IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
1400 North Texas Blvd, Alice, Texas 78332 - 361-664-6691
9:00 A.M. Children / Adult Sunday School - 10:00 A.M. Worship
Website: www.ILCFamily.org Email: [email protected]
Glad Tidings - May 2017
Know Christ
Live Christ
Share Christ
Off the Treadmill . . .
Take a Hike
I’ve never been very good at exercising. Weight lifting, exercise bikes and treadmills have never
had any appeal for me. But that doesn’t mean I couldn’t stand to use them. If I were a committed user of
the aforementioned contraptions, I am confident that I would be in better physical shape than I am
currently.
But what if instead of lifting dead weight I went to work on all of the physically demanding projects
around the house? Or helped my neighbor, my church, or my community by volunteering my labor? Or if
instead of riding a stationary bike indoors I would get out and take a bike ride with my family? Or if
instead of using a treadmill, I would get up and out of the house and take a long walk with my wife? These
exercise contraptions are a convenient, comfort-oriented replacement for the real living that would be
even healthier for us.
Church consultant Will Mancini suggests that the church in America has also substituted similar
“spiritual exercises” for a real-life journey with Jesus. He believes that the majority of churches spend the
majority of their time, money, and attention on the “ministry treadmill”: the routine of comfort-oriented
church programming that we often suggest will lead to spiritual health. Evangelism is often reduced to an
invitation for others to join us for exercising on the treadmill to get in shape spiritually. Yet the problem with
treadmills is that they get boring. You start to feel like you’re just going through the motions and getting
nowhere. You begin to realize how you can better use your time and your commitment to the treadmill
slowly wanes.
But what if our communities of faith looked less like a treadmill and more like a hike through life
with Jesus? What if we focused our attention on living in real life with our real Lord and Savior instead of
settling for going through the motions of religious activity? What if our congregations clearly understood
their unique purpose and calling of God and began to live into it, following Jesus each step of the way?
Now don’t get me wrong, ministry treadmills are certainly more healthy than being a spiritual couch
potato! But I believe they are simply a modern-day substitute for the true spiritual exercise that God
intended for us. I believe God desires you and me to live our lives every day in a real relationship with
Jesus.
A friend and colleague mentioned that he believes that we’ve lost touch with Christian vocation:
disconnected our faith from our lives as a husband or wife, mother or father, employee or employer,
community member, neighbor, and friend. We often abandon the idea that a life lived with Jesus impacts
every aspect of our real lives, not just for an hour or two on Sunday mornings.
Friends, let’s stop just going through the motions of religious activity, get off the treadmill, and take
a hike with Jesus! Let’s focus our ministries on an authentic journey together with Jesus and help one
another live that out in every aspect of our lives. And let’s invite others to come and walk with Jesus, too!
Pastor Bryce Formwalt is the Director of Mission Growth for the LCMC Texas District. Residing in Georgetown, Pastor Bryce is available to
coach congregations on mission. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments: 512-942-7776 or [email protected]. Like us on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lcmctexas © 2017 Bryce J. Formwalt, All Rights Reserved. Reprinted with permission. May 2017
NOTICE: 1st Quarter Congregational Meeting - May 7, 2017 at 11:30A.M.
RECOMMENDED CHANGES to the BYLAWS of the CONSTITUTION
The Church Council, at its meeting on March 20, 2017, voted to recommend changes to the Bylaws of the
Constitution as listed below:
1. Combine council offices of Secretary and Treasurer.
2. Separate Education/Youth Committee to form an Education Committee and a Youth Committee.
3. Create a new Council position: Communications Committee (currently Ad Hoc)
These recommendations will be voted on at the 1st Quarterly Congregational meeting on May 7, 2017.
Schedule for Supply Pastors and Guest Speakers:
April 23 - Amy Koenning (Stewardship Temple Talk)
April 30 - Wayne Kellly (Agua Dulce ISD Superintendent)
May 7 & 14 - Chuck Knudson (New Braunfels, Texas)
May 21 & 28 - Pr John Waak (Victoria, Texas)
Birth Announcement - Mabel Kay Harville was born April 11 to Lauren and Jason Harville and
big sister Matilda. She weighed 6 lbs 12 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. Grandparents are Hank
and Mary Jackson, great-grandfather Edwin Goldapp.
