seeds of graceapostles’ creed. many sundays, as part of our worship service, we use this creed as...
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Seeds of Grace A t a s c o c i t a L u t h e r a n C hu r c h
Sunday Worship
9:30 am - Holy Communion with a mix of traditional and contemporary music.
April 2019 Monthly Newsletter
Installation of Pastor Brian Deckinger was on March 24th with Rev. Dr.
Beth Warpmaeker, of Kinsman Lutheran, officiating and sermon by
Rev. Dr. Tracey Breashears Schultz, ELCA Gulf Coast Synod Bishop
Assistant for Leadership.
Pictured Left to right: Rev. Nancy Simpson
(St. Paul Lutheran) , Rev. Mark England
(Kinsman Lutheran), Pastor Brian Deckinger,
Rev. Dr. Beth Warpmaeker, Rev. Dr. Tracey
Breashears Schultz
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Easter and the season surrounding it always remind us of springtime flowers. Lilies on the altar, an “orchid for your mommy” (for our Peter Cottontail fans), May flowers that came from our overabundance of Southeast Texas April showers, and gardens in full bloom with the vibrancy of a rainbow are constantly on everyone’s mind around Easter time. Seemingly growing all around us, new life is in full bloom this time of year.
We as a congregation are just beginning this new life as an ever-changing and growing Atascocita Lutheran Church. As we venture into the unknown, trying to grow in our Christian lives together, we are trying to thrive right where we are. Believing this, our worship planning committee has chosen a theme for our Easter season: “Bloom where you’re planted, and grow in love.”
First and foremost in these Easter season, we need to remember to keep our faith strong. “Where two or more are gathered in my name, there I am also.” We can thrive in the spot where we have chosen to be a congregation – blooming where we have been planted. Reach out to others in the pew behind you for help in a busy world and friendship when you feel alone. Volunteer your time when you aren’t sure how to start sharing your gifts. Join the choir or handbells and, through music, express yourself in worship of the one true God. Our church should always be a safe space, free of judgments, to allow everyone to bloom in faith and to ask the questions that need answering; even when we feel like a “doubting Thomas,” our church family should lift us up and let our petals spread toward the Son. When we begin to feel this freedom of spirit, the love of Christ will radiate from us to one another, and we will show others that we are Christians by growing in that love.
Love may be an inward emotion, but there are outward signs that point to our faith and help us grow. “Pay it forward” in a drive through line. Help a friend move a piece of furniture. Pray for those around you, not just in times of need, but at all times to keep them in your thoughts. When someone outside our congregation can see the peace and love that surrounds us, “the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts” will guide them to find love in Christ, even if they may not know that is what they’re looking for.
In this Easter season, each day we should remind ourselves to lift our eyes to the Son, just like a flower in bloom. Keeping our feet rooted in Christ, we will bloom where we are planted here at Atascocita Lutheran Church, and grow in a Christian love so fervent that those around us know by our words and actions what we believe. We want to encourage those around us to become a part of the inherent peace that the forgiveness from our Savior brings. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
In this season of Easter
By Lauren Call
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Many of us have memorized at some point, most likely during confirmation classes, the
Apostles’ Creed. Many Sundays, as part of our worship service, we use this creed as a
statement about our faith. While it is not required we do it every week, we make this
statement to remind ourselves what we believe about our faith in our God. Also we let
those who may be visiting with us hear and see what we as a congregation and individuals
believe is important to our faith in our God.
As Lutheran Christians we claim three historic confessions of our faith which we call
creeds: the Apostles’ Creed, the Athanasian Creed, and the Nicene Creed. These creeds are
the statements of faith we most often use, and they lay out what we believe about God as
creator, Christ as Savior and Son of God, and the Holy Spirit as the advocate and presence
of God with us daily. The creeds are Trinitarian meaning that they address the three
persons/natures of God and the basic understanding we have of them.
Indeed these creeds are a very vital and important part of our church’s understanding, and they are the norm
around which we ground our life together. But they are not the only way we can and need to state our faith.
