Point of Grace Press

Reaching the Community, Teaching the Word of God, and

Proclaiming the Good News of Jesus!

Point of Grace is a Christian congregation within the Southeastern District of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. (www.lcms.org) Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior.

Point of Grace Press

December, 2015

From the Pastor

If you saw the movie BIG with Tom Hanks you may remember a scene where he and another actor pounded out a tune on a life-size keyboard, dancing their feet upon the keys up and down the keyboard. Apparently this scene took many takes as their feet didn't always hit the right key, as you can imagine. When they finally got the scene just right and the tune came out perfectly, Tom Hanks exclaimed with a bit of ironic humor, "Well our long national nightmare is over," channeling his best Gerald Ford who was inaugurated following the resignation of Richard Nixon.

I don't pretend to channel Gerald Ford or Tom Hanks, but that's a little bit how I feel; I'm official!!! After 2+ years, I'm installed, I'm 'rostered' with LCMS, and y'all stuck with me! "It's been a long time coming"-channeling my best Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young song. OK enough channeling.

But it does feel very good to know that I'm home. I have a place to minis-ter. I don't feel like a vagabond anymore. And that feels very good!

Thank you all for your patience along the way, and your prayers and pres-ence with Dotsi and me at the installation. I thought it was a great service. You should feel happy too; it's been a long haul for you all as well. We have a home together in this church. I hope that makes you smile as it does me!

Please do check the website calendar to keep updated with upcoming events. Note especially, The Animals’ Christmas odyssey I want to take you on December 11th. The Animals’ Christmas is an orchestrated album from 1986 with Art Garfunkel and Amy Grant, the Wembledon boys choir, the London symphony, and the organ from St, John the Divine in New York. This is a masterpiece of composing and lyric writing from Singer-songwriter, Jimmy Webb. It's the birth of Jesus from the animals’ perspective. I will offer commentary-the odyssey portion- during the songs, so you will have context for the songs and nuances of the composi-tion. It truly is a masterpiece, in my humble opinion! You will enjoy this!

Please note NO Wednesday night services on December 23 and 30.

Blessings and Peace for Advent!

Fred

From the President

Grace and peace to you in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Just a couple of weeks ago, we celebrated the Installation of Pastor Hoff-man as our pastor at Point of Grace, following his completion of the Col-loquy process and his having been approved by the Synod as a “Rostered Pastor” within the LCMS. I want to acknowledge all of the members of our congregation who worked so hard to prepare for his installation. Spe-cifically, there was a good-sized group of workers who helped clean-up, straighten-up and touch-up our facilities the day prior (November 14) to the installation. Dan Nelson organized the work party and directed the activities that day. Please turn to Page 2.

Dates to Note

December 3 - Operation Christmas Child

December 5 - Christmas Parade

December 8 - Women’s Christmas Party

December 11 - The Animals’ Christmas

December 13 - Voters and Annual Meetings

December 14 - Women’s Dinner & Concert

December 19 - Cookie Exchange at Hoffmans’

December 24 - Christmas Eve Service

Lutheran Pastors laid hands on Pastor Hoffman during

his service of Installation on November 15th.

The float is being built for the Christmas parade December 5th.

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

Point of Grace Press

Page 2

Point of Grace Press December, 2015

Letter from the President, continued

After the Installation Service, many hands (including guests) helped to set-up tables and organize the food and beverag-es. Following the meal, there were many who helped clean-up and reset the rooms. Dotsi did an outstanding job of organizing the entire event and preparing much of the food.

Our music group did a spectacular job!!! I received a num-ber of compliments about them from guests and visitors. ”Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faith-ful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and enjoy your master’s happiness.” (Jesus said this, as recorded in Matthew 25:21, NIV).

On the liturgical calendar, we have just begun the Season of Advent, which is the period preceding the Christmas sea-son. It begins on the Sunday nearest to November 30 (this year, November 29), the feast day of St. Andrew the Apos-tle, and covers four Sundays. The word “advent”, from Latin, means “the coming”. For centuries, Advent has been a time of spiritual reflection as well as cheer and anticipa-tion. Advent has probably been observed since the fourth century. Originally, it was a time when converts to Christi-anity readied themselves for baptism. During the Middle Ages, Advent became associated with preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. In early days, Advent lasted from November 11 (the feast of St. Martin), until Christmas Day. Advent was considered a pre-Christmas season of Lent when Christians devoted themselves to prayer and fasting. Many Christians still view Advent as a season to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus. In the last fifty years, however, it has also come to be thought of as a time of anticipating the Nativity, on Christmas Day.

