Good News From New Road St. Matthew Lutheran Church, God’s Family in Service August 2015 St. Matthew Evangelical Lutheran Church

THE 2015 ELCA YOUTH GATHERING IN – “RISE UP TOGETHER”

We are writing this, together as a youth group, on the final day before we fly out of Detroit. We have spent one glorious week rejoicing in the Lord and changing this beautiful city for the better. Before we begin our run-down of the week, we would like to say a big thank you to our congregation, who graciously helped pay for this trip. If it wasn’t for you, this wouldn’t have happened and we wouldn’t have had the time of our lives, so thank you all so much for your support. Our first day, Monday, was quite an early start. We flew out of Waco at 5:00 a.m. This was the first time to fly for three of us. Our flight from should have been from Dallas to Detroit, but instead we made a quick stop in Nashville to refuel before arriving in Michigan. One of our first excursions in Michigan was a trip to Big Boy, a treat that is definitely foreign to us. After our burgers, we spent the money that the congregation raised (650 dollars!) at Wal-Mart on diapers and wipes. It was a hoot and a holler to get some strange stares as we walked out of the store with 5 carts of diapers. We tried to make our way to , the stadium where the worships took place, but Mrs. Jasek misdirected us to some random soccer field that definitely couldn’t have held 30,000 Lutherans. After our brief detour, we arrived in downtown and pointed out the actual Ford Field and COBO, the convention center. We spent ten minutes by the Detroit River and gazed longingly at Canada across the water. We headed back to our hotel and found a small pizza joint that served humongous 24 inch pizzas. After this overwhelmingly long day, we were more than happy to crash on our beds and have a good night’s sleep, excited for the rest of the week. The gathering didn’t start until Wednesday so we had a free day that we decided to spend at the Ford Rouge factory tour, where Ford makes the F-150 truck. The assembly lines were very interesting to see, as the hundreds of workers added parts one-by-one to create some nice looking vehicles. We decided to save the tour of the Henry Ford museum for Wednesday since the factory took a lot of walking. We had lunch at Chili’s, came back to the hotel and registered, dropped off our diapers and had a swim in the hotel pool. We had dinner at Mallie’s, which holds the World Record for largest hamburger (328 lbs). We did not have the largest hamburger. Wednesday was the first day of the gathering, which started at 7:00 at night. However, in the morning we revisited the Ford Museum and saw some very interesting exhibits, including the Oscar-Meyer Weinermobile, presidential cars, the chair Lincoln was assassinated in, and the actual bus that Rosa Parks sat on to kickstart the civil rights movement. Rachel was really into some Stradivarius violins. The service that night was a huge success and we all had an amazing time. We listened to a band called “Lost and Found,” listened to a very engaging pastor who talked about not being afraid, heard a cool South Korean adoptee talk about hunger, and we were graciously welcomed to Detroit by Bishop Eaton. Thursday was our day to spend at the Convention center, and we got there as soon as we could as there was so much stuff to do. There was a labyrinth to make our way through, a simulation where we tried to walk with gallons of water around an obstacle course, a mini-golf course set up to learn about the Lutheran Seminaries, and booths and booths about current social issues. There was even a mock-house set up to simulate what it is like to be in a wheelchair. Before the service we had some great Coney Island hot dogs, a favorite of Andrew’s, and arrived at Ford Field to sing some songs and move our hips. A singer named “Blanca” performed and a great poet named Natasha T. Miller read a poem about how broken Detroit was