For Sunday, January 9, 2011

Baptism of Our Lord

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 Sundays Events
Welcome back to Pastor Tart & Kathryn who return from a well deserved, relaxing vacation!
Ben Remmert will give the sermon on Sunday morning.

Pastoral Care Notes
Dale Taggart continues his treatment for cancer
Jason Elliott continues his treatment for cancer
Don Cochran recuperating at home following back surgery
Ruth Schmidt – Hermann Hospital
Ann Hogstrom - Nursing Home
Our Christian sympathy to Joann Hutton on the death of her mother, Zelma Tackett on January 6th.

December Financial Update
General Operating Fund deposits for December.

12-05-10 $14,772.50
12-12-10 $10,314.50
12-19-10 $8,546.50
12-24,26-10 $16,760.50

To meet our budgeted income, we need $10,673 a week.

Overview of actual vs. estimated income for 2010:

                                    Actual                Estimated
January                        $44,549             $53,365 (five Sundays)
February                      $41,879             $42,692
March                          $41,563             $42,692
April                            $42,517             $42,692
May                            $46,769             $53,365 (five Sundays)
June                            $37,266             $42,692
July                             $33,056             $42,692
August                        $46,006             $53,365 (five Sundays)
September                  $34,486             $42,692
October                      $43,601             $53,365 (five Sundays)
November                  $34,779             $42,692
December                  $50,394              $42,692

From the Youth Director
The winter break is over so it’s back to school and work. Back to the same routine as last year…or is it? Take this time to reevaluate your routine. Do you not get enough sleep? Do you watch too much of Jersey Shore on MTV? Are you on the internet for more than 4 hours a day? Well this is the time for you to see how your life can reflect that of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I am not saying that we all need to live exactly like Jesus Christ (because it is impossible), but look at how Jesus lived for others.

Thank you for also letting me preach on today’s reading. I love this Sunday’s gospel lesson because we are able to see where our ministry is originated from, our baptism. Praise God for the gifts of baptism and Christian mission and ministry.

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

Gnome Removal and Infestation Sr. High Fundraiser- THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Thank you to everyone that helped out with our Sr. High Fundraiser. We have raised over $500 dollars for our Sr. High Summer Trip! I will have pictures of our adventures on our gnome table and feel free to take any of the photos there on the table. Thank you again and be ready for more information on other Sr. High ministry opportunities.

Camp Hope Camp Manager and Staff Applications Are Out!
You may have seen the bulletin board with the carnival themed decorations and wondered what that is all about? Camp Hope is an opportunity for our Jr. High and Sr. High to lead in a 3 week day camp where we teach the good news of Christ through games, worship, interactive story telling, snacks, crafts, expressive arts, and service. It’s an opportunity for Peace to be a part of one of the most successful outreach and youth leadership program our synod offers to our youth and families. If you are a young adult, Sr. High, or Jr. High, we have applications out for staff. For Camp Manager, your due date is Jan. 16th and staff is on Feb. 27th.

Sr. High Gathering at Lutherhill!: Feb. 18th-20th
Lutherhill is opening its doors to all our Sr. High students in our synod to come for the weekend to worship, meet new people all over Texas/Louisiana, small group discussions, polar bear swimming, s’mores, an ultimate frisbee tournament and so much more. The cost of the event is $160 which includes registration, meals for the weekend, and transportation there. Sign Ups are on the youth and family bulletin board. More questions? Contact Ben Remmert.

Jr. High and Sr. High Graffiti Service- January 22nd, 10 am – 2 pm
EVENT IS OPEN FOR JUNIOR HIGH, SENIOR HIGH, AND PARENTS!
I am asking for some help to repaint the barn outside in the field. Supplies will be provided by the church, but we ask that you bring a sack lunch and to wear clothing that you do not mind getting dirty, a white shirt to paint on. After we repaint the barn, then we are going to have our Graffiti party where we are going to paint all over our white shirts. If the weather turns bad, we will repaint the junior high room. For more questions, please contact Ben Remmert.

“Lord’s Prayer” Milestone Coming Up: Jan. 16th at 9:45 am and Jan. 23rd at 11 am
ITS COMING UP!!! Our next milestone is for our 2nd graders where we are going to talk about the Lord’s Prayer and the importance of this prayer in the lives of Christians. This is also a time where we will discuss about the different methods of prayer and different spiritual practices around the world. This is an event for the parents as well so make sure to mark your calendar for Jan.16th at 9:45 am for the classroom instruction and Jan. 23rd at 11 am to be recognized and blessed (with a special gift to remember this milestone). For more information, please contact Ben Remmert.

Summer Lutherhill- Please Sign Up!
If you are planning on going to Lutherhill this summer, we need you to sign up as soon as possible. Spots are filling fast and we need a good head count so we can put down our deposit. Remember that if you are in 1st-5th grade, we are going to Lutherhill on August 7th-12th, 2011 and 6th-8th are going to Lutherhill on June 19th-24th. Sign Ups are on the youth and family bulletin board. More questions? Contact Ben Remmert.

