WEEKLY EMAIL FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

NOVEMBER 29, 2009

For a list of upcoming activities go to http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1K5L6N8L6I3N8

Be sure to check out our website http://welcometopeace.com

If you cannot attend this Sunday, you can still make an offering using our online service at Contribute Online. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and ministry.

We invite you to become a friend of Peace on the Peace Facebook webpage. Facebook is an online social networking site that helps communities of friends stay connected on an on-going basis. The cost is free. Facebook is a lot fun and you will enjoy the connections. You will need a Facebook account to join. Go to http://facebook.com for more information and search Facebook for Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena Texas. We look forward to you joining.

A Happy Thanksgiving to ALL!

We invite you to wear something blue on Sunday as a way to clothe ourselves in the hope of Christ that the Advent season celebrates. Blue is the color of the Advent season.

This Sunday's Events:
I am very excited about our upcoming reading of Luke. In this Sunday's Gospel we start off with the announcement of the coming reign of God and how we need to be alert for its coming. The title of my sermon is, "The Kingdom of God is Near" and I will be preaching about seeing the signs of God's good and gracious reign all around us. Especially in a world that wants to blur the reign of God. We need to keep our perspective and eyes wide open. I hope that you will be blessed by the message.

Wednesday Advent Soup Suppers and Holden Evening Prayer begins December 2: 6:00pm Soup Supper, 7:00pm Service

We will have our annual Wednesday evening prayer service and soup supper. We will also be decorating the Christmas tree each Wednesday. We always have a lot of fun with this and hope that you are planning to attend.


David Booher's Farewell Sunday, December 6
We will bid farewell to David on December 6 at all three services. He will be preaching that day. Also, we will have a special card basket and encourage everyone to drop him a card and a personal note. David has meant a lot to our congregation and we are sad about this leaving, but we are excited about his future.

Playground Update
The playground is taking shape. What a great thing it will be for our children and the children of our community. It should be done in a couple of weeks.

Annual Meeting, December 13 After the 11:00 Service

Our annual meeting is set for December 13 after the 11:00 service. At the meeting we will conduct any business of the church, elect leadership and voters to the church assembly, and approve our 2010 budget. We will also approve our annual report.

Copies of the 2010 budget are available in the narthex.

Opportunity for Generosity
As our church heads into the final months of 2009 you received a letter explaining our financial situation. The bottom line is that giving needs to improve. We ask for you to give according to your faith and we respect everyone in their faith journey. Our challenge is creating a climate of generosity that gives out of faith and joy, not out of guilt and duty.

For us to continue our current ministries we are asking each giving unit to contribute an extra $100 to our general fund. This would give us $30000 to meet our mission and ministry goals.

We have a lot of growing to do in this area. I would like to invite you to email me and let me hear what the barriers are to your giving. Or if you want your identity hid, I have also created an blog where you can comment without being identified. We need to hear the barriers that we need to overcome to grow our church where it needs to be. Please be honest.

Go to http://givinghangups.blogspot.com/

Pastoral Care Notes
Dalton Denny: Bayshore
Cindy Smith: Methodist Hospital
Dorothy Wilson: Triumph in Clear Lake
Jason Elliott continues his treatment for cancer.
Vickie Hildebrand continues treatment for cancer

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tart


Worship Assistants Needed
Our December calendar is on the bulletin board in the narthex, and waiting for volunteers to sign up. Training is available. If possible please sign up in advance for our Christmas Eve services at 4:00, 7:30 and 11:00. We are also still in need of assisting ministers and lectors.

Children’s Christmas Program
Invite your family and friends to come and see the story of Christmas come to life at our Sunday School Christmas Program On Sunday, December 13th at 5:00 pm. Refreshments will follow.

(Reminder to parents: There will be a Christmas Program rehearsal on December 12th at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Christmas Party in the Fellowship Hall.)

Poinsettias
If you would like to donate a poinsettia plant to place in the church for Christmas Eve, please sign the sheet in the narthex. We ask that you bring your plant to the church during the week of December 13th. You may take your plants home on December 27th. Any questions please call Pam Cronan at (713) 492-2811.

