fall 2013 sm2 mission trip 4 athens vbs 5 men s retreat at camp lone star 9 devoted seek. strengthen. send.

Transcription

1 fall 2013 sm2 mission trip 4 athens vbs 5 men s retreat at camp lone star 9 devoted seek. strengthen. send.

2 2 too much of a good thing pastor scott We ve all heard this phrase most of us probably from our mothers. Too much playing? Too much vacation? Too much dessert? I confess, I didn t always believe you could have too much of a good thing. Truth be told, I m still not certain of it. I mean, if it truly is a good thing, how could it ever be too much? Wouldn t the alternative be not having as much good as there could be? That doesn t seem to make sense. Ok, so I realize that too many desserts causes bad things. I get that; really. But as a truism, I m not convinced. The issues I see in this is not the quantity of good things, but the definition of good things. In the world and with our flesh, good is subjective and tainted by our culture and sinful nature. It substitutes desirable for good and in so doing, contaminates the whole concept. For those things that are truly good, there can t be too much of it. Too much forgiveness? Nope. Too much service? I don t think so. Too much love? Never! Too much Scripture? God forbid! Yet, it is often these truly good items that we neglect the most; as if to say, we have enough of that goodness. Where are our priorities?! If our hunger and thirst for Righteousness and His Name s sake is lacking, it probably means we ve been feeding ourselves with spiritual junk food instead of His nourishment. It means we are continuing to substitute God s good with our desire. I cannot overemphasize this: get into the fulfilling, life sustaining, everlasting, good Word of God daily, if not more! Nothing else is better for you in every aspect of your life. Nothing else will have the same effect. Nothing else will strengthen you and bring you closer to Him and His good and gracious will for your life. Gorge yourself on His Word! I promise, you can never have too much of that! In His Word with 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 fall 2013 volume 4, number 1 Julie Hardin Associate Director of Finance Susan DePue Office Manager Suzanne Thompson School Office

3

4 4 sm2 mission trip chloe villagomez This summer I was given the life changing opportunity to travel with nine fellow Christians to the city of Garnett, Kansas for a week of service. Most people would not believe that a group of teenagers would spend a whole week in Kansas painting houses and building wheelchair ramps. A teenager in the twenty-first century leaving air conditioning and technology to sleep on the floor in a school and be forced to communicate face to face with others! Yes, it might be shocking but we gave up a comfortable bed, high-speed internet, and fast food to impact the lives of those who are less fortunate. The people we served and the relationships we formed are memories that we will never forget. My favorite part of the mission trip is that I was able to grow stronger in my faith alongside three hundred and fifty other Christians from around the country. Each night, as we gathered for evening worship, I was able to praise God and learn more about his love for me in a safe, supportive environment. This year s devotions were based on the question What do you stand for? This question was hard for me to answer because it was not just one I knew. It took me a whole week, a lot of prayer, and many bible verses to find what I stand for. I stand for love and trust. I stand for everyone who needs to be reminded that there is no reason to doubt what God has planned for our lives. I stand to show every person how beautiful and infinite God s love is for us all. I am so very thankful that I was able to take part in this experience because I know that as I move on to the next chapter of my life, I will take everything I have learned and use it to strengthen my relationship with Christ and change the lives of those around me. live love[d] micah brouwer The 2013 lcms National Youth Gathering was in San Antonio, Texas, and was definitely something I won t forget. There were powerful speakers, fun activities, and thought provoking messages. The most impacting experience for me personally was worshipping in the Alamodome with over 25,000 people from across the United States and several different countries. Hearing so many youth sing out to God as beach balls and Frisbees went flying around the stadium was somehow both hilarious and very moving. We spent most of our day in the Convention Center listening to various speakers who covered topics ranging from discipleship, love, identity, sex, and leadership, to name a few, and attending different booths with information on how to get involved and learn about Christian movements around the world. There were live concerts with many different bands and we were so close that I actually got a few autographs. One of my favorite activities was playing indoor soccer in the Rec Center and meeting people with strange accents. All in all, the main message was clear: we are to live loved because God showed His love for us by sending Christ into the world that we might live through Him.

