Thursday, June 21, 2007

Thank you, Hosanna

Dear friends,
Kathryn, James, Paul and Karen and I express our thanks for your sympathy and prayers at the loss of my mother. The cards were especially touching and thoughtful. The flowers were beautiful. Those who were able to attend the funeral were also comforting.
We also want to thank you for your long standing prayers. In many, many ways they were answered.
My dad is adjusting and is surrounded by incredible support.
God bless,
Pastor Tart

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Pastor Tart's Thank You

Members of Hosanna,
I want to thank everyone for the very warm and gracious “Pastor Tart Roast” this past Sunday. The stories were fun and brought back many precious memories of our time together.
I especially want to thank Teresa White and Karole Coleman, the staff support team, the brass orchestra (I loved the song selection) and all those who helped them for hosting the meal and decorations. I want to also thank Jeff Hartmann for being the Master of Ceremonies. You did a great job!
I want to thank you for the card and gift. Your graciousness touches me deeply.
Kathryn and I want to thank our staff for two leather Evangelical Lutheran Worship hymnals. We will remember our sharing in the Gospel with you whenever we use them.
Finally, I want to thank Dale and Karole for the PowerPoint slide show. I will treasure it.
My final Sunday is upon us and I can only express my humility before all that we have shared with each other and the work we have done for the sake of the Gospel and the world. The Spirit has used us in powerful ways.
Kathryn, Paul, James, Karen and I wish you all of God’s richest blessings in the years ahead.
Thank you and God bless!
Pastor Tart

Friday, May 25, 2007

Mulkey Scholarship Awards

Congradulations to our Nancy and John Mulkey Scholarship reciepients. They are Abigail Brown, Melissa Burns, Michael Burns, Christine Carter, David Carter, Evan Haight, Marquette Henderson, Hannah McConn, Matthew Moore, Carly Oden, Daniel Ritter, Katie Romijn, Michael Smith, Karen Tart, Cassandra Whitby. They will be recognized on August 5 at the 11:00 service.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Sunday School teacher appreciation

I just want to take a moment to recognize those who chose to teach our youth this past year:
*Brach Waldo and Dolores Jaramillo for CREW
*Mike Black for confirmation
*Tom Friday for 5th and 6th
*Ann Hartmann and Amy Adams for 3rd and 4th
*Debbie Escovy for 1st and 2nd
*Beth Johnson and Theresa White for kindergarten and under
*Warren Escovy and Warren White for being C0-superintendents
These volunteers play such an important role at Hosanna and I want them to know how grateful the staff and congregation and especially the children are for their gift of time. The learning hour is a huge part of a child's faith journey and we thank you for your leadership. Have a wonderful summer!

Family Life News for June 2007

Hey Everyone! Hope your summer is off to a great start. What a wonderful school year we had. Let's make this summer just as fun. Things to remember this month:
*VBS starts Sunday night, June 10 at 5:30 with a meal. You can register by visiting the website.
*Summer Sunday school starts June 10 and we still need a couple more teachers. Please see Amber if you would like to help out. The curriculum is great and online for your convenience.
*CREW we will continue to meet this summer on Monday nights from 6:30 - 8:30. Also, your trip money will be due by July 1 so check your mail for your bill.
*Confirmands leave for camp this month. If you would like to drop them a line let me know and I will get you the address.
*Again, thanks to all the volunteers who made the past school year such a success.

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

My final “thoughts that seem important” by Pastor David Tart

For nine years I have been sharing with you my thoughts about spiritual things in this column and have enjoyed the challenge. I thank you for the honor of taking the time to read what is on your pastor’s mind.

For my final thought I join Jesus in his prayer that “all may be one”. When the people of God come together in mission and ministry then we become the visible sign of what the power of God does.

In the months ahead Hosanna has a great opportunity to come together to think of your future. In particular, the Natural Church development process holds out much hope in this area. The results of the survey are due back soon and the Congregation Health Team or Mission Focus will begin work to bring forward ideas to improve the congregations’ key characteristics. I hope that you will all become one in working together behind this strategy. This can not be the work of one team. It must be the work of the whole community.

I also hope that uniting behind your leadership will also become a sign of your oneness. Your leadership will need everyone’s support to continue God’s good work in this community. Hear their call when they ask for volunteers. Support them with prayer and solutions. Hosanna has dedicated leaders and they need your support.

Be one in your listening to each other and the affirmation of each other as fellow members of the body of Christ. Don’t take this church for granted. Hosanna is a gift and you are blessed to have this congregation to care, worship, share and learn. Continue to practice hospitality to all and see God at work in everyone. In the end I hope that I leave you united and connected with each other.

