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From the Pastor

January 2014

The first day of the year is known by several titles. The most obvious, of course, is January first. The next most obvious is the name “New Years Day.” In the church, the first day of the year is also the 8^th day of Christmas (Eight Maids a Milking – a reminder of the eight beatitudes). And it is also a festival known either as the Circumcision of Jesus or the Name of Jesus. It remembers the time when Mary and Joseph presented Jesus in the temple for circumcision and the declaration of his name. This event can be found in St. Luke 2: 21-38.

The naming of Jesus, while an established Jewish liturgical event, was also a public event. His name was spoken out loud by Mary and Joseph. In Luke’s account the man Simeon proclaimed that Jesus is the one who is a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of Israel. And the prophet Anna praised God, to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Now, in this new year, make it a point…resolve if you wish…for you also to speak the name of Jesus publicly. Make it a point to share how the name of Jesus helps you, speaks to you, saves you from the power of sin and death. Make it a point to share the name of Jesus and how it is proclaimed and worshiped at Holy Spirit. Make it a point to share the name of Jesus through your witness, service and stewardship.

Let us all resolve to live, act and bear witness in the name of Jesus, sharing his love in word and deed. By this mission may this congregation be known to all who encounter it.

CLIFTON D.ESHBACH

Pastor

Adult Education Class

Check out the January Schedule.

Adult Education at Holy Spirit Winter/Spring 2014*

(*Adult education happens after Sunday worship, about 10:45 a.m.)

Are you ready for new seasons filled with awesome times of learning?

The hits just keep on coming! Join in and welcome our special guests for adults forums, and some Bible study “twists” to keep us thinking. Join your Holy Spirit friends for good conversation, interesting topics and…coffee. There has to be coffee!

Epiphany Term

It’s a different topic each week. From the global church to our life right around the corner and from issues related to aging to how everyone can have fun at church camp.

January 5: Epiphany Blessing of the House

As we exit worship this day, we will stop by the front door as the pastor offers a traditional “Blessing of Our House” for the new year. Children will receive a craft to take home, and each household will receive a copy of the house blessing to use at their home. It’s a great way to begin the new year by asking God to bless the place we call home.

January 12: Lutherans of Ethiopia: A Holy and Courageous Church

Lancaster County has a growing community of Lutherans from Ethiopia. Holy Spirit member Melese Anamo will share the story of the church in his native land and how it brings the gospel to people across the country.

January 19: Our Companions in Christ in Tanzania

Pastor Eshbach will be describing the valuable connection God has provided with our brothers and sisters in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania. He will be joined by the Rev. John Mwasakilali from the Konde Diocese, who is currently studying at Gettysburg Seminary. You’ll see lots of photos of the church at work in Tanzania. And yes, there will be several photos of lions, and elephants and crocodiles, oh my!

January 26: What a Relief For Lutheran World Relief!

Lutheran World Relief is known for its quilts and care kits. But there is much more! Visiting us this day is Mrs. Beth McKinley, Philanthropic Advisor for the Mid-Atlantic Region of LWR. She will be sharing with us about the mission of LWR beyond the distribution of the care kits. We will also learn about our new Holy Spirit quilting group and how we can help them.

Thursday Night Bible Study

The Thursday night dinner and Bible Study at the Apple Tree Restaurant begins the New Year on January 9th.

The Thursday night dinner and Bible Study at the Apple Tree Restaurant begins the New Year on January 9th. The title of the January class is “The First 500 Years”. From the start of the church as recorded in the Book of Acts, through years of persecution and acceptance, we will study the start and growth of Christianity and how we are the descendants of the evangelical witness of many years ago. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. The study is at 7:00 p.m. and the Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 8:00 p.m.

December Worship Assistant Schedule

The congregation is grateful for all those that share their talents in worship.

December 2013 Worship Assistants
	Dec. 8	Dec. 15	Dec. 22	Dec.24 Early	Dec. 24 Late	Dec. 29
Acolytes	Andrew Knaub	Ed Smith	John Schmitt	Sayre Turney	Acolyte:Jeff Reed Torchbearers: Suzann Schwenk Diana Eckert Bible Bearer: Sayre Turney	Charlie Schwenk
Deacons	Chris Tourville Charlie Schwenk	Jim LaPorte Patti LaPorte	Sandy Rohrback Pat Cauler	Ed Smith Andrew Knaub	Bryan Walton Barb Eshbach	Doug Dandridge Candy Steiner
Lectors	Peg Jahnke	Ruth Davis	Walker Phillips	Tim Brixius	Sayre Turney	Betty Emich
Greeters	Glenn & Miriam Nauman	Sue Large Dee Mumma	Harold & Norma Good	Peg Jahnke Ruth Davis	Linda Schmitt Joan Miller	Janet Wiegand Marilyn Knaub
Ushers	Don Eckert Don Jahnke	Bob Slade Russ Provonost	Walt Hurst Ray Brunner	Pat Cauler Walker Phillips	Bob Slade John Schmitt	Don Eckert Deb Cibik
Nursery Assistants	Linda Rogers Shayla Calvetti	Jan Wacker Joan Miller
Altar Guild :Set-up	Diana Thompson	Wilma Houser Mary Jane Lynch	Candy Steiner	Sayre Turney	Sayre Turney	Sayre Turney
:Clean-up	Nancy & Walt Hurst	Bob & Linda Slade	Candy & Dennis Steiner	Sayre Turney	Candy Steiner	Sayre Turney
Council Person	Marilyn Knaub	Kristi Pronovost	Bryan Walton			Pat Winters
Note: If you are unable to serve when you are scheduled please make an effort to find a substitute. If you are able to find a substitute notify the Church office of the change so that the bulletin can reflect the change If you cannot find a substitute please contact one of the persons below. Thank you.
		Sandy Rohrback (Lectors & Deacons)
		Sayre Turney (Acolytes, Greeters, Ushers, Nursery Assistants & Altar Guild)
		Bob Slade (Ushers)