Discover
YOUR FAITH.
Live
Grow
IN COMMUNITY.
GOD’S MISSION.
DEEPER WITH CHRIST VOLUME 2 ISSUE 4 2015
Discover. Grow. L i v e.
GoDeeperWithChrist.org
HOLY COMFORTER LUTHERAN CHURCH 1901 WOODLAND HILLS DRIVE - KINGWOOD, TX - 281.358.6500 - GODEEPERWITHCHRIST.ORG - FACEBOOK.COM/HOLYCOMFORTERLUTHERAN www.godeeperwithchrist.org 1
Dear friends in Christ,
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
I write this article early in the morning of Sunday, November 1, All Saints Day. All Saints Sunday celebrates the baptized people of God, living and dead, who make up the body of Christ. On this day, with thanksgiving, we remember all the faithful departed, especially those most dear to us who have died. The biblical readings for this day are filled with rich images of the eternal life promised to all the saints. The holy meal, to which everyone is welcome, is a foretaste of that great and promised feast where death and pain will be no more. Even in the midst of loss and grief God wipes away the tears from our eyes and makes all things new. This day, especially today, brings great comfort to me. As many of you know, my mother passed away a month ago. I had the great privilege of being with her as she left the church militant to join the church triumphant. She died peacefully and painlessly, but yet she died. I mourn. I grieve. I miss her greatly. Yet I, yet we, are assured that death is not the end and that is what we celebrate every day, especially on All Saints Day. I am reminded of the Beatitudes this day which are from the gospel that is read for All Saints on Year A of our lectionary. The larger text, the Sermon on the Mount, is the charter for the community of disciples, the guidelines by which they, by which we, are to live in anticipation of the eschatological reign of God. We are told how to live differently as we wait for all God’s promises to come to completion for all. It is the recognition that those who have gone before us living for God have blazed the trail for us, that they are alive in Christ and continue to be interested in our welfare. I know my mom would want me to go on living for God. I know she now rests from her labors on this side of the resurrection. I also know that the church, the mystical body of Christ, is the only place where true hope can be found for all. Now more than ever it is important to invite others into the body of Christ. Our world is hurting. God’s people are hurting. We are called to help. Put aside your fears of rejection. Reclaim your calling as an active inviter to His church. Proclaim the good news that Christ is alive! Peace, Pastor Barb PS - I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the numerous cards, prayers and well wishes my family and I have received over the past weeks. I’d also like to thank the people of Holy Comforter for allowing us to have mom’s funeral here. It was, and is, comforting to be with God’s people in this place.
Discover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[page 4] [page 5]
Faith Story: Malaria Campaign Worship & Music Ministry
Grow
[page 6] Milestones Ministry [page 6] Praise Walkers [page 6] Primetimers [page 7] Stewardship Team [page 7] Early Childhood Education [page 8] Secret Service Club [page 10] Confirmation Club Pool Party [page 10] BBQ at HCLC [page 10] Women of the ELCA
Live
[page 11] Office Volunteers [page 11] Gods Work. Our Hands. [page 12] Day of Service [page 12] Pet Blessings [page 13] Associate Pastor’s Message [page 14] Eagle Scout Project [page 14] Team Living Boldly [page 15] Beer & Hymns [page 15] Gathering Place
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.
www.godeeperwithchrist.org
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Faith Story: The 3.8 million member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) reached its five-year goal of raising $15 million for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. The success of this program demonstrates the commitment of ELCA members to share the gospel with their actions – the act of generosity. Through faith, prayer, and partnership this seemingly improbable goal was made possible. As you recall, in the last few years the money collected at Holy Comforter after worship on the fourth Sunday of every month went to the Malaria Campaign. Although that may not have seemed like much, I share with you that Holy Comforter contributed $6,456 to the Campaign. In fact, we recently received a Certificate of Appreciation signed by Jessica Nipp Hacker and Allison Beebe, former and current heads of the ELCA Malaria Campaign, in recognition of Holy Comforter Lutheran Church being among the Top 200 congregational supporters of the ELCA Malaria Campaign. What an honor! They write, “The ELCA stepped out in faith with the ELCA Malaria Campaign, and the people of Holy Comforter Lutheran Church embraced it with generosity and enthusiasm. Your creativity inspired other congregations in the ELCA, and the gifts you gave have impacted millions of lives through the malaria programs of our Lutheran sisters and brothers in Africa.” Although the goal of $15 million was reached five months early, the challenge continues. According to the Rev. Daniel Rift, director for ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response, “expanded project work to address malaria in Africa will be accomplished by additional gifts to the ELCA Malaria Campaign until the original goal date (January 31, 2016). After that, similar work to address malaria in Africa and around the world will continue through contributions to ELCA World Hunger”. Thank you for being a part of this monumental milestone and helping the church at large protect countless lives from a preventable, treatable disease. By working with our Lutheran companions and partners in thirteen African countries, we have brought about lasting change. Pam MacNaughton
ELCA Malaria Campaign. We did it!
