The Epis le June 2021 - ST. PAUL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH ELCA
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Hello St. Paul’s and friends,
The Epis le †
June 2021
This year our Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Assembly was held online for the first time. Normally we meet in a hotel or
church in either Texas or Louisiana for our Assembly. But this year, for two days, May 21 and 22, congregations from 40 Texas
counties and 39 Louisiana parishes met online through the Whova technology app on our phones or computers.
Kevin Johnston and I attended as the voting members for St. Paul’s. We had worship, devotions, business sessions,
presentations for theological and practical reflection, updates on the ministries of our church, and breakout workshops.
The theme was Unimaginable. We live into the revelation of God’s unimaginable grace.
Synod Council members were elected, and five people from our synod were elected to attend and vote at the 2022 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. The Bishop of our Synod, Rev. Michael Rinehart reflected on Ephesians 3:20 and
God’s power at work in the church as we have learned, grown, and adapted during COVID. As we envision next steps,
he encouraged us to stay focused and hopeful with God.
We heard from Lutherhill Ministries in LaGrange, Texas in their 67th year. They embrace the theme “Be Bold” as they have
expanded their site with the purchase of more land and have resumed on site camping. They have Open Camp Day on June 5,
a free event with food. Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas had their highest enrollment in their history during the
pandemic. In the fall semester, students will return to on-campus dorms. Lutheran Disaster Response was very active in giving
aid financially and helping with boots on the ground in 49 countries with crisis situations. We heard from our companion
church, The Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic as they send their greetings to our churches. Even as they deal
with poverty, disease, and violence, they keep their worship going, their health clinic healing people, and outreach moving
along. They are approximately 55,000 Holy Spirit-driven practicing Lutherans who dance and sing in worship and walk or use
motor bikes to do ministry. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service continues to resettle refugees and bring families
together. Campus Ministries welcomed a new pastor and restarted a new Houston area Campus Ministry in collaboration with
the Episcopal Church. ELCA Youth Gathering will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota July 24-28,
2022 with a theme of “Boundless God Beyond Measure.”
Proposed 2022 spending budget for our synod was approved at $1,368,000, a $15,800
increase over 2021 budget. The largest part of the budget is ELCA Benevolence and Pilot
Funding. Compensation Guidelines for the synod were updated. Since there were no
increases in 2020 or 2021, an increase was approved for 2022 for both urban and rural
settings.
Deacon Peggy Hahn gave a presentation on “A Future Vision” and Rev. Dr. Kim Wager,
Asst. Prof. of Homiletics at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago gave a presentation
on “Trauma, Ministry, and Faith in these Unimaginable Days.”
It was an honor to attend the Synod Assembly and to engage with our sisters and
brothers across our synod, being the church together!
Onward by faith and blessings in Christ Jesus, Pastor Nancy with goodies from the
Pastor Nancy Gulf Coast Synod office
The Epistle June 2021
Birthdays Baptismal Anniversaries 17—Reagan & Sylvia Perry
20—Clarke & Joyce Crizer
2 – Drew Bruner 1 – Sherry White
2 – Reneé Simons 24 – John & Mary Schlobohm
11 – Michelle Barnes 25—Bogar & Elizabeth Garcia
6 – Bree Hylton
18 - Gregg Simpson 29 - Darren & Natalie Seymour
8 - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
22 – Stefan Abmayr 29 – Ben & Elaine Vircant
9 – Kyle Stevens
25 – Carly Baldwin
10 – Karen Guthmiller
27 – Millie Baxter WAYS TO WORSHIP
10 – Reagan Perry
28 – Jon Pfennig
11 – Helen Fojt Sunday Worship is available in a
30 – Christine Johnston
11 – Donna Reavis couple of ways:
30 – Blake Simons
15 – Gretchen Bruner In Person worship with Holy
17 – Dave Reavis Wedding Anniversaries Communion in the Sanctuary at
20 - Brooks Bruner 6- Dalton & Tori Rein 10:30am or you can stay at home
20 – Kim Holle 8 – James & Sandra McGee and watch the service streamed live
24 – Susan Clanton 9—Mike & Kristen Stephens on St. Paul's Facebook page.
