Faith Notes But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh…Now those who
belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Galatians 5: 16, 24
As we come to the month of March, we are entering fully into the season of Lent
which began on Feb. 10th with Ash Wednesday. In the early church, Lent began as an intense
period of spiritual discipline of those converts who were completing instruction in preparation
for baptism on Easter Vigil/Sunday. The Lenten preparation was tied to Christ’s 40 days in
the wilderness as well as Israel’s 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. The preparation
that these events symbolized and the Lenten preparation of those soon to be baptized was
gradually picked up as a practice for the whole Church to embrace as all remembered their
own baptisms and entered into this time of repentance from sin and renewal to new life.
Baptism signifies crossing over from one condition to another; from the old state to
the new, from the kingdom of evil and darkness to the Kingdom of Christ, life and light. In
Lent, we take this baptismal journey anew. If there is a sin exercising control over us, we
seek to crucify it, take it to the tomb, leave it there, and rise to newness of life in Christ. We
put off the ‘old man’ and put on the ‘new man.’ Galatians 5: 16 – 24 might be a good
passage to review for your Lenten discipline to be reminded of some of the sins that so easily
entangle us, and then the fruit of the Spirit that we might take up in their place after we have
put off a particular sin.
While we were baptized once, and only once, we continue to work out our Baptism as
an ongoing process. Lent is a time to reevaluate my baptismal vows and ask, “How am I
doing in my commitment to Christ?” “What power or influence of evil do I need to turn my
back on, in order to give myself more wholly to Christ?”
Thus the things that we give up for Lent are supposed to be things that will help us in
this process, while picking up something else that might aid us in the pursuit of putting off
those things/sins that have been tripping us up in our Christian walk. To that end, I am
including a list of some “good” books that might encourage you in your Lenten journey. The
first two on the list are more “Lentish,” but I think they all will encourage you in your walk. It
is not a complete list by any means, but might be a place to start for those who are wondering
about some worthwhile reading material.
Some may ask, “Well, Pastor, that sounds like a great idea, but where am I going to
get the time to read?” Might I suggest using this time of Lent to turn off the TV for a bit. I
know it sounds almost “un-American,” but it just might do your soul some good. Or with
regard to children, you might possibly have them shut down the computer, X-box or cell phone
from texting for a bit and focus on something else. I know these are “radical” ideas, but they
might bring more real substance to our Lenten disciplines than simply giving up things that
weren’t large stumbling blocks in our life in the first place. As with physical working out, if it
doesn’t hurt a little bit, you may not be doing that much. “Run in such a way that you may
win” (1 Cor. 9:24).
I used to not like Lent much when I was younger, but now that I am older, it is one of
my favorite times of the year, for it allows me to focus on my relationship with my Lord while
others are doing the same. It is an encouragement to me that millions of others around the
globe are attempting to hone their Christian life so that it will be more glorifying to God. I pray
that you and your family may catch the passion this Lenten season, and not simply give
something up, but pick up something good for the glory of God. May you “crucify the flesh,
and walk by the Spirit.” Have a blessed Lent and Holy Week!
In His Agape,
Pastor Taylor +
Flowers in March
6th—Pat & Missy Sagebiel
13th—Brandon & Jessica
Westerholm
20th—Betty Lou Hulcy
27th—Seidel Family
• Daylight Saving Time Begins—Sunday, March 13th
• Maundy Thursday Service—March 24th, 7 PM
• Good Friday Services—March 25th, Noon & 7 PM
Things to
Remember
Page 2 MARCH
March
Birthdays
01 Brad Flippin
02 Grant Wuest
02 Susan Shanafelt
02 Caden Canion
03 Clarice Ullrich
03 Jeff Holtkamp
05 Amanda Serold
05 Cameron Patek
06 Candi Andrews
07 Shay Boenig
07 Jenna Beason
07 Travis Lohmeyer
07 Zeke Zimmerman
08 Lane Hodge
08 Debbie Bacon
08 Willie Bloch
08 Cynde Parker
09 Danny Shelnutt
12 Jim Parker
13 Andy Taylor
14 Lawrence Wolter
15 Patty Fox
15 Lisa Lohmeyer
15 Cliff Lehmann
WELCOME TO THE FAMILY OF FAITH!
Wyatt James Hilbert, son of
Stefan and Jamie Hilbert, was
received into the Kingdom of God
through the Sacrament of Holy
Baptism on February 7, 2016.
Prayers are requested for Wyatt as he begins a New
Life in Christ.
Pastor Taylor’s Recommended Reading List Here is a list of books that you might consider for “good Christian reading” this
Lent (or anytime) that I mentioned in my opening article. Some of these books are easier
to read than others, but they are all spiritual “classics” that will serve you well in your
journey. All these books can be obtained on Amazon.com probably cheapest or at Half-
Price bookstores or the like. Another good site to check for books and Christian
reference tools is Christian Book Distributors (CBD).
