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Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
Presiding
Pr. Jackie Cook
Pastoral Intern
Jenny Nettesheim
First Sunday of Advent
How do we Rejoice in a Weary world?
We Acknowledge our Werioness
Services are available on
Facebook, YouTube,
and the CTK Website
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"Welcome to the Advocate!"
A publication of celebrations and happenings in the lives of CTK family and friends. This Advocate will summarize what's happened, and give a preview to new events coming your way! So keep a lookout for this publication every 1st of the month. Birthdays and Anniversaries are near the bottom!
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HOPE in a weary world……
The day after an emotionally draining day—I went to Inclusion Coffee Shop, thinking that I could quickly write this article. And booted up my tablet--- which read 0%. How ironic--- zero percent?
Our world is weary—our planet is tired from recent years of overuse—our emotions are weary of the news---another war---hostages--- people suffering—leveled buildings. Our spirits are wearied by estrangement, cancer, dementia, injury, illness and death. Both from personal hardships and tragedies and also weary from seeing others suffer in this way.
Like my tablet, sometimes I am in need of a recharge. How about you? During Advent, we will live in the questions: “Where does hope come from in this weary world?” And find answers in Scripture and community.
Friends in Christ, we are not alone in the weary world. You are not alone. There are so many out there that encourage, pray for, and remind you of God’s blessings and presence. There are ‘God pokes’ all around, even in unlikely places.
For, earlier the same morning I received a text—more like a ‘God poke.’ A message which uplifted and encouraged me. Reminding me that when we are weary, Jesus comes to us through others. As I treasure this moment of God’s love, I am reminded that there is HOPE in the midst of weariness. There is hope alongside brokenness. Hope is intertwined with stress and grief. We can move forward with hope because of Jesus.
As I looked around at the coffee shop, I noticed my coffee cup. Handwritten messages said: “Smile,” “I can do anything.” Someone had taken the time to leave this message of hope.
Dear ones, my prayer is that God opens your eyes to the signs of hope all around you. When you are weary, reach out to a friend, neighbor, family member, or me, your pastor. This community exists to praise God and to love and serve one another and our neighbors. Let us encourage, build up, and love one another, creating HOPE in the name of Jesus.
Blessings,
Pastor Jackie
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Ponderings of the Intern: Advent!
Each month, I will write an article on a topic that I’ve been pondering or have received questions about. Enjoy!
Happy Advent! Advent is one of my favorite times of the year, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come with some weariness, some heaviness. The older I get, the more I recognize that there is a lot of sadness in the world. It just seems more pronounced when the backdrop is merriment, the most wonderful time of the year, and sheer busyness. All of this can leave one feeling weary, run down, and far from the joy we are “supposed” to be feeling.
This Advent we are following an Advent series called “How Does a Weary World Rejoice?” The first step is acknowledging our weariness. Then we will move to finding joy in connection, allowing ourselves to be amazed, and finally hope and making room.
I hope this worship series helps you understand that underlying weariness that many of us are feeling this time of year and also helps us connect while we wait for the eternal light of Jesus to be born.
Additionally, I hope you find rest and rejuvenation throughout the season so you
can truly enjoy Christmas. Take care of yourselves!
Blessings and Merry Christmas!
Intern Jenny
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Celebrating our connection with Christ | |
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Mission Statement: Alive and Growing through God's Grace
What to Expect at Worship
For your convenience, masks will be made available in the entrance areas and hand sanitizing stations are also available around the building. We ask that if you are not feeling well, or feel that you may have been exposed to COVID, you view the service via live-streaming. You can find this on our website: https://ctkdelafield.org/
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How does a weary world rejoice?
The Last Time I Saw God
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The last time I saw God face to face I was looking at a bed of tulips. God was every color of red.
I was merely a mortal,
in awe of it all.
The time before that,
we were tying back the curtains, looking for stars.
God was the deepest purple
and the brightest light.
The time before that,
the city was soft with snow.
God was the quiet
that tucked us all in.
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And in between these small gifts there were newborn babies,
and sapling trees,
homemade bread,
the sound of a church
singing on Sunday.
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Why, yes, we are lucky.
We are more than lucky
for the moments when
delight and awe
unzip the weight
we carry around.
Prayer by Rev. Sarah Speed | A Sanctified Art LLC | sanctifiedart.org
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Our Advent Worship Series:
"How does a weary world rejoice?"
Sunday morning Worship at 9 am
Dec. 3 "We acknowledge our weariness,"
Dec. 10 "We Find Joy in Connections",
Dec 17 "We allow ourselves to be Amazed"
Dec 24th Christmas Eve Candlelight Services "We Make Room" 3pm & 5pm. Preceding Concert of Carols at 2:30 pm & 4:30 pm
Dec 31 Service of the Word (no Communion) Jenny Preaching
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Individual Prayers: Shelly, the family and loved ones of Matthew, Tim, Sherry, friends and loved ones of Dick R., Rick , RoseMary, the family and loved ones of Ellen, Mary, Maddi, and for all those who grieve, and those who suffer from mental illness.
