Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Lutheran Church                                  Houston, Texas
Memorial Messenger
4 October 2013
Memorial on the Grow
While preparing for the interviews for Associate Pastor, we updated the Brief Description of MLC that was prepared in 2007. The differences are quite shocking! The average worship attendance in 2007 was 306 per week; in 2012 it was 430 per week. The average age of our members is 36, which is significantly under the average age of 58 for the LCMS. We now have 806 total baptized members. Since 2007, we have had 67 infant/child baptisms, 182 transfers in, 65 adult confirmations, and 53 teen confirmations. Our baptized membership has grown by a net 203 members since 2007.
From the Pastor
Sharing the Word
"Let the bones you have broken rejoice" (Psalm 51:8).
A number of our members have been admitted to the hospital over the last couple of weeks. I often share one of my favorite Psalms with them, Psalm 51, in which the contrite David admits that his confrontation with God had a devastating outcome. This is true faith; to see God as your adversary and yet still call upon Him as the One who gives you joy in your tribulations. This is the faith of the Messiah on the cross and for that reason it is our faith. Let's rejoice!
Who's New?
This week we are featuring folks who are coming to us from Pilgrim Lutheran: Paul and Sylvia Kehrer. Paul and Sylvia converted to Lutheranism in 1962 as a result of door-to-door evangelism done by Pastor Andy Simcak in Belleville, Illinois. Paul and Sylvia have been married for 60 years. The Lord has blessed them with 5 children, 14 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild (with one on the way). Paul remarked that he loves the way our service uses hymns that fit with the lessons and sermon of the day. Welcome, Paul and Sylvia!
Call Committee Makes Progress
The call committee of Memorial Lutheran Church is making remarkably swift progress toward offering a candidate to the congregation for election to the office of Associate Pastor. The committee has reduced the list of candidates to four men. They will be interviewed by phone on 16 October. After sorting out the results of those interviews, the committee will advise the congregation of its next steps. Pray the Lord of the harvest for workers in His harvest field.
Update Your Photo Directory Photos

Member photos will be taken between services

6, 13 & 20 October in the commons. Come have your photo and/or your family's photo taken for our photo directory.  If you don't like your past photo or have never taken a member photo before, this is your chance!

 

It's quick and convenient.  Look for the photo backdrop in the commons and smile for the camera.

Capital Campaign
Celebration Event!
We are now half way through the capital campaign, A Memorial for the People. Your gifts continue to come in. Because of your generosity, we are close to having our construction loan paid off. Once we do your contributions will start to reduce the principle owed on the mortgage. Don't forget to attend the Campaign Celebration event this Sunday 6 October, when a celebratory lunch will be offered after late service. You can hear about the campaign then. Everyone is welcome, even if they haven't made a pledge!
Sunday School Grades 1-6 to Sing Sunday
 
Just a reminder to parents that Sunday school children in grades 1st -6th are invited to sing in early serviceIf your child plans to sing, please meet in the choir room at 8:00 AM.
Remember that ministry is what we are all about. Our Lord ministers to us and gives Himself to us. We then have the privilege to give ourselves away to the needs of others. Freely you have received. Freely give (Matthew 10:8).

If you have suggestions about things that should be 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
Marvin Kluttz, who is gravely ill
 
Diane Garner, who is recovering at home

Leonard Jones, in hospital 

Joyce Backs, heart issues

Mark Porter, recovering from hip replacement surgery
Men's Retreat Set
The 2013 MLC Men's Retreat is set for the weekend of 18-20 October at Camp Lone Star in Lagrange, Texas. Our guest speaker is Dr. Carl Fickenscher of Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. The theme for the weekend is What Is Lutheran Preaching? For more information email Robert Burmeister.

MLC Youth Food Drive

 

MLC Youth is preparing for the annual food drive benefitting West Houston Assistance Ministries (WHAM).

If you have any non-perishable food items to donate to WHAM, please bring them to church with you on Sunday 13 October. Between services, our MLC Youth will carry the items from your car to their collection area. If you have any questions concerning the food drive email Vicar Smith:

 vicar@mlchouston.org.

 

CEN Meals

 

The Fellowship meals that we share before CEN classes are available thanks to volunteers like you. 

 

You don't have to tackle this alone. Many hands make easy and fun work: form a team with a friend or family member or two.

 

If you think you might be interested in helping out on 1 of the following Wednesday evenings: 

9 or 30 October, 

13 or 20 November, contact 

tpernoud@mlchouston.org .

 

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

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