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Salem News January 2021
THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
From December 25 through January 5, we celebrate the twelve days of Christmas. But do we? I think most of
us spend this time recovering from all the pre-Christmas hustle and bustle. There is a carol that is sung each
year at this time known as “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” We have all sung this song, but what do leaping
lords, maids milking, and a partridge really have to do with Christmas.
I read an article some years ago that explained the possible religious significance of the carol. Some religious
historians have suggested that the carol is actually a song about Christian instruction in the faith, perhaps da-
ting back to the religious wars that took place in England during the 16th century. It has been suggested that
there are two levels of meaning: the surface meaning: something we give to a loved one and a deeper level
that reflects various aspects of the Christian faith. Whether or not this is valid I would like to share with you the
alternate meaning of the words of this song. May it add a new dimension to your daily walk in the faith.
The premise is that “my true love” is God and the recipient of the various gifts is every baptized child of God.
The “Partridge in a Pear Tree” is Jesus Christ, the son of God whose birth we celebrate on December 25.
The “Two Turtle Doves” represent the Old and New Testaments that together bear witness to God’s self-
revelation in history and the creation of a people to tell the story of God to the world.
The “Three French Hens” represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope, and Love (1 Corinthians
13:13).
The “Four Calling Birds” represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that proclaim the Good
news of Jesus Christ.
The “Five Golden Rings” represent the first five books of the Old Testament known as the Torah or Pentateuch
(Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy).
The “Six Geese-a-Laying” represent the six days of creation that confess God as creator and sustainer of the
world (Genesis 1).
The “Seven Swans a-Swimming” represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit recorded in Romans 12:6-8
(prophecy, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leadership, and compassion).
The “Eight Maids a-Milking” represent the eight Beatitudes that are found in Matthew 5:3-10.
The “Nine Ladies Dancing” represent the fruit of the Holy Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 (love, joy, peace, pa-
tience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control).
The “Ten Lords a-Leaping” represent the Ten Commandments that are found in Exodus 20:1-17 and Deuter-
onomy 5:6-21.
The “Eleven Pipers Piping” represent the eleven faithful apostles found listed in Luke 6:14-15 (Simon Peter,
Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James–son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and
Judas–son of James. Judas Iscariot is not included as one of the eleven pipers since he betrayed Jesus).
The Twelve Drummers Drumming” represent the twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed: 1) I believe in
God the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth. 2) I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord. 3)
He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. 4) He suffered under Pontius
Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. 5) On the third
day he rose again. He ascended into heaven. He is seated at the right hand of the Fa-
ther. 6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead. 7) I believe in the Holy Spir-
it. 8) I believe in the holy catholic church. 9) I believe in the communion of saints. 10) I
believe in the forgiveness of sins. 11) I believe in the resurrection of the body. 12) I be-
lieve in the life everlasting.
I hope that you have had a Blessed “Twelve Days of Christmas” and that you have a
Christ-filled New Year.
In Christ, Pastor Mike
January 2021 Page 1
CHURCH COUNCIL WHAT IS EPIPHANY?
President
The word Epiphany is derived from the Greek word, “epiphaneia”, which
Steve Morford means “appearance” or “manifestation.” Epiphany is the third oldest festival in the
309-786-7032 church year (after Easter and Pentecost). Like Christmas, Epiphany is related to a
pagan solstice festival. Many centuries ago, the church set aside January 6, and
Vice President called that day Epiphany. This day in the western church came to be associated with
Linda Davidson the visit of the Magi. Christians recognize the visit of the Magi as a symbol that Je-
309-236-5624 sus was born not for one group of people, but that he was the “Light of the World.”
Consequently, the celebration of Epiphany is sometimes referred to as the “Festival
Treasurer of Lights.”
Nancy Patterson There is one very interesting tradition that has emerged over the years relat-
309-737-3821 ed to Epiphany. Children in France fill their shoes with oats and then place them on
the doorsteps of their houses on the Eve of Epiphany. This is done so that when the
Magi come by during the night, their camels will have something to eat. The next
Secretary morning in response to this kindness shown to their camels, the Magi leave the chil-
Rita Gustafson dren’s shoes filled with gifts.
309-721-4363 Take some time on the Eve of Epiphany this year to remember the “Light of
the World” that has come into your life. You may use the following prayer as a part of
Learning this observance:
Miranda Luder “Lord God, on this day you revealed your Son to the nations by the leading of
309–235-7263 a star. Lead us now by faith to know your presence in our lives, and bring us at last
to the full vision of your glory, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives
Property and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Howard Findahl
309-792-5616 “Have a “Blessed Epiphany!”
