October 2016 St. Paul’s Lutheran The Epis†le O n Sunday, October 30 th , St. Paul’s will celebrate the Protestant Reformation. It is 499 years since Martin Luther posted his 95 theses (proposals to debate) on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany on Oct. 31, 1517. His reading and study of the Scriptures led him to understand that salvation did not come by our good works but by faith in Christ’s redeeming work alone. His commitment to reform the Roman Catholic church of his time in spirit and form was based on his prayerful and continuous engagement of the Word of God. His writings, preaching, and teachings as a Doctor of Bible at the University of Wittenberg bumped up to some of the doctrines, traditions, and ways of the church. The seeds of reform he planted developed into the Lutheran church that we are a part of today. We are the recipients of Luther’s reforms: we hold worship services and read our Bibles in a language we can understand; the congregation is involved in the liturgy (work of the people) not just the pastor; priesthood of all believers; the wine is not withheld from the congregation in Holy Communion – congregation receives both kinds - the wine and the bread; pastors can be married; congregational hymn singing; the Bible not tradition or the papacy is the source of spiritual authority; Scripture is normative for worship. These are just a few reforms. The Church continues to reform as Scripture is engaged and the Holy Spirit moves. At the recent 2016 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) the document “Declaration on the Way: Church, Ministry, and Eucharist” was unanimously affirmed which is an expression of consensus on topics of church, ministry, and Eucharist and topics of doctrinal difference needing to be resolved between Lutherans and Catholics. The ELCA Conference of Bishops and the Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligions Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops affirmed the Statement of Agreements in this document in 2015. This document was the result of 50 years of dialogue and study begun in 1965 between Lutherans and Catholics in light of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 “That they all may be one.” Let us be blessed as children of the Reformation and continue to be reformed by God’s Word so that we are eager to carry the light of Christ into the world. Peace in Christ, Pastor Nancy P.S. Remember to wear something red for Reformation Sunday!
Transcript
October 2016
St. Paul’s Lutheran
The Epis†le
O n Sunday, October 30th, St. Paul’s will celebrate the Protestant Reformation.
It is 499 years since Martin Luther posted his 95 theses (proposals to debate) on the church door in
Wittenberg, Germany on Oct. 31, 1517. His reading and study of the Scriptures led him to understand that
salvation did not come by our good works but by faith in Christ’s redeeming work alone. His commitment
to reform the Roman Catholic church of his time in spirit and form was based on his prayerful and continuous
engagement of the Word of God. His writings, preaching, and teachings as a Doctor of Bible at the University
of Wittenberg bumped up to some of the doctrines, traditions, and ways of the church. The seeds of reform he
planted developed into the Lutheran church that we are a part of today.
We are the recipients of Luther’s reforms: we hold worship services and read our Bibles in a language we can
understand; the congregation is involved in the liturgy (work of the people) not just the pastor; priesthood of all
believers; the wine is not withheld from the congregation in Holy Communion – congregation receives both
kinds - the wine and the bread; pastors can be married; congregational hymn singing; the Bible not tradition or
the papacy is the source of spiritual authority; Scripture is normative for worship. These are just a few reforms.
The Church continues to reform as Scripture is engaged and the Holy Spirit moves. At the recent 2016
Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) the document “Declaration on
the Way: Church, Ministry, and Eucharist” was unanimously affirmed which is an expression of consensus on
topics of church, ministry, and Eucharist and topics of doctrinal difference needing to be resolved between
Lutherans and Catholics. The ELCA Conference of Bishops and the Committee on Ecumenical and
Interreligions Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops affirmed the Statement of Agreements in this
document in 2015. This document was the result of 50 years of dialogue and study begun in 1965 between
Lutherans and Catholics in light of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21 “That they all may be one.”
Let us be blessed as children of the Reformation and continue to be reformed by
God’s Word so that we are eager to carry the light of Christ into the world.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Nancy
P.S. Remember to wear something red for Reformation Sunday!
