J a n uary, 2017 A P B V o l um e 1, Iss u e 5 J a n u ary, 2017 In Case You Are Wondering I what happened to me mid- December. I wasn t at Living Savior for most of the Sunday and mid-week worship services and did not even make it for Christmas Eve. Well, to dispel the rumors, I thought I would submit this article for the January Newsletter. F, I -. Haven t even left Texas since I ve been absent. I did not go join the circus. In fact, I haven t even seen The Greatest Showman. And I m not lounging on some tropical beach paradise while everyone is freezing here in southeast Texas. I ve actually been in the Montgomery and Conroe area most of the time with a short trip to Frankston to spend a few days with Cheryl s family. S. On the night of December 8 th, I admitted myself to the in -patient care unit of Aspire, a lock-down, psychiatric hospital in Conroe. I did so because earlier that evening I was no longer able to hold back 23 years of life that had been building up like a mighty reservoir behind what I thought was an unbreakable dam, but I was wrong. As the dam broke forth and the powerful force of those many experiences over the years to the present came rushing through at once, I did not explode I imploded to the point that I was mentally and physically exhausted. Although I never had active thoughts of hurting myself or others, I was at the point where death ideations (terminal cancer, head-on collisions, freak accidents, etc.) were frequent thoughts. Not only was I not frightful of them, I actually found some comfort in the thought that death could give some relief. While in the hospital, I was able to share these thoughts openly with people who understood. And I was able to get the proper medical attention I needed to get some medications that would help me think more clearly, get some rest and relax. My treatment plan includes addressing the on-going depression and anxiety that have been lurking under my façade of cheerfulness and energy for years. Probably not too unlike someone like Robin Williams or even Martin Luther, who could function at very high levels while carrying the heavy weight of depression, though I m not nearly as gifted as either of them were. Since my release from the hospital on December 18 th, I have been attending an outpatient group therapy program at the same hospital. It includes five 45 minute group sessions each day lead by the same therapists who work in the in-patient section. Each week there is a check-in visit with the lead psychiatrist. The medications that I am taking are for depression, anxiety and mood stabilization. I ve noticed some very specific ways in which they have helped. I, 1, I. It s just that there never seemed to be enough time to do any of those things for myself. Of course, the timing could not have been worse than entering the hospital just before Christmas, except, perhaps, just before Easter. I am so very thankful for all those who have stepped up to lead and serve during my time away, making sure that the life and ministry of Living Savior continues, even without my presence. As I wrote to some of those leaders a few days ago, it s good to know that the true central figure at our church is still Jesus and not Herr Pastor! A whole year of Pastor Appreciation Months could not make up for how all of you have accepted and rallied together in prayer and support during this time of my absence. Although I have checked out of the hospital, I still have a lot to work in the coming days, weeks and months ahead. However, I hope to be back up and working again after returning from Arizona in mid-january, where Cheryl and I will spend a week in one, - of the Shepherd s Canyon Retreats there. (www.shepherdscanyonretr eat.org) I am so thankful that we will be able to do this together, because she has been my constant support and love by my side through all of this. Thanks, again, for your understanding, your patience and your love. Keep praying for good progress. And a word from the Lord: Be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged, because I am your God, the Eternal One, and I will remain with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9 I T I Musical Notes 2 Upcoming Events 3 LWML Notes 5 Volunteer Opportunities Anniversaries and Birthdays 6 7 Web Page 8
