The Light. Bluegrass Sunday September 20, :30 a.m. Worship Service Ascension Family Life Center. September (Pastor of Music Ministries)

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1 EPIPHANY LUTHERAN CHURCH 5515 WEST BROADWAY PEARLAND, TX Pastor Jon Salminen (Senior Pastor) Pastor David Johnson (Pastor of Music Ministries) The Light September (FAX) Join in hearing and singing upbeat, contemplative, exuberant hymnody and song delivered in a vigorous Bluegrass style with a variety of new instruments and voices. Bluegrass Sunday September 20, :30 a.m. Worship Service Ascension Family Life Center 1

2 The Latest from Epiphany s Leadership Council Epiphany s Leadership Council met for their regular monthly meeting on Sunday, August 23, Pastor Jon s monthly report to the LC included: Baptized Membership = 1327; Communicant Membership = 1013 Worship Attendance through August 1, ; Youth Ministry had two successful mission trips (one local and one in St. Louis) and a successful retreat to Carolina Creek Pastor Dan Hawkins will join us as a contract pastor beginning September 14 through the end of the 2015 calendar year. Jonté Greer, President Scott Stewart, Vice-president Bryant Bremer Mike Choyke Chris Fluegge Kim Garza Michelle Gilbertson Dale Green Jo Lauppe Wayne Roberson Pam Van Maaren Executive Officer Report: A goal is set to find a new Facilities Use Director by the start of September Air conditioning repairs were made in the AFLC (upstairs). Also two new vents will be added to the Youth Room for better air flow The church is getting bids to deal with the leaks that are in the roof over the gym A team (Michelle Gilbertson, Jo Lauppe, Pam Van Maaren, Leigh Ann Moore and James Quinton) is working with Pastor Jon to look at the infrastructure of our congregation. They are looking into the administration, facilities and I.T. needs of Epiphany. The goal is to identify/ prioritize ministry needs as we head into the future. The budget process is underway. Debbie Oravetz, Renee Van Bramer and Pastor Jon have met to look at ministry requests and the expected income for With lower worship attendance and a decrease in offerings, there may be some unfortunate but necessary cuts in the proposed 2016 budget. This budget will be presented to the LC in September. Financial Officer, Renee Van Bramer, reported on the year-end financial outlook for Epiphany. Sunday offerings are coming in significantly shorter than projected and causing concern for the budget. The LC will be reporting to the congregation regarding this situation; expenses are not the problem the problem is a lack of income. With plans for new projects, facility needs and personnel issues, an increase in giving is very important. The LC endorsed a motion to accept changes to the Constitution and Bylaws, as presented by the Constitution Committee, and authorized the committee to move forward with a presentation to the congregation. In September, a forum will be held with a question/answer period concerning the changes. Also, please mark your calendars for the following dates: September 13 Forum regarding the proposed new Constitution for Epiphany; noon October 18 1 st reading of the proposed Constitution during the Adult Bible Class October 25 2 nd reading of the proposed Constitution during the Adult Bible Class October 25 Forum to discuss the Budget for 2016; noon November 1 Epiphany s 25 th Anniversary Celebration November 8 Voters Meeting; noon The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Leadership Council will be held on Sunday, September 20 at 6:00 p.m. in room 202 AFLC. Congregation members are encouraged to attend if they have questions or wish to express any concerns to the LC. 2

