First Edition

ADVENT AND CHRISTMASS       Peterman’s Postulate
      Advent is the four Sunday season that precedes Christmass. Christmass is the twelve day season that follows Advent. The seasons are related, but also quite distinct. Each has its own emphasis, purpose, and liturgical color.
      Advent begins on the Sunday nearest November 30, the Feast of St. Andrew. This year December 2 is the First Sunday in Advent. The liturgical color for Advent is deep blue or purple, symbolizing the darkness before the Light of the World was born at Christmass. The appointed lessons for Advent focus on Jesus’ warning about the end of the world, John the baptizer’s preaching in preparation for the beginning of Jesus’ ministry at the age of thirty, and Joseph and Mary’s response when they learned Jesus would be born to them.
      Christmass is December 25. Since the biblical concept of time holds that the new day begins at sundown on the previous day, the church has always considered Christmass Eve services appropriate. The liturgical color for Christmass is gold (for royalty) or white (for fullness, since white combines all the colors on the spectrum).
      Christmass doesn’t end on December 26. It continues for twelve days until January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany, which marks the visit of the Wise Men to the infant Jesus. Because the Wise Men brought gifts for the Christ child, many Christians, especially the Eastern Orthodox, exchange gifts on Epiphany, not on Christmass Day.
      Despite the culture of commercialism, it is not appropriate to sing Christmass hymns at worship during Advent, but it is appropriate to sing them throughout the twelve days of Christmass. An Advent wreath helps emphasize Advent as a time of quiet waiting, as one more candle is lit each Sunday to signal the coming of the Light of the World. A Christmass tree may be put up for Christmass and then kept in place all twelve days of the season.
      Of course, it is not easy to resist social pressure and change people’s attitude about these matters. But with patience and careful explanation, congregations I’ve served were gradually able to recover the traditional distinction between Advent and Christmass, and they were always glad they did.
      Finally, this. For years I’ve kept the original spelling of Christmass by doubling the final letter. When asked why, I get to explain that Christmass is, after all, Christ’s Mass.

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.
      This month the final topics will be as follows:
            December 2     The Authority of the Church
December 9     The Augsburg Confession Today - I
December 16   The Augsburg Confession Today - II
      On December 23 and 30 the adult class will examine Advent and Christmass hymns from the new hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
      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 DINNER AND MEETING
      The Congregation Council is calling a special meeting of the congregation on Sunday, December 16, at 1:00 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. The approval of a contract for an Interim Pastor in 2008.
      3. The election of four members to three-year terms and one member to a one-year term on Council. (See page 13 for nominees.)
      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 a meeting in January.
In order to be properly fortified for this important meeting, the congregation will first have dinner in the parish hall at 12:30 p.m. Millie Thibodeaux is preparing a beef stew. Members are asked to bring salad or dessert. Bread and beverages will be provided.

SELAH: BRAVO! BRAVO!
      A fabulous crew turned out on November 10 for the Selah Servants Saturday Stewardship Work Party (hereafter referred to as the S4WP#1)!
      Tiffany Sigler, Maridith Allen, and Brian, Gregory, and Ben Oxley did an outstanding job dusting and polishing the nave, while Chris Sigler stepped up to the arduous task of cleaning the stairwell of the bell tower. Greg Ranft shared his gardening gifts with a beautiful and thorough weeding of the flower beds. Both he and our Property High Commander, Paul Orton, removed the vines growing up the parsonage wall. Dean Huffman and our new custodian, Rayfus Ferdinand, removed old blinds and such inside the parsonage to make the property presentable to Bishop Rinehart. Special thanks to Dean for providing the delicious doughnuts for everyone. After a strenuous morning, the group headed to Harry’s Diner for lunch. Many thanks to the hands and hearts that came to serve. Great job, everyone!
      The next Selah event will be Advent Lunch at Farrago (World Cuisine) on December 2 at 12:30 p.m. Farrago is at 318 Gray Street just west of Louisiana. RSVP to Meredith Nelson, 713-688-4081.
      On Saturday, January 12, there will be a How Do You Do? Fondue Party and Game Night at 7:00 p.m. All Selah members must bring a new Young Adult guest to the party, plus items for the fondue. It will be at Dean Huffman’s house, 303 McGowan Street, in Midtown. RSVP to Meredith Nelson at 713-688-4081.
      Sunday, February 3, Selah will have a Souper Bowl Party (game time to be announced). Come watch the big game and play some ping pong and cards at Chris and Tiffany Sigler’s house! This event will feature the talents of the many chefs in Selah. Sign up to bring a soup, salad, or dessert.
      March will bring S4WP#2 (Selah Servants Saturday Stewardship Work Party No. 2), date to be announced. Roll up your sleeves and bless this congregation with your time and talent!
      Selah (pronounced SEE-lah or SEH-lah) is Hebrew for crescendo; to increase, to lift up; also, the Young Adults at First Evangelical Lutheran Church.
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 $50. The Altar Guild will purchase the flowers and arrange them on each occasion. It is asked that donors submit a check payable to First Evangelical Lutheran Church at least a week in advance. Write “flowers” in the memo space on the check.
      Each Sunday the name of the donor and designee will be included in the worship bulletin.
      After the service, the flowers may be taken home by the donor or delivered to a member or friend who is ill or homebound.