Page 2 V o lu m e 1, I s s ue 5 M U S I C A L N OT E S F R O M J U DY O G for each and everyone who had a part in the celebrations of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ here at Living Savior this year. So many were ill, and certainly not up to par, but pulled through with joyful hearts and cough drops! Special thanks to Lisa Dinning and the Heavenly Sounds Junior Bell Choir as they played the calls to worship at services during the season, bringing smiles to all of us. Thanks also to parents and grandparents who encourage their children to participate! The Childrens Christmas Choir also joined in telling the Christmas Story in song, and with very little practice, yet they sang from their hearts in praise to Baby Jesus so very sweetly. The Children s Christmas Program, Mary had a Little Lamb, was well done, and smiles abounded at the message that was delivered with such enthusiasm. The choir was privileged to visit and carol in four of our members family homes, sharing God s love through singing and scripture! What touching moments of sharing the joy of the Christ child with them and even their neighbors and extended families (even 4 generations). Thanks to the choir who shared their talents so willingly throughout this season. Interestingly, this was the first time in 15 years that both of my daughters were here over Christmas! We had never thought about it in that light, since we are church worker families and military families, and that s just the way it is, but when it happened spontaneously, it was most touching and meaningful. (Thank you for letting me share God s special blessing for us.) We will begin with the 1 st Sunday in January celebrating Epiphany and will welcome our three special guests who are coming to bring gifts to honor and worship Jesus! May we continue to do the same throughout 2018. Wisemen still seek and honor Him with gifts and in service! 2 Looking around, there are so many opportunities for service here at Living Savior and in our community. Just in the worship arena, areas are ushering, greeting, communion preparation, altar care, banners, reading, choir, sound board, and obviously meeting and shepherding guests; in particular, inviting them for coffee and goodies between services. These don t even touch the children and youth ministries here. So, be open to thinking about what God would call you to explore in 2018 and share that desire with the church office or Dick Wiese, Peter Hames, Cheryl Bailes, or Judy Kutach. The season of EPIPHA- NY or ah ha! Sundays, as God s Word continues to be revealed to us, continues throughout the entire month of January. Come expecting to receive some new knowledge applicable to our lives and let the light bulb switch on through the Holy Spirit! Back to CHOIR, -- we are practicing on Wednesday evenings in the sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. with the exception of January 17 th. Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter are just around the corner, and we truly need more voices! Come and give it a try before you say no. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you. Psalm 33:22
Page 3 N e w s letter : J anu a r y, 2018 J L L B The Lunch Bunch will meet at the Old Montgomery Steakhouse on Thursday, Jan.4 at 11:30, located at 204 McCown St., Montgomery TX 77356. Join the ladies for fun, food and fellowship. T M L B S 1 0 : 0 0 1 1 : 0 0 A M The Thursday morning Ladies' Bible study will resume on Thursday, January 11, with a New Year Devotion/Bible Study entitled Resolutions. We will be considering some resolutions we can make as a commitment to our Lord. On Thursday, January 18, we will begin a new study on Galatians. More than any other epistle, Galatians forcefully asserts that we are saved by God s grace alone, without any works of our own. It stands like a fortress guarding the heart of the Gospel. The group meets from 10:00 to 11:00 on Thursday mornings. If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the church office or Annet Riley (asriley@ymail.com or 713-598-2556) so that we can have materials available for you. Please prayerfully consider joining us as we look to God for answers in our lives. A M Thanks to everyone who helped with the Advent meals. Thanks also to everyone who came to eat and support the groups providing the meals. Everyone was very generous in providing food and supporting the meals. C H R I S T M A S I N H I S T O R I C M O N T G O M E R Y MANY, MANY THANKS - Thanks to everyone who helped make Breakfast with Santa a huge success. Breakfast was served to 140 people and 64 pictures were taken. It was a fun, exciting morning. The total amount deposited for the morning was $1327.00. Thanks to Karen Seidl who received Thrivent seed money to purchase the food. In January the ladies of the LWML will meet to disperse the monies to local, national and international mission projects. Thanks also to everyone who helped with the Saturday evening church tour by providing cookies. Thanks to Shirley Wiese who provided the wassail and punch. Thanks to Dick and Shirley Wiese, Jim and Lorna Lipsey and Susie Yeager for welcoming our guests and a special thanks to our resident tour guide, Zach Yeager. Great job, Zach! L D!! 3
Page 4 N e w s letter : J anu a r y, 2018 Y L I Friday, January 19 th Living Savior Lutheran Church 7:00pm-7:00am. Invite a friend and RSVP to Cheryl at cgbailes@livingsaviortexas.org by Wed. Jan. 17 th. Part of the Lock-in will be going to play miniature golf so bring some 4
