Discover
YOUR FAITH.
Live
Grow
IN COMMUNITY.
GOD’S MISSION.
DEEPER WITH CHRIST VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2 2017
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 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: 1. Praying daily 2. Worshipping weekly 3. Reading the Bible 4. Serving at and beyond their congregation 5. In relationship with others to encourage spiritual growth in others 6. 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. How are we doing? Are we going deeper? I have asked these questions in several venues over the past several months. Here are some of the responses: • Deeper understanding of worship, of liturgy and of hymns • Deeper in our community through serving-- locally and globally • Deeper insight into Scripture through Small Group Campaigns and Small Groups like the Friday Morning Men’s Bible Study • Deeper leadership through study of Scripture and Resources utilizing devotions, visioning and retreats • Deeper relationship between the church and school • Deeper Stewardship through education and example • Deeper hospitality through intentionality • Deeper relationships • Deeper in the community with The Kingwood Oktoberfest How are we doing? We are on the way. We grow deeper so that we may be the witnesses God has called us to be in the world proclaiming forgiveness, love, justice and peace. In Christ,
Discover
Faith Story: Pillars of the Community[page Primetimers
[page 4]
Worship & Music Ministry
TABLE OF CONTENTS 4]
[page 5]
Grow Praise Walkers
[page 6]
[page 6] Worship First Team [page 6] Women of the ELCA [page 7] First Place for Health [page 7] Early Childhood Education [page 8] Healthy Lunches [page 9] Second Family Care Team
Live
Gathering Place
[page 9]
[page 10] Sandwich Sunday [page 10] Easter Egg Hunt [page 11] Associate Pastor’s Message
Holy Week & Easter Color Run
[page 14]
[page 12]
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: Pillars of the Community Several of our members joined the Humble area community in honoring three couples for their selfless contributions of time, talent, and resources to Humble Area Assistance Ministries (HAAM). The Pillars of the Community event was held March 31, 2017, at The Clubs of Kingwood. One of the couples honored was Frank and Marlene Kopta, members of Holy Comforter. The Koptas have been volunteers since 2002. Frank volunteers in the food pantry and Marlene has volunteered in client services. Pastor Barb Bartling introduced the couple, stating, “Frank and Marlene not only volunteer weekly but are familiar faces at special events benefiting HAAM.” As to the Kopta’s longtime commitment to HAAM Frank replied, “We enjoy our association with HAAM Voices of Praise because it offers us an opportunity to serve persons not as blessed as we have been.” The night’s program ended with a toast delivered by Jamie Selby of the Kingwood Country Club. “To our Pillars, thank you for your service. Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for your volunteer spirit. Someone much wiser than I once said, ‘Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.’” Congratulations, Frank and Marlene! This is the only fundraiser that HAAM holds during the year. The event raised $76,840, which will allow HAAM to continue its mission of help and hope. Pam MacNaughton
Frank and Marlene Kopta
PRIMETIMERS 2017
The next event for those 50 and above is to board the Harris County Precinct 4 bus at church to attend the matinee performance on Sunday, June 4, of the Alley Theatre’s production of Freaky Friday, which is a musical based on the highly successful film which featured Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan as a mother and daughter who trade places with hilarious consequences. The Alley is one of our favorite venues so, hopefully,
we should obtain our ten-person minimum for a Precinct 4 bus. After the show we will enjoy a fellowship dinner at Birraporetti’s Restaurant, and we should get back to Kingwood early that evening. We also have bus dates for two more events – an exhibit at the Houston Museum of Natural Science entitled “Gladiators: Heroes of the Colosseum” on Saturday, June 22. This exhibit tells of the lives of the Roman athletes,
who have often been portrayed in epic films, and the remarkable structure in which they did their grisly work. A third event will be a performance in the Hobby Center called “The Bodyguard” on Sunday, August 20. If anyone wishes to serve as the coordinator of record for one or both of these later events, we will pay for his or her admission fee,
By Frank Kopta
Going deeper in faith, service, & relationships Worship & Music Ministry in 2017 “DISCOVER your faith” Let’s SING! Worship in the Lutheran church is filled with music. The liturgy, psalms, hymns and songs of the church are treasures old and new, with opportunities for every worshiper to join their voices in song. Everyone can sing – some better than others! – and music is a gift from God that can be used for God’s glory and the edification of each other. Music is praise, prayer, and proclamation in the service of the gospel. What we sing shapes who we are and become as we grow deeper as disciples. In worship, have you ever felt that you were drawn beyond yourself into the holy, transcending time and place? Perhaps you would like to reflect on that in your own experience. Science shows that singing improves health of body, mind, and soul. Singing uses our whole bodies, especially when Gloria Dei Choir Crawfish Boil we breathe deeply and use aerobic
