Discover
YOUR FAITH.
Live
Grow
IN COMMUNITY.
GOD’S MISSION.
DEEPER WITH CHRIST VOLUME 5 ISSUE 1 2018
Discover. Grow. L i v e.
HOLY COMFORTER LUTHERAN CHURCH
GoDeeperWithChrist.org
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, Easter is the climax and conclusion of Lent and Holy Week. Easter is the pinnacle of the Christian year. Easter is the dynamic and life-changing truth of God’s work to raise Jesus Christ from the dead. Easter is the very peak of the Christian story. Easter is world history itself. We must remember, however, that Easter is not a conclusion. In the Gospels and in the early Christian community, the resurrection of Jesus was meant to be only the beginning. In Matthew 28:8, the women “left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy.” It wasn’t with fear and silence as in Mark’s telling of the resurrection but rather fear and joy. Matthew assures his community, and us as well, that fear and joy are not opposites but, as with doubt and faith, can be experienced at the same time and just might be inseparable. As fear seems to linger “in the air” these days, and for all kinds of reasons, the resurrection of Jesus does not cast a spell for an end to fear for those who follow him but rather makes it possible to experience joy amid what might otherwise be crippling fear. Resurrection does not simply answer or end problems but rather creates something new. And Christian faith does not remove us from the hardships, limitations, and challenges of this life but creates for us possibilities that simply would not be available had God not intervened, first in the raising of Jesus and again by entering into our own lives. We are called to hear in the Easter acclamation, “Christ is Risen”, an invitation to grab hold of the resurrection power of Jesus to see more possibilities in the people and situations around us than others might see. We are to encourage others to seek the presence of God and the mixture of fear and joy that is always present when encountering God. Christ’s resurrection does not wash away the realities of uncertain employment futures, or continued illnesses, or the loneliness following a lost relationship. But the resurrection does make it possible to experience joy in the midst of these things, and more, as God continues to create something new. Easter is not over. That resurrection was not a one-and-done historical moment; but rather the resurrection of Jesus reflects the dynamic and ongoing nature and work of the God we meet in Christ. Theologian Karl Barth once said, “the goal of human life is not death, but resurrection.” Death is still a reality but death does not have the last word. “Christ is risen, indeed!” Peace, Pastor Barb (Note: I thank The Rev. Dr. David Lose for his influence in this article.)
Discover
TABLE OF CONTENTS
[page 4] Worship & Music Ministry [page 5] Faith Story: Jesse Boatner
Grow
[page 6] Praise Walkers [page 6] Baptism Day [page 7] Early Childhood Education [page 8] Women of the ELCA
Live
[page 9] Camp Hope [page 9] Gathering Place [page 10] Kids Hope
[page 11] Team Living Boldly [page 12] Sandwich Sunday [page 13] Second Family Care Team
Associate Pastor’s Message
[page 14] Statistical Report [page 15] Council Retreat
[page 10]
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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FRONT PEW SUNDAYS
sit in the front, get involved
9:30 a.m. Service
9:30 a.m. Service
Preschool children will be performing a song they learned in music class
Preschool children will be performing a song they learned in music class
Children’s Sermon, Games, Bible Stories, Art & Activities
Children’s Sermon, Games, Bible Stories, Art & Activities
- Snack provided -
- Snack provided -
April 1st
Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 1901 Woodland Hills Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 358-6500
April 1st
Jesse and Hudson assisting with communion at Front Pew.