The Epistle October 2016
Birthdays
1 – Grace Reavis
1 – Jenna Seymour
3 – Willy Salewski
4 – Russell Holle
4 – Pat Swanson
11 – Tanner Carter
11 - Rosie Haas
11 – Madelyn McNabb
12 – Cheryl Boehme
12 - Pat Loudy
15 – Kyle Migl
19 – Cindy Heselmeyer
22 - Sherry Clark
22 – Ian Gillespie
23 – Jeanie Herrington
24 - Mike Stephens
25 – Birdie Torberson
26 – Nancy Simpson
27 – Garrett Reavis
28 – Rob Johnston
29 – Jan Lorfing
30 – Susie Salo
Baptismal Anniversaries 1 – Mildred Crawford
1 – Barbara Garrett
1 – Mary Schlobohm
4 – Tena Burgess
9 – June Tieman
11 - Richard Vellez
12 – Madelyn McNabb
17 – Haley Johnston
18 – Sandra McGee
19 – Beverly Tomsic
24 – Melody Rein
26 - Pat Loudy
28 – Jamie Davis
28 – Skyler Davis
29 – Corbin Haro
Wedding Anniversaries 5 - Boo Boo & Deana Fojt
10 – David & Jada Hylton
10 – Stan & Sherry White
16-- Leon & Charlotte Busby
21-- Gene & Sharon Zeiss
27 – Wes & Gretchen Bruner
Serving Our Country Alan Campisi, Aaron Carlin, Justin Giese,
Paul Gomez, Mitchell Handley,
Mike Hobbs, Amy Hoff and family,
Brandon Locha, Stephen McWilliams,
Aaron Molina, Chris Paradowski,
Kaylyn Perry, Chris Salo and family,
Kyle Spence, Garrett Threadgill, Austin
Wilkinson, Sean and Hannah Zarsky
In Our Prayers
Charlotte & Leon Busby-sympathy
Cindy Eschberger- shut-in
Boo Boo Fojt- healing
Helen Fojt- healing
Jake Fojt- healing
Betty Ganske- health concerns
Barbara Garrett- health concerns
Virginia Hackfeld- health concerns
O.J. Lamb- health concerns
Laurence Lauderdale- health concerns
Emily McCoy- healing
Elvie McCullough- health concerns
Lorraine Patterson- health concerns
Colleen & Ken Peting- health concerns
Helen Reavis - health concerns
Walter & Doris Rein- health concerns
Gail Salewski- health concerns
Bob Steffler- healing
June Tieman- health concerns
Brian Viereck- healing
Ben Vircant- healing
Sherry White- healing
Kathe Wodahl- health concerns
Sharon Zeiss- health concerns
Thank you
To all who participated in the Church
Workday
To all who made cards and made
Rick Krispy Treats for our Gods Work
Our Hands service event
To all our Food Pantry volunteers,
Sunday morning worship leaders,
Tellers, Sound System Technicians,
Committee Members, Choir Mem-
bers, Instrumentalists, Prayer Shawl
Ministry, Eucharist Ministers, Card
Writers, photographers and any
volunteers not mentioned. You are
appreciated!
To Hoya Ash, Sandra & James
McGee, Don Eschberger, Chuck
Ohm, and any others who work
keeping our church grounds so
beautiful.
Many Thanks
I would like to thank everybody for their
thoughts and prayers. The people who
stopped by, phone calls and food. Helen
and I appreciate it very much. I am
doing a lot better, I still have 2 to 3
weeks to go. Jake Fojt
Offices Closed Monday, October 10th in observance of Columbus Day
The Epistle October 2016
80 years and over
Birthday Celebration Sunday, October 23rd
Please join in celebrating with
those who will be turning 80 this
year or have already reached this
important milestone. There will
be a cake and punch reception
immediately following the worship service.
Pet Blessing Saturday, October 8th
at 10:00 a.m.
St. Paul’s Courtyard
All pets and people are welcome
Emily McCoy
OJ Lamb
Robert Steffler
Myrtle Viereck
Ken & Colleen Peting
Walter & Doris Rein
Marguerite Brueck
Lorraine Patterson
Elvie McCullough
Jean Carson
June Tieman
Richard Cain
Pat Swanson
Virginia Hackfeld
Betty Ganske
Jake Fojt
Glenroy Harewood
THRIFT SHOP in November St. Paul’s is volunteering at the Thrift Shop for the month of November. There is a volunteer sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. Please see Debbie Gillespie for more information.
