The Tidings

Christ Lutheran Church

The Tidings Christ Lutheran Church

OCTOBER 2016 ISSUE #338

Faith—it does not make things easy it makes them possible.

Luke 1:37

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From the Pastor, to My Partners, ...

What is a Lutheran? Someone who sells pumpkins on the front lawn of their church in Lake

Jackson every October. We Lutherans are surely more than that, but that may be all most peo-

ple around here know about us.

We would do well to have a short description of ourselves, since we will likely meet a lot of people at the Patch who know very little about us and might like to know more. The old promotional contests used to ask people to write a de-

scription in 25 words or less. Today, some people call it your "elevator speech." See if you can come with what you

would say, if someone came up to you and asked, "What is a Lutheran?"

Here are some suggestions to help you get started: Lutherans are Christians in the tradition of the Protestant Refor-

mation. We ground our faith in the core biblical teaching that God saves us by grace through faith. (Eph 2:8-10)

God’s freely given unconditional love and forgiveness surrounds us and supports us every day. We live thankfully for

all of God’s gifts, and we share openly and generously for the good of all.

And, if anyone asks, the name "Lutheran" began as a derogatory term meant to brand Luther and his followers as here-

tics, when they insisted that salvation in Christ could not be bought or sold, but was a free gift of God. The reformers embraced the name -- as we do still today -- as label for positive change in the church. Saved by God's grace, we join

with others in our community to serve Christ's mission of love and forgiveness.

We have much we can say about our own congregation, too! Our vision statement says a lot

itself: "Worshipping, Learning, Serving, together as the Hands of Christ." Most know about

our wonderful Pumpkin Patch each year. Many know about Camp Hope, our annual three-week summer da y camp. We also have some very engaging discussions in our adult Sunday

School class. We support missionaries in Africa and Central America, as well as many local

ministries -- including the Society of St. Stephen, Helping Hands and Hearts Hospice, Crystal Crafters eye clinic, Brazosport Cares food bank, school supply drive, and Christmas projects,

for a few. We have hosted the community festival Faith4Good the last three years, also.

As part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are part of the largest Lutheran denomination in our coun-

try. Lutherans also represent the largest number of Protestants in the world. Through these wider church connections

we participate in the World Hunger Appeal, Lutheran Disaster Response, and Lutheran World Relief.

Yes, I do believe we have a story to tell! And I also many people in our own community know only a small part of

who we are. We all need our version of the close to 25 words or less elevator speech, so more may know of the great

work of Christ among us!

What wonderful blessings we have from our creator and savior!

What wonderful blessings we can be to others!

God's peace,

Paul Geisler

Pastor

The Tidings 3

Worship & Music Notes

OUR NEW REGULAR SCHEDULE

Sept. 25th 9:00am worship with Sunday School following.

Together, We Gather, We Hear the Word, We Share the Meal, and We are Sent into the world.

Our epistle lessons will be from 2nd Timothy.

Our gospel readings continue in the gospel of Luke.

Reformation Sunday readings will be from Romans and John.

Oct. 2nd. Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed. A little faith goes a long way, according to Jesus. We don’t see many mustard seeds these days, but we do know a bit of mustard adds a lot of flavor to anything it touches. When we are touched by Jesus, how can we help but want to reach out and touch someone with

the love of Christ. His hands, our journey.

Oct. 9th. A cleansed Samaritan leper became a model for those who would praise and worship God and

give thanks for God’s mercy. Many readings talk of the Samaritans being lowly outcasts. Yet, Jesus’ inter-actions with Samaritans were teaching moments for all who heard Him preach. We are equal in God’s

eyes.

Oct. 16th. There once was a hateful judge who met his match in a widow. Her persistence wore him

down. She knew she was in the right—and so did that unethical judge. Our prayers touch the heart of God,

we lay our praise, confession, thanksgiving, and pleas at the foot of the altar. We are heard!

Oct. 23rd. Pharisees were most knowledgeable, yet piety was nowhere to be found in most of them. In

our gospel, a Pharisee was bragging to God about how he conducted himself. Nearby, a genuinely pious, humble soul was offering up His prayers to God, in repentance and love. Humility and piety are scarce commodities in our “me first” society. Remembering the needs of others should help us be who God in-

tends us to be.

Oct. 30th. It’s been 499 years and the church continues to

reform in many ways. Prayerfully consider how the views of the church have changed over the centuries. The church is not a static entity, but an ever-changing, living, breathing blessing from God. When we consider the changes we see every day, what an amazing world we live in and what an

amazing God we serve. Thanks be to Jesus!

