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TEXAS MESSENGER

TEXAS JANUARY 2018 / 1

From the president

By Rev. Ken Hennings President, LCMS Texas District

blessed 2018 to each of you! It is my prayer

that you would grow stronger in your walk of faith and in your ability to share Gods’ grace with others.

The Texas District’s mission state-ment is:t “To strengthen congre-gations to reach the lost, disciple the saved, and to care for people, locally and globally.” How is the district doing in accomplishing its mission? In my next few articles for the Texas Messenger, I will share how God has blessed our district and how we need to build on these blessings.

The Ablaze! emphasis launched by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 2004 set a goal for Synod to attempt to start 2,000 new min-istries by the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017. I do not know the number of new ministries started in Synod during this time, but I do have the numbers for the Texas District.

Back in 2004, the district informed Synod that we would attempt to start, by God’s leading and bless-

ings, 200 new Word and Sacra-ment ministries. The numbers I share with you are new congre-gations doing worship along with Sacraments on a regular basis.

Many times since the district set this goal, people have asked me, because I was serving as mission executive in 2004, whether 200 was achievable. The district was averaging about five new Word and Sacrament ministries per year in the years leading up to 2004. We could have set the goal for 100 and strengthened our efforts in what we were already doing to reach 100.

Setting the goal at 200 meant that we would have to learn new ways of starting new missions. Over the Ablaze! years, I have thanked God many times for leading the district to select 200 as our goal. Blessings upon blessings have been poured out on the district that I believe wouldn’t have come without setting the goal at 200, including learning new things and experiencing sur-prises along the way.

God has blessed us from 2004 through the Reformation anniver-sary in 2017 in planting 123 Word and Sacrament ministries. We did not make 200, but I will share with you what happened beyond the 123.

Our Ablaze! storyThe Board of Mission Administra-tion (BMA) decided in 2005 that it would help congregations in plant-ing new Word and Sacrament min-istries, and that if at all possible, the BMA would not start any by it-self. So the 123 new ministries were all started by congregations and mission networks. The total of 123 is larger, on average, than what the BMA’s average was before 2004. These 123 new starts represent sev-en years when the district saw 10 or more new starts. The most fruitful year was in 2010, when there were 17 new starts. That’s truly amazing!

In future articles, I want to go deeper into the 123 new starts. How many closed? How many were non-Anglo? How many were satellite starts of congregations? How many merged with another ministry?

And along the way, I will share the many blessings. For now, as we be-gin 2018, join me in thanking God for mission blessings over the years and for a renewed mission focus for the future.

To God be the glory!

2 / TEXAS

TEXAS PARTNERS IN MISSION

Happy New Year everyone! Three hundred-and-sixty-five days ahead to make a difference in the lives of those around us. Sounds like a great deal of opportunity, doesn’t it? Yet for most of us, the end of this new year will come before we know what happened.

I believe it is appropriate to take a moment and review some of the happenings from 2017 because we can learn from what has transpired in the past, and apply those lessons to the future.

Here are a few notable events from 2017:➢ The New England Pa-

triots won the Super Bowl.

➢ Legendary musician Chuck Berry passed away.

➢ Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus ceases opera-tion.

➢ Hurricane Harvey devastates southeast Texas.

➢ A total lunar eclipse is visible for much of the United States.

➢ Gunmen kill many innocent lives in Las Vegas and Texas.

The list goes on and on.

Here is the good news:➢ The Texas District of The Lu-

theran Church—Missouri Synod opens a new preaching station every six weeks.

➢ One-hundred-and-fifty missionaries and more than a dozen mission agencies work tirelessly to bring the Word of God to those who have not heard it!

Texas Partners in Mis-sion has worked to se-cure additional resourc-es for the mission effort of the Texas District. Stories about individ-ual missionaries and agencies were written and published here in the Texas Messenger. I have enjoyed learning about the various mis-sions and missionaries

in the district and I want to contin-ue bringing those stories to you.

I am encouraged by the warm and gracious notes from readers about the articles. I am also encouraged and thankful for the financial sup-port given by so many individuals and congregations around the dis-trict. Thank you!

As we begin a new year, I hum-bly ask for your prayers for the missionaries, mission agencies, pastors, DCEs, worship leaders, ed-ucators and anyone who brings the Gospel message to those who have not heard the Good News (Rom. 10:13-15).

Who knows but our Heavenly Father what 2018 holds for us. However, if we will “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Prov. 3:5-6), then the new year will be a great one to serve Him!

Out with the old, IN WITH THE NEW

SUPPORT TPIMYou can become a partner in this mission movement by send-ing a check to Texas Partners in Mission, LCMS Texas District, 7900 East Highway 290, Austin, TX 78724. If you would like your gift doubled, contact the Texas Church Extension Fund office at 888-951-1233.

For more information, call Lanny at 800-951-3478.

By Lanny MooreDirector of Development

I begin this message with a quote from Peggy Toney Horton’s book, “Does God Want Us to Be Happy”:

“As the old year retires and a new one is born, we commit into the hands of our Creator the happen-ings of the past year and ask for direction and guid-ance in the new one. May He grant us His grace, His tranquility and His wisdom!”

JANUARY 2018 / 3

MISSIONS

By Rev. Michael NewmanMission and Ministry Facilitator, Area 2

n insightful person once said, “This

generation of Chris-tians is responsible for this generation of souls on earth.” As the new year dawns, courageous and caring churches in the Texas District are connecting with communities and sharing the life revealed by our Newborn King.

