Red Hill Lutheran 2024-2025

ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOD'S GOOD PURPOSES

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

CHRIST’s mass. What a fun time of the year. Busy, yes; however it is truly a special time as everyone throughout the world focuses on the birth of Jesus, who is the CHRIST our Savior! Or do they? While everyone certainly looks forward to celebrating CHRISTmas, it appears that some don’t stop to ask what it is truly all about. Notice the stores and see if you can find any nativity sets (large or small) in the CHRISTmas (or ‘holiday’) décor section. If you are even more curious, ask one of the associates why they don’t stock these type of items in the stores.

I pray that you will share with your family and friends the true importance of the CHRISTmas season celebration. As we are clearly told in The Bible (John 3:16), ‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal live!’ Have a blessed and joyful CHRISTmas.

Christian Character Quality: INNOVATION

Bible Verse: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." Romans 1:20 (NIV)

Philanthropy: Olive Crest

Thank you to all who donated shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. Many children will be blessed by your contributions. We collected close to 1000 boxes! Way to Go Red Hill! Thank you for your generosity!

December

1: Season of Advent Begins

2-6: K-5 Christmas Shoppe

6: Preschool Christmas Programs: Rm 9 & 10: 9:30 am / Rm 5: 11:00

6: Christmas 'Carols & Dessert' Night at 6:30-8 pm

10: Middle School Christmas Program at 6:30 pm

13: Middle School Academics and 5-8 Sports Awards Ceremony at 2:00 pm

13: 3-5 Christmas Program at 6:30 pm

20: K-2 Christmas Program at 10:30 am

20: Minimum Day (No Daycare)

23-January 5: No School: Christmas Break (No Camp)

All School PTF Meetings

Feb 7, 2025 at 8:15am

May 16, 2025 at 8:15am

Come join RHLS moms for an evening of Christmas crafting, wine, appetizers, music, fellowship and fun!

Date: December 17th, 2024

Location: Rockinghorse Ridge Club House

Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Attire: Christmas Casual Comfy Cozy

Cost $40 per person

Check out the December digital storytelling blog written by our middle school students. You can click on picture to take you to the link or click here: https://sites.google.com/redhillschool.org/rhlstudent-news-blog/december

Come enjoy a before school fun performance in front of chapel on 12/17

Resting in Heavenly Peace

Christmas Carol and Dessert Night

Come celebrate the start of Advent with

RHLS Singspiration and String Orchestra

When: December 6, 2024 at 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: Red Hill Lutheran CLC Fellowship Hall

Who: All RHL Family and Friends

Attire: Dress Festive and Formal as you join us to Celebrate Advent

Cost: $12 per person (Tickets include assigned seating, dessert, and entertainment)

Christmas Carol and Dessert Night is back in full swing! At "Resting in Heavenly Peace", you will hear our musicians perform orchestral and choral Christmas music while enjoying delicious desserts. You will even get to participate in a festive sing-along as we focus on finding peace in Him this season.

This event has predetermined assigned seating, and the doors will open 15 minutes before the performance at 6:15pm. You will enjoy Christmas background music as our musicians escort you to your seats. Once everyone is seated, we will begin the evening at 6:30pm with String Orchestra and Singspiration performing both traditional and fun Christmas songs. Also included in the program will be small student-led chamber group performances and a joyous audience sing-along before finishing the evening with everyone in the room glorifying our Savior with the Christmas classic, “Silent Night.”

*There are no physical tickets. Attendees just sign in at the door of the CLC*

**Limited seats available so please purchase soon to reserve your seat.**

***Performing students do NOT need a ticket since they will not be in the audience***

For your information, each table fits 8 people so please plan accordingly. If you have more than 9 guests in your party, we will split the group in half unless you are okay with squeezing in a 9th in which case we can grant you a table. We cannot accommodate all seating requests, but we will do our best if you give us advanced notice!

