Hosanna Cyberline September 5, 2008

"Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; give me life in your ways." (from Psalm 119)

Announcements for the week of September 7...

THERE'S LOTS HAPPENING THIS WEEKEND AND THE WEEK AFTER, SO LET'S GO...

1. Tomorrow (Saturday, September 6)—Habitat for Humanity is asking for help at the Thrivent Houses in the Lancaster subdivision. Thrivent House #1, Mitchell Family Home, is ready for roof shingles and wall siding. Thrivent House #2, Rangel Family Home, should be ready for erection of the pre-assembled walls. No large group has signed up. If you can come out in groups of 2 or 3 or 4 or MORE we can make it happen. Contact Ken Dinges
2. Photos are needed to complete the new picture directory and brochure. If you have recent photos (digital or print) of activities, meetings, groups (brass, choir, worship, CREW), special events, Easter, Trick or Trunk, Texas Thanksgiving, etc., please bring them to my office NO LATER THAN MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8. If digial, put them on a disk or Flash Drive.
3. This Sunday is RALLY DAY! Sunday school opens @ 9:30 AM in the Library-Chapel (note the change) at the west end of the building. Children ages 2-11 are invited. Get ready to Akaloo again. There will be a special surprise at the end of Sunday school.
4. New Sunday school teachers will be installed.
5. Annual blessing of the backpacks as the new school year begins. ALL CHILDREN PLEASE BRING YOUR BACKPACKS SUNDAY MORNING.
6. Check out the 9:30 AM Contemporary service. Katie Johnson has put together a new format.
7. It's Christmas in September!! The Hosanna Women of the ELCA holds its annual Christmas in September Bake Sale! Hosanna's wonderful women will have scrumptious goodies for. Stop at the table in the narthex and buy a delectable goodie or two!!
8. Coffee Sunday. Purchase gourmet coffee and chocolate to benefit Hosanna’s African Initiative.
9. IHN Week at Hosanna begins. Saturday, September 13—One driver is needed @ 9 AM to transport our guests to Northwest Assistance Ministries. Another driver is needed at 5 PM to transport the guests back to Hosanna. It takes little time.
10. The Backyard, a new monthly publication devoted to discipleship will be handed out to everyone attending worship this Sunday. An article on the front page by Pastor John explains its purpose. A new link to the PDF version has been added to the home page of the Hosanna website.

The week ahead...

• Wednesday, September 10—Hosanna Seniors (50+) tour the Federal Reserve Bank to learn about the cash operation of the Federal Reserve. Meet at Hosanna at 8:30 AM to catch the Precinct #4 bus. Lunch is at the restaurant operated by Treebeards in the Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Houston. Sign up in the Narthex or email Nancy Wunsche: nnwunsche@charter.net or Dorothy Petersen: dorpost@sbcglobal.net
• Wednesday, September 10 @ 7 PM—Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Harris County holds an orientation meeting for prospective homeowners at The Daily Bread Church, 5399 W. Richey Rd. This is a mandatory meeting for those applying for a Habitat home. Prospective applicants will get information about the Mission of Habitat for Humanity, the qualifications they must have to Partner with Habitat and the documentation necessary to complete an application. Date and location of the application meeting will be announced. If you know anyone who is interested in a Habitat for Humanity home, please pass this information on to them.
• Thursday, September 11 @ 11:30 AM—Women of the ELCA luncheon at the Tea Cake French Bakery, 820 FM1960 West (on the north side between Red Oak and Cali Dr.) RSVP: nagafitei@comcast.net or nanamomo@sbcglobal.net; or by phone 281-257-9691 (Maureen) or 281-370-6810 (Nancy). Guests are welcome.
• Next Sunday, September 14 @ 9 AM—Hosanna Carolers children's choir begins rehearsals. Children from pre-School through intermediate are welcome.
• Next Sunday, September 14 following 11 AM worship—Hosanna Community Picnic. Sign up to bring salads, fruit and desserts. Hosanna is furnishing the hot dogs, hamburgers and barbecued meat. T-shirts are on sale in the gathering area outside the Worship Center. Invite your neighbors, friends… anyone you meet. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
• MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15—DEADLINE FOR OCTOBER HOTLINE AND BACKYARD ARTICLES. No exceptions!

Family Life announcements from Amber Walker...

This Sunday, September 7

• CREW kick off! We will have breakfast that morning and welcome new members.
  That evening (6-8 PM) Jim Sales & Barbara Sorensen host us at their home for a pool party! See you there!
• Confirmation begins weekly meetings with Ken Loudermilk @ 9:30 AM starting in Classroom 9.