3 CERTAINTIES We live in uncertain times (just look at the stock market or what is happening in different parts of the world). We like to think we are in control, but the truth is we are in control of very little. That truth can fill us with great anxiety. But rather than dwell on the uncertainties of life that create anxiety, I would rather share with you the certainties that have become so very clear to me over the years. 1. I am certain that although Epiphany is not the "perfect" church, it is filled with many loving and supportive people people who will go the extra mile to encourage and comfort their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. 2. I am certain that Christian love and support is vital to healthy relationships with God, self and others. Life is just too hard to go it alone for an extended period of time. We need each other! 3. I am certain that "All things work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). Even when God's plan is hidden behind our tear-filled eyes, it is a plan that is good. It is a plan that is for our good. It is the very best plan possible. God will do no less for his people. The uncertainties of life come crumbling down when we come to trust that we have a God who is working behind the scenes making even the worst of times into opportunities to praise His Name and rejoice in His Love. 4. I am certain that as we pass through the fires of life God is purging, forging and recreating people who are more like Him. The Bible calls us to be "Christ-like". Often times this Christ-likeness is only possible as we go into the fiery uncertainties of life and come out purified, stronger and more reliant on God's never-ending mercy. My prayer is that you will also appreciate and thank God for the certainties He offers His people in this uncertain world. May you draw strength and comfort from His Love which is ours through our Savior, Jesus Christ. In Christ's Love, 3

4 ALTAR GUILD Goodtimers will meet on Monday, September 14 at 9:30 a.m. for fellowship, fun and games. They meet in room 104 of the AFLC (downstairs) for fellowship and then begin at 10:00 a.m. with devotions followed by games. If you want to stay for lunch, please bring a covered dish to share. Desserts are furnished by the hostesses. Hostesses for September are Lillian Barath and Cordelia Degner. Anyone who is 50+ is welcome to join us. For more information, contact Evelyn. We have a place for you at our Table. Our Table is the Communion Table. We are the Altar Guild. We need your help! As you enter the sanctuary and see the communion ware on the altar, have you ever wondered how it gets there? Hands in the vestry have been preparing the elements so that you may receive God's Holy Meal. We are in need of some extra hands. Would you be willing to provide those Hands? If so, please contact Marlene Heinrich. Heavenly Sounds Junior Bell Choir Calling all kids from kindergarten through the second grade! If you are interested in participating in Sunday morning worship, come and join the Junior Bell Choir. No experience is necessary! We practice and perform only once a month. Our first practice of this season will be Wednesday, September 9 from 6:30-7:15 p.m. and our performance will be Sunday, September 13 at both the 10:15 and 10:30 a.m. services. If you have any questions, please contact Kerri Keels. ALTAR GUILD TURKEY DINNER Remember how tasty a deep fried turkey can be on a chilly October evening? Well, you're in luck. The Altar Guild's Turkey Dinner is just around the corner. Join us for turkey and all the trimmings on Friday, October 17 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. in the AFLC. Tickets will be sold in the AFLC and the sanctuary on October 4 and 11. Tickets will also be sold at the door and take-home meals will be available Adult tickets are $8.00 and children under 12 are $4.00. BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK CAMPING TRIP & PICNIC Experience God s great outdoors with your friends in Christ from October 2-4, Camp Friday and/or Saturday night or just come for the Saturday picnic and stargazing at the George Observatory. There are two RV sites available and possibly shelter sites as well. To reserve your site or get more information, contact Dale or Tammy Green. The deadline to sign up for camping is September 15, There is no deadline for day-only visitors. 4 THANK YOU Dear Friends at Epiphany, It was a joy to see old friends this summer, but an even greater joy to serve together. Thank you for your servant hearts! Thank you for the hygiene kits and items. They have been such a blessing to so many we serve. Thank you, too, for the shirts. I was wonderful to distribute them then return the next day to see Epiphany shirts on the street. Thank you for your love for Christ. Humbly in Christ, Haleh & Kevin & the LINC Austin Staff

5 WELCOME PASTOR DAN HAWKINS AND FAMILY On September 14, Pastor Dan Hawkins will join our Epiphany staff. Since the end of May, with the departure of Pastor Aaron, we have needed some pastoral help and God has seen our need and answered our prayer. We have entered into a contract with Pastor Dan through the end of Pastor Dan is married to Allison and they have six children ranging in age from three to thirteen years old. Pastor Dan has started two mission congregations and is also a reserve chaplain in the United States Air Force. KIDS HOPE USA Kids Hope USA is coming to Epiphany! KHUSA programs create one-on-one mentoring relationships between adult church members, willing to give a little time and a lot of love, and at-risk elementary schoolchildren in their community who desperately need loving, caring adults in their lives. Utilizing the existing structures of churches and elementary schools as the framework for these programs, Kids Hope USA creates successful, sustainable and life-changing church-school partnerships. In this One Child, One Hour, One Church, One School model, each church partners with a school where mentors from the church spend one hour each week with their student at the school. More information on the Kids Hope USA program is coming soon! Contact Beth Milbrath at beth@epiphanypearland.org if you would like to get involved in the start-up of this program. 5

