The Grapevine

“I am the Vine, You are the Branches.” John 15:5

New Braunfels Presbyterian Church

February 2016

Worship Schedule for

February

Cover

Announcements 1

Announcements Cont./ Prayer/Souper Bowl

2

Stephen Ministry/ Bed Race

3

Letter From the Pastor 4

Mission & Outreach 5

Habitat for Humanity/

Session Update

6

KDO 7-10

Calendar/Birthdays 11-12

Ministries at Work 13

Inside this issue:

For more information please visit

our website at

www.nbpres.org

February 7th

“Whom Shall I Send?” Rev. Scott Nowack

Transfiguration of Our Lord Isaiah 6:1-8; Matthew 28:16-20

February 14th “Tithing and Lent” Rev. Scott Nowack 1st Sunday in Lent

Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

February 21st “There’s An App for That”

Rev. Scott Nowack 2nd Sunday in Lent

Luke 4:1-13; Psalm 27

February 28th Brianna Benzinger Preaching

The MOC Fellowship Dinner for

February will be Tuesday the 16th at In-

ferno, 1198 Gruene Rd. We will gather

around 6 pm and around our meal at

6:30. The sign-up sheet is posted in the

credenza.

The MOC Devotional Breakfast for February

will be Friday, the 12th at 7:30 AM in the

Church Activity Center. The cooks are Davis

Hensley, Manard Ivy, and Jim Gabbard. The

devotional comes from Exodus Chapter 2, a

discussion of Moses’ birth and his younger

years. The sign-up sheet is posted in the cre-

denza.

Page 1 Grapevine

ANNOUNCEMENTS

LADIES NIGHT OUT– Please join us for our February outing which will be at Casa Garcia’s on February 23rd at 6:00 pm. The signup sheet will be posted in the Narthex beginning January 31st. If you have any questions or requests, please contact Dorothy Pollock (830.560.1109 or 210.260.8010).

LADIES LUNCH BUNCH: The Lunch Bunch will celebrate Groundhog Day on Tuesday, February 2nd at the Olive Garden Restaurant. Come join us for lunch at 12:30 pm. Sign up sheet is in the Narthex.

PANCAKE EXTRAVAGANZA! Family Fun Fellow-

ship Wednesday will kick off this last-Wednesday-

of-the-month series with the Pancake Extravaganza

on February 24th. Starting with the February 24th

event, we will have a dinner and then family fun fel-

lowship events for all ages. Feb. 24th will be Pancake

Extravaganza! We will star with a pancake, sausage,

and applesauce dinner and then move on to pancake

activities (pancake races, pancake toss, and more).

Come join the fun for dinner at 5:30 pm and activi-

ties at 6:15. Sign-up is posted in the narthex.

EASTER SEASON SCHEDULE 2016

February 10– Ash Wednesday– 7 PM

February 14-March 13– 5 Sundays of Lent– Services

@ 9 and 11

March 20– Palm Sunday– Services @ 9 and 11

March 24– Maundy Thursday (communion)- 7 pm

March 25– Good Friday– Noon

March 27– Easter Sunday– Services @ 9 and 11

Trying to Figure Out How To

Celebrate Valentine’s Day?

How about...

Habitat for Humanity’s

Movie Event

Friday, Feb. 12th– 5:30 pm! The evening at the Seekatz Opera House and

Brauntex Theatre in downtown New Braunfels in-

cludes an Italian dinner, the movie “Roman Holi-

day” starting at 7 PM, drinks, an a gift auction. All

ticket and auction sales help Comal County Habit

for Humanity build homes for those who qualify.

Tickets are $65/person or $125/couple. Go to

http://www.comalhabitat.org/movie

For additional information. Tickets may be pur-

chased online or at the Habitat ReStore at 1269

Industrial Drive.

Mark your calendars for a Friends Road Trip! On

Thursday, February 25th, Friends Group will travel to

Shiner, Texas for lunch and to visit the Spoetzel Brew-

ery. If you are interested in joining us, please leave

your name on the signup sheet in the Narthex. Exact

times and more details will be forthcoming.

Page 2 Grapevine

THE POWER OF PRAYER

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with

thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all

understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

-Philippians 4:6-7

Please contact the church office if you or a loved one needs prayers or a visit. Pastor

Scott and others who make visits will receive this information and act on your re-

quest. Prayers also can be requested weekly on the bulletin tear-offs. If the hour is late

or the church is closed, you can e-mail or text to receive prayers and help.

Members of Session are praying for members of the congregation. Each Session mem-

ber has a list of members to pray for during 2016. This practice is meant partly to help

members of Session feel closer to all of the congregation that they are serving and to

heap blessings on our members.