Page 5 N e w s letter : J anu a r y, 2018 Mites - Sunday, January 7, is Mite Sunday. Please remember to bring your mite box. If you don't have a mite box, you can still help support LWML mission projects. Just drop your donation in the big mite box next Sunday. Mission Grant - The mission grant recipient for January is Current Missionary Need - LCMS International Mission. They w ill receive $100,000. With fervent, sustained support of LCMS mission projects, Mission Central, located in Mapleton, Iowa, seeks to serve as an avenue for continued support for missionaries throughout the world to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This grant would provide for a variety of necessary missionary resources such as orientation and training, language training, transportation to and in the country of service and on furlough, various types of insurance, housing, medical care, utilities, and education of missionary children, to name a few. School Kits - The LWML continues to collect for school kits. We have 50 school kits boxed and ready to be sent to Lutheran World Relief at Easter. We need 70-page notebooks, rulers and blunt scissors to complete the rest of our kits. Each kit includes 4 notebooks so we can always use extra notebooks. Dime Stocking Project - Thanks to everyone who participated in the Dime Stocking Project. A total of $96.40 was collected. This money will be used for the mission projects in January. We will be doing the project again this year. If you don't have a stocking, a baggie or a jar will do. In January one dime is added to the stocking or container. In February two dimes are added. Each month the number of dimes increases until twelve dimes are added in December. Watch for a reminder in the bulletin each month. 5
Page 6 V o lu m e 1, I s s ue 5 C h u r c h M e a l s M i n i s t r y From time to time we have members who are ill, recovering from surgery or are just unable to prepare a meal for themselves. We would like to compile a list of as many people as possible who are willing to make an occaisional meal as the need arises. The more that sign up, the eaiser it will be for everyone. Please consider signing up and contact Velma Powell at 936-597-6299. A u d i o V i s u a l A s s i s t a n t If you enjoy working with sound equipment and computers, we have an opportunity for you. Please consider volunteering to help out in this important ministry. Contact Mark Dinning for more information. A l t a r G u i l d A s s i s t a n t Seeking women who are willing to serve the Lord and Living Savior by taking care of altar preparations for worship at the 10:45 service. Training will be provided and is not difficult. The initial preparations for both setting up and taking down does not require more than 15 minutes on average. Please consider joining us as we serve the Lord at His altar. Contact Dawn Dunagan at artisticemb@yahoo.com OR 316.644.8290 N u r s e r y W o r k e r Living Savior is still looking for a part-time nursery worker to staff our nursery on Sunday mornings and once a month on Wednesday evenings. The Candidate must be 18 years old and submit to a background check and will be trained in CPR and First Aid. If you or someone you know is interested in this position please contact Cheryl Bailes ai @ ivin avi r xa. r 6
Page 7 N e w s letter : J anu a r y, 2018 Gary Mattfeld 1/1 Eric Yeager 1/2 Peggy Heintschel 1/3 Kim Howze 1/4 Kenneth Sample 1/5 Tyler Angerhofer 1/6 JoAnn Mattfeld 1/6 David Schuette 1/13 Mary Cheatham 1/15 Joice Fangmann 1/17 Brilee Busse 1/18 Zachary Yeager 1/22 Shirley Burg 1/23 Wayne Hollis 1/25 Kevin Bautz 1/26 Darlene Brown 1/26 Earl McCaleb 1/26 Wendy Sanders 1/26 Lori Vahrenkamp 1/26 Leslie Schroeder 1/27 Carol Bartel 1/29 Darrell Schoppa 1/29 Lorna Lipsey 1/31 Richard & Shirley Wiese 1/1 Frank & Judy Kutach 1/17 Kenneth & Marget Sample 1/29 MISSED CHURCH? Thanks to Mark Dinning, videos of Pastor Bailes preaching his latest sermon are available for your viewing. Visit your website, click on the button labeled Media at the bottom right of the home page. The most recent newsletters and sermon videos are posted for you! Now, even if you miss, you can still stay current! 7
L S L C 309 Pond Street Montgomery, Texas 77356 Phone: 936-597-8013 Email Office: office@livingsaviortexas.org Email News : news@livingsaviortexas.org C To print the latest version of LSLC s calendar, logon to the church website at livingsaviortexas.org Select the Calendar tab Select the + icon and click on Print M O To view the Member Directory option: logon to livingsaviortexas.org, then select the Members tab. select the Member Directory option. When prompted, enter your email account as an ID and supply your password. Forget your password? No problem - click the Forgot Password link. This will send a message to your email account which allows you to enter a new password. 8