Edward R. Aller, Pastor Emeritus

Sean Ewbank, Pastor ST. THOMAS LUTHERAN CHURCH

9393 Church Road

Grosse Ile, MI 48138

(734) 675-0005; (734) 675-8807

Fax: (734)675-5068

Pastor Sean: (734) 250-1655

Emails: Website: www.stthomasgi.com

NOVEMBER 2013

REMEMBER TO TURN YOUR CLOCKS BACK AT 2AM, SUNDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 3,

WHEN DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS

Greetings!

Happy November to you all! We have so much happening this month. All Saints is our opportunity to remember all of our dearly missed loved ones and to hear again Jesus’ promise of eternal life.

Thanksgiving is a national holiday but also one that we celebrate in the church. This year we have our gathering of all the island churches at Riverpointe for Thanksgiving Eve. We all have so much to be thankful for.

At the end of the month we transition from Christ the King Sunday into the season of Advent, counting down the Sundays to Christmas.

Also this month we continue our celebration of our 50th anniversary. What a great gathering we enjoyed on the 27th! As part of our celebration we are having our capital funds campaign.

On the 27th St Thomas received pledges totaling approximately $170,000.00! While obviously short of our ultimate goal, this is a great step forward in our life together. Many more pledges will yet be made. Continue to look to this newsletter for more information about our campaign.

I want to take time to thank those who worked so hard to make this campaign and celebration possible. I am also, as we approach Thanksgiving, incredibly thankful for each and every one of you that make St Thomas what it is. Thank you for being you and for being a faithful part of the body of Christ.

Peace, Hope, Love, and Joy,

Pastor Sean

ALL SAINTS’ FESTIVAL

On Saturday and Sunday November 2nd and 3rd we will observe All Saints’ Day. This is the time of the year when we remember those who have passed away and whose memory we wish to honor. Names of those who have passed away have been written on tags that are hung on a banner in the narthex. During the services on Saturday and Sunday the names will be memorialized on the screens. Those who wish may also remember their loved ones by lighting a candle on the altar while speaking their name. Ushers will be available to assist those who are not able. If you cannot make it to the church between now and the services on the 3rd & 4th, please call or e-mail the church office and have those names added.

Evening Sky Lantern Launch

Also this year, weather permitting, all are invited Sunday evening at 6:00pm to St. Thomas for an evening sky lantern launch to light a lantern in memory of their loved one(s). It will be a time for prayer and reflection as we watch the lanterns with the names inscribed rise in the sky. Please join us for this special event.

INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING EVE SERVICE –

This year’s Thanksgiving Eve interfaith worship service will be at Riverpointe Christian Church, 24200 Meridian Road on Wednesday November 27st at 7pm. Canned food donations for the Sacred Heart Food Pantry would be greatly appreciated. Free will offering will benefit CROP.

WELCA FALL KITCHEN SHOWER!

A tree with leaves is set up in the narthex marked with items needed for the church kitchen. Take a leaf with the item you would like to donate as a reminder. All donations will be greatly appreciated through November 17.

SYMPATHIES

Sympathies of the congregation are extended to David Vernham & family as Marilouise passed away on September 29.

A memorial service was held on October 5

SEASONAL MUSIC

Seasonal music for Advent and Christmas will be done over the four weeks of Advent this year instead of having one special music Sunday. Every Sunday will have special seasonal music. The Guitar Group will be playing Advent selections at both services on Sunday, December 1. The Sundays open for performers are December 8 and December 22. If you would like to play an instrument or sing special Christmas music on one of these dates, talk to Jeff Kline or Karen Skrocki.

YOUTH MUSICIANS

On Sunday, December 1 at 7:00pm, all youth band/orchestra musicians of the congregation are welcome to learn some Christmas music to perform at the Sunday, December 15 services. Get your instruments and join us! See Karen Skrocki or Pastor Sean if you have any questions.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH RETREAT –

Dec 27-30th – The Gathering

The Gathering offers participants an opportunity to experience meaningful worship, engage in small groups, serve others, grow in faith, and have a blast! A group of youth from St. Thomas will be attending this wonderful event which takes place at the Lansing Center. If you are interested in attending, talk with Krista Ewbank (307-3278). This year's theme is "Shine."

CROSS GENERATIONAL

“ADVENT”URE SERIES

Everyone is invited to join together for fun, faith and fellowship (not to mention, food!) during the Sundays in Advent. These events are designed for people of all ages, so come with your family and friends! We will start with a shared potluck meal, then join together in celebrating Advent. Sundays, 5-7pm, (these ADVENTures will take place during our regular youth night time, except for caroling, which will be in the afternoon). Bring a dish to share and participate in our Advent Conspiracy offering. Participants will be encouraged to make choices to "go without" so that others can have more... clean water, that is! Learn more at our first ADVENTure.

Dec 1 - Advent wreaths and introduction to Advent –

each household will make an advent wreath to use at home!

