The Chronicles
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
RR 12 & Spoke Hill Rd P.O. Box 1087
Wimberley, Texas 512-847-3386
Web page: www.welcometonewlife.org
E-mail: Office@welcometonewlife.org
Interim Pastor: Ann Koopman
Office Admin: Colleen Kaye
December, 2012
Advent Decorations
This past week on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I went to the “Lighting of the
Courthouse“in Blanco. Before the lights came on, there was a community sing along of
Christmas Carols. It was a wonderful event for the community, and I am glad I attended.
Yet as a theologian, it was hard to sing about the birth of the Baby Jesus before Advent.
OK, I get it; Santa arrives in late November, or early December, but remember Jesus will
not come until December 25th.
I like Advent, because as I described on Christ the King Sunday, I see Advent as a
slow crescendo until the “Angels sing about the Messiah’s Birth “at the top of their lungs.
In order to carry through on this crescendo theme, we will be decorating the Church
little by little, slowly building to the time we celebrate the birth of the Babe in Bethlehem.
We will start with a simple Advent wreath. The next week we will add a Christmas tree
and some greens. The third week brings a decoration to the cross at the front of the church,
because the cross and the manager are really intertwined. The fourth week brings the
Manger scene and any remaining decorations. Christmas Eve we will bring the Baby
Jesus to the manger. Finally, the wise men will arrive on Epiphany or January 6th which is
a Sunday this year.
Another major Advent theme is that Jesus is Emmanuel or “God with us”. This is a
concept that is really too big to grasp all at one time. All of our lives we grow in our
understanding of this wonderful event. In other words we wrestle with, “Who is this baby,
this Jesus.” It was a question the early church struggled with understanding. It is my hope
that during my upcoming sermons, I can show how the early church progressed in their
understanding of Jesus, which in turn will increase your faith. In a sense we will go on the
journey from Jesus to Christ.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Ann
ADVENT MEDITATION BOOK
The meditation book is ready. We prepared enough for each family to have one, because I
envisioned families sharing the meditations at a meal or family time before bed. Families might consider
getting their own Advent wreath to light before the meditation is read each day. However, if a family
member wants to have their own copy to read quietly say, over the lunch hour, additional copies can be
obtained. Simply ask the church secretary or pastor.
William H. Willimon, a modern theology teacher, author, and speaker gave me the inspiration for
this meditation book when he wrote, “The modern world tends to think of faith as something that is
useful, a means of coping with our problems, a faith that ‘works for me.’ Faith is a human virtue that
some of us work up to our advantage.
But most of us can testify that this view, though common in the modern world, isn’t fair to how it
actually feels to have faith. Faith tends to be something that forms us into different people than we would
be without the practice of this faith. It works on us. It doesn’t simply arise out of us but comes to us. Our
faith is part of God’s work in us.”
The meditation book contains stories of how God brought faith to us through the work of others
that God placed in our lives. These stories tell of how we have been formed in our journeys with the Holy
Spirit. In Advent, it is good to know that God still works on our behalf, just as God did long ago in a
manger in Bethlehem.
Continue in the Peace of Christ,
Pastor Ann
We Can’t Thank You Enough!
Members of LCR and four other local churches responded far
beyond expectations to the recent Amigos de Jesús drive for winter
wear and blankets. Participating were the Catholic, Episcopal,
Presbyterian, Methodist and Lutheran churches; and what an
abundance and variety of items your generosity yielded!
Truly I tell you,
whatever you do for the
least of these brothers
and sisters of mine, you
do it for me.
Matthew 25:40
Early on Saturday morning, November 17th, 26 day laborers came to St. Mary’s Catholic Church
fellowship hall to pick up winter essentials for themselves and in some cases, for their other family
members. The little clothing that remained at the end of two hours was taken to the families at Garza
trailer park for them to choose what they needed.
In addition to clothing and blankets, the Amigos de Jesús board also purchased and distributed food
staples: cooking oil, coffee, masa, corn flour, pinto beans, white rice; canned meat, tomato sauce, corn
and green beans, and fresh produce, including tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, onions, garlic bulbs, and
potatoes.