Preschool Room 9 & 10: December 6th. 9:30 am

Preschool Room 5: December 6th, 11:00 am

K-2 Christmas Program December 20th, 10:30 am

3-5 Christmas Program December13th, 6:30 pm

Middle School Christmas Program December 10th, 6:30 pm

Middle School "Carols & Dessert' Family Night, December 6th, 6:30 (SOLD OUT)

"A Festival of Lights' Singspiration and Handbells December 8th, 6:00 pm

The International Baccalaureate program is a rigorous college preparatory program known worldwide for cultivating the skills students will need to be successful in university study. Foothill High School is the only school in Tustin Unified with the IB program. If you are interested in learning more about the IB program, please join us at our information night on Monday, January 13th at 6pm in the Little Theater at Foothill HS. You can also visit our website, Foothill International Baccalaureate Program.

Dear Parents,

The RHLS Learning Garden is a curriculum based, multi-sensory, hands-on experience designed to enrich the student's knowledge and appreciation of God's creation. Garden curriculum supports what is taught in the classroom. For example, 4th graders learn about California, so they plant a California Agriculture garden and learn by touch, sight, smell and taste. What a way to reinforce the lesson content in the garden and in their classroom!!!

There is a Fall garden and a Spring garden. Both have planting and harvest visits. You can sign up for 1 or more teachers (use the TABS at the top of the page to sign up for other grades). It is very helpful if you sign up for all 4 visits for a teacher for continuity since each visit is based on what was taught and experienced during prior visits. However, if that is not possible, please sign up for what you can as we are grateful for any time you can commit to!

We also encourage grandparents or other relatives to participate. It's a great way to have a wonderful experience with your child or grandchild (the kids are so proud when their parent, grandparent, etc. are at the visit with them!).

You will receive 1 volunteer hour for every visit you attend. Since we get so many wonderful volunteers this year, we are asking for 1 volunteer from each class to LEAD the lesson; please don't let this hinder your willingness to volunteer. "LEADING" might mean reading a book or guiding students to plant or telling them about the craft or how to observe the garden and fill out their worksheet - guided instructions are provided in advance so please do not be intimidated - this is an easy roll and allows our garden leaders the chance to help kids and answer questions on a more individual basis. Plus, the kids love to see their parents’ involvement! If you are interested, please add in the comments that you are willing to lead.

Garden Preparation/Clean Out Days are not student visit days but typically on a weekend or afterschool where we need to clean out the garden to ready it for a new season of planting or where we need to make sure the garden looks spic and span for Open House. These are great opportunities for working parents to volunteer outside of the work day and usually go pretty quickly if we have lots of help! You will receive service hours for every hour you work.

Garden Maintenance Days are times between planting and harvest where we just need some extra help maintaining the garden, mostly pulling weeds, ensuring garden is clean, etc. These can be done in your own time (within the week noted) and will receive 1 hour of volunteer time for each time slot.

SIGN UP HERE

Questions? Contact Lindsay Manning at asulinz@hotmail.com or 949-307-5667. Thank you for helping us! We look forward to another year of our learning garden!

Hello there!

Thank you for subscribing to our "Download" newsletter. I've received great feedback from parents about how the information we share in the Download helps them feel informed and confident. I love that. Please share it with anyone!

This is a quick "non-Download" message, and I have two things:

1. I need help in a focus group. We're exploring an idea for families and I need your input! If you want to learn more, please go here.
2. I wrote a deeply personal post about sin, social media, and The Anxious Generation. I'd love your thoughts. If you want to read it, please go here.

Note: I know not all PYE followers are Christians but I think even non-Christians might find it interesting. #delayistheway!

Parenting with you!
Chris & PYE

Protect Young Eyes Resource LInks:

Protect Young Eyes

Live Talk with Chris from PYE

PYE private community "The Table"

We offer Cater Tots lunch service Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Chick Fil A on Tuesdays and Pizza Shack pizza on Thursdays. Click Image to the right to connect to our lunch options!

Just a reminder to make sure all items coming to school are labeled with the student's name. This includes backpacks, sweatshirts, PE clothes, lunches, water bottles, ipads, apple pencils and any miscellaneous items. Thank You!

