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December
Birthdays
2 Rev. Gregory D. Olson
4 Rev. Philip Mathai
6 Rev. Troy C. Hedrick
8 Rev. C. Jeffrey Swanson
10 Rev. Jay Quinn
12 Ms. Shirley Harbeck
13 Rev. Henrietta Milner
15 Rev. Charles Olson
17 Rev. Gene Peisker
20 Rev. Linda Jarchow Jones
21 Rev. Daniel Stalker
26 Rev. Karen Capel
29 Rev. James Kragness
30 Rev. Lisa Hufford
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 Annual NIS Ski Trip - Martin Luther King Jr. Day, 1/18/10 at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena. Download a flyer or contact Mary Lasits 815-756-4169.
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The video from the live online Town Hall meeting with Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson is now available at www.elca.org/townhall .
ELCA World Hunger Bulletin: December 1, was World AIDS Day. A time when we remember all of those living with HIV and AIDS, fight prejudice and pledge to help make a difference. Please join ELCA World Hunger as they help to educate, support and provide care for God's children living with HIV and AIDS. This holiday season consider giving a gift that makes a difference. There are many ways to donate through the Good Gifts catalog. Click here for gift ideas which help to support HIV and AIDS ministries around the world:
Fast Facts According to the USDA's Economic Research Service, in 2008, 17 million U.S. households -- about 49 million people -- "were food insecure and families had difficulty putting enough food on the table at times during the year." The number of affected households increased by 4 million over the previous year, the highest single-year increase since the USDA began food security surveys in 1995.
This week at The Lutheran
On our two-way street of faith International exchanges strengthen churches.
Oh, light eight candles, laughing
Judas Maccabeus confronted a vast empire and triumphed.
 'I want ... to help' ELCA youth deliver the gifts at Christmas.
Where the Wild Things Are Modern adaptation of popular book captures childhood.
Also: Addressing our restlessness
Also: Not 'someone else's problem'
Also: Lutheran LEGO guy
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Christmas Message from Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson
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"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us..." (Titus 3:4-5a).
Into this shadowed world light shines and joyous voices sing. Glad tidings cheer the heart and liberate hope. "A child has been born for us, a son given to us" (Isaiah 9:6). God our Savior has appeared!
God's saving goodness and loving kindness have arrived in Jesus, the Word made flesh. Though hidden in the humility of a manger, and later in the scandal of the cross, God's promise is being made good in plain sight for all to see, in a life of generous mercy, richly poured out for all.
"See, your salvation comes," the prophet wrote (Isaiah 62:11). God's faithfulness to God's promises calls us to a new hope, for the hope of eternal life is an inheritance that we can enjoy today in lives of generosity and compassion, joy and peace.
Presiding Bishop
Mark Hanson
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All are invited to a New Life Band concert Tuesday, December 15, at Bethlehem, DeKalb. A potluck meal is at 5:30pm and the concert will begin at 6:30pm. The New Life Band comes from Tanzania. They present their concerts to raise funds for a school project. More information is available at www.newlifeband.net .
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| News from Other Organizations |
Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) now has a Facebook page. Being on this popular social networking site is helping LSSI create a closer, more timely connection with those who support us, along with enlisting new "fans" and engaging a broader audience in a new and dynamic way.
 Tune in to Classical WNIU (90.5 FM DeKalb, 91.5 WNIQ Sterling, 89.1 WNIE Freeport, and 91.3 WNIW LaSalle) Wednesday, December 23 at 9am for the annual St. Olaf Christmas Festival. This service in song and word has become one of the nation's most cherished holiday celebrations. The festival includes hymns, carols, choral works and orchestral selections celebrating the Nativity, featuring more than 500 student musicians -- members of five choirs and the St. Olaf Orchestra.
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| GPS Faith Community, Machesney Park (offices at Grace Lutheran in Loves Park) is hiring a part-time, 5-10 hours/week, financial secretary. A full job description can be obtained by contacting Pastor Rob James, pastorrob@gpsfaith.com
Shepherd of the Valley, Rockford, has a FREE 12 ft. Christmas tree. If you are interested, please call the church office at 815-399-5503.
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