Going deeper in faith, service, & relationships Worship & Music Ministry in 2015 Middle School choir
DISCOVER YOUR FAITH Worship challenges us to enter into another time and dimension, experiencing and engaging with the living God. When we open ourselves to the moving of the Holy Spirit, we are lifted above the mundane ordinariness of our daily lives into a transcendent experience, a deeper reality beyond our own thoughts and understanding. HAVE YOU NOTICED? We have had more participation of children/youth in worship leadership in recent months, leading prayers and other parts of the service. We plan to expand such involvement, encouraging our children and youth to grow in their engagement in worship and learn to be confident leaders. We have continued to expand our repertoire of worship music from Taizé, a monastic and lay community in France. A number of articles about Taizé have been included in the worship folders and in the weekly Messenger inserts. Most music and worship in the style of Taizé is accessible, ecumenical, global, often contemplative, spiritually enriching, and more.
Godly play
COMING TO A SCREEN NEAR YOU! WORSHIP MOMENTS – in the narthex! This brainchild of the Worship First Team will include photos and pertinent information about worship and leadership. Watch for it! THE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE Exploring Why We Do What We Do in Worship at HCLC is a five-week exploration of why we do what we do in worship, written and taught by our own Worship First Team. Initially designed for children and youth, the course has been expanded for adults and includes a PowerPoint presentation as well as a participant book. This class is being taught through November 22 on Sundays at 9:30 AM in the Wittenberg Room of Luther Hall. THANK YOU and AN INVITATION
Godly play
Godly play Godly play
Heartfelt thanks to all of our musicians – singers, ringers, and instrumentalists – who work so diligently to contribute to the leadership and beauty of worship services at Holy Comforter. The ministries of Gloria Dei Choir, Bells of Praise, Voices of Praise, Middle School Choir, Children’s Choir, and Flute Choir help worshipers to encounter God through lifechanging, relevant worship, while offering their own praise and prayer to God. Each person truly enriches the worship life at Holy Comforter, while leading well and with confidence, utilizing their God-given gifts of music, growing deeper as disciples of Jesus. Everyone is invited to consider whether God is calling you to join us in music ministry. Perhaps you would like a short-term exploration – maybe Advent through Epiphany. Tutoring and child care provided as needed. Join us! In addition to our regular Sunday morning worship services, some of our musical groups have been part of life passages in October: the Gloria Dei Choir and the Voices of Praise each led music for a memorial service, and the Bells of Praise rang for a wedding. Also, several people from music ministry and beyond sang for residents in assisted living at the Isle of Kingwood on September 12 as part of the God’s Work. Our Hands. day of outreach. May we all be reminded that, while we have the above groups who rehearse regularly to lead and enhance worship at HCLC, the primary and largest choir is THE ASSEMBLY – the congregation gathered at a particular time and place to worship the living God. Music is integral to Lutheran worship. To those whose music-making is not as part of a choir, please remember to sing with all your heart, 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! HELP WANTED – Our core of lay worship leaders is large and dedicated: lectors, cantors, communion servers, altar guild, acolytes and crucifers, children’s chapel leaders, ushers, and sound board technicians contribute to the smooth functioning of worship. We always need and welcome more participants to assist in various ways in the worship life of the church. We particularly need an usher coordinator for 11:00 a.m. worship. To volunteer, please contact Marsha Seale at the church office. Training provided. ADVENT
Middle School choir
A Blessing
Advent Mid-week Worship will be on Wednesdays, December 2, 9, and 16 at 7:00 PM. These services will be brief but meaningful times of worship, scripture, singing, prayer and reflection as we await the coming of our Lord. Come for dinner at 6:00, followed by a half-hour of activities for everyone, then worship together at 7:00. We will be finished by approximately 7:30, as we are every Wednesday at Worship, Word, and Witness on Wednesdays, usually called “WoW.” Join us for the evening, and invite your friends and family to this child-friendly service with a focus on the great topic of PRAYER. Everyone is welcome! Christmas Eve services will be at 5:00, 8:00 and 11:00 PM, each with candlelight, Holy Communion, and Christmas carols sung by all, led by our choirs. The 5:00 service will particularly have a family focus to include children and youth. The 8:00 and 11:00 services will have a professional brass quartet in addition to our own musicians. A nursery for young children will be offered at 5:00 and 8:00 PM, Bells of Praise but children are always welcome in worship. Invite your friends and families to come and worship the newborn King. By Marsha Seale Minister of Worship & Music Ministry
