ur theme for the coming year: God Never Changes
Verse = Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
I took my daughter and three of her friends to see the newest movie version of THE GRINCH. It had a very uplifting Christmas message and I was delighted that it contained Christian messages! *Please note, the following includes spoilers.* In Whoville, community is important. The Whos show kindness and remind us that we were not created to be alone. Rather than ask Santa for a present, Cindy Lou-Who wishes for Santa to help her mother be free from stress and hardship as a single parent. (I admit, this pulled at the heart strings of this single mom and the eyes were teary; don’t tell anybody.) Presents were not important to the Whos; it’s the love, kindness and joy we give and receive that brings meaning to the season. And lastly, I almost choked on the popcorn (ok, ok, I admit, not popcorn, but Reese’s Pieces) when “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” was sung loud and proud by the Whos to help us “remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day”. It was fantastic! “Maybe Christmas”, he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps… means a little bit more.” ~Dr. Seuss’ Grinch.
We are pleased to have the seventh grade involved with our advent services again this year. The Advent Schedule and readings for the seventh graders were e-mailed and are in their classroom. This is a wonderful way to get students involved in our worship services! The first worship service of Advent is Sunday, December 2nd.
The Parade of Lights is December 8th at 7pm– The 5th grade class will be a part of the parade that will float through town singing Christmas carols! Please come and witness the excitement. A letter will be sent home explaining what time to report and where to pick up your children after the event. If anyone is interested in helping decorate the wagon for the parade, please contact Ross Himlie, 864-2484. Thank you to all of those helping to make this year’s involvement go smoothly!
The 2018 Christmas Program– “BROADCASTING CHRISTMAS” Come listen to the students share the reason for the season…the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Christmas program will be on December 16th at 3:30 PM, under the direction of Kristin Burdey. Practices are held during Sunday school with potential extra times which will be communicated ahead of time. It is important that all students be present the next few Sundays and especially on December 16th as this is dress rehearsal. Students need to be in classrooms by 3:00PM the day of the program. Fifth graders should be there by 2:45PM. Following the program, birthday cake for Jesus and refreshments will be served in the fellowship hall. Congregation is invited. Come and share in this blessed celebration.
The 3rd Grade class is decorating a Christmas tree at the Good Shepherd Home on December 2nd after Sunday school. Look for a letter to be mailed home with the details. The class made some ornaments during Sunday school. Refreshments will be provided at the nursing home. Children should be picked up from GSLH at noon.
Don’t forget to keep collecting pop tabs for our 4th graders to take to the Ronald McDonald house in April.
The Kindergarten and 1st grade classes colored holiday pictures and the 1st grade class had a class picture taken. These will be used as gifts to the shut-in members of our congregation.
The 6th and 7th graders went shopping on November 25th for Fillmore County Christmas and purchased gifts for 8 children. Thank you to all the students and parents that donated towards this cause. Donations can still be given to the RLC Youth Group to help fund this activity.
The 5th graders completed the communion classes and learned the sacramental promise of the forgiveness of sins conveyed to us in the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ and will take part in their first communion on December 2nd. Congratulations to them on this milestone event! The entire class will celebrate with cake and milk.
Note: Sunday school will break on December 23rd and December 30th. It resumes on January 6th, 2019, at 10:05 AM. Happy New Year!
The Family Education department wants to thank everyone who shares in the Family Education ministry at Rushford Lutheran for their support and participation.
~ Wishing you all the happiness of the Holiday Season, may the Lord’s peace, His love and His joy be your gifts at Christmas and your blessings all year through!
Christine Anderson, Family Education Director
You can now give to Rushford Lutheran Church by downloading the free app Give+. Simply download the app, create an account and make your tax free donation. It is that EASY!!