Back in October, Fishers of Men, Port Isabel, held an All Saints community celebration. The little church that has no full-time pastor set up games for children, invited the high school mariachi band to play, and blessed families from the community with hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, drinks and a heap-ing dose of welcome in the name of Jesus. The people at Fishers of Men, like so many congregations in Texas, are making themselves available in ways the community understands.

In his book, “Run With the Hors-es: The Quest for Life at Its Best,” Eugene Peterson treks through the book of Jeremiah and contem-plates life in exile. The uprooted people of Israel were experiencing much of what we experience today: fear, violence, materialism, athe-

ism, busyness, addiction and more. What are God’s people to do?

God did not ask His people in ex-ile to hide. He didn’t call them to avoid the culture. Instead He said:

“Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease. But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your wel-fare.” — Jer. 29:5–7

The new context was their home. The same is true of us. Peterson writes: “This may not be your fa-vorite place, but it is a place.”

He writes: “Get your hands into the Babylonian soil. … You cannot be the person God wants you to be if you keep yourself aloof from oth-ers. That which you have in com-mon is far more significant than what separates you. They are God’s persons: your task as a person of faith is to develop trust and conver-sation, love and understanding. …The aim of the person of faith is not to be as comfortable as possible but to live as deeply and thoroughly as possible. … The only opportunity you will ever have to live by faith is

in the circumstances you are pro-vided this very day” (p. 149-150).

That means being in Christ and be-ing available to all with Christ.

What happened during this time of exile? Did the theology of Israel diminish? Did the people compro-mise the truth? Did the church fall apart? Quite the contrary.

Peterson writes: “The result was that this became the most creative period in the entire sweep of He-brew history. They did not lose their identity; they discovered it. They learned how to pray in deep-er and more life-changing ways than ever. They wrote and copied and pondered the vast revelation that had come down to them from Moses and the prophets, and they came to recognize the incredible riches of their Scriptures. They found that God was not depen-dent on a place; He was not tied to familiar surroundings. The vio-lent dislocation of the exile shook them out of their comfortable but reality-distorting assumptions and allowed them to see depths and heights that they had never even imagined before. They lost everything that they thought was important and found what was im-portant: they found God” (p. 152-153).

May the same be true of us this new year.

Being available

4 / TEXAS

HAPPENINGS

Ascension Lutheran Church rejoiced over the reception of five new members on Sunday, Nov. 5. New members are, from left, (front row) Connor Kuss, Alex Wilson, Anthony Rooks, Erin Casey and her son, Ryan, who is not pictured; (back row) Larry and Ramona Henderson, who will serve as Shepherd Couple for the group, and the Rev. Eddie Scheler.

CLEBURNE

THE GROVE

SAN ANTONIO DEVINEOn Reformation Sunday, Oct. 29, Herb and Judy Nordmey-er rejoiced in the Good News of salvation by faith alone in Christ alone and became members of Divine Savior by Profession of Faith. Pictured with the Nordmeyers is the Rev. Randall Wehmeyer.

During the Reformation Day service at Mount Olive, confir-mation and first communion milestones were reached for these youth. They are, from left, Jazmyn Reese, Mia Autobee, Talayeh Reese and Joseph Autobee. Pastor is the Rev. David Brockhouse.

On all Saints Sunday, Nov 5, the members of St. Paul were privileged to welcome into the family of faith through Holy Baptism Blakely Nichole Bond, infant daughter of Randall and Kelsey Bond. Also, the Baptism of Jacynthe Jolee (Jackie Jo) Raab by her grandmother on Nov. 24, 2014, was recognized. Blakely and Jackie Jo are cousins. Pictured are, from left, Sarah Walsh, sponsor of Blakely; Blake-ly; Kelsey and Randall; Jacynthe and her mother, Jo Beth Raab; Cindy Bond, grand-mother; and the Rev. John Heckmann.

HAPPENINGS

JANUARY 2018 / 5

Five other comfort dog teams from Texas and Indiana were present to offer their support and welcome Gabriel to his new church and community.

Gabriel, Houston’s first comfort dog, is one of more than 100 K-9 comfort dogs placed by Lutheran Church Charities (LCC) in Luther-

an congregations across the coun-try. These dogs serve in their local communities as a bridge for Gospel ministry. According to Messiah’s “Top Dog” volunteer, Janet Cook, “It’s not about the dog. It’s about the people that we serve.”

Gabriel, like all the other LCC com-fort dogs, is a golden retriever.

Reporting for duty

Team Gabriel is, from left, John Froehlich, Janet Cook, the Rev. Tim Engel, Marsha Froehlich, Charles Cook, Debbie Stallings and Kim Engel.

On Nov. 12, Messiah, Houston, welcomed the newest addition to its ministry and mission efforts — Ga-briel Comfort Dog, who was handed over to Messiah in a “Pass-ing of the Leash” ceremony during worship.

Before being placed at Messiah, he received 2,000 hours of training over 18 months, beginning when he was eight-weeks-old. His handlers also received training, which pre-pared them to work with Gabriel to bring the mercy, compassion, presence and proclamation of Jesus Christ to those in need.

Gabriel has already been hard at work helping Messiah in its outreach and caring ministry in Houston and beyond. The week prior to the Pass-ing of the Leash, Gabriel and Mes-siah’s pastor, the Rev. Tim Engel, joined six other comfort dog teams in Sutherland Spring. They provided care and comfort in the aftermath of the Nov. 5 shooting that took the lives of 26 members at First Baptist Church.

