Lutheran Life Advent 2017

the congregational newsletter of

St John’s Lutheran Church

THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 1 Corinthians 12:1-14

2017 ADVENT EDITION

LUTHERAN LIFE

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here are Christmas lights on an evergreen by the side of the road, on the way to the grocery store. I saw them the Saturday after Halloween, and I was surprised to find myself happy to see them. Usually I grumble, together with others who grumble, about the way stores move Christmas preparations earlier and earlier, hoping to gain an edge on the Christmas market, which seems to make Christmas a market, a thing to be bought and sold. But this Saturday after Halloween, I was simply glad to realize, I’m looking forward to Christmas.

Actually, I’m looking forward to Advent, which is to say, looking forward to looking forward to Christmas. Advent means arrival and names a season of Sundays before Christmas, when we look forward to the arrival of Christ. We decorate the sanctuary and halls of the church (“Deck the halls with boughs of holly, tra la la la la…”) and as we do we spend time with each other, some who’ve joined recently, others who’ve been here a while. It’s a way of building and renewing relationship, looking forward to Christmas, the arrival, the Advent, of Christ.

In one sense, it’s looking forward to a thing that already happened, long ago, the coming of Christ, the Son of God, in a baby, in a manger. It’s looking forward to focusing, in our song and prayer, on God coming to be with us, in a small way, in a humble way, reminding us that love, the most glorious thing of all, comes to us in small ways, a glance of recognition, the touch of a hand, coming together to decorate, keeping faith, hoping, forgiving.

It’s also looking forward to the farthest future possible, the coming of Christ at the end of time, when all creation is renewed, gathered into God. It’s looking forward to

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the end, not so much in the sense of “what eventually happens,” though it is that too. More important, it’s looking forward to the end in the sense of “what it’s all about,” the purpose of it all. It’s a time when we focus on what we’re here for, to be gathered into God, into love.

Which brings us to the third, in-between sense, looking forward to the coming of Christ in us, to seeing the image of God in each other, to being the love of God for each other. This Advent, this season of decorating and preparing for Christmas, I encourage you, as you set out decorations, as you make or shop for a card or gift, take a moment to pray that this action, this interaction with someone, might be an expression of God’s love. As you do, it is. In that moment, as you choose love, you are loving.

I also invite you to worship, and I invite you to invite someone. We all need loving interaction. We all need to be reminded why we’re here. We’re here to be gathered into God, who is love, through Christ.

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Midweek Worship

Midweek Advent Worship Three Wednesdays: December 6, 13, and 20, 6:30pm Holden Evening Prayer, followed by Cookies and Wassail Midweek Advent worship at St. John’s, held Wednesday evenings by candlelight, is always a special way to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas, and this year marks the return of Holden Evening Prayer, one of the most beautiful, sung prayers of the church. There’s something about the way the songs work, the length of the phrases, the timing of the breath, the give and take between choir and assembly, that gives a feeling of deep peace, like a spiritual massage on the inside.

Turns out, that’s really what it is. Certain kinds of singing stimulate the vagus nerve, named after a Latin word meaning “wandering,” because it wanders all over the body, connecting our heart, lungs, and stomach to our brain. It connects our body, heart, and mind, and when it’s happy we feel a deep sense of peace. As a pastor, I can’t speak to the medical aspect of this, but I do notice, there’s something about this singing that helps me experience what we’re singing about, “Let my prayer rise up, like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands, as the evening sacrifice.” My prayer joins the prayer of the assembly and rises in unity to God. It’s a way of praying not only with words but with our bodies, not only on the outside but on the

inside. And, from my experience, “what happens in vagus stays in vagus!” That feeling of relaxation and openness and peace stays with me, as a gift I can bring forward from worship, to the people in my life.

As part of Holden Evening Prayer, we also join in song with Mary, mother of Jesus, in the moment when she believes and welcomes what the angel announced, that the Spirit of God will come to her, that she will give birth to the Son of God, “My soul proclaims the greatness of God, and my spirit rejoices in you; you have looked with love on your servant here and blessed me all my life through!