Advent wreaths (we use one at Point of Grace) have their origins in the folk traditions of northern Europe, where in the deep of winter, people lit candles on wheel-shaped bun-dles of evergreen. Both the evergreen and the circular shape symbolized ongoing life. The candlelight gave comfort at this darkest time of the year, as people looked forward to the longer days of spring. Later, Eastern European Chris-tians adopted this practice. By the sixteenth century, they were making Advent wreaths much as we know them to-day. An Advent wreath traditionally contains five candles; three purple and one rose (or pink) around the perimeter and one white candle (the Christ candle) in the center. The three purple candles in the wreath symbolize hope, peace and love, and are usually lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays. The rose (pink) candle symbolizes joy, and is usual-ly lit on the third Sunday, although some churches light the rose (pink) candle on the fourth Sunday. The white (Christ candle) is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The white candle is associated with angels and the birth of Jesus.

The Voters Assembly, will meet December 13, at 9:30 am There will not be an adult Bible Study that day. Business will include welcoming a new member to the Voters Assembly, the election of officers, elders and deacons and considera-tion of a proposed budget for 2016. The installation service of the newly-elected and continuing officers, elders and dea-cons will be held on Sunday, December 27, with those hav-ing been installed taking their respective office(s) on January 1.

Also on December 13, immediately following the worship service, there will be a brief “Annual Meeting of the Con-gregation”. Continued in next column.

Thanksgiving Basket Collection

Thanks to all who contributed food and funds for the Thanksgiving baskets. These were given to families in our area who were unable to afford groceries for Thanksgiving

dinner. We provided baskets of good food to 19 families.

Christmas Parade December 5th

The Christmas Parade through Davidson and Cornelius is Saturday, December 5th. We need volunteers to help build the float, man the coffee/hot chocolate table, and to walk the parade route with the float. See Rick Stapula for more information. We also can use donations of small candy canes to be passed out along the parade route. See the photo of our float under construc-

tion on page 1.

Letter from the President, continued

All members of the congregation (and those who regularly at-tend worship at Point of Grace) are asked to attend. A light luncheon (Wow! Another celebration!) will be served immedi-ately after the meeting. An “Annual Meeting” is required both by the Bylaws of Point of Grace and also by the state of North Carolina. This applies to all corporations, whether taxable or tax-exempt. Point of Grace is a tax-exempt charitable corpora-tion. The newly-constituted Board of Trustees will meet next on January 10, 2016, following the worship service.

This is a very busy time of the year. Please slow down a little from the “hustle and bustle”, and take the time to speak some kind words of love and encouragement to your family and friends. I pray that the Lord will bless you as we enter the Ad-vent and Christmas season and throughout the New Year.

In Christ’s service,

Bill Boyd

Alex Mauldin, our Music Director, played music he composed and he shared about this creative process at a special Thanksgiving concert

on November 20th..

Point of Grace Press

Sunday School News

Point of Grace Press December 2015

Adult Sunday School Classes—9:30 am

Bill Everett is teaching a class on the Gospel of Mark. Come and find out how Mark’s account of Jesus’ life ap-plies to us today. All are welcome to join us Sundays at

9:30 am. Coffee is available!

Children’s Sunday School

Pastor Hoffman teaches the Children’s Sunday School at 9:30 am. We are covering the Small

Catechism.

All children are invited.

Page 3

Happy Birthday!

Emma Ponivas December 5

Ron Tarnovich December 17

Natalie Duda December 21

Matthew Holmquist December 21

William Boyd December 26

(If we missed your birthday, please let Pastor know.)

Prayer Teams Each Sunday following the 11 am Worship Service, a Prayer Team is waiting at the back of the worship area to pray with you about any concerns, afflictions, or any other needs you may have. As a caring community, this is one of the ways we serve as the body of Christ. Feel welcome to bring your prayer needs before God during that time. If you are aware of a visitor who needs prayer, invite him or her for prayer after the service.