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Worship & Music Notes The season of Pentecost is roughly half the calendar year.

During this time, there’s no babe to welcome, nor Messiah to suffer and then triumph over death. It is a time of learning, growing, hearing Christ’s teachings, especially regarding the church’s mission in the world. The altar is clothed in green during the Pentecost season—signifying life, hope and new life in the resurrection. This year, the season of Pentecost culminates with Christ the King Sunday, which is followed by the First

Sunday of Advent, November 27th.

Fourth Quarter Devotionals

Christ in Our Home and The Word in Season are now available in the gathering area. Please pick up a

copy for your own daily reflection. These are timely, scripturally related mini-studies that are easily carried in

purse or pocket.

Weekly Bread for Life Study Group, now in its 16th year!

We meet from 11:30 – 12:30, in the church library.

In October, we will be reading and discussing the epistle lessons from 2 Timothy.

Oh, my! We have rousing, interesting, thought-provoking discussions. And when in doubt, we ask Pastor Paul for insight, or find some answers on Google as we discuss the upcoming epistle lesson. Copies of the appropriate study are usually on the library table. There is no leader, no test, nothing

but great fellowship and discussion—and a bit of chocolate.

Your YES means a lot to the quality of our worship time.

Thank you to those folks who have agreed to help with Power Point and other things.

The need for greeters, ushers, readers, PowerPoint folks, and musicians goes on as we come together to worship. Please give prayerful consideration to stepping out of your comfort zone if asked to learn a new way to help serve in worship. The Time and Talent information turned in doesn’t adequately reflect the great talent

and loving hearts in CLC’s parish.

“Soulful Singers?”

We meet Wednesday evenings 6:30 – 7:30 to find some good music to share.

Summer is over, so we need a new title. We were blessed by the warm response to our “joyful noise” this summer. Now that we are worshiping together, we hope there are other voices who will feel called to be in-

cluded with their gift of music. Could that be you? We certainly hope so.

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Oct 1 John Bloomhuff

Oct 3 Austin Hughes

Oct 5 Dorothy Rayburn

Oct 8 Estelle Brubaker

Michaele Gregory

Sharon White

Oct 9 Susan Brown

Gene Reynolds

Oct 11 Ginger Furlow

Rod West

Oct 12 Todd Hughes

Oct 15 Kathy Sims

Bettye Jo Stoerner

Oct 16 Eli Matteck

Oct 19 Matthew Bloomhuff

Debbie Smith

Oct 20 Carey Blackman

Oct 27 Carrie Baker

Shane Pirtle

Oct 28 Glenda Chambless

Oct 29 George Warren

Oct 30 Kourtney Gregory

Oct 31 David Disisto

Fall into playing Tiki. We will be playing

Thursday, October 6 at 6:30 pm. Please

bring a snack to share.

Don White and Esther Braden will be

defending their scores.

All are welcome!

It’s a Fall Y’all potluck lunch.

Calling all ladies of the church and their friends

and neighbors.

Join the Servant Ministry committee for a potluck

lunch on Monday, October 10th at 11 a.m.

Please bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided.

Fun Friendship Fellowship

Servant Ministry—will meet on Monday, October 10th

at 9:00 AM

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THE PUMPKINS ARE COMING!

The pumpkins are coming! Saturday, October 15th is the scheduled delivery of our pumpkins for the 2016 Great Pumpkin Patch. We can use everyone’s help unloading, because while not every-one is up to handling the big pumpkins, we have small pumpkins to arrange, gourds to stock on the carts and sales to make. Folks usually show up and start buying as soon as they see pump-kins coming off the truck. Invite your friends and neighbors to come help; because this is more

than a fundraiser for Christ Lutheran Church, it’s a community event.

Once the truck is unloaded, we will need help running the patch day to day, so sign up in the nar-thex or with Mary at the church office. The fall weather can be very beautiful and the daily work at the patch is pretty easy. The patch is a hospitality opportunity for us to welcome the community onto our front porch (or lawn), and greet them with the smiles. We make some money from it, and we help local charities, but we also have a wonderful opening to make people feel welcome

at church.

The pumpkin patch has become much more than just pumpkin sales. We are a favorite field trip

destination for area preschools and kindergartens. Last year we had almost 800 children tour the

patch with their schools, and this year we already have almost 700 kids signed up for story time!

