September 2019 St. Paul’s Lutheran † The Epis le Hello St. Paul’s and friends, One day I walked into a place and a woman approached me and said, “What church are you with?” I answered, “St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Baytown.” During our conversation I found that she had no understanding of “Lutheran.” When visitors walk into our church whether it be for a worship service, food pantry assistance, YMCA program, or special event it may be they have no understanding of Lutheran or Martin Luther. In his home country of Germany, Martin Luther was enlightened by the Scriptures - that we are justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This was so powerful to him that a reformation happened in his personal life, which then branched out into the church and the world, continuing to this day. I share with you this article from the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) website as an insight into Luther and our connection to him as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Onward by faith in Christ, Pastor Nancy Simpson Luther and Lutheranism Marn Luther (1483-1546) Martin Luther was eight years old when Christopher Columbus set sail from Europe and landed in the Western Hemisphere. Luther was a young monk and priest when Michelan- gelo was painting the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A few years later, he was a junior faculty member at a new university in small- town Germany, intently studying the Scriptures, “captivated with an extraordinary ardor for understanding Paul in the Epistle to the Romans.” In these days Luther was tormented by the demand for righteousness before God. “I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous God who punishes sinners, and secretly, if not blasphemously, certainly murmuring greatly, I was angry with God. ” Then, in the midst of that struggle with God, the message of the Scriptures became clear, like a long-shut door opening wide. When he realized that a “merciful God justifies us by faith … I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself through open gates.” What Luther discovered is the freedom of Christians trusting God’s mercy in Christ. As he later wrote, “Faith is God’s work in us. It changes us and makes us to be born anew of God. This faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. It is impossible for it not to be doing good works incessantly. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that believers would stake their lives on it a thousand times.” This discovery set Luther’s life on a new course —both his own life and his public service as a preacher and teacher. When a church-endorsed sales team came to the Wittenberg area in October, 1517, Luther was concerned that the promotion and sale of indulgences undermined the promise of God’s unreserved mercy in Jesus and the faith that trusts that promise. His 95 Theses or Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences became the first of a life-long stream of books, sermons, letters, essays, even hymns in which he expressed his confidence in this life-giving promise from God, the Gospel, and its liberating implications for all of life in church and society.
Transcript
September 2019
St. Paul’s Lutheran
† The Epis le
Hello St. Paul’s and friends,
One day I walked into a place and a woman approached me and said, “What church are you with?” I answered, “St. Paul’s
Lutheran Church in Baytown.” During our conversation I found that she had no understanding of “Lutheran.”
When visitors walk into our church whether it be for a worship service, food pantry assistance, YMCA program,
or special event it may be they have no understanding of Lutheran or Martin Luther. In his home country of Germany,
Martin Luther was enlightened by the Scriptures - that we are justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. This was
so powerful to him that a reformation happened in his personal life, which then branched
out into the church and the world, continuing to this day.
I share with you this article from the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America)
website as an insight into Luther and our connection to him as St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
Onward by faith in Christ,
Pastor Nancy Simpson
Luther and Lutheranism Martin Luther (1483-1546)
Martin Luther was eight years old when Christopher Columbus set sail from Europe and
landed in the Western Hemisphere. Luther was a young monk and priest when Michelan-
gelo was painting the Sistine Chapel in Rome. A few years later, he was a junior faculty member at a new university in small-
town Germany, intently studying the Scriptures, “captivated with an extraordinary ardor for understanding Paul in the Epistle
to the Romans.”
In these days Luther was tormented by the demand for righteousness before God. “I did not love, yes, I hated the righteous
God who punishes sinners, and secretly, if not blasphemously, certainly murmuring greatly, I was angry with God.” Then, in
the midst of that struggle with God, the message of the Scriptures became clear, like a long-shut door opening wide. When he
realized that a “merciful God justifies us by faith … I felt that I was altogether born again and had entered paradise itself
through open gates.”
What Luther discovered is the freedom of Christians trusting God’s mercy in Christ. As he later wrote, “Faith is God’s work in
us. It changes us and makes us to be born anew of God. This faith is a living, busy, active, mighty thing. It is impossible for it
not to be doing good works incessantly. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that believers
would stake their lives on it a thousand times.”
This discovery set Luther’s life on a new course —both his own life and his public service as a preacher and teacher. When a
church-endorsed sales team came to the Wittenberg area in October, 1517, Luther was concerned that the promotion and sale
of indulgences undermined the promise of God’s unreserved mercy in Jesus and the faith that trusts that promise.