and how the ELCA had come to help fix it. A woman spoke who Page 2 August 2015 New Vision on New Road worked in Madagascar, and gave us a connection to a foreign society that we didn’t know much about. A Puerto Rican religion professor spoke about how the church lied to him saying that every race is the same. A reverend also spoke about poverty and much needed immigration reform. From Thursday we learned that Detroit was a broken city, and it knew it was a broken city, but as long as there was hope they could turn it around. That night we went to bed early in preparation to wake up early for our service project; but it turned out that a fire alarm in the hotel woke us up at one in the morning. We ran through the “smoke-filled” hallways in our pajamas and made it outside as the firetrucks made it to the hotel. They looked around inside for like five minutes and they said it was okay to go back to bed as it was just a kitchen fire. A bit anti-climactic, but still an exciting experience. Anyway, we woke up at 5:00 in the morning and waited for our service project in the rain. As we boarded the buses for the project, the rain had cleared up and it was a beautiful day to work in the neighborhoods. Our project was an alley clean-up led by George from an organization called “360 Detroit,” which included trimming trees, picking up trash, sweeping dirt and pulling weeds up. Once we finished that, we took our dirty bodies back to downtown for the service at Ford Field. We listened to an Arab-Lutheran pastor who spoke about Muslim stereotypes and gave a prayer in both English and Arabic. We had another speaker named Sarah Funkhouser who worked as an English language teacher for blind children in Jerusalem, which was quite a feat. Easily the best part of the night for everybody was a Motown performance by two of The Temptations, a Pip and a Capital, which had everybody moving their feet. A powerful speaker told us about a black child who was killed by a racist, and the child’s mother who looked past his sins and forgave the murderer. Saturday was a late start for us, but once we woke up we went back to the convention center and shopped a bit at the Old Lutheran store before going to a close-by hotel for a nice service with our North Texas- Northern Louisiana Mission Area that focused on people telling their faith stories. That night was our final night of gathering presentations, where we heard Kyle Larson talk about integrating the morals of camp into our regular life, and a woman who spoke about her program in Detroit that gives homeless women jobs making coats. Rozella White spoke about mental illness and anxiety and the love that other people will always extend to you, and Marian Wright Edelman, the first female African-American lawyer in Mississippi, spoke about poverty and educating children for the future. We also listened to a Christian rapper named Trip Lee, and the finale was performed by an extremely loud rock band called “Skillet,” which brought mixed reactions from our Youth group but was an exciting way to end the day. Sunday, fittingly, was the final event for the gathering, the worship service. It was a brilliant end to a brilliant week, with a great sermon from Bishop Eaton that spoke about the changes that we made in Detroit, a communion that took less time than communion at St. Matthew (with 30,000 people), and a fantastic gospel choir that were featured on the show America’s Got Talent. The grand finale was a big reveal that the next gathering in 2018 is going to be in… ! We all agree that this was one of the best weeks of our lives. We rose up and proclaimed justice in this brilliant city, and made a lasting impact that the local citizens of Detroit will not soon forget. We will not forget this either. Our faith in God and the impact that his children are capable of is astounding, and we are so glad that we have been able to attend this gathering and worship with so many young Lutherans like us.