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Cards and bracelets for Fiel es Dios
Women of the ELCA
The Women of the ELCA had a general meeting with the whole congregation invited on September 27. We began with a pot luck luncheon and a short business meeting. Then Pastor Amy narrated a slide show about the visit she and Sheryl Stucky made to Fiel es Dios congregation in Peru. After the presentation those present made greeting cards and prayer bead
bracelets to send to Pastor Yoli and her congregation. The next general meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 7:00 PM in Luther Hall. The program is to feature a guest from Star of Hope Mission. WELCA’s current concern is gathering toys for the Azleway foster children. A display is set up in the narthex, as well as a list of ideas for
purchase. Toys must be new and can be for a child ages infant to 18 years old. During the months of December and January the project will be for needed items for the Star of Hope Mission. Items include toiletries, non-perishable food, new socks and underwear, towels, twin-sized sheets, diapers, pull-ups, and baby wipes. By Faye McKinzie
MILESTONES
MINISTRY
We all experience meaningful, memorable moments in our lives! These moments are life-changing. They are significant events in our life journey. Some of them are happy and some are sad and some are a mixture of emotions. We call these moments “milestones”. Milestones include the blessing of the backpacks, receiving your first Bible, Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation. There are many more special moments in our lives of faith that we are adding to our ministry here at Holy Comforter! On January 3, we will have a special blessing during worship for married couples in our congregation who are celebrating 50 year Anniversaries and above. We have a couple who is celebrating 60 years on December 31 and we want to especially give thanks to God for their love and commitment to one another. On Sunday, January 24, during worship, we will have a special Blessing for our Seniors 70 and up. We want to give thanks to God for their wisdom and commitment to Holy Comforter Lutheran Church. A potluck lunch will be held in their honor in Luther Hall following 11:00 AM worship. Please bring a dish to share. Also, our middle school youth are interviewing five of our seniors and they plan to share some of our seniors’ faith stories with the congregation at the potluck lunch. Please come and listen! All are welcome! By Pastor Amy
PRAISE
WALKERS
Praise Walk is a group that meets every morning from 8 – 9 AM Monday - Friday for an hour of exercise. We walk, aerobics, stretching, yoga, and use weights at the church. If you’d like to add some exercise to your daily routine, come join us. Contact Lynette Schmit 281-360-4957 or Beth Moseman 281-358-5501 for questions. Also – if anyone is interested in an exercise group meeting in the late afternoon, please let us know. Some of the preschool teachers may be interested in a class after school. It could be yoga, aerobics, or whatever fits the group needs. Contact Beth Moseman 281-358-5501 or Colleen Engel 281-358-6500. By Beth Moseman
PRIMETIMERS 2015 On October 9, sixteen of us toured the George H. W. Bush Library at College Station. It was interesting to see exhibits that detailed the lives of President and Mrs. Bush and significant events which occurred during his presidency. We had also planned to have dinner at Pappadeaux’s Restaurant while returning to Houston, but that facility was thoroughly booked and instead we had an enjoyable dinner at Tony Mandola’s. On Sunday, December 6, we expect to visit the Houston Family Arts Center to attend its matinee performance of the play, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, a stage version of the highly acclaimed 1947 film produced by Frank Capra. The Houston Family Arts Center is a group which produces works involving and appreciated by all ages, and it is likely we would be attending their productions again in the future. Final planning for this event will be published later. We have commitments from Precinct
4 to take us to two more events. For February 20, 2016, we hope to attend the Crichton Theatre’s production of the Mel Brooks comedy, “The Producers”. It deals with two scam artists who create a show with the unlikely title, “Springtime for Hitler”; and they hope to retain the funds contributed by naïve investors when the show flops. But the show becomes a hit and the two scam artists end up in jail. On March 19 we will have a bus to take us to the newly-revamped Alley Theatre to see “Around the World in 80 Days’’. That show should be particulalarly spectacular as it would have to offer numerous scene changes of areas all over the planet. There is some question as to whether our main interest will be in seeing a show that is set in locations ranging from India, China, Japan, the American West, and Victorian London, or our seeing the Alley Theatre in which we have had a number of memorable events.