Pastor Mike
Worship
Stephanie Elliott
SAVE THE DATE “FINANCIAL REPORTS
309-428-8545
FOR ANNUAL MEETING
• Confirmation Class resumes
Service
on Wednesday January 6th
Becky Leuck The Audit Committee requests
over zoom
309-945-8844 anyone with financial reports to
• Sunday School begins again
please turn them in to the church
with a Drive Thru on Sunday
Youth office as early in January as pos-
January 10th
Alison Locander sible. Bank statements, check
• A new series of Wednesday
309-797-1392 registers, spreadsheets, and any-
morning Bible Study begins
thing else you can think of that
on January 13th.
Witness will help us as we audit the vari-
• Congregational Meeting to
Darlene Hann ous accounts of the church will be
approve the budget will be
309-797-2282 greatly appreciated. Thank you!”
held oon Jan 31st.
Stewardship
Open
Pastor
Mike Lawyer ATTENDANCE FOR DECEMBER
309-230-6185
Facebook hits Youtube hits Total
Dec 6 171 30 201
Dec 13 796 78 874
Dec 20 210 64 274
Dec 24 385 89 474
Dec 27 222 26 248
Avg. of all services 357 57 414
January 2021 Page 2
COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS December 8, 2020 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. by President Steve Morford. Pastor Lawyer led a devotion from the writings of John Maxwell. Present: R. Gustafson, D. Hann, Pr Lawyer, B. Leuck, A. Locander, S. Morford, N. Patterson. Absent: L. Davidson, S. Elliott, H. Findahl, M. Luder Minutes: N. Patterson moved to accept the November meeting minutes. The motion carried. Treasurer’s Report: Nancy reported that the income for November was on-budget, but giving is down for the year over all. Historically, December tends to be a good giving month, so we hope to catch up then. In the meantime, we will pay all of our mission support, local supportive ministries, Parish Nurse’s salary, and for boiler repairs. Nancy Patterson hopes to have a preliminary 2021 budget to the council by next week. It will be a bare bones budget based on COVID restrictions and having an interim pastor. Should the situation change, we may need to prepare a new budg- et. Howard Findahl asked for a copy of his budget (department 12), which has been delivered. Pastor’s Report: Pastor presented his written report to the council. Pastor mentioned that Joan Bowling had died. Staff Reports: Sally Patterson’s written report was presented to the council. Committee Reports: The COVID team has met and continues its work. A Stewardship letter, prepared by Steve Morford, went out in the Bulletin and we are waiting for responses from the Congregation. The Worship Committee met to make plans for Christmas. Witness, Service, Learning had nothing new to report. Property – The carpeting is being laid in the new chapel. We are using 2’ X 2’ carpet tiles for this area. The Boiler needed repairs again. We were having difficulty with it needing to be reset daily. J.L. Brady was called to do a complete diagnostic and explanation of the problem. There is plas- ter falling in the balcony, so there is still a leak in that area. Property or Steve Morford will call the company that did the brickwork to repair the issue. There is also part of the sanctuary ceiling that is sagging and falling, as well as a crack in the sidewall by the pulpit, which may be caused by leaks on the third floor. We have asked for a bid from 1-800-GotJunk to discard the items from the kitchen off of the youth room. Once that bid comes in, it will be sent to the council. Old Business: A preliminary budget will be sent to the council group email in the next week. New Business: The Annual Congregational meeting will take place on January 31, 2021. Pastor Lawyer mentioned that Pastor Clark from the Synod Office held a pastor’s meeting on how to conduct a congrega- tional meeting via Zoom. Call Committee: There will be a special congregational meeting to ap- prove the call committee on December 20 via Zoom. . See page 6 for minutes from that meeting The meeting adjourned at 7:51 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rita Gustafson, Secretary January 2021 Page 3
YOUTH
SUNDAY SCHOOL, 9:00AM
January 3r
No Sunday School
January 10 t
Drive-thru Sunday School. Drive thru and say “Hi” to the Bergesons and McCurdy’s
between 9:00-9:45AM for a Drive-thru focused on “Hope”. We all need little hope
these days. With God hope is always and this packet will help you find that. Activities
include a Skittle prayer, Hope craft and activities and of course a treat. Hope to see
you there!
January 17 t
Virtual Sunday School. Join us for a fun, “hands-on” lesson about God. Zoom infor
mation will be sent at a later date.
