winter 2013 holiday schedule 3 christmon tree 5 compassion ministry 10 devoted seek. strengthen. send.

Transcription

1 winter 2013 holiday schedule 3 christmon tree 5 compassion ministry 10 devoted seek. strengthen. send.

2 2 good news of great joy pastor scott The angel said to them, Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord... Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! -Luke 2:10-11,14 Most of us are well aware of that great passage of Scripture. It is one which uplifts us to the highs of Heaven itself because it tells of the One who came from that highest Heaven to a humble manger so that He might save us from our sins and redeem our messed-up lives. It also moves me because it connects me to every other human throughout history. Those shepherds who were the first recipients of this Good News of Great Joy heard the same aweinspiring message as I do now - a savior has been born to me! The savior promised and given for Adam and Eve. The savior promised and given to Abraham. The same savior given to those in exile; to those in Luther s time; to those in Abraham Lincoln s time; to us in our time! A SAVIOR! What Good News of Great Joy! But we mustn t end with the Message given and heard. Indeed, what happens next is crucial! The Heavenly Hosts sing praises and the Shepherds leave all to go find this Savior and, upon finding Him, they return with joy, telling others what had happened! The Message of the Savior moves people to praise God! The Message of the Savior moves people to action! If someone is not moved by this Message, they do not understand the magnitude of their sins or the magnitude of the Savior. So, what is the Lord doing in and through you because of this Savior, this swaddled Deity in the flesh? If you don t know yet, perhaps we can help figure it out together. Come to St. Mark this season and hear the Good News of Great Joy about the Savior, Jesus. Come share in the love and forgiveness He has for us. In Great Joy for the news of the Savior - for me and for you, Pastor Scott Staff Scott Heitshusen Senior Pastor Timothy Duerr Andy Roettjer Susan Converse Associate Pastor of Care and Assimilation Associate Pastor of Youth and Young Adults Director of Operations Bob Burgess Principal Sheryl Seybold Early Childhood Education Director John Marrs Director of Music Ministry Julie Burgess Director of Discipleship devoted winter 2013 volume 4, number 2 Julie Hardin Associate Director of Finance Susan DePue Office Manager Suzanne Thompson School Office

3 Thanksgiving Worship November 27 7 pm Advent Services - The Bright Star of Bethlehem December 4 7 pm Star of Creation December 11 7 pm Star of Hope December 18 7 pm Star of Unity Christmas in the Park December pm at Spring Valley Village Park St. Mark K-8th Grade - Upon a Star December 20 8:30 am St. Mark Adult Choir Christmas Concert December 22 8:30 & 11 am Worship Services Christmas Eve Worship December 24 4 pm Family Service December 24 6 pm Contemporary Candlelight Service December 24 9 pm Traditional Candlelight Service Christmas Day Worship December 25 9 am New Year s Eve Worship December 31 7 pm Caraway Street will be held on the 2nd & 3rd Sundays in November and the 1st & 3rd Sundays December. Learn more at stmarkhouston.org/holidays.

4 Join us for Advent on Wednesdays at 5:30 pm for a free-will dinner. Then, be sure to stick around for worship at 7 pm as we sing Christmas songs and follow The Bright Star of Bethlehem. Bring your kids, grandkids and even your neighbor kids, as we celebrate Christmas as a family. December 4 The Star of Creation December 11 The Star of Hope December 18 The Star of Unity 9 Week Class Tuesdays Beginning January 7, :30-8 pm at St. Mark Visit stmarkhouston.org/fpu to register. Contact Julie Burgess, jburgess@stmarkhouston.org with any questions.