By Frank Kopta
STEWARDSHIP
TEAM
Schmit Family Tithing Journey Our Family journey toward tithing to the church was somewhat long and probably not untypical of many of our current members. For many years we thought about our church stewardship more in terms of what is our fair share of the budget rather than how do we move toward a biblical tithing. For many years, we gave $15 - $20 per week as our contribution toward the church budget. We became more aware of the faith-based tithing expectation somewhere along our faith journey. I recall having heard members at HCLC, like Ed Mathisen, followed by Jim Hammond, making what I thought were somewhat radical statements like, “you can’t out-give God”. About this same time I worked with an avid Baptist at Shell, named Jerry, who spoke freely about tithing as a normal expectation of Christians. We truly began making our tithing journey about 15 years ago. First, instead of looking at the finance books and deciding what our fair share of the church budget was, we decided to increase our annual giving each year with a 10% target in time. This became a difficult journey as this was also about the time our children were entering college and our personal expenses were increasing significantly. We made the commitment and kept moving toward a tithe regardless of our other obligations, and it seemed like we continued to have plenty to live on. In the mid 2000’s we paid off our car, which is the same 2002 vehicle we drive today. We decided to give the car payment toward our tithe and that move essentially got us to a tithe. Our family has been truly blessed, and we continue to give a tithe or even more today. When I retired, we based our tithe on my pension plus the amount of money we withdraw annually from our 401K. We now understand it’s not about our fair share of the church expenses, but our fair share of what God has so bountifully given us. Al & Lynette Schmit www.godeeperwithchrist.org
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Early Childhood Education@HCLC WELLNESS PROGRAM UPDATE As part of our continuing Wellness Center growth-- Holy Comforter Lutheran Church School recently implemented The Secret Service Club. Every Wednesday after school the 4 and 5 year old Preschoolers, with help from school staff and Associate Pastor Amy, secretly learn how to serve others. The club is focused on serving others and they all wear dark glasses to remain ‘undercover’. Some of the projects so far are: • Decorated the door of the church janitors to show them appreciation. • Made cards for those who are sick in the congregation. • Made treat bags for the cats and dogs for our annual Blessing of the Animals. Colleen is very proud of her students and staff and states, “this program brings together the children of the school and the members of the church staff and congregation. We are learning about how blessed we are to be a part of this church and how we can help serve others in this space.” By Colleen Engel, School Director 281-358-9337
F is for Football. KHS Football coach and player talk with preschool students Classes busy learning
Preschool club learning about seeds and planting lettuce
ROVING READERS
PRESCHOOL HALLOWEEN PARADE
GREEN EGGS AND HAM
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SECRET SERVICE CLUB Preschoolers being of service to others
