ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING EUCHARIST

Transcription

1 A Monthly Publication of Atascocita Lutheran Church 7927 FM 1960 East, Humble, Texas November 2009 Volume 14 Number 11 ECUMENICAL THANKSGIVING EUCHARIST Atascocita Lutheran Church Atascocita Presbyterian Church Atascocita United Methodist Church Christ the King Episcopal Church Sunday, November 22 nd 5:30 p.m. at Atascocita United Methodist Church Pinehurst Trail, Humble, TX Please join us at our annual interdenominational Thanksgiving worship service on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Atascocita United Methodist Church. The worship will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a reception following. Following a virtually unanimous positive vote at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) National Assembly in August of this year, the ELCA is now in full communion with the United Methodist Church. The ELCA is already in full communion with the Presbyterian Church USA, and the Episcopal Church USA. It is an exciting time to come together and give thanks for the gift of unity we celebrate with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. This worship event will include music from all congregations including a joint choir. Clergy from all congregations will play a role in the liturgy. Our offering this year will go to HAAM, which provides food, clothing, and services for the poor in our community. Come and join us as we give thanks!

2 Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter the month of November, we again remember to give thanks. In agricultural regions, it is a time to give thanks for the harvest. In Houston, it is perhaps a time to give thanks that the hurricane season is over! I am looking forward to our ecumenical Thanksgiving Service that will take place on the 22 nd of this month. It is a great way to come together with our full-communion partners and show our unity in Christ. I also want to give thanks to you, the people of Atascocita Lutheran Church (ALC). It has been a challenging few months since the beginning of construction. So far, we have all been very patient and accommodating when it comes to the use of our limited space. I know that it has not been easy to continue programming as usual under such circumstances. Periodically the electricity has gone out, the plumbing has not functioned properly, there have been leaks in the ceiling, fumes from construction equipment have permeated the building, not to mention the constant noise where at times we can hardly hear each other speak. The worship space has also been less than ideal, although the acoustics are actually better than our previous worship space. Through it all, I have heard very little complaining. I thank you for your understanding and all of your support during this time of transition. I think that we are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Regarding worship, I encourage us to keep worship as central to our faith life. I have noticed that there are some in our congregation who participate and volunteer their time in various other ALC ministries but are not regular in their worship attendance. This saddens me, for the majority of my time and energy goes into preparing meaningful and faithful worship. Worship is also the one unique thing that sets us apart as the Body of Christ. Our Presiding Bishop, Mark S. Hanson writes the following: Worship is central to the Christian life. The crucified and risen Christ is present at the center of the assembly gathered around the means of grace. Through the word proclaimed and sacraments celebrated, the Holy Spirit is at work. Lives are changed. Sins are forgiven. The alienated are reconciled. Strangers are welcomed. Unbelief gives way to faith. God is praised. Worship matters! For the next few months, there will continue to be challenges and disruptions. We will still need to work together in less than ideal conditions. However, I am confident that we can and will be a place where people can experience the grace and love of Christ. We can and will be a place where God s purposes are made known in our community and in the world. For the hungry are fed, the homeless are sheltered, the naked are clothed, and the poor have good news preached to them. Our future is bright. I truly feel that God is doing a great work among the people of Atascocita Lutheran Church. Please continue to pray for our leaders and our congregation as we continue the journey that God has set before us. Pastor Gary L. Anholt

3 NEW ADULT LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES Sundays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. November 29 th December 20 th Spiritual Gifts CAN YOU RELATE TO THIS? Have you ever been given a gift and it sits in the closet or on the shelf because you do not know how to use it? Do you feel guilty because you know the gift is valuable and should be used? With Christmas season on the horizon, thoughts of gifts and giving come to mind. As we plan our holiday season, why not put one more thing on the list. Okay, I can hear what you are thinking OH NO, NOT ANOTHER THING I CAN T POSSIBLY DO ONE MORE THING! But wait! This is something special for yourself and for the Lord. On each of the four Sundays during Advent, a class will be offered on Spiritual Gifts the special abilities God bestows on every believer to be used to build up the body of Christ. These gifts can help us find the answer to the question; What should I do with the life God gave me? Because our spiritual gifts reflect God s design and direction for our lives, we will find great passion, joy, and satisfaction in using them. However, we need to know what unique gifts we have been given before we can use them. Come and find out what gift/s God has given you. So, this holiday season as you celebrate the wonderful gift of the infant Christ, take time to discover the gifts from the Holy Spirit also. You do not want to leave any package unopened! Spiritual Gifts: Are FREE with no shipping or handling fees Help keep/put Christ in Christmas Are the gifts that keep on giving Have something unique for everyone on the list Require no waiting in lines The Light Will Shine A Study for Advent During this study, we will experience fresh perspectives on the journey through Advent to Christmas and beyond, and to highlight the underlying message of the traditional scripture texts and themes for the season. But more than that, this study will also make the meaning and message of those texts come alive for us today. It is hoped that together, we will be equipped to see beyond the hustle and bustle, glitter and glamour of commercial Christmas to the good news of great joy that forms the very foundation of our faith. 1. Watchful Expectancy 2. John the Baptizer 3. The Fulfillment of All Promises 4. The Dawning of Day BRING YOUR BIBLES!

