Hosanna Cyberfline - August 24, 2007

Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf
________________________________________________________________

Hello from Dale Bargmann.

I'm back from vacation. Two of the thee weeks were spent in Colorado, our home state. Georgia and I spent several days in the mountains and it was great as usual. I included an article in the September Hotline on what we did, so I won't repeat anything here. Thanks to Debbie Rohla for taking care of printed materials and the Cyberline while I was away.

The September Hotline will be a little late arriving in homes. I'm printing it today (Friday), so it won't be mailed until Monday at the earliest. Although I started working on it before I left, but didn't receive some of the articles until this week. It will be posted to the website today. The normal deadline for Hotline in the 15th of the month. So, for the October edition, I will need
submissions no later than September 15 (a Saturday).
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Saturday, September 8, the Hosanna Book Discussion to discuss When the Lion Roars, by DiAnn Mills. Ms. Mills will join the group for the discussion. Come meet the author and get your copy of her book signed.
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September 9 is a busy day: We resume the three-service worship service schedule @ 8, 9:30 & 11 AM. It is also Rally Day. Sunday School and Akaloo start up again. Kids, wear your camp shirts and bring photos. Adult Education begins a comprehensive study on Martin Luther (see below). Furthermore, it is the day of the WELCA Christmas in September Bake Sale and CREW welcomes incoming freshmen with a breakfast that morning; first CREW meeting is later, from 6-8 PM.

More highlights:

All God's critters got a place in the choir!

The Hosanna Carolers Children's choir will begin rehearsals September 9, 2007. Please come and join our talented musical group every Sunday morning from 9-9:30 AM. We will sing and play instruments and have a great time. All children Kindergarten through 6th grade are welcome. If you are a little younger or older, please come anyway, we have never turned anyone away. See you on the 9th! Shelly Gunhouse _________________________________________________________________________

Adult Education, Sundays @ 9:30 AM:

Luther:Gospel, Law, and Reformation by professor Phillip Cary.
This 24 session course from the Teaching Co. will be led by Pastor Paul Frerking
starting September 9 and continuing through March 2008.

The course is a balanced, critical look at Martin Luther. Each one hour session is designed as a 30 minute talk on DVD followed by a 30-minute group discussion, but
the schedule is flexible enough to allow for additional discussion as participants
desire. The sessions build on each other, but drop in participants are welcome
and will find value in the individual sessions. Included in the recommended reading
list is “Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther” by Roland Bainton. Contact Sue Loudermilk if you need ordering information for this $7.00 book.

Pastor Paul Frerking recently celebrated the 45tth anniversary of his ordination: The first 18 years of his ministry was in the LCMS,and he was an Army chaplain for 4 years. The remainder of his ministry was as a pastor-developer in the ELCA. Pastor Frerking is the author of “Word of Promise, Word of Hope” a commentary on cycle B of the lectionary. Please join us Sundays @ 9:30 AM and take advantage of this exciting learning opportunity.
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Sunday, September 16 (following 11 AM worship) - Congregation Meeting/Pot Luck. The agenda includes ratification of the 6 members of the Call Committee. Also, it's time to show your cooking skills at the Pot Luck prior to the meeting. Care Team is handling the set up. Please sign up in the Narthex. I, for one, look forward to sampling all the goodies.
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Weekly, week-night, study group continues Monday nights @ 7 PM. Meetings are at the Bargmann residence: 16523 Brightling Lane, in Ella Crossing, just south of Hosanna (less than 5 minutes away). Three people came to the first session on Martin Luther and the Reformation. There will be at least 3 more sessions on Luther. I'm also considering showing two videos: the old black and white Luther movie and another on Katie Luther. Future discussion topics include: the Life of Jesus, Paul’s missionary journeys, the Letters to the Churches in Revelation. Contact me, Dale Bargmann, at the church office if
interested or for directions. Or, drop me an email.
If Monday night doesn't work for you, consider starting your own group. The more the better.
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Pastor Bill has been asked to extend his time with us through December. He will also continue to facilitate the Wednesday 10 AM Bible study. Around 20 people regularly attend. There's always room for more.
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UPDATE ON THE MOWING FUND

