The Swan – December 2025

Jerusalem Lutheran Church

December is here — and with it comes Advent preparation, Christmas celebration, music, fellowship, and opportunities to serve. Here’s everything happening this month at Jerusalem.

Featured Announcements

Signed Prints of Jerusalem

The church has several signed prints available for purchase, hand signed by artist Peggy Cone.

Christmas Special: Signed prints are now $30 (regularly $50).

They make wonderful Christmas gifts. See Patsy for details.

Raffle for Amphitheater Repairs

A beautifully framed signed print of the church will be raffled to help fund amphitheater repairs.

$5 for 1 ticket
$10 for 3 tickets

Please see Patsy for more information.

Wreath Sponsorship – Jerusalem Cemetery

We will be placing wreaths at the Jerusalem cemetery. If you would like to sponsor one, please follow the provided link and select Jerusalem Lutheran in Rincon, GA.

Wreaths must be ordered by December 1 for 2025 placement. Orders placed after that date will be placed next year.

Advent at Jerusalem

Advent Soup & Sandwich

December 3, 10, and 17 | 6:15 PM

Join us for Soup & Sandwich followed by a short devotional service and craft time.
A more casual, reflective way to prepare our hearts during Advent.

Choir Cantata – “A Garland of Carols”

December 9 at 3:30 PM – Lakeview
December 14 – During Sunday worship (cantata replaces the sermon)

Don’t miss this beautiful musical celebration of the season.

Greening of the Nave

December 13 | 10:00 AM

Come decorate the church for Christmas! We’ll hang wreaths, decorate the tree, and prepare the Nativity for its journey to the manger.

On the same day:

Youth & children practice for the Christmas program
Costume fitting and rehearsal (no speaking parts)
Lunch at 11:30 AM in the Social Hall (pizza provided)
Christmas Caroling afterward (drivers needed!)

All are welcome — not just choir and youth.

Children’s Christmas Program

December 21 | During 11:00 AM Worship

Presented in place of the sermon.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

December 24 | 11:00 PM

A peaceful and joyful celebration of Christ’s birth.

Christmas Day Worship

December 25 | 10:00 AM

Lessons & Carols

December 28 | 11:00 AM

Special Event – January Preview

An Afternoon with Wade Davis, Baroque Cellist

January 11 | 3:00–4:00 PM

Mr. Wade Davis will present a performance of 17th- and 18th-century Baroque cello music — music from the era of the Salzburgers’ exile and the formation of our congregation at Ebenezer.

Wade Davis earned his Master’s Degree in Baroque Cello Performance and Graduate Performance Diploma in Historical Cello from the Peabody Conservatory of Johns Hopkins University. He is recognized as one of the leading voices among a new generation of American Baroque cellists.

The concert is free. Please sign up for tickets on Eventbrite.

Stewardship Corner

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

This season reminds us that amid the darkest part of the year, we celebrate the birth of hope — not hope for gifts under the tree, but hope that brings peace and gratitude for God’s blessings.

As you shop, decorate, and prepare, remember two things:

Participate in all that makes Christmas special at Jerusalem.
Consider a special Christmas donation so our church will continue to share Christ’s hope for generations to come.

Live generously, my friends.

In Our Prayers

Members

Chip Lingle
Dianne Exley
Ed Lee
Fletcher Waldhour
Helen Gnann
Isabelle Shearouse
Johnnie Jordan
Marty Hendrix
Nell Kessler
Tom Coleman
Virginia Spano

Serving in the military and emergency response:
Christopher Zeigler, Jack Thain, Kyle McCord, Morgan Milbrandt, Patrick Wheble, Thomas Smith.

Ministry & Committee Updates

Evangelism

Advent & Christmas brochures available to share
Church tri-fold brochure being updated
Direct mail flyer being updated
Display holders placed at city halls and local businesses
Holiday ad in Effingham Herald
Joining Eventbrite for event promotion

Thank you for donating 148 boxes of Jiffy Mix to support Manna House’s Boxes of Hope.

For more information about supporting Manna House:
Tel: (912) 826-2037
mannahouserincon@gmail.com
Mannahouserincon.org

For every dollar spent at the Manna House Thrift Store, they can buy 10 pounds of food.

Worship & Music

Busy planning Advent and Christmas services. Join us for music, devotion, and celebration throughout the season.

Property

Thank you to:

Tom Coleman, Todd Schnobrich, and Trevor Register for installing a toilet in the women’s restroom.
Gill Zeigler for yard work.
Gill and team for sealing the AC fence.

Constitution Update Committee

In the coming months, we will form a committee to review and update the church constitution. If interested, notify the church office.

Your Help Is Needed

Please sign up for at least one church committee. Lists are located on the side table in the sanctuary. Step up and serve!

December Birthdays

Edwin Lee – 12/3
Kristy Downs – 12/21
Howard Gnann – 12/22
Chuck Holmes – 12/22
Christopher Mizell – 12/27
Garrett Schnobrich – 12/30

Altar Flowers for December

December 7 – In memory of John Robert Peavy (Lisa Repasy)
December 14 – In memory of Margaret & Michael Murphy (Kathleen Wendelken)
December 21 – In celebration of Sam Hendrix’s birthday (Marty & Dave Hendrix)
December 24 – In memory of Benny Kessler and Mary & Otto Hart (Mary Sue Kessler)
December 25 – In memory of Blanche & Alton Kessler and Carolyn Arnsdorff
December 28 – In memory of Juli Gnann (Charlie Gnann)

Support Jerusalem Online

Please continue to support Jerusalem’s ongoing ministries while you are away.

Give online here:
https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZWM0

If you need assistance, contact the church office or a member of the Stewardship Committee.

Downloads

December 2025 Swan.pdf

The Swan: December 2025