Discover
YOUR FAITH.
Live
Grow
IN COMMUNITY.
GOD’S MISSION.
DEEPER WITH CHRIST VOLUME 3 ISSUE 2 2016
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
PASTOR’S MESSAGE Dear brothers and sisters in Christ— The church exists for others. The church exists to proclaim, in word and deed, the love God has for His creation through Jesus Christ. 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 The fastest growing congregations are congregations who focus on making deeper disciples. Deeper discipleship means disciples who are: Praying daily Worshipping weekly Reading the Bible Serving at and beyond their congregation In relationship with others to encourage spiritual growth in others Giving of time, talents and resources. Deeper discipleship means sharing His love with others through the ways in which He has gifted us. Deeper discipleship means serving others wherever we are, wherever God has us. At Holy Comforter, we have mapped out the path to deeper discipleship in this way: Come to worship to Discover Your Faith. We discover who God is and who we are as we gather as a community to give God praise for His blessings, to hear His promises and expectations, and to be fed for the work He will have us do. Participate in a small group study to Grow in Community. We study and share together to go deeper in our understanding and to grow deeper relationships with God and with each other. Serve in and around the world to Live God’s Mission wherever He has us as His witnesses and His workers of grace. Discover your Faith, Grow in Community, Live God’s Mission Discover. Grow. Live. That is our pathway. That is our journey. We grow deeper so that we may be the witnesses He has called us to be in the world proclaiming forgiveness, love, justice and peace. In Christ, Pastor Barb
Discover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[page 4] [page 5]
Faith Story: The Power of Music Worship & Music Ministry
Grow
[page 6] Praise Walkers [page 7] Scam Luncheon [page 7] Prayer Ministry [page 7] Early Childhood Education [page 8] Healthy Lunches [page 8] Primetimers [page 9] Kids Hope [page 9] Women of the ELCA
Live
Gathering Place
[page 9]
[page 10] Preschool Day @HCLC [page 10] God’s Work. Our Hands [page 10] Sandwich Sunday [page 11] Associate Pastor’s Message
[page 12] Color Run [page 14] Holy Week
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:
The Power of Music
From time to time during rehearsal, each music group at Holy Comforter has “go deeper moments” to reflect on and discuss aspects of text meaning, theological implications, composers, text writers, and more. It is astounding what God reveals to us through these moments. For example, when I introduced the Taizé By Your Cross to the Children’s Choir in preparation for mid-week worship this Lent, their insights about the text were spot on. One of the children decided that she wanted to sing it in Latin (one of the options), and she did. The children also are learning to understand their role as music leaders even when they are singing with the assembly, sitting with their families. The power of music to transform us, to shape and express our faith, and to build skills and enhance functions in other areas of life is legendary. Music takes us to a deeper dimension where we can live more fully. Recently near the end of a Voices of Praise rehearsal, I commended the women on their beautiful, meaningful singing of an African American spiritual – in tune, well balanced three parts, unaccompanied, very well blended – expressing gratitude for their God-given gifts that are being used for God’s purposes, and how their working together is so much more than each can do alone. They are capable and equipped to sing and to lead well. One of the women commented that her confidence in reading music and singing has grown through participation in VoP. A newer member of the group said that at first she felt intimidated about singing, even though she had been in choirs in school and had sung solos, but now she is confident that she can keep up with the group and can sing well. A third chimed in that, because of her growth in singing in VoP, she feels more confident and at peace in most aspects of her life. (It is interesting how “confidence” was a common word in their reflections.)
Chidren’s Choir
By Marsha Seale
Voices of Praise
Correction to the Faith Story in Vol 3 Issue 1 of GO! Magazine: In the second paragraph of the writeup, the first sentence refers to Donna’s death - it SHOULD read Brenda’s death. We apologize for any confusion!