6 NEW BIBLE STUDIES BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER! ADULT BIBLE CLASS This class, taught by Pastor Jon, meets at 9:15 a.m. every Sunday in the AFLC. The upcoming study will be on The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy Keller. Begins September 13! THE 201 CLASS: "ONE GOD, MANY GODS" In "One God, many gods", Christianity and other religious faiths are examined and compared. This class meets every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. in room 207 of the AFLC. Contact Kevin Ayres, Jeff West or Rick Wolff for more information. Continuous! SMART MONEY, SMART KIDS Raising the next generation to win with money! Rachel Cruze and Dave Ramsey teach parents how to raise money-smart kids in a debt-filled world! This six-week class meets on Sundays at 6:30 p.m. in room 203 of the AFLC. The cost is $59/family for materials and you can register at: by clicking on the Smart Money, Smart Kids banner. Contact Jennifer Williams for more information. Begins September 13! MOMS BIBLE STUDY Mom's Bible Study meets every Monday from 9:30-11:00 a.m. in room 203 of the AFLC. The next study will be, A New Song: All of Your Wonderful Deeds, a woman's Bible Study devotional covering Psalms 9, 18, 30, 31, 32 and 106. This study will run from August 31 - October 19, Child care is provided. Contact Tammy Green for more information. Begins August 31! TUESDAY AFTERNOON BIBLE STUDY The Tuesday afternoon Bible Study will begin a 13-week, dvd driven study by David Jeremiah entitled, A.D. The Revolution That Changed the World. In a thorough introduction, Dr. Jeremiah shows the plan, the people and the places of the Book of Acts. He highlights how God steered events around a small band of Jesus followers who were inspired by his resurrection. They meet on Tuesdays from 4:00-5:30 p.m. in room 202 of the AFLC. Study guides are $10. Contact Karen Daugherty prior to the start of class so that enough study guides are available. Begins September 8! 6

7 THE 101 CLASS: "DISCOVERING THE LUTHERAN FAITH" This class is for those who are interested in learning more about the Lutheran Church, Epiphany in particular. This class is required for those desiring membership at Epiphany and is only offered three times a year. It is held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in room 202 of the AFLC. Please call the church office in advance if you will need child care. Begins September 1! FRIENDS BIBLE STUDY This class meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. in room 207 of the AFLC. They are studying the book of Genesis. Begins September 8! FINANCIAL PEACE Epiphany will, once again, host Dave Ramsey s Financial Peace University! This 9-week class will be held in the AFLC gym on Tuesday evenings from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Through video teaching, class discussions and interactive small group activities, FPU will show you how to eliminate debt, save for the future and give like never before. The cost is $93 per family (includes one FPU member kit). You can register and purchase your materials online at class/ Babysitting will be available, so let the church know if you will need it by including a comment when registering. Begins September 22! TUESDAY NIGHT SMALL GROUPS Parents with small children meet from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in room 203 of the AFLC. The study will be Value-Packed Parenting: Raising Rock-Solid Kids in a Pleasure-Driven World by Dr. Kevin Leman. Contact Tammy Green for more information. Begins September 15!Parents with school age kids meets from 7:00-8:30 p.m. in room 204 AFLC. Contact Sharla Hollis for more information. Childcare is provided. FALL LIFELIGHT STUDY Exodus 6:7 I will take you to be My people, and I will be your God and you shall know... These amazing words of the Lord are the theme of the book of Exodus, which will be studied in LifeLight this fall. LifeLight meets every Thursday at 9:15 a.m. in room 202 of the AFLC. The cost for the study materials is $10. Please sign up with Marlene Heinrich. Begins September 10! MEN S FRIDAY MORNING STUDY All men are invited to attend the Men s Friday Morning Study; they meet on alternate Fridays from 5:30-7:00 a.m. in the main building kitchen. The current study is "Vanishing Grace: What Ever Happened to the Good News?" by Philip Yancey. Contact Jeff West for more information Meets September 4 & 18! MEN'S BIBLE BREAKFAST The men of Epiphany meet on the second Saturday of the month in the gym at 7:30 a.m. for Bible Study, breakfast and fellowship. Continuous! 7

