Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Lutheran Church                                 Houston, Texas
Memorial Messenger
30 December 2016
Holiday Service Times

Saturday 31 December 7:00 PM
New Year's Eve Service

Sunday 1 January 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM, 
First Sunday in Christmas
Hymn Sing between the services

Friday 6 January 7:00 PM, 
Epiphany
From the Pastor
"And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb." -Luke 2:21
Much is made of our Lord's name and naming before he was born. According to the custom of the day, the firstborn son would be named after the father (or perhaps even the grandfather). Joseph is not Jesus' father. Thus, the Lord cannot receive that name. Instead, the angel Gabriel instructs both Mary and Joseph to call the child "Jesus." Why Jesus? Because of what the name means: "he will save his people."
The name Jesus is more than just something interesting to call the child. The name Jesus defines the child, gives an indication of his future, and reveals the meaning of his life.
In the end, Jesus lived up to his name. For he has saved his people!
Sunday's Scripture Readings & Hymns
Numbers 6:22-27                                            

Hymns: LSB  896, 897, 900, 898, 390
Higher Things 2017: Here I Stand
Trinity University-San Antonio, Texas
June 27-30
 
Attention 8th Grade Confirmands and High School Youth:
 
Join us as we journey to San Antonio this year for a great conference!
We may take an extra day at the beginning or end of the conference to have some fun in San Antonio - Plans are in progress!  For more information about the conference visit www.higherthings.org.  
 
Registration Deadline and $100 Deposit Due:  TOMORROW 31 December 2016.  For Questions or to Register your child contact   Diane Lamberson.  
 
Payment by cash or check can be turned in to the church office.  Checks should be made out to MLC and "Higher Things"in the memo line.  Scholarships available - contact   Pastor Pacey   for more information.
Adult Instruction Class
10 January 2017 - 11 April 2017
Tuesday Nights 6:00 PM - 7:30 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.  

If you are interested in taking this class, please contact Pastor Murray at smurray@mlchouston.org.
Come and join us!
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 the family of Rev. Bill Heine

For the family of John Meyer

For the family of Gerald Tackett

For Ellen Brda as she seeks therapy

For Bobbi Phelps as she undergoes therapy

For Luke George, who is going through therapy for Leukemia
holly-berry-wreath2.jpg
Take a Break!
 

1 January Catechism Class will not meet this week. It will reconvene on 8 January 2017.

CEN Returns!

Christian Education Night
Returns Wednesdays
11 January- 22 February
 
5:15 Dinner
6:00 Classes
 
If you would like to help provide a meal, please contact our friendly fellowship chair Mike Jeffers or the  church office 713 782 6079.  

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