ADVENT ADVENTURE

As we learned in today's children's sermon, Advent is indeed a season of waiting.  So, if you have been patiently waiting for the answer to how many Lutherans it takes to pick out and cut down a Christmas tree, well wait no more.  Members of the Spiritual Life Team and their families discovered that it takes exactly 21 members - including one baby Fontenot, one measuring stick, one saw, one rugged stroller, several newfound friends from IHN, and some determination.  Thanks for the memories and to all those who joined in the fun!

Click here to see more images!

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR THE HOSANNA STAFF

Christmas is approaching, a time when we recognize special people with a gift.  Again this year, we are collecting monies for a gift to our staff members who have served us through the past year.

Please place your gift in an envelope marked “Staff Christmas Gift” and place it in the offering.

                                    Thank you

-- Posted By the Staff Support Team

ALMOST AS GOOD AS THE HOSANNA CHOIR! HALLELUJAH!

CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING ANYONE?

Has it been a while since you’ve cut down a real honest-to-goodness Christmas tree?  Well, here’s your chance!  Members of the Spiritual Life Team and their families will gather at the Old Time Christmas Tree Farm, located near the corner of Stuebner Airline and Spring-Cypress Road, on Saturday, November 27 at 3 pm to do just that.  We’ll be seeking the ideal tree for Hosanna’s sanctuary during the season of Advent. 

So, come out and join us for an afternoon of old-fashioned fun, including a wagon ride, tree selection, tree cutting, and post-cutting food and drink fresh from the farm’s concession stand.  Not to mention, there’s a “train” for young and old, a small carnival including rides and games, and plenty of chances to take the family picture for your 2010 Christmas card.  Needless to say, this is a good opportunity for fun and fellowship with members of Hosanna and Nueva Vision.  No need to bring anything other than a spirit-filled heart and an eye for the right tree.  See you on November 27, down on the farm!

The Spiritual Life Team

P.S. - How many Lutherans does it take to pick out a Christmas tree?

IS "CHRIST IN OUR HOME"?

You say, "Of course. Christ is in my home, in my heart, and in my life." However, I am referring to the little book or devotional that is free to us all quarterly. It's just a little book but it has huge GRACE bound with it. You can find it inside the north entrance to Hosanna, on the bottom shelf of the table at the door to the hallway. The title is "Christ in Our Home."

Do you often find yourself not quite having the time for meaningful prayer? I personally, as a disciple, try to live my life in prayer, ever mindful of "things" around me -- grass, bugs, sky, moon, people -- and ever thankful for each. But there is always a need for structured prayer, and that is often where I fall short. So what does this have to do with a booklet? Here is how I use it:

Often, either in a.m. or p.m. prayer, I seem to have trouble addressing God. How do I start my prayer? My mind wanders, and I get off track. Oh, well! But THEN I open my little devotional book, turn to the day and date, and it leads me to a conversation with my best friend. There I find direction, scripture, food for prayer, and wisdom. 

Thank you, little book!  You are my devotional, and my entrance to meaningful prayer.

Submitted by -- A Disciple of Hosanna

NAM news

Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is a nonprofit, community-based, multi-program social service agency that strives to supply basic human needs through neighbors helping neighbors.

Hosanna was one of NAM's 10 Covenant Congregations who agreed in 1983 to set aside their theological differences and pool their resources in a manner to better serve community needs. In addition to Hosanna, NAM's founding congregations include St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, Northwoods Presbyterian Church, John Wesley United Methodist Church, Kinsmen Lutheran Church, Hosanna Lutheran Church, Congregation Jewish Community North, Wildewood Baptist Church, Cypress Creek Christian Church, Klein United Methodist Church, and Plymouth United Church (U.C.C.).

NAM's Congregational Advisory Council meets quarterly. Its last meeting was 10-25-10. You can go to NAM's website for additional info, to review data from the 2009 fiscal year, and to learn about volunteer opportunities.

The foods wish list for Thanksgiving is also found on NAM's website. Here are a few wishes: TURKEYS, instant mashed potatoes, canned vegetables and fruits, macaroni and cheese, canned cranberry jelly, jello, pudding and so forth.  Food is needed throughout the year, but especially at holiday times. Bring your donations to the food pantry at Hosanna, and they will be delivered to NAM. Thanks for your help.

The holiday toy bags have now arrived at Hosanna. If you are able, please take a bag, and purchase suggested items for the age/sex of the child listed on the outside of the bag.  Put your unwrapped gifts inside the bag, and return it to Hosanna no later than 12-5-10 to allow time for NAM to sort and distribute to the needy. The goal this year is to provide toys for 3000 children.

Submitted by Lois Heckart, Care Team Member

The Reformation Story in a 3-Minute Music Video

It's a few days late, but you can still celebrate Reformation Day by watching this  video on Martin Luther, sung by the Bangles to the tune of "Manic Monday." It include clips from the movie "Martin Luther" starring Joseph Fiennes.