Over $1,000 has been collected so far, enough to cover the cost of lawn care through early November. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this ongoing project!
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TIME TO ORDER BENCHES & PAVERS

It is time to order memorial benches and pavers for your loved ones so they can be installed for dedication on All Saints Sunday. Benches take 8 to 10 weeks for delivery/ installation, so we need to start NOW. Pavers must be ordered by September 15. Please call Bob Dejmal, 281-350-6898, for more info.
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Celebrate the Installation of Rev. Dr. David Tart at Peace Lutheran Church
6435 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena
September 9, 2007 at 4:00 in the afternoon.
Newly-elected Bishop Mike Rinehart will preachReception follows in the fellowship hall.
Car pool anyone?
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Pastor Tart's sabbatical is over and it's back to work for him with another congregation. It's also time for Hosanna people to return, role up our sleeves and get back to doing God's work here. Which reminds me... The Council minutes from the August 19th meeting includes a request of a "Camping Account and Promotion" person. Also needed: a Thrivent
Congregation Coordinator, as well as Sunday School teachers and CREW leaders. Time to get involved.

A LITTLE HUMOR

While we're on the subject of Pot Lucks:

YOU MIGHT BE A LUTHERAN IF... ...you carry silverware in your pocket to church just in case there’s a potluck.


Windows Vista

Avraham (Abraham) wanted to upgrade his PC to Windows Vista. His son Yitzhak (Isaac) is incredulous.

"Pop," he says, "you can't run Windows Vista on your old, slow PC. Everyone knows that you need a computer with a minimum of 72 megs of memory in order to multitask effectively with Windows Vista."

But Abraham, the man of faith, gazed calmly at his son and replied, "God will provide the RAM, my son."

Here's a third one, just because you've been deprived of the humor at the end of the Cyberline for 3 weeks:

My sister decided it was time that her three sons get baptized. After weeks of suitable instruction one bright Sunday morning they were on their way to church where the three boys, 8, 9, and 11, would have their sins washed away. But, the 9 year old was particularly pensive that day, and when his mother asked him what he was thinking about, he replied:

"Mom, I want to go first."

"Why?"

"Because, I don't want to be baptized in water that has all of my brother's sins floating around in it."

Have a great weekend and stay cool.
Dale Bargmann, Hosanna Parish Communications

Weekly Cyberline - 8-09-07

Hello fellow Hosanna members,
Someone must have missed the jokes last week, because I did receive one this week. So there is a joke at the end of this cyberline. Thank you.
Debbie


Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the August Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Again, thanks to all those who provide treats between services.

Dear Hosanna and the Care Team,
Thank you so much for all your prayers, cards and visits during my surgery. It was greatly appreciated. I also want to thank the Care Team for the prayer shawl. It is beautiful and means a lot to me.
Jennifer McConnell
________________________________________________________________

Nita Auer has asked that students heading for college furnish the church office with their mailing addresses and contact information (even if it’s that same as last year). Please give us your name, college/university/other, address, phone (cell or other) and email.

Click here to email this info to Nita, or use the form on the Green Sheet.

IHN Rotation is September 16th – 23rd
We need help preparing meals, bringing food for lunch, moving beds in and out of Hosanna, driving the truck and van and evening and overnight hosts. See the yellow insert in the bulletin to sign up. Call Nickie Brooks with any questions.
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A Report from the Property Team

MANPOWER OR MONEY NEEDED

Effective June 30, the Church Council removed Commercial Lawn Maintenance from the Critical Pay List. To maintain our beautiful lawn, we need to receive $80/week in new money contributions or 8 to 10 volunteers to expand the existing lawn teams. Otherwise, lawn maintenance will be reduced to every other week as scheduled. To contribute to the Commercial Mowing Fund (CM Fund), please so designate on your checks and/or on the Designated Gift Blank of your envelope.

