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You are welcome at Hutto Lutheran Church
regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, belief, income level or education. We invite you to be a part of this faith community
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Our Mission
We are one body in Christ, sent in Faith to share God's Love, through Worship, Service, Fellowship and Witness.
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First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2024
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Paraments color: BLUE
Scripture Readings for December 1, 2024
Advent is about the “coming days.” God’s people have always lived in great expectation, but that expectation finds specific, repeated enunciation in the texts appointed for these four weeks. The ancients anticipated a “righteous Branch to spring up for David.” The Thessalonians awaited “the coming of our Lord Jesus with all the saints.” Jesus’ contemporaries hoped for the time “to stand before the Son of Man.” With them we eagerly await the coming days: another Christmas celebration, a second coming, and the advent of Christ in word and supper.
Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36
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From the Pastor's Desk
Grace and peace to you!
This week my heart is full of gratitude. Giving thanks for this community of Hutto Lutheran Church, for your welcoming presence, for your servant hearts, for your love for the world, and for your faith. Giving thanks for two years of worshiping with you and one year as a called pastor.
In this week of gratitude the only thing that seems scarce is time, time to express the gratitude I feel. Maybe next year I will reach today with enough time to write to each of you and express my gratitude, but I need a place to put them for today.
Thank you. To all who serve in so many ways. To the small group leaders, the committee members and chairs and secretaries, council members, worship, Vacation Bible school, fundraising and feeding of the 5000 volunteers, for the staff who share their time and energies with this place. Thank you for the many hours and resources you have given to this place. Thank you for the gift of worshipping alongside you, for welcoming my children and teaching them about God and God's love, for welcoming me and giving me a space to grow in my own faith and person and continue to serve God.
Praying this week you too may have a space to count your blessings and may know anew the love of God.
God’s peace,
Pastor Amanda
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Gifts for Hutto ISD Families
This year Hutto Lutheran has committed to provide gifts for three families at HISD. There will be "angels" on a tree in the Narthex starting this Sunday, November 24th with specifics to help purchase items. You can take an angel and write your name down on a sign up sheet. You can also make a financial gift that can be put towards angels (give to the general fund and designate as "Angel tree"). Gifts can be brought to the church office or placed in the wagon in the Narthex by Sunday, December 15th. Questions? Contact Trudy Simon 512-554-5417.
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Hutto Lutheran Church
Visit to Main Street Bethlehem
December 7th
Deadline to sign up is TODAY, Wednesday, November 27th
Have you ever wondered what Bethlehem looked like 2000 years ago? You're invited!
Meet at Hutto Lutheran Church, 402 Church St, Hutto, TX at 2:00pm December 7th. Take a free charter bus ride (56 passenger limit) with a stop for a meal (meal cost is not included).
Bus will arrive at First Baptist Church,108 S Vanderveer Street, Burnet, TX at 4:30 and depart at 8:00pm, returning to Hutto Lutheran Church at 9:15.
RSVP with Dana Perry (text at 512-567-1896 or email at emaildanarperry@gmail.com). Please indicate how many seats you are reserving and your meal preference (BBQ, Mexican Food, or Seafood & Steak).
For more information about Main Street Bethlehem or for Frequently asked questions, click here. https://fbcburnet.org/main-street-bethlehem/
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Special Music For Christmas Eve Services
I have no gift to bring to lay before the king, shall I play for him? Calling all musicians for special music offering at 4:30pm or 7:30pm Christmas Eve worship services.
Please call or email the church office office@huttolutheranchurch.org by November 30th.
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Hanging of the Greens
Nov 30th, 8:00am
We will be decorating the church for the Advent / Christmas season Saturday, November 30th, beginning at 8 AM. On Sunday, December 1st we will be hanging Chrismons on the tree as part of the worship service.
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2024 HLC Youth Ministry Tamales Sale:
Last day to order: Sunday, December 1st
Please help our youth ministry students raise funds and enjoy some delicious tamales this holiday season! Tamales orders will be available for pick up after worship from 11:30 am-1 pm on Sunday, Dec 15th following our Santa Lucia performance.
The cost will be $15 per dozen. Please use this form to order, or you may also contact the HLC Office to order tamales during normal business hours, Tuesday - Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM. Sales profits will be used for the HLC Youth Fund. The tamales may also be paid for online with the Vanco Mobile App or by cash/check/square reader before/after worship. Please note 'Tamales' on the checks made out to Hutto Lutheran Church (402 Church St, Hutto, TX 78634). Contact us at: (512) 759-2064 or office@huttolutheranchurch.org.
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Knot Perfect Quilters
Knot Perfect Quilters will meet this Sunday in the 502 building at 1 PM. Come for fellowship, cutting, ironing, matching, sewing, and quilting. Join us to try your hand at the different steps it takes to make a quilt. All are welcome! For more information contact Donna Fowler 512-736-2001.