Women of Peace Christmas Party
The Women of Peace Christmas Party will be held on December 6th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Liturgical dancers from St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hitchcock will perform. Think about a memorable Christmas from the past that you would like to share. Also, we ask that you bring household items and cleaners, toiletries, and women’s clothing for “Light of Hope - Cathy’s Angels” located in La Porte. Invite your family (spouses and children, too!) and join us for a great afternoon. A sign-up sheet is located on the table in the narthex. If you have any questions, see Geri Warren.

Salvation Army Stocking Stuffing Program
Christmas traditions are very important. The tradition of a child hanging a stocking on Christmas Eve and waking up on Christmas morning to see what Santa has brought is a tradition that has lasted through the ages. The Salvation Army started the Christmas Stocking Stuffing Program in 1984 and it has been a yearly tradition since. Each year hundreds of families receive toys for their children and along with those toys they receive a stocking that has been stuffed by volunteer organizations and individuals like you. Stockings are still available today in the narthex. Please return stockings to Peace Lutheran no later than December 3rd. If you have any questions call Mavis Greif at (281) 482-6823. Thank you for your generosity and giving spirit. May God bless you as you will be blessing others.

Light of Hope - Cathy's Angels
The Women's Board has elected to support a program run by Light of Christ Lutheran Church in La Porte called Light of Hope - Cathy's Angels. It is home for women addicted to alcohol and drugs. Many of these women have lost their families and are homeless. The home has rooms for 18 women. They also have a pantry and resale shop, and are in need of many items. We ask that you prayerfully consider donating some of the following items:

Items Needed:
   Non Perishable Food Items for the Pantry
   Paper Products
   Clothing for the Resale Shop (All clothing must
     be Clean, Pressed, and On Hangers)
Toiletries such as:
   Feminine hygiene products
   Shampoos
   Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
   Bars of Soap, & Shower Gel

A basket and clothes rack for your items can be found in the hallway by the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions please call Carol Young at 713-946-3680

Friendship Circle Christmas Party
The women of the Friendship Circle will have their Christmas party on December 10th at 6:30 p.m. at Willie’s, located just north of Vista on Beltway 8. We hope that you will bring a friend and join us.

Last Sunday for Diane Jorgenson’s Golden Award Project
“My vision is to help the families and patients at the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston. Many families are seeking medical treatments for cancer and burns, and at the RMH they can receive that much needed help. Families come from all over to get these much needed treatments, and most of the time they come empty handed. The house provides shelter, clothing, food and any other necessary items needed for the families. I would like to help make it possible for the RMH to continue helping those in need. By doing so the current and new families/patients that come to the house can feel more at home in their new surroundings. Here is a great opportunity to help those in need. There is a box in the narthex in which you can make your contributions for the Ronald McDonald House.

Items needed: Travel size soaps, shampoos, conditioners, tooth paste and tooth brushes, coloring books, crayons, UNO cards, regular card decks, Spanish books for kids and paper towels. Thank you for your help. Diane Jorgenson


Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

WEEKLY EMAIL FOR CHRIST THE KING SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009


For a list of upcoming activities go to http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1K5L6N8L6I3N8

Be sure to check out our website http://welcometopeace.com

If you cannot attend this Sunday, you can still make an offering using our online service at Contribute Online. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and ministry.

We invite you to become a friend of Peace on the Peace Facebook webpage. Facebook is an online social networking site that helps communities of friends stay connected on an on-going basis. The cost is free. Facebook is a lot fun and you will enjoy the connections. You will need a Facebook account to join. Go to http://facebook.com for more information and search Facebook for Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena Texas. We look forward to you joining.


This Sunday's Events

Wow we have completed another reading of the lectionary. In a way I feel like we are reading the last page of a really good book that has left us with new insights into our lives and how to live in community with others. I had a great time with these readings of God's Holy Word and leave this liturgical year with many fond memories. We had a great worship year.

