Your First Coffee
Are you looking for an opportunity for fellowship with friends and neighbors? You are invited to "Your First Coffee,” a weekly opportunity for coffee, hot chocolate, treats and fellowship every Wednesday from 9-11 a.m. (come and go) at First Lutheran starting November 29.  We hope you will join us! If you have any questions, please contact Evy Hatjistilianos, Lisa McBrian or Deb Oyen. All are welcome!

PLEASE NOTE in order to have your end of the year offerings recorded in 2023, they must be received by December 30.

THE SEASON OF ADVENT BEGINS SUNDAY, DEC. 3. Advent is not Christmas. It is the season of preparation prior to the Christmas season. It is the time when we prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth...and it includes aspects of past history, of the present, and of the future. We remember Jesus’ birth at Bethlehem long ago, we invite Jesus into our hearts anew each day and we prepare for his return in glory in the future. Please worship with us during the season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of the Christ-child at Christmas!

The Sunday School Christmas Program is Sunday, December 10 at 9:30 a.m. Joint Worship Service at ENL. (Please note date and location!) Program practice will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at ENL. There will be no Sunday School on Sunday, Dec. 24 and 31.

THE FL ALTAR GUILD is making preparations for celebrating Jesus’ birth on December 24 at the 4:30 p.m. worship service. They will be taking order for poinsettias on Sunday, Dec. 3. Thank you for your participation in decorating the sanctuary.

East Norway Lake Christmas poinsettias can be ordered by filling out an order envelope found in the narthex.  Please include $15 payment and leave the envelope in the basket.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Advent Service at the Log Church
The Norway Lake Lutheran Historical Assoc. invites you to their Advent service next Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. All are welcome to hear the Christmas Story as it was told 150 years ago out on the Sunburg prairie, complete with a traditional hymn sing and Reader’s Theatre. Norsk Treats for all following the service. Dress warm as the church is heated only by the warmth of your heart.

 “GATHER” Women’s Bible Study will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 1 p.m. at FL. The coffee pot will be on. All are welcome.

PLEASE NOTE: THE JOINT COUNCILS will meet Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Individual council meetings to follow.

THE PARISH HANDBELL CHOIR will practice on Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 5:45 p.m. at East and play for the Joint Worship Sunday, Dec. 10 at 9:30 a.m. at East.
VISITING TEAM MEETING will be held on Jan. 16 at 2:30 p.m. at FL.

THE HOLIDAY GIVING TREE (aka the Mitten Tree) There is a “mitten tree” in the narthex at ENL. Mitten ornaments have been hung on the tree for specific donations to be given to those in need. Items include: socks, mittens, pajamas, toiletries, etc. Please take a mitten with you. The donations are greatly appreciated!

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The deadlines for the 2023 Annual Reports are set:

• All written Committee reports are due Thursday, Jan 4.

• All Financial Reports are due Thursday, Jan 11.

Annual Meetings are as follows:

• ENL Annual Meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 21 following the 11am worship service.

• FL Annual Meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 28 following the 11am worship service.

**Plan now to attend the NLP Fundraising meals served by the group traveling to the 2024 National Youth Gathering in New Orleans (Jan. 21) and the youth traveling to Bangor (Jan 28).

LENTEN SCHEDULE FOR 2024
The Joint Councils have approved the continuation of the following Lenten schedule: supper will be served each Wednesday during Lent beginning at 5:30pm, followed by worship at 7:00pm. The Joint Councils are seeking groups or organizations who would like to plan, prepare, and serve one of the five meals. If you are interested, please call the parish office.

WOMEN OF THE ELCA will be sponsoring A virtual Blue Christmas on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m. Please register at womenoftheelca.org/event prior to Dec. 20.

THE ENL WELCA will meet on Sunday, Dec. 17 at 10 a.m. following worship. Election of officers, meeting schedule and dispersal of money. All are welcome.

FL WELCA Christmas Party Potluck will be held Thursday, Dec. 14 at 12 noon at FL. Men invited. Serving group 1. At 1 p.m. the Fiddlers will present a program of Christmas music. Please bring treats for our shut-ins before the potluck.

ENL Quilting will be held on the following dates: Jan. 22 and 23, Jan. 29 and 30, from 8 a.m. – 3p.m. Please bring a lunch. All are welcome!!
*If you are looking for a wonderful mission to donate to in your congregation, the ENL Quilters are looking for donations to purchase quilt batting. If you would like to donate, please contact Deb Oyen (320-894-4294).

WINTER STORM POLICY…
KWLM Radio 1340 AM and 102.5 FM will usually broadcast news about cancellation or postponement of church events including Sunday morning worship and/or Sunday School when the weather is stormy.  There is one “automatic” cancellation, however, YOUTH ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING WEDNESDAY CONFIRMATION CLASSES) will not be held if school is cancelled or dismissed early because of bad weather.  As much as we want and need your participation at worship and other church events, please use common sense before going out in bad weather.  You know best the condition of the roads in your neighborhood, the condition of your vehicle, and your own health.