Other Family Life items...

• September 10 and 24 @ 7 PM—Confirmation meets with Pastor John in Classroom 9.
• Sunday, September 14 @ 6 PM—Parent-youth information meeting for the National Gathering. All who want to go need to attend this meeting.
• Crew and Confirmation have been asked to lead and monitor children’s activities at the Community Picnic Sunday, September 14. Let Amber know if you can help.
• LYO JR. High Gathering for Jr High Students & Adult Sponsors, November 21-23 at the Sheraton North Houston. COST: $135 + hotel ($25 Hosanna subsidy) Registration is now open! Please let Amber know if you are interested.
• Staffed Nursery Available every Sunday morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.

Other items...

• Scrapbooking at Hosanna—Sessions are the third Monday of each month from 9:30 AM to 2 PM in Classroom 9 (at the west end of the building). The initial meeting is September 15. Find out about “scrapbooking.” Bring your favorite photos and a lunch. Contact Beth Chaney for information: 281-440-7717.
• Saturday, September 27 @ 6 PM—Book Discussion. The next selection for the Hosanna Book Discussion group is "The Shack" by William P. Young. Meeting in Classroom 9/Confirmation Classroom.
• Link to This Week at Hosanna for September 7 Link to September Hotline: Your weekly reading is John 11: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=JOHN%2011&version=31
• Don't forget your name tags. It helps everyone feel at home. Don't have one? See the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.

A little humor...

You Might be in a Texas Country Church If…

• The Call to Worship is "Y’all come on in!".
• People grumble about Noah letting coyotes on the Ark.
• The preacher says, "I’d like to ask Bubba to help take up the offering," and five guys stand up.
• The restrooms are outside.
• A member requests to be buried in his four-wheel drive truck because, "I ain't ever been in a hole it couldn’t get me out of."
• The church directory doesn’t have last names.
• The pastor wears boots.
• The only time people lock their cars in the parking lot is during the summer, and then only so their neighbors can’t leave them a bag of squash.
• Baptism is referred to as "branding".
• There is a special fund-raiser for a new septic tank.
  Finding and returning lost sheep is not just a parable.
• You miss worship one Sunday morning and by 2 o’clock that afternoon you have had a dozen calls inquiring about your health.
• People wonder when Jesus fed 5000 whether the two fish were bass or catfish.
• The final words of the benediction are, "Y’all come on back now, ya hear?"

Dale Bargmann Hosanna Lutheran Church Parish Communications http://www.welcometohosanna.com/

Hosanna Cyberline - August 22, 2008

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me. " (from Psalm 138)

Announcements for the week of August 24...

• It's not the end of daylight saving time yet, but we do return to the fall worship schedule this Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 AM, with Sunday school and adult education @ 9:30 AM.
• Be sure to sign up to help with Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Week at Hosanna, September 7-14. The response has been good so far. See the sign up poster in the narthex for open days. Set up beds, fix meals, serve as host or driver. It also can be as simple as purchasing a gallon of milk and juice.

This Sunday, August 24...

• This Sunday is the last day to order new benches and pavers for the courtyard to remember loved ones. Please sign up on the back of the welcome insert. See Bob Dejmal for information, including cost.
• Tashena Joyce Martin, daughter of Angela Martin, will be baptized at the 11 AM worship service.

Family Life announcements from Amber Walker...

• Fall Rally Day is September 7. Hope to see you there!
• CREW begins September 7 with breakfast at Andy’s on FM 1960 that morning . That evening Jim Sales & Barbara Sorensen host us at their home for a pool party! See you there!
• Confirmation begins Wednesday, September 10, followed by another session Wednesday, September 24
• Staffed Nursery Available Every Sunday Morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.

Looking Ahead...

• Be on the look out for details about a day for Scrapbooking at Hosanna. Questions, call Beth Chaney: 281-440-7717.
• Tuesday, September 9—The Hosanna Seniors (50+) will tour of the Federal Reserve Bank to learn about the cash operation of the Federal Reserve. Meet at Hosanna at 8:30 AM to catch the Precinct #4 bus. Lunch is at the restaurant operated by Treebeards in the Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Houston. Sign up in the Narthex or email Nancy Wunsche or Dorothy Petersen.
• Sunday, September 14—First annual Hosanna Community Picnic following the late worship service. Donations are needed to cover the cost. Place them in the offering plate (payable to: Hosanna Care Team; marked: Church Picnic). There will be lots of food, games and live entertainment. Sign up to bring baked beans, salads, fruit and desserts. Sign up at the table in the Narthex. Also, help is needed for set-up, tear-down and to serve food. T-shirts for this great family event are on sale in the Narthex. Bring friends, invite neighbors. Everyone is welcome!!!!!
• Saturday, September 27 @ 6 PM - September Book DiscussionThe next selection for the
• Hosanna Book Discussion group is "The Shack" by William P. Young. Meeting in Classroom 8/Confirmation Classroom. In this novel, Mack's youngest daughter is abducted and presumed murdered. Four years later, he receives a note, supposedly from God, inviting him back to the crime scene. By returning to the place of his darkest nightmare, will he find despair—or hope?