FAITH AND GRIEF MINISTRIES

A retreat entitled “Comfort and Hope for the Journey of Grief” will be held at Mo Ranch on the

weekend of February 26-28. A few cards with more information are on the table in the Narthex.

Full information and online registration links are on the Mo-Ranch website:

http://www.moranch.org/Camps-Conferences/Conferences/Comfort-and-Hope

SOUPER BOWL OF CARING–

The youth will be collecting non-

perishables and monetary donations

this Sunday, February 7th. There will

be a table in the Narthex for food

donations, as well as pots available

for

money donations. This year’s collections will

support the Presbyterian Children’s Homes

and Services. Last year, we collected a total

of 220 pounds of food and $985.23. This

year, we want to top that! We thank you in

advance for helping us tackle hunger!

Page 3 Grapevine

“Pull Yourself Together!”

You’ve heard it a million times. Others may have said it to you, or you may have

said it to yourself. But things just aren’t coming together. You’re still hurting. You

still feel like it’s all falling apart. Our Stephen Ministers are trained caregivers who

will walk with you, listen to you, and provide confidential one-on-one care, as you

search through the pieces and find what is truly in your heart. To learn more about

what Stephen Ministry can do for you, talk to one of our Stephen Leaders: Susan

Bell (830.625.1102); Scott Payne (830.625.6705); or Anne Felts (830.625.4803). Our

Stephen Ministers are ready to care for you!

Family Promise Bed Race Needs Your Support!

This is a race unlike any other. These are not derby cars, ducks, people, or even horses trying to cross the finish line. No, this race features beds. That’s right—beds, being pushed by young and old alike.

The 2nd Annual Family Promise of Greater New Braunfels Bed Race is schedule for Saturday, April 23rd at 10 am on the Church Hill Middle School track. The mission of the race is to end homelessness, one bed at a time.

New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, in the inaugural race of 2015, was recognized as the bed race team that raised the most money- $1,055. This year, we hope to do even better and give back to an organization that does so much for the families needing a helping hand in our community.

At this time, NPBC is looking for youth, in particular, and adult volunteers who want to help build the bed and then race it on the big day. Family Promise is also seeking event sponsors that value the purpose and fun of such a race.

To help with NBPC’s bed entry, contact Neil Gately at nsgately@yahoo.com or 830.226.7063. If you have possible event sponsorship info, contact Doy Cole at doycole@fpgnb.org. For general info about the Bed Race, go to nbbedrace.com. See you at the race!

Page 4 Grapevine

Family Promise Bed Race Needs Your Support!

This is a race unlike any other. These are not derby cars, ducks, people, or even horses trying to cross the finish line. No, this race features beds. That’s right—

Braunfels Bed Race is schedule for Saturday, April

track. The mission of the race is to end homelessness,

New Braunfels Presbyterian Church, in the inaugural race of 2015, was recognized as

better and give back to an organization that does so much for the families needing a

At this time, NPBC is looking for youth, in particular, and adult volunteers who want

doycole@fpgnb.org. For general info about the Bed Race, go to nbbedrace.com. See you

Dear friends,

What does God value?

In I Samuel 16, we read about how David was anointed by Samuel to be King of Israel. He wasn’t the obvious choice. David was the youngest of eight sons of Jesse. The first seven brothers stood before Samuel. They were strong, handsome young men who appeared as though any of them could be king. One after the other, they were reject-ed to be king. The Lord says to Samuel, Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7).

So David, though he was the youngest and probably small in stature compared to his brothers, was anointed by God King of Israel. God did not consider David’s outer appearance. God valued David’s hidden qualities far more. As we know, David loved and trusted the Lord with all his heart, mind, and strength. And the spirit of God dwelled richly within him for all his days.

It’s funny how we as human beings make quick judgments and assumptions about someone based on their outward appearance. We see someone wearing torn up clothes and we automatically think the person is poor and homeless. We see a group of teenagers hanging out at a street corner and our first thought is, “There’s trouble!” We see someone who comes to church who appears to have it all together. And we assume it’s true. But what if we looked beneath the surface and really saw the person for who they really are? What if we saw one another as God sees us? What if we could share with one another our joys and struggles and what’s really on our hearts?

What does God value?

God in Christ looks past our outward appearance and to what’s truly in our hearts. God is not concerned with how many extracurricular activities you and your family are involved in. God is concerned for the health of your spirit. God is not ulti-mately concerned with how efficient we run our church meetings or how many events we can jam into one weekend or if the children behave in worship. God is concerned for our faith and how we live it each day. God knows the aroma of our hearts no matter what the aroma may be.

