January, 2015 Newsletter - St. Paul Lutheran Church, Yorktown, Texas

GOOD NEWS
2015
January
St. Paul Lutheran Church
P.O. Box 245, Yorktown, Texas 78164
Office: 361-564-2135
Daily Inspiration: 361-564-3993
www.stpaulykt.org e-mail: stpaulykt@sbcglobal.net
9:00 a.m. Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast
1490 AM or 92.1 FM
Pastor: Tim W. Muehlbrad - 361-564-2335
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowered by the Holy Spirit to make Christ known;
As we love one another, serve our neighbor, and grow in our
Faith through studying God’s Word and
Worshipping God.
The Annual Congregational
Meeting will be held Sunday,
January 25, 2015 immediately following the
Worship Service.
Notice to all Committee Chairs –
Annual Reports are due into the
Church Office no later than Friday,
January 9th for publication in the
Annual Report of St Paul.
1
From the Pastor
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!
Thanks to all you for all your cards, gifts and well
wishes during this Christmas Season. Your warmth and
generosity fills us with love as we celebrate the greatest
gift of all: the gift of God coming into this world.
-- Tim & Catherine
2
2013 Council Members
Don Wieland – President - 564-3677
Kristin Schustereit – Secretary - 564-9585
Kim Hahn - Parish Ed - 564-3630
Clemens Waskow-Stewardship – 275-6620
Beverly Bruns – Worship - 564-9115
Anna Foerster-Christian Life - 564-9541
Arlen Fehner – Property – 564-2282
Beverly Feller -Social Concerns - 564-2873
Lindsay Green – Youth – 564-2791
Calvin Bruns – Outreach/Evangelism – 564-9115




December 10, 2013
Stewardship: Clem reviewed his report
Youth – Lindsay Green reported they are planning a
Christmas party.
Property – Arlen reported the church sign is complete. The
work on the sidewalk lights has begun. A motion was
made, seconded and approved to pay $6,000 to have the
vinyl flooring replaced in parsonage #2. Arlen explained
our insurance covered $49,000 of the damage to the roof on
the educational building. Combined with the bid from SW
Roofing, our total due would be $35,000 after the check
from the insurance. Arlen recommended cleaning up the
fascia boards using Sergio Martinez’s bid for the cost per
day plus materials. Arlen also recommended we sell the
metal sheets removed from the roof for $10 each.
Parish Education –Linda reported they were wrapping up
preparations for the Christmas program.
3

C.E.M. – There was a large attendance to the Christmas
program in the chapel and they are planning another
fundraiser for April 18th.
 Old Business – Basement – Almost complete. Church sign
– Complete. Parsonage 1 Repairs – Waiting on gutter
repairs. Annual Report – Clem made a motion to present
the proposed changes to the congregation at the
congregational meeting, the motion was seconded and
carried. The Nomination Committee has been made aware
of needed volunteers. Budget – Clem reviewed the
proposed budget for 2015.
 New Business – Elevator Maintenance Contract – Don
reported the elevator is having problems, a motion was
made, seconded and approved to enter into a elevator
maintenance contract to have needed repairs made.
 Other Business – Pastor Tim explained of an Afghan
Christian man whose life is threatened being in need and
would like to use $1,000 of the emergency benevolence
fund to assist. This donation would be sent to the Lutheran
church in Rosenberg which has set up an account for this
purpose. The council agreed by general consent.
The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Note: A full copy of the minutes may be obtained
from the church office.
GENERAL FUND
Income
Expenses
NET
YTD 2014
339,988.74
(317,459.73)
22,529.01
NOV. 2014
40,711.65
(26,631.99)
14,079.66
BUILDING FUND
Income
Expense
NET
YTD 2014
257,004.31
(187,216.56)
69,787.75
NOV.2014
30,453.06
(36,368.61)
(5,915.55)
4
We will have our first blood drive of 2015 on Jan. 25th.
The blood mobile will be in the church parking lot
from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. If you would like to
reserve a time, there will be a sign-up sheet in church
th
on the 11 and 18th. Please bring a list of your medications and a
photo ID with you. This is a very personal ministry for those who
can donate blood – you are giving a part of yourself to someone
else. God Bless you.
First Communion Class
Pastor will be offering a First
Communion Class to all who are in the
2nd Grade or older who have not had
Communion instruction. The class will
be on Saturday, February 7, 9:3011:30AM in the Educational Building. Please contact Pastor if you
have any questions.
