Pastor’s Page
When Past Is Present
On the subject of better understanding and patience of one another, I want to encourage you to think about how our words and actions are often responses to our past. By that, I mean that we may say or do things that may not make much sense in the present context. That’s because we sometimes act in response to past experiences, and are usually not aware of it. That explains how and why we display certain patterns of speech and ideas that reflect our parents and siblings. Most of that is just what makes us interesting. If we know each other’s family it makes perfect sense.
But sometimes we react out of a traumatic incident or pattern of our past that imprisons us in the present. Fears that seem to have no explanation can stem from an event that went wrong for us at a vulnerable young age. Experiences that get remembered in our spirit and heart color our outlook and responses to life today. You know this to be true in your own life, if you think about it.
I am not suggesting that all our memories can or will be healed, or that we should be analyzing each other. But I am suggesting, by understanding that this goes on in others and in ourselves, that we be patient with each other. It will help make us less critical and less likely to take offense.
This is not an open excuse to blame all our own regrettable choices on our past. We can, with help, lessen the impact of our past. By God’s grace, which we both receive and give, the past does not have to be the future. In Christ, we are, and continue to grow into, a new creation. As we are all growing together, let us walk together in peace.
By God’s Grace, Pastor Tom Konz
Sunday Worship Themes in August
August 4 “Living in Heaven on Earth” Colossians 3: 1-11
August 11 “Living By Faith” Hebrews 11:1 -16
August 18 “Youth Service” with Ryan Mitchell
August 25 “Missions inTexas” with Michael Fuchs
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS
RECYCLING: We received $25 for the youth from aluminum can recycle in the month of July. Thank you for your support of our youth. Please continue to bring your aluminum cans to the kitchen by the sanctuary so we can take them to the recycling center.
LUTHERAN HYMNAL FESTIVAL: On Sunday evening, September 29, at 7:00, Lutherans will be filling the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas for the Lutheran Hymn Festival with the theme Christ, Mighty Savior, and Light of All Creation. The tickets are $13 each if we have 12 or more people attend. If you have never attended, it is a great opportunity to hear and sing Lutheran hymns sung with gusto to a mighty organ. It is also a great opportunity to see the Meyerson, which is an impressive place just to look at. To make reservations, contact Mary Walter – 968-6922 or email waltermary1@gmail.com I will be gone Aug 9-17 and would like to send in our order the week of August 25. Let me know soon.
CHOIRS: The Chime choirs and the adult choir will have their first practices August 28 and September 4. Times will be announced later. Then Mary will be gone September 10-25 so the next practice will be October 2. If you are interested in being a part of either of these groups, let Mary Walter know. Anyone in the third grade or older is invited to join the chime choir. For the adult choir, one needs to be at least a freshman in high school.
CHURCH WORK DAY: Church wide work day will be August 10th. We will have prayer breakfast at 8:00 a.m. After breakfast and fellowship, the following items need to be completed.
- Clean out rain gutters–mainly at Church entrance
- Add video cable to Nursery
- Replace light bulbs
- Install latch strike on Men’s Toilet Partition (FLC)
- Paint boards at urinal, Men’s Restroom (FLC)
- Paint picnic tables
- Repair Storage Buildings
- Lawn mower maintenance
- Repair stainless steel cart
- Miscellaneous maintenance
Bring your own tools!
MEALS ON WHEELS
August 2: Walter
August 9: Sparkman
August16: West
August23: Quade
August 30: Pack
SERVING FAITH IN JULY
Worship
8:15 a.m. Service
Usher: Larry Angerhofer & Jimmy Pack
Greeter: Bob & Sheila Small
Altar: Rosanne Keilers
Acolyte: 4th Jamee, 11th Alex, 18th OPEN, 25th OPEN
10:45 a.m. Service
Usher: Neal Lovin & Jeff Stroebel
Greeter: Lee Barlow
Altar: Rosanne Keilers
Acolyte: 4th Ethan, 11th Kylie, 18th Landry, 25th Rett
If you are at a service and the scheduled server is not present, please step up to volunteer.
