Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church
101 Vance St. Kannapolis, NC 28081
Kimball Communicator
Reverend John Futterer-Senior Pastor Liz Fisher, AIM-Minister of Faith Formation Mrs. Gail Mosher– Church Office Manager
Mr. Don Simmons– Music Director Rev. Dr. David R. Keck, Pastor Emeritus
December 2017 News and Newsletter Online at: WWW.KIMBALLCHURCH.ORG 704- 933-4101
Inside this Issue:
•Pastor’s article •Financial •Preschool, Stewardship, Youth Events •Upcoming Events •Homebound •December Birthdays •Prayer page •Signed up to serve •Calendar •Kids Page
FROM THE PASTOR The Twelve Days of
Christmas With so many of our Radio Stations and Shopping Malls playing Christmas Music so early, I thought it interesting to find these facts about one of our most popular Christmas Carols, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Liturgical Churches like ours celebrate the Christmas Season for 12 days…until Epiphany – January 6th – when we celebrate the coming of the Magi. But did you know that the gifts given in the Christmas Carol, also have a deeply religious meaning? Written by an unknown English Priest to help catechize children, the carol found a unique way of teaching the truths of the Gospel Beginning with the words: On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me…The “True Love” referred to God the Father, and the “Me” represents the Christians who receive the gifts. The “Partridge in a Pear Tree” is Jesus. Why a partridge? Mother partridges are known for feigning injury to decoy predators from their babies. The children were thereby taught about Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf. The two turtle doves represented the Old and New Testaments. The three French hens symbolized faith, hope, and love – the three great virtues we should display as we grow in our commitment to Jesus Christ. The other symbols: • Four calling birds – the Four Gospels • Five golden rings – the first five books of the Bible, the Pentateuch • Six geese a laying – the six days of creation • Seven swans a-swimming – the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit • Eight maids a-milking – the eight Beatitudes of Matthew 5 • Nine ladies dancing – nine choirs of angels • Ten lords a-leaping – the Ten Commandments • Eleven pipers piping – the eleven faithful disciples • Twelve drummers drumming – the twelve articles of the Apostles’ Creed It’s awfully easy in this season to get caught up in the secular parts of the season…it happens every year – and no one likes Bing Crosby and Perry Como more than me! But, let us keep Jesus as the center of our Holiday (Holy day) celebrations…and keep the true meaning of Christmas all year long! Peace, love, Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year! Pastor John
Worship Times:
8:30am Contemporary
9:45am Agape Time
and Sunday School
11:00am Traditional
Page 2 Kimball Communicator
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 am-4:00 pm
Through Sunday,
November 12, 2017
$0.00
$5,000.00
$10,000.00
$15,000.00
$20,000.00
$25,000.00
$30,000.00
$35,000.00
$40,000.00
$45,000.00
$50,000.00
Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17
Kimball Monthly Total Offering vs Monthly Target**Incl udes General Fund and Mortgage Loan Only
Data Source: Weekly Bulletin Insert
Offering Total Goal - $42,000
546
600
767
707
808
650
612
550
866
616 611
809
618 621
825
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17
Kimball Monthly Total AttendanceData Source: Weekly Bulletin Insert
Attendance
$57.55$60.31
$56.60
$49.74
$57.54 $57.42 $57.84
$68.85
$49.80
$56.19$53.20
$47.91
$52.76 $52.96
$46.36
$72.88
$0.00
$10.00
$20.00
$30.00
$40.00
$50.00
$60.00
$70.00
$80.00
Aug-16 Sep-16 Oct-16 Nov-16 Dec-16 Jan-17 Feb-17 Mar-17 Apr-17 May-17 Jun-17 Jul-17 Aug-17 Sep-17 Oct-17 Nov-17
Kimball Average Giving Per AttendeeData Source: Weekly Bulletin Insert
Series1 Linear (Series1)
Page 3 Kimball Communicator
KMLC Preschool News I can’t believe it’s already
December! The children will be learning all about the birth of Jesus, giving to others. The
Biblical themes for December are Angels Visit, The Birth of
Jesus, and Wisemen. The children have decorated and signed Christmas Cards for the Stockings for the Soldiers that we will send to
the troops. We are also preparing for our Christmas Program. The children are working
hard on learning the words, motions, and where to stand for their performance. Thank you for
your continued support!