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Christmas Poinsettias
This holiday season we offering church members an opportunity to obtain a Poinsettia in honor of, or in memory of a loved one. The Poinsettias will be displayed along the altar during the Christmas season. An insert with your name and those of whom you wish to remember or honor will be included in the Christmas Eve service bulletin.
Deadline for orders to be placed has been extended to December 8th.
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Picture Directory
The office will be printing the HLC picture directory soon. To prepare for this, we will be taking pictures of people. Beginning the Sunday after Thanksgiving immediately after the worship service. We will be taking pictures in the Fellowship Hall. This will also be a chance to verify the information for the directory. The last picture directory was published in 2017, so it is time for an update as we have many changes to our church family. This will be using the church directory software with updating the pictures. Thank you for your assistance with this project.
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2025 Flower Chart
Many thanks to all who have donated flowers to prepare our altar to worship the Lord in 2024!
The new flower chart for 2025 will be available in the Narthex beginning December 1st.
Online sign ups are available here
*The office does its best to update both sign ups so that they match. In the event there is a duplicate sign up, dates can be shared or adjusted. The office will email accordingly.
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Advent Wreath Lighting
The advent wreath is a physical reminder of the light shining in the darkness as we wait for the coming of Jesus. The season of Advent starts the first Sunday of December. Each Sunday in advent the wreath is lit at the start of the worship service. A bible verse narrative and verse are read and a prayer is read as the candles are lit. Would you and/or your family like to light the advent wreath in worship? Contact Rodney Westphal or sign up using the SignUp Genius here.
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P.O.D.C.A.S.T Play Interest Meeting December 1st
Do you have a flare for the dramatic? Children and youth (and adults too!) are invited to join us after church on Sunday, December 1st, to find out more about this play written by Lane Holmstrom.
The congregation is invited to mark your calendars (and spread the word) for the play February 8th at 3:00pm.
*Youth and sponsors attending camp are asked to participate in some way in this fundraising effort.
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Bluebonnet Philharmonic Orchestra Christmas Concert
December 7th and 8th
Come support our pianist, Andy Simon, and Frank Simon and enjoy this free concert.
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Midweek Advent Worship
Wednesdays Dec 4, 11 and 18
6:00 Meal 7:00 Worship
Join us for a simple meal and midweek worship service this advent. Sign up to help with a meal on the sign up sheets in the Narthex.
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Breakfast with Santa
December 7th, 9:00-12:00pm
Join us December 7th with a Santa special edition breakfast for the community.
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Santa Lucia
December 15th
We will be having our Santa Lucia pageant on Sunday, the 15h after the worship service. All youth are invited to participate. We will practice during Sunday School December 15th at 9:00am. Youth will leave during wiggle time to get dressed. If you are interested in donating cookie or treats for Santa Lucia, contact Leslie Doty (512-496-2004).
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Christmas Caroling
December 21st, 10:30am
Hutto Lutheran youth (and anyone who enjoys caroling!) are invited to sing Christmas songs to HLC members.
Meet at the church at 10:30 on December 21st and we will carpool to houses.
Pastor Amanda will be reaching out at her next visit to see if you would like a visit from carolers.
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Christmas Eve Services
Oh Come all Ye Faithful! Come and worship Christ the newborn King. Christmas Eve worship December 24th at 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Both services will be live streamed.
*Save the Date postcards available in the Narthex for December events. Feel free to invite a friend. The postcards from Nov 17th have been updated. The correct second Christmas Eve service time is 7:30pm.
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Christmas Eve Choir Performance
December 24th, 4:30pm
Do you like to sing?
Join us for choir practice December 8th and December 22nd after worship to practice a song for Christmas Eve. Whether you've sung forever or this is your first time, all are welcome to make a joyful noise and help us welcome the coming of Christ in a meaningful way!
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Mickman Brothers Gift It Forward
Do you have family or friends that you don’t know what to give them for Christmas this year? How about sending them a Holiday Wreath, Door Spray, Centerpiece, or Table Top Tree. Last day to order for Christmas Delivery is December 7th
Go to Giftitforward.com, enter our Fundraising Code: HUTTOLTX001.
Click on Apply Now. Select the items you want to purchase and follow directions. Hutto Lutheran Church receives $8 for each item selected. Money raised with be used towards 2025 F5K Breakfast with Santa.
Mickman Brothers does the rest. They will mail your gift to the intended recipient.
If you have any questions, please contact Irene Hackbarth (512-496-8619).
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Youth Christian Education
Meets Sundays at 9:00am
Pre-k-2nd Grade: Ms. Leslie and Ms. Katie meet in Classroom 2
3rd Grade-7th Grade: Ms. Heather meet in Classroom 3.
Confirmation students and mentors will meet with Pastor Amanda in the church office and will be doing an overview of the Bible.
