July 2017 St. Paul’s Lutheran The Epis†le A s a boy I remember celebrang our bicentennial in 1976. Everyone was proud to be an American, or so it seemed to a child. All across the naon were decoraons of red, white, and blue. Fireworks lit up the night sky and parades rolled down the streets of cies and towns during the day. People had renewed interest in the founding fathers, and there was talk of freedom and liberty. Churches offered prayers for the naon, and pastors spoke with thankfulness on how the Lord had blessed America. When the “Star Spangled Banner” played, people were proud, and some were brought to tears. This was America’s song of independence, full of pride and hope. I also remember being in church in October 1976 as the organ played “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The procession marched down the aisle with the cross in front. The pastors wore robes with scarlet stoles. The enre congregaon roared with lusty singing. What a moment! How proud I was to be a Lutheran on Reformaon Day. When I sang “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” I felt as if I were thumbing my nose at the devil, the world, and all enemies of the Church. This hymn was the song of the Reformaon, full of hope and pride. Yet, is there more to this great hymn than I imagined at the me? Seeking comfort in distress Many people today think of “A Mighty Fortress” as the “Bale Hymn of the Reformaon.” It is one of the most translated hymns in the history of the Church, having been translated into more than 200 languages. What many of us might not realize is that the Fesval of the Reformaon was not celebrated during Luther’s lifeme. Therefore, the hymn was not wrien to celebrate the Reformaon, which is the commemoraon of the publicaon of the Ninety-five Theses on Oct. 31, 1517. Only later, aſter the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), when the Reformaon was celebrated as a regular part of the church year in Saxony, Luther’s home region, did the hymn become associated with the fesval. Considering that “A Mighty Fortress” is Luther’s most famous hymn, we know remarka- bly lile about it. Nor are we even sure when Luther wrote it. The earliest exisng hymnal in which it appears is from 1533. Most scholars think Luther wrote the hymn between 1521 and 1529, with the majority of scholars seling on 1527–28. These years were some of the darkest in Luther’s life. A heading from a broadsheet (something akin to modern “sheet music”) of “A Mighty Fortress” published in Augsburg in 1529 reads “A Hymn of Comfort.” Rather than a bale hymn, Luther intended this hymn, based on Psalm 46, to be one of comfort. While we are not certain what prompted Luther to write the hymn, scholars have suggested a number of events during these dark years. In August 1527, a man who followed Luther’s teaching was martyred. In the fall of 1527, a plague broke out in Wienberg. In December 1527, Luther wrote to a colleague: “We are all in good health except for Luther himself, who is physically well, but outwardly the whole world and inwardly the devil and all his angels are making him suffer.” A few days later, in January 1528, Luther wrote that he was undergoing a period of temptaon that was the worst he had experienced in his life. by Dr. Albert B. Collver You can read the full arcle at: hp://lutheranreformaon.org/history/a-mighty-fortress/ Wartburg Castle
Transcript
July 2017
St. Paul’s Lutheran
The Epis†le A s a boy I remember celebrating our bicentennial in 1976. Everyone was proud to be an American, or so it seemed
to a child. All across the nation were decorations of red, white, and blue. Fireworks lit up the night sky and parades rolled down the streets of cities and towns during the day. People had renewed interest in the founding fathers, and there was talk of freedom and liberty. Churches offered prayers for the nation, and pastors spoke with thankfulness on how the Lord had blessed America. When the “Star Spangled Banner” played, people were proud, and some were brought to tears. This was America’s song of independence, full of pride and hope.
I also remember being in church in October 1976 as the organ played “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” The procession marched down the aisle with the cross in front. The pastors wore robes with scarlet stoles. The entire congregation roared with lusty singing. What a moment! How proud I was to be a Lutheran on Reformation Day. When I sang “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” I felt as if I were thumbing my nose at the devil, the world, and all enemies of the Church. This hymn was the song of the Reformation, full of hope and pride. Yet, is there more to this great hymn than I imagined at the time?
