ur mission is to invite, inspire, and include all people in christ’s...
TRANSCRIPT
Our mission is to invite, inspire, and include all people in Christ’s love.
Monthly Newsletter April 2014
Holy Week Schedule
Palm Sunday Service
- April 13, 8 & 10:30am
- Celebration of the day Jesus Christ came into
Jerusalem & palm branches were laid at his feet
Maundy Thursday Service
- April 17, 7pm
- First Communion
- Celebrates the Last Supper
Good Friday Service
- April 18, 7pm
- Commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus
Easter Service
-April 20, 8 & 10:30am
- Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus
- Easter Breakfast 9am
- Easter Egg Hunt 9:30am
April
2 - Library Clean Up Day, 10am
4-6 - Photography Retreat at Lutherhill
6 - First Communion Class 1-4pm
6 - Wedding Blessing & Reception for Felix
and Amy 10:30am
8 - Creative Hands Craft Group 10am-2pm
12 - Garage Sale for Camp & Mission Trip
13 - Murder Mystery Volunteer Party 1pm
13-19 - Family Promise with First Christian
16 - Men’s Ministry 7pm
17 - Prayer Path (All Day)
17 - Maundy Thursday, First Communion 7pm
18 - Good Friday Service, 7pm
18 - Prayer Path (All Day)
20 - Easter Breakfast 9am
20 - Easter Egg Hunt 9:30am
22 - Creative Hands, 10am
22 - Pastor Chris Leaves for Mission Trip
26 - Contemporary Band Practice
27 - Contemporary Service, 10:30am
27- Guest Sermon by Bishop Michael Rinehart
27- CPR/FA Class by Amy Spoerle, 12:30pm
Upcoming Events
May
2 - Murder Mystery, 6th-8th Grades
4 - Guest Pastor George Brookover
5 - Cindo de Mayo
3 - Conroe High Tennis Banquet
8 -10, Synod Assembly in Baton Rouge
10 - Family Day at the Zoo 9am
11- Pastor Chris Returns from Mission Trip
11 - Mother’s Day
13 - Creative Hands 10am
17 - Contemporary Band Practice
17 - Work Day at Lutherhill Ministries
18 - Contemporary Service, 10:30am
21 - Men’s Ministry 7pm
25 - Graduation Sunday 10:30am
26 - Memorial Day
27 - Creative Hands 10am
31 - All Camp at Lutherhill Ministries
Pastor’s Corner
Noah -
Tomorrow I am going to see the movie Noah based on Genesis chapters 6-10. This
movie has been a part of lengthy discussion amongst the clergy in this area and a
few things have come to light concerning this.
I think it is fair to say that this text has been romanticized for many years with
parents decorating there children's nursery's with animals and Arks. However, the
reality of the story is being glossed over is the fact that the story tells how God
flooded the earth and killed people. You can nuance it anyway you want but if
you were to put God on trial and asked the question, "Did you do this?" (Yes or No)
----- the but ---- would not really matter unless it was self defense which would be
hard to argue in this case. I don't think I have ever seen a child's nursery with the
pretty little Ark with dead bodies floating in the water. I suspect such a thing would
warp a child which is not a good thing. Therefore so often we over look this minor
detail and theologically excuse this act but I think we have to be careful not to
obfuscate or misdirect the difficulty of this story. Looking at the comments from
USA today this week some one made the following observation.
“I'm enjoying [Glen] Beck's comment about the movie being "strongly anti-human".
Don't know if he noticed, but ... the entire flood was strongly anti-human. Wasn't
that the point of it?” - Travis Prebble
No matter the details the big picture is the big picture. Like many stories of the
Bible, this one may be more troubling than say, the story of Ruth or Jonah when we
really stop and think about it. However, Christians are not the only ones trying to
gloss of the nature of this story. In the preview that I saw the opening line spoken in
that deep Hollywood voice," When tyrants ruled the world and wickedness ruled
the hearts of men, one man chose to do something different..." That may not be
completely correct but you get the gist. Even in those few lines the film maker is
trying to get us past the fact that this dark story is not a bad story because it is
about good and evil. The problem for me is that I know the world is not made of
solely bad people and solely good people. However I think that is how this movie is
going to be told. So here is my prediction of this film and we can see how right or
wrong I was.
