Joyline! For November 2009

Joyline The

NOVEMBER 2009

! W E N

A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF ST MARK LUTHERAN CHURCH

Bible Studies for Fall

Sundays | November 1 through December 13 | 9:45 to 10:45 a.m.

Challenge of Islam: What is Islam?

Parenting: With Love & Logic

To the Western mind, the faith and practice of Islam are often a profound mystery. In recent years, this religion has emerged as a prominent -- yet misunderstood -- belief system. Class Leader, Duane Heckmann, will guide you through this study by Arab-Christian, Sam Shamoun, as he unveils some of the mystique surrounding this religion first preached by Muhammad and today practiced by more than one billion people worldwide.

Ephesians 6:4 tells us “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”

In this study, participants will learn about the “Five Pillars of Islam,” examine what the Quran says about the role of Abraham, the Trinity, angels and jinn (genies), the attributes of Jesus Christ, the character of Muhammad, Judgment Day, and paradise. The Quran is the premier Muslim holy book; its 114 chapters are the faith-guide for Muslims everywhere. Did you know the Quran claims Jesus is not God, nor is He the Son of God? Were you aware Quranic teaching says the religion of the patriarchs -Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as all the prophets -- is Islam? Shamoun asks, “Christians, do you see the challenge of Islam, and are you prepared to deal with this challenge?” While Islam is a religious force to be reckoned with, it already has been dealt its deathblow through the atoning work of Jesus Christ. Armed with love and an attitude that considers Muslims -- like everyone else -- those for whom Christ died, Christians can share the same Good News that gives them salvation. As Shamoun says, “The only thing that can defeat Islam is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

It’s true kids don’t come with an owner’s manual, so how can you raise your child in a way that is pleasing to the Lord -- and you for that matter? Leaders Chris Cohrs and John Birdsong will help you explore Jim Fay’s and Dr. Charles Fay’s Love and Logic® techniques by using some of their most popular DVDs that teach you to take the responsibility away from yourself and put it on your child in a logical but loving way. These videos will help you learn how to discipline without anger and threats, raise responsible kids, and learn how to deal with everyday issues such as conquering chores and ending sibling bickering. Come join us as we learn how to make parenting fun! Love and Logic® will help you determine what type of parenting style you use, what will and will not work with your kids, and great comebacks every parent should know. Moms...Dads... Grandparents... Teachers... -- this is a class you won’t want to miss!

Let’s Get

Social!

It is often said that “you cannot communicate too much.” I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I suspect that, even if it’s not, we are a long way off from over communicating! We are trying to remedy some of that.

You may have heard of online blogs and of “social networks” like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and the like. St. Mark has had a basic blog for awhile but we have now also added Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube (and a couple of other blogs) to the list of ways we can communicate and share what is happening at St. Mark. Although not all of these avenues are fully integrated at this time, all of their addresses should be fairly easy to remember. (The following is not an exhaustive list, but it does include what will be the most important avenues of information and communication.) •

St. Mark’s Website: www.stmarkhouston.org

•

St. Mark’s Blog: stmarkhouston.blogspot.com

•

St. Mark’s Facebook: facebook.com/stmarkhouston

•

St. Mark’s Twitter: twitter.com/stmarkhouston (or just follow @stmarkhouston)

•

St. Mark’s YouTube: youtube.com/stmarkhouston

•

There is also a new and very cool youth web site which is almost ready for show...but not quite yet. Stay tuned!

Our presence online will continue to increase to include worship services, special events, newsletter articles (before they show up in the printed version!), and the like; so please keep your eye on them. In addition, there will be several specific RSS feeds for these items published for you soon so that you can receive the news you need in the form and manner that will work the best for you!

Thanksgiving Service November 25 @ 7:00 pm

GIVING 100% 10 Goals of 10 by 2010 All but two teams now have leaders and have been meeting to discuss their charge in one way or another. God is very good in that several of the teams look like they will meet their goals without too much difficulty. A few will have a very difficult time reaching them. Allin-all, however, I continue to thank God for the work of so many to bring together the Body of Christ here at St. Mark and work together for God’s glory and the benefit of His people! Thank you and blessings in Christ! Pastor Scott Heitshusen

Socially yours,

Pastor Scott Heitshusen page 

Front cover image: The St. Mark Cougar Varsity Soccer Team battles Memorial Lutheran on Thursday, October 8. Thus far this season, Varsity Soccer has won 2nd Place in the Concordia Tournament, 2nd in HLAC regular season and 3rd in the HLAC post-season tournament. Go Cougs!