24 - Melody Rein 9—Juan & Carly Moreno A recording of the streamed service
26 – Taylar Carter 9 – Matt & Robyn Soileau
will also be available our website
26 – Justin Stevens 11 –Steve & Becky Rouyer
and on YouTube.
28 – Glena Pfennig 12 --Monty & Michelle Barnes
Adult Sunday School Handbell Choir &
In Person Classes begin at 9:30am Sunday mornings Praise Team
in the Music Library. Classes led by Joyce Crizer.
Rehearsal Schedule
Sunday School lessons are also available for Adults
and children on our website. 9am– 9:30am Bell Choir
9:30am-10am Praise Team (Voice)
HELP GUIDE YOUR GIVING
Through Thrivent Choice, you can contribute to St. Paul’s
– and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its
Both Handbells and Praise
charitable funding. Choice dollars must be directed yearly. Team will rehearse in the
• By directing Choice Dollars, eligible clients with Sanctuary on Sunday
membership recommend where Thrivent
distributes a portion of its charitable funding. mornings.
• Clients become eligible to direct Choice Dollars based
on their insurance premiums
and contract values.
Direct Choice Dollars Awesome God, thank you for your saving power and
Check your eligibility comforting peace. In Christ’s name. Amen.
The Epistle June 2021
CONFIRMATION SUNDAY June 6th
Stole Color: Black
June 14—August 13 Special Word: Trust
7am-6:30pm Bible Verse: 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
Monday—Friday and do not rely on your own insight. 6In all your
ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight
Ages 5-12 years your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
$72 per child, per week
Register online with the Y
Prayers in My Pocket | Linda Utecht
Perhaps you know someone who might benefit from
having a strand of prayer beads after this trying
Golden Group Luncheon time. You might want to share prayer beads with the
Antonio’s Italian Grill and Seafood members of your teams, circles, or other groups as a
2727 W Baker Rd, Baytown way to celebrate being together again when the time
Tuesday, June 15th, 11:30am comes. Would you like to have a small “stash” to
Please contact Lorrie by text or email to have on hand to be able to give one to someone as
reserve your spot. landrews1124@gmail.com you see a need? Would you like some for yourself,
281-382-9770 your family, or friends?
There is also a During this time of staying home and staying safe,
signup sheet there was more than ample time for me to create,
in the Narthex. and I have many strands on
hand. I am always willing to
mail any number to fulfill a
request. Simply email your
request!
beadsinmypocket@gmail.com
The Epistle June 2021
Scam or Spoofed Emails
Always read the subject line and email source
in the FROM line, before opening such emails.
If you aren't sure, reach out to whomever
appeared to write the email and simply ask if
The objective of the Food Pantry Wing remodel is to they sent it.
Pastor Nancy will never contact you directly
renovate the pantry because of issues with mold, via email to ask you to send money to them personally.
A/C, logistical, flooring and space issues. Adding Please do not send money anywhere else on our behalf.
electrical power for commercial freezer/
refrigeration systems. Tear down and rebuild to
allow for increased capacity for commercial freezer/
Ronald McDonald
refrigerator systems, pallets of canned and dry House Pull Tabs
goods storage, movable carts, shelving, tables, areas We are still collecting
of inspection, food weigh-in, sorting, and the use of pull-tabs for the Ronald
our pallet jack. McDonald House. Please
bring them to church on Sunday morning
The Food Pantry provides food for approximately and give them to one of the Ushers.
125 families every Thursday, 9-11am.
We are also registered with the United Way 211
emergency resource network for families in crisis. Retirement Milestone
Sunday June 27th
The Food Pantry Wing Remodel Fund already has Please contact the church office if you retired last
$10,000 in it. The Food Pantry is donating another year or will be retiring this year. We would like to
$7000 to help reach our goal of $70,000. celebrate this very import ant milestone in your life.
