December 2015

St. Paul’s Lutheran

The Epis†le

Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

The church season of Advent is upon us. It is time to prepare for the celebration of the birth

of our Savior Jesus Christ! It is obvious from the beautiful lights being strung up on houses

and fences, and our own special decorations in the church, that this is a hopeful season, and

we are hopeful people as Lutherans. Our hope is in the Lord!

The white and gold ornaments hanging on the green garlands and in the center of the

wreaths in our sanctuary are Christian symbols of hopeful faith (chrismons – “Christ

monograms”). They were hand-made by church members years ago and still spread the faith

today.

The Church is to be the spreader of faith and hope in Jesus Christ all year long – praying for

others, singing songs of faith, playing bells and other instruments in joy to the Lord, sharing

the Good Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, worshipping and

ministering in the name of Christ, inviting others to come and receive the grace of Jesus

Christ.

Come with your faith, family, and friends to Wednesday Advent worship services at 7:00 p.m.

on Dec. 2, 9, 16, and enjoy fellowship and a Texas tamale dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m.

Our Christmas Eve Celebration is on Dec. 24 beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the Nativity Drama

and special musical presentation followed by children’s procession with sleigh bells leading us

into the traditional candlelight service. As Isaiah the prophet once said: “Prepare the way of

the Lord!”

A hope-filled Advent and Merry Christ to you all,

Pastor Nancy

The Epistle December 2015

Birthdays

1 – Mary Schlobohm 2 – Angie Ash 3 – Millie Baxter 3 – Anna Maria Chauviere 4 – Betty Ganske 6 – Stefan Abmayr 8 - Krista Hargrove 8 - Bailey Stevens 8 – Billy Stevens 9 – Briley Blackshear 9 – Rip Clanton 9 – Gary Smith 12 – Robert Steffler 12 – Kurstyn Clarke 14 – Carly Hylton 16 – Justin Reavis 17 – Marguerite Brueck 20 – Gene Zeiss 22 - Elaine Eschberger 22 – Emily McCoy 23 - Caroline Lucke 24 - Jace Seymour 25 – Jesus Christ 26 – Amy Andrews 27 – Albert Elizondo 29 – Hannah Prague

Baptismal Anniversaries 1- Willy Salewski 4 – Sonny Mask 7 – Kevin Johnston 9 – Kaitlin Migl 10 – Kyle Stevens 10 – Bailey Stevens 10 – Billy Stevens 11 – Kelly Ray Dikeman 12 – Nancy Simpson 26 – Bill Mayberry 27 – Debbie Gillespie 27 – Nancy Graham 30 – Adrianne Stevens 31 – Betty Ganske

Anniversaries 17 – Ed & Debbie Bakemeier 18 - Lawrence & Land Lauderdale 20 – Albert & Karen Elizondo 26 - Rob & Kyla Johnston 29 – Phil & Mildred Crawford

Serving Our Country

Aaron Adams, Alan Campisi, Aaron Carlin, Michael Giese, Paul Gomez, Mitchell Handley, Corbin Haro, Mike Hobbs, Amy Hoff and family, Brandon Locha, Stephen McWilliams,

Aaron Molina, Chris Paradowski, Kaylyn Perry, Chris Salo and family, Cheryl Sisco and family, Kyle Spence, Garrett Threadgill, Austin Wilkinson, Sean and Hannah Zarsky

In Our Prayers

Family of Beverly Blue- support Shannon Blue- health concerns Charlotte & Leon Busby-support Vernon Caninenberg- health concerns

Cindy Eschberger- shut-in Family of Ben Eppley- sympathy Boo Boo Fojt- health concerns Betty Ganske- health concerns Barbara Garrett- health concerns Family of Dean Grant- sympathy Virginia Hackfeld- health concerns Dorothy Johnston- healing Emily McCoy- healing Elvie McCullough- health concerns Lorraine Patterson- health concerns Colleen & Ken Peting- health concerns

June Tieman- health concerns Sherry White- healing Kathe Wodahl- health concerns Sharon Zeiss- health concerns

Thank you To all who helped with the fu-

neral luncheon for Dean Grant To everyone who helped with

the Advent decorating To the communion bread

providers, Tellers, Sound System Technicians, Committee Members, Choir Members, Instrumentalists, Prayer Shawl Ministry, Eucharist Ministers, Card Writers, photographers and any volunteers not mentioned

To all those that volunteer as Sunday morning worship leaders. You are appreciated!

To Hoya Ash, Sandra & James McGee, Don Eschberger, Chuck Ohm, and any others who work keeping our church grounds so beautiful.

In Sympathy Dean Foster Grant

August 20, 1925 - November 8, 2015

Harold Arthur “Ben” Eppley August 4, 1931 - November 15, 2015

Using our talents

Shawna Zeiss 12870 U.S. Highway 92, Site E-22

Dover, FL 33527

Congratulations to Shawna who has been

accepted to law school at Cooley School of Law Tampa Bay, Florida

She will begin her studies in January.

For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and

not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11

The Epistle December 2015

God’s Work. Our Hands. Part ll Sunday, December 13th

Cookies for our First Responders

and Christmas Decorations for our shut-ins

After worship we will once again make wreaths for

our shut-ins and cookies for our First Responders.