Other items...

• Link to This Week at Hosanna for August 24:
  Link to new September Hotline:
• Your weekly reading is John 9
• Continue to wear your name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home. If you do not have one, see the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.
• Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Harris County is holding an orientation meeting for prospective homeowners Wednesday, September 10 @ 7 PM at The Daily Bread Church, 5399 W. Richey Rd. This is a mandatory meeting for those applying for a Habitat home. Prospective applicants will get information about the Mission of Habitat for Humanity, the qualifications they must have to Partner with Habitat and the documentation necessary to complete an application. Date and location of the application meeting will be announced. If you know anyone who is interested in a Habitat for Humanity home, please pass this information on to them.
• A Bible passage from this week's lessons: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully." (from Romans12)

A little humor (and a "commercial")...

Top reasons for being a Soprano in the Hosanna Choir
You can entertain your friends by breaking their wine glasses.
When sopranos want to sing in the shower, they know the tune.
Great costumes - like the hat with the horns on it.
When the fat lady sings, she's usually singing soprano.
When you get tired of singing the tune, you can sing the descant.
You can sing along with Michael Jackson.
All God’s critters—sopranos, altos, tenors, basses—got a place in the choir! This is a not-so-subtle reminder that the Hosanna Choir resumes weekly rehearsals Wednesday, September 3 @ 7 PM. There’s a place for you. Contact Gay Zimmerman in the church office.

See everyone Sunday. God bless!!!
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
http://www.welcometohosanna.com

Hosanna Cyberline - August 15, 2008

"May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth" (from Psalm 67)

Announcements for the week of August 17...

1. Be sure to sign up to help with Interfaith Hospitality Network (IHN) Week at Hosanna, September 7-14. See the back of the green “Welcome” insert or the poster in the narthex. Set up beds, fix meals, serve as host or driver. It also can be as simple as purchasing a gallon of milk and juice.
2. Man with ALS needs some companionship - Can you spend an hour a month visiting a man with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease)? Although Eric, 42 years old, is a quadriplegic on a breathing machine, his mind is not effected by his disease. He likes chess and computers and he lives on Louetta. Call the Hosanna office (281-440-6890) or Lynn Coles (936-321-5311) to provide Eric with some companionship.
3. I want to share this email I received from Jared Stackman who, along with his girl friend Jenni, worshiped at Hosanna last Sunday: "It was great to meet you and all of the other friendly members of Hosanna on Sunday, it is truly an atmosphere that Jenni and I were looking for in a church."Jared and Jenni are very new to Houson and Jered is seeking employment. If anyone has a contact or knows of an opening, please drop him an email. Here is some info: I am a graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering. I graduated in May of 2007 and have worked for approximately 15 months as a Quality/Safety Engineer for a manufacturing plant in Illinois. My girlfriend, Jenni took a job as a teacher down here with the Aldine School District which is the reason I am here also. I am currently seeking a job as an engineer, primarily, but not limited to a manufacturing environment.

This Sunday, August 17...

• This Sunday - Mission of the Month Noisy Offering for ELCA Disaster Response: Disasters are tragic events that disrupt the normal routine of life, causing loss and human suffering. When a major disaster strikes, needs often outstrip available local resources. In such catastrophes the whole church marshals its resources and reaches out to help. ELCA Disaster Response is known for its long-term healing presence after catastrophic events. Our Domestic Disaster Response and International Disaster Response efforts are implemented through trusted partners with roots in the communities they serve. Through ELCA Disaster Response, we are prepared to care “for the long haul,” even when a disaster receives little or no media attention. Dig into your pockets and purses and pull out any loose change you may be carrying. Deposit it in the buckets passed during the offering at all worship services.
• Adult Education continues a 7-week study/discussion of "Real Faith for Real Life: Living the Six Marks of discipleship. "This book offers the reader an experience of learning that can influence a lifetime of living as a follower of Jesus. The book is recommended for both personal faith development and congregational faith formation." Books will be available for $10.

