First Edition

STEWARDSHIP THANKSGIVING DINNER NOVEMBER 11

All members and associate members of First Evangelical Lutheran Church are invited to attend a Stewardship Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 11, at 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Hall. Our special guest will be Bishop Michael Rinehart, the new Bishop of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod.

Roast turkey will be provided for the dinner by our own chef, Thomas Henry. Members are invited to bring a covered dish, a salad, or dessert to share with others.

Following the dinner, Bishop Rinehart will speak. In addition, the Choir Scholars will provide selected vocal music.

Afterward each member and associate member family will receive a packet of materials, which will include

• ab An Estimate of Giving form to indicate how much money each household expects to give next year.

• ab A Time and Talent Survey form, on which every member and associate member can volunteer time and talent in 2008.

Members and associate members unable to attend the dinner will receive their packets of materials by mail after the dinner. We ask that both the Estimate of Giving forms and the Time and Talent Survey forms be returned to the church office by December 1.

No one will want to miss this exciting event. Plan now to come and enjoy a sumptuous meal, meet the bishop, and discuss plans for the coming year.

ALL SAINTS SUNDAY Peterman ’s Postulate

For many years Lutherans liked to distinguish themselves from Roman Catholics by saying that Catholics have saints and Lutherans don’t. That is not true! Martin Luther encouraged Christians to study the lives of the saints and learn from them the important lessons of how God helped and sustained them in steadfast faith and hope.

But Luther didn’t stop there. He went on to insist that every baptized Christian is a saint. In baptism we are united with Jesus Christ in his death and in his resurrection. Baptism is that sacrament in which God comes to us, claiming us as his own, not through any merit on our part but solely by the merit of our Lord Jesus Christ. In baptism we die and are reborn into newness of life. That does not mean that we will never sin again, but rather that our sins are now covered by the grace of God, which we access the rest of our lives through confession and forgiveness. We remember our baptism daily.

Luther taught that the true Church is comprised of the Church Militant and the Church Triumphant. The Church Militant is the church on earth, where we live out our baptismal covenant, doing battle daily against the forces of evil. The Church Triumphant is the church in heaven, where the saints of God rest from their labors, secure forever in the victory won for them by Jesus Christ.

All Saints Day is that festival each year when we are reminded of how big the Church really is. On that day the walls of the nave become almost transparent as we envision the rest of the church throughout the world (the Church Militant) and the church in heaven (the Church Triumphant).

Therefore, at worship on All Saints Sunday, November 4, the prayers of the church will include the names of all who entered First Evangelical Lutheran Church through the sacrament of baptism during the past year, as well as the names of all the members who died this past year and entered the Church Triumphant.

As a candle lives by burning, so also the Church Militant lives by self-expenditure in mission until that day when, by the grace of God, we are joyfully united in the Church Triumphant with all the saints who have gone before.

ADULT CLASS CONTINUES THE AUGSBURG CONFESSION

In September the adult Sunday Church School class began a course on The Augsburg Confession. This document was written by Luther’s friend and colleague, Philip Melanchthon, to set forth basic Lutheran doctrine in preparation for dialog with the Roman Catholic Church in Augsburg, Germany, in June 1530.

In September and October the class studied the articles on God, Jesus Christ, sin, justification, confession, forgiveness, good works, and the church’s ministry. In November the schedule is as follows:

     November 4 The Church and Its Practices
     November 11 The Use of the Sacraments: Baptism
     November 18 The Use of the Sacraments: Communion
     November 25 The Two Kingdoms: Faith and Government

The adult class meets every Sunday in the Parish Hall from 10:00 until 10:40 a.m. All adults are invited to attend.

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING DECEMBER 16

The Congregation Council is calling a special meeting of the congregation on Sunday, December 16, at 12:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall for the purpose of acting on several items.

1. The adoption of constitutional amendments that will expand the Congregation Council to twelve members; allow the Secretary, Financial Secretary, and Treasurer not to be Council members; and remove the two-term limit on Council members and officers.

2. Vote on a contract for an Interim Pastor in 2008.

3. Elect four members to three-year terms on Council.

4. Approve our church’s designation as an historical landmark.

Since the constitutional amendments, to be adopted, must be approved by a majority at this meeting and then be ratified by a two-thirds majority later, the election of Council members in December will be subject to final approval at the Annual Meeting.

Watch for the December issue of First Edition, where further information will be provided. In the meantime, feel free to speak with a member of the Congregation Council or the pastor about any of these matters.

SELAH SERVANTS SATURDAY STEWARDSHIP

On Saturday, November 10, just in time for our First (in a long time) Annual Stewardship Dinner, Selah brothers and sisters will meet at First Evangelical Lutheran Church for a Saturday morning cleanup of our beloved parish. From 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon, roll up your sleeves and flex your stewardship muscles with an attitude of gratitude.