4 STEWARDSHIP NEWS NOW LOOK WHAT YOU VE DONE! (SEPTEMBER) September 30 Wow! What a difference a year makes!! At the end of September last year we were all stumbling around in the mental and emotional fogginess brought on by Hurricane Ike. The ALC income at the end of nine months last year was significantly impacted by all the factors that led up to and followed the tropical weather s arrival with howling fury. There is good news all across the financial reports at the end of September Discipleship giving continued strong (though not stunning) through September. Continued thanks for the faithfulness in discipleship giving. Income for the operations and outreach of the congregation for the month was nearly $19,000. The spending plan requirement is for $22,500. Since spending by our leaders has been less than anticipated there is a one month cash-on-hand reserve. Keep on keeping on! Giving for FAITH VENTURE 2007 was $5,400. Total giving to FV07 through August 31st is nearly $230,000. FYI When ALC begins paying the new mortgage sometime in mid-2010 the monthly amount will be approximately $8,800. Please be regular and regular with your FV07 offerings. Average worship attendance in August was 135 per week. MISS IO N MO MENT October is STEWAR DSHIP MONTH in most of the congregations of all brands across North America. The education for the month is to stimulate or motivate a personal response from all disciples for the mission plans for the next calendar year. Education & Response for mission is a refreshing change from historical emphases that placed the emphasis upon supporting a budget or paying dues or something else akin to buying a season ticket for a seat in worship. Atascocita Lutheran Church is a mission outpost for the Kingdom of God rather than a Lutheran historical association or a Lutheran heritage society. In our PONY EXPRESS effort during October the Stewardship Work Group invited all disciples to prayerful consider completing an estimate of giving card. The responses received to this invitation will be combined with a forecast of other income categories to develop the 2010 Spending Plan for Mission by Atascocita Lutheran. The final income and spending calculations will be paired and put forward by the Leadership Team. A congregational vote will authorize the Spending Plan for Mission and pastor, staff and lay leaders will work faithfully and enthusiastically to invest the contributions and other income for the sake of the multiple tasks that we all share from God in this setting. UPDATE on FAITH VENTURE 2007 This is an advance notice that the Building Task Force and the Stewardship Work Group will be delivering a publication in November that will advertise special giving opportunities related to the new and renewed facilities project. Among the items to be listed will be the opportunity to make contributions to underwrite the cost for the new altar furniture, seating and other worship related items and special projects. Each item will be described briefly and denote the amount needed to pay for that item. Contributions may be made as a gift to honor a person(s), in memory of a person(s), to recognize a special personal or family event, or a Given to the Glory of God designation.

5 I ve always wanted to know What is the difference between nave & sanctuary? ALL WET* Both of these spaces are found in liturgical churches with a historic floor plan. The nave is the place where the congregation gathers for worship. The sanctuary is the front part of the church from which the service is conducted. The term chancel is also used to describe this front part of the church. What is your question? *WORSHIP ENRICHMENT TEAM MUTUAL MINISTRY MUSINGS DID YOU KNOW? Every ordained pastor of the ELCA has a basic job description per say, which he or she agrees to at the time of their ordination and each subsequent call. Although each congregation may have specific areas of ministry to which a pastor is called, the following is what ALL ELCA pastors are called to do and what is the responsibility of the congregation: Letter of Call to an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America We call you to exercise among us the ministry of Word and Sacrament which God has established and which the Holy Spirit empowers: To preach and teach the Word of God in accordance with the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions To administer Holy Baptism and Holy Communion To lead us in worship To proclaim the forgiveness of sins To provide pastoral care To speak for justice in behalf of the poor and oppressed To encourage persons to prepare for the ministry of the Gospel To impart knowledge of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its wider ministry To endeavor to increase support given by our congregation to the work of our whole church To equip us for witness and service; and guide us in proclaiming God s love through word and deed In accepting this call, you hereby promise to fulfill this pastoral ministry in accord with the standards and policies for ordained ministers of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Therefore, be diligent in the study of Holy Scripture, in use of the means of grace, in prayer, in faithful service, and in holy living. With this call, we (the congregation) pledge our prayers, love, esteem, and personal support for the sake of the ministry entrusted to you by God and for our ministry together in Christ s name. Specific responsibilities, compensation, benefits, and conditions of this call are contained in a document related to this call.