Brunch Schedule
Snack Snack Snack Drink/Server
4 Simpson Small Nelson Pack
11 Carrasco Sparkman Nehring Tate
18 VanWright Weber Fredrickson Hanna
25 Bills Angerhofer Carlson Cameron
If you are unable to serve on a Sunday, please find a replacement and let the office know.
Serving includes set up, clean up, and drinks.
SMALL GROUP MINISTRIES
VBS Program: The beginning of a new month will bring the end to Faith’s largest outreach program of the year. Our Tell it on the Mountain VBS ministry will conclude Thursday evening, August 1st. We hope you will join us for the final program beginning at 7:30 pm. Come see us proclaim: Jesus Christ is Lord in scripture and song. Please be praying all week for this important ministry and join us on any evening your are able. I promise you will leave blessed!
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Thursday, August 1st-VBS Program 730 pm
Sunday, August 25th-New Sunday classes will begin for children ages 3-18.
Friday, August 23rd-SPLASHVILLE-Dine, swim and fellowship with Our church and Faith School families. Start your school year off on a Cool note!
FAITH LUTHERAN YOUTH
Sunday, August 18th-Youth Sunday
Come worship with our youth in both services as they share the messages
OfCampShilohand National Youth Gathering with us.
Monday, August 26th- First day of school. Please pray for all teachers and Students.
Please note: Confirmation classes and FLY Activities will resume on Wednesday, September 4th.
I look forward to another great year with the youth of our church, school and community as we “make joyful noise to the Rock of our Salvation”. Psalm 95:1
LUTHERAN WOMEN MISSIONARY LEAUGE NEWS
It’s time for August already? Really? Well, your women are planning for a year ahead of great activities so read on and see what’s up:
Tuesday, July 30: Provide the meal for VBS
Monday, Aug. 12th: Next Business Meeting 6:00.
Sunday, Aug. 25: A special LWML Convention Report by Whitney and Marlene
Sunday, Sept. 15: Progressive Dinner after Church.
Monday, Sept. 16: 6-session Video Bible Study Begins for ALL in Room 6 of FFC.
Sunday, Oct. 6th: LWML Sunday
Wednesdays in October: 7:00—Craft nights to get ready for the Annual Craft Fair.
Friday/Saturday Nov. 1-2nd: Arts/CraftsSale
Sunday, November 24: Advent Lights
Tuesday, Nov. 26: Thanksgiving Food Baskets and set up Angel Tree
Sunday, Dec. 22nd: Christmas Caroling
Sunday, Jan. 26th: Mission Speaker Lois Tienert on Missions inPoland
Fri/Sat. Feb. 21-22: Women’s Overnight Retreat
March: Collect items for Lutheran World Relief
Sunday, Mar. 16th: Muffins for Missions
Saturday, Mar. 22nd: Church Garage Sale
Sunday, April 6th: Lunch/Devotion/Bunco Party
Sunday, May 18th: Ladies’ Tea Party
Sunday, June 8th: Church Picnic
…and always continuing to help where needed with:
- Meals for new moms, the bereaved, those recovering from surgery/illness
- Baby and Wedding Showers
- Helping to serve for special events
- Providing cakes and reception for Confirmation and Graduation
- Collecting Mites to send to mission projects forTexasand Internationally
New DVD Bible Study Starting September 16: Marlene White will lead a Bible Study in Room 6 of the Faith Family Center using a DVD and a workbook. The topic is “Overflowing Abundance” based on Jesus’ feeding of the 5000. Trusting God wit our resources is one of the main themes. This will be viewed on the new 42”TV in Room 6 and is open to all men and women and youth. A sign up sheet will be up in the narthex in August so that we can order the workbooks needed @ $7.50 each. Classes will be on Mondays 6:30-8:00 pm on Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14, 28, Nov. 11, 25.
All are welcome to join us in the joyful service to others. If you have any questions contact any of the officers: Lynann Simpson, Marlene White,Whitney Lee, Shirley Febinger,Rachel Moravec, Rosanne Keilers, Cindy Franz and Cheryl Konz.
S.A.I.L
Nine S.A.I.L. members met with Pastor Tom on July 18th at 10:00am in Room 6 for a Bible study taken from the Lutheran Women’s Quarterly Magazine. Our discussions centered on how wonderfully we are made and that God knows our every detail; we can not hide from Him. His ever-present loving care for us leads us to rejoice that He forgives us all sins. Through our Baptism because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we will receive everlasting life.