energy. Singing can help our lungs breathe better, boost our immune system, reduce stress levels, and help us cope with pain or depression. The release of endorphins just plain makes us feel better and frees us to receive God’s gifts with gratitude. Singing is used as music therapy in assisted living centers, hospitals, hospices, and other places. We see in the Gathering Place at Holy Comforter that people with dementia, some of whom barely speak, if at all, come to life when singing songs they knew in younger years. Singing alone is safe. Singing together is even better! Did you know that research shows that the heartbeats of those singing in a choir synchronize when they sing together? The heart rate is stabilized, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease. Whether or not in a choir, the phrases of hymns and songs automatically control our breathing as we inhale to begin each new phrase. While singing in a choir is
particularly focused on rehearsed music, the largest “choir” is the ASSEMBLY (the congregation gathered at a particular time and place to worship). Holy Comforter is blessed to be a “singing church” as worshipers join their voices together. 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. Sing anyway! God gave it to you to be used for His glory! In the words of Ella Fitzgerald, “the only thing better than singing – is more singing”. THANK YOU to everyone who works so diligently to offer their gifts and talents in worship. All singers and instrumentalists contribute to the beauty and leadership of worship. Thank you, also, to the many, many people who serve in non-musical ways. Every person makes a significant contribution.
By Marsha Seale Minister of Worship & Music
Polishing bells!
Farewell to Marilyn!
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WORSHIP FIRST TEAM500 years of God’s Grace in Action
Throughout 2017, you will see this logo in various places - our worship folders, GO! Magazine, on slides and posters in the narthex. There is much to note about our history and ongoing renewal in Christ as 2017 marks 500 years - a half-millennium! – since the beginning of the Lutheran Reformation. “Freed and Renewed in Christ” is the theme used by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) churchwide organization in its observance of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation that began with the 95 theses that Martin Luther (1483-1546) first made public on October 31, 1517. “500 Years of God’s Grace in Action” is a tagline that has been incorporated with the theme into a single graphic representation. In The Freedom of a Christian (1520) Martin Luther famously wrote “A Christian is lord of all, completely free of everything; a Christian is a servant, completely attentive to the needs of all.” The ELCA’s theme expresses this message of the Christian faith’s freedom and a renewed life of service to others in Jesus Christ. The Worship First Team is providing a variety of learning opportunities for this anniversary year. Have you noticed… -About the Lutherans inserts in the worship folders with information on a variety of topics. -Information “blurbs” in the worship folders about many of the musical selections. -Slides on the narthex screen with key highlights of the Reformation and across the years. -Timelines in the narthex of Reformation-era people and events of note. -The Reformation banner above the double doors of the church. By Marsha Seale
Minister of Worship & Music
PRAISE
WALKERS
Praise Walk is a group that meets every morning from 8 – 9 a.m. Monday - Friday for an hour of exercise in the narthex area using mostly DVDs with a variety of types of exercise (walking, aerobics, weights, bands, etc.). During the months of June – September we often do water aerobics in a private pool. If you wish to join us please call to find out what pool we will be using. Anyone is welcome to join us. Call Beth Moseman 281-3585501 for details. By Beth Moseman
SECOND FAMILY CARE TEAM updates
On Tuesday, June 6th, our Second Family Care Team (SFCT) will be meeting in the narthex. Anyone interested is welcome to join us. The SFCT is a ministry that provides practical, emotional and spiritual support to our care partners. We do such things as visits, household tasks, transportation, social outings, assistance with errands, and more depending on the needs of each individual. We are committed to serve with dignity, compassion and respect for each person. Currently we have 10 care partners that we are assisting. If this sounds like something you would enjoy doing, please contact Beth Moseman 281-358-5501. We can always use more volunteers!
