Hospitalized update

Valerie Oden was hospitalized today at Memorial Herman in the Woodlands
Shirley Leach has gone home
Frances Perez has gone home
Evan Haight will have out patient surgery tommorrow

Augsburg-Fortress CEO and President, Beth Lewis contacts Hosanna

Beth Lewis contacted me this week to arrange a meeting with her to discuss Hosanna's use of Augsburg-Fortress' (the ELCA's publishing house) online resources and our website. She will be in Galveston with the Conference of Bishop's meeting and I will meet her there. This is a nice complement to the direction of our website and reveals Hosanna as one of the leading congregations in developing and using online resources. Congradulations to Dale B. and his work on our website.

The Lenten Journey to Holy Week Continues

Crown Him the Lord of Love” Lenten Series Continues

Note that we are meeting on Wednesdays this year. Schedule is 5:45 soup supper, 6:45 worship

We will be reading from a chapter of 1 John each week. I invite you to read the chapter of the week before worship. I will be using selected verses for my preaching text. The preaching themes for each week are as follows:
March 7: 1 John 2, “Abiding in Love for Others”
March 14: 1 John 3 “Living out of love”
March 21: 1 John 4 “The God of Love”
March 28: 1 John 5 “The Boldness of Love”

Thanks to the Sunday School Staff

We had a great meeting last Sunday morning. In all, Akaloo is a success and we will continue the online curriculum for next year. The teachers and leaders are doing a great job but they need your help. Our Sunday School program can not run without you. I would encourage every member, with and with out children, to pray and consider teaching a class next year. This could be such a great time for you. I promise that you will receive as much as you give. Our kids are great, but they need affirming adults who can walk beside them on their faith journey. If you are interested please see me and let's talk!

Family Life News for March

March is the quiet before the storm. There is not much going on this month, but get ready for April. We will be super busy next month, so enjoy the break!
CREW will not meet on Sunday, the 4th for evening bible studybut we will go to Dennys during the Sunday School hour.
On March 15th there will be a table set out with lists of VBS items to collect for this summer. We are hoping to get most of the items needed for crafts and games donated. Please consider taking a look at the list and contributing. Thank you.
I will meet with confirmation for the last time on Sunday, March 25 from 7-8. I will have something fun planned for you guys!

Edmunds Obituary

Robert Henry Edmunds

ROBERT HENRY EDMUNDS, age 87, passed away on February 22, 2007 in Houston, Texas. He is survived by his daughters, Nancy Agafitei & husband Petru and Mary Edmunds; son, Paul Edmunds & wife Tracy; grandchildren, Victor Agafitei, Kerry Blackmon & husband Jim, Courtney Brush & husband Jeremy; great granddaughter, Kylee Blackmon; brother, Howard Edmunds; a nephew and many nieces and friends. Visitation will be held Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Brookside Funeral Home Champions. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at Hosanna Lutheran Church, 16526 Ella Blvd., Houston, TX 77090 with Rev. David Tart officiating. Interment will be at First Lutheran Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hosanna Lutheran Church.

From Nancy A

The visitation at Brookside has been scheduled for 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Friday evening. The service will be at 11:00 on Saturday at Hosanna Lutheran Church. Dad will be flown to Illinois on Sunday morning. The burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois, on Tuesday at 1:00. Thanks to everyone who has supported us with their visits, and love and prayers during this time.

Bob Edmunds Passed Away

Bob Edmunds passed from death to life this morning. May the holy angels recieve him as he is reunited with those who have gone before him. The funeral will be on Saturday at 11:00 here at Hosanna. A visitiation is being planned for Friday. For more information contact the church office. -Pastor Tart

hospitalization update

Shirley Leach is still at Kingwood Hospital
Frances Perez was hospitalized at Methodist in the Texas Medical Center and should come home today
Bob Edmunds has been moved the The Hampton at Cypress Station- Pastor Tart

Latest on Bob Edmunds

On Monday evening, Bob was transported by ambulance from Heartland nursing home back to Houston Northwest Hospital, Room 686. He has been diagnosed with a very serious case of pneumonia. We are watching and waiting and praying

Spanish Evening Worship Hosts Needed

We are looking for hosts to assist with opening and closing the church, ushering and greeting on Saturdays from 5:30-7:15. We would like to have a group of about 6-10 people who can share in this responsibility. If you are interested, contact Pastor Tart or Cantor Gay.

Hospitalized Update

Shirley Leach is in Kingwood Hospital, rm 1122

Happy Birthday and Thanks to Dale Bargmann

This past Sunday, Feb 18, Dale celebrated a milestone birthday. I know he doesn't look it, but he turned 60! I want to share with you just how much Dale does for our church and the hours of dedicated service he shares with us. He is always helpful and many times goes beyond what is required to help in anyway possible. His service on our website has made it a premier website in the ELCA. He communicates diligently with the congregation though his cyberline email. He prepares the bulletin and newsletter. He covers office hours when asked to. He leads our Wednesday Bible study when I am unable to. He offers to lead Bible Studies in the evening. He prepares world renown online presentations about Martin Luther and the Holy Land. (We had a tour guide from Jerusalem contact us about how helpful his slide show of the city was.) He provides artwork for our sanctuary. He does all of this on a part time stipend.

On top of this he is kind and humble. His faith shines in his love of the church and doing work of our Lord Jesus Christ. He also takes care for his special needs stepson Garrett.
Thank you, Dale. You are a pleasure to work with and Hosanna is grateful for you. -Pastor Tart

HOSANNA LUTHERAN CHURCH THIRTIETH ANNUAL CONGREGATION MEETING

As there were not enough members present to qualify for a quorum, the following items were presented for information purposes only.

National Church Development was presented by Pastor Tart and President Jeff Hartmann. Pastor Tart began by explaining what NCD is and that it is a long, ongoing process that results in a healthier and better church. There will be a Health Team, chaired by Lorraine Moore. George Posey and Jo Oddo have already volunteered to be on that team. The Health Team will make decisions and the ELCA has already approved the process. There will be a Coach, (outside observer) who will monitor the process and lead us in a forward motion. The process will consist of written surveys. These surveys will be given to 30 randomly selected, active, confirmed members. There will be more than one survey and each survey costs $200.00 for the 30 member team. Data from these surveys will be used to make recommendations for a better church. With each new survey, 30 different members will be chosen to participate. As was mentioned before, this is an ongoing process that will take years to complete.

Finance Team Leader, Ed Williams, discussed the Finance Report that was contained in the meeting packet..

A surprise presentation was made to Jo Oddo by Pastor Tart. Pastor Tart presented Jo with Carmine Stahl’s Communion Kit to use in her ministry. Carmine wanted to give the kit to Jo in appreciation of her continued devotion to her ministry both to him and to Mary Lou as well as other members of the congregation. Jo was speechless at first but was able to address the congregation with a very interesting and entertaining message. She started out with the question, “Is it I Lord?” with regard to how she started out on this special path that she has chosen in her ministry to Hosanna. She assured the members that any and all discussions that are held in her visits are kept completely confidential and that Pastor Tart is the only other person involved in this care.

For the Good of the Church – Pastor Erbey Gonzales spoke on the proposal to have a Spanish Saturday Evening Service. Pastor Erbey spoke at length on the Ministry that will be the Spanish and Bi-Lingual services. The first service in Spanish will be held on the last Saturday in February at 6:00 pm. There will also be Bi-Lingual services, e.g. Easter Vigil, for the purpose of bringing everyone together. There is funding in place for six months from a grant but at some point in time, Hosanna will take ownership of this ministry. There is a plan to form a Host Team of six (6) people to open up the church on Saturdays and to stay around to welcome and assist.

Pastor Gonzales was followed by Pastor Roberto Navarro, a retired Pastor who also related the need for this type of service. He explained that many of the people who have a need for these services are also people in crisis who especially have a need for Spiritual Guidance. He related that the folks who want to participate have many talents and that they want to share them with the church.


Thanks were given for the meal, (lasagna and salad with garlic bread for those who missed the meeting.)

Dale Bargmann reminded everyone that there will be bible study on Wednesday nights and that he is working on a CD/DVD titled “Hosanna Is” which will be used to advise the surrounding neighborhood that Hosanna is there and what we are about.

There will be a Special Congregation Meeting on February 25, 2007 for the purpose of voting on the following:

Minutes of the Twenty-Ninth Annual Congregation Meeting of February 12, 2006.

Minutes of the December 3, 2006 Congregation Meeting.

Approval of 2006 Annual Reports

Election of Voting Members and Alternates to the 2007 Synod Assembly, May 31 – June 2 in The Woodlands.

Ratification of Amendments


Maureen Kennedy
Secretary

Thanks for the "wing" support

We want to thank everyone who helped with the Super Bowl Buffalo Hotwing sale and htose who bought 86 dozen wings. Despite a drop in sales from last year, we still made, with matching funds from Thrivent, about $1000.00 toward our summer CREW service trip. We want to especially thank Tripp and Pam Smith for their great effort and dedication. Their love for our youth shines! God bless- Pastor Tart

Lenten Journey Continues

Crown Him the Lord of Love” Lenten Serie conitnues,
Note that we are meeting on Wednesdays this year. Schedule is 5:45 soup supper, worship 6:45

We will be reading from a chapter of 1 John each week. I invite you to read the chapter of the week before worship. I will be using selected verses for my preaching text. The preaching themes for each week are as follows:March 7: John 2, “Abiding in love for others”March 14: John 3 “Living out of love”March 21: John 4 “The God of Love”March 28: John 5 “The Boldness of Love”-Pastor Tart

Blog reader survey

If you are reading the blog please post a comment to this post. You can also mention what you like or don't like. -Pastor Tart

Thoughts that seem important by Pastor Tart

I remember a song from my youth growing up in the church and working at summer camp at Camp Chrysalis in Kerrville, Texas. I can close my eyes and conjure up a memory of all the campers and staff singing “They will know we are Christians by our love” around a crackling campfire at evening worship. The song leaders would be playing their guitars and the campers would have the arms around each other’s shoulders and swaying to the music and lyrics. “We will walk with each other; we will walk hand in hand. We will walk with each other; we will walk hand and hand. And we will share the news that God is in this land. And they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love. We will work with each other; we will work side by side. We will work with each other; we will work side by side and we will guard each one’s dignity and guard each one’s pride. And they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love. Yes, they will know we are Christians by our love.”
Man, I can smell the smoke and hear the singing like they were yesterday.
I really like the last verse. ‘we will guard each one’s dignity and guard each one’s pride’. Whenever we work together in the church, our work or families, we can easily lose sight of the importance of protecting the dignity and pride of others. Maybe what really sets our Christian work apart from other work is that we work together without attacking each other or insulting each other or berating each other. We seek to first understand before we seek to be understood. This is Christian love.
During our Lenten journey we will be learning about how love casts out fear. I have a strong sense that when we work together to protect dignity and pride, people are not afraid to share their thoughts and reconcile differences. When we lose this protection, problems and unresolved issues go underground where they fester and become only worse. When we know that others love us and we love others, we can share and talk and truly work together, and the world will know that we are Christians by our love.
Remember: They will know that we are Christians by our love.

From Amber Walker, our family life minister

The new priority management spending system voted in by the congregation is forcing us as a congregation to be accountable to the programs we hold dear. Under the new system, all programs are prioritized and then funded based on a critical, high, medium or low priority grading system. To date, only critical items will be automatically funded. What this means for our youth is that based on January’s giving pattern the finance team has determined that no program for youth can be funded unless the giving increases. (January Financial statement is posted in the north narthex) The only youth item that is graded as critical is Sunday School curriculum which is funded in August. The programs that need to be funded between now and July are: camp subsidies, vacation bible school, all milestones (baptisms, graduates, driver’s license, mentors, 1st communion), all youth trips and retreats (CREW and LYO), confirmation materials, children's bulletins, Easter egg hunt, Easter music, children's choir party. I am hoping that you, the members of Hosanna, will realize how important your giving is to our kids. Please consider joining me in writing a check, or going online to make a contribution to our general fund. Remember: ASK, THANK, TELL

Congratulations to Kevin and Heather McConnell

Congratulations to Kevin, Heather and Kaylee McConnell on the birth of son and brother, Camden Edward. He was born Feb. 15 and weighed 7lbs 6oz and was 19.5 inches long. Proud grandparents are Bob and Nerisa McConnell and her parents, David and Terri

Happy Valentine's Day

Just out of curiosity, if you are reading this post today, could you comment back with a return greeting? I am interested in how many read the blog. -Pastor Tart

Bob Edmunds update

Bob was transferred to Heartland Health Center near Willowbrook Mall, Room 304 last night. He will be undergoing rehabilitation. We have created a carepage for him so that you can keep up with his condition. Go to our carepages link on on home page and follow the directions to join his carepage. Once you have joined his carepage you will receive email notifications of changes and have an opportunity to send an email message. It also provides a great place for us to coordinate our care of Bob and his family. -Pastor Tart

Hospitalization update

Bob Edmunds has been moved to room 465 at Houston Northwest. Keep him in your prayers as he recovers

From Amber Walker, our family life minister

The new priority management spending system voted in by the congregation is forcing myself and the congregation to be accountable to the programs we hold dear. Under the new system, all programs are prioritized and then funded based on a critical, high, medium or low priority grading system. To date, only critical items will be automatically funded. What this means for our youth is that based on our current giving pattern the finance team has determined that no program for youth can be funded unless the giving increases. The only youth item that is graded as critical is Sunday School curriculum which is funded in August. The programs that need to be funded between now and July are: camp subsidies, vacation bible school, all milestones (baptisms, graduates, drivers license, mentors, 1st communion), all youth trips and retreats (CREW and LYO), confirmation materials, children's bulletins, Easter egg hunt, Easter music, children's choir party. I am hoping that you, the members of Hosanna, will realize how important your giving is to our kids. Please consider joining me in writing a check, or going online to make a contribution to our general fund.

CREW vs. Confirmation @ bowling

Okay, here are the details. We will bowl Sunday, Feb 18 at the AMF Diamond Lanes on North Forest. We will bowl from 6-8 and the cost is $10 per person. You can meet at church at 5:45 for a ride or meet there at 6pm. For other info call Amber at 281-795-5367.

Seminary Scholarships

I recieved this email from our synod and invite members to consider supporting this effort. I like the idea of "never being without a seminarian". If you are interested in this kind of support, contact me or the Stewardship Team.

Dear Colleagues in Ministry,

Your immediate help is needed. Due to a shortage of funds, our synod was only able to give scholarship monies to six of the Gulf Coast Synod's Master of Divinity students. For the 2007 Spring Scholarships we had $7000 to distribute between nine seminarians and this does not include our TEEM or AIM candidates. We had to choose between those with the greatest need. It was a difficult and heart wrenching decision.

Our synod is committed to providing pastoral leadership for every congregation and training leaders for service in the Church. Some seminarians are graduating with staggering debt loads that take years to repay. Some must decline specific calls for financial reasons. Your help is needed so that those graduating from seminary will have a sound financial foundation, allowing them to serve any congregation in our synod.

Here are some ways that you and your congregation can help:
Receive a special offering, possibly a "noisy offering" for seminary scholarships.
Designate your 2007 Lenten Offerings for Seminary Scholarships.
If your congregation has a Seminarian Fund and you don't currently have a seminarian in your congregation, adopt a seminarian until that time in which you do. Never be without a seminarian.
In the future put this in your budget along with your seminary support.

You can mail your check to the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod
12707 North Freeway, #580
Houston, TX 77060-1239

It's not too late to make this semester a little easier for these students. No amount is too small.

We continue to have the goal of paying the entire cost of a seminarian's theological education without assistance from other scholarship sources. There is no finer investment in the future of Christ's Church than a gift to support the training of our future pastors!

Thank you for your consideration and generous help!
Liz Stein,
Director for Leadership

Annual Meeting has been moved to Feb 25

We were 2 or 3 people short of quorum at our meeting on Feb. 11. So we have moved the annual meeting to after the 11:00 service on Feb 25. We have two items of business that need congregational votes: Approval of the annual reports and election of delegates. The meeting will be short, so please plan on staying. We will not have a meal and will have the meeting in the sanctuary.
Despite not having a quorum, we still had a very productive time. The group was very supportive of embracing Natural Church Development and the Saturday Evening Spanish Service. We want to thank all those who were able to stay and their enthusiasm for the presentations. Also, we want to thank Teresa A. and Teresa W. for their work in putting the meal together.
Paper copies of the annual reports are in the narthex or available electronically on our website in the “policies, forms, reports” webpage. (the link is on our home page or click, http://welcometohosanna.com/Forms_page.htm)

Hospitalized update

Shirley Leach has come home.
Bob Edmunds is still hospitalized
Jan Ammerman should come home today.

Men's Bar-b-que, Feb 26 6:30

Men of Hosanna Annual Catered Bar-B-Q Dinner
Monday, February 26 @ 6:30 PM Hosanna Fellowship Hall (north side), followed by assembly of Care Packages for our college/university youth, those in the military, Peace Corps and graduating high school seniors.
Cost: $8.50 in advance. Sign up in the north Narthex. Bring a friend or neighbor.
Contributions are still needed to fund this project. Place cash or check (made out to “Men of Hosanna”) in an envelope addressed to Bob McConnell

Hospitalized

Shirley Leach, should have come home today,
Bob Edmunds, surgery on Friday
Jan Ammermann, surgery of Friday (moved from Thursday)
Jody Cantello, home -Pastor Tart

Update on NAM from Carol Little NAM director

I hope this letter finds you well and hopefully off to a wonderful start this New Year. I was extremely delighted when the weather finally turned a little cooler, which seemed much more in line with the season. I know others felt the same as donations definitely picked up! It was tough for many, including me, to get into the spirit of the season with unseasonably warm weather.In an effort to continue addressing the ever-growing demand for social services in northwest Harris County, NAM's budget has grown to its current projected $9.2 million. This figure does not include the NAM Endowment Fund, which has a current annual fundraising goal of $250,000 to add to the $1.4 million already raised. In hopes of keeping you informed of the general happenings at NAM, I will attempt to update you between Clergy meetings with a brief summary of events.For those of you who are new to NAM, the last quarter of the calendar year is always the busiest time, much like it is for the congregations. During this time, we raise the majority of the contributions that will serve as the financial foundation for NAM's programs the rest of the year.During November and December, NAM staff members worked diligently to meet the needs of the thousands of children and their families who depend on us to provide a brighter Thanksgiving and happy December holidays in an effort to offset their day-to-day struggles. This year the need was unprecedented as NAM provided toys to more than 3,000 children through the generosity of the community. NAM staff and volunteers distributed holiday food to more than 900 families for Thanksgiving and to more than 1,200 families for the December holidays. During this time, NAM continued to provide meals to the more than 900 families who receive food each month throughout the year. NAM volunteers and staff logged more than 250,000 hours throughout these last two months to make our community a better place. NAM's lobby was filled with holiday cheer this year as Caldwell Watson provided music and entertainment that put smiles on many faces. We were graced with the Harbor Light Choir for several days and the Cy-Fair ISD Singers joined us as well.The Executive Board's Planning Committee has been moving forward in its exploration of expanding the Children's Clinic to include primary adult healthcare to the uninsured in the space formerly occupied by Kelsey Seybold. We prepared a presentation for the January board meeting, and board members made a decision to further explore the possibilities of expansion.The Congregational Liaisons on the NAM Executive Board have been busy putting together a strategy to renew ties with existing congregations, and the second clergy meeting of the fiscal year will be held on February 8th. The meeting's purpose is to discuss the corporate structure of the NAM By Laws with the NAM clergy. The By Laws currently list the Trustees as holding the fiduciary responsibility for NAM .In addition, the Spring Seventh Day Adventists - Pastor John McFarlane was presented to the Board of Trustees in January as a new covenant congregation, which brings our total number of Covenant Congregations to 49! If you would like a link from our website to yours, please e-mail Randy Cypret at rcypret@namonline.org and let him know. Also, we respectfully request you include a link to NAM's website as a missions link, volunteer opportunities link or for those seeking social services.We are pleased to inform you that during December we received a number of sizeable gifts from area foundations so although it will be a tight year, we are on track for a stronger fiscal year than the last one.The NAM Endowment Fund Board members this year will focus on raising enough money to pay down the building note which is approximately $1.2 million.As with many organizations, NAM has faced its share of staffing challenges this quarter. Our food pantry coordinator was in a serious car accident in November and has not been able to return to work. NAM's Director for Service Programs, Selena Mason, was forced to resign last week after struggling for more than two months with complications from pneumonia. Peggie Ney, NAM's Volunteer Coordinator, retired after more than ten years of faithful service to our community, and Alisha Roberts, NAM's Events Coordinator, left us to accept a position in the private sector.We remain on course, in spite of the challenges, thanks to the generosity of our community and the hard work and efforts of Board members, staff and volunteers. We have much to be grateful for in 2006 and much to be hopeful for in 2007.

Prayer Concerns

Bob Edmunds hospitalized at Houston Northwest
Jan Ammerman surgery Feb 8
Jody Cantello, hospitalized at Houston Northwest
Shirley Leach, hopsitalized at Houston Northeast - Pastor Tart

Annual Meeting, Feb 11 after 11:00 service

I want to remind everyone about our annual meeting this Sunday after the 11:00 service. A meal will be served. The agenda can be found on our calendar.
Also be sure to check out the annual reports on the Policy, Reports, Forms link on our welcometohosanna.com home page. -Pastor Tart

CREW vs. Confirmation @ bowling

Hey you guys! The CREW would like to challenge the confirmation class to bowling on Sunday, Feb 18 from 6-8. Are you up for it? More information to come next week.