January 24 t
Drive-thru Sunday School. Families can drive through the church portico between
9:00-9:45AM to receive a treat as well as a craft/activity from the Morrow family.
January 31 No Sunday School. We hope that you attend the Annual Meeting via Zoom.
Salem Youth of all
ages participated in the
“ABC’s of Christmas”
program for the Decem-
ber 13th worship service.
January 2021 Page 4
Dear Salem friends, We wish to say
thank you for the Christmas goody bag
and Poinsettia we received yesterday.
The thoughtfulness we have received
this year is much appreciated. Merry
Christmas to all! Twinscerly yours, Anita Thank
& Annette Dietz
you
Salem, WOW! What a wonderful bag of
treats that you brought to me. I was
ready for a new desk calendar. I have a
sweet tooth and will look forward to the
pudding, santas, smarties and also enjoy
the crispy crackers. It’s the time of the
year for chapsticka nd Kleenex and hand
cream. My stained glass cross is hang-
ing on my Christmas tree. My heartfelt
thanks to the Sunday School, and my
memory stone is a real treasure. And my
poinsettia– it is gorgeous. Please except
my heartfelt thanks for remembering me
and my gratitude for the joy you have
given me. A blessed Christmas to all,
June Piff
Dear All, Dear Salem, Thank you for the Christ-
Thank you for taking the time to deliver care packages mas goodies! I love the cross the Sun-
to our elderly members. We reached 33 households! I day School made for me! And the
have heard back from so many of you and them saying
books, bookmark, and calendar! Love,
they are very thankful to be remembered this time of
year. Debbie Holliday.
Our drivers included: Denise Gidel, Darla Smith, Pete
and Linda Davidson, Wayne Thompson, Karin Martin,
Wendi Smith (Ella & Emma), Margie Hulsbrink, Bonnie
Casper, Sally Krantz and Nancy Lindstrom, Jim and
Marti Kernan, Pastor Mike and Debbie, Rene and Ste-
ve Morford, Donna Weeks and the Morrow family.
Those who donated items for the care packages in-
clude: Margie Hulsbrink, Rene Robinson, Debbie Law-
yer, Bob & Nadyne Stockhecke, Linda Davidson, Karin
Martin, Eileen Pruasator, Karen Ege, and Darleen
Hann
We hope to deliver more care packages in Febru-
ary. We hope you would consider driving again.
Sally Patterson
January 2021 Page 5
SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING
Sunday, December 20, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom
Quorum: With 25 people required to reach a quorum, a quorum was confirmed.
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 9:36 a.m. by President Steve Morford, who indicat-
ed that the sole item of business to be considered at this meeting is to approve/confirm the call com-
mittee. As such, the minutes from the last congregational meeting will be approved at the January
congregational meeting.
Call Committee: The Congregational Council serves as the nominating entity for the call committee.
Our constitution requires that all people placed in nomination for a call committee must agree to serve
prior to being approved by the congregation, and all these people have agreed to do so. The slate of
call committee members being put forth for a vote are:
Karen Ege
Jon Gustafson
Rita Gustafson
Wendy Hilton Morrow
Heather Locander
Rene Morford
Wayne Thompson
Dick Castle moved that the congregation accept the slate of nominees to the call committee. Becky
VanErstevelde seconded. The motion carried unanimously.
Steve Morford announced that, now that the names have been approved by congregational vote, he
will pass the list of the committee on to Pastor Michel Clark with the Northern Illinois Synod.
PARISH NURSE
Thank you everyone for your support on our
There is a free zoom yoga class that will be Jan. virtual Angel Tree this year!!! We were able to
l5, 12, 19, and 26 .Registration closes on Janu-
th
give gifts to 40 children/teens as well as turn
ary 4 @ 10am. This is being offered because of
a grant given by Unity Point Health Quad Cities in a few extra gifts for kids in need with the bit
to the Moline Public Library. It is chair yoga from on money we had extra!!
your home and offers standing and seated poses
for those who need extra support. It is open for
all levels and for everybody. I would need your
first name, last name, email address, phone
number before the 4 of January so I can get you
th
registered. Please call Parish Nurse, Melody
Schnell RN if you are interested and I will do my
best to get you signed in for the zoom. Registra-
tion is required for the Zoom link!
Melody, Parish Nurse
January 2021 Page 6
SECOND SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS
Within the gospel reading's profound words lies the simple message that God is revealed in
a human person. Though we may try to understand how the Word existed with God from
the beginning of time, the wonder we celebrate at Christmas is that the Word continues to
dwell among us. Christ comes among us in the gathered assembly, the scriptures, the wa-
ters of new birth, and the bread and the wine. Through these ordinary gifts we receive the
fullness of God's grace and truth.