Wesley Nurse Rocio Hendrix, who is housed at the Methodist Church, was also present that morning to
do blood pressure and other vitals checks for the men.
Thank you, LCR, for caring and sharing. Your kindness truly exemplifies the words of Mother Teresa of
Calcutta: “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.”
Shirley Schliessmann on behalf of the Amigos de Jesús of Wimberley
CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, December 16th following worship we will have our Congregational Meeting. Topics on
the agenda include: Mission Investment Plan approval and approval of Constitution and Bylaw changes
from 2011. These are the changes where the council membership was reformatted to officers and an atlarge membership. Please plan to attend this important December meeting.
UPDATE ON THE TRANSITION TEAM FOR RESURRECTION LUTHERAN CHURCH
Since being formed in October, the team has met three times with Interim Pastor Ann Koopmann,
and is progressing slowly and steadily in clarifying, prioritizing, and starting to work on tasks that help to
develop a revitalized sense of ministry as a congregation. So far we have examined formal and informal
means of communication in our congregation and researched the demographics of our community. The
members of the team are Pastor Ann Koopmann, Doris King, Billie Navarro, Harriet Powell, and Jason
Valentine.
They will meet again on December 5th at 5:00PM.
NEW DIRECTORY
A new directory will be published in January. Please send any new updates to your information to
the church office. Shirley Schliessmann is available to take new family pictures, especially families with
children. Please check with her about setting up a time.
MEXICAN TRAIN
We are taking a break over the holidays so come and join us in January!
HAND & FOOT
It’s a card game similar to Canasta and fun to play. In December we will only be playing on the
th
10 . If you’d like to come and join us please do so. To be on the email reminder list, contact Colleen at
847-3386 or email the church office at office@welcometonewlife.org
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
There is a basket on the welcome table where you can bring those little box tops for education
found on many food items. All of these will go to the Wimberley Schools. So check your containers for
these box tops before putting them in the trash.
We continue to pray for all who are ill and recovering and receiving treatments or testing and for
John Hill, Lori Temoney, John Bradshaw, Pat Strobel, Beth Alexander, Danny Hickman, Betty Spickler,
Pat Spickler, Greg Gibson, John Reid, Ruth Ann Heidenmeyer (sister of John Hill), Laura Zeig (daughter
of Brenda Adair), Ken Ditty (friend of Dirk Dierking), Sharon Knox (niece of Dirk’s), Virginia Moreri
(friend of Carol Dierking), Kerry Johnson (friend of Beverly Ladzinski), Chelsea Livingston
(granddaughter of Dorcy Rhea), Mitzi Vasquez, and all care givers that devote their time to care for those
they love. Please be in prayer for our family and friends who are serving our country either stateside or
overseas. Pray daily for peace in our world and for all who suffer the consequences of war. We continue
to pray for those who are hungry and for those who serve them. Please be in prayer for the Lord to
replenish the earth as God sees fit. We also lift in prayer the families that are struggling with separation
and divorce.
TRAIL OF LIGHTS
December 16th is the night LCR will be the Yule Log Host at the Emily Ann Theatre during the
Trail of Lights. The festivities start at 5:00PM. To assist with the event you may contact Dianne
Kilpatrick.
WIMBERLEY COMMUNITY CHORUS CONCERT
“Music of the Ages” will be shared at Chapel in the Hills. Friday & Saturday, November 30th &
December 1st @ 7:00pm. Sunday, December 2nd @ 3:00pm.
WE CAN’T THANK YOU ENOUGH!
To all those who helped set up the Trail of Lights!
To the prayer shawl members, thanks from John and Delores Hill for the shawl he received
following his surgery. It was much appreciated.
PRAYER SHAWL MEETING
We meet on a monthly basis with the next meeting at Jan Erlandson’s home at 1:00 p.m. on
December 8th. Please sign up at the welcome table if you plan to attend. The prayer shawl ministry is
open to all knitters and crocheters. We pray, knit or crochet and enjoy some fellowship time as we work
on the prayer shawls. These are available to friends and family of our members. We also provide shawls
to the CTMC Hospice program. Any questions please talk to Harriet Powell.
