The July 2015 Good News Journal Living God’s Word Daily ord Daily The Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, I was asked to perform a funeral for a non-member. It turned out to be a memo- rable occasion because of a little boy–the deceased’s grandson. When I arrived, I noticed the tyke sitting looking at a smart phone and making all sorts of comments. He was not control- ling the volume of his voice, and he kept talking and talking and talking. One could not help but wonder what was going on. As the service started and I began speaking and welcoming those gathered, the boy continued his verbal tirades. Mom got up and took him out. You could hear him talking from the other room. Another elderly woman (the other grandparent perhaps?) took her turn. Then it was dad’s turn. At one point, the boy escaped his watch and ran straight up to the casket. There was a part of me that wondered what was going on. Was there a need for discipline? Part of me asked that question. It was a rush to judgment. At the end of the service, the boy and his family approached the casket. “Grandma!” the little guy yelled out. “Grandma! Hi, Grandma!” “Daddy, is grandma going to wake up?” “Grandma’s sleeping. Shh!” “Not the way I usually handle death with kids,” I thought to myself. Another rush to judg- ment. Yet, there was also something nagging telling me that although this kid, for all practical purposes, looked normal, there was something more. After grave-side services were over, I approached the father. “You know, you may have a preacher there on your hands.” “He’s autistic.” And there it was. “He’s very verbal.” I exchanged a few more words with him, but deep underneath, I was wondering. If this couple with this boy showed up in the midst of worship on a Sunday morning; if they were complete strangers and no one knew them; if everyone just looked at this boy and his seeming “normalness” and were subjected to his verbal cries and “inappropriate” behavior, what would happen? What kind of welcome would they receive? As I talked to the father of this boy, I could sense the strain deep within him. I could sense the toll it was taking to care for this son of his–a son he deeply loved. Would we rush to judgment? Would we add insult to injury to this family who was trying to work with a son who suffered from disability? I’ve been to more than a few churches in my day. I cannot remember very many of those churches where kids with such disabilities were noticeable. In fact, in many of these places, they were absent. And yet, don’t they have a place at God’s table? Wouldn’t Jesus be telling his disciples, “Back off! Let the little guys come unto me, for to such as these belong the kingdom of God.”? There is no doubt in my mind the answer is yes. I understand that such a thing would cause major distraction. I understand that it might spoil the “worshipful” attitude many of us try to assume when we gather. Hey, it distracted from my sermon. I get that. I don’t like it, but I am wondering what is more important. If Jesus welcomed us when we were imperfect; if Jesus died for us when we were still sinners; if Jesus sacrificed Himself for our benefit, and our hearts are changed by that, is it possible for us to welcome others in their imperfections, when they distract us, when they prevent us from obtaining a worshipful attitude? It is possible for us to refrain from judgment and provide a space for even the least of these–and those who struggle to care for them–to be welcome and accepted just like we were welcomed and accepted? As a congregation, we have not experienced such a thing, yet. But if it were to occur, I hope that we may graciously extend a hand of healing and hope to those who truly need it most. ~Pastor Haug St. John Lutheran Church of Cat Spring ~ 480 Ross Street ~ Cat Spring, Texas 78933 Pastor Kevin Haug ~ Cell (979) 733-6086 Home (979) 865-3842 ~ [email protected] Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm ~ (979) 865-5444 Choir Director Janice Whitehead ~ [email protected] ~ Youth Director Christa Klar ~ [email protected] Secretary Sam Waxler [email protected] St. John Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes from June 15, 2015 The meeting was called to order by John Simpson at 6:27 p.m. Pastor Haug opened the meeting with a prayer. Members present – John Simpson, Ralph Grinde, Robbyn Hill, Pauline Lapham, Kenneth Blezinger, Pastor Haug, and Regina Nelson. Member absent – Christa Klar Guests – Beautification Committee members – Brenda Menke, Shirley Dahl, Mary O’Neal, Marsha Tipp, and Gwen Reichardt. The members of the Beautification Committee asked council to allow the Beautification Committee to hire a maintenance crew to maintain the church grounds, which includes the