God Bless, Carey Swanner, Preschool Director
Youth Events Happening in
December With all that is
happening around the church the youth are a very active part of the ministry here at
Kimball Lutheran. We have many events that are coming up and some events that we need
to get on everyone’s calendars for 2018!
Dec 3– 3-5 Alive Laser Tag and Lunch The 3-5 Alive group will head to play Laser Tag after church on December 3rd. We will
meet back at the church at 12:30, go for some Wendy’s then head to play laser tag. Cost is
$20.00 and we should be back around 4:30pm! Hope you can join us and friends are
welcome. We will rent a Van for this trip!
Dec 10th– HS/MS Progressive Christmas Dinner
We will continue our tradition of having our Progressive Christmas Dinner. We are in need of 3 houses. One for apps, one for a
main course and one for dessert. We would love to have you participate. Please let Liz
know if you are willing to host!
Dec 20th 5-7pm ALL YOUTH CHRISTMAS CAROLING We would like to go and spread some Christmas JOY with some Christmas
Caroling. We will have a couple cars and will go to about 5-6 houses to Carol. If you are
interested in going we would love to have you! NO COST EVENT!
Dec 28th 11am HS/MS Lunch and Movie Our HS/MS Group will meet on December 28th @ Carolina Mall Food Court to enjoy lunch and a Movie. Cost is $20.00 and we hope you can come. Friends are welcome!
Coming Up: HS/MS-LYO Assembly Feb 23-25th. 2018, 3-5 Alive-BYG Camp March 23-25th, 2018,
April 20th-22nd,2018 Faith Alive @ Lutheridge for the confirmation group.
STEWARDSHIP FOR ALL SEASONS
We were so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from the parish regarding our 2018 Stewardship For All Sea-sons Appeal. So far – and it’s not too late for you to turn in your commitment form – we have well over half of our congregational members participating…and over $394,000 pledged for the coming year. We will keep you updated in December bulletins as to additional gifts/commitments for the New Year.
FYI from Pastor John : I wanted to assure members/friends that ONLY the Treasurer and
Secretary have access to giving or pledged amounts of individuals at Kimball Memorial. The 'Thank you' letter from the Council and
Stewardship Committee was meant to focus on thanking members for their love and
commitment to the Church. But please know that nothing has changed regarding privacy -
neither the Council or any Committee has access to individual giving/pledged
amounts...nor does the Pastor!
Peace and Love! PJ
Page 4 Kimball Communicator
Christmas Cantata– Sunday December 17th 10am Worship Service
On December 17th at 10:00 the adult choir, contemporary ensemble, and the praise band
will present the Christmas cantata, "Praise Noels" by Don Marsh.
This work is a wonderful blending of praise
songs we love and Christmas carols we love.
"Joy to the World", "Angels From the Realms of Glory", "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel", and "Silent Night" are some of our favorite carols
included along with, "I Could Sing of Your Love Forever", "Here I am to Worship", "Shout to the
Lord", and other praise songs.
As we sing these happy carols and songs of worship we express joy in a world of trouble
because God "so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish, but have everlasting
life".
The prophet Isaiah spoke of the coming of Jesus, the Messiah, and told us to, "Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious things...sing for joy...for great is the Holy One of Israel among
you. (Is 12:5-6)
So, at this happy season we will celebrate Christ's birth and also worship our risen Savior
with the words of Psalm 92, "It is good to praise the Lord and make music to Your name,
O Most High, to proclaim Your love in the morning and Your faithfulness at night... I sing
for joy at the works of Your hands. You, O Lord, are exalted forever."
DECEMBER WORSHIP CHRISTMAS EVE
WORSHIP SCHEDULES
Our worship schedule for December will be a bit different this year because of the way the calendar falls this year. We’ll try to keep you up to date each week via bulletins and phone trees, but here’s a schedule that you can refer to during the month.