This Sunday we will end the liturgical year with a bang as we celebrate the lordship of Christ. We will sing "Crown Him with Many Crowns" and "Lift High the Cross" as a way of proclaiming to the world that Jesus reigns over the forces of evil and sin. The title of my sermon is "Facing the Truth" and will be about how each of us needs to come to terms with the truth of Grace in our lives. I hope that you will enjoy it.

This Sunday we will also be feasting on our annual Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey will be served and the fellowship is always a lot of fun. Please plan on bring a dish to share and staying for dinner.

Wednesday Advent Soup Suppers and Holden Evening Prayer begins December 2. 6:00pm Soup Supper, 7:00pm Service

We will have our annual Wednesday evening prayer service and soup supper. We will also be decorating the Christmas tree each Wednesday. We always have a lot of fun with this and hope that you are planning to attend.

Also, beginning November 29 we invite you to wear something blue on Sunday as a way to clothe ourselves in the hope of Christ. Blue is the color of the Advent season.

Special Called Congregation Meeting, Nov. 15

All the motions passed with the decision to re-carpet the nave and sanctuary. The work will begin after the first of the year.

Option 1: To not use the unused funds and return them to the mortgage company in order to reduce the mortgage. (This motion will have to come from the floor)

Option 2: Council moves to accept the bid from Northwinds Construction Inc. to make all repairs to the sanctuary to include drywall, prime paint and texture the ceiling and walls, raise a new choir loft and to replace the carpet in all areas while installing a vinyl tile under the pews. The amount will not exceed “X” amount of Dollars.

3: Council moves to accept the bid from Northwinds Construction Inc. to replace and improve the lighting and controls within the sanctuary at an estimated cost of $35,000.00.

Option 4: Council moves to accept the bid from Northwinds Construction Inc. to make the alter rails removable at a cost of "X"


David Booher's Farewell Sunday, December 6

We will bid farewell to David on December 6 at all three services. He will be preaching that day. Also, we will have a special card basket and encourage everyone to drop him a card and, if so desired, a monetary gift. David has meant a lot to our congregation and we are sad about this leaving, but we are excited about his future.

We have not received any resumes since we began posting. If you would like to help with the transition, please join the Google Group found on our website.

Playground Update

We have the sounds of saws and hammers as the playground construction has begun. Seeing it come to reality is very exciting. Stop by and take a look. We think it should be completed soon after thanksgiving. We will have a special dedication of the playground in the first part of January. We continue to thank all those who have made this happen. We have opportunities for people to purchase benches and other additions to the playground. See the board in the narthex for more information.

Joint Methodist-Lutheran Thanksgiving Communion Service Report

We had an incredible service this past Wednesday as Peace hosted the first full communion worship service with First Methodist, Golden Acres, and Asbury Methodist churches. The combined choir was incredible. We had about 180 in attendance. The pot luck following was also a blast.

We hope to begin doing this every November with the service traveling to the different congregations. Many thanks to those who did the pot luck (Bob and Lin Peterson in particular) and for our musicians (Martha). What a wonderful gift the evening was.

Opportunity for Generosity

As our church heads into the final months of 2009 you received a letter explaining our financial situation. The bottom line is that giving needs to improve. We ask for you to give according to your faith and we respect everyone in their faith journey. Just remember our church depends on the generosity of our members. The bottom line is this: we are giving far below our potential. Our challenge is creating a climate of generosity that gives out of faith and joy, not out of guilt and duty. For us to continue our current ministries we are asking each giving unit to contribute an extra $100 to our general fund. This would give us $30000 to meet our mission and ministry goals.

We have a lot of growing to do in this area. I would like to invite you to email me and let me hear what the barriers are to your giving. Or if you want your identity hid, I have also created an blog where you can comment without being identified. We need to hear the barriers that we need to overcome to grow our church where it needs to be. Please be honest.