At some point in the service, someone from the congregation, sometimes a pastor, sometimes a layperson, shares faith, shares a bit of what brought faith to them, moments in life that worked in them, such that faith was born in them, which, if you think about it, is a reflection of what we see in Mary, as Christ is born in her. As we come to faith, we are born in Christ, and Christ is born in us. It’s a mystical thing, best expressed not only in words but in the shared experience of singing and praying together Afterwards, cookies and spiced cider! And a chance to be with each other, nestling in the peace a bit longer. Then we go out to share God’s peace with the world

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he Fifth Annual St. John’s Lutheran Women’s Ministry/Katie’s Sisters event, “Advent By Candlelight” will be held on Tuesday, November 28 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm in the Sparks Fellowship Hall. We welcome all women to come and be a part of this special evening designed to help prepare our hearts for the seasons of Advent and Christmas.

The program this year, “Awaken,” promises to inspire us to be mindful of the needs of others during this season of giving. Candlelight, laughter, and friends fill the room, as we enjoy an evening of fellowship, beautiful music, and delicious desserts.

Reservations are currently being taken for table hostesses, as well as for individual seats. Please extend an invitation to your sisters in Christ and make plans to be a part of this special event. The deadline for signing up to host a table is Sunday, November 19, and the deadline for signing up for the program is Sunday, November 26. A limited number of tables is available, so please mark the calendar and reserve a spot early. Sign-up sheets are available in the Welcome Center. If you’d like to participate, please contact Ruth Crowley at 405-3727 or RNVC@comcast.net.

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LUTHERAN LUTHERAN LIFE LIFE The St. John’s Christmas Pageant, Sunday, December 17 10:00AM in the Sparks Fellowship Hall.

Do you ever feel like you are too small or too ordinary?

This is just how Itsy and Bitsy feel. When these two charming little mice hear that a King is coming to Bethlehem, they set off with great enthusiasm to find Him. Along the way, they are met with discouraging words telling them they are too little and unimportant for any king.

Just when Itsy and Bitsy begin to believe they really aren't big enough for the new King, they learn that Christ the King has indeed come for everyone.

The timeless message of this year’s pageant is an adaptation of Max Lucado’s Itsy Bitsy Christmas: You’re Never Too Small. Children of all ages may participate. Please plan to join us for the following Sundays for planning and presentation: Sunday, December 3 … selection of parts in Sparks Fellowship Hall so parents can begin to think about simple “home-made” costumes Sunday, December 10 … rehearsal in the Sparks Fellowship Hall to block the scenes and practice our music Sunday, December 17 … Christmas Pageant with refreshments

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ur Dove Tree has graced the Fireside Room for many years. In consultation with Christenberry school staff and members of St. John’s, we have been working to evaluate how we can better meet the needs of children at Christmas time while also helping the parents invest in the process. There are community models we can draw from where parents purchase a token or ticket to shop in a Christmas store, and in that way, parents are contributing to their children’s needs at the holidays. That kind of evolution for our Dove Tree will take time, commitment, and help from other partners. During this transition, as we conceptualize our Dove Tree ministry going forward, you will once again find the Dove Tree in the Fireside Room this year.

We will be providing gifts for children at Christenberry Elementary who take home a backpack of food each weekend. We will also be supporting the safety patrol trip to Washington, D.C., through monetary donations. And at Sarah Moore Greene Elementary, the entire 5 th grade will be going to Tremont in the Great Smoky Mountains for an adventure of a lifetime! This venture will cost $199.00 per student, and your Dove Tree donations will go toward supporting as many students as possible.

The Dove Tree ministry will began the Sunday after Thanksgiving. Your donations and gifts must be received

by Sunday, December 17th. On Monday, the 18th, we will make deliveries of the gifts to Christenberry, so parents may discretely pick them up prior to the students going on winter break. Your cash donations need to be labeled Safety Patrol or Tremont so they are distributed to the proper school.

Thank you, as always, for your generous hearts and for your support of this important ministry. If you have questions or comments, please contact Marcia Power, 865-216-8551.

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for ADVENT and CHRISTMAS

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uring the Advent and Christmas seasons, the St. John’s family shares Faith Formation in lots of different ways. Check out these options:

Sunday, November 26 ... Fellowship and food in the Welcome Center Sunday, December 3 ... Fellowship and food in the Welcome Center Sunday, December 10 ... Christmas Pageant Rehearsal in Sparks Fellowship Hall Sunday, December 17 ... Itsy Bitsy Christmas Pageant in Sparks Fellowship Hall Sunday, December 24 ... one worship service at 10:00 AM and Christmas Eve worship at 5:30 and 8:30 PM Sunday, December 31 ... one worship service at 10:00 AM Sunday, January 7 ... First Sunday Brunch Sunday, January 14 ... Martin Luther King, Jr. Presentation for all Ages in Spark Fellowship Hall Sunday, January 21 ... Faith Formation for all ages

STEPPING STONES of FAITH

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oin us for a College Student Reunion Dinner on Wednesday, December 20th. Let’s gather for Midweek Advent Worship featuring Holden Evening Prayer at 6:30pm, then enjoy Dutchtreat dinner at Babalu’s on Gay Street at 8:00pm.

