For 13th Sunday After Pentecost

August 22, 2010

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.

Jamie Davis sent me this link to some cute cartoons, Click it for some chuckles.......
Christian Cartoons

This Sundays Events
This Sunday we will read the wonderful story of Jesus healing the bent over woman on the Sabbath. The story is rich with this image of the Gospel, the good news of God's reign, as the healing force that lifts us up. Many people live in "bent over" lives- discouragement, bitterness, resentments, anger, depression, physical and financial problems can make us bend over under their burdens. The Gospel is that in Jesus God gets under our burdens to lift us up. We find a God in Jesus that does not want us to live with our heads down, but with our heads up. He wants us to anticipate the joy of his saving help and give to him our burdens so that we can live in the newness and freedom of his grace and power.

He also calls us to help those burdened by reaching out with a helping hand. He wants our community to be in the lifting of burdens and not the giving of burdens. The Pharisees in the story could not see this. They criticize Jesus for healing on the sabbath, the day of rest. They were so bent over with their legalism that they could not see this Gospel in front of them.

We need to remember that Jesus came to lift burdens and not to add to them with new laws and new pieties. He did not come to make sure everyone was keeping sabbath. No, he came to free people with his grace and love and to invite us to see each other in new ways.

It has been a year since our church voted to allow a congregation to call a minister who is in a same sex publicly accountable relationships. I know that people in our congregation and community have some lingering resentments because of this decision and think that the ELCA is losing a moral compass. I have heard this and I totally respect a person's right to have and share their feelings, opinions and thoughts. I don't think someone else has to be wrong in order for me to be right. I, however, hope and pray that our community will stay focused not on laws of conduct, but on the bigger question of how we might lift the burdens of others and invite them to live lives of dignity and grace. Say what you will about this decision, but it is obvious to me that allowing such ministers is lifting a burden off those who for many years struggled with accepting who they are and loving who they want. The decision is allowing congregations that dearly love their minister the freedom for him or her to serve them with the good gifts of the Gospel.

I am very saddened by those who seek to disassociate over this decision or any policy or social statement of the church. I think such a decision to separate or not support helps no one to grow. Thus, on Tuesday, September 21 at 7:00 pm I am inviting all who struggle with this issue to come to Peace and join in a 10 week study of human sexuality that will include study of homosexuality and the ELCA policy. The approach to such issues is not polarization, but study, prayer, reflection and open minded dialog.

The “Joyful Noise Praise Team & Nickel Strings" from Highlands United Methodist Church will present a concert of southern gospel songs and old church hymns at 4:00pm to 6:30pm here at Peace Lutheran Church. We hope that you will invite your friends and join us. This event is sponsored by The Peace Lutheran Brotherhood. For more information call (713) 674-3111 or contact Weldon Wilkerson.

We will be thanking and lifting up in prayer all educators and students at all three services. We will also be blessing backpacks at 8:30 and 11:00. We will also be celebrating all kindergartners as they begin their education with special recognition and gifts.

We ask all students to bring their backpacks. We will have a little token to make sure you remember to take your faith with you as you go to class.

We will also be having an inquiry luncheon for all those interested in Peace at 12:30 in the fellowship hall. Anyone interested in discovering more about Peace or wanting to join is welcome.

Dedication of Playground
Yes, it is finally totally finished and paid for within budget. (The contractor ran into a problem, but he kept his word and made it happen as we agreed.) It is beautiful and we will have a special dedication on Sunday, August 29th as part of our end of summer celebration.

We are still working on a few aspects of the playground - rules, some benches, a fence and a special dedication marker. If you would like to be involved, join the Google group on our website.

Three Great Sundays of Fun
The next three Sundays we are going to have some fun and, at the same time, bless and celebrate the people and ministries of Peace. Each Sunday will have a different theme and event so pay attention and join in the activities.

Sunday, August 29, Sunday School Rally Day and End of the Summer Celebration. Wear summer casual clothing and bring your mementos from the summer to share.

We will be kicking off our Sunday School program and commissioning our Sunday School teachers and staff. The students will meet their new teachers.