What does God value? God values you. God loves you. We need to share this with one another. Let’s see one another as God sees each of us.

In Christ, Pastor Scott

Page 5 Grapevine

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY– Volunteers are needed to

clean up our two mile section of Loop 337 on Satur-

day, February 13th. We will meet in the New Braun-

fels High School parking lot at 10:00 am. Bring

leather work gloves. Closed-toe shoes, long

pants/jeans, and long-sleeved shirts are recom-

mended. Safety vests and litter bags will be provid-

ed. For more information, contact James Lowe at: jamesedwardlowe@gmail.com.

NEWS BRIEFS FROM THE MISSION & OUTREACH COMMITTEE

Every 12 weeks, New Braunfels Presbyterian church hosts the families enrolled in the Fami-

ly Promise program of Greater New Braunfels. Our church had another successful “host

week” from January 3-10 because of incredible church members who made meals, visited

with FP families each night during fellowship, stayed overnight as hosts to provide security

and help, and setup and put away beds. Thank you never seems to be enough. To all the

NBPC members who gave their time and talents to make the homeless families feel wel-

comed and comfortable, thank you!

In January, the Mission & Outreach Committee approved a $500 donation to church member

Sharon Jebens who is participating in a Mission Trip to the Ukraine this month where she

is conducting an English Club class for students. In addition, she is ministering to military

families that evacuated from the Crimea region when the Russians took over that area. Best

wishes to Sharon and her important work and please keep the Ukrainian people in your

prayers.

Connections Individual & Family Services is sponsoring a Kid’s Day Out at the Landa Park

Recreation Center, 164 Landa Park Drive, on Saturday, February 13th, from 6-9 pm for ages

4-14. The cost is $10. Call 830.221.4370 to register. Keep in mind that Connections always has

a “wish list” of items it needs to help its teens and adults. The current list includes body

spray, movie gift cards, hoodies, and sweaters for teens and adults. Call Connections for

more information at 830.629.6571.

Communities in Schools, another agency our church supports, is holding its annual Rock ‘n’

Roll for Kids on Saturday, April 2nd. For opportunities on how to get involved, visit

http://www.cis-sct.org/news-room/upcoming-events.

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

TREE PLANTING

One of the many mission and service organiza-

tions New Braunfels Presbyterian Church supports

each year is Habitat for Humanity. For several

years, NBPC has been one of about a dozen

churches to collaborate on an “Apostle Build”

whereby church volunteers take turns building a

home for a deserving family. In fact, those family

members actively participate in the building of

their home too! As a thank you to the church,

Habitat for Humanity donated an apple tree this year that was planted in late January in the

church’s front yard. Pictured here are (left to right) NBPC’s Brianna Benzinger, Rev. Scott

Nowack, JP Kesselring, Nathan Weir, exec. Director of Habitat, and Anna Rose Elkins, Hab-

itat’s resource development coordinator. At the same time, NBPC provided Habitat for Hu-

manity with its 2016 donation of $3,500. NBPC volunteers are needed for this year’s Apostle

Build! If interested, contact JP Kesselring at jkesselring@farmersagent.com.

Page 6 Grapevine

Session Highlights From January

A new year means a new beginning for the Session of the church. Four new elders were installed and/or ordained

an annual retreat was held to determine a direction for the group. The four new elders elected for three-year terms

are Sharon Jebens, Bob Nolen, Austin Talley, and Kari Hutchison. The new trustee is Charlie Felts.

After going through the SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) process as a group during the

retreat, the Session established the following goals for the year: 1) Call an associate pastor for Christian Educa-

tion/Youth; 2) Create and improve activities that increase involvement within the Church; 3) Communica-

tions/improve our “brand”; and, 4) Funding/Stewardship. Great ideas were generated in all four areas and the

work continues to define and refine during the February session meeting.

The regular Session meeting after the retreat included approving the baptism of Landon Gage Deptula and Han-

nah Elizabeth Gerke on Jan. 10. The Easter Season Schedule was also approved and will be shared in the weeks

ahead. Students going through the Confirmation Class this winter/spring will be confirmed on May 15 in a com-

bined worship service at 10 am.

The Facilities Committee, led by Joyce Taylor, reported that the committee is receiving bids to install nine new

security cameras on the property. LED lighting will be replacing the track lighting in the altar area. The Kid’s Day

Out program has requested magnetic card reader locks at the KDO entry door and the committee is investigating

that cost.

Mike Meek reported that he and Dave Wright have recruited three additional church members to serve on the As-

sociate Pastor Nominating Committee. The three nominees, to be voted on by the congregation on Jan. 31, are

Dawn Kesselring, Charlie Felts, and Kim Talley. This committee, once approved, will select seven church mem-

bers to serve on the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee that will screen, interview, and nominate an Associ-

ate Pastor.

