Connections: Gulf Coast Synod News - May 2009

Sun May 3 16:57:10 EDT 2009

image001Connections

May 2009

Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Have You Registered for 2009 Synod Assembly?

Logo color Synod Assbly 2009.tifOnline registration is still available at www.gulfcoastsynod.org (click on the “2009 Synod Assembly” link on the left side of the home page). Our Assembly Leadership Team has been working hard to put together a meaningful event that will focus on our synod’s top priority, Evangelism. Come ready to hear more about how your congregation can do effective, “outrageous” evangelism by “re-rooting” in the community. Other Assembly reminders (all forms/links are available at www.gulfcoastsynod.org, on the 2009 Synod Assembly page).

Synod Assembly Dates:

Friday, May 1, 2009  Written scholarship requests due.  Please send info to mandy at gulfcoastsynod.org 

Wednesday, May 6, 2009  Deadline to reserve hotel rooms at discounted rates. For additional information, please log on to our website www.gulfcoastsynod.org 

Tuesday, May 12, 2009  Cancellation deadline (with written notice) for full refund. Please send information to mandy at gulfcoastsynod.org 

Friday, May 15, 2009  Display Registration Forms due. Please send form to pastor at click2celebrate.com

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Online registration closes

Thursday, May 28-30, 2009 Synod Assembly at the Sugar Land Marriott Town Square

Still want to turn in a resolution to be considered at Synod Assembly? We’ve been getting some questions about the process for submitting resolutions from this point forward. Here is clarification:

•           Between now and May 15, resolutions may be submitted to the bishop’s office (mandy at gulfcoastsynod.org is the preferred submission method). We will copy the resolutions and distribute them to Assembly voting members at registration. No voting members’ signatures required.

•           Between May 16 and May 26 at 5 p.m., resolutions may be submitted to the bishop’s office and 400 copies of the resolution must be brought to the Assembly registration desk (at the Sugar Land Marriot Town Square) by 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 to be distributed to voting members at registration.  No voting members’ signatures required.

•           Any resolutions submitted after Tuesday, May 26 at 5 p.m. become “new business” and will require at least 25 voting members’ signatures (of the Assembly), as well as 400 copies of the resolution. The resolution, signatures and copies should be presented to the Synod Secretary by Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 p.m.  (Copies of the signatures are not needed, if they are on a separate page.)

Please contact Mandy Faucett, mandy at gulfcoastsynod.org, if you have any questions about this process.

Pastor Kerry Nelson: Mission Possible

Together in Mission

By Pastor Kerry Nelson, Interim Director of Evangelical Mission

Kerry Nelson.jpgOn April 16th I began work as Interim Director for Evangelical Mission, a staff position of the Division of Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America deployed to the Texas/Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod and working as an Assistant to Bishop Rinehart.  Try saying that ten times in a row with peanut butter in your mouth.

It was much easier to say, “I’m a pastor at Covenant Lutheran Church” as I did for the last 15 years. And yet, even though my title has changed, my calling hasn’t. I remain a partner with you and all of the people of the ELCA in our common missional calling to make disciples and to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts to us.

As I begin in this role, three words are guiding me:

1. Visibility – The primary goal behind the creation of the DEM position is to increase the relational connections within our synod toward the purposes of our mission. In order to get there, I want to be as visible as possible. Physically, I want to be present in as many congregations and ministeriums as possible. But there are limits to that. So I also want to be visible electronically by gathering the names of people in our congregations who “get it” when it comes to what it takes to connect with new people. I want to welcome them to participate in congregational life and faithful stewardship of time, talents and financial treasures to further God’s purposes in the world.

To get there, I need help. I need names and email addresses of people in every congregation who “get it.”  Ideally, that would include six names from each congregation:  two evangelism people, the chair of the evangelism committee, two stewardship people, the chair of the stewardship committee, and the names and email addresses of the pastor(s). Once I have those names, I want to be in regular communication with the list, create means for people on the list to share best practices and ideas with one another, and to periodically create “gatherings” where we come together for worship, encouragement and planning.

Out of this community will emerge the key leaders who will serve on the three tables that will guide our work – a Mission Strategy Table, a New/Renewing Congregational Table, and a Mission Support Table.

So here is my plea for help – please take a moment to prayerfully consider the people in your congregation who either “get it” or in whom you see potential as leaders in evangelism and stewardship. Write down their names and email addresses and forward them to me at revkerry at gmail.com. 