Board of Directors

T R O P RE

If you haven’t read the book of Nehemiah recently, please take some time to do so. It is a tremendous account of seeking and accomplishing God’s will. There are many, many outstanding lessons that can be learned from Nehemiah’s story. At the time of Nehemiah, 140 years have passed since the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem and generations of Jews have been in exile. The wall that was once around Jerusalem has been reduced to rubble and the gates are cinders. Remember that when Nehemiah heard the news about the wall he lived hundreds of miles away from Jerusalem. Nehemiah followed certain principles in order to accomplish God’s will. We are also trying to follow certain, similar principles to accomplish God’s will for St. Mark through the Giving 100% Campaign.

“

Nehemiah first identified a need, just as Pastor Heitshusen did as he outlined 10 different areas which he felt needed intentional direction. Second, Nehemiah then spent time in prayer. Fred and Katie Tonn have done an outstanding work putting together a specific prayer team praying for each of the 10 groups. Third, Nehemiah approached other leaders to assist him with the resources he needed. The Board of Day School Ministries, Board of Elders and Board of Directors are solidly behind this effort to be of assistance in any way possible and to provide necessary resources.

This entire endeavor is in God’s hands... in His timing...and under His direction.

”

Nehemiah’s next step was to assess the situation. Each of the 10 groups will assess the current situation as it relates to their specific charge and use this as a baseline to measure accomplishments. Nehemiah followed this up with meeting with people to explain his plan. Pastor Heitshusen has done a great job in casting this vision and explaining the specific goals. Nehemiah encouraged the people, organized them and got them involved. We are diligently working to get as many people involved in this campaign as possible. It is much better to have many people involved; it lessens the work load, creates synergy, fosters better teamwork, encourages creativity and produces better results in less time. Nehemiah stayed focused on rebuilding the wall and did not get discouraged by naysayers and other distractions. We are making progress in most every area of this campaign. At this point, only two teams remain without leaders. Many teams have already been meeting to work towards accomplishing their respective goals. I mentioned last month that it sometimes feels as if we are behind the eight ball a little. Re-reading Nehemiah always puts things in perspective again. The wall around Jerusalem had been in ruins for over 120 years. God worked through Nehemiah to rebuild the wall in 52 days. I no longer feel as if we are behind. This entire endeavor is in God’s hands...in His timing...and under His direction. “All things are possible with God!” Mark 10:27b In His Name, Duane Heckmann, Chairman, Board of Directors

10/10 Bible Study Group Offers Survey As most of you know by now, we have teams working on increasing participation in some areas in the church through Pastor Heitshusen’s initiative of “10 Goals of 10 by 2010.” One of those areas is Bible Studies. As a member of St. Mark I feel very strong about this area. This is the place where we get the most out of the Word of GOD. This is something we take with us for the week ahead. We go to church to be forgiven of our sins and to Bible Studies to help us grow in our faith (and to do better on the not sinning part!). So if we go to Bible Study to grow in faith - why do we call it “study”? We are not there for a test or to be tested, but to grow...to feed on the Word of GOD. With this being said - what if we called our groups “growth groups” or something similar? We still go to them to learn. We meet new people within the groups and different studies that interest us. Our current home studies are called JOY GROUPS. So, with this being said I would like to ask everyone to fill out a survey that the 10/10 Bible Study Team has prepared. This survey is going to help us get a better picture of what the people of St. Mark are looking for! The link to access this survey may be found on St. Mark’s web site at www.stmarkhouston.org or a hard copy may be obtained from the Welcome Center desk.

We ask that all surveys be completed by Sunday, November 22! Thank you for your input! David McManners, Team Leader Group Members, Cheryl Dinwoodie, Tim Peterson, Rita Schaller & Bruce Schaller

page 

1. When should I give? 2. Where should I give? 3. How much should I give? Scriptural guidelines and principles answer these questions, and they can be summarized in six words.