Christian Life Committee - Upcoming Events
May 14 - Mother’s Day Reception honoring all women.
May 28 - Monthly pot-luck lunch - Also, we will honor our high school and college graduates.
(Graduates are asked to wear their cap and gown.)
July 29 - 3rd Annual Summer Bazaar (Vendors needed - Contact Karen Zepeda at 701-7605)
LET US BRAG ON YOU and/or YOUR KIDS!
ILC members and friends who are graduating or have children or grandchildren who are
graduating from high school or college are invited to submit their information to the church
office. The information must be submitted in writing to the church office. Information
received each Monday by 5p will run in Worship Guides thru the end of May and will appear in
the May Newsletter if received by April 17, 2017 by 5p. Information received after April 17,
2017 will run in the June Newsletter. June Newsletter cutoff is May 15, 2017 by 5p. You may
submit information by email at [email protected], by dropping it off at the church office in writing
or simply dropping it in the offering plate in writing.
Graduation Announcements
Aggie Graduate - Brittney Buendel will be graduating from Texas A&M University in College
Station Thursday, May 11, 2017, at 7:00 P.M. Commencement will be held at Reed Arena for
the College of Liberal Arts. She will be graduating with a Bachelors Degree in English and a
Minor in Theatre Arts. Brittney is the daughter of Steven and Becky Buendel of Alice.
We are proud to announce the graduation of Kristen Franki from the University of Texas at
Austin College of Natural Sciences with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Health with
High Honors. Kristen will graduate on Monday, May 20, 2017, at 3:30PM at the Frank Erwin
Center. She was a 3 year College Scholar, and ranked among the top 10% of her class from
2013-2017. Kristen will begin her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in August at Texas
Woman’s University College of Health Sciences in Houston, Texas!
ILCW NOTES
(Immanuel Lutheran Church Women)
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion for ever.” [Psalms 73:26]
MAY BIBLE STUDY: “SCATTERED” — THE BOOK OF PSALMS —
This study continues the topic in “MANAGING YOUR MOODS”, the study for the Dorcas/Priscilla
Circle. “We all know what it means to scatter something. Lots of things scatter. . .scattered clouds,
scatter seeds in the fields, scattered thoughts, having scatter rugs, and even scatter-brained. Our
moods and emotions become scattered. We can’t get them to stay organized, neat and tidy.
Circumstances overwhelm us and feelings are scattered to the winds. The psalmist tells us what
happens to our hearts without the strength of the Lord.” [Excerpts— “Managing Our Moods”] This
circle meets on third Thursday, 9:15am. Guests and visitors are always welcome!!
THE LYDIA CIRCLE meets on the fourth Monday at 7:pm. The group continues the study on the
Gospel of Mark, with a circle member leading the discussion. Participating in the LWR projects,
seventeen school kits and twelve health kits were completed. Thanks to all who help!!!
Several members completed the Food Handlers certification event. They will be helping with the
spaghetti dinner serving. The group will also participate at the up-coming Bazaar, creating sale
items and working during the event.
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF PROJECTS. . .WOW! They are on the way to help many people in
all parts of the world!! In all the fifteen boxes, 389 pounds, were packed 64·School kits; 30 Personal
Care kits health); 31 Quilts, and 25 pounds of Soap; and also sent $50 to help with transport to
Seguin from Galilean Lutheran Church, Corpus Christi, pick-up for the Coastal Bend. We want to
give Bill Botard a SUPER, SUPER THANKS! for helping with the packing, taping, anq labeling!!!
He and Katherine also took the boxes to Corpus, the Tuesday after Easter. THANK YOU!!!
There were several quilts that are given locally. . .two to the children in the new Habitat for Humanity
house that is near completion. Also, some were given to a family who lost their home in a fire.
Blessings to all! some boxes of food and items for the home were for the fire victims.
Thanks to so many who contributed to the LWR projects!
QUILTING DAY . . . THURSDAY, MAY 11, 9:am . . . Still have special quilts to complete and help is
always needed. Just come on in, see what goes on . . .great fellowship, and visiting!!
DAY CAMP IS COMING SOON . . . JUNE 12-15 (Monday - Thursday) —
Helpers are always needed, in several areas during the day.