REMOVAL OF EXCESS PLANTS

Many of our trees were planted on too close spacing or in areas too small to support a mature tree without damaging the structure or sidewalks. Also, the mulched beds are more labor intensive and costly to maintain than grassed beds. The Property Team plans to remove the “red flagged” plants in September and plant grass in the currently mulched areas. The congregation will be given prior opportunity to remove any desired plants. Please, we need your input.

TIME TO ORDER BENCHES & PAVERS

It is time to order memorial benches and pavers for your loved ones so they can be installed for dedication on All Saints Sunday. Benches take 8 to 10 weeks for delivery/ installation, so we need to start NOW. Pavers must be ordered by September 15.

Please call Bob Dejmal at 281-350-6898 for more information.

_____________________________________________________
August Senior Adults (50+) Trip
Alaska or … The Secret of Yonder Mountain
Where: Puffabelly's in Old Town Spring
When: Friday, August 17th. Showtime: 7:00 pm
Cost is $10.00 per person plus dinner before the show
Sign up by August 12th - Give money to Nerisa McConnell

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Volunteer Opportunities for NAM
There are 2 volunteer project coordinators available if any one interested: 1 is for an Eagle Scout coordinator to act as liaison. The other is for the NAM gift card project. Please call Jamie Hartwell, NAM volunteer coordinator at 281.885.4609 for more info or if interested.

NAM Assistance Volunteers
turn caring hearts into everyday miracles

Are you . . .
· a good listener?
· genuinely concerned about helping people?
· ready to receive more than you give?

Then you are ready to be a NAM Assistance Interviewer.
· No experience necessary, just a caring heart.
· Spanish-language skills a plus, but not required.

Assistance volunteers change people’s world every day. On an average day, 30 families with needs come to NAM’s Assistance Office. NAM volunteers help meet those needs.

If you wish to truly give your neighbors a hand in hope and love, volunteer to become an Assistance Interviewer with NAM. Training will be held on Monday, September 17 from 9am to 3pm. Volunteers also will receive on-the-job training. Volunteers are asked to commit from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. one day a week Monday – Friday. To learn more about becoming an Assistance Interviewer, please call Lynn at 281-885-4587.

Make a Difference
Become an Assistance Interviewer

Northwest Assistance Ministries
15555 Kuykendahl – Houston, TX 77090


Book Discussion
The Hosanna Book Discussion is open to everyone who enjoys reading and discussing what they have read.
The next selection will be When the Lion Roars, by DiAnn Mills.
“An American female doctor, an Arab Christian man and an officer of the Sudanese people's Liberation Army must work together to find and liberate a young American girl who's been abducted into slavery by Northern Sudanese. These unlikely partners face the reality of a nation in turmoil, and the rampant hostility that exists between Christians and Muslims. When the Lion Roars addresses issues of prejudice, and the injustices inflicted upon Southern Sudanese citizens by those of the North Country . Redemptive resolutions reveal the heart of God toward all people. This exciting adventure also will educate readers about a current international situation right out of today's headlines.”
The Book Discussion will meet at Hosanna Saturday, September 8, at 6 PM. Those who wish can continue the discussion at a local restaurant following the meeting at church.
Note: Ms. Mills will be present at the discussion: The following message was passed on to me by Nancy Agafitei from the book’s author:
I'd be honored to be a guest at your book club on Saturday, September 8th at 6:00. I will be at the Champions Barnes and Noble earlier that afternoon to sign the sequel to When the Lion Roars. That novel is entitled When the Nile Runs Red. The proceeds of that novel, as well as the one you are discussing and Lost Boy No More goes back to aid the Sudanese.
If you think any of your members would be interested in the sequel, I can bring When the Nile Runs Red. This novel was written after a November 2006 trip to Sudan .
Thank you for the invitation,
DiAnn Mills

Also, save this date: Saturday, October 13, will be the next book discussion. Hosanna Book Discussion co-founder, Sean Kottke, will be visiting from Michigan. The title will be announced later.
___________________________________________________________________
Synod Mission Endowment Fund Challenges Congregations to raise $170,000 by August 31. This will raise the total to $1,000,000 by the time Synod Bishop Paul Blom leaves office.