ELCA GOOD GIFTS
Gifts that make a difference! There is a catalogue on the welcome table for gifts that make a
difference in people’s lives and in the world. These gifts support long-term, sustainable solutions that
ensure these good gifts last for more than a couple of days or weeks. Gifts include ducks, goats, water
purification tablets and much more. Take some time to review the material. Ordering information is
inside the cover. Copies of the order form are there for your convenience.
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
Deer Creek started this group in November and will meet again on December 13th at 3:00PM. If
you are interested in this you may contact Bo Mrozek at 847-5540 or bjmrozek@savasc.com.
FLOWER CHART
The new flower chart is up for 2013. What a great way to remember family and friends with a gift
of flowers for the altar. Look for the chart in the narthex.
FLU SEASON
A container of hand sanitizer is at the back of the sanctuary on the usher’s bookcase, available for
all to use.
ITEMS TO REMEMBER:
Prayer Chain Updates – Contact Paula Johnson to add names to the prayer chain.
Crisis Bread Basket Donations --- We are making an effort to collect each week. Peanut butter,
jelly and cereal continue to be hot items.
Cell Phone & Ink Cartridge Recycling – Not only do we continue to recycle empty ink
cartridges, but you might have noticed we also have a box for recycling cell phones. LCR will receive
anywhere from $.50 to $30 per phone. The recycling box is located outside the sanctuary.
BEING STEWARDS OF GOD’S MONEY…
Make note that December 30th will be the very last day to make offering donations to LCR.
Thanks to all who help keep our ministry alive.
Honor the lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all you produce. (Proverbs 3:9)
MARK THE DATE: January
January 26 - Sew-In
Happy Anniversary
12-01
Jordan Pearson
12-24
Linda Snyder
12-16
Tammy & Wade Nelms
12-06
Robert Sherwood
12-27
Londa Burns
12-19
Al & Pat Strobel
12-17
Christian Sherwood
12-28
Claire Valentine
12-26
T & Lori Temoney
12-22
Adam Nichols
12-31
Lynda Pyle
12-27
Bob & Lynda Pyle
12-31
John & Joyce Bradshaw
CONGRATULATIONS !
Note: If we missed your special
day or printed it incorrectly,
please notify the church office…
VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE
2
9
30
10:30 Billie Navarro
Worship
Assistant
10:30 Mike Schliessmann Lois Hickman
Doris King
Acolytes
10:30 Shirley
Schliessmann
Bella Raska
Hannah Rraska
Colten Kilpatrick
Colleen Kaye
Ushers
10:30 Ellisors
Raskas
Weirs
Merkords
Hospitality 10:30 Billie Navarro
Lori Temoney
Blaine Nelson
Altar Guild 10:30 Shirley
Schliessmann
Colleen Kaye
Doris King
T. Kilpatrick &
M. Schliessmann
Shirley
Schliessmann
Dianne Kilpatrick
Counters
Mettenbrink/
Valentine
James Hollinger
Schliessmanns
Brandon Merkord
Poinsettias
Poinsettias
Flowers
Blaine Nelson
23
Readers
Schliessmanns
T Temoney
16
Dianne Kilpatrick Beverly
Ladzinski
Shirley
Dirk Dierking
Schliessmann
Beverly
Ladzinski
Beverly
Ladzinski
NOTE TO READERS: The Scripture readings for the week you serve will be in your box at the
beginning of the month. We encourage you to take them home and read through them prior to your
Sunday to share your gift with the congregation.
Pronunciation Guides are available – one under the Lecturn (where you read) and the other in the
Church office. Feel free to take and use them whenever needed.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE: If you can’t be present on the Sunday you are signed up to serve, please
remember to find your own replacement!! This is vital to making sure all leadership roles are filled
each week. Thanks! 
Schedule for bulletin folders
December 5 – Blaine Nelson
December 12 – Shirley Schliessmann
December 19 –
December 26 – Al & Jan Erlandson
CHRISTMAS eve Worship
CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
AT 7:30 PM