1: Colette Hammer-Third Grade Teacher

1: Ana Rojas-Teacher Aide

14: Bailey Darley-Specialty Teacher

18: Maggie Radmacher-Registrar

22: Rafael Carrasco-Custodian

23: Mia Gendreau-Fifth Grade Teacher

23: Jesus Flores-Custodian

27: Katelyn Der-Youth and Family Ministry Nursery Coordinator

Want to watch some flag football or volleyball? Come out and cheer on our 5th and 6th grade boys' flag football and girls' volleyball. Click icons or here to get to the sports schedule:

https://www.redhillschool.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=82405&type=d&pREC_ID=146532

Dec. 6 - Preschool Christmas Programs/ Rooms 5, 9 & 10 only

Dec. 20 - Minimum Day - NO DAYCARE

Dec. 23 - Jan. 3 - NO SCHOOL/NO CAMP - Christmas Break

Dear Families of Red Hill Lutheran School,

On Sunday, December 1st, our church and school begins the sacred season of Advent. The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival” and is a four-week season in the Christian Church Year, leading up to Christmas, in which we prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus into our world. The season of Advent is both historical and theological.

Historically, Advent guides us through the Biblical story of hope and expectation for the long-awaited Messiah; God’s chosen servant who will set the world (and your life) to rights. Through the Old Testament Prophets, God promised that the Messiah would one day be born in Bethlehem and from the family line of King David. Christmas is the fulfillment of that divine promise! Theologically, Advent looks back at the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promised Messiah and forward to the promised second coming of Jesus to consummate God’s promise of a healed world.

As we prepare our hearts and minds for Jesus’ “arrival” during the Advent season, we are also preparing for the awesome celebration of Christmas! If you do not have a church home, you are always welcome to worship with us at either 8:00 am (Classical) or 10:15 am (Contemporary). Also, on Sunday mornings from 9:15 am to 10:00 am, join us for “DiscipleU,” Bible studies and groups for all ages!

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, join us for worship on…

Christmas Eve: 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm Live Nativity

A live recreation of this wondrous night featuring numerous live animals including baby goats, ducks and a donkey! Our Praise Band leads us in singing classic Christmas carols as we experience that first Christmas night. Truly a memorable experience for kids—of all ages!

7:00 pm. Traditional Candlelight Service

Choir, Hand bells, and beloved Christmas carols.

Christmas Day: 10:00 am

Featuring traditional carols and Holy Communion.

Additionally, as we begin the New Year, we will continue to offer you and your family opportunities to grow in your faith, strengthen your relationships, and deepen your hope in Jesus Christ. Below are just a few examples:

• Winter sermon series, “The One for All,” an exploration of the Gospel of Luke. Through this series, we will explore the narrative content, focus, and foundation of the Gospel of Luke: the life, death, resurrection, ascension and promised return of Jesus the Messiah. A particular focus in Luke’s Gospel is his emphasis that Jesus is the “One for all:” a Savior who has come to save and transform the lives of ALL people, a Savior who lived, died, resurrected, ascended and is returning one day to complete what He began while on earth: the salvation of all humankind…including you!

• If you or your child is interested in Baptism, we have regular Baptism instruction.

• For second graders and above, we offer First Communion classes coming up this winter-spring.

And there is much more to come! Visit our website, www.redhillchurch.org, for days and times of special classes, seminars, and group opportunities. Again, you are always welcome at Red Hill!

We are thankful you are here at Red Hill Lutheran Church and School! If we can serve you in any way, please do not hesitate to call on us!

May you have a blessed Advent and Christmas! Hope to see you!

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Seth Britton

Hi Red Hill Families!

December is officially here and this means that the Season of Advent has begun. Perhaps you are asking yourself: What Is Advent? Or Why is it important? Or How can I celebrate it?

Advent marks the beginning of a new church year. This year, Advent began on Sunday, December 1st and it ends on Christmas Eve. During the next four weeks while the world around us swirls with chaotic hustle and bustle, we invite you to join us in creating a space of worship as we wait and prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus, our Messiah and Redeemer!