STEWARDSHIP THANKSGIVING DINNER A SUCCESS!
      Nearly eighty members and friends of First Church attended the Stewardship Thanksgiving Dinner on November 11. Not only was the food good and plentiful, but the program was stimulating.
      Bishop Michael Rinehart described stewardship, using a bottle of wine and a bottle of champagne. He challenged our church to be like the champagne, bubbling over with generosity.
      Kurt Goedecke then said that Thrivent would match up to $1300 of contributions from the church, whereupon members spontaneously pledged money for the Society for Music of the Early Church. Pastor Peterman, however, made the bidding stop when the amount from the congregation reached $2000, which was $700 more than needed to match Thrivent’s generous offer.
      The congregation also accepted with gratitude the gift of an artist’s conception of downtown Houston in the late 1800s, presented by Marty and Mary Ambrose.
      The event ended around 2:15 p.m. with members and associate members receiving packets of Estimate of Giving and Time and Talent pages for the coming year.

POINSETTIAS FOR CHRISTMASS
      The Altar Guild is making it possible for members and friends of the church to provide poinsettias for the nave at Christmass. A total of twenty plants have been ordered. The cost is $15 each.
      A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex. Donors may designate the plant they purchase in honor or in memory of someone. After signing up, please submit a check payable to First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Write “poinsettia” in the memo space on the check.
      The flowers will be put in the chancel the afternoon of December 23. Donors may take them home after the service on December 30.
      A list of donors and designees will be included in the worship bulletins on Christmass Eve and on December 30.

NOVEMBER PRAYER LIST (October 21–November 20)
      Members and Associate Members                                          
Bill Bammel                              Emilie Ratcliffe 
      Richard and Betty Campbell     Carl and Rose Marie Sontag
            James Cone                              Norman Tofte  
      Minnie Johnson             Betty Wade
            Lorine Nichols
      Friends and Relatives                                                            
            Janet Adams                             Shelly Milner
      Pam Cummings             Conrad and C. J. Strelau
            Emmett Dixon                           Anna Taylor
            Terry and Lois Laughlin            Fransisco Tobias
            Lindsay Lum                             Mary Ruth White         
      Other Special Concerns                                                          
            Saints born into the Church Militant by Baptism:
                  Dakota Ryanne Johnston, February 11, 2007
            Saints born into the Church Triumphant through death:
                  Annie Bammel, December 15, 2006
                  Bertha Suessmuth, March 13, 2007
                  Donna Mosesmann, September 11, 2007
            The death of Evelyn Carlson, November 3
            The death of Bobby Henderson, November 15