5 the christmon tree barb mannlein 5 The tree in the Narthex is decorated with Chrismons, monograms of Christ. The word, Chrismon, derives from Christ and monograms. The ornaments depict symbols of the early Christian church. Mrs. Frances K. Spencer of Danville, Virginia created the first Chrismon ornaments in She used them to decorate the tree of her church. All Chrismons are made in combinations of white and gold. White, the liturgical color for Christmas, refers to our Lord s purity and perfections while gold symbolizes His majesty and glory. see if you can find the following ornaments on our tree this holiday season! The christmas tree itself reminds us of God and His gifts to us. Ornaments on a Christmas tree reflect our anticipation of Christmas and Christ s return. A dove is the symbol of peace. It is also the symbol of the Holy Spirit who brings us peace with God. The shape of the cross reminds us of our desperate need for a Savior. Jesus came to earth once and He is coming again to bring us eternal hope, peace, and joy in Heaven with Him. Wise men followed the star because they knew it would lead them to the Savior of the world. We follow Jesus and place our hope in Him. An anchor holds a ship firm against the storm. Christ is our anchor of hope in life. We are made secure by Christ s death and resurrection. Christ s kingly office is represented by a crown. It also depicts our victory through Christ. The lamp symbolizes wisdom, knowledge and learning. Psalm 119:105 says, Your word is lamp to my feet and a light to my path, emphasizing the importance of studying the Bible to gain God s wisdom and direction in our lives. Because the fish was such a popular symbol for our Lord, the early church used it in many ways to depict various acts and attributes of Christ. The letters on the fish are Greek, ixoyc, creating an acrostic meaning Jesus (I) Christ (X), God s (O) Son (Y), Savior (C). On the night Jesus was born, angels sang and praised God. He still sends His angels to watch over us. The fleur de lis is a symbol of the Trinity (Father - Son - Holy Spirit). The hand represents our Creator. We were not created to live in fear, hatred and darkness, but in the peace, hope and joy of God s love for us. St. Mark s first Christmon tree was put up around All of the ornaments are handmade by the ladies of the Lutheran Women s Missionary League (lwml). Each year, the ladies gather after Thanksgiving to decorate the tree which stays up through the end of the year. A few ornaments are still in progress, but St. Mark currently has about 90 ornaments completed. Take a special look this year and give thanks for the symbolism and history represented on this beautiful tree.

6 6 get involved - for an updated list visit stmarkhouston.org/sundaystudies adult studies - as of 10/13 sunday morning classes at 9:45 am Women s Bible Study Cheryl Dinwoodie Location: Room 151 The Holy Spirit Ginny Zuppann Location: café c Growing Gracefully Pastor John Freed Location: Room 220 Serendipity Study Pete Peters Location: Room 225 An Intimate Walk Through the Bible Dennis Rochow Location: Room 221 I Have Good News for You! New member class required for membership. Willis Schrampfer Location: Conference Room 155 Books of the Bible Charles McDaniel Location: café a Judges (begins 11/10) Pastor Scott Heitshusen Location: Room 224 midweek classes FUSION Join with other young adults who meet monthly to study the Bible over dinner. Pastor Duerr - tduerr@stmarkhouston.org Last Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm; Teeba Cafe (located at the corner of Westview & Wirt) Women s Daytime Study Join other women for a time of fellowship and Bible study. It s a great way to be refreshed in the midst of a busy life. Katie Tonn Tuesdays at 9:30 am; Conference Room 161 Thursdays at 8:30 am; Conference Room 161 p.u.b. - (Personal Understanding of the Bible) This is a men s only group, studying how to be a man of God. Pastor Tim Duerr - tduerr@stmarkhouston.org 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7 pm; Live Oak Bar & Grill Men s Early Study This men s study explores the issues men face living their faith, using books by current Christian writers as basis for discussion. Duane Heckman Wednesdays at 6:30 am; Conference Room 155 Pastor s Bible Study This group is open to anyone and is led by a Pastor. Pastor Scott Heitshusen - sheitshusen@stmarkhouston.org Thursdays at 6:30 pm; Conference Room 161 Small Groups - stmarkhouston.org/smallgroups Small groups meet once a week (or once a month) on the same day and time for about an hour. A typical group has 8-10 people who spend time sharing, studying the Bible and praying together. If you would like to join a group, contact Julie Burgess at or jburgess@stmarkhouston.org. social groups St. Mark Conservatory of Music Private music lessons are available to all students of music. John Marrs - jmarrs@stmarkhouston.org Prayer Chain Individuals are organized into evening or daytime teams for passing on prayer needs of those who request them. Katie Tonn - ktonn@sbcglobal.net Prayer Time at the Altar Join in prayer with others at the Altar. Fridays at 6 am; Sanctuary Fred Tonn - ktonn@sbcglobal.net 42 Club Open to anyone who enjoys a fun game of Dominoes. 2nd Friday of each month at 7 pm; Scout House Gloria & Erwin Eschenberger S.P.I.C.E. Seniors Participating In a Caring Environment - all senior citizens are invited to join! Bring your own sack lunch. 1st Thursday of each month at 10 am; Scout House Glenda Lehmann

