HOUSE OF PRAYER LUTHERAN CHURCH “Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, Serve in Love” FEBRUARY 2020 VOLUME 13 ISSUE II At our Annual meeng on January 26, we received the excing and wonderful news that House of Prayer has paid off its mortgage! Thanks be to God, and thank you to members both past & pre- sent who have contributed to the church to make this dream a reality. We connue to move for- ward as we "Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, and Serve in Love." So now that we are mortgage free, what comes next? We all certainly understand that we have been blessed in many ways as a congregaon, and this is just one more way that we experience the goodness of God. In the 12th chapter of Genesis we read of the me that God called Abraham to be the father of a great naon. In that calling, one of the promises that God makes is that He will bless Abraham so that he will be a blessing to others. In many regards, House of Prayer is sing in the same posion as Abraham. We have been blessed, and now we have to figure out where the Holy Spirit is calling us to move, and which direcon we should take in order to bless others in our congregaon, community, and world. This month in worship, many of the themes that we will encounter focus on this idea of being blessed, and allowing our lights “to shine before others, so that they may see God’s good works and give glory to the Father in heaven.” (Mahew 5:16) Come discover God’s plan for you and for the church. There are many opportunies waing to be uncovered that will assist us in sharing the love of Christ beyond our walls. It is important that we listen to God’s call ourselves... and to re- spond faithfully. See y’all on Sunday, Pastor Eric Youngdahl
Transcript
HOUSE OF PRAYER LUTHERAN CHURCH “Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, Serve in Love”
F E B R U A R Y
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At our Annual meeting on January 26, we received the exciting and wonderful news that House of Prayer has paid off its mortgage! Thanks be to God, and thank you to members both past & pre-sent who have contributed to the church to make this dream a reality. We continue to move for-ward as we "Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, and Serve in Love." So now that we are mortgage free, what comes next? We all certainly understand that we have been blessed in many ways as a congregation, and this is just one more way that we experience the goodness of God. In the 12th chapter of Genesis we read of the time that God called Abraham to be the father of a great nation. In that calling, one of the promises that God makes is that He will bless Abraham so that he will be a blessing to others. In many regards, House of Prayer is sitting in the same position as Abraham. We have been blessed, and now we have to figure out where the Holy Spirit is calling us to move, and which direction we should take in order to bless others in our congregation, community, and world. This month in worship, many of the themes that we will encounter focus on this idea of being blessed, and allowing our lights “to shine before others, so that they may see God’s good works and give glory to the Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16) Come discover God’s plan for you and for the church. There are many opportunities waiting to be uncovered that will assist us in sharing the love of Christ beyond our walls. It is important that we listen to God’s call ourselves... and to re-spond faithfully. See y’all on Sunday, Pastor Eric Youngdahl
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QUILTING OPPORTUNITIES THIS MONTH
The schedule for January is: • Wednesday, February 5—9am until noon • Wednesday, February 19—9 am until noon Quilt tops are made by members of the congregation. To learn how to make a quilt top, go to: https://lwr.org/get-involved/quilts.
On these meeting days, we simply put down a sheet, add batting, put the quilt tops on and then tie the three layers together with crochet thread. We can always use more help, so feel free to join us no matter your skill level. We can also use material to use for making quilt tops if you have scraps that are looking for a home.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL—Sundays from 9:45am to 10:45am We hope that you are fully engaged and enjoying our All Congregational Book Study as we turn to Brian McLaren’s book, “We Make the Road by Walking.” Below are the chapters for the month: February 2-8 Chapter 22: “Jesus the Teacher” February 9-15 Chapter 23: “Jesus and the Multitudes” February 16-22 Chapter 24: “Jesus and Hell” February 23-29 Chapter 25: “Jesus, Violence, and Power" March 1-7 Chapter 26: "Making It Real" While this study has been crafted for in-home use to provide you with the convenience for finding time to study on your own, there will be a discussion group meeting on Sundays at 9:45 a.m. during Adult Education. Bring your book, bring your Bible, and let’s discuss together!
