Discover
YOUR FAITH.
Live
Grow
IN COMMUNITY.
GOD’S MISSION.
DEEPER WITH CHRIST VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2 2015
Discover. Grow. L i v e.
GoDeeperWithChrist.org
HOLY COMFORTER LUTHERAN CHURCH 1901 WOODLAND HILLS DRIVE - KINGWOOD, TX - 281.358.6500 - WWW.GODEEPERWITHCHRIST.ORG - FACEBOOK.COM/HOLYCOMFORTERLUTHERAN www.godeeperwithchrist.org 1
PASTOR’S MESSAGE Dear brothers and sisters in Christ— We know that the church does not exist for itself. We know that the church exists as a means for discovering the love Jesus has for each of us and as a means to share His love for and with others. The church exists not only for those who are here but especially for those who are not here yet. Hence the last words of Jesus to His disciples: 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20 We also know that the fastest growing churches in this country are congregations who focus on making deeper disciples. Deeper discipleship means growing disciples who are: 1. Praying daily 2. Worshipping weekly 3. Reading the Bible 4. Serving at and beyond our congregation 5. In relationship with others to encourage spiritual growth 6. Giving of time, talents and resources. Deeper discipleship also means sharing His love with others through the ways in which God gifts us. Deeper discipleship means serving others wherever we are. We know we have been created for community. We are the church of Jesus Christ-- still growing, still maturing, still learning, still discovering what God would have us to be and what God would have us to do. Through being together, we are better able to go deeper in study, in discernment, in service, in love for Him. Come to worship (Discover Your Faith) to give God praise for His blessings, to hear His promises and expectations, and to be fed for the work He will have you do. Participate in a small group study (Grow in Community) to go deeper in your understanding and grow deeper relationships. Serve in and around the world (Live God’s Mission) wherever He has you as His witness and His worker of grace.
In Christ,
Pastor Barb
Discover
Faith Story: Lutheran Malaria Program Worship & Music Ministry
[page 5]
TABLE OF CONTENTS [page 4]
Grow
[page 6] Busy Hands [page 6] Praise Walkers [page 7] Primetimers [page 7] Small Groups [page 7] Team Living Boldly [page 8] Early Childhood Education [page 9] Staff and Council Retreats [page 10] Women of the ELCA
Live
[page 11] Blood Drive [page 11] Gathering Place [page 11] Camp Hope
Holy Week
[page 12]
[page 14] Pastor Amy’s Installation [page 15] Letter from Pastor Amy
GO! GO! is a quarterly magazine produced and published by the members of HCLC. The content of this magazine is intended to be shared. It is designed by Michelle Palmer and printed by PostNet - Kingwood. Editor’s Note: For article and photo submission, please contact Pam MacNaughton at 281.358.6500 or pam@godeeperwithchrist.org.
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Faith Story:“Now I have nothing to worry about” The Lutheran Malaria Program in Uganda
I am called Ogima Paul. My family lives in Damasiko village and my clan is called Ajamaa. Before the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) malaria program started here, there was a lot of frequent sickness in my family due to malaria and other sicknesses. Perhaps 3-6 times a month, someone from my household got sick. It was really challenging. We spent a lot of money on treatment, and sometimes we had no money left for food or clothing. When we were sick we could not work in the garden, which is our only source of income. After LWF intervened with nets and education, we are seeing a real change. We hang our nets properly. We tie them up every morning and tuck them in properly every night. We learned all of this from Emanuel Edulu, one of the Village Health Team members (VHTs). As soon as we notice any sickness now, we go to the VHT. They emphasize being tested before taking any medication. These days we only have about one case of malaria each month in our household. Through our participation in a Village Savings and Loan Association (sponsored by the LWF malaria program), we have been able to begin a small shop. We got a small loan from the VSLA and we used it to buy some used items that we resell here in the shop. I enjoy participating in the VLSA. Since LWF came, things are getting better for my family. The children are fine—they even dress well. I now live in comfort. Before, my children had many illnesses and sometimes I did not have any money for their treatment. But since LWF came I am stable; I have saved money. I bought three goats, a sheep, chickens and a cow after I had joined the savings group. Now I have nothing to worry about! That is why I am grateful to LWF. The change in my household has been very significant: we now have knowledge. We built a pit latrine, a bath shelter and a drain rack to discourage mosquitoes. Our hygiene is properly managed. With so much less malaria now, we have been able to save enough money to buy a mattress. We are eating a good, balanced diet. We can concentrate on cultivation of our garden. We grow a variety of crops: cassava, sorghum, ground nuts, sweet potatoes, green gram
(a kind of bean). The crops are growing well. There is a change in this whole community. The LWF program brought Emmanuel Edulu (a VHT) and malaria medication; now our children get treatment. I am grateful and I thank you for supporting the Lutheran malaria program in our area.
