First quarter priorities

Our Hosanna council in December voted for the following priorities for the first quarter of 2007.

1. 1. Building Maintenance: $12,834.00, This covers utilities, insurance, needed repairs, cleaning supplies.
2. 2. Staff Support: $58,000 This covers salaries, continuing education and benefits for our staff, copier contract, postage, January theological conference for Cantor Gay and Pastor Tart
3. 3. Benevolence to our synod: $5400 This supports the work of our wider church
4. 4. Discipleship ministries: $3700 This includes subsidies and scholarship for our youth and sponsors to attend summer camp and the senior high February retreat and our subscriptions to the Lutheran magazine
5. 5. Natural Church Development (NCD): $200 This is for a survey that will begin a process of lifting up the quality of our ministries. We will have a presentation at the February congregation meeting.
6. 6. Stewardship Ministries: $4234.00 This includes carpet cleaning, mowing of grounds, program materials for our 2007 appeal and purchasing offering envelopes for 2008 (the sooner we buy them the more we save)

The finance team feels confident that we can collect $75,000 for the first quarter if we continue to be generous with our giving. This means that we are sure to support the first 3 priories. The rest will depend on our response and how we finish in 2006.
The principle continues to remain simple -The more we give the more we do.
Thank you for your continued support and loving the work of our Lord at Hosanna. Your love is outstanding and gives the leadership great joy. –Pastor Tart

2007 Offering Envelopes Now Available

Our 2007 offering envelopes will be available for pick up beginning this Sunday, December 31 in the south narthex. This year you will notice that you have the same envelope number as 2006. This was done to simplify the accounting. If you can not pick up your envelopes, contact Nita at our church office and she will mail them to you. -Pastor Tart

CREW IHN Reminder

CREW will deliver Christmas dinner to IHN today at 11am. To participate be in the CREW room at 11. Reminder no CREW this Sunday evening or next. See you in 07.

Thank you

A final thank you to all those who helped with the Christmas gifts for the children at Tx. Children's. We delivered the gifts yesterday and it was a very touching moment for all those involved. 36 families were visited and extra gifts were donated to the Ronald Mcdonald House. A HUGE thank you to Athena and Diane for hours of hard work.

Annual Buffalo Wing Sale

You have waited all year... and yes...they are back! The one and only Tripp Smith's Famous Buffalo Wing Sale. The wings are available for $12/dozen and you may also buy the sauce for $7 a jar. All proceeds benefit the CREW 2007 mission trip to the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission where they will spend a week running a VBS program for the children of the reservation. To place an order email Amber at amber.walker@welcometohosanna.com or place your order in the green sheet. Thank you for your support.

Mary Elizabeth is home

Mary Elizabeth came home from the hospital yesterday and is doing much better.-Pastor Tart

Mary Elizabeth Frerking at Texas Children's

Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Stephen and Christi, was hospitalized Friday with an upper respertory problem. She is improving and should be home in the next few days. Please include her in your prayers.Pastor Tart

Hearing Assistance System

We are trying out a hearing assistance system for Sunday morning.
If you would like to try it, ask Pastor Tart. The recievers are located in the sound system cabinet by in the nave. Simply pick one up, use it and return it after the service. -Pastor Tart

January 6 Bi-lingual Spanish and English Epiphany Service

We will have a bi-lingual service in celebration of Epiphany day. Epiphany is about rejoicing in the life transforming power of Jesus Christ.
At this service we will celebrate this day with music, communion, baptisms and preaching.

The service is for everyone- both english only and spanish only speakers.

We hope that everyone will come and enjoy this special service.

Pastor Erby Gonzalez from Ascension in Tomball will be the preacher and presider

"Ask, Thank, Tell" January Stewardship Emphasis

Stewardship emphasis during 2007 will be based on Charles R. Lane’s book entitled “Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation”. The Stewardship Team recently adopted a new mission statement which was endorsed by Congregation Council: “To help God’s people grow in their relationship with Jesus through the use of time, talents and finances that God has entrusted to them”.

Hosanna members will receive a letter with further information during December regarding the January Stewardship emphasis.

Here are the key dates:

December 31, 2006 – Distribution of Ask Thank and Tell packets to each household in the narthex. Remaining packets will be mailed January 15.

January 14, 2007 – Tell Sunday. Darryl Brown and Pastor Tart will preach a dialogue sermon describing the wonderful work we at Hosanna do together.

January 21, 2007 – Thank Sunday. David Vroom and Pastor Tart will preach a dialogue sermon describing ways our congregation acknowledges with appreciation the generous responses of each person who supports the ministry we do together.

January 28, 2007- Ask Sunday. Rev. Jon Boldt, Stewardship Leader of our synod will preach about ways God asks us to give God’s gifts of time, money and possessions to God’s mission in the world. On this Sunday we ask that you return your “Covenant Card” (see below) and share in one of our wonderful “Sides and Deserts” potluck meals ( we will provide the main course”). Please begin signing up for one of the dishes in the narthex beginning December 31.

This year we are introducing the concept of “Covenant” to our annual stewardship emphasis. Covenanting is much more than a contract between you and God. Instead, covenanting is about a relationship of trust, dependence and cooperation. In short, covenanting is about God being our God and we being God’s people. In particular, God promises to be our God by providing, saving and directing us and we in return promise to be God’s people by working and sharing our gifts so that we can bring God’s plan for the world to reality. This plan is one of peace, joy, freedom, wholeness, healing and unity. God’s plan for the world is what we at and through Hosanna commit to doing.

Thus, instead of having pledge cards we will have covenant cards. This covenant card is not about the church’s need for money, but our need to be in covenant relationship with God. See returning the card as an act of worship and devotion and not as fund raising. We will record your covenant as a way to help you remember your commitment.

As always, we respect and honor everyone’s right to pass and not use the covenant card and respond to God as God calls them. Certainly our relationship with God is deeper than a piece of paper.


We thank you for your participation and look forward to growing Hosanna’s Stewardship response using our new mission by actions of asking, thanking and telling.

Hosanna Stewardship Giving Team

Annual Meeting Set for February 11

Our annual meeting has been moved from January 21 to February 11. The agenda is:

The Natural Church Development Strategy

Approval of 2006 Reports

Election of Voting Members and Alternates to the 2007 Synod Assembly

Ratification of Amendments

Finance Report

For the Good of the Church

Thank you

I want to thank everyone for the gifts and the cards this Christmas season. God bless-Pastor Tart

Thoughts that seem important for January by Pastor Tart

The other day I was stuck in traffic. I mean this was a classic jam with no one moving. As it turned out, a traffic light was stuck on red and people were just idling their cars waiting for a green that would never come.

I wonder if life on this eve of the New Year doesn’t sometime feel like we are stuck at a red light. Maybe it is our guilt over something we have done or failed to do. Maybe it is fear of disaster. Or maybe it is a sense that there are external events that keep happening that prevents us from moving forward. (I think there are many who feel this way about the situation in the Middle East) We just feel like we are idling at the red light waiting for something to happen. We just have a stuck feeling.

In this Epiphany Season we celebrate the light of Christ shining in the world. I would like us to think about that light not being a white blinding light, but a glaring green light like a drag racer sees when he or she hammers down on the throttle. The light of Christ says that life is not to be spent on red, but on green. His grace, his power, and his guidance lead us to action in doing his great work in the world. We have a green light to love, share, give, serve, praise, witness, reconcile, learn and pray. The church of Jesus does not get stuck in traffic jams, but barrels down the raceway with the “peddle to the medal.”


Remember: The green light of the Gospel.

Confirmation Camp

Hey guys, here is the latest info on Confirmation Camp. The dates are June 10-15 and the cost is $325 per kid. You can download reg forms at www.lutherhill.org or register online, just be sure to register as part of a group, not individual. Please get a check for $85 payable to Hosanna Camps to Amber before Feb 1. For more info email me at amber.walker@welcometohosanna.com

Ready, Click Grow Resources for you!

Please check out the Ready, Click Grow resources in the Inspire Learn webpage of our website. There are some awesome activities for Advent and Christmas for your family or individually. -Pastor Tart

When The Seat at the Table is Empty

I found this a very good article about grief during the holidays. Please forward it to someone in need or read it yourself. - Care Pages

Sabbatical Team

Pastor Tart and the Staff Support team are looking for people who would be interested in serving on a team to insure that the summer months go smoothly for Hosanna.
Tasks for the team:

1. Pastoral Care for the congregation
2. Sunday Morning Worship
3. Vistor phone calls and visitation
4. Administrative functions
5. Other duties to be determined as the summer approaches

If you are intersted, the we would be most grateful, contact Pastor Tart or Sue King. We would like to have the team in place by the end of January.

Note from Carolyn Lahtinen, former member

Dear friends and family,
Just a note to let you know that my dear sister, Ann, passed away Sunday Dec. 10th at 1:30p.m. She was in the hospital and her son, Gary, was with her. Mary, Jane, and I had been with her in the few days before she died. She was heavily sedated and died peacefully. We are relieved that her pain and suffering have ended. A memorial service will be held Sat. Dec. 16th at 4:30p.m. at Gethsemane Lutheran Church, 200 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, Tx. A reception will follow the service at the church. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers during her long illness.
God Bless you,
Carolyn

I think Beth C. is looking for others who are interested in attending the funeral.

3rd Grade Bible Class

What a great time we are having learning how to use our bibles. These 3rd & 4th graders are amazing to teach. This Sunday will be our last Sunday to meet until 2007. Please remember to come this Sunday and bring you bible. See you there!

CREW Christmas Party

Don't forget to come Dec. 17th at 6 to celebrate the season with CREW. We will spend the first part wrapping boxes for the seamen, so bring scissors and tape. Next we will share gifts and snacks. Bring a $10 gift to exchange, no giftcards please. Call Amber if you have questions.

Registration for Lutherhil

I hope everyone had a chance to meet with Matt Kindsvatter from Lutherhill the other weekend. Here is some important information for registering for camp:
-registration is due to Hosanna by Feb. 1
-you will need the registration form (download at www.lutherhill.org) and a $85 deposit payable to Hosanna or payment in full, minus $20 for discount and $75 for Hosanna subsidy.
-if you register online please register as group, not individual and still get your payment to Hosanna by 2/1.

If you have questions you may call Amber at 281-795-5367
HAPPY CAMPING!

Christmas Eve for Families and Children

Come spend Christmas Eve with Hosanna this year. The 4:30 pm service is specially made for children. We will have bells to ring, children singing, and a special sermon planned just for young ones. We hope to see you this holiday season.

Thoughtful giving story

Maureen K. sent me this link and I found it thoughtful about giving at Christmas.

The Christmas Spirit - An inspiration http://www.dobhran.com/greetings/GRinspire104.htm

Christmas Eve Evening Service is at 7:00pm

We have had some questions about Christmas Eve Evening service time. It is at 7:00 and not 7:30. We chose this to give us a little extra time between the evening service and the 9:30 service. -Pastor Tart

End of the year Giving Idea

Securities such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds
make a wonderful gift to Hosanna. The
procedure for donating them is simple and the benefits
to you can be significant, including:
1. Greater tax benefits than equivalent cash gift.
2. Charitable deduction of full fair market value
if you itemize for income tax (with certain
limits).
3. Avoidance of capital gains tax on appreciated
securities donated.
4. Avoidance of broker sales commission.
For example, a $10,000 gift of cash may allow the
donor a $2,500 income tax deduction at the 25% tax
bracket, but a transfer of $10,000 in securities
additionally relieves the donor of the 15% capital
gains tax on the appreciated portion.
For 2006 contributions, please call the church ASAP
to allow appropriate time for completing these gifts.
We will give you step-by-step instructions for
donating stock certificates or for shares held by a bank
or broker.

Special Advent Music on December 17

We will have special music at the 8 and 11 services to enhance our Advent journey on December 17. Be sure to come and enjoy. -Pastor Tart

Sympathy to Mary Martinez

We extend our sympathy to Mary and Daniel Martinez and their family on the loss of her aunt, Annette Huerta. May Lord's comforting love and hope touch their hearts. -Pastor Tart

Christmas time with CREW

We have a busy few weeks before we take some time off. Don't forget about our party on the 17th. Please bring scissors, tape, a $10 gift, and a treat to share. We will wrap seaman's boxes then have a gift exchange. On the 23rd we meet at 9 am to go to Tx. Children's to deliver gifts. Please stay home if you are SICK in any way. On the 24th we meet at 11 am to take dinner to IHN. There is no CREW on the 24th and the 31st. If you have questions call Amber.

Tx. Children's Garage Sale

The final numbers are in and $4250.00 was raised to buy gifts for the children with cancer at Tx. Children's. Thank you to Ray Blackburn for raising $850.00 for the cause. The CREW has bought gifts and will distribute them along with gift certificates and parking passes on Dec. 23rd. The money was also used to buy 2 coupie cars, rocking chair, and a wagon in memory of Grace Scasny. Thank you again to all who volunteered and contributed to this event. A special thank you to Athena Friday-Black and Diane Lee for their extra hard work.

Only One Morning Service December 24 at 9:30

We will have only one morning service on December 24 at 9:30. Faith Journey will be leading it. Communion will be offered. It will be the fourth Sunday in Advent.
No Sunday School

NAM has a turkey crisis this holiday season

Northwest Assistance Ministries is having a turkey crisis and needs the community’s help to provide needy families with holiday meals this December.

“We’ve never had anything like this happen before, but the area is experiencing a frozen turkey shortage,” said Carole Little, NAM’s President & CEO. “The heat last summer devastated turkey farms and now, our wholesalers just don’t have the turkeys to sell.”

NAM typically provides turkeys and enough food to last 1,200 families for three to five days along with gift bags for 3,500 children during the holidays. NAM’s Assistance Program staff members have been able to buy several hundred hams, but the Food Pantry still doesn’t have enough food, Little said.

Anyone who would like to donate to NAM and help the needy can bring frozen turkeys to the Food Pantry, 15555 Kuykendahl, just south of FM 1960. Donations received by Friday, Dec. 15, will come in time for distribution this holiday season.

NAM is a non-profit, community-based, multi-program social service agency that is supported by 48 congregations, 18 Service Partner organizations and numerous business Community Partners. NAM has served north and northwest Harris County for more than 23 years. For information on NAM’s programs and services, call 281-885-4555 or visit NAM’s website at www.namonline.org.

Sympathy to Terry Rich

We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Terry Rich and her family on the loss of her mother. May the wonderful peace and hope of God surround them.

Congregation Meeting Results

At the meeting December 3rd, the congregation unanimously agreed to the 2007 Spending priorities and to the Priority Spending Management Process.
We also unanimously agreed to grant Pastor Tart a three month sabbatical from June 4, 2007 to September 4, 2007.
Minutes of the meeting will be available in the next newsletter.

A PORTRAIT OF A BIBLICAL GIVER

The mission of Hosanna’s Stewardship Team is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents and finances God has entrusted to them. One way to grow is to lift up the characteristics, or values, of a giver that are mentioned in the Bible so that each of us can use these as a model on which to base our own personal stewardship.

Value # 1: Intentional To be intentional in one’s giving means developing a plan for your giving and then following through with that plan.
“Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” (2 Corinthians 9:7a)

Value # 2: Regular To be regular in your giving means establishing a pattern for giving, and then following that pattern.
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2)

Value # 3: Generous To give away money generously is the most successful way to deal with the threat of money and possessions. The most effective way to break the power of money is to give it away.
“And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)

Value # 4: First To give first means giving to God first, and then living off the rest. The opposite is taking care of the needs and wants of this life first, and giving God the leftovers.
“When you have come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, and you possess it, and settle in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket and go to the place that the Lord your God will choose as a dwelling for his name.” (Deuteronomy 26:1-2)

Value # 5: Proportional To give proportionally is to give in proportion to the blessings you have received. Both those who have much wealth and those who have little wealth are expected to give a percentage of what they have.
“Celebrate the Harvest Festival, to honor the Lord your God, by bringing him a freewill offering in proportion to the blessing he has given you.” (Deuteronomy 16: 10)

Value # 6: Cheerful The key to giving cheerfully is to practice the first five values of a Biblical giver. Cheerfulness will follow naturally.
“God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7b)

Giving intentionally, regularly, generously, first, proportionally, and cheerfully will lead a giver’s heart to Jesus. The Hosanna Stewardship Team has the privilege of asking, “How can we help you become the kind of giver who lives these values, so that your heart might be drawn closer to Jesus?”



The notes above are based on Chapter 4 of “Ask, Thank, and Tell” by Charles Lane (Augsburg Fortress, 2006).

January Stewardship Appeal "Thank, Ask and Tell"

This past summer, the Stewardship Team and other members of the congregation joined together in a study of a book by Charles Lane entitled “Ask, Thank and Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation.” We had some wonderful discussions, and I personally learned more about stewardship in that month than I have in my 50+ previous years. I learned from Charles Lane’s words, but also from the words and thoughts of the other participants in the discussion.

I wish you all could have been part of those sessions. Our team was so excited about the things we learned that we decided to forego the standard approach to the annual campaign and instead spend the next several weeks talking with you about this new way of thinking about stewardship.

The Stewardship Team recently adopted a new mission statement. It helps remind us that stewardship is NOT about paying the bills. It is NOT about the needs of the church. It is NOT about meeting the budget. As our new mission statement says, it is about helping people grow in their relationship with Jesus through the use of the time, talents and finances that God has entrusted to them.

During three Sundays in January, we will focus on three active verbs that form the structure of our Stewardship Ministry: Ask, Thank and Tell.

Telling describes the many ways that we make the congregation aware of the wonderful work we all do together. Each person’s support is important for the ongoing work of ministry.

Thanking describes all the ways that our congregation acknowledges with appreciation the generous responses of each person who supports the ministry we do together.

On the third Sunday, Jon Boldt, the Stewardship Leader of our synod will be here to talk about Asking. Asking describes all the different ways that you are asked to consider the blessings that God has entrusted to you, and how you decide to respond to those blessings through your giving.

IHN Christmas rotation

Nicki B., our IHN coordinator, tells us that since our IHN rotation will happen during Christmas we will be providing a treat for our guests by renting rooms at the Intown Suites. This means we will be providing meals for them that need to fit into the small kitchenettes of the rooms. She will be providing boxes for each one of the families for us to place our gifts of food for lunch and breakfasts. For any questions, contact Nicki or the church office.

Sympathy to Pat Johnson

We extend our prayers of support to Pat Johnson on the loss of her sister and her nephew this fall. We pray for the strength of Christ to be with her and her family.

Sympathy to Micky Boethel and family

We extend our prayers to Micky and her family on the loss of her father, Clyde Dyer, the week of Thanksgiving. We pray for their comfort and the hope of the risen Lord Jesus.

Inviation to Pastor and Kathryn's Christmas Open House

Pastor Tart and Kathryn invite everyone to a Christmas Open House on Sunday, December 10 from 3:00-6:00. Drop by for some Christmas treats and fellowship. Our address is 5603 Springton Ln, Spring; (Terranova West Subdivision)

Pastor Tart's Sabbatical

The Staff Support Team along with council support is proposing that we grant Pastor Tart a sabbatical for rest, reflection and renewal from June 4,2007-Sept 4, 2007. This is in agreement with our congregation's policy of granting sabbaticals to full time workers after 7 years of service. The synod also recommends sabbaticals for pastors. At the congregation meeting on December 3 we will be voting on this proposal. If you have any questions you can contact Sue King or Pastor Tart.

Men's Shoes Collection

Kathryn Tart and the faculty of Texas Woman's University are collecting new and good used men's shoes for the Bread of Life Clinic for homeless men through December 10. Please place the shoes in the designated box in the narthex.

December 3 Congregation Meeting

We will have a congregation meeting December 3 following the 11:00 service with the following agenda:

Financial Update

Motion for Summer of 2007 Sabbatical for Pastor Tart

2007 Spending Priorites (sent out in December Newsletter)

For the Good of the Church

Thoughts that Seem Importantfor December-Pastor Tart

Peace on Earth, Good Will to ALL! were the words of the angels’ song as they proclaimed the birth of the savior of the world. As we now begin our Advent and then enter into the joyous days of Christmas, I would like us to ponder the question, “What difference did the birth of Jesus make?” Really, beyond the important jolt to the economy, what did the birth of this child in a manger so long ago mean for the world? Has his birth changed the world?
We can look at the Christmas proclaim of the angels and wonder, Where is the peace? Where is the good will? We all know very well the heartache of violence and war. We see on a daily basis the greed and selfishness of our community and we can wonder, “Were the angels right?”
On a individual basis we all need to struggle with this question. We all have to ask ourselves about the impact of the birth. I hope that during these next days you will take the time to think.
For me, I am going to ponder peace in my life. I am going to seek what ways the peace of Christ that passes all understanding is in my heart. I am going to seek ways to live in peace with others, even those I find difficult and irritable. I am going to seek to be a person of good will that opens my heart to the hearts of others. I am going to welcome and practice the hospitality of Christ.
These are the ways that that the birth of Christ makes all the difference in the world.
Remember: He makes a difference.

December Family Life Update

Merry Christmas to everyone. This is a busy season but I hope everyone will be able to take some time to be with those you love and remember the true meaning of Christmas.

Camper Sunday is December 3rd. Matt Kindsvatter will be here at 9:30 am during Sunday School opening to talk about camp at Lutherhill. He will stay after opening to answer all parent questions. If you have one, wear your Lutherhill t-shirt! See you there!

CREW will have breakfast at Dennys on Sunday, the 3rd. Our annual Christmas party is on the 17th. Please bring scissors and tape to wrap seaman's boxes. Also bring a $5 gift to exchange (no gift cards) and a snack to share. If you would like to help bring Christmas Eve dinner to IHN meet me on the 24th at 11 am.

Confirmation Christmas party is on the 6th. Bring a $5 gift to exchange and something sweet to share. It is also time to register for confirmation camp. We will attend Lutherhill June 10-15th. We will register as a group. Please decide whether or not you will attend and get the necessary forms completed with a check for $85 made to Hosanna Camps.

Camp registration is here. 1st thru 6th graders will be going to Lutherhill the last week in July. We will register as a group. Please fill out the forms and return a $85 check made out to Hosanna Camps.

Synod Questions

Our synod will be electing a new bishop in June of 2007. A special transition team is issuing a monthly question for congregations to answer as preparation for this event. The question for this month has been posted to a special blog. The question is, "What is the mission of our synod, together, over the next six years, in identifying and training future lay and ordained leaders in our church?" The link is at the end of this post. Please leave your comments about the question. These will be emailed to the transition team. They want to hear from us so please take the time to share. All comments are welcome! -Pastor Tart synod questions blog

CREW Summer Trip

This is a reminder that we need your $50 registration fee for the mission trip to Arizona. Please make a check to Hosanna Youth and get it to Amber. We can not start planning until we know who is going. See Amber for more information. Thanks!

Jr. High Retreat

We have many youth attending the Jr. High Gathering this weekend. Please pray for their safety. Please include in your prayers: Abby & Anna Brown, Caty & Chelsea Oden, Marquette Henderson, Matt & Mark Moore, CJ Welshons, Jacob Romijn, Laura Greer, Amanda Boethel, Colin Haight, Emma Hartmann, Adrianne Alewine and our sponsors, Mike Black and Valerie Oden.

Time to Register for Camp 2007

Calling all 1st thru 6th graders. Lutherhill camp registration opens soon. This year they have included a new camp, called Alpha, for kids finishing 1st grade. We are hoping to attend camp July 29-Aug3. If you are interested in signing up go online to www.lutherhill.org on or after Nov. 15th, then please get your registration fee of $85 to Amber. If you have questions email me at www.amber.walker@welcometohosanna.com

Texas Lutheran University Vespers, December 3

If you would like to attend the annual Christmas musical vespers program at Texas Lutheran in Seguin on Sunday, December 3 at 4:00, please contact Pastor Tart as soon as possible. We will leave as soon as the congregation meeting ends, hopefully around 1:15. We will go out to dinner afterwards and should be back at Hosanna by 9:30 or 10:00. The tickets are free, with a request for a donation. -Pastor Tart

Sympathy to the family of Sherry Bergeron

Sherry Bergeron passed from this life to the next one in God's glory on Sunday, November 5 at 11:40 in the evening. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her family and ask everyone to keep them in their prayers. A memorial service in celebration of her life will be on Saturday, November 11 at 10:00am at Hosanna. If you would like to assist in the service and fellowship reception afterwards, contact Nerisa McConnell or the church office

SHERRY CLOSS BERGERON of Spring, Texas, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend and community volunteer, died on November 5, 2006. Sherry, born in Houston, Texas, on December 14, 1954, was preceded in death by her adored father, Junius Monroe Closs, Jr. Sherry earned a nursing degree from San Jacinto College and a B.S. in Psychology from Sam Houston State University. Sherry put her intellect, creativity, generosity and passion for service to work as a compassionate Nurse, active fund raiser, chairman and event organizer for multiple organizations including: Boys and Girls Country, Harris County Medical Society Alliance, Northwest Assistance Ministries, Depelchin Faith Home, Rotary Club, Spring Assistance Ministries and the Spring ISD Education Foundation. Sherry is survived by her husband , Jimmie L. Bergeron, M.D.; children, Frank Andrew Bergeron and Jennifer Suzanne Bergeron and grandson, Andrew Monroe Bergeron. Other family members left with loving memories are her mother and step-father, Esther (Judy) and Jim White of Arkansas; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Brenda Closs of Dallas; sister and brother-in-law, Melanie and Andrew Newman of Maryland; lifelong friend Cynthia Wells and husband, Jerry; nephews: Jeffrey Closs, Alex Newman and Jason Newman. Stepchildren: James Bergeron and Michelle McGovern. Memorial services will be held at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 16526 Ella Boulevard, Houston, TX 77069 on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 10:00a.m. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (www.nami.org), The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.com) or Depelchin Faith Home. The family wishes to express appreciation to all who displayed admiration, kindness, compassion and respect to Sherry.

Sympathy to Cantor Gay Zimmerman and family

Our sympathy to Cantor Gay and her family on the loss of her aunt Carol Foss of South Dakota.

Sympathy to Teresa White and her family

Our sympathy to Teresa White and her family on the loss of her mother, Marylou Fontana of Houston. Services were Thursday, November 1.

Sympathy to Teresa White and her family

Our sympathy to Teresa White and her family on the loss of her mother, Marylou Fontana of Houston. Services were Thursday, November 1.

Beth Johnson's sister, Lisa

Beth Johnson reports that her sister Lisa is responding well to chemo treatments and thanks everyone for their prayers and concerns.

Our sympathy to Debbie Rohla

Our sympathy to Debbie Rohla and her family on the loss her father, Philemon Dickerson, last Friday, October 27.

Georgia Bargmann in Hospital

Georgia Bargmann, wife of Dale, was hospitalized today at Houston Northwest in rm 313 for tests.

Birth of Hannah Suzanne Martin

At 4:23 today Heather Martin, daughter of Bill and Sue King, gave birth to healthy baby girl.
Hannah Suzanne Martin weighed in at a generous 8 lbs 15 oz while
streaching 20.5 in long. Both mother and baby are doing well.

Sister Anna Marie's book presentation, Nov 5

Sister Anna Marie will present a copy of her recently published book, The Life and Legend of Gerbert of Aurillac: The Organbuilder who became Pope Sylvester II, on Sunday, November 5, following the 11:00 a.m.service. All are invited for the presentation and for refreshments.

Sister Anna Marie's book presentation, Nov 5

Sister Anna Marie will present a copy of her recently published book, The Life and Legend of Gerbert of Aurillac: The Organbuilder who became Pope Sylvester II, on Sunday, November 5, following the 11:00 a.m.service. All are invited for the presentation and for refreshments.

Texas Thanksgiving, Novemeber 11

Our annual Texas Thanksgiving will be Saturday, November 11 at 6:20 at the church. This is for adults only. We will spend the evening playing bunco, (a dice game involving teams). Come for the food and fellowship.

Advent Workshop, November 19

On November 19 at 6:30 we will have our annual Advent Workshop. We will spend time making various crafts under the direction of Nerisa and Sue. All materials will be provided. The cost is 15.00 per family and  a plate of cookies. You need to sign up in the Narthex or call Nerisa McConnell 281-440-5432 or Sue King 281-353-1242. It is open to all ages.

New Hymnal Introduction

Kinsmen Lutheran will be hosting an introduction to our new red hymnal, Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
Anyone who is interested may attend. If you would like to go contact Gay or Pastor Tart 
gay@welcometohosanna.com
 
Registration & Singing at 2 p.m. and conclude at 7 p.m., and include breaks and a meal.
 
Registration $20 (no partial registrations)
(Fee covers a pew edition of Evangelical Lutheran Worship, meal, etc.)
 
Checks should be made out to “TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod” with check memo saying “ELW Intro Event.”
 
 
For more information on the Renewing Worship process, see www.renewingworship.org.
 
Brochure and registration event: http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/Files/ELW%20Brochure.pdf
 

Our annual Veterans Day Service November 12

Our annual Veteran’s Day service in conjunction with Kinsmen Lutheran will be Sunday, November 12 at 2:00. We invite everyone to come and sharing in prayer of thanksgiving for those who have served our country. We will also be remembering in prayer our current service men and women.
We ask all veteran’s to wear their uniform if possible. We will recognize everyone’s service.  For more information, contact Pastor Tart.  Pastor Jim Hinkhouse from Kinsmen Lutheran will be our preacher. A light reception will follow. We thank those who put this service together.

All Saints Sunday November 5

On November 5 we will be remember all the faithful who have entered into indescribable glory of God and have witnessed the love of God.
We will be inviting all to light a candle in memory of your loved ones as part of the service. We will also be recalling all our community of faith who have passed from death to life this past year. Finally, we will be dedicating newly engraved pavers in our memorial courtyard.

4th quarter priorities

At the September 17th council meeting, the leadership of Hosanna approved the following priority spending goals for the final quarter of 2006:
1. Building Maintenance:$10500, (insurance, utilities)2.Staff and Administrative Support: $58000 3. Benevolence: $4800 4.Repaying designated funds: $8608 5. Care $2050: This includes giving money to NAM, Habitat for Humanity,
6. Discipleship $1741 This includes Jr High youth gathering and Sunday School
Expenses 7. Spiritual Life $ 390 This includes special Christmas music.
8. Stewardship $ 10826 This includes cleaning carpets and sanctuary chairs, resealing the parking lot and money for our upcoming January Stewardship Appeal. 9.Gift for 2007 $10000
The total to fully fund all of our priorities is$106,915.
To accomplish these priorities, we are asking that everyone become excited about what we can do together and give as God calls you to give.,
We also continue to thank God for those who share their time. We have ample opportunities for people to serve. Contact any one of the team leaders for guidance.

In the Lord’s service,
Your Church Council Leadership

Family Life News for November

Hey All, happy November! Thanks for all your hard work in October. The pumpkin patch got off to a rocky start with all the rain, but it was fun. The garage sale was for a great cause, thanks again. And the Fall Festival is always a favorite! Here is what is going on in November:
On Sunday, November 5 the 3rd graders will receive their first bible from Hosanna, this will be followed by a 6 week class on how to use the bible. Parents, you are invited to attend and learn along with your child.
Confirmation are off to the Jr. High Gathering on November 10th. Have fun you guys! Thanks to Valerie Oden and Mike Black for being sponsors. To find out about the gathering offering check out the website www.soggyshoes.org Confirmation, meet me at Hosanna on Wed, the 22nd for fellowship. Hey, even bring a friend!
CREW, well...you survived October. Now just sit back and enjoy November. We will start again with Finances for Teens on the 5th. Also, meet at Dennys that morning for Sunday school fellowship. Remember...no CREW on the 26th and have a Happy Thanksgiving. LYO, good job at the Jr. High Gathering!

Tx. Children's Garage Sale

CREW would like to thank the congregation for all the donations it has received the past 2 weeks. We are super excited and hope to raise $4000 for the children. Thanks also to all those who have given a monetary donation. Athena and Diane, you are great, thanks for all your hard work.

Auditors Needed

We're looking for a few good men or women to audit Hosanna's financial records for 2005.

Time commitment is 4 meetings that are 2 hours each.

Items to be audited are the financial records for Hosanna, Men of Hosanna, WELCA and youth accounts.

If you are interested, please call or email Debbie Rohla.

Confirmation Sunday, Oct 22

This Sunday, October 22, we will celebrate the affirmation of baptism and confirmation of four of our young people at the 11:00 service. They are Ashley Garvey, Andrew Greer, Brandun Hliva and Anna White. We congratulate them on this day and pray for God’s Spirit to bless and guide them into all truth.

Thoughts that seem important by Pastor Tart

"You should not believe your conscience and your feelings more than the word which the Lord who receives sinners preaches to you."
Our beloved Dr. Martin Luther wrote these words and I often go to them when my conscience bear down on my like a heavy burden on a hot day. So often, our conscious and feelings will tell us on that no one like us deserves any good from God or others. We struggle with sin and temptation. We say the wrong thing at the wrong time. We anger others. We prop ourselves up with good works that eventually fade like the grass in the face of a freezing rain. We find ourselves running from God instead of to him.
Martin Luther helps to see that our conscious and feelings are not to drive us away from God, but to God and to God's mighty Word. A Word that says, "there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus" A Word that says, “We are saved by Grace through faith and this is not our own doing, but it is a gift of God”. We fall into the hands of a God who understands and accepts our humanity and loves us anyway.
From this Grace we discover a freedom to live not driven by guilt, but by the joy of doing good for others. We who have received God's generosity, become generous with others and our possessions. Become not a guilt driven people, but a joy and love driven people.
So as we prepare for our Reformation Sunday Celebration let it be a celebration of good and clear conscious that comes from the generous grace of God poured out upon us on the cross.
Remember: Your conscious is for Grace and not condemnation.

Garage Sale -Spread the Word

I am asking for anyone who is willing to help in anyway. With that in mind, feel free to forward this information to anywhere, anyone, anything to help spread the word.

The High School kids (CREW) at Hosanna Lutheran Church are holding a fundraiser as a service project to raise money for the families of cancer.

There are many families currently battling this monster. To honor these families, their children, and to raise awareness the CREW will host a garage sale on October 21, 2006 (8am-2pm) at Hosanna Lutheran Church. All monies raised will:

· Buy Christmas gifts for the children and siblings at Texas Children's who are battling cancer (approximately 36 rooms).

· Buy gift cards for the families from restaurants who will deliver to Texas Children's Hospital.
· Buy 5 day parking passes for the families.
· Purchase something for the Ronald McDonalds Family Room in Grace Scasny's name.
· All additional money will be sent to The Ronald McDonald House at Texas Children's Hospital.

This event is very dear to our congregation since both Alex Black and Grace Scasny were diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Tragically, Grace has come to the end of her journey earning her angel wings. 10-7-06

Our goal is to raise $4000 and we are asking for your help. The CREW sponsors will be leading this event and any items you can donate will be greatly appreciated. If you have any way of publicizing this event please contact Athena Friday-Black.

The CREW will distribute these gifts on December 23rd along with the parking passes and gift cards at Texas Children's Hospital to bring a little holiday spirit and cheer to an otherwise joyless time. Panera Bread is graciously providing lunch for all the families at the hospital. Thrivent Financial will be providing matching funds. We are very excited about this event and hope you will find time to help in some way.

If you have questions or would like to make donations please contact Athena @ athenafridayblack@sbcglobal.net or 281-355-0036.

When: Saturday October 21st
8:00-2:00pm

Where: Hosanna Lutheran Church
16526 Ella Blvd.
Houston, TX 77090

All proceeds are being used to help the Ronald McDonald House of Houston, which offers a home away from home for families with children being treated at a Texas Medical Center institution for cancer or other serious illnesses.

CREW news for the week of Oct 9

Hey everyone. Reminder that the pumpkins will be here Saturday at 3 pm. We need everyones help. We also have a lot of empty spots on the work schedule. Please contact Valerie Oden if you would like to help out. CREW parents you need to work at least one shift per week. Second reminder that CREW will be picking up items for the garage sale this Sunday evening. For more info contact Athena at 281-355-0036. See you this weekend!

Healing Services offered Oct 15

This Sunday we will be remembering St. Luke the Apostle by offering prayers for healing during our services. If you would like special prayer for emotional, spiritual or physical healing, please come forward.
Our Lutheran understanding of healing is not supernatural. We believe healing as unconditional grace that comes through the Holy Spirit. God's healing happens in God's good time in this world or the next.
We also ask those in the healing professions to wear their uniforms to worship. Special prayers will be offered for them.

Pastoral Care Assistant

For further clarification about the position of Pastoral Care
Assistant, this is a volunteer position as with other volunteer positions at Hosanna. -Pastor Tart

Habitat for Humanity Lunch - Food Items Drop Off

Reminder to all those who signed up to bring lunch items for the Habitat for Humantiy Workers Lunch:

Items for Habitat lunches need to be dropped off at the Hosanna Kitchen by this Saturday, October 14. Please put items in bags and mark them with your name and "Habitat Lunches." Leave the bags on the kitchen counter. Please deliver all items by 9 am so the Women of the ELCA board members can prepare and deliver the lunches that morning. Food items needed: apples, individual snack bags, cookies, candies, water and soda. Those who did not sign up are welcome to bring items. We are serving about 100 volunteers. Questions? Call Judy Kresge (evenings) 281-209-0204 or Heda Christ 281-440-7321

Thank You in Advance!!!
Judy Kresge

Scasny Funeral Arrangements

Grace A. Scasny
GRACE A. SCASNY, 2 1/2 years old, passed away after valiantly fighting Neuroblastoma cancer for 9 months, our Gracie left us to be with Jesus on October 7, 2006 in Houston, Texas. She leaves behind heartbroken parents: Rebecca and Scott, beloved big sister: Serena, grandparents: Leslie and Glendina Robertson, Patricia Loar and Susan Scasny; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins in Houston, Milwaukee and Las Vegas. Visitation will be held from 5:00PM-8:00PM, Monday, October 9, 2006 at Klein Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 10:00AM, Tuesday, October 10, 2006 at Klein Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Klein Memorial Park, Klein, Texas.
Reception will follow at Hosanna Lutheran.

You may leave a message at the Chronicle website Guestbook

Contributions may be made to Grace Scasny Memorial Fund. Forever loved and forever in our hearts, we will miss you, sweet angel, our Amazing Grace.

Death of Grace Scasny

From Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish communications: Pastor Tart notified me that young Grace Scasny passed away Saturday morning. Final arrangements have not been made, but her memorial service is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, October 10 @ 10 am, at Klein Funeral Home in Tomball. Visitation (again tentative) will be Monday evening (time unknown as yet). Following the memorial service, a reception will be held at Hosanna. I will post updates to this blog when I know more information, hopefully Sunday evening. Also look for an Email labeled "Hosanna Emergency Notification." Nita Auer and I will be calling those without computer access.

Keep the Scasny's in your prayers.

Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes,
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies,
Heaven's morning breaks and earth's vain shadows flee,
Help of the helpless, Lord, abide with me.

Care Pages

I want to encourage everyone to check the Carepages on our website for updates concerning our shutins and those in crisis. The Carepages are a wonderful way for you to discover how to care for these people who need us. Updates are being made on a regular basis. Please make it a regular practice to check them. Thank you! God bless – Pastor Tart

CREW Garage Sale

Just a short update. If you would like to donate items to the garage sale and can hold onto them for awhile please do so. You may make drop offs the week of Oct 16th. If you are unable to wait contact Athena Friday-Black for drop off info. Thank you.

Hosanna Pumpkin Patch

Hey everyone, it is that time of year....pumpkins. The CREW has been asked to have the pumpkin patch again. This was a great addition to our Fall Festival last year and is a lot of fun. But...it is also a lot of work. We are looking for your help. The patch will open October 15th, Monday thru Friday from 3-8 pm and then Sat and Sun 12-8. If you have the time we would love for you to volunteer for a shift. All money raised supports the CREW mission trip to the Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission in Arizona. There will be sign up form in the narthex this Sunday. Look for a CREW kid and lend a hand. Thank you!

The following is from Mr. Carl Hilt, member of Lutheran Church of the Galilean in LaPlace, LA (a town near New Orleans) and President of the East Jefferson-River Parishes Thrivent Chapter. It highlights one of the continuing needs in the New Orleans area – school supplies. If you can help, please contact Mr. Hilt at chartist@rtconline.com.

+ Peace +
Pastor Rob Moore

Assistant to the Bishop/Mission Director

TX-LA Gulf Coast Synod, ELCA

www.gulfcoastsynod.org



<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>



AS MANY OF YOU ARE AWARE ST. BERNARD PARISH, SOUTHEAST OF NEW ORLEANS, WAS HIT EXTREMELY HARD BY HURRICANE KATRINA. RECENTLY, THERE WAS AN EMAILED REQUEST THAT CAME OUT THROUGH OUR REGIONAL THRIVENT OFFICE THAT THE ST. BERNARD SCHOOL SYSTEM WAS IN DESPERATE NEED OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR THEIR STUDENTS. THEY ARE IN NEED OF ONE INCH BINDERS, FIVE SECTION DIVIDERS, AND LOOSE-LEAF PAPER.



I PERSONALLY TALKED WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT COORDINATOR AND EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE RECEIVED SOME OF WHAT THEY NEED. THEY ARE STILL IN NEED OF ALL THE ABOVE MENTIONED ITEMS. THERE ARE STILL MORE SCHOOLS TO BE OPENED AND WITH MORE FOLKS STILL COMING HOME - THE NEED KEEPS GROWING. THEY CURRENTLY HAVE APPROXIMATELY 1,700 STUDENTS ENROLLED. IN ADDITION, NONE OF THE MAJOR STORES...WALMART, K-MART, OFFICE DEPOT, ETC. HAVE RETURNED...SO THERE IS NO PLACE FOR FAMILIES TO BUY THESE ITEMS WITHOUT COMING TO SLIDELL, METAIRIE, OR KENNER.



BY THIS EMAIL, I'M ASKING FOR YOU TO CONSIDER PROMOTING THIS NEED WITHIN YOUR LOCAL CHURCHES. OUR THRIVENT CHAPTER THIS PAST SATURDAY AGREED TO HELP WITH THIS NEED PROMOTING IT WITHIN OUR LOCAL CHURCHES. IF YOU DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS NEED - PLEASE CONTACT ME - WE'RE TRYING TO SETUP ONE RECEIVING POINT AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT INDICATED THEY COULD HAVE THE SUPPLIES PICKED UP.



IF ANY QUESTIONS, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CALL ME.



THANKS. GOD BLESS!



Carl Hilt / President / East Jefferson - River Parishes Thrivent Chapter
270 St. Andrews Blvd.
LaPlace, LA 70068
Phone: 985-652-8615
Cell: 985-287-1387
FAX: 985-359-0873
Email: chartist@rtconline.com

CREW garage sale information

I am asking for anyone who is willing to help in anyway. With that in mind, feel free to forward this information to anywhere, anyone, anything to help spread the word.



The High School kids (CREW) at Hosanna Lutheran Church are holding a fundraiser as a service project to raise money for the families of cancer.

There are many families currently battling this monster. To honor these families, their children, and to raise awareness the CREW will host a garage sale on October 21, 2006 (8am-2pm) at Hosanna Lutheran Church. All monies raised will:
Buy Christmas gifts for the children and siblings at Texas Children’s who are battling cancer (approximately 36 rooms).
Buy gift cards for the families from restaurants who will deliver to Texas Children’s Hospital.
Buy 5 day parking passes for the families.
Purchase something for the Ronald McDonalds Family Room in Grace Scasny’s name.
All additional money will be sent to The Ronald McDonald House at Texas Children’s Hospital.

This event is very dear to our congregation since both Alex Black and Grace Scasny were diagnosed with neuroblastoma. Tragically, Grace is coming to the end of her journey waiting to earn her angel wings.


Our goal is to raise $4000 and we are asking for your help. The CREW sponsors will be leading this event and any items you can donate will be greatly appreciated. If you have any way of publicizing this event please contact Athena Friday-Black. If you would like to help the day of the sale please let us know.



The CREW will distribute these gifts on December 23rd along with the parking passes and gift cards at Texas Children's Hospital to bring a little holiday spirit and cheer to an otherwise joyless time. Panerra Bread is graciously providing lunch for all the families at the hospital. Thrivent Financial will be providing matching funds. We are very excited about this event and hope you will find time to help in some way.



If you have questions or would like to make donations please contact Athena @ athenafridayblack@sbcglobal.net or 281-355-0036.

Housekeeping

We have some students in our ESL classes looking for housekeeping work. If you are interested or know of someone, contact the church office.

Synod Question for October

We are in a year of transition in our synod as we prepare for the election of a new bishop in June. The synod leadership is asking all the congregations to discuss and submit responses to a monthly question. Hosanna has started an online blog for us to respond to these questions. The question for October is "As we seek to discern where God is calling and leading us as a synod in the next six years, what should be our strategy for "passing on the faith" to the next generations and to the young persons who've not yet reached the age of 40?" The blog address is http://synodquestions.blogspot.com. Just add your comment to the question.
I want to encourage all the membership to take some time and share your thoughts.
You may also write your answers and send them to the church office or email them to Pastor Tart (david.tart@welcometohosanna.com)

Hey everyone! I wanted to update you on this week's activities for some of our youth. Akaloo is in full swing. So far the teachers and students are having a great time. Welcome to the new high school teachers Brach, Dolores and Eric. Thanks for your time. I will meet with confirmation on Wed. at 7 pm. We will spend this evening just getting to know each other. CREW will have breakfast at Denny's at 9:30 am on Sunday and then meet that night for a parent meeting at 6 and then week 2 of of Finances for Teens at 7. This class is great and I would love for each high school kid to attend. If you have questions please email. Thanks again to everyone for you gifts and your time. See you around - Amber

Pastoral Care Assistant Position

For the past 3 months Jo Oddo, a licensed Lay Chaplain, Parish Worker and Hosanna member, and I have been talking with each other and working with Staff Support and recently the Care Team to create a volunteer position that would assist me in organizing and aiding in the care of our homebound and those in some kind of distress. The position has evolved into a wonderful ministry that is enhancing how we care for others.
We all can be very grateful for Jo offering herself to this ministry. Jo and I meet on a regular basis to review the pastoral care needs of the church and organize our response. She will help in record keeping, providing resources, and insuring that no one is missed. She will also be doing visiting and eventually bringing communion in addition to my own visiting and home communions. In no way is she replacing my visitation ministry. She has office space in the workroom and can be reached at the 106 extension on our office phone system. She also has an email address of Jo@welcometohosanna.com
I want to invite the member to support Jo in this ministry. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. –Pastor Tart

Pastor's Discretionary Fund

The Pastor’s Discretionary Fund is a fund that I control to support special needs and projects related the ministry of Hosanna Lutheran. Some of these needs can be financial difficulty of members, and sometimes they are special projects associated with one of our ministries.
The staff support team and care team has asked me to provide funds for the expenses of our volunteer Pastoral Care Assistant, Jo Oddo. These expenses include office and mileage.
I am also partially supporting financially the English as Second Language teacher, Valaria Islam,
These two projects have put added pressure on the fund. I would like to invite the members of Hosanna to join Kathryn and I in supporting these two worthy causes. I would very much appreciate any contributions. The total I would like to raise is around $900.00. If you would like to contribute, mark an envelope, “Pastor’s Discretionary Fund” and place in the offering plate or mail it to the church office. Thank you and God bless!

From the Council President, Jeff Hartmann

Dear Friends in Christ,

Fall is here and we are back in full swing at Hosanna. September 10 was a big day here. First, we held an exciting and successful Rally Day for our new Akaloo, computer assisted, Sunday School program. Many thanks to the Welshons for the laptop used by the Sunday School. That afternoon, we conducted our first Congregational Meeting with the new Council. Though we have sometimes struggled to achieve a quorum for these meetings, there was no such struggle this time as well over 60 members attended as well as several guests and visitors. Thanks go out to “Growing Hosanna” for such great hospitality and such a great meal! My own daughter was one of the lucky winners of a door prizes and now “Bob” the Beta is a valued member of our family. The vote to increase our commitment to youth and family ministry was a “Leap of Faith” that provides us another challenge to face together.
The first Council meeting of the fall was a long and productive one. This Council looks forward to working and growing together. We are working to improve communication with each other and with the congregation. As technology increases, it seems that too many options can actually decrease communication. These issues will be ironed out. Care is a priority issue for this quarter. On the heels of Pastor Tart’s sermon on the Prosperity Gospel preached in some churches, we think of Hosanna’s great history of helping and giving. This is a great part of what we are and we will continue to be a caring congregation.
Finally, Thank You, the Congregation of Hosanna Lutheran Church for the opportunity to serve. I look forward to all of the opportunities that this job presents. Please let me know all your cares and concerns. Together we make Hosanna great.

Jeff Hartmann
Congreation Council President 9/2006

Mentoring Sunday by Gay and Ann

This Sunday, September 24, Hosanna recognizes youth in grades five through nine as they begin the process or in many cases continue their learning process of serving in worship. Nita Auer is training the 5th graders in the art of Christian hospitality as they stand with her and greet people at the entrance to the church. Beth Chaney will teach the 6th graders about bringing the gifts of bread and wine forward at the time of the offertory. Tripp and Pam Smith and Barbara Sorensen and Jim Sales will mentor the 7th graders in one of the oldest forms of service, that of ushering. Jean Waldo is mentor to the 8th graders as they learn the importance of being a communion assistant. Kathy Byrd mentors the 9th grade students in the sacred task of reading the lessons to the congregation. The young people will be scheduled during the year perform the duties with their mentor. In May, they will receive special recognition for having completed their study.

Also, during worship, the Hosanna Carolers will join the adult choir in singing that lovely hymn "Jesus Loves Me." Their director, Shelly Gunhouse, trains their voices, encourages their instrumental playing and helps them understand that they are instruments of God's word.

Our prayer is that our young people will come away from their experience at Hosanna understanding better what it means to be a priest in the priest hood of believers and that they see their leadership in worship as a profoundly sacred act as they help the congregation worship God. The Spiritual Life Team believes that the children will grow in faith as they learn to do their tasks with reverence and with joy in serving Christ, in whom they have been baptized.

Grace and Peace,

Cantor Gay, associate in ministry

Ann Hartmann, Spiritual Life Team Mentor Leader

A Sincere Thank You

I would like to let the congregation know how truly flattered I was by the show of support at the congregational meeting on Sunday, Sept. 10. I have always felt blessed to have been guided into this position. It is my hope that the increase in hours will be an assett to all members of Hosanna. I have a true passion for youth ministry and hope you will all be pleased with Phase II of Youth & Family Ministry at Hosanna. Thank you so much for the opportunities you have given me. Peace & Blessings - Amber

Family Life Ministry Increase

Our congregation voted overwhelming to increase the hours and pay for our family life minister by $750.00 per month at our meeting on Sept 10. Many people made some very passionate speeches about the importance of building up this ministry of serving families and the youth of our congregation and community. In order to accomplish this expansion we will need everyone’s financial support. As stewards of God’s many and abundant blessings, we hope all of us will rally in supporting this effort by offering “what Christ first offered us, ourselves, our time and possessions, all signs of God’s gracious love”. -Pastor Tart

Bishop's Questions

In June of 07 our synod will be electing a new bishop to lead our congregations in the Gulf Coast region. A special transition committee is leading us in a process that will lead up to this election. They will be asking congregations and councils a series of questions that will aim at focusing our election on issues our synod is facing. I have created a blog where members/council members can share their answers. I invite you to post your ideas and thoughts. Synod Questions

Wurstfest Trip, November 4

It's time for our annual trip to the Wurstfest in New Braunfels. We will leave on Saturday, November 4 from the church parking lot at 8:00 and return by 9:00 that evening. If you are interested in going, contact Pastor Tart

Thoughts that Seem Important-Pastor Tart

As we this past week experienced again the great tragedy of Sept 11, we are forced to once again deal with the question of why does God allow such hatred in the world. How can it be that on the doomed airplanes there were the terrorists giving glory to “Allah” and passengers pleading for mercy and protection from Jesus? We find in this event the great extremes of religion. On one hand, we have religion at its best and on the other hand, religion at is worse. We have people finding comfort and courage in the face of unspeakable horror and we have people inspired by a twisted version of their religion committing an act of murder and hatred.
As we remember this tragedy and the many others around the world, (Darfur for example) we remember that at the heart of our Christian faith is our belief in Jesus who suffers for the sake of the world. We come to these events knowing that in the midst of things we can’t understand, we trust the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins and the hope of eternal life. Jesus must suffer the cross to free us from violence and hatred. He must suffer the loneliness and isolation of the Christ to show is that we are never alone.
One of the pictures of Sept 11 that I will always remember is the Cross planted firm in the rubble. The towers fell, but the cross was raised. Hatred collapsed the buildings and fell planes from the sky, but God lifted up love and triumphed over it all.
This is our faith.

Remember: He must suffer
Pastor Tart

October Family Life Update

Hey Guys! Here is what you can expect to see in October at Hosanna:

CREW:
On Sunday, Oct 1 we will have our yearly parent meeting. Please ask your parents to come to CREW Sunday night for the first hour. We will go over all retreats and fundraisers planned for this school year. This is an important date.
Let's have breakfast at Denny's on Sunday, Oct 1 at 9:30. meet in CREW room if you need a ride.
The pumpkins arrive on Sat. Oct 14 at 3 pm. We need you to be here to help unload and set up. Remember, the patch can't run without your help.
Our 1st annual CREW garage sale will be Sat, Oct 21. Athena Friday-Black is in charge of this event. All $ raised will buy gifts for the children and families on the cancer floor at Tx. Children's Hospital. This is a cause very close to Hosanna's heart. Please support us by making donations

Confirmation:
We meet on Wed., Oct. 25. How about some rock climbing at Stone Moves?! Meet me there at 6:30 to climb. Cost is $10/per person.

Sunday School:
Kuddos to our Sunday school kids. They raised over $700 this past year. 1/2 of the $ raised will send a girl in Africa to school and the other 1/2 was sent to Lutherhill to scholarship future campers. Thanks guys for this great work!
Akaloo: we are still signing people up for this great curriculum. If you have questions or want some training just see Amber.

Akaloo Rally Day

Hey guys, just wanted to remind you of Akaloo Rally day Sept 10. We will have computers available for your usage. Come and see how great our new interactive curriculum is.

Sunday School Teachers Needed

Sunday School begins Sept. 10 and we are still short a few teachers. We are looking for 2 people to team teach ages 2-3. We also need 1-2 high school teachers and a substitute for 5th-6th graders. This years curriculum is new, easy to use, and exciting. Please consider this opportunity and contact Amber Walker, Warren Escovy or Warren White if interested. Thanks.

LYO Ministry Team Leaders

Hosanna has 9 high school youth who are serving on LYO this school year. These youth plan and lead all retreats offered to youth by the synod. They are: Abby Brown, Christine Carter, Marquette Henderson, Evan Haight, Jacob Romijn, Caty Oden, Laura Greer, CJ Welshons, and Mark Moore. Hosanna can be proud that these youth represent our church. We wish them luck. Please keep them in your prayers as they travel to Lutherhill this weekend for training.

Family Life news for September

Hey Everyone. Here is what's going on with Family Life for September:
CREW, welcome back you guys. Come join us for rally day on Sep. 10. Then let's meet that night at 5 at Free Birds on 1960 @ Cutten for dinner. After we will walk down to Stone Moves and do some rock climbing at 6. Cost is $10 for dinner and $10 for Stone Moves. On Sep 17 let's meet at Denny's for breakfast. Meet in the Sunday School room and we will ride together. Beginning Sep. 24 CREW will begin a 6 week bible study on stewardship and finances for teenages. This is a great course you will really enjoy. See you there.

Sunday School Rally day is Sep 10. Come see how great Akaloo is. Try it out for yourself. We will have computer stations and snacks. Be sure to stop by and say hello to your new teacher!

Confirmation: See you on the 27th @ 7. Bring a snack to share and let's get to know each other!

Our Third Quarter Ministry Priorities

Dear Fellow Saints of God Called to Serve, Praise and Grow:

Your leadership is very grateful for our accomplishments of the first half of 2006. We are glad to announce that we met all our ministry and mission priorities! We accomplished this by using the money given in 2005 plus your donations in 2006. (See the enclosed balance sheet) The 2nd quarter priorities that were fully funded were: (rounded off)
1. $9600 for Utilities and insurance
2. $54609 for Staff Support that included salaries, synod assembly expenses, benefits and administrative expenses
3. $4800 for our support of Synod Benevolence
4. $1592 for our Stewardship Team that included repairs to the air conditioning system.
5. $1117 for our Spiritual Life Ministry that included instrument maintenance, music, Easter Services and publications
6 $4661 for our Discipleship Ministries that included subsidies for our children’s summer camping, National Youth Gathering, adult education and Sunday School
7 $1092 for our Lay Leadership Ministry that included sending 3 voting members to the synod assembly
8. $1241 for our Care Ministries that included $1000.00 to NAM and Interfaith Care Partners
9. $ 5000.00 for our From the Heart Appeal (this is a reimbursable expense from the appeal funds)

We want to thank you for your commitment to working together as the people of God to do God’s work. Without your support we could not have done all of this.

Now we turn to the next quarter(July-September) and we see the challenge ahead of us. We are confident based on past and current giving patterns that we can fund our top four priorities. These are:
1. Our facilities maintenance needs. This we estimate to be $16390 and includes insurance, utilities, and minor repair for the air conditioning system.
2. Our staff support. We estimate that this, including office administration, will cost about $51,000. This budget supports two full time people with benefits and 6 part-time with no benefits.
3. Our support of the synod of $4800.00
4. Our discipleship ministries: It is vital that we plan on spending $3756 for Sunday School and confirmation curriculum for the coming 06-07 year. We are converting to new on-line program published by Augsburg-Fortress that will reduce costs in this area and provide more resources for teachers and students. The discipleship team is very excited about what this program can do for our community’s growth in faith.

These next priorities are also important, but their accomplishment will depend on how we respond with our personal stewardship. The formula is very simple, The more we give, the more of God’s work we are able to do. We give not out of pressure, but because we see the vision and want the joy of seeing these visions become reality. We also understand how God richly blesses us and we share this abundance with others.
The next priorities are:
5. Care. $900.00. This includes support of NAM and other local social ministries
6. Lay Leadership. $400.00, This includes funds for recognition and support of our Lay Leadership and meal at our September 10 congregation meeting.
7. Spiritual Life. $600 This includes money for music and altar guild supplies.
8. Stewardship- $3026 for cleaning of Ministry Center Carpets, nave and sanctuary chairs. $7600 for resealing of our parking lot.

We thank you in advance for joining us in giving inorder to meet all the priories for this next quarter. We look forward to sharing with you in the next mailing how well we responded to God’s call. We are honored to be your leaders and serve to do our best to move our congregation forward.

We also want to continue to thank all those who give their time and prayers to the work of our congregation. This is just as vital as the giving of our financial blessings.

Grace and Peace,

Your Council Leadership

Agenda for Congregation Meal and Meeting, Sept 10 12:30

• Building/ Mortgage Financial Report -- George Carlson
• From the Heart Appeal Report-- Gary Hellner
• Financial Report -- Finance Team
• Proposal to increase Family Life Minister's hours to 30 hours a week and pay by $750.00 per month--- Staff Support and Discipleship
• Approval of changes of bylaw and constitution changes as sent to the congregation (see website calendar for Sept 10 congregation meeting)- Nancy Agafitei
• election of secretary, Maureen Kennedy,- Lay Leadership
• election of financial secretary-nominations are open - Lay Leadership
• Recognitions- Lay Leadership
• Installation of our new officers and team leaders . - Pastor Tart
• Parents and Educator Advocating for Children and Educators - Pastor Tart
(P.E.A.C.E) project is an after school program for Bammel Middle School. Hosanna has been invited to adopt Bammel as target ministry and to offer support to this program managed by the YMCA. We are being asked to provide representatives to the oversight council and to offer community support. Earl Kemper has agreed to represent the congregation on this committee.
• For the Good of the Church- Pastor Tart

Thoughts that seem important

This past week I received this email from our churchwide Bishop, Mark Hanson. I found it meaningful and want to share it with you. In particular, I liked the part about the challenge to stay faithful to our proclamation of the cross and Jesus, crucified and risen. He asks some very good questions of us.
I also would like to talk to him about who has the best call. I think I could win the debate.
From Bishop Mark Hanson:
Grace and peace to you. As we move out of summer into the busier schedules of fall, I have been thinking about what an intriguing time it is to be in ministry. At a recent synod assembly, I commented that I think I might have the best call in this church, for I am privileged to see what the Holy Spirit is doing through the faith lives of ELCA members and through ELCA ministries. The response to my statement was a bit surprising, but wonderful to experience: pastors and lay rostered leaders spontaneously lined up to challenge me. They wanted to tell me why theirs is the best call in this church.

I share that experience not to foster a greater spirit of competition among us. In fact, I have heard many of you describe the challenge of serving in a religious marketplace that is both competitive and consumer-oriented and in a culture that seems both fractious and polarized. Such conditions can lead to a feeling of isolation and discouragement in ministry. It is, therefore, a great sign of hope for this church to hear the stories of those who proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, who are grounded in the strong theological themes of the ongoing Lutheran Reformation, who delight in seeing members deepen their lives of discipleship, who are imaginative as their ministries are shaped by changing contexts, who are energized by teaching and working with youth and families, and who are renewed by the Holy Spirit in their lives of prayer, conversation, and reflection.

In July, the ELCA Church Council held a retreat that focused on one of the churchwide organization's strategic directions: "Support congregations in their call to be faithful, welcoming, and generous, sharing the mind of Christ." Kenneth Inskeep, ELCA director for research and evaluation, shared a very helpful overview of ELCA membership and congregations, and comparable information about other religious bodies in the United States.

ELCA teaching theologian James Nieman of Hartford Seminary suggested that in light of membership losses, we might think the primary questions are, "Will we survive this decline? Can we ever make our impact felt again?" He argued that these are neither the principal challenges nor our most pertinent issues.

Nieman contends that the most pressing questions are, "What shall we proclaim? How shall we support our mutual work?" Thus the underlying challenge is theological: what we proclaim as church in mission. He said, "If we long merely for survival and influence, we will abandon solidarity with the margins, lose our distinctive voice, and foster disconnection and fragmentation."

Think about the core language of the church that describes God's encounter with us, and shapes the patterns of faithful life and work in and beyond the church. For Lutherans, that story is centered in the living Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ, crucified and risen. Through the gospel, the Holy Spirit brings us to faith and gives us gifts for ministry. In a culture preoccupied with success, it is a theology of the cross that must continue to shape our identity and mission.

Nieman expanded upon four "distinctive and potent ways" we can contribute to the mission of this church:

Reframing the tools: move past accountability based on direct measures (numbers, trends, finances) to focus on the formation of what Nieman calls "faithful character" in congregations.
Remembering small congregations: small size does not mean low vitality; there is a distinctive voice of the small congregation in the larger ecology of the church.
Rethinking larger congregations: 28 percent of ELCA congregations are growing in membership. What do reciprocal relationships between congregations of various sizes look like in this interdependent church engaged in God's mission?
Reclaiming our testimony: how might all the baptized be encouraged to share daily the story of who they are in light of God's grace and mercy in Christ Jesus?
How do we together discern what God is doing so that we might give faithful witness to it?
There's no need to debate who has the best call. Rather, we can encourage each another, pray for each other, listen to each other, and see our calls as shared calls to ministries of Word and Sacrament and Word and Service. I thank God for each of you in your ministries, whether in congregations, in specialized settings, or in retirement and share this blessing from the rite of installation with you: "(May) the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in you that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Remember: Stay faithful to the proclamation

Annual Staff Appraisals

During the month of August and until the middle of September, the staff support team encourages the congregation to provide written comments on the job performance of all paid staff. These comments will help prepare an objective job performance appraisal. Comments on all paid staff, with the exception of the Pastor Tart, can be sent to Pastor Tart at the office or his email address david.tart@welcometohosanna.com. Comments on the Pastor Tart will be sent to George Carlson at Georgelcarlsontx@aol.com or by mail to his address at 1518 Anvil Drive
Houston, TX 77090

Jeong Soo podcast to her parents in Korea

Radio Hosanna Live From Camp Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna, Lutherhill Cabin Leaders Interview

Confirmation to begin.

Our confirmation program will be starting with a 06-07 orientation meeting on August 16 at 7:00. The program is for all 7th and 8th graders. The program is open to non-members. Parents and students need to attend this orientation. Manager this year is Bernie Brown

Thoughts that seem important by Pastor David Tart

I am writing this article from at Camp Lutherhill near La Grange. I am here with 16 of our young people. I hope that you have been enjoying the “live” evening broadcasts of them sharing their day on our “cyberline blog”. What a delight it has been to see them having fun and learning about the awesome love of God. As a retired summer camp worker I find great satisfaction in watching children enjoy what other children have enjoyed through the years. The magic of Bible Camp lasts from generation to generation.

The teaching theme for this week is “Jesus Meets Us”. We have been learning how Jesus meets us in the outstretched hands of others. He meets us when two different people find unity. He meets us whenever compassion for others appears in our lives. We are trying to impress upon the children to find times during the day to see how Jesus meets them. Jesus is with us not in some mystical and mysterious way, but in the love that is always being shared.

An important focus for us to find this Jesus who meets us is the gift of being in the present. So often we are thinking about other things that we fail to see the Jesus who comes to us in the moment. So many worries and anxieties can distract us from seeing the Jesus who meets us in a kindness shown to us. Also, we can also miss opportunities for Jesus to meet others through us by our own actions and words. We all need to open our eyes to the Jesus who meets us and to open our eyes for opportunities for others to meet Jesus through us. We repeat a little litany to each other at camp. Someone asks, “Where are you?” and the other responds, “I am right here and right now.”

Remember: Be here right now

Radio Hosanna Live from Camp Lutherhill

Radio Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Radio Hosanna Broadcast live from Lutherhill

Westfield Outreach Offers English as a second language classes at Hosanna

Being unable to understand and speak English is a serious handicap in our society. Without the necessary English skills one is limited in job opportunities, unable to support his or her children’s education and unable to participate in much of the culture. Westfield Outreach, in discussion with Spring ISD, discovered a significant population in our area in need of these classes. Valeria Islam, an associate member of Hosanna, is an experienced English as a Second Language teacher that has offered to teach these classes at Hosanna. She will recruit and teach a class in our facilities beginning in July.
She will be paid from tuition fees and Westfield Outreach funds.

Hosanna Hurricane Prepardness

Hurricane season is upon us and we need to “be prepared” just in case for a storm. I hope that you are putting together a plan for what you are going to do. There are many resources that you can make use of and I urge you to use them in your planning.
I am going to stay home to be available to evacuees and members unless the authorities tell me to leave.
Hosanna is open to church members and friends for overnight and emergency shelter. Our main support and coordination will be local Red Cross approved centers. We also will be working with NAM to coordinate local relief.
We will communicate through the web and answering machine as long as electricity allows it and if the power goes down, notices will be placed on the front door and outdoor sign. The notice will have information about who to contact, service times, and resources.
I will coordinate with the care team in responding to the event. –Pastor Tart

Thank you from Pastor Tart

I want to thank everyone for their concern on the loss of my great aunt and godmother,  Margaret Nauert. She was an incredible lady and I was very close to her. Fortunately I was able to spend some significant time with her the Monday before she passed away. It was one of those beautiful moments when we shared our love for each other and  how  good God has been to us.  She was a great model of faith for me and her love of the Lutheran church was deep and abiding. She lived a wonderful 94 years and taught me much about my roots in the German community of Fredericksburg. (Believe it or not my great grandfather was a blacksmith from Luekenbach, Texas, the town made famous by the song, “Let’s go to Luekenbach, Texas”.)  As St. Paul says in the book of Hebrews, “We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses” and my aunt Margaret is  most definitely  in my great cloud. –Pastor Tart

Grace Scasny update June 13

Grace is now home. She had to spend an extra week in the hospital due to an infection. Scott reports that all looks positive and her attitude is good.  Continue to support this family with your prayers and love. –Pastor Tart

Congratulations to Mel and Glenda Spence

Congratulations to Mel and Glenda Spence on the birth of another granddaughter, Campbell Elizabeth Hardin. Parents are Kate and Peter Hardin. She was born 6-9-06 and weighed 7.05 lbs.

assembly voting members

We want to thank our assembly voting members, Lorraine Moore, Terri Albin and Darryl Brown for sharing their time at assembly in Sugarland. The assembly went well and the speakers were inspirational. For highlights of the assembly visit the gulf coast synod highlights http://www.gulfcoastsynod.org/assembly2006.htm  

Vacation Bible School Thanks

We want to express our thanks to Amber Walker, Athena Friday-Black,  Brenda Heinrich and all those who supported and led our “Gospel Express” Vacation Bible School. Over 25 kids had a great time with games, stories and crafts.

Bar-b-que invitation

Sonyetta and Emile Bailey-Brisborn invite members of Hosanna to a bar-b-que at their home this Sunday, June 18th after the 11:00 service. The meal is in honor of father’s day and their 2nd anniversary. Call the church office for their address and phone number.

Thoughts that seem important

Thoughts that seem important:
Sunday, June 18, we will hear one of Jesus’ parables about seeds and faith. He compares faith to a farmer casting seed on the ground, letting the seed grow with no effort on his or her part and then collecting the harvest.  As often is the case, this story is a beautiful illustration of our Lutheran understanding of faith development. Our faith is not something that we decide to have. Faith is not something that we have to prove to God or others. No, faith comes from the power of the Holy Spirit working in us through our hearing God’s wonderful Word. The word is the seed that is cast upon our lives and God through the Holy Spirit uses this seed to bring about the gift and fruit of faith.  
This has implications for our spiritual journey. First, faith as a gift of work of God, expresses itself when faith is ready to express itself. Our faith, that is our trusting of God, is something that will appear when it is ready to appear. It might appear in a hotel room while reading a Gideon Bible. It might appear while kneeling at an altar rail. Faith might appear when a sermon is heard. Faith might appear when a hymn is sung. Faith just shows up like a flower that sudden appears out of nowhere. Thus, we are patient with ourselves and keep ourselves immersed in God’s Word.
Our second implication for faith as gift and work of God is that it allows us to be patient with others. When we reap the harvest of faith and enjoy the blessings of peace, hope and courage that faith brings us, we want everyone to have it. We especially can long for friends and relatives to have this kind of faith. Yet this story teaches us that everyone is on their own faith journey and faith will appear when it is ready to appear. Just as we can’t make a plant grow, so we can’t make faith grow in others.  All we can do is cast the seed and respect each and everyone’s own unique relationship with God.  We are just casters of the seed. God does the growing.
Remember: Faith is a gift and work of God.     –Pastor Tart

Hosanna Cyberline - June 11, 2006

Hello on this rather humid Friday. Stay cool.

Some necessary things:

I was informed Tuesday that Hosanna's IHN week starts THIS COMING SUNDAY, JUNE 11 AND ENDS SUNDAY, JUNE 18. I know this is very short notice. All the usual things need to be done: move beds, prepare rooms, fix meals, etc. There is no time for a sign up sheet. Call Nickie Brooks (if she hasn't already contacted you) if you can help. I did hear at lunch Wednesday afternoon that a number of people were planning to make sloppy joes for at least one meal. I also understand there will be 4 families. Here's more advance notice of our next IHN weeks: September 17-24 and December 24-31 (Christmas week!)

The past couple Sundays different people told me that they really appreciate me including a link to the weekly newsletter on the Cyberline. This week's edition has information on Senior's events for June and July, the Women's lunch on June 15 and our own Dick and Betty Campbell being named Habitat for Humanity volunteers of the month for May. Here is the link so you can read all about it.

June 11 edition of "This Week at Hosanna": href=http://www.WELCOMETOHOSANNA.COM/weekly_news.pdf

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING ARTICLES FOR THE JULY HOTLINE IS FRIDAY, JUNE 16.

Don't forget to check out the audio postings on this blog. Look for the grey boxes captioned: "Play this audio post."

Summer Sunday School, "Fly Air Hosanna to Israel": We had another good session last Sunday. I stated then that we will be heading to Nazareth this coming Sunday, but I decided to stay in the Bethlehem area to show the kids the place called Shepherds Fields at a Beit Sahour, a Bethlehem suburb. We will also discuss whether or not Jesus was actually born in a stable. Read Luke's account (chapter 2) very carefully. You will see that a stable is never mentioned. We'll be discussing "the rest of the story"(borrowing a line from Paul Harvey) this Sunday @ 9:30 AM. Adults are free to join us. You'll be surprised how much your children know.

By the way, a couple of the kids indicated they don't have Bibles. We need to get Bibles into the hands of all our children, encourage them to read them and discuss what they read together as a family.

ESL classes at Hosanna: for those who want to learn English or improve their English skills. Registration begins July 10; classes start in August 20, both day and evening hours. Refer to the July and August Calendars on the Hosanna website for full details: href=http://mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?ci=G1H2F0I3G1F0N8N8H2

Speaking of the Hosanna website, it's my turn to brag a little. On June 1 I was informed that our website was chosen as one of the top 10 (expended to 13) in the ELCA, judged by The Lutheran Magazine. Here is a link to the article to appear in the July issue: href=http://www.thelutheran.org/article/article.cfm?article_id=5942&key=35307362

The email I received informing me of the award included this notice:

"We’ve also created a one-year Web Premium membership at href=http://www.thelutheran.org
for use by your congregation. This is our highest membership level and includes access to every article published since 1996 and unlimited study guide downloads. Your login details are as follows:

username: hosanna
password: vonbora

Please feel free to share these login details throughout your congregation."

Enjoy these resources! You will also notice the special award graphic in the lower right corner of the website home page.

Monday, July 10 (time and place to be announced)... Lutherans in Houston will host the Al Raja Palestinian Folkloric Dance Troupe, made up of both Christians and Muslims from the Evangelical Lutheran School in Ramallah (just north of Jerusalem). You can see a video clip on the ELCA website: href=http://elca.org/peacenotwalls/alraja/index.html

Help is needed with publicity, meals, ticket sales and planning activities for members of the group. Contact TammieDanielsen:tammiedanielsen@yahoo.com

Weneed to support the Lutheran schools in Palestine, like those in Ramallah and Bethlehem. This is the only way Christians can spread the word of God and the saving message of God's grace through Jesus to these Arabic-speaking people. Christians are forbidden to go to the people with the gospel. But, if Palestinians voluntarily send their children to a Lutheran school we're free to tell them all about what Jesus did for us.

A repeat announcement, but it's important: S.O.S. (Surviving Over the Summer) Northwest Assistance Ministries (NAM) is in serious need of non-perishable food and money donations during the summer months. Stuff the NAM pantry in the Narthex full and place checks in the offering over the next three months.

A LITTLE (LUTHERAN) HUMOR:

You're undeniably Lutheran when...

....you only serve Jell-O in the proper liturgical color for the season.

....you didn't know chow mein noodles were a Chinese food.

....when someone mentions red and green (in connection with Christmas), you immediately think of a battle over hymnals.

....during worship you open your hymnal but never look down at it.

....during communion you hum the hymns so you can see who's at church that Sunday.

....you think Garrison Keillor's stories are totally factual.

....you have your wedding reception in the fellowship hall and feel guilty about not staying to help clean up.

....a midlife crisis means switching from the old hymnbook to the new one.

....you forget to put water in the baptismal font but never forget to put water in the coffee pot.

....the pastor skips the last hymn to make sure church lasts exactly 60 minutes.

....your choir believes volume is a fair substitute for tonality.

....peas in a tuna noodle casserole add too much color.

....you serve Jell-O as a vegetable.

....your biggest fund-raisers are bake sales instead of bingo.

....you can't have a meeting without having a meal (especially true at Hosanna).

....you refer to your trip to Minneapolis as a pilgrimage.

....all of your casserole dishes have your name on the bottom.

....you're willing to pay up to ONE DOLLAR for a meal at church.

....all your relatives graduated from a school named Concordia.

....you automatically sing 'Amen' at the end of every song you sing.

....you count coffee among the sacraments.

....you consume some form of Jell-O at every holiday meal.

....you don't question why your seat at church is called a pew.

Bye until next week. Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

From Pastor Tart for June 11

This Sunday, June 11, we will be begin using Marty Haugen’s “Feast and Celebration” liturgy. This is an “old favorite” of Hosanna. Gay informs me that we will be using it throughout the Summer.
We had a great Vacation Bible School week at Hosanna. We had over 25 children taking “The Gospel Express” train through different Bible Stories. Today we will be finishing up with a celebration that will include food and a moonwalk.
A huge thank you to the Vacation Bible School leadership, especially our Family Life Director, Amber Walker and the co VBS leader Brenda Heinrich. They also had a great supporting cast of young people and other adults.
I did the openings and lead a lunch time learning study of the Lord’s prayer with the Fall Confirmation group. Our project was a series of webpages on the Lord’s prayer. You can visit it at http://hosannaconfirmation.pbwiki.com
This Sunday we will be celebrating the baptism of Brooklyn Rangel and sending off our confirmation class to Camp Lutherhill.  Amber will be going with them. I am planning on taking the youngn’s and yearlings in July. If you have a 2-6 grader who would like to go, please give me a call. I think there is still room.
Be sure to read the IHN announcement. This came upon us as a surprise.
Care Concerns: We are not aware of anyone being in the hospital. I took home communion to our nursing home residents and they seem to be fine. Carmen S. has a cold, though.  
God Bless and I look forward to seeing you Sunday ---Pastor Tart