We will also be celebrating the end of the summer and ask everyone to wear summer casual clothes, (t-shirts and sandals are permitted), and to bring pictures or some item that symbolizes something fun you did this summer. We will have tables in the fellowship hall for you to display your stuff. You can make a poster or have pictures or items with a piece of paper with your name and explanation next to them. We are doing this to foster community in our congregation and to get to know each other better. We will have a continental breakfast in the fellowship hall from 8-11.

Sunday, September 5, Vocation Sunday
We are asking everyone to wear what they wear to work on this Sunday as we celebrate our vocations as God's calling in our lives. We will also be inviting to share what you do in a presentation we are presenting. It is always fun to see the kind of work our people do.

Sunday, September 12, College Sunday
We are asking everyone to wear or bring something that shows their favorite college. We will be praying for our college students that day and blessing care packages that we will send them.

Pastoral Care Notes
Julius Worley: Kindred
Charles Froehlich hospitalized and released.
Dale Taggart continues his treatment for cancer
Jason Elliott continues his treatment for cancer

See you Sunday!
Pastor Tart

A Message From Ben
School is just about here and summer vacation is about to come to an end. This time of year is always very busy for students as they are finishing their summer reading and projects, for parents as they go out to shop for their children’s school supplies, and us here to start the academic year to go off with a bang. But we need to take some time to slow down and realize that with all the errands we have to get done, that God is with us.

It is God that gives us comfort when we are stressed. So I challenge you sometime this week to take some time to get away from “back to school” stresses and know that God is always with you. Take care this week and I look forward to the beginning of our confirmation program and continue to spread the message of God’s love for all our brothers and sisters.

God Bless,
Ben Remmert, Dir. of Youth and Family Ministry
281-468-4686
benr@welcometopeace.com

C.R.O.P. Walk 2010
First Presbyterian asked us for some walkers (1K-10K) so that we can raise money for Pasadena Community Ministry and Church World service to fight hunger poverty at home and around the world. We will be walking at Rotary Pavilion Crenshaw Park on Sunday October 10th at 1:30 pm. This is a large community effort in Pasadena and I would love to make this our big family service event for the fall. I So if your interested, please contact me or sign up on our sign-in sheet in the narthex.

Confirmation 2010-2011
Did you miss our parent and student orientation? Its okay, if you have a youth that is in 6th-8th grade you can still register your youth to be apart of our program this year as our first class will be on August 22nd we will begin our time together exploring our Christian heritage and learning how to proclaim the Christian faith by learning about the 10 Commandments, the Apostle’s Creed, and the life of Martin Luther through songs, worship, prayer, and interactive activities (because we know you get lectured too much already at schools and work).

Young Adult Chillin’
Calling all young adults ages 18-26 years old! Do you need a time where you can leave your worries from school and work to relax, sit, get some great food, and have a great time for fellowship? Then you should come to our “Chillin” events where we meet at Starbucks on Fairmont Parkway on Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm where we have time to catch up on the week and decide together as a group on the activity for the night. Check out our church bulletin, youth board, or our facebook page for more information.

Sr. High and Jr. High Youth Group
Summer is only just a few more weeks longer and how many times can you watch the same movie or play the same video game. Why not come to our Jr. High and Sr. High youth groups where we will have fun fellowship while trying to stay cool in the Houston heat. For Jr. High youth group, we will meet at Peace Lutheran Church at 5 pm - 6 pm (dates below) right before Confirmation (Begins August 15th) and Sr. High we will meet on Wednesdays at 7:00- 8:30pm. For Sr. high, I encourage you to bring an item that we can snack on as we do our fellowship together. There will be more announcements and information on the youth board, church bulletin, and our facebook page. Here are the dates of this summer’s activities.

1. Jr. High Group: Aug. 22nd- Kick off to Year, Jr. High Style
2. Sr. High Group: Aug. 25th- Kick off to Year, Sr. High Style!

Tuesday Peace Family Night
Thank you for those families that have already talked to me about a time to meet, but for those that have not, there is still time! I have placed a sign up sheet on our youth bulletin for families to sign up what day and time you would like to schedule a meal together where we can bond together as Brothers and Sisters in Christ. However you do have the choice to deny the invitation. This can be a home meal or out to eat, I will leave that up to you. I look forward to meeting everyone in our community.

