly parent or loved one can be stressful and sometimes even more stressful during the holidays. As a caregiver, it is important to recognize and minimize your stress level. By minimizing your stress you can remain healthy and able to provide appropriate care for your loved one.

Here are some tips for minimizing stress: Ask for help – it’s alright to ask for help! Some caregivers feel like they can do it all or feel like a failure if they ask for help. This is not the case at all.

Everyone is human and can physically and emotionally only handle so much.

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Find support – talk to other caregivers that are going through similar situations as you. You may find a local support group or there are opportunities to connect with other caregivers online.

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Utilize respite care – there are Assisted Living and Memory Care Communities that offer respite care.

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Adult Care Center – there are centers that offer care during the day for adults. This gives the caregiver a break, allowing the loved one to have interaction with other adults.

Phillip’s Shoes 1425 S. Hastings Way Eau Claire, WI 54701

715.832.6357

About the Author – Kari Francois is the Community Relations Director for Heritage Assisted Living and Heritage Court Memory Care. For more information, Kari can be reached at 715-829-8000 or visit www.heritagesenior.com.

793660 12-12-15

ACHIEVE Optimum Health with Klug Chiropractic

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715-832-2292

2130 Brackett Ave., Eau Claire klugchiro.com

Your New Balance Purchase

May not be combined with any other sale offer.

In-Stock or Special Orders.

793659_12-12-15

31 FaithWalk

Winter 2015

Expires 12/31/15

793735_12-12-15

Leader-Telegram

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4. Card is not valid for tournament or league play. Card cannot be combined with other offers, specials or coupons.

5. Offer good one time at each participating golf course.

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NW WISCONSIN GOLF CLUB ENROLLMENT FORM Name (please print) _________________________________________________________ Address____________________________City__________________ST____ Zip ________ Email address ______________________________________________________________ Phone (_______) __________________________

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793899 12-12-15