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

• Youth Summer Sunday School ends August 24 (next Sunday).
• Fall Rally Day is September 7. Hope to see you there!
• CREW begins September 7 with breakfast that morning and Bible study from 6-8 pm
• Those being confirmed meet with Pastor John this Sunday following the late service.
  Andrew Greer is attending LYO training this weekend at Lutherhill. Please keep him in your prayers.
• “It’s not how much one makes but to what purpose one spends.” -Anonymous Continuing this Sunday… Share Save Spend: The choices I make with my money can change the world, an intergenerational Sunday school—ALL AGES WELCOME—with Amber Walker in the Sunday School Opening Room.
• Staffed Nursery Available Every Sunday Morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.
• Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds in the classroom next to the nursery (look for the sign).

The Week Ahead...

• Saturday, August 23—Confirmation End of Year/Back to School Party at Splashtown @12 PM.
• Saturday, August 23 - Women of the ELCA Cluster Meeting and Bible Study, with a lite breakfast, beginning @ 9:15 AM at Hosanna.
• Next Sunday, August 24 - Orders for new benches and pavers to remember loved ones due. Please sign up on the back of the welcome insert. See Bob Dejmal for pricing information.
• Next Sunday, August 24 - Return to Fall worship schedule: 8, 9:30 and 11 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM.

Looking Ahead...

• Be on the look out for details about a day for Scrapbooking at Hosanna. Questions, call Beth Chaney: 281-440-7717.
• Tuesday, September 9—The Hosanna Seniors (50+) will tour of the Federal Reserve Bank to learn about the cash operation of the Federal Reserve. Meet at Hosanna at 8:30 AM to catch the Precinct #4 bus. Lunch is at the restaurant operated by Treebeards in the Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Houston. Sign up in the Narthex or email Nancy Wunsche or Dorothy Petersen.
• Sunday, September 14—First annual Hosanna Community Picnic following the late worship service. Donations are needed to cover the cost. Place them in the offering plate (payable to: Hosanna Care Team; marked: Church Picnic). There will be lots of food, games and live entertainment. Sign up to bring baked beans, salads, fruit and desserts. Sign up at the table in the Narthex. Also, help is needed for set-up, tear-down and to serve food. T-shirts for this great family event are on sale in the Narthex. Bring friends, invite your neighbors. Everyone is welcome!!!!!
• Link to This Week at Hosanna for August 17
• Link to July/August Hotline
• Your weekly reading is John 8
• Continue to wear your name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home. If you do not have one, see the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.
• One other item from Habitat for Humanity... Dear Prospective Habitat for Humanity Homeowner:Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Harris County is holding an orientation meeting for prospective homeowners Wednesday, September 10 @ 7 PM at The Daily Bread Church, 5399 W. Richey Rd. This is a mandatory meeting for those applying for a Habitat home. This meeting will give you information about the Mission of Habitat for Humanity, the qualifications you must have to Partner with Habitat and the documentation necessary to complete an application. Date and location of the application meeting will be announced at this meeting. In general to qualify for a Habitat home you must be within 40-60% of the Harris County low income guidelines for a family of your size and be willing to work with Habitat in building your home (sweat equity). No documentation is required at this meeting but you may wish to bring a pen in order to take notes.If you know anyone who is interested in a Habitat for Humanity home, please pass this information on to them.

A little humor...

A young couple invited their elderly preacher for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the minister asked their son what they were having.

"Goat," the little boy replied.

"Goat?" replied the startled man of the cloth, "Are you sure about that?"

"Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mom, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'"

Until next week, God bless you over the coming week,
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/

Hosanna Cyberfline - August 8, 2008

"Let me hear what God the Lord will speak." (from Psalm 85)

Announcements for the week of August 10...

1. Congratulations to these Mulkey Scholarship recipients: Clifford Joshua Alewine, Abigail Brown, Melissa Burns, Christine Carter, David Carter, Laura Greer, Marquette Henderson, Hannah McConn, Carly Oden, Caty Oden, Katie Romijn, Michael Smith and Christopher Welshons.
2. The Hosanna office needs mailing addresses and emails for all our young people attending colleges or trade schools. Please call or email Nita Auer with this information.
3. It's Christmas in September!! WELCA is having its annual Christmas in September Bake Sale! Hosanna's wonderful women will have scrumptious goodies for sale Sunday, September 7. Stop by the table in the nartnex and buy a delectable goodie or two!!