Being a

CHEERFUL

Giver

Note from the author: A portion of this article is reprised from November 2005 when it originally ran in The Joyline. Portions of this material are from the Master Your Money series by Ron Blue. It’s principles are timeless.

Leaders of St. Mark ask you, from time to time, to give

to this fund or that fund, this project or that project. Certain times of the year there are multiple projects and fund raisers going on at the same time. Perhaps you ask yourself, “How do I decide which fund to support?” and “How can I manage to give to more than one fund at St. Mark?” Those are great questions. Giving is a key part of our spiritual growth process…and with growth, we have questions, we learn, and we experience growing pains.

Giving is an outward, material expression of an inside, spiritual condition. “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” (Malachi 3:10) “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all time, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.’ Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (II Corinthians 9:6-11) These Bible verses encourage and command us to give, and clearly spell out for us the fruits of the spirit of giving. But what about your “how” questions from the first paragraph above? To answer those questions, there are three very relevant questions you should also ask yourself as you plan to give: page 

• • • • • •

Preemptively Periodically Purposefully Proportionately Planned Precommitted

When Should I Give? A. Preemptively - Proverbs 3:9 “Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase.” Giving should have the first priority over all other uses of money.

B. Periodically - I Corinthians 16:2 “On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income…..” Giving should be done as income is received.

Where Should I Give? Purposefully - II Corinthians 9:12 “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” We should make a purposeful decision to give where the Scripture says God’s interest lies. The answer to the question “where should I give” is different for every person; however, one thing remains the same. For everyone who gives to St. Mark, not one of the funds is more important than the others. Just as you have short-term, medium-term, and long-term financial needs in your household, so does St. Mark. The Bible clearly tells us to give not only to supply our day to day needs but also to store up for later needs, and to leave an inheritance for future generations, to give to the needy, for evangelism, and for discipleship in our community and all over the world.

How Much Should I Give? A. Proportionately - the “should give” level, in proportion to the amount we have received. B. Planned - the “could give” level, the amount that I could give if I were willing to give up something else. Sacrificial giving. Deferred giving from estate plans. C. Precommitted - the “would give” level, committing ourselves to giving if God provides a certain amount supernaturally. Faith giving. Our challenges are many. Consider this one: To prayerfully make a pledge (to St. Mark Lutheran School, to St. Mark Lutheran Church, to the Sign Campaign, to the Endowment, etc.) and then watch what God does to cause it to become a reality! But remember to do what God convicts YOU to do, not what anyone else says. Give cheerfully, and freely, what He tells you to give, and He will bless your life! In Him, Kelly Biar, Director of Operations

BOARD OF

ELDERS Defining the Elders’ Roll

Your entire Board of Elders has now met to review the decisions made at their August Retreat and confirmed their role in support of a more Simple, Focused and Excellent discipleship ministry as espoused in Simple Church by Rainer and Geiger, a book I referenced in last month’s column. In a nutshell, we’ll take a more team-based, intentional approach in the work we do. Let’s review some recent decisions that will help us to revamp the Elders’ role toward modeling and facilitating discipleship at St. Mark: Family Assignments. The key decision here is the assignment of families to two-Elder teams instead of to a single Elder as was done in the past. The benefit to this approach is maintaining consistency in the event that one of the two Elders resigns and an allowance for mentoring between newer and more established Elders. At this point, the Board has made the assignment of families and your Elders have been encouraged to reach out to you directly. If you have not been contacted and would like to know who your elders are, please contact the church office (713/ 468-2623). Homebound Team. Somewhat related to the Family Assignments, is the formation of a specialized team lead by Pastor Duerr and Leonard Vogt, along with Pastor Freed, Gerry Woelfel and several other lay members, to address the spiritual needs of our more senior members. This team will ensure that our homebound and nursing home members are visited at least bi-weekly, receiving comfort, prayers and Holy Communion. Thus far, the Pastors, Leonard and Gerry have done a remarkable job of visiting these members and with a larger, specialized team, we believe our capabilities in this area will be further improved. Hospitalized Members. Pastors Duerr and Freed will serve as the first responders for any hospitalized members and will maintain regular communications to the Board, including the assigned Elder team, and convey any specific needs such as prayer and further visits. As with the Homebound Team, too many members in the past weren’t visited in a timely manner, but with the Pastors taking on this role we’ve already seen great improvement with nearly every hospitalized member visited at least once during their stay. Please contact Kim Radtke at the church office (713/ 468-2623) if you know of a member needing a visit from one of the Pastors.

