View
1
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Connection 12100 Champion Forest Dr. Houston, TX 77066 | 281-444-3126 (P) | 281-444-1733 (F)
W W W. K I N S M E N LU T H E R A N . O R G
Ins ide This I ssue
Inspiring Worship 2—5
Experiencing Family 6—10
Sharing Grace 11—13
Kinsmen Budget Update 14
Birthdays 15
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
2
desires with God’s desires. How might we surrender our
will and align it more with God’s will?
In addition to the beginning of Lent, I have asked Pastor
Mark to write about our Children and Youth Safety policy
called “Safe Haven.” In light of recent stories in the news,
the Church Council asked about the policies and practices
in place here at Kinsmen to protect children and youth.
I thought it was important for everyone to be aware of this
and I encourage everyone to go through the training.
Dear Brother’s and Sisters in Christ,
We will begin the Season of Lent on
March 6, which is Ash Wednesday.
Lent is the season of the church year
that lasts for forty days. (This does
not count Sundays because they are
considered “little Easters.”) During
this time, we contemplate the costly
sacrifice of Jesus on the cross before we journey on to the
celebration Easter.We will end our Lenten journey with Jesus’
prayer in Luke 22:42 “not my will but yours be done.” So
this year our Lenten theme is “Surrender.” Jesus surrendered
any and all personal desires and gave himself over to God’s
will being done. This Lent, how might we, too, align our
Grace and Peace,
Beth Warpmaeker
Senior Pastor
Pastor’s word
In Martin Luther’s Small Catechism, he explains that the
Holy Spirit calls, gathers, and enlightens us through the
church. Through the church’s welcome, we experience
Christ’s welcome.
While we want all to experience Christ’s welcome through
our congregation, we also want our congregation to be a
safe place for children and youth. We use the Safe Haven
Guidelines to help us create a safe environment where
children and youth can grow and thrive. The Safe Haven
Guidelines have been used and adapted by congregations
of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod for over a decade.
The guidelines used by the Boy Scouts in America, the Girl
Scouts in America, and the Episcopal Church influenced the
creation of the Safe Haven Guidelines. Included in Safe
Haven are guidelines for adult supervision, appropriate
and inappropriate affection, physical safety, travel safety,
an action plan for accidents, reporting inappropriate
behavior or abuse and other relevant topics. Leaders in
our children and youth ministry are trained with these
guidelines and then implement these guidelines in their
ministry setting. We also use Protect My Ministry for
background checks for the screening of leaders in children
and youth ministry. You can find out more about this
service here: protectmyministry.com
Kinsmen Children’s Academy has policies in place
influenced by Minimum Standards for Child-Care Centers
from the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services. We also have local policies about when and
where doors are open and how groups are allowed to
move within our space during the school day. Contact
Sara Ray or Pastor Mark if you would like to learn more
about our Safe Haven Guidelines and/or view the
training video.
Staff Updates
Part of the Capital Campaign was to support a more robust
Parish nurse role at Kinsmen. We now have two new
part-time staff members who are taking away some of
Lynnae Schatz’ responsibilities so that she can expand her
Parish Nurse role. Lynn Schroeder is the Kitchen Coordinator.
Colette Edwards is the Special Events Coordinator doing
volunteer recruitment and hospitality ministries (as well as
expanding the Wedding ministry, which is another Capital
Campaign initiative).
We also have a new Praise and Worship Leader. I’m
excited to introduce Steve Hale. Steve brings a wide variety
of musical and leadership skills and experience which cross
a variety of disciplines and genres.
His previous positions include those
as Director of Music which have
afforded him a wide variety of
opportunities including conducting
chancel, chamber and youth choirs,
small ensembles, hand bell choir,
contemporary worship bands and
full orchestras. Steve's performance resume includes
professional opera, musical theater, jazz and country
bands. He's very excited to be part of the Kinsmen
Lutheran team and looks forward to worshiping with
church members. Please give Steve a warm welcome!