RSVP to Pastor Amy at amy@sjlcknox.org!

Save the Date for Stephen Ministry Continuing Education

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n addition to 50 hours of intensive training, the Stephen Ministers are committed to ongoing Continuing Education. Here is what our Spring Semester looks like:

Sunday, January 7 Sunday, February 4 Sunday, March 4 Sunday, April 8

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Pastoral Care Before and After the Birth of a Baby Dimensions of Addiction Supportive Care for Those Struggling with Depression Creative Use of a Life Review

LUTHERAN LIFE High School Confirmation Series November 26, January 7 February 4 March 4 April 15 April 29 August 19 September 30 October 28

Confirmation Overview Apostle’s Creed Overview Article I focusing on God the Creator as seen in the Old Testament Article II focusing on Jesus the Redeemer as seen in the Gospels Article III focusing on the Holy Spirit the Sustainer as seen in the New Testament epistles.

Article III focusing on Forgiveness, Resurrection, and Eternal Life as seen in the New Testament epistles Lutheran History Lutheran Worship and Theology Reformation Sunday with the Rite of Confirmation

First Year Confirmation for Middle Schoolers February 11 February 25 March 4 March 25 April 8 April 15 April 20-22 June 10-15

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Martin Luther and the Reformation Apostle’s Creed Overview Exploring Article I focusing on God the Creator as seen in the Old Testament Creation The Human Condition An Introduction to The Ten Commandments Ten Commandments Retreat at Lutheridge in Arden, NC AFFIRM 2017 at University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL

atechetical studies for young adults continue at St. John’s. Here’s a list of dates and topics.

January 25, 2018

Article I with following focus on God, the Creator; Creation; Covenant

Young Adult CATECHETICAL STUDIES

Relationship; Ten Commandments; Human Condition; and Role of the Prophets February 22, 2018 Article II with following focus God, the Redeemer; Life and Ministry of Jesus; Death and Resurrection of Jesus; and Implications for Today March 22, 2018 Article III with following focus on God, the Sustainer; Church; and Saints April 26, 2018 Article III with following focus on Forgiveness, Resurrection, and Eternal Life May 3, 2018 Sunday Brunch following worship August 23, 2018 Lutheran History September 27, 2018 Lutheran Worship and Theology October 28, 2018 Confirmation If you have questions, please contact Pastor Amy at amy@sjlcknox.org or Pastor Steve at steve@sjlcknox.org.

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LUTHERAN LIFE “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46b)

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he Dinner for 8 Ministry is a great way to meet new people at church and get to know your church family better. Dinners for 8 Groups provide the opportunity to spend time eating and sharing together.

Groups will plan a meal and get together at least 3 times over a period of 4 months, rotating to participant’s homes, a local restaurant, or the church. The emphasis is on fun and fellowship, so you don't have to be a great cook to participate. In addition to having dinner together, plan on spending some time playing games or just hanging out. It doesn't get any easier than this!

Sign up in the Welcome Center during the Advent and Christmas seasons, December 3 through January 7.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTI ONS How does a Dinner for 8 Group work?

Simply fill out a form in the Welcome Center.

Once groups are formed, a Group Coordinator will be selected from the group roster. They will contact members to arrange the details for the first gathering.

Dinner groups are encouraged to be creative in the meals they enjoy together. Consider picking a dinner "theme night" (i.e. Italian night, dessert night, soup night, etc.), and everyone can bring a dish that goes along with that theme.

All that sounds pretty good, so far, but who cooks the meals?

Everyone! Potluck dinners are the best way to simplify meal planning and distribute the costs among everyone in the group.

How are the Dinner for 8 Groups formed?

As Dinner for 8 Groups are formed, we will put people together to make sure each group has at most eight adults.

Family size will be considered when creating groups, but generally speaking some groups will have at most 8 adults comprised of either all couples, two couples and four singles, and others might have one couple and six singles. It all depends on who signs up. The mystery is a part of this ministry's excitement!