Seeking comfort in distress Many people today think of “A Mighty Fortress” as the “Battle Hymn of the Reformation.” It is one of the most translated hymns in the history of the Church, having been translated into more than 200 languages. What many of us might not realize is that the Festival of the Reformation was not celebrated during Luther’s lifetime.
Therefore, the hymn was not written to celebrate the Reformation, which is the commemoration of the publication of the Ninety-five Theses on Oct. 31, 1517. Only later, after the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), when the Reformation was celebrated as a regular part of the church year in Saxony, Luther’s home region, did the hymn become associated with the festival.
Considering that “A Mighty Fortress” is Luther’s most famous hymn, we know remarka-bly little about it. Nor are we even sure when Luther wrote it. The earliest existing hymnal in which it appears is from 1533. Most scholars think Luther wrote the hymn between 1521 and 1529, with the majority of scholars settling on 1527–28.
These years were some of the darkest in Luther’s life. A heading from a broadsheet (something akin to modern “sheet music”) of “A Mighty Fortress” published in Augsburg in 1529 reads “A Hymn of Comfort.” Rather than a battle hymn, Luther intended this hymn, based on Psalm 46, to be one of comfort. While we are not certain what prompted Luther to write the hymn, scholars have suggested a number of events during these dark years.
In August 1527, a man who followed Luther’s teaching was martyred. In the fall of 1527, a plague broke out in Wittenberg. In December 1527, Luther wrote to a colleague: “We are all in good health except for Luther himself, who is physically well, but outwardly the whole world and inwardly the devil and all his angels are making him suffer.” A few days later, in January 1528, Luther wrote that he was undergoing a period of temptation that was the worst he had experienced in his life.
by Dr. Albert B. Collver You can read the full article at: http://lutheranreformation.org/history/a-mighty-fortress/
Wartburg Castle
The Epistle July 2017
Birthdays 1 – Monty Barnes
1 - Jordin Davis
1 – Stan White
6 – Haley Perry
7 – Dorothy Johnston
9 – Michelle Johnston
10 – Kurt Migl
12 – Claire Lucke
14 – Beaux Hargrove
16 – Andrea Huerta
19 – Haley Johnston
20- Carrie Parker
25- Leon Busby
28 - Paul Lucke
31– Jerry Reavis
Baptismal Anniversaries 1 - Kyndall Hospedales
1 - Emily McCoy
10 - Carrie Parker
10 - Kristen Stephens
13 - Brian Viereck
13 - James Herrington
16 - Gretchen Bruner
21 - Taylor Christopherson
25 - Jake Fojt
25 - Gabriel Huerta
27 - Taylar Carter
30 - Drew Bruner
31 - Karen Elizondo
Wedding Anniversaries 11 - Gregg & Nancy Simpson
28 - Jake & Helen Fojt
28 - Dennis & Susie Salo
28 - Ken & Colleen Peting
29 - Chad & Jamie Davis
31 - Bryan & Amy Hoff
Serving Our Country Alan Campisi, Justin Geese,
Kevin Gillespie, Mitchell Handley, Amy
Hoff and family, Brandon Locha, Stephen
McWilliams, Kaylyn Perry, Chris Salo and
family, Cheryl Sisco and family, Kyle
Spence, Sean and Hannah Zarsky
In Sympathy Elvie Marie McCullough
April 7, 1929 - June 4, 2017
In Our Prayers Bob Barth- healing and strength
Charlotte & Leon Busby-support
Albert Elizondo- healing
Cindy Eschberger- shut-in
Elaine Eschberger- healing
Boo Boo Fojt- healing
Betty Ganske- health concerns
Barbara Garrett- health concerns
Virginia Hackfeld- health concerns
James & Jeanie Herrington- sympathy
Dorothy Johnston- health concerns
Lawrence Lauderdale- health concerns
Emily McCoy- support
Fam. of Elvie McCullough- sympathy
Mike Pate-health concerns
Walter & Doris Rein- health concerns
Carolyn Smith- sympathy
Kelly, Jacob & Josh Smith -sympathy
Bob Steffler- healing
June Tieman- health concerns
Sherry White- healing
Thank you To all who provided breakfast
casseroles for the UM Army youth.
