University Evangelical Lutheran Church
and Campus Ministry

The Lampstand - December 2020
Our Mission

UELC's Mission:
To Embrace and Share the Love of God in Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit Empowers us.

UELC's Guiding Principles:
Jesus is our Lord and Saviour; therefore, we are to:
  • Worship God in inspiring, diverse, and creative ways
  • Be a community engaged in spiritual practices that attune us to the Holy Spirit's guidance for our living
  • Welcome all people in their diversity to worship, learn, and serve with us
  • Be a safe place to learn, explore, and debate
  • Be generous stewards of the gifts God has given each of us to bless others and care for the natural world
  • Continue outreach to, and further develop connections with, the academic communities of Alachua County
  • Affirm human rights and work for social justice
Pastor's Corner
Council President's Report

Dear UELC Congregational Family,

As the season of Advent has arrived, I am mindful that this the time of the year when we are usually preparing for our annual congregational Advent dinner as well as our Women’s Christmas tea and ornament exchange.  So many traditions will be missed this year and I look forward to hopefully being able to resume them next Advent season!

While it certainly will not be as festive as the annual dinner or the Christmas tea, we do have a congregational meeting scheduled for Sunday, December 13th at 11:00 AM and I hope to see many of you virtually! Items for the congregational business meeting will include:

1.    Congregational vote regarding changes to the UELC Constitution. These changes are all related to required changes from both the ELCA and the Florida-Bahamas Synod. Several members of the church have worked diligently to bring the UELC constitution in line with the necessary changes and a congregational meeting and vote is necessary to ratify these changes.

2.    UELC church council elections for 2021

3.    Provide a review/update regarding the shared pastorate arrangement with Gethsemane Lutheran Church. A summary of the survey findings will be reported as well as an opportunity for a question and answer session regarding the shared pastorate arrangement
 
Information for the Zoom meeting link as well as copy of the constitutional changes were provided in an earlier email, but the Zoom link is also copied below:

Topic: UELC Congregational Meeting

Time: Dec 13, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87934274573?pwd=d0F3WEFZRzRyNCs2ZnIxWWpQWEFpQT09

Meeting ID: 879 3427 4573

Passcode: 821388

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,87934274573#,,,,,,0#,,821388# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,87934274573#,,,,,,0#,,821388# US (New York)
 
Best regards,
Becky Borgert
COVID-19 Advisory Group Update
Church Announcements

Wednesday Noon Prayer and Connection by Zoom
UELC People






DECEMBER Birthdays 

12/ 2    Krister Ryerson
12/ 3    DeeAnn Connor
12/ 4    Austin MontMarquette
12/ 6    Matthew Fauerbach
12/ 8    Laurie Ezzell
12/16   Jesse Saarela
12/16   John MontMarquette
12/17   Adam MontMarquette
12/19   Walter Flanders
12/20   Britt Ryerson
12/21   Phillip Cook
12/24   Alice Simpson
12/24   Andy Noss
12/25   JESUS
12/29   Andy Finn
12/31   Carol Dienhart
12/31   Liz Finn






We isolate now 
So when we gather again
   No one is missing








Continued Prayer Concerns

Prayers for healing: Lois Wilkowske, Schirmer family, Ron and Beverly Gronwall, Les O'Brien, Cecilia Noss
Music Ministry Update

Our complex production of music and song continues, thanks to the dedication of the team. For the past month, besides the weekly online service music, we have all been working on the Advent and Christmas music. This flexible and committed team ministers to the Glory of God. We thank all those who have sent us messages of appreciation and encouragement. Please spend this Advent season in reflection and waiting on God. We trust the music and worship will help you do that.

All ready for the online Christmas Eve Service coming up
at 4:30pm on December 24, 2020 on YouTube!
Finances Update

Members that wish to submit their offerings may do so in a
couple of ways. You may send your check to either UELC office or mail them to me at 8520 SW 99th Place, 32608. Either way I will get them to the bank. Since there is no cash to be counted, it is appropriate that we don't need two counters, as we normally have. In addition to the deposit book entries, each check is photocopied for our records and accountability.
Jim Yale.
Family Promise Update

Save the date: Sunday, Jan. 31 2:00pm

Our next hosting week begins that day, and Family Promise of Gainesville is suggesting new ways we can connect with families in addition to providing meals.
 
On Sunday at 2 pm, FP will set up a zoom call and request all of our families join to say hello and meet the folks who are providing them dinner for the week. Whether you’re providing a meal that week or not, please join us to establish a warm connection with the families for the week.

We can choose to make this a short greeting (10 minutes) or add a fun activity. Suggested activities (via zoom) for that meeting time, or one evening during the week include (but are not limited to):
·     craft activity made from simple household items or to purchase.  If ingredients provided the week before, FP will deliver to families in time for the activity.
·     build a meal together - ingredients delivered to families ahead of time
·     welcome baskets (body wash, crayons, and the like) can be delivered in time for our Sunday meeting so we can watch them opened
·     graduation baskets. Ask families some questions during the meeting to learn their tastes. Items can be collected thereafter and provided upon graduation.
·     read a book together
·     play ‘I spy’ or conduct a scavenger hunt or the like
·     lead a silly or serious sing-along (with or without actions)

All of these can be fleshed out once interest is expressed; I’ve only summarized above. Our host week falls before Presidents’ Day and Mardi Gras, themes we could tap into. We also have some extra funds from previous hostings which can help purchase items, so don’t let that stop you from thinking big fun! We also have time -- I’m letting you know in advance in hopes the lead time will help.  

In addition to these edutainment ideas, of course, your provision of meals will be greatly appreciated! 

Warm blessings and good health! amy_schirmer @yahoo.com
LIFT

LIFT has gone virtual during this time when we cannot have the usual Monthly meetings at UELC.

Check your in-box each Thursday for LIFTvT [LIFTviaTechnology] programs].

The program during the month of December will be Advent and Christmas.
Young Adult Ministry

Campus/Young Adult Ministry weekly meetings on Thursdays, 5:30-7:00.

Young Adult and Student Ministry continues to meet by Zoom and are studying the Bible.

For inquiries contact Krissi and Dan Norford ([email protected]).
The Bee - What's Happening

During this time of not being able to meet in person, The Bee is virtually sharing twice during the month The Story BEEhind the Hymn.

Articles are written by Janet Janke and researched from different sources and people.

Blessings,
The Bee
Adult Forum

Adult Forum is not meeting for now.

Contact Dan Norford for more information: [email protected]
Village of Hope

Village of Hope sent out a letter to all the sponsors in November that included thanking each for their donation during 2020. At UELC one check is sent and the amount that each sponsor has given is shown on the statement you receive from UELC. That is the correct amount you have given. The number that is on the letter is only an “estimate” from them as they do not have the amount from each individual sponsor at UELC. Another check will be sent at the end of 2020 so there is still time to renew your sponsorship for 2020 if you haven’t already.
 
Village of Hope, because of the past unrest in Haiti, was not able to take and send pictures to the sponsors. Now that they have hired a local photographer to take them you either have already received a picture or should shortly. When we are able to return to the church building, we can update the pictures of the children on the new bulletin board in the Kaiser Center.
 
If you have any questions please contact Janet Janke, UELC’s Lazarus Project coordinator.
Our Pastor and Staff

Pastor Terrance Jacob
Pastor, Congregation and Campus Ministry

Crystal Jacob
Minister of Music (Direct Choir and music-related ministries)

Moses Choi
Pianist

Evelyn Simmons
Administrative Assistant