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Will there be separate Dinner for 8 Groups for singles and couples?

No! Our intention is to mix EVERYONE together. That way you will have more fun.

Sounds like fun! Can I sign up anytime?

For this first rotation, we are going to have a specific sign up period. If this catches on, we will consider an ongoing registration process. Stay tuned!

Being a Group Coordinator sounds scary! How are they selected and what do they do?

Being a Group Coordinator is fun and easy (as long as you have a phone and/or email).

You can sign-up to be a Group Coordinator on the form. Depending on sign-ups, we may need to select one person to help with communicating details for the dinners.

We ask that the Group Coordinator contact group members to setup the location, date and food sign-ups for the gathering. It is highly recommended to schedule all the future gatherings during your first night together.

Group Coordinators will then serve as a point person, as needed.

I don't have room to host a dinner, or I really can't cook! What do I do?

Our desire is for you to spend time eating together, getting to know each other and to include everyone.

Your group might choose to repeat a host home or eat out. If finding a host home is difficult, your group is welcome to schedule dinner at the church.

We want everyone to feel that they can participate.

This is sounding better and better, but I/we have kids. What happens to them?

The decision to include children will be determined by your group.

Please indicate on the registration form if you are open to including children or must include your children in your Dinner for 8 Group. Note: the church will not be providing any form childcare for this ministry.

What happens after our final dinner gathering?

Hopefully, you will have had a wonderful experience that you will continue meeting as a Dinner for 8 Group for another season or sign-up for another round with another group.

Who do I contact for questions?

Contact Pastor Amy at amy@sjlcknox.org.

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Emilie Casey continues her studies at Yale Divinity School. Additionally she is serving as the Liturgical Coordinator for Yale’s Marquand Chapel and assisting the Dean of Chapel in charge of daily worship for Divinity students from 40+ denominations worshiping together all during the school year.

Will Wing and his wife, Brooke, are living in Greenville, South Carolina where Will is preparing for first call interviews. He has been assigned to Region Nine and the North Carolina Synod, so he and Brooke will be close to home! Molly, Will and Brooke’s dog, continues to be generally wonderful!

Preston Fields and his husband, Wesley Lyons, are living west of Chicago in Cortland, Illinois; Preston commutes to the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago where he is completing classes as a senior. He has been approved for call, and the Bishop of the Northern Illinois Synod accepted Preston’s restriction which will allow him to pursue his first call while Wesley continues to serve as a swine veterinarian in Central Illinois Adam Schultz is almost halfway through his internship at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Durham, NC. Between preaching and pastoral care and chapel with the little ones at the church’s school and preparing for a project that invites people into faith sharing through storytelling, Adam is enjoying exploring a new city with friends and cooking to relax.

Julie Davis is finishing up her second year at Yale Divinity School where she is studying ethics. She currently serves as a Research Assistant at the Yale Center for Faith and Culture and works at the Yale Law School Development Office. In her spare time, she keeps her body strong with yoga and her mind stimulated with drawing, a passion she recently rekindled.

TRACY REES

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Jennifer Roberts is finishing up her third semester at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in Columbia, South Carolina.

Following a significant chaplaincy experience, Jennifer was invited to participate in the Medicine and Ministry conference.

Additionally, Jennifer was recently endorsed by the Candidacy Committee, leading to the intern program next academic year.

Ashton Roberts is also finishing up his third semester at Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary. His interest in ecumenism continues to be a motivating influence. He will serving as chaplain at UT Medical Center during the summer of 2018.

Robin Lovett and her husband, Lee Owen, are making the transition to city life in Chicago. She shares: As December draws near, I find myself wondering how my first semester of seminary has come and gone so quickly. It has been a momentous semester for me – emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. In my coursework, I have done assignments which range from writing my own eulogy (for a class entitled Caring for the Dying and Bereaved) to translating the Beatitudes for my Greek for Ministry class. I have volunteered with children for a service learning program I am in, and interviewed the grieving about deaths of loved ones they have experienced. Learning at LSTC extends beyond the classroom, as a community chapel service is held every day; the innovative liturgies in chapel have allowed me to grow in ways a classroom cannot facilitate.