We welcome into our Family of Faith…..
Shane & Courtney Kulik and Colt Speed
304 E 10th St.
Yorktown, TX 78164
Brenda Kirchoff
123 E Fifth St
P.O. Box 566
Yorktown, TX 78164
Vernon Sparck
590 Hwy 119 S
Yorktown, TX 78164
Be sure to greet these new members and invite them into the
ministry opportunities of our congregation.
5
Ian William Alexander, child of Clayton &
Stacey Alexander was baptized on December 13,
2014.
Jairus Stephan Herring, child of Hope Brown
was baptized on December 21, 2014.
Mark Anthony Bigham Jr, child of Hope Brown and Mark
Anthony Bigham was baptized on December 21, 2014.
To the members of St. Paul –
A huge Thank you to all for your very generous
gifts this Christmas Season. Your generosity is
appreciated more than you could ever know.
A Blessed New Year to each of you!
Debbie Taylor
The Flower chart for 2015 has been posted on the
bulletin board outside the church office. Make sure
you get your name beside the date on which you
would like to place flowers in the Sanctuary.
* Remember: Don’t forget to contact the flower shop to make
arrangements for the flowers.
CONGRATULATIONS to Kevin & Heather Styra
on the birth of their daughter, Molly Marie Styra
born November 22, 2014.
CONGRATULATIONS to Kurt & Anna Forester on the birth of their
twin daughters, Maesen and Reece Foerster born December 2,
2014.
6
A belated thank you for the gift basket from Intern
Sarah and her helpers. It was filled with many useful
things. Thanks, too, to the Circle Groups for sending
me cards. I enjoy hearing from you. Also, thank you
to the Carolers for stopping by. It was a pleasant surprise.
Please continue to pray for Al and I. It is very much appreciated.
Myrlin Wagner
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we
will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
January 6, 2015 – Bible Study
FAITH – 9:00 a.m.
Study Leader – Beverly Bruns Hostess – Doris Koehler
GRACE – 9:00 a.m.
Study Leader– Luellen Smiley Hostess – Mary Sauermilch
JOY – 2:30 p.m.
Study Leader –Ann Adix Meet in the Meeting Room
January 21, 2015 – Do Day at 9:30 a.m.
Come join us to start 2015 tying knots of friendship and
fellowship.
January 28, 2015 – Cradle Workshop
Come be included in our group to make Baptism blankets and
other projects, in the Education Building Lounge.
January 29, 2015 – Soup N Sides Fundraiser – 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you wish to help, a sign-up sheet will be in the Education
Building. A free-will donation will be accepted. You may
dine-in or take-out.
May you have a Blessed New Year.
Trust in the Lord.
Janet Lambrecht, News Coordinator
7
INFO PRIOR TO ANNUAL MEETING
As you know, a number of years ago, the Catholic Church
and Lutheran Church were both given two lots here in Yorktown
from an estate. The lots are located at 236 Fourth Street.
However, trying to obtain a Title Policy from an abstract company
in the county has been unsuccessful. We have tried giving this
property to Habitat for Humanity but here again, they require title
policy. Therefore, our church and the catholic church have both
been paying ad valorem taxes on these two lots all these years.
An offer has been made to St. Paul by someone to purchase
these two lots without a Title Policy. The amount of the offer is
$4,000.00 plus closing costs so both churches will receive a clear
$2,000.00. Council has discussed this matter and have agreed to
sell our part if the Catholic Church is also willing to do so. We
have contacted the Catholic Church and they have graciously
accepted this proposal.
Therefore, at the Annual Meeting of St. Paul, this matter
will be brought before the congregation to approve the sale. Other
offers in excess of the $4,000 and also on the same terms, can also
be made. If these lots are sold, our church and the Catholic Church
will no longer be needlessly paying taxes for nothing. So if
anyone wants to purchase these lots, without Title Policy (not
saying a Title Policy could never be obtained), now would be the
time to do so.
If anyone has any questions about this transaction, I would
be happy to discuss it further with them.
Arlen Fehner
Property Chairman
A gift to the Endowment Fund was given to the
Glory of God and in honor of the church staff and
church council by Ervin & Lorene Schley.
8
JANUARY 2015
Seasons of Wholeness Message
“Year of Health”
“This is a permanent law for you,
to purify the people of Israel from
their sins, making them right with
the Lord once each year.”
Leviticus 16:34.