His 95 Theses or Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences became the first of a life-long stream of books,
sermons, letters, essays, even hymns in which he expressed his confidence in this life-giving promise from God, the Gospel,
and its liberating implications for all of life in church and society.
The Epistle September 2019
Birthdays 6—Daniel Barras
12 - Alexandria Licklider
14—Luna Luz Moreno
18 – Mildred Crawford
20 – Walter Rein
21—Kirsten Ellis
22 – Ty Haro
23 – Jacy Barnes
23— Boo Boo Fojt
24 – Carol Danklefsen
25 – Jennifer Carter
26 – Kevin Johnston
Baptismal Anniversaries 1 – Stan White
1 – Karen Guthmiller
9 - Tori Rein
12 – Ben Vircant
16 – Brooks Bruner
16 – Glena Pfennig
19 – Elizabeth Elizondo
22 – Harold Pate
23 – Charles Ohm
27 – Steve Burns
27 – Justin Stevens
30 – Robert Barth
Wedding Anniversaries 4 – David & Lorrie Andrews
5 – Jon & Glena Pfennig
5 — Hannah & Sean Zarsky
14 – Floyd & Sherry Eickenhorst
21 – Dave & Donna Reavis
24 – Jerry & Helen Reavis
Serving Our Country Kevin Gillespie, Justin Handley,
Mitchell Handley
Amy Hoff and family
Shay Kurz, Brandon Locha,
Troy Mahan, Steven Payne,
Chris Salo and family
Sean &Hannah Zarsky family
In Our Prayers Shannon Blue– health concerns
Jean Carson– shut in
Albert Elizondo & family-sympathy
Cindy Eschberger- shut-in
Boo Boo Fojt– health concerns
Betty Ganske- health concerns
Virginia Hackfeld- health concerns
Dorothy Johnston & family-sympathy
Emily McCoy– health concerns
Colleen & Ken Peting– health concerns
Tori Rein & Family—sympathy
Walter & Doris Rein– hospice
Bob Steffler- healing
Myrtle Viereck– health concerns
Sherry White- healing
Thank You’s • To Chuck Ohm for keeping our
church grounds so beautiful
• To all of Food Pantry volunteers
and all who donate items to our
Food Pantry
• To the Summer Handbell ringers,
the vocal soloists/duets and
flutist Kirsten Ellis. Your music
has enriched our Sunday worship
Directory Updates Haley Johnston & son Daniel Barras
Church Offices Closed Monday, September 2nd in observance of Labor Day
PROPERTY
NEWS
Committee Meeting has been rescheduled for Sept. 8th at 11:45am
Monthly Committee Meeting Schedule
1st Sunday—Property 2nd Sunday—Ed./Youth & Family 3rd Sunday—Worship & Music 4th Sunday—Inreach/Outreach All committee meetings begin at 12pm Everyone is welcome to attend!
Church Council 2019 John Schlobohm: President /Inreach-Outreach Donna Reavis: Vice Pres/Edu/Youth & Family Kim Holle: Treasure Angie Ash: Secretary Members at Large Susan Clanton Worship & Music Kurt Migl Property Comm. Liaison Rosie Haas Birdie Torberson Ben Vircant Stan White
Sunday, September 29th after worship
The Epistle September 2019
Sanctuary Choir Resumes Sunday September 8th. Rehearsal begins at 8:30am. Please meet in the choir loft. New voices are always welcome. Please join us in praising the Lord in song.
CHRISTMAS BELLS
Rehearsals begin at 9:30am Sunday,
October 6th through Christmas Eve.
Absolutely no musical training is
needed. Please join us!
Beautiful white banners have been or-
dered with some of the funds that were donated for this purpose last year. We anticipate their arrival in time for the September 29th, Michael and All Angels service.
Education/Youth & Family NEWS Committee Meeting, Sunday, Sept. 8th at 11:45AM
WORSHIP & MUSIC NEWS Committee Meeting Sunday Sept. 15th at 11:45am
EASY GUITAR CLASS
Held immediately after Sunday worship.
Guitars are available if you don’t
have one. Please meet at the piano
in the Sanctuary. Newcomers welcome!
Bring your Grandchild to church
on Grandparent’s Day
Sunday, September 8th Coloring pages will be available in the
fellowship hall. Parents of your Grandchildren
are also invited to come to church that day!
Save the Date
German Dinner Saturday October 19th,
5:00-8:00pm Silent auction, appetizers and dinner,
live music and dancing- you won't
want to miss this one! Sign up sheets for food
items will soon be available in the fellowship hall.
If you have any items to donate to the silent
auction please contact Donna Reavis.