Go to http://givinghangups.blogspot.com/



Pastoral Care Notes
Dalton Denny: Bayshore
Cindy Smith: Methodist Hospital
Dorothy Wilson: Southeast Memorial
Mike Davis: Bayshore
Jason Elliott continues his treatment for cancer.
Vickie Hildebrandt continues treatment for cancer
Andie Troutman will undergo knee replacement surgery on Friday

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tart



Women Of Peace Christmas Party

The Women of Peace Christmas Party will be held on December 6th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Liturgical dancers from St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hitchcock will perform. Think about a memorable Christmas from the past that you would like to share. Also, we ask that you bring household items and cleaners, toiletries, and women’s clothing for “Light of Hope - Cathy’s Angels”, a 12 step program for recovering alcoholic women located in La Porte. Invite your family (spouses and children, too!) and join us for a great afternoon. A sign-up sheet is located on the table in the narthex. If you have any questions, see Geri Warren.

Girls’ Night Out - Friday, December 4th 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Jingle Bunco, Jingle Bunco, Jingle all the way. Oh what fun it is to play rolling buncos all the way! Join us for an early celebration of Christmas as we play Jingle Bunco. Cost is $5.00 per person. Red and Green food and attire is encouraged. Last names A-L bring desserts and last names M-Z bring main or side dishes.

Lunch Bunch
Bring your family and join the Lunch Bunch on Sunday, December 13th, at Tequila Boom’s, 3138 Nasa Pkwy, Seabrook, TX. We’ll be looking for you any time from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A sign-up sheet can be found on the Parish Life bulletin board.

From the Creative Hands Ministry
Please continue donating your used toner and computer ink cartridges. This helps save the environment and has offset most of the Creative Hands paper, card stock, and other similar expenses. We have a basket on the WOP table in the narthex. We now can use any size, types or brands. Thanks.

World Relief Update
We have assembled 31 health kits at this time. Last year we completed 32 health kits. Since there is a shortage of health kits, I would like to send in more this year than last year. We are still in need of the following items.

Wash Cloths (dark colors)
Hand Towels (dark colors)
Wide Tooth Combs
Adult Toothbrushes (no toothpaste)
Nail Clippers with File or Nail Files

We are especially in need of the nail clippers with files or nail files. We have plenty of Band aids and soap. Please prayerfully consider donating some of these items. Your help is greatly appreciated. Please continue to save your cancelled stamps and soup labels.

Diane Jorgenson’s Golden Award Project
“My vision is to help the families and patients at the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston. Many families are seeking medical treatments for cancer and burns, and at the RMH they can receive that much needed help. Families come from all over to get these much needed treatments, and most of the time they come empty handed. The house provides shelter, clothing, food and any other necessary items needed for the families. I would like to help make it possible for the RMH to continue helping those in need. By doing so the current and new families/patients that come to the house can feel more at home in their new surroundings. Here is a great opportunity to help those in need. There is a box in the narthex in which you can make your contributions for the Ronald McDonald House.

Items needed:
Travel size soaps, shampoos, conditioners, tooth paste and tooth brushes, coloring books, crayons, UNO cards, regular card decks, Spanish books for kids and paper towels.

Thank you for your help.

Diane Jorgenson”

WEEKLY EMAIL FOR THE 24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

NOVEMBER 15, 2009


For a list of upcoming activities go to http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1K5L6N8L6I3N8

Be sure to check out our website http://welcometopeace.com

If you cannot attend this Sunday, you can still make an offering using our online service at Contribute Online. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and ministry.

We invite you to become a friend of Peace on the Peace Facebook webpage. Facebook is an online social networking site that helps communities of friends stay connected on an on-going basis. The cost is free. Facebook is a lot fun and you will enjoy the connections. You will need a Facebook account to join. Go to http://facebook.com for more information and search Facebook for Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena Texas. We look forward to you joining.

This Sunday's Events:
We are going to bring to a conclusion our journey through Mark this Sunday. We will bid him goodbye and we look forward to returning to his story of Jesus in two more years.