We will be dusting, oiling, and polishing our extraordinary nave and tidying the attic. We will also need a few hands to help remove items from the attic and basement and do a little weeding in the Rose Garden.

Some useful items to bring include household/work/gardening gloves, LOTS of CLOTHS for dusting and polishing (old T shirts cut into pieces would be great!), and weeding tools.

The larger the turnout, the sooner we will be done. So bring a friend and plan to head to a sandwich shop or café for lunch.

Selah (pronounced SEE-lah) is Hebrew for crescendo; to increase, to lift up; also, the Young Adults at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

For further information, contact Meredith Nelson at 713-688-4081.

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMASS

The Altar Guild is planning to enable members and friends of the church to provide poinsettias for the nave at Christmass. The plants have to be ordered far in advance, so the exact cost is not yet known but expected to be about $15 each. Twenty plants will be ordered.

Watch the next issue of First Edition for details. A sign-up sheet will be posted in the narthex in a few weeks. Donors may designate the plant(s) they purchase in honor or in memory of someone.

The poinsettias will be placed in the chancel on the afternoon of December 23. Donors may take them home following the service on December 30.

A list of donors and the designees will be included in the worship service bulletins on Christmass Eve and on December 30.

CHANCEL FLOWERS SIGN-UP SHEET COMING

This month the Altar Guild will post a sign-up sheet in the narthex for members and friends of First Evangelical Lutheran Church who would like to provide floral arrangements for the chancel in 2008. There will also be a place to designate the flowers as being in honor or in memory of someone or some special event.

The cost per Sunday will be $30. The Altar Guild will purchase the flowers and arrange them on each occasion under the guidance of Fran Allen, who has had extensive experience in flower arranging.

After the service, the flowers may be taken home by the donor or delivered to a member or friend who is ill or homebound.

OCTOBER PRAYER LIST (September 21–October 21)

Members and Associate Members
     Bill Bammel Emilie Ratcliffe
     James Cone Norman Tofte
     Minnie Johnson Betty Wade
Friends and Relatives
     Lillie Berry Brian Nelson
     Emmett Dixon Gavino Soliz
     Pastor Calder Gibson Conrad and C. J. Strelau
     Bobby Henderson Anna Taylor
     Lois Laughlin Fransisco Tobias
     Lindsay Lum Mary Ruth White
     Shelly Milner
Other Special Concerns
     The death of Bill Burton, September 25
     The death of Jane Cornelia Baltzer-Bammel, September 26
     The Installation of Pastor Michael Rinehart as Bishop of the Texas-Louisiana           Gulf Coast Synod, September 29
     The marriage of Peter Mangold and Lindsay Rinnan, October 20
     Gratitude to Bill Bammel and Paul Orton, for their work in supporting and           sustaining First Evangelical Lutheran Church over the years

 NEW ORGANIST

Jose Reyes Ortiz will become the organist at First Evangelical Lutheran Church beginning November 1. He is 26 years old and is from Puebla, Mexico. He studies organ at the University of Houston with Dr. Robert Bates. He is on a music scholarship and holds a student visa.

In Puebla he was an Organ Scholar under the well known organist Francisco Delgado Lopez at the Cathedral, where he also participated in the Schola Cantorum. During his first year in Houston he played at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church and on occasion at the Roman Catholic Cathedral downtown. He also plays piano for a small congregation of Lutheran students at the University of Houston who are from the south of India.

Mr. Ortiz plays the music of Bach and other early composers confidently and intelligently. He looks forward to learning the Lutheran liturgy and hymnody.

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J. Christy Ramsey came up with a “books of the Bible” quiz. Within the following three paragraphs are the names of books of the Bible. See how many you can find:

I once made a remark about the hidden books of the Bible It was a lulu, kept people looking so hard for the facts and for others it was a revelation. Some were in a jam, especially since the names of the books were not capitalized, but the truth finally struck home to numbers of readers. To others it was a real job.

We want it to be a most fascinating few moments for you. Yes, there will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require judges to help them. I will quickly admit it usually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud lamentations when it is found.

A little lady says she brews a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can compete. Relax now, for there really are sixteen names of books of the Bible in this story.

(Answer on page 14)

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR REPORT Marty Ambrose

The weekend of October 20-21 saw two events representing the past and the future at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

On Saturday the wedding of Lindsay Rinnan and Peter Mangold provided its own portion of elegance to our on-going presence in the community of new beginnings. Our new Weddings Page on the website is drawing raves, especially now that there is a short video of the Baitland/Van Sickle wedding that is beautiful to see and hear. Patronage to our website is growing tremendously, and from all this will come visitors. And from visitors come members.

