Earlier this spring, the Lilly Endowment announced that Resurrection was one of the recipients of a Clergy Renewal Grant, funding an incredible twelve week sabbatical experience for me and my family as well as congregational activities related to the theme of my studies and reflections. As it has been over a year since the Mutual Ministry team and I first began to work on the proposal, it is hard to believe the time is now nearly upon us. After the Third Sunday in Advent, on December 13^th, I will begin the first half of my sabbatical leave with several days of prayer and reflection in a silent retreat at the St. Benedict Inn in Beech Grove, guided by my Spiritual Director. I will return to my work at Resurrection at the end of January, completing the final half of the sabbatical after Pentecost Sunday, May 16^th and returning to Resurrection in July.

Some of you may not have been here when the Lilly Grant was announced, when our congregation adopted a sabbatical policy, or perhaps are still not certain just what this is (hint: it is not primarily a vacation, although the Lilly Grant, without doubt, makes possible – even requires – the pastor to “play” and spend renewal time with family). Clergy sabbaticals are in essence a time apart . . . . a time apart from the congregation they serve. Not just to get away from – though the Lord knows there is a good bit of that – but away for and to. In the face of record numbers of clergy “burn out,” denominations (including the ELCA) are encouraging and in some cases requiring congregations to give their pastors every five to seven years an extended time apart: time for prayer, time for family, time for study, time for self. In a calling that demands constant pouring out of self, it is a time to drink deeply from the wellspring of God’s grace that moved them to respond to God’s call to ministry in the first place. As they are renewed and strengthened, so are their families and so is the Church.

The proposal submitted to the Lilly Endowment was titled “The Play’s the Thing: Theater and Film in the Service of the Gospel.” Along with time for rest and renewal, I will be exploring a theme that is a passionate interest of mine. I want to see how other pastors and churches are using the dramatic arts, including video film clips and live “chancel dramas” in the context of worship. My research and study will include travel to California and New York, contemporary centers of film and theater, as well as a family trip to England, a historic center of dramatic art used in worship and Christian formation. The Renewal Grant pays for these trips, as well as providing funds for Resurrection to provide

additional pastoral coverage to assist Pr. Mitch and Julie in my absence, install a video projector and screen, and contract liturgical drama groups to be our guests this winter and spring. (Excerpts and other details from the proposal are available in the narthex.) My hope is not only for personal renewal for me and my preaching and pastoral work, but for renewal in Resurrection’s congregational and worship life as well.

In Good Hands

One of the personal joys of this sabbatical is knowing that I will be able to truly be “away” due to the absolute confidence I have in the leadership of this church while I am away. I trust by now that everyone who heard me speak two years ago of a “partnership” model of shared ministry has seen that become a reality with Pastor Mitch. You will be in good hands. Add to that Julie’s arrival and seamless integration into our staff along with the talent and dedication of all of our lay leadership . . . . and any potential anxiety that many congregations/pastors feel about a sabbatical evaporates. Above all, this church is in very “good hands” indeed – hands that are nail-scarred and open to guide and direct us all in His paths . . . .

A Christmas Gift of Prayer

Those of you present in worship a few weeks ago heard me mention the book “Daily Texts 2005.” This wonderful daily prayer guide will be a Christmas gift to our entire congregation. During my time away from you, it will be the tie that binds us together as prayer partners. We will begin handing the books out on December 5^th, (one per household, extra copies will be available for purchase) and I will lead a class on using the prayer book at the 9:30 hour on the 12^th.

Every Advent season, as we look to the approaching “holidays” and often bemoan the hectic schedules and harried pressures of the season, I cannot think of a more appropriate gift to give to each other this Christmas – a promise of shared prayer, a daily discipline of common texts that will guide and bless our lives this new year. Though I will not be physically present with you this Christmas Eve, I will bring Resurrection with me where I worship, and I look forward to a very glad new year, and to many, many more years of ministry together! That’s what renewal is all about!

In Christ,

The first candle on the Advent Wreath is the Prophecy Candle. This candle begins the period of waiting and reminds us that Jesus’ birthday is coming. We light this candle in anticipation of the coming of the Messiah.

The second candle on the Advent Wreath is the Bethlehem Candle. As we light this candle, we symbolize the preparations being made to receive the Christ Child, and to announce the birth of the Savior King as the angel Gabriel announced to Mary and as the angels announced to the Shepherds.

The third candle is the Shepherd’s Candle. This candle reminds us of the great joy and light which surrounded the shepherds at the announcement of Jesus’ birth. They were the first to hear and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

The fourth candle is the Angel’s Candle which reminds us of the light and glory of the angels as they revealed the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. It also reminds us of the light of the star that guided the Magi to the Christ Child.

Gifts for battered women and children – RLC will continue our tradition of helping these families who are starting a new life with the assistance of Breaking Free. Ornaments on the wreath will give a child's name, age, and Christmas wishes. Simply choose an ornament, purchase and wrap the gift, attach the ornament to the gift and return it to the box in the narthex.