Top 100 Bible Verses Wednesday Evenings

Each Wednesday we cover a different set of Bible verses with teaching by Pastor Hoffman. Someone at the service gives Pas-tor a number between 1 and 100. Whatever that number is determines what the Scripture teaching will be for the next week. He has a top-100 list of Scripture rated by a computer algorithm that is a quite interesting list. So if you want to learn more about the top 100 Scriptures, come on Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8 pm! It is informal and you

can ask questions.

We also will have our time of praise, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper. Please join us as we bring our prayer concerns before God and pray for our

church family and those in need.

Happy Anniversary!

Bill and Joan Everett December 17

(If your anniversary is this month and not included here, please let Pastor

know.)

Men’s Saturday Bible Study

Pastor Gittner is leading a men’s Bible Study on the second and fourth Saturday mornings from 8 to 9:30 am at Point of Grace Church. We are studying the book of 1 Peter. Coffee is provided. All men are wel-

come. For more information, contact Pastor Gittner at 704-365-1418.

Women’s Bible Study

The Word became Flesh-The Gospel of John

When: Second and Fourth Tuesdays at 7pm Note: This month we will have our Christmas Party on De-

cember 8th. (See below.)

Location: Church sanctuary

Leader: Joan Everett

Questions? Need a ride or carpool? Email Joan at:

joanle@bellsouth.net

All are welcome and bring a friend! PS: Along with your Bible you will need a notepad, enthusiasm and a

love for the word. It's going to be a fun journey. Hope you can join us!

Women’s Christmas Party December 8th

The women of Point of Grace will meet on Tuesday, December 8th at Joan Everett’s home at 7pm for a Christmas party. Please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. Joan will provide the drinks. Also please bring a wrapped "something" that you would like to get rid of, for a “gift exchange.” It is always fun to see what peo-ple bring to make us all laugh and have fun! Hope you can come! For more information, contact Joan at joanle@bellsouth.net.

At right, Pastor and Dotsi enjoyed having friends attend the Installation

and BBQ dinner afterwards on November 15th.

“Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 b (NIV)

Point of Grace Press

Prayer Reminder

Please pray for your church! Those in need of prayer are listed on the bulletin insert each Sun-day. Also, you could use your picture directory each week and pray for our members. Pray for protec-tion, and health, and blessing for your fellow Point of

Grace members.

Altar Guild

Each Sunday the altar is prepared with the Bread and Wine for our 11 am Worship Service. If you are interested in helping with this part of our worship, please see Dotsi or email her at dotsimh@carolina.rr.com. No experience

necessary! She will show you how it is done.

December, 2015 Page 4

Quilting Ministries at Point of Grace

Scraps of Love meets on Saturday mornings at 9:00 am. We are still making kids quilts for the Cornelius Police Department, baby quilts for Cities4Life and large quilts for the homeless. If you know of some-one who would feel the love and care of God by receiving a quilt, please ask Sue or Lois. For more information about Scraps of Love, contact Sue Tarnovich at ronandsue66@att.net. If you would like to join in the quilt making effort, come on Saturday mornings. No previ-ous experience is needed!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Ministry

Thanks to all who brought shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child outreach operated by Samaritan’s Purse. Point of Grace donated a total of 34 boxes! These will go to any of over 100 countries where children may not even have any toys of their own. Many will receive a brochure that tells them how much God loves them. This ministry extends to the families in those communities as well. Thanks also to volunteers at the processing center on

December 3rd.

The Hashbrown Belly Boys bluegrass band performed on

November 6th. Tim Trew’s son is on the right.

At left, quilters at work during Scraps of Love

session on August 29th.

Below, new dove embroi-

dery for the altar cloth.

The Animals' Christmas Dec. 11

The Animals' Christmas is the sixth solo album by vocalist Art Garfunkel, released in October 1986 by Columbia Records. The album was written by Jimmy Webb and features vocals by Garfunkel, Amy Grant, and Wimbledon King's College Choir. The Animals' Christmas tells the story of the Nativity of Jesus from the per-spective of the animals present. The album received positive reviews, with one writer calling it "one of the best Christmas albums of the '80s." (Quoted from Wikipedia) Come to Point of Grace on Friday, Decem-ber 11th at 8 pm for a performance of this album with Pastor Hoffman nar-rating. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend with whom you can

share the true meaning of Christmas.

Shown below is the album cover for The Animals’ Christmas, to be played

on December 11th.