You can follow Gabriel at facebook.com/GabrielComfortDog. For more information about the Comfort Dog Ministry, contact Lutheran Church Charities at 866-455-6466 or visit lutheranchurchcharities.org.

Comfort dogs in Sutherland Springs are, from left, Pax (St. Paul, Fort Worth), Rufus (St. Mark, Edmond, Okla.), Elijah (Our Redeemer, Wichita Falls), Phoebe (St. Paul, Fort Worth), Abner (Bethany, Austin), Damaris (Memorial, Katy), Gabriel and Barnabas (Trinity, Hobart, Ind.)

From left, Abner (Bethany, Austin), Pax and Phoebe (St. Paul, Fort Worth), Gabriel, Barnabas (Trinity, Hobart, Ind.) and Damaris (Memorial, Katy)

6 / TEXAS

HAPPENINGS

The members of St. Paul, The Grove, cele-brated Pastor Appreciation Month and let their pastors, the Revs. John Heckmann and Gerry Harrow, know that they are in-deed loved and appreciated.

A Bible-study group invited John and his wife, Deb, to a family-style barbecue supper at Cyclone. The evening was very chilly, but the food and fellowship were very enjoyable.

After the meal, many in the group sudden-ly had to “visit the restroom.” When they returned, they were all wearing shirts that stated: “My Church Has An Awesome Pas-

Some of the participants in the appreciation meal were, from left, Jimmy and Catherine Peebles, Sherry Hartgrove, Katrina Perry, Heckmann, Sy Hartgrove (the instigator), Janice Dake and Paula Bangsund. Others present were Gus and Sue Brown, Andrew Peebles, Stan Dake, Bob Bangsund and Loyd Perry.

Pastor appreciation outing is also witnessing opportunity

tor … St. Paul Lutheran, The Grove.” The shirts were made with a generic statement so they can be worn when the next pastor arrives.

What was an even more significant bless-ing was that after the shirts were put on, restaurant guests asked questions about what the St. Paul members were doing and where they went to church. Along with an-swering those questions, the group was also able to share the Good News of Jesus, as they are blessed to do in whatever situation God has placed them.

VICTORIAOn Sunday, Oct. 15, Grace Lutheran Church honoredJerry Snyder in recognition of his 47 years of service as church organist and musician. Shown with Jerry during the reception is his wife, June. The congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church celebrated

its 100th anniversary on Sept. 10, and in attendance were four pastors connected to Emmanuel. They were, from left, the Revs. Ralph Hobratsck, a son of the congregation; Elmer Hohle, former pastor; Dr. Robert Holaday, current pastor; and Chad Lueck, former pastor.

LITTLEFIELD

JANUARY 2018 / 7

HAPPENINGS

Members of Ascension Lutheran Church, Cleburne, gathered to

present Gloria Jones, director of Operation Blessing, a gift to help the organization continue its as-sistance programs for people in need in Johnson County.

Ascension has declared itself a “windmill church,” receiving the power of the Holy Spirit which turns the blades and pumps out and disburses love to the com-munity around it. The windmill shown in the photo was found on the property donated to Ascen-sion by the late Otto and Norma Schaefer and was the catalyst for the idea.

‘Pumping out’ love to the community

Ascension members presented a monetary gift to Gloria Jones of Operation Blessing. Present were, from left (front row) Sara Paris, Alex Wilson, the Rev. Eddie Scheler, Jones, Kay Hardcastle; (back row) Robert Gentry, Nelle Gentry, Linda Wedel, Don Sharratt, the Rev. Ben Rathgeber (pastor emeritus) and Steve Hardcastle.

It’s ‘Stichin Time’ for disaster reliefThe ladies of the “Stitchin’ Time” sewing circle of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Fairview, put their crochet, knitting and quilting skills to work on pet beds for animals displaced by Hurricane Harvey.

Fifty pet beds were made and do-nated to the SPCA of Texas shelter in McKinney. According to shelter volunteers, the items collected at their site for Hurricane Harvey relief were being transferred to the Dallas megashelter at the Kay Bai-ley Hutchison Convention Center to support pets displaced with their families.

Above, Stitchin’ Time volunteers are, from left, Nancy Saddler, Karen Hurtt, Paula Ferguson, Alice Stark Stephanie Hanson, Anita George and Barb Ettinger. Below, stuffing the pet beds before the final sewing are, from left, George, Ettinger and Florence Hendrickson.

8 / TEXAS

HAPPENINGS

Quilters of Grace Lutheran Church, Midland, made many baby blankets to help members of Redeemer Lutheran Church, Beaumont, who were affected by Hurri-cane Harvey. Shown above are the quilters at a birthday party on Oct. 5 honoring 94-year-old Ione Graue (who is in the photo at right with one of the blankets). From left, Evelyn Gunter, Neta Gore, Graue, Jerry Penick, Toni Granat, Gail Granat and Emma Ruth Stock.

Christ’s love in MidlandSEALYThe Fellowship Committee of Trinity Lutheran Church expresses its thanks to everyone who helped make the Pumpkin Palooza event a success. It was a fun day with the commu-nity enjoying lots of food, fun and fellowship. Members of the committe shown with the Rev. Ken Bersche (right) are, from left, Ron Hartmann, Dorothy Coody, Susie Hartmann (chairperson), Rebecca Tipton and Ruth Symanski. Seated in front, lend-ing a hand, is Jacie Kainer.