1. The Cross by Martyn Lloyd-Jones
2. A Violent Grace by Michael Card
3. Knowing God by J. I. Packer
4. The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer
5. Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
6. The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis
7. Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
8. The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawerence
9. Not Knowing Where by Oswald Chambers
10. The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther
11. For the Life of the World by Alexander Schememann
12. On the Incarnation by St. Athanasius
Page 3
March
Birthdays
16 Babs Kiel
17 Pat Sagebiel
17 Paul Kalkwarf
18 Keli Seidel
18 Courtney Eldridge
19 Carter Ullrich
19 Clem Howe
20 Linda Dietz
21 Sophia Taylor
21 Madelyn Reininger
21 Doug Eckhardt
22 Andrew Shanafelt
22 Rita Whitwell
24 Ryder Wuest
24 Mike Andrews
24 Faye Talley
25 Carla Anderson
25 Mark Dietz
26 Bradley Fransen
27 Ed Engelhardt
29 Teresa Kiel
29 Anita Hoff
31 Samantha Andrews
31 Kim Koenig
Church Council Communication Corner Church Council meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 PM in the
Activity Center with agenda-setting meetings on the first Tuesday of every
month also at 6:30 PM in Activity Center. The council encourages any member
of the congregation who would like to bring something before the council to
contact any council member or attend the agenda-setting and council
meetings for the month.
Highlights from the February Council Meeting: The council elected officers and appointed committee liaisons for 2016.
They are as follows: Bill Ermel, President, and Junior High Youth
Committee; Amy Cantrell, Vice-President, and Parish Education Committee; Dianne Chambers, Secretary, and Social Concerns Committee; Doug
Eckhardt, Treasurer, and Stewardship Committee; Ed Engelhardt, Asst.
Treasurer, and Worship Committee; Lisa Barnes, Mission Outreach
Committee; Sara Edwards, Senior High Youth Committee; Katharine
Schievelbein, Preschool Committee; Kitty Keller, Property Management
Committee; and Albert Menn, Evangelism Committee. Approved the William Lange Scholarship Fund and Committee (to be
approved by the congregation) Approved three Constitution additions/changes (to be approved by the
congregation)
Approved the funding of Sunday service broadcasts on KWED with possible
sponsorship by Faith members
Appointed membership of Standing Committees, Nominating Committee,
Financial Review Committee, Human Resource Committee, Endowment
Fund Committee, and Guadalupe Christian Counseling Center Board
Members
Social Concerns Committee Continues to Sponsor Item of
the Month Food Drive Benefitting the Christian Cupboard
For the month of March, the Christian Cupboard states that their
most needed item is coffee. This includes any type or brand of coffee
including instant, flavored varieties, and decaffeinated. Please bring your
donations through March 31st and place them in the basket in the
narthex marked Christian Cupboard.
Items of the month for the next two months are as follows: April,
canned fruit, and May, canned beans. Faith’s members have committed
to being wonderful supporters of the Christian Cupboard, and the Social
Concerns Committee thanks you for your ongoing generosity. You have
helped us make the Item of the Month Food Drive a success!
All donations are appreciated, however; on two separate occasions
last month it was discovered that someone donated expired food. Some
items had expiration dates as far back as 2010. It is possible that this
could have been an oversight, but a good rule of thumb is that if you
would not eat it yourself or serve it in your home, please do not donate it
to the Christian Cupboard. Thank you for your cooperation and
understanding in this matter.
Page 4 MARCH
Faith
On
Tour
Projects
Announcing Purposed Constitutional Amendments
Faith Lutheran Church will hold a special Congregational Meeting
on April 3rd, to look at approving additions to the constitution as well as
making decisions regarding the William Lange Scholarship Fund
(pending Council approval of date.) The reason for these additions to
the constitution is to protect Faith Lutheran with proactive steps from
potential lawsuits with regard to issues of life, sexual orientation and
gender identity and to establish in Faith’s Constitution a Biblical
clarification of our views on these matters. Activist groups have been
targeting churches in smaller towns who are not prepared so as to set
legal precedents; for a legal precedent in Seguin is just as valid as if it
occurred in Los Angeles or New York. These additions to the
Constitution have been advised by groups such as Alliance Defending
Freedom so that churches can protect themselves and their ability to
effectively proclaim the Gospel of Christ. The special Congregational
Meeting will convene after morning worship on April 3rd.
Constitutional Additions/Changes Reviewed information from brochure by Alliance Defending Freedom.
Recommended Statements for Faith’s Constitution to protect our beliefs.
1. Because God has ordained marriage and defined it as the covenant
relationship between a man, a woman and Himself, Faith Lutheran
Church will only recognize marriages between a biological man and a
biological woman. Thus, we believe that the term “marriage” has
only one meaning; the uniting of one man and one woman in a
single, exclusive union as delineated in Scripture (Gen. 2:18-25).
Further, the Pastors and staff of Faith Lutheran Church shall only
participate in weddings and solemnize marriages between one man
and one woman. Finally, the facilities and property of Faith Lutheran
Church shall only host weddings/events between one man and one
woman.