“WE MAKE THE ROAD BY WALKING” BOOK STUDY
CLASS SCHEDULE February 2— “Daily Bread” February 9— “Forgive Us” February 16— Bible Trivia Day! February 23— “Time of Trial”
CONFIRMATION
Confirmation is for those youth in 6th to 8th grades and will be held on Sunday mornings from 9:45am to 10:45am in the youth center. This upcoming semester we will be focusing on the Lord’s Prayer and The Life of Jesus. In addition, there are service and ship opportunities on a monthly basis. Bring your friends!
ALTITUDE TRAMPOLINE PARK—Sunday, February 23, 1:00-4:00pm The confirmation youth are invited to join us for an afternoon of jumping and running around at Altitude Trampoline Park in Texas City. Meet at the church at 1:00, and we will carpool down there. We will jump for two hours, and return to the church around 4:00 pm. Cost- $15
MONTHLY FELLOWSHIP LUNCH—Thursday, February 6, 11:30am
LADIES LUNCH - Thursday, February 6, 11:30am All women are invited to the February ladies lunch on Thursday, February 6 at 11:30am. We will be eating at Grazia Italian Kitchen, located on 1001 Pineloch DR in Houston. The charity for which we will be collecting is ELCA’s AMMPARO program. Please RSVP to Barbara Nagle no later than Tuesday, February 4th. MEN’S LUNCH - Thursday, February 6, 11:30am All men from House of Prayer are invited to the Men’s Fellowship Lunch. We will meet on February 6 at Akashi Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar, located at 5440 El Dorado Blvd (at El Dorado Blvd and Clear Lake City Blvd.) in Suite 1800. Con-tact Brian Busch ([email protected]) to RSVP or be placed on the call list.
CHRISTIAN YOGA—February 6 and 13, 5pm
Even though February has one more day this year (the 29th), we will be have fewer Christian-based yoga classes this month. Each week's class has a different theme, feature posture-taught for vari-ous skill levels so if you've never been, now is still a great time to attend Christian-based yoga and meditation classes at House of Prayer. Classes will be held on the following Thursdays: February 6th and 13th at 5pm in the Sanctuary.
Take time as lent approaches to connect in a new way with our Lord and Savior. Again, I mention that each class is instructed with modifications for various levels of participation. The class is scheduled for one hour. Classes begin with a centering prayer, focuses on a theme or posture that is linked to scripture, and classes end with a Christian meditation and closing prayer. Each week is a new opportunity to bring your love for Jesus to your yoga mat. Live fully through your breath and movement. Even if you never tried yoga before, please consider exploring these clas-ses that link the Lord with your body, mind and spirit, by attending Christian Yoga and meditation classes early in the month of February and then practice what you have learned at home until we meet for future classes. Invest in yourself by purchasing some yoga essentials: a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, and cotton woven yoga strap. These sup-plies can be found at Walmart, Target, Dick’s Marshall’s, on Amazon, etc. Please contact Wanda Przymus if you have any questions. Cost-- Free will offering.
The next Family Promise of Clear Creek hosting round for House of Prayer is Sunday, February 9 through 16. Please use the Volunteer Link to sign up where you are able. There will also be a sign-up sheet in the narthex. More information on the families will be sent out as the week of February 2-9, 2020 gets nearer. Thank you again for your support of our mission! Please call or email Elizabeth Curtice, Beverly Curtice or Joyce Miller with any questions.
FAMILY PROMISE OF CLEAR CREEK—February 9-16
THURSDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY—10:00am
We continue our bible study on the Book of Acts. Join us in the discussion!