Heating assistance – You can make a financial donation to provide funds to enable needy families throughout Johnson and Marion counties to pay their heating bills this winter. Look for the specially-marked envelopes on the wreath, place your check (made out to RLC with "heating assistance" on the memo line) in the envelope, and place the envelope in the box marked "Heating assistance."

Military food – Your donation will help provide holiday meals for families with a loved one deployed overseas. Place your check (made out to RLC with "Military food' on the memo line) in the envelope marked "military assistance" and place the envelope in the specially-marked box.

Other needs – We will provide Christmas wishes for other local families who have come to us for help during the holidays. Again, just choose an ornament on the wreath, purchase the gifts, and return them to the box in the narthex.

Free Christmas Gift

to Each RLC Household . . . .

Daily Text 2005, Bible Verses and Prayers for Each Day of the Year will be available for each Resurrection household beginning the weekend of Dec.4^th/5^th in the narthex. Additional copies will be available for $6.

“Daily Text” Adult Class . . . .

“Take a daily T.R.I.P. with God using the Daily Texts,” special classes on Sundays, November 28^th and December 12^th during the 9:30 Education Hour lead by Pastor Dave. A guide through the resources in the “Daily Text” book and explanation of Martin Luther’s “T.R.I.P.” form of prayer: Thanks, Regret, Intercession, and Plan of action.

Christmas Eve at RLC . . . .

5:00pm Worship: Come and join family and friends as we gather children together — young and old — in an informal worship of lessons, carols, and telling the story; concluding with the traditional candle-lit “Silent Night.”

7:00 and 9:00pm Worship: The majesty and awe of the Gospel of Christ’s incarnation, celebrated with processional readings, preaching, special music from the choir and the first Communion of Christmas; concluding with the traditional candle-lit “Silent Night.”

“Christmas: The Real Story”

Adult Class . . . .

Beginning December 19, Pastor Mitch will lead a four-week discussion titled "Christmas: The Real Story" during the Sunday 9:30am education hour in the sanctuary. This course was written by Harry Wendt, the author of the Crossways Bible study, and draws upon his extensive knowledge of the Bible as well as his understanding of Middle Eastern culture in the time of Jesus.

Here is his own description of the course: Many of us have an uneasy feeling about the way in which we celebrate Christmas. We sense there is more to Christmas than closets full of gifts, an exhausting social schedule, and a pilgrimage to church to see admittedly adorable children reenact the first Christmas. When we read the biblical account of Christmas, we find that even as a newborn, Christ was turning the world upside down. Outcasts became honored witnesses of His birth, gentiles recognized Him as King, and an earthly king turned violent out of fear.

In Christmas: The Real Story you'll discover new wonder, richness and inspiration in the story of the infant Jesus. Travel back 2000 years to relive the real reason for celebration!

Choral Sunday . . . .

Choral Sunday, December 12^th at 8:00 and 10:45, will be full of beautiful Advent and Christmas music by our Resurrection choirs. Join us for this inspirational service as we give glory to the coming Savior.

2004 RLC Christmas Program

December 18^th at 5:30 . . . .

The “Unfriendly Beasts” (No Room in the Stable) is a charming, humorous story of the manger animals who must share their crowded stable with Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. When word reaches the stable that the animals must make room for humans, the animals protest, and Mayor Mouse leads them in preparing a “No Vacancy” sign.

This musical will provide a smile as you watch Mayor Mouse, Caralee Cow, Sheary Sheep, Tiffany Lamb, Grum-paw Goat, and the entire stable animals decide if they will welcome the humans or not. Come join in the Christmas celebration during the 5:30pm worship service on Saturday, December 18.

Please join us in the fellowship hall following the service for hors d’oeuvres.

Hanging of the Green . . .

Altar Guild Members should plan Saturday, December 11 at 9:00am to have a brief meeting, sign-up for Christmas and 2005 Altar Guild coverage. Then we will have our annual “Hanging of the Greens.” If you are unable to attend this very important meeting, please call Judy Lewis (881-1879). We need everyone there and look forward to seeing you.

A Visit from Saint Nicholas – at Worship Dec. 4^th & 5^th . . .

No, Resurrection is not hosting a “Breakfast with Santa.” But “St. Nicholas” will be preaching this weekend! Pr. Dave will be reprising his Advent/Christmas dramatic monologue “Saint Nicholas Speaks” complete with bearded costume and bishop’s staff . . . . that’s right, this is a presentation about the real Saint Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra, Turkey. Be sure to attend worship and stay for the congregational meeting on the 5th!

Program Practices . . . .

The Christmas Program practice schedule has changed and we will not be practicing December 4 and note the changes regarding December 11^th & 18^th rehearsal times. The young people are learning their songs very quickly and I know how busy everyone’s schedules are. Rehearsals will be the following:

•Saturday, Dec. 11, 4:30-5:15pm –

3^rd - 5^th graders speaking parts

•Saturday, Dec. 18, 9:00-11:00am –

3^rd - 5^th graders speaking parts

•Saturday, Dec. 18, 10:00-11:00am –

3's - 5^th graders complete run through.