From the ELCA Malaria Campaign Blog
World Malaria Day
Every year, millions of people around the globe observe World Malaria Day on April 25. The ELCA Malaria Campaign has turned this day into a special week, and you were invited to observe World Malaria Day in your congregation on Sunday, April 26. Right now, we are at a historic time in the life of our church and this campaign. Five years ago we set a goal, dreamed big with our Lutheran companion churches and partners, and set out to raise $15 million by 2015. The time to make that dream a reality is now. More than 2 million people have been empowered by Lutheran malaria programs to change their lives for the better. The work of the ELCA Malaria Campaign stretches throughout 13 countries in Africa. We have a chance, working with our Lutheran companion churches and partners, to fully fund the rest of these programs and reach our goal for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. But we can’t do this alone. By joining together during this special time, we have the opportunity to reach the $15 million mark. We have already raised over 90 percent of our goal, but it’s going to take all of us to finish this campaign. Together, we can touch lives and make a lasting impact. You weren’t able to participate on April 26? You can make a gift any time at www.ELCA.org/malaria/donate.
HCLC contributions to the ELCA Malaria Campaign:
2013 2014 2015 TOTAL:
$2367.99 $1562.91 $ 323.50 (so far) $4254.40
Going deeper in faith, service, & relationships Worship & Music Ministry in 2015 Be Not Afraid! The musical selection that we are singing as an Offertory response during the Easter season this year comes from the Taizé
Community, an ecumenical monastic order in France. This brief proclamation about the risen Christ expresses our faith and joy at the news of the Resurrection and can help us enter more deeply into worship of the living God. Swiss-born Protestant Roger Schütz (Brother Roger) established the community in Taizé, Burgundy, France beginning in 1940 as a place of hospitality and shelter, particularly a sanctuary for refugees during the Second World War. Roger was passionate about his quest to live a Christ-centered life according to the scriptures, reconciling differences among Christians, particularly appealing to youth. Since the 1960s, the Taizé community has become a place of pilgrimage for young people from many countries, welcoming over 100,000 each year for prayer, worship, Bible study, sharing, and communal work. They are encouraged to live in the spirit of joy, kindness, simplicity, mercy, and reconciliation. Their schedule includes regular times for prayer, silence, scripture, and song in many languages. Services based on the Taizé model are held in churches of various denominations all over the world, often adapted to local culture.
Bells in the Lord’s Prayer - The tradition of ringing church bells dates from as early as the year 400. Bells were rung at various points in wor-
ship and to send signals to the community. Tower bells heard throughout a town were used to summon the faithful to worship, encouraging the people to pray for a person near death, and at the death of a member, slowly tolling one short stroke for each year of the person’s life. From at least medieval times, it was customary to ring a bell three times during the Lord’s Prayer, including in daily prayer. Those who were not able to be in worship knew that the Lord’s Prayer was being prayed, and they could join in prayer wherever they were. We currently chime to announce that it’s time for worship, chiming the hour and again three times to signal everyone to rise and face the font. Although the outside community cannot hear these bells, they still have meaning. Beginning on Pentecost, May 24 this year, we will chime the beginning, middle, and end of the Lord’s Prayer, adding beauty and dignity to our worship.
