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A Monthly Publication of Atascocita Lutheran Church
7927 FM 1960 East, Humble, Texas
September 2010 Volume 16 Number 9
Attention: All Creatures, Great and Small
St. Francis of Assisi is considered the patron saint of animals because of the respect he showed to all
of God’s creatures. In recognition of the Feast of St. Francis, Atascocita Lutheran Church will have a
Blessing of the Animals on Sunday, October 3rd at 4 p.m. We are inviting ALL neighbors of our com-
munity to bring their furry, feathered or scaled friends for a special service and blessing to be held
on ALC’s lawn. Please ask your pet-loving friends to join us. For the safety of everyone, pets need to
be on a leash or in an appropriate container.
New Member (Discipleship) Class to Begin
September 12th
If you have been visiting with us at Atascocita Lutheran Church, or you know
of someone who might be interested in joining our community of faith, there will be a ―New Member Basics‖
class offered, beginning October 12th. The class will run for seven consecutive weeks during the Sunday
School time, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., in the Pastor‘s Study.
Whether you are a life-long Lutheran, have practiced your faith within another Christian tradition, are just
looking to know more about what it means to be a Christian, or are even a current member who is interested
in a refresher course, this will provide an opportunity for you to learn and meet new people. The format of the
class will be informal and non-threatening. If you wish to join us, or if you have any questions, please give
me a call at 281-852-7333.
Pastor Gary L. Anholt
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
From MEMBERSHIP to DISCIPLESHIP is going to be the focus of all of our
upcoming programming. What is the difference you might ask? I would suggest
that fifty to a hundred years ago, membership and discipleship were perhaps not
exactly the same, but at least similar.
However, in our modern culture, membership has taken on a whole new meaning.
It has more to do with the idea of entitlement. We have memberships in video
stores, health clubs, book clubs, men‘s or women‘s organizations, country clubs,
etc. We join because of the benefits. We fill out some basic information, pay a
fee, and we are in. As members, we have rights and privileges, and receive preferential treatment and praise. If
we at any point believe that we are not getting a good enough ―bang for the buck‖, we discontinue our
membership and look elsewhere. After all, there are an unlimited number of organizations promoting their goods
and services trying to convince us that in order to be truly fulfilled, we need to join their club.
But membership doesn‘t ―go‖ anywhere. It is more about having arrived than it is a journey. Membership
requires very little of us since they do not want us to be burdened, hence we take our membership elsewhere. As
you can see, this kind of idea is deadly for the church. It goes against everything that Jesus taught when he
invited people to follow him.
Indeed, membership promotes spiritual immaturity. Sensing they are now officially ―in‖, members are free to
learn as much or as little as they desire; to be as involved or inactive as they prefer; to give as much or as little as
they find convenient; and to attend as frequently or as infrequently as they find helpful. I know this to be true,
because I am a ―member‖ of a local health club, and my attendance has been a little infrequent lately.
You see, this model for membership does not require connecting to the ―Head‖, nor does it require the
connection to the other parts of the Body. Subsequently, we have promoted a sense of personalized spirituality
that reflects the needs of our culture, but not the design of the body of Christ, the Church.
Discipleship, on the other hand is something very different. To say the least it is biblical, which is not the case
with membership. The Great Commission in the 28th chapter of Matthew confirms that the call of Jesus is to be
disciples, and the command of Jesus is to make disciples. This is Jesus‘ ONLY plan for growing the Church and
bringing forth God‘s Kingdom.
Of course this takes time. If Jesus took three years, 24/7 to make those first disciples, isn‘t it presumptive for us
to think that we could do it in less time – say one hour a week on Sunday mornings, that is, if there are no other
conflicting opportunities at that time.
Yes, discipleship takes time. It is a
transformational journey in which the goal
is to become more ―Christlike‖. Instead of
joining for the benefits, we become
disciples in order to be humble servants to
one another and the world. It does not cost
a ―minimal monthly fee‖, but rather it
costs us our very lives.