*No Children's Sunday School on 12/22 & 12/29
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Adult Study: The Greatest Story
Meets Sundays at 9:00am in the 502
This 16-session overview of Genesis through Revelation introduces the key people, places, and events of scripture in an easy-to-understand story. Participants are invited to explore where they fit in the greatest story and how the greatest story fits in their lives.
The class will be co-led by Sonia Murray and Ernie Schmiesser.
*class will continue to meet through the holidays
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Sunday School Round Up
Meets Sundays at 9:45am in the Fellowship Hall
Do you like to sing? Do you like to play an instrument? Join us on Sundays at 9:45am in the fellowship hall for a Sunday School closing. Children and youth and confirmation students will be singing camp songs and playing instruments. If you would like to play an instrument (and would like copies of chords) let Pastor Amanda know 512-636-9784.
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HLC Music
Bell choir will practice every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 9:30AM in the music room.
Voice choir will practice every 2nd and 4th Sunday at 11:30AM in the sanctuary.
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Financial Status
The Financial Status of HLC thru the end of October 2024:
Total expenditures $227,222
Total income $186,090 for a
Income under expenses by $41,132
The reason for the large expense is the annual insurance has been paid in May and the revised insurance was paid in October.
Attendance
Nov 3: 72
Nov 10: 84
Nov 17: 86
Nov 24: 66
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Prayer List
Have a prayer request? Email the Office with a prayer request for you or someone you love. Requests will be left on the list for a month. Feel free to submit request again for continued prayers.
Patti Lynn Krueger, niece of Jill Johnson, Lexie Lynn, great-niece of Darlene Rydell & Carol Conrad, Paul Luisi, friend of John Campbell, and Mary Hill-Jensen, friend of John Campbell, Johnny McClaine, brother of Winnie Huffman, Nova, Great-Niece of jill Johnson, Melissa and Paul Dyer, family of Dorothy Ebert, Uncle Parker, Catherine Regan's uncle, Garry Grau, Priscilla McDonald's uncle, and Brunner Grau, Priscilla's dad. Quentin Thomas, Carol Kaminski's son-in-law
Seeking personal prayer?
If your need is private, and you don't want your name publicly posted in this eLink email the Office directly.
Your request can get passed along to HLC's small confidential prayer team. In life's difficult times (we all have them), know that HLC is ready to lift you up in prayer.
Know someone who could use a prayer blanket?
Many thanks to our prayer shawl ministry team for blankets made for HLC congregation. Supplies for fleece tie prayer blankets available to make a blanket for anyone in the community in need of prayer. Email Pastor Amanda pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org to find out more.
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Worship Participants
Council Rep
Rodney Westphal
Altar Guild
Carol Conrad
Cantor
Leslie Doty
Lector
Connie Schmeisser
Assisting Minister
Frank Simon
Communion Assistant
Frank Simon
Children's Message
Leslie Doty
Wiggle Time
Kenn, Liz & Mark
Altar Flowers
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Thanksgiving Moment
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Light Advent Wreath
Reed Rallojay
Worship Volunteers
We are the body of Christ, and everyone's gifts are important! We need your help. Sign up to lead at the Hutto Lutheran Church Sign up Genius. If you want direction on leading let Pastor Amanda know and she can train you.
Greeter - Welcome members and guests
Lector - Read the lessons for the day in worship.
Assisting Minister - One or two people to offer the prayers of intercession.
Communion Assistant - Assist with serving communion.
Altar Guild - Set up for and take down communion settings.
Thanksgiving moment - One person to share briefly (two or three minutes) something they are grateful for.
Altar Flowers provide flowers for both sides of the altar.
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Celebrations for November | |
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November Birthdays
21 Dorothy Ebert
23 Carol Conrad
23 Priscilla McDonald
26 Bryant Rydell
30 Reed Rallojay
December Birthdays
2 Eric Montoya
5 Leonora Rallojay
9 Joe Maier
11 Liz Page
13 Ellie McDonald
16 David Lidell
17 Max Ebert
17 Simon Montoya
19 Violet Duewer
23 Trudy Simon
24 Jackie McGary
26 Susanna Ullrich
31 Donna Slocum
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November Anniversaries
9 Ernie & Connie Schmeisser
December Anniversaries
9 Lloyd & Glenda Mattingly
26 Mark & Sally Lyons
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Office Info
Pastor Amanda is in Hutto Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays either at the church or out making visits. If you would like to visit with her and want to confirm she will be in the office or schedule a time you can reach her by phone 512-636-9784 or by email pastor@huttolutheranchurch.org.
Office Hours
Office hours are Tuesday to Thursday 9 AM - 1 PM or by appointment.
Contact info
Reach the office by leaving a message on the Church phone (512) 759-2064 or email the church office at office@huttolutheranchurch.org
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