Dec 8 - St. Nicholas - games, crafts and other

activities will help us learn more about this amazing man and his generosity to those in need

Dec 15 - Prayer Journey - in Cross Generational

Groups, we will journey through Advent and Christmas and talk and pray about how the birth of Jesus affects our lives

Dec 22 - Caroling- on this afternoon we will carol to

share the Joy of Christmas with others!

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

Jim / Matthews / 11/1
Judy / Cemer / 11/10
Rachel / Bloetscher / 11/13
Cathy / Smolak / 11/13
Alicia / Shelton / 11/14
William / Swasey / 11/14
Edward / Aller / 11/26
Lauren / Brown / 11/17
Rainer / Swamy / 11/18
Sandi / Loso / 11/19
Pete / Loso / 11/20
Joseph / Davis / 11/21
Joshua / Davis / 11/21
Chelsea / Karrar / 11/26
Nolan / Swamy / 11/27
Marv / Hoffmeyer / 11/28
Heather / Holland / 11/30
Ted / Holland / 11/30

CHRISTNET

November 17-23 at St. Thomas. Speak to Jeff Kline if you would like to help or sign up on the bulletin board.

INTERFAITH ADVENT TEA

The Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church will be hosting an Interfaith Advent Tea on Sunday, December 1 at 3:00pm. If you would like to hostess and decorate a table, please speak to Carol Cameron as soon as possible. Tables are on a first come first serve basis and will probably fill up quickly. Tea sandwiches and

pastries will be provided.

NOTES OF THANKS

v Thank you to all who helped with the MOM2MOM Sale with baking, making signs and setting up. The sale was a big success with $542 going to St. Thomas.

v 293 were sent to Lutheran World Relief. Thank you to the Monday Quilters for all their hard work and to Chuck & Cathy Stallman for taking the boxes of quilts to the train cars in Detroit.

PLACE A POINSETTIA ON

THE ALTAR FOR

CHRISTMAS

Plants available:

Mini (1 Plant, 3 – 5 blooms) $3.00

Single (1 Plant, 5 – 7 blooms) $5.00

Double (2 Plants, 8 – 14 blooms) $10.00

Large (3 or 4 Plants, 12 – 20 blooms) $15.00

(Sign up on the bulletin board by November 24)

NOVEMBER 2013 SERVANTS OF ST. THOMAS

DATE / SUNDAY
AM
SERVICES / GREETERS / USHERS / LAY READER / ALTAR CARE / COMM. ASSTS. / SUNDAY SCHOOL / ACOLYTES / 5:00PM
YOUTH NIGHT
MEALS
3-Nov /

9:00am

/ /

Al Skrocki, John Shelton, Sandi Loso

Al Skrocki

Bev

Mark & Nancy Graver

*

Allie Graver

10:30am

Dick & Gayle Withey

/ /

Becky Arndt

Gover

Carol Viazanko & Dick Withey

Lori Bartos & Tim Perry

Josh Davis

Judy Cemer

10-Nov /

9:00am

/ /

Stu & Denise Keeler

Sal Finazzo

/ /

Al Skrocki & Marcia Aller

Ryan Blackburn

10:30am

Linda & Michael Landis

/ /

Allison Schmit

/ /

Dan Sanquist & Judy Cemer

Lori Bartos & Tim Perry

Ryan Brozek

Joyce Bickel

17-Nov /

9:00am

/ /

Corey Bammer, Paul Smolak, Adam Bickel

Art Wahl

Elke

Corey & Darcie Bammer

Kiernan O'Connor

10:30am

Grace Biggar & Diane Bloetscher

/ /

Diane Bloetscher

Malcomson

Stuart & Denise Keeler

/ /

Lauren Graver

Cindy Thompson

24-Nov /

9:00am

/ /

Judy Cemer, Sonny Ouellette, Bob Arndt, Bill Swasey

Maryellen Nelson

/ /

Al Skrocki & Dan Sanquist

Lisa Kohler

10:30am

Pete & Sandi Loso

/ / / /

Sandi Loso

/ /

Matt Graver

Tiffany Cleaver

NOVEMBER 2013

UPCOMING IN DECEMBER

v Advent begins December 1- Cross Generational “ADVENTure” series begins

v Interfaith Advent Tea December 1 at 3:00pm at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church

v December 15 – Children’s Christmas Program/Cookie Walk

v December 24 – Christmas Eve Worship Services at 5:30pm and 10:00pm

NEW MBULU DIOCESE BISHOP

Pastor Nicolaus Nsanganzelu is the new Bishop for our companion synod, Mbulu Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. He succeeds the retiring Bishop Zebedayo Daudi. Bishop Elect Nsanganzelu served as Assistant to the Bishop and has made numerous visits to the Southeast Michigan Synod. He will be meeting leaders from the Diocese to find a date and to plan for his installation.