To Hoya Ash, Sandra & James
McGee, Don Eschberger, Chuck
Ohm, Steve Burns and any others
who work keeping our church
grounds so beautiful.
STUDY GROUPS
Elizabeth Circle is taking a break for the months of July and August. They will resume their Bible study on September 13th at 9:30 a.m.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP Second Saturday of every month at 8:30 a.m. Guys, come enjoy breakfast, Bible study & fellowship at IHOP on Garth Road. Talk with Ian Gillespie for more info.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL 9 a.m. in the Conference Room. All are welcome.
Kids Summer Sunday School During the summer months
kids are invited to watch a Veggie Tales video and do a craft. Formal Sunday School will resume on Rally Day (date TBD)
LEARN SPANISH CLASS Sundays at 2:00 p.m. beginning April
23rd. Meet in the Teller room.
Baytown Sun photo by Michael Pineda
Barbers Hill coach Darren Seymour, left, sit by his son Jace who lettered in five events at Barbers Hill this past year. Way to go Jace! We are proud of you!
The Epistle July 2017
INREACH/OUTREACH NEWS
Committee Meeting, Wednesday, July 26th at 11am
Credeur’s Cajun Cooking, Pasadena Tuesday, July 18th at 11:30 a.m. Bus Trip
Geo. HW Bush Presidential Library, College Station
Tuesday, July 25th, bus leaves at 7:30 a.m.
cost: $12 and lunch on your own (place TBD)
Sign-up sheets are in the Fellowship Hall
Depression & Bipolar Support Group Thursday evenings at St. Paul’s, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Open to the public, all are welcome.
BUNCO! The last Wednesday of each month
6:30-8:30pm.Ladies you’ll enjoy bunco, faith, and fun. Talk with Renee Napier for more information.
2017 PICTORIAL DIRECTORY It’s time for a
new directory! There is a working copy of the directory on tables in the Fellowship Hall.
Please find your name and check all the information listed. Make all changes necessary. If the information is all correct please put an “ok” by your name. If you would like an updat-ed picture for the directory please see David Andrews before or after church to get your picture taken.
Prayer Shawl & Prayer Blanket Blessing Sunday, July 23rd If you know of someone in need of a prayer shawl please come to the church office.
Retirement Milestone June 18, 2017
Michelle Fojt Barnes 27 years with the State of Texas in Criminal Justice. I worked as a parole officer; watched over gangs, mhmr clients, murders, crooked attorneys and cops. Retirement went into effect 05-31-17, the same month I turned 50. I’m spending summer with family, both kids are home this summer from college. It will probably be the last summer we will all be together. In the fall I’ll probably go back to work when the kids return to school maybe Lee College. My old job, the Assistant Director, already sent me step by step instructions to be rehired in 90 days. So I'm just enjoying the summer and we will see where it takes me.
Rip Clanton I plan to retire in August after having spent the last 30 years in the industrial service business, traveling the globe. I have a couple of goals or maybe a bucket list to achieve. I plan to spend more time with family and Susan and I plan to do some home remodeling and traveling. Anyone who knows me, knows my love for beautiful beaches. In 1988 the Beach Boys wrote "Kokomo" and for several years I have dreamed of going to all of the beaches named in the song.
Susan Clanton I retired on March 30th, after 33 years with ExxonMobil, in the IT support organization. It included various roles, the latest being in IT Project Management. I've recently joined a yoga class and I've been working to increase my physical activity level. I've also been able to spend more time with my family, and I've done some volunteer work with the food pantry. Rip and I also plan to do some traveling.
Brian Viereck started his career with Exxon Research and Engineering as a Graphics Technician in August 1977. In 1987, he transferred to the Exxon Baytown Chemical Plant where he held several positions including Building Services Coordinator. In 1996, moved to the Mechanical Services Department as the Plant Safety Valve Coordinator. In 2002, he transferred to the Exxon Refinery Lubes Department where he held several positions including Area Training Coordinator and Operations Supervisor. He retired in January after over 39 years of service. He will enjoy travelling, woodworking, landscaping and just relaxing.