On Sunday a record crowd gathered after worship to recognize two remarkable men. Bill Bammel and Paul Orton, who have given of themselves in huge measure over the years, were recognized and thanked for preserving the church and protecting the spiritual life of its members. As our congregation continues to grow and our church continues its ministry to the community, we commend Bill and Paul for being there when it really counted.

Soon repairs will commence on the nave roof, and soon after that repairs to the interior wall. Meanwhile, the area around the piano remains roped off.

The Stewardship Thanksgiving Dinner on November 11 is fast approaching, and it is time to reflect on the church’s needs and plan our stewardship accordingly. Representatives from Chase Bank, where we have our primary account, will at the dinner to explain the advantages of direct debiting under their new SCH program.

Also present will be Kurt Goedecke from Thrivent (formerly Lutheran Brotherhood). If we have enough Thrivent members in our congregation, we qualify for a fairly substantial amount of matching funds. So, if you are a Thrivent member (policy holder), please contact me at the church office.

Meanwhile, Happy Halloween! See you on Sunday.

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Behold the turtle. It makes progress only when it sticks its neck out.

A NOTE FROM BILL AND PAUL

Sunday, October 21, 2007 was a day on which lasting memories were made for us as the congregation of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, friends and family, and also visitors met in the Beutel Room to honor us for our service to this church. We thank all who set about the task of preparing for this celebration. The food was great, and there was plenty of it. The plaques that were presented to us are beautiful. And we are grateful for the recognition. The fellowship, which was made possible by this gathering, was heartwarming, and we will look back on this time with fond memories.

We both agree that the occasion was as much about this church and this congregation as it was about us. We believe that we all share the same desire to see this church grow and once again become a vital entity in the life of this parish, this city, and in the whole world through our efforts in service to Him who first gave us life. To the extent that we can, we will continue to serve this church. We invite everyone to join us in a concerted effort in this continuing revitalization.

Wm. E. “Bill” Bammel, Jr.

Paul Orton

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“God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have a mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. Therefore I will trust Him. Whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him. In perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what he is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me—still He knows what He is about.”

- John Henry Newman

THE JULIUS KNIGGE CLASS

The Julius Knigge Class expresses its thanks to everyone who came to its meeting in October. The covered dish dinner was really good, and excellent fellowship was enjoyed the entire evening.

At the meeting the class discussed some possible recipients of donations and decided to give $100 to the Jingle Bell Express of Christian Community Service Center and $50 toward the special reception honoring Bill Bammel and Paul Orton on October 21.

The class extends a sincere welcome to everyone to enjoy the next meeting, which will be held in the Beutel Room at First Evangelical Lutheran Church on Friday, November 16, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Bring a covered dish and join the group in an evening of warm fellowship.

For more information call the Julius Knigge Class president, Carl W. Sontag, at 713-504-2807.

BACH SOCIETY EVENTS IN NOVEMBER

Two events will be offered in November by the Bach Society of Christ the King Lutheran Church.

On November 11 at 5:00 p.m. a Bach Vespers will be held, featuring the cantata Ich hatte viel Bekümmernis (I had much affliction), BWV 21, by Johann Sebastian Bach.

On November 18 an Organ Vespers will be held at 5:00 p.m., featuring the well-known Leipzig organist Sebastian Knebel.

The Bach Society offers its programs as a gift to the community without any admission charge. However, an offering is received at each event to support the work of the society. Christ the King Lutheran Church is located at Rice and Greenbriar in The Village.

CHANGE IN TERMINOLOGY

For a long time we have called the governing board of First Evangelical Lutheran Church by the title “Church Council.” Our constitution, however, calls it the “Congregation Council.” Since the merger in 1988, “Church Council” actually refers to the governing board of the entire Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

CHURCH CHOIR SINGERS WELCOME

The Church Choir rehearses at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday and sings at the 11:00 a.m. service. The music of the Renaissance and the Early Baroque is emphasized, along with worthy church music from other eras. All singers are welcome to participate without audition.

Further information can be obtained from the choir director, Carroll Shaddock, at 713-524-8744 or css@shaddocktexas.com.

FOOD PANTRY SEEKS VOLUNTEERS

The East Spring Branch Food Pantry, located on the campus of Holy Cross Lutheran Church at the intersection of Westview and Wirt, is seeking both regular volunteers and substitutes to help. Time commitments are Tuesday or Thursday from 10:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:45 a.m. to noon (or 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)

Regular volunteers help once a month, and substitutes are called only if needed and available.

For more information or to volunteer, contact Pantry Manager Meredith Nelson at 713-688-4081 or Volunteer Coordinator Mary White at 713-467-1064.