Holy Comforter Lutheran Church 1901 Woodland Hills Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 358-6500
Faith Story: Jesse Boatner Jesse Boatner is a first grader and a member of Holy Comforter. Jesse is a graduate of Holy Comforter Preschool and participated in Secret Service Club with Pastor Amy there when he was 4 years old. 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. Jesse loves Front Pew Sundays for kids. He likes the games, the food, and spending time with friends. Jesse enjoys serving. He is an important helper at Front Pew Sunday, helping Mrs. Engel as she teaches the children about God. Jesse has volunteered recently to put new communion glasses in the trays after worship. He enjoys serving at the Rescue Barn, too. He loves making sure the animals have a safe place to be. His favorite Bible story is about Zacchaeus, the tax collector, meeting Christ. He is interested in how someone who does bad things can change their life when getting to know Christ. By Pastor Amy
Going deeper in faith, service, & relationships Worship & Music Ministry in 2018 BoP sorts fall music
Looking back
DISCOVER YOUR FAITH Advent midweek contemplative worship at Holy Comforter was meaningful to many people of all ages, utilizing handmade Protestant prayer beads, both physical and on coloring pages, aiding our prayers. Christmas Eve worship included beautiful candlelight, scriptures, music, messages, and prayers. At 5:00, all children and others were invited to don simple costumes when they arrived to worship to provide a living nativity. Several of our children and youth were readers in various worship services, leading confidently and competently. Leadership by choirs, handbells, and brass was splendid, and of course the assembly sang heartily and joyfully. Outreach: Six of our handbell ringers played for the Forest Cove Garden Club’s Christmas luncheon in December, sharing their music with others. ________________________________________________ Our gratitude to everyone who works so diligently to offer their gifts and talents in worship. All singers and instrumentalists contribute to the leadership and beauty of worship. Thank you, also, to the many, many people who serve in non-musical ways. Every person makes a significant contribution, and you truly matter! ________________________________________________ Want to make music? Of course, you are singing in the pews, right? In addition, we always have room for more people in every musical group at HCLC. See the calendar for the weekly rehearsal schedule, and join us to observe or participate as you wish. Tutoring and child care can be provided as needed/requested. Each group, in addition to rehearsing during the week and leading worship on Sunday, takes time to share and pray and play together.
Looking forward
SAVE THE DATES In addition to 8:15 and 11:00 AM on Sundays March 25: Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion with worship at 8:15 and 11:00 AM. Worship will begin outdoors, weather permitting. March 29: Maundy Thursday – worship at 7:00 PM with Holy Communion and Healing. March 30: Good Friday - worship at 7:00 PM April 1: Easter! Festival Worship at 8:00, 9:30, and 11:00 AM More about Lent, Holy Week, and Easter Ash Wednesday marked the beginning of Lent on February 14. Worship at 7:00 PM, with Holy Communion and the optional Imposition of Ashes, reminded us that God created human beings out of the dust of the earth, and one day we will return to dust. “Lent” means “spring” or the lengthening of days and lasts for forty days (plus Sundays and Holy Week), as Jesus fasted and prayed in the desert for forty days. Midweek Worship: Committing to Life in Relationship with God – Wednesdays in Lent, February 21 through March 21 at 7:00 PM. 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 every Wednesday at Worship, Word, and Witness on Wednesdays, usually called “WoW.” Join us for the evening, and invite your friends and family. These services will be brief but meaningful times of worship, scripture, singing, and prayer, led in part by some of our youth. We are planning a contemplative multigenerational opportunity to ponder some of God’s covenants with His people, utilizing Celtic-style knots as a spiritual practice. Everyone is welcome! March 25: Palm Sunday/Sunday of the Passion with worship at 8:15 and 11:00 AM. Worship will begin outdoors, weather permitting. Maundy Thursday, March 29: 7:00 PM full liturgy including Holy Communion and Healing, and stripping of the altar Good Friday, March 30: 7:00 PM special full liturgy – “The Triumph of the Cross” Easter Day, April 1: Festival worship at 8:00, 9:30 and 11:00 AM, with music led by our choirs, handbells, a professional brass quartet, and timpani. Join us to worship the Risen Lord! A special children’s event will be part of the 9:30 worship hour.