My sense is that people will be honored to know that their gifts and passions for mission were recognized by their pastors and other members of their congregation and that will help us gain momentum for the work that lies ahead.

2. Vitality – Two of the purposes for coming together in Christian community are encouragement and accountability. In my work with our newest congregations, and in discovering means to encourage and resource all of our congregations, I will be functioning as connector with the churchwide expression of the church, coordinator of the work of our missional tables, and coach/cheerleader in lifting up the desire to connect with more people and grow in our roles as stewards of God’s good gifts.

Bishop Rinehart has lifted up a vision of our synodical partnership as “a network of growing, Christ‐centered, outwardly‐focused, congregations passing on the faith to the next generation.”  That vision is exciting to me!  After twenty years of declining baptized membership, average worship attendance, and financial missional support, I find life and hope in the vision that together we can turn that around. We can work together in a re-rooting process, we can lift up new expectations for growth, and we can act together in different ways in order to see different results.  

3. Viability – One of the members of my former congregation, a strong leader and a generous steward, once stood in front of the congregation doing a PowerPoint presentation. He showed us a slide with the words, “In God we trust…but the rest of the world requires cash.”  It elicited a good laugh but it also made a striking point. While a holistic understanding of “stewardship” is about all of life, about all we do as individuals and as congregations, the fact remains that there are things that money can buy.

According to the records I have seen thus far, in 2008, of the 126 congregations in our synod, 13 congregations gave a tithe and beyond to the ministry of the wider church, 28 congregations gave nothing, and the remaining 85 congregations fell somewhere in the middle. We can do better. For the sake of our common mission, we have to do better.

Grace creates gratitude; gratitude creates generosity; generosity enables ministry beyond our local contexts. Money follows mission. Where God creates vision, God provides the provisions to accomplish it.

We will be encouraging congregations in our synod – in the same manner that congregations encourage their member families – toward healthy and generous stewardship. We will encourage congregational leaders to create a plan to move toward and beyond a tithe in mission support. We will encourage an attitude of trust in God’s abundance, and intentional steps in growing a little bit each year until we all get there.

Thank you for this opportunity to serve among you in this capacity. You can reach me anytime at revkerry at gmail.com or 832-492-3858. I pray God’s wisdom, encouragement and guidance as we join together in mission for the sake of the world.  God’s work.  Our hands.

 “Make it Simple” Stewardship Resource Pack Now Available

To help people understand they are not alone in this time of recession and to recognize God's abundance, the ELCA has produced "Make It Simple," a two-disc DVD resource that explores living more simply while offering an opportunity for people to learn to "live generously."  

make it simple stewardship logo.jpgContinuing a commitment to produce the most “user friendly” and comprehensive resources possible, “Make It Simple” includes downloadable stewardship materials and nine video segments that highlight the personal stories of Lutherans. Keith Mundy, Assistant Director for Stewardship, says that for people "looking to experience the joy of generosity, this resource provides three events and three approaches to share."  Each approach includes an introduction, leadership roles, calendar, sample materials and suggestions for using the video. There are specific materials for children and youth. “Make It Simple” is available through Augsburg Fortress, the ELCA Web site at www.elca.org/makeitsimple and several copies of the DVD will be available for sale at the synod assembly.

"The resource can be especially helpful in these times as people face difficult decisions about career changes and managing their finances," Mundy said. "The resource is designed to help people assess their wants and needs, reducing clutter and complexity in daily life," he said. "It's about asking questions like, 'Do we need that extra television, computer or car? How can we reduce our travel or time shopping?' By discovering what enough is, we discover God's abundance and the opportunity to share with others through our generosity."

Meet Kinnon Falk, Mission Endowment Fund Scholarship Recipient

By Karen Landahl

Kinnon and Allison Falk.jpgWondering what is in store for the Lutheran church?  Curious about who might be leading us in years to come? Get to know Kinnon Falk, (pictured left with his wife Allison) seminarian at the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary in Berkley, CA. Native of Bellville, Falk has his heart set on returning to his home state of Texas. But he has work to do first. He’s nearing completion of his Masters in Divinity, though his journey will not end there. Discovering a passion for ethics, Falk plans to stay on and earn a master’s degree in that field.  

