Weekly Newsletter of Memorial Lutheran Church                                 Houston, Texas
Memorial Messenger
7 December 2018
Sing and Give Joy with MLC Carolers
Please join us after late service on 16 December as we go caroling to our shut-ins.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
We will meet in the Narthex directly after late service. We will eat lunch (provided by Jason's Deli) in the Fellowship Hall and then begin the route. Music and maps will be provided. We hope to make 4 stops.

RSVP to the church office (so that we have enough music, maps, and food) at 713 782 6079 or  email Tessa .
From the Pastor
"The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."
      With the coming of Advent, we are confronted by the figure of John, the Baptist. John easily catches our attention with his camel hair shirt and big belt for clothing and his honey and locusts for food. Interesting to be sure, but the most important description of John is what we have from Luke 3.  Here John is described as nothing other than "the voice."
      More important than clothing and food, John is the voice from God sent to us.  John is the one who calls us to repentance, that is the confession of our sins. John is the one who calls us to repentance, that is looking to Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection as the sole source of the forgiveness of our sins.                            Advent blessings to you all!
Sunday's Scripture Readings & Hymns

Hymns: 354, 954, 344, 346, 349, 331
Quempas Carol- Call for Participants
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 9:00 PM candlelight Service on Christmas Eve, or would like more information, please contact Pastor Ahlman or 713 782 6079.  Older children and adults are encouraged to participate!
Advent and Christmas Worship Services
Advent is almost upon us. Please join us for our upcoming worship services:
 
Sunday 9 December 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM
Second Sunday in Advent

Wednesday 12 December 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Advent 2 Midweek 

Sunday 16 December 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM
Third Sunday in Advent

Wednesday 19 December 12:00 PM & 7:00 PM
Advent 3  Midweek  (MLS Service 7:00 PM)

Sunday 23 December 8:15 AM and 11:00 AM
Fourth Sunday in Advent 

Monday 24 December Christmas Eve
Children's Service/ Lessons and Carols - 5:00 PM
Candlelight Mass - 9:00 PM

Tuesday 25 December 10:00 AM
Christmas Day 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 Michael Koutsodontis as he continues treatment

For LouAnn Webber as she continues treatment

For those families affected by the floods from Hurricane Harvey
poinsettias
Order Your Poinsettia Today!
Plants are $9.50 each. Order one in memory/ honor of a loved one, as a gift for your secret pal, or even for yourself. Call the church office at 713 782 6079 by 17 December at noon.

We are asking for the plants to remain in the church until after late service on 30 December.
Memorial Lutheran Church | smurray@mlchouston.org | http://www.mlchouston.org | http://www.memoriallutheranschool.org
5800 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77057