Sextet from Bells of Praise
By Marsha Seale Minister of Worship & Music Ministry
Ringing for the Forest Cove Garden Club’s Christmas luncheon on December 14, 2017
Voices of Praise during worship
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Women of the ELCA
During the months of February and March WELCA’s projects are quilt supplies and baby care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Donations needed include cotton or cotton/blend material in dark and colorful colors, twin size sheets in dark and colorful colors, and cash to purchase supplies and batting. You can also help by attending Martha Circle to assemble the quilts on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month at 9:30 a.m. Items needed for each baby care kit include cotton t-shirts, gowns or sleepers, receiving blankets, cotton flannel squares, cloth diapers, jacket, cap, sock, towels, diaper pins. Please see the WELCA booklet for additional details on baby care items. The last general meeting was Tuesday, January 28, 2018. There was a business meeting followed by a program featuring Peg Swavely and her ministry of Tai Chi, which is a Chinese martial art practiced for both its defense training and its health benefits. After giving a brief history of Tai Chi, she led the members present in doing Tai Chi exercises and some basic moves. The next general meeting will be held Sunday, May 6, 2018, at 12:15 p.m. There will be a potluck lunch, business meeting and election of officers followed by a program “Always Learning” through crafts and cookies. Watch for more information available closer to the time of the meeting through the Pathways and Go Magazine. Please feel free to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to join us. Child care will be provided upon request. By Linda Johnston
Tak Chi exercises during Jan 28 meeting
PRAISE
WALKERS
Praise Walk is a group that meets every morning for an hour of exercise in the narthex area using mostly DVDs with a variety of types of exercise (walking, aerobics, weights, bands, etc.). We are now meeting from 8:15 – 9:15 am Monday – Friday. Anyone is welcome to join us. Call Beth Moseman 281-358-5501 for details. By Beth Moseman
BAPTISM DAY!
From water to candles to cake - what a wonderful day. Congrats to HCLC Preschool students Liam and Harrison, brother Eli, dad, Jason, on their baptisms. Mom, Amy, and sponsors Jimmy and Sylvia Davis celebrated with them.
With a lighted candle in hand, the pastor welcomes each of the newly baptized by saying:
“Let your light so shine before others that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.�
W tea
im sho
ing are sch Pa
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Early Childhood Education@HCLC ACCEPTING REGISTRATION FOR THE 2018 - 2019 SCHOOL YEAR Holy Comforter Lutheran Church School has been serving area families for over 45 years. We will offer MDO for 2 year olds and Preschool ages 3-5. Extended care is available in the mornings and after school for all classes. (7AM – 6PM) MDO Classes offered Mon-Fri from 9:30-2:30 2 year olds MUST turn 2 by December 1st Early 3’s turn 3 between September and January Preschool Classes: 8:45-12:15 optional Stay & Discover 12-2:15 3-5 year olds MUST turn the age (3-5) by September 1st (all preschool children must be FULLY potty-trained and independent while using the restroom, no pull ups) Registration is accepted on a first come/first serve basis. We will continue to register children until the classes are full and will offer a wait list if needed. CLASSES FILL QUICKLY – REGISTER SOON!! If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact: Colleen Engel, Director Office: 281-358-9337 Email: ecolleen1217@hotmail.com
By Colleen Engel, Director of Early Childhood Education 281-358-9337
Susan Wagener visits preschool classes to talk about Humble Rodeo
Coldspring Quilts for Kids made beautiful quilts for our children whose homes flooded during Hurricane Harvey
Fun on the playground
In the classroom
KIDS HOPE USA Mentoring is FUN! Have fun! Invest an hour! Change a life! Get involved! Mentor an at-risk child. It’s easy. It’s fun! Just show up, show love. One hour a week of one-on-one time with and adult can raise a child’s grade level a year. We need you. They need you. One kid. One Mentor, One hour a week. One School. One church. Kids Hope is a faith based, prayerfully led program. Our Kids Hope program is working great at Bear Branch Elementary. We are mentoring five kids this year. We have more waiting for mentors, so if you have one hour a week, please prayerfully consider this program. This one-on-one relationship with an at-risk child is amazing. Each mentor needs a prayer partner in this program. If you are not able to be a mentor, please consider being a prayer partner. A prayer partner keeps their mentor partner, kid, school, and teacher in their prayer life. On Saturday, January 27, Linda Johnston and Cathie Tanner attended the annual Kids Hope conference for the Houston area. We met with mentors from other churches and attended workshops on Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being, Cultural Diversity, and The Great 8 (Social and emotional competencies). It was very uplifting to hear the success stories of other mentors and what an impact one hour a week makes on the life of a child. Kids Hope is a growing program. Please pray for us, our kids, our mentors, our schools. If you have any questions about becoming a mentor or prayer partner, please contact Cathie Tanner, 281-358-0622 or totcat@aol.com.