In the Chinese culture, the
New Year is the time dedicated to
finish with the old and to start
with the new. Their traditions include visiting friends and family
to re-establish relationships, cleaning the house to prepare for the
coming year, stocking cupboards with household provisions,
settling all old debts, and putting forth their best behavior. All of
the activities are to make the New Year better and healthier.
“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast,
because he trusts in you…” Isaiah 26:3
What pain or baggage is holding you hostage? Many
cultures promote forgiveness as a way to begin the New Year.
Research shows that forgiving others makes you healthier by
lowering your blood pressure, stress, hostility, anxiety, and chronic
pain. “Letting go” also gives you a sense of well-being that
translates into healthier relationships and less illness. It is not easy
but with God’s help you can make the choice to take control and
keep the hurt from ruling your emotions or actions. Forgiveness
takes time. Give it your energy and by Christmas see what changes
have been made in your life.
“…a land that the Lord your God cares for. He watches over it
through each season of the year!” Deuteronomy 11:12.
Every 6 months or 5,000 miles your car is taken in for a
checkup and regular maintenance so why don’t you do the same
with your body? God gave you one body and the responsibility of
keeping it healthy and strong. It is up to you to watch over it and
pay attention to signs that you need a checkup. If you have a lump
in your breast, a mole that changes shape or color, sudden
shortness of breath, or stools that are not usual, do not wait! Visit
your physician and have the appropriate screenings to find the
9
problem and the right treatment. The longer you wait the more
advanced a situation or disease will become and the harder it will
be to deal with it.
“I am the one who answered your prayers and cares for you. I am
like a tree that is always great; all your fruit comes from me.”
Hosea 14:8.
Changing old habits or creating new ones is hard to but
making healthier choices will improve your life by preventing
heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers. Choosing healthier
foods and losing excess weight will also impact the physical
problems you have from the added stress that weight adds to your
joints. This year, make a vow to become healthier. Change your
dietary choices, add movement, and exercise to your day, and ask
God for the strength to follow your plan. Change begins with baby
steps which you add to as you see success. If you are committed to
change, you will see a new and improved you!
”You crown the year with your bounty, and your carts overflow
with abundance.” Psalm 65:11
The New Year is a good time to look at your life and
determine what you need to change or improve. Start the year by
considering your health. Follow the monthly tips from your
Wesley Nurse to see how you can become healthy, prevent disease,
or minimize complications to your current health. Explore your
community for organizations or agencies where you could
volunteer in those capacities and pick a project. Good health is
more than eating right; it is sharing the love of Jesus Christ by
sharing your time and talents. Giving of yourself benefits the
recipient and you. Focusing on the future and a well-balanced life
will help you participate more fully in the love and joy of family.
Your Wesley Nurse,
Kathy Frels, BSNRN
Reference:
Merila, N. & Slutz (2009) Seasons of Wholeness Monthly themes and programming for faith
community ministry. Volume VI. International Parish Nurse Resource center; St. Louis, MO.
10
JANUARY 2015 - SCRIPTURE READINGS & HYMNS
Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015 – Second Sunday of Christmas
Opening Hymn: “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice” LBW 55
First Lesson: Jeremiah 31:7-14
Psalm: Psalm 147:12-20
Second Lesson: Ephesians 1:3-14
Gospel: John 1:[1-9] 10-18
Hymn of the Day: “O Little Town of Bethlehem” LBW 41
Communion Hymns: (1) “Low, How A Rose Is Growing” LBW 58
(2) “The First Noel” LBW 56 (3) “Once Again My Heart
Rejoices” LBW 46
Closing Hymn: “Go Tell It on the Mountain” LBW 70
Sunday, Jan. 11 – Baptism of Our Lord
Gathering Hymn: “Arise Your Light Has Come!” WOV 652
Hymn: “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light” WOV 649
First Lesson: Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm: Psalm 29
Second Lesson: Acts 19:1-7
Gospel: Matthew 1:4-11
Hymn of the Day: “Shall We Gather at the River” WOV 690
Closing Hymn: “Go, My Children, with My Blessing” WOV 721
Sunday, Jan. 18 – Second Sunday of Epiphany
Opening Hymn: “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” LBW 334
First Lesson: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]
Psalm: Psalm 139:1=6, 13-18
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Gospel: John 1:43-51
Hymn of the Day: “Jesus Calls Us: O’er the Tumult” LBW 494
Communion Hymns: (1)”I Lay My Sins on Jesus” LBW 305
(2) “Chief Of Sinners though I Be” LBW 306
(3) “O god,
Our Help in Ages Past” LBW 320
Closing Hymn: “Earth and All Stars!” LBW 558
Sunday, Jan. 25 – Third Sunday of Epiphany
Gathering Hymn: “Shine, Jesus, Shine” WOV 651
Hymn: “Softly and Tenderly” WOV 734
First Lesson: Jonah 3:1-5,10
Psalm: Psalm 62:5-12
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Gospel: Mark 1:14-20
Hymn of the Day: “We Three Kings” WOV 646
Closing Hymn: “We Are Marching in the Light of God” WOV 650
11
We keep in our prayers the family and
friends of:
Benita “Anita” Junker – who passed away November 21,
2014. Funeral services were held November 25, 2014.
Ruby Faye Bedynek – who passed away November 30,
2014. Funeral services were held December 5, 2014.
Anna Meischen – who passed away December 11, 2014.
Funeral services were held December 13, 2014.
May the power of the resurrection continue to provide them
assurance.
Memorial given in memory of Ruby Bedynek – Building fund
Inez Hahn
Clay & Robin Caran
Lori Rodriguez
Sonny & Betty Ann Seifert
Al & Myrlin Wagner
Velma Lee Moritz & Cathy Moritz Jean Gohmert
Arlene & Clydelle Schroeder
Norma Schendel & family
LaVerne Fielding
Thomas & Mary Lou Rabke
Margaret Krause, Ethan, Eran & Evan
Memorial given in memory of Ruby Bedynek – Radio
Dr. & Mrs. John Frels
Memorial given in memory of Ruby Bedynek – C.E.M.
Boyd & Pam Weise
Memorial given in memory of Beverly Janssen Bixby – building
Don & Debbie Janssen
Memorial given in memory of Frieda Buelter – Building fund
Larry & Algerine Vasbinder
Shirley Moehrig
Beverly Wagner
Helen Breed
Memorial given in memory of Frieda Buelter – C.E.M.
LaVerne Fielding
Allen Joyce Baker
Memorial given in memory of Janet Campbell – C.E.M.
Allen Joyce Baker
Memorial given in memory of Janet Campbell – Building
Glen & Judy Henze
Don & Debbie Janssen
12
Memorial given in memory of Douglas Dueser – Building fund
Glen & Judy Henze
Michael & Kim Blaschke
Memorial given in memory of Douglas Dueser – C.E.M.
Boyd & Pam Weise
Memorial given in memory of Cheryl Farris – C.E.M.
LaVerne Fielding
Memorial given in memory of Cecilia Guzy – Building
Jean Herwig
Memorial given in memory of Cecilia Guzy – C.E.M.
LaVerne Fielding
Memorial given in memory of Floyd Haun – Building fund
Ann Adix
Dennis Henze
Bernice Henze
Penny Sievers
Denis Mueller
Dorothy Mayfield
Iona Buchhorn
Helen Breed
Daniel Gohmert
Mary Lou Gerhardt Geraldine Goehring Shirley Moehrig
Robert & Rene Alvarez
Carlton & Sandra Bolting
Lorene & Ervin Schley
Larry & Algerine Vasbinder
Larry & Kristy Serold
Jesse & Linda Hurta
Duncan Oil Partners
Velma Lee Moritz
Glen & Judy Henze
Don & Debbie Janssen
Michael & Kim Blaschke
Wilfred & Barbara Konrad
Douglas & Wanda Franke
Emil & Bernice Geffert
Memorial given in memory of Floyd Haun – C.E.M.
O.F. & Sue Bolting LaVerne Fielding
John D Hurst
Memorial given in memory of Floyd Haun – Cemetery
Calvin & Beverly Bruns
Arlen & Kathie Fehner
Memorial given in memory of Benita “Anita” Junker – Cemetery
Jay & Sandra Heil
Memorial given in memory of Benita “Anita” Junker – Radio
Dr. & Mrs. John Frels
Memorial given in memory of Benita “Anita” Junker – C.E.M.