Sometimes, by using different words which still convey our understanding of God, we are able to see our God
in a new and deeper light. At times when we are saying the apostles’ creed, we go on auto pilot not thinking
about what we are saying, simple repeating the words we know so well just to get thru it. While that is not
wrong per say, it means we may have turned the creed into some magic formula we need to say, or a duty or
something to check off as a requirement. When that happens, we risk not seeing or grasping the wonderful
depth and meaning of the creed for our lives. We also need to be aware that to visitors – those new to the faith
- these wonderful creeds are for many unfamiliar and seem like some kind of secret club language meant only
for insiders. They struggle to grasp the meaning in the very words and phrases we use to explain our faith.
When we use different wording “modern wording” to make our statement of faith, it can cause us to stop and
reflect on what we have just said. To look at the nature and persons of God in a different way, that can turn
our routine into a renewed passion and excitement. From time to time using these “modern statements of
faith” can provide a more inclusive and welcoming basic statement of our faith for those who are exploring
the faith, new to our community of faith, or those struggling to understand this great God.
During the season of Easter, we here at Atascocita Lutheran will do just that as we will use a modern
statement of faith during our worship service. We will do this to help us ponder anew the wonder and
mystery of our God, whose Son’s resurrection from the dead we celebrate. This does not mean we are getting
rid of, or no longer believe in the Apostles Creed, the Nicene Creed or the Athanasian Creed. They are still
the foundation of our faith and the bedrock creeds. We will use them again after the six week season of
Easter.
What this means is that during the Easter season, as we use a statement of faith (we will not call it a creed)
that is not one of the three creeds, we will be looking to see how we can renew our passion and deepen our
understanding in new ways and perhaps be more welcoming and inclusive to the guests and visitors among us
who are just beginning to engage their faith in God.
Our Easter season theme is: “Bloom where you are planted and grow in love!” I would ask that during this
season as we use a new and different statement of faith you would ponder the words, reflect on what they are
saying and see how they can help you bloom where you are planted and grow in love. We may even find that
we will have new and even more helpful words to use in sharing our faith with those are not currently a part
of faith family. Words that will help them grow in understanding of our great God as well.
God’s peace
Pastor Brian
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Lenten Wednesday Nights
April 3 - April 10th
, 2019
6:00 – Soup supper
7:00- Holden Evening Prayer
7:30 – short bible study on the upcoming Sunday lessons
7:30 - choir practice
As the Lenten Season draws to a close you are invited to join us on Wednesday
nights for an evening of fellowship, worship/prayer and study. We begin by gathering together in fellowship and conversation over bowls of soup. Then we gather in the worship center for a time of song and prayer followed by a time to explore together in some depth the scripture lessons for the approaching Sunday. Choirs will also be practicing during this time consider adding your talents to their music.
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Sunday April 14 – Palm/Passion Sunday 9:30 am service
Jesus, the Servant King, enters Jerusalem: “Hosanna,” they shouted. “Save us!” It’s the same cry sent forth since the Fall in the garden. God hears our cries. God knows our needs. And, as he has for his faithful throughout history, God provides. The Lord
sends his own Son to save us. Today we shout, “Blessed is he!”
Thursday April 18 – Maunday Thursday 7:00 pm service with Communion
Jesus washes the disciples Feet: As he welcomes us to his table, our Lord reminds us that he came as our
servant. But he offers so much more than foot washing. Jesus gives us his body. Jesus gives us his blood. He is God’s sent servant, the living sacrifice and our pathway to eternal life. We leave the table forgiven and sent to serve in his name and on his behalf.
Friday April 19 - Good Friday 7:00 pm service
Jesus serves and gives His life as a ransom: Look at the cross long and hard today. Who put himself there – a man, a son, a prophet, a king? More than simply sent, Christ was given for…. YOU!
Sunday April 21 – EASTER Sunday 9:30 am
service
The Resurrection of our Lord: We are witnesses for God’s son Jesus Christ. Christ shines in risen glory.