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER . . . MAY 4 . . . Remember those who are ill, in grief, those who serve
our country, and for all who need God’s love, and in thankfulness for His gifts, for the health and
welfare of our country. May God bless America!!
ILCW YEARBOOK INFORMATION, 2017 - 2018 should be gathered in May for each circle and
have ready when time to print. Thank you!!!
“I will thank the Lord because he is just;
I will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.”
Psalm 7:17
PASTORAL CARE
If you or a family member is ill, hospitalized, or in need of pastoral care, please notify the church office (361-664-6691), or Bill Botard at (830-460-1595).
Father of mercy, because You have chosen to love your people, we now pray for people that
we know and love. We ask for Your hand of healing and mercy upon those we name before
You now: we pray for Cinco Woods; Kasey Wallace; Sylvia Saldivar; Jesse Richardson;
Frances Hans; Natalie Holscher; Charles Schuchert; Mary Beth Couch; Mary Ramirez; Omelia
Tijerina; Robert Kaiser; Elda Venecia; Ramona Alvarado; Diana Shields; Lydia Salinas;
Gilberto Briones; Guadalupe Perales; Alma Brauchle; Stephanie Ruiz; Mardella Laskowski;
Bruce Taylor; Joyce Richardson; Brenda Timmons; Bud Smith; Mike Fields; Lynn Schultz;
Josephine Goodwin; Noel Schuette; Nettie Cornelius; Mary Isabella Williams; Darrell
Kennemer; Richard Schmidt; Gwen Brandt; and the families of Latham Walleck; Susie Moore;
and Nita Kennemer. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our Prayer!
Lord, we ask for Your mercy and healing for all who serve our country. Give wisdom and
guidance to those who serve in distant and dangerous places. Grant that their missions are
successful and that peace reigns. We ask for Your healing hand to be upon all who are injured
and wounded.
We pray for those we know that serve God and country today, especially:
Bradley Markgraf; Clint Barrett; Robbie Farmer; Dalton Elsik; Kurt Koenig; Gary Weber, Jr.;
Wade Powell; Caton Hammock; Clinton Hammock; Anthony Perez; Clint Alanis; Christopher
Munoz; Dylan M. Herschap; Lucas Yocum; Brett Williams and Michelle Williams.
Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our Prayer!
Father, we thank You that we live in a nation that was founded upon Your truth. We thank You for
the privileges we have as Americans. We now pray for those who lead us. We pray for our president, for congress, for state and local leaders, may they lead us as folks who fear and love You.
Give our leaders godly wisdom and bring healing to our land. Father, restore and unify our nation,
give us courage to follow You. Lord, in Your mercy, C: Hear our Prayer!
Our Christian Sympathy to Becky Buendel, Lori Titzman, Peggy Williams and extended family at
the death of their cousin, Latham Jordan Walleck, age 23, of St Hedwig, Texas on April 6, 2017,
after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Latham was preceded in death by his grandfather,
Henry Walleck. He is survived by his parents, Freddie and Karen Walleck, brother, Clay Walleck;
grandparents, Shirley Grahmann; Benedict and Betty Grahmann; and Matina Walleck. Visitation
and Rosary was held Sunday, April 9, 2017, at St Jerome Catholic Church in San Antonio
(Martinez), Texas. Interment followed at Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Cemetery in
St. Hedwig, Texas.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6
ALTAR GUILD - Given to the glory of God ALTAR & ETERNAL CANDLES:
May - Given by Sylvia Work to celebrate the birthdays of her mother, Judith Gohmert and
her grandson, Davis Baca and for everyone celebrating a birthday in May.
COMMUNION ELEMENTS:
May 7 - Given by Ruth Lindquist to the glory of God.
May 21 - Open - Call the church office to sign up.
ALTAR & STANDING VASE FLOWERS:
May 7 - Given by Karen and Rey Zepeda and family in honor of Karen’s parents on their
60th wedding anniversary on May 5th.
May 14 - Given by Wolle Huff in memory of Bertha Huff and Mildred Fertsch.
May 21 - Given by Bert and Laurie Buegeler in memory of Elbert’s birthday.
May 28 - Given by Eric and Melba Andersen in honor of all graduates.