By Beth Moseman
QUILTS for Lutheran World Relief
Women of the ELCA
Hooray for the Martha Circle and the Women of the ELCA who donated items for Lutheran World Relief! The Martha Circle meets twice a month, at which time they tie and finish quilts for Lutheran World Relief. In the narthex, there has been a basket for donated items to make personal care kits. After Easter, 42 quilts and 52 personal care kits were boxed and delivered to Epiphany Lutheran Church in Houston for shipment to Lutheran World Relief. Thank you to Sandy and Jim Beveridge for delivering all the quilts and kits to this location. In addition to those quilts, seven other quilts were donated to various organizations. What a blessing to have these ladies doing God’s work with their hands! By Faye McKinzie
FIRST
PLACE FOR HEALTH First Place 4 Health is an all-round health program that address physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. A weekly Bible study is included in the program. Another session will begin sometime in September 2017. Watch for more information on that. For questions contact Beth Moseman 281-358-5501. By Beth Moseman
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Early Childhood Education@HCLC SPRING 2017
Urban Air 2 treats for Making horse rescue barn.
Easter Egg Hunt
Loving After Care
Mother’s day tea
Ivy in Mother’s Day Out
Making moon sand
Airport Center
CONGRATS GRADUATES! Holy Comforter School congratulates the 2017 Graduating Class of 4 year olds. Many of these students have been with us since they were 2 years old. We have seen them grow from toddlers to children ready to take on Kindergarden. It is a joy to watch children grow and learn in our school and we are excited for their new adventures. Thanks also go to Mrs. Story, Mrs. Snyder and Mrs. Barker for teaching and preparing them to take on the next steps .
Bo Abdmoulaie Travis Day Jett Chavira Madeline Everts Amelia Fritz Sophie Galaviz Braden Garza Dutch Kelley Lily Rhomann Riley Rubino Lucy Shoemaker Trenton Terry Logan Wilkes J Fisher Hailey Atkins
Nicole Ahlstrand Elliott Bahler Cason Daniel Makenna Jones Cameron Kelley Liam McHam Ellie Merkel Ronnie Miller Ava Seal Zeke Perez Claire Watson Vivienne Wilkinson Suri Loeffel A.J. Long
Mrs. Barker
Mrs. Story
Carolina Glaser Shaylynn Glover Gavin Graham Benny Hughes Evelyn Lee Alexandra Lawrence Sam Larimore Ian Miller Oliver Morris Julia Oefner Grayson Treadwell Emmy Warr Cooper Gaunt
Mrs. Snyder
2017 Graduating Class
The 2017-18 School year will begin on Monday August 28th. Space is still available. Contact Colleen Engel 281-358-9337 for more information.
HCLC SCHOOL RECOGNIZED AS A “CENTER FOR WELLNESS”
HCLC School was recently featured in an issue of “Healthy Living Matters”: Holy Comforter Lutheran School in Kingwood, TX, recently went through a two-year process to become recognized as a Center for Wellness within the Evangelical Lutheran Church. This recognition is given to those who come up with innovative ways to help families be healthy. As a result of this process they created a Pinterest page that contains boards for healthy breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas. Because this school does not offer meals, Ms. Colleen Engel, the school’s director, promotes the Pinterest page during parent orientation so they know the importance of preparing and sending healthy food with their children. In addition to the Pinterest page they developed a Healthy Lunch Award, which is given daily to the child who brings the healthiest lunch. Ms.Engel does this each day and uses this opportunity to talk about healthy food choices with the children. According to Ms. Engel, “The change has been amazing! No more Lunchables and more healthy fruits and veggies.” She also mentioned that staff and kids are more engaged in talking about their food choices and why they are (or aren’t) healthy. We applaud the efforts that centers like Holy Comforter Lutheran School are making to improve the health of our young ones and hope that others feel motivated to do so as well.