We will learn to love the good people (Noah and his family) and hate the evil
people (everyone else) and when the bad people die we will know it was ok
because they were bad folks.
From the Council President
For me, much of the past month has been consumed by the death of my Dad on February
28th. Maxine and I do appreciate the loving hugs and expressions of sympathy we have
received from our dear friends at Tree of Life.
During the 10 days we spent with Dad at the hospital and then at the hospice center, we
met many care givers who were caring and compassionate toward Dad, Mom, and our
family. We thank God for those folks who helped share our grief.
During Dad's last few days, as hope for recovery in this life faded, we had to draw upon
our faith, believing that as this life ended, love, the greatest of these, would endure.
As Maxine and I are returning to our routines, activities at Tree of Life are continuing at a
rapid pace; Holden Evening Prayer service each Wednesday of Lent, Easter preparations,
garage sale and I am sure many other active ministries.
Thank you for your sustaining prayers over the past month.
Thank you,
Dennis McConnell
President - Church Council
Tree of Life Lutheran Church
"Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19b
Pastor’s Corner, Continued
Theologically if we embrace the horrendous nature of this story with no excuses
here are few points to ponder
1. We as people try to make sense of why God does what God does. The story of
Noah does just that.
2. God is powerful and a healthy respect for God is not a bad thing - I think of the
character Aslan from the Narnia Chronicles "He is not a tame lion."
3. There are parts of our faith that have very dark and have difficult images which
we should be willing to acknowledge.
4. Last of all from Don Carlson came this wonderful piece of theology. "God is all
good; God is all powerful; horrible things happen. You can reconcile any two, but
not all three." - Carl Frederick Buechner.
Blessings,
Chris Lake, pastor
Ryan’s Report
Each month I'm conflicted with what to write about. What do people want to
hear? Do people even read what I write? Well this month I've decided to take a
different approach. Rather than write up an article, I've decided to offer up a few
resources. The main resource I want to offer up is music. I can't imagine going a
single day without listening to music. Around the office I'm known for having a song
of the day (yes it can be that intense.) I want to give you as a parent, a few artists
and songs to play in the car or around the house. Not that songs like, "What Does
the Fox Say" though it can really grab your youth’s attention, but songs with depth
and a true message.
Here are some artists I really like:
Chris Tomlin
Lecrae
Newsboys
Kari Jobe
Tenth Avenue North
Phil Wickham
All Sons and Daughters
The list can go on and on. However, I encourage you to take a look at these.
Maybe you will find them helpful. If not, find a way to get them into your children’s
hand and see what they think.
The Conroe area offers two Christian radio stations. 89.3 offers a great blend of new
contemporary songs as well as a few old classics. 103.7 offers a more alternative
rock style to Christian music. This music features many of the artists that played at
the Winter Jam concert last month.
I also want to offer a few books that youth can read if they haven't already. There is
a great bookstore in Shenandoah called Lifeway. They have a great section for
kids that can barely read all the way to books for high schoolers. My favorite book
to recommend to junior and senior high is one called, "Heaven is For Real." This
book is about a young boy who dies for only a few minutes, comes back to life,
and has a rather unique story to tell. Our own Yuliana Rinehart has also
recommended a book called, "Wenny has Wings." Another book I would offer up
for high school youth that begins to explain the Holy Trinity is one called, "The
Shack." This is a tough one to read, but one I think they'll get a lot from.
Ryan Dockery
Here are some songs I really like:
Ocean by Hillsong United
Reason to Sing by All Sons and Daughters
He is With Us by Love & The Outcome
Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher
Outreach
I have to ask the question.
Who did it? Who moved to the center of their pews? Who parked further
from the sanctuary? If you did, thank you! Were you able to welcome
someone to the church because of the changes you made in your heart
and mind? Did you notice any changes within yourself or others due to the
change?