Ongoing Prayers: Jayne, Dave, and Anthony, all military persons and their, families all those who are in hospice and care facilities, all who are in hospice, and the healthcare workers who care for them.
Ministry Partners: The Evangelical Lutheran Churches in El Salvador and Tanzania and their Bishops, and Imbaseny parish in Tanzania, Serenity Inn, Family Promise, Reformation Lutheran Church, Lutherdale Bible Camp, All God's Children, Mt. Meru Coffee Project & Outreach for Hope Congregations, and those who work to end human trafficking.
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PLEASE NOTE: Are you missing out?? If you see "Message Clipped: View entire message" in this email, that is not the end! There are more announcements!
Click "View entire message" to read more.
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Celebrating the Connection with Each Other | |
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Sunday School
Sunday School (4 years old through 6th grade) will be on Dec. 3rd along with Christmas program practice. SS is held twice a month on an irregular schedule. Check on the CTK website for dates.
On December 17th, the Sunday School and Confirmation students will present our version of The Christmas Story: Jesus is Born, inspired by Luke 2:1-20. Please join us for singing and our play. After worship, we will have a Happy Birthday party for Jesus!
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Confirmation 2023-2024
Confirmation Dec. 3rd
Time: 5:45pm to 7pm
Christmas Activities
Don't forget to sign up to Acolyte online!
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Youth and Young Adult Gathering Fundraiser
Sunday, December 17th after worship
We will be selling Christmas cookies and cookie mixes in a jar to help us get to New Orleans for the ELCA Gathering in July.
These will make great gifts!
THANK YOU!
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Adult Education Opportunity:
Book Study
When: Wednesdays at 5:30 PM
Dates:
December 13
January 3 January 17
January 31
Place: The Bell Room
Book: By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther’s Small Catechism
Purpose: To discuss and learn about Lutheran theology
All are welcome - all belong!
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Women's Gathering
Get in the Spirit of Christmas! Join us on Dec. 6th for an evening of fellowship, food and fun. Dinner will be served by our church men and a wonderful group will come in for entertainment. See Linda Hamilton for details or call the church office to register.
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Commitment Sunday Celebration! Come celebrate the gifts of our church on Dec. 3rd! Be sure to bring your 2024 pledge with you to service. During the offering, we will bring them forward as a symbol of our commitment. Then, a special breakfast after Worship in the Great Hall. | |
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Committees/Meetings
Property and Grounds: Mondays at 6:30 pm
Prayer Shawl Ministry: 2nd & 4th Monday at 1:00pm
Al-Anon: Mondays 6:30 pm
Women's Bible Study: select Mondays at 9:30 am Next Dec. 4 & 18
Worship and Music: 2nd Monday of the month at 3:00 pm
Executive Team: Tuesday. Dec.. 5 @ 6:30 pm
Executive Team: 1st Tuesday of the month at 6:30pm next Dec. 5th
Church Council: 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30pm Next Dec 19th
Education: second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 pm
Outreach: 2nd Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm
Men's Bible Study: Fridays at 7:00 am
Alcoholics Anonymous: Fridays 7:00 pm
Boys' Breakfast Bible Study: 1st & 3rd Saturdays at 8:00 am (at CTK & via Zoom)
Special Dates
Dec. 3 Commitment Sunday and Celebration
Dec. 6 Women's Gathering
Dec. 10 Gingerbread House making
Dec. 15 Friday night Chris Tomlin Virtual Concert at CTK
Dec. 17 Youth Christmas Program and Happy Birthday Jesus!
Dec. 24 Concert of Carols 2:30 & 4:30 pm
Christmas Eve Candlelight worship at 3 &5 pm (No Sunday Morning Worship)
Dec 31 Service of the Word (no Communion) Jenny Preaching
Feel free to attend a committee meeting of your choice to be part of the exciting things happening at CTK!
*Please remember that events and times are subject to change. Check the CTK calendar on the website for updates!
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Celebrating our Connection with Community | |
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Veterans Day Sunday, Nov 12th: Custom Canines Service Dog Program
Veterans Day Service was wonderful!
Thank you to all who helped put together Sunday’s Veterans Day Recognition. From start to finish, it was beautiful! There were over 100 attending church service and around 80 enjoying brunch and Custom Canine program. Donations to the Custom Canine Dog Training Academy came to $600. Thank you for your donations! Also, our gratitude to Thrivent Financial for sponsoring brunch.
. Thank you to Thrivent Financial for sponsoring our brunch!