Hallelujah! The work of our salvation is complete. Worship your Risen Savior Today! Then GO and TELL! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
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Easter Sunday April 21 8AM—9:15AM
Come Hungry!
Easter Egg
Hunt
and
Hayride
th
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
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Adult Forum News
Sundays April 28-May 19
Acts – Life in the Early church and what can we learn for today
During this study important insights about the early church and what we can learn from our
forebearers in faith that is relevant for today will be learned.
The focus verses from Acts will be
April 28: Acts 4:32-5:11 – Life (and death) in the Early Christian Community
May 5: Acts 15 – the Jerusalem Council
May 12: Acts 17:16-34 – Paul in Athens
May 19: Acts 16:11-15; 18:1-4,18-28 – Women in the New Testament Church
Pastor Brian will be leading this study. It is a great way to follow up our study of generations
during Lent and now see how we can use all that we learn for being the church journeying into the future together.
Adult Forums
Adult Forum News
Sunday April 7th
We will wrap up and finish our five week study of Generational IQ by
Haydn Shaw.
NO Adult Forums on April 14 or April 21
We are taking a break for Palm/Passion Sunday and Easter
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HAAM INGATHERING
Continuing during the month of April ALC’s HAAM Committee will be gathering items
needed to make Blessing Bags for the Homeless and Family Hygiene Packs.
Goal: The goal is to collect during March enough items to make 25 Homeless bags and 10
Family Hygiene Packs
Items need include:
Shampoo Band-aids
Toothbrushes Toothpaste
Toilet paper
Razors Bar soap (all sizes)
Shaving cream Tissues
Hand and/or body location Hand sanitizer
Combs Deodorant
*Full Size and Travel sizes are needed
**If you are traveling on spring break – the items found in your hotel room work great.
There will be a special event at the end of the Easter season to make these kits (watch for details in the months to come)
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Immigration Information Meeting
(Charlas de Inmigracion)
HAAM (1302 1st Street E. , Humble, TX)
Friday, April 12th
Questions/ Preguntas (281)446-3663
HAAM and Catholic Charities are offering Information
meeting for anyone with immigration questions & to
learn about your rights.
HAAM y Caridades Catolics tendra Charla informative
p;ara todas las personas con preguntas sobre
inmigracion y para que conosca sus derechos
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2019 Family Promise Rotations
April 7-13
July 7-13
October 6-12 (subject to change due to Fall Festival)
For more information or if you would like to volunteer contact:
Judy Cargill or Judy Johnson
There are a multitude of Ministries, Groups, Clubs, and activities
at ALC. We are always welcoming to those who would like to
participate and/or volunteer!
Worship Servers Family Promise HAAM
Choir Maintenance Book Club
Bells Diner’s Club Sunday School
Basket Weavers Youth Special Events
*Call Donna in the office for more info. 281-852-7333
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RELAY FOR LIFE
Saturday, April 6, 2019
12 pm at Humble Civic Center
Join the ALC team’s fight against cancer
If you sign up for the Relay
or
sponsor a Runner , I will
Publish your Honoree in the
next Thursday Blast. Please
email me with the info.
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Please Join Us!
April 27, 2019
2:00 to 7:00pm
Kingwood Harley-Davidson Dealership
10th Annual
Chicks & Hogs
BBQ &Brew Off!
This time of year gets so exciting around here! This is our 10th Year and Chicks and Hogs is
stepping up its game! Yes, the rumors are true...thanks to the great folks at Planet Ford Humble
on 59 we have a brand new 2019 Ford 150 Super Crew Pick up....Tickets will be ready by
Monday the 18th - so let us know if you want to reserve yours!
We w il l h a ve t ic ket s for sal e !
$100 raffle ticket gives you the chance to win a brand
new FORD truck and VIP admission to the event…….and
only 300 tickets will be sold. See a Judy!!
(General admission will be available day of event)
We are also bringing some new fun to the event....we will have a Beer Garden featuring three local
brewers....Ingenious Brewing is on board and two other local brewers are checking their busy beer
schedule to see if they can come out and play with us!