• December 3 rd and 10 th – 2 Morning Worship Services 8:30 &11:00.
• December 17 th – One Service at 10:00 – Christmas Cantata and music from our children’s choir.
• December 24 th – One Service at 10am- 4th Sunday in Advent
• Christmas Eve Services 5:00 PM (Family Candlelight Service) 11:00 PM (Special Music for the Season begins at 10:30 PM) Please note: This year, both of the Christmas Eve Services will feature beautiful candlelight. A nursery will be provided for the 5:00pm service.
• December 31 st – One morning Service at 10am (Service of Lessons and Carols)
We hope that all of worship services are meaningful in this Holy Season…if you have any questions about the worship services, please contact the Church Office.
To-do list for little Lutherans
Celebrate the table
Martin Luther often gathered with family, friends and
visitors at the table. They shared meals and conversation. They opened their lives to one another. They learned and listened. Anytime is a great time to enjoy a simple meal and conversation at the table.
Invite your neighbors or someone you’d like to get to know better to dinner with your family.
You could even put a picnic table in your front yard and see who stops by for conversation.
Celebrate trees Martin Luther is often (mis)quoted as saying, “If I
knew the world was to end tomorrow, I would still plant an apple tree today.” Many groups have engaged in projects to plant trees to observe the Reformation. As a family, you
might go to a nursery and buy a tree. Plant one in your yard or see if your church could use
another tree. Say a prayer and give thanks for the life of the tree and the
future generations that will experience its growth.
Celebrate songs There’s something about the fall that makes me
want to gather around a campfire and sing. Maybe you don’t have a campfire, but as a
family you can gather in your home or at church and sing songs. Invite everyone to share their favorite song or hymn and sing together. You
don’t need a piano or organ, just your voices. To celebrate the Reformation anniversary, you could share the hymns of Martin Luther with
your family.
Page 5 Kimball Communicator
December 13th @ 11:30am will be a catered meal at the church with the program provided by our Preschool Children. Cost is $10.00 and
a sign up will be up by the end of November.
Please note that in December we’ll also have the
opportunity to share our talents with the congregation
as we fill out our Time and Talent Sheets for 2018. We ask that you
prayerfully consider how you might serve your congregation in the coming New Year.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for two
events already scheduled for 2018. The Valentine's Day Dance sponsored by
our Youth returns this coming year on Saturday, February 10th...scheduled to begin at 5:30 PM. This event has not been held in
a few years, and is being brought back by Popular Demand!!!
We will also have a Covered Dish Dinner and Parish Talent Show, on Sunday evening, April
29th at 7:00 PM. This will be a chance to enjoy the best food around - Kimball Cooking! - and to showcase our talents to our church family. You'll hear more about both of these events in coming weeks...but do mark your calendars now and reserve time/space for
these two fun events!
Page 6
December Birthdays 1 Ligia Larsen, Addison Fisher 3 Georgann Sapp 8 Jo Hendrickson, Elbert Cline 11 Chris Beaver 13 John Reaney 15 Jim Harris 16 Steve Lynch 18 Kiana Sinz 19 Preston Mays 20 Bob Hill 25 Brian Sloop 26 Cliff Scott 27 Marty Sides 29 Colbie Beck 30 Jerry Beam 31 Robert Ballard Jr.
