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