7 you can also contact the church office at with any questions 7 Healing Prayer Come for prayer, and a team of people will pray for you. Sundays at 5 pm; Sanctuary Katie Tonn - ktonn@sbcglobal.net Moms in Prayer Join with other moms for a time of prayer. Julie Burgess - jburgess@stmarkhouston.org 2nd & 4th Friday from 8-9 am; Conference Room 155 Quilting Club Join us as we make quilts to benefit different organizations. Thursday mornings from 9 am - 1 pm; Room 221 Elinor Fischer Lutheran Women s Missionary League (lwml) This women s group meets for prayer, Bible study, socializing, and planning future projects to support missions.» Circle of Concern meets on the 2nd Monday of each month at 9:30 am in Conference Room 161 Myrtle Emery » Evening Circle meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at 7 pm in Conference Room 161 Amy Kyle - amy@kyle2003.com Seekers Join in fellowship with other St. Mark single members over 40. 1st Saturday : games & dinner; 6 pm at Teeba Cafe 3rd Sunday : brunch after 11 am worship Pete Peters - mpete37561@aol.com Second Sunday Supper Join us for a meal and music with your family in Christ. 2nd Sunday of each month at 6 pm; Cafeteria Anna Helmich service groups/opportunities Altar Guild Barb Mannlein Bereavement Meals Church Office - info@stmarkhouston.org Church Readiness Team Church Office - info@stmarkhouston.org Counting Team Susan DePue - sdepue@stmarkhouston.org First Impressions Greeting Team Chris & Gail Williamson - cwilliamson@breitburn.com Food Pantry Katie Tonn - ktonn@sbcglobal.net Gift Shop Nancy Graham Lunch Bunch Cafeteria - cafe@stmarkhouston.org Nursing Home Ministry Pastor Duerr - tduerr@stmarkhouston.org Office Help Church Office - soconnor@stmarkhouston.org School Office - sthompson@stmarkhouston.org Peanut Butter Brigade Stephen Monsen - texolina@hotmail.com Second Family Care Team Rita Schaller - ritaschaller@sbcglobal.net Stephen Ministry Sharon Lem - lem@pdq.net Tech Team Susan O Connor - soconnor@stmarkhouston.org Ushers Steve Wible - s_wible@earthlink.net Whole Person Health Mary Marrs - mjmarrs@yahoo.com Youth & Young Adult Ministry Pastor Andy - aroettjer@stmarkhouston.org Children s Ministry Julie Burgess - jburgess@stmarkhouston.org Choir/Instrumentalists/Worship Teams John Marrs - jmarrs@stmarkhouston.org