Rachel Cotner, Andrew Dittmann, Aaron Jasek, Abigail Jasek, Ryan Taylor, Elisabeth Vanderkinter, Kyra White, & Shawnna White (Adult Sponsors: Shelly Jasek, Maggie Lambring, & Pastor Paul)

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Highlights—July 12, 2015 Council discussed suggestions for the bathroom Present: Karen Aho, Alaine remodel that had been made at the open forum. Karen Copeland, Hope Cotner, Rosemary Aho will ensure that the Property Committee hears Fielder, Lyle Gripp, Bill Jones, those suggestions. Pastor Paul Krupicka, Bill Moeller, and Meridith Sellers. The meeting was adjourned following the Lord's Prayer. Absent: Stephanie Abright and Paul Larson. Respectfully Submitted, Karen Aho, Secretary Minutes of the June meeting were approved.

Bill Moeller provided the Treasurer’s Report. Income As reported at the July Council Meeting for for the month of June was $20,607.51 and expenses the financial report for June, total income for were $27,961.87. the year was $126,013.32 and total expenses were $145,780.49. For the year, we show a Under Pastor Paul’s Report: net loss of $19,767.17. During the month of ❖ Transfers were granted to George and Janet Ahrens June, our total income was $20,607.51 and to First Presbyterian in Waco, Don and Susan expenses were $27,961.87. Expenses Koester to Lake Shore Baptist in Waco, & Bob and Doreen Swenson to St. John's Lutheran in exceeded Income by $7,354.36. Mansfield Bill Moeller, Treasurer ❖ Committees will be working on budget requests soon and should expect a 10-15% decrease. ❖ Latino Ministry Update - A different person will likely be chosen to lead this ministry here in Waco. W-ELCA ❖ Pastor Paul will be with the Confirmation youth at Briarwood from July 26-31. Our next general meeting will be held on Saturday, ❖ Bishop Kanouse has sent a letter to all August 15 at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. It will congregations regarding same-sex marriage. This is be a brunch! Please check with your Circle president a topic we will need to discuss to present a as to what you can bring to the meeting. Pastor Paul recommendation to the congregation for approval. will be our guest speaker. He will give a talk on This topic will be tabled until Paul Larson gets symbols in the sanctuary. Please feel free to bring a back from his summer travels. guest! Let’s try to outdo our last general meeting ❖ Pastor shared an update on gun laws in Texas. This which had an attendance of over 40 women! topic will be tabled until Paul Larson is back from his summer travels. Peggy Tooker will be sewing backpacks for the school supplies that we ship overseas for Lutheran World ❖ Pastor Paul will be on vacation August 17-26. Ken Relief. If you are interested in helping her with this and Marianna Busch will preach and preside at project, please let her know. worship on August 23rd. ❖ Nominating committee positions for 2015 still need The NT-NL Synodical Women’s Fall Retreat will be to be filled. held on October 9-10 in Hawkins, Texas at the ❖ We will plan to hold a Congregational Meeting the Brookhaven Christian Retreat Center. It begins on first Sunday in October, in order to ratify the Friday at 3:00 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. constitution. Linda Heyde, Wanda Kilstrom and Peggy Tooker will ❖ Linda Hyde is looking into Thrivent Action funds be going. Registration is $95 and is due by October 1. to see how we might be able to make use of them. Scholarships in the amount of $50 are available to help toward the cost. They are asking that each participant Under the Property Committee Report, the Council bring linens and towels to use during their stay. If you approved replacing the subfloor in the nursery. Page 4 August 2015 New Vision on New Road are interested, please contact Linda Heyde for a Mentoring section of Confirmation and on their art registration form. projects. Our next class meeting will be Sunday, September 20th following the 10:45 worship Don’t forget that we have one more combined Circle service. This is a one day, 2 - 2½ class followed Bible study this summer. It will be held on Monday, August 10 at 10:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Hope by a brief parents meeting. This class is your to see you there! opportunity to ask any questions you might have about our Christian faith, the Bible, the Church, Water Well Completed and life in general. ☞ Future NT-NL Youth Events: the NT-NL Junior Dick Moeller CEO of Water2Thrive High/Middle School Gathering will be held has advised that the clear water well November13-15 at Calvary Lutheran Church in In Honor Of The Women Of Saint Matthew Lutheran, Waco, Texas Richland Hills and The Holiday Inn Express. The was completed in June. event includes small group activities, church fellowship time, songs, games, worship, dance, and The completion report states that our more! Cost for the gathering will be $135 if well was included in the group of 20 registered by October 5th. . . . The 2016 NT-NL Water2Thrive projects implemented by Relief Society High School Service Weekend will be January 15- in the region of Tigray in Ethiopia. The well was hand 17 at the Holiday Inn Express DFW Airport. dug through solid rock and is in the village of Bamba and will benefit 380 people with clean water for many Activities for the gathering will include service, years. The communities participated fully in the worship, Bible Study, and a great deal of fun. Cost construction of these wells and the villages have now for the weekend is $75 is registered by November taken full 29th. . . . Mark your calendar and save these dates! ownership of the projects. Registration forms for both of these events are

available from Pastor Paul. The people of Tigray and the village of Bamba thank the members for making this blessing of water ☞ The 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering will be held in possible. They are grateful to have you as a partner to Houston, June 27 - July 1! All youth who are bring more clean water to those in need. entering the 9th grade in 2018 through those having just graduated in 2018 are eligible to attend. There are pictures of the well and one of the plaque with the name "Women Of Saint Matthew Lutheran, Waco, Texas". There are also copies The “CARING FOR YOURSELF” support group will th of the WATER2Thrive Completion Report on the meet on Tuesday, August 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the information table in the hallway. parlor. This support group is open to everyone. It is an opportunity to share what is happening in your life The membership of St. Mathew can be very proud to with people who are willing to listen. know that each day your donations are helping to provide clean water to the women, men and children in the village of Bamba in Ethiopia. This was our journey with Jesus to Ethiopia. Members with Prayer Concerns: Karl Mattlage, Jacen Stanford, Elaine Noack, Jean Melzer, Bill & Elnora Schwake, Brenda Crye,