New Member Orientation & Confirmation. These are our “entry” points for membership, albeit at two ends of the age spectrum. This is where St. Mark teaches Church doctrine and key Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) tenets. While the Elders have been peripherally involved in both these entry points, we’ve committed to taking an intentional and teamBaptisms based role in this ministry. Led 10/11 Alexandra Violet Pampell by Willis Schrampfer and Steve Wible on one end and Art BorNew Members man, Bill Reese and yours truly 09/17 Joshua Jackson on the other end, our intent is 09/26 Becky Duerr to involve a broader base of Elders in these critical teachMarriages ing opportunities and “share 09/19 Lillian Johnson and the wealth,” so to speak, with Troy Gomez Sunday responsibilities. In addition to the 10-week New Deaths Member Orientation program, 09/18 Elgin Lochte your Elders will also lead a 10/10 Ben Kelm 3-week program for existing LCMS members transferring into St. Mark and, through the leadership of David McManners as part of the Giving 100% Campaign, we’re revamping our Adult Bible Study program with more emphasis placed on Growth Groups - small groups focused on discipleship. Please see the “10/10 Bible Study Group Offers Survey” article on page 3 of this issue and take time to complete the survey as this will greatly help our efforts!

Membership Report

Worship Teams. There’s still some decision-making to be done in this area, but for now we’re expanding our “footprint” to support Fred and Katie Tonn’s Prayer Team after each service and we’re considering ways in which to involve the Acolytes beyond the lighting of the candles. John Burns, who’s leading our Giving 100% Worship Team, would certainly appreciate any constructive feedback you may have about improving our worship. He can be reached at [email protected]. Education & Training. Educating and training our Elders has been performed mostly through word of mouth and, as you can imagine, things get lost in translation. Taking a lesson from successful discipleship programs, your Elders will devote significant time in formally educating ourselves. From prayer to caring, from Holy Communion to teaching, we understand that a Biblical approach to these responsibilities as well as continued practice, will Simplify our actions towards an Excellent ministry. We’ve already begun to rewrite our outdated Elder training manual and have added a few chapters. In the new calendar year, we hope to devote some Focused time to go through this training. Much of the above remains a big challenge for our group, but we know with God’s help that we’ll be successful. Specifically, your Board asks for your continued prayers of patience and encouragement as well as the support of lay volunteers and men of God who’ll consider joining us in the new calendar year. Speaking of which, if you do have an interest in supporting your Board of Elders in their caring of families as either a layperson or Elder, please contact me, Ed Hardin at [email protected]. Ed Hardin, Chairman, Board of Elders page 

All God’s Children There is certainly an international flavor demonstrated at St. Mark Lutheran School! As a matter of fact, the ethnic background of our student body has changed significantly over the past few years. This year we have students enrolled that are from the Bahamas, Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Columbia, and India. The ethnic background of students at St. Mark comparing 2009 and 1995 is shown in Chart 1.

Chart 1 African American Caucasian Korean Hispanic Other

2009

1995

Percent

Actual

Percent

Actual

2% 75% 8% 13% 2%

8 264 28 47 7

0% 92% 1% 6% 1%

0 322 4 21 5

It is a real joy to see all the foreign students as it allows us the opportunity to reach out with the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to so many who may not have heard His message.

We have also seen the percentages of churched children and unchurched children change significantly during the history of St. Mark. Those statistics are shown below in Chart 2.

Chart 2 St. Mark Members Other LCMS Churches Non-Lutheran Churches No Church

2009

1995

1959

24% 3% 50% 23%

55% 12% 25% 8%

94% 2% 3% 1%

One can readily see, in more ways than one, that the mission field has certainly come to St. Mark Lutheran Church & School. The amount of school families with no church home has increased significantly. We have students coming from overseas and from within our own community that are anxious to hear about Jesus Christ. St. Mark Lutheran School is an excellent setting for that to happen. What a privilege and joy it is to share the message of God’s love through Jesus Christ to these children and their parents! Thank you to the members of St. Mark for your strong support of St. Mark Lutheran School and All God’s Children! Herb Mock, Principal St. Mark Lutheran Schoool