Continued on page 3
Safe Haven by Pastor Mark England
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
3
March 10 Surrender Control Luke 4:1-13 Lent 1
March 17 Surrender Fear Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Luke 13:31-35 Lent 2
March 24 Surrender Judgement Luke 13:1-9 Lent 3
March 31 Surrender Limits Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32 Lent 4
April 7 Surrender Greed John 12:1-8 Lent 5
April 14 Surrender Your Life Luke 19:28-40 Palm Sunday
NEW SERMON SERIES Our sermon and group study theme during Lent this
year is Surrender. Often people talk about what they
are going to “give up” during Lent. There’s a common
practice among many Christians of fasting or not eating
a particular food one enjoys during this 40-day period
of time. At the heart of this practice is a desire to
remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us when he died
on the cross.
But this year we will end our Lenten journey with Jesus’
prayer at the Garden of Gethsemane: “not my will but
yours be done.” The definition of surrender is “to give
oneself over to something.” Jesus surrendered any and
all personal desires and gave himself over to God’s
will being done. This Lent, how might we, too, align our
desires with God’s desires. How might we surrender our
will and align it more with God’s will?
Staff Update Continued
Last but not least, Deacon Einstein Gonzalez is currently in Venezuela. As you may know, Einstein is from Venezuela,
his family still lives there and the country is in chaos right now. Einstein received family news that required his immediate
attention, so he has requested personal time off. For this reason, we are postponing his Installation until a
later date. Please stay updated with the situation in Venezuela and keep him, his family, and the entire country in
your prayers.
Installation of Deacon Gonzalez Postponed
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
4
Easter lilies may be ordered from the Flower Committee. They cost $10 each and may be dedicated in
honor or in memory of a loved one. You may order online at www.kinsmenlutheran.org. Orders are due by April 14
to be recognized in the Easter Sunday bulletin.
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
5
Mark your calendars for our next Abendmusik event!
The Houston Youth Harp Ensemble was established in 2018 to offer school-age harp students in Houston the opportunity to
further musical growth, facilitate personal development, and build an essential harp community. The Ensemble is actually
comprised of two ensembles to serve beginner and more advanced students.
Spring 2019 concerts feature a diverse array of music and styles from countries around the world.
Houston Youth Harp Ensemble
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
6
l u t h e r h i l l O P P O R T U N I T I E S l u t h e r h i l l O P P O R T U N I T I E S
Lutherhill Summer
We are going to Lutherhill June 9-14 with our 1st through 5th graders. Kinsmen has reserved spots, so please use our
code: kinsmen when you regsiter and then pay $100 deposit to Kinsmen and the balance to Lutherhill. Contact Sara
(sray@kinsmenlutheran.org) with any questions and to let her know you registered!
Calling all happy campers! Come out to the Hill to explore all that camp has to offer – from the
giant swing to archery, arts & crafts to campfire worship. This is a great opportunity for anyone
who’d like to take a trial run at camp for a full weekend retreat before coming out for a whole
week in the summer!
Schedule: Explore begins Friday evening with some silly games and an opening devotion.
Saturday, we explore a day in the life of summer camp with morning worship, creative Bible
study and an activity-filled afternoon. Sunday, we wrap up the weekend with community
brunch and a sending worship.
Cost is $75 and we will need some adults to travel with us! Contact Sara Ray if you and/or
your child are interested.
J u ly 8 - 1 2 , 1 5 - 1 9 , 2 2 - 2 6
S a v e t h e D at e S a v e t h e D at e J u ly 8 - 1 2 , 1 5 - 1 9 , 2 2 - 2 6
Camp Hope – Registration coming this month - check your email!
Early Learning Registration now open!
Special discount for Kinsmen members!
Register at kinsmenlutheran.org/early-learning
Lutherhill’s Explore Retreat – 1st through 5th graders March 22-24
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
7
Alpha begins Wednesday, March 20 at 7 PM at Swanny’s
Grill.
Do you know anyone in your life
that is a skeptic, a seeker, or
spiritual but not religious? Do
you know anyone who may want
a place to discuss their doubts and
questions about life and faith?