As a future Diaconal Minister, Kinnon Falk will put his dual training to work to “speak on behalf of those who don’t have a voice.”  He will soon be starting an internship at the Office of Public Policy in Sacramento, where he will be working on hunger and criminal justice issues. Falk would eventually like to work in Austin on behalf of the church, helping to see sentiments of ELCA social statements reflected in public policy.  

The church needs leaders like Kinnon Falk to help us respond to the needs of the world.  But seminary is expensive and students depend on our support. Falk received scholarship money through the Mission Endowment Fund and reports that it has been a “big help” to alleviate some of his debt.  

Please continue to assist our seminarians by supporting the Mission Endowment Fund of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod. 

Honor Mother’s Day Worldwide

Mothers are integral – giving, nurturing and sustaining life.  And mothers around the world share the same hopes and dreams: to care for their families and to provide their children with a bright future. Make this Mother’s Day a joyous occasion for mothers everywhere by making a donation to Water to Thrive. This Mother’s Day, honor your mother by changing the lives of women without their most basic human need – the need for clean water. Your gift will transform women’s lives. 

water to thrive.jpgWater to Thrive is a faith-based non- profit organization seeking to improve the lives of those less fortunate through the gift of clean, safe water. They work with Lutheran churches and organizations across Texas to implement clean water projects in Ethiopia. Many congregations and other Lutheran organizations have dug deep to support this ministry and give the gift of clean water – so far transforming the lives of over 30,000 beneficiaries.  

You may mail a donation to:

Water to Thrive, PO Box 26747, Austin, TX 78755.

Credit card donations can be made online at www.watertothrive.org/give.html. After donating online, email shelia at watertothrive.org with your information to designate this as a Mother’s Day honorarium donation and receive a card.

Thanks in advance for your support. 

2009 ELCA Global Formation Event Oct. 2-3, Living Word, Katy

Equip your congregational team for global and domestic ministry!

For only $35 and in only 1½ days, you and your team can

• enhance your connections with the worldwide Lutheran family

• energize your congregation

• gain practical skills for mission

• give, receive, and serve more effectively

elca global formation brochure.jpgOctober 2–3, 2009

Living Word Lutheran Church, Katy, Texas

The Global Formation Event brings together experts and resources on global and domestic ministry under one roof, for one weekend, in one convenient location, so congregational leaders can build skills to be an effective part of God’s mission no matter where you are.

What your team can expect from this team-building event:

• A probing look at the changing context of the global church, and how that context influences global and domestic ministry

• Biblical foundation of global mission

• Challenging witness from a global companion

• Time for your congregational team to meet, reflect, and plan

• In-depth, skill-building workshops, led by experts in specific areas of ministry

• Lively devotions that include global voices

• Opportunities to share about your congregational and synod global relationships

• Fellowship time for networking and connecting

For more information and to register, visit www.elca.org/globalevents

Stay for Living Word’s 6th annual Global Mission Festival on October 4 from 2–6:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.livingwordkaty.org

Hall of Fame Football Coach to Speak at TLU Spring Commencement

D.W. Rutledge, one of the most successful coaches in Texas high school football history and a graduate of Texas Lutheran University, will present the commencement address at TLU’s spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 9, at 7 p.m. 

As head football coach of Judson High School, Rutledge led his teams to seven 5A state championship games, winning titles in 1988, 1992, 1993 and 1995. During his 17 seasons as head coach, he compiled a 198-31-5 record; won 12 district championships, 10 city championships, and 10 regional championships; and advanced the Rockets to the playoffs 16 times.  He was named “Coach of the Year” seven times, and the San Antonio Express-News named him “Coach of the Decade” for the 1980s and 1990s.  In 2003 he was inducted into the Texas High School Football Hall of Fame, and in 2009 he was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Foundation Hall of Fame. 

A Kodak All-American linebacker and captain of Texas Lutheran’s 1974 NAIA national champion football team under head coach Jim Wacker, Rutledge was inducted into the TLU Athletic Hall of Honor in 1985, and in 1996 he was presented the university’s Distinguished Alumni Award.  

Since September 2004 Rutledge has served as executive director of the Texas High School Coaches’ Association, the largest association of its kind in the nation. He is a member of the University Interscholastic League Medical Advisory Committee, the Gatorade National Coaches Advisory Council, and the Board of Directors of the National Organization of Coaches Associations’ Directors. In 2000, Rutledge was presented the Tom Landry Award, recognizing him as a “positive role model and a credit to the coaching profession.”  He is co-author of the character-building curriculum entitled “Coaching to Change Lives.”  

