Memorial Messenger: John Still Calls

14 December 2018

Order Your Poinsettia!

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 THIS MONDAY, 17 December, at noon to make the bulletin print.

We are asking for the plants to remain in the church until after late service on 30 December.

From the Pastor

John Still Calls

John the Baptist knew that the kingdom had to be about the Christ. He knew that he must decrease, and Jesus must increase (Jn 3:30). When they asked him are you the one who was coming? He answered rather fiercely confessing, "I am not the Christ!" He knew very well that the kingdom was not about him. He was only the voice. His was the mouth opened by God to herald the appearance of the true King, the Christ, who had now come on to the scene to establish the long-promised kingdom. John was okay with that. His call from God was quite clear. He was to tell of the Other. He was not to speak of himself. And he did not. He called to repentance a people who didn't know how to deal with their sins. He taught them to confess and to give fruit of repentance. He brought them into the coming kingdom to the washing of regeneration; a baptism unto life. He still calls us to repentance and into the kingdom.

Sunday's Scripture Readings & Hymns

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Philippians 4:4-7

Luke 7:18-35

Hymns: 515, 354, 954, 636, 338, 337,333

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 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 Paul Kehrer as he recovers

For Florence Brimberry as she heals

For those families affected by the floods from Hurricane Harvey

2019 Flower Calendar

The 2019 Flower Calendar is now available. It's a perfect way to share and acknowledge an anniversary, birthday, or a special family occasion. The flowers are arranged for by the church office, all you have to do is tell us what you want written in the Sunday bulletin. The cost is $43 an arrangement. The Flower Calendar is located in the narthex on the wall just to the east of the main doors. Please contact Tiffanie in the church office (713 782 6079) if you have any questions.

Memorial Lutheran Church | [email protected] | http://www.mlchouston.org | http://www.memoriallutheranschool.org
5800 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77057

Please visit our Memorial Lutheran Church website for more information and current events

Memorial Lutheran School's Newsletters are also available online at

http://www.memoriallutheranschool.org/