Rip Clanton, Susan Clanton, Michelle Fojt Barnes
The Epistle July 2017
Women of the
Lutherhill Campers- Dave, Donna & Grace Reavis will be attending Family Camp July 2-7 and
Drew Bruner & Nate Soileau will be attending camp July 16-21. Please keep this family and youth in your prayers as they experience God's love through the ministry at Lutherhill.
Back to School Pool Party @ the Wave Pool- Saturday August 12th 6:30-8:30. Friends
are welcomed and encouraged so spread the word! If you're swimming or just relaxing by the pool visiting with friends- we hope to see you there. Cost is $5 per person. Food and drinks must be purchased at the concession stand.
Save the Date German Dinner Sat. October 7th, 5:00-8:30pm
Come enjoy appetizers, dinner, silent auction, live music and dancing with your friends and family.
July Family Fishing Fun! Saturday July 22- 7am until we're tired. Join us at Champion Lake
for fishing and fellowship. From I-10, exit FM 565 Old River/Winfree. Go north 3 miles to FM 1409, for another 3 miles to CR 417. Turn right on CR 417 for 1.8 miles. Drive through the residential neighborhood to reach the lake. Don't forget your fishing license, bait and fishing gear. Food on your own. Any questions or a map, please ask Donna Reavis 936-336-0370.
WORSHIP & MUSIC NEWS
Committee Meeting Sunday, July 16that 12pm
Education NEWS and Youth & Family NEWS
Committee Meeting Sunday, July 9th at 11:45a.m.
PROPERTY NEWS
Committee Meeting Sunday, July 2nd at 11:45 a.m.
The Tenth Triennial Gathering of the Women of the ELCA
July 13-16, 2017
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minnesota
Join the conversation as we explore the triennial gathering theme "All Anew." Listen to inspiring speakers; partici-pate in worship and praise; learn by attending workshops, viewing films and engaging in servant events. Visit the exhibit hall where you can gather, shop and connect. And don't forget our special events where women in their 20s and 30s can eat chocolate and join others to run it off later. And where's it all happening? In Minneapolis, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT DEADLINES:
Deadline to submit online registrations (including day registrations) July 12, 2017. After this date, day registrations will only be accepted at the registration desk. go to: www.welcatg.org and follow the prompts.
In Kind Gifts Kim is collecting Gift Cards Gift cards (minimum value $10) that may be purchased from the following national retailers: Target, Walmart, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Depot, Ace Hardware and Lowe’s. Visa gift cards are also welcome. The cards will be given to recipients in Minne-apolis. Giving in-kind gifts at the gathering is a tradition that positively impacts the host city.
New Member Welcome KAZIN RAMOUDIT I was born in the Port of Spain, Trinidad 1964. I moved to St. Croix when I was 5 years old. For 47 years I've lived in the U.S. A. and became a born again Christian in 1994 in Miami, FL. This seems to be the most important choice I've made in accepting Jesus as my Savior. Romans 9:16 says it does not matter the importance of what people can say or do but of God's mercy, I try to put God in my life everyday.
KATHRYN WRIGHT Kathryn grew up in the Texas Panhandle and moved to a farm in Arkansas as a teenager, following the death of her father. During college she worked in the Houston area two summers and moved to Houston after graduation, where she began a 38-year teaching career, the last 30 at R E Lee in Baytown. After retiring she spent several years in the Austin area, where she joined Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Last December she felt it was time to “come home” and returned to Baytown.