If you didn’t move, is it because you forgot, or you simply have no idea
what I’m talking about? Quick recap from last month’s article for you -
Move to the center of the pew to allow visitors a place to sit. Park further
away from the sanctuary to give our guests the prime spots. What would
help you remember?
This is important ya’ll. When we move to the center of the pew, we are
becoming intentional about welcoming someone to our church. We’re not
forcing them climb over us to find a decent spot. We’re telling them “there
is enough room for you and your family here.” Because there is room.
What other steps could we take to let
the outside community know that
there is room for them at Tree of Life?
Drop me a line. Let’s talk.
God’s Peace,
Bunny Stoutes
Media Manager
Synod Activities
Peru Pilgrimage
July 17 – 27
A pilgrimage is a search of spiritual significance, a departure from
daily life. It is a journey that stretches your worldview and God-
view. This is a cross-cultural and cross-generational spiritual
experience with a choice of excursions that include intentional
relationship building with the Peruvian Lutheran Church, visits to
ancient Incan ruins and more.
This pilgrimage is entitled ACTS of faith and throughout our time
together we will be studying key stories in the book of Acts as we
learn with and from our partners in Peru.
Five different and unique tracks are available, including trips to
the Amazon jungle, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Lima, and more. The
trip price starts out at $800, not including the trip from the United
States to Lima. All other travel is included in the cost of the trip.
For more information, go to
GulfCoastSynod.org and
click on events, then Peru
Pilgrimage.
In Our Community
Grace Lutheran Christ in the Passover shows the link
between the ancient Festival of
Redemption and Christ as the Lamb of
God—you will never forget it! This
demonstration is visual, so the you will
actually see a table set with traditional
Passover items. The mission uses
Scripture as well as the visual items to
walk through a Jewish Passover seder,
weaving the story of the Exodus
together with the life, death and
resurrection of Christ. The spoken words
in the upper room come alive as each
Hebraic item is carefully explained.
Grace Lutheran Church on
April 8, 2014 at 7:00pm.
No reservations are needed.
Call 936-588-1944 for more information.
March for Babies
The March of Dimes is getting ready to
walk in March for Babies. It promises to
be a fun day out with people who share
our passion for improving the health of
babies. There will be family teams,
company teams and people walking
with friends - it`s a great feeling knowing
we`re all helping real families. Join the
event and walk with us to raise money
for babies right here in our community!
University of Houston on April 27th
2400 Calhoun
Houston, TX
713-623-2020
For more information, email
Montgomery County Fair
April 4-13
Concerts
April 4th - Jason Boland & The Straggles
April 5 - Hometown Saturday Night with John Slaughter
April 13 - Ramon Ayala
Auctions
April 7 - Junior Non-Livestock
April 9 - Junior Livestock
April 10 - Replacement Heifer
Events
Kids Days - April 7 & 8
Pet Parade - April 8 at 5pm
BBQ Cook Off - April 10, 11, & 12
9201 FM 1484 Rd, Conroe, TX 77303
(936) 760-3247 www.mcfa.org
Spring Break in Livingston
During Spring Break, almost 20 families from Tree of Life met at Lake Livingston for a week of
camping, fellowship, and food. The Holden Evening Prayer was held lakeside, led by
Butch Nye and Jeremie Brown. Thanks to Shirley Finke and Jeremie Brown for organizing
this event.
Murder Mystery Dinner
On Friday May 2nd, our 6th-8th grade students
are invited to attend a Murder Mystery Dinner
and Lock-In at Tree of Life. Please mark your
calendars now! Your student will receive a
personalized invitation with information they
need to know about their character, including
background, accents, and clothes.
Now, here is the fun part for the adults. Many of
you have expressed an interest being a
participant in the murder mystery party. But, this
is a party for the students. Here's what we are
doing instead - If you will volunteer to help
decorate, cook, serve and/or clean up on May
2nd, you will be invited to an adult only murder
mystery dinner party in April.
Please email Bunny at [email protected] if
you would like to participate as an adult.