Jerri Petmecky reported on recent M&O Committee activities which are covered in other stories in the newsletter.

FEBRUARY 2016

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

31

Youth Midwinter Conference

9:00 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Christian Education

11:00 AM Worship Service

12:00 PM Inquirers Class-

CONF

1

10:00 AM Caregivers

Meeting

10:30 AM Stephen

Ministry Supervision-

CONF

5:00 PM Troop 1545-

Brownies- LEX

5:30 PM Worship Com-

mittee Meeting

6:00 PM Troop 3040-

Brownies- IVY

6:30 PM Service Unit

Committee- CONF

2

9:15 AM KDO Chapel-

SANC

10:00 AM PW Board

Meeting- CONF

11:00 AM Congregational

Care/Visitation- PAR

12:30 PM Women's

Lunch Bunch

2:00 PM Staff Meeting

4:00 PM KDO Advisory

Board Meeting- IVY

5:00 PM Mission and

Outreach Committee-

CONF

3

9:30 AM Prayer Group

Meeting

10:00 AM Wednesday

Morning Bible Study-

CONF

5:45 PM Troop 1889-

Cadet- IVY

6:00 PM Praise Band-

SANC

6:30 PM Troop 1001-

Juniors- LEX

7:00 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

4

9:00 AM Stephen Ministry

Training Class- CONF

11:00 AM Membership

Committee Meeting- LIB

5:30 PM Bell Choir Re-

hearsal- SANC

6:00 PM New Troop

6:30 PM Troop 1888-

Brownies- ART

5

10:00 AM Fellowship

Committee Meeting- PAR

6:00 PM Parent's Night

Out

6

7

Souper Bowl of Caring

9:00 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Christian Education

11:00 AM Worship Service

4:30 PM Troop 1189- Brownies-

IVY

8

10:00 AM Knit and Cro-

chet- PAR

5:30 PM Daisy Troop-

LEX

7:00 PM Stewardship

Meeting

9

9:15 AM KDO Chapel-

SANC

10:00 AM Esther Circle-

CONF

2:00 PM Ruth Circle-

CONF

2:00 PM Staff Meeting

6:30 PM SESSION

MEETING

10

9:30 AM Prayer Group

Meeting

10:00 AM Wednesday

Morning Bible Study-

CONF

6:00 PM Praise Band-

SANC

7:00 PM Ash Wednesday

Service

7:00 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

11

9:00 AM Stephen Ministry

Training Class- CONF

2:00 PM Mary Circle-

CONF

5:30 PM Bell Choir Re-

hearsal- SANC

6:00 PM New Troop

6:30 PM Troop 1905- LEX

7:00 PM Troop 1256-

Cadet

12

7:30 AM MOC Breakfast-

ACT

13

10:00 AM Adopt-A-

Highway Cleanup

14

9:00 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Christian Education

11:00 AM Worship Service

5:00 PM Healing Service

15

KDO Holiday

9:30 AM Continuing

Education- Stephen

Ministry- CONF

10:30 AM Stephen

Ministry Supervision-

CONF

5:00 PM Troop 1545-

Brownies

5:30 PM Missionary

Couple Speaking- CONF

6:00 PM Troop 3040-

Brownies

6:30 PM Quilt Guild

Board Meeting- PAR

6:30 PM Troop Leader

Meeting

16

9:15 AM KDO Chapel-

SANC

2:00 PM Staff Meeting

6:00 PM MOC Fellowship

Dinner

17

9:30 AM Prayer Group

Meeting

10:00 AM Wednesday

Morning Bible Study-

CONF

4:30 PM CE/Youth Meet-

ing- SAFE

5:45 PM Troop 1889-

Cadet- IVY

6:00 PM Praise Band-

SANC

6:30 PM Troop 1001-

Juniors- LEX

7:00 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

18

Newsletter Deadline

9:00 AM Stephen Ministry

Training Class- CONF

5:30 PM Bell Choir Re-

hearsal- SANC

6:00 PM New Troop

6:30 PM Troop 1888-

Brownies- ART

19

12:00 PM Childcare

Directors Network Meet-

ing- PAR

20

8:00 AM New Braunfels

Quilt Guild- ACT

21

9:00 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Christian Education

11:00 AM Worship Service

4:30 PM Troop 1189- Brownies

22

5:30 PM Daisy Troop-

LEX

23

9:15 AM KDO Chapel-

SANC

1:30 PM Dorcas Meeting-

CONF

2:00 PM Staff Meeting

6:00 PM Ladies Night Out

24