Our Kid Zone will be amazing this year...we are bringing in Game On, a video gaming truck, Jump
House, Snow Cones....and more!
We also welcome to the stage The Mike Donnell band...if you haven't heard this group, you will
love them!!
How much is a Sponsorship? $250 and Up
What do I get as a Sponsor? Recognition on the Jumbo Tron, Tickets to give out to your
employees, friends, colleagues, and family, listed on all printed materials, All Social Media
Can anyone be a Sponsor? Yes! We have Sponsorships available in all different areas!
Our next meeting will be: March 9th at 8:00 am at McDonalds on Northpark - If you would like to
join our committee....AWESOME!! Prepare to have fun!
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To Mars and Beyond VBS 2019!!
To Mars and Beyond VBS invites Voyagers of all ages on a space travel adventure to explore where God’s power can take them! Along the journey,
Voyagers discover a new realm of possibilities as they reach for the stars and encounter the limitless power and love of God!
Day 1: Go Beyond with Faith!
Day 2: Go Beyond with Boldness!
Day 3: Go Beyond with Kindness!
Day 4: Go Beyond with Thankfulness!
Day 5: Go Beyond with Hope!
July 22 – 26, 2019
5:45p – 8:30p – Dinner is Served!
ALC VBS is for potty-trained 3year old’s through completed 5th grade.
Registration fee includes Dinner each night and a VBS t-shirt!!
Register today at: www.myvbs.org/atascocitalutheranchurch
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Martha, Hannah, Sarah, and Rebecca Deckinger
Russ and Susan Senti
David and Julie Miller
Darrell Kresta
Ronette Phelps
ALC welcomes you to our church family!
NEW MEMBERS
OF
Atascocita Lutheran Church
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Sunday School for pre-K and elementary aged children
meet in the
room at the far end of the hall upstairs after 9:30 AM Service on Sundays.
S e e y o u t h e r e !
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Basket Weavers
Third Saturday of the Month
9am to 12pm Come join in the fun of learning basket weaving .
Atascocita Lutheran Church 7927 FM 1960 E, Humble, TX 77346
located at Pinehurst and 1960
Contact Joy Cook for more info
Support our Military Ministry
by donating supplies that are not easily available to them.
We will be sending a shipment in late February or early March
to
Chaplin Frost (ALC’s Military Chaplin).
Some Items needed are:
Hair Brushes Lotion
Feminine Products
Shampoo and Condition
Hygiene Products Body and Bath Wash
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Join us for food and fun
*Meets 3rd Thursday of each month at 7 pm except
April (*see date)& Dec.
April 25 Longhorn Steakhouse (Deerbrook Service Rd)
20127 Hwy. 59 281-446-2261
May 16 Marsala’s Italian Grill in Atascocita (near Culver’s)
5324 Atascocita Rd 832-644-9360
June 20 Tin Roof BBQ in Atascocita
18919 Town Center Blvd 281-852-5577
July 18 Patron Grill in Humble
9710 FM 1960 W 281-973-9027
August 15 Outback Steakhouse in Humble (near Deerbrook)
9753 FM 1960 W 281-446-4329
September 19 Red Lobster in Humble (near Home Depot)
20414 Hwy 59 N 281-964 4408
October 17 Tai Li Chinese in Atascocita (across from ALC)
7948 FM 1960 E 281-812-2799
November 21 Cracker Barrel in Kingwood
24400 Hwy 59 N 281-358-0166
2019
Diner’s Club
Schedule
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ALC Book Club – The Spice of Life!
The ALC Book Club meets on the second Monday of every month
at 7 p.m. in the large meeting room. If variety is the spice of life,
then we are spicy indeed because we read a wide variety of
books and enjoy some outstanding discussion. Here are our
selections for the remainder of the year:
April 8 – Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger
May 13 – Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
June 10 – Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan
July 8 – Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline
August 12 – Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon and Shana Knizhnik
September 9 – Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelley
October 14 – Bean Town Girls by Jane Healey
November 11 – Second Chance by James Patterson
December 9 – Movie Night!