Announcements
First Communion Class
If you feel your child or
children is ready for first
communion, please
have a conversation
with Pastor Chris, then
join the fun and
informative class held
on April 6th from 1-5pm.
Pastor Chris can
be reached at
or by cell phone,
936-697-0145.
Lifesavers
CPR/First Aid/AED Training
April 27
April 27th, Amy Spoerle will host a
Lifesavers CPR/First Aid/CPR class at
Tree of Life in the Fellowship Hall at
12:30pm. The cost is $20 per
participant. Bring your lunch to class.
Participants must be at least 12 years
of age to be certified. To register or for
questions, email
Easter Eggs
On or by April 13th,
please consider
donating plastic Easter
eggs and candy for our
Easter egg hunt and for
the Family Promise Easter
egg hunt. Your
donations are greatly
appreciated!
Announcements
Men’s Ministry
April 16
7pm
All Are Welcome
Graduation Sunday
May 25
Celebrate with our graduating high school seniors.
Dave and Daphne Cox invite you to attend the blessing of
the marriage of our daughter, Amy, to Felix Vara on April 6
at the 10:30 worship service. Immediately following the
service we will have a potluck luncheon in the fellowship
hall. If you have ever met Amy or know Dave and
Daphne, please join us for this celebration. Bring a dish to
share, we will provide ham and fried chicken.
Love Always, Dave & Daphne
Announcements
Online Giving ●If you are tired of filling out envelopes
●If the only reason you order checks is
for church
●If you love pressing the “easy button”
Consider online giving!
Scan the QR code below or go to
treechurch.net from your mobile
device.
Mailing of Branches
If you know of a member who is
homebound, please contact Bunny in the
office and she will mail them the Monthly
Branches at home. Bunny can be
reached at 936-539-9530 or
Thanks!
Name Tags
If you would like a name tag, please make
the request on the back of your attendance
slip. The cost of the tags are $10. To pay for
the name tags, simply drop it in an offering
envelope, with “name tags” in the memo.
Why name tags? God called Moses by
name, and we would like to call you by
name. It helps visitors to figure out who is who
and lessens pressure on them. Finally, it puts a
stop to those embarrassing moments where
you can’t remember the name of the person
you’re standing next to.
Order yours today in the lobby!
Youth Group
Wednesday at 6pm
Grades K-12
Announcements
Prayer Requests
Cancer
Anne Johnson-breast cancer
Josh Beurman– Hodgkin's lymphoma
Lisa Sowell-cancer
Don Palmer Beckham-cancer
Kacey Butler-cancer stage 3
Ron-cancer
Jacob Bespelac-cancer
Shana Ault-cancer
Tim Marseillis-cancer
Virginia Zeiner-cancer
Joe Donahue Jr.-cancer
Angelica Beltran-cancer
Sarah Malone Anderson-cancer
Anna Fuher-cancer
Bryan Parks-brain tumor
Hospital
Cindy DeVore-back surgery 3/10/14
Lucy Obrosky-back in the hospital
Jimmie Ray Thompson-stroke
Serving in the U.S.
Lauren Funderburk-in Vandenberg AFB in California, daughter of Keith & Vickie Funderburk
Allen Holm-in FT. Knox and whole family is together, Christy Diamond’s brother-in-law
Jana & Howard Bennette- stationed in Germany, Jan & Lawrence Zuehlke’s son-in-law
Ryan Cole-in Hawaii, Army
John Morio-Army Reserves, will be deployed overseas, friend of Alta Goodnight
Brant Berlehner-stateside, Nancy Berlehner’s son
Jonathon Dilbeck-stateside, friend of Mary Pressley
Auda Will-in Fort Hood, daughter of a friend of Dennis and Karen Andrews.
Chad Duby-Army-stateside.
Leonard Muehr-Army stationed in Colorado Springs, Debra Pieniazk’s nephew
Dan McKaughan-Navy in Monterey.
Corey Williams-Navy Goose Creek, S.C.
Leland Muehr-U.S. National Guard , Debra Pieniazk’s nephew
Justin Gilbreath-stationed at camp Pendleton, CA
Coltton Erickson-US Army stationed in Georga.