We will need help cooking in the church kitchen the morning of the 19th. If you are interested in helping cook, let Donna Reavis know.
Prayer for Pets Sunday, October 6th There will be a special prayer in the service. The
office will need a photo of your pet and info sheet
(in fellowship hall) for you to fill out about your pet.
The photos and info will be a displayed in the
Fellowship Hall.
Do Not bring your pet to the
church. You are welcome to
bring a donation of pet food
for the local Pet Pantry.
Church buddies Lyle Zarsky and Luna Moreno
The Epistle September 2019
INREACH/OUTREACH NEWS Committee Meeting, Sunday, Sept. 22nd at 11:45am
Bus Trip Tuesday, September 10th Schulenberg/Flatonia Bus leaves at 7:30am Cost: $15
Monthly Luncheon
Tuesday, September 17th @ 11:30AM Napoli’s Italian Grill, Highlands
Signup sheets in Fellowship Hall. All people 50 and over are welcome to attend
God’s Work Our Hands Sunday
September 8th (after worship)
BAKED POTATO
LUNCHEON
FUNDRAISER
Sponsored by: St. Paul’s Women of the ELCA
Benefiting: Church Women United Child
Learning Center Affordable Child Care for families of the Baytown, Texas area. As an extended ministry of Church Women United in Baytown, the Child Learning Center seeks to be a witness of the church’s love and concern for children by responding to the physical and emotional needs as well as the security of youngsters in a setting that encourages positive learning and growth experience. They are affiliated with Lee College, United Way and Church Women United. They are located at #2 Price Street, Baytown.
• Desserts: Please bring a dessert to share • Cost: $10 • T-Shirt: Wear your God’s Work. Our
Hands. T-shirt.
What is God’s work, Our hands? September 8, 2019 On this dedicated day of service,
thousands of ELCA churches celebrate who we are as the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—one church,
freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor.
Service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of
our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus
Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every
corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in
God’s grace.
SMALL GROUPS
Women’s Fellowship Meet every 2nd
Wednesday of every month for fellowship, 9:30 a.m. McDonald’s (corner of Garth & Baker) All women are welcome.
Men’s Fellowship Meet every 2nd Saturday of
the month for Bible Study, breakfast and fellowship, 8:00a.m. at Burger King (Alexander Dr.) All men are welcome.
BUNCO! The last Wednesday of each month
6:30-8:30pm. The ladies of St. Paul’s will play and pray together!
Pastor Nancy and Jan Abbey in the chapel at St. James House. Jan is pastor’s assistant for the Lutheran Service that is held monthly.
The Epistle September 2019
The Wave Pool party was great fun! Thank you to all who attended. Check out the youth bulletin board in the fellowship hall for new pictures.
Thank you to Roy and Paula from LodeStar Transport for the delivery of 19 cases of Jennie O ground turkey for our Food Pantry. Thanks also to Bubba Gonzales for helping with the unloading and storage.
Gary Kruse Picks up bakery goods from Kroger for our Food Pantry
St. Paul’s in pictures
The Epistle September 2019
Drew Bruner
Drew was born June 2,
2006. He is in 7th grade
at Barbers Hill Middle
School North. Drew’s
parents are Wes Bruner
and Gretchen Bruner.
He cares for 3 dogs,
2 cats and enjoys
building with Legos.
Working as a
marine biologist or at NASA are a couple of
future goals for Drew. His favorite part of Sunday
worship is being an Usher.
Getting to Know You!
Addison Forcier
Addison was born January 4, 2010 in Staples,
Minnesota. Barbers Hill Elementary School is where
she attends school in the 4th grade. Addison’s
parents are Aaron Forcier and Samantha Forcier.
She has many interests including; reading, travel,
anything to do with water, visiting Lorrie and David,
and hanging out with
her sister Amy.
Addison wants to be a
veterinarian when she
grows up and has a pet
cat named Fatboy.
Music and donuts are
her favorite part of
Sunday worship.
August Memorials & Honorariums In Memory of: Given By: Designation: Vernon Caninenberg Charles Ohm Capital Improvements
Belinda Khan Charles Ohm Family Choice
Rose Ohm Charles Ohm Capital Improvements
Manuel Elizondo Hoya & Angie Ash General Fund
(father of Albert Elizondo)
Brooks Bruner
Brooks was born June 20, 2012 at Women’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. He attends
Barbers Hill Early Childhood Center in the 1st grade. Brooks’ parents are Wes Bruner
and Gretchen Bruner.
He has 5 pets: Rusty (spotted dog) Bo (chocolate lab) Dixie (Bassett hound)
Belle (black cat) Theo (white fat cat)
Brooks’ interests are playing Fortnite, swimming and playing baseball and basketball.