1410 Louisiana Baytown
POTLUCK
Reformation Sunday
October 30th Please bring a dish to share This is a NO Host potluck which
means you need to clean up after
yourself and your family. We’ll
have a secret ‘cleanup cop’ on duty policing the area.
Don’t make him take you downtown … please pick up
your dirty dishes.
INREACH/OUTREACH NEWS
Committee Meeting, Monday, October 17th at 1pm
Tuesday, October 11th @ 11:30AM Anna Maria & Gene’s Bay House BBQ will be served, bring a side dish or dessert
Tuesday, October 18th, bus leaves at 8:30AM Houston Shopping Trip Cost:$5, lunch on your own at Katz’s Deli
Sign-up sheets for both events are in the Fellowship Hall
FOOD PANTRY Open every Thursday 9am - 11am.
Clients may come twice a month. Volunteers are
welcomed!
Depression & Bipolar Support Group Thursday evenings at St. Paul’s from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Open to the public, all are welcome.
LEARN SPANISH CLASS Sundays at 2pm
Come and learn to be a bilingual speaker!
Taught by Pr. Nancy in the teller room.
BUNCO! The last Wednesday of each month 6:30-8:30pm.
Come out for an evening of ladies’ fellowship.
You’ll enjoy bunco, faith, and fun. The ladies of
St. Paul’s will play and pray together!
Sign up sheet is in Fellowship Hall.
The Epistle October 2016
EDUCATION NEWS
Committee Meeting Sunday, Oct. 9th at 12pm
Bee Doers of the Word
SUNDAY SCHOOL for all ages 9:00 a.m.
BIBLE STUDY GROUPS
Elizabeth Circle Every second Wednesday of the
month at 9:30 a.m. St. Paul’s Women of the ELCA Bible Study Group. Meet in the Music Library. All women are welcome.
MEN’S FELLOWSHIP Second Saturday of every
month at 7 a.m. Guys, come enjoy breakfast, Bible study & fellowship. Talk with Ian Gillespie for more info.
Fall Southeast Cluster Meeting Saturday, October 1st @ 9:30AM
House of Prayer Lutheran Church, Houston
The ladies will be collecting items for Lutheran
World Relief Baby Care Kits. There is a collection bucket in the Fellowship Hall.
Talk with Dorothy Johnston or Kim Holle
for more info, or see flyer on WELCA board.
“He [Christ] died for me. He made His
righteousness mine and made my sin
His own; and if He made my sin His
own, then I do not have it, and I am
free.” — Martin Luther
Women of the
Youth & Family NEWS
Committee Meeting Sunday, Oct. 9th at 12pm
German Dinner Saturday, October 15th 5:30-7:30PM hosted by the Church Council
Delicious food, live music, silent auction, and as always- wonderful fellowship!
This is one event you don't want to miss so write it on your calendar and invite some friends!
Tickets are $15 for adults which includes appetizers, dinner, dessert and 2 drink tickets. Kids 10 & under are $5. Tickets are on sale now! See Donna Reavis or any council member for tickets. Proceeds will go toward St. Paul’s Capital Improvements.
Small Group (high school and college age youth)
will meet the second Wednesday of every month at
Chick-Fil-A in Mont Belvieu at 6:30pm. Bring a friend and
come share a meal and fellowship with us! Please contact
Donna Reavis to RSVP 936-336-0370.
WORSHIP & MUSIC NEWS
Committee Meeting Sunday, Oct. 16th at 12pm
HANDBELL CHOIR REHEARSALS It is not too late to join the fun! 8:30AM on Sunday morning in the Sanctuary. All are welcome. No experience necessary.
SUNDAY SERMONS available online at www.stpaulsbaytown.org
PROPERTY NEWS Committee Meeting Sunday, Oct. 2nd at 12pm
Church Work Day THANK YOU Thank you to the small, but dedicated group of volun-
teers that came out for the Church Work Day on Sept
24th. There was a long list of jobs that they were able to
complete. Special thanks to: Pastor Nancy, Sandra &
James McGee, Angie & Hoya Ash, Karen & Albert Eli-
zondo, Renee & Chris Napier, and Steve Burns. It takes
lots of work, from many people to keep our building and
grounds in good shape. For those of you that were una-
ble to help this time, we hope to see you next work
day. There's always plenty to be done--both big jobs and
small, something for everyone! Thanks again.