The commencement ceremony will be held on the Chapel Lawn on the TLU campus, weather permitting.  Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, and there will be ample seating for all who wish to attend.  In the event of rain, commencement will be held in Memorial Gymnasium and tickets will be required for admission. Each graduate will be allowed ten guests.  A baccalaureate worship service, also open to the public, will be held in Jackson Auditorium at 10:30 a.m. that morning.  

For more information and updates regarding the 2009 spring commencement, visit the TLU Web site at www.tlu.edu.

Worship Service in the Central African Republic

5 inches. That's just one inch wider than a 2x4 plank. This is the width of the 'pews' where we worshipped this morning. We're not sure whether the 'extra padding' on our bottoms was an asset or a liability in this case. The pews are 12 inches high and about 6 feet long. The church building is too narrow for the pews to be set up with a center aisle, so the women sit facing the front of the church on their side and the men sit facing the women on the other side.

The walls are mud brick. "Don't lean against them," advised the catechist who is responsible for the pastoral care in this congregation, "or your clothes will be dirty."

So we 'perched' on the pews during worship - we don't need to tell you that these pews had no backs, do we? - and we didn't lean against any walls and we gave thanks the sermon was less than 20 minutes.

Announcement time always includes a verbal report of the statistics for the previous Sunday. In this congregation they celebrated their "Thanksgiving" or "Harvest Sunday" the previous week. The attendance totaled 72. The offering was less than the equivalent of $US 2.50.

The choir members are young. The oldest looked about 14 or 15; she is also very pregnant.  The choir uses two homemade drums to accompany their music. They also have a third 'instrument': a plastic 5 gallon container which has a side cut out to create the desired sound; the 'musician' (a boy about 10 or 11) held the handle of the container and beat the top with a stick.

In Paul's letter to the Christians in Thessalonica, he writes that they should "encourage one another."

And so we'll worship in this congregation again. Soon.

Pastor Joyce & Ian Graue
ELCA missionaries, Central African Republic

Tour Italy, The Cradle of European Christianity

DATES: April  21 through May 4,  2010

This trip will be led by Rev. Jim and Judy Hinkhouse, (members at Grace Lutheran in Conroe, Texas), and sponsored by Group Travel Directors of Minneapolis.

The tour includes airfare, tour bus, all tour costs, hotels, average of two meals per day. Visit Almalfi Coast, Pompeii, Rome, Vatican City, Tuscany, Assisi, Florence, pompeii.jpgthe coastline of Cinque Terre, and Venice.

Group Travel Directors has conducted tours for 35 years, and Pastor Jim and Judy Hinkhouse have organized six tours with GTD, and found them extremely competent and reliable.  

For more information or a brochure, please contact Rev. Jim or Judy Hinkhouse at email jhink844 at gmail.com.

Help Support Our Gulf Coast Synod Seafarers Center

Spring and summer gifts and offerings are needed to support our Lutheran Chaplain at the HOUSTON INTERNATIONAL SEAFARERS CENTER. Ben Buehl and the other POH Chaplains call on ships that have just arrived at Houston. There they minister to seamen who man the ships that bring foods, goods, etc from around the world. The HISC is a USO-like Home Away From Home. As the TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod Port Ministry Committee, we must raise all funds for this outreach hospitality ministry. We invite you to consider a donation.  

All donations may be sent to:  

        Houston Int. Seafarers' Center

        P. O. Box 9506 (att: Treasurer)

        Houston, TX 77261

Please mark gifts Lutheran Chaplain Fund.  

Please include this announcement in your parish news. Thanks!  For more information call Chuck Sheppard, Chair TLGCS (281) 345-2552.

Our Seminaries Need Our Help

Because our seminaries rely heavily on endowments, severe cutbacks are occurring. The Master of Divinity program at Lutheran Seminary of the Southwest in Austin has been suspended. Eight present Middlers will complete their course work next year and then go out on internship. Only two professors will remain at LSPS to work with TEEM candidates. Wartburg at Dubuque, IA has released some of their professors. Until the economy improves, our seminaries will have to limit their activity.