PRELUDE “Six Christmas Pieces Op. 72 No 1” Laura Crumbleholme
By Felix Mendelssoh
WELCOME/ANNOUNCEMENTS
Please stand as you are able
CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS
All may make the sign of the cross, the sign marked at baptism, as the presiding minister be-
gins.
P Blessed be the holy Trinity, + one God,
who was in the beginning,
who makes a dwelling among us,
who covers us with justice and mercy.
C Amen.
P Let us confess our sin in the presence of God and of one another.
Silence is kept for reflection.
P God of goodness and lovingkindness,
C we confess that we have sinned against you
and our neighbors.
We have turned away from your invitation to new life.
We have turned away from the lowly and downtrodden.
In your abundant mercy, forgive us our sins,
those we know and those known only to you,
for the sake of the one who came to live among us,
Jesus Christ, our Savior. Amen.
P Hear the good news of peace and salvation!
God forgives us all our sins,
not through our own work,
but through + Jesus Christ, made known to all people.
With all who come to the manger,
rejoice in this amazing gift of grace.
C Amen.
Please stand as you are able
GATHERING HYMN “Love Has Come” Hymn 292
Love has come--a light in the darkness! Love explodes in the Bethlehem skies.
See, all heaven has come to proclaim it; Hear how their song of joy arises:
Love! Love! Born unto you, a Savior! Love! Love! Glory to God on high.
January 2021 Page 7
Love is born! Come share in the wonder; Love is God now asleep in the hay.
See the glow in the eyes of His mother; What is the name her heart is saying?
Love! Love! Love is the name she whispers; Love! Love! Jesus, Immanuel.
Love has come and never will leave us! Love is life everlasting and free.
Love is Jesus within and among us; Love is the peace our hearts are seeking.
Love! Love! Love is the gift of Christmas; Love! Love! Praise to You, God on high!
GREETING
P The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit
be with you all.
C And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
L Almighty God, you have filled all the earth with the light of your incarnate Word. By your
grace empower us to reflect your light in all that we do, through Jesus Christ, our Sav
ior and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for
ever.
C Amen.
Please be seated.
FIRST READING: Jeremiah 31:7-14 L The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
SECOND READING: Ephesians 1:3-14 L The Word of the Lord. C Thanks be to God.
Please stand as you are able.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
P The Holy Gospel According to St John, the 1st Chapter.
C Glory to you, O Lord.
GOSPEL: John 1: 1-18
P The gospel of the Lord. C Praise to you, O Christ.
Please be seated
SERMON Pastor Mike Lawyer
HYMN OF THE DAY “Word of God, Come Down on Earth” Hymn 510
Word of God, come down on earth, living rain from heaven descending;
touch our hearts and bring to birth faith and hope and love unending.
Word almighty, we revere you; Word made flesh, we long to hear you.
Word eternal, throned on high, Word that brought to life creation,
Word that came from heaven to die, crucified for our salvation,
saving Word, the world restoring, speak to us, your love outpouring.
Word that speaks God's tender love, one with God beyond all telling,
Word that sends us from above God the Spirit, with us dwelling,
Word of truth, to all truth lead us; Word of life, with one bread feed us.
January 2021 Page 8
Please stand as you are able.
APOSTLES’ CREED
P God has made us his people through our Baptism into Christ. Living together in trust
and hope, we confess our faith.
C I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord. He
was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died,
and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third
day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is
seated at the right hand of the Father.
He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
A Joining our voices with the song of the angels, let us pray for the church, the world, and
all who are in need.
A brief silence.
A Redeeming God, you gather together your people from the farthest parts of the earth.
Protect your church from stumbling. Let it not be overcome by sorrow, division, or des-
pair. Make us radiant with goodness, that we might live always to the praise of your glo-
ry. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
A You bring together heaven and earth. All creation testifies to your splendor. Hold the
ecosystems of this earth in delicate balance, from coastlands to farmlands, forests to
wetlands, deserts to rainforests. Show us new ways to live in harmony with the world
around us. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
A You overflow with grace upon grace. Expand the imaginations of those who serve in
positions of authority. Open their hearts to the needs of their nations and communities.
Protect all those in harm's way and those risking danger for the sake of others. Hear us, O
God.
C Your mercy is great.