We are making a huge
impact in our community.
Helping thousands of Hurricane Preparedness
families in need. We are
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric
asking for your financial do-
Administration NOAA is considering moving the
nations for our Food Atlantic hurricane season start day from June 1 up to
Pantry Wing remodel. May 15, according to a statement from the National
Hurricane Center.
Let’s fill the glass to
Let’s be prepared! Go to our
the brim! website and click on the tab
You can give money via “72 Hour Lutheran (Hurricane
check, cash, or through Preparedness)” to see a list of
Tithely. supplies that you will need in
case of a hurricane.
O God, let my words and actions witness to your saving grace and love. In Christ’s name. Amen.
The Epistle June 2021
2021 CHURCH WOMEN UNITED
CHILD SPONSORSHIP FUNDRAISER
Church Women United Childcare Center Baytown
Texas provides income based child care to assist low
income families and Lee College students with their
child care needs including a top rate education and
breakfast, lunch and snack every day!
Open
HELP us continue to serve these families by
sponsoring a child for one day ($25), one week
($125) or one month ($500) visit our
Camp Day donation page here to sponsor a
child
https://church-women-united-child-
June 5th care-center.square.site
You’re invited to Lutherhill for
Open Camp Day! RSVP Now!
• 10am – Camp Opens
• 11am – Camp-style Worship
• 12pm – Hamburger Lunch
• 1pm-4pm – Camp Activities Open: Ropes
Course, Pool, Pond, Arts & Crafts and more!
• Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, sun block,
and beach towel – you’re gonna want to get
wet!
• Remember to wear some good tennis shoes;
you’ll need them to climb the ropes course
• You might bring your Lawn Chair if you have a
favorite
• Parents FAQ’s
www.Lutherhill.org
https://www.elca.org/YouthGathering
Jesus, help us to see and value the your and vulnerable among us as you did. Amen.
The Epistle June 2021
Graduation Sunday
Megan Hess, Morgan Perry and Logan Hylton were honored for graduating from college.
Megan and Logan both got degrees in Biology.
Megan earned her degree in Behavioral Science’s with minor in Health Promotions.
TITHELY ONLINE GIVING Church Council 2021
Mobile Giving: Scan the QR Code to Donna Reavis: President
the right with your smartphone’s John Schlobohm: Vice President/In-Outreach
Kim Holle: Treasurer
camera or go to your App Store and Angie Ash: Secretary
install the official ELCA app “ELCA
giving tool by tithe.ly” Members at Large
Susan Clanton Worship & Music
Online Giving: Go to St. Paul’s Rosie Haas
website: www.stpaulsbaytown.org Click on the Becky Linsenbardt
“Give” link to create an account. Now you can give Kurt Migl Property Comm. Liaison
Natalie Seymour Education/Youth & Family
from any tablet or computer. Birdie Torberson
Questions/Concerns: contact Kim Holle Stan White
Sandra McGee
May Memorials & Honorariums
In Memory of: Given By: Designation:
Rip Clanton Myrtle Viereck General Fund
Cindy Eschberger Myrtle Viereck General Fund
Pat Loudy David and Lorrie Andrews General Fund
Father’s Day Blessing Sunday June 20th
“As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has
compassion for those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13
The Epistle June 2021
Please continue to make your offerings to the church.
Even though you may not be able to attend in person, the costs to run the church continue.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
Baytown, TX
Council Meeting
May 13, 2021
Members Present: Donna Reavis, Pastor Nancy Simpson, Rosie Haas, John Schlobohm, Angie Ash, Sandra McGee, Susan Clanton,
Becky Linsenbardt, Stan White, Kurt Migl Members Absent: Kim Holle, Birdie Torberson, Natalie Seymour
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Donna Reavis 6:30 PM. Pastor Nancy led the group in the opening prayer and reading.