3's may be picked up around 10:30 a.m.

•Saturday, Dec. 18, 5:15pm –

3's - 5^th graders arrive for program; meet in fellowship hall.

Youth News . . . .

Child Care Ministry . . . .

Come check out our nursery. Several members of RLC have been busy cleaning, organizing, removing, and sanitizing our nursery and busy bags. It looks great. Thanks to the following: Theresa Jones, Kathy French, Jodi Giorgianni, Ed Kistler, Teresa Hoffman, Sheri & Dirk Dudeck, Dick Benjamin, Marcy Crouch, Natasha George, Jennifer Barrett, and Connie Wiernicki.

As we cleaned and sanitized we noticed a few items we could use for our nursery. If anybody has these items please let Jennifer Barrett or Julie Peralta know: adult rocker (non-cloth); slider for the children to play on; slightly used or new coloring books for busy bags. Please note we have a designated container in the nursery for donated items to be placed in before adding them to our nursery. Any items we view as non-age appropriate will be donated to another organization. Thank you.

Many Thanks . . . .

A big thanks to our creation & Advent teachers! Creation: Lesley McDougal, Margie McCoy, Stephanie Deitz, Kathy Hardey, Bobbi Petersen, The Craney’s, Lisa Doughty, Scott Deitch, Bobbi Poore, Ann Buie, Jodi Giorgianni, Ed Kistler, Daryl Huber, Robin Fleet, Kim Andersen, Joann Scheidelmeier, Kim Toney.

Advent: Lesley McDougal, Margie McCoy, Connie Wiernicki, Joann Scheidelmeier, The Hoffmanns, Kim Dunn, Bobbi Petersen, The Thompsons, Jodi Giorgianni, Ed Kistler, Sherry Richards. You are awesome!

Kids Club / Youth Group . . . .

Wow! I am so excited to introduce you to Erin Burkhalter. Erin is a junior studying psychology and youth ministry at the University of Indianapolis. This past summer Erin was a member of the travel ministry team with the Indiana-Kentucky Synod’s Outdoor Ministry, and they recommended us (RLC) to Erin for class projects. Over the past few weeks she has been researching Resurrection Lutheran Church. One of her classes this Fall requires her to research a local church’s youth group, design a project and implement it. The hope of the class is that Erin can implement this project in her future work with youth groups.

The project she is doing involves both the Youth Group (9th-12th grade) and Kids Club (1st-5th grade). On December 5^th, the Youth Group and Kids Club will meet in the Youth room following the second worship service for pizza, cookie decorating, caroling and fellowship until 3:30 P.M. Please sign up on the bulletin board across from Julie’s office.

Erin has enjoyed her visits to Resurrection Lutheran Church and is looking forward to our fellowship on Sunday, December 5^th.

Peace,

Erin Burkhalter and Julie Peralta

CPR - Safesitter Classes . . . .

In January, RLC will be offering CPR certification and Safe Sitter Classes. Watch the announcement page for sign-up information.

Women of the ELCA is sponsoring a Holiday Bake Sale before and after services on Dec. 11^th and 12^th. This is an opportunity for all the busy mothers to buy your holiday cookies/and quick breads early and have them available for all your holiday festivities. Cookies freeze well too. There will be a large assortment to choose from and we welcome everyone to come and support a renewed ministry at Resurrection.

If you haven't been asked to bake cookies, please volunteer immediately. Yes, we even have men baking cookies. We need all kinds (except chocolate chip). If you have expressed an interest in this renewed ministry by turning in a yellow insert, we need you to bake 3 or 4 dozen cookies and drop them off on Friday, Dec. 10^th in the RLC kitchen. Please mark them for the Cookie Sale.

Our first formal get together will be after the holidays, hope to see you all there. For more information, please contact Karen Oster 882-8963, Pat Hamby 889-9218, or Lois Bowser 821-9352.

Progressive Dinner . . . .

Do you want to meet new friends that you worship with? We are looking for adults who want to share an evening of fun and fellowship. Saturday, December 4^th will be an evening spent with friends of RLC. Please sign up on the yellow response form in your bulletin or contact Margie Ropp, 859-1279, Karen Oster 882-8963 or call the church office at 881-7854. Child care will be provided by our older youth group here at church if needed.

Christmas

Around the World . . . .

The S. S. Discipleship will present Christmas Around the World on Sunday, January 2^nd during the 9:30am learn hour. If you have any creative Christmas items from different countries or cultures please notify Chris LeBouef, Kathy French, or Julie Anderson for display during the program. Thank you!

RLC Staff Email . . . .

Pr. Dave. . . . . . . . . . . . PrDave@RLCIndy.org

Pr. Mitch. . . . . . . . . . . PrMitch@RLCIndy.org

Julie Peralta. . . . . . . . . . . . Julie@RLCIndy.org

Sherry Andersen. . . . . . .Music@RLCIndy.org

Susan Garten. . . . . . . . . .Susan@RLCIndy.org

There will be NO Saturday evening worship service on December 25 and January 1.