Since August, I have also met scores of people from all walks of life, from Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton and leaders of Lutheran churches around the world to many native South Chicagoans. The diversity of theologies, life experiences, languages, and nationalities represented in Hyde Park alone enriches and compliments the education I receive in the classroom. However, my education is not limited to Chicago; this January, I will be studying liturgy and ecotheology in Holden Village, a Lutheran village in rural Washington State.

In these opportunities and blessings, I am continuously reminded of those who support me in these endeavors. The ministry of Tyson House, the benevolence of the St. John’s community, and the generosity of the Fund for Leaders Scholarship of which I am a recipient have all influenced and empowered me to receive my education at LSTC. Were it not from the support of my community, my experience would not be so rich nor so fruitful. I am so grateful for the continued prayer and encouragement of the people of St. John’s.

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“A Wing and a Prayer: Discovering and Deepening a Life of Prayer”

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agle Rock in Maryville is the location for our Men’s Retreat February 23-24, 2018. The retreat begins on Friday evening at 6:00PM with dinner and concludes Saturday afternoon at 3:30PM. The cost for the event which includes overnight accommodations, three meals and snacks is $50. All men of the church are invited to attend our fourth annual Men’s Retreat, “A Wing and a Prayer: Discovering and Deepening a Life of Prayer. ” For more information, please contact Caleb Warren or Pastor Steve.

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n December 7th, Katie's Sisters invite anyone (partners, husbands, middle and high schoolers) to join us for the River and Rail's production of "The Unusual Tale of Mary and Joseph's Baby Jesus" at Jackson Terminal. Unreserved seats are available online for $25 for adults and $18 for students. Don't miss it. We're hoping to have a big contingent from St. John's attend! If you can't come that evening, please consider another performance. You won't be disappointed .

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he next SAMs event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 11:30am in Sparks Fellowship Hall.

It’s our Christmas program. The lunch menu includes delicious Honey Baked Ham with all the sides. Cost is $5 per person.

After lunch, we will move into the sanctuary and enjoy all of your Christmas favorites from soprano vocalist Rochelle Hawkey and organist Danny Brian. Both of these musicians are excellent, and listening to this music will bring joy to your heart.

Also, we are asking that everyone bring hand soap to share with the residents of Guy B. Love Towers. RSVP to Mary Cole, call her at 584-3153 or email her at memecole@comcast.net.

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ur Children's Church Choir continues to prepare to sing for worship. We sing about 6 songs, including multicultural songs that have great drum parts--those are our favorites!! No surprise

there!!

Please join us for Children's Church Choir!! Sunday mornings at 10 a.m., we are beginning Sunday School with a 10-minute Children's Church.

The children will be singing during worship on Dec. 10. I hope you will be able to join us on Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. to sing our praise to God .

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Henri Nouwen writes: “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares.�

Grief is a living reality, even during the holidays. And sharing that grief can be a gift you extend to yourself.

Imagine the mix of emotions during this holiday season: joy of family gatherings tempered by the aching loss of one who is not sitting at his or her place at the table, hope for the new year dashed by the end of significant relationship, gifts wrapped in bright paper dimmed by the gray shades of depression, the anticipation of gifts given drastically minimized by a job loss and the subsequent financial strain.

Your Stephen Ministers understand and invite you to the 18th Annual Service of Remembrance.

Together, we can remember the completed lives of so many cherished family members and friends. Sometimes through tears and other times with a gentle smile, we can think of those who filled our lives with such precious memories.

At 12:15, the Stephen Ministers will host a light lunch in the Sparks Fellowship. At 1:00, the St. John’s family will remember those who completed life during the past year, celebrating the promise of resurrection in worship. We will light a candle in memory of those who enriched our lives by being present and who now remind us of a hope-filled eternity: parents, children, siblings, extended family members, and friends.

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s we conclude the second year of our three year “Raising the Roof” capital campaign, the total contributions of $472,080 have produced capital improvements, a growing endowment, debt reduction and additional benevolence to our Southeastern Synod as well as local and neighborhood groups.

The primary goal of a new clay tile roof for our sanctuary as well as stone work and waterproofing was accomplished in 2016. With these improvements to the exterior of the sanctuary, we repaired all of the plaster in the sanctuary and the Fireside Room and we painted the entire facility. We also replaced the stucco wall around the courtyard and painted the exterior of the educational building and the Welcome Center. Recently, all the widow wells around the sanctuary have been permanently covered and secured to prevent water damage to the sanctuary foundation as well as to eliminate hiding places and sleeping accommodations for our neighbors.