8 Prepare and Proclaim! Oh, sing to the Lord a new song, For He has done marvelous things! Psalm 98:1a (ESV) Epiphany musicians engage continuously in the task of preparation considering, shaping, rehearsing, accompanying and singing a vast repertoire of hymns, psalms and spiritual songs! This preparation requires hours of contemplation, study and analysis to determine accessibility for various ensembles to lead. This preparation requires insight and creativity to inspire the gathered assembly to engage in the task of singing. Each and every ensemble and gathered assembly is shaped by different gifts, interests, experiences and preferences in music. And yet we are all called to be one singing people! Psalm 98 bids the people of God sing to the Lord a new song. The baptized people of God sing to proclaim the salvation story from Genesis to Revelation. Worship is our intersection where God comes to us in Word and Sacrament nourishing, restoring and sustaining faith. The people of God respond with creed, prayer and song that proclaim, unabashedly, Jesus is Lord! This is a bold confession that shapes our identity as the people of God. We are the blessed grace recipients and singers of God s story! Just as sermons refresh and recast the proclamation of Jesus so does the varied song of the church. It is not a stagnant repertoire, but an ever growing treasury of new texts, lyrics, tunes, melodies that deliver theology to our hearts and our intellects. Furthermore music persuades, triggers and cares for our God given emotions. Gathered assemblies are called to boldly sing it all the familiar, the unfamiliar, the traditional, the contemporary, the beloved, the unloved, the known and the unknown because we are gathered as one people, baptized and forgiven made new in Christ Jesus the one and only Song! Because of Christ alone, together we prepare, together we proclaim, together we sing the old and the new! 8

9 Come Explore God s Word at Sunday School Join us every Sunday at 9:15 a.m. to learn all about God s Word. We ll have puppets, music, crafts, games and lots of fun! Here are the stories we are learning about this month. Be sure to check them out at home too! Take-home sheets with more information will be sent home with the kids each week. Preschool September 6 - God Helps Gideon Win the Battle (Judges 6-7) September 13 - God Chose Samson to Lead His People (Judges 13-16) September 20 - David the Shepherd (1 Samuel 16 and Psalm 23) September 27 - David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) Kindergarten to 4th Grade September 6 - Victory at Jericho (Joshua 5-6) September 13 - The city of Ai defeats Israel because Achan stole (Joshua 7-8) September 20 - Deborah leads Israel (Judges 4) September 27 - Gideon tears down Baal s altar (Judges 6) First Sundays Food Drive September 6 Bring your nonperishable food donations to Sunday School! All donations benefit Christian Helping Hands. This fall our Sunday School offerings will also be donated to Christian Helping Hands. Help us help families in need in the Pearland area! 9

10 Kids Summer Camp The W!LD at Carolina Creek August 14-16,

11 5th-8th Grade You are the light of the Lord. Ephesians 5:8 Join us every week at 9:15 a.m. for Sunday School! 5th and 6th Grade - Room 205 7th and 8th Grade - Room 209 Confirmation Schedule September 6 No Confirmation! September 13 5th & 6th 1st Commandment 7th & 8th Lord s Supper September 20 5th & 6th 2nd and 3rd Commandment 7th & 8th Lord s Supper September 27 No Confirmation! Fall Retreat September High ropes, swimming, amazing Bible Study and worship! 5th and 6th Graders Day Retreat Leave Saturday at 7:30 am Return Saturday at 9:00 pm Cost: $35 7th and 8th Graders Overnight Retreat Leave Saturday at 7:30 am Return Sunday by noon Cost: $65 Register at Registration Deadline: September 20 11