Wanda Kilstrom, Stephanie Zimmerman, Larry & Ty Henrichs, Stephanie Lambring, Alfred & Hildegard YOUTH NEWS Gstattenbauer, Geneva Massingill, Aime Lillard, ☞ Confirmation youth are reminded Doris Reiske, Morgan Adams, John C. Linda, Cora Gillespie, Thomas, Elisabeth, David, & Stacey that they need to be working on the Vanderkinter, Edna Howland, Tammy Vickrey, Page 5 August 2015 New Vision on New Road

Cynthia Shetler, Ed & Clara Poehl, Doris Minnix, Bob Stough, Claude Roller, & Rick Buckner (Janet Tony Cureton, Janet Ahrens, and Ann Lehrmann. & Terry Roller) Sandy Brock (Tracy Brock) Cindy Schlosser (Michael & Cynthia Frey) Those in our military serving in the Middle Rick Wooley, Ann Marie Beaman, Jennifer Britton, East: Iva Harris (David & Edna Howland) Willie Creamer, brother of Sam Creamer Alan Caruthers, Elsie Sommerfeld (Aime & Patrick Lillard) Those for whom prayer is requested: Tomas Sandoval (Bradley Linda) Cole Sellers, John Argubright (Meridith & Clay Teri Castenada, Natalie Jehu, John Pristash, Marion Sellers) Van Winkle, Melanie, Pam Becker, Judy Harris (Beth D’aun Cox, Donna Penney, Janet Green (Kim & Ross Pristash) Browne) Bob Hueske (Bill Martin & Billie Boeche) Ruth Schwartz, Larry Schwartz (Shannon Adams, Elizabeth Travers and family (Sarah Rude & Niles Shelly Jasek) Haich) Don Cannon, Ann Simpson (Larry, Helen & Ty Cynthia Priolet, Peg Ramsey (Jean & Stan Hoffmeyer) Henrichs) David Cruse (Lee & Marilyn Cruse) Ron Luebben (Doris Akard) Stevie Spalda, Belva Meckes, Wayne Gower, Phyllis Sharon Nipper, Mary Ann Cotton, & Debbie Vonasek & Royal Fraedrich (Karl & Karen Aho) (Bill & Elnora Schwake) Krista & Harrison Flinn (George & Janet Ahrens) Shirley Gilliland, Brent Gimble (Bill & Jean Moeller) Laura Farris (David & Stacey Vanderkinter) Tyson Selman Roger Sanders (Clydine Arthur) Dorthy Rippstein (Bill & Mary Krause and family) Patti Hawkins (Monica & Daniel Harper) Rhonda Owens (Denise Self) Tanner Underwood (Morgan Adams) Gene Janke; Rebecca, Danny, Aubrey & Colby Cindy Ledbetter (Judy & Sarah Schwieger) McFarland (Arlene Schwarz) Dee Skillett (Del & Sue Hensel) Lou Mayberry, Lisa Brown, Sammie Wise (Marcyl & We express our Christian Sympathy to: Weldon Howell) ✝ Gabriela and Alfredo Colman at the death of Marcy Randall, Erin Kelly (Mary & Bobby Koon) Gabriela’s grandmother, Peggy Bartley Anna Castella (DeAnna & Kemper Beard) ✝ Carrie Berger and her the family at the death of her Geoff Arms, Elena Grant (Lauren Roller) husband, Jerry Berger Antonio Rodriguez (Pilar Rodriguez-Larson) ✝ The family of Laura Patschke (Stacey & David Margie Pierce, Bert Gripp (Lyle Gripp) Vanderkinter) Patricia Johnson, Maria Guerrero (Susan & Don ✝ The family of Bobby Joe Broome (Billie Boeche) Koester) ✝ The family of Robert Hoida (Marcyl & Weldon Lena Steinfath (Linda Stanford) Howell) Kelly Giniewiez, Lee Larson, Patricia Hines, Wally ✝ The family of Mary Shelton (Marcyl & Weldon Roach, Jeff Warhol & Sammie Warhol (Steve, Paula & Ashley Jenson) Howel) Josh Hanks (Rebecca & Elmo Haferkamp) Ken Bird (Geneva Massingill) Allee Gomulka (Pastor Paul & JoAnn Krupicka) Jim Hill, Willie Gestalter, Charlotte Rendiero (Cora Congratulations to Dylan & Kristen Gillespie) (Fillmore) Harrison who were united in Mitzie Key, Gina Salazar, Erin Kelly, Leland th marriage on Saturday, July 25 at Bayou Lambring, Raymond Lambring, Betty Lambring, Kenny Lambring, Shaeson Groves, Goates Family Barn in Marrero, Louisiana. and Reed Family (The Lambring Family) Betty Pareya (Michael Pareya & James Stokes) Shirley and Mike Lanham (Betty Bracken) Clint Tchiavsky, Gordon Hubeneck, Jack Burnham, Page 6 August 2015 New Vision on New Road

