June 2021

† The Epis le Hello St. Paul’s and friends,

This year our Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Assembly was held online for the first time. Normally we meet in a hotel or

church in either Texas or Louisiana for our Assembly. But this year, for two days, May 21 and 22, congregations from 40 Texas

counties and 39 Louisiana parishes met online through the Whova technology app on our phones or computers.

Kevin Johnston and I attended as the voting members for St. Paul’s. We had worship, devotions, business sessions,

presentations for theological and practical reflection, updates on the ministries of our church, and breakout workshops.

The theme was Unimaginable. We live into the revelation of God’s unimaginable grace.

Synod Council members were elected, and five people from our synod were elected to attend and vote at the 2022 ELCA

Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio. The Bishop of our Synod, Rev. Michael Rinehart reflected on Ephesians 3:20 and

God’s power at work in the church as we have learned, grown, and adapted during COVID. As we envision next steps,

he encouraged us to stay focused and hopeful with God.

We heard from Lutherhill Ministries in LaGrange, Texas in their 67th year. They embrace the theme “Be Bold” as they have

expanded their site with the purchase of more land and have resumed on site camping. They have Open Camp Day on June 5,

a free event with food. Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas had their highest enrollment in their history during the

pandemic. In the fall semester, students will return to on-campus dorms. Lutheran Disaster Response was very active in giving

aid financially and helping with boots on the ground in 49 countries with crisis situations. We heard from our companion

church, The Lutheran Church of the Central African Republic as they send their greetings to our churches. Even as they deal

with poverty, disease, and violence, they keep their worship going, their health clinic healing people, and outreach moving

along. They are approximately 55,000 Holy Spirit-driven practicing Lutherans who dance and sing in worship and walk or use

motor bikes to do ministry. Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service continues to resettle refugees and bring families

together. Campus Ministries welcomed a new pastor and restarted a new Houston area Campus Ministry in collaboration with

the Episcopal Church. ELCA Youth Gathering will be in Minneapolis, Minnesota July 24-28,

2022 with a theme of “Boundless God Beyond Measure.”

Proposed 2022 spending budget for our synod was approved at $1,368,000, a $15,800

increase over 2021 budget. The largest part of the budget is ELCA Benevolence and Pilot

Funding. Compensation Guidelines for the synod were updated. Since there were no

increases in 2020 or 2021, an increase was approved for 2022 for both urban and rural

settings.

Deacon Peggy Hahn gave a presentation on “A Future Vision” and Rev. Dr. Kim Wager,

Asst. Prof. of Homiletics at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago gave a presentation

on “Trauma, Ministry, and Faith in these Unimaginable Days.”

It was an honor to attend the Synod Assembly and to engage with our sisters and

brothers across our synod, being the church together!

Onward by faith and blessings in Christ Jesus,

Pastor Nancy

Pastor Nancy with goodies from the Gulf Coast Synod office

The Epistle June 2021

Birthdays 2 – Drew Bruner

2 – Reneé Simons

6 – Bree Hylton

8 - St. Paul’s Lutheran Church

9 – Kyle Stevens

10 – Karen Guthmiller

10 – Reagan Perry

11 – Helen Fojt

11 – Donna Reavis

15 – Gretchen Bruner

17 – Dave Reavis

20 - Brooks Bruner

20 – Kim Holle

24 – Susan Clanton

24 - Melody Rein

26 – Taylar Carter

26 – Justin Stevens

28 – Glena Pfennig

Baptismal Anniversaries

1 – Sherry White

11 – Michelle Barnes

18 - Gregg Simpson

22 – Stefan Abmayr

25 – Carly Baldwin

27 – Millie Baxter

28 – Jon Pfennig

30 – Christine Johnston

30 – Blake Simons

Wedding Anniversaries

6- Dalton & Tori Rein

8 – James & Sandra McGee

9—Mike & Kristen Stephens

9—Juan & Carly Moreno

9 – Matt & Robyn Soileau

11 –Steve & Becky Rouyer

12 --Monty & Michelle Barnes

17—Reagan & Sylvia Perry

20—Clarke & Joyce Crizer

24 – John & Mary Schlobohm

25—Bogar & Elizabeth Garcia

29 - Darren & Natalie Seymour

29 – Ben & Elaine Vircant

WAYS TO WORSHIP Sunday Worship is available in a

couple of ways:

In Person worship with Holy

Communion in the Sanctuary at

10:30am or you can stay at home

and watch the service streamed live

on St. Paul's Facebook page.

A recording of the streamed service

will also be available our website

and on YouTube.

Adult Sunday School In Person Classes begin at 9:30am Sunday mornings

in the Music Library. Classes led by Joyce Crizer.

Sunday School lessons are also available for Adults

and children on our website.

HELP GUIDE YOUR GIVING Through Thrivent Choice, you can contribute to St. Paul’s – and influence how Thrivent distributes some of its charitable funding. Choice dollars must be directed yearly.

• By directing Choice Dollars, eligible clients with membership recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable funding.

• Clients become eligible to direct Choice Dollars based on their insurance premiums and contract values.

Direct Choice Dollars Check your eligibility

Awesome God, thank you for your saving power and

comforting peace. In Christ’s name. Amen.

Handbell Choir & Praise Team

Rehearsal Schedule 9am– 9:30am Bell Choir

9:30am-10am Praise Team (Voice)

Both Handbells and Praise

Team will rehearse in the

Sanctuary on Sunday

mornings.

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June 14—August 13 7am-6:30pm

Monday—Friday

Ages 5-12 years $72 per child, per week

Register online with the Y

Golden Group Luncheon Antonio’s Italian Grill and Seafood 2727 W Baker Rd, Baytown Tuesday, June 15th, 11:30am

Please contact Lorrie by text or email to reserve your spot. landrews1124@gmail.com 281-382-9770 There is also a signup sheet in the Narthex.

CONFIRMATION SUNDAY June 6th

Stole Color: Black

Special Word: Trust

Bible Verse: 5Trust in the LORD with all your heart,

and do not rely on your own insight. 6In all your

ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight

your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Prayers in My Pocket | Linda Utecht Perhaps you know someone who might benefit from having a strand of prayer beads after this trying time. You might want to share prayer beads with the members of your teams, circles, or other groups as a way to celebrate being together again when the time comes. Would you like to have a small “stash” to have on hand to be able to give one to someone as you see a need? Would you like some for yourself, your family, or friends? During this time of staying home and staying safe, there was more than ample time for me to create, and I have many strands on hand. I am always willing to mail any number to fulfill a request. Simply email your request! beadsinmypocket@gmail.com

The Epistle June 2021

O God, let my words and actions witness to your saving grace and love. In Christ’s name. Amen.

The objective of the Food Pantry Wing remodel is to

renovate the pantry because of issues with mold,

A/C, logistical, flooring and space issues. Adding

electrical power for commercial freezer/

refrigeration systems. Tear down and rebuild to

allow for increased capacity for commercial freezer/

refrigerator systems, pallets of canned and dry

goods storage, movable carts, shelving, tables, areas

of inspection, food weigh-in, sorting, and the use of

our pallet jack.

The Food Pantry provides food for approximately

125 families every Thursday, 9-11am.

We are also registered with the United Way 211

emergency resource network for families in crisis.

The Food Pantry Wing Remodel Fund already has

$10,000 in it. The Food Pantry is donating another

$7000 to help reach our goal of $70,000.

We are making a huge

impact in our community.

Helping thousands of

families in need. We are

asking for your financial do-

nations for our Food

Pantry Wing remodel.

Let’s fill the glass to

the brim!

You can give money via

check, cash, or through

Tithely.