I know that I will continue to think of you and though this is my last “Thoughts that seem important” know that I will never cease thinking of you with a smile on my face and a prayer in my heart.

Remember: I think of you.

Opportunities for service

We have two team leadership positions open at Hosanna, Lay Leadership and Discipleship. Our elections are June 3. If you know of anyone who might have an interst or abilitities in this area, please contact Pastor Tart or Jeff Hartmann.

Sympathy to Georgia Bargmann and family.

Our sympathy to Georgia, Dale and Garrett Bargmann on the loss of her brother Garrett of Colorado who passed away on May 12. May the great peace and hope of Jesus surround them in their loss. -Pastor Tart

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Sympathy to Jerry Fulin and Family

Our sympathy to Jerry Fulin and family on the loss of his mother, Vera Fulin of Milaca, Minnesota. She passed from this life to the next on May 15 at the age of 94. We pray for comfort and in thanksgiving for the blessings she brought to many people. -Pastor Tart

Pastor Tart's Resignation

May 7, 2007

Dear Members of Hosanna,

For almost nine years we have labored in God’s vineyard together and have experienced the joy of harvest many, many times. We have built buildings to serve as tools for God’s work, welcomed new members to God’s kingdom, reorganized the church around mission and ministry, expanded our staff, improved our stewardship and grown in our faith and service. Most of all, the memories of people will be with me for the rest of my life. I am also grateful for the love you have had for me and my family. One could not wish for a better community to raise our children. For all of this I will always be thankful to God and to you.

On April 29, Peace Lutheran Church of Pasadena, Texas voted to extend a call to me to serve as their Senior Pastor. After prayerful consideration I have decided to accept this call and bring my service as your pastor to an end. My last Sunday with you will be June 10 and my last day of service will be June 16.

I will honor wedding commitments that I have made and will be available as possible for funerals of Hosanna members during the interim period. Otherwise, I will refer all pastoral acts to your interim pastor and future pastor.

Rest assured that I am not accepting this call because I am unhappy or feel compelled to leave Hosanna. I have been proud to be your pastor and feel a bond of grace with everyone. I love working with our staff and leadership and count it an honor to have served with them.

I continue to uphold you in my prayers and find great strength and hope in your faith, love and commitment

Grace and Peace,


Pastor David Tart

Thursday, May 03, 2007

Call From Peace Lutheran, Pasadena, Texas

On April 29 Peace Lutheran Church in Pasadena, Texas voted to extend a call to me as their senior pastor. I know this is a shock to you, but I kept it quiet to aid in my discernment process.
At our council meeting this upcoming Sunday I will be discussing with them my response. I will also be publicly announcing that I have received this call at services that morning. I have not made my final decision and will not until I have discussed it with the church council.
Please feel free to share this information with others.

I ask that all of us continue to be in prayer about the direction God wishes for us all. God is good and gracious and we can find great peace in being in God's hands.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor David Tart

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Meals on Wheels Drivers desperately needed

NAM has suffered the loss of drivers to help with the much need meals on wheels program. If you have a couple of hours per month to spare to deliever hot meals to shut-ins, please contact NAM or Hosanna office. They can adjust to your schedule and you can switch with others. -Pastor Tart

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Kamryn Woods has arrived!

Kamryn Christine Woods arrived at 3:34 pm - 8 lbs. 9 oz. on Tuesday April 24. Proud parents are Zahn and Amy Woods and proud brother is Kyle. We thank God for the miracle of life and his grace.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Thoughts that seem important by Pastor Tart

Thoughts that seem important:
The unspeakable horror of the Virginia Tech tragedy once again reveals to us the power of evil and sin in the world. We stand mystified before such a nightmare at how anyone could become that insane to want to kill innocent people. We want to blame. We want vengeance, but none of these things can bring us back to the day before the killings and injuries.
Mirabai Starr in her article “Shepherds in the Dark Night” in Sojourners Magazine, (Shepherds in the Dark Night) writes about “holding space” for grieving people. By this she means that we allow people the opportunity to express their shock, anger, and sadness. We stand with them in this place and honor their spiritual journey. Platitudes violate this space by communicating to the bereaved that they, “shouldn’t feel that way”. Instead we offer to them open ended questions and words of love and support.
As we still deal with the news let us hold the space for the grieving and also hold space for the people of random violence everywhere. We move to deeper understandings of the people of Iraq and those serving in Iraq who deal with this on a daily basis.
As people of faith we believe that the grace and hope of God will come to the space. As mentioned in her article, in the Psalm 23 the writer says, “Even though I walk through the shadow of death, I will fear no evil”. For a shadow to appear there has to be light.
In the space of grief, the light of the cross and resurrection shines and brings healing and hope. The space of grief with its tormenting pain, is a holy space. For those who find themselves is this holy space, we pray that faith, hope and love will abide.,
Remember: The holy space of grief.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Family Life News for May 2007