2. Faith Lutheran Church believes that all human life is sacred and
created by God in his image. Human life is of inestimable worth in all
its dimensions, including pre-born babies, and the aged, the
physically or mentally challenged, and every other stage or condition
from conception through natural death. We are therefore called to
defend, protect and value all human life (Ps. 139).
3. The Bible itself, as the inspired and infallible Word of God that
speaks with final authority concerning truth, morality and the proper
conduct of mankind, is the sole and final source of all that we
believe. For purposes of Faith Lutheran Church’s faith, doctrine,
practice, policy and discipline, our residing Pastor along with the
Church Council is the final interpretive authority on the Bible’s
meaning and application.
Pastor Bill
Moberly to
Present
Information on
Awakening
Lives to World
Missions
On Sunday, March 6th, Pastor Bill Moberly will be our guest. He
will give a Temple Talk during the service, and he will present a more in-depth presentation during adult
Sunday School at 10:30 AM.
ALWM exists to call, equip,
mobilize, and network
congregations for effective and intentional
obedience to Jesus’ command
to take the Gospel to all
nations.
Page 5
March
Anniversaries
01 Neal &
Courtney
Herbold
13 Bill & Rose
Mary Ermel
13 Kurt & Amy
Cantrell
22 Bryan &
Suzette Long
23 Willie &
Brenda Bloch
30 Jim &
Lenoir Hilbert
Why Plant Churches? Making NEW Disciples
Last month we took a look at the biblical mandate for planting new churches and recognized church planting as being faithful to the Great Commission and modeled after the first century church multiplication that we read about in the New Testament. This month I'd like to propose that we should plant new churches because new churches are more effective at making new disciples.
"More churches mean more disciples." This is a church multiplication saying that is often attributed to the Baptists. Timothy Keller puts it this way: "New churches best reach new generations, new residents, and new people groups." Studies have repeatedly demonstrated how younger generations, people new to a community, and different socio-economic or ethnic groups are reluctant to join established organizations or groups. And this is not a new phenomenon nor does it only impact the church. I personally witnessed this in North Dakota with local Senior Citizen Clubs. In town after town on the prairie, these clubs have folded in the past decade after a 30 or 40 year run. Why? Not because there are no longer any senior citizens! It's just that today's seniors don't identify with those established clubs of an older generation. We see the same thing in churches, too. New churches break down barriers of participation for new people to come and be a part of a community of faith.
Yet even more important than this is the fact that the new people coming to new churches in large part come from an unchurched background. Approximately 8 out of 10 new adult members of established congregations join by membership transfer from another congregation. Conversely, in new churches, the numbers are nearly reversed: approximately 7 out of 10 new adult members were previously unchurched. Church planting is so effective at reaching the unchurched, Ralph Moore reports, that one denomination discovered that 80% of new believers across their denomination came to Christ through the ministry of new churches less than two years old!
There is no doubt about it, church multiplication is essential to reaching the unchurched and making new disciples. Establishing new churches is the evangelical frontier for our association of congregations to be faithful to the Great Commission, to "Go and make disciples of all nations," reaching new people for Jesus.
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
Page 6 MARCH
What fun the children have had this month in Sunday School! They enjoyed one of the all-time favorites...Sandbox Stories. The lesson was “The Forgiving Father,” which is something we all need to be reminded of often. Families took part in making a crown of thorns to display in their homes. The crown of thorns is a symbol of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made and serves as a reminder for us to make sacrifices
this Lenten season. Skits, games, and activities have contributed to a busy month.
Memory Verses
You willingly forgive, and your love is always there for those who pray to you.
Psalm 86:5
Peter cried "Lord save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him.
Matthew 14:30-31
Prayers for
Those In the
Military
At this time in the
life of our nation
and all that is
happening
throughout the
world, it is most
appropriate that we
remember in our
prayers those in the
military and their
families. Please
remember in your
daily prayers the
following military
personnel and their
families:
Ann Sagebiel
Stoney Portis
Todd Wegner
David Daniels
Raul Davila III
Tony Leal, Jr.
Shannon Nance
Brad Dillon
Victor J. Rodriquez
Amanda Sagebiel
Cameron Koehler
Michael McBride
Jason Sagebiel
Michael Fruehling
Shelly Park
Ricky Fryer
Brian Branin
Jason Hubbard
Lance England
February is the month of love. During the year we talk about loving one another, but during the month of February, love is the star of the show! First of all, love for God and second, love among all people.
The Five Day classes are deep into Sound Table. Learning letters and the sounds they make is so much fun. During February we studied the letters Hh--with horses and hearts; Vv--valentines and vegetables; Nn--numbers and noodle painting; and Pp--with patterning, prayers, and pizza making. With each new letter, we are enjoying writing in our journals and doing our "homework" of listing words that begin with the sound. Show and Tell is still our favorite on Fridays when we bring an object that begins with the letter and our classmates try to guess what it is from the clues. We get particularly excited when we "stump" one another! We are enjoying all of our tasting foods and have tried new things such as hash browns, honeydew, venison, and noodles. Our Chapel stories were Jesus' Helpers, The Good Samaritan, The Net, and Prayer. The TLU Motor Development Class has begun, and the children are excited about learning age appropriate preschool skills through movement. We are so blessed to partner with the university for this program!
The Three Day class studied the letters Hh, Vv, Nn, and Pp as well. They had fun making hats, valentines, neckties/necklaces, footprint penguins, and pink pancakes. They are working hard on cutting with scissors and writing their names.
The Mother's Morning Out class studied love and friendship for Valentine's Day and exchanged valentine cards. The class talked about hibernation and shadows and were introduced to the letters Hh and Ii. The Bible story for February was The Good Shepherd and to be kind to one another. Color Day is always a favorite, and Blue Day was celebrated with blue food at snack time.
Cupid came to visit all the classes for Valentine's Day. Each class had a party and exchanged valentines with one another. It was a great day full of love and friendship! Thanks to all of you for being our valentines. We love you!
PRESCHOOL NEWS
EASTER EGG HUNT!!
Saturday, March 26th at
10 AM
Ages—infants through
5th grade
Please meet in the LEC.
We need donations of filled plastic Easter Eggs to make our Easter Egg Hunt a success. Please bring filled
eggs to the church office by Friday, March 25th. The congregation’s help is
always appreciated.
Page 7
MEN OF FAITH The Men of Faith Lutheran Church will meet in the Activity
Center from 8:30 to 10:00 AM for breakfast and a
devotional on Saturday, March 19th.
WOMEN OF FAITH IN MARCH
CHARITY CIRCLE—Monday, March 21st, 7 PM at the home of Doris
Engelhardt, 107 High Country Drive
LOVE CIRCLE—Tuesday, March 15th, 9:30 AM in the Activity Center
HOPE CIRCLE—Thursday, March 17th , 2 PM at the home of
Diane Lippe, 211 Twin Oak Road
World Day of Prayer Please join the Church Women United as they celebrate 2016 World Day of
Prayer. It will be held Friday, March 4th, at 2:00 PM at Cross Church. You
are invited to worship with them as they begin their 2016 journey titled
“Gathering at God’s Table.”
I would like to thank my Faith family for
your prayers, cards, food and visits after
my resent back surgery. It meant so much to know that I was lifted up with prayer and I know
that helped with my successful recovery.
God Bless, Lydia Whitwell
Prayers of the Congregation Requested for:
the family of Charline Ehlers, who passed through death into eternal
life on February 22, 2016, in Seguin. Private interment will be held at a
later date in the Shiner Cemetery.
Prayers of the Congregation Requested for:
The family of Billy Sullivan, brother of Julia Glenewinkel. Billy passed
through death into eternal life on February 11, 2016. His funeral was held
on February 16th at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in San Antonio.
Congratulations To:
Danny and Maggie (Keller) Passmore, who were united in holy
marriage on February 20, 2016, at Travis Park United Methodist
Church in San Antonio, Texas.
Prayers of the Congregation Requested for:
the family of Ann Fransen, mother of Kirby Fransen, who passed through
death into eternal life on December 14, 2015, in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral
Services were held on December 20th.
Prayers of the Congregation Requested for:
the family of Eric Fransen, father of Kirby Fransen, who passed through
death into eternal life on February 15, 2016, in Kenedy, Texas. Funeral
Services were held on February 20th.
Sincere thanks goes to everyone who
participated in the Blood Drive on
February 14th. A total of fifteen units
were collected, which equals 45
lives saved. Thank you to the
individuals who were able to donate
blood and helped
exceed our goal!
Sincerely, Social Concerns
Committee
8
Wednesday Nights @ Faith!!
There will not be Wednesday night Youth group throughout the Lenten season.
3/2/16: Potato Bar
3/9/16: Spaghetti
3/16/16: Pulled Pork (Spring Break)
3/23/16: Holy Week - No meal
3/30/16: Leftover Surprise
PLEASE JOIN US FOR SUPPER ON WEDNESDAYS TO HELP SUPPORT
THE YOUTH GROUPS!
March Birthdays!!
Cameron Patek 3/5
Shay Boenig 3/17
Carter Ullrich 3/19
Madelyn Reininger 3/21
Happy Birthday from the Faith Lutheran
Church Youth Department!
Junior High - After the Easter Sunrise
Service, we will once again be providing a
continental style breakfast between services. Please bring $10 between now and Easter to help offset the costs. Thank you!
Senior High - The annual Easter
Lock-in and Sunrise Service is coming up quickly. We will begin divvying out parts in Sunday School very soon, so come out and get a part! We hope you can all be part of this special service!
Blessed! No other word comes close to describing these last 2.5 years working
with the amazing youth at Faith. I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity to get
to know each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of my life and I
will never forget any of our adventures. I miss you guys already!
Thank you to everyone who
participated in the Annual Soup, Chili,
Stew Cook-off! All the entries were
delicious, and we are lucky to have so
many amazing cooks in our
congregation.
Winners:
1st Place—Katherine Biediger
Taco Soup
2nd Place—George Mannel
Winter Vegetable Minestrone
3rd Place—Jon Bostick
Cajun Shrimp Soup
OUR LOVE AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO Jeff Mueller Donald Jackson Wallace Dube
Allan Dreibrodt Nora Lavalett Julie Sagebiel Allison Goodson, friend of Janyce Dreibrodt
Sydney Brucks Dorothy Burris Laura Nash Mildred Weaver, friend of Fred and Sue Blumberg
Jim Leiber Tootsie Rodgers Doug Eckhardt Mary Herrera, friend of Irene Menn
Correen Dube Lisa Boenig Lee Roy Schievelbein Donna Becker, sister of Debbie Lehmann
Kitty Keller Glenda Leiber Bryan Terp Reid Strauss, great-grandson of Carla Anderson
Doris Beicker Ruby Linsey Lydia Whitwell Doug Brown, brother of Sammie Pooley-Means
Gina Mannel John Murray, brother of Sandy Wille
Sandra Aadland, mother of Kolleen Kallus Marilyn McLauchlan, mother of Jamie Shashack
Art Hiltgen, brother/uncle of Glenda Leiber/Nicole Dietz Felix Garza, friend of Katharine Schievelbein
Nora Naumann, friend of Wallace and Coreen Dube Nancy Mercer, friend of Kim, Deborah, and Diane
Felix Hahn, Jr., father of Margie Campbell Judy Spruce, sister of Patty Fox
Ron Ridge, father of Syndra Schulze Debbie Dykes, friend of Doris Beicker
Pam Taggart, sister of Lisa Lohmeyer Kim Isaacs, sister of Kristin Moum
Kathy Gorman, friend of Dolly West Rossi Flores, friend of Syndra Schulze
Barbara Roesler, cousin of JoAnn Bogisch Kathy Spitler, friend of Marvin and Loretta DeLong
Cristo Rey Lutheran Church in Pharr, Texas Kenny Dykes, brother of Sharon Westerholm
Dianne Mueller, mother of Mike Mueller Michelle Waag, friend of Cliff and Debbie Lehmann
Milton & Mary Mattke, friends of Jesse & Deloris Atzger Melissa Kaiser, sister of Cori Bloch
Rebecca Haskin, niece of Carolyn Sagebiel Miles Takington, friend of Cliff and Debbie Lehman
Leigh Couch, sister of Kathy Ersch Betty Wiederstein, sister of Dorothy Burris
Glen, Gene, and Wanda Badgett, family of Clara Fischer Marilyn Lubbering, niece of Dorothy Burris
Nancy Rodgers, sister of Damon Rodgers Shirley Masterson, relative of Ruby, Mona & Roxanne
John Brannan, friend of Steve and Susan Foerster Sara Rainwater, friend of Allan and Janyce Dreibrodt
Diane Allbaugh, friend of Birdie Kuempel Nancy Swanger, friend of Lisa Lohmeyer
Faye Henze, sister of Birdie Kuempel Judi Pyburn, sister of Jerry Vogel
Lessie Shashack, mother of Steve and Jamie Shashack Audrey/Amelia Hettinger, friends of Margie Campbell
Marti Radicke, friend of the Reiningers Nancy Bittrich, sister of Susan Wuest
Pat Armour, friend of Fred and Sue Blumberg Bridgette Smith, great-great niece of Clara Fischer
Mary Moss, cousin of Jo Ann Bogisch Barbara Harborth, sister of Linda Foreman
Amy McCallick, friend of the James Walker Family Brenda Hodge, step-mother of Richard Hodge
Edward Marquardt, brother of Sherline Bogisch Emmett Engelke, friend of Ted and Doris Engelhardt
Clay Brawner, cousin of Rusty Reininger Corinne and Paul Becker, family of Emma Jean Becker
Erika Dubois, mother of Patrick Lang Eric Moum, brother of Kristin Moum
Willie Mae Brondstad, mother of Donna Boelter Marie Karm, mother of Sharon Stollewerk
Landon Douglass, friend of Lisa Lohmeyer Clara Lindig, mother of Melvin Lindig
Richard Luensmann, friend of the Reiley Family Marilyn King, friend of Steve and Susan Foerster
Brittany Bonner and family, friends of Ashley Bogisch Jo Ann Hoel, cousin of Anita Hoff
Sammy Hodgett, cousin of Jeanine Ullrich Jerry Elsworth, friend of Teressa Cope
Family of Clyde Weikert, friends of Tim Bogisch Family Father Dennis Darilek, Priest at St. James Catholic Church
Rose Hunt, friend of Faith Lutheran Church Paul Gilmore, father of Julie Gellert
Herb and Helen Roberts, friends of Bill Keller Cherie Almand, friend of Vanita Hodge
Jill Mannel, sister-in-law of Gina Mannel Bill Mires, Jr, son of Geri Mires
Genevieve Moore, friend of Mark & Sharon Westerholm Bill P. Davis, friend of Roxanne Heckmann
Bertha Elen Beall, friend of Pat Bodine Betty Vetter, sister of Emma Jean Becker
Jim Ahrens, father of Jamie and Stefan Hilbert Trish Valentine, sister of David Brucks
Korey Kirchner, friend of Kitty Keller and family ..................................
9
Pastor Taylor’s KSLR Radio Devotionals
For those of you who missed Pastor Taylor’s devotions on KSLR 630AM here they are. They were for 43 seconds on air; possibly you could
use them as a devotional this Lent and Holy Week.
Great Organic Gardener
Have you ever cried before? Do you think those tears were wasted? David says in Ps. 56:8 that “You (God) have taken account of my
wanderings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” It seems God even keeps track of our tears. God is truly the Great
Organic Gardener, He wastes nothing. No matter what you’ve gone through in life, if you will give it to God, He can put it in His “great compost
pile,” and over time with the heat and love of God, those tears and pains; all the trash of our lives, can become the richest soil of our lives.
Won’t you give Him your hurts today and let Him transform them into rich soil? I pray you will.
Apple of God’s Eye
Has something ever touched the pupil of your eye? Generally, we jerk away quickly when something comes even close, if we are able,
because we know our eyes and specifically our pupils, are precious. Basically everything stops when something comes at the “apple of our
eye.” God in the Song of Moses in Deut. 32:10 says that He will guard us as the apple of His eye. Isn’t this a wonderful image? -- that the God
of the Universe would “stop everything” when something comes near to harm us. May this Truth empower you to tackle the obstacles of your
day as you realize, you are the “apple of God’s eye.”
God Only Uses Failures
Have you ever done something dumb or foolish in your Christian walk? If you are courageous enough to admit it, God can use you mightily.
God says in 1 Cor. 1: 27 that “He has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the
strong.” So many people fail in the Bible that it seems like God only uses failures. The key though, is that through these failings, they learned
to depend on Him, rather than themselves. Do you need to admit to trying to live the Christian life in your own strength? If so, you’re not
alone, for we all need to admit that apart from Christ, we are all weak. Thank God today that when “you are weak, He is strong.”
Faith in His Faithfulness
“If only I had more faith,” is the cry we hear, and maybe you have uttered the phrase yourself. How does faith come? The Bible says faith
comes from hearing the Word of God. Faith comes as one hears the Word and realizes that God always keeps His promises, which motivates
us to action. So our faith is really based on His Faithfulness, or as the old hymn says, “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” One possible solution then
to lack of faith, might be to get the focus off ourselves and onto the Faithfulness of God, for He always keeps His Word. May Faith well up in
your heart as you contemplate His Faithfulness and that He is a Father who always keeps His promises.
God Doesn’t Fall in Love
Have you ever fallen in love? Have you ever contemplated the phrase? – “to fall in love?” It sounds as if some sort of accident has happened.
You were minding your own business and then suddenly, you “fell.” Humans talk this way about love, for some times, we feel beguiled by the
object of our affections. A wonderful truth from Scripture though, is that God doesn’t ‘fall’ in love. God doesn’t love us because we are so
wonderful or great, but because He is so great. 1 John 4 says, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” God’s love is not
influenced or manipulated by the object, but is unconditional – He loves us because of who He is, not because of who we are – and thank the
Lord for that.
Page 10 MARCH
Page 11
How’s your Prayer Life? Submitted by Linda Dietz
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread
and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were
selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food
with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
Have you ever thought about how excited the early Christians were? The ultimate joy that they
experienced because of their faith in Christ? The power that they received to share their faith with others because of their prayers?
We are empowered by God when we pray. Yes, we can pray by ourselves in our own homes, but the
early Christians received even more power in community.
Our community of believers at Faith is blessed to have opportunities to pray with fellow believers every
week. Weekly opportunities are Monday morning at 7:00 AM and Wednesday at noon. If neither of those times fits your schedule, how about an evening time? Maybe Tuesdays at 7:00 PM? If you would
be interested in an evening prayer group, call Linda at 830-660-6557.
An additional prayer opportunity is the Prayer and Healing Service held on the third Tuesday of the
month. Pastor Taylor is leading this time of Prayer and Worship, and it is a blessing that we need not miss. This is a worship opportunity not only for our members, but one that should be actively shared
with our Seguin community. It's almost impossible to live and not need God’s peace available to us
through this community service of worship, prayer, anointing with oil and communion. Mark your calendar now for March 15th, and invite friends to attend this special worship opportunity with you.
Social Concerns Committee to Sponsor
San Antonio Food Bank Distribution
Faith’s Social Concerns Committee has partnered with the San Antonio Food Bank to
distribute food to approximately 150 - 200 Seguin and Guadalupe County residents.
Distribution day takes place on Saturday, March 5th, from 9:30 AM to12:30 PM. Look for the
sign-up sheet in the narthex. Volunteers will be tasked with unloading boxes of food from a
refrigerated Food Bank truck, breaking down boxes, and/or putting individual food items into
bags that will then be placed in trunks of cars in a drive-through line in Faith’s parking lot. If
you are unable to help in March, remember there will be second distribution scheduled this
summer.
HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE Maundy Thursday, March 24th (with Communion).....7:00 PM Good Friday Services, March 25th ................Noon & 7:00 PM
Easter Sunday Worship, March 27th ....7:00 AM, 9:00 AM, & 10:30 AM
EASTER MORNING SERVICES The Senior High Youth Group invites everyone to the Sunrise Service at 7:00
AM on the front lawn, weather permitting. If the service is outside, we ask
that you bring your own lawn chair. Please bring a fresh flower with you
Easter morning, as these flowers will be used as part of the service. Other
options for Easter Sunday worship are services at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
Holy Communion will be celebrated at all of Faith’s Easter Services. After the
Sunrise Service, the Junior High Youth Group will provide a continental
breakfast in the LEC. Please join us for this wonderful fellowship time. This is
the Junior High Youth Group’s thanks for supporting them during the Lenten
dinners, fellowship activities, and summer camp. Please consider inviting
friends and extended family to church on this holy day. We look forward to
seeing you!
Order Your
Easter Lily
Today!
The cost is $8.00
per plant. Deadline
for ordering is
Wednesday, March
23rd. P lea se lea ve
checks or cash
(clearly marked)
and the form below
in the church office.
There are 58 Lil ies
remaining, so please
place your order as
soon as possible.
Name:
___________
___________
Number of
Lilies:
___________
In Honor or
Memory of:
____________
____________
MARCH 6TH MARCH 13TH MARCH 20TH MARCH 27TH
Bill Ermel Count: Albert Menn Count:
COMMUNION Lisa Barnes Katharine Scheivelbein Dianne Chambers Bill Ermel
ASSISTANTS Count: Sara / Amy Ed Engelhardt Count: Amy / Dianne Doug Eckhardt
Lock up: Lisa Lock up: Ed Lock up: Amy Lock up: Doug
Clem Howe Kristy Serold Jesse Atzger Bill Keller
Harry Dietz Ron Vanbeek Bryan Terp Tim Fox
USHERS Bill Ermel Joan Vanbeek David Moltz Willie Bloch
Danny Neumann Terry Freeman Fred Blumberg Ronnie Glenewinkel
Dolly West Lary Lippe Mike Andrews
ALTAR Set Up Diane Lippe Diane Lippe Diane Lippe
GUILD Eileen Schultz Eileen Schultz Eileen SchultzClean Up Kim Kauitzsch Kim Kauitzsch Kim Kauitzsch
Lydia Whitwell Lydia Whitwell Lydia Whitwell
NURSERY Sunday School Carly Bornemann Carly Bornemann Carly Bornemann Carly Bornemann
HELPERS Church Essy Lamb Essy Lamb Essy Lamb Essy Lamb
GREETERS Ronnie Foreman Ronnie Glenewinkel Kim Koenig Damon Rodgers
Linda Foreman Julia Glenewinkel Debbie Lehmann Brandon Westerholm
MARCH 2ND MARCH 9TH MARCH 16TH
COUNT/ Bill Ermel Dianne Chambers Doug Eckhardt Bill Ermel Kitty Keller
LOCK UP Katharine S. Albert Menn Bill Ermel Ed Engelhardt Bill Ermel
USHERS Ed Engelhardt Ben Weise Mark Herbold Tim Bogisch LeAnne Heckmann
Missy Sagebiel John Taddy Damon Rodgers Brian Dahl Anita Hoff
Pat Sagebiel Alexander Taddy Cecil Schulze Albert Menn Vanita Hodge
Bill Hicklin Robert Raetzsch Patrick Schulze Blake Pruitt Carolyn Westerholm
Gina Mannel Ric Landvatter Doug Eckhardt
MARCH 24TH MARCH 25TH
LENTEN WORKERS
SERVING FAITH IN MARCH 2016
LAY READERS Gail Herbold -10:30Harold Bogisch Sherline Bogish Jan Quello
MARCH 2016
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY1 2 3 4 5
6:30-7:00PM Council Board 9:00-1:00PM Sewing(AC) 9:00-10:00AM Men's Bible 10:00-11:00AM Al-Anon.(AC)
7:00PM(AC)Committee 12-1PM Noon Prayer group Study (Ed Wing) 9:00-11:00AM (LEC) Carolyn Zipp
Meeting 5:30PM (LEC) Supper
5:30PM Hand Bells
7:00PM Lenten Service
Choir practice after Service
Ringing the Bell @ 2PM
3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS 3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
9:00-10:00AM Worship w/Holy 7:00-8:00AM Prayer group NALC Deanery(AC) 9:30-2:00PM 9:00-1:00PM Sewing(AC) 9:00-10:00AM Men's Bible 10:00-11:00AM Al-Anon.(AC)
Communion(Sanctuary) 12-1PM Wmns Noon Bible 6:30 PM (AC) Council Meeting 12-1PM Noon Prayer group Study (Ed Wing)
10:30-11:30AM Bible Study 5:30PM (LEC) Supper 7:00PM(AC) Adopt a School/
Study(AC/Ed Wing) 5:30PM Hand Bells Mentoring Meeting
Coleman Stollewerk Baptismal 7:00PM Lenten Service
(AC) Bill Moberly-Temple Choir practice after Service
Talk & Adult Sunday School
3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS 3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
9:00-10:00AM Worship (Sanct) 7:00-8:00AM Prayer group 7:00-8:00PM Prayer & Healing 9:00-1:00PM Sewing(AC) 9:00-10:00AM Men's Bible 10:00-11:00AM Al-Anon.(AC) 8:30AM (AC) Men of Faith
10:30-11:30AM Bible 12-1PM Wmns Noon Bible Service(Sanctuary) 12-1PM Noon Prayer group Study (Ed Wing)
Study(AC/Ed Wing) Study Love Circle 9:30AM (AC) 5:30PM (LEC) Supper
5:30PM Hand Bells
6:00PM Detention Ministry 7:00PM Lenten Service
Meeting (Ed Wing) Choir practice after Service
Hope Circle 2PM (AC)
3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS 3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS
20 21 22 23 24 25 26
9:00-10:00AM Worship w/Holy 7:00-8:00AM Prayer group 9:00-1:00PM Sewing(AC) 9:00-10:00AM Men's Bible 10:00-11:00AM Al-Anon.(AC) 10:00 AM Easter Egg Hunt
Communion(Sanctuary) 12-1PM Wmns Noon Bible 6:30-9:00PM(AC) Bible Club 12-1PM Noon Prayer group Study (Ed Wing) Good Friday Worship
10:30-11:30AM Bible Study Deloris Atzger 5:30PM Hand Bells Service 12PM & 7PM
Study(AC/Ed Wing) Choir practice after Service 7:00PM Maundy Thur. Service
with Communion
PALM SUNDAY Charity Circle 7PM (AC)
NO RENTALS
* Newsletter Deadline* 3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS 3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS OFFICE CLOSED AT NOON
27 28 29 30 31
7:00AM Sunrise Service OFFICE CLOSED FOR EASTER 9:00-1:00PM Sewing(AC) 9:00-10:00AM Men's Bible
8:00AM(LEC)Breakfast HOLIDAY 12-1PM Noon Prayer group Study (Ed Wing)
9:00AM Easter Worship 4:00-6:45PM WWF(LEC)
w/Holy Communion (Santuary) 5:30PM (LEC) Supper
10:30AM Easter Worship 9:00AM (AC) Last LWR Packing 6:00PM Hand Bells
w/Holy Communion (Santuary) 6:30-9:00PM (AC) Via de Cristo 6:45-7:45PM Confirmation
Class
7:00-8:00PM Choir practice
3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS 3:00-3:45PM(LEC) TLU MDS
Faith Lutheran Church 1326 E Cedar Street Seguin, Texas 78155 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
PERMIT #3
SEGUIN, TEXAS 78155
March
2016
Reading List / Baptism 2
Council Corner / Birthdays 3
ALWM / Constitutional Amendments 4
Mission Moment / Anniversaries 5
Sunday School / Preschool 6
Women / Men / Thank Yous 7
Youth Page 8
INSIDE YOUR MARCH
NEWSLETTER
PRESCHOOL & EXTENDED
CARE STAFF
Director/Teacher……....Sharon Stollewerk
5 Day & Ext Care Teacher..Paula Neuman
3 Day Teacher……...……..Angela Beasley
Preschool Aide………..…..Georgie Dittrich
MMO Teacher…………………...Beth Shea
MMO Aide………………….Jenny Goodwin
5 Day Aide & Extended Care
Teacher…………….………....Sheri Scaief
Volunteer……...………..……..Nancy Estes
CHURCH STAFF
Senior Pastor……….Andrew Taylor
FLC Administrator.Danny Neumann
Evangelism Director…...Harry Dietz
Comm. Director……..Teressa Cope
Church Secretary….....Angie Rohde
Youth Director…..Mark Westerholm
Financial Assistant ….…...John Hoff
Parish Education……....Amy Casey
Choir / Handbell Director...Roxanne
Heckmann
Organist/Pianist ….…Annette Stout
Bill Ermel, President…...Junior High Youth Committee
Amy Cantrell, Vice-President…..Parish Education Committee
Dianne Chambers, Secretary…...Social Concerns Committee
Doug Eckhardt, Treasurer…...Stewardship Committee
Ed Engelhardt, Asst. Treasurer….Worship Committee
Lisa Barnes…...Mission Outreach Committee
Sara Edwards…...Senior High Youth Committee
Katharine Schievelbein…...Preschool Committee
Kitty Keller….Property Management Committee
Albert Menn….Evangelism Committee