Maybe you should invite
them to try Alpha.
As many of you
have been
experiencing through
your small groups, Alpha is a series of videos and times of
discussion that help unpack the Christian faith. Do you
have a friend, co-worker, neighbor, relative or anyone in
your life who might want to participate in these discussions?
They can share whatever they want to share in these
discussions or not share anything at all.
Email mengland@kinsmenlutheran.org if you have any
questions or if you plan to bring someone.
If you’re not receiving the Tuesday email or the Remind youth ministry text,
please notify Pastor Mark at mengland@kinsmenlutheran.org
Youth in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade are invited to join us at Lutherhill this
summer from June 16-21. Use code kinsmen to claim one of our initial
guaranteed spots. Some spots have already been claimed. This week of
Lutherhill sometimes sells out. Register at www.lutherhill.org.
Camp Hope is an opportunity for you to be challenged as you develop your leadership skills. Camp Hope is a place
where God will work through you to be Good News in the lives of campers, parents, and fellow staff.
Even if you are not sure of your plans for the summer, we invite you to interview for Camp Hope. If nothing else, this will
be good practice for future job interviews.
If you have questions about Camp Hope or want to set up an interview, contact rflores@kinsmenlutheran.org
Middle School @ Lutherhill
High School Youth – Apply for Camp Hope
explore
life
faith
meaning
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
8
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
9
In a recent sermon, Pastor Beth talked about the importance
and power of keeping an “abundance mentality” rather than
a “scarcity mentality.” As someone who makes a living in
sales, I am very familiar with the ups and downs that come
with these mentalities. Early in my career when things
would go well, it was easy to keep an abundance mentality,
but I would become vulnerable to thinking that my success
was solely of my own doing. Inevitably, that would be
followed by a period where I would go into a slump and
my confidence would wane, leading to scarcity thinking.
What I’ve learned over the years is that confidence is a
fragile thing, but God’s love for us is rock steady. If we trust
in Him during both good times and bad, he will always
provide us with exactly what we need. So if things are not
ENDOWMENT NEWS “May the God of hope fill you
with all joy and peace as you trust
in him, so that you may overflow
with hope by the power of the
Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
going so well at the moment, keep trusting in Him and look
for opportunities to take actions that reflect your faith in
Him. Likewise, when things are going well, show God
how much you appreciate His abundant gifts by sharing
those gifts with others.
It’s “bonus season” for many working professionals and
one way to express your faith and thankfulness is to
apportion a gift to the Kinsmen Endowment Fund. The
Endowment Fund enhances the financial stability of
Kinsmen and provides security for the future. Your
contributions earn income that is used to fund ministries
in accordance with the fund’s distribution policy and in
keeping with donor intent.
—Craig Sutter
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
10
Pastor Beth has led seven trips for seminary and church
groups.
Are you interested in visiting biblical and archaeological
sites that will deepen your understanding of the Bible? Some
unique features of this trip will be:
• Experiencing the 5th Gospel – The Land—by visiting key
sites from the Biblical narrative and learning about their
history and current relevance.
• Forming a relationship with our mission partner in
Bethlehem (Bright Stars of Bethlehem).
• Learning how Christians living in the West Bank foster hope.
• Engaging in the arts and culture focus as well as the
health and wellness focus of the ministries of Christians in
Bethlehem.
• Meeting and learning from Christian, Muslim and Jewish
peacemakers.
Come to the Interest meeting on March 3 at 12:15 OR
contact Pastor Beth at bwarpmaeker@kinsmenlutheran.org
if you are interested in this journey of faith, learning and
relationship building.
Holy Land Trip Interest Meeting: March 3 at 12:15 PM
Are you interested in traveling with Pastor Beth to meet our Lutheran
brothers and sisters in the city of Bethlehem?
Since 2010, over $370 million has been distributed to
thousands of churches, schools, and other nonprofits
through Thrivent Choice®. Through this
program, eligible members can
recommend where Thrivent donates
millions of charitable outreach dollars
each year. We are excited to share,
based on member recommendations,
that Kinsmen has received many of these outreach
dollars over the years. Thank You!
Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have available
Choice Dollars® have until March 31, 2019, to direct
them. Don’t miss this opportunity to
recommend that Thrivent Financial
provide outreach funding to
Kinsmen Lutheran Church. Go to
Thrivent.com/thriventchoice
to learn more. Or call 800-847-4836
and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt.
Direct Your 2018 Thrivent
Choice Dollars® by March 31st
Throughout the school year on Wednesday evenings, Kinsmen offers
a hot meal that includes salad and dessert. The meals are served from
5:45-6:45 PM. The suggested donation is $5 for those 13 and over;
$3 for those 4-years-old to 12-years-old and free for those 3 and under.
Takeout meals are available.
MARCH Menu
March 6
Salisbury Steak
march 13 Tuscan Chicken
march 20
Tacos
march 27
Chicken Cordon Bleu
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
11
noisy offering
March 9 & 10
As is our custom, the second weekend of the month we
collect a Noisy Offering for a Mission Partner. This month’s
mission partner is Lutheran World Relief.
Founded by Lutherans in the United States at the end of
World War II, grounded in Lutheran theology and building
on decades of experience, Lutheran World Relief (LWR)
tackles global poverty by helping people adapt to the
challenges that threaten their livelihoods and well-being.
Working with people based on need, regardless of race,
religion or nationality, LWR provides aid in emergencies and
help families restore their lives. The goal is to help people
build self‐sufficiency and create new community‐owned
approaches to problem‐solving that will last long after our
projects end. This includes partnering with communities to
build and grow rural economies, breaking the cycle of
poverty, so families and communities can thrive.
Today, Lutheran World Relief operates in East and West
Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, helping
some of the world’s poorest communities build the
resilience they need to thrive.
Lutheran World Relief and Personal Care Kits In addition to the Noisy Offering, we will collect items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief throughout Lent—
March 6 – April 14. Personal Care Kits provide much-needed self-care, critical germ fighting, basic hygiene tools to our
brothers and sisters in need. These basic hygiene tools give our brothers and sisters a chance to regain dignity amidst
situations of fear and uncertainty. In refugee camps and in the world’s poorest communities, these few simple items can
mean the difference between sickness and health, life and death.
The items needed are:
Bars of soap (4-6 ounces, any brand, in original wrapping);
Bath Towels (light-weight, maximum 52”x27”, dark color recommended)
Toothbrushes (adult size, in original packaging)
Combs
Metal Nail Clippers
Thank you for your extraordinary generosity.
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
12
Can you tie your shoes? How about iron? If you answered yes to either question, consider
joining in the quilting bee for Lutheran World Relief on Saturday March 9 and/or Saturday
March 23 from 9 AM – noon in the gym. Come for an hour or stay for the day. Training
is provided.
When you make and send a Quilt, you are not only comforting someone you have never
met, but providing an object that is useful in ways you probably never imagined.
The ultimate purpose of a Quilt is to provide warmth, an essential need for people in every
climate, and LWR tries to ensure top standards in fabrics and filler accordingly.
In addition to being a cozy, clean new bed cover, it can be:
a baby carrier, tied around a mother’s back;
a market display, spread on the ground and piled with vegetables;
a sack for transporting those goods to market;
a sunshade;
a shawl; and most importantly
a constant reminder that someone, far away, cares a lot.
If you have questions contact Connie Jackson, or Lynnae Schatz (lschatz@kinsmenlutheran.org)
Blest be the ties that bind our hearts in Christian love!
Lutheran World Relief Quilting
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
13
TOOLBOX BASH GALA 2019 April 13
The Toolbox Bash annual gala benefits
Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County.
Each year, supporters gather for a formal
reception where cocktails and hors-d'oeuvres are
enjoyed while bidding on silent auction items. Guests will enjoy a three-course meal.
At the conclusion of the event, guests are invited to enjoy live music.
All proceeds are used to build affordable housing for families in our community.