Hurricane Preparedness The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration NOAA is considering moving the Atlantic hurricane season start day from June 1 up to May 15, according to a statement from the National Hurricane Center. Let’s be prepared! Go to our website and click on the tab “72 Hour Lutheran (Hurricane Preparedness)” to see a list of supplies that you will need in case of a hurricane.

Retirement Milestone Sunday June 27th Please contact the church office if you retired last

year or will be retiring this year. We would like to

celebrate this very import ant milestone in your life.

Ronald McDonald House Pull Tabs

We are still collecting

pull-tabs for the Ronald

McDonald House. Please

bring them to church on Sunday morning

and give them to one of the Ushers.

Scam or Spoofed Emails

Always read the subject line and email source in the FROM line, before opening such emails. If you aren't sure, reach out to whomever appeared to write the email and simply ask if they sent it. Pastor Nancy will never contact you directly via email to ask you to send money to them personally. Please do not send money anywhere else on our behalf.

The Epistle June 2021

Jesus, help us to see and value the your and vulnerable among us as you did. Amen.

2021 CHURCH WOMEN UNITED CHILD SPONSORSHIP FUNDRAISER Church Women United Childcare Center Baytown Texas provides income based child care to assist low income families and Lee College students with their child care needs including a top rate education and breakfast, lunch and snack every day! HELP us continue to serve these families by sponsoring a child for one day ($25), one week ($125) or one month ($500) visit our donation page here to sponsor a child https://church-women-united-child-care-center.square.site

Open Camp Day

June 5th

You’re invited to Lutherhill for

Open Camp Day! RSVP Now!

• 10am – Camp Opens

• 11am – Camp-style Worship

• 12pm – Hamburger Lunch

• 1pm-4pm – Camp Activities Open: Ropes

Course, Pool, Pond, Arts & Crafts and more!

• Don’t forget to bring your swimsuit, sun block,

and beach towel – you’re gonna want to get

wet!

• Remember to wear some good tennis shoes;

you’ll need them to climb the ropes course

• You might bring your Lawn Chair if you have a

favorite

• Parents FAQ’s

www.Lutherhill.org

https://www.elca.org/YouthGathering

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TITHELY ONLINE GIVING 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 to create an account. Now you can give from any tablet or computer. Questions/Concerns: contact Kim Holle

Church Council 2021 Donna Reavis: President John Schlobohm: Vice President/In-Outreach Kim Holle: Treasurer Angie Ash: Secretary Members at Large Susan Clanton Worship & Music Rosie Haas Becky Linsenbardt Kurt Migl Property Comm. Liaison Natalie Seymour Education/Youth & Family Birdie Torberson Stan White Sandra McGee

May Memorials & Honorariums

In Memory of: Given By: Designation: Rip Clanton Myrtle Viereck General Fund Cindy Eschberger Myrtle Viereck General Fund Pat Loudy David and Lorrie Andrews General Fund

Father’s Day Blessing Sunday June 20th “As a father has compassion for his children, so the Lord has

compassion for those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

Graduation Sunday Megan Hess, Morgan Perry and Logan Hylton were honored for graduating from college.

Megan and Logan both got degrees in Biology.

Megan earned her degree in Behavioral Science’s with minor in Health Promotions.

The Epistle June 2021

Please continue to make your offerings to the church. Even though you may not be able to attend in person, the costs to run the church continue.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Baytown, TX

Council Meeting May 13, 2021

Members Present: Donna Reavis, Pastor Nancy Simpson, Rosie Haas, John Schlobohm, Angie Ash, Sandra McGee, Susan Clanton, Becky Linsenbardt, Stan White, Kurt Migl Members Absent: Kim Holle, Birdie Torberson, Natalie Seymour The meeting was called to order by Chairman Donna Reavis 6:30 PM. Pastor Nancy led the group in the opening prayer and reading. APRIL 8 MEETING MINUTES Rosie Haas MOVED, Kurt Migl seconded, to approve the Minutes of the April 8, 2021, Council Meeting. Motion carried. PASTOR’S REPORT

• Received word that St. Paul’s is a beneficiary of the Robert Steffler estate.