THANK YOU to all of our musicians – singers, ringers, and instrumentalists - who work so diligently to contribute to the leadership and beau-
ty of worship services at Holy Comforter. Many people have served in music ministry recently. The Gloria Dei Choir, Bells of Praise, Voices of Praise, Middle School Choir, Children’s Choir, Flute Choir, and children from our School have shared their talents with us in worship as they have given praise to God. Each of you truly enriches the worship life at Holy Comforter, while leading well and with confidence. And, of course, the largest choir is the ASSEMBLY (the congregation gathered at a particular time and place to worship)! To those whose music-making is not done in a choir, please remember to sing heartily, even if you think that your voice is not as fine as you would like for it to be. God gave it to you to be used for His glory! Thank you to all lectors, servers, acolytes, crucifers, altar guild, ushers, sound technicians, cantors, and other worship assistants who serve so well. We are blessed to have so many people involved, giving their time, talent and commitment week after week together. Well done! If you would like to serve as a worship assistant or musician in any area, please contact Marsha Seale.
Changed Lives: Reflections from some of our musicians
Some quotes from various musicians of all ages in our congregation who participated in Pastor Amy’s Installation Service on March 1, including the combined choir anthem of children, middle schoolers, women’s choir, mixed choir, handbells, and flutes: The music was wonderful! Awesome! Thumbs up! We got everyone in there! It worked! “Our sound” is wonderful, but it’s really fun with all the others, too. Go, Team! It was good! It felt good! We need to be sure our words are clearer. We really need to project more! I loved being part of something BIG! Some quotes from our musicians and congregation about Holy Week and Easter: The flutes playing outside on Palm Sunday was a nice touch. Said it was something special. The Palm Sunday Procession worked the best it ever has! Music was BEAUTIFUL! The flute duet was beyond lovely. Good job by ALL. The viola was so moving on that anthem on Good Friday that had a bit of Christmas in it, too. I appreciated the [Good Friday] service--particularly the solemn reproaches, which I always find moving. And “Were You There”. Didn’t get a chance, with the silent dismissal, to tell the flutes and you how well I thought that worked. Loved the anthems we sang! It was great to hear each other better when we sang under the balcony. Easter morning was FUN – but three services is really a LOT of singing! Breakfast was great! We really enjoyed all the Lent/Holy Week/Easter music and thanks for putting it all together. We especially liked the Taizé songs. The brass really adds a lot to the joy on Easter!
The Worship First Team has completed a study of Table and Font: Who Is Welcome? An invitation to join the conversation about Baptism and Communion. We followed a study guide that was developed for congregations and small groups as part of the national Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s conversation on who is invited to receive Holy Communion in ELCA congregations. It is meant to accompany “The Use of the Means of Grace: A Statement on the Practice of Word and Sacrament,” prayerfully considering the question of whom we invite and welcome to receive Holy Communion. We are completing a written report to provide feedback from our experience, to be sent to worship@ elca.org by May 2015. By Marsha Seale, Minister of Worship and Music Ministry
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Women of the ELCA
May General Meeting Features Making Cards for Servicemen and Women
“Transforming Life & Faith by Joining Together” was the theme for our Saturday, May 2, 2015 general meeting. The Mother/Daughter pot luck salad luncheon was followed by a short business meeting to elect our officers and chairpersons of committees. Elected persons include: President – Linda Petterson Vice President – Beth Moseman Secretary – Faye McKinzie Treasurer – Kim Hanus Membership Chair – Linda Johnston Program Chair – Dottie Willner Concerns Chair – Chris Stinson The program featured card making for our servicemen and women led by
BUSY HANDS
Michelle Moseman. Women of the ELCA Circles Continue During the Summer The following circles continue to meet during the summer months. Eve Circle – meets the second Wednesday of each month at a local restaurant for lunch at noon. Contact Joanna Hammond 281-358-8663. Martha Circle – meets the first Tuesday of each month during the summer at 9:30 am in the Wittenberg room to tie quilts. Naomi Circle – meets the second Thursday of each month at 9:30 am for Bible study. During the summer we may meet in homes so call if you’d like to attend. Contact Beth Moseman
Delivering quilts to Lutheran World Relief.