John D Hurst
Allen Joyce Baker
Memorial given in memory of Benita “Anita” Junker – Building
Joyce M Lamprecht Daniel Gohmert
Paul Gottschald
Lee & Pat Barta
David & Patsy Ibrom
Eva Gohmert
George & Audrey Balcar
Ervin & Lorene Schley
Cliff & Sharon Weber
Byron & Barbara Cramer
Mark & Karen Henneke
Mike & Donna Spann family
13
Memorial given in memory of Benita “Anita” Junker – Building
Kenneth & Beverly Flessner
Mr. & Mrs. Earl N Cretors
Georgie Heyer
Vincent & Barbara Warzecha
John & Ruth Roller
Memorial given in memory of Marjorie Klaevemann – Building
Larry & Algerine Vasbinder
Memorial given in memory of Lamar Koehler – Cemetery
Jay & Sandra Heil
Memorial given in memory of Lamar Koehler & Helen Kraege –
C.E.M. - Boyd & Pam Weise
Memorial given in memory of Lamar Koehler – Radio
Dr. & Mrs. John Frels
Memorial given in memory of Lamar Koehler – Building
Helen Breed
Beth Sievers
Iona Buchhorn
WF & C Haun
James R Henry
Ruby Braun
Manroy & Gracie Wolpman
George & Audrey Balcar
Sonny & Betty Ann Seifert
Emil & Bernice Geffert
Henry & Lorna Borgfeld
Ervin & Lorene Schley
Thomas & Mary Lou Rabke
Memorial given in memory of Helen Kraege – Building fund
WF & C Haun
Iona Buchhorn
Daniel Gohmert
Shirley Moehrig
Velma Lee Moritz
Penny Sievers
Eva Gohmert
Helen Breed
Lillie Metting
Mary Lou Gerhardt Dorothy Mayfield
Billie Blaschke
Carlton & Sandra Bolting
Emil & Bernice Geffert
Ricky & Judy Hilbrich
Ervin & Lorene Schley
David & Pasty Ibrom
Charles & Bonnie Riedesel
Darren & Tina Koehler
Manroy & Gracie Wolpman
Larry & Algerine Vasbinder
Larry & Kristy Serold
Melissa Stolle & the boys
Don & Debbie Janssen
Ronald & Donna Matejek
Michael & Kim Blaschke
Memorial given in memory of Helen Kraege – Cemetery
Calvin & Beverly Bruns
Arlen & Kathie Fehner
Memorial given in memory of Anna Meischen – C.E.M.
LaVerne Fielding
Memorial given in memory of Elizabeth Onken & A.C. Hoehne –
Building fund, Iona Buchhorn
14
Memorial given in memory of Roland Machost – Building fund
David & Patsy Ibrom Ronnie Afflerbach
Eva Gohmert
Don & Debbie Janssen
Michael & Kim Blaschke
John & Ruth Roller
Memorial given in memory of Anna Meischen – Building
Thomas & Mary Lou Rabke
Sonny & Betty Ann Seifert
Dorothy Mayfield
Emil & Bernice Geffert
Steven & Debbie Kneese
Joyce M Lamprecht
David & Patsy Ibrom
Edmond & Alice Plasczyk
Jean Gohmert
Mary Lou Gerhardt
Velma Lee Moritz
Charles & Bonnie Riedesel
Victor & Gerry Riske
Memorial given in memory of Twyla Nau & Anna Meischen –
Radio - Dr. & Mrs. John Frels
Memorial given in memory of Twyla Nau – Building fund
Carlton & Sandra Bolting
John & Irleen Guidry
Jean Herwig
Billie Blaschke
Memorial given in memory of Twyla Nau – C.E.M.
LaVerne Fielding
Boyd & Pam Weise
Memorial given in memory of Wilfred Riedesel & Twyla Nau–
Cemetery, Calvin & Beverly Bruns
Memorial given in memory of Ed Shearer – Building
Victor & Gerry Riske
Memorial given in memory of Milam Von Roeder – Building
Junell Lincke
Daniel Gohmert
James & Brenda Nash
Velma Lee Moritz
Michael & Kim Blaschke
Memorial given in memory of Milam Von Roeder – C.E.M.
Allen Joyce Baker
Memorial given in memory of Leona Wehe – Cemetery
Calvin & Beverly Bruns
Memorial given in memory of Leona Wehe – Building
Shirley Moehrig
Memorial given in memory of Sharon Weise – Building fund
Al & Myrlin Wagner
Boyd & Pam Weise
*Gifts in memory and in honor of are as of December 22, 2014.
15
16
St. Paul Lutheran
P.O. Box 245
Yorktown, TX 78164
NON-PROFIT ORGANICATION
US POSTAGE
YORKTOWN, TEXAS
PERMIT #15