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.