I look back at our readings, I am left with a couple of impressions. First and foremost, I think now of what it means to live with a commitment to the first being last and the last being first. This to me is a great statement about the equality of all people. In the reign of God, no one is more important than anyone else.

I also leave Mark with a great sense of the life of service. Mark lifts up the freedom and goodness that being the one who serves brings to our lives.

Finally, I leave Mark with the power of the cross. Jesus gives his life as a ransom for many and buys us out of slavery to guilt, shame and death. We live as a people freed from the powers that enslave and destroy.

We can now begin to look forward to a journey through the Gospel of Luke. I am very excited to read his stories again and be enriched and spiritually challenged by them.

The title of my sermon this Sunday is "Birth Pangs" and is about how, as Christians, we believe in God always bringing something new.

Special Called Congregation Meeting: Nov. 15, 12:15 - Nave.
The council has called for a special meeting to approve the bid by Northwinds Construction for repairs and improvements to our nave and sanctuary.

We have the following motions: (The exact dollar amount will be available by Friday due to delays by Northwinds Construction.)

The motions by the council reflect the rationale that since the pews have to be removed to do the painting and repairs, then the choir loft addition, lighting and floors should also be done to avoid having to pay extra in the future for pew removal. Placing vinyl tile under the pews will also avoid pew removal in the future to replace carpet. The majority of the council did not want to spend money on the monitors and so this motion will need to come from the floor.

Option 1: To not use the unused funds and return them to the mortgage company in order to reduce the mortgage. (This motion will have to come from the floor)

Option 2: Council moves to accept the bid from Northwinds Construction Inc. to make all repairs to the sanctuary to include drywall, prime paint and texture the ceiling and walls, raise a new choir loft and to replace the carpet in all areas while installing a vinyl tile under the pews. The amount will not exceed “X” amount of Dollars.

Option 3: Council moves to accept the bid from Northwinds Construction Inc. to replace and improve the lighting and controls within the sanctuary at an estimated cost of $35,000.00.

Option 4: Council moves to accept the bid from Northwinds Construction Inc. to make the alter rails removable at a cost of "X"

Youth Minister Transition Update

We have begun the process of posting the position. The "Do Team" is meeting to begin working on continuing the ministries if we fail to have someone in place.

Playground Update
The council approved a bid from Playgrounds by Worth. The bid is for 40,000 and will use money collected from memorials and from the Pony Express.

The playground will be fantastic. It will be made of wood and feature many activities for children. We will have a special display in the narthex of the plans and some pictures of other playgrounds. We will also have a wish list for items we would like to add: Benches, picnic tables and other items. More information next week in the email.

We are all very excited about this project. Construction will begin on Monday.

Joint Methodist-Lutheran Thanksgiving Communion Service 6:30 Wednesday November 18, Pot Luck Following. Bring Your Favorite Dish To Share.

The service will feature combined choirs of Peace, First Methodist, Asbury, and Golden Acres Methodist. I and Pastor Steve Woody will be sharing a sermon. The service will last only one hour.

In August our national church assembly voted to have full communion with our Methodist brothers and sisters. What this means is that we found enough common agreement in our beliefs about communion to allow Methodist pastors to preside at Lutheran communions and Lutheran pastors to preside at Methodist communions. This full communion is a great achievement in church unity. It does not mean that either gives up anything, but we have enough agreement to find common ground.

So, on Wednesday, November 18, the Methodist churches in Pasadena and Peace Lutheran are having a communion service at Peace at 6:30 pm. Afterward we are having a pot-luck in the fellowship hall for conversation. Please bring a dish to share.

The evening looks to be a lot of fun. For more information, contact Pastor Tart. Babysitting will be available for the service.

Opportunity For Generosity
As our church heads into the final months of 2009 you recently received a letter explaining our financial situation. The bottom line is that giving needs to improve. We ask for you to give according to your faith and we respect everyone in their faith journey. Just remember our church depends on the generosity of our members. The bottom line is this: we are giving far below our potential. Our challenge is creating a climate of generosity that gives out of faith and joy, not out of guilt and duty.