Sports Ministry Meetings- Coming Soon Softball!
Every third Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm, we will meet at Peace Lutheran for some time to come together and discuss about league opportunities in the area. We are about to begin looking into spring leagues so this would be the time to come to join our new ministry, or if you express an interest in this ministry. Plan to join us next Sunday. For more information, please contact Ben Remmert.

Parent Huddle Time and DEEP Leadership Meeting: January 20th at 7 pm.
We just met to discuss about Camp Hope and other opportunities to gather together, proclaim the word, and serve our communities. Our leadership team is called “DEEP” because we are going to dive into our ministry together, head first. This is again a time for us to come together to gather and share the vision of Peace Lutheran’s ministry but also a time for our leaders to come together for devotion and have some discussions about passing on the faith to our youth. We are reevaluating new times to meet so if you are interested, please let Ben Remmert know of which day of the week and time works best for you and we will let everyone know asap.

Family Meal Nights with the Youth Director!
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 been here for 6 months and I am still committed to meeting all our families here at Peace Lutheran. 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. For more information, please contact Ben Remmert.

Youth Group Mall Scavenger Hunt!- Feb. 25th at 6:00 pm
What’s better than getting Jr. High and Sr. High together for some fun? Doing it in the mall! That’s right, we are going to have a Mall Scavenger Hunt! We are going to have some fun while learning more about American Christianity and how consumerism influences our views on how we proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and we will finish our time together with a time of service to our community. We are going to eat at the mall food court so bring money for your meal!

Jr. High, Sr. High, and Youth Group: Oh My!
It’s the beginning of the year for 2011 and we want to start it off with a bang and with that we are going to try a new schedule which our youth have suggested. This is a time where we are going to build on our community through fellowship, prayer, devotion, and a meal together as a group. We are wanting this to be an engaging time for our youth so the more the better! Here is the schedule for our youth groups for 2011.

Jr. High- Sundays at 5 pm- 6pm
Sr. High- Sundays at 4 pm- 6 pm
Young Adults- Wednesdays at 7 pm-8:30 pm

A Message from the Director of Administration
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas & I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year. We all know with a new year comes changes, so I am here to give you a heads up on a few of the changes we will be implementing January 1, 2011.

In working with the Finance Committee I have been charged with keeping up with the spending in all areas of the 2011 Budget in a desperate attempt to keep our expenses under control as well as finding various ways to save money.

With that being said… effective January 1, 2011 all supply orders that you and/or your committee/group need MUST be submitted in writing to me. I will then shop the item and order for you. This ONLY pertains to items that your group/committee would turn in a receipt for reimbursement for. If items for the Kitchen or any other common area need to be purchased, please bring this information to me so I can take care of it and make sure that the budget supports this need.

COMMITTEES
In observing the many needs of the Church, I am going to be organizing the Committees as outlined in the Constitution, Bylaws and Policy and Procedures of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. I ask EACH OF YOU as a member Peace to join my TEAM & ask where might I be a good fit to give of my time & talents to my Congregation. I know everyone is busy, have jobs, families & other things to do, but remember I need you as well. If you are currently serving on a committee, please call me so I can add you name to my master list. Remember… Teamwork is the ability to work as a group toward a common vision, even if that vision becomes extremely blurry. ~Author Unknown

CHURCH FACILITY KEYS
I am also trying to get a handle on all of the keys to the church facility. If you have a key to the Church, please stop by my office and complete the form that we need to keep on file for insurance purposes. It is very important that I get this task taken care of as soon as possible.

BACKGROUND CHECKS
Background checks are required to be renewed every 2 years. Please stop by my office to obtain the form that must be completed in order for me to submit for completion of this process. This is another requirement for insurance purposes.

ORGANIZING/CLEANING
I have begun my spring-cleaning and organization process. I have started in the Copier Room; so please if you remove something from any of the cabinets and/or drawers, please make sure to return the item to its proper place.

If your group/committee has a storage closet within the facility, please contact me so we can set up a time to work together on getting your storage location identified, cleaned and organized. While touring the facility during our annual fire inspection it was brought to my attention that some of the closets are fire hazards and must be cleaned up for safety purposes.

JANITORIAL SERVICES
We have secured a new Janitorial Service (Accredited Building Services) that begins January 15th ~ Due to Budget constraints we have cut the service to Three (3) days a week instead of five (5) therefore, I again ask that when your group is preparing to leave the facility to please empty the coffee pot and leave it clean for those that follow your group and to please wipe down the cabinets and rinse the sinks so there is NO food or drink residue left. It is also most important that you empty the Trash receptacle and place in the dumpster to prevent any odor and/or bugs. Remember the cleaner we keep it the less likely we are going to have BUGS creep in.