He hopes to be a basketball player when he grows up.
His favorite part of Sunday worship is Children’s Church.
The Epistle September 2019
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Baytown, TX
Council Meeting August 8, 2019
Members Present: John Schlobohm, Pastor Nancy, Kim Holle, Angie Ash, Birdie Torberson, Stan White, Ben Vircant, Kurt Migl,
Rosie Haas, Donna Reavis Members Absent: Susan Clanton The August 8, 2019, Council meeting was called to order by President John Schlobohm at 6:35PM. Pastor Nancy led the group in the open-ing prayer and devotion.
JULY MINUTES Donna Reavis MOVED, Stan White seconded, to approve the Minutes of the July 11, 2019, Council meeting. Motion carried.
PASTOR’S REPORT
• Pastor Nancy reported that she and Rick would attend a TUNE UP worship leader session at Christ Church in Sugarland August 17
• Pastor Nancy is also scheduled to attend: Coastal Bay Conference at New Life Lutheran Church in Pearland August 13 Continuing Education training – Leadership Training, Harris County Precinct August 14 Continuing Education – Leading in a Changing World Fuller Seminary August 19
• New member classes will be held Sundays August 18 and August 25.
• YMCA Summer Day Camp ends Friday, August 9
• YMCA After School Program begins Tuesday, August 13
• Rally Day will be held Sunday, August 11 when Sunday School teachers will be introduced and blessed along with students and school workers.
• Rev. Robert Bryan will bring the worship message on Sunday, September 1. Pastor Nancy will be in San Antonio August 29 – September 4.
• The Coastal Bay Conference will be held Saturday, September 7 at the Zion Retreat Center in Galveston from 9:00 – 12:00. Pastor Nancy and John will attend.
At the July Council meeting, Council reviewed rental policies for use of the sanctuary, fellowship hall, and kitchen for weddings and funerals for members and non members. Also reviewed were charges for use of the facilities for Quinceañeras. Birdie Torberson MOVED, Stan White seconded that the following adjustments be made to those policies and the Motion carried:
TREASURER’S REPORT Treasurer Kim Holle reviewed the Treasurer’s Report for July. She reported that income exceeded expenses in the amount of $ 9,349.20 for the month. She reported that the new ACH (Automated Clearing House) account has been set up. Target date to begin using the account is September 1.
RED BOOK REVIEW Council reviewed the Red Book calendar. OLD BUSINESS We are waiting on the signed contract for the Y’s After School Program.
COMMITTEE REPORTS Property
• Kurt Migl reported that a mold issue will be addressed by an AC technician. It may require new louvers or temperature adjustments.
• Three rats have been “eliminated”.
• The current Maintenance Contract will be continued until January. Youth & Family/Education
• The Back to School Wave Pool party will be August 11 at a cost of $5 per person. Donna Reavis has ordered fruit trays and water. You may also order refreshments from the concession stand.
Inreach/Outreach
• A Baked Potato Lunch will be held Sunday, September 8 immediately after worship. This is St. Paul’s service activity for God’s Work, Our Hands . It is sponsored by St. Paul’s WELCA and will benefit the Child Care Center in Baytown. Kim Holle will organize the lunch.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 PM and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. The September Council meeting will be held September 12.
Respectfully submitted, Angie Ash, Secretary
Wedding Fees for Members: Security Deposit of $200 is now waived Rehearsal Dinner - now $100 Reception – now $100
Wedding Fees for Non-members Receptions – now $200
Funeral Agreement if light lunch is requested for funerals – now $250
Quinceañeras Official Minister fee – now $500
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church 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 Nursery Open SUNDAY SCHEDULE: Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Worship Service 10:30 a.m. STAFF: Rev. Nancy Simpson, Pastor Rick Falconi, Director of Music Ministries Jada Hylton, Director of Office Ministries
ELCA
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
ONLINE GIVING is now easier than ever! Whether you're in worship service, away traveling, or at home, you can give securely when the time is right for you. Just open the Tithe.ly app or give online using your account. You can also setup auto-recurring giving! Choose the method below that is most convenient for you.
Mobile Giving: Scan the QR Code to the right with your smartphone’s camera or go to your App Store and install the official ELCA app “ELCA giving tool by tithe.ly”
Online Giving: Go to St. Paul’s website: www.stpaulsbaytown.org Click on the “Give” link, input your information. Now you can give from any tablet or computer, without installing an app.
Questions/Concerns: contact Kim Holle or Jada Hylton With your smartphone’s camera