I hope everyone is gearing up for this summer. Kids, start loading up on bug spray and sunscreen. We are going to have a great summer at Hosanna with so much planned. If you need any help getting ready for camp and other summer activities please see Amber.

This summer we will have an evening VBS program for families. You can come have dinner with us and then spend the evening learning as a family. Sign up will begin around May 15th.

THRIVENT BUILDS! is May 5. Join the CREW in building the lutheran house. Meet in the parking lot at 8 am on the 5th. You can order shirts for this event for $5 from Amber. You may reserve your spot by emailing me at amber. walker@welcometohosanna.com

CREW:
  • We will have breakfast at Denny's on May 6th. Meet in the CREW room.
  • That night we will have a VBS meeting to make sure we have things in order. This is a mandatory meeting for anyone attending our mission trip.
  • On May 20th we will be wrapping and blessing our graduating Srs. This years Srs. are Abby Brown, Melissa Burns, Christine Carter, Evan Haight, Cassandra Whitby, Dan Ritter, and Marquette Henderson.
  • The last CREW Sunday night meeting will be May 27.

We are still collecting items for our VBS. Please stop by and pick up a list and make a donation. It all helps the kids.

A special thank you to the congregation from the CREW. We appreciate your support of our pancake breakfast.

Mother's Day is May 13th. Do something nice for mom and stop by the CREW Car Wash. We promise to treat her car extra special. Happy Mother's Day to all those wonderful mothers!

Sunday, April 01, 2007

Congradulations to Heidi, Oliver, Audrey Smith and grandparents, Heda and Ron Christ

Tegen Smith, born on March 25 at 5 lbs 10 oz. He has a round face and lots of dark brown hair, pink skin and dark eyes that open frequently. He is a healthy baby. Thank God for the miracle of life

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Mary Frerking in prayers today

Mary Frerking, 13 month old daughter of Stephen and Kristi, is having an outpatient surgery procedure for her ears today. Please pray for a safe proceedure. -Pastor Tart

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Let's Pack the Pews at Park Place Lutheran Church

If anyone is interested in this contact Pastor Tart

Let's Pack the Pews at Park Place Lutheran Church, 8130 Park Place Blvd., Houston, on Sunday, April 22. Worship at Park Place begins at 9:00 a.m.

Park Place Lutheran will be closing some time this year. Before they close let's remember to say thank you to them.

The faithful at Park Place Lutheran have been sustained in Word and Sacrament ministry for many years. Their ministry has reached far and wide. They have touched the lives of many people in our congregations and in their community.

At Faith Lutheran, Bellaire, we are in the study of worship in the month of April. As we made plans we decided to worship with Park Place Lutheran to express our thanks. And then it was suggested to us to invite the rest of the area congregations to share this gratitude. Great idea!

Let's Pack the Pews! The sanctuary seats 500 worshipers. So, talk it up. Help people to carpool. Set them on the road in time for worship at 9:00 a.m. And for those who stay behind to worship at your church, please include Park Place Lutheran in your prayers.

Volunteers from Faith Lutheran are providing food after the service. (Did I say that the food comes without cost?) Encourage your folks stay for the free food, but we will need to have a rough estimate of the number of people attending so that enough food is prepared. (give us those rough numbers by April 17. 713-664-3048)

We also want to give a few minutes to any persons who want to share a story about Park Place. That will be done over food.

Have any questions. Give me a call. Herb Palmer at Faith Lutheran, Bellaire, 713-664-3048.

Get the word out as people gather to worship on Palm Sunday and Easter. Let's Pack the Pews at Park Place!

Friday, March 23, 2007

Are You Called to Serve at Hosanna?