8 8 children/youth groups children s ministry sunday morning classes at 9:45 am Living Inside Out (3 years - 6th grade) Children meet in our Large Group area (cr 161) for a time of praise and great Bible teaching. Kids will meet in Small Groups after the Large Group time. Small Groups will meet following the group time. Registration for this ministry is required. Visit stmarkhouston.org/children to register. Small Group areas: 3 years - Kindergarten : Cafeteria 1st - 6th grade : Gym Caraway Street (3 years - 4th grade) Caraway Street is an event that connects children to Christ through puppets. Children are escorted from the sanctuary at a special time during the regular Sunday service. 2nd & 4th Sundays at 8:30 & 11 am (September - May) Location: Conference Room 161 A Star is Born Christmas Eve Family Service Tuesday, December 24 at 4 pm junior high ministry (7th - 8th grade) Confirmation - 8:30 am Students explore the awesomeness of God and the mysteries of faith, personally confess Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, and identify themselves as members of St. Mark and a special part of the body of Christ. Pastor Andy Junior High Bible Study - 9:45 am Junior high students will dig in and study the Bible together. Ed & Julie Hardin high school ministry (9th - 12th grade) SM2 Bible Study - 9:45 am High School students will grow in faith, their personal relationship with Christ and who they are as God s people. It is also a place where they know they are accepted, can ask hard questions, and find answers about faith and life in order to serve in meaningful ways in the church and in the world! Come early to hang out and shoot pool before the lesson. Pastor Andy with Cory Thorson and Kaeli Bauer Location: sm 2 Room (m-91) sm2 winter events Big Day of Serving Leave from St. Mark at 6:45 am 12.8 SM2 Christmas Party Starts at 4 pm in the SM2 room; Bring a White Elephant Gift 1.12 Sunday Fun-day SM2 Leadership Retreat 2.9 Sunday Fun-day Wednesday Night Bible Study 1st Wednesday monthly; 7 pm Night of Worship 3rd Wednesday monthly; 7 pm Contact Pastor Andy, aroettjer@stmarkhouston.org, with any questions.

9 Saturday, December pm Sign up for a night of Christmas-y fun for your child while you enjoy date night or work on that Christmas shopping list! Your kids will have a great time enjoying pizza & desserts, crafts, games & a late night movie. Registration forms are available at stmarkhouston.org. Cost $135 (includes one night lodging, 3 meals and retreat materials) $65 for the day only Our theme will focus on the amazing grace of Jesus Christ. Enjoy a bit of Paris as we study, sing, connect and pray. If you ve never been, this is the year to come and enjoy the retreat! All women are welcome whether or not they are members of St. Mark. Registration forms are available at the Welcome Desk. January 25-26, 2014 Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas Questions? Contact Cheryl Dinwoodie: or her at cadinwoodie@aol.com. So we praise God for the glorious grace He has poured out on us who belong to His dear Son Ephesians 1:6

10 new members/compassion ministry pastor duerr new to the st. mark family! Mark Bienlien Pauline Driver Desmond Early Emery Flores Ferah Fowler Jonathan and Kimberly Gilbert Jett Kathy Jenkins Matthew and Vanessa Kramer Kaitlyn Stephen & Kristina Lem Sara Paige Mellor Addison & McAllister Amy Singletary Ariana Jamie Stephens and Bette Lewis Morgan, Grayson & Rowan Matthew and Kathleen Welnack Jacqueline, James & Jacob compassion ministry The St. Mark Second Family Care Team has three general ministry areas: long term care circles run for more than 2 months. Team members agree to make regular visits to others in the St. Mark family to help with spiritual, emotional or physical needs or to simply avoid loneliness. annual events include a luncheon on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, an Ice Cream Social in August and a Christmas activity. short term care calendars are a temporary way to help with a critical need of a member. They are usually less than a month long and members are able to help as they are led by the Spirit. These generally include meals or visits for members returning from hospitalization. special assistance is provided by a Care Team to help members with repairs or other physical assistance needs. The Team celebrated their second full year of ministry to the members of St. Mark Lutheran Church. The end of the year seems an appropriate time to reflect on the accomplishments we have made, the joy we have shared and the lives we have touched: care circles: Over the last year, the Second Family Care Team has ministered to four members (three home-bound members and the mother-in-law of one of our pastors) through the use of long-term care circles including visitors, cards, phone calls, meals and transportation. events: This year we celebrated the 90th birthday of a member with a wonderful Second Family hosted celebration at his nursing care facility to brighten his day and light up our lives. We also hosted our three annual events: Ash Wednesday and Good Friday luncheons and our annual end of Summer Ice Cream Social where we remembered our school days by singing favorite school-time songs, looking at pictures from when our members were in school, playing the game Remember When and sharing our various experiences growing up and going to school with the theme Back to School. care calendars: Along with the long-term Care Circles and fellowship events, the Second Family Care Team also formed several short-term care circles to fill the needs of many of our members who needed meals after returning home from the hospital to an empty house and an empty fridge. repairs: Our Repair Team began it s inaugural year with a BANG, accomplishing many much-needed repairs for members who could not do without these critical needs. Some projects included building a ramp for a recently wheel-chair bound member, repairing a washer and dryer, light-socket, door-bell and a window sill for others. In the last year, the Second Family Care Team has done some pretty amazing things with a handful of committed and dedicated volunteers. here s a chance to get involved in this special ministry: On Sunday, December 8 from 4-6 pm, the Second Family Care Team will host a Christmas Caroling event to brighten the days (and nights) of several of our elderly and home-bound St. Mark family members. We hope you will be able to join us in this wonderful evening of singing, fellowship, fun and food! To learn more, volunteer or seek assistance for yourself or a loved one, contact Pastor Duerr at or tduerr@stmarkhouston.org.