front of the parsonage, office, church and the lot behind the church. After discussion, Pauline made a motion, seconded by Robbyn to allow the Beautification Committee to hire and oversee H. Brown for yard maintenance. Motion carried. Correction to the May Minutes as to Kenneth Blezinger was absent at the May meeting. Ralph made a motion, seconded by Pastor, to approve the May Minutes with correction. Motion carried. Regina made the motion, seconded by Pauline, to approve the Treasure’s Report. Motion passed. PASTOR’S REPORT: Vacation Bible School kicked off on June 15th. There were 40 kids and at least 10 youth helpers. There were also at least 8 or so adults working and helping with teaching and snacks. This is a tremendous increase in involvement over the last three years. In no small part, Christa has brought about much of this involvement. Thanks so much to Christa for all her help. Pastor will be taking vacation (sjw) beginning June 22nd through June 28th. Vic Fair will lead services on Sunday, June 28th. Debbie Reichardt will be available to handle any emergencies and pastoral care. COMMITTEE REPORTS: House & Grounds – The fire extinguishers are in the process of being replaced with new ones. The air compressor was replaced in the church office. NEW BUSINESS: No new business other than the presentation from the Beautification Committee as explained under the Guest section in these minutes. CALENDAR: Reviewed July Calendar. Pauline Lapham and Ralph Grinde are Council on Duty for July. Robbyn made a motion, seconded by Pastor, to adjourn. REVENT NWANTED ET Motion passed. P U P S Spay & Neuter Assistance Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer. 1884 Bostik Road Cat Spring, TX 78933 Respectfully submitted, 979-732-5591 Regina Nelson www.pupsofcatspring.com Printed exactly as submitted except where necessary changes were made; indicated by my initials (sjw); 100 % of your donation goes to animal care! RN notified. St. John ELCA of Cat Spring We have so many Worship Attendance “grateful givers” here at St. John of Cat Spring, 8am 10am Total and we know God loves May 31st 39 50 89 when we give with a June 7th 50 76 126 joyful heart. But did you know you can make the th June 14 41 92 133 Stewardship Committee June 21st 24 101 125 happy too? Just be sure and write your name on your envelope (first and last). Even if you have assigned envelopes, it’s always a good idea to include your whole name. It’s a fast double-check system for us and makes entry to our accounting software easier too when we can check the number against the name listed. We want to be certain your monetary gifts are applied correctly. May 2015 Financial Report Did you know you can now donate directly Operating Account: to the Prayer Shawl Ministry Fund? Your donations help provide yarn, needles & Beg Balance 4/30/15 ................. $51,266.39 many other supplies. Shawls have been given to Income .......................................... $16,683.43 a lot of individuals since this ministry was creat- Expenses ........................................ ($7,687.39) ed just about one year ago. They’ve brought Balance 5/31/15 .......................... $60,262.43 comfort to a great many people. If you’d like to contribute, make your check out to St. John and CSB Money Market: ..................... $100,151.55 indicate in the memo field “Prayer Shawl Fund”. Mission Investment Fund ............. $222,173.36 Thank you for your continued support!!! Cemetery Fund: ........................... $147,243.45 Building/Property Fund: ................... $1,798.42 Memorial Fund: ............................... $16,694.98 Every Monday Community Care Fund:................. $16,154.11 9:30 am in the LYO Fund: ........................................ $12,883.36 Music Fund: .......................................... $143.84 Gathering Room Thrivent Choice Dollars: …. ............. $8,360.00 Wedding Activity Fund: ................... $1,433.05 The LYO Youth Group is still hard at work raising Scholarship Fund: .......................... $21,577.36 funds for at Camp Chrysalis! Prayer Shawl Ministry Fund: ............... $520.00 SUMMER CAMP 2015 We’re still selling raffle tickets for the beautiful Sealy Christian Pantry Fund: .................. $0.00 hand-made quilt donated by the St John Quilters. ELCA Benevolence Fund: .................. $350.00 Tickets are $1.00 each or a book of ELCA Disaster Relief Fund: ............... $1,415.00 six for $5.00. The Drawing will be Misc Fund: ................................................ $0.00 held Sunday, July 26th so BUY Respectfully submitted, YOUR TICKETS TODAY! You can pick Robbyn Hill, Treasurer up tickets from any child attending camp, or you can buy them on Sunday after either service.