The Mission Endowment Fund:
Provides seminary scholarships
Supports campus ministry
Supports new missions and ministries
Supports new congregations
Supports young Lutheran congregations and ministries

Make checks payable to Hosanna and mark them “Synod Mission Endowment Fund.” Thanks for your support.

Anyone interested in a week-night study group?
By request… Monday, August 20, a small group will gather to study the Bible and other subjects of interest. We will begin with a discussion on the life of Martin Luther (about 4 weeks). Other topics may include: the Life of Jesus, Paul’s missionary journeys, the cities of Revelation. More details (time and place) later. Send Dale Bargmann an email if you would like to join us. Right now 4 people have expressed interest.

SERVANT OF THE MONTH
Have you ever noticed something that someone has done around Hosanna and you would like to have them recognized for what they have done? Now you have a way. The Lay Leadership Team is starting something new to help recognize the great leaders we have at Hosanna. It is the “Servant of the Month” award. All you have to do is fill out the Servant of the Month Nomination Form and return it to the Lay Leadership Team Folder in the Workroom or give it to Chad Greer. The Nomination Forms can be found online at:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/FORMS/Servant_of_the_Month_nomination_form.pdf
Or, just click the FormsDocuments link on the home page; also look in the folder labeled “Servant of the Month Nomination Form” in the FORMS SECTION of the Workroom. If you have any questions about this new way to recognize one of our GREAT VOLUNTEERS, please feel free to contact Chad Greer, Lay Leadership Team Leader.
A little humor
A man was riding his Harley along a California beach when suddenly the sky clouded above his head and, in a booming voice, the Lord said, "Because you have tried to be faithful to me in all ways, I will grant you one wish.
The biker pulled over and said, "Build a bridge to Hawaii so I can ride over anytime I want."
The Lord said, "Your request is materialistic, think of the enormous challenges for that kind of undertaking; the supports required reaching the bottom of the Pacific and the concrete and steel it would take! It will nearly exhaust several natural resources. I can do it, but it is hard for me to justify your desire for worldly things. Take a little more time and think of something that could possibly help mankind."
The biker thought about it for a long time. Finally, he said, "Lord, I wish that I and all men could understand women; I want to know how she feels inside, what she's thinking when she gives me the silent treatment, why she cries, what she means when she says nothing's wrong, and how I can make a Woman truly happy."
The Lord replied, "You want two lanes or four on that bridge?

Weekly Cyberline 8-03-07

This is my first cyberline, as Dale is on vacation. I hope everyone receives it. If you’re looking for jokes, I’m sorry but there aren’t any! Somehow I did manage to upload the weekly news onto the website! We’ll see if I have such luck with this cyberline.
Debbie


Here is the link to This Week at Hosanna: http://www.welcometohosanna.com/weekly_news.pdf

Here is the link to the August Hotline:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/monthly_news.pdf

Worship service times in July and August: 8:15 and 10:30 AM, with Sunday school and Adult Education @ 9:30 AM. Again, thanks to all those who provide treats between services.

Mulkey Scholarship awards will be presented this Sunday at the 10:30 service.

Nita Auer has asked that students heading for college furnish the church office with their mailing addresses and contact information (even if it’s that same as last year). Please give us yourname, college/university/other, address, phone (cell or other) and email.

Click here to email this info to Nita, or use the form on the Green Sheet.