What we can do to help: Concerned individuals who are willing to give $25 a month or $300 a year will help. Congregations that can give $1,000 a year will help. Together we can raise $150,000 a year to help the program stay intact. This was a dream of the Southern District in the ‘60s, became a reality in the ‘70s. Sixty-five percent of today’s pastors will be retired in fifteen years. We need to encourage our youth now to think in terms of ministry! 

Contact: 

Lutheran Seminary Program in the Southwest

P. O. Box 4790, Austin, TX 78765

lsps at lsps.edu

(512) 477-2666

A View from the Pew/A View from the Pulpit

Our series of open letters between Kurt Goedecke and Pastor Herb Palmer continue this month. Pastor Palmer responds this month…

Kurt,

Here is the point that I hope to make: God has called our congregations to be a light in the world. Jesus said: a city on a hill cannot be hid. Let your light so shine before others so that they see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. 

God will not neglect to invite each and every one of our congregations to shine. Obviously, we think first of all how that light shine when we gather for worship. It is at those times when the community is gathered that the Gospel is shared in Word and Sacrament. It is from that gathering on Sunday morning that we are sent. It is not just the pastor or other rostered leaders who are sent. All are sent. Because we are all sent out, in what ways are we taking a critical look at our glow?! God is calling each and every one of us to allow the gospel to work through us. When we want to evaluate how the ministry of the congregation is coming along, therefore, such an evaluation is an assessment of all.

I would hope that when we look at our education programs, our youth programs, our social outreach, worship, and all the rest of the congregation’s planning that the primary evaluation would assess: are people having a greater sense of their own discipleship? Are there people from the community being reached? Are people given the opportunity to use their gifts? Are people having a greater sense of living what Jesus means when he says love one another?

These questions are the tools for evaluation. I believe these are very helpful tools for evaluating the work of the congregation. 

These tools come from Scripture. Jesus calls us to follow and become his disciple.  Jesus instructs his church to go beyond ourselves and make a difference in the life around us. Jesus tells us to love one another as we have been loved. The Bible teaches us that everyone gets a gift from the Holy Spirit. Some of us have more than one. These are the tools: discipleship, outreach, love, and using our gifts. 

Rostered persons should be leading the congregation in these ways. Lay leadership should be affirming that these are critical to growing healthy, faithful congregations. People who affiliate with the congregation should expect that they will be invited to develop in discipleship, use their gifts, and find significant ways to serve. 

I do not buy the institutional tools of counting numbers and whether we have been able to keep programs alive. I do not accept that such evaluations help us to be more faithful and to be the shining light Jesus refers to. The life we are invited into is about relationships. It is about giving life for the sake of others. It is about sharing what we have. And it is celebrating the incredible love of God towards us.

I firmly believe that the church will have what it desires when such tools become how they measure congregational life.

Kurt you ask: “What do you see the other congregations in the synod bringing to the assembly that would help a neighborhood church in establishing mission, evaluating leadership and moving congregations from survival thinking to a mission mind?”   

When we come together as the Synod, we come together as a different expression of the church. As congregations, we are many different faith communities that are scattered throughout the region of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast doing ministry in our communities. Our congregations are invaluable for the work of ministry. We are still the church, however, when we come together as a Synod. 

Just as we bring our gifts to our local congregations we also bring our gifts to this expression of the church. We can learn new and better ways from one another about the work of ministry. We can be inspired by the leadership of others. We can learn that in the flow of congregational life there are ups and downs; but we continue on trusting the grace of God to sustain us. We can also learn to hold one another accountable about how we are living faithfully as congregations.

Wherever the church is and where Christ followers are present, the Light of Christ desires to shine. When it shines may the church see that to be the point. When it shines for others to see may others give glory to God.

Herb Palmer

LSTC Declares 2009-2010 “Earth Year at LSTC”

lstc logo.jpgOne of the greenest seminaries in the United States for the last 20 years, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will observe Earth Year during the 2009-2010 academic year. The entire community will focus on care of creation including sustainability, environmental justice, congregational activism on behalf of the earth, and theological themes related to creation.

“Earth Year will be LSTC’s first theme year, with the purpose of fostering engagement between the seminary and issues confronting the world,” said Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs Kathleen D. “Kadi” Billman. “Observing a theme year focused on our care of the earth allows us to challenge ourselves to even greater engagement through our ministries with this urgent need.”

LSTC professors will incorporate the theme in all areas of LSTC’s curriculum (biblical studies, ministry, worship, theology). Several special courses related to the theme will be offered during the year.