Waco’s homeless folks will receive new shoes that they pre-select and have fitted. Donations are welcome to To our St. Matthew Family, help purchase shoes. Please make checks payable to “St. Matthew Lutheran.” Place in one of the white pew Thank you for all your prayers, many cards and phone envelopes and write “shoes” on it. calls. ❤ World Malaria Day 2015 – Sunday, August 16th! Help

Thanks to Pastor Paul for his visits and visiting with make malaria history! For most of us in the United my family and friends at the time of my surgery. States, mosquitoes are merely a nuisance. (Okay… for those of us in this neck of the US woods, a really big I’m still having therapy ahead for me, but hope to be in nuisance…) But in many parts of the world, mosquitoes worship soon. carry malaria—a preventable, treatable disease that can

Elnora and Bill Schwake be deadly if left untreated. Did you know it takes only $3 to test and treat this disease? Three years ago, at the 2012 NT-NL Assembly, our Mission Area took on the Dear St. Matthew Friends, challenge to raise $160,000 for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. As of April 2015, we have raised I would like to thank each one of you for your $152,046.33 of that $160,000! This is the final year of thoughts, prayers, e-mails, calls, beautiful cards, gifts the campaign. We are so close to meeting our goal, and and flowers you remembered me with during my helping the ELCA reach their goal of $15 million! On recent pacemaker surgery. Thank you Pastor Paul for August 16th, special offerings will be received to help your visit to the hospital to see me the day of the make malaria history. Please use one of the white pew surgery. It was appreciated very much. I am blessed to envelopes and mark on it “Malaria”. Together we can have friends like each of you and you are truly my extended St. Matthew family. God has been with me help stomp-out Malaria! each day of my recovery and I am thankful for his ❤ We continue to collect non-perishable food items guidance and care. for Caritas. Canned meats, canned vegetables, mac & cheese, beans, rice, “box” meals are Anchored in God's Love, especially needed. Please NO glass items. Wanda Kilstrom Together, we can wipe-out hunger in Waco! (During July, 132 pounds of food items were donated. Thank You, St. Matthew!) Christ’s Family in Service . . . Thank You to . . . ❤ Our next God’s Work. Our Hands. ❣ all who contributed to the Mission Waco - Mission Servant Day will be Sunday, September World School Supplies 6th following the 9:30 a.m. worship. We ❣ all who contributed to Mosaic’s Christmas in July will be picking up trash in our neighborhood, working collection around the church, and working on quilts for Lutheran ❣ all who contributed to the Diaper Detroit World Relief. There is the possibility of another project for that day, if details can be worked out. Mark collection. Because of your generosity, we were your calendar and plan to be God’s hands in our able to purchase $650 worth of diapers and wipes. community and world! ❣ all who helped with the hot dog luncheon on July ❤ Shoes For the Homeless – $40 for new pair. The 10th 12th – setting up, serving, and cleaning up. Also, to Annual Mission Waco “Walk for the Homeless” will be those who brought chips, dips, desserts, and all the held on September 20th beginning at 8:00 a.m. with various trimmings for the hot dogs. hundreds of community and church folks making the ❣ Roy Anderson for leading the Wednesday Bible casual 1.5 mile trek through the streets of Waco with Study while Pastor was in Detroit, and Robert educational stops along the way. Before the walk, Page 7 August 2015 New Vision on New Road