Sanctuary lighting was improved with a new lighting technology and LEDs in all fixtures. The new chandeliers in the Fireside Room were given to the glory of God and in loving memory of Lynda Maples by the Maples family. New audio equipment was purchased for the sanctuary and new technology was introduced in the welcome center. The past two years we have also experimented with providing additional communication through the Saint John’s App. Classroom improvements have included new flooring in two upstairs rooms as well as a new kindergarten room with new technology.

Recently we have witnessed the complete transformation and expansion of our Saint John’s kitchen. We are excited to put this new kitchen to good use during the season of Advent and we thank Nancy Maland and Clarke Hinkle for their faithful direction for this most significant project. Kitchen equipment, new cabinetry, kitchen furnishings, new flooring, ceiling, lighting, plumbing and HVAC have brought about an amazing transformation in this much used space. The necessary demolition of a wall to double the size of the kitchen transitioned the WOW office to a larger office space upstairs and Pastor Amy’s new office was developed in the conference room.

With contributions to the Saint John’s Mission Endowment, the Southeastern Synod, the Old Gray Cemetery Capital Campaign, and also a debt reduction payment, we were faithful to the overall campaign goals. Now that our major capital improvements have been accomplished and paid for, the last year of our campaign will focus on endowment, debt reduction and benevolence.

The total expenditures as this point is $401,937 leaving us a balance of $70,143 as of November 20. Please continue to give generously to Raising the Roof as the Saint John’s mission and ministry continues to expand in 2018!

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Al Gill Nicki Nye Beth Callo Shirley Fogarty Dick Fahringer Megan Vaught Quinn Chappelle Christine Jessel Lee Sinnott Tony Maxwell Chase Leatherwood Rose Perkinson Brooke Bohannan Jo Anne Roning Tanner Jessel

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Sally Robinette Michael Barnhill Changsheng Lu Jada Dixon David Bocangel Alice Garrison Tom Godden Dayne Cook Patrick McWilliams David Wayland Rick Metelka Samantha Murphy Don Ray Will McCarthy Mitchell Rieger Emily Stapf

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Keith Solt Debby Jones Landry Bernard Susanna Sutherland Lindsay Cook Sue Fischer Sam Hancock John Tirro Christy Cole Nancy Friedrich Kate Marsh Dotty Barnhill Jennifer James David Anderson

Suzanne Brown Ian Daughety Mary Cole Terry Burkhalter Elliott Schwahn Charlsie Counts Rachel Bast Lynn Harrison Steve Misenheimer Andrew Perkinson Erik Clark Kyle Metelka Hudson Ley Judy McCarter Ashley Hopkins Danielle Sweany Frank Wilson

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Velma Hendrix Pat Hunsicker Greg Stafford Neil Fischer Todd Sharp Michael Westphal Judy Hunley Joseph Ray Mary Elizabeth Peterson Benny Smith Owen Peterson

Susan Dowling Max Giesecke Joe Lee Jr. Dick Krogmann Josh Ley Griffin Hamstead Patsy Reeves Steve McGaffin Russell Kuhlman Billy Good Jessica Sousa-Lewis Lily Hancock Tom McGalliard Rita Schwartz David Martin

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH 544 Broadway, NW Knoxville, TN 37917

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Advent and Christmas Worship Schedule Midweek Advent Wednesdays, December 6, 13 & 20 - 6:30pm Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 , 10am, 5:30pm & 8:30pm New Years Eve Sunday, December 31, 10am

CHURCH LEADERSHIP & STAFF Stephen Misenheimer Senior Pastor steve@sjlcknox.org Amy Figg Pastor of Faith Formation & Leadership Development amy@sjlcknox.org John Tirro Pastor of Campus Ministry John@sjlcknox.org Deborah Dunne-Sousa Minister of Music steve@sjlcknox.org

Phone:: 865.523.3330

Christopher Clay Ministry Coordinator & Director of Communications chris@sjlcknox.org Isaac Taylor Youth Ministry Associate isaac@sjlcknox.org Toni Denton Administrative Assistant toni@sjlcknox.org

Thea Peterson Kids Hope USA Director Mary Elizabeth Peterson, Lisa Minton & Bailey Morgan Nursery Assistants Darrell Murrell Facility Staff facility@sjlcknox.org

Fax: 865.524.7895 Email: INFO@sjlcknox.org Website: www.sjlcknox.org