Going deeper in faith, service, & relationships Worship & Music Ministry in 2016 Singing is a biblical mandate, called for and assumed in many, many places in the Bible. Texts sung to music form and shape our faith. We tend to remember words set to music far longer than words that are merely spoken. In the Church, music has been sung throughout all of history. When we sing together, we breathe together and, as with one voice, offer our very selves to God and to those gathered. I believe that everyone can learn to sing and whole-heartedly offer to assist anyone who desires to find their voice. Music can be a window to God. Of course, the assembly (people gathered for worship at a particular time) is the primary “choir” in worship, offering their praise and prayer in song. Volunteer musicians who also gather to rehearse increase their knowledge and love of God through the texts and music we sing, ring, and play, and increase engagement in worship and with one another in worship and service together. They learn leadership skills, hone their God-given gifts, pray together specifically for each other and beyond, provide pastoral care for each other, and enjoy fellowship and service together. As volunteers and the assembly learn, worship, and lead together, they grow as disciples. Everyone is invited to join us! Gloria Dei Choir Crawfish Boil
Our liturgical worship pattern comes from the very earliest days of the church and continues in liturgical churches all over the world today. It shapes, forms, and expresses our identity as individuals and as a community of believers. It is hoped that all who worship at HCLC are seeking to encounter the Living God – to continually DISCOVER their faith and grow deeper as disciples of Christ. God deserves the highest quality worship and music we can offer, and many people are involved in leadership in this holy calling of “the work of the people” at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church.
Have you noticed?
There are approximately 105 worship leaders at Holy Comforter: 55 musicians and 50 who serve as lectors, readers, communion servers, crucifers and acolytes, sound board technicians, children’s chapel leaders, ushers, worship workers scheduler, etc. Add those who assist in other ways, such as altar guild, and the number continues to grow. Of course, there is some overlap of these who serve. This high percentage of worship team members use their individual talents to ensure
a high-quality, meaningful worship experience for worshipers of all ages. We should all be very grateful for their ongoing fine leadership. Thank you for serving well and faithfully! Several of our children and youth now participate as readers in worship, leading prayers and scripture on Sunday mornings and during midweek and special services. Evan Janacek and Michael Kell also gave costumed dramatic dialogues during Wednesday evening worship in Lent as we experienced the last week in Jesus’ earthly life in a new way. The Worship First Team provides “Worship Moment” PowerPoint slides for our narthex screen, pointing people to the season or day of the church year, its liturgical color, and photos of people serving in various capacities in worship. All of our choirs joined together to lead a setting of Psalm 67 on May 1 at 11:00 worship, with the assembly joining their voices on the refrain. Children, youth, women’s choir, mixed choir, handbells, and flute all combined in leading a glorious offering to God.
By Marsha Seale
Minister of Worship & Music Ministry Hosanna!
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QUILTS & SCHOOL KITS for Lutheran World Relief Thanks to the Martha Circle of Women of the ELCA for making and quilting 31 quilts! Members of the church probably sat on a few of these beautiful quilts on the Sundays before Easter. These 31 quilts were sent to Lutheran World Relief to provide warmth and comfort to people in need around the world. Along with the quilts 18 school kits were also sent to LWR. Thank you to the congregation for providing items to be included in these kits. WELCA’s project for May will be our own Camp Hope. A basket is available in the narthex for donations, along with a list of items needed. By Faye McKinzie
Women of the ELCA
The last WELCA general meeting of the fiscal year was held Tuesday, May 3rd. Ruth Circle hosted the meeting with cookies and lemonade. For the devotion, Beth Moseman of the Martha Circle read passages from Best Loved Passages of the Bible, pertaining to grief. Two new members of WELCA were present - Audra Jason and Velma Innes. They were presented with prayer beads. After the business portion of the meeting was over, Susan Wagener presented the program “Gather to Grow Your Faith through Grief ”. Susan is a retired counselor but explained that she learned the most about grief counseling after going through the experience herself. Her program was very informative about the fluctuating phases of grief that are different for everyone.