FROM THE PARISH RECORD (September 21–October 20)

Add to the Associate Membership roll
     BRAD FUERST
     DONALD and VELMA RICE
     HELEN VIERECK

MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS September 20 October 20

     Child members                  8           8
     Confirmed members           113        113
     Total baptized members     121        121
     Associate members           14          18

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To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.

 MARTY’S MUSINGS Marty Ambrose, Administrator

I have just finished reading Justice Clarence Thomas’ new book, “My Grandfather’s Son.” It is a remarkable recollection of the trials he went through, first growing up in Savannah, Georgia (actually Pinpoint, Georgia) and also the vicious treatment he withstood during his confirmation hearings to the Supreme Court. That he survived emotionally intact, for the most part, is a testament to the strength of his character and his upbringing.

The major market media have ignored this book, mainly because they were so complicit in the effort to destroy his reputation. Most of the negative reviews are meant to discourage readership.

Thomas recounts the difficult years of his youth, when he saw his own radical views wear off as he discovered truth, his years as head of the EEOC when he brought the agency to greatness, and his final battle with a judicial committee that tried to paint him as a sex offender. Finally, he pays tribute to the people who stood by him—his wife Virginia, Senator Danforth, President George H. W. Bush, a host of ordinary Americans who sent him support—and most of all, to God himself.

As we recognize the miracle of a man like Clarence Thomas, let us also recognize the folks who have conquered so much and come so far, namely, the ones in our midst: Thomas and Michelle Henry, who had to flee Hurricane Katrina with barely the clothes on their backs. Here they are, now serving this church in an exemplary manner. Senaca Gallien, wrongly arrested and incarcerated for almost a year, is now back with us and worshiping at the same altar. There is also Robert Carlli, homeless but proud, and eager to work and get his life back together. There are stories all around us of people who have lost everything or grew up with nothing, now making the best of it in a society that once turned its head, but no longer does.

And this family of believers at First Evangelical Lutheran Church is in a class by itself. Here is where we welcome all who come, creating a haven for the spirit, healing for the soul. And with Pastor Peterman to lead us, there is no limit to the peace we can continue to bring each other.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET

Once again our own Marty Ambrose will appear in a play. This time he’ll be Kris Kringle in “Miracle on 34th Street” at the Country Playhouse in Town and Country Village November 30 through December 8. Call 713-467-4497 or see for more information.

BOOKS OF SERMONS AVAILABLE

Three volumes of sermons by Pastor Edwin D. Peterman, published under the title of Practically Preaching, are available for purchase from the church office. Each book contains a sermon for every Sunday and major festival in the church year.

The three volumes correspond to the three year cycle of readings for the church year, in which the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are predominant. Currently, the church is in the year of Luke. The year of Mark begins the First Sunday in Advent, December 2.

The cost of each book is $15. A set of all three is $40. If requested, the books can be autographed.

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Answer to puzzle on page 6:

I once made a reMARK about the hidden books of the Bible It was a luLU, KEpt people looKING So hard for the fACTS and for others it was a REVELATION. Some were in a JAM, ESpecially since the names of the books were not capitalized, but the tRUTH finally struck home to NUMBERS of readers. To others it was a real JOB.

We want it to be A MOSt fascinating few moments for you; yES, THERe will be some really easy ones to spot. Others may require JUDGES to help them. I will quickly admiT IT USually takes a minister to find one of them, and there will be loud LAMENTATIONS when it is found.

A little lady says sHE BREWS a cup of tea so she can concentrate better. See how well you can comPETE. Relax now, for there really are sixteen names of books of the Bible in this story.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATE

Add to the Associate Membership Roll
FUERST, BRAD 713-516-8573
5201 Memorial Drive #625
Houston, TX 77007

RICE, DONALD & VELMA 281-332-6237
2695 Calder Drive
League City, TX 77573-6709

VIERECK, HELEN 713-630-0916
2052 Addison
Houston, TX 77030

Membership Roll Corrections (underscored)
HOKANSON, DAVID & CAROLYN 713-668-2973
3405 Georgetown
Houston, TX 77005
JEFFREY
PETER

MITBY, STEVEN & MONIKA (telephone number unknown)
(address unknown)
Kingwood, TX

HOSPITAL CONFIDENTIALITY

Hospitals, rehabilitation units, and other care facilities are no longer legally allowed to provide information regarding patients to anyone except family members. Not only can the patient’s condition not be given, but when the patient is discharged, the facility cannot disclose where the patient has gone.

The bottom line is this: If you are ill and want the pastor or anyone else to know your condition or where you are, it will be up to you or a family member to provide that information.