On a sad note: Bob Coleman’s mother, Natalie Coleman passed away on 7/31/07. A Memorial Service will be held in Lousianna with burial in Mississippi. Our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Natalie.
___________________________________________

A Note from Pastor Schwertlich
Dear members and friends of Hosanna,

I want to express to all of you my heartfelt appreciation for the loving and supportive expressions of congratulations which you gave me this past Sunday as I celebrated the 25th Anniversary of my Ordination into the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. I appreciated the special touches added to the Communion Service and the opportunity to reflect on prayer in my years of ministry so far.

Thank you, Gay, for composing the beautiful prayers. Thank you also to the Staff Support Team who, in behalf of the congregation, presented me with the beautiful leather-bound copy of Evangelical Lutheran Worship with my name inscribed on the cover. I was touched also by the gift of the beautiful Anniversary Cake made by Debbie Escovy; I know everyone who had some enjoyed it very much. Days like this past Sunday count for me among the high points in my pastoral career thus far, and cause me hope and a grateful heart for the loving generosity and support of God's people. Kathleen and I both thank you all very much.

with God's grace in Jesus,

Bill &Kathleen Schwertlich
_______________________________________________

IHN Rotation is September 16th – 23rd
We need help preparing meals, bringing food for lunch, moving beds in and out of Hosanna, driving the truck and van and evening and overnight hosts. See the yellow insert in the bulletin to sign up. Call Nickie Brooks with any questions.

Volunteer Opportunities for NAM
There are 2 volunteer project coordinators available if any one interested: 1 is for an Eagle Scout coordinator to act as liaison. The other is for the NAM gift card project. Please call Jamie Hartwell, NAM volunteer coordinator at 281.885.4609 for more info or if interested.

NAM Assistance Volunteers
turn caring hearts into everyday miracles

Are you . . .
· a good listener?
· genuinely concerned about helping people?
· ready to receive more than you give?

Then you are ready to be a NAM Assistance Interviewer.
· No experience necessary, just a caring heart.
· Spanish-language skills a plus, but not required.

Assistance volunteers change people’s world every day. On an average day, 30 families with needs come to NAM’s Assistance Office. NAM volunteers help meet those needs.

If you wish to truly give your neighbors a hand in hope and love, volunteer to become an Assistance Interviewer with NAM. Training will be held on Monday, September 17 from 9am to 3pm. Volunteers also will receive on-the-job training. Volunteers are asked to commit from 9:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. one day a week Monday – Friday. To learn more about becoming an Assistance Interviewer, please call Lynn at 281-885-4587.

Make a Difference
Become an Assistance Interviewer

Northwest Assistance Ministries
15555 Kuykendahl – Houston, TX 77090


Book Discussion
The Hosanna Book Discussion is open to everyone who enjoys reading and discussing what they have read.
The next selection will be When the Lion Roars, by DiAnn Mills.
“An American female doctor, an Arab Christian man and an officer of the Sudanese people's Liberation Army must work together to find and liberate a young American girl who's been abducted into slavery by Northern Sudanese. These unlikely partners face the reality of a nation in turmoil, and the rampant hostility that exists between Christians and Muslims. When the Lion Roars addresses issues of prejudice, and the injustices inflicted upon Southern Sudanese citizens by those of the North Country . Redemptive resolutions reveal the heart of God toward all people. This exciting adventure also will educate readers about a current international situation right out of today's headlines.”
The Book Discussion will meet at Hosanna Saturday, September 8, at 6 PM. Those who wish can continue the discussion at a local restaurant following the meeting at church.
Note: Ms. Mills will be present at the discussion: The following message was passed on to me by Nancy Agafitei from the book’s author:
I'd be honored to be a guest at your book club on Saturday, September 8th at 6:00. I will be at the Champions Barnes and Noble earlier that afternoon to sign the sequel to When the Lion Roars. That novel is entitled When the Nile Runs Red. The proceeds of that novel, as well as the one you are discussing and Lost Boy No More goes back to aid the Sudanese.
If you think any of your members would be interested in the sequel, I can bring When the Nile Runs Red. This novel was written after a November 2006 trip to Sudan .
Thank you for the invitation,
DiAnn Mills