The Secret Service Club is an after school club for our 4 year old preschool children in extended care led by two of our lovely preschool teachers and Pastor Amy. The purpose of the Secret Service Club is to teach compassion through service. Compassion is seeing a need, being touched by it, and taking a step to help, serving neighbors in need! Every Wednesday, the preschool children learn a Bible story, say a prayer, and sing a Bible song about serving God’s people. Then we do a service project secretly together. Our children are learning to serve and care for their families, the community, and the world. Our kids have thanked Mr. Hector, our cleaning staff person, by decorating his door with balloons and thank you signs. They have made cards with a piece of candy attached for homeless men at Star of Hope. And they have put together packets of food for dogs and cats served by the Rescue Barn. Please help our children by bringing cans of food as they help hungry neighbors during the month of November. There is a box in the church’s entryway for your donations. By Pastor Amy
Confirmation Club Pool Party
Confirmation Club meets once a month and is for middle school age youth in Confirmation! Friends are welcome too! It’s a time of service, fun, and fellowship! In September the youth swam at a wonderful pool party. Hot dogs and s’mores were enjoyed by the teens, their parents, and Pastor Amy. Thanks to the Kells for sharing their fire pit and pool with us! In October the youth and their parents attended the Fundraiser for the preschool at Fuddruckers. The burgers and fellowship were great! The video games were also a big hit with the youth! In November we are going on a retreat to Luther Hill. On December 19 it’s our Family Movie Night from 5-9 PM and all are welcome!!! Please join us in Luther Hall for food, a service project, and a movie! By Pastor Amy
BBQ@HCLC October 23, 2015
The Gathering Place at HCLC meets on the first Friday of each month to offer respite care to families with a loved one who has dementia, Parkinson’s, stroke, etc. During the hours that care partners are at HCLC our volunteers engage with them in activities, crafts, exercise, music, and more. We offer entertainment and lunch along with fellowship and support. Our next Gathering Place will be Friday, December 4, 2015, from 10 AM – 1 PM. Our theme is “A Charles Dickens Christmas Month” and we
will be entertained by the Madrigal Choir from KPark HS. Come and find out what The Gathering Place is all about. Upcoming Gathering Place dates are December 4, January 15, 2016 (since the first Friday falls on New Years Day), and February 5, 2016. If you are interested in volunteering (once a month) or know someone who would benefit from attending The Gathering Place as a care partner, please contact Pam MacNaughton 281-460-9252 or Beth Moseman 281358-5501. By Beth Moseman
C Camand eraid !
GATHERING
PLACE
We Would Like to Thank Our Front Office Volunteers!
Karen Stevens
Oktoberfest took place on October 2nd Deb Irwin
Gena Rea Bob Grinder
The church office runs smoothly with the help of many people volunteering their time. Pictured are a few of those invaluable individuals. Watch for more candid photos in the next issue. Can we include your face next time? We are always looking for more willing volunteers. Contact the church office if you would like to join in the fun. Opportunities for website updating and maintenance can even be done from home. Training is available. By Pam MacNaughton
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DAY OF SERVICE: At HCLC
Rescue Barn
How do you spend your birthday? Well, Danielle spent her special day with her sister, son and daughter-inlaw at The Rescue Barn. This family joined many folks who spent the morning serving the furry, feathered and hooved guests at The Rescue Barn. Whether pouring a new concrete path, sorting donations, clearing grounds, feeding animals or wrangling kittens, all hands were busy on this beautiful day.
By Michele Dykstra
Isle @ Kingwood
September 12, 2015
We will gather for breakfast at 9:00am (donuts and kolaches) before heading out to one of four outreach activities. Work starts at 10:00am and ends at noon with a short (15 minute) time for group reflection.
The Edge of Kingwood The Rescue Barn HAAM Holy Comforte Singing Fun for the residents at...