281-358-5501. Priscilla Circle/Prayer Shawl – meets the third Thursday at noon for lunch then prayer shawl making in the narthex area. Contact Beth Moseman 281-358-5501 or Judy Hunt 281-3608318. Ruth Circle – meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm in the home of one of the members for Bible study. Contact Cathie Tanner 281-358-0622. By Beth Moseman
The Busy Hands group enjoys meeting to work on our favorite handwork projects, and visit. Members cross-stitched decorative eggs for and Egg Tree, a pillow, and ornaments for a Valentine tree to donate to the school’s Italian Night silent auction. Also in February we took a field trip to several bead shops, Twisted Yarns in Old Town Spring, and 3 Stitches on Louetta Road, to stock up on our supplies, and find new inspiration for more projects. That, of course, also meant lunch out! If you enjoy handwork, please join us for an afternoon of fellowship and your favorite pastime on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in the Wittenberg Room. If you’d like to learn how to cross-stitch, knit, crochet, do bead work, there’s probably at least one expert in our group to help you along. By Faye McKinzie
PRAISE
WALKERS
Praise Walkers is a group that meets every morning from 8 – 9 am Monday Friday at the church. We do a variety of exercise including walking, weights, aerobics, stretching, yoga, and during the summer we also do water exercise in local private pools. If you’d like to add some exercise to your daily routine come join us. Contact Lynette Schmit 281-360-4957 or Beth Moseman 281358-5501 for questions. By Beth Moseman
Small Groups
PRIMETIMERS 2015
First of all I wish to correct an error I made in my previous report. I wrote that Precinct 4 was to contact me on March 11 to obtain our requested bus dates for the period November 2015 through April 2016. In reality on March 11 I requested buses for events between May through October this year. And it is about those four events to which the bulk of this report applies. But before I deal with those future events, I can report that our most recent event was a trip to the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston on April 26 to view an exhibition of works by the Flemish Artist, Peter Paul Rubens. Before viewing the exhibition, our group had lunch at the museum’s Café Express. The actual paintings and tapestries were a joy to behold. The process for picking events for which we request buses begins with compiling a list of all the potential events which we might wish to attend. Then the list is submitted to our members for their preferences, and the preferences are prioritized by the dates on which the events will occur. To obtain our requests we must compete with more than 300 other groups for whom Precinct 4 provides transportation, and our favorites might not be available. So we will request the dates having the highest priorities from the list of dates still available. Through that process we have chosen the tentative
events and dates described in the following paragraphs. On Saturday, June 6, we will attempt to visit the Newman Castle and Bakery in Belleville, Texas. We visited this attraction a few years ago, and there have been enhancements to it since. On Saturday, July 18, we will probably visit the Holocaust Museum in Houston. Our group has usually had good attendance at theatrical performances. And so we might wish to see a comedy produced by the Alley Theatre on Saturday, August 8. It is called, “The Foreigner” and is about a man who hoodwinks his companions by pretending that he doesn’t understand English. The Alley is still being renovated, and this performance will be given at the University of Houston’s theatre. Finally, on October 3, we might travel to College Station to tour the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Following the tour we could have an early fellowship dinner. In September we should be contacted by Precinct 4 to request buses for events during the cycle November, 2015 through April 2016. And since this encompasses the holiday season, we might wish to attend such events as The Nutcracker, or A Christmas Carol. So be prepared to let me have your feelings about events such as those.