11 visitor information 11 Welcome to St. Mark Lutheran! We want you to feel at home with us as we worship, praise and proclaim God s Eternal Love and Joy in Jesus Christ for each one of us! We offer several types of worship services in order for everyone to worship at a service that best fits their needs. If you are interested in membership at St. Mark or would just like more information, stop by the visitors table in the Narthex on Sunday mornings before or after services or you may contact the church office during the week at Worship Services sundays 8:30 am - Traditionally Focused Using worship that is rooted in our rich heritage of grace, this service is for all who enjoy traditional elements of worship such as liturgy, Lutheran hymns, organ and classic instruments. 11 am - Contemporary Service Offering a relaxed blend of majestic worship style and contemporary, this service includes praise singers, praise band and instrumentation to accompany praise songs and modern worship music. wednesdays 7 pm - This midweek service is designed as a worship/bible study hour with singing. For Parents With Young Children Children s church with the Caraway Street puppets meets during the 8:30 and 11 am worship services on the second and fourth Sundays of each month from September to May. This puppet ministry is an exciting and fresh Bible experience for children ages three through 4th grade. Books, crayons and pictures to color are available on the cart in the Narthex for your young children who are attending the worship service in the sanctuary. There is also a nursery for children under 3 years of age, which is located off the Gathering Area. An usher will be happy to assist you in locating the nursery. Worship Message on dvd/cd dvds & cds of the worship message may be received by filling out the information on the Tape Ministry envelope located in the pew rack and dropping the envelope in the offering plate. dvds/cds are duplicated by our volunteers and mailed on Mondays. Hearing & Visual Assistance For those with difficulty hearing, we offer a hearing assistance system. The individual systems can be obtained from the sound technician at the back of the sanctuary. We also offer large print bulletins for those that might need them. Prayer Needs If you have a prayer request, please feel free to come up to the front of the church after the service, where the pastors, elders and prayer partners will gladly pray with you. You may also send your prayer request to prayer@stmarkhouston.org and your prayer will immediately be placed on the prayer chain. About St. Mark St. Mark Lutheran Church is a Christ-centered community that is dedicated to sharing our love for Jesus Christ by caring for people and equipping them to live out their faith in the world. We believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior from sin. We believe that the Bible is the foundation of all truth and guide for our lives. Because of God s great love for us, we believe that we best show our love for Him by our response of caring and kindness to others. Our mission statement is: In response to God s call, we live to seek, strengthen and send fully devoted disciples for Christ.

12 1515 Hillendahl Houston, Texas stmarkhouston.org