All supplies will be provided. Please join us in the

Fellowship Hall and be part of the spirit of giving and

loving our neighbor. Lunch will be provided.

Women of the

INREACH/OUTREACH NEWS

Committee Meeting, Monday, Dec. 14th at 1pm

ELCA Good Gifts www.elca.org/goodgifts

Mosquito Netting

To most of us in the United

States, mosquitoes are nothing

more than a nuisance. But in

many countries, especially in

Africa, just one bite from an infected mosquito

could transmit malaria and lead to death.

A mosquito net treated with long-lasting insecticide,

coupled with instruction and education on how it is

used, helps ensure that families are protected from

this life-threatening disease each night as they sleep.

For just $10.00 you can buy one net—Donations

may be placed in the offering plate with the word

“net” written as the memo. Our aim is to cover the

continents as our contribution to the ELCA outreach

mission and ministries of our church. Donations are

open through December 27th. You may also go

online and donate.

Community Inreach/Outreach here at St. Paul’s:

CUB SCOUTS Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

GOLDEN GROUP NEWS (50+ are welcome to attend) Please contact Lorrie

at 281-382-9770 for more info.

Wednesday, December 16th

at 11:30 a.m. in Fellowship Hall

Catered by Steven and Becky Rouyer

FOOD PANTRY SCHEDULE FOR DECEMBER Open December 22nd and 29th, 9a.m. - 11 a.m.

(closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve)

The Epistle December 2015

Advent Midweek Worship Series Wednesday Nights at 7:00 p.m.

December 2nd, 9th, and 16th

first week: Mary Accepts

second week: Mary & Joseph Believe

third week: Mary Expects

Tamales for Advent Before the Midweek Advent Service tamales with

rice and beans will be served. Starting at 6:00 p.m.

we will gather to wind down from our busy day,

enjoy fellowship with our friends and enjoy delicious,

homemade tamales. There will be a free will

offering to offset the cost of the tamales.

Poinsettias 25 red poinsettias are available for

purchase in honor or memory of

loved ones. The are $16 each. Place

your payment in the offering plate

with the word “poinsettia” written in the memo.

There is a sign-up sheet in the Fellowship Hall. You

may take your poinsettias home after the Christmas

Eve worship service.

Christmas Eve Celebration December 24th at 6:30 p.m.

We will begin with a Nativity

drama and special music

followed by children processing

with sleigh bells and traditional

candlelight service.

WORSHIP & MUSIC NEWS Committee Meeting Dec. 20th at 12:00 p.m.

EDUCATION NEWS

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.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP

Second Saturday of every month at 7 a.m.

Come enjoy breakfast, Bible study & fellowship.

Talk with Ian Gillespie for more info.

SUNDAY SCHOOL - all ages

and CONFIRMATION CLASS for 7th - 8th graders

9:00 a.m. Please join us, there’s something for

everyone. See bulletin board in entryway for your

teacher and classroom.

YOUTH & FAMILY NEWS Committee Meeting Dec. 13th at 12:00 p.m.

CHRISTMAS FUDGE Let the youth help with your Christmas baking this

year! We will be selling creamy, homemade,

melt-in-your-mouth fudge for $10 a pan. Please pre

-order by signing up in the fellowship hall. Fudge

will be ready for pickup on Sunday December 20th.

All proceeds go to fund summer camp programs.

Thank you for your continued support!

Lessons & Carols Worship- Sunday, December 27th at 10:30am

The Epistle December 2015

by Lizbeth C. Johnson Gift Planner

Lutheran Foundation of the Southwest

article published online at Connections

tlgcconnections.wordpress.com

Charles Ohm Finds a New Life in Christ A “Road to Damascus“ experience in Baytown, Texas

In the September of 2010, Charles Ohm was not a happy person. Ravaged by drugs, he had

lost focus for any goals in his life. His self-esteem was gone. He and his wife had been

incarcerated many times and desperate on many occasions. He describes a sensation of

wandering aimlessly on many days.

On the day in September of his revelation, Charles was riding a bicycle on Schilling Avenue in Baytown, Texas.

Much to his surprise, he felt an unknown force pull him into the parking lot of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He en-

countered a congregation member and asked about attending services. With a positive response, he attended ser-

vice that very day. He has since been baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He has learned how

true respect, love, and forgiveness really work and what they mean because of the Lord in His life. He has learned

what the body of Christ is all about.

Charles helps congregation members from time to time with everything from home maintenance to repair. He is a

regular volunteer at St. Paul’s food pantry on designated Thursdays. You will see his friendly face and big smile

greeting those who are served by the St. Paul’s Food Pantry, an outreach ministry of the church. Charles enjoys the

peace of Christ---and it shows. “I’ve learned to trust the Lord to guide me daily--and as I do, I find peace,” he says.

Charles Ohm describes his left turn on the bicycle at St. Paul’s as the best turn of his life.

CHRISTMAS XBOX RAFFLE $10 per ticket

drawing held Dec. 16th

XBOX ONE + Kinect

Deluxe Edition Madden 16 Game

10” Android Tablet and case

All proceeds benefit the After School Program.