In an effort to support you, Red Hill’s Youth and Family Ministry (YFM) Team has produced some intentional, age-specific resources that we pray will help you to observe and celebrate the Season of Advent individually or as a family.

Included in these resources are the following:

• Pastor Seth's Advent and Christmas Compass: This resource accompanies Pastor Seth's Sunday Sermon Series, "The Line (The Birth That Changed the World)" during the season of Advent and Christmas (December 1st-29th).

• Jesse Tree (The Line Through Time to Jesus’ Birth) Devotional Booklet: This resource is designed with Toddlers/Preschool-aged families in mind. This resource also summarizes the Biblical stories that have been taught on Sunday mornings in our Nursery/Preschool T.O.T.S. Ministry the past few months.

• The Advent Journey Activity Cards: This resource can be used in any family dynamic. Simply cut the cards and follow the instructions. There is a Scripture verse, discussion question, activity and prayer outlined for each day of Advent.

• “Hope Is Coming “Advent Devotional: This 25-day devotional resource has been chosen with Middle School and High School students in mind. It includes 25 days of Biblical stories, Scripture verses, reflection questions, prayers and personal challenges.

• 2024 Family Advent Guide (“Joy to the World – Celebrating the Good News of Christmas”): This resource has been chosen with every family in mind regardless of age or dynamic. This devotional is arranged in four parts for each week of Advent. Each week includes Scripture, different discussion questions geared for younger kids, older kids and teens, theme related activities and a weekly prayer.

• Promotional Flyers: These various flyers are intended to inform you as well as invite you to join us in the coming weeks in a variety of ways as our Red Hill family gathers for worship, study, celebration and connection.

If you would like a physical Advent Resource Bag for you or your family, contact Beth Stoffregen at beths@redhillchurch.org. Click here to access these resources digitally.

On behalf of our Youth and Family Ministry (YFM) Team, we wish you a blessed Advent Season and Christmas Celebration as we prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Jesus, God made flesh, the greatest gift we could ever ask for!

It is a privilege to partner with you in the discipleship of all our students and families! God loves you and so do we!

Blessings,

Beth Stoffregen

Director of Red Hill’s Youth and Family Ministry Team

For more ministry information, please contact our YFM Team.

Beth Stoffregen, Director of Youth and Family Ministry, at beths@redhillchurch.org

Katelyn Der, Nursery and Preschool Ministry Coordinator, at kder@redhillchurch.org

Brie Longoria, Nursery and Preschool Ministry Coordinator, at blongoria@redhillchurch.org

Itzel Mancilla, Children’s Ministry Coordinator, at imancilla@redhillchurch.org

Tim Rivera, Student Ministry Coordinator, at trivera@redhillchurch.org

Our Nursery and Preschool Ministry offers a nurturing environment where Christ’s littlest disciples can play, learn about Jesus, sing praises to God, and get excited about joining the community of believers in worship as they grow. Through Sunday morning programming and Connection Events, we strive to partner well with families as they teach their Tiny Ones to Trust the Savior! T.O.T.S.

Children, ages six weeks to five years old are welcome to join us in Classroom 11 on Sunday mornings during both worship services and during our DiscipleU Educational hour.

For the safety of all children, our adult team members are background checked and fingerprinted as well as CPR and First aid certified.

For additional ministry information, contact one of our Nursery and Preschool Ministry Coordinators, Katelyn Der, at kder@redhillchurch.org or Brie Longoria at blongoria@redhillchurch.org, or Director of Youth and Family, Beth Stoffregen, at beths@redhillchurch.org.

Using a combination of large group and small group conversations and activities, our K.I.D.S. Ministry Team intentionally strives to create an engaging environment where children, kindergarten through 5th grade, come to Know Jesus, Impact the world around them, become Disciples of Jesus, and Serve others - K.I.D.S.!

DiscipleU K.I.D.S.

During our DiscipleU Educational Hour, kids gather in a large group format where we focus on God’s Word as well as engage in related activities or crafts with our leaders.