This Sunday, August 10...

• Adult Education begins a 7-week study/discussion of "Real Faith for Real Life: Living the Six Marks of discipleship. "This book offers the reader an experience of learning that can influence a lifetime of living as a follower of Jesus. The book is recommended for both personal faith development and congregational faith formation." Books will be available for $10.

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

• “It’s not how much one makes but to what purpose one spends.” -Anonymous Continuing this Sunday… Share Save Spend: The choices I make with my money can change the world, an intergenerational Sunday school—ALL AGES WELCOME—with Amber Walker in the Sunday School Opening Room.
• Saturday, August 23—Confirmation End of Year/Back to School Party at Splashtown @12 PM.
• Staffed Nursery Available Every Sunday Morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds in the classroom next to the nursery (look for the sign).
• Jennifer Jackowski, Sunday school co-superintendent, is seeking teachers for the upper grade levels for the fall. Speak to her or contact the church office if interested.

The Week Ahead...

• Friday, August 15 - Deadline for submitting September Hotline articles.
• Saturday August 16 - Book Discussion... Title of book: "Consumption, A Novel of the Arctic" by Kevin Patterson, 6–8 PM in Classroom 9/Confirmation Room, at the west end of the building. (Note change of location because of summer AC needs.)

Looking Ahead...

• Saturday, August 23 - Women of the ELCA Cluster Meeting and Bible Study, with a lite breakfast, beginning @ 9:15 AM at Hosanna.
• Sunday, August 24 - Orders for new benches and pavers to remember loved ones due. Please sign up on the back of the welcome insert. See Bob Dejmal for pricing information.
• Sunday, August 24 - Return to Fall worship schedule: 8, 9:30 and 11 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM.
• Be on the look out for details about a day for Scrapbooking at Hosanna. Questions, call Beth Chaney: 281-440-7717.
• Sunday, September 14 - All-Church Community Picnic—First annual Hosanna family picnic following the late worship service. Donations are needed to cover the cost. Place them in the offering plate (payable to: Hosanna Care Team; marked: Church Picnic). There will be lots of food, games and live entertainment. Sign up to bring baked beans, salads, fruit and desserts. Also, help is needed for set-up, tear-down and to serve food. See the sign up on the back of the “welcome” insert. T-shirts for this great family event are on sale in the Narthex outside the Nave. Bring friends, invite your neighbors.
• Link to This Week at Hosanna for August 10:
• Link to July/August Hotline:
• Your weekly reading is John 7:
• Continue to wear your name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home. If you do not have one, see the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.

A little humor... More actual bulletin bloopers

• "Next Sunday Mrs. Vinson will be soloist for the morning service. The pastor will then speak on 'It's a Terrible Experience'."
• "Due to the Rector's illness, Wednesday's healing services will be discontinued until further notice."
• "Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our church and community."
• "A song fest was hell at the Methodist church Wednesday."
• "Potluck supper: prayer and medication to follow."
• Please join us as we show our suport for Amy and Alan in preparing for the girth of their first child.

Dale Bargmann
Parsish Communications
Hosanna Lutheran Church, Houston, Texas

Hosanna Cyberfline - August 1, 2008

"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done." (from Psalm 145)

Announcements for the week of August 3...

1. Thanks to all who donated yarn to the Prayer Shawl Ministry. Presently the group has enough yarn, but check with Sonya Tallus regarding future needs.
2. THE KITCHEN HAS A VERY LIMITED NUMBER OF DISH TOWELS AND WASH CLOTHS TO USE FOR CLEAN-UP FOLLOWING RECEPTIONS AND FELLOWSHIP FUNCTIONS. PLEASE RETURN OR REPLENISH THE SUPPLY.
3. Sunday, August 24 - Beginning of fall worship schedule: 8, 9:30 and 11 AM; Sunday school/Adult Education @ 9:30 AM.
4. Lutheran Helping Hands Needs Volunteers - Since 1992 Lutheran Helping Hands has been housing patients receiving medical treatment in Houston. It has been a rewarding ministry involving lots of hard work and love. While LHH is financially secure, key people have moved away or moved on with their lives and have not been replaced. At least 6 strong, committed volunteers are needed by September 1 to keep from having to close down apartments as leases expire. Volunteers are needed to ready apartments for the next tenant. This includes cleaning work (i.e., bathtubs, ovens, etc.), checking in patients and some clerical work. Contact Joyce Pavelka, project coordinator: 713-861-6930.
5. Be sure to read "Worship, Wishes & Woes" starting on p. 17 of the August issue of The Lutheran. The article concludes with the sentence: " Is our worship worth crossing the street for." There are some things to think about as we plan for the future.