The Hosanna Constitution states that the Treasurer, the Financial Secretary, the Secretary, and leaders of the Ministry Teams shall be elected by the congregation in odd-numbered years. This election will occur on June 3, and those elected will take office September 1.
The responsibility of preparing a slate of nominees for the June meeting belongs to the Lay Leadership Team. This team identifies willing individuals whose passions and gifts match the needs of the ministries, and issues calls to service to those individuals.
The Lay Leadership Team is requesting the help of the congregation in this process. On several Sundays in April and May forms will be handed out that will give members of the congregation the confidential opportunity to suggest themselves or others for consideration as nominees for the positions below.
Suggestions can also be made by e-mailing Teresa Albin before May 15th at teresa@welcometohosanna.com. In your email please state what you think qualifies this person to serve in this ministry.
The Lay Leadership Team will contact all individuals suggested to ascertain their willingness to serve, so you do not need to get the prior consent of the people you suggest. Nominees will be selected from those suggested to present to the congregation for election.
You may use a form found on our website on the documents-forms-policy page or one that will be distributed on Sunday morning beginning April 15.
Treasurer
Oversees the books of the accounts of this congregation; receives and oversees the distribution of all funds upon proper authorization; makes regular remittance of benevolence payments to the synod; report to the Finance Team at each of its regular meetings; and makes a full financial report at the annual meeting of the congregation.
Currently serving: George Carlson (eligible for re-election)
Financial Secretary
Maintains confidential records of member giving; serves as the coordinator of all collections of the church; responsible for preparation of individual statements of giving for each member and related general reporting to the Stewardship Team, the Finance Team, and the congregation.
Currently serving: Ann Dobberfuhl (eligible to serve first full term)
Secretary
Keeps minutes of the meetings of the congregation and the Congregation Council, issues notice of all meetings; works with the President to prepare agendas; maintains the congregation policy manual; and handles general congregation correspondence.
Currently serving: Maureen Kennedy (eligible to serve another term)
Care Team Leader
The purpose of the Care Team is help members care for each other and for the community. This includes ministries of service, fellowship, compassion and pastoral care.
Currently serving: Karole Coleman (will not run for reelection)
Discipleship Team Leader
The purpose of the Discipleship Team is to help members grow in their faith and share it with others, both within and outside of the congregation. This includes ministries of learning, youth and family, witnessing, and outreach.
Currently serving: Darryl Brown (not eligible to serve another term)
Spiritual Life Team Leader
The purpose of the Spiritual Life Team is to help members keep the presence and grace of God at the center of their lives together. This includes ministries of worship, prayer, music and devotional life.
Currently serving: Alysha Reed (eligible to serve a second term)
Stewardship Team Leader
The purpose of the Stewardship Team is 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. This includes ministries of property maintenance, giving and benevolence, personal financial management, and holistic health care
Currently serving: Nancy Agafitei (in discernment about a second term)

Habitat for Humanity and Thrivent Build

Another Family Needs Our Help Last year, through the Thrivent Builds with NW Harris County Habitat project, our Churches did more than help build a house. You brought the Williams Family home! Thanks to all volunteers from within and without the Lutheran Churches in Houston area, as well as other local volunteers, the Williams family now has a chance at economic independence. Your response was overwhelming, the outcome, life changing - not only for the homeowner family but for all those who worked side-by-side with them. This year we will partner with Natalie & Chris Gite and their four children, ages 14-12-9-3. They currently live in two bedrooms in the home of Chris's brother and sister-in-law (in total nine people are sharing a small three bedroom home). They moved out of their prior home because it was beyond repair and uninhabitable. Chris works at Randstad. The Gites are honest, hard-working folks determined to make things better for their family. The Thrivent Builds project, located in Tomball, begins on March 31 and continues through October 6; taking a break from July through August. According to the requirement of the program 50% of the construction volunteers must be Lutheran. Thrivent is providing 65% of the house cost, Habitat is providing 25% and the Thrivent members and Lutherans are raising 10%. Raising funds is not required to volunteer, however, fund-raising is essential. If each Lutheran church in this area contributes $291.50 we will reach our goal of raising $5,830. Habitat’s 3 bedroom/1 bath home is 1120 square feet and costs $45,000 to build. That equates to about $40 per square foot for our Habitat houses. Can you sponsor a square foot? The bathroom? Or maybe even a bedroom? Call Lydia Schumann on 281-469-0931, or after hours 281-380-9196. E-mail me at Lydia.Schumann@thrivent.com Thank you in advance for your generosity. Sincerely,Lydia Schumann Financial Office Administrative Professional Texas Region Champions Park Associates 9720 Cypresswood Drive, Suite 120, Houston, TX 77070 Office: 281-469-0931 Toll-free: 888-873-8335 Fax: 281-894-4305 Email: lydia.schumann@thrivent.com