Christmas Joy by Patra Mueller, Family Life Minister
“But the Angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the City of David, A Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:11
These simple words written over 2,000 years ago are often glossed over during the Christmas season, but they have such a profound message: Jesus was born to bring JOY to all people! Regardless of what is happening in your life right now, Jesus was born to bring you joy and hope. Stop for a moment and take this profound message in. The God of the Universe was born for YOU!
We will be celebrating this simple, yet profound message throughout the month of December. I invite you to join us at Hope Church on Sunday, December 13 at the 10:30 am service for our Sunday School Christmas drama “The Christmas Carol: Special Report”. You will experience Christmas joy watching the children share the traditions from around the world and reciting the words from the first Christmas story.
You are also welcome to experience Christmas joy at all of our Sunday worship services in December at 8:00 am (traditional) and 10:30 (contemporary). The nursery is available for infants –three year olds. Children’s church is offered for children three years old-2nd grade during the 10:30 service. Our Christmas Eve services are at 4:00 pm (Family Service), 6:00 pm (Contemporary Service) and 11:00 pm (Candlelight Communion Service) and Christmas Day, 10:30 am (Traditional Service). I look forward to celebrating Christmas Joy with you!
Calendar of Events – Click Here
Wed. 12/2: 8:40 AM Chapel led by 2nd Gr. with Guest Speaker
Fri. 12/4: Free Dress Day
Wed. 12/9: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Pastor Eilers / 7:00 PM 1st – 5th Gr. Christmas Concert
Fri. 12/11: 6:30 PM Preschool & Kindergarten Christmas Concert
Wed. 12/16: No Chapel Today / 7:00 PM Sounds of Christmas
Fri. 12/18: 8:40 AM Chapel led by Kindergarten / Noon Dismiss for Christmas Break / ESC “XTRA” Open / Free Dress Day
Sports Events Calendar – Click Here
Chapel Offerings
Our December Chapel Offerings will support Living Water International whose mission is to bring clean water and life to people around the world. The past three years during the month of December, Pastor Peter has challenged us to “Buy Less, so we can Give more”. As a result, Hope Church has built three different fresh water wells in Nicaragua and India and brought life to these small villages. As a family, consider taking the challenge to buy a few less gifts this Christmas so that families on the other side of the globe can have clean water.
New Hope School Apparel
Hope School apparel is available to order just in time for Christmas giving! You will find an order form for fun apparel for both adults and students in the communication envelope today. These items are great stocking stuffers and gifts for family. All preschool through grade 8 students and parents are welcome to order.
Please note that this is the only time we will be placing orders for apparel this year, so please plan accordingly. We will NOT be offering LEST apparel this year, so this is the time to purchase spirit wear.
No Hot Lunch Thursday, Dec 17
Our hot lunch provider is taking a much deserved Christmas vacation and will not be here to provide lunch on Thursday, December 17. If your student takes hot lunch normally, please be sure to send an alternate lunch on that day.
Afterschool Activities – Click Here
Auction News & Opportunities – Click Here
Parent Involvement Program Opportunities – Click Here
After School Club Volunteers needed
Auction help
Hope School Christmas Performances
Get in the spirit of Christmas by attending one or more of Hope School’s Christmas performances this December! First is our Christmas performance by students in grades 1-5 on Wednesday, December 9, at 7:00 PM, followed by Hope’s early childhood program (preschool and kindergarten) who will perform C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is Coming!” on Friday, December 11 at 6:30 PM.
Hope’s middle school musicians will perform in our annual “Sounds of Christmas” concert coming up on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 PM. The concert will feature our middle school chapel band and choir, handbell choir, and glee club performing with the Seattle Lutheran High School band. We hope you can join us for at least one of these festive events, all of which will be held in the Hope Church sanctuary. Merry Christmas!
Scrip Orders for Christmas
Scrip order forms will be coming home today or go here to download one. The last date to get your order in for Christmas scrip purchases is Friday, December 11! After that date we will only have what is available daily in the box.
Now is a great time to order for your teachers, family and kids. We also have “Scrip Gift Certificates” that can be turned in to purchase scrip if you don’t know what that special person wants! Thanks for your continued support!
Support Hope Lutheran Church & School when you shop on Amazon!
Hope Lutheran Church & School receives a portion of each sale when you shop at smile.amazon.com at no cost to you. It’s a simple and automatic way for you to support Hope Lutheran Church & School and you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com. To shop at AmazonSmile, simply click here (smile.amazon.com), and then select Hope Lutheran Church & School – West Seattle when prompted. Hope Church & School operates under a combined budget; Smile dollars received will be recorded in a joint line item in the operating budget. Thank you for your support!
Shared Blessings Loan Rebate Program Update!
Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF), our loan lender, began providing an additional way to support Hope through the “Shared Blessings Loan Rebate Program” earlier this year. LCEF will refund a percentage of our mortgage back to Hope based on the number of individuals who are LCEF investors. We are pleased to announce that we have reached the first tier of the rebate and, next summer, as long as our investor remains the same, we will receive a rebate equal to .25% of our mortgage or approximately $8,000 in the form of a check to be spent at the Board of Directors’ discretion. Thanks to all who helped Hope reach the goal!
New LCEF Investment
LCEF now has a new 35 month term note that earns a fixed rate of 3.5% that will only be available for a limited time. Flyers are in the School Office. Or, do you need a stock stuffer idea for your child or other young people in your life? Consider a Y.I. Club for Young Investors account (offered for children 0-18 with a minimum investment of $25). Y.I. accounts pay 3.50% on the first $1,000 plus cash rewards for good grades and service. More information is available in the School Office or you can find more info on LCEF’s website: www.lcef.org.