MAM Toy Drive Memorial Assistance Ministries (MAM) Second Annual Christmas Program for children is now underway and the students of St. Mark will once again assist in this effort. MAM helps many families in our community who struggle to provide food and basic necessities for their children. During the holiday season, they also want to share the joy of Christmas with the children. During December 2009, the goal is to provide toys for about 600 children ranging in age from newborn to age 15. Younger children will receive toys and books while older children will receive Wal*Mart gift cards. MAM needs to collect or purchase over 1800 toys or gift cards! St. Mark School families and Church members can help by purchasing and donating toys that are new and unwrapped (retail value not to exceed $50). Donation deadline is Friday, December 4. The following are suggested toy donations that are popular... but ANY items are welcome! (No stuffed animals, please.) page 

Scooters, skateboards, roller blades, games like Sorry, Monopoly or Twister, baseball bat & ball, soccer ball, football, construction toys like Legos or Duplos, dolls, craft kits, trains, cars, riding toys, push/pull toys, shape sorters, pretend playsets like garages, airports or doll houses, play gyms, books, CDs or Wal*Mart gift cards. Your generous donations may be left at the Welcome Center desk. Thanks for your support!

Please HELP our toy drive!

Check Out the Concession Stand!

Sports On the

Scene

The JV Girls Volleyball Team wrapped up their 2009 season with a 15 & 1 record. The girls finished in 2ND Place in the HLAC and brought home a 1ST Place trophy from the Lutheran High North JV tournament and another 1ST Place trophy from the Salem JV tournament. Team members are 5th graders - Taylor Barge, Lena Goodman, Rebecca Mauer, Alice Morse & Julia Shim. 6th graders - Annabelle Bellows, Olivia Chapa, Cameron Freeman, Sydney Good, Grace Heckmann, Kristen Krueger, & Annie Messina. The JV Cougars were coached by Casandra Brisbin. The Varsity A Volleyball Team won their first match against a higher seeded Concordia-San Antonio, 3-2, at the Lutheran Volleyball Championship of Texas in Brenham. Way to go VB Coaches Julie Hardin & Lynn Mauer and VB Cougars Jordan Barge, Dominique Del Signore, Ashley Fritcher, Jordan Hardin, Vanessa Hernandez, Julia Mauer, Hannah O’Malley, and Alexa Pratt.

We finally have a concession stand on our athletic fields! We recently converted part of our storage container into a comfortable concession stand, complete with air conditioning and a drink cooler! Special thanks to St. Mark member Bill Bailey for taking the lead on the construction and retrofitting work; to Danny Melcher for air conditioning work, and to Coca-Cola for providing a beverage cooler. The only other thing we’d like to do is paint the side of the container. Someday, perhaps an artist and a few volunteers might be interested in that project!?! The concession stand is operated under the direction of Dale Quickel, Director of Church and School Athletics; profits are returned to the athletic department.

The Cougar Cross Country Team has been making TRACKS in Cross Country meets this season. Notable finishers are 8th grader Marissa Clark with 2 - 1ST Place finishes and 1 - 2ND Place finish; 6th grader Kayla Clark has come in 2ND Place 2 times and 7th grader Presley Good has a 2ND Place finish and 2 - 3RD Place finishes. The 6th grade girls team of Annabella Bellows, Kayla Clark & Grace Heckmann brought home the 3RD Place team plaque from the Houston Christian Cross Country Meet. The Cougar Harriers are coached by Duane Heckmann.

GO Cougars!

The Varsity A Soccer team finished in 3RD Place in the post-season HLAC tournament.

Congratulations to Coaches Francisco Elizondo & Liz McGlynn and Varsity A players Chandler Atkinson, Marissa Clark, Sean Dandy, Parker Dice, Gloria Elizondo, Marco Farias, John Ferguson, Presley Good, Jack Goodman, Alexander King, Sterling McDaniel, John McGlynn, Beth Thompson, Drew Willingham & Nick Zander. What an awesome season! Keep up the GREAT work! Dale Quickel, Athletic Director

Save Lids to Save Lives

Yoplait Yogurt has new lids on the yogurt containers they have released this fall to support the “Save Lids to Save Lives” program. For every bright pink label with the Breast Cancer Ribbon sent in, Yoplait will donate .10 cents Help to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It doesn’t now! sound like much; but it would take just ONE out of every 10 women in America to send in ONE label to add up to 1.5 million dollars! St. Mark staff member, Linda Peterson, has graciously offered to collect and mail in any labels collected between now and midDecember. You may drop off your clean labels at Linda’s office door (down the church hall with the water fountain) or mailbox. Help find the cure! More information on this initiative is available at www.yoplait.com/slsl/. You may contact Linda at 713/ 255-3678 or [email protected]. page 

Ladies!