Gary L. Anholt
Q & A - STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER
Q: WHAT IS ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN CHURCH
PLANNING TO DO AS A RESULT OF THE STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER PROGRAM THAT
IS UNDERWAY?
A. The contributions from commitments pledged this fall will be
utilized with two purposes in mind:
#1—to grow our faithfulness in mission forward while;
#2— by making payments on the new mortgage that began as we
dedicated the New & Renewed Worship Center and upgrades earlier
in 2010.
“I’ve always wanted to know…” ALL WET*
ALL WET* … how are hymns chosen?
The Director of Music Ministries, Zane Barra, selects the hymns (and
other music) for each worship service. There are several criteria used.
First, what is the theme of the day (season of church year, the lessons
and prayers chosen for the day)?
Next, what liturgical actions are scheduled for the day (baptism, Holy
Communion, installation of volunteers)?
Third (and most particular), what is the purpose for each hymn? The
opening hymn gathers the community and a closing hymn sends it
forth. The hymn of the day serves as the congregation‘s ‗amen‘ to the
sermon and hymns sung during distribution of communion can be
meditative reflections on the Eucharist and the theme for the day.
Take a moment to share your thoughts about hymn selection with
Zane AND take a moment to thank him for his service.
* WORSHIP ENRICHMENT
TEAM
2010 FUNDS APPEAL
FOR GROWING THE
MISSION FORWARD
IS UNDERWAY
The 2010 Stewardship Key
Leader stewardship education s
appeal for financial commitments to grow our mission
forward for God began on August 29th.
The 2010 commitments place an emphasis upon growing
our ministries forward by securing contributions over a
three-year period that underwrite the mortgage payments.
With commitments in place for the mortgage payments
leaders will be able to utilize the week-to-week disciple-
ship stewardship giving to enrich, expand and be more
creative in our faithfulness in mission.
Sunday, October 3rd will be COMMITMENTS & CELEBRA-
TION DAY. All constituents will be invited and encouraged to
make a 3-year financial commitment. In 2007 the Faith Ven-
ture appeal resulted in commitments of $434,512. At the end
of July contributions had exceeded the 80% level for those
commitments.
NOW LOOK WHAT YOU’VE DONE
(AUGUST) Discipleship giving for the 2010 Mission Spending
Plan and Faith Venture 2007, the funds appeal for
the new worship center, have been underwhelming
during June, July and early August! The chart else-
where in this edition provides a month-to-month pro-
file of the contributions for the first seven months.
Though leaders expect contributions to improve after
school resumes, there is a important need for contri-
butions to improve greatly so that sufficient funds
will be available for both the Mission Spending Plan
and the mortgage payments.
Thanks in advance for catching up...help us stay
on task and on target with our plans for faithful-
ness in ministry.
Q & A STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER
Q. WHAT PERIOD WILL THE 2010 COMMITMENTS COVER?
A. This will be a 154 Sunday program commit-
ments beginning on October 3, 2010 and concluding
on the last Sunday in September 2013.
Third Graders to receive Bibles
An important part of the ministry this congregation shares with the children is the presentation of a Bible
to each student in third grade.
This year they will be presented on October 3 during the worship services. (You may attend either ser-
vice.)
Please give the full name of the child so that the Bible may be engraved.
To ensure correct spelling we ask that you submit the name in writing.
2010—2011 Third Grader _______________________________________________
Parent Name __________________________________ phone # ________________
Return in offering plate or church office no later than September 5.
Chrysalis
School News The Chrysalis School kicked off their 12th year
of preschool on August 31st. We have an exciting staff
that has been hard at work creating high quality program-
ing to meet the educational needs of preschool children in
a church setting. We are happy to say that two of our
classrooms are full and three of our church families have
children enrolled with us.