CHURCH ADMINISTRATOR REPORT  Marty Ambrose

      The Congregation Council is reviewing the final details of the proposal to have the City of Houston declare protected historical landmark status for First Evangelical Lutheran Church. This designation, already approved by the city archeological committee and the city planning commission, guarantees that our church will safeguard the precious architecture of the campus, gain us discounts on construction permits, and give us added status in the community. If the Congregation Council review is favorable, the matter will be presented for a formal vote by the congregation. If then approved, ours will be the first church in the city to be so honored. The next step will be to attain national recognition.
      As more and more history of our church becomes apparent, we find that we were a missionary church back in 1916 when we spawned Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Spring, Texas. On November 27 a group of about twenty-five members of Emmanuel Church toured our church and took particular delight in the historical significance of our church in the community. The visit was led by Mrs. Dorothy Brown, whose knowledge of First Church goes back to the time of the Baltzers.
      If you haven’t met our new custodian, Rayfus Ferdinand, you’ll want to say hello when you see him busily attending to his duties around here. He is proving to be a most conscientious and industrious worker, always willing to help. He has a ready smile and has been learning rapidly. We are indeed fortunate to have him.
We continue to receive wedding requests right off our website. As this source of income and prestige continues to grow, we will probably find it advisable to form a committee to help with preparation. This can have an added advantage by making wedding participants aware of our spirit of inclusiveness. What better occasion to demonstrate our ability to make folks comfortable in our home?

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Use what talents you have. The woods would be silent if no birds sang except those that sing best.

MARTIN MARTY VISITS HOUSTON

      On November 1, Dr. Martin Marty delivered the Harper Lecture in Houston  at a gathering of alumni of the University of Chicago. His topic was “American Religious Pluralism: The Good News and the Bad News.”
      In his lecture he stated that pluralism occasions and thrives on the idea of tolerance. The good news is that “no one gets killed.” The bad news is that tolerators too often condescend by reducing their religion and other religions to the least common denominator. Citing Martin Luther King, Jr., as an example, Dr. Marty emphasized that pluralism works best when individuals are deeply rooted in their own faith, so that respect and hospitality can arise from that very depth.
      Dr. Marty has written over fifty books and published more than five thousand articles over the course of his career. He is Fairfax M. Cone Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of History of Modern Christianity in the Divinity School and the Committee on the History of Culture. He is widely considered to be the most influential interpreter of religion in the U.S. today. He received his Ph.D. from the Divinity School of the University of Chicago in 1956 and was a classmate of Pastor Peterman, who obtained his B.D. in 1958.
      After the lecture, Dr. Marty and Pastor and Mrs. Peterman reminisced about the “good old days” at Chicago. He was favorably impressed to learn of the resurgence of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, especially with its emphasis on the historic liturgy and the tradition of early music of the church. He said that was exactly what he meant in his lecture about being well-grounded in one’s own faith tradition. He looks forward to returning to Houston before long to teach at the Melanchthon Institute.

THE JULIUS KNIGGE CLASS
      The Julius Knigge Class will meet on Friday, December 7, at 6:30 p.m. in the Beutel Room at First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Bring a covered dish or a plate of finger food to share.
      In addition, those who wish to participate in a gift exchange may bring a gift in the price range of $5-10.

      The class extends a sincere welcome to everyone to come to this meeting and enjoy an evening of warm fellowship. For further information, call the Julius Knigge Class president, Carl W. Sontag, at 713-504-2807.

BACH’S CHRISTMAS ORATORIO

      On Sunday, December 2, at 5:00 p.m., the Abendmusik (Evening Music) Series of the Bach Society of Christ the King Lutheran Church will feature Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, Parts 1-3. Appearing with the Bach Choir and Orchestra will be Christine Reber, soprano; Nancy Markeloff, alto; and Randolph Lacy, tenor.
      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.

VASES NEEDED
      With the Altar Guild providing chancel flowers nearly every Sunday, vases will be needed afterward for conveying the flowers to the donor or other recipient. The Altar Guild requests:
1. Donations of vases for this use.
2. The return of vases afterward, if possible.
      Vases can be placed in the sacristy, which is adjacent to the chancel.

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The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that the former comes from a strong will and the latter comes from a strong won’t.

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.

FROM THE PARISH RECORD (October 21–November 20)
      Add to the Membership roll
            JIM CASTRO, by Transfer from St. Matthew Lutheran                                    Church, Union City, New Jersey
            BREANNA FAIR, by Affirmation of Faith
            JENNIFER HILLYER, by Affirmation of Faith
Add to the Associate Membership roll
            JOAN DEASY
            KURT GOEDECKE

            INGERID PARRISH
            TOM and JANIS RUDD
     

MEMBERSHIP STATISTICS     October 20          November 20
      Child members                            8                           8
      Confirmed members                 113                        116
      Total baptized members            121                        124
      Associate members                   18                           23