You don’t want to miss out on the event of the year! The Women’s Retreat Committee is so excited to present our 6th Annual Women’s Retreat on January 16-17, 2010. It’s just around the corner and we would love for all of you to come and join us for this fabulous event! Why don’t you make plans today and register to relax at “Sweet Life Cafe” where you’ll enjoy time with our Heavenly Father in the beautiful countryside surroundings of Heartland Retreat Center in Brenham, Texas. In these times of stress and constant activity, we need to spend time away from our daily routines to refresh ourselves and to be refreshed by the sweet words of God in order to handle it all. We know you’ll come away from this retreat feeling refreshed and energized and more ready to take on the challenges of the New Year! We will have wonderful, comfortable and spacious accommodations, 10 Minute Massages, delicious food (including Brenham’s own Blue Bell Ice-Cream), fun activities, small and large group times, a service project, inspiring music, meaningful worship and, of course, our special social time to make new friends and connect with old ones. There will also be plenty of free time to rest,

Reception for New Members

read, take a walk or shop in downtown Brenham. So grab your moms, sisters and girlfriends and make plans now to come to the women’s event of the year. This Retreat is open to all women (even if they aren’t St. Mark members!) so please feel free to invite your friends from other churches or your neighbors or someone you would like to “feed with the Word of God.” Just come...you’ll be so glad you did! Registrations are now being accepted so stop by the Welcome Center desk to pick up a brochure. Registration is $110 for one night, 3 meals and materials OR $60 for just the day. All payments are due to Peggy Ramer, Registrar, by December 13. You may pay half now and half in December if you choose. Please contact Cheryl Dinwoodie with any questions or to have a registration form emailed to you ([email protected] or 713/ 463-9550).

We are praying for you to come and experience that Jesus truly is the Bread of Life -John 6:35

Immeasurably More! When we ask Jesus to touch our lives with Himself, Jesus does remarkable things. Know why? Because Jesus “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” Ephesians 3:20 So…what do prayer ministers pray for on the telephone prayer chain, after worship services, on Sunday nights, in hospitals and in people’s homes? The answer is…anything and everything that is joyful, happy, difficult, confusing, or painful in our lives: job issues, illnesses, decisions, addictions, relationships, grief, anger, fear, financial issues, loneliness, forgiveness, marriages, children, the miracle of faith in Jesus...to name a few. All these and more have been brought before the throne of God during the past year.

A reception for 30 new adult members was held on Sunday, September 27 with pastors, staff and other church leaders in attendance. Please join us in welcoming the following new members to St. Mark: Gloria Bieberstein, Brian & Casandra Brisbin, Joseph & Tina Dieber, Tim & Becky Duerr, Tim & Jeannine Dugan, Vicky Gallegos, Sarah Hahn, Lynn Halliday, Kacey Harman, Diane Harrington, Katherine Heuermann-Grant, Josh Jackson, Gregory & Laura Kieschnick, Marc & Amy Kyle, Brenda Meade, Dana Meeks, Heidi Meeks, Andrew & Christine Pampell, Joanie Robertson, Terry & Dana Roby, James & Pamela Stone.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY! page 

We welcome you to join us as we stand shoulder to shoulder in calling upon the Presence of Jesus Christ in peoples’ lives. We invite you to join the email prayer chain and the telephone prayer chain where you’ll receive the weekly prayer list from St. Mark as well as those that come in during the week. We invite you to join in prayer for our fellow worshippers when we pray for them after services. We invite you to join in prayer on Sunday Nights - prayer ministers pray from 4:30-5:00 p.m. in preparation for praying with others from 5:00 to 6:00...it’s our time of “warming up”! We’ll even schedule a one hour training session with you to prepare you to pray! Please sign up at Welcome Center desk for these prayer opportunities or call Katie Tonn with any questions (713/ 461-4615).

at St. Mark

Music News!