Approximately 50 people joined our small group ministry groups who read and discussed the book Spiritual Simplicity written by Chip Ingram. At a time when the world calls us to increasingly busy lives, the author calls us to simpler, more God focused lives. The author tells us that we need to do less and to love more. We are called by the world to seek position, power and possessions. In our search for these we can lose everything that really matters. We are reminded that the Bible tells us that anything minus love equals nothing. The author’s answer is very similar to our own vision statement. We are to love God, live in community, and to serve His people. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are compelled by Christ to surrender our lives first to God and then to our neighbors. When we lose ourselves, we find the One True Love. Thank you to all of you who participated in this ministry. Thank you to the leaders - Pastor Barb, Pastor Amy, Sheryl Stucky, Karen Stevens, Beth Moseman, Scott Hanus, Al Schmit, and Karen Geffert. Thank you to Pam Cooper for hosting a group. By Karen Geffert
By Frank Kopta
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TEAM LIVING
BOLDLY
Team Living Boldly has been completing community treasure hunts as a way to make connections in the community and learn about the strengths and challenges of the Kingwood area. This is an important step in determining how we will “go deeper” in the community. As we have learned before in our small group studies, doing service at a deeper level means understanding where our community’s strengths and weaknesses lie, and working with other individuals and organizations - both leaders and those we hope to help. Making real, lasting change means working together. As a way to take everyone at Holy Comforter along on the journey, we have been presenting Community Treasure Hunts at SOS on the fourth Sunday of each month. Each Community Treasure Hunt focuses on a specific topic that impacts the lives of people in our community. Team Living Boldly researches what resources are available in Kingwood to address that issue and where gaps remain. During SOS, we present what we have learned, discuss what scripture says about the topic, and share our personal experiences and insights. Three new topics were presented in the first quarter of 2015. In January, we discussed Mental Health at SOS and at the monthly WELCA meeting. Mental health issues impact people of all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic levels. Access to affordable care can be hard to come by, particularly for people in poverty. While Kingwood is lucky to have good care available in the area, access to free or reduced fee (sliding scale) services is very limited. The problem is especially poignant in Texas, which ranks 50th in the country for per capita spending on mental health care. We also discussed the stigma that many people still feel related to mental illness and how as caring Christians we must be accepting and supportive of individuals and families impacted by it. The February presentation addressed healthcare. Despite efforts to make healthcare more affordable for all people, there are still many barriers to quality, affordable care for many in our community. After a devotion from Pastor Amy, the group discussed some of the factors that negatively impact an individual’s ability to access healthcare. These include poverty, homelessness, access to technology, transportation, and knowledge of available benefits/programs. Without health coverage / preventive care, individuals are four times more likely to die earlier than their peers. Currently, Texas’ insured rate ranks 50th in the country. Medicaid expansion, which would have provided relief to many working poor, was rejected in Texas. While a number of local health clinics and programs available to adults and children in the Kingwood area were discussed, the consensus was that eligibility, availability and transportation issues prevent many people from using them. We concluded that there is a need for advocacy for health care and insurance for adults. Parents need more information about services available and how to access those services. Transportation and computer issues that create a barrier to access need to be resolved. In March we looked at the impact of local leaders on our communities. After a devotion from Karen Geffert, we discussed the impact that decisions made by local leaders have on our day to day lives. As we create relationships with community members and organizations and look deeper at how our community functions, we will see where it is broken. In this way we become the eyes and ears for our legislators that may not otherwise know that a problem exists. Talking to legislators and voting, even in the primaries (especially in the primaries!) is important if we want a say in who our elected leaders are and what actions they take. We also spend a lot of our time together discussing the Lutheran Legislative Days event and the resulting consensus agenda. By Stacey Taylor
Early Childhood Education@HCLC THANKYOU!
Holy Comforter Lutheran Church School would like to thank all those who came out and supported our annual Night in Italy fundraiser. $4900 was raised. We have since redone the mulch on the playground and new playground equipment will be put in this summer. Preschool 4 year olds will have their graduation ceremony on Thursday, May 28th, at 6:30pm. We have 37 in our 2015 Graduating class. Registration is ongoing for our Mother’s Day Out early three class as well as our Preschool 3 and 4 year old classes.
By Colleen Engel, School Director 281-358-9337
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STAFF & COUNCIL RETREATS Council Retreat
Council members met for a planning retreat for over six hours on Saturday, January 31. The primary objectives of this retreat were to:
• • •
Provide a basic understanding of where Holy Comforter is now and the steps leading to HCLC’s current mission and vision Obtain support for changes to HCLC’s method of governance, and Craft the Vision of Ministry for HCLC in 2015.