5 athens vbs sheryl seybold 5 Our theme for Vacation Bible School this year was Athens: Paul s Dangerous Journey to Share the Truth. We had the opportunity to share the story of Paul beginning his second missionary journey and the message that God loves us all. When Paul and Silas were put in prison, we shared that God takes care of us. As an angry mob searched for Paul and Silas to cause harm, we remembered that God loves us when others don t. No matter what, Paul preached the Good News of Jesus and we know that God loves us and sent his Son, Jesus. Finally, as Paul continued on his journey to share the Good News, we learned that we are to share his love with others as well. What a wonderful time the children had hearing about Paul s adventures, eating snacks in the Food Market, doing crafts in the Marketplace, playing Arena Games and singing songs in the music room. We also started and ended our day in Celebration remembering God loves us all! We were blessed to work with 204 children throughout the week. This would not have been possible without the support of our church, school and summer camp staff as well as 45 volunteers. Thank you to everyone who gave their time and talents to this special ministry event! st. mark music ministry john marrs St. Mark church has a vibrant music program that performs for our worship services and special events. We rely on talented volunteers to make it all happen. St. Mark has a 25-voice adult choir, a praise band for the 11 am service, a 5-octave handbell choir, and a brass ensemble to enrich our worship services. If you play an instrument, like to ring bells or sing, and would like to be part of this vital ministry, contact John Marrs at jmarrs@stmarkhouston.org. A singer in our praise band said about leading worship It s really nice to be able to give back to God and St. Mark by using the talents He has given me. St. Mark also hosts a Music Conservatory which offers private lessons to students of all ages. The lessons are scheduled after school on weekdays according to the teacher s and student s schedules. We currently offer piano, guitar, brass and woodwinds, and hope to add strings in the Fall of You can learn more about lessons at gostmark.org/conservatory.

6 6 get involved - for an updated list visit stmarkhouston.org/sundaystudies adult studies - as of 8/13 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! (begins 9/8/2013) New member class required for membership. Willis Schrampfer Location: Conference Room 155 Books of the Bible Charles McDaniel Location: café a Not a Fan Pastor Scott Heitshusen & Bob Burgess 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 Phase III Women 50+ and widows meet for fellowship and support. Bring a sack lunch. Drinks and dessert are furnished. 3rd Wednesday of each month at 10:30 am; Conference Room 161

7 you can also contact the church office at with any questions 7 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 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 Margaret Schultz 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 Carol Wyman » 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 Children s Ministry Scott Heitshusen - sheitshusen@stmarkhouston.org Choir/Instrumentalists/Worship Teams John Marrs - jmarrs@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

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 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)

9 men s retreat at camp lone star pastor duerr 9 The St. Mark men s Bible study group, P.U.B. (Personal Understanding of the Bible), enjoyed their first-ever Men s retreat at Camp Lone-star in April. Fresh off of our Bible study series based on the movie Courageous and signing our Courageous covenants in February, we went to Camp Lone-star with the goals of building stronger relationships, worshipping God and serving our community by completing a service project that would improve the experience for all the children who would attend summer camp this year. The three projects we completed at the camp were: demolishing a rest room in order to replace it with a costume closet, cutting, sanding and re-finishing craft tables and installing a brand-new drinking fountain by the camp store area. It was a great experience and all of the guys had a fun time. Keep your eyes open for the second annual Men s Retreat in the spring of 2014!

10 10 new faces of st. mark tyler thompson middle school history athletic director dusty drosche first grade angelica young middle school language arts not pictured - ryan pennington - music R E T R E A T Join other St. Mark young adults (ages 25-35) as we host our first annual FUSION Fall Retreat. Come to hang out, get to know each other better, worship, study God s Word, participate in team building exercises on the camp s challenge course and give back to a Texas Lutheran Ministry by completing a service project for the camp. Registration forms (available at the Welcome Desk) are due by Friday, September 24.

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