Krienke for leading the Wednesday Bible Study BRIARWOOD RETREAT CENTER will host the annual while Pastor was at Confirmation Camp. Invitational Golf Outing at Bridlewood Golf Club in ❣ Phil Van Auken for preaching and presiding at Flower Mound, Texas, on Friday, October 9, 2015. worship on July 19th while Pastor was in Detroit Funds raised from this Invitational Golf Outing are ❣ Shelly Jasek, Maggie Lambring, and Pastor Paul used to make camp affordable for all children and for serving as chaperones for our youth at the youth, and provides camperships for those with Youth Gathering in Detroit specific needs. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. ❣ the anonymous donor of “pocket change” for the followed by breakfast before our 8:30 a.m. start. The cost is $130 per golfer and includes breakfast, lunch, youth trip to Detroit cart, range balls and 2 drink and 1 raffle ticket. Register at bidpal.net/briarwoodgolf. GERMANY TOUR: Still thinking about going to Germany in 2017 on our St. Matthew Lutheran tour to A INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE IN AN IMPORTANT celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation but CONVERSATION haven’t committed yet? Well we have been informed The hard but undeniable fact of deeply embedded racism that the early bird discount of $400 has been in American society has come to the fore in painful ways extended to the end of October. If you register this past year through high-profile occurrences of racial during this time, you will save $400 per person. Also, discrimination, hatred and violence – including racially we have been told that 27 people have already signed- motivated killings. As Lutheran Christians, what should up for the tour. Isn’t that fantastic! It’s going to be a be our response and witness? As members of the great trip! If you would like to know more about the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, how are we called to confront the sin of racism? tour, or begin the registration process for the tour, We need to talk and we need to listen, but we also need information is available in the Entrance Way of the to act. As one important step in this process, I invite you church, or contact Meridith Sellers or Pastor Paul. If to join me and William B. Horne II, an ELCA lay leader you have friends or family who might be interested in and member of the ELCA Church Council, for a live being a part of this tour, please share this information webcast conversation on the complexity and implications with them. of racism on Thursday, Aug. 6, at 8 p.m. (CDT). I urge you to deepen your involvement in and commitment to this important work to which we all are called. I believe our live webcast on this topic on Aug. 6 MISSION WACO’S “Champions for Christian Service is one useful way for us to pursue this together, and I Breakfast” will be held Thursday, September 17th at hope you will view and take part in it. 6:45 a.m. at the Waco Convention Center. The You may read more about this webcast at keynote speaker for the breakfast will be Neal Jeffrey, www.ELCA.org/webcast, where a link to the live the quarterback of the 1974 “Miracle on the Brazos.” webcast will be embedded. A live stream also will be Neal Jeffrey helped change the course of Baylor available at www.Facebook.com/Lutherans. Twitter football. The starting quarterback (1972-1974) led the hashtag is #ELCAConfrontRacism. If you would like to Bears to their 1974 Southwest Conference submit a question to be considered during the live Championship. He went on the play for the San Diego webcast, please send it to [email protected] and Chargers. Currently the associate pastor of provide your name and your congregation’s name, city Prestonwood Baptist Church (Dallas), he speaks and state. nationally about how God has directed his path. To Your Sister in Christ, reserve a table for the “Champions for Christian The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton Service Breakfast” call 254-753-4900. Presiding Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

St Matthew Lutheran Church 800 N New Road Waco, TX 76710

Address Correction Requested

Want to CONTACT US at St. Matthew Lutheran: W-ELCA BIBLE STUDY LEADERS for September. A reminder that we will return to our Circles in September Telephone #: 254-772-9349 for our monthly Bible Studies. Because Pastor Paul will Fax #: 254-772-4328 be out of the office, the Bible Study Leaders gathering, preparing for the September meetings has been moved Website: www.saintmatthewwaco.org from Monday, August 24th to Thursday, August 27th at 5:30 p.m. We will meet in the Conference Room. Email: Church Office: [email protected] Pastor Paul: [email protected] Our Sunday morning video class on “ISLAM” continues through the month of August (except for August 23rd). Friend us on Facebook: During August, we will focus on the following topics: www.facebook.com/SaintMatthewLutheran The Contemporary Resurgence of Islam, Islam at the Crossroads, Women and Change in Islam, Islam in the CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: West, and The Future of Islam. The video class Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. meetings in the Fellowship Hall following the 9:30 Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. worship service. All are welcome to attend.