Your child is invited to Camp Hope: Get Ready for the Great Adventure! Who: children, who will attend kindergarten in the fall through 5th grade are welcome!
By Cathie Tanner
When: July 9-13, July 16-20, July 23-27 What time: 9:15 am-3:30 pm Where: Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 1901 Woodland Hills Drive, Kingwood, Texas What: An action-packed day camp which includes Bible stories, crafts, games (indoor & outdoor), drama, songs and snack. More info: Pastor Amy at pastoramy@godeeperwithchrist.org or 281-358-6500. Peace, Pastor Amy
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When I was a child my parents, my brother, Matthew, and I said the same prayer before dinner every night when we gathered around our big round oak table that still sits in the kitchen. We prayed, “Come Lord, be our guest, let these gifts to us be blessed. Blessed be God, who is our bread, may all the world be clothed and fed.” I love this prayer. It blessed our food and it made us mindful of neighbors in need of food. My parents would ask us about our day at school. Prayer, conversation, food, the love of my parents for my brother and me flowed through and around our meal times with each other. We know from research that the family is the primary way in which faith and values are shared with children and youth. Our families nurture our faith. Rituals like memorized prayers at dinner and conversation are good. My parents were nurturing a relationship with us kids by listening attentively to us, showing their love for us, encouraging us in our talents and interests. They were establishing a routine through a family meal which showed us we could count on them and that we could count on God. What else could they have done to share faith with Matthew and me? They could have asked us where we saw God’s presence that day or week. God moves in our lives in small, often quiet ways, beneath the busyness that distracts us. God is always with us, though. And we can begin as families to look for the sacred, the holy God at work in everyday life. Faith5 is a process in five steps that can be woven into a family’s daily life at meal time or bedtime or car time. 1. Share the highs and lows of the day; 2. Read a key Bible verse or story; 3. Talk about how the Bible verse relates to you; 4. Pray for another’s highs and lows; 5. Bless one another. Make the sign of the cross on your child’s forehead and tell them they are God’s beloved child. I encourage you to try Faith5 with your kids and youth!
GATHERING
ASSOCIATE PASTOR’S MESSAGE
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. During our last Gathering Place on Feb. 2, our theme was “Bird Month” and our entertainment was John Mims from Wild Birds Unlimited. The theme for March 2nd is “St. Pat’s Day.” April 6th will be “Music, Games and Gags Month.” So come join the fun. 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 281-358-5501. By Beth Moseman
Peace, Pastor Amy
Holy Comforter School students joined the Gathering Place in hearing about Wild Birds and Squirrels from John Mims, owner of the great new Wild Birds Unlimited in Kingwood.