Event Details:
The Omni Houston 4 Riverway Houston, TX 77056
6 PM - 9 PM
Formal Attire Required Tickets & sponsorships may be purchased by mailing
a check to PO Box 682785 Houston, TX 77268.
The Second Annual Golf For Hope Tournament will be held
on Friday, April 12, 2019 at Gleannloch Pines Golf
Club. A four person scramble, including lunch, golf, and
appetizers along with raffle and silent auction will round
out the day. Cost is $125 per player.
Checks can be mailed to 1960 Hope Center, 744 Cypress
Creek Parkway, Suite B, Houston, TX 77090. Please email
Jodie Leach at 1960hopecenter@gmail.com once you've
mailed the registration or register online at:
www.eventbrite.com/e/golf-for-hope-charity-golf-
tournament-2019-tickets-52229950187
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
14
GLIMPSES OF GRACE JANUARY 2019
Noisy Offering Sleep in Heavenly Peace
$1632.50
General Mission Support $8,731.61
Designated Mission Support $379.80
KCA Scholarship $740.00
Naomi/Campus Ministry $125.00
JANUARY TOTAL $11,608.91
Y-T-D TOTAL $11,608.91
GLIMPSES OF SHARING GRACE:
CARE MINISTRY February 2019
Flower Delivery 76
Prayer Shawl 1
grace
Glimpses
KINSMEN BUDGET UPDATE - CHURCH ONLY
Operating Highlights for January 2019
Budget Actual Variance
Total Income 124,521 140,182 15,660
Total Expenses 123,053 129,210 6,157
Net 1,468 10,972 9,504
Year-to-date
Total Income 124,521 140,182 15,660
Total Expense 123,053 129,210 6,157
Net 1,468 10,972 9,504
Giving Update
Thankoffering Budget Actual Variance
Month-to-Date 93,680 92,678 (1,002)
Year-to-Date 93,680 92,678 (1,002)
Total Pledges 105
Against Pledge 86
Over Paid Pledge 1
Non-Pledged 121
Total Households
Giving 208
March 2019 Kinsmen Connection
15
MARCH BIRTHDAYS *
*This list is compiled from church records. If your name is missing or the information listed above is
incorrect, please notify the church office. (jhughes@kinsmenlutheran.org)
Schmeisser, Tiffany 3/1
Stolz, Timothy Ian 3/1
England, Sheri 3/2
Gumm, Thomas 3/2
Gordon, Alexa 3/3
Liewer, Tom 3/3
Mc Anear, Melissa 3/3
Schmidt, Erik 3/3
Henze, Grace 3/4
Plata, Gloria 3/4
Pierce, Liz 3/5
Roth, Robert 3/5
Davis, Kimberly 3/6
Herwig, James 3/6
Jyrkama, Alison 3/6
Jyrkama, Noah 3/6
Liewer, Becky 3/6
Mc Intosh, Duncan 3/6
Morgan, Melissa 3/6
Peltier, Caroline 3/6
Pritchett, Ellen 3/6
Temple, Benjamin 3/6
Wangsmo, Michael 3/6
Delgado, LaDawn 3/7
Novacek, Angela 3/7
Anderson, Evan 3/9
Breedveld, James 3/10
Cook, Kellen 3/10
Funke, Dale 3/10
Lowe, Shelby 3/10
Snyder, Cliff 3/10
Molinaro, Lynn 3/12
Montalvo, Alexander 3/12
Smith, Donna 3/12
Toney, Colton 3/12
Clark, Carol 3/13
Woods, Kyle 3/13
Alderman, Emily 3/14
Henning, Brenda 3/14
Tennant, Judith 3/14
Wooden, Keeley 3/14
Adams, Connie 3/15
Gronwaldt, Robert 3/15
Hope, Colin 3/15
Lindblom, Anna 3/15
Beeskau, Jaqueline 3/16
Laing, Jill 3/16
Rogers, Carl 3/16
Grimes, Nikita 3/17
Benesh, Patricia 3/18
Hey, Barbara 3/18
Boller, Lauren 3/19
Simpson, Joshua 3/19
Sutter, Erin 3/19
Vincent, Stephanie 3/19
Raschke, Alan 3/20
Wall, Mason 3/20
Jacobi, Jane 3/21
Arias, Santiago 3/22
Awbrey, Vicki 3/22
Bayer, Brittany 3/22
Hurtado, Lukas 3/23
Mc Intosh, Stefanie 3/23
Mosqueda, Sarah 3/23
Wooden, Emma 3/23
Merkel, Grace 3/24
Nelsen, Eric 3/24
Oliver, Adrian 3/24
