Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Lutheran Church                                 Houston, Texas
Memorial Messenger
20 December 2013
Greetings from Mexico City
jesus-profile.jpg
Pastor Murray had the pleasure of meeting with the leadership of the Lutheran Synod of Mexico, old friends of ours from our work in Mexico City about 15 years ago. The LCMS had withdrawn from supporting our friends in Mexico some years ago. The Mexican leaders expressed their feeling that they had become orphans. They were deeply relieved at our willingness to work along side them in their mission to the people of Mexico. President Alvaro Lopez represented the SLM at the meeting. The LCMS was represented by President Lawrence Rast of Concordia Theological Seminary, Dr. Albert Collver of the President's Office, Pr. Dan McMiller of the Luther Academy, and several other LCMS representatives. What a joy it was for us to make common cause. Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! (Ps 133:1)
From the Vicar
Rejoice! Your Savior is Here!

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given" (Is. 9:6).  I dislike some Christians' resentment towards Christmas.  They complain about buying gifts, their family, and the list goes on.  Christmas is a glorious time.  It isn't about gifts under the tree.  It is about the gift in the trough.  This is God clothed in human flesh.  And He comes to save us from our sins.  Rejoice!  Our Savior has come!

Who's New?

Dana Capps is originally from Houston and moved briefly to Mississippi and Alabama before returning home. She is a lab technician at an environmental lab and her hobbies include spending time with her children, making jewelry and singing karaoke. 

 

Emily is 7 and is in 2nd grade at Westwood Elementary. She is always a great helper, especially when it comes to cooking.

 

Harley is 9 and is in 4th grade at Westwood Elementary. She is very creative and loves to make all kinds of crafts and even write her own songs.

 

Dana, Emily and Harley were invited to attend MLC by Dana's boyfriend, Robert Parker and his mother, Bobbi Phelps. They attended Adult Instruction classes and joined MLC in May of this year.  Welcome! 
Please RSVP for Christmas Eve Quempas Carol!

The Quempas Carol is a beautiful tradition dating back to Medieval times. The choir is stationed at the four corners of the sanctuary, symbolizing the proclamation of the Good News of Christ's birth to the four corners of the world. Part of the choir also sings the story of Christ's birth from the balcony. This is a simple, beautiful way to sing with the choir! Older children and adults are encouraged to participate! If we do not have enough RSVPs, we may have to cancel this beautiful tradition.

 

If you are interested in singing the Quempas Carol at the 10:00 PM candlelight Service on Christmas Eve, or would like more information, please contact Cantor Muth at janet@mlchouston.org or 713 782 6079.  

Holiday Worship Services

 Please join us for our upcoming services:

Sunday 22 December 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM

Fourth Sunday in Advent

Tuesday 24 December Christmas Eve

Children's Service - 5:00 PM

Lessons and Carols - 7:00 PM

Candlelight Mass - 10:00 PM

Wednesday 25 December 10:00 AM

Christmas Day Service 

Sunday 29 December 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM

First Sunday in Christmas 

Tuesday 31 December 7:00 PM

New Year's Eve Service 

Monday 6 January 7:00 PM

Epiphany Service 

If you have suggestions about things that you'd like to see in the Memorial Messenger, please let the office staff know. We would love to hear from you.

Sincerely,
Rev. Dr. Scott R. Murray
Senior Pastor
Memorial Lutheran Church and School
In This Issue
Let Us Pray
For Lee Burrows

For the Pacey Family, Pastor, Clarissa, Rachel, and Kirk, as they prepare their move.

For those who are traveling for the Christmas holiday- safe travels.

Order Your Poinsettia Today!

 

Call the church office by noon, Friday 20 December

713 782 6079

 

Plants are $8 each. Order one in memory/honor of a loved one, as a gift for your secret pal, or even for yourself.

 

We are asking for the plants to remain in the church until after late service on 5 January 2014.


Nicaragua Bound?

MLC is sending a mission team to Nicaragua 3-13 June 2014. The total cost for the trip will be $1,200. A $400 deposit will be due by 31 January 2014 to ensure your spot on the trip. Checks can be made out to MLC with the notation "Nicaragua General Fund". Please let John Coulter know as soon as possible if you are planning to go so that he can purchase airline tickets and verify your personal information. You can contact him at 832-264-4017 or at

john.s.coulter@gmail.com

 

Memorial Lutheran Church | smurray@mlchouston.org | http://www.mlchouston.org | http://www.memoriallutheranschool.org
5800 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77057

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