LAMPASASFaith Lutheran Church participated in the Squared Silly Halloween festival. The congrega-tions’s booth had a craft for kids and beanbag toss. Two hundred “Learning to Pray” booklets published by Lutheran Hour Minis-tries were handed out.

JANUARY 2018 / 9

HAPPENINGS

CONROE

On Nov. 8, some of the seniors of St. Mark Lutheran Church gathered for their annual Thanksgiving dinner and also to prepare and deliver baskets for members who are shut-ins. Funding for the baskets was provided by a Thrivent Financial Action Team grant.

On Oct. 21, a Spaghetti Dinner and Auction was held at St. Mark. Shown are some of the workers who helped make this possible. Proceeds from this event go toward various mission projects of the Lydia and Ruth guilds. Funds for this dinner were also provided by a Thrivent Action Team grant.

CISCOThe faithful of Redeem-er shared a high-energy Gospel with about 50 children during “Mighty Fortress” Vacation Bible school. Another 30 adults and teenag-ers volunteered during the week, taking God’s message to the “ends of the earth.” All were blessed by the event.

10 / TEXAS

HAPPENINGS

Send us your news

Send photos, stories and newsletters for The Lutheran Witness to:▶ txmess@txlcms.org▶ Texas Messenger, LCMS

Texas District, 7900 E. Highway 290 Austin, TX 78724-2499

Please be sure all photos sent electronically are in color and 300 dpi (high resolution). Also, send your news to us well in advance, if possible.Texas Messenger is now available online at txlcms.org.

David Bork, an eighth-grade student at Faith Luther-an School, Plano, was recognized by Duke Univer-sity’s Talent Identification Program (TIP), a nonprofit organization that sup-ports academically talented stu-dents in grades four through 12. David’s test scores qualified him to receive a medal honoring his aca-demic achievements.

“We are very proud of David and his accomplishments,” said the

F a i t h L u t h e r a n S c h o o L , P L a n o

Student receives TIP award

Rev. Stephen W. Kieser, Faith headmaster. “It is always a great pleasure to see our dedicated and talented students recognized.”

David is the son of Stephan and Re-becca Bork of Murphy.

Golf tournament helps athleticsFaith Lutheran School held its sixth annual golf tournament on Friday, Oct. 6.

“This golf tournament is an ex-cellent opportunity for us to raise funds for our school, raise aware-ness about our school and its mis-sion, and for us to simply gather for fun and fellowship together,” Kieser said. “Proceeds will help to provide our athletic teams the op-

David Bork From left, Patrick Tauschek, Faith athletic director, and the Rev. Stephen Kieser, headmaster, with the proceeds.

portunity to replace old uniforms and buy needed equipment and will also benefit our tuition assis-tance program.”

The event raised more than $6,250.

The church families of Circuit 17 came together at Grace, Killeen, on Oct. 29 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The church was packed with 250 Spirit-filled Lutheran Christians giving God the glory for the work of a man named Martin Luther.

The Joint Circuit Choir pro-

Participants were, from left (front row) the Revs. Keith GeRue, Gerry Harrow, Dr. Yo-hannes Mengstab; (back row) Matt Mortenson, Andrew Green, John Heck-mann, Keith Reich and Tobin Scott. Not pictured are the Revs. Tim Ochs-ner, Donnie Poole and Bill Sager.

Circuit celebrates Reformation

vided beautiful voices. The Rev. Dr. Yohannes Mengsteab, mission and ministry facilita-tor, Area B, shared the Word of God with attendees, reminding them that we are constantly “Reforming … Transforming … Faithfully Proclaiming the Un-changing Word to Ever Chang-ing Cultures.”

Following the service, 180 people enjoyed a catered bar-becue supper and the hours of fellowship that surrounded the meal. All were reminded of the words of Ps. 133: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.”

JANUARY 2018 / 11

TIES THAT BIND

Congratulations!These Lutheran friends of

yours recently celebrated or will celebrate wedding

anniversaries of 50 years or more. All are members of LCMS Texas District congregations.

Mexia, Faith Robert and Patsy Durrenberger 70 years, Dec. 7The Grove, St. Paul Rodgers and Sherry Symm 62 years, Jan. 15Duane and Ruth Meyer 64 years, Jan. 23

San Angelo, Trinity Rick and Joyce Heller 58 years, Oct. 3Bill and Carol Elliott 50 years, Oct. 20Kenny and Linda Pfingsten 54 years, Oct. 20Russ and Marti Johnson 50 years, Oct. 22

Klein, Trinity Ron and Margaret Rybicki 64 years, Jan. 6

Conroe, St. MarkGeorge and Bonnie Hug 59 years, Jan. 10

Rueben and Mildred Peitz, members of Faith, Graham, celebrated 71 years of marriage Oct. 6.

Fred and Bernetta Nel-son, members of Faith, Andrews, celebrated 62 years of marriage, June 4.

Ron and Shirley Springer, members of Faith, An-drews, were lessed with 60 years of marriage June 9.

Johnnie and Judy Knott will celebrate 55 years of marriage Jan. 12. Their church home is Trinity, Klein.

Rolf and Diane Flemming, members of Trinity, Klein, will be blessed with 52 years of marriage Jan. 15.

Jimmy and Jimmie Jurischk will celebrate 50 years of marriage Jan. 26. Their church home is Trinity, Klein.