With the cake, peaches and ice cream treat, we helped Ola Faye celebrate her birthday and signed cards for Ola Faye and Betty Kirkland, as well as, sending a get-well card toInge Easterling.
Darleene Hufstutler announced thatTamra Dugger will begin her instructions for anyone who wants to participate in improving physical mobility and balance. The classes will be on Tuesday and Thursday mornings in the narthex from 9-11am from August 13-Sept. 5. Call Darleene at 968-0371 or the church office at 968-2710 to reserve a place.
Once again, the summer includes one meeting each month, so in August we will meet on the 1st. Please join us at 10:00am in Room 6 for our lively discussions of the Bible and fellowship with coffee and snacks.
BOARD OF EVANGELISM
Our Board is always encouraged to hear reports of your witnessing to our Faith family and others in our community. We hear about “silent witnessing” by the things you are doing! We hear about “verbal witnessing” by the things that you say and encouragement you give face to face and in print!
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1Corinthians 13:1
The Prayer Garden Retreat was weeded thanks to some of our faithful members!
Believe. Belong. Be Loved. posters will be hung above the stage in the Family Center and many of our Board will be taking an active role in Vacation Bible School.
CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENTS
A MATTER OF BALANCE: A Matter of Balance is a program emphasizing practical strategies to improve balance, flexibility and strength in anyone who has concerns about falling or has restrictions in activities due to fall risks.
It is a four week course meeting twice a week. All study materials are provided by the Texas Dept. of Aging. There is no charge for this course. Instructor Tamra Dugger and male co-instructor will be teaching this class for our congregation members here at our church. The class will take place during August 13th – September 5th in the Narthex from 9AM- 11AM, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information or interested in signing up for the class contact Darlene Hufstutler @254-968-0371.
FINANCIAL REPORTS: can be give upon request.
FAITH SCHOOL
Faith School: Ten Years of Serving God’s Children
FaithLutheranChurchplanted a seed by startingFaithSchoolin 2003 and now, ten years later, we have seen that seed bear much fruit. We started with thirteen sweet little three and four-year-old faces who only came a few days a week and by the very next year we were able to share the Gospel with them every day of the week.
The need in our community drove the decision to serve toddlers and infants in 2005. We were blessed to serve nearly 80 children that year! With much support from our congregation, school families and staff we took our program to the next level by adding our Kindergarten classroom in 2010. By providing sound curriculum and a loving environment,FaithSchoolequips graduates to move on to public schools as model students and to stand out from the rest.
Two years ago the Church Council charged an exploratory committee with researching how we could touch more lives and enrich our ministry. Based on the committee’s findings and much prayer, our congregation voted to expand our preschool capacity by adding two classrooms (1,200 square feet).
Our enrollment for the 2013-2014 school year will be a record 198 children! This includes part-time, full-time and holiday-only students, as well as twelve babies that we will welcome as new blessings over the next eight months. The Lord has blessed us with nearly 200 hundred children to care for and love.
He knew the plan ten years ago when He sent those first thirteen. He knew that today we would be sharing His grace and mercy with so many. We received the blessing of Hebrews 13:20-21 which says, “May the God of peace….equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
We give glory to God for this ministry that He has given to us.
Serving Him,
Magan Carrasco
FaithSchoolDirector
August Birthdays
Alexandra Cameron 8/1 Trudy Carlson 8/15
Sherre West 8/2 Larry Angerhofer 8/16
Brady Pendleton 8/4 Charles Simpson 8/19
Lee Barlow 8/5 Charlie Carrasco 8/20
Bamma Strohmeyer 8/6 Bradley Cogburn 8/20
Brett Tarpley 8/6 Ronnie Tate 8/21
Magan Carrasco 8/7 Amy Curtoys 8/23
Zoey Tarpley 8/8 Keith Fredrickson 8/25
David Douglas 8/12 Martha Fredrickson 8/26
Irene Kelly 8/14 Melissa Weber 8/29


WELCOME CONNOR WEAVER AND ZANE OSTERLOH!!