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 2nd from 10 a.m – 1 p.m. Our theme is “Flag Day” and we will be
visited by none other than Uncle Sam. Come and find out what The Gathering Place is all about. Upcoming Gathering Place dates are July 7th (Dog Days of Summer), August 4th, and September 1st. 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 281-358By Beth Moseman 5501.
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ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE Children and youth are important to us at Holy Comforter! Because our children and youth love animals, we support the ministry of the Rescue Barn. Every month, we take up an offering for the animals of the Rescue Barn in Huffman, and twice a year we volunteer at the Barn to provide a safe and happy environment for the animals who live there! Children and youth are leaders at Holy Comforter! Every summer, Senior High and Middle School youth serve as Staff at Camp Hope! Camp Hope is an adult mentored, youth led day camp for children entering into kindergarten and exiting fifth grade. 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 Agents of Hope! Registration forms are at www.godeeperwithchrist.org. It’s exciting to see children leading songs and youth telling Bible stories! Children and youth are served by Holy Comforter! We partner with Fiel es Dios in Iquitos, Peru. We provide funding for a lunch ministry for vulnerable children there. We are also sending a youth who has recently graduated from high school to university. His name is Rudy. He is studying Tourism and Hospitality. He would not be able to attend university without us. We invite you to make a donation and help us send Rudy to university. This is an opportunity to help one teenager and his family escape poverty. Make checks out to Holy Comforter and put Fiel es Dios Education Fund in the memo line. You are invited to support these ministries with your time, your funds, and your prayers! God bless you this summer! Peace, Pastor Amy Camp Hope Training
Sandwich Sunday
Sandwich Sunday started with the concern of two sisters, 10 and 13 at the time, who wanted to do something for the homeless they saw living under the overpasses in Houston. The ministry has grown over the years from those 50 lunches to between 550-600 that are assembled here on the first Sunday of each month and delivered to Star of Hope Men’s Mission in downtown Houston. Andy Schiefelbein, one of the coordinators of this ministry, has invited Bishop Michael Rinehart, our bishop of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, to join us on Sunday, September 3, 2017, to help celebrate the delivery of the 25,000 lunch to Star of Hope! We would like his assistance in identifying three other congregations in the Houston area that might be willing to start the same program at their churches and cover lunches for the Mission all month. Join us in the gym area at 9:30 a.m. on the first Sunday of each month to experience this amazing outreach ministry. By Pam MacNaughton
MSHS @ Urban Air
The Rescue Barn Group
Friends at the Rescue Barn
Some of the crew getting ready to roll at Fiel es Dios
ASTER GG HUNT
Photos by Steve Hansen
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HOLY WEEK & EASTER 2017
Photos by Steve Hansen
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COLOR RUN
The 2nd 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 Senior Pastor pastorbarb@godeeperwithchrist.org Pastor Amy Oehlschlaeger Associate Pastor pastoramy@godeeperwithchrist.org Marsha Seale Minister of Worship and Music marsha@godeeperwithchrist.org Bill Goebel Financial Secretary bill@godeeperwithchrist.org Pam MacNaughton Director of Administration pam@godeeperwithchrist.org Colleen Engel Education Director colleen@godeeperwithchrist.org Duane Utecht Operations Coordinator operations@godeeperwithchrist.org
Church Council Members
Steve Hansen - President Duane Utecht - Treasurer Brad Goodwin Sancy Rhodes
Steve Bost - Vice President Peter Kaleda - Secretary Caroline Gresham
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 Colleen Engel