So if you like reading stories to your children or grandchildren, consider signing up to read the sto-

ry to a group of visiting children.

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HOW DID THIS ALL BEGIN?

Christi Matteck and Lorin Furlow started this venture as a fundraiser for our church youth almost 18 years ago, not realizing it would grow into a beloved community tradition that has benefited our youth, but also many charitable organizations in the community. Over the years we have donated around $18,000 to: Backpacks for Schools, Brazosport Cares Food Pantry, the Red Cross, BACH, Kidz Harbour, our Boy Scout Troop 311, the SPCA, Grandparents as Parents, the Boys and Girls Club, the Brazoria County Wildlife Rescue, and True to Life Ministries. This year, part of the profits from the pumpkin sales will go to the Society of St. Stephen, an organization that helps folks with rent, utilities and even prescriptions. In addition, the cookie and water sales will go to

Live Oak Clinic, an organization that provides low-cost medical care.

DOES THE COMMUNITY SUPPORT US?

Yes they do! Performance Party Rents has generously donated a 10 ft. x 10 ft. tent (with set up and take down), and are excited to be a part of our patch. Ryan Birdsong is reviving a family tra-dition his father Ed Birdsong started and he will be sending his customers a “thank you for your

business” postcard that he will redeem for $10 in patch sales.

Come be a part of this awesome community outreach. See you at the patch!

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Upcoming Workshop Announcement for Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG) Women Educators, Eta Omega Chapter, as well as congregants and friends of

Christ Lutheran Church in Lake Jackson

Name: Women and Money: Taking Charge of Your Financial Future

Where: Christ Lutheran Church

86 Plantation Ct. Lake Jackson, TX 77566 When: Monday October 17, 2016 6:30 pm to 8 pm

Is your financial house in order? More and more women are responsible for their family’s financial well-being. They also face unique financial challenges—like longer lifespans and caregiving responsibili-ties—that can affect their long-term financial security. That’s why it’s crucial for women to develop a fi-nancial strategy.

During this event, you’ll learn: How and why women’s economic clout is growing How day-to-day realities and expectations can affect your financial future Six steps to help you take control of your money and help you achieve financial security

Hosted by Thrivent Financial representative Bryan C. Davis, CLTC®, FIC, Financial Consultant AR License 16091270 (No products will be sold at this event.)

Please try to RSVP by 8/10/2016. Call Christ Lutheran office at (979) 297-2013 or send an email to clcoffice@sbcglobal.net. You may also contact Susan Geisler at sgeisler@brazosportisd.net or Bryan Davis at (979) 848-7631 or bryan.davis@thrivent.com

Dinner will be served at the event.

For more than 100 years, Thrivent Financial has helped its members be wise with money and live gen-erously.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth

Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55415, a FINRA and SIPC member and a wholly owned subsidiary of Thrivent Financial,

the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. Thrivent Financial representatives are reg-

istered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc. For additional important information, visit

Thrivent.com/disclosures.

More News From All More News From All More News From All

The Tidings 9

Autumnal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects between 4-5% of the popula-

tion, although 10-20% have one any kind of symptoms related to it. It generally affects more women than men.

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NAMI Gulf Coast’s, Second Chance Thrift Shop is a hidden gem off

North Gordon St (Business Highway 35) in Alvin, Texas. Come visit us!

Voted Best Resale Shop in Alvin/ Manvel area!!!

Store hours: Tuesday through Friday – 10:00am to 3:00pm

* Open Late every 3rd Thursday until 7:00pm!

Location: 2206 N. Gordon Street Alvin, TX 77511

Phone: 281-585-3100

3 ways you can help at Second Chance!

1. Donate gently used clothing, shoes, books, toys or small household items. We could also use your unused

wrapping paper, tissue paper and plastic bags!

*Donations can be dropped off 24/7 at the covered dock located in the back of our building (in the alleyway

between the NAMI Gulf Coast building and Alvin Glass and Mirror).

2. Volunteer in the thrift shop! We have great benefits for volunteers, so head on over to the Volunteer tab to

read about them and fill out an application! Then you can bring your application in to the shop or email it to

admin@namigulfcoast.org. Got a group that wants to volunteer? No problem! Call us at 281-585-3100 and

we’d love to talk to you!

3. Shop! Every cent of the proceeds made from community donated items goes right back into the NAMI

Gulf Coast mission of helping individuals and families impacted by mental illness in the Galveston and Bra-

zoria counties! So you can feel good about your purchase in more way than one!

