The Quartzlight
A Newsletter of Jasper Evangelical Lutheran Church
Highland and First Parish
Pastor – Sue Grinde
  Office Assistant – Lauren Houg   Custodians – Doug & Lisa Petersen
Church Office 348-3276;
101 S. Spicer Ave., P.O. Box 306, Jasper, MN  56144
November and December 2024
 
“Thankfulness”
As October ends, leaves are falling, cooler temperatures are settling in, harvest continues, and we are entering into the months of November and December. Months which are a time of journeying, reflection, waiting and giving thanks. November brings Thanksgiving.  Reflecting on what God has blessed us with. Beginning with a simple sunrise in the morning and sunset in the evening. The hours that are in between what are they filled with? We live in a time of anxiety and uncertainty. We worry about many things which make our minds racing. What occupies your hours when you rise and when you lie down at the end of the day? What are you yourself are thankful for.  Maybe it’s for your faith, family, your circle of friends and church family. Perhaps you are thankful for more than that.  It could be you are thankful for things that directly don’t involve you. This is a time to share a kind word of hope, express thoughtfulness and compassion.
Giving thanks as we gather with family and friends around a meal, stories are told, and are surrounded by those who lift your spirits.  Remember 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”  May this verse bring you some peace as you take time to reflect what you yourself are thankful for?
Then we turn the calendar page to December which starts the Advent Season and beginning of a new church year.  It’s a perfect time to reflect on Jesus’ birth. Advent is a time to journey to the manager as we wait for the coming Savior who will impact our lives in ways we can’t imagine. After four weeks we arrive at Christmas.  Below sums up what Christmas is really about and should be our message year round and not just at this time of year. So I end with these verses.
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them and the glory of the Lord shone around about them:  and they were so afraid.  And the angel said to them, fear not; for, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign to you; you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling cloth, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Peace,
Pastor Sue
COME AND VISIT OUR LIBRARY….
EVERYONE IS WELCOME
    Quilting Sessions
Monday, November 4th
Tuesday, November 5th
        @ 8:30am
_____________________________________________________________
Pastor:  Sue Grinde 605-351-7155
PASTOR.JELC@outlook.com
jasperelc@iw.net
OFFICE   507-348-3276
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WELCA will meet on
Wednesday, November 13th, @ 9:00 am for meeting.
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-Pastor will be in the Fellowship Hall before worship each Sunday 8:15am to 8:30am for fellowship and coffee.
-Council will meet on Wednesday, November 19th, @ 6:00pm for meeting.
-Bloodmobile on Wednesday, November 20th, @ 12:30 – 6:30pm.
-Poinsettia 2024 sign-up in the Fellowship Hall.
-Food Shelf on Thursday, December 26th, @ 2:00pm.
-Pastor will be on vacation Monday, November 25th through December 1st.
                                          Wednesday, December 25th through January 1st.
-Our church has offered to sponsor The Jasper Carrying Tree formally known as the Angel Tree. More information coming soon. If you would like to donate any money toward gifts, gift certificates for groceries, etc. Please contact Lisa Houg, 605-759-6416.
-We will be filling cookie trays to give out for Christmas – please bring your treats to church December 8th. Thank you so much!
-Christmas Eve Candle Light Service in Jasper @ 4:00pm Potluck to Follow
       First Lutheran Service @ 6:00pm
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Youth Events
Confirmation November 6th, 13th, and 20th @ Jasper
December 4th, 11th, and 18th @ Highland
Sunday School – kids will be dismissed after Kids Talk.
Christmas Program Practice
 November 3rd 10th  17th  24th 
December 8th December 15th Christmas Program and 
December 22nd (Back-up Christmas Program) Christmas Activities
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CANEWS from SHETEK BIBLE CAMP

Mark your Calendar

  • November 1st – 2nd Confirmation Retreat
  • December 8th @ 5pm Shetek Annual Meeting & Scandinavian Dinner
Reserve plate by December 2nd.

Register at shetek.org or Call 507-763-3567 for more information