England, Kelly 3/25
Lester, Christian 3/25
Pearce, Cameron 3/26
Remmert, Ruby 3/26
Snyder, Dianna 3/26
Velotas, Rachel 3/26
Brown, Hunter 3/27
Rogers, Lena 3/27
Schmeisser, Brian 3/27
Stewart, Melissa 3/27
Collins, Margaret 3/28
Gillette, Matthew 3/28
Henning, David 3/28
Toney, Lantz 3/28
Jones, Daniel 3/29
Staff, Caleb 3/29
Cook, Michael 3/30
Delgado, Raymond 3/30
Hyun, Carol 3/30
Rueda, Tina 3/30
Best, Becky 3/31
Brinz, Linda 3/31
Sell, Jeffrey 3/31
Kinsmen Staff Reach a staff member directly by dialing 281-444-3127,
plus their extension
Rev. Dr. Beth Warpmaeker, Senior Pastor
bwarpmaeker@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext 118
Rev. Mark England, Youth & Family Ministry
mengland@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 124
Einstein Gonzales, Spanish Ministry Developer
egonzales@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 125
Lynnae Schatz, Director of Congregational Life
lschatz@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 143
Sara Ray, Director of Children’s Ministry & Outreach
sray@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 117
Colette Edwards, Special Events Coordinator
cedwards@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 111
Julie Hughes, Office Manager
jhughes@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 110
Rose Poole, Communications Director
communications@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 121
George Skirm, Director of Media
gskirm@kinsmenlutheran.org
Cody Miller, Young Adult Outreach
cmiller@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 144
Irene Baasen, Accounting & Financial Reports
ibaasen@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 114
Jane Jacobi, Payroll Clerk
jjacobi@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 115
Kristen Schulze, Contemporary Worship
Co-coordinator
kschulze@kinsmenlutheran.org
Lauren Rivera, Director of Children's Music
lrivera@kinsmenlutheran.org —Ext. 122
Joey Bansuelo, Alleluia Choir Director
jbansuelo@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 122
Sherrie McMahon, Organist, Abendmusik
smcmahon@kinsmenlutheran.org— Ext. 122
Steve Hale, Praise and Worship Leader
shale@kinsmenlutheran.org
Lisa Yeager, KCA Preschool Director
lyeager@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 123
Rudy Flores, Asst. Director for Before & After Care
rflores@kinsmenlutheran.org — Ext. 135
Ruben Aranda, Custodian
Gonzalo Montes, Custodian
Membership
Connection is a monthly publication of Kinsmen Lutheran Church. Deadline for submitting news is the
15th day of each month or the previous church business day if the deadline falls on the weekend or on a church holiday. Articles are preferred electronically, but may be faxed or hand-delivered to a staff member.
Interested in learning more about
Kinsmen? Contact Pastor Beth,
Pastor Mark, or Lynnae Schatz
(lschatz@kinsmenlutheran.org)
for more information.
Worship Schedule:
INFORMAL
WORSHIP
Saturdays
5:30 PM
TRADITIONAL
WORSHIP
Sundays
8:15 & 11 AM
CONTEMPORARY
WORSHIP
Sundays
9:30 AM
COMMUNION
OFFERED AT ALL
SERVICES
FELLOWSHIP
BREAKFAST
beginning at 9 AM
OFFICE HOURS
Monday—Thursday
9 AM—5 PM
Friday
9 AM—12 PM
CONTACT INFORMATION
281-444-3126 Phone
281-444-1733 FAX
Recommended