Also, save this date: Saturday, October 13, will be the next book discussion. Hosanna Book Discussion co-founder, Sean Kottke, will be visiting from Michigan. The title will be announced later.
___________________________________________________________________
Synod Mission Endowment Fund Challenges Congregations to raise $170,000 by August 31. This will raise the total to $1,000,000 by the time Synod Bishop Paul Blom leaves office.

The Mission Endowment Fund:
Provides seminary scholarships
Supports campus ministry
Supports new missions and ministries
Supports new congregations
Supports young Lutheran congregations and ministries

Make checks payable to Hosanna and mark them “Synod Mission Endowment Fund.” Thanks for your support.

Anyone interested in a week-night study group?
By request… Monday, August 20, a small group will gather to study the Bible and other subjects of interest. We will begin with a discussion on the life of Martin Luther (about 4 weeks). Other topics may include: the Life of Jesus, Paul’s missionary journeys, the cities of Revelation. More details (time and place) later. Send Dale Bargmann an email if you would like to join us. Right now 4 people have expressed interest.

SERVANT OF THE MONTH
Have you ever noticed something that someone has done around Hosanna and you would like to have them recognized for what they have done? Now you have a way. The Lay Leadership Team is starting something new to help recognize the great leaders we have at Hosanna. It is the “Servant of the Month” award. All you have to do is fill out the Servant of the Month Nomination Form and return it to the Lay Leadership Team Folder in the Workroom or give it to Chad Greer. The Nomination Forms can be found online at:
http://www.welcometohosanna.com/FORMS/Servant_of_the_Month_nomination_form.pdf
Or, just click the FormsDocuments link on the home page; also look in the folder labeled “Servant of the Month Nomination Form” in the FORMS SECTION of the Workroom. If you have any questions about this new way to recognize one of our GREAT VOLUNTEERS, please feel free to contact Chad Greer, Lay Leadership Team Leader.
______________________________________________________________
Yard Teams…
The lawn at Hosanna has to be mowed once a week from April to December, and twice a month from January to March, in order to keep our grounds well-maintained (a total of 46 mowings per year). As you know, the majority of our very faithful mowers at Hosanna reached a “certain age” and asked to be replaced. When younger volunteers did not step forward to help, the decision had to be made to hire a commercial mowing service for the first time. Currently, this service costs $150 per mow, plus $15 extra to cover extra gasoline costs. The remaining Hosanna mowers have been consolidated into fewer teams that mow once every eight weeks. Even with this reduced workload, Hosanna mowers are still in short supply. Costs will increase if we have to turn every mowing over to commercial mowers. Needless to say, commercial care represents a significant increase in the maintenance expenses at Hosanna.
In addition to this, the Property Team has reported that we also cannot get volunteers to tend the barked beds. The commercial service charges an extra $50 once a month (or $600/year) to take care of the beds.
We now face some difficult decisions. To save at least some money, the Property Team has recommended removing some of the trees and other plants in the barked beds and replacing them with grass that can more simply be mowed within the current mowing fees. They have red-flagged the plants that they suggest be removed. Before this work is done, I ask you to walk around the perimeter of the church and review what is suggested and give me your feedback.
We can preserve some of these plants, but only if the congregation steps forward with 1) volunteer time and sweat, and/or 2) contributions to support the designated mowing and weeding fund. It simply is not acceptable to let our grounds be poorly maintained. We must be good stewards of our property, and understand the message that the appearance of our church gives to visitors
Nancy Agafitei , Stewardship Team Leader
Email Robert Dejmal to have your name added to one of the four Yard Teams.