When: Every Tuesday till July 2011 (Talk to me if there is another date in mind)
Where: You Choose (eat at home or out?)
What do I need to Do: You Choose

First Communion Classes
All students ready for instruction in First Communion (we suggest 3rd grade or higher) are invited to attend classes every Sunday at 1pm on September 19, 26, and October 2. We will bake bread on Saturday, October 2 at the church kitchen at 10 am, and the children will receive their first Communion on October 3, Reformation Sunday at the service their families normally attend. Please contact Ben Remmert or sign up on the youth and family ministry board.

Blessing our Students, Teachers and Backpacks Today!
Today at all three services we are blessing our students as they begin another milestone in their lives and we will also bless our teachers who continue to nurture and guide our children and youth in their education of the world and of their faith. We want to acknowledge our kindergartners as they begin their first days at school, If you missed out, we will have our gifts for you at our summer celebration next Sunday!

Also mark your calendars for August 29th for our Rally Day celebration as we will introduce our Sunday School teachers and also have a time in the fellowship hall where our we can share stories of our summer through out the day! Also to remember about our college day celebration Sunday on September 12th! If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Ben Remmert.

Lunch Bunch
Parish Life Committee invites you to bring your family and join us for lunch on Sunday from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Two Cities Grill & Cantina, 6915 Spencer Hwy. Any questions,

Wednesday Morning Bible Study Resumes
The Wednesday Bible Study group, led by Pastor Tart, will resume on Wednesday, September 1st at 10:00 am with our study of other religions. We will meet in the upstairs conference room. Everyone is welcome! If you are interested, sign up on the sheet on the table in the narthex.

Come Sing With the Choir of Peace
Our 9:45 choir is now known as “The Choir of Peace.” We are the Choir of Peace because we belong to Peace Lutheran, but also we experience the peace that passes all understanding as we work together in our practices and enjoy Christian fellowship. Our practice room is a stress-free zone where you can enjoy singing and sharing your faith journey with others.

We will be resuming rehearsals on Rally Day, August 29 at 8:30 a.m. While the music we sing this year will be easier to learn, we always remain committed to offering the best music in worship in a variety of styles. Last year, we lost several key choir leaders who have serious vocal health issues. If you love singing, we really need you in choir. Please prayerfully consider making the commitment to a one hour weekly rehearsal and one weekly service, all on Sunday morning – a day we have found has fewer schedule conflicts. We need you! If you have any questions, please contact Martha Digges.

Pasadena Community Ministries
We were blessed this month with the donations that we collected for the PCM with both food and clothing donations. We did a great job with Sunday Undies on the Undie Sunday Collection Sundays.

DUE TO THE NEED .....We will continue putting a special emphasis on collecting UNDIES through the 2nd Sunday of September. There is still a great need for school uniforms for Pasadena and Deer Park schools. All types and sizes of clothing will also continue to be collected so Don't throw away-- DONATE. The clothing donation boxes are located under the large table in the narthex. The Food donations go in the hallway between the narthex and fellowship hall. (Cereals, peanut butter, jelly and all canned/packaged goods are greatly needed.)

LOOKING FOR: Bob and I have a TV we are donating to a deserving volunteer at the PCM. The person does not have cable or satellite so a Digital Converter Box is needed. If you have an extra converter that you are willing to donate please let Bob or my self know. Jany Reeves

Sunday School Mission Project
As a mission project we are encouraging our youth to bring school supplies for Haiti. The Women’s group at Peace supports many charitable organizations and we wanted to take this opportunity to get our youth involved in this important mission project. Boxes will be available in the narthex and Sunday School opening room for children to place the supplies in. We encourage all children to bring an item and support this charity. We will collect supplies until Sunday, September 13. Please bring one of the following items: pencils, spiral notebooks, crayons, scissors, erasers, rulers and pencil sharpeners. Thanks again for your support in this important project.

Donations Needed for Sarah’s House
Sarah's House is a shelter for women who are in crisis and their children, and is located at 2210 Wichita, Pasadena, TX. These women have lost their jobs and can't afford housing. Many have been sleeping in their cars. Please consider making a donation of any of the following items:

Non-Perishable food items (including canned meats - Tuna, Span etc.)
Cleaning Products
Paper Products
Feminine Hygiene and Personal Hygiene Items
Look for a box in the Narthex under the Parish Life table for your donations.

