Pastor Murray reported the way markers of MLC to the Board of Elders and the Parish Planning Council on 13 January. The church attendance at Memorial has increased again this year. Our average weekly attendance has increased to 441 per week which is up from 430 per week in 2012. The congregation is, once again, seeing quite a number of visitors in services. We have also experienced a large number transfers into the congregation in the last couple of months. Our Lord continues to be gracious to us. "The word of God increased and multiplied" (Acts 12:24). Thanks be to God.
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St. Titus: More Than Nice
St. Titus, whose feast day it is this Sunday, was among the first generation of pastors appointed by Paul. Our pastors, like Titus, need to be thorough students of God's Word. Scripture is to be their meat and drink. The robust piety of the New Testament is always a piety of the Word of God, not a piety of piety. Clergy who are merely "really nice" people should never considered to be adequate to the task; anymore than a "really nice" doctor, who doesn't know the right from the left ventricle of the heart, would be considered an adequate cardiac surgeon. Paul writes that the pastor must: "be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it" (Titus 1:9). Our pastors are to be spiritual surgeons of the heart, let's encourage them to know the surgical text book of God's Word. Anything less will be spiritually lethal, even if "nice."
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Who's New?
The Pacey family arrived at Memorial a few weeks ago, moving to Houston from Tucson, AZ after Pastor Pacey took the call for Associate Pastor here at MLCS.
Both Pastor and his wife, Clarissa like to read and travel in their free time. Their daughter, Rachel is in 3rd grade at MLC and likes steak and seafood, sports, and riding her bike. Kirk, their son, is in 1st grade and likes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, Legos and puzzles, and riding his bike as well.
Welcome to the Pacey family. We are glad you are here at MLCS!
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We Need Your Help!
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If you are able to help provide a CEN meal or an Adult Instruction lunch, please contact Tessa in the church office. 713 782 6079. She can provide details and expected attendance.
CEN Meals take place on Wednesday evenings at 5:15 PM. Available dates are 29 January, 19, and 26 February.
Adult Instruction lunches require set up before 12:30 PM on Sunday afternoons. All Sundays in February and March, as well as 6 and 13 April are available.
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Spring Adult Instruction Class Began Last Sunday!
Not Too Late to Join
19 January 2014 -
13 April 2014
Sundays
12:30 PM-2:00 PM
Church Library
Why should you come to this class?
1. To learn more about the basic teachings of the Christian religion
2. To reaffirm your faith
3. To join Memorial Lutheran Church as a member
4. To learn what your children are taught at Memorial Lutheran School
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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
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For the Pacey Family, Pastor, Clarissa, Rachel, and Kirk, as they settle into a new home and church
For Cantor Janet Muth, who has a call to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Milwaukee, WI.
For the church leadership team as it goes on retreat, that the retreat would be successful
For Luke George, who is going through therapy for Leukemia
For John Meyer, who is recovering from foot surgery
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2013 Budget News
In 2013 MLC contributions came in well above expenses. This is due to our conscientious faculty and staff keeping expenses lower than anticipated to ensure a good financial position. We came within $6,000 of our budgeted contributions, a deviation of less than �%.
MLC has also paid off the recent $421,000 construction loan thanks to your continued offerings. All remaining capital campaign gifts and pledge payments will go towards reducing long-term debt. Thank you for your support!
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Ladies: Mark Your Calendar!
The 2014 Memorial Ladies Retreat will be held 25-27 April at Surfside Beach, TX.
Our speaker this year is Rev. William Cwirla who will present on "Being Simul - The Christian life as sinner/saint." Look for the registration table in the Commons starting mid-February.If you have any questions feel free to contact Noreen Linke [email protected] or 281 302 5258 home or 281 770 6686 cell.
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