Conservatory – We are excited to have 2 new teachers in our conservatory this fall. Judy Luthy joins us as a piano teacher and Barry Leitko is now teaching guitar. We welcome them both and look forward to hearing the fruits of their labor! Choir – The choir is excited to welcome 3 new members so far this fall. Melissa Fritsche, Vicki Gallegos, and Maddy Marrs have all joined our soprano section and we are grateful to have them! We could still use some tenors and basses, so guys, get off of the sidelines and help us out! School Music – Miss Meredith Mearns has taken over the school vocal and general music this year after Kathy Gresham moved to Austin, TX. She has been doing a great job and we look forward to hearing her students in concerts and in worship. John J. Marrs, Director of Music Ministry 713/ 255-3613 | [email protected]

SPICE REPORT! The SPICE social group met on October 1 with 31 seniors attending for a day of games and fellowship. Pastor Duerr had a mealtime prayer and a devotional from Romans. Novella Dawson made delicious brownies, Mary Symmank brought a chocolate cake and Delores Weyer made Chex Mix. For November, Clarice Holcomb and Myrtle Emery volunteered to make some cookies or other finger food for the group to enjoy with their coffee. In September the group was given an opportunity to evaluate SPICE to see if their wants and needs are currently being met. The responses were all positive! It was suggested we might want to play Bingo occasionally and perhaps have a pizza day. These suggestions will be given consideration in 2010.

SPICE meets on the first Thursday of each month in the Scout House. The next fellowship with games will be on November 5. If there is someone who would like to come but no longer drives, call Glenda at 832/ 370-7746 and we will see what we can work out. Remember we will have a potluck meal in December. Hope to see you at SPICE!

Join us for “Christmas at St. Mark” on December 12! This event will feature various fun, family friendly events throughout the day as well as concerts by our school children. Then, at 7:00 p.m., St. Mark will present an original production called “Faith to Carry On,” a pageant that features the St. Mark Adult Choir and soloists, and tells the Christmas story while comparing the faith of the nativity characters with the faith we need to have today.

Upcoming Concerts On November 12, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., Sarah Oliver will be hosting her graduate Harp Recital at the University of Houston’s Moores School of Music. On February 28, 2010, St. Mark will again host pianist Jim Hendricks in concert on our new Boston Grand Piano. Come hear his amazing musical talent in an unbelievable FREE concert.

A Christmas Blessing The Houston Lutheran Chorale invites you to join them as they joyfully celebrate their 25th Anniversary! When one thinks of a 25th Anniversary, at the top of the list are: 25 years of marriage, 25 years on the job, 25 years of ministry, and 25 years of blessings! The Houston Lutheran Chorale began 25 years ago from a desire to communicate and share the love of Jesus Christ and His salvation to the Houston community through music. As we prepare for this Christmas season, we are reminded of the most amazing blessing given to us in the form of the Baby in a manger. The Chorale invites you to join in the celebration at their annual Christmas concert, “A Christmas Blessing,” on Saturday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church and Sunday, December 6, at 3:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, downtown. A reception will be held immediately following the concerts in celebration of our 25 years! Come, sing, and enjoy the familiar sounds of the season, such as, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!, Carol of the Bells, Vivaldi’s Gloria!, and much more. An Alumni Choir will be featured performing Chorale favorites from the past 25 years. For ticket and concert information call 713/ 869-8486 or visit our website at www.hlc-tx.org. Thank you for blessing this ministry and being a part of this amazing tradition! page 

November 2009 birthdays & anniversaries

Birthdays

11/11 Payton Bridges 11/11 Haley Dearing 11/11 Kelly Hammack, III 11/11 Cody Smith 11/11 Cory Smith

11/01 Donald Daze 11/02 Emily Biar 11/03 Audrey Caudill 11/03 Trina Caudill 11/03 Tom Murff 11/03 Judith Swanson

11/12 Christian Birdsong 11/12 Jennifer Black 11/12 Lynn Cooper 11/12 Kelly Hammack 11/12 Jim Hebert 11/12 Suzan Monsen 11/12 Stephanie Smith