Homebound Members
Lutheran Home •Gladys Litaker Brian Center-Lincolnton •Eleanor Foil Transitional •Robert Busteed, Sr. •Patty Morris Caremoor •Aileen Triece •Kathleen Ridenhour •Shirley Vellente Brookdale •Arlene Bostian Big Elm •Libby Meadows •Gertie McDaniel Morningside •Libby Hunsuck Liberty Commons •Lucille Rayson The Carriage House @ Caremoor •Norma Matheny Trinity Oaks •Robert Gribble Taylor Glen •Evelyn Whitley At their home •Rachel Edmiston •Sylvia Graham •Jo Henrickson •Doris McCarn •Bettie Overcash •Jane Ritchie •Marty Sides •Earline Snipes
Prayer Page Have someone in need of some prayer? Add them to our prayer page! Military: Ben Ballard, Robert Busteed, Jr. (Norfolk, VA), Tanner Triece (Georgia), Andrew Smith (Arizona), Chris Kirchner, Ben Kirchner (Texas), Devon Scott (Washington), Vance Parker (Colorado) Kimball members : Gail Anderson, Debbie, Jennifer, & Mykaela Bennet, Sherry Bennett, Jim Daugherty, Bruce Davis, Rachel Edmiston, Todd Haley, Louise Jackson, Sherry Johnson, Alice Lloyd, Peggy & Steve Lynch, Joyce & Garry Mallernee, Norma Matheny, Bettie Overcash, Amy Price, Lucille Rayson, Margaret Sechler, Marty Payne, John Shaver, Marty Sides, Conrad Sloop, Tammy Stearns, Justin Troutman, Shirley Vellente
Page 7 Kimball Communicator
December Service
Kimball’s Ministers in service on Sundays
MONTHLY TELLERS 9:00 am each Monday Jim Harris & Susan Harris
COUNCIL ASSISTANTS 8:30 Laura Abernathy & Melissa Little 11:00 John Glass
COMMUNION PREPARERS 8:30 Jim & Sue Harris 11:00 Tim & Huyla Jackson
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS 8:30am 3 Donna Taylor 10 Bob Hill 17@10:00 am Nancy Demeny 24@ 10:00 am Darian Miller 24 @ 5:00pm Pastor John 24 @ 10:30pm Mike Fisher 31 @ 10:00am Liz Fisher 11:00am 3 Tony Lippard 10 Kaylee Helfrich
ACOLYTES 8:30am 3 Zander/Zoey Nichols 10 Ella/Ava Ramsey 17@10:00am Zander/Zoey Nichols 24@ 10:00 am Zander & Zoey Nichols 24 @ 5:00pm Landen/Kamden Ridgell 24 @ 10:30pm Ella/Ava Ramsey 31 @ 10:00am Gracie Matheny 11:00am 3 Gracie Matheny 10 William Sloop
PROJECTION (Video) 8:30am 3 Debbie Troutman 10 Mike Abernathy 17@10:00am TBD 24@ 10:00 am TBD 24 @ 5:00pm TBD 24 @ 10:30pm TBD 31 @ 10:00am Debbie Troutman 11:00am 3 Milton Matheny 10 TBD
SOUND (Audio) 8:30am 3 Keith Garver 10 Rick Teumer 17@10:00am Howard Bentley 24@ 10:00 am TBD 24 @ 5:00pm TBD 24 @ 10:30pm TBD 31 @ 10:00am TBD 11:00am 3 TBD 10 John Glass
LECTORS 8:30am 3 Fran Patterson 10 Mary Jo Snipes 17@10:00 am (Not needed) 24@ 10:00 am Mike Abernathy 24 @ 5:00pm Pastor John 24 @ 10:30pm Mike Fisher 31 @ 10:00am (Lessons & Carols) 11:00am 3 Eric Helfrich 10 Betsy Smith
GREETERS 8:30am 3 Jim & Ann Fisher 10 Jenny Jones & Todd Haley 17@10:00am Sharon Brothers 24@ 10:00 am Debbie Troutman Jessica Troutman 24 @ 5:00pm Ruth Dysart Circle 24 @ 10:30pm Ruth Dysart Circle 31 @ 10:00am Rick/Doris Teumer 11:00am 3 Ruth Dysart Circle 10 Ruth Dysart Circle
HEALING MINISTERS 8:30 Peggy Lynch 11:00 Anne Futterer
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Kimball Memorial Lutheran Church Kimball Communicator-Newsletter 101 Vance St. Kannapolis, NC 28081 704-933-4101
If you know of a member of the congregation who is sick, hospitalized or has special needs, con-tact the church office @ 704-933-4101, Pastor John Futterer @ 704-699-2547 or Liz Fisher @ 704-713-1758. The e-mail for the church ([email protected]) is not monitored on
the weekends. Thank You!
Please