For us to continue our current ministries we are asking each giving unit to contribute an extra $100 to our general fund. This would give us $30,000 to meet our mission and ministry goals.

We have a lot of growing to do in this area. I would like to invite you to email me and let me hear what the barriers are to your giving. Or if you want your identity hidden, I have also created an blog where you can comment without being identified. We need to hear the barriers that we need to overcome to grow our church where it needs to be. Please be honest. Go to http://givinghangups.blogspot.com/

Open House Reception For James and Arial Tart and Paul and Alyson Tart.
Sunday, Nov 15 from 2:00 pm -5:00 pm at Peace Fellowship Hall. Kathryn and I are hosting a reception for our sons and our new daughters-in-law. Please feel free to drop by and meet them. Refreshments will be served.

Pastoral Care Notes

Dalton Denny: Bayshore
Cindy Smith: Methodist Hospital
Dorothy Wilson: Southeast Memorial
Jason Elliott continues his treatment for cancer.
Vickie Hildebrand continues treatment for cancer

See you Sunday!

Pastor Tart


Annual Thanksgiving Dinner
Bring your family, a dish to share and join us for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner next Sunday, November 22nd. Our first seating will be at 11:00 am and the second will follow the 11:00 service. Sign up sheets for food items can be found on the table in the narthex.

Nominations For 2010 Council
We are collecting suggestions for nominations and the nominating committee asks for your help. Only one person will be selected to run for each position with nominations open from the floor at the annual meeting (as long as you have the person’s prior consent). Please suggest your names by filling out one of the Nomination ballots that can be found in today’s bulletin. Deadline for suggestions is SUNDAY!

World Relief Update
We have assembled 31 health kits at this time. Last year we completed 32 health kits. Since there is a shortage of health kits, I would like to send in more this year than last year. We are still in need of the following items.

Wash Cloths (dark colors)
Hand Towels (dark colors)
Wide Tooth Combs
Adult Toothbrushes (no toothpaste)
Nail Clippers with File or Nail Files

We are especially in need of the nail clippers with files or nail files. We have plenty of Band aids and soap. Please prayerfully consider donating some of these items. Your help is greatly appreciated.

Please continue to save your cancelled stamps and soup labels.

Carol Young, Mission Community & Action

Women of Peace Christmas Party
The Women of Peace Christmas Party will be held on December 6th from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Liturgical dancers from St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Hitchcock will perform. Think about a memorable Christmas from the past that you would like to share. Also, we ask that you bring household items and cleaners, toiletries, and women’s clothing for “Light of Hope - Cathy’s Angels”, a 12 step program for recovering alcoholic women located in La Porte. Invite your family (spouses and children, too!) and join us for a great afternoon. A sign-up sheet is located on the table in the narthex. If you have any questions, see Geri Warren.

Good Samaritan Fund
Peace for many years has a special fund for members of Peace in financial crisis. Over the years this fund has been depleted to the point when only $100.00 is left. Please consider making a donation to this fund so that we can help people struggling to keep their homes and feed their families. The policy for the fund is currently being revised to improve administration and communication. If you would like to help in this fund’s administration, please contact Pastor Tart.

Sunday School Christmas Program Planning Meeting
A planning meeting for the Christmas Program will be held on Sunday, November 15th at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary. If you have any questions please call Jennifer Sanders.

Lunch Bunch
Due to the special Congregation Meeting on Sunday, the Lunch Bunch has been rescheduled for Sunday, December 13th, at Tequila Boom’s, 3138 Nasa Pkwy, Seabrook, TX. Bring your family and join us any time from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. A sign-up sheet can be found on the Parish Life bulletin board.

WEEKLY EMAIL FOR THE 23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST


NOVEMBER 8, 2009





For a list of upcoming activities go to http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1K5L6N8L6I3N8



Be sure to check out our website http://welcometopeace.com

If you cannot attend this Sunday, you can still make an offering using our online service at Contribute Online. Thank you for your commitment to our mission and ministry.