Annual lectures and events such as the Lutheran Heritage Lecture, the Leadership Conference, and the annual interfaith scripture conference will have themes related to Earth Year. .

 An events page, Earth Year at LSTC, is posted on Facebook. To find the page, type “Earth Year at LSTC” in the Facebook Search box. Details on events will be posted on Facebook and on LSTC’s web site.

To learn more about the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, visit  <http://www.lstc.edu> www.lstc.edu.

Death in the Life of the Family – June 15

Institute for Spirituality and Health

Death of an important member of the family, congregation, or organization stirs reactions and shifts in relationships that can be difficult to observe or understand.  Bowen family systems theory helps recognize and address many factors that influence the impact of a death on the entire system. There are unexpected opportunities for maturity to develop in these situations, as well as challenges.  

http://e2ma.net/userdata/19101/images/small/e1240335522.jpgLouise Rauseo, pictured here, will draw upon experiences in her own family and in clinical practice to discuss the possibilities for gaining greater maturity around a death in the life of the family. The challenges and opportunities for differentiation of self will be illustrated in families dealing with the death of an important member.  

Family members, as well as therapists, clergy, and others who must deal with  the impact of a death in the life of a family or organization will value this day to think about what may be involved in adapting well. 

Date: Monday, June 15, 2009

Time:  8:30 (Registration) 9:00 - 4:30 PM 

Place:  Institute for Spirituality & Health, 8100 Greenbriar (At Fannin) Suite 200

Free Parking in Building Lot at Visitor Parking Entrance at Old Main & Greenbriar 

Registration Fee:  $100 by May 25/$150 thereafter & at the door

CEU's will be provided for LPC, LMFT, & Social Work: $10 each

Lunch at Nearby Restaurants 

Low Cost Lodging at Holiday Inn at La Concha & Kirby

Please contact Victoria Harrison at vaharrison at sbcglobal.net for information or to discuss scholarships.  CSNSF & the Defining Leaders training program are resources for individual who are motivated to learn and use Bowen family systems theory to understand their own family and human nature, often in an effort to bring about changes that are of benefit to each and all.

Please do not send postings or comments to this list.
Its sole purpose is to distribute this newsletter.

TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA

12707 I-45 North Freeway, Suite 580

Houston, TX  77060-1239

Voice: 281-873-5665

Fax: 281-875-4716

Website: www.gulfcoastsynod.org

In This Issue:

Click on a link to go…

Pastor Kerry <>  Nelson: Mission Possible

“Make it Simple” <>  Stewardship Resource Pack Available

Meet Kinnon <>  Falk, Mission Endowment Fund Scholarship Receipient

Water to <>  Thrive: Honor Mother’s Day Worldwide

2009 ELCA <>  Global Mission Formation Event

Hall of <>  Fame Football Coach to Speak at TLU Commencement

Worship <>  Service in the Central African Republic

Tour Italy – the <>  Cradle of Christianity

Help <>  Support Our Gulf Coast Synod Seafarer’s Center

Our <>  Seminaries Need Our Help

A View <>  from the Pew/A View from the Pulpit

LSTC Declares <>  2009-2010 “Earth Year at LSTC”

Institute <>  for Spirituality and Health: Death in the Life of the Family –   June 15

Our Connection to Peru

Each month we will have a special feature article about our sister synod in Lima Peru. Please visit Our <http://www.enthuseddesigns.com/connections_peru/>  Connections to Peru for our articles. You will also find information on Future Seekers, the recent trip to Peru, and Pastor Navarro’s blog spot.

Two Chances to Visit Peru in 2009

This year there are two trips planned to Peru from our synod 

1. July 27 to August 3, 2009 

Join others in a cultural immersion trip to Peru, July 27-August 2, 2009. Adults and youth (traveling with their parents) are encouraged to learn more about life in South America and especially about our Lutheran brothers and sisters on this powerful trip to Lima and surrounding communities. People from about 8 congregations will travel together. For more information contact Jim Young at jyoung923 at houston.rr.com or peggy at gulfcoastsynod.org.  

2. November 16 to Nov. 23, 2009

A group from Living Word Lutheran Church is travelling to Lima, Peru to help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Luz Divina Lutheran Church. Most likely they will work on building a new Sunday School building in the hills near Marquez. A life changing trip! Come, they would love to have you with them! Contact: John (Juanito) Warner at jwwarner28 at comcast.net of Living Word Lutheran church in Katy.