Please keep the Chrysalis School staff in your prayers
as they work to "make Christ known" in this school year of
learning and fun. We do have some spots still open, so for
more information and a tour of the preschool, please con-
tact Renee Wallace at 281-852-6002. Our website is
www.thechrysalisschool.org.
J. A. M. (Jesus and Me)
Elementary Age Youth Group
JAM is Atascocita Lutheran Church‘s elementary
age youth group that exists to nurture friendships
between the school age children of the church, pro-
vide a strong foundation for discipleship training
and spiritual formation, and to stress service minis-
try.
JAM is dependent on parental involvement to be a
successful group. Parents (even dads) are asked to
participate in all aspects of the monthly meetings
by providing lunch and assisting in the program.
For more information, please contact Renee Wal-
lace at (281) 852-4031 or RNJWal-
FIRST MEETING OF THE YEAR IS
SEPTEMBER 26TH
FROM 12 NOON TO 1:30!!
Q & A - STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER Q. HOW DOES THIS FUNDS APPEAL AF-
FECT THE COMMITMENTS THAT WE
MADE DURING THE PONY EXP RESSPONY EXP RESS
PROGRAM LAST YEAR?
A. This funds appeal is separate from both the 2010
and the 2011 PONY EXPRESSPONY EXPRESS program commit-
ments that are made for financial support for the Mis-
sion Spending Plan for each year. FYI – The PONY PONY
EXPRESSEXPRESS process for commitments for 2011 spend-
ing .
ALC PARTICIPATING IN STUDY &
RESPONSE FOR ELCA GENETICS
SOCIAL PURPOSE STATEMENT
The ELCA, our church body,
has asked constituents to
study and respond to a pro-
posed social statement about
genetics.
Beginning Sunday on August
15th, a group of ALC disci-
ples began the process of
studying, discussing and re-
flecting upon the draft state-
ment the ELCA has developed.
As people of faith our review and response at ALC will
be to focus on such things as: What are Christians to do with or about what is being
learned and delivered through the developments in genet-
ics?
Are we really interested in consuming genetically modi-
fied plants and animals?
What does our confession of God as Creator provide as
information for us to have good conversations about ge-
netics?
How does our doctrine about human sin provide implica-
tions for our approaches to the technological advances of
genetics?
How will we use our strong sense for biblical justice and
godly wisdom influence our decisions about genetics.
The Sunday evening sessions begin at 7:00 p.m. and are
scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m. Six individuals from a de-
sign team are sharing with the facilitator‘s duties. One or
more persons is preparing for a topic in the draft state-
ment and will facilitate conversation.
There is space for more participation.
Month Mission Faith VentureJan 22,409.00$ 6,880.00$
Feb 21,005.00 12,330.00
Mar 21,082.00 28,039.00
Apr 25,827.00 4,575.00
May 26,522.00 6,816.00
Jun 15,855.00 4,978.00
Jul 17,125.00 3,302.00
149,825.00$ 66,920.00$
216,745$ seven month total
7,225$ avg p/wk for 30 weeks
2,230 avg FV07 for 30 weeks(*) unaudited
2010 Discipleship Contributions*
The WIRED WORD is one of the Sunday morning adult
learning opportunities this fall. A couple of dozen adults
have been exchanging ideas each week about the topics
that have been ―ripped from the headlines.‖ The materials
are a subscription service that e-mails the leader‘s lesson
each Thursday a.m. Participants receive a preview copy of
the session if they have registered to be on ALC‘s distribu-
tion list.
Weekly sessions include prayer, an overview of the topic,
big questions related to the topic, confronting the news with
scriptural materials plus thoughtful interpretation, addi-
tional questions for consideration and more.
Adults are invited to sample The WIRED WORD a few
weeks to get into the flow and to participate in the lively
and friendly conversations. Several persons have shared
guiding the group‘s approach to a topic.
Moms’ Bible/Book Study Stay At Home Moms are invited to come to a Bible
Study/Book Study starting in September! Child care is
available upon request. We meet the 1st and 3rd Fridays
of every month (September-May). We'd love to have
you join us! Please talk to Allyson Evans or Sandra
Anderson for more details!