What is a Vision of Ministry? A Vision of Ministry defines the new and different ways that will transform people’s lives. It outlines the two or three things that Council means to accomplish, no matter what, in a given time period. It also sets the framework for the development of staff goals. Prior to the retreat, each Council member reflected on and prepared answers to strategic questions related to changes impacting our community and culture, hopes and expectations for HCLC in 2015 and beyond, and what HCLC is doing right versus areas HCLC can improve. At the retreat, Council members utilized the answers to these questions along with much thoughtful discussion to hone in on the Vision of Ministry. However, it took prayers and additional discussion subsequent to the retreat for Council to complete its Vision of Ministry. What is HCLC’s Vision of Ministry for 2015? In brief it consists of three priorities: • Grow outreach
• •
Increase engagement Improve communications
Staff/Ministry Leaders Retreat
HCLC’s five staff persons, along with one or two ministry leaders selected by each staff member, participated in a halfday retreat on Saturday, February 28. The objectives of the retreat were to present Council’s Vision of Ministry for 2015 and to create two to three new and different goals to be accomplished in 2015 in each staff area. The staff teams did an excellent job identifying opportunities to advance God’s mission through work at Holy Comforter above and beyond the regular tasks associated with each staff position. A brief description of two above and beyond goals in each staff area follows:
• • • • • • • • • •
Produce a weekly communiqué to the congregation (Senior Pastor) Hold a communitywide blessing of the animals (Senior Pastor) Complete two activities in a new Milestone Ministry (Associate Pastor) Complete two communication activities with our global partner (Associate Pastor) Expand participation and engagement of young people in worship leadership (Minister of Worship and Music) Utilize more Taizé music in worship (Minister of Worship and Music) Develop a user friendly website (Director of Administration) Identify volunteers to assist with communication format implementation and other office support (Director of Administration) Have congregation members come to classrooms and read to the children (School Director) Integrate school families and congregation members through a Halloween Carnival and by entering a float in the Kingwood Fourth of July parade (School Director)
What’s Next?
How will Holy Comforter be able to accomplish these above and beyond goals this year? It can be done only with your active support contributing your time and talents. Without your active assistance, Holy Comforter will not be able to change people’s lives by achieving these goals. Here’s what you can do:
• • •
Talk to the staff members to learn more about the goals and how you can be a part of them Watch for additional information on the goals as the year progresses, and Give of your time and talents to move HCLC forward in one or more of the goal areas.
By Duane Utecht
Blood DriveCamp Hope
Camp Hope
RODEO RODEO Grades : Children Entering K - 6th Grade
The Ride of Your Life Wanatmedpers Ne w C
God gives, teaches and calls us to an amazing ride throughout our lives as we grow to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It may not be easy, but it is an exciting adventure! This summer come to the Camp Hope Rodeo and experience the ride of your life!
The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center was at Holy Comforter on Sunday, April 19. Both double red cells and whole blood were donated by members and walkins. The value of a whole blood donation is that you help save three lives! A double red cell donation allows you to give twice the amount of red cells given in a whole blood donation. The next scheduled blood drives are June 14 and August 16. Please donate the gift of life Grades : Children Entering K - 6th Grade if you are able! By Pam MacNaughton
The Ride of Your Life
Wanatmedpers Ne w C
God gives, teaches and calls us to an amazing ride throughout our lives as we grow to love Him and to love our neighbor as ourselves. It may not be easy, but it is an exciting adventure! This summer come to the Camp Hope Rodeo and experience the ride of your life!
# # Weekly Themes:
$90 per week Early bird rate $80
(if you register by June 1, 2015)
{
July 6 -10 : God Gives July 13-17 : Jesus Teaches July 20 - 24 : Holy Spirit Calls
Register now at www.GoDeeperWithChrist.org or pick up an application in the office or the Narthex.
Unforgettable Spiritual Reward Approach with
Joy
Details : PastorAmy@GoDeeperWithChrist.org
Weekly Themes:
$90 per week Early bird rate $80
(if you register by June 1, 2015)
GATHERING
July 6 -10 : God Gives July 13-17 : Jesus Teaches July 20 - 24 : Holy Spirit Calls
Register now at www.GoDeeperWithChrist.org or pick up an application in the office or the Narthex.
Unforgettable Spiritual Reward Approach with
Discover. Grow. L i v e.
Joy
Details : PastorAmy@GoDeeperWithChrist.org
Discover. Grow. L i v e.
GoDeeperWithChrist.org
GoDeeperWithChrist.org
PLACE
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The Gathering Place Meets for Respite Care the First Friday of Each Month
The Gathering Place at Holy Comforter meets the first Friday of each month to offer free respite care to families that have a loved one with dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, or other ailment that requires their care. From 10 am – 1 pm every first Friday we gather in the gym area and numerous volunteers help to provide 3 hours of activities, entertainment, exercise, music and lunch. Our care partners (the ones needing care) come from all around Kingwood, Humble, Porter, Spring and even Houston. Currently very few are members of HCLC. One-third of our volunteers are not members of HCLC. This is truly an outreach ministry in every sense.