12 6TH-8th Weekend Serve August 7-8, eighteen 6th-8th graders spent the weekend in fellowship serving the Church and community and Worshiping God. Friday evening, they washed the AFLC tables and baked cookies to deliver to the first responders of Pearland. Saturday morning, they served pearland through a service scavenger hunt. Saturday Afternoon, they served Houston Food Bank on the assembly line helping sort food to go out to the homeless and needy. That evening, we held worship in the AFLC. They finished Sunday with a wellderserved trip to Schlitterbahn Galveston! 12

13 September th - 12th Grade Youth NFUZED 9 12 Online Calendars Epiphany youth calendars have gone online! Find September is the fall retreat us on the youth to Carolina Creek Christian Camp! pages or the QR The cost is $75! Registration code here. deadline is September 20. Food will be provided Saturday to Sunday breakfast. Sign up on the Senior High page at shiningthelight.org! Youth Night 9/6 No YouthLabor Day 9/13 Basic 1 9/20 Basic 2 9/27 No YouthFall Retreat Starting September 1, meet us Tuesday at the Drink Station from 5:00-6:00 p.m. for some hangout and study! 13

14 BIRTHDAYS 09/01 Isabella Hill 09/02 Tony Munoz 09/02 Anne Armstrong 09/03 Donna Baumann 09/04 Amy Whalen 09/04 Kathy Zapalac 09/04 Betty Koerth 09/04 Landon Rathje 09/04 Marlene Heinrich 09/04 Jordan Gilbertson 09/04 Ashby Stanford 09/04 Collin Turner 09/05 Ella Niemann 09/05 Cathleen Morton 09/05 Evelyn Knebel 09/06 Steve Kunkel 09/07 Amber Coronado 09/08 Kerri Keels 09/09 Keith Armstrong 09/09 Miles Garner 09/09 Steve Hager 09/09 Amber Robinson 09/09 Caleb Garza 09/09 Amanda Snyder 09/10 Olivia Martinez 09/10 Ena Brunette 09/11 Kyle Robinson 09/11 Brooke McGrath 09/12 Andrew Cloeter 09/12 Stan Whalen 09/12 Willie Von Gonten 09/12 Rhoda Mohr 09/13 Sharla Hollis 09/14 Glenda Latlip 09/14 Mary Ann Gossett 09/14 Jean Goeb 09/15 Cindy Williamson 09/15 Charles Ortiz 09/15 Dennis Ballard 09/15 Chase Keasler 09/15 Barbara Schlothauer 09/15 Darren Phan 09/15 Rachael Herbrich 09/17 Zach Brackney 09/17 Jonathan Munoz 09/17 Tyler Brewton 09/18 Brynn Hollis 09/19 Marty Meyers 09/19 Matt Rathje 09/19 Tammy Green 09/19 Bert Balzer 09/19 Doris Lilie 09/20 Robert Williamson 09/21 Joan Stine 09/21 Stuart Joergens 09/21 Gavin Robinson 09/21 Rebecca Jardon 09/21 Clarice Tunstall 09/21 Chase Carothers 09/21 Gary Hazen 09/22 Paul Myers 09/22 Mary Mountford 09/22 Fran Walther 09/22 Tomorrow Orsak 09/22 Bryant Bremer 09/22 Stephanie Wilkes 09/22 Laila Andersen 09/22 Sandy Russell 09/23 Kristen Vollman 09/23 Jay Milbrath 09/24 Jill Woelfel 09/26 Chris Davies 09/26 Gina Strack 09/26 Stephanie Ulbricht 09/27 Evan Friske 09/28 Nathan Turner 09/28 Laura Otto 09/29 Aaron Leslie 09/29 Bobby Hebert 09/29 Diana Ballard 09/30 Laura Anderson 09/30 John Bogar ANNIVERSARIES 09/01 Jontè & Tomika Greer 09/08 Rick & Virginia Keniston 09/11 Kurt & Bobbi Gruner 09/13 Victor & DeeDee Bulerez 09/15 Scott & Cathleen Morton 09/21 Glenn & Patsy Peloquin 09/22 Neil & Sheral Ballard 09/22 Larry & Evelyn Knebel 09/25 David & Edie Hardaway 09/27 Joe & Lillian Barath 14 BAPTISMS Maverick Isaiah Gonzales August 30, 2015 SYMPATHY Maxine Hoppens August 23, 2015