FAITH VENTURE 200FAITH VENTURE 200 77— A RECAP
(November 2007 thru mid-July 2010)
FAITH VENTURE 2007FAITH VENTURE 2007 commitments began on
November 1st of that year. $443,512 was the total of
commitments at the end of the brief education and
commitments process. These funds were dedicated for
the jumpstarting of the construction of a new worship
center and renewal/renovations for existing facilities.
Nearly two dozen households have already contributed
100% of the commitment that were made in 2007!!!
Another dozen giving units are within 10% to 15% of
joining those at 100% or greater.
The 3-year commitment period for FAITH VEN-FAITH VEN-
TURE 2007TURE 2007 concludes on October 31st of this year.
Contact Tim Trautman ([email protected]) with
requests for information about the status of a commit-
ment for FAITH VENTURE 2007FAITH VENTURE 2007 ..
Altar Flowers
Given With Love Sept. 5 by Wanda Burns in honor
of Sharon Seamon‘s
birthday
12 Open
19 by Sam & Sharon Sledge in honor of their wedding
anniversary
26 by Matthew Johnson in honor and memory of
Harry & Mary L. Stoke
Sign up in the narthex to give altar flowers. Our church florist
will make a beautiful arrangement. Cost is $40.
Sept. 2 George Brookover
Brady Mikesell
10 Judy Christiansen
Leann Hutto
13 Jeff Wallace
14 Robert Graham
17 Daymon Muehl
18 Stephen Beyer
19 Barb Poloni
22 Patricia Bosse
23 Jack Christensen
25 Cade Evans
26 Marcia Hearn
27 Zachery Rittenhouse
30 Heather Espenlaub
IF YOU HAD A BIRTHDAY OR AN ANNIVERSARY
DURING THIS MONTH AND YOUR NAME DOES NOT
APPEAR ON THIS LIST, PLEASE CALL THE CHURCH
OFFICE.
Celebrating Birthdays
Sept. 7 Craig & Sandra Anderson
Erik & Michelle Mikesell
13 Don & Rita Foisie
14 Bill & Helen Moyer
15 Dan & Judy Cargill
20 Wayne & Marcia Hearn
22 Steve & Kari Galloway
26 John & Melissa Christensen
SPECIAL GIFTS LISTS for
NEW WORSHIP CENTER & REMODELING
YES!...there are still items available from which donors can
choose for furnishing, supplying and underwriting for the
new worship center and the other aspects of upgrading the
facility. An updated list with associated costs is available.
Contact Pastor Anholt for with questions.
Diners’ Club will
meet at La Madeline in Kingwood (by Randall's) at 7:00 p.m. on Thurs-day, September 16th
(third Thursday of the month). Everyone is invited for an evening of good food & Chris-tian fellowship.
Q & A - STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER
Q. SHOULD OUR GIFT TO THIS PROGRAM
BE OVER AND ABOVE OUR GIVING TO
CURRENT EXPENSES, BENEVOLENCE AND
OUR OPERATIONAL SPENDING PLANS
FOR THE 2010 & 2011 SPENDING PLANS
FOR MISSION OF THE CONGREGATION?
A. Yes. The regular operating expenses of our
congregation, both at home and abroad, must
be supported first. Any reduction in these areas
would not allow Atascocita Lutheran Church
to operate faithfully and effectively.
Q & A - STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER
Q. SHOULD OUR COMMITMENT BE A CHALLENGE FOR US? A. YES. If we put Christ at the center of our
life, God will challenge us to give on a self-denial
basis. This will require faith. No person can predict
what will happen tomorrow, next month, or next year,
but it was the faith of our congregation that helped to
bring us where we are to day. The only thing certain
is that without God, there can be no peace or happi-
ness in our lives or in the world. God is active in and
through the church, and we are privileged to be part of
God's activity.