SPECIAL FLORAL BASKET:
The floral basket is in honor of our mother, Judith Gohmert, on Mother’s Day and her birthday
on May 17th, from her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and from her
great-great grandson!
BIRTHDAYS
5/3 Amy Calvez
5/3 Shirley Menzel
5/4 Tammy Andersen
5/4 Hannah Cornelius
5/4 Hillary Richter
5/5 Michael Keen
5/5 Richard Schumann
5/6 Kaylea Erwin
5/6 Catherine Glover
5/6 Haiden Wilson
5/10 Randy Buegeler
5/10 Mallori Calvez
5/10 Kameron Currie
5/10 Mae Elsik
5/10 Trey Jackson
5/11 Chelsea Andersen
5/11 Stephanie Brandt
5/12 Samuel Berggren
5/13 Waldyne Nesloney
5/14 Gale Keen
5/14 Cinco Woods
5/14 Elaine Buegeler Young
5/15 Nettie Cornelius
5/15 Dana Maresch
5/17 Judith Mae Gohmert
5/17 Richard Myers
5/18 Gaynell Franki
5/19 Sarah Couch
5/20 Sabrina Hinojosa
5/21 Cameron Crahen
5/21 James Jochen
5/22 Davis Baca
5/23 Garet Green
5/29 Sydney Fling
5/29 Bonnie Richter
5/30 Ann Fox
5/30 Ryan Piper
5/31 Jason Calvez
5/31 Cathy Richter
BAPTISM BIRTHDAYS
5/1 Richard Martinez
5/2 Kathleen Steindorf
5/5 Aaron Baca
5/6 Dylan Emanuel
5/6 Kristin Emanuel
5/8 John Cornelius
5/8 Heath Huff
5/8 Mary Jackson
5/8 Karen Zepeda
5/9 Samuel Berggren
5/9 Trey Mann
5/9 Donald Mann
5/12 Spencer Erwin
5/12 Wayne Erwin
5/12 George Fischer
5/14 Bill Botard
5/14 Katie Buegeler
5/14 Caitlyn Estrada
5/14 Cody White
5/18 Richard Dorsey
5/21 Marshall Crahen
5/21 Inez Zulauf
5/24 Hillary Richter
5/28 Kevin Harris
5/28 Shirley Menzel
5/28 Meghan Warnke
5/28 Brent Webster
5/30 Kurt Brandt
5/30 Sheila Brandt
5/30 Stephanie Brandt
5/30 Annlyn Chiles
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
5/5 Clifton/Nelda Boerm
5/18 Kristy/Brady Hausman
5/27 Charlie/DeNae Garcia
CHURCH COUNCIL
Congregational Meeting
May 7, 2017
11:15 a.m.
Parish Hall after Worship
Council Offices
President: Bill Botard
Vice Pres: Wolle Huff
Secretary: Sandra Bowen
Treasurer: Mary Jan Jenkins
Council Reports/Agenda
Always Due 2nd Monday of
each month by 5:00P
Standing Committees
Christian Life: Karen Zepeda
Education/Youth: Anna Jenkins
Property/Grds: Renee Brown
Church Council Mtg
May 15, 2017
7:00 p.m. Conference Rm
Stewardship: Amy Koenning
Worship: Laurie Buegeler
COUNCIL MEETING - Minutes from the March 20, 2017
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
8.
a.
1.
2.
3.
Call to Order: Bill Botard
Roll Call: Bill Botard; Wolle Huff; Sandra Bowen; Mary Jan Jenkins; Renee A. Brown;
Laurie Buegeler; Karen Zepeda; Amy Koenning; Helen Grant (Employee)
Prayer by: Wolle Huff
Approval of Agenda: Karen Zepeda made the motion to accept the agenda. Laurie Buegeler seconded.
Motion carried.
Reading of the Minutes: Wolle Huff made the motion to accept the minutes from February 20, 2017,
Amy Koenning seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report:
Treasurer’s Report was filed for review.