LAWN CARE SERVICES
We have also secured a new Lawn Service (Texas Lawn and Sprinkler) that will also take over services January 1st.

If there are any issues you notice with either of these new vendors, please let me know so I can alert my contacts in order to get the issues resolved.

HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING ISSUES
We have had several complaints regarding the Heating and Air Conditioning with it either being too cold or too hot at various times of the year…. We have contacted All Points so many times that the money that we are supposed to be saving with the new Thermostats we have eaten up in service calls to have them check to make sure the units are operating properly…. Each time they respond we get the same response…. The units are working properly and the temperatures registering are as they are supposed to be and we need to remember that Electric Heat is NOT the same as Gas Heat in that it takes a while (3-4 hours) for the room to heat and/or cool. With that being said, we are going to have to adjust our schedules to ensure that the lights are turned on at the necessary times in order that the rooms cool/heat properly for your comfort.

NOTARY SERVICES
Just a reminder, I am a NOTARY and offer my services to you. I will NOT be charging a FEE for my services but welcome any donations. Any donations received will go to the Peace Lutheran Church Good Samaritan Fund

FUNDRAISING IDEA FOR ALL GROUPS OF PEACE
I am a Pampered Chef Consultant and have been actively hosting Fundraising Shows for various groups like Jeanette Williams Foundation for Children’s Cancer Research & Special Projects, and Relay for Life. I would like to extend this offer to all Groups of Peace. We can either Host a Cooking Show where I actually prepare a specific dish and dessert or we can do a catalog show where everyone simply takes orders. Pampered Chef will donate 15% of the Show totals to the Organization. I am also learning and perfecting my Pampered Chef BINGO shows – this is also a great fundraiser. If anyone group is interested in having a fundraiser like this, please contact me so we can discuss.

As the year progresses I am sure you will be hearing more from me in my endeavors to get more acclimated and organized. If you have any questions regarding any of the above-mentioned information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I am here to help each and every group and member of Peace, so please do not hesitate to stop in, call or email me with any situation you feel needs attention.

Have a blessed day!
Bernie Anderson

New Member Inquiry Luncheon on Sunday
If you have been visiting our church and would like more information about Peace, you are invited to attend a New Member Inquiry Luncheon which will be held on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. At this orientation you will have the opportunity to learn about who we are, what we do and what we are asking you to do with us here at Peace Lutheran. Call Judy in the church office if you plan to attend.

Adult Games Night
Bring a snack to share and come join us for an adult evening of fellowship, games, food and a lot of fun on Friday, January 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. If you have any questions, please call Ruth Meyer.

Creative Hands
Hello all. The old year is behind us and now on to getting settled in to making cards and other exciting projects. We will meet upstairs for the following:

Monday, January 10 at 9:30 am – “Carding” -Preparing cards for shut in's and Krause Center Friends.

Monday, January 10 at 6:30 pm - "It is Out of the Bag" - This was a favorite class in the past. You will need to bring a white or off white tote bag (colored totes don't work well with this project). We will furnish the soft gel, brushes and napkins needed to complete this project. I will try to have a few extra totes to purchase for those that might need one. There are no painting skills required. This is an easy fun project and is open to any age level.

Monday, January 31 at 6:30 pm – “Journal for Sharing". We will make 7 journals to share for Valentines Day. However if you want to make one of your own and help with the share books, you may bring a black and white non spiral composition book. There will be a small fee for trims, papers, ribbons and embellishments ( no more than $2.00) I will try to have extra composition books on hand in case you can't find one or need an extra.

Creative Hands has been asked to do the Blessings again for the ELCA retreat in September. We will set times to work on the blessings once we have the theme. We will do 2 different blessings for 2 meals for approximately 150 people (total 300). Watch for more information later. We hope to have these completed before summer.

Jany and Sherri

Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Pastor Tart’s Wednesday Morning Study is studying Paul's Letter to the Galatians. We will begin again on January 12th, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. Bring a friend. Everyone is welcome!

Pasadena Community Ministries
Many thanks to all who continue to donate food and clothing for our work with PCM. Please place the clothing in the brown container under the large table in the narthex and place the food on or in the cabinet in the hallway between the narthex and Fellowship hall. We will continue the cereal; peanut butter and jelly drive also. Keep in mind, Fall/Winter generally brings cooler weather and the hot soups and warm foods will be in higher demand.

Lutheran World Relief Health Kits
Please prayerfully consider donating one or more of the following items and help a refugee maintain good health.

One kit consists of:
Hand Towel - Dark Color
Wash Cloths - Dark Color
Bath Size Bar of Soap
Wide Tooth Comb
Band Aids
Nail File or Nail Clippers with Nail File
(Please no Emery Boards)
One Adult Toothbrush in original packaging
(Please no Toothpaste)

Look for the collection basket in the Narthex marked Lutheran World Relief.

See you on Sunday!