Roger and Merlette Dottei, members of St. Mark, Conroe, were blessed with 66 years of marriage Dec. 20.

Allen and Beverly Schultz, members of St. Mark, Conroe, were blessed with 55 years of marriage Oct. 26.

Robert and Carol Walker celebrated 65 years of mar-riage Dec. 27. Their church home is St. Mark, Conroe.

Steve and Kay Hardcastle, mem-bers of Ascension, Cleburne, were blessed with 53 years of marriage, Oct. 24.

12 / TEXAS

SCHOOL MINISTRY

By Dr. Bill HinzDirector of School Ministry Congratulations to Shelia Psencik, who was recognized as the 2017 Texas District Out-standing Educator of the Year.

Psencik, who serves as head of school at Lutheran South Acad-emy, Houston, was given the honor during the Professional Church Workers Conference Oct. 16 at Concordia Lutheran Church and School, San Anto-nio.

The other distinguished final-ists were Sue Gary, principal of Shepherd of the Hills Luther-an School, San Antonio; Jenny Honeck, director of Spiritual Life, Salem Lutheran School, Tomball; and Julie Weil, fourth-grade teacher at Zion Lutheran School, Walburg/Georgetown.

Sheila’s staff at Lutheran South Academy (LSA), Houston, shared the following reflections:“She daily models her Christian walk through positive words and actions. She is willing to put others first and pitch in to help in any situ-ation. She continually will ask oth-ers how they are doing and is com-plimentary of their efforts with any task. She has a wonderful sense of humor and she interacts and builds relationships.”

“Sheila has led our LSA faculty and

Educator of the year!

community with a calm presence and confidence while balancing the chaos that surrounds a disaster response. While planning, orga-nizing and implementing these varied tasks, there has always been a joyful, positive Christian presence that Sheila has radiated to those she knows as well as to complete strang-ers.”

Shelia’s colleagues in the district are also appreciative of her efforts: “As goes the leader, so goes the school. As the leader reacts, so does the school community. I am proud of Shelia Psencik for being an ex-ceptional leader, at an exceptional time in the history of LSA. May God continue to bless her, her family, the faculty, staff and families of Luther-an South Academy.”

“I have worked with her as part of the Association of Lutheran Sec-ondary Schools Board of Directors, accreditation preparation and visits, and attended multiple leadership meetings with her as part of the Texas District. Sheila is quick to offer encouragement, quick to lead, quick to defer tasks to those better equipped, humbled and happy to al-low and see others to be celebrated and recognized — a servant.”

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Sheila’s continued leadership was evident as she stepped out in faith to establish a partnership with Sagemont Church for our entire school to continue education at their campus while repair and recon-struction continued at LSA. The smoothness of this transition to a new location is further evi-dence of her ability to face new and difficult challenges. She-lia supported and guided the three school divisions of LSA at Sagemont and made decisions regarding our own campus without complaint while giving

all credit and glory to God. Solo Dei gloria.”

We celebrate all those servants of the Gospel who strive for excellence in ministry and in their connec-tions with their churches, schools and communities. We know that our work on the Lord’s behalf is not for earthly praise. I believe it is a God-pleasing thing to lift up the contributions of all who share the Lord’s love and His forgiveness and life in sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our churches, schools, early childhood centers and Concordia University.

“Serve eagerly as if you were serving your heavenly Master and not merely serving human masters” —Eph. 6:7 (NIV)

Finalists were, from left, Julie Weil, Zion, Walburg/Georgetown; Jenny Honeck, Salem, Tomball; and Sue Gary, Shepherd of the Hills, San Antonio.

JANUARY 2018 / 13

CAN-DO

By Pat FickCAN-Do Director

I’m writing this article after completing the fourth annual Miles 4 Missions adventure.

CAN-DO sponsors Miles 4 Mis-sions to share God’s love and raise support for upcoming mission trips. A huge thank you to all who participated, prayed or gave. In eight days God provided the strength for me to run 201 miles through rain, wind, heat and hu-midity in the Rio Grande Valley. To God alone be the glory! I want to share three significant things God has been teaching me this past week.

PROVISION “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:19

This may sound trivial, but when you are running out in the middle of nowhere and suddenly have need of a bathroom, you are de-lighted to see a Big John portable toilet in the middle of the road, even if it’s meant for the road-work crew. Move over road crew, run-ners need Big Johns too!

distance running, you are excited to get to the finish line. One of the reasons I choose to do crazy ultra- runs is because it forces me to rely on God’s strength.

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor. 12:9

God wants us to be dependent on His power, not our own. Knowing Jesus gives us purpose for living. Every day God provides opportuni-ties for us to love and serve others, to share the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection or to pray for someone who is hurting. There is an excitement to life when you have purpose.

As you begin this new year, do so knowing that God will provide for all your needs. You can bring everything to God in prayer. Live with purpose. Look for opportu-nities to share God’s forgiveness, love, strength, hope, peace, joy and power.

Provision, prayer, purpose

PRAYER“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Phil. 4:6

I have been blessed with many friends who are willing to pray for Miles 4 Missions. They pray for health, strength and safety for those of us out there running and biking. This year I asked them to pray for cloud cover and a cool breeze because the temperatures were very warm. I even had one prayer partner that asks the Lord to spare me from pain and God has been faithful to answer these requests.

PURPOSE“However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Je-sus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Acts 20:24 NIV

I absolutely love this verse because it talks about finishing the race. Believe me, when you are doing

These students, shown here in prayer, won T-shirts for running 10 miles.