We invite you to become a friend of Peace on the Peace Facebook webpage. Facebook is an online social networking site that helps communities of friends stay connected on an on-going basis. The cost is free. Facebook is a lot fun and you will enjoy the connections. You will need a Facebook account to join. Go to http://facebook.com for more information and search Facebook for Peace Lutheran Church, Pasadena Texas. We look forward to you joining.



This Sunday's Events:

This Sunday will be giving thanks to God for those who have served our country with loyalty and honor. We will recognize all are veterans of our armed services.



We will also have the baptism of Tatum Shae Marie Fletcher at the 8:30 service. Tatum is the infant daughter of Michael & Raelynn Fletcher and the granddaughter of Michael & Karol Fletcher.



This Sunday we will be reading the story of the widow who offered all she had to the work of the temple. The title of my sermon is "Out of Poverty" and I will be preaching about how our faith leads us to the abundance of God.



To add a point to the service, we are going to have a "widow's mite" collection. We ask you to bring you loose change for a collection to go to the local women's shelter.



Special Called Congregation Meeting, Nov. 15th at 12:15 - Nave

The council has called for a special meeting to approve the bid by Northwinds Construction for repairs and improvements to our nave and sanctuary. The bid will be available for review after the Nov. 10 Council meeting. Proposed repairs are for replacing carpet, painting, new lighting, platform for choir, removable altar rail, installation of LCD monitors.



Youth Minister Transition Update

We have begun the process of posting the position. The "Do Team" is meeting to begin working on continuing the ministries if we fail to have someone in place.



Playground Update

The council approved a bid from Playgrounds by Worth. The bid is for 40000 and will use money collected from memorials and from the Pony Express.

The playground will be fantastic. It will be made of wood and feature many activities for children. We will have a special display in the narthex of the plans and some pictures of other playgrounds. We will also have a wish list for items we would like to add such as benches, picnic tables and other items. More information next week in the email. We are all very excited about this project. They should begin construction this coming week.



Joint Methodist-Lutheran Thanksgiving Communion Service,

In August our national church assembly voted to have full communion with our Methodist brothers and sisters. What this means is that we found enough common agreement in our beliefs about communion to allow Methodist pastors to preside at Lutheran communions and Lutheran pastors to preside at Methodist communions. This full communion is a great achievement in church unity. It does not mean that either gives up anything, but we have enough agreement to find common ground.



So, on Wednesday November 18, the Methodist churches in Pasadena and Peace Lutheran are having a communion service at Peace at 6:30 pm. Afterward we are having a pot-luck in the fellowship hall for conversation. Please bring a dish to share. The evening looks to be a lot of fun.



The spirit of the meeting will be Thanksgiving and this will serve as our Thanksgiving service. For more information, contact Pastor Tart.



Opportunity for Generosity

As our church heads into the final months of 2009 you should have received a letter this week explaining our financial situation. The bottom line is that giving needs to improve. We ask for you to give according to your faith and we respect everyone in their faith journey. Just remember our church depends on the generosity of our members. The bottom line is this: we are giving far below our potential. Our challenge is creating a climate of generosity that gives out of faith and joy, not out of guilt and duty. For us to continue our current ministries we are asking each giving unit to contribute an extra $100 to our general fund. This would give us $30,000 to meet our mission and ministry goals.



We have a lot of growing to do in this area. I would like to invite you to email me and let me hear what the barriers are to your giving. Or if you want your identity hid, I have also created an blog where you can comment without being identified. We need to hear the barriers that we need to overcome to grow our church where it needs to be. Please be honest.

Go to http://givinghangups.blogspot.com/



Pastoral Care Notes

Jeanette Ludwig: Released

Dalton Denny: Bayshore

Dolores Sturm: Released

Cindy Smith: Methodist Hospital

Jason Elliott continues his treatment for cancer.

Vickie Hildebrandt continues treatment for cancer



Congratulations to the Edmiston family on the birth of twin grandchildren to Joe and Susan on Tuesday. They are very cute. Grandparents are Joe & Jeri Edmiston. Also, congratulations to Steven & Jennifer Fiedler on the birth of their son, Travis Cade, on November 5th. Proud grandparents are Larry & Lisa Fiedler.