This Sunday, August 3...

• After 10:45 worship the Alpha, Youngins and Yearlins head to Lutherhill; they will receive a special send-off blessing at the end of the service.
• Adult Education discusses “Black & White in the ELCA,” an article in the August issue of The Lutheran magazine. There is a need for justice!

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

• “It’s not how much one makes but to what purpose one spends.” -Anonymous... Share Save Spend: The choices I make with my money can change the world, an intergenerational Sunday school—ALL AGES WELCOME—with Amber in the Sunday School Opening Room.
• Sunday, August 17—2008 Confirmands meet with Pastor Boldt for a faith talk following 10:45 AM worship. Lunch will be served.
• Saturday, August 23—Confirmation End of Year/Back to School Party at Splashtown @12 PM.
• Staffed Nursery Available Every Sunday Morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.
• Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds in the classroom next to the nursery (look for the sign).
• Jennifer Jackowski, Sunday school co-superintendent, is seeking teachers for the upper grade levels for the fall. Speak to her or contact the church office if interested.

Other Items...

• Next Sunday, August 10, Adult Education begins a 7-week study/discussion of "Real Faith for Real Life: Living the Six Marks of discipleship. "This book offers the reader an experience of learning that can influence a lifetime of living as a follower of Jesus. The book is recommended for both personal faith development and congregational faith formation." Books are available from Sue Loudermilk for $10. Outlines prepared by Nancy Agafitei for the recently completed series, "Reclaiming the L Word" can be found on the Hosanna website, on the Learning Center page.
• Friday, August 15 - Deadline for submitting September Hotline articles.
• Saturday August 16 - Next Book Discussion... Title of book: "Consumption, A Novel of the Arctic" by Kevin Patterson, 6–8 PM in Classroom 9/Confirmation Room, at the west end of the building. (Note change of location because of summer AC needs.)
• Sunday, August 24 - Orders for new benches and pavers to remember loved ones due. Please sign up on the back of the welcome insert. See Bob Dejmal for pricing information.
  Saturday, August 23 - Women of the ELCA Cluster Meeting and Bible Study, with a lite breakfast, beginning @ 9:15 AM at Hosanna.
• Be on the look out for details about a day for Scrapbooking at Hosanna. Questions, call Beth Chaney: 281-440-7717.
• Sunday, September 14 - All-Church Family Picnic—First annual Hosanna family picnic following the late worship service. Donations are needed to cover the cost. Place them in the offering plate (payable to: Hosanna Care Team; marked: Church Picnic). Also, help is needed for set-up, tear-down and to serve food. See the sign up on the back of the “welcome” insert. T-shirts for this great family event are on sale in the Narthex outside the Nave.
• This Week at Hosanna for August 3
• July/August Hotline Your weekly reading is John 6
  Continue to wear your name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home. If you do not have one, see the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.

A little humor...

A pious man celebrated his 105th birthday and suddenly stopped going to church. Alarmed by the old fellow's absence after so many years of faithful attendance the pastor went to see him.

He found him in excellent health, so the pastor asked, "How come after all these years we don't see you at services anymore?"

The old man looked around and lowered his voice. I'll tell you, Pastor," he whispered. "When I got to be 90 I expected God to take me any day. But then I got to be 95, then 100, then 105. So I figured that God is very busy and must have forgotten about me ... and I don't want to remind Him."

Until next week (and yes Georgia, Garrett and I had a wonderful vacation in Colorado), Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - Friday, July 11, 2008

"Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." (from Psalm 63)

Urgent appeal from Habitat for Humanity: We are between that proverbial rock and a hard place. We start the first Thrivent House at the Lancaster site, THIS Saturday, July 12. 30 volunteers are needed for a half day ( 8 am to noon). It is only through volunteers such as yourself that we can accomplish this worthy project. Address: 19934 Great Elms Drive, Cypress, TX. Map to build site

• On July 19 we need 25 volunteers to set roof trusses. (0 signed up!)
• On July 26th we need 20 volunteers to install roof decking. (0 signed up!)
• On August 2nd we need 15 volunteers to install roof shingles. (0 signed up!)

Please get a group together no matter how large or small. Please call or e-mail me to schedule your volunteer group. Kenneth Dinges, Thrivent Builds Chapter Specialist, 281-256-9557, kendinges@gmail.com

Announcements for the week of July 13...