TEAM TALK Our ALC Leadership Team (LT) includes: Pastory Gary Anholt; Joy Berthold (President); John Christensen (Vice President);
Cheryl Howard (Secretary); Kari Galloway (Spiritual Formation); Patty Hutchinson (Worship & Hospitality); and Claudia Simon
(Outreach & Congregational Life). The team met on August 5 and discussed the following items:
ALC's finances are in good shape. Although giving is down a bit, as it typically is during the summer months, expenses are
also down, and we expect giving to return to previous levels in the fall.
We are paying $168/month for a storage unit to hold the old pulpit, altar and chairs. We will look into whether there is a
church just starting out that may be able to use this furniture.
The LT will begin preparing for the mission plan for spending for 2011 by working with Stewardship Team leader George
Brookover to assess the needs of their ministries, what is going well and should be continued, and what is not working and
needs to be tweaked or discontinued in the coming year.
Our current Faith Venture 2007 capital campaign comes to an end in October and we are making plans for the next campaign
to carry our growth forward. Pastor Haynes from the ELCA's Stewardship Key Leader program will be our guide on this
journey and he will be with us on August 29 to preach at both services and present information on this new undertaking.
The person hired for the sexton position did not work out and was let go. We have retained our previous cleaning service
and will not actively seek another sexton candidate at this time, although we will keep our ears open if we should hear of
someone who may be right for the position.
A proposal was made to replace the old and broken lighting fixtures in the downstairs classrooms, nursery, hallway and of-
fice. Although the quoted cost of $2,000 is an excellent deal, we do not have the funds at this time to move forward with this
project. If giving increases in the fall, the LT will re-visit this proposal.
All LT members will rally their ministry leaders to participate in Rally Day on August 29. This is a great opportunity to get
people excited about the ministry we do at ALC, to recruit help that is needed and give disciples a chance to sign up for ac-
tivites that will begin in the fall.
Team members would love to hear from you with ideas, suggestions, opportunities to serve, or willingness to serve. Thanks to
all for your continued service to the ministries of ALC.
Q & A - STEWARDSHIP KEY LEADER
Q. WHAT IF I PLAN TO GIVE, BUT I DO NOT BE-
LIEVE IN PLEDGING OR MAKING A COMMIT-
MENT?
A. All of life is one pledge or commitment after an-
other.Almost everyone makes pledges daily. When you
purchase anything without paying cash for it, you pledge to
pay later. When you sign for telephone, water or gas ser-
vice, you pledge to pay at a later date. When you united
with the church, you pledged to uphold it "by my prayers,
attendance and gifts." Why not make a pledge to support
the work of the church? A financial commitment is a state-
ment of your intentions to be part of our congregation's
faithfulness in ministry through (theme) and beyond.
Begin Baking! ALC‘s Annual Fall Festival is Sat-
urday, October 9th. Please re-
member the church‘s bake booth
needs your goodies as a part of the
Fall Festival! You can deliver your baked goods to
the church on Friday, October 8th, until 8 p.m. or on
Saturday directly to the bake booth. Homemade
breads, rolls, muffins, cookies, cupcakes, brownies,
and pies are popular items. Please package cookies
and brownies in individual baggies of 2 or 3.
We‘re looking forward to another successful year, but
it is not possible without the help of everyone! We
encourage every family at Atascocita Lutheran to
make a baked donation for the bake booth! Please
consider supporting this important effort to help those
in need. Contact Heather Espenlaub at 281-436-
1889 or 713-417-8223 or [email protected] with
any questions.
We’re on the web!
alutheranchurch.org
ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN CHURCH
7927 FM 1960 East, Humble Texas 77346 - (281) 852-7333
www.alutheranchurch.org
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID Huffman, Texas Permit No. 19
ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN
CHURCH
Our Vision:
As a growing, diverse community of believers on a
journey of faith, we seek to make Christ known
through reflecting Christ in our lives.