Dates and themes through the summer are: June 5 – “Welcome Summer” July 3 – “Going to the Dogs” (Therapy dogs) August 7 – “Vacation” September 4 – “Happy 10th Birthday” If you are interested in volunteering (once a month) or know someone who would benefit from attending The Gathering Place please contact Pam MacNaughton 281-460-9252 or Beth Moseman 281-358-5501
By Beth Moseman
www.godeeperwithchrist.org 11
HOLY WEEK 2015
Photos by Alex Kaleda
www.godeeperwithchrist.org 13
ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE Would you like to travel to Peru? Would you like to see parrots and pink dolphins in their natural habitat? Are you interested in a relationship with a congregation in Iquitos? Would you be interested in walking together with Lutheran Peruvians in solidarity? What is solidarity? God took on human form, emptying the divine self and being made flesh, in order to share the experience of humanity. This is called solidarity. Because of God’s love for us in Christ, we are called to live lives of solidarity with others. We are to see Jesus in all people and we are to share the experiences of our neighbors who are suffering, hungry, poor, or oppressed. When we are in solidarity, we are sharing the experiences of our neighbors in need. Solidarity is also called accompaniment. Accompaniment honors mutual relationships. We believe everyone has something to offer. Accompaniment models an understanding in which God walks with us; and so, we walk with God’s people. We at Holy Comforter are beginning our walking together with the God is Faithful (Fiel Es Dios) congregation in Iquitos, Peru. Our first steps of walking together are to be in mutual prayer for one another, to share both the joys and pains of ministry and to communicate regularly through email, Skype, and phone. We also are going to visit with one another soon. We would love for you to pray for God is Faithful church in Iquitos and for Holy Comforter Lutheran Church as we begin to build a relationship with one another. We invite you to pray about traveling with us to Iquitos next summer. Holy Comforter is committed to ending poverty one person, one community at a time. We are focusing our ministry on three areas: our local, national, and global communities. We are committed to serving neighbors in need, God’s most vulnerable people, walking alongside, sharing experiences, and working for justice for all. Part of my call as Associate Pastor is to provide the vision and leadership to create and sustain programs for service. It’s exciting to dream with the people of Holy Comforter and to act with them as we together serve God’s vulnerable people. You are invited to serve at the Rescue Barn and at the Humble Area Assistance Ministries Resale store, or help with tasks at Holy Comforter outside or inside, on God’s Work, Our Hands day, Saturday, May 9th. We will meet at 9:30 am at Holy Comforter as we are blessed and sent out to serve.
God’s peace, Pastor Amy
PASTOR AMY’S Installation
Photos by Steve Hansen
www.godeeperwithchrist.org 15
Discover. Grow. L i v e.
GoDeeperWithChrist.org
Holy Comforter Lutheran CHurch Staff
The Reverend Barbara Bartling Pastor Amy Oehlschlaeger Marsha Seale Bill Goebel Pam MacNaughton Colleen Engel
Senior Pastor Associate Pastor Minister of Worship and Music Financial Secretary Director of Administration Education Director
pastorbarb@godeeperwithchrist.org pastoramy@godeeperwithchrist.org marsha@godeeperwithchrist.org bill@godeeperwithchrist.org pam@godeeperwithchrist.org colleen@godeeperwithchrist.org
Church Council Members
Sheryl Stucky – President Susan Muellner – Secretary Karen Geffert – Past President Brad Goodwin
Rick Janacek – VP Al Schmit – Treasurer Hans Kell Steve Hansen
Holy Comforter Lutheran Church is the sum of its members blessed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to do ministry together. We are a traditional church & congregation that thinks and works “outside the box” to bring progressive ministries, services, programs and outreach to our local community and beyond! Holy Comforter Lutheran Church & School was the first church and preschool program in Kingwood, Texas. We are a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Visit www.godeeperwithchrist.org for more info on our Mission & Vision, History, Pastor, Staff & Council, Ministries, Communion Policy, Testimonials & Worship Services. Cover Photo by Alex Kaleda