15 1 9-2 MDO MDO MDO MDO Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 6 COM/SS & ABC/COM/WOR* MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO MDO Sunday Worship Times Worship: 8:00 am - Traditional Liturgical-sanctuary 10:15 am - Traditional Praise-sanctuary 10:30 am - Contemporary-AFLC Sunday School: 9:15 am LWML Mite Box Sunday 9:00-10:15am-Blood Pressure Screening-107 9:15am-201 Class-207 9:15am-Stewardship Team Meeting-7MB 11:30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym No Confirmation! No Sr. High Youth Nights! 9:15am-201 Class :30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary Noon-Constitutional Forum-AFLC 1:00pm-Children s Choir-sanctuary 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym 6:00 8:00pm-Confirmation 6:00-8:00pm-Sr. High Youth Nights-gym/204 6:30pm-Smart Money, Smart Kids-203 9:15am-201 Class :30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary Noon-Singles Small Group Intro-203 1:00pm-Children s Choir-sanctuary 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym 6:00pm-Leadership Council Meeting202 6:00 8:00pm-Confirmation 6:00-8:00pm-Sr. High Youth Nights-gym/204 6:30pm-Smart Money, Smart Kids-203 9:15am-201 Class :30am-Orchestra Practice-sanctuary 1:00pm-Children s Choir-sanctuary 2:00-4:00pm-Basketball-gym 6:00 8:00pm-Confirmation 6:00-8:00pm-Sr. High Youth Nights-gym/204 6:30pm-Smart Money, Smart Kids Holiday! Church Office Closed! 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 7:00pm-Damascus Road-AFLC 14 9:30am-Goodtimers-104 9:30am-Mom s Bible Study-203 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 7:00pm-Damascus Road-AFLC 7:00pm-Prayer Shawl :00am-Quilting-205 9:30am-Mom s Bible Study :00-11:30am-Bible Markers-207 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 7:00pm-Damascus Road-AFLC 28 9:30am-Mom s Bible Study-203 4:00pm-Announcements Due! 7:00pm-Damascus Road-AFLC *WOR: Worship COM: Worship with Communion SS: Sunday School 400pm-Bible Study-202 7:00pm-New Member Class-202 7:00pm-Friend s Bible Study-207 4:00pm-Bible Study-202 7:00pm-New Member Class pm-Bible Study-202 7:00pm-New Member Class-202 7:00pm-Financial Peace University-AFLC 7:00pm-Friend s Bible Study pm-Bible Study-202 7:00pm-New Member Class-202 7:00pm-Financial Peace University-AFLC 7:00pm-Friend s Bible Study-207 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 6:30pm-Puppet Practice-101 6:30pm-Jr. Bell Choir-104 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 9:00am-Quilting-205 6:30pm-PT-sanctuary 7:30-Choir-sanctuary 11:30am-Connect Meeting 209 9:15am-LifeLight-202 9:15am-LifeLight-202 7:00pm-Bell Choir -sanctuary 9:15am-LifeLight-202 7:00pm-Bell Choir -sanctuary :30am-Men s Bible Study Group -main building kitchen MDO 12 7:30am-Men s Bible Breakfast-gym 9:15am-Elders Meeting-203 5:30am-Men s Bible Study Group -main building kitchen MDO 26 9:30am-LWML Meeting-203 OCTOBER NEWSLETTER ARTICLES DUE SEPTEMBER 10! WOR/SS & ABC/WOR/COM* 20 COM/SS & ABC/COM/WOR* 27 WOR/SS & ABC/WOR/COM*

16 Tickets go on sale beginning Sunday, October 4,