Did You Know?Did You Know?

According to NASA, autumn is “aurora season” because geomagnetic storms are

about twice as frequent as the annual average during the fall.

The Tidings 11

Helping Hands and Hearts Hospice is planning a masquerade murder mys-tery dinner fundraiser for Oct. 27. It will be a fun affair with food catered by Wurst Haus and draw upon the Halloween theme for dressing

up. Individual tickets will be $75. And table for 8 will be $560.

Please let Linda McCrery know if you're interested in supporting this ef-fort. All monies raised will be used for hospice families in Brazoria County without funds. Thanks for your consideration. There will be a sign-up

sheet soon near the Pumpkin Patch sign-up.

The next Friday Lunch Bunch will be October 7

th

11:00 AM

Join us at Wurst Haus in downtown Lake Jackson!

Property Lawn Care Schedule:

DEAN, WALTER 10/3/2016 10/9/2016

SAAVEDRA, JOSE 10/10/2016 10/16/2016

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Home Group

October 9th at the Rayburns! We are BACK!!!

Discussing—You Don’t Have To Be Wrong To Be Right

Please join us—you don’t have to read the book to participate

Sunday, Oct. 2nd Sunday, Oct. 9th

Acolytes Madyson Kreidler Eli Matteck

Readers Jean Warren Betty Massey

Ushers Paul Romine Sandy Naill

Leota Romine David Naill

Greeters Julie Saavedra Daniel Wand

Ppt Tech Kathy Sims Jean Warren

Musician Mary Morgan Mary Morgan/Linda Pirtle

M Counters Mary Morgan/Jean Warren Betty Massey/Estelle Brubaker

Sunday, Oct. 16th Sunday, Oct. 23rd

Acolytes Maddie Bone Haley Hughes

Readers Susan Geisler Linda McCrery

Ushers Floyd Ellington Gene Reynolds

Donna Tetlow Sharon Reynolds

Greeters Sharon White Sissy Waldrop

Ppt Tech Dave McCrery Kathy Sims

Musician Linda Pirtle/Sandy Naill Sandy Naill

M Counters Sandy Wand/Julie Saavedra Jean Warren/Diane Tweedle

Sunday, Oct. 30th Sunday, November 6th

Acolytes Madyson Kreidler Eli Matteck

Readers Paul Romine Susan Geisler

Ushers Bob Drake Betty Massey

Floyd Ellington Sharon Reynolds

Greeters Louise Drake Julie Saavedra

Ppt Tech Jean Warren Dave McCrery

Musician Sandy Naill Sandy Naill

M Counters Betty Massey/Diane Tweedle Sandy Wand/Bob Drake

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Sunday, October 2nd Worship, 9:00 AM

Wednesday, October 5th Bread for Life, Library, 11:30 AM

Adult Choir, 6:30 PM

Thursday, October 6th Tiki, 6:30 PM

Sunday, October 9th Worship, 9:00 AM

Monday, October 10th Servant Ministry, 9:00 AM

Wednesday, October 12th Bread for Life, Library, 11:30 AM

Adult Choir, 6:30 PM

Saturday, October 15 Pumpkins Arrive

Sunday, October 16th Worship, 9:00 AM

Monday, October 17th Pumpkin Patch Begins

Tuesday, October 18th Church Council Meeting, 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 19th Bread for Life, Library, 11:30 AM

Adult Choir, 6:30 PM

Sunday, October 23rd Worship, 9:00 AM

Wednesday, October 19th Bread for Life, Library, 11:30 AM

Adult Choir, 6:30 PM

Sunday, October 30th Worship, 9:00 AM

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CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH

86 Plantation Drive

Lake Jackson, TX 77566

THE TIDINGS is published monthly by

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH, 86 PLANTATION DRIVE

LAKE JACKSON, TX 77566-0948

Pastor…..Pastor Paul Geisler, Jr…... clcpastorlj@sbcglobal.net

Secretary…..Mary Gibson….. clcoffice@sbcglobal.net

Office Hours…..Mon.-Fri…..8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Phone….979-297-2013

Fax…..979-297-7868

Web Site…..www.christlutheran-lj.org

Ministers…..The People of Christ

Missionaries

Stephen Deal…..Serving in Central America

Ministry Support

Iglesia Luterana Agustina de Guatemala

The Hands of Christ

Worshiping Learning Serving

Together

Worship Schedule

Sunday 9:00 AM