Beginning Balance:
01/01/17
$ 18,839.34
Add General Fund Balance:
02/28/17
$ 29,228.07
Less General Fund Expenses:
02/28/17
$ -31,120.71
Add Aged Payables
02/28/17
$
490.50
Ending Balance General Fund
02/28/17
$ 16,896.00
Committee Reports:
Pastors Report: Wolle Huff made the motion to approve Pastor Jim Craver’s Mileage Report. Laurie
Buegeler seconded. Motion carried. Mary Jan Jenkins made a motion to stop all local charities
donations (i.e. Wal-Mart gift cards) until we have a full time Pastor, and Helen Grant (employee) will
post a sign outside her office notifying the public no funds will be distributed. Amy Koenning
seconded. Motion carried.
Christian Life: Report Filed.
Education/Youth: Report Filed.
Property and Grounds: Report Filed.
Stewardship: No Report Filed.
Worship: Communications: Report Filed.
Conferences, Regular Council & Congregational Meeting. Report Filed
Money Counters Schedule: Report Filed.
Received Reports: Wolle Huff made the motion to receive the reports with the exception of Property &
Grounds corrections. Renee Brown seconded. Motion carried.
Unfinished Business:
The congregation will have an opportunity to visit with Pastor Bryce Formwalt on
March 26, 2017 concerning “Our Vision for the Church” and the Call process.
Laurie Buegeler made a motion to accept Council configuration as presented:
Combine Council offices of Secretary and Treasurer.
Separate Education/Youth Committee to form an Education Committee and a Youth Committee.
Create a new Council position: Communications Committee (currently Ad Hoc)
These recommendations will be voted on at the 1st Quarterly Congregational meeting on May
7, 2017. Mary Jan Jenkins seconded. Motion carried.
9.
a.
New Business:
Renee Brown made the motion to accept the Admin Office Task Sheet, and approve posting in
Glad Tidings (deadlines only), and add Bill Botard’s phone number for emergencies.
Karen Zepeda seconded. Motion carried.
b.
Laurie Buegeler made a motion to accept Supply Pastor Expense Budget as presented.
Renee Brown seconded. Motion carried.
c.
Council approved the separation of Education and Youth chairs; Sandra Bowen will began work
ASAP as a coordinator under Anna Jenkins and then take over once elected in September of
2017.
d.
Banner for Spaghetti Dinner (April 23, 2017) is available to be put up. Renee Brown to
supervise/help install.
e.
Renee Brown will research and contact Boy Scout leader for permission to utilize parish hall for
Bunco Party in August.
f.
Renee Brown will follow up with Boy Scout leader regarding time and key for parish hall for the
Jim Wells County Friends Scouting Breakfast.
g.
Bill Botard will schedule a meeting with Pastor Bryce Formwalt and Council members
(Saturday; March 25, 2017).
h.
Bill Botard will contact Waldyne Neslony, Dennis Huff and Ann Menking for visitations.
i.
Amy Koenning made the motion to authorize Ann Menking to pick up the money bags from Wells
Fargo Bank night depository and to process Immanuel Lutheran Church offerings.
Mary Jan Jenkins seconded. Motion carried.
j.
Amy Koenning made the motion to accept Ernestina Maresch as a member of Immanuel
Lutheran Church. Karen Zepeda seconded. Motioned carried.
10.
Adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra Julia Bowen, Council Secretary
MEN IN MISSION FUND-RAISER
Spaghetti Dinner - Sunday, April 23, 2017
11:30a - 1:15p - $7 per plate
Proceeds from the Spaghetti Dinner benefit Immanuel’s Day Camp.
For Spaghetti Dinner tickets contact Bill Botard.
ILC Youth Group will have a bake sale during the Spaghetti Dinner.
Donations of baked goods are needed.
SAVE THE DATE! - DAY CAMP - June 12 - 15, 2017 (Mon. - Thurs.)
Because of the high demand for this program in our community, we will again offer enrollment to 60
children. The camp is open to children who are currently in kindergarten through fifth grade. A $5
donation per child is due at registration.
Registration is open to the public on a first-come basis.
Day Camp registration forms for Campers and Helpers* are available on our website. Go online
to www.ilcfamily.org to find the forms on the home page. Print the forms you want, complete both
pages, sign, and mail them with your $5 registration fee to the church office. Your child is not
registered until a completed, signed registration form and a $5 donation for each child is
returned to the church office. --- *Helpers must have completed 6th grade and up to be eligible
and must complete a Helper registration form; the $5 registration donation does not apply to
Helpers.