In the event of an emergency, call the telephone number above and follow the instructions for “if this is It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than an emergency” to reach Pastor Paul. to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt. August Birthdays, Anniversaries, & Baptisms

8/1 Steve Bowles 8/1 Joe & Cindy Hutyra (30th) 8/2 DeAnna Beard 8/2 David & Debbie Evans (24th) 8/2 Courtney 8/3 Carl & Donna Gustafson (31st) Beuerlein 8/8 Steve & Paula Jenson (29th) 8/3 Daniel Evans 8/18 Jerry & Darlene Cureton (48th) 8/3 Leana Mann 8/21 Orien & Lanah Bagley Jr. (44th) 8/4 Donna 8/22 Paul & JoAnn Krupicka (40th) Gustafson 8/23 Rickey & Brenda Henry (40th) 8/5 Mauveline 8/24 Kevin & Janet Reiske (24th) Hafer 8/26 Albert & Diane Hampel (54th) 8/5 Chelsea Smith 8/26 Larry & Helen Henrichs (48th) 8/7 Don Chavez 8/31 Tye & Crystal Stanford (13th) 8/7 Georgia Haferkamp 8/7 Meridith Sellers 8/7 Elisabath Vanderkinter Anniversaries of Baptism 8/11 Cate Kindler 8/1 Samuel Brock 8/11 Amy Koester 8/1 Aaron Gustafson 8/12 Rebecca Haferkamp 8/5 Christopher Cocek 8/14 Wyatt Bowles 8/5 Kathy Nordt 8/14 Jerry Cureton 8/10 John C. Linda 8/15 Alexandra Schmedthorst 8/11 Marliese Chavez 8/22 Cynthia Frey 8/11 Karen Curtis 8/24 Lauren Roller 8/11 Robert Heyde 8/24 Leta Scherer 8/13 Erin Goolsby 8/25 Bill Gillespie 8/19 Bobby Zimmerman 8/26 Elaine Noack 8/20 Carli Conner 8/23 Don Chavez 8/23 Darlene Cureton If you have a birthday, wedding anniversary, or 8/25 Michelle Cocek anniversary of Baptism in August and are not listed 8/28 Janet Rawlings above, please let the church office know so that we can 7/31 Jillian Duncan include that information in our database and in next August’s newsletter.

YOU ARE INVITED! In celebration of their WINE AND HYMNS. Our next Wine and Hymns will be 50th Wedding Anniversary, Jean and Stan Tuesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. at Klassy Glass Hoffmeyer would like to invite you to a Wine Bar (723 Austin Ave). Join us for a fun evening casual open house on Saturday, Aug 8th of song and fellowship, as well as some good spirits from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran and food. Please invite your friends and neighbors to Church Fellowship Hall. No gifts, please. be a part of this enjoyable evening.

Ready to do some singing? Then join us on Wednesday, August 26th at 6:30 p.m. in the sanctuary as the CHOIR begins rehearsals for our fall worship services. Anyone and everyone is welcome to be a part of our exciting choir program.

Graceful Generosity Published to help you grow as a steward of God’s grace.

Purpose for Giving It is always a sad thing to hear members of “Feed my lambs” (John 21:15), Jesus said. a church, brothers and sisters in Christ, talk Having received our spiritual sustenance, about “we” and “they” when speaking of we, his lambs, now go out into the world to fellow church members. These words are often heard in phrases such as, “They are always asking us for money. Why should we give just so that they can spend it where they want?” It’s an attitude that brings puzzlement to many minds. Why the division into these camps? Who is it that asks us to give anyway? For what purpose do we give? Of course, we know it’s scripturally-based. From the beginning, God has asked for our firstfruits. We also know that God could accomplish his work without any help from feed the lost sheep who need both spiritual us, just as he created the world out of and physical food. “If anyone has material nothing, but he gives us the joy of being his possessions and sees his brother in need but partners. Perhaps we should consider those has no pity on him, how can the love of God two thoughts when we think about our be in him?” (1 John 3:17). Having giving. experienced the love of God through his children, the lost sheep are then receptive to For what should our money be used? For the spiritual food which is offered – offered the Lord’s work, which is done through the over back yard fences, offered through church. What is the main task of the church, homeless shelters, offered in faraway lands but to preach the Word? And is it not the where our missionaries minister. task of the church members, then, to support Do you still feel as if you are giving to that preacher of the Word? them? Actually, you’re not even giving to “Don’t you know that those who work God, only returning to him what is his to in the temple get their food from the begin with. Let us pray that we might find temple, and those who serve at the joy and excitement that he chooses to use altar share in what is offered on the the gifts, the time, the financial resources he altar? In the same way, the Lord has has entrusted to us so that his people might commanded that those who preach the be cared for and the Gospel may be gospel should receive their living from preached to the ends of the earth. the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). So spoke St. Paul.

