Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Lutheran Church                                 Houston, Texas
Memorial Messenger
11 December 2015
Sing and Give Joy With MLC Carolers!
Please join us after second service on 20 December as we go caroling to our shut-ins.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
We will meet in the Narthex directly after second service. We will go for a quick lunch at Jason's Deli and then meet back at the church to begin the route. Music and Maps will be provided. We hope to make 4 stops.
From the Pastor
Come, Lord Jesus!
Often Advent becomes merely pre-Christmas; a time to prepare to meet the Baby Jesus. Such preparation is foolish. We cannot prepare for an event that has already occurred. Think of the last time you had unexpected guests: "If we had only known you were coming!" The first coming in the incarnation enables us to look forward with joy to the second coming in judgment, lifting up our heads to see the kingdom of Christ coming to its fulfillment among us (Lk 21:28). We look forward to Christ's return, because in His first coming there is the spirit and life that will stand at the second. Come, Lord Jesus!
Sunday's Scripture Readings & Hymns
Zephaniah 3:14-20                                 
Hymns: 341, 345, 954, 349, 737, 515
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! 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 via email or at 713 782 6079. Older children and adults are encouraged to participate!
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 Jo Lodholz for strength

For Leslie Roch as she continues treatment

For Diva Pilli as she seeks treatment
 
For Paul Lodholz, asking for strength as he recovers

For Luke George, who is going through therapy for Leukemia
poinsettias
Order Your Poinsettia Today!
 
Call the church office by noon, Friday 19 December
713 782 6079 or email Tessa by 1 January 2016.
 
Plants are $8.50 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 3 January 2016.

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