14 / TEXAS

UPBRING

Upbring.org

/UpbringOrg @UpbringOrg

“When parentspartner with Upbring, they can trust that faith will form thefoundation of theirchild’s education.”

— Brenda Burdick

Kathy Entzenberger has dedi-cated 30 years of her life to molding young minds as a

teacher and administrator. She’s also served on the Texas District Early Childhood Education Council and as childcare director at Concor-dia Lutheran Church, San Antonio.

Kathy can now add campus ad-ministrator of Upbring School of Discovery and Leadership (USDL) – Downtown Houston to her resume. USDL celebrated the new year by opening its doors to preschool stu-dents from six weeks to 4-years-old.

About 170 miles to the west, USDL’s sister school, Upbring School of Arts and Sciences (USAS) – Central Aus-tin debuted last fall. USAS currently serves children from 12 months to 5-years-old, but both schools plan to open kindergarten classes

during the fall 2018 semester.

USDL and USAS are the first mem-bers of the newly formed Upbring Education Association. Brenda Bur-dick, Upbring director of Christian School Expansion and Operations, said the association empowers Up-bring to extend its cutting-edge cur-riculum to any family that wants a Christian education for their child.

“Our research identifies education as a key marker of every child’s success,” Burdick said. “We’ve de-veloped innovative methods for helping kids succeed inside and outside the classroom through our long-standing Head Start and Trin-ity Charter School programs. Now, we’re building on that knowledge and applying it in a Christian-school environment.”

The curriculum and teaching approaches at Upbring Edu-

cation Association schools will be tailored to the

needs of the commu-nities they serve. But each school will have at least one thing in common.

“When parents part-ner with Upbring, they

can trust that faith will form the foundation of their

child’s education,” said Burdick, who is a member of Trinity-Klein Lutheran Church.

“We’re going to teach English, math and science, but we’re also going to teach children about Jesus and His love for them. Nothing brings our staff more joy than witnessing the first steps in a child’s life-long walk with Christ.”

Upbring is exploring potential sites for future Upbring Education Asso-ciation schools. In the meantime, we encourage you to visit upbring.org for more information about our Christian schools.

Introducing

UPBRING EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

JANUARY 2018 / 15

Looking ahead→ Jan. 26-28

Junior Staff Workshop

→ March 2-4 Women’s Renewal Retreat

→ March 5-9 Lutherhostel

→ April 20-22 Lifequest (group registration only)

Contact usCamp Lone Star→ 2016 Camp Lone Star Road

La Grange, TX 78945

→ lonestar@lomt.com

→ 800-362-2078

Lutheran Outdoors Ministry of Texas→ P.O. Box 457; La Grange, TX 78945

→ lomt@lomt.com

→ 979-968-1657 → LOMT.com

Camp Lone Star every year partners with congregations to host Fall Blast, which serves

third- through fifth-grade youth. This year, more than 140 adults and children participated, doubling the attendance from the previous year.

The speaker, Tracy Mueller, who is connected with ACTS Church Network in Austin, spoke on 1 John 3:16. Both adults and children learned more about the love of Christ and how that love is alive and active in their daily lives. The staff always enjoys seeing how God uses this event to transform children and help to grow their faith. Simple activities such as games, campfire devotions and songs, crafts and a Menke Ball Tournament — a Fall Blast classic — all serve as memo-

rable experiences that shape their faith walk.

One of our group leaders from this year, Lisa Brown from Christ, Hills-boro, talks about why she feels Fall Blast is a valuable partnership for her youth group: “My husband and I are always excited to bring a group of kids out to Fall Blast each year. We feel a big part of our faith walk is continually developing our relationship with Christ, to have fellowship and worship with other Christians, and put Christ’s love into action. “By encouraging kids to join us at Fall Blast, we help them under-stand the importance of growing in their faith and surrounding

themselves with people who love and care for them and for their spiritual development. “We hope they see that being a Christian is more than just show-ing up on Sunday mornings. We want them to see adults personal-ly investing their time and talents in them, and have the opportunity to develop relationships with adults that make them feel safe and nurtured whether they realize it or not. What better way to do that than being in God’s great cre-ation, playing and worshiping to-gether, eating, living and laughing together and just having a great time.”

The staff gives glory and thanks to God for this wonderful event!

LUTHERAN OUTDOORS MINISTRY OF TEXAS

Growing in faith

16 / TEXAS

By Rev. Dr. Jerry Keischnick Chief Executive Officer

Some people say New Year’s resolutions are

made to be broken. Others don’t even bother to make reso-lutions because their past experience has proven fruitless and frustrating. How about you?

Here’s a list of ideas well worth the time and energy required to accom-plish them:1. If you have an elderly parent or

other close relative, call or visit regularly and often.

2. If you have a spouse, make a spe-cial effort to express your love in word and deed.

3. If you’re a parent and haven’t spent quality time with your child, make the time.

4. If you don’t already have a last will and testament, do it this year.

5. If you have a will that’s 10 years old or older, take another look. It’s time to review it.

6. If you have appreciated stocks or real estate that produce little or no income, consider a charitable remainder trust. It can provide income for you, your spouse and your family.

If you need encouragement to do any or all the above, let me know. I may be able to help and I’ll cer-tainly be able and willing to pray for you.