BEST WISHES FROM THE CHURCH STAFF
      To all our members and friends, we wish a most Blessed Advent and a Joyous Christmass.
Charline Thompson, Secretary
Marty Ambrose, Church Administrator
Rayfus Ferdinand, Custodian
Jose Reyes-Ortiz, Organist
Carroll Shaddock, Director of Worship and Music
Edwin D. Peterman, Pastor

MARTY’S MUSINGS          Marty Ambrose, Administrator
      How do we greet new visitors to our church? Now that our team of ushers has grown considerably and continues to do so, we might think about making the extra effort to tell them our name, shake hands with them, and give them a copy of First Edition. Also, remember to remind them to sign the guest register
      “Greeters play a huge role for visitors and regulars at places of worship. Sixty-seven percent of people who returned to a church three or more times did so because of a warm welcome,” according to a 2004 survey cited in the book Widening the Welcome of Your Church: Biblical Hospitality and the Vital Congregation (LifeQuest Publishing), by Fred Bernhard and Steve Clapp.
      “People pretty much decide before the sermon ever starts whether they’ll come back,” said Scott Hamm, a minister who trains greeters at Arlington’s North Davis Church of Christ. “When they come through the door, they have the opportunity to really see what you are instead of just hear who you are.”
      Could our ushers, instead of being stationed only at the interior doors, also be outside, greeting walk-ups, helping the elderly up the steps, and introducing themselves? Just musing...

CONGREGATION COUNCIL NOMINEES
      At the special meeting of the congregation on December 16, five members will be elected to the Congregation Council. The Council has nominated the following for three-year terms:
            Mary Ambrose                      Jeffrey Hokanson
            Jamie Brewster                      Greg Ranft.
Nominated by the Council for a one-year term:
            Dean Huffman.
      Additional nominations may be made from the floor at the meeting, with the prior consent of the nominee.

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God often tries you with a little to see what you’d do with a lot.

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET
      Here’s just another reminder that our own Marty Ambrose is now appearing as 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 pastor or the church office. Each book contains a sermon for every Sunday and major festival in the church year.
      The volumes correspond to the three year cycle of readings for the church year, in which the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are predominant. In November we completed the year of Luke. The year of Matthew 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.

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATE

Membership Roll Changes and Corrections (underscored)
MacDONALD, DAVID OWENS    Telephone number unknown

MILNER, VICKIE        832-640-3095
     
MITBY, STEVEN & MONIKA                281-458-0382
      8311 Ramblebrook Court
      Humble, TX 77396

SOUTTER, GEORGE & DICKY     832-239-8570
      7480 Beechnut, Apt. 240
      Houston, TX 77074-4507

ZIEVERT, BARBARA  Telephone number unknown

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY UPDATE (continued)

Add to the Membership Roll

CASTRO, JIM              832-282-0756
      2209 Collier
      Houston, TX 77023

FAIR, BREANNA        832-282-0756
      2209 Collier
      Houston, TX 77023
            (Alana)

HILLYER, (ANDY) & JENNIFER  713-898-6649
      6303 Wister
      Houston, TX 77008
            (Jake)

Add to the Associate Membership Roll

DEASY, JOAN             281-856-0291
      8407 Emerald Valley
      Houston, TX 77095

GOEDECKE, KURT    281-497-6394
      1403 Shannon Valley
      Houston, TX 77042

PARRISH, INGERID    586-293-5639
      30023 Fourth Street
      St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48082

RUDD, TOM & JANIS 281-392-7472
      5226 Valley Bluff Lane
      Katy, TX 77494

First Evangelical Lutheran Church    1311 Holman, at Caroline Houston, Texas 77004-3833                                                                               Historic First Evangelical Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Founded in 1851, the church played a vital role in the history of Houston and the formation of Lutheranism in Texas. The church building is located at Holman and Caroline, across the street from Houston Community College. It is three blocks east of the 3400 block of South Main, convenient to the Ensemble/HCC stop on MetroRail. The office is normally open from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.       Telephone:    713/529-3589            Email:            office@felchouston.org       Fax:              713/529-0816            Web site:      www.felchouston.org   Dorry Shaddock, Choir Accompanist      Charline Thompson, Office Manager and Secretary Jose Reyes-Ortiz, Organist    Rayfus Ferdinand, Custodian Carroll Shaddock, Director of Worship and Music        Marty Ambrose, Church Administrator The Rev. Edwin D. Peterman, Pastor