• Registered to attend Synod Assembly (virtually) May 21 -22, as a clergy voting member along with Kevin Johnston, lay voting member.

• Baptized Scarlett Rein on Sunday, April 25.

• Emilia Landry to be confirmed Sunday, June 6. Current confirmation class studying The Ten Commandments.

• Presided at memorial service for Cindy Eschberger.

• Easter Sunday – 22 in attendance at 8:30 service; 65 at 10:30 service.

• Sylvia Perry will serve as backup live-stream technician when Jada is not available.

• Microphone headset has consistently malfunctioned. Pastor, Rick, and an online tech explored new audio system headsets and pur-chased a new one.

• Herzstein Foundation Grant application submitted 4/26/2021 for $75,000,

• Tegna Foundation Grand application submitted 3/1/21 for $11,000.

• In reference to the Moody Foundation Letter of Inquiry, they are devoting most of their grant funds to Foundation-initiated projects.

• Pastor’s office has a new computer purchased with technology funds.

• Kim Holle has requested that all church repair invoices be labeled in detail. TREASURER’S REPORT

• Kim Holle was unable to attend the March meeting, but forwarded the Treasurer’s report to council. In March income exceeded expenses in the amount of $4,480.11. Stan White MOVED, John Schlobohm seconded to approve the report as received. Motion carried.

• In April income exceeded expenses in the amount of $2,761.83. John Schlobohm MOVED, Susan Clanton seconded, to approve the April Treasurers report. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

• Stewardship Committee Temple Talks- Lorrie Andrews would like to donate $7,000 from the Food Pantry funds toward the proposed repair costs of the Food Pantry wing. She will also like to present a Temple Talk to discuss a Food Pantry wing fund raiser.

• YMCA Have not heard from the YMCA regarding their summer program.

• Property Committee Looking into repair of the chair lift. Waiting on repair estimates on porch repair and parlor repair.

• Inreach/Outreach Mothers will be presented with a rose on Mother’s Day after worship. There will be a church picnic after worship on May 30.

• Youth and Family/Education Graduation Sunday will be May 23. Graduates Morgan Perry, Megan Hess, and Logan Hylton will be recognized. YELLOW BOOK REVIEW (Congregation Handbook) The meeting was adjourned at 7:22 PM and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Angie Ash, Secretary

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St. Paul’s Lutheran Church ELCA 712 Schilling Avenue, Baytown, TX 77520 Tel (281)422-9333 stpaulssecretary@comcast.net www.stpaulsbaytown.org

STAFF: Rev. Nancy Simpson, Pastor Rick Falconi, Director of Music Ministries Jada Hylton, Director of Office Ministries

.

On June 8th St. Paul’s Lutheran Church celebrates it’s 78th Anniversary!

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized June 8, 1943. For the first five years, regular worship services were

held at the Baytown Community Building. Due to wartime building restrictions, it was not possible to proceed with

construction of the church for another two years.

On June 13, 1948, the white colonial style church building, designed for the setting among the trees on a knoll located

at 1904 West Main Street, was dedicated. The new church was known as "The Christmas Card Church"

or "The Friendly Church in the Pines."

In 1959, the Texas Highway Department announced plans for extending State Highway 201 to form a loop

around Baytown. Unfortunately, the sanctuary was situated in the right of way for the new highway, so a

new church location had to be found. Ground breaking ceremonies were held on Schilling Avenue,

May 10, 1964, and the cornerstone was laid for the new church on August 2, 1964.

The congregation accepted from Zion Lutheran Church of Charlottenburg, near Hallettsville, a donation of a

large tower bell. As the congregation planned the new church, the design included the original bell as a prominent part of the structure. St. Paul's, in its new setting was known as "The Friendly Church With the Bell."

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19