We will meet on Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm upstairs in room 207 and continue our stud-ies from Gather magazine. The following is from their website: Winter 2020: “We are called!” by Kathryn A. Kleinhans. Reformer Martin Luther used the word “vocation” or “calling” to refer to all aspects of human life. We are called to respond to God not just in our personal relationship with God but in our relationships with family and friends, in our work, and in our communities. This four part Bible study will explore stories from both the Old and New Testament. As we reflect on how our biblical forebears heard and responded to God’s call, we will gain insight into how God is calling us—and how God may be calling others through us. — SESSION 2: We are Called! In the January study, we look at the call stories of several Old Testament prophets. In February, we move to the New Testament to reflect on being called by Jesus. First, we will consider how Jesus called disciples during his earthly ministry. Then we will look at the story of the risen and ascended Jesus calling Paul. Then we will reflect on Jesus’ invitation to all of us to take up the cross and follow him. About the author: The Rev. Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Ph.D., serves as dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. All are welcomed! Please enter using the side door.
BIBLE STUDY—Tuesday, February 25, 7pm
The book for February is Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell. The Book Club meets in room 207 at 7:30pm — How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Do television sitcoms teach us something about the way we relate to each other that isn't true? Talking to Strangers is a classically Gladwellian intellectual adventure, a challenging and controversial excursion through his-tory, psychology, and scandals taken straight from the news. He revisits the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, the trial of Amanda Knox, the suicide of Sylvia Plath, the Jerry Sandusky pedophilia scandal at Penn State University, and the death of Sandra Bland---throwing our understanding of these and other stories into doubt. Something is very wrong, Gladwell argues, with the tools and strategies we
use to make sense of people we don't know. And because we don't know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world. In his first book since his #1 bestseller, David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell has written a gripping guidebook for troubled times.
BOOK CLUB—Thursday, February 20, 7:30pm
HoP member Nanette Hlavaty shares her knowledge and passion of making cards. You can take some home and leave some for the church to use. The classes are typically on selected Thursdays in room 210 (Fellowship Room.) She has most supplies so you just need to bring scissors, paper cutter and tape or glue. If you haven’t tried a class and would like to attend, contact Nanette Hlavaty to include you in the group texts.
TRY A CARD MAKING CLASS!—Thursday, February 20 at 1pm
Join the handbell choir and make a joyful noise unto the Lord! No prior experience neces-sary. Rehearsals resume on February 18.
BELL CHOIR - Rehearsals resume Tuesday, February 18, 7pm
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From December 21 to January 20, the Prayer Chain was asked to pray for Ruth Cox; Regina Maria; Ben Chicoria; Wendy and Noah Chicoria; Sean Benes; Joan Shack; Chris Norlin; Sarah Norlin; family of Hunter Witt (deceased) and parents Jimmy and Sally; Christopher O’Driscoll
Help us keep our prayer chain current. Contact Nina Zoch or the church office with updates or additions.
Please let us know if you choose NOT to have your prayer request included in the Sunday bulletin. Thank you! If you or a family member are going into the hospital please notify the church office.
LIFE EVENTS
PRAYER CHAIN
Jane Anderson (February 3), Geri Spratlin (February 5), Rebecca Clark, Judy Willett (February 11), Nina Zoch (February 13), Bob Duppstadt, Dottie Walters, Becky Wyman (February 15), Mary Kate Higginbotham (February 18), Esther Galbreath, John Smith (February 19), Ford Youngdahl (February 20), David Moore, Steve Powe (February 21), Bette Neddenriep, Erin Torres (February 24), Bret McCleary, Mary Norlin, Russell Szopa (February 26), Violet Bales, Ruth Ford, Andrew Higginbotham (February 27)
Jim & Karen Mikkelsen (February 1) Cliff & Barbara Hagemeister (February 3)
Claudia & Ken Morgan (February 16)
ASH WEDNESDAY OPPORTUNITIES—February 26
ASHES TO GO - Wednesday, February 26, 11:30am-1pm, 4-6pm If you are unable to join us for worship at 7 pm, why not try our Ashes to Go option? Drive up to church between the listed hours and receive an ashen cross on your forehead in the comfort of your vehicle. All are welcome.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP Wednesday, February 26, 7pm Our journey in the Lenten season begins with our Ash Wednesday worship service. Worshippers will have the opportunity to receive ashen crosses on our foreheads as we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This is a symbol of our own mortality and a reminder that God loves you just as you are. We will also participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Join us… and come as you are.
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FUTURE YOUTH AND FAMILY OPPORTUNITIES
SUNDAY FUNDAYS Movie Night at the Church, March 1, 5-7 p.m. Come hang out with your church friends as we watch a movie and enjoy popcorn and pizza! The youth room will be open as well for pool, air hockey, and games. Invite your school friends to join us for this fun Sunday afternoon activity!
Strawberry Picking, March 22, 2-4 pm Join us for our Sunday Funday on March 22 from 2-4 at Froberg's Farm in Alvin. We will pick strawberries and take in other fun activities they have to offer. For more information you can look at their website https://frobergsfarm.com/ strawberries/ or click on the picture.
LUTHERHILL CAMP MINISTRIES Summer Camp at Lutherhill
June 7-10 (completed 1st grade) July 5-10 (completed 4th-8th grades)
What would summer be like without a trip to Camp Lutherhill?! Join the fun and sign up today for a week out in LaGrange meeting new friends and having the time of your life! It is a great way to experience God's creation through Bible studies, devotions, and a night camping out under the stars. Don't delay and register now for this summer experience at www.lutherhill.org. We hope you can make it!
Vacation Bible School, July 13-17 Mark your calendars now for our annual Vacation Bible School here at House of Prayer! Once again, we are having the counselors from Lutherhill visit us and lead us in a day camp at the church. Invite your friends and plan on hanging out with us this summer!
SENIOR HIGH Fill My Cup, Sundays at 9:45am High School youth are invited to join Stephen Adkison at the Starbucks in Randall’s (Space Center Blvd and Clear Lake City Blvd) for conversation, fellowship, and coffee. Bring your friends!
Boundary Waters Canoe Trip, July 16-25, cost: $400 The high school group is traveling to northern Minnesota for a wilderness adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area! Enjoy paddling the pristine and untouched lakes while camping in God's beautiful creation. You won't want to miss this trip of a lifetime. A $100 deposit secures a spot on the trip; the remaining $300 is due in the church office by Easter (April 12) so that we can solidify reservations and secure permits.
*Full minutes are available in the church office. Council approved 2020 budget will be presented at the Annual Congregation Meeting in January Candidates for Council positions are: Financial Secretary- Dallas Meyer, Discipleship Coordinator- Geri Spratlin, and Service Coordinator- Wes Tarkington. The congregation will vote on these candidates at the January meeting. Disposition of 2019 budget surplus will be presented for approval at the meeting. Church attendance in 2019 increased by 6% over 2018. To observe mortgage payment, a commemorative quilt was suggested. PASTOR’S REPORT— • Christmas events began with an Open House at the Youngdahls. • Children’s Christmas program, coordinated by dedicated volunteers, was well attended. • Praise Team led worship the Sunday before Christmas. • Almost 300 worshipped in the two Christmas Eve services. • Reverse Advent collection succeeded in collecting over 600 items for ICM. • 21’ ladder purchased for Property allowed repair of one sanctuary projector and updating of the other. • Volunteer representatives to the TX/LA Gulf Coast Synod Assembly in New Orleans are Cassie Nagle and Liz
Curtice. YOUTH DIRECTOR REPORT— • Had fun Christmas party at the Shaws • Fill My Cup for Senior High resumes when school starts again. • Senior High Game Night on Sunday afternoon • Will schedule meeting for planning Senior High summer trip to Boundary Waters in Minnesota.
This past year has been a tremendous journey through Brian McLaren’s book, “We Make the Road by Walking.” We all were afforded the opportunity to dig into this book, whether it was on our own in the comforts of our homes, or together as a group in Adult Sunday School. Either way, all who participated reflected on scripture and how it pertains to us today, carving a path of stronger faith for each one of us. Beginning Sunday, March 8, we will begin our next year long study as we explore Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, “Home By Another Way.” Our March messenger will provide more details, but we wanted to give everyone ample time to secure the book in time for the official launch date. We hope you all plan on participating in this next go ‘round!