Second Family Care Team ! tes a d p U On Tuesday, February 6th, our Second Family Care Team (SFCT) gathered for our regular meeting. Anyone interested in helping us is welcome to join us. We are in special need of drivers to help take care partners to a doctor appointment or other such errand. 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 25 care partners that we are assisting. If this sounds like something you would enjoy doing, please contact Beth Moseman 281358-5501. We can always use more volunteers! By Beth Moseman
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BOLDLY
TEAM LIVING
Team Living Boldly continues to work to enhance our lives. You were awesome in your response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey. In addition to all the immediate remediation work provided by our teams, we were able to offer financial assistance to 17 families and friends of Holy Comforter. We also provided December tuition to 9 preschool families. We continue to keep in contact with those affected as they work to rebuild their homes and maintain their families. “We can’t thank you enough for all your kind thoughts, prayers, and generosity.” “Thank you so very much for the money gift.” “We are very grateful for not only the money, but also for the love and compassion you have shown our family.” Forty percent of the funds raised came from friends outside our congregation. We received gifts from as far away as Washington, D.C. and Ohio and as close as Kingwood. The response was truly heartwarming. We are continuing our work with a group of volunteers restoring homes in a low income area north of Kingwood as well as other areas around the greater Houston area. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, though there is a particular need for people with basic electrical and plumbing skills. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Stacey Taylor. God’s Work Our Hands will be spending a Saturday morning at the Rescue Barn on April 14. Watch for information about this service opportunity for all ages. The Jennings, who operate the Rescue Barn, held a fundraising garage sale on Saturday, March 3. Thank you to those of you who donated items for this event! “The generous donation by compassionate people at Holy Comforter paid for a round bale of hay for the herd animals, square bales for the miniature horse, pig, and rabbits, and grain for all the residents at the Rescue Barn. The hay was not only eaten, but used as insulation to keep the animals warm. Thank you!” Your Sunday after service donations continue to provide assistance for:
1st Sunday
Lunches for Star of Hope 2nd Sunday Pastor Yoli and the ministry in Peru 3rd Sunday Water to Thrive 4th Sunday Rescue Barn 5th Sunday Gathering Place Come join us. We have a place for you. By Stacey Taylor
Christmas 2017 at Fiel es Dios
SANDWICH SUNDAY Celebrates 25,000 lunches! Thank you SO much to everyone who participated in our 25,000 lunch celebration! Sending so many sack lunches to the Star of Hope Men’s Development Center is a milestone to recognize. Thank you to Bishop Michael Rinehart and Wes Powell from Star of Hope for joining us. Please keep up the great work and all of the support you all have given to Sandwich Sunday! By Melissa Schiefelbein
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2017 COUNCIL RETREAT The congregation Council for Holy Comforter Lutheran Church (Steve Bost, Steve Hansen, Ken Holder, Peter Kaleda, June Portz, Sancy Rhodes, Duane Utecht, Pastor Amy, and Pastor Barb) met in retreat on the afternoon of January 21. Following a time for devotions, we discussed the role of the Council along with its duties and responsibilities. The Council’s purpose is governance and oversight; setting vision and policy. Governance includes the top-level tasks of articulating the mission, selecting a strategy for getting there, making sure it happens, and ensuring that people and property are protected against harm. Next we reviewed the current state of Holy Comforter Lutheran Church (HCLC). This included a review of financial systems, summary of 2017 financial status compared to 2016, information on the budget process, progress toward the 2017 Vision of Ministry, and the status of attainment of the 2017 goals for
Council. We then spent time in learning and discussion around the topic of vision, mission, and values and the role of the church plus a review of HCLC’s ministries under the lens of Grow, Hold, or Fold. Finally, Council members created the two primary products from the retreat, the Vision of Ministry for the congregation for 2018 and the goals that Council seeks to accomplish this year. The Vision of Ministry, which forms the framework for goals for staff and ministry leaders, is as follows: Grow outreach to show God’s love and spread our informed message that All are Welcome to our community and beyond. Focus engagement among our congregation, ministries, and leaders. Broaden communication to our community and beyond.
The goals for the Council in 2018 are to:
Create a Communications Team to focus on external communications and alignment of all communica-
1. tions.
Establish a way to enhance remote participation in Council meetings that is more effective than a cellular
2. dial-in.