A Sermon to Remember While watching a little TV on Sunday “Reverend,” said the young man, “I’m so before going to church, I watched a church sorry about the delay. It seems as if in Atlanta honoring one of its senior pastors everyone waits until the last minute to get who had been retired many years. He was 92 ready for a long trip.” at that time and I wondered why the church The minister chuckled, “I know what you would even bother to ask the old gentleman mean. It’s the same in my business.” to preach at that age. People want the front of the bus, the back After a warm welcome, introduction of of the church, and the center of attention! this speaker, and as the applause quieted down, he rose from his high back chair and walked slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a note or written paper of any kind he placed both hands on the pulpit to steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak. “When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in my 50-odd years of preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and sustained me through all the trials. The one thing that I could always rely Three Kinds of Givers on when tears and heartbreak and pan and It has been said, “There are three kinds of fear and sorrow paralyzed me … the only givers: the flint, the sponge, and the thing that would comfort me was this honeycomb.” verse… To get everything out of a flint, you must “Jesus loves me this I know. hammer it and then you get only chips and For the Bible tells me so. sparks. Little ones to him belong. To get water out of a sponge you must We are weak but he is strong . . . squeeze it, and the more you squeeze, the Yes, Jesus loves me . . . more you will get. The Bible tells me so.” But the honeycomb just overflows with its own sweetness. That was a sermon to remember! Some people are stingy and hard; they give nothing away if they can help it. Others are On the Lighter Side good natured; they yield to pressure and the A minister waited in line to have his car more they are pressed the more they will filled with gas before a long holiday give. A few delight in giving, without being weekend. The attendant worked quickly, but asked at all; and of these the Bible says: there were many cars ahead of him. Finally, “Each of you should give what you have the attendant motioned him toward a vacant decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly pump. or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Blessings on Your Stewardship Journey!

© Copyright Parish Publishing, LLC  May not be copied without permission.  www.parishpublishing.org AUGUST 2015 MINISTERS OF WORSHIP August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Worship Assistant Meridith Sellers Beth Pristash Phil Van Auken Sue Hensel Andrew Dittmann

Communion Assistant Beth Pristash Linda Heyde Sue Hensel Kenneth Busch Beth Pristash Phil Van Auken Meridith Sellers Marcyl Howell Linda Heyde Marcyl Howell Communion Elements Bancale Family Bancale Family Peggy Tooker Sellers Family Peggy Tooker Linda Heyde

Children’s Sermon Pastor Paul Jeanne Dittmann Hope Cotner Meridith Sellers DeAnna Toten Beard Lector Pat Gorton Pat Gorton Sue Hensel Sue Hensel Sue Hensel

Acolyte TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Altar Guild TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Greeter Bill & Jean Moeller Bill & Jean Moeller Bill & Jean Moeller Bill & Jean Moeller Bill & Jean Moeller Usher TBA TBA TBA Sharon Bracken TBA Usher TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Usher TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA Usher TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

Tellers Beth Pristash & Peggy Tooker

Altar Flowers Robert & Hope Elmo & Rebecca Pastor Paul & JoAnn Larry & Helen Ron & Sharon Cotner Haferkamp Krupicka Henrichs Peterson

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1

August 2015

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8:30am Stephen 5:30pm Aggie Moms 11:00 a.m. Dominos Ministry Supervision 6:30am Men’s 2:00pm Adult Fun 9:00am Quilting 9:30am Worship Breakfast & Bible Day 10:45am “Islam” Study 11:00am Bible Study

9 10 11 12 13 14 15 11:00am Dominos 9:30am Worship 10:00am W-ELCA 5:30pm Evangelism 11:00am Bible Study 2:00pm Adult Fun 9:00am Quilting 9:30am W-ELCA 10:45am “Islam” Joint Bible Study Committee Day General Meeting 6:30pm Church 6:30pm Caring for Council Yourself Support Group 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

9:30am Worship 11:00am Dominos 11:00am Bible Study 2:00pm Adult Fun 9:00am Quilting 10:45am “Islam” Day

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9:30am Worship 11:00am Dominos 11:00am Bible Study 2:00pm Adult Fun 9:00am Quilting 6:30pm Choir Day 5:30pm Sept. Circle Bible Study Leaders 30 31

9:30am Worship 10:45am “Islam”