We at Legacy Deo also have goals for 2018. They are much the same as they have been for our 67 years of service:➢ To encourage God’s people, each

and every one, to leave a legacy for family and ministry that will continue long after we have gone to our heavenly home. It’s easier to accomplish than you might think.

➢ To provide avenues through which individuals, congregations and agencies can realize their passion for ministry in significant ways.

Often we share with you ways in which people can make planned gifts to ministries. Legacy Deo has several options through which peo-ple can make immediate gifts that

will allow them flexibility in being generous.

In our August and September 2017 Texas Messenger articles (find at txlcms.org/texas-messenger), we highlighted the donor-advised fund for individuals, and custodial ac-counts for congregations, schools and agencies. Another often-used means of conveying gifts is a pass-through trust held at Legacy Deo. We can process your gift of stock, provide you with the appropriate tax forms and transmit your gift to the ministry you designate. Some donors select multiple ministries. This is also an excellent option for people who prefer to give anony-mously.

We hope that in 2018 you will resolve to be more generous with your time and financial resources. We are ready to help you keep that resolution.

RESOLUTIONS: yours and ours

▶ legacydeo.org▶ info@legacydeo.org

▶ 800-880-3733

▶ 7900 East Highway 290 Austin, TX 78724-2499

What’s your resolution?

JANUARY 2018 / 17

TEXAS CHURCH EXTENSION FUND

Texas District Church Extension FundBill Siegrist→ 7900 E. Highway 290 Austin TX, 78724→ 888-951-1233 • 512-646-1233→ Bill@TexasCEF.org • TexasCEF.org

By Bill SiegristDirector of Marketing and TrainingOn Oct. 29 at Memorial Lutheran Church, Katy, 350 people attended a dedication service and celebration of the Refor-mation’s 500th anniversary. Festivities included fellowship over German coffee cake, mini-cantata church service, dedi-cation service for the new preschool and ribbon-cutting, tours, a “first supper” in the new fellowship hall, and disposition service for the flooded parsonage and old preschool facility.

Carol Weaver, co-chairman of the Pre-school Building committee says the new building has made an enormous difference to the community. The new facility and expanded preschool offerings and hours have brought increased enrollment. The preschool is now open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving working families greater flexibility.

The new space also boasts a commercial kitchen, opening up greater possibilities for fellowship and events. “We are really see-ing a mutual benefit for both our preschool and our congregation,” says Weaver.

In its third century of serving Lutheran congregations in Texas

Shown here on dedica-tion day are, from left, the Rev. Mel Newman, former Memorial pastor; R. Clayton Matcek, proj-ect coordinator, Turner Duran Architects; Karen Newman, Memorial’s first preschool director; the Rev. John Davis, senior pastor; Glenn Hansen, general contractor; Carol Weaver, Building Committee co-chair; Jerry Melcher, Memorial president; the Rev. Mike Weider, associate pastor; Bill Siegrist; and the Rev. Jon Braunersreuther, mission and ministry facilitator, Area D.

In photo at left, Bill Siegrist presented a plaque recognizing Me-morial, Katy, for achiev-ing $1 million in Texas CEF investments. John Hunt, Board for Church Extension member, also participated in this pre-sentation.

Despite Hurricane Harvey, new preschool opens

Texas District Church Extension Fund provided the loan funding for the building project. In the past year, the congregation and members accomplished the goal of reaching $1 million in CEF investments.

During the dedication service, the Rev. John Davis, Memorial senior pastor, was presented a recognition plaque. This is another example of the ways your invest-ments are at work in a vibrant and resil-ient congregation in Katy.

Texas District CEF is a non-profit religious or-ganization; therefore, CEF investments are not SIPC- or FDIC-in-sured bank deposit accounts. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a request to buy. The offer is made solely by CEF’s Offer-ing Circular.

Registration for the 30th Annual CEF Confer-ence will begin in early January. Do we have your current email address for the registration invitation? We look forward to seeing you March 2-4.

ATTENTION: CEF congregation representatives

18 / TEXAS

LONE STAR DISTRICT LLL

Welcome to

Bring welcome hope to your community through Project Connect — an indispens-

able, on-site booklet ministry re-source that uses display racks of pocket-sized, topical booklets to promote outreach. There are also some booklets for equipping your congregation’s members to share their faith.

Each of the more than 50 booklets available is written from a Chris-tian perspective and addresses a variety of topics, from forgiveness and the after-life to depression and anger management. Many have also been translated into Spanish.

Each display rack holds an assort-ment of booklets that are ideal for people to take at their convenience and discretion. When put in a church narthex or fellowship hall, these racks are available for visitors on their time, giving them resourc-es when they need them. Project Connect rack placement doesn’t have to be limited to only churches, however. For instance, community

recreational centers, doctors’ and dentists’ offices, area funeral homes (a very good location!), and even in proximity to public restrooms are all great sites.

Each booklet has space to include your church’s information — com-plete with worship times and direc-tions to your church.

Project Connect:➢ gives congregations a tangi-

ble, take-home resource of Christ-centered value they can of-fer to visitors, members or others in their community.

➢ addresses a wide variety of topics, offering booklets that connect God’s Word to real-life issues.

➢ is effective, affordable and easy to get started in your congregation. It’s also a breeze to maintain. In fact, with the contribution enve-lopes provided, display racks help fund themselves.

Put Project Connect to work in your congregation today!

Campus church gets bookletsUniversity Lutheran Church, near the University of Texas, Austin, re-cently received a Project Connect display from the Lone Star District Lutheran Laymen’s League.

