I myself, when I was still a monk, used to feel that marriage was a condemned kind of life. We used to debate whether it was permitted to love or court an honorable virgin. Likewise whether it was a sin to have fun with one's wife. And I was greatly amazed at the statement of Bonaventure (1221-1274), who was the most saintly among the monks, when he says: 'It is not a sin if someone woos a girl with the intention of making her his wife. Indeed, this is really permitted. Consequently, one should not argue about this or have any doubt about it.'
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St. Valentine's Day
St. Valentine was a Roman pastor who was martyred for the faith on February 14, 269 and is remembered for his unwillingness to renounce Christ. Only later did his feast day get its amorous connections. Geoffrey Chaucer tells us that the birds are said to pair about St. Valentines Day. So it was thought a day auspicious for contracting marriages. As usual all sorts of other nonsense has been attached to a day which is to commemorate martyrdom and has caused it to become an "immovable feast." Despite all the nonsense attached to Valentines Day, we ought to extol the extraordinary gift of marriage given by God. It's a great day to talk about the love which God has given us in Christ and allowed us to share with our husband or wife.
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Who's New?
Uday Kiran Gudipally hails from Andhra Pradesh, India. He grew up in a family that has been actively engaged in Christian Ministry for quite some time. Uday holds two Master's degrees: One in Theology and the other in Computer Science. Uday is currently working as a Weblogic Administrator with CenterPoint Energy. He affirmed his faith in Lutheran church and Theology and is actively involved in the MLC Telugu Ministry. Uday feels that Telugu community in Houston will be greatly benefited by MLC Telugu Ministry.
Welcome Uday. MLC and the Telugu Ministry appreciate your regular involvement.
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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 19, and 26 February.
Adult Instruction lunches require set up before 12:30 PM on Sunday afternoons. Available dates are 9,16,23,30 March and 6 and 13 April.
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Attention Women of Memorial!
Lutheran Women in Mission (LWIM) will have its monthly meeting this Sunday 16 February. Pastor Pacey will be our guest speaker. LWIM is for all the ladies of Memorial- please come and see what we are about. We will meet in the commons right after late service today around 12:30 PM.
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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 Luke George, who is going through therapy for Leukemia
For John Meyer, who will undergo foot surgery
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Come Celebrate Mardi Gras- Lutheran Style!
The Memorial Lutheran Youth invite all members of the congregation to join us for our annual dinner fundraiser.
When: Saturday 1 March from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Fellowship Hall
Cost: Suggested donation of $12.50 for singles, $25 for couples (babysitting included).
RSVP: Aaron Poffenberger [email protected]
Come support our youth as they raise funds to go to Higher Things and Nicaragua!
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