WELCA
leadership 2016-2017:
President - Beth Moseman Vice-President - Linda Johnston Secretary - Faye McKinzie Treasurer - Kim Hanus Programs - Dottie Willner Membership -June Hall WELCA Concerns - Christie Stinson
PRAYER
MINISTRY
The Gracious Gift of Prayer
Colossians 4:2…“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” What value do YOU place on prayer? Do you regard it as a wonderful Gift of Grace from God, or as an unbearable burden? The privilege of prayer is a special gift from God to us. It is God’s personal invitation to us to enter into His sanctuary, to talk to Him and listen when He has something to say to us. Prayer is a discipline that requires preparation and practice. Make time to come quietly into the Presence of God. Focus your attention on Jesus. Listen and speak to God and thank Him for the Gracious Gift of His Love for you. That will enable us to live in an atmosphere of Peace and trust. Lord, thank You for the privilege of being able to bring every aspect of my life to You in prayer. Sent with God’s Love, Karen Doepken, Rep. Your Prayer Ministry of HCLC
Officer Ulrich Presents:Scam avoidance
On Sunday, April 24, Officer Dwayne Ulrich spoke to many of us at HCLC about scams. He explained what type of scams are being used in our area and how to avoid them. We all need to be vigilant about phone calls, emails, door-to-door salespeople, and use of your credit card. Remember – You never get something for nothing!
By Beth Moseman
PRAISE
WALKERS
Praise Walk is a group that meets every morning from 8 – 9 am Monday - Friday for an hour of exercise. We walk, do aerobics, stretching, yoga, and use weights at the church. If you’d like to add some exercise to your daily routine come join us. Summer is upon us and during the warmer (or hot!) weather we meet at various private pools to do water aerobics. If this interests you, please contact Beth Moseman 281-358-5501 to get more information and to find out which pool we will be using that day. By Beth Moseman
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Early Childhood Education@HCLC SPRING 2016
Children’s Chapel
Mother’s day tea
Easter party
Easter egg hunt
Hay day
Mother’s day tea
HEALTHY LUNCHES@HCLC school
Colleen Engel, Director of Holy Comforter Lutheran Church School shares her Centers of Wellness program story. “One of our goals with our Wellness Center was to help improve lunches and snacks as all the food being served comes from home at our school. I had ordered business cards and because they were so inexpensive ( $10 for 500 cards) , I decided to create a Healthy Snack award card. I then began walking into classrooms during lunch and discussing what makes a healthy lunch. I then told the students that each day I would award one student with the card for having the healthiest lunch. The results have been amazing!!! In cases where we had classrooms where 8 of 15 lunches had Lunchables or other processed food-- we now have on average only 1 Lunchable coming in. The kids look forward to this award time and are encouraging their moms to buy healthy foods.” Engel said. This Wellness Certification has really made a difference.
Gathering Place magic show
PRIMETIMERS 2016 In our previous report we announced our plans for two upcoming events – our attendance at the Crighton Theatre in Conroe of “The Producers” on February 20. On that date, following a dinner at Carrabba’s Restaurant, twelve persons enjoyed the show, along with two others who joined us at the theatre after dinner. The second event was to attend the Alley Theatre’s March 19 performance of “Around the World in 80 Days”. Thirteen persons attended that, and they were highly impressed by the way five performers played multiple roles in simulated settings ranging from Victorian London to the American West. The group was even more impressed by the beautifully renovated Alley Theatre. Following the performance the group had dinner at Birraporetti’s Italian Restaurant.
There were no events in April or May, but two persons suggested that our group attend an IMAX program at the Museum of Natural History featuring our national parks. So I contacted the museum and made a tentative reservation for that program on June 13. I also reserved a bus for that date. The museum will finalize the performance schedule by mid-May
and I will pass it on to those interested. Precinct 4 has changed its procedures for requesting bus dates, and there are numerous free dates in June through October. So, if anyone knows of events our group would enjoy, please contact me at 281-3595839 and I will see if the proposed event falls on one of the free dates.
By Frank Kopta
KIDS HOPE You can make a difference!
One Church, One School, One Mentor, ONE KID, One hour per week. Holy Comforter has partnered with Bear Branch Elementary to help at-risk kids. Each mentor visits with her/his child for one hour per week at the school. We provide one hour of one-on-one attention. This one hour can make a huge difference in the life of a child. We would like to invite you to join our program. If you are interested in joining or just want more information, please call Cathie Tanner 281-358-0622. By Cathie Tanner
GATHERING
PLACE
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, June 3, from 10 am – 1 pm. Our theme is “Father’s Day Month” and we hope to have some antique cars and their owners here for
entertainment. Come and find out what The Gathering Place is all about. Upcoming Gathering Place dates are July 1 (40’s Month) and August 5. 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 281-358 By Beth Moseman 5501.