1. “It’s not how much one makes but to what purpose one spends.” -Anonymous Beginning this Sunday… Share Save Spend: The choices I make with my money can change the world, an intergenerational Sunday school—ALL AGES WELCOME—with Amber Walker in the Sunday School Opening Room.
2. Also this Sunday… Coffee Sunday—Support Hosanna’s African Initiative through purchases of free-trade coffee and chocolate. Stop by the table in the Narthex.
3. Sunday, July 27—Installation of Pastor John at the 10:45 AM worship service.
4. All children (ages 3 to Junior High) are invited to perform a special music arrangement with the Adult Choir at Pastor John's installation July 27. Rehearsal at 9:30 AM, July 27 in the Children's Choir Room. Snacks provided!
5. Send pictures from your summer vacations with a brief description and where you went. They will be uploaded to Hosanna's photo page at Flickr.com. The McConnells included a photo of a giant lizard they saw in Arizona. Take a look. Email digital images to dale@welcometohosanna.com or leave prints in my box in the workroom with description attached.

This Sunday, July 13...

• Adult Education continues its discussion of "Reclaiming the L Word." This is a timely study with some interesting discussion. There's always a place for you.

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

• Staffed Nursery Available Every Sunday Morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.
• Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds in the classroom next to the nursery (look for the sign).
• Jennifer Jackowski, Sunday school co-superintendent, is seeking teachers for the upper grade levels for the fall. Speak to her or contact the church office if interested.

Other Important Items...

• August Book Discussion... Title of book: "Consumption, A Novel of the Arctic" by Kevin Patterson, Saturday August 16, 6–8 PM in Classroom 9/Confirmation Room, at the west end of the building. (Note change of location because of summer AC needs.)
• Link to This Week at Hosanna for July 13:
  Link to July/August Hotline:
• Your weekly reading is John 5: (Jesus heals a man crippled for 38 years at the Pool of Bethesda.)
• Photo of a model of the Bethesda pools in Jesus' day
• What the Bethesda pools look like today. Excavations are near the start of the Via Dolorasa in Jerusalem's Old City:
• Wear your blue name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home. If you do not have one, see the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.
• The Prayer Shawl Group requests donations of yarn (anything you have, full or partial skeins). Leave your donations by the Northwest Assistance Mininistries (NAM) food pantry in the Narthex.
• New picture directory coming. The Care Team urges everyone to schedule photo sessions online. Here is the link. Available dates are July 22-27; 30 & 31. Everyone receives a free 8x10 family portrait. Hosanna will receive some banners. The directory also will be posted online (password protected).
• All-Church Family Picnic—The first annual Hosanna family picnic is Sunday, September 14 following the late worship service. Donations cover the cost of a moonwalk, canopy tent and food. Place donations in the offering plate (payable to: Hosanna Care Team; marked: Church Picnic). Help is needed for set-up, tear-down and to serve food. See the sign up on the back of the “welcome” insert . T-shirts for this great family event are on sale in the Narthex outside the Nave.
• Orders for new benches and pavers to remember loved ones are due Sunday, August 24. Please sign up on the back of the welcome insert. The wording MUST be included with your order. See Bob Dejmal for pricing information.

A little humor...

Something for the "Senior Citizens" or if you're just feeling senior citizeny...

I'm the life of the party -- even if it lasts until 8 PM.

I'm very good at opening childproof caps -- with a hammer.

I'm usually interested in going home before I get to where I am going.

I'm smiling all the time because I can't hear a thing you're saying.

I'm aware that other people's grandchildren are not nearly as cute as mine.

I'm sure everything I can't find is in a safe secure place, somewhere.

I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.

I'm sure they are making adults much younger these days, and when did they let kids become policemen?

I'm wondering, if you're only as old as you feel, how could I be alive at 150?

And, how can my kids be older than I feel sometimes?

I'm a walking storeroom of facts -- I've just lost the key to the storeroom door.

Yes, I'm a SENIOR CITIZEN and I think I am having the time of my life!

Now if I could only remember who sent this to me...

Georgia, Garrett and I are heading to Colorado for two weeks starting Monday, July 14. Pray for safe travel for us and everyone else vacationing this summer.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications

Hosanna Cyberline - July 4, 2008

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-29)

Announcements for the week of July 6...