11/04 Elisa Beisert 11/04 Kevin Davenport 11/04 Myrtle Emery 11/04 Ruth Lawrenz 11/04 Tim Menzel 11/04 Gary Pearson 11/04 James Utley

11/06 Debbie Miertschin 11/06 Kevin Spriggs 11/07 Lana Blair 11/07 Jim Cooper 11/07 Janice Johansen 11/07 Garrett Meyer 11/07 Donna Schulz

11/15 Thomas Cook, V 11/15 Mark Huseman

11/21 Carol Pariza 11/21 Caitlin Rochow 11/21 Cory Thorson 11/21 Emily Wasserman

11/07 Nathan/Gretchen Groth.......... 22 11/07 William/Wilma Larsen............ 20

11/22 Andrew Cohrs 11/22 Anita Rogers

11/11 Walter/Loretta Mueller........... 58 11/11 Brian/Tammy Raymond.......... 20

11/23 John Hardie 11/23 Marvin Zoch

11/13 Edward/Mary Beth Witt............ 5

11/26 Robert Byrd 11/26 Clayton Gruetzner 11/26 Leah Mueller

11/16 Bonnie Cox 11/16 Rita Robles 11/16 Kelley Zarker

11/27 Alford Faske 11/27 Deborah Herbrich 11/28 George Lem 11/28 Daniel Musgrove

11/18 Mary Patrick 11/18 Carolyn Robertson

11/09 Jacob Gogan 11/09 Barbara Kennedy 11/09 Lanie McManners 11/10 Larry Dube 11/10 Terry Holcomb 11/10 Gilbert Moody

11/14 Brayden Keeton 11/14 James Naskrent

11/17 John Birdsong 11/17 John Brown, Jr. 11/17 Reggie Buford 11/17 Mimi Huse 11/17 Preston Kyle

11/08 Jerry Blakemore 11/08 Tom Bonura 11/08 Ed Hardin 11/08 Jordan Hardin 11/08 Margie Murray

Date Couple

11/25 Fred Boecker 11/25 Christopher Caudill 11/25 Ruth Freed 11/25 Gerald Quandt 11/25 Donna Sunderhaft 11/25 Mark Thompson

11/13 Gail Greeley 11/13 Bailey Stockton

11/05 Nancy Graham 11/05 Mark Schoenemann

11/20 Amanda Emery 11/20 Diana Weldon

11/19 Linda Rogers 11/19 Samantha Skrehot 11/19 Harold Wetuski, Jr. 11/19 Jessica White

11/29 Bill Larsen 11/29 William Reese III 11/29 Dennis Rochow 11/29 Travis Smith 11/29 Farrah Sorenson 11/29 Lisa Wetuski

11/10 Garry/Tina Fritsche................. 30

11/15 Tom/Jennifer Bonura.............. 29 11/18 Richard/Dianna Rudolph........ 30 11/19 John/Ana Burns..................... 21 11/22 Paul/Suzanne Thompson........ 23 11/24 Mark/Lois Turner................... 30 11/25 Rick/Cynthia Gebhard............ 37 11/25 Greg/Laura Kieschnick............. 9 11/25 Michael/Kim Stockton.............. 9 11/26 Edmund/Alice Patschke.......... 59 11/26 Robert/Kay Thompson............ 52 11/29 Casandra/Brian Brisbin............ 7 11/29 Larry/Marti Huseman............. 40 11/30 Marc/Anne Grosz................... 18

11/30 Dan Batterson 11/30 Samuel Hohle

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! -Psalm 100:4 page 10

Years

11/04 Steve/Fonda Blair.................. 20

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DID YOU KNOW...you can make secure payments online, 24/7, to St. Mark church or school by using the ONLINE GIVING link at www.stmarkhouston.org?!

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St. Mark Lutheran Church 1515 Hillendahl Houston, TX 77055 St. Mark Church 713/ 468-2623 St. Mark School 713/ 468-1492 www.stmarkhouston.org The Joyline is a monthly publication of St. Mark Lutheran Church. The deadline for submitting articles for the December issue is Thursday, November 12th. Contact Lisa Emery at 713/ 255-3615 with any questions regarding this publication.

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 8884 HOUSTON, TEXAS