ROBERT ZIEGLER I was born in Goose Creek TX on Valentine's Day 1947. My father was the son of Reverend Julius Ziegler who immigrated to the US from Germany and led St. John's Lutheran Church (the little white church on Sam Houston Park in downtown Houston) from 1922 to 1938 when he retired and moved the family to Graham St. in Pelly...in a house across the street from my mother's family, the Akins. We were raised as Southern Baptists, though, a compromise between Dad's (Lutheran) and Mom's (Pentecostal) faiths. I graduated from Robert E. Lee, attended Lee College, Univ of Houston, worked for years as a TV repairman at Kovar's on Texas Ave, and for a time owned my own TV store on Texas Ave. At 30 yrs old I moved to Los Angeles where I had a very rewarding 30 years working in the auto-mobile and motorcycle industry, retiring from Mitsubishi Motors in 2007 and relocating to this area. I live in Highlands, collect classic cars and motorcycles. I'm an avid motorcyclist. I work as Parts Manager at La Porte Mitsubishi. I lost my father in 2012. He was 93. We had his memorial service at the little St. John's church in Houston, which inspired me to explore Dad's Lutheran faith. The wonderful people at St. Paul's convinced me that this should be my church home.
The Epistle July 2017
Baytown attorney honored for
50 years of legal practice Baytown attorney Jon C. Pfennig was honored for 50 years of practice at the annual State Bar of Texas meeting in Dallas. He joined 576 other 50-year attorneys representing all areas of practice.
The Baytown native began his career in Baytown with the Zorn and Girardeau law firm in 1967 after he graduated with a doctor of jurisprudence degree from the University of Texas. He served as assistant city attorney from 1972 to 1976 and then joined Reid, Strickland and Gillette. In 2009, he established his own law firm emphasizing wills, probate and municipal utility districts. He holds the Martindale-Hubbell highest peer review (AV pre-eminent) rating. The rating is an objective indicator of a lawyer’s high ethical standards and professional ability based on evaluations of other lawyers and judiciary in the United States.
He has held offices in numerous civic organizations: president of the Baytown Kiwanis Club, president of the Baytown Texas Exes, president of the East Harris County Bar Association, president of Bay Area Rehabilitation Center, moderator of the Baytown Medical Center Hospital, YMCA board, Baytown Planning Commission and Baytown Chamber of Commerce board. He is currently chairman of the North Channel Water Authority.
A retired major in the Texas Air National Guard, he served as legal officer for the 272nd Electronics Squadron in La Porte.
After 20 years of service, he received the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, one of the highest awards given, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.
A charter member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, he is a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School, attended Lee College and Texas Lutheran University and is a graduate of the University of Texas. He and his wife Glena have lived in Baytown since 1967.
June Memorials/Honorariums
In Memory of Given By Designation Elvie McCullough Lorrie and David Andrews General Fund Helen & Jerry Reavis Golden Group Joyce and David Moore Food Pantry Mrs. Roy Wimmer Food Pantry Sharon and Ronnie Naiser Food Pantry Alice and John Young Food Pantry Tommy and Wanda Hooker Food Pantry Renee and Chris Napier Food Pantry Gretchen and Wes Bruner Capital Improvement Emily McCoy Family Choice Becky Linsenbardt Capital Improvement Angie and Hoya Ash Food Pantry Jake and Helen Fojt Food Pantry Ken and Colleen Peting Family Choice Susan and Rip Clanton Food Pantry Sandra and James McGee Capital Improvement Mary Dunn Family Choice Scott and Cindy Pool Family Choice Energy Transfer Interstate/Debbie Moseley Food Pantry Doy and Suzanne Cole Food Pantry Judy and Bobby Berger Food Pantry Gerald Smith Sandra and James McGee Capital Improvement
BAYTOWN SUN Posted: Friday, June 23, 2017 12:00 am
The Epistle July 2017
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX Council Meeting June 15, 2017
Members present: Debbie Gillespie, Ian Gillespie, Pastor Nancy Simpson, Donna Reavis, Kim Holle, Kevin Johnston, John Schlobohm, Susan Clanton, Angie Ash Members Absent: Becky Linsenbardt
Kevin Johnston led the Council in a review of Chapter 4 of What Every Church Member Should Know About Poverty(Violence/Conflict Resolution).