Find a way
3. to fund at least one of the repair/refurbishment projects included in the list of recommendations from the Operations Coordinator. Council members seek your prayers for guidance in their work this year, and they ask for your support and active participation in the ministries of HCLC. By Duane Utecht
2017 STATISTICAL REPORT Baptisms
Braely Galbert Nora Lobdell
Memorial Services Sandra Robertson Ed Robertson Glen Ragsdale
Weddings
Confirmation
Samuel Case Dykstra Evan Michael Janacek Michael Tasca Kell Audrey Edin Miller Logan Scott Tennant
New Members
Robert and Wanda Byars
Todd Maddox and Rebecca Cox
Holy Comforter Lutheran School August 28, 2017-December 31, 2017:
Income [$157, 757.61] Expenses [$154, 945.38] Monthly building usage fee [$5,000.00] Monthly janitorial usage fee [$1600.00] Monthly janitorial supplies [$680.00] Building maintenance and repairs [$2207.03] Checking Balance 12.31.2017 [$20,012.19] Money Market Balance 12.31.2017 [$25,039.67]
Attendance and Membership Changes Average Weekly Worship Attendance [140] Membership previous year [389] Members received during 2017 By Baptism [2] Affirmed by Faith [4] Transfer [6] Total [12] Members removed during 2016 By death [2] Transfer [8] Total [10] Members as of 12.31.2017 [385] Confirmed Members as of 12.31.2016 [329]
2017 HCLC Finances TOTAL INCOME [$601,642] Budget Offering [$529,587]
(includes $6657 Unrecorded Plate Offering & $7021 Spec Services)
Building Use: Other [$4940] School [$9000] Other [$1813] Other Dedicated [$31,079 ] Harvey Relief [$25,223] TOTAL EXPENSES [$540,841] (Does not include amounts of Dedicated Funds sent to designees)
Financial Highlights
Thanks to the giving of the members of Holy Comforter Lutheran Church, 2017 was a good year. Here are some highlights: Total Budget giving was down from $603,000 in 2016 to roughly $545,400 in 2017, but expenses were also lower and income exceeded expenses. Total expenses in 2017 were down $30,000 versus 2016. Decreases were primarily in the areas of property upkeep, conferences/ continuing education, and utilities. Benevolence to Synod was up slightly to nearly $30,000. Income exceeded expenses by almost $4500 in 2017. In 2017, average weekly budget giving was below 2016 level but was at second highest level since 2009. Dedicated giving of over $56,000 was 74% higher than 2016 and included nearly $25,000 given for Hurrican Harvey relief. Want more details? Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to contact me. Bill Goebel, Financial
“Thank you for your contributions to Holy Comforter in 2017. It is a joy to see what the sum of all our contributions can do. While overall contributions were down a bit, almost half of our giving units increased their monetary contiributions to HCLC in 2017 compared to 2016 - some by a little, some by a lot. I am asking you, as you are able, to give to Holy Comforter an extra measure of God’s blessings to you in 2018 to help us do even more to change people’s lives.”
-Steve Bost, Council President
BENEVOLENCE2017 Synod & ELCA Partnership [$37,800] World Hunger [$915] Disaster Relief - Harvey [$24,765] KIX (Iquitos Exchange) [$2900] Water to Thrive [$3500] Fiel es Dios Peru [$2400] Sandwich Sunday - Star of Hope [$5879] HAAM [$1000] Rescue Barn [$1100] Total [$80, 259] • • • • • • • • •
HAAM Seasons of Sharing Sandwich Sunday, 500+ lunches and supplies to Star of Hope Men’s Development Center Every Sunday Collections: Sandwich Sunday, Peru, Water to Thrive, Rescue Barn, ELCA World Hunger and Camp Hope supplies School Supplies Food & Personal care items to HAAM Quilts and Personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief The Door Fair Trade Sale And Many, Many More!
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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 Bost - President Peter Kaleda - Vice President Duane Utecht - Treasurer Ken Holder - Secretary June Portz Sancy Rhodes Past President - 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 Amy Davis