Fiesta Dinner Party Peace Lutheran Church Tuesday, September 14, 2010 6:30 P.M.
Please join Peace Lutheran Church and the Labyrinth Committee for a Fiesta Dinner on Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Tickets are $8.00 per adult, and go on sale today through September 5th in the Narthex on Sunday mornings or you may call any of the committee members listed to reserve tickets. Tickets are limited, so be sure and purchase yours early. Babysitting will be provided. The proceeds from the dinner will go toward building our prayer labyrinth.

Our Committee members are: Judy Griffin, Cheryl Picha, Judy & Allen Werner, Ruth Meyer, Ann Nicholson, Cindy Stang, Pearl Stockum, Marilyn Seich, Ellen Cumbie and Lin Peterson.

A labyrinth is a path of prayer, a walking meditation, a crucible of change, a watering hole for the spirit and a mirror of the soul.

ELCA Appeals Results
The ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) 2010 goal - $5500. We have received $5700 and exceeded our goal.

“Sharing Christ’s gifts at Peace-and with a World in Need.” Thank you for your generous response.
Joe DeKunder
Financial Secretary

Sunday School Teachers & Helpers Needed
The education program is in need of some helpers and teachers. If you would like to be a Sunday school teacher or helper please contact Jennifer Sanders or Julie Shaw.

What Is A Lutheran? An Eight-Week Study of the Lutheran Confessions
Ever wonder what makes a Lutheran a Lutheran? This study of key Lutheran beliefs and practices will use the Book of Concord and the 2003 movie Luther as resources. Taught by Pastor Gary Morgan-Gohlke, this class for adults will meet for eight Wednesdays in September and October at 7:00 p.m. in the upstairs conference room beginning on September 8th. You don’t have to be Lutheran to attend. Feel free to bring a friend or neighbor. If you are interested, sign up on the sheet on the narthex table.

Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives

This new Bible study will begin September 12th during the Sunday School hour, 9:45 am - 10:45 am. We will meet in Room 201, the classroom upstairs near the conference room. (A copy of the study is found by the sign-up sheet on the narthex table.) This 14 chapter study should help us to remember that nobody is insignificant, that God pays attention to us, and God loves us dearly.

If you would enjoy an informal, but informative Sunday School class; if you are looking for a group who is loving and accepting; if you want to learn more about God and His people (that includes us); please join us.
Joann Hutton

Lutherhill Ministries S’mores & Champagne
Gala 2010 will be held on Saturday, September 11th at The Woodlands, Waterway Marriott. Live entertainment, silent auction, live auction, signature raffle. For more information go to www.lutherhill.org or call (979) 249-3232. The Gala benefits the year-round Outdoor Ministry at Lutherhill.

Convention News
The 23rd Annual Convention of the Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synodical Womens’ Organization will be held here at Peace Lutheran Church on Saturday, September 25, 2010 beginning at 8:00 AM. “Ignite Your Spirit With Your Gifts” will be our theme and we will have gifts galore. Workshops will be offered as a gift to you by Sharon Sledge, Jany Reeve and many more. Convention Co-Chairs Peg Swavely and Mavis Greif are working long and hard to bring you a great convention. Jeanene Konviska and Virginia Rodriguez will be cooking up a great breakfast and lunch for you with the help of Sam’s and Antonio’s. Pastor David Tart will be our Chaplain for convention and will conduct the opening devotional and closing worship service. Friday night before convention will be a mixer and get to know you at House of Prayer Lutheran Church just a little ways down Space Center. Registration fee is $55.00. Forms are on two tables in the Narthex under the gifts. For more information, see Mavis, Jeanene, Virginia, Marilyn Seich or me. Plan now to come out to support your friends AND have a good time. I hope to see you here.
Ann Nicholson, President
TX/LA Gulf Coast Synod, Women of the ELCA

Women of Peace General Meeting, September 12, 2010
Attention women of the congregation! Invite a friend and make plans now to join us for our General Meeting and election of 2011 officers on Sunday, September 1th at 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall. As part of the entertainment, we are asking each lady who attends to bring one of your nighties in an unmarked brown paper bag. Then we’ll try and guess who the nightie belongs to. For more information, please see Geri Warren.