9:30 AM Prayer Group

Meeting

10:00 AM Wednesday

Morning Bible Study-

CONF

6:00 PM Praise Band-

SANC

7:00 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

25

9:00 AM Stephen Ministry

Training Class- CONF

5:30 PM Bell Choir Re-

hearsal- SANC

6:00 PM New Troop

6:30 PM Troop 1905- LEX

7:00 PM Troop 1256-

Cadet

26 27

3:00 PM– Baby Shower

28

9:00 AM Worship Service

10:00 AM Christian Education

11:00 AM Worship Service

2:00 PM Rio Terra Chapel

Service

29 1

9:15 AM KDO Chapel-

SANC

10:00 AM PW Board

Meeting- CONF

11:00 AM Congregational

Care/Visitation- PAR

12:30 PM Women's

Lunch Bunch

2:00 PM Staff Meeting

4:00 PM KDO Advisory

Board Meeting- IVY

5:00 PM Mission and

Outreach Committee-

CONF

2

9:30 AM Prayer Group

Meeting

10:00 AM Wednesday

Morning Bible Study-

CONF

5:45 PM Troop 1889-

Cadet- IVY

6:00 PM Praise Band-

SANC

6:30 PM Troop 1001-

Juniors- LEX

7:00 PM Chancel Choir

Rehearsal

3

9:00 AM Stephen Ministry

Training Class- CONF

10:00 AM Facilities

Committee Meeting- LIB

11:00 AM Membership

Committee Meeting- LIB

5:30 PM Bell Choir Re-

hearsal- SANC

6:00 PM New Troop

6:30 PM Troop 1888-

Brownies- ART

4

10:00 AM Fellowship

Committee Meeting- PAR

6:00 PM Parent's Night

Out

5

February 1st

Fredee Carr

February 3rd

Colleen Beito

Laura Smith

February 4th

Mary Jane Coleman

February 5th

Wib Amacher

Terry Garvens

Johnny Mitchell

February 7th

Connie Stott

February 9th

Mitchell Beito

Karl Ngonge

Heather Sollohub

Marty Thomas

February 13th

Robert Nolen

John Ulbrich

Caroline Weston

February 14th

Aleah Petmecky

Nina Sievers

February 18th

Christy Gough

Kathy Schoch

February 19th

Alex Hogston

Kathryn Reynolds

February 20th

Sharon Jebens

February 22nd

Betsy Beekly

Deedy Wright

February 23rd

Ron Cone

Diane Schulz

February 26th

Jeannie Mayo

Carol Snider

February 27th

Sue Cone

Fran Hargove

February Birthdays

Please submit all materials for The Grapevine to the church office, or by email to

nbpctx@sanantonio.twcbc.com by Thursday, February 18th for the March 2016 Newsletter.

Worship Information

* 9:00—Worship Service * 10:00—Christian Education (all ages) * 11:00—Worship Service

New Braunfels Presbyterian Church 373 Howard Street New Braunfels, Texas 78130

Phone: 830-625-5141 FAX: 830-625-5161 Email: nbpctx@sanantonio.twcbc.com

NBPC Web site: www.nbpres.org

Church Office Hours: Monday –Thursday 8:30am-3:00pm; Friday 8:30am-12:00pm

MINISTRIES AT WORK…

Would YOU like to BE INVOLVED in

the Life of the Church! Contact one of the com-

mittees of your choice and see how you can

make a DIFFERENCE!

Julia George—Clerk of Session

fnjg@gvtc.com

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION/YOUTH

MINISTRY

Gretchen Weicker

gotexas@nbtx.com

CONGREGATIONAL CARE

Marian Benson

marianbenson@satx.rr.com

Connie Jurica

conniejurica@gmail.com

FACILITIES MINISTRY Joyce Taylor

tayco@satx.rr.com

FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY

Jody Cosson

jcosson1111@gmail.com

KIDS DAY OUT MINISTRY

Laura Smith

aurora52@satx.rr.com

PERSONNEL

Michael Meek

meek@nbcham.org

MEMBERSHIP MINISTRY Ann Brunn

onefineann@hotmail.com

MISSIONS/OUTREACH MINISTRY Jerri Petmecky

jernel707@yahoo.com

Bob Presley

rpresley1@satx.rr.com

STEWARDSHIP

Courtney Cowden

courtcowden@gmail.com

Logan Dietel

logan.dietel@icloud.com

WORSHIP MINISTRY

Scott Payne

scottkpayne@sbcglobal.net

Dave Wright

dwright@gvtc.com

New Braunfels Presbyterian Church

373 Howard Street

New Braunfels, TX 78130