The June Council Meeting was called to order by President Debbie Gillespie at 6:40PM. Susan Plemons, Sr. Director of the YMCA, who was scheduled to attend the Council meeting was unable to do so. Kim Holle reported that all invoices for the After School program have been paid by the “Y” for a total of $5,000. Kim will make revisions and amend-ments to the August, 2017 – May, 2018 contract as suggested by Council.
John Schlobohm MOVED, Angie Ash seconded, that Debbie Gillespie approve the revisions and amendments prior to the contract being returned to the Y. Motion carried.
MAY MINUTES Kevin Johnston MOVED, Susan Clanton seconded, to approve the Minutes of the May 11, 2017 Council meeting as presented. Motion carried.
PASTOR’S REPORT Pastor attended the TX/LA Gulf Coast Synod Assembly May 18 – 20. The Synod has a goal of raising $500K for the 500th Reformation October 31, 2017 for ELCA WorldHunger. Bishop Mike has requested that lay voting members as well as clergy attend the assembly. According to the size of St. Paul’s, we would be allowed one voting lay person to attend.
Our synod will host the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering in Houston June 27 – July 1. See Donna Reavis for more information.
Kathryn Wright, Kazin Ramoudit, and Robert Ziegler were welcomed as new St. Paul’s members on June 11, 2017.
Pastor Nancy will be on vacation June 19 – July 1.
TREASURER’S REPORT The May Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Kim Holle reported that income exceeded expenses by $1,219.73. That amount included the $4,000 paid by the YMCA for the remaining balance due according to the After School contract.
OLD BUSINESS Constitution Review Update Renee Napier, Kim Holle, and Pastor Nancy have completed updates to the Constitution and are reviewing it at the present time. It is expected that they will present the updates to the Council at the August meeting. Boiler Repair Update
Ian Gillespie reported that a $5,000 quote for repair of the boiler has been confirmed. The work should take approximately two – three days to complete. Ian MOVED, that the repairs be completed by September. Susan Clanton seconded, and the Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS The red book timeline was reviewed. Kevin will forward his new phone number to the Council.
Committee Reports Youth & Family
Thirty-three Trinity Lutheran youth and chaperones from Enumclaw, Washington are traveling to New Orleans to do service projects and have asked to sleep over at St. Paul’s the night of June 24 on their way to New Orleans. John and Mary Schlobohm will host the group with dinner on that Saturday evening and breakfast the following Sunday morning.
The back to school pool party will take place August 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 at the Wave Pool in Mont Belvieu.
Youth entering the 8th grade – 12th grade are eligible to attend the Youth Gathering in 2018.
Inreach/Outreach Men’s Fellowship will meet at IHOP for the months of June, July, and August.
Property The AC unit which cools the kitchen and parlor is not working properly. Repairs are being made. The water fountain has been repaired. Quotes are being obtained to replace the door and frame from the fellowship hall to the courtyard. The quarterly preventative maintenance has been completed.
The July St. Paul’s Council meeting will be held Thursday, July 13 at 6:30 PM. The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 PM and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Angie Ash, Secretary
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church- ELCA 712 Schilling Avenue Baytown, TX 77520 Tel (281)422-9333 Fax (281)422-3648 Web Site: www.stpaulsbaytown.org Office Hours: 9:30AM-3:30PM, M-TH Food Pantry - Thursdays 9 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Nursery available STAFF: Rev. Nancy Simpson, Pastor Rick Falconi, Director of Music Ministries
Tammy Rismiller, Youth and Family Director from Trinity Lutheran, Enumclaw, Washington arrived along with 28 adult and youth Saturday evening, June 24th for a night’s stay at St. Paul’s. They were traveling to New Orleans for a mission trip. Upon arrival we served them a Texas themed baked potato bar including brisket and Blue Bell ice cream. They awoke to the smell of bacon Sunday morning. They group stayed and worshipped with us before heading on toward New Orleans. We were delighted to have them. Thank you to John and Mary Schlobohm, Kim and Arlen Holle, Cheryl Boehme, Angie and Hoya Ash, and Rip and Susan Clanton for all the hospitality.