DiscipleU K.I.D.S. Fellowship

During this programming time, kids have an opportunity to join us as we focus on God’s Word in large and small group formats utilizing discussions and supplemental activities. All children are brought into the sanctuary as a group during this time as well to celebrate communion with the whole church community.

All children, Kindergarten through 5th Grade, are invited to join us as for either programming format or both, regardless of church affiliation.

For more ministry information, contact Itzel Mancilla, Children’s Ministry Coordinator, at imancilla@redhillchurch.org or Beth Stoffregen, Director of Youth and Family Ministry, at beths@redhillchurch.org.

T.O.T.S MINISTRY AND K.I.D.S. MINISTRY’S DECEMBER TEACHING SERIES – JOY STORY

A TEACHING SERIES FROM THE GOSPELS ON CHRISTMAS

Our December Teaching Series, “Joy Story” begins Sunday, December 1st.

At Christmas, gifts are all around us, but we know the holiday isn't about the toys—it's about the joy of Jesus' birth. We might experience joy from opening up gifts, but God gives us even greater joy through Jesus. In this teaching series, kids will learn all about the joy Jesus brought into the world. They'll learn that Jesus is the Savior God promised, how God sent Jesus at the perfect time, that everyone is invited to worship Jesus because Jesus brings joy to the world, and what it means to say Jesus is God's greatest gift.

December 1st: “An Angel Appears to Mary” (Luke 1:26-38)

December 8th: “Zechariah, Elizabeth and John” (Luke 1:5-25, 57-66)

December 15th: "Mary Visits Elizabeth" (Luke 1:39-56)

December 22nd: “Jesus is Born” (Luke 2:1-20)

• T.O.T.S. Ministry’s “Happy Birthday, Jesus” Party in Classroom 11
• K.I.D.S. Ministry’s “Happy Birthday, Jesus” Party in the K.I.D.S. Zone

December 29th: “The Magi Visit Jesus” (Matthew 2:1-12)

• T.O.T.S. Ministry meets today during both worship services
• NO K.I.D.S. Ministry Programming Today

Regular Sunday Morning Programming resumes Sunday, January 5th.

Middle School Ministry meets on Wednesday nights from 6:00pm-7:30pm inside Peter’s Parish. All middle school students are welcome to join us for food, fun, fellowship, and a great time delving into God’s Word.

For December, our calendar is as follows:

• December 4th – Middle School Ministry from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

• December 11th – Middle School Ministry from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

• December 18th – White Elephant Christmas Party from 6:00pm to 8:00pm

• December 25th – No Middle School Ministry (Christmas Day)

• January 1st, 2025 – No Middle School Ministry (New Year’s Day)

If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact Student Ministry Coordinator, Tim Rivera, at trivera@redhillchurch.org.

Student Ministry December Teaching Series: REMEMBER WHEN

A series on JESUS’ BIRTH

Christmas is one of those holidays that feels timeless. The traditions, music, and made-for-TV movies not only connect us, but also the other parts of our lives. It's a season that invites us to be nostalgic and think about memories from Christmases past.

In this four-week series from the Gospels, we'll take a look at the Christmas story to see how something we may have heard long ago can still help us grow today. As we reflect on these classic stories, we'll remember how Christmas reminds us Jesus is our Savior and that God can be trusted, to rely on each other, and to trust that God is with us.

If you have any questions or if you need more information, please feel free to contact Student Ministry Coordinator, Tim Rivera, at trivera@redhillchurch.org.

White Elephant Christmas Party

This Christmas season is such an important time to reflect on the birth of our Lord and Savior and His impact on the world. All Middle School students are invited to join us on December 18th as we gather for a white elephant party. We will exchange gifts, drink hot cocoa, and have a great time in God’s Word. Students are encouraged to bring a gift of $15 or less to participate in the white elephant gift exchange. If you have any questions or need more information, please feel free to contact Student Ministry Coordinator Tim Rivera at trivera@redhillchurch.org.

Email: rhlsoffice@redhillschool.org
Website: www.redhillschool.org
Location: 13200 Red Hill Avenue, Tustin, CA, USA
Phone: 714-544-3132