This display has been installed in the foyer of the newly-opened facility, where booklets will be available for students to use on their own as well as to share with other students on campus. Above, the Rev. Richard Mittwede, cam-pus pastor, selected booklets that he feels will be of interest and benefit to members and visitors to the student center, as well as useful in group discussions and counseling.

Celebrating the Reformation — and LHM!St. Mark Lutheran Church, Houston, recently celebrated the 500 anniversary of the Reforma-tion and had resources available from Lutheran Hour Ministries, which is celebrating its 100 year anniversary, on display.

Aletha Jeske, a LHM congregational ambassa-dor, arranged and set up the display. Robert and Judy Shindler and Devin Norrell helped her at the booth during the event. Pictured is Robert Shindler.

JANUARY 2018 / 19

LWML DISTRICT NEWS

y o u r m i t e s a t w o r k

LINC Austin

Send LWML news and photos to: Janna Atkins, District News editor, at districtnews@lwmltxdist.org

Stay connected — lwmltxdist.org

bringing help, hope and Christ’s love

Passion — that would surely describe what Haleh Kersten brings to her work as found-

er and director of LINC Austin. In 2011, Haleh began working with the homeless that lived under the porch of University Lutheran Church, which led to the formation of LINC Austin.

Formed in 2013 and empowered by the Holy Spirit, LINC Austin is a faith-based relational ministry to the homeless in Austin. Haleh and her husband, Kevin, work diligently in their efforts to share Christ and provide for the needs of those they encounter. LINC Austin’s focus is on outreach, navigation and wrap-around care. They travel on the streets of Austin to where the people are, and love them with the love of Christ.

Volunteers are an essential part of the ministry, and LINC Austin is extraordinarily grateful for all who volunteer. Volunteers are intention-ally encouraged to find their passion and use it for God’s glory. With the blessings of God, LINC Austin has built up a network to continue to show care through providing many of the basic items that people need for everyday living. This network has provided the resources to walk alongside more than 50 individu-als on a daily basis. Faith is shared through living life together and is vi-tal to bringing hope to the hopeless.

Often the people LINC Austin en-counters feel invisible, forgotten and overlooked. LINC Austin continues to bring help, hope and Christ’s love to them. LINC Austin’s joy is to

provide a safety net, support system and community to many who need a little support and help. This “new family” allows Christ’s love to be shared in a very real and relational way.

LINC Austin is excited for their “friends” K and her 4-month-old, who have recently secured perma-nent housing after living in hotels for the past five months. Please pray for K as she transitions from living on the streets for years, to having a baby and living in hotel rooms, to now securing permanent housing in an apartment complex.

K has an amazing faith, and is thankful to God for “not forget-ting her” and for giving her “one more chance.” She is grateful for her loving family at LINC Austin,

which continues to walk beside her in the good days and especially the bad days. She is truly a courageous person. K never gives up. She nev-er forgets that God loves her. She surrounds herself with a faithful community. She keeps praying in all situations.

K is just one of LINC Austin’s friends who is moving forward and reaching her goals. Some friends move forward, but some friends move backward. But in everything, LINC Austin and its network is there as Christ’s family reaching out to His children.

We pray that LINC Austin can reach those in Austin who need help one by one, and become the family and support many so desperately desire in their lives.

Left, K is happy in her permanent home. Above, youth volunteers help LINC Austin reach those who need assistance.

20 / TEXAS

LUTHERAN WOMEN IN MISSION

The Grape Vine LWML Texas District 2016-18 mite goal: $362,040

Mites received through October: $253,334

Mission grants paid through August: $155,550 (including overage and from previous biennium)

Unpaid mission grants for 2016-18: $57,250

Send mites to: LWML Texas DistrictAttn.: Frances MolitorP. O. Box 820Anderson, TX 77830

Are you collecting for Lutheran World Relief?

Hotel reservations are open:▶ Hilton Waco - $145 room rate

113 South University Parks Dr., Waco

▶ Courtyard Waco - $135 room rate 101 Washington Ave., Waco

FROM THE PRESIDENT

OJJoyful ly ser ve the Lord

Openly confess the GospelYearn to grow in God ’s Word

Serving with JOY … Debbie Curry

a r o u n d t h e d i s t r i c t

ABILENELadies of the Heart of Texas Zone received a pre-sentation from Global Samaritan Resources during their fall rally. From left, Esther Kissell and Myra Dean, who spoke on how the LWML ladies can con-tribute to their work both locally and abroad, are shown with Carol Smith, zone president.

“In a world of crisis, you can do a world of good”

➢ The Lutheran World Relief Ingathering will be April 2-5 in Houston, Seguin and Dallas.

➢ For more information, go to lwmltxdist.org/human-care.

➢ For more information on kits and quilts, go to lwr.org/get-involved/build-kits-of-care.

Plan your ingathering today!

The LWML Texas District40th Biennial Convention • July 5–8Waco Convention Center

Links and group codes for hotel reservations can be found at lwmltxdist.org/2018-waco-convention.

Registration will begin on March 1! Have questions? Send an email to waco2018@lwmltxdist.org.

Many of us will make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or exercise. Memberships at health clubs increase in January as we seek support, encouragement and motivation to get healthy. One of the primary focus statements of LWML for 2017-19 is sharing encourage-ment.

“We value each other in Christ and we accept and encourage each woman to grow in her relationship with others.” In this new year who might you encourage to attend your next LWML activity?