1. First, some sad news. Sharon (Sullivan) Stevens, wife of John Stevens, passed away June 25 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Her memorial service was this past Sunday. Keep the Stevens and Sullivan families in your prayers during this time of grief.
2. The Gulf Coast Blood Center will be at Hosanna on July 20th for donations. Sign up at http://www.giveblood.org or contact Debbie Rohla at 281/440-6890 X100. Please get a friend to sign up! We need at least 25 donors. Earn Great Store Items!! IPODS, Starbuck's Gift Cards, Clothes. Click here to see: http://giveblood.org/storepreview.htm; Earn 200 points just for joining the Commit for Life program; 100 bonus points for keeping your scheduled donation appointment. You can also earn an Advanced Wellness Exam worth $300 for free! Click here to learn more: http://giveblood.org/cfl/wellness.htm
   
3. All-Church Family Picnic—The first annual Hosanna family picnic is Sunday, September 14 following the late worship service. Donations are needed to cover the cost of a moonwalk, canopy tent and food. Please place donations in the offering plate (payable to: Hosanna Care Team; marked: Church Picnic). Help is needed for set-up, tear-down and to serve food. See the sign up on the back of the “welcome” insert . T-shirts for this great family event will be on sale in the gathering area outside the Worship Center.
4. Orders for new benches and pavers to remember loved ones are due Sunday, August 24. Please sign up on the back of the welcome insert. The wording MUST be included with your order. See Bob Dejmal for pricing information.
5. Wear your blue name tags every Sunday to help everyone feel at home. If you do not have one, see the form on the back of the welcome insert in the Sunday bulletin. Cost is $2 each.
6. The Prayer Shawl Group requests donations of yarn (anything you have, full or partial skeins). Leave your donations by the NAM food pantry.
7. New picture directory coming. The Care Team urges everyone to schedule photo session appointments online. Here is the link: http://www.appointment-plus3.com/ap/hosannalutheran/index.php?page=10 Available dates are July 22-27; 30 & 31. Everyone receives a free 8x10 family portrait. Hosanna will receive some banners. The directory also will be posted online (password protected).
8. Send me pictures from your summer vacations with a brief note about the subject in the photo and where you went. I will post them on Hosanna's photo page at Flickr.com. Here's the link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/25785803@N07/?saved=1 I will also include some in the September Hotline.

This Sunday, June 29...

• Adult Education continues its discussion of "Reclaiming the L Word." This is a timely study with a lively group and some interesting discussion. There's always a place for you.

Family Life News from Amber Walker...

• Sunday school in July (starting next Sunday, July 13) offers the Share Save Spend curriculum. This is designed to be an intergenerational class. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Amber is the teacher. Come to Classroom 6/Sunday School Opening Room.
• Staffed Nursery Available Every Sunday Morning— All children 5 and under are welcome. The nursery is across the hallway from the kitchen.
• Sunday school for 2-3 year-olds in the classroom next to the nursery (look for the sign).
• Jennifer Jackowski, Sunday school co-superintendent, is seeking teachers for the upper grade levels for the fall. Speak to her or contact the church office if interested.

Other Items...

• Next Book Discussion... Title of book: "Consumption, A Novel of the Arctic" by Kevin Patterson, Saturday August 16, 6–8 PM in Classroom 9/Confirmation Room, at the west end of the building. (Note change of location because of summer AC needs.)
• Link to This Week at Hosanna for July 6: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/WEEKLY_NEWS.pdf
• Link to July/August Hotline: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/MONTHLY_NEWS.pdf
• Your weekly reading is John 4: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=50&chapter=4&version=31 (Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well.)

A little humor...

Here's one from Dr. Jimmie Bergeron:

Warning: this a blond joke. I have nothing against blonds! My daughter Jennifer and son Jim are blonds and both are very smart. Jenny, in fact, graduated with honors from Concordia University, St. Paul, and she frequently passes "blond jokes" on to me.) Anyway, here's the joke:

A few days ago I was having some work done at my local garage. A blonde came in and asked for a seven-hundred-ten.

We all looked at each other and another customer asked, ' What is a seven-hundred-ten?'

She replied, 'You know, the little piece in the middle of the engine, I have lost it and need a new one...' She replied that she did not know exactly what it was, but this piece had always been there.

The mechanic gave her a piece of paper and a pen and asked her to draw a picture of the piece. She drew a circle and in the middle of it wrote 710. He then took her over to another car which had its hood up and asked, "is there a 710 on this car?"

She pointed toward the engine and said, 'Of course, it 's right there.' (Click here to see a photo of the 710 piece: http://www.hotautoweb.com/cogifs/710.jpg)

Hope you're having a great 4th of July weekend. Remember to count our blessings. Pray for those who are not so fortunate and that we continue to share our blessings with others.

Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Communications