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Preschool Day
ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE We want our children at Holy Comforter Lutheran Church and School and in the Kingwood, New Caney, Humble, Houston community to know that Jesus is with us—everywhere, everyday! And we want God’s children to continue their faith formation over the summer in fun ways. So we invite you to participate in two events during the summer of 2016. First, we invite you to download and print Flat Jesus from our website, GoDeeperWithChrist.org. Flat Jesus is a paper doll children can color and take with them on summer trips. He can accompany you by car, plane, via snail mail or go digitally. When Flat Jesus arrives at his destination, photograph and document his adventures. You can make multiple copies and even send Flat Jesus abroad. If you lose Flat Jesus, that’s okay. Simply reprint him and take him with you again. Over the summer, we invite you to post your photos of Flat Jesus on our Instagram account, holycomforterlutherankingwood. In September, we will throw a “Welcome Flat Jesus Home” party and see where he went! Help us help your children take Flat Jesus on a summer adventure to see the world God created. Second, we invite children entering into kindergarten and exiting fifth grade to join us for Camp Hope the weeks of July 11-15, July 18-22, and July 25-29. It is an adult-mentored, youth-led ministry. Each day at Camp Hope, children hear a Bible story, through art, science, snacks, games, and drama. We include water days twice a week, too. Our theme is “Be a Hero!” And we will be heroes by collecting toys and change for L3 Foundation, which is kids helping kids fight cancer! Your child is invited to participate. Register online at GoDeeperWithChrist.org or pick up a form at the Holy Comforter Lutheran Church office. God bless you this summer! Peace, Pastor Amy
R b
Greeting the horses
Evan Janacek cuddling a rabbit
On April 16th, twenty people participated in the spring “God’s Work, Our Hands” service day. This event, held twice each year, has become a regular way to engage with the community and build relationships with our partner organizations (and each other) through service. After a hearty (and delicious) breakfast provided by Cathie Tanner and Linda Johnston, volunteers participated in three different service events. At the Rescue Barn, volunteers cleaned out stalls, rabbit hutches, and feeding dishes. Probably the most enjoyable job of the day however, went to Evan Janacek and Rachel Bachert,
andwich unday
Cheerful helper!
The vehicle is packed with lunches
10 lunches per bag Loading the car
A method is in place for making sandwiches
Assembly line in action!
Lunch assembly crew with T-shirts provided by Thrivent
Mayo and mustard goes with the sandwich!
Rachel Bachert with a cuddly bunny
Some of the crew getting ready to roll
Singing and ringing chimes at Regent Care
Church members Ed and Sandy Robertson
who helped socialize a new litter of rabbits. Lynne Jennings, one of the owners of the Rescue Barn, explained that properly socializing baby rabbits is the key to ensuring they are comfortable with people and can be adopted as pets. While Lynne visits with the rabbits often, exposure to a variety of people is an important part of the process. Evan and Rachel were happy to help! Meanwhile, another group of enthusiastic volunteers headed out to Regent Care of Kingwood. Residents were treated to a time of sing-along led by Pam MacNaughton and Beth Moseman. Finally, Duane Utecht organized a group of handy and helpful volunteers to assist some of the homebound members of our
Holy Comforter family. Volunteers helped with a number of home repair and maintenance tasks, such as trimming hedges and repairing doors. What a great opportunity to do some good while enjoying good company! Team Living Boldly would like to thank all of the volunteers for living out your faith in service! MARK YOUR CALENDARS. Saturday, September 10, 2016 is the fall “God’s Work, Our Hands” service day, which coincides with the ELCA-wide event. Let’s make it our best ever! By Stacey Taylor
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HOLY WEEK 2016
Photos by Steve Hansen & Peter Kaleda
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COLOR RUN
The 1st Annual Color Run was organized as a way to highlight physical fitness in the school and in the church. The school is an ELEA Center of Wellness and focuses curriculum and activities on health and wellness.
Photos by Steve Hansen
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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 Al Schmit – Treasurer Brad Goodwin Sancy Rhodes
Hans Kell – VP Steve Hansen - Secretary Steve Bost
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 Steve Hansen