6 October 4, 2009 An Open Letter to All I spent many weeks contemplating how to start this letter; when all else fails jump in. Feeling overwhelmed at times, extremely depressed many times and elated other times. This rollercoaster ride of emotions is all a part of cancer. My second diagnosis, June 2005, was quite debilitating. I struggled with the physical pain, the mental aggravation and felt the downward spiral. Rigorous chemotherapy treatments and hospitalizations caused me to lose sight of life. Not only was Ken there for me at every turn, the ALC Congregation was also behind the lines with thoughts and prayers. The end of that year was quite emotional; especially as I sat in the middle of church service and felt a calming and peaceful presence among all of the holiday parishioners. As I sat in calmness, I allowed myself to feel the emotions that had overwhelmed me for so many months. As the healing continued, I found myself living life more and more each day. Time marched on and all of our lives continued to intertwine. We all continued with our families and friends, our jobs and of course our service to our church. Almost four years to the day, I received the news that no one wants to hear. I was diagnosed with cancer for the third time. I knew that I would need help from everyone that I could amass. Without question and doubt, Ken was at my side and remains there. My family and friends from around the country circled the wagons again and I felt that closeness that everyone needs in time of crisis. My boss stepped up to the plate immediately and mobilized a most impressive team at MD Anderson Cancer Center. And yet again, a powerful group of people were in the wings with so many cards, telephone calls and most especially thoughts and prayers. Atascocita Lutheran Church wrapped it s very large and strong arms around me again and held tight. With Ken, my family and friends and those most impressive arms of the ALC Congregation, I began a most rigorous treatment of radiation and chemotherapy that lasted six weeks. The treatment schedule was long and arduous; the effects of the treatment were both physically exhausting and mentally challenging. During this time, I received many cards and notes and telephone calls of concern. Ken would bring home messages from so many of you wishing me well and most especially that so many of you were praying for my recovery. A thank you is used so often these days without much thought behind the two words. It seems like never enough for what needs to be expressed. But, I want all of you to know how much I most sincerely thank you for being one of the constants in my life. Thank you for those arms that reached out and held onto me. Thank you for the many thoughts and most especially for your prayers during my recovery. From my family and most especially from me.... thank you all for being you! Matthew Johnson Contributions for the ALC Mission, Special/Designated & Other SEPTEMBER 2009 Date Mission Plan Support Faith Venture Designated Sunday School Total SEPT 6 5, , SEPT 13 5, , , We re on the web! alutheranchurch.org SEPT 20 3, , SEPT 27 4, , Totals $ 18, $ 5, $ 1, $ $ 25,818.50

7 Sing With Us The Christmas Story Calling children (grade Kindergarten and above) who are interested in presenting the Christmas story in words and music. The program features 8 of the most beloved carols and familiar Scripture passages which tell the Christmas story. The congregation will sing-along as well. When: 4 PM Family Worship Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) Rehearsals will be on Sunday beginning November 8 and continuing through December 20. November 8: 3 4 PM November 15: 3 4 PM. November 22: 3 4 PM December 6: 3 4 PM December 13: 3 4 PM December 20: 3 4 PM If interested (and able to participate) complete this form and place in offering plate or return to Zane Barra. Name grade phone