See you Sunday!

Pastor Tart





Care Team

If you are interested in being a part of Cindy Smith's care team, call Martha Digges at (832) 498-1658. Cindy is awaiting a liver transplant. We need someone to commit to going by her house on Fridays at noon to check on her and bring a light lunch. We also need someone to bring an evening meal for two on Thursdays. If you could fill in with a flexible schedule, let Martha know too.



The Brotherhood

The Brotherhood will have their November meeting at the Golden Corral Buffet on Spencer Highway in Pasadena on Saturday, November 7th, at 7:30 am. Gentlemen, be sure to bring your “better half”! Any questions, please call Weldon Wilkerson.



Purse Party Fundraiser for Women Of Peace

A reminder for everyone: The Women of Peace wish to remind you that we are eligible for a percentage of all of the purses and accessories that are purchased through Peace until December 31st. Our “Purse Lady”, Cherie James, will be available in the Fellowship Hall after all three services TODAY. All proceeds go to the Women of Peace. She now has LARGE bases and covers! Also a lot of new covers for your original purse. (At our party last summer we made close to $300.) We appreciate your support.



Annual Thanksgiving Dinner

Bring your family, a dish to share and join us for our annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday, November 22nd. Our first seating will be at 11:00 am and the second will follow the 11:00 service. Sign up sheets for food items can be found on the table in the narthex.



All Ladies of the Church

You are invited to join us for fun and fellowship. Our next “Martha Circle” meeting will be on Thursday, November 12th at 10:00 am. We meet in the upstairs conference room. The doors by the elevator will be open for your convenience. Those who can stay after will be making a craft for the WOP December General Meeting. All supplies will be furnished. Hope you can bring a “sack” lunch and join us that day.

Jeanene Konviska

(713) 941-5208

World Relief Update

We have assembled 31 health kits at this time. Last year we completed 32 health kits. Since there is a shortage of health kits, I would like to send in more this year than last year. We are still in need of the following items.

Wash Cloths (dark colors)

Hand Towels (dark colors)

Wide Tooth Combs

Adult Toothbrushes (no toothpaste)

Nail Clippers with File or Nail Files

We are especially in need of the nail clippers with files or nail files. We have plenty of Band aids and soap. Please prayerfully consider donating some of these items. Your help is greatly appreciated.



Please continue to save your cancelled stamps and soup labels.



50+ Bus Trip

On Saturday, November 21st, we will be going to The Strand in Galveston for some shopping and for dinner and Moody Garden’s Festival of Lights which costs $4.95. They have golf carts to ride on if you feel you need one. The bus (cost $3.00) will leave Peace Parking lot at 2:30 p.m. Call Virginia Rodriguez at (281) 487-4961 or Judy Speck at (281) 470-0407 if you would like to go with us. Anyone 50 and over is invited to join us on our trips. Remember: If you are signed up for a trip and won't be able to go, please call Virginia or Judy and let them know as we have people on waiting lists for our trips that would like to have your spot.



Diane Jorgenson’s Golden Award Project

“My vision is to help the families and patients at the Ronald McDonald House in Galveston. Many families are seeking medical treatments for cancer and burns, and at the RMH they can receive that much needed help. Families come from all over to get these much needed treatments, and most of the time they come empty handed. The house provides shelter, clothing, food and any other necessary items needed for the families. I would like to help make it possible for the RMH to continue helping those in need. By doing so the current and new families/patients that come to the house can feel more at home in their new surroundings.



Here is a great opportunity to help those in need. There is a box in the narthex in which you can make your contributions for the Ronald McDonald House.



Items needed:

Travel size soaps, shampoos, conditioners, tooth paste and tooth brushes, coloring books, crayons, UNO cards, regular card decks, Spanish books for kids and paper towels.

Thank you for your help.

Diane Jorgenson”