Ladies Dinner and Concert Outing

Women of Point of Grace are invited to meet for dinner and attend a Christmas choral concert on Monday, De-cember 14th. We will meet for dinner at a restaurant at 5 pm and then go over to the concert at a Methodist church at 7 pm. One of our members, Cindy Nelson, is part of the chorus. For more information, contact Joan

Everett at joanle@bellsouth.net or 914-475-0125. Cookie Exchange December 19th

Come for some time of fellowship and trading delicious cookies at the Hoffmans’ on Saturday, December 19th at 7:30 pm. Watch for announcements of details or contact

Dotsi at dotsimh@carolina.rr.com.

Point of Grace Press

Pastors, Elders, Deacons, and Staff

Pastor: Fred Hoffman (704) 305-0930 fhoffman7@gmail.com

Pastor Emeritus: Bill Gittner (704) 365-1418 wgittner@bellsouth.neet

Pastoral Assistant: Bill Everett (845) 264-4363 wllmvrt6@gmail.com

Elder: Bill Everett (845) 264-4363 wllmvrt6@gmail.com

Elder: John Lang (704) 765-9200 JohnFLang1000@gmail.com

Deacon: Dan Nelson (704) 746-9420 dannelson98@yahoo.com

Deacon: Jon Ponivas (704) 723-6937 jbponivas@ctc.net

President: Bill Boyd (704) 784-9389 wrboyd@ctc.net

Vice President: Rick Stapula (704) 933-5194 ewstap@aol.com

Secretary: Cathy Trew (704) catherinetrew@parkerpoe.com

Financial Secretary: Linda Stapula (704) 993-5194 preciousnanny@aol.com

Music Director: Alex Mauldin (704) 839-3903 consider88@gmail.com

Altar Guild: Dotsi Hoffman (704) 723-6688 dotsimh@carolina.rr.com

Hospitality: Ann Satterfield (704) 792-9571 ann.sam1225@gmail.com

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

27 28 29 30 31

December, 2015

Christmas Eve Service

7 pm

Service 7 pm

Service 7 pm

Service 7 pm

Sun.School 9:30 am

Worship 11 am

Voter’s Meeting 9:30 am

Worship 11 am

Annual Meeting

Sun.School 9:30 am

Worship 11 am

Sun.School 9:30 am

Worship 11 am

Women’s Christmas

Party 7 pm

Women’s Bible

Study 7 pm

Animals Christmas

Concert 8 pm

Men’s Bible

Study 8 am

Scraps of Love Quilters 9 am

Scraps of Love Quilters 9 am Cookie Ex-change 7:30 pm

Scraps of Love Quilters 9 am

Scraps of Love Quilters 9 am

Page 5

Operation Christmas Child Meet at 2

pm to carpool Tree Décor Christmas Parade

Christmas Day

For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,

who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Ladies Dinner

5 pm, Concert

Point of Grace Press

Point of Grace Service Schedule

December, 2015

Point of Grace Lutheran Church

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1505, Huntersville, NC 28070

Physical Address: 20700 N Main, Suite 104, Cornelius, NC 28031

Email Address: fhoffman7@gmail.com

Website: www.pogchurch.net

Website for The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod

www.lcms.org

Our Corporate Worship:

Sundays

9:30 am Bible Study

Children’s Sunday School

10:30 am Coffee and Fellowship

11:00 am Divine Worship Service Holy Communion

Lutheran Liturgical Blended

Wednesdays 7:00 pm - Holy Communion,

Bible teaching, singing, and praying.

Page 6

www.PoGChurch.net

This is the website for Point of Grace. Find news about upcoming events, links to sermons, the newsletter, and LCMS articles, as well as photos and our serving sched-ule. You can refer friends, family and neighbors to the website to get more information about Point of Grace. Are you a facebook user? Then like our page at

www.facebook.com/pogcnc.

Date Offering Usher Prayer Team Hospitality Reader Altar

December 6 Jon Ponivas Langs Paula Matt H Linda

December 13 Dan Nelson Boyds Sue John L Sue

December 20 Bill Boyd Hoffmans Joan Matt H Dotsi

December 24 Rick Stapula Bill Everett

December 27 John L Everetts Linda Bill Boyd Linda

January 3 Bill Everett Langs Paula Rick S. Sue

Point of Grace members

at work: (clockwise) 2014 Float, Christmas Parade; Scraps of Love Quilters in August; Church cleaning session

on November 14th.

Let every heart prepare Him room