8 Children/Youth Christmas Program Children in elementary and middle school are needed to perform in the Christmas Music Program, to be performed at the first service on Christmas Eve. The program will be "Sing With Us the Christmas Story" and is based on familiar carols with parts for narrators between the songs. This should be a fun program to put together. We just need participants! We will have six Sunday afternoon rehearsals from 3:00 4:-00 p.m. on November 8, 15, 22, and December 6, 13 and 20. Please consider having your children join in our Christmas program. If you have questions, call me at Zane Barra "What's Going on at HAAM?" Seasons of Sharing: The Thanksgiving food drive has started, and our church will be collecting canned green or yellow vegetables and stuffing mix. Please start bringing items as soon as possible and place them in the bin at the front of the church. The due date for getting items back to HAAM is November 12. Angel Tree: We have signed Atascocita Lutheran Church up to help at the Angel Tree in Deerbrook Mall on Fridays, December 4 and 11. Our shift runs from Any volunteers who would be able to man the Angel Tree table for a two-hour shift within that time would be appreciated. For more information or to sign up, please contact Vicki Lund or Claudia Simon. Homes For The Troops The ALC basket group is participating in raising funds for an organization called Homes for the Troops. The organization builds homes for soldiers that have been badly injured in combat. They are attempting to build a house for a young man from Huffman. He has a wife and baby and is in a wheelchair. The fundraiser is a gift-basket auction. They are asking churches to donate a gift-basket for this auction. Our basket is called the Man Basket, since it will be auctioned at the end of a motorcycle rally at Mulligan s. We need your help to fill the basket with items that a man would enjoy. You can donate individual items, gift cards or money. The money will be used to purchase items for the basket. This is a very worthy cause, and all donations will be appreciated. There will be a basket in the coffee area to receive your donations. HAAM Volunteers: HAAM is currently overflowing with people in need of assistance and in desperate need of volunteers during the day. If you would be interested in helping out, again please contact Vicki Lund or Claudia Simon, and they can put you in touch with the volunteer coordinator at HAAM.

9 J. A. M. (Jesus and Me) Elementary Age Youth Group JAM is Atascocita Lutheran Church s elementary age youth group that exists to nurture friendships between the school age children of the church, provide a strong foundation for discipleship training and spiritual formation, and to stress service ministry. For more information please call Renee Wallace, or , RNJWallace@yahoo.com Next J.A.M. November 22 nd!!! Chrysalis School News We would like to thank everyone that ordered something from our Fun Pasta Fundraiser! We made over $700! On October 8th, The Chrysalis School participated in Jumpstart's "Read for the Record" event! I read one of our favorite books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar to each class. We helped break the world's record of more than one million children reading the same book on the same day. One of our parents made a sugar cookie caterpillar for each class to help us celebrate the day. This month we are looking forward to a field trip to HEB and anticipating our ever popular Thanksgiving Feast! DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS Remember to turn your clocks back 1 hour at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 1st, as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end! HOTDOG ROAST The Middle School Youth and their families are hosting a HOTDOG ROAST on Sunday, November 15 th, at Atascocita Lutheran Church from 4:00 pm-6:00 pm. We will be serving hot dogs, chips and smores. Please join us for dinner, fellowship and games. Bring your cooler for drinks. Sign up sheets will be posted in the Narthex to let us know how many to plan on attending. Hope to see everyone there. Let's hope we have pretty weather that day!

10 Nov. 22 Pete & Karen Schoenfeld 30 Lee & Isabel Mitchell Celebrating Birth- Nov. 5 Donna Nice Steve Wiley 8 Courtenay Siegrist 10 Vivian Garcia 16 Isabel Mitchell 18 Gregg Simpson 19 Kristin Bieber 22 Don Foisie 24 Tim Stine IF YOU HAD A BIRTHDAY OR AN ANNIVERSARY DURING THIS MONTH AND YOUR NAME DOES NOT APPEAR ON THIS LIST, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH OFFICE. Altar Flowers Given With Love Nov. 1 by the Murtaugh and Noble families 8 Open 15 by the family of Kristin Bieber in honor of her 24th birthday 22 Open 29 Open Sign up in the narthex to give altar flowers. Our church florist will make a beautiful arrangement. Cost is $40. Alexander Jacob Seamon Baptized on October 25th Thank You from the Atascocita Lutheran Church Bake Booth! A special thank you to all who took time out of their busy schedules to make home baked items for ALC s Fall Festival bake booth. The bake booth goodies are a huge hit each year, earning a community wide reputation, with customers even stopping by in the morning on their way to work or shop to stock up! This would not be possible without the selfless dedication of ALC members, willing to give of their time and energy in an endless effort to help those in need! Praise and glory be to God for YOU! AMEN! Heather Espenlaub Bake Booth Coordinator Celebrate Thanksgiving Early with no cooking involved! Join the Diners Group at the CHINESE BUFFET in Humble (in the Bingo Shopping Center) on November 19 th at 7 p.m. Dine on wonderful Chinese food, and save the turkey, stuffing and cranberries for the following week.

11 ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN CHURCH 7927 FM 1960 East, Humble Texas (281) Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Huffman, Texas Permit No. 19 ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN CHURCH Our Vision: