HOUSE OF PRAYER LUTHERAN CHURCH “Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, Serve in Love” JULY 2020 VOLUME 13 ISSUE VII This past Sunday on June 28 we heard a message from Jesus to be welcoming and hospitable to others. Mahew 10:4-42 says: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me...and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these lile ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” As we connue to stay at home due to the pandemic, as we worship online each Sunday, many of you might be wondering how we might be praccal and welcome and be hospitable to others. If we focus on that cup of cold water, I think we might find our answer. Last year the congregaon was challenged to raise money for an organizaon called Water to Thrive, which builds water wells in Africa for villages that do not have access to clean water. Your response was tremendous, as we were able to purchase three water wells in Ethiopia, serving over 520 people! With all of us quaranning ourselves during these hot summer months, I think the ming is right to challenge ourselves once again and see what we can do to bring a cold cup of clean water to those most in need. It only takes $5,000 to build a well. What a life-giving giſt we are able to provide! I challenge each of us during the month of July to see what we can give that is above and beyond our weekly giving to the church in order to support this project. You may mail a check to the church (with Water to Thrive in the memo secon), or you can go onto our church’s website under the “Giving” tab and make a donaon there (select the Water to Thrive fund). Let’s use one of the hoest months of our year to remind us how precious water can be, and may we move forward in service and love in order to provide relief and refuge to those who need it the most! “See” y’all on Sunday- Pastor Eric Youngdahl
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HOUSE OF PRAYER LUTHERAN CHURCH “Grow in Faith, Make Disciples, Serve in Love”
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This past Sunday on June 28 we heard a message from Jesus to be welcoming and hospitable to others. Matthew 10:4-42 says: “Whoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me...and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones in the name of a disciple—truly I tell you, none of these will lose their reward.” As we continue to stay at home due to the pandemic, as we worship online each Sunday, many of you might be wondering how we might be practical and welcome and be hospitable to others. If we focus on that cup of cold water, I think we might find our answer. Last year the congregation was challenged to raise money for an organization called Water to Thrive, which builds water wells in Africa for villages that do not have access to clean water. Your response was tremendous, as we were able to purchase three water wells in Ethiopia, serving over 520 people! With all of us quarantining ourselves during these hot summer months, I think the timing is right to challenge ourselves once again and see what we can do to bring a cold cup of clean water to those most in need. It only takes $5,000 to build a well. What a life-giving gift we are able to provide! I challenge each of us during the month of July to see what we can give that is above and beyond our weekly giving to the church in order to support this project. You may mail a check to the church (with Water to Thrive in the memo section), or you can go onto our church’s website under the “Giving” tab and make a donation there (select the Water to Thrive fund). Let’s use one of the hottest months of our year to remind us how precious water can be, and may we move forward in service and love in order to provide relief and refuge to those who need it the most! “See” y’all on Sunday- Pastor Eric Youngdahl
We hope that you have been enjoying reading and studying Barbara Brown Taylor’s book, “Home By Another Way.” This all-congregational book study has been going on since March, and will last for a year. However, we will be taking a break for July and August; ready to resume September 13. The last reading assignment before this break is for July 5-11 as we read, “The Cheap Cure” on p. 157.
“HOME BY ANOTHER WAY” BOOK STUDY
Many, many thanks to Beverly Curtice who led the Book Group since its beginning in 2001. After all those years of faithful leadership, Beverly has stepped aside. We appreciate all that you have done, Beverly! So that we can keep up with our reading, the group has been meeting via Zoom. Thanks to Becky McCleary for setting up these meetings. Our book for July is Heaven My Home, a Highway 59 novel by Attica Locke. From the book’s description: “The thrilling follow-up to the award-winning Bluebird, Bluebird: Texas Ranger Darren Matthew is on the hunt for a boy who’s gone missing – but it’s the boy’s family of white supremacists who are his real target.”
We will be meeting via Zoom on July 16 at 7:30 for discussion. This shut-in time is a great opportunity to read a new book and join us for a chat. If you have not been involved and would like to be, we’d love to have you! Contact Sue Noggle if you’d like to be included in our July meeting or if you’d like a look at our upcoming books.
Happy Reading!
BOOK CLUB—Thursday, July 16, 7:30pm via Zoom
During the month of July, House of Prayer is asking that you consider giving above and beyond your monthly giving to the church in order to purchase a water well in Africa that will provide clean water for those in need. If you would like to contribute to this cause, please mail a check to House of Prayer, and write, “Water to Thrive” in the memo section. Donations can be made online by accessing the “Giving” tab on our website HERE. Thank you for making a real difference by providing access to clean water to those in need!
Despite our social distancing, we're doing our best to stay connected! Every Sunday night, join Stephen from 7-8 for an hour-long game night. Wednesdays, from 1-2, we'll also be having a weekly catch-up. If you would like to be added to our virtual tabletop Role Playing Games, make sure to reach out. And, as always, please don't hesitate to reach out during normal business hours if you need to talk or just want a distraction. Send an email to Stephen Adkison or call him and he'd be glad to talk with you! Parents, that goes for you as well.
LUTHERHILL VIRTUAL DAY CAMP
LUTHERHILL VIRTUAL DAY CAMP All the fun of camp...wherever life finds you! Each day will offer camp songs, bible stories, arts & crafts, solo challenges, and spirituality practices. We will explore the theme VISION 2020: To See as God Sees. To see the intricate beauty and grand maj-esty of creation. To see all people made in the image of God. To see and embrace who God created us to be.
Youth can join the fun each day, or spread out the experience over several weeks- choose your own adventure. You can invite a friend from your neighborhood to join you, or virtually gather with your church family to follow along together. Virtual Day Camp will be accessible soon through lutherhill.org.
JULY WORSHIP
While we had hoped to re-open the church to in-person worship on June 28, a recent spike in COVID-19 cases changed those plans pretty quickly. We will continue to worship LIVE online at 8:30, stream anytime afterward, for the foreseeable future. Once we begin to see a decline in cases, the Church Council will establish a new date to return to in-person worship. Thanks for your patience! Remember to social distance yourself from others, wash your hands, and wear a mask. Stay safe!
HIGH SCHOOL SUMMER TRIP—July 17-24
Seven high school kids and four adults will be traveling to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northern Minnesota for a canoeing and camping experience like no other. The Boundary Waters is part of the Superior National Forest, and is 1 million acres of undeveloped land and lakes where the only thing you can do is canoe and camp. Those youth participating this year are: Sara Beck, Caleb Clayton, Ryan Clayton, John Ebel, Elise Hagemeister, Daniel Rumph, and Ford Youngdahl.
Chaperones are: Stephen Adkison, Katherine Basil, Catherine Rumph, and Pastor Eric Youngdahl. Please keep this group in your prayers as they navigate through God’s beautiful creation!
In-Person Worship Temporarily Suspended WORSHIP LIVE ONLINE
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Dallas Meyer, Financial Secretary
Ellen Cumbie, Faith Coordinator
Geri Spratlin, Disciple Coordinator
Wes Tarkington, Service Coordinator
Pastor Eric Youngdahl
Mike Nagle, President
Ron Price, Vice President
Bret McCleary, Treasurer
CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS— June 8
Skype meeting was held at 7:00pm. In attendance were Mike Nagle, Ellen Cumbie, Geri Spratlin, Ron Price, Bret McCleary, Pastor Eric Youngdahl, Wes Tarkington, and Dallas Meyer. The meeting opened with a prayer. The minutes from May Council meeting were approved A few months ago, Mike Nagle passed out a Vision/Strategy chart to all Council members. Now that things are beginning to start back up after COVID, Mike would like to revisit that. Mike would like to set up side bar conversations with Pastor and each Council Member. The Book Club is “zooming” every week. Should we do Bible Study via “zoom”? Maybe Small Group Zooming would be a good idea in future. Question was raised about having a Council Working Retreat in the Fall. Congress updated the guidelines for the Relief Loans. Initially we had 8 weeks to use the money that was issued, now we have 24 weeks. This takes us into October. What is our timing/Plans to Return? Pastor’s report stated what our guidelines will be when we return. He and Mike Nagle looked at the sanctuary, for Social Distance seating and discussed ideas for sanitizing with Wes. Another church is using an on-line application called “Eventbrite” through email for signing up to come to the service in person. The number of people allowed will be approximately 50 people. There will be no communion on site at this time, and all double doors will be closed for no entry. We will take this one step at a time and keep up with current reports on COVID, and act accordingly . It was agreed that Pastor would communicate with members via email and on website. Geri, Ellen, and Pastor Eric will be calling the congregation this week. Distinct Abilities Contract Renewal Contract for Distinct Abilities is coming due. Will we be renewing the contract. Discussion followed. New Business Cub Scout Pack 956 that holds their meetings at the church would like permission to put up a shed for all their gear that belongs to the Pack. The Preschool is erecting one which was previously approved. Pastor Eric will find out more details about what exactly they would like. Geri and Pastor Eric would like to get an on-line shop started for HoP logo wear. What kind of gear would we like to see? What do people like? The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Minutes respectfully submitted by Dallas Meyer, Secretary and Financial Secretary
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From May 27 to June 26, the Prayer Chain was asked to pray for: Family of Leo Alguero (deceased) and Rumph and Bane families; family of Donna Meyn (deceased) and Hagemeister and Cumbie families; Jon, Sheryl, and Sydney Shipman; Eli Lopez and family; Michael Kavi; Diane Busch; John Spratlin; Frank Renfro; the Nation; Kathy Coe; Mother Emanuel 9; Dug Dugdale; family of Thomas Hovermale (deceased); Charlie Spratlin; Bettina Chatham (deceased) and fami-ly of Denise Scarborough. Help us keep our prayer chain current. If you or a family member are going into the hospital please notify Nina Zoch or the church office with updates or additions. Please let us know if you choose NOT to have your loved one’s name listed in the Sunday bulletin. Thank you!
LIFE EVENTS
PRAYER CHAIN
There are three unique ways to continue to support the mission and ministry of the church as we worship remotely from our homes:
1) MAIL IN YOUR OFFERING- While we aren’t passing the plate virtually, you may still give to the church by mailing
your offering to the office (14045 Space Center Blvd, Houston, 77062.)
2) RECURRING BILL PAY- Consider setting up a weekly or monthly recurring bill pay with your bank. Whether we
are in quarantine or not, this method is extremely helpful to ensure that your gifts are received and utilized in
the best ways possible.
3) ONLINE GIFT- Our church website is secure to receive one time gifts, as well as recurring
gifts, through Giving+. You may click HERE to direct you to that webpage.
Thank you in advance for your continued generosity!
SUPPORTING HOUSE OF PRAYER—Ongoing
Susan Wyman (July 2), Andreas Beek, Kim Gallia (July 3), Blake Anderson (July 4), Kristyn Dalmolin, JoNell Lamothe, Marianne Schmidt (July 5), David Mann (July 7), Tyler Guertin (July 9), Katie Wyman (July 11), Michael Blasczyk, Liz Curtice (July 12), Lauren Markert, Daniel Rumph (July 13), Kami Guertin (July 14), Rachel Zoch (July 15), Alana Larson, Sarah Norlin, Andrew Redd (July 16), Beth Weidler (July 18), Alyssa Hall, Renata Sloan, Bill Wright (July 19), Luisa Beck (July 20), Jaycie Emery (July 21), Linnea Leheny, Leslyn Greenier (July 23), Stephanie An-derson (July 25), Chelsea Hall, Steve James (July 26), Dennis Sbach (July 27), Austin Hagemeister (July 29), Bonnie Peterson (July 30), Isaac Simonds (July 31)
Mike & Barbara Nagle (July 3), Ryan & Rachel Owens (July 6), Jim & Ginny Blasczyk (July 7), Jerry & Julie Paisley ( July 14),
Troy & Lisa Hagemeister (July 20), Robert & Shawn Nelson (July 28)
Because nothing can “separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 8:39,
we gather in many places to respond in worship and praise.
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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
Typically, when it is House of Prayer’s turn to host Family Promise, we house the displaced families at the church on cots in classrooms, and volunteers from the church graciously provide dinners and breakfasts for the participants to enjoy. When you are in the middle of a global pandemic, things have to be adapted! In May, House of
Prayer ended up paying for 3 hotel rooms to accommodate the three families during last week’s hosting week. And thanks to some generous monetary donations, the meals were purchased at restaurants. Thank you all for your con-tinued support of this ministry, and we look forward to our next week of hosting August 9-15. By that time, we hope to resume hosting at the church. We encourage you to join us and volunteer with this exciting ministry!