ALL CONGREGATIONAL BOOK STUDY 2.0—Starting March 8
HOSPITAL VISITORS February 2—Karen Mikkelsen February 9—Terry Gonzales
February 16—Bill & Jan Wright February 23—Carolyn Myers
TELLERS Ron & Dianne
Hilkemeier
WORSHIP TEAMS THIS MONTH
We thank you for your year-long dedication, flexibility and love of serving! It is deeply appreciated. A New Year means new chances being a worker in God’s kingdom to “Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, Serve in Love.”
Please consider continuing your current roles of service and may add a new one to try! Below is a list of volunteer
worship role descriptions if you are interested in trying out a new role on a worship team.
It also shares the amount of team members needed when the church is utilizing the two-worship service schedule.
MUSIC SCHEDULE February 2—Choir at 11am service February 9—Choir at 11am service
February 16—Choir at 8:30am service February 23—Kids Choir at 11am service
February 26—Ash Wednesday—Choir at 7pm
VOLUNTEER ROLE DESCRIPTION 8:30am 11:00am
ACOLYTE—(typically a middle school-aged student) light candles and assists with Communion
1 per Service 1 per Service
ALTAR GUILD—set up and/or clean up altar for worship 1 or 2 per Service 1 or 2 per Service
ASSISTING MINISTER—read the Prayers during service and assist with Communion
1 per Service 1 per Service
BREADBAKER—bake bread for Both services. Click HERE for a recipe; 2 boules
per Service
COFFEE HOST—buy or make goodies to serve, make coffee, set up coffee station in narthex, then clean up
1 or 2 per Service 1 or 2 per Service
COMMUNION ASSISTANTS—assist Pastor, Assisting Minister and Acolyte during Communion
3 per Service 3 per Service
GREETERS—welcome everyone at front door 2 per Service 2 per Service
HOSPITAL VISITOR—(selected from the Hospital Visitor List) visit church members who are in local hospitals; congregant
or their family member notifies the Church Office
Contact Sonia Swanson for more information if you would like to volunteer
and be on the list.
PROJECTION OPERATOR—run the PowerPoint show during worship 1 per Service 1 per Service
READER—read Lessons of the Day from the lectern—any age! 1 per Service 1 per Service
SOUND BOARD OPERATOR—run the sound bound during worship 1 per Service 1 per Service
TELLERS—(selected from the Teller List) count offering and enter the information into computer.
Contact Jim Mikkelsen for more information if you would like to volunteer
and be on this list.
USHERS—pass out bulletins before worship, collect offering during worship and guide people to the rail during communion.
ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP—Wednesday, February 26, 7pm Our journey in the Lenten season begins with our Ash Wednesday worship service. Worshippers will have the opportunity to receive ashen crosses on our foreheads as we hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” This is a symbol of our own mortality and a reminder that God loves you just as you are. We will also participate in the sacrament of Holy Communion. Join us… and come as you are.
FEBRUARY 2020
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14045 SPACE CENTER BLVD. HOUSTON, TEXAS 77062
www.houseofprayerhouston.org 281-488-4439
Pastor Eric Youngdahl
Elida Lopez - Secretary
Tony Martinez - Music Director
Ginny Blasczyk - Organist
Stephen Adkison - Youth Director
Jennifer Townsend - Nursery Attendant
DONATIONS FOR COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
Thanks to all of you for your continued generosity. New items needed for donation are underwear. Sizes most needed are underwear for large children and men.
REVERSE ADVENT CALENDAR RECAP
Our 4th annual Reverse Advent Calendar project is complete, and 639 items have been delivered to Interfaith Caring Ministries. Among our donations were 265 paper products (the paper towels and toilet paper were particularly appreciated!) and 277 food items. Special thanks to Sue Noggle for spear-heading this effort, and thank you all AGAIN for your generosity!