APRIL 8 MEETING MINUTES
Rosie Haas MOVED, Kurt Migl seconded, to approve the Minutes of the April 8, 2021, Council Meeting. Motion carried.
PASTOR’S REPORT
• Received word that St. Paul’s is a beneficiary of the Robert Steffler estate.
• Registered to attend Synod Assembly (virtually) May 21 -22, as a clergy voting member along with Kevin Johnston, lay voting
member.
• Baptized Scarlett Rein on Sunday, April 25.
• Emilia Landry to be confirmed Sunday, June 6. Current confirmation class studying The Ten Commandments.
• Presided at memorial service for Cindy Eschberger.
• Easter Sunday – 22 in attendance at 8:30 service; 65 at 10:30 service.
• Sylvia Perry will serve as backup live-stream technician when Jada is not available.
• Microphone headset has consistently malfunctioned. Pastor, Rick, and an online tech explored new audio system headsets and pur-
chased a new one.
• Herzstein Foundation Grant application submitted 4/26/2021 for $75,000,
• Tegna Foundation Grand application submitted 3/1/21 for $11,000.
• In reference to the Moody Foundation Letter of Inquiry, they are devoting most of their grant funds to Foundation-initiated projects.
• Pastor’s office has a new computer purchased with technology funds.
• Kim Holle has requested that all church repair invoices be labeled in detail.
TREASURER’S REPORT
• Kim Holle was unable to attend the March meeting, but forwarded the Treasurer’s report to council. In March income exceeded
expenses in the amount of $4,480.11. Stan White MOVED, John Schlobohm seconded to approve the report as received.
Motion carried.
• In April income exceeded expenses in the amount of $2,761.83. John Schlobohm MOVED, Susan Clanton seconded, to approve the
April Treasurers report. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
• Stewardship Committee
Temple Talks- Lorrie Andrews would like to donate $7,000 from the Food Pantry funds toward the proposed repair costs of the
Food Pantry wing. She will also like to present a Temple Talk to discuss a Food Pantry wing fund raiser.
• YMCA
Have not heard from the YMCA regarding their summer program.
• Property Committee
Looking into repair of the chair lift.
Waiting on repair estimates on porch repair and parlor repair.
• Inreach/Outreach
Mothers will be presented with a rose on Mother’s Day after worship.
There will be a church picnic after worship on May 30.
• Youth and Family/Education
Graduation Sunday will be May 23. Graduates Morgan Perry, Megan Hess,
and Logan Hylton will be recognized.
YELLOW BOOK REVIEW (Congregation Handbook)
The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 PM and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Angie Ash, Secretary
The Epistle June 2021
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ELCA
712 Schilling Avenue, Baytown, TX 77520
Tel (281)422-9333
stpaulssecretary@comcast.net
www.stpaulsbaytown.org
STAFF:
Rev. Nancy Simpson, Pastor
Rick Falconi, Director of Music Ministries
Jada Hylton, Director of Office Ministries
.
On June 8th St. Paul’s Lutheran Church
celebrates it’s 78th Anniversary!
St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized June 8, 1943. For the first five years, regular worship services were
held at the Baytown Community Building. Due to wartime building restrictions, it was not possible to proceed with
construction of the church for another two years.
On June 13, 1948, the white colonial style church building, designed for the setting among the trees on a knoll located
at 1904 West Main Street, was dedicated. The new church was known as "The Christmas Card Church"
or "The Friendly Church in the Pines."
In 1959, the Texas Highway Department announced plans for extending State Highway 201 to form a loop
around Baytown. Unfortunately, the sanctuary was situated in the right of way for the new highway, so a
new church location had to be found. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on Schilling Avenue,
May 10, 1964, and the cornerstone was laid for the new church on August 2, 1964.
The congregation accepted from Zion Lutheran Church of Charlottenburg, near Hallettsville, a donation of a
large tower bell. As the congregation planned the new church, the design included the original bell as a prominent
part of the structure. St. Paul's, in its new setting was known as "The Friendly Church With the Bell."
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19
You can also read