Tickets on sale NOW after worship or come

by the church office.

This would make a great Christmas present!

No Grinch at St. Paul's Are you a Christmas Grinch?

Do you say Bah-humbug to extra giving?

As we move into the holiday season and the end of

the year at St. Paul's--our finances are deep in the

Red. We need some extra holiday giving to lift us

up to the equal line. How has this happened?

Look around, our attendance has waned and so has

the giving. The Church Council

has a very optimistic look

forward to the New Year,

but we can't do it without your

help. St. Paul's is your church

family. Please put it on the top

of your Gift List for this year.

Thank you to all,

Debbie Gillespie,

Chair Stewardship Committee

The Epistle December 2015

Memorials & Honorariums November 2015

IN HONOR OF GIVEN BY DESIGNATION Larry Linsenbardt Sandra Sensebe Choir Fund

Dean Grant Jay Leeper Family Choice Elvie McCullough Food Bank Jake & Helen Fojt Food Bank Gloria Murdock Youth Group James & Sandra McGee After School Program Rip & Susan Clanton After School Program Angie & Hoya Ash After School Program Ken & Colleen Petting Youth Fund

Marjorie Poe Elvie McCullough ELCA Good Gifts Jake & Helen Fojt ELCA Good Gifts James & Sandra McGee After School Program Hoya & Angie Ash Family Choice Rip & Susan Clanton Music Fund Ken & Colleen Peting Music Fund

Ben Eppley Ruth Blue Pastor's Discretionary Fund James & Sandra McGee After School Program

Golden Group Luncheon at Monument Inn. Happy birthday to all our November birthdays that attended the luncheon: Myrtle Viereck, Jake Fojt, Lorrie Andrews, Jada Hylton

The Epistle December 2015

St.

Paul’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes November 19, 2015

Present: Lorrie Andrews, Tena Burgess, Rip Clanton, Debbie Gillespie, Renee Napier, Kim Holle, Pastor Nancy Simpson, Beverly Tomsic, Donna Reavis

Opening devotion and prayer: Pastor Nancy

Minutes from the October meeting were approved as published.

Treasurer’s Report –– Kim Holle – Expenses are up. Giving is down. There is not enough money in the account to cover expenses for this month.

New Business:

Budget review – The proposed budget for 2016 was reviewed. It does not look like it will be possible to give raises next year, due to health insurance cost increases.

The Coastal Bay Conference will be held in Galveston on January 31st. The Council will attend.

The Annual Congregational Meeting will be January 24th in conjunction with a pot luck luncheon. Annual reports need to be to Jada by December 18th.

Wedding, Funeral, Quinceañera, and Fellowship Hall policies were reviewed.

There are no milestones for December from the Red Book.

Committees reported out:

Youth committee reported that Luther Hill camp will be at St. Paul’s June 12-17 and we need four volunteers ages 16 and up.

Worship and Music committee reported that a request was made to move the praise services to the 3rd Sunday of the month. Instead it was decided that, if it is a Festival Sunday on the last Sunday of the month, there will not be a praise service that month.

Inreach/Outreach committee reported that the food pantry was inspected and passed. The coat drive was successful. December 13th will be a God’s Work, Our Hands day to make cookies for first responders again and to make wreaths for sick and those that are shut in. ELCA Good Gifts this year will be for Malaria Nets and they are $10 each. Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by Tena Burgess, secretary

Church Council 2015 Rip Clanton: President (Property) Debbie Gillespie: Vice President Kim Holle: Treasurer Tena Burgess: Secretary Members at Large Lorrie Andrews (Inreach/Outreach) Beverly Tomsic (Worship & Music) Renee Napier (Education) Donna Reavis (Youth & Family)

NOMINATING COMMITTEE for the 2016 Church Council

Rip Clanton, Becky Linsenbardt, and Beverly Tomsic

The Church Council of St. Paul’s is made up of up to 12 elected mem-bers and the Pastor. Officers and “At-large” Council members are elected and given the responsibility for the oversight and governance of the mission and ministry of St. Paul’s.

PROPERTY NEWS

Committee Meeting

Sunday, Dec. 6th 12pm

CHURCH WORKDAY SATURDAY, December 12th Begins

at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and lunch

will be served.

Church Offices Closed: December 23rd - January 1st

After School Program Closed: December 18th - January 4th

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 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 Nursery Attendant: Zonia Zamudio

MANY, MANY THANKS to minister Beverly Hawkins and sister Bernice Taylor for providing our Food Pantry with turkeys. The good Lord led Beverly to us and we are very thankful for that. Beverly is the founder of Sister’s Helping S.I.S.J.A.H.’S., a diverse group of women that have come together to make a positive impact in their community and in women’s lives. Their goal is to help, encourage, educate, and empower one another. They have joined together with Order My Steps Ministries to give away 10 boxes of thanksgiving turkeys and canned goods to families in need. We received eight of those turkeys. What a blessing! If you are interested in being part of this ministry you are welcome to call Beverly or join them on Facebook. 281-866-1826 Sister’s Helping S.I.S.J.A.H.’S is self supporting.