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Home For the Holidays: a Virtual Christmas Concert featuring Chris Tomlin
On the big screen at:
Christ the King Lutheran Church, Delafield
Friday December 15, 2023
7:00 pm
Join Christ the King Lutheran Church in Delafield as we partner with the Thrivent Member Network for Home For The Holidays, a Virtual Christmas Concert featuring Grammy® Award-winning artist, Chris Tomlin.
Take some time to treat yourself to the sounds of this joyous season. Grab your friends and family and sing along to your favorite Christmas classics. Refreshments provided by
Thrivent and Christ the King.
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The Christmas Holiday is fast approaching. The Mt. Meru Coffee Project has some great hostess and gift ideas for you.
Christmas Traditions Coffee Blend - $18.00
This blend combines 100% Mt Meru premium Arabia coffee beans, enhanced with the rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, with a hint of chocolate and other selected spices. 12 ounces
Holiday Sampler – 6 pack – $20.00
This is a six pack of Butter Pecan, Chocolate Raspberry, Regular, French Vanilla, Hazelnut and Peaberry. Each is 2 ounces.
Holiday Sampler – 4 pack - $15.00
This is a four pack of Regular, Decaf, Peaberry and Christmas Traditions. Each is 2 ounces.
December Orders
Place your order on Sunday, December 10th and receive your order before Christmas on December 17th.
See the display in the Narthex or contact Toni Schnorr or Lynn Waedekin for more information.
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Do You Have Gently Used Winter Items
That You Would Like to Donate?
Contact Pr. Chris Manke at 414-671-1212 or chris@outreachforhope.org to arrange a donation of new or gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens and/or gloves.Thank you so much for your commitment to giving the gift of warmth this winter!
In Christ's Spirit of Gratitude,
The Outreach for Hope Team
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Mark your Calendars for December 10th for Gingerbread house making! Register in advance. Forms are available at the church office. Cost is $10 per house wanted. Forms and cash payment are due by Dec. 1st. Venmo also available. Register below. | | |
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Shorehaven Giving Tree
It is that time of year again when we support the residents of Shorehaven by purchasing some Christmas Gifts.
Look for the Christmas Tree in the Narthex, take an ornament or two off the tree
and then go shopping for the items. Bring your unwrapped gifts back to CTK by
Sunday, December 10 th . We will deliver the gifts to Shorehaven for their annual Christmas Party.
If you have any questions, see a member of the Outreach Committee
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In 2023, the Greater Milwaukee Synod participated in a unique photo storytelling project by A Peace of My Mind. The series features black and white portraits of lay and rostered GMS faith leaders, and their answers to the question, “When have you felt included or excluded from a group or community?”
We invite GMS congregations to share and discuss the project in worship, small group ministries, and more. We hope the experience will inspire our members to share and listen to one another’s stories, and to grow in faith and fellowship!
We’re currently sharing the project in two formats:
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Justman, Andrew Dec 1
Kreklow, Andrew Dec 1
Udovich, Bryce Dec 4
Fedder, Helen Ann Dec 6
McCarley, Stephen Dec 6
Sorensen, Alice Dec 7
Danielson, Brendan Dec 8
Turner, Sandra Dec 10
Winkels, Judy Dec 10
Solsrud, Jerry Dec 12
Armiger, Alex Dec 13
Brazeau, Debbie Dec 14
Houck, Kim Dec 14
Goetz, Samantha Dec 15
Marusinec, Joyce Dec 15
Ellena, Mitchell Dec 17
Schleich, Grant Dec 18
McCarley, Katie Dec 20
Ouradnik, Ann Dec 23
Borgwardt, Teri Dec 24
Hansen-McGarvey, Brendan Dec 24
Hamilton, Linda Dec 25
Beiler, Ruth Dec 27
Sundquist, James Dec 27
Spencer, Arlene Dec 28
Armiger, Lynn Dec 30
Armiger, Scott Dec 30
White, Carol Dec 30
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December Anniversaries
Paul & Linda Neumiller December 14
Robert & Johanna Kalman December 15
Rona Houck December 24
Judith Romanuck December 27
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Our Mission – Alive and Growing through God’s Grace
Our Vision – A dynamic congregation and growing in service to Christ and the Community. All are Welcome
Core Values
Celebrating our connection to Christ and each other
Harmony through the difference we make and the smiles we create
Recognizing the infinite worth of each person
Investing in ourselves, our energy, and our resources
Supporting the growth of the individual, the congregation, the community, and these relationships
Transforming through action, effort and commitment
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Things to submit to the "Advocate" should be sent to office@ctkdelafield.org by the 20th of the month. | |
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Pastor Jackie Cook
Office Coordinator - Maggie Thompson
Music Director - Maria Tyksinski
Pastoral Intern-Jenny Nettesheim
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Office hours:
Mon. - Thurs 9am-3pm
Friday 9 am - noon
Worship Sundays at 9 am
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