A You bring consolation to those who weep. Embrace those who feel far-off, excluded, or
defeated. Accompany those living with chronic and invisible illness. Sustain the weak
and weary. Refresh those who labor under the weight of pain or sickness especially for
Colleen Allen, Marilyn Benson, Mandy Bergeson, Amy Bowling, Margaret Castle, Linda
Czupka, Doug Deblaey, Andrew Doyle, Dick and Mary Fislar, Mary Gidel, Barb Hauf,
Mark Karstens, Jim Kernan, Sue Ketelaar, Pastor Jane McChesney, Laurel Pope, Debbie
Roth, Merlin and Marilyn Swanson, Don and Claudette Swensson, Shirley Thurwanger,
Ben Whitcomb, Mike VanAcker, Myron Yoeckel, and those we name in our hearts. Hear
us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
January 2021 Page 9
A You come to us in the beauty of darkness and of light. Bring justice and reconciliation to
communities divided by oppressions and misuse of power. Guide us to speak holy words
of advocacy and truth. Help us to honor your image in one another. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
A You turn our mourning into joy. We give thanks for those who have died in faith espe-
cially those we name in our hearts. With all the saints, give us our inheritance in Christ. In
the fullness of time, gather us all together in your mercy. Hear us, O God.
C Your mercy is great.
P God of mercy, come quickly to us with grace upon grace as we lift these and all our
prayers to you, in the name of Jesus.
C Amen.
PEACE
P The peace of Christ be with you always.
C And also with you.
LORD'S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our tres-
passes, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and
ever. Amen.
BLESSING
P Almighty God, who sent the Holy Spirit to Mary, proclaimed joy through the angels,
sent the shepherds with good news, and led the magi by a star, bless you this day +
through the Word made flesh.
C Amen.
CLOSING HYMN “In the Bleak Midwinter” Hymn 294
In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan, earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow, in the bleak midwinter, long ago.
Heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;
heav'n and earth shall flee away when he comes to reign;
in the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed the Lord God almighty, Jesus Christ.
What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd I would bring a lamb;
if I were a wise man I would do my part; yet what I can I give him - give my heart.
DISMISSAL
A Go in peace. Share the gift of Jesus.
C Thanks be to God. Alleluia!
Postlude “In the Bleak Midwinter” Laura Crumbleholme
Arr. by Carol Tornquist
January 2021 Page 10Dorothy Nystrom died on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at
heartland Health Care Center in Moline. Jesus carried her
home to heaven and she is reunited with her husband, son,
sisters, and all those who made that journey home to heaven
before her. Services will be announced at a later date. Please
keep her family in your prayers.
MEMORIALS
In Loving Memory of Dr. CG and Helen Carlfelt
Given by….. Jeff Lind
In Loving Memory of Dick Steelman
Given by…..Jean Steelman
In Loving Memory of Joan Bowling
Given by…..Dick and Margaret Castle, Bonnie Casper
In Loving Memory of Christine Gernant
Given by….. Bob and Eileen Prusator, Jan Beebe, Karen and Jim Staes
In Loving Memory of Bob Ickes
Given by….. Karen and Jim Staes
In Loving Memory of Sunny Tedell
Given by…..Jim and Marti Kernan
In Loving Memory of Dorothy Nystrom
Given by…..Jim and Marti Kernan, Darlene Hann, Bob and Nadyne Stockhecke, Bonnie Casper
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS
Mandy Bergeson 1/1 Benjamin Klocke 1/17
Amy Tollenaer 1/1 Linda Lundgren 1/19
Sarah Tollenaer 1/2 Howard Findahl 1/20
Elizabeth Otten 1/5 Jay Morrow 1/21
Adriana Sabat 1/8 Morgan Nesbitt 1/21
Marti Kernan 1/11 Lawrence Ontiveros 1/21
Joann Knochemus 1/12 Lori Dahlstrom 1/23
Beth Tagtmeier 1/12 Bryton Cole 1/24
Barbara Tillberg 1/12 Catherine Tillberg 1/25
Heather Locander 1/13 Laurie Figley 1/26
Richard Jones 1/14 Owen Kump 1/28
Mary Gidel 1/16 Hildegard Kostka 1/30
Tyler Wilburn 1/16
January 2021 Page 11Salem Lutheran Church
1724 15th Street
Moline, IL 61265 January
309-764-5614
www.salemmoline.org
Worship:
Saturday 3pm youtube
Sunday 10am facebook
Office Hours: by appoint-
ment due to the pandemic
Rene gathered a great group of masked
volunteers to decorate the Christmas Tree
at Salem again this year. The tree was lit
all the time, so anyone who drove past
Salem could see our Christmas spirit.
January 2021 Page 12You can also read