Ian Gillespie & the Property team.
The Epistle October 2016
God’s Work Our Hands 9/11 September 11, 2016
The Epistle October 2016
Treasurer’s Report From this statement you can see that the Balance Sheet for August, shows a negative $8,527.76 was received to meet the expenses YTD. In order to pay the bills, we have had to "borrow" from the designated accounts. We do not have the September closing balance yet, and we will publish that information when it is available.
General Fund Income YTD 139,256.48 14,614.17 153,870.65
General Fund Expenses YTD -130,316.10 -23,141.93 -153,458.03
8,940.38 -8,527.76 412.62
Opening Balance Monthly Activity Closing Balance
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Monthly Fund Report
August, 2016
National Night Out
Tuesday October 4th 6pm-9pm
Central Little League Park, 1306 Garth Road St. Paul’s will have a table to meet and greet and invite people to church. Come on out!
National Night Out was designed to:
1. Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness
2. Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts
3. Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships
4. Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
From 7 to 10 p.m. residents in neighborhoods throughout Baytown and across Texas, are asked to lock their
doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and police. Many neighborhoods
throughout Baytown will be hosting a variety of special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits from police,
contests, youth activities and anticrime rallies.
The Epistle October 2016
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Minutes of Church Council Meeting September 10, 2016
Present: Susan Clanton, Debbie Gillespie, Ian Gillespie, Kim Holle, Becky Linsenbardt, Renee Napier, Pastor Nancy Simpson, Donna Reavis, Lorrie Andrews, Tena Burgess Becky Linsenbardt gave the devotion from Numbers 21:17. The August meeting minutes were approved as published in the September Epistle Newsletter. Pastor’s Report
Pastor shared information from the “2015 Mission Support for the Coastal Bay Conference.”
Pastor shared the newest social statement study booklet: Faith, sexism, justice: conversations toward a social statement. A study from the ELCA task force on women and justice: one in Christ. Tena Burgess will review the study booklet and report back to council.”
Pastor informed Council that the two After School Program teachers have secured new jobs. Sharon Matthews is
the only staff member.
Pastor shared information discussed at the Bay Area Ministerial Alliance meeting regarding after school pro-
grams. She was informed that some schools are providing after school programs/ tutoring for students.
Pastor shared that the moving/rearranging of Jada’s office space is on hold until the ASP Board makes a decision
regarding the After School Program.
Pastor stated that Jada is working on the office procedure manual. Council recommended Jada go ahead and
enlist the use of office angels to assist with light office duties such as answering the telephones. Treasurer’s Report–
Expenditures for the month of August exceeded income/giving by $8527.76. Council discussed concern with the lack of income. Pastor will contact Thrivent regarding accessing current investments.
Old Business
Review of use of facility policy-will be presented at the October Council meeting
Witte memorial-Pastor will contact the Witte family regarding their donation.
After School Program-The Board will meet September 14 and discuss/take action regarding discontinuing the program.
New Business
Review of the Red Book timeline September
God’s Work. Our Hands.
October 80 and over birthday celebrations, blessing of the animals,
German Dinner
November First Bibles
Committee review Property– the property committee is in need of volunteers to assist with lawn care.
Worship & Music– planning stages for the Advent/Christmas Eve services
Council discussed the German dinner. There will be live music and silent auction. The event will be advertised in
the Baytown Sun.
The Council book study will resume in October.
Constitution review and revision—date to be determined. The committee will review previously suggested chang-
es and also focus on revision of term limits for Council members.
Council reviewed and discussed round table discussion notes from August 28, 2016.
Council will review and discuss the proposed 2017 budget and staff salaries adjustments during the retreat to be
held directly after this meeting.
The next meeting of the Council will be October 10, 2016. Lorrie Andrews will lead the devotions. Respectfully submitted, Renee Napier
SEPTEMBER MEMORIALS
In Memory of: Dean Grant Given By: David & Lorrie Andrews Designation: Food Pantry In Memory of: Pat Witte Given by: Becky Linsenbardt Designation: Bell Tower
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 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 Sharon Mathews, Director of After School Program Jada Hylton, Director of Office Ministries
Sherry Clark was baptized Sunday September 18, 2016. Phyllis Chandler is her sponsor.