Kyle Obrosky-US Army stationed in Fort Walton Beach, Florida
Troy Reed-marine stationed in Oklahoma
Taylor Camron-Navy graduating from boot camp
Jason Pady-Marines in North Carolina
Conner Moeller-entering the Navy
Recovery
Barbara Nelson-healing
Addison Phelps-healing
Lawrence Zuehlke-back surgery
Struggles
Butch Nye-for a successful upcoming bone
marrow transplant
Steve Hamm-grief on losses
Valerie Allen-to be able to keep her job
Tim & Roxanne Ault-struggles
Celebrations
Rich Obrosky-birthday
Amy & Felix Vara-married 3/29/14
Our Armed Services Overseas:
Bruce Edmond-Air Force Japan
Andrew Suggs-in the Marines, serving in Iraq,
friend of Kyla Nelson
Jacob Herring-Serving in Afganistan (student of
Chris Douglas)
For Our Community
Have a special event you would like to share? Give
Bunny a call at 936-539-9530 during business hours, or
email her at [email protected].
What is Family Promise?
Family Promise of Montgomery County serves homeless families
with children by offering them an opportunity to stabilize their
family financially and emotionally while being served through
a network of local area congregations. Families are able to
stay together as a unit while they receive shelter, meals,
transportation and other assistance.
Families are required to work full-time, and children must be
enrolled in school and/or child care programs. Families are
expected to take responsibility for their recovery and for taking
necessary steps to become independent and self-sufficient. It
is a 90-day program and successful graduates exit the
program with housing, transportation, school/day care, and all essential needs of their
family met.
Families are required to save all of their disposable income through a Client Savings
Account while they are in the program. When the family exits the program, they then
have a savings account with a “nest egg” to help ensure stability after they leave.
When is Family Promise?
The next Family Promise will be hosted April 13-20.
How can I help?
Tree of Life partners with First Christian Church three times a year to host a set of
families. We need volunteers to make and serve dinner, stay overnight, drive the
families in a van (provided) to the family center, and other various tasks. It’s a fun,
meaningful way to volunteer in the community with a short time commitment.
Sign up on April 6th or after!
To help make sure the program is a success, please email Linda Baumgartner,
[email protected] and she will get you plugged in!
Birthdays
1 - Micayla Andrews
2 - Butch Nye
4 - Linda Bliese
6 - Bob Myers
8 - Kayla Adams
12 - Amy Mersiovsky
16 - Bob Fillers
17 - Keith Funderburk
20 - MariAnn O’Hagan
22 - Alyssa Spoerle
23 - Flo Stiverson
24 - Brett Campagna
24 - D.J. Pressley
26 - Dennis McConnell
27 - Ellen Blinka
30 - Jennifer Griffin
Wedding Anniversaries
22 - Jack & Debra Pieniazek
28 - Wayne & Shelley Pfluger
Baptismal Anniversaries
1 - Dennis Cartwright
1 - Brenna Chaffee
1 - Brian Chaffee
1 - Laura Chaffee
1 - Melissa Chaffee
1 - Linda Patzold
3 - Jill Sauls
7 - Madeline Lake
10 - Mary Coker
10 - Ed Little
14 - Judy Sander
18 - Julie Timmins
19 - Doyle Ebel
20 - Kyle Graves
25 - Jacqueline France
25 - Karen Proctor
27 - Karen Solberg
28 - Chris Douglas
28 - Katherine Lake
April Celebrations
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Tree of Life Lutheran Church
3201 N. Loop 336 W.
Conroe, TX 77304
936-539-9530
Check out our Website! TreeChurch.net
Like us on Facebook! Facebook.com/TreeChurch
Isn’t it Pinteresting! www.pinterest.com/treechurch
Tree of Life Staff
Ida Craig, Office Administrator
Bunny Stoutes, Media Manager
Talenna & Debra Blaker, Nursery Staff
Chris Lake, Senior Pastor
Ryan Dockery, Director of Youth Ministries
John Burkwall, Organist
Office Hours: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Monday-Friday
936.539.9530