The Edge of Kingwood (Previously Emeritus Pet) Blessings 24025 Kingwood Pl Dr @ the rescue barn Kingwood, TX 77339 od bless the animals. (281) 500-3738 Phone
Pastor Amy was joined by approximately sixty people who Help care for the Rescue Barn and its residents gathered at The Rescue Barn for the first Blessing of The (This picture shows Nemesis the burroPrayers and Birdzilla the turkey sha Animals. and blessings wereThe showered upon theare abused, ing daily food at the Rescue Barn. two mates only a small neglected and rescued beasts, number of the animals rescuedfowl andand sheltered K9 Airlift. ) feline nowby residing with Lynne and David Jennings in Huffman at The Rescue Barn. The early evening weather Would you like to help sort items was perfect and the sound of at the HAAM resale shop? Are you bagpipes filled the air as the animal parade began. Guests 14 or older? This project is a lot of stayed for a first-rate hot dog fun! roast followed by s’mores over the giant bonfire. (NOTE: Fallen limbs collected during God’s Interested in caring Work. Our Hands. were for usedthe in Holy Com this bonfire.) forter Church building or doing som By Michele Dykstra
gardening around the grounds? This may be the project for you! www.godeeperwithchrist.org 13
ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE Pastor Yoli and Fiel es Dios Lutheran Church in Iquitos, Peru, have a heart for children, as Sheryl, our council president, and I discovered when we visited them in June. As Holy Comforter Lutheran Church and School also has a heart for children, we make a wonderful partner for relationship with Fiel es Dios. When Sheryl and I arrived, the children, who rarely see visitors from the United States, were lined up at the door, happy and excited to greet us. Their warm smiles and handshakes welcomed us as we talked together through a translator. We sang faith songs together in Spanish and played soccer and volleyball, with a net of one piece of rope strung across the yard. We colored pictures with them, and I noticed several children copying my flowers onto their own papers. One girl, Lien, taught me some Spanish, saying she was my teacher. She took me all over the kitchen pointing at items and saying their names in Spanish; then she asked me to say the names, smiling when I was right. She also told me she loved me. At the end of the day the children were sad to see us leave. They hugged us and thanked us. Pastor Yoli thanked us for coming, invited us to visit anytime, and prayed for us. Now she and the people of Fiel es Dios continue to pray for us. Sheryl and I began to build a relationship between the people of Holy Comforter and the people of Fiel es Dios, our new partners in ministry. We offered the gift of our presence. We listened to their stories, we played, and we ate together. And they offered us their presence, too. Together we were church for one another. Together we are church for one another. Peru is a beautiful place. Iquitos itself is quite isolated, reachable only by boat or plane. Fiel es Dios is in a slum area of Iquitos, and Pastor Yoli’s heart hurts because many of the children don’t see the value in learning to read and write. She is trying to teach them to read; and she is trying to create a little library at the church for the children because they don’t have access to books. She also has a meal ministry because she worries that the children don’t have enough to eat. What Pastor Yoli and the church provide is a safe haven for children. We at Holy Comforter are walking alongside them and together we hope to help the children that Fiel Es Dios serves and the children that we serve. Please join us in caring for the people of Fiel es Dios by praying for them, by giving monetary donations, and by visiting Iquitos with us in Summer 2016. God’s peace, Pastor Amy
Eagle Scout Project refreshes the outdoor chapel
On October 17 Charlie Sun completed his Eagle Scout project with work on the outdoor chapel here at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church. Charlie and his crew trimmed the brush that had overtaken some of the benches in the chapel area, removed the old wooden seats from all the benches in the chapel, and installed new treated wood seats. Charlie and his team improved the “curb appeal” and the usability of the outdoor chapel. Check out the photos or, even better, walk back to the outdoor chapel and see for yourself. Thanks, Charlie! By Duane Utecht
BOLDLY
TEAM LIVING
Supported by Team Living Boldly, Cathie Tanner and Pastor Amy participate in New Caney ISD literacy program ribbon cutting. 54 Classroom Libraries were funded through this Education Foundation $50,000 district-wide grant. Principal Peacock of Oakley Elementary shared how many of her young students had no books at home and often school was the first time they had ever held a book. Team Living Boldly volunteered to help supplement this program through book donations. Thank you, Team Living Boldly! You have made a difference in the life of a child. PHOTO: Michele Dykstra, Executive Director for The New Caney ISD Education Foundation with Team Living Boldly volunteer extraordinaire Cathie Tanner and Pastor Amy pose with one of the funded classroom libraries. By Stacey Taylor
Beer & Hymns
Reformation Sunday A group from Holy Comforter enjoyed Reformation Beer and Hymns at St. Arnold Brewing Company on Sunday, October 25, hosted by Celebration Lutheran Church in Cypress. Admissions and donations benefited Lutheran Campus Ministry of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the ELCA.
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 Jennifer Taylor