Build with the Bishop

Saturday, May 16

Build with the Bishop on Saturday May 16, 8 a.m. at 1111 Cedar Creek Dr. in Conroe. This is the first of four homes that Thrivent is funding in the Houston area this year at $50K/pop. Even if your congregation can’t afford to fund a Habitat home, you can be a part of something like this. Your congregation will make a difference for José and Madelen Chacón and their three children. Do evangelism by inviting friends, family, coworkers, church visitors, and unchurched neighbors to take part. Lunch is provided for free. Sign up by contacting Tiffany Darst at 281-807-2634 or tiffany.darst at thrivent.com. 

Car Needed for Visiting Missionaries this Summer 

The Global Mission Task Force continues to search for a car for the Hinderlies (Missionaries to East Africa) to use while they are here in our Synod area. They will need the car available by June 10.  They will be visiting the area until about July 15th. If anyone can loan their car for a week or 10 days, we can work with this. If anyone can loan their vehicle during this time, please contact Shelby Bockeloh (Lord of Life Lutheran, The Woodlands) at 936-273-2668 or e-mail  <mailto:bockeloh at consolidated.net> bockeloh at consolidated.net.

Did You Know?

The first female pastor was ordained in the American Lutheran Church on December 20, 1970. The 1970 General Convention of The ALC approved the ordination of women in San Antonio in October 1970.  

The first female pastor to serve in the Southern District of the ALC was Pastor Lynn Schudy Ziese.  She and her husband, Pastor Paul Ziese, were the first clergy couple in the district. They were installed as pastors of Salem Lutheran Church of Onion Creek (Austin) and Grace Lutheran Church of Lockhart in 1977. The first woman ordained within the Southern District was Pastor Liz Stein on March 14, 1982 in Grace Lutheran Church, San Antonio.

Global Mission Festival, Living Word – Save the Date!

Sunday, October 4, 2009 is the date selected for the 6th Annual Global Mission Festival at Living Word Lutheran Church, Katy. It will last from 2:00 to 6:30 p.m. Join in for a Spirit-filled afternoon of multi-cultural worship, with special guest speaker Leonard Sweet, a noted author, preacher, and professor of evangelism, fellowship, fair trade arts & crafts, ethnic food, great world music, mission ministry information, games and FUN for EVERYONE!

Information packets will be mailed in August. Want to know more now? Contact Living Word at 281-392-2300 or email at livingwordkaty at livingwordkaty.org 

Connections Deadline 

Connections goes out monthly the first of the month. If you have an article for the June issue, please submit it by May 20. Send articles to Susan Rinehart at 

susanrinehart at suddenlink.net.  Please note that this is a new email address. 

Houston Metro Ministerium

The Houston Metro Ministerium meeting which is coming up on Thursday, May 21st, 12-1:30 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church, features guest presenter is Pastor Kerry Nelson, Interim Director of Evangelical Mission for the TLGC Synod. There will be a brief Ascension Day worship service beginning at noon. Lunch will follow the worship and then Kerry Nelson will share his vision for Evangelical Mission.

Tour de Revs

By Margie Taylor, Member of World Hunger Task Force

I would like to challenge each congregation in our synod to raise money for the “Tour de Revs” tour for World Hunger. Each congregation can come up with an incentive to motivate their church. Money will be presented to the “Revs” in Houston at their presentation July 22 in Houston. Ideas may include giving up a fast food meal once/month, movie money, clothing allowance, or a fundraiser with Thrivent matches to complement money raised for World Hunger. Please submit ideas or questions to margie.taylor at youthmc.org or call (936) 856-1491. There is a challenge to raise the most funds in our synod. More resources can be found on www.tourderevs.org.

Augsburg Fortress: New Kids Bible Website

If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re going to have some fun with this!  www.sparkbibles.org. Of course, as always, please feel free to share this link!

Links:

Congregations <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/call_process.htm>  in Transition

Mission Support <http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/mission_support.htm>  Information

Synod Web Site -

www.gulfcoastsynod.org

Youth & Family Ministry www.soggyshoes.org

Disaster Relief Web Site 

www.futurewithhope.org

Churchwide Web Site

www.elca.org

ELCA Global Missions

www.elca.org/GlobalMission

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