We hope you will join us for great fellowship, tasty snacks and
spicy discussion! If you have any questions, contact Joy Berthold
ALC
2019
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Prayer Needed
Veronica Brown
Dave Berthold
Malinda Golden
Debbie Driesbach
Trinity
Don & Phyllis
Patrick Konikoff
Cynthia Cappalli
Chloe Dowdy
Zoe Simpson
Tracy
Stacey
Gerrie Randall
Hannah
Tom McDonald
Erna Lamothe Family
Harold Bird
Laurie McDonald
Lee Mitchell
Dylan Tieman
Travis Doan
As some of you know I have had my step-son on the
prayer list for months . He needed healing from a
terrible auto accident , which resulted in the discovery
of tumors on his kidney (Kidney Cancer). This hit really close to home. His
father, my husband, lost his life to the very same cancer 2 years ago. Well the
praise is, Glen has had a nephrectomy (kidney/football size tumor removal)
and is cancer free according to the doctors! He is also healed to the point of
returning to work! And the best part, He is developing a relationship with the
Lord through all of this! God is so good. Thank you for all your prayers. They
are greatly appreciated. To God be all the glory! ~~Donna~~
** If you have a PRAISE REPORT don’t keep it to yourself. Let all know that their prayers are
heard and being answered! You can email me or call with your report and I will include it in
the Thursday Blast and Seeds of Grace! (If you choose to share)
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Sign up in the narthex to give altar flowers.
Our church florist will make a beautiful
arrangement.
Cost is $50
If you are a member and do not see your name on
the birthday or anniversary list, please contact
Donna in the church office at 281-852-7333 or
email.
Happy Birthday
April
4/1 Diane Trautman 4/4 Joe David Ortiz
4/4 Brandy Harris
4/7 Tanya Sorensen
4/8 Aria Nuezca
4/10 Pamela Augustowski
4/16 Eva Leigh
4/17 Jay Norman
4/19 Jennifer Muellner
4/20 George Mitchell
4/20 Bryanna Rudy
4/20 Logan Tieman
4/21 Linda Smith
4/21 Cheryl Howard
4/21 Sydney Kitts
4/24 Judy Johnson
4/25 Morgan Wiley
4/27 Ruth Schumacher
4/28 Daniel Galloway
4/30 Travis Mitchell
4/30 Kylie Main
4/10 Cathy and Allen DeWoody
4/22 Ted & Kacey Vuong
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S A V E T H E D A T E
April 3, 10 Lenten Supper and Bible Study
April 6 Relay for Life
April 7-13 Family Promise Rotation
April 8 Book Club 7 P.M.
April 13 Easter Egg Hunt
April 14 Palm Sunday
April 18 Maunday Thursday
April 19 Good Friday
April 21 Easter & Youth Sponsored Breakfast
April 25 Diner’s Club
April 20 Basket Weavers
April 21 Youth Sponsored Breakfast/ Easter
April 27 Chicks & Hogs BBQ
Share a Meal
Pastor Brian will be eating a lot of meals alone until his family joins him in the
spring. We would like to ensure that at least once a week he gets to dine with
a family from our congregation. This is a great way for Pastor Brian to get to
know our members and for our members to get to know him. Dinner (or
lunch) can be at a local restaurant or in your home. Let’s show Pastor Brian
how warm and hospitable we are here in Texas! Sign-up on the coffee bar to
host a meal.
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ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN CHURCH
Our Vision:
As a growing, diverse community of believers on a
journey of faith, we seek to make Christ known through reflecting Christ in our lives.
ATASCOCITA LUTHERAN CHURCH
7927 FM 1960 East
Humble, Texas 77346
(281) 852-7333
www.alutheranchurch.org
Brian Deckinger Pastor [email protected]
Donna Askew Office Manager [email